bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of zinc‐oxide nanoparticles synthesized by electrical‐discharge technique in liquids
Authors: Tarasenko Nikolai , Nevar Alena , Nedelko Mikhail
Published: June 2010

The capabilities of a plasma‐assisted technique based on electrical discharge in liquids for synthesis of N‐doped and In–N codoped ZnO nanocrystals have been analyzed. The synthesis was carried out in a reactor containing aqueous ammonium nitrate solution of 0.001 M concentration. The pulsed‐spark discharges between Zn–Zn and Zn–In electrodes have been used with further deposition of the synthesized particles on the silicon substrates. The optical properties, morphology, and composition of the nanoparticles formed were investigated by means of UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, and XRD. As it followed from the XRD patterns the synthesized product was composed of hexagonal ZnO nanocrystals. The positions of the reflection peaks were observed to be varied with the composition of dopants. The influence of doping level on the structural and optical properties of synthesized nanoparticles has been discussed.
Compact modeling of optically gated carbon nanotube field effect transistor
Authors: Liao Si‐Yu , Maneux Cristell , Pouget Vincent , Frégonèse Sébastien , Zimmer Thomas
Published: June 2010

Nanoelectronic circuit design flow is based on device description through the compact models available in the designer device library. We have developed a compact model for the optically gated carbon nanotube field effect transistor (OG‐CNTFET) by investigating the trapping and detrapping of electron effects in the device. This compact model represents an important enhancement of conventional CNTFET models already released. Especially, it includes the optical writing, the electrical reset, and the non‐volatile memory effect of the device operations. We also demonstrate that the simulation results obtained using this compact model, are in close agreement with preliminary experimental measurements.
Modification of response properties of the Be(0001) surface upon adsorption of a potassium monolayer: An ab initio calculation
Authors: Silkin V. M. , Chulkov E. V. , Echeverry J. P. , Echenique P. M.
Published: June 2010

Collective electronic excitations associated with a potassium monolayer (1 ML) on a Be(0001) substrate are studied using ab initio evaluations of the surface response function with the use of energies and wave functions obtained from the self‐consistent pseudopotential calculations. The plasmon dispersion relations as well as real and imaginary parts of the dynamical induced charge density oscillations are presented. Comparison of the collective modes of the 1 ML K/Be(0001) system with that of a clean Be(0001) surface is given. It is shown that the K monolayer adsorption leads to appearance, additionally to the conventional surface plasmon of a clean Be surface, of a low‐energy mode with characteristic acoustic‐like dispersion in the 0–2 eV energy range. The existence of this mode owes to the presence of a K‐induced quantum‐well‐state band whose wave function is strongly localized in the K adlayer. Also we observe a K‐derived multipole plasmon with energy around 3 eV. Some other modifications in the Be surface plasmon properties upon K adsorption are discussed as well.
An ab initio study of hydrogen adsorption on the (020) surface of α‐Pu
Authors: Islam M. Fhokrul , Ray Asok K.
Published: June 2010

Atomic hydrogen adsorptions on the (020) surface of α‐Pu and the effects of surface relaxation on adsorption properties have been studied using a relativistic extension of the full‐potential augmented plane wave with local orbital basis method. The surface has been modeled by a four‐layer periodic slab consisting of 32 Pu atoms with a layer by layer anti‐ferromagnetic arrangement. The adsorption properties for four different adsorption sites, namely the top, hollow, short bridge and long bridge sites have been investigated in detail. All computations have been carried out at two different theoretical levels, namely the scalar relativistic level without spin–orbit interaction (SR‐NSO) and the fully relativistic level with spin–orbit interaction (FR‐SO). The effect of relaxation has also been studied by calculating adsorption properties both on relaxed and non‐relaxed Pu surfaces. Our studies show that the short bridge is the most favorable site for hydrogen adsorption with chemisorptions energies of 2.78 and 2.75 eV, respectively, at the two levels of theory. Neither spin–orbit coupling nor surface relaxation appears to have significant effects on adsorption.
Electronic properties of interfaces and defects from many‐body perturbation theory: Recent developments and applications
Authors: Giantomassi M. , Stankovski M. , Shaltaf R. , Grüning M. , Bruneval F. , Rinke P. , Rignanese G.‐M.
Published: June 2010

We review some recent developments in many‐body perturbation theory (MBPT) calculations that have enabled the study of interfaces and defects. Starting from the theoretical basis of MBPT, Hedin's equations are presented, leading to the GW and GWΓ approximations. We introduce the perturbative approach, that is the one most commonly used for obtaining quasiparticle (QP) energies. The practical strategy presented for dealing with the frequency dependence of the self‐energy operator is based on either plasmon‐pole models (PPM) or the contour deformation technique, with the latter being more accurate. We also discuss the extrapolar method for reducing the number of unoccupied states which need to be included explicitly in the calculations. The use of the PAW method in the framework of MBPT is also described. Finally, results which have been obtained using MBPT for band offsets at interfaces and for defects are presented, with emphasis on the main difficulties and caveats.

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Schematic representation of the QP corrections (marked with δ) to the band edges (Ev and Ec) and a defect level (Ed) for a Si/SiO2 interface (Si and O atoms are represented in blue and red, respectively, in the ball‐and‐stick model) with an oxygen vacancy leading to a Si–Si bond (the Si atoms involved in this bond are colored light blue).
TiO2 nanotubes grown in different organic electrolytes: Two‐size self‐organization, single vs. double‐walled tubes, and giant diameters
Authors: Albu Sergiu P. , Schmuki Patrik
Published: June 2010

Anodic, self‐organized TiO2 nanotubes were grown in different organic, fluoride ion containing electrolytes. The present work reports on a number of fundamental differences in tube morphology and composition, if nanotube layers are grown in either ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and dimethyl sulfoxide based electrolytes.

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(© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantum chemistry study on the mechanism of the reaction between ozone and 2,3,7,8‐TCDD
Authors: Wen Zhengcheng , Wang Zhihua , Xu Jiangrong , Zhou Junhu , Cen Kefa
Published: June 2010

Despite of its fundamental importance, the mechanism of the reaction between ozone and dioxins are still lack detailed investigation so far. It is well‐known that quantum chemical calculation is a well‐established method for investigating chemical reactions. In this article, quantum chemical calculation was employed to investigate the mechanism of the reaction between ozone and dioxins, as exemplified by 2,3,7,8‐TCDD. The theoretical study showed that, 2,3,7,8‐TCDD was gradually destructed by ozone via six cleavages of the CC bonds. All the six cleavages of the CC bonds were calculated and discussed in detail based on the theoretical calculations by the UB3LYP/6‐31G(d) method. At the same time, the energies of stationary points along the reaction process were calculated by the UMP2/6‐311g(d,p)//UB3LYP/6‐31G(d) method and the activation energy was obtained. The obtained activation energy was 12.25 kcal/mol, which was lower than that of the reaction between benzene and O3(16.64 kcal/mol). This indicated that, by comparison with benzene, 2,3,7,8‐TCDD could be more efficiently destructed by O3. The reason for this result was also discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Ab initio calculations of the geometry and polarizabilities of bisphenyls having aliphatic substituents
Authors: Sulatha M. S. , Natarajan U.
Published: June 2010

Ab initio geometry optimization and polarizability calculations of a series of bisphenyls, which are the model compounds of chemically different polycarbonates using HF/6‐31G and 6‐31G** basis sets are presented. Calculated absolute value of the conformationally averaged optical anisotropy (〈γ2〉) of diphenyl propane, a model analog of bisphenol A polycarbonate, is higher than the corresponding experimental value in the dilute solution phase. The calculations have reproduced the relative trend in the optical anisotropy for the different bisphenyl model compounds in a manner similar to those using semiclassical approach, by incorporation of the condensed phase polarizabilities and quantum chemically calculated geometry structure into the valence optical scheme. Individual contributions to the gas phase polarizability and optical anisotropy of the model compounds for various dihedral conformers, because of the presence of different aliphatic chemical groups, are correctly predicted by the calculations here. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Nuclear fukui functions and the deformed atoms in molecules representation of the electron density: Application to gas‐Phase RDX (hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐ triazine) electronic structure and decomposition
Authors: Moraes Tatiana F. , Borges Itamar
Published: June 2010

The electronic structure and the onset of decomposition processes of the four conformers of the RDX molecule were studied through the density functional theory (DFT) along with the B3LYP functional and the 6‐311+G(2d,p) Gaussian basis set. The computed DFT electron density was decomposed into atomic contributions using the deformed atoms in molecules (DAM) method, which allowed us to identify regions of electron accumulation and electron depletion of each conformer. The nuclear Fukui functions nuclear stiffness and nuclear reactivity index were then calculated. Both functions are atomic vectors, intrinsic molecular properties, which provide information for the onset of the fragmentation process, were further discussed through the analysis of the DAM electron density. The computed, decomposed electronic structures indicate that equatorial (E) NO2 (nitro) groups are less bulky than axial (A) groups, with the former contributing more than the latter to the increase of the ring delocalized electrons and, therefore, to the lower stability of conformers with more E groups. Concerning the decomposition, the RDX NNO2 bond cleavage is the most probable process for the AAA, AEE, and EEE conformers, while for the AAE conformer, HONO elimination is favored in partial agreement with previous study. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Generalized Jensen divergence analysis of atomic electron densities in conjugated spaces
Authors: Angulo J. C. , López‐Rosa S. , Antolín J. , Esquivel R. O.
Published: June 2010

Several measures of divergence have been used in the past to quantify the dissimilarity between two or more one‐particle atomic densities. The advantages and difficulties of them to capture the differences among different atomic systems in the position and momentum spaces are studied. One of these measures, the Jensen‐Shannon divergence, is generalized giving rise to a one‐parameter divergence, the Jensen‐Rényi divergence, here proposed for a deep study of atomic systems, improving the above previous results. The versatility and power of this divergence is applied to compare different neutral atoms, their composing subshells and each of those atomic densities computed within different models. The parameter of the Jensen‐Rényi Divergence allows also to emphasize the study in relevant specific regions of both conjugated spaces. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
A computational study of aluminum phosphide nanotubes
Authors: Mirzaei Maryam , Mirzaei Mahmoud
Published: June 2010

Electronic structures of two representative zigzag and armchair models of aluminum phosphide nanotube (AlPNT) were investigated by density functional theory calculations. The structures were optimized and the bond lengths, tip diameters, band gaps, and dipole moments were calculated. Moreover, the quadrupole coupling constants (CQ) were calculated for the Al‐27 atoms of the optimized structures. The same values of AlP bond lengths were calculated for both models. The larger value of band gap of armchair model than the zigzag model indicated the stronger dielectric property for the former model. The values of CQ(27Al) were the largest for the Al atoms placed at the tips of both zigzag and armchair AlPNT than other Al atoms, which could reveal dominant role of the Al atoms placed at the tips of nanotube in determining the electronic properties of the AlPNT. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Improving the software development for multiple projects by applying a platform strategy for mechatronic systems
Authors: Bachmann Volver , Messnarz Richard
Published: June 2010

Almost 25 years ago the first electronic control units were introduced in the market and since then, a new field in engineering called mechatronics was built for the first time in the late 1980s. Since then the complexity has increased continuously doubling the lines of code in control units roughly every five years. In order to handle this complexity new processes were developed for the software development to be able to maintain the quality leading to a new European Standard ISO 15504 (SPICE). About five years ago, after it became more and more obvious that looking at software processes alone was not enough any more, the standard had to be increased to the whole system (or product). This involved the complete mechanic and electronic development. The amount of documentation has come to such a point that is not acceptable for development departments anymore. Therefore it is time to think about not only re‐use in product development and testing results but also in documentation and process development results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational cooperation for cultural heritage—A viable systems approach
Authors: Runardotter Mari
Published: June 2010

This paper provides a good example of organizing in order to establish cooperation and responsibility for digital preservation. This is explored in relation to the Viable System Model (VSM) with accompanying theories, and builds on empirical material from a Swedish governmental authority. The VSM is used to reach understandings of the authority's situation, with focus on the VSM theories around responsibility and cooperation. I have found that digital preservation work is facilitatede.g. when one department deals with one preservation process (collect, preserve or make accessible), personnel have a holistic perspective on the authority and communication and coordination channels are established. I additionally have found that the VSM focus on processes and functions is advantageous since this clarifies what is actually done, as well as who among personnel is doing what. In turn, this helps to clarify who should be responsible for what, and also where cooperation is essential. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Lewis Acid‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Hyperbranched Oligo(glycerol–diacid)s in Aprotic Polar Media
Authors: Wyatt Victor T. , Strahan Gary D. , Nuñez Alberto
Published: June 2010

The Lewis acid, titanium (IV) butoxide [15% (w/w; catalyst/reactants)], was used to catalyze the condensation of 0.05 mol glycerol with 0.10 mol of succinic acid, glutaric acid, and azelaic acid to produce oligomers. The reactions were refluxed in dilute solutions of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylformamide (DMF) for 24 h. The oligomers were obtained, on average, in 84% yield and were soluble in polar organic solvents. Analysis by gel permeation chromatography determined that the oligomers had a number of average molecular weights (Mn) ranging from 2,118 to 3,245 g/mol, with degrees of polymerization (DOP) ranging from 12.2 to 13.4 repeat units. The oligomers had low polydispersities (Mw/Mn) that averaged ≈1.33. Degrees of branching were determined by one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional 1H NMR and 13C NMR and varied from 25 to 80%. Like Mn and the DOP values, the degrees of branching were dependent on the aliphatic chain length of the diacid. MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry was used to detect ionated species that were unique to branched molecules. It was also used to validate NMR studies that suggested that some diacids were terminated with dimethylamine, generated from the hydrolysis of DMF, by as much as 36%.
Antioxidative Properties of Ascorbic Acid and Acyl Ascorbates in ML/W Emulsion
Authors: Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Nakanishi Hirofumi , Goto Natsuki , Otsuka Kyosuke , Kimura Toru , Adachi Shuji
Published: June 2010

Octanoyl, dodecanoyl and hexadecanoyl ascorbates were synthesized by the condensation of ascorbic acid and the corresponding fatty acids in acetone using an immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica. The oxidation process of methyl linoleate (ML) as an oil droplet in the ML/W emulsion with ascorbic acid or acyl ascorbate was measured at 40 °C, and their antioxidative properties were examined. Hydrophilic proxidant, AAPH, or lipophilic proxidant, AMVN, was added to the water or oil phase to investigate the properties, and the kinetic parameters for the oxidation expressed by the Weibull equation were evaluated. It was suggested that most of the ascorbic acid molecules in the emulsion would be present in the water phase due to its high hydrophilicity and suppress the AAPH‐induced oxidation on the interface between the water and oil phases. Dodecanoyl and hexadecanoyl ascorbates would be dissolved in the oil phase and contribute to the suppression of the oxidation in the oil phase rather than on the interface. Octanoyl ascorbate with a HLB number of 11.8 would be in both phases. Regardless of the presence and type of the ascorbate, the rate constant, k, of the Weibull equation decreased as the pH of the water phase increased.
Emergency department diagnosis of massive pleural effusion causing right ventricular diastolic collapse using bedside ultrasonography
Authors: Riley David C. , Thayil Cini , Anthony David R.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

A 75-year-old man with a 150-pack-year smoking history presented to the emergency department with progressively worsening shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion, cough with white sputum and right-sided chest pain with right shoulder radiation for 1 week. Chest X-ray and bedside ultrasonography revealed a massive pleural effusion. Bedside subcostal ultrasound examination of the heart showed diastolic collapse of the right ventricle, a tamponade-like picture, that corrected after thoracentesis and pleural fluid removal.

Conclusion

Bedside emergency department ultrasonography was used to assist in the diagnosis of massive pleural effusion causing right ventricular diastolic collapse.
The impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on non‐financial firms' demand for liquidity: A note
Authors: Dai Jie
Published: June 2010

In an influential article, Baum et al. (2006) proposed a novel approach to dealing with uncertainty through conditional variability, as reflected in their Eq. (C.6) of the article. This crucial result in their Eq. (C.6) is, however, incorrect. In this Note, I provide a derivation for the correct result and perform numerical evaluations.
Submerge in Detroit: Techno's Creative Response to Urban Crisis
Authors: VECCHIOLA C.
Published: June 2010

The Detroit electronic music (DEM) community is a group of urban residents who, since the 1980s, have used new technologies in music production as well as changing communications technologies to create a transnational arts community. This article is a result of ethnographic research of the DEM community conducted from 1999 to 2007 and is focussed on the city's biggest independent distribution company, Submerge. The phrase “electronic music” refers to both house and techno music. Techno music and house music are African American music genres created in Detroit and Chicago respectively during the early 1980s. Recent concerns in the field of American studies – transnationalism, community collaboration, issues of technology and global communication – can be seen in a group of urban residents who have been exploring similar issues, in some cases by necessity, for the past three decades. It is important for the study of American urban places to include a clear picture of heterogeneous urban populations in places of crisis. With a richer idea of what life is really like in cities in crisis, we can better plan, develop, and encourage urban revitalization.
Efficacy of combined treatment with albendazole and baicalein against eosinophilic meningitis induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis in mice
Authors: He Han-Jiang , Lv Zhi-Yue , Li Zheng-Yu , Zhang Li-Yan , Liao Qi , Zheng Huan-Qin , Su Wei-Yang , Rao Shao-Qi , Yu Xin-Bing , Wu Zhong-Dao
Published: June 2010

Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection causes eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Baicalein is a flavonoid originally isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of the combination of albendazole and baicalein for treating eosinophilic meningitis in BALB/c mice. Therapeutic efficacy included the survival time, body weight, neurological function, leucocyte and eosinophil counts, eotaxin concentration, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, larval recovery and histopathological examination. The results showed that the combination of albendazole and baicalein was more effective than either drug administered singly. Combination therapy increased the survival time, decreased body weight loss, neurological dysfunction, leucocyte response, eotaxin concentration and MMP-9 activity. Our results suggest that the combination of albendazole and baicalein may exhibit synergistic beneficial effects in the treatment of eosinophilic meningitis induced by A. cantonensis.
Premchand and the Moral Economy of Peasantry in Colonial North India
Authors: UPADHYAY SHASHI BHUSHAN
Published: June 2010

This paper argues that the concept of moral economy, formulated by E.P. Thompson and developed in Asian contexts by James Scott and Paul Greenough can be usefully employed to analyse the peasant narratives of Premchand, one of the greatest writers in Hindi-Urdu literatures. But such an application is possible only if the concept is expanded further. In Premchand's works related to peasantry we find several ideological currents. However, the idea of peasantry's own cultural resources in opposition to other social groups appears to be predominant in his later works. There is a sense of centrality of peasant culture which Premchand and some others among the Hindi literary intelligentsia came to acquire, and deployed for various purposes—against colonial regime, against the products of colonial modernity (e.g., factories, English schools, courts, medical profession), against the new urban middle classes and their culture, against urbanism as a whole and, sometimes, even against the Congress, the representative of organized nationalism. Distinct from both the everyday forms of resistance and open rebellion, Premchand visualizes a comprehensive peasant paradigm in opposition to colonialism, and urban middle-class perspectives.
Comorbidity: A network perspective
Authors: Cramer Angélique O. J. , Waldorp Lourens J. , van der Maas Han L. J. , Borsboom Denny
Published: June 2010

The pivotal problem of comorbidity research lies in the psychometric foundation it rests on, that is,latent variable theory, in which a mental disorder is viewed as a latent variable thatcausesa constellation of symptoms. From this perspective, comorbidity is a (bi)directional relationship between multiple latent variables. We argue that such a latent variable perspective encounters serious problems in the study of comorbidity, and offer a radically different conceptualization in terms of anetwork approach, where comorbidity is hypothesized to arise from direct relations between symptoms of multiple disorders. We propose a method to visualize comorbidity networks and, based on an empirical network for major depression and generalized anxiety, we argue that this approach generates realistic hypotheses about pathways to comorbidity, overlapping symptoms, and diagnostic boundaries, that are not naturally accommodated by latent variable models: Some pathways to comorbidity through thesymptom spaceare more likely than others; those pathways generally have the same direction (i.e., from symptoms of one disorder to symptoms of the other); overlapping symptoms play an important role in comorbidity; and boundaries between diagnostic categories are necessarily fuzzy.
Evidence of coordination as a cure for concept eliminativism
Authors: Scarantino Andrea
Published: June 2010

I argue that Machery stacks the deck against hybrid theories of concepts by relying on an unduly restrictive understanding of coordination between concept parts. Once a less restrictive notion of coordination is introduced, the empirical case for hybrid theories of concepts becomes stronger, and the appeal of concept eliminativism weaker.
Not different kinds, just special cases
Authors: Danks David
Published: June 2010

Machery's Heterogeneity Hypothesis depends on his argument that no theory of concepts can account for all the extant reliable categorization data. I argue that a single theoretical framework based on graphical models can explain all of the behavioral data to which this argument refers. These different theories of concepts thus (arguably) correspond to different special cases, not different kinds.
Parsimony and the triple-system model of concepts
Authors: Zaki Safa , Cruz Joe
Published: June 2010

Machery's dismissive position on parsimony requires that we examine especially carefully the data he provides as evidence for his complex triple-system account. We use the prototype-exemplar debate as an example of empirical findings which may not, in fact, support a multiple-systems account. We discuss the importance of considering complexity in scientific theory.
Comorbidity: The case of developmental psychopathology
Authors: Rothenberger Aribert , Banaschewski Tobias , Becker Andreas , Roessner Veit
Published: June 2010

In developmental psychopathology, differentiating between the coexistence and the clinical entity of two problem areas is of utmost importance. So far, logistic regression analysis has already provided helpful answers, as shown in studies on comorbidity of tic disorders. While the concept of bridging symptoms may be investigated adequately by both logistic regression and the network approach, the former (latent variable) seems to be of advantage with regard to the problems of multiple comorbidities and development.
Symptom networks and psychiatric categories
Authors: Haslam Nick
Published: June 2010

The network approach to psychiatric phenomena has the potential to clarify and enhance psychiatric diagnosis and classification. However, its generally well-justified anti-essentialism views psychiatric disorders as invariably fuzzy and arbitrary, and overlooks the likelihood that the domain includes some latent categories. Network models misrepresent these categories, and fail to recognize that some comorbidity may represent valid co-occurrence of discrete conditions.
Latent variable models are network models
Authors: Molenaar Peter C. M.
Published: June 2010

Cramer et al. present an original and interesting network perspective on comorbidity and contrast this perspective with a more traditional interpretation of comorbidity in terms of latent variable theory. My commentary focuses on the relationship between the two perspectives; that is, it aims to qualify the presumed contrast between interpretations in terms of networks and latent variables.
The importance of modeling comorbidity using an intra-individual, time-series approach
Authors: Tzur-Bitan Dana , Meiran Nachshon , Shahar Golan
Published: June 2010

We suggest that the network approach to comorbidity (Cramer et al.) is best examined by using longitudinal, multi-measurement, intra-individual data. Employment of time-series analysis to the examination of the generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder comorbidity enables a detailed appreciation of fluctuations and causal trajectories in terms of both symptoms and cognitive vulnerability.
Networks as complex dynamic systems: Applications to clinical and developmental psychology and psychopathology
Authors: van Geert Paul L. C. , Steenbeek Henderien W.
Published: June 2010

Cramer et al.'s article is an example of the fruitful application of complex dynamic systems theory. We extend their approach with examples from our own work on development and developmental psychopathology and address three issues: (1) the level of aggregation of the network, (2) the required research methodology, and (3) the clinical and educational application of dynamic network thinking.
Health technology assessment to optimize health technology utilization: Using implementation initiatives and monitoring processes
Authors: Frønsdal Katrine B. , Facey Karen , Klemp Marianne , Norderhaug Inger Natvig , Mørland Berit , Røttingen John-Arne
Published: June 2010

Background:The way in which a health technology is used in any particular health system depends on the decisions and actions of a variety of stakeholders, the local culture, and context. In 2009, the HTAi Policy Forum considered how health technology assessment (HTA) could be improved to optimize the use of technologies (in terms of uptake, change in use, or disinvestment) in such complex systems.

Methods:In scoping, it was agreed to focus on initiatives to implement evidence-based guidance and monitoring activities. A review identified systematic reviews of implementation initiatives and monitoring activities. A two-day deliberative workshop was held to discuss key papers, members’ experiences, and collectively address key questions. This consensus paper was developed by email and finalized at a postworkshop meeting.

Results:Evidence suggests that the impact and use of HTA could be increased by ensuring timely delivery of relevant reports to clearly determined policy receptor (decision-making) points. To achieve this, the breadth of assessment, implementation initiatives such as incentives and targeted, intelligent dissemination of HTA result, needs to be considered. HTA stakeholders undertake a variety of monitoring activities, which could inform optimal use of a technology. However, the quality of these data varies and is often not submitted to an HTA.

Conclusions:Monitoring data should be sufficiently robust so that they can be used in HTA to inform optimal use of technology. Evidence-based implementation initiatives should be developed for HTA, to better inform decision makers at all levels in a health system about the optimal use of technology.
Priority setting for health technology assessment at CADTH
Authors: Husereau Don , Boucher Michel , Noorani Hussein
Published: June 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe a current practical approach of priority setting of health technology assessment (HTA) research that involves multi-criteria decision analysis and a deliberative process.

Methods: Criteria related to HTA prioritization were identified and grouped through a systematic review and consultation with a selection committee. Criteria were scored through a pair-wise comparison approach. Criteria were pruned based on the average weights obtained from consistent (consistency index < 0.2) responders and consensus. HTA proposals are ranked based on available information and a weighted criteria score. The rank, along with additional contextual information and discussion among committee members, is used to achieve consensus on HTA research priorities.

Results: Six of eleven criteria represented > 75 percent of the weight behind committee member decisions to conduct an HTA. These criteria were disease burden, clinical impact, alternatives, budget impact, economic impact, and available evidence. Since May 2006, committees have considered 102 proposals at sixteen biannual in-person advisory committee meetings. These have selected twenty-nine research priorities for the HTA program.

Conclusions: The approach works well and was easy to implement. Feedback from committee members has been positive. This approach may assist HTA and other research agencies in better priority setting by informing the selection of the most important and policy-relevant topics in the presence of a wide variety of research proposals. This may in turn lead to efficiently allocating resources available for HTA research.
Patients' perspectives in health technology assessment: A route to robust evidence and fair deliberation
Authors: Facey Karen , Boivin Antoine , Gracia Javier , Hansen Helle Ploug , Lo Scalzo Alessandra , Mossman Jean , Single Ann
Published: June 2010

There is increasing emphasis on providing patient-focused health care and ensuring patient involvement in the design of health services. As health technology assessment (HTA) is meant to be a multidisciplinary, wide-ranging policy analysis that informs decision making, it would be expected that patients’ views should be incorporated into the assessment. However, HTA is still driven by collection of quantitative evidence to determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of a health technology. Patients’ perspectives about their illness and the technology are rarely included, perhaps because they are seen as anecdotal, biased views. There are two distinct but complementary ways in which HTAs can be strengthened by: (i) gathering robust evidence about the patients’ perspectives, and (ii) ensuring effective engagement of patients in the HTA process from scoping, through evidence gathering, assessment of value, development of recommendations and dissemination of findings. Robust evidence eliciting patients’ perspectives can be obtained through social science research that is well conducted, critically appraised and carefully reported, either through meta-synthesis of existing studies or new primary research. Engagement with patients can occur at several levels and we propose that HTA should seek to support effective patient participation to create a fair deliberative process. This should allow two-way flow of information, so that the views of patients are obtained in a supportive way and fed into decision-making processes in a transparent manner.
Capsule endoscopy in Italy: An unbalanced review of the literature. Authors' response
Authors: Lo Scalzo Alessandra , Ratti Marco , Jefferson Tom , Bernardini Fabio , Cerbo Marina
Published: June 2010

The comments by Spada et al. (which are similar in style and content to the ones already made by the authors on the Italian Ministry of Health Web site) are based on misunderstandings and manipulations. The essence of systematic reviews is to sum up available knowledge and minimize bias. The latter is done by a priori stating study inclusion criteria both in the protocol and in the full HTA report (see Fig. 1, p. 299) and assessing methodological quality of included studies using an instrument which was specified in the protocol text and never changed (the Quality Assessment Diagnostic Accuracy Studies checklist or QUADAS). The purpose of inclusion criteria and bias minimization efforts is to ensure that what is included in a review is both relevant and contributes evidence weighted by its reliability to answer the study question (in our case the diagnostic performance of WCE in the small bowel). The high number of excluded studies is thus irrelevant, although it is a common feature of systematic reviews. What matters is what the included studies tell us.
SLA AND THE EMERGENCE OF CREOLES
Authors: Mufwene Salikoko S.
Published: June 2010

Although the emergence of creoles presupposes naturalistic SLA, current SLA scholarship does not shed much light on the development of creoles with regard to the population-internal mechanisms that produce normalization and autonomization from the creoles’ lexifiers. This is largely due to the fact that research on SLA is focused on individuals rather than on communities of speakers producing their own separate norms, whereas genetic creolistics deals precisely with this particular aspect of language change and speciation. It is not enough to prove that transfer from the first to the second language is possible and can evolve into substrate influence on the emergent vernaculars—transfer is not ineluctable and varies from one learner to another. Additionally, how and why particular features of some speakers spread to a whole population (or to parts thereof), whereas others do not, must be accounted for. Consistent with colonial socioeconomic history, the gradual emergence of creoles suggests a complex evolution that cannot be accounted for with simplistic invocations of either interlanguage or relexification. This article presents limitations in the cross-pollination that has been expected from genetic creolistics and research on SLA.
AN EXPLORATION OF THE RANGE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE OF FORMS IN POTENTIALLY VARIABLE STRUCTURES IN SECOND-LANGUAGE SPANISH
Authors: Geeslin Kimberly L. , Gudmestad Aarnes
Published: June 2010

This article adds to the growing body of research focused on second-language (L2) variation and constitutes the first large-scale study of the production of potentially variable grammatical structures in Spanish by English-speaking learners. The overarching goal of the project is to assess the range of forms used and the degree to which native and L2 speakers of Spanish differ in several independently defined syntactic or discourse-based contexts. The contexts examined in the current study have been the object of sociolinguistic research in monolingual environments and include the following: copula contrast, mood distinction, past-time reference, future-time reference, and subject expression. Interview data from 16 English-speaking learners and 16 native speakers of Spanish from a variety of countries, all of whom are part of a single speech community in the United States, are examined. The analysis focuses on the range of forms used in each of the contexts investigated and the frequency with which these forms appear. A possible relation of individual characteristics, such as country of origin, years of language study, and time spent abroad, to this frequency of use is also considered.
Excess morbidity in the hepatitis C-diagnosed population in Scotland, 1991–2006
Authors: McDONALD S. A. , HUTCHINSON S. J. , BIRD S. M. , MILLS P. R. , HAYES P. , DILLON J. F. , GOLDBERG D. J.
Published: June 2010

We estimated the excess risk of in-patient hospitalization in a large cohort of persons diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, controlling for social deprivation. A total of 20 749 individuals diagnosed with HCV in Scotland by 31 December 2006 were linked to the Scottish hospital discharge database, and indirectly standardized hospitalization rates, adjusting for sex, age, year and deprivation were calculated. We observed significant excess morbidity considering episodes for: any diagnosis [standardized morbidity ratio (SMR) 3·4, 95% CI 3·3–3·5]; liver-related diagnoses (SMR 41·3, 95% CI 39·6–43·0); and only non-liver-related diagnoses (SMR 2·14, 95% CI 2·08–2·19). Cox regression analyses of the 2000–2006 data indicated increased relative risks of hospitalization for males [hazard ratio (HR) 1·1, 95% CI 1·0–1·2], older age (per 10 years) (HR 1·55, 95% CI 1·5–1·6), and those testing HIV-positive (HR 1·6, 95% CI 1·3–1·8). This study has revealed substantial excess all-cause and liver-related morbidity in the Scottish HCV-diagnosed population, even after allowing for deprivation.
Putative household outbreaks of campylobacteriosis typically comprise single MLST genotypes
Authors: ROTARIU O. , SMITH-PALMER A. , COWDEN J. , BESSELL P. R. , INNOCENT G. T. , REID S. W. J. , MATTHEWS L. , DALLAS J. , OGDEN I. D. , FORBES K. J. , STRACHAN N. J. C.
Published: June 2010

During a 15-month period in Scotland a small but important number of human Campylobacter cases (3·2%) arose from 91 putative household outbreaks. Of the 26 outbreaks with known strain composition, 89% were composed of the same MLST which supports the potential use of MLST in public health epidemiology. The number of cases associated with household outbreaks is much larger than general outbreaks and there is some evidence to indicate that there may be secondary transmission, although this is relatively rare.
Effect on seroprevalence of anti-poliovirus antibodies and on vaccination coverage of the implementation of a DTwP-IPV-Hib vaccination programme in a South American city
Authors: NATES S. V. , FRIAS M. , BELFIORE S. , ISA M. B. , MARTINEZ L. C. , CHUIT R. , ARMONI J. , LUXEMBURGER C.
Published: June 2010

Vaccination coverage and seroprevalence of poliovirus antibodies were assessed in Argentinean children (aged 8–12 and 19–21 months) living in Cordoba City pre-/post-implementation of a DTwP-IPV-Hib vaccination programme, and compared to those of controls from neighbouring populations receiving a full oral poliovirus vaccine schedule. Vaccination coverage was higher in control areas pre-intervention; this increased post-intervention in Cordoba (>90%) but not in control areas. Poliovirus types 1 and 2 seroprotection rates were >97% in all groups pre-/post-intervention. Type 3 seroprotection rates were generally lower, but increased post-intervention in Cordoba becoming significantly higher than control rates. Anti-type 1 and 3 antibody titres increased twofold and sevenfold, respectively, post-intervention, whereas anti-type 2 antibody titres decreased ~40% in the 8–12 months group. All titres increased in the 19–21 months post-intervention group. The introduction of a three-dose primary DTwP-IPV-Hib schedule maintained protection against poliovirus types 1 and 2, and increased protection against type 3, while vaccine coverage in the study area increased.
The Dark Side of Independence: Paramilitary Violence in Ireland and Poland after the First World War
Authors: EICHENBERG JULIA
Published: June 2010

This article analyses excesses carried out against civilians in Ireland and Poland after the First World War. It shows how the absence of a centralised state authority with a monopoly on violence allowed for new, less inhibited paramilitary groups to operate in parts of Ireland and Poland. The article argues that certain forms of violence committed had a symbolic meaning and served as messages, further alienating the different ethnic and religious communities. By comparing the Irish and Polish case, the article also raises questions about the obvious differences in the excesses in Poland and Ireland, namely in terms of scale of the excesses and the number of victims and, central to the Polish case, the question of antisemitism.
Nutritional profile of schoolchildren from different socio-economic levels in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Liberona Yessica , Castillo Oscar , Engler Valerie , Villarroel Luis , Rozowski Jaime
Published: June 2010

Objective

To assess the nutritional status, food intake and physical activity patterns in schoolchildren attending 5th and 6th grade in basic schools from different socio-economic levels in the metropolitan region of Santiago.

Design

Cross-sectional study in children 5th and 6th grade of eighteen basic schools in the metropolitan region of Santiago.

Setting

Boys and girls aged 9–12 years from basic schools were evaluated in terms of physical capacity. An anthropometric evaluation was also performed which included weight, height and triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses. Food intake was evaluated by a 24 h recall, socio-economic level by the ESOMAR method and physical activity by a questionnaire.

Subjects

Boys and girls aged 9–12 years (n1732).

Results

The average prevalence of overweight and obesity was 40 %, with the highest prevalence in males and those from lower socio-economic level. A majority (64 %) of the children had a low level of physical activity. A higher intake of fat and protein and a higher intake of carbohydrate were found in the higher and lower socio-economic levels, respectively. Both males and females showed adequacy greater than 75 % in macronutrient intake except for fibre, with both groups showing a deficit in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and milk products according to Chilean recommendations.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of malnutrition by excess was observed in both sexes and a better eating and physical activity pattern was seen in children from higher socio-economic level.
On the quasi-asymptotically locally Euclidean geometry of Nakajima's metric
Authors: Carron Gilles
Published: June 2010

We show that on the Hilbert scheme ofnpoints on ℂ2, the hyperkähler metric constructed by Nakajima via hyperkähler reduction is the quasi-asymptotically locally Euclidean (QALE) metric constructed by Joyce.
Parenting and Adolescents’ Sexual Development in Western Societies
Authors: de Graaf Hanneke , Vanwesenbeeck Ine , Woertman Liesbeth , Meeus Wim
Published: June 2010

This review examines associations between parenting styles and the psychosexual development of adolescents. Methods and results of empirical studies of associations between parental support, control, and knowledge and the sexual behavior and sexual health of adolescents are described and evaluated. The results show that, in general, higher scores on support, control, and knowledge relate to a delay of first sexual intercourse, safer sexual practices, and higher sexual competence. Despite the vast amount of literature on this subject, the majority of these studies focus on single dimensions of parenting and unidirectional parenting influences. This review generates hypotheses regarding interactions of different parenting styles and reciprocal associations between parents and their children. There is a need for more dynamic, dialectical studies of parenting, and children’s sexual development.
One for All?
Authors: Brügger Adrian , Kaiser Florian G. , Roczen Nina
Published: June 2010

Pleasurable experiences in nature are suspected to promote a personal connection with nature, and subsequently, nature conservation in individuals. Using an Internet-based survey employing a convenience sample of the general population (N = 1,309), we developed a connection-with-nature instrument that relies on only simple self-reflection. That is, connection with nature is indirectly derived from inspecting reports of past bonding activities and responses to evaluative statements reflecting an appreciation of nature. As such, our instrument is intellectually easy and not particularly taxing to respond to. Although conceptualized as an attitude, our new Disposition to Connect with Nature scale converged with other connection-with-nature measures – with only one exception – and, simultaneously, turned out to be technically superior with regard to accuracy and validity.