bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double layer capacitance measured by organic field effect transistor operated in water
Authors: Cramer T. , Kyndiah A. , Murgia M. , Leonardi F. , Casalini S. , Biscarini F.
Published: April 2012

Pentacene ultra thin film transistors were exposed to water and operated with a conventional silicon/silicon oxide bottom gate and an electrolyte top gate controlled by a working electrode. The transistors are highly sensible (µV) to the electrochemical potential of the aqueous electrolyte. We show that dual gate operation permits the measurement of the double layer capacitance, CDL = 14.6 µF/cm2. The device exhibits a fast (4.6 ms) and stable response, without bias stress as opposed to conventional bottom gate operations, when controlled with the electrolyte gate. These features make the device a promising candidate for potentiometric transducers required for non-invasive electrophysiology.
Parametric decay of laser into two electromagnetic waves in a rippled density plasma
Authors: Sati Priti , Tripathi V. K.
Published: April 2012

The presence of a density ripple in an unmagnetized plasma is shown to allow parametric decay of an electromagnetic wave into two electromagnetic waves, which is otherwise not allowed due to wave number mismatch between the decay waves. The static density ripple accounts for the mismatch. The decay occurs at plasma densities below the quarter critical density and the decay electromagnetic waves propagate at angles to the pump laser. The requisite ripple wave number q increases with the increase in pump wave frequency. However, as the ripple orientation with respect to the pump θR increases, q decreases. The growth rate for the parametric instability initially decreases with the frequency of the lower frequency electromagnetic wave, attains a minimum and then increases. The growth rate is higher for lower values of θR.
Prediction of the effects of constitutive viscoelasticity on stress-diffusion coupling in gels
Authors: Larobina Domenico , Greco Francesco
Published: April 2012

Modeling of stress/diffusion coupling in gels, originally developed by Doi for the case where the solid component of the gel is a linear elastic network, is here extended to the case of a linear viscoelastic solid component, thereby allowing for a mechanism of intrinsic relaxation. The extended model is solved for a cylindrical gel subjected to unconfined uniaxial compression. Depending on the respective values of the two characteristic times, i.e., diffusive and viscoelastic, measurable quantities like axial force and external radius of the cylindrical gel are calculated to display different qualitative behaviors. Calculated results for the case of uniaxial traction are also reported, which compare favorably with some available experimental results.
The H + Li2 bimolecular exchange reaction: Dynamical and kinetical properties at J = 0
Authors: Vila Henrique Vieira Rivera , Leal Luciano Almeida , Martins João Batista Lopes , Skouteris Dimitrios , e Silva Geraldo Magela , Gargano Ricardo
Published: April 2012

For the first time in the literature, rigorous time-independent quantum scattering formalism was applied, by means of the ABC program, to the H + Li2 → LiH + Li reaction. The state-to-state probabilities as a function of the total energy have been computed at zero total angular momentum (J = 0) allowing us to evaluate the effect of vibrational/rotational excitation on the reaction promotion/inhibition, the energetic distribution of products, and the temperature dependence of the J-shifting thermal rate coefficients.
Electric field structure inside the secondary island in the reconnection diffusion region
Authors: Zhou M. , Deng X. H. , Huang S. Y.
Published: April 2012

Secondary islands have recently been intensively studied because of their essential role in dissipating energy during reconnection. Secondary islands generally form by tearing instability in a stretched current sheet, with or without guide field. In this article, we study the electric field structure inside a secondary island in the diffusion region using large-scale two-and-half dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. Intense in-plane electric fields, which point toward the center of the island, form inside the secondary island. The magnitudes of the in-plane electric fields Ex and Ez inside the island are much larger than those outside the island in the surrounding diffusion region. The maximum magnitudes of the fields are about three times the B0VA, where B0 is the asymptotic magnetic field strength and VA is the Alfvén speed based on B0 and the initial current sheet density. Our results could explain the intense electric field (~100 mV/m) inside the secondary island observed in the Earth’s magnetosphere. The electric field Ex inside the secondary island is primarily balanced by the Hall term (j × B)/ne, while Ez is balanced by a combination of (j × B)/ne, −(vi × B), and the divergence of electron pressure tensor, with (j × B)/ne term being dominant. This large Hall electric field is due to the large out-of-plane current density jy inside the island, which consists mainly of accelerated electrons forming a strong bulk flow in the –y direction. The electric field Ey shows a bipolar structure across the island, with negative Ey corresponding to negative Bz and positive Ey corresponding to positive Bz. It is balanced by (j × B)/ne and the convective electric field. There are significant parallel electric fields, forming a quadrupolar structure inside the island, with maximum amplitude of about 0.3B0VA.
An integrated ion trap and time-of-flight mass spectrometer for chemical and photo- reaction dynamics studies
Authors: Schowalter Steven J. , Chen Kuang , Rellergert Wade G. , Sullivan Scott T. , Hudson Eric R.
Published: April 2012

We demonstrate the integration of a linear quadrupole trap with a simple time-of-flight mass spectrometer with medium-mass resolution (m/Δm ∼ 50) geared towards the demands of atomic, molecular, and chemical physics experiments. By utilizing a novel radial ion extraction scheme from the linear quadrupole trap into the mass analyzer, a device with large trap capacity and high optical access is realized without sacrificing mass resolution. This provides the ability to address trapped ions with laser light and facilitates interactions with neutral background gases prior to analyzing the trapped ions. Here, we describe the construction and implementation of the device as well as present representative ToF spectra. We conclude by demonstrating the flexibility of the device with proof-of-principle experiments that include the observation of molecular-ion photodissociation and the measurement of trapped-ion chemical reaction rates.
A phenomenological approach to modeling chemical dynamics in nonlinear and two-dimensional spectroscopy
Authors: Ramasesha Krupa , De Marco Luigi , Horning Andrew D. , Mandal Aritra , Tokmakoff Andrei
Published: April 2012

We present an approach for calculating nonlinear spectroscopic observables, which overcomes the approximations inherent to current phenomenological models without requiring the computational cost of performing molecular dynamics simulations. The trajectory mapping method uses the semi-classical approximation to linear and nonlinear response functions, and calculates spectra from trajectories of the system's transition frequencies and transition dipole moments. It rests on identifying dynamical variables important to the problem, treating the dynamics of these variables stochastically, and then generating correlated trajectories of spectroscopic quantities by mapping from the dynamical variables. This approach allows one to describe non-Gaussian dynamics, correlated dynamics between variables of the system, and nonlinear relationships between spectroscopic variables of the system and the bath such as non-Condon effects. We illustrate the approach by applying it to three examples that are often not adequately treated by existing analytical models – the non-Condon effect in the nonlinear infrared spectra of water, non-Gaussian dynamics inherent to strongly hydrogen bonded systems, and chemical exchange processes in barrier crossing reactions. The methods described are generally applicable to nonlinear spectroscopy throughout the optical, infrared and terahertz regions.
Aluminum oxide as passivation and gate insulator in GaAs-based field-effect transistors prepared in situ by metal-organic vapor deposition
Authors: Kordoš P. , Kúdela R. , Stoklas R. , Čičo K. , Mikulics M. , Gregušová D. , Novák J.
Published: April 2012

Application of GaAs-based metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structures, as a “high carrier mobility” alternative to conventional Si MOS transistors, is still hindered due to difficulties in their preparation with low surface/interface defect states. Here, aluminum oxide as a passivation and gate insulator was formed by room temperature oxidation of a thin Al layer prepared in situ by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The GaAs-based MOS structures yielded two-times higher sheet charge density and saturation drain current, i.e., up to 4 × 1012 cm−2 and 480 mA/mm, respectively, than the counterparts without an oxide surface layer. The highest electron mobility in transistor channel was found to be 6050 cm2/V s. Capacitance measurements, performed in the range from 1 kHz to 1 MHz, showed their negligible frequency dispersion. All these results indicate an efficient suppression of the defect states by in situ preparation of the semiconductor structure and aluminum oxide used as a passivation and gate insulator.
Osteoporosis in survivors of early life starvation
Authors: Weisz George M. , Albury William R.
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study was to provide evidence for the association of early life nutritional deprivation and adult osteoporosis, in order to suggest that a history of such deprivation may be an indicator of increased risk of osteoporosis in later life. The ‘fetal programming’ of a range of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in adults was first proposed in the 1990s and more recently extended to disorders of bone metabolism. Localised famines during World War II left populations in whom the long-term effects of maternal, fetal and infantile nutritional deprivation were studied. These studies supported the original concept of ‘fetal programming’ but did not consider bone metabolism. The present paper offers clinical data from another cohort of World War II famine survivors – those from the Holocaust. The data presented here, specifically addressing the issue of osteoporosis, report on 11 Holocaust survivors in Australia (five females, six males) who were exposed to starvation in early life. The cases show, in addition to other metabolic disorders associated with early life starvation, various levels of osteoporosis, often with premature onset. The cohort studied is too small to support firm conclusions, but the evidence suggests that the risk of adult osteoporosis in both males and females is increased by severe starvation early in life – not just in the period from gestation to infancy but also in childhood and young adulthood. It is recommended that epidemiological research on this issue be undertaken, to assist planning for the future health needs of immigrants to Australia coming from famine affected backgrounds. Pending such research, it would be prudent for primary care health workers to be alert to the prima facie association between early life starvation and adult osteoporosis, and to take this factor into account along with other indicators when assessing a patient’s risk of osteoporosis in later life.
Human broadly neutralizing antibodies to the envelope glycoprotein complex of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Giang Erick , Dorner Marcus , Prentoe Jannick C. , Dreux Marlène , Evans Matthew J. , Bukh Jens , Rice Charles M. , Ploss Alexander , Burton Dennis R. , Law Mansun
Published: April 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects ∼2% of the world's population. It is estimated that there are more than 500,000 new infections annually in Egypt, the country with the highest HCV prevalence. An effective vaccine would help control this expanding global health burden. HCV is highly variable, and an effective vaccine should target conserved T- and B-cell epitopes of the virus. Conserved B-cell epitopes overlapping the CD81 receptor-binding site (CD81bs) on the E2 viral envelope glycoprotein have been reported previously and provide promising vaccine targets. In this study, we isolated 73 human mAbs recognizing five distinct antigenic regions on the virus envelope glycoprotein complex E1E2 from an HCV-immune phage-display antibody library by using an exhaustive-panning strategy. Many of these mAbs were broadly neutralizing. In particular, the mAb AR4A, recognizing a discontinuous epitope outside the CD81bs on the E1E2 complex, has an exceptionally broad neutralizing activity toward diverse HCV genotypes and protects against heterologous HCV challenge in a small animal model. The mAb panel will be useful for the design and development of vaccine candidates to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies to HCV.
Phase transitions in biogenic amorphous calcium carbonate
Authors: Gong Yutao U. T. , Killian Christopher E. , Olson Ian C. , Appathurai Narayana P. , Amasino Audra L. , Martin Michael C. , Holt Liam J. , Wilt Fred H. , Gilbert P. U. P. A.
Published: April 2012

Crystalline biominerals do not resemble faceted crystals. Current explanations for this property involve formation via amorphous phases. Using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and photoelectron emission microscopy (PEEM), here we examine forming spicules in embryos of
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
sea urchins, and observe a sequence of three mineral phases: hydrated amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC·H
2
O) → dehydrated amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) → calcite. Unexpectedly, we find ACC·H
2
O-rich nanoparticles that persist after the surrounding mineral has dehydrated and crystallized. Protein matrix components occluded within the mineral must inhibit ACC·H
2
O dehydration. We devised an in vitro, also using XANES-PEEM, assay to identify spicule proteins that may play a role in stabilizing various mineral phases, and found that the most abundant occluded matrix protein in the sea urchin spicules, SM50, stabilizes ACC·H
2
O in vitro.
Effects of Rearing Environment and Strain Combination on Heterosis in Brook Trout
Authors: Crespel Amélie , Audet Céline , Bernatchez Louis , Garant Dany
Published: April 2012

Three strains of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (domestic [D], Laval [L], and Rupert [R]) and their reciprocal hybrids were reared from 7 to 21 months of age in three different environments (indoor, constant temperature conditions; indoor, seasonal temperature variations; and outdoor, seasonal temperature variations) to test for the occurrence of heterosis in important life history traits of interest for production (body mass, length, condition factor, the absence of early sexual maturation, and survival). For each cross, body mass, length, and mortality were measured at regular intervals and sexual maturity was assessed in age-1+ fish (21 months of age). We found evidence for heterosis in mass and length that varied according to strain, cross direction in reciprocal hybrids, developmental stage, or environment; no significant outbreeding depression was detected for these traits. Heterosis expression for weight varied from 4.9% to 23.8% depending on the hybrids and environments. We found that one out of five reciprocal hybrids tested (L[female]R[male]) expressed heterosis at each age stage throughout the experiment in the three environments while the other four had mixed results. No evidence for heterosis was observed for sexual maturity and survival. These results not only provide one of the first clear pieces of evidence for the occurrence of heterosis in salmonids but also illustrate the complex nature and the unpredictability of this phenomenon.
Sparse tensor multi-level Monte Carlo finite volume methods for hyperbolic conservation laws with random initial data
Authors: Mishra S. , Schwab Ch.
Published: April 2012

We consider scalar hyperbolic conservation laws in spatial dimension

d
≥
1

d\geq 1

with stochastic initial data. We prove existence and uniqueness of a random-entropy solution and give sufficient conditions on the initial data that ensure the existence of statistical moments of any order

k
k

of this random entropy solution. We present a class of numerical schemes of multi-level Monte Carlo Finite Volume (MLMC-FVM) type for the approximation of the ensemble average of the random entropy solutions as well as of their

k
k

-point space-time correlation functions. These schemes are shown to obey the same accuracy vs. work estimate as a single application of the finite volume solver for the corresponding deterministic problem. Numerical experiments demonstrating the efficiency of these schemes are presented. In certain cases, statistical moments of discontinuous solutions are found to be more regular than pathwise solutions.
CSAP localizes to polyglutamylated microtubules and promotes proper cilia function and zebrafish development
Authors: Backer Chelsea B. , Gutzman Jennifer H. , Pearson Chad G. , Cheeseman Iain M.
Published: April 2012

The diverse populations of microtubule polymers in cells are functionally distinguished by different posttranslational modifications, including polyglutamylation. Polyglutamylation is enriched on subsets of microtubules including those found in the centrioles, mitotic spindle, and cilia. However, whether this modification alters intrinsic microtubule dynamics or affects extrinsic associations with specific interacting partners remains to be determined. Here we identify the microtubule-binding protein centriole and spindle–associated protein (CSAP), which colocalizes with polyglutamylated tubulin to centrioles, spindle microtubules, and cilia in human tissue culture cells. Reducing tubulin polyglutamylation prevents CSAP localization to both spindle and cilia microtubules. In zebrafish, CSAP is required for normal brain development and proper left–right asymmetry, defects that are qualitatively similar to those reported previously for depletion of polyglutamylation-conjugating enzymes. We also find that CSAP is required for proper cilia beating. Our work supports a model in which polyglutamylation can target selected microtubule-associated proteins, such as CSAP, to microtubule subpopulations, providing specific functional capabilities to these populations.
Non-conformal domain decomposition methods for time-harmonic Maxwell equations
Authors: Shao Yang , Peng Zhen , Lim Kheng Hwee , Lee Jin-Fa
Published: April 2012

We review non-conformal domain decomposition methods (DDMs) and their applications in solving electrically large and multi-scale electromagnetic (EM) radiation and scattering problems. In particular, a finite-element DDM, together with a finite-element tearing and interconnecting (FETI)-like algorithm, incorporating
Robin transmission conditions
and
an edge corner penalty term
, are discussed in detail. We address in full the formulations, and subsequently, their applications to problems with significant amounts of repetitions. The non-conformal DDM approach has also been extended into surface integral equation methods. We elucidate a non-conformal integral equation domain decomposition method and a generalized combined field integral equation method for modelling EM wave scattering from non-penetrable and penetrable targets, respectively. Moreover, a plane wave scattering from a composite mockup fighter jet has been simulated using the newly developed multi-solver domain decomposition method.
Aortic Stiffness, Left Ventricle Hypertrophy, and Homogeneity of Ventricle Repolarization in Adult Dialyzed Patients
Authors: Zapolski Tomasz , Jaroszyński Andrzej , Drelich-Zbroja Anna , Wysocka Anna , Furmaga Jacek , Wysokiński Andrzej , Książek Andrzej , Szczerbo-Trojanowska Małgorzata , Rudzki Sławomir
Published: April 2012

Aim. Study was designed to assess relationship between aortic compliance and homogeneity of heart electrical activity in dialysis patients.Methods. Study group was consisted of 120 dialyzed patients; 57 (age ) were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 73 (age ) were hemodialyzed (HD). Three-dimensional vectorocardiographic (VCG) monitoring was done to assess: QRS-, and . Echocardiography was performed to assess: , , ASI (aortic siffness index).Results. ASI in HD as well as in CAPD patients was significantly higher compared to controls [resp., 5,51 (±1,32), 5,83 (±1,41), 3,07 (±1,09)]. Cut-off value of ASI was 5,67. In HD patients strong correlations between ASI and QRS-, and were determined (resp., , ; , and , ). In CAPD group were significant association between ASI and QRS-, and (resp., , ; , and , ). ASI was independently and markedly associated with: QRS-, , , ADMA, cTnT, CRP, Total-chol, LDL-chol in HD and CAPD patients.Conclusions. ASI and VCG indices are higher in HD and CAPD patients. Correlation between ASI and VCG parameters may reflect unfavourable influence of poor aortic compliance on the electrical activity of the heart in dialyzed patients. Hypertrophy aggravates repolarization disturbances in hemodialyzed patients.
Determining Factors of Audit Committee Attributes: Evidence from Spain
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Frias‐Aceituno Jose V. , Garcia‐Rubio Raquel
Published: April 2012

The goal of this paper is to determine the factors that explain voluntary improvements in audit committee activity, independence and financial expertise, both individually and jointly, within a corporate governance environment other than those used in previous works. These audit committee characteristics have been selected because previous authors have found that these attributes improve the effectiveness of this monitoring committee. The findings included a relatively high level of the proxies of audit committee effectiveness for those companies which display the best practices in terms of their board of directors' independence and activities. At the same time, we observed a non‐linear relationship of substitution among internal control mechanisms, management ownership and audit committee characteristics.
Sorting nexin 5 of a new diagnostic marker of papillary thyroid carcinoma regulates Caspase‐2
Authors: Ara Shihoko , Kikuchi Tomoki , Matsumiya Hiroshi , Kojima Takashi , Kubo Terufumi , Ye Rui Carrie , Sato Akinori , Kon Shin‐ichiro , Honma Tomo , Asakura Kohji , Hasegawa Tadashi , Himi Tetsuo , Sato Noriyuki , Ichimiya Shingo
Published: April 2012

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a well‐differentiated endocrine malignant tumor that develops from thyroid follicular epithelium. The tumor represents the most common type of endocrine malignancy; however, its tumorigenesis is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to address the functional role of the sorting nexin (SNX) family in PTC because of recent experimental evidence suggesting that the SNX family members actively control endocytotic transportation as well as cell fate. Expression profiles of SNX family members of PTC showed a significant quantity of transcripts of SNX5. Further immunohistochemical analysis with an SNX5‐specific monoclonal antibody established in this study consistently demonstrated the preferential expression of SNX5 in PTC (94.2%, 113/120 cases) as indicated by studies on 440 cases of various tumors. In contrast, other major carcinomas originating from the lung (2.6%, 1/38 cases), breast (5.1%, 2/39 cases), and intestine (4.2%, 1/24 cases) scarcely expressed SNX5. When we investigated models of murine thyroid tumors induced by the administration of carcinogens, high expression of Snx5 was also observed in well‐differentiated thyroid tumors, further implying that the tumorigenesis of the thyroid gland was tightly associated with the abundance of SNX5/Snx5. Moreover epithelial cells expressing excess SNX5 showed high levels of Caspase‐2 of an initiator caspase. Collectively these findings suggest that the evaluation of SNX5 expression would support pathological diagnosis of primary and secondary PTC. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1356–1362)
Dose–response relationship between selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors and injurious falls: a study in nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Sterke Carolyn S. , Ziere Gijsbertus , van Beeck Ed F. , Looman Caspar W. N. , van der Cammen Tischa J. M.
Published: April 2012

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Patients treated with selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to have an increased risk of falling. In nursing homes, many patients with dementia are given SSRIs as a treatment for depression. In this group, however, the possible risk of injurious falls by treatment dosage is not known.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Even at low doses, SSRIs are associated with increased risk of an injurious fall in nursing home residents with dementia. The risk increases with higher doses, with a three‐fold increased risk at 1.00 Defined Daily Dose. The combination of a SSRI with a hypnotic or sedative increases the risk even further.

AIM

The contribution of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to injurious fall risk in patients with dementia has not been quantified precisely until now. Our objective was to determine whether a dose–response relationship exists for the use of SSRIs and injurious falls in a population of nursing home residents with dementia.

METHODS

Daily drug use and daily falls were recorded in 248 nursing home residents with dementia from 1 January 2006 until 1 January 2008. For each resident and for each day of the study period, data on drug use were abstracted from the prescription database, and information on falls and subsequent injuries was retrieved from a standardized incident report system, resulting in a dataset of 85 074 person‐days.

RESULTS

We found a significant dose–response relationship between injurious falls and the use of SSRIs. The risk of an injurious fall increased significantly with 31% at 0.25 of the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) of a SSRI, 73% at 0.50 DDD, and 198% at 1.00 DDD (Hazard ratio = 2.98; 95% confidence interval 1.94, 4.57). The risk increased further in combination with a hypnotic or sedative.

CONCLUSIONS

Even at low doses, SSRIs are associated with increased risk of an injurious fall in nursing home residents with dementia. Higher doses increase the risk further with a three‐fold risk at 1.00 DDD. New treatment protocols might be needed that take into account the dose–response relationship between SSRIs and injurious falls.
A new taxonomy for describing and defining adherence to medications
Authors: Vrijens Bernard , De Geest Sabina , Hughes Dyfrig A. , Przemyslaw Kardas , Demonceau Jenny , Ruppar Todd , Dobbels Fabienne , Fargher Emily , Morrison Valerie , Lewek Pawel , Matyjaszczyk Michal , Mshelia Comfort , Clyne Wendy , Aronson Jeffrey K. , Urquhart J. ,   for the ABC Project Team
Published: April 2012

Interest in patient adherence has increased in recent years, with a growing literature that shows the pervasiveness of poor adherence to appropriately prescribed medications. However, four decades of adherence research has not resulted in uniformity in the terminology used to describe deviations from prescribed therapies. The aim of this review was to propose a new taxonomy, in which adherence to medications is conceptualized, based on behavioural and pharmacological science, and which will support quantifiable parameters. A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and PsycINFO from database inception to 1 April 2009. The objective was to identify the different conceptual approaches to adherence research. Definitions were analyzed according to time and methodological perspectives. A taxonomic approach was subsequently derived, evaluated and discussed with international experts. More than 10 different terms describing medication‐taking behaviour were identified through the literature review, often with differing meanings. The conceptual foundation for a new, transparent taxonomy relies on three elements, which make a clear distinction between processes that describe actions through established routines (‘Adherence to medications’, ‘Management of adherence’) and the discipline that studies those processes (‘Adherence‐related sciences’). ‘Adherence to medications’ is the process by which patients take their medication as prescribed, further divided into three quantifiable phases: ‘Initiation’, ‘Implementation’ and ‘Discontinuation’. In response to the proliferation of ambiguous or unquantifiable terms in the literature on medication adherence, this research has resulted in a new conceptual foundation for a transparent taxonomy. The terms and definitions are focused on promoting consistency and quantification in terminology and methods to aid in the conduct, analysis and interpretation of scientific studies of medication adherence.
The role of informal caregivers in the well‐being of orphans in Botswana: a literature review
Authors: Maundeni Tapologo , Malinga‐Musamba Tumani
Published: April 2012

With the orphan population escalating, communities continue to rely on relatives to provide care to orphans. Therefore, there is a need to explore the role of caregivers with regard to the well‐being of orphans, the challenges they face, as well as how they could be empowered to be more responsive to children's needs. The paper acknowledges that informal caregivers play an important role in the lives of orphans. The paper also concedes that, in the process, caregivers are faced with challenges which make it difficult for them to fulfil their responsibilities and roles. As a result, they sometimes act as sources of stress to orphans, which eventually complicate the children's adjustment to the loss of their parents. Lastly, the paper paves the way to ensuring that challenges faced by informal caregivers are addressed in a manner that will make them more supportive to orphans.
Plant functional traits and nutrient gradients on grassland
Authors: Schellberg J. , Pontes L. da S.
Published: April 2012

The traditional way of interpreting environmental and management effects on floristic composition based on phyto‐sociological classification is increasingly accompanied by a trait‐based approach. Plant functional traits (PFT) enable us to link morphological, physiological and phenological plant properties to their functions. Recent research on PFT has significantly improved our understanding on competitive ability of species, resulting species abundance and ecosystem functioning, through investigations of ecological strategies, community assembly theory and functional diversity. In this paper, we review the wide applicability of the trait approach in grassland science. The paper summarizes the power of PFT, the variation along soil nutrient gradients, and gives a case‐by‐case conceptual generalization of mechanisms of interacting traits at plant and canopy scale. We highlight the main trade‐offs among traits and trait syndromes that are prospects for plant response to nutrient gradient and consequently for ecosystem processes. We also discuss the role of intraspecific variability in PFT for multiple ecological issues. Links between functional ecology and grassland science are also identified in order to establish research opportunities. For managed grasslands, we believe that progress in these links will allow us to address broad and timely questions regarding community dynamics driven by resource availability and the consequent multifunctionality of these grasslands.
Microwave drying of mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb): prediction of drying kinetics by mathematical modelling and artificial neural network
Authors: Krishna Murthy Thrupathihalli Pandurangapp , Manohar Balaraman
Published: April 2012

Curcuma amada (Mango ginger) was dried at four different power levels ranging 315–800 W to determine the effect of microwave power on moisture content, moisture ratio, drying rate, drying time and effective diffusivity. Among the fifteen thin layer drying models considered for evaluating the drying behaviour, the semi‐empirical Midilli et al., model described the drying kinetics very well with R2 > 0.999. Drying rate and effective diffusivity increased as the microwave power output increased. Activation energy was estimated by a modified Arrhenius type equation and found to be 21.6 kW kg−1. A feed‐forward artificial neural network using back‐propagation algorithm was also employed to predict the moisture content during MW drying and found adequate to predict the drying kinetics with R2 of 0.985.
Influence of carrier agents on the physicochemical properties of blackberry powder produced by spray drying
Authors: Ferrari Cristhiane Caroline , Germer Silvia Pimentel Marconi , Alvim Izabela Dutra , Vissotto Fernanda Zaratini , de Aguirre José Maurício
Published: April 2012

The aim of this work was to study the effect of different carrier agents (maltodextrin, gum arabic or a blend of both carrier agents) on the physicochemical properties of blackberry powder produced by spray drying. Moisture content, anthocyanin retention, antioxidant activity, colour parameters, bulk and absolute density, porosity, wettability, sorption isotherms, particle size and morphology of blackberry powders were evaluated. The use of maltodextrin resulted in less hygroscopic powders with lower moisture content and better reconstitution properties. Powders produced with maltodextrin or a blend of maltodextrin and gum arabic presented the best anthocyanin retention and the highest antioxidant activity. Experimental data of water adsorption were well fitted to GAB model. All the samples exhibited a large number of irregular particles with spherical shapes. However, particles produced with gum arabic were smaller and showed more dented surfaces, which probably contributed to the increase in wettability values and lower pigments retention.
Decoupling of genetic and phenotypic divergence in a headwater landscape
Authors: LOWE WINSOR H. , McPEEK MARK A. , LIKENS GENE E. , COSENTINO BRADLEY J.
Published: April 2012

In stream organisms, the landscape affecting intraspecific genetic and phenotypic divergence is comprised of two fundamental components: the stream network and terrestrial matrix. These components are known to differentially influence genetic structure in stream species, but to our knowledge, no study has compared their effects on genetic and phenotypic divergence. We examined how the stream network and terrestrial matrix affect genetic and phenotypic divergence in two stream salamanders, Gyrinophilus porphyriticus and Eurycea bislineata, in the Hubbard Brook Watershed, New Hampshire, USA. On the basis of previous findings and differences in adult terrestriality, we predicted that genetic divergence and phenotypic divergence in body morphology would be correlated in both species, but structured primarily by distance along the stream network in G. porphyriticus, and by overland distance in E. bislineata. Surprisingly, spatial patterns of genetic and phenotypic divergence were not strongly correlated. Genetic divergence, based on amplified DNA fragment length polymorphisms, increased with absolute geographic distance between sites. Phenotypic divergence was unrelated to absolute geographic distance, but related to relative stream vs. overland distances. In G. porphyriticus, phenotypic divergence was low when sites were close by stream distance alone and high when sites were close by overland distance alone. The opposite was true for E. bislineata. These results show that small differences in life history can produce large differences in patterns of intraspecific divergence, and the limitations of landscape genetic data for inferring phenotypic divergence. Our results also underscore the importance of explicitly comparing how terrestrial and aquatic conditions affect spatial patterns of divergence in species with biphasic life cycles.
Evaluation of host resistance to Barley yellow mosaic virus infection at the cellular and whole‐plant levels
Authors: You Y. , Shirako Y.
Published: April 2012

This study analysed the resistance and susceptibility of several barley cultivars harbouring one of six resistance genes (rym1–6) to Japanese Barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) isolate JK05 using infectious RNA transcripts. At the cellular level, the virus replicated efficiently in mesophyll protoplasts from rym3 cultivars, less efficiently in protoplasts from a rym2 cultivar and poorly or not at all in protoplasts from other rym cultivars. None of the rym cultivars was susceptible at the whole‐plant level. These results indicate that rym2 and rym3 cultivars are resistant to this virus isolate at the movement level, whereas the other rym cultivars are resistant at the cellular level. In addition, among five barley cultivars without known resistance genes, it was found that the cv. Haruna Nijo was resistant to this virus isolate at the cellular level. Based on the host responses, it was inferred that the BaYMV isolate JK05 is in the Japanese pathotype II group. A possible mechanism for how resistance‐breaking variants continually emerge in fields is discussed.
Ensuring HIV‐infected pregnant women start antiretroviral treatment: an operational cohort study from Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Weigel Ralf , Hosseinipour Mina C. , Feldacker Caryl , Gareta Dickman , Tweya Hannock , Chiwoko Jane , Gumulira Joe , Kalulu Mike , Mofolo Innocent , Kamanga Esmie , Mwale Gertrude , Kadzakumanja Angela , Jere Edward , Phiri Sam
Published: April 2012

Objectives  HIV‐infected women identified through antenatal care (ANC) often fail to access antiretroviral treatment (ART), leaving them and their infants at risk for declining health or HIV transmission. We describe results of measures to improve uptake of ART among eligible pregnant women.

Methods  Between October 2006 and December 2009, interventions implemented at ANC and ART facilities in urban Lilongwe aimed to better link services for women with CD4 counts <250/μl. A monitoring system followed women referred for ART to examine trends and improve practices in referral completion, on‐time ART initiation and ART retention.

Results  Six hundred and twelve women were ART eligible: 604 (99%) received their CD4 result, 344 (56%) reached the clinic, 286 (47%) started ART while pregnant and 261 (43%) were either alive on ART or transferred out after 6 months. Between 2006 and 2009, the median (IQR) time between CD4 blood draw and ART initiation fell from 41 days (17, 349) to 15 days (7,42) (P = 0.183); the proportion of eligible individuals starting ART while pregnant and retained for 6 months improved from 17% to 65% (P < 0.001). Delays generally shortened within the continuum of care from 2006 to 2009; however, time from CD4 blood draw to ART referral increased from 7 to 14 days.

Conclusions  Referrals between facilities and delays through CD4 count measurements create bottlenecks in patient care. Retention improved over time, but delays within the linkage process remained. ART initiation at ANC plus use of point‐of‐care CD4 tests may further enhance ART uptake.
A prospective study on the safety of sublingual immunotherapy in pregnancy
Authors: Shaikh W. A. , Shaikh S. W.
Published: April 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the safety of sublingual immunotherapy in pregnancy, which has not yet been reported.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐five patients received sublingual immunotherapy with either house dust mite (D. farinae) or a mixture of up to five allergens during 185 pregnancies. Twenty‐four patients received sublingual immunotherapy for the first time during pregnancy. Follow‐up data were analysed with regard to abortion, perinatal mortality, prematurity, toxaemia and congenital malformation. Two control groups did not receive immunotherapy; group A (85 patients) received budesonide 400 μg twice daily and group B (40 patients) received rescue salbutamol inhalation. All three groups were on appropriate avoidance measures.

Results

Six‐year follow‐up data for the sublingual immunotherapy group revealed an incidence of complications less than that in the general population and a higher incidence of complications in both control groups.

Conclusions

This study concludes that sublingual immunotherapy is safe during pregnancy and is also safe when initiated for the first time in a pregnant patient.
Characterization of HLA‐E polymorphism in four distinct populations in Mainland China
Authors: Liu X. X. , Pan F. H. , Tian W.
Published: April 2012

In this study, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐E allelic typing was performed for 690 individuals from two southern Chinese Han populations (Hunan Han and Guangdong Han) and two northern Chinese populations (Inner Mongolia Han and Inner Mongolia Mongol) using polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific priming (PCR‐SSP) method. Our data showed that (1) HLA‐E*01:01 and HLA‐E*01:03, but not E*01:04 allele, were detected in the four populations, HLA‐E distribution differed significantly between each of the two southern Chinese Han populations and the Inner Mongolia Mongol population, and between Hunan Han population and Inner Mongolia Han population; (2) HLA‐G*01:05N‐A*30‐E*01:01‐C*06‐B*13:02‐DRB1*07 was a conserved extended haplotype in the Chinese Han populations; (3) five HLA‐A‐E haplotypes showed significant linkage disequilibrium (LD) in at least one population, including HLA‐A*02‐E*01:03 in populations except for the Inner Mongolia Mongol group, HLA‐A*01‐E*01:01 and HLA‐A*30‐E*01:01 in the Hunan Han and the Inner Mongolia Han populations, HLA‐A*33‐E*01:01 in the two southern Chinese Han populations and HLA‐A*03‐E*01:03 in the Inner Mongolia Mongol group; and (4) Ewens–Watterson homozygosity test showed a trend for balancing selection at the HLA‐E locus in each of the four populations. Our data unraveled the peculiarity in terms of HLA‐E allelic and haplotypic repertoire in four main ethnic groups in Mainland China, findings shown here are valuable for future studies of the potential role of HLA‐E in allogeneic organ transplantation and HLA‐linked disease association in related ethnic groups.
Effect of donor animals and their diet on in vitro nutrient degradation and microbial protein synthesis using grass and corn silages
Authors: Boguhn J. , Zuber T. , Rodehutscord M.
Published: April 2012

Two nonlactating cows and two wether sheep, all fitted with a permanent cannula into the rumen, were fed either hay plus concentrate, grass silage or corn silage to study the effect of the donor animal and its diet on in vitro fermentation and microbial protein synthesis. Rumen inoculum was obtained before the morning feeding. Grass silage or corn silage was incubated in a semi‐continuous rumen simulation system for 14 days. Four replicated vessels were used per treatment. Degradation of crude nutrients and detergent fibre fractions as well as microbial protein synthesis and the production of volatile fatty acids were studied. Additionally, total gas and methane production was measured with a standard in vitro gas test. Gas production and methane concentration was higher when the inoculum used was from sheep than that from cows. The donor animal also affected the degradation of organic matter and ether extract as well as the amount of propionate and butyrate, and the acetate‐to‐propionate ratio. The effect of the diet fed to the donor animal on fermentation was much greater than the effect of the donor animal itself. Feeding hay plus concentrate resulted in higher gas production and degradation of acid detergent fibre, but in lower degradation of ether extract and reduced microbial protein synthesis. Additionally, the pattern of volatile fatty acids changed significantly when the diet of the donor animals was hay plus concentrate or one of the silages. These results show that in vitro fermentation and microbial protein synthesis is different when based on inoculum from either cattle or sheep. The diet fed to the donor animal is more important than the animal species and is probably mediated by an adjusted microbial activity. With regard to standardized feed evaluations, these results further support the need to harmonize in vitro approaches used in different laboratories.
The nature and consequences of topic avoidance in Chinese and Taiwanese close relationships
Authors: Zhang Shuangyue , Merolla Andy J. , Sun Shaojing , Lin Shu‐Fang
Published: April 2012

Two studies examined topic avoidance in Chinese and Taiwanese opposite‐sex friendships and romantic relationships. Five areas of topic avoidance emerged through analytic induction and cluster analysis: negative appraisal, relational issues, sexual issues, politics, and personal experience. Partner protection, negative relational impact, and self inefficacy emerged as the most common reasons for avoidance. Results revealed that friends, relative to romantic partners, engaged in higher levels of topic avoidance. Taiwanese participants, moreover, avoided discussing politics to a greater extent than did mainland Chinese participants. Lacking closeness was the main reason behind avoidance of political discussion. Topic avoidance was also linked to relationship quality, as relational satisfaction negatively predicted relational issue avoidance and topic avoidance breadth (i.e. the number of topics regularly avoided in the relationship). The authors explain these and other findings based on Chinese cultural codes and historically‐embedded concepts that shape interpersonal interaction.
HALF‐TRUTHS
Authors: Kupperman Joel J.
Published: April 2012

Half‐truths are statements that have some insight or truth in them, but do not amount to a final or definitive truth that all competent judges should be able to accept. Complete truth requires that the relevant interpretative structures can be taken for granted, and can be expected to be understood by all competent language users. Disciplines such as philosophy, history, and sociology do contain a small number of complete truths, concerning some logical relations or such matters as the year of Columbus' arrival in the new world or recorded vote totals in some elections. But most of what they yield (the most interesting part) will consist of half‐truths.
TWO CHALLENGES THAT CATEGORICAL PROPERTIES POSE TO PHYSICALISM
Authors: Schroer Robert
Published: April 2012

What are physical objects like when they are considered independently of their causal interactions? Many think that the answer to this question involves categorical properties– properties that make contributions to their bearers that are independent of any causal interactions those objects may enter into. In this paper, I examine two challenges that this solution poses to Physicalism. The first challenge is that, given that they are distinct from any of the scientifically described causal powers that they happen to convey, categorical properties will not qualify as being ‘physical’ properties. Given the right definition of ‘physical’, this challenge can be overcome. I argue, however, that the only way we can have a positive grasp of the nature of categorical properties is via ‘acquaintance’– a non‐physical relation. This second challenge to Physicalism cannot be overcome.1