bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive Mean Control Chart for Monitoring Process Location Parameter
Authors: Abbas Nasir , Zafar Raja Fawad , Riaz Muhammad , Hussain Zawar
Published: February 2012

Control charts are widely used for process monitoring. They show whether the variation is due to common causes or whether some of the variation is due to special causes. To detect large shifts in the process, Shewhart‐type control charts are preferred. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts are generally used to detect small and moderate shifts. Shewhart‐type control charts (without additional tests) use only current information to detect special causes, whereas CUSUM and EWMA control charts also use past information. In this article, we proposed a control chart called progressive mean (PM) control chart, in which a PM is used as a plotting statistic. The proposed chart is designed such that it uses not only the current information but also the past information. Therefore, the proposed chart is a natural competitor for the classical CUSUM, the classical EWMA and some recent modifications of these two charts. The conclusion of this article is that the performance of the proposed PM chart is superior to the compared ones for small and moderate shifts, and its performance for large shifts is better (in terms of the average run length). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of the ozonolysis of model lipids by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Chenxing , Zhao Yuan‐Yuan , Curtis Jonathan M.
Published: March 2012

RATIONALE

The ozonolysis of vegetable oils has been proposed as step to functionalise unsaturated lipids for the production of bio‐based chemicals and materials. The observation of ozonolysis products by mass spectrometry will facilitate mechanistic studies that are essential for the further development of industrial processes based on lipid ozonolysis.

METHODS

Ozonolysis of the model lipids methyl oleate and triolein was performed and samples were taken over a range of reaction times. Ozonlysis products were separated by normal and non‐aqueous reversed‐phase (NARP) liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using a hybrid quadrupole‐time of flight instrument. Post‐column addition of ammonium acetate solutions aided ionization. Volatile reaction products were observed using gas chromatography/electron impact mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

RESULTS

Secondary ozonides, reaction intermediates and previously unreported high molecular weight product dimers were observed as intact molecular ammonium ion adducts under positive ESI. The main fragment ions obtained by MS/MS were from cleavage of the trioxolane group, loss of fatty acyl chain and fragmentation between n‐8 and n‐9 on the fatty acyl chain. The MS/MS spectra and exact mass measurements explain most of the ozonolysis reaction products.

CONCLUSIONS

LC/MS, LC/MS/MS and GC/MS results demonstrate that the products from the ozonolysis of the model lipids methyl oleate and triolein are consistent with known ozonolysis reaction pathways. LC/MS techniques using non‐aqueous chromatography have permitted the direct observation of mono‐, di‐ and tri‐1,2,4‐triloxanes which are the secondary ozonides formed by the ozonolysis of triolein. It was also shown that intermediates formed during the ozonolysis of triolein can combine to form high molecular weight ozonide dimers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐stage liquid‐phase lipid microextraction coupled to nanospray mass spectrometry for detailed, nano‐scale lipid analysis
Authors: Horn Patrick J. , Joshi Ubisha , Behrendt Anna K. , Chapman Kent D. , Verbeck Guido F.
Published: March 2012

RATIONALE

Developments in instrumentation aimed at microscopic sampling have led to an emphasis on applications analyzing small volumes and molecular concentrations within biological, chemical, and industrial samples. Simultaneous improvements in the sensitivity and versatility of nanospray mass spectrometers have made it possible to directly couple these sampling and analysis processes.

METHODS

We developed a versatile liquid‐phase lipid microextraction (LPME) technique for nanoliter to microliter volumes that is amenable to direct nanospray mass spectrometry (NMS). Lipophilic analytes within several types of biological samples were extracted and analyzed by partitioning and concentrating the analytes based on their solubility within two immiscible or partially miscible liquid phases.

RESULTS

The utility of LPME‐NMS is demonstrated by extracting and analyzing molecules in four different types of applications: (1) visualization of an extracted neutral lipid‐specific fluorescent dye from an aqueous solvent; (2) identification of controlled acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of triacylglycerols within nanospray capillaries; (3) reproducible sampling of a fatty acid emulsion; and (4) profiling of diverse lipids in a complex biological matrix of rabbit serum.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified instrumentation of a multi‐port, on‐stage bioworkstation shows considerable versatility by combining nanomanipulation, microextraction and direct NMS for a variety of chemical, biological, industrial, and clinical applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
C60‐ToF SIMS imaging of frozen hydrated HeLa cells
Authors: Piwowar Alan M. , Keskin Selda , Delgado Melissa Ortiz , Shen Kan , Hue Jonathan J. , Lanekoff Ingela , Ewing Andrew G. , Winograd Nicholas
Published: February 2012

Sample preparation continues to be a major challenge for SIMS studies of biological materials. Maintaining the native hydrated state of the material is important for preserving both chemical and spatial information. Here, we discuss a method that combines a sample wash and dry protocol followed by plunge‐freezing in liquid ethane for a frozen‐hydrated analysis of mammalian cells (HeLa). This method allows for the removal of the growth medium and maintains the hydrated state of the cells so that they can be prepared frozen‐hydrated without the need for a freeze‐fracture device. The cells, which were grown on silicon, were successfully regrown after the cleaning procedure, confirming that a significant portion of the cells remain undamaged during the wash and dry procedure. Results from preliminary SIMS measurements show that is it possible to detect a large variety of biomolecular signals, including intact lipids from the plasma membrane in the mass range of 700–900 Da from single cells, with little external water interference at the surface. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular depth profiling
Authors: Winograd Nicholas
Published: February 2012

Bombardment of molecular solids with polyatomic projectiles allows interrogation of the sample with reduced chemical damage accumulation. Hence, it is now common to perform depth profiling experiments using a variety of substrates in a fashion similar to that reported for inorganic materials ‐ in use for many decades. The possibility for chemical processes, however, creates a number of fundamental differences between organic and inorganic materials. To retain molecular information during beam‐induced erosion, any damage accumulation must be removed at least as rapidly as it is formed. Here we discuss a number of fundamental descriptions associated with molecular depth profiling. These descriptions, which include both analytical models valuable in parameterizing the acquired signals and a molecular dynamics approach important for visualizing the action on a molecular level, point towards experimental conditions that optimize the quality of a depth profile. For example, the size and kinetic energy of the polyatomic projectile, the angle of incidence and the temperature all have significant influence on whether the important molecular ion signals are retained. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is shown to be an essential technique for quantitative characterization of any molecular profile. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation of symptomatic uterine fibroids: short‐term evaluation of effect of treatment on quality of life and symptom severity
Authors: Iversen H. , Lenz S. , Dueholm M.
Published: March 2012

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation (USgRFA) for the treatment of women with symptomatic uterine fibroids in relation to volume of fibroid.

Methods

Forty‐three women with symptomatic fibroids underwent USgRFA for treatment of uterine fibroids. Improvements in fibroid symptoms and quality of life were measured by the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire scores at baseline and 3, 6 and 9 months after the intervention, and analyzed in relation to baseline fibroid volume. Volume reduction of fibroids was measured and the frequency of adverse events and re‐interventions was recorded.

Results

Following USgRFA, mean Symptom Severity Scores (SSS) decreased from 60.7 ± 17.8 to 31.2 ± 19.5, corresponding to an improvement of 48.6%. The total Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) score improved by 46.4% from 55.6 ± 20.9 to 81.4 ± 16.6. There was no correlation between fibroid volume at baseline and improvement in SSS and HRQOL scores. Fibroid volume was reduced in all patients, by a mean of 69.7 ± 19.4%. Two (4.7%) patients underwent hysterectomy. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

USgRFA reduces fibroid symptom and size even in patients with larger fibroids. USgRFA is a promising new treatment for fibroids in gynecological settings and should be further investigated. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Synthesis of PbO Nanoparticles From a Lead(II) Nano Coordination Polymer Precursor: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and DFT Calculations of [Pb2(dmp)2(μ‐N3)2(μ‐ClO4)2]n with the First Pb2‐(μ‐ClO4)2 Unit
Authors: Mirtamizdoust Babak , Shaabani Behrouz , Khandar Aliakbar , Fun Hoong‐Kun , Huang Shiping , Shadman Muhammad , Hojati‐Talemi Pejman
Published: February 2012

Nanostructures of a new coordination polymer of divalent lead with the ligand 2, 9‐dimethyl‐1, 10‐phenanthroline (dmp) containing the first Pb2‐(μ‐ClO4)2 motif, [Pb2(dmp)2(μ‐N3)2(μ‐ClO4)2]n (1), was synthesized by a sonochemical method that produces the coordination polymers at nano size. The new nanostructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Compound 1 was structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and the single‐crystal X‐ray data shows that the coordination number of PbII ions is six, (PbN4O2), with two N‐donor atoms from aza‐aromatic base ligands and four O‐donors from two perchlorate anions and two N‐donors from two azide anions. It has a “stereo‐chemically active” electron lone pair, and the coordination sphere is hemidirected. The supramolecular features in these complexes are guided and controlled by weak directional intermolecular interactions. The chains interact with each other through π–π stacking interactions creating a 3D framework. The structure of the title complex was optimized by density functional theory calculations. Calculated structural parameters and IR spectra for the title complex are in agreement with the crystal structure. The PbO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180 °C with oleic acid as a surfactant. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was estimated by the Scherrer equation to be 23 nm. The morphology and size of the prepared PbO samples were further observed using SEM.
Risk Associated with Bilobectomy after Neoadjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Stage IIIA‐N2 Non‐small‐cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cho Jong Ho , Kim Jhingook , Kim Kwhanmien , Shim Young Mog , Kim Hong Kwan , Choi Yong Soo
Published: February 2012

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical resection, especially bilobectomy, after chemoradiation therapy to treat stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small‐cell lung cancer.

Methods

Data from all patients who underwent surgical resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small‐cell lung cancer between 1998 and 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. The chemotherapy regimen consisted of weekly paclitaxel plus cisplatin or weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin for 5 weeks. The concurrent thoracic radiotherapy dose was 45 Gy over 5 weeks. Surgical resection was planned at around 4 weeks following the completion of neoadjuvant therapy.

Results

Of 186 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy, 23 bilobectomies, 28 pneumonectomies, and 135 lobectomies were performed. The early postoperative mortality rate (within 30 days after operation) was 7.1, 8.7, and 1.5% for the pneumonectomy, bilobectomy, and lobectomy groups, respectively. The late postoperative mortality rate (within 90 days) of the lobectomy, bilobectomy, and pneumonectomy groups was 5.9, 13, and 10.7%, respectively. Overall survival was significantly higher among patients treated by lobectomy than among those treated by bilobectomy (p = 0.041) or pneumonectomy (p = 0.010). Recurrence was significantly lower in patients treated by lobectomy than in those treated by pneumonectomy (p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Bilobectomy is associated with high operative mortality and poor long‐term survival after neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy for stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small‐cell lung cancer. The outcomes of bilobectomy were similar to those of pneumonectomy in terms of overall survival, disease‐free survival, and postoperative mortality.
Treatment of Necrotizing Pancreatitis: Redefining the Role of Surgery
Authors: Alsfasser Guido , Schwandner Frank , Pertschy Annette , Hauenstein Karlheinz , Foitzik Thomas , Klar Ernst
Published: March 2012

Background

Early surgical intervention in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) is associated with high mortality. Guidelines recommend fine needle aspiration (FNA) in patients with NP and signs of sepsis. Because infection of necrosis is considered an indication for surgery, operations are often performed early. We changed treatment toward a conservative approach with FNA in selected cases only, thereby reducing the rate of necrosectomy.

Methods

Retrospectively analyzed patients, all operated on for FNA‐proven infection of pancreatic necrosis (n = 20, group 1) were compared to patients subjected to conservative treatment (n = 24, group 2) who were followed prospectively.

Results

Prognostic scores did not differ between the two groups, indicating comparable severity: the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score was 19.8 ± 1.7 versus 16 ± 2.2; the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 8.7 ± 1.4 versus 6.9 ± 1.0, the C‐reactive protein (CRP) level on day 3 was 243 ± 21 versus 291 ± 21, and the CTSI (CT severity index) was 7.8 ± 0.5 versus 7.9 ± 0.4 (p = ns). Ten patients in group 2 underwent operation because of severe extrapancreatic complications. Mortality differed significantly (45% in group 1 vs. 8.3% in group 2; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

A highly conservative approach avoiding open necrosectomy in NP results in significantly lower mortality than previous serial FNA and consecutive indication for surgery in case of proven infection. Open surgery in NP should be reserved for concomitant intra‐abdominal complications.
Transvaginal Specimen Extraction After Laparoscopic Colectomy
Authors: Torres Ricardo A. , Orban Raúl D. , Tocaimaza Laura , Vallejos Pereira Guillermo , Arévalo José René
Published: February 2012

Background

Despite the advantages of laparoscopic colon surgery, the need for an incision in the abdominal wall to remove the surgical specimen is a morbidity factor. The objective of this article is to introduce transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic colectomy, in order to avoid an abdominal incision.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2011, 21 selected women with benign and malignant colorectal pathologies underwent laparoscopic colectomy and the extraction of the surgical specimen was done through a transvaginal access route. Of these patients, 12 had symptomatic diverticular disease, four had rectal villous adenomas, two had severe chronic constipation, and three had adenocarcinomas. We describe the surgical technique and the short‐term outcomes related to the transvaginal specimen extraction.

Results

The procedure was successful in all cases. There were no immediate complications or mortality. At follow‐up, between 2 and 34 months, there were no functional disorders associated with the transvaginal specimen extraction.

Conclusion

Specimen removal of laparoscopic colectomies via the transvaginal route avoids the abdominal wall incision and its potential complications. It is feasible, safe, and simple to perform, with no additional costs, and provides excellent cosmetic results.
Effects of Post‐transplant Enteral Nutrition with an Immunomodulating Diet Containing Hydrolyzed Whey Peptide after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kaido Toshimi , Ogura Yasuhiro , Ogawa Kohei , Hata Koichiro , Yoshizawa Atsushi , Yagi Shintaro , Uemoto Shinji
Published: February 2012

Background

Complications due to infections, including bacteremia, often arise after liver transplantation (LT) and are the most frequent causes of in‐hospital death. Hydrolyzed whey peptide (HWP), a protein complex derived from milk, has anti‐inflammatory effects. The present study retrospectively analyzes the effects of early enteral nutrition with a new immunomodulating diet (IMD) enriched with HWP in patients after living‐donor LT (LDLT).

Methods

Data from 76 consecutive adult patients who underwent LDLT at our institute between September 2009 and March 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The new IMD enriched with HWP and a conventional elemental diet were administered enterally to 40 (HWP group) and 36 (control group) patients, respectively, within the first 24 h after surgery.

Results

The characteristics of patients and surgical parameters did not differ between the two groups. The incidence of bacteremia was significantly lower in the HWP (15%) than in the control group (47%) (p = 0.002). The in‐hospital mortality due to infection was a little lower in the HWP group than in the control group, although there was no statistical difference (p = 0.145). The fasting blood glucose level at postoperative day 7 was significantly lower in the HWP group than in the control group (p = 0.005). The incidence of acute cellular rejection was similar between the two groups (p = 0.858).

Conclusion

Early enteral nutrition with the new IMD enriched with HWP can prevent post‐transplant bacteremia and post‐transplant hyperglycemia without increasing the incidence of acute cellular rejection.
Prediction of replication origins by calculating DNA structural properties
Authors: Chen Wei , Feng Pengmian , Lin Hao
Published: February 2012

In this study, we introduced two DNA structural characteristics, namely, bendability and hydroxyl radical cleavage intensity to analyze origin of replication (ORI) in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. We found that both DNA bendability and cleavage intensity in core replication regions were significantly lower than in the linker regions. By using these two DNA structural characteristics, we developed a computational model for ORI prediction and evaluated the model in a benchmark dataset. The predictive performance of the jackknife cross‐validation indicates that DNA bendability and cleavage intensity have the ability to describe core replication regions and our model is effective in ORI prediction.
Spatial regulation of BMP activity
Authors: Ramel Marie-Christine , Hill Caroline S.
Published: February 2012

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathway is critical for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, and impaired BMP signalling has been implicated in multiple diseases. Molecular tools have been developed to visualise BMP activity in vivo and these have allowed a better understanding of the intricate ways in which BMP activity is regulated spatially. In particular, generation and interpretation of BMP activity gradients during development result from the complex interplay between core BMP signalling components and specific regulators. In this essay we discuss the mechanisms by which spatial regulation of BMP activity is achieved and its functional consequences.
Engineered riboswitches: Expanding researchers' toolbox with synthetic RNA regulators
Authors: Wittmann Alexander , Suess Beatrix
Published: February 2012

Riboswitches are natural RNA‐based genetic switches that sense small‐molecule metabolites and regulate in response the expression of the corresponding metabolic genes. Within the last years, several engineered riboswitches have been developed that act on various stages of gene expression. These switches can be engineered to respond to any ligand of choice and are therefore of great interest for synthetic biology. In this review, we present an overview of engineered riboswitches and discuss their application in conditional gene expression systems. We will provide structural and mechanistic insights and point out problems and recent trends in the development of engineered riboswitches.
Heat transport by laminar boundary layer flow with polymers
Authors: Benzi Roberto , Ching Emily S. C. , Chu Vivien W. S.
Published: February 2012

Motivated by recent experimental observations, we consider a steady-state boundary layer flow with polymers in forced convection above a heated plate and study how the heat transport might be affected by the polymers. We discuss how a set of equations can be derived for the problem and how these equations can be solved numerically by an iterative scheme. By carrying out such a scheme, we find that the effect of the polymers is equivalent to producing a space-dependent effective viscosity that first increases from the zero-shear value at the plate then decreases rapidly back to the zero-shear value far from the plate. We further show that such an effective viscosity leads to a decrease in the streamwise velocity near the plate, which in turn leads to a reduction in heat transport.
Impact of age on leptin and adiponectin independent of adiposity
Authors: Schautz Britta , Later Wiebke , Heller Martin , Peters Achim , Müller Manfred J. , Bosy-Westphal Anja
Published: February 2012

Age-related changes in leptin and adiponectin levels remain controversial, being affected by inconsistent normalisation for adiposity and body fat distribution in the literature. In a cross-sectional study on 210 Caucasians (127 women, eighty-three men, 18–78 years, BMI 16·8–46·8 kg/m2), we investigated the effect of age on adipokine levels independent of fat mass (FM measured by densitometry), visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes (VAT and SAT assessed by whole-body MRI). Adiponectin levels increased with age in both sexes, whereas leptin levels decreased with age in women only. There was an age-related increase in VAT (as a percentage of total adipose tissue, VAT%TAT), associated with a decrease in SATlegs%TAT. Adiposity was the main predictor of leptin levels, with 75·1 % of the variance explained by %FM in women and 76·6 % in men. Independent of adiposity, age had a minor contribution to the variance in leptin levels (5·2 % in women only). The variance in adiponectin levels explained by age was 14·1 % in women and 5·1 % in men. In addition, independent and inverse contributions to the variance in adiponectin levels were found for truncal SAT (explaining additional 3·0 % in women and 9·1 % in men) and VAT%TAT (explaining additional 13·0 % in men). In conclusion, age-related changes in leptin and adiponectin levels are opposite to each other and partly independent of adiposity and body fat distribution. Normalisation for adiposity but not for body fat distribution is required for leptin. Adiponectin levels are adversely affected by subcutaneous and visceral trunk fat.
Interrelated effects of dihomo-γ-linolenic and arachidonic acids, and sesamin on hepatic fatty acid synthesis and oxidation in rats
Authors: Ide Takashi , Ono Yoshiko , Kawashima Hiroshi , Kiso Yoshinobu
Published: February 2012

Interrelated effects of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), and sesamin, a sesame lignan, on hepatic fatty acid synthesis and oxidation were examined in rats. Rats were fed experimental diets supplemented with 0 or 2 g/kg sesamin (1:1 mixture of sesamin and episesamin), containing 100 g/kg of maize oil or fungal oil rich in DGLA or ARA for 16 d. Among the groups fed sesamin-free diets, oils rich in DGLA or ARA, especially the latter, compared with maize oil strongly reduced the activity and mRNA levels of various lipogenic enzymes. Sesamin, irrespective of the type of fat, reduced the parameters of lipogenic enzymes except for malic enzyme. The type of dietary fat was rather irrelevant in affecting hepatic fatty acid oxidation among rats fed the sesamin-free diets. Sesamin increased the activities of enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation in all groups of rats given different fats. The extent of the increase depended on the dietary fat type, and the values became much higher with a diet containing sesamin and oil rich in ARA in combination than with a diet containing lignan and maize oil. Analyses of mRNA levels revealed that the combination of sesamin and oil rich in ARA compared with the combination of lignan and maize oil markedly increased the gene expression of various peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation enzymes but not mitochondrial enzymes. The enhancement of sesamin action on hepatic fatty acid oxidation was also confirmed with oil rich in DGLA but to a lesser extent.
Symplectic cobordisms and the strong Weinstein conjecture
Authors: GEIGES HANSJÖRG , ZEHMISCH KAI
Published: February 2012

We study holomorphic spheres in certain symplectic cobordisms and derive information about periodic Reeb orbits in the concave end of these cobordisms from the non-compactness of the relevant moduli spaces. We use this to confirm the strong Weinstein conjecture (predicting the existence of null-homologous Reeb links) for various higher-dimensional contact manifolds, including contact type hypersurfaces in subcritical Stein manifolds and in some cotangent bundles. The quantitative character of this result leads to the definition of a symplectic capacity.
Proving the validity of equations in GSOS languages using rule-matching bisimilarity
Authors: ACETO LUCA , CIMINI MATTEO , INGOLFSDOTTIR ANNA
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a bisimulation-based method for establishing the soundness of equations between terms constructed using operations whose semantics are specified by rules in the GSOS format of Bloom, Istrail and Meyer. The method is inspired by de Simone's FH-bisimilarity and uses transition rules as schematic transitions in a bisimulation-like relation between open terms. The soundness of the method is proved and examples showing its applicability are provided. The proposed bisimulation-based proof method is incomplete, but we do offer some completeness results for restricted classes of GSOS specifications. An extension of the proof method to the setting of GSOS languages with predicates is also offered.
Understanding the concept of a “good death” among bereaved family caregivers of cancer patients in Singapore
Authors: Lee Geok Ling , Woo Ivan Mun Hong , Goh Cynthia
Published: March 2012

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the concept of a good death from the perspectives of both the dying person and the family caregiver, as perceived by bereaved family caregivers of advanced cancer patients.

Method:

The data were gathered from five focus group discussions and one face-to-face qualitative interview conducted over 8 months among 18 bereaved family caregivers recruited from a local hospice. The transcripts of the focus groups and the interview were entered into NVivo Version 8 and were analyzed using the thematic approach.

Results:

A good death may be understood as having the biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects of life handled well at the end of life. Five major themes were identified. These were preparation for death, family and social relationships, moments at or near death, comfort and physical care, and spiritual well-being. Differences were also noted in what is important at the end of life between the patients and caregivers. Having a quick death with little suffering was perceived to be good by the patient, but the family caregiver wanted to be able to say a final goodbye to the patient. Patients tend to prefer not to die in their children's presence but the children wished to be present for the final moment. In addition, family caregivers reported it was important for them to be able to give the patients permission to die, to feel recognized for the efforts made, and to have had a fulfilling caregiving experience.

Significance of results:

Whereas there are global attributes of a good death, our findings suggest that patients and family caregivers may define a good death differently. Therefore, there is a need to respect, address, and reconcile the differences, so that all parties may have a good experience at the end of a person's life.
Rekrutierung, Implementation und Aufhörrate eines Rauchstopp-Kurses für Jugendliche
Authors: Bühler Anneke , Wegmann Lena , Schmidt Annette , Thrul Johannes , Strunk Mareike , Lang Peter
Published: February 2012

Fragestellung: Es besteht ein Bedarf nach effektiven, jugendspezifischen Rauchstopp-Angeboten. Inwiefern kann das schulbasierte Rauchstopp-Programm losgelöst die Zielgruppe erreichen und bundesweit umgesetzt werden? Methodik: Die Studie hat ein Ein-Gruppen-Prä-Post-Design und wertet Daten von 2 754 Jugendlichen aus 24 meist Haupt- und Realschulen sowie von 22 Kursleitungen und 139 Kursteilnehmenden aus. Rekrutierungsrate, Teilnehmermerkmale, Bewertung und Aufhörrate werden nach Schultyp und Geschlecht verglichen. Ergebnisse: An 73,3 % der anvisierten 30 Schulen (n = 22) fand mindestens ein Kurs statt, 18,9 % der rauchenden bzw. 48,8 % der aufhörwilligen rauchenden Jugendlichen wurden erreicht (n = 139). Losgelöst wurde von Teilnehmenden und Kursleitungen sehr positiv beurteilt, eine Haltequote von 72 % wurde erreicht (n = 101). Während des Kurses hören 30,2 % der Jugendlichen (n = 42) mit dem Rauchen auf (intention-to-treat-Analyse), weitere 37,7 % (n = 51) reduzierten die Konsummenge um die Hälfte. Am Ende der Nachbetreuungsphase von vier Wochen waren 24,4 % (n = 34) rauchfrei. Akzeptanz und Aufhörrate differierten nicht zwischen Schultyp oder Geschlecht. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Studie erbrachte Hinweise darauf, dass mit losgelöst ein Rauchstopp-Programm zur Verfügung steht, das gut implementierbar ist, rauchende Jugendliche erreicht und sowohl von ihnen als auch von den durchführenden Fachkräften akzeptiert wird.
Arbeitsweise und Wirksamkeit einer Telefonberatung für Tabakentwöhnung
Authors: Lindinger Peter , Strunk Mareike , Nübling Matthias , Lang Peter
Published: February 2012

Hintergrund: Wirksame und leicht zugängliche Ausstiegsangebote können dazu beitragen, die Rauchprävalenz und damit einhergehende tabakbedingte Morbidität und Mortalität zu senken. Telefonische Raucherberatung mit Rückrufen während der Ausstiegsphase gilt als dafür besonders geeignete Form der Tabakentwöhnung. Methode: Die Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) bietet interessierten Anrufern eine proaktive Beratung mit fünf Folgeanrufen an. Einmalig beratene Anrufer ohne Folgeanrufe bilden die Kontrollgruppe. Untersucht wurde das Rauchverhalten beider Gruppen nach drei und 12 Monaten. Alle Daten wurden telefonisch erhoben. Ergebnisse: Die Anrufer sind überwiegend stark abhängige Raucher (M = 21,5 Zig./Tag; FTND = 5,33). Nach 3 Monaten unterscheidet sich die 30-Tage-Punktprävalenz der proaktiv beratenen Gruppe deutlich von der der Kontrollgruppe (22,3 % vs. 11,1 %, p = .010). Nach einem Jahr war proaktive Beratung mit mindestens drei zusätzlichen Beratungsgesprächen wirksamer als eine einmalige oder weniger intensive proaktive Beratung (Punktprävalenz: 34,4 % vs. 21,3 %, p = .024). Schlussfolgerungen: Proaktive Beratung ist eine wirksame Unterstützung und führt bei etwa jedem dritten Anrufer mit mindestens drei Folgeanrufen zu längerfristiger Abstinenz.
Leader Self-Concept and Self-Interested Behavior
Authors: Wisse Barbara , Rus Diana
Published: March 2012

An abundance of ethical violations on the part of organizational leaders prompted the debate about the need for ethical leadership. Moreover, it spawned research interest in understanding the conditions that may prompt some leaders to pursue their own interests at the expense of their group, whereas others do not. This study explored whether the interplay between leader self-construal and leader power may explain this phenomenon. Across one laboratory experiment and one organizational survey, we showed that leader power interacted with leader self-construal in predicting leader self-serving behavior. Overall, our studies suggest that leader self-construal substantially shapes leader internal states and goals, and that the effects hereof on self-interested behavior are strengthened under conditions of high power.
Direct measurements of DMS flux from Antarctic fast sea ice to the atmosphere by a chamber technique
Authors: Nomura Daiki , Koga Seizi , Kasamatsu Nobue , Shinagawa Hideo , Simizu Daisuke , Wada Makoto , Fukuchi Mitsuo
Published: February 2012

We present the first direct measurements of dimethylsulfide (DMS) emissions from Antarctic sea ice to the atmosphere during the seasonal warming period obtained using a chamber technique. Estimated DMS fluxes measured over the snow and superimposed ice (ice formed by the freezing of snow meltwater) were from 0.1 to 0.3 μmol m−2 d−1. The DMS fluxes measured directly over the sea‐ice slush layer after removal of the snow and superimposed ice, ranged from 0.1 to 5.3 μmol m−2 d−1, were large compared to those measured over the snow and superimposed ice. The DMS concentrations in slush water ranged from 1.0 to 103.7 nM. The DMS fluxes increased with increasing DMS concentrations in slush water. Our results indicate that the potential DMS flux measured over the slush layer occurred originally from the slush layer, and was dependent on the DMS concentrations in slush water. However, snow accumulation and the formation of superimposed ice over the slush layer significantly blocks the diffusion of DMS to the atmosphere, with the result that DMS tends to accumulate in the slush layer although the removal process of DMS by photolysis reaction can modify the DMS flux from the slush layer. Hence, the slush layer has the potential to release the DMS to the atmosphere and ocean when the snow and superimposed ice melts.
Seasonal circulation and temperature variability near the North West Cape of Australia
Authors: Lowe Ryan J. , Ivey Gregory N. , Brinkman Richard M. , Jones Nicole L.
Published: February 2012

The circulation and temperature variability on the inner shelf near the North West Cape of Australia off Ningaloo Reef was investigated using field data obtained from two moorings deployed from 2004 to 2009. The results revealed that alongshore currents on the inner shelf were, on average, only weakly influenced by the offshore poleward (southward) Leeuwin Current flow, i.e., monthly averaged alongshore current velocities were ∼0.1 m s−1 or less. The presence of a consistent summer‐time wind‐driven equatorward (northward) counter flow on the inner‐shelf (referred to in the literature as the Ningaloo Current) was not observed. Instead, the shelf waters were strongly influenced year‐round by episodic subtidal current fluctuations (time scale 1–2 weeks) that were driven by local wind‐forcing. Analysis of the current profiles showed that periods of strong equatorward winds were able to overcome the dominant poleward pressure gradient in the region, leading to upwelling on the inner‐shelf. Contrary to prior belief, these events were not limited to summer periods. The forcing provided by these periodic wind events and the associated alongshore flows can explain much of the observed temperature variability (with timescales < 1 month) that influences Ningaloo Reef.
Seismic attenuation in glacial ice: A proxy for englacial temperature
Authors: Peters L. E. , Anandakrishnan S. , Alley R. B. , Voigt D. E.
Published: February 2012

Seismic attenuation α, or internal friction Q−1, in glacial ice is highly sensitive to temperature, particularly near the melting point. Here we detail a technique to estimate Q and apply it to active source seismic data from Jakobshavn Isbrae, Greenland. We compare our results to measured and modeled temperature profiles of the ice in the region. We find an excellent match, with differences between seismically estimated and modeled temperatures of less than 2°C. Mapping variations in seismic Q through glacial ice thus is shown to allow detailed estimation of englacial temperature profiles, which may be of special value in regions where in situ measurements are logistically difficult.
Statistical modeling of plasmaspheric hiss amplitude using solar wind measurements and geomagnetic indices
Authors: Golden D. I. , Spasojevic M. , Li W. , Nishimura Y.
Published: February 2012

Plasmaspheric hiss plays a major role in the scattering and loss of electrons from the Earth's radiation belts, thereby contributing to the maintenance of the slot region between the inner and outer electron belt. As such, models of radiation belt dynamics require accurate estimates of hiss amplitudes. We present a straightforward empirical model, based on THEMIS data from June 2008 through December 2010, which uses multiple regression to predict observed equatorial hiss amplitudes on the three magnetospheric THEMIS probes as a function of L and MLT. The model utilizes solar wind measurements (e.g., dynamic pressure and IMF) and geomagnetic indices (e.g., AE and SYM‐H) as model inputs. This model explains on average 26% of the variance of hiss amplitude observed on THEMIS. We present example output of the model for a minor geomagnetic storm that reveals, for the first time, the evolution of plasmaspheric hiss amplitude as a function of storm phase.
Steric and allosteric factors prevent simultaneous binding of transferrin-binding proteins A and B to transferrin
Authors: Silva Leslie P. , Yu Rong-hua , Calmettes Charles , Yang Xue , Moraes Trevor F. , Schriemer David C. , Schryvers Anthony B.
Published: February 2012

The ability to acquire iron directly from host Tf (transferrin) is an adaptation common to important bacterial pathogens belonging to the Pasteurellaceae, Moraxellaceae and Neisseriaceae families. A surface receptor comprising an integral outer membrane protein, TbpA (Tf-binding protein A), and a surface-exposed lipoprotein, TbpB (Tf-binding protein B), mediates the iron acquisition process. TbpB is thought to extend from the cell surface for capture of Tf to initiate the process and deliver Tf to TbpA. TbpA functions as a gated channel for the passage of iron into the periplasm. In the present study we have mapped the effect of TbpA from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae on pTf (porcine Tf) using H/DX-MS (hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled to MS) and compare it with a previously determined binding site for TbpB. The proposed TbpA footprint is adjacent to and potentially overlapping the TbpB-binding site, and induces a structural instability in the TbpB site. This suggests that simultaneous binding to pTf by both receptors would be hindered. We demonstrate that a recombinant TbpB lacking a portion of its anchor peptide is unable to form a stable ternary TbpA–pTf–TbpB complex. This truncated TbpB does not bind to a preformed Tf–TbpA complex, and TbpA removes pTf from a preformed Tf–TbpB complex. Thus the results of the present study support a model whereby TbpB ‘hands-off’ pTf to TbpA, which completes the iron removal and transport process.
Magnetic and structural transitions in the iron-chalcogenide high-Tc superconductor: K0.8Fe1.76Se2.00
Authors: Rowan-Weetaluktuk W. N. , Ryan D. H. , Cadogan J. M. , Hu R. , Bud’ko S. L. , Canfield P. C.
Published: March 2012

57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to study single-crystals of K0.8Fe1.76Se2.00 from 6 K to 673 K. At 6 K, the hyperfine field (Bhf) is canted away from the c-axis by 18 ± 3°. The temperature dependence of Bhf follows a spin wave model with a spin excitation gap of 9 ± 1 meV. A sudden increase in the linewidth and a corresponding drop in (1/2)eQVzz at TN = 532 K are indications of strong coupling between the magnetic and structural transitions.
Kinetic cascade beyond magnetohydrodynamics of solar wind turbulence in two-dimensional hybrid simulations
Authors: Verscharen D. , Marsch E. , Motschmann U. , Müller J.
Published: February 2012

The nature of solar wind turbulence in the dissipation range at scales much smaller than the large magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) scales remains under debate. Here, a two-dimensional model based on the hybrid code abbreviated as A.I.K.E.F. is presented, which treats massive ions as particles obeying the kinetic Vlasov equation and massless electrons as a neutralizing fluid. Up to a certain wavenumber in the MHD regime, the numerical system is initialized by assuming a superposition of isotropic Alfvén waves with amplitudes that follow the empirically confirmed spectral law of Kolmogorov. Then, turbulence develops and energy cascades into the dispersive spectral range, where also dissipative effects occur. Under typical solar wind conditions, weak turbulence develops as a superposition of normal modes in the kinetic regime. Spectral analysis in the direction parallel to the background magnetic field reveals a cascade of left-handed Alfvén/ion-cyclotron waves up to wave vectors where their resonant absorption sets in, as well as a continuing cascade of right-handed fast-mode and whistler waves. Perpendicular to the background field, a broad turbulent spectrum is found to be built up of fluctuations having a strong compressive component. Ion-Bernstein waves seem to be possible normal modes in this propagation direction for lower driving amplitudes. Also, signatures of short-scale pressure-balanced structures (very oblique slow-mode waves) are found.
The band alignment of Cu2O/ZnO and Cu2O/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Kramm B. , Laufer A. , Reppin D. , Kronenberger A. , Hering P. , Polity A. , Meyer B. K.
Published: February 2012

Using photoelectron spectroscopy, we investigate the band alignments of the Cu2O/ZnO heterointerface and compare the findings with the corresponding values for Cu2O/GaN. While for Cu2O/ZnO, we find a valence band offset (VBO) of 2.17 eV and a conduction band offset (CBO) of 0.97 eV, both values are considerably reduced for Cu2O/GaN where the numbers are 1.47 eV (VBO) and 0.24 eV (CBO), respectively. The large CBO between ZnO and Cu2O will very likely result in low photovoltaic power conversion efficiencies as is the current status of Cu2O/ZnO solar cells.
Effect of annealing ambient and temperature on the electrical characteristics of atomic layer deposition Al2O3/In0.53Ga0.47As metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors and MOSFETs
Authors: Hu Jenny , Philip Wong H.-S.
Published: February 2012

In this work, we investigate the effect of forming gas annealing (FGA) on n-type and p-type In0.53Ga0.47As MOS capacitors with atomic layer deposition (ALD) Al2O3 high-κ dielectric. The as-deposited samples have a significant amount of fixed charge in the bulk of the gate dielectric and at the dielectric/semiconductor interface, which causes the flatband voltage (VFB) to have an oxide thickness dependent shift. Through FGA, we successfully (1) reduce the amount of bulk and interface fixed charge in the Al2O3, and (2) improve the Al2O3/InGaAs interface. The reduction in fixed charge is verified through an alignment of the VFB across all dielectric thicknesses. The gate stack improvement is qualitatively illustrated through a sharper capacitance-voltage (C-V) curve and quantitatively verified through a reduction of the interface trap density (DIT). The effect of the annealing temperature (300–400 °C) and ambient (N2 and forming gas (FG)) are investigated in detail through electrical characterization by C-V, I-V, DIT, fixed charge density (QF), and interface sheet charge (QIT) measurements. We find that there exists a trade-off where higher annealing temperatures result in a lower DIT, but comes at the cost of higher gate leakage. Furthermore, by comparing the effect of annealing in inert N2 versus FG, we are able to distinguish the effect of hydrogen in the FGA from the purely thermal effects of annealing. We discover that hydrogen passivation of dangling bonds and border traps is responsible for improving the interfacial properties, while the thermal budget is responsible for minimizing the fixed charge. Finally, we study the benefit of FGA on InGaAs nMOSFET device performance and demonstrate that the on-current increases by 25% after annealing at 350 °C for 30 min. A thorough understanding of the impact of FGA is crucial for threshold voltage tuning and improvement of the InGaAs MOSFET gate stack.
Synthesis of visible light emitting self assembled Ge nanocrystals embedded within a SiO2 matrix
Authors: Hernández-Hernández A. , Rangel-Kuoppa V. T. , Plach Thomas , De Moure-Flores F. , Quiñones-Galván J. G. , Santoyo-Salazar J. , Zapata-Torres M. , Hernández-Hernández L. A. , Meléndez-Lira M.
Published: March 2012

As-grown light emitting self-assembled Ge nanocrystals (Ge-NCs) embedded in a SiO2 matrix were produced via a sequential deposition process of SiO2/Ge/SiO2 layers employing a reactive radio frequency sputtering technique. Obtained Ge-NCs show a crystallographic phase, the proportion, size, quality, and specific orientation of which are determined by the oxygen partial pressure. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicate that the size distribution of Ge-NCs is reduced and centered on about 8 nm when higher oxygen partial pressure is employed; the formation of Ge-NCs is corroborated by transmission electron microscopy measurements, and their sizes are consistent with estimates from PL measurements. Resistivity measurements are explained by a near neighbors hopping process, with specific features depending on the Ge-NCs’ size. The features of PL and resistivity measurements indicate that there is no appreciable dependence of the number of interfacial defects on the oxygen partial pressure.
A 17 T horizontal field cryomagnet with rapid sample change designed for beamline use
Authors: Holmes Alexander T. , Walsh Gary R. , Blackburn Elizabeth , Forgan Edward M. , Savey-Bennett Marc
Published: February 2012

We describe a new 17 T cryomagnet for neutron, x-ray or optical experiments with rapid in situ sample change. Sample temperatures are controllable from below 2 K to 300 K in vacuum. Alternatively a room temperature bore insert can be used for experiments at the field center under atmospheric conditions. Some of the advantages of this system include very low background scattering due to the small amount of material in the beam path, rapid cooldown, and fast field ramping. Access is available in a ±10° − 11° cone around the field direction on both sides.
Gain in two stream free electron laser with planar wiggler and ion-channel guiding
Authors: Saviz S. , Rezaei Z. , Aghamir Farzin M.
Published: February 2012

The theory of two-stream free electron lasers (FELs) consisting of a relativistic two stream electron beam transported along the axis of a planar wiggler in the presence of an ion-channel guiding was proposed and investigated. The electron trajectories and the small signal gain are derived. The characteristics of the linear gain and the normalized maximum gain are studied numerically. The comparison of the normalized gains by employing the axial magnetic field and ion-channel guiding in FEL has been studied numerically. The result shows that the maximum gain of the two-stream FEL is more than ten times stronger than conventional gain. Numerical results shown that in two-stream FEL with ion-channel guiding, the maximum value of maximum gain occurs at special range of two electron beam energy difference (Δγ = γ2 − γ1) and energy ratio (γ1/γ2). The results show that the normalized maximum gain in FEL with axial magnetic field is more than 20 times larger than that for using ion-channel guiding.