bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endemic characteristics of infantile visceral leishmaniasis in the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Fu Qing , Li Shi-Zhu , Wu Wei-Ping , Hou Yan-Yan , Zhang Song , Feng Yu , Zhang Li-Ping , Tang Lin-Hua
Published: May 2013

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was once a severe parasitic disease in China. Thanks to the great efforts of integrated control, VL was eliminated in most epidemic areas, except for certain western provinces (autonomous region) at the end of 1950s. From then on, VL gained less attention and has seemed to spread, especially in the last 15 years. Infants are the most important population threatened by VL. However, there have been few studies on the endemic characteristics of infantile VL in China.

Methods

Infantile VL cases were collected from the online National Infectious Diseases Reporting System (NIDRS). Statistical description and inference was used to reveal the endemic characteristics in gender, age group, time and regionalism. Spatial analysis was carried out to explore the high risk area for infantile VL in China.

Results

A total of 1093 infantile VL cases were reported from 2006 to 2012. There was no statistically significant difference in gender over time. The minimum, maximum and mean age of these cases was 1.1, 35.9 and 13.8 months, respectively. Among them 86.92% were under 2 years of age, and there was a statistically significant difference among age groups over time. An incidence peak appeared in 2008-2009, most cases were distributed in the months September to December, and there was a tail-raising effect in the coming two months of the next year. More than 98% of cases were reported in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Gansu Province and Sichuan Province, accounting for 61.02%, 32.75% and 4.57%, respectively. A total of 56 counties reported infantile VL cases, with the cumulative incidence ranging from 0.02 to 24.57%. There were two main zones of high endemicity for infantile VL in China. The monthly incidence clearly coincides with the number of towns where infantile VL cases were reported. Three fatalities were reported during the study period, the case fatality rate was 2.75‰.

Conclusions

The endemic situation of infantile VL is serious, and there are several active foci of infantile VL prevalence in China. VL has emerged as a severe threat to infants of endemic regions in China.
Attitudes of young adults from the UK towards organ donation and transplantation
Authors: Coad Laura , Carter Noel , Ling Jonathan
Published: May 2013

Background

This study examines the attitudes of young British adults towards donating their own organs and those of their family members.

Methods

An opportunity sample of 119 participants (65 female) completed an attitude questionnaire.

Results

Most participants were in favour of donation though substantially fewer had signed up to the organ donation register. A minority of participants was aware of the proposed opt-out system for donation.

Conclusions

The results from this study corroborate and extend previous work in that more participants were prepared to receive an organ than donate one. Knowing someone who had donated an organ was associated with a more positive attitude towards donation. Implications for policy are discussed.
Development and validation of stability-indicating UPLC method for the determination of lafutidine and its impurities in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Joshi Aniket S , Warghude Nilesh , Deshmukh Sanjay , Jadhav Sanjay A , Bembalkar Saroj R
Published: May 2013

Background

A simple and rapid stability-indicating, reversed phase ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was developed for the quantitative determination of lafutidine and its four potential impurities.

Results

Separation was achieved on Acquity BEH-shield RP18 UPLC column (3.0 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) under the gradient mode of elution by using mobile phase A (0.02M diammonium hydrogen phosphate/acetonitrile, 80:20 v/v) and mobile phase B (0.02M diammonium hydrogen phosphate/acetonitrile, 30:70 v/v). The flow rate was maintained at 0.5 mL min−1. UV detection was carried out at 276 nm.

Conclusions

Stability-indicating capability of the developed method is established by analyzing forced degradation samples in which the spectral purity of lafutidine is ascertained along with the separation of degradation products from analyte peak. The developed UPLC method is validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines with respect to system suitability, specificity, precision, sensitivity, accuracy, linearity, and robustness.
New Accountability, New Challenges: Improving Treatment Reporting to a Tumor Registry
Authors: Bickell Nina A. , Wellner Jill , Franco Rebeca , McAlearney Ann Scheck
Published: May 2013

The authors undertook a solutions-focused exercise to identify reporting barriers and devise a pilot improvement intervention.
Information Technology Interventions to Improve Cancer Care Quality: A Report From the American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Care Symposium
Authors: Kurian Allison W. , Edge Stephen B.
Published: May 2013

Emerging IT approaches to quality improvement must encompass data integration across diverse EMR systems and practice settings, demonstration of sufficient added value to justify development and implementation, and enhancement of patient-provider communication.
Identifying Tools and Strategies to Provide Quality Oncology Care
Authors: Ganz Patricia A.
Published: May 2013

This session of the ASCO Quality Symposium provided an opportunity to examine a variety of research and quality improvement strategies aimed at improving the quality of cancer care along the continuum.
Re-Engineering a Small Oncology Practice for Quality Using the ASCO Quality Oncology Practice Initiative
Authors: Hendricks Carolyn B.
Published: May 2013

The field of quality improvement is expanding rapidly, and small oncology practices need to adapt and rise to future challenges. Additional quality measures from ASCO and other organizations will likely focus on palliative care, the Top Five, and electronic measures.
From the First Visit On: Information Technology and Communication
Authors: Hoverman J. Russell
Published: May 2013

The oncology community has found that communication is key to the patient's quality of life, the well-being of family members, hospice enrollment, and costs. The challenge is to make these conversations happen.
It's Not the Model that Matters—Still Lost in Transition
Authors: Kappel Michael L.
Published: May 2013

To improve integration of care across the spectrum, oncologists can engage survivors through patient-centered clinical practice and use survivorship care plans to support care coordination.
Data-Driven Transformation to an Oncology Patient–Centered Medical Home
Authors: Sprandio John D. , Flounders Brian P. , Lowry Maureen , Tofani Susan
Published: May 2013

As the use of EMR systems increases, new standardized quality measures that incorporate patient- and payer-centric outcomes need to be developed, and data must be collected in a manner that will not distract the physician-led care team from the delivery of quality patient care.
From Craft to Profession: The Path to Highly Predictable Cancer Care
Authors: Jacobson Joseph O.
Published: May 2013

If implemented thoughtfully and respectfully, improvement science can be introduced into routine care, and when paired to changes in delivery systems, high-value cancer care provided with high predictability will be achievable.
Accountable Care Organizations and the Practice of Oncology
Authors: Bernstein Steven J.
Published: May 2013

Oncologists must decide how to work with accountable care organizations while ensuring high-quality care to their patients and controlling the growth of health care expenditures.
“The Feminine Arm of the Law”: Police Wives, Policewomen, and Gender Politics in the Chicago Police Department, 1950 – 1984
Authors: Adams Megan
Published: May 2013

In the late twentieth century, rank-and-file members of the Chicago police struggled to organize civil rights and labor protests against the city and police department. Police wives joined them in this effort and, because they were not subject to department rules or discipline, often served as proxies for the police during workplace disputes. Developing their own series of organizations, police wives staged protests and ran petition drives in support of their husbands' initiatives. They also focused on improved police safety—an effort they said would keep police wives from becoming police widows. When Chicago policewomen went out on patrol with policemen for the first time in 1974, Chicago's police wives rallied to oppose gender equality for policewomen. Arguing that policewomen posed a safety hazard to policemen on the job, police wives also feared that the allure of policewomen would destroy their marriages. As defenders of male privilege in the police department, police wives supported a sex-segregated workplace where policewomen did their jobs as “mothers.” At the same time, they demanded an equal voice in police department politics by drawing on their status and power as wives.
Influence of Supporting Electrolyte on the Electrochemical Oxidation of Formic Acid on Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes
Authors: Fierro Stéphane , Honda Yuki , Einaga Yasuaki
Published: May 2013

The influence of support electrolyte on the electrochemical degradation of formic acid was studied on boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. Experimental data are compared with a theoretical model, which is based on organic degradation via hydroxyl radicals under current or mass transport controlled regimes depending on the difference between the applied and limiting current. The kinetics of the different reactions involved in the process is also briefly studied. It is shown that when sulfuric acid is used as support electrolyte, the reactions involving electro-generated peroxodisulfate anions during the degradation of formic acid are highly dependent on temperature. For this reason, the influence on the overall process of the chemical reaction between these anions and formic acid tends to increase with increasing temperatures and when the electrolysis becomes controlled by mass transport. However, it is proven that degradation of formic acid in the bulk occurs under current controlled regime as well. Furthermore, it is shown that the use of sulfuric acid as support electrolyte enhances the degradation of formic acid at high temperatures and when the process is controlled by mass transfer compared to other inert support electrolytes.
Successive Formation of Two Amide Linkages between Two Benzene Rings
Authors: Yokoyama Akihiro , Karasawa Makoto , Taniguchi Masahisa , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: May 2013

To successively construct two amide bonds between two benzene rings, the reaction of methyl N-alkylanthranilate and N-alkylisatoic anhydride in the presence of a base was studied. When the reaction was carried out with lithium hexamethyldisilazide and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine in THF at 70 °C under reduced pressure, a cyclic diamide was obtained in high yield.
Synthesis of 1,6′-Bi- and 1,6′:3,6′′-Terazulenes from 1-Pyridyl- and 1,3-Di(pyridyl)azulenes by the Ziegler–Hafner Method
Authors: Shoji Taku , Yamamoto Atsuyo , Shimomura Erika , Maruyama Mitsuhisa , Ito Shunji , Okujima Tetsuo , Toyota Kozo , Morita Noboru
Published: May 2013

The synthesis of 1,6′-biazulenes 3a and 3b and 1,6′:3,6′′-terazulenes 7a and 7b was established by one-pot reactions via the Zincke-type ring-opening of the corresponding pyridinium salts with diethylamine, followed by the reaction with cyclopentadiene in the presence of sodium methoxide. The intramolecular charge-transfer characters between azulene rings were investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
Hsp90 facilitates accurate loading of precursor piRNAs into PIWI proteins
Authors: Izumi Natsuko , Kawaoka Shinpei , Yasuhara Satoshi , Suzuki Yutaka , Sugano Sumio , Katsuma Susumu , Tomari Yukihide
Published: May 2013

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) defend the genome against transposon activity in animal gonads. The Hsp90 chaperone machinery has been implicated in the piRNA pathway, but its exact role remains obscure. Here, we examined the effect of 17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), an Hsp90-specific inhibitor, on the piRNA pathway. In the silkworm ovary-derived BmN4 cells, 17-AAG treatment reduced the level of piRNAs and PIWI proteins. In vitro, the 5′-nucleotide preference upon precursor piRNA loading was compromised by 17-AAG, whereas 3′-end trimming and 2′-O-methylation were unaffected. Our data highlight a role of Hsp90 in accurate loading of precursor piRNAs into PIWI proteins.
Melatonin Ameliorates Injury and Specific Responses of Ischemic Striatal Neurons in Rats
Authors: Ma Yuxin , Feng Qiqi , Ma Jing , Feng Zhibo , Zhan Mali , OuYang Lisi , Mu Shuhua , Liu Bingbing , Jiang Zhuyi , Jia Yu , Li Youlan , Lei Wanlong
Published: May 2013

Studies have confirmed that middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) causes striatal injury in which oxidative stress is involved in the pathological mechanism. Increasing evidence suggests that melatonin may have a neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemic damage. This study aimed to examine the morphological changes of different striatal neuron types and the effect of melatonin on striatal injury by MCAO. The results showed that MCAO induced striatum-related dysfunctions of locomotion, coordination, and cognition, which were remarkably relieved with melatonin treatment. MCAO induced severe striatal neuronal apoptosis and loss, which was significantly decreased with melatonin treatment. Within the outer zone of the infarct, the number of Darpp-32+ projection neurons and the densities of dopamine-receptor-1 (D1)+ and dopamine-receptor-2 (D2)+ fibers were reduced; however, both parvalbumin (Parv)+ and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)+ interneurons were not significantly decreased in number, and neuropeptide Y (NPY)+ and calretinin (Cr)+ interneurons were even increased. With melatonin treatment, the loss of projection neurons and characteristic responses of interneurons were notably attenuated. The present study demonstrates that the projection neurons are rather vulnerable to ischemic damage, whereas the interneurons display resistance and even hyperplasia against injury. In addition, melatonin alleviates striatal dysfunction, neuronal loss, and morphological transformation of interneurons resulting from cerebral ischemia.
Diagnostic Value of Immunohistochemical Staining of GP73, GPC3, DCP, CD34, CD31, and Reticulin Staining in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yao Shuzhe , Zhang Jianping , Chen Haiyan , Sheng Yan , Zhang Xiaoying , Liu Zhiyan , Zhang Cuijuan
Published: May 2013

It has been reported that Golgi protein-73 (GP73), glypican-3 (GPC3), and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) could serve as serum markers for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate a panel of immunostaining markers (including GP73, GPC3, DCP, CD34, and CD31) as well as reticulin staining to distinguish HCC from the mimickers. Our results revealed that CD34 immunostaining and reticulin staining were highly sensitive for the diagnosis of HCC. A special immunoreaction pattern of GP73—a diffuse coarse-block pattern in a perinuclear region or a concentrated cluster-like or cord-like pattern in a certain part of the cytoplasm—was observed in HCC cells, in contrast to the cytoplasmic fine-granular pattern in surrounding non-tumor cells and non-malignant nodules. This coarse-block pattern correlated significantly with less differentiated HCC. In comparison, GPC3 displayed a good advantage in diagnosing well-differentiated HCC. In our study, DCP and CD31 showed little diagnostic value for HCC as an immunostaining marker. When GP73, GPC3, and CD34 were combined, the specificity improved to 96.6%. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that the immunohistochemical panel of GP73, GPC3, and CD34 as well as reticulin staining is highly specific for the pathological diagnosis of HCC.
Redetermination of the structure of 1,4-diethoxybenzene, C10H14O2
Authors: Islor Arun M. , Garudachari B. , Gerber Thomas , Hosten Eric , Betz Richard
Published: May 2013

C10H14O2, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 7.0647(2) Å, b = 7.4686(3) Å, c = 9.4212(3) Å, β = 110.615(2)°, V = 465.3 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0332, wRref(F2) = 0.0898, T = 200 K.
Redetermination of the crystal structure of (1R,2S)-2-((dimethylphenyl)- carbamoyl)-1-propylpiperidin-1-ium chloride monohydrate, C17H29ClN2O2
Authors: Dayananda Alaloor S. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Gerber Thomas , Hosten Eric , Betz Richard
Published: May 2013

C17H29ClN2O2, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 9.5140(5) Å, b = 7.2916(4) Å, c = 13.0720(8) Å, β = 97.658(2)°, V = 898.8 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0343, wRref(F2) = 0.0957, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of trans-1,4-di-(2-(allyloxyethyl)-cyclohexa-2,5-diene- 1,4-dicarboxylic acid, C18H24O6
Authors: Linker Torsten , Bramborg Andrea , Kelling Alexandra , Schilde Uwe
Published: May 2013

C18H24O6, triclinic, P1¯ (no. 2), a = 5.726(1) Å, b = 8.845(2) Å, c = 9.557(2) Å, α = 105.27(1)°, β = 102.76(1)°, γ = 103.49(1)°, V = 433.0 Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0412, wRref(F2) = 0.1075, T = 210 K.
Crystal structure of dibromidobis(3-phenylpyridine-κN)palladium(II), C22H18Br2N2Pd
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: May 2013

C22H18Br2N2Pd, triclinic, P1¯ (no. 2), a = 6.620(1) Å, b = 7.223(2) Å, c = 11.181(2) Å, α = 71.273(4)°, β = 89.765(4)°, γ = 76.928(4)°, V = 491.8 Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0306, wRref(F2) = 0.0868, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of trans-diiodidobis(4-phenylpyridine-κN)palladium(II), C22H18I2N2Pd
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: May 2013

C22H18I2N2Pd, orthorhombic, Pnnm (no. 58), a = 5.403(1) Å, b = 7.772(1) Å, c = 24.757(4) Å, V = 1039.6 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0352, wRref(F2) = 0.0829, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of cis-tetrabromidobis(4-phenylpyridine-κN) platinum(IV), C22H18Br4N2Pt
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: May 2013

C22H18Br4N2Pt, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.039(1) Å, b = 18.009(3) Å, c = 14.807(2) Å, β = 104.659(3)°, V = 2331.9 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0432, wRref(F2) = 0.1124, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of 1-(diphenylmethylene)-2-(thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridin- 2(3H)-ylidene)hydrazine, C19H14N4S
Authors: Ma Teng , Zhang Jun , Miao Shao-Bin
Published: May 2013

C19H14N4S, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 35.98(1) Å, b = 5.671(2) Å, c = 17.658(7) Å, β = 115.608(4)°, V = 3249 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0403, wRref(F2) = 0.1462, T = 296 K.
Nowhere Man
Authors: Frey Emily
Published: May 2013

In the opera that bears his name, Evgeny Onegin often seems remarkably inconsequential, a “superfluous man” among Russian society and nearly such in his own tale. Critics from Hermann Laroche to Catherine Clément have lamented not only the triviality of Evgeny's character but the flavorlessness of his music—a deficiency cast into relief by the compelling and pervasive musical presence of Tatiana, the too-eventual object of Evgeny's affections. This imbalance, a departure from Pushkin (whose Tatiana is ever sketchily drawn, and indeed almost mute), has often been attributed to Chaikovsky's well-publicized emotional identification with his heroine. Onegin's blankness thus becomes the product of a composerly flaw: Chaikovsky's inability to portray convincingly in music a character dissimilar to his own.

But the Evgeny Onegin Chaikovsky inherited was not only Pushkin's. It was a cultural palimpsest, a text written on and written over by virtually every major intellectual figure in nineteenth-century Russia. By the time Chaikovsky got his hands on them, Pushkin's heroes were entangled in some of the century's most urgent debates: about the ethics of action versus reflection, the slippage between public and private identities. This article traces the constructions of Evgeny and Tatiana in a series of nineteenth- century readings of Evgeny Onegin, examining the ways in which the opera responds to and transforms key questions from the reception history of the novel. Among the texts considered are works by Herzen, Belinsky, and Dostoevsky, whose (in)famous “Pushkin Speech” was the opera's nearexact contemporary. From these readings, and the myriad images of Evgeny and Tatiana they present, emerge insights into a broader discourse about the nature of subjectivity in Europe's only autocracy.
Bone quality, as measured by trabecular bone score, in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Eller-Vainicher Cristina , Filopanti Marcello , Palmieri Serena , Ulivieri Fabio Massimo , Morelli Valentina , Zhukouskaya Volha V , Cairoli Elisa , Pino Rosa , Naccarato Antonella , Verga Uberta , Scillitani Alfredo , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Chiodini Iacopo
Published: May 2013

Objective

In primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), vertebral fractures (VFx) occur regardless of bone mineral density (BMD) and may depend on decreased bone quality. Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a texture measurement acquired during a spinal dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Recently, TBS has been proposed as an index of bone micro-architecture.

Design

We studied 92 PHPT patients (74 females, age 62.1±9.7 years) and 98 control subjects. In all patients at baseline, in 20 surgically treated patients and in 10 conservatively treated patients after 24 months, TBS, spinal (lumbar spine (LS)) and femoral (total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FN)) BMD were assessed by DXA and VFx by spinal radiograph.

Results

PHPT patients had lower TBS (−2.39±1.8) and higher VFx prevalence (43.5%) than controls (−0.98±1.07 and 8.2% respectively, bothP<0.0001). TBS was associated with VFx (odds ratio 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.9,P=0.02), regardless of LS-BMD, age, BMI and gender, and showed a better compromise between sensitivity (75%) and specificity (61.5%) for detecting VFx than LS-BMD, TH-BMD and FN-BMD (31 and 75%, 72 and 44.2%, and 64 and 65% respectively). In surgically treated patients, TBS, LS-BMD, TH-BMD and FN-BMD increased (+47±44.8,+29.2±34.1,+49.4±48.7 and +30.2±39.3% respectively, allP<0.0001). Among patients treated conservatively, TBS decreased significantly in those (n=3) with incident VFx (−1.3±0.3) compared with those without (−0.01±0.9,P=0.048), while BMD changes were not statistically different (LS 0.3±1.2 vs −0.8±0.9 respectively,P=0.19; TH 0.4±0.8 vs −0.8±1.4 respectively,P=0.13 and FN 0.4±0.9 vs −0.8±1.4 respectively,P=0.14).

Conclusions

In PHPT, bone quality, as measured by TBS, is reduced and associated with VFx and improves after surgery.
Fresh Properties of Mortar made with Pozzolanic Cement and Water Reducers
Authors: Sosa María E. , Villagrán-Zaccardi Yury A. , Zega Claudio J. , Juan P.Peralta
Published: May 2013

Natural pozzolans are supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) that may be used to improve the properties of mortar and concrete, through the formation of additional hydration products by pozzolanic action. Water reducers (WR) play a main role in high performance concrete in terms of durability, strength and surface finishing. A first optimization of constituent proportions in paste and/or mortar is convenient to assess the compatibility between the WR and the cementitious materials. The compatibility between cement and WR may be affected by SCMs, as they can also interact with the molecules of the admixture. However, the practical implication may be variable. This paper deals with the influence of different types and dosages of WRs in mortars made with pozzolanic Portland cement. Both medium and high ranges WRs have been used. Mortar fluidity has been tested by the spread and the slump tests. Results show different fluidizing capacities of WRs, among which polycarboxylate-based WR was the most compatible with the pozzolanic cement.
On the Symmetry and Composition of Complex Intermetallics
Authors: Dshemuchadse Julia , Steurer Walter
Published: May 2013

Complex intermetallic structures can be found in many intermetallic systems and exhibit giant unit cells. They feature quite a number of peculiar structural and physical properties and have, until now, barely been treated in a unifying matter. We are following an integrated approach towards their description and categorization and are thereby formulating a fundamental definition of these very interesting and rather diverse compounds.
Tunning the Elastic Properties of Wrinkled Janus Particles
Authors: Trindade Ana Catarina , Canejo João Paulo , Godinho Maria Helena
Published: May 2013

The main objective of this work was to control and manipulate tuneable equilibrium structures in elastomeric spherical particles. The cross-linked urethane/urea polymeric spheres with two soft segments, polypropylene oxide and polybutadiene, were prepared by reacting a poly(propyleneoxide)-based triisocyanate-terminated prepolymer (PU) with poly(butadienediol) (PBDO), with different weight ratio. Wrinkling on elastomeric Janus spheres is induced by UV irradiation (λ=254 nm) and permanently imprinted by swelling the particles in an appropriate solvent, followed by drying. The surface tailoring of the Janus elastomeric spheres, found by SEM, is dependent on the PU/PBDO ratio and on the elastic properties of the particles.
Synthesis of new hybrid material based on copolymer and Pd-nanoparticles.
Authors: Ugalde M. , Chavira E. , Ochoa-Lara M. T. , Canseco M. A. , Zaragoza-Contreras E.A. , Quintanar C. , Gutiérrez-Nava M.
Published: May 2013

In this work, the synthesis of new hybrid material based on a poly (buthyl acrylate –co- vinyl formamide) copolymer using the emulsion polymerization and doped with Pd, is discussed. The copolymer structure was confirmed by FT-IR. Afterwards, Pd nanocrystals previously synthesized, resulting on a spherical shape of ~ 5 nm, as measured by High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), were deposited on the structure of the organic material. The films were analyzed using AFM and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), giving rise to a hybrid material that could be applied in areas such as nanolithography, catalysis, and sensors.
Optical Switching and Photoluminescence in Erbium Implanted Vanadium Dioxide Thin Films
Authors: Lim Herianto , Stavrias Nikolas , McCallum Jeffrey C. , Marvel Robert E. , Haglund Richard F.
Published: May 2013

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a promising material for an optical switch due to the ultrafast and reversible transition between its two phases with contrasting optical, as well as electronic, properties. Meanwhile, erbium (Er3+) has been a standard optical amplifier for the current fiber-optic communication system. Hence, a combination of the two could be expected to make an optical switch capable of simultaneous optical amplification. In the present work, the optical switching and photoluminescence of Er-implanted VO2 were successfully demonstrated. Post-implantation annealing at 800°C or above was seen crucial for the activation of the Er centers in the VO2 crystals.
Non radiative recombination centers in ZnO nanorods
Authors: Montenegro D. , Hortelano V. , Martínez O. , Martínez-Tomas M. C. , Sallet V. , Muñoz V. , Jiménez J.
Published: May 2013

Nowadays, the nature of the non radiative recombination centres in ZnO is a matter of controversy; they have been related to extended defects, zinc vacancy complexes, and surface defects, among other possible candidates. We present herein the optical characterization of catalyst free ZnO nanorods grown by atmospheric MOCVD by microRaman and cathodoluminescence spectroscopies. The correlation between the defect related Raman modes and the cathodoluminescence emission along the nanorods permits to establish a relation between the non radiative recombination centers and the defects responsible for the local Raman modes, which have been related to Zn interstitial complexes.
Influence of recent bark beetle outbreak on fire severity and postfire tree regeneration in montane Douglas‐fir forests
Authors: Harvey Brian J. , Donato Daniel C. , Romme William H. , Turner Monica G.
Published: May 2013

Understanding how disturbances interact to shape ecosystems is a key challenge in ecology. In forests of western North America, the degree to which recent bark beetle outbreaks and subsequent fires may be linked (e.g., outbreak severity affects fire severity) and/or whether these two disturbances produce compound effects on postfire succession is of widespread interest. These interactions remain unresolved, largely because field data from actual wildfires following beetle outbreaks are lacking. We studied the 2008 Gunbarrel Fire, which burned 27 200 ha in Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests that experienced a bark beetle outbreak 4–13 years prefire (“gray stage,” after trees have died and needles have dropped), to determine whether outbreak severity influenced subsequent fire severity and postfire tree regeneration. In 85 sample plots we recorded prefire stand structure and outbreak severity; multiple measures of canopy and forest‐floor fire severity; and postfire tree seedling density. Prefire outbreak severity was not related to any measure of fire severity except for mean bole scorch, which declined slightly with increasing outbreak severity. Instead, fire severity varied with topography and burning conditions (proxy for weather at time of fire). Postfire Douglas‐fir regeneration was low, with tree seedlings absent in 65% of plots. Tree seedlings were abundant in plots of low fire severity that also had experienced low outbreak severity (mean = 1690 seedlings/ha), suggesting a dual filter on tree regeneration. Although bark beetles and fire collectively reduced live basal area to <5% and increased snag density to >2000% of pre‐outbreak levels, the lack of relationship between beetle outbreak and fire severity suggests that these disturbances were not linked. Nonetheless, effects on postfire tree regeneration suggest compound disturbance interactions that contribute to the structural heterogeneity characteristic of mid/lower montane forests.
Rate of Shattercane × Sorghum Hybridization In Situ
Authors: Schmidt Jared J. , Pedersen Jeffrey F. , Bernards Mark L. , Lindquist John L.
Published: May 2013

Cultivated sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. bicolor] can interbreed with a feral weedy relative shattercane [S. bicolor nothosubsp. drummondii (Steud.) de Wet ex Davidse]. Traits introduced from cultivated sorghum could contribute to the invasiveness of a shattercane population. An experiment was conducted to determine the potential for pollen‐mediated gene flow from grain sorghum to shattercane. Shattercane with juicy midrib (dd) was planted in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] fields during 2 yr in concentric arcs at varying distances from a 0.39 ha sorghum pollen source with dry midrib (DD). The arcs were placed so that prevailing winds would carry sorghum pollen to the shattercane. Seven hundred twenty seeds from each of over 300 shattercane panicles in anthesis during sorghum pollen shed each year were collected. Progeny were evaluated by phenotype to determine rate of hybridization. Hybridization averaged 3.6% within the source in 2008 and 16.0% in 2009 and declined as distance increased. Hybridization as high as 2.6% for an individual panicle was measured at the farthest distance evaluated (200 m). Wind direction and speed were also measured and their product affected hybridization rate for all pollination periods. Results indicate that genes from cultivated sorghum will likely be introduced into shattercane populations at distances of at least 200 m and that rate of hybridization is dependent on weather factors such as wind. Source size is also important in determining hybridization rate but was not studied here.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in a World Collection of Brassica napus Accessions with Emphasis on South Korea, Japan, and Pakistan
Authors: Gyawali Sanjaya , Hegedus Dwayne D. , Parkin Isobel A. P. , Poon Jenny , Higgins Erin , Horner Kyla , Bekkaoui Diana , Coutu Cathy , Buchwaldt Lone
Published: May 2013

Information on genetic diversity and population structure is needed for continued improvement in Brassica napus L. A total of 169 B. napus lines, collected between 1970 and 2000 in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Pakistan, and South Korea, were genotyped with 84 simple sequence repeat markers. Nei's unbiased genetic diversity (H) and Shannon's information index (SI) showed that genetic diversity was highest among lines from Europe followed by South Korea, Japan, China, and Pakistan while lines from Australia and Canada had the lowest diversity. Pairwise comparison of the populations using Nei's genetic identity (I) and genetic distance (D) showed greater differentiation between Australia and Canada versus China and Pakistan. Accessions from South Korea and Japan were most similar, confirming an historical exchange of germplasm. The analysis of unique alleles and allele richness revealed that the Pakistani population was the richest followed by Europe and South Korea. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that 9% of the variation was accounted for by geographical region and 91% by lines. Both Structure and principal coordinate analyses indicated two subpopulations in the collection confirming separation of genotypes due to growth habit adaptation. Information on B. napus genotypes containing unique alleles is valuable for breeding programs in different parts of the world seeking to improve agronomic traits and adaptability.
Genomewide Selection to Introgress Semidwarf Maize Germplasm into U.S. Corn Belt Inbreds
Authors: Combs Emily , Bernardo Rex
Published: May 2013

Semidwarf maize (Zea mays L.) could be grown in new areas of production or in alternative crop rotations. Our objectives were to determine (i) if genomewide selection is useful for the rapid improvement of an exotic × adapted cross, (ii) if genomewide selection is more effective than phenotypic backcrossing for a trait with major genes, and (iii) the extent to which the high grain yield of nondwarf maize can be combined with the reduced stature and adaptability to high plant population densities of semidwarf maize. We conducted four cycles of genomewide selection in two semidwarf × adapted crosses. Phenotypic backcrossing was also done until the BC4 with selection for short plants. The accuracy of genomewide predictions in Cycle 0 was 0.67 to 0.70 for plant height and 0.57 to 0.70 for grain yield. Genomewide selection from Cycle 1 until Cycle 5 either maintained or improved on the gains from phenotypic selection achieved in Cycle 1. Observed gains generally agreed with predicted gains. Cycle 5 did not always have the best mean performance. Unfavorable genetic correlations made it difficult to select for short plants with high grain yield. Linkage disequilibrium between markers declined as selection progressed. Compared with phenotypic backcrossing, genomewide selection led to better mean performance and a higher proportion of exotic germplasm introgressed. To our knowledge, this is the first empirical study on genomewide selection to improve an exotic × adapted cross.
Validation of activated sludge plant performance for virus and protozoan reduction
Authors: Keegan A. R. , Robinson B. , Monis P. , Biebrick M. , Liston C.
Published: May 2013

Validation studies were undertaken at Adelaide metropolitan wastewater treatment plants to establish the actual log10 reduction values (LRVs) of pathogens (viruses and Cryptosporidium) across activated sludge plants (ASPs) as an alternative to accepting the default values attributed by the Department of Health and Ageing (DHA). Grab samples were collected across a 6-week period and assessed for pathogens (adenovirus and Cryptosporidium) and indicator microorganisms (sulphite-reducing clostridia and F-RNA bacteriophage). Through applying the validation process, the DHA has revised the default value for reduction of viruses with an increase from 0.5 log10 to 1 log10 while the value for protozoa remains at 0.5 log10 based on the combined data for a well-operated and maintained ASP. This provides the basis for considering further work at individual plants which may allow higher log credits to be obtained on a plant by plant basis.
Recent advances in measuring and modeling reverse osmosis membrane fouling in seawater desalination: a review
Authors: Weinrich Lauren , Haas Charles N. , LeChevallier Mark W.
Published: May 2013

A review of recent literature focuses on the fouling phenomena in membrane systems for desalination, quantification and qualification of parameters related to biological fouling (biofouling), and emerging areas for prevention. In particular, biofouling of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is widely regarded as the most important area for future research on this topic. Reducing membrane fouling is fundamental to seawater treatment but is not well managed. The current state of industry knowledge is evaluated with particular focus on SWRO membrane biofouling, as well as its measurement and mitigation. Specific shortcomings and possible solutions are reviewed regarding the role of assimilable organic carbon, chemical treatment and other components in understanding the fouling process, impacts from pretreatment, level of assimilable nutrients, modeling applications, and real time monitoring. A critical review of recent advances in understanding organic and biological fouling is presented because these are the most difficult to control and least understood.
Carcinogenic health risk from trihalomethanes during reuse of reclaimed water in coastal cities of the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Aina Oluwajinmi Daniel , Ahmad Farrukh
Published: May 2013

Trihalomethane (THM) occurrence in reclaimed water and its exposure risk to human health during non-potable reuse was evaluated for a coastal Arabian city. Recycled water was monitored at two representative wastewater treatment facilities: a city-wide activated sludge treatment (AST) plant and a neighborhood membrane bioreactor (MBR). Actual total THM concentrations in the post-chlorinated effluents varied with effluent temperature, peaking at 69.28 ± 2.54 μg/L and 41.15 ± 2.34 μg/L in AST and MBR effluents, respectively, in summer. Higher bromide concentration and favorable Br−/Cl2 ratio during disinfection in the AST resulted in stronger brominated THM speciation. Conversely, the MBR effluent was dominated by chloroform. Salinity fingerprinting indicated the presence of saline water in the AST effluent. Individual excess lifetime cancer risk (IELCR) was calculated using the outdoor box exposure model based on annual peak THM concentrations and peak THM formation potential (THMFP) for each species. Inhalation exposure to chloroform in the MBR effluent using peak THMFP values presented the highest cancer risks of 1.28 × 10−6 and 1.12 × 10−6 to residential adult and child receptors, respectively, exceeding the USEPA IELCR guidance threshold of 1 × 10−6 for carcinogens. Chlorinated THM species are important in determining the health risk from reclaimed water during non-potable water reuse.
Influence of environmental parameters on reed beds in wastewater treatment in a small community in Morocco
Authors: Kabbaj K. , Mahi M. , Saoiabi A.
Published: May 2013

The Drarga treatment plant was chosen as a pilot site for treatment and reuse of domestic wastewater. It uses reed beds as a tertiary treatment, so this research was conducted to study the performance of the reeds over a period of 3 years (March 2006–March 2009), that is three growing seasons. The reeds were cut after 2 years. Knowing that the Drarga climate is semi arid, we studied the behaviour of purification by reeds over seasonal changes. The reeds were effective in removing pollution over the three growing seasons studied; the average removal of BOD5 over 3 years was 71%. The maximum removal efficiency was in winter; this is associated with high oxygenation of the water mass caused by mixing and stirring induced by the movement of the long stems of the reeds.
Enteric bacterial contamination and survival on produce during irrigation with dairy wastewater in the field
Authors: Manshadi Faezeh D. , Karpiscak Martin , Gerba Charles P.
Published: May 2013

The goals of this study were to quantify enteric bacterial contamination and survival on several different types of produce during irrigation with wastewater from a dairy operation. Dairy wastewater was used to irrigate three different types of vegetable crops: lettuce, carrot, and bell pepper. This study was conducted over two consecutive growing seasons. Irrigation water and vegetable samples were examined for Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens. In the dairy wastewater, E. coli and C. perfringens concentrations averaged 8.2 × 107MPN/100 mL and 5.0 × 104CFU per 100 mL, respectively. Analysis of variance test results indicated that E. coli and C. perfringens concentrations detected on the three crops after irrigation were statistically different (p < 0.0001). The greatest contamination occurred on the carrots followed by lettuce and bell peppers. E. coli and C. perfringens were recovered from the carrots, bell peppers, and soil 49 days after wastewater irrigation of the plots had ceased. Moisture content of the soil was statistically significantly related to survival of the organisms in the soil.
EPA's Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Rules (DBPR) and Northern Kentucky Water: An Economic and Scientific Review
Authors: Henry Hugh
Published: May 2013

Implementation of EPA's Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Rules (DBPR) in Northern Kentucky will cause a water rate increase of over 25%. Hence a review was undertaken, considering both economics and science in the context of President Obama's 2009 scientific integrity directive. The rules purport to avoid up to 0.49% of new bladder cancers by reducing the levels of DBPs in drinking water – a benefit so small that failure to implement will not cause unreasonable risk to health (URTH). It suggests at most one Northern Kentucky death avoided over 17 years for a cost of $136,000,000 ($1700 per household). Even this small benefit is probably overstated. EPA finds no “causal link” between DBPs and bladder cancer, and EPA acknowledges problems with the epidemiological data used in their calculation: the data appear contradictory and inconsistent, may be skewed toward “positive” results, and suggest different cancer sites than animal studies. Two similar international agencies disagree with EPA's conclusions. The science is based on the Linear No Threshold (LNT) dose response model for DBPs, but this may not be the correct model. 83% of EPA's epidemiological data show a statistical possibility that low levels of DBPs might be beneficial or have no effect.
Evaluation of the effects of tricaine methanesulfonate on retinal structure and function in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Bailey Kate M. , Hempstead Julie E. , Tobias Jeremy R. , Borst Luke B. , Clode Alison B. , Posner Lysa P.
Published: May 2013

Objective—To determine whether repeated exposure to clinically relevant concentrations of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) would alter retinal function or induce histologically detectable retinal lesions in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Design—Prospective, controlled, experimental study.

Animals—18 healthy koi carp.

Procedures—2 fish were euthanized at the start of the study, and eyes were submitted for histologic evaluation as untreated controls. Anesthesia was induced in the remaining fish with 200 mg of MS-222/L and maintained with concentrations of 125 to 150 mg/L for a total exposure time of 20 minutes daily on 1 to 13 consecutive days. On days 1, 7, and 13, electroretinography of both eyes was performed in all fish remaining in the study, and 2 fish were euthanized immediately after each procedure for histologic evaluation of the eyes. Median b-wave amplitudes were compared among study days for right eyes and for left eyes via 1-way repeated-measures ANOVA with a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Results—Median b-wave amplitudes on days 1, 7, and 13 were 17.7, 20.9, and 17.6 μV, respectively, for right eyes and 15.1, 16.9, and 14.3 μV, respectively, for left eyes. No significant differences in b-wave amplitudes were detected among study days. No histopathologic abnormalities were identified in the retinas of any fish treated with MS-222 or in control fish.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Short-term exposure of koi carp to clinically relevant concentrations of MS-222 daily for up to 13 days was not associated with changes in retinal structure or function as measured in this study.
Adequacy of Niacin, Folate, and Vitamin B12 Intakes from Foods: Among Newfoundland and Labrador Adults
Authors: Colbourne Jennifer , Baker Natasha , Wang Peter , Liu Lin , Tucker Christina , Roebothan Barbara
Published: May 2013

Purpose: Adequacy of intake for niacin, folate, and vitamin B12 from food was estimated in an adult population in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Also considered was whether study findings support current Canadian food fortification policies.

Methods: Four hundred randomly selected adult NL residents were surveyed by telephone. Secondary analysis was performed on two 24-hour food recalls for each participant. Mean daily intakes of niacin, folate, and vitamin B12 were estimated from foods only and compared by sex/age subgroup. Adequacy of intakes was estimated. Contributions of folate by ready-to-eat cereal and bread products were also estimated.

Results: Intakes of all three nutrients were higher in men. In comparison with recommendations, daily niacin intakes were as follows: excessive for 21.9% of all participants (and for 56.8% of men aged 28 to 54), within the recommended range for 73.6%, and less than adequate for 4.5%. In comparison with recommendations, daily folate intakes were as follows: within the recommended range for 18.1% of participants and less than adequate for 81.9%. In comparison with recommendations, daily vitamin B12 intakes were less than adequate for 36.3% of participants.

Conclusions: More than 20% of those surveyed were consuming, from food alone, niacin at levels above the maximum recommended. Food fortification policies pertaining to niacin should be revisited. In addition, despite fortification, NL adults may be consuming inadequate amounts of folate from foods.
Filum terminale arteriovenous fistulas: the role of endovascular treatment
Authors: Chanthanaphak Ekachat , Pongpech Sirintara , Jiarakongmun Pakorn , Kobkitsuksakul Chai , Chi Cuong Tran , TerBrugge Karel G.
Published: May 2013

Object

The authors describe the clinical presentation, imaging features, and management of patients presenting with filum terminale arteriovenous fistulas (FTAVFs) and the role of transarterial treatment in their management.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed data obtained in 10 patients with FTAVFs diagnosed between January 1990 and December 2011.

Results

Most patients (70%) were male, and the age of the population ranged from 31 to 72 years (mean 58.2 years). Clinical presentation was progressive paraparesis and sensory loss in the lower extremities in 9 cases, back pain in 7, radicular pain in 3, bowel/bladder disturbance in 5, and impotence in 1. The duration of symptoms varied between 2 and 24 months. Initial MRI studies showed intramedullary increased T2 signal, swollen cord, and dilated perimedullary veins in all patients. One patient had syringomyelia, presumably caused by venous hypertension transmitted by the perimedullary venous system. Embolization was attempted in 7 patients and was curative in 6 patients. Surgery was performed in the other 4 patients in whom embolization was unsuccessful or deemed not feasible. There was no treatment-related complication in either group. Symptoms, venous congestion in the cord, and syringomyelia improved on follow-up in all patients.

Conclusions

Embolization should be considered the treatment of choice for FTAVFs and can effectively treat the majority of patients presenting with an FTAVF. In a smaller group of patients in whom the angioarchitecture is unfavorable, open surgery is recommended.