bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of quantum confinement effects in the photoluminescence of Si3N4–embedded Si nanocrystals
Authors: Hiller D. , Zelenina A. , Gutsch S. , Dyakov S. A. , López-Conesa L. , López-Vidrier J. , Estradé S. , Peiró F. , Garrido B. , Valenta J. , Kořínek M. , Trojánek F. , Malý P. , Schnabel M. , Weiss C. , Janz S. , Zacharias M.
Published: May 2014

Superlattices of Si-rich silicon nitride and Si3N4 are prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and, subsequently, annealed at 1150 °C to form size-controlled Si nanocrystals (Si NCs) embedded in amorphous Si3N4. Despite well defined structural properties, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) reveals inconsistencies with the typically applied model of quantum confined excitons in nitride-embedded Si NCs. Time-resolved PL measurements demonstrate 105 times faster time-constants than typical for the indirect band structure of Si NCs. Furthermore, a pure Si3N4 reference sample exhibits a similar PL peak as the Si NC samples. The origin of this luminescence is discussed in detail on the basis of radiative defects and Si3N4 band tail states in combination with optical absorption measurements. The apparent absence of PL from the Si NCs is explained conclusively using electron spin resonance data from the Si/Si3N4 interface defect literature. In addition, the role of Si3N4 valence band tail states as potential hole traps is discussed. Most strikingly, the PL peak blueshift with decreasing NC size, which is often observed in literature and typically attributed to quantum confinement (QC), is identified as optical artifact by transfer matrix method simulations of the PL spectra. Finally, criteria for a critical examination of a potential QC-related origin of the PL from Si3N4-embedded Si NCs are suggested.
Micro-electro-mechanically switchable near infrared complementary metamaterial absorber
Authors: Pitchappa Prakash , Pei Ho Chong , Kropelnicki Piotr , Singh Navab , Kwong Dim-Lee , Lee Chengkuo
Published: May 2014

We experimentally demonstrate a micro-electro-mechanically switchable near infrared complementary metamaterial absorber by integrating the metamaterial layer to be the out of plane movable microactuator. The metamaterial layer is electrostatically actuated by applying voltage across the suspended complementary metamaterial layer and the stationary bottom metallic reflector. Thus, the effective spacing between the metamaterial layer and bottom metal reflector is varied as a function of applied voltage. With the reduction of effective spacing between the metamaterial and reflector layers, a strong spectral blue shift in the peak absorption wavelength can be achieved. With spacing change of 300 nm, the spectral shift of 0.7 μm in peak absorption wavelength was obtained for near infrared spectral region. The electro-optic switching performance of the device was characterized, and a striking switching contrast of 1500% was achieved at 2.1 μm. The reported micro-electro-mechanically tunable complementary metamaterial absorber device can potentially enable a wide range of high performance electro-optical devices, such as continuously tunable filters, modulators, and electro-optic switches that form the key components to facilitate future photonic circuit applications.
French liaison and the lexical repository
Authors: Laks Bernard , Calderone Basilio , Celata Chiara
Published: May 2014

In this paper we propose a frequency analysis of French liaison that focuses on the liaison environments attested in the PFC database. The results of the analysis show the existence of a significant relationship (statistically interpreted as a power-law distribution) according to which a very restricted set of liaison environments has very high frequency of occurrence in the corpus and is substantially untouched by phonological and sociolinguistic variation, while a large “periphery” of infrequent uses appears to show significant aspects of style- and speaker-dependent variation. The study therefore demonstrates the importance of basing any variationist analysis on very large data sample, such as those provided by contemporary, well-reasoned linguistic corpora.
Fulvimarina
manganoxydans sp. nov., isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal plume in the south-west Indian Ocean
Authors: Ren Fei , Zhang Limin , Song Lei , Xu Shiyao , Xi Lijun , Huang Li , Huang Ying , Dai Xin
Published: May 2014

An aerobic, Mn(II)-oxidizing, Gram-negative bacterium, strain 8047T, was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent plume in the south-west Indian Ocean. The strain was rod-shaped and motile with a terminal flagellum, and formed yellowish colonies. It produced catalase and oxidase, hydrolysed gelatin and reduced nitrate. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 8047T belonged to the order

Rhizobiales

of the class

Alphaproteobacteria

, and was phylogenetically most closely related to the genus

Fulvimarina

, sharing 94.4 % sequence identity with the type strain of the type species. The taxonomic affiliation of strain 8047T was supported by phylogenetic analysis of four additional housekeeping genes, gyrB, recA, rpoC and rpoB. The predominant respiratory lipoquinone of strain 8047T was Q-10, the major fatty acid was C18 : 1ω7c and the DNA G+C content was 61.7 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics determined in this study, strain 8047T represents a novel species within the genus

Fulvimarina

, for which the name Fulvimarina manganoxydans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain 8047T ( = CGMCC1.10972T = JCM 18890T).
Coiled-coil deformations in crystal structures: themeasles virusphosphoprotein multimerization domain as an illustrative example
Authors: Blocquel David , Habchi Johnny , Durand Eric , Sevajol Marion , Ferron François , Erales Jenny , Papageorgiou Nicolas , Longhi Sonia
Published: May 2014

The structures of two constructs of themeasles virus(MeV) phosphoprotein (P) multimerization domain (PMD) are reported and are compared with a third structure published recently by another group [Communieet al.(2013),J. Virol.87, 7166–7169]. Although the three structures all have a tetrameric and parallel coiled-coil arrangement, structural comparison unveiled considerable differences in the quaternary structure and unveiled that the three structures suffer from significant structural deformation induced by intermolecular interactions within the crystal. These results show that crystal packing can bias conclusions about function and mechanism based on analysis of a single crystal structure, and they challenge to some extent the assumption according to which coiled-coil structures can be reliably predicted from the amino-acid sequence. Structural comparison also highlighted significant differences in the extent of disorder in the C-terminal region of each monomer. The differential flexibility of the C-terminal region is also supported by size-exclusion chromatography and small-angle X-ray scattering studies, which showed that MeV PMD exists in solution as a dynamic equilibrium between two tetramers of different compaction. Finally, the possible functional implications of the flexibility of the C-terminal region of PMD are discussed.
A third polymorph of 1,4-bis(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene
Authors: Fu Wei-Wei , Liang Yan-Fei , Liu Yang , Zhu Xiao-Ming
Published: May 2014

The title compound, C20H14N4, is a new polymorph of the previously reported structures, which were orthorhombic, space groupPbca[Beiet al.(2000).Acta Cryst.C56, 718–719] and monoclinic, space groupP21/c[Duddet al.(2003).Green Chem.5, 187–192]. The asymmetric unit consists of two independent molecules in which the dihedral angels between the central benzene ring and the outer benzimidazole ring systems are 16.81 (10) and 14.23 (10)° in one molecule and 26.09 (10) and 37.29 (10)° in the other. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...N and C—H...N hydrogen bonds into a tape running along thec-axis direction.
5-Chloro-2-(2-fluorophenyl)-7-methyl-3-methylsulfinyl-1-benzofuran
Authors: Choi Hong Dae , Lee Uk
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C16H12ClFO2S, the dihedral angle between the mean planes of the benzofuran and 2-fluorophenyl rings is 34.85 (6)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviapairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming zigzag chains along [001]. The chains are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional structure.
Structures of the elements – crystallography and art
Authors: Holzapfel Wilfried B.
Published: May 2014

Since simple data tables on phase transitions and structural systematics of the elements over a wide range of pressure and temperature are difficult to comprehend, this paper illustrates these systematics with some artwork together with an artist's view of the equations of states for the elements.
High-pressure phase transitions in the rare-earth orthoferrite LaFeO3
Authors: Etter Martin , Müller Melanie , Hanfland Michael , Dinnebier Robert E.
Published: May 2014

Sequential Rietveld refinements were applied on high-pressure synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction measurements of lanthanum ferrite (LaFeO3) revealing two phase transitions on the room-temperature isotherm up to a pressure of 48 GPa. The first structural phase transition of second order occurs at a pressure of 21.1 GPa, changing the space group fromPbnmtoIbmm. The second transition, involving a isostructural first-order phase transition, occurs at approximately 38 GPa, indicating a high-spin to low-spin transition of the Fe3+ion. Following the behavior of the volume up to the hydrostatic limit of methanol–ethanol it was possible to use inverted equations of state (EoS) to determine a bulk modulus ofB0= 172 GPa and a corresponding pressure derivative ofB′0= 4.3. In addition, the linearized version of the inverted EoS were used to determine the corresponding moduli and pressure derivatives for each lattice direction.
Logarithm of short‐time Fourier transform for extending the seismic bandwidth
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Ghosh Deva
Published: May 2014

Improving seismic resolution is essential for obtaining more detailed structural and stratigraphic information. We present a new algorithm to increase seismic resolution with a minimum of user‐defined parameters. The algorithm inherits useful properties of both the short‐time Fourier transform and the cepstrum to smooth and broaden the frequency spectrum at each translation of the spectral decomposing window. The key idea is to replace the amplitude spectrum with its logarithm in each window of the short‐time Fourier transform. We describe the mathematical formulation of the algorithm and its testing on synthetic and real seismic data to obtain broader frequency spectra and thus enhance the seismic resolution.
Ocular findings in 87 adults with Ghent‐1 verified Marfan syndrome
Authors: Drolsum Liv , Rand‐Hendriksen Svend , Paus Benedicte , Geiran Odd R. , Semb Svein Ove
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To study ocular characteristics in 87 patients with verified Marfan syndrome (MFS) based on the Ghent criteria from 1996 (Ghent‐1).

Methods

The position of the lens was noted by observing the eye in different gaze directions in maximal mydriasis during slit lamp examination. Ectopia lentis (EL) was classified as subluxated (dislocation slightly backwards) or luxated (vertical or horizontal displacement). Corneal curvature, axial length (AL), corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, condition of the iris, intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent and visual acuity were also investigated.

Results

EL was found in 108 eyes (62.1%). Of the 68 phakic eyes with EL, 43 (63.2%) had subluxation. Mean AL was 24.80 ± 2.57 mm, and the AL was above 23.5 mm in 65.3%. Mean keratometry (K) in phakic eyes was 41.79 ± 1.70 diopters (D), and the K value was <41.5D in 46.8%. Iris hypoplasia was found in 3.4%. Myopia above 3D occurred in 38.4% of the phakic eyes. Mean binocular logMAR was 0.10 ± 0.32. Only five patients (5.7%) had a logMAR more than 0.5. These 5 patients had EL, and 4 of them were amblyopic.

Conclusion

In this strictly defined MFS group fulfilling the Ghent‐1 criteria, the prevalence of EL was 62.1%. In many cases, the dislocation of the lens was subtle. On average, the corneas were flattened and the globe length was increased. Only a few patients were visually impaired. Children with MFS should have a thorough follow up to avoid amblyopia.
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM affects colonic mucosal opioid receptor expression in patients with functional abdominal pain ‐ a randomised clinical study
Authors: Ringel‐Kulka T. , Goldsmith J. R. , Carroll I. M. , Barros S. P. , Palsson O. , Jobin C. , Ringel Y.
Published: May 2014

Background

In a recent double‐blinded clinical trial, the probiotic combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (L‐NCFM) and B‐LBi07 reduced bloating symptoms in patients with functional bowel disorders; an effect more evident in those who reported abdominal pain. In mice, L‐NCFM but not B‐LBi07 induced colonic mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) expression, and reduced visceral sensitivity.

Aims

To determine if L‐NCFM was the active component in the clinical trial and to investigate the mechanism of action in humans with mild to moderate abdominal pain.

Methods

Caucasian women (n = 20) 18–70 years with mild to moderate abdominal pain were enrolled in a double‐blind, two‐armed, single‐centre study. Patients were given either L‐NCFM alone or in combination with B‐LBi07 for 21 days at a total dose of 2×1010 CFU b.d. Colonic biopsies were collected during unsedated, unprepped flexible sigmoidoscopy before and at the end of probiotic consumption. mRNA and immunostaining were then performed on these biopsies. Patients kept symptom diaries for the 7 days prior to starting probiotic therapy and for the last 7 days of therapy.

Results

L‐NCFM alone, but not with B‐LBi07, induced colonic MOR mRNA and protein expression, as well as downstream signalling, as measured by enterocyte STAT3‐phosphorylation. In contrast, CB2 expression was decreased. Both treatment groups trended towards improvement in symptoms, but the study was insufficiently powered to draw meaningful conclusions.

Conclusions

Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM modulates mu‐opioid receptor expression and activity, while the combination of L‐NCFM and B‐LBi07 does not. This study provides a possible mechanism for action by which probiotics modulates pain sensation in humans (Clinical Trial Number: NCT01064661).
Sustainability reporting and corporate identity: action research evidence in an Italian retailing cooperative
Authors: Battaglia Massimo , Bianchi Lara , Frey Marco , Passetti Emilio
Published: May 2014

Cooperatives are facing the challenge to be competitive in the market, without losing their traditional values of mutuality and democracy. To do that, they need to re‐construct open and participative dialogue with their employees and members based on more democratic forms of communication and engagement. From this point of view, the measurement and communication of sustainability aspects may allow a dialogue to be mobilized with shareholders and stakeholders without losing the attention on competitive factors. Based on these premises, the article analyses the experience of a 5‐year action research project (from 2006 to mid‐2011), carried out within Unicoop Tirreno, an Italian consumers' cooperative, and aimed to implement different tools for sustainability accounting and to embrace a more open dialogue with stakeholders, in particular with employees and members. In this process of change, the tools implemented for sustainability accounting played a key role in supporting the cooperative to reinterpret its own values and in stimulating a new and participative management approach. The results indicate a virtuous circle between the management and measurement of cooperative principles and the management and measurement of sustainability issues.
Gender differences in the impact of poverty on health: disparities in risk of diabetes‐related amputation
Authors: Amin L. , Shah B. R. , Bierman A. S. , Lipscombe L. L. , Wu C. F. , Feig D. S. , Booth G. L.
Published: May 2014

Aims

To assess the combined impact of socio‐economic status and gender on the risk of diabetes‐related lower extremity amputation within a universal healthcare system.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using administrative health databases from Ontario, Canada. Adults with pre‐existing or newly diagnosed diabetes (N = 606 494) were included and the incidence of lower extremity amputation was assessed for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2009. Socio‐economic status was based on neighbourhood‐level income groups, assigned to individuals using the Canadian Census and their postal code of residence.

Results

Low socio‐economic status was associated with a significantly higher incidence of lower extremity amputation (27.0 vs 19.3 per 10,000 person‐years in the lowest (Q1) vs the highest (Q5) socio‐economic status quintile. This relationship persisted after adjusting for primary care use, region of residence and comorbidity, and was greater among men (adjusted Q1:Q5 hazard ratio 1.41, 95% CI 1.30–1.54; P < 0.0001 for all male gender–socio‐economic status interactions) than women (hazard ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.06–1.36). Overall, the incidence of lower extremity amputation was higher among men than women (hazard ratio for men vs women: 1.87, 95% CI 1.79–1.96), with the greatest disparity between men in the lowest socio‐economic status category and women in the highest (hazard ratio 2.39, 95% CI 2.06–2.77 and hazard ratio 2.30, 95% CI 1.97–2.68, for major and minor amputation, respectively).

Conclusions

Despite universal access to hospital and physician care, we found marked socio‐economic status and gender disparities in the risk of lower extremity amputation among patients with diabetes. Men living in low‐income neighbourhoods were at greatest risk.
Structure of the effector‐binding domain of deoxyribonucleoside regulator DeoR from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Škerlová Jana , Fábry Milan , Hubálek Martin , Otwinowski Zbyszek , Řezáčová Pavlína
Published: May 2014

Deoxyribonucleoside regulator (DeoR) from Bacillus subtilis negatively regulates expression of enzymes involved in the catabolism of deoxyribonucleosides and deoxyribose. The DeoR protein is homologous to the sorbitol operon regulator family of metabolic regulators and comprises an N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain and a C‐terminal effector‐binding domain. We have determined the crystal structure of the effector‐binding domain of DeoR (C‐DeoR) in free form and in covalent complex with its effector deoxyribose‐5‐phosphate (dR5P). This is the first case of a covalently attached effector molecule captured in the structure of a bacterial transcriptional regulator. The dR5P molecule is attached through a Schiff base linkage to residue Lys141. The crucial role of Lys141 in effector binding was confirmed by mutational analysis and mass spectrometry of Schiff base adducts formed in solution. Structural analyses of the free and effector‐bound C‐DeoR structures provided a structural explanation for the mechanism of DeoR function as a molecular switch.

Databases

Atomic coordinates and structure factors for crystal structures of free C‐DeoR and the covalent Schiff base complex of C‐DeoR with dR5P have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with accession codes 4OQQ and 4OQP, respectively.

Structured digital abstract

C-DeoR and C-DeoR bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)

DeoR and DeoR bind by molecular sieving (1, 2)
The English floodplain
Authors: Lewin John
Published: May 2014

English floodplains are platforms for flood risk vulnerability; they are varied in form and in the timing of their development, both naturally and in terms of human occupation. An understanding of floodplain generation is one of the diverse research areas that can contribute towards effective flood mitigation efforts. The performance of remedial measures like catchment sediment management, flood embanking and channel dredging need to be evaluated with regard to active fluvial process systems so that they may be applied appropriately, particularly given uncertain future environmental changes.
Efficacy of a thermoexpandable metallic prostate stent (Memokath) in elderly patients with urethral obstruction requiring long‐term management with urethral Foley catheters
Authors: Kimata Ryoji , Nemoto Kaoru , Tomita Yuji , Takahashi Ryo , Hamasaki Tsutomu , Kondo Yukihiro
Published: May 2014

Aim

To investigate whether the insertion of a thermoexpandable metallic prostate stent (Memokath) facilitates the removal of Foley catheters in elderly patients ineligible for urethral obstruction surgery because of the potential complications involved in long‐term catheter management.

Methods

A total of 37 male patients (mean age 79.8 ± 6.2 years) ineligible for surgery under general anesthesia because of advanced age, the presence of post‐cerebrovascular disorders or anticoagulant therapy use and who subsequently had a Memokath stent inserted between June 2007 and November 2009 were enrolled in the present study. Patients with spinal injury were excluded. We compared the correlation between prostatic urethral length and total prostate volume (TPV). We also evaluated the postoperative postvoid residual (PVR) and presence of pyuria, and reviewed postoperative complications and unassisted urination ability.

Results

We found a positive correlation between prostatic urethral length and TPV. After the insertion of the Memokath stent, the catheters were removed from all patients who could urinate unassisted. The PVR was <50 mL in 76.4% patients, and there was a 52% improvement in pyuria after insertion of the Memokath stent. The mean postoperative follow‐up duration was 33.2 ± 16.7 months. A total of 21 patients (56.7%) were able to urinate unassisted after receiving the Memokath stent. Unassisted urination was difficult in patients with poor performance status. No serious complications were observed after insertion of the Memokath stent.

Conclusions

The Memokath stent was safe and useful for elderly patients with urethral obstruction and good performance status requiring long‐term management with urethral Foley catheters. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 553–558.
Efficacy of language‐appropriate cueing on micrographia inKorean patients withParkinson's disease
Authors: Kim HyangHee , Yoon Ji Hye , Nam Hyo Suk
Published: May 2014

Aim

First, we objectively quantified the handwriting size ofParkinson's disease (PD) patients. Second, we investigated the efficacy of the external visual cueing onKorean handwriting inPD.

Methods

We recruited 57 patients diagnosed withPDand 37 community‐dwelling normal older adults. All participants were asked to write a target word on a blank sheet of paper. For investigating the external visual cueing, 24PDpatients wrote the target word in square grids. The size of each syllable of the word was measured using a public domain software program. In order to measure the area of a syllable, the upper, lower, left and right margins of the syllable were outlined with a rectangle. The area of selection in square pixels or in calibrated square units was used to spatially calibrate the image automatically.

Results

ThePDgroup showed significantly smaller writing size than the normal group in all syllables of the free writing. The writing size in the square grids of thePDpatients was bigger than their free writing.

Conclusion

The present study is noteworthy, because it is the first attempt to use a software program to objectively quantify parkinsonian handwriting size. This measuring system would help clinicians monitor handwriting size throughout the disease course. From the perspective of rehabilitation, language‐appropriate external visual cues might be useful in daily communication (i.e. handwriting) activities inKorean patients withPD.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 647–651.
Ambient Hate: Racist Graffiti and Social Apathy in a Rural Community
Authors: Wilson Jacqueline Z.
Published: May 2014

This article examines racist street graffiti found in the rural city in which the author lives, especially in the environs of schools. Local authorities' commitment to the timely removal of such graffiti is questioned, and the ambiance in which expressions of hate are considered an unremarkable aspect of the social environment is examined. As Australia experiences influxes of migrant and refugee groups, plus increasing numbers of temporarily‐resident overseas students, many municipalities, rural and urban, are seeing major changes in their demographics. Such changes can exacerbate social tensions that can, in turn, be subsumed into the social matrix.
Influenza and other respiratory virus infections in outpatients with medically attended acute respiratory infection during the 2011‐12 influenza season
Authors: Zimmerman Richard K. , Rinaldo Charles R. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , GK Balasubramani , Thompson Mark G. , Moehling Krissy K. , Bullotta Arlene , Wisniewski Stephen
Published: May 2014

Background

Respiratory tract infections are a major cause of outpatient visits, yet only a portion is tested to determine the etiologic organism. Multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (MRT‐PCR) assays for detection of multiple viruses are being used increasingly in clinical settings.

Methods

During January–April 2012, outpatients with acute respiratory illness (≤7 days) were tested for influenza using singleplex RT‐PCR (SRT‐PCR). A subset was assayed for 18 viruses using MRT‐PCR to compare detection of influenza and examine the distribution of viruses and characteristics of patients using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Among 662 participants (6 months–82 years), detection of influenza was similar between the MRT‐PCR and SRT‐PCR (κ = 0·83). No virus was identified in 267 (40.3%) samples. Commonly detected viruses were human rhinovirus (HRV, 15·4%), coronavirus (CoV, 10·4%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 8·4%), human metapneumovirus (hMPV, 8·3%), and influenza (6%). Co‐detections were infrequent (6·9%) and most commonly occurred among those <18 years old. In regression analyses, compared with non‐viral illnesses, RSV and hMPV were significantly more frequent in children and less frequent in 18‐ to 49‐year‐olds than in those ≥50 years (P = 0·01), fever was more common in hMPV and influenza infections (P = 0·008), nasal congestion was more frequent in CoV, HRV, hMPV, influenza and RSV infections (P = 0·001), and body mass index was higher among those with influenza (P = 0·036).

Conclusions

Using MRT‐PCR, a viral etiology was found in three‐fifths of patients with medically attended outpatient visits for acute respiratory illness during the influenza season; co‐detected viruses were infrequent. Symptoms varied by viral etiology.
The use of a surgical incision management system on vascular surgery incisions: a pilot study
Authors: Weir Gregory
Published: May 2014

Health care‐associated infections in hospitals, including surgical site infections, contribute significantly to morbidity as well as mortality. Surgical incision management (SIM) using negative pressure wound therapy (Prevena™ Incision Management System, Kinetic Concepts, Inc., San Antonio, TX, USA) is designed to cover and protect closed surgical incisions from external factors including infectious sources and local trauma, while negative pressure removes fluid and infectious material from the surgical incision. A prospective case‐control study assessed wound complications in patients undergoing vascular bypass procedures, where both femoral areas were incised to gain access to the femoral arteries. SIM was placed on one femoral area while a standard postoperative wound dressing was placed on the contralateral femoral area. Eight patients were included in this pilot study. All of them required bilateral femoral artery access. During the follow‐up period patients were monitored for wound complications. All wound complications requiring surgical intervention were considered significant. No significant wound complications occurred in wounds treated with SIM, compared with three significant complications in control wounds. These preliminary data would suggest a potential reduction in wound complications and no observed increase in haemorrhage in high‐risk patients with severe co‐morbidities undergoing vascular surgery.
The ‘active ingredients’ for successful community engagement with disadvantaged expectant and new mothers: a qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Brunton Ginny , O'Mara‐Eves Alison , Thomas James
Published: May 2014

Aims

To explore which conditions of community engagement are implicated in effective interventions targeting disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers.

Background

Adaptive experiences during pregnancy and the early years are key to reducing health inequalities in women and children worldwide. Public health nurses, health visitors and community midwives are well placed to address such disadvantage, often using community engagement strategies. Such interventions are complex; however, and we need to better understand which aspects of community engagement are aligned with effectiveness.

Design

Qualitative comparative analysis conducted in 2013, of trials data included in a recently published systematic review.

Methods

Two reviewers agreed on relevant conditions from 24 maternity or early years intervention studies examining four models of community engagement. Effect size estimates were converted into ‘fuzzy’ effectiveness categories and truth tables were constructed. Using fsQCA software, Boolean minimization identified solution sets. Random effects multiple regression and fsQCA were conducted to rule out risk of methodological bias.

Results/findings

Studies focused on antenatal, immunization, breastfeeding and early professional intervention outcomes. Peer delivery (consistency 0·83; unique coverage 0·63); and mother‐professional collaboration (consistency 0·833; unique coverage 0·21) were moderately aligned with effective interventions. Community‐identified health need plus consultation/collaboration in intervention design and leading on delivery were weakly aligned with ‘not effective’ interventions (consistency 0·78; unique coverage 0·29).

Conclusions

For disadvantaged new and expectant mothers, peer or collaborative delivery models could be used in interventions. A need exists to design and test community engagement interventions in other areas of maternity and early years care and to further evaluate models of empowerment.
Adherence in patients in the first year after kidney transplantation and its impact on graft loss and mortality: a cross‐sectional and prospective study
Authors: Prihodova Lucia , Nagyova Iveta , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Majernikova Maria , Roland Robert , Groothoff Johan W. , van Dijk Jitse P.
Published: May 2014

Aims

To explore the predictive value of adherence to their immunosuppressive medication in kidney transplant recipients in the first year after kidney transplantation as a determinant of graft loss and mortality up to 12 years (prospective analysis) and its association with sociodemographic and medical factors and social support (cross‐sectional analysis).

Background

Poor adherence to their immunosuppressive medication in kidney transplant recipients remains the leading preventable cause of poor patient outcomes.

Design

Prospective and cross‐sectional study.

Methods

At baseline, 325 patients 3–12 months posttransplantation were invited to participate. Adherence was assessed using collateral reports – a combination of patients' self‐evaluation and an estimate by their nephrologist. The patients provided sociodemographic and medical data and completed the End‐Stage Renal Disease Symptom Checklist and Multidimensional scale of perceived social support. At follow‐up (average 7·1 years), data on patients and graft survival were obtained. All data were collected from 2002–2013. Multinomial regression analysis and Cox regression were performed.

Results

A total of 297 patients (48·1 (12·8) years, 61·6% men) agreed to participate (response rate 91·4%); 67·4% were considered as fully adherent. Poor adherence was associated with higher risk of graft loss and mortality over 12 years. Female sex, higher education, higher perceived side effects of corticosteroids, better perceived cardiac and renal function and higher perceived family social support in the first year posttransplantation were associated with full adherence to immunosuppressive treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with poor adherence to the immunosuppressive medication in the first year after kidney transplantation showed increased likelihood of graft loss and death over 12 years compared with the adherent patients.
Evaluating Web 2.0 technologies in higher education using students' perceptions and performance
Authors: Karvounidis T. , Chimos K. , Bersimis S. , Douligeris C.
Published: May 2014

In this work, Web 2.0 technologies in higher education are evaluated using students' perceptions, satisfaction, performance and behaviour. The study evaluates the Web 2.0 tools as stand‐alone entities as well in terms of their cross‐operability and integration (confluence) to synergistic contributions towards the enhancement of student learning. Significant correlations and interdependencies on the students' behaviour over the used platform and their performance in various time points within the course time line have been revealed.
Characterization of the mitofusin 2 R94W mutation in a knock‐in mouse model
Authors: Strickland Alleene V. , Rebelo Adriana P. , Zhang Fan , Price Justin , Bolon Brad , Silva Jose P. , Wen Rong , Züchner Stephan
Published: May 2014

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) comprises a group of heterogeneous peripheral axonopathies affecting 1 in 2,500 individuals. As mutations in several genes cause axonal degeneration in CMT type 2, mutations in mitofusin 2 (MFN2) account for approximately 90% of the most severe cases, making it the most common cause of inherited peripheral axonal degeneration. MFN2 is an integral mitochondrial outer membrane protein that plays a major role in mitochondrial fusion and motility; yet the mechanism by which dominant mutations in this protein lead to neurodegeneration is still not fully understood. Furthermore, future pre‐clinical drug trials will be in need of validated rodent models. We have generated a Mfn2 knock‐in mouse model expressing Mfn2R94W, which was originally identified in CMT patients. We have performed behavioral, morphological, and biochemical studies to investigate the consequences of this mutation. Homozygous inheritance leads to premature death at P1, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction, including increased mitochondrial fragmentation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and decreased ATP levels in newborn brains. Mfn2R94W heterozygous mice show histopathology and age‐dependent open‐field test abnormalities, which support a mild peripheral neuropathy. Although behavior does not mimic the severity of the human disease phenotype, this mouse can provide useful tissues for studying molecular pathways associated with MFN2 point mutations.
Disengagement From Gangs as Role Transitions
Authors: Decker Scott H. , Pyrooz David C. , Moule Richard K.
Published: May 2014

Most research has focused on the onset and consequences of gang membership, neglecting the importance of leaving the gang. Disengagement from gangs often occurs during the transition to adulthood, a critical period of the life course. While leaving gangs has received growing attention over the past decade, absent from this research has been a suitable theoretical perspective with which to frame disengagement. This study drew on Ebaugh's theory of role exit to examine disengagement among 260 former gang members. We find disengagement to be a drawn‐out process, replete with many failures and obstacles. We conclude with a discussion of these implications for practitioners, policymakers, and future research.
Serious Delinquency and Gang Participation: Combining and Specializing in Drug Selling, Theft, and Violence
Authors: Gordon Rachel A. , Rowe Hillary L. , Pardini Dustin , Loeber Rolf , White Helene Raskin , Farrington David P.
Published: May 2014

Using Pittsburgh Youth Study data, we examined the extent to which over 600 gang members and non–gang‐involved young men specialized in drug selling, serious theft, or serious violence, or engaged simultaneously in these serious delinquent behaviors, throughout the 1990s. We found that the increase in delinquency associated with gang membership was concentrated in two combinations: serious violence and drug selling; and serious violence, drug selling, and serious theft. Several covariates were similarly associated with multitype serious delinquency and gang membership (age, historical time, Black race, and residential mobility), suggesting that these behaviors may share common developmental, familial, and contextual risks. We encourage future research to further examine the association of gang membership with engagement in particular configurations of serious delinquency.
Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Andrews Charles M , Hawk Harris E , Holmstedt Christine A
Published: May 2014

Although septic cavernous sinus thrombosis represents a rare cerebral vascular event, the morbidity and mortality can be profound. Diagnosis of this disease remains challenging, despite recent advances in imaging technology. We present a 71‐year‐old man who presented with symptoms of retro‐orbital pain, swelling and a recent history of being treated for bacterial sinusitis. An initial non‐contrast head computed tomography showed a dilated, hyperdense appearance of his left superior ophthalmic vein, with subsequent magnetic resonance imaging suggestive of bilateral ophthalmic vein thrombosis likely from cavernous sinus origin. The patient had blood cultures positive for Streptococcus anginosus, and was successfully treated with several weeks of i.v. antibiotics and anticoagulation.
Coordination of stem and leaf hydraulic conductance in southern California shrubs: a test of the hydraulic segmentation hypothesis
Authors: Pivovaroff Alexandria L. , Sack Lawren , Santiago Louis S.
Published: May 2014

Coordination of water movement among plant organs is important for understanding plant water use strategies. The hydraulic segmentation hypothesis (HSH) proposes that hydraulic conductance in shorter lived, ‘expendable’ organs such as leaves and longer lived, more ‘expensive’ organs such as stems may be decoupled, with resistance in leaves acting as a bottleneck or ‘safety valve’.

We tested the HSH in woody species from a Mediterranean‐type ecosystem by measuring leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) and stem hydraulic conductivity (KS). We also investigated whether leaves function as safety valves by relating Kleaf and the hydraulic safety margin (stem water potential minus the water potential at which 50% of conductivity is lost (Ψstem − Ψ50)). We also examined related plant traits including the operating range of water potentials, wood density, leaf mass per area, and leaf area to sapwood area ratio to provide insight into whole‐plant water use strategies.

For hydrated shoots, Kleaf was negatively correlated with KS, supporting the HSH. Additionally, Kleaf was positively correlated with the hydraulic safety margin and negatively correlated with the leaf area to sapwood area ratio.

Consistent with the HSH, our data indicate that leaves may act as control valves for species with high KS, or a low safety margin. This critical role of leaves appears to contribute importantly to plant ecological specialization in a drought‐prone environment.
Vascular endothelial cadherin and vascular endothelial growth factor in periodontitis and smoking
Authors: Sakallioğlu EE , Sakallioğlu U , Lütfioğlu M , Pamuk F , Kantarci A
Published: May 2014

Objective

This study investigated the vascularization in periodontal disease process via revealing: (i) vascular endothelial cadherin (VE‐cadherin) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) productions in periodontitis and (ii) the impact of smoking on this phenomenon.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen smokers and 15 non‐smokers with/without periodontitis were allocated by split‐mouth randomization regarding their smoking and periodontal statuses. The teeth with periodontitis in smokers (group 1), without periodontitis in smokers (group 2), with periodontitis in non‐smokers (group 3), and without periodontitis in non‐smokers (group 4) constituted the study groups. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of VE‐cadherin and VEGF were determined by ELISA to evaluate their profiles in the groups.

Results

There were increased VE‐cadherin levels in groups 1 and 3 compared with groups 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). Group 2 demonstrated higher VE‐cadherin level than group 4 (P < 0.05). Increased VEGF was noted in groups 1 and 3 compared with groups 2 and 4 (P < 0.05) with similar levels between groups 1 and 3 and groups 2 and 4 (P > 0.05). There were no correlations between the VE‐cadherin and VEGF levels in all groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results suggest that VE‐cadherin and VEGF may increase in periodontitis, and smoking may uniquely cause VE‐cadherin production in GCF.
Gender Differences in Health‐Related Quality of Life of Korean Patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
Authors: Kim Jisu , Kim Kisook
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of COPD patients over 40 years of age in Korea and to assess the relevance of gender differences.

Design and Sample

Original data from KNHANES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) were analyzed using SAS 9.3 software. The sample comprised 556 male and 195 female COPD patients.

Measures

Selected demographic variables, HRQOL [EuroQol 5‐Dimension], physical and psychological characteristics, and health‐related characteristics were examined.

Results

The results showed that the HRQOL of COPD patients was better for females than for males, and that the HRQOL among males differed with the education, economic activity, economic level, blood pressure, suicidal ideation, and physical activity, while among females it differed with age, living status, education, economic activity, economic level, blood pressure, stress recognition, suicidal ideation, alcohol use, and physical activity. Further analysis verified that for males, the education, suicidal ideation, and physical activity were factors that affected HRQOL (R2 = 0.139, p < .001), while for females these factors were the education, obesity, and suicidal ideation (R2 = 0.340, p < .001).

Conclusion

Effective‐health promoting interventions for COPD patients require the development of individualized programs that take into account gender‐related factors that can enhance HRQOL.
Control of Ablation Depth and Surface Structure in P3 Scribing of Thin-Film Solar Cells by a Picosecond Laser
Authors: Zhao Xin , Cao Yunfeng , Nian Qiong , Cheng Gary , Shin Yung C.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, precise P3 scribing of thin-film solar cells (AZO/CIGS/Mo/Glass) via a picosecond laser is investigated. A parametric study is carried out for P3 scribing to study the effects of laser fluence and overlap ratio on ablation depth and slot quality, supported by the numerical prediction using a two-temperature model. The optimum scribing conditions are determined, and the potential processing speed is increased. Laser induced periodic surface structures are also presented after the scribing process, which can potentially enhance the absorption of the cell surface and consequently increase the cell efficiency.
Mathematical model of a nanoporous thermoelectric based Knudsen pump
Authors: Faiz Abderrazzak , McNamara Shamus
Published: May 2014

In a Knudsen pump, gas flows from the cold side to the hot side when a temperature gradient is established. For the pump to operate, the gas channels must be small such that the flow regime is transitional or free molecular. In this paper, a model for a thermoelectric based Knudsen pump is presented. The thermoelectric element, which is nanoporous, serves as a generator for the temperature gradient and as a medium for gas flow. Equations for the maximum mass flow rate and maximum pressure were obtained, which can be used to optimize a Knudsen pump. Using the model, the authors found that the higher the thermoelectric figure of merit Z, the higher the generated pressure and mass flow rate. The maximum pressure is independent of the thermoelectric dimensions, which makes it readily integrated into many applications such as lab-on-a chip, microelectromechanical systems, and microfluidic devices.
Developing a Kerr microscope for upper-division solid-state physics laboratories
Authors: Neff David , Hoemke Anatol , Attig Adam R. , Cordova Mireles Hector
Published: May 2014

We have constructed a low-cost Kerr microscope for use in our upper-division solid-state laboratory course by retrofitting a polarizing microscope. It was tested by imaging the magnetic domains on the surface of the polished ferromagnetic samples Nd-Fe-B and Fe-Si. The instrument serves as a learning platform for students who use it to study essential aspects of magnetic domains, as observed using the magneto-optic Kerr effect. By applying a controlled external magnetic field to a sample, magnetic domains can be observed and manipulated in real time with the aid of a digital camera. We offer technical guidance for the development of such a microscope and outline learning objectives for undergraduates in a formal lab curriculum.
Matrix mechanics of the infinite square well and the equivalence proofs of Schrödinger and von Neumann
Authors: Prentis Jeffrey , Ty Bunheng
Published: May 2014

There are few simple examples of the formal equivalence of wave mechanics and matrix mechanics. The momentum matrix for a particle in an infinite square well is easy to calculate and rarely discussed in textbooks. We square this matrix to construct the energy levels and use the energy theorem of Fourier analysis to establish the wave-matrix connection. The key ingredients of the equivalence proofs of Schrödinger and von Neumann, such as the d/dx rule and the Riesz-Fischer theorem, find simple expression within the particle-in-a-box framework.
The intergenerational transmission of inequality: Maternal disadvantage and health at birth
Authors: Aizer Anna , Currie Janet
Published: May 2014

Health at birth is an important predictor of long-term outcomes, including education, income, and disability. Recent evidence suggests that maternal disadvantage leads to worse health at birth through poor health behaviors; exposure to harmful environmental factors; worse access to medical care, including family planning; and worse underlying maternal health. With increasing inequality, those at the bottom of the distribution now face relatively worse economic conditions, but newborn health among the most disadvantaged has actually improved. The most likely explanation is increasing knowledge about determinants of infant health and how to protect it along with public policies that put this knowledge into practice.