bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photodissociation dynamics of C3H5I in the near-ultraviolet region
Authors: Sumida Masataka , Hanada Takuya , Yamasaki Katsuyoshi , Kohguchi Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

The ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of allyl iodide (C3H5I) have been studied by ion-imaging at 266 nm and 213 nm. These photolysis wavelengths are located in the two lowest absorption bands in the near-ultraviolet region. The atomic iodine products were detected by [2+1] resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy. The spectra showed that the branching fraction for the spin-orbit excited (2P1/2) state was larger than that for the ground (2P3/2) state at both photolysis wavelengths. The state-resolved scattering images of iodine showed two maxima in the velocity distributions in the 2P3/2 state and a single peak in the 2P1/2 state. The spin-orbit specificity indicates that the C−I bond cleavage at both absorption bands is governed by the dissociative nIσ*C−I potential energy surfaces. The nascent internal energy distribution of the allyl radical (C3H5) counter product, which was obtained by the analysis of the state-resolved scattering distributions, showed a marked difference between the photolysis at 266 nm and 213 nm. The generation of the colder C3H5 with the higher translational energy at 266 nm implied the direct photoexcitation to the nIσ*C−I repulsive surfaces, whereas the internally hot C3H5 at 213 nm was ascribed to the local πCCπ*CC photoinitiation in the allyl framework followed by predissociation to the nIσ*C−I states.
Three-dimensional theory of Smith-Purcell free-electron laser with dielectric loaded grating
Authors: Cao Miaomiao , Liu Wenxin , Wang Yong , Li Ke
Published: September 2014

A dielectric loaded rectangular grating for Smith-Purcell devices is proposed in this paper. Regarding the electron beam as a moving plasma dielectric, a three dimensional (3D) linear theory of beam-wave interaction is developed. The first and second order growth rates are calculated, which are obtained by expanding hot dispersion equation at synchronous point. The results show that the cutoff frequency is affected by grating width. The dispersion curve becomes flatter and shifts towards lower frequency by loading dielectric in grooves. The simulation results, which are obtained by a 3D particle-in-cell code, are in good agreement with theoretical calculations. Compared the first and second order growth rate, it shows that the discrepancy is large when beam parameters are selected with high values. In this case, it is necessary to apply the second order growth rate, which can accurately describe the process of beam-wave interaction.
Volume phase transition of polyelectrolyte gels: Effects of ionic size
Authors: Qu Li-Jian , Zhang Xinghua , Tang Jiuzhou , Li Lin , Yan Dadong
Published: September 2014

Although the volume transition of the polyelectrolyte gel has been studied for decades, less study on the finite size effects of the mobile ions has been conducted. In the present paper, Tanaka's classical theory of polyelectrolyte gel is extended to the cases of mobile ions of finite volume. In the salt free limit, the theoretical results show that the discontinuous volume transition of the polyelectrolyte gel will become a continuous one for counterionic size larger than a critical value. When a significant amount of salt is added, the critical value for the volume transition increases as a result of electrostatic screening. An increase in salt concentration can also make the polyelectrolyte gel in poor solvent collapse. Poorer solvent is needed to trigger the salt-induced collapse in polyelectrolyte gel with larger mobile ions than that with smaller ones. The effects of ionic size on the critical points and phase diagram of the volume transition are also discussed. The theoretical results suggest that the swelling behavior of polyelectrolyte gel might be tuned with salt of different volumes.
A systematic study of Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering in air, N2, and O2 gases
Authors: Gu Ziyu , Ubachs Wim
Published: September 2014

Spontaneous Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering experiments in air, N2, and O2 have been performed for a wide range of temperatures and pressures at a wavelength of 403 nm and at a 90° scattering angle. Measurements of the Rayleigh-Brillouin spectral scattering profile were conducted at high signal-to-noise ratio for all three species, yielding high-quality spectra unambiguously showing the small differences between scattering in air, and its constituents N2 and O2. Comparison of the experimental spectra with calculations using the Tenti S6 model, developed in the 1970s based on linearized kinetic equations for molecular gases, demonstrates that this model is valid to high accuracy for N2 and O2, as well as for air. After previous measurements performed at 366 nm, the Tenti S6 model is here verified for a second wavelength of 403 nm, and for the pressure-temperature parameter space covered in the present study (250–340 K and 0.6–3 bars). In the application of the Tenti S6 model, based on the transport coefficients of the gases, such as thermal conductivity κ, internal specific heat capacity cint and shear viscosity η, as well as their temperature dependencies taken as inputs, values for the more elusive bulk viscosity ηb for the gases are derived by optimizing the model to the measurements. It is verified that the bulk viscosity parameters obtained from previous experiments at 366 nm are valid for wavelengths of 403 nm. Also for air, which is treated as a single-component gas with effective gas transport coefficients, the Tenti S6 treatment is validated for 403 nm as for the previously used wavelength of 366 nm, yielding an accurate model description of the scattering profiles for a range of temperatures and pressures, including those of relevance for atmospheric studies. It is concluded that the Tenti S6 model, further verified in the present study, is applicable to LIDAR applications for exploring the wind velocity and the temperature profile distributions of the Earth's atmosphere. Based on the present findings at 90° scattering and the determination of ηb values, predictions can be made on the spectral profiles for a typical LIDAR backscatter geometry. These Tenti S6 predictions for Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering deviate by some 7% from purely Gaussian profiles at realistic sub-atmospheric pressures occurring at 3–5 km altitude in the Earth's atmosphere.
Spatial profiles of electron and metastable atom densities in positive polarity fast ionization waves sustained in helium
Authors: Weatherford Brandon R. , Xiong Zhongmin , Barnat E. V. , Kushner Mark J.
Published: September 2014

Fast ionization waves (FIWs), often generated with high voltage pulses over nanosecond timescales, are able to produce large volumes of ions and excited states at moderate pressures. The mechanisms of FIW propagation were experimentally and computationally investigated to provide insights into the manner in which these large volumes are excited. The two-dimensional structure of electron and metastable densities produced by short-pulse FIWs sustained in helium were measured using laser-induced fluorescence and laser collision-induced fluorescence diagnostics for times of 100–120 ns after the pulse, as the pressure was varied from 1 to 20 Torr. A trend of center-peaked to volume-filling to wall-peaked electron density profiles was observed as the pressure was increased. Instantaneous FIW velocities, obtained from plasma-induced emission, ranged from 0.1 to 3 × 109 cm s−1, depending on distance from the high voltage electrode and pressure. Predictions from two-dimensional modeling of the propagation of a single FIW correlated well with the experimental trends in electron density profiles and wave velocity. Results from the model show that the maximum ionization rate occurs in the wavefront, and the discharge continues to propagate forward after the removal of high voltage from the powered electrode due to the potential energy stored in the space charge. As the pressure is varied, the radial distribution of the ionization rate is shaped by changes in the electron mean free path, and subsequent localized electric field enhancement at the walls or on the centerline of the discharge.
Atomic structures and electronic properties of 2H-NbSe2: The impact of Ti doping
Authors: Li Hongping , Chen Lin , Zhang Kun , Liang Jiaqing , Tang Hua , Li Changsheng , Liu Xiaojuan , Meng Jian , Wang Zhongchang
Published: September 2014

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides have aroused renewed interest as electronic materials, yet their electronic performances could be modified by chemical doping. Here, we perform a systematic first-principles calculation to investigate the effect of Ti doping on atomic structure and electronic properties of the 2H-NbSe2. We consider a total of three possible Ti-doping models and find that both the substitution and intercalated models are chemically preferred with the intercalation model being more favorable than the substitution one. Structural analyses reveal a slight lattice distortion triggered by Ti doping, but the original structure of 2H-NbSe2 is maintained. We also observe an expansion of c axis in the substituted model, which is attributed to the reduced van der Waals interaction arising from the increased Se-Se bond length. Our calculations also predict that the electron transport properties can be enhanced by the Ti doping, especially for the Ti-intercalated 2H-NbSe2, which should be beneficial for the realization of superconductivity. Furthermore, the covalence element is found in the Ti-Se bonds, which is ascribed to the hybridization of Ti 3d and Se 4p orbitals. The findings indicate that doping of transition metals can be regarded as a useful way to tailor electronic states so as to improve electron transport properties of 2H-NbSe2.
Revisit of the relationship between the elastic properties and sound velocities at high pressures
Authors: Wang Chenju , Xiang Shikai , Gu Jianbing , Kuang Xiaoyu , Yu Yin , Yan Xiaozhen , Chen Haiyan
Published: September 2014

The second-order elastic constants and stress-strain coefficients are defined, respectively, as the second derivatives of the total energy and the first derivative of the stress with respect to strain. Since the Lagrangian and infinitesimal strain are commonly used in the two definitions above, the second-order elastic constants and stress-strain coefficients are separated into two categories, respectively. In general, any of the four physical quantities is employed to characterize the elastic properties of materials without differentiation. Nevertheless, differences may exist among them at non-zero pressures, especially high pressures. Having explored the confusing issue systemically in the present work, we find that the four quantities are indeed different from each other at high pressures and these differences depend on the initial stress applied on materials. Moreover, the various relations between the four quantities depicting elastic properties of materials and high-pressure sound velocities are also derived from the elastic wave equations. As examples, we calculated the high-pressure sound velocities of cubic tantalum and hexagonal rhenium using these nexus. The excellent agreement of our results with available experimental data suggests the general applicability of the relations.
Crossed excitons in a semiconductor nanostructure of mixed dimensionality
Authors: Owschimikow Nina , Kolarczik Mirco , Kaptan Yücel I. , Grosse Nicolai B. , Woggon Ulrike
Published: September 2014

Semiconductor systems of reduced dimensionality, e.g., quantum dots or quantum wells, display a characteristic spectrum of confined excitons. Combining several of these systems may lead to the formation of “crossed” excitons, and thus new equilibrium states and scattering channels. We derive gain excitation spectra from two-color pump-probe experiments on an In(Ga)As based quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifier by analyzing the amplitudes of the traces. This grants access to the quantum dot response, even in the presence of strong absorption by the surroundings at the excitation energy. The gain excitation spectra yield evidence of crossed quantum dot-bulk states.
Effects of nano-SiO2 particles on surface tracking characteristics of silicone rubber composites
Authors: Liu Yong , Li Zhonglei , Du Boxue
Published: September 2014

Compared with neat silicone rubber composites (SiRCs), SiRCs filled with nano-sized SiO2 particles at weight ratios from 0.1 to 1.0 wt. % exhibit a higher surface flashover voltage and a greater resistance to surface tracking. Scanning electron microscopy images of tracking morphologies indicate that the SiO2 particles are situated in close proximity to the polymeric chains and act as bridges to stabilize the chains and maintain the structure of the composite. Higher concentrations of nano-sized SiO2 particles, however, (above 0.3 wt. %) produce defects in the molecular network which lead to reductions in both the surface flashover voltage and the resistance to surface tracking, although these reduced values are still superior to those of neat SiRCs. Therefore, SiRCs filled with nano-sized SiO2 particles, especially at an optimal weight ratio (0.1 to 0.3 wt. %), may have significant potential applications as outdoor insulators for power systems.
Student outcomes in one-way, two-way, and indigenous language immersion education
Authors: Lindholm-Leary Kathryn , Genesee Fred
Published: September 2014

This article examines international research on student outcomes in one-way, two-way, and indigenous language immersion education. We review research on first and second language competence and academic achievement in content areas (e.g., math) among both majority and minority language students. We also discuss the relationship between bilingualism and student outcomes and whether more exposure to the first or second language is associated with better outcomes. In addition, we highlight student background, methodological, and assessment issues and concerns, and suggest additional avenues of research on student outcomes
Bilingual education and at-risk students
Authors: Genesee Fred , Fortune Tara W.
Published: September 2014

This article reviews research that has examined the linguistic and academic outcomes of at-risk learners in bilingual/immersion programs. Specifically, we review research on at-risk students with: disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, low levels of academic or general intellectual ability, poor first language ability, special education needs (including students at risk for or with language and/or reading impairment), and students who speak non-standard varieties of their first language and/or come from ethnically diverse backgrounds, including minority ethnic groups. We conclude by identifying topics and issues that warrant future research.
Classroom interaction in one-way, two-way, and indigenous immersion contexts
Authors: Palmer Deborah K. , Ballinger Susan , Peter Lizette
Published: September 2014

How much and what kinds of classroom interaction best promote language and content learning in different immersion contexts? We review trends and major concerns for classroom interaction research in three language immersion contexts: two-way immersion, one-way immersion, and indigenous language immersion. Much of the research in two-way immersion contexts has focused on issues of equity in interaction. Research in one-way immersion contexts has primarily attempted to understand what kinds of interaction are most effective for L2 development, and how to teach students to interact in these ways. Driven by the urgency that accompanies efforts at language and culture revitalization, indigenous immersion research centers on the role of culture and community norms in classroom interaction. Despite the fact that research in these three contexts has focused on rather different issues, we draw cross-context conclusions, arguing that findings from these settings can and should inform each other.
Looking in the one-way mirror
Authors: Kristmanson Paula , Dicks Joseph
Published: September 2014

Since its inception in the late 1960s in St. Lambert, Quebec, Canada, one-way immersion has become a globalized phenomenon taking many forms and focusing on many target languages. In this paper, we will take a brief historical look at one-way immersion with regard to its program design and variants. We will then describe how immersion has evolved by focusing on five particular one-way immersion contexts: French immersion in Canada, French immersion in Louisiana, French immersion in Australia, English immersion in Hong Kong, and Chinese immersion in the U.S. We explore each of these programs by examining demographic issues as these relate to design and intercultural elements. Through these explorations, we will describe the changing face of immersion programs and the changing faces of teachers and learners. We will conclude with a discussion of what can be learned from the various models and suggest directions for future one-way immersion research.
One-way immersion in Europe
Authors: Nissilä Niina , Björklund Siv
Published: September 2014

One-way immersion programs were originally designed to provide monolingual majority language speakers a good mastery of a second, foreign, heritage, or indigenous language. This article provides a brief overview of the design of one-way-immersion programs as part of bilingual education in Europe by presenting some of the immersion programs from the following contexts: Basque country, Catalonia, Finland, Ireland and Wales. The implementation of these programs in different European contexts is analysed by looking at different functions of the programs and demographic characteristics in their student populations. The article concludes with a discussion on perspectives about and challenges for one-way immersion programs in the future.
Dependency in Language
Authors: Mel’čuk Igor
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a general overview of the notion of linguistic dependency and of its application in formal modeling of Language. Three major types of dependency are distinguished: semantic, syntactic and morphological dependencies; all cases of their 14 possible combinations in a sentence are examined and illustrated. Each type of dependency is characterized in some detail. For syntactic dependency, three sets of formal criteria are introduced; for morphological dependency, its two major subtypes – agreement and government – are described. The main advantages of syntactic dependency are shown, as well as a case of its insufficiency (in coordination). The place and the role of phrases within dependency framework are touched upon. The so-called Bracketing Paradox is briefly discussed.
Sentence structure and discourse structure
Authors: Jínová Pavlína , Poláková Lucie , Mírovský Jiří
Published: September 2014

The present contribution represents the first step in comparing the nature of syntactico-semantic relations present in the sentence structure to their equivalents in the discourse structure. The study is carried out on the basis of Czech manually annotated material collected in the Prague Dependency Treebank (PDT). According to the analysis of the underlying syntactic structure of a sentence (tectogrammatics) in the PDT, we distinguish various types of relations that can be expressed both within a single sentence (i.e. in a tree) and in a larger text, beyond the sentence boundary (between trees). We suggest that, on the one hand, semantic nature of each type of these relations corresponds both within a sentence and in a larger text (i.e. a causal relation remains a causal relation) but, on the other hand, according to the semantic properties of the relations, their distribution in a sentence or between sentences is very diverse. In this study, this observation is analyzed in detail for three cases (relations of condition, specification and opposition) and further supported by similar behaviour of the English data from the Penn Discourse Treebank.
Coordination of verbal dependents in Old French
Authors: Mazziotta Nicolas
Published: September 2014

Scholars have proposed many different models to describe coordination of verbal dependents. We give a brief presentation of the most common ways to deal with this construction from a general point of view. We then evaluate the adequacy of the models using data from Old French. In this particular language, coordination is an elaborate form of juxtaposition and apposition, which differs only at the semantic level. For this reason, the coordinating conjunction has to be considered a dependent of the following conjunct.
Molecular discrimination of shelf-spawned eggs of two co-occurring
Trachurus spp. (Carangidae) in southeastern Australia: a
key step to future egg-based biomass estimates
Authors: Neira Francisco J. , Perry Robert A. , Burridge Christopher P. , Lyle Jeremy M. , Keane John P.
Published: September 2014

A molecular approach was successfully developed to discriminate between spawned eggs of the pelagic carangids Trachurus declivis and Trachurus novaezelandiae collected during ichthyoplankton surveys conducted in October 2002 and 2003 along shelf waters of Queensland (Qld) and New South Wales (NSW), in southeastern Australia (25o50′–37o30′S). Visually identified Trachurus eggs were subjected to mtDNA analysis by targeting specific fragments of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes, with three diagnostic sites (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) within a 297 bp segment of Cyt b (558, 588, 825) providing the best approach to discriminate between species. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of 608 suspected Trachurus eggs resulted in 586 (96.4%) high-quality sequences that unequivocally identified 315 and 207 eggs as T. declivis and T. novaezelandiae, respectively, as well as 18 “variant haplotype” eggs that exhibited a base substitution at one of the diagnostic sites; the remaining 46 sequences aligned to three different genera in GenBank including two carangids, thus highlighting the effectiveness of molecular methods for egg identification. Rehydrated, mtDNA-verified eggs of T. declivis were significantly larger (0.97 ± 0.01 mm) than those of T. novaezelandiae (0.82 ± 0.01 mm), though still proved problematic to identify to species when relying on morphology alone. Egg distributions showed main spawning areas of T. declivis and T. novaezelandiae confined mostly to southern NSW (>32°S) and northern NSW/southern Qld (<32°S), respectively, with T. novaezelandiae likely to continue spawning further south during summer with the gradual temperature increase associated with the south-flowing East Australian Current. Overall findings support the adoption of comparable molecular protocols to verify identification of wild spawned eggs to species level, especially eggs collected during the application of the daily egg production method to estimate spawning biomass of pelagic species, as well as biological fish studies.
Feasibility and Validity of the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Dotson Jennifer L. , Crandall Wallace V. , Zhang Peixin , Forrest Christopher B. , Bailey L. Charles , Colletti Richard B. , Kappelman Michael D.
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

The Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) is a noninvasive disease activity index developed as a clinical trial endpoint. More recently, practice guidelines have recommended the use of PUCAI in routine clinical care. We therefore sought to evaluate the feasibility, validity, and responsiveness of PUCAI in a large, diverse collection of pediatric gastroenterology practices.

Methods:

We extracted data from the 2 most recent encounters for patients with ulcerative colitis in the ImproveCareNow registry. Feasibility was determined by the percentage of patients for whom all PUCAI components were recorded, validity by correlation of PUCAI scores across physician global assessment (PGA) categories, and responsiveness to change by the correlation between the change in PUCAI and PGA scores between visits.

Results:

A total of 2503 patients were included (49.5% boys, age 15.2 ± 4.1 years, disease duration 3.7 ± 3.2 years). All items in the PUCAI were completed for 96% of visits. PUCAI demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability between remission, mild, and moderate disease; discrimination between moderate and severe disease was less robust. There was good correlation with PGA (r = 0.76 [P < 0.001] and weighted kappa κ = 0.73 [P < 0.001]). The PUCAI change scores correlated well with PGA change scores (P < 0.001). Test–retest reliability of the PUCAI was good (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.72 [95% confidence interval 0.70–0.75], P < 0.001). Guyatt responsiveness statistic was 1.18, and the correlation of ΔPUCAI with ΔPGA was 0.69 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The PUCAI is feasible to use in routine clinical settings. Evidence of its validity and responsiveness supports its use as a clinical tool for monitoring disease activity for patients with ulcerative colitis.
Cost‐Effective Analysis of Screening for Biliary Atresia With the Stool Color Card
Authors: Mogul Douglas , Zhou Mo , Intihar Paul , Schwarz Kathleen , Frick Kevin
Published: September 2014

Background:

Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading cause of pediatric end‐stage liver disease and liver transplantation in the United States. Early diagnosis leads to improved outcomes, but diagnosis is often delayed, leading to increased rates of transplantation and mortality.

Methods:

A Markov model was developed to simulate the natural history and transplant‐related outcomes of patients with BA in a US cohort studied for 20 years. Data regarding proportions of individuals in different health states, including transplant and death, were obtained from published literature. Costs were derived from the literature and the Johns Hopkins database of charges using the cost‐to‐charge ratio. Strategy A represented the status quo and assumed no screening. Strategy B used nationwide screening with the stool color card developed by the Taiwan Health Bureau. The cost associated with both strategies was compared with the number of life‐years gained, deaths, and the number of transplants for a 20‐year interval. A dominant strategy was one that was associated with lower cost alongside improved outcomes, including increases in life‐years gained, reductions in number of deaths, and reductions in number of transplants. One‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results:

In strategy A, the 20‐year cost was $142,479,725 with 3702 life‐years, 74 deaths and 158 liver transplants. For strategy B, the cost was $133,893,563 with 3731.7 life‐years, 71 deaths and 147 liver transplants. There was a >97% probability that screening with the stool color card would be cost saving and associated with an increase in life‐years gained. Among all parameters, only stool color card specificity was associated with the potential for screening to no longer be cost saving.

Conclusions:

Compared with no screening, screening with the stool color card is a dominant strategy associated with lower costs and better outcomes. These findings suggest that screening with the stool color card could be an important, economically feasible strategy for improving outcomes in BA in the United States.
Crystal structures of (E)-(3-ethyl-1-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-4-ylidene)amino phenyl carbonate and (E)-(3-isopropyl-1-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-4-ylidene)amino phenyl carbonate
Authors: Raghuvarman B. , Sivakumar R. , Thanikachalam V. , Aravindhan S.
Published: September 2014

In the title compounds, C27H28N2O3, (I), and C28H30N2O3, (II), the conformation about the C=N bond isE. The piperidine rings adopt chair conformations with the attached phenyl rings almost normal to their mean planes, the dihedral angles being 85.82 (8) and 85.84 (7)° in (I), and 87.98 (12) and 86.42 (13)° in (II). The phenyl rings are inclined to one another by 52.87 (8)° in (I) and by 60.51 (14)° in (II). The main difference in the conformation of the two compounds is the angle of inclination of the phenoxycarbonyl ring to the piperidine ring mean plane. In (I), these two planes are almost coplanar, with a dihedral angle of 2.05 (8)°, while in (II), this angle is 45.24 (13)°. In the crystal of (I), molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers withR22(14) loops. The dimers are linkedviaC—H...π interactions forming a three-dimensional network. In the crystal of (II), there are no significant intermolecular interactions present.
Crystal structure of a samarium(III) nitrate chain cross-linked by a bis-carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide ligand
Authors: Stoscup Julie A. , Staples Richard J. , Biros Shannon M.
Published: September 2014

In the title compound poly[aquabis(μ-nitrato-κ4O,O′:O,O′′)tetrakis(nitrato-κ2O,O′){μ4-tetraethyl [(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(azanediyl)bis(2-oxoethane-2,1-diyl)]diphosphonate-κ2O,O′}disamarium(III)], [Sm2(NO3)6(C14H30N2O8P2)(H2O)]n, a 12-coordinate SmIIIand a nine-coordinate SmIIIcation are alternately linkedviashared bis-bidentate nitrate anions into a corrugated chain extending parallel to theaaxis. The nine-coordinate SmIIIatom of this chain is also chelated by a bidentate, yet flexible, carbamoylmethylphoshine oxide (CMPO) ligand and bears one water molecule. This water molecule is hydrogen bonded to nitrate groups bonded to the 12-coordinate SmIIIcation. The CMPO ligand, which lies about an inversion center, links neighboring chains along thecaxis, forming sheets parallel to theacplane. Hydrogen bonds between the amide NH group and metal-bound nitrate anions are also present in these sheets. The sheets are packed along thebaxis through only van der Waals interactions.
Improving the early detection of alien wood‐boring beetles in ports and surrounding forests
Authors: Rassati Davide , Faccoli Massimo , Petrucco Toffolo Edoardo , Battisti Andrea , Marini Lorenzo
Published: September 2014

International ports are generally considered the most likely points of entry for alien wood‐boring beetles. A better understanding of the factors affecting their arrival and establishment at ports and their surrounding areas is of utmost importance to improve the efficacy and the cost‐effectiveness of early detection programmes. Our work aimed at understanding how port size and the characteristics of the landscape surrounding the port, in terms of forest cover and forest composition, influence the occurrence of alien wood‐boring beetles.

From May to September 2012, 15 Italian international ports and the surrounding forests were monitored with multi‐funnel traps baited with a multi‐lure blend (α‐pinene, ethanol, ipsdienol, ipsenol, methyl‐butenol), three in each port and three in forests located 3–5 km away from the port. We identified both alien and native Scolytinae, Cerambycidae and Buprestidae beetles.

Fourteen alien species, among which four are new to Italy, were trapped. Alien species richness was positively related to the amount of imported commodities at the port scale. Broadleaf forests surrounding ports received larger number of alien species than conifer forests. By contrast, total forest cover in the landscape surrounding ports was positively related to the occurrence of native but not alien species. The alien and native species richness was higher in the surrounding forests than in the ports.

Synthesis and applications. The simultaneous use of traps in ports with large volume of imported commodities and in their surrounding broadleaf forests can strongly increase the probability of alien wood‐boring beetle interceptions. The identification of sites where the arrival and establishment of alien species is more probable, combined with an efficient trapping protocol, can substantially improve the efficacy of early detection. Similar approaches may be used in other countries as early warning systems to implement timely measures to eradicate or contain alien invasions at the European scale.
Nutrition and dementia care: Informing dietetic practice
Authors: Jansen Sarah , Ball Lauren , Desbrow Ben , Morgan Kate , Moyle Wendy , Hughes Roger
Published: September 2014

Aim

The increasing prevalence of dementia and the nutritional complications associated with dementia suggest an increasing need for health care that focuses on nutrition and dietetic support. The aim of this paper was to summarise existing evidence relating to nutrition in the aetiology, prevention and management of dementia in order to help inform dietitians in the provision of care to people with dementia, their families and carers.

Methods

A literature search was undertaken to identify relevant research that investigated the nutritional aetiology of dementia, the effectiveness of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of dementia, or strategies used by carers to provide nutrition‐related support to people with dementia.

Results

There is currently insufficient evidence to support specific nutrition‐related dementia causality. The role of specific nutrients in slowing cognitive decline in people with dementia is also unclear. People with dementia rarely maintain a stable body weight and often incur numerous feeding‐related challenges that contribute to the risk of malnutrition. High‐calorie dietary supplements may enhance the short‐term energy intake of people with dementia but are unlikely to improve long‐term weight management or other dementia‐related outcomes.

Conclusions

Practical, achievable strategies that focus on food items and eating environments to promote oral intake of people with dementia while minimising carer burden should be a focus for nutrition and dietetic interventions.
The BRICS‐led Development Bank: Purpose and Politics beyond the G20
Authors: Chin Gregory T.
Published: September 2014

This article examines why the BRICS Development Bank is being created and the role it will play in the global economy and world development. After describing some of the critical needs that are driving the formation of this new multilateral development bank, I discuss how the creation of the BRICS bank is linked to failures among traditional funders to deliver on their commitments, especially in terms of infrastructure investment. This article also outlines the national interests that each BRICS country has in the BRICS bank, and the main challenges that the BRICS countries are facing in transforming this idea into reality.
Asleep at the Wheel (Again)? Bank Audits During the Lead‐Up to the Financial Crisis
Authors: Doogar Rajib , Rowe Stephen P. , Sivadasan Padmakumar
Published: September 2014

We present the first large‐sample empirical evidence on U.S. auditors' responses to changes in entity‐level audit risk during 2006–2007, the period leading up to the financial crisis of 2008–2009. Treating fiscal year 2005 engagements as a pre‐crisis benchmark, we find that audit attention during fiscal year 2006 and 2007 bank audit engagements shifted in line with the shifting audit risks. One implication of these findings is that auditors were able to recognize and respond to financial statement impacts of the macroeconomic shocks that unfolded during the lead‐up to the crisis. Another implication is that auditors' failure to issue advance warnings of increasing auditee riskiness during the time leading up to the financial crisis more likely reflects limitations of extant accounting and auditing rules rather than a lack of auditor awareness or attention to those risks.
Effects of childhood maltreatment on the neural correlates of stress‐ and drug cue‐induced cocaine craving
Authors: Elton Amanda , Smitherman Sonet , Young Jonathan , Kilts Clinton D.
Published: September 2014

Childhood adversity negatively influences all stages of the addiction process and is associated with persistent alterations in neuroendocrine, autonomic and brain responses to stress. We sought to characterize the impact of childhood abuse and neglect on the neural correlates of stress‐ and drug cue‐induced drug craving associated with cocaine addiction. Cocaine‐dependent men with (n = 20) and without (n = 18) moderate to severe childhood maltreatment histories underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during script‐guided mental imagery of personalized stress, drug use and neutral experiences. Compared to the neutral script, the stress and drug use scripts activated striatal, prefrontal, posterior cingulate, temporal and cerebellar regions consistent with prior studies of induced states of stress and drug craving. For the stress script, maltreated men exhibited reduced activation of the anterior precuneus and supplementary motor area (SMA); the interaction of maltreatment severity and stress‐induced craving responses predicted lesser rostral anterior cingulate cortex activation. For the drug use script, maltreated men exhibited greater left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation. The interaction of maltreatment severity and craving responses was associated with greater activation of the visual cortex and SMA, whereas a maltreatment‐by‐anxiety interaction effect included lesser ventromedial prefrontal cortex activation. The outcomes indicate an association of childhood maltreatment with a heightened appetitive anticipatory response to drug cues and a diminished engagement of regulatory and controlled action selection processes in response to stress‐ or drug cue‐induced drug craving and anxiety responses for cocaine‐dependent men. These findings provide novel insights into possible brain mechanisms by which childhood maltreatment heightens risk for relapse in drug‐dependent individuals.
Exercise increases the binding of MEF2A to the Cpt1b promoter in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Yuan H. , Niu Y. , Liu X. , Fu L.
Published: September 2014

Aim

Muscle‐type carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1b) plays an important role in skeletal muscle mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation. A myocyte‐specific enhancer factor (MEF2) site that binds MEF2A in the promoter of Cpt1b has been identified. The aim of this study is to determine whether Cpt1b expression is regulated by MEF2 in response to exercise training.

Methods

Twelve male, 14‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice underwent 6 weeks of treadmill exercise at 12 m min−1, for 60 min day−1, 5 days week−1. Quadriceps muscles were analysed by real‐time PCR, Western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

The binding of MEF2A to the Cpt1b promoter was elevated in the quadriceps muscle of mice after 6‐week aerobic exercise intervention. The repressor partner of MEF2, histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), binding to the Cpt1b promoter was decreased by exercise training. In C2C12 myoblast, MEF2A overexpression increased the Cpt1b mRNA expression and the Cpt1b promoter transcriptional activity, which were suppressed by HDAC5. Moreover, exercise training induced MEF2A hyperacetylation, which is strongly associated with its enhanced DNA‐binding ability. The binding of both HDAC5 and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) to MEF2A was decreased by exercise training. Overexpression of HDAC5 decreased exogenous MEF2A acetylation level with an increased binding of endogenous HDAC3 to MEF2A. Finally, the phosphorylation levels of HDAC5 Ser259 and Ser498 were increased by exercise training. Exercise training decreased the abundance of HDAC5 in the nucleus while increasing its abundance in the cytoplasm.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that exercise‐induced CPT1b expression was at least in part mediated by HDAC5/MEF2A interaction.
Early Discontinuation of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Drug Treatment: A Danish Nationwide Drug Utilization Study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Bjerregaard Bine Kjøller , Kortegaard Lisbeth Sandal , Zoëga Helga
Published: September 2014

Knowledge of patterns of treatment discontinuation in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug treatment is of importance, for both the clinical practice and the study of long‐term treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe early discontinuation of ADHD drug treatment. Using the Danish National Prescription Registry, all first‐time users of the ADHD drugs methylphenidate and atomoxetine were identified between 2000 and 2012. Early discontinuation was defined as failing to fill a second prescription for any ADHD drug within 6 months. Analyses were conducted stratified by calendar year, drug formulation, patient sex, age and region of residence. 59,116 first‐time users of methylphenidate and atomoxetine with at least 6 months of eligible follow‐up were identified. Overall, 12.6% (n = 7441) failed to fill a second prescription within 6 months. This proportion changed over time, dropping from 20.8% in 2000 to 12.5% in 2012. The proportion of early discontinuation was considerably lower among children than among adults. Proportions were comparable when stratifying by index drug. Proportions of early discontinuation were similar between regions of Denmark, except in the capital region, where it remained at around 20% among 18‐ to 49‐year‐olds throughout the study period (22.6% in 2012). In conclusion, we found that the proportion of early discontinuation among ADHD drug users in Denmark dropped markedly during the past decade for both sexes, all age groups and all regions, except for adults in the capital region. Overall, early discontinuation was somewhat lower than expected, considering rates of side effects or non‐response to ADHD drug treatment.
Defining serum ferritin thresholds to predict clinically relevant liver iron concentrations for guiding deferasirox therapy when MRI is unavailable in patients with non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia
Authors: Taher Ali T. , Porter John B. , Viprakasit Vip , Kattamis Antonis , Chuncharunee Suporn , Sutcharitchan Pranee , Siritanaratkul Noppadol , Origa Raffaella , Karakas Zeynep , Habr Dany , Zhu Zewen , Cappellini Maria Domenica
Published: September 2014

Liver iron concentration (LIC) assessment by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard to diagnose iron overload and guide iron chelation therapy in patients with non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia (NTDT). However, limited access to MRI technology and expertise worldwide makes it practical to also use serum ferritin assessments. The THALASSA (assessment of Exjade® in non‐transfusion‐dependent THALASSemiA patients) study assessed the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in iron‐overloaded NTDT patients and provided a large data set to allow exploration of the relationship between LIC and serum ferritin. Using data from screened patients and those treated with deferasirox for up to 2 years, we identified clinically relevant serum ferritin thresholds (for when MRI is unavailable) for the initiation of chelation therapy (>800 μg/l), as well as thresholds to guide chelator dose interruption (<300 μg/l) and dose escalation (>2000 μg/l). (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00873041).
Contact sensitization to cobalt – multifactorial analysis of risk factors based on long‐term data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Gefeller Olaf , Geier Johannes , Schnuch Axel
Published: September 2014

Background

Cobalt contact sensitization in consecutively tested patients is common. The sources of exposure, and thus clinical relevance, are mostly unclear.

Objective

To examine (i) long‐term time trends of sensitization, (ii) risk factors that may point to relevant exposures, and (iii) coupling with nickel sensitization.

Methods

Data of all patients patch tested with cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate (1% pet.) between 1992 and 2012 (n = 185 050) in the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK, www.ivkd.org) were subjected to descriptive stratified and Poisson regression analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of positive patch test reactions was 5.23% (95% confidence interal 5.13–5.33%). Regarding time trends, there were significant increases for males aged 18–44 years and for females aged ≥45 years, and a significant variation of co‐reactivity with nickel over time. Female sex almost doubled the risk of sensitization; age ≥45 years was associated with a 30% decrease in the risk of positive patch test reactions to cobalt, and atopic eczema with an approximately 20% increase.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding some diagnostic difficulties with the test preparation, a persistent, notable proportion of cobalt sensitization, isolated or coupled with nickel allergy, can be observed. This warrants further in‐depth research into causative exposures, both at the workplace and in consumers.
Contemporary use of social media by consultant colorectal surgeons
Authors: McDonald J. J. , Bisset C. , Coleman M. G. , Speake D. , Brady R. R. W.
Published: September 2014

Aim

There is evidence of significant growth in the engagement of UK health‐care professionals with ‘open’ social media platforms, such as Twitter and LinkedIn. Social media communication provides many opportunities and benefits for medical education and interaction with patients and colleagues. This study was undertaken to evaluate the uptake of public social media membership and the characteristics of use of such media channels amongst contemporary UK consultant colorectal surgeons.

Method

Colorectal surgeons were identified from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) national registry of colorectal mortality outcomes and were cross‐referenced with the General Medical Council (GMC) register. Individuals were identified by manual searching on a number of social media platforms. Matching accounts were then examined to confirm ownership and to evaluate key markers of use.

Results

Six‐hundred and eighteen individual consultant colorectal surgeons from 142 health authorities were studied (79.5% were ACPGBI members and 90.8% were male). Two‐hundred and twenty‐nine (37.1%) had LinkedIn profiles (37.7% male surgeons, 29.8% female surgeons; P = 0.2530). LinkedIn membership was significantly higher in ACPGBI members (P < 0.001) and in those with GMC registration before 1997 vs after this date (39% before 1997 vs 30% after 1997; P = 0.03). LinkedIn members had a mean of 62 connections (median = 22), and 19 (3.1%) surgeons had Twitter profiles with a mean of 82 (median = 16; range: 0–914) followers and their accounts were followed by a mean of 87 (median = 27; range: 0–642) persons.

Conclusion

UK consultant colorectal surgeons are less engaged with social media than reported studies from other health‐care professional groups. Further education and appropriate guidance on usage may encourage uptake and confidence, particularly in younger consultants.