bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interrelationship of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus colonization within and between pneumococcal-vaccine naïve mother-child dyads
Authors: Shiri Tinevimbo , Nunes Marta C , Adrian Peter V , Van Niekerk Nadia , Klugman Keith P , Madhi Shabir A
Published: October 2013

Background

A high prevalence of bacterial nasopharyngeal co-infections has been reported in children, however, such data is limited in adults. We examined the interaction of Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae pharyngeal colonization in mother-child dyads.

Methods

Pneumococcal-vaccine naïve children and their mothers had pharyngeal swabs undertaken at 1.6, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 7.4, 9.5, 12.5, 16.2 and 24.2 months of child’s age. Swabs were cultured for S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae and S. aureus using standard microbiologic methods. Multivariate generalized estimating equation-models were used to explore the associations of the three bacteria within and between children and their mothers.

Results

In children, the observed probability of co-colonization was higher than expected. Well-defined associations in colonization between the bacteria were observed in children but not among mothers. In children, a synergistic association was observed between S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.75, 95% CI: 1.32-2.32) and a negative association between S. pneumoniae and S. aureus (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.39-0.67) or H. influenzae and S. aureus (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.16-0.34) colonization. Additionally, all three bacteria had a higher likelihood of concurrent colonization. There was a strong association in colonization by the bacteria in children and their mothers, including increased likelihood of maternal colonization if the child was colonized by S. pneumoniae (AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.28-2.63) and H. influenzae (AOR: 6.34, 95% CI: 2.24-18.0).

Conclusions

The effects of immunization of children with pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccine in settings such as ours needs monitoring with regard to potential changes of pharyngeal bacterial ecology which could occur in vaccinated and –unvaccinated age-groups.
Selective steroid oxyfunctionalisation by CYP154C5, a bacterial cytochrome P450
Authors: Bracco Paula , Janssen Dick B , Schallmey Anett
Published: October 2013

Background

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases – able to regio- and stereoselectively hydroxylate non-activated carbon atoms – are important enzymes for the synthesis of valuable intermediates in the production of steroid hormones in the pharmaceutical industry. However, up to now only a few bacterial enzymes able to hydroxylate steroids have been reported. CYP154C5 from Nocardia farcinica IFM 10152, a bacterial P450 monooxygenase, was previously shown to convert testosterone to 16α-hydroxytestosterone. Since the hydroxylation at 16α-position is of special interest for the pharmaceutical industry, we have studied this enzyme in more detail to investigate its activity and selectivity in bioconversions of further steroids.

Results

CYP154C5 was coexpressed in Escherichia coli together with putidaredoxin and putidaredoxin reductase from Pseudomonas putida as redox partners for electron transfer and applied in bioconversions of various pregnanes and androstanes [pregnenolone (1), dehydroepiandrosterone (2), progesterone (3), androstenedione (4), testosterone (5) and nandrolone (6)]. Structure elucidation of the formed products revealed an exclusive regio- and stereoselectivity of CYP154C5, always yielding the corresponding 16α-hydroxylated steroids. Application of whole cells expressing the three components, P450, Pdx and PdR, in steroid biotransformations resulted in significantly higher conversions and total turnover numbers (TTN) compared to reactions using cell-free extracts. Additionally, considerably higher substrate loads (up to 15 mM) were tolerated by the whole-cell system. Furthermore, turnover numbers (TON) were determined for the six different steroids using whole cells. Thus, testosterone was found to be the worst substrate with a TON of only 0.8 μmol substrate consumed min-1 μmol-1 CYP154C5, while progesterone and pregnenolone were converted the fastest resulting in TON of 3.3 μmol substrate consumed min-1 μmol-1 CYP154C5.

Conclusion

CYP154C5 from N. farcinica constitutes a promising catalyst due to its high regio- and stereoselectivity in the hydroxylation of different steroids as well as its efficient expression in E. coli at high yields. Using this enzyme, 16α-hydroxylated steroids, which are important precursors for the synthesis of high value steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, can be selectively produced on preparative scale with TTN (μmol substrate consumed μmol-1 CYP154C5) exceeding 2000.
Effects of parental origins and length of residency on adiposity measures andnutrition in urban middle school students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kuryan Ranita , Frankel David , Cervoni Barbie , Koltun Audrey , Lowell Barbara , Altshuler Lisa , Rosenbaum Michael , Shelov Steven P , Carey Dennis E , Accacha Siham , Fennoy Ilene , Rapaport Robert , Rosenfeld Warren , Ten Svetlana , Speiser Phyllis W
Published: October 2013

Background

The prevalence of obesity in U.S. has been rising at an alarming rate,particularly among Hispanic, African, and Asian minority groups. This trendis due in part to excessive calorie consumption and sedentary lifestyle. Wesought to investigate whether parental origins influence eating behaviors inhealthy urban middle school students.

Methods

A multiethnic/racial population of students (N = 182) enrolled inthe ROAD (Reduce Obesity and Diabetes) Study, a school-based trial to assessclinical, behavioral, and biochemical risk factors for adiposity and itsco-morbidities completed questionnaires regarding parental origins, lengthof US residency, and food behaviors and preferences. The primary behavioralquestionnaire outcome variables were nutrition knowledge, attitude,intention and behavior, which were then related to anthropometric measuresof waist circumference, BMI z-scores, and percent body fat. Two-way analysisof variance was used to evaluate the joint effects of number of parents bornin the U.S. and ethnicity on food preference and knowledge score. TheTukey-Kramer method was used to compute pairwise comparisons to determinewhere differences lie. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyzethe joint effects of number of parents born in the US and student ethnicity,along with the interaction term, on each adiposity measure outcome. Pearsoncorrelation coefficients were used to examine the relationships betweenmaternal and paternal length of residency in the US with measures ofadiposity, food preference and food knowledge.

Results

African Americans had significantly higher BMI, waist circumference and bodyfat percentage compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Neitherethnicity/race nor parental origins had an impact on nutrition behavior.Mothers’ length of US residency positively correlated withstudents’ nutrition knowledge, but not food attitude, intention orbehavior.

Conclusions

Adiposity measures in children differ according to ethnicity and race. Incontrast, food behaviors in this middle school sample were not influenced byparental origins. Longer maternal US residency benefited offspring in termsof nutrition knowledge only. We suggest that interventions to preventobesity begin in early childhood.
Extraction bradycardia: a pilot case-crossover study
Authors: Rashad Ashkan , Smeets Ralf , Rana Madiha , Bohluli Behnam
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Significant vasovagal reaction is one of the untoward events in the course of simple extractions. The present study then aimed to record the patients’ heart rate during the extraction procedure.

Materials and methods

Informed consents were obtained in advance. Patients were placed in the dental chair and their heart rate was measured before /and prior to the anesthetic injection, during, and after dental extraction on a pulse oxymeter device. Data were analyzed using paired t-test.

Results

Sixty one patients were included. The mean heart rates of these patients prior, during, and after extraction were 88, 86 and 81, respectively. Two by two comparisons showed a significant decrease in the mean heart rate during extraction compared to the baseline and also after extraction compared to both before and during extraction (p < 0.05 for all three).

Conclusions

Despite the presence of sufficient local anesthesia and performing the extraction with the least trauma, a significant decrease in heart rate is evident.
Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence among Estonian postmenopausal women
Authors: Kirss Fred , Lang Katrin , Toompere Karolin , Veerus Piret
Published: October 2013

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and to assess its risk factors among postmenopausal Estonian women.

Methods

In 2004, 1363 women participating in the Estonian Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Trial were asked at the closure visit to the trial physician about symptoms of UI. The type of incontinence was assessed with the help of a questionnaire, based on recommendations from the working group set up by the Finnish Gynaecological Association. Frequency characteristics were analysed by descriptive statistics. Risk factors were examined using logistic regression.

Results

Mean age of study women was 53.3 years (min = 48, max = 67; SD 4.0). The prevalence of UI was 18.12% (95% CI: 16.07 - 20.17). Stress incontinence was diagnosed in 78.83% (95% CI: 73.32 - 84.33) and urge or mixed incontinence in 21.17% (95% CI: 15.67 - 26.68) of women who reported incontinence. Prevalence of UI slightly increased with age. Women who used hormone therapy (HT) (OR 1.67; 95% CI: 1.17 - 2.39), had had hysterectomy (1.73, 95% CI: 1.06 - 2.83), and those with secondary education (OR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.23 - 2.82) or basic education (OR 3.29, 95% CI: 1.80 - 6.02) had a higher risk for UI. Parity, having a BMI over 30 kg/m2, being a smoker or a former smoker, having diabetes and being physically or sexually active, tended to increase the risk of UI.

Conclusions

About one in five postmenopausal women in Estonia reported to have UI. Risk factors linked with UI, its prevalence in other age groups and the impact of UI on quality of life deserve more research.

Trial registration

Number: ISRCTN35338757
A hierarchical approach for speech-instrumental-song classification
Authors: Ghosal Arijit , Chakraborty Rudrasis , Dhara Bibhas Chandra , Saha Sanjoy Kumar
Published: October 2013

Audio classification acts as the fundamental step for lots of applications like content based audio retrieval and audio indexing. In this work, we have presented a novel scheme for classifying audio signal into three categories namely, speech, music without voice (instrumental) and music with voice (song). A hierarchical approach has been adopted to classify the signals. At the first stage, signals are categorized as speech and music using audio texture derived from simple features like ZCR and STE. Proposed audio texture captures contextual information and summarizes the frame level features. At the second stage, music is further classified as instrumental/song based on Mel frequency cepstral co-efficient (MFCC). A classifier based on Random Sample and Consensus (RANSAC), capable of handling wide variety of data has been utilized. Experimental result indicates the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Advantages of one step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) whole node assay in sentinel lymph node (SLN) analysis in breast cancer
Authors: Santaballa Ana , De La Cueva Helena , Salvador Carmen , García-Martínez Ana M , Guarín María J , Lorente David , Palomar Laura , Aznar Ismael , Dobón Fernando , Bello Pilar
Published: October 2013

Background

The purpose of this study is to present our first results of sentinel node analysis (SLN) by one step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) in routine clinical practice in our centre and compare them with the results of classic histopathological analysis in a historical cohort from our same institution.

Methods

407 patients (total study population) with early breast cancer and no clinical nodal involvement underwent SLN biopsy in our institution. The SLN was analysed by OSNA in 164 biopsies. OSNA results were compared with the conventional histopathology study of 244 patients who had undergone SLN biopsy previously. The characteristics of the patients in both groups were evaluated and a comparison was made of the rate of metastases detected by both methods and of the surgical procedures needed in each group. We also investigated the state of non-sentinel lymph nodes if micrometastases where found in SLN.

Results

SLN biopsy result was considered as positive in 45 patients (28%) in the OSNA group and in 58 in the historical group (24%). There was no difference in the rate of macrometastases (16,5% for OSNA, 20% for HE) but we found differences in the rate of micrometastases (11% for OSNA and 3,6% for HE p = 0.0007). Axillary lymphadenectomy (ALND) was performed in 43/45 cases in the OSNA group and in 51/58 of the historical group. In all patients diagnosed by OSNA, ALND was performed during the initial surgical procedure. In the historical cohort ALND was performed during the initial surgical procedure in 41 patients and in a second surgical procedure in 10 patients. Patients from both groups with micrometastases in the SLN had no metastases in other nodes when the ALND was performed.

Conclusions

OSNA analysis allows the detection of SLN metastases as precisely as conventional pathology with an increased detection of micrometastases. The OSNA method can reduce the need of a deferred lymphadenectomy.
A dynamic population of stromal cells contributes to the follicle stem cell niche in theDrosophilaovary
Authors: Sahai-Hernandez Pankaj , Nystul Todd G.
Published: October 2013

Epithelial stem cells are maintained within niches that promote self-renewal by providing signals that specify the stem cell fate. In the Drosophila ovary, epithelial follicle stem cells (FSCs) reside in niches at the anterior tip of the tissue and support continuous growth of the ovarian follicle epithelium. Here, we demonstrate that a neighboring dynamic population of stromal cells, called escort cells, are FSC niche cells. We show that escort cells produce both Wingless and Hedgehog ligands for the FSC lineage, and that Wingless signaling is specific for the FSC niche whereas Hedgehog signaling is active in both FSCs and daughter cells. In addition, we show that multiple escort cells simultaneously encapsulate germ cell cysts and contact FSCs. Thus, FSCs are maintained in a dynamic niche by a non-dedicated population of niche cells.
Quantifying energy intake in Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) using the heat increment of feeding
Authors: Whitlock R. E. , Walli A. , Cermeño P. , Rodriguez L. E. , Farwell C. , Block B. A.
Published: October 2013

Using implanted archival tags, we examined the effects of meal caloric value, food type (sardine or squid) and ambient temperature on the magnitude and duration of the heat increment of feeding in three captive juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna. The objective of our study was to develop a model that can be used to estimate energy intake in wild fish of similar body mass. Both the magnitude and duration of the heat increment of feeding (measured by visceral warming) showed a strong positive correlation with the caloric value of the ingested meal. Controlling for meal caloric value, the extent of visceral warming was significantly greater at lower ambient temperature. The extent of visceral warming was also significantly higher for squid meals compared with sardine meals. By using a hierarchical Bayesian model to analyze our data and treating individuals as random effects, we demonstrate how increases in visceral temperature can be used to estimate the energy intake of wild Pacific bluefin tuna of similar body mass to the individuals used in our study.
Nasal sound production in echolocating delphinids (Tursiops truncatus and Pseudorca crassidens) is dynamic, but unilateral: clicking on the right side and whistling on the left side
Authors: Madsen Peter T. , Lammers Marc , Wisniewska Danuta , Beedholm Kristian
Published: October 2013

Toothed whales produce sound in their nasal complex by pneumatic actuation of phonic lip pairs within the blowhole. It has been hypothesized that dual actuation of the phonic lip pairs can generate two pulses that merge to form a single echolocation click with a higher source level, broader bandwidth and larger potential for beam steering than if produced by a single pair of phonic lips. Here, we test that hypothesis by measuring the sound production of five echolocating delphinids using hydrophones around the animals and imbedded in on-animal suction cups. We show that the studied animals click with their right pair of phonic lips and whistle with their left pair. We demonstrate that, with just a single pair of phonic lips, they can change the click energy levels over five orders of magnitude, change the click centroid frequencies over more than two octaves, and modulate the sound radiation from the melon for beam steering. We conclude that all of the click dynamics ascribed to dual actuation of two phonic lip pairs can be achieved with actuation of just the right pair of phonic lips, and we propose that the large dynamic range of source outputs is achieved by highly controlled modulation of the pneumatic driving pressure, the tension of the phonic lip labia and the conformation of the fatty melon and associated air sacs.
副连兼类虚词的语法化顺序和习得顺序—以“不过”和“只是”为例
Authors: 高 顺全
Published: October 2013

提要

文章以“只是”和“不过”两个副连兼类虚词为例讨论从语法化的角度解释和预测习得顺序。首先对它们的语法化顺序进行了描述，并据此构拟出其可能的习得顺序，然后利用中介语语料库对它们的习得情况做了详细的描写。结果发现，“只是”的习得顺序和语法化顺序一致，“不过”的习得顺序与其历时发展顺序不一致，但与其主观性程度顺序一致。“只是”和“不过”可能代表着兼类虚词语法化顺序和习得顺序关系的两种类型。
Finite soluble groups with all n-maximal subgroups 𝔉${\mathfrak {F}}$-subnormal
Authors: Kovaleva Viktoria A. , Skiba Alexander N.
Published: October 2013

We describe finite soluble groups
in which every n-maximal subgroup is

𝔉

${\mathfrak {F}}$

-subnormal.
The Effect of Soft Pre-Annealing of Differently Stacked Cu-Sn-Zn Precursors on the Quality of Cu2ZnSnSe4 Absorbers
Authors: Arasimowicz Monika , Thevenin Maxime , Dale Phillip J.
Published: October 2013

Cu2ZnSnSe4 p-type semiconductors currently investigated for use in thin film solar cells can be synthesized by firstly depositing a metallic precursor and secondly annealing the precursor in selenium vapor. Differently stacked Cu-Sn-Zn metallic precursors were characterized after a soft annealing at 350°C under nitrogen atmosphere. For the stack where the Sn and Zn were in direct contact with sufficient Cu to form a stable alloy, a bi-layered structure consisting of Cu-Sn on the bottom and Cu-Zn on the top was formed. Contrarily, when Zn was not in direct contact with Cu, the metals diffused to form a stable alloy and the system segregates horizontally, forming a mixed columnar structure. These two types of precursors were selenized under exactly the same conditions to form kesterite absorbers for solar cell devices. Using this approach the improvement from 0.44% power conversion efficiency for the bi-layered precursor to 4.5% for the mixed precursor was achieved.
Effects of Growth Conditions on Secondary Phases in CZTSe Thin Films Deposited by Co-evaporation
Authors: Bishop Douglas M. , McCandless Brian E. , Mangan Thomas C. , Dobson Kevin , Birkmire Robert
Published: October 2013

High temperature multi-source co-evaporation has been the most successful approach to fabricate record efficiency Cu(InGa)Se2 devices, yet many groups have been unable to replicate this success when transferring these methods to the Cu2ZnSnSe4 system. The difficulties stem from the dramatic differences in the thermochemical properties which result in decomposition and loss of volatile species, such as Zn and SnSe, at temperatures needed for growth. In co-evaporation, decomposition and element loss must be managed throughout the entire growth process, from the back contact interface to the final terminating surface of the film. The beginning and ending phases of deposition encompass different kinetic regimes suggesting a phased approach to growth may be helpful. A series of depositions with different effusion profiles were used to demonstrate the effects of decomposition during different stages of growth. Secondary phase detection can be challenging in CZTSe, but a combination of SEM imaging and thin cross-section depth profile by EDS were found to best identify and locate the secondary phases that occur during different phases of growth for co-evaporated Cu2ZnSnSe4 films.

Deposition with a uniform incident flux followed by shuttered vacuum cool-down yielded films with a ZnSe phase at the absorber/Mo interface and Cu-rich composition at the surface of the exposed film. Devices from these absorber layers never exceeded conversion efficiencies of 1%. Decomposition at the surface could be prevented by continuing effusion of Se and Sn during the cool-down of the substrate. Resulting films demonstrated more faceted grains as well as significantly improved device performance. Secondary phases that traditionally form at the back contact during the beginning of growth were minimized by decreasing the substrate temperature to 300°C during the initial stages of deposition which reduced the ZnSe formed at the Mo interface. The thermochemical origin of the secondary phases will be discussed and the performance of representative devices will be presented.
Is it Possible to Grow Thin Films of Phase Pure Kesterite Semiconductor? A ZnSe case study
Authors: Dale Phillip J. , Arasimowicz Monika , Colombara Diego , Crossay Alexandre , Robert Erika , Taylor Aidan A.
Published: October 2013

The kesterite semiconductor Cu2ZnSnS(e)4 is seen as a suitable absorber layer to replace Cu(In,Ga)Se2 in thin film solar cells, if thin film photovoltaics are to be deployed on the terawatt scale. Currently the best devices, and hence the best kesterite absorber layers are grown away from stoichiometry and are zinc rich and copper poor, presumably leading to the formation of ZnS(e). However, it has been shown that secondary phases present in an absorber layer reduce device performance. If growth in Zn rich conditions seems to be mandatory, then any secondary phases formed should be grown on the surface of the absorber layer so that they may be easily removed by etching. Therefore, it is important to know how and why secondary phases form, and if possible, how to segregate them to the surface of the absorber layer.

Here we show that ZnSe is formed at the initial stages of absorber formation from annealing metal stacks in selenium vapor. Further we demonstrate that the way the precursor metals are distributed on the substrate leads to different absorber layer performances in full devices. The importance of selenium vapor pressure is highlighted in respect to the order of selenisation of the metals, Zn before Cu. Additionally, the importance of selenium and tin selenide vapor pressure during annealing is reviewed with regard to avoiding a decomposition of the Cu2ZnSnSe4 to ZnSe and Cu2Se phases. Regardless of the atmosphere above the absorber, the reaction of the absorber with molybdenum appears unavoidable without the use of a passivation strategy. Counter-intuitively, it is demonstrated that for our absorber layers grown under Zn-rich conditions, removal of the ZnSe is harmful for device performance.
Ternary Cu3BiY3(Y= S, Se, and Te) for Thin-Film Solar Cells
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Persson Clas
Published: October 2013

Very recently, Cu3BiS3has been suggested as an alternative material for photovoltaic (PV) thin-film technologies. In this work, we analyze the electronic and optical properties of Cu3BiY3with the anion elementsY= S, Se, and Te, employing a first-principles approach within the density function theory. We find that the three Cu3BiY3compounds have indirect band gaps and the gap energies are in the region of 1.2–1.7 eV. The energy dispersions of the lowest conduction bands are small, and therefore the direct gap energies are only ∼0.1 eV larger than the fundamental gap energies. The flat conduction bands are explained by the presence of localized Bip-states in the band gap region. Flat energy dispersion implies a large optical absorption, and the calculations reveal that the absorption coefficient of Cu3BiY3is larger than 105cm−1for photon energies of ∼2.5 eV. The absorption is stronger than other Cu-S based materials like CuInS2and Cu2ZnSnS4. Thereby, Cu3BiY3has the potential to be a suitable material in thin-film PV technologies.
Polarization dependent Raman spectroscopy characterization of kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 single crystals
Authors: Dumcenco D. O. , Wang Y. P. , Levcenco S. , Tiong K. K. , Huang Y. S.
Published: October 2013

The vibrational properties of kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) single crystals were studied by polarization-dependent Raman scattering measurements. The CZTS crystals grown by chemical vapor transport technique using iodine trichloride as a transport agent consist of several mirror-like planes. The detailed analysis of the experimental spectra obtained from different planes allows determining the symmetry assignment of the observed Raman-active modes. The wavenumber values of Raman-active modes are compared with the results of recent theoretical calculations. The presented data are useful for examination of CZTS absorber films applied for solar cells to clarify the existence of structural or phase inhomogeneities.
MoO3 back contact for CuInSe2-based thin film solar cells
Authors: Simchi Hamed , McCandless Brian E. , Meng T. , Boyle Jonathan H. , Shafarman William N.
Published: October 2013

MoO3 films with a high work function (5.5 eV), high transparency, and a wide bandgap (3.0 - 3.4 eV) are a potential candidate for the primary back contact of Cu(InGa)Se2 thin film solar cells. This may be advantageous to form ohmic contact in superstrate devices where the back contact will be deposited after the Cu(InGa)Se2 layer and MoSe2 layer doesn’t form during Cu(InGa)Se2 deposition. In addition, the MoO3 may be incorporated in a transparent back contact in tandem or bifacial cells. In this study, MoO3 films for use as a back contact for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells were prepared by reactive rf sputtering with O2/(O2+Ar) = 35%. The effect of post processing on the structural properties of the deposited films were investigated using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Annealing resulted in crystallization of the films to the α-MoO3 phases at 400°C. Increasing the oxygen partial pressure had no significant effect on optical transmittance of the films, and bandgaps in the range of 2.6-2.9 eV and 3.1-3.4 eV were obtained for the as deposited and annealed films, respectively. Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells prepared using an as-deposited Mo-MoO3 back contact yielded an efficiency of >14% with VOC = 647 (mV), JSC = 28.4 (mA), and FF. = 78.1%. Cells with ITO-MoO3 back contact showed an efficiency of ∼12% with VOC = 642 (mV), JSC = 26.8 (mA), and FF. = 69.2%. The efficiency of cells with an annealed MoO3 back contact was limited to 4%, showing a blocking diode behavior in the forward bias J-V curve. This may be caused by the presence of a barrier between the valence bands of the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and MoO3, due to the higher bandgap of the annealed MoO3 films. SEM cross section studies showed uniform coverage of the as-deposited MoO3 layer and formation of voids for the annealed MoO3 film. Structural orientation of the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 absorber layer was also altered by the MoO3 film and less-oriented films were observed for either cases.
First-Principles Study on Diffusion of Cd in CuInSe2
Authors: Maeda Tsuyoshi , Wada Takahiro
Published: October 2013

We have investigated the migration energy of Cd atom in CuInSe2 (CIS) with a Cu vacancy by first-principles calculations. The activation energy of Cd migration in CIS and migration pathways are obtained by means of the combination of linear and quadratic synchronous transit (LST/QST) methods and nudged elastic band (NEB) method. The theoretical migration energy of Cd atom in CIS is 0.99 eV. The migration energy of Cd atom (Cd→VCu) in CIS is comparable to that of Cu migration (Cu→VCu) in CIS (1.06 eV). This result indicates that Cd diffusion in CIS easily occurs like Cu diffusion.
Study of optical losses in mechanically stacked dye-sensitized/CdTe tandem solar cells
Authors: Barrioz Vincent , Hodgson Simon , Holliman Peter , Connell Arthur , Kartopu Giray , Clayton Andrew J. , Irvine Stuart J.C. , Monir Shafiul , Davies Matthew L.
Published: October 2013

In a constant effort to capture effectively more of the spectral range from the sun, multi-junction cells are being investigated. In this context, the marriage of thin film and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC) PV technologies may be able to offer greater efficiency whilst maintaining the benefits of each individual technology. DSC devices offer advantages in the nature of both the metal oxide photo-electrode and dye absorption bands, which can be tuned to vary the optical performance of this part of a tandem device, while CdTe cells absorb the majority of light above their band-gap in only a few microns of thickness. The key challenge is to assess the optical losses with the goal of reaching a net gain in photocurrent and consequently increased conversion efficiency. This study reports on the influence of optical losses from various parts of the stacked tandem structure using UV-VIS spectrometry and EQE measurements. A net gain in photocurrent was achieved from a model developed for the DSC/CdTe mechanically stacked tandem structure.
Processos da construção da Política Nacional de Promoção da Saúde
Authors: Ferreira Neto João Leite , Kind Luciana , Resende Maria Carolina Costa , Colen Natália Silva
Published: October 2013

Investigou-se os processos de construção da Política Nacional de Promoção da Saúde (PNPS), pela análise de três documentos produzidos pelo Ministério da Saúde entre 2002 e 2005 e do texto final da PNPS. Foram entrevistados cinco sujeitos que participaram da construção da PNPS, dos quais três eram gestores do Ministério da Saúde e dois pesquisadores. Os documentos foram explorados com a Análise do Discurso. O artigo contribui para aprofundar os debates sobre o processo de construção da PNPS. A promoção da saúde revelou seus antagonismos, o que motivou a demora de sua aprovação final. A indução internacional via financiamento demonstrou ser o elemento crucial para a definição da forma final da PNPS, trazendo de volta a criticada ênfase na mudança de estilos de vida em suas "Ações". Destaca-se o processo de produção negociada de consenso, que culminou com a criação do Comitê Gestor da PNPS, com a participação de diversos subsetores, estrutura inovadora no Ministério da Saúde.
Avaliação da implantação do Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos em municípios de Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Guimarães Eliete Albano de Azevedo , Hartz Zulmira Maria de Araújo , Loyola Filho Antônio Ignácio de , Meira Antônio José de , Luz Zélia Maria Profeta da
Published: October 2013

Estudo avaliativo do grau de implantação do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) em municípios de Minas Gerais, Brasil, em 2010. Foram avaliados 132 municípios dotados de estabelecimentos de saúde onde ocorriam partos e que tinham o SINASC descentralizado. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se um questionário semiestruturado. O grau de implantação foi definido por meio de um sistema de escores, com pesos diferenciados para cada indicador, segundo nível de importância atribuído, sendo classificado como: adequado, não adequado e crítico. Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se a mediana como medida-resumo e o teste do quiquadrado de Pearson, para a comparação de proporções. O SINASC não está implantado adequadamente na maioria dos municípios avaliados. O porte populacional e a condição de gestão do município não influenciaram o grau de implantação. Na organização da informação do SINASC, a estrutura foi mais bem avaliada que o processo. Como limitações, destacam-se insuficiência de profissional qualificado, coleta e preenchimento da Declaração de Nascidos Vivos insatisfatórios, subutilização dos dados e precária divulgação das informações.
Representations of nurses regarding sexuality of women treated for breast cancer in Brazil
Authors: Vieira Elisabeth Meloni , Ford Nicholas John , Santos Manoel Antonio dos , Junqueira Lílian Cláudia Ulian , Giami Alain
Published: October 2013

The development of new treatments has improved survival and quality of life among cancer patients. Nurses are expected to answer questions and to provide orientation regarding patients' sexuality since it is an important aspect of life. The main objective of this paper is to understand the representations of sexuality among nurses working with women who survive breast cancer after diagnosis and during treatment assuming that their representations may affect communication with the patient. This is a qualitative study using an in-depth guideline which involved interviews with 28 nurses living and working in the southeast of Brazil. The narratives were submitted to a content analysis and categories of representations were identified and are discussed here. Several representations of sexuality were found in the nurses' discourses. Some of the nurses' representations may be expected to hinder their ability to provide helpful orientation regarding the sexual lives of these patients.
Caracterização epidemiológica dos casos de AIDS em pessoas com 60 anos ou mais, Pernambuco, Brasil, 1998 a 2008
Authors: Silva Marcella Monteiro da , Vasconcelos Ana Lúcia Ribeiro de , Ribeiro Leila Karina de Novaes P.
Published: October 2013

Mudanças vêm acontecendo no panorama mundial nos últimos anos devido ao declínio das taxas de fertilidade e mortalidade, e como decorrência a longevidade tem sido apresentada como um fenômeno real. Na maturidade, a sexualidade vem acrescida de vários preconceitos. O presente trabalho caracterizou os casos de AIDS em pessoas com 60 anos ou mais, residentes no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, notificados à Secretaria de Saúde de Pernambuco entre 1º de janeiro de 1998 e 31 de dezembro de 2008. Foi realizado um estudo transversal/descritivo, com base nos dados de notificação do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Em 1998 a taxa de incidência de AIDS, na população de estudo, era de 1,6 caso/100 mil habitantes, passando para 4,8 casos/100 mil habitantes em 2008, caracterizando um aumento de 200%. Fica evidente a necessidade de desenvolvimento de ações de prevenção, diagnóstico e assistência direcionada especificamente para a terceira idade, uma vez que a sexualidade nesta fase da vida ainda é envolta por muitos tabus e mitos.
Prevalência de doação de sangue e fatores associados em Florianópolis, Sul do Brasil: estudo de base populacional
Authors: Mariano Gislon da Silva Rafael , Kupek Emil , Peres Karen Glazer
Published: October 2013

Os principais objetivos foram estimar a prevalência de doação de sangue e identificar fatores associados. Foi realizado estudo de base populacional (n = 1.720), incluindo participantes com idade de 20 a 59 anos, residentes em Florianópolis, Região Sul do Brasil. Os participantes relataram doação de sangue alguma vez em 30,6% dos casos, e nos últimos 12 meses em 6,2% dos casos. Entre os últimos, 31,8% afirmaram doação de repetição (mais de uma vez ao ano), 80,4% doação espontânea e 15,9% doação para reposição. De acordo com a regressão de Poisson (p < 0,05), sexo masculino, cor da pele autorreferida preta ou parda, maior faixa etária, maior escolaridade e coabitação com doador de sangue estiveram associados à doação alguma vez. Menor faixa etária e estado conjugal solteiro e maior escolaridade estiveram associados com doação nos últimos 12 meses. Constatamos maior prevalência de doação e maior percentagem de doadores mais jovens nesse grupo, assim como menor porcentagem de doadores de reposição do que previamente descrito no Brasil.
Strengthening the Network of Mentored, Underrepresented Minority Scientists and Leaders to Reduce HIV-Related Health Disparities
Authors: Sutton Madeline Y. , Lanier Yzette A. , Willis Leigh A. , Castellanos Ted , Dominguez Ken , Fitzpatrick Lisa , Miller Kim S.
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We reviewed data for the Minority HIV/AIDS Research Initiative (MARI), which was established in 2003 to support underrepresented minority scientists performing HIV prevention research in highly affected communities.

Methods. MARI was established at the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control as a program of competitively awarded, mentored grants for early career researchers conducting HIV prevention research in highly affected racial/ethnic and sexual minority communities. We have described progress from 2003 to 2013.

Results. To date, MARI has mentored 27 scientist leaders using low-cost strategies to enhance the development of effective HIV prevention interventions. These scientists have (1) developed research programs in disproportionately affected communities of color, (2) produced first-authored peer-reviewed scientific and programmatic products (including articles and community-level interventions), and (3) obtained larger, subsequent funding awards for research and programmatic work related to HIV prevention and health disparities work.

Conclusions. The MARI program demonstrates how to effectively engage minority scientists to conduct HIV prevention research and reduce racial/ethnic investigator disparities and serves as a model for programs to reduce disparities in other public health areas in which communities of color are disproportionately affected.
Revisiting the Role of the Urban Environment in Substance Use: The Case of Analgesic Overdose Fatalities
Authors: Cerdá Magdalena , Ransome Yusuf , Keyes Katherine M. , Koenen Karestan C. , Tardiff Kenneth , Vlahov David , Galea Sandro
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We examined whether neighborhood social characteristics (income distribution and family fragmentation) and physical characteristics (clean sidewalks and dilapidated housing) were associated with the risk of fatalities caused by analgesic overdose.

Methods. In a case-control study, we compared 447 unintentional analgesic opioid overdose fatalities (cases) with 3436 unintentional nonoverdose fatalities and 2530 heroin overdose fatalities (controls) occurring in 59 New York City neighborhoods between 2000 and 2006.

Results. Analgesic overdose fatalities were less likely than nonoverdose unintentional fatalities to have occurred in higher-income neighborhoods (odds ratio [OR] = 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70, 0.96) and more likely to have occurred in fragmented neighborhoods (OR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.72). They were more likely than heroin overdose fatalities to have occurred in higher-income (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.12, 1.54) and less fragmented (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.55, 0.92) neighborhoods.

Conclusions. Analgesic overdose fatalities exhibit spatial patterns that are distinct from those of heroin and nonoverdose unintentional fatalities. Whereas analgesic fatalities typically occur in lower-income, more fragmented neighborhoods than nonoverdose fatalities, they tend to occur in higher-income, less unequal, and less fragmented neighborhoods than heroin fatalities.
Crossing the Chasm of Mistrust: Collaborating With Immigrant Populations Through Community Organizations and Academic Partners
Authors: Pirie Alex , Gute David M.
Published: October 2013

As a community partner and an academic researcher, we experienced the direct and extended benefits of a relatively small-scale, community-engaged informed consent process that developed in an immigrant occupational health study, Assessing and Controlling Occupational Health Risks for Immigrant Populations in Somerville, Massachusetts.

The practice of human participants research played a positive role in the community, and both community partners and researchers, as well as the larger academic community, reaped unexpected benefits during the five-year project (2005–2010), which continue into the present.

Lessons learned from our experience may be helpful for wider application.
CEO Narcissism and Accounting: A Picture of Profits
Authors: Olsen Kari Joseph , Dworkis Kelsey Kay , Young S. Mark
Published: October 2013

This study investigates the relationship between narcissistic personality characteristics in CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and financial performance measures of earnings-per-share (EPS) and stock valuation. Using panel data from 1992 through 2009, we show that firms with narcissistic CEOs have higher earnings-per-share and share price than those with non-narcissistic CEOs. We examine the mechanism driving the observed results and find that narcissistic CEOs are more likely to increase reported EPS through real and operational activities rather than accrual-based manipulations. The findings suggest that narcissistic personality characteristics of top executives affect financial performance measures through the executive's decisions and influence over the firm's operational activities rather than through accrual and accounting decisions.

Data Availability: Data available upon request.
Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Leadership across the Health Care Continuum: A Brief Report
Authors: Desveaux Laura , Verrier Molly C.
Published: October 2013

Purpose: To describe and compare Canadian physical therapists' perspectives on the importance of characteristics required for leadership in the workplace and in society and to explore the implications for the profession. Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional study used a web-based survey of members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) with a registered email address (n=6156). The perceived importance of leadership characteristics at the workplace level versus the societal level was examined using a Mann-Whitney U test, with the significance set at α=0.05. Results: A total of 1,511 respondents completed the questionnaire for a 24.5% response rate; they rated communication, professionalism, and credibility as the most important characteristics. For each of the 15 leadership characteristics, significantly fewer physical therapists chose the rating “extremely important” at the societal level than did so at the workplace level (p<0.001 for all characteristics). Conclusions: Physical therapists consistently rate leadership characteristics as more important in the workplace than at the societal level. Future research should aim to guide understanding about the reasons for this difference in perceived importance of leadership characteristics across different contexts.
A Comparison of Total Antioxidant Capacities of Concord, Purple, Red, and Green Grapes Using the CUPRAC Assay
Authors: Callaghan Connor , Leggett Robert , Levin Robert
Published: October 2013

Considering how popular grapes are in terms of their antioxidant benefits, we compared concord, purple, red, and green grapes for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and carbohydrate concentration. All grapes were acquired from commercial sources and samples of each were separated into skinned and not skinned groups. Each whole grape and the skins were individually homogenized and then separated into pulp and supernatant fractions. Each fraction was analyzed for total TAC and carbohydrates. The concord grapes and purple grapes had significantly higher TAC in the homogenates than did the red or green grapes. The concord grapes and green grapes had significantly higher TAC in the pulp than in the cytosol whereas the red and purple grapes had approximately the same amount. The majority of the TAC of the purple and red grapes was in the skin whereas the concord and green grapes had approximately the same TAC in the skin and pulp. The concord and purple grapes had the highest TAC when compared to the red and green grapes, whereas the red and green grapes had approximately the same total TAC.
Bayesian Testing of a Point Null Hypothesis Based on the Latent Information Prior
Authors: Komaki Fumiyasu
Published: October 2013

Bayesian testing of a point null hypothesis is considered. The null hypothesisis that an observation, x, is distributed according to the normal distribution with a mean ofzero and known variance q2. The alternative hypothesis is that x is distributed accordingto a normal distribution with an unknown nonzero mean, μ, and variance q2. The testingproblem is formulated as a prediction problem. Bayesian testing based on priors constructedby using conditional mutual information is investigated.
Overexpression of Ferredoxin, PETF, Enhances Tolerance to Heat Stress in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsien , Pan Kui-You , Hung Ching-Hui , Huang Hsiang-En , Chen Ching-Lian , Feng Teng-Yung , Huang Li-Fen
Published: October 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by plants in adverse environments can cause damage to organelles and trigger cell death. Removal of excess ROS can be achieved through the ascorbate scavenger pathway to prevent plant cell death. The amount of this scavenger can be regulated by ferredoxin (FDX). Chloroplastic FDXs are electron transfer proteins that perform in distributing photosynthetic reducing power. In this study, we demonstrate that overexpression of the endogenous photosynthetic FDX gene, PETF, in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii could raise the level of reduced ascorbate and diminish H2O2 levels under normal growth conditions. Furthermore, the overexpressing PETF transgenic Chlamydomonas lines produced low levels of H2O2 and exhibited protective effects that were observed through decreased chlorophyll degradation and increased cell survival under heat-stress conditions. The findings of this study suggest that overexpression of PETF can increase the efficiency of ROS scavenging in chloroplasts to confer heat tolerance. The roles of PETF in the downregulation of the ROS level offer a method for potentially improving the tolerance of crops against heat stress.
Oligonucleotide Labelling Using a Fluorogenic “Click” Reaction with a Hemicarboxonium Salt
Authors: Maether Marie-Pierre , Lapin Kristie , Muntean Andreea , Payrastre Corinne , Escudier Jean-Marc
Published: October 2013

Two fluorescent streptocyanine labelled oligonucleotides have been synthesized by a simple “click” reaction between a non-fluorescent hemicarboxonium salt and aminoalkyl functionalized thymidines within the oligonucleotide and their spectrophotometric properties have been studied.
Appraisal of Antiophidic Potential of Marine Sponges against Bothrops jararaca and Lachesis muta Venom
Authors: Faioli Camila , Domingos Thaisa , De Oliveira Eduardo , Sanchez Eládio , Ribeiro Suzi , Muricy Guilherme , Fuly Andre
Published: October 2013

Snakebites are a health problem in many countries due to the high incidence of such accidents. Antivenom treatment has regularly been used for more than a century, however, this does not neutralize tissue damage and may even increase the severity and morbidity of accidents. Thus, it has been relevant to search for new strategies to improve antiserum therapy, and a variety of molecules from natural sources with antiophidian properties have been reported. In this paper, we analyzed the ability of ten extracts from marine sponges (Amphimedon viridis, Aplysina fulva, Chondrosia collectrix, Desmapsamma anchorata, Dysidea etheria, Hymeniacidon heliophila, Mycale angulosa, Petromica citrina, Polymastia janeirensis, and Tedania ignis) to inhibit the effects caused by Bothrops jararaca and Lachesis muta venom. All sponge extracts inhibited proteolysis and hemolysis induced by both snake venoms, except H. heliophila, which failed to inhibit any biological activity. P. citrina inhibited lethality, hemorrhage, plasma clotting, and hemolysis induced by B. jararaca or L. muta. Moreover, other sponges inhibited hemorrhage induced only by B. jararaca. We conclude that Brazilian sponges may be a useful aid in the treatment of snakebites caused by L. muta and B. jararaca and therefore have potential for the discovery of molecules with antiophidian properties.