bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpillar phononics in pillared-graphene hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Loh G. C. , Teo E. H. T. , Tay B. K.
Published: October 2011

The pillared-graphene architecture proves to be a plausible attempt at integrating both graphene and carbon nanotubes in nanoelectronics. The similitude of both material compositions reduces mismatching of lattice vibrational spectra at their interfaces, thereby enhancing capacity as a thermal sink to extract heat. Unlike previous work, this study centers on the interpillar phononics in these pillared-graphene nanostructures (PGN). Classical molecular dynamics simulations are performed to emulate the phonon transport in PGN. It is evinced that intertube interaction diminishes the nanotube thermal conduction. The simulations show that long-wavelength out-of-plane modes contribute significantly to thermal conduction. A bidirectional mode propagation mechanism is proposed and believed to be indirectly responsible for the reduced thermal flux in PGN. Finally, parity analyses of three-phonon scattering selection rules further substantiate the notion of a dual-scattering nature of flexural modes.
Computer simulation on spatial resolution of X-ray bright-field imaging by dynamical diffraction theory for a Laue-case crystal analyzer
Authors: Suzuki Yoshifumi , Chikaura Yoshinori , Ando Masami
Published: October 2011

Recently, dark-field imaging (DFI) and bright-field imaging (BFI) have been proposed and applied to visualize X-ray refraction effects yielded in biomedical objects. In order to clarify the spatial resolution due to a crystal analyzer in Laue geometry, a program based on the Takagi-Taupin equation was modified to be used for carrying out simulations to evaluate the spatial resolution of images coming into a Laue angular analyzer (LAA). The calculation was done with a perfect plane wave for diffraction wave-fields, which corresponded to BFI, under the conditions of 35 keV and a diffraction index 440 for a 2100 μm thick LAA. As a result, the spatial resolution along the g-vector direction showed approximately 37.5 μm. 126 μm-thick LAA showed a spatial resolution better than 3.1 μm under the conditions of 13.7 keV and a diffraction index 220.
Temperature dependence of the field emission from the few-layer graphene film
Authors: Li Jun , Chen Jiangtao , Shen Baoshou , Yan Xingbin , Xue Qunji
Published: October 2011

Temperature dependence of field-emission (FE) characteristics was investigated for the spray-coated few-layer graphene (FLG) film. The results show that the turn-on field and work function both decrease with increasing temperature from room temperature to 623 K. The possible physical mechanism was proposed based on that the FLG sheets with different stacking orders are nonzero or zero band gap semiconductors.
Formation of L1 with (001) texture in magnetically annealed Co/Pt multilayers
Authors: Markou A. , Panagiotopoulos I. , Bakas T. , Niarchos D. , Sáfrán G. , Li Wanfeng , Hadjipanayis G. C.
Published: October 2011

The effect of magnetic annealing on the texture is investigated in a series of CoPt films of different thickness obtained by annealing of Co/Pt multilayers. Magnetic field is found to promote the (001) texture by selective (001) grain growth driven by the magnetic field and biaxial strain. A systematic correlation between in-plane biaxial strain and the degree of (001) texture is found only for the magnetically annealed samples.
Raman scattering from TiNx (0.67 ≤ x ≤ 1.00) single crystals grown on MgO(001)
Authors: Stoehr M. , Shin C.-S. , Petrov I. , Greene J. E.
Published: October 2011

Epitaxial NaCl-structure δ-TiNx(001) layers, with x ranging across the single-phase compound field from 0.67 to 1.00, are grown on MgO(001) and analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. All samples, including stoichiometric TiN(001), exhibit first-order Raman peaks, which are forbidden by the Oh symmetry of NaCl-structure compounds. Thus, even stoichiometric TiN contains point defects, primarily N and Ti vacancies, consistent with previous electronic transport measurements. However, the presence of a well-resolved second-order longitudinal acoustic line at 615 cm–1 shows that the defect concentration is relatively low. The positions of the first-order acoustic lines are in good agreement with values obtained from calculated phonon density of states. As the N/Ti ratio x in TiNx and, hence, the number n of valence electrons per formula unit (n = 9 for stoichiometric TiN) decreases, the first-order acoustic lines shift to higher frequencies, due to the corresponding decrease in phonon anomalies associated with the acoustic branch. This is in agreement with the observed increase in the intensities of the first-order acoustic phonon peak with decreasing x, characteristic of a higher average N vacancy concentration adjacent to Ti atoms. However, the presence of antisite defects is also required to explain the frequency shift of the optical modes in under-stoichiometric TiNx.
Mode selective parametric excitation of spin waves in a Ni81Fe19 microstripe
Authors: Brächer T. , Pirro P. , Obry B. , Leven B. , Serga A. A. , Hillebrands B.
Published: October 2011

We present the experimental observation of parallel parametric amplification of selected thermal spin-wave modes in a transversally magnetized Ni81Fe19 microstripe. By employing Brillouin light scattering microscopy, we identify the dominant group, i.e., the spin-wave mode that is preferentially amplified. Due to the existing spin-wave quantization in the system, it is possible to select one specific mode to be parametrically excited by changing the bias magnetic field. This gives access to transversal spin-wave eigenmodes of the stripe which are promising for spin-wave information processing and also to modes localized at the stripe edges.
A direct proof of Jauregui-Tsallis’ conjecture
Authors: Plastino A. , Rocca M. C.
Published: October 2011

We give here the direct proof of a recent conjecture of Jauregui and Tsallis about a new representation of Dirac's delta distribution by means of q-exponentials. The proof is based on the use of tempered ultradistributions’ theory.
Calculation of the capacitance-voltage characteristic of GaAs, In0.53Ga0.47As, and InAs metal-oxide-semiconductor structures
Authors: O’Regan T. P. , Hurley P. K.
Published: October 2011

The capacitance-voltage characteristic of GaAs, In0.53Ga0.47As, and InAs metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors (MOSCAPs) is calculated in three cases. First, quantization is not considered, then quantization of the Γ-valley is included, and finally quantization of the Γ-, X-, and L-valleys is included. The choice of valley energy-minima is shown to determine the onset of occupation of the satellite valleys and corresponding increase in total capacitance. An equivalent-oxide-thickness correction is defined and used as a figure-of-merit to compare III-V to Si MOSCAPs and as a metric for the density-of-states bottleneck.
Magnetocaloric effect contributed by in situ dual-phase structure in the Gd-Co-Al alloy
Authors: Fu H. , Zheng Q. , Wang M. X.
Published: October 2011

In many cases, the presence of secondary phase will deteriorate the magnetocaloric effect of materials due to the difference in magnetic properties. However, the alloy with in situ dual-phase structure and good magnetocaloric effect was found in the pseudo-binary GdCo2-GdAl2 system. Experiments revealed that the GdCo0.65Al1.35 alloy comprised the primary terminal GdAl2 phase and the secondary intermediate GdCo0.74Al1.26 phase. Both of them ordered at 70 K simultaneously. Large magnetic entropy change and relative cooling power of 11.0 J/kg K and 638 J/kg for 0–50 kOe field changes, respectively, were obtained due to the contribution of both GdAl2 and GdCo0.74Al1.26 phases.
Three-photon near-infrared quantum splitting in β-NaYF4:Ho3+
Authors: Yu D. C. , Huang X. Y. , Ye S. , Peng M. Y. , Zhang Q. Y. , Wondraczek L.
Published: October 2011

We report on three-step sequential three-photon near-infrared (NIR) quantum splitting in β-NaYF4:Ho3+, where one absorbed ultraviolet photon is split into three NIR photons with wavelengths 850, 1015, and 1180 nm. The underlying mechanism is analyzed by static and dynamic photoemission and excitation spectroscopy. An internal quantum yield of 124% is estimated on the basis experimental data and theoretical considerations. Further development of an efficient triply splitting NIR phosphor might open up an approach in achieving efficient photonic devices, which enables more photons emitted than absorbed in the excitation process.
Evidence for non-isotropic emitter orientation in a red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode and its implications for determining the emitter’s radiative quantum efficiency
Authors: Schmidt Tobias D. , Setz Daniel S. , Flämmich Michael , Frischeisen Jörg , Michaelis Dirk , Krummacher Benjamin C. , Danz Norbert , Brütting Wolfgang
Published: October 2011

The efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes is limited as only a fraction of the consumed electrical power is converted into light that is finally extracted to air. Especially, the radiative quantum efficiency of the guest-host system is of interest and should be close to unity to achieve highly efficient devices. We show that the red phosphorescent emitter Ir(MDQ)2(acac) doped in an α-NPD matrix exhibits a profound non-isotropic dipole orientation. Ignoring this feature leads to a significant overestimation of the emitter efficiency. Furthermore, we demonstrate the huge potential for efficiency enhancement of mainly parallel emitter orientation in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes.
Note: Solution of one-dimensional self-assembly problem in multiple-component systems with correction of overcounting of non-symmetrical complexes
Authors: Kong Yong
Published: October 2011

A general solution is derived for the grand partition function of one-dimensional self-assembly problem in multiple-component systems, with correction for the overcounting of non-symmetrical complexes.
A Mathematical Review of Polyphase Filterbank Implementations for Radio Astronomy
Authors: Harris Christopher , Haines Karen
Published: October 2011

The technique of polyphase filterbanks is commonly used for signal processing in radio astronomy. The rapid and ongoing evolution of parallel hardware architectures requires optimised implementations of such techniques to be redeveloped. However, much of the published research regarding polyphase filterbanks refers the reader to signal processing books with a more general scope. Furthermore, these references tend to focus on the design of filters, rather than their implementation. For this reason, this work presents a mathematical background for the implementation of a polyphase filterbank specific to radio astronomy. It also addresses the advantages and disadvantages of polyphase filterbanks in comparison with more commonly used techniques.
Phosphorylation of a mitotic kinesin-like protein and a MAPKKK by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) is involved in the transition to cytokinesis in plants
Authors: Sasabe Michiko , Boudolf Véronique , De Veylder Lieven , Inzé Dirk , Genschik Pascal , Machida Yasunori
Published: October 2011

Cytokinesis in eukaryotes involves specific arrays of microtubules (MTs), which are known as the “central spindle” in animals, the “anaphase spindle” in yeasts, and the “phragmoplast” in plants. Control of these arrays, which are composed mainly of bundled nonkinetochore MTs, is critically important during cytokinesis. In plants, an MAPK cascade stimulates the turnover of phragmoplast MTs, and a crucial aspect of the activation of this cascade is the interaction between the MAPKKK, nucleus- and phragmoplast-localized protein kinase 1 (NPK1) and the NPK1-activating kinesin-like protein 1 (NACK1), a key regulator of plant cytokinesis. However, little is known about the control of this interaction at the molecular level during progression through the M phase. We demonstrated that cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) phosphorylate both NPK1 and NACK1 before metaphase in tobacco cells, thereby inhibiting the interaction between these proteins, suggesting that such phosphorylation prevents the transition to cytokinesis. Failure to inactivate CDKs after metaphase prevents dephosphorylation of these two proteins, causing incomplete mitosis. Experiments with
Arabidopsis
NACK1 (AtNACK1/HINKEL) revealed that phosphorylated NACK1 fails to mediate cytokinesis. Thus, timely and coordinated phosphorylation by CDKs and dephosphorylation of cytokinetic regulators from prophase to anaphase appear to be critical for the appropriate onset and/or progression of cytokinesis.
Asymmetric Lévy flight in financial ratios
Authors: Podobnik Boris , Valentinčič Aljoša , Horvatić Davor , Stanley H. Eugene
Published: October 2011

Because financial crises are characterized by dangerous rare events that occur more frequently than those predicted by models with finite variances, we investigate the underlying stochastic process generating these events. In the 1960s Mandelbrot [Mandelbrot B (1963)
J Bus
36:394–419] and Fama [Fama EF (1965)
J Bus
38:34–105] proposed a symmetric Lévy probability distribution function (PDF) to describe the stochastic properties of commodity changes and price changes. We find that an asymmetric Lévy PDF,

, characterized by infinite variance, models several multiple credit ratios used in financial accounting to quantify a firm’s financial health, such as the Altman [Altman EI (1968)
J Financ
23:589–609]
Z
score and the Zmijewski [Zmijewski ME (1984)
J Accounting Res
22:59–82] score, and models changes of individual financial ratios, Δ
X

i

. We thus find that Lévy PDFs describe both the static and dynamics of credit ratings. We find that for the majority of ratios, Δ
X

i

scales with the Lévy parameter
α
 ≈ 1, even though only a few of the individual ratios are characterized by a PDF with power-law tails

with infinite variance. We also find that α exhibits a striking stability over time. A key element in estimating credit losses is the distribution of credit rating changes, the functional form of which is unknown for alphabetical ratings. For continuous credit ratings, the Altman
Z
score, we find that
P
(Δ
Z
) follows a Lévy PDF with power-law exponent
α
 ≈ 1, consistent with changes of individual financial ratios. Estimating the conditional
P
(Δ
Z
|
Z
) versus
Z
, we demonstrate how this continuous credit rating approach and its dynamics can be used to evaluate credit risk.
Compact and flexible raster scanning multiphoton endoscope capable of imaging unstained tissue
Authors: Rivera David R. , Brown Christopher M. , Ouzounov Dimitre G. , Pavlova Ina , Kobat Demirhan , Webb Watt W. , Xu Chris
Published: October 2011

We present a compact and flexible endoscope (3-mm outer diameter, 4-cm rigid length) that utilizes a miniaturized resonant/nonresonant fiber raster scanner and a multielement gradient-index lens assembly for two-photon excited intrinsic fluorescence and second-harmonic generation imaging of biological tissues. The miniaturized raster scanner is fabricated by mounting a commercial double-clad optical fiber (DCF) onto two piezo bimorphs that are aligned such that their bending axes are perpendicular to each other. Fast lateral scanning of the laser illumination at 4.1 frames/s (512 lines per frame) is achieved by simultaneously driving the DCF cantilever at its resonant frequency in one dimension and nonresonantly in the orthogonal axis. The implementation of a DCF into the scanner enables simultaneous delivery of the femtosecond pulsed 800-nm excitation source and epi-collection of the signal. Our device is able to achieve a field-of-view (FOV
xy
) of 110 μm by 110 μm with a highly uniform pixel dwell time. The lateral and axial resolutions for two-photon imaging are 0.8 and 10 μm, respectively. The endoscope’s imaging capabilities were demonstrated by imaging ex vivo mouse tissue through the collection of intrinsic fluorescence and second-harmonic signal without the need for staining. The results presented here indicate that our device can be applied in the future to perform minimally invasive in vivo optical biopsies for medical diagnostics.
DOCK8 deficiency impairs CD8 T cell survival and function in humans and mice
Authors: Randall Katrina L. , Chan Stephanie S.-Y. , Ma Cindy S. , Fung Ivan , Mei Yan , Yabas Mehmet , Tan Andy , Arkwright Peter D. , Al Suwairi Wafaa , Lugo Reyes Saul Oswaldo , Yamazaki-Nakashimada Marco A. , de la Luz Garcia-Cruz Maria , Smart Joanne M. , Picard Capucine , Okada Satoshi , Jouanguy Emmanuelle , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Lambe Teresa , Cornall Richard J. , Russell Sarah , Oliaro Jane , Tangye Stuart G. , Bertram Edward M. , Goodnow Christopher C.
Published: October 2011

In humans, DOCK8 immunodeficiency syndrome is characterized by severe cutaneous viral infections. Thus, CD8 T cell function may be compromised in the absence of DOCK8. In this study, by analyzing mutant mice and humans, we demonstrate a critical, intrinsic role for DOCK8 in peripheral CD8 T cell survival and function. DOCK8 mutation selectively diminished the abundance of circulating naive CD8 T cells in both species, and in DOCK8-deficient humans, most CD8 T cells displayed an exhausted CD45RA+CCR7− phenotype. Analyses in mice revealed the CD8 T cell abnormalities to be cell autonomous and primarily postthymic. DOCK8 mutant naive CD8 T cells had a shorter lifespan and, upon encounter with antigen on dendritic cells, exhibited poor LFA-1 synaptic polarization and a delay in the first cell division. Although DOCK8 mutant T cells underwent near-normal primary clonal expansion after primary infection with recombinant influenza virus in vivo, they showed greatly reduced memory cell persistence and recall. These findings highlight a key role for DOCK8 in the survival and function of human and mouse CD8 T cells.
The Th17 immune response is controlled by the Rel–RORγ–RORγT transcriptional axis
Authors: Ruan Qingguo , Kameswaran Vasumathi , Zhang Yan , Zheng Shijun , Sun Jing , Wang Junmei , DeVirgiliis Jennifer , Liou Hsiou-Chi , Beg Amer A. , Chen Youhai H.
Published: October 2011

The Th17 cells use the retinoid-related orphan receptor-γ (Rorg or Rorc) to specify their differentiation and lineage-specific function. However, how Rorg is switched on during Th17 differentiation is unknown. We report here that c-Rel and RelA/p65 transcription factors drive Th17 differentiation by binding to and activating two distinct Rorg promoters that control RORγT and RORγ expression, respectively. Similar to RORγT, RORγ is selectively expressed in Th17 cells and is effective in specifying the Th17 phenotype. T cells deficient in c-Rel or RelA are significantly compromised in Th17 differentiation, and c-Rel–deficient mice are defective in Th17 responses. Thus, Th17 immunity is controlled by a Rel–RORγ–RORγT axis, and strategies targeting Rel/NF-κB can be effective for controlling Th17 cell–mediated diseases.
An array of interdigitated parallel wire electrodes for preparing a large-scale nanocomposite film with aligned carbon nanotubes
Authors: Sun W , Tomita H , Hasegawa S , Kitamura Y , Nakano M , Suehiro J
Published: October 2011

Application of high electric field is effective for the alignment of carbon nanotube (CNT) in a nanocomposite film. The conventionally used single pair of parallel plate electrodes is not applicable to large-sized nanocomposite fabrication due to limited output voltage of the high-voltage source. We have proposed an array of parallel wire electrodes to address this issue. The composite material was spread over a thin dielectric layer placed on the wire electrodes. The high electric field region can be extended over a wider area just by increasing the number of electrode pairs. Discrete electric field distribution bordered by the wire electrodes was avoided by linearly oscillated motion of the composite film. A CNT/epoxy resin composite film with a size of 15 cm × 15 cm was successfully fabricated.
Characterization of charge carrier lateral conduction in irradiated dielectric materials
Authors: Hanna R , Paulmier T , Belhaj M , Molinie P , Dirassen B , Payan D , Balcon N
Published: October 2011

A characterization method for surface charging analysis on insulators submitted to electron irradiation has been developed. This method, based on the use of two Kelvin probes (KPs), provides details on the transit time motion for injection of both holes and electrons. It can also be used to assess the isotropy of lateral electrical conduction on the sample. The feasibility of this method was tested on fluorinated ethylene propylene (Teflon® FEP) samples. It was found that central electron injection induces rapid surface charge spreading, in contrast to injection of holes. An electrical anisotropic behaviour of the sample was also detected.
Enrich: software for analysis of protein function by enrichment and depletion of variants
Authors: Fowler Douglas M. , Araya Carlos L. , Gerard Wayne , Fields Stanley
Published: October 2011

Summary: Measuring the consequences of mutation in proteins is critical to understanding their function. These measurements are essential in such applications as protein engineering, drug development, protein design and genome sequence analysis. Recently, high-throughput sequencing has been coupled to assays of protein activity, enabling the analysis of large numbers of mutations in parallel. We present Enrich, a tool for analyzing such deep mutational scanning data. Enrich identifies all unique variants (mutants) of a protein in high-throughput sequencing datasets and can correct for sequencing errors using overlapping paired-end reads. Enrich uses the frequency of each variant before and after selection to calculate an enrichment ratio, which is used to estimate fitness. Enrich provides an interactive interface to guide users. It generates user-accessible output for downstream analyses as well as several visualizations of the effects of mutation on function, thereby allowing the user to rapidly quantify and comprehend sequence–function relationships.

Availability and Implementation: Enrich is implemented in Python and is available under a FreeBSD license at http://depts.washington.edu/sfields/software/enrich/. Enrich includes detailed documentation as well as a small example dataset.

Contact:  dfowler@uw.edu; fields@uw.edu

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data is available at Bioinformatics online.
Death ofPRDM9coincides with stabilization of the recombination landscape in the dog genome
Authors: Axelsson Erik , Webster Matthew T. , Ratnakumar Abhirami ,   The LUPA Consortium, Ponting Chris P. , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin
Published: October 2011

Analysis of diverse eukaryotes has revealed that recombination events cluster in discrete genomic locations known as hotspots. In humans, a zinc-finger protein, PRDM9, is believed to initiate recombination in >40% of hotspots by binding to a specific DNA sequence motif. However, thePRDM9coding sequence is disrupted in the dog genome assembly, raising questions regarding the nature and control of recombination in dogs. By analyzing the sequences ofPRDM9orthologs in a number of dog breeds and several carnivores, we show here that this gene was inactivated early in canid evolution. We next use patterns of linkage disequilibrium using more than 170,000 SNP markers typed in almost 500 dogs to estimate the recombination rates in the dog genome using a coalescent-based approach. Broad-scale recombination rates show good correspondence with an existing linkage-based map. Significant variation in recombination rate is observed on the fine scale, and we are able to detect over 4000 recombination hotspots with high confidence. In contrast to human hotspots, 40% of canine hotspots are characterized by a distinct peak in GC content. A comparative genomic analysis indicates that these peaks are present also as weaker peaks in the panda, suggesting that the hotspots have been continually reinforced by accelerated and strongly GC biased nucleotide substitutions, consistent with the long-term action of biased gene conversion on the dog lineage. These results are consistent with the loss ofPRDM9in canids, resulting in a greater evolutionary stability of recombination hotspots. The genetic determinants of recombination hotspots in the dog genome may thus reflect a fundamental process of relevance to diverse animal species.
Adenovirus infection in paediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients is a major independent factor for significantly increasing the risk of treatment related mortality
Authors: George Diane , El‐Mallawany Nader Kim , Jin Zhezhen , Geyer Mark , Della‐Latta Phyllis , Satwani Prakash , Garvin James H. , Bradley Mary Brigid , Bhatia Monica , van de Ven Carmella , Morris Erin , Schwartz Joseph , Cairo Mitchell S.
Published: October 2011

Adenovirus infection is a significant complication in paediatric AlloSCT recipients with a mortality rate for disseminated adenovirus that may exceed 80%. We sought to determine the incidence, risk factors, and associated outcomes of adenovirus infection in 123 consecutive paediatric AlloSCT recipients. Adenovirus was diagnosed by antigen detection or viral culture, and was defined by isolation of virus with presence of correlating clinical symptoms. The probability of developing adenovirus infection was 12·3% (CI95 6·0–18·6). There were no statistically significant differences in probability of adenovirus infection in univariate analysis of risk factors including donor source, use of ATG/Alemtuzumab, ≥Grade II GVHD, among others (age, diagnosis, conditioning regimen). Probability of overall survival for patients that experienced adenovirus infection was 15·4% vs. 50% for those without adenovirus (P = 0·0286). In multivariate analysis, the most important risk factor for an increased risk of death was adenovirus infection [HR 3·15 (CI95 1·6–6·18) P = 0·0009]. In this series of paediatric AlloSCT recipients, the development of adenovirus infection was the leading multivariate predictor of treatment‐related mortality. Enhanced surveillance with adenovirus PCR and identification of the risk factors associated with poor outcomes from adenovirus infection may identify patients that may benefit from pre‐emptive therapeutic interventions including adenovirus‐specific cellular immunotherapies.
Crossing the transition chasm: experiences and recommendations for improving transitional care of young adults, parents and providers
Authors: van Staa A. L. , Jedeloo S. , van Meeteren J. , Latour J. M.
Published: October 2011

Background  Transition from paediatric to adult healthcare has received little attention in the Netherlands. This study aimed to: (i) map experiences with the transfer to adult care of young adults with chronic conditions; and (ii) identify recommendations for transitional care of young adults, their parents and healthcare providers.

Methods  Semi‐structured interviews with 24 young adults after transfer (aged 15–22 years; diagnosed with haemophilia, diabetes mellitus, spina bifida, congenital heart disorders, cystic fibrosis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or sickle cell disease), 24 parents and 17 healthcare providers. Thematic analysis was performed.

Results  Only the haemophilia department offered a structured transition programme, most patients had not been prepared for transition. Experiences and views of patients, parents and professionals mainly overlapped and were condensed into four core themes. Two are related to moving to adult care: (1) ‘leaving paediatric care is a logical step’. Leaving familiar surroundings was harder for parents than for young adults who displayed a positive ‘wait‐and‐see’ attitude; and (2) ‘transition is complicated by cultural gaps between paediatric and adult services’. Young adults and parents felt lost after transfer and recommended their peers ‘to be alert and involved’. Providers also recognized the cultural chasm between both services and worried about non‐compliance, lost to follow‐up and lack of independence. Two other themes indicated priorities for improvement: (3) ‘better patient and parent preparation’ for differences between healthcare settings and for new roles and responsibilities with respect to self‐management; and (4) ‘more collaboration and personal links’ between paediatric and adult care providers.

Conclusions  Action is required to cross the chasm between paediatric and adult‐oriented care. Preparation for transition should start early and focus on strengthening adolescents' independency without undermining parental involvement. Building bridges between services, gaining trust and investing in new personal relations is a challenge for all parties involved: transition is about responding and bonding.
A social‐ecological model of readiness for transition to adult‐oriented care for adolescents and young adults with chronic health conditions
Authors: Schwartz L. A. , Tuchman L. K. , Hobbie W. L. , Ginsberg J. P.
Published: October 2011

Background Policy and research related to transition to adult care for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) has focused primarily on patient age, disease skills and knowledge.

Objective In an effort to broaden conceptualization of transition and move beyond isolated patient variables, a new social‐ecological model of AYA readiness for transition (SMART) was developed.

Methods SMART development was informed by related theories, literature, expert opinion and pilot data collection using a questionnaire developed to assess provider report of SMART components with 100 consecutive patients in a childhood cancer survivorship clinic.

Results The literature, expert opinion and pilot data collection support the relevance of SMART components and a social‐ecological conceptualization of transition. Provider report revealed that many components, representing more than age, disease knowledge and skills, related to provider plans for transferring patients.

Conclusions SMART consists of inter‐related constructs of patients, parents and providers with emphasis on variables amenable to intervention. Results support SMART's broadened conceptualization of transition readiness and need for assessment of multiple stakeholders' perspectives of patient transition readiness. A companion measure of SMART, which will be able to be completed by patients, parents and providers, will be developed to target areas of intervention to facilitate optimal transition readiness. Similar research programmes to establish evidence‐based transition measures and interventions are needed.
Parents as transition experts? Qualitative findings from a pilot parent‐led peer support group
Authors: Kingsnorth S. , Gall C. , Beayni S. , Rigby P.
Published: October 2011

Background  This paper focuses on the introduction of parents as ‘transition experts’ within a paediatric rehabilitation hospital. Through the personal experience of raising a young adult with special healthcare needs, Family Facilitators are knowledgeable about the processes of social and healthcare service transfer and transition to adulthood. Following a needs assessment, a pilot transition support group was established for parents of youth who were eligible for augmentative communication support. The goal was to provide informational, emotional and affirmational support during this stressful period. This study examined the impact of the Family Facilitator‐led Transition Peer Support Group on parents' knowledge, skill and level of support in planning for the future.

Methods  Qualitative methods were used to explore benefits, limitations and outcomes of the parent support group. In addition to a review of 10 narrative field notes maintained for each session by the Family Facilitator and four session feedback forms, a 90‐min focus group was conducted with eight core members.

Results  Qualitative examination of the data revealed three themes: (i) increased awareness related to personal challenges in planning and shifting viewpoints on future orientation; (ii) increased active planning with regard to knowledge building and actions taken; and (iii) the value of experiential knowledge.

Conclusions  Parents reported gaining new knowledge and became more active and future‐oriented in their planning. Further, they strongly valued the facilitator role and benefited from the social support provided by the group. Findings provide a unique snapshot of parental needs. Individualized support with an emphasis on citizenship, participation and inclusion were targeted topics. Future work should continue to explore optimal mechanisms for the provision of parent‐focused transition support and the inclusion of parents as experts within healthcare settings.
Systems of care: transition from the bio‐psycho‐social perspective of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Kraus de Camargo O.
Published: October 2011

Background  The transition process of vulnerable adolescents, including those with complex health conditions, occurs in all domains of their life. Systems of care are usually designed but also restricted within certain aspects of life, as addressed by health, education and social welfare. The need for a co‐ordinated approach to support the transition process has been voiced before, but usually publications focus on one system of care, usually the healthcare system or the education system. Recent moves, especially in the UK, are trying to integrate these different systems allowing for a more integrated transition process. This article illustrates how these developments are represented within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and provides arguments that favour a greater integration of systems of care.

Methods  Examples of systems of care from North America and the EU (Germany and the UK) are described. They were selected from a literature search using the terms ‘systems of care’, ‘transition’ and ‘transitional care’ in different combinations. Further supportive information derives from personal experience working in some of these systems in different countries. The systems were analysed according to the components of health they address within the ICF.

Results  In order to assist adolescents in transition of services, there is a consensus that the approach should be individualized. The overall goal of any intervention or service should be to achieve optimal functioning of the patients. In the framework of the ICF, this means that biomedical and contextual (psychosocial) issues need to be taken into consideration. This requires an exchange of information between the different systems or the integration of those systems involved with the patient.

Conclusion  To facilitate transition, it has been shown that close collaboration between agencies, a transdisciplinary approach of the professionals involved and the use of key workers are helpful.
Mother and youth access (MAYA) maternal chlorhexidine, counselling and paediatric fluoride varnish randomized clinical trial to prevent early childhood caries
Authors: RAMOS‐GOMEZ FRANCISCO J. , GANSKY STUART A. , FEATHERSTONE JOHN D. B. , JUE BONNIE , GONZALEZ‐BERISTAIN ROCIO , SANTO WILLIAM , MARTINEZ ED , WEINTRAUB JANE A.
Published: October 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 169–179

Background.  Mexican‐American children have a higher caries prevalence than the US average. The Mothers and Youth Access (MAYA) study was a randomized clinical trial initiated to address this problem.

Aim.  Comparison of the efficacy of two prevention interventions in reducing early childhood caries (ECC).

Design.  All 361 randomized mother–child dyads received oral health counselling. Beginning at 4 months postpartum, intervention mothers received chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinse for 3 months beginning 4 months postpartum and children received fluoride varnish (FV) every 6 months from age 12–36 months. Control group children received FV if precavitated lesions developed. Salivary mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli were assessed.

Results.  No significant difference in children’s 36‐month caries incidence between groups; 34% in each group developed caries [(d2+fs) > 0]. About half of control group developed precavitated lesions and received therapeutic FV. Maternal MS levels declined during CHX use, but increased when discontinued.

Conclusions.  Maternal postpartum CHX regimen, oral health counselling and preventive child FV applications were not more efficacious than maternal counselling with child therapeutic FV for precavitated lesions for ECC prevention. FV for young children with brief maternal CHX use and oral health counselling may need to be combined with additional or longer‐term therapies to significantly reduce ECC in high‐risk populations.
‘Nice girls don’t’: women and the condom conundrum
Authors: Cook Catherine
Published: October 2011

Aims and objectives.  This study aims to highlight the tensions between the ‘risks’ of condom negotiation to feminine identity and safer sex health education messages of individual choice and responsibility. Effective education incorporates nurses’ recognition that deterrents to women practising safer sex may increase subsequent to a diagnosis of a viral sexually transmitted infection.

Background.  Health educational messages and clinicians’ teaching emphasise rational decision‐making with regard to condom use with a focus on the acquisition of technical information and ready access to condoms. These messages do not take into account the social complexities for women in negotiating condom use with men that deter condom use.

Design.  A qualitative, feminist post‐structuralist research design was used.

Methods.  In‐depth email interviews were conducted with 12 clinicians with expertise in the sexual health field and 26 women with a diagnosis of either herpes simplex virus or human papilloma virus. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the semi‐structured and interactive interviews.

Results.  Few women in the study had received any direct safer sex education from clinicians and wanted them to initiate this discussion. Most women found the topic of safer sex became more difficult once diagnosed with a viral sexually transmitted infection. Women’s dilemmas were whether to disclose the diagnosis as part of insisting on condom use, whether condom use mitigated the obligation to disclose or whether any talk or condom use was avoided as too ‘risky’ to feminine identity.

Conclusion.  Paradoxically, it may be harder for women to negotiate safer sex and ask for condoms to be used, once diagnosed with a viral sexually transmitted infection. Women want clinicians to give advice about the dissonance between ‘rational’ safer sex messages and social expectations of appropriate femininity.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses have a key role in engaging with women in considering safer sex practices. Nurses need to be able to demonstrate to women that they understand the complexities of the ‘real‐life’ barriers to acting on sexual health education messages, including an awareness of power in gender relations.
A Mother’s Brain Knows
Authors: Grattan Dave
Published: October 2011

Prolactin is a pregnancy hormone that is essential for development of the mammary gland for milk production. In addition, prolactin exerts important actions in the maternal brain, resulting in changes in maternal physiology and behaviour that help the mother cope with the new demands of pregnancy, childbirth and lactation. Hence, the same hormonal signal is used both by brain and body to recognise and adapt to these new physiological states.
The quality of the working alliance between chronic psychiatric patients and their case managers: process and outcomes
Authors: DE LEEUW M. , VAN MEIJEL B. , GRYPDONCK M. , KROON H.
Published: October 2011

Accessible summary

The working alliance between chronic psychiatric patients and their case managers is an important vehicle for successful treatment and support.

A good working alliance has a positive effect on the patient's functioning.

The quality of a working alliance depends on both patient characteristics and the case manager's behaviour.

The results indicate that working alliances are established in the first 3 months of a patient–case manager relationship.

Further research into the development of working alliances is necessary.

The concept of a working alliance is rooted in psychotherapy and has been studied extensively in that field. Much less research has been conducted into working alliances between chronic psychiatric patients and their case managers. The aim of this review was to identify what is known about the working alliance between chronic psychiatric patients and their case managers. An extensive survey of the literature produced 14 articles for this review. The results of studies conducted show that a good working alliance has positive effects on the functioning of patients, and that the quality of the alliance depends on both patient characteristics and the behaviour of the case managers. The results also indicate that the working alliance is largely determined in the first 3 months of the contact. Further research into the development of working alliances is necessary.
Response to tenofovir monotherapy in chronic hepatitis B patients with prior suboptimal response to entecavir
Authors: Pan C. Q. , Hu K.‐Q. , Yu A. S. , Chen W. , Bunchorntavakul C. , Reddy K. R.
Published: October 2011

Summary.  Both entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir (TDF) are potent antiviral agents for hepatitis B virus (HBV). Suboptimal response (SOR) following antiviral therapy is associated with an increased risk of subsequent treatment failure and viral resistance. It remains unclear whether switching to TDF is a reasonable approach in patients with SOR to ETV treatment. This study was aimed to determine how HBV patients with SOR to ETV respond to TDF monotherapy. Data of patients with SOR to ETV (failure to achieve >1 log10 HBV‐DNA reduction during the last 24 weeks of ETV treatment) who were switched to TDF monotherapy during 2005 and 2010 were reviewed. Treatment adherence was assessed by pill‐count. Fourteen patients (2.9%) were identified from a total cohort of 482 ETV‐treated patients. All 14 patients were Chinese and were infected with HBV genotype C (71%) or B (29%). Nine patients were men, and the median age was 41.5 years (19–64). Twelve were treatment naïve (one lamivudine‐ and one peginterferon‐experienced patient); 85.7% were HBeAg positive. The median baseline HBV‐DNA was 7.55 (5.30–9.40) log10 copies/mL, and 57% had abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Precore and/or basal core promoter mutations were detected in four patients, whereas no genotypic resistance was detected at baseline and before switching to TDF. The median duration of ETV treatment was 64.5 (26–126) weeks. The median HBV‐DNA at the time of switching to TDF was 3.69 (3.00–4.90) log10 copies/mL. The median HBV‐DNA reduction from baseline and during the last 6‐month observation period prior to switching to TDF was 4.04 (0.51–6.06) log10 and 0.43 (−0.09–1.13) log10 copies/mL, respectively. After the switching to TDF, all 14 patients (100%) achieved undetectable HBV‐DNA and ALT normalization within a median duration of 30 weeks. In 12 patients who were HBeAg positive, HBeAg seroconversion was observed in two patients after TDF treatment of 75‐ and 84‐weeks duration. There was no virological breakthrough observed after switching to TDF with a median follow‐up period of 50 (24–160) weeks. TDF treatment was safe and well tolerated. In conclusion, suboptimal response to ETV is rare (approximately 3%). TDF monotherapy is safe and very effective in the management of HBV patients with SOR to ETV.
A linear rash: a clinicopathological challenge What is your diagnosis?
Authors: Alsharqi Ali , Parslew Richard
Published: October 2011

What is your diagnosis?
Effects of magnolol on vascular contraction in rat aortic rings
Authors: Seok Young Mi , Kim Hye Young , Garmaa Otgonbayar , Cha Byung‐Yoon , Woo Je‐Tae , Kim In Kyeom
Published: October 2011

1. Magnolol (5,5′‐diallyl‐2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl) is a major phenolic compound purified from Magnolia officinalis. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effects of magnolol on vascular contractions.

2. Rat aortic rings were mounted in organ baths. Magnolol was added cumulatively (0.3–30 μmol/L) to elicit relaxation in endothelium‐intact and ‐denuded rat aortic rings precontracted with U46619 (30 nmol/L, 20 min), NaF (8.0 mmol/L, 40 min), phenylephrine (1.0 or 0.1 μmol/L, 15 min) or phorbol‐12,13‐dibutyrate (PDBu, 0.3 or 0.1 μmol/L, 40 min). In separate experiments, cumulative concentration?response curves were obtained for NaF (2.0–12 mmol/L), U46619 (1.0 nmol/L?1.0 μmol/L) or PDBu (1.0 nmol/L?1.0 μmol/L) after pretreatment with either magnolol or vehicle for 30 min in endothelium‐denuded aortic rings. After completion of the functional study, we measured the amount of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) RhoA by using a G‐LISA RhoA Activation Assay, as well as the phosphorylation of 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC20), myosin phosphatase‐targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) and protein kinase C‐potentiated inhibitory protein for heterotrimeric myosin light‐chain phosphatase of 17 kDa (CPI‐17) by immunobloting.

3. Magnolol (0.3–30 μmol/L) reduced vascular tension induced by the thromboxane A2 agonist U46619 (30 nmol/L), sodium fluoride (NaF) (8.0 mmol/L) and the α1‐adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (1.0 or 0.1 μmol/L) in both endothelium‐intact and ‐denuded rings. The magnitude of the relaxation effects of magnolol on the contraction induced by each of the drugs were similar. The magnitude of the effect of magnolol in endothelium‐intact and ‐denuded rings were similar.

4. Pretreatment of rat aortic rings with 1.0, 3.0 or 10 μmol/L magnolol for 30 min dose‐dependently inhibited the maximum response on the concentration–response curves to NaF and U46619, but not to phorbol‐12,13‐dibutyrate (PDBu).

5. Magnolol (3.0 or 10 μmol/L) decreased RhoA activation, as well as the phosphorylation of MLC20, MYPT1Thr855 and CPI‐17Thr38 induced by either 8.0 mmol/L NaF or 30 nmol/L U46619. In contrast, magnolol did not affect PDBu (0.1 μmol/L)‐induced phosphorylation of CPI‐17Thr38.

6. In conclusion, magnolol reduces vascular contraction by inhibiting the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway in endothelium‐denuded rat aorta.
Submerged reefal deposits near a present‐day northern limit of coral reef formation in the northern Ryukyu Island Arc, northwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: MATSUDA HIROKI , ARAI KOHSAKU , MACHIYAMA HIDEAKI , IRYU YASUFUMI , TSUJI YOSHIHIRO
Published: October 2011

High‐resolution single‐channel seismic reflection surveys were carried out in the northern Ryukyu Island Arc during an NT05‐14 cruise of the R/V Natsushima. The survey area is located northeast of Amami Oshima and southwest of Kikai Shima immediately south of the current northern limit of coral reef formation in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The main purpose of the surveys was to ascertain whether coral reefs formed during glacial periods and, if so, to determine their three‐dimensional distribution. We collected 784 km of high‐resolution single‐channel seismic data during the cruise. The acoustic basement is clearly observed under the Amami Spur, off Amami Oshima. The seismic profiles show two anticlines, each with an axis trending northeast to southwest. Thin Quaternary stratified sediment overlies the acoustic basement in the northwestern and southeastern slope areas, as well as between the anticlinal axes. The stratified sediment can be divided into several sedimentary units. The mound‐shaped reflections are found within the stratified sedimentary units in the central to eastern parts of the spur. Because the mound‐shaped reflections are characterized by strong reflections and chaotic internal structures in profiles, they are considered biogenic ‘reefs’ or banks consisting of coarse‐grained bioclasts. They overlie the acoustic basement or stratified sediment and reach 15 m in thickness and 400 m in width. In contrast, irregularly shaped topographic highs were detected at the shelf edge southwest off Kikai Shima, which are likely to be remnants of coral reefs formed during the last glacial period. Our seismic data indicate probable coral reef formation at low stands during glacial stages, such as the Last Glacial Maximum, even in the northern Central Ryukyus. The occurrence of drowned reefs may indicate that their growth rate was not sufficient to keep up with a rapid rise in sealevel after a glacial period.