bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wideband multilayer multi‐permittivity half‐split cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna
Authors: Chaudhary Raghvendra Kumar , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav , Biswas Animesh
Published: August 2012

In this article a wideband multilayer multipermittivity (MLMP) half‐split cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) fed through coaxial probe is proposed and developed. The idea of multilayers of different permittivity is introduced in half‐split dielectric resonator antenna for getting wide bandwidth. A parametric study is performed to optimize the antenna performance. The proposed MLMP half‐split CDRA is excited with TM21δ (0 < δ < 1) mode. The proposed wideband MLMP half‐split CDRA provides measured percentage input impedance bandwidth of 63.7% which covers the frequency range of 4.05–6.9 GHz. The simulated and measured radiation patterns are consistent throughout the operational bandwidth. The average measured gain over the band is 5.79 dB. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2587–2590, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27141
New equivalent continuously tunable high‐resolution microwave photonic bandpass filter
Authors: Chan Erwin H. W.
Published: August 2012

A new technique for implementing an equivalent continuously tunable high‐resolution microwave photonic bandpass filter is presented.It is based on applying frequency conversion to the RF signal before and after high‐resolution bandpass filtering. Experimental results are presented, which demonstrate the continuously tuning of a high‐resolution microwave photonic bandpass filter. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2584–2587, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27142
A miniature and low‐power 24 GHz CMOS VCO using tunable lc source‐degeneration and transformer feedback techniques for automotive radars
Authors: Lin Yo‐Sheng , Yu Po‐Wei
Published: August 2012

A 24 GHz voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) using tunable LC source‐degeneration and transformer‐feedback techniques for automotive radar systems is demonstrated in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS process. The tunable LC source‐degeneration is made by adding two tunable LC tanks, which use varactors as the needed capacitors, to the source terminals of the cross‐coupled transistor pair of the VCO. Compared with the traditional cross‐coupled transistor pair, the equivalent parallel capacitance (CEQ) can be significantly decreased. This in turn results in the increase of both the operation frequency and the tuning range of the VCO. In addition, a differential‐to‐differential spiral‐transformer‐shaped layout is adopted to realize the needed four inductors, that is, the two drain inductors and the two source inductors. This in turn results in the layout area and the power consumption of the VCO is minimized. The VCO core draws 7.2 mA current from a 0.85 V power supply, that is, it only consumes 6.12 mW. The VCO achieves a wide tuning range of 3.03 GHz, from 22.32 to 25.35 GHz. In addition, the VCO achieves a phase noise of −103 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from 24 GHz. The corresponding figure‐of‐merit is −182.7 dBc/Hz, one of the best results ever reported for a K‐band CMOS VCO. The core circuit occupies a chip area of only 0.36 × 0.56 mm2, that is, 0.202 mm2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2553–2558, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27143
Compact asymmetric‐slotted‐slit patch based circularly‐polarized antenna with reactive impedance surface substrate
Authors: Agarwal Kush , Nasimuddin  , Alphones A.
Published: August 2012

A compact, asymmetric‐slotted‐slit‐microstrip patch, based antenna on a reactive impedance surface (RIS) is proposed and studied for the circularly polarized (CP) radiation.The antenna consists of a slotted‐slit‐microstrip patch on a RIS substrate. The CP radiation with compact size is achieved by asymmetric slots and slits cut along the diagonal and orthogonal directions of the patch radiator. The asymmetric slotted‐slit‐microstrip on the RIS structure is used for further miniaturization of the antenna with CP radiation. The measured results of the proposed antenna are 2.1% (2.625–2.68 GHz) for 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth, 9.5% (2.575–2.82 GHz) for 10‐dB return loss bandwidth, and 3.87 dBic for gain at the boresight. The patch radiator size is 0.187 λ × 0.179 λ on a low cost FR4 substrate at 2.6 GHz. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2505–2510, 2012; this online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27147
Fock's integral and Pekeris's integral calculation for diffraction on dielectric convex surface
Authors: Legendre J. F. , Marsault T. , Landouer G. , Cueff D.
Published: August 2012

This note describes a complete mathematical method to compute Fock's integral or Pekeris's integral that appears in diffraction coefficient on dielectric convex surface proposed by Pathak [Radio Sci 14 (1979), 419–435]. Our solution is valid in all space above surface. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2464–2468, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27149
Design of log‐periodic dipole array inspired antenna with very wide bandwidth
Authors: Salmani Zeeshan , Zhang Hualiang
Published: August 2012

A parallel‐strip line fed antenna with very wide bandwidth is presented in this article. This wideband antenna is designed as a combination of two individual antenna elements that are connected in a way inspired by the log‐periodic antenna array technique. To miniaturize the size of the structure, metamaterial‐based antennas are used as the basic radiating elements. The proposed antennas are designed on FR4 substrate and measured results show that it has a very wide bandwidth from 0.68 to 120 GHz with a VSWR < 3 for frequency range from 0.68 to 3.2 GHz and VSWR < 2 for the remaining bandwidth, with relative stable radiation characteristics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2646–2650, 2012; this online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27150
Metamaterial‐based fabry–perot resonator for ultra‐low profile high‐gain antenna
Authors: Li Long , Lei Shuo , Liang Chang‐Hong
Published: August 2012

In this letter, we report the design, fabrication, and measurement of a metamaterial‐based Fabry–Perot (F–P) resonator antenna. The F–P resonator antenna is constructed of a fishnet superstrate and a printed patch antenna based on a mushroom‐like electromagnetic bandgap substrate. Simulated and measured results show that the proposed F–P resonator antenna achieves an ultra‐low profile as well as a high‐gain enhancement. The thickness of the metamaterial‐based F–P resonator is only λ/125. Compared to the traditional superstrate patch antenna, the forward gain of the new metamaterial F–P resonator antenna is enhanced and the back radiation is suppressed effectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2620–2623, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27155
Non‐spin‐echo 3D transverse hadamard encoded proton spectroscopic imaging in the human brain
Authors: Cohen Ouri , Tal Assaf , Goelman Gadi , Gonen Oded
Published: August 2012

A non‐spin‐echo multivoxel proton MR localization method based on three‐dimensional transverse Hadamard spectroscopic imaging is introduced and demonstrated in a phantom and the human brain. Spatial encoding is achieved with three selective 90° radiofrequency pulses along perpendicular axes: The first two create a longitudinal ±MZ Hadamard order in the volume of interest. The third pulse spatially Hadamard‐encodes the ±MZs in the volume of interest in the third direction while bringing them to the transverse plane to be acquired immediately. The approaching‐ideal point spread function of Hadamard encoding and very short acquisition delay yield signal‐to‐noise‐ratios of 20 ± 8, 23 ± 9, and 31 ± 10 for choline, creatine, and N‐acetylaspartate in the human brain at 1.5 T from 1 cm3 voxels in 21 min. The advantages of transverse Hadamard spectroscopic imaging are that unlike gradient (Fourier) phase‐encoding: (i) the volume of interest does not need to be smaller than the field of view to prevent aliasing; (ii) the number of partitions in each direction can be small, 8, 4, or even 2 at no cost in point spread function; (iii) the volume of interest does not have to be contiguous; and (iv) the voxel profile depends on the available B1 and pulse synthesis paradigm and can, therefore, at least theoretically, approach “ideal” “1” inside and “0” elsewhere. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Working with borderline personality disorder: A small‐scale qualitative investigation into community psychiatric nurses' constructs of borderline personality disorder
Authors: Stroud James , Parsons Rachel
Published: August 2012

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex presentation that can have a significant impact upon the individual and on his or her quality of life. BPD has often been associated with negative connotations (e.g. ‘manipulative’, ‘attention seeking’). The aim of the current study was to gain a fuller understanding of how community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) make sense of the diagnosis of BPD and how their constructs of BPD impact their approach to this client group. Four CPNs, three women and one man, were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview schedule. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, to reveal over‐arching and sub‐themes. The results indicated that participants attempted to ascribe meaning to the client's presentation ‘in the moment’. When they had a framework to explain behaviour, participants were more likely to express positive attitudes. When they did not have such a framework, participants could view clients in more pejorative terms. As participants were deriving meaning ‘in the moment’, there could be fluidity with regards to participants' attitudes, ranging from ‘dread’ to a ‘desire to help’. This could lead to participants shifting between ‘connected’ and ‘disconnected’ interactions with clients. The limitations and implications for clinical practise will also be considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper(0)‐mediated radical copolymerization of vinyl acetate and acrylonitrile in DMSO at ambient temperature
Authors: Yu Huali , Wu Yang , Gao Jinlong , Wang Wenxiang , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin
Published: August 2012

In this work, Cu(0)‐mediated radical copolymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) and acrylonitrile (AN) was explored. The polymerization was carried out at 25°C with 2,2′‐bipyridine as ligand and dimethyl sulfoxide as solvent. The copolymerization proceeded smoothly producing moderately controlled molecular weights at low VAc feed ratios. The high VAc feed ratios generated low polymerization rate and poorly controlled molecular weights. FTIR, 1H NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the successful obtaining of the copolymers. Based on 1H NMR spectra, the reactivity ratios of VAc and AN were calculated to be 0.003 and 1.605, respectively. This work conveyed the first example for the Cu(0)‐mediated radical polymerization of AN and VAc, wherein VAc cannot be homopolymerized by Cu(0)‐mediated radical polymerization technique. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Collapse‐expansion transition of elastic shell induced by grafted polymer chains
Authors: Chai Aihua , Zhang Dong , Chen Hongping , Wen Xiaohui , He Linli , Zhang Linxi
Published: August 2012

A coarse‐grained model for an elastic shell grafted with polymer chains is investigated by molecular dynamics methods. With increasing the number of grafted polymer chains (GPCs), it is found that the conformation of the shell undergoes from expansion to collapse and back to the expansion. By varying the density of the GPCs, the phase transition of the elastic shell can be successfully controlled at moderate bending energy of the shell and at moderate binding energy between the shell and GPCs. Furthermore, the self‐assembly structures of the GPCs are also affected by the elastic shell in certain conditions. In the case of a few GPCs on the shell, the chains tend to be adsorbed on the shell surface unfolded at high value of bending energy. However, when the bending energy is small, the chains can be folded several times easily. This may be an important step toward a deeper understanding of how to control the microstructure in the production of biocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Polar phase formation in poly(vinylidene fluoride) induced by melt annealing
Authors: Pan Huayan , Na Bing , Lv Ruihua , Li Chun , Zhu Jie , Yu Zhiwei
Published: August 2012

It is still a challenge to obtain polar phase of poly(vinylidene fluoride) from melt crystallization at normal conditions. This study demonstrates that polar β‐ and γ phases can be produced through melting re‐crystallization of α phase, provided that moderate memory effects in the melt is achieved by annealing. Otherwise, it is inevitable to re‐crystallize into α phase without any trace of polar phase. Small fragments, generated from the disintegration of long TGTG′ sequences, most likely adopt trans conformation in the melt before approaching random coils, thus responsible for the formation of polar phase upon cooling. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Paradigms for adaptive statistical information designs: practical experiences and strategies
Authors: Wang Sue‐Jane , James Hung H. M. , O'Neill Robert
Published: August 2012

In the last decade or so, interest in adaptive design clinical trials has gradually been directed towards their use in regulatory submissions by pharmaceutical drug sponsors to evaluate investigational new drugs. Methodological advances of adaptive designs are abundant in the statistical literature since the 1970s. The adaptive design paradigm has been enthusiastically perceived to increase the efficiency and to be more cost‐effective than the fixed design paradigm for drug development. Much interest in adaptive designs is in those studies with two‐stages, where stage 1 is exploratory and stage 2 depends upon stage 1 results, but where the data of both stages will be combined to yield statistical evidence for use as that of a pivotal registration trial. It was not until the recent release of the US Food and Drug Administration Draft Guidance for Industry on Adaptive Design Clinical Trials for Drugs and Biologics (2010) that the boundaries of flexibility for adaptive designs were specifically considered for regulatory purposes, including what are exploratory goals, and what are the goals of adequate and well‐controlled (A&WC) trials (2002). The guidance carefully described these distinctions in an attempt to minimize the confusion between the goals of preliminary learning phases of drug development, which are inherently substantially uncertain, and the definitive inference‐based phases of drug development. In this paper, in addition to discussing some aspects of adaptive designs in a confirmatory study setting, we underscore the value of adaptive designs when used in exploratory trials to improve planning of subsequent A&WC trials. One type of adaptation that is receiving attention is the re‐estimation of the sample size during the course of the trial. We refer to this type of adaptation as an adaptive statistical information design. Specifically, a case example is used to illustrate how challenging it is to plan a confirmatory adaptive statistical information design. We highlight the substantial risk of planning the sample size for confirmatory trials when information is very uninformative and stipulate the advantages of adaptive statistical information designs for planning exploratory trials. Practical experiences and strategies as lessons learned from more recent adaptive design proposals will be discussed to pinpoint the improved utilities of adaptive design clinical trials and their potential to increase the chance of a successful drug development. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Experimental Methodology for Obtaining the Flow Curve of Sheet Materials in a Wide Range of Strains
Authors: Zhuang Xincun , Zhao Zhen , Li Hongye , Xiang Hua
Published: August 2012

An experimental approach for determining the stress–strain curve over a large range of strains through tensile test is introduced. The novel aspect of the proposed approach is to apply different degrees of cold working on the sheet metal specimens before tensile test. By adding the pre‐strain derived from cold working to the strain from tensile test, the corresponding stress–strain curves can be shifted to large strains. Since the variation trend of these curves is in high coincidence with the results from compression test, it is convinced that the stress–strain curve of tensile test over a large range of strains can be experimentally extrapolated based on such an approach, especially aiming at medium‐thick sheet metal. Based on the tensile test results, five different extrapolation models were evaluated with respect to different sampling dataset. It was revealed that the true stress–plastic strain curve over a given strain range could be approximated well by the extrapolation models of Ludwik, Ghosh, and Hocket‐Sherby based on sampling data points of standard tensile test combined with a prescribed data point from tensile test after cold working.
Science teachers and scientific argumentation: Trends in views and practice
Authors: Sampson Victor , Blanchard Margaret R.
Published: August 2012

Current research indicates that student engagement in scientific argumentation can foster a better understanding of the concepts and the processes of science. Yet opportunities for students to participate in authentic argumentation inside the science classroom are rare. There also is little known about science teachers' understandings of argumentation, their ability to participate in this complex practice, or their views about using argumentation as part of the teaching and learning of science. In this study, the researchers used a cognitive appraisal interview to examine how 30 secondary science teachers evaluate alternative explanations, generate an argument to support a specific explanation, and investigate their views about engaging students in argumentation. The analysis of the teachers' comments and actions during the interview indicates that these teachers relied primarily on their prior content knowledge to evaluate the validity of an explanation rather than using available data. Although some of the teachers included data and reasoning in their arguments, most of the teachers crafted an argument that simply expanded on a chosen explanation but provided no real support for it. The teachers also mentioned multiple barriers to the integration of argumentation into the teaching and learning of science, primarily related to their perceptions of students' ability levels, even though all of these teachers viewed argumentation as a way to help students understand science. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 1122–1148, 2012
Synthesis, Structure, Photoluminescence and Thermal Properties of Sodium Ethene‐Bis‐Nitrobenzenesulfonate
Authors: Yu Yan‐Hong , Qian Kun , Wang Xing‐Cong
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Sodium ethene‐bis‐nitrobenzenesulfonate, [Na2(ENS)·6H2O]n(1) was synthesized through coupling reaction of o‐nitrotoluenesulfonic acid in NaOH solution and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, XRPD, DSC and TGA (where ENS2– = ethene‐bis‐nitrobenzenesulfonate). The asymmetrical unit of (1) consists of two octahedral NaI ions, and the neighboring metal centers are bridged by μ2 water molecules resulting in the formation of an inorganic tetranuclear unit. The tetranuclear units were connected through the ENS2– ligands into a 2D topology net. The weak π–π stacking and H‐bonding interactions further stabilized the structure. The crystals of (C7H6NO5S)–·(H5O2)+ (2) were obtained by post‐processing the unreacted raw material to recycle. Furthermore, the rigidity and the conjugation effect of the aromatic system in compound 1 were increased through the coordination interactions of metal atoms to ligands, resulting in the emission coming from ligand enhanced with red‐shifting about 9 nm of the maximal wavelength. The conjugation effects and the steric arrangement of the substituent groups play the main role to the luminescence intensity and red‐shift effect.
Black holes and fourfolds
Authors: Bena Iosif , Triendl Hagen , Vercnocke Bert
Published: August 2012

Abstract

We establish a relation between the structure governing four- and five- dimensional black holes and multicenter solutions on the one hand and Calabi-Yau flux compactifications of M-theory and type IIB string theory on the other hand, for both supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric solutions. We find that the known BPS and almost-BPS multicenter black hole solutions can be interpreted as GKP compactifications with (2,1) and (0,3) imaginary self-dual flux. We also show that the most general GKP compactification leads to new classes of BPS and non-BPS multicenter solutions. We explore how these solutions fit into N = 2 truncations, and elucidate how supersymmetry becomes camouflaged. As a necessary tool in our exploration we show how the fields in the largest N = 2 truncation fit inside the six-torus compactification of eleven-dimensional supergravity.
Mechanical reproductive isolation via divergent genital morphology betweenCarabus insulicolaandC. esakiiwith implications in species coexistence
Authors: Kubota Kôhei , Miyazaki Kôji , Ebihara Shiho , Takami Yasuoki
Published: August 2012

The mechanical isolation hypothesis predicts that physical incompatibility between divergent reproductive morphologies hinders hybridization between populations. However, evidence for this hypothesis remains scarce. We examined this hypothesis using two parapatric carabid beetles,Carabus insulicolaandC.esakii, which are of the subgenusOhomopterusand exhibit a species‐specific genital lock‐and‐key system. Our interspecific crossing experiment revealed that incompatibility of genital morphologies served as a strong postmating‐prezygotic isolation barrier. This isolation was asymmetric: a decrease in female fitness was more costly in the cross with greater genitalic incompatibility between aC.esakiifemale and aC.insulicolamale. These two species share a limited sympatric area, but the mechanism responsible for their coexistence is unclear given no evidence of premating isolation via male mate choice. A comparison of the present results with those of previous studies that quantified reproductive isolation betweenOhomopterusspecies suggest that strong mechanical isolation via genitalic incompatibility plays a major role in species isolation, but that it may be less important in species coexistence.
Biotransformation of benzonitrile herbicides via the nitrile hydratase–amidase pathway in rhodococci
Authors: Veselá Alicja B , Pelantová Helena , Šulc Miroslav , Macková Martina , Lovecká Petra , Thimová Markéta , Pasquarelli Fabrizia , Pičmanová Martina , Pátek Miroslav , Bhalla Tek Chand , Martínková Ludmila
Published: August 2012

The aim of this work was to determine the ability of rhodococci to transform 3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (chloroxynil), 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (bromoxynil), 3,5-diiodo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (ioxynil) and 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (dichlobenil); to identify the products and determine their acute toxicities. Rhodococcus erythropolis A4 and Rhodococcus rhodochrous PA-34 converted benzonitrile herbicides into amides, but only the former strain was able to hydrolyze 2,6-dichlorobenzamide into 2,6-dichlorobenzoic acid, and produced also more of the carboxylic acids from the other herbicides compared to strain PA-34. Transformation of nitriles into amides decreased acute toxicities for chloroxynil and dichlobenil, but increased them for bromoxynil and ioxynil. The amides inhibited root growth in Lactuca sativa less than the nitriles but more than the acids. The conversion of the nitrile group may be the first step in the mineralization of benzonitrile herbicides but cannot be itself considered to be a detoxification.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel n‐9 Fatty Acid Conjugates Possessing Antineoplastic Properties
Authors: Khan Azmat A. , Husain Ahmad , Jabeen Mumtaz , Mustafa Jamal , Owais Mohammad
Published: August 2012

The present study enumerates the synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and evaluation of anticancer potential of esters of two n‐9 fatty acids viz., oleic acid (OLA) and ricinoleic acid (RCA) with 2,4‐ or 2,6‐diisopropylphenol. The synthesis strategy involved esterification of the hydroxyl group of diisopropylphenol (propofol) to the terminal carboxyl group of n‐9 fatty acid. The synthesized propofol‐n‐9 conjugates having greater lipophilic character were tested initially for cytotoxicity in‐vitro. The conjugates showed specific growth inhibition of cancer cell lines whereas no effect was observed in normal cells. In general, pronounced growth inhibition was found against the human skin malignant melanoma cell line (SK‐MEL‐1). The anticancer potential was also determined by testing the effect of these conjugates on cell migration, cell adhesion and induction of apoptosis in SK‐MEL‐1 cancer cells. Propofol‐OLA conjugates significantly induced apoptosis in contrast to propofol‐RCA conjugates which showed only weak signals for cytochrome c. Conclusively, the synthesized novel ester conjugates showed considerable moderation of anti‐tumor activity. This preliminary study places in‐house synthesized conjugates into the new class of anticancer agents that possess selectivity toward cancer cells over normal cells.
Fatty Acid Composition and Some Physicochemical Properties of Oils from Allanblackia gabonensis and A.stanerana Kernels
Authors: Pengou Martin , Noumi Guy Bertrand , Ngameni Emmanuel
Published: August 2012

The physicochemical properties and chemical composition of oils extracted from two varieties of mature seeds of Allanblackia gabonensis and A.stanerana were assessed. The physicochemical properties of oils from Allanblackia gabonensis and A. stanerana were respectively 5.35 and 22.023 % for the water content; 68.15 and 69.87 % for the extraction yield on a dry basis; 0.35 and 0.30 mg KOH/g oil for the acid index; 35.57 and 29.75 g of I2/100 g oil for the iodine index; 1.3740 and 1.4150 for the refractive index. The fatty acid profile of those oils showed respectively four saturated fatty acids 60.61 and 70.94 %, two monounsaturated fatty acids 37.46 and 28.22 %, two polyunsaturated fatty acids 0.82 and 0.81 % for Allanblackia gabonensis and A. stanerana oils respectively. In both cases, fatty acids C18:0 and C18:1 were dominant. Most of the physicochemical properties showed significant variation (P < 0.05) from one oil to other, the difference being insignificant (P > 0.05) between the two chemical compositions. The analysis of these characteristics showed interesting application features for these oils.
A comparison of vital registration and reproductive‐age mortality survey in Bukidnon, Philippines, 2008
Authors: Garces Roston G. , Sobel Howard L. , Pabellon Joy A.L. , Lopez Juan M. , de Quiroz Castro Maricel , Nyunt‐U Soe
Published: August 2012

Objective

To determine the accuracy of reported maternal deaths for 2008 in a province in the Philippines.

Methods

A reproductive‐age mortality survey (RAMOS) was conducted to identify deaths of women aged 15–49 years from Bukidnon, Philippines, in 2008. Sources included various health and community reporting units. Verbal autopsies were carried out to ascertain maternal deaths.

Results

The survey found 58 pregnancy‐related deaths in 2008, of which 52 were maternal deaths. Of the 52, 14 were found in local civil registries but 4 were not classified as maternal deaths. No single reporting unit identified all deaths. Local civil registries provided an estimated maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 49 per 100 000 live births. The present RAMOS estimated an MMR of 209 (95% confidence interval, 191–226) per 100 000 live births.

Conclusion

Official reports led people using the data to believe that the MMR in the province was on track for Millennium Development Goal 5 (to reduce MMR by three‐quarters by 2015). The present survey showed that local civil registries missed three‐quarters of all maternal deaths. All countries engaged in addressing maternal mortality reduction should consider similar approaches to improve data quality.
Experiences of women undergoing colposcopy in southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Chigbu Chibuike O. , Aniebue Uzochukwu U.
Published: August 2012

Objective

To evaluate the experiences, preferences, and needs of women undergoing colposcopy in southeastern Nigeria.

Methods

Women undergoing colposcopy at 2 centers in southeastern Nigeria between August 1, 2009, and October 31, 2011, were interviewed using structured interviewer‐administered questionnaires.

Results

In total, 409 women were interviewed. The majority (60.8%) of these women were satisfied with the overall process of colposcopy. Invasion of privacy and re‐assuring attitude of attending clinic personnel were reported as the most dissatisfying and most satisfying aspects of colposcopy, respectively. Privacy during the procedure and written take‐home information were the most frequently reported needs. Most participants preferred a female colposcopist and the presence of their spouse during colposcopic examination.

Conclusion

Southeastern Nigerian women are less satisfied with the overall process of colposcopy than their counterparts from high‐income settings. The majority of the women interviewed would have an improved colposcopic experience if their privacy concerns and information needs were addressed and their spouses allowed into the examination room. The findings from the present study should encourage existing and emerging colposcopy service providers in low‐resource settings to improve both service delivery and their patients' overall colposcopic experience.
A Turkish Gynecologic Oncology Group study of fertility‐sparing treatment for early‐stage endometrial cancer
Authors: Dursun Polat , Erkanli Serkan , Güzel Ahmet Bariş , Gultekin Murat , Tarhan Nefise Cagla , Altundag Ozden , Demirkiran Fuat , Beşe Tugan , Yildirim Yusuf , Bozdag Gurkan , Yarali Hakan , Simsek Tayyup , Ozcelik Bulent , Ortaç Firat , Taskin Salih , Guvenal Tevfik , Ozgul Nejat , Haberal Ali , Vardar M. Ali , Dede Murat , Yenen Mufit , Altintas Aytekin , Arvas Macit , Ayhan Ali
Published: August 2012

Objective

To analyze the results of fertility‐sparing treatment of early‐stage endometrial cancer (EC) in patients treated at Turkish gynecologic oncology centers, and to present a review of the literature.

Methods

Thirteen healthcare centers in Turkey were contacted to determine if they were eligible to participate in the study. Centers that were eligible and agreed to participate were sent a database form to record the demographic characteristics, clinicopathologic findings, and follow‐up results for their EC patients.

Results

Eleven Turkish healthcare centers provided data on 43 EC patients. Mean duration of treatment was 5 months and mean follow‐up was 49 months. In total, 35 (81.4%) patients were tumor free following primary progesterone therapy. Mean time from the end of progesterone therapy to pregnancy was 10.6 ± 4.3 months (range, 3–18 months). Two patients had tumor recurrence during follow‐up. The pregnancy rate among the 31 women who actively sought pregnancy was 41.9% (n = 13).

Conclusion

Conservative management of early‐stage EC in women of reproductive age using oral progestins was effective and did not compromise oncological outcome. Pregnancy in the study patients was achieved spontaneously and artificially.
The sources of continuity and change of Ukraine’s incomplete state
Authors: Kudelia Serhiy
Published: August 2012

This article examines the evolution of the state in Ukraine from an object of elite predation in early 1990s into a dominant actor in relations with non-state actors under Kuchma, an instrument of elite struggles for power and rents under Yushchenko and a return to a centralized state authority under Yanukovych. Despite its different transformations the state in Ukraine has been continuously characterized by the prevalence of informal levers of power and the absence of strong formal institutional foundations. As a result, after twenty years it still lacks the prerequisites of effective governance in a modern state – an impersonal bureaucracy, rule of law and mechanisms of accountability. This institutional void produces Ukraine’s vicious cycling between hybrid types of authoritarianism and democracy leaving the state dysfunctional and incomplete.
The role of Purkinje fibers in the emergence of an incessant form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation associated with ischemic heart disease
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshinori , Iwasaki Yu‐ki , Miyauchi Yasushi , Hayashi Meiso , Ohno Norihiko , Yodogawa Kenji , Morita Norishige , Tanaka Keiji , Mizuno Kyouichi
Published: August 2012

Background: The clinical and electrophysiological characteristic of ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) which trigger the incessant form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT), so‐called “electrical storm” associated with ischemic heart disease, remains unclarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate those matters and the possible role of the Purkinje network in the emergence of an electrical storm.

Methods and results: We experienced 5 patients (68 ± 5 years, mean LVEF: 29%) with electrical storms which occurred during the acute phase of an infarction in 3 patients and the remote phase in 2. The triggering VPCs were multifocal in 3 patients and monofocal in the remaining 2. Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation was performed for a goal of eliminating the triggering VPCs. A total of 9 different kinds of VPCs differentiated by their morphology were successfully eliminated by the RF deliveries targeting the VPCs’ foci. At the successful ablation sites, Purkinje potentials preceded the QRS onset of the VPC by 67 ± 23 ms, suggesting the VPCs originated in the surviving Purkinje fibers. Moreover, the extensive RF deliveries applied at the surviving Purkinje network rendered the polymorphic VT unable to be induced by programmed stimulation which reproducibly induced it before the ablation in 2 patients.

Conclusion: A surviving Purkinje network might contribute not only to the initiation of the repetitive form of lethal ventricular arrhythmias, but also to the perpetuation of the arrhythmias in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Adenosine‐Sensitive Focal Reentrant Atrial Tachycardia Originating From the Mitral Annulus‐Aorta Junction
Authors: Morishima Itsuro , Sone Takahito , Tsuboi Hideyuki , Mukawa Hiroaki , Uesugi Michitaka
Published: August 2012

Adenosine‐sensitive reentrant atrial tachycardia (AT) has been recognized to originate from the confined area of either the right or left atiroventricular nodal regions. We describe a case with adenosine‐sensitive focal AT which was successfully ablated at the uncommon focus located at the mitral annulus‐aorta junction. The mode of AT initiation during the atrial extrastimulus suggested as the mechanism tachycardia reentry; AT was terminated by a bolus of 2 mg of adenosine 5’‐triphosphate. These electrophysiological features are possibly associated with a substrate involved in the mitral annulus‐aorta junction with node‐like properties that is responsive to adenosine.
Two Cases of Pilsicainide Intoxication showing the Brugada‐type Electrocardiographic Findings and Incessant Wide QRS Tachycardia
Authors: Sumiyoshi Masataka , Hayashi Hidemori , Ichinose Tetsuo , Itoh Seigo , Kawamura Masaki , Suwa Satoru , Sakurai Hidehiko
Published: August 2012

We have experienced two patients with the Brugada‐type electrocardiographic abnormalities and incessant wide QRS tachycardia (presumed ventricular tachycardia) induced by intoxication of a class IC antiarrhythmic drug pilsicainide. They were elderly men with impaired renal function. Plasma concentration of pilsicainide was elevated to a toxic level in both patients. After cessation of pilsicainide, incessant wide QRS tachycardia spontaneously subsided and intraventricular conduction delay with coved type ST segment elevation in V1 and V2 disappeared. In the elderly or patients with renal dysfunction, we should be very careful regarding dose adjustment of pilsicainide or it may be better to avoid using this drug.
Cardiac Pacing Suppressed Macroscopic T Wave Alternans in a Patient with Heart Failure Caused by Non‐ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Miyaji Kotaro , Abe Keisuke , Abe Koji , Kondo Naomichi , Suzuki Hiroki , Kodera Satoshi , Sato Kazutoshi , Kushida Shunichi , Kanda Junji , Suzuki Makoto , Nishizaki Mitsuhiro
Published: August 2012

A 67‐year‐old male with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic renal failure who received chronic hemodialysis for 9 years admitted with pulmonary edema. Three days after admission, electrocardiogram showed transient prolongation of QT interval which was followed by macroscopic T wave alternans (TWA) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Temporary pacing from right ventricular apex suppressed TWA and VF effectively. Combined cardiac resynchronization therapy and implantable cardioverter defibrillator device was implanted for the secondary prevention of VF. Both prolongation of QT interval and TWA disappeared for 10 days after therapy and no arrhythmic event occurred since then.
Utility and Validation of Corrected Left Ventricular Filling Time for Determining the Optimal AV Delay in Patients Receiving Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Higuchi Rumi , Tada Hiroshi , Okaniwa Hiroki , Nakajima Tsutomu , Takemura Naoki , Fuke Etsuko , Sato Chizuru , Hayashi Tatsuya , Miki Yuko , Sakamoto Tamotsu , Fukasawa Rie , Kumagai Koji , Naito Shigeto , Oshima Shigeru
Published: August 2012

Background: Optimizing the atrio‐ventricular delay (AVD) is important for increasing the left ventricular (LV) preload in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The optimal AVD may be considered an AVD in which the maximum LV filling time (LVFT) is obtained. However, it is unclear whether or not the optimal AVD determined by Ritter's method (AVD‐Ritter) is identical to the AVD in which the maximum LVFT is obtained. The aim of this study was to clarify this point.

Methods: In 17 patients who received CRT, the optimal AVD was determined by Ritter's method and the FT method. Eleven (65%) patients had 1° AV block. We measured the LVFT and R‐R time when the AVD was prolonged by 20 ms increments from 80 ms to 180 ms. In the FT method, the optimal AVD (AVD‐FT) was defined as the AVD in which the corrected LVFT (LVFTc) was maximally prolonged. The AVD‐Ritter and AVD‐FT were both determined during atrial pacing (Ap) and sensing (As). The LVFTc at each optimal AVD was also measured and compared.

Results: During As, the AVD‐Ritter (114 ± 20 ms) showed a marginally significant difference when compared to the AVD‐FT (95 ± 18 ms; p = 0.053). However, during Ap, the AVD‐Ritter (138 ± 32 ms) was significantly longer than the AVD‐ET (113 ± 20 ms; p = 0.017). The LVFTc with the AVD‐Ritter was shorter than the AVD‐FT (As: 538 ± 40 vs. 557 ± 34 [ms], p = 0.002; Ap: 532 ± 37 vs. 563 ± 33 [ms], p = 0.023). These results were comparable with those obtained in the 11 patients with 1° AV block.

Conclusions: The AVD‐Ritter during Ap may become shorter than that for the AVD‐FT because of the latency in patients receiving CRT. The FT method might be better than the AVD‐Ritter method to optimize the AVD in those patients.
Examination of the Effective Utilization of the CARELINK® Remote Monitoring System after its Introduction
Authors: Miyamoto Satoshi , Nakano Yukiko , Okahara Shigeyuki , Takahashi Hidenobu , Matsuzaki Hisayasu , Oda Noboru , Imai Katsuhiko , Sueda Taijirou , Kihara Yasuki
Published: August 2012

Background: Japan started using the CARELINK® (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN, USA) remote monitoring system in April 2009. However, in some cases, the device failed to transmit a message after registration or according to schedule. We investigated the difference between patients who could make effective use of CARELINK® system and those who could not.

Subjects and Method: Sixty patients who had registered until December 2009 at our institution were analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups: those who were able to use the device effectively (group G, n = 49) and those who were not (group F = 11). Patient background, automatic or manual telemetries, new or existing implant patient, presence of adverse events, and the use or non‐use of a checklist at the time of introduction were compared between the two groups.

Results: In group G, more patients used a checklist at the time of introduction than that in group F (use of checklist/total, 31/49 in group G vs. 3/11 in group F; P, 0.029). No significant difference was observed in other factors between the two groups.

Conclusion: We consider that the method used to explain the system are important to make the patients understand handling methods of CARELINK® system. The number of patients introduced to remote monitoring of implantable devices will continue to increase in the future; therefore, we must continue to develop innovative approaches for their effective us.
New Insights into Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Fan Xiaohan , Zhang Shu
Published: August 2012

Oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation (AF) is important for stroke prevention. Warfarin, one of the commonly used vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), is underused in clinical practice due to its well‐known limitations and complexity. Identification of patients at high risk of bleeding and weighing up the embolism and bleeding risk can help to refine anticoagulation to minimize bleeding risk. New oral anticoagulants with different mechanisms of action may replace the VKAs for a number of indications, especially AF. The oral direct thrombin and Xa inhibitors are furthest along in development. Dabigatran etexilate, a thromb in inhibitor, has recently gained a class I recommendation as an alternative option to anticoagulants for prevention of stroke in patients with AF. The percutaneous transcatheter closure of left atrial append age has been successfully developed in recent years for reducing the future stroke risk. On the basis of the recent progress, we suggest to improve warfarin therapy and balance the stroke prevention and bleeding risk. Clinicians may benefit from these new insights into anticoagulation in AF.
The QT Intervals in Infancy and Time for Infantile ECG Screening for Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Yoshinaga Masao , Kato Yoshiaki , Nomura Yuichi , Hazeki Daisuke , Yasuda Toshiaki , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Higaki Takashi , Tanaka Yuji , Wada Akihiro , Horigome Hitoshi , Takahashi Hideto , Ueno Kentaro , Suzuki Hiroshi , Nagashima Masami
Published: August 2012

Background: Electrocardiographic and molecular studies have clarified an association between sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and long QT syndrome (LQTS), and few data are available for the QT interval in infancy from birth to 1 year of age. Appropriate time of electrocardiographic screening is not clarified. Medical examinations during infancy are mandatory in Japan.

Methods and Results: The study population included 1,058 infants. Electrocardiograms were collected with information of infants at birth and at examination. The QT intervals of three consecutive beats were measured in lead V5. Statistical analysis revealed that the following formula was appropriate to minimize the effect of heart rate for infants: corrected QT interval; QTc = QT interval/RR interval 0.43. Subjects were divided into four groups as follows: 0–2, 3–6, 6–11, and 12–52 weeks of age. Tukey's multiple comparison showed that the QTc intervals were longest (p < 0:0001) in subjects who were 6–11 weeks of age.

Conclusions: The QTc interval showed the highest peak at 6‐11 weeks of age in infancy. The peak period of occurrence of SIDS is at approximately 2 months of age. An appropriate time of electrocardiographic screening for QT prolongation will be one month of age, and follow‐up studies are needed.
Persistent Atrial Tachycardia Mimicking Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia: A Case Report
Authors: Kubo Toshihiko , Takahashi Masaru , Sakai Koji , Matsusaka Hidenori , Koga Junichiro , Horimoto Koshin , Sasaki Kaori , Ashihara Toshiaki
Published: August 2012

We report on a 57‐year‐old man with atrial tachycardia mimicking inappropriate sinus tachycardia that was sustained for 4 months despite pharmacotherapy. Using a noncontact mapping system (EnSite Array), the atrial earliest activation (EA) site was identified during tachycardia. By infusing the β1 antagonist landiolol and the β1 agonist isoproterenol, we varied his heart rate from 110 to 155 beats per minute. As his heart rate increased, the EA site moved from the top of the right atrial septum near the crist a terminalis to the right atrial append age (RAA). Tachycardia was terminated by multiple applications of radiofrequency catheter ablation to the RAA. Because the EA site of the sinus rhythm was distant from the ablation points, the tachycardia was diagnosed as persistent atrial tachycardia with multiple foci in a broad area around the RAA. On 12‐lead electrocardiogram, the P‐wave morphology in leads V1 and V2 changed from negative to positive upon termination of tachycardia.
Readiness for Change: Case Studies of Young People with Challenging and Risky Behaviours
Authors: Carroll Annemaree , Ashman Adrian , Bower Julie , Hemingway Francene
Published: August 2012

Readiness for change (or treatment readiness) is a core concept of many rehabilitation programs for adult and juvenile offenders. The present study examined the experiences of six young people aged 13 to 17 years who participated in Mindfields®, a 6-week self-regulatory intervention aimed at enhancing life skills and goal setting among youths who present with challenging and/or risky behaviour. This article investigates the extent to which: readiness for change influences individual responses to the Mindfields® program; external factors influence the achievement and maintenance of program success; and goal achievement leads to perceptions of self-efficacy and personal control over one's behaviour. Prior to, and on completion of the intervention, participants completed the Mindfields® Assessment Battery that measures goal commitment, social competence, self-regulation, life satisfaction, delinquent involvement, and readiness for change. Findings show the importance of participants’ motivation to make life-changing decisions, but this motivation and promising goals can be compromised by factors external to the individual. Our findings prompt future research into ways in which young people can maintain their motivation and readiness for change, and draw encouragement from less successful outcomes than might have been expected.
Mediating Labour: An Introduction
Authors: Bosma Ulbe , van Nederveen Meerkerk Elise , Sarkar Aditya
Published: August 2012

The essays in this volume aim to explain the evolution and persistence of various practices of indirect labour recruitment. Labour intermediation is understood as a global phenomenon, present for many centuries in most countries of the world, and taking on a wide range of forms: varying from outright trafficking to job placement in the context of national employment policies. By focusing on the actual practices of different types of labour mediators in various regions of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and by highlighting both the national as well as the international and translocal contexts of these practices, this volume intends to further a historically informed global perspective on the subject.