bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polytypism of LiSr2Ge3 and the Solid Solutions LiSr2SixGe3–x and LiSr2–xEuxGe3 (0 < x < 1)
Authors: Xie Qinxing , Cuervo Reyes Eduardo , Wörle Michael , Nesper Reinhard
Published: April 2011

Three modifications of LiSr2Ge3 were prepared by solid state syntheses at high temperatures under inert conditions in sealed niobium ampoules. α‐LiSr2Ge3 [space group Pnnm (No. 58), a = 11.102(1), b = 11.862(1), c = 4.631(1) Å, Z = 2] is isostructural to LiCa2Tt3 (Tt = Si, Ge), containing a one‐dimensional infinite germanium chain in (tttctc)n conformation. β‐LiSr2Ge3 [space group Fmmm (No. 69), a = 8.733(1), b = 8.996(1), c = 15.045(2) Å, Z = 4] crystallizes with the AgCa2Si3 structure. The β‐phase shows a tendency for lithium deficiency, which may be as small as 6 % but can be larger. γ‐LiSr2Ge3 [space group Fddd (No. 70), a = 8.675(3), b = 15.066(5), c = 18.258(5) Å, Z = 8] is isostructural to LiBa2Tt3. The latter two structures contain planar and distorted Ge6‐rings, respectively. Comparison of the structures reveals significant changes of lattice parameters and bond lengths. β‐LiSr2Ge3 may be stabilized by a slightly smaller lithium content due to preparation procedure. This assumption is supported by the structure analysis and total energy calculations. LiSr2Ge3 can be formulated as (Li+)2(Sr2+)4[Ge6]10– according to the Zintl–Klemm concept, with each of the Zintl anions having a partially occupied delocalized π* system. Theoretical investigations indicate metallic properties since π* bands are crossing the Fermi level. Phase widths were explored for Ge/Si and Sr/Eu exchange and complete miscibility was found for both series. Mixed silicide germanides exclusively crystallize in form of the γ‐phase, whereas the Eu‐containing mixed phases prefer the α‐form, both throughout the series.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Vibrational Spectra of Mg2[BN2]Br: A New Magnesium Nitridoborate Halide with Discrete [N–B–N]3– Groups
Authors: Kokal Ilkin , Somer Mehmet , Akselrud Lev , Höhn Peter , Carrillo‐Cabrera Wilder
Published: April 2011

Mg2[BN2]Br was prepared from stoichiometric mixtures of the respective binary components Mg3N2, MgBr2 and BN in sealed niobium ampoules placed in evacuated silica tubes at 1473 K. The monoclinic crystal structure (C2/c (no. 15); a = 9.1509(3) Å, b = 6.6209(3) Å, c = 6.4756(2) Å, β = 109.353(3)° and Z = 4) was determined from powder data. The crystal structure is characterized by cationic 32.4.3.4 nets of magnesium and anionic hexagonal closed packed 36 nets of six‐connected nodes occupied by [N–B–N]3– units and Br– anions. Both types of planar nets alternate along the [100] direction. The packing of such incoherent nets results in a monoclinic symmetry, which is a compromise for a structure built up from rod‐like [N–B–N]3– units and spherical bromine and magnesium atoms. Bond length and bond angle for the [N–B–N]3– unit are d(B–N) = 1.354(2) Å and ∠(N–B–N) = 177.1(9)°, respectively., Vibrational spectra were analyzed based on the D∞h symmetry of the relevant [N–B–N]3– moieties, considering the site symmetry splitting. The results are discussed in context with those of the known members of the magnesium dinitridoborate halide series, Mg2[BN2]Cl and Mg8[BN2]5I.
Bilateral Endoscopic Total Extraperitoneal (TEP) Inguinal Hernia Repair Does Not Induce Obstructive Azoospermia: Data of a Retrospective and Prospective Trial
Authors: Skawran S. , Weyhe D. , Schmitz B. , Belyaev O. , Bauer K. H.
Published: April 2011

Background

The endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh repair is nowadays a well‐established tension‐free method for inguinal hernia repair. Mainly based on animal studies and case reports, a concern about the risk of postoperative infertility was expressed. This clinical study aimed to evaluate the risk of infertility due to obstructive azoospermia in men of fertile age who underwent a bilateral hernia repair.

Methods

Over 3 years (2005–2008) 59 male patients, 18–60 years of age, underwent a bilateral TEP repair. Twenty‐one of them were prospectively (“light mesh”) and 38 retrospectively (“heavy mesh”) evaluated for testicular volume and perfusion, serum levels of sexual hormones, ejaculate volume, and number of spermatic cells. Those parameters were determined preoperatively (prospective group) and not earlier than 3 months postoperatively (both groups).

Results

No significant difference between pre‐ and postoperative values was detected in the prospectively studied group. All postoperative parameters were within the normal range in the retrospective group. There was no evidence of impaired fertility in any patient due to the operation.

Conclusion

The standardized TEP technique for simultaneous bilateral inguinal hernia repair in male patients was not associated with a higher risk for postoperative infertility after mesh implantation. The use of heavy‐weight meshes had no negative effect on fertility.
Surgical Capacity Building in Uganda Through Twinning, Technology, and Training Camps
Authors: Haglund Michael M. , Kiryabwire Joel , Parker Stephen , Zomorodi Ali , MacLeod David , Schroeder Rebecca , Muhumuza Michael , Merson Michael
Published: April 2011

Background

Neurosurgical capacity is extremely deficient in East African countries where 27 neurosurgeons serve more than 250 million people. To build capacity, the Duke University Medical Center and New Mulago Hospital in Uganda applied a two‐pronged twinning approach that placed usable surplus equipment in a developing country’s National Hospital, combined with dedicated comprehensive surgical training camps.

Methods

Neurosurgery, anesthesiology, nursing, and clinical engineering personnel supported three training camps. More than 21 tons of essential equipment was delivered to New Mulago Hospital in Uganda. Data was collected during the 2‐year period preceding and following the initiation of the program.

Results

During the 2 years after the program began, neurosurgery demonstrated a significant increase (180%) in the number and complexity of cases performed (p < 0.0001). Multiple cases performed in a single day increased eightfold (p < 0.0001), with utilization of elective operating room days improving from 43 to 98%. There was no change in the number of hospital admissions over the 4 years (p > 0.1), but there was a dramatic increase in the overall number of procedures performed by all surgical specialties (106%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Through a twinning program combining delivery of surplus equipment and training camps, capacity building was accomplished and maintained. The program not only built overall surgical capacity, it improved the efficiency and increased the complexity of operative cases performed at the National Hospital in Uganda. This program could serve as a model for twinning, capacity building, and training in other developing countries where surgical disparities are among the greatest.
Quality of Care in Humanitarian Surgery
Authors: Chu Kathryn M. , Trelles Miguel , Ford Nathan P.
Published: April 2011

Humanitarian surgical programs are set up de novo, within days or hours in emergency or disaster settings. In such circumstances, insuring quality of care is extremely challenging. Basic structural inputs such as a safe structure, electricity, clean water, a blood bank, sterilization equipment, a post‐anesthesia recovery unit, appropriate medications should be established. Currently, no specific credentials are needed for surgeons to operate in a humanitarian setting; the training of more humanitarian surgeons is desperately needed. Standard perioperative protocols for the humanitarian setting after common procedures such as Cesarean section, burn care, open fractures, and amputations and antibiotic prophylaxis, and post‐operative pain management must be developed. Outcome data, especially long‐term outcomes, are difficult to collect as patients often do not return for follow‐up and may be difficult to trace; standard databases for post‐operative infections and mortality rates should be established. Checklists have recently received significant attention as an instrument to support the improvement of surgical quality; knowing which items are most applicable to humanitarian settings remains unknown. In conclusion, the quality of surgical services in humanitarian settings must be regulated. Many other core medical activities of humanitarian organizations such as therapeutic feeding, mass vaccination, and the treatment of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus, are subject to rigorous reporting of quality indicators. There is no reason why surgery should be exempted from quality oversight. The surgical humanitarian community should pull together before the next disaster strikes.
Ultra‐minimally invasive local immune cell therapy and regenerative therapy by multi‐piercing surgery for abdominal solid tumor: therapeutic simulation by natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery‐assisted needlescopic surgery using 3‐mm diameter robots
Authors: Ohdaira Takeshi , Tsutsumi Norifumi , Xu Hao , Mori Megumu , Uemura Munenori , Ieiri Satoshi , Hashizume Makoto
Published: April 2011

Background/purpose

We have invented multi‐piercing surgery (MPS) which could potentially solve the triangular formation loss and device clashing which occur in single‐port surgery (SPS), as well as restricted visual field, organ damage by needle‐type instruments, and impaired removal of a resected organ from the body which occur in needlescopic surgery (NS). MPS is natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES)‐assisted NS. We used 3‐mm diameter robots as needle‐type instruments for MPS to examine the possibility of local immune cell therapy and regenerative therapy using stem cells for pancreatic cancer.

Methods

In MPS using two robots, the therapeutic cell suspension was injected into a target region of pancreas in two pigs. Both retention of a capsule of liquid cell suspension and invasive level were evaluated.

Results

Triangular formation could be ensured. The use of small‐diameter robots allowed (1) the surgical separation of the pancreas and the retroperitoneum, and (2) the formation of the capsule containing the immune cell and stem cell suspension. The endoscope for NOTES provided a clear visual field and also assisted the removal of a resected organ from the body. The visual field of the endoscope could be oriented well by using an electromagnetic navigation system.

Conclusions

MPS using small‐diameter robots could potentially solve the issues inherent in SPS and NS and could allow minimally invasive local immune cell and stem cell therapy.
da Vinci robotic single‐incision cholecystectomy and hepatectomy using single‐channel GelPort access
Authors: Sugimoto Maki , Tanaka Koichi , Matsuoka Yuichiro , Man‐i Mari , Morita Yoshinori , Tanaka Shinwa , Fujiwara Shoko , Azuma Takeshi
Published: April 2011

Background/purpose

Minimally invasive surgery including laparoscopic and robotic surgery was recently approved for clinical use in hepatobiliary surgery. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the feasibility and technical aspects of robotic single incision for hepatobiliary surgery using the GelPort laparoscopic system in a preliminary animal study.

Methods

We performed eight robotic single‐incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) procedures, including four cholecystectomies and four lateral segmentectomy of the liver, in a porcine study using the da Vinci S‐HD Surgical System. A single‐channel GelPort access was placed through a 2.5‐cm single incision for robotic access. A 12‐mm camera port, two 8‐mm ports for the robotic arms and one 5‐mm port for the patient‐side assistant were inserted. A Mini Loop Retractor was applied to retract the fundus of the gallbladder. The EndoWrist dissector and grasping forceps was introduced to fine‐dissect Calot's triangle. The instruments were crossed to avoid “sword fighting” and clashing of instruments in the abdomen. The cystic duct was divided after double ligation and the gallbladder was removed. Hepatic transection was performed with bipolar Harmonic shears and LigaSure for vascular pedicles.

Results

All robotic SILS procedures were completed (8/8, 100%). The cholecystectomies and hepatectomies were safely performed in average operating times of 70 min (±15) and 60 min (±20), respectively, with minimal blood loss. There were no conversions, re‐interventions or extension of the skin incision.

Conclusions

Robotic hepatobiliary SILS is technically feasible and safe using GelPort as a single‐incision access platform. Robotic SILS is becoming established and is enormously advantageous to the patient.
Our initial experience with robotic hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic surgery
Authors: Wakabayashi Go , Sasaki Akira , Nishizuka Satoshi , Furukawa Toshiharu , Kitajima Masaki
Published: April 2011

Background

The authors performed Asia's first robotic surgery in March 2000 and a clinical trial was launched in the following year in order to obtain governmental approval for the da Vinci® Surgical System.

Methods

Fifty‐two robotic surgeries were performed at Keio University Hospital, of which the authors performed 28 hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic surgeries.

Results

In robotic laparoscopic cholecystectomy, articulated monopolar electrocautery scalpels are flexible, enabling precise dissection around the gall bladder and clipless ligation of the cystic artery and cystic ducts. For laparoscopic hepatectomy, hepatic parenchyma was safely resected without hemorrhage by Glisson's pedicles ligation and bipolar hemostatic forceps.

Conclusions

We review robotic laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hepatectomy and discuss the potential and future outlook for robotic hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic surgery.
Complex III staining in blue native polyacrylamide gels
Authors: Smet Joél , De Paepe Boel , Seneca Sara , Lissens Willy , Kotarsky Heike , De Meirleir Linda , Fellman Vineta , Van Coster Rudy
Published: April 2011

For more than a decade now blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN‐PAGE) has been used for the study of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. Catalytic activities of complexes I, II, IV and V can be assessed, after separation by gel electroforesis, by incubation of the BN‐PAGE gel in specific staining solutions. However, until now, a reliable staining method for testing ubiquinol cytochrome c oxidoreductase (complex III) activity by BN‐PAGE gel techniques was not available. In addition, spectrophotometric methods currently in use for detection of complex III deficiency in patients are not very sensitive. Here, we describe a newly developed diagnostic method for visualization of complex III activity by direct in‐gel evaluation of ubiquinol cytochrome oxidoreductase activity. We validated the method by reporting the results in six patients with previously characterised complex III defects.
Salivary biomarkers of HPA axis and autonomic activity in adults with intellectual disability with and without stereotyped and self-injurious behavior disorders
Authors: Symons Frank J. , Wolff Jason J. , Stone Laura S. , Lim Tony K. Y. , Bodfish James W.
Published: April 2011

Salivary levels of biomarkers for the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA; cortisol) and sympatho-adreno-medullary system (SAM; α-amylase) were measured in 51 adults (57% male) with neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability (i.e., mental retardation) and chronic self-injurious behavior (SIB) and compared with matched controls without SIB. Cortisol levels differed significantly (p < 0.01) between the SIB and control group (SIB > control). Within-group analyses showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in levels of salivary α-amylase between individuals with SIB and those with SIB meeting criteria for stereotyped movement disorder (SMD; SIB + SMD > SIB). Salivary α-amylase was significantly correlated with frequency of stereotypy among the SIB group (r = 0.36, p < 0.05). These preliminary findings warrant further exploration into the role of the SAM system in the pathophysiology of SIB and related repetitive behaviors among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability.
Characteristics of Fatty Acid Composition of the Deep‐Sea Vent Crab, Shinkaia crosnieri Baba and Williams
Authors: Saito Hiroaki
Published: April 2011

The neutral and polar lipids of the Galatheidae vent crab, Shinkaia crosnieri, with its eggs were studied to assess its lipid physiology and trophic relationship at hydrothermal vents. The vent crab obtained many of its lipids from Bathymodiolus mussels and chemosynthetic microorganisms which live on a mat of long, silky setae on the crab body as exosymbionts. In all lipid classes, the major monounsaturated fatty acids were 16:1n‐7 and 18:1n‐7, which originate from bacteria. The major polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the triacylglycerols were 16:2n‐4, 18:2n‐4, 18:2n‐7, 18:3n‐4,7,10, and 16:2n‐3, while those of the crab polar lipids were 16:2n‐4, 18:2n‐4, 18:3n‐4,7,10, 20:4n‐6 (arachidonic acid), 20:5n‐3 (icosapentaenoic acid), and 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid) in the phosphatidylethanolamine, and 16:2n‐4, 18:2n‐4, and 18:3n‐4,7,10, with noticeable levels of 20:4n‐6, 20:5n‐3, and 22:6n‐3 in the phosphatidylcholine. In the crab and its eggs, TAG and phospholipid PUFA consisted primarily of n‐4 family (n‐4 and n‐7) methylene‐interrupted PUFA with n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA. The unique fatty acid composition mix of n‐3, n‐4, and n‐6 PUFA in S. crosnieri lipids suggests the vent crab utilizing chemosynthetic bacteria, which produce both unusual n‐4 and normal n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA. Such unique fatty acid composition differs from that reported for other common marine animals, which depend on organic matter derived from phytoplankton lipids.
Estimation of the intake of anthocyanidins and their food sources in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study
Authors: Zamora-Ros Raul , Knaze Viktoria , Luján-Barroso Leila , Slimani Nadia , Romieu Isabelle , Touillaud Marina , Kaaks Rudolf , Teucher Birgit , Mattiello Amalia , Grioni Sara , Crowe Francesca , Boeing Heiner , Förster Jana , Quirós J. Ramón , Molina Esther , Huerta José María , Engeset Dagrun , Skeie Guri , Trichopoulou Antonia , Dilis Vardis , Tsiotas Konstantinos , Peeters Petra H. M. , Khaw Kay-Thee , Wareham Nicholas , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , Ocké Marga C. , Olsen Anja , Tjønneland Anne , Tumino Rosario , Johansson Gerd , Johansson Ingegerd , Ardanaz Eva , Sacerdote Carlotta , Sonestedt Emily , Ericson Ulrika , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Fagherazzi Guy , Salvini Simonetta , Amiano Pilar , Riboli Elio , González Carlos A.
Published: April 2011

Anthocyanidins are bioactive flavonoids with potential health-promoting effects. These may vary among single anthocyanidins considering differences in their bioavailability and some of the mechanisms involved. The aim of the present study was to estimate the dietary intake of anthocyanidins, their food sources and the lifestyle factors (sex, age, BMI, smoking status, educational level and physisical activity) involved among twenty-seven centres in ten European countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Anthocyanidin intake and their food sources for 36 037 subjects, aged between 35 and 74 years, in twenty-seven redefined centres were obtained using standardised 24 h dietary recall software (EPIC-SOFT). An ad hoc food composition database on anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, petunidin) was compiled using data from the US Department of Agriculture and Phenol-Explorer databases and was expanded by adding recipes, estimated values and cooking factors. For men, the total anthocyanidin mean intake ranged from 19·83 (se 1·53) mg/d (Bilthoven, The Netherlands) to 64·88 (se 1·86) mg/d (Turin, Italy), whereas for women the range was 18·73 (se 2·80) mg/d (Granada, Spain) to 44·08 (se 2·45) mg/d (Turin, Italy). A clear south to north gradient intake was observed. Cyanidins and malvidins were the main anthocynidin contributors depending on the region and sex. Anthocyanidin intake was higher in non-obese older females, non-smokers, and increased with educational level and physical activity. The major food sources were fruits, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and some vegetables. The present study shows differences in both total and individual anthocyanidin intakes and various lifestyle factors throughout Europe, with some geographical variability in their food sources.
Primary nasopharyngeal tuberculosis mimicking exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Prstačić R , Jurlina M , Žižić-Mitrečić M , Janjanin S
Published: April 2011

Objective:

Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis is a rare condition, even in endemic tuberculosis areas. We report a case of primary nasopharyngeal tuberculosis from a non-endemic area, which presented with symptoms resembling exacerbation of previously diagnosed chronic rhinosinusitis.

Case report:

A 48-year-old man presented with extreme postnasal drip and an unpleasant nasal odour. Endoscopic examination revealed irregular thickening of the left lateral and posterior wall of the nasopharynx, partially covered with crusts and necrotic tissue. Histopathological study showed typical giant cell epithelioid granulomas with caseous necrosis. Direct examination after Ziehl–Neelsen staining was positive for tuberculosis. After six months of antituberculous triple therapy, endoscopic examination revealed a completely normal nasopharynx.

Conclusion:

To our best knowledge, this is the first published report of primary nasopharyngeal tuberculosis in a patient previously diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis. The difficulties in obtaining a proper diagnosis in such a case are discussed.
Evaluation of voice and quality of life after transoral endoscopic laser resection of early glottic carcinoma
Authors: Bajaj Y , Uppal S , Sharma R K , Grace A R H , Howard D M , Nicolaides A R , Coatesworth A P
Published: April 2011

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate voice and quality of life after transoral laser resection of early glottic carcinoma.

Methods:

We studied 19 patients undergoing transoral laser resection of tumour stage (T) one or T2 glottic carcinoma. Laryngeal function was evaluated by video-stroboscopy, vocal function by the Voice Symptom Scale, the grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain scale and objective phoniatric assessment, and quality of life by the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire.

Results:

Patients’ glottic carcinoma tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) staging was T1 N0 M0 in 14 patients and T2 N0 M0 in five. Overall voice grade, roughness and breathiness were mild to moderate in 84 per cent; asthenia and voice strain were more uniformly distributed, with 15 per cent of patients having normal voice quality. Eight patients developed a glottic web post-operatively; anterior commissure web was significantly associated with worse voice grade (p = 0.05). Seven patients (47 per cent) had a ‘mucosal wave’ on the operated vocal fold; this was significantly associated with less strain on phonation (p = 0.05). Voice Symptom Scale score was low overall (15 patients (78.9 per cent) scored less than 30). The fundamental frequency and frequency irregularity were normal in nine patients (47.3 per cent); the closed quotient was normal in six (31.5 per cent). The averaged quality of life score was ≥90 in 14 patients (73.7 per cent); 18 (94.7 per cent) felt their health-related quality of life was either the same or better post-operatively; and overall quality of life was positive in all.

Conclusion:

Transoral laser resection of T1 and T2 glottic carcinoma enables adequate tumour tissue excision with preservation of acceptable vocal function. Most patients’ post-operative quality of life is very good. Anterior commissure web formation is associated with poorer vocal function.
The association between the food environment and weight status among eastern North Carolina youth
Authors: Jilcott Stephanie B , Wade Scott , McGuirt Jared T , Wu Qiang , Lazorick Suzanne , Moore Justin B
Published: April 2011

Objective

To examine associations between various measures of the food environment and BMI percentile among youth.

Design

Cross-sectional, observational.

Setting

Pitt County, eastern North Carolina.

Subjects

We extracted the electronic medical records for youth receiving well child check-ups from January 2007 to June 2008. We obtained addresses for food venues from two secondary sources and ground-truthing. A geographic information systems database was constructed by geocoding home addresses of 744 youth and food venues. We quantified participants’ accessibility to food venues by calculating ‘coverage’, number of food venues in buffers of 0·25, 0·5, 1 and 5 miles (0·4, 0·8, 1·6 and 8·0 km) and by calculating ‘proximity’ or distance to the closest food venue. We examined associations between BMI percentile and food venue accessibility using correlation and regression analyses.

Results

There were negative associations between BMI percentile and coverage of farmers’ markets/produce markets in 0·25 and 0·5 mile Euclidean and 0·25, 0·5 and 1 mile road network buffers. There were positive associations between BMI percentile and coverage of fast-food and pizza places in the 0·25 mile Euclidean and network buffers. In multivariate analyses adjusted for race, insurance status and rural/urban residence, proximity (network distance) to convenience stores was negatively associated with BMI percentile and proximity to farmers’ markets was positively associated with BMI percentile.

Conclusions

Accessibility to various types of food venues is associated with BMI percentile in eastern North Carolina youth. Future longitudinal work should examine correlations between accessibility to and use of traditional and non-traditional food venues.
Labor market aspects of state and local retirement plans: a review of evidence and a blueprint for future research
Authors: FRIEDBERG LEORA
Published: April 2011

Traditional defined benefit (DB) pension plans remain the overwhelming norm for teachers, policemen and other employees of state and local governments. The incentives for workers with DB pension plans to stay in their jobs shift dramatically over the course of their careers. Moreover, limited transferability of pension wealth across states and between public and private jobs impedes mobility in the labor market. Yet, little is known about the labor market effects of pensions on state and local government workers. The literature on private-employer pensions has made contributions on some of these fronts in recent years that can shed light on policy concerns raised by the possibility that pension plans will be modified in coming years. Moreover, some of the limitations constraining research on pensions may be overcome by focusing on government workers, with recent work on public school teachers pointing the way. Very recent studies are finding strong retirement responses to age- and tenure-related incentives built into state pension plans.
Should public retirement plans be fully funded?
Authors: BOHN HENNING
Published: April 2011

Most state and local retirement plans strive for full funding, at least by actuarial standards. Funding measured at market values fluctuates and often falls short. In a model where most taxpayers hold debt and face intermediation costs, returns on pension assets are less than taxpayers’ costs of borrowing. Hence, zero pension funding is optimal. Also, unfunded pension promises are properly discounted at a rate strictly greater than the government's borrowing rate. Funding can still be in taxpayers’ interests if legal enforcement problems make unfunded pensions risky for employees, but except in special cases, the optimal funding ratio is less than 100%.

‘Neither a borrower nor a lender be’ (Shakespeare)
The economics of state and local pensions
Authors: BROWN JEFFREY R. , CLARK ROBERT , RAUH JOSHUA
Published: April 2011

This paper provides an overview of an economics-based perspective on the financial aspects of state and local public pensions in the U.S. Drawing on the research commissioned for an NBER research program on this topic, we discuss the large degree to which public pension liabilities exceed the assets set aside to fund them. We summarize issues related to the optimality of pre-funding, portfolio allocation, the discounting of liabilities, as well as how plans operate in practice. We also lay out an agenda for future research related to financial aspects of public pensions, retiree health plans for public employees, as well as issues related to plan design and labor market outcomes.
Fanny Hensel's Op. 8, No. 1: A Special Case of ‘multum in parvo’?
Authors: Wollenberg Susan
Published: April 2011

In my experience, everyone among my acquaintances, friends, family members, students and colleagues who has encountered Fanny Hensel's ‘Song without Words’ [Song for Piano] op. 8, no. 1 in B minor, has recognized its special character – perhaps responding above all to its sense of ‘multum in parvo’, or ‘much in a small space’. This article offers some reflections on what it is that makes this piece so special and gives it this particular effect. As well as paying attention to the patterns, relationships and textures created by the notes, it seeks to suggest that one way of ‘reading’ the music may lie in its author's personality and circumstances.
John Esputa, John Philip Sousa and the Boundaries of a Musical Career
Authors: Warfield Patrick
Published: April 2011

From the standpoint of the twenty-first century, the breadth of John Philip Sousa's career seems remarkable and unprecedented. His marches, of course, continue to dominate concert band programmes around the world. But Sousa was also a notably profitable composer of dances, songs and descriptive works that were once performed not only by bands, but also by orchestras, soloists and parlour musicians. His successful run as a theatre violinist, operetta composer, novelist and commentator made the Sousa name omnipresent in late nineteenth-century American cultural life. Given his considerable breadth and remarkable fame, it is hardly surprising that Sousa's name is found in seven of the 20 chapters that comprise the recent Cambridge History of American Music (second only to Charles Ives).
Tiefe Hirnstimulation - Möglichkeiten und Grenzen
Authors: Gautschi  , Haegele  , Cadosch  , Hildebrandt  , Bauer
Published: April 2011

Die tiefe Hirnstimulation (THS) ist inzwischen ein etabliertes Verfahren mit zum Teil beeindruckenden Behandlungserfolgen. So kann zum Beispiel eine Stimulation des Nucleus ventralis intermedius den mit dem essentiellen Tremor und idiopathischen Parkinson-Syndrom vergesellschafteten Tremor deutlich verbessern. Auf eine ähnliche Art kann die Stimulation des Nucleus subthalamicus und des Globus pallidus internus zu einer deutlichen Verminderung von Bradykinese, Rigidität und Tremor sowie zu einer Verbesserung der L-Dopa induzierten Dyskinesien bei Patienten mit idiopathischem Parkinson-Syndrom führen. In letzter Zeit wurde die THS auch bei anderen neurologischen und psychiatrischen Erkrankungen eingesetzt. Der genaue Wirkmechanismus auf neuronaler Ebene ist dabei bis heute nicht vollständig geklärt. Unabhängig von der zugrunde liegenden Erkrankung und der chirurgischen Elektrodenplatzierung sind die sorgfältige Patientenselektion sowie die Indikationsstellung für den Erfolg von entscheidender Bedeutung.
Erkrankung mit generalisierten Schmerzen
Authors: Schleich  , Baumann
Published: April 2011

Eine 43-jährige Patientin wird wegen immobilisierender generalisierter Schmerzen hospitalisiert. Nach intial nicht zielführender Diagnostik und Therapie tritt im Verlauf eine Fazialisparese auf, worauf eine diagnostische Liquorpunktion eine zytoalbuminäre Dissoziation ergibt und die Diagnose eines Guillain-Barré-Syndroms gestellt werden kann. Bei Gehunfähigkeit bringt eine Therapie mit intravenösem Immunglobulin eine rasche Symptombesserung. Das Schmerzbild einer Guillain-Barré-Erkrankung kann im Anfangsstadium zu diagnostischen Fehlschlüssen führen und damit zur Verzögerung einer adäquaten Therapie beitragen.
Sorting out abrasion in a gypsum dune field
Authors: Jerolmack Douglas J. , Reitz Meredith D. , Martin Raleigh L.
Published: April 2011

Grain size distributions in eolian settings are the result of both sorting and abrasion of grains by saltation. The two are tightly coupled because mobility of particles determines abrasion rate, while abrasion affects the mobility of particles by changing their mass and shape; few field studies have examined this quantitatively. We measured grain size and shape over a 9 km transect downwind of a line sediment source at White Sands National Monument, a gypsum dune field. The sediment source is composed of rodlike (elongate), coarse particles whose shapes appear to reflect the crystalline structure of gypsum. Dispersion in grain size decreases rapidly from the source. Coarse particles gradually become less elongate, while an enrichment of smaller, more elongate grains is observed along the transect. Transport calculations confirm that White Sands is a threshold sand sea in which (1) the predominant particle diameter reflects grains transported in saltation under the dune‐forming wind velocity and (2) smaller, elongate grains move in suspension under this dominant wind. Size‐selective transport explains first‐order trends in grain size; however, abrasion changes the shape of saltating grains and produces elongate, smaller grains that are spallation and breaking products of larger particles. Both shape and size changes saturate 5–6 km downwind of the source. As large particles become more equant, abrasion rates slow down because protruding regions have been removed. Such asymptotic behavior of shape and abrasion rate has been observed in theory and experiment and is likely a generic result of the abrasion process in any environment.
Activating PKC-β1 at the blood—brain barrier reverses induction of P-glycoprotein activity by dioxin and restores drug delivery to the CNS
Authors: Wang Xueqian , Hawkins Brian T , Miller David S
Published: April 2011

Upregulation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) P-glycoprotein expression causes central nervous system (CNS) pharmacoresistance. However, activation of BBB protein kinase C-β1 (PKC-β1) rapidly reduces basal P-glycoprotein transport activity. We tested whether PKC-β1 activation would reverse CNS drug resistance caused by dioxin acting through aryl hydrocarbon receptor. A selective PKC-β1 agonist abolished the increase in P-glycoprotein activity induced by dioxin in isolated rat brain capillaries and reversed the effect of dioxin on brain uptake of verapamil in dioxin-dosed rats. Thus, targeting BBB PKC-β1 may be an effective strategy to improve drug delivery to the brain, even in drug-resistant individuals.
Astrocytic P2Y1 receptor is involved in the regulation of cytokine/chemokine transcription and cerebral damage in a rat model of cerebral ischemia
Authors: Kuboyama Kazuya , Harada Hideki , Tozaki-Saitoh Hidetoshi , Tsuda Makoto , Ushijima Kazuo , Inoue Kazuhide
Published: April 2011

After brain ischemia, significant amounts of adenosine 5'-triphosphate are released or leaked from damaged cells, thus activating purinergic receptors in the central nervous system. A number of P2X/P2Y receptors have been implicated in ischemic conditions, but to date the P2Y1 receptor (P2Y 1R) has not been implicated in cerebral ischemia. In this study, we found that the astrocytic P2Y 1R, via phosphorylated-RelA (p-RelA), has a negative effect during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Intracerebroventricular administration of the P2Y 1R agonist, MRS 2365, led to an increase in cerebral infarct volume 72 hours after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Administration of the P2Y 1R antagonist, MRS 2179, significantly decreased infarct volume and led to recovered motor coordination. The effects of MRS 2179 occurred within 24 hours of tMCAO, and also markedly reduced the expression of p-RelA and interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1/chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and interferon-inducible protein-10/chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) mRNA. P2Y 1R and p-RelA were colocalized in glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes, and an increase in infarct volume after MRS 2365 treatment was inhibited by the nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitor ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. These results provide evidence that the P2Y 1R expressed in cortical astrocytes may help regulate the cytokine/chemokine response after tMCAO/reperfusion through a p-RelA-mediated NF-κB pathway.
CellML + [CMISS ∣ OpenCMISS]
Authors: Nickerson David
Published: April 2011

A brief introduction and comparison to the usage of CellML models in CMISS and OpenCMISS.
Impact of Climate Change on Northeast Monsoon System of India - Role of Siberian Teleconnection
Authors: Jha Somnath , Sehgal Vinay Kumar , Raghava Ramesh
Published: April 2011

The Northeast monsoon (NEM) precipitation has undergone a significant change in pattern over the last half century. The changing pattern of climatic variables over the moisture source (i.e. west Pacific High) and the heat sink (Siberian High) of the winter monsoon dynamics over time has caused a shift in the pattern of NEM precipitation over the southern peninsular region of India. There is no significant trend in NEM precipitation in the Indian region whereas the surface temperature has a significantly increasing trend over India during the NEM season. There is no significant trend in outgoing long wave radiation (OLR) of Siberian High (SH) while the west Pacific High (WPH) has a significantly increasing trend in OLR. Surface pressure of both the SH & WPH has no significant trend for the last 59 years (1948-2006). Surface temperature over SH & WPH has a significantly increasing trend for the last 59 years (1948-2006).There is a high correlation of NEM precipitation with El Nino & Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole(IOD) and OLR of WPH during the period 1970-2000. It signifies that convectional activity in the moisture source region of the NEM, warm SST in the western Indian Ocean and the ENSO have a deep bearing on the NEM precipitation during the three decades 1970-2000. The correlation of NEM precipitation with ENSO, IOD during the last period 2000-2006 has undergone changes where the NEM precipitation has shown a shift that is negatively correlated with ENSO & IOD. The change is much more in IOD than ENSO which signifies that the conventional trend of bearing of warm or cold SST of West Indian ocean on NEM precipitation has decreased during this period of 2000-2006. The correlation of NEM precipitation with the convectional activity of the moisture sink region of the NEM has been gradually decreasing since the 1970s and the moisture source of NEM has a significantly decreasing convectional activity trend. The correlation of NEM precipitation with all three variables (OLR, surface pressure & surface temperature) has shown a comparatively higher value for the heat sink regions (Siberian High) than for the moisture source region (West Pacific High) during the period 2000-2006. Thus the NEM precipitation over India has faced a deep bearing by the role of Siberian High interference.
What is the initiation step of the Grubbs-Hoveyda olefinmetathesiscatalyst?
Authors: Ashworth Ian W. , Hillier Ian H. , Nelson David J. , Percy Jonathan M. , Vincent Mark A.
Published: April 2011

The activation mechanism and associated energetics of the Grubbs-Hoveyda olefin metathesis pre-catalyst have been established via DFT calculations and experiment.
Alkoxyamine-cyanoborane adducts: efficient cyanoborane transfer agents
Authors: Márquez José M. , Martínez-Castro Elisa , Gabrielli Serena , López Óscar , Maya Inés , Angulo Manuel , Álvarez Eleuterio , Fernández-Bolaños José G.
Published: April 2011

Alkoxyamine cyanoborane and N-alkoxyformamidine cyanoborane adducts from O-alkyloximes. Boronated alkoxyamines are useful as cyanoborane transfer agents and in neoglycorandomization reactions.
Interplay of the Kondo effect and spin-polarized transport in nanoscopic systems with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Misiorny Maciej , Weymann Ireneusz , Barnaś Józef
Published: April 2011

This paper addresses the question of how spin-dependent transport through a local orbital of a nanosystem exhibiting uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (as in, e.g., magnetic molecules, magnetic adatoms, or quantum dots coupled to a localized magnetic moment) and exchange coupling of conduction electrons to the system’s magnetic core affect the Kondo effect. Spectral functions and linear conductance in the Kondo regime are calculated with the use of the numerical renormalization group method. It is shown that the Kondo effect is suppressed due to the exchange coupling between electrons tunneling through the conducting orbital and the magnetic core. The corresponding conductance also depends significantly on the uniaxial anisotropy, which in turn results in a nontrivial behavior of the tunnel magnetoresistance. Finally, the possibility of restoring the Kondo effect by application of an external magnetic field is discussed.
Influence of Au capping layer on the magnetic properties of ultrathin epitaxial Fe3O4/GaAs(001) film
Authors: Liu E. , Zhang J. Z. , Zhang W. , Wong P. K. J. , Lv L. Y. , Zhai Y. , Wu J. , Xu Y. B. , Zhai H. R.
Published: April 2011

The effect of the Au capping layer on the magnetic anisotropies and molecular magnetic moment of ultrathin epitaxial Fe3O4 films on GaAs(100) substrate was studied by MO Kerr effect, superconducting quantum interference device, and Ferromagnetic resonance, respectively. The films with and without capping layers show a predominant in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and a minor fourfold anisotropy. The Au capping layer was found to increase significantly the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy related to the magnetoelastic interactions at the Au/Fe3O4 interface, and unexpectedly reduce saturation molecular magnetization due to the interfacial diffusion between Au layer and Fe3O4 layer.
The role of symmetry-breaking-induced interface anisotropy in [Fe/Pt]n multilayer films
Authors: Li Zhenghua , Xie Hailong , Liu Xi , Bai Jianmin , Wei Fulin , Wei Dan , Yoshimura S. , Saito H. , Liu Xiaoxi
Published: April 2011

The FePt films were deposited with [Fe/Pt]n multilayer structure on preheated Corning 1737F glass substrate using pure Fe and Pt target in a CMS-18 sputtering system. The dependence of FePt’s texture and magnetic properties on the multilayer structure was investigated. The XRD patterns indicate that (111) texture is dominant for all [Fe/Pt]n (n = 8, 16, 20, 32) multilayer films. However, the measured M-H loops show that the perpendicular anisotropy is greatly enhanced in samples with n = 16, 20, and 32. The origin of the increased perpendicular anisotropy of [Fe/Pt]n multilayer films is related to the contributions of the interfaces, which will be analyzed using the micromagnetic models, with careful discussions of the crystalline and interface anisotropies. Finally, it is confirmed that the Fe/Pt interfaces favor the perpendicular orientation in the multilayer structure.
Fabrication of planar-type Ni/vacuum/Ni tunnel junctions based on ferromagnetic nanogaps using field-emission-induced electromigration
Authors: Watanabe Takato , Takiya Kazutoshi , Shirakashi Jun-ichi
Published: April 2011

Planar-type Ni/vacuum/Ni tunnel junctions based on ferromagnetic nanogaps were fabricated by field-emission-induced electromigration in an approach that we call “activation.” In the activation method, we were simply and easily able to control the tunnel resistance of the nanogaps from 1.6 MΩ to 169 kΩ by adjusting only the magnitude of the field emission current. The resistance of the junction formed by the activation was varied by applying external magnetic fields, and the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio was approximately 12.2% at 16 K with a bias voltage of 0.72 mV. Furthermore, after the bias voltage was increased from 0.72 to 7.3 mV, the MR ratio decreased from 12.2% to 6.2%. When the applied bias voltage was fixed at 1.6 mV, the MR ratio was decreased from 11.6% to 1.2% by increasing the measurement temperature from 16 to 270 K. These results imply that it is possible to easily fabricate planar-type Ni/vacuum/Ni ferromagnetic tunnel junctions via activation.
Magnetic properties and magnetization behaviors of melt-spun PrCo6.6Ti0.4Bx (x = 0−0.35) ribbons
Authors: Chen Renjie , Guo Shuai , Wang Jinzhi , Lee Don , Yan Aru
Published: April 2011

The nanocrystalline ribbons with nominal compositions of PrCo6.6Ti0.4Bx (x = 0–0.35) were prepared by melt-spun technique, and the phase structure, the magnetic properties, and magnetization behaviors have been investigated. The XRD patterns show that the main phase of ribbons is the 1:7 phase, and the visible diffraction peaks of PrCo4B phase appear when the B content is larger than 0.2. The coercivity initially increases with increasing B content, reaching a maximum value of 5.2 kOe at x = 0.2, and then decreases slightly. The reversible magnetization mrev(H) increases monotonously with the increase of external field for the ribbons without B. But the maxima of mrev(H) are obtained in the vicinity of Hci for B-containing ribbons, which is similar to that found in nanocomposite magnet. It may be due to the presence of PrCo4B magnetic phase with a softer magnetocrystalline anisotropy. According to the Henkel-plot analysis, the intergrain exchange coupling is enhanced with increasing B content. The analysis of the field dependence of coercivity suggests that the magnetization reversal mechanism is mainly controlled by inhomogeneous domain wall pinning.
Precise manipulation of a microrobot in the pulsatile flow of human blood vessels using magnetic navigation system
Authors: Jeon S. M. , Jang G. H. , Choi J. H. , Park S. H. , Park J. O.
Published: April 2011

This paper proposes a method to precisely manipulate a microrobot in the pulsatile flow that simulates the flow characteristics of human blood vessels by utilizing the electromagnetic transfer function of a magnetic navigation system (MNS). The frequency response characteristics of the MNS were utilized so that the input voltages in each coil can precisely generate the required time-varying magnetic force of a microrobot. An experiment which successfully anchoring a microrobot in a pulsatile flow was conducted to verify the proposed method.
Novel measurement method of DC magnetic properties having freedom of specimen shape
Authors: Takahashi N. , Miyagi D. , Inoue F. , Nakano M.
Published: April 2011

The dc B–H curve or hysteresis loop of a magnetic material is necessary even in dynamic field analysis. Conventional methods for measuring magnetic properties require special shape specimens like a plate or a rod of specified dimensions. In this paper, we developed a novel technique for measuring the dc magnetic properties of specimens with various shapes using an electromagnet and a special probe having two Hall elements with very small active area. It is also shown that the magnetic field is not uniform near the specimen, and the magnetic field strength H on the surface of the specimen can be obtained by extrapolation. In addition, the dc excitation due to the earth’s magnetic field can be avoided by setting small gaps between the specimen and pole pieces. The magnetic properties of an electrical steel sheet and a cylindrical specimen of a soft magnetic composite can be measured using the proposed technique. It is shown that the measured result using the proposed system is almost the same in comparison to a single sheet tester.