bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterising thermal resistances and capacitances of GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistors through dynamic electrothermal measurements
Authors: Wei Wei , Mikkelsen Jan Hvolgaard , Jensen Ole Kiel
Published: December 2013

This study presents a method to characterise thermal resistances and capacitances of GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMTs) through dynamic electrothermal measurements. A measured relation between RF gain and the channel temperature (Tc) is formed and used for indirect measurements of dynamic Tc responses. Thermal resistances and capacitances are characterised on the basis of measured Tc responses and power dissipation (Pd) in HEMTs. The proposed method makes it possible to measure fast Tc responses and avoids the use of imaging and spectroscopy techniques. Additionally, the proposed method ensures that trapping effects have insignificant impact on the measurements of Tc responses, which makes this method suitable for GaN HEMT characterisation. The applicability of this method is demonstrated by characterising thermal resistances and capacitances of a CREE CGH40006P GaN HEMT.
Design of an electrically small circularly polarised turnstile antenna and its application to near‐field wireless power transfer
Authors: Yoon Ick‐Jae , Ling Hao
Published: December 2013

An electrically small circularly polarised antenna is designed and applied to near‐field wireless power transfer as a means of alleviating orientation dependence. The antenna is miniaturised from a λ/2‐turnstile antenna by utilising the top loading and multiple folding techniques. A local numerical search is used to determine the optimal antenna dimensions to achieve good axial ratio and impedance matching. The resulting design has a kr of 0.67 and shows good circular polarisation characteristic with a 3% axial ratio bandwidth. The designed antenna is fabricated and its circular polarisation performance is verified in the far field. The power transfer efficiency is then examined in the near field via simulation and measurement. It is shown that the designed circularly polarised antenna is effective in mitigating orientation dependence down to a distance of 0.2λ.
Gain scheduling control of a bidirectional dc–dc converter with large dead‐time
Authors: Engelen Kristof , De Breucker Sven , Tant Peter , Driesen Johan
Published: December 2013

This study investigates the impact of the dead‐time of the semiconductor switches on the operation of a dc–dc converter used in a bidirectional storage system for a hybrid electric vehicle. The dead‐time of the switches of the dc–dc converter under investigation is exaggerated to clearly illustrate the effects of the non‐linear dependency of the current on the duty cycle. The resulting current response makes it impossible for a simple proportional–integral‐controller to regulate the current in a satisfactory way. In this study, the mechanism behind the highly non‐linear behaviour is investigated. The results of the analysis are used to develop a control scheme that employs gain‐scheduling and duty cycle presetting to cope with the non‐linear response of the converter current to changes in the duty cycle. Experimental results are presented based on the implementation of the proposed control algorithm on a two‐phase interleaved bidirectional boost converter to prove the viability of the concept.
Excitonic fine-structure splitting in telecom-wavelength InAs/GaAs quantum dots: Statistical distribution and height-dependence
Authors: Goldmann Elias , Barthel Stefan , Florian Matthias , Schuh Kolja , Jahnke Frank
Published: December 2013

The variation of the excitonic fine-structure splitting is studied for semiconductor quantum dots under the influence of a strain-reducing layer, utilized to shift the emission wavelength of the excitonic transition into the telecom-wavelength regime of 1.3–1.5 μm. By means of a sp3s*-tight-binding model and configuration interaction, we calculate wavelength shifts and fine-structure splittings for various quantum dot geometries. We find the splittings remaining small and even decreasing with strain-reducing layer composition for quantum dots with large height. Combined with an observed increased emission efficiency, the applicability for generation of entanglement photons is persistent.
Anharmonic rovibrational calculations of singlet cyclic C4 using a new ab initio potential and a quartic force field
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Huang Xinchuan , Bowman Joel M. , Lee Timothy J.
Published: December 2013

We report a CCSD(T)/cc-pCV5Z quartic force field (QFF) and a semi-global CCSD(T)-F12b/aug-cc-pVTZ potential energy surface (PES) for singlet, cyclic C4. Vibrational fundamentals, combinations, and overtones are obtained using vibrational second-order perturbation theory (VPT2) and the vibrational configuration-interaction (VCI) approach. Agreement is within 10 cm−1 between the VCI calculated fundamentals on the QFF and PES using the MULTIMODE (MM) program, and VPT2 and VCI results agree for the fundamentals. The agreement between VPT2-QFF and MM-QFF results is also good for the C4 combinations and overtones. The J = 1 and J = 2 rovibrational energies are reported from both VCI (MM) on the PES and VPT2 on the QFF calculations. The spectroscopic constants of 12C4 and two C2v-symmetry, single 13C-substituted isotopologues are presented, which may help identification of cyclic C4 in future experimental analyses or astronomical observations.
Characterization of two different orientations of epitaxial niobium thin films grown on MgO(001) surfaces
Authors: Beringer D. B. , Roach W. M. , Clavero C. , Reece C. E. , Lukaszew R. A.
Published: December 2013

Epitaxial Nb thin films deposited onto the same crystalline insulating surface can evolve in very different fashions depending on specific deposition conditions, thereby affecting their microstructure, surface morphology and superconducting properties. Here, we examine and compare the microstructure and ensuing surface morphology from two distinct Nb/MgO series each with its own epitaxial registry—namely Nb(001)/MgO(001) and Nb(110)/MgO(001)—leading to distinct surface anisotropy and we closely examine the dynamical scaling of the surface features during growth. We compare our findings with those in other metal/MgO epitaxial systems and for the first time, general scaling formalism is applied to analyze anisotropic surfaces exhibiting biaxial symmetry. Further, Power Spectral Density is applied to the specific problem of thin film growth and surface evolution to qualify the set of deposition conditions leading to smoother surfaces. We find good correlation between the surface morphology and microstructure of the various Nb films with superconducting properties such as their residual resistance ratio and lower critical field.
Volume properties and spectroscopy: A terahertz Raman investigation of hen egg white lysozyme
Authors: Sassi Paola , Perticaroli Stefania , Comez Lucia , Giugliarelli Alessandra , Paolantoni Marco , Fioretto Daniele , Morresi Assunta
Published: December 2013

The low frequency depolarized Raman spectra of 100 mg/ml aqueous solutions of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) have been collected in the 25–85 °C range. Short and long exposures to high temperatures have been used to modulate the competition between the thermally induced reversible and irreversible denaturation processes. A peculiar temperature evolution of spectra is evidenced under prolonged exposure of the protein solution at temperatures higher than 65 °C. This result is connected to the self-assembling of polypeptide chains and testifies the sensitivity of the technique to the properties of both protein molecule and its surrounding. Solvent free spectra have been obtained after subtraction of elastic and solvent components and assigned to a genuine vibrational contribution of hydrated HEWL. A straight similarity is observed between the solvent-free THz Raman feature and the vibrational density of states as obtained by molecular dynamics simulations; according to this, we verify the relation between this spectroscopic observable and the effective protein volume, and distinguish the properties of this latter respect to those of the hydration shell in the pre-melting region.
Surface structures of binary mixtures of imidazolium-based ionic liquids using high-resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy
Authors: Nakajima Kaoru , Miyashita Motoki , Suzuki Motofumi , Kimura Kenji
Published: December 2013

Surface structures of binary mixtures of imidazolium-based ionic liquids having a common anion (bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([TFSI]), namely [C2MIM]1−x[C10MIM]x[TFSI] (x = 0.5 and 0.1), are studied using high-resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (HRBS) and time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS). Although both measurements show surface segregation of [C10MIM] the degrees of the segregation are different. The surface fraction xsurf of [C10MIM] is estimated to be 0.6 ± 0.05 and 0.18 ± 0.02 by HRBS for x = 0.5 and 0.1, respectively. On the other hand, TOF-SIMS indicates much stronger surface segregation, namely xsurf = 0.83 ± 0.03 and 0.42 ± 0.04 for x = 0.5 and 0.1, respectively. The observed discrepancy can be attributed to the difference in the probing depth between HRBS and TOF-SIMS. The observed surface segregation can be roughly explained in terms of surface tension.
Modelling of silicon oxynitridation by nitrous oxide using the reaction rate approach
Authors: Dominique Krzeminski Christophe
Published: December 2013

Large technological progress in oxynitridation processing leads to the introduction of silicon oxynitride as ultra-thin gate oxide. On the theoretical side, few studies have been dedicated to the process modelling of oxynitridation. Such an objective is a considerable challenge regarding the various atomistic mechanisms occurring during this fabrication step. In this article, some progress performed to adapt the reaction rate approach for the modelling of oxynitride growth by a nitrous ambient are reported. The Ellis and Buhrman's approach is used for the gas phase decomposition modelling. Taking into account the mass balance of the species at the interface between the oxynitride and silicon, a minimal kinetic model describing the oxide growth has been calibrated and implemented. The influence of nitrogen on the reaction rate has been introduced in an empirical way. The oxidation kinetics predicted with this minimal model compares well with several experiments.
Dopant-induced random telegraph signal in nanoscale lateral silicon pn diodes at low temperatures
Authors: Purwiyanti Sri , Nowak Roland , Moraru Daniel , Mizuno Takeshi , Hartanto Djoko , Jablonski Ryszard , Tabe Michiharu
Published: December 2013

We studied current-voltage characteristics of nanoscale pn diodes having the junction formed in a laterally patterned ultrathin silicon-on-insulator layer. At temperatures below 30 K, we observed random telegraph signal (RTS) in a range of forward bias. Since RTS is observed only for pn diodes, but not for pin diodes, one dopant among phosphorus donors or boron acceptors facing across the junction is likely responsible for potential changes affecting the current. Based also on potential measurements by low-temperature Kelvin probe force microscope, RTS is ascribed to trapping/detrapping of carriers by/from a single dopant near the farther edge of the depletion region.
Roads and macropods: interactions and implications
Authors: Bond Amy R. F. , Jones Darryl N.
Published: December 2013

Understanding the impacts of roads on wildlife and the natural environment is of increasing importance. Macropods (mostly kangaroos and wallabies) are a diverse and widespread taxon in Australia that has been significantly affected by the presence of roads in various ways. We reviewed the available literature on macropods and roads, assessing 60 scientific journal articles, reports and theses. Studies on road mortalities were the most prevalent (n = 29, with 12 on macropods only), revealing both spatial and temporal patterns in occurrence. Behavioural studies in relation to the road environment are limited (n = 2) yet could help our understanding of patterns of road-kill and other impacts. Some macropod populations are critically affected by the presence of roads (e.g. brush-tailed rock-wallaby, Petrogale penicillata) due to either proportionately high road mortalities and/or population fragmentation, and may face continued decline unless effective road-mitigation measures are implemented. Investigations of various types of road mitigation focussed on wildlife-exclusion fencing and road crossing structures as the most effective option, although the high cost of these measures appears to limit their implementation. Further research into several areas was identified, particularly on species where severe road impacts are likely to result in population declines.
(1,4,7,10,13,16-Hexaoxacyclooctadecane-κ6
O)bis(tetrahydrofuran-κO)potassium bis[(1,2,3,4-η)-anthracene]cobalt(−I) tetrahydrofuran monosolvate
Authors: He Haiyan , Klein Wilhelm , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: December 2013

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [K(C12H24O6)(C4H8O)2][Co(C14H10)2]·C4H8O, consists of one cationic potassium complex, one anionic cobalt dianthracene complex and one tetrahydrofuran solvent molecule. The potassium cation is situated at the centre of an 18-crown-6 molecule and between two tetrahydrofuran molecules, the latter coordinating above and below the mean plane formed by the O atoms of the crown ether molecule. The Co atom is coordinated by eight C atoms of two anthracene molecules in an η4 manner. The third free tetrahydrofuran molecule shows orientational disorder on two partially occupied positions [occupancy ratio 0.561 (8):0.439 (8)].
Bis(4-aminopyridinium) hexaaquanickel(II) bis(sulfate)
Authors: Sahbani Thameur , Smirani Sta Wajda , Rzaigui Mohamed
Published: December 2013

In the title compound, (C5H7N2)2[Ni(H2O)6](SO4)2, the NiII cation is located on an inversion centre and is coordinated by six aqua ligands in a slightly distorted octahedral coordination environment. The [Ni(H2O)6]2+ ions are connected through an extensive network of O—H...O hydrogen bonds to sulfate anions, leading to the formation of layers parallel to (001). The 4-aminopyridinium cations are located between these layers and are connected to the anionic framework by N—H...O hydrogen bonds. Weak π–π interactions between the pyridine rings, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.754 (9) Å, provide additional stability to the crystal packing.
Bis(hydroxyammonium) hexachloridoplatinate(IV)–18-crown-6 (1/2)
Authors: Bulatov Evgeny , Afanasenko Anastasiya , Chulkova Tatiana , Haukka Matti
Published: December 2013

In the title complex, (NH3OH)2[PtCl6]·2C12H24O6, the PtIV atom is coordinated by six chloride anions in a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The Pt—Cl bond lengths are comparable to those reported for other hexachloridoplatinate(IV) species. The hydroxyammonium groups act as linkers between the [PtCl6]2− anion and the crown ether molecules. The anion is linked to two hydroxyammonium cations via O—H...Cl hydrogen bonds and each hydroxyammonium moiety is linked to a crown ether molecule by hydrogen bonds between ammonium H atoms and 18-crown-6 O atoms. The crown ether molecules have the classic crown shape in which all O atoms are located in the inner part of the crown ether ring and all –CH2– groups are turned to the outside.
N,N-Dimethyl-4-(pyren-1-yl)aniline
Authors: Thekku Veedu Sreevidya , Scholz Mirko , Kia Reza , Paulmann Carsten , Techert Simone
Published: December 2013

In the title compound, C24H19N, the dimethylamino group is inclined to the benzene ring by 2.81 (9)°. Their mean plane makes a dihedral angle of 64.12 (2)° with the mean plane of the pyrene ring system [r.m.s. deviation = 0.031 (1) Å]. In the crystal, molecules are linked via C—H...π interactions, which connect neighbouring molecules into columns along the c axis.
1-Nitro-9H-carbazole
Authors: Kautny Paul , Stöger Berthold
Published: December 2013

In the title molecule, C12H8N2O2, the nitro group is tilted slightly with respect to the carbazole moiety [angle between the least-squares planes = 4.43 (9)°]. In the crystal, the molecules are connected via pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds into dimers with -1 symmetry. The dimers in turn are arranged into layers parallel to (10-1).
5′′-Benzylidene-5-chloro-1′,1′′-dimethyl-4′-phenyldispiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolidine-3′,3′′-piperidine]-2,4′′-dione
Authors: Farag I. S. Ahmed , Girgis Adel S. , Ramadan A. A. , Moustafa A. M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: December 2013

The title compound, C30H28ClN3O2, features two spiro links, one connecting the piperidine and pyrrolidine rings, and the other connecting the pyrrolidine ring and indole residue. The configuration about the ethene bond is E. The piperidine ring adopts a half-chair conformation where the C atom connected to the spiro-C atom lies 0.713 (3) Å out of the plane of the remaining five atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.086 Å). The pyrrolidine ring has an envelope conformation with the flap atom being the methylene C atom. Centrosymmetric eight-membered {...HNCO}2 amide synthons feature in the crystal packing. These are consolidated into a three-dimensional architecture by phenyl–pyrrolidine C—H...N and chlorobenzene–pyrrolidine-bound phenyl C—H...π interactions.
A quantitative approach to tune metal oxide network morphology based on grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering investigations
Authors: Sarkar Kuhu , Rawolle Monika , Niedermeier Martin A. , Wang Weijia , Herzig Eva M. , Körstgens Volker , Buffet Adeline , Roth Stephan V. , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: December 2013

Based on a diblock copolymer-assisted sol–gel route, zinc oxide (ZnO) films with a foam-like network morphology are synthesized using zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor. Poly(styrene-block-ethylene oxide) diblock copolymers with two different molecular weights are examined to compare the influence on the resulting morphologies. The variation in the porosity and in the pore size of the ZnO foam as a function of increasing amount of ZnO precursor are probed with grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). The GISAXS data are complemented with a surface topography investigation based on scanning electron microscopy. It is observed that the block copolymer template with the higher molecular weight yields a smaller average pore size and a lower average porosity of about 21%.
Being All Things to All Customers: Building Reputation in an Institutionalized Field
Authors: Wæraas Arild , Sataøen Hogne L.
Published: December 2013

This paper seeks to draw empirical attention to the relationship between legitimacy and reputation in institutionalized fields. Norwegian hospitals find themselves in a strongly institutionalized field and do not want to differentiate from each other, despite seeking a favorable reputation. In order to acquire insights into the conditions that prompt organizations to reject differentiation, we carried out qualitative interviews with the hospitals’ communication directors. Three sets of justifications for not differentiating emerged from an inductive analysis of these interviews. Differentiation is not adapted to the universalistic needs of the hospitals, not in accordance with solidarity norms, and not a pragmatic solution. The analysis suggests that the hospitals face a trade‐off between the contradictory demands of similarity and difference and hence legitimacy and reputation: They renounce the advantage of a unique reputation (i.e. competitive advantage) in order to retain the benefits of conformity (i.e. legitimacy). Implications of these findings for our understanding of the relative salience of legitimacy and reputation and the dynamics between them are discussed.
True Finns: A Shock for Stability? Testing the Persistence of Electoral Geography in Volatile Elections
Authors: Westinen Jussi
Published: December 2013

How does a sudden electoral upset affect the dynamics in the spatial distribution of votes? This article approaches the question in the context of Finnish parliamentary elections in 2007 and 2011 by exploring whether the exceptional success of a nationalist‐populist True Finns Party (PS) in 2011 changed some of the fundamentals in the traditional stronghold areas of other parties. A totally new stronghold area did not emerge as the electoral support of PS was geographically extremely evenly distributed. The findings contradict with the conventional wisdom that nationalist‐populist parties have a potential clientele on restricted geographic areas. It was tested whether the True Finns dominated areas were characterised by such social structural macro‐level characteristics that have typically explained the popularity of radical right populist parties elsewhere in Western Europe. These factors, such as unemployment and a high number of immigrants, did not match the case of True Finns at aggregate level, although the success of PS has been furthered by the same phenomena that have fostered radical right populist parties elsewhere. This article illuminates how PS managed to penetrate into geographically and social structurally in very different kinds of areas. PS had an appeal on the political left, centre and right, which are successful in different kinds of political environments. The ‘big bang victory’ of True Finns was not an earthquake emerging in a certain political landscape, but a political protest throughout Finland. The article shows just how important the national context is in ecological analyses of party support.
The Successful Recovery of Low Copy Number and Degraded DNA from Bones Exposed to Seawater Suitable for Generating a DNA STR Profile
Authors: Mameli Alessandro , Piras Gavino , Delogu Giovanni
Published: December 2013

A universal method allowing for DNA profiling from bones exposed to seawater has not been reported yet. This study refers on the identification of a body immersed in seawater for 8 months. The biological material for identification was the mandibular body, usually characterized by low success rates of DNA analysis. Initially, two extraction protocols were performed with negative results: one used for bones immersed in fresh water and a silica‐column procedure. A third protocol was performed, which combined the extraction of a higher amount of bone powder, the use of multi‐silica‐based extraction columns followed by a concentration step. This protocol allowed to obtain low copy number DNA and to generate a 12‐loci STR profile by combining conventional STR typing and mini‐STR technologies. This protocol could be suitable when human bones have been exposed to severe environmental conditions, and the available nuclear DNA is highly degraded and in low copy number.
A Forensic and Medical Evaluation of Dog Bites in a Province ofWesternTurkey
Authors: Karbeyaz Kenan , Ayranci Unal
Published: December 2013

The aim was to evaluate the demographic data of dog‐bite cases organized from criminal and forensic reports. This study evaluated 328 cases admitted to theDirector ofForensicMedicine,Eskisehir, as a result of dog bites betweenJanuary 1, 2006 andDecember 31, 2010. It was found that those in the age‐group of 0–18 were most frequently exposed to dog bites (48.5%). Injuries to the lower extremity, upper extremity, and chest/abdomen/back were more frequent in men (72.6%, 76.4%, and 66.1%, respectively), while injuries to the head/neck/face were more frequent in women (52.3%) (p < 0.01). While most of those wounded in the upper extremity, the head/neck/face, and the chest/abdomen/back were in the child age‐group, most of those wounded in the lower extremity were in the adult age‐group (p < 0.001). Teaching children, in particular, how to behave around dogs would be useful in reducing the incidence of bite.
Phenolphthalein False‐Positive Reactions from Legume Root Nodules
Authors: Petersen Daniel , Kovacs Frank
Published: December 2013

Presumptive tests for blood play a critical role in the examination of physical evidence and in the determination of subsequent analysis. The catalytic power of hemoglobin allows colorimetric reactions employing phenolphthalein (Kastle‐Meyer test) to indicate “whether” blood is present. Consequently, DNA profiles extracted from phenolphthalein‐positive stains are presumed to be from blood on the evidentiary item and can lead to the identification of “whose” blood is present. Crushed nodules from a variety of legumes yielded phenolphthalein false‐positive reactions that were indistinguishable from true bloodstains both in color quality and in developmental time frame. Clothing and other materials stained by nodules also yielded phenolphthalein false‐positive reactivity for several years after nodule exposure. Nodules from leguminous plants contain a protein (leghemoglobin) which is structurally and functionally similar to hemoglobin. Testing of purified leghemoglobin confirmed this protein as a source of phenolphthalein reactivity. A scenario is presented showing how the presence of leghemoglobin from nodule staining can mislead investigators.
Development of a Tetraplex PCR Assay for CYP2D6 Genotyping in Degraded DNA Samples
Authors: Riccardi Laura N. , Lanzellotto Rossana , Falconi Mirella , Ceccardi Stefania , Bini Carla , Pelotti Susi
Published: December 2013

CYP2D6 polymorphism analysis is gaining increasing interest in forensic pharmacogenetics. Nevertheless, DNA recovered from forensic samples could be of poor quality and not suitable for long polymerase chain reaction required to type CYP2D6 gene prior to SNaPshot minisequencing analysis performed to define alleles with different enzymatic activity. We developed and validated following the guidelines of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods a tetraplex PCR yielding four amplicons of 597, 803, 1142, and 1659 bp encompassing the entire CYP2D6 gene to analyze eleven SNP positions by SNaPshot minisequencing. Concordance, sensitivity, and specificity were assessed. The method, applied to thirty‐two forensic samples failed to amplify with long PCR, allowed the amplification of CYP2D6 gene in 62.5% of degraded samples. The new tetraplex PCR appears a suitable method for CYP2D6 analysis in forensic pharmacogenetics.
Tumor Necrosis Factor and Interleukin‐6 Gene Polymorphisms and Endometriosis Risk in Asians: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Jie , Chen Yang , Wei Shixiu , Wu Hongbo , Liu Chengjun , Huang Qiaoying , Li Liuming , Hu Yanling
Published: December 2013

A relationship between endometriosis and tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) gene polymorphisms has been raised for Asians. However, this topic is controversial. This study was a meta‐analysis to explore whether TNF‐α/IL‐6 gene polymorphisms were associated with a risk of endometriosis in Asians. By searching PubMed, HuGENet, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, 17 studies were identified and included (3372 cases and 4008 controls). The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association between TNF‐α/IL‐6 gene polymorphisms and endometriosis risk. An association of TNF‐α gene ‐1031T/C polymorphism with endometriosis was found (TT + TC vs. CC: OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30–0.82, I2 = 37.1%, P = 0.20; TT vs. CC: OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30–0.82, I2 = 43.0%, P = 0.173; TC vs. CC: OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29–0.83, I2 = 10.6%, P = 0.327). In addition, TNF‐α‐238A/G and IL‐6 ‐174C/G gene polymorphisms were also likely to be associated with endometriosis in Asians. For the TNF‐α‐238A/G gene polymorphism, the OR was 1.577 (95% CI: 1.01–2.48). For the IL‐6 ‐174C/G gene polymorphism, the OR was 1.554 (95% CI: 1.04–2.31). No associations were detected between the TNF‐α‐308A/G and IL‐6 ‐634C/G polymorphisms and susceptibility to endometriosis. Our results indicate that the TNF‐α gene ‐1031T/C polymorphism can reduce the risk of endometriosis, but for Asians, TNF‐α‐238A/G and IL‐6 ‐174C/G gene polymorphisms may be a risk factor for endometriosis. No association was found for the TNF‐α‐308A/G and IL‐6 ‐634C/G gene polymorphisms.
An assessment of oropharyngeal airway position using a fibreoptic bronchoscope
Authors: Kim S. H. , Kim J. E. , Kim Y. H. , Kang B. C. , Heo S. B. , Kim C. K. , Park W. K.
Published: December 2013

Selecting the appropriate oropharyngeal airway for safe and effective airway management is important in clinical practice. In this prospective observational study, we examined the position of the distal end of oropharyngeal airways using a fibreoptic bronchoscope. We enrolled 149 adults (72 men and 77 women). The correct airway size was determined by inserting four adult sizes Guedel airway (Hudson RCI; Teleflex Medical, Research Triangle, Park, NC, USA) (sizes 8, 9, 10 and 11) sequentially in anaesthetised patients. The ‘best fit’ airway was size 10 in 45 (62%) men, and size 9 in 58 (75%) women. However, when these airways were inserted, the distal end of the airway either touched or passed beyond the epiglottis tip in 20 (27%) men and six (8%) women, respectively. When a size‐9 airway was inserted in men and a size‐8 airway inserted in women, the distal ends were obstructed by the tongue in three (2%) patients. In conclusion, a size‐9 airway in men and a size‐8 airway in women are the most acceptable sizes for adults of average height.
The novelss469415590variant predicts virological response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus type 1 infection
Authors: Covolo L. , Bibert S. , Donato F. , Bochud P.‐Y. , Lagging M. , Negro F. , Fattovich G.
Published: December 2013

Background

A novel dinucleotide variantTT/∆G (ss469415590) has been associated with hepatitis C virus clearance.

Aim

To assess the role of thess469415590variant, compared with the knownIL28Bpolymorphisms (rs8099917,rs12979860andrs12980275) for predicting virological response to therapy in chronic hepatitis C, and its association with theCXCL10 chemokine serum levels – a surrogate marker of interferon‐stimulated genes activation.

Methods

Multivariate analysis of factors predicting rapid and sustained virological response in 280 consecutive, treatment‐naïve, nondiabetic, Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon alpha and ribavirin.

Results

In hepatitis C virus genotype 1, theOR(95%CI) for rapid and sustained virological response for the wild‐typess469415590TTwas 9.88 (1.99–48.99) and 7.25 (1.91–27.51), respectively, similar to those found forrs12979860CC[9.55 (1.93–47.37) and 6.30 (1.71–23.13)] and forrs12980275AA[9.62 (1.94–47.77] and 7.83 (2.02–30.34)], but higher than forrs8099917TT[4.8 (1.73–13.33) and 4.75 (2.05–10.98)]. In hepatitis C virus genotype 1, mean (SD)CXCL10 levels in patients with theTT/TT,TT/∆G and ∆G/∆G variants were, respectively, 355.1 (240.6), 434.4 (247.4) and 569.9 (333.3) (P = 0.04). In patients with genotypes 2 and 3 no significant association was found forTT/∆G with viral response. The predictive value ofss469415590was stronger in patients with advanced fibrosis.

Conclusions

The novelIL28Bvariants at markerss469415590predict response toIFNalpha in chronic hepatitis C patients, especially in those with advanced fibrosis. Their determination may be superior to that of knownIL28Bvariants for patient management usingIFN‐based regimens.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: non‐invasive assessment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease – the role of transient elastography and plasma cytokeratin‐18 fragments
Authors: Kwok R. , Tse Y.‐K. , Wong G. L.‐H. , Ha Y. , Lee A. U. , Ngu M. C. , Chan H. L.‐Y. , Wong V. W.‐S.
Published: December 2013

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 15–40% of the general population. Some patients have non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and progressive fibrosis, and would be candidates for monitoring and treatment.

Aim

To review current literature on the use of non‐invasive tests to assess the severity of NAFLD.

Methods

Systematic literature searching identified studies evaluating non‐invasive tests of NASH and fibrosis using liver biopsy as the reference standard. Meta‐analysis was performed for areas with adequate number of publications.

Results

Serum tests and physical measurements like transient elastography (TE) have high negative predictive value (NPV) in excluding advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients. The NAFLD fibrosis score comprises of six routine clinical parameters and has been endorsed by current American guidelines as a screening test to exclude low‐risk individuals. The pooled sensitivities and specificities for TE to diagnose F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3 and F4 disease were 79% and 75%, 85% and 85%, and 92% and 92% respectively. Liver stiffness measurement often fails in obese patients, but the success rate can be improved with the use of the XL probe. A number of biomarkers have been developed for the diagnosis of NASH, but few were independently validated. Serum/plasma cytokeratin‐18 fragments have been most extensively evaluated and have a pooled sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 82% in diagnosing NASH.

Conclusions

Current non‐invasive tests are accurate in excluding advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients, and may be used for initial assessment. Further development and evaluation of NASH biomarkers are needed.
Gonad morphology and reproductive cycle of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea brasiliana (Lamarck, 1819) in the baía de Guaratuba, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Castilho‐Westphal Gisela G. , Magnani Francesco P. , Ostrensky Antonio
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to describe the gonadal histology and the reproductive cycle of Crassostrea brasiliana in the mangroves of Guaratuba Bay in southern Brazil. Adults were collected monthly from January 2010 to April 2011 from three sampling sites in intertidal oyster beds. The animals were evaluated using biometric and histological analyses of the gonads. The gonadal tissue samples were processed according to the standard histological procedures, and permanent slides were prepared using Harris' haematoxylin and eosin. The oysters were identified at the species level using a molecular protocol. Females (69%) predominated over males (26%), with 4% indeterminate and 1% hermaphroditic. Mature females were more prevalent in February, March and December 2010 and in March 2011. Mature males were more prevalent in February and April 2010 and in March 2011. The presence of hermaphroditic individuals was sporadic, and oysters in immature stages or sexual repose were observed in only a few collections between the months of May and October 2010. The reproduction of C. brasiliana in Guaratuba Bay occurs intermittently, but with greater intensity during the summer, with a larger number of females produced.
Variable selection and prediction using a nested, matched case‐control study: Application to hospital acquired pneumonia in stroke patients
Authors: Qian Jing , Payabvash Seyedmehdi , Kemmling André , Lev Michael H. , Schwamm Lee H. , Betensky Rebecca A.
Published: December 2013

Matched case‐control designs are commonly used in epidemiologic studies for increased efficiency. These designs have recently been introduced to the setting of modern imaging and genomic studies, which are characterized by high‐dimensional covariates. However, appropriate statistical analyses that adjust for the matching have not been widely adopted. A matched case‐control study of 430 acute ischemic stroke patients was conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in order to identify specific brain regions of acute infarction that are associated with hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) in these patients. There are 138 brain regions in which infarction was measured, which introduce nearly 10,000 two‐way interactions, and challenge the statistical analysis. We investigate penalized conditional and unconditional logistic regression approaches to this variable selection problem that properly differentiate between selection of main effects and of interactions, and that acknowledge the matching. This neuroimaging study was nested within a larger prospective study of HAP in 1915 stroke patients at MGH, which recorded clinical variables, but did not include neuroimaging. We demonstrate how the larger study, in conjunction with the nested, matched study, affords us the capability to derive a score for prediction of HAP in future stroke patients based on imaging and clinical features. We evaluate the proposed methods in simulation studies and we apply them to the MGH HAP study.
Optimizing engagement with Internet‐based health behaviour change interventions: Comparison of self‐assessment with and without tailored feedback using a mixed methods approach
Authors: Morrison Leanne , Moss‐Morris Rona , Michie Susan , Yardley Lucy
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Internet‐based health behaviour interventions have variable effects on health‐related outcomes. Effectiveness may be improved by optimizing the design of interventions. This study examined the specific effect on engagement of providing two different design features – tailoring and self‐assessment.

Design

Three versions of an Internet‐delivered intervention to support the self‐care of mild bowel problems were developed that provided (1) self‐assessment without tailored feedback, (2) self‐assessment with tailored feedback, and (3) generic information only.

Methods

A qualitative study explored participants' engagement with each version of the intervention (N = 24). A larger quantitative study systematically compared participants' use of the intervention and self‐reported engagement using a partial factorial design (n = 178).

Results

Findings from the qualitative study suggested that self‐assessment without tailored feedback appeared to be less acceptable to participants because it was viewed as offering no personal benefit in the absence of personalized advice. In the quantitative study, self‐assessment without tailored feedback was associated with greater dropout than when provided in conjunction with tailored feedback. There were significant group differences in participants' engagement with the intervention and perceptions of the intervention. Self‐assessment without tailored feedback was rated as marginally less engaging and was associated with fewer positive perceptions than the generic information condition.

Conclusions

The acceptability of self‐assessment or monitoring components may be optimized by also providing tailored feedback. Without tailored feedback, these components do not appear to be any more engaging than generic information provision.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Digital interventions can be effective for improving a range of health outcomes and behaviours.

There is huge variation in the success of different interventions using different combinations of design features.

What does this study add?

This study used a systematic experimental design to identify the effect on engagement of providing interactive intervention design features alone and in combination.

Intervention engagement was better when self‐assessment was provided in conjunction with tailored feedback.
A Structural Equations Model of Leaders' Social Intelligence and Creative Performance
Authors: Rahim M. Afzalur
Published: December 2013

The present study was designed to test the relationship between business leaders' social intelligence (SI) and their creative performance (CP) in the US. SI was defined as the ability to be aware of relevant social situational contexts; to deal with situational contexts or challenges effectively; to understand others' concerns, feelings and emotional states; and to build and maintain positive relationships and to behave appropriately in social relations. Data on SI and CP were collected using questionnaires from two collegiate samples of employed undergraduate students (n = 395) and employed MBA students (n = 250) and from a sample of top executives of organizations (n = 143) to explore the relationship between leaders' SI and their CP. The questionnaires required observers (i.e., respondents) to indicate to what extent their supervisors displayed SI and CP. Data analyses in each sample suggest that supervisors with greater social intelligence contributed more to CP. Implications for management, directions for future research and limitations of the study are discussed.
Amphibian diversity on the roof of Africa: unveiling the effects of habitat degradation, altitude and biogeography
Authors: Zancolli Giulia , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Rödel Mark‐Oliver
Published: December 2013

Aim

Elevational gradients and land use changes can act together as drivers of species richness and composition. Responses to these drivers can be multidirectional, and resulting patterns of diversity might be unexpected or difficult to interpret. Present ecological relationships often reflect a legacy resulting from the influence of past geological, climatic and environmental changes on species dispersal, extinction and speciation. Here, we investigate amphibian diversity along altitudinal and disturbance gradients and evaluate how historical events may underlie contemporary distributional patterns.

Location

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Methods

During two rainy seasons in 2011, we recorded anurans at 36 sites from the foothills to 3500 m altitude. A combination of multiple regression, ordination technique and cluster analysis were used to determine the effects of altitudinal changes and habitat modification on species richness and composition. Furthermore, we compared the anuran fauna of Mt. Kilimanjaro with other East African mountains by means of cluster analysis and analysed patterns of distributions with a special focus on montane forest species.

Results

Species richness declined with elevation and species assemblages were distinctly separated between lowland and highland altitudes. Presence of water bodies locally increased species richness, but we did not find significant correlations of species richness with other environmental variables. Mountains clustered into two major groups which reflected latitudinal position and differences in species distributions.

Main conclusions

This study highlights the importance of considering the geological history of a place especially when assessing the effects of anthropogenic disturbance. The young age of the volcano and the complex biogeographical processes which occurred in East Africa during the last 20 million years prevented most montane forest frogs from colonizing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Increasing aridification and land use changes may cause contraction of breeding sites with consequent local extinctions in the near future.
Differential niche dynamics among major marine invertebrate clades
Authors: Hopkins Melanie J , Simpson Carl , Kiessling Wolfgang
Published: December 2013

The degree to which organisms retain their environmental preferences is of utmost importance in predicting their fate in a world of rapid climate change. Notably, marine invertebrates frequently show strong affinities for either carbonate or terrigenous clastic environments. This affinity is due to characteristics of the sediments as well as correlated environmental factors. We assessed the conservatism of substrate affinities of marine invertebrates over geological timescales, and found that niche conservatism is prevalent in the oceans, and largely determined by the strength of initial habitat preference. There is substantial variation in niche conservatism among major clades with corals and sponges being among the most conservative. Time‐series analysis suggests that niche conservatism is enhanced during times of elevated nutrient flux, whereas niche evolution tends to occur after mass extinctions. Niche evolution is not necessarily elevated in genera exhibiting higher turnover in species composition.
Sensitivity to change of oral and general health‐related quality of life during prosthodontic treatment
Authors: Wickert Melanie , John Mike T. , Schierz Oliver , Hirsch Christian , Aarabi Ghazal , Reissmann Daniel R.
Published: December 2013

The literature presents conflicting findings on whether health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) measures have sufficient evaluative properties to assess changes caused by dental interventions. The aim of our study was to compare sensitivity to change in HRQoL and OHRQoL in prosthodontic patients. In this prospective intervention study, a total of 165 consecutively recruited patients completed the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and the 49‐item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), as self‐administered questionnaires, before prosthodontic treatment and 1 month after treatment was finished. Differences in SF‐36 and OHIP scores between baseline and follow up were tested for statistical significance using paired t‐tests. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated. Health‐related quality of life improved during prosthodontic treatment, indicated by a slight, but statistically significant, increase in the SF‐36 physical component (difference: 1.0 points), whereas perceived mental health did not change substantially (difference: −0.5 points). Improvement in OHRQoL (difference in OHIP sum score: −6.7 points) was statistically significant. Although the OHIP effect size (of 0.2) was considered as small, according to guidelines, it was greater than for the SF‐36 component scores (physical: 0.1; mental: 0.1). Sensitivity to change in quality of life measures was greater for OHRQoL than for HRQoL, limiting the usefulness of HRQoL as an outcome measure in dentistry.
Imagining Gender Research: Violence, Masculinity, and the Shop Floor
Authors: Alcadipani Rafael , Tonelli Maria Jose
Published: December 2013

This paper starts by arguing that visual data enriches gender research in management and organizations. Through an analysis of drawings by factory shop‐floor workers, we show that organizational climate is interwoven with gender dynamics, that shop‐floor masculinity is not necessarily heterosexual, and that masculinity in the shop‐floor context includes oppression as an element of man's symbolic violence against man. We discuss the usefulness of this type of data in gender research in organizational analysis and explore the ways in which gender violence is expressed in organizations. Moreover, the drawings gathered at a newspaper printing site located in the North ofEngland provide a means of showing the relationship between gender violence and the exercise of masculinities, sexuality and oppression. We conclude that the exercise of hegemonic masculinity is associated not only with sexuality but also with the oppression of subaltern enactments of masculinity.
Estimating numbers of persons with persistent hepatitis B virus infection transmitted vertically and horizontally in the birth cohort during 1950–1985 in Japan
Authors: Sato Tomoki , Do Son Huy , Asao Takako , Akita Tomoyuki , Katayama Keiko , Tatara Kozo , Miyakawa Yuzo , Tanaka Junko
Published: December 2013

Aim

We estimated numbers of persons, born between 1950 and 1985 in Japan, who were persistently infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) through vertical and horizontal infections.

Methods

HBV carrier rates with vertical and horizontal infections were computed using sex‐ and age‐specific prevalence rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) by mathematical model. Probabilities of vertical HBV transmission in babies born to carrier mothers with and without HBeAg were presumed to be 90% and 10%, respectively.

Results

HBV carrier rates with vertical infection stayed contrast at approximately 0.3% in birth cohorts through 36 years (1950–1985), both in men and women. By a remarkable constant, HBV carrier rates with horizontal infection decreased steadily from 1.43% to 0.10% in men and from 0.95% to 0.03% in women. The estimated total number of HBV carriers born between 1950 and 1985 was 522 500 (355 488–693 606). Of them, the numbers of HBV carriers with vertical and horizontal infections were 197 574 (149 505–288 709) and 324 926 (205 983–404 896); they accounted for 37.81% and 62.19%, respectively, with a ratio of 1:1.64. The ratio between vertical and horizontal infections was 1:2.20 in men and 1:1.06 in women.

Conclusion

Vertical HBV infection had stayed constant until immunoprophylaxis of mother‐to‐baby transmission was implemented in 1986 in Japan. In contrast, horizontal HBV infection decreased over years. The decrease would be due to many factors, including improved socioeconomic environments, advanced medical maneuvers and equipment, and careful vaccination procedures.