bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, risk factors and quality of life in Turkish women with urinary incontinence: a synthesis of the literature
Authors: Basak T. , Kok G. , Guvenc G.
Published: July 2013

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) is not a life threatening condition but it adversely affects physical and mental health, sexual function and quality of life in women.

Aim

To review the related literature to identify prevalence, risk factors and quality of life among only Turkish women.

Methods

Computerized searches on PubMed, Turkish Medline, EBSCO Host; articles from indexed journals related to the topics in this review and published between 1996 and 30 April 2012 were evaluated. After completion of database searches, a final total of 20 studies were identified that fitted the inclusion criteria.

Results

This review revealed that the prevalence of UI among Turkish women was reported by 16 studies ranged from 16.4% to 49.7%. The most common risk factors were age, number of births, body mass index > 25 kg/m2, recurrent urinary infection, diabetes mellitus and vaginal delivery. The effect of UI on the quality of life was mild to moderate.

Conclusions

We found that the prevalence of UI of Turkish women showed a wide range. It is important for health professionals to be aware of the high prevalence of UI in women and to ask about its possible presence. Improving the quality of life in women with UI is an important issue and nurses should direct women to seek psychosocial support. The findings of this review could serve as a source of information for health systems that deal with UI, and it may help to inform health professionals and women with UI on early diagnosis, treatment and management.
Forecasting Mortgage Securitization Risk Under Systematic Risk and Parameter Uncertainty
Authors: Rösch Daniel , Scheule Harald
Published: July 2013

The global financial crisis exposed financial institutions to severe unexpected losses in relation to mortgage securitizations and derivatives. This article finds that risk models such as ratings are exposed to a large degree of systematic risk and parameter uncertainty. An out‐of‐sample forecasting exercise of the financial crisis shows that a simple approach addressing both issues is able to produce ranges for risk measures consistent with realized losses. This explains how financial markets were taken by surprise in relation to realized losses.
Coherent Pricing of Life Settlements Under Asymmetric Information
Authors: Zhu Nan , Bauer Daniel
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Although life settlements are advertised to deliver a profitable investment opportunity with a low correlation to market systematic risk, recent investigations reveal a discrepancy of expected and realized returns. While thus far this discrepancy has been attributed to the (allegedly) poor quality of the underlying life expectancy estimates, we present a different explanation of the seemingly high reported expected returns based on {adverse selection. In particular, we provide a coherent pricing mechanism and pricing formulas in the presence of asymmetric information with respect to the underlying life expectancies. Therefore, our study sheds light on the nature of the “unique risks” within life settlements as recently discussed in the financial press.
WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR INSURANCE IN DENMARK
Authors: Hansen Jan V. , Jacobsen Rasmus H. , Lau Morten I.
Published: July 2013

We estimate how much Danish households are willing to pay for auto, home, and house insurance. We use a unique combination of claims data from a large Danish insurance company, measures of individual risk attitudes and discount rates from a field experiment with a representative sample of the adult Danish population, and information on household income and wealth from registers at Statistics Denmark. The results show that the willingness to pay is marginally higher than the actuarially fair value under expected utility theory, but significantly higher under rank‐dependent utility theory, and up to 600 percent higher than the actuarially fair value.
Is it here where I belong? An integrative model of turnover intentions
Authors: Boroş Smaranda , Curşeu Petru Lucian
Published: July 2013

We test a mediated moderation model in which the influence of organizational prestige and permeability on turnover intentions is mediated by organizational commitment and identification. We test this model in a 2 × 2 design in four Romanian organizations. Results support a partial mediation of identification between the considered organizational antecedents, and their interaction upon affective and continuance commitment, and a full mediation of commitment between identification and turnover intentions. Permeability moderates the impact of prestige upon identification and commitment. Finally, we draw conclusions about the mind‐sets behind identification, affective, and continuance commitment, and propose implications for future research and practitioners.
The effect of North Carolina hospital payor mix on dental‐related pediatric emergency room utilization
Authors: Hom Jacqueline M. , Burgette Lane F. , Lee Jessica Y.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

We examined the effect of hospital payor mix on the proportion of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits that were dental related.

Methods

We used the North Carolina (NC) Emergency Room Discharge Database from 2007 to 2009 to estimate the relationship between the percent of pediatric ED patients that were covered by Medicaid and the percent of pediatric ED visits that were dental related. Hospital‐level fixed effects controlled for unobserved hospital‐level characteristics. Discharge claims from 110 ED facilities in NC were analyzed over the 3‐year study period. Claims were limited to individuals under 18 years old with dental disease‐related International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification diagnostic codes, 520.00‐530.00.

Results

Using 327 hospital‐years of data, 62 percent of ED visits for pediatric dental reasons were covered by Medicaid, a proportion over two times greater than for pediatric reasons overall, 26 percent. Hospitals with a greater proportion of Medicaid payors had a greater proportion of pediatric dental ED visits (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Hospitals serving a large population of children on Medicaid should be prepared to provide emergency dental services. Public health administrators should prioritize oral health resources at hospital communities with a high proportion of Medicaid payors.
Washington state foster care: dental utilization and expenditures
Authors: Melbye Molly L.R. , Chi Donald L. , Milgrom Peter , Huebner Colleen E. , Grembowski David
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To identify factors associated with dental utilization and expenditures for children enrolled in Washington State (WA) foster care (FC).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used 2008 Medicaid enrollment and claims files for children ages <18 years enrolled in the WA FC program for ≥11 months (N = 10,177). Regression models were used to examine associations between utilization and expenditures and sex, race, age group, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (i.e., disability), substance abuse, behavior problems, placement setting (Foster Home Care, Kinship Care, Group Care, Other), and urbanicity.

Results

Only 43 percent of the children utilized any dental care; the adjusted mean expenditure was $198.35 [95% confidence interval (CI) $181.35, $215.36]. Fewer utilized diagnostic (41 percent), preventive (39 percent), restorative (11 percent), or complex (5 percent) services. Associated with utilization (P ≤ 0.01) were: female [ARR = 1.05, 95% CI(1.01, 1.10)]; 0‐2 years [ARR = 0.18, 95% CI(0.15, 0.21)], [3‐5 years ARR = 0.78, 95% CI(0.74, 0.83)]; Native American [ARR = 0.85, 95% CI(0.80, 0.91)]; SSI [ARR = 1.10, 95% CI(1.04, 1.17)]; Kinship Care [ARR = 0.94, 95% CI(0.90, 0.98)]; Group Care [ARR = 1.25 95% CI(1.15, 1.37)]; and urban/rural urbanicity with population <20 K [ARR = 1.20 95% CI(1.12, 1.30)]. Associated with expenditures (P < 0.05) were: ages 0‐2 years [–$153.66, 95% CI(–$168.33, –$139.00)], 3‐5 years [–$98.71, 95% CI(–$116.78, –$80.65)], 6‐11 years [–$16.83 95% CI(–$33.52, –$0.14)]; African American [–$32.05 95% CI(–$47.99, –$16.12)]; Kinship Care [$28.57 95% CI($14.00, $43.15)].

Conclusions

Most children enrolled in WA FC for ≥11 months during 2008 did not receive dental care. Research is needed to determine the level of unmet need among children in FC and interventions to improve access to oral health of the children. Enforcement of existing federal legislation is needed.
Factors associated with surface‐level caries incidence in children aged 9 to 13: the Iowa Fluoride Study
Authors: Broffitt Barbara , Levy Steven M. , Warren John , Cavanaugh Joseph E.
Published: July 2013

Objective

As dental caries can progress throughout a person's lifetime, understanding caries risk factors unique to specific life phases is important. This study aims to assess caries incidence and risk factors for young adolescents.

Methods

Participants in the longitudinal Iowa Fluoride Study were assessed for dental caries at approximately age 9 and again at age 13. These participants also filled out questionnaires concerning water sources, oral health habits, beverage intakes, parent education and family income. Caries progression (D2+F) was analyzed at the surface level. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to assess associations between surface‐specific first molar occlusal caries incidence and risk factors.

Results

Caries incidence was quite low except on the first molar occlusal surfaces. In initial models of specific risk factors, incidence was positively associated with the surface having a D1 lesion at baseline, low family income, having untreated decay or fillings on other teeth at baseline, lower home water fluoride level, and higher soda pop consumption. In the final multiple variable model, significant interactions were found between tooth brushing frequency and initial D1 status, and also between family income and home tap water fluoride level.

Conclusions

D2+F incidence on first molar occlusal surfaces in these young adolescents was associated with prior caries experience on other teeth as well as prior evidence of a D1 lesion on the occlusal surface. More frequent tooth brushing was protective of sound surfaces, and fluoride in home tap water was also protective, but significantly more so for adolescents in low‐income families.
Dietary supplementation with Salvia sahendica attenuates acetylcholinesterase activity and increases mitochondrial transcription factor A and antioxidant proteins in the hippocampus of amyloid beta-injected rats
Authors: Foolad Forough , Khodagholi Fariba
Published: July 2013

Objectives

We evaluated the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and potential antioxidant effects of Salvia sahendica extract to investigate whether these molecules are involved in learning and memory improvement in rats injected with fibrillar amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide in the CA1 region of their hippocampus.

Methods

Rats were fed with S. sahendica (100 mg/kg/day) for 1 week before Aβ injection. Western blot analysis and enzymatic assays were carried out 7 days after injections.

Key findings

Our results indicated that S. sahendica extract decreased AChE activity. Besides, S. sahendica prevented reduction in the level of nuclear respiratory factor-1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Our data indicated the lack of sensitivity in citrate synthase and reduction in the activity of malate dehydrogenase in the presence of Aβ that was prevented with S. sahendica consumption. Pretreatment with S. sahendica extract impeded reduction of glutathione redox ratio, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, while decreased the malondialdehyde level.

Conclusions

Based on the importance of AChE activity inhibition and increased TFAM level in the prevention of cognitive impairment, the use of S. sahendica could open a new protective issue in therapeutic fields of neurodegenerative disease.
Hypertension and kidney function in an adult population of West Bengal, India: Role of body weight, waist circumference, proteinuria and rural area living
Authors: Gallieni Maurizio , Ene‐Iordache Bogdan , Aiello Angela , Tucci Benedetta , Sala Valeria , Brahmochary Mandal Sujit K , Doneda Anna , Stella Andrea , Carminati Sergio , Perico Norberto , Genovesi Simonetta
Published: July 2013

Aim

Hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are important emerging problems in low‐income countries, with an increasing number of patients dying from their consequences.

Methods

A project for investigating these issues was carried out in West Bengal, India, in 2536 adult subjects. Body mass index (BMI) was classified using traditional and new cut‐offs identified by the World Health Organization for Asian populations. HTN was classified according to the Joint National Committee 7 and CKD according to presence of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2.

Results

Normal BMI (Asian reference) was found in 41.5% of subjects, while 33.4% were underweight, 19.3% overweight and 5.8% obese. Prevalence of stage 1 and 2 HTN was 39.4%. Proteinuria (urine dipstick >1+) was present in 7.7% of the sample. In a subsample of 1526 subjects, eGFR of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was found in 4.2%. At multivariate analysis, factors associated with HTN were weight classes (P < 0.001), presence of proteinuria (P < 0.001) and family history of HTN (P = 0.028), while living in rural areas was associated with lower risk for HTN (P = 0.003). eGFR was inversely related to BMI (P = 0.03), the presence of proteinuria (P < 0.001) and HTN (P < 0.003), and directly related to living in rural areas (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

High prevalence of HTN was found in subjects with very limited access to health care in West Bengal. HTN was more common in overweight individuals, but also affected normal weight and underweight subjects in a significant part of the tested population. Preventive medicine should be a strong priority in this setting.
Leflunomide plus oral prednisone in treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy: A retrospective clinical study of efficacy and safety
Authors: Yang Shifeng , Xie Liyi , Xue Wujun , Yin Aiping , Lu Wanhong
Published: July 2013

Aim

Treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) remains a controversial issue. While clinical trials have shown that some immunosuppressants combined with glucocorticoid have a good efficacy on IMN patients. However, there is little data on leflunomide (LEF) in treatment of IMN.

Methods

Records of every patient with biopsy‐proven IMN in Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2005 to December 2011 (n = 194) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with nephrotic IMN were treated with LEF plus oral prednisone (n = 32) for at least 12 months, whereas 31 patients who did not receive any immunosuppressants were used as controls.

Results

Remission rates in the LEF group were 31.3%, 59.4%, 68.8% and 71.9% at 6, 9, 12 and 15 months, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in controls. In the LEF group, proteinuria decreased from 6.79 g/24 h at baseline to 5.63 g/24 h (P < 0.01), 3.85 g/24 h (P < 0.01) and 2.51 g/24 h (P < 0.01) after treatment for 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. Relapse occurred in five (21.7%) patients within a median of 14 months (range, 8–27) after cessation of LEF. No patients developed renal insufficiency during the therapeutic period. Multivariate analysis suggested that age negatively correlated with achievement of remission (odds ratio, 0.87; P < 0.05). No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

LEF plus oral prednisone may be an alternative treatment option in Chinese patients with nephrotic IMN.
Comparative efficacy of a team‐led treatment protocol for the management of renal anaemia
Authors: Kotwal Sradha S , Lan Patrick , MacLeod Avril , Jardine Meg , Snelling Paul , Craig Jonathon , Cass Alan , Gallagher Martin
Published: July 2013

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of a team‐led anaemia management protocol based on current guidelines.

Methods

The effect of a treatment protocol in implementing an anaemia guideline was evaluated in a large teaching hospital, encompassing three (two in‐hospital and one satellite) dialysis facilities. Quarterly data were collected, over a 6‐year period, on all patients dialysing in these facilities, before and after implementation of an anaemia management treatment protocol. This protocol was developed by a physician‐led team and implemented by an anaemia coordinator assisted by the unit staff. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients receiving erythropoietin with ferritin levels within the national guidelines target range calculated using data on haemoglobin (Hb), iron studies, dry weight and erythropoietin dose.

Results

Data was collected on >150 patients every quarter between 2005 and 2010 (inclusive). The proportion of patients within the primary outcome target range increased from a nadir of 17% to 51% with evidence of true systematic change. The proportion of patients with Hb values within the unit target range also increased from 46% to 56% (P = 0.25) between the first and last years of the project. These changes were also associated with reduced erythropoietin drug use down to 0.44 μg/kg per week.

Conclusion

Implementation of a treatment protocol for anaemia management in haemodialysis patients was associated with greater consistency with guideline evidence and lower drug use. Achieving such guideline recommendations for ferritin targets in more than 50% of patients appears feasible.
Topical Timolol 0.5% Gel‐Forming Solution for Small Deep Facial Infantile Hemangiomas
Authors: Sorrell Jennifer , Chamlin Sarah L.
Published: July 2013

We report three cases of successful treatment of proliferating deep infantile hemangiomas with topical timolol 0.5% gel‐forming solution (GFS) used two to three times daily. We recommend considering timolol as an initial option for small, deep facial hemangiomas that are not causing functional compromise or complications but may have an unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance. In our experience, albeit limited, this is a safe alternative to watchful waiting.
Oxidative stress and macrolides in bronchiectasis—exhaling few clues
Authors: Wong Conroy , Jones Stuart
Published: July 2013

See article, page 1056
DISTAL BORDER FRAGMENTS OF THE EQUINE NAVICULAR BONE: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS AND CLINICAL LAMENESS
Authors: Yorke Elizabeth H. , Judy Carter E. , Saveraid Travis C. , McGowan Conor P. , Caldwell Fred J.
Published: July 2013

Distal border fragments of the navicular bone are increasingly being detected due to the improved capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but their clinical significance remains unclear. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the location, size, and frequency of fragments in a cohort of horses presented for MRI of the foot and to compare MRI findings with severity of lameness. Archived MRI studies and medical records were searched from March 2006 to June 2008. Horses were included if a distal border fragment of the navicular bone was visible in MRI scans. Confidence interval comparisons and linear regression analyses were used to test hypotheses that fragments were associated with lameness and lameness severity was positively correlated with fragment volume and biaxial location. A total of 453 horses (874 limbs) were included. Fragments were identified in 60 horses (13.25%) and 90 limbs (10.3%). Fifty percent of the horses had unilateral fragments and 50% had bilateral fragments. Fragments were located at the lateral (62.2%), medial (8.89%), or medial and lateral (28.9%) angles of the distal border of the navicular bone. There was no increased probability of being categorized as lame if a fragment was present. There was no significant difference in fragment volume across lameness severity categorizations. Confidence intervals indicated a slightly increased probability of being classified as lame if both medial and lateral fragments were present. Findings indicated that distal border fragments of the navicular bone in equine MRI studies are unlikely to be related to existing lameness.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS RELATED TO PROGNOSIS IN CANINE TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: Hanazono Kiwamu , Fukumoto Shinya , Endo Yoshifumi , Ueno Hiroshi , Kadosawa Tsuyoshi , Uchide Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2013

In human bladder cancer patients, ultrasonography is extensively used not only to identify tumor masses but also to evaluate tumor size, shape, echogenicity, location, and degree of tumor invasion into the bladder wall. The information revealed by ultrasonography delineates the tumor's biological features and facilitates prediction of prognosis. However, in veterinary medicine the feasibility of using ultrasonography for these purposes has not been fully investigated. In this retrospective study, we reviewed cases of dogs with histologically confirmed bladder mass lesions, including transitional cell carcinoma (n = 22) and polypoid cystitis (n = 5), to determine whether ultrasonography could reliably predict bladder wall involvement. By following patients with transitional cell carcinoma until death, we also determined whether ultrasonographic tumor size, shape, echogenicity, and mass location were related to prognosis. Wall involvement as revealed by ultrasound was significantly (P = 0.00005) associated with histological muscular layer involvement with a sensitivity of 93% (95% Confidence interval, 79–98%) and specificity of 92% (95% Confidence interval, 76–98%). Ultrasonographic wall involvement (P = 0.03, vs. noninvolvement), heterogeneous mass (P = 0.02, vs. homogeneous mass), and trigone location (P = 0.01, vs. other locations) characteristics were significantly associated with shorter survival times in transitional cell carcinoma cases. Findings indicated that ultrasonographic characteristics such as wall involvement, heterogeneous mass, and trigone location could be reliable prognostic indicators in canine transitional cell carcinoma.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—TRANSESOPHAGEAL ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED REMOVAL OF A MIGRATING GRASS AWN FOREIGN BODY IN A DOG
Authors: Caivano Domenico , Bufalari Antonello , Elena Giorgi Maria , Conti Maria Beatrice , Marchesi Maria Chiara , Angeli Giovanni , Porciello Francesco , Birettoni Francesco
Published: July 2013

A 3‐year‐old English Setter dog was presented for an acute onset of coughing. Tracheobronchoscopic examination allowed localization and removal of one grass awn foreign body. A second migrated grass awn was suspected to be present in the left caudal lung lobe. Transesophageal ultrasound revealed an area of pulmonary consolidation in the dorsomedial portion of left caudal lobe and a linear hyperechoic structure consistent with a grass awn foreign body within the area of consolidation. Transesophageal ultrasonography was also used to provide anatomical landmarks that facilitated successful thoracoscopic removal of the foreign body.
Comparison of Atomistic and Continuum Methods for Calculating Ballistic Phonon Transmission in Nanoscale Waveguides
Authors: Cheney Drew A. , Lukes Jennifer R.
Published: July 2013

We compare two methods for the calculation of mode dependent ballistic phonon transmission in nanoscale waveguides. The first method is based on continuum acoustic waveguide theory and uses an eigenmode expansion to solve for phonon transmission coefficients. The second method uses lattice dynamics (LD)-computed mode shapes to excite guided phonon wavepackets in a nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and calculates phonon transmission from the final distribution of system energy. The two methods are compared for the case of shear-horizontal (SH) phonons propagating in a planar waveguide with a T-stub irregularity, a geometry which has been proposed for the tuning of phonon transmission and nanostructure thermal conductance. Our comparison highlights advantages and disadvantages of the two methods and illustrates regimes when atomistic effects are prominent and continuum approaches are not appropriate.
Mode-Wise Thermal Conductivity of Bismuth Telluride
Authors: Wang Yaguo , Qiu Bo , J. H. McGaughey Alan , Ruan Xiulin , Xu Xianfan
Published: July 2013

Thermal properties and transport control are important for many applications, for example, low thermal conductivity is desirable for thermoelectrics. Knowledge of mode-wise phonon properties is crucial to identify dominant phonon modes for thermal transport and to design effective phonon barriers for thermal transport control. In this paper, we adopt time-domain (TD) and frequency-domain (FD) normal-mode analyses to investigate mode-wise phonon properties and to calculate phonon dispersion relations and phonon relaxation times in bismuth telluride. Our simulation results agree with the previously reported data obtained from ultrafast time-resolved measurements. By combining frequency-dependent anharmonic phonon group velocities and lifetimes, mode-wise thermal conductivities are predicted to reveal the contributions of heat carriers with different wavelengths and polarizations.
Mean Free Path Effects on the Experimentally Measured Thermal Conductivity of Single-Crystal Silicon Microbridges
Authors: English Timothy S. , Phinney Leslie M. , Hopkins Patrick E. , Serrano Justin R.
Published: July 2013

Accurate thermal conductivity values are essential for the successful modeling, design, and thermal management of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and devices. However, the experimental technique best suited to measure the thermal conductivity of these systems, as well as the thermal conductivity itself, varies with the device materials, fabrication processes, geometry, and operating conditions. In this study, the thermal conductivities of boron doped single-crystal silicon microbridges fabricated using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers are measured over the temperature range from 80 to 350 K. The microbridges are 4.6 mm long, 125 μm tall, and either 50 or 85 μm wide. Measurements on the 85 μm wide microbridges are made using both steady-state electrical resistance thermometry (SSERT) and optical time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR). A thermal conductivity of 77 Wm−1 K−1 is measured for both microbridge widths at room temperature, where the results of both experimental techniques agree. However, increasing discrepancies between the thermal conductivities measured by each technique are found with decreasing temperatures below 300 K. The reduction in thermal conductivity measured by TDTR is primarily attributed to a ballistic thermal resistance contributed by phonons with mean free paths larger than the TDTR pump beam diameter. Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) modeling under the relaxation time approximation (RTA) is used to investigate the discrepancies and emphasizes the role of different interaction volumes in explaining the underprediction of TDTR measurements.
A Comparative Study of Thermal Metrology Techniques for Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Natarajan Shweta , Habtemichael Yishak , Graham Samuel
Published: July 2013

Methods used to measure the temperature of AlxGa1−xN based ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) are based on optical or electrical phenomena that are sensitive to either local, surface, or average temperatures within the LED. A comparative study of the temperature rise of AlxGa1−xN UV LEDs measured by micro-Raman spectroscopy, infrared (IR) thermography, and the forward voltage method is presented. Experimental temperature measurements are provided for UV LEDs with micropixel and interdigitated contact geometries, as well as for a number of different packaging configurations. It was found that IR spectroscopy was sensitive to optical properties of the device layers, while forward voltage method provided higher temperatures, in general. Raman spectroscopy was used to measure specific layers within the LED, showing that growth substrate temperatures in the flip-chip LEDs agreed more closely to IR measurements while layers closer to the multiple quantum wells (MQWs) agreed more closely with Forward Voltage measurements.
Nanosecond Time-Resolved Measurements of Transient Hole Opening During Laser Micromachining of an Aluminum Film
Authors: Hendijanifard Mohammad , Willis David A.
Published: July 2013

Laser micromachining of an aluminum film on a glass substrate is investigated using a time-resolved transmission imaging technique with nanosecond resolution. Micromachining is performed using a 7 ns pulse-width Nd:YAG laser operating at the 1064 nm wavelength for fluences ranging from 2.2 to 14.5 J/cm2. A nitrogen laser-pumped dye laser with a 3 ns pulse-width and 500 nm wavelength is used as a light source for visualizing the transient hole area. The dye laser is incident on the free surface and a CCD camera behind the sample captures the transmitted light. Images are taken from the back of the sample at various time delays with respect to the beginning of the ablation process, allowing the transient hole area to be measured. For low fluences, the hole opening process is delayed long after the laser pulse and there is significant scatter in the data due to weak driving forces for hole opening. However, for fluences at and above 3.5 J/cm2, the starting time of the process converges to a limiting minimum value of 12 ns, independent of laser fluence. At these fluences, the rate of hole opening is rapid, with the major portion of the holes opened within 25 ns. The second stage of the process is slower and lasts between 100 and 200 ns. The rapid hole opening process at high fluences can be attributed to recoil pressure from explosive phase change. Measurements of the transient shock wave position using the imaging apparatus in shadowgraph mode are used to estimate the pressure behind the shock wave. Recoil pressure estimates indicate pressure values over 90 atm at the highest fluence, which decays rapidly with time due to expansion of the ablation plume. The recoil pressure for all fluences above 3.1 J/cm2 is higher than that required for recoil pressure driven flow due to the transition to explosive phase change above this fluence.
Tunable Negative Refractive Index Metamaterials Based on Thermochromic Oxides
Authors: Xuan Yimin , Huang Jinguo , Li Qiang
Published: July 2013

A tunable metamaterial is proposed by combining a thermochromic oxide with a fishnet structure. The reflection and transmission coefficients are calculated by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The effective electromagnetic parameters of the metamaterial are retrieved on the basis of these data. The results reveal that an effective negative refractive index is obtained by this proposed structure and the wavelength region with negative refractive index can be self-regulated by simply tuning the temperature, which is of importance to extend the applications of negative refractive index materials. The effects of structural sizes on the negative refractive index are discussed. The size-dependence indicates that the wavelength range in which the apparent refractive index is negative can be tuned to be located at the desired position by dexterously tailoring the structural parameters.
Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Through Nano-Fin Arrays in the Free-Molecular Flow Regime
Authors: Martin Michael James
Published: July 2013

Gas flow through arrays of rectangular nanofins is modeled using the linearized free-molecular drag and heat transfer equations. These are combined with the one-dimensional equations for conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, and the ideal gas law, to find the governing equations for flow through the array. The results show that the pressure gradient, temperature, and local velocity of the gas are governed by coupled ordinary differential equations. The system of equations is solved for representative arrays of nanofins to find the total heat transfer and pressure drop across a 1 cm chip.
Pressure Drop During Condensation in Microchannels
Authors: Wang Hua Sheng , Sun Jie , Rose John W.
Published: July 2013

The paper reports calculations of friction pressure gradient for the special case of laminar annular flow condensation in microchannels. This is the only flow regime permitting theoretical solution without having recourse to experimental data. Comparisons are made with correlations based on experimental data for R134a. The correlations differ somewhat among themselves with the ratio of highest to lowest predicted friction pressure gradient typically around 1.4 and nearer to unity at high quality. The friction pressure gradients given by the laminar annular flow solutions are in fair agreement with the correlations at high quality and lower than the correlations at lower quality. Attention is drawn to the fact that the friction pressure gradient cannot be directly observed and its evaluation from measurements requires estimation of the nondissipative momentum or acceleration pressure gradient. Methods used to estimate the nondissipative pressure gradient require quality and void fraction together with equations which relate these and whose accuracy is difficult to quantify. Quality and void fraction can be readily found from the laminar annular flow solutions. Significant differences are found between these and values from approximate equations.
Thermal Radiative Properties of a SiC Grating on a Photonic Crystal
Authors: Wang Weijie , Fu Ceji , Tan Wenchang
Published: July 2013

Spectral and directional control of thermal emission holds substantial importance in different kinds of applications, where heat transfer is predominantly by thermal radiation. Several configurations have previously been proposed, like using gratings, photonic crystals (PCs) and resonant cavities. In the present work, we investigate the thermal radiative properties of a microstructure consisting of a SiC grating on a photonic crystal. The emissivity of the microstructure is calculated with the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) algorithm as a function of the angular frequency and the emission angle. The results reveal that thermal emission from the microstructure can exhibit very novel feature compared to those previously studied. Especially, significantly enhanced thermal emission can be achieved in a broad spectral band due to excitation of surface photon polaritons (SPhPs), PC modes, magnetic polaritons (MPs) and the coupling between them. We show that it is possible to flexibly control the thermal emission feature by adjusting the microstructure's dimensional parameters properly.
Measurement of Coherent Thermal Emission Due to Magnetic Polaritons in Subwavelength Microstructures
Authors: Wang L. P. , Zhang Z. M.
Published: July 2013

Spectral and directional control of thermal emission is critically important for applications such as space cooling and energy harvesting. The effect of magnetic polaritons (MPs) on spectral modulation has been analyzed in metallic grating structures with a dielectric spacer on a metallic film. It has been predicted that the spectral emission peaks exhibit omnidirectional characteristics when MPs are excited. The present work provides an experimental demonstration of coherent thermal emission from several microfabricated grating structures in the infrared region from room temperature to elevated temperatures. The emittance at elevated temperatures is directly measured using an emissometer, while the room-temperature emittance is indirectly obtained from the reflectance measurement. The rigorous coupled-wave analysis and an LC-circuit model are employed to elucidate the mechanisms of various resonant modes and their coupling effect, taking into consideration the temperature-dependent electron scattering rate of the metals.
T Follicular Helper Cell Dynamics in Germinal Centers
Authors: Shulman Ziv , Gitlin Alexander D. , Targ Sasha , Jankovic Mila , Pasqual Giulia , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Victora Gabriel D.
Published: July 2013

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Germinal centers are specialized structures within lymph nodes, where B cells undergo the changes required to produce high-affinity antibodies. This process relies on T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. The dynamic properties of Tfh cells and how they affect the selection of B cells, however, are not well understood. Using two-photon laser scanning microscopy of mouse lymph nodes,

Shulman
et al.

(p.
673
, published online 25 July) find that Tfh cells are not restricted to a single germinal center, but instead emigrate into neighboring germinal centers within the same lymph nodes. Furthermore, newly activated T cells can enter already established germinal centers and presumably influence ongoing B cell selection and differentiation. Such active movement may ensure maximal diversification of the B cell response and promote the production of high-affinity antibodies.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Genotype A Strains from India, RSV-A/NIV1114046/11 and RSV-A/NIV1114073/11
Authors: Choudhary Manohar Lal , Wadhwa Bhumika S. , Jadhav Santosh M. , Chadha Mandeep S.
Published: July 2013

Two complete genomes of human respiratory syncytial virus subtype A (HRSV-A), with and without a 72-nucleotide duplication in the C-terminal glycoprotein G gene, were sequenced and analyzed. Characterization of these genomes will improve understanding of the diversity, emergence, virulence, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of a novel RSV-A genotype with a 72-nucleotide G gene duplication.
Complete Genome Sequences of Both Biotypes of a Virus Pair of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Subgenotype 1k
Authors: Marques Antunes de Oliveira Adriano , Stalder Hanspeter , Peterhans Ernst , Sauter Kay-Sara , Schweizer Matthias
Published: July 2013

We determined the complete genome sequences of both biotypes of a virus pair of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) subgenotype 1k. The viruses were isolated from a persistently infected calf suffering from mucosal disease. Compared to the noncytopathic biotype, the cytopathic biotype contains an insertion of 84 nucleotides and 22 nucleotide changes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas fluorescens LMG 5329, a White Line-Inducing Principle-Producing Bioindicator for the Mushroom Pathogen Pseudomonas tolaasii
Authors: Ghequire Maarten G. K. , Rokni-Zadeh Hassan , Zarrineh Peyman , De Mot René
Published: July 2013

Pseudomonas tolaasii
, the causative agent of
Agaricus bisporus
brown blotch disease, can be identified by the white line reaction, occurring upon confrontation of the tolaasin-producing mushroom pathogen with “
Pseudomonas reactans
,” producing the lipopeptide white line-inducing principle (WLIP). The draft genome sequence of the WLIP-producing indicator
Pseudomonas fluorescens
strain LMG 5329 is reported here.
Draft Genome Sequences of Porphyromonas crevioricanis JCM 15906
T
and Porphyromonas cansulci JCM 13913
T
Isolated from a Canine Oral Cavity
Authors: Sakamoto Mitsuo , Tanaka Naoto , Shiwa Yuh , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: July 2013

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of
Porphyromonas crevioricanis
JCM 15906
T
and
Porphyromonas cansulci
JCM 13913
T
, which were isolated from a canine oral cavity and were recently united under the single species
P. crevioricanis
. These two genome sequences are very similar, and yet a high degree of genome rearrangements is observed.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Astrovirus MLB1 Strains from Bhutanese Children with Diarrhea
Authors: Matsumoto Takashi , Wangchuk Sonam , Tshering Kinlay , Yahiro Takaaki , Zangmo Sangay , Dorji Tshering , Tshering Karchung , Mitui Marcelo Takahiro , Nishizono Akira , Ahmed Kamruddin
Published: July 2013

In addition to the eight genotypes of classic human astroviruses, seven new genotypes have been reported from two novel clades, MLB and VA. However, the epidemiology of these highly diverse astroviruses remains largely unknown. We report here the complete genome sequences of two MLB1 strains from Bhutanese children with diarrhea.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Carbazole Degrader Pseudomonas resinovorans Strain CA10 (NBRC 106553)
Authors: Shintani Masaki , Hosoyama Akira , Ohji Shoko , Tsuchikane Keiko , Takarada Hiromi , Yamazoe Atsushi , Fujita Nobuyuki , Nojiri Hideaki
Published: July 2013

Pseudomonas resinovorans
strain CA10 can grow on carbazole as its sole carbon and nitrogen source. Here, we report the complete nucleotide sequence of the CA10 genome (a 6,285,863-bp chromosome and a 198,965-bp plasmid). CA10 carries a larger number of genes that are potentially responsible for aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism than do other previously sequenced
Pseudomonas
spp.
Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Strain CA-347, a USA600 Methicillin-Resistant Isolate
Authors: Stegger Marc , Driebe Elizabeth M. , Roe Chandler , Lemmer Darrin , Bowers Jolene R. , Engelthaler David M. , Keim Paul , Andersen Paal S.
Published: July 2013

The
Staphylococcus aureus
clonal lineage CC45 is a predominant colonizer of healthy individuals in northern Europe and constitutes a highly basal cluster of the
S. aureus
population. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
S. aureus
strain CA-347 (NRS648), a representative of the methicillin-resistant USA600 clone predominantly found in the United States.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Multilocus Sequence Types of Nonencapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Keller Lance E. , Thomas Jonathan C. , Luo Xiao , Nahm Moon H. , McDaniel Larry S. , Robinson D. Ashley
Published: July 2013

Nonencapsulated
Streptococcus pneumoniae
can colonize the human nasopharynx and cause conjunctivitis and otitis media. Different deletions in the capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis locus and different multilocus sequence types have been described for nonencapsulated strains. Draft genome sequences were generated to provide insight into the genomic diversity of these strains.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain IPLA 88
Authors: Ladero Victor , Alvarez-Sieiro Patricia , Redruello Begoña , del Rio Beatriz , Linares Daniel M. , Martin M. Cruz , Fernández María , Alvarez Miguel A.
Published: July 2013

Here, we report a 3.2-Mbp draft assembly for the genome of
Lactobacillus plantarum
IPLA 88. The sequence of this sourdough isolate provides insight into the adaptation of this versatile species to different environments.
Key Regions of the Cerebral Network are Altered after Electroacupuncture at the Baihui (GV20) and Yintang Acupuncture Points in Healthy Volunteers: An Analysis Based on Resting fcMRI
Authors: Zhang Guifeng , Qu Shanshan , Zheng Yu , Chen Junqi , Deng Guizhu , Yang Canhong , Huang Yong
Published: July 2013

Objective

To identify the key cerebral functional region affected by acupuncture point needling by examining cerebral networks using functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) and analysing changes in the key regions of these brain networks at different time points after needle removal.

Methods

Twelve healthy volunteers received 30 min of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Baihui (GV20) and Yintang acupuncture points and then underwent two fMRI scans, one each at 5 and 15 min after needle removal. Related brain networks were analysed centred at different ‘seeds’, centres which functionally connect the other cerebral regions in an organised network, such as the anterior frontal lobe, anterior cingulate gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, hypothalamus, head of the caudate nucleus and anterior lobe of the cerebellum. Networks were analysed based on the resting cerebral functional connection, and the differences in the activities of the brain networks between the two time points were compared.

Results

At 5 min after needle removal, 12 brain functional regions were involved in organising the network centred at the caudate nucleus ‘seed.’ This number was greater than the number of related brain networks centred at the other ‘seeds’. At 15 min after needle removal, 15 and 14 brain functional regions were involved in organised networks centred at the parahippocampal and hypothalamus ‘seeds’, respectively; these numbers were greater than the numbers of other related brain networks centred at the other ‘seeds’.

Conclusions

A brain network composed of a large number of cerebral functional regions was found after EA at GV20 and Yintang in healthy volunteers. The key brain ‘seed’ supporting the largest brain network changed between 5 and 15 min after needle removal.
Bleeding from oesophageal varices in pregnancy
Authors: Sobral Marta , Granja Carla , Sampaio Margarida , Guerreiro Fernando
Published: July 2013

Bleeding from oesophageal varices is the most fearful event in pregnant women with cirrhosis and is the main cause of death in this group. Its approach and treatment are controversial, with ligation, sclerosis and β-blockers as possible choices. Follow-up must be multidisciplinary and delivery programmed because of the high risk of bleeding. Delivery route is also controversial. We present a case of a pregnant woman, with alcoholic cirrhosis and upper tract bleeding during the second trimester of pregnancy. She was submitted to an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), which revealed varices grade II/III in the lower third of the oesophagus. She was transfused and was haemodynamically stable. It was decided not to start β-blockers. The pregnancy went well, with regular follow-up in obstetrics and hepatology. A deficiency of α-1 antitrypsin was detected. Delivery was programmed at 39 weeks of gestation, and a caesarean section was performed, with good maternal and fetal outcome.
A complication of Artificial Urinary Sphincter: migration of pump onto the rectus sheath in a patient with cauda equina syndrome
Authors: Christodoulidou Michelle , Thomas Mathew , Singh Gurpreet
Published: July 2013

We describe a very rare complication of migration of Artificial Urinary Sphincter pump device, following an elective implantation in a male patient with significant stress incontinence secondary to cauda equina syndrome. Looking through existing literature there has not been a similar complication reported. Usual complications reported include erosion, infection and mechanical failure.
Addison's disease and its associations
Authors: Puttanna Amar , Cunningham Alana Rosaleen , Dainty Philip
Published: July 2013

Addison's disease is a relatively rare endocrine condition resulting from adrenal insufficiency due to various causes. Weight loss is a common feature; however, patients may be seen by a variety of specialists, even requiring acute admission before the diagnosis is made. Addison's disease is commonly associated with other autoimmune diseases. In some cases such as autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes (APS) types 1 and 2, these associations are more commonly found. We present a case of one such patient who presented to the acute medical team having been referred to the gastrointestinal services in the previous year for persistent vomiting and weight loss. On review of history, the cause of vomiting and weight loss was questioned and combined with subsequent biochemical testing a diagnosis of Addison's disease was made. The patient was also noted to have other associated endocrine and autoimmune conditions.
Dens invaginatus type II associated with an impacted mesiodens: a 3-year follow-up
Authors: Nalawade Triveni M , Pateel Deepak , Mallikarjuna Rachappa , Gunjal Shilpa
Published: July 2013

Dens invaginatus is a developmental anomaly resulting in a deepening or invagination of the enamel organ into the dental papilla prior to calcification of the dental tissues. The prevalence has been reported to vary from 0.04% to 10%. Dens invaginatus commonly affects lateral incisors and very rarely affects the mesiodens. This article presents a rare case of type II dens invaginatus affecting an impacted mesiodens in a 13-year-old boy and describes its gross and histological features. The associated tooth was dilated and showed invaginated enamel and dentin extending beyond the cement enamel junction. In this case, the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by histological evaluation of the internal morphology using a hard tissue microtome to section the tooth.