bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P‐109: Scanning Liquid Crystal Prism Array for Glasses‐Free 3D Display
Authors: Chen Chih‐Wei , Su Yong‐Ren , Huang Yi‐Pai , Tsai Chao‐Hsu
Published: October 2012

The Multi‐electrode Driving Scanning Liquid Crystal Prism (MDSP) for time‐sequential glasses‐free display was proposed. Applying the driving voltage to the MDSP's electrodes sequentially, the incident light could be deflected in two or more different directions. Therefore, the light could be projected to the observer's left and right eyes sequentially to form a 3D visual sensing with full resolution. In addition, the polymer stabilized method is used to improve the cell's switching time. It is believed that the proposed LC prism has potential for 3D display application in the future.
P‐110: Light extraction of Phosphorescent OLEDs by Defective Hexagonal‐Close‐Packed Array
Authors: Koo Wonhoe , Yun Wooram , Zhu Peifen , Li Xiao‐Hang , Tansu Nelson , So Franky
Published: October 2012

Defective silica sphere arrays having locally hexagonal‐closed‐packed structure but lack of long range ordering were incorporated into phosphorescent organic light emitting diode devices as grating to extract the waveguided modes. With a 0.5 μm grating, the current and power efficiency were enhanced by 55% and 110% without spectral changes and directionality.
P‐113: Color Filter Pixel Arrangement for Improving the Color Gamut of AMOLED Microdisplay
Authors: Chen Shuming , Kwok Hoi‐Sing
Published: October 2012

We propose a novel color filter pixel arrangement for improving the color gamut of AMOLED microdisplay. By placing adjacent sub‐pixels with same color together, the color cross‐talking can be suppressed significantly. For example, in a RGBW format, simulation shows that a ∼50% reduction of color cross‐talking, and thus a 41% improvement of color gamut can be achieved by employing the proposed color filter pixel arrangement.
P‐120: Inkjet‐Printable Composite Electrode and Device Architectures for the Inverted Phosphorescent OLED
Authors: Yoon Dai Gun , Jo Sung Min , Chin Byung Doo
Published: October 2012

Composite electrode with fine line metallic grid was fabricated by ink‐jet printing process. By the adjustment of the pitch of grid pattern, condition of 90–95% aperture ratio was applied for the production of semi‐transparent electrode comparable with ITO. We have prepared the optimum composite electrode structure with metal grid/semi‐conducting layer (such as poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) ‐ PEDOT:PSS) for the normal and inverted organic light emitting diode (OLED). Luminous efficiency of 19.3 cd/A was obtained for green phosphorescent device, while the general performance of reference device on ITO are 20–23 cd/A. Inverted bottom and top emission OLEDs utilizing the metal grid composite electrodes were optimized, aiming for the adaptation on the flexible device architecture.
P‐126: Outcoupling of Waveguide Modes and Surface Plasmon Polaritons in OLEDs
Authors: Choi Chung Sock , Lee Sung‐Min , Lim Myung Sub , Choi Kyung Cheol , Chae Gee Sung , Yang Joong‐Hwan , Kang Seogshin
Published: October 2012

We investigated the improvement in luminous efficiency of a fluorescent blue OLED with a perforated WO3 layer. The perforated WO3 layer was fabricated by using a colloidal lithograph, and was inserted between a transparent anode and organic layers in the OLED device. The current efficiency was increased by around 70% at a current density of 100 mA/cm2, due to an enhanced outcoupling of waveguide modes and surface plasmon polaritons.
P‐131: Imagery Beyond the Screen Edge
Authors: Novy Daniel E. , Bove V. Michael
Published: October 2012

We synthesize imagery using optical flow, color analysis, and heuristics to extrapolate beyond the edge of a television screen. Projectors provide the viewer's peripheral vision with low‐detail dynamic patterns consistent with the input video, creating a sense of immersion and the impression that the scene wraps around the viewer.
P‐133: On Cell Projected Capacitive Touch Sensor Embedded in IPS‐LCD
Authors: Wu Chun‐Wei , Wang Haisheng , Guo Jian , IM Yun Sik , Dong Xue , Wang Gang
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we discuss some difficulties for a touch panel embedded in IPS‐LCD. We present a prototype of touch sensor embedded in 3.5′ IPS‐LCD with some modification of its structure from commercial IPS‐LCDs. This prototype is slimmer and lighter. Higher optical quality and lower cost are also the key features.
P‐135: An LCD Display System with Depth‐Sensing Capability Based on Coded Aperture Imaging
Authors: Suh Sungjoo , Choi Changkyu , Yi Kwonju , Park Dusik , Kim Changyeong
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we describe a novel LCD display system with depth‐sensing capability based on coded aperture imaging. By invisibly displaying coded aperture patterns in an LCD screen, the depth of an object can be estimated from refocused images at various depths with reconstructed multi‐view images.
Cellular Localization of PACAP and Its Receptors in the Ovary of the Spotted Ray Torpedo marmorata Risso 1880 (Elasmobranchii: Torpediniformes)
Authors: Agnese Marisa , Valiante Salvatore , Laforgia Vincenza , Andreuccetti Piero , Prisco Marina
Published: October 2012

The pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a member of the glucagon‐related family and occurs in two amidated forms, PACAP38 and PACAP27, with 38 and 27 amino acids, respectively. PACAP acts by binding to three different receptors, that are classified by their binding affinity for PACAP and VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide): PAC1R (PACAP‐specific receptor) exclusively binds PACAP, while VPAC1R (VIP/PACAP receptor, subtype 1) and VPAC2R (VIP/PACAP receptor, subtype 2) bind both PACAP and VIP. PACAP, first discovered in the brain, was then localized in several peripheral tissues of mammals, including the ovary. Besides mammals, PACAP and its receptors have been reported in fish too; however, less is known about the presence of PACAP in the fish ovary and the studies are limited to teleosts. The aim of our work was to study the distribution of the PACAP/PACAP‐Rs system in the ovary of the cartilaginous fish Torpedo marmorata. Using in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry techniques, we demonstrated that PACAP and its receptors are widely represented in the Torpedo ovary in a stage‐dependent manner. Moreover, our findings suggest an involvement of this peptide in the whole follicologenesis, probably influencing steroidogenesis, follicle development, and oocyte growth. J. Exp. Zool. 319A:1–9, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controlling Proteome Degradation in Daphnia pulex
Authors: Kemp Catherine Jarrett , Kültz Dietmar
Published: October 2012

An attempted proteomic study of Daphnia pulex response to sodium chloride exposure revealed an unexpected result: very strong proteome degradation previously observed in D. pulex is halted when animals have been exposed to elevated salinity prior to protein extraction. Further characterization of conditions controlling proteome degradation shows that the proteolytic factor(s) is/are present in an active form under chemically denaturing conditions in extract from control “normal/healthy” animals, and can be negatively regulated by prior in vivo salinity exposure of animals or inhibited by post‐homogenization heating of samples. We interpret these data as evidence for salinity‐induced inhibition of proteolysis in Daphnia. J. Exp. Zool. 317A:645–651, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in chondrocyte gene expression following in vitro impaction of porcine articular cartilage in an impact injury model
Authors: Ashwell Melissa S. , Gonda Michael G. , Gray Kent , Maltecca Christian , O'Nan Audrey T. , Cassady Joseph P. , Mente Peter L.
Published: October 2012

Our objective was to monitor chondrocyte gene expression at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days following in vitro impaction to the articular surface of porcine patellae. Patellar facets were either axially impacted with a cylindrical impactor (25 mm/s loading rate) to a load level of 2,000 N or not impacted to serve as controls. After being placed in organ culture for 0, 3, 7, or 14 days, total RNA was isolated from full thickness cartilage slices and gene expression measured for 17 genes by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Targeted genes included those encoding proteins involved with biological stress, inflammation, or anabolism and catabolism of cartilage extracellular matrix. Some gene expression changes were detected on the day of impaction, but most significant changes occurred at 14 days in culture. At 14 days in culture, 10 of the 17 genes were differentially expressed with col1a1 most significantly up‐regulated in the impacted samples, suggesting impacted chondrocytes may have reverted to a fibroblast‐like phenotype. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 385–391, 2013
Effects of simultaneous speech and sign on infants' attention to spoken language
Authors: Ting Jonathan Y. , Bergeson Tonya R. , Miyamoto Richard T.
Published: October 2012

Objectives:

To examine the hypothesis that infants receiving a degraded auditory signal have more difficulty segmenting words from fluent speech if familiarized with the words presented in both speech and sign compared to familiarization with the words presented in speech only.

Study Design:

Experiment utilizing an infant‐controlled visual preference procedure.

Methods:

Twenty 8.5‐month‐old normal‐hearing infants completed testing. Infants were familiarized with repetitions of words in either the speech + sign (n = 10) or the speech only (n = 10) condition. Infants were then presented with four six‐sentence passages using an infant‐controlled visual preference procedure. Every sentence in two of the passages contained the words presented in the familiarization phase, whereas none of the sentences in the other two passages contained familiar words.

Results:

Infants exposed to the speech + sign condition looked at familiar word passages for 15.3 seconds and at nonfamiliar word passages for 15.6 seconds, t (9) = −0.130, p = .45. Infants exposed to the speech only condition looked at familiar word passages for 20.9 seconds and to nonfamiliar word passages for 15.9 seconds. This difference was statistically significant, t (9) = 2.076, p = .03.

Conclusions:

Infants' ability to segment words from degraded speech is negatively affected when these words are initially presented in simultaneous speech and sign. The current study suggests that a decreased ability to segment words from fluent speech may contribute towards the poorer performance of pediatric cochlear implant recipients in total communication settings on a wide range of spoken language outcome measures.
Paraganglioma of the skull base presenting as nasal polyps
Authors: Amiraraghi Natasha , Syed Mohammed Iqbal , Syed Sheeba , Williams Alun T.
Published: October 2012

The authors report a case of paraganglioma of the skull base presenting as nasal polyps. A 29‐year‐old patient presented with epistaxis and was found to have nasal polyps. The patient underwent a nasal polypectomy. After pathology showed an unusual appearance, the mass was subsequently excised endoscopically using radiofrequency coblation, and it was found to be originating from the skull base. The diagnosis was made using a combination of clinical findings, radiology, and histopathology examination. It is important to consider paraganglioma in the differential diagnosis of unusual tumors of the nose and skull base. Laryngoscope, 2013
Polarization management for silicon photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Dai Daoxin , Liu Liu , Gao Shiming , Xu Dan‐Xia , He Sailing
Published: October 2012

Polarization management is very important for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and their applications. Due to geometrical anisotropy and fabrication inaccuracies, the characteristics of the guided transverse‐electrical (TE) and transverse‐magnetic (TM) modes are generally different. Polarization‐dependent dispersion and polarization‐dependent loss are such manifestations in PICs. These issues become more severe in high index contrast structures such as nanophotonic waveguides made of silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI), which has been regarded as a good platform for optical interconnects because of the compatibility with CMOS processing. Recently, polarization division multiplexing (PDM) with coherent detection using silicon photonics has also attracted much attention. This trend further highlights the importance of polarization management in silicon PICs. The authors review their work on polarization management for silicon PICs using the polarization independence and polarization diversity methods. Polarization issues and solutions in PICs made of SOI nanowires and ridge waveguides are discussed.
Time‐resolved reconstruction of defect creation sequences in diode lasers
Authors: Hempel M. , Tomm J.W. , Hortelano V. , Michel N. , Jim J. , Krakowski M. , Elsaesser T.
Published: October 2012

The propagation of defect networks in failed 980 nm emitting high‐power diode lasers is analyzed. This is accomplished ex post facto by electron‐beam based techniques applied without device preparation and in situ by thermographic microscopy with 1 µs time resolution. Moreover, an iterative model is established, which allows for describing both the shape of the observed defect networks as well as the kinetics of their spread. This concerted approach allows the clear assignment of starting points of extended defect systems as well as analysis of their evolution kinetics. Eventually this knowledge may help in making devices more resistive against defect creation and extension.
Immunomodulatory effects of heat‐killed Enterococcus faecalis TH10 on murine macrophage cells
Authors: Itoh Tomohiro , Miyake Yasuyoshi , Onda Ayumi , Kubo Junko , Ando Masashi , Tsukamasa Yasuyuki , Takahata Muneaki
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of heat‐killed Enterococcus faecalis TH10 (hk‐TH10) and its signal transduction on murine macrophage RAW264 cells. RAW264 cells produced nitric oxide (NO) following hk‐TH10 treatment. In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying hk‐TH10‐stimulated NO production, we further measured NO production in RAW264 cells treated with Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 inhibitor peptide, NF‐κB inhibitor, TLR1‐siRNA, TLR2‐siRNA, and TLR‐6 siRNA. Furthermore, the activation of TLR2‐TLR1/6 pathway molecules was analyzed by Western blotting. The result of this study showed that hk‐TH10 stimulates NO in RAW264 cells through the activation of the TLR2‐TLR1/6 pathway. From our findings, we can conclude that hk‐TH10 isolated from a traditional side‐dish fermented food (tempeh) may facilitate host immunomodulation.
Reference values for nerve ultrasonography in the upper extremity
Authors: Won Sun Jae , Kim Byung‐Jo , Park Kyung Seok , Yoon Joon Shik , Choi Hyuk
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The aims of this study were to identify factors affecting the measurement of nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) and to establish normal reference values for nerve ultrasonography of the upper extremity.

Methods

Ninety‐seven age‐matched, healthy individuals were enrolled. Ultrasonographic tests were performed by tracing nerves from the axilla to the distal arm. CSA was measured at the following locations: median nerve (carpal tunnel inlet, forearm, antecubital fossa, midhumerus); ulnar nerve (wrist, 2 cm proximal to the wrist, forearm, cubital tunnel outlet and inlet, midhumerus); radial nerve (spiral groove, antecubital fossa); and musculocutaneous nerve (proximal humerus).

Results

The CSA reference values differed between the measured points along the path of each nerve. Nerve CSA correlated significantly with weight, body mass index, height, and gender; however, the CSA ratio (distal/proximal) did not correlate with demographic factors.

Conclusions

The normal reference values may be helpful in diagnosis of pathologies involving these nerves. Muscle Nerve 47: 864–871, 2013
THE SCOPE OF NGOS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME DESIGN: APPLICATION TO PROBLEMS OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY
Authors: Smith Stephen C.
Published: October 2012

In this study, basic questions concerning the scope and structure of organisations working on development and poverty activities are addressed. Under what conditions is work on many or few poverty problems by a singleorganisationwarranted? Moreover, for a given organisational scope, how many issues and in what combinations are best in a specificprogramme? How are these choices related? How does ‘inheriting’ an organisational structure, that is difficult (very costly) to change, influence choices concerning programme type? The application of the economics of organisation yields useful insights into non‐governmental organisation (NGO) structure and activities, revealing opposing forces that may lead NGOs to diversify either excessively, or inadequately. NGOs working in the poverty field are a natural focus for this research because poverty is a multidimensional problem with potential (or contingent) complementarities across dimensions. Perspectives on activity choices such as child sponsorship and microfinance emerge from this broader context. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IN SEARCH OF THE RIGHT FORMULA: PUBLIC, PRIVATE AND COMMUNITY‐DRIVEN PROVISION OF SAFE WATER IN RWANDA AND UGANDA
Authors: Golooba‐Mutebi Frederick
Published: October 2012

Over the last two decades, efforts have been made to find the right formula or formulae for delivering services to poor rural communities. Beginning in the late 1980s, decentralisation entailing the dispersal of powers and redistribution of resources and responsibility for public goods provision from the centre to local authorities assumed centre stage in public administration. This was in reaction to what was widely agreed to be the failure by highly centralised governments in developing countries to deliver basic services to their citizens. The failure justified a shift away from centralised public administration systems to their decentralised variant, with democratic decentralisation as the strategy of choice for reformist governments across the developing world. Accompanying decentralisation as part of the broad good governance promotion were efforts to empower local communities to participate in decision‐making processes as a strategy seeking to ensure both accountability of service providers to users, and ownership over public goods and the infrastructure through which they were supplied. There is broad agreement today that the hopes of the advocates and architects of these reforms were not fulfilled. On the contrary, many of the failures and weaknesses they were intended to address proved intractable, mostly for the same reasons highly centralised systems had failed to tackle them. Indeed, it was that very intractability that led to a renewed search for a new right formula and the eventual adoption of privatisation or public–private partnerships as an alternative or complement to public and community‐driven actions. This article examines the evolution of these efforts in Rwanda and Uganda and analyses their impact in terms of outcomes in the water sector where private contractors were brought in to mediate between a decentralised state and community in the provision of safe water in rural areas. It argues that, as was the case with democratic decentralisation and associated popular participation, privatisation or public–private partnerships are in themselves not the answer to problems of maladministration and accompanying failures in service delivery. It demonstrates that ultimately, the key to effective public goods provision is capacity for vertical and horizontal co‐ordination, inspection and supervision, and the strength of accountability enforcement mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS OF SAEMAUL UNDONG IN KOREA FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT IN LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Authors: Baek In Rib , Kim Pan Suk , Lee Soo Chul
Published: October 2012

This study analyses Saemaul Undong (SMU; New Community or New Village Movement), a movement that inspired rural residents and served as an impetus for economic development in the 1970s in Korea, to provide guidance for poverty alleviation and local development for less developed countries on the basis of the Korean experience. By deploying discursive and trend approaches to SMU, this study attempts to reveal the interaction between the macroscopic (state) mobilization and the microscopic (civilian) participation in the SMU process. In addition, the study discusses SMU's contributions and limitations in order to reveal some of the drawbacks of SMU as issues that need to be considered if a similar kind of movement is to be applied to other developing countries. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structure of and interactions in binary acetonitrile + water mixtures
Authors: Marcus Yizhak
Published: October 2012

Binary liquid mixtures of acetonitrile (AN) and water (W) are widely used as reaction media in such fields of chemistry as physical organic chemistry, reverse phase liquid chromatography, and electrochemistry, among others. Much information on the structure of these systems and the interactions in them has accumulated since the author's often quoted comprehensive 1990 paper, so that a review is merited. Macroscopic physical properties, results from diffraction and spectroscopic studies, theoretical considerations and computer simulations, and results from the use of solute probes all bear on the structure (and less so on the dynamics) of the mixtures. These are discussed in terms of the microheterogeneity that occurs in them at intermediate contents (that leads eventually to liquid‐liquid phase separation). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anisotropic thermal transport in a crosslinked polyisoprene rubber subjected to uniaxial elongation
Authors: Simavilla David Nieto , Schieber Jay D. , Venerus David C.
Published: October 2012

Anisotropic thermal transport in a crosslinked polyisoprene (natural rubber) subjected to uniaxial elongation is investigated experimentally. Using a novel optical technique based on forced Rayleigh scattering, two components of the thermal diffusivity tensor are measured as a function of stretch ratio. The thermal diffusivity is found to increase in the direction parallel, and decrease in the direction perpendicular, to the stretch direction. The level of anisotropy for the natural rubber is substantially lower than that reported by Tautz 50 years ago but comparable to that found in our previous studies on molten polymers, quenched thermoplastics, and other crosslinked elastomers. Thermal diffusivity data along with measurements of the tensile stress were used to evaluate the stress‐thermal rule, which was found to be valid over the entire range of stretch ratios. In contrast, failure of the stress‐optic rule was observed at stretch ratios well below the largest value at which the stress‐thermal rule was valid. This suggests that the degree of anisotropy in thermal conductivity depends on both orientation and stretch of polymer chain segments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Antimicrobial Efficacy of an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Against Biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Matthes Rutger , Koban Ina , Bender Claudia , Masur Kai , Kindel Eckhard , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , Kocher Thomas , Kramer Axel , Hübner Nils‐Olaf
Published: October 2012

Microbial biofilms impair wound healing and the efficacy of antiseptics. This study used the plasma source kinpen 09 to investigate the efficacy of argon and an argon/oxygen‐mixture plasma against in vitro biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis compared to the antiseptic chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). Biofilms were treated for 30, 60, 150, or 300 s with plasma and for 600 s with a 0.1% CHX solution. Thereafter, the biofilms were dispersed and their inactivation was determined as the reduction of colony forming units. Plasma treatment led to a significant antimicrobial effect compared to the untreated control and was at least as effective as the treatment with CHX, or even better, depending on the gas admixture, the bacterial strain used, and the exposure time.

magnified image
Plasma Deactivation of Endotoxic Biomolecules: Vacuum Ultraviolet Photon and Radical Beam Effects on Lipid A
Authors: Chung Ting‐Ying , Ning Ning , Chu Jhih‐Wei , Graves David B. , Bartis Elliot , Joonil Seog  , Oehrlein Gottlieb S.
Published: October 2012

It is widely accepted that plasma‐generated energetic and reactive species are responsible for plasma‐induced sterilization; however, how these species act alone or synergistically to deactivate endotoxic biomolecules is not completely understood. Using a vacuum beam system, we study the effects of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation, oxygen and deuterium radicals on lipid A, the immune‐stimulating region of lipopolysaccharide. VUV‐induced photolysis causes bulk modification of exposed lipid A film up to the penetration depth of VUV photons, ≈200 nm. Although radical‐induced etch yield of lipid A is lower than VUV‐induced photolysis, secondary ion mass spectrometry and human whole blood‐based assay suggest that radicals render a higher degree of modification at the film surface. This study contributes to the fundamental understanding of plasma effects on biomolecules for a better deactivation scheme and applications.

magnified image
Origin, secret, and application of the ideal phase‐change material GeSbTe
Authors: Yamada Noboru
Published: October 2012

Discovery of the GeSbTe phase‐change alloy in particular along the GeTe–Sb2Te3 tie‐line took place in the mid‐1980s. The amorphous alloys showed ideal properties, for example, high thermal stability at r.t. and laser‐induced rapid crystallization with large optical changes. Thereafter, GeSbTe was successively applied to various optical disks such as DVDs and BDs. Through DSC and XRD analyses, the appearance of the metastable phase having a NaCl‐type structure was observed over a wide compositional region. This was the “key” to realizing the ideal phase‐change properties. During this year, the role of the constituent elements of Ge and Sb became clear by RMC modeling using AXS data at SPring‐8, where the “nucleation dominant crystallization process” was well explained.

magnified image

The aspect of the latest Blu‐ray Disc (BD) product of Panasonic: GeSbTe phase‐change films are utilized in every recording layer. It is seen that the front‐side recording layers, L1 and L2, are highly transparent.
College Student Stressors: A Review of the Qualitative Research
Authors: Hurst Carrie S. , Baranik Lisa E. , Daniel Francis
Published: October 2012

A total of 40 qualitative studies were reviewed and coded according to the college student stressors they represented. These studies utilized a variety of qualitative methods to examine stressors representing the following themes: relationships, lack of resources, academics, the environment, expectations, diversity, transitions and other stressors. Relationship stressors were the most commonly reported theme and covered areas including stress associated with family, romantic, peer and faculty relationships. Three of the themes (relationships, diversity and other) are novel categories of stressors compared with quantitative reviews on the topic, highlighting the importance of gathering both quantitative and qualitative pieces of information. This review contributes to the stress literature by synthesizing and identifying trends in the qualitative student stress research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the Nanodiamond Host on a Nitrogen‐Vacancy Color‐Centre Emission State
Authors: Bradac Carlo , Gaebel Torsten , Pakes Chris. I. , Say Jana M. , Zvyagin Andrei V. , Rabeau James R.
Published: October 2012

Control over the quantum states of individual luminescent nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centres in nanodiamonds (NDs) is demonstrated by careful design of the crystal host: its size, surface functional groups, and interfacing substrate. By progressive etching of the ND host, the NV centres are induced to switch from latent, through continuous, to intermittent or “blinking” emission states. The blinking mechanism of the NV centre in NDs is elucidated and a qualitative model proposed to explain this phenomenon in terms of the centre electron(s) tunnelling to acceptor site(s). These measurements suggest that the substrate material and its proximity to the NV are responsible for the fluorescence intermittency.
Cardiovascular function in adulthood following intrauterine growth restriction with abnormal fetal blood flow
Authors: Bjarnegård N. , Morsing E. , Cinthio M. , Länne T. , Brodszki J.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To examine whether intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk later in life.

Methods

We examined 19 young adults (aged 22–25 years) who were born at term after IUGR, along with 18 controls. All had been examined previously with fetal Doppler, and in the present follow‐up with echocardiography, carotid echo‐tracking ultrasound, applanation tonometry, blood pressure and laser Doppler, in order to characterize their cardiac and vascular geometry and/or function.

Results

The diameter of the ascending aorta and the left ventricular diameter were smaller in the IUGR group, but only ascending aortic diameter remained significantly smaller after adjustment for body surface area (P < 0.05). The aortic pressure augmentation index was higher in the IUGR group (P < 0.05). The common carotid artery diameter, intima–media thickness and distensibility as well as left ventricular mass and function were similar in the two groups. IUGR status was found to be an independent predictor of ascending aortic diameter.

Conclusions

IUGR due to placental dysfunction seems to contribute to the higher systolic blood pressure augmentation and the smaller aortic dimensions that are observed in adults more than 20 years later, with possible negative consequences for future left ventricular performance due to increased aortic impedance.
Measuring Global Surgical Disparities: A Survey of Surgical and Anesthesia Infrastructure in Bangladesh
Authors: LeBrun Drake G. , Dhar Debashish , Sarkar Md. Imran H. , Imran T. M. Tanzil A. , Kazi Sayadat N. , McQueen K. A. Kelly
Published: October 2012

Background

Surgically treatable diseases weigh heavily on the lives of people in resource‐poor countries. Though global surgical disparities are increasingly recognized as a public health priority, the extent of these disparities is unknown because of a lack of data. The present study sought to measure surgical and anesthesia infrastructure in Bangladesh as part of an international study assessing surgical and anesthesia capacity in low income nations.

Methods

A comprehensive survey tool was administered via convenience sampling at one public district hospital and one public tertiary care hospital in each of the seven administrative divisions of Bangladesh.

Results

There are an estimated 1,200 obstetricians, 2,615 general and subspecialist surgeons, and 850 anesthesiologists in Bangladesh. These numbers correspond to 0.24 surgical providers per 10,000 people and 0.05 anesthesiologists per 10,000 people. Surveyed hospitals performed a large number of operations annually despite having minimal clinical human resources and inadequate physical infrastructure. Shortages in equipment and/or essential medicines were reported at all hospitals and these shortages were particularly severe at the district hospital level.

Conclusions

In order to meet the immense demand for surgical care in Bangladesh, public hospitals must address critical shortages in skilled human resources, inadequate physical infrastructure, and low availability of equipment and essential medications. This study identified numerous areas in which the international community can play a vital role in increasing surgical and anesthesia capacity in Bangladesh and ensuring safe surgery for all in the country.
A Randomized, Double‐blinded Placebo‐controlled Clinical Trial of the Routine Use of Preoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Modified Radical Mastectomy
Authors: Cabaluna Nelson D. , Uy Gemma B. , Galicia Rommel M. , Cortez Shalimar C. , Yray Marc Denver S. , Buckley Brian S.
Published: October 2012

Background

The effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) following specific types of breast cancer surgery remains uncertain. This study assessed the effectiveness of prophylaxis in modified radical mastectomy (MRM).

Methods

Women undergoing MRM for breast cancer were recruited. Women were excluded who had diabetes mellitus, severe malnutrition or known allergy to cephalosporins; were receiving corticosteroid therapy or were treated with antibiotics within one week prior to surgery; were scheduled for simultaneous breast reconstruction or bilateral oophorectomy; had existing local infection. Participants were randomized to receive either intravenous cefazolin 1 g or placebo within 30 min prior to skin incision. Standard skin preparation and operative technique for MRM were carried out. Wounds were assessed for SSI and other complications weekly for 30 days.

Results

A total of 254 women were recruited. Age, clinical stage, prior chemotherapy, and operative time were similar for antibiotic and placebo groups. The overall incidence of SSI was 14.2 %. There were no significant differences in the infection rate over the 30‐day follow‐up period between the placebo and antibiotic groups (15 % vs 13.4 %; p = 0.719) or at each week. The majority of SSI were either cellulitis or superficial infection for both groups. There were no significant differences between groups in treatments required for SSI, incidence of hematoma or seroma.

Conclusions

The findings of this study, alone and when meta‐analyzed with data from studies in similar surgical populations, do not support the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in MRM.
Seasonal forecasts for regional onset of the West African monsoon
Authors: Vellinga Michael , Arribas Alberto , Graham Richard
Published: October 2012

The West African monsoon has over the years proven difficult to represent in global coupled models. The current operational seasonal forecasting system of the UK Met Office (GloSea4) has a good representation of monsoon rainfall over West Africa. It reproduces the various stages of the monsoon: a coastal phase in May and June, followed by onset of the Sahelian phase in July when rainfall maxima shift northward of 10N until September; and a secondary coastal rainfall maximum in October. We explore the dynamics of monsoon onset in GloSea4 and compare it to reanalyses. An important difference is the change in the Saharan heat low around the time of Sahelian onset. In Glosea4 the deepening heat low introduces moisture convergence across an east-west Sahelian band, whereas in the reanalyses such an east-west organisation of moisture does not occur and moisture is transported northwards to the Sahara. Lack of observations in the southern Sahara makes it difficult to verify this process in GloSea4 and also suggests that reanalyses may not be strongly constrained by station observations in an area key to Sahelian onset. Timing of monsoon onset has socio-economic importance for many countries in West Africa and we explore onset predictability in GloSea4. We use tercile categories to calculate probabilities for onset occurring before, near and after average in four different onset indicators. Glosea4 has modest skill at 2–3 months’ lead time, with ROC scores of 0.6–0.8. Similar skill is seen in hindcasts with models from the ENSEMBLES project, even in models with large rainfall biases over the Sahel. Forecast skill derives from tropical SST in June and many models capture at least the influence of the tropical Atlantic. This suggests that long-range skill for onset could be present in other seasonal forecasting systems in spite of mean rainfall biases.
Laparoscopic major hepatectomy: pure laparoscopic approach versus hand‐assisted technique
Authors: Cardinal J.S. , Reddy S.K. , Tsung A. , Marsh J.W. , Geller D.A.
Published: October 2012

Laparoscopic liver resections are being performed with increasing frequency, with several groups having reported minimally invasive approaches for major anatomic hepatic resections. Some surgeons favor a pure laparoscopic approach, while others prefer a hand‐assisted approach for major laparoscopic liver resections. There are clear advantages and disadvantages to a hand‐assisted technique. The purpose of this study is to summarize the literature comparing pure laparoscopic and hand‐assisted approaches for minimally invasive hepatic resection, and to describe our approach in 432 laparoscopic liver resections.
Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy in semiprone position for right hepatic major resection
Authors: Ikeda Tetsuo , Mano Yohei , Morita Kazutoyo , Hashimoto Naotaka , Kayashima Hirohito , Masuda Atsuro , Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: October 2012

Background

Pure laparoscopic liver resection is technically difficult for tumors located in the dorsal anterior and posterior sectors. We have developed a maneuver to perform pure laparoscopic hepatectomy in the semiprone position which was developed for resecting tumors located in these areas.

Methods

The medical records have been reviewed retrospectively in 30 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection in the semiprone position for carcinoma in the dorsal anterior or posterior sectors of the right liver between 2008 and 2011.

Results

Seventeen liver tumors were primary liver tumors and 13 were colorectal metastases. Of the 30 patients, 11 (36.6 %) underwent major hepatectomy [right hemihepatectomy in 7 (23.3 %) and posterior sectionectomy in 4 (13.3 %)]. Anatomical minor resection, such as S6 or S7 segmentectomy, was performed in five patients (16.6 %). Five patients with liver metastasis underwent a simultaneous laparoscopic resection. There was no mortality, reoperation, or conversion to open procedures. There were no hepatectomy‐related complications such as postoperative bleeding, bile leakage, or liver failure.

Conclusions

Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy in the semiprone position for tumors present in the dorsal anterior and posterior sectors is feasible and safe. This method expands the indications for laparoscopic liver resection for tumors.
Optimal and Most Exact Confidence Intervals for Person Parameters in Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Doebler Anna , Doebler Philipp , Holling Heinz
Published: October 2012

The common way to calculate confidence intervals for item response theory models is to assume that the standardized maximum likelihood estimator for the person parameter θ is normally distributed. However, this approximation is often inadequate for short and medium test lengths. As a result, the coverage probabilities fall below the given level of significance in many cases; and, therefore, the corresponding intervals are no longer confidence intervals in terms of the actual definition. In the present work, confidence intervals are defined more precisely by utilizing the relationship between confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Two approaches to confidence interval construction are explored that are optimal with respect to criteria of smallness and consistency with the standard approach.
Management of neglected Blount disease using double corrective tibia osteotomy and medial plateau elevation
Authors: Gkiokas Andreas , Brilakis Emmanuel
Published: October 2012

Purpose

A double osteotomy for correcting tibial deformity in combination with medial plateau elevation is recommended for the management of neglected Blount disease cases. We report our clinical experience with the application of this surgical technique and describe the long-term follow-up of the patients who were operated on.

Methods

During a 10-year period, eight children (8 boys) with mean age of 12 years (range 9–14 years) underwent surgery (9 operations) due to neglected infantile tibia vara. All patients suffered from stage V or VI Blount disease according to the Langenskiold and Riska classification. Two simultaneous combined osteotomies were performed for medial plateau elevation and for correction of the tibial deformity. The correction was immediate using K-wires for stabilization and a long-leg cast for immobilization. The mean duration of follow-up was 10 years (range 5–15 years), and the evaluations were based on clinical and radiological criteria.

Results

At the latest follow-up, there was no observable knee flexion or extension restriction and no signs of instability or lateral thrust. All patients had returned to a higher activity level. Leg-lengthening surgery was performed in one child, but the length discrepancy was already present before the double osteotomy was performed. No other complications were noticed. All the angles measured on X-rays had been corrected, and this correction was retained until the latest follow-up.

Conclusions

This method results in very good outcomes in patients who suffer from Blount disease of stage V or greater. With this technique, the tibial deformity is corrected, the articular surface is restored, and future recurrence is prevented.
Periorbital cellulitis, subgaleal abscess and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis: a rare combination of complications arising from unilateral frontal sinusitis
Authors: Jones H , Trinidade A , Jaberoo M C , Lyons M
Published: October 2012

Background:

Subclinical infection of the sinuses can result in delayed diagnosis and unusual presenting complications.

Case report:

This paper describes the case of a 14-year-old boy with a rare combination of periorbital cellulitis, subgaleal abscess and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis following a late presentation of unilateral frontal sinusitis.

Results:

Following multiple surgical procedures, and antimicrobial and anticoagulation therapy, the patient made a full recovery.

Conclusion:

Serious sinusitis complications still occur, and can do so in unusual combinations with minimal clinical signs. Systemic anticoagulation therapy is considered safe practice in the management of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and may reduce morbidity and mortality.
Global synchrony of an accelerating rise in sea surface temperature
Authors: Reid Philip C. , Beaugrand Grégory
Published: October 2012

The oceans have shown a recent rapid and accelerating rise in temperature with, given the close link between temperature and marine organisms, pronounced effects on ecosystems. Here we describe for the first time a globally synchronous pattern of pulsed short period (~1 year long) emanations of warm sea surface temperature anomalies from tropical seas towards the poles on the shelf/slope with an intensification of the warming after the 1976/1977, 1986/1987 and 1997/1998 El Niños. On the eastern margins of continents the anomalies propagate towards the poles in part by largely baroclinic boundary currents, reinforced by regional atmospheric warming. The processes contributing to the less continuous warm anomalies on western margins are linked to the transfer of warmth from adjacent western boundary currents. These climate induced events show a close parallelism with the timing of ecosystem changes in shelf seas, important for fisheries and ecosystem services, and melting of sea-ice.
Prefrontal cortex function in remitted major depressive disorder
Authors: Nixon N. L. , Liddle P. F. , Worwood G. , Liotti M. , Nixon E.
Published: October 2012

Background

Recent models of major depressive disorder (MDD) have proposed the rostral anterior cingulate (rACC) and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) as nexus sites in the dysfunctional regulation of cognitive-affective state. Limited evidence from remitted-state MDD supports these theories by suggesting that aberrant neural activity proximal to the rACC and the dmPFC may play a role in vulnerability to recurrence/relapse within this disorder. Here we present a targeted analysis assessing functional activity within these two regions of interest (ROIs) for groups with identified vulnerability to MDD: first, remitted, high predicted recurrence-risk patients; and second, patients suffering observed 1-year recurrence.

Method

Baseline T2* images sensitive to blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) contrast were acquired from patients and controls during a Go/No-Go (GNG) task incorporating negative feedback, with 1-year patient follow-up to identify recurrence. BOLD contrast data for error commission (EC) and visual negative feedback (VNF) were used in an ROI analysis based on rACC and dmPFC coordinates from the literature, comparing patientsversuscontrols and recurrenceversusnon-recurrenceversuscontrol groups.

Results

Analysis of patients (n = 20)versuscontrols (n = 20) showed significant right dmPFC [Brodmann area (BA) 9] hypoactivity within the patient group, co-localized during EC and VNF, with additional significant rACC (BA 32) hypoactivity during EC. The results from the follow-up analysis were undermined by small groups and potential confounders but suggested persistent right dmPFC (BA 9) hypoactivity associated with 1-year recurrence.

Conclusions

Convergent hypoactive right dmPFC (BA 9) processing of VNF and EC, possibly impairing adaptive reappraisal of negative experience, was associated most clearly with clinically predicted vulnerability to MDD.
The neuropsychological profile of children at high risk of developing an eating disorder
Authors: Kothari R. , Solmi F. , Treasure J. , Micali N.
Published: October 2012

Background

There is a large body of evidence indicating that eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by particular neuropsychological profiles. We aimed to further explore whether impairments in neuropsychological functioning previously found in ED groups are present prior to onset, or are secondary to the disorder.

Method

This is the first study to explore neuropsychological functioning in children born to a mother with a lifetime ED, who are therefore at high risk of developing an ED, in a large cohort sample. We investigated intelligence and attention at age 8 years (n = 6201) and working memory (WM) and inhibition at age 10 years (6192) in children who are at high risk of developing an ED, compared to children who are not.

Results

The children of women with lifetime anorexia nervosa (AN) showed high full-scale and performance IQ, increased WM capacity, better visuo-spatial functioning, and decreased attentional control. The children of women with lifetime bulimia nervosa (BN) showed comparatively poor visuo-spatial functioning.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that high intelligence, increased WM capacity and impaired attentional control might be intermediate phenotypes on the pathway between genetic vulnerability and the development of an ED.