bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Method for Fractionating Soil Organic Matter Not Protected and Protected from Decomposition by Physical and Chemical Mechanisms
Authors: Plaza César , Fernández José M. , Pereira Engil I. P. , Polo Alfredo
Published: November 2011

The objective of this work was to describe a method for isolating meaningful and measurable soil organic matter (SOM) pools that differ in the mechanisms by which they are protected from decomposition. The proposed method is appropriate for soil C stabilization and sequestration studies. Unlike previous fractionation schemes, this procedure allows free SOM located between aggregates (unprotected C pool) and SOM occluded within both macroaggregates and microaggregates (C weakly and strongly protected by physical mechanisms, respectively) to be recovered separately, freed from the soil mineral matrix and the mineral‐associated SOM pool (C pool protected by chemical mechanisms) and thus well suited to advanced chemical characterization by 13C‐NMR. Briefly, free SOM is isolated by an initial density separation. Stable macroaggregates are broken up into stable microaggregates and intra‐macroaggregate SOM, which is then separated by density. Finally, intra‐microaggregate SOM is isolated from mineral‐associated SOM by a third density separation after ultrasonic disruption. The SOM dissolved during the fractionation procedure is also recovered. Results obtained on soil samples with contrasting textures suggested that clay content induces a decrease of the proportion of free organic C and an increase of mineral‐associated organic C content. Free SOM is characterized by a marked presence of undecayed organic material and biologically labile substances, such as carbohydrates and proteins. In contrast, SOM occluded within aggregates, especially within microaggregates, represents a more decomposed fraction, relatively enriched in unsubstituted‐aliphatic material, most probably lipid biopolymers.
LiMn2O4 nanocrystalline electrode materials
Authors: Talik E. , Załóg A. , Skrzypek D. , Guzik A. , Zajdel P. , Michalska M. , Lipińska L.
Published: November 2011

The process of sol‐gel synthesis was applied to obtain the LiMn2O4 nanopowders. The samples were characterized by the following methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SQUID magnetometry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Chemical composition, oxidation state of manganese and magnetic properties were determined. The SEM images showed grains in the form of nanocrystals or larger conglomerates, depending on the synthesis process. From XPS analysis chemical formulas of the examined compounds were determined. Deconvolution of complex Mn3p lines was used to find the ratio of Mn3+/Mn4+. This ratio was observed to depend on the synthesis process. The C1s lines of the measured samples were intense and complex. The results of magnetic measurements and EPR showed the presence of some extra magnetic phases. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Macroevolutionary patterns of bumblebee body size: detecting the interplay between natural and sexual selection
Authors: del Castillo Raúl Cueva , Fairbairn Daphne J.
Published: November 2011

Bumblebees and other eusocial bees offer a unique opportunity to analyze the evolution of body size differences between sexes. The workers, being sterile females, are not subject to selection for reproductive function and thus provide a natural control for parsing the effects of selection on reproductive function (i.e., sexual and fecundity selection) from other natural selection. Using a phylogenetic comparative approach, we explored the allometric relationships among queens, males, and workers in 70 species of bumblebees (Bombus sp.). We found hyperallometry in thorax width for males relative to workers, indicating greater evolutionary divergence of body size in males than in sterile females. This is consistent with the hypothesis that selection for reproductive function, most probably sexual selection, has caused divergence in male size among species. The slope for males on workers was significantly steeper than that for queens on workers and the latter did not depart from isometry, providing further evidence of greater evolutionary divergence in male size than female size, and no evidence that reproductive selection has accelerated divergence of females. We did not detect significant hyperallometry when male size was regressed directly on queen size and our results thus add the genus Bombus to the increasing list of clades that have female‐larger sexual size dimorphism and do not conform to Rensch's rule when analyzed according to standard methodology. Nevertheless, by using worker size as a common control, we were able to demonstrate that bumblee species do show the evolutionary pattern underlying Rensch's rule, that being correlated evolution of body size in males and females, but with greater evolutionary divergence in males.
Ericoid mycorrhizal root fungi and their multicopper oxidases from a temperate forest shrub
Authors: Wurzburger Nina , Higgins Brian P. , Hendrick Ronald L.
Published: November 2011

Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (ERM) may specialize in capturing nutrients from their host's litter as a strategy for regulating nutrient cycles in terrestrial ecosystems. In spite of their potential significance, we know little about the structure of ERM fungal communities and the genetic basis of their saprotrophic traits (e.g., genes encoding extracellular enzymes). Rhododendron maximum is a model ERM understory shrub that influences the nutrient cycles of montane hardwood forests in the southern Appalachians (North Carolina, USA). We sampled ERM roots of R. maximum from organic and mineral soil horizons and identified root fungi by amplifying and sequencing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) collected from cultures and clones. We observed 71 fungal taxa on ERM roots, including known symbionts Rhizoscyphus ericae and Oidiodendron maius, putative symbionts from the Helotiales, Chaetothyriales, and Sebacinales, ectomycorrhizal symbionts, and saprotrophs. Supporting the idea that ERM fungi are adept saprotrophs, richness of root‐fungi was greater in organic than in mineral soil horizons. To study the genetic diversity of oxidative enzymes that contribute to decomposition, we amplified and sequenced a portion of genes encoding multicopper oxidases (MCOs) from ERM ascomycetes. Most fungi possessed multiple copies of MCO sequences with strong similarities to known ferroxidases and laccases. Our findings indicate that R. maximum associates with a taxonomically and ecologically diverse fungal community. The study of MCO gene diversity and expression may be useful for understanding how ERM root fungi regulate the cycling of nutrients between the host plant and the soil environment.
Electron detachment dissociation of fluorescently labeled sialylated oligosaccharides
Authors: Zhou Wen , Håkansson Kristina
Published: November 2011

We explored the application of electron detachment dissociation (EDD) and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) tandem mass spectrometry to fluorescently labeled sialylated oligosaccharides. Standard sialylated oligosaccharides and a sialylated N‐linked glycan released from human transferrin were investigated. EDD yielded extensive glycosidic cleavages and cross‐ring cleavages in all cases studied, consistently providing complementary structural information compared with infrared multiphoton dissociation. Neutral losses and satellite ions such as C−2H ions were also observed following EDD. In addition, we examined the influence of different fluorescent labels. The acidic label 2‐aminobenzoic acid (2‐AA) enhanced signal abundance in negative‐ion mode. However, few cross‐ring fragments were observed for 2‐AA‐labeled oligosaccharides. The neutral label 2‐aminobenzamide (2‐AB) resulted in more cross‐ring cleavages compared with 2‐AA‐labeled species, but not as extensive fragmentation as for native oligosaccharides, likely resulting from altered negative charge locations from introduction of the fluorescent tag.
Rocking isolation of low‐rise frame structures founded on isolated footings
Authors: Gelagoti F. , Kourkoulis R. , Anastasopoulos I. , Gazetas G.
Published: November 2011

This paper explores the effectiveness of a new approach to foundation seismic design. Instead of the present practice of over‐design, the foundations are intentionally under‐dimensioned so as to uplift and mobilize the strength of the supporting (stiff) soil, in the hope that they will thus act as a rocking–isolation mechanism, limiting the inertia transmitted to the superstructure, and guiding plastic ‘hinging’ into soil and the foundation–soil interface. An idealized simple but realistic one‐bay two‐story reinforced concrete moment resisting frame serves as an example to compare the two alternatives. The problem is analyzed employing the finite element method, taking account of material (soil and superstructure) and geometric (uplifting and P–Δ effects) nonlinearities. The response is first investigated through static pushover analysis. It is shown that the axial forces N acting on the footings and the moment to shear (M/Q) ratio fluctuate substantially during shaking, leading to significant changes in footing moment‐rotation response. The seismic performance is explored through dynamic time history analyses, using a wide range of unscaled seismic records as excitation. It is shown that although the performance of both alternatives is acceptable for moderate seismic shaking, for very strong seismic shaking exceeding the design, the performance of the rocking‐isolated system is advantageous: it survives with no damage to the columns, sustaining non‐negligible but repairable damage to its beams and non‐structural elements (infill walls, etc.). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An accurate anisotropic adaptation method for solving the level set advection equation
Authors: Bui C. , Dapogny C. , Frey P.
Published: November 2011

In the present paper, a mesh adaptation process for solving the advection equation on a fully unstructured computational mesh is introduced, with a particular interest in the case it implicitly describes an evolving surface. This process mainly relies on a numerical scheme based on the method of characteristics. However, low order, this scheme lends itself to a thorough analysis on the theoretical side. It gives rise to an anisotropic error estimate which enjoys a very natural interpretation in terms of the Hausdorff distance between the exact and approximated surfaces. The computational mesh is then adapted according to the metric supplied by this estimate. The whole process enjoys a good accuracy as far as the interface resolution is concerned. Some numerical features are discussed and several classical examples are presented and commented in two or three dimensions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reinforcement of calcium phosphate cement by incorporating with high‐strength β‐tricalcium phosphate aggregates
Authors: Gu Tao , Shi Haishan , Ye Jiandong
Published: November 2011

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) sets to form hydroxyapatite after implantation and has been used in orthopedic and dental procedures. However, the brittleness and low strength of CPC prohibit its use in many stress‐bearing locations, and so the improvement of the compressive strength is one of the focuses of research on CPC. In this study, a novel way was used to improve the mechanical performance of CPC by dispersion of high‐strength degradable β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) granules sized between 200 μm and 450 μm in the cement as aggregates. Intimate bonding was formed between the aggregates and CPC matrix after hydration. The results showed that, by addition of 20 wt % the as‐prepared β‐TCP aggregates, the compressive strength of the calcium phosphate cement was increased by about 70%, while the paste of the CPC concrete still maintained injectable, and the heat release decreased obviously (about 25%) in the hydration process. The high strength or high rigidity of the β‐TCP aggregates and good interfacial bonding between the aggregates and the CPC matrix seemed to contribute to the significant improvement in the mechanical performance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 350–359, 2012.
Study on bio‐corrosion and cytotoxicity of a sr‐based bulk metallic glass as potential biodegradable metal
Authors: Li H. F. , Zhao K. , Wang Y. B. , Zheng Y. F. , Wang W.H.
Published: November 2011

In this study, a novel Sr‐based bulk metallic glass (BMG) with nominal composition of Sr40Mg20Zn15Yb20Cu5 (at.%) was fabricated with high‐purity raw materials by induction‐melting method. Its mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, and cellular compatibility were studied in vitro as a feasibility evaluation of potential biodegradable metal. The compression strength of Sr40Mg20Zn15Yb20Cu5 alloy was (408.2 ± 20.0) MPa, which was much higher than human bone (164–240 MPa). Its Young's modulus (20.6 ± 0.2) GPa was quite close to human bone (5–23 GPa). MTT assay and PNPP method were employed to measure the proliferation ability and ALP activity of the experimental Sr‐based BMG. The results 0–1 grade cytotoxicity and high ALP activity revealed that it was harmless to osteoblast‐like MG63 cells. Additionally, the cells cultured on the surface of Sr40Mg20Zn15Yb20Cu5 alloy plate exhibited polygonal and dorsal ruffle configuration, and were well attached to the substrate by cellular extension, indicating their healthy status. The combination of increased mechanical strength, greater corrosion resistance, and excellent biocompatibility makes the Sr40Mg20Zn15Yb20Cu5 BMG very attractive material for biodegradable orthopedic implant applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 368–377, 2012.
Study on the enhanced protein adsorption of microwave sintered hydroxyapatite nanoceramic particles: Role of microstructure
Authors: Zhu X. D. , Zhang H.J. , Li D. X. , Fan H. S. , Zhang X. D.
Published: November 2011

Currently, nanobioceramics have received much attention due to their potentially high biological performance. In the present study, the interactions between proteins and two types of hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic particles with distinct microstructures were studied in vitro. Protein adsorption on the microwave sintered and conventionally sintered HA ceramic particles (named as HAMS and HACS, respectively) were carried out in simulated body fluid (SBF) containing model proteins or rat serum and then subjected to protein quantitative evaluation, SDS‐PAGE, and Western blotting analysis. The ceramic particles were characterized by nitrogen sorption, Hg penetration, zeta potential, and solubility analysis. It was found that HAMS with nanosized crystallites had greater specific surface area and pore volume and wider pore size distribution ranging from 0.02 to 2 μm than HACS. Although bovine serum albumin and lysozyme have different electrical properties in SBF, both the model proteins showed higher adsorption amounts per gram solid on HAMS than HACS, as could be ascribed to the contribution of the micropores structure of HAMS. Similarly, HAMS adsorbed more serum proteins per gram solid than HACS when incubating in rat serum, and here the surfaces of both particles were almost completely covered by serum proteins, leading to almost the same protein adsorption amounts per unit area solid of HAMS and HACS. SDS‐PAGE patterns proved that HA ceramic particles had different binding capacities for different serum proteins and was not highly dependent on the concentrations of the competing protein components present in rat serum. Western blotting analysis confirmed the enhanced adsorption of fibronectin and vitronectin on HAMS, indicating that HAMS might have better bioactivity than HACS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 516–523, 2012.
Synthesis and evaluation of novel dental monomer with branched aromatic carboxylic acid group
Authors: Park Jonggu , Ye Qiang , Singh Viraj , Kieweg Sarah L. , Misra Anil , Spencer Paulette
Published: November 2011

A new glycerol‐based dimethacrylate monomer with an aromatic carboxylic acid, 2‐((1,3‐bis(methacryloyloxy)propan‐2‐yloxy)carbonyl)benzoic acid (BMPB), was synthesized, characterized, and proposed as a possible dental co‐monomer for dentin adhesives. Dentin adhesives containing 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 2,2‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl]propane (BisGMA) in addition to BMPB were formulated with water at 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt % to simulate wet, oral conditions, and photo‐polymerized. Adhesives were characterized with regard to viscosity, real‐time photopolymerization behavior, dynamic mechanical analysis, and microscale 3D internal morphologies and compared with HEMA/BisGMA controls. When formulated under wet conditions, the experimental adhesives showed lower viscosities (0.04–0.07 Pa s) as compared to the control (0.09–0.12 Pa s). The experimental adhesives showed higher glass transition temperature (146–157°C), degree of conversion (78–89%), and rubbery moduli (33–36 MPa), and improved water miscibility (no voids) as compared to the controls (123–135°C, 67–71%, 15–26 MPa, and voids, respectively). The enhanced properties of these adhesives suggest that BMPB with simple, straightforward synthesis is a promising photocurable co‐monomer for dental restorative materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 569–576, 2012.
SERS active Ag nanoparticles in mesoporous silicon: detection of organic molecules and peptide–antibody assays
Authors: Virga Alessandro , Rivolo Paola , Descrovi Emiliano , Chiolerio Alessandro , Digregorio Gabriella , Frascella Francesca , Soster Marco , Bussolino Federico , Marchiò Serena , Geobaldo Francesco , Giorgis Fabrizio
Published: November 2011

Ag nanoparticles synthesized on porous silicon samples were studied and applied as substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The metallic nanostructures prepared by immersion plating were characterized by UV–Vis reflectance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. SERS activity of the substrates was tested using Cyanine dye 1,3,3,1′,3′,3′‐esamethyl‐5,5′‐dimethoxyindodicarbocyanine iodide (Cy5‐OCH3) as a probe molecule. The Raman spectra obtained for different excitation wavelengths indicate amplifications ascribed to plasmonic resonances with an enhancement factor up to 107. CGIYRLRS peptides were chemisorbed on the Ag nanoparticles with the plasmonic resonance tuned at the excitation energy. Such oligopeptides were used as baits for a specific polyclonal antibody. The overall Raman enhancement allowed to evidence a good selectivity to the target analyte as required by most of the SERS applications on biological assays. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of the third‐order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ(3) for the 1002‐cm–1 mode of benzenethiol using coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering with continuous‐wave diode lasers
Authors: Aggarwal R. L. , Farrar L. W. , Parkhill J. , Aspuru‐Guzik A. , Polla D. L.
Published: November 2011

The components of the third‐order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ(3) for the 1002‐cm–1 mode of neat benzenethiol have been measured using coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering with continuous‐wave diode pump and Stokes lasers at 785.0 and 852.0 nm, respectively. Values of 2.8 ± 0.3 × 10–12, 2.0 ± 0.2 × 10–12, and 0.8 ± 0.1 × 10–12 cm·g–1·s2 were measured for the xxxx, xxyy, and xyyx components of |3χ(3)|, respectively. We have calculated these quantities using a microscopic model, reproducing the same qualitative trend. The Raman cross‐section σRS for the 1002‐cm–1 mode of neat benzenethiol has been determined to be 3.1 ± 0.6 × 10–29 cm2 per molecule. The polarization of the anti‐Stokes Raman scattering was found to be parallel to that of the pump laser, which implies negligible depolarization. The Raman linewidth (full‐width at half‐maximum) Γ was determined to be 2.4 ± 0.3 cm–1 using normal Stokes Raman scattering. The measured values of σRS and Γ yield a value of 2.1 ± 0.4 × 10–12 cm·g–1·s2 for the resonant component of 3χ(3). A value of 1.9 ± 0.9 × 10–12 cm·g–1·s2 has been deduced for the nonresonant component of 3χ(3). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taiwanese Cruise Tourist Behavior during Different Phases of Experience
Authors: Juan Pin‐Ju , Chen Hui‐Mei
Published: November 2011

This study examined the influences on the decisions and experiences of Taiwanese cruise tourists during different phases of leisure experience. The study results demonstrated that trip price and duration were the two main influences on tourist decisions during the anticipation phase of planning their trip. During the on‐site experience phase, the determinants of tourist reasons for using different services during their cruise varied. Notably, price only slightly influenced total tourist satisfaction and re‐purchase intention during the recollection phase, whereas service quality exerted a major influence. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biobrane in the management of critical microsurgical wounds of the upper extremity
Authors: Ahuja Naveen K. , Datiashvili Ramazi O.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

Evolving soft tissue necrosis and/or edema can complicate microsurgical reconstruction by leading to open wounds with exposure of critical structures: anastamosed vessels, nerves, and tendons. Not infrequently, primary closure of these wounds is not possible. Immediate skin grafting may lead to anatomical and/or functional failure of reconstructed structures, compromising immediate or long‐term functional outcomes. In addition, local tissues are often unavailable, and free tissue transfer in those settings could be ill‐advised, especially for small wounds.

Methods:

All of the senior author's microsurgical cases were reviewed. Four cases of replantation and one microsurgical reconstruction, where biologic dressings were used to treat critical wounds, were identified and are presented in this study along with an algorithm for the management of these types of wounds.

Results:

Biologic dressings are simple, effective, and reliable tools for intermediate treatment of critical microsurgical wounds. Flap or replant viability was preserved in 100% of cases without compromising functional results.

Conclusions:

Biologic dressings can be used safely to treat microsurgical wounds with exposed critical structures. This use of a biologic dressing greatly simplifies the management of these types of wounds, avoiding the need for complex surgical intervention. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Quality assessment of observational studies in psychiatry: an example from perinatal psychiatric research
Authors: Ross L. E. , Grigoriadis S. , Mamisashvili L. , Koren G. , Steiner M. , Dennis C.‐L. , Cheung A. , Mousmanis P.
Published: November 2011

In perinatal psychiatry, randomized controlled trials are often not feasible on ethical grounds. Many studies are observational in nature, while others employ large databases not designed primarily for research purposes. Quality assessment of the resulting research is complicated by a lack of standardized tools specifically for this purpose. The aim of this paper is to describe the Systematic Assessment of Quality in Observational Research (SAQOR), a quality assessment tool our team devised for a series of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of evidence‐based literature regarding risks and benefits of antidepressant medication during pregnancy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined Therapy (Ultrasound and Interferential Current) in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Once or Twice in a Week?
Authors: Moretti Felipe Azevedo , Marcondes Freddy Beretta , Provenza José Roberto , Fukuda Thiago Yukio , de Vasconcelos Rodrigo Antunes , Roizenblatt Suely
Published: November 2011

Background and Purpose

Combined Therapy (CT) composed of ultrasound and Interferential Therapy has been reported as a cost‐effective, local analgesic intervention on tender points in Fibromyalgia (FM). This study aims to investigate the difference between CT applied once a week and twice a week in patients with FM.

Method

Fifty patients with the diagnosis of FM were randomized into two groups (G1 = once a week treatment and G2 = twice a week treatment) with each group containing 25 patients. All eighteen tender points were assessed and treated with CT during each session, over a three‐month time period. Interferential Therapy was modulated at 4,000 Hz of current carrier, 100 Hz of amplitude modulated frequency and at a bearable sensorial threshold of intensity. Pulsed ultrasound of 1 MHz at 20% of 2.5 W/cm² was used. For evaluation, the Visual Analogue Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Post Sleep Inventory and the tender point count were utilized, and the examiner was blinded to the group assignments.

Results

G1 and G2 showed a significant improvement in Visual Analogue Scale (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0005, respectively), Tender Points (p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Post Sleep Inventory (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in all performed analyses.

Conclusion

There is no advantage in increasing the number of sessions of combined therapy in terms of reducing generalized pain, quality of life and sleep quality for patients with FM. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth, microstructure and morphology of epitaxial ScGaN films
Authors: Knoll S. M. , Zhang S. , Joyce T. B. , Kappers M. J. , Humphreys C. J. , Moram M. A.
Published: November 2011

Epitaxial ScGaN films were grown on GaN‐on‐sapphire substrates by NH3‐molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The Sc content remained below 2% for all films, as determined by the simulation and fitting of 0002 ω–2θ X‐ray diffractograms, while no deviation from the wurtzite structure was detected using high resolution X‐ray diffraction. ScGaN growth rates decreased significantly as the Sc flux increased and remained low compared to the growth rates of GaN grown under similar conditions, while Sc incorporation rates remained low even at Sc effusion cell temperatures as high as 1400 °C. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) height images indicate that higher Sc fluxes are associated with improved film coalescence. These data indicate that a surfactant layer of Sc may be present at the film surface during growth. The dislocation density of the lower Sc content films was similar to that of the underlying GaN, though the bending and introduction of additional dislocations with an a‐component was observed for higher Sc contents. Basal plane stacking faults connected by prismatic stacking faults were also observed, in higher Sc‐content ScGaN films, along with a broad luminescence band near 580 nm.
Strain control of GaN grown on 3C‐SiC/Si substrate using AlGaN buffer layer
Authors: Fang H. , Takaya Y. , Ohuchi S. , Miyake H. , Hiramatsu K. , Asamura H. , Kawamura K.
Published: November 2011

GaN layers were grown on 3C‐SiC/Si substrates with AlGaN intermediate layers with various thickness and AlN mole fraction by low‐pressure metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy (LP‐MOVPE). The effects of the interlayer on the crystal quality and strain‐status of GaN epilayer were investigated systematically by varing the thickness and the Al mole fraction of the AlGaN. Raman scattering and X‐ray diffraction results show that the AlGaN with thinner thickness and higher Al mole fractions can improve the crystalline quality of the GaN epilayer and the redue the strain at the same time. This phenomenon should be attributed to three dimensional (3D) growth at the initial stage of (the) GaN epitaxy. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of stimulated phase separation on properties of blue, green and monolithic white LEDs
Authors: Tsatsulnikov A. F. , Lundin W. V. , Sakharov A. V. , Zavarin E. E. , Usov S. O. , Nikolaev A. E. , Sizov V. S. , Zakgeim A. L. , Mizerov M. N. , Cherkashin N. A. , Hytch M.
Published: November 2011

Different methods of stimulation of phase separation in an InGaN QWs by technological methods and by design of structure were investigated. Effect of admixing of hydrogen during growth interruptions (GIs) after deposition of the InGaN QWs on their structural and optical properties and properties of InGaN‐based LEDs was investigated. Effect of growth pressure on the phase separation was investigated and formation of separate InGaN islands at increase in growth pressure was revealed. It was shown that the phase separation is stumulated in composite InAlN/GaN/InGaN heterostructures and formation of well isolated InGaN islands was observed. Effect of the phase separation on the properties of the blue and deep green LEDs was investigated and strong changes in the spectral position and current dependence of the quantum efficiency were revealed. It was shown that formation of the island due to the phase separation allows control position and width of the emission line and maximum in current dependence of the quantum efficiency. Monolithic white LEDs are containing in active region blue and green InGaN QWs grown with applying of the GIs and emitting in spectral range from 440 nm to 560 nm were studied. Monolithic white LEDs having optimal design of active region demonstrate CCT in the range of 9000‐12000 K and maximal external quantum efficiency up to 14 lm/W. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth of {11‐22} GaN on shallowly etched r ‐plane patterned sapphire substrates
Authors: Furuya Hiroshi , Okada Narihito , Tadatomo Kazuyuki
Published: November 2011

We have succeeded in growing flat semipolar {11‐22} GaN layers on r ‐plane patterned sapphire substrates (r ‐PSSs). However, the obtained GaN layers still contain a dislocation density of more than 3 × 108/cm2 which degrades the device performance. Thus, it is important to reduce this dislocation density. To reduce the density of dislocations generated at the interface between GaN and sapphire, we employed a shallowly etched r ‐PSS by reducing the selective growth area. However, it was difficult to grow a flat {11‐22} GaN layer on the shallowly etched r ‐PSS owing to the low growth selectivity. Therefore, we used a two‐step process, where growth temperature is changed during the growth. Consequently, we succeeded in obtaining {11‐22} GaN on the shallowly etched r ‐PSS. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tailored Profiles Made of Tailor Rolled Strips by Roll Forming – Part 2 of 2
Authors: Groche Peter , Mirtsch Michael
Published: November 2011

The main scope of the presented work is to demonstrate the potential of load optimized tubes with a varying thickness distribution in circumferential direction produced by roll forming. As initial material a so called Tailor Rolled Strip (TRS) sheet metal coil produced by Strip Profile Rolling (SPR) method was used instead of plain sheet. The TRS sheet metal is manufactured in a continuously working process by rolling one or more groves in transverse direction into the sheet metal coil. In this paper, the secondary forming of the TRS sheet metal to TRS tubes is investigated by means of FE‐simulations and roll forming experiments. To simulate the manufacturing process of the TRS tube by FEM, an integrated consideration of the process is necessary because of the large local strain hardening in the groves of the initial SPR sheet metal. In experimental roll forming operations welded tubes could be manufactured successfully. The geometrical and material properties of these tubes are analyzed. The reprocessing of TRS tubes by hydroforming is investigated by means of tube bursting tests. It has been found that an additional annealing process is necessary to achieve deformations in the grooved area during the hydroforming process.
Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the RS content of amaranth, quinoa and wheat starch
Authors: Linsberger‐Martin Gertrud , Lukasch Barbara , Berghofer Emmerich
Published: November 2011

RS exerts a range of beneficial effects on human health. Therefore, ways to increase the RS content in processed food products are looked for. The effects of high hydrostatic pressure treatments on the RS content of wheat, quinoa and amaranth starch were analysed in this study. A 23 factorial screening design of experiments was used. Experimental factors were pressure (100–600 MPa), temperature (40–60°C) and time (10–30 min). RS in wheat starch increased with increasing pressure by a factor of up to 10 to a value of 4%. In detail, RS content increased significantly at pressures higher than 100 MPa in wheat starch, whereas in quinoa starch significant changes occurred at pressures above 350 MPa (up to 3.3% RS compared to 0.2% in native quinoa starch). Contrary, in amaranth starch the RS content of all pressure treated samples (about 0.5%) was lower than that of the native starch (1.3%). Wheat starch granules swelled to a maximum of 3.67 times their original size and quinoa starch up to 3.36 times. The extent of swelling (2.90) was lowest in amaranth starch.
Voltammetry of carbon nanotubes and graphenes: excitement, disappointment, and reality
Authors: Pumera Martin
Published: November 2011

Voltammetry of carbon nanotubes and graphene underwent significant development in the first decade of the 21st century. The initial excitement concerning the performance of the new materials was replaced with increasing crises in the field caused by the use of impure materials. Here, I provide a personal view of these developments and some “reality checks” for the electrochemistry of these nanomaterials. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100027
Food electroanalysis: sense and simplicity
Authors: Escarpa Alberto
Published: November 2011

With the appearance of advanced approaches such as screen‐printed technology, biosensors, microchips and nanotechnology, among others, electroanalysis is undergoing a true Renaissance. Inherent miniaturization of electrochemistry makes it a unique detection and transduction principle, highly compatible with the modern miniaturized analytical chemistry involving micro‐ and nanotechnologies. It also implies advantages on portability and further disposability. Another very unique feature linked to electrochemistry is the versatility for “selectivity design” towards the suitable selection of (nano)(bio)materials and by the direct manipulation of the electrical properties. Their remarkable sensitivity and low cost are additional valuable features. However, from my personal perspective, these “natural beauties” are underexploited in the analysis of food samples not only because of the complexity of food samples but also because electrochemistry has traditionally been seen as “a difficult thing”. From my own experience, electrochemical approaches have been very useful in the evaluation of antioxidant activities in vitro, in the development of screening methods, as high‐performance detectors in advanced analytical microsystems such as capillary‐electrophoresis microchips and in the development of microfluidic inmunosensors. In consequence, electroanalysis has also demonstrated an important role in fields such as antioxidant sensing, quality control assessment, detection of frauds and food safety. In this personal account, drawing from selected examples of my own work, I illustrate the marriage between electrochemistry and food analysis, food electroanalysis, by sense and simplicity. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100033
Centre for Applied Language Studies, University of Limerick, Ireland
Authors: Chambers Angela , Atkinson David , Farr Fiona
Published: November 2011

The Centre for Applied Language Studies (CALS), founded in 1997, is a research centre within the School of Languages, Literature, Culture and Communication. It brings together researchers and postgraduate students from several disciplines within the School, which includes six languages: English (English Language Teaching and English Literature), French, German, Irish, Japanese and Spanish. The Centre provides a focus for research in applied language studies within the University and a focal point for national and international links. It also promotes the interaction of research and the application of language activities in areas such as language learning, corpus linguistics, language in society, and language planning and policy. CALS also has a number of associate members from other Irish and European universities who make an important contribution to the work of the Centre by co-supervising Ph.D. theses and collaborating in publications and events. The Centre currently has 65 members, including 21 Ph.D. students.
Diagnosing Symptomatic HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders: Self-Report Versus Performance-Based Assessment of Everyday Functioning
Authors: Blackstone K. , Moore D.J. , Heaton R.K. , Franklin D.R. , Woods S.P. , Clifford D.B. , Collier A.C. , Marra C.M. , Gelman B.B. , McArthur J.C. , Morgello S. , Simpson D.M. , Rivera-Mindt M. , Deutsch R. , Ellis R.J. , Hampton Atkinson J. , Grant I.
Published: November 2011

Three types of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) exist that are distinguished by presence and severity of impairment in cognitive and everyday functioning. Although well-validated neurocognitive measures exist, determining impairment in everyday functioning remains a challenge. We aim to determine whether Self-Report measures of everyday functioning are as effective in characterizing HAND as Performance-Based measures. We assessed 674 HIV-infected participants with a comprehensive neurocognitive battery; 233 met criteria for a HAND diagnosis by having at least mild neurocognitive impairment. Functional decline was measured via Self-Report and Performance-Based measures. HAND diagnoses were determined according to published criteria using three approaches to assess functional decline: (1) Self-Report measures only, (2) Performance-Based measures only, and (3) Dual-method combining Self-Report and Performance-Based measures. The Dual-method classified the most symptomatic HAND, compared to either singular method. Singular method classifications were 76% concordant with each other. Participants classified as Performance-Based functionally impaired were more likely to be unemployed and more immunosuppressed, whereas those classified as Self-Report functionally impaired had more depressive symptoms. Multimodal methods of assessing everyday functioning facilitate detection of symptomatic HAND. Singular Performance-Based classifications were associated with objective functional and disease-related factors; reliance on Self-Report classifications may be biased by depressive symptoms. (JINS, 2012, 18, 79–88)
Nocturnal Oxygen Desaturation and Disordered Sleep as a Potential Factor in Executive Dysfunction in Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Hollocks Matthew J. , Kok Tessa B. , Kirkham Fenella J. , Gavlak Johanna , Inusa Baba P. , DeBaun Michael R. , de Haan Michelle
Published: November 2011

Previous research has identified cognitive impairment in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA, Hemoglobin SS) compared with controls, partly accounted for by overt neuropathology after clinical stroke, “covert” (“silent”) infarction, and severity of anemia. However, cognitive deficits have also been identified in children with SCA with no history of stroke and a normal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Our aim was to investigate whether nocturnal hemoglobin oxygen desaturation and sleep fragmentation could be associated with cognitive impairment in children with SCA. We assessed 10 children with SCA (9 with normal MRI) using neuropsychological measures of executive function. Cognitive assessment was immediately followed by overnight polysomnography to record nocturnal hemoglobin oxygen saturation and sleep arousals. Decreases in hemoglobin oxygen saturation and/or increased sleep arousals were associated with reduced performance on cognitive assessment. Nocturnal hemoglobin oxygen desaturation and sleep fragmentation may be a contributing factor to executive dysfunction in SCA. (JINS, 2012, 18, 168–173)
Construct Validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Authors: Freitas Sandra , Simões Mário R. , Marôco João , Alves Lara , Santana Isabel
Published: November 2011

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief instrument developed for the screening of milder forms of cognitive impairment. The present study aims to assess the construct related validity of the MoCA through the establishment of the factorial, convergent, and discriminant related validities, and the reliability of data. In a Portuguese sample of 830 participants, several models were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Although all tested models showed a good fit, the six-factor model based on the conceptual model proposed by the MoCA's authors showed a significantly better fit. The results allowed us to establish the factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity of this six-dimensional structure. An overall psychometric adequacy of the items, and a good reliability were also found. This study contributes to overcome an important gap in the construct related validity of this instrument. The present findings corroborate the six-dimensional structure of the MoCA and provide good evidence of the construct related validity. The MoCA has proved to be an appropriate measure for cognitive screening taking into account different cognitive domains, which will enable clinicians and researchers to use this test and its six latent dimensions to achieve a better understanding of the individuals’ cognitive profile. (JINS, 2012, 18, 242–250)
On the applicability of solventless and solid-state reactions to the meteoritic chemistry
Authors: Kolb Vera M.
Published: November 2011

Most chemical reactions on asteroids, from which meteors and meteorites originate, are hypothesized to occur primarily in the solid mixtures. Some secondary chemical reactions may have occurred during the periods of the aqueous alteration of the asteroids. A myriad of organic compounds have been isolated from the meteorites, but the chemical conditions during which they were formed are only partially elucidated. In this paper, we propose that numerous meteoritic organic compounds were formed by the solventless and solid-state reactions that were only recently explored in conjunction with the green chemistry. A typical solventless approach exploits the phenomenon of the mixed melting points. As the solid materials are mixed together, the melting point of the mixture becomes lower than the melting points of its individual components. In some cases, the entire mixture may melt upon mixing. These reactions could then occur in a melted state. In the traditional solid-state reactions, the solids are mixed together, which allows for the intimate contact of the reactants, but the reaction occurs without melting. We have shown various examples of the known solventless and solid-state reactions that are particularly relevant to the meteoritic chemistry. We have also placed them in a prebiotic context and evaluated them for their astrobiological significance.
Men's attitudes towards chlamydia screening: a narrative review
Authors: Balfe Myles , Brugha Ruairi , O'Connell Emer , Vaughan Deirdre , O'Donovan Diarmuid
Published: November 2011

Objectives
Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) that affects significant numbers of men. Research on men’s perspectives on chlamydia screening (or testing) has been limited. We conducted a narrative review to examine: (1) what factors encourage or discourage men from attending health services for chlamydia screening, and/or from accepting screening once it has been offered to them, and (2) where men want chlamydia screening services to be located. Methods: A narrative review of the recent peer-reviewed literature (published between 1999 and 2009) on men’s attitudes towards chlamydia screening. To be included, articles had to explore men’s perspectives on screening (which could be ascertained through quantitative or qualitative studies, or from relevant discussion papers or reviews). Results: Forty-eight articles were included in all. Men’s attitudes towards chlamydia screening are influenced by their knowledge about the infection, their perceived vulnerability to the infection, the degree of embarrassment and shame that they associate with screening and the stigma that they associate with screening. Men prefer to be offered urine testing for chlamydia. Men want to be offered screening by non-judgemental professionals. Men’s attitudes towards screening for chlamydia in general practice, genito-urinary medicine clinics, home and outreach settings are also explored in this review. Conclusions: Several factors influence men’s attitudes towards screening. Two central themes underlie and influence many of these factors: men’s needs to make positive impressions on others, and men’s identification with particular ideals of masculinity. The review concludes with suggestions for future research on this topic.
Spirituality, religion, and emotional labor in the workplace
Authors: Byrne Conor J. , Morton Dana M. , Dahling Jason J.
Published: November 2011

Emotional labor is the regulation of emotional displays as part of a work role. To date, minimal research has considered how spirituality and religion impact the performance and consequences of emotional labor, which is an important omission given a growing awareness that religion and
spirituality are important components of people’s lives that continue to inform their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors while at work. Accordingly, we review the literature on emotional labor and develop a series of research questions that focus on issues such as the interplay between
organizational and religious expectations for emotional displays toward others, as well as the ability of religious support and beliefs to buffer the negative effects of emotional labor on individual employees. Our hope is that these ideas spark interdisciplinary research on emotional labor
that draws on a wider body of perspectives in management.
GenomicTools: a computational platform for developing high-throughput analytics in genomics
Authors: Tsirigos Aristotelis , Haiminen Niina , Bilal Erhan , Utro Filippo
Published: November 2011

Motivation: Recent advances in sequencing technology have resulted in the dramatic increase of sequencing data, which, in turn, requires efficient management of computational resources, such as computing time, memory requirements as well as prototyping of computational pipelines.

Results: We present GenomicTools, a flexible computational platform, comprising both a command-line set of tools and a C++ API, for the analysis and manipulation of high-throughput sequencing data such as DNA-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and MethylC-seq. GenomicTools implements a variety of mathematical operations between sets of genomic regions thereby enabling the prototyping of computational pipelines that can address a wide spectrum of tasks ranging from pre-processing and quality control to meta-analyses. Additionally, the GenomicTools platform is designed to analyze large datasets of any size by minimizing memory requirements. In practical applications, where comparable, GenomicTools outperforms existing tools in terms of both time and memory usage.

Availability: The GenomicTools platform (version 2.0.0) was implemented in C++. The source code, documentation, user manual, example datasets and scripts are available online at http://code.google.com/p/ibm-cbc-genomic-tools.

Contact:  atsirigo@us.ibm.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.