bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Medium Acidity and Photostability of 3‐(4‐Dimethylamino‐phenyl)‐1‐(2,5‐dimethyl‐thiophen‐3‐yl)‐propenone (DDTP): A New Green Emitting Laser Dye
Authors: El‐Daly Samy A. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Khan Salman A. , Alamry Khalid A. , Hussein Mahmoud A.
Published: November 2011

On the line of a previous work on the spectral properties of some of heteroaryl chalcone, the effect of medium acidity and photoreactivity of 3‐(4‐dimethylamino‐phenyl)‐1‐(2,5‐dimethyl‐thiophen‐3‐yl)‐propenone (DDTP) has been investigated in dimethylformamide and in chloromethane solvents such as methylenechloride, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride. The dye solution (ca. 5×10−4 mol·L−1 in DMF) gives a good laser emission in the range 470–560 nm with emission maximum at 515 nm upon pumping by nitrogen laser (λex=337.1 nm). The laser parameters such as gain coefficient (α), emission cross section (δe) and half life energy (E1/2) at maximum laser emission are also determined.
DFT/TDDFT Studies on the Electronic Structures and Spectral Properties of Carbazole‐based Blue Light‐emitting Dendrimers
Authors: Li Leijiao , Feng Jikang , Ren Aimin , Sun Chiachung
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this paper is to provide an in‐depth investigation of the electronic and optical properties of two series of carbazole‐based blue light‐emitting dendrimers, including 1–6 six oligomers. These materials show great potential for application in organic light‐emitting diodes as efficient blue‐light and red‐light emitting materials due to the tuning of the optical and electronic properties by the use of different electron donors (D) and electron acceptors (A). The geometric and electronic structures of these compounds in the ground state are calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and the ab initio HF, whereas the lowest singlet excited states were optimized by ab initio single excitation configuration interaction (CIS). All DFT calculations are performed using the B3LYP functional on 6‐31G* basis set. The outcomes show that the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs), lowest occupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs), energies gaps, ionization potentials, electron affinities and reorganization energies of each molecular are affected by different D and A moieties and different substitute positions.
Ceric Ammonium Nitrate Catalyzed Oxidation of Aldehydes and Alcohols
Authors: Gowda Ravikumar R. , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: November 2011

A variety of aromatic, aliphatic and conjugated aldehydes and alcohols were transformed to the corresponding carboxylic acids and ketones with a quantitative conversion in high yields with 70% t‐BuOOH solution in water in the presence of catalytic amounts of ceric ammonium nitrate [Ce(NH4)2(NO3)6] (CAN) under room temperature conditions. The scope of our catalytic system is applicable for a wide range of aromatic, conjugated and aliphatic substrates. These aldehydes were converted to the corresponding carboxylic acids in good isolated yields in reasonable times. This method possesses a wide range of capabilities since it can be used with other functional groups which may not tolerate oxidative conditions, involves fairly simple method for work‐up, exhibits chemoselectivity and proceeds under ambient conditions. The resulting products are obtained in good yields within reasonable time.
A Facile One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of 5‐(Trifluoromethyl)‐4,7‐dihydro‐[1,2,4]‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine Derivatives in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Li Tuanjie , Yao Changsheng , Lei Song , Yu Chenxia , Tu Shujiang
Published: November 2011

An efficient one‐pot synthesis of 5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐4,7‐dihydro‐7‐aryl‐[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives was performed via the reaction of aryl aldehyde, 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole and ethyl 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐3‐oxobutanoate or 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐phenylbutane‐1,3‐dione in ionic liquid. This method has the advantages of short synthetic route, operational simplicities, mild reaction conditions, high yields and eco‐friendliness.
Rapid Determination of Metabolites in Bio‐fluid Samples by Raman Spectroscopy and Optimum Combinations of Chemometric Methods
Authors: Bian Xihui , Chen Da , Cai Wensheng , Grant Edward , Shao Xueguang
Published: November 2011

The application of Raman spectroscopic techniques combined with multivariate chemometrics signal processing promise new means for the rapid multidimensional analysis of metabolites non‐destructively, with little or no sample preparation and little sensitivity to water. However, Rayleigh scattering, fluorescence and uncontrolled variance present substantial challenges for the accurate quantitative analysis of metabolites at physiological levels in biologically varying samples. Effective strategies include the application of chemometrics pretreatments for reducing Raman spectral interference. However, the arbitrary application of individual or combined pretreatment procedures can significantly alter the outcome of a measurement, thereby complicating spectral analysis. This paper evaluates and compares six signal pretreatment methods for correcting the baseline variances, together with three variable selection methods for eliminating uninformative variables, all within the context of multivariate calibration models based on partial least squares (PLS) regression. Raman spectra of 90 artificial bio‐fluid samples with eight urine metabolites at near‐physiological concentrations were used to test these models. The combination of multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), continuous wavelet transform (CWT), randomization test (RT) and PLS modeling presented the best performance for all the metabolites. The correlation coefficient (R) between predicted and prepared concentration reached as high as 0.96.
Mothers' Depressive Symptoms and Low Mother–Toddler Mutuality Both Predict Children's Maladjustment
Authors: Ensor Rosie , Roman Gabriela , Hart Martha J. , Hughes Claire
Published: November 2011

The current study examined mothers' depressive symptoms and mother–child mutuality across children's early years and children's maladjustment in their first year of school. Mothers of 117 children (74 boys and 43 girls) each completed the Beck Depression Inventory at four time points, when their children were approximately aged 2, 3, 4 and 6 years. In addition, each mother–child dyad was filmed playing at the first time point and attempting an Etch‐a‐Sketch task at the last time point; here, teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Modifications of confirmatory factor analytic techniques highlighted that the measurement of both mothers' depressive symptoms and mother–child mutuality were equivalent across time. A path analysis and a latent growth model demonstrated that individual differences in both mother–child mutuality and mothers' depressive symptoms were stable across the 4‐year period of the current study. Moreover, variation in both mothers' initial depressive symptoms and mother–toddler mutuality predicted individual differences in teachers' ratings of children's difficulties. These findings highlight the importance of children's early exposure to and experience of mothers' depressive symptoms and mother–child mutuality. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EFFECTS OF LAND USE ON SOIL MOISTURE VARIATIONS IN A SEMI‐ARID CATCHMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR LAND AND AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
Authors: Gao X. , Wu P. , Zhao X. , Wang J. , Shi Y.
Published: November 2011

Knowledge of the effects of land use on soil moisture variations is necessary to improve land and agricultural water management in the semi‐arid Chinese Loess Plateau. However, previous studies are insufficient to guide management practice in this area and improvement is needed to help with the development of the ‘Grain for Green’ programme. As part of the ‘Grain for Green’ programme, we examined the effects of five land uses (fallow, grassland, cropland, 3‐year and 8‐year jujube orchards) on soil water variations in a small catchment on the Loess Plateau. Soil moisture at 0–160 cm depth was monitored approximately weekly at 47 sites from 17 August to 19 October 2009 and from 4 April to 27 September 2010 using a portable time domain reflectometer. Results indicated that mean soil water profiles in different land uses varied with time, land use induced spatial variations of soil water but exerted negligible influence on soil water temporal patterns, and soil water content was of the greatest spatial variability with moderate means (approximately 20 per cent). Furthermore, the relationship between standard deviation and mean water content was dependent on soil depth, although it was negligibly affected by land use. Profile soil water for five land uses was different in various seasons, precipitation infiltration depth exhibited a positive correlation with precipitation, and the whole profile soil moisture (0–160 cm) was complemented following a 93·5‐mm rainfall event. The findings presented here provide helpful information for land and agricultural water management in this area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Italian Version of the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale
Authors: Senese Vincenzo Paolo , Ruotolo Francesco , Ruggiero Gennaro , Iachini Tina
Published: November 2011

The Weinstein’s Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) is one of the most widely used questionnaires to measure noise sensitivity, the most important subjective factor moderating the impact of noise on perceived annoyance. The present study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the WNSS, tests the measurement invariance of this scale as a function of internal and external factors, and evaluates the effect of age, sex, and context on noise sensitivity. The scale was administered to a sample of 413 adults (40% females) living in quiet or noisy contexts. Dimensionality, reliability, invariance, validity, and equivalence were analyzed. Results confirmed that the WNSS is a reliable, valid, and invariant scale. Furthermore, noise sensitivity is affected by both subjective factors, such as age and sex, and external factors, such as living context.
Turkish Version of Children’s Response Styles Questionnaire
Authors: Özgülük Burcu , Erdur Baker Özgür , Bugay Aslı
Published: November 2011

This study examines the basic psychometric properties of the Children’s Response Styles Questionnaire (CRSQ; Abela, Rochon, & Vanderbilt, 2000 ). The Children’ Response Style Questionnaires and The Children’s Depression Inventory were administered to 312 (46.6%) participants from the fourth and 358 (53.4%) from the seventh grade. Participants were recruited via convenient sampling and were between the age of 9 and 15 years. Factor structures, convergent validity, and internal reliability were examined for the two samples. Two factor structures were confirmed for both samples via confirmatory factor analyses. The CRSQ was found to have satisfactory internal reliability and convergent validity for both samples. MANOVA was utilized to examine gender and grade differences, and the results revealed further validity evidences. As the theory suggests, the seventh-grade females had more ruminative tendencies than the fourth-grade females and seventh-grade males. Results are discussed in light of the related literature.
Estimation of teacher practices based on text transcripts of teacher speech using a support vector machine algorithm
Authors: Araya Roberto , Plana Francisco , Dartnell Pablo , Soto‐Andrade Jorge , Luci Gina , Salinas Elena , Araya Marylen
Published: November 2011

Teacher practice is normally assessed by observers who watch classes or videos of classes. Here, we analyse an alternative strategy that uses text transcripts and a support vector machine classifier. For each one of the 710 videos of mathematics classes from the 2005 Chilean National Teacher Assessment Programme, a single 4‐minute slice was selected randomly and manually transcribed. The texts were then rated by two mathematicians and two teachers on the basis of the presence/absence of eight categories of contents and 12 categories of teacher practices. Then for each rater and category a classifier was built using a support vector machine algorithm trained with his/her ratings on a subset of texts. The agreements between the classifiers and the corresponding raters computed for texts belonging to an independent subset were better than the agreements between the raters. Next, we trained classifiers by using ratings created by raters who watched the videos rather than analysing the transcripts. Again, the agreements between classifiers and the raters were satisfactory. Given that class assessment can be an extremely slow, error prone and tedious process, the proposed automatic classifier scheme could be a promising alternative for monitoring classes and building online performance support system of teacher practices.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

High importance of monitoring teacher practices in order to improve teaching.

Monitoring is currently performed by trained raters, but it is an infrequent, tedious and laborious task, prone to biases and errors.

What this paper adds

A vector support machine algorithm to build automatic raters with high agreement with human experts.

A systematic method to quantify contents actually covered and strategies used in class.

Tool that can be implemented in order to give continuous and immediate feedback to the teacher.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Computer methods can be used to construct personal and confident auto‐support performance support system for improving teacher practices, avoiding the natural fear for evaluation by third parties.

Computerised methods can be strategic tools to help improve quality of teaching.
Vitiligo patients from India (Mumbai) show differences in clinical, demographic and autoantibody profiles compared to patients in western countries
Authors: Pradhan V. , Patwardhan M. , Thakkar V. , Kharkar V. , Khopkar U. , Ghosh K. , Weetman A.P. , Gawkrodger D.J. , Kemp E.H.
Published: November 2011

Background  Vitiligo is a common, idiopathic skin disorder characterized by depigmented skin due to the loss of cutaneous melanocytes. Several studies have reported the clinical and demographic characteristics of Indian vitiligo patients, however, none has characterized their antibody profiles.

Objective  To establish the clinical, demographic and serological details of a population of vitiligo patients from Mumbai, India, and to evaluate the data for any associations between clinical presentations and the occurrence of antibody responses.

Methods  Vitiligo patients (n = 79) were recruited to the study and their clinical and demographic details recorded. Serum antibodies, including those against melanocyte‐specific antigens, thyroid antigens and keratinocytes, were evaluated.

Results  The prevalence of vitiligo was independent of sex, and non‐segmental vitiligo was the most common form of the disease occurring in 65% of the patients. Patients with segmental vitiligo (mean age = 14.4 ± 4.6 years) presented at a younger age than those with non‐segmental disease (mean age = 32.5 ± 17.8 years). Personal and family histories of other autoimmune diseases occurred in 3% and 8% of patients, respectively. Antibodies were detected against tyrosinase, tyrosine hydroxylase, thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin and keratinocytes at frequencies of 11%, 22%, 18%, 24% and 27%, respectively. Overall, antibodies were more common in patients with non‐segmental vitiligo (50–67%) than in those with segmental disease (0–17%), and were detected more frequently in patients with shorter disease durations (<10 years).

Conclusion  Our study provides novel information relative to the clinical details, demographic features and serological parameters of a population of vitiligo patients from Mumbai, India. Important distinctions from similar surveys conducted in European patients were evident such as an infrequency of family history, a low prevalence of clinical autoimmune disease, and an absence of particular antibody specificities. These differences may have a bearing on the pathogenesis and course of the disease in Indian patients.
Thromboelastography in equine medicine: Technique and use in clinical research
Authors: Mendez‐Angulo J. L. , Mudge M. C. , Couto C. G.
Published: November 2011

Thromboelastography (TEG) is a viscoelastic, whole blood‐based assay that integrates information from both the cellular and soluble components of coagulation, providing a global evaluation of the haemostatic system. This contrasts with the conventional coagulation assays (i.e. platelet count, prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT] and fibrinogen concentration [FIB]), which only provide information about one component (e.g. clotting factors in the case of PT and aPTT) of the haemostatic process, requiring the combination of several assays for a complete evaluation of haemostasis. Thromboelastography is an old technology that has been used in human medicine for over 50 years. However, it is relatively new in veterinary medicine and has only been applied to horses in the last 5 years. Clinical applications in human medicine include diagnosis and monitoring of coagulopathies. Currently, extensive research is being carried out to expand the use of TEG in dogs and cats. Therefore, it is expected that the use of this technique will also further expand in horses in the near future. To date, the available studies in the equine species have evaluated TEG in healthy horses, horses with gastrointestinal disease, septic foals, horses with exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) and a filly with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. The main objective of this review is to introduce the TEG technique to equine clinicians, providing information on how the TEG functions, blood sample collection and processing, variables measured and their interpretations, normal reference values and areas of potential clinical application.
Generation of a Parabolic Trough Collector Efficiency Curve From Separate Measurements of Outdoor Optical Efficiency and Indoor Receiver Heat Loss
Authors: Kutscher Charles , Burkholder Frank , Kathleen Stynes J.
Published: November 2011

The thermal efficiency of a parabolic trough collector is a function of both the fraction of direct normal radiation absorbed by the receiver (the optical efficiency) and the heat lost to the environment when the receiver is at operating temperature. The thermal efficiency can be determined by testing the collector under actual operating conditions or by separately measuring these two components. This paper describes how outdoor measurement of the optical efficiency is combined with laboratory measurements of receiver heat loss to obtain the thermal efficiency curve. This paper describes this approach and also makes the case that there are advantages to plotting collector efficiency versus the difference between the operating temperature and the ambient temperature at which the receiver heat loss was measured divided by radiation to a fractional power (on the order of 1/3 but obtained via data regression)—as opposed to the difference between operating and ambient temperatures divided by the radiation. The results are shown to be robust over wide ranges of ambient temperature, sky temperature, and wind speed.
4D Cone‐beam CT reconstruction using a motion model based on principal component analysis
Authors: Staub David , Docef Alen , Brock Robert S. , Vaman Constantin , Murphy Martin J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To provide a proof of concept validation of a novel 4D cone‐beam CT (4DCBCT) reconstruction algorithm and to determine the best methods to train and optimize the algorithm.

Methods:

The algorithm animates a patient fan‐beam CT (FBCT) with a patient specific parametric motion model in order to generate a time series of deformed CTs (the reconstructed 4DCBCT) that track the motion of the patient anatomy on a voxel by voxel scale. The motion model is constrained by requiring that projections cast through the deformed CT time series match the projections of the raw patient 4DCBCT. The motion model uses a basis of eigenvectors that are generated via principal component analysis (PCA) of a training set of displacement vector fields (DVFs) that approximate patient motion. The eigenvectors are weighted by a parameterized function of the patient breathing trace recorded during 4DCBCT. The algorithm is demonstrated and tested via numerical simulation.

Results:

The algorithm is shown to produce accurate reconstruction results for the most complicated simulated motion, in which voxels move with a pseudo‐periodic pattern and relative phase shifts exist between voxels. The tests show that principal component eigenvectors trained on DVFs from a novel 2D/3D registration method give substantially better results than eigenvectors trained on DVFs obtained by conventionally registering 4DCBCT phases reconstructed via filtered backprojection.

Conclusions:

Proof of concept testing has validated the 4DCBCT reconstruction approach for the types of simulated data considered. In addition, the authors found the 2D/3D registration approach to be our best choice for generating the DVF training set, and the Nelder‐Mead simplex algorithm the most robust optimization routine.
Survey of veterinary surgeons on the introduction of serological testing to assess revaccination requirements
Authors: Heayns B. J. , Baugh S.
Published: November 2011

Despite the discussion of the use of serological testing in canine vaccination protocols, no study has been published that investigates the opinions of the veterinary profession regarding the use of the test to assess revaccination requirements in dogs. This paper presents the results of a study designed to fill this research gap which was completed in 2009. Veterinary surgeons were asked to complete a questionnaire on different aspects of canine vaccination and the introduction of serological testing to determine revaccination requirements. Of the 448 questionnaires distributed, 243 replies were received (54.2 per cent) and of these, a significant majority (169/243; 69.5 per cent) of respondents would consider introducing serological testing. An average of 53.5 per cent of respondents practised tri‐annual revaccination for the core diseases. A significant number of respondents (86/140; 61 per cent) who placed low importance on vaccine overload would consider introducing serological testing into canine vaccination programmes (P=0.002).
Professionalizing Capoeira
Authors: Wesolowski Katya
Published: November 2011

The global expansion of capoeira has radically transformed the practice and reach of the Afro-Brazilian fight/dance/game known as capoeira. Once a weapon of the weak, informally learned by male slaves on the streets and outlawed by Brazilian authorities, capoeira today is taught to men, women, and children in schools, health clubs, dance studios, and community centers throughout Brazil and around the world. Accompanying the global commodification and consumption of capoeira as an exotic, hip, multicultural activity is a trend within Brazil to professionalize its teaching. Recent debates around the institutionalization of capoeira offer a revealing window onto the contradictions of nationalism, citizenship, and democracy in Brazil. While the increased emphasis on pedagogy and professionalism is transforming the actual “play” of capoeira, the practice remains, albeit in new ways, a mobilizing agent in the struggle against social inequalities and uneven citizenship in Brazil.

A expansão mundial da capoeira transformou de uma maneira radical a prática e o alcance dessa luta/dança/jogo afro-brasileiro. Antigamente uma arma dos fracos, aprendida pelos escravos nas ruas e banida pelas autoridades, a capoeira de hoje é ensinada a homens, mulheres e crianças em escolas, academia de ginática, estúdios de dança e centros comunitários em todo o país e no mundo inteiro. Junto com a comercialização e consumo da capoeira em escala global como uma atividade exótica, estilosa e multicultural, verifica-se no Brasil uma tendència de profissionizalão do seu ensino. Os debates recentes sobre a institucionalização da capoeira nos oferecem uma perspectiva reveladora das contradições do nacionalismo, da cidadania e da democracia no Brasil. Enquanto a ênfase cada vez maior na pedagogia e na profissionização vem transformando o “jogo” real da capoeira, sua prática continua sendo, ainda que revestida de novas formas, um agente mobilizador na luta contra as desigualdades sociais e os desniveis de cidadania no Brasil.
Characterization of the In Vivo Antiplatelet Activity of the Antihypertensive Agent Losartan
Authors: Murad John P. , Espinosa Enma V. P. , Ting Harold J. , Khasawneh Fadi T.
Published: November 2011

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential in vivo antiplatelet and thromboprotective properties of the antihypertensive drug losartan in mice.

Methods:

Aggregometry studies were performed on platelets obtained from mice administered losartan for 5 days, via tail vein to examine the ex vivo effects (dose dependence) of this agent and to select an appropriate dose for the in vivo studies. Next, the tail bleeding time test and the time for occlusion in a carotid artery injury thrombosis model (ferric chloride) were also performed to assess the in vivo effects of losartan treatment.

Results:

These data indicate that the antihypertensive agent losartan exerts dose-dependent inhibition of the thromboxane receptor-mediated (U46619/agonist)-induced platelet aggregation ( ex vivo), whereas it produced no detectable effects on aggregation triggered by adenosine diphosphate or the thrombin receptor activating peptide 4. Findings from the in vivo analysis revealed that tail bleeding time of losartan-treated mice was not different from vehicle-treated mice. On the other hand, in the carotid artery injury thrombosis model, it was found that the losartan-treated mice had significantly longer time for occlusion in comparison with those treated with vehicle control.

Conclusions:

These findings provide evidence that administration of the antihypertensive drug losartan into live mice produces thromboxane A2 receptor–specific antiplatelet effects. Furthermore, interestingly, this antiplatelet activity appears to translate into thromboprotective properties, without resulting in a bleeding phenotype. Consequently, aside from its potential use as an antithrombotic agent, losartan’s chemistry may provide a “blueprint” for designing or repurposing novel derivatives which may have the potential to serve as an antiplatelet and thromboprotective agents but are deprived of the usually concomitant bleeding adverse effects.
Ground-state coordination of a catalytic metal to the scissile phosphate of a tertiary-stabilized Hammerhead ribozyme
Authors: Ward W. Luke , DeRose Victoria J.
Published: November 2011

Although the Hammerhead ribozyme (HHRz) has long been used as a model system in the field of ribozyme enzymology, several details of its mechanism are still not well understood. In particular, significant questions remain concerning the disposition and role of catalytic metals in the HHRz. Previous metal-rescue experiments using a “minimal” HHRz resulted in prediction of a catalytic metal that is bound in the A9/G10.1 site in the ground state of the reaction and that bridges to the scissile phosphate further along the reaction pathway. “Native” or extended HHRz constructs contain tertiary contacts that stabilize a more compact structure at moderate ionic strength. We performed Cd2+ rescue experiments on an extended HHRz from Schistosoma mansoni using stereo-pure scissile phosphorothioate-substituted substrates in order to determine whether a metal ion makes contact with the scissile phosphate in the ground state or further along the reaction coordinate. Inhibition in Ca2+/Mg2+ and rescue by thiophilic Cd2+ was specific for the Rp–S stereoisomer of the scissile phosphate. The affinity of the rescuing Cd2+, measured in two different ionic strength backgrounds, increased fourfold to 17-fold when the pro-Rp oxygen is replaced by sulfur. These data support a model in which the rescuing metal ion makes a ground-state interaction with the scissile phosphate in the native HHRz. The resulting model for Mg2+ activation in the HHRz places a metal ion in contact with the scissile phosphate, where it may provide ground-state electrostatic activation of the substrate.
Pediatric Paradoxical Vocal-Fold Motion: Presentation and Natural History
Authors: Maturo Stephen , Hill Courtney , Bunting Glenn , Baliff Cathy , Ramakrishna Jyoti , Scirica Christina , Fracchia Shannon , Donovan Abigail , Hartnick Christopher
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVES:

To describe (1) a cohort of children with paradoxical vocal-fold motion (PVFM) who were referred to a multidisciplinary airway center and (2) the outcomes of various treatment modalities including speech therapy, gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment, and psychiatric treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This was a case series with chart review of children younger than 18 years with PVFM evaluated at a tertiary care pediatric airway center over a 36-month period.

RESULTS:

Fifty-nine children with PVFM were evaluated. The cohort had a mean age of 13.64 years (range: 8–18 years) and a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Speech therapy as an initial treatment resulted in a 63% (24 of 38) success rate after an average of 3.7 treatment sessions. Speech therapy was a more successful treatment than antireflux therapy (P = .001). Ten percent (6 of 59) of the children presented with a known psychiatric diagnosis, and 30% (18 of 59) of children in the cohort were ultimately diagnosed with a psychiatric condition. Children with inspiratory stridor at rest had a lower initial success rate with speech therapy (56%), a higher rate of underlying psychiatric disorders (75%), and a high rate of success after psychiatric treatment (100%) that required, on average, 3 sessions over a 2-month period.

CONCLUSIONS:

To our knowledge, this is the largest study to date on pediatric PVFM. The majority of children with PVFM improve with speech therapy. Children with PVFM at rest may be better treated with psychiatric therapy than speech therapy. Furthermore, children who present with symptoms at rest may have a higher likelihood of underlying psychiatric disease.
Providing a Primary Care Medical Home for Children and Youth With Spina Bifida
Authors: Burke Robert , Liptak Gregory S. ,   the Council on Children With Disabilities
Published: November 2011

This Clinical Report was reaffirmed February 2015 and July 2018.

The pediatric primary care provider in the medical home has a central and unique role in the care of children with spina bifida. The primary care provider addresses not only the typical issues of preventive and acute health care but also the needs specific to these children. Optimal care requires communication and comanagement with pediatric medical and developmental subspecialists, surgical specialists, therapists, and community providers. The medical home provider is essential in supporting the family and advocating for the child from the time of entry into the practice through adolescence, which includes transition and transfer to adult health care. This report reviews aspects of care specific to the infant with spina bifida (particularly myelomeningocele) that will facilitate optimal medical, functional, and developmental outcomes.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines Policy Update: Booster Dose Recommendations
Authors:   Committee on Infectious Diseases
Published: November 2011

This Policy Statement was retired January 2015.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics approved updated recommendations for the use of quadravalent (serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y) meningococcal conjugate vaccines (Menactra [Sanofi Pasteur, Swiftwater, PA] and Menveo [Novartis, Basel, Switzerland]) in adolescents and in people at persistent high risk of meningococcal disease. The recommendations supplement previous Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for meningococcal vaccinations. Data were reviewed pertaining to immunogenicity in high-risk groups, bactericidal antibody persistence after immunization, current epidemiology of meningococcal disease, meningococcal conjugate vaccine effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of different strategies for vaccination of adolescents. This review prompted the following recommendations: (1) adolescents should be routinely immunized at 11 through 12 years of age and given a booster dose at 16 years of age; (2) adolescents who received their first dose at age 13 through 15 years should receive a booster at age 16 through 18 years or up to 5 years after their first dose; (3) adolescents who receive their first dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine at or after 16 years of age do not need a booster dose; (4) a 2-dose primary series should be administered 2 months apart for those who are at increased risk of invasive meningococcal disease because of persistent complement component (eg, C5–C9, properdin, factor H, or factor D) deficiency (9 months through 54 years of age) or functional or anatomic asplenia (2–54 years of age) and for adolescents with HIV infection; and (5) a booster dose should be given 3 years after the primary series if the primary 2-dose series was given from 2 through 6 years of age and every 5 years for persons whose 2-dose primary series or booster dose was given at 7 years of age or older who are at risk of invasive meningococcal disease because of persistent component (eg, C5–C9, properdin, factor H, or factor D) deficiency or functional or anatomic asplenia.
The Pediatrician's Role in Family Support and Family Support Programs
Authors: Fussell Jill J. ,   Committee on Early Childhood, Adoption, and Dependent Care
Published: November 2011

Children's social, emotional, and physical health; their developmental trajectory; and the neurocircuits that are being created and reinforced in their developing brains are all directly influenced by their relationships during early childhood. The stresses associated with contemporary American life can challenge families' abilities to promote successful developmental outcomes and emotional health for their children. Pediatricians are positioned to serve as partners with families and other community providers in supporting the well-being of children and their families. The structure and support of families involve forces that are often outside the agenda of the usual pediatric health supervision visits. Pediatricians must ensure that their medical home efforts promote a holistically healthy family environment for all children. This statement recommends opportunities for pediatricians to develop their expertise in assessing the strengths and stresses in families, in counseling families about strategies and resources, and in collaborating with others in their communities to support family relationships.
Kinetic Study and NBO Analysis of the Dehydrogenation Mechanism of Five‐membered Ring Heterocyclic 2,5‐Dihydro‐[furan, thiophene, selenophene
Authors: Shiroudi Abolfazl , Zahedi Ehsan
Published: November 2011

The theoretical study of the dehydrogenation of 2,5‐dihydro‐[furan (1), thiophene (2), and selenophene (3)] was carried out using ab initio molecular orbital (MO) and density functional theory (DFT) methods at the B3LYP/6‐311G**//B3LYP/6‐311G** and MP2/6‐311G**//B3LYP/6‐311G** levels of theory. Among the used methods in this study, the obtained results show that B3LYP/6‐311G** method is in good agreement with the available experimental values. Based on the optimized ground state geometries using B3LYP/6‐311G** method, the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of donor‐acceptor (bond‐antibond) interactions revealed that the stabilization energies associated with the electronic delocalization from non‐bonding lone‐pair orbitals [LP(e)X3] to δ*C(1)H(2) antibonding orbital, decrease from compounds 1 to 3. The LP(e)X3→δ*C(1)H(2) resonance energies for compounds 1–3 are 23.37, 16.05 and 12.46 kJ/mol, respectively. Also, the LP(e)X3→δ*C(1)H(2) delocalizations could fairly explain the decrease of occupancies of LP(e)X3 non‐bonding orbitals in ring of compounds 1–3 (3>2>1). The electronic delocalization from LP(e)X3 non‐bonding orbitals to δ*C(1)H(2) antibonding orbital increases the ground state structure stability, Therefore, the decrease of LP(e)X3→δ*C(1)H(2) delocalizations could fairly explain the kinetic of the dehydrogenation reactions of compounds 1–3 (k1>k2>k3). Also, the donor‐acceptor interactions, as obtained from NBO analysis, revealed that the (C(4)C(7)→δ*C(1)H(2) resonance energies decrease from compounds 1 to 3. Further, the results showed that the energy gaps between (C(4)C(7) bonding and δ*C(1)H(2) antibonding orbitals decrease from compounds 1 to 3. The results suggest also that in compounds 1–3, the hydrogen eliminations are controlled by LP(e)→δ* resonance energies. Analysis of bond order, natural bond orbital charges, bond indexes, synchronicity parameters, and IRC calculations indicate that these reactions are occurring through a concerted and synchronous six‐membered cyclic transition state type of mechanism.
Ag@Bi2WO6Composites with High Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Activities Prepared in UV Light Irradiation
Authors: Zhou Haiyan , Peng Yin , Qin Shuchun
Published: November 2011

Bi2WO6 microstructures were synthesized through hydrothermal process and Ag@Bi2WO6 composites were synthesized by simple UV light irradiation for 5 min using Bi2WO6 and AgNO3 as raw materials. Ag@Bi2WO6 composites were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and UV‐Vis absorption spectrum (UV‐Vis). Few Ag deposited on the Bi2WO6 leads to an increase in photocatalytic activity, which clearly indicates that the recombination of photogenerated charge carrier between the hybrid orbital of Bi6s and O2p (valence band) to the empty W5d orbital is inhibited greatly in the Ag@Bi2WO6 composite. In addition, a few H2O2 will greatly enhance photocatalytic activity of Ag@Bi2WO6, and the proper reason is discussed.
Microwave‐induced Stereoselectivity in Synthesis of trans‐4‐Aryl‐3‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐2H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbonitriles
Authors: Rahmati Abbas , Alizadeh Kouzehrash Meysam
Published: November 2011

A facile synthesis of trans isomers of 4‐aryl‐3‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐2H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbonitriles via three‐component condensation reaction of an aldehyde, 3‐amino‐5‐methylpyrazole and ethyl cyanoacetate in acetonitrile has been developed under microwave irradiation. This one‐pot reaction proceeds without any catalyst in short times and gives the product in high selectivities and high yields.
Chiral Cinchona Alkaloid‐Thiourea Catalyzed Mannich Reaction for Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Amino Ketones Bearing Benzothiazol Moiety
Authors: Lin Peng , Song Baoan , Bhadury Pinaki S. , Hu Deyu , Zhang Yuping , Jin Linhong , Yang Song
Published: November 2011

Mannich reactions of imine with acetylacetone were effectively catalyzed by the modified chiral cinchona alkaloid‐derived thiourea. The reactions led to chiral β‐amino carbonyl compounds in high yields and good enantioselectivities. The study demonstrated for the first time that Mannich reactions of unmodified acetylacetone with heterocyclic imine derived from benzothiazole can be promoted by chiral bifunctional organocatalyst.
Development of a Thermal Model for Photovoltaic Modules and Analysis of NOCT Guidelines
Authors: Neises Ty W. , Klein Sanford A. , Reindl Douglas T.
Published: November 2011

The temperature of a photovoltaic module is typically required as an input to models that predict the module’s performance. Some common models use the nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT), as by the manufacturer. This paper develops a thermal model and uses it to analyze NOCT testing standards. Specifically, the standard correction factor charts found in the ASTM E1036 and IEC 61215 standards are evaluated. Results show that the correction charts were likely created assuming laminar flow correlations, while validation efforts and the fact that wind is often characterized by turbulence even at low wind speeds suggest that turbulent flow models may be more appropriate. In addition, the results presented in this paper show that the standard NOCT charts do not account for the backside insulation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays. These results suggest that the standard correction charts are inaccurate for any mounting types that differ from the open rack configuration. The paper concludes with recommendations to improve the usefulness of the NOCT.
Infant Sleep After Immunization: Randomized Controlled Trial of Prophylactic Acetaminophen
Authors: Franck Linda , Gay Caryl L. , Lynch Mary , Lee Kathryn A.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effects of acetaminophen and axillary temperature responses on infant sleep duration after immunization.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial to compare the sleep of 70 infants monitored by using ankle actigraphy for 24 hours before and after their first immunization series at ∼2 months of age. Mothers of infants in the control group received standard care instructions from their infants' health care provider, and mothers of infants in the intervention group were provided with predosed acetaminophen and instructed to administer a dose 30 minutes before the scheduled immunization and every 4 hours thereafter, for a total of 5 doses. Infant age and birth weight and immunization factors, such as acetaminophen use and timing of administration, were evaluated for changes in infant sleep times after immunization.

RESULTS:

Sleep duration in the first 24 hours after immunization was increased, particularly for infants who received their immunizations after 1:30 pm and for those who experienced elevated temperatures in response to the vaccines. Infants who received acetaminophen at or after immunization had smaller increases in sleep duration than did infants who did not. However, acetaminophen use was not a significant predictor of sleep duration when other factors were controlled.

CONCLUSIONS:

If further research confirms the relationship between time of day of vaccine administration, increased sleep duration after immunization, and antibody responses, then our findings suggest that afternoon immunizations should be recommended to facilitate increased sleep in the 24 hours after immunization, regardless of acetaminophen administration.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS OF ADRENAL GLANDS IN CATS WITH HYPERTHYROIDISM
Authors: Combes Anaïs , Vandermeulen Eva , Duchateau Luc , Peremans Kathelijne , Daminet Sylvie , Saunders Jimmy
Published: November 2011

Feline hyperthyroidism is potentially associated with exaggerated responsiveness of the adrenal gland cortex. The adrenal glands of 23 hyperthyroid cats were examined ultrasonographically and compared to the adrenal glands of 30 control cats. Ten hyperthyroid cats had received antithyroid drugs until 2 weeks before sonography, the other 13 were untreated. There was no difference in adrenal gland shape between healthy and hyperthyroid cats: bean‐shaped, well‐defined, hypoechoic structures surrounded by a hyperechoic halo in 43/60 (71.6%) healthy cats and 34/46 (73.9%) hyperthyroid cats; more ovoid in 13/60 (21.6%) healthy cats and 9/46 (19.6%) hyperthyroid cats while more elongated in 4/60 (6.7%) healthy cats, 3/46 (6.5%) hyperthyroid cats. Hyperechoic foci were present in 9/23 (39.1%) hyperthyroid cats and 2/30 (6.7%) healthy cats. The adrenal glands were significantly larger in hyperthyroid cats, although there was overlap in size range. The mean difference between hyperthyroid cats and healthy cats was 1.6 and 1.7 mm in left and right adrenal gland length, 0.8 and 0.9 mm in left and right cranial adrenal gland height, and 0.4 and 0.9 mm in left and right caudal adrenal gland height. There was no significant difference between the adrenal gland measurements in treated and untreated hyperthyroid cats. The adrenomegaly was most likely associated with the hypersecretion of the adrenal cortex documented in hyperthyroid cats. Hyperthyroidism should be an alternative to hyperadrenocorticism, hyperaldosteronism, and acromegaly in cats with bilateral moderate adrenomegaly.
Communication: Superatom molecular orbitals: New types of long-lived electronic states
Authors: Pavlyukh Y. , Berakdar J.
Published: November 2011

We present ab initio calculations of the quasiparticle decay times in a Buckminsterfullerene based on the many-body perturbation theory. A particularly lucid representation arises when the broadening of the quasiparticle states is plotted in the angular momentum (ℓ) and energy (ɛ) coordinates. In this representation the main spectroscopic features of the fullerene consist of two occupied nearly parabolic bands, and delocalized plane-wave-like unoccupied states with a few long-lived electronic states (the superatom molecular orbitals, SAMOs) embedded in the continuum of Fermi-liquid states. SAMOs have been recently uncovered experimentally by Feng et al. [Science 320, 359 (2008)10.1126/science.1155866] using scanning tunneling spectroscopy. The present calculations offer an explanation of their unusual stability and unveil their long-lived nature making them good candidates for applications in the molecular electronics. From the fundamental point of view these states illustrate a concept of the Fock-space localization [B. L. Altshuler, Y. Gefen, A. Kamenev, and L. S. Levitov, Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 2803 (1997)10.1103/PhysRevLett.78.2803] with properties drastically different from the Fermi-liquid excitations.
Magnetic field control of hysteretic switching in Co/Al2O3 multilayers by carrier injection
Authors: Kalitsov Alan , Sahadevan Ajeesh M. , Jammalamadaka S. Narayana , Kalon Gopinadhan , Bhatia Charanjit S. , Xiong Guangcheng , Yang Hyunsoo
Published: November 2011

We propose a theoretical model of magnetic field dependence of hysteretic switching in magnetic granular system. The model is based on the self-trapped electrons mechanism. Our calculations show that the switching voltage may be significantly decreased with increasing the magnetic field. The underlying mechanism is the influence of the magnetic field on electron occupation of the conduction band, which depends on the materials used in magnetic granular system, concentration of magnetic granules in the insulating matrix, applied voltage, and the charge accumulation on the granules. We support our theoretical calculations by measuring the magnetic field dependence of resistive switching behaviour in Co/Al2O3 granular multilayers. Our experimental results are in qualitative agreement with the proposed theory.