bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bulk and surface molecular orientation distribution in injection‐molded liquid crystalline polymers: Experiment and simulation
Authors: Fang Jun , Burghardt Wesley R. , Bubeck Robert A. , Burgard Susan M. , Fischer Daniel A.
Published: June 2010

Bulk and surface distributions of molecular orientation in injection‐molded plaques of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCPs) have been studied using a combination of techniques, coordinated with process simulations using the Larson‐Doi “polydomain” model. Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering was used to map out the bulk orientation distribution. Fourier Transform Infrared Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) and Near‐Edge X‐ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) were utilized to probe the molecular orientation states to within about ∼5 μm and ∼2 nm, respectively, of the sample surface. These noninvasive, surface‐sensitive techniques yield reasonable self‐consistency, providing complementary validation of the robustness of these methods. An analogy between Larson‐Doi and fiber orientation models has allowed the first simulations of TLCP injection molding. The simulations capture many fine details in the bulk orientation distribution across the sample plaque. Direct simulation of surface orientation at the level probed by FTIR‐ATR and NEXAFS was not possible due to the limited spatial resolution of the simulations. However, simulation results extracted from the shear‐dominant skin region are found to provide a qualitatively accurate indicator of surface orientation. Finally, simulations capture the relation between bulk and surface orientation states across the different regions of the sample plaque. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1864–1877, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Substituent effects on the reduction of 2–alkylcyclohexanones by LiAlH4: an investigation of conformational equilibria and transition states
Authors: Bocca Cleverson C. , Rittner Roberto , da Silva Alan P. , Basso Ernani A.
Published: June 2010

Transition state (TS) structures for the reduction of 2‐Me and 2‐i‐Pr‐cyclohexanone by LiAlH4 were optimized by density functional theory (B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p)). Four TS structures corresponding to axial and equatorial attacks by LiAlH4 were located for each ketone conformer. Electronic potential maps were used to investigate the substituent electronic effect on the TS stabilization. The uneven carbonyl orbital distribution in the LUMO (π*) was also analyzed. Reduction stereoselectivity was shown to depend on both the ketone conformational ratio and on the reaction TS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How glucosylation triggers physical–chemical properties of curcumin: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Benassi Rois , Ferrari Erika , Lazzari Sandra , Pignedoli Francesca , Spagnolo Ferdinando , Saladini Monica
Published: June 2010

In the present study, we investigate the structures of glucosylated curcumin derivatives with DFT at B3LYP/6‐31G* level. A conformational analysis is performed in order to determine the conformational minimum (GS) and rotational transition state (TS) of curcumin derivatives and then their electronic features are evaluated. HOMO and LUMO frontier orbitals and maps of electron density potential (MEPs) are plotted and compared. In order to correlate their predicted spectroscopic properties with IR, UV–vis and NMR experimental data we extended the theoretical study on electronic properties to different solvents (H2O, MeOH, ACN, DMSO). The main finding is that the curcuminic core maintains the same geometrical and electronic structures in all compounds miming the metal coordination capability showed by curcumin. Therefore, we may confirm that the presence of glucose does not affect the electronic properties of the derivatives. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Socially sustainable work organizations and systems thinking
Authors: Kira Mari , van Eijnatten Frans M.
Published: June 2010

This Research Note seeks to add to the body of knowledge concerning social sustainability in work organizations, especially within the context of new challenges and threats in contemporary, post‐industrial working life. Moreover, the intention is to explore the added value of the complexity lens in promoting social sustainability at work. Work organizations are conceptualized as Chaordic systems to make accessible some aspects of organizations' structure and dynamics important for social sustainability. Our earlier paper (Kira and van Eijnatten, 2008) on the theme was critically assessed by Merrelyn Emery (2010). Therefore, we offer clarifications of some aspects in our earlier paper. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of temperature and plasticizer molecular size on moisture diffusion of plasticized‐starch biopolymer
Authors: Chaudhary Deeptangshu , Adhikari Benu
Published: June 2010

Using starch pellets as precursor for traditional edible food packaging for making thermoformed products is an excellent idea. We report here the complex water migration behaviour of starch pellets as influenced by plasticizer type and concentration at various temperatures. The evidence for synergistic interaction between plasticizers and water within starch is shown by the reduced effective moisture diffusivities and moisture migration fluxes at different overall plasticizer concentrations. In addition, the effective moisture diffusivities showed stronger dependence on moisture concentration and the plasticizer molecular weight even though the moisture flux was comparable. The drying process was characterized by two effective diffusion coefficients (D1, D2) and interestingly, the coefficients were an order of significance apart. Peleg model was investigated for predicting the drying behaviour and it is shown that the Peleg constants k1 and k2 increase with temperature. k2, a material structure parameter, showed variation by addition of plasticizers, indicating that plasticizers were able to modify fundamental structure; and xylitol showed greater average k2 values than glycerol. Further, k1, a moisture diffusivity parameter, was affected by temperature and Arrhenius relationship was used for activation energy values for k1 of plasticized starch. It is shown that compared to starch and water, presence of plasticizer had many order of significance higher k1 and confirm the hypothesis that plasticizers can ‘lock’ in water within the new structure. Xylitol showed better stability in controlling moisture diffusivities and migration fluxes as compared to glycerol.
Effects of curdlan on the color, syneresis, cooking qualities, and textural properties of potato starch noodles
Authors: Wang Manjun , Chen Conggui , Sun Gaojun , Wang Wu , Fang Hongmei
Published: June 2010

The effects of curdlan on color, syneresis, cooking qualities, and textural properties of potato starch noodle (PSN) were investigated at the addition level of 0–1.0% w/w, and the interaction and microstructure within PSN containing curdlan (PSNC) were determined by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and scanning electron micrographs (SEM). Results showed that a significant increase of syneresis, decrease of cooked weight, improvement of firmness, and tensile strength of PSNC were gained at 0.3–1.0% curdlan content, while enhancement of lightness (L* value) and yellowness (b* value) occurred at 0.1–0.5 and 1.0%, respectively (p<0.05). These effects, except color, might result from enhancing hydrogen bonding interaction and forming a tight structure within PSNC. The added curdlan into PSN will bear practical values in reducing the aging period of producing this noodle, improving the textural properties.
Effect of Traps on Carrier Injection and Transport in Organic Field‐effect Transistor
Authors: Weis Martin , Manaka Takaaki , Iwamoto Mitsumasa
Published: June 2010

This study illustrates effect of traps on the charge injection and transport in the organic field‐effect transistor (OFET). Here are included silicon nanoparticles (NPs) on a semiconductor‐gate insulator interface, which work as trapping centers of charge carriers. Charge transport and injection phenomena are investigated by electrical measurements in presence of traps with designed densities. We find that OFETs with a low concentration of intrinsic carriers, such as a pentacene, are extremely sensitive to the internal electric fields. A significant threshold voltage shift due to trapped charge is observed, with a possibility to tune it by controlling the NP density. We demonstrate that the NP film can serve to design the amount of the accumulated charge in OFET and thus change the space‐charge‐limited conditions to the injection‐limited conditions. A detailed analysis of pentacene OFET based on dielectric properties and the Maxwell‐Wagner model reveals the internal electric field created by NPs. Additionally, the effect of NPs is discussed with respect to effective mobility, and its decrease is related to deceleration of carrier propagation by the trapping effect as well as low injection due to the increase of the carrier injection barrier by the internal field. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Space Charge Measurement in MgO/LDPE Nanocomposite up to Breakdown under DC Ramp Voltage
Authors: Murakami Yoshinobu , Okuzumi Shunsuke , Nagao Masayuki , Fukuma Masumi , Sekiguchi Yoitsu , Goshowaki Manabu , Murata Yoshinao
Published: June 2010

To understand the basic electric properties of nanosized magnesium oxide (MgO)/low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposites under an applied DC voltage, the DC breakdown strength and space charge up to the breakdown under a DC ramp voltage were investigated. Compared to that of the LDPE sample, the sample containing a MgO nanofiller (hereafter, called a nanocomposite) had a higher DC breakdown strength. In the case of the LDPE sample, the homo charges, which contained a large negative charge and a small positive charge, were only observed near the electrodes just prior to breakdown. However, in the case of the nanocomposite sample, the positive charge increased as the average field increased until the average field reached a certain value. After that, the positive charge decreased as the average field increased until breakdown occurred. The field enhancement rate (=maximum field/average field) of the nanocomposite sample increased with the average field, until it became saturated. After peaking, the field enhancement rate of the nanocomposite sample decreased as the average field increased. These observations suggest that, instead of the MgO nanofiller suppressing the electronic avalanche, it suppresses the conduction current, which was determined by the space charge, leading to the higher DC breakdown strength. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Wide‐Area Robust SMES Controller Design using Synchronized PMUs for Stabilization of Interconnected Power System with Wind Farms
Authors: Ngamroo Issarachai , Nanda Cuk Supriyadi Ali , Dechanupaprittha Sanchai , Watanabe Masayuki , Mitani Yasunori
Published: June 2010

The high penetration of wind power into interconnected power system may cause the severe problem of inter‐area oscillations. To stabilize power oscillations, superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), which is capable of controlling active and reactive powers simultaneously, can be applied. To achieve the practical SMES controller design, this paper focuses on a robust SMES controller design based on wide‐area synchronized phasor measurement units (PMUs) in an interconnected power system with wind farms. The structure of active and reactive power controllers of SMES is the first‐order lead/lag compensator. Assuming that multiple PMUs are located in an interconnected power system, the steady‐state phasor data are obtained by applying the small load perturbation. Using the phasor data, the simplified oscillation model (SOM) included with SMES power controllers can be identified and applied to estimate the dominant inter‐area oscillation modes. In the design, unstructured system uncertainties such as various operating conditions, system parameters variation, random wind patterns, etc., are represented by the inverse additive perturbation. To enhance the system robust stability margin, the optimization of SMES control parameters is solved by genetic algorithm in the SOM. Simulation studies in the West Japan six‐machine power system confirm that the robustness of the proposed SMES is much superior to that of the conventional SMES against various operating conditions. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multiple‐Round English Auction Agent Based on Genetic Network Programming
Authors: Yue Chuan , Mabu Shingo , Wang Yu , Hirasawa Kotaro
Published: June 2010

The auction mechanism widely used in web‐based sites, which is originally designed for human beings, might not be the most efficient one in the future, and there is a demand for evolutionary computation auction agents adaptable to the dynamic auction environments. In this paper, we have applied genetic network programming (GNP) to auction agents and developed multiple‐round English auction mechanisms based on multi‐agent systems. GNP is an evolutionary method that uses directed graph structures as genes to create compact optimal solutions by evolution. According to the simulation results, it has been found that the proposed method could help agents to evolve their strategies generation by generation to get more goods with less money. Also, GNP shows good performance in helping the agent to find out the most suitable strategy under the current situation. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fabrication of Deep Silicon Microstructures by the Combination of Anodization and p++ Etch Stop
Authors: Ohno Takeo , Tanaka Shuji , Esashi Masayoshi
Published: June 2010

In order to fabricate deep silicon (Si) microstructures with possibly vertical sidewalls by wet etching, macroporous Si was formed in a Si substrate by anodization using a hydrofluoric‐acid (HF)‐based solution with backside illumination. The shape of microstructures such as fixed–fixed beams and cantilevers were defined by boron (B) diffusion, and the B‐diffused microstructures were left by a p++ etch stop after etching the macroporous Si in tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide. The B‐diffused microstructures were fabricated, but the sidewalls were not as vertical as expected, but were inclined at 40°–60° to the substrate surface, due to undercutting during anodization. The reason for the undercutting is discussed. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of dimorphic regulation on heterologous glucose oxidase production by Mucor circinelloides
Authors: Bredenkamp Astrid , Velankar Harshad , van Zyl Willem H. , Görgens Johann F.
Published: June 2010

The production of Aspergillus niger glucose oxidase (GOX) and native amylase by the recombinant M. circinelloides KFA199 strain under conditions of dimorphic growth was investigated. The recombinant KFA199 strain was compared to its parental ATCC 1216b strain and a wild‐type CBS 232.29 strain under similar morphology‐controlled conditions. Cultivation in Vogel's medium supplemented with ergosterol/Tween‐80 and sparged with nitrogen gas was most suitable for yeast‐like biomass production under anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic growth was characterized by high levels of ethanol formation and linear growth rates of 0.24–0.05/h, indicating metabolic stress. Subsequent to anaerobic growth, cultures were shifted to aerobic conditions to induce aerobic mycelial growth. GOX produced by the recombinant KFA199 after the shift to aerobic conditions was poorly secreted and accumulated intracellularly to 0.56 U/mlculture. Amylase production by the KFA199, ATCC12b and CBS 232.29 strains was determined during growth on starch after the shift to aerobic culture. Growth‐associated amylase production by the ATCC 1216b (0.63 U/mlculture) and wild‐type CBS 232.29 (0.33 U/mlculture) strains was substantially higher than by the recombinant KFA199 strain (0.07 U/mlculture), which may be related to the leucine auxotrophy of the transformation host, or genetic changes induced during transformation of the KFA199 strain. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Evaluation and Optimization of Intraoperative Touch Imprint Cytology for Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Early‐stage Breast Cancer in China
Authors: Chen Jia‐jian , Yang Ben‐long , Zhang Jia‐xin , Xu Wei‐ping , Shao Zhi‐min , Wu Jiong
Published: June 2010

Background

Accurate intraoperative diagnosis of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis reduces the need for additional surgery in patients with involved nodes. The present study evaluates the clinical value of multiple cross‐sectional touch imprint cytology (TIC) as an intraoperative assessment for the diagnosis of SLN metastasis.

Methods

This study consisted of 366 patients with surgically harvested SLNs that were sliced along their long axis at 2.0–3.0‐mm intervals and 122 patients with SLNs that were sliced along their short axis at 1.5‐mm intervals using a cutting apparatus designed by our group. The first group of patients was enrolled in this study between February 2005 and February 2008, while the second group was enrolled between March 2008 and January 2009. Serial sectioning of the SLNs at 100‐μm intervals with hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E) staining was used as the gold standard for pathological diagnosis.

Results

Multiple cross‐sectional TIC has a sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy rate of 92.0, 99.0, and 97.5%, respectively, on a per‐patient basis, and it is superior to the standard imprint preparation protocol. Furthermore, the multiple cross‐sectional TIC technique developed in this study was observed to detect more accurately macrometastases on a per‐patient basis in comparison to the typical protocol (P = 0.023). Of the patients included in this study, 97.7% had a positive SLN within their first three harvested SLNs.

Conclusions

Multiple cross‐sectional TIC is superior to the standard protocol, especially due to its ability to locate macrometastasis. Limiting intraoperative TIC to the first three harvested SLNs in the diagnosis of SLN metastasis may make this diagnostic procedure significantly cheaper and easier for pathologists to perform.
A retrospective analysis of outcome of pregnancy in patients with acute porphyria
Authors: Marsden Joanne T. , Rees David C.
Published: June 2010

A survey was posted to 27 women with acute porphyria about complications and outcome of pregnancy. Fifteen women returned the completed questionnaire and the pregnancies were characterised depending on the timing of diagnosis of porphyria. Four women were diagnosed with porphyria before the first pregnancy, five during a pregnancy and six after pregnancy. Five women were diagnosed with porphyria from family studies and the remaining ten were diagnosed when they presented with acute symptoms. There were a total of 33 pregnancies and 23 live births. Four women reported symptoms associated with porphyria during pregnancy. Two women received treatment with haem arginate during pregnancy with one of them having haem arginate therapy weekly with no adverse effect either to her or the baby. One woman had acute pain and skin symptoms during pregnancy but was not diagnosed until after delivery, and another reported acute symptoms during pregnancy. There were no differences, compared to the general population, between birth weight and miscarriage rate, and there were few obstetric complications with only one patient having pre‐eclampsia at 37 weeks gestation. These results show that pregnancy is typically uncomplicated in acute porphyria, and that problems are more likely if the porphyria has not been diagnosed previously. We found that administration of haem arginate during pregnancy is safe and its continuous use during pregnancy has no detrimental effect on the outcome of pregnancy.
The Influence of Growing Region, Cultivar and Harvest Timing on the Diversity of Australian Olive Oil
Authors: Mailer Rodney J. , Ayton Jamie , Graham Kerrie
Published: June 2010

The quality indices and chemical composition of ten common olive cultivars grown in different regions of Australia were evaluated to determine the diversity of olive oils produced in Australia. Olives from trees from different environments including warmer climates in the north to colder climates in the south were sampled at two different stages of maturity over 2 years. The oil was extracted and standard methods were used to analyse the oil. Oleic acid content ranged from 83.4% in the Picual cultivar grown in Tasmania to 54.5% in Arbequina grown in northern New South Wales/southern Queensland. The Barnea cultivar, which is very commonly grown in Australia, was above 4% for campesterol content, regardless of the region in which it was grown. Parameters, such as palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and wax content were found to be significantly affected by growing region for some cultivars. This study shows the growing conditions for olive in Australia gives rise to a diverse range of olive oils.
Acylglycerols Containing Trihydroxy Fatty Acids in Castor Oil and the Regiospecific Quantification of Triacylglycerols
Authors: Lin Jiann‐Tsyh , Chen Grace Q.
Published: June 2010

Ricinoleate, a monohydroxy fatty acid in castor oil, has many industrial uses. Dihydroxy and trihydroxy fatty acids can also be used in industry. We report here the identification of diacylglycerols (DAG) and triacylglycerols (TAG) containing trihydroxy fatty acids in castor oil. The C18 HPLC fractions of castor oil were used for mass spectrometry of the lithium adducts of acylglycerols to identify trihydroxy fatty acids and the acylglycerols containing trihydroxy fatty acids. Two DAG identified were triOH18:1–diOH18:1 and triOH18:0–OH18:1. Four TAG identified were triOH18:1–OH18:1–OH18:1, triOH18:0–OH18:1–OH18:1, triOH18:1–OH18:1–diOH18:1 and triOH18:0–OH18:1–diOH18:1. The structures of these two newly identified trihydroxy fatty acids were proposed as 11,12,13‐trihydroxy‐9‐octadecenoic acid and 11,12,13‐trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid. The locations of these trihydroxy fatty acids on the glycerol backbone were almost 100% at the sn‐1,3 positions or at trace levels at the sn‐2 position. The content of these acylglycerols containing trihydroxy fatty acids was at the level of about 1% or less in castor oil.
Effects of Saireito on the ovarian function of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Okamoto Machi , Sakakibara Hideya , Yoshida Hiroshi , Fukazawa Yuka , Takashima Kunitomo , Kondo Yoshihito , Ikeda Mario , Ishikawa Masahiko , Hirahara Fumiki
Published: June 2010

Purposes

It is sometimes difficult to restore a regular ovulatory cycle in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using classic agents such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins. Saireito, a herbal medicine, is believed to have an effect similar to corticosteroids. We examined the effect of Saireito on ovulatory induction and endocrine status in women with PCOS.

Methods

Twenty‐four women with PCOS were treated with Saireito for 3 months. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol were measured before and after treatment, and ovulation was assessed. We compared serum LH levels between ovulation (n = 21) and anovulation (n = 3) groups, and compared ovulation rate and serum LH levels between obese (n = 6) and nonobese (n = 18) groups.

Results

Ovulation was restored in 21 (87.5%) of the 24 PCOS patients following administration of Saireito for 3 months. LH levels were significantly decreased 1 month after medication in ovulatory group (P < 0.001), but only slightly decreased in anovulatory group. Ovulation rate in the nonobese group (94.4%) was higher than in the obese group (66.7%). Serum LH levels were significantly reduced in the nonobese group, but only slightly reduced in the obese group.

Conclusions

Saireito reduced serum LH levels and increased ovulatory rate, particularly in nonobese women.
Brief report: Tailgating as a unique context for parental modeling on college student alcohol use
Authors: Abar Caitlin , Turrisi Rob , Abar Beau
Published: June 2010

Little attention has been directed toward potential differential effects of the various contexts in which parents model alcohol use. The present study examined college football tailgating as a potential context in which parental modeling may be more or less risky. 290 college freshmen were assessed for perceptions of their parents’ drinking and tailgating behaviors, individual alcohol use and consequences. Hierarchical multiple regressions were performed and results revealed that parental tailgating accounted for a significant increase in the variance explained in each of the student drinking measures. Parental drunkenness at tailgates predicted college student drinking and negative consequences, over and above the influence of typical parental heavy episodic drinking. The specific context in which students perceive their parents as drinking heavily may impact their own drinking. Tailgating at sporting events appears to be one such context where students perceive alcohol behaviors which they later model.
Patients’ subjective initial response and the outcome of inpatient and day hospital treatment
Authors: Priebe S. , Barnicot K. , McCabe R. , Kiejna A. , Nawka P. , Raboch J. , Schützwohl M. , Kallert T.
Published: June 2010

Objective

This study aimed to establish whether psychiatric patients’ subjective initial response (SIR) to hospital and day hospital treatment predicts outcomes over a one-year follow-up period.

Method

We analysed data from 765 patients who were randomised to acute psychiatric treatment in a hospital or day hospital. SIR was assessed on day 3 after admission. Outcomes were psychiatric symptom levels and social disability at discharge, and at 3 and 12 months after discharge.

Results

After controlling for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, a more positive SIR was significantly associated with lower symptom levels at discharge and 3 months after discharge and lower social disability at 3 months and 12 months after discharge.

Conclusion

SIR can predict outcomes of complex interventions over a one-year period. Patients’ initial views of acute hospital and day treatment should be elicited and considered as important.
S100 proteins interact with the N‐terminal domain of MDM2
Authors: van Dieck Jan , Lum Jenifer K. , Teufel Daniel P. , Fersht Alan R.
Published: June 2010

MINT‐7905185, MINT‐7905347: s100A2 (uniprotkb:P29034) and p53 (uniprotkb:P04637) bind (MI:0407) by molecular sieving (MI:0071)
An evaluation of a national intervention to improve the postabortion care content of midwifery education in Nigeria
Authors: Akiode Akinsewa , Fetters Tamara , Daroda Ramatu , Okeke Bridget , Oji Ejike
Published: June 2010

Objective

To examine the impact of a national intervention to improve the postabortion care (PAC) content of midwifery education in Nigeria.

Methods

A 3‐part quantitative assessment was carried out during and post‐intervention. The first baseline component developed and examined the intervention to improve teaching capacity and improve the PAC curriculum among 6 midwifery schools that were to become regional training centers. The second survey was a pre‐ and post‐assessment conducted among midwifery instructors from all schools of midwifery in the country. In the third component, 149 midwives graduating from the 6 regional midwifery schools were interviewed once 3–9 months after graduation to evaluate whether the intervention had improved their knowledge of PAC and clinical practice, and the likelihood that they would provide PAC after graduation.

Results

Data from 6 schools of midwifery in 2003 showed that none offered PAC or had educators trained in PAC prior to the intervention. Incorporation of PAC content and teaching capacity increased in all 6 study schools during the 3 years after a national intervention. Midwifery instructors demonstrated statistically significant improvements in knowledge of and exposure to PAC and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) after the intervention. A follow‐up interview with 149 student midwives post graduation showed increased knowledge, exposure to, and use of MVA in the workplace.

Conclusion

Significant changes in graduate midwives' exposure, practice, and provision of PAC services resulted from a national intervention to improve the training environment and skills of midwifery instructors and students in the 6 schools of midwifery selected for evaluation.
Molecular epidemiology and phylogeography ofSchistosoma mansoniaround Lake Victoria
Authors: STANDLEY C. J. , KABATEREINE N. B. , LANGE C. N. , LWAMBO N. J. S. , STOTHARD J. R.
Published: June 2010

Intestinal schistosomiasis continues to be a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, and is endemic in communities around Lake Victoria. Interest is growing in the molecular evolution and population genetic structure ofSchistosoma mansoniand we describe a detailed analysis of the molecular epidemiology and phylogeography ofS. mansonifrom Lake Victoria. In total, 388 cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) sequences were obtained from 25 sites along the Ugandan, Tanzanian and Kenyan shorelines of Lake Victoria, and 122 unique barcodes were identified; 9 corresponded to previously discovered barcodes from Lakes Victoria and Albert. A subset of the data, composed of COI sequences from miracidia from 10 individual children, was used for population genetics analyses; these results were corroborated by microsatellite analysis of 4 isolates of lab-passaged adult worms. Overall, 12 barcodes were found to be shared across all 3 countries, whereas the majority occurred singly and were locally restricted. The population genetics analyses were in agreement in revealing high diversity at the level of the human host and negligible population structuring by location. The lack of correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance in these data may be attributed to the confounding influence of high intra-individual diversity as well as human migration between communities.
‘Selective Flexicurity’ in Segmented Labour Markets: The Case of Italian ‘Mid-Siders’
Authors: JESSOULA MATTEO , GRAZIANO PAOLO R. , MADAMA ILARIA
Published: June 2010

The article is focused on the analysis of flexicurity arrangements in the Italian case with a twofold aim. The first aim is substantive: analysing and evaluating recent labour market reforms in Italy with particular reference to the possible emergence of a new flexicurity model. The second goal is to contribute to the debate on labour market development and flexicurity by enriching and refining the available analytical tools. More specifically, we argue that the traditional conceptual ‘lenses’ focusing on the ‘insiders’/‘outsiders’ divide are inadequate to grasp the ongoing changes in the Italian labour market. This leads us to identify a third category of workers, the ‘mid-siders’, who are increasingly relevant in the Italian case and may prove to be relevant in other labour markets too. Moreover, we introduce the concept of ‘selective flexicurity’, referring to the fact that in the Italian case flexibility and security measures have been applied differently across the various categories of workers.
Microbiological and molecular characterization of nosocomial and community Staphylococcus aureus isolates
Authors: SCAZZOCCHIO F. , AQUILANTI L. , TABACCHINI C. , IEBBA V. , PASSARIELLO C.
Published: June 2010

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infections in different departments of Belcolle Hospital in Viterbo and the surrounding area between January 2003 and June 2008. Isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) recovered in this time interval were characterized by microbiological and molecular methods to evaluate the reliability of simple criteria to distinguish between hospital-acquired and community-acquired isolates. MRSA accounted for 33% of all S. aureus, with a significantly higher prevalence in isolates from nosocomial infections. MRSA isolates were assayed by PCR for the presence of 13 genes associated with virulence, agr type and SCCmec type. Cumulative data were analysed by partial least square discriminant analysis and a clear correlation was demonstrated between genetic profiles and classification of isolates as hospital or community acquired according to simple temporal criteria. Nosocomial MRSA isolates from blood samples showed significantly higher genetic diversity than other nosocomial isolates. Our data confirm the existence of significant differences between community- and hospital-acquired MRSA isolates.
A school outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection: assessment of secondary household transmission and the protective role of oseltamivir
Authors: LEUNG Y. H. , LI M. P. , CHUANG S. K.
Published: June 2010

In mid-June 2009, an outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (pH1N1) infection occurred in a secondary school in Hong Kong. We carried out an epidemiological investigation to delineate the characteristics of the outbreak, gauge the extent of secondary household transmission, and assess the protective role of oseltamivir in household contacts. We interviewed pH1N1-confirmed cases using a standardized questionnaire. Sixty-five of 511 students in the school were affected. Of the 205 household contacts identified, 12 were confirmed as cases. All cases recovered. The estimated secondary household attack rate was 5·9% (95% CI 2·7–9·1). Household contacts aged <18 years were about 15 times more likely to be infected than older contacts. Household contacts who had received oseltamivir prophylaxis were less likely to acquire a secondary infection than those who had not (odds ratio=0). The estimated mean household serial interval of pH1N1 virus was 2·8 days (95% CI 2·1–3·4 days).
Archeomagnetic dating in western North America: An updated reference curve based on paleomagnetic and archeomagnetic data sets
Authors: Hagstrum Jonathan T. , Blinman Eric
Published: June 2010

A robust database of paleomagnetic (PM) and archeomagnetic (AM) data for western North America covering the past 4 millennia is assembled from three data sets: (1) published PM data for dated lava flows, (2) recently published AM data generated by R. L. DuBois, and (3) published AM data generated by J. L. Eighmy. Chronologic information for the AM data sets has been reassessed, and the data points have been assigned to age ranges depending on their archeological contexts. We have selected the computer program ArcheoCourbe, available from M. Le Goff (http://www.ipgp.fr/∼legoff) or the auxiliary material (see also http://EarthRef.org), to construct AM reference curves and to quantitatively estimate AM dates for archeological and geological samples. The updated curve provides a more detailed record of prehistoric secular variation for western North America than was previously available and shows a short interval of rapid secular variation (SV) in the 10th or 11th centuries at near‐excursional rates. Similar and coeval features in the Hawaiian and, to a lesser extent, Arkansan SV data sets possibly indicate a rapid amplitudinal shift in the regional nondipole field at that time.
Time development of field‐aligned currents, potential drops, and plasma associated with an auroral poleward boundary intensification
Authors: Hull A. J. , Wilber M. , Chaston C. C. , Bonnell J. W. , McFadden J. P. , Mozer F. S. , Fillingim M. , Goldstein M. L.
Published: June 2010

We present a detailed case study of the plasma and fields measured by the Cluster spacecraft fleet at the high‐altitude auroral zone (∼3.5 RE) across the plasma sheet boundary layer and into the polar cap. This event, which occurred during quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp = 1+, AE = 50 nT), is of particular interest in that Cluster provides measurements at key instances during the time development of a new large‐scale auroral arc system. Central to the formation of the arc system is the depletion of ionospheric plasma through a region of small‐scale, field‐aligned currents having the properties of Alfvén waves. This depletion occurred prior to the growth of and ultimately bounded a well‐defined equatorward moving, upward and downward current sheet pair. In association with the transverse scales approaching the electron inertial scale, the Alfvénic currents have amplitudes that appear to be attenuated subsequent to the formation of the cavity. Potential structures essentially time invariant over particle transit times (quasi‐static) associated with the current pair are identified and observed to drive a poleward boundary intensification (PBI) identified in coincident IMAGE satellite far ultraviolet measurements. The PBI formed in association with a local thickening of the plasma sheet via the injection of new magnetospheric plasma, which may be the result of a bursty, patchy reconnection process. Estimates of the ionospheric equatorward velocity and thickness of the PBI are consistent with their ionospheric mapped cavity counterparts, suggesting that the motion and thickness are controlled by the plasma and electrodynamic features at or above the altitude sampled by Cluster. The magnitude of the upward and downward current region parallel potentials is correlated with the temperature of the newly injected electrons suggesting that the electron temperature is an important controlling factor. These novel observations indicate that quasi‐static systems of field‐aligned currents do form out of the highly dynamic Alfvénic region at the plasma sheet boundary layer, and perhaps suggest that the Alfvénic region can be the initial stage in the development of quasi‐static systems. The observed time sequence of the currents is qualitatively similar to the expectations of transient response models of magnetospheric‐ionospheric coupling, however, such models may need to be modified to account for the attenuation of electron inertial scale currents/Alfvén waves.
Magnetic properties of serpentinized garnet peridotites from the CCSD main hole in the Sulu ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic belt, eastern China
Authors: Liu Qingsheng , Zeng Qingli , Zheng Jianping , Yang Tao , Qiu Ning , Liu Zhifeng , Luo Yinhe , Jin Zhenmin
Published: June 2010

Magnetic properties of 14 serpentinized garnet peridotites from the interval of 603.20–683.53 m of the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling (CCSD) hole in the Sulu ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt, eastern China, were investigated and compared with those of ultramafic rocks from other tectonic settings, to relate them to the UHP (post‐)metamorphic evolution. Serpentinized garnet peridotites are characterized by high susceptibility (χ), natural remanent magnetization (NRM), and Q (Köenigsberger ratio = (NRM/χ × H), where H is the intensity of the local geomagnetic field) values. The average χ, NRM, and Q values are 299.65 × 10−7 m3 kg−1, 19.15 × 10−3 Am2 kg−1, and 16.59, respectively, which are generally higher than those of other serpentinized peridotites in the world. The serpentine concentration for most samples ranges from 40% to 60%, suggesting that the peridotites are of obvious homogeneous serpentinization degree. Micro‐Raman and X‐ray diffraction spectra of serpentine for representative samples indicate that lizardite is the only serpentine mineral. Opaque minerals in samples are mainly nonstoichiometric magnetite and Cr‐spinel with or without minor ilmenite and Fe‐sulfide. Magnetite occurs as rims around olivine and garnet as well as in clusters. A chromian garnet further overgrew on the rims of the garnet. The grain size of magnetite in rims is in the pseudo‐single‐domain region and favorable for development of high NRM. High pressure‐UHP metamorphic processes possibly lead to enhanced concentrations of Fe‐Ti oxides in garnet peridotites and, thus, increase the magnetism of serpentinized garnet peridotites in the CCSD main hole. Integrated lizardite formation temperature (<450°C) and its relationships with the pressure‐temperature‐time evolution of the associated UHP rocks permit us to infer that serpentinization of garnet peridotites in the CCSD main hole occurred during late exhumation stages, ca. 200–215 Ma ago, under temperatures of 425°C. However, the exact relationship between magnetic properties of garnet peridotite and the UHP metamorphic process will require further studies.
Analysis of 137Cs concentration in the Pacific using a Lagrangian approach
Authors: Nakano H. , Motoi T. , Hirose K. , Aoyama M.
Published: June 2010

A hindcast of the 137Cs concentration in seawater is conducted using a 0.5° × 1° global ocean general circulation model. A significant amount of 137Cs concentration appears in the subtropical gyre in the South Pacific even though the source of 137Cs is limited to the Northern Hemisphere. The pathway from the North Pacific to the South Pacific is examined using the Lagrangian approach. The 137Cs in the South Pacific water is brought by the water that enters the equator through the interior pathway and the Mindanao Current from the subtropical gyre in the North Pacific. The water then flows along the Equatorial Undercurrent, and spreads to the South Pacific through the Ekman transports at the surface. A cross section of 137Cs along 165°E is examined by the Lagrangian approach and categorized based on the source region. The maximum 137Cs concentration in 1975 comes from the formation region of the Eastern subtropical Mode Water (EMW) along the 24.7σ0 surface, while the origin of the 137Cs maximum in 2002 spreads over the Central Mode Water (CMW) and the Tropical Water (TW) along the 25.8σ0 surface. The change of the maximum 137Cs concentration from the water of EMW origin to the waters of CMW origin and TW origin is explained by the difference in the time evolution of 137Cs in the ventilated region. The 137Cs concentration decreases much more slowly in the formation regions of CMW and TW than in that of EMW.
Diagnostics for first plasma and development plan on KSTAR
Authors: Lee J. H. , Na H. K. , Lee S. G. , Bak J. G. , Seo D. C. , Seo S. H. , Oh S. T. , Ko W. H. , Chung J. , Nam Y. U. , Lee K. D. , Ka E. M. , Oh Y. K. , Kwon M. , Jeong S. H.
Published: June 2010

The first plasma with target values of the plasma current and the pulse duration was finally achieved on June 13, 2008 in the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR). The diagnostic systems played an important role in achieving successful first plasma operation for the KSTAR tokamak. The employed plasma diagnostic systems for the KSTAR first plasma including the magnetic diagnostics, millimeter-wave interferometer, inspection illuminator, Hα, visible spectrometer, filterscope, and electron cyclotron emission (ECE) radiometer have provided the main plasma parameters, which are essential for the plasma generation, control, and physics understanding. Improvements to the first diagnostic systems and additional diagnostics including an x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer, reflectometer, ECE radiometer, resistive bolometer, and soft x-ray array are scheduled to be added for the next KSTAR experimental campaign in 2009.
A study on the strength of an armour-grade aluminum under high strain-rate loading
Authors: Appleby-Thomas G. J. , Hazell P. J.
Published: June 2010

The aluminum alloy 5083 in tempers such as H32 and H131 is an established light-weight armour material. While its dynamic response under high strain-rates has been investigated elsewhere, little account of the effect of material orientation has been made. In addition, little information on its strength under such loadings is available in the literature. Here, both the longitudinal and lateral components of stress have been measured using embedded manganin stress gauges during plate-impact experiments on samples with the rolling direction aligned both orthogonal and parallel to the impact axis. The Hugoniot elastic limit, spall, and shear strengths were investigated for incident pressures in the range 1–8 GPa, providing an insight into the response of this alloy under shock loading. Further, the time dependence of lateral stress behind the shock front was investigated to give an indication of material response.
Presentation and experimental validation of a model for the effect of thermal annealing on the photoluminescence of self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dots
Authors: Srujan M. , Ghosh K. , Sengupta S. , Chakrabarti S.
Published: June 2010

We present a model for the effect of thermal annealing on a single-layer InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) heterostructure and study the corresponding variation in full photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. In/Ga interdiffusion due to annealing is modeled by Fickian diffusion and the Schrödinger equation is solved separately for electrons and holes to obtain ground state PL peaks of the heterostructure at different annealing temperatures. We theoretically examine the decrease in strain effects and carrier confinement potentials with annealing. PL spectra of the entire ensemble of QDs, annealed at different temperatures, are calculated from a lognormal distribution of QD heights derived from experimental atomic force microscopy (AFM) data. Results from our calculations, which illustrate the blueshift in emission wavelength and linewidth variation in PL with annealing, are in excellent agreement with experimental PL observations on the same samples. This highlights the potential of the model to assist in precisely engineering the optical properties of QD materials for specific device applications. Moreover, the simplicity of the model and its multiple useful features including computation of material interdiffusion, band profiles and full PL spectra make it a valuable tool to study annealing effects on QD heterostructures.
Vibrational absorption, vibrational circular dichroism, and theoretical studies of methyl lactate self-aggregation and methyl lactate-methanol intermolecular interactions
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Guochun , Losada Martin , Xu Yunjie
Published: June 2010

The infrared vibrational absorption (VA) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of methyl lactate in carbon tetrachloride and methanol have been measured in the 1000–1800 cm−1 region. Noticeable changes due to the solute self-aggregation and solvent-solute intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions have been detected in the reported spectra of the 2M methyl lactate solution in CCl4 and in methanol, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations and a series of density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6-311++G∗∗) and single point MP2/6-311++G∗∗ energy calculations have been performed to identify and to model the explicit hydrogen-bonding interactions between the methanol solvent and the methyl lactate solute and among the methyl lactate molecules. Geometry search and optimization have been performed for the most stable conformers of the methyl lactate dimer and the methyl lactate-(methanol)N clusters, with N=1, 2, and 3. The relative single point MP2 energies among conformers are noticeably different from those obtained with DFT for the larger methyl lactate-methanol complexes. The VA and VCD spectra of these complexes have been simulated and compared to the corresponding experimental spectra. From the combined experimental and theoretical VA and VCD studies, it has been identified that both the methyl lactate monomer and dimer are the main species in the 2M CCl4 solution with 65% and 35% relative abundances, respectively, while the binary (55%) and quaternary (30%) methyl lactate-methanol clusters dominate in the 2M methanol solution, together with a smaller amount (15%) of the methyl lactate monomer. The effects of solute self-aggregation and solute-solvent interactions have been investigated in detail.