bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a dual‐mode annular ring antenna with a coupling feed
Authors: Kim Jae Hee , Woo Dae Woong , Park Wee Sang
Published: September 2009

A dual‐mode annular ring antenna for both global positioning system (GPS) and satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (S‐DMB) is designed. The proposed antenna consists of a coupling feed line and four slots on an annular ring patch. A gap between the feed line and the annular ring patch is used for an input impedance matching; the slots are used for adjusting the resonant frequency of the TM21 mode at the DMB frequency. The antenna was fabricated and measured. The antenna resonates at the GPS and DMB frequencies with suitable bandwidths. It has a broadside radiation pattern in the GPS band and a conical beam radiation pattern in the DMB band. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 3011–3013, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24796
Novel terahertz wave modulator based on modulated laser
Authors: Jiusheng Li
Published: September 2009

A sample realizable method for terahertz wave modulation is demonstrated experimentally by using optical controllable ultra‐high resistivity silicon wafer. With modulated 100 mw of 808 nm CW light, a maximum of 21 dB terahertz attenuation was achieved with 0.2 kb/s of modulation speed. The experimental results show good agreement with the Drude‐Lorentz model. Further work is underway to improve the modulation speed above Mb/s. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2825–2826, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24798
A compact multiband antenna based on CRLH‐TL ZOR for wireless mobile system
Authors: Ji Jeong Keun , Kim Gi Ho , Seong Won Mo
Published: September 2009

A compact multiband antenna using a composite right/left‐handed transmission line (CRLH‐TL) zeroth‐order resonator (ZOR) for global system for mobile communications (GSM900/1800/1900, 880‐960/1710‐1880/1850‐1990 MHz), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA, 1920–2170 MHz), and wireless broadband (WiBro, 2.3–2.4 GHz) operations is presented. The proposed antenna having a total volume of 35 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm comprises a lower band ZOR antenna part and an upper band ZOR antenna part. The zeroth‐order resonant properties are described and analyzed using dispersion diagrams based on the CRLH‐TL ZOR theory and the full‐wave simulation. The radiation patterns are the same as the omnidirectional characteristics and the maximum gains are 1.64, 2.47, and 3.32 dBi at 0.92, 1.88, and 2.2 GHz, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2852–2855, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24799
The methods of RF phase locked loops for active mode‐locking picosecond laser with different repetition rates
Authors: Zhou Yan , Gu Claire
Published: September 2009

The novel methods of RF phase locked loops for picosecond laser system with four repetition rate 402.5 MHz, 1.792 GHz, 10 GHz, and 40 GHz have been presented in this article. Double loop integration parameter adjustment has been used to provide suitable feedback optical‐RF signal controlling. Four kinds of RF phase locked loops ways for different repetition rates' picosecond laser system have been introduced with complete configuration and analysis. To different microwave frequency range, different PLL method has been adopted to fit the demand of reducing phase noise and jitters while to get better pulse output feature. Data are obtained from experiments to make measurement of the pulse output performance and phase noise. Agreement of the theoretical and experimental results confirms the applicability of these phase locked loops design methods and theoretical analysis given in this article. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2886–2892, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24803
A new coplanar waveguide bandpass filter using interdigital DGS
Authors: Lee Jae‐Kwan , Kim Young‐Sik
Published: September 2009

In this letter, a new bandpass filter (BPF) with coplanar waveguide using interdigital capacitor and interdigital defected ground structure is proposed. The proposed BPF size is reduced about 33% compared to the BPF using a conventional DGS one. Both filters have lower and higher cutoff frequency at about 1.4 and 2.4 GHz. The measured results are well agreed with the simulation ones. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2915–2917, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24804
Miniaturized microstrip bandpass filter using coupled SCRLH zeroth‐order resonators
Authors: Gong Jian‐Qiang , Chu Qing‐Xin
Published: September 2009

A novel miniaturized microstrip bandpass filter (BPF) has been proposed by using coupled simplified composite right/left‐handed (SCRLH) zeroth‐order resonators (ZORs). The SCRLH ZOR consists of microstrip high/low‐impedance short‐line elements, grounded stub, and transmission line sections. Being one of the artificial metamaterials, the SCRLH ZOR resonates when the phase constant equals to zero. Compared with the conventional half‐wavelength resonator, the superiority of the proposed ZOR mainly lies in its compact size. In addition, it is easy to tune the zeroth‐order resonant frequency, thanks to its simple structure and easy fabrication. In this article, the performance and design of the novel ZOR is first studied in detail. Then, the ZOR is exploited to devise a three‐order Chebyshev coupled microstrip BPF. Different coupling schemes are adopted, including interdigital capacitor coupling for the interstages and aperture‐backed dual‐finger parallel‐coupled line structures at the terminals, thus, the specified coupling strengths can be conveniently satisfied. Finally, a prototype device filter operative at S‐band is provided to illustrate the proposed techniques. Salient feature of the size reduction of the novel filter is achieved (more than 70%) when compared to a conventional structure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2985–2989, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24808
A low‐power 2.4‐GHz receiver front‐end for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Lin Yu‐Tso , Lin Yo‐Sheng , Lu Shey‐Shi
Published: September 2009

A low‐power 2.4‐GHz SiGe HBT receiver front‐end for wireless sensor networks utilizing current‐ reuse technique is reported for the first time. The proposed receiver comprises the low‐noise amplifier (LNA), the passive mixer, and the intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier. To reduce the power consumption, the dc bias current of the IF amplifier is reused by the LNA. The receiver front‐end dissipated 13.8 mW, and achieved input return loss (S11) of −22 dB, conversion voltage gain of 34 dB, noise figure of 6.3 dB, and input third‐order intermodulation point (IIP3) of −21 dBm at IF of 1 MHz. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 3021–3024, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24812
Relationship between structures of phosphorus compounds and flame retardancies of the mixtures with acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene and ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer
Authors: Nguyen Congtranh , Lee Minsoo , Kim Jinhwan
Published: September 2009

Various analogos of phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid, and CH3P(O) group containing organo‐phosphorus compounds were synthesized as model compounds to investigate the effects of P content and the structure of flame retardant (FR) on their fire retarding performances of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. The success of synthesis was confirmed by 1H‐ and 31P‐NMR. The flame retarding efficiencies were evaluated by a UL‐94 vertical test method. Thermogravimetric analysis results reveal that all the mixtures of FRs with ABS or EVA exhibit no or very little charred residues at 600°C under inert atmosphere condition, indicating that all FRs work in the gas phase rather than in the condensed phase for both ABS and EVA. The fire retarding efficiency of FR depends not only on the P content in FR but also on the nature of its structure. UL‐94 results show that P FRs with CH3 group attached to the P atom exhibits the best fire retarding performance on both ABS and EVA. It was found that at least 4 wt% P in the formulation is required to show self‐extinguishing ability for both ABS and EVA when P FRs having CH3 group are employed. The fire retarding efficiency of P FRs with different attached group is in order of: CH3 > C6H5 > OH > H. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review on flame retardant technology in China. Part I: development of flame retardants
Authors: Chen Li , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: September 2009

This paper provides an insight into some developments in flame retardants for different polymeric materials in China, primarily based on the publications that have appeared in the last 15 years. It focuses on the following aspects: halogen‐containing flame retardants, inorganic flame retardants (e.g. metal oxides and hydroxides, silicon‐containing materials, ammonium polyphosphate, red phosphorus, and expandable graphite), and organic flame retardants (e.g. aliphatic and aromatic phosphonates, nitrogen‐containing organics, and multi‐element organics). The inherently flame‐retardant polymer systems are also reviewed. The exploration of the novel flame retardants and flame‐retardant systems provides a powerful basis for the construction of flame‐retardant technologies and industrial applications in China. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal serum placental protein 13 at 11–13 weeks of gestation in preeclampsia
Authors: Akolekar Ranjit , Syngelaki Argyro , Beta Jarek , Kocylowski Rafal , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: September 2009

Objective

To examine the potential value of maternal serum concentration of placental protein 13 (PP13) at 11–13 weeks' gestation in screening for preeclampsia (PE).

Methods

Serum PP13, PAPP‐A and uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) were determined in a case–control study of 208 cases that developed PE including 48 that required delivery before 34 weeks (early‐PE) and 416 unaffected controls.

Results

Serum PP13 levels, expressed as multiples of the median (MoM) in the unaffected group, were significantly reduced in early‐PE (0.83 MoM) but not in late‐PE (0.96 MoM). In both early‐ and late‐PE serum PAPP‐A (0.55 and 0.84 MoM) was reduced and uterine artery PI (1.61 and 1.25 MoM) was increased. In PE pregnancies there was a significant association between serum PP13 and both uterine artery PI and serum PAPP‐A (p < 0.0001 for both). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum PP13 did not improve significantly the prediction of early‐PE provided by a combination of maternal factors, uterine artery PI and PAPP‐A.

Conclusion

PP13 is implicated in the pathogenesis of impaired placentation and subsequent development of early‐PE but measurement of this placental product is unlikely to be useful in screening for the disease at 11–13 weeks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redox initiated cationic polymerization: Reduction of diaryliodonium salts by 9‐BBN
Authors: Crivello James V.
Published: September 2009

Diaryliodonium salts undergo facile reduction by the dialkylborane, 9‐BBN. The combination of these two reagents constitutes a redox couple that can be employed as a convenient and versatile initiator system for the cationic polymerizations of styrenic monomers, vinyl ethers and the ring‐opening polymerizations of cyclic ethers and acetals including; epoxides, oxetanes, tetrahydrofuran, and 1,3,5‐trioxane. The polymerizations of these monomers can be carried out in either neat monomer or under solution conditions. Typically, the redox cationic polymerizations of the above monomers are rapid and exothermic. Optical pyrometry (infrared thermography) was employed as a convenient method with which to monitor and optimize the aforementioned redox initiated cationic polymerizations. Studies of the effects of variations in the structure and concentrations of the diaryliodonium salt and 9‐BBN on the polymerizations of various monomers were carried out. A mechanism for the redox cationic initiation of the polymerizations was proposed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5639–5651, 2009
The disproportionation of Cu(I)X mediated by ligand and solvent into Cu(0) and Cu(II)X2 and its implications for SET‐LRP
Authors: Rosen Brad M. , Jiang Xuan , Wilson Christopher J. , Nguyen Nga H. , Monteiro Michael J. , Percec Virgil
Published: September 2009

Disproportionation of Cu(I)X is the major step in Single‐Electron Transfer Living Radical Polymerization (SET‐LRP). The disproportionation of Cu(I)X mediated by Me6‐TREN in various solvents was studied through UV–vis spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). UV–vis experiments reveal that disproportionation is dependent on both solvent composition and concentration of Me6‐TREN, consistent with a revised equilibrium expression and corroborated by mathematical models. Electrochemistry data do not accurately predict the extent of disproportionation in the presence of Me6‐TREN. Exemplified by DMSO, a favored solvent for SET‐LRP, UV–vis spectroscopy shows that under certain conditions disproportionation is four‐orders of magnitude greater than the value reported from electrochemistry experiments. Through UV–vis and DLS analysis, it was demonstrated that DMSO, DMF, DMAC, and NMP, stabilize colloidal Cu(0), while acetone, EtOH, EC, MeOH, PC, and H2O facilitate agglomeration of Cu(0) particles. Additionally, for colloidal Cu(0) stabilizing solvents, the amount of ligand and solvent composition decide the particle size distribution. Therefore, the kinetics of SET‐LRP are cooperatively and synergistically determined by the complex interplay of solvent polarity, the extent of disproportionation in the solvent/ligand mixture, and the ability of that mixture to stabilize colloidal Cu(0) or control particle size distribution. The implications of these results for SET‐LRP are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5606–5628, 2009
Modeling the time and temperature dependence of the oPs formation probability in polystyrene and its derivatives
Authors: Laforest Nicolas , Bas Corine , De Baerdemaeker Jérémie , Dauwe Charles
Published: September 2009

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy measurements of polystyrene and its derivatives have been performed in the temperature range 20–300 K. The ortho‐positronium lifetime calculated from the lifetime spectrum analysis is related to the mean free‐volume hole size. However, the ortho‐positronium yield in the medium is dependent on the polymer chemistry and also on the irradiation effect induced by the positron source. We proposed a model based on two simple processes that cause, respectively, enhancement and inhibition of positronium formation to fit the experimental data over a broad temperature range. Using this model, intrinsic parameters for the polymers under study, such as the shallowly trapped electron recombination energy and the free‐radical recombination energy, were calculated and discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2063–2073, 2009
Using vibrational mode analysis for predicting the coefficient of thermal expansion of amorphous polymers
Authors: Shenogin Sergei , Raravikar Nachiket , Ozisik Rahmi , Keblinski Pawel
Published: September 2009

Molecular dynamics simulations and vibrational analysis on model amorphous polyethylene structures demonstrate that the main contribution to the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is due to structural relaxations even at temperatures below the glass transition. The contribution due to vibrational relaxation, calculated within the Grüneissen theory of solids, accounts only for a small fraction of the CTE. Based on our findings we argue that tailoring of polymers with low CTE should focus on reduction of the relaxation processes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2114–2121, 2009
Counterion mixing effects on the conformational transitions of polyelectrolytes. I. Volume phase transition and coil‐globule transition of alkali metal poly(acrylate)s
Authors: Hayashi Mariko , Wakagawa Masaki , Minato Takafumi , Nishiyama Yuji , Kuroki Shigeki , Satoh Mitsuru
Published: September 2009

Counterion mixing effects on the volume phase transition and the coil‐globule transition of alkali metal poly(acrylate)s (PAAM) in aqueous organic solvents were investigated by observing the swelling behavior of PAAM gel and by measuring the solution viscosity and the conductivity as a function of the counterion mixing ratio. Marked transitions to the collapsed states were induced only for Li+/Cs+ system in most solvent systems; namely, PAA gel significantly collapsed in the presence of Li+ and Cs+ counterions irrespective of the solvent species employed, while only a slight deswelling was observed for Li+/K+ system in some aqueous organic solvents. Corresponding specific decrements in the solution viscosity and conductivity were also confirmed for the combination of Li+ and Cs+ in aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) system. A simple analysis of the conductivity decrement observed for Li+/Cs+ system in 60 vol % DMSO suggested that only Cs+ is tightly bound upon addition of Li+ while no restriction is induced for Li+ upon mixing with Cs+. A working hypothesis is proposed for the apparently intriguing behaviors of the counterions in the mixed system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2122–2131, 2009
Solubility of polystyrene in selectively deuterated methyl acetate
Authors: Siporska Agnieszka , Szydłowski Jerzy
Published: September 2009

Cloud point measurements were made for binary systems of polystyrene (PS) + methyl acetate (MA) and polystyrene (PS) + selectively deuterated MA: CD3COOCH3 and CH3COOCD3 with three PS samples of Mw = 4.0 × 105, 2.0 × 106, and 13.2 × 106. All systems are characterized by the phase diagrams with upper and lower critical temperature. H/D isotope effects on miscibility for both selectively deuterated acetates are very large and appeared to be independent of the site of deuterium substitution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47:2140–2143, 2009
Hypergolic Reactions of TNT
Authors: Oxley Jimmie C. , Smith James L. , Yue Junqi , Moran Jesse
Published: September 2009

One way being considered to destroy trinitrotoluene (TNT) land or surf mines is to exploit its reactivity using darts containing chemicals, which, upon contact with TNT, cause instantaneous decomposition, but not detonation. To determine the best candidates to fill the darts, liquids, specifically amines, which react in a hypergolic fashion with TNT were examined for both the rate of reaction and amount of energy released. Micro‐calorimetry was used to measure heat release while spectroscopy and conventional peak intensity monitoring by chromatography were used to examine the rate of reaction. Calorimetry measurements showed little variation between different amines reacting with TNT (about 110–130 kJ mol−1 TNT). TNT reaction with hydride actually produced more heat than with amines. Further, dinitrotoluene (DNT), which generates substantial heat, did not undergo a hypergolic reaction with amines suggesting that heat release is not the controlling factor for the hypergolic reactions. Rate constants, determined for the loss of TNT in dilute acetonitrile solution, clearly showed distinctions among the amines. The more primary amine functionalities in the amine compound, the faster it destroyed TNT. Hydrides or amine mixtures spiked with hydride decomposed substantially faster than the amines alone. However, a direct correlation between reaction rate and time‐to‐ignition was not observed.
Stimulatory effect of undecylenic acid on mouse osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Kim Myung Hee , Shim Ki Shuk , Lee Su‐Ui , Kim Young Sup , Min Yong Ki , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: September 2009

Natural compounds with bone‐forming (or anabolic) activity have been recently focused on in bone research. The present study investigated the effect of undecylenic acid (UA) on osteoblast differentiation in mouse osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 subclone 4 cells and primary mouse calvarial cells. Low concentrations of UA (up to 5 μM) exhibited no cytotoxicity and significantly increased the expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase (early differentiation marker of osteoblast) and calcium deposition with the induction of expression of the osteocalcin gene in both cells. Interestingly, at low concentration of UA, the induction of NF‐κB p65 translocation into nucleus and the up‐regulation of AP‐1 and NFATc1 transcript levels were also observed, suggesting that the stimulatory effect of UA on osteoblast differentiation could be mediated through the activation of transcription factors. Additionally, although the patterns of UA‐induced activation of MAP kinases (JNK and p38) were not completely consistent with the increase of both ALP activity and calcium deposition by UA, MAP kinases might be partially involved in the biological function of UA during the early and late stages of osteoblast differentiation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diuretic and antioxidant effects of Cacti‐Nea®, a dehydrated water extract from prickly pear fruit, in rats
Authors: Bisson Jean‐François , Daubié Stéphanie , Hidalgo Sophie , Guillemet Damien , Linarés Elodie
Published: September 2009

Dehydrated extract of the prickly pear fruit Opuntia ficus indica, Cacti‐Nea®, was evaluated for its chronic diuretic and antioxidant effects in Wistar rats. Cacti‐Nea® was orally administered daily for seven days at the dose of 240 mg/kg/day. A positive group was orally treated with hydrochlorothiazide at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day and a control group with vehicle. Daily measurements of body weight, urine volume, and concentration of sodium, potassium and uric acid in urine were performed for each rat. At the end of the study, the blood globular level of glutathione peroxidase was determined. Cacti‐Nea® significantly increased the urine volumes excreted by rats in comparison with the control group and it showed a trend to reduce significantly the body weight gain of rats. No significant differences were observed in the urine concentration of sodium, potassium and uric acid in comparison with the control group. The chronic diuretic effects of Cacti‐Nea® were comparable with that of the standard drug hydrochlorothiazide. Chronic oral administration of Cacti‐Nea® significantly increased the blood globular levels of glutathione peroxidase in comparison with control and hydrochlorothiazide groups. The prickly pear fruit extract Cacti‐Nea® demonstrated chronic diuretic and antioxidant effects in Wistar rats with respect to the excretion of the metabolites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Net impact of remediation
Authors: Gibbs James , Santillan Javier , Horin Jon
Published: September 2009

Following years of progress in designing and executing cleanups of contaminants at waste sites, the U.S. Air Force, state regulatory groups, and others are crafting methods to evaluate broader considerations of risk in remedial decisions. Integrating worker and climate risks into remediation efforts may confer significant benefits, but challenges exist to identifying, assessing, and accounting for them in the remedial process.

For sites where future risk posed by contamination far exceeds the risk posed to workers who may be exposed to the contaminants during the remedial process, limiting the range of decision inputs to those presented by the site conditions made sense and provided a net benefit to human health and the environment. There are other sites, however, where future risk posed by the in situ contamination are at levels comparable to the real risks posed to workers, ecology, and even emerging concerns about climate change. For these sites, a net risk reduction cannot be assumed to be a result of remedial action, challenging the remedial community to develop new approaches to ensure positive results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal psychological well‐being and salivary cortisol in late pregnancy and early post‐partum
Authors: Cheng Ching‐Yu , Pickler Rita H.
Published: September 2009

Maternal cortisol plays an important role in foetal development and is often used to measure stress. In addition to stress, prenatal and post‐partum women experience a mix of positive and negative emotions. However, few studies have examined the relationship between cortisol and maternal psychological health or how these relationships change from the prenatal to the post‐partum periods. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between maternal cortisol and stress, happiness, and depression components of psychological well‐being, in late pregnancy and early post‐partum. The study used a repeated measure design with 41 women; 21 women completed all data collections. As expected, maternal salivary cortisol increased from awakening to 30 minutes after awakening during pregnancy. Levels of salivary cortisol were lower at post‐partum. Stress, happiness and depression were significantly correlated at both prenatal and post‐partum measurements. Prenatal cortisol awakening response was correlated with happiness. Maternal psychological well‐being and cortisol did not differ by parity, race or employment. Maternal cortisol could potentially serve as a biochemical marker of maternal psychological well‐being. Interventions to decrease maternal stress may promote maternal psychological well‐being. Longitudinal studies with larger sample and diverse ethnicities may increase our understanding of the role of cortisol in foetal and maternal health. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early Reoperation After Laparoscopic Fundoplication: The Importance of Routine Postoperative Contrast Studies
Authors: Tsunoda Shigeru , Jamieson Glyn G. , Devitt Peter G. , Watson David I. , Thompson Sarah K.
Published: September 2009

Background

The necessity for routine postoperative contrast studies following laparoscopic fundoplication for either gastroesophageal reflux disease or paraesophageal hernia is unclear.

Methods

To determine whether a routine contrast X‐ray film influenced surgical decision making following laparoscopic fundoplication, we reviewed records from a prospective database of 1,894 patients who underwent a primary laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease or paraesophageal hernia between October 1991 and June 2008, and identified those who underwent early reoperation. The value of early routine postoperative barium swallow examinations in the management of these patients was then determined.

Results

The review showed that 53 patients (2.8%) underwent reoperative procedures within seven days of their original operation: 21 had originally undergone surgery for a paraesophageal hernia, and 32 for reflux. Of the 53 patients who underwent reoperaiton, 25 (47.2%) were treated for dysphagia, 17 (32.1%) for acute paraesophageal hernia, 6 (11.3%) for a gastrointestinal leak, and 5 (9.4%) for bleeding or peritonitis. Fifteen of the 17 patients who underwent repair of an acute hiatus hernia (0.8% of all patients) had no symptoms and underwent reoperative surgery because of radiological findings alone. Primary surgery for a large hiatus hernia was associated with a higher incidence of early reoperation (5.2 vs. 2.2%; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Approximately 1 in 125 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for reflux or a large hiatus hernia had an important finding on an early postoperative contrast swallow, and benefited from this investigation by undergoing early reoperative intervention.
Variable phenotypic expression of a MECP2 mutation in a family
Authors: Augenstein Kimberly , Lane Jane B. , Horton Antony , Schanen Carolyn , Percy Alan K.
Published: September 2009

We report a three generation family in which five members, three females and two males, demonstrate a 44 bp deletion (1164–1207del44) in the MECP2 gene associated with Rett syndrome, leading to a truncation of the C-terminus of the protein. Two of the three females and both males do not meet RTT criteria whereas the youngest female has classic RTT. Both males demonstrated a clear pattern of progressive involvement including dystonia. The transmitting females do not demonstrate features of RTT as a result of unbalanced X chromosome inactivation (XCI) and were only identified as carriers following the evaluation of the affected males and the girl with classic RTT. As such, accurate assessment of the precise frequency of MECP2 mutations in carrier females with mild cognitive impairment or borderline cognitive function will be under-represented unless an affected offspring is recognized. Strategies for accurate diagnosis in such instances should be considered carefully.
The Development Theory of Transportation Infrastructure Examined in the Context of Central and West Africa
Authors: Njoh Ambe J.
Published: September 2009

The study sought to test the tenability of the hypothesis of a positive link between transportation infrastructure and development in the context of less developed countries (LDCs). The west and central Africa region, comprising twenty-four contiguous countries, constitutes the empirical referent. Two main forms of the generalized linear model, including zero-order and multiple regression involving natural logarithms and assuming the classic Cobb-Douglas production function, are employed. Development, the dependent variable, is operationalized in terms of the Human Development Index (HDI) and Growth National Income per capita (GNI/Cap). The independent variables include the different major forms of transportation infrastructure (roads, rail, airports, seaports, waterways, and pipelines). The results show a strong positive relationship between transportation infrastructure and development. Not only does this revelation conform to the findings of previous studies in more developed countries (MDCs), it suggests that the link between transportation infrastructure and development may actually be stronger in LDCs than in MDCs.
On plate decompositions of cone multipliers
Authors: Garrigós Gustavo , Seeger Andreas
Published: September 2009

An important inequality due to Wolff on plate decompositions of cone multipliers is known to have consequences for sharp Lp results on cone multipliers, local smoothing for the wave equation, convolutions with radial kernels, Bergman projections in tubes over cones, averages over finite-type curves in ℝ3 and associated maximal functions. We observe that the range of p in Wolff's inequality, for the conic and the spherical versions, can be improved by using bilinear restriction results. We also use this inequality to give some improved estimates on square functions associated to decompositions of cone multipliers in low dimensions. This gives a new L4 bound for the cone multiplier operator in ℝ3.
Inner functions in the Möbius invariant Besov-type spaces
Authors: Pérez-González Fernando , Rättyä Jouni
Published: September 2009

An analytic function f in the unit disc $\mathbb{D}$ belongs to F(p,q,s), if

is uniformly bounded for all a ∈ $\mathbb{D}$. Here $g(z,a)=-\log|\varphi_a(z)|$ is the Green function of $\mathbb{D}$, and φa(z)=(a−z)/(1−āz). It is shown that for 0 < γ < ∞ and |w|=1 the singular inner function exp(γ(z+w)/(z−w)) belongs to F(p,q,s), 0<s≤1, if and only if $p\le q+\tfrac12(s+3)$. Moreover, it is proved that, if 0<s<1, then an inner function belongs to the Möbius invariant Besov-type space $B^p_s=F(p,p-2,s)$ for some (equivalently for all) p > max{s,1−s} if and only if it is a Blaschke product whose zero sequence {zn} satisfies $\smash{\sup_{a\in\mathbb{D}}\sum_{n=1}^\infty(1-|\varphi_{a}(z_n)|^2)^s<\infty}$.
On the existence of positive solutions on the half-line to nonlinear two-dimensional delay differential systems
Authors: Philos Ch. G.
Published: September 2009

This paper is concerned with a boundary-value problem on the half-line for nonlinear two-dimensional delay differential systems with positive delays. A theorem is established, which provides sufficient conditions for the existence of positive solutions. The application of this theorem to the special case of second-order nonlinear delay differential equations is given. Also, the application of the theorem to two-dimensional Emden–Fowler-type delay differential systems with constant delays is presented. Moreover, some general examples demonstrating the applicability of the theorem are included.
Combinatorial Gelfand models for some semigroups and q-rook monoid algebras
Authors: Kudryavtseva Ganna , Mazorchuk Volodymyr
Published: September 2009

Inspired by the results of Adin, Postnikov and Roichman, we propose combinatorial Gelfand models for semigroup algebras of some finite semigroups, which include the symmetric inverse semigroup, the dual symmetric inverse semigroup, the maximal factorizable subsemigroup in the dual symmetric inverse semigroup and the factor power of the symmetric group. Furthermore, we extend the Gelfand model for the semigroup algebras of the symmetric inverse semigroup to a Gelfand model for the q-rook monoid algebra.
Discrete Tracy–Widom operators
Authors: Blower Gordon , McCafferty Andrew
Published: September 2009

Integrable operators arise in random matrix theory, where they describe the asymptotic eigenvalue distribution of large self-adjoint random matrices from the generalized unitary ensembles. We consider discrete Tracy–Widom operators and give sufficient conditions for a discrete integrable operator to be the square of a Hankel matrix. Examples include the discrete Bessel kernel and kernels arising from the almost Mathieu equation and the Fourier transform of Mathieu's equation.
The taxonomy of theCaloplaca citrinagroup (Teloschistaceae) in the Black Sea region; with contributions to the cryptic species concept in lichenology
Authors: VONDRÁK Jan , ŘÍHA Pavel , ARUP Ulf , SØCHTING Ulrik
Published: September 2009

A new taxonomy of theCaloplaca citrinagroup in the Black Sea region is presented. It is based on the nrDNA ITS molecular data, chemistry (anthraquinone contents) and 20 morphological characters. Six species previously known in the region are accepted:Caloplaca arcis,C. calcitrapa,C. dichroa,C. flavocitrina,C. geleverjae,C. limonia. Five new species are described:Caloplaca arcisproxima,C. austrocitrina,C. communis,C. confusaandC. nigromarina. Seven further species,Caloplaca britannica,C. citrina,C. marina,C. maritima,C. microthallina,C. oraandC. phloginaare also treated briefly. Some maritime species known from the Atlantic coast of Europe are absent from the region, and, surprisingly,Caloplaca citrinas. str. could not be confirmed from the study area. A key to the species present in the region is provided, although morphological characters are of very limited value in this group. The variability and taxonomic importance of particular features are discussed. No significant differences in secondary chemistry were observed among the species.

Many examples of convergence and some semi-cryptic species were revealed by molecular data. The term ‘semi-cryptic species’ is introduced here into lichenology for those species which cannot be clearly diagnosed by their morphology, but which are determined by other characters, mainly by their ecology and distribution. We propose to describe formally such species, in spite of difficulties with subsequent morphological identification.
A revision of the lichen genus Stirtonia
Authors: APTROOT André
Published: September 2009

The lichen genus Stirtonia has been revised. Thirteen species are accepted in the genus, including three new to science, viz. S. curvata from Irian Jaya and Java, S. schummii from the Seychelles and S. neotropica from Costa Rica and the Dutch Antilles. The known range of the genus is extended from Asian to pantropical. The genus is most diverse in the palaeotropics.
Morphological and nuclear ribosomal DNA data support distinguishing two new species ofUmbilicaria(Umbilicariaceae, Ascomycota) from Europe
Authors: KRZEWICKA Beata , GARCÍA Miguel A. , JOHANSEN Steinar D. , SANCHO Leopoldo G. , MARTÍN María P.
Published: September 2009

Umbilicaria ibericaandU. maculataare described as new to science on the basis of morphological and molecular data.Umbilicaria ibericais similar toU. polyphyllabut differs in having a monophyllous thallus with a distinctive white reticular pattern over the umbilicus and actinodisc apothecia.Umbilicaria maculatais similar toU. cylindricabut this new species is distinguished by its grey-brown thallus with sparse marginal cilia and white stains on the upper surface especially in the marginal zone, as well as by sessile apothecia with one or a few sterile fissures. Nuclear ITS and LSU rDNA have been used as molecular markers. In the phylogenetic analysisU. polyphyllafalls into two well supported clades (A and B), one of which corresponds to the morphotype that is described here as a new taxon. Specimens previously recognized asU.cylindricafall into three well supported clades: clade C corresponds to the typical morphotype, clade D corresponds to morphotype II described here as a new taxon, and clade E is morphotype III which is recognized asU.cf.umbilicarioides. Typical group I introns have been found in position 1506 of the nuclear SSU rDNA ofUmbilicaria; a consensus secondary structure of these introns is presented and we conclude that they represent an important and valuable molecular marker which gives additional support to the ITS and LSU sequence phylogeny obtained.
The Differential Influence of Culture Change Models on Long-Term Care Staff Empowerment and Provision of Individualized Care
Authors: Caspar Sienna , O’Rourke Norm , Gutman Gloria M.
Published: September 2009

La présente étude vise à déterminer si des différences existent entre les divers modèles de changement de culture (MCC) relativement à la perception du personnel soignant agréé à l’égard de l’accès aux structures d’habilitation et des prestations connues de soins individualisés. Nous avons embauché des employés qui travaillent dans des établissements ayant mis en œuvre les modèles sociaux de soins Eden Alternative, GentleCare ou Facility Specific ou n’ayant pas implanté de MCC. Nous avons effectué des analyses de variance multidimensionnelles de chacun des trois groupes de personnel soignant (infirmières autorisées, infirmières auxiliaires autorisées et aides-soignants) en fonction de chaque CCM. Les résultats indiquent qu’il existe des différences considérables entre le personnel soignant agréé et entre chacun des MCC. Plus le personnel soignant côtoie quotidiennement les patients, plus l’influence des MCC semble affecter l’autonomisation perçue et les prestations connues de soins individualisés. Des recherches suggèrent que les employés travaillant dans des établissements ayant mis en œuvre un des modèles sociaux de soins mentionnés ci-dessus profitent des meilleures conditions de travail. Inversement, parmi les établissements ayant implanté un de ces modèles, seul le personnel d’un établissement a fourni des réponses différentes de celles des employés travaillant dans des établissements sans MCC.
Community-Based Home Support Agencies: Comparing the Quality of Care of Cooperative and Non-profit Organizations
Authors: Leviten-Reid Catherine , Hoyt Ann
Published: September 2009

Au Québec, une combinaison d’organismes sans but lucratif et de coopératives offre des services d’entretien ménager, de préparation de repas et d’aide aux courses aux personnes âgées. Dans la présente étude, on pose la question suivante : les services offerts par les coopératives de services à domicile sont-ils de meilleure qualité que les services offerts par les organismes sans but lucratif? Cette étude permet également d’examiner les répercussions déterminées de la participation des bénéficiaires et des travailleurs et travailleuses au conseil d’administration. Les données ont été recueillies en 2006 et 2007 auprès de 831 personnes bénéficiaires de services à domicile, assurés par 9 coopératives et 9 organismes sans but lucratif. Deux instruments de mesure de la qualité centrés sur les bénéficiaires ont été utilisés : une échelle d’évaluation sommative de la qualité en 39 points et une note globale de qualité en 4 points. Les données ont été analysées par régression logistique. Les résultats révèlent que la structure organisationnelle n’est pas une variable explicative de la qualité, mais que la participation des travailleurs et des travailleuses au conseil d’administration est associée positivement à la note de satisfaction. De plus, la participation des bénéficiaires est associée positivement à la note de qualité globale.
Editorial: Realizing the Vision. The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging as a Strategic Initiative of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Authors: Martin-Matthews Anne , Mealing Linda
Published: September 2009

L’Étude longitudinale canadienne sur le vieillissement (ÉLCV) a progressé à partir d’une vision lancée par l’Institut du vieillissement des IRSC en 2001 à une plateforme nationale de recherche subventionnée par le fédéral en 2008. Le développement du protocole d’ÉLCV a été mis en valeur par une série d’examens internationaux par les pairs, un comité de coordination multisectoriel, et un comité des IRSC des questions d’éthique, juridiques, et sociales; chacun était essentiel à l’excellence de la science et à rendre l’ÉLCV pertinente aux secteurs multiples. L’équipe de recherche de l’ÉLCV, menée par trois cochercheurs principaux (Kirkland, Raina, et Wolfson), a développé un protocole unique se concentrant sur le vieillissement de la cellule à la société – conçue pour suivre 50 000 personnes âgées entre 45 à 85 ans, sur une période de 20 ans années. Une association stratégique avec Statistique Canada a été cruciale au développement et au lancement de l’ÉLCV. L’ÉLCV contribuera à notre compréhension des transitions et de la trajectoire chez une population qui vieillit, et différera des études longitudinales du vieillissement dans le monde entier par rapport á l’ampleur de sa portée, le recrutement des moins âgés dans l’étude (âge 45), la diversité ethno-culturelle de la population du Canada, et au potentiel de lier des données rassemblées aux données administratives de santé au niveau provincial. L’étude d’IRSC est une étude novatrice longitudinale, basée sur la population, qui sera une ressource de recherche sans précédent soutenant la recherche multidisciplinaire et la prise de décision fondée sur des faits dans le domaine du vieillissement au Canada.
Ascertainment of Chronic Diseases in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), Systematic Review
Authors: Raina Parminder S. , Wolfson Christina , Kirkland Susan A. , Keshavarz Homa , Griffith Lauren E. , Patterson Christopher , Uniat Jennifer , Strople Geoff , Pelletier Amélie , Angus Camille L.
Published: September 2009

Les procédures diagnostiques cliniques standards sont souvent inappropriées et fréquemment non applicables dans des études basées sur la population; pourtant, vérifier le statut précis d’une maladie est essentiel. Nous avons fait une revue systématique pour identifier des algorithmes, des critères, et des outils utilisés pour identifier 17 maladies chroniques, et avons fait la praticabilité de développer des algorithmes pour l’ÉLCV. Des 29 616 citations examinées, 668 papiers ont rencontré tous les critères d’inclusion. Nous avons déterminé que l’information incluse dans un algorithme de maladie différera selon le type de condition. Le diagnostic de quelques conditions symptomatiques, telles l’arthrose et l’arthrite, exigera la justification par des critères cliniques (par exemple, rayons X, mesure de densité osseuse) tandis que d’autres conditions, telles la dépression, se baseront seulement sur les dires des individus. Les conditions asymptomatiques, telles l’hypertension, sont plus difficiles à vérifier par les dires des individus et exigeront des mesures physiologiques additionnelles (par exemple, tension artérielle) et des mesures de laboratoire (par exemple, glucose). Cette étude pilote a identifié les outils nécessaires pour développer des algorithmes d’évaluation de diagnostic.
The Canadian Community Health Survey as a Potential Recruitment Vehicle for the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Wolfson Christina , Raina Parminder S. , Kirkland Susan A. , Pelletier Amélie , Uniat Jennifer , Furlini Linda , Angus Camille L. , Strople Geoff , Keshavarz Homa , Szala-Meneok Karen
Published: September 2009

Le but de l’Étude longitudinale canadienne sur le vieillissement (ÉLCV) est de recruter 50 000 participants âgés de 45 à 85 ans et de les suivre pendant 20 ans. Les processus d’échantillonnage et de recrutement pour une étude de cette envergure représentent d’importants défis. Statistique Canada a été approché pour collaborer avec l’ÉLCV dans le but de déterminer si l’Enquête sur la santé dans les collectivités canadiennes (ESCC) pourrait être utilisée comme véhicule de recrutement pour l’ÉLCV. Dans cette étude pilote réalisée en 2004, il a été déterminé que 63,8 pour cent et 75,8 pour cent des répondants accepteraient de partager leurs coordonnées et leurs réponses à l’ESCC avec l’ÉLCV, respectivement. Les réticences les plus souvent rapportées étaient reliées à la confidentialité, le manque d’intérêt et le niveau d’engagement demandé. Cette étude pilote a permis d’identifier quelques défis reliés à l’utilisation de l’ESCC comme véhicule de recrutement pour l’ÉLCV.
Accessing Health Care Utilization Databases for Health Research: A Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Feasibility Study
Authors: Raina Parminder S. , Kirkland Susan A. , Wolfson Christina , Szala-Meneok Karen , Griffith Lauren E. , Keshavarz Homa , Uniat Jennifer , Furlini Linda , Angus Camille L. , Strople Geoff , Pelletier Amélie
Published: September 2009

Une des clés au succès de l’Étude longitudinale canadienne sur le vieillissement (ÉLCV) sera de tirer profit des sources de données secondaires, en particulier données relatives à l’utilisation des soins de santé (USS). Pour examiner les aspects pratiques, méthodologiques et éthiques d’accéder à des données sur l’USS, des entrevues qualitatives individuelles ont été réalisés auprès de 53 administrateurs de données et commissaires/ombudsman à la protection de la vie privée à travers le Canada. Les participants de l’étude ont indiqué que d’obtenir la permission d’accéder à des données sur l’USS est généralement possible; cependant, ils ont noté que ce processus sera complexe et long, exigeant des travaux préparatoires considérables et méticuleux afin de s’assurer que la documentation soit appropriée et que le tout soit conforme aux variations juridiques ainsi qu’aux lignes, législatives et politiques.
Are nasal decongestants safer than rhinitis? A case of oxymetazoline-induced syncope
Authors: Fabi Marianna , Formigari Roberto , Picchio Fernando M.
Published: September 2009

Derivatives of Imidazoline usually act to stimulate peripheral alpha2 receptors causing vasoconstriction. In young children, however, they can also stimulate alpha2receptors in the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, possibly causing cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory depression. These medications do not require medical prescriptions, so often parents use them, bypassing paediatricians. We report here a case of cardiovascular and neurological depression induced by oxymetalzoline in a toddler.
Odynophagie einer jungen Mutter
Authors: Schmidt-Weiss  , Oestmann
Published: September 2009

Wir berichten über eine 34-jährige Mutter, welche sich wegen Fieber und Odynophagie auf dem Notfall vorstellte. Es wurde die Diagnose einer Herpes-Ösophagitis gestellt. Es handelte sich dabei um eine Herpes-simplex-Virus-Primoinfektion bei einer immunkompetenten Patientin. Die Übertragung erfolgte durch ihr eigenes Kind, welches zuvor wegen einer Herpes-Stomatitis im Kinderspital hospitalisiert worden war. Im Labor konnte als Zufallsbefund eine Pankreatitis diagnostiziert werden, welche wir aufgrund des zeitlichen Zusammenhanges als Herpes-Pankreatitis interpretierten.