bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous growth patterns in carriers of chromosome 7p12.2 imbalances affecting GRB10
Authors: Eggermann Thomas , Begemann Matthias , Gogiel Magdalena , Palomares María , Vallespín Elena , Fernández Luis , Cazorla Rosario , Spengler Sabrina , García‐Miñaúr Sixto
Published: September 2012

Chromosomal duplications and deletions in 7p12.2 have been described in patients with growth disturbance phenotypes, that is, Silver–Russell and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (SRS, BWS). The region harbors the imprinted GRB10/Grb10 gene which has been postulated to belong to a major fetal growth pathway. Based on its genomic localization, its physiological function and its imprinting status, GRB10/Grb10 was considered as a candidate for growth disturbance disorders. However, based on case reports with imbalances of the GRB10 locus it has been suggested that the altered GRB10 copy number should be responsible for the aberrant growth phenotype rather than an altered imprinting status of the gene. We now report on a patient with an increased height and weight in his first years of life carrying a de‐novo duplication (5.1 Mb) of paternal 7p12.2 material. The increased growth in this patient again contradicts the hypothesis that a gain of GRB10 copies leads to growth restriction. Indeed, it is necessary to compare the regions of imbalances in 7p12 and the affected genes in the different patients as other genes than GRB10 in 7p12 might cause these aberrant growth phenotypes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology of polypropylene/silica nano‐ and microcomposites
Authors: Pustak Anđela , Pucić Irina , Denac Matjaž , Švab Iztok , Pohleven Janez , Musil Vojko , Šmit Ivan
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different silica grades on the structure and morphology of isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/silica composites to better understand their structure–property relationships. Isotactic polypropylene composites with 2, 4, 6, 8 vol % of added silica fillers differing in particle size (micro‐ vs. nanosilica) and surface modification (untreated vs. treated surface) were prepared by nonisothermal compression molding and characterized by different methods. The addition of all silica fillers grades to the iPP matrix significantly influenced the spherulitic morphology, while phase characteristics of the iPP matrix seemed to be unaffected. Surface modification of silica fillers exhibited stronger effects on spherulite size than size of silica particles. Nonpolar silica particles, more miscible or compatible with iPP chains than polar silica particles, enabled better spherulitic growth. The spherulite sizes tended to reach equal values at 8 vol % of added silicas showing that spherulite size became independent of filler concentration and surface modification above optimum filler concentration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Highly porous catalytic materials with Pd and ionic liquid supported on chitosan
Authors: Jouannin Claire , Vincent Chloë , Dez Isabelle , Gaumont Annie‐Claude , Vincent Thierry , Guibal Eric
Published: September 2012

Chitosan was used to immobilize phosphonium‐based ionic liquids, combined with silica particles, to prepare catalytic materials in the form of highly porous monoliths. These catalytic materials were studied for the hydrogenation of 4‐nitroaniline into p‐phenylenediamine in the presence of formic acid as hydrogen donor in a column reactor. Experimental conditions for the elaboration of the materials were evaluated by their impact on palladium sorption, on the structure of the materials, and on their catalytic efficiency. The concentration of chitosan in the initial solution and the size and concentration of silica particles had to be carefully chosen to elaborate homogeneous materials, with good mechanical resistance and stability in water. The chitosan characteristics and the type of ionic liquid immobilized in the material did not significantly affect the structure of the materials but proved to be crucial for their catalytic efficiency. Higher catalytic performances were obtained using materials prepared from chitosan of high‐deacetylation degree and with Cyphos IL‐101. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Hydrolysis of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) nanoparticles
Authors: Leimann Fernanda Vitória , Biz Maiara Heloisa , Musyanovych Anna , Sayer Claudia , Landfester Katharina , Hermes de Araújo Pedro Henrique
Published: September 2012

Poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a natural polyester known for its biocompatibility and biodegradability. The hydrolysis of PHBV nanoparticles (90–150 nm) and microparticles (33–58 µm) was investigated. Particles were formulated from preformed polymer(s) by miniemulsification/solvent evaporation technique to obtain nanoparticles or by emulsification/solvent evaporation technique to obtain microparticles. The morphology of the nanoparticles was studied by Field Emission Gun‐Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG‐SEM). The kinetics of PHBV degradation was followed by gel permeation chromatography. After storage of PHBV nanoparticles for 25 days at 37 °C, the Mn and Mw of PHBV was reduced up to 85 and 80%, respectively. PHBV nanoparticles stored at 4 °C presented a much lower molecular weight reduction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Freezing/thawing effects on the exfoliation of montmorillonite in gelatin‐based bionanocomposite
Authors: Mu Changdao , Li Xinying , Zhao Yige , Zhang Hanguang , Wang Liangjie , Li Defu
Published: September 2012

Freezing/thawing is used as a new method to elaborate exfoliated gelatin‐Montmorillonite (MMT) bionanocomposites. The data of X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicate that freezing/thawing is an effective approach to exfoliate the clay for concentrations higher than 5 mass% in gelatin matrix. In addition, after freezing/thawing process to introduce, the crystallinity (triple‐helix content) of gelatin‐MMT bionanocomposites is improved, revealing that freezing/thawing method has the advantages for gelatin molecules to renature into triple‐helix. Specially, the data of Fourier transform infrared indicate that freezing/thawing may be induce more hydrogen bond interactions in gelatin‐MMT bionanocomposites due to the better dispersion of MMT. The mechanical measurements and thermogravimetric analysis show that gelatin‐MMT bionanocomposites prepared by freezing/thawing display enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability in comparison with the ones prepared by conventional blending at the same clay content. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
H∞Control Synthesis for Lurie Networked Control Systems with Multiple Delays Based on the Non‐Uniform Characteristic
Authors: Li Peiran , Bao Zhejing , Yang Qiang , Yan Wenjun
Published: September 2012

This paper investigates theH∞control synthesis problem forLurie networked control systems (NCSs) with multiple time‐varying delays. With the consideration of both network‐induced delays and data packet dropout,LurieNCSsdiscussed in this work can effectively be transformed into Lurie control systems with multiple time‐varying delays. In addition, with the non‐uniform distribution characteristics of network delays, based on the delay probability distribution, the stable controller design, andH∞synthesis, approaches are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a set of numerical examples are studied, and the results demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the suggested approaches.
Selective and sensitive fluorescent turn‐off chemosensors for Fe3+
Authors: Fu Li , Mei Jie , Zhang Ji‐Tao , Liu Yi , Jiang Feng‐Lei
Published: September 2012

Two novel chemosensors (2a and 2b) were synthesized by facile condensation of the binding unit (l‐histidine) and the fluorophores (anthracene and dansyl groups). Both of them displayed high selectivity and sensitivity towards Fe3+ over other metal ions in aqueous solution. The sensing mechanism was based on the paramagnetic property of Fe3+ that would lead to fluorescence quenching of the fluorophores when Fe3+ was bound to the recognition units. The results showed that l‐histidine was a good coordination motif for Fe3+ and both the anthracene and dansyl groups can sensitively report the sensing information. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods for the determination of the analgesic drug, nalbuphine in pharmaceutical and biological fluids
Authors: El‐Didamony Akram M. , Ali Ismail I.
Published: September 2012

We describe the first studies of a simple and sensitive spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods for the analysis of nalbuphine (NLB) in dosage form and biological fluids. The spectrofluorimetric method was based on the oxidation of NLB with Ce(IV) to produce Ce(III) and its fluorescence was monitored at 352 nm after excitation at 250 nm. The spectrophotometric method involves addition of a known excess of Ce(IV) to NLB in acid medium, followed by determination of residual Ce(IV) by reacting with a fixed amount of methyl orange and measuring absorbance at 510 nm. In both methods, the amount of Ce(IV) reacted corresponds to the amount of NLB and measured fluorescence or absorbance were found to increase linearly with the concentration of NLB, which are corroborated by correlation coefficients of 0.9997 and 0.9999 for spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Different variables affecting the reaction conditions such as concentrations of Ce(IV), type and concentration of acid medium, reaction time, temperature, and diluting solvents were carefully studied and optimized. The accuracy and precision of the methods were evaluated on intra‐day and inter‐day basis. The proposed methods were successfully applied for the determination of NLB in pharmaceutical formulation and biological samples with good recoveries. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overexpression of cyclic GMP‐dependent protein kinase reduces MeCP2 and HDAC2 expression
Authors: Deschatrettes Elodie , Jouvert Peggy , Zwiller Jean
Published: September 2012

Nitric oxide (NO) and the C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) exert their action via stimulation of the cyclic GMP (cGMP)‐signaling pathway, which includes the activation of cGMP‐dependent protein kinases (PKG). The present report shows that the activation of PKG by local application of 8‐bromo‐cGMP in the caudate–putamen reduced the expression of the epigenetic markers, methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), in dopaminergic projection areas of cocaine‐treated rats. An effect of lesser amplitude was observed when rats were not injected with cocaine. We also studied the effect of PKG overexpression by injecting a plasmid vector containing the human PKG‐Iα cDNA in either the caudate–putamen or the ventral tegmental area. Injection in the caudate–putamen reduced the epigenetic parameters with higher amplitude than the cGMP analog. The effect was abolished by the injection of a selective PKG inhibitor, confirming that it was due to PKG‐dependent phosphorylation. As MeCP2 and HDAC2 modulate dynamic functions in the adult brain such as memory formation and synaptic plasticity, the downregulation of expression by PKG suggests that the cGMP pathway affects cognitive processes through a mechanism that comprises the MeCP2/HDAC2 complex and the subsequent control of gene silencing.
Mesoporous Silicas as Versatile Supports to Tune the Palladium‐Catalyzed Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Parlett Christopher M. A. , Bruce Duncan W. , Hondow Nicole S. , Newton Mark A. , Lee Adam F. , Wilson Karen
Published: September 2012

Surfactant templating offers a simple route to synthesize high‐surface area silicas with ordered, tunable mesopore architectures. The use of these materials as versatile catalyst supports for palladium nanoparticles has been explored in the aerobic selective oxidation (selox) of allylic alcohols under mild conditions. Families of Pd/mesoporous silicas, synthesized through incipient wetness impregnation of SBA‐15, SBA‐16, and KIT‐6, have been characterized by using nitrogen porosimetry, CO chemisorption, diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and high‐resolution TEM and benchmarked in liquid phase allylic alcohol selox against a Pd/amorphous SiO2 standard. The transition from amorphous to two‐dimensional parallel and three‐dimensional interpenetrating porous silica networks conferred significant selox rate enhancements associated with higher surface densities of active palladium oxide sites. Dissolved oxygen was essential for in situ stabilization of palladium oxide, and thus maintenance of high activity on‐stream, whereas selectivity to the desired aldehyde selox product over competing hydrogenolysis pathways was directed by using palladium metal.
A matching prior based on the modified profile likelihood in a generalized Weibull stress‐strength model
Authors: Min Xiaoyi , Sun Dongchu
Published: September 2012

Bayesian inference of a generalized Weibull stress‐strength model (SSM) with more than one strength component is considered. For this problem, properly assigning priors for the reliabilities is challenging due to the presence of nuisance parameters. Matching priors, which are priors matching the posterior probabilities of certain regions with their frequentist coverage probabilities, are commonly used but difficult to derive in this problem. Instead, we apply an alternative method and derive a matching prior based on a modification of the profile likelihood. Simulation studies show that this proposed prior performs well in terms of frequentist coverage and estimation even when the sample sizes are minimal. The prior is applied to two real datasets.The Canadian Journal of Statistics41: 83–97; 2013 © 2012 Statistical Society of Canada
Joint analysis of multivariate spatial count and zero‐heavy count outcomes using common spatial factor models
Authors: Feng C.X. , Dean C.B.
Published: September 2012

This paper discusses joint outcome modeling of multivariate spatial data, where outcomes include count as well as zero‐inflated count data. The framework utilized for the joint spatial count outcome analysis reflects that which is now commonly used for the joint analysis of longitudinal and survival data, termed shared frailty models, in which the outcomes are linked through a shared latent spatial random risk term. We discuss these types of joint mapping models and consider the benefits achieved through such joint modeling in the disease mapping context. We also consider the power of tests for common spatial structure in the context of two spatial maps and develop recommendations on the sort of power achievable in some contexts, as well as overall recommendations on the utility of joint mapping. We illustrate the approaches in an analysis of lung cancer mortality as well as an ecological study of Comandra blister rust infection of lodgepole pine trees. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NERC matters: Coming into compliance with cyber protection—A legal perspective
Authors: Carpentier Deborah
Published: September 2012

Cyber and other national security threats pose an ever‐increasing risk to the reliability of the US electric grid. Currently, these concerns are addressed through the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), specifically standards CIP‐002 through CIP‐009. Under the CIP Standards, critical infrastructure (or critical assets) is defined as “[f]acilities, systems and equipment which, if destroyed, degraded, or otherwise rendered unavailable, would affect the reliability or operability of the Bulk Electric System.”1
Animal models for studying microglia: The first, the popular, and the new
Authors: Sieger Dirk , Peri Francesca
Published: September 2012

Microglia, the resident phagocytes of brain, have been intensively studied since their discovery in the 1920s. There is no doubt that the possibility of culturing microglia in vitro has advanced enormously our understanding of these cells. However, as we know today, that microglia react to even small changes in the brain, it is crucial to also study these cells by preserving as much as possible their natural environment. Nowadays, advances in imaging technologies and transgenic cell labeling methods allow the direct observation of cells at work. These in vivo approaches have already changed our view on microglia by showing that these cells are active even in the healthy adult brain. As today, there is upcoming evidence that microglia can directly influence neuronal activity, understanding their roles and, in particular, their interactions with neurons is of great importance. The aim of this review is to illustrate three animal models that are currently used for microglial research and to discuss their characteristics and advantages by presenting recent achievements in microglial research. In our view the availability of different systems for studying microglia will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of their functions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relevant adult programs, resilient students, and retention‐driven administration
Authors: Sullivan Esther Beth , Pagano Rosanne V.
Published: September 2012

In ten years, Alaska Pacific University has moved from a totally decentralized administration of its adult online program to a very centralized structure. Drastic changes in funding sources and student needs have compelled the university to take new approaches. As the learning landscape continues to shift for adults, online learners, and Alaska Native communities, the university continues to adapt its organizational structures to best address the shifting environment.
Hybrid governance in an adult program: A nuanced relationship
Authors: Cockley Suzanne
Published: September 2012

Eastern Mennonite University's adult program uses a hybrid governance structure. Functions separated from the traditional program include marketing, admissions, and student advising. Functions that remain connected to the traditional program include the registrar, financial aid, and student business accounts.
Epstein–Barr virus presence in pediatric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma reveals a particular association and latency patterns: Analysis of viral role in tumor microenvironment
Authors: Cohen Melina , De Matteo Elena , Narbaitz Marina , Carreño Fernanda Agost , Preciado Maria V. , Chabay Paola A.
Published: September 2012

Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma represents 6–10% of pediatric malignancies, and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the three major subtypes. The 2008 WHO classification included a new entity, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive DLBCL of the elderly, affecting patients >50 years. It has been demonstrated that EBV may play a role in tumor microenvironment composition, disturbing antitumor immune response and disease progression. As most studies were performed in adults, our aim was to assess EBV presence and latency pattern, as well as T‐cell microenvironment in a pediatric DLBCL series of Argentina. The study was conducted on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded biopsies from 25 DLBCL patients. EBV‐encoded small nuclear early regions (EBERs) expression was performed byin situhybridization, whereas EBV gene expression was analyzed using real‐time PCR. Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane proteins (LMP)1, LMP2A, CD3, CD4, CD8 and Foxp3 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Forty percent of cases showed EBV expression, with a significantly higher incidence among patients <10 years (p= 0.018), and with immunosuppressed (p= 0.023). T‐cell subsets were not altered by EBV presence. Full EBV latency antigen expression (latency type III) was the most frequently pattern observed, together with BZLF1 lytic gene expression. One patient showed II‐likepattern (LMP1 without LMP2A expression). Based exclusively on IHC, some patients showed latency II/III (EBERs and LMP1 expression) or I (EBERs only). These findings suggest that EBV association in our series was higher than the previously demonstrated for elderly DLBCL and that EBV latency pattern could be more complex from those previously observed. Therefore, EBV could be an important cofactor in pediatric DLBCL lymphomagenesis.
Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Nanowires
Authors: Lin Wei‐Syuan , Jian Zih‐Jie , Lin Hong‐Ming , Lai Li‐Chung , Chiou Wen‐An , Hwu Yeu‐Kuang , Wu She‐Huang , Chen Wen‐Chang , Yao Y. D.
Published: September 2012

The iron nanowires can be fabricated via the process in which sodium borohydride reduces iron salts in external magnetic field. The iron nanowires are found to be covered by passivated layers of iron oxide which prevent the oxidation of iron nanowires. In this process, the boron will include in iron nanowires. The average length and diameter of iron nanowires is around 1.2 micrometers and 60 nanometers, respectively. According to ICP results, the contents of B and Fe are about 1.98 wt% and 87.04 wt%, respectively, in iron nanowires. A wide variety of equipment is used to investigate the morphological, microchemical, and structural characteristics of the newly synthesized iron nanowires ––– e.g., XRD, FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM, VSM and XANES. XANES analysis indicates the boron in iron nanowires exists in the form of B2O3. The saturation magnetization and the coercive force of iron nanowires are 157.93 emu/g and 9.74 Oe, respectively. In‐situ images of synthesized iron nanowires during reduction process in magnetic field are observed by NSRRC transmission X‐ray microscope. Thus, this study develop a novel process to produce iron nanowires with large quantitates and can control its length and diameter by various the concentration of precursors for various applications.
Combining MR elastography and diffusion tensor imaging for the assessment of anisotropic mechanical properties: A phantom study
Authors: Qin Eric C. , Sinkus Ralph , Geng Guangqiang , Cheng Shaokoon , Green Michael , Rae Caroline D. , Bilston Lynne E.
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the anisotropic elasticity of soft tissues using MR elastography (MRE) combined with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Materials and Methods:

The storage moduli parallel (μ‖) and perpendicular (μ⟂) to the local fiber orientation were calculated assuming a transversely isotropic model. The local fiber orientation was provided by DTI. The proposed technique was validated against rheometry using anisotropic viscoelastic phantoms with various fiber volume fractions (Vf = 0%, 15%, and 35%) and bovine skeletal muscle samples.

Results:

The anisotropic ratio (μ‖/μ⟂) as measured by MRE correlated well with rheometry for all samples (R2 = 0.809). The combined MRE/DTI technique was also able to differentiate different levels of mechanical anisotropy with the mechanical anisotropy (μ‖/μ⟂) of the Vf = 35% phantoms being significantly higher than the Vf = 15% and the isotropic (Vf = 0%) phantoms. The bovine muscle samples showed significantly higher mechanical anisotropy than all phantoms.

Conclusion:

This study has demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed imaging technique for characterizing mechanical anisotropy of anisotropic materials and biological tissues, and validated the mechanical anisotropy results. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:217–226. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early registration of diffusion tensor images for group tractography of dystonia patients
Authors: Vo An , Argyelan Miklos , Eidelberg David , Uluǧ Aziz M.
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To make a group comparison of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) results of dystonia patients and controls to reveal occult pathology. We propose using an early registration method that produces sharper group images and enables us to do group tractography.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve dystonia patients manifesting the disease, seven nonmanifesting dystonia mutation carriers (DYT1 and DYT6 gene mutations), and eight age‐matched normal control subjects were imaged for a previous study. Early and late registration methods for DTI were compared. An early registration technique for a super set was proposed, in which the diffusion‐weighted images were registered to a template, gradient vectors were reoriented for each subject, and they were combined into a super set before tensor calculation. The super set included images from all subjects and was useful for group comparisons. We used results obtained from the early registration of a super set for group analysis of tracts using the deterministic fiber‐tracking technique.

Results:

In dystonia mutation carriers, we detected fewer fibers in the cerebello‐thalamo‐cortical pathways. This result agrees well with the findings of a previous study that utilized a probabilistic tractography method and demonstrated that gene carriers have less fiber tracts in the disease‐involved pathway.

Conclusion:

This analysis visualized group level white matter fractional anisotropy and tract differences between dystonia patients and controls, and can be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of other nonfocal white matter diseases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:67–75. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative Estimation of Gymnemagenin in Gymnema sylvestre Extract and its Marketed Formulations using the HPLC–ESI–MS/MS Method
Authors: Kamble Bhagyashree , Gupta Ankur , Patil Dada , Janrao Shirish , Khatal Laxman , Duraiswamy B.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Gymnema sylvestre, with gymnemic acids as active pharmacological constituents, is a popular ayurvedic herb and has been used to treat diabetes, as a remedy for cough and as a diuretic. However, very few analytical methods are available for quality control of this herb and its marketed formulations.

Objectives

To develop and validate a new, rapid, sensitive and selective HPLC–ESI (electrospray ionisation)–MS/MS method for quantitative estimation of gymnemagenin in G. sylvestre and its marketed formulations.

Method

HPLC–ESI–MS/MS method using a multiple reactions monitoring mode was used for quantitation of gymnemagenin. Separation was carried out on a Luna C‐18 column using gradient elution of water and methanol (with 0.1% formic acid and 0.3% ammonia).

Results

The developed method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonisation Guideline ICH‐Q2B and found to be accurate, precise and linear over a relatively wide range of concentrations (5.280–305.920 ng/mL). Gymnemagenin contents were found from 0.056 ± 0.002 to 4.77 ± 0.59% w/w in G. sylvestre and its marketed formulations.

Conclusion

The method established is simple, rapid, with high sample throughput, and can be used as a tool for quality control of G. sylvestre and its formulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Ultrasonic Treatment for the Size Reduction of HNS and HMX in Comparison to Solvent‐Antisolvent Crystallization
Authors: Kaur Jatinder , Arya Vandana P. , Kaur Gurvinder , Raychaudhuri Tusharkanti , Lata Prem
Published: September 2012

The paper presents and compares two methods for the synthesis of fine particles of the high explosives HNS and HMX by ultrasonic treatment and solvent/antisolvent crystallization. The effect of ultrasonic treatment on the particle size of explosives was studied by varying the amplitude and frequency of ultrasonication for different time periods using an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic bath. Solvent/antisolvent recrystallization was performed by varying the process parameters including stirring rate, antisolvent temperature etc. In addition to FT‐IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis by TGA/DSC; the particle size and shape of fine powders of the explosives HMX and HNS were determined using particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ultrasonic treatment of the probes resulted in the finer grains of HMX compared to solvent‐antisolvent crystallization. However in the case of HNS, solvent‐antisolvent crystallization produced finer particles compared to ultrasonication.
Heat of Explosion Qex of Linear Nitramines with Azido and Nitrato Groups: Non‐Linear Behavior
Authors: Ritter Helmut , Braun Silke , Ciszek Fabrice
Published: September 2012

The measurement of the heat of explosion Qex – a method to determine the energy content of an energetic material by combustion in a calorimeter bomb – was performed for six linear dinitramines (DNDA5, DNDA6, DNDA7, EDNA, M‐EDNA, and DM‐EDNA), three dinitramines with azido groups (DN3, AZD6, and BAED) and six nitratoethylnitramines (DINA, Me‐NENA, Et‐NENA, Bu‐NENA, BNE‐MEDINA, and BNE‐EDNA). It was observed that for some substances the determination, based on the combustion of mixtures with nitrocellulose, did not result in constant Qex values, which questioned the general application of the method. This non‐linear behavior induced a detailed investigation in order to explain this phenomenon. Constant calculated Qex values lying over 4000 J g−1 with a small deviation were obtained for compounds with an oxygen balance above −60 %, whereas in the range of −60 % to −70 % the Qex values between 3400 and 3700 J g−1 already presented pronounced deviations. However, for compounds with an oxygen balance below −70 %, the calculated Qex value increased strongly with rising percentage of the compound in analyzed mixtures with NC. A reliable value cannot be given in this case. This behavior is explained by different decomposition reactions of the compound, depending also on the pressure and temperature dependent water gas equilibrium and the Boudouard equilibrium. It should be clarified by further investigations and comparison with thermodynamic calculations. Neither the type of energetic groups as NNO2, ONO2, or N3 nor the nitrogen content or the type of energetic additive (RDX or NC) in the analyzed mixtures have any decisive influence on the Qex values.
5‐ASAs in Crohn's disease: are they any better than placebo?
Authors: Ray Shuvra , Irving Peter
Published: September 2012

5‐ASAs are widely employed in the management of Crohn's disease despite limited evidence for their effectiveness. Here, the authors assess the evidence base and current guidance for their use in inducing and maintaining remission in CD.
Phase transitions in Ga–Sb phase change alloys
Authors: Raoux Simone , König Anja K. , Cheng Huai‐Yu , Garbin Daniele , Cheek Roger W. , Jordan‐Sweet Jean L. , Wuttig Matthias
Published: September 2012

Ga–Sb alloys are potential candidates for phase change random access memory (PCRAM) applications. Ga–Sb alloys of variable compositions including the single stoichiometric GaSb and several Sb‐rich compositions were studied using resistivity versus temperature measurements, static laser testing, and time‐resolved X‐ray diffraction. It was found that the stoichiometric alloy has an unusual inverse optical contrast compared to typical phase change materials as the crystalline phase has lower reflectance compared to the amorphous phase. Sb‐rich alloys show a decrease in reflectance upon crystallization at lower temperature but an increase in reflectance at higher temperature from subsequent Sb segregation. Alloys very rich in Sb only show a positive change in reflectance upon crystallization typical for conventional phase change materials.

magnified image

Change in reflectance of a Ga/Sb = 36:64 (in at.%) amorphous thin film crystallized by laser pulses of variable length and power. Unusual for a phase change material, this alloy shows both positive and negative contrast at different laser power levels.
Reply to “Comment on ‘Effect of an electric field and nonlinear optical rectification of confined excitons in quantum dots’ ” [Phys. Status Solidi B 249, 2150 (2012)]
Authors: Xie Wenfang
Published: September 2012

In this reply, we address the issues raised in the Comment by Jefferson Flórez, Ángela Camacho, and Hanz Y. Ramírez [Phys. Status Solidi B 249, 2150 (2012), this issue] on our work: Wenfang Xie, Phys. Status Solidi B 246, 2257 (2009).
Moral Development in Higher Education
Authors: Liddell Debora L. , Cooper Diane L.
Published: September 2012

Why does moral development matter now? What resources are available for campus professionals committed to facilitating moral growth in college?
Is International Volunteer Surgery for Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate a Cost‐Effective and Justifiable Intervention? A Case Study from East Asia
Authors: Moon Woori , Perry Henry , Baek Rong‐Min
Published: September 2012

Background

Although surgery provided by international volunteers is increasingly common in the developing world, there have been few assessments of the cost‐effectiveness of these activities. In this context, this study covered 15 years of experience of one international nongovernmental organization, Smile for Children, in providing cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP) surgical services in Vietnam.

Methods

We analyzed the cost‐effectiveness of the program and its contributions to building local capacity. To assess the cost‐effectiveness of CL/CP surgery performed during Smile for Children’s missions in Vietnam, we analyzed the data from four annual missions, from 2007 to 2010. According to the 2003 World Health Organization Guide to Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis, we calculated cost per disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) averted with and without age weighting. For the data from the 2010 mission, we repeated the same calculation but with and without considering opportunity cost for labor.

Results

The discounted cost per DALY averted averaged $68, ranging from $52 to $79 depending on the year of the mission. The average discounted cost per DALY averted with age weighting was $56 (range $43–$65). For the calculation that takes into account the volunteers’ possible income loss as the labor cost of the mission in 2010, the cost per DALY averted without age weighting increased by 28 %, from $76 to $97; and the cost per DALY averted with age weighting increased by 27 %, from $63 to $80. Under all of these varying assumptions, the CL/CP program operated by Smile for Children is a cost‐effective intervention using international criteria for cost‐effectiveness.

Conclusions

The contribution of the international volunteer surgical team to building in‐country capacity is notable. It was achieved primarily through training Vietnamese surgeons during the mission trips and through sending these surgeons to Korea for training. Other staff, including anesthesiologists, were also trained; and equipment and supplies were provided.
Ratio of Cesarean Deliveries to Total Operations and Surgeon Nationality Are Potential Proxies for Surgical Capacity in Central Haiti
Authors: Hughes Christopher D. , McClain Craig D. , Hagander Lars , Pierre Jean Hamiltong , Groen Reinou S. , Kushner Adam L. , Meara John G.
Published: September 2012

Background

The World Health Organization has a standardized tool to assess surgical capacity in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), but it is often resource‐ and time‐intensive. There currently exists no simple, evidence‐based measure of surgical capacity in these settings. The proportion of cesarean deliveries in regard to the total operations (C/O ratio) has been suggested as a way to assess quickly the capacity for emergency and essential surgery in LMICs. This ratio has been estimated to be between 23.3 and 41.5 % in LMICs, but the tool’s utility has not been replicated.

Methods

We reviewed operative logbooks for the Partners In Health/Zanmi Lasante hospital in Cange, Haiti. We recorded data on all consecutive surgical patients from July 2008 to 2010 and calculated the C/O ratio by dividing the number of cesarean deliveries by the total number of operations performed. We also analyzed surgical data by surgeon nationality to provide additional information about local surgical capacity.

Results

A total of 3,641 operations were performed between 2008 and 2010. The C/O ratio decreased significantly between 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 (13.4 vs. 10.7 %, p = 0.001) as the surgical volume and resources increased. Nationality analysis demonstrated that Haitian surgeons were able to provide a spectrum of general and specialist surgical care.

Conclusions

In its inherent relation to essential surgical procedures and to the overall rate of cesarean deliveries in the region, the C/O ratio can provide an accessible assessment of regional surgical resources. In Haiti, the change in the C/O ratio demonstrated a relative increase in surgical capacity from 2008 to 2010. An additional analysis of surgeon nationality ensured that C/O ratio estimates more accurately reflect local practitioner activity, but deficiencies in the regional capacity to address the local burden of surgical disease may still exist.
Development of a Coconut‐ and Palm‐Based Fat Blend for a Cookie Filler
Authors: Mat Yusoff Masni , Tan Chin Ping , Che Man Yaakob Bin , Miskandar Mat Sahri , Kanagaratnam Sivaruby , Nehdi Imededdine Arbi
Published: September 2012

Thirteen fat blends intended for cookie filler (CF) production that consist of 20–70 % palm mid‐fraction (PMF), 20–70 % virgin coconut oil (VCO), and 0–10 % palm stearin (POs) were developed based on the solid fat contents (SFC) of the fat portions extracted from five commercial CF samples: A, B, C, D, and E. A mixture design was applied for fat blend optimization, and the combination that best approached the target SFC values was composed of 70 % PMF, 20 % VCO, and 10 % POs. The optimized coconut‐ and palm‐based fat blend (O‐CP) exhibited a steeper SFC profile, with 8.2 % (±0.2) SFC at 25 °C (room temperature) and 0.2 % (±0.2) SFC at 37 °C (body temperature); lower slip melting point of 34.0 °C (±0.0); and a lower iodine value (IV) of 40.25 g/100 g (±1.04). In addition, O‐CP contained higher proportions of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) and lauric acid (C12:0) of 3.2 % (±0.18) and 9.7 % (±0.43), respectively. In terms of its thermal profile, O‐CP showed no significant difference in terms of its crystallization range, 49.7 °C (±2.66) with the exception of sample C, but it exhibited a smaller melting range, 65.8 °C (±1.47), compared to the fat portions of the commercial samples. The ranges represented the span between the onset and offset temperatures of both crystallization and melting profiles as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.
Diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungus assemblages on nursery grown European beech seedlings
Authors: Pietras Marcin , Rudawska Maria , Leski Tomasz , Karliński Leszek
Published: September 2012

• Context

An important feature of forest nursery management is the production of first-rate planting stock, which is closely connected with an adequate development of ectomycorrhizas on seedling roots.

• Aims

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed assessment of the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal diversity of European beech grown in bare-root forest nursery conditions.

• Methods

Morphological and molecular analyzes were used to identify ECM fungi, quantify fungal richness, and record differences in the relative abundance of individual taxa.

• Results

Twenty-seven different mycorrhizal fungal taxa were found in four tested nurseries. Of these 27, only 6 were present in more than one nursery. Taxa richness in individual nurseries ranged from 6 to 13, indicating that ECM colonization potential is nursery-dependent. The most frequent taxa were:Tubersp. 1,Cadophorasp.,Cenococcum geophilumagg.,Hebeloma sacchariolens, andLaccaria tortilis.According to the analysis of similarity, ECM fungal communities were significantly different between nurseries (R = 0.7741;p < 0.0001).

• Conclusion

Beech seedlings grown in bare-root nurseries are colonized by a highly diverse suite of ECM fungi; thus, artificial inoculation of seedlings is generally not necessary in nursery practice.
On the motion of a rigid body in a two-dimensional ideal flow with vortex sheet initial data
Authors: Sueur Franck
Published: September 2012

A famous result by Delort about the two-dimensional incompressible Euler equations is the existence of weak solutions when the initial vorticity is a bounded Radon measure with distinguished sign and lies in the Sobolev space

H^{−1}

. In this paper we are interested in the case where there is a rigid body immersed in the fluid moving under the action of the fluid pressure. We succeed to prove the existence of solutions
à la Delort
in a particular case with a mirror symmetry assumption already considered by Lopes Filho et al. (2006) [11], where it was assumed in addition that the rigid body is a fixed obstacle. The solutions built here satisfy the energy inequality and the body acceleration is bounded. When the mass of the body becomes infinite, the body does not move anymore and one recovers a solution in the sense of Lopes Filho et al. (2006) [11].
Concentration phenomena for neutronic multigroup diffusion in random environments
Authors: Armstrong Scott N. , Souganidis Panagiotis E.
Published: September 2012

We study the asymptotic behavior of the principal eigenvalue of a weakly coupled, cooperative linear elliptic system in a stationary ergodic heterogeneous medium. The system arises as the so-called
multigroup diffusion model
for neutron flux in nuclear reactor cores, the principal eigenvalue determining the criticality of the reactor in a stationary state. Such systems have been well studied in recent years in the periodic setting, and the purpose of this work is to obtain results in random media. Our approach connects the linear eigenvalue problem to a system of quasilinear viscous Hamilton–Jacobi equations. By homogenizing the latter, we characterize the asymptotic behavior of the eigenvalue of the linear problem and exhibit some concentration behavior of the eigenfunctions.
Churchyard Closures, Rural Cemeteries and the Village Community in Leicestershire and Rutland, 1800–2010
Authors: SNELL K. D. M.
Published: September 2012

This article comprises a close analysis of churchyard extensions, closures and new cemetery provision in the English midland counties of Leicestershire and Rutland. It provides a graphic outline of these changes, and so extends cemetery history to rural as well as urban areas. The main periods of change examined are the 1850s, 1880–1900 and from the 1960s to 2010. Such a chronology, and its detailed processes and problems, has not hitherto been available for any region. This highlights the effects of these changes on senses of ‘community’, and their links to processes of secularisation, church viability and belonging.
The ‘Open-Closed’ Settlement Model and the Interdisciplinary Formulations of Dennis Mills: Conceptualising Local Rural Change
Authors: JACKSON ANDREW J. H.
Published: September 2012

This article is an examination of the value of the ‘open-closed’ settlement model. The model has endured as a helpful point of reference in historical investigations of local rural change in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and in particular in the study of property and class relations and their influence on the evolution of settlement form. The article is also a consideration of the significance of the work of a chief architect of the model, the historical geographer and local historian Dennis Mills. The model and the contribution of Mills are discussed in relation to initiatives seeking to develop local history of the twentieth century, including the promotion of engagement with interdisciplinary historiographies.
The Ecology and History of the Mediterranean Olive Grove: The Spanish Great Expansion, 1750 - 2000
Authors: INFANTE-AMATE JUAN
Published: September 2012

This article argues that the landscape dominated by olive groves that is now seen as characteristic of southern Spain is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the eighteenth, nineteenth and much of the twentieth century, olives were not an industrial crop, grown on a large scale for the production of oil. Instead, olive trees were largely grown by small peasant farmers and used to produce timber and fodder as well as foodstuffs, forming one component of a diverse peasant economy. This article will analyse the changing role of the olive within the landscape of the Spanish Mediterranean, and explore the process by which production moved towards single crop cultivation by large industrial enterprises.
Mental Health Needs Assessment After the Gulf Coast Oil Spill—Alabama and Mississippi, 2010
Authors: Buttke Danielle , Vagi Sara , Bayleyegn Tesfaye , Sircar Kanta , Strine Tara , Morrison Melissa , Allen Mardi , Wolkin Amy
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Previous oil spills and disasters from other human-made events have shown that mental health effects to the affected population are widespread and can be significant.

Hypothesis/Problem

There has been concern regarding the likelihood that existing public health surveillance was not capturing the mental health effects to the population affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill. The objectives of this study were to assess the mental health needs of coastal communities in the states of Alabama and Mississippi following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Methods

A cluster sampling methodology was used to assess the mental health status of coastal residents in three counties in Alabama four months following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and in the Gulf Coast counties in Mississippi 5.5 months after the oil spill.

Results

A total of 469 residents of the selected areas were interviewed. Between 15.4 and 24.5% of the respondents reported depressive symptoms, with 21.4-31.5% reporting symptoms consistent with an anxiety disorder, and 16.3-22.8% reporting ≥14 mentally unhealthy days within the past 30 days. Overall, there were more negative quality of life indicators and negative social context outcomes than in the state's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Between 32.1% and 35.7% of all households reported decreased income since the oil spill, and 35.5-38.2% of all households reported having been exposed to oil.

Conclusion

The proportion of respondents reporting negative mental health parameters in the affected Alabama and Mississippi coastal communities is higher than the proportion reported in the 2008 and 2009 BRFSS state reports, suggesting that the public health response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill should focus on mental health services in these communities.

ButtkeD, VagiS, BayleyegnT, SircarK, StrineT, MorrisonM, AllenM, WolkinA. Mental health needs assessment after the Gulf Coast oil spill—Alabama and Mississippi, 2010. Prehosp Disaster Med.2012;27(5):1-8.
Interdisciplinary research produces results in understanding planetary dunes
Authors: Titus Timothy N. , Hayward Rosalyn K. , Dinwiddie Cynthia L.
Published: September 2012

Third International Planetary Dunes Workshop: Remote Sensing and Image Analysis of Planetary Dunes; Flagstaff, Arizona, 12–16 June 2012 This workshop, the third in a biennial series, was convened as a means of bringing together terrestrial and planetary researchers from diverse backgrounds with the goal of fostering collaborative interdisciplinary research. The small‐group setting facilitated intensive discussions of many problems associated with aeolian processes on Earth, Mars, Venus, Titan, Triton, and Pluto. The workshop produced a list of key scientifc questions about planetary dune felds.