bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rostrolateral prefrontal cortex: Domain‐general or domain‐sensitive?
Authors: Wendelken Carter , Chung David , Bunge Silvia A.
Published: August 2011

The ability to jointly consider several structured mental representations, or relations, is fundamental to human cognition. Prior studies have consistently linked this capacity for relational integration to rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC). Here, we sought to test two competing hypotheses: (1) RLPFC processes relations in a domain‐general manner, interacting with different brain regions as a function of the type of lower‐level relations that must be integrated; or (2) A dorsal‐ventral gradient exists within RLPFC, such that relational integration in the visuospatial domain involves relatively more dorsal RLPFC than integration in the semantic domain. To this end, we examined patterns of fMRI activation and functional connectivity during performance of visuospatial and semantic variants of a relational matching task. Across the two task variants, the regions that were most strongly engaged during relational comparison were left RLPFC and left intraparietal sulcus (IPS). Within left RLPFC, there was considerable overlap in activation for the semantic and visuospatial tasks. However, visuospatial task activation peaks were located dorsally to the semantic task peaks. In addition, RLPFC exhibited differential functional connectivity on the two tasks, interacting with different brain regions as a function of the type of relations being compared. While neurons throughout RLPFC may share the function of integrating diverse inputs, individual RLPFC neurons may have privileged access to particular representations depending on their anatomical inputs, organized along a dorsal‐ventral gradient. Thus, RLPFC is well‐positioned as a locus of abstraction from concrete, domain‐specific details to the general principles and rules that enable higher‐level cognition. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
A smooth mixture of Tobits model for healthcare expenditure
Authors: Keane Michael , Stavrunova Olena
Published: August 2011

This paper develops a smooth mixture of Tobits (SMTobit) model for healthcare expenditure. The model is a generalization of the smoothly mixing regressions framework of Geweke and Keane (J Econometrics 2007; 138: 257–290) to the case of a Tobit‐type limited dependent variable. A Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm with data augmentation is developed to obtain the posterior distribution of model parameters. The model is applied to the US Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data on total medical expenditure. The results suggest that the model can capture the overall shape of the expenditure distribution very well, and also provide a good fit to a number of characteristics of the conditional (on covariates) distribution of expenditure, such as the conditional mean, variance and probability of extreme outcomes, as well as the 50th, 90th, and 95th, percentiles. We find that healthier individuals face an expenditure distribution with lower mean, variance and probability of extreme outcomes, compared with their counterparts in a worse state of health. Males have an expenditure distribution with higher mean, variance and probability of an extreme outcome, compared with their female counterparts. The results also suggest that heart and cardiovascular diseases affect the expenditure of males more than that of females. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anticipatory ex ante moral hazard and the effect of medicare on prevention
Authors: de Preux Laure B.
Published: August 2011

This paper extends the ex ante moral hazard model to allow healthy lifestyles to reduce the probability of illness in future periods, so that current preventive behaviour may be affected by anticipated changes in future insurance coverage. In the United States, Medicare is offered to almost all the population at the age of 65. We use nine waves of the US Health and Retirement Study to compare lifestyles before and after 65 of those insured and not insured pre 65. The double‐robust approach, which combines propensity score and regression, is used to compare trends in lifestyle (physical activity, smoking, drinking) of the two groups before and after receiving Medicare, using both difference‐in‐differences and difference‐in‐differences‐in‐differences. There is no clear effect of the receipt of Medicare or its anticipation on alcohol consumption nor smoking behaviour, but the previously uninsured do reduce physical activity just before receiving Medicare. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipid apheresis, indications, and principles
Authors: Winters Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2011

Low‐density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL apheresis) is a term that describes a group of apheresis techniques and devices that selectively remove apolipoprotein B containing lipoproteins. A number of different devices are available worldwide, which all effectively remove low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol while sparing other important plasma components. LDL apheresis is used to treat familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition of accelerated atherosclerosis and severe coronary artery disease resulting in premature death. It has also been used to treat other disorders, although the evidence for its use is limited. This review describes the underlying pathophysiology of FH, the mechanism of action of the various LDL apheresis devices available, and how LDL apheresis is used to treat this uncommon metabolic condition. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Valorization of some lignocellulosic agro‐industrial residues to obtain biopolyols
Authors: Briones Rodrigo , Serrano Luis , Labidi Jalel
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: The valorization of renewable and abundant resources (date seed, olive stone, corncob, rapeseed cake and apple pomace) from agro‐industrial activities was performed by mild liquefaction using polyhydric alcohols to obtain biopolyols that constitute an attractive choice for polyurethanes and other industrial sectors.

RESULTS: The results indicated that liquefaction yields above 90% were obtained for almost all resources (except for rapeseed cake residue) at a minimum ratio of 0.25 mass/liquefying solvent by using weight ratio polyethylene glycol:glycerol:sulphuric acid of 80:20:3, at quite reasonable reaction temperature and time; 160 °C and 60 min, respectively. The values determined for hydroxyl number and viscosity in polyols from date seeds were found to be in the range of those typical of commercial polyols used in polyurethane foam production. On the other hand, the multifunctional liquids from apple pomace, olive stone, corncob and rapeseed cake could be used not only as precursor in polyurethane production but also for replacement of a certain amount of the polyhydroxy alcohol in polyester synthesis.

CONCLUSION: The results obtained demonstrated the viability of using polyhydric alcohol liquefaction to generate bio‐based polyols, thus opening new avenues of exploitation of these by‐products. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The mechanism of cartilage subdivision in the reorganization of the zebrafish pectoral fin endoskeleton
Authors: Dewit Jasper , Witten P. Eckhard , Huysseune Ann
Published: August 2011

A cartilaginous pectoral fin endoskeleton in zebrafish (Danio rerio) develops early, after which the cartilage of the larval fin endoskeleton undergoes a complete transformation into the adult morphology. This transformation includes multiple subdivisions of a single cartilaginous disk. The type of cartilage subdivision is unique to teleost fish. In this study, we present the timing and the developmental features of these subdivisions and we discuss variation in this process, caused by differences in growth rate. We establish that the cartilage subdivisions are developmentally linked to the formation of lepidotrichia in the fin fold. At the cellular level, we show that neither apoptosis nor resorption by chondroclasts and/or macrophages contributes to the cartilage subdivision. Ultrastructural observations show dedifferentiation of chondrocytes in subdivision zones. Different from forelimb development in other vertebrates, dedifferentiation is an important mechanism in the development of the adult pectoral fin skeleton. We here provide further support for the idea that the phenotype of skeletal tissues is not terminal and that plasticity of differentiated connective tissues can play an important role in various developmental and homeostatic processes. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 316:584–597, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The clinical impact of fluoroquinolone resistance in patients with E coli bacteremia
Authors: Camins Bernard C. , Marschall Jonas , De Vader Shannon R. , Maker Dawn E. , Hoffman Matthew W. , Fraser Victoria J.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

There are limited data on fluoroquinolone resistance and its impact on mortality in cases of Escherichia coli bloodstream infection (BSI).

OBJECTIVE:

To determine risk factors for in‐hospital mortality among patients with E coli BSIs.

DESIGN:

A retrospective case‐control study.

SETTING:

A 1250‐bed tertiary academic medical center.

PATIENTS:

Patients with fluoroquinolone‐resistant E coli BSI from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2005 with 1:1 matched control patients with fluoroquinolone‐sensitive E coli BSI.

INDEPENDENT OUTCOME:

In‐hospital mortality.

RESULTS:

A total of 93 cases and 93 control patients were included. Compared with control patients, cases were more likely to be admitted from a long‐term care facility (35% vs. 9%; P < .001) and to have a hospital‐acquired bacteremia (54% vs. 33%; P = .008). Crude mortality was 26% for cases and 8% for controls (P = .002). On univariate analysis, predictors for in‐hospital mortality included female gender, admission from a long‐term care facility, APACHE II score >10, Charlson comorbidity score >4, cardiac dysfunction, cirrhosis, renal dysfunction, treatment with corticosteroids, and a fluoroquinolone‐resistant E coli bacteremia. On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for in‐hospital mortality were cirrhosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.2; confidence interval [CI], 1.7–29.8; P = .007), cardiac dysfunction (aOR, 3.9; CI, 1.6–9.4; P = .003), and infection with a fluoroquinolone‐resistant E coli isolate (aOR, 3.9; CI, 1.5–10.2; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS:

After controlling for severity of illness and multiple comorbidities only fluoroquinolone resistance, cirrhosis, and cardiac dysfunction independently predicted mortality in patients with E coli bacteremia. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:344–349. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Characteristics associated with higher cost per day or longer length of stay in hospitalized patients who died during the hospitalization or were discharged to hospice
Authors: Youngwerth Jeanie M. , Bartley Jess B. , Yamashita Traci E. , Kutner Jean S.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

Palliative care has been recommended as an approach to improve the quality of care for patients with advanced illness, while achieving hospital cost savings. However, studies are lacking that identify hospitalized patients who are more likely to have higher cost per day or length of stay (LOS) who may benefit from palliative care consultation.

OBJECTIVE:

Identify characteristics associated with higher cost per day or longer LOS in hospitalized patients at the end of life—those likely to benefit from palliative care consultation.

DESIGN:

Observational study.

SETTING:

Academic medical center.

PATIENTS:

Adult inpatients who died during the hospitalization or were discharged to hospice.

INTERVENTION:

None.

MEASUREMENTS:

We hypothesized that several patient characteristics would be associated with higher cost per day and/or longer LOS. Using administrative data, we developed univariate and multivariate models to evaluate association between these patient characteristics and cost per day and LOS.

RESULTS:

Patients cared for on the cardiothoracic surgery service had significantly higher cost per day ($12,937; P < 0.0001) and LOS (7.0 days; P = 0.001). Neurosurgery patients also had higher cost per day ($2255; P = 0.03), and surgical oncology patients had a longer length of stay (5.3 days; P = 0.003). Patients 65 years and older had a significantly lower cost per day (−$811; P = 0.02) and LOS (−1.8 days; P = 0.003) for each decade increase in age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest that younger patients and those cared for by surgical specialty services may receive the most benefit from palliative care consultation, a finding that needs to be corroborated in other centers. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:336–343. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Ten ways to improve the care of elderly patients in the hospital
Authors: Labella Angelena Maria , Merel Susan Eva , Phelan Elizabeth Anne
Published: August 2011

Hospitalists care for elderly patients daily, but few have specialized training in geriatric medicine. Elderly patients, and in particular the very old and the frail elderly, are at high risk of functional decline and iatrogenic complications during hospitalization. Other challenges in caring for this patient population include dosing medications safely, preventing delirium and accidental falls, and providing adequate pain control. Ways to improve the care of the hospitalized elderly patient include the following: screening for geriatric syndromes such as delirium, assessing functional status and maintaining mobility, and implementation of interventions that have been shown to prevent delirium, accidental falls, and acute functional decline in the hospital. This article addresses these issues with 10 evidence‐based pearls developed to help hospitalists provide optimal care for this expanding population. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:351–357. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
The employee as a punching bag: The effect of multiple sources of incivility on employee withdrawal behavior and sales performance
Authors: Sliter Michael , SLITER Katherine , Jex Steve
Published: August 2011

The link between the interpersonal stressor of workplace mistreatment and objective measures of performance is often overlooked in organizational research. In order to fill this research gap, we examined the unique and combined effects of two sources of incivility (customer and coworker) on objective sales performance and withdrawal behaviors (absenteeism and tardiness). We hypothesized that coworker and customer incivility would interact to predict reduced performance and increased withdrawal, using the conservation of resources model to support our hypotheses. We surveyed 120 bank tellers regarding experienced incivility and obtained performance and withdrawal data spanning a period of several months following the survey. The data indicated that coworker and customer incivility did interact to predict decreased sales performance and increased absenteeism, supporting the majority of our proposed hypotheses. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings and future directions are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
You cannot leave it at the office: Spillover and crossover of coworker incivility
Authors: Ferguson Merideth
Published: August 2011

This study examines the spillover and crossover effects of a specific chronic stressor, coworker incivility, on target marital satisfaction, partner marital satisfaction, and partner family‐to‐work conflict and on how the transmission of stress from the workplace to the family domain (as perceived by the target's partner) mediates these relationships. Using a matched data set of 190 job incumbents and their partners, the findings reveal that coworker incivility demonstrates both spillover and crossover effects on these outcomes important to the family. Evidence indicates that incivility targets do not leave the stress of incivility at work but instead bring it home to the family domain where it influences relationships with and outcomes of their partners. Implications of these findings and avenues for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of dietary fish oil replacement with flaxseed oil on tissue fatty acid composition and expression of desaturase and elongase genes
Authors: Mateos Hintsa T , Lewandowski Paul A , Su Xiao Q
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of total or partial substitution of dietary fish oil (FO) by flaxseed oil (FlaxO) in Jade Tiger hybrid abalone on fatty acid composition of muscle, gonad and digestive gland, and the expression of desaturase and elongase genes. Abalone were fed five different experimental diets in which FO (control diet) was serially replaced by 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% FlaxO respectively.

RESULTS: Muscle, gonad and digestive gland of abalone fed the control diet and the diets containing 25%, 50% and 75% FlaxO showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to those fed the 100% FlaxO. The results also showed that Δ‐6 desaturase and elongase gene expression in muscle was increased in a graded manner by increasing dietary FlaxO. The expression of both genes was higher in abalone fed the FlaxO‐substituted diets compared to the abalone fed FO.

CONCLUSION: The replacement of FO with FlaxO in commercial abalone diets at levels of 25–75% can improve the composition of health‐benefiting n‐3 polyunsturated fatty acids in tissues of cultured hybrid abalone, and achieve similar outcomes to FO supplementation. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Heterogeneity in clinical presentations of posttraumatic stress disorder among medical patients: Testing factor structure variation using factor mixture modeling
Authors: Elhai Jon D. , Naifeh James A. , Forbes David , Ractliffe Kendra C. , Tamburrino Marijo
Published: August 2011

The present study used factor mixture modeling to explore empirically defined subgroups of psychological trauma victims based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and latent class analysis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. We sampled 310 medical patients with a history of trauma exposure. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the 4‐factor emotional numbing PTSD model yielded the best model fit. Using latent factor means derived from this model and the 4‐factor dysphoria PTSD model (indexing severity on PTSD factors), 3 latent classes of participants were identified using factor mixture modeling. The 3‐class model fit the data very well and was validated against external measures of anxiety and rumination.
Creating positive habits in water conservation: the case of the Queensland Water Commission and the Target 140 campaign
Authors: Walton Andrea , Hume Margee
Published: August 2011

This case study reports the activities of the Queensland Water Commission (QWC) in securing the water supply for Brisbane and surrounding South East Queensland (SEQ) in response to the worst drought on record. The case focuses on residential water use and examines a three year period from 2006 to 2009. The focus of the study is the interventions of 2007, which centres on the Target 140 campaign. In 2007, the QWC faced with critically low dam levels identified household consumption as responsible for 70% of water use. The eight month Target 140 campaign targeted household users, aiming to change the water use habits of SEQ residents. The campaign achieved not only immediate reductions in water use but also contributed to long term behavioural and attitudinal change. The aim of the campaign was to reduce water consumption from 180 litres (l) /person/day to a target of 140 l /person/day by the end of 2007. This was achieved with water consumption dropping to an average of 129 l/person/day during the campaign and saving over 20 billon litres of water. In 2009, despite the drought broken for over a year and the water consumption target lifted to 200 l /person/day residents were continuing to consume water, on average, less than 140 l /person/day. The outcome was a capstone result for the QWC, and the Target 140 campaign went on to achieve international industry recognition. This case study demonstrates how attitudinal change, goal setting and feedback were key components of the change strategy and outlines the tactics used during the campaign. Furthermore, the case study discusses these mechanisms for change in terms of a theoretical understanding. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Building the sustainable iMuseum: is the virtual museum leaving our museums virtually empty?
Authors: Hume Margee , Mills Michael
Published: August 2011

This case study offers a combination of content analysis of secondary sources web sites and annual reports to profile online behaviour and practice for the museum sector. Using case analysis of 12 international and domestic museums, the role of services and the online interfaces offered in a museum context are presented. The arts and cultural sector sustaining museums has long been an essential part of enriching and informing the community of historical, scientific and artistic pleasures. The reduction in museum budgets, and the implementation of performance measures based on customer satisfaction management, museums face increasing pressure to attract wider audiences. This requires an understanding of visitor expectations, and experiences, and the identification of opportunities such as online channels to improve awareness and visitation. This case through the collation of data and analysis of 12 museums will present an overall view of current operations of museums internationally and there approach to online channels. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic profiling of secretome and adherent plasma membranes from distinct mammary epithelial cell subpopulations
Authors: Ji Hong , Goode Robert J. A. , Vaillant Francois , Mathivanan Suresh , Kapp Eugene A. , Mathias Rommel A. , Lindeman Geoffrey J. , Visvader Jane E. , Simpson Richard J.
Published: August 2011

The stem cell niche comprises stem cells (SCs), stromal cells, soluble factors, extracellular matrix constituents and vascular networks. The ability to identify signals that regulate SC self‐renewal and differentiation is confounded by the difficulty in isolating pure SC niche components in sufficient quantities to enable their biochemical characterisation. Here, we report the extracellular (secretome) and adherent plasma membrane proteomes of three distinct epithelial cell subpopulations isolated and immortalized from the mouse mammary gland – basal and mammary stem cell (basal/MaSC), luminal progenitor (LP) and mature luminal (ML) cell lines. GeLC‐MS/MS‐based proteomic profiling revealed a distinct switch in components modulating Wnt and ephrin signalling, and integrin‐mediated interactions amongst the three cell subpopulations. For example, expression of ephrin B2, ephrin receptors A1, and A2, as well as integrins α2β1 and α6β4 were shown to be enriched in basal/MaSCs, relative to LP and ML cells. Conspicuously, Wnt10a was uniquely detected in basal/MaSCs, and may modulate the canonical Wnt signalling pathway to maintain basal/MaSC activity. By contrast, non‐canonical Wnt signalling might be elevated in ML cells, as evidenced by the high expression levels of Wnt5a, Wnt5b, and the transmembrane tyrosine kinase Ror2.
Carbofuran occupational dermal toxicity, exposure and risk assessment
Authors: Gammon Derek W , Liu Zhiwei , Becker John M
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Carbofuran is a carbamate insecticide that inhibits AChE. Although toxic by ingestion in mammals, it has low dermal toxicity, with relatively few confirmed worker illnesses. This risk assessment describes its time of onset, time to peak effect and time to recovery in rats using brain AChE inhibition in acute and 21 day dermal studies; in vitro rat/human relative dermal absorption for granular (5G) and liquid (4F) formulations; occupational exposure estimates using the Pesticide Handlers' Exposure Database and Agricultural Handlers' Exposure Database (PHED/AHED).

RESULTS: The point of departure for acute risk calculation (BMDL10) was 6.7 mg kg−1 day−1 for brain AChE inhibition after 6 h exposure. In a 21 day study, the BMDL10 was 6.8 mg kg−1 day−1, indicating reversibility. At 75 mg kg−1 day−1, time of onset was ⩽30 min and time to peak effect was 6–12 h. Rat skin had ca tenfold greater dermal absorption of carbofuran (Furadan® 5G or 4F) than human skin. Exposure estimates for 5G in rice and 4F in ten crops had adequate margins of exposure (>100).

CONCLUSION: Rat dermal carbofuran toxicity was assessed in terms of dose and time‐related inhibition of AChE. Comparative dermal absorption in rats was greater than in humans. Worker exposure estimates indicated acceptable risk for granular and liquid formulations of carbofuran. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth and characterization of graphene by chemical reduction of graphene oxide in solution
Authors: Yan Jun , Zhao Zhiwei , Pan Likun
Published: August 2011

Graphene was synthesized by the modified Hummers method and a hydrazine reduction process. The obtained graphene was characterized by various diagnostic techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A layer of transparency crumpled film was obtained with an interlayer spacing of 0.37 nm. The two typical peaks of 3415 and 1091 cm−1 correlated to OH and CO were observed from the FTIR spectrum. The samples showed an enhanced thermal stability promoting the way for the research and the applications of graphene.
Growth evolution and superparamagnetism of ultrathin Fe films grown on GaN(0001) surfaces
Authors: Wong Ping Kwan Johnny , Zhang Wen , Cui Xugao , Will Iain , Xu Yongbing , Tao Zikuo , Li Xi , Xie Zili , Zhang Rong
Published: August 2011

We have investigated the growth and magnetic properties of Fe films on wurtzite GaN(0001) in the ultrathin regime at room temperature (RT). As found from the coverage‐dependent reflection high‐energy electron diffraction patterns, the Fe film growth proceeds in the three‐dimensional Volmer–Weber (VM) mode at RT. Coexistence of ferromagnetic (FM) and superparamagnetic (SPM) phases has been observed at a Fe thickness of about 5 ML. The zero‐field‐cooling (ZFC) and field‐cooling (FC) magnetization measurements under a constant magnetic field with various temperatures have suggested a Fe blocking temperature (TB) of 120 K.
Work function, band bending, and electron affinity in surface conducting (100) diamond
Authors: Edmonds M. T. , Pakes C. I. , Mammadov S. , Zhang W. , Tadich A. , Ristein J. , Ley L.
Published: August 2011

The change in electron affinity and band bending as a result of atmosphere and fullerene (C60F48) induced surface conductivity on H‐terminated (100) diamond is determined by simultaneously measuring the work function (ϕ) and C1s core level shift for both intrinsic and boron doped diamond. Changes in work function as a result of surface transfer doping are shown to not only reflect variations in the position of the surface Fermi level as reported by earlier investigations but also changes in the electron affinity, with the latter accounting for up to 0.63 eV of the highest observed change in ϕ of 1.45 eV.
The effect of annealing on the X‐ray induced photocurrent characteristics of CVD diamond radiation detectors with different electrical contacts
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Mohamed A. E. , Lohstroh Annika , Sellin Paul J.
Published: August 2011

An investigation on the influence of metal–diamond interfaces on the X‐ray induced photocurrent characteristics of diamond based solid state radiation detectors has been performed before and after annealing in order to identify the parameters of metal contact formation which maximise the performance. For this purpose, two different samples with different metal contacts were fabricated by sputtering Pt (labelled HPS‐Pt) and Al/Pt (labelled HPS‐Al/Pt) on to high quality CVD diamond. To examine the performance of the two samples, a set of measurements was performed before and after annealing the devices: I–V characteristics, time response such as rise and fall‐off times, sensitivity and specific sensitivity, signal to noise ratio (SNR), photoconductive gain, dose rate dependence and reproducibility were studied. The effect of the changes in bias voltage on the performance of the samples was also investigated. The response of annealing the devices is strongly dependent on the metal contact. HPS‐Al/Pt showed a strong increase in the current amplitude (∼240 times the value before annealing) and the stability is improved as a high overshoot is totally removed after annealing. Annealing HPS‐Pt showed a slight increase in the current amplitude and the small overshoot existing at low dose rate is also removed, however the stability of the currents is reduced which affected the reproducibility of the signal.
Three‐dimensional ultrasound imaging and measurement of nasal bone length, prenasal thickness and frontomaxillary facial angle in normal second‐ and third‐trimester fetuses
Authors: Vos F. I. , De Jong‐Pleij E. A. P. , Ribbert L. S. M. , Tromp E. , Bilardo C. M.
Published: August 2011

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of nasal bone length (NBL), prenasal thickness (PT) and frontomaxillary facial (FMF) angle measurements performed on the same three‐dimensional (3D) multiplanar‐corrected profile view in healthy second‐ and third‐trimester fetuses, to create reference ranges and to review published measurement techniques.

Methods

3D volumes of 219 healthy second‐ and third‐trimester fetuses were retrospectively analyzed. The quality of images and measurability of the markers were assessed with 5‐point and 3‐point scoring systems, respectively. Measurements of NBL (with care to exclude the frontal bone), PT and FMF were obtained in the exact mid‐sagittal plane. Reference ranges were constructed based on measurements from images with high‐quality (4 or 5 points) and high measurability (2 or 3 points) scores and compared with those in the most relevant published literature.

Results

A high‐quality score was assigned to 111 images. Among these, a high measurability score was significantly more often achieved for NBL (98.2%) and PT (97.3%) than for the FMF angle (26.1%) (P < 0.001). Both NBL (NBL = − 6.927 + (0.83 × GA) − (0.01 × GA2)) and PT (PT = (0.212 × GA) − 0.873) (where GA = gestational age) showed growth with gestation, with less pronounced growth for NBL after 28 weeks. Our reference range for the NBL showed a systematically smaller length than those in other two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound‐based publications. The FMF angle measurements that we obtained did not show a significant change with GA.

Conclusions

NBL and PT are easily measured using 3D ultrasound whereas FMF angle measurement is more challenging. When it is measured in the exact mid‐sagittal plane and care is taken to exclude the frontal bone, measurements of the NBL are systematically smaller than those in previous 2D ultrasound‐based publications. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic, Structural, and Spectroscopic Investigations of K3Nb8O21‐type Complex Oxides K3MTa7O21 (M = Ti, Zr)
Authors: Odynets Ievgen V. , Babaryk Artem A. , Baumer Vyacheslav N. , Slobodyanik Nikolay S. , Shiskin Oleg V.
Published: August 2011

Potassium‐containing zirconium(IV)/titanium(IV) tantalum(V) oxides, K3TiTa7O21 (1) and K3ZrTa7O21 (2), of K3Nb8O21‐type of compounds are afforded from potassium‐molybdate flux. Both compounds crystallize in the hexagonal space group P63/mcm (no. 193) with a = 908.69(2), c = 1202.83(7) pm and c/a = 1.324 (Z = 2) for 1 and a = 913.30(3), c = 1219.21(6) pm and c/a = 1.335 (Z = 2) for 2, respectively. The Structural motif of [MTa7O21]3– (M = Ti4+ or Zr4+) consists of edge‐shared (M,Ta)6O24‐units that are similar to corner‐sharing Ta6O27 units of synthetic soro‐silicate K3Ta3Si2O13 and double borate K3Ta3B2O12. The solid state bandgap measurements revealed that calculated values (3.26 eV for K3TiTa7O21 and 3.14 eV for K3ZrTa7O21) are dependent on aperture of Ta–O–Ta bond angle as it was previously shown for perovskite‐type tantalate photocatalysts.
Comparison of the estimation capabilities of response surface methodology and artificial neural network for the optimization of recombinant lipase production by E. coli BL21
Authors: Nelofer Rubina , Ramanan Ramakrishnan Nagasundara , Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd , Basri Mahiran , Ariff Arbakariya B
Published: August 2011

Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to optimize the effect of four independent variables, viz. glucose, sodium chloride (NaCl), temperature and induction time, on lipase production by a recombinant Escherichia coli BL21. The optimization and prediction capabilities of RSM and ANN were then compared. RSM predicted the dependent variable with a good coefficient of correlation determination (R2) and adjusted R2 values for the model. Although the R2 value showed a good fit, absolute average deviation (AAD) and root mean square error (RMSE) values did not support the accuracy of the model and this was due to the inferiority in predicting the values towards the edges of the design points. On the other hand, ANN-predicted values were closer to the observed values with better R2, adjusted R2, AAD and RMSE values and this was due to the capability of predicting the values throughout the selected range of the design points. Similar to RSM, ANN could also be used to rank the effect of variables. However, ANN could not predict the interactive effect between the variables as performed by RSM. The optimum levels for glucose, NaCl, temperature and induction time predicted by RSM are 32 g/L, 5 g/L, 32°C and 2.12 h, and those by ANN are 25 g/L, 3 g/L, 30°C and 2 h, respectively. The ANN-predicted optimal levels gave higher lipase activity (55.8 IU/mL) as compared to RSM-predicted levels (50.2 IU/mL) and the predicted lipase activity was also closer to the observed data at these levels, suggesting that ANN is a better optimization method than RSM for lipase production by the recombinant strain.
Synovial sarcoma in patients under 20 years of age: A multicenter study with a minimum follow-up of 10 years
Authors: Speth Bernhard M. , Krieg Andreas H. , Kaelin Andre , Exner G. Ulrich , Guillou Louis , von Hochstetter Arthur , Jundt Gernot , Hefti Fritz
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive soft-tissue tumor noted for late local recurrence and metastasis. This study investigates the long-term outcome of SS in patients of pediatric age and evaluates potential prognostic factors for SS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 13 SS cases in patients younger than 20 years at the time of diagnosis who had a minimum follow-up of 10 years. The mean follow-up for living patients ( n = 8) was 20.1 years (12.1–27.6) and for nonsurvivors ( n = 5) 4.9 years (range: 2.6–9.3). Nine patients had unplanned excisions (69%), of which 6 (67%) were performed prior to their referral. Re-excisions were necessary in all 13 patients. The factors sex, tumor site, tumor size, tumor grade, histological subtype, fusion type, and type of treatment were evaluated for their prognostic value.

Results

Only 2 patients (15%) met the criteria of adequate tumor treatment. Overall, the 5- and 10-year survival rates were 77 and 61%, respectively. The mean time until a local recurrence ( n = 5) was 3.2 years (range: 0.7–10.2), while there was a mean time of 2.1 years until the occurrence of late metastases ( n = 5; range: 0.8–4.8). A high tumor grade and having a tumor in the trunk were adverse factors in terms of overall, local recurrence-free, and metastasis-free survival. Patients with wide resections or amputations had fewer local recurrences than patients with marginal or intralesional resections.

Conclusion

Inadequate primary excision of SS results in incomplete excision in the majority of cases. The tumor site, size, and histological grade should be considered when determining a risk-adapted treatment for SS, and wide surgical excision is the surgical intervention of choice. While local recurrence and late metastases appear to occur after a shorter time period in pediatric patients than in adults, in view of the tendency for late recurrence and metastasis with SS, follow-up should be at least 10 years.
Diabetic neuropathy and heart failure: role of neuropeptides
Authors: Ejaz Asma , LoGerfo Frank W. , Pradhan Leena
Published: August 2011

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN), in which patients present with damage of autonomic nerve fibres, is one of the most common complications of diabetes. CAN leads to abnormalities in heart rate and vascular dynamics, which are features of diabetic heart failure. Dysregulated neurohormonal activation, an outcome of diabetic neuropathy, has a significant pathophysiological role in diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease. Key players in neurohormonal activation include cardioprotective neuropeptides and their receptors, such as substance P (SP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). These neuropeptides are released from the peripheral or autonomic nervous system and have vasoactive properties. They are further implicated in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, calcium homeostasis, ischaemia-induced angiogenesis, protein kinase C signalling and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Therefore, dysregulation of the expression of neuropeptides or activation of the neuropeptide signalling pathways can negatively affect cardiac homeostasis. Targeting neuropeptides and their signalling pathways might thus serve as new therapeutic interventions in the treatment of heart failure associated with diabetes. This review discusses how neuropeptide dysregulation in diabetes might affect cardiac functions that contribute to the development of heart failure.
Statistics of total electron content depletions observed over the South American continent for the year 2008
Authors: Seemala G. K. , Valladares C. E.
Published: August 2011

This paper presents for the first time regional plots of total electron content (TEC) depletions derived from GPS observations over the South American continent with a coverage of over 45° longitude (i.e., 35°W to 80°W). We introduce a new numerical algorithm that has been developed to automatically detect TEC bite‐outs that are produced by the transit of equatorial plasma bubbles. This algorithm was applied to TEC values measured by the Low Latitude Ionospheric Sensor Network (LISN) and by receivers that belong to 3 other networks that exist in South America. The general characteristics of the TEC depletions are provided along with their temporal length, local time distribution and depletion depth. The regional day‐to‐day and seasonal variability of the TEC depletions are also presented for 2008, a year of low solar activity. The regional day‐to‐day variability of TEC depletions is highly dynamic, but their seasonal distributions follow the longitudinal characteristics of plasma bubbles presented by other authors. During the equinoxes, TEC depletions are mainly observed on the west coast of South America, and during the December solstice they mostly occur on the east side of the continent. However, in all seasons, we observe days when depletions extend all over the continent. We place these new results in the context of theories of plasma bubble seeding.
Selective CDK Inhibitor Limits Neuroinflammation and Progressive Neurodegeneration after Brain Trauma
Authors: Kabadi Shruti V , Stoica Bogdan A , Byrnes Kimberly R , Hanscom Marie , Loane David J , Faden Alan I
Published: August 2011

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces secondary injury mechanisms, including cell-cycle activation (CCA), which lead to neuronal cell death, microglial activation, and neurologic dysfunction. Here, we show progressive neurodegeneration associated with microglial activation after TBI induced by controlled cortical impact (CCI), and also show that delayed treatment with the selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor roscovitine attenuates posttraumatic neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. CCI resulted in increased cyclin A and D1 expressions and fodrin cleavage in the injured cortex at 6 hours after injury and significant neurodegeneration by 24 hours after injury. Progressive neuronal loss occurred in the injured hippocampus through 21 days after injury and correlated with a decline in cognitive function. Microglial activation associated with a reactive microglial phenotype peaked at 7 days after injury with sustained increases at 21 days. Central administration of roscovitine at 3 hours after CCI reduced subsequent cyclin A and D1 expressions and fodrin cleavage, improved functional recovery, decreased lesion volume, and attenuated hippocampal and cortical neuronal cell loss and cortical microglial activation. Furthermore, delayed systemic administration of roscovitine improved motor recovery and attenuated microglial activation after CCI. These findings suggest that CCA contributes to progressive neurodegeneration and related neurologic dysfunction after TBI, likely in part related to its induction of microglial activation.
Constructing star polymersvia modular ligation strategies
Authors: Altintas Ozcan , Vogt Andrew P. , Barner-Kowollik Christopher , Tunca Umit
Published: August 2011

Over recent years, modular ligation reactions—some of which adhere to the click criteria—have enabled the synthesis of a variety of star polymers via efficient polymer–polymer conjugations. The copper catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), Diels–Alder (DA), and Hetero Diels–Alder (HDA) reactions are reviewed here in detail for the facile generation of various macromolecular star topologies.
Emerging role of hydrogen sulfide in health and disease: critical appraisal of biomarkers and pharmacological tools
Authors: Whiteman Matthew , Le Trionnaire Sophie , Chopra Mohit , Fox Bridget , Whatmore Jacqueline
Published: August 2011

H2S (hydrogen sulfide) is a well known and pungent gas recently discovered to be synthesized enzymatically in mammalian and human tissues. In a relatively short period of time, H2S has attracted substantial interest as an endogenous gaseous mediator and potential target for pharmacological manipulation. Studies in animals and humans have shown H2S to be involved in diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as learning and memory, neurodegeneration, regulation of inflammation and blood pressure, and metabolism. However, research is limited by the lack of specific analytical and pharmacological tools which has led to considerable controversy in the literature. Commonly used inhibitors of endogenous H2S synthesis have been well known for decades to interact with other metabolic pathways or even generate NO (nitric oxide). Similarly, commonly used H2S donors release H2S far too quickly to be physiologically relevant, but may have therapeutic applications. In the present review, we discuss the enzymatic synthesis of H2S and its emerging importance as a mediator in physiology and pathology. We also critically discuss the suitability of proposed ‘biomarkers’ of H2S synthesis and metabolism, and highlight the complexities of the currently used pharmacological H2S ‘donor’ molecules and ‘specific’ H2S synthesis inhibitors in their application to studying the role of H2S in human disease.
Vacancy properties in germanium probed by cobalt diffusion
Authors: Stolwijk Nicolaas A. , Lerner Ludmila
Published: August 2011

We assessed the equilibrium concentration (CVeq) and diffusivity (DV) of vacancies (V) in Ge as a function of temperature from a detailed analysis of the diffusion behavior of Co in electronic-grade Ge wafers. Diffusion experiments were performed with the radiotracer 57Co over the temperature range 650–900 °C using short-term isothermal lamp annealing and mechanical sectioning. The sensitivity of Co diffusion for the vacancy properties of the Ge host lattice relies on substantial evidence that Co migrates via the dissociative mechanism involving V-mediated interstitial-substitutional exchange. Co turned out to be a particularly interesting probe atom, as its diffusion behavior shows a crossover from a Co-interstitial-controlled mode at high temperatures to a V-controlled mode at lower temperatures. Also, the finding that the solubility of (substitutional) Co proved to be similar in magnitude to CVeq constitutes a crucial feature in the evaluation of the V-related data. Surprisingly, it was found that the deduced CVeq values exceed the literature data by one order of magnitude or more. Consistently, DV falls below existing estimates by roughly a factor of ten in order to reproduce the well-established Ge self-diffusivity due to the vacancy mechanism. Furthermore, our analysis yields a low value (∼0.5 eV) for the enthalpy of vacancy formation, which is at variance with the results from ab initio theoretical calculations.
Group velocity and pulse lengthening of mismatched laser pulses in plasma channels
Authors: Schroeder C. B. , Benedetti C. , Esarey E. , van Tilborg J. , Leemans W. P.
Published: August 2011

Analytic solutions are presented to the non-paraxial wave equation describing an ultra-short, low-power, laser pulse propagating in a plasma channel. Expressions for the laser pulse centroid motion and laser group velocity are derived, valid for matched and mismatched propagation in a parabolic plasma channel, as well as in vacuum, for an arbitrary Laguerre-Gaussian laser mode. The group velocity of a mismatched laser pulse, for which the laser spot size is strongly oscillating, is found to be independent of propagation distance and significantly less than that of a matched pulse. Laser pulse lengthening of a mismatched pulse owing to laser mode slippage is examined and found to dominate over that due to dispersive pulse spreading for sufficiently long pulses. Analytic results are shown to be in excellent agreement with numerical solutions of the full Maxwell equations coupled to the plasma response. Implications for plasma channel diagnostics are discussed.
Eilenberger and Ginzburg-Landau models of the vortex core in high κ-superconductors
Authors: Belova P. , Traito K. B. , Lähderanta E.
Published: August 2011

Eilenberger approach to the cutoff parameter, ξh, of the field distribution in the mixed state of high κ-superconductors is developed. It is found that normalized value of ξh/ξc2 decreases both with temperature (due to Kramer-Pesch effect) and with impurity scattering rate Γ. Our theory explains μSR experiments in some low-field superconductors and different ξh values from the Ginzburg-Landau theory predictions in isotropic s-wave superconductors. A comparison with another characteristic length ξ1, describing the gradient of the order parameter in the vortex center, is done. They have very different Γ-dependences: monotonous suppression of ξh(B) values and crossing behavior of the ξ1(B) curves at various Γ. This is explained by the nonlocal effects in the Eilenberger theory.
A combined small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering detector for measurements on reactive systems
Authors: Vallenhag Linda , Canton Sophie E. , Sondhauss Peter , Haase Dörthe , Ossler Frederik
Published: August 2011

A detector with high dynamic range designed for combined small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering experiments has been developed. It allows measurements on single events and reactive systems, such as particle formation in flames and evaporation of levitating drops. The detector consists of 26 channels covering a region from 0.5° to 60° and it provides continuous monitoring of the sampled signal without readout dead time. The time resolution for fast single events is about 40 μs and for substances undergoing slower dynamics, the time resolution is set to 0.1 or 1 s with hours of continuous sampling. The detector has been used to measure soot particle formation in a flame, burning magnesium and evaporation of a toluene drop in a levitator. The results show that the detector can be used for many different applications with good outcomes and large potential.