bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The organizational productivity process: Turning strategy into reality
Authors: Petrone Joe
Published: August 2012

One of the major challenges for any organization, whether in the manufacturing, technology, or service sector, is aligning what leaders say to do with what employees actually do in front of their customers. Avoiding temporary and inconsistent results requires identifying the systematic links between strategy and the rewarding and reinforcement of employee performance. Through the Organizational Productivity Process, organizations can determine the two to three nonfinancial drivers that most greatly affect productivity and the attainment of financial goals. By accurately measuring these drivers, they can ensure that operational strategy is properly executed by employees at all levels of the organization.
Is your organization addicted to change?
Authors: Rieley James B. , Rieley Mary Lee
Published: August 2012

Research has shown that the average life of an organization is less than one‐half that of a human being. In a time when organizational sustainability is finally being recognized as a key performance indicator, it is relevant to ask the question, “Why aren't our organizations more sustainable?” One answer can be found in the perceived level of constant organizational change initiatives.
Pairing quality assurance and quality control at Frymaster Corporation
Authors: Lin Binshan , Hidalgo Kelly C.
Published: August 2012

Integral to all organizations, quality assurance requires much more than lip service to the notion of product quality. Frymaster Corporation has found that a sterling reputation as a quality parts supplier and manufacturer must be grounded in a partnership of quality control and quality assurance. To ensure complete success, such a joint effort must take place in an environment of continuous improvement, teamwork, systems‐level thinking, and alignment between company goals and strategies.
Expecting the unexpected with disaster recovery planning
Authors: Lucilio Jonathan , Davis Tim R.V.
Published: August 2012

Disasters and accidents can devastate the operations of any business, but most managers are poorly prepared to deal with them. This article, which describes the impact of a flood on the vault operations of a midwest bank, illustrates the value of disaster recovery planning (DRP) in responding rationally and decisively to unforeseen, hazardous events. Application of the methods and procedures of DRP can avert crisis, panic, and major losses that often result when disaster strikes.
Organizational evolution: The American life cycle
Authors: Fletcher Douglas S. , Taplin Ian M.
Published: August 2012

Organizations in transition from one evolutionary phase to another exhibit symptoms that suggest change is necessary for continuing growth. Managers must recognize these signs and interpret them correctly to smoothly move from one phase to the next. They must also understand the changing culture within which they operate and how dynamic external forces shape the organization. Within this context, it is especially important for managers to recognize the emerging impact of information technology on organizational structures, external relationships, and how work gets done. This article, which explores the external forces that shape an organization, shows that the typical evolution of an organization parallels the evolution of a culture.
Taking sales success to new heights with six sigma
Authors: Niemes Jim
Published: August 2012

In recent years, Six Sigma has emerged as a powerful method to drive continuous process and quality improvement in companies. Pioneered by such companies as Motorola, General Electric, and AlliedSignal as a way to improve the quality of manufacturing processes, it is being used increasingly today as an element of broad‐based organizational redesign and as a way to improve a wide variety of nonmanufacturing business processes. This article outlines how you can apply Six Sigma principles to the reengineering of sales and marketing operations. The payoff is an improvement in the ability to meet customer requirements on a consistent basis.
Tracking the ultimate competitive weapon: Services‐to‐order capability
Authors: Blevins Preston
Published: August 2012

In today's competitive environment, customers are demanding more value‐adding services from their suppliers. The challenge for suppliers is how to manage this new environment with an accepted good business practice model that is materials‐centric and not services‐centric.
Exponential organizational growth: Learning how to survive success
Authors: Rieley James B.
Published: August 2012

In the world of business, growth is good. But knowing how to manage growth may mean the difference between continued success and failure. As the following case study shows, individual group thinking patterns can greatly affect an organization's ability to sustain growth and perform up to expectations.
Dynamic rheology and morphology of HDPE‐fumed silica composites: Effect of interface modification
Authors: Nandi Sangita , Bose Sanjukta , Mitra Susanta , Ghosh Anup K.
Published: August 2012

In the present study, high density polyethylene (HDPE)‐based composites containing different amounts of fumed silica (FS) were prepared by melt compounding in a corotating twin screw extruder. Polyethylene‐g‐maleic anhydride copolymer (PE‐g‐MA) containing 1 wt% maleic anhydride was used for interface modification between filler and polymer. The interaction between the surface hydroxyl groups of fumed silica nanoparticles with maleic anhydride groups of PE‐g‐MA led to a finer dispersion of the filler in the HDPE matrix. The terminal complex viscosity and terminal storage modulus were highest at 1 wt% filler loading due to widely spread network formation by FS nanoparticles. This filler network plausibly got disturbed at higher filler content and/or interface modification which was reflected in their stress relaxation behavior also. The dynamic rheological behavior of the composites was explained in terms of morphological observations. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interferometric silicon biochips for label and label‐free DNA and protein microarrays
Authors: Cretich Marina , Monroe Margo R. , Reddington Alex , Zhang Xirui , Daaboul George G. , Damin Francesco , Sola Laura , Unlu M. Selim , Chiari Marcella
Published: August 2012

Protein and DNA microarrays hold the promise to revolutionize the field of molecular diagnostics. Traditional microarray applications employ labeled detection strategies based on the use of fluorescent and chemiluminescent secondary antibodies. However, the development of high throughput, sensitive, label‐free detection techniques is attracting attention as they do not require labeled reactants and provide quantitative information on binding kinetics. In this article, we will provide an overview of the recent author's work in label and label‐free sensing platforms employing silicon/silicon oxide (Si/SiO2) substrates for interferometric and/or fluorescence detection of microarrays. The review will focus on applications of Si/SiO2 with controlled oxide layers to (i) enhance the fluorescence intensity by optical interferences, (ii) quantify with sub‐nanometer accuracy the axial locations of fluorophore‐labeled probes tethered to the surface, and (iii) detect protein–protein interactions label free. Different methods of biofunctionalization of the sensing surface will be discussed. In particular, organosilanization reactions for monodimensional coatings and polymeric coatings will be extensively reviewed. Finally, the importance of calibration of protein microarrays through the dual use of labeled and label‐free detection schemes on the same chip will be illustrated.
Quantum dot applications endowing novelty to analytical proteomics
Authors: Wu Hui‐Fen , Gopal Judy , Abdelhamid Hani Nasser , Hasan Nazim
Published: August 2012

This review surveys all the state‐of‐art applications of quantum dots (QDs) in conventional and modern analytical methods in proteomic studies. A brief introduction ofQDs and their properties is initially presented followed by outlining the application ofQDs in fluorescence,MS, imaging, and cancer‐based proteomics. The in‐depth application ofQDs inMALDI‐MSand surface assisted laser desorption/ionization‐MShas been elaborately discussed, summarizing the speculated mechanism behind the protein–QDs interactions duringQDmatrix applications leading to enhanced detection sensitivity.
Infrared linear dichroism as a tool to evaluate volatile guest partition between amorphous and nanoporous‐crystalline polymer phases
Authors: Albunia Alexandra R. , Venditto Vincenzo , Guerra Gaetano
Published: August 2012

Desorption kinetics of ethene, propene, and butadiene from films exhibiting axially oriented nanoporous‐crystalline δ phases of syndiotactic polystyrene (s‐PS) have been followed by gravimetric and infrared linear dichroism measurements. The reported data can be rationalized by assuming that, after the initial desorption mainly involving molecules absorbed in the amorphous phase, most gaseous molecules are included as guest in the nanoporous‐crystalline phase. This allows establishing a simple method to evaluate guest partition between nanoporous‐crystalline and amorphous polymeric phases, which possibly can be applied for most volatile guest molecules. The described method also allows establishing the presence of one guest molecule (ethene, propene, or butadiene) per cavity of the nanoporous δ form. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Asymmetric leakage in (Ba, Sr)TiO3 nanoparticle/parylene‐C composite capacitors
Authors: Yang Shyuan , Tull Brian R. , Pervez Nadia K. , Huang Limin , Leland Eli S. , Steigart Daniel A. , O'Brien Stephen , Kymissis Ioannis
Published: August 2012

Nanoparticle polymer composite capacitors have been examined for some time as a route to high performance, printable capacitors. One approach to creating these composites is to use a particle film together with vapor deposited polymers, which can yield high performance, but also forms a structurally asymmetric device. The performance of a nanoparticle (Ba, Sr)TiO3 (BST)/parylene‐C composite capacitor is compared to that of a nanoparticle BST capacitor without the polymer layer under both directions of bias. The composite device shows a five orders of magnitude improvement in the leakage current under positive bias of the bottom electrode relative to the pure‐particle device, and four orders of magnitude improvement when the top electrode is positively biased. The voltage tolerance of the device is also improved and asymmetric (44 V vs. 28 V in bottom and top positive bias, respectively). This study demonstrates the advantage of this class of composite device construction, but also shows that proper application of the device bias in this type of asymmetrical system can yield an additional benefit. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Barriers to oral cancer screening: a focus group study of rural Black American adults
Authors: Howell Jennifer L. , Shepperd James A. , Logan Henrietta
Published: August 2012

Objective

Mortality from mouth and throat cancer (MTC) is higher among Black Americans than White Americans partially because of late stage detection through screening. The disparity in mortality is particularly problematic among Black Americans living in rural areas who have limited access to preventative resources. Our study explored barriers to screening for MTC among Black Americans.

Methods

We conducted nine focus groups among rural Black Americans age 40 years and older (N = 80).

Results

Content coding of the transcripts of the focus groups revealed three primary barriers to screening. Lack of knowledge (e.g., not knowing about MTC and not knowing MTC symptoms) accounted for 31.8% of all barriers mentioned, lack of resources (e.g., lack of money and health insurance) accounted for 25.0% of all barriers mentioned, and fear (e.g., fear of screening and diagnosis) accounted for 22.9% of all barriers mentioned.

Conclusions

We placed these barriers within the Theory of Planned Behavior and conclude that interventions aimed at increasing MTC screening among rural Black Americans should first focus on changing people's attitudes about screening by increasing knowledge about MTC and reducing fear. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma proteomics can discriminate isolated early from dual responses in asthmatic individuals undergoing an allergen inhalation challenge
Authors: Singh Amrit , Cohen Freue Gabriela V. , Oosthuizen Jean L. , Kam Sarah H. Y. , Ruan Jian , Takhar Mandeep K. , Gauvreau Gail M. , O'Byrne Paul M. , FitzGerald J. Mark , Boulet Louis‐Philippe , Borchers Christoph H. , Tebbutt Scott J.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This proteomics study was designed to determine the utility of iTRAQ MALDI‐TOF/TOF technology to compare plasma samples from carefully phenotyped mild, atopic asthma subjects undergoing allergen inhalation challenge.

Experimental design

Eight adult subjects with mild, allergic asthma (four early responders (ERs) and four dual responders (DRs)) participated in the allergen inhalation challenge. Blood samples were collected prior to and 2 h after the inhalation challenge. Sixteen plasma samples (two per subject), technical replicates, and pooled controls were analyzed using iTRAQ. Technical validation was performed using LC‐MRM/MS. Moderated robust regression was used to determine differentially expressed proteins.

Results

Although this study did not show significant differences between pre‐ and post‐challenge samples, discriminant analysis indicated that certain proteins responded differentially to allergen challenge with respect to responder type. At pre‐challenge, fibronectin was significantly elevated in DRs compared to ERs and remained significant in the multiple reaction monitoring validation.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This proof of principle demonstration has shown that iTRAQ can uncover differences in the human plasma proteome between two endotypes of asthma and merits further application of iTRAQ to larger cohorts of asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Proteomic approach to human kidney glomerulus prepared by laser microdissection from frozen biopsy specimens: Exploration of proteome after removal of blood‐derived proteins
Authors: Yoshida Yutaka , Nameta Masaaki , Kuwano Masayoshi , Zhang Ying , Bo Xu , Magdeldin Sameh , Cui Zenyui , Fujinaka Hidehiko , Yaoita Eishin , Tomonaga Takeshi , Yamamoto Tadashi
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Abundance of blood‐derived proteins in glomeruli prepared by laser microdissection from human kidney biopsy specimens has hampered in‐depth proteomic analysis of glomeruli. We attempted to establish experimental platform for in‐depth proteomic analysis of glomeruli by removal of blood‐derived proteins from frozen biopsy samples.

Experimental design

Frozen sections of biopsy samples were exposed to repeated PBS washes prior to laser microdissection to remove blood‐derived proteins, and glomerular dissectants were analyzed by MS. The depth of proteomic analysis was evaluated by dynamic range of identified proteins and detection of low‐abundance proteins.

Results

Two times PBS washes of frozen sections effectively eliminated blood‐derived proteins in laser‐microdissected glomeruli and gave an increased number of identified proteins. Analysis of glomeruli from single specimens by a linear ion trap‐Orbitrap mass analyzer generated nonredundant, high‐confidence datasets of more than 400 identified proteins with high reproducibility, which attained to a considerable depth of the glomerulus proteome as revealed by a wide dynamic range and identification of low‐abundance proteins.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Implementation of washing of frozen section with PBS successfully removed blood‐derived proteins and resulted in an in‐depth proteomic analysis of laser‐microdissected glomeruli, suggesting applicability to clinical study.
The variability in tissue proteomics
Authors: Thongboonkerd Visith
Published: August 2012

Variability is one of the most critical issues of concern in clinical proteomics. In this issue of Proteomics Clinical Applications, Yoshida et al. [Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2012, 6, 412–417] describe the effects of blood and number of washes on the human glomerular proteome isolated from the kidney by laser microdissection. The blood‐derived proteins occupied almost 50% of all the identified proteins in the unwashed samples, whereas varying the number of washes (from 1–5) with PBS yielded only 43–80% of the proteins identified in each sample that were common in all samples. This urges caution to all proteomists to carefully consider sample preservation and preparation for tissue proteome analysis.
Diaminofuroxan: Synthetic Approaches and Computer‐Aided Study of Thermodynamic Stability
Authors: Makhova Nina N. , Ovchinnikov Igor V. , Kulikov Alexandr S. , Khakimov Dmitriy V. , Molchanova Marina S. , Pivina Tatyana S.
Published: August 2012

Different approaches to synthesize diaminofuroxan are presented herein. Mathematical and quantum chemical methods were used to study the possible reasons for failures in the syntheses of diaminofuroxan. Additionally, structural isomers of this compound were generated. With the help of the results of quantum chemical calculations at levels of DFT B3LYP 6‐31G(d) and MP2 6‐31G(d), screening of the most stable isomeric forms in the gaseous phase and in water was performed. It was shown that diaminofuroxan is not the thermodynamically most stable isomer among its structural analogues.
Continuing our process safety management journey
Authors: Vaughen Bruce K. , Kletz Trevor A.
Published: August 2012

“…in the eyes of the public the industry is one.”

Trevor Kletz (b. 1922)

Process safety risk reduction efforts are a part of our journey to make our chemical industry safer for people and the environment. This article focuses on our process safety risk reduction efforts, providing (1) a brief historical discussion, (2) a framework for today's current practices, and (3) a proposal for some future efforts. Process safety practices have evolved over the years and continue to evolve today as we share our new practices and theories. In addition, today's digital age continues to enhance our ability to share information across the globe, and it has accelerated the changing nature of the public's view of the chemical industry—the public's concept of acceptable societal risk. Our right to operate chemical facilities is based on several factors, including our effect on neighboring communities, the public's changing perception, and the governmental regulations created in response to major fires, explosions, and toxic releases. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Identifying hazards in the chemical research laboratory
Authors: Leggett David J.
Published: August 2012

A review of 27 Chemical Hygiene plans and safety manuals used in university chemistry labs, and posted on the Internet, suggests that the use of hazard identification and risk analysis procedures in academia is an infrequent practice. This, unfortunately, is the genesis of accidents. However, a goal of zero incidents and accidents in the laboratory is desired, and it can be achieved with systematic hazard identification and risk analyses procedures.

This article describes a three part process to assess the risks of any work that involves chemical reactions in the research laboratory. The first step identifies the hazard potentials of a chemical synthesis study. This hazards' review helps researchers to fully appreciate the nature and extent of the potential hazards of the planned synthesis study. The second step involves conducting a formal risk analysis, and the third step develops and implements risk minimization measures. This described process is used to lower accident rates by helping researchers understand the hazards and to implement hazard minimization controls and conditions before starting chemical synthesis studies. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Essential oils and their compositions as spatial repellents for pestiferous social wasps
Authors: Zhang Qing‐He , Schneidmiller Rodney G , Hoover Doreen R
Published: August 2012

Background

The study objectives were: (1) to field test potential repellency of common essential oils against several pestiferous social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), using attractant‐baited traps; (2) to identify vespid antennally active compounds from the repellent essential oils; (3) to determine potential repellency of these electroantennographic detection (EAD) active compounds in the field.

Results

Of the 21 essential oils tested, 17 showed significant repellency on yellowjackets [mainly Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure)] and paper wasps [mainly Polistes dominulus (Christ)]: clove, pennyroyal, lemongrass, ylang ylang, spearmint, wintergreen, sage, rosemary, lavender, geranium, patchouli, citronella, Roman chamomile, thyme, fennel seed, anise and peppermint. Two essential oil mixtures – 3EO‐mix (clove, geranium and lemongrass) and 4EO‐mix (clove, geranium, lemongrass and rosemary) – totally blocked the attraction of vespid workers. Twenty‐nine vespid antennally active compounds were identified from solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) samples of 11 strongly repellent essential oils by GC‐EAD/MS techniques. Among the synthetic EAD‐active compounds field tested, eugenol, P/I‐menthone, pulegone, α/β‐thujone, l‐carvone, E/Z‐citral, citronellal, methyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, methyl salicylate and 3‐octanol showed a significant repellency on vespid workers. These compounds are likely responsible for the repellency of their corresponding essential oils.

Conclusion

These repellent essential oils and their active compositions have great potential for efficient, environmentally sound semiochemical‐based IPM of pestiferous vespid wasps. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Managing outbreaks of the citrus long‐horned beetle Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) in Europe: molecular diagnosis of plant infestation
Authors: Strangi Agostino , Sabbatini Peverieri Giuseppino , Roversi Pio Federico
Published: August 2012

Background

Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) is a polyphagous long‐horned beetle native to Eastern Asia that infests a wide range of broadleaved plants, causing disruption of vascular tissue, structural weakness and tree death. As a result, A. chinensis is a quarantine pest for the European Union. In order to confirm its infestations on plants, it is necessary to obtain adult or larval specimens on which morphological or molecular analysis can be performed. However, obtaining such specimens from infested plants can be a demanding and difficult task. Therefore, a diagnostic tool that is non‐invasive for the plant and able to be performed in the absence of any insect stages may be useful to confirm infestations of A. chinensis on plants.

Results

A protocol is presented that is based on polymerase chain reaction amplification using DNA extracted from A. chinensis faecal material collected in the field.

Conclusion

Results obtained in the present work show that the non‐invasive approach is a reliable and accurate alternative diagnostic tool in phytosanitary surveys.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of sterol 3‐ketoreductase sensitivity in susceptibility to the fungicide fenhexamid in Botrytis cinerea and other phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Debieu Danièle , Bach Jocelyne , Montesinos Emeline , Fillinger Sabine , Leroux Pierre
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND

The narrow‐spectrum fungicide fenhexamid was introduced into French vineyards in 2000 to control grey mould caused by a complex of two cryptic species: Botrytis cinerea, the predominant species sensitive to fenhexamid, and Botrytis pseudocinerea, naturally resistant. Fenhexamid was suggested to inhibit the 3‐ketoreductase involved at C‐4 demethylation steps during ergosterol biosynthesis, as revealed by its effects on the B. cinerea sterol profile. Resistance monitoring studies have hitherto identified two B. cinerea fenhexamid‐resistant phenotypes, both resulting from mutations in the erg27 gene encoding 3‐ketoreductase.

RESULTS

The role of 3‐ketoreductase sensitivity in fungal susceptibility to fenhexamid was investigated by studying sterol profiles and microsomal 3‐ketoreductase in various fungal strains. Fenhexamid does inhibit B. cinerea 3‐ketoreductase activity. Erg27 mutations causing amino acid substitutions in or near the transmembrane domain strongly decrease the affinity of fenhexamid for 3‐ketoreductase. Fenhexamid has very low affinities for 3‐ketoreductase in inherently resistant species, whether closely related to B. cinerea, like B. pseudocinerea, or more distantly related, like Nectria haematococca.

CONCLUSION

erg27 mutation and erg27 polymorphism may therefore contribute to the unfavourable binding of fenhexamid to its target, 3‐ketoreductase, explaining the acquisition of fenhexamid resistance in B. cinerea and the narrow spectrum of this fungicide.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Canonical two‐range addition theorem for slater‐type orbitals
Authors: Gebremedhin Daniel , Weatherford Charles
Published: August 2012

The radial Slater‐type orbitals (STO)
${r^\mu }{e^{ - \alpha r}}$
can be simply obtained by repeated parametric differentiation of the Yukawa Potential
$({e^{ - \alpha r}}/r)$
with respect to α. A new compact two‐range addition theorem (AdT) for the STO is herein derived by explicit parametric differentiation of the well‐known Yukawa AdT. The resulting addition formula is combined with the single‐range AdT for solid spherical harmonics
$({r^l}Y_l^m(\hat r))$
to present a new AdT for three‐dimensional spherical coordinate STOs. We advance the proposition that this formula is “canonical” in the same sense that the Laplace expansion of the Coulomb potential is considered canonical. We demonstrate how this procedure can be employed for all exponential‐type orbitals. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxidative degradation of bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid in nitric acid studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Groenewold Gary S. , Peterman Dean R. , Klaehn John R. , Delmau Laetitia H. , Marc Philippe , Custelcean Radu
Published: August 2012

RATIONALE

The selective separation of the minor actinides (Am, Cm) from the lanthanides is a topic of ongoing nuclear fuel cycle research, and dithiophosphinic acids are candidate ligands in these processes. Ligand instability has been noted under radiolytic and harsh acid conditions but explicit degradation pathways for ligands such as bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)‐dithiophosphinic acid (CyxH), the major compound in the commercial product Cyanex 301, have been elusive.

METHODS

Organic solutions of CyxH were contacted with aqueous solutions of HNO3, and their degradation was studied by analyzing samples from these experiments by direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Ions were identified using accurate mass measurement and collision‐induced dissociation.

RESULTS

The positive ion spectra contained cationized CyxH cluster ions, and oxidatively coupled species (designated Cyx2) cationized by either H or Na. The Cyx2‐derived ions increased with acid contact time. The negative ion spectra consisted almost entirely of the CyxH conjugate base. The negative ion spectra of the HNO3‐contacted samples also contained conjugate bases corresponding to the dioxo and perthio derivatives of CyxH.

CONCLUSIONS

CyxH is oxidized by acid contact to form the coupled species Cyx2, and the dioxo species arise from subsequent oxidation of Cyx2. Oxidative coupling increases with contact time, and with higher HNO3 concentrations. The direct infusion measurements provided a simple approach for assessing degradation pathways and kinetics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profiling of nanolayers
Authors: Baryshev Sergey V. , Zinovev Alexander V. , Tripa C. Emil , Pellin Michael J. , Peng Qing , Elam Jeffrey W. , Veryovkin Igor V.
Published: August 2012

RATIONALE

Although the fundamental physical limits for depth resolution of secondary ion mass spectrometry are well understood in theory, the experimental work to achieve and demonstrate them is still ongoing. We report results of high‐resolution TOF SIMS (time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry) depth profiling experiments on a nanolayered structure, a stack of 16 alternating MgO and ZnO ~5.5 nm layers grown on a Si substrate by atomic layer deposition.

METHODS

The measurements were performed using a newly developed approach implementing a low‐energy direct current normally incident Ar+ ion beam for ion milling (250 eV and 500 eV energy), in combination with a pulsed 5 keV Ar+ ion beam at 60° incidence for TOF SIMS analysis. By this optimized arrangement, a noticeably improved version of the dual‐beam (DB) approach to TOF SIMS depth profiling is introduced, which can be dubbed gentleDB.

RESULTS

The mixing‐roughness‐information model was applied to detailed analysis of experimental results. It revealed that the gentleDB approach allows ultimate depth resolution by confining the ion beam mixing length to about two monolayers. This corresponds to the escape depth of secondary ions, the fundamental depth resolution limitation in SIMS. Other parameters deduced from the measured depth profiles indicated that a single layer thickness is equal to 6 nm so that the 'flat' layer thickness d is 3 nm and the interfacial roughness σ is 1.5 nm, thus yielding d + 2σ = 6 nm.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that gentleDB TOF SIMS depth profiling with noble gas ion beams is capable of revealing the structural features of a stack of nanolayers, resolving its original surface and estimating the roughness of interlayer interfaces, information which is difficult to obtain by traditional approaches. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression with incomplete covariates and left‐truncated time‐to‐event data
Authors: Shen Hua , Cook Richard J.
Published: August 2012

Studies of chronic diseases routinely sample individuals subject to conditions on an event time of interest. In epidemiology, for example, prevalent cohort studies aiming to evaluate risk factors for survival following onset of dementia require subjects to have survived to the point of screening. In clinical trials designed to assess the effect of experimental cancer treatments on survival, patients are required to survive from the time of cancer diagnosis to recruitment. Such conditions yield samples featuring left‐truncated event time distributions. Incomplete covariate data often arise in such settings, but standard methods do not deal with the fact that individuals’ covariate distributions are also affected by left truncation. We describe an expectation–maximization algorithm for dealing with incomplete covariate data in such settings, which uses the covariate distribution conditional on the selection criterion. We describe an extension to deal with subgroup analyses in clinical trials for the case in which the stratification variable is incompletely observed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inter‐endothelial Transport of Microvectors using Cellular Shuttles and Tunneling Nanotubes
Authors: Ferrati Silvia , Shamsudeen Sabeel , Summers Huw D. , Rees Paul , Abbey James V. A. , Schmulen Jeff , Liu Xuewu , Wong Stephen T. C. , Bean Andrew J. , Ferrari Mauro , Serda Rita E.
Published: August 2012

New insights into the intra‐ and intercellular trafficking of drug delivery particles challenges the dogma of particles as static intracellular depots for sustained drug release. Recent discoveries in the cell‐to‐cell transfer of cellular constituents, including proteins, organelles, and microparticles sheds light on new ways to propagate signals and therapeutics. While beneficial for the dispersion of therapeutics at sites of pathologies, propagation of biological entities advancing disease states is less desirable. Mechanisms are presented for the transfer of porous silicon microparticles between cells. Direct cell‐to‐cell transfer of microparticles by means of membrane adhesion or using membrane extensions known as tunneling nanotubes is presented. Cellular relays, or shuttle cells, are also shown to mediate the transfer of microparticles between cells. These microparticle‐transfer events appear to be stimulated by environmental cues, introducing a new paradigm of environmentally triggered propagation of cellular signals and rapid dispersion of particle‐delivered therapeutics. The opportunity to use microparticles to study cellular transfer events and biological triggers that induce these events may aid in the discovery of therapeutics that limit the spread of disease.
Semiparametric location estimation under non‐random sampling
Authors: Genton Marc G. , Kim Mijeong , Ma Yanyuan
Published: August 2012

We study a class of semiparametric skewed distributions arising when the sample selection process produces non‐randomly sampled observations. Based on semiparametric theory and taking into account the symmetric nature of the population distribution, we propose both consistent estimators, i.e. robust to model mis‐specification, and efficient estimators, i.e. reaching the minimum possible estimation variance, of the location of the symmetric population. We demonstrate the theoretical properties of our estimators through asymptotic analysis and assess their finite sample performance through simulations. We also implement our methodology on a real data example of ambulatory expenditures to illustrate the applicability of the estimators in practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective MicroPET imaging of brain 5‐HT1A receptors in rats with [18F]MeFWAY by suppression of radioligand defluorination
Authors: Choi Jae Yong , Kim Chul Hoon , Jeon Tae Joo , Kim Byoung Soo , Yi Chi Hoon , Woo Kwang Sun , Seo Young Beom , Han Sang Jin , Kim Kyeong Min , Yi Dae Ik , Lee Minkyung , Kim Dong Goo , Kim Jung Young , Lee Kyo Chul , Choi Tae Hyun , An Gwangil , Ryu Young Hoon
Published: August 2012

Introduction: [18F]MeFWAY has been developed for imaging the serotonin 1A receptors in the brain. The purpose of this study were to verify the metabolic stability of [18F]MeFWAY, to measure the degree of defluorination of [18F]MeFWAY in vivo, to investigate methods of inhibition of defluorination of [18F]MeFWAY, and to assess the efficacy of [18F]MeFWAY in rat brains in vivo. Methods: MicroPET experiments in rats were conducted to confirm the distribution of radioactivity in the brain. Nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex were also analyzed. Miconazole and fluconazole were tested for the ability to suppress defluorination of [18F]MeFWAY. We conducted a blockade and displacement experiment by treating with WAY‐100635. Results: In vitro stability tests showed that MeFWAY was very stable in serum for 6 h, but PET revealed that authentic [18F]MeFWAY underwent significant defluorination in vivo. In vitro inhibition study against decreasing parent activity in liver microsomes, miconazole and fluconazole suppressed metabolic elimination of MeFWAY. However, in the PET study, fluconazole showed more potent inhibitory activity than miconazole. In the suppression of metabolizing enzymes using fluconazole, radioactivity in skull was dramatically decreased by 81% (compared with 69% with miconazole) and it was coupled with an increase in brain uptake. Moreover, BPND in hippocampus was 5.53 and 2.66 in frontal cortex. The blockade and displacement study showed the specificity of [18F]MeFWAY to 5‐HT1A receptors. Conclusion: In the rat brain, [18F]MeFWAY microPET showed skull uptake due to defluorination in vivo. We can effectively overcome this drawback with fluconazole. Synapse, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The evolution of the neural crest: new perspectives from lamprey and invertebrate neural crest‐like cells
Authors: Medeiros Daniel Meulemans
Published: August 2012

The neural crest is an embryonic cell population that gives rise to an array of tissues and structures in adult vertebrates including most of the head skeleton. Because neural crest cells (NCCs), and many of their derivatives, are unique to vertebrates, the evolution of the neural crest is thought to have potentiated vertebrate origins and diversification. However, the lack of clear NCC homologs in invertebrate chordates has made it difficult to reconstruct the evolutionary history of modern NCCs. In this review, the development of NCCs in the basal jawless vertebrate, lamprey, is compared with the development of neural crest‐like cells in a range of invertebrates to deduce features of the first NCCs and their evolutionary precursors. These comparisons demonstrate that most of the defining attributes of NCCs are widespread features of invertebrate embryonic ectoderm. In addition, they suggest ancient origins for the neural border domain and chondroid skeletal tissue in the first bilaterian, and show that NCCs must have evolved in a chordate with an unduplicated invertebrate‐type genome. On the basis of these observations, a stepwise model for the evolution of NCCs involving heterotopic and heterochronic activation of ancient ectodermal gene programs and new responsiveness to preexisting inducing signals is proposed. In light of the phylogenetic distribution of neural crest‐like cells, the deep homology of developmental gene networks, and the central role of evolutionary loss in deuterostome evolution, this article concludes with suggestions for future studies in a broad range of bilaterians to test key aspects of this model. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:1–15. doi: 10.1002/wdev.85

This article is categorized under:

Early Embryonic Development > Development to the Basic Body Plan

Comparative Development and Evolution > Organ System Comparisons Between Species

Comparative Development and Evolution > Evolutionary Novelties
Impacts of residential development on ungulates in the Rocky Mountain West
Authors: Polfus Jean L. , Krausman Paul R.
Published: August 2012

Rural residential development in the Rocky Mountain West of North America is resulting in increased conflict between ungulate habitat and infrastructure. Subdivisions, houses, and roads affect ungulates both behaviorally and demographically and reduce management options available to agencies. These habitat alterations need to be addressed if wildlife species are to coexist with humans. We reviewed literature (using 7 search engines and 16 key words) on the effects of land‐use change (especially residential development) on elk (Cervus canadensis), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), white‐tailed deer (O. virginianus), American pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). Approximately 80 studies were directly related to the effects of human development on ungulates; however, only 25 specifically examined residential development and its influences on the focal species. Studies varied in methodology (i.e., aerial and ground surveys, pellet counts, movement rates) and analyses. The literature suggests most ungulates exhibit short‐term behavioral reactions to human disturbance. However, few studies link these responses to population‐level consequences or test the cumulative impact that multiple developments and development types (i.e., roads, housing, industrial development) have on seasonal habitat use and migratory behavior. Short‐term and small‐scale observational studies have articulated the conflict between humans and ungulates on shared habitat. Those studies need to be followed with well‐designed experiments and large‐scale multi‐jurisdictional projects so that managers and planners can make more credible recommendations to direct future exurban development that benefits wildlife and humans. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Missing lynx and trophic cascades in food webs: A reply to Ripple et al.
Authors: Squires John R. , DeCesare Nicholas J. , Hebblewhite Mark , Berger Joel
Published: August 2012

Ripple et al. () proposed a hypothesis that the recovery of gray wolves (Canis lupus) may positively affect the viability of threatened Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) populations in the contiguous United States through indirect species interactions. Ripple et al. () proposed 2 key trophic linkages connecting wolf restoration with lynx recovery. First, recovering wolf populations may benefit lynx through reduced interference and exploitative competition with coyotes (C. latrans). Second, recovering wolf populations may benefit lynx through reduced exploitative competition among ungulates and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), the primary prey of lynx. Both proposed linkages have weak or contradictory empirical support in the available literature on lynx–hare ecology, casting doubt on the utility of Ripple et al.'s () hypothesis. Debate over Ripple et al.'s () hypothesis demonstrates the importance of experimental or comparative documentation when proposing trophic cascades in complex food webs. In this case, publishing unsupported opinions as hypotheses that concern complex trophic interactions is a potential disservice to lynx conservation through misallocated research, conservation funding, and misplaced public perception. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Improved gap repair cloning in yeast: treatment of the gapped vector with Taq DNA polymerase avoids vector self‐ligation
Authors: Bessa Daniela , Pereira Filipa , Moreira Roxana , Johansson Björn , Queirós Odília
Published: August 2012

Gap repair is a fast and efficient method for assembling recombinant DNA molecules in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This method produces a circular DNA molecule by homologous recombination between two or more linear DNA fragments, one of which is typically a vector carrying replicative sequences and a selective marker. This technique avoids laborious and costly in vitro purification and ligation of DNA. The DNA repair machinery can also close and ligate the linear vector by mechanisms other than homologous recombination, resulting in an empty vector. The frequency of these unwanted events can be lowered by removing the 5′‐phosphate groups using phosphatase, which is the standard method used for in vitro ligation. However, phosphatase treatment is less effective for gap repair cloning than for in vitro ligation, presumably due to the ability of the S. cerevisiae DNA repair machinery to efficiently repair the missing phosphate group to allow religation. We have developed a more efficient method to prevent vector religation, based on treatment of the vector fragment with Taq DNA polymerase and dATP. This procedure prevents vector recircularization almost completely, facilitating the screening for true recombinant clones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New fully‐covered self‐expandable metal stent for endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided intervention in infectious walled‐off pancreatic necrosis (with video)
Authors: Itoi Takao , Reddy D. Nageshwar , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: August 2012

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage using a self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) has been reported for satisfactory drainage and endoscopic necrosectomy. Here, we described an interesting case in which successful endoscopic therapy was performed using a new SEMS in infectious walled‐off pancreatic necrosis.
Evolutionism and the Teaching of Science: How Portugal Has Been “Playing with the Big Tree of Evolution”
Authors: Assis Sandra , Carvalho Susana
Published: August 2012

The concept of evolution is fundamental to the teaching of biological sciences. Nevertheless, it seems frequently neglected and/or forgotten in our classrooms and absent from the school syllabus. These difficulties are present today in the Portuguese educational system, especially concerning the issue of human evolution. To overcome this difficulty, a multidisciplinary pilot project entitled Playing with the Big Tree of Evolution was developed by a nonprofit association called Group of Studies in Human Evolution in Portuguese schools and in other public and private organizations. Combining non-formal and informal apprenticeship, the project is composed of a set of pedagogical and experimental activities that aim to promote the broad concept of human evolution as well as to demystify the anthropocentric perspective that places humans at the top of the chain of life.
Preventing Multidrug‐Resistant Gram‐Negative Organisms in Surgical Patients
Authors: Murphy Rebecca J.
Published: August 2012

Multidrug‐resistant gram‐positive infections have consumed the attention of health care organizations as well as the media, but recently multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative organisms (MDR‐GNOs) have become more and more prevalent. Limited treatment options are available for MDR‐GNO infections; thus, prevention is key. Patients who are at high risk for developing infections must be identified, and specialized prevention interventions must be developed for their care. Surgical patients are one subset of patients at high risk for developing MDR‐GNOs. Advanced practice nurses must support nurses and other health care personnel in preventing MDR‐GNO infections. Education should include active surveillance, contact precautions, cohorting patients and staff members, unit closures, reinforced hand hygiene practices, and environmental cleaning tailored to the care of surgical patients in regard to their preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care.
The Enemy of Engagement
Authors: Carlisle Tisa
Published: August 2012

The Enemy of Engagement Mark Royal, Tom Agnew 2012, Amacom Books 230 pages, hardcover
The Braden Q+P: A Pediatric Perioperative Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment and Intervention Tool
Authors: Galvin Patricia A. , Curley Martha A.Q.
Published: August 2012

Pressure ulcers continue to be a personally and financially expensive complication of surgery and hospitalization. The effects of anesthesia, immobilization during surgery, and use of multiple medical devices all place the surgical patient at high risk for pressure‐related skin injury. As part of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention initiative, nurses in the cardiac and main ORs at Children's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts, became concerned that current pressure ulcer risk assessment tools did not adequately capture the intense but short‐term risk posed in the operating and procedural suites. A team, formed to investigate this matter, developed a tool to guide nursing assessment of patient risk and to plan nursing interventions to prevent pressure ulcers. Results after implementation of the Braden Q+P tool appear to show improvement in preventing pressure ulcers. Increased awareness of pressure ulcer prevention, a hospital focus on skin care, and nursing education about pressure ulcers supported this improvement.
Behind the Mask: The Mystique of Surgery and the Surgeons Who Perform Them
Authors: Jensen Susan
Published: August 2012

Behind the Mask: The Mystique of Surgery and the Surgeons Who Perform Them David Gelber 2011, Ruffian Press 187 pages, paperback
Clinical Issues—September 2012
Authors: Ogg Mary J.
Published: August 2012

This Month

Implant expiration dates

Key words: expiration date, event related sterility, useful life.

Hazardous chemical lists in the workplace

Key words: hazardous substance, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), material safety data sheet (MSDS), safety data sheet (SDS), hazardous chemical.

OSHA compliance fines for refusal to use safety devices

Key words: safety scalpel, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), safety‐engineered device.
Implementing AORN Recommended Practices for Minimally Invasive Surgery: Part I
Authors: Morton Paula J.
Published: August 2012

This article focuses on the patient safety aspects of the revised AORN “Recommended practices for minimally invasive surgery” (MIS). Key considerations include ensuring proper fluid management practices, assessing patients for risk factors related to MIS, implementing precautions for electrosurgery, planning for risks related to MIS, and assessing patients postoperatively for potential complications related to MIS. Collaboration and collegiality among members of the surgical team are essential for ensuring all pertinent aspects of care are recognized and considered.