bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Anti‐atopic Dermatitis Activity of Hypsizigus marmoreus Extract
Authors: Kim TaeHo , Park KiMoon , Jung Hye Sun , Kong Won‐Sik , Jeon DaeHoon , Lee Seung Ho
Published: May 2014

Hypsizigus marmoreus is an edible mushroom that is cultivated worldwide. In this study, we investigated antiinflammatory activities of H. marmoreus extract on atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like symptoms. Ethanol extract of H. marmoreus (HMEE) was administrated in powder to BALB/c mice in which AD was induced by 1‐chloro 2, 4, 6‐trinitrobenzene [picryl‐chloride, (PCL)]. The dermatitis severity score and the thickness of the epidermis were significantly decreased following daily intake of HMEE powder (1 g/kg/day) for 5 weeks compared with a PCL‐treated group. The mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), was significantly attenuated in the dorsal skin of the HMEE‐fed mouse group compared with the PCL‐treated mouse group. In addition, in concanavalin A‐stimulated and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated mouse splenocytes and macrophages, levels of IL‐1β and IFN‐γ production were attenuated following the addition of HMEE. Interestingly, the administration of HMEE to mouse splenocytes stimulated the production of an antiinflammatory cytokine, IL‐4. However, increases in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide were attenuated by treating the mouse splenocytes, mouse macrophages, and Raw 264.7 cell line with HMEE. These results strongly suggest that HMEE exhibits anti‐AD activity via the regulation of inflammatory responses. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An algorithm for the robust exponential stabilization of a class of switched systems
Authors: Mancilla‐Aguilar J. L. , García R. A.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we consider continuous‐time switched systems whose subsystems are linear, or, more generally, homogeneous of degree one. For that class of systems, we present a control algorithm that under certain conditions generates switching signals that globally exponentially stabilizes the switched system, even in the case in which there are model uncertainties and/or measurement errors, provided that the bounds of that uncertainties and errors depend linearly on the norm of the state of the system and are small enough in a suitable sense. We also show that in the case in which the measurement errors and the model uncertainties are bounded, the algorithm globally exponentially stabilizes the system in a practical sense, with a final error which depends linearly on the bounds of both the model uncertainties and the measurement errors. In other words, the closed‐loop system is exponentially input‐to‐state‐stable if one considers the perturbations and output measurements bounds as inputs. For switched linear systems, under mild observability conditions, we design an observer whose state‐estimation drives the control algorithm to exponentially stabilize the system in absence of perturbations and to stabilize it in an ultimately bounded way when the perturbations and the output measurement errors are bounded. Finally, we illustrate the behavior of the algorithm by means of simulations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk‐based Approach to Designing and Reviewing Pipeline Stream Crossings to Minimize Impacts to Aquatic Habitats and Species
Authors: Castro J. M. , MacDonald A. , Lynch E. , Thorne C. R.
Published: May 2014

Extensive new pipeline systems proposed to transport natural gas and oil throughout North America will potentially result in thousands of new stream crossings. The watercourses encountered at these crossings will range from small, ephemeral headwater streams to large, perennial mainstem rivers; from dynamic gravel‐bed streams to stable bedrock channels; and from steep, source reaches to low gradient, response reaches. Based on past experience at pipeline crossings, the potential for both short and long‐term negative impacts on aquatic habitat and species is substantial. In assessing potential hazards to aquatic habitat and species, the diverse physiography and ecology of the stream affected, combined with the number and range of new pipelines proposed, pose significant challenges for project developers charged with collecting, stratifying, evaluating, analysing, interpreting, and presenting stream crossing data in formats that are accessible, usable and useful. It is equally challenging for project reviewers to detect, distill and summarize potential project impacts and then identify reasonable options for their avoidance, minimization, and mitigation. To address these concerns, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with Ruby Pipeline, LLC, developed a pipeline crossing framework and risk analysis approach to stratify potential aquatic impacts, based on both stream characteristics and project types. In this approach, pipeline crossings are ranked in terms of relative short and long‐term risk to aquatic habitat and are then analysed, designed, and monitored in ways appropriate to their risk. This approach allows project developers and reviewers to focus resources and monitoring on the crossings that present the highest risks to aquatic habitat and species, while expediting design and construction, and minimizing the monitoring of low‐risk crossings. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Electronic properties of zero‐layer graphene on 6H‐SiC(0001) substrate decoupled by silicon intercalation
Authors: Silly M. G. , Li G. , Dappe Y. J.
Published: May 2014

Graphene exhibits electronic properties that are very sensitive not only to defects but also to the interaction with extra molecules or atoms and underlying substrate. To overcome this limitation for application and mass device production, various methods have been investigated to decouple graphene from substrate and to form quasi‐free standing layer. Silicon has shown to be able to softly decouple the zero‐layer graphene from the substrate. However, the electronic properties of decoupled zero‐layer graphene (ZLG) by silicon intercalation on 6H‐SiC(0001) stay unknown. The decoupling process of the ZLG terminated surface happens at lower temperature compared with ZLG covered by 1 monolayer graphene. The presence of extra graphene layer appears to be of an impediment to silicon intercalation. The decoupled ZLG exhibits electronic properties of a quasi‐free‐standing monolayer graphene. Ab initio calculation corroborates the experimental data and confirms the evolution of the ZLG band structure with silicon intercalation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic alliances and interfirm knowledge transfer
Authors: Mowery David C. , Oxley Joanne E. , Silverman Brian S.
Published: May 2014

This paper examines interfirm knowledge transfers within strategic alliances. Using a new measure of changes in alliance partners' technological capabilities, based on the citation patterns of their patent portfolios, we analyze changes in the extent to which partner firms' technological resources ‘overlap’ as a result of alliance participation. This measure allows us to test hypotheses from the literature on interfirm knowledge transfer in alliances, with interesting results: we find support for some elements of this ‘received wisdom’—equity arrangements promote greater knowledge transfer, and ‘absorptive capacity’ helps explain the extent of technological capability transfer, at least in some alliances. But the results also suggest limits to the ‘capabilities acquisition’ view of strategic alliances. Consistent with the argument that alliance activity can promote increased specialization, we find that the capabilities of partner firms become more divergent in a substantial subset of alliances.
Toward a knowledge‐based theory of the firm
Authors: Grant Robert M.
Published: May 2014

Given assumptions about the characteristics of knowledge and the knowledge requirements of production, the firm is conceptualized as an institution for integrating knowledge. The primary contribution of the paper is in exploring the coordination mechanisms through which firms integrate the specialist knowledge of their members. In contrast to earlier literature, knowledge is viewed as residing within the individual, and the primary role of the organization is knowledge application rather than knowledge creation. The resulting theory has implications for the basis of organizational capability, the principles of organization design (in particular, the analysis of hierarchy and the distribution of decision‐making authority), and the determinants of the horizontal and vertical boundaries of the firm. More generally, the knowledge‐based approach sheds new light upon current organizational innovations and trends and has far‐reaching implications for management practice.
Generic knowledge strategies in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Bierly Paul , Chakrabarti Alok
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study is to identify groups of firms with similar generic knowledge strategies, determine how these strategies change over time, and compare profit margins of the groups. Knowledge strategies of 21 U.S. pharmaceutical firms are analyzed from 1977 to 1991. Cluster analysis is used to group firms over different time periods based on: (a) balance between internal and external learning, (b) preference for radical or incremental learning, (c) learning speed, and (d) breadth of knowledge base. Our findings indicate that there are four generic knowledge strategy groups: ‘Explorers’, ‘Exploiters’, ‘Loners’, and ‘Innovators’. Most firms remain in the same knowledge group over time. The firms in the ‘Innovator’ and ‘Explorer’ groups tend to be more profitable than the firms in the ‘Exploiter’ and ‘Loner’ groups.
How does knowledge flow? Interfirm patterns in the semiconductor industry
Authors: Appleyard Melissa M.
Published: May 2014

Although knowledge spillovers between firms play a critical role in the evolution of technology, we know little about such spillovers. How does knowledge flow across company boundaries? How do industry characteristics and national institutions shape knowledge diffusion? To what extent do companies direct knowledge flows? This study seeks answers to these questions by examining knowledge sharing patterns in the semiconductor industry. The research shows that public sources of technical data play a larger role in knowledge diffusion in Japan than in the United States and in semiconductors relative to steel. By understanding the mechanisms and determinants of knowledge flows, company managers and public policy makers can influence knowledge diffusion more effectively.
High‐Durable AgNi Nanomesh Film for a Transparent Conducting Electrode
Authors: Kim Han‐Jung , Lee Su‐Han , Lee Jihye , Lee Eung‐Sug , Choi Jun‐Hyuk , Jung Jun‐Ho , Jung Joo‐Yun , Choi* Dae‐Geun
Published: May 2014

Uniform metal nanomesh structures are promising candidates that may replace of indium‐tin oxide (ITO) in transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs). However, the durability of the uniform metal mesh has not yet been studied. For this reason, a comparative analysis of the durability of TCEs based on pure Ag and AgNi nanomesh, which are fabricated by using simple transfer printing, is performed. The AgNi nanomesh shows high long‐term stability to oxidation, heat, and chemicals compared with that of pure Ag nanomesh. This is because of nickel in the AgNi nanomesh. Furthermore, the AgNi nanomesh shows strong adhesion to a transparent substrate and good stability after repeated bending.
Seismic design solutions for connections to tubular members
Authors: Elghazouli Ahmed Y. , Packer Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2014

A review of seismic design solutions for connections is presented in this paper, with particular focus on methods that are already “pre‐approved” or “acceptable to code” for use by engineers in steel‐framed structures using hollow sections. This review is intended to illustrate the limited options currently available to structural engineers. The survey mainly covers European and North American design solutions, but the latter are also heavily influenced by Japanese practice. The scope includes both braced frame connections (utilizing hollow sections for the bracing members at least) and unbraced frame connections (utilizing hollow section columns), the latter including both rigid and semi‐rigid beam‐to‐hollow section column connections. Dissipative and non‐dissipative connection types are considered where appropriate. Emphasis is placed on connection configurations and concepts rather than detailed design information, but references to other sources are given for further details. Areas in which there is a paucity of established design guidance are noted, and the review concludes with recommendations for further research and development regarding specific types of connections to hollow sections subjected to seismic loading.
Radical proposals for hotspot stress design
Authors: Marshall Peter , Thang Vul
Published: May 2014

Drafts of the AISC guide for hotspot stress contained several radical technical proposals that could benefit from exposure and peer review before publication in the design guide. These are:

– S‐N slope of –1/3.6 with no transition knee,

– notch stress size effect based on mesh density, and

– thickness‐dependent strain limits for TxT meshing.

These proposals are presented here along with their supporting data.
There but for the grace of God
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: May 2014

In response (to the case of David Sellu), many clinicians are likely to adopt a considerably more defensive approach to their practice of medicine and surgery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Current trends in bladder cancer in Australia
Authors: McCombie Steve P. , Hayne Dickon
Published: May 2014

The authors discuss issues relating to bladder cancer in Australia in the context of the various factors that might be contributing to an apparent deteriorating survival. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Management of fatigue and anaemia in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Rodriguez‐Vida Alejo , Chowdhury Subhra , Chowdhury Simon
Published: May 2014

In this series, the authors present cases of men being treated with androgen deprivation therapy, and highlight their management to prevent and treat associated toxicities. This sixth and final article will consider the management of fatigue and anaemia. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons
Illness from abroad: presentation and diagnosis of tropical diseases
Authors: Brightman Christopher
Published: May 2014

With an increase in international travel and the number of people visiting exotic places, most GPs are likely to see at least one case of a tropical disease in their career. Dr Brightman considers the questions to ask when taking the history, before discussing the more common presentations of tropical diseases and which laboratory investigations are of value in their diagnosis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Current status of choline‐PET and prostate cancer
Authors: Taylor Benjamin P. , Kirby Roger , Hughes Simon , Chowdhury Simon , Payne Heather , Cook Gary J.R.
Published: May 2014

The authors outline the role of the functional imaging technique choline‐positron emission tomography in the diagnosis, staging and treatment response assessment of patients with prostate cancer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Supporting the ‘second victim’ after a medical error
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: May 2014

The consequences of a medical error are likely to provoke feelings of guilt and intense emotional distress in the ‘second victim’ – the clinician. Roger Kirby outlines some strategies to help the doctor cope and explains how colleagues can provide support by sharing the experience in a constructive and analytical way. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Characterization of the Phase Mixture Comprising Sodium Hafnate and Hafnia
Authors: Näfe Helfried , Karpukhina Natalia , Gautam Devendraprakash , Näfe Gregor
Published: May 2014

Solid state electrochemical and XRD studies reveal that the phase relation between Na2HfO3 and HfO2 in the temperature region below about 600 °C is governed by the existence of a third phase disregarded so far, i.e. non‐stoichiometric Na‐modified cubic HfO2, which is intermediate in terms of the sodium oxide chemical potential.
Biomarkers for Dysplastic Barrett’s: Ready for Prime Time?
Authors: Gregson Eleanor M. , Fitzgerald Rebecca C.
Published: May 2014

Background

There is need for the application of biomarkers in a clinical setting in order to improve patient care. Current surveillance methods are costly for health care systems and invasive for patients, and subjective methodology leads to frequent misdiagnosis. This review summarises the most advanced recent and relevant literature in the field of biomarker development in the context of Barrett’s esophagus and comments on their potential application. Studies included roughly correlate with Early Detection Research Network phases three and four.

Recent findings

A number of individual candidate and panels of biomarkers have been investigated recently. These include: gene‐specific mutations such as loss of heterozygosity, copy number alterations (in particular aneuploidy) methylation panels, altered gene expression, and glycosylation assayed by lectin binding, as well as genetic and clonal diversity measures. Immunostaining for p53 is the only candidate biomarker deemed “ready for prime time.” This has been recommended for use clinically as an adjunct to histological diagnosis of dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus in the 2014 British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Barrett’s esophagus.

Conclusions

Progress is being made but in many cases further prospective validation studies are required before clinical application can take place. Limitations to furthering these studies include the large patient cohorts required for prospective validation studies, costs associated with studies, and reproducibility of methods across laboratories. Continued research in this area is strongly recommended as, in the long run, biomarker application has the potential to significantly improve patient care.
Conceptualizing Genetic Counseling as Psychotherapy in the Era of Genomic Medicine
Authors: Austin Jehannine , Semaka Alicia , Hadjipavlou George
Published: May 2014

Discussions about genetic contributions to medical illness have become increasingly commonplace. Physicians and other health‐care providers in all quarters of medicine, from oncology to psychiatry, routinely field questions about the genetic basis of the medical conditions they treat. Communication about genetic testing and risk also enter into these conversations, as knowledge about genetics is increasingly expected of all medical specialists. Attendant to this evolving medical landscape is some uncertainty regarding the future of the genetic counseling profession, with the potential for both increases and decreases in demand for genetic counselors being possible outcomes. This emerging uncertainty provides the opportunity to explicitly conceptualize the potentially distinct value and contributions of the genetic counselor over and above education about genetics and risk that may be provided by other health professionals. In this paper we suggest conceptualizing genetic counseling as a highly circumscribed form of psychotherapy in which effective communication of genetic information is a central therapeutic goal. While such an approach is by no means new—in 1979 Seymour Kessler explicitly described genetic counseling as a “kind of psychotherapeutic encounter,” an “interaction with a psychotherapeutic potential”—we expand on his view, and provide research evidence in support of our position. We review available evidence from process and outcome studies showing that genetic counseling is a therapeutic encounter that cannot be reduced to one where the counselor performs a simple “conduit for information” function, without losing effectiveness. We then discuss potential barriers that may have impeded greater uptake of a psychotherapeutic model of practice, and close by discussing implications for practice.
Corticosteroid and Anesthetic Injections for Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains in the NFL
Authors: Drakos Mark , Birmingham Patrick , Delos Demetris , Barnes Ronnie , Murphy Conor , Weiss Leigh , Warren Russell
Published: May 2014

Background

Administering local anesthetic or corticosteroid injections in professional athletes to allow return to play is common but has traditionally been viewed as suspect and taboo. The skepticism surrounding therapeutic injections stems predominantly from anecdotal experience as opposed to scientific data.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current use of corticosteroid injections for muscle strains and ligaments sprains in the National Football League to document player's ability to return to play and possible adverse effects.

Patients and Methods

Athletes from a single National Football League team who received at least one corticosteroid or anesthetic injection for either a muscle strain or ligament sprain during three consecutive seasons were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-seven injections were given over the three seasons. Injections were either performed blindly or by using ultrasound guidance.

Results

Twice as many defensive players were injected than offensive players. The average number of days of conservative treatment before injection was 6.5 days. All players returned to play after injection. There were no complications from any of the injections. Seventeen (55%) players did not miss a single game, and nine (30%) did not miss a single day. Quadriceps strains were associated with the most missed games (four) and the most missed days (36.5). Proximal hamstring strains were second with an average of three missed games and 28 missed days.

Conclusion

Corticosteroid injections are a safe and effective therapeutic intervention for treating muscle strains and ligament sprains in order to enable athletes to return to competition earlier.
Enzymatic Analysis of Positional Distribution of Fatty Acids in Solid Fat by 1,3‐Selective Transesterification with Candida antarctica Lipase B
Authors: Watanabe Yomi , Sato Shinichi , Sera Saiko , Sato Chiemi , Yoshinaga Kazuaki , Nagai Toshiharu , Sato Ryota , Iwasaka Hiroaki , Aki Tsunehiro
Published: May 2014

A protocol for the analysis of the positional distribution of fatty acids (FA) in solid triacylglycerols (TAG) was developed using sn‐1(3) selective alcoholysis catalyzed by immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). One part by weight of solid fat and ten parts by weight of ethanol (99.5 %) were warmed to liquefy the fat. After adding 0.44 parts by weight of CALB, the mixture was shaken at 50 °C for 10 min then at 30 °C for 2.8 h. The recovery of 2‐MAG after the 3‐h transesterification reaction was ca. 85 % of the maximum theoretical yield (33 mol%), with the loss of 15 % attributable to the acyl migration from sn‐2 to sn‐1(3). The recovery was similar to that of the solvent‐free alcoholysis of structured lipids, 1,3‐dipalmitoyl, 2‐oleoyl glycerol and 1,3‐dioleoyl, 2‐palmitoyl glycerol, conducted at 30 °C for 3 h. In contrast, the acyl migration from sn‐1(3) to sn‐2 was hardly observed. Because the detected acyl migration was only in the direction of sn‐2 to sn‐1(3), and not vice versa, it is proposed to determine the FA composition of the sn‐2 position of TAG by the gas chromatographic analysis of 2‐MAG fraction recovered from the enzymatic reaction mixture, and the FA composition of sn‐1(3) position by a mass balance using the FA composition of TAG and of the sn‐2 position as inputs. The procedure was successfully applied to palm oil and shea butter, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)‐rich single cell oil from Aurantiochytrium sp. KH105 for the first time.
The View Through the Window: Characterizing Participants in a Drive-Through Influenza Vaccination Clinic
Authors: Banks Laura , Vanderjagt Ashley , Crandall Cameron
Published: May 2014

Objective

The participants in a 2011 drive-through influenza vaccination clinic were described.

Methods

The descriptive, cross-sectional study used a pen-and-paper survey administered during a drive-through vaccination program. A total of 1114 surveys were collected that included demographic information and responses to 3 clinic usage questions; responses were in English or Spanish. The responses were stratified by language and age group, and zip codes reported by the participants were mapped.

Results

The majority of the participants were women (57%) aged 41 to 64 years old (53%). The participation by people younger than 18 and older than 65 years was relatively low. When compared by language, the surveys completed in Spanish showed a significantly different proportion of age group participation than those completed in English. Many participants (23%) indicated that they likely would not have received a vaccine elsewhere if the clinic were not available. A map of the zip codes showed that the clinic served people from the city and surrounding communities and counties.

Conclusions

The operators of vaccine clinics can use these findings to improve outreach to populations of concern, and encourage multiple venues, both traditional and nontraditional, to maximize immunization coverage in their community (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-4).
A spectral sequence for the homology of a finite algebraic delooping
Authors: Richter Birgit , Ziegenhagen Stephanie
Published: May 2014

In the world of chain complexes En-algebras are the analogues of based n-fold loop spaces in the category of topological spaces. Fresse showed that operadic En-homology of an En-algebra computes the homology of an n-fold algebraic delooping. The aim of this paper is to construct two spectral sequences for calculating these homology groups and to treat some concrete classes of examples such as Hochschild cochains, graded polynomial algebras and chains on iterated loop spaces. In characteristic zero we gain an identification of the summands in Pirashvili's Hodge decomposition of higher order Hochschild homology in terms of derived functors of indecomposables of Gerstenhaber algebras and as the homology of exterior and symmetric powers of derived Kähler differentials.
Learning in Harmonic Serialism and the necessity of a richer base
Authors: Tessier Anne-Michelle , Jesney Karen
Published: May 2014

This paper reassesses the hypothesis that early phonotactic learning of constraint-based grammars relies on the Identity Map – i.e. it uses observed surface forms as the inputs which cause errors and drive learning via constraint reranking. We argue that this approach's success is closely tied to Optimality Theory's fully parallel grammatical evaluation. In the constraint-based derivational framework of Harmonic Serialism (HS; McCarthy 2000, 2007b), reliance on observed surface forms as inputs can block the discovery of ‘hidden rankings’ between markedness constraints, preventing the learner from discovering a restrictive grammar. This paper illustrates the problem, using a pattern of positional vowel restrictions in Punu (Kwenzi Mikala 1980), and considers the role of various learning assumptions. We conclude that hidden rankings are a fundamental obstacle to restrictive error-driven learning in any HS-like framework, and that learning in such frameworks inevitably requires consideration of some unattested surface forms as inputs, even at the earliest learning stages.
Crossed pulmonary arteries with double aortic arch: a rare association
Authors: Zaqout Mahmoud , Alhallaq Mahmoud Omar , De Wolf Daniel
Published: May 2014

Crossed pulmonary arteries is a rare, benign congenital anomaly. Both pulmonary arteries cross each other on their course to each respective lung, thus forming a crisscross pattern. We report an infant with crossed pulmonary arteries and a complete vascular ring formed by double aortic arch.
Economic instruments and the efficient recycling of batteries in Delhi and the National Capital Region of India
Authors: Gupt Yamini
Published: May 2014

Lead acid batteries generate hazardous lead waste with environmental and health implications. The deposit refund system for recycling in Delhi provides a discount to consumers on purchasing new batteries and returning used batteries to retailers for recycling. The retailers determine whether batteries are recycled in an environmentally friendly or unfriendly manner by selling them to manufacturers or to unorganized scrap dealers who then sell to unregistered smelters. This study finds that the economic instrument that brings used batteries into recycling works well. Organized recycling is limited, since retailers prefer selling used batteries to the informal sector because of higher prices, lower storage costs and taxes. In addition, we consider policy instruments like a green tax on batteries with a refund when the manufacturer ensures environment-friendly recycling and fiscal incentives to organized smelters to increase production.
Determinants of inadequate complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in Ghana
Authors: Issaka Abukari I , Agho Kingsley E , Burns Penelope , Page Andrew , Dibley Michael J
Published: May 2014

Objective

To explore complementary feeding practices and identify potential risk factors associated with inadequate complementary feeding practices in Ghana by using the newly developed WHO infant feeding indicators and data from the nationally representative 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey.

Design

The source of data for the analysis was the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Analysis of the factors associated with inadequate complementary feeding, using individual-, household- and community-level determinants, was done by performing multiple logistic regression modelling.

Setting

Ghana.

Subjects

Children (n 822) aged 6–23 months.

Results

The prevalence of the introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods among infants aged 6–8 months was 72·6 % (95 % CI 64·6 %, 79·3 %). The proportion of children aged 6–23 months who met the minimum meal frequency and dietary diversity for breast-fed and non-breast-fed children was 46·0 % (95 % CI 42·3 %, 49·9 %) and 51·4 % (95 % CI 47·4 %, 55·3 %) respectively and the prevalence of minimum acceptable diet for breast-fed children was 29·9 % (95 % CI 26·1 %, 34·1 %). Multivariate analysis revealed that children from the other administrative regions were less likely to meet minimum dietary diversity, meal frequency and acceptable diet than those from the Volta region. Household poverty, children whose mothers perceived their size to be smaller than average and children who were delivered at home were significantly less likely to meet the minimum dietary diversity requirement; and children whose mothers did not have any postnatal check-ups were significantly less likely to meet the requirement for minimum acceptable diet. Complementary feeding was significantly lower in infants from illiterate mothers (adjusted OR=3·55; 95 % CI 1·05, 12·02).

Conclusions

The prevalence of complementary feeding among children in Ghana is still below the WHO-recommended standard of 90 % coverage. Non-attendance of postnatal check-up by mothers, cultural beliefs and habits, household poverty, home delivery of babies and non-Christian mothers were the most important risk factors for inadequate complementary feeding practices. Therefore, nutrition educational interventions to improve complementary feeding practices should target these factors in order to achieve the fourth Millennium Development Goal.
Toward Site-Specific Dopant Contrast in Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Druckmüllerová Zdena , Kolíbal Miroslav , Vystavěl Tomáš , Šikola Tomáš
Published: May 2014

Since semiconductor devices are being scaled down to dimensions of several nanometers there is a growing need for techniques capable of quantitative analysis of dopant concentrations at the nanometer scale in all three dimensions. Imaging dopant contrast by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a very promising method, but many unresolved issues hinder its routine application for device analysis, especially in cases of buried layers where site-specific sample preparation is challenging. Here, we report on optimization of site-specific sample preparation by the focused Ga ion beam (FIB) technique that provides improved dopant contrast in SEM. Similar to FIB lamella preparation for transmission electron microscopy, a polishing sequence with decreasing ion energy is necessary to minimize the thickness of the electronically dead layer. We have achieved contrast values comparable to the cleaved sample, being able to detect dopant concentrations down to 1×1016 cm−3. A theoretical model shows that the electronically dead layer corresponds to an amorphized Si layer formed during ion beam polishing. Our results also demonstrate that contamination issues are significantly suppressed for FIB-treated samples compared with cleaved ones.
FINSLER METRIZABLE ISOTROPIC SPRAYS AND HILBERT’S FOURTH PROBLEM
Authors: BUCATARU IOAN , MUZSNAY ZOLTÁN
Published: May 2014

It is well known that a system of homogeneous second-order ordinary differential equations (spray) is necessarily isotropic in order to be metrizable by a Finsler function of scalar flag curvature. In our main result we show that the isotropy condition, together with three other conditions on the Jacobi endomorphism, characterize sprays that are metrizable by Finsler functions of scalar flag curvature. We call these conditions the scalar flag curvature (SFC) test. The proof of the main result provides an algorithm to construct the Finsler function of scalar flag curvature, in the case when a given spray is metrizable. Hilbert’s fourth problem asks to determine the Finsler functions with rectilinear geodesics. A Finsler function that is a solution to Hilbert’s fourth problem is necessarily of constant or scalar flag curvature. Therefore, we can use the constant flag curvature (CFC) test, which we developed in our previous paper, Bucataru and Muzsnay [‘Sprays metrizable by Finsler functions of constant flag curvature’, Differential Geom. Appl.31 (3)(2013), 405–415] as well as the SFC test to decide whether or not the projective deformations of a flat spray, which are isotropic, are metrizable by Finsler functions of constant or scalar flag curvature. We show how to use the algorithms provided by the CFC and SFC tests to construct solutions to Hilbert’s fourth problem.
Quick determination of melamine in infant powder and liquid milk by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Jawaid Sana , Talpur Farah N. , Afridi Hassan Imran , Nizamani Shafi M. , Khaskheli Abid A. , Naz Saba
Published: May 2014

A simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly analytical method was developed for the quantification of melamine (MEL) in liquid milk and infant powder by using transmission Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy.
Electrochemical measurement of Clostridium tetani using a reduced graphene oxide modified electrode and polyaniline–gold nanoparticle-labelled probe
Authors: Zhang Yongyan , Fu Chunlin , Liu Linlin , Gong Xiuchun , Zhang Lele , Zhu He
Published: May 2014

In this study, a new electrochemical method for detection ofclostridium tetanihas been developed based on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified electrode and polyaniline–gold nanoparticle (PANI–AuNP) modified probe.
Caffeine as an indicator of estrogenic activity in source water
Authors: Montagner C. C. , Umbuzeiro G. A. , Pasquini C. , Jardim W. F.
Published: May 2014

Caffeine can be used to prioritize samples to be tested for estrogenic activity in water quality programs evaluating emerging contaminants with endocrine disruptor activity.
Structure of the cannabinoid receptor 1: homology modeling of its inactive state and enrichment study based on CB1 antagonist docking
Authors: Liu Haining , Patel Ronak Y. , Doerksen Robert J.
Published: May 2014

Multiple cannabinoid 1 receptor models were prepared and the best one was selected based on the models' performance in selecting known ligands from a pool of competitors.
Interaction of a hemicyanine dye and its derivative with DNA and cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Sun Shiguo , Yuan Ye , Li Zhiyong , Zhang Si , Zhang Hongyan , Peng Xiaojun
Published: May 2014

A ternary complex among D2, DNA and CB[7] can be formed.
Off–on fluorescent polyanthracene for recognition of ferric and fluoride ions in aqueous acidic media: application in pharmaceutical and environmental analysis
Authors: Desai Netaji K. , Kolekar Govind B. , Patil Shivajirao R.
Published: May 2014

The sensing mechanism of PAT as a fluorescent probe is illustrated using a band diagram and spectral results.
Novel one-pot synthesis of diverse γ,δ-unsaturated β-ketoesters by thermal cascade reactions of diazodicarbonyl compounds and enol ethers: transformation into substituted 3,5-diketoesters
Authors: Pandit Rameshwar Prasad , Lee Yong Rok
Published: May 2014

Novel and efficient synthesis of diverse γ,δ-unsaturated β-ketoesters was accomplished by thermal cascade reactions of diazodicarbonyl compounds with enol ethers and the synthesized compounds were further transformed into the corresponding 3,5-diketoesters.
The first amphiphilic graft copolymer bearing a hydrophilic poly(2-hydroxylethyl acrylate) backbone synthesized by successive RAFT and ATRP
Authors: Jiang Xiuyu , Jiang Xue , Lu Guolin , Feng Chun , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: May 2014

This paper reports the first synthesis of well-defined amphiphilic graft copolymers, consisting of a hydrophilic poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) backbone and hydrophobic polystyrene side chains, by the combination of RAFT polymerization, ATRP, and the grafting-from strategy.
Pd-catalyzed tandem homocoupling–aldol–dehydration of ortho-acylphenyl iodides
Authors: Fu Meiqin , Lin Dongen , Deng Yuanfu , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Liu Yanchu , Lai Chunsong , Zeng Wei
Published: May 2014

A Pd-catalyzed cascade Ullmann coupling–aldol–dehydration reaction of ortho-acylphenyl iodides affords colchino analogues with wide functional group tolerance.
Dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (DEIS) studies of AZ31 magnesium alloy in simulated body fluid solution
Authors: Srinivasan A. , Shin Kwang Seon , Rajendran N.
Published: May 2014

The change in impedance values as a function of potential indicated the transformation of Mg from its passive to active state.
Surface modification of cycloolefin polymer via surface-initiated photoiniferter-mediated polymerization for suppressing bioadhesion
Authors: Ma Jiao , Luan Shifang , Jin Jing , Song Lingjie , Yuan Shuaishuai , Zheng Wanling , Yin Jinghua
Published: May 2014

Cycloolefin polymer was modified via surface-initiated photoiniferter-mediated polymerization for suppressing bioadhesion.
Insight into the pore tuning of triazine-based nitrogen-rich organoalkoxysilane membranes for use in water desalination
Authors: Ibrahim Suhaina M. , Xu Rong , Nagasawa Hiroki , Naka Akinobu , Ohshita Joji , Yoshioka Tomohisa , Kanezashi Masakoto , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: May 2014

Variation of water ratio played an important role in the separation properties of TTESPT membranes in reverse osmosis applications.
Photo-mechanical azobenzene cocrystals and in situ X-ray diffraction monitoring of their optically-induced crystal-to-crystal isomerisation
Authors: Bushuyev Oleksandr S. , Corkery T. Christopher , Barrett Christopher J. , Friščić Tomislav
Published: May 2014

We demonstrate the first supramolecular cocrystallisation strategy for generating crystalline azobenzene materials with a range of photo-mechanical and thermochemical properties: from those that exhibit isomerisation without any change in crystal shape to those that undergo a crystal-to-crystalcis–transisomerisation accompanied by large scale bending.
Facile tuning of the aggregation-induced emission wavelength in a common framework of a cyclometalated iridium(iii) complex: micellar encapsulated probe in cellular imaging
Authors: Alam P. , Das P. , Climent C. , Karanam M. , Casanova D. , Choudhury A. R. , Alemany P. , Jana N. R. , Laskar I. R.
Published: May 2014

A series of ‘aggregation induced emission’ active cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes were synthesized and tested in cell imaging.
PIKfyve, MTMR3 and their product PtdIns5P regulate cancer cell migration and invasion through activation of Rac1
Authors: Oppelt Angela , Haugsten Ellen M. , Zech Tobias , Danielsen Håvard E. , Sveen Anita , Lobert Viola H. , Skotheim Rolf I. , Wesche Jørgen
Published: May 2014

Previously, we have shown that the phosphoinositide metabolizing enzymes PIKfyve (phosphoinositide 5-kinase, FYVE finger containing) and MTMR3 (myotubularin-related protein 3), together with their lipid product PtdIns5P, are important for migration of normal human fibroblasts. As these proteins are a kinase and a phosphatase respectively, and thereby considered druggable, we wanted to test their involvement in cancer cell migration and invasion. First, we showed that PIKfyve and MTMR3 are expressed in most cancer cells. Next, we demonstrated that depletion of PIKfyve or MTMR3 resulted in decreased velocity in three different cancer cell lines by using new software for cell tracking. Inhibition of the enzymatic activity of PIKfyve by the inhibitor YM201636 also led to a strong reduction in cell velocity. Mechanistically, we show that PIKfyve and MTMR3 regulate the activation of the Rho family GTPase Rac1. Further experiments also implicated PtdIns5P in the activation of Rac1. The results suggest a model for the activation of Rac1 in cell migration where PIKfyve and MTMR3 produce PtdIns5P on cellular membranes which may then serve to recruit effectors to activate Rac1. Finally, in an invasion assay, we demonstrate that both PIKfyve and MTMR3 are implicated in invasive behaviour of cancer cells. Thus PIKfyve and MTMR3 could represent novel therapeutic targets in metastatic cancer.
Comment on “Magnetic geometry and physics of advanced divertors: The X-divertor and the snowflake” [Phys. Plasmas 20, 102507 (2013)]
Authors: Ryutov D. D. , Cohen R. H. , Rognlien T. D. , Soukhanovskii V. A. , Umansky M. V.
Published: May 2014

In the recently published paper “Magnetic geometry and physics of advanced divertors: The X-divertor and the snowflake” [Phys. Plasmas 20, 102507 (2013)], the authors raise interesting and important issues concerning divertor physics and design. However, the paper contains significant errors: (a) The conceptual framework used in it for the evaluation of divertor “quality” is reduced to the assessment of the magnetic field structure in the outer Scrape-Off Layer. This framework is incorrect because processes affecting the pedestal, the private flux region and all of the divertor legs (four, in the case of a snowflake) are an inseparable part of divertor operation. (b) The concept of the divertor index focuses on only one feature of the magnetic field structure and can be quite misleading when applied to divertor design. (c) The suggestion to rename the divertor configurations experimentally realized on NSTX (National Spherical Torus Experiment) and DIII-D (Doublet III-D) from snowflakes to X-divertors is not justified: it is not based on comparison of these configurations with the prototypical X-divertor, and it ignores the fact that the NSTX and DIII-D poloidal magnetic field geometries fit very well into the snowflake “two-null” prescription.
Response to “Comment on ‘Magnetic geometry and physics of advanced divertors: The X-divertor and the snowflake’ ” [Phys. Plasmas 21, 054701 (2014)]
Authors: Kotschenreuther Mike , Valanju Prashant , Covele Brent , Mahajan Swadesh
Published: May 2014

Relying on coil positions relative to the plasma, the “Comment on ‘Magnetic geometry and physics of advanced divertors: The X-divertor and the snowflake’ ” [Phys. Plasmas 21, 054701 (2014)], emphasizes a criterion for divertor characterization that was critiqued to be ill posed [M. Kotschenreuther et al., Phys. Plasmas 20, 102507 (2013)]. We find that no substantive physical differences flow from this criteria. However, using these criteria, the successful NSTX experiment by Ryutov et al. [Phys. Plasmas 21, 054701 (2014)] has the coil configuration of an X-divertor (XD), rather than a snowflake (SF). On completing the divertor index (DI) versus distance graph for this NSTX shot (which had an inexplicably missing region), we find that the DI is like an XD for most of the outboard wetted divertor plate. Further, the “proximity condition,” used to define an SF [M. Kotschenreuther et al., Phys. Plasmas 20, 102507 (2013)], does not have a substantive physics basis to override metrics based on flux expansion and line length. Finally, if the criteria of the comment are important, then the results of NSTX-like experiments could have questionable applicability to reactors.
Dopant-site-dependent scattering by dislocations in epitaxial films of perovskite semiconductor BaSnO3
Authors: Kim Useong , Park Chulkwon , Ha Taewoo , Kim Rokyeon , Mun Hyo Sik , Kim Hoon Min , Kim Hyung Joon , Kim Tai Hoon , Kim Namwook , Yu Jaejun , Kim Kee Hoon , Kim Jae Hoon , Char Kookrin
Published: May 2014

We studied the conduction mechanism in Sb-doped BaSnO3 epitaxial films, and compared its behavior with that of the mechanism of its counterpart, La-doped BaSnO3. We found that the electron mobility in BaSnO3 films was reduced by almost 7 times when the dopant was changed from La to Sb, despite little change in the effective mass of the carriers. This indicates that the scattering rate of conduction electrons in the BaSnO3 system is strongly affected by the site at which the dopants are located. More importantly, we found that electron scattering by threading dislocations also depends critically on the dopant site. We propose that the large enhancement of scattering by the threading dislocations in Sb-doped BaSnO3 films is caused by the combination effect of the change in the distribution of Sb impurities in the films, the formation of the Sb impurity clusters near the threading dislocations, and the conduction electron clustering near the Sb impurities.
Stability analysis for two-dimensional ion-acoustic waves in quantum plasmas
Authors: Seadawy A. R.
Published: May 2014

The quantum hydrodynamic model is applied to two-dimensional ion-acoustic waves in quantum plasmas. The two-dimensional quantum hydrodynamic model is used to obtain a deformed Kortewegde Vries (dKdV) equation by reductive perturbation method. By using the solution of auxiliary ordinary equations, a extended direct algebraic method is described to construct the exact solutions for nonlinear quantum dKdV equation. The present results are describing the generation and evolution of such waves, their interactions, and their stability.
On the electronic properties of a single dislocation
Authors: Reiche Manfred , Kittler Martin , Erfurth Wilfried , Pippel Eckhard , Sklarek Kornelia , Blumtritt Horst , Haehnel Angelika , Uebensee Hartmut
Published: May 2014

A detailed knowledge of the electronic properties of individual dislocations is necessary for next generation nanodevices. Dislocations are fundamental crystal defects controlling the growth of different nanostructures (nanowires) or appear during device processing. We present a method to record electric properties of single dislocations in thin silicon layers. Results of measurements on single screw dislocations are shown for the first time. Assuming a cross-section area of the dislocation core of about 1 nm2, the current density through a single dislocation is J = 3.8 × 1012 A/cm2 corresponding to a resistivity of ρ ≅ 1 × 10−8 Ω cm. This is about eight orders of magnitude lower than the surrounding silicon matrix. The reason of the supermetallic behavior is the high strain in the cores of the dissociated dislocations modifying the local band structure resulting in high conductive carrier channels along defect cores.