bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Glass and Glass-Ceramic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Gerhardt Lutz-Christian , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: July 2010

Traditionally, bioactive glasses have been used to fill and restore bone defects. More recently, this category of biomaterials has become an emerging research field for bone tissue engineering applications. Here, we review and discuss current knowledge on porous bone tissue engineering scaffolds on the basis of melt-derived bioactive silicate glass compositions and relevant composite structures. Starting with an excerpt on the history of bioactive glasses, as well as on fundamental requirements for bone tissue engineering scaffolds, a detailed overview on recent developments of bioactive glass and glass-ceramic scaffolds will be given, including a summary of common fabrication methods and a discussion on the microstructural-mechanical properties of scaffolds in relation to human bone (structure-property and structure-function relationship). In addition, ion release effects of bioactive glasses concerning osteogenic and angiogenic responses are addressed. Finally, areas of future research are highlighted in this review.
Cloning and Comparative Studies of Seaweed Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase Genes
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Zhao Ge , Feng Yanbin , Xuan Jinsong , Sun Jianwei , Guo Baotai , Jiang Guoyong , Weng Manli , Yao Jianting , Wang Bin , Duan Delin , Liu Tao
Published: July 2010

The full-length cDNA sequence (3219 base pairs) of the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene of Porphyra yezoensis (PyTPS) was isolated byRACE-PCR and deposited in GenBank (NCBI) with the accession number AY729671. PyTPS encodes a protein of 908 amino acids before a stop codon, and has a calculated molecular mass of 101,591 Daltons. The PyTPS protein consists of a TPS domain in the N-terminus and a putative TPP domain at the C-terminus. Homology alignment for PyTPS and the TPS proteins from bacteria, yeast and higher plants indicated that the most closely related sequences to PyTPS were those from higher plants (OsTPS and AtTPS5), whereas the most distant sequence to PyTPS was from bacteria (EcOtsAB). Based on the identified sequence of the PyTPS gene, PCR primers were designed and used to amplify the TPS genes from nine other seaweed species. Sequences of the nine obtained TPS genes were deposited in GenBank (NCBI). All 10 TPS genes encoded peptides of 908 amino acids and the sequences were highly conserved both in nucleotide composition (>94%) and in amino acid composition (>96%). Unlike the TPS genes from some other plants, there was no intron in any of the 10 isolated seaweed TPS genes.
Synthesis and Preliminary Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Selected 3-Benzofurancarboxylic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Kossakowski Jerzy , Krawiecka Mariola , Kuran Bożena , Stefańska Joanna , Wolska Irena
Published: July 2010

Halogen derivatives of selected 3-benzofurancarboxylic acids were prepared using 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-benzofuranocarboxylic acid as starting material. 1H-NMR spectra were obtained for all of the synthesized structures, and for compound VI, an X-ray crystal structure was also obtained. All derivatives were tested for antimicrobial activity against a selection of Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods and yeasts. Three compounds, III, IV, and VI, showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC 50 to 200 mg/mL). Compounds VI and III exhibited antifungal activity against the Candida strains C. albicans and C. parapsilosis (MIC – 100 mg/mL).
Effects of High-Humidity Aging on Platinum, Palladium, and Gold Loaded Tin Oxide—Volatile Organic Compound Sensors
Authors: Itoh Toshio , Matsubara Ichiro , Kadosaki Masahiro , Sakai Yuichi , Shin Woosuck , Izu Noriya , Nishibori Maiko
Published: July 2010

This study is an investigation of high-humidity aging effects on the total volatile organic compound (T–VOC) gas-sensing properties of platinum, palladium, and gold-loaded tin oxide (Pt,Pd,Au/SnO2) thick films. The sensor responses of the high-humidity aged Pt,Pd,Au/SnO2, a non-aged Pt,Pd,Au/SnO2, and a high-humidity aged Pt/SnO2 to T–VOC test gas have been measured. The high-humidity aging is an effective treatment for resistance to humidity change for the Pt,Pd,Au/SnO2 but not effective for the Pt/SnO2. The mechanism of the high-humidity aging effects is discussed based on the change of surface state of the SnO2 particles.
Symmetric Matrix Fields in the Finite Element Method
Authors: Awanou Gerard
Published: July 2010

The theory of elasticity is used to predict the response of a material body subject to applied forces. In the linear theory, where the displacement is small, the stress tensor which measures the internal forces is the variable of primal importance. However the symmetry of the stress tensor which expresses the conservation of angular momentum had been a challenge for finite element computations. We review in this paper approaches based on mixed finite element methods.
Electronic Health Records
Authors: Ammenwerth E. , Hoerbst A.
Published: July 2010

Objectives: Since the first concepts for electronic health records (EHRs) in the 1990s, the content, structure, and technology of such records were frequently changed and adapted. The basic idea to support and enhance health care stayed the same over time. To reach these goals, it is crucial that EHRs themselves adhere to rigid quality requirements. The present review aims at describing the currently available, mainly non-functional, quality requirements with regard to electronic health records.

Methods: A combined approach – systematic literature analysis and expert interviews – was used. The literature analysis as well as the expert interviews included sources /experts from different domains such as standards and norms, scientific literature and guidelines, and best practice. The expert interviews were performed by using problem-centric qualitative computer-assisted telephone interviews

Methods Inf Med 2010; 49: 320–336 doi: 10.3414/ME10-01-0038 received: May 17, 2010 accepted: June 9, 2010 prepublished: July 6, 2010 (CATIs) or face-to-face interviews. All of the data that was obtained was analyzed using qualitative content analysis techniques.

Results: In total, more than 1200 requirements were identified of which 203 requirements were also mentioned during the expert interviews. The requirements are organized according to the ISO 9126 and the eEurope 2002 criteria. Categories with the highest number of requirements found include global requirements, (general) functional requirements and data security. The number of nonfunctional requirements found is by contrast lower.

Conclusion: The manuscript gives comprehensive insight into the currently available, primarily non-functional, EHR requirements. To our knowledge, there are no other publications that have holistically reported on this topic. The requirements identified can be used in different ways, e.g. the conceptual design, the development of EHR systems, as a starting point for further refinement or as a basis for the development of specific sets of requirements.
Hybridization and polyploidy of an aquatic plant,Ruppia(Ruppiaceae), inferred from plastid and nuclear DNA phylogenies
Authors: Ito Yu , Ohi‐Toma Tetsuo , Murata Jin , Tanaka Norio
Published: July 2010

•Premise of the study: The monogeneric family Ruppiaceae is found primarily in brackish water and is widely distributed on all continents, many islands, and from subartic to tropical zones.Ruppiataxonomy has been confusing because of its simplified morphology yet high phenotypic plasticity and the existence of polyploidy and putative hybrids. This study addresses the current classification of species in the genus, the origin of putative hybrids and polyploids, and the distribution ofRuppiaspecies.

•Methods: Separate molecular phylogenetic analyses using plastid DNA and nuclear‐encodedPHYBdata sets were performed after chromosome observations.

•Key results: The resultant trees were largely congruent between genomes, but were incongruent in two respects: the first incongruence may be caused by long outgroup branches and their effect on ingroup rooting, and the second is caused by the existence of heterogeneousPHYBsequences for several accessions that may reflect several independent hybridization events. Several morphological species recognized in previous taxonomic revisions appear paraphyletic in plastid DNA andPHYBtrees.

•Conclusions: Given the molecular phylogenies, and considering chromosome number and morphology, three species and one species complex comprising six lineages were discerned. A putative allotriploid, an allotetraploid, and a lineage of hybrid origin were identified within the species complex, and a hybrid was found outside the species complex, and their respective putative parental taxa were inferred. With respect to biogeography, a remarkably discontinuous distribution was identified in two cases, for which bird‐mediated seed dispersal may be a reasonable explanation.
Rolled liverwort mats explain major Prototaxites features: Response to commentaries
Authors: Graham Linda E. , Cook Martha E. , Hanson David T. , Pigg Kathleen B. , Graham James M.
Published: July 2010

In volume 97(2) of the American Journal of Botany (pp. 268–275), we published an article entitled “Structural, physiological, and stable carbon isotopic evidence that the enigmatic Paleozoic fossil Prototaxites formed from rolled liverwort mats”. Here, we respond to a letter and a commentary on our article in the present issue, welcoming this opportunity to continue the scientific dialogue about an issue that has long been stimulating and controversial. For the reader's benefit, we first briefly describe the recent scholarly context of our article.
Nuevos género y especie de la familia Lethaxonidae (Acari, Parasitengona, Hydrachnidia) de la isla de Coiba (Panamá)
Authors: Valdecasas A. G.
Published: July 2010

Se describe Transitia carlosi n. gen. n. sp. de la familia Lethaxonidae del medio intersticial de un pequeño río en America Central. Tras la revisión morfológica de la variación en los adultos de la familia se propone Transitia n. gen., caracterizado por una forma del cuerpo estrechada posteriormente, tres pares de acetábulas dispuestos linealmente, posición media del gonóporo del macho en relación a los acetábulas genitales y ligero dimorfismo sexual de las patas del macho.
Dos nuevas especies de arañas (Arachnida: Araneae) para la fauna portuguesa e ibérica
Authors: Crespo L. C. , Mendes S. , Prado e Castro C.
Published: July 2010

No disponible
Ctenobelba (Caucasiobelba) n. subg. del Cáucaso y Ctenobelba (Bifurcobelba) n. subg. de España (Acari, Oribatida, Ctenobelbidae)
Authors: Subías L. S. , Shtanchaeva U.
Published: July 2010

Se describen dos nuevas especies de Ctenobelbidae Grandjean, 1965: Ctenobelba (Caucasiobelba)reticulata n. subg., n. sp. del Cáucaso, perteneciente a un nuevo subgénero caracterizado por su escultura corporal no cerotegumentaria reticulada, y Ctenobelba (Bifurcobelba) iberica n. subg., n. sp. de España, perteneciente también a otro nuevo subgénero caracterizado por su sensilo bifurcado.
Taxonomía y distribución de Meloe (Eurymeloe) saharensis Chobaut, 1898 (Coleoptera, Meloidae), con nuevas sinonimias y primeros registros para Europa y la Macaronesia
Authors: Ruiz J. L. , Bologna M. A. , García-París M.
Published: July 2010

Entre las especies más raras de la familia Meloidae en la cuenca mediterránea destaca un pequeño grupo de especies del género Meloe relacionadas con M. saharensis Chobaut, 1898. El estudio taxonómico de nueve ejemplares (incluido el material tipo de M. saharensis, M. otini Peyerimhoff, 1949 y M. vignai Bologna, 1990), permite concluir que las diferencias específicas señaladas previamente entre M. saharensis, M. otini y M. marianii Kaszab, 1983, en especial la visibilidad del metanoto, entran dentro de la variabilidad de una única especie. El estudio de un conjunto más amplio de caracteres (incluida la genitalia masculina) tampoco permite la separación de taxones, excepto en el caso de M. vignai. Por lo tanto se propone formalmente la sinonimia de M. marianii (syn. nov.) y M. otini (syn. nov.) con M. saharensis, de forma que este complejo de especies queda reducido a únicamente dos taxones: M. saharensis y M. vignai. Los ejemplares examinados permiten atribuir una amplia distribución geográfica a M. saharensis, que se extendería desde Israel y Arabia Saudí hasta las Islas Canarias (Tenerife), con presencia en el sureste de España y en la mayor parte de los países norteafricanos (Egipto, Túnez, Argelia y Marruecos). A pesar de su antigüedad, ya que data de hace al menos 80 años, el registro de M. saharensis en Murcia constituye el primer dato conocido sobre la presencia de esta especie en Europa.
P2P Semantic Coordination for Collective Knowledge Organization
Authors: Castano Silvana , Ferrara Alfio , Montanelli Stefano
Published: July 2010

In this chapter, we present a P2P coordination approach for setting up and exploiting collective peer knowledge provided by autonomously emerging semantic communities. This approach aims at providing a practical means for allowing a peer to move from a restricted peer knowledge space, where it is considered as a single agent with its personal knowledge, towards an intermediate collective knowledge space, where it is considered as a member of a community storing a part of the overall collective knowledge, up to a final collective peer-knowledge space, where the peer builds its personal and coordinated view of the collective knowledge of interest harvested from the underlying communities. In this respect, ontologies and Semantic matching techniques are exploited to set up collective knowledge and to effectively enforce distributed resource sharing.
Analysis of Biological Effect of AC-DC Electromagnetic Fields using the Lorenz Model
Authors: Halgamuge Malka N. , Abeyrathne Chathurika D. , Mendis Priyan
Published: July 2010

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are essential to various applications directly involving humans. Fears about the biological effect of exposure to electromagnetic fields drive enormous research into this area. This research generates conflicting results, and consequently, uncertainty regarding possible health effects. This chapter studies a nonlinear Lorenz model describing interactions among charged particles and combined alternating (AC: alternating current) and static (DC: direct current) electromagnetic fields, for various combinations of frequencies, field strengths and relative angle (?) between the AC and DC magnetic fields. We investigate the effect on charged particles of three possible combinations of alternating and static electromagnetic fields: (i) AC electric field and DC magnetic field (ii) AC magnetic field and DC magnetic field (iii) AC electric field and AC and DC magnetic field. Then the behavior of the particle in these fields with different initial conditions and strong directional effects is observed when the angle between AC and DC magnetic fields is varied. The results show that the cyclotron resonance frequency is affected by charged particles’ initial position and initial velocity. Further, we observe strong effects of electric and magnetic fields on a charged particle in a biological cell with initial position and initial velocity.
Image Theory for Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Einziger P. D. , Dolgin M.
Published: July 2010

Image reconstruction by electrical impedance tomography is, generally, an ill-posed nonlinear inverse problem. Regularization methods are widely used to ensure a stable solution. Herein, we present a novel electrical impedance tomography algorithm for reconstruction of layered biological tissues with piecewise continuous plane-stratified profiles. The algorithm is based on the reconstruction scheme for piecewise constant conductivity profiles, which utilizes Legendre expansion in conjunction with improved Prony method. This reconstruction procedure, which calculates both the locations and the conductivities, repetitively provides inhomogeneous depth discretization, (i.e., the depths grid is not equispaced). Incorporation of this specific inhomogeneous grid in the widely used mean least square reconstruction procedure results in a stable and accurate reconstruction, whereas, the commonly selected equispaced depth grid leads to unstable reconstruction. This observation establishes the main result of our investigation, highlighting the impact of physical phenomenon (image theory) on electrical impedance tomography, leading to a physically motivated stabilization of the inverse problem, (i.e., an inhomogeneous depth discretization renders an inherent regularization of the mean least square algorithm).
Breast Cancer
Authors: Morsi Yos S. , Shi Pujiang , Owida Amal Ahmed
Published: July 2010

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and is difficult to accurately identify and treat. Diagnostic computational tools can be used effectively, with high degree of accuracy, to recognize and differentiate between the two known types of breast lesion, namely benign and malignant. These modelling tools include artificial intelligence techniques such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Fuzzy Logic (FL), Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs). These tools can identify the important features that play pivotal roles in the classification task, and can aid physicians to diagnose and prognosticate breast cancer. Moreover, recent advancement in nanotechnology indicates that with the aid of nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorobots and nanotubes, the disese of breast cancer can be potentially eradicated totally. The chapter highlights the limitations of the current therapies used in breast cancer and discusses the concept of nanotechnology as a possible future therapy.
Regional and Community Health Information Exchange in the United States
Authors: Gundlapalli Adi V. , Reid Jonathan H. , Root Jan , Xu Wu
Published: July 2010

A fundamental premise of continuity in patient care and safety suggests timely sharing of health information among different providers at the point of care and after the visit. In most healthcare systems, this is achieved through exchange of written medical information, phone calls and conversations. In an ideal world, this exchange of health information between disparate providers, healthcare systems, laboratories, pharmacies and payers would be achieved electronically and seamlessly. The potential benefits of electronic health exchange are improved patient care, increased efficiency of the healthcare system and decreased costs. The reality is that health information is electronically exchanged only to a limited extent within local communities and regions, much less nationally and internationally. One main challenge has been the inability of health information exchange organizations to develop a solid business case. Other challenges have been socio-political in that data ownership and stewardship have not been clearly resolved. Technological improvements over the past 20 years have provided significant advances towards safe and secure information exchange. This chapter provides a general overview of community health information exchange in the United States of America, its history and details of challenges faced by stakeholders. The lessons learned from successes and failures, research and knowledge gaps and future prospects are also discussed. Current and future technologies to facilitate and invigorate health information exchange are highlighted. Two examples of successful regional health information exchanges in the US states of Utah and Indiana are highlighted.
Intelligent Biometric System Using Soft Computing Tools
Authors: Shukla Anupam , Tiwari Ritu , Rathore Chandra Prakash
Published: July 2010

Biometric Systems verify the identity of a claimant based on the person’s physical attributes, such as voice, face or fingerprints. Its application areas include security applications, forensic work, law enforcement applications etc. This work presents a novel concept of applying Soft Computing Tools, namely Artificial Neural Networks and Neuro-Fuzzy System, for person identification using speech and facial features. The work is divided in four cases, which are Person Identification using speech biometrics, facial biometrics, fusion of speech and facial biometrics and finally fusion of optimized speech and facial biometrics.
A Fractal Function Related to the John–Nirenberg Inequality forQα(ℝn)
Authors: Yue Hong
Published: July 2010

A borderline case functionfforQα(ℝn) spaces is defined as a Haar wavelet decomposition, with the coefficients depending on a fixed parameterβ> 0. On its supportI0= [0, 1]n,f(x) can be expressed by the binary expansions of the coordinates ofx. In particular,f=fβ∈Qα(ℝn) if and only if α <β<, while forβ= α, it was shown by Yue and Dafni thatfsatisfies a John–Nirenberg inequality forQα(ℝn). Whenβ≠ 1,fis a self-affine function. It is continuous almost everywhere and discontinuous at all dyadic points insideI0. In addition, it is not monotone along any coordinate direction in any small cube. When the parameterβ∈ (0, 1),fis onto fromI0 to, and the graph offhas a non-integer fractal dimensionn+ 1 −β.
On a Conjecture of S. Stahl
Authors: Chen Yichao , Liu Yanpei
Published: July 2010

S. Stahl conjectured that the zeros of genus polynomials are real. In this note, we disprove this conjecture.
Free Bessel Laws
Authors: Banica T. , Belinschi S. T. , Capitaine M. , Collins B.
Published: July 2010

We introduce and study a remarkable family of real probability measures πst that we call free Bessel laws. These are related to the free Poisson law π via the formulae πs1 = π⊠s and π1t=π⊠t. Our study includes definition and basic properties, analytic aspects (supports, atoms, densities), combinatorial aspects (functional transforms, moments, partitions), and a discussion of the relation with random matrices and quantum groups.
Long range transport of mercury to the Arctic and across Canada
Authors: Durnford D. , Dastoor A. , Figueras-Nieto D. , Ryjkov A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. This study is the most extensive study to date on the transport of mercury to the Arctic. Moreover, it is the first such study to use a fully-coupled, online chemical transport model, Environment Canada's Global/Regional Atmospheric Heavy Metals model (GRAHM), where the meteorology and mercury processes are fully integrated. It is also the only study to date on the transport of mercury across Canada. We estimated source attribution from Asia, North America, Russia and Europe at six arctic verification stations, as well as three subarctic and eight midlatitude Canadian stations. We have found that Asia, despite having transport efficiencies that were almost always lower than those of North America and often lower than those of Russia, was the dominant source of gaseous atmospheric mercury at all verification stations: it contributed the most mercury (29–37% at all stations, seasons and levels considered), its concentrations frequently explained nearly 100% of the variability in the concentrations produced by the simulation performed with full global emissions, particularly in the absence of local sources, and it generated the most long range transport (LRT) events, causing 43%, 67% and 75% of the events at the arctic, subarctic and midlatitude stations, respectively. For the Arctic, Russian transport efficiencies tended to be the strongest, as expected, while European and Asian efficiencies were lower and higher, respectively, than those found in the literature. This disagreement is likely produced by mercury's long lifetime relative to that of other pollutants. The accepted springtime preference for the trans-Pacific transport of Asian pollution was evident only in the midlatitude group of stations, being masked in the arctic and subarctic groups by the occurrence of atmospheric mercury depletion events. Some neighbouring arctic stations recorded dissimilar numbers of LRT events; despite their proximity, the behaviour of mercury at these stations was governed by different dynamics and transport pathways. The column burden of GEM in the lowest 5 km of the Northern Hemisphere was largest in summer from Asia, North America and Russia, but in winter from Europe. In the vertical, transport of mercury from all source regions occurred principally in the mid-troposphere.
A linear CO chemistry parameterization in a chemistry-transport model: evaluation and application to data assimilation
Authors: Claeyman M. , Attié J.-L. , El Amraoui L. , Cariolle D. , Peuch V.-H. , Teyssèdre H. , Josse B. , Ricaud P. , Massart S. , Piacentini A. , Cammas J.-P. , Livesey N. J. , Pumphrey H. C. , Edwards D. P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. This paper presents an evaluation of a new linear parameterization valid for the troposphere and the stratosphere, based on a first order approximation of the carbon monoxide (CO) continuity equation. This linear scheme (hereinafter noted LINCO) has been implemented in the 3-D Chemical Transport Model (CTM) MOCAGE (MOdèle de Chimie Atmospherique Grande Echelle). First, a one and a half years of LINCO simulation has been compared to output obtained from a detailed chemical scheme output. The mean differences between both schemes are about ±25 ppbv (part per billion by volume) or 15% in the troposphere and ±10 ppbv or 100% in the stratosphere. Second, LINCO has been compared to diverse observations from satellite instruments covering the troposphere (Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere: MOPITT) and the stratosphere (Microwave Limb Sounder: MLS) and also from aircraft (Measurements of ozone and water vapour by Airbus in-service aircraft: MOZAIC programme) mostly flying in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). In the troposphere, the LINCO seasonal variations as well as the vertical and horizontal distributions are quite close to MOPITT CO observations. However, a bias of ~−40 ppbv is observed at 700 Pa between LINCO and MOPITT. In the stratosphere, MLS and LINCO present similar large-scale patterns, except over the poles where the CO concentration is underestimated by the model. In the UTLS, LINCO presents small biases less than 2% compared to independent MOZAIC profiles. Third, we assimilated MOPITT CO using a variational 3D-FGAT (First Guess at Appropriate Time) method in conjunction with MOCAGE for a long run of one and a half years. The data assimilation greatly improves the vertical CO distribution in the troposphere from 700 to 350 hPa compared to independent MOZAIC profiles. At 146 hPa, the assimilated CO distribution is also improved compared to MLS observations by reducing the bias up to a factor of 2 in the tropics. This study confirms that the linear scheme is able to simulate reasonably well the CO distribution in the troposphere and in the lower stratosphere. Therefore, the low computing cost of the linear scheme opens new perspectives to make free runs and CO data assimilation runs at high resolution and over periods of several years.
Rapid accretion of dissolved organic carbon in the Springs of Florida: the most organic-poor natural waters
Authors: Duarte C. M. , Martínez R. , Prairie Y. T. , Frazer T. K. , Hoyer M. V. , Notestein S. K. , Canfield D. E.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in groundwater emanating as spring discharge at several locations in Florida, USA, and the net rate of DOC increase in the downstream receiving waters were measured as part of a larger investigation of carbon dynamics in flowing waters. Springs with high discharge (>2.8 m3 s−1) were found to be the most organic-poor natural waters yet reported (13 ±1.6 μmol C L−1), while springs with lesser discharge exhibited somewhat higher DOC concentrations (values ranging from 30 to 77 μmol C L−1). DOC concentrations increased rapidly downstream from the point of spring discharge, with the calculated net areal input rate of DOC ranging from 0.04 to 1.64 mol C m−2 d−1 across springs. Rates of DOC increase were generally greater in those springs with high discharge rates. These input rates compare favorably with values reported for gross primary production in these macrophyte-dominated spring systems, assuming that 17% of macrophyte primary production is lost, on average, as DOC. The measures reported here are possible only because of the remarkably low DOC levels in the up-surging groundwaters and the short residency times of the water in the spring-runs themselves.
Attributes of Effective Disaster Responders: Focus Group Discussions With Key Emergency Response Leaders
Authors: King Richard V. , North Carol S. , Larkin Gregory L. , Downs Dana L. , Klein Kelly R. , Fowler Raymond L. , Swienton Raymond E. , Pepe Paul E.
Published: July 2010

Methods: An effective disaster response requires competent responders and leaders. The purpose of this study was to ask experts to identify attributes that distinguish effective from ineffective responders and leaders in a disaster. In this qualitative study, focus groups were held with jurisdictional medical directors for the 9-1-1 emergency medical services systems of the majority of the nation's largest cities. These sessions were recorded with audio equipment and later transcribed.

Results: The researchers identified themes within the transcriptions, created categories, and coded passages into these categories. Overall interrater reliability was excellent (κ = .8). The focus group transcripts yielded 138 codable passages. Ten categories were developed from analysis of the content: Incident Command System/Disaster Training/Experience, General Training/Experience, Teamwork/Interpersonal, Communication, Cognition, Problem Solving/Decision Making, Adaptable/Flexible, Calm/Cool, Character, and Performs Role. The contents of these categories included knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and personal characteristics.

Conclusions: Experts in focus groups identified a variety of competencies for disaster responders and leaders. These competencies will require validation through further research that involves input from the disaster response community at large.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:332-338)
The Effect of Nanoparticle Shape on the Photocarrier Dynamics and Photovoltaic Device Performance of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene):CdSe Nanoparticle Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Dayal Smita , Reese Matthew O. , Ferguson Andrew J. , Ginley David S. , Rumbles Garry , Kopidakis Nikos
Published: July 2010

The charge separation and transport dynamics in CdSe nanoparticle:poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) blends are reported as a function of the shape of the CdSe‐nanoparticle electron acceptor (dot, rod, and tetrapod). For optimization of organic photovoltaic device performance it is crucial to understand the role of various nanostructures in the generation and transport of charge carriers. The sample processing conditions are carefully controlled to eliminate any processing‐related effects on the carrier generation and on device performance with the aim of keeping the conjugated polymer phase constant and only varying the shape of the inorganic nanoparticle acceptor phase. The electrodeless, flash photolysis time‐resolved microwave conductivity (FP‐TRMC) technique is used and the results are compared to the efficiency of photovoltaic devices that incorporate the same active layer. It is observed that in nanorods and tetrapods blended with P3HT, the high aspect ratios provide a pathway for the electrons to move away from the dissociation site even in the absence of an applied electric field, resulting in enhanced carrier lifetimes that correlate to increased efficiencies in devices. The processing conditions that yield optimum performance in high aspect ratio CdSe nanoparticles blended with P3HT result in poorly performing quantum dot CdSe:P3HT devices, indicating that the latter devices are inherently limited by the absence of the dimensionality that allows for efficient, prolonged charge separation at the polymer:CdSe interface.
Grafting of Molecularly Ordered Mesoporous Phenylene‐Silica with Molybdenum Carbonyl Complexes: Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Epoxidation of Olefins
Authors: Coelho Ana C. , Balula Salete S. , Bruno Sofia M. , Alonso João C. , Bion Nicolas , Ferreira Paula , Pillinger Martyn , Valente Anabela A. , Rocha João , Gonçalves Isabel S.
Published: July 2010

Arenetricarbonyl complexes, or the general formula C6H4Mo(CO)3, were incorporated into crystal‐like mesoporous phenylene‐silica by liquid‐phase deposition of molybdenum hexacarbonyl [Mo(CO)6]. By adjusting the reaction conditions, different molybdenum loadings of 1.5 and 5.9 wt% were obtained, which correspond to 3% and 14% of the phenylene contents. The texture properties of the materials as well as the nature of the surface‐fixed complexes were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption, FT‐IR, UV‐vis and MAS (13C, 29Si) NMR spectroscopy. The derivatized organosilicas were examined as catalyst precursors for the liquid‐phase epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene, 1‐octene, trans‐2‐octene and (R)‐(+)‐limonene at 55 °C, using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. For each olefin the corresponding epoxide was the only product detected. In the case of cyclooctene, the intrinsic reaction rates per surface molybdenum atom were similar for both Mo loadings (TOF∼1150 mol molMo−1 h−1), suggesting that the resultant materials act as single site epoxidation catalysts. Leaching tests and metal analyses of reaction solutions showed that the catalytic activity stemmed from the immobilized species and not from the leaching of active species into solution. The oxidation of limonene gave limonene oxide as the only product in 95% yield at 3 h, which reveals an outstanding regioselectivity to the epoxidation of the endocyclic double bond.
Chemo‐ and Stereodivergent Preparation of Terminal Epoxides and Bromohydrins through One‐Pot Biocatalysed Reactions: Access to Enantiopure Five‐ and Six‐Membered N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Bisogno Fabricio R. , Cuetos Aníbal , Orden Alejandro A. , Kurina‐Sanz Marcela , Lavandera Iván , Gotor Vicente
Published: July 2010

Different enantiopure terminal epoxides or bromohydrins have chemoselectively been synthesised in one‐pot starting from the corresponding α‐bromo ketones through alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)‐catalysed processes adding an organic co‐solvent and tuning appropriately the medium pH and the temperature. Thus, at neutral pH enantiopure bromohydrins were obtained while using basic conditions (pH 9.5–10) epoxides were isolated as the main product. Furthermore, by simple selection of the biocatalyst, chemo‐ and stereodivergent transformations were achieved to obtain, e.g., enantiopure prolinol or piperidin‐3‐ol.
Long‐term lime pretreatment of poplar wood
Authors: Sierra Rocio , Holtzapple Mark T. , Granda Cesar B.
Published: July 2010

Long‐term lime pretreatment has proven to increase digestibility of many herbaceous lignocellulose sources; but until this work, its effects had not been evaluated on wood, whose lignin content is higher, and therefore, more recalcitrant to enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, the mild conditions of long‐term lime pretreatment (1‐atm pressure, temperatures ranging from 25 to 75°C, and reaction times between 1 and 12 weeks, with and without air) were systematically applied to poplar wood available in two batches with different lignin contents. These batches were designated as low‐lignin biomass (LLB) with lignin content of 21.4% and high‐lignin biomass (HLB) with lignin content of 29.1%. Full factorial designs resulted in 79 samples of pretreated poplar that were analyzed for lignin and carbohydrates pretreatment yields, and enzymatic digestibility (15 FPU/g glucan in raw biomass cellulose loading). After aerated lime pretreatment at 65°C for 4 weeks, and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis, an overall yield of 0.76 g glucan + xylan recovered per gram glucan + xylan in raw biomass was obtained. This is equivalent to an increased poplar wood digestibility of 7.5‐fold compared with untreated biomass. Different batches of the feedstock resulted in different lignin and carbohydrates pretreatment yields; however, overall yields of carbohydrates (combining pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis) were similar. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Hearing impairment in F‐111 maintenance workers: the study of health outcomes in aircraft maintenance personnel (SHOAMP) general health and medical study
Authors: Guest Maya , Boggess May , Attia John , D'Este Catherine , Brown Anthony , Gibson Richard , Tavener Meredith , Gardner Ian , Harrex Warren , Horsley Keith , Ross James
Published: July 2010

Background

We sought to examine hearing loss in a group from the Royal Australian Air Force who undertook fuel tank maintenance on F‐111 aircraft, with exposure to formulations containing ototoxins, relative to two different comparison groups.

Methods

Using pure‐tone audiometry, hearing thresholds were assessed in 614 exposed personnel, 513 technical‐trade comparisons (different base, same job), and 403 non‐technical comparisons (same base, different job). We calculated percentage loss of hearing (PLH) and used regression models to examine whether there was an association between PLH and F‐111 fuel tank maintenance, adjusting for possible confounders. In addition, the difference between the observed hearing thresholds and the expected thresholds based on an otologically normal population (ISO‐7029‐2003) was determined.

Results

The PLH ranged from nil to 96 (median 1.5, quartiles 0.3, 5.5). A logistic regression model showed no statistically significant difference in PLH among the three exposure groups (exposed vs. non‐technical controls 1.1: 95% CI 0.7, 2.0 and exposed vs. technical OR 0.9: 95% CI 0.6, 1.3). The model also highlighted a number of other risk factors for PLH including age, tinnitus, smoking, depression, and use of depression medications. However, at all eight frequencies measured, all populations had lower than expected hearing thresholds based on published ISO‐7029 medians.

Conclusions

Although there was no difference in PLH between the three exposure groups, the study did reveal a high degree of hearing loss between the 3 groups and a normal population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1159–1169, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Partial hexasomy for the Prader–Willi–Angelman syndrome critical region due to a maternally inherited large supernumerary marker chromosome
Authors: Hoppman‐Chaney Nicole L. , Dawson D. Brian , Nguyen Lai , Sengupta Sunanda , Reynolds Kara , McPherson Elizabeth , Velagaleti Gopalrao
Published: July 2010

Extra copies of the Prader–Willi–Angelman syndrome critical region (PWASCR) have been shown to have detrimental phenotypic effects depending on the parent of origin. Hexasomy for the PWASCR is rare; only 6 cases have been described to date. We report on a 15‐year‐old girl referred for developmental delay and seizures with a mosaic tricentric small marker chromosome (SMC) 15 identified by routine G‐banding chromosome studies. C‐banding and FISH confirmed the presence of three chromosome 15 centromeres as well as four copies of the PWASCR on the SMC in approximately 60% of interphase cells. Microsatellite genotyping documented maternal inheritance of the SMC, and methylation‐sensitive multiplex ligation‐dependent PCR amplification (MS‐MLPA) showed that the extra copies of the PWASCR contained on the marker chromosome bear a methylation pattern similar to a normal maternal chromosome, implying maternal inheritance. These findings are consistent with the patient's phenotype as paternal inheritance of such a marker chromosome is thought to be benign. However, this patient's phenotype is the mildest described to date and may be a result of mosaicism for the SMC. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New lethal skeletal dysplasia with Dandy–Walker malformation, congenital heart defects, abnormal thumbs, hypoplastic genitalia, and distinctive facies
Authors: Stevens Cathy A. , Lachman Ralph S.
Published: July 2010

We report on two sibs with a lethal form of bone dysplasia with distinctive skeletal findings including rhizomelic and mesomelic limb shortening, hooked clavicles, dumbbell femurs, and absence of talus and calcaneus ossification. Other clinical features include Dandy–Walker malformation, congenital heart defects, joint contractures, genital hypoplasia, and distinctive facial features. These sibs appear to have a previously undescribed skeletal dysplasia, which is most likely inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No major role for X‐inactivation in variations of intelligence and behavioral problems at middle childhood
Authors: Peerbooms O.L.J. , Wichers M. , Jacobs N. , Kenis G. , Derom C. , Vlietinck R. , Thiery E. , van Os J. , Rutten B.P.F.
Published: July 2010

Although members of monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs are identical in genomic sequence, epigenetic mechanisms may occasion difference in gene expression and, consequently, twin discordance in complex traits. Recent work suggests that the epigenetic process of X‐inactivation in female individuals may impact on intelligence and child behavioral problems. The timing of X‐inactivation has been linked to chorionic splitting in MZ twins. Dichorionic monozygotic (DC‐MZ) twinning, unlike monochorionic monozygotic (MC‐MZ) twinning, occurs prior to the time of X‐inactivation in female organisms. Therefore, the hypothesis of a causal role of X‐inactivation in intelligence and behavioral problems can be analyzed by modeling the statistical interaction between sex and chorion type for within‐pair differences in these traits in MZ twins. In this study, the effect of X‐inactivation on childhood behavioral problems, measured with the CBCL, was studied in a sample of 324 MZ twin pairs from the EFPTS and the effect of X‐inactivation on IQ was studied in a sample of 272 twin pairs from the same twin survey. Information on chorion type, gestational age, and birth weight was additionally collated. No significant statistical interaction was found between sex and chorion type, indicating that X‐inactivation is not likely involved in variations in intelligence or behavioral problems in middle childhood. Further studies are required to replicate these findings and may explore the role of X‐inactivation at different ages or at the extreme scores in the spectrum of intelligence and behavioral problems or may focus on other epigenetic mechanisms. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electronic structure of BaFe2As2 as obtained from DFT/ASW first‐principles calculations
Authors: Schwingenschlögl U. , Di Paola C.
Published: July 2010

We use ab‐initio calculations based on the augmented spherical wave method within density functional theory to study the magnetic ordering and Fermi surface of BaFe2As2, the parent compound of the hole‐doped iron pnictide superconductors (K,Ba)Fe2As2, for the tetragonal I4/mmm as well as the orthorhombic Fmmm structure. In comparison to full potential linear augmented plane wave calculations, we obtain significantly smaller magnetic energies. This finding is remarkable, since the augmented spherical wave method, in general, is known for a most reliable description of magnetism.
Influence of the matrix porosity on the synthesis and adsorption behavior of dithiocarbamate styrenic resins toward zinc(II) and cadmium(II) ions
Authors: da Costa Priscila A. , Teixeira Viviane G.
Published: July 2010

The dependence of the adsorption behavior toward Zn2+ and Cd2+ on the synthesis conditions of dithiocarbamate styrenic resins was investigated. We synthesized styrene–divinylbenzene copolymers with different kinds of porous structures by varying the divinylbenzene (DVB)‐to‐styrene ratio and the dilution degree of the monomers with n‐heptane. The porous structure of these materials was characterized. The introduction of the dithiocarbamate moiety on the copolymers followed a synthetic pathway based on the nitration reaction, reduction of the nitro group to the amino one, and finally, the addition of the amino group to CS2. All of the synthesis steps were monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Only the addition reaction to CS2 was greatly influenced by the copolymer porosity. The effect of the dilution degree on the reaction extension was more pronounced than the effect of the DVB content. The more porous materials with higher dithiocarbamate contents adsorbed a higher amount of ions in a faster way, with Zn2+ being preferable over Cd2+ ions. The difference between the Zn2+ and Cd2+ adsorption rates was enhanced with the copolymer porosity, and also enhanced was the difference between the amounts of ions adsorbed by the copolymer; this suggested that the selectivity toward these ions could be controlled by the copolymer porous structure. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The effect of maleated polylactic acid (PLA) as an interfacial modifier in PLA‐talc composites
Authors: Fowlks Alison C. , Narayan Ramani
Published: July 2010

Polylactic acid (PLA)‐talc composites were reactively compatibilized using maleic anhydride‐functionalized PLA (MAPLA) as an interfacial additive. The effect of MAPLA was investigated based on evaluation of composite properties and examination of the microstructure using scanning electron microscopy. The incorporation of MAPLA contributed to an increase in the crystallinity of PLA in the composites, and when added in an optimal concentration, showed improved tensile strength. Thermo–mechanical measurements indicated the reinforcement effect of the talc and the coupling effect of the MAPLA inclusion. Microscopic studies revealed the composite microstructures along with the corresponding modes of failure which were in accordance with the mechanical behavior. Overall, this investigation provided experimental evidence of enhanced adhesion at the interface, which is believed to be due to the MAPLA addition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Investigation on the use of coir fiber as alternative reinforcement in polypropylene
Authors: Bettini S. H. P. , Bicudo A. B. L. C. , Augusto I. S. , Antunes L. A. , Morassi P. L. , Condotta R. , Bonse B. C.
Published: July 2010

Polypropylene/coir fiber composites were prepared according to an experimental statistical design, in which the independent variables, coir fiber, and compatibilizer content, were varied. The compatibilizer used was maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA). Compatibilizer free composites were also prepared. Composites were processed in a corotating twin‐screw extruder and submitted to mechanical and morphological analyses. The effects of the independent variables on the mechanical properties were assessed through tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural modulus, and impact strength. The morphological properties were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated the need for using compatibilizers in the composites due to the incompatibility of PP and coir fiber. The variable with the strongest effect on the properties was coir content, whose increase caused increase in tensile strength, impact strength and elastic modulus, and decrease in elongation at break. The presence of PP‐g‐MA was fundamental to achieving the aforementioned results. The effect of increasing compatibilizer content was only observed for the elastic modulus. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010