bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determined GA by FI‐CE in Luminol‐H2O2 System
Authors: Dong Yanjie , Wang Zhongling
Published: October 2012

It was found that the chemiluminescence arising from the reaction of luminol with H2O2 involving Co(II)‐catalyzed in alkaline solution could be strongly inhibited by gibberellic acid. Based on this observation, a new flow injection chemiluminescence method is proposed for the determination of gibberellic acid. The detection limits of the method are 0.09 ng mL−1 gibberellic acid. The method was successfully applied to the determination of gibberellic acid in bacteria‐free culture liquid.
Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) on Huge Gold (Au) Particles Prepared by a Pyrolysis Process of AuCl3 Dissolved in Distilled Water in the Presence of MWCNTs
Authors: Wang Yahui , Yang Fuli , Yang Hongwei , Zheng Chunbao , Cao Yanli , Ding Keqiang
Published: October 2012

Gold (Au) huge particles were prepared by a pyrolysis process of AuCl3 dissolved in distilled water in the presence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the obtained samples. The results showed that Au huge particles with a diameter close to 500 nm were fabricated. The electrocatalytic performance of the huge Au particles modified graphite electrode in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV). It indicated that the pyrolysis time was a key factor that can affect the electrocatalysis of Au huge particles towards ORR. Developing a novel and simple method of pyrolysis for fabricating Au huge particles is the main contribution of this work, which will be very helpful in the preparation of Au huge particles on a large scale.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 99mTc‐labeled diphosphonates as novel radiotracers with improved bone imaging
Authors: Qiu Ling , Cheng Wen , Lin Jianguo , Chen Liping , Yao Jun , Luo Shineng
Published: October 2012

Three radiolabeled diphosphonates, 99mTc‐labeled 1‐hydroxy‐3‐(2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)propane‐1,1‐diyldiphosphonic acid (PIPrDP), 1‐hydroxy‐4‐(2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)butane‐1,1‐diyldiphosphonic acid (PIBDP), and 1‐hydroxy‐5‐(2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane‐1,1‐diyldiphosphonic acid (PIPeDP), have been designed and synthesized with good chemical yields and high radiochemical purity. Their in vitro and in vivo biological properties were investigated and compared. All radiotracers evaluated in mice showed substantial retention in bone (8.42 ± 0.53, 9.08 ± 0.65, and 10.3 ± 0.61 ID%/g, respectively) at 1 h post‐injection and had rapid clearance in blood (1.9484, 1.3666, and 0.7704 ID%/g/min, respectively). 99mTc‐PIBDP has the highest uptake ratio of bone‐to‐soft tissue at 1 h post‐injection among the three radiotracers. The results indicate that 99mTc‐PIBDP is the most promising bone imaging agent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional asymmetries in early learning during right, left, and bimanual performance in right‐handed subjects
Authors: Aznárez‐Sanado Maite , Fernández‐Seara Maria A. , Loayza Francis R. , Pastor Maria A.
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To elucidate differences in activity and connectivity during early learning due to the performing hand.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty right‐handed subjects were recruited. The neural correlates of explicit visuospatial learning executed with the right, the left hand, and bimanually were investigated using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Connectivity analyses were carried out using the psychophysiological interactions model, considering right and left anterior putamen as index regions.

Results:

A common neural network was found for the three tasks during learning. Main activity increases were located in posterior cingulate cortex, supplementary motor area, parietal cortex, anterior putamen, and cerebellum (IV–V), whereas activity decrements were observed in prefrontal regions. However, the left hand task showed a greater recruitment of left hippocampal areas when compared with the other tasks. In addition, enhanced connectivity between the right anterior putamen and motor cortical and cerebellar regions was found for the left hand when compared with the right hand task.

Conclusion:

An additional recruitment of brain regions and increased striato‐cortical and striato‐cerebellar functional connections is needed when early learning is performed with the nondominant hand. In addition, access to brain resources during learning may be directed by the dominant hand in the bimanual task. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:619–631. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement of fundamental chromatography parameters in conventional and split‐flow comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry: A focus on the importance of second‐dimension injection efficiency
Authors: Tranchida Peter Quinto , Zoccali Mariosimone , Franchina Flavio Antonio , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi
Published: October 2012

The present manuscript reports a comparative study between conventional and split‐flow comprehensive GC×GC‐MS. Conventional GC×GC‐MS was performed by using a single GC oven, and with a widely employed apolar (30 m × 0.25 mm id)‐polar (1 m × 0.10 mm id) column combination. Split‐flow GC×GC‐MS experiments were carried out by using the same first and second analytical columns, and by diverting part of the primary‐capillary flow to waste, via a waste line. The latter was located at the conjunction point between the two dimensions. The measurement of fundamental gas chromatography parameters (efficiency, resolution), in both dimensions and under different experimental conditions, enabled the attainment of detailed information related to GC×GC‐MS method optimization. Finally, the results derived from the present investigation highlight an important GC×GC issue, namely the efficiency of band reinjection onto the second‐dimension capillary.
The effect of temperature on the autofluorescence of scattering and non‐scattering tissue
Authors: Walsh Alex J. , Masters D. Bart , Jansen E. Duco , Welch A.J. , Mahadevan‐Jansen Anita
Published: October 2012

Background and Objectives

With the increasing use of fluorescence in medical applications, a comprehensive understanding of the effect of temperature on tissue autofluorescence is essential. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of temperature on the fluorescence of porcine cornea and rat skin and determine the relative contributions of irreversible changes in optical properties and in fluorescence yield.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Fluorescence, diffuse reflectance, and temperature measurements were acquired from excised porcine cornea and rat skin over a temperature range of 0–80°C. A dual excitation system was used with a 337 nm pulsed nitrogen laser for the fluorescence and a white light source for the diffuse reflectance measurements. A thermal camera measured tissue temperature. Optical property changes were inferred from diffuse reflectance measurements. The reversibility of the change in fluorescence was examined by acquiring measurements while the tissue sample cooled from the highest induced temperature to room temperature.

Results

The fluorescence intensity decreased with increasing tissue temperature. This fluorescence change was reversible when the tissue was heated to a temperature of 45°C, but irreversible when heated to a temperature of 80°C.

Conclusion

Auto‐fluorescence intensity dependence on temperature appears to be a combination of temperature‐induced optical property changes and reduced fluorescence quantum yield due to changes in collagen structure. Temperature‐induced changes in measured fluorescence must be taken into consideration in applications where fluorescence is used to diagnose disease or guide therapy. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 712–718, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
[6]‐Gingerol induces bone loss in ovary intact adult mice and augments osteoclast function via the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel
Authors: Khan Kainat , Singh Akanksha , Mittal Monika , Sharan Kunal , Singh Nidhi , Dixit Preety , Sanyal Sabyasachi , Maurya Rakesh , Chattopadhyay Naibedya
Published: October 2012

Scope

[6]‐Gingerol, a major constituent of ginger, is considered to have several health beneficial effects. The effect of 6‐gingerol on bone cells and skeleton of mice was investigated.

Methods and results

The effects of 6‐gingerol on mouse bone marrow macrophages and osteoblasts were studied. 6‐Gingerol‐stimulated osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow macrophages but had no effect on osteoblasts. Capsazepine, an inhibitor of TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) channel, attenuated the pro‐osteoclastogenic effect of 6‐gingerol or capsaicin (an agonist of TRPV1). Similar to capsaicin, 6‐gingerol stimulated Ca2+ influx in osteoclasts. The effect of daily feeding of 6‐gingerol for 5 wk on the skeleton of adult female Balb/cByJ mice was investigated. Mice treated with capsaicin and ovariectomized (OVx) mice served as controls for osteopenia. 6‐Gingerol caused increase in trabecular osteoclast number, microarchitectural erosion at all trabecular sites and loss of vertebral stiffness, and these effects were comparable to capsaicin or OVx group. Osteoclast‐specific serum and gene markers of 6‐gingerol‐treated mice were higher than the OVx group. Bone formation was unaffected by 6‐gingerol.

Conclusion

Daily feeding of 6‐gingerol to skeletally mature female mice caused trabecular osteopenia, and the mechanism appeared to be activation of osteoclast formation via the TRPV1 channel.
Wie sich Ameisen in der Wüste orientieren
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: October 2012

Kohlendioxidschwaden, Vibrationen, Magnetismus, Schrittzähler und mehr: Wüstenameisen nutzen ein ganzes Arsenal von Methoden, um aus der eintönigen Umgebung ihres Lebensraums zu ihrem Nest zurückzufinden.
SOS für Chemikalientransport
Authors: Rupp Severine
Published: October 2012

Die Chemie transportiert über 100 Mio. Tonnen Chemikalien pro Jahr. Das geht nicht immer reibungslos, aber das Transportunfall‐Informations‐ und Hilfeleistungssystem der deutschen Chemieindustrie steht bereit.
Alterungseffekte bei Polymerwerkstoffen messen
Authors: Wachtendorf Volker , Geburtig Anja
Published: October 2012

Bei der Auswahl von Werkstoffen spielt deren Alterung oft eine untergeordnete Rolle, stattdessen wird häufig der ungealterte Ausgangszustand optimiert. Materialien altern aber unterschiedlich. Der Effekt der molekularen Alterung spiegelt sich in den Eigenschaften mehr oder weniger stark und in unterschiedlichem zeitlichen Verlauf wider. Da es kein physikalisch‐chemisches Modell dafür gibt, sind Alterungseffekte empirisch zu bestimmen.
Die Kraft des Nichtkovalenten
Authors: Schmuck Carsten
Published: October 2012

Vor 25 Jahren ging der Chemienobelpreis an Forscher, welche die supramolekulare Chemie entwickelt hatten. Wie hat sich dieses Fachgebiet seitdem entwickelt? Welche Chancen bietet die supramolekulare Chemie heute und welche Herausforderungen sind noch zu meistern?
Dynamic monitoring of blood–brain barrier integrity using water exchange index (WEI) during mannitol and CO2 challenges in mouse brain
Authors: Huang Shuning , Farrar Christian T. , Dai Guangping , Kwon Seon Joo , Bogdanov Alexei A. , Rosen Bruce R. , Kim Young R.
Published: October 2012

The integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is critical to normal brain function. Traditional techniques for the assessment of BBB disruption rely heavily on the spatiotemporal analysis of extravasating contrast agents. However, such methods based on the leakage of relatively large molecules are not suitable for the detection of subtle BBB impairment or for the performance of repeated measurements in a short time frame. Quantification of the water exchange rate constant (WER) across the BBB using strictly intravascular contrast agents could provide a much more sensitive method for the quantification of the BBB integrity. To estimate WER, we have recently devised a powerful new method using a water exchange index (WEI) biomarker and demonstrated BBB disruption in an acute stroke model. Here, we confirm that WEI is sensitive to even very subtle changes in the integrity of the BBB caused by: (i) systemic hypercapnia and (ii) low doses of a hyperosmolar solution. In addition, we have examined the sensitivity and accuracy of WEI as a biomarker of WER using computer simulation. In particular, the dependence of the WEI–WER relation on changes in vascular blood volume, T1 relaxation of cellular magnetization and transcytolemmal water exchange was explored. Simulated WEI was found to vary linearly with WER for typically encountered exchange rate constants (1–4 Hz), regardless of the blood volume. However, for very high WER (>5 Hz), WEI became progressively more insensitive to increasing WER. The incorporation of transcytolemmal water exchange, using a three‐compartment tissue model, helped to extend the linear WEI regime to slightly higher WER, but had no significant effect for most physiologically important WERs (WER < 4 Hz). Variation in cellular T1 had no effect on WEI. Using both theoretical and experimental approaches, our study validates the utility of the WEI biomarker for the monitoring of BBB integrity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the posterior brain at 11–14 weeks for the prediction of open neural tube defects
Authors: Kavalakis Ioannis , Souka Athena P. , Pilalis Athanasios , Papastefanou Ioannis , Kassanos Dimitrios
Published: October 2012

Objective

To evaluate the routine midsagittal view of the posterior brain at the 11–13 weeks' ultrasound examination, for predicting open neural tube defects.

Methods

Posterior brain was examined midsagittally for normality of the four‐line view (upper and lower border of the brain stem, the choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle and the occipital bone). Intracranial translucency and cisterna magna (CM) were measured.

Results

The posterior brain was assessed in 1330 cases. The four‐line view was normal in all but one case. In the two cases of open spina bifida contained in the study population, intracranial translucency was within normal range. The CM and the four‐line view were normal in the first case, whereas in the second case, the four‐line view was abnormal, and CM was obliterated and impossible to measure. No other cases of abnormal four‐line view were observed in the study population.

Conclusion

Obliteration of the CM appears to be the most consistent early sign of open neural tube defects. Attention should focus on either measuring the cisterna magna or simply observing the presence of four lines in the midsagittal view of the posterior brain. However, these early signs of brain herniation are not present in all abnormal cases. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Undetected sex chromosome aneuploidy by chromosomal microarray
Authors: Markus‐Bustani Keren , Yaron Yuval , Goldstein Myriam , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Ben‐Shachar Shay
Published: October 2012

We report on a case of a female fetus found to be mosaic for Turner syndrome (45,X) and trisomy X (47,XXX). Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) failed to detect the aneuploidy because of a normal average dosage of the X chromosome. This case represents an unusual instance in which CMA may not detect chromosomal aberrations. Such a possibility should be taken into consideration in similar cases where CMA is used in a clinical setting. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavior of protonated cyclopropyl intermediates during polyalphaolefin synthesis: Mechanism and predicted product distribution
Authors: Gee Jeffrey C. , Small Brooke L. , Hope Kenneth D.
Published: October 2012

A new mechanism for the origin of multiple skeletal isomers observed in the cationic dimerization of 1‐decene is proposed, and products that should form based on this mechanism are predicted. A protonated cyclopropyl intermediate appeared to form directly from combination of 2‐decyl carbocation with 1‐decene; formation of this intermediate did not appear to occur via ring closure of a branched secondary carbocation. The authors propose that rapid, repeated isomerizations of the protonated cyclopropyl intermediates lead to multiple skeletal isomers in decene dimers. The proposed mechanism can account for structures previously identified in mixtures of decene dimers and butene dimers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal study of parent caregiving self‐efficacy and parent stress reactions with pediatric cancer treatment procedures
Authors: Harper Felicity W. K. , Peterson Amy M. , Uphold Heatherlun , Albrecht Terrance L. , Taub Jeffrey W. , Orom Heather , Phipps Sean , Penner Louis A.
Published: October 2012

Background

Pain/distress during pediatric cancer treatments has substantial psychosocial consequences for children and families. We examined relationships between parents' caregiving self‐efficacy, parents' affect in response to their children's cancer‐related treatment procedures, and parents' symptoms of post‐traumatic stress at follow‐up.

Methods

Participants were 75 pediatric cancer patients and parents. On the day of each of three procedures (i.e., port‐start, lumbar puncture, or bone marrow aspiration), parents rated their self‐efficacy for six caregiving goals. Parents also self‐reported their negative affect (i.e., state anxiety, negative mood, and distress) in response to each procedure. Three months after the last procedure, parents reported their level of post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).

Results

Higher parent self‐efficacy about keeping children calm before treatment and/or keeping children calm during the procedure was associated with lower state anxiety. Self‐efficacy for keeping the child calm during procedures was significantly correlated with distress in parents at the time of procedures, and self‐efficacy for keeping the child calm before procedures was significantly correlated with PTSS. All three negative affect measures significantly mediated the effects of parents' caregiving self‐efficacy for both goals on parents' PTSS 3 months later.

Conclusions

Parents' caregiving self‐efficacy influences their immediate and longer‐term distress reactions to their children's treatment procedures. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of how parents' cognitions contribute to their ability to cope with their children's treatment and suggest the benefit of an intervention that targets parents' procedure‐specific caregiver self‐efficacy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of carbohydrate restriction on prostate cancer tumor growth in a castrate mouse xenograft model
Authors: Caso Jorge , Masko Elizabeth M. , II Jean A. Thomas , Poulton Susan H. , Dewhirst Mark , Pizzo Salvatore V. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

No‐ and low‐carbohydrate diets delay tumor growth compared to western diet (WD) in prostate cancer (PCa) xenograft studies. The effect of these diets in concert with androgen deprivation is unknown.

METHODS

A total of 160 male SCID mice were injected with 1× 105 LAPC‐4 human PCa cells. Of these, 150 mice were castrated and randomized to an ad libitum WD or fed via a paired‐feeding protocol with a no‐carbohydrate ketogenic diet (NCKD), 10% carbohydrate diet, or 20% carbohydrate diet. The remaining 10 mice were not castrated and were fed an ad libitum WD. The mice were sacrificed once volumes reached 1,000 mm3 and survival tested using the log‐rank test. Serum from the median surviving 8 mice/group was assayed for insulin, IGF‐1, and IGFBP‐3.

RESULTS

Body weights were roughly equal among groups. The 10 non‐castrated mice experienced accelerated tumor growth. Among castrated mice, WD had the most rapid tumor growth; 20% carbohydrate diet the slowest (P = 0.046). Survival was not significantly different among the various carbohydrate restricted groups (P = 0.51). When pooled, there was a non‐significant trend (P = 0.11) in improved survival among the carbohydrate restricted diets versus WD. No significant difference in serum insulin, IGF‐1, and IGFBP‐3 levels was noted among all groups at pre‐randomization or at sacrifice.

CONCLUSIONS

A 20% carbohydrate diet slowed tumor growth versus a WD. Though the benefit of carbohydrate restriction was somewhat less than in prior studies in non‐castrate mice, these data still suggest diets achievable in humans may play a role in PCa management. Prostate 73: 449–454, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SIRT1 enhances matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression and tumor cell invasion in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lovaas Jenna D. , Zhu Lijia , Chiao Christine Y. , Byles Vanessa , Faller Douglas V. , Dai Yan
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2) has been shown to play an important role in cancer cell invasion and the expression of MMP2 is associated with the poor prognosis of prostate cancer; however, the mechanism of MMP2 expression is largely unknown. SIRT1 is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide‐dependent histone deacetylase (class III HDAC) that has recently been shown to have implications in regulating cancer cell growth and apoptosis. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of SIRT1 in regulating MMP2 expression and tumor invasion in prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

The interfering RNAi was used to knockdown SIRT1 from prostate cancer cells. Immunoblots, RT‐PCR, zymographic assays, co‐immunoprecipitation, analysis and transwell assays were used to examine the effects of SIRT1 silencing on MMP2 expression and activity, on SIRT1 and MMP2 interaction, and on prostate cancer cell invasion. The immuno‐histochemical assay was performed to study SIRT1 expression in prostate cancer tissues.

RESULTS

We show that SIRT1 associates and deacetylates MMP2 and SIRT1 regulates MMP2 expression by controlling MMP2 protein stability through the proteosomal pathway. Thus, we demonstrated a novel mechanism in that MMP2 expression can be regulated at the posttranslational level by SIRT1. Furthermore, we determined that SIRT1 inhibition reduced prostate cancer cell invasion and SIRT1 is highly expressed in advanced prostate cancer tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

SIRT1 is an important regulator of MMP2 expression, activity, and prostate cancer cell invasion. Overexpressed SIRT1 in advanced prostate cancer may play an important role in prostate cancer progression. Prostate 73: 522–530, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recombination via point defects and their complexes in solar silicon
Authors: Peaker A. R. , Markevich V. P. , Hamilton B. , Parada G. , Dudas A. , Pap A. , Don E. , Lim B. , Schmidt J. , Yu L. , Yoon Y. , Rozgonyi G.
Published: October 2012

Electronic grade Czochralski and float zone silicon in the as grown state have a very low concentration of recombination generation centers (typically <1010 cm−3). Consequently, in integrated circuit technologies using such material, electrically active inadvertent impurities and structural defects are rarely detectable. The quest for cheap photovoltaic cells has led to the use of less pure silicon, multi‐crystalline material, and low cost processing for solar applications. Cells made in this way have significant extrinsic recombination mechanisms. In this paper we review recombination involving defects and impurities in single crystal and in multi‐crystalline solar silicon. Our main techniques for this work are recombination lifetime mapping measurements using microwave detected photoconductivity decay and variants of deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). In particular, we use Laplace DLTS to distinguish between isolated point defects, small precipitate complexes and decorated extended defects. We compare the behavior of some common metallic contaminants in solar silicon in relation to their effect on carrier lifetime and cell efficiency. Finally, we consider the role of hydrogen passivation in relation to transition metal contaminants, grain boundaries and dislocations. We conclude that recombination via point defects can be significant but in most multi‐crystalline material the dominant recombination path is via decorated dislocation clusters within grains with little contribution to the overall recombination from grain boundaries.
Electrical and magnetic properties of Co substituted MnZnFe2O4
Authors: Zubair Ahmad , Siddiqui Saima A. , Khan F. A. , Alim Mohammad A.
Published: October 2012

The electrical and magnetic properties of polycrystalline as‐sintered and annealed Co0.3Mn0.2Zn0.5Fe2O4 prepared by using conventional electroceramic processing steps in the laboratory are presented. The microstructures are examined via scanning electron micrographs and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. The ac electrical behavior represented via complex plane plots in the frequency range 160–211 MHz reveals inductive contribution via resonance originated within the material system. The ac permeability is presented in the frequency range 50–300 MHz affirmed resonance behavior. The inductive response in the complex planes (impedance Z* and modulus M*) reflecting resonance behavior due to magnetic softness is obvious around 140 MHz whereas in the permeability dispersion negative domain is observed at about 150 MHz attributing to the spin rotation.
All‐optical magnetization switching using phase shaped ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Alebrand Sabine , Hassdenteufel Alexander , Steil Daniel , Bader Marianne , Fischer Alexander , Cinchetti Mirko , Aeschlimann Martin
Published: October 2012

Switching the magnetization without any external applied magnetic field by using ultrashort circularly polarized laser pulses is a fascinating and challenging topic of modern magnetism. Up to now there is still no consensus about the microscopic mechanism of this so called all‐optical switching (AOS) and several different models are suggested. In particular the importance of heat and helicity driven effects is still under discussion. In our experiment we varied the input of heating during the AOS process by utilizing pulse trains, created with a phase pulse shaper, to switch the magnetization. We show that AOS is possible with pulse trains having a temporal delay between the single pulses of more than a picosecond. The minimum switching fluence for pulse trains is found to be higher compared to switching with unshaped pulses. We mainly attribute this behavior to heat loss effects. Further we find that the minimum switching fluence depends on the number of pulses within a pulse train. We discuss our observations in terms of the currently debated theoretical models of AOS.
Reduction of charge trapping in HfO2 film on a Ge substrate by trimethylaluminum pretreatment
Authors: Lee Jae Jin , Shin Yunsang , Choi Juyun , Kim Hyoungsub , Hyun Sangjin , Choi Siyoung , Cho Byung Jin , Lee Seok‐Hee
Published: October 2012

Trimethylaluminum pretreatment prior to HfO2 deposition is introduced for native oxide reduction. It is identified that the trimethylaluminum pretreatment could effectively reduce native oxide, which is transformed to an aluminum oxide interfacial layer. Formation of the thin aluminum oxide layer suppresses Ge diffusion into HfO2, reducing hysteresis in the ca‐ pacitance–voltage curve. Moreover, the device reliability of the trimethylaluminum pretreated sample is improved in a constant current stress test. This work indicates that trimethylaluminum pretreatment is an effective in‐situ method for the gate dielectric stack formation to reduce charge trapping in the HfO2 film on a Ge substrate. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A facile method for flexible GaN‐based light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Jung Younghun , Wang Xiaotie , Kim Sung Hyun , Ren Fan , Kim Jihyun , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: October 2012

Flexible GaN‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates are demonstrated. The process uses commercial LEDs on patterned sapphire substrates, laser lift‐off (LLO), wet etching for additional surface roughening, and mounting of the freestanding LED on a PET substrate. Electrical and optical properties from the free‐standing LLO‐LEDs mounted on the flexible PET substrates were characterized. The process is scalable to large wafer diameters. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface orientation characterisation of rough mc‐silicon surfaces by confocal microscopy and EBSD
Authors: Behm Th. , Funke C. , Möller H. J.
Published: October 2012

For many semiconductor and photovoltaic applications the quality of substrate surfaces is an important requirement for the development of new devices. Therefore, methods are needed to analyse the surface structure in detail. In the following a new method is described that allows a fast analysis of as‐cut or artificially modified and textured surfaces. It uses laser confocal microscopy images. Therefrom the orientation of small surface elements are detected and depicted in an orientation distribution function of surface normals. The method is applied to as‐sawn mc‐silicon surfaces. It will be shown that it is also possible to determine the grain orientation for grains near 〈111〉 crystal direction by this method. The combination of electron backscatter diffraction and orientation distribution function analysis enables the detailed investigation of surface elements of an anisotropic etched silicon wafer. Inhomogeneity of surface textures can easily and rapidly be visualised by this method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic Modeling of Surgical Disease: A Measure of Public Health Interventions
Authors: Corlew D. Scott
Published: October 2012

The measurement of the burden of disease and the interventions that address that burden can be done in various units. Reducing these measures to the common denominator of economic units (i.e., currency) enables comparison with other health entities, interventions, and even other fields. Economic assessment is complex, however, because of the multifactorial components of what constitutes health and what constitutes health interventions, as well as the coupling of those data to economic means. To perform economic modeling in a meaningful manner, it is necessary to: (1) define the health problem to be addressed; (2) define the intervention to be assessed; (3) define a measure of the effect of the health entity with and without the intervention (which includes defining the counterfactual); and (4) determine the appropriate method of converting the health effect to economics. This paper discusses technical aspects of how economic modeling can be done both of disease entities and of interventions. Two examples of economic modeling applied to surgical problems are then given.
Altered tubulin assembly dynamics with N‐homocysteinylated human 4R/1N tau in vitro
Authors: Karima Oveis , Riazi Gholamhossein , Khodadadi Sirus , Aryapour Hassan , Nasiri Khalili Mohammad Ali , Yousefi Leila , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar
Published: October 2012

Tau isoforms promote neuronal integrity through binding and stabilization of microtubule proteins (MTP). It has been shown that hyperphosphorylation of tau contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and related tauopathies. However, other pathogenic modifications of tau have not been well characterized. It is well accepted that elevated level of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. As a result of N‐homocysteinylation of lysine residues, Hcy becomes a component of proteins, as a protein–homocystamide adduct, which affects protein structure and function. Here we demonstrate that N‐homocysteinylation of human tau (4R/1N isoform) inhibits its function via impaired tau–tubulin specific binding and MTP assembly dynamics in vitro.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for selected gynecologic surgeries
Authors: Morrill Michelle Y. , Schimpf Megan O. , Abed Husam , Carberry Cassandra , Margulies Rebecca U. , White Amanda B. , Lowenstein Lior , Ward Renée M. , Balk Ethan M. , Uhlig Katrin , Sung Vivian W. ,   Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Systematic Review Group
Published: October 2012

Background

Antibiotic prophylaxis for surgery is commonly used and is recommended by multiple organizations.

Objective

To critically review gynecology‐specific data regarding surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in selected benign gynecologic surgeries.

Search strategy

MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to July 2010.

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials of benign vaginal, cervical, transcervical, abdominal, or laparoscopic procedures other than hysterectomy comparing prophylactic antibiotic use with placebo or with another antibiotic. Outcomes of interest were postoperative infections, additional treatments, and adverse events.

Data collection and analysis

In total, 19 trials met the inclusion criteria. Studies were individually assessed for methodologic quality, then grouped by procedure and evaluated for evidence quality.

Main results

There was no difference in infectious outcome for loop electrosurgical excision, hysteroscopic ablation, or laparoscopy, although evidence quality was poor. Fair evidence supports antibiotic prophylaxis for suction curettage or laparotomy. There were insufficient data regarding vaginal surgery prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Antibiotic prophylaxis may be beneficial in first‐trimester suction curettage and laparotomy. No advantage was found for loop electrosurgical excision, hysteroscopy, or laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Newer procedures and vaginal surgery lack research and merit study.
Education for Sustainability and Pre-Service Teacher Education
Authors: Kennelly Julie , Taylor Neil , Maxwell Tom , Serow Pep
Published: October 2012

Aspects of environment are common topics in Australian primary schools. However Education for Sustainability (EfS), where students actively investigate the underlying causes of unsustainable practices and actively plan for and instigate change, is less well understood and less commonly practised. It cannot be assumed that pre-service teachers have the knowledge, skills and desire to incorporate EfS, as advocated in Australian policies, into their repertoires of practice, or, that they will acquire those skills as they gain teaching experience. Therefore for EfS to become an integral component of the primary school experience, carefully planned rather than ad hoc preparation for EfS is necessary in pre-service teacher education.

This essentially qualitative study describes how a one-semester, final year pre-service primary teacher unit in EfS was shaped, and reports on how a cohort of pre-service teachers responded, particularly in terms of how well prepared they felt to engage with EfS in future teaching. Although motivation and confidence to engage with EfS varied across the cohort, pre-service teacher education appeared to make a positive contribution to both. In a longitudinal design, five teachers who had participated in the EfS unit became the focus of individual case studies early in their teaching careers. Each case study investigated ways in which the beginning teacher engaged with EfS, linking teaching decisions to pre-service teacher education. The constructivist approach adopted by the tutors was particularly valued by the early career teachers. They appreciated various modes of experiential learning including engagement with the kinds of teaching strategies advocated in EfS and a strong orientation to the curriculum requirements of primary school.

However, the extent to which each early career teacher implemented EfS was tempered not only by personal skill and motivation, but also by work situations which did not necessarily support EfS endeavours. While pre-service teacher education has a vital role in the promulgation of EfS in schools, and this study shows that it can be effective in advancing the desires of beginning teachers to do something for the environment, there are broad implications for the institutions that so heavily impact on the capacity of school systems and university systems to act in EfS.
EPISTEMOLOGY IN GROUP AGENCY: SIX OBJECTIONS IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH
Authors: Cariani Fabrizio
Published: October 2012

List and Pettit's Group Agency is an extremely important book, spearheading a new wave of work on the metaphysics, epistemology and ethics of group agents. In this article, I focus on the epistemological thread in their discussion. After introducing the apparatus they use in analyzing the epistemic performance of groups, I criticize some elements and point to some ways in which the very same apparatus could be redirected to address them.
Could sterile males be used to vector a microbiological control agent? The case ofRhynchophorus ferrugineusandBeauveria bassiana
Authors: Llácer E. , Santiago-Álvarez C. , Jacas J.A.
Published: October 2012

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus(Coleoptera, Curculionidae) is the most threatening pest of palms worldwide. The potential of gamma-irradiated males to spread a pathogenic strain of the entomopathogenic fungusBeauveria bassiana(Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) to control this pest was studied. First, the effects of gamma irradiation (15 and 25 Gy) on the mating success and performance of adult males irradiated at age one day were studied in the laboratory. Although male longevity decreased after irradiation (118.6 vs. 244.7 days for irradiated and control males, respectively) and their testes suffered from the treatment, fecundity of mated females did not depend on the irradiation status of the male (86.8 ± 5.5 eggs in 15 days). However, egg hatching was significantly lower in couples with irradiated males (31.4% vs. 86.5% for irradiated and control couples, respectively), and this value decreased after a second mating (6.1% vs. 85.9%). Therefore, irradiation did not affect male sexual competiveness but sperm quality. Second, a semi-field assay was carried out to evaluate infestation in youngPhoenix canariensiscaused by different combinations of couples with irradiated and/orB. bassiana-challenged males. The number of immature stages found in infested palms was significantly higher when females mated with untreated males and lower when mated with irradiated males (eitherB. bassiana-infected or not). Some females from the fungus-challenged treatments showed post-mortem hyphal growth, and this horizontal transmission proves that irradiated males could act as a vector forB. bassianaand should be considered as a new method to improve the biological control ofR. ferrugineus.
A rare case of primary otoscleroma of the middle ear
Authors: Kakeri A R , Patel A H
Published: October 2012

Objective:

We report an extremely rare case of primary otoscleroma.

Method:

We present a case report and a review of the world literature concerning otoscleroma.

Results:

An adult woman presented with chronic suppurative otitis media with tubotympanic disease and conductive hearing loss. On mastoid exploration, dark granulations were seen, which were identified as otoscleroma on histopathological examination. The patient responded well to streptomycin.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of primary otoscleroma in the world literature. This case indicates that Frisch's bacillus can also spread to the middle ear.
Attitudes towards carnivores: the views of emerging commercial farmers in Namibia
Authors: Schumann B. , Walls J. L. , Harley V.
Published: October 2012

The emerging commercial farmers in Namibia represent a new category of farmer that has entered the freehold farming sector since Namibia's independence in 1990. Several assessments of agricultural training needs have been carried out with these farmers but the issue of human–carnivore conflict has not yet been addressed. This study investigated one of the key components driving human–carnivore conflict, namely the attitudes of these farmers towards carnivores and how this affects the level of conflict and carnivore removal. We observed that the attitudes of these farmers are similar to farmers elsewhere. In general, farmers reported high levels of human–carnivore conflict. Many farmers perceived that they had a carnivore problem when sighting a carnivore or its tracks, even in the absence of verified carnivore depredation. Such sightings were a powerful incentive to prompt farmers to want to take action by removing carnivores, often believed to be the only way to resolve human–carnivore conflict. Nonetheless, our study showed that farmers who understood that carnivores play an ecological role had a more favourable attitude and were less likely to want all carnivores removed. We found that negative attitudes towards carnivores and loss of livestock, especially of small stock, predicted actual levels of human–carnivore conflict. Goat losses additionally predicted actual carnivore removals. We discuss the implications of our findings in relation to the activities of support structures for emerging commercial farmers in Namibia.
Ensuring local stakeholder support for marine conservation: establishing a locally-managed marine area network in Aceh
Authors: Syakur A. , Wibowo J. T. , Firmansyah F. , Azam I. , Linkie M.
Published: October 2012

Multidisciplinary approaches to managing seascapes are increasingly being recognized as best practice and therefore prioritized by conservation agencies. For most coastal areas the strengthening of customary marine tenure, rules and regulations should yield even greater biodiversity and livelihood benefits. Here, we present the conservation planning results from a locally-managed marine area programme initiated by the Government of Aceh, Indonesia, which aimed to empower coastal communities to sustainably and equitably manage marine resources with local government. In 2008 the government established a Marine and Fisheries Task Force to identify priority areas for marine biodiversity (through systematic conservation planning) and coastal communities (through participatory planning). In addition to the existing 264,788 ha of marine management units, systematic planning identified another 53,372 ha. However, the subsequent stakeholder participation phase, involving intensive local consultations, further expanded the locally-managed marine area network by 6,725 ha and to a total of 23 locally-managed marine areas. This combined approach had additional benefits because it generated a strong sense of local ownership. For communities it initiated a process for recognizing their customary claimed areas and resolved overlapping boundaries between neighbouring communities, thereby reducing the likelihood of future conflicts over natural resource use. For government, it provided the basis of a robust governance system, with 34 new or revised decrees being completed and an additional USD 1.6 million being allocated for implementation of locally-managed marine areas. This participatory approach should considerably increase the successful delivery of a sustainable and equitable locally-managed marine area network for Aceh, which has wide application for the South-east Asian region and beyond.
Distance sampling reveals Cambodia's Eastern Plains Landscape supports the largest global population of the Endangered banteng Bos javanicus
Authors: Gray Thomas N. E. , Prum Sovanna , Pin Chanrattana , Phan Channa
Published: October 2012

The banteng Bos javanicus is a globally threatened species of wild cattle restricted to South-East Asia. We report the first robust estimate of banteng density and population size from anywhere in the species' global range, using distance-based line transect sampling within two protected areas, Mondulkiri Protected Forest and Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary, which form part of the Eastern Plains Landscape, Cambodia. We surveyed 110 line transects multiple times during the dry seasons of 2009–2010 and 2010–2011. In a total survey effort of 1,310 km there were 63 encounters with banteng. The mean estimate of the population across the 3,406 km2 study area is 3,200 (95% confidence interval 1,980–5,170). This suggests that the protected area complex of the Eastern Plains Landscape supports the majority of the global population of banteng. Stronger protection, both in the form of increased anti-hunting and poaching patrols and integrated land-use planning to prevent habitat loss within protected areas, is essential for securing wild cattle populations in the Eastern Plains Landscape.
Huck Finn, Moral Reasons and Sympathy
Authors: Taylor Craig
Published: October 2012

In his influential paper ‘The Conscience of Huckleberry Finn’, Jonathan Bennett suggests that Huck's failure to turn in the runaway slave Jim as his conscience – a conscience distorted by racism – tells him he ought to is not merely right but also praiseworthy. James Montmarquet however argues against what he sees here as Bennett's ‘anti-intellectualism’ in moral psychology that insofar as Huck lacks and so fails to act on the moral belief that he should help Jim his action is not praiseworthy. In this paper I suggest that we should reject Montmarquet's claim here; that the case of Huck Finn indicates rather how many of our everyday moral responses to others do not and need not depend on any particular moral beliefs we hold about them or their situation.
An effective “Theorem of André” for CM-points on a plane curve
Authors: BILU YURI , MASSER DAVID , ZANNIER UMBERTO
Published: October 2012

It is a well known result of Y. André (a basic special case of the André-Oort conjecture) that an irreducible algebraic plane curve containing infinitely many points whose coordinates are CM-invariants is either a horizontal or vertical line, or a modular curve Y0(n). André's proof was partially ineffective, due to the use of (Siegel's) class-number estimates. Here we observe that his arguments may be modified to yield an effective proof. For example, with the diagonal line X1+X2=1 or the hyperbola X1X2=1 it may be shown quite quickly that there are no imaginary quadratic τ1,τ2 with j(τ1)+j(τ2)=1 or j(τ1)j(τ2)=1, where j is the classical modular function.
The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes: lessons learned and implications for the regulation of marketing of foods and beverages to children
Authors: Lutter Chessa K
Published: October 2012

Objective

To identify lessons learned from 30 years of implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (‘the Code’) and identify lessons learned for the regulation of marketing foods and beverages to children.

Design

Historical analysis of 30 years of implementing the Code.

Setting

Latin America and the Caribbean.

Subjects

None.

Results

Legislation to restrict marketing of breast-milk substitutes is necessary but not sufficient; equally important are the promulgation of implementing regulations, effective enforcement and public monitoring of compliance. A system of funding for regular monitoring of compliance with legislation should be explicitly developed and funded from the beginning. Economic sanctions, while important, are likely to be less effective than reports that affect a company's public image negatively. Non-governmental organizations play a critical role in leveraging public opinion and galvanizing consumer pressure to ensure that governments adopt regulations and companies adhere to them. Continual clinical, epidemiological and policy research showing the link between marketing and health outcomes and between policy and better health is essential.

Conclusions

Implementation of the Code has not come easily as it places the interests of underfinanced national governments and international and non-governmental organizations promoting breast-feeding against those of multinational corporations that make hundreds of millions of dollars annually marketing infant formulas. Efforts to protect, promote and support breast-feeding have been successful with indicators of breast-feeding practices increasing globally. The lessons learned can inform current efforts to regulate the marketing of foods and beverages to children.