bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fully distributed non linear waveguide using (Pb,Sr)TiO3 thin film: Second and third harmonics generation
Authors: Ponchel F. , Burgnies L. , Ducatteau D. , Lheurette É. , Rémiens D. , Lippens D.
Published: November 2013

We report on the experimental investigation of a non-linear (NL) Co-Planar Waveguide (CPW) fabricated by means of a ferroelectric film. In contrast to conventional NL-CPW, periodically loaded by lumped varactors, the tunable ferroelectric material is fully distributed along the propagation direction and the transmission line does not intrinsically exhibit Bragg cutoff. The experimental demonstration is carried out by means of a 160 nm-thick Pb0.4Sr0.6TiO3 ferroelectric film voltage-controlled via the 1 μm-slot of a CPW transmission line. In a first stage, complex dielectric constant has been retrieved from scattering parameters measurements up to 60 GHz and for a bias voltage ranging from 0 to 30 V. High performances in terms of tunability have been found by a relative permittivity change under 30 V as high as 60% in the overall frequency band. Subsequently, the tunable ferroelectric CPW was used for second and third harmonics generation for a fundamental at centimeter wavelengths. While for low dc-voltage, third harmonic generation is dominant, it is found a main harmonic generation of rank 2 at higher dc bias voltage in agreement with the symmetry properties of the C(V) characteristics.
Observation of laser multiple filamentation process and multiple electron beams acceleration in a laser wakefield accelerator
Authors: Li Wentao , Liu Jiansheng , Wang Wentao , Chen Qiang , Zhang Hui , Tian Ye , Zhang Zhijun , Qi Rong , Wang Cheng , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin , Xu Zhizhan
Published: November 2013

The multiple filaments formation process in the laser wakefield accelerator (LWFA) was observed by imaging the transmitted laser beam after propagating in the plasma of different density. During propagation, the laser first self-focused into a single filament. After that, it began to defocus with energy spreading in the transverse direction. Two filaments then formed from it and began to propagate independently, moving away from each other. We have also demonstrated that the laser multiple filamentation would lead to the multiple electron beams acceleration in the LWFA via ionization-induced injection scheme. Besides, its influences on the accelerated electron beams were also analyzed both in the single-stage LWFA and cascaded LWFA.
Vibrational response of free standing single copper nanowire through transient reflectivity microscopy
Authors: Belliard Laurent , Cornelius Thomas W. , Perrin Bernard , Kacemi Nazim , Becerra Loïc , Thomas Olivier , Eugenia Toimil-Molares Maria , Cassinelli Marco
Published: November 2013

We report on the ultrafast vibrational response of single copper nanowires investigated by femtosecond transient reflectivity measurements. The oscillations of the sample reflectivity are correlated with individual modes of resonance for wires with a diameter ranging from 100 to 500 nm and are compared with 2D finite element simulation. Fluctuation of the sample-substrate coupling is illustrated through its effect on the damping rate. We demonstrate elastic confinement in free standing wires which allowed the detection of up to the third harmonic of the breathing mode. By removing the energy relaxation channel towards the substrate, we obtained nano-oscillators with quality factors up to 130. Finally, taking advantage of the very high spectral resolution achieved on free standing wires, we could observe the elastic coupling between two close wires via their polymer cladding.
Particle-in-cell simulations of magnetic reconnection in laser-plasma experiments on Shenguang-II facility
Authors: Lu San , Lu Quanming , Dong Quanli , Huang Can , Wang Shui , Zhu Jianqiang , Sheng Zhengming , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2013

Recently, magnetic reconnection has been realized in high-energy-density laser-produced plasmas. Plasma bubbles with self-generated magnetic fields are created by focusing laser beams to small-scale spots on a foil. The bubbles expand into each other, which may then drive magnetic reconnection. The reconnection experiment in laser-produced plasmas has also been conducted at Shenguang-II (SG-II) laser facility, and the existence of a plasmoid was identified in the experiment [Dong et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 215001 (2012)]. In this paper, by performing two-dimensional (2-D) particle-in-cell simulations, we investigate such a process of magnetic reconnection based on the experiment on SG-II facility, and a possible explanation for the formation of the plasmoid is proposed. The results show that before magnetic reconnection occurs, the bubbles squeeze strongly each other and a very thin current sheet is formed. The current sheet is unstable to the tearing mode instability, and we can then observe the formation of plasmoid(s) in such a multiple X-lines reconnection.
Observation of multipactor suppression in a dielectric-loaded accelerating structure using an applied axial magnetic field
Authors: Jing C. , Chang C. , Gold S. H. , Konecny R. , Antipov S. , Schoessow P. , Kanareykin A. , Gai W.
Published: November 2013

Efforts by a number of institutions to develop a Dielectric-Loaded Accelerating (DLA) structure capable of supporting high gradient acceleration when driven by an external radio frequency source have been ongoing over the past decade. Single surface resonant multipactor has been previously identified as one of the major limitations on the practical application of DLA structures in electron accelerators. In this paper, we report the results of an experiment that demonstrated suppression of multipactor growth in an X-band DLA structure through the use of an applied axial magnetic field. This represents an advance toward the practical use of DLA structures in many accelerator applications.
Three-dimensional finite-element simulations of a scanning microwave microscope cantilever for imaging at the nanoscale
Authors: Oladipo A. O. , Kasper M. , Lavdas S. , Gramse G. , Kienberger F. , Panoiu N. C.
Published: November 2013

We use three-dimensional finite-element numerical simulations to fully characterize the electromagnetic interactions between a metallic nano-tip and cantilever that are part of a scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) system and dielectric samples. In particular, we use this rigorous computational technique to analyze and validate a recently developed SMM calibration procedure for complex impedance measurements in reflection mode. Our simulations show that relatively small changes in the conductivity of the substrates can cause significant variations in the measured reflection coefficient. In addition, we demonstrate that the bulk systemic impedance is extremely sensitive to modifications of system parameters, namely, variations in the cantilever inclination angle as small as 1° cause changes in system impedance that can be larger than 10%. Finally, the main experimental implications of these results to SMM imaging and calibration are identified and discussed.
Oxidation of step edges on vicinal 4H-SiC(0001) surfaces
Authors: Li Wenbo , Zhao Jijun , Zhu Qiaozhi , Wang Dejun
Published: November 2013

The oxidation processes of stepped SiC(0001) surfaces are studied within the ab initio atomistic thermodynamics approach. Our calculations show that a one-dimensional -Si-O- chain structure as a precursor for oxide growth on stepped SiC surfaces is formed along the step edge, promoting further oxidation of the step edges. Following the modified Deal-Grove oxidation model, we also find that the oxidation rate at steps is higher than that at terraces by three orders of magnitude. These findings give a reasonable explanation for the oxide thickness fluctuation between the step and the terrace observed in the previous experiments.
Photoinduced insulator-metal phase transition and the metallic phase propagation in VO2 films investigated by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Xue Xin , Jiang Meng , Li Gaofang , Lin Xian , Ma Guohong , Jin Ping
Published: November 2013

The particle size and film thickness dependence of the photoinduced insulator-metal phase transition in VO2 films has been studied systematically by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy at room temperature. It is found that the dynamical photoinduced phase transition from insulator to metal consists of two processes: a 1.7 ps fast process and a slow process with a typical time constant of 40 ps. Both of the two processes show particle size independence. The 40 ps slow process is revealed to arise from the longitudinal propagation of the metallic phase from the photoexcited surface to the interior of the VO2 film. A phase boundary propagation speed with a magnitude of ∼2400 m/s is obtained, which is close to the velocity of sound in solid materials and coincides with the prediction of diffusionless phase transformation. Our experimental results clearly establish the entire procedure of photoinduced phase change in the VO2 film.
What are school leavers’ priorities for festival preparation?
Authors: Hutton Alison , Cusack Lynette , Zannettino Lana , Shaefer Sarah J. M. , Verdonk Naomi , Arbon Paul
Published: November 2013

This paper reports on the findings from a qualitative research study that explored how young people prepared to minimise and/or avoid alcohol-related harm while attending a Schoolies Festival (SF). SFs are mass gatherings at which young people (schoolies) celebrate their graduation from high school. The attendance of schoolies, in various Australian communities, ranges between 10000 and 30000 individuals during the event. The literature suggests that schoolies are at higher than normal risk of harm at SF from misuse of alcohol, unsafe sex, aggressive behaviour, and other risk-taking factors. As a result of these concerns, SF organisers developed an infrastructure that treats alcohol-related harm, and provides on-site care (first aid stations) by St John Ambulance staff. This study used focus groups to identify strategies used by schoolies to avoid alcohol-related harm during SFs. Data revealed that schoolies did not actively seek health information before attending the event and did not display an interest in doing so. It is important to note that schoolies planned to use alcohol to celebrate and have a good time. Therefore a harm minimisation approach with a focus on providing the necessary infrastructure at SFs to minimise the dangers associated with excess alcohol use is important. Schoolies indicated that they had no desire for information about the hazards of alcohol ingestion. If any health messages were to be used by health authorities, it would be far more appropriate to promote the message of ‘take care of your mate’, to contribute to building a supportive environment at the event. This may be of more benefit to minimise harm at SFs than funding other health messages.
Baseline tumor growth and immune control in laboratory mice are significantly influenced by subthermoneutral housing temperature
Authors: Kokolus Kathleen M. , Capitano Maegan L. , Lee Chen-Ting , Eng Jason W.-L. , Waight Jeremy D. , Hylander Bonnie L. , Sexton Sandra , Hong Chi-Chen , Gordon Christopher J. , Abrams Scott I. , Repasky Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2013

Significance

We show that the mandated, subthermoneutral laboratory housing temperature, which is known to cause chronic, metabolic cold stress, induces suppression of the antitumor immune response and promotes tumor growth and metastasis. When mice are housed at thermoneutrality, there are fewer immunosuppressive cells with significantly enhanced CD8+T cell-dependent control of tumor growth. These findings underscore the fact that investigating mouse models under a single set of environmental temperature conditions may lead to a misunderstanding of the antitumor immune potential. These data also highlight the need for additional study to determine how systemic metabolic stress modulates the functions of immune effector cells, particularly in tumor-bearing mice, and whether cancer therapies, including immunotherapy, are impacted by housing temperature.
Causal interactions between fronto-parietal central executive and default-mode networks in humans
Authors: Chen Ashley C. , Oathes Desmond J. , Chang Catie , Bradley Travis , Zhou Zheng-Wei , Williams Leanne M. , Glover Gary H. , Deisseroth Karl , Etkin Amit
Published: November 2013

Significance

Three large-scale neural networks are thought to play important roles in cognitive and emotional information processing in humans. It has been theorized that the “central executive” and “salience” networks achieve this by regulating the “default mode” network. Support for this idea comes from correlational neuroimaging studies; however, direct evidence for this neural mechanism is lacking. We tested this hypothesized mechanism by exciting or inhibiting nodes within the central executive and salience networks using noninvasive brain stimulation and observed the results using simultaneous brain imaging. We found that the default mode network is under inhibitory control specifically from a node in the central executive network, which provides mechanistic insights into prior work that implicates these networks in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Electrochemical tuning of vertically aligned MoS
2
nanofilms and its application in improving hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Haotian , Lu Zhiyi , Xu Shicheng , Kong Desheng , Cha Judy J. , Zheng Guangyuan , Hsu Po-Chun , Yan Kai , Bradshaw David , Prinz Fritz B. , Cui Yi
Published: November 2013

Significance

The electronic structures of two-dimensional materials can be tuned for a variety of applications by guest species intercalation into the van der Waals gaps. Using Li electrochemical intercalated MoS
2
as an example here, we correlate the continuously tuned electronic structure of lithiated MoS
2
with the corresponding enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction activity, and thus construct the electronic structure–catalytic activity relationship. This work offers a unique thinking of tuning the electronic structures of layered materials by guest species intercalation for optimizing different kinds of catalysis on the basis of the strong correlation between the electronic structures and catalytic activities of the catalysts.
Pyrethroid activity-based probes for profiling cytochrome P450 activities associated with insecticide interactions
Authors: Ismail Hanafy M. , O’Neill Paul M. , Hong David W. , Finn Robert D. , Henderson Colin J. , Wright Aaron T. , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Hemingway Janet , Paine Mark J. I.
Published: November 2013

Significance

Pyrethroids are highly potent insecticides used worldwide in ∼3,500 registered products to control diseases spread by arthropods. Although they are critical for controlling a diverse spectrum of diseases, such intense exposure affects health and drives the rapid evolution of insecticide resistance. Here we have developed a suite of pyrethroid mimetic activity-based probes (PyABPs) to selectively label and identify P450s associated with pyrethroid metabolism in highly divergent organisms. Using a rat liver model, we demonstrate that PyABPs detect pyrethroid metabolizing P450s and a network of drug-metabolizing enzymes that is termed the “pyrethrome.” This discovery has broad scientific interest and provides a unique perspective on insecticide interactions, improving understanding of insecticide metabolism and aiding the development of tools for disease control.
Entropy and irreversibility in dynamical systems
Authors: Penrose Oliver
Published: November 2013

A method of defining non-equilibrium entropy for a chaotic dynamical system is proposed which, unlike the usual method based on Boltzmann’s principle, does not involve the concept of a macroscopic state. The idea is illustrated using an example based on Arnold’s ‘cat’ map. The example also demonstrates that it is possible to have irreversible behaviour, involving a large increase of entropy, in a chaotic system with only two degrees of freedom.
The genetic basis for individual differences in mRNA splicing and APOBEC1 editing activity in murine macrophages
Authors: Hassan Musa A. , Butty Vincent , Jensen Kirk D.C. , Saeij Jeroen P.J.
Published: November 2013

Alternative splicing and mRNA editing are known to contribute to transcriptome diversity. Although alternative splicing is pervasive and contributes to a variety of pathologies, including cancer, the genetic context for individual differences in isoform usage is still evolving. Similarly, although mRNA editing is ubiquitous and associated with important biological processes such as intracellular viral replication and cancer development, individual variations in mRNA editing and the genetic transmissibility of mRNA editing are equivocal. Here, we have used linkage analysis to show that both mRNA editing and alternative splicing are regulated by the macrophage genetic background and environmental cues. We show that distinct loci, potentially harboring variable splice factors, regulate the splicing of multiple transcripts. Additionally, we show that individual genetic variability at theApobec1locus results in differential rates of C-to-U(T) editing in murine macrophages; with mouse strains expressing mostly a truncated alternative transcript isoform ofApobec1exhibiting lower rates of editing. As a proof of concept, we have used linkage analysis to identify 36 high-confidence novel edited sites. These results provide a novel and complementary method that can be used to identify C-to-U editing sites in individuals segregating at specific loci and show that, beyond DNA sequence and structural changes, differential isoform usage and mRNA editing can contribute to intra-species genomic and phenotypic diversity.
Crystallographic identification of an unexpected protein complex in silkworm haemolymph
Authors: Pietrzyk Agnieszka J. , Bujacz Anna , Mueller-Dieckmann Jochen , Łochynska Malgorzata , Jaskolski Mariusz , Bujacz Grzegorz
Published: November 2013

The first crystal structure of a complex formed by two storage proteins, SP2 and SP3, isolated from their natural source, mulberry silkworm (Bombyx moriL.) haemolymph, has been determined. The structure was solved by molecular replacement using arylphorin, a protein rich in aromatic amino-acid residues, from oak silkworm as the initial model. The quality of the electron-density maps obtained from the X-ray diffraction experiment allowed the authors to detect that the investigated crystal structure was composed of two different arylphorins: SP2 and SP3. This discovery was confirmed by N-terminal sequencing. SP2 has been extensively studied previously, whereas only a few reports on SP3 are available. However, to date no structural studies have been reported for these proteins. These studies revealed that SP2 and SP3 exist in the silkworm body as a heterohexamer formed by one SP2 trimer and one SP3 trimer. The overall fold, consisting of three haemocyanin-like subdomains, of SP2 and SP3 is similar. Both proteins contain a conserved N-glycosylation motif in their structures.
The landscape of cytokinin binding by a plant nodulin
Authors: Ruszkowski M. , Szpotkowski K. , Sikorski M. , Jaskolski M.
Published: November 2013

Nodulation is an extraordinary symbiotic interaction between leguminous plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia) that assimilate atmospheric nitrogen (in root nodules) and convert it into compounds suitable for the plant host. A class of plant hormones called cytokinins are involved in the nodulation process. In the model legumeMedicago truncatula, nodulin 13 (MtN13), which belongs to the pathogenesis-related proteins of class 10 (PR-10), is expressed in the outer cortex of the nodules. In general, PR-10 proteins are small and monomeric and have a characteristic fold with an internal hydrophobic cavity formed between a seven-stranded antiparallel β-sheet and a C-terminal α-helix. Previously, some PR-10 proteins not related to nodulation were found to bind cytokinins such astrans-zeatin. Here, four crystal structures of the MtN13 protein are reported in complexes with several cytokinins, namelytrans-zeatin,N6-isopentenyladenine, kinetin andN6-benzyladenine. All four phytohormones are bound in the hydrophobic cavity in the same manner and have excellent definition in the electron-density maps. The binding of the cytokinins appears to be strong and specific and is reinforced by several hydrogen bonds. Although the binding stoichiometry is 1:1, the complex is actually dimeric, with a cytokinin molecule bound in each subunit. The ligand-binding site in each cavity is formed with the participation of a loop element from the other subunit, which plugs the only entrance to the cavity. Interestingly, a homodimer of MtN13 is also formed in solution, as confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).
Structural polymorphism in the L1 loop regions of human H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2
Authors: Horikoshi Naoki , Sato Koichi , Shimada Keisuke , Arimura Yasuhiro , Osakabe Akihisa , Tachiwana Hiroaki , Hayashi-Takanaka Yoko , Iwasaki Wakana , Kagawa Wataru , Harata Masahiko , Kimura Hiroshi , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: November 2013

The histone H2A.Z variant is widely conserved among eukaryotes. Two isoforms, H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2, have been identified in vertebrates and may have distinct functions in cell growth and gene expression. However, no structural differences between H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 have been reported. In the present study, the crystal structures of nucleosomes containing human H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 were determined. The structures of the L1 loop regions were found to clearly differ between H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2, although their amino-acid sequences in this region are identical. This structural polymorphism may have been induced by a substitution that evolutionally occurred at the position of amino acid 38 and by the flexible nature of the L1 loops of H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2. It was also found that in living cells nucleosomal H2A.Z.1 exchanges more rapidly than H2A.Z.2. A mutational analysis revealed that the amino-acid difference at position 38 is at least partially responsible for the distinctive dynamics of H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2. These findings provide important new information for understanding the differences in the regulation and functions of H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 in cells.
Comment onOn the propagation of errorsby Jaskolski (2013)
Authors: Berman Helen , Kleywegt Gerard J. , Nakamura Haruki , Markley John L.
Published: November 2013

The wwPDB responds to the article by Jaskolski [(2013),Acta Cryst.D69, 1865–1866].
A quality comparison of protein crystals grown under containerless conditions generated by diamagnetic levitation, silicone oil and agarose gel. Erratum
Authors: Cao Hui-Ling , Sun Li-Hua , Li Jian , Tang Lin , Lu Hui-Meng , Guo Yun-Zhu , He Jin , Liu Yong-Ming , Xie Xu-Zhuo , Shen He-Fang , Zhang Chen-Yan , Guo Wei-Hong , Huang Lin-Jun , Shang Peng , He Jian-Hua , Yin Da-Chuan
Published: November 2013

Table 2 of the article by Caoet al.[(2013),Acta Cryst.D69, 1901–1910] is corrected.
2-(Phenylselenonyl)pyridine
Authors: Gulati Shivani , Bhasin K. K. , Potapov V. A. , Arora Ekta , Butcher Ray J.
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, C11H9NO2Se, the pyridine and phenyl rings are almost perpendicular, with the dihedral angle between their mean planes being 79.16 (7)°. In the crystal, the molecules pack so as to form ruffled sheets in the (110) plane connected by weak C—H...O interactions. In addition, there are weak π–π interactions between the mean planes of both the phenyl [centroid–centroid perpendicular distance of 3.591 (2) Å and slippage of 1.854 (2) Å] and pyridine rings [centroid–centroid perpendicular distance of 3.348 (2) Å and slippage of 1.854 (2) Å].
(E)-N,N-Diethyl-2,6-diisopropyl-4-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethenyl]aniline
Authors: Wink Christoph , Schollmeyer Dieter , Detert Heiner
Published: November 2013

The title compound, C24H32N2O2, was prepared by Horner olefination of 4-diethylamino-3,5-diisopropylbenzaldehyde and diethylp-nitrobenzylphosphonate. There are two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. Their main axes, defined by the line connecting the N atoms of the nitro and amino groups, open an angle of 79.42 (3)°. Steric hindrance around the amino group is reflected in a long aryl C—N bond [1.434 (3) Å for moleculeAand 1.440 (3) Å for moleculeB], a pyramidal geometry [angle sum = 350.0 (2)° for moleculeAand 349.6 (2)° for moleculeB], and dihedral angles between the phenylene group and the plane defined by the CH2—N—CH2unit of 86.9 (3)° for moleculeAand 88.3 (3)° for moleculeB. This gives structural support for the electronic decoupling of the amino group from the nearly planar nitrostilbene moiety (r.m.s. deviation for C, N and O atoms = 0.097 for moleculeAand 0.107 Å for moleculeB).
Apoptosis in capillary endothelial cells in ageing skeletal muscle
Authors: Wang Huijuan , Listrat Anne , Meunier Bruno , Gueugneau Marine , Coudy‐Gandilhon Cécile , Combaret Lydie , Taillandier Daniel , Polge Cécile , Attaix Didier , Lethias Claire , Lee Kijoon , Goh Kheng Lim , Béchet Daniel
Published: November 2013

The age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) is a consistent hallmark of ageing. Apoptosis plays an important role in muscle atrophy, and the intent of this study was to specify whether apoptosis is restricted to myofibre nuclei (myonuclei) or occurs in satellite cells or stromal cells of extracellular matrix (ECM). Sarcopenia in mouse gastrocnemius muscle was characterized by myofibre atrophy, oxidative type grouping, delocalization of myonuclei and ECM fibrosis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end‐labelling (TUNEL) indicated a sharp rise in apoptosis during ageing. TUNEL coupled with immunostaining for dystrophin, paired box protein‐7 (Pax7) or laminin‐2α, respectively, was used to identify apoptosis in myonuclei, satellite cells and stromal cells. In adult muscle, apoptosis was not detected in myofibres, but was restricted to stromal cells. Moreover, the age‐related rise in apoptotic nuclei was essentially due to stromal cells. Myofibre‐associated apoptosis nevertheless occurred in old muscle, but represented < 20% of the total muscle apoptosis. Specifically, apoptosis in old muscle affected a small proportion (0.8%) of the myonuclei, but a large part (46%) of the Pax7+ satellite cells. TUNEL coupled with CD31 immunostaining further attributed stromal apoptosis to capillary endothelial cells. Age‐dependent rise in apoptotic capillary endothelial cells was concomitant with altered levels of key angiogenic regulators, perlecan and a perlecan domain V (endorepellin) proteolytic product. Collectively, our results indicate that sarcopenia is associated with apoptosis of satellite cells and impairment of capillary functions, which is likely to contribute to the decline in muscle mass and functionality during ageing.
Bimanual examination of the retrieved specimen and regional hypothermia during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: a novel technique for reducing positive surgical margin and achieving pelvic cooling
Authors: Jeong Wooju , Sood Akshay , Ghani Khurshid R. , Pucheril Dan , Sammon Jesse D. , Gupta Nilesh S. , Menon Mani , Peabody James O.
Published: November 2013

Objective

To describe a novel method of achieving pelvic hypothermia during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and a modification of technique allowing immediate organ retrieval for intraoperative examination and targeted frozen‐section biopsies.

Patients and Methods

Intracorporeal cooling and extraction (ICE) consists of a modification of the standard RARP technique with the use of the GelPOINT™ (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA), a hand access platform, which allows for delivery of ice‐slush and rapid specimen extraction without compromising pneumoperitoneum.

Results

The ICE technique reproducibly achieves a temperature of 15 °C in the pelvic cavity with no obvious body temperature change. Adopting this technique during RARP, there was an absolute risk reduction by 26.6% in positive surgical margin rate in patients with pT3a disease when compared with similar patients undergoing conventional RARP (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The ICE technique eliminates the potential handicap of decreased tactile sensation for oncological margins, especially in the high‐risk patients. This technique allows the surgeon to immediately examine the surgical specimen after resection, and with the aid of frozen‐section pathology determine if further resection is required. A prospective trial is underway in our centre to evaluate the effects of this novel technique on postoperative outcomes.
Residual life prediction for healing fatigue damaged copper film by laser shock peening
Authors: Liu X.‐D. , Shang D.‐G. , Zhang Li.‐H. , Sun Y.‐J. , Chen T.
Published: November 2013

A healing method for fatigue damage was studied by laser shock peening (LSP) with excimer laser for polycrystalline copper film. It is found that work hardening due to LSP could be responsible for the improvement of residual fatigue lives for the damaged and undamaged specimens by LSP, and the hardening degree for the damaged specimen by LSP is obviously higher than that for the undamaged specimen by LSP. In this paper, two basic mechanisms were identified. One is the dissipated energy enhancement mechanism, which improves the fatigue life caused by laser shock stress, and the other is the healing mechanism, which leads to a further improvement. Based on the two mechanisms, a residual fatigue life prediction method is proposed by the view of energy consumption before and after LSP. The predicted lives by the proposed method agree well with the experimental results.
The effect of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on the antioxidant activity of wheat gluten pancreatin hydrolysates
Authors: Cui Chun , Hu Qingling , Ren Jiaoyan , Zhao Mouming , Du Hongying
Published: November 2013

The antioxidant activities of the fermented wheat gluten hydrolysates with different fermentation times were investigated to elucidate the impact of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation on the wheat gluten hydrolysates. Prior to LAB fermentation, wheat gluten was deamidated by hydrochloric acid and then hydrolysed by pancreatin to 12 and 24 h, respectively. Results showed that LAB fermentation had significant impacts on the enzymatic efficiency and antioxidant activities of wheat gluten. The degree of hydrolysis and protein recovery of hydrolysates gradually increased and then reached maximum values, respectively, when fermenting with LAB for 36 h. The hydrolysis degree and protein recovery of fermented pancreatin 24‐h hydrolysates were larger than that of the fermented pancreatin 12‐h hydrolysates during the whole fermentation. The antioxidant activity analysis revealed a marked increase and improvement in the scavenging activities of 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl·radicals, hydroxyl radicals and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, while the scavenging activities of ABTS+ radical decreased as the fermentation time extended. The antioxidant activities of pancreatin 24‐h hydrolysates were higher than that of the pancreatin 12‐h hydrolysates during the whole LAB fermentation.
Psychological Foundations of Corporate Social Responsibility: The Importance of “Avoiding Bad”
Authors: Spiess Sven-Oliver , Mueller Karsten , Lin-Hi Nick
Published: November 2013

In their focal article, Aguinis and Glavas (2013) emphasize that despite a growing body of research, the conditions facilitating positive effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) remain unclear. In regard to this issue, empirical studies have thus far produced inconsistent and equivocal results (for an overview, see Margolis & Walsh, 2003). Aguinis and Glavas introduce the difference between embedded and peripheral CSR as a key differentiation to explain why and when CSR is more likely to lead to positive outcomes. Specifically, they argue that CSR is more likely to lead to positive outcomes if it is embedded and consequently related to an organization's core competencies and integrated within a firm's strategy, routines, and operations. The idea of embedded CSR being more likely to lead to positive outcomes is compatible with, for instance, the notion of “shared value” (Porter & Kramer, 2011).
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELATIVE RISK AVERSION AND THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION: A SURVEY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DEMAND FOR LIFE INSURANCE
Authors: Outreville J. François
Published: November 2013

The expected utility hypothesis has been widely used in the construction of economic models and numerous difficulties are encountered in attempting to take into account preferences toward risk in a real‐world setting. More recently, attention has focused on comparative studies in economics and business in an international framework and problems related to the hypothesis of relative risk aversion (RRA). One ambiguous hypothesis is the relationship between the level of RRA and the level of education, which has been found either positive or negative. From a causality point of view, it may be argued that investors with a high level of education are less risk averse, but it may also be argued that less risk‐averse individuals choose to pursue a higher level of education. The purpose of this paper is to survey the empirical literature on this subject. It provides evidence that risk aversion is negatively correlated with higher education and human development. The results have important implications for macroeconomic empirical studies and the demand for financial assets and more specifically on the demand for life insurance. Assuming the same degree of RRA for utility‐maximizing consumers should be limited to homogeneous samples.
The Importance of Industry Links in Merger Waves
Authors: AHERN KENNETH R. , HARFORD JARRAD
Published: November 2013

We represent the economy as a network of industries connected through customer and supplier trade flows. Using this network topology, we find that stronger product market connections lead to a greater incidence of cross‐industry mergers. Furthermore, mergers propagate in waves across the network through customer‐supplier links. Merger activity transmits to close industries quickly and to distant industries with a delay. Finally, economy‐wide merger waves are driven by merger activity in industries that are centrally located in the product market network. Overall, we show that the network of real economic transactions helps to explain the formation and propagation of merger waves.
Strangulated small bowel 14 years after abdominal sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Pue Leng Boi , Lo Tsia‐Shu , Wu Pei‐Ying , Tan Yiap Loong
Published: November 2013

Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is a well‐established procedure for the reconstruction of apical support in pelvic organ prolapse. Its long‐term efficacy is well known; however, it is also associated with higher perioperative morbidity when compared with the less invasive transvaginal approach. Long‐term risk of bowel‐related complication from abdominal sacrocolpopexy is rare, but can be significant as it is often serious and requires major surgical intervention. Here we highlight an unusual case of strangulated small bowel (in this instance complicated with sepsis secondary to peritonitis), 14 years after an abdominal sacrocolpopexy procedure. This example amplifies the need for proper preoperative counseling; also, life‐long follow‐up is necessary for patients undergoing this procedure.
Prospective risk of abruptio placentae
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Takahiro , Cho Kazutoshi , Yamada Takashi , Sato Shoji , Minakami Hisanori
Published: November 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to better characterize the nature of abruptio placentae (AP) with regard to the timing of onset.

Material and Methods

Prevalence and prospective risk of AP according to gestational week (GW) were determined among 293 899 women who gave birth to singleton infants at and after GW 30. The prospective risk of AP at gestational week N was defined as the number of all women who experienced an AP at ≥GW N divided by the number of all women who gave birth at ≥GW N.

Results

AP developed in 2649 (0.90%) women. The prevalence of AP (6.7% among women who gave birth at GW 30–33) sharply decreased with advancing GW at delivery to 0.9% for GW 37 and 0.1% for ≥GW 42. The highest prospective risk of AP, 9 per 1000 women at GW 30, decreased linearly with advancing gestation to 1 per 1000 women at ≥GW 42. AP accounted for 4.7% (1591/33 725) of all preterm births at GW <37, while prevalence of AP was 0.41% (1058/260 174) among term births. Preterm AP accounted for 60.1% (1591/2649) of all AP.

Conclusion

Our figures indicate that AP is more common in preterm births than in term birth and may be helpful for better understanding the epidemiology of this condition.
Impacts of structuring nursing records: a systematic review
Authors: Saranto Kaija , Kinnunen Ulla‐Mari , Kivekäs Eija , Lappalainen Anna‐Mari , Liljamo Pia , Rajalahti Elina , Hyppönen Hannele
Published: November 2013

Aim

The study aims to describe the impacts of different data structuring methods used in nursing records or care plans. This systematic review examines what kinds of structuring methods have been evaluated and the effects of data structures on healthcare input, processes and outcomes in previous studies.

Materials and Methods

Retrieval from 15 databases yielded 143 papers. Based on Population (Participants), Intervention, Comparators, Outcomes elements and exclusion and inclusion criteria, the search produced 61 studies. A data extraction tool and analysis for empirical articles were used to classify the data referring to the study aim. Thirty‐eight studies were included in the final analysis.

Findings

The study design most often used was a single measurement without any control. The studies were conducted mostly in secondary or tertiary care in institutional care contexts. The standards used in documentation were nursing classifications or the nursing process model in clinical use. The use of standardised nursing language (SNL) increased descriptions of nursing interventions and outcomes supporting daily care, and improving patient safety and information reuse.

Discussion

The nursing process model and classifications are used internationally as nursing data structures in nursing records and care plans. The use of SNL revealed various positive impacts. Unexpected outcomes were most often related to lack of resources.

Limitations

Indexing of SNL studies has not been consistent. That might cause bias in database retrieval, and important articles may be lacking. The study design of the studies analysed varied widely. Further, the time frame of papers was quite long, causing confusion in descriptions of nursing data structures.

Conclusion

The value of SNL is proven by its support of daily workflow, delivery of nursing care and data reuse. This facilitates continuity of care, thus contributing to patient safety. Nurses need more education and managerial support in order to be able to benefit from SNL.
Treatment of idiopathic immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia with mycophenolate mofetil in five dogs
Authors: West Laura D. , Hart John R.
Published: November 2013

Background

The optimal treatment for immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs remains unknown. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is being used with increasing frequency in veterinary medicine for immune‐mediated diseases. The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate a series of dogs diagnosed with idiopathic IMHA treated with MMF and other standard therapies. Study endpoints included all cause mortality, hospitalization length, time to resolution of spherocytosis and anemia, time to discontinuation of medications, transfusion requirement, relapse events, and MMF‐induced adverse events.

Key Findings

Five dogs diagnosed with idiopathic IMHA received prednisone, MMF, and low‐dose aspirin, along with transfusions and supportive therapies as indicated. One dog was euthanized on day 20 for progressive IMHA. One dog was euthanized on day 115 for intolerable MMF‐induced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. Three dogs survived >1 year beyond the initial diagnosis and are alive at the time of this writing. The median length of hospitalization was 48 hours. The median time to resolution of the spherocytosis and anemia was 13 days and 44 days, respectively. The overall median time to discontinuation of MMF was 165 days. Two dogs required the use of modified cyclosporine (one with MMF, one without MMF). All dogs had suspected MMF‐induced GI toxicity, including vomiting, anorexia, or diarrhea; in 2 dogs, these side effects necessitated discontinuation of the MMF.

Significance

Although the study demonstrated a potential use of MMF in the induction of remission of IMHA in 4 out of 5 dogs evaluated, the level of significant MMF‐induced GI toxicity cannot justify its use with the dosage regime described here.
Retrospective Study of Cryptosporidiosis Among Diarrhoeic Children in the Arid Region of North‐Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Aniesona A. T. , Bamaiyi P. H.
Published: November 2013

A retrospective study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts among diarrhoeic children (n = 650), aged between 0 and 15 years, living in Maiduguri metropolis (n = 220), Bama local government area (n = 278) and Gwoza local government area (n = 152). Stool samples were concentrated using the ethyl acetate sedimentation method. Data of stool samples with Cryptosporidium oocysts from patients within the specified age groups were collected and analysed. The overall prevalence was 42.9%. The prevalence was higher in Maiduguri metropolis 45.0%, which is an urban area as compared to Gwoza and Bama combined together 41.8% which are rural areas but not statistically significant at 95% confidence level (P > 0.05; OR = 1.14; CI = 0.82, 1.58). According to age, the prevalence in age group A (0–10 years) was higher (46.8%) as compared to age group B (11 < 15 years), which was 20.8%, and this was statistically significant at 95% confidence level (P < 0.05; OR = 3.34; CI = 1.98, 5.61). According to gender, males showed a higher prevalence (52.5%) compared with females (47.5%), but this was not statistically significant at 95% confidence level (P > 0.05; OR = 1.13; CI = 0.82, 1.53). Seasonal prevalence showed that hot dry months of March and April were higher compared with other months. Our findings indicate the presence of the pathogen in children in Borno State, Nigeria, with higher odds of the infection in younger children, and dry months may be more associated with the infection. Control and preventive measures should be taken to protect younger children from the infection.
Phase transition characteristics under vacuum of 9,10-di(2-naphthyl)anthracene for organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Jin-Tae , Shim Seob , Shin Jae-Su , Kang Sangwoo , Yun Ju-Young , Kwon Ohyun
Published: November 2013

The phase transition characteristics of 9,10-di(2-naphthyl)anthracene (ADN), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) material, are evaluated under vacuum. The phase transition is indicated by a plateau in the temperature curve of the ADN upon heating to its melting or sublimation temperature under pressure in a vacuum chamber. The melting temperature of the ADN at 1 atm pressure is verified by differential scanning calorimetry. The boiling temperature decreases by a few degrees as the vacuum chamber is evacuated from 1 atmosphere, and the material sublimes below 1 Torr. The sublimation temperature also decreases slightly as the pressure is lowered. Our results provide not only the optimal evaporation conditions for ADN but also information on the thermal stability of ADN and other types of organic materials for OLEDs under high vacuum.
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Escherichia coli CTX-M-15 and Klebsiella pneumoniae SHV-12 β-Lactamases from Bovine Mastitis Isolates in the United Kingdom
Authors: Timofte Dorina , Maciuca Iuliana E. , Evans Nicholas J. , Williams Helen , Wattret Andrew , Fick Jenny C. , Williams Nicola J.
Published: November 2013

Recent reports raised concerns about the role that farm stock may play in the dissemination of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria. This study characterized the ESBLs in two
Escherichia coli
and three
Klebsiella pneumoniae
subsp.
pneumoniae
isolates from cases of clinical bovine mastitis in the United Kingdom. Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing of bovine mastitic milk samples identified Gram-negative cefpodoxime-resistant isolates, which were assessed for their ESBL phenotypes. Conjugation experiments and PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) were used for characterization of transferable plasmids.
E. coli
isolates belonged to sequence type 88 (ST88; determined by multilocus sequence typing) and carried
bla
CTX-M-15
and
bla
TEM-1
, while
K. pneumoniae
subsp.
pneumoniae
isolates carried
bla
SHV-12
and
bla
TEM-1
. Conjugation experiments demonstrated that
bla
CTX-M-15
and
bla
TEM-1
were carried on a conjugative plasmid in
E. coli
, and PBRT identified this to be an IncI1 plasmid. The resistance genes were nontransferable in
K. pneumoniae
subsp.
pneumoniae
isolates. Moreover, in the
E. coli
isolates, an association of IS
Ecp
1 and IS
26
with
bla
CTX-M-15
was found where the IS
26
element was inserted upstream of both IS
Ecp1
and the
bla
CTX-M
promoter, a genetic arrangement highly similar to that described in some United Kingdom human isolates. We report the first cases in Europe of bovine mastitis due to
E. coli
CTX-M-15 and also of bovine mastitis due to
K. pneumoniae
subsp.
pneumoniae
SHV-12 β-lactamases in the United Kingdom. We also describe the genetic environment of
bla
CTX-M-15
and highlight the role that IncI1 plasmids may play in the spread and dissemination of ESBL genes, which have been described in both human and cattle isolates.
Plasma Drug Activity in Patients on Treatment for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Mpagama Stellah G. , Ndusilo Norah , Stroup Suzanne , Kumburu Happiness , Peloquin Charles A. , Gratz Jean , Houpt Eric R. , Kibiki Gibson S. , Heysell Scott K.
Published: November 2013

Little is known about plasma drug concentrations relative to quantitative susceptibility in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). We previously described a TB drug activity (TDA) assay that determines the ratio of the time to detection of plasma-cocultured
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
versus control growth in a Bactec MGIT system. Here, we assess the activity of individual drugs in a typical MDR-TB regimen using the TDA assay. We also examined the relationship of the TDA to the drug concentration at 2 h (
C
2
) and the MICs among adults on a MDR-TB regimen in Tanzania. These parameters were also compared to the treatment outcome of sputum culture conversion. Individually, moxifloxacin yielded superior TDA results versus ofloxacin, and only moxifloxacin and amikacin yielded TDAs equivalent to a −2-log killing. In the 25 patients enrolled on a regimen of kanamycin, levofloxacin, ethionamide, pyrazinamide, and cycloserine, the
C
2
values were found to be below the expected range for levofloxacin in 13 (52%) and kanamycin in 10 (40%). Three subjects with the lowest TDA result (<1.5, a finding indicative of poor killing) had significantly lower kanamycin
C
2
/MIC ratios than subjects with a TDA of ≥1.5 (9.8 ± 8.7 versus 27.0 ± 19.1;
P
= 0.04). The mean TDAs were 2.52 ± 0.76 in subjects converting to negative in ≤2 months and 1.88 ± 0.57 in subjects converting to negative in >2 months (
P
= 0.08). In Tanzania, MDR-TB drug concentrations were frequently low, and a wide concentration/MIC range was observed that affected plasma drug activity
ex vivo
. An opportunity exists for pharmacokinetic optimization in current MDR-TB regimens, which may improve treatment response.