bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flanking microstructures
Authors: MUKHERJEE SOUMYAJIT , KOYI HEMIN A.
Published: March 2009

Ductile sheared rocks of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline unit (HHC) in micro-scale reveal flanking microstructures defined by nucleated minerals (the cross-cutting elements, CEs), and deflected cleavages and grain margins (the host fabric elements, HEs) of other minerals. Depending on different or the same senses of drag across the cross-cutting elements, the flanking microstructures are grouped into Type 1 or Type 2 varieties, respectively. Cross-cutting elements of Type 2 flanking microstructures connote post-tectonic directional growth. The cross-cutting elements of the Type 1 flanking microstructures consistently demonstrate top-to-SW non-coaxial shearing in the Higher Himalayan Crystalline unit. Here the external host fabric elements bounding the cross-cutting elements act as the C-planes. These cross-cutting element minerals are usually parallelogram-shaped, underwent crystal-plastic deformation and their nucleations are pre- or syntectonic. The facts that the host fabric elements are dragged even in absence of rheological softening at the boundaries of the cross-cutting elements, and that the cross-cutting elements are non-rigid, indicate strong bonds between the host fabric elements and the cross-cutting elements. Salient morphological variations in the flanking microstructures are: (1) variable intensity and senses of drag along the single and the opposite cross-cutting element margins; (2) host fabric elements defined only at one side of the cross-cutting elements; and (3) presence of a thin hazy zone at the HE–CE contacts. The observed cross-cutting element minerals are either of nearly the same or of greater competency than the mineral grains which host them.
Milk flow-controlled changes of pulsation ratio and pulsation rate affect milking characteristics in dairy cows
Authors: Ambord Sarah , Bruckmaier Rupert M
Published: March 2009

To test a system with milk flow-controlled pulsation, milk flow was recorded in 29 Holstein cows during machine milking. The three different treatments were routine milking (including a pre-stimulation of 50–70 s), milking with a minimum of teat preparation and milking with milk flow-controlled b-phase, i.e. with a gradually elongated b-phase of the pulsation cycle with increasing milk flow rate and shortening again during decreasing milk flow. For data evaluation the herd was divided into three groups based on the peak flow rate at routine milking (group 1: <3·2 kg/min; group 2: 3·2–4·5 kg/min; group 3: >4·5 kg/min). Compared with routine milking, milking with milk flow-controlled b-phase caused a significant elevation of the peak flow rate and the duration of incline lasted longer especially in cows with a peak flow rate of >3·2 kg/min in routine milking. In milking with a minimum of teat preparation the duration of incline lasted longer compared with the two other treatments. Bimodality of milk flow, i.e. delayed milk ejection at the start of milking, was most frequent at milking with a minimum of teat preparation. No significant differences between routine milking and milking with milk flow-controlled b-phase were detected for all other milking characteristics. In summary, milking with milk flow-controlled b-phase changes the course of milk removal, however mainly in cows with high peak flow rates.
Tularaemia of middle ear with suppurative lymphadenopathy and retropharyngeal abscess
Authors: Gürkov R , Kisser U , Splettstösser W , Hogardt M , Krause E
Published: March 2009

Objective:

We report an extremely rare case of otitis media due toFrancisella tularensis, complicated by multiple suppurative cervical lesions and a lasting conductive hearing loss.

Case report:

A young woman presented with otitis media, several neck swellings and a retropharyngeal swelling. Polymerase chain reaction testing of aspirated fluid and serology confirmed the diagnosis of tularaemia. Specific antibiotic therapy initiated six weeks after the onset of initial symptoms did not resolve the disease, and open surgical drainage was necessary.

Conclusions:

Otitis media unresponsive to conventional therapy and accompanied by unusually pronounced lymphadenopathy should prompt the clinician to consider tularaemia as a differential diagnosis, in order to initiate timely, specific therapy.
A role for ipsilateral, selective neck dissection in carotid body tumours
Authors: Morton R P , Stewart T , Dray M S , Farmilo W
Published: March 2009

Introduction:

A reliable diagnosis of malignant carotid body tumour can only be made in the presence of metastatic disease, because the histological features of the primary tumour do not correlate with clinical behaviour.

Case report:

We report two cases of malignant carotid body tumour in which regional nodal biopsy at the time of excision of the primary tumour revealed unsuspected metastatic disease.

Discussion:

Reoperation in the neck for recurrent metastatic carotid body tumour is difficult and potentially hazardous. The presence of occult metastatic disease is easily identified if a selective – or sentinel – nodal dissection is performed routinely in cases of carotid body tumour excision. Such an approach adds very little morbidity, effort or time to the primary surgery, and is recommended. This view has been supported by some other authors but is generally overlooked in clinical practice.
Oncogenic osteomalacia from pterygopalatine fossa mass
Authors: Savage C R , Zimmer L A
Published: March 2009

Introduction:

Oncogenic osteomalacia, or tumour-induced osteomalacia, is an uncommon cause of osteomalacia. It has been reported to occur in patients with hypophosphataemia due to excess renal phosphate excretion secondary to mesenchymal tumours. Occurrence of this pathological process in the head and neck is extremely rare.

Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

We present a case of a 73-year-old woman with tumour-induced osteomalacia. She was initially followed by the endocrinologists for osteomalacia and pathological fractures. An indium-111 pentetreotide scan showed activity in the left pterygopalatine fossa. A mass was endoscopically resected, and the histopathological appearance was consistent with a haemangiopericytoma. Following surgery, the patient's hypophosphataemia and vitamin D deficiency corrected and her symptoms resolved.

Conclusions:

Oncogenic osteomalacia, or tumour-induced osteomalacia, is a rare entity in the head and neck. Current research is elucidating the mechanism by which phosphaturic wasting occurs. In most patients, symptoms resolve once the offending tumour is removed.
On t-conformal measures and Hausdorff dimension for a family of non-uniformly hyperbolic horseshoes
Authors: LEPLAIDEUR RENAUD , RIOS ISABEL
Published: March 2009

In this paper we consider horseshoes with homoclinic tangencies inside the limit set. For a class of such maps, we prove the existence of a unique equilibrium state μt, associated to the (non-continuous) potential −tlog Ju. We also prove that the Hausdorff dimension of the limit set, in any open piece of unstable manifold, is the unique number t0 such that the pressure of μt0 is zero. To deal with the discontinuity of the jacobian, we introduce a countable Markov partition adapted to the dynamics, and work with the first return map defined in a rectangle of it.
The different faces of care work: understanding the experiences of the multi-cultural care workforce
Authors: DOYLE MARTHA , TIMONEN VIRPI
Published: March 2009

An increased demand for long-term care services coupled with the decreased availability of informal (family) carers in many industrialised countries has led to the employment of growing numbers of ‘migrant care workers’. Little is known about this heterogeneous group or of their experience of employment in long-term care. Providing an important insight into a hitherto little researched and poorly understood topic, this article presents the findings of a qualitative study in Ireland that sought greater understanding of migrant carers' experience of care work and of the intra-group differences among them. The findings suggest that some members of the long-term care workforce are more likely to confront obstacles and discrimination than others. The data indicate that the experiences of European, South Asian and African carers are significantly different and that relationships may exist between carers' region of origin and their experience of care work, employment mobility and long-term plans for remaining in the sector. The findings underscore the significance of acknowledging the unique barriers and obstacles faced by particular populations of care workers. A better understanding of the changing demographic profile and needs of both care recipients and their paid (migrant) care-givers is required to ensure that appropriate policy and practical interventions are developed to support both groups.
A REVISION OF THE AFRICAN GENERA PAROPSIOPSIS AND SMEATHMANNIA (PASSIFLORACEAE – PAROPSIEAE), INCLUDING A NEW SPECIES OF PAROPSIOPSIS FROM CAMEROON
Authors: De Vos J. M. , Breteler F. J.
Published: March 2009

The African genera Paropsiopsis Engl. and Smeathmannia R.Br. (Passifloraceae – Paropsieae) are revised. The two genera are well separated based on the presence or absence of a second, annuliform, corona, as well as the number of stamens and curvature of their filaments. An overview of important characters and a key to all genera of Paropsieae is provided. In Paropsiopsis all previously recognised species are united under P. decandra (Baill.) Sleumer. In addition one species, Paropsiopsis atrichogyna J.M.de Vos & Breteler, is newly described and illustrated. In Smeathmannia both previously recognised species are maintained, but infraspecific taxa are rejected. Descriptions of both genera and their species, keys to species, illustrations and distribution maps are provided.
The role of lasers in the laparoscopic treatment of infertility and endometriosis
Authors: Kurtz Bryan R , Daniell James F
Published: March 2009

Lasers have now been used laparoscopically in infertility surgery for over a decase. Use of the CO2 laser at laparoscopy began independently in France, Israel and North America. Investigators have subsequently reported use of the argon, Nd-YAG, and the KTP lasers for laparoscopic laser surgery. All of these surgical lasers are now widely available and have been used clinically for many laparoscopic procedures. This review will examine the laparoscopic use of both infrared and visible laser light energy in the treatment of infertility and endometriosis.
GnRH analogues in the treatment of fibroids
Authors: West Christine P
Published: March 2009

Uterine fibroids are estimated to affect up to 25% of women of reproductive age and are a common cause of morbidity, being associated with menstrual dysfunction, iron deficiency anaemia, pregnancy wastage and subfertility. Their pathogenesis remains unknown but their association with ovarian function and oestrogen production is undisputed and supported by their occurrence only after puberty and the shrinkage observed after the menopause. This oestrogen dependency has recently been exploited therapeutically through investigation of the use of agents that induce a hypo-oestrogenic state, the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues.
Micromanipulation
Authors: Fishel Simon , Timson Judy , Green Steven , Hall Jenny , Dowell Ken , Klentzeris Lucas
Published: March 2009

Micromanipulation technology entered the forum of human conceptionin vitroin the late 1980s. It was erroneously perceived as a new technology – a purely mechanical approach to bypass failures of conceptionin vitro, the aetiology of which were unknown. In fact, it is the modification of technology developed since the beginning of this century, and its logical utilization for conceptionin vitro, preconception (polar body) biopsy and preimplantation (blastomere and trophectoderm) biopsy in the realm of human infertility and genetic disorders.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection — ICSI
Authors: Van Steirteghem AC , Nagy P , Liu J , Joris H , Smitz J , Camus M , Devroey P , Bonduelle M
Published: March 2009

For more than a decadein vitrofertilization (IVF) has been successful in the treatment of couples with long-standing infertility due to various aetiologies such as tubal disease, male-factor infertility, unexplained infertility and endometriosis. The usual fertilization rate in IVF for nonmale infertility cases is 60–70% of the inseminated cumulus-oocyte complexes and in andrological infertility it is only 20–30%. The lower the number of normally fertilized oocytes, the less chance there is of available embryos, so that patients may have no embryos to transfer. It has been the experience of all centres for reproductive medicine, including our own, that a certain number of couples with male-factor infertility cannot be helped by standard IVF treatment. After insemination with progressively motile spermatozoa the number of two-pronuclear oocytes was either zero or less than 5%. Furthermore, a sizeable number of couples cannot be accepted for IVF if the number of progressively motile spermatozoa in the ejaculate is below a certain threshold number such as 500 000. In the past five years, assisted fertilization procedures have been developed to circumvent the barriers that prevent sperm access to the ooplasma, namely the zona pellucida and the ooplasmic membrane. Pregnancies and births have been reported after partial zona dissection (PZD) and subzonal insemination (SUZI). The success rate of PZD and SUZI has remained moderate: the normal fertilization rate (two-pronuclear oocytes) has never exceeded 20–25% of the micromanipulated oocytes; only two-thirds of the patients have had embryo transfers of, usually, a low number of embryos, resulting in a reduced pregnancy and take-home baby rate.
NATURAL RIGHT AND LIBERALISM: LEO STRAUSS IN OUR TIME
Authors: LAZIER BENJAMIN
Published: March 2009

Not long ago, the actor and playwright Tim Robbins directed a production in New York and Los Angeles calledEmbedded. The play is strange, but nowhere more so than in one, infamous scene: a black mass in honor of the deceased political philosopher Leo Strauss, conducted by candlelight by advisers to President Bush in the run-up to the Iraq war. Characters who are transparent representations of Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Richard Perle, Paul Wolfowitz and Condoleezza Rice masturbate with abandon, all the while yelping “hail Leo Strauss!” beneath an outsized portrait of his face. The scene reaches a climax with this verbal ejaculation from “Woof” (Wolfowitz): “I'm hard! I'm rock hard!”
The chemical evolution of the Galactic thick and thin disks
Authors: Chiappini Cristina
Published: March 2009

Recent data have revealed a clear distinction between the abundance patterns of the Milky Way (MW) thick and thin disks, suggesting a different origin for each of these components. In this work we first review the main ideas on the formation of the thin disk. From chemical evolution arguments we show that the thin disk should have formed on a long timescale. We also show clear signs that the local stellar samples are contaminated by stars coming from inner radii. We then check what would have to be changed in such a model in order to explain the observables in the thick disk. We find that a model in which the thick disk forms on a much shorter timescale than thin disk and with a star formation efficiency of around a factor of 10 larger than that in the thin disk can account for the observed abundance ratio shifts of several elements between thick and thin disk stars. Moreover, the lack of scatter in the abundance ratio patterns of both the thick and thin disks suggest both components to have been formed in situ by gas accretion and not by mergers of smaller stellar systems. Especially for the thick disk, this last constraint becomes a strong one if its metallicity distribution extends to, at least, solar. Finally, we briefly discuss the interplay between present deuterium abundance and present infall rates in connection with the thin disk evolution.
Present state and promises to unravel the structure and kinematics of the Milky Way with the RAVE survey
Authors: Steinmetz M. , Siebert A. , Zwitter T. ,   the RAVE collaboration
Published: March 2009

The RAdial Velocity Experiment (RAVE) is an ambitious survey to measure the radial velocities, temperatures, surface gravities, metallicities and abundance ratios for up to a million stars using the 1.2-m UK Schmidt Telescope of the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO), over the period 2003–2011. The survey represents a big advance in our understanding of our own Milky Way galaxy. The main data product will be a southern hemisphere survey of about a million stars. Their selection is based exclusively on their I–band colour, so avoiding any colour-induced bias. RAVE is expected to be the largest spectroscopic survey of the Solar neighbourhood in the coming decade, but with a significant fraction of giant stars reaching out to 10 kpc from the Sun. RAVE offers the first truly representative inventory of stellar radial velocities for all major components of the Galaxy. Here we present the first scientific results of this survey as well as its second data release which doubles the number of previously released radial velocities. For the first time, the release also provides atmospheric parameters for a large fraction of the second year data, making it an unprecedented tool to study the formation of the Milky Way. Plans for further data releases are outlined.
Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA)
Authors: Driver Simon P. ,   the GAMA team
Published: March 2009

The GAMA survey aims to deliver 250,000 optical spectra (3–7 Å resolution) over 250 sq. degrees to spectroscopic limits of rAB < 19.8 and KAB < 17.0 mag. Complementary imaging will be provided by GALEX, VST, UKIRT, VISTA, HERSCHEL and ASKAP to comparable flux levels leading to a definitive multi-wavelength galaxy database. The data will be used to study all aspects of cosmic structures on 1kpc to 1Mpc scales spanning all environments and out to a redshift limit of z ≈ 0.4. Key science drivers include the measurement of: the halo mass function via group velocity dispersions; the stellar, HI, and baryonic mass functions; galaxy component mass-size relations; the recent merger and star-formation rates by mass, types and environment. Detailed modeling of the spectra, broad SEDs, and spatial distributions should provide individual star formation histories, ages, bulge-disc decompositions and stellar bulge, stellar disc, dust disc, neutral HI gas and total dynamical masses for a significant subset of the sample (~ 100k) spanning both the giant and dwarf galaxy populations. The survey commenced March 2008 with 50k spectra obtained in 21 clear nights using the Anglo Australian Observatory's new multi-fibre-fed bench-mounted dual-beam spectroscopic system (AAΩ).
The Effect of Weight Loss on Sleep‐disordered Breathing in Obese Teenagers
Authors: Verhulst Stijn L. , Franckx Hilde , Van Gaal Luc , De Backer Wilfried , Desager Kristine
Published: March 2009

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of weight loss on sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) in obese teenagers attending a residential treatment center. We also assessed whether the presence of SDB at the start of the weight management therapy was correlated with the amount of weight loss achieved. Obese teenagers were recruited and underwent anthropometry and sleep screening. Subjects with SDB (apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 2) received a follow‐up screening after weight loss therapy. Sixty‐one obese subjects were included (age = 14.8 ± 2.3; BMI z score = 2.7 ± 0.4). Thirty‐one subjects were diagnosed with SDB with 38% continuing to have residual SDB after a median weight loss of 24.0 kg. Subjects with SDB had a higher median relative decrease in BMI z score compared to subjects without SDB which was 30.5, 33.6, and 50.4% in the group with AHI of the baseline screening study < 2, 2 ≤ AHI < 5, and AHI ≥ 5, respectively (P = 0.02). AHI of the baseline screening study correlated significantly with the relative decrease in BMI z score (partial r = 0.37; P = 0.003), controlling for gender, age, initial BMI z score, and time between both studies. In conclusion, weight loss was successful in treating SDB in obese teenagers. In addition, there was a positive association between the severity of SDB at the start of the treatment and the amount of weight loss achieved. These findings are in favor of considering weight loss as a first‐line treatment for SDB in obese children and adolescents.
Accelerated Growth in Early Life and Obesity in Preschool Chilean Children
Authors: Kain Juliana , Corvalán Camila , Lera Lydia , Galván Marcos , Uauy Ricardo
Published: March 2009

In Chile, childhood obesity rates are high. The purpose of this article is to compare BMI growth characteristics of normal (N), overweight (OW), and obese (OB) 5‐year olds from 0 to 5 years and explore the influence of some prenatal factors on these patterns of growth. The study was done on a retrospective cohort of 1,089 5‐year olds with birth weight >2,500 g. Weight and height were obtained from records at nine occasions (0–36 months); at 52 and 60 months, we measured them. At 60 months, children were classified as N, OW, and OB. At each age, BMI and z‐score of BMI (BMI Z) differences were compared among groups. The influence of birth weight, pre‐pregnancy BMI, and prenatal variables (weight gain, smoking, and presence of diabetes and preeclampsia) on BMI Z differences between N and OB was also explored. Adiposity rebound (AR) was not observed for the N, although for the OW, it occurred ∼52 months and for the OB at ∼24 months. BMI Z differences between N and OB were significant from birth, but were greatest between 6–12 and 36–52 months. Additional adjustment by birth weight, pre‐pregnancy BMI, and prenatal variables decreased the BMI Z differences for the first 24 months with virtually no effect after this age. Accelerated growth in OB children from post‐transition countries occurs immediately after birth, much earlier than the AR. The influence of prenatal factors on adiposity acquisition may extend at most until 2 years of life, although BMI gains thereafter are more related to postnatal variables.
Gas Chromatography
Authors: Stuart Brian , Prichard Elizabeth
Published: March 2009

Gas chromatography has been the most widely used technique in analytical chemistry for over three decades. It offers unchallenged resolving power for closely related volatile compounds and high sensitivity and selectivity with many of the detector systems. This technique is very accurate and precise when used in the laboratory. This guide begins by looking at the basic theory behind gas chromatography, then goes on to examine injection and sampling methods and the chromatographic column. Sections on detection, data handling, calibration and standards are followed by problem-solving and practical exercises. Gas Chromatography is one of the Practical Laboratory Skills Training Guides, a series that aims to make achieving best practice easy. These invaluable manuals will enable both experienced and inexperienced staff to get the essential basics of any experiment right simply by following the clear and easy to use instructions provided. The guides are written by experienced scientists and include minimal theory, plenty of practical exercises in order to assess competence, and trouble shooting information. Other titles are: Measurement of Mass; Measurement of Volume; Measurement of pH; and High Performance Liquid Chromatography.
Simulation of current-induced microwave oscillation in geometrically confined domain wall
Authors: Matsushita Katsuyoshi , Sato Jun , Imamura Hiroshi
Published: March 2009

We studied magnetization dynamics of a geometrically confined domain wall under dc current by solving simultaneously the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation and diffusion equation for spin accumulation. We showed that the oscillation motion of the domain wall is driven by the spin-transfer torque and the dc current is converted to the ac voltage signal. The results mean that the geometrically confined domain wall is applicable as a source of microwave oscillator.
Zero-point vibrational energies of spherical Coulomb crystals
Authors: Cioslowski Jerzy , Grzebielucha Ewa
Published: March 2009

Thanks to their well-pronounced shell structures, spherical Coulomb crystals possess zero-point vibrational energies {εSCC(N)} that are dominated by one component. This shell-additive contribution, which arises from particle motions within individual shells, is readily modeled with a superposition of modified Thomson problems with no adjustable parameters. On the other hand, the negative-valued shell-pair contribution, which has its origin in the correlation of particle motions involving different shells, is accurately approximated with a simple expression involving two fitted constants. The sum of these two quantities underestimates the actual values of {εSCC(N)} by less than 1.7%, the residual error being due to the higher multipole-multipole intershell interactions and geometry relaxation due to the intershell correlation. Overall, {εSCC(N)} scale like N3/2, the proportionality constant reaching the limiting value of approximately 1.1 for large numbers of particles N.
Direct numerical simulation of nonisothermal turbulent wall jets
Authors: Ahlman Daniel , Velter Guillaume , Brethouwer Geert , Johansson Arne V.
Published: March 2009

Direct numerical simulations of plane turbulent nonisothermal wall jets are performed and compared to the isothermal case. This study concerns a cold jet in a warm coflow with an ambient to jet density ratio of ρa/ρj=0.4, and a warm jet in a cold coflow with a density ratio of ρa/ρj=1.7. The coflow and wall temperature are equal and a temperature dependent viscosity according to Sutherland’s law is used. The inlet Reynolds and Mach numbers are equal in all these cases. The influence of the varying temperature on the development and jet growth is studied as well as turbulence and scalar statistics. The varying density affects the turbulence structures of the jets. Smaller turbulence scales are present in the warm jet than in the isothermal and cold jet and consequently the scale separation between the inner and outer shear layer is larger. In addition, a cold jet in a warm coflow at a higher inlet Reynolds number was also simulated. Although the domain length is somewhat limited, the growth rate and the turbulence statistics indicate approximate self-similarity in the fully turbulent region. The use of van Driest scaling leads to a collapse of all mean velocity profiles in the near-wall region. Taking into account the varying density by using semilocal scaling of turbulent stresses and fluctuations does not completely eliminate differences, indicating the influence of mean density variations on normalized turbulence statistics. Temperature and passive scalar dissipation rates and time scales have been computed since these are important for combustion models. Except for very near the wall, the dissipation time scales are rather similar in all cases and fairly constant in the outer region.
Origin of hysteresis in current-voltage characteristics of polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors
Authors: Lin Horng-Chih , Hung Cheng-Hsiung , Chen Wei-Chen , Lin Zer-Ming , Hsu Hsing-Hui , Hunag Tiao-Yuang
Published: March 2009

In this work we report the observation and characterization of a hysteresis phenomenon in the transfer characteristics of n-channel polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs). Such phenomenon is observed in devices with fully depleted channel and not treated with hydrogen-related anneal. The origin of the hysteresis is identified to be related to the electron trapping and detrapping processes associated with the deep-level traps in the grain boundaries of the poly-Si channel.
Micro-differential thermal analysis detection of adsorbed explosive molecules using microfabricated bridges
Authors: Senesac Larry R. , Yi Dechang , Greve Anders , Hales Jan H. , Davis Zachary J. , Nicholson Don M. , Boisen Anja , Thundat Thomas
Published: March 2009

Although micromechanical sensors enable chemical vapor sensing with unprecedented sensitivity using variations in mass and stress, obtaining chemical selectivity using the micromechanical response still remains as a crucial challenge. Chemoselectivity in vapor detection using immobilized selective layers that rely on weak chemical interactions provides only partial selectivity. Here we show that the very low thermal mass of micromechanical sensors can be used to produce unique responses that can be used for achieving chemical selectivity without losing sensitivity or reversibility. We demonstrate that this method is capable of differentiating explosive vapors from nonexplosives and is additionally capable of differentiating individual explosive vapors such as trinitrotoluene, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, and cyclotrimethylenetrinitromine. This method, based on a microfabricated bridge with a programmable heating rate, produces unique and reproducible thermal response patterns within 50 ms that are characteristic to classes of adsorbed explosive molecules. We demonstrate that this micro-differential thermal analysis technique can selectively detect explosives, providing a method for fast direct detection with a limit of detection of 600×10−12 g.
In adlayer mediated molecular beam epitaxial growth and properties of a-plane InN on freestanding GaN
Authors: Koblmüller G. , Metcalfe G. D. , Wraback M. , Wu F. , Gallinat C. S. , Speck J. S.
Published: March 2009

The role of the In adlayer on the morphological and structural properties of nonpolar a-plane InN films was elucidated during the plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on freestanding GaN. Reflection high energy electron diffraction during In adsorption experiments on a-plane InN surfaces revealed a stable In adlayer coverage of ∼2 ML. This In adlayer-mediated growth was responsible for achieving atomically smooth surfaces (rms roughness of <1 nm), phase-pure material with lower x-ray rocking curve widths (Δω<0.5°), lower crystal mosaic tilt/twist, and decreased stacking fault densities, compared to N-rich conditions. The photoluminescence peak emission and band gap energy of the a-plane InN films were ∼0.63 and ∼0.7 eV, respectively.
Wavelength selection for quantum cascade lasers by cavity length
Authors: Young Christina , Cendejas Richard , Howard Scott S. , Sanchez-Vaynshteyn Wendy , Hoffman Anthony J. , Franz Kale J. , Yao Yu , Mizaikoff Boris , Wang Xiaojun , Fan Jenyu , Gmachl Claire F.
Published: March 2009

A systematic shift in spectral emission wavenumbers in quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) is observed over a variation in cavity lengths from 0.5 to 3 mm resulting in a gain peak shift ranging from 2404 to 2286 cm−1. Thereby, a wavelength selection range of 118 cm−1 is provided, which is sufficiently broad for selecting the laser emission across the entire CO2 absorption band at 2326 cm−1 (4.3 μm). In contrast to current QCL wavelength selection techniques, modifying the cavity length is a straightforward postprocessing procedure. Experimental evidence confirms that this frequency shift is due to a change in threshold voltage and applied electric field as a function of cavity length which is in agreement with the theory.
Schottky barrier formation at metal electrodes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes
Authors: He Yu , Zhang Jinyu , Hou Shimin , Wang Yan , Yu Zhiping
Published: March 2009

Schottky barrier (SB) formation at the contact interface between metal and semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is of great importance in determining the transport characteristics of a CNT field effect transistor. In this paper, we studied the SB height (SBH) between different metals and CNT contacts using first-principles calculation. A method to calculate SBH is proposed based on the interface dipole effect, which will induce an electrical potential variation at the metal and CNT interface. The SBH of a metal and CNT contact could then be determined by the work function difference between the metal and CNT and the electrical potential variation. We extensively investigated different contacts between Sc, Al, Pd, (8,0) CNT, and (11,0) CNT. The calculated SBHs for these contacts are all in good agreement with experimental results.
Variation of atmospheric volatile organic compounds over the Southern Indian Ocean (30 - 49°S)
Authors: Colomb Aurélie , Gros Valérie , Alvain Séverine , Sarda-Esteve Roland , Bonsang Bernard , Moulin C. , Klüpfel Thomas , Williams Jonathan
Published: March 2009

Environmental context. Oceans represent 70% of the blue planet, and surprisingly, ocean emission in term of volatile organic compounds is poorly understood. The potential climate impacts on a global scale of various trace organic gases have been established, and the terrestrial inputs are well studied, but little is known about which of these can be emitted from oceanic sources. In the present study, atmospheric samples were taken over the Southern Indian Ocean, while crossing some oceanic fronts and different phytoplankton species. Such a study should aid in understanding oceanic emission, especially from phytoplankton, and will help modellers to determine concentrations of organic traces in the remote marine troposphere. Abstract. Considering its size and potential importance, the ocean is poorly characterised in terms of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that play important roles in global atmospheric chemistry. In order to better understand their potential sources and sinks over the Southern Indian Austral Ocean, shipborne measurements of selected species were made during the MANCHOT campaign during December 2004, on board the research vessel Marion Dufresne. Along the transect La Réunion to Kerguelen Island, air measurements of selected VOC (including dimethylsulfide (DMS) isoprene, carbonyls and organohalogens), carbon monoxide and ozone were performed, crossing subtropical, temperate and sub-Antarctic waters as well as pronounced subtropical and sub-Antarctic oceanic fronts. The remote marine boundary layer was characterised at latitudes 45–50°S. Oceanic fronts were associated with enhanced chlorophyll and biological activity in the seawater and elevated DMS and organohalogens in the atmosphere. These were compared with a satellite-derived phytoplankton distribution (PHYSAT). Diurnal variation for isoprene, terpenes, acetone and acetaldehyde was observed, analogously to recent results observed in mesocosm experiments.
The predicted subcellular localisation of the sugarcane proteome
Authors: Vicentini Renato , Menossi Marcelo
Published: March 2009

Plant cells are highly organised, and many biological processes are associated with specialised subcellular structures. Subcellular localisation is a key feature of proteins, since it is related to biological function. The subcellular localisation of such proteins can be predicted, providing information that is particularly relevant to those proteins with unknown or putative function. We performed the first in silico genome-wide subcellular localisation analysis for the sugarcane transcriptome (with 11 882 predicted proteins) and found that most of the proteins were localised in four compartments: nucleus (44%), cytosol (19%), mitochondria (12%) and secretory destinations (11%). We also showed that ~19% of the proteins were localised in multiple compartments. Other results allowed identification of a potential set of sugarcane proteins that could show dual targeting by the use of N-truncated forms that started from the nearest downstream in-frame AUG codons. This study was a first step in increasing knowledge about the subcellular localisation of the sugarcane proteome.
Dinitrosyliron complexes and the mechanism(s) of cellular protein nitrosothiol formation from nitric oxide
Authors: Bosworth Charles A. , Toledo José C. , Zmijewski Jaroslaw W. , Li Qian , Lancaster Jack R.
Published: March 2009

Nitrosothiols (RSNO), formed from thiols and metabolites of nitric oxide (•NO), have been implicated in a diverse set of physiological and pathophysiological processes, although the exact mechanisms by which they are formed biologically are unknown. Several candidate nitrosative pathways involve the reaction of •NO with O
2
, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and transition metals. We developed a strategy using extracellular ferrocyanide to determine that under our conditions intracellular protein RSNO formation occurs from reaction of •NO inside the cell, as opposed to cellular entry of nitrosative reactants from the extracellular compartment. Using this method we found that in RAW 264.7 cells RSNO formation occurs only at very low (<8 μM) O
2
concentrations and exhibits zero-order dependence on •NO concentration. Indeed, RSNO formation is not inhibited even at O
2
levels <1 μM. Additionally, chelation of intracellular chelatable iron pool (CIP) reduces RSNO formation by >50%. One possible metal-dependent, O
2
-independent nitrosative pathway is the reaction of thiols with dinitrosyliron complexes (DNIC), which are formed in cells from the reaction of •NO with the CIP. Under our conditions, DNIC formation, like RSNO formation, is inhibited by ≈50% after chelation of labile iron. Both DNIC and RSNO are also increased during overproduction of ROS by the redox cycler 5,8-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that cellular RSNO are formed from free •NO via transnitrosation from DNIC derived from the CIP. We have examined in detail the kinetics and mechanism of RSNO formation inside cells.
A web server for inferring the human N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) enzymatic phenotype from NAT2 genotype
Authors: Kuznetsov Igor B. , McDuffie Michael , Moslehi Roxana
Published: March 2009

Summary:  N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) is an important enzyme that catalyzes the acetylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens. Individuals in human populations are divided into three NAT2 acetylator phenotypes: slow, rapid and intermediate. NAT2PRED is a web server that implements a supervised pattern recognition method to infer NAT2 phenotype from SNPs found in NAT2 gene positions 282, 341, 481, 590, 803 and 857. The web server can be used for a fast determination of NAT2 phenotypes in genetic screens.

Availability:Freely available at http://nat2pred.rit.albany.edu

Contact:  ikuznetsov@albany.edu; rmoslehi@albany.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Survival and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants
Authors: Hack Maureen
Published: March 2009

Survival of preterm infants, which increased dramatically during the years after the introduction of neonatal intensive care, reached a plateau in the mid‐ to late 1990s. Neonatal morbidity, which increased initially, has decreased since 2000 and resulted in a decrease in the rates of cerebral palsy. Follow‐up of preterm infants to early childhood and school age reveals higher rates of asthma, cerebral palsy, subnormal cognitive function, poorer academic achievement, and behavioral problems. Although many of the problems persist into adulthood, preterm survivors regard their overall health and quality of life similar to that of normal birth weight controls.
Oxidative Stress and Nutrition in the Preterm Newborn
Authors: Perrone Serafina , Salvi Giulia , Bellieni Carlo V , Buonocore Giuseppe
Published: March 2009

Oxidative stress occurs when the production of free radicals exceeds the cells' ability to eliminate them. Many events leading to overproduction of free radicals may easily induce oxidative stress in the earliest phases of human life. Given the growing role of oxidative stress in newborn preterm morbidity, one of the goals of modern neonatology is to minimize free radical production and promote the development of adequate antioxidant systems through an adequate nutritional strategy. Appropriate administration of total parenteral solutions and lipid emulsions with light protection can minimize the risk of peroxidation. Providing the baby with amino acid substrates for cellular glutathione synthesis immediately after birth promotes antioxidant defenses at the early stages of life. Breast milk has been found to have many advantages over formula, including the potential to provide antioxidant protection to infants. It is conceivable that these antioxidants in breast milk help to eliminate free radicals in infants. The role of vitamin administration in preterm nutrition has not yet been established. Clinical trials carried out to test the efficacy of antioxidant drugs or vitamins were inconclusive. At present, there are no evidence‐based recommendations about the use of nutritional strategies or antioxidant drugs to minimize oxidative stress in the management of preterm infants.
Epidemiology, Economics, and Ethics in the NICU: Reflections From 30 Years of Neonatology Practice
Authors: Meadow William
Published: March 2009

Over the past 30 years, I have noted 4 epidemiological points, each of which, I believe, must inform future conversations between neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) physicians, parents, and policy makers. First, there are no credible arguments against NICU care that rely on invoking cost or distributive justice. NICU dollars are remarkably well targeted to children who will ultimately survive to be discharged, as opposed to die in the NICU. If any rationing arguments are to be made, then they should be directed against sick adults in intensive care units. Second, the vast majority of infants admitted to the NICU, even infants sick enough to require mechanical ventilation, will survive to be discharged home—and every caretaker knows this, every day. Again, these findings stand in sharp contrast to adult patients in intensive care, where discordant predictions of survival are the norm, not the exception. Third, medical caretakers are remarkably poor at predicting which infants will die in the NICU, using either serial illness severity algorithms or serial intuitions. Nearly half of all babies predicted to die in the NICU by either strategy will survive to be discharged nonetheless. Fourth, and finally, medical caretakers seem remarkably good at identifying burdensome outcomes (either death or survival with permanent serious neurological disability) while babies are still sick enough that an alternative (ie, withdrawal of the ventilator) is ethically possible. Only 5% of ventilated extremely low birth weight babies receiving ventilation who are predicted to die before NICU discharge will be alive and neurologically unscathed at 2 years of age.
An Interdisciplinary Community Diagnosis Experience in an Undergraduate Medical Curriculum: Development at Ghent University
Authors: Art Bruno , De Roo Leen , Willems Sara , De Maeseneer Jan
Published: March 2009

Since 2002, the medical curriculum at Ghent University has incorporated a community diagnosis exercise, teaming medical students with master of social work and social welfare studies students. The course focuses on the interaction between the individual and the community in matters of health and health care.

During one week, small groups of students visit patients and their caregivers in six underserved urban neighborhoods, and they combine these experiences with public health data, to develop a community diagnosis. Local family physicians and social workers monitor sessions. The course requires students to design an intervention tackling one community health issue. At the end of the course, the students present their diagnoses and interventions to community workers and policy makers who provide feedback on the results.

In the authors’ experience, medical and social work students all value the joint learning experience. The occasional culture clash is an added value. The one-week course is very intensive for students, mentors, and cooperating organizations. Although students criticize time restraints, they feel that they reach the outlined objectives, and they rate the overall experience as very positive.

The authors find that this interdisciplinary, community-oriented exercise allows students to appreciate health problems as they occur in society, giving them insight into the interaction of the local community with health and health care agencies. Combining public health data with experiences originating from a patient encounter mimics real-life primary care situations. This campus–community collaboration contributes to the social accountability of the university.
Perspective: Transforming Chronic Care for Older Persons
Authors: Boult Chad , Christmas Colleen , Durso Samuel C. , Leff Bruce , Boult Lisa B. , Fried Linda P.
Published: March 2009

The size and impending morbidity of the aging baby boom generation could soon overwhelm the U.S. health care system. Transforming chronic care for older persons to avert this calamity will require rapid increases in the number of physicians who are skilled in providing chronic care and prompt adoption of new models for providing high-quality, cost-effective chronic care.

The authors propose a new approach for attaining these objectives, recommending that today’s leaders of academic medicine help transform geriatrics into a collaborative discipline of clinicians with advanced skills in leading educational, organizational, and research-related initiatives; that they support the collaboration of geriatrics with primary care and specialty disciplines in preparing physicians to practice effectively in new models of chronic care for older persons; and that they energetically promote rigorous training in chronic care at all levels of medical education.

Implementing this strategy would require firm commitment by the Association of American Medical Colleges, specialty boards, accrediting organizations, academic institutions, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, legislators, and business leaders. Although garnering such support would be challenging and controversial, this approach could leverage the expertise of geriatric educator–leaders to help transform chronic care in the United States and to make high-quality, cost-effective chronic care accessible to most chronically ill Americans within 20 years.
Evaluating the Effect of Resident Involvement on Physician Productivity in an Academic General Internal Medicine Practice
Authors: Johnson Tricia , Shah Mitul , Rechner John , King Gerald
Published: March 2009

Purpose

To estimate the effect of resident involvement across three years of resident training in a general internal medicine practice on the productivity of faculty physicians at Rush University Medical Center.

Method

Productivity was measured by work relative value units (RVUs) per clinical full-time equivalent attending physician generated in the ambulatory practice between July 2004 and June 2005. Random-effects linear regression models were used to estimate the impact of resident involvement by year of resident on attending physician productivity, controlling for faculty physician demographic characteristics.

Results

Resident involvement significantly reduced physician productivity. Each first-year resident was associated with a loss of 0.81 work RVUs per attending physician per four-hour clinic session. Each second-year and third-year resident was associated with a loss of 0.88 work RVUs and 0.49 work RVUs per attending physician per session, respectively. The loss per resident per session translated into a loss of 2,447 work RVUs for the year for the practice.

Conclusions

Physician productivity significantly decreased with resident involvement, but the impact varied across resident training years. The loss in productivity for the year was $164,000 in revenue or $49 per resident per session. Results of this study provide insight into the importance of considering teaching responsibilities when establishing productivity targets, particularly in practices where the level of teaching involvement varies across faculty physicians. External benchmarks with other general internal medicine practices would be more accurate when resident teaching responsibilities are accounted for.