bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status in pregnancy have any impact on postnatal growth? Six-year follow-up of a prospective randomized double-blind monocenter study on low-dose DHA supplements
Authors: Bergmann Renate L. , Bergmann Karl E. , Richter Rolf , Haschke-Becher Elisabeth , Henrich Wolfgang , Dudenhausen Joachim W.
Published: August 2012

Fetuses and breastfed children depend on the maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supply, which might have long-lasting consequences. We studied the growth of 6-year-old children whose mothers received supplemental DHA from midpregnancy to 3 months after delivery. One hundred and forty-four pregnant women had been randomized to receive one of three vitamin-mineral supplements, one supplying an additional 200 mg/day DHA. Of the original sample, 120 children were measured at age 6 years with standardized methods. As one objective of the follow-up was to investigate the DHA influence on normal growth, the DHA group was compared with the pooled controls after exclusion of five premature infants. The weight, length, body mass index (BMI), head circumference, and skin-fold thickness at 6 years were similar in the 41 children of the DHA group and the 74 controls. Longitudinally, the BMI z-scores of the DHA group increased up at a later age than that of the controls. We found a highly significant negative correlation between height at 6 years and the increase in red blood cell DHA concentration of mothers from 22 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. We conclude that DHA supplements during midpregnancy corrected a low maternal DHA status (which correlated with children’s height) and was favorable in regard to the BMI development up to 6 years.
The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering: a 21st century paradigm for nanotechnology-enabled education, innovation, and economic development
Authors: Liehr Michael , Janack Stephen
Published: August 2012

This report summarizes the pioneering educational curricula, world-class technological capabilities, and unmatched economic impact of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany-State University of New York. The combination of advanced 300-mm lithography, 3Di, and fully integrated processing capabilities, combined with a strong academic background in materials characterization and metrology, allows the NanoCollege to offer a unique test bed for advanced device and circuit concepts.
Near-field scanning optical microscopy nanoprobes
Authors: Fleischer Monika
Published: August 2012

Near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) is a powerful method for the optical imaging of surfaces with a resolution down to the nanometer scale. By focusing an external electromagnetic field to the subwavelength aperture or apex of a sharp tip, the diffraction limit is avoided and a near-field spot with a size on the order of the aperture or tip diameter can be created. This point light source is used for scanning a sample surface and recording the signal emitted from the small surface area that interacts with the near field of the probe. In tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, such a tip configuration can be used as well to record a full spectrum at each image point, from which chemically specific spectral images of the surface can be extracted. In either case, the contrast and resolution of the images depend critically on the properties of the NSOM probe used in the experiment. In this review, an overview of eligible tip properties and different approaches for tailoring specifically engineered NSOM probes is given from a fabrication point of view.
Effect of gamma radiation and bulk monomer on jute fabrics polyethylene/polyvinyl chloride composites
Authors: Zaman Haydar U. , Khan Mubarak A. , Khan Ruhul A.
Published: August 2012

Jute fabrics reinforced polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and laminates of alternate PE and PVC matrices-based composites (50 wt% fiber) were prepared by compression molding. The values of tensile strength (TS), bending strength (BS), impact strength (IS), tensile modulus (TM) and bending modulus (BM) of the 60% PE+40% PVC hybrid matrices-based composites were found to be 55.2 MPa, 59.4 MPa, 24.0 kJ/m2, 1.59 GPa and 1.72 GPa, respectively. Gamma radiation (2–8 kGy doses) was applied on PE, PVC and jute fabrics, and then composites were fabricated. The values of TS, BS, IS, TM and BM of the irradiated (4 kGy) composites were found to improve by 15, 18, 23, 13 and 12% over non-irradiated composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water uptake and soil degradation tests of untreated and treated composites were also investigated.
Copolymerization of 5-norbornene-2-metheneoxy-trimethylsilyl with methyl 5-norbornene-2-carboxylate catalyzed by a novel Ni(benzocyclohexan-ketonaphthylimino)2/B(C6F5)3) system
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , He Xiaohui , Chen Defu , Chen Yiwang
Published: August 2012

Copolymerization of 5-norbornene-2-metheneoxy-trimethylsilyl [NB-CH2OSi(CH3)3] with norbornene (NB) or methyl 5-norbornene-2-carboxylate (NB-COOCH3) was carried out in toluene by using novel nickel(II) complex catalyst systems, Ni(benzocyclohexan-ketonaphthylimino)2/B(C6F5)3 [Ni(bchkni)2/B(C6F5)3]. The catalyst system showed high activity on the copolymerization of NB-CH2OSi(CH3)3 with NB (2.3–3.3×104 gpolymer/molNi·h) and NB-CH2OSi(CH3)3 with NB-COOCH3(0.5–3.0×104 gpolymer/molNi·h). However, the solubility of copolymers of NB-CH2OSi(CH3)3 with NB and NB-CH2OSi(CH3)3 with NB-COOCH3, which contain 18.7–86.7 mol% of NB-CH2OSi(CH3)3, was too poor to characterize. The achieved copolymers were confirmed to be vinyl-addition copolymers through the analysis of FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectra. The incorporation rate was 8.7–86.7 mol% at a content of 10–90 mol% of the NB-CH2OSi(CH3)3 in the monomer feeds ratios. The obtained ester functionalized NB copolymer containing 8.7–18.7 mol% of NB-CH2OSi(CH3)3 showed a moderate molecular weight (Mw=1.6–6.0×104 g/mol) and relative narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn=1.6–2.2). Thermogravimetry (TGA) analyses results showed that the copolymers exhibited good thermal stability (Td=330–350°C) and were noncrystalline by WAXD analyses results.
Social Inequalities in Mental Health and Health-Related Quality of Life in Children in Spain
Authors: Lapresa Laura Barriuso- , Arizaleta Lauro Hernando- , Rajmil Luis
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To assess mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents in Spain and to investigate the existence of a social gradient in mental health and HRQoL.

METHODS:

Within the Spanish National Health Survey (2006), the parents’ version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was administered to a population aged 4 to 15 years, and the parents’ version of the modified KIDSCREEN-10 Index was given to a population aged 8 to 15 years. Sociodemographic data and information on family structure, socioeconomic status, health status, and discrimination were collected. Regression models were developed to analyze associations of socioeconomic status with mental health and HRQoL.

RESULTS:

A total of 6414 children and adolescents aged 4 to 15 years participated. Mean Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire score was 9.38 (SD, 5.84) and mean KIDSCREEN-10 Index score (n = 4446) was 85.21 (SD, 10.73). Children whose mothers had a primary school education (odds ratio [OR]: 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–1.46) or a secondary education (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.14–1.29) presented poorer mental health than those whose mothers had a university degree. Children from disadvantaged social classes (IV–V) showed slightly poorer HRQoL scores (OR: 0.98; CI: 0.97–0.99) than the remaining children.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is a social gradient in the mental health of children and young adolescents in Spain. No social gradient was found for HRQoL, although children from families of disadvantaged social classes had slightly worse HRQoL scores than their counterparts from more advantaged classes.
Long-term Differences in Language and Cognitive Function After Childhood Exposure to Anesthesia
Authors: Ing Caleb , DiMaggio Charles , Whitehouse Andrew , Hegarty Mary K. , Brady Joanne , von Ungern-Sternberg Britta S. , Davidson Andrew , Wood Alastair J.J. , Li Guohua , Sun Lena S.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND:

Over the past decade, the safety of anesthetic agents in children has been questioned after the discovery that immature animals exposed to anesthesia display apoptotic neurodegeneration and long-term cognitive deficiencies. We examined the association between exposure to anesthesia in children under age 3 and outcomes in language, cognitive function, motor skills, and behavior at age 10.

METHODS:

We performed an analysis of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, which includes 2868 children born from 1989 to 1992. Of 2608 children assessed, 321 were exposed to anesthesia before age 3, and 2287 were unexposed.

RESULTS:

On average, exposed children had lower scores than their unexposed peers in receptive and expressive language (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals: Receptive [CELF-R] and Expressive [CELF-E]) and cognition (Colored Progressive Matrices [CPM]). After adjustment for demographic characteristics, exposure to anesthesia was associated with increased risk of disability in language (CELF-R: adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–2.93, CELF-E: aRR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.12–2.64), and cognition (CPM: aRR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.13–2.53). An increased aRR for disability in language and cognition persisted even with a single exposure to anesthesia (CELF-R aRR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.40–4.17, and CPM aRR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.04–2.88).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results indicate that the association between anesthesia and neuropsychological outcome may be confined to specific domains. Children in our cohort exposed to anesthesia before age 3 had a higher relative risk of language and abstract reasoning deficits at age 10 than unexposed children.
NK Cells: Key to Success of DC-Based Cancer Vaccines?
Authors: Lion Eva , Smits Evelien L.J.M. , Berneman Zwi N. , Van Tendeloo Viggo F.I.
Published: August 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the current in vivo experimental and clinical dendritic cell (DC) vaccination studies encompassing the monitoring of natural killer (NK) cells.Discuss the evaluation of NK cell stimulating potency in the design of DC-based cancer vaccines in the preclinical phase and in clinical trials.Explain the added value of immune monitoring of NK cells in cancer vaccination trials.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

The cytotoxic and regulatory antitumor functions of natural killer (NK) cells have become attractive targets for immunotherapy. Manipulation of specific NK cell functions and their reciprocal interactions with dendritic cells (DCs) might hold therapeutic promise. In this review, we focus on the engagement of NK cells in DC-based cancer vaccination strategies, providing a comprehensive overview of current in vivo experimental and clinical DC vaccination studies encompassing the monitoring of NK cells. From these studies, it is clear that NK cells play a key regulatory role in the generation of DC-induced antitumor immunity, favoring the concept that targeting both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms may synergistically promote clinical outcome. However, to date, DC vaccination trials are only infrequently accompanied by NK cell monitoring. Here, we discuss different strategies to improve DC vaccine preparations via exploitation of NK cells and provide a summary of relevant NK cell parameters for immune monitoring. We underscore that the design of DC-based cancer vaccines should include the evaluation of their NK cell stimulating potency both in the preclinical phase and in clinical trials.
Nutrients and defoliation increase soil carbon inputs in grassland
Authors: Ziter Carly , MacDougall Andrew S.
Published: August 2012

Given the regulatory impact of resources and consumers on plant production, decomposition, and soil carbon sequestration, anthropogenic changes to nutrient inputs and grazing have likely transformed how grasslands process atmospheric CO2. The direction and magnitude of these changes, however, remain unclear in this system, whose soils contain ∼20% of the world's carbon pool. Nutrients stimulate production but can also increase tissue palatability and decomposition. Grazing variously affects tissue quality and quantity, decreasing standing biomass, but potentially increasing leaf nutrient concentrations, root production, or investment in tissue defenses that slow litter decay. Here, we quantified individual and interactive impacts of nutrient addition and simulated grazing (mowing) on above‐ and belowground production, tissue quality, and soil carbon inputs in a western North American grassland with globally distributed agronomic species. Given that nutrients and grazing are often connected with increased root production and higher foliar tissue quality, we hypothesized that these treatments would combine to reduce inputs of recalcitrant‐rich litter critical for C storage. This hypothesis was unsupported. Nutrients and defoliation combined to significantly increase belowground production but did not affect root tissue quality. There were no significant interactions between nutrients and defoliation for any measured response. Three years of nutrient addition increased root and shoot biomass by 37% and 23%, respectively, and had no impact on decomposition, resulting in a ∼15% increase in soil organic matter and soil carbon. Defoliation triggered a significant burst of short‐lived lignin‐rich roots, presumably a compensatory response to foliar loss, which increased root litter inputs by 33%. The majority of root and shoot responses were positively correlated, with aboveground biomass a reasonable proxy for whole plant responses. The exceptions were decomposition, with roots six times more decay resistant, and grazing impacts on tissue chemistry, with shoots undergoing significant alterations, while roots were unaffected. Because neither treatment affected concentrations of decay‐resistant compounds in roots, the implied net effect is higher soil C inputs with potentially longer residency times. Areas managed with nutrients and moderate grazing in our study system could thus accumulate significantly more soil C than unmanaged areas, with a greater capacity to serve as sinks for atmospheric CO2.
Trait‐dependent response of dung beetle populations to tropical forest conversion at local and regional scales
Authors: Nichols Elizabeth , Uriarte María , Bunker Daniel E. , Favila Mario E. , Slade Eleanor M. , Vulinec Kevina , Larsen Trond , Vaz-de-Mello Fernando Z. , Louzada Julio , Naeem Shahid , Spector Sacha H.
Published: August 2012

Comparative analyses that link information on species' traits, environmental change, and organism response have rarely identified unambiguous trait correlates of vulnerability. We tested if species' traits could predict local‐scale changes in dung beetle population response to three levels of forest conversion intensity within and across two biogeographic regions (the Neotropics and Afro‐Eurasian tropics). We combined biodiversity surveys, a global molecular phylogeny, and information on three species' traits hypothesized to influence vulnerability to forest conversion to examine (1) the consistency of beetle population response across regions, (2) if species' traits could predict this response, and (3) the cross‐regional consistency of trait–response relationships. Most beetle populations declined following any degree of forest conversion; these declines were strongest for Neotropical species. The relationship between traits and population trend was greatly influenced by local and biogeographic context. We discuss the ability of species' traits to explain population trends and suggest several ways to strengthen trait–response models.
Music Therapy Research in the NICU: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Standley Jayne
Published: August 2012

Purpose: To provide an overview of developmental and medical benefits of music therapy for preterm infants.

Design: Meta-analysis.

Sample: Empirical music studies with preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Main Outcome: Evidence-based NICU music therapy (NICU-MT) was highly beneficial with an overall large significant effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.82). Effects because of music were consistently in a positive direction.

Results: Results of the current analysis replicated findings of a prior meta-analysis and included extended use of music.1 Benefits were greatest for live music therapy (MT) and for use early in the infant’s NICU stay (birth weight <1,000 g, birth postmenstrual age <28 weeks). Results justify strong consideration for the inclusion of the following evidence-based NICU-MT protocols in best practice standards for NICU treatment of preterm infants: music listening for pacification, music reinforcement of sucking, and music pacification as the basis for multilayered, multimodal stimulation.
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: Psychological Entrapment and Women’s Commitment to Violent Dating Relationships
Authors: Katz Jennifer , Tirone Vanessa , Schukrafft Melanie
Published: August 2012

Psychological entrapment occurs when people continue investing in unfavorable situations after already devoting too much to lose. We predicted that women who already invested more time and resources into their relationships would exert effort to improve their relationships following partner violence. In turn, these efforts were expected to increase women’s subjective investment in, and thus, commitment to violent relationships. Undergraduate women (N = 98) in heterosexual relationships reported on partner violence and relationship duration at Time 1 and relationship sacrifices, subjective investment, and commitment at Times 1 and 2. As expected, women with violent partners who were in longer term relationships sacrificed more 6 weeks later. Unexpectedly, in multivariate analyses, Time 2 sacrifices were not significantly associated with Time 2 subjective investment, although subjective investment was positively associated with concurrent commitment. These results provide preliminary evidence for women’s entrapment in violent relationships.
Mock Juror Perception of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Testimony
Authors: Wasarhaley Nesa E. , Simcic Theresa A. , Golding Jonathan M.
Published: August 2012

The perception of a sexual assault nurse examiner’s (SANE) testimony in a criminal rape trial was investigated. Men and women undergraduates (N = 138) read a fictional criminal trial summary of a rape case in which medical testimony from a SANE or a registered nurse (RN) was presented, or no medical testimony was presented. Results indicated that mock jurors were more likely to render guilty verdicts when a SANE testified than when an RN testified, and this relationship was fully mediated by perceived credibility of the nurse as well as provictim perceptions. Results are discussed in terms of the impact of SANE involvement in legal proceedings.
Meeting the Training Needs of Those Who Meet the Needs of Victims: Assessing Service Providers
Authors: Neff Joan L. , Patterson Mandie M. , Johnson Sherri
Published: August 2012

Despite growing awareness of crime victims’ needs for support and services, few studies have examined the training needs of those who provide such services. This research presents the results of statewide needs assessment of victims services providers (VSPs) conducted in preparation for designing a state victim assistance training academy. Respondents were asked to indicate their needs for training on various topics pertaining to victims services. Results indicate that extent of formal education and years of experience in the field are the primary determinants of reported needs for training. Respondents with less formal education and less experience in the field, regardless of the nature of their organizational position (client services vs. management), report greater needs for training. Implications for designing training programs for VSPs are discussed.
Combined wastewater feed directly into final clarification – advantage for receiving rivers
Authors: Hartwig P.
Published: August 2012

With a view to a reduction of the discharge from combined water outflow, the increase of the influent to a wastewater treatment plant can be an efficient solution, for cases in which the discharge concentration of the wastewater treatment plant would not deteriorate significantly as a result. Through bypassing the aeration with combined water and a direct feed of the combined water into the final clarification (Mina-Process) the specific sludge volume loading, which is significant to the efficiency of the final clarification, will not be raised. But the adsorption capability of the aerated sludge, the sedimentation effect of the final clarification, and the partial recirculation over return-sludge can be used for an elimination of suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia and phosphate from the combined wastewater. In large-scale tests in Wilhelmshaven (160,000 PE), removal efficiencies for the elimination in the bypass of 75% of COD, 60% of ammonia and 89% of suspended solids were reached. In comparison with conventional procedures for combined water treatment (e.g. storage volumes, soil filter) the Mina-Process has the possibility to achieve a highly efficient and economical combined water treatment by using the capability of existing clarifiers.
Biosorption of As(V) from aqueous solutions by living cells of Bacillus cereus
Authors: Giri A. K. , Patel R. K. , Mishra P. C.
Published: August 2012

In this work, the biosorption of As(V) from aqueous solutions by living cells of Bacillus cereus has been reported. The batch biosorption experiments were conducted with respect to biosorbent dosage 0.5 to 15 g/L, pH 2 to 9, contact time 5 to 90 min, initial concentration 1 to 10 mg/L and temperature 10 to 40 °C. The maximum biosorption capacity of B. cereus for As(V) was found to be 30.04 at pH 7.0, at optimum conditions of contact time of 30 min, biomass dosage of 6 g/L, and temperature of 30 ± 2 °C. Biosorption data were fitted to linearly transformed Langmuir isotherms with R2 (correlation coefficient) >0.99. Bacillus cereus cell surface was characterized using AFM and FTIR. The metal ions were desorbed from B. cereus using both 1 M HCl and 1 M HNO3. The pseudo-second-order model was successfully applied to predict the rate constant of biosorption.
Effect of sludge discharge positions on steady-state aerobic granules in sequencing batch reactor (SBR)
Authors: Liu Lin , Gao Da-Wen , Liang Hong
Published: August 2012

We have investigated the effect of sludge discharge location on the steady-state aerobic granules in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). Two SBRs were operated concurrently with the same sludge retention time using sludge discharge ports at: (a) the reactor bottom in R1; and (b) the reactor middle-lower level in R2. Results indicate that both reactors could maintain sludge granulation and stable operation, but the two different sludge discharge methods resulted in significantly different aerobic granule characteristics. Over 30 days, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of the two reactors was maintained at similar levels (above 96%), and typical bioflocs were not observed. The average aerobic granule size in R2 was twice that in R1, as settling velocity increased in proportion to size increment. Meanwhile, the production yields of polysaccharide and protein content in R2 were always higher than those in R1. However, due to mass transfer limitations and the presence of anaerobes in the aerobic granule cores, larger granules had a tendency to disintegrate in R2. Thus, we conclude that a sludge discharge port situated at the reactor bottom is beneficial for aerobic granule stability, and enhances the potential for long-term aerobic granule SBR operation.
Use of non-thermal plasma and UV-light for removal of odour from sludge treatment
Authors: Andersen K. B. , Feilberg A. , Beukes J. A.
Published: August 2012

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) systems can be used for abatement of odour nuisances. Odour reductions are achieved by radical-initiated oxidation and dust collection in the plasma reactor. For some emissions a sequence of NTP followed by UV-light can improve the odour reduction further. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of NTP technology combined with UV-light towards odour emissions from sludge treatment. Air from a pilot sludge dryer was treated with a pilot NTP and a UV unit. The effect of using an acid scrubber upstream the NTP system was also tested. Thermal desorption gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) was used to analyse samples taken from the inlet and the outlet of the NTP system. The TD-GC/MS used was also equipped with a sniffing port that made it possible to record odour-active compounds eluting from the column. Relative amounts of odour-active compounds in the inlet and the outlet flow from the NTP system were compared. Bag samples from inlet and outlet were also separately analysed by an external lab and by two operators using a one-man olfactometer, a modified NasalRangerTM. These results indicated a significant odour removal efficiency of 70–90% depending on the settings and combinations of abatement equipment.
Biofilm growth and hydrodynamic behaviour in the biological plate tower (BPT) with and without hanging biomass (BPT-HB)
Authors: Peixoto João Monteiro , Pinto João Carlos Ribeiro
Published: August 2012

Deodorization and volatile organic compound abatement from polluted air streams can be accomplished with the biological plate tower (BPT), which has proved to be a reliable alternative to biofilters and biotrickling filters. Unlike those, the BPT is a non-clogging device, with constant active surface, and steady performance, making it ideal for scale-up and modelling. The initial BPT design needed improvement for better performance. The cylindrical body (circular plates) was replaced by a rectangular cuboid (rectangular plates). Holes in the plates did augment the amount of active biomass (hanging from the holes and under the plates), without reducing the transfer of toluene from the gaseous to the liquid phase. The diminished distance between plates was well tolerated in co-current flow, allowing much higher quantities of biomass in the same reactor volume. With 18 and 14 mm spacing between adjacent plates, the BPT, with and without holes, was tested for flooding, holdup and pressure drop. Several gas and liquid flows were tested, both in co-current and counter-current. In hydrodynamic terms, the BPT-HB with co-current flow was clearly the best option. Higher stability with higher flow rates, and lower pressure drops were observed. The inoculum was obtained from wastewater plant activated sludge (petrochemical industry).
Laser materials processing at Sandia National Laboratories
Authors: Jellison James L. , Cieslak Michael J.
Published: August 2012

This paper describes the laser materials processing capabilities at Sandia National Laboratories. Some of the advances in the understanding of various aspects of laser materials processing which have been made by the laser materials processing team at Sandia are discussed.
Laser hazard evaluation method for middle infrared laser systems
Authors: Marshall Wesley J. , Aldrich Robert C. , Zimmerman Sheldon A.
Published: August 2012

Hazard evaluation methods for lasers, with wavelengths greater than 1.4 μm (mostly in the middle infrared), have changed significantly in the current version of the American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, ANSI Z136.1-1993. A correct evaluation involves comparing the hazard potential based on two evaluation models; one based on individual pulses and the other based on an equivalent continuous-wave exposure. An example of the hazard evaluation method within this spectral region is provided.
Laser drilling of advanced materials: Effects of peak power, pulse format, and wavelength
Authors: Chen X. , Lotshaw W. T. , Ortiz A. L. , Staver P. R. , Erikson C. E. , McLaughlin M. H. , Rockstroh T. J.
Published: August 2012

The quality of laser-drilled holes is significantly influenced by the laser peak power, pulse format, and wavelength. Three advanced materials are used to demonstrate the importance of choosing the correct laser parameters for a specific material. The materials are: (1) intermetallic single crystal nickel aluminide (NiAl) alloy; (2) N5, a single crystal nickel-based superalloy; and (3) a silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic matrix composite (CMC). The laser peak power is varied in terms of the pulse duration and format. For low peak powers, long pulse format (pulse lengths on the order of ms), conventional and also shaped-pulse (burst) commercial rod Nd:YAG laser systems were used. For high peak powers, a short pulse format was adopted for the laser used, namely a cw-pumped Q-switched or modelocked/Q-switched Nd:YAG oscillator followed by a cw-pumped multipass amplifier using a face-pumped, total internal reflection Nd:YAG slab as the gain medium. Finally, a KrF excimer laser operating at a 248 nm wavelength was used. The excimer wavelength was chosen to be close to the Nd:YAG fourth harmonic.
Electronic Structure of Cu(tmdt)2 Studied with First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Ishibashi Shoji , Terakura Kiyoyuki
Published: August 2012

We have studied the electronic structure of Cu(tmdt)2, a material related to single-component molecular conductors, by first-principles calculations. The total energy calculations for several different magnetic configurations show that there is strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) exchange coupling along the crystal a-axis. The electronic structures are analyzed in terms of the molecular orbitals near the Fermi level of isolated Cu(tmdt)2 molecule. This analysis reveals that the system is characterized by the half-filled pdσ(−) band whose intermolecular hopping integrals have strong one-dimensionality along the crystal a-axis. As the exchange splitting of the band is larger than the band width, the basic mechanism of the AFM exchange coupling is the superexchange. It will also be shown that two more ligand orbitals which are fairly insensitive to magnetism are located near the Fermi level. Because of the presence of these orbitals, the present calculation predicts that Cu(tmdt)2 is metallic even in its AFM state, being inconsistent with the available experiment. Some comments will be made on the difference between Cu(tmdt)2 and Cu(dmdt)2.
Species Differentiation of Chinese Mollitrichosiphum (Aphididae: Greenideinae) Driven by Geographical Isolation and Host Plant Acquirement
Authors: Zhang Ruiling , Huang Xiaolei , Jiang Liyun , Lei Fumin , Qiao Gexia
Published: August 2012

The impact of both the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and the separation of the Taiwan and Hainan Islands on the evolution of the fauna and flora in adjacent regions has been a topic of considerable interest. Mollitrichosiphum is a polyphagous insect group with a wide range of host plants (14 families) and distributions restricted to Southeast Asia. Based on the mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) and Cytochrome b (Cytb) genes, the nuclear elongation factor-1α (EF-1α) gene, and the detailed distribution and host plant data, we investigated the species differentiation modes of the Chinese Mollitrichosiphum species. Phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of Mollitrichosiphum. The divergence time of Mollitrichosiphum tenuicorpus (c. 11.0 mya (million years ago)), Mollitrichosiphum nandii and Mollitrichosiphum montanum (c. 10.6 mya) was within the time frame of the uplift of the QTP. Additionally, basal species mainly fed on Fagaceae, while species that fed on multiple plants diverged considerably later. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that Fagaceae may be the first acquired host, and the acquisition of new hosts and the expansion of host range may have promoted species differentiation within this genus. Overall, it can be concluded that geographical isolation and the expansion of the host plant range may be the main factors driving species differentiation of Mollitrichosiphum.
Release of Terpenes from Fir Wood during Its Long-Term Use and in Thermal Treatment
Authors: Kačík František , Veľková Veronika , Šmíra Pavel , Nasswettrová Andrea , Kačíková Danica , Reinprecht Ladislav
Published: August 2012

Building structures made from fir wood are often attacked by wood-destroying insects for which the terpenes it contains serve as attractants. One of the possibilities for extending the lifetime of structures is to use older wood with a lower content of terpenes and/or thermally modified wood. The study evaluated the levels of terpenes in naturally aged fir wood (108, 146, 279, 287 and 390 years) and their decrease by thermal treatment (the temperature of 60 °C and 120 °C, treatment duration of 10 h). Terpenes were extracted from wood samples by hexane and analyzed by gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicate that recent fir wood contained approximately 60 times more terpenes than the oldest wood (186:3.1 mg/kg). The thermal wood treatment speeded up the release of terpenes. The temperature of 60 °C caused a loss in terpenes in the recent fir wood by 62%, the temperature of 120 °C even by >99%. After the treatment at the temperature of 60 °C the recent fir wood had approximately the same quantity of terpenes as non-thermally treated 108 year old wood, i.e., approximately 60–70 mg/kg. After the thermal treatment at the temperature of 120 °C the quantity of terpenes dropped in the recent as well as the old fir wood to minimum quantities (0.7–1.1 mg/kg). The thermal treatment can thus be used as a suitable method for the protection of fir wood from wood-destroying insects.
A Perspective on the Comparative Antileukemic Activity of 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (Decitabine) and 5-Azacytidine (Vidaza)
Authors: Momparler Richard L.
Published: August 2012

5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-AZA-CdR, decitabine, Dacogen®) and 5-azacytidine (5-AC, Vidaza®) are epigenetic agents that have been approved for the clinical treatment of the hematological malignancy myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and are currently under clinical evaluation for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Most investigators currently classify 5-AZA-CdR and 5-AC as inhibitors of DNA methylation, which can reactivate tumor suppressor genes silenced by this epigenetic event. Examination of the pharmacology of these analogues reveals important differences with respect to their molecular mechanism of action. The action of 5-AZA-CdR is due to its incorporation into DNA. 5-AC is a riboside analogue that is incorporated primarily into RNA. A small fraction of 5-AC is converted to its deoxyribose form by ribonucleotide reductase and subsequently incorporated into DNA. The incorporation of 5-AC into RNA can interfere with the biological function of RNA and result in an inhibition protein synthesis. Microarray analysis revealed that both these analogues target the expression of different cohorts of genes. Preclinical studies show that 5-AZA-CdR is a more effective antileukemic agent than 5-AC. One explanation for this observation is that 5-AC blocks the progression of some leukemic cells from G1 into S phase, and this protects these cells from the chemotherapeutic action of this riboside analogue related to its incorporation into DNA. However, differences in chemotherapeutic efficacy of these related analogues have not been clearly demonstrated in clinical trials in patients with hematological malignancies. These observations should be taken into consideration in the design of new clinical trials using 5-AZA-CdR or 5-AC in patients with MDS and AML.
Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels: The Key Role of Water in Affecting Mechanical Properties
Authors: Pasqui Daniela , De Cagna Milena , Barbucci Rolando
Published: August 2012

Different hydrogels were prepared starting from natural or semi-synthetic polysaccharides (carboxymethylcellulose, hyaluronic acid and chitosan) which were cross-linked by the addition of a cross-linking agent chosen according to the chemical groups present along the polymer chains. The cross-linking reaction allows for the formation of a three-dimensional network made of covalent bonds between the polymer chains, which is stable under physiological conditions. The presence of a substantial amount of water within the polysaccharide matrices makes such systems unique among hydrophilic gels. Water itself is responsible for some of their peculiar characteristics, one of which is their injectability which makes these hydrogels suitable for using as matrices for mini-invasive surgery and localized therapy.
Optimized Design and Discussion on Middle and Large CANDLE Reactors
Authors: Yan Mingyu , Zhang Yong , Chai Xiaoming
Published: August 2012

CANDLE (Constant Axial shape of Neutron flux, nuclide number densities and power shape During Life of Energy producing reactor) reactors have been intensively researched in the last decades [1–6]. Research shows that this kind of reactor is highly economical, safe and efficiently saves resources, thus extending large scale fission nuclear energy utilization for thousands of years, benefitting the whole of society. For many developing countries with a large population and high energy demands, such as China and India, middle (1000 MWth) and large (2000 MWth) CANDLE fast reactors are obviously more suitable than small reactors [2]. In this paper, the middle and large CANDLE reactors are investigated with U-Pu and combined ThU-UPu fuel cycles, aiming to utilize the abundant thorium resources and optimize the radial power distribution. To achieve these design purposes, the present designs were utilized, simply dividing the core into two fuel regions in the radial direction. The less active fuel, such as thorium or natural uranium, was loaded in the inner core region and the fuel with low-level enrichment, e.g. 2.0% enriched uranium, was loaded in the outer core region. By this simple core configuration and fuel setting, rather than using a complicated method, we can obtain the desired middle and large CANDLE fast cores with reasonable core geometry and thermal hydraulic parameters that perform safely and economically; as is to be expected from CANDLE. To assist in understanding the CANDLE reactor’s attributes, analysis and discussion of the calculation results achieved are provided.
Article Commentary: Maternal Antiretroviral Prophylaxis and Breastfeeding
Authors: Marzolini Catia , Gray Glenda E
Published: August 2012

The prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 during breastfeeding is a major concern in resource-poor settings where alternatives to breast milk may be unaffordable, unsafe and limited by social stigma. The use of triple-drug antiretroviral regimens initiated during pregnancy and continued throughout breastfeeding is being studied as a means to prevent transmission by reducing HIV-1 viral load in the maternal serum and breast milk. Studies characterizing the exposure of antiretroviral agents in breast milk and in the breastfed infant are important to understand the dynamics of HIV-1 replication in breast milk and to establish the safety profiles of antiretroviral drugs.
Antiretroviral Prophylaxis for Breastfeeding Transmission in Malawi: Drug Concentrations, Virological Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Palombi Leonardo , Pirillo Maria F , Andreotti Mauro , Liotta Giuseppe , Erba Fulvio , Sagno Jean-Baptiste , Maulidi Martin , Ceffa Susanna , Jere Haswell , Marchei Emilia , Pichini Simona , Galluzzo Clementina M , Marazzi Maria C , Vella Stefano , Giuliano Marina
Published: August 2012

Background

Limited information is available on anti-retroviral concentrations in women/infant pairs receiving prophylaxis for breastfeeding transmission of HIV and on the relationship between drug levels and the virological and haematochemistry parameters.

Methods

Patient population included HIV-positive pregnant women receiving antiretroviral prophylaxis from gestational week 25 until 6 months after delivery and their breastfed infants. Blood and breast milk samples were collected at delivery, and at months 1, 3 and 6 postpartum. Drug concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

Overall, 66 women were studied: 29 received zidovudine (ZDV), lamivudine (3TC) and nevirapine (NVP), 28 stavudine (d4T), 3TC and NVP, and 9 ZDV, 3TC and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r). Women who received >9 weeks of pre-partum prophylaxis were significantly more likely to have an undetectable viral load both in plasma and in breast milk at delivery. No emergence of resistance mutations was observed in breast milk. Breast milk/plasma concentration ratios were 0.6 for ZDV, 3TC and NVP, 1.0 for d4T and 0.4 for LPV/r. Only NVP reached significant levels in the infants. No correlation with any adverse events, including infant anaemia, was observed with drug concentrations. Two infants who acquired HIV infection had non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor mutations at month 6.

Conclusions

Maternal administration of these three regimens up to 6 months postpartum was effective and safe for both mothers and infants. No significant correlation was found between drug concentrations and infant haematological parameters, supporting the hypothesis that other factors may contribute to the development of anaemia in these settings.
Molecular characterization of virulence factors in diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli isolates from children in Nairobi, Kenya.
Authors: Makobe Celestine Khalechi , Sang Willie K , Kikuvi Gideon , Kariuki Samuel
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Among the bacterial causes, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is the most important etiologic agent of childhood diarrhoea and represents a major public health problem in developing countries. New evidence suggests that major differences in virulence among groups of DEC pathotypes may be related to the presence of specific pathogenicity islands (PAIs). Methodology: Multiplex and conventional PCR assays were used to identify the DEC pathotypes and PAIs respectively from 207 E. coli isolates. Results: The predominant DEC pathotype isolated was EPEC 19.3% (40/207), followed by ETEC 7.25% (15/207), EAEC 3.86% (8/207), STEC 0.97% (2/207) and EIEC 0.48% (1/207). The PAIs detected were enteropathogenic secreted protein C (EspC) 12.2% (8/66), locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) 62.1% (41/66), and high pathogenicity island (HPI) 57.6% (38/66). Six percent (4/66) expressed only fyuA gene, 12.2% (8/66) irp2 only, and 39.4% (26/66) expressed both fyuA and irp2 genes. SHI-2 39.4% (26/66), she 6% (4/66) and O island 33.3% (22/66), 19.8% (13/66) expressed only efa/lifA gene, 7.6% (5/66) pagC gene only and 6.1% (4/66) expressed both efa/lifA and pagC genes. Toxigenic invasion A (TIA) PAI was not detected. Conclusion: This study revealed that in addition to eaeA, stx, aat, einv, st and lt virulence genes exhibited in the different DEC pathotypes there are numerous PAIs in the DEC pathotypes. The PAIs can increase gene mobility within various motile elements, which has implications for the spread of virulence factors from DEC to commensal E. coli.
Les normes des obligations filiales aux Pays-Bas
Authors: Dykstra Pearl A. , Fokkema Tineke , Vilquin Éric
Published: August 2012

Cet article analyse dans quelle mesure les normes et obligations filiales sont déterminées aux Pays-Bas par le système de valeurs du groupe, la configuration familiale, la capacité à venir en aide aux autres, et les expériences vécues en matière d’entraide. Les données proviennent de la première vague de la Netherlands Kinship Panel Study, contribution néerlandaise au Generations and Gender Programme, et portent sur l’échantillon qui combine population générale et population immigrée. Les Hollandais se montrent réticents à l’idée de dicter aux autres la manière de se comporter envers les parents âgés. Le système de valeurs est le déterminant majeur des normes filiales pour les immigrés, les personnes peu instruites et les croyants. Contrairement à ce que pourrait suggérer la répartition traditionnelle des rôles entre les sexes, l’adhésion aux principes du devoir filial est moins forte pour les femmes que les hommes. Quant aux divorcés et enfants de divorcés, ils ne semblent pas moins attachés que les autres à leurs obligations filiales. Des tendances altruistes se manifestent dans le fait que les normes sont moins rigoureuses parmi les groupes les plus âgés de la population et les personnes sans enfant cohabitant. L’étude met enfin en évidence une forte concordance entre les normes filiales et les comportements réels d’entraide.
Égalité entre hommes et femmes à la retraite : quels rôles pour les droits familiaux et conjugaux ?
Authors: Bonnet Carole , Hourriez Jean-Michel
Published: August 2012

La dissymétrie des rôles masculin et féminin dans le couple conduit à des écarts importants de pension de droit propre entre hommes et femmes, qui vont persister en dépit de la montée de l’activité féminine et de la redistribution opérée par le système de retraite en faveur des femmes. Dans un contexte de mariages stables, un système de retraite pouvait néanmoins assurer aux femmes un niveau de vie égal en moyenne à celui des hommes, grâce à un seul dispositif : la réversion. Ce ne sera plus le cas pour les générations futures à cause de la fragilisation des unions conjugales. De ce fait, il semble toujours justifié d’opérer une redistribution spécifique depuis les hommes vers les femmes dans le cadre du système de retraite. Mais les dispositifs de redistribution se diversifient : la réversion, pour couvrir le risque veuvage ; les droits familiaux, pour compenser l’impact des enfants sur les carrières féminines ; enfin le partage des droits, pour couvrir (au moins partiellement) le risque de divorce. Afin de s’adapter à la fragilisation des unions et au développement de l’activité féminine, il faudrait redéployer une partie des sommes importantes allouées à la réversion en direction des droits familiaux.
Preparing Clinical Preceptors to Support Nursing Students in Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Hagler Debra , Mays Mary Z. , Stillwell Susan B. , Kastenbaum Beatrice , Brooks Ruth , Fineout-Overholt Ellen , Williamson Kathleen M. , Jirsak Jan
Published: August 2012

Staff nurse preceptors contribute importantly to student learning and to academic program outcomes; however, academic-clinical partnerships can offer focused learning opportunities for preceptors as well. This study addressed different interest levels in evidence-based practice across clinical settings by testing the effectiveness of a workshop designed to increase preceptor knowledge and endorsement of evidence-based practice. Nurse preceptor participants (
N
= 160) recruited from seven hospitals during 2009 to 2011 had an average age of 43.9 (
SD
= 11.5) and an average of 17.0 (
SD
= 11.2) years of nursing experience. Participants’ scores on the Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs Scale improved significantly from pretest to posttest (
M
pre
= 59.0,
SD
pre
= 8.4,
M
post
= 66.4,
SD
post
= 6.8,
p
< .001), which was confirmed by subgroup analyses. At follow-up (1 to 25 months), 52% of the nurse preceptors reported increased use of evidence-based practice. This study indicates that a short collaborative, content-focused workshop can promote preceptor endorsement of evidence-based practice.