bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aluminum diffusion in ZnTe films grown on GaSb substrates for n‐type doping
Authors: DiNezza Michael J. , Zhang Qiang , Ding Ding , Fan Jin , Liu Xinyu , Furdyna Jacek K. , Zhang Yong‐Hang
Published: May 2012

ZnTe PN homojunctions are fabricated using thermal diffusion of Al into a ZnTe film grown on lattice‐matched GaSb substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Rectifying J‐V characteristics and the photovoltaic effect are observed which suggests that n‐type ZnTe has been successfully achieved. The reverse bias breakdown voltage is found to be dependent on annealing condition and acceptor concentration, and the trend agrees with PN junction theory. Secondary ion mass spectrometer depth profiles of the Al film show that Zn and Te out‐diffuse into the Al film during annealing. This out‐diffusion is undesirable because it may result in Zn vacancies which compensate Al donor atoms. Photoluminescence measurements of annealed ZnTe samples without the Al diffusion layer show strong band‐edge luminescence at room temperature. Midgap luminescence also appears for annealed samples but the intensity is lower than the band‐edge peak. This technique may lead to a better understanding of the n‐type doping problem for ZnTe, and could lead to in‐situdoping techniques and treatments. Successful n‐type doping of ZnTe with low resistivity will enable high‐efficiency optoelectronic devices operating at pure‐green wavelengths (550 nm) (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermal instability of HfO2 on InP structure with ultrathin Al2O3 interface passivation layer
Authors: An Chee‐Hong , Byun Young‐Chul , Cho Mann‐Ho , Kim Hyoungsub
Published: May 2012

We studied the thermal stability of HfO2 on an InP structure when an Al2O3 interface passivation layer (PL) was introduced. In contrast to the thick (∼4 nm) Al2O3‐PL, an almost complete disappearance of the thin (∼1 nm) Al2O3‐PL was observed after a post‐deposition anneal at 600 °C. Based on various chemical and electrical analyses, this was attributed to the intermixing of the thin Al2O3‐PL with HfO2, which might have been accompanied by the out‐diffusion of a substantial amount of substrate elements. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Antioxidant Activity of Allylpyrocatechol is Mediated via Decreased Generation of Free Radicals Along With Escalation of Antioxidant Mechanisms
Authors: Sarkar Debjani , Kundu Sunanda , De Soumita , Hariharan Chellaram , Saha Piu , Manna Alak , Chattopadhyay Subrata , Chatterjee Mitali
Published: May 2012

Allylpyrocatechol (APC) is responsible for the antiinflammatory activity exhibited by the methanolic extract of leaves of Piper betle. As antiinflammatory compounds may display antioxidant properties and vice versa, we investigated the antioxidant effect of APC. APC effectively reduced phorbol‐myristate‐acetate‐induced generation of reactive oxygen species and superoxide in murine peritoneal macrophages as well as inhibited Escherichia‐coli‐induced phagocytic activity of macrophages. Furthermore, pBluescript SK+ plasmid DNA damage induced by addition of sodium ascorbate was attenuated by APC as it inhibited transformation of the supercoiled form to a relaxed form. In addition, APC increased the enzymatic (catalase) and nonenzymatic (GSH) antioxidant components of murine macrophages. Taken together, APC exhibited an antioxidant activity which was mediated both via decreased generation of free radicals along with increase in cellular antioxidants. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymethoxyflavonoids Tangeretin and Nobiletin Increase Glucose Uptake in Murine Adipocytes
Authors: Onda Kenji , Horike Natsumi , Suzuki Tai‐ichi , Hirano Toshihiko
Published: May 2012

Tangeretin and nobiletin are polymethoxyflavonoids that are contained in citrus fruits. Polymethoxyflavonoids are reported to have several biological functions including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐atherogenic, or anti‐diabetic effects. However, whether polymethoxyflavonoids directly affect glucose uptake in tissues is not well understood. In the current study, we investigated whether tangeretin and nobiletin affect glucose uptake in insulin target cells such as adipocytes. We observed that treatment with tangeretin or nobiletin significantly increased the uptake of [3H]‐deoxyglucose in differentiated 3T3‐F442A adipocytes in a concentration‐dependent manner. Data showed that phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase, Akt1/2, and the protein kinase A pathways were involved in the increase in glucose uptake induced by polymethoxyflavonoids. These data suggest that the anti‐diabetic action of polymethoxyflavonoids is partly exerted via these signaling pathways in insulin target tissues. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Flame Treatment on Surface Properties and Heat Sealability of Low‐Density Polyethylene Coating
Authors: Tuominen Mikko , Ek M. , Saloranta P. , Toivakka M. , Kuusipalo J.
Published: May 2012

The target of this study is to investigate the correlation between surface properties and heat sealability of flame‐treated low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) coating because it is vital to know how to modify the surface properties of LDPE coating without losing the heat sealing properties. Flame treatment showed a significant effect on the heat sealing properties of LDPE‐coated paper. For example, the heat sealing temperature of LDPE coating decreased or alternatively doubled, depending on the equivalence ratio (air–propane ratio) of flame treatment. In addition, the hot tack strength was significantly enhanced by flame treatment, which broadened the hot tack window of LDPE‐coated paper. The reason for the heat sealing performance of flame‐treated LDPE coating was believed to be related to the simultaneous reactions, that is, cross‐linking and chain scission, occurring on the LDPE surface. The molecular weight of LDPE surface increased or decreased, depending on the dominating reaction during flame treatment. This affected the chain mobility and the amount of chain interdiffusion across the seal interface and finally defined the heat sealing performance of LDPE‐coated paper. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Set membership state estimation with improved zonotopic description of feasible solution set
Authors: Chai Wei , Sun Xianfang , Qiao Junfei
Published: May 2012

This paper proposes an improved zonotopic method to set membership state estimation for nonlinear discrete‐time systems with a bounded description of noise and parameters. According to the previous method, a zonotope containing the uncertain trajectory of the system is computed using interval arithmetic in the time update. In the observation update, an improved intersection algorithm of zonotope and strip is used to obtain a zonotope bounding the intersection of the uncertain trajectory with the region of the state space consistent with the observed output. This obtained zonotope is used to describe the feasible solution set of state. It is proven that the zonotope obtained by the improved algorithm can be tighter than the one obtained by the previous algorithm. Simulation experiments are conducted showing the performance of the improved state estimation method as compared with the previous one. Two types of noise distribution are considered. The results expose the weakness of the previous method and illustrate the effectiveness of the improvement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Almost sure exponential convergence to consensus of random gossip algorithms
Authors: Picci Giorgio , Taylor Thomas J.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we provide a proof of almost sure exponential convergence to consensus for a general class of ergodic edge selection processes. The proof is based on the multiplicative ergodic theorem of Oseledec and also applies to continuous time gossip algorithms. An example of exponential convergence in a non ergodic case is also discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Top management team functional diversity and organizational innovation in China: The moderating effects of environment
Authors: Qian Cuili , Cao Qing , Takeuchi Riki
Published: May 2012

While conflicts (cognitive and affective) have been considered as important process variables to better understand the mixed findings on the relationship between top management team functional diversity and organizational innovation, such an input‐process‐outcome model is still incomplete without considering the environmental factors. This study was formulated to assess the importance of both competitive and institutional environments in moderating such upper echelon effects within a transition economy. The chief executive officers and chief technology officers of 122 Chinese firms were surveyed and both competitive uncertainty and institutional support were found to shape top management team decision making processes and their outcomes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal hemodynamics at 11–13 weeks of gestation and preterm birth
Authors: Khalil A. , Elkhouli M. , Garcia‐Mandujano R. , Chiriac R. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: May 2012

Objective

Women who experience preterm birth (PTB) are at increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the subsequent decades. Individuals with cardiovascular disorders have increased central aortic systolic blood pressure (SBPAo) and arterial stiffness, assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). The aim of this screening study was to evaluate SBPAo, PWV and AIx at 11–13 weeks' gestation in women who delivered preterm.

Methods

This was a prospective study in singleton pregnancies at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation. Maternal history and characteristics were recorded, and PWV, AIx and SBPAo were measured. We compared these parameters in women who had spontaneous (n = 244) or iatrogenic (n = 110) PTB before 37 weeks' gestation and before 34 weeks with those in women who had term delivery (n = 7489).

Results

Compared with women who had term delivery, women who had iatrogenic PTB had significantly higher AIx (1.08 (interquartile range (IQR), 0.91–1.27) multiples of the median (MoM), vs. 1.00 (IQR, 0.86–1.16) MoM) and SBPAo (1.06 (IQR, 0.98–1.15) MoM vs. 1.00 (IQR, 0.93–1.07) MoM). However, there was no significant difference in AIx, PWV or SBPAo between those who had spontaneous PTB and those who had term delivery. These findings were similar for those who had PTB at < 34 and < 37 weeks' gestation.

Conclusion

Women who had iatrogenic PTB, but not those who had spontaneous PTB, have increased SBPAo and arterial stiffness that is apparent from as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compensatory enlargement of a solitary functioning kidney during fetal development
Authors: van Vuuren S. H. , van der Doef R. , Cohen‐Overbeek T. E. , Goldschmeding R. , Pistorius L. R. , de Jong T. P. V. M.
Published: May 2012

Objective

To determine the degree of compensatory enlargement, and its time of onset, of the solitary functioning kidney (SFK) in fetuses with unilateral renal agenesis (URA) or unilateral multicystic kidney dysplasia (MCKD).

methods

This was a retrospective study of fetuses with URA or MCKD diagnosed prenatally and confirmed postnatally in the period from January 1999 to May 2011. Fetuses with any other congenital anomalies were excluded. Measurements of kidney length were retrieved from our prenatal ultrasound database and a nomogram was established and compared with that for normal kidney length.

results

In total, 67 fetuses were identified, 60 with MCKD and seven with URA, for which we obtained 147 kidney length measurements from our database. Mean gestational age at time of measurement was 29.7 (range, 18.4–36.7) weeks. Compensatory enlargement, defined as renal length >95th percentile for gestational age, was demonstrated in 87% of the MCKD cases and 100% of the URA cases (88% of cases overall). We estimated the mean enlargement for an SFK (defined as difference from 50th percentile for normal renal length) at 36 weeks' gestation to be 23.1% (9.25 mm), with the mean value being 11.4% (5.04 mm) greater than the 95th percentile for a normal kidney at this gestational age. Compensatory enlargement of SFKs was evident from the 20th week of gestation onwards.

Conclusion

Compensatory enlargement of SFKs occurs in almost 90% of fetuses with MCKD or URA, and may be observed from the 20th week of gestation onwards.
Refractive X‐ray shape memory polymer 3D lenses with axial symmetry
Authors: Pavlov G. , Snigireva I. , Snigirev A. , Sagdullin T. , Schmidt M.
Published: May 2012

Parabolic 3D refractive lenses from shape memory polymers were manufactured and tested using monochromatic X‐rays of 10 keV. Four lenses in two sets with focal distances of about 6 and 4 m were used. The lens optical properties in terms of resolution, efficiency and gain were measured. The radiation stability test was performed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A total reflection X‐ray fluorescence method for the determination of chlorine at trace levels in nuclear materials without sample dissolution
Authors: Dhara Sangita , Misra Nand Lal , Thakur Uday Kumar , Shah Dipti , Sawant R. M. , Ramakumar K. L. , Aggarwal Suresh K.
Published: May 2012

A total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) method for the determination of chlorine at trace levels in nuclear fuel samples is described. Chlorine present in trace concentrations in nuclear fuel materials such as U3O8, (U,Pu)C, PuO2 and Pu‐alloys was first separated from the solid matrix by pyrohydrolysis as HCl and was collected in 5 mM NaOH solution. This solution was analyzed for chlorine by TXRF spectrometry using Cl Kα analytical line excited by W Lα. Cobalt was used as internal standard. The precision for such chlorine determination was found to be within 27% (n = 4) when the analysis was carried out in air atmosphere. This could be improved to 8% by making TXRF measurement in flowing helium atmosphere. The results obtained from TXRF determinations were also compared with those obtained from ion chromatography (IC) and were in good agreement. The collection of distillate during pyrohydrolysis in NaOH helped in counterchecking loss of chlorine during TXRF sample preparation. The average deviation of TXRF‐determined values in helium‐purged TXRF measurements with IC determined values (as chloride) was 15% at a chlorine concentration level in the range of 1–70 µg/mL. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tetranuclear Homo‐ and Heterometallic Manganese(III) and Nickel(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Studies
Authors: Nayak Sanjit , Novitchi Ghenadie , Muche Simon , Luneau Dominique , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: May 2012

Three new polynuclear cluster complexes were synthesized and characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray measurements, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. A Schiff‐base, 2‐{[(1‐hydroxybutan‐2‐yl)imino]methyl}phenol (himpH2), synthesized in situ from the reaction of salicylaldehyde and (±)‐2‐aminobutanol, was used as ligand. Reactions of the ligand with different MnII and NiII salts led to two homometallic complexes and a heterometallic complex with [MnIII4] (1), [NiII4] (2), and [MnIII2NiII2] (3) cores exhibiting square, cubane‐type, or butterfly arrangement, respectively. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of compounds 1–3, using appropriate spin Hamiltonians, indicated that the [MnIII4] and [NiII4] compounds show dominant ferromagnetic coupling of the spin carriers, whereas the [Mn2Ni2] compound has antiferromagnetic MnIII–NiII and ferromagnetic NiII–NiII interactions, with a spin ground state St = 2. Analyses of the magnetization data in 0–5 T fields at 2 K indicate the presence of positive zero‐field splitting (ZFS) values, which is consistent with the absence of slow magnetic relaxation.
Learning Curve of Thoracoscopic Repair of Esophageal Atresia
Authors: van der Zee David C. , Tytgat Stefaan H. A. J. , Zwaveling Sander , van Herwaarden Maud Y. A. , Vieira‐Travassos Daisy
Published: May 2012

Background

Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia is considered to be one of the more advanced pediatric surgical procedures, and it undoubtedly has a learning curve. This is a single‐center study that was designed to determine the learning curve of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia.

Methods

The study involved comparison of the first and second five‐year outcomes of thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair.

Results

The demographics of the two groups were comparable. There was a remarkable reduction of postoperative leakage or stenosis, and recurrence of fistulae, in spite of the fact that nowadays the procedure is mainly performed by young staff members and fellows.

Conclusions

There is a considerable learning curve for thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia. Centers with the ambition to start up a program for thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia should do so with the guidance of experienced centers.
Contact-free cold atmospheric plasma treatment of Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Maisch Tim , Shimizu Tetsuji , Mitra Anindita , Heinlin Julia , Karrer Sigrid , Li Yang-Fang , Morfill Gregor , Zimmermann Julia L
Published: May 2012

In this study we investigated the sensitivity of Deinococcus radiodurans to contact-free cold atmospheric plasma treatment as part of a project to establish new efficient procedures for disinfection of inanimate surfaces. The Gram-positive D. radiodurans is one of the most resistant microorganisms worldwide. Stationary phases of D. radiodurans were exposed to cold atmospheric plasma for different time intervals or to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation at dose rates of 0.001–0.0656 J cm−2, respectively. A methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain (MRSA) served as control for Gram-positive bacteria. The surface microdischarge plasma technology was used for generation of cold atmospheric plasma. A plasma discharge was ignited using ambient air. Surprisingly, D. radiodurans was sensitive to the cold atmospheric plasma treatment in the same range as the MRSA strain. Survival of both bacteria decreased with increasing plasma exposure times up to 6 log10 cycles (>99.999 %) within 20 s of plasma treatment. In contrast, UVC radiation of both bacteria demonstrated that D. radiodurans was more resistant to UVC treatment than MRSA. Cold atmospheric plasma seems to be a promising tool for industrial and clinical purposes where time-saving is a critical point to achieve efficient disinfection of inanimate surfaces and where protection from corrosive materials is needed.
Problématique des anéjaculations psychogènes au Sénégal : à propos de quatre cas
Authors: Sylla A. , Ndiaye-Ndongo N. -D. , Fall L. , Guèye S. M. , Guèye M.
Published: May 2012

Au Sénégal, les troubles sexuels posent un réel problème de diagnostic et surtout de prise en charge, en rapport avec le manque d’informations des patients, les tabous sexuels et la rareté supposée de ces affections.

Des patients présentant une anéjaculation sans étiologie organique ou iatrogène ont été adressés au service de psychiatrie en consultation de soutien psychologique. Les entretiens réalisés ont permis de déceler des facteurs psychosociaux communs par rapport aux circonstances précédant et entretenant l’anéjaculation psychogène.

Le premier facteur commun est la précocité des relations sexuelles avant la puberté chez tous les patients.

Par ailleurs, nous avons noté la crainte d’un inceste éventuel avec un sentiment de culpabilité, et une certaine valorisation de l’anéjaculation par les partenaires qui pourraient être des facteurs intervenant dans le renforcement du trouble.

La mise à disposition d’un espace d’écoute associé à des réaménagements s’inspirant de l’approche cognitivocomportementale a pu apporter un soulagement aux patients.
A pictorial review of traumatic pericardial injuries
Authors: Adams Ashok , Fotiadis Nicos , Chin Jann Yee , Sapsford Wayne , Brohi Karim
Published: May 2012

Background

Thoracic injuries are the third most common injuries in trauma patients with cardiac injuries amongst the most lethal. Imaging is essential in diagnosis and triage of patients with pericardial injuries, and this review aims to highlight the spectrum of imaging findings of pericardial trauma. Focussed assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is the preferred initial examination, being rapid and accurate. Sensitivity of FAST for pericardial fluid detection is high with reported sensitivities of 97–100%. Plain chest radiography has low sensitivity for pericardial injuries but is useful in the evaluation of associated injuries. Computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice for stable patients and can accurately diagnose traumatic pathology of the pericardium being especially useful in identification of cardiac herniation. The spectrum of CT findings includes pericardial fluid collections, focal pericardial defects and pneumopericardium.

Methods

A selection of cases of pericardial trauma encountered at a level one trauma centre is presented. Operative findings were correlated with the FAST scan, plain radiography and computed tomography imaging.

Conclusion

The imaging findings of pericardial trauma with various imaging modalities (ultrasound, plain radiography and computed tomography) are presented in order to aid interpretation during the acute trauma setting.
Interstate Migration Has Fallen Less Than You Think: Consequences of Hot Deck Imputation in the Current Population Survey
Authors: Kaplan Greg , Schulhofer-Wohl Sam
Published: May 2012

We show that much of the recent reported decrease in interstate migration is a statistical artifact. Before 2006, the Census Bureau’s imputation procedure for dealing with missing data in the Current Population Survey inflated the estimated interstate migration rate. An undocumented change in the procedure corrected the problem starting in 2006, thus reducing the estimated migration rate. The change in imputation procedures explains 90% of the reported decrease in interstate migration between 2005 and 2006, and 42% of the decrease between 2000 (the recent high-water mark) and 2010. After we remove the effect of the change in procedures, we find that the annual interstate migration rate follows a smooth downward trend from 1996 to 2010. Contrary to popular belief, the 2007–2009 recession is not associated with any additional decrease in interstate migration relative to trend.
Single nucleotide polymorphism barcoding to evaluate oral cancer risk using odds ratio‐based genetic algorithms
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Hong , Chuang Li‐Yeh , Cheng Yu‐Huei , Lin Yu‐Da , Wang Chun‐Lin , Wen Cheng‐Hao , Chang Hsueh‐Wei
Published: May 2012

Cancers often involve the synergistic effects of gene–gene interactions, but identifying these interactions remains challenging. Here, we present an odds ratio‐based genetic algorithm (OR‐GA) that is able to solve the problems associated with the simultaneous analysis of multiple independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with oral cancer. The SNP interactions between four SNPs—namely rs1799782, rs2040639, rs861539, rs2075685, and belonging to four genes (XRCC1, XRCC2, XRCC3, and XRCC4)—were tested in this study, respectively. The GA decomposes the SNPs sets into different SNP combinations with their corresponding genotypes (called SNP barcodes). The GA can effectively identify a specific SNP barcode that has an optimized fitness value and uses this to calculate the difference between the case and control groups. The SNP barcodes with a low fitness value are naturally removed from the population. Using two to four SNPs, the best SNP barcodes with maximum differences in occurrence between the case and control groups were generated by GA algorithm. Subsequently, the OR provides a quantitative measure of the multiple SNP synergies between the oral cancer and control groups by calculating the risk related to the best SNP barcodes and others. When these were compared to their corresponding non‐SNP barcodes, the estimated ORs for oral cancer were found to be great than 1 [approx. 1.72–2.23; confidence intervals (CIs): 0.94–5.30, p < 0.03–0.07] for various specific SNP barcodes with two to four SNPs. In conclusion, the proposed OR‐GA method successfully generates SNP barcodes, which allow oral cancer risk to be evaluated and in the process the OR‐GA method identifies possible SNP–SNP interactions.
Towards a transnational industrial-hazard history: charting the circulation of workplace dangers, debates and expertise
Authors: SELLERS CHRISTOPHER , MELLING JOSEPH
Published: May 2012

We argue that industrial hazards have remained an integral feature of the international and ‘global’ economy since the early modern period, and invite historians of science into the study of their history. The growth and dissemination of knowledge about these hazards, as well as the production and trade that generate them, continue to generate deep inequalities in just who is exposed to them, as illustrated by the shifting impact of the asbestos-related disease plague in the past half-century. Exposure levels in poorer countries have risen as those in affluent societies have fallen, the latter due as much to popular protest and media exposure as to scientific expertise. We suggest that the best way to understand the formation of knowledge about these hazards is not to return to the epistemological battlegrounds of the ‘science wars’ of the 1990s but to seek more interdisciplinary integration of the multifaceted ways that material bodies, environments and interests contribute to an understanding of such hazards and injuries. We propose the framework of ‘industrial-hazard regimes’ as an avenue into the ways in which knowledge about risks and dangers at work are created, translated and contested in different countries and times. While urging a return, in some respects, to the early models of ‘progressive enlightenment’ devised by radical commentators and pioneering historians of the industrial hazard in the early twentieth century, we would revise these early approaches, and also offer some sceptical commentary on the difficulties raised, more recently, by narratives of ‘heroic populism’ or ‘anti-science epidemiology’. The critical standpoints for which we argue recognize the diverse social and political identities and loyalties not only of past contributors to the controversies on industrial hazard, but also of historians of science and medicine themselves.
Psychometric evaluation of the DSM-IV criterion B mania symptoms in an Australian national sample
Authors: Carragher N. , Weinstock L. M. , Strong D.
Published: May 2012

Background

Although numerous studies have examined the latent structure of major depression, less attention has focused on mania. This paper presents the first investigation outside the USA to evaluate the psychometric properties of the DSM-IV criterion B mania symptoms using item response theory (IRT).

Method

Data were drawn from the Australian 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being (NSMHWB,n = 8841). The psychometric performance of the mania symptoms was evaluated using a two-parameter logistic model. Because substance use disorders (SUDs) frequently co-occur with mania and can influence manic symptom expression, differential item functioning (DIF) between mania respondents with/without a SUD diagnosis was also assessed.

Results

Factor analysis supported a unidimensional trait underlying mania. The grandiosity symptom displayed the highest discrimination whereas discrimination was lowest for decreased need for sleep. Relatively speaking, grandiosity tapped the severe end and increased goal-oriented activities tapped the mild end of the mania severity continuum. The symptoms generally performed equivalently between those with/without a SUD diagnosis, with one exception; the activities with painful consequences symptom was endorsed at lower levels of severity, and hence more frequently, by those with a SUD diagnosisversusthose without a SUD diagnosis.

Conclusions

Accurate conceptualization of latent structure has crucial theoretical, statistical and clinical implications. The symptoms generally performed well in distinguishing between respondents with differing levels of liability, but others did not, suggesting modification is warranted to ensure optimal use in epidemiological samples. Given the dearth of psychometric evaluation studies of mania, further research replicating these results is necessary.
Punishment promotes response control deficits in obsessive-compulsive disorder: evidence from a motivational go/no-go task
Authors: Morein-Zamir S. , Papmeyer M. , Gillan C. M. , Crockett M. J. , Fineberg N. A. , Sahakian B. J. , Robbins T. W.
Published: May 2012

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been associated with response inhibition deficits under motivationally neutral contingencies. We examined response inhibition performance in the presence of reward and punishment. We further investigated whether the hypothesized difficulties in flexibly updating behaviour based on external feedback in OCD would also lead to a reduced ability to adjust to changes in the reward and punishment contingencies.

Method

Participants completed a go/no-go task that used punishments or rewards to promote response activation or suppression. The task was administered to OCD patients free of current Axis-I co-morbidities including major depression (n = 20) and a group of healthy controls (n = 32).

Results

Compared with controls, patients with OCD had increased commission errors in punishment conditions, and failed to slow down immediately after receiving punishment. The punishment-induced increase in commission errors correlated with self-report measures of OCD symptom severity. Additionally, patients did not differ from controls in adapting their overall response style to the changes in task contingencies.

Conclusions

Individuals with OCD showed reduced response control selectively under punishment conditions, manifesting in an impulsive response style that was related to their current symptom severity. This stresses failures of cognitive control in OCD, particularly under negative motivational contingencies.
ASPECTS OF LEXICAL SOPHISTICATION IN ADVANCED LEARNERS’ ORAL PRODUCTION
Authors: Bardel Camilla , Gudmundson Anna , Lindqvist Christina
Published: May 2012

This article reports on the design and use of a profiler for lexical sophistication (i.e., use of advanced vocabulary), which was created to assess the lexical richness of intermediate and advanced Swedish second language (L2) learners’ French and Italian. It discusses how teachers’ judgments (TJs) of word difficulty can contribute to the methodology for lexical profiling and compares two methods, one purely frequency based and one modified on the basis of TJs of word difficulty. It has been suggested elsewhere that factors other than frequency play an important role in vocabulary acquisition. Here it is argued that cognates and thematic vocabulary related to teaching materials, although infrequent in target language (TL) corpora, should not necessarily be considered advanced and that analyses of learners’ lexical sophistication would benefit from integrating these aspects. In this study, the frequency-based method normally used in lexical profiling was modified by recategorizing some low-frequency words considered easy by many teachers. On the basis of the TJs, a basic vocabulary, which consisted mainly of high-frequency words but also of cognates and thematic words, was defined, which was based on the fact that teachers judged certain low-frequency cognates and thematic words as relatively easy. Using the modified method, learners’ lexical profiles were found to be more homogeneous within groups of learners at specific proficiency levels. The superiority of the new method over the purely frequency-based one was shown when comparing effect sizes. It is argued that this method gives a more correct picture of advanced L2 lexical profiles.
Petitioning Beijing: The High Tide of 2003–2006
Authors: Li Lianjiang , Liu Mingxing , O'Brien Kevin J.
Published: May 2012

What precipitated the 2003–06 “high tide” of petitioning Beijing and why did the tide wane? Interviews and archival sources suggest that a marked increase in petitioners coming to the capital was at least in part a response to encouraging signals that emerged when Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao adopted a more populist leadership style. Because the presence of tens of thousands of petitioners helped expose policy failures of the previous leadership team, the Hu-Wen leadership appeared reasonably accommodating when petitioners arriveden massein Beijing. Soon, however, the authorities shifted towards control and suppression, partly because frustrated petitioners employed disruptive tactics to draw attention from the Centre. In response to pressure from above, local authorities, especially county leaders, turned to coercion to contain assertive petitioners and used bribery to coax officials in the State Bureau of Letters and Visits to delete petition registrations. The high tide receded in late 2006 and was largely over by 2008. This article suggests that a high tide is more likely after a central leadership change, especially if a populist programme strikes a chord with the population and elite turnover augments confidence in the Centre and heightens expectations that it will be responsive to popular demands.
Use of PCR for detection of faecal HAV as a screening tool in an outbreak of hepatitis A in daycare centres
Authors: RUMP B. O. , VISSER O. , TE WIERIK M. J. M. , VENNEMA H. , FANOY E. B.
Published: May 2012

Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect faecal hepatitis A virus (HAV) can be a useful tool for investigating HAV outbreaks, especially in low-endemic countries. We describe the use of faecal HAV PCR as a non-invasive tool for screening. Two Dutch children visiting different daycare centres were diagnosed with hepatitis A in 2011. A systematic contact investigation was started in the daycare centres and relevant contacts were screened. The faecal HAV PCR test was used to screen the children. The employees were screened with a serum IgM. The faecal HAV PCR test proved to be an appropriate tool for screening. The screening of a total of 135 children and employees in the daycare centres resulted in evidence of eight asymptomatic infections and transmission to three related daycare centres. Control measures were taken including immunization. Compared to an epidemiological investigation without screening, 144 extra contacts were vaccinated based on the screening results. This most likely led to improved prevention of expansion of the outbreak.
Molecular evolution and epidemiology of four serotypes of dengue virus in Thailand from 1973 to 2007
Authors: CHEN S. P.
Published: May 2012

Thailand was a hyper-endemic country for dengue with co-circulation of four serotypes and tens of thousands of infected cases annually. Taking into consideration the large number of local dengue virus (DENV) sequences available in GenBank, Thailand was the most ideal locality to study co-evolution of DENV. Therefore, we undertook a large-scale molecular epidemiological analysis of all DENV strains isolated in Thailand. In this study, we demonstrated that DENV strains of four serotypes post-1990 grouped into distinct clades, and that specific mutations in the envelope protein were first confirmed in these clades. Compared to the DENV1, DENV2 and DENV3 clades, the DENV4 clade evolved markedly more slowly (6·4 × 10−5 substitutions/site per year). Our results also showed that the genetic diversity of the predominant genotype of each serotype tended to slightly increase over time with fluctuating changes, followed by a stationary phase after 2000. This suggests that the four DENV clades became the predominant strains due to DENV possessing improved fitness after long-term selection.
Microbiological and clinical characteristics of bacteraemia caused by the hypermucoviscosity phenotype ofKlebsiella pneumoniaein Korea
Authors: JUNG S. W. , CHAE H. J. , PARK Y. J. , YU J. K. , KIM S. Y. , LEE H. K. , LEE J. H. , KAHNG J. M. , LEE S. O. , LEE M. K. , LIM J. H. , LEE C. H. , CHANG S. J. , AHN J. Y. , LEE J. W. , PARK Y. G.
Published: May 2012

Hypermucoviscous (HV) isolates ofKlebsiella pneumoniaehave been linked to virulence potential in experimental infections. We examined 33 isolates ofK. pneumoniaefrom patients with bacteraemia for the HV phenotype on agar culture, and determined their virulence potential by screening for capsular (K) serotype by polymerase chain reaction and the presence of seven virulence factor genes. Fourteen (42·4%) isolates expressed the HV phenotype and 11 of these were serotype K1 or K2; these serotypes were not identified in HV-negative isolates. The genesrmpA,rmpA2,aerobactin,wabGandallSwere significantly more frequent in HV than non-HV isolates. Multilocus sequence typing identified 21 sequence types (ST), eight of which were found in HV-positive isolates and the clonal relatedness of isolates of the most frequent types (ST23 and ST11) from different hospitals was confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The HV phenotype was more associated with community-acquired infection with a lower frequency of fatal underlying illness, but with significantly more focal infections, notably liver abscesses. Clinicians should be aware of such clinical impacts of the HV phenotype.
Dose-specific efficacy ofHaemophilus influenzaetype b conjugate vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: GRIFFITHS U. K. , CLARK A. , GESSNER B. , MINERS A. , SANDERSON C. , SEDYANINGSIH E. R. , MULHOLLAND K. E.
Published: May 2012

Global coverage of infantHaemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib) vaccination has increased considerably during the past decade, partly due to GAVI Alliance donations of the vaccine to low-income countries. In settings where large numbers of children receive only one or two vaccine doses rather than the recommended three doses, dose-specific efficacy estimates are needed to predict impact. The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine Hib vaccine efficacy against different clinical outcomes after receiving one, two or three doses of vaccine. Studies were eligible for inclusion if a prospective, controlled design had been used to evaluate commercially available Hib conjugate vaccines. Eight studies were included. Pooled vaccine efficacies against invasive Hib disease after one, two or three doses of vaccine were 59%, 92% and 93%, respectively. The meta-analysis provides robust estimates for use in decision-analytical models designed to predict the impact of Hib vaccine.
Does a new transportation system increase the risk of importing non-native species to Antarctica?
Authors: Tsujimoto Megumu , Imura Satoshi
Published: May 2012

Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems are not immune to the threat of biological invasions, and the urgent need for implementation of effective mitigation measures to minimize the risk has been highlighted. Recently, the transportation and logistic support system of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition has undergone substantial changes after the relocation of the cargo handling facility and the commissioning of a new icebreaker in 2009. The potential risk of introducing non-native species into Antarctica through the newly adopted cargo transportation system in comparison with the previously existing system was determined by quantifying both changes in the form of cargo transported and the frequency of propagule attachment on different types of cargo item. We obtained 1022 propagules of at least 26 species, including species known to have resistance to the stresses of cold environments. Larger numbers of propagules, and a greater proportion of affected cargo items, were encountered in the newly adopted transportation system than in its predecessor. The increased risks in the new system were identified as being associated with the major cargo packing type and the cargo storage location. Based upon those findings, we propose appropriate preventative measures in order to minimize the risk of transfer of non-native species into Antarctica.
Iceberg-induced changes to polynya operation and regional oceanography in the southern Ross Sea, Antarctica, from in situ observations
Authors: Robinson N.J. , Williams M.J.M.
Published: May 2012

Two massive tabular icebergs calved from the Ross Ice Shelf in 2000 (B-15) and 2002 (C-19) and perturbed regional ocean processes for several years. Here we document the ocean's response in McMurdo Sound to the icebergs using in situ data collected before, during and after the icebergs’ residence in the Ross Sea. Departures from typical McMurdo Sound seasonal oceanography included the non-appearance of Antarctic Surface Water in summer, a cooler and more homogeneous water column during winter and ‘super-fresh’ High Salinity Shelf Water that gradually recovered its salinity. We found that each iceberg triggered a distinct response to regional ocean processes. B-15a, the largest piece of iceberg B-15, restricted surface circulation, cooled and freshened the upper water column and reduced melting near the ice shelf front for four years. Iceberg C-19 interrupted the operation of the Ross Sea polynya, from which McMurdo Sound took three to four years to recover, and was responsible for a geographic shift in the dense water formation region for the south-western Ross Sea. These results differ from earlier modelling studies and highlight the challenges of modelling the polar ocean. We also show that one pathway previously thought to supply dense water to the Ross Ice Shelf cavity was not operating at that time.
Perfect Graphs of Fixed Density: Counting and Homogeneous Sets
Authors: BÖTTCHER JULIA , TARAZ ANUSCH , WÜRFL ANDREAS
Published: May 2012

For c ∈ (0,1) let n(c) denote the set of n-vertex perfect graphs with density c and let n(c) denote the set of n-vertex graphs without induced C5 and with density c.

We show that

with otherwise, where H is the binary entropy function.

Further, we use this result to deduce that almost all graphs in n(c) have homogeneous sets of linear size. This answers a question raised by Loebl and co-workers.
Statistical Translation After Source Reordering: Oracles, Context-Aware Models, and Empirical Analysis
Authors: KHALILOV MAXIM , SIMA'AN KHALIL
Published: May 2012

In source reordering the order of the source words is permuted to minimize word order differences with the target sentence and then fed to a translation model. Earlier work highlights the benefits of resolving long-distance reorderings as a pre-processing step to standard phrase-based models. However, the potential performance improvement of source reordering and its impact on the components of the subsequent translation model remain unexplored. In this paper we study both aspects of source reordering. We set up idealized source reordering (oracle) models with/without syntax and present our own syntax-driven model of source reordering. The latter is a statistical model of inversion transduction grammar (ITG)-like tree transductions manipulating a syntactic parse and working with novel conditional reordering parameters. Having set up the models, we report translation experiments showing significant improvement on three language pairs, and contribute an extensive analysis of the impact of source reordering (both oracle and model) on the translation model regarding the quality of its input, phrase-table, and output. Our experiments show that oracle source reordering has untapped potential in improving translation system output. Besides solving difficult reorderings, we find that source reordering creates more monotone parallel training data at the back-end, leading to significantly larger phrase tables with higher coverage of phrase types in unseen data. Unfortunately, this nice property does not carry over to tree-constrained source reordering. Our analysis shows that, from the string-level perspective, tree-constrained reordering might selectively permute word order, leading to larger phrase tables but without increase in phrase coverage in unseen data.
Prevalences of overweight and obesity and their association with physical activity pattern among Iranian adolescents aged 12–17 years
Authors: Hajian-Tilaki Karimollah , Heidari Behzad
Published: May 2012

Objective

The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalences of overweight and obesity and their association with physical activity pattern among adolescents in northern Iran.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Babol, northern Iran.

Subjects

A representative sample of 1200 adolescents aged 12–17 years was recruited. All selected adolescents were interviewed, their leisure-time and sport physical activities were collected by a standard Baecke questionnaire and their height and weight were measured by standard methods. The diagnosis of overweight and obesity was determined by comparing BMI values with the BMI index for age and sex percentiles set by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000.

Results

The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 15·1 % and 8·3 %, respectively. The proportion of obesity was significantly higher in boys than in girls (10·2 %v. 6·5 %,P= 0·028). Overall, the levels of high, moderate and low leisure-time physical activity were 2·9 %, 79·4 % and 17·7 %, respectively. The corresponding levels of high, moderate and low sport physical activity were 17·4 %, 75·2 % and 7·4 %. The levels of leisure-time and sport physical activities were significantly higher among the boys than the girls (P< 0·001). There was also a significant association of studying in private schools and playing computer games with overweight/obesity (P< 0·001). Moderate leisure-time physical activity was unexpectedly associated with a greater risk of overweight/obesity compared with the low level (P= 0·002).

Conclusions

The findings indicate a high prevalence of overweight/obesity in these Iranian adolescents, particularly the boys. The influence of physical activity and diet on overweight/obesity requires further prospective studies.
Stocking characteristics and perceived increases in sales among small food store managers/owners associated with the introduction of new food products approved by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Authors: Ayala Guadalupe X , Laska Melissa N , Zenk Shannon N , Tester June , Rose Donald , Odoms-Young Angela , McCoy Tara , Gittelsohn Joel , Foster Gary D , Andreyeva Tatiana
Published: May 2012

Objective

The present study assessed the impact of the 2009 food packages mandated by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on perceived sales, product selection and stocking habits of small, WIC-authorized food stores.

Design

A cross-sectional study involving in-depth interviews with store managers/owners.

Setting

Small, WIC-authorized food stores in eight major cities in the USA.

Subjects

Fifty-two store managers/owners who had at least 1 year of experience in the store prior to study participation.

Results

The WIC-approved food products (fresh, canned and frozen fruits; fresh, canned and frozen vegetables; wholegrain/whole-wheat bread; white corn/whole-wheat tortillas; brown rice; lower-fat milk (<2 %)) were acquired in multiple ways, although acquisition generally occurred 1–2 times/week. Factors such as customer requests (87 %), refrigerator/freezer availability (65 %) and profitability (71 %) were rated as very important when making stocking decisions. Most managers/owners perceived increases in sales of new WIC-approved foods including those considered most profitable (wholegrain/whole-wheat bread (89 %), lower-fat milk (89 %), white corn/whole wheat tortillas (54 %)), but perceived no changes in sales of processed fruits and vegetables. Supply mechanisms and frequency of supply acquisition were only moderately associated with perceived sales increases.

Conclusions

Regardless of type or frequency of supply acquisition, perceived increases in sales provided some evidence for the potential sustainability of these WIC policy efforts and translation of this policy-based strategy to other health promotion efforts aimed at improving healthy food access in underserved communities.