bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using force-matching to reveal essential differences between density functionals in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Izvekov Sergei , Swanson Jessica M. J.
Published: May 2011

The exchange-correlation (XC) functional and value of the electronic fictitious mass μ can be two major sources of systematic errors in ab initio Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD) simulations, and have a significant impact on the structural and dynamic properties of condensed-phase systems. In this work, an attempt is made to identify the origin of differences in liquid water properties generated from CPMD simulations run with the BLYP and HCTH/120 XC functionals and two different values of μ (representative of “small” and “large” limits) by analyzing the effective pairwise atom-atom interactions. The force-matching (FM) algorithm is used to map CPMD interactions into non-polarizable, empirical potentials defined by bonded interactions, pairwise short-ranged interactions in numerical form, and Coulombic interactions via atomic partial charges. The effective interaction models are derived for the BLYP XC functional with μ = 340 a.u. and μ = 1100 a.u. (BLYP-340 and BLYP-1100 simulations) and the HCTH/120 XC functional with μ = 340 a.u. (HCTH-340 simulation). The BLYP-340 simulation results in overstructured water with slow dynamics. In contrast, the BLYP-1100 and HCTH-340 simulations both produce radial distribution functions (indicative of structure) that are in reasonably good agreement with experiment. It is shown that the main difference between the BLYP-340 and HCTH-340 effective potentials arises in the short-ranged nonbonded interactions (in hydrogen bonding regions), while the difference between the BLYP-340 and BLYP-1100 interactions is mainly in the long-ranged electrostatic components. Collectively, these results demonstrate how the FM method can be used to further characterize various simulation ensembles (e.g., density-functional theory via CPMD). An analytical representation of each effective interaction water model, which is easy to implement, is presented.
Third harmonics nonlinear susceptibility in supercooled liquids: A comparison to the box model
Authors: Brun C. , Crauste-Thibierge C. , Ladieu F. , L’Hôte D.
Published: May 2011

The box model, originally introduced to account for the nonresonant hole burning (NHB) dielectric experiments in supercooled liquids, is compared to the measurements of the third harmonics P3 of the polarisation, reported recently in glycerol, close to the glass transition temperature Tg [C. Crauste-Thibierge, C. Brun, F. Ladieu, D. L’Hôte, G. Biroli, and J.-P. Bouchaud, Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 165703 (2010)]. In this model, each box is a distinct dynamical relaxing entity (hereafter called dynamical heterogeneity (DH)) which follows a Debye dynamics with its own relaxation time τdh. When it is submitted to a strong electric field, the model posits that a temperature increase δTdh, depending on τdh, arises due to the dissipation of the electrical power. Each DH has thus its own temperature increase, on top of the temperature increase of the phonon bath δTph. Contrary to the “fast” hole burning experiments where δTph is usually neglected, the P3 measurements are, from a thermal point of view, fully in a stationary regime, which means that δTph can no longer be neglected a priori. This is why the version of the box model that we study here takes δTph into account, which implies that the δTdh of the DHs are all coupled together. The value of P3, including both the “intrinsic” contribution of each DH as well as the “spurious” one coming from δTph, is computed within this box model and compared to the P3 measurements for glycerol, in the same range of frequencies and temperatures T. Qualitatively, we find that this version of the box model shares with experiments some nontrivial features, e.g., the existence of a peak at finite frequency in the modulus of P3 as well as its order of magnitude. Quantitatively, however, some experimental features are not accounted for by this model. We show that these differences between the model and the experiments do not come from δTph but from the “intrinsic” contribution of the DHs. Finally, we show that the interferences between the 3ω response of the various DHs are the most important issue leading to the discrepancies between the box model prediction and the experiments. We argue that this could explain why the box model is quite successful to account for some kinds of nonlinear experiments (such as NHB) performed close to Tg, even if it does not completely account for all of them (such as the P3 measurements). This conclusion is supported by an analytical argument which helps understanding how a “space-free” model as the box model is able to account for some of the experimental nonlinear features.
The initial growth behavior of perylene on Cu(100)
Authors: Hu Fang , Zhang Hanjie , Mao Hongying , Liao Qing , He Pimo
Published: May 2011

Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) together with density functional theory (DFT) the growth behavior of perylene on the Cu(100) substrate has been investigated. As revealed by STM images, perylene molecules prefer to adopt lying configuration with their molecular plane parallel to the substrate, and two symmetrically equivalent ordered domains were observed. DFT calculations show that perylene molecule prefers to adsorb on the top site of substrate Cu atoms with its long molecular axis aligning along the [011] or [01–1] azimuth of the substrate which is the most stable adsorption geometry according to its highest binding energy. Consequently, two adsorption structures of c(8×4) and c(8×6), each containing two perylene molecules per unit cell, are proposed based on our STM images. The growth mechanism for ordered perylene domains on Cu(100) can be attributed to the balance between weak adsorbate-adsorbate interaction and comparable adsorbate-substrate interaction.
Anneal treatment to reduce the creation rate of light-induced metastable defects in device-quality hydrogenated amorphous silicon
Authors: Bobela David C. , Branz Howard M. , Stradins Paul
Published: May 2011

We observe a dramatic reduction in the Staebler–Wronski metastable defect creation efficiency in device-quality films of hydrogenated amorphous silicon after they undergo a 20 min anneal treatment at 350 to 400 °C. After several hours of rapid degradation with a high intensity pulsed laser, there are about half as many total dangling bond defects in the annealed samples as in unannealed control samples. This reduction is observed in both 1.02-μm- and 0.22-μm-thick films, indicating it is not a surface-related artifact. The improved stability is likely caused by H motion, which restructures the Si–Si network and H-related nanovoids.
Enhancement of current carrying capacity of the strained ZnSe nanowire
Authors: Wang Y. G. , Zeng Y. P. , Qu B. H. , Zhang Q. L.
Published: May 2011

The effect of strain on the current carrying capacity of ZnSe nanowire has been studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Under TEM inspection the strain can be created at the selected position in a single ZnSe nanowire by the compressive stress applied along its axial direction using a movable probe electrode. The induced strain is controllable in the magnitude of curvature of the ZnSe nanowire bent by careful manipulation of the movable probe electrode. In situ current-induced Joule heating has confirmed that the strained segment in a single ZnSe nanowire exhibited better ability than the unstrained segments against Joule heating. Consequently, the current carrying capacity of the ZnSe nanowire can be effectively enhanced by intentionally created strain. The experimental results have also proved that a significant increase of the electrical conductance and the thermal resistance can be achieved simultaneously in a single nanowire by the intentionally designed and created strain.
Development of a general time-dependent absorbing potential for the constrained adiabatic trajectory method
Authors: Leclerc Arnaud , Jolicard Georges , Killingbeck John P.
Published: May 2011

The constrained adiabatic trajectory method (CATM) allows us to compute solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation using the Floquet formalism and Fourier decomposition, using matrix manipulation within a non-orthogonal basis set, provided that suitable constraints can be applied to the initial conditions for the Floquet eigenstate. A general form is derived for the inherent absorbing potential, which can reproduce any dispersed boundary conditions. This new artificial potential acting over an additional time interval transforms any wavefunction into a desired state, with an error involving exponentially decreasing factors. Thus, a CATM propagation can be separated into several steps to limit the size of the required Fourier basis. This approach is illustrated by some calculations for the \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\text{H}_2^+$\end{document}H2+ molecular ion illuminated by a laser pulse.
Plasmonic light trapping in nanostructured metal surfaces
Authors: Polyakov A. , Cabrini S. , Dhuey S. , Harteneck B. , Schuck P. J. , Padmore H. A.
Published: May 2011

We demonstrate the plasmonic trapping of light in nanometer sized trenches etched into in a planar metal surface. The subwavelength grating structure is shown to efficiently couple to p-polarized light and can be designed to achieve complete absorption at any desired wavelength from the UV to the IR. These structures have a number of useful practical features such as high polarization sensitivity, omnidirectional absorption and extreme field concentration.
Nonvolatile memory effect of a functional polyimide containing ferrocene as the electroactive moiety
Authors: Tian Guofeng , Qi Shengli , Chen Fei , Shi Lei , Hu Wenping , Wu Dezhen
Published: May 2011

A functional polyimide, hexafluoroisopropyl bis(phthalic dianhydride)/4-(bis(4-aminophenyl) methyl)phenol grafted with ferrocene, was synthesized. Electrical characterization results indicate that the sandwiched devices using our synthesized polyimide as the active layer possess electrical bistability and exhibit nonvolatile memory behavior with an ON/OFF current ratio of about 103. Molecular orbitals and electronic properties are investigated by molecular simulation and cyclic voltammetry characterization. The charge transfer mechanisms in the OFF and ON states of the memory device were reasonably interpreted by using the thermionic emission and space-charge-limited-current model, respectively.
Note: A novel atomic force microscope fast imaging approach: Variable-speed scanning
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Fang Yongchun , Yu Jie , Dong Xiaokun
Published: May 2011

Imaging speed is one of the key factors limiting atomic force microscope's (AFM) wide applications. To improve its performance, a variable-speed scanning (VSS) method is designed in this note for an AFM. Specifically, in the VSS mode, the scanning speed is tuned online according to the feedback information to properly distribute imaging time along sample surface. Furthermore, some practical mechanism is proposed to determine the best time of moving the AFM tip to the next scanned point. The contrast experiment results show that the VSS method speeds up the imaging rate while ensuring image quality.
Ultraviolet photodissociation of iodine monochloride (ICl) at 235, 250, and 265 nm
Authors: Diamantopoulou N. , Kartakoulis A. , Glodic P. , Kitsopoulos Theofanis N. , Samartzis Peter C.
Published: May 2011

ICl photolysis in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum (235-265 nm) is studied using the Slice Imaging technique. The Cl*(2P1/2)/Cl(2P3/2) and the I*(2P1/2)/I(2P3/2) branching ratio between the I(2P3/2) + Cl(2P3/2)/Cl*(2P1/2) and I*(2P1/2) + Cl(2P3/2)/Cl*(2P1/2) channels is extracted from the respective iodine and chlorine photofragment images. We find that ground state chlorine atoms (Cl(2P3/2)) are formed nearly exclusively with excited state iodine atoms (I*(2P1/2)), while excited spin-orbit chlorine atoms (Cl*(2P1/2)) are concurrently produced only with ground state iodine atoms (I(2P3/2)). We conclude that photolysis of ICl in this UV region is a relatively “clean” source of spin-orbit excited chlorine atoms that can be used in crossed molecular beam experiments.
Erbium doping effects on the conduction band edge in germanium nanocrystals
Authors: Meulenberg Robert W. , Willey Trevor M. , Lee Jonathan R. I. , Terminello Louis J. , van Buuren Tony
Published: May 2011

We have produced erbium doped germanium nanocrystals (NCs) using a two cell physical vapor deposition system. Using element specific x-ray techniques, we are able to probe the chemical environment of Er in the Ge NCs. Evidence for the optically active Er3+ state is seen at low Er concentrations, with a disruption of NC formation at high Er concentrations. The x-ray absorption measurements suggest that the Er occupies lattice sites near the surface of the NC. Analysis of the quantum confinement effect with Er doping suggests that the native quantum properties of the Ge NC are maintained at low Er concentrations.
Enhanced stability of zinc oxide-based hybrid polymer solar cells by manipulating ultraviolet light distribution in the active layer
Authors: Shao Shuyan , Liu Jian , Zhang Baohua , Xie Zhiyuan , Wang Lixiang
Published: May 2011

Polymer solar cells based on blends of conjugated polymer and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles degrade very fast under simulated solar light illumination due to the considerably increased photoconductivity of ZnO upon ultraviolet light exposure. It is reported that the stability of hybrid polymer solar cells with ZnO as electron acceptors is improved by using an optical layer to decrease ultraviolet light distribution inside the active layer. The power conversion efficiency of control solar cell drops to 0.3% of its original value after 10 min simulated solar light exposure while that of the cell with optimized optical layer is maintained at 87.1%.
Magnetic order near 270 K in mineral and synthetic Mn2FeSbO6 ilmenite
Authors: Mathieu R. , Ivanov S. A. , Bazuev G. V. , Hudl M. , Lazor P. , Solovyev I. V. , Nordblad P.
Published: May 2011

The structural and magnetic properties of Mn2FeSbO6 single-crystalline mineral and ceramic samples synthesized under thermobaric treatment have been investigated, and compared to theoretical predictions based on first-principles electronic structure calculations. This ilmenite system displays a sharp magnetic transition just below the room temperature related to a ferrimagnetic ordering of the Mn2+ and Fe3+ cations, which makes Mn2FeSbO6 a promising candidate for designing functional magnetic materials.
Convert graphene sheets to boron nitride and boron nitride–carbon sheets via a carbon-substitution reaction
Authors: Han Wei-Qiang , Yu Hua-Gen , Liu Zhenxian
Published: May 2011

Here we discuss our synthesis of highly crystalline pure boron nitride (BN) and BN–carbon (BN–C) sheets by using graphene sheets as templates via a carbon-substitution reaction. Typically, these sheets are several micrometers wide and have a few layers. The composition ratios of BN–C sheets can be controlled by the post-treatment (remove carbon by oxidation) temperature. We also observed pure BN and BN–C nanoribbons. We characterized the BN–C sheets via Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The results reveal that BN–C sheets with an armchair C–BN chain, and embedded C2 or C6 units in BN-dominated regions energetically are the most favorable.
Hope in Africa? Social representations of world history and the future in six African countries
Authors: Cabecinhas Rosa , Liu James H. , Licata Laurent , Klein Olivier , Mendes Júlio , Feijó João , Niyubahwe Aline
Published: May 2011

Data on social representations of world history have been collected everywhere in the world except sub‐Saharan Africa. Two studies using open‐ended data involving university students from six African countries fill this gap. In Study 1, nominations from Cape Verde and Mozambique for the most important events in world history in the past 1000 years were dominated by war and politics, recency effects, and Western‐centrism tempered by African sociocentrism on colonization and independence. The first three findings replicated previous research conducted in other parts of the world, but the last pattern contrasted sharply with European data. Study 2 employed a novel method asking participants how they would begin the narration of world history, and then to describe a major transition to the present. Participants most frequently wrote about the evolution of humanity out of Africa, followed by war and then colonization as a beginning, and then replicated previous findings with war, colonization, and technology as major transitions to the present. Finally, when asked about how they foresaw the future, many participants expressed hope for peace and cooperation, especially those facing more risk of collective violence (Burundi and Congo). A colonial/liberation narrative was more predominant in the data from former Portuguese colonies (Angola, Cape Verde, and Guinea‐Bissau) than from former Belgian colonies (Burundi and Congo).
Debates in Ukraine over nationalist involvement in the Holocaust, 2004-2008
Authors: Himka John-Paul
Published: May 2011

The article concerns debate about the memory of the Holocaust in Ukraine. It covers the period 2004-2008.
The Bulgarian ethnic model: post-1989 Bulgarian ethnic conflict resolution
Authors: DeDominicis Benedict E.
Published: May 2011

Bulgarian majority and Turkish minority relations have remained peaceful in the post Communist era despite a significant potential for civil strife. These antagonisms were a product of Bulgaria's historical political development. The most recent episode of forced assimilation policies under the Communist regime was a critical grievance contributing to the democratic transition in 1989. Unlike in neighboring Yugoslavia, communal ethnic conflict did not escalate to violence with political liberalization and the emergence of democratic political competition. A critical factor in the political formula for maintaining interethnic peace in Bulgaria has been Turkey's comparatively constrained behavior as a “motherland state” with regard to the Turkish Diaspora in Bulgaria.
The First-Perspective Alignment Effect: The Role of Environmental Complexity and Familiarity with Surroundings
Authors: Tlauka Michael , Carter Pelham , Mahlberg Tim , Wilson Paul N.
Published: May 2011

People often remember relatively novel environments from the first perspective encountered or the first direction of travel. This initial perspective can determine a preferred orientation that facilitates the efficiency of spatial judgements at multiple recalled locations. The present study examined this “first-perspective alignment effect” (FPA effect). In three experiments, university students explored three-path routes through computer-simulated spaces presented on a desktop computer screen. Spatial memory was then tested employing a “judgement of relative direction” task. Contrary to the predictions of a previous account, Experiment 1 found a reliable FPA effect in barren and complex environments. Experiment 2 strongly implicated the importance of complete novelty of the space surrounding the route in producing the effect. Experiment 3 found that, while familiarity with the surrounding space greatly attenuated the FPA effect with immediate testing, the effect reemerged following a 7-day delay to testing. The implications for the encoding and retrieval of spatial reference frames are discussed.
On subfactors arising from asymptotic representations of symmetric groups
Authors: Yamashita Makoto
Published: May 2011

We consider the infinite symmetric group and its infinite index subgroup given as the stabilizer subgroup of one element under the natural action on a countable set. This inclusion of discrete groups induces a hyperfinite subfactor for each finite factorial representation of the larger group. We compute subfactor invariants of this construction in terms of the Thoma parameter.
The Effect of H1N1 (Swine Flu) Media Coverage on Agricultural Commodity Markets
Authors: Attavanich Witsanu , McCarl Bruce A. , Bessler David
Published: May 2011

The authors estimate the market impact of media coverage related to the name “swine flu,” relabeled subsequently as “2009 H1N1 flu,” on the future prices of lean hogs, live cattle, corn, and soybeans. They then quantified the revenue loss, employing the subset vector autoregressive model. The results indicate that the media coverage was associated with a significant and temporary negative impact on the futures prices of lean hogs, but with little impact on the other futures prices. The impact persisted for about four months, yielding an April–December 2009 market revenue loss of about $200 million (about 2.51 percent).
Plasma proteomic analysis in obese and overweight prepubertal children
Authors: Galata Zoi , Moschonis George , Makridakis Manousos , Dimitraki Ploumisti , Nicolaides Nicolas C. , Manios Yannis , Bartzeliotou Anastasia , Chrousos George P. , Charmandari Evangelia
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1275–1283

Background  Childhood obesity represents one of the most challenging health problems of our century and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in adult life. Proteomics is a large‐scale analysis of proteins, which provides, information on protein expression levels, post‐translational modifications, subcellular localization and interactions.

Objective  To investigate whether obesity in childhood is associated with alterations in plasma protein expression profiles.

Methods  Plasma samples from 10 obese [age: 10·75 ± 0·16 year; body mass index (BMI): 27·50 ± 0·69 kg m−2], 10 overweight (age: 10·54 ± 0·1 year; BMI: 21·88 ± 0·28 kg m−2) and 10 normal‐weight (age: 10·89 ± 0·19 year; BMI: 18·34 ± 0·42kg m−2) prepubertal boys were subjected to protein fractionation and analysed by two‐dimensional electrophoresis, followed by protein identification using matrix‐assisted laser desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin, lipid and apolipopoprotein concentrations were determined in all subjects.

Results  The expression of apolipoprotein (Apo) A‐I (ApoA‐I) was significantly lower in obese and overweight children compared with children of normal BMI (P < 0·05). The expression of ApoE was significantly lower in overweight compared with normal‐weight children (P < 0·05), while that of ApoA‐IV was significantly higher in obese children compared with their normal counterparts (P < 0·01). Serum ApoA‐I concentrations were significantly lower in obese (147 ± 4·27mg dL−1) and overweight (145·5 ± 9·65mg dL−1) than in normal‐weight (157 ± 8·77mg dL−1; P = 0·036) children.

Conclusions  Obese and overweight prepubertal children demonstrated prominent alterations in the expression of plasma apolipoproteins compared with their normal counterparts. Low ApoA‐I plasma expression levels and serum concentrations in obesity might be present in childhood before any significant alterations in total or high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol concentrations are documented. We recommend that serum ApoA‐I concentrations are determined in all overweight and obese children.
Complex coacervation of chitosan and soy globulins in aqueous solution: a electrophoretic mobility and light scattering study
Authors: Liu Chong , Yang Xiao‐Quan , Lin Min‐Gang , Zhao Ren‐Yong , Tang Chuan‐He , Luo Lin , Liu Li
Published: May 2011

The effect of pHs and heating on the protein–polysaccharide complexation between the 0.5 wt% soy globulin (7S or 11S) and 0.1 wt% chitosan was studied. Electrophoretic and light scattering techniques were used to examine the electrical charge and aggregation of the individual biopolymers and complexes. At pH 3.0–6.5, 7S (or 11S) globulin in the presence of chitosan had significantly higher ζ‐potentials and lower particles size than 7S (or 11S) globulin alone did (e.g. 600–6000 nm at pH 5.5), indicating the formation of complexes. After heating 7S (or 11S)–chitosan mixtures had higher positive value of ζ‐potential. 7S (or 11S)–chitosan mixtures exhibited a significant increase in positive value of ζ‐potential and stability after heating at lower pH values (pH 3.3 instead of pH 4.5). Compared with other mixtures, at pH 2.5–6.0, the most remarkable decrease in aggregation was obtained for 11S–chitosan mixtures after heating at pH 3.3.
Potential for eradication of the exotic plant pathogens Phytophthora kernoviae and Phytophthora ramorum during composting
Authors: Noble R. , Blackburn J. , Thorp G. , Dobrovin‐Pennington A. , Pietravalle S. , Kerins G. , Allnutt T. R. , Henry C. M.
Published: May 2011

Temperature and exposure time effects on Phytophthora kernoviae and Phytophthora ramorum viability were examined in flasks of compost and in a large‐scale composting system containing plant waste. Cellophane, rhododendron leaf and peat‐based inoculum of P. kernoviae and P. ramorum isolates were used in flasks; naturally infected leaves were inserted into a large‐scale system. Exposures of 5 and 10 days respectively at a mean temperature of 35°C in flask and large‐scale composts reduced P. kernoviae and P. ramorum inocula to below detection limits using semi‐selective culturing. Although P. ramorum was undetectable after a 1‐day exposure of inoculum to compost at 40°C in flasks, it survived on leaves exposed to a mean temperature of 40·9°C for 5 days in a large‐scale composting system. No survival of P. ramorum was detected after exposure of infected leaves for 5 days to a mean temperature of ≥41·9°C (32·8°C for P. kernoviae) or for 10 days at ≥31·8°C (25·9°C for Phytophthora pseudosyringae on infected bilberry stems) in large‐scale systems. Fitted survival probabilities of P. ramorum on infected leaves exposed in a large‐scale system for 5 days at 45°C or for 10 days at 35°C were <3%, for an average initial infection level of leaves of 59·2%. RNA quantification to measure viability was shown to be unreliable in environments that favour RNA preservation: high levels of ITS1 RNA were recovered from P. kernoviae‐ and P. ramorum‐infected leaves exposed to composting plant wastes at >53°C, when all culture results were negative.
A multicenter epidemiological study of acne vulgaris in Korea
Authors: Suh Dae Hun , Kim Byung Yoon , Min Seong Uk , Lee Dong Hun , Yoon Mi Young , Kim Nack In , Kye Young Chul , Lee Eil Soo , Ro Young Suck , Kim Kwang Joong
Published: May 2011

Background  Acne is a common skin disorder that affects both adolescents and adults. However, few epidemiological studies on this condition have been conducted in Asia.

Objectives  The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of acne and to identify its demographic and clinical features and aggravating factors. In addition, we examined the relationships between these factors.

Methods  Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained, using a self‐administered questionnaire, from patients who visited 17 general hospitals and from the consulting dermatologists.

Results  A total of 1236 patients were involved in this study. Acne first developed and presented most commonly on the forehead and cheeks, although the cheeks were more severely affected. Significant associations were found between the clinical, epidemiological, and behavioral characteristics of acne patients according to several factors, such as sex, age at onset, previous treatment history, and family history. The present study indicates that stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and menstruation aggravate acne.

Conclusions  This study presents the demographic features and clinical characteristics of acne sufferers in Korea. This large‐scale analysis provides a useful overview of acne in Korea.
In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy for the differential diagnosis between vitiligo and nevus depigmentosus
Authors: Pan Zhan‐Yan , Yan Fang , Zhang Zhen‐hua , Zhang Qiao‐an , Xiang Lei‐hong , Zheng Zhi‐Zhong
Published: May 2011

Background  Nevus depigmentosus (ND) is frequently confused with vitiligo. Differential diagnosis can be difficult. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive technique for real‐time en face imaging of the superficial layers of the skin down to the superficial dermis with cellular level resolution close to conventional histopathology. In this study, we tried to use this new technology to study the features of the distribution of pigment cells of these two hypopigmentation disorders and then concluded the differential features.

Methods  Sixty vitiligo patients and 62 ND patients were enrolled in the study. Three points in each patient (lesional, margin of the lesions and adjacent non‐ lesional points) were examined with RCM. The gray value of image was quantified using software, and we calculated the relative gray value.

Results  The RCM image feature was different between vitiligo and ND patients. The differential diagnosis was made based on the following four RCM features: complete absence of pigment cells; the distribution of pigment cells; the margins; and the relative gray value.

Conclusion  RCM can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic tool for the differential diagnosis between vitiligo and ND.
Prevalence and risk factors for herpes simplex infection among patients at high risk for HIV infection in Brazil
Authors: Lupi Omar
Published: May 2011

Background  Herpes simplex infection is responsible for substantial morbidity in patients with HIV infection. Data from less‐developed countries analyzing risk factors within this population are largely unavailable.

Aims  Investigate the incidence and seroprevalence of HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 infection in populations at high and low risk for HIV infection.

Materials and methods  A prospective cohort study was performed in a population at high risk for STDs composed of 170 HIV seronegative male homosexuals and bisexuals (group A). The population at low risk for STDs was composed of 155 volunteer male blood donors (group B). All blood samples were screened using a type specific ELISA to HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 glycoprotein G (gG).

Results  The prevalence of HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 infection among all the 325 patients was 83.5% and 63.4%, respectively. Annual incidence of HSV‐1 and 2 among group A were 0.053% and 0.08%, respectively. Among group B, the incidence for HSV‐1 was 0.04% and for HSV‐2 was 0.02%. Educational parameters (P<0.001), irregular use of condoms (P<0.001), and percentage of previous receptive anal intercourse (P<0,012) were significantly associated with seropositivity to HSV‐2. About 8.4% of the HSV‐1 seronegative subjects presented recurrence episodes of herpes labialis as well as 7.6% of the HSV‐2 seronegative patients had genital herpes in the past.

Discussion  The high seroprevalence detected suggests that routine screening for HSV should be performed in populations at high risk for STDs, especially in HIV‐infected patients.

Conclusion  Educational campaigns, with particular focus on the transmission of HSV, and the regular use of condoms are important measures to reduce the HSV dissemination among patients with less advanced educations and at high risk for STDs.
Effects of feeding roasted safflower seeds (variety IL‐111) and fish oil on dry matter intake, performance and milk fatty acid profiles in dairy cattle
Authors: Alizadeh A. R. , Alikhani M. , Ghorbani G. R. , Rahmani H. R. , Rashidi L. , Loor J. J.
Published: May 2011

Safflower seed has the highest concentration of linoleic acid among 80 oilseeds but little information exists on the effective use of SS for lactation cows. It was hypothesised that a diet supplemented with an Iranian SS variety (IL‐111) in combination with fish oil (FO) would result in higher concentrations of trans‐18:1 (including vaccenic acid) and conjugated linoleic acids in milk fat than feeding an unsupplemented control diet. Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding diets containing: (i) Control: (C); (ii) 25 g of roasted SS IL‐111 (RSS); (iii) 20 g FO and (iv) 25 g RSS + 10 g FO (RSS + FO) per kilogram of dietary DM on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, milk production and fatty acid profile. Eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design study. The experiment had four periods of 21 days. Milk Fat percentage was lower (p < 0.01) with FO supplementation and averaged 19.0 and 21.5 g/kg milk with FO and RSS + FO compared with 30.3 and 32.5 g/kg with C and RSS. Feed intake also was lower (p < 0.01) with FO vs. C (23.1 vs. 24.5 kg/day) but feeding RSS resulted in greater feed intake compared with other treatments (26 kg/day). Despite lower feed intake with FO, milk production did not change from controls but feeding RSS + FO resulted in greater milk yield than controls (42.6 vs. 39.3 kg/day). Ruminal pH was greater (p < 0.01) in cows fed FO than other treatments. Supplemental FO alone or in combination with RSS resulted in dramatic increases (p < 0.01) in c9,t11‐18:2 in milk fat (12.7 and 13.2 g/day vs. 5.8 and 7.02 with C and RSS). It was surprising to note that 25 g/kg RSS can improve feed intake.
Quality of life reporting by parent–child dyads in Japan, as grouped by depressive status
Authors: Kobayashi Kyoko , Kamibeppu Kiyoko
Published: May 2011

When children are unable to assess their own health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), their parents can provide useful proxy information; however, minimal agreement between the two groups on this issue has been reported in some situations. In order to clarify the degree of accordance between the self‐reports of children and the proxy reports of their parents on the former's HRQOL, 679 parent–child dyads, as grouped by their depressive status, were assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). It was found that the self‐reporting of the children differed significantly between those who were healthy and those who had depressive symptoms, whereas the proxy‐reporting of the parents did not vary with their child's mental condition. However, the latter's reports did reveal notable dissimilarities between the healthy parents and those with depressive symptoms. The results indicated that the parents' perception of their child's HRQOL differed with their child's own perception and that the parents' perceptions were affected by their mental condition. Medical providers should assess both the child's and the parents' evaluations of the child's HRQOL, as the views of the parents could determine the use of health services and the making of decisions in clinical settings.
Workplace injury and nurses: Insights from focus groups with Australian return‐to‐work coordinators
Authors: Southgate Erica , James Carole , Kable Ashley , Bohatko‐Naismith Joanna , Rivett Darren , Guest Maya
Published: May 2011

Few studies have examined the return‐to‐work process for nurses who are injured at work. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that facilitate or impede the successful return to work of nurses who have sustained a workplace injury from the perspective of return‐to‐work coordinators. A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted and 25 return‐to‐work coordinators from 14 different organizations participated in focus group discussions. The participants were recruited from healthcare settings in metropolitan and rural areas of New South Wales, Australia. These included aged‐care, residential, and community disability support services, public and private hospitals, and the community health sector. Workforce shortages, individual life circumstances and nurses' work, and nurses' qualifications, specialization, experience, and job tenure were identified as the factors that influence the timely, safe, and sustainable return to work of injured nurses. This study provides insight into how workforce shortages have driven innovative practice in accommodating a nurse's life circumstances when developing the return‐to‐work plan. Barriers to nurses' return to work included a lack of qualifications, specialization, and the casualization of the workforce.
Effect of evidence‐based education on Iranian nursing students' knowledge and attitude
Authors: Jalali‐Nia Seyedeh Fatemeh , Salsali Mahvash , Dehghan‐Nayeri Nahid , Ebadi Abbas
Published: May 2011

To adopt an evidence‐based approach to education there is a need for research‐based evidence to support its effectiveness. This study investigated the impact of evidence‐based education on the knowledge and attitude of nursing students. In this quasi‐experimental study, all nursing students (n = 41) studying the courses of musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems were chosen and assigned randomly to intervention and control groups. The groups were taught through an evidence‐based or traditional approach. Students' knowledge and attitude were then evaluated. Data were gathered by three knowledge and two attitude questionnaires with multiple choice and Likert scales and then analyzed. It was shown that there was a significant difference between the average scores for attitude of the groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the average scores of knowledge. The results suggest the evidence‐based approach might be used as a complementary approach to nursing education. It was not only as effective as the usual method but also led to the acquisition of particular skills by students. The results can be used to formulate programs to design and implement evidence‐based nursing education.
Isolation and lack of access in multiple chemical sensitivity: A qualitative study
Authors: Gibson Pamela Reed , Sledd Lauren G. , McEnroe William H. , Vos Abby P.
Published: May 2011

This paper describes a qualitative interview study of 26 persons with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), also referred to as chemical intolerance. We used a phenomenological perspective and planned to focus on the impact of MCS on relationships, but found that difficulty with accessing safe spaces at times prevented relationships by limiting access to personal interactions. Thus, persons with MCS either lost or were unable to cultivate new relationships as a result of lack of spatial access. Others' lack of understanding and refusal to make accommodations at times denied spatial access to those with MCS. In this way, relationships (relationality) and spatial access (spatiality) interacted with one another to keep persons isolated. In this paper, we describe informants' detailed experience of living with chemical intolerance in a culture where chemical exposures are commonplace.
Unusual presentation of intraparenchymal renal artery aneurysm mimicking cystic renal cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Osako Yoichi , Tatarano Shuichi , Nishiyama Kenryu , Yamada Yasutoshi , Yamagata Takaaki , Uchida Yosuke , Nakagawa Masayuki
Published: May 2011

We describe a case of intraparenchymal renal artery aneurysm in a 58‐year‐old normotensive man with a history of distal ureterectomy. Imaging studies of the pre‐existing right renal mass had been interpreted as being consistent with a simple renal cyst. Three years after ureterectomy, a small parietal nodule with contrast enhancement developed within the cyst. Partial nephrectomy was carried out based on a preoperative diagnosis of cystic kidney cancer. Surprisingly, pathological diagnosis was an aneurysm with a revascularized thrombus. Even though the present case represents an extremely rare clinical manifestation of intraparenchymal renal artery aneurysm, clinicians should be aware that imaging studies cannot distinguish all instances of renal vascular disease.
Previous transanal full‐thickness excision increases the morbidity of radical resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Piessen G. , Cabral C. , Benoist S. , Penna C. , Nordlinger B.
Published: May 2011

Aim  The aim of the study was to determine the impact of primary full‐thickness transanal excision (TAE) on the morbidity rate following radical rectal resection for cancer.

Method  Fourteen consecutive patients underwent radical resection for lower third rectal cancer following full‐thickness TAE without closure of the defect. They were compared with 25 matched patients from a prospective database of 275 rectal resections who had undergone radical resection without previous TAE for lower third rectal cancer (control group). The confounding factors were: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), classification according to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists, administration of neoadjuvant radiotherapy before rectal resection, tumour stage and type of surgical procedure.

Results  There were no deaths. Overall morbidity was 64.3% in the TAE group and 32% in the control group (P = 0.112). Surgical complications were significantly more frequent in the former (57.1%vs 20%; P = 0.048). The frequency of specific surgical site complications, including anastomotic complications and pelvic abscess formation requiring surgical drainage, was significantly higher in the TAE group than in the control group (42.8%vs 8%; P = 0.032). In univariate analysis, the only factors associated with specific surgical site complications were BMI > 27 and TAE before rectal resection.

Conclusion  This case‐matched study suggests that previous full‐thickness TAE increases the risk of surgical complications after radical resection for lower third rectal cancer, including anastomotic dehiscence and pelvic sepsis.
Climate‐driven simulation of global crop sowing dates
Authors: Waha K. , van Bussel L. G. J. , Müller C. , Bondeau A.
Published: May 2011

Aim  To simulate the sowing dates of 11 major annual crops at the global scale at high spatial resolution, based on climatic conditions and crop‐specific temperature requirements.

Location  Global.

Methods  Sowing dates under rainfed conditions are simulated deterministically based on a set of rules depending on crop‐ and climate‐specific characteristics. We assume that farmers base their timing of sowing on experiences with past precipitation and temperature conditions, with the intra‐annual variability being especially important. The start of the growing period is assumed to be dependent either on the onset of the wet season or on the exceeding of a crop‐specific temperature threshold for emergence. To validate our methodology, a global data set of observed monthly growing periods (MIRCA2000) is used.

Results  We show simulated sowing dates for 11 major field crops world‐wide and give rules for determining their sowing dates in a specific climatic region. For all simulated crops, except for rapeseed and cassava, in at least 50% of the grid cells and on at least 60% of the cultivated area, the difference between simulated and observed sowing dates is less than 1 month. Deviations of more than 5 months occur in regions characterized by multiple‐cropping systems, in tropical regions which, despite seasonality, have favourable conditions throughout the year, and in countries with large climatic gradients.

Main conclusions  Sowing dates under rainfed conditions for various annual crops can be satisfactorily estimated from climatic conditions for large parts of the earth. Our methodology is globally applicable, and therefore suitable for simulating sowing dates as input for crop growth models applied at the global scale and taking climate change into account.
School‐based ICT policy plans in primary education: Elements, typologies and underlying processes
Authors: Vanderlinde Ruben , Dexter Sara , van Braak Johan
Published: May 2011

Schools are more and more encouraged to write a school‐based information and communication technology (ICT) policy plan. In such a plan, a school describes its expectations, goals, content and actions related to the future role of ICT in teaching and learning. Although this is encouraged by researchers and policy makers, the literature on ICT policy plans and ICT policy planning is rather general and underdeveloped. In this study, the content of school‐based ICT policy plans and underlying policy processes is explored. Data were gathered in 31 primary schools in Flanders: the schools' ICT policy plan was submitted to a content analysis, and a semi‐structured interview was administered to the school leader or the ICT coordinator. Using a framework of ICT leadership practices to guide the analysis (setting direction, developing people and making the organization work), we identified three types of ICT policy plans: (1) an ICT policy plan as a vision blueprint, (2) a technical inventory and (3) a comprehensive ICT policy plan. Although the last type takes into account all ICT leadership practices, we found a variety of different approaches in the processes used to create and execute such plans, such as the support of ICT training activities, data‐driven decision‐making processes and monitoring activities.
Priming the Sleeping Giant: The Dynamics of Latino Political Identity and Vote Choice
Authors: Jackson Melinda S.
Published: May 2011

Latinos are commonly referred to as the “sleeping giant” in American politics, and interest in the political potential of this fastest‐growing American ethnic group has risen in recent years. This article examines the influence of Latino political identity on voting preferences in the 2006 California gubernatorial election. A survey experiment linking Latino identity to support for either the Democratic or Republican candidate finds that vote preferences were influenced by group cues and that this effect was strongest in increasing support for the Democratic candidate among Latino Republicans and independents. The influence of Latino political identity is modeled as a two‐step process of social identification and group influence, both of which are found to interact with prior partisanship. These findings support a model of political identity that views identity as malleable and subject to contextual influences.
Indigenous Rights in Chile: National Identity and Majority Group Support for Multicultural Policies
Authors: Pehrson Samuel , González Roberto , Brown Rupert
Published: May 2011

We examine support for policies affecting indigenous ethnic minorities in Chile. Specifically, we examine the role of national group definitions that include the largest indigenous group—the Mapuche—in different ways. Based on questionnaire data from nonindigenous Chilean students (N = 338), we empirically distinguish iconic inclusion, whereby the Mapuche are seen as an important part of Chile's history and identity on the one hand, from egalitarian inclusion, which represents the Mapuche as citizens of equal importance to the nonindigenous majority on the other. Both forms of inclusion positively predict support for indigenous rights, independent of participants' political affiliation, strength of national identification, and social distance. A second study (N = 277) replicates this finding whilst controlling for right‐wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, blind patriotism, and constructive patriotism. It also finds iconic inclusion to be predictive of a pro‐Mapuche position regarding the unrest over the issue of ancestral land in 2009. We conclude that understanding how national identity affects attitudes about minority rights necessitates appreciating the importance of particular meanings of nationality, and not only the strength of identification.
ECONOMIC REMOTENESS AND WAGE DISPARITIES IN ROMANIA
Authors: LÓPEZ‐RODRÍGUEZ JESÚS , FAIÑA ANDRES , COSMIN‐GABRIEL BOLEA
Published: May 2011

This paper looks at the link between wage disparities and market access for the Romanian regions. First, we derive an econometric specification which relates the income levels of a particular location with a weighted sum of the volume of economic activities of the surrounding locations (market access). Then, empirically, we estimate this econometric specification for a sample of 42 Romanian regions in the year 2006. The results show that market access is statistically significant and quantitatively important in explaining cross‐county variation in Romanian wages. Moreover, our results are robust to the inclusion of control variables thought to be important in explaining Romanian wages as it is the case with human capital and innovation levels. After controlling for these variables, market access remains still positive and statistically significant although its influence on wages decreases around 25 per cent. Finally some policy conclusions are also drawn.