bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of thermal treatment on magnetocaloric properties of Gd cold rolled ribbons
Authors: Taskaev Sergey V. , Buchelnikov Vasiliy D. , Pellenen Anatoliy P. , Kuz'min Michael D. , Skokov Konstantin P. , Karpenkov Dmitry Yu. , Bataev Dmitry S. , Gutfleisch Oliver
Published: April 2013

This work reports the influence of heat treatment on the magnetocaloric effect of cold-rolled Gd ribbons. A significant depression of magnetic and thermodynamical properties occurs in severely deformed ribbons. However, it is possible to recover the initial values, characteristic of polycrystals by way of heat treatment. The heat treatment regimes are directly connected with the degree of plastic deformation. The proposed approach is convenient for manufacturing magnetocaloric materials in the form of thin ribbons for magnetic refrigerators.
Rotations of molecular photoelectron angular distributions with intense ultrashort circularly polarized attosecond laser pulses
Authors: Yuan Kai-Jun , Chelkowski Szczepan , Bandrauk André D.
Published: April 2013

Molecular photoelectron angular distributions (MPADs) by intense (I0 ⩾ 1014 W/cm2) circularly polarized ultrashort, few cycle (attosecond) ultraviolet laser pulses are presented from numerical solutions of time dependent Schrödinger equations. For the aligned molecular ion \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm H}_2^+$\end{document}H2+, the MPADs exhibit rotations with respect to the polarization and molecular symmetry axes which are determined by the symmetry of the initial electronics states. It is also found that the rotation angle of MPADs is insensitive to the pulse intensity. We attribute these effects to the asymmetry between the parallel and perpendicular (to the molecular axis) polarization photoionization. Influence of the molecular alignment and ionizing pulse ellipticity on the rotation of MPADs is also shown to allow control of the nonsymmetric ionization.
Compact piezoelectric micromotor with a single bulk lead zirconate titanate stator
Authors: Yan Liang , Lan Hua , Jiao Zongxia , Chen Chin-Yin , Chen I-Ming
Published: April 2013

The advance of micro/nanotechnology promotes the development of micromotors in recent years. In this article, a compact piezoelectric ultrasonic micromotor with a single bulk lead zirconate titanate stator is proposed. A traveling wave is generated by superposition of bending modes with 90° phase difference excited by d15 inverse piezoelectric effects. The operating principle simplifies the system structure significantly, and provides a miniaturization solution. A research prototype with the size of 0.75× 0.75×1.55 mm is developed. It can produce start-up torque of 0.27μNmand maximum speed of 2760 r/min at 14RMS.
Stress competition and vortex magnetic anisotropy in FeCoAlO high-frequency soft magnetic films with gradient Al-O contents
Authors: Li Shandong , Du Honglei , Xue Qian , Xie Shiming , Liu Ming , Shao Weiquan , Xu Jie , Nan Tianxiang , Sun Nian X. , Duh Jenq-Gong
Published: April 2013

A vortex magnetic anisotropy (VMA) was formed via the competition of residual stresses between radial and tangential directions in the FeCoAlO soft magnetic films (SMFs), prepared by a composition gradient sputtering (CGS) method. The VMA of the magnetic films gives rise to a rotating excitation direction of the ferromagnetic resonance. As a results, the as-deposited FeCoAlO films exhibit good high-frequency ferromagnetic properties with high permeability about 100, cut-off frequency over 2 GHz, and Qm factor over 50 along its individual excitation direction. These SMFs with the VMA are promising in the integration with the circular spiral inductors due to the geometrical match between the excitation direction of the SMFs and the circular inductor lines.
Power reduction in nanomagnet logic using high-permeability dielectrics
Authors: Li Peng , Csaba Gyorgy , Niemier Michael , Sharon Hu X. , Nahas Joe , Porod Wolfgang , Bernstein Gary H.
Published: April 2013

In nanomagnet logic (NML), tens-of-mT fields are required to initiate the ordering of nanomagnets, and clock them into their computational ground state. This work investigates material-based approaches that are being used to reduce the nulling clock field. As test cases, arrays of both standalone and coupled magnets are covered with enhanced-permeability dielectric (EPD) films. Experimental results demonstrate that EPDs can reduce the fields required to saturate standalone magnets along the hard-axis by 60%, and coupled magnets by 75%. Experiments show that the remanent magnetization of a nanomagnet array is unchanged after being coated with EPDs, demonstrating that no undesired remanence is added to the NML system. The 75% reduction in switching field translates to a 94% reduction in energy dissipation due to reduced Joule-heating of field-generating wires.
All-fiber passively mode-locked thulium-doped fiber ring laser using optically deposited graphene saturable absorbers
Authors: Wang QingQing , Chen Tong , Zhang Botao , Li Mingshan , Lu Yongfeng , Chen Kevin P.
Published: April 2013

An all-fiber passively mode-locked thulium-doped fiber ring oscillator is constructed using optically deposited few layer graphene micro-sheets as the saturable absorber (SA). The mode-lock operation was achieved by 130-mW pump power at 1.5-μm. The fiber oscillator produces 2.1-ps soliton pulse output with 80-pJ per pulse energy. The 3-dB bandwidth of the laser output was measured as 2.2-nm. The RF signal-to-noise ratio of 50-dB and sub 20-Hz 3-dB bandwidth of the laser output confirms the stable laser operation with low time jittering. This paper shows that graphene can be an effective saturable absorber for the development of mid-IR fiber mode-locked laser.
Solar cells from upgraded metallurgical-grade silicon purified by metallurgical routes
Authors: Côrtes A. D. S. , Silva D. S. , Viana G. A. , Motta E. F. , Zampieri P. R. , Mei P. R. , Marques F. C.
Published: April 2013

We report a combination of metallurgical routes intended to improve the purity of metallurgical grade silicon (MG-Si) for solar cell fabrication. Initially, MG-Si was submitted to vacuum degassing (VD) by means of an electron-beam to reduce the impurities represented by chemical elements with high vapour pressure. This was followed by preparing a monocrystalline ingot using the Czochralski (CZ) growth technique. The impurity concentration was measured by glow discharge mass spectrometry. The results demonstrate that a procedure combining VD with CZ growth has the potential to improve the purity of MG-Si to greater than 99.999%. Solar cells made by different processes were used for the sake of comparison and also to verify the quality of the silicon wafers prepared by the combination of VD with CZ techniques. The results showed the potential to reach efficiencies necessary for the production of commercial solar panels.
Generation of nitrogen-vacancy color center in nanodiamonds by high temperature annealing
Authors: Song Xuerui , Wang Guanzhong , Liu Xiaodi , Feng Fupan , Wang Junfeng , Lou Liren , Zhu Wei
Published: April 2013

We make use of inherent vacancies and nitrogen substitutions in nanodiamonds to generate nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers by high temperature annealing. After 800 °C annealing, low temperature photoluminescence intensity of nanodiamonds shows more than eight times improvement compared with that of unannealed samples. Confocal microscope images of well dispersed nanodiamonds indicate a dramatically increased proportion of nanodiamonds containing NV centers after annealing. Optically detected magnetic resonance spectrum of single NV center demonstrates that the resultant nanodiamonds are suitable for further application as magnetic field sensor. The annealing-oxidation method could be an attractive option for NV center generation in nanodiamonds.
In-plane and out-of-plane spin precession in lateral spin-valves
Authors: Rojas Sánchez J.-C. , Laczkowski P. , Savero Torres W. F. , Cubukcu M. , Nguyen V. D. , Notin L. , Beigné C. , Vergnaud C. , Marty A. , Jamet M. , Vila L. , Attané J. P.
Published: April 2013

The spin signal variations of Al/NiFe lateral spin-valves with AlOx interfaces are studied under different applied field orientations. For applied fields perpendicular to the sample plane, the spin signal is governed by the spin precession and by the angular dephasing of spins in the channel, i.e., the Hanle effect. We show that using narrow permalloy wires with large shape anisotropies, it is also possible to observe spin precession with in-plane magnetic fields. In this case, the precessing spin current possesses an out-of plane component, which means that by tuning properly the external field it is possible to control along the three dimensions the orientation of the spins arriving on the ferromagnetic detector. Finally, fits of our data allow for both in and out-of plane fields extracting the relevant characteristics of our lateral spin-valves.
Magnetic alignment of SWCNTs decorated with Fe3O4 to enhance mechanical properties of SC-15 epoxy
Authors: Malkina O. , Mahfuz H. , Sorge K. , Rondinone A. , Chen J. , More K. , Reeves S. , Rangari V.
Published: April 2013

We report significant improvement in mechanical properties of SC-15 epoxy when reinforced with decorated nanotubes and cured in a modest magnetic field. The chemical synthesis and field curing process is a low cost and relatively easy technique to impose strong magnetic anisotropy into the system without the need of a superconducting magnet. SWCNT(COOH)s were decorated with Fe3O4nanoparticles through a sonochemical oxidation process and then dispersed into SC-15 epoxy at 0.5 wt% loading. The admixture was cured for 6 hours in a magnetic field of 10 kOe followed by an additional 24 hours of post curing at room temperature. Control samples were prepared in a similar manner but without the application of the magnetic field. Mechanical tests performed on field-cured samples indicated that tensile strength and modulus increased by 62%and 40%. Most importantly, modulus of toughness, fracture strain, and modulus of resilience improved by 346%, 165%% and 170%, respectively. Such enhancement in mechanical properties was attributed to changes in polymer morphology, partial alignment of nanotubes in the field direction, and sliding at the polymer-nanotube interface. Detailed characterization of the system with XRD, TEM, DMA, and Magnetometry are described in the paper.
Near-infrared InN quantum dots on high-In composition InGaN
Authors: Soto Rodriguez Paul E. D. , Gómez Victor J. , Kumar Praveen , Calleja Enrique , Nötzel Richard
Published: April 2013

We report the growth of InN quantum dots (QDs) on thick InGaN layers with high In composition (>50%) by molecular beam epitaxy. Optimized growth conditions are identified for the InGaN layers at reduced growth temperature and increased active N flux resulting in minimized phase separation and defect generation. The InN QDs grown on top of the optimized InGaN layer exhibit small size, high density, and photoluminescence up to room temperature. The InN/InGaN QDs reveal excellent potential for intermediate band solar cells with the InGaN and InN QD bandgap energies tuned to the best match of absorption to the solar spectrum.
Improved fundamental harmonic current distribution in a klystron-like relativistic backward wave oscillator by two pre-modulation cavities
Authors: Xiao Renzhen , Chen Changhua , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: April 2013

In a klystron-like relativistic backward wave oscillator, the velocity modulation is mainly obtained from the resonant reflector. By introducing two pre-modulation cavities between the input cavity and the resonant reflector, the amplitude and phase of density modulation can be adjusted relatively independently, to ensure an improved fundamental harmonic current distribution. Two peaks of harmonic current with high modulation coefficient of 1.2 appear in the second slow wave structure and the dual-cavity extractor and result in large beam energy losses in both regions. Particle-in-cell simulations show that a microwave with power of 11.5 GW and efficiency of 57% can be obtained.
The complex impact of silicon and oxygen on the n-type conductivity of high-Al-content AlGaN
Authors: Kakanakova-Georgieva A. , Nilsson D. , Trinh X. T. , Forsberg U. , Son N. T. , Janzén E.
Published: April 2013

Issues of major relevance to the n-type conductivity of Al0.77Ga0.23N associated with Si and O incorporation, their shallow donor or deep donor level behavior, and carrier compensation are elucidated by allying (i) study of Si and O incorporation kinetics at high process temperature and low growth rate, and (ii) electron paramagnetic resonance measurements. The Al0.77Ga0.23N composition correlates to that Al content for which a drastic reduction of the conductivity of AlxGa1−xN is commonly reported. We note the incorporation of carbon, the role of which for the transport properties of AlxGa1−xN has not been widely discussed.
Size-dependent structural evolution of the biomineralized iron-core nanoparticles in ferritins
Authors: Lee Eunsook , Kim D. H. , Hwang Jihoon , Lee Kiho , Yoon Sungwon , Suh B. J. , Hyun Kim Kyung , Kim J.-Y. , Jang Z. H. , Kim Bongjae , Min B. I. , Kang J.-S.
Published: April 2013

The structural identity of the biomineralized iron core nanoparticles in Helicobacter pylori ferritins (Hpf's) has been determined by employing soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy and soft x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. Valence states of Fe ions are nearly trivalent in all Hpf's, indicating that the amount of magnetite (Fe3O4) is negligible. With increasing filling of Fe ions, the local configurations of Fe3+ ions change from the mixture of the tetrahedral and octahedral symmetries to the octahedral symmetry. These results demonstrate that the biomineralization of the ferritin core changes from maghemite-like (γ-Fe2O3) formation to hematite-like (α-Fe2O3) formation with increasing Fe content.
Effect of the residual stress on soft sample nanoindentation
Authors: Boccaccio Antonio , Papi Massimiliano , De Spirito Marco , Lamberti Luciano , Pappalettere Carmine
Published: April 2013

Nanoindentation has recently emerged as a powerful tool for measuring nano- and microscale mechanical properties in tissues and other biomaterials. This technique has been used to measure the mechanical properties of microstructural features in cells, biopolymer networks, and complex biomaterials. Despite the wide use of the nanoindentation, the residual stress effect in the determination of soft samples elastic properties is still poorly explored. By using parametric finite element analysis and atomic force spectroscopy, we determined the relationships between residual stress and indenter geometry and how it can affect the structural response of polymeric spherical shells flattened on a hard surface.
Packaged chalcogenide microsphere resonator with high Q-factor
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Ding Ming , Lee Timothy , Senthil Murugan Ganapathy , Bo Lin , Semenova Yuliya , Wu Qiang , Hewak Dan , Brambilla Gilberto , Farrell Gerald
Published: April 2013

The fabrication and characterization of a packaged As2S3 microsphere resonator coupled to a tapered fiber using a low refractive index UV-curable polymer are reported. Embedding provides an efficient means to remove the highest order whispering gallery modes in the microsphere resonator, thus cleaning the resonator spectrum. At wavelengths near 1549.5 nm, high-Q modes up to 1.8 × 105 can be efficiently excited in a 110 μm diameter chalcogenide microsphere via evanescent coupling from a 2 μm diameter tapered silica fiber. The device photosensitivity, useful for tuning, is still present and useable after the packaging process.
Hydraulic conductance of intact plants of two contrasting sorghum lines, SC15 and SC1205
Authors: Choudhary Sunita , Sinclair Thomas R. , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: April 2013

Low plant hydraulic conductance has been hypothesised as an approach to decrease the rate of soil water use, resulting in soil water conservation for use during late season water deficits. The impact of leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) on water use characteristics was explored by comparing two sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) genotypes that had been found to differ in Kleaf. Genotype SC15 had a much lower leaf conductance than genotype SC1205. Four sets of experiments were undertaken to extend the comparison to the impact of differences in Kleaf on the plant water budget. (1) Measurements of hydraulic conductance of intact plants confirmed that leaf conductance of SC15 was lower than that of SC1205. (2) The low leaf conductance of SC15 was associated with a decrease in transpiration during soil drying at a higher soil water content than that of SC1205. (3) SC15 had a restricted transpiration rate at vapour pressure deficits (VPD) above 2.1 kPa, whereas SC1205 did not. (4) Treatment with aquaporin inhibitors showed substantial differences in the sensitivity of the transpiration response between the genotypes. These results demonstrated that low Kleaf in SC15 was associated with conservative water use by restricting transpiration at higher soil water content during soil drying and under high VPD. Tests with inhibitors indicate that these differences may be linked to differences between their aquaporin populations. The differences between the two genotypes indicated that the traits exhibited by SC15 would be desirable in environments where soil water deficits develop.
Increases in newly acquired HIV infections in Victoria, Australia: epidemiological evidence of successful prevention?
Authors: Feigin Anita , El-Hayek Carol , Hellard Margaret , Pedrana Alisa , Donnan Ellen , Fairley Christopher , Tee B. K. , Stoové Mark
Published: April 2013

Background
Rates of newly acquired HIV notifications provide useful data for monitoring transmission trends. Methods: We describe 10-year (2001–10) trends in newly acquired HIV notifications in Victoria, Australia. We also examine recent trends in HIV testing and incidence and risk behaviours among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) attending four high MSM caseload clinics. Results: Between 2001 and 2010 there was a significant increasing linear trend in newly acquired HIV that was driven primarily by increases between 2009–2010. MSM accounted for 85% of newly acquired HIV notifications. Between 2007–10, the total number of HIV tests per year at the high caseload clinics increased 41% among MSM and HIV incidence declined by 52%; reported risk behaviours remained relatively stable among these MSM. Conclusion: More newly acquired HIV notifications may reflect recent increased testing among MSM; continued scrutiny of surveillance data will assess the sustained effectiveness of testing as prevention, health promotion and the contribution of risk and testing behaviours to HIV surveillance outcomes.
The high burden of cervical cancer in Fiji, 2004–07
Authors: Law Irwin , Fong James J. , Buadromo Eka M. , Samuela Josaia , Patel Mahomed S. , Garland Suzanne M. , Mulholland E. Kim , Russell Fiona M.
Published: April 2013

Background There are few population-based data on the disease burden of cervical cancer from developing countries, especially South Pacific islands. This study aimed to determine the incidence and mortality associated with cervical cancer and the coverage of Papanicolaou (Pap) cervical cytology in 20- to 69-year-old women in Fiji from 2004 to 2007. Methods: National data on the incident cases of histologically confirmed cervical cancer and the associated deaths, and on Pap smear results were collected from all pathology laboratories, and cancer and death registries in Fiji from 2004 to 2007. Results: There were 413 incident cases of cervical cancer and 215 related deaths during the study timeframe. The annualised incidence and mortality rates in 20- to 69-year-old Melanesian Fijian women, at 49.7 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval (CI): 43.7–56.4) and 32.3 per 100 000 (95% CI: 26.9–38.4) respectively, were significantly higher than among 20- to 69-year-old Indo-Fijian women at 35.2 per 100 000 (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 29.5–41.7) and 19.8 per 100 000 (P = 0.002, 95% CI: 15.1–25.5) respectively. Of 330 cases diagnosed between 2004 and 2006, 186 (56%) had died by 31 December 2006. Pap smear coverage for this period was 8.0% (95% CI: 7.9–8.1) of the target population. Conclusions: The incidence and mortality related to cervical cancer in Fiji is high, whereas Pap smear coverage is very low. Greater investment in alternative screening strategies and preventive measures should be integrated into a comprehensive, strategic cervical cancer control program in Fiji.
The origins of the condom
Authors: Maatouk Ismael , Moutran Roy
Published: April 2013

We know little about the origins of one of the oldest forms of contraception in medicine, the condom. Condoms were initially recognised as being useful for the prevention of sexually transmissible infections. Later on, they were used as contraceptives. We present here a short presentation of the condom’s history.
Counselling improves follow-up HIV testing at Week 6 for HIV postexposure prophylaxis recipients
Authors: Farrugia Parsons Bianca , Fisher Kate , Cordery Damien , Couldwell Deborah
Published: April 2013

Demographic and clinical variables of clients attending a sexual health centre in western Sydney from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2011 were examined to determine if nonoccupational HIV postexposure prophylaxis (NPEP) was being dispensed according to national guidelines,1 and to identify factors associated with completion of follow-up. The results showed that 95.8% of antiretroviral prescriptions were consistent with national guidelines.1 Consultation with a social worker significantly improved attendance for six week follow up serology (P = 0.027).
Paracrine Wnt signaling both promotes and inhibits human breast tumor growth
Authors: Green Jennifer L. , La Justin , Yum Kyu W. , Desai Payal , Rodewald Luo-Wei , Zhang Xiaomei , Leblanc Mathias , Nusse Roeland , Lewis Michael T. , Wahl Geoffrey M.
Published: April 2013

Wnt signaling in mouse mammary development and tumorigenesis has been heavily studied and characterized, but its role in human breast cancer remains elusive. Although Wnt inhibitors are in early clinical development, it is unclear whether they will be of therapeutic benefit to breast cancer patients, and subsequently, to which ones. To address this, we generated a panel of Wnt reporting human breast cancer cell lines and identified a previously unrecognized enrichment for the ability to respond to Wnt in the basal B or claudin-low subtype, which has a poor prognosis and no available targeted therapies. By co-injecting Wnt3A expressing human mammary fibroblasts with human breast cancer cell lines into mouse mammary fat pads, we showed that elevated
paracrine
Wnt signaling was correlated with accelerated tumor growth. Using this heterotypic system and a dual lentiviral reporter system that enables simultaneous real-time measurement of both Wnt-responsive cells and bulk tumor cells, we analyzed the outcome of elevated Wnt signaling in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Interestingly, the PDX models exhibited responses not observed in the cell lines analyzed. Exogenous WNT3A promoted tumor growth in one human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-overexpressing PDX line but inhibited growth in a second PDX line obtained from a patient with triple-negative breast cancer. Tumor suppression was associated with squamous differentiation in the latter. Thus, our work suggests that paracrine Wnt signaling can either fuel or repress the growth of human breast cancers depending on yet to be determined aspects of the molecular pathways they express.
Prostate cancer-associated mutations in speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) regulate steroid receptor coactivator 3 protein turnover
Authors: Geng Chuandong , He Bin , Xu Limei , Barbieri Christopher E. , Eedunuri Vijay Kumar , Chew Sue Anne , Zimmermann Martin , Bond Richard , Shou John , Li Chao , Blattner Mirjam , Lonard David M. , Demichelis Francesca , Coarfa Cristian , Rubin Mark A. , Zhou Pengbo , O’Malley Bert W. , Mitsiades Nicholas
Published: April 2013

The p160 steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) SRC-1, SRC-2 [nuclear receptor coactivator (NCOA)2], and SRC-3 [amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1)/NCOA3] are key pleiotropic “master regulators” of transcription factor activity necessary for cancer cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, and metastasis. SRC overexpression and overactivation occur in numerous human cancers and are associated with poor clinical outcomes and resistance to therapy. In prostate cancer (PC), the p160 SRCs play critical roles in androgen receptor transcriptional activity, cell proliferation, and resistance to androgen deprivation therapy. We recently demonstrated that the E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor speckle-type poxvirus and zinc finger (POZ) domain protein (SPOP) interacts directly with SRC-3 and promotes its cullin 3-dependent ubiquitination and proteolysis in breast cancer, thus functioning as a potential tumor suppressor. Interestingly, somatic heterozygous missense mutations in the SPOP substrate-binding cleft recently were identified in up to 15% of human PCs (making SPOP the gene most commonly affected by nonsynonymous point mutations in PC), but their contribution to PC pathophysiology remains unknown. We now report that PC-associated SPOP mutants cannot interact with SRC-3 protein or promote its ubiquitination and degradation. Our data suggest that wild-type SPOP plays a critical tumor suppressor role in PC cells, promoting the turnover of SRC-3 protein and suppressing androgen receptor transcriptional activity. This tumor suppressor effect is abrogated by the PC-associated SPOP mutations. These studies provide a possible explanation for the role of SPOP mutations in PC, and highlight the potential of SRC-3 as a therapeutic target in PC.
Preoperative oral nutritional interventions in surgery, including arginine- and glutamine-enhanced supplements.
Authors: Brinkmann S. J. H. , Buijs N. , Luttikhold J. , Delavary B. M. , Niessen F. B. , Leeuwen P. A. M. van
Published: April 2013

The patients' condition prior to surgery is of major importance for clinical outcome. It is believed nowadays that artificial nutrition in the form of a preoperative drink may improve postoperative outcome. Until now, a clear overview concerning the effects of preoperative supplementation on patients' well-being has been lacking. The aim of this review is to summarize the results of randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of different preoperative supplements such as carbohydrate (CHO)-rich beverages, oral nutritional supplements (ONSs), immunonutrition and lemonades on clinical, metabolic and immunological parameters. We reviewed the relevant articles published between 1995 and 2012. Preoperative CHO-rich drinks appear to be safe, do not affect gastric emptying time and switch the fasted state to a fed state. Moreover, a significant reduction of postoperative insulin resistance, an improved well-being of the patient and prevention of surgery-induced immunodepression was found. For ONSs, beneficial effects were found according to muscle metabolism and strength, glucose storage and cost-effectiveness. Preoperative supplementation of immunonutrition resulted in improved immune function, restricted inflammatory response after surgery, prevention of organ damage, improved nutritional status with subsequently decreased postoperative complication rates and reduced length of hospital stay. Preoperative oral supplements have beneficial effects on many aspects of patient's well-being and recovery. Different supplements, preferably in combination with each other, can help to reduce postoperative complications after surgery and length of hospital stay. Nutritional support must not be overlooked when considering optimal surgical care.
Ridicule and being laughed at in the family: Gelotophobia, gelotophilia, and katagelasticism in young children and their parents
Authors: Proyer René T. , Neukom Monica
Published: April 2013

The fear of being laughed at (gelotophobia), the joy of being laughed at (gelotophilia), and the joy of laughing at others (katagelasticism) were tested in a sample of 189 7‐ and 8‐year‐olds and their parents (185 mothers, 160 fathers). The dispositions were widely unrelated in the full sample. There was a positive relation between girls' and mothers' katagelasticism as well as between the 7‐year‐old boys' katagelasticism and their parents' gelotophilia. Furthermore, the 8‐year‐old boys' fear of being laughed at correlated robustly positively with their parents' gelotophobia and their gelotophilia with their parents' katagelasticism. Similarities/dissimilarities in the parental expression in the dispositions had no impact on the scores in the children. The findings are different from relations reported for parents and their adult children. The study provides ground for further studies on how families deal with ridicule and being laughed at.
First Report of Crown Gall, Caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens on Soapberry (Sapindus delavayi) in China
Authors: Wang Y. J. , He Y. Y. , Xie Z. , Zhang L. Q.
Published: April 2013

Soapberry (Sapindus delavayi (Franch.) Radlk.,) plants are widely grown as shade trees in the subtropical to tropical regions of China. In July 2011, large, aerial galls were observed on the above-ground trunks of 5-year-old soapberry plants in two commercial nursery gardens located in Zhejiang Province. Disease incidence was estimated to be 75%. The galls varied in weight from 2 to 24 g and in texture from soft and spongy to hard, and in some cases, the galls completely girdled the trunk. The trees with galls exhibited poor growth compared with healthy trees. Isolations from the grinded and macerated galls yielded nearly pure white, circular, and glistening bacterial colonies on Roy Sauer medium (2). Six random colonies from different galls were selected for bacterial identification, and showed the same morphological, physiological, and biochemical characters and 16S rDNA sequences. All six isolates (isolate SD01 to SD06) were gram negative, rod-shaped bacteria. Carbon source utilization testing with the Biolog GN Bacterial Identification System (version 3.50) confirmed the bacteria as Agrobacterium tumefaciens with a similarity of 0.90. The most-parsimonious tree from the maximum parsimony analysis (PHYLIP package, version 3.68, 500 replicates) of bacterial 16S rDNA gene sequences showed that A. tumefaciens SD01 (GenBank Accession No. JX997939) clustered phylogenetically most closely (99.5% similarity) with A. tumefaciens C58 (AE007870.2). Pathogenicity was confirmed by injecting 3- to 5-week old tomato and sunflower plants and 2-year-old soapberry with approximately 5 μl of the bacterial suspension (108 CFU/ml) in sterile, distilled water. Sterile distilled water was used as a negative control. Ten plants of each treatment were inoculated. Inoculated plants were then transferred to a greenhouse at 25°C. Typical tumors developed at the inoculation sites on tomatoes and sunflower plants 3 weeks after inoculation and on soapberry 6 weeks after inoculation. No symptoms were observed on the control plants. The bacteria that were readily reisolated from the inoculated plants exhibited the same morphological, physiological characters and 16S rDNA sequence as the original culture and were confirmed as A. tumefaciens, fulfilling Koch's postulates. A. tumefaciens is endemic to China and has a very wide host range (1). However, crown gall of soapberry has never been found in China and other countries. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. tumefaciens on soapberry plants in China.

References: (1) M. A. Escobar and A. M. Dandekar. Trends Plant Sci. 8:380, 2003. (2) L. W. Moore et al. Page 17 in: Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. 3rd ed. N. W. Schaad et al., eds. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 2001.
Esophageal Length
Authors: Moreau Brigitte , Kambites Sandra , Lévesque Dominique
Published: April 2013

Background and Objectives:

Many mathematical equations based on height have been developed to estimate the esophageal length (EL) in children. The aim of this study was to confirm whether the preexisting and most frequently used equation by Strobel et al is accurate in calculating the EL in our pediatric population. Our secondary goal was to evaluate whether a new formula could be developed using our nonsurgical and surgical populations' data for the correlation between patients' height and measured EL by esophageal manometry (EM).

Methods:

From 2000 to 2009, 116 children between the ages of 3 and 18 years without previous esophageal surgery underwent EM (n = 31) at the Montreal Children's Hospital. During the same period, 55 EMs were performed on 34 children with a previous history of esophageal surgery. For both groups, we collected the following data: height, EL calculated by the Strobel formula, and EL measured by EM.

Results:

The Strobel equation was inaccurate in predicting the EL. The calculated EL was 3.0 ± 0.32 cm longer than the EM measurements (P < 0.001). The height (H) of nonsurgical children was found to be highly predictive of the lower esophageal sphincter location (L), and the derived linear regression equation is L = 0.216 (H) + 7.13 [r2 = 0.85].

Conclusions:

This study confirmed that the Strobel formula is not sufficiently accurate to predict EL in the pediatric population that is between 3 and 18 years old. A correlation exists between height and esophageal sphincter location position. If EM is unavailable, the use of a new mathematical equation like ours can be considered.
Clusters of genetically similar isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from multiple hospitals in the UK
Authors: Martin Kate , Baddal Buket , Mustafa Nazim , Perry Claire , Underwood Anthony , Constantidou Chrystala , Loman Nick , Kenna Dervla T. , Turton Jane F.
Published: April 2013

Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis at nine loci of isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa submitted to the national reference laboratory from UK hospitals, from over 2000 patients, between June 2010 and June 2012 revealed four widely found types that collectively were received from approximately a fifth of patients, including from those with cystic fibrosis. These types were also prevalent among related submissions from the clinical environment and were received from up to 54 (out of 143) hospitals. Multi-locus sequence typing and bla
OXA-50-like sequencing confirmed the clonal relationship within each cluster, and representatives from multiple centres clustered within about 70 % by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Illumina sequencing of 12 isolates of cluster A of VNTR profile 8, 3, 4, 5, 2, 3, 5, 2, x (where the repeat number at the last, most discriminatory locus is variable) revealed a large number of variably present targets in the accessory genome and seven of these were sought by PCR among a larger set of isolates. Representatives from patients within a single centre mostly had distinct accessory gene profiles, suggesting that these patients acquired the strain independently, while those with clear epidemiological links shared the same profile. Profiles also varied between representatives from different centres. Epidemiological investigations of widely found types such as these require the use of finer-typing methods, which increasingly will be informed by next generation sequencing.
Cellular uptake of Clostridium difficile TcdA and truncated TcdA lacking the receptor binding domain
Authors: Gerhard Ralf , Frenzel Eileen , Goy Sebastian , Olling Alexandra
Published: April 2013

The combined repetitive oligopeptides (CROPs) ofClostridium difficiletoxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) induce clathrin-mediated endocytosis of the toxins. Inconsistently, CROP-truncated TcdA1–1874is also capable of entering host cells and displaying full cytotoxic properties although with less potency. Pre-incubation of cells with isolated CROPs, however, reconstitutes the reduced uptake of TcdA1–1874to the level of the full-length toxin. We believe that TcdA exhibits an additional binding motif beyond the C-terminally located CROP domain, which might interact with cellular receptor structures that are associated with alternative internalization pathways. This study therefore evaluated endocytosis routes of CROP-dependent cellular uptake for TcdA and CROP-independent cellular uptake for TcdA1–1874. Clathrin knockdown or inhibition with chlorpromazine affected subsequent internalization of TcdA and TcdA1–1874, although only to some extent, arguing for alternative, clathrin-independent endocytosis routes. Inhibition of dynamin, a GTPase essentially involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis as well as in various clathrin-independent uptake mechanisms, affected uptake of TcdA to the same extent as clathrin inhibition. In contrast, uptake of TcdA1–1874was almost completely eliminated in dynamin-inhibited cells. Thus, clathrin-independent uptake of TcdA1–1874presumably depends on dynamin. These findings demonstrate that the toxins are endocytosed via complex pathways involving clathrin and dynamin, putatively enabling them to adapt to mechanisms of various cell types. With regard to the emergence ofC. difficilestrains producing C-terminally truncated toxins, this study emphasizes the relevance of elucidating toxin uptake as a prerequisite for the development of toxin intervention strategies.
Two cases of fulminant colitis due to binary toxin-positive Clostridium difficile that are not PCR ribotype 027 or type 078
Authors: Tagashira Yasuaki , Kato Haru , Senoh Mitsutoshi , Nakamura Akira
Published: April 2013

Two cases of fulminant colitis due to Clostridium difficile occurred within ten weeks of each other on the same ward of a hospital in Japan. The patients died 2 and 4 days after the onset of colitis. C. difficile isolates obtained from both patients were toxin A-positive, toxin B-positive and binary toxin-positive. These isolates yielded identical results by both PCR ribotyping and slpA sequence typing. However, the banding patterns and slpA sequences of the isolates differed from those of PCR ribotype 027, as well as those of PCR ribotype 078. The tcdC sequences of the isolate differed from those of C. difficile 027, but a single base-pair deletion at position 117 and an 18 bp deletion, both of which were identical to the sequence of the reference strain of 027, were found. This type may be a new hypervirulent strain, but further studies of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of the strain are needed.
Using GPUs to compute fast Fourier transforms for crystal structure solution and refinement
Authors: Shalaby ElSayed Mohamed , Oliveira Miguel Afonso
Published: April 2013

In the past few years, new hardware tools have become available for computing using the graphical processing units (GPUs) present in modern graphics cards. These GPUs allow efficient parallel calculations with a much higher throughput than microprocessors. In this work, fast Fourier transformation calculations used inSIR2011software algorithms have been carried out using the power of the GPU, and the speed of the calculations has been compared with that achieved using normal CPUs.
Using a non-monochromatic microbeam for serial snapshot crystallography
Authors: Dejoie Catherine , McCusker Lynne B. , Baerlocher Christian , Abela Rafael , Patterson Bruce D. , Kunz Martin , Tamura Nobumichi
Published: April 2013

The new X-ray free-electron laser source (SwissFEL) that is currently being developed at PSI will provide a broad-bandpass mode with an energy bandwidth of about 4%. By using the full energy range, a new option for structural studies of crystalline materials may become possible. The proof of concept of broad-bandpass diffraction presented here is based on Laue single-crystal microdiffraction and the experimental setup on BL12.3.2 at the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley. Diffraction patterns for 100 randomly oriented stationary crystallites of theMFI-type zeolite ZSM-5 were simulated assuming several bandwidths, and the statistical and structural results are discussed. With a 4% energy bandwidth, the number of reflection intensities measured in a single shot is significantly higher than with monochromatic radiation. Furthermore, the problem of partial reflection measurement, which is inherent to the monochromatic mode with stationary crystals, can be overcome.
Impaired pulmonary blood flow distribution in congestive heart failure assessed using synchrotron radiation microangiography
Authors: Shirai Mikiyasu , Beard Matthew , Pearson James T. , Sonobe Takashi , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Fujii Yutaka , Gray Emily , Umetani Keiji , Schwenke Daryl O.
Published: April 2013

Synchrotron radiation microangiography is a powerful tool for assessing adverse changes in pulmonary vessel density associated with primary pulmonary hypertension (PH). Congestive heart failure (CHF) leads to a `secondary' onset of PH, yet it is unknown whether secondary PH is also associated with reduced vessel density. This study utilized synchrotron radiation to assess both pulmonary vessel density and endothelial function in a Dahl rat model of CHF with secondary PH. High salt-fed Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) and salt-resistant (Dahl-R) rats were anesthetized and microangiography was performed to assess the pulmonary vessel density and vascular responses to (i) sodium nitroprusside (5.0 µg kg−1min−1), (ii) acetylcholine (3.0 µg kg−1min−1) and (iii) ET-1Areceptor blockade, BQ-123 (1 mg kg−1). Dahl-S rats developed CHF and secondary PH as evident by endothelial dysfunction, impaired vasodilatory responses to acetylcholine, enhanced vasodilatory responses to BQ-123 and extensive pulmonary vascular remodeling. Consequently, the pulmonary vessel density was adversely reduced. Interestingly, the etiology of secondary PH manifests with structural and functional changes that are comparable with that previously reported for primary PH. One important discrepancy, however, is that ET-1 modulation of pulmonary vessels is most striking in vessels with a diameter range of 100–200 µm in secondary PH, in contrast to a range of 200–300 µm in primary PH. Such discrepancies should be considered in future studies investigating primary and secondary forms of PH.
Including people who experience homelessness: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Norman Trudy , Pauly Bernadette
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Without the voices of those impacted by homelessness, there is a risk that important understandings essential to the development of effective solutions to homelessness will remain obscured. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the evidence base and insights into recommendations for development and implementation of policies and practices to promote meaningful involvement of people experiencing homelessness as part of a community response to homelessness in a mid‐size Canadian city.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping literature review was conducted, focusing on homelessness and social exclusion/inclusion.

Findings

Based on this review, the authors provide insights into the processes of social exclusion and inclusion as a beginning place for developing strategies for meaningful engagement in community responses to homelessness. Roots of social exclusion, towards social inclusion and creating social inclusion were three themes which emerged as central to developing inclusionary policy. First, the roots of social exclusion associated with homelessness are located in unequal power relations, highlighting contextual factors that produce exclusion with implications for health and well‐being. Second, towards social inclusion, reflects theoretical perspectives and principles that have been used to inform inclusionary practices. Third, creating inclusion highlights some strategies that can support inclusion for people experiencing homelessness and foster development of inclusionary policy.

Originality/value

There is little evidence of effective practices that promote social inclusion or attention to specific strategies that engage diverse homeless populations that account for gender, ethnicity and other important differences. A key next step is the development of guidelines for social inclusion at the organizational and municipal levels of decision making with those impacted by homelessness.
Family and friendship support networks among retirees
Authors: Requena Felix
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical analysis of factors that affect support networks among retirees in 13 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

It examines two propositions drawing from support network theory and the classification of countries by welfare systems. It uses fixed‐effect causal models to examine how retirement and socio‐demographic variables influence kinship and friendship support networks. Data are drawn from the Social Relations and Support Systems module of the International Social Survey Programme 2001.

Findings

The results show that retirees' friendship‐based support networks are almost one‐third smaller than those of working persons. Furthermore, this difference is greater in welfare systems that spend more on social well‐being.

Research limitations/implications

However, the relationship between informal support networks and welfare systems is complex, which indicates a need to further the debate on the co‐existence of formal and informal aid systems.

Originality/value

This study's main sociological confirmation is that the relationship between the size of support networks and the type of welfare system is irregular and complex. The results make a significant contribution to the debate on the relationship between formal and informal care among a group of people during a critical life‐cycle phase, such as retirement.
Demand for financial services by households in Ghana
Authors: Mawuli Akpandjar George , Quartey Peter , Abor Joshua
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate household financial choice and the determinants of financial services in rural and urban households in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the Ghana Living Standard Survey 5 (GLSS 5) are used to estimate the participation of a household in a particular financial sector and what determines this choice.

Findings

The results from Tobit and conditional logit models account for households' demographic characteristics and their financial decisions. The Tobit estimates show that household size, age, sex, marital status, occupation, income, remittances and shocks determine households' participation in the financial markets. Conditional logit model results suggest that locational characteristics are important in obtaining financial services from particular sectors of the financial market. The results also suggest that when the alternatives of financial services are available, rural households are more likely than urban households to obtain their financial services from the informal financial sector.

Originality/value

This current study contributes to the existing literature from the Ghanaian perspective.