bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepwise sequential aneuploidy screening in clinical practice
Authors: Wax Joseph R. , Cartin Angelina , Smith Dwight , Smith Rosemarie , Chard Renée , Carpenter Molly , Pinette Michael G.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To evaluate stepwise sequential screening (SSS) efficiency in clinical practice.

Methods.

All singletons undergoing SSS in a single practice by NTQR (Nuchal Translucency Quality Review Program)‐credentialed providers in a 2‐year period were included. Prenatal diagnosis was offered to all screen‐positive women and those with a nuchal translucency ≥3.5 mm or cystic hygroma at the 11‐ to 14‐week scan. Data were extracted from prospectively ascertained serum screening and genetics databases.

Results.

A total of 2,726 patients were screened, with SSS detecting all eight cases of trisomy 21 and all seven cases of other aneuploidies at a 4.3% screen‐positive rate.

Conclusions.

Stepwise sequential screening offers excellent aneuploidy screening efficiency when introduced into clinical practice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Time course of cerebral hemodynamics in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Hung‐Chen , Lin Wei‐Che , Yang Tzu‐Ming , Chen Wu‐Fu , Lin Yu‐Jun , Tsai Nai‐Wen , Chang Wen‐Neng , Lu Cheng‐Hsien
Published: November 2011

Background.

Vascular complications are important causes of neurologic sequelae among survivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, little is known about the time course of cerebral hemodynamics and outcome in patients with and without angiographically confirmed cerebral vasospasm.

Methods.

Serial transcranial color‐coded sonography (TCCS), angiography, and MRI studies were performed to measure cerebrovascular hemodynamics and assess complications following aneurysmal SAH.

Results.

Eighteen aneurysmal SAH patients were enrolled. Angiographically confirmed cerebral vasospasm occurred in 14 patients (77.8%), 5 of whom (35.7%) were asymptomatic. The mean blood flow velocity (Vmean) of the middle cerebral artery increased significantly as compared with healthy volunteers from day 1 to day 15, and substantially decreased thereafter. The Vmean of middle cerebral artery was significantly higher in patients with than in patients without angiographically confirmed cerebral vasospasm from day 3 to day 12. Compared to angiography, TCCS detected cerebral vasospasm with 85.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 66.7% negative predictive value. MRI‐evidenced cerebral infarctions occurred in nine patients (50%), three of whom (33.3%) were asymptomatic.

Conclusions.

This study demonstrated that approximately one‐third of acute phase aneurysmal SAH patients have asymptomatic delayed cerebral infarction, which was undetected by TCCS in one‐third of them. This may explain why the accuracy of TCCS to predict clinical symptomatic cerebral vasospasm is suboptimal. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:91–98, 2012
A simple, inexpensive system for digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) in biomechanics
Authors: Ryerson William G. , Schwenk Kurt
Published: November 2011

Functional morphology and biomechanics seek to reveal the mechanistic bases of organismal functions and the physical principles involved at the phenotype–environment interface. Characterization of fluid flow (air or water) within and around organismal structures is an example of this approach. Digital particle imaging velocimetry (DPIV) has been exploited in a variety of biological systems to visualize fluid flow associated with animal movement. DPIV employs particles suspended in air or water that are illuminated by a laser light sheet and recorded with a high‐speed video camera. Software tracks particle movement across a specified number of video frames, generating vector diagrams showing patterns of fluid flow through time. As powerful as DPIV methods are, they are limited in application by the high cost and complexity of the equipment required. In this article, we describe a simple DPIV system that substitutes widely available, inexpensive consumer components for scientific‐grade equipment to achieve low cost (<$1,000 total) and high accuracy (total error calculated to be approx. 6%, as compared with 5% in professional systems). We have employed this system successfully in our studies on the fluid dynamics of chemosensory tongue‐flicking in snakes. This system can be used for research and teaching in labs that typically cannot afford the expense or commitment of a traditional DPIV apparatus and is particularly suited for obtaining preliminary data required to justify further grant and institutional support. J. Exp. Zool. 317:127–140, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toxin assay is more reliable than ICD‐9 data and less time‐consuming than chart review for public reporting of Clostridium difficile hospital case rates
Authors: Welker James A. , Bertumen J.B.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Clostridium difficile–associated disease (CDAD) is common and has a 6.1% mortality. Governmental agencies have recommended surveillance, but reporting increases health care costs. We sought to identify a reliable method of reporting CDAD that will not significantly increase health care costs.

METHODS:

Patients were identified via database query for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th Edition (ICD‐9) codes and C. difficile toxin positivity. All identified patients underwent a chart review, which was used to determine the accuracy of the database query methods. Methods of determining whether CDAD was acquired at the reporting institution were studied, and time required to perform each method was measured.

RESULTS:

The toxin assay reported 96.1% (369/384) of cases and had a positive predictive value of 100%. No difference was found in comparison of the toxin assay case rate of 15.7 per 1000 discharged patients to the rate of 16.3 identified by chart review (P = 0.440; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.1–17.4), whereas the ICD‐9 method was found to be significantly different by reporting 116.1% (446/384) of cases for a case rate of 19.0 per 1000 discharges (P = 0.001; 95% CI, 17.3–20.8). The time for data extraction via the toxin assay method required only 842 minutes, while the chart review method consumed 21,899 minutes.

CONCLUSION:

A positive C. difficile toxin assay accurately reports the institutional incidence of disease and is more reliable than ICD‐9 query. This process can be instituted at a fraction of the cost of the standard chart review, and enables governmental agencies to inexpensively add CDAD to their list of reportable diseases. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011; © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Direct observation of bed utilization in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Fieldston Evan S. , Li Joan , Terwiesch Christian , Helfaer Mark A. , Verger Judy , Pati Susmita , Surrey David , Patel Kiran , Ebberson Jessica L. , Lin Richard , Metlay Joshua P.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:

The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), with limited number of beds and resource‐intensive services, is a key component of patient flow. Because the PICU is a crossroads for many patients, transfer or discharge delays can negatively impact a patient's clinical status and efficiency.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to describe, using direct observation, PICU bed utilization.

METHODS:

We conducted a real‐time, prospective observational study in a convenience sample of days in the PICU of an urban, tertiary‐care children's hospital.

RESULTS:

Among 824 observed hours, 19,887 bed‐hours were recorded, with 82% being for critical care services and 18% for non–critical care services. Fourteen activities accounted for 95% of bed‐hours. Among 200 hours when the PICU was at full capacity, 75% of the time included at least 1 bed that was used for non–critical care services; 37% of the time at least 2 beds. The mean waiting time for a floor bed assignment was 9 hours (median, 5.5 hours) and accounted for 4.62% of all bed‐hours observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PICU delivered critical care services most of the time, but periods of non–critical care services represented a significant amount of time. In particular, periods with no bed available for new patients were associated with at least 1 or more PICU beds being used for non–critical care activities. The method should be reproducible in other settings to learn more about the structure and processes of care and patient flow and to make improvements. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
A storm surge database for the US Gulf Coast
Authors: Needham Hal F. , Keim Barry D.
Published: November 2011

Tropical cyclone‐generated storm surges are among the most deadly and costly natural disasters to impact the United States. Unfortunately, no comprehensive storm surge dataset provides reliable, historical storm surge information for the United States. This paper introduces SURGEDAT, the first comprehensive surge database for the US Gulf Coast. SURGEDAT identifies the location and height of peak storm surge for 195 surge events since 1880. A total of 62 sources were utilized to construct this dataset, including 28 Federal Government sources, numerous academic publications, and more than 3000 pages of newspaper from 16 daily periodicals. Surge heights in this database range from Hurricane Katrina's 8.47 m surge to 1.22 m surges generated by 20 separate events. Spatial analysis reveals enhanced surge magnitudes and frequencies along the Central and Western Gulf Coast, as well as the Florida Keys, while reduced levels of surge activity were observed along the eastern Florida Panhandle and the West Coast of Florida. The methods utilized to create this database are thoroughly documented, a table provides the comprehensive list of surges, and a map provides the spatial distribution of peak surge events. SURGEDAT will be valuable to coastal stakeholders, including planners and emergency managers, coastal scientists, and the hurricane and storm surge research communities. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
An assessment of the role of homogenization protocol in the performance of daily temperature series and trends: application to northeastern Spain
Authors: El Kenawy A. , López‐Moreno J. I. , Stepanek P. , Vicente‐Serrano S. M.
Published: November 2011

This paper gives the complete details of the protocols applied for developing a spatially and temporarily high‐resolution dataset of temperature for northeastern Spain. Our methodologies used data from a large number of observatories (1583) spanning some portions of the period between 1900 and 2006. The raw dataset was first tested for internal and external consistency to check data quality. To improve data completeness, a linear regression model was then utilized to infill gaps in the daily temperature series using the best correlated data from nearby sites. Discontinuities in the reconstructed series were determined by combining the results of three homogeneity‐relative tests: the Standard Normal Homogeneity Test (SNHT), the Eastrerling and Peterson two‐phased regression method and the Vincent test. To assess the possible impact of data homogenisation on trends and statistical properties of the final series, a set of tests (e.g. semivariance models and L‐moment statistics) was applied to the series before and after correction. Semivariance models suggest a significant improvement in the spatial dependence of the corrected dataset on both seasonal and annual timescales. Also, L‐moments gave no evidence of significant changes in the probability distribution of daily temperature series after correction. Taken together, the newly compiled dataset seems to be more robust and reveals more coherent spatial and temporal patterns of temperature compared with the original dataset. From the temporal and spatial perspectives, the new dataset comprises the most complete register of temperature in northeast Spain (1900–2006), with a reasonably spatial coverage. Accordingly, this database can provide a more reliable base for studying temperature changes and variability in the region. This dataset can also be of particular relevance to a number of meteorological, ecological, hydrological and agricultural applications on local, regional and continental scales. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Variations in the three‐dimensional location and orientation of the ACL in healthy subjects relative to patients after transtibial ACL reconstruction
Authors: Scanlan Sean F. , Lai Janice , Donahue Joseph P. , Andriacchi Thomas P.
Published: November 2011

Recent reports have indicated that anatomical placement of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft is an important factor for restoration of joint function following ACL reconstruction. The objective of this study was to address a need for a better understanding of anatomical variations in ACL position and orientation within the joint. Specifically, variations in the ACL anatomy were assessed by testing for side‐to‐side ACL footprint location symmetry in a healthy population relative to the operative and contralateral knee in a patient population after traditional transtibial single‐bundle ACL reconstruction. MRI and three‐dimensional modeling techniques were used to determine the in vivo tibiofemoral ACL footprint centers and the resulting ACL orientations in both knees of 30 healthy subjects and 30 subjects after transtibial ACL reconstruction. While there were substantial inter‐subject variations in ACL anatomy, the side‐to‐side RMS differences in the ACL footprint center were 1.20 and 1.34 mm for the femur and tibia, respectively, for the healthy subjects and no clinically meaningful intra‐subject differences were measured. However, there were large intra‐subject side‐to‐side differences after transtibial ACL reconstruction, with ACL grafts placed 5.63 and 7.64 mm from the center of the contralateral femoral and tibial ACL footprint centers, respectively. Grafts were placed more medial, anterior, and superior on the femur and more posterior on the tibia; producing grafts that were more vertical in the sagittal and coronal planes. Given the large variation among subjects, these findings advocate the use of the contralateral ACL morphology for retrospectively evaluating patient‐specific anatomic graft placement. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:910–918, 2012
Clinical significance of MicoRNA‐155 expression in human breast cancer
Authors: Chen Jian , Wang Bing‐Chan , Tang Jin‐Hai
Published: November 2011

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate clinical significance of miR‐155 expression in breast cancer.

Methods

TaqMan real‐time RT‐PCR was performed to detect miR‐155 expression in breast cancer tissues. The correlation of miR‐155 expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis of breast cancer patients was analyzed. Then, the prognostic value of miR‐155 expression was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Moreover, the effect of miR‐155 expression on phenotypes of breast cancer cell was determined by antisense technology.

Results

The relative expression of miR‐155 was significantly higher in breast cancer tissues than in corresponding nontumor tissues. High miR‐155 expression was correlated with higher tumor grade, advanced tumor stage and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.012, 0.001, and 0.003, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that the disease‐free and overall survival rates of high miR‐155 group were significantly lower than those of low miR‐155 group (P = 0.038 and 0.029, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that high miR‐155 expression was a poor prognostic factor (P = 0.009). Furthermore, antisense targeting miR‐155 could inhibit growth, induce cell arrest in G0/G1 phase, enhance apoptosis, and increase radiosensitivity in breast cancer cells.

Conclusions

MiR‐155 expression might be an independent prognostic factor and a therapeutic target for human breast cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:260–266. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a solid phase extraction protocol coupled with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to analyze central carbon metabolites in lake sediment microcosms
Authors: Yang Song , Synovec Robert E. , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G. , Lidstrom Mary E.
Published: November 2011

An ion exchange solid phase extraction (SPE) strategy is developed for application with liquid chromatography‐tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) for characterization of central carbon metabolites involved in methane assimilation and adjacent pathways in natural mixtures. For this purpose, short‐time microcosm samples were obtained from lake sediment known to consume methane. Three SPE procedures were developed for the recovery of 51 targeted metabolites from five compound classes (amino acids, carboxylic acids, sugar phosphates, nucleotides and acyl‐CoAs). The three SPE procedures employed were mixed mode (i) strong cation exchange, (ii) strong anion exchange and (iii) weak anion exchange. By spiking stable isotopic labeled standards, validation of the SPE procedures for the sediment extracts demonstrated that a 3 cm3, 60 mg SPE sorbent bed provided effective loading capacity for targeted metabolites with an analytical variation of 16% RSD. We readily analyzed 32 of the targeted 51 metabolites using LC‐MS/MS after sediment sample extraction, cleanup and pre‐concentration. The remaining 19 targeted metabolites were either at, or below, the limit of detection. The current approach provides a good workflow for absolute quantification of intermediates in C1‐carbon metabolism in natural microbial communities.
Microspheres Consisting of Optically Active Helical Substituted Polyacetylenes: Preparation via Suspension Polymerization and Their Chiral Recognition/Release Properties
Authors: Chen Bo , Song Ci , Luo Xiaofeng , Deng Jianping , Yang Wantai
Published: November 2011

Cross‐linked microspheres consisting of optically active helical substituted polyacetylenes are reported. For preparing the microspheres, substituted polyacetylene copolymers with pendent polymerizable CC bonds are first prepared and then used as macromonomers to copolymerize with acrylates via suspension polymerization, providing cross‐linked microspheres. The helical polymer segments render the microspheres with optical activity, whereas the acrylate‐based polymers afford the swelling property. CD and UV‐vis spectra demonstrate the optical activity of the microspheres. The microspheres preferably adsorb (R)‐(+)‐1‐phenylethylamine, (R)‐(+)‐N‐benzyl‐1‐phenylethylamine, and Boc‐D‐alanine, whereas released Boc‐L‐alanine rather more rapidly than its enantiomer.
PPARγ Pro12Ala interacts with fat intake for obesity and weight loss in a behavioural treatment based on the Mediterranean diet
Authors: Garaulet Marta , Smith Caren E , Hernández‐González Teresa , Lee Yu‐Chi , Ordovás Jose M.
Published: November 2011

Scope: The goal of this study was to examine whether the Pro12Ala polymorphism of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and weight loss and to analyze potential interactions between fat intake and PPARγ polymorphism in a Spanish overweight/obese population.

Materials and methods: We recruited 1465 subjects enrolled in a behavioural treatment program for obesity based on a Mediterranean diet, which included the following: dietary treatment, physical activity, nutritional education and behavioral techniques. A significant association was found between PPARγ2 Pro12Ala genotype and plasma insulin concentration and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance. Subjects with the Ala12 genotype had lower insulin levels than those with the Pro12Pro genotype. We detected a gene–diet interaction between the PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism and MUFA for BMI and body fat. Furthermore, we detected an interaction between the PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism and fat intake for total weight loss (p<0.001). When total fat intake was high, Ala12‐carriers exhibited a significantly lower percentage of total weight loss than major‐allele‐carriers (p=0.037).

Conclusion: Data are consistent with previous results showing a protective role for the Ala12 allele against insulin resistance, and replicate an earlier study that detected an interaction between dietary MUFA and PPARγ2 for BMI. Our detection of a gene–diet interaction between PPARγ Pro12Ala and fat intake for weight loss may explain previous discrepancies among different studies.
Developing an algorithm for reconstruction blocky systems in discontinuous media: three‐dimensional analysis
Authors: Jafari A. , Khishvand M. , Rahami H.
Published: November 2011

Block detection is one of the important steps in all discontinuous methods of analysis such as discontinuous deformation analysis and discrete element method. It is in fact a pre‐processing step for these methods. This paper describes a new approach to the problem of geometrically defining polyhedral rock blocks created by the intersection of planar discontinuities in a rock mass. An approach is developed based on the concept of using matrices with integer elements that mostly represent vertices, edges, or face numbers and their connections. Using square matrices with integer elements and performing edge/face regularization reduce the size of the matrices because of elimination of unnecessary faces, edges, and vertices; speed and accuracy of block tracing operation will be increased. This algorithm is able to trace and identify all kinds of blocks including convex and concave blocks formed by limited or unlimited fractures. The simplicity of the procedure makes it very attractive. The algorithm was programmed in C#.Net by over 8100 code lines; several examples are presented to show application of the algorithm in different situations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of post‐release research retention and subsequent reenrollment for women recruited while incarcerated
Authors: Goshin Lorie S. , Byrne Mary W.
Published: November 2011

Correctional facilities are prime targets for nursing interventions to decrease health disparities, but challenges to post‐release follow‐up limit use of the longitudinal research designs needed to fully examine intervention effects. Using an adapted version of the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, we determined predictors of 1‐year post‐release study retention and subsequent reenrollment an average of 3 years later in 88 mother and child dyads recruited from a state prison nursery. Predisposing characteristics and enabling factors emerged as strong predictors of loss to follow‐up. Female research participants can be successfully retained years after release from a correctional facility. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to post‐release follow‐up supports the creation of theoretically informed strategies to retain formerly incarcerated populations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:94–104, 2012
Endothelial glycocalyx dysfunction in disease: albuminuria and increased microvascular permeability
Authors: Salmon Andrew HJ , Satchell Simon C
Published: November 2011

Appreciation of the glomerular microcirculation as a specialized microcirculatory bed, rather than as an entirely separate entity, affords important insights into both glomerular and systemic microvascular pathophysiology. In this review we compare regulation of permeability in systemic and glomerular microcirculations, focusing particularly on the role of the endothelial glycocalyx, and consider the implications for disease processes. The luminal surface of vascular endothelium throughout the body is covered with endothelial glycocalyx, comprising surface‐anchored proteoglycans, supplemented with adsorbed soluble proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans and plasma constituents. In both continuous and fenestrated microvessels, this endothelial glycocalyx provides resistance to the transcapillary escape of water and macromolecules, acting as an integral component of the multilayered barrier provided by the walls of these microvessels (ie acting in concert with clefts or fenestrae across endothelial cell layers, basement membranes and pericytes). Dysfunction of any of these capillary wall components, including the endothelial glycocalyx, can disrupt normal microvascular permeability. Because of its ubiquitous nature, damage to the endothelial glycocalyx alters the permeability of multiple capillary beds: in the glomerulus this is clinically apparent as albuminuria. Generalized damage to the endothelial glycocalyx can therefore manifest as both albuminuria and increased systemic microvascular permeability. This triad of altered endothelial glycocalyx, albuminuria and increased systemic microvascular permeability occurs in a number of important diseases, such as diabetes, with accumulating evidence for a similar phenomenon in ischaemia–reperfusion injury and infectious disease. The detection of albuminuria therefore has implications for the function of the microcirculation as a whole. The importance of the endothelial glycocalyx for other aspects of vascular function/dysfunction, such as mechanotransduction, leukocyte–endothelial interactions and the development of atherosclerosis, indicate that alterations in the endothelial glycocalyx may also be playing a role in the dysfunction of other organs observed in these disease states. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of quality and duration of enoxaparin therapy on recurrent venous thrombosis in children
Authors: Estepp Jeremie H. , Smeltzer Matthew , Reiss Ulrike M.
Published: November 2011

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and recurrent venous thromboembolism (rVTE) are rare, but significant problems in pediatrics. Current recommendations for anticoagulant therapy arise from adult literature, and there is little data on clinical outcomes following therapeutic low‐molecular‐weight heparin in children.

Method

All patients <19 years of age that were diagnosed with a VTE or right atrial thrombus via standard imaging methods at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital were retrospectively identified from January 2004 through August 2008. Demographic characteristics, coexisting clinic conditions, description of anticoagulant therapy, and record of rVTE were chronicled following a comprehensive chart review. Descriptive statistics of clinical characteristics and anticoagulation are presented.

Results

Venous thrombosis was identified in 149 children with 21% (31/149) developing a rVTE. Coexisting clinical conditions were identified in 93% of children at initial diagnosis with 48% (71/149) of patients having a coexisting malignancy. Seventy‐seven percent (114/149) of children received anticoagulant therapy with UFH (10/114) or enoxaparin (104/114). Neither duration of enoxaparin therapy (>6, 3–6, <3 months) (P = 0.61), nor quality of therapy (≥75% of time on anticoagulation spent with an anti‐FXa of 0.5–1.0 U/ml) (P = 1.0) were found to be protective against rVTE.

Conclusion

Anticoagulation with enoxaparin based on adult literature may be suboptimal in preventing rVTE in pediatric populations. Future prospective randomized controlled trials in pediatrics using clinical outcomes with anticoagulant therapy are urgently needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 105–109. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alternative feedstocks: a continuing trend in the polymer industry?
Authors: Dijkstra Dirk J , Langstein Gerhard
Published: November 2011

Polymers as we know them today have been developed from the feedstock available at the time of their formulation, i.e. crude oil in particular. Fossil feedstocks are used primarily for heating, cooling and fuelling engines in automobiles and power plants. Due to environmental awareness, increasing oil prices and strong progress in biotechnology in recent decades, new feedstocks will become available for fuels. Bio‐refineries will emerge in parallel with the existing oil refineries, and the feedstocks produced by these bio‐refineries will in part also be used to make polymers. This paper elucidates the historical developments and the possibilities for protecting our planet from pollution and global warming. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Accurate series resistance measurement of solar cells
Authors: Fong Kean Chern , McIntosh Keith R. , Blakers Andrew W.
Published: November 2011

The series resistance (Rs) of a solar cell is commonly represented as a constant resistance value. However, because of the distributed nature of series resistance, the effective lumped Rs vary with current density and illumination intensity. Treating Rs as a constant is usually insufficient for an accurate analysis of its J–V curve. This work first presents a review of the distributed nature of series resistance and commonly applied methods to measure Rs. Particular attention is given to the multi‐light method (MLM) and it is discussed in detail, where Rs in both the light and dark can be measured as a function of current by extracting Rs from a set of current–voltage (J–V) curves attained at different illumination intensities. The principle behind this method is discussed, and the results are then compared with those of other known methods of Rs measurement. The accurate measurement of Rs(J) attained with the MLM permits the extraction of an Rs‐corrected J–V curve, which is theoretically more accurate than that attained by alternative methods because of negligible error from injection dependence and spectral mismatch. With the solar cell equation modified to include Rs(J), we attain a much better fit to experimental data, finding a significant reduction in error compared with using a constant Rs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ monitoring technologies for ammonthermal reactors
Authors: Alt N. , Meissner E. , Schlücker E. , Frey L.
Published: November 2011

We developed an optical cell which can be operated at real ammonthermal reaction conditions under high pressure (200MPa, 300MPa optional) and temperatures up to 650 °C. First video optical and spectroscopical studies were made to demonstrate the feasibility of in situ monitoring of the ammonothermal growth process of GaN with the optical cell. So far unknown parameters like e.g. flow velocity of the fluid could be investigated by simple imaging of particle movement. The in situ optical cell offers access to spectroscopic investigations or direct temperature measurements. First measurements show light absorption of chemical species in the reaction fluid in the UV to near IR range which changes with temperature and pressure implying that more than one intermediate species is present. The application of this optical cell is not restricted to a particular ammonothermal route but can be applied to either ammonothermal variant. An additional development was a reactor with five type K thermocouples to measure the temperature distribution directly in the reaction chamber up to 650 °C and 300 MPa. The flexibility of the thermocouples allows the measurements at nearly any point in the fluid. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication and properties of etched GaN nanorods
Authors: Shields Philip , Hugues Maxime , Zúñiga‐Pérez Jesus , Cooke Mike , Dineen Mark , Wang Wang , Causa Federica , Allsopp Duncan
Published: November 2011

Gallium nitride nanorod arrays have been created via dry etching in Cl2/Ar plasma using a Ni mask formed by nanoimprint lithography and lift‐off. Aspect ratios greater than 20 are demonstrated by optimizing the etch conditions to achieve near‐vertical sidewalls. Such top‐down etched nanorod arrays have greater uniformity when compared to bottom‐up arrays, with the process already having been demonstrated on 4‐inch wafers. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Complexes of C60 with cyclic oligoisothianaphthenes. A theoretical study
Authors: Garcia Manuel , Hernández David Alejandro , Guadarrama Patricia , Fomine Serguei
Published: November 2011

Complexes of C60 with cyclic and linear oligoisothianaphthenes containing 8 and 12 repeating units have been modeled at M05‐2X/6‐311G**//M05‐2X/6‐31G* level of theory. Basis set superposition error (BSSE) corrected binding energies of neutral donor‐acceptor complexes vary from 6 to 14 kcal/mol depending on the complex arquitecture and donor type. The inclusion complexes formed by C60 and cyclooligoisothianaphthenes containing 8 repeating units were found to be the most stable ones due close matching between host and guest molecules. Only weak charge transfer from oligoisothianaphthene to C60 fragment (< 0.04 electron) is detected in the ground state while almost complete electron transfer from oligoisothianaphthenes fragments to C60 has been found in the excited state. One electron oxidation or reduction in most of the cases slightly increases binding energies of the complexes with positive charge being totally concentrated at oligoisothianaphthenes fragment while in anion radicals the negative charge is located entirely at C60 moiety. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Ultrasound safety in early pregnancy: reduced energy setting does not compromise obstetric Doppler measurements
Authors: Sande R. K. , Matre K. , Eide G. E. , Kiserud T.
Published: November 2011

Objectives

We hypothesized that first‐trimester Doppler ultrasonography can be carried out at lower output energies than the currently advocated limits without compromising clinically important information.

Methods

We recruited 42 pregnant women for an ultrasound examination at 12 weeks' gestation. Twenty‐one women were examined with a transvaginal transducer, the rest with a transabdominal transducer. We used pulsed Doppler to measure pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) in five clinically relevant fetal and maternal blood vessels. The energy indicator thermal index for bone (TIb) was set at 1.0, 0.5 and 0.1. Each measurement was repeated three times. A mixed linear regression model accounting for correlation between measurements was used to assess the effect of different TIb levels and transducers.

Results

We were able to visualize the vessels by color Doppler and measure PI and PSV in all vessels at all energy levels in all the participants with the exception of the ductus venosus in two participants, yielding 1872 recordings for statistical analysis. A reduction in TIb from 1.0 to 0.5 and 0.1 had no effect on the PI or PSV values, nor was there any trend towards higher parameter variance with decreasing TIb. There was no difference between measured values of PI and PSV between the transducers, but the transabdominal technique was associated with a greater parameter variance.

Conclusion

Reliable first‐trimester Doppler data can be obtained with output energy reduced to a TIb of 0.5 or 0.1. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
deMon2k
Authors: Geudtner Gerald , Calaminici Patrizia , Carmona‐Espíndola Javier , del Campo Jorge Martín , Domínguez‐Soria Víctor Daniel , Moreno Robert Flores , Gamboa Gabriel Ulises , Goursot Annick , Köster Andreas M. , Reveles José Ulises , Mineva Tzonka , Vásquez‐Pérez José Manuel , Vela Alberto , Zúñinga‐Gutierrez Bernardo , Salahub Dennis R.
Published: November 2011

This article provides a brief overview of the quantum chemical auxiliary density functional theory program deMon2k. A basic introduction into its key computational features is given. By selected examples, it is shown how deMon2k can contribute to the elucidation of problems in chemistry, biology, and materials science such as finite temperature effects, nuclear magnetic resonance studies, structure determinations, heterogeneous, and enzymatic catalysis. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Software > Quantum Chemistry
Effects of broadcasting calls during surveys to estimate density and occupancy of northern bobwhite
Authors: Duren Kenneth R. , Buler Jeffrey J. , Jones William L. , Williams Christopher K.
Published: November 2011

We assessed the effects of using a broadcast caller during surveys and increasing survey duration to estimate northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) density and occupancy. From 15 May 2009 to 15 August 2009, we conducted repeat‐visit breeding bobwhite surveys at 180 sites in Delaware, USA. Increasing survey duration from 3 min to 7 min, or using a broadcast caller, improved detection probability for a single visit by 52% and 42%, respectively. However, density estimates when using a broadcast caller were biased high—≥3 times greater compared to passive‐listening surveys. Density estimates for 3‐min and 7‐min passive surveys were not different. Additionally, bobwhite occupancy was similar among all 3 survey treatments. Use of a broadcast caller to survey for bobwhites appears to violate the assumption of distance sampling that an individual is detected prior to movement. Use of a broadcast caller is inappropriate for determining density estimates through distance sampling, but may be appropriate for determining site occupancy. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Do GPS clusters really work? carnivore diet from scat analysis and GPS telemetry methods
Authors: Bacon Michelle M. , Becic Greg M. , Epp Mark T. , Boyce Mark S.
Published: November 2011

Global Positioning System (GPS) data collected using radiocollars have allowed researchers to identify sites where predators have killed prey, but this method has yet to be compared with scat analysis, a more traditional method of determining diet composition. We analyzed 211 scat samples and compared composition of prey items with 266 kill sites found using GPS radiotelemetry data on cougars (Puma concolor) in the Cypress Hills of southeast Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan, Canada. Scat and kill site results showed significantly different occurrences of prey items; scat samples were better able to detect small mammals. However, larger prey made up >90% of the biomass of cougar diets, and when restricting the comparison to ungulate prey, both methods estimated nearly identical biomass consumed. As expected, GPS telemetry is biased against small prey but the method provides results comparable to scat analysis for larger prey that make up the majority of biomass consumed. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Turbulence statistics along gradient trajectories
Authors: Peters N.
Published: November 2011

By calculating gradient trajectories in direction of ascending and descending scalar gradients a local maximum and a local minimum point is reached. Dissipation elements may then be defined as the spatial region from which the same pair of maximum and minimum points in a scalar field is reached. By exploring the two‐point correlation of the scalar gradient along such trajectories it was found that for large elements the mean velocity increment scales linearly with the arclength distance along the trajectory. This is different from the classical Kolmogorov scaling and has consequences for the modeling of the length distribution of dissipation elements.
Synthesis and Micellization Properties of New Anionic Reactive Surfactants Based on Hydrogenated Cardanol
Authors: Kattimuttathu Suresh , Foerst Gesche , Schubert Rolf , Bartsch Eckhard
Published: November 2011

We report the synthesis, characterization and micellization properties of two anionic reactive surfactants based on 3‐pentadecyl phenol obtainable from a renewable resource, cardanol. The synthesis is achieved through simple chemical transformations, first converting the phenol to the acrylate that is sulfonated in a second step. The products were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques. The surfactant properties of the sulfonated acrylates were measured and compared with the standard non‐reactive anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfonate. The micellization behavior of aqueous solutions was studied using conductivity, surface tension measurements, and the fluorescence probe technique based on diphenyl hexatriene. Characterization by surface tension measurements facilitated the determination of basic surfactant properties like the critical micelle concentration (CMC), the surface tension at the CMC, surface excess and area per surfactant molecule. The Gibbs free energy of micellization showed a negative value suggesting spontaneous micellization in aqueous solution. The micellization of the surfmer with an ethylene spacer between the phenyl ring and the acrylate group seems to be enhanced as indicated by the lower surface excess and lower free energy. Its CMC was also lower.
A Permanent Jobs Program for the U.S.: Economic Restructuring to Meet Human Needs
Authors: Baiman Ron , Barclay Bill , Hollander Sidney , Kurban Haydar , Persky Joseph , Redmond Elce , Rothenberg Mel
Published: November 2011

This paper proposes a jobs program to address both the chronic problems of unemployment and underemployment in the U.S. economy and the debilitating economic and political impacts of growing inequality in the U.S. The jobs program consists of three parts. First, the reduction of unemployment and underemployment by stimulating output, either under public or private auspices, of infrastructure, or social investment, in areas such as: transportation, education, health care, human services, and parks. Second, to recognize and respond to the failure of the private market to provide needed current public services, which will include a massive upgrading of pay and working conditions of these “human service” jobs by expanding public employment, sharing the costs of an enhanced and expanded social safety net. Third, to, explicitly and as a matter of industrial policy, target government investment and overall job growth towards the industries of the future, particularly in the areas of energy, agriculture, and other broadly defined “green” technologies.
Diadenosine polyphosphates (Ap3A and Ap4A) behave as alarmones triggering the synthesis of enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Pietrowska-Borek Małgorzata , Nuc Katarzyna , Zielezińska Małgorzata , Guranowski Andrzej
Published: November 2011

It is known that cells under stress accumulate various dinucleoside polyphosphates, compounds suggested to function as alarmones. In plants, the phenylpropanoid pathways yield metabolites protecting these organisms against various types of stress. Observations reported in this communication link these two phenomena and provide an example of a metabolic “addressee” for an “alarm” signaled by diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A) or diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A). In response to added Ap3A or Ap4A, seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana incubated in full nutrition medium increased both the expression of the genes for and the specific activity of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase and 4‐coumarate:coenzyme A ligase, enzymes that control the beginning of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Neither adenine mononucleotides (AMP, ADP or ATP) nor adenosine evoked such effects. Reactions catalyzed in vitro by these enzymes were not affected by Ap3A or Ap4A.
Green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii possess endogenous sialylated N‐glycans
Authors: Mamedov Tarlan , Yusibov Vidadi
Published: November 2011

Green algae have a great potential as biofactories for the production of proteins. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a representative of eukaryotic microalgae, has been extensively used as a model organism to study light‐induced gene expression, chloroplast biogenesis, photosynthesis, light perception, cell–cell recognition, and cell cycle control. However, little is known about the glycosylation machinery and N‐linked glycan structures of green algae. In this study, we performed mass spectrometry analysis of N‐linked oligosaccharides released from total extracts of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and demonstrated that C. reinhardtii algae possess glycoproteins with mammalian‐like sialylated N‐linked oligosaccharides. These findings suggest that C. reinhardtii may be an attractive system for expression of target proteins.
An in vivo system involving co‐expression of cyanobacterial flavodoxin and ferredoxin–NADP+ reductase confers increased tolerance to oxidative stress in plants
Authors: Giró Mariana , Ceccoli Romina D. , Poli Hugo O. , Carrillo Néstor , Lodeyro Anabella F.
Published: November 2011

Oxidative stress in plants causes ferredoxin down‐regulation and NADP+ shortage, over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain, electron leakage to oxygen and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Expression of cyanobacterial flavodoxin in tobacco chloroplasts compensates for ferredoxin decline and restores electron delivery to productive routes, resulting in enhanced stress tolerance. We have designed an in vivo system to optimize flavodoxin reduction and NADP+ regeneration under stress using a version of cyanobacterial ferredoxin–NADP+ reductase without the thylakoid‐binding domain. Co‐expression of the two soluble flavoproteins in the chloroplast stroma resulted in lines displaying maximal tolerance to redox‐cycling oxidants, lower damage and decreased ROS accumulation. The results underscore the importance of chloroplast redox homeostasis in plants exposed to adverse conditions, and provide a tool to improve crop tolerance toward environmental hardships.
Cognitive behaviour therapy and supportive therapy for bipolar disorders: relapse rates for treatment period and 2-year follow-up
Authors: Meyer T. D. , Hautzinger M.
Published: November 2011

Background

The efficacy of adjunctive psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for bipolar disorder (BD) has been demonstrated in several uncontrolled and controlled studies. However, these studies compared CBT to either a waiting list control group, brief psycho-education or treatment as usual (TAU). Our primary aim was to determine whether CBT is superior to supportive therapy (ST) of equal intensity and frequency in preventing relapse and improving outcome at post-treatment. A secondary aim was to look at predictors of survival time.

Method

We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) at the Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Germany (n=76 patients with BD). Both CBT and ST consisted of 20 sessions over 9 months. Patients were followed up for a further 24 months.

Results

Although changes over time were observed in some variables, they were not differentially associated with CBT or ST. CBT showed a non-significant trend for preventing any affective, specifically depressive episode during the time of therapy. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses revealed that 64.5% of patients experienced a relapse during the 33 months. The number of prior episodes, the number of therapy sessions and the type of BD predicted survival time.

Conclusions

No differences in relapse rates between treatment conditions were observed, suggesting that certain shared characteristics (e.g. information, systematic mood monitoring) might explain the effects of psychosocial treatment for BD. Our results also suggest that a higher number of prior episodes, a lower number of therapy sessions and a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder are associated with a shorter time before relapse.
TRANSCENDENTAL ARGUMENTS AND INTERPERSONAL UTILITY COMPARISONS
Authors: Rossi Mauro
Published: November 2011

According to the orthodox view, it is impossible to know how different people's preferences compare in terms of strength and whether they are interpersonally comparable at all. Against the orthodox view, Donald Davidson (1986, 2004) argues that the interpersonal comparability of preferences is a necessary condition for the correct interpretation of other people's behaviour. In this paper I claim that, as originally stated, Davidson's argument does not succeed because it is vulnerable to several objections, including Barry Stroud's (1968) objection against all transcendental arguments of a ‘strong’ kind. However, I argue that Davidson's strategy can still achieve results of anti-sceptical significance. If we reformulate Davidson's argument as a ‘modest’ transcendental argument and if we embrace an ‘internal’ account of epistemic justification, it is in fact possible to have at least justified beliefs about how different people's preferences compare in terms of strength and about their interpersonal comparability.