bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual stimuli‐responsive microgels based on photolabile crosslinker: Temperature sensitivity and light‐induced degradation
Authors: Bian Shanshan , Zheng Jin , Yang Wuli
Published: March 2014

The synthesis and characterization of a new photocleavable crosslinker is presented here. Dual stimuli‐responsive P(VCL‐co‐NHMA) microgels were prepared by precipitation polymerization of vinylcaprolactam (VCL) with N‐hydroxymethyl acrylamide (NHMA) and the new crosslinker. The microgels had distinct temperature sensitivity as observed in the case of PVCL‐based particles and their volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) shifted to higher temperature with increasing NHMA content. Photolytic degradation experiments were investigated by irradiation with UV light, which led to microgel disintegration caused by cleavage of the photolabile crosslinking points. The degradation behavior of the microgels was conducted with respect to degradation rates by means of the relative turbidity changes. Hence, the microgels could totally degrade into short linear polymers by UV light, thus representing a great potential as new light and temperature dual responsive nanoscale materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1676–1685
Energy relaxation process in exciton transfer between (Zn, Cd, Mn)Se and (Zn, Cd)Se quantum wells
Authors: Matsumoto Takashi , Iwasaki Fumiaki , Konaka Shuhei , Hishikawa Masao , Fukasawa Sakyo , Muranaka Tsutomu , Nabetani Yoichi , Ishikawa Akira , Uchiyama Kazuharu , Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Hori Hirokazu
Published: March 2014

Excitation transfer in semiconductor nanostructure is an elemental process of next generation optoelectronic devices. Energy relaxation process in exciton transfer from the lowest state of a quantum well to the lowest state of the next well was studied. The energy relaxation process is essential for the completion of the transfer. Longitudinal optical (LO) phonon assisted energy relaxation was found to be most effective for exciton injection into the lowest state of very thin quantum wells on the basis of PLE measurements. A three‐quantum‐well structure including a 0.6‐nm thick (Zn, Cd, Mn)Se well and a 1.2‐nm thick (Zn, Cd)Se well separated by a 15‐nm ZnSe barrier was prepared. Energy difference of exciton in the two wells was close to the LO phonon energy. The exciton transfer efficiency between the two wells was measured as a function of external magnetic field. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Silicone oxidation for a‐Si:H passivation of wafers bonded to glass
Authors: Granata Stefano Nicola , Bearda Twan , Beaucarne Guy , Abdulraheem Yaser , Gordon Ivan , Poortmans Jef , Mertens Robert
Published: March 2014

A possible scenario for wafer‐based silicon photovoltaics is the processing of solar modules starting from thin silicon wafers bonded to glass. However, interactions between the adhesive used for bonding and the solar cell processing can affect the surface passivation of the bonded wafer and decrease cell performances. A method that suppresses these interactions and leads to state‐of‐the‐art a‐Si:H surface passivation is presented in this Letter. The method is based on an increase of the surface cross‐linking of a silicone adhesive by means of an O2 plasma and it is successfully tested on three different silicones. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Calibration plots for risk prediction models in the presence of competing risks
Authors: Gerds Thomas A. , Andersen Per K. , Kattan Michael W.
Published: March 2014

A predicted risk of 17% can be called reliable if it can be expected that the event will occur to about 17 of 100 patients who all received a predicted risk of 17%. Statistical models can predict the absolute risk of an event such as cardiovascular death in the presence of competing risks such as death due to other causes. For personalized medicine and patient counseling, it is necessary to check that the model is calibrated in the sense that it provides reliable predictions for all subjects. There are three often encountered practical problems when the aim is to display or test if a risk prediction model is well calibrated. The first is lack of independent validation data, the second is right censoring, and the third is that when the risk scale is continuous, the estimation problem is as difficult as density estimation. To deal with these problems, we propose to estimate calibration curves for competing risks models based on jackknife pseudo‐values that are combined with a nearest neighborhood smoother and a cross‐validation approach to deal with all three problems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental Evidence of Rapid Water Transport through Carbon Nanotubes Embedded in Polymeric Desalination Membranes
Authors: Lee Hee Dae , Kim Hyo Won , Cho Young Hoon , Park Ho Bum
Published: March 2014

As water molecules permeate ultrafast through carbon nanotubes (CNTs), many studies have prepared CNTs‐based membranes for water purification as well as desalination, particularly focusing on high flux membranes. Among them, vertically aligned CNTs membranes with ultrahigh water flux have been successfully demonstrated for fundamental studies, but they lack scalability for bulk production and sufficiently high salt rejection. CNTs embedded in polymeric desalination membranes, i.e., polyamide thin‐film composite (TFC) membranes, can improve water flux without any loss of salt rejection. This improved flux is achieved by enhancing the dispersion properties of CNTs in diamine aqueous solution and also by using cap‐opened CNTs. Hydrophilic CNTs were prepared by wrapping CNT walls via bio‐inspired surface modification using dopamine solution. Cap‐opening of pristine CNTs is performed by using a thermo‐oxidative process. As a result, hydrophilic, cap‐opened CNTs‐embedded polyamide TFC membranes are successfully prepared, which show much higher water flux than pristine polyamide TFC membrane. On the other hand, less‐disperse, less cap‐opened CNTs‐embedded TFC membranes do not show any flux improvement and rather lead to lower salt rejection properties.
A Crystalline Hybrid of Paddlewheel Copper(II) Dimers and Molecular Rotors: Singlet‐triplet Dynamics Revealed by Variable‐temperature Proton Spin‐lattice Relaxation
Authors: Bastien Guillaume , Lemouchi Cyprien , Wzietek Pawel , Simonov Sergey , Zorina Leokadiya , Rodríguez‐Fortea Antonio , Canadell Enric , Batail Patrick
Published: March 2014

We report on the synthesis and application of a 2 nm long, curved ditopic biscarboxylic ligand with a 1,4‐bis(ethynyl)bicyclo[2.2.2]octane rotator core and an helical twist to the construction of an extended single‐crystalline framework solid with paddlewheel hinges, [CuII]2[1,4‐bis(carboxyphenyl ethynyl)bicyclo[2.2.2]octane]2(H2O)2 or [CuII]2(bbcbco)2(H2O)2. The interconnection of interpenetrated square lattices involves short rotor–rotor H···H interactions (1.9 to 2.4 Å) such that the moving parts are expected to rub onto each other in the lattice in a Brownian rotational motion with a calculated rotational barrier of 3.7 kcal·mol–1. Variable‐temperature 1H spin‐lattice relaxation (T1) experiments carried out on a static crystalline sample did not provide however a value of this rotational barrier because the relaxation proved to be dominated by the coupling of the moving protons to the electronic spins of the CuII dimers. Remarkably, we reveal how the singlet‐triplet spin dynamics of non‐interacting CuII dimers is elegantly characterized by solid state NMR spectroscopic experiments yielding an exchange coupling constant, Jexp = –365 K = –254 cm–1, in good agreement with theoretical estimations and experimental data on related CuII dimer systems.
Assembly of Interpenetration and Polycatenation Structures with a V‐shape Ligand Benzophenone‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Sun Chang‐Yan , Dong Bin , Li Wen‐Jun
Published: March 2014

Two complexes with formulas [Ni(bpndc)(bpe)]n·4nH2O (1) and [Co(bpndc) (bpy)1.5]n·0.25n(bpy)·0.25nH2O (2) (H2bpndc = benzophenone‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid, bpe = 4,4′‐bipyridinediethene, bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine) were synthesized and characterized. In complex 1, each bpndc ligands adopt bis(monodentate) modes, and NiII ions are bridged by bpndc and bpe ligands into a 3D CdSO4‐like porous metal‐organic framework with channels. But triple interpenetration occurs. In complex 2, each bpndc ligands adopt tridentate modes, and CoII ions are linked by bpndc and bpy ligands into 2D bilayer structures with the Schläfli symbol of (48.62). Each bilayer is bicatenated in a parallel fashion by two other bilayers, which results in the formation of a 2D→3D polycatenation network.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Cs2Ga2Se5
Authors: Friedrich Daniel , Schlosser Marc , Pfitzner Arno
Published: March 2014

Cs2Ga2Se5 was obtained by the reaction of CsN3 with stoichiometric amounts of GaSe and Se at elevated temperature. It forms yellow crystals embedded in a pure orange microcrystalline powder. The crystal structure of Cs2Ga2Se5 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction at 123 K. The compound crystallizes monoclinically in the space group C2/c (No. 15) with a = 15.3911(5) Å, b = 7.3577(2) Å, c = 12.9219(3) Å, β = 126.395(3)°, V = 1177.89(7) Å3, and Z = 4. The structure features one‐dimensional chains 1∞[Ga2Se3(Se2)2–], consisting of edge‐ and corner sharing GaSe4 tetrahedra. Raman spectroscopic measurements reveal vibrational bands of the Se22– units at 236 cm–1, and the bands of Ga–Se vibrations at 254 and 273 cm–1. UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy shows the bandgap at about 1.95 eV.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Reversal of a Hartmann Procedure: A Single‐Center Study
Authors: Zimmermann Markus , Hoffmann Martin , Laubert Tilman , Meyer Karl‐Frederik , Jungbluth Thomas , Roblick Uwe‐Johannes , Bruch Hans‐Peter , Schlöricke Erik
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Re‐anastomosis after a Hartmann procedure is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality than other elective colorectal operations. The goal of this comparative study was to evaluate whether laparoscopic reversal is a justified operative approach, although the initial operation is most often an emergency laparotomy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on data collected on all 70 patients who underwent laparoscopic and open reversal of a Hartmann procedure at the Department of Surgery, University of Schleswig–Holstein, Campus Lübeck, between January 1999 and December 2011. Together with general demographic data, the analysis included the indication for the initial Hartmann procedure, time to reversal, intraoperative findings, the choice of operative method, operating time, postoperative pain control, return of normal bowel function, length of hospital stay, and peri‐ and postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

In most patients, the Hartmann procedure was performed after a perforated sigmoid diverticulitis. We were not able to find any statistically significant differences with respect to gender, body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification between the laparoscopic group (LG) (N = 24 patients) and the open group (OG) (N = 46). In the LG, patients were significantly younger (p = 0.019). The median operating time was 210 min (75–245) in the LG, which was significantly longer than in the OG (166 min; 66–230). The statistical analysis of the duration of postoperative analgesic therapy (LG 7 days [6–10]; OG 12 days [6–30] ), return to normal diet (LG 3 days [2–6]; OG 4 days [2–10] ), return of normal bowel function (LG 3 days [2–4]; OG 4 days [2–9] ) and length of hospital stay (LOS) (LG 10 days [8–13]; OG 15 days [8–163]) detected significant differences in advantage for the LG. Unplanned return to theatre during index admission was only necessary in the OG (N = 7, 15.2 %). With a median follow‐up of 8 months (range 1–20), we observed a comparable number of minor complications in both groups but a significantly higher number of major complications in the OG (N = 27, 58.7 %) (p = 0.001). Conversion occurred in three cases (12.5 %). There was no mortality in either of the two groups.

Conclusions

This study was able to demonstrate the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach. In terms of postoperative results it should be seen as equivalent to the open procedure. However, the laparoscopic approach requires profound surgical expertise. The indication should be made after a careful risk/benefit analysis for each individual patient.
Does complete renal denervation translate into superior clinical outcomes? Lessons learned from denervation of accessory renal arteries
Authors: Mendelsohn Farrell O.
Published: March 2014

Pre-clinical studies of renal denervation would suggest that the extent of renal nerve injury correlates with outcomes. The “completeness” of renal nerve injury following renal denervation correlates with treatment-based variables such as the depth of ablation, the number of ablations along the length of the artery, and the number of renal arteries successfully ablated. Renal denervation techniques targeting only main renal arteries may lead to suboptimal results in patients with accessory renal artery anatomy. Technological differences among the different systems may make some more suited for this common anatomical variant. The early clinical experience with renal denervation of accessory renal arteries highlights the importance of complete renal denervation for clinical success.
Relationship between soil P fractions and microbial biomass in an oligotrophic grassland‐desert scrub system
Authors: Perroni Yareni , García‐Oliva Felipe , Tapia‐Torres Yunuen , Souza Valeria
Published: March 2014

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element of the biosphere, both as a constituent of living organisms and as a regulator of biological processes. The Cuatro Ciénegas Basin in the central Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico is characterized by extreme P oligotrophy. The aim of this study was to quantify P distribution in soil P fractions, P sorption capacity, and P in microbial biomass in a desert scrub and grassland soil system in the Churince area of the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin over summer and winter seasons. Our objective, as part of an exploration of ecosystem functioning, was to ascertain the relationship between soil P fractions and P in microbial biomass. Our results demonstrate a scarcity of P, mainly in grassland, and also a higher P sorption capacity in grassland soil than in desert scrub. Desert scrub soil retained more P (228 ± 5 μg g−1dry soil) than grassland soil (87 ± 10 μg g−1dry soil), mainly in inorganic forms, but grassland soil retained more P in accessible organic forms. We suggest that biotic controls regulated by access to water shape the dynamics of soil P availability in the Churince grassland‐desert scrub system.
Potential Development of Value‐Added Fishery Products in Underutilized and Commercial Fish Species: Comparative Study of Lipid Quality Indicators
Authors: Agh Naser , Jasour Mohammad Sedigh , Noori Farzaneh
Published: March 2014

In this study, proximate and fatty acid composition in the edible flesh of eight underutilized and five commercial freshwater fish species were compared in order to evaluate the potential of these fish for development of functional value‐added fishery products. The lipid content (% dry weight basis) of investigated fish species ranged from 3.44 to 9.25 in underutilized and 3.73–7.68 in commercial species. In comparison with underutilized fish species, commercial species had higher levels of protein (P < 0.05). The high proportion of EPA+DHA was found with Goldfish (524 mg/100 g flesh), Wels (422 mg/100 g flesh), and Crucian carp (354 mg/100 g flesh), all of which belonged to underutilized group. All studied fish (save Lenkoran) showed values higher than the minimum recommended DHA/EPA value (0.45). The ratios of n‐6/n‐3 found in this study were much lower (save Goatfish) than those cited as a harmful value (4.0 as the maximum value). The PUFA/SFA value of the present fish samples was higher at 1.57 for Goatfish, 1.02 for Lenkoran, 0.68 for Wels, all of these fish belonging to the underutilized group. The highest atherogenic and thrombogenicity index values were generally obtained for commercial species. It seems in respect of comparability of these lipid quality indicators, the underutilized fish species could be highly recommended as an important source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and Max‐EPA products for humans consumption.
Cuantificación de la importancia del Fondo Nacional de Garantías en la movilización de créditos a las pymes
Authors: Castillo Bonilla José Augusto , Girón Luis Eduardo
Published: March 2014

El presente trabajo pretender establecer y medir el impacto que el aval proporcionado por el FondoNacional de Garantías tiene en el flujo de créditos hacia las pymes. Con base en la información proporcionadapor Asobancaria, la Superintendencia Financiera y el Fondo Nacional de Garantías para el períodocomprendido entre el primer trimestre de 2003 y el tercer trimestre de 2010, se estimó un modeloeconométrico utilizando mínimos cuadrados dinámicos. Los resultados empíricos muestran que el avalotorgado por el Fondo Nacional de Garantías influye en el volumen de créditos movilizados hacia laspeque˜nas y medianas empresas. Sin embargo, su influencia económica es poco relevante.
The Problem of Higher Knowledge in Hegel's Philosophy
Authors: Sparby Terje
Published: March 2014

There are two main aspects of the problem of higher knowledge in Hegel's philosophy. Firstly, how exactly does Hegel appropriate Kant's conception of higher knowledge in the shape ofintellectual intuitionandintuitive understanding? Secondly, how does Hegel envision the connection of higher knowledge to empirical reality? Recent attempts at answering these questions pull in opposite directions. According to Eckart Förster, Hegel claims knowledge of a supersensible reality, while others, such as James Kreines and Sally Sedgwick, deny this, focusing rather on Hegel's claims to knowledge of nature. I suggest an interpretation where Hegel makes a modest claim to supersensible knowledge but at the same time is unable to provide a satisfactory account of the connection of higher knowledge to empirical reality.1
Xylo-oligosaccharides alone or in synbiotic combination withBifidobacterium animalissubsp.lactisinduce bifidogenesis and modulate markers of immune function in healthy adults: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, factorial cross-over study
Authors: Childs Caroline E. , Röytiö Henna , Alhoniemi Esa , Fekete Agnes A. , Forssten Sofia D. , Hudjec Natasa , Lim Ying Ni , Steger Cara J. , Yaqoob Parveen , Tuohy Kieran M. , Rastall Robert A. , Ouwehand Arthur C. , Gibson Glenn R.
Published: March 2014

Prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics are dietary ingredients with the potential to influence health and mucosal and systemic immune function by altering the composition of the gut microbiota. In the present study, a candidate prebiotic (xylo-oligosaccharide, XOS, 8 g/d), probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalissubsp.lactisBi-07, 109colony-forming units (CFU)/d) or synbiotic (8 g XOS+109CFU Bi-07/d) was given to healthy adults (25–65 years) for 21 d. The aim was to identify the effect of the supplements on bowel habits, self-reported mood, composition of the gut microbiota, blood lipid concentrations and immune function. XOS supplementation increased mean bowel movements per d (P= 0·009), but did not alter the symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain or flatulence or the incidence of any reported adverse events compared with maltodextrin supplementation. XOS supplementation significantly increased participant-reported vitality (P= 0·003) and happiness (P= 0·034). Lowest reported use of analgesics was observed during the XOS+Bi-07 supplementation period (P= 0·004). XOS supplementation significantly increased faecal bifidobacterial counts (P= 0·008) and fasting plasma HDL concentrations (P= 0·005). Bi-07 supplementation significantly increased faecalB. lactiscontent (P= 0·007), lowered lipopolysaccharide-stimulated IL-4 secretion in whole-blood cultures (P= 0·035) and salivary IgA content (P= 0·040) and increased IL-6 secretion (P= 0·009). XOS supplementation resulted in lower expression of CD16/56 on natural killer T cells (P= 0·027) and lower IL-10 secretion (P= 0·049), while XOS and Bi-07 supplementation reduced the expression of CD19 on B cells (XOS × Bi-07,P= 0·009). The present study demonstrates that XOS induce bifidogenesis, improve aspects of the plasma lipid profile and modulate the markers of immune function in healthy adults. The provision of XOS+Bi-07 as a synbiotic may confer further benefits due to the discrete effects of Bi-07 on the gut microbiota and markers of immune function.
Selenium status affects selenoprotein expression, reproduction, and F1 generation locomotor activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Penglase Sam , Hamre Kristin , Rasinger Josef D. , Ellingsen Staale
Published: March 2014

Se is an essential trace element, and is incorporated into selenoproteins which play important roles in human health. Mammalian selenoprotein-coding genes are often present as paralogues in teleost fish, and it is unclear whether the expression patterns or functions of these fish paralogues reflect their mammalian orthologues. Using the model species zebrafish (Danio rerio; ZF), we aimed to assess how dietary Se affects key parameters in Se metabolism and utilisation including glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, the mRNA expression of key Se-dependent proteins (gpx1a, gpx1b, sepp1a and sepp1b), oxidative status, reproductive success and F1 generation locomotor activity. From 27 d until 254 d post-fertilisation, ZF were fed diets with graded levels of Se ranging from deficient ( < 0·10 mg/kg) to toxic (30 mg/kg). The mRNA expression of gpx1a and gpx1b and GPX activity responded in a similar manner to changes in Se status. GPX activity and mRNA levels were lowest when dietary Se levels (0·3 mg/kg) resulted in the maximum growth of ZF, and a proposed bimodal mechanism in response to Se status below and above this dietary Se level was identified. The expression of the sepp1 paralogues differed, with only sepp1a responding to Se status. High dietary Se supplementation (30 mg/kg) decreased reproductive success, while the offspring of ZF fed above 0·3 mg Se/kg diet had lower locomotor activity than the other groups. Overall, the novel finding of low selenoprotein expression and activity coinciding with maximum body growth suggests that even small Se-induced variations in redox status may influence cellular growth rates.
The impact of Scottish Government protocols on practice in Scotland
Authors: Steele P R C , Barnes M L , Ross P D
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

To investigate rates of septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty in Scotland between 2006 and 2010, and to establish the impact of government legislation.

Methods:

Data on the rates of rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty were collected and analysed according to specialty, region and year.

Results:

In 2006, 754 septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty cases were recorded (147 per million population), rising to 893 (171 per million population) in 2010. Mean annual rates per million population were 152 (87 per cent of procedures) in ENT, 13.9 (8 per cent) in plastic surgery and 8.7 (8 per cent) in oromaxillofacial surgery. After 2009, there was a 43 per cent reduction in the rhinoplasty rate (p < 0.0001), although the oromaxillofacial surgery rate increased by 68 per cent (p < 0.05). Over the same period, the septorhinoplasty rate increased in ENT (46 per cent, p < 0.0001), and declined in plastic surgery (24 per cent, p = 0.49) and oromaxillofacial surgery (45 per cent, p = 0.05). Overall, the rate for rhinoplasty plus septorhinoplasty only declined by 1 per cent. There was significant regional variation.

Conclusion:

Overall, septorhinoplasty rates have increased and rhinoplasty rates have decreased. There was only a 1 per cent decrease in the overall rate following the 2009 legislation. Practice differs between regions.
Does treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotic medications eliminate or reduce psychosis? A 20-year multi-follow-up study
Authors: Harrow M. , Jobe T. H. , Faull R. N.
Published: March 2014

Background

This research assesses whether multi-year treatment with antipsychotic medications reduces or eliminates psychosis in schizophrenia. It provides 20 years of longitudinal data on the frequency and severity of psychotic activity in samples of schizophrenia patients (SZ) treatedversusthose not treated with antipsychotic medications.

Method

A total of 139 early young schizophrenia and mood-disordered patients were assessed at index hospitalization and then reassessed six times over 20 years for psychosis and other major variables.

Results

At each follow-up assessment over the 20 years, a surprisingly high percentage of SZ treated with antipsychotics longitudinally had psychotic activity. More than 70% of SZ continuously prescribed antipsychotics experienced psychotic activity at four or more of six follow-up assessments over 20 years. Longitudinally, SZ not prescribed antipsychotics showed significantly less psychotic activity than those prescribed antipsychotics (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The 20-year data indicate that, longitudinally, after the first few years, antipsychotic medications do not eliminate or reduce the frequency of psychosis in schizophrenia, or reduce the severity of post-acute psychosis, although it is difficult to reach unambiguous conclusions about the efficacy of treatment in purely naturalistic or observational research. Longitudinally, on the basis of their psychotic activity and the disruption of functioning, the condition of the majority of SZ prescribed antipsychotics for multiple years would raise questions as to how many of them are truly in remission.
Dance, Interactive Technology, and the Device Paradigm
Authors: Mullis Eric
Published: March 2014

Dance artists often suggest that working with interactive technology can produce the experience of bi-directionality in which the performer is perceptually aware of the manner in which movement directly produces changes in the performance environment. In addition, it is suggested that the performer can also become aware of the manner in which the technologies affect the dancer's performance. Drawing on phenomenology, some have argued that experiences of bi-directionality call for a reconsideration of the manner in which the moving body interacts with technological devices. I draw on Albert Borgmann's philosophy of technology to examine this approach and argue that it overlooks important issues concerning contextuality and the nature of the technological devices that are utilized in interactive performance.
The effects of circularly polarized laser pulse on generated electron nano-bunches in oscillating mirror model
Authors: Shirozhan M. , Moshkelgosha M. , Sadighi-Bonabi R.
Published: March 2014

The effects of the polarized incident laser pulse on the electrons of the plasma surface and on the reflected pulse in the relativistic laser-plasma interaction is investigated. Based on the relativistic oscillating mirror and totally reflecting oscillating mirror (TROM) regimes, the interaction of the intense polarized laser pulses with over-dense plasma is considered. Based on the effect of ponderomotive force on the characteristic of generated electron nano-bunches, considerable increasing in the localization and charges of nano-bunches are realized. It is found that the circularly polarized laser pulse have Ne/Ncr of 1500 which is almost two and seven times more than the amounts for P-polarized and S-polarized, respectively.
Closed-loop EKF-based Pulsar Navigation for Mars Explorer with Doppler Effects
Authors: Liu Jin , Fang Jiancheng , Ning Xiaolin , Wu Jin , Kang Zhiwei
Published: March 2014

To eliminate the impact of the Doppler effects caused by the motion of the Mars explorer, a novel X-ray pulsar navigation method based on a closed-loop filter is proposed. In the pulsar signal observation period, the Doppler velocity predicted by the orbit dynamic model and the prior information is utilised to compensate the X-ray photon time-of-arrival (TOA). However, because of the error in prior information, there is a bias caused by the Doppler compensation in the pulse time-of-arrival. The pulse TOA bias and the Mars explorer's state estimation error are correlated, which results in the decline of the Kalman filter performance. To deal with this problem, we build the TOA measurement model with respect to the state estimation error, and utilise the closed-loop extended Kalman filter (EKF) as the navigation filter, where the predicted state error is adopted as the state estimation. The simulation results demonstrate the feasibility, real-timeliness and effectiveness of the proposed navigation method. The navigation method based on the closed-loop EKF using the measurement model with the Doppler effects is more accurate than the traditional one.
Impacts of recreational fishing in Australia: historical declines, self-regulation and evidence of an early warning system
Authors: YOUNG MATTHEW A. L. , FOALE SIMON , BELLWOOD DAVID R.
Published: March 2014

Overfishing is a mounting threat to marine ecosystems and food security worldwide. Recreational fisheries are poorly understood and pose governance challenges due to the scarcity of monitoring data. The impact of recreational spearfishing on eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) and grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) in Australia was analysed by assessing a chronology of spearfishing publications for historical, ecological and social data. Reported captures of blue groper declined by 90% from 1952–1967. Grey nurse shark captures also declined. Interestingly, early warnings of declines for both species emerged from the spearfishing community 17 and 19 years, respectively, before protection. While recreational fishers may have serious impacts on vulnerable fish species, they could also play a vital role in conservation and advocacy. This highlights the importance of reciprocal communication between fishers, scientists and governments for managing and detecting declines in vulnerable species.
Molecular characterization of an Australian serotype 1Streptococcus pneumoniaeoutbreak
Authors: STAPLES M. , GRAHAM R. M. A. , JENNISON A. V. , ARIOTTI L. , HICKS V. , COOK H. , KRAUSE V. , GIELE C. , SMITH H. V.
Published: March 2014

Serotype 1Streptococcus pneumoniaeis a cause of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) worldwide and has been associated with IPD outbreaks, while carriage is rarely detected in healthy adults or children. This study details an Australian multi-state and territory outbreak of serotype 1S. pneumoniaeIPD between 2010 and 2012. Molecular characterization demonstrated the outbreak was largely due to the clonal expansion of sequence type 306, MLVA type 261S. pneumoniaeserotype 1.
Chondrosarcoma presenting with pulmonary embolism in a 9-year-old girl: a case report
Authors: Pinder Marco A. , Dibardino Daniel J. , Collier Anderson B. , Knudson Jarrod D.
Published: March 2014

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumour common in adults, third to myeloma and osteosarcoma, but is exceptionally rare in children. Here we discuss a 9-year-old girl presenting with occlusive right pulmonary artery neoplastic embolus, resulting from a primary right proximal humerus chondrosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this the first pediatric and only second overall case reported in the United States of a neoplastic pulmonary embolus resulting from a primary chondrosarcoma.
Objectively measured physical activity levels of young children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Stone Nicola , Obeid Joyce , Dillenburg Rejane , Milenkovic Jovana , MacDonald Maureen J. , Timmons Brian W.
Published: March 2014

Physical activity tends to be lower in school-age children with congenital heart disease than in healthy controls. To the best of our knowledge, objectively measured physical activity levels of preschool-age children with congenital heart disease have not been studied. Methods: A total of 10 children with either coarctation of the aorta (n=6; age 3.8±0.9) or tetralogy of Fallot (n=4, age 4.3±0.9) were recruited from the cardiology unit of McMaster Children’s Hospital. Height (103.7±8.2 cm) and weight (17.3±2.7 kg) measurements were recorded, and physical activity was determined using accelerometry over 7 consecutive days. Patients were compared with age-, sex-, and season of data acquisition-matched controls. Parents completed a questionnaire regarding the child’s physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Results: Patients spent on average 219.4±39.9 minutes engaged in total physical activity per day at the following intensities: light, 147.5±22.3; moderate, 44.0±11.8; moderate-to-vigorous, 71.9±22.6; and vigorous, 27.9±11.7. No significant differences were observed between patients and controls for total physical activity (p=0.80) or any of the intensities (p=0.71, 0.46, 0.43, and 0.45, respectively). Only 40% of patients and controls met the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for the Early Years of at least 180 minutes of physical activity at any intensity every day. Of the patients’ parents, 90% believed that their child was as active, if not more active, than his/her siblings, and 80% of parents reported their child spending 1–3 hours in screen time activities daily. Conclusion: Children aged 3–5 years old with congenital heart disease have comparable physical activity levels to age-, sex-, and season-matched controls, and many do not meet Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with congenital and acquired heart disease in Kocaeli, Turkey
Authors: Babaoğlu Kadir , Deveci Murat , Kayabey Özlem , Altun Gürkan , Binnetoğlu Köksal
Published: March 2014

Background:Childhood obesity has increased in the last half of the century. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of obesity in the children with congenital or acquired heart disease.Methods:A total of 1410 children were assessed in this study. The study population was composed of 518 children (289 boys, 229 girls) as control group and 892 children (477 boys, 415 girls) as heart disease group. Patients were grouped into four categories: (I) “Clinic control subjects”; (II) “mild heart disease” that has not been treated with either surgical or catheter intervention; (III) congenital heart disease treated with surgical and/or catheter intervention; and (IV) “arrhythmias”. A body mass index ⩾85th percentile was defined as overweight, ⩾95th percentile as obese, and <5th percentile was defined as underweight.Results:We did not detect any association between heart disease and obesity. There was no difference in the rates of overweight, obesity, and underweight between the healthy control subjects and patients with heart disease (8.1%, 13.3%, and 5.0%; 9.0%, 10.7%, and 4.7%, respectively, p=0.145). All subgroups had a similar prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity as the healthy control population. Within the heart disease population, the overall prevalence rates for overweight, obesity, and underweight were similar between the boys and girls.Conclusion:Obesity is a common problem in children with heart disease, at least in general population. It is an important additional risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in children with heart disease. Precautions to prevent obesity should be a part of paediatric cardiologist’s examination.
High-risk single ventricle palliation in children with Down syndrome: single institution experience
Authors: Ooi Yinn K. , Sinha Pranava , Gierdalski Marcin , Harahsheh Ashraf
Published: March 2014

Background: Of the children with Down syndrome 40–50% have cardiac defects and the majority of these cardiac defects are amenable to biventricular repair. The outcome of single ventricle palliation is improving; nonetheless, there are limited data on Down syndrome patients with associated high-risk factors undergoing single ventricle palliation. Our aim was to study the outcomes of children with Down syndrome and high-risk factors on the single ventricle palliation pathway. Methods: A retrospective study on all patients with Down syndrome on the single ventricle palliation pathway from 2005 until 2011 was conducted. Operative, clinical, echocardiographic, haemodynamic data, and follow-up data were reviewed. Results: A total of 310 patients underwent at least one single ventricle surgical intervention. Of those, eight patients had Down syndrome, five of which had associated risk factors – low birth weight, high pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary vein stenosis, significant atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and extracardiac anomalies. Mortality in the high-risk group was 80% (4/5), compared with 33% (1/3) in the non-high-risk patients. Overall, after a median follow-up period of 138 days (8–576 days), only 37.5% (3/8) of patients were alive. Conclusion: Despite many improvements in the care of single ventricle patients, the fate of those with Down syndrome and associated high-risk factors remains poor. Further multicentre longer-term studies are needed to validate and quantify the cumulative effects of negative prognostic factors in this complex group of patients.
KNOWLEDGE MISALLOCATION AND GROWTH
Authors: Raurich Xavier , Sánchez-Losada Fernando , Vilalta-Bufí Montserrat
Published: March 2014

We develop a growth model where knowledge is embodied in individuals and diffused across sectors through labor mobility. The existence of labor mobility costs constrains mobility and thus generates labor misallocation. Different levels of labor misallocation imply different levels of exploitation of available knowledge and therefore different total factor productivity across countries. We derive a positive relationship between growth and labor mobility, which is consistent with the empirical evidence, by assuming aggregate constant returns to capital. We also analyze the short- and long-run effects of labor mobility costs in the case of decreasing returns to capital. It turns out that changes in mobility costs have larger economic effects when different types of workers have small rather than large complementarities. Finally, we show that different labor income taxes or labor market tightness imply different rates of labor mobility and therefore can explain differences in Gross Domestic Product across countries.
Probing the Chemical Structure in Diamond-Based Materials Using Combined Low-Loss and Core-Loss Electron Energy-Loss spectroscopy
Authors: Longo Paolo , Twesten Ray D. , Olivier Jaco
Published: March 2014

We report the analysis of the changes in local carbon structure and chemistry caused by the self-implantation of carbon into diamond via electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) plasmon energy shifts and core-edge fine structure fingerprinting. These two very different EELS energy and intensity ranges of the spectrum can be acquired under identical experimental conditions and nearly simultaneously using specially designed deflectors and energy offset devices known as “DualEELS.” In this way, it is possible to take full advantage of the unique and complementary information that is present in the low- and core-loss regions of the EELS spectrum. We find that self-implanted carbon under the implantation conditions used for the material investigated in this paper creates an amorphous region with significant sp2 content that varies across the interface.
Social Innovation: Worklessness, Welfare and Well-being
Authors: Roy Michael J. , McHugh Neil , Hill O'Connor Clementine
Published: March 2014

The UK Government has recently implemented large-scale public-sector funding cuts and substantial welfare reform. Groups within civil society are being encouraged to fill gaps in service provision, and ‘social innovation’ has been championed as a means of addressing social exclusion, such as that caused by worklessness, a major impediment to citizens being able to access money, power and resources, which are key social determinants of health. The aim of this article is to make the case for innovative ‘upstream’ approaches to addressing health inequalities, and we discuss three prominent social innovations gaining traction: microcredit for enterprise; social enterprise in the form of Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs); and Self Reliant Groups (SRGs). We find that while certain social innovations may have the potential to address health inequalities, large-scale research programmes that will yield the quality and range of empirical evidence to demonstrate impact, and, in particular, an understanding of the causal pathways and mechanisms of action, simply do not yet exist.
Prediction of Stress in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Pozo Pilar , Sarriá Encarnación
Published: March 2014

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorders presents families with exceptional caregiving challenges. Consequently, parents, particularly mothers, evidence unusually high stress levels. Previous research has identified relevant variables that help explain maternal stress: the child’s behavior problems, social support and the sense of coherence (SOC) as a perception of problem. However, there are few longitudinal studies demonstrating how these variables correlate over time. We present a longitudinal study of 21 Spanish mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at two measurement time points over an interval of 4.5 years. Our aims are to examine the predictive relationships of these variables (behavior problems, social support and SOC) to stress and to analyse their changes over time. Data were collected through questionnaires. The results of the regression analysis (multiple adjustedR2= .45, ƒ2= .82) highlight the predictive values of SOC (adjustedR2= .31) and the initial stress levels (Δ adjustedR2= .14) for stress levels 4.5-years later. Our study usedt-tests to compare measurements at the two time points; results demonstrate the permanence of stress levels and behavior problems and the effects of reduced social support and increased SOC levels (t(20) = 2.48,p= .02, Cohen’sd= .63;t(20) = –4.22,p< .001, Cohen’d= .58). Implications for interventions are discussed.
The Primacy of Agency Over Competence in Status Perception
Authors: Carrier Antonin , Louvet Eva , Chauvin Bruno , Rohmer Odile
Published: March 2014

A great deal of recent work has found that two fundamental dimensions underlie social judgment. The most common labels used to denote these dimensions are agency versus communion, and competence versus warmth. The present work aimed to disentangle agency understood as the motivation to promote the self from competence understood as ability, and to address their distinctive role in status perception. In Studies 1 and 2, participants were presented with a high- versus low-status target and asked to rate this target on agency, competence and warmth. In Study 3, participants were presented with an agentic, competent, and warm target and asked to rate their social status. Overall, our findings indicated that agency and competence operate as distinct dimensions in social judgment, and that agency is more related to social status than competence.
Accidents in Agricultural Aviation in the United States
Authors: van Doorn Robert R. A.
Published: March 2014

A 28-year (1982–2009) retrospective investigation was carried out for 3,102 fixed-wing agricultural aircraft involved in the aerial application (Part 137) of pesticides or fertilizers (crop dusting). In total, 64% of the pilots remained uninjured, while 10% of accidents were fatal. This type of aviation is unique as proportionally more accidents occurred during the maneuvering / aerial application and landing phases, involving low-altitude crashes. Collision with poorly visible obstacles in the landscape was involved in 27% of the crashes. These accidents were more likely to involve fatalities, occurred predominantly during maneuvering at the application site, and were often attributed to human error (inappropriate visual lookout and clearance). Recommendations discussed include markings on objects that may improve low-altitude navigation.
Trapping RNase A on MCM41 pores: effects on structure stability, product inhibition and overall enzymatic activity
Authors: Matlahov Irina , Geiger Yasmin , Goobes Gil
Published: March 2014

Ribonuclease's activity bound to nano-sized pore openings of MCM41 is severely quenched, but inhibition by the product is reduced.
Bilayer stabilized Ln3+-doped CaMoO4 nanocrystals with high luminescence quantum efficiency and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Hazra Chanchal , Samanta Tuhin , Asaithambi Aswin Vijai , Mahalingam Venkataramanan
Published: March 2014

In this article, we discuss the microwave synthesis of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) stabilized Ln3+-doped CaMoO4 nanocrystals (Ln3+ = Eu3+, Er3+/Yb3+).
Enhancing permanganate chemiluminescence detection for the determination of glutathione and glutathione disulfide in biological matrices
Authors: Smith Zoe M. , Terry Jessica M. , Barnett Neil W. , Gray Laura J. , Wright Dean J. , Francis Paul S.
Published: March 2014

Formaldehyde has a dramatic enhancing effect on not only the sensitivity but also the selectivity of permanganate chemiluminescence detection towards thiol compounds, including glutathione – an important biomarker of oxidative stress.
A rapid determination method for chemical oxygen demand in aquaculture wastewater using the ultraviolet absorbance spectrum and chemometrics
Authors: Cao Hong , Qu Wentai , Yang Xianglong
Published: March 2014

The ultraviolet (UV) absorbance spectrum was studied for the fast determination of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in aquaculture wastewater.
Development of a quantitative analysis method for the 12 marker compounds in Palmijihwang-hwan, a herbal formula, using a reversed-phase C18column and an amino column by HPLC
Authors: Kim Jung-Hoon , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo , Seo Chang-Seob
Published: March 2014

The quantification of 12 marker compounds in palmijihwang-hwan using a HPLC-PDA with a reversed-phase C18column and an amino column.
Applying a multitarget rational drug design strategy: the first set of modulators with potent and balanced activity toward dopamine D3 receptor and fatty acid amide hydrolase
Authors: De Simone Alessio , Ruda Gian Filippo , Albani Clara , Tarozzo Glauco , Bandiera Tiziano , Piomelli Daniele , Cavalli Andrea , Bottegoni Giovanni
Published: March 2014

The first set of rationally conceived dual dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) modulators is presented.
Elucidating proline dynamics in spider dragline silk fibre using2H–13C HETCOR MAS NMR
Authors: Shi Xiangyan , Yarger Jeffery L. , Holland Gregory P.
Published: March 2014

2H–13C HETCOR MAS NMR is performed on2H/13C/15N-Pro enrichedA. aurantiadragline silk. Proline dynamics are extracted from2H NMR line shapes andT1in a site-specific manner to elucidate the backbone and side chain molecular dynamics for the MaSp2 GPGXX β-turn regions for spider dragline silk in the dry and wet, supercontracted states.
Biocatalytic amide condensation and gelation controlled by light
Authors: Sahoo Jugal Kishore , Nalluri Siva Krishna Mohan , Javid Nadeem , Webb Hannah , Ulijn Rein V.
Published: March 2014

We report on a supramolecular self-assembly system that displays coupled light switching, biocatalytic condensation/hydrolysis and gelation.
Organometallic polymer material for energy storage
Authors: Zhong Hai , Wang Guofeng , Song Zhiping , Li Xiang , Tang Hongding , Zhou Yunhong , Zhan Hui
Published: March 2014

A ferrocene-based polymer shows an ultra-high power density, excellent cycling stability and cathode application in different batteries and all-organic batteries.
Reversible assembly of silver nanoparticles driven by host–guest interactions based on water-soluble pillar[n]arenes
Authors: Yao Yong , Jie Kecheng , Zhou Yujuan , Xue Min
Published: March 2014

Water-soluble pillar[5]arene stabilized silver nanoparticles tend to assemble together upon addition of guest molecules due to the host–guest interactions. Further disassembly of AgNPs is realized by addition of a competitive host water-soluble pillar[6]arene which can form a stronger complex with G.