bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guideline‐conformity of initiation with oral hypoglycemic treatment for patients with newly therapy‐dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus in Austria
Authors: Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Stedman Margaret R. , Pogantsch Michaela , Wieninger Peter , Bucsics Anna , Asslaber Markus , Bauer Rosemarie , Burkhardt Thomas , Schautzer Alexandra , Brookhart M. Alan ,   for the Pharmacoeconomics Advisory Council of the Main Association of Austrian Sickness Funds
Published: November 2010

Purpose

To determine guideline conformity of initiation of oral hypoglycemic (OH) treatment for type 2 diabetes in Austria; to study patient and prescriber correlates of recommended initiation with metformin monotherapy.

Methods

We used claims from 11 sickness funds that covered 7.5 million individuals, representing >90% of the Austrian population. First‐time OH use was defined as a first filled prescription after one year without any OH drug or insulin. Among these incident users, we described the OH drug class used and defined correlates of initiation with metformin monotherapy.

Results

From 1/2007 to 6/2008, we identified 42 882 incident users of an OH drug: 70.8% used metformin, 24.7% used a sulfonylurea, and 4.5% initiated treatment with another class. We estimated the incidence of OH‐dependent type 2 diabetes at 3.8–4.4 per 1000 patient‐years. We conducted multivariate analyses among 39 077 patients with available prescriber information. Independent correlates of initiation with metformin were younger age, female gender, waived co‐payment, more recent initiation, fewer hospital days and more therapeutic classes received in the year prior to first OH therapy (all p < 0.001). Prescriber specialty and age (p < 0.001), but not gender, were also associated with metformin initiation. Approximately 20% of metformin initiators had a second OH drug added within <18 months. While we were unable to ascertain specific contraindications to metformin (renal insufficiency, hepatic failure), <10% of the general population are expected to have these conditions.

Conclusions

Seventy per cent of new initiators of OH treatment in Austria received metformin as recommended by international guidelines. At least 20% did not, taking into account possible contraindications, which provides an opportunity for intervention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small area variation and geographic and patient‐specific determinants of metabolic testing in antipsychotic users
Authors: Morrato Elaine H. , Druss Benjamin G. , Hartung Daniel M. , Valuck Robert J. , Thomas Deborah , Allen Richard , Campagna Elizabeth , Newcomer John W.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The American Diabetes Association and American Psychiatric Association recommend metabolic monitoring for all patients using second‐generation antipsychotic (SGA) drugs. We estimated glucose and lipid testing rates among SGA‐users from three state Medicaid programs and investigated small area variation and patient and geographic determinants of testing.

Methods

A retrospective new‐user cohort study using Medicaid claims data from California, Missouri, and Oregon was conducted among 30 563 patients in 207 counties starting SGA medication September 2004–December 2005. Adjusted odds ratios for state, county, and patient factors associated with testing were calculated from multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models.

Results

Mean 6‐month testing rates were 51.6% (glucose) and 26.2% (lipids). Screening rates were positively associated with the number of Type 2 diabetes risk factors (RF) present: glucose −39% (0 RF) to 82% (5 RF); lipids −13% (0 RF) to 66% (5 RF). A four‐fold difference in glucose testing rates (21–85%) and a greater than six‐fold difference in lipid testing rates (0–62%) were observed between counties. In the adjusted regression models, age, cardiometabolic co‐morbidity (diabetes, dyslipidemia), serious mental illness, persistent use of SGAs, and frequency of non‐psychiatric medical office visits were significant determinants of glucose and lipid testing. Lipid testing was more likely for children and adults in California, as was glucose testing for children.

Conclusions

Glucose and lipid testing among SGA‐users varied significantly between states, counties, and by patient characteristics. More effort is needed to understand provider and system reasons for testing disparities in order to inform risk management quality improvement interventions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel and rapid fabrication for microlens arrays using microinjection molding
Authors: Lou Chin‐Wan , Chiang Yuh‐Chyun , Cheng Hsin‐Chung , Wu Ching‐Zong , Huang Chiung‐Fang , Wu Chih‐Wei , Shen Yung‐Kang , Lin Yi
Published: November 2010

This work reports a novel and effective procedure for manufacturing the mold insert of microlens arrays. First, the microlens arrays master is formed using room‐temperature imprint lithography and photoresist reflow process. Next, electroforming is carried out to fabriccate the metal mold insert from the master. Finally, microinjection molding is used to replicate the molded microlens arrays. The 200 × 200 arrays of molded microlens, with a diameter of 150 μm, a pitch of 200 μm, and a sag height of 11.29 μm for polycarbonate (PC) material and 11.24 μm for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) material have been successfully fabricated. The moldability for PMMA material is better than PC material on molded microlens arrays. The average surface roughness of the molded microlens arrays is 4.53 nm for PMMA material and 4.81 nm for PC material. The mold temperature is the most important processing factor for the focal length and sag height of molded microlens arrays. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Preparation and properties of melt‐mixed metallocene polyethylene/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Lai Sun‐Mou , Huang C.‐Y. , Li S.‐C. , Chen Y.‐H. , Hsu H.‐C. , Yu Y.‐F. , Hsiou Yu‐Feng
Published: November 2010

Metallocene polyethylene (mPE)/silica nanocomposites were prepared via melt mixing. Two types of commercial fumed nanosilica, bare silica (A200) and organic modified silica (R974), were incorporated to improve the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the modified silica was dispersed slightly better within the mPE matrix. No distinct effects on the thermal behaviors of the fast‐crystallizing mPE matrix were observed with variations in both the silica dosages and types. Thermal stability was enhanced through the addition of nanosilica, with or without surface treatment. The surface‐modified silica system showed slightly higher tensile strength and Young's modulus compared with the bare silica system, as evidenced by a rheological study using a Cole‐Cole plot to assess enhanced polymer matrix‐dispersed silica interactions, especially for high dosages of organic modified silica. A limited increment in the dynamic storage modulus for modified silica cases, completely opposite of that observed for bare silica cases, was due to the low‐aspect ratio of smaller agglomerates from highly dispersed organic modified silica within the mPE matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Purification and characterization of poly(L‐lactic acid) depolymerase from Pseudomonas sp. strain DS04‐T
Authors: Wang Zhanyong , Wang Yan , Guo Ziqi , Li Fan , Chen Shan
Published: November 2010

Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLA)‐degrading Pseudomonas sp. strain DS04‐T was isolated from an activated sludge sample. A novel PLA depolymerase with a molecular weight of 34 kDa was purified to homogeneity from the culture supernatant of strain DS04‐T. The optimum pH and temperature of the PLA depolymerase are 8.5 and 50°C, respectively. The PLA depolymerase can also degrade triolein, poly(β‐hydroxybutyrate), and poly(ε‐caprolactone). Na+ and K+ enhance the enzyme activity, whereas Zn2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, and Fe2+ inhibit it. The inhibition effect of different chemicals on the PLA depolymerase activity were examined, in which ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was found to have a significant inhibitory effect. The main degradation product of the depolymerase is identified as lactic acid monomer by mass spectrometric analysis. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Morphology, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of rigid PVC/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Mondragón Margarita , Sánchez‐Valdés Saúl , Sanchez‐Espíndola María E. , Rivera‐López Jesús E.
Published: November 2010

PVC/Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/organophilic‐montmorillonite (OMMT) and PVC/Polylactide (PLA)/OMMT nanocomposites were prepared by a two‐step process. PCL/OMMT and PLA/OMMT master batches were prepared by melt blending using a two‐roller mill first, and then they were blended with PVC via extrusion. PVC/OMMT nanocomposites were also prepared using a two‐roller mill. Morphology, mechanical properties, and thermal stability were investigated. The formation of exfoliated or intercalated nanocomposites was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Only the PVC/PCL/OMMT nanocomposite showed both higher tensile strength and stiffness than unfilled PVC. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated dependency of this behavior not only on the clay dispersion, but also on the adhesion between the OMMT and the polymer matrix. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the large plastic deformation of the PVC/PCL matrix also contributed to the strength increase of the PVC nanocomposites. The effect of PCL/OMMT on the improvement of the thermal stability of PVC was remarkable while the effect of PLA/OMMT was moderate. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Compensated silicon crystals by metallurgy route
Authors: Abdullin Kh. A. , Beketov B. A. , Chumikov G. N. , Mukashev B. N. , Tamendarov M. F. , Turmagambetov T. S. , Page M. R. , Kline D. M.
Published: November 2010

The alumothermic reduction of silica from silicate slag was studied for obtaining a silicon‐containing alloy (SCA). A synthetic slag (SS) with composition close to that of phosphorous industry waste (PIW) is used. SS consists of more than 90% silicon dioxide, calcium oxide and less than l0% of other element's oxides. SCA was upgraded by acid leaching up to pure silicon of a fine powder structure. Compensated poly‐ and mono‐crystalline silicon, with resistivity from 0.6 (bottom of crystal) to 4 (top of crystal) Ohm · cm, was grown by Czochralski method using this powder. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
IR studies of oxygen‐related and carbon‐related defects in Sn‐doped silicon
Authors: Londos Charalampos A. , Andrianakis Andreas , Aliprantis Dimitris , Sgourou Efstratia N. , Ohyama Hidenori
Published: November 2010

The ability of tin (Sn) to capture vacancies in silicon material attracts considerable interest in relation with electronic applications where radiation hardness is necessary. In this sense the full knowledge of the behavior of radiation‐induced defects in Sn‐doped Si is particularly important. The present report gives a systematic study of the evolution of the vacancy‐oxygen (VOn, 1≤ n≤ 6) defects and the carbon‐oxygen (CiOi) defect in electron‐irradiated Sn‐doped Cz‐Si containing carbon. The radiation‐induced defects and their reactions were investigated by Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) in the course of 20 min isochronal anneals from room temperature up to ∼750 °C. Interestingly, in Sn‐doped Cz‐Si samples we were able to monitor and study IR bands correlated with VO5/VO6 defects. In particular, we tentatively attributed two bands at 1037, 1051 cm‐1 to the VO5 defect, and two other bands at 967, 1005 cm‐1 to the VO6 defect. Concerning carbon‐related defects, our results show that the disappearance of the 862 cm‐1 band of the CiOidefect is accompanied in the spectra by the emergence of a band at 1048 cm‐1 previously correlated with a CsO2i structure. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of uniaxial stress on local vibration of a platinum‐hydrogen complex in silicon
Authors: Kamiura Y. , Higaki K. , Katayama K. , Mizukawa H. , Ishiyama T. , Yamashita Y. , Abe S.
Published: November 2010

We have studied stress‐induced splitting and shift of an infrared (IR) absorption line at 1880.7 cm‐1 of the Pt‐H1 complex in Si by Fourier‐transform IR (FT‐IR) spectroscopy at 10K combined with the application of uniaxial compressive stress up to 0.4 GPa. The line was split into two and three components under 〈100〉 and 〈111〉 stresses with intensity ratios of low‐ to high‐wavenumber components being 1:2 and 1:1:2, respectively. These results are consistent with C1h symmetry in the piezospectroscopic theory of Kaplyanskii and the ESR results observed by Mchedlidze et al. Under 〈110〉 stress, however, the line was split only into two components, contradicting C1h symmetry. Such inconsistency may be due to insufficient magnitude of stress. The split components were shifted linearly with increasing stress in the three directions. The isotope effects were observed for the Pt‐H1 complex. By replacing H with D, the IR line was shifted to 1358.5 cm‐1 and the 〈100〉 stress dependence of peak wavenumbers of two split components was weakened by a factor of 0.7. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Time variation of source‐drain current for organic field‐effect transistors with dipoles of insulator surface
Authors: Suemori Kouji , Taniguchi Misuzu , Uemura Sei , Yoshida Manabu , Hoshino Satoshi , Takada Noriyuki , Kodzasa Takahito , Kamata Toshiide
Published: November 2010

Time variation of the source‐drain current for organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) with aminopropyl and octadecyl groups on the insulator layer was examined. The source‐drain current of both OFETs decreased with time immediately after the application of the gate voltage. The decrease in the source‐drain current was very little in the OFET with an octadecyl group while it was very large in the OFET with an aminopropyl group. The origin of the decrease in the source‐drain current was attributed to the dipole of the aminopropyl and octadecyl groups. The decrease in the source‐drain current was observed in the OFET with the octadecyl group (that has a small dipole), indicating that the time variation of the source‐drain current is very sensitive to the dipole of the insulator surface. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Possibility for hole doping into amorphous InGaZnO4 films prepared by RF sputtering
Authors: Kobayashi Kenkichiro , Kohno Yoshiumi , Tomita Yasumasa , Maeda Yasuhisa , Matsushima Shigenori
Published: November 2010

Amorphous InGaZnO4 (IGZO) films codoped with Al and N atoms were prepared by sputtering of targets consisting of IGZO and AlN powders in Ar + O2 atmospheres. No hole‐conductivity is seen in films deposited at 2×10‐3 Torr, whereas hole‐conductivity is found in films deposited at 2×10‐2 Torr at radio frequency powers of 60‐80 W in 0.3‐0.6% O2 atmospheres. The amorphous p‐type IGZO film has the resistivity of 210 Wcm, hole‐density of 7.5×1017 cm‐3, and mobility of 0.4 cm2/Vs. The rectification characteristic is obtained for a device constructed from Au, amorphous p‐type IGZO, and amorphous n‐type IGZO. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Selective‐area MOVPE of GaSb on GaAs (111)‐oriented substrates
Authors: Takayama Y. , Tomioka K. , Hara S. , Fukui T. , Motohisa J.
Published: November 2010

We report on the selective‐area metalorganic vapor phase epitxial growth of GaSb on (111)‐oriented GaAs sub‐ strates partially covered with a SiO2 mask layer. The mask pattern consisted of periodic circular openings with diameter ranging from 200 to 500 nm and pitch ranging from 500 nm to 3 µm. Selective‐area growth of GaSb was achieved on the (111)A substrates, while GaSb was grown in few parts of the mask openings on the (111)B substrate. In addition, exposure to an Sb‐precursor prior to the growth significantly affected the coverage of GaSb of the mask opening region, and it increases (decreases) on the (111)A ((111)B) substrate as compared to AsH3 exposure. The results are explained based on a model of exchange of Sb‐As at the initial stage of growth. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Strongly suppressed multi‐photon generation from a single quantum dot in a metal‐embedded structure
Authors: Nakajima Hideaki , Ekuni Shingo , Kumano Hidekazu , Idutsu Yasuhiro , Miyamura Souta , Kato Daimotsu , Ida Sotaro , Sasakura Hirotaka , Suemune Ikuo
Published: November 2010

We introduce a novel metal‐embedded semiconductor pillar structure including quantum dots as highly efficient single‐photon sources for quantum information applications. We have developed related processes for fabricating the proposed structure and have demonstrated strongly suppressed multi‐photon generation and improved photon extraction efficiency. As a result, under non‐resonant excitation, which is highly preferable for practical use, single‐photon purity with g(2)(0) as low as 0.015 has been measured. The extremely small semiconductor volume of the metal embedded structure is a crucial factor for this observation. Moreover, single‐photon generation from a single quantum dot at a rate of up to 6.4 million per second has been achieved. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electric properties of aqueous grown ZnO nanorods on Au/Ti/Si substrates
Authors: Ogata Ken‐ichi , Dobashi Hideaki , Russel Paul , Koike Kazuto , Sasa Shigehiko , Inoue Masataka , Yano Mitsuaki
Published: November 2010

Electric properties of aqueous grown ZnO nanorods were investigated. Vertical current measurement through the top 20‐nm‐thick Au electrode/ZnO nanorods/bottom Au film structure showed asymmetric I‐V properties and was discussed in terms of different interface properties between ZnO nanorods and Au. Schottky barrier height in top Au electrode and ZnO nanorods was estimated to be 0.22eV based on core level X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra. XPS experiment also suggests that aqueous grown ZnO nanorods have Zn‐polarity and that might be one of the reasons of lower barrier height. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Sb template layer on GaSb thin films grown on Si(111) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Toyota H. , Mikami A. , Endoh T. , Jinbo Y. , Uchitomi N.
Published: November 2010

GaSb thin films using an Sb template layer on Si(111) substrates were grown by MBE to investigate the effect of the Sb template on the crystalline quality of the GaSb films. Structural properties were compared with those of the GaSb films grown on Si(111) substrates using an AlSb initiation layer and a GaSb film directly grown on Si(111) substrate. For the GaSb thin films prepared using an Sb template layer, streaky RHEED patterns were observed throughout growth of GaSb layer and a typical surface RMS roughness value of 7.4 nm was obtained.

The results of θ‐2θ scan XRD investigations indicated that GaSb film on Sb template is nearly unstrained. The φ‐scan XRD measurements with respect to {422} reflection peaks of GaSb films and Si(111) substrates did not show any sound evidence of alignment upon rotation by 30° and rather suggest two domain growth of the GaSb films. The smaller percentage of the domain which is rotated by 60° suggests that the GaSb film grown using an Sb template is more single crystal than the one grown using an AlSb initiation layer. These structural comparisons indicated that the Sb template layer is favorable in obtaining good GaSb epitaxial films. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical property modification of ZnO: Effect of 1.2 MeV Ar irradiation
Authors: Chattopadhyay Soubhik , Dutta Sreetama , Pandit Palash , Jana D. , Chattopadhyay S. , Sarkar A. , Kumar P. , Kanjilal D. , Mishra D. K. , Ray S. K.
Published: November 2010

We report a systematic study on 1.2 MeV Ar8+ irradiated ZnO by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), room temperature photoluminescence (PL) and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) absorption measurements. ZnO retains its wurtzite crystal structure up to maximum fluence of 5 × 1016 ions/cm2. Even, the width of the XRD peaks changes little with irradiation. The UV‐Vis absorption spectra of the samples, unirradiated and irradiated with lowest fluence (1 × 1015 ions/cm2), are nearly same. However, the PL emission is largely quenched for this irradiated sample. Red shift of the absorption edge has been noticed for higher fluence. It has been found that red shift is due to at least two defect centers. The PL emission is recovered for 5 × 1015 ions/cm2 fluence. The sample colour is changed to orange and then to dark brown with increasing irradiation fluence. Huge resistivity decrease is observed for the sample irradiated with 5 × 1015 ions/cm2 fluence. Results altogether indicate the evolution of stable oxygen vacancies and zinc interstitials as dominant defects for high fluence irradiation. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relaxed exciton luminescence of KCl crystals heavily doped with KI
Authors: Ohno Akira , Ohno Nobuhito
Published: November 2010

Localized relaxed exciton luminescence in heavily doped KCl crystals containing iodine impurities has been investigated at 6 K. The excitation spectra of the I– dimer emission at 4.64 eV exhibit that the excitation peak shifts to the lower energy for the lowest excitation band with increase of the concentration of I– ions, which is ascribed to the formation of trimer and clusters of I– ions for heavily doped KCl crystals. Considering the iodine concentration dependence of luminescence and excitation spectra, it is concluded that the luminescence of heavily doped KCl:I originates from the localized relaxed excitons in a complex of three iodine ions (I– trimer) and lager sizes of iodine ions (KI cluster) in addition to usual monomer and dimer I– impurities. The effect of UV‐light irradiation on the relaxed exciton luminescence of heavily doped KCl:I crystal has been also examined. The UV‐light irradiated crystals exhibit an enhancement of the luminescence due to the dimer and the composite clusters. The lowest excitation band of the emission was found to become broad and to shift on the lower energy side. This suggests the formation of KI clusters under the UV‐light irradiation. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphology dependent exciton formation in regioregular poly(3‐alkyl)thiophenes
Authors: Kanemoto Katsuichi , Yasui Motoaki , Kosumi Daisuke , Sugisaki Mitsuru , Karasawa Tsutomu , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: November 2010

The photophysics of the regioregular (RR) poly(3‐alkylthiophene) (P3AT) films is investigated by cw‐photoinduced absorption (PIA) measurements based on bleaching signals. The photoexcitation intensity dependence of the cw‐PIA signals demonstrates that both photogenerated localized and delocalized polarons obey a bimolecular recombination process under cw photoexcitation. It is demonstrated that the lineshape of cw‐PIA bleaching spectra for the P3AT films varies with the length of the alkyl substituents of P3AT. The bleaching spectra reveal a trend that the electron‐phonon couplings of final exciton migration sites become strong with increasing the interlamella distance in the P3AT film. This indicates that interlamella couplings affect the electron‐phonon couplings of the migration sites locating at two‐dimensional lamellas. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Laser induced cooling of solids
Authors: Kashyap Raman , Nemova Galina
Published: November 2010

Laser induced cooling of solids, also known as optical refrigeration, is different to laser cooling of atoms, and was originally proposed in 1929 by Pringsheim. It was not achieved experimentally until 1995 at the Los Alamos National Laboratory by Epstein's group. Since that time, several proposal for cooling have been made and demonstrated, pushing the achievable coldness towards cryogenic temperatures. In addition, radiation balanced lasers, in which heat is mitigated by laser cooling has also been implemented. This powerful technique enables the scaling of optical powers in lasers, has no moving parts and the electrical connections are entirely remote to the laser. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of mobile phase pH, aqueous‐organic ratio, and buffer concentration on electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns: implications in liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric bioanalysis
Authors: Wang Jian , Aubry Anne , Bolgar Mark S. , Gu Huidong , Olah Timothy V. , Arnold Mark , Jemal Mohammed
Published: November 2010

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) based on selected reaction monitoring (SRM) is the standard methodology in quantitative analysis of administered xenobiotics in biological samples. Utilizing two SRM channels during positive electrospray ionization (ESI) LC/MS/MS method development for a drug compound containing two basic functional groups, we found that the response ratio (SRM1/SRM2) obtained using an acidic mobile phase was dramatically different from that obtained using a basic mobile phase. This observation is different from the well‐established phenomenon of mobile phase affecting the [M+H]+ response, which is directly related to the amount of the [M+H]+ ions produced during the ionization. Results from follow‐up work reported herein revealed that the MS/MS fragmentation patterns of four drug or drug‐like compounds are affected not only by the pH, but also by the aqueous‐organic ratio of the mobile phase and the buffer concentration at a given apparent pH. The observed phenomenon can be explained by invoking that a mixture of [M+H]+ ions of the same m/z value for the analyte is produced that is composed of two or more species which differ only in the site of the proton attachment, which in turn affects their MS/MS fragmentation pattern. The ratio of the different protonated species changes depending on the pH, aqueous‐organic ratio, or ionic strength of the mobile phase used. The awareness of the mobile phase dependency of the MS/MS fragmentation pattern of precursor ions of identical m/z value will influence LC/MS/MS‐based bioanalytical method development strategies. Specifically, we are recommending that multiple SRM transitions be monitored during mobile phase screening, with the MS/MS parameters used for each SRM optimized for the composition of the mobile phase (pH, organic percentage, and ionic strength) in which the analyte elutes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excluding induced subgraphs: Critical graphs
Authors: Balogh József , Butterfield Jane
Published: November 2010

Determining the cardinality and describing the structure of H‐free graphs is well‐investigated for many graphs H. In the nineties, Prömel and Steger proved that for a graph H with chromatic number k + 1 almost all graphs not containing H as a subgraph are k‐colorable if and only if H contains a color‐critical edge. We strengthen the concept of H‐free to induced subgraph containment, proving that if H has coloring number k + 1 then almost all H‐free graphs can be covered by k graphs that are cliques or independent sets if and only if H is in some well‐defined sense critical. The family of critical graphs includes C4 and C2k+1 for all k ≥ 3. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2011
A topological interpretation of fingerprint reference point
Authors: Lam H. K. , Hou Z. , Yau W. Y. , Chen T. P. , Li J. , Sim K. Y.
Published: November 2010

A critical issue in the development of an automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) is to detect the reference point accurately and reliably. Most existing techniques are based on the singular points of the fingerprint which is sensitive to fingerprint artifacts and is not well defined for arch type fingerprints. In this study, we present a topological interpretation of fingerprint reference point, where the reference points are posed as topological features of fingerprint structure and can be detected seamlessly from either arch type or non‐arch type fingerprints. Extensive experiments demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method over the existing ones. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular Modulation of Conductivity on H‐Terminated Silicon‐On‐Insulator Substrates
Authors: Dubey Girjesh , Rosei Federico , Lopinski Gregory P.
Published: November 2010

The adsorption of a range of molecular species (water, pyridine, and ammonia) is found to reversibly modulate the conductivity of hydrogen‐terminated silicon‐on‐insulator (H‐SOI) substrates. Simultaneous sheet‐resistance and Hall‐effect measurements on moderately doped (1015 cm−3) n‐ and p‐type H‐SOI samples mounted in a vacuum system are used to monitor the effect of gas exposure in the Torr range on the electrical‐transport properties of these substrates. Reversible physisorption of “hole‐trapping” species, such as pyridine (C5H5N) and ammonia (NH3) produces highly conductive minority‐carrier channels (inversion) on p‐type substrates, mimicking the action of a metallic gate in a field‐effect transistor. The adsorption of these same molecules on n‐type SOI induces strong electron‐accumulation layers. Minority/majority channels are also formed upon controlled exposure to water vapor. These observations can be explained by a classical band‐bending model, which considers the adsorbates as the source of a uniform surface charge ranging from +1011 to +1012q cm−2. These results demonstrate the utility of DC transport measurements of SOI platforms for studies of molecular adsorption and charge‐transfer effects at semiconductor surfaces.
The shortest metal‐metal bond
Authors: Noor Awal , Kempe Rhett
Published: November 2010

The synthesis and isolation of stable bimetallic complexes that contain formally quintuply bonded transition metals is a novel and emerging field of science. Efforts have been undertaken in designing and tuning the ligands to achieve a very short (actually the shortest) metal‐metal bond. The motivation for these efforts arose from the expectation that an increasing bond order may go along with a shortening of the bond length. In consequence, formally quintuply bonded bimetallics could have shorter metal‐metal distances than quadruply bonded ones. A chromium homo‐bimetallic complex with a Cr‐Cr bond length of 1.7293(12) Å has been synthesized, and a formal bond order of five was assigned. This compound holds the record for the shortest metal‐metal bond in a stable molecule to date. At this stage, there is no evidence that additional shortening is impossible. © 2010 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.201000028
Tropospheric temperature trends: history of an ongoing controversy
Authors: Thorne Peter W. , Lanzante John R. , Peterson Thomas C. , Seidel Dian J. , Shine Keith P.
Published: November 2010

Changes in atmospheric temperature have a particular importance in climate research because climate models consistently predict a distinctive vertical profile of trends. With increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, the surface and troposphere are consistently projected to warm, with an enhancement of that warming in the tropical upper troposphere. Hence, attempts to detect this distinct ‘fingerprint’ have been a focus for observational studies. The topic acquired heightened importance following the 1990 publication of an analysis of satellite data which challenged the reality of the projected tropospheric warming. This review documents the evolution over the last four decades of understanding of tropospheric temperature trends and their likely causes. Particular focus is given to the difficulty of producing homogenized datasets, with which to derive trends, from both radiosonde and satellite observing systems, because of the many systematic changes over time. The value of multiple independent analyses is demonstrated. Paralleling developments in observational datasets, increased computer power and improved understanding of climate forcing mechanisms have led to refined estimates of temperature trends from a wide range of climate models and a better understanding of internal variability. It is concluded that there is no reasonable evidence of a fundamental disagreement between tropospheric temperature trends from models and observations when uncertainties in both are treated comprehensively. WIREs Clim Change 2011 2 66–88 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.80

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Ideas and Knowledge

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Detection and Attribution

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Modern Climate Change
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not retard disease progression in the psycho‐cognitive variant of late‐onset metachromatic leukodystrophy
Authors: Smith Nicholas J. , Marcus Robert E. , Sahakian Barbara J. , Kapur Narinder , Cox Timothy M.
Published: November 2010

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has an unproven role in the management of late‐onset metachromatic leukodystrophy: theoretically justified through the engraftment of enzyme‐replete haematopoietic progenitors and restoration of capacity for sulphatide catabolism in neural tissue through enzyme recapture, the long‐term outcome is unknown. The rarity of the psycho‐cognitive variant and slow progression of late‐onset disease impairs evaluation of treatment. We report detailed clinical and neuropsychological assessments after haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation in a patient with a late‐onset psycho‐cognitive form of metachromatic leukodystrophy. Cognitive decline, indistinguishable from the natural course of the disease, was serially documented over 11 years despite complete donor chimaerism and correction of leukocyte arylsulphatase A to wild type values; subtle motor deterioration was similarly noted and progressive cerebral volume loss was evident upon magnetic resonance imaging. Sensory nerve conduction deteriorated 17 months post‐transplantation with apparent stabilisation at 11‐year review. Haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation was ineffective for this rare attenuated variant of metachromatic leukodystrophy. In the few patients identified pre‐symptomatically or with early‐phase disease, clear recommendations are lacking; when transplantation is considered, umbilical cord blood grafts from enzyme‐replete donors with adjunctive mesenchymal stem cell infusions from the same source may be preferable. Improved outcomes will depend on enhanced awareness and early diagnosis of the disease, so that promising interventions such as genetically modified, autologous stem cell transplantation have the best opportunity of success.
Seasonal variations in leaf δ13C and nitrogen associated with foliage turnover and carbon gain for a wet subalpine fir forest in the Gongga Mountains, eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Luo Tianxiang , Li Mingcai , Luo Ji
Published: November 2010

It is still unclear to what extent variations in foliar δ13C and nitrogen can be used to detect seasonal changes in canopy productivity. We hypothesize that in a wet and cloudy fir forest, seasonally higher litterfall and lower leaf area index (LAI) are correlated with higher mass‐based leaf nitrogen (Nmass) and net primary productivity (NPP), while foliar δ13C may change with specific leaf area (SLA), area‐based leaf nitrogen (Narea), and/or starch concentration. In order to test our hypotheses, stand‐level litterfall and the means of δ13C, Nmass, Narea, SLA, and starch concentration of canopy needles for a wet and cloudy Abies fabri forest in the Gongga Mountains were monthly measured during the growing season. Seasonal estimates of LAI were obtained from our previous work. A conceptual model was used to predict seasonal NPP of the fir forest. Seasonal mean δ13C and Nmass and climatic variables were used as inputs. The δ13C across 1–7‐year‐old needles increased from May to September associated with decreasing SLA and increasing Narea. There were no significant differences in seasonal starch concentration. With increasing litterfall and decreasing LAI, seasonal mean Nmass increased, while the δ13C varied little. The simulated NPP increased with increasing litterfall and related traits of Nmass and Narea. Our data generally supported the hypotheses. The results also suggest that in the forest with relatively moist and cloudy environment, the largest fraction of annual carbon gain may occur in the early part of the growing season when higher litterfall results in higher Nmass of canopy leaves.
Presence of Apolipoprotein C‐III Attenuates Apolipoprotein E‐Mediated Cellular Uptake of Cholesterol‐Containing Lipid Particles by HepG2 Cells
Authors: Morita Shin‐ya , Sakurai Atsushi , Nakano Minoru , Kitagawa Shuji , Handa Tetsurou
Published: November 2010

Apolipoprotein C‐III (apoC‐III) decreases the apolipoprotein E (apoE)‐mediated uptake of lipoprotein remnants by the liver, and a high plasma concentration of apoC‐III in VLDL is associated with hypertriglyceridemia and the risk of coronary heart disease. In this study, we prepared lipid emulsions containing triolein, phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol as model particles of lipoproteins, and examined the roles of apoC‐III in apoE‐mediated uptake of emulsions by HepG2 cells. Cholesterol in emulsion particles enhanced the apoE‐mediated uptake via heparan sulfate proteoglycan and LDL receptor‐related protein pathways. The amount of apoE bound to emulsion particles was increased by the presence of cholesterol at the particle surface, whereas cholesterol had no effect on the binding amount of apoC‐III. Surface cholesterol alleviated the inhibitory effect of apoC‐III on apoE incorporation into the emulsion surface. However, ApoC‐III almost completely inhibited the apoE‐mediated uptake of cholesterol‐containing emulsions despite sufficient binding of apoE to emulsions. These findings suggest that apoC‐III attenuates the binding of apoE to the lipoprotein surface and apoE‐mediated cellular uptake of lipoprotein remnants. Furthermore, cholesterol may affect these functions of apoC‐III and apoE involved in the clearance of lipoprotein remnants.
Glyceryl Behenate and Its Suitability for Production of Aceclofenac Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Chawla Viney , Saraf Shubhini A.
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to explore the use of glyceryl behenate (GB) as a candidate lipid for the production of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) using the anti‐inflammatory drug, aceclofenac, as an example. SLN were produced using the Gasco microemulsion method with three different lipids, namely GB, glyceryl palmitostearate (GP) and cetyl alcohol (CA). The prepared SLN were subjected to determination of entrapment, zeta potential, particle size, in vitro dissolution, entrapment efficiency and biodistribution. Stable SLN of GB having size 245 ± 5 nm were prepared with a polydispersity index of 0.470. The size range was higher with other lipids i.e., CA and GP. It was found that as the drug lipid molar concentration was raised, particles with a smaller size were obtained irrespective of the nature of the lipid. The surfactant poloxamer 188 gave best results when used at a concentration of 2.5% w/v of dispersion. The study recommends GB as a suitable candidate for the production of SLN.
How long does it take to perform emergency ultrasound for the primary indications?
Authors: Socransky Steven , Wiss Ray , Bota Gary , Furtak Teresa
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Although emergency ultrasound (EU) is gaining popularity, EU is performed in a minority of emergency departments (EDs). The perception may exist that EU is too time-consuming. This study sought to determine the duration of EUs performed for the primary indications by staff emergency physicians (EPs).

Methods

A prospective, time–motion study was conducted on a convenience sample of EUs at the Sudbury Regional Hospital ED from June to August 2006. All EPs had Canadian EU certification. A research assistant timed EUs. Primary EU indications in Canada are: cardiac arrest evaluation, rule-out pericardial effusion, rule-out intraperitoneal free fluid in trauma, rule-out abdominal aortic aneurysm, and rule-in intrauterine pregnancy. Descriptive statistics are reported.

Results

Eleven EPs performed 66 EUs for the primary indications on 51 patients. The mean EU duration was 137.8 s (range 11–465; CI 123.0–162.6). There was no difference in the duration of EUs performed by the two most experienced EPs (n = 37; duration = 129.4; CI = 96.4–162.4) compared to the other EPs (n = 29; duration = 148.4; CI = 110.6–186.2). Although subgroups were small, positive (n = 8; duration = 199.4; CI = 97.4–301.4), negative (n = 49; duration = 123.3; CI = 97.9–148.7), and indeterminate (n = 9; duration = 161.6; CI = 91.5–231.7) EUs did not differ in duration. There is some suggestion of differences in duration between types of EU, although again the subgroups were small: cardiac (n = 21; duration = 90.3; CI = 62.6–118.0), abdominal (n = 22; duration = 157.1; CI = 111.9–202.3), aneurysm (n = 15; duration = 170.1; CI = 117.5–222.7), transabdominal pelvic (n = 5; duration = 89.8; CI = 40.3–139.1), transvaginal (n = 3; duration = 246.0; CI = 30.6–461.4).

Conclusion

When performed by staff EPs with EU certification, mean EU duration for the primary indications was brief regardless of EP’s experience, EU type, or results.
Super-Gentrification und metropolitaner Habitus: eine Kritik jüngerer Entwicklungen in der britischen Gentrificationforschung
Authors: Dirksmeier Peter
Published: November 2010

the paper discusses the two theoretical concepts super-gentrification and metropolitan habitus established by British gentrification research. Both concepts are more or less unknown in German urban geography. Super-gentrification is looking at the gentrification of already gentrified urban neighbourhoods. Metropolitan habitus explains the affinity of specific social groups for very specific neighbourhoods in big cities. the paper starts with criticising both concepts for their missing explanation of influences of the qualities of urban space on habitus and super-gentrification. Secondly,the paper introduces the concept of residential capital, be un- derstood as inclusion of spatial qualities in social practices. in doing so, the theoretical gap of metropolitan habitus and super-gentrification can be bridged. In conclusion, the paper identifies some research questions for German urban geo- graphy that might be answered with the help of metropoli- tan habitus, super-gentrification and embedded residential capital.
Chromatin structure as a mediator of aging
Authors: Feser Jason , Tyler Jessica
Published: November 2010

The aging process is characterized by gradual changes to an organism's macromolecules, which negatively impacts biological processes. The complex macromolecular structure of chromatin regulates all nuclear processes requiring access to the DNA sequence. As such, maintenance of chromatin structure is an integral component to deter premature aging. In this review, we describe current research that links aging to chromatin structure. Histone modifications influence chromatin compaction and gene expression and undergo many changes during aging. Histone protein levels also decline during aging, dramatically affecting chromatin structure. Excitingly, lifespan can be extended by manipulations that reverse the age‐dependent changes to chromatin structure, indicating the pivotal role chromatin structure plays during aging.
The dual influences of age and obstetric history on fecal continence in parous women
Authors: Eogan Maeve , O'Brien Conor , Daly Leslie , Behan Michael , O'Connell P. Ronan , O'Herlihy Colm
Published: November 2010

Objective

To assess whether women who underwent forceps delivery were more likely than those who delivered either normally (spontaneous vaginal delivery [SVD]) or by cesarean to experience deterioration in fecal continence as they aged.

Methods

The study investigated fecal continence assessment among women who gave birth to their first child 10, 20, or 30 years previously. Women who had undergone forceps delivery in the selected years were matched with women who had SVD in the same year. Two additional cohorts (1 premenopausal, 1 postmenopausal), who had only ever delivered by pre‐labor cesarean, were identified for comparison.

Results

Of the 85 women who participated, 36 had undergone forceps delivery, 35 SVD, and 14 cesarean delivery only. The mode of vaginal delivery had no significant effect on continence scores or manometry pressures. Premenopausal women who had undergone cesarean delivery had significantly higher manometry pressures than those who delivered vaginally, but this protective effect was lost after the menopause. Multivariate analysis of pudendal nerve conduction found that the adverse effect of duration since delivery was greater than the adverse effect of forceps compared with vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

Mode of delivery and aging affect pelvic floor function. Women who deliver via cesarean are not immune to age‐related deterioration of anal sphincter function.
Turbulence changes in laser enhanced laser induced plasmas
Authors: WIGGINS D. L. , RAYNOR C. T. , JOHNSON J. A.
Published: November 2010

A neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser of wavelength 0.532 μm with the maximum energy of 900 mJ creates plasmas at a focal point in air in the path of a 1 kW continuous wave fiber laser of wavelength 1.08 μm. We find that there is an unexpected influence on a standard set of turbulent parameters in these laser-induced plasmas. Specifically, the continuous wave laser increased the complexity in the turbulent fluctuations. The continuous wave laser reduces the characteristic fluctuation frequencies in the neutral lines. Furthermore, the continuous wave laser enhances turbulence energies in ions while it diminishes turbulence energies in neutrals.
Partner care at the end-of-life: identity, language and characteristics
Authors: CORDEN ANNE , HIRST MICHAEL
Published: November 2010

The delivery of services and benefits to people supporting older and disabled relatives and friends depends largely on their identification within constructs of ‘care-giving’ and ‘carer’. Those who are married or living with a partner may be particularly resistant to adopting the identity of ‘care-giver’ or ‘care receiver’. This paper investigates the circumstances of couples and their adoption of carer identities, drawing on a study of the financial implications of a partner's death. That study was based on over 750 couples where one partner died, drawn from the British Household Panel Survey, and separate qualitative interviews with people whose partner died in the previous two years. The findings show that carer self-identification was influenced by the partner's health-care needs and service contacts, including welfare benefits receipts. None of the socio-demographic factors considered was statistically linked to whether people described themselves as providing care for their partner, unless there was an underlying association with the partner's health-care needs. The findings underline the problems of using self-reported identities in surveys and estimates of take-up of services and benefits, and the difficulties of delivering entitlements to people who care for their partner at the end-of-life. A challenge for policy makers is how to move beyond formal categories of ‘carer’ and ‘care-giving’ to incorporate inter-dependence, emotional commitment and the language of relationships in planning support for frail older people.