bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave plasma source operating with atmospheric pressure air-water mixtures
Authors: Tatarova E. , Henriques J. P. , Felizardo E. , Lino da Silva M. , Ferreira C. M. , Gordiets B.
Published: November 2012

The overall performance of a surface wave driven air-water plasma source operating at atmospheric pressure and 2.45 GHz has been analyzed. A 1D model previously developed has been improved in order to describe in detail the creation and loss processes of active species of interest. This model provides a complete characterization of the axial structure of the source, including the discharge and the afterglow zones. The main electron creation channel was found to be the associative ionization process N + O → NO+ + e. The NO(X) relative density in the afterglow plasma jet ranges from 1.2% to 1.6% depending on power and water percentage, according to the model predictions and the measurements. Other types of species such as NO2 and nitrous acid HNO2 have also been detected by mass and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The relative population density of O(3P) ground state atoms increases from 8% to 10% in the discharge zone when the input microwave power increases from 200 to 400 W and the water percentage from 1% to 10%. Furthermore, high densities of O2(a1Δg) singlet delta oxygen molecules and OH radicals (1% and 5%, respectively) can be achieved in the discharge zone. In the late afterglow the O2(a1Δg) density is about 0.1% of the total density. This plasma source has a flexible operation and potential for channeling the energy in ways that maximize the density of active species of interest.
Fluid like behavior of oxygen in cubic zirconia under extreme conditions
Authors: Samanta Amit , Zhang S. B.
Published: November 2012

Using atomistic simulations, we analyze the defect chemistry and ionic mobility in the high temperature cubic phase of zirconia to gain insights into the stability of the zirconia lattice. In the temperature range of 2600-2980 K, we find anionic defects can occupy a significant fraction of the total anionic sites. In cognizance with the fact that these defects have low diffusion barriers, we conclude that the anionic sub-lattice is highly mobile and is fluid-like at these temperatures.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the spherical electrical double layer of a soft nanoparticle: Effect of the surface charge and counterion valence
Authors: Nedyalkova Miroslava , Madurga Sergio , Pisov Stoyan , Pastor Isabel , Vilaseca Eudald , Mas Francesc
Published: November 2012

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the ion and water distribution around a spherical charged nanoparticle. A soft nanoparticle model was designed using a set of hydrophobic interaction sites distributed in six concentric spherical layers. In order to simulate the effect of charged functionalyzed groups on the nanoparticle surface, a set of charged sites were distributed in the outer layer. Four charged nanoparticle models, from a surface charge value of −0.035 C m−2 to −0.28 C m−2, were studied in NaCl and CaCl2 salt solutions at 1 M and 0.1 M concentrations to evaluate the effect of the surface charge, counterion valence, and concentration of added salt. We obtain that Na+ and Ca2 + ions enter inside the soft nanoparticle. Monovalent ions are more accumulated inside the nanoparticle surface, whereas divalent ions are more accumulated just in the plane of the nanoparticle surface sites. The increasing of the the salt concentration has little effect on the internalization of counterions, but significantly reduces the number of water molecules that enter inside the nanoparticle. The manner of distributing the surface charge in the nanoparticle (uniformly over all surface sites or discretely over a limited set of randomly selected sites) considerably affects the distribution of counterions in the proximities of the nanoparticle surface.
Stoichiometrically graded SiNx for improved surface passivation in high performance solar cells
Authors: Butler Keith T. , Harding John H. , Lamers Machteld P. W. E. , Weeber Arthur W.
Published: November 2012

The effects of an interface gradient in nitrogen concentration on a number of important properties of amorphous hydrogenated silicon nitride/crystalline silicon (a-SiNx:H/c-Si) interfaces in the context of solar cell devices are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. We simulate interfaces with a gradient of nitrogen which goes from SiN1.2 to Si over widths from 2 to 9 nm, in the presence of 10 at. % hydrogen, to recreate the conditions present when SiNx layers are deposited onto c-Si by plasma enhanced vapour deposition. We examine how changing the width of the nitrogen gradient can affect a number of atomic level structural properties, which influence the optical and electrical performances of solar cells. We examine the trajectories of our simulations to search for certain geometries, which have previously been identified as being important at this interface. The number of silicon-silicon and silicon hydrogen bonds, which helps to determine the refractive index of the interface, is shown to increase with increasing N gradient width. The fixed charge in the interface is also shown to increase with the width of the gradient. The results demonstrate how altering the width of the N layer can affect the efficiency of a-SiNx:H as both an anti-reflective coating and a passivation layer, and we suggest an optimal gradient width in the region of 2 nm.
Organic hydrogen gas sensor with palladium-coated β-phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) thin films
Authors: Imai Yuji , Kimura Yasuo , Niwano Michio
Published: November 2012

We have proposed an organic hydrogen gas sensor in which palladium (Pd)-coated β-phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films are utilized. Volume expansion of the Pd thin film caused by absorption of hydrogen gas is monitored by a piezoelectric thin film of PVDF attached to the Pd films. We have developed a simple method of synthesizing β-phase PVDF films from α-phase PVDF powder by using a wet process in which a mixture of acetone and hexamethylphosphoric triamide is used as the solvent for the PVDF powder. The sensor works by itself at room temperature without a power source.
Tuning hole mobility in InP nanowires
Authors: Rebello Sousa Dias M. , Picinin A. , Lopez-Richard V. , Ulloa S. E. , Castelano L. K. , Rino J. P. , Marques G. E.
Published: November 2012

Transport properties of holes in InP nanowires (NWs) were calculated considering electron-phonon interaction via deformation potentials, the effect of temperature, and strain fields. Using molecular dynamics, we simulate NW structures, the longitudinal optical phonon (LO-phonon) energy renormalization, and lifetime. The valence band ground state changes between light- and heavy-hole character, as the strain fields and the NW size vary. Drastic changes in the mobility arise with the onset of resonance between the LO-phonons and the separation between valence subbands.
Fermi-level unpinning and low resistivity in contacts to n-type Ge with a thin ZnO interfacial layer
Authors: Paramahans Manik Prashanth , Kesh Mishra Ravi , Pavan Kishore V. , Ray Prasenjit , Nainani Aneesh , Huang Yi-Chiau , Abraham Mathew C. , Ganguly Udayan , Lodha Saurabh
Published: November 2012

We report low resistance Ohmic contacts on n-Ge using a thin ZnO interfacial layer (IL) capped with Ti. A 350°C post metallization anneal is used to create oxygen vacancies that dope ZnO heavily n-type (n+). Rectifying Ti/n-Ge contacts become Ohmic with 1000× higher reverse current density after insertion of n+-ZnO IL. Specific resistivity of ∼1.4×10−7 Ω cm2 is demonstrated on epitaxial n+-Ge (2.5×1019 cm−3) layers. Low resistance with ZnO IL can be attributed to (a) low barrier height from Fermi-level unpinning, (b) good conduction band alignment between ZnO and Ge, and (c) thin tunneling barrier due to the n+ doping.
Extremely temperature-insensitive continuous-wave quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Fujita Kazuue , Yamanishi Masamichi , Furuta Shinichi , Sugiyama Atsushi , Edamura Tadataka
Published: November 2012

Conspicuous temperature performances of λ ∼ 8.7 μm quantum cascade lasers with anticrossed dual-upper laser states are reported. The lasers characterized by strong super-linear current-light output curves exhibit an extremely high characteristic temperature for the threshold current density above 330 K (T0 ∼ 750 K). The slope efficiency grows with increasing temperature (a negative T1-value). In addition, for the pulsed operation of a short 1 mm length laser, the T0-value reaches a value of 1085 K above 340 K. These distinctive characteristics are attributable to optical absorption quenching in the injector as well as to suppression of carrier leakage in the active region.
Large room-temperature quantum linear magnetoresistance in multilayered epitaxial graphene: Evidence for two-dimensional magnetotransport
Authors: Sevak Singh Ram , Wang Xiao , Chen Wei , Ariando  , Wee Andrew T. S.
Published: November 2012

We report magnetoresistance (MR) properties from room temperature (300 K) to 2 K in multilayered epitaxial graphene (EG) prepared on C-face of SiC substrate. A large (∼50%) and linear MR is observed at 300 K, which is distinctively different from other carbon materials. This linear MR is attributed to the two-dimensional (2D) transport in the material as inferred from our angular dependence magnetotransport experiments. Furthermore, negative MR behaviour at a low field regime for temperatures ≤20 K is recognised as a weak localization in EG. This study underlines the potential of exploiting multilayered EG on C-face SiC for room temperature magneto-electronic device applications.
A new 3D microscopy tool in the geologist’s kit
Authors: Smart Ashley G.
Published: November 2012

Coherent Raman scattering can be exploited to image a rock’s interior with molecular contrast.
US nuclear physics facilities on the chopping block
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: November 2012

The country stands to lose leadership in at least some areas of the field as funding agencies decide where the axe will fall.
Nanopore DNA sequencing inches closer to commercial debut
Authors: Matthews Jermey N. A.
Published: November 2012

Developers of a promising single-molecule detection technique hope to accomplish in hours what took the Human Genome Project several years.
Exploring the extreme universe with the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope
Authors: Thompson David J. , Digel Seth W. , Racusin Judith L.
Published: November 2012

The Fermi orbiter, mapping the entire gamma-ray sky every three hours, monitors the cosmos for high-energy phenomena both fleeting and enduring.
Oliver Heaviside: A first-rate oddity
Authors: Hunt Bruce J.
Published: November 2012

Prickly, reclusive, and unemployed for most of his career, Heaviside nonetheless strongly influenced the evolution of 19th centuryelectromagnetics.
Quality allied health clinical supervision policy in Australia: a literature review
Authors: Fitzpatrick Sue , Smith Megan , Wilding Clare
Published: November 2012

Clinical supervision is presented as a complex set of skills that may broadly apply to any and all allied health professions. However, it is also noted that a clear understanding of clinical supervision and how to implement it in allied health is currently lacking. It is argued that there is a need to reflect upon current approaches to clinical supervision amongst allied health professionals and to gain a shared understanding about what supervision involves, what effective supervision is, and what effective implementation of clinical supervision might look like. By gaining an understanding of what high quality clinical supervision is and how it is best put into practice, it is anticipated that this will form the first step in developing an understandable and useful universal supervision policy for all allied health professionals. What is known about the topic? Clinical supervision is important because it improves quality of care for clients and it may also improve staff satisfaction and retention rates and clinical governance for organisations. There is a clear need for a well-articulated supervision policy in allied health as there is currently no comprehensive and universally accepted supervision policy for this group of health professionals. What does this paper add? This literature review argues that if there is no clear supervision policy that is endorsed at a whole of health level there is a risk that disparate, haphazard, and poorly coordinated approaches to supervision may result in poor quality of supervision provision. Much of the recent literature is profession-specific; however, this paper contends that there are many possible reasons for collaboration in establishing clinical supervision in allied health. The possible barriers to implementing a universal policy are also examined. What are the implications for practitioners? This literature review will help practitioners understand the complex issues that inform the clinical supervision process and particularly those factors that affect the delivery of an excellent quality of supervision. This knowledge will help them to assess the quality of supervision they receive and provide, and may also contribute to motivation to work with colleagues to develop meritorious supervision skill.
The Bundaberg emergency response team
Authors: Daly Michael P. , Cleary Michael I. , McCormack Linda J.
Published: November 2012

A major crisis affected Bundaberg Hospital in 2005 following the exposure of the concerns about Dr Jayant Patel and the subsequent sudden exit of the Hospital Executive. The Bundaberg Emergency Response Team (BERT) was created as an emergency intervention whose brief was, over a 6-week period, to maintain the function of the hospital in the face of the community’s loss of confidence in the service; to find out what had happened to Dr Patel’s patients and to organise appropriate care and treatment for them. The authors acted as the senior members of BERT. Serious events such as these are rare and there was no framework to guide the team. BERT quickly established processes to assess the extent of harm to patients and to mobilise large scale clinical and counselling assistance for patients and staff. The team also managed the local health service, engagement with the community and assistance with the various investigations being conducted into Dr Patel. BERT was considered by the community and the former patients of Dr Patel to be an appropriate and professional response to the situation. The experience provides a framework for responses to these types of situations and herein we discuss key points for successful implementation. What is known about the topic? There is little in the literature that describes a framework used to successfully manage a hospital in crisis after serious public allegations are made. What does this paper add? The paper adds the findings of the management of a rare but very significant event: a hospital going into crisis after serious public allegations are made. It also provides the learnings of the management team in this event, and a framework for the future management of similar crises. What are the implications for practitioners? The framework provided in this paper is unique. Given the need for a rapid response in such events and the rarity of these events, practitioners now have a readily available tool to help them rapidly provide the appropriate response.
What is the value of hospital mortality indicators, and are there ways to do better?
Authors: Barker Anna , Mengersen Kerrie , Morton Anthony
Published: November 2012

Monitoring hospital performance using patient safety indicators is one of the key components of healthcare reform in Australia. Mortality indicators, including the hospital standardised mortality ratio and deaths in low mortality diagnosis reference groups have been included in the core national hospital-based outcome indicator set recommended for local generation and review and public reporting. Although the face validity of mortality indicators such as these is high, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that there are concerns regarding their internal, construct and criterion validity. Use of indicators with poor validity has the consequence of potentially incorrectly classifying hospitals as performance outliers and expenditure of limited hospital staff time on activities which may provide no gain to hospital quality and safety and may in fact cause damage to morale. This paper reviews the limitations of current approaches to monitoring hospital quality and safety performance using mortality indicators. It is argued that there are better approaches to improving performance than monitoring with mortality indicators generated from hospital administrative data. These approaches include use of epidemiologically sound, clinically relevant data from clinical-quality registries, better systems of audit, evidence-based bundles, checklists, simulators and application of the science of complex systems. What is known about the topic? Public reporting of adverse events such as hospital standardised mortality ratios deaths in low mortality diagnosis reference groups is a key component of Australian healthcare reform. There is much debate in Australia and internationally concerning the appropriateness of this approach. What does the paper add? We extend the current literature and debate by reviewing the statistical limitations, challenges and biases inherent in these indicators. Alternatives for quality and safety performance monitoring that are more robust are presented. What are the implications for practitioners? The hospital standardised mortality ratio and death in low mortality diagnosis reference groups indicators should be used with extreme caution. Although public reporting of quality and safety indicators is necessary there are likely to be better methods to detect substandard performance. These include: properly structured morbidity and mortality meetings, independent audits, evidence-based bundles and checklists, sequential data analysis (e.g. using CUSUMS), and the use of simulators. To achieve maximum safety it is necessary, in addition to using these methods, to understand the characteristics of hospitals as complex systems that exhibit safe emergent behaviour, e.g. using the science of complex systems and its tools. Genuine safety cannot be achieved simply be studying ‘unsafety’. In addition, epidemiologically sound, clinically relevant clinical-quality registries are required.
Carambola and bilimbi.
Authors: Paull R. E. , Duarte O.
Published: November 2012

This chapter focuses on the taxonomy, origin and distribution, ecology, morphology and physiology of carambola (Averrhoa carambola) and bilimbi (A. bilimbi). The development of cultivars, cultural production practices, pest, disease and weed management and orchard protection against various abiotic factors are discussed and the harvesting, postharvest handling and utilization of carambola and bilimbi fruits are highlighted.
Durian.
Authors: Paull R. E. , Duarte O.
Published: November 2012

This chapter focuses on the taxonomy, origin and distribution, ecology, morphology and physiology and plant development of durian (Durio zibethinus). The breeding of new cultivars, cultural production practices, pest, disease and weed management and orchard protection against abiotic factors are discussed and the harvesting, postharvest handling and world production and utilization of durian fruits are highlighted.
Guava.
Authors: Paull R. E. , Duarte O.
Published: November 2012

This chapter focuses on the taxonomy, origin and distribution, ecology, morphology, physiology and plant development of guava. The development of new cultivars, cultural production practices, pest, disease and weed management and orchard protection against various abiotic factors are discussed and the harvesting and postharvest handling of fruits and their utilization are highlighted.
Mangosteen.
Authors: Paull R. E. , Duarte O.
Published: November 2012

This chapter on mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) biology and production covers the following: taxonomy, geographical distribution, environmental requirements for cultivation (climate, and soil physical and chemical properties), plant morphology (whole plant, flowers and fruits) and development (flowering, pollination, and fruit set, growth and ripening), cultivar development, cultural practices (propagation and nursery management, field preparation, transplanting and spacing, irrigation, pruning, and fertilizer application), diseases and insect pests, weed management (mainly through cultural control), orchard protection, harvesting, postharvest handling, marketing, and world-wide production and utilization.
Rambutan and pulasan.
Authors: Paull R. E. , Duarte O.
Published: November 2012

This chapter on rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) and pulasan (N. mutabile) covers the following: taxonomy, area of origin and distribution, environmental requirements for cultivation (climate, and soil chemical and physical properties), plant morphology (whole plant, flowers and fruits) and development (flower induction, pollination, and fruit set, growth and ripening), cultivar development, cultural practices (propagation, field preparation, transplanting and spacing, irrigation, pruning, and fertilizer application), pests and diseases, weed management (mainly through cultural control), harvesting and postharvest handling, and utilization.
Palms.
Authors: Paull R. E. , Duarte O.
Published: November 2012

This chapter on coconut (Cocos nucifera) and salak (Salacca zalacca) covers the following: taxonomy, area of origin, geographical distribution, environmental conditions (soil chemical and physical properties) for growth, plant morphology (stems, roots, leaves, inflorescences and flowers) and development (pollination and fruit set), cultivar development, cultural practices (propagation, transplanting and spacing, irrigation, pruning and fertilizer application), pests and diseases, weed control (mainly through cultural control), harvesting, postharvest handling and marketing.
Other African fruit: tamarind, marula and ackee.
Authors: Paull R. E. , Duarte O.
Published: November 2012

This chapter on tamarind (Tamarindus indica), marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and ackee (Blighia sapida) covers the following: taxonomy, area of origin and geographical distribution, environmental conditions for growth (soil chemical and physical properties, and climate), plant morphology (whole tree, flowers and fruits) and development (flowering, pollination, and fruit set, growth and ripening), cultivar development and selection, cultural practices (propagation, field preparation, transplanting and plant spacing, irrigation, pruning, and fertilizer application), diseases and insect pests, weed management (mainly through physical and cultural control), harvesting, postharvest handling, world-scale production, and utilization.
Other tropical Asian and Pacific fruit.
Authors: Paull R. E. , Duarte O.
Published: November 2012

This chapter on langsat and duku (Lansium domesticum), santol (Sandoricum koetjape), wax apple (Syzygium samarangense), pummelo (Citrus maxima) and ambarella (Spondias dulcis) covers the following: taxonomy, areas of origin and distribution, environmental conditions for cultivation (climate, and soil chemical and physical properties), plant morphology (whole tree, flowers and fruits) and development (pollination, and fruit set, growth and ripening), cultivar development and selection, cultural practices (propagation, nursery management, field preparation, transplanting and plant spacing, irrigation, pruning, thinning, and fertilizer application), diseases and insect pests, weed management (cultural control), orchard protection, harvesting, postharvest handling, and utilization.
American fruit.
Authors: Paull R. E. , Duarte O.
Published: November 2012

This chapter on mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota), chiku or sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), pitaya or dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp.), acerola (Malpighia emarginata) and naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) from tropical America covers the following: taxonomy, areas of origin and distribution, environmental requirements for cultivation (climate, and soil chemical and physical properties), plant morphology (whole plant, flowers and fruits) and development (pollination, and fruit set, growth and ripening), cultivar development and selection, cultural practices (propagation, field preparation, transplanting and plant spacing, irrigation, pruning, and fertilizer application), diseases and insect pests, weed management, harvesting, postharvest handling, and utilization.
Instantaneous-Rates Tagging Models Allowing for Delayed Mixing of Newly Tagged Cohorts: Partial Year Tabulation of Recaptures
Authors: Waterhouse Lynn , Hoenig John M.
Published: November 2012

Instantaneous-rates tagging models can be used to estimate natural and fishing mortality rates from multiyear tagging studies in which cohorts of tagged animals are released at the start of each year. The models can include additional parameters to account for a delay in the mixing of newly tagged animals with previously tagged animals. Here a new model, referred to as the partial-year tabulation model for delayed mixing (delayed PYT model), is proposed in which the year is divided into parts and tag returns are tabulated by parts of the year rather than a full year. This is beneficial when there is delayed mixing because it achieves greater precision than annual tabulation and it provides estimates of the instantaneous rate of fishing mortality in the first year, which cannot be obtained when tag returns are tabulated by full year. The new model can be used at little or no extra cost. The superiority of the delayed PYT model is demonstrated through Monte Carlo simulation.

Received March 13, 2011; accepted June 9, 2011
Sampling Glacial Lake Littoral Fish Assemblages with Four Gears
Authors: Dembkowski Daniel J. , Wuellner Melissa R. , Willis David W.
Published: November 2012

Littoral zone fish assemblages are important components of freshwater lakes. Monitoring of littoral fish assemblage structure is important because littoral fishes often comprise the majority of the entire fish assemblage, and fluctuations in the structure and abundance of the littoral fish assemblage can influence trophic interactions and fishery yields at the ecosystem level. Single-gear sampling designs, however, may only capture a subset of the fish assemblage, resulting in a skewed representation of fish assemblage structure. Use of multiple gears can be justified if they provide complementary fish assemblage information. Our objective was to compare glacial lake fish assemblage structure as represented by four gears and to assess whether the gears provide redundant or complementary fish assemblage information. Two northeastern South Dakota glacial lakes were sampled with a beach seine, benthic sled, drop net, and push trawl in August 2011. Results indicated that fish assemblage structure did not differ significantly among gears. However, fish assemblage descriptors (metrics of species richness, diversity, dominance, and evenness) and rates of species accumulation did differ among gears; in comparison with the drop net, the beach seine, benthic sled, and push trawl collected more individuals with qualitatively greater species richness and diversity at a faster rate. The beach seine collected the most individuals representing the greatest number of species with the least amount of sampling effort (i.e., fastest rate of species accumulation); thus, we recommend the use of beach seines for monitoring and assessment of littoral fish assemblages in glacial lakes.

Received March 16, 2012; accepted August 16, 2012
Stresses in the plantar region for long‐ and short‐range throws in women basketball players
Authors: Pau Massimiliano , Ciuti Carla
Published: November 2012

This study aimed to assess plantar pressure pattern modifications caused by short‐ and long‐distance shots in women basketball players. To this end, 24 experienced national‐ and regional‐level basketball players performed 3 trials of 4 technical gestures (free throw, jump stop shot, three‐point shot and lay‐up) barefoot on a pressure platform placed in fixed positions on the court. Raw data were processed to calculate location and magnitude of pressure peaks in three sub‐regions (forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot), and the increase ratio was calculated relative to plantar pressure measured during a static bipedal and unipedal upright stance. The results showed significant increases (p<0.001) in plantar pressure peaks in forefoot (but not midfoot and rearfoot) for all the gestures that involved the use of both legs. Particularly large increases were detected for the three‐point shot. All three sub‐regions underwent significant changes of the pressure peak in the case of lay‐up (forefoot and rearfoot: p<0.001, midfoot: p=0.002). The high levels of contact stress detected for routinely performed technical gestures suggest that a detailed knowledge of changes in the physiological patterns of plantar stresses that take place during play is crucial in reducing the risk of foot injuries and establishing proper training and rehabilitation protocols.
A monomial basis for the holomorphic functions on 𝑐₀
Authors: Dineen Seán , Mujica Jorge
Published: November 2012

For over thirty years it has been known that the monomials form a basis for the

n
n

-homogeneous polynomials on certain infinite dimensional Banach spaces. Recently, Defant and Kalton have shown that these are never unconditional. In this article we show that the monomials form a basis for both the holomorphic functions and the holomorphic functions of bounded type on

c

0

c_{0}

, both with their natural topologies.
Decreased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity in the human heart with left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Stride Nis , Larsen Steen , Hey‐Mogensen Martin , Sander Kåre , Lund Jens T. , Gustafsson Finn , Køber Lars , Dela Flemming
Published: November 2012

Aims

Heart failure (HF) with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is associated with a shift in substrate utilization and a compromised energetic state. Whether these changes are connected with mitochondrial dysfunction is not known. We hypothesized that the cardiac phenotype in LVSD could be caused by reduced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity and reduced mitochondrial creatine kinase (miCK) capacity. The study aim was to test mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity in LVSD myocardium compared with OXPHOS capacity in a comparable patient group without LVSD.

Methods and results

Myocardial biopsies were obtained from the left ventricle during cardiac valve or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery. Patients were stratified according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) into LVSD (LVEF <45%, n = 14) or CONTROL (LVEF >45%, n = 15). Mitochondrial respiration was measured in muscle fibres with addition of non‐fatty acid substrates or octanoyl‐l‐carnitine, a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA). The in situ enzyme capacity of miCK was determined from APD titrations in the presence or absence of creatine. Maximal OXPHOS capacity with non‐fatty acid substrates was lower in the LVSD group compared with the CONTROL group (P ≤ 0.05). ADP sensitivity always increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with the addition of creatine, after which the sensitivity was highest (P ≤ 0.05) in LVSD compared with CONTROL. The stimulation of OXPHOS from octanoyl‐l‐carnitine titrations elicited ∼40% lower respiration in LVSD compared with CONTROL (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Human LVSD is associated with markedly diminished OXPHOS capacity, particularly in MCFA oxidation. This offers a candidate mechanism for a compromised energetic state and decreased reliance on fatty acid utilization in HF.
Increasing Surgical Experience with Off-Pump Coronary Surgery Does Not Mitigate the Morbidity of Emergency Conversion to Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Hemli Jonathan M. , Patel Nirav C. , Subramanian Valavanur A.
Published: November 2012

Objective

Emergency conversion during off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) confers significant morbidity. We sought to determine whether the outcomes in these patients have changed as our experience with off-pump techniques has increased.

Methods

Between January 1999 and December 2010, 4763 patients underwent coronary artery surgery. An off-pump strategy was attempted in 4415 cases (92.7%). The results of the most recent 50 patients who required emergency conversion were compared with the preceding 50 conversions and with patients who underwent either OPCAB (n = 2737) or on-pump coronary surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting) (n = 268) during the same time frame.

Results

The emergency conversion rate was 2.27% (n = 100), being 2.97% for the first 50 cases and 1.77% for the subsequent 50 patients. The two sequential groups of emergency conversions had similar indications and timing of conversion and comparable outcomes. When compared with patients who underwent OPCAB, the more recent 50 conversions had higher mortality (P = 0.002) and more frequent sternal wound infection (P = 0.036), hemorrhage requiring reoperation (P = 0.003), respiratory failure (P < 0.0001), and all-cause sepsis (P = 0.001). Compared with the on-pump group, the more recent conversions had higher mortality (P = 0.055) and a greater rate of postoperative sepsis (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The incidence of emergency conversion during OPCAB has decreased with increasing surgical experience; however, the morbidity in these patients remains essentially unchanged. The outcomes in these patients remain worse than those in nonconverted patients. Safer bailout strategies during OPCAB are still warranted.
Drug, Devices, Technologies, and Techniques for Blood Management in Minimally Invasive and Conventional Cardiothoracic Surgery a Consensus Statement from the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS) 2011
Authors: Menkis Alan H. , Martin Janet , Cheng Davy C.H. , Fitzgerald David C. , Freedman John J. , Gao Changqing , Koster Andreas , Mackenzie G. Scott , Murphy Gavin J. , Spiess Bruce , Ad Niv
Published: November 2012

Objective

The objectives of this consensus conference were to evaluate the evidence for the efficacy and safety of perioperative drugs, technologies, and techniques in reducing allogeneic blood transfusion for adults undergoing cardiac surgery and to develop evidence-based recommendations for comprehensive perioperative blood management in cardiac surgery, with emphasis on minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Methods

The consensus panel short-listed the potential topics for review from a comprehensive list of potential drugs, devices, technologies, and techniques. The process of short-listing was based on the need to prioritize and focus on the areas of highest importance to surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, hematologists, and allied health care involved in the management of patients who undergo cardiac surgery whether through the conventional or minimally invasive approach. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched from their date of inception to May 2011, and supplemental hand searches were also performed. Detailed methodology and search strategies are outlined in each of the subsequently published systematic reviews. In general, all relevant synonyms for drugs (antifibrinolytic, aprotinin, ∊-aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid [TA], desmopressin, anticoagulants, heparin, antiplatelets, anti-Xa agents, adenosine diphosphate inhibitors, acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], factor VIIa [FVIIa]), technologies (cell salvage, miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits, biocompatible circuits, ultrafiltration), and techniques (transfusion thresholds, minimally invasive cardiac or aortic surgery) were searched and combined with terms for blood, red blood cells, fresh-frozen plasma, platelets, transfusion, and allogeneic exposure. The American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology system was used to label the level of evidence and class of each recommendation.

Results and Recommendations

Database search identified more than 6900 articles, with 4423 full-text randomized controlled trials assessed for eligibility, and the final 125 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used in the consensus conference. The results of the consensus conference, including the evidence-based statements and the recommendations, are outlined in the text, with references given for the relevant evidence that formed the basis for the statements and recommendations.
Manipulation of PK-M mutually exclusive alternative splicing by antisense oligonucleotides
Authors: Wang Zhenxun , Jeon Hyun Yong , Rigo Frank , Bennett C. Frank , Krainer Adrian R.
Published: November 2012

Alternative splicing of the pyruvate kinase M gene involves a choice between mutually exclusive exons 9 and 10. Use of exon 10 to generate the M2 isoform is crucial for aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect) and tumour growth. We previously demonstrated that splicing enhancer elements that activate exon 10 are mainly found in exon 10 itself, and deleting or mutating these elements increases the inclusion of exon 9 in cancer cells. To systematically search for new enhancer elements in exon 10 and develop an effective pharmacological method to force a switch from PK-M2 to PK-M1, we carried out an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) screen. We found potent ASOs that target a novel enhancer in exon 10 and strongly switch the splicing of endogenous PK-M transcripts to include exon 9. We further show that the ASO-mediated switch in alternative splicing leads to apoptosis in glioblastoma cell lines, and this is caused by the downregulation of PK-M2, and not by the upregulation of PK-M1. These data highlight the potential of ASO-mediated inhibition of PK-M2 splicing as therapy for cancer.
Comparative Analysis of Syntenic Genes in Grass Genomes Reveals Accelerated Rates of Gene Structure and Coding Sequence Evolution in Polyploid Wheat
Authors: Akhunov Eduard D. , Sehgal Sunish , Liang Hanquan , Wang Shichen , Akhunova Alina R. , Kaur Gaganpreet , Li Wanlong , Forrest Kerrie L. , See Deven , Šimková Hana , Ma Yaqin , Hayden Matthew J. , Luo Mingcheng , Faris Justin D. , Doležel Jaroslav , Gill Bikram S.
Published: November 2012

Cycles of whole-genome duplication (WGD) and diploidization are hallmarks of eukaryotic genome evolution and speciation. Polyploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) has had a massive increase in genome size largely due to recent WGDs. How these processes may impact the dynamics of gene evolution was studied by comparing the patterns of gene structure changes, alternative splicing (AS), and codon substitution rates among wheat and model grass genomes. In orthologous gene sets, significantly more acquired and lost exonic sequences were detected in wheat than in model grasses. In wheat, 35% of these gene structure rearrangements resulted in frame-shift mutations and premature termination codons. An increased codon mutation rate in the wheat lineage compared with Brachypodium distachyon was found for 17% of orthologs. The discovery of premature termination codons in 38% of expressed genes was consistent with ongoing pseudogenization of the wheat genome. The rates of AS within the individual wheat subgenomes (21%–25%) were similar to diploid plants. However, we uncovered a high level of AS pattern divergence between the duplicated homeologous copies of genes. Our results are consistent with the accelerated accumulation of AS isoforms, nonsynonymous mutations, and gene structure rearrangements in the wheat lineage, likely due to genetic redundancy created by WGDs. Whereas these processes mostly contribute to the degeneration of a duplicated genome and its diploidization, they have the potential to facilitate the origin of new functional variations, which, upon selection in the evolutionary lineage, may play an important role in the origin of novel traits.
Poly[bis{μ2-4-[3,5-bis(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]pyridine}nona-μ2-oxido-tetraoxidocopper(II)tetramolybdenum(VI)]
Authors: Liu Hou-Ting , Lu Jing
Published: November 2012

The title compound, [CuMo4O13(C21H15N3)2]n, was synthesized by the reaction of ammonium molybdate, copper acetate and 4-[3,5-bis(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]pyridine (DPPP) in an aqueous medium under hydrothermal conditions. The two unique molybdenum centers and the copper center adopt MoO4tetrahedral, MoO5N octahedral and CuO4N2octahedral geometries, respectively. These polyhedra are connected to each other through corner-sharing to form a two-dimensional Cu–Mo–O layer, which is further linked by the DPPP ligands to form the three-dimensional inorganic–organic hybrid framework.
catena-Poly[[nickel(II)-μ2-[1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene-κ2N3:N3′]-μ2-(5-carboxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κ4O1,O1′:O3,O3′)] 0.41-hydrate]
Authors: Wang Xiao-Dan , Hou Guang-Feng , Yu Ying-Hui , Gao Jin-Sheng
Published: November 2012

The title compound, {[Ni(C9H4O6)(C14H14N4)]·0.41H2O}n, exhibits a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded supramolecular framework. The NiIIcation is six-coordinated in a distorted triangular prism defined by two N atoms from two 1,3-bis(imidazol-l-ylmethyl)benzene (bix) ligands and four O atoms from two 5-carboxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylate (HBTC) dianions. The bix molecules and HBTC dianions both act as bidentate ligands, linking the NiIIcations to form a one-dimensional coordination polymer. A two-dimensional wave-like net is constructed by O—H...O hydrogen bonds linking adjacent chains. Partially occupied solvent water molecules fill the cavities and link these layers to form a three-dimensional supramolecular structureviaO—H...O hydrogen bonds. The title compound was also characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis.
Biphase synthesis of a one-dimensional coordination polymer based on a dinuclear CdIIsecondary building unit and a novel semi-rigid dicarboxylate
Authors: Zhang Xiaolai , Ying Weiyong
Published: November 2012

A one-dimensional coordination polymer, namelycatena-poly[[aquapyridinecadmium(II)]-μ3-{4,4′-[(2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(methylene)]dibenzoato}], [Cd(C25H22O4)(C5H5N)(H2O)]n, has been synthesized by a biphasic solvothermal reaction. The CdIIcation is located in a CdO5N six-coordinated environment. Thetrans4,4′-[(2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(methylene)]dibenzoate ligand connects the CdIIcations to form a one-dimensional ribbon incorporating centrosymmetric [Cd2(COO)2] secondary building units. Inter-ribbon O—H...O hydrogen bonds extend the one-dimensional ribbons into a two-dimensional sheet. No π–π interactions are observed. Comparing products synthesized using a different method, it was found that biphasic solvothermal conditions play a crucial role in obtaining large well-shaped single crystals; only intractable precipitates were obtained by the traditional single-phase solvothermal method.
Effects of betamethasone on neuropathic pain in a rat spare nerve injury model
Authors: Wang Qiu Shi , Jiang Yan Hua , Wang Tie Dong , Xiao Ting , Wang Jun Ke
Published: November 2012

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of glucocorticoids on neuropathic pain using a rat spare nerve injury (SNI) model.

Eighty rats were treated divided into the following groups: (i) a sham‐operated group; (ii) a group subjected to SNI (S); (iii) a group subjected to SNI and administered 4 μg betamethasone intrathecally (D1); and (iv) a group subjected to SNI and administered 1 mg betamethasone at the site of nerve injury (D2). The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal duration (TWD) were measured 1 day before and the 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after SNI. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β levels in spinal cord tissue were quantified 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after SNI.

The MWT was significantly higher in the D2 compared with S group 3–14 days after surgery and compared with the D1 group 7 and 14 days after surgery (P < 0.05). The TWD was significantly lower in the D2 group compared with the S and D2 groups 3–14 days after surgery (P < 0.05). Glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was significantly lower in the D1 and D2 groups compared with the S group 3–14 days after surgery (P < 0.05). Glucocorticoid receptor expression was significantly higher in the D1 group compared with the S and D2 groups after surgery (P < 0.05). Levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β were significantly lower in the D1 and D2 groups compared with the S group at all time points after surgery (P < 0.05).

Betamethasone suppressed astrocyte activation and increases in TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Local injection of betamethasone resulted in smaller increases in spinal GR expression and more pronounced improvement in pain behaviour compared with intrathecal injection.
Microbial and functional diversity of a subterrestrial high pH groundwater associated to serpentinization
Authors: Tiago Igor , Veríssimo António
Published: November 2012

Microbial and functional diversity were assessed, from a serpentinization‐driven subterrestrial alkaline aquifer – Cabeço de Vide Aquifer (CVA) in Portugal. DGGE analyses revealed the presence of a stable microbial community. By 16S rRNA gene libraries and pyrosequencing analyses, a diverse bacterial composition was determined, contrasting with low archaeal diversity. Within Bacteria the majority of the populations were related to organisms or sequences affiliated to class Clostridia, but members of classes Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Deinococci, Gammaproteobacteria and of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi and Nitrospira were also detected. Domain Archaea encompassed mainly sequences affiliated to Euryarchaeota. Only form I RuBisCO – cbbL was detected. Autotrophic carbon fixation via the rTCA, 3‐HP and 3‐HP/4H‐B cycles could not be confirmed. The detected APS reductase alpha subunit – aprA sequences were phylogenetically related to sequences of sulfate‐reducing bacteria belonging to Clostridia, and also to sequences of chemolithoautothrophic sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria belonging to Betaproteobacteria. Sequences of methyl coenzyme M reductase – mcrA were phylogenetically affiliated to sequences belonging to Anaerobic Methanotroph group 1 (ANME‐1). The populations found and the functional key markers detected in CVA suggest that metabolisms related to H2, methane and/or sulfur may be the major driving forces in this environment.
Occurrence of endosulphan residues in dairy milk in plains of Uttarakhand, India: Short communication
Authors: Karabasanavar Nagappa S , Singh Suresh P
Published: November 2012

Endosulphan residues were determined in milk samples collected from various locations of plains of Uttarakhand covering Tarai and Kumaon regions. Residues were extracted from milk by liquid–liquid partition followed by clean‐up by alumina column chromatography. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the detection and quantification of residues. Of the total 170 milk samples collected from different species, 1.17% samples showed residues of endosulphan‐alpha; 2.35% endosulphan β and 4.7% milk samples showed endosulphan‐sulphate residues with mean residual concentrations of 0.244, 0.566 and 0.265 μg/mL, respectively. About 6.47% of milk samples showed endosulphan residues above the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.1 mg/kg.