bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-frequency sound radiated by a nonlinearly modulated wavepacket of helical modes on a subsonic circular jet
Authors: WU XUESONG , HUERRE PATRICK
Published: September 2009

A possible fundamental physical mechanism by which instability modes generate sound waves in subsonic jets is presented in the present paper. It involves a wavepacket of a pair of helical instability modes with nearly the same frequencies but opposite azimuthal wavenumbers. As the wavepacket undergoes simultaneous spatial–temporal development in a circular jet, the mutual interaction between the helical modes generates a strong three-dimensional, slowly modulating ‘mean-flow distortion’. It is demonstrated that this ‘mean field’ radiates sound waves to the far field. The emitted sound is of very low frequency, with characteristic time and length scales being comparable with those of the envelope of the wavepacket, which acts as a non-compact source. A matched-asymptotic-expansion approach is used to determine, in a self-consistent manner, the acoustic field in terms of the envelope of the wavepacket and a transfer factor characterizing the refraction effect of the background base flow. For realistic jet spreading rates, the nonlinear development of the wavepacket is found to be influenced simultaneously by non-parallelism and non-equilibrium effects, and so a composite modulation equation including both effects is constructed in order to describe the entire growth–attenuation–decay cycle. Parametric studies pertaining to relevant experimental conditions indicate that the acoustic field is characterized by a single-lobed directivity pattern beamed at an angle about 45°–60° to the jet axis and a broadband spectrum centred at a Strouhal number St ≈ 0.07–0.2. As the nonlinear effect increases, the radiation becomes more efficient and the noise spectrum broadens, but the gross features of the acoustic field remain robust, and are broadly in agreement with experimental observations.
Particulate gravity currents along V-shaped valleys – ERRATUM
Authors: MONAGHAN JOE J. , MÉRIAUX CATHERINE , HUPPERT HERBERT E. , MANSOUR JOHN
Published: September 2009

In the published article Monaghan et al. (2009) one of the authors' names was misspelled and should have read Catherine Mériaux.

The Press apologises to Dr Mériaux, her coauthors and the readers for this error.
Telephone-Administered Cognitive Tests as Tools for the Identification of Eligible Study Participants for Population-Based Research in Aging
Authors: Wolfson Christina , Kirkland Susan A. , Raina Parminder S. , Uniat Jennifer , Roberts Karen , Bergman Howard , Furlini Linda , Pelletier Amélie , Strople Geoff , Angus Camille L. , Keshavarz Homa , Szala-Meneok Karen
Published: September 2009

Lors du processus de recrutement, l’Étude longitudinale canadienne sur le vieillissement (ÉLCV) fera face au défi d’identifier les individus qui ne possèdent pas suffisamment de compétences pour donner un consentement éclairé. Pendant le processus d’élaboration de l’ÉLCV, une revue de la littérature a été faite dans le but d’identifier les outils téléphoniques existants qui permettent le dépistage des déficits cognitifs et qui pourraient être utilisés pour identifier les participants éligibles pour une étude sur le vieillissement fondée sur la population. Nous avons identifié 12 outils téléphonique, quatre étaient basés sur l’examen de l’état mini-mental (MMSE) et huit étaient basés sur d’autres tests de dépistage de l’état cognitif administrés en personne. Les caractéristiques, incluant les items mesurés, le temps requis pour l’administration, le mode de pointage-classification, de même que toutes informations concernant la validation de chaque outil, ont été extraites et résumées.
THOMAS D'AQUIN LECTEUR CRITIQUE DU GRAND COMMENTAIRE D'AVERROÈS À PHYS. I, 1
Authors: CERAMI CRISTINA
Published: September 2009

The present article aims to provide a reconstruction of the interpretation offered by Thomas Aquinas of the cognitive process described at the beginning of Aristotle's Physics and of his criticism of Averroes' interpretation. It expounds to this end the exegesis of ancient Greek commentators who opened the debate on this question; then, it puts forward a reconstruction of Aquinas' doctrine by means of other texts of his corpus, as well as an explanation of his criticism of Averroes' exegesis; it finally reconstructs Averroes' interpretation worked out in his Great Commentary to Phys. I, 1, in order to show that Aquinas' disapproval is partly due to an incorrect interpretation of Averroes' divisio textus of Phys. I, 1. It suggests as well that, concerning some fundamental points, Aquinas' exegesis doesn't diverge from the interpretation proposed by Averroes.
LA PERSPECTIVE AÉRIENNE DE LÉONARD DE VINCI ET SES ORIGINES DANS L'OPTIQUE D'IBN AL-HAYTHAM (DE ASPECTIBUS, III, 7)
Authors: RAYNAUD DOMINIQUE
Published: September 2009

The concept of aerial perspective has been used for the first time by Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519). This article studies its dependence on Ptolemy's Optica and overall on the optical tradition inaugurated by Ibn al-Haytham's Kitāb al-Manāẓir (d. after 1040). This treatise, that was accessible through several Latin and Italian manuscripts, and was the source of many Medieval commentaries, offers a general theory of visual perception emancipated from the case of the moon illusion, in which physical and psychological factors are closely combined. Atmospheric extinction (not refraction, which is sometimes confused with) affects the conjectured size of remote objects. This phenomenon is also the core source for a pictorial rendering of depth, that is based onto a principle different from the diminution of size.
Diagnostik der koronaren Herzkrankheit – Teil 3: Stress-Echokardiographie und kardiale Magnetresonanztomographie
Authors: Maeder  , Zellweger
Published: September 2009

Die Stress-Echokardiographie und die kardiale Stress-Magnetresonanztomographie (Stress-CMR) bilden unter Dobutamin/Atropin- oder physikalischer Belastung die Ischämie-induzierte Wandbewegungsstörung ab. Die Stress-Echokardiographie ist von der Logistik her gesehen die am einfachsten einsetzbare bildgebende Ischämiesuchmodalität. Prinzipiell könnte sie am Patientenbett durchgeführt werden. Mit beiden Untersuchungsmodalitäten kann ausserdem mittels Kontrastmittel-Applikation (microbubbles für die Stress-Echokardiographie, Gadolinium für die Stress-CMR) die myokardiale Perfusion unter pharmakologischer Belastung (typischerweise Adenosin) dargestellt werden. Diese Techniken scheinen mit der Myokardperfusionsszintigraphie vergleichbare Resultate zu liefern, sind aber in der Klinik (v.a. was die Echokardiographie anbelangt) noch nicht breit etabliert. Wie andere nicht-invasive Tests sind Stress-Echokardiographie und Stress-CMR am hilfreichsten für Patienten mit intermediärer Vortest-Wahrscheinlichkeit einer relevanten koronaren Herzkrankheit.
Diagnostik der koronaren Herzkrankheit – Teil 4: Computertomographie und Koronarangiographie
Authors: Maeder  , Zellweger
Published: September 2009

Invasive und Computertomographie (CT)-Koronarangiographie stellen die Koronaranatomie dar ohne Information über das Vorliegen einer Ischämie zu geben. Die CT-Angiographie mit ihrem exzellenten negativ prädiktiven Wert ist geeignet zum Ausschluss einer relevanten Koronarstenose, aber oft falsch positiv (v.a. bei deutlichem Koronarkalk) und daher nur selten eine Alternative zur invasiven Koronarangiographie. Der coronary artery calcium score (CACS) ist ein Surrogat für das Ausmass der koronaren Atherosklerose und ein möglicher Marker für das biologische Alter, gibt aber keine direkte anatomische oder pathophysiologische Information. Bei asymptomatischen Patienten macht ein CACS von 0 das Vorhandensein einer relevanten Koronarstenose sehr unwahrscheinlich und ist mit einer guten Prognose assoziiert. Dies gilt nicht für symptomatische Patienten, weshalb der CACS bei symptomatischen Patienten vorderhand im Alltag keine Rolle spielt﻿.
Solitärer Lungenrundherd
Authors: Schaeffler  , Kos
Published: September 2009

Der solitäre Lungenrundherd ist ein relativ häufiger Zufallsbefund mit sehr vielen Differentialdiagnosen. Zur Befundcharakterisierung wurden Abklärungsalgorithmen empfohlen. Unser Fall schildert einen solchen diagnostischen Follow-up mit a) Bronchoskopie und PET-CT zur Befundcharakterisierung, b) Verlaufskontrollen mittels Spiral-CT bei fehlendem Hinweis auf Malignität und c) Histologiegewinnung bei im Verlauf dokumentierter Grössenprogredienz des Rundherdes. In den meisten Fällen handelt es sich bei kleinen Läsionen (<10 mm) um benigne Läsionen die keiner weiteren Therapie bedürfen, so auch in diesem seltenen Fall einer nodulären primären pulmonalen Amyloidose.
Critical level interaction of a gravity wave with background winds driven by a large‐scale wave perturbation
Authors: Ejiri Mitsumu K. , Taylor Michael J. , Nakamura Takuji , Franke Steven J.
Published: September 2009

As part of the Maui‐Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere program, data from the Utah State University Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (MTM) and the University of Illinois Meteor Wind Radar (MWR) have been used to investigate wave‐driven dynamical interactions in the upper mesosphere at low latitudes. On 29 June 2003, short‐period (∼20 min) gravity waves (GWs) were imaged in the MTM in the near‐infrared OH and O2 airglow emissions for most of the night from 0700 to 1500 UT. The GWs were observed to disappear rapidly in the O2 data (peak altitude: ∼94 km) around 1400 UT but remained evident in the lower altitudes OH data (∼87 km) for a further 30 min. Coincident background wind variations measured by the MWR suggest that the GW disappearance at the O2 layer was most probably caused by a critical level (CL) interaction. However, at the OH layer, the GW fading may also have been due to wave saturation and instabilities. During this period (1400−1500 UT), no significant change in OH and O2 rotational temperatures were measured by the MTM; however, the background winds centered on the airglow layers were observed to increase by ∼10 m/s. The background wind acceleration from the disappearing gravity waves estimated from the airglow observations was larger below the CL than at the CL, consistent with the wind variation observed by the MWR.
An improved method for broadband interferometric lightning location using wavelet transforms
Authors: Qiu Shi , Zhou Bi‐Hua , Shi Li‐Hua , Dong Wan‐Sheng , Zhang Yi‐Jun , Gao Tai‐Chang
Published: September 2009

The principle of VHF broadband interferometer for lightning observations is to extract the phase differences between a pair of RF signals at different frequency components, and thereafter, to compute the direction of the radiation source. However, the phase difference spectra are usually distorted by random noise, which directly affects the location accuracy and reliability. In order to suppress phase interference effectively, a phase filtering algorithm which combines circular correlation with translation‐invariant denoising is proposed. Application of the algorithm to a segment of observational data shows that the proposed algorithm does a much better job in recovering the phase spectra than other techniques. Simulated data distorted by the addition of random noise are also used to illustrate the improvements of the method in resolving incident angle, which is compared with other wavelet‐based thresholding techniques and the conventional Fourier transform‐based cross‐correlation method. Finally, this phase filtering algorithm is applied to mapping two natural lightning processes. Contrast analysis reveals that this algorithm could be utilized to retrieve well‐defined paths which are not discerned by conventional method, and depict the branches more clearly and precisely.
Optical ring formation and ionization production in high‐power HF heating experiments at HAARP
Authors: Pedersen T. , Gustavsson B. , Mishin E. , MacKenzie E. , Carlson H. C. , Starks M. , Mills T.
Published: September 2009

Observations of HF‐induced artificial optical emissions at the 3.6 MW HAARP facility show unexpected features not seen at the previous 960 kW level. Optical emissions often form a bright rayed ring near the 10% power contour surrounding a central disk with a sharp edge near the 50% power contour. Artificial bottomside layers in ionograms and positive perturbations in total electron content suggest that the bullseye optical patterns are associated with localized enhancements in plasma density below the main F layer. Ray tracing shows transmitter power concentrates in an annular structure consistent with the optical observations. Estimated ionization rates are well within the power available from the transmitter and agree well with the observed intensity of N2+ 427.8 nm emissions. We conclude that the optical bullseye patterns are a refraction phenomenon and an indicator of ionization production within the transmitter beam.
Kinetic Modeling of the Serotonin 5-HT1B Receptor Radioligand [11C]P943 in Humans
Authors: Gallezot Jean-Dominique , Nabulsi Nabeel , Neumeister Alexander , Planeta-Wilson Beata , Williams Wendol A , Singhal Tarun , Kim Sunhee , Maguire R Paul , McCarthy Timothy , Frost J James , Huang Yiyun , Ding Yu-Shin , Carson Richard E
Published: September 2009

[11C]P943 is a new radioligand recently developed to image and quantify serotonin 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1B) receptors with positron emission tomography (PET). The purpose of this study was to evaluate [11C]P943 for this application in humans, and to determine the most suitable quantification method. Positron emission tomography data and arterial input function measurements were acquired in a cohort of 32 human subjects. Using arterial input functions, compartmental modeling, the Logan graphical analysis, and the multilinear method MA1 were tested. Both the two tissue-compartment model and MA1 provided good fits of the PET data and reliable distribution volume estimates. Using the cerebellum as a reference region, BPND binding potential estimates were computed. [11C]P943 BPND estimates were significantly correlated with in vitro measurements of the density of 5-HT1B receptors, with highest values in the occipital cortex and pallidum. To evaluate noninvasive methods, two- and three-parameter graphical analyses, Simplified Reference Tissue Models (SRTM and SRTM2), and Multilinear Reference Tissue Models (MRTM and MRTM2) were tested. The MRTM2 model provided the best correlation with MA1 binding-potential estimates. Parametric images of the volume of distribution or binding potential of [11C]P943 could be computed using both MA1 and MRTM2. The results show that [11C]P943 provides quantitative measurements of 5-HT1B binding potential.
The Role of Bradykinin B1 and B2 Receptors for Secondary Brain Damage after Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice
Authors: Trabold Raimund , Erös Christian , Zweckberger Klaus , Relton Jane , Beck Heike , Nussberger Juerg , Müller-Esterl Werner , Bader Michael , Whalley Eric , Plesnila Nikolaus
Published: September 2009

Inflammatory mechanisms are known to contribute to the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since bradykinin is one of the first mediators activated during inflammation, we investigated the role of bradykinin and its receptors in posttraumatic secondary brain damage. We subjected wild-type (WT), B1-, and B2-receptor-knockout mice to controlled cortical impact (CCI) and analyzed tissue bradykinin as well as kinin receptor mRNA and protein expression up to 48 h thereafter. Brain edema, contusion volume, and functional outcome were assessed 24 h and 7 days after CCI. Tissue bradykinin was maximally increased 2 h after trauma ( P<0.01 versus sham). Kinin B1 receptor mRNA was upregulated up to four-fold 24 h after CCI. Immunohistochemistry showed that B1 and B2 receptors were expressed in the brain and were significantly upregulated in the traumatic penumbra 1 to 24 h after CCI. B2R−/− mice had significantly less brain edema (−51% versus WT, 24 h; P<0.001), smaller contusion volumes (∼50% versus WT 24 h and 7 d after CCI; P<0.05), and better functional outcome 7 days after TBI as compared with WT mice ( P<0.05). The present results show that bradykinin and its B2 receptors play a causal role for brain edema formation and cell death after TBI.
Activation of a novel natriuretic endocrine system in humans with heart failure
Authors: Narayan Hafid , Mohammed Noor , Quinn Paulene A. , Squire Iain B. , Davies Joan E. , Ng Leong L.
Published: September 2009

Proguanylin and prouroguanylin are the inactive precursors of guanylin and uroguanylin, natriuretic peptides involved in the regulation of sodium balance. Urinary uroguanylin levels have been found previously to be elevated in patients with HF (heart failure). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether plasma proguanylin and prouroguanylin levels are increased in patients with HF and to evaluate their relationship with cardiac and renal function. In this prospective observational study, we recruited 243 patients with HF (151 men) and 72 healthy controls. In patients with HF, plasma levels of proguanylin [median, 7.2 (range, 0.9–79.0) μg/l] and prouroguanylin [8.3 (1.7–53.0 μg/l)] were both significantly (P<0.0005) higher compared with levels in healthy controls [5.5 (0.4–22.3 μg/l) for proguanylin and 6.3 (2.5–16.9) μg/l for prouroguanylin]. In patients with HF, increased age, a history of hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation, use of diuretics, a higher NYHA (New York Heart Association) class and a lower eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) were significant univariate predictors of proguanylin and prouroguanylin levels. In multivariate analysis, a history of hypertension and low eGFR both had strong independent associations with proguanylin and prouroguanylin levels. Proguanylin and prouroguanylin varied significantly between NYHA class with a trend of increasing plasma concentrations with worsening severity of symptoms. In conclusion, plasma proguanylin and prouroguanylin are elevated in patients with HF. Elevated plasma proguanylin and prouroguanylin levels are associated with hypertension, renal impairment and increasing severity of HF. This novel endocrine system may contribute to the pathophysiology of HF.
Frequency upconversion luminescence from Yb+3–Tm+3 codoped PbO–GeO2 glasses containing silver nanoparticles
Authors: Assumpção Thiago A. A. , da Silva Davinson M. , Kassab Luciana R. P. , de Araújo Cid B.
Published: September 2009

Infrared-to-visible and infrared-to-infrared frequency upconversion processes in Yb3+–Tm3+ doped PbO–GeO2 glasses containing silver nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated. The experiments were performed by exciting the samples with a diode laser operating at 980 nm (in resonance with the Yb3+ transition F27/2→F25/2) and observing the photoluminescence (PL) in the visible and infrared regions due to energy transfer from Yb3+ to Tm3+ ions followed by excited state absorption in the Tm3+ ions. The intensified local field in the vicinity of the metallic NPs contributes for enhancement in the PL intensity at 480 nm (Tm3+:G14→H36) and at 800 nm (Tm3+:H34→H36).
Linearized superconducting quantum interference device array for high bandwidth frequency-domain readout multiplexing
Authors: Lanting T. , Dobbs M. , Spieler H. , Lee A. T. , Yamamoto Y.
Published: September 2009

We have designed and demonstrated a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) array linearized with cryogenic feedback. To achieve the necessary loop gain, a 300-element series array SQUID is constructed from three monolithic 100-element series arrays. A feedback resistor completes the loop from the SQUID output to the input coil. The short feedback path of this linearized SQUID array (LISA) allows for a substantially larger flux-locked loop bandwidth as compared to a SQUID flux-locked loop that includes a room temperature amplifier. The bandwidth, linearity, noise performance, and 3 Φ0 dynamic range of the LISA are sufficient for its use in our target application: the multiplexed readout of transition-edge sensor bolometers.
Photoinduced behavior of the VCCSi− pair defect in 4H-SiC grown by physical vapor transport and halide chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zvanut M. E. , Ngetich G. , Dashdorj J. , Garces N. Y. , Glaser E. R.
Published: September 2009

Two different photothresholds of the carbon vacancy-carbon antisite pair defect (VCCSi−) in 4H-SiC are observed using photoinduced electron paramagnetic resonance. The defect appeared after illumination with photon energy greater than 0.75 eV in two samples grown by halide chemical vapor deposition (HCVD) and one by physical vapor transport (PVT), all with activation energies (Ea) below 0.80 eV. In HCVD and PVT samples with higher activation energies, the defect was not detected with photon excitation less than 2.1 eV. The increase in VCCSi− parallels changes in the negatively charged carbon vacancy VC− in the samples with low Ea. For SiC samples with high Ea, the concentration of the anitisite-vacancy pair also increases with VC− and, in addition, is accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in VC+. The results are interpreted in terms of two defect levels, one for the double negative-to-negative transition of VCCSi at 0.75 eV below the conduction band edge and another for the negative-to-neutral transition of the defect at 2.1 eV above the valence band edge. The model yielding these levels also suggests that the neutral-to-negative and negative-to-double negative transitions of the isolated carbon vacancy are within a few tenths of an eV of each other and are located close to the conduction band edge.
Origin of ferromagnetism of Co-doped SnO2 from first-principles calculations
Authors: Zhang Chang-wen , Yan Shi-shen
Published: September 2009

The origin of the ferromagnetism in Co-doped SnO2 is investigated by density functional theory using local spin density approximation plus Hubbard U scheme. Our results show that O vacancy plays a key role in determining the magnetic order in Co-doped reduced samples. The presence of O vacancy makes the Co 3d-t2g minority-spin state broadened, and therefore a t2g-VO hybrid level near the conduction band minimum forms, which results in a strong carrier-mediated ferromagnetic interaction. This suggests a recipe tailoring the magnetic properties of spintronic materials by controlling the intrinsic defects.
Plasma parameters of an active cathode during relativistic magnetron operation
Authors: Hadas Y. , Kweller T. , Sayapin A. , Krasik Ya. E. , Bernshtam V.
Published: September 2009

The results of time- and space-resolved spectroscopic studies of the plasma produced at the surface of the ferroelectric cathode during the operation of an S-band relativistic magnetron generating ∼50 MW microwave power at f=3005 MHz and powered by a linear induction accelerator (LIA) (150 kV, 1.5 kA, 250 ns) are presented. The surface plasma was produced by a driving pulse (3 kV, 150 ns) prior to the application of the LIA accelerating high-voltage pulse. The cathode plasma electron density and temperature were obtained by analyzing hydrogen Hα and Hβ, and carbon ions CII and CIII spectral lines, and using the results of nonstationary collision radiative modeling. It was shown that the microwave generation causes an increase in plasma ion and electron temperature up to ∼4 and ∼7 eV, respectively, and the plasma density increases up to ∼7×1014 cm−3. Estimates of the plasma transport parameters and its interaction with microwave radiation are also discussed.
Electrical and thermoelectrical properties of SnTe-based films and superlattices
Authors: Ishida Akihiro , Yamada Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Takuro , Inoue Yoku , Takaoka Sadao , Kita Takuji
Published: September 2009

SnTe-based films and superlattices (SLs) were prepared and their electrical properties were measured. A EuTe/SnTe SL exhibited a hole mobility of 2720 cm2/V s, which is the highest value reported for any semiconductor material at room temperature. The SnEuTe film also exhibited high hole mobility in contrast to the PbEuTe system. These properties are explained in terms of the band offsets of EuTe/SnTe heterojunction and a decrease in the number of Sn vacancies. In addition, SnTe/PbSe and SnTe/PbS SLs with thin SnTe layers displayed n-type conduction with Seebeck coefficients comparable to those for PbSe and PbS. These properties reflect the type II heterostructures.
Impurity induced spin filtering in graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Zheng X. H. , Wang R. N. , Song L. L. , Dai Z. X. , Wang X. L. , Zeng Z.
Published: September 2009

Zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbons (ZGNRs) are used to build devices in which transport with high spin polarization is realized by first-principles simulations. At first, we dope the semiconducting ZGNRs with B atoms on both sides to obtain a metallic ribbon. Then, in one segment of this ribbon which acts as the scattering region, the B atoms at one edge are substituted by C atoms or by N atoms. It is found that such devices show very good spin filtering effect which originates from the interaction between the impurity atoms and the edge states.
Reversing defeat through non-violent power
Authors: Hijab Nadia
Published: September 2009

When the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) decided to embark on the twostate political platform in 1974, this constituted tacit recognition of the reality of the state of Israel in Palestine within the Green Line. The PLO’s shift was also effectively an admission of defeat for the previous PLO programme that called for a secular, democratic state throughout all of Palestine. Today, advocates of the one-state solution argue that the two-state solution is no longer possible due to the realities Israel has created on the ground in the West Bank and Gaza. In other words, the political programme launched by the PLO in 1974 has effectively been defeated. The growing one-state movement is, thus, the third time Palestinians are reacting to Israel’s defeat of Palestinian attempts to obtain their human rights. It is against this background that this paper attempts to address three questions: Why has the two-state political programme not been achieved?; What sources of nonviolent power could potentially realize and effect Palestinian human rights?; and What is the single most important strategy of which no Palestinian political programme should ever lose sight?
Mobilizing Palestinians in support of one state
Authors: Bisharat George E.
Published: September 2009

This article examines the challenges to mobilizing Palestinians in support of a single democratic state in Palestine/Israel. The current fragmentation and diversity of outlooks among Palestinians demands a segmented approach, particularly toward Palestinian citizens of Israel, refugees living outside of historic Palestine, and those suffering under Israeli military occupation. Appeals to the Palestinian political class, nationalists, and Islamists, are also considered.
Evaluation of an Electronic Device for Real-Time Measurement of Alcohol-Based Hand Rub Use
Authors: Boyce John M. , Cooper Timothea , Dolan Michael J.
Published: September 2009

Background.

Observational surveys of hand hygiene compliance are time consuming. Measuring the use of a hand hygiene product is a less time-consuming method of monitoring the frequency of hand hygiene performance.

Objective.

To evaluate the usefulness of electronic devices for monitoring alcohol-based hand rub use.

Design.

Prospective observational trial.

Setting.

A university-affiliated teaching hospital.

Methods.

Prototypes of an electronic device designed to record each time a dispenser is used (hereafter referred to as a hand hygiene event) were placed in alcohol-based hand rub dispensers on the general medical ward and in the surgical intensive care unit. Data were downloaded wirelessly to a data logger and then uploaded to a dedicated Web site for analysis. Alcohol-based hand rub dispensers were located in patient rooms and in corridors.

Results.

During a 6-month trial, 105,462 hand hygiene events occurred in the surgical intensive care unit, and 44,845 events occurred on the general medical ward. The dispensers located in patient rooms accounted for 47% of the hand hygiene events performed in the surgical intensive care unit but for only 36% of events on the general medical ward (P<.001). The dispensers most often used were located in corridors. Hand hygiene events were most common on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Conclusions.

The use of these electronic devices provided an efficient and accurate method of monitoring the frequency of alcohol-based hand rub performance on the general medical ward and in the surgical intensive care unit, and yielded more detailed information on usage patterns than did expressing use as liters per 1,000 patient-days. The wireless downloading of data from dispensers required a limited amount of time, and the dedicated Web site facilitated data analysis. Such devices should prove useful in monitoring the impact of various interventions on the frequency of hand hygiene performance.
Simulations of KSTAR high performance steady state operation scenarios
Authors: Na Yong-Su , Kessel C.E. , Park J.M. , Yi Sumin , Becoulet A. , Sips A.C.C. , Kim J.Y.
Published: September 2009

We report the results of predictive modelling of high performance steady state operation scenarios in KSTAR. Firstly, the capabilities of steady state operation are investigated with time-dependent simulations using a free-boundary plasma equilibrium evolution code coupled with transport calculations. Secondly, the reproducibility of high performance steady state operation scenarios developed in the DIII-D tokamak, of similar size to that of KSTAR, is investigated using the experimental data taken from DIII-D. Finally, the capability of ITER-relevant steady state operation is investigated in KSTAR. It is found that KSTAR is able to establish high performance steady state operation scenarios; βN above 3, H
98(y, 2) up to 2.0, f
BS up to 0.76 and f
NI equals 1.0. In this work, a realistic density profile is newly introduced for predictive simulations by employing the scaling law of a density peaking factor. The influence of the current ramp-up scenario and the transport model is discussed with respect to the fusion performance and non-inductive current drive fraction in the transport simulations. As observed in the experiments, both the heating and the plasma current waveforms in the current ramp-up phase produce a strong effect on the q-profile, the fusion performance and also on the non-inductive current drive fraction in the current flattop phase. A criterion in terms of q
min is found to establish ITER-relevant steady state operation scenarios. This will provide a guideline for designing the current ramp-up phase in KSTAR. It is observed that the transport model also affects the predictive values of fusion performance as well as the non-inductive current drive fraction. The Weiland transport model predicts the highest fusion performance as well as non-inductive current drive fraction in KSTAR. In contrast, the GLF23 model exhibits the lowest ones. ITER-relevant advanced scenarios cannot be obtained with the GLF23 model in the conditions given in this work. Finally, ideal MHD stability is investigated for the ITER-relevant advanced scenarios in KSTAR. The methods and results presented in this paper are expected to contribute to improving the ITER and beyond ITER predictive simulations.
Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of Acupoints Changes Body Composition and Heart Rate Variability in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity
Authors: Chien Li-Wei , Lin Miao-Hsiang , Chung Hsueh-Yu , Liu Chi-Feng
Published: September 2009

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulations (TEAS) on body composition and heart rate variability (HRV) in postmenopausal women with obesity. In this prospective study, 49 postmenopausal women were recruited in Taiwan. Body composition was used as a screening test for obesity (percentage body fat > 30%, waist circumference > 80 cm). The experimental group (n = 24) received TEAS treatment 30 min twice per week for 12 weeks at the Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) acupoints. The control group (n = 25) did not receive any intervention. The study of HRV was analyzed by time (standard deviation of the normal‐to‐normal (NN) intervals (SDNN) and square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD) indices) and frequency domain methods. Power spectral components were obtained at low (LF) and high (HF) frequencies. Body composition and HRV values were measured at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. A total of 40 subjects completed this study. Waist circumference and percentage body fat in the experimental group (n = 20) were significantly less than those of the control group (n = 20) at the 8th and 12th weeks (all P < .05). Additionally, at the same time points, percentage lean body mass in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group (P < .05). SDNN values increased significantly at the 4th and 8th weeks when compared with the control group (all P < .05). At 12 weeks, SDNN value was not significantly different from that of the control group (P = .105). TEAS treatment improves body composition, and has a transient effect on the HRV in postmenopausal women with obesity.
In Vitro Activity of 2‐methoxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone and Stigmasta‐7,22‐diene‐3β‐ol from Impatiens balsamina L. against Multiple Antibiotic‐Resistant Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Wang Yuan-Chuen , Li Wan-Yu , Wu Deng-Chyang , Wang Jeh-Jeng , Wu Cheng-Hsun , Liao Jyun-Ji , Lin Cheng-Kun
Published: September 2009

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is strongly associated with gastric cancer and gastric adenocarcinoma. WHO classified H. pylori as a group 1 carcinogen in 1994. Impatiens balsamina L. has been used as indigenous medicine in Asia for the treatment of rheumatism, fractures and fingernail inflammation. In this study, we isolated anti‐H. pylori compounds from this plant and investigated their anti‐ and bactericidal activity. Compounds of 2‐methoxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (MeONQ) and stigmasta‐7,22‐diene‐3β‐ol (spinasterol) were isolated from the pods and roots/stems/leaves of I. balsamina L., respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) for MeONQ were in the ranges of 0.156–0.625 and 0.313–0.625 μg mL−1, respectively, and in the ranges of 20–80 μg mL−1 both of MICs and MBCs for spinasterol against antibiotic (clarithromycin, metronidazole and levofloxacin) resistant H. pylori. Notably, the activity of MeONQ was equivalent to that of amoxicillin (AMX). The bactericidal H. pylori action of MeONQ was dose‐dependent. Furthermore, the activity of MeONQ was not influenced by the environmental pH values (4–8) and demonstrated good thermal (121°C for 15 min) stability. MeONQ abounds in the I. balsamina L. pod at the level of 4.39% (w/w db). In conclusion, MeONQ exhibits strong potential to be developed as a candidate agent for the eradication of H. pylori infection.
Association of IL23R p.381Gln and ATG16L1 p.197Ala With Crohn Disease in the Czech Population
Authors: Dusatkova Petra , Hradsky Ondrej , Lenicek Martin , Bronsky Jiri , Nevoral Jiri , Kotalova Radana , Bajerova Katerina , Vitek Libor , Lukas Milan , Cinek Ondrej
Published: September 2009

Objectives:

An association of variants in the genes encoding the interleukin 23 receptor (IL23R, p.Arg381Gln, rs11209026), and the autophagy‐related gene 16‐like 1 (ATG16L1, p.Ala197Thr, rs2241880) with Crohn disease (CD) was identified by whole genome association studies, and subsequently confirmed by other works. The aim of this study was to assess this association in the Czech population.

Subjects and Methods:

In a case‐control study 333 patients with CD (137 paediatric and 196 adult‐onset) and 499 unrelated healthy controls were genotyped using TaqMan SNP assays.

Results:

The IL23R p.381Gln allele was protective against CD in the Czech population (allelic frequency 3.2% in patients vs 5.5% in control subjects; OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33–0.93, P = 0.02). ATG16L1 p.197Ala allele conferred increased risk of CD (allelic frequency 60% in patients vs 51% in controls; OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02–1.52, P = 0.03). There was no appreciable difference in the effect of the associated alleles across the strata of CARD15‐conferred risk. The IL23R and ATG16L1 variants did not influence the age at diagnosis, and in the genotype‐phenotype analysis, the only detected association was a weak one between IL23R p.381Gln and involvement of the upper gastrointestinal tract (uncorrected P = 0.031).

Conclusions:

We confirmed the role of IL23R and ATG16L1 in the CD susceptibility in the Czech population, and found a weak protective effect of IL23R p.381Gln against upper gastrointestinal tract involvement.
An Innovative Summer Camp Program Improves Weight and Self‐esteem in Obese Children
Authors: Wong William W , Abrams Stephanie H , Mikhail Carmen , Terrazas Norma L , Wilson Theresa A , Arceo Diana , Mrowczynski Paula K , King Kristi L , Stansel Amanda D , Albright Ashley N , Barlow Sarah E , Brown Kimberly O , Brown Jason D , Klish William J
Published: September 2009

To determine the potential benefits of a residential summer camp to treat childhood obesity, 21 obese, multiethnic children (aged 11.4 ± 1.4 years; body mass index [BMI] percentile 98.5 ± 1.4; BMI z score 2.30 ± 0.33) from a diverse socioeconomic background were enrolled in a 2‐week summer camp program. Significant improvements (P < 0.04) were observed in self‐esteem (+0.27 ± 0.33 point), body weight (−3.7 ± 1.2 kg), BMI (−1.60 ± 0.48 kg/m2), BMI z score (−0.12 ± 0.06), number of curl ups (+10.9 ± 21.5), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (−10.8 ± 13.4 and −9.4 ± 5.5 mmHg, respectively), and heart rate (−8.2 ± 12.7 bpm).
Growth and Body Composition of Human Milk–fed Premature Infants Provided With Extra Energy and Nutrients Early After Hospital Discharge: 1‐year Follow‐up
Authors: Aimone Ashley , Rovet Joanne , Ward Wendy , Jefferies Ann , Campbell Douglas M , Asztalos Elizabeth , Feldman Mark , Vaughan Jennifer , Westall Carol , Whyte Hilary , O'Connor Deborah L ,   Post‐Discharge Feeding Study Group
Published: September 2009

Objectives:

Human milk (HM) is the optimal source of nutrition for premature infants; however, it is unclear whether HM alone is sufficient to meet their elevated nutritional requirements early after hospital discharge. We previously reported that premature infants (750–1800 g birth weight) fed HM containing extra nutrients for 12 weeks after discharge had dietary intakes closer to recommended levels and grew more rapidly than those fed HM alone. The objectives of the present article are to examine the impact of this intervention on bone mineralization, body composition, and HM use up to 1 year. Data are also presented on general developmental level at 18‐month corrected age (CA).

Patients and Methods:

At discharge, predominantly HM‐fed infants were randomized to receive for 12 weeks either approximately half of their feedings containing a multinutrient fortifier (intervention, n = 19) or all of their feedings as HM alone (control, n = 20).

Results:

Intervention infants remained longer (P < 0.001) and had greater whole‐body bone mineral content (P = 0.02) until 12‐month CA compared with controls. Intervention infants born less than or equal to 1250 g continued to have a larger mean head circumference throughout the first year of life (P < 0.0001). Human milk feeding (mL · kg−1 · day−1) differed between groups at 6‐ (P = 0.035), but not 12‐month CA. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in the mental, motor, or behavior rating scale scores of the Bayley II at 18‐month CA.

Conclusions:

Adding a multinutrient fortifier to HM provided to predominantly HM‐fed premature infants early after discharge results in sustained differences in weight, length, and whole‐body bone mineral content, and in smaller babies, head circumference for the first year of life.
The Sound of Silence in Pedagogy
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos , Michaelides Pavlos
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we discuss some conditions for understanding silence as an act of self‐criticality and caring for the Other, rather than as an instrumental or technical act identified through discipline or reflection. We first engage into a critical reading of Western and Eastern traditions of silence and use this to explore the pedagogical value of silence. Then we argue how an educational philosophy of silence can be a philosophy of otherness and theorize how teachers and students may reclaim a place for silence in educational settings. We contend that for that to happen teachers and students have to give up their position on the safe side of knowledge and embrace the inexpressible and unknowable.
The volitional travel speed varies with reproductive state in mature female brown trout Salmo trutta
Authors: Svendsen J. C. , Aarestrup K. , Dolby J. , Svendsen T. C. , Christensen R. H. B.
Published: September 2009

This study tested the effect of reproduction on the volitional travel speed of mature female brown trout Salmo trutta L. The downstream travel speed in the pre‐spawning state was 0·25 m s−1 (95% CI : 0·19, 0·34) while it increased significantly to 0·65 m s−1 (95% CI: 0·49, 0·87) in the post‐spawning state. The results suggest state‐dependent travel speed in S. trutta.
The effects of acute temperature change on cost of transport at maximal labriform speed in bluegill Lepomis macrochirus
Authors: Lim S. M. , Ellerby D. J.
Published: September 2009

The effects of acute temperature change on the cost of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus swimming were quantified. At 14° C, maximum labriform swimming speed (Ulab,max) was reduced relative to that at the acclimation temperature of 22° C, but total cost of transport (TTC) remained unchanged. At 30° C, Ulab,max was the same as at 22° C, but TTC was 66% greater.
Perspectives of Looked after Children on School Experience — a Study Conducted among Primary School Children in a Children’s Home in Singapore
Authors: Celeste Yee Soo Chuen
Published: September 2009

Singapore is known for its well‐developed public education. Although there have been prolific studies and advancement in pedagogy of different groups of learners, the progress has yet to capture the interest of children in residential care, and their educational needs remain a field lacking in discussion. This study seeks to give these children a voice by answering three main questions: (1) What have the children experienced in school? (2) How do they feel about these experiences? (3) To what extent are the children’s experiences and feelings related to their background?A mixed‐method approach that encompasses both quantitative and qualitative instruments has been employed to find out from the Primary School children in a local Children’s Home their perspectives on school experience. The findings reveal that looked after children do encounter greater challenges in school because of their unique background and lack of resources. Most of them would need to rely on the authorities in both the school and the Home for support if better experience and performance in school are to be achieved.
‘It’s the way they do it’: Expressions of Agency in Child–Adult Relations at Home and School
Authors: Bjerke Håvard
Published: September 2009

This article examines children's (8–9 years) and young people’s (14–15 years) views about their own participation in decision‐making processes with adults, within the context of home and school in Norway. A difference‐centred theoretical perspective is used to identify children’s participation as expressions of agency embedded in intricate child–adult relations, in which children and adults are positioned differently. It is argued that children not necessarily ask for increased independence from adults, but rather to be recognised as ‘differently equal’ partners in shared decision‐making processes, where children are being treated with dignity and respect as valuable persons.
Expression of histone deacetylases in lymphoma: implication for the development of selective inhibitors
Authors: Gloghini Annunziata , Buglio Daniela , Khaskhely Noor M. , Georgakis Georgios , Orlowski Robert Z. , Neelapu Sattva S. , Carbone Antonino , Younes Anas
Published: September 2009

Unselective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are a promising novel therapy for lymphoid malignancies. However, these treatments remain empiric as the pattern of HDAC enzymes in different types of cancer, including lymphoid malignancies, remains unknown. We examined the expression of class I and class II HDACs in a panel of cell lines and tissue sections from primary lymphoid tumours. Class I enzymes were highly expressed in all cell lines and primary tumours studied, including the non‐malignant reactive cells in the Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) microenvironment. The most frequently altered HDAC expression was HDAC6, as it was either weakly expressed or undetected in 9/14 (64%) of lymphoid cell lines and in 83/89 (93%) of primary lymphoma tissue specimens, including 50/52 (96%) cases of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, and 18/22 (82%) cases of classical HL. Cell lines that had low expression level of HDAC6 demonstrated aberrant expression of hyper‐acetylated tubulin, and were found to be more sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of the class I HDAC inhibitor MGCD0103. Collectively, our data demonstrate that HDAC6 is rarely expressed in primary lymphoma cases, suggesting that it may not be an important therapeutic target in these lymphoid malignancies.
Diagnosis of mild platelet function disorders. Reliability and usefulness of light transmission platelet aggregation and serotonin secretion assays
Authors: Quiroga Teresa , Goycoolea Manuela , Matus Valeria , Zúñiga Pamela , Martínez Carlos , Garrido Marcelo , Aranda Eduardo , Leighton Federico , Panes Olga , Pereira Jaime , Mezzano Diego
Published: September 2009

Light transmission platelet aggregation (PA), adapted to measure platelet secretion (PS), is the reference test for diagnosing platelet functional disorders (PFD). Problems with these assays include lack of standardisation, unknown reproducibility and lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria. We addressed these issues in patients with inherited mucocutaneous bleeding (MCB). Normal and abnormal PA tests in 213 patients were reproducible in 93·3% and 90·4% of the cases, respectively. Mean intra‐subject coefficient of variation for PA with strong agonists were <9% and mean intra‐class correlation coefficient for weak agonists were >0·86 (P < 0·0001). Concomitant impaired PA with 10 μmol/l‐adrenaline and 4 μmol/l‐ADP was observed in 13·7% of the controls. This combination was not considered per se a criterion for PFD. PA with adrenaline ≥42% or irreversible aggregation with 4 μmol/l ADP had 93% and 95% Negative Predictive Value for diagnosing PFD, respectively. PA defects were consistently associated with abnormal PS. In contrast, 14·3% of patients with MCB had isolated PS. Thus, standardized PA/PS assays are highly reproducible and concordant in normal and patient populations. Normal PA with adrenaline and low ADP concentration robustly predict a normal PA. Simultaneous PA/PS assays enable the diagnosis of isolated PS defects. This study confirmed that hereditary PA–PS defects are highly prevalent.
Comparison of miRNA profiles of microdissected Hodgkin/Reed‐Sternberg cells and Hodgkin cell lines versus CD77+ B‐cells reveals a distinct subset of differentially expressed miRNAs
Authors: Van Vlierberghe Pieter , De Weer An , Mestdagh Pieter , Feys Tom , De Preter Katleen , De Paepe Pascale , Lambein Kathleen , Vandesompele Jo , Van Roy Nadine , Verhasselt Bruno , Poppe Bruce , Speleman Frank
Published: September 2009

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is characterized by the presence of malignant Hodgkin and Reed Sternberg (HRS) cells. The scarcity of tumour cells in lymphoma biopsies has hampered genetic analyses of HRS cells, including microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling. We determined the expression of 360 miRNAs in microdissected HRS cells from nine cHL patients. These miRNA profiles were compared to those from four cHL cell lines and CD77+ B‐cells, yielding a distinct cHL signature of 12 over‐ and three underexpressed miRNAs. Our data suggest that miRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of Hodgkin lymphoma and prompt further investigations concerning their role in cHL.