bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The untranslated side of hair and skin mammalian pigmentation: Beyond coding sequences
Authors: Rouzaud Francois , Oulmouden Ahmad , Kos Lidia
Published: March 2010

For several decades, tremendous advances in studying skin and hair pigmentation of mammals have been made using Mendelian genetics principles. A number of loci and their associated traits have been extensively examined, crossings performed, and phenotypes well documented. Continuously improving PCR techniques allowed the molecular cloning and sequencing of the first pigmentation genes at the end of the 20th century, a period followed by an intense effort to detect and describe polymorphisms in the coding regions and correlate allelic combinations with the observed melanogenic phenotypes. However, a number of phenotypes and biological events could not be elucidated solely by analysis of the coding regions of genes. Messenger RNA isolation, characterization and quantification techniques allowed groups to move ahead and investigate molecular mechanisms whose secrets lay within the noncoding regions of pigmentation genes transcripts such as MC1R, ASIP, or Mitf. The untranslated elements contain specific nucleotidic sequences and structures that dramatically influence the mRNA half‐life and processing thus impacting protein translation and melanin production. As we are progressively uncovering the complex processes regulating melanocyte biology, unraveling complete mRNA structures and understanding mechanisms beyond coding regions has become critical. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(5): 340–346, 2010
Mammalian ceramide synthases
Authors: Levy Michal , Futerman Anthony H.
Published: March 2010

In mammals, ceramide, a key intermediate in sphingolipid metabolism and an important signaling molecule, is synthesized by a family of six ceramide synthases (CerS), each of which synthesizes ceramides with distinct acyl chain lengths. There are a number of common biochemical features between the CerS, such as their catalytic mechanism, and their structure and intracellular localization. Different CerS also display remarkable differences in their biological properties, with each of them playing distinct roles in processes as diverse as cancer and tumor suppression, in the response to chemotherapeutic drugs, in apoptosis, and in neurodegenerative diseases. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(5): 347–356, 2010
Microarchitectural deterioration of cortical and trabecular bone: Differing effects of denosumab and alendronate
Authors: Seeman Ego , Delmas Pierre D , Hanley David A , Sellmeyer Deborah , Cheung Angela M , Shane Elizabeth , Kearns Ann , Thomas Thierry , Boyd Steven K , Boutroy Stephanie , Bogado Cesar , Majumdar Sharmila , Fan Michelle , Libanati Cesar , Zanchetta Jose
Published: March 2010

The intensity of bone remodeling is a critical determinant of the decay of cortical and trabecular microstructure after menopause. Denosumab suppresses remodeling more than alendronate, leading to greater gains in areal bone mineral density (aBMD). These greater gains may reflect differing effects of each drug on bone microarchitecture and strength. In a phase 2 double-blind pilot study, 247 postmenopausal women were randomized to denosumab (60 mg subcutaneous 6 monthly), alendronate (70 mg oral weekly), or placebo for 12 months. All received daily calcium and vitamin D. Morphologic changes were assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) at the distal radius and distal tibia and QCT at the distal radius. Denosumab decreased serum C-telopeptide more rapidly and markedly than alendronate. In the placebo arm, total, cortical, and trabecular BMD and cortical thickness decreased (−2.1% to −0.8%) at the distal radius after 12 months. Alendronate prevented the decline (−0.6% to 2.4%, p = .051 to <.001 versus placebo), whereas denosumab prevented the decline or improved these variables (0.3% to 3.4%, p < .001 versus placebo). Changes in total and cortical BMD were greater with denosumab than with alendronate (p ≤ .024). Similar changes in these parameters were observed at the tibia. The polar moment of inertia also increased more in the denosumab than alendronate or placebo groups (p < .001). Adverse events did not differ by group. These data suggest that structural decay owing to bone remodeling and progression of bone fragility may be prevented more effectively with denosumab. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Time‐dependent density functional theory study on the electronic excited‐state hydrogen‐bonding dynamics of 4‐aminophthalimide (4AP) in aqueous solution: 4AP and 4AP–(H2O)1,2 clusters
Authors: Wang Rui , Hao Ce , Li Peng , Wei Ning‐Ning , Chen Jingwen , Qiu Jieshan
Published: March 2010

The time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method has been carried out to investigate the excited‐state hydrogen‐bonding dynamics of 4‐aminophthalimide (4AP) in hydrogen‐donating water solvent. The infrared spectra of the hydrogen‐bonded solute−solvent complexes in electronically excited state have been calculated using the TDDFT method. We have demonstrated that the intermolecular hydrogen bond C O···HO and NH···OH in the hydrogen‐bonded 4AP−(H2O)2 trimer are significantly strengthened in the electronically excited state by theoretically monitoring the changes of the bond lengths of hydrogen bonds and hydrogen‐bonding groups in different electronic states. The hydrogen bonds strengthening in the electronically excited state are confirmed because the calculated stretching vibrational modes of the hydrogen bonding CO, amino NH, and HO groups are markedly red‐shifted upon photoexcitation. The calculated results are consistent with the mechanism of the hydrogen bond strengthening in the electronically excited state, while contrast with mechanism of hydrogen bond cleavage. Furthermore, we believe that the transient hydrogen bond strengthening behavior in electroniclly excited state of chromophores in hydrogen‐donating solvents exists in many other systems in solution. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Psychotherapy for self‐stigma among rural clients
Authors: Larson Jonathon E. , Corrigan Patrick W.
Published: March 2010

The stigma of mental disorders and psychological treatment afflicts rural clients more than most. This article provides practitioners with guidance in selecting and utilizing effective treatments for self‐stigma in rural settings. We review both public stigma and self‐stigma. Public stigma explains society's negative impact on individuals, while self‐stigma describes an individual's internalization of public stigma. We review treatment principles and empirical research on psychotherapy for self‐stigma rural settings. We finish with a case illustration of cognitive therapy with a rural client suffering from self‐stigma. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66:1–13, 2010.
Hürthle cell neoplasm: Correlation of gray‐scale and power Doppler sonographic findings with gross pathology
Authors: Lee Sang Kwon , Rho Byung Hak , Woo Seong‐Ku
Published: March 2010

Background.

To describe gray‐scale and power Doppler (PD) sonographic (US) findings of Hürthle cell neoplasms (HCNs) of the thyroid gland, and to determine if there is any correlation between US and gross pathologic features.

Method.

This retrospective study included 30 pathologically proven HCNs in 30 subjects who underwent preoperative gray‐scale and PD US examinations. The size, shape, margin, echogenicity, echotexture, presence or absence of cystic change, calcifications and halo sign, and vascularity at PD US were evaluated.

Result.

The longest diameter of HCNs ranged from 12 mm to 63 mm. The shape and margins of the mass were ovoid and smooth, respectively, in all cases. The echogenicity was hypoechoic, isoechoic, hyperechoic, or mixed in 43.3%, 33.3%, 10.0%, and 13.3%, respectively. The echotexture was heterogeneous in 73.3% and homogeneous in 26.7%. Cystic change was present in 56.7% and involved less than 25% of the volume of the mass in 50.0% and 26–50% of the volume in 6.7%. Coarse calcifications were present in 20.0%. Halo sign was present in all cases. The vascularity was combined peri‐ and intranodular in all cases: predominantly intranodular in 50.0%, predominantly perinodular in 46.7%, and of the “inferno” type in 3.3%. All HCNs were encapsulated on gross pathologic examination.

Conclusion.

Although many of the US features we observed were nonspecific, HCNs tend to have a halo sign and combined peri‐ and intranodular vascularity on US, which raises the possibility of an association. The US halo sign corresponds to tumor capsule ongross pathologic examination. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2010
Recent changes in precipitation, ITCZ convection and northern tropical circulation over North Africa (1979–2007)
Authors: Fontaine Bernard , Roucou Pascal , Gaetani Marco , Marteau Romain
Published: March 2010

This article focuses on some recent changes observed in the Tropics with special emphasis on the African monsoon region using high‐resolution gridded precipitation from the Climatic Research Unit (period 1979–2002), outgoing longwave radiation at the top of the atmosphere from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and atmospheric reanalyses from the Climate Prediction Center (NCEP‐DOE2, period 1979–2007). The results show a rainfall increase in North Africa since the mid‐90s with significant northward migrations of rainfall amounts, i.e. + 1.5° for the 400 mm July to September isohyets, whereas deep convection has significantly increased and shifted northward. The subsidence branch of the northern meridional overturning has also been reinforced and shifted by 1° latitude northward in winter. At larger scale, an unambiguous reorganisation of the circulation with increasing subsidence in high troposphere over the Mediterranean and increasing ascendance in the African Intertropical Convergence Zone in northern summer has been noticed in the meridional cell overturning. After 1993–1994, the migration of the Saharan heat low towards northwest has been more marked (+1° to + 2° in latitude; − 1° to − 2° in longitude), whereas its centre intensified at the peak of the tropical rainy season (+10 gpm thickness in the 700–925 hPa layer). These changes are associated with significant reinforcements of the southwesterly low‐level winds and Tropical Easterly jet and with a northward shift of the African Easterly jet. Analyses of Global Circulation Model outputs issued from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (A1B scenario and from forced experiments on the ARPEGE‐climat (Action de Recherche Petite Echelle Grande Echelle) and Atmospheric Global Circulation Model show that at least part of these changes could be due to the recent warming observed in the Mediterranean/Saharan region. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
A new tool for monthly precipitation analysis in Spain: MOPREDAS database (monthly precipitation trends December 1945–November 2005)
Authors: González‐Hidalgo Jose Carlos , Brunetti Michele , de Luis Martín
Published: March 2010

A new monthly precipitation database has been developed for conterminous provinces in Spain by exploiting the total amount of data available at Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET, formerly INM). The new MOPREDAS (monthly precipitation database of Spain) database has been constructed by using all 6821 original data series that have been recorded for at least 10 years. These provide a total of 2670 complete, homogeneous series for the period 1946–2005, and are the most complete and extensive monthly precipitation dataset available in Spain at present. MOPREDAS has been created with the aim of analysing the behaviour of precipitation in the conterminous provinces of Spain, and to help validate the downscaling of climate models on a detailed spatial level. To this end, the station data were also interpolated on a regular grid, at 1/10 of degree of resolution, over the whole Spain.

Trend analysis confirms great spatial and temporal variability in the behaviour of precipitation across Spain. The monthly precipitation trends vary from month to month, from coherent spatial trend patterns in March, June (both with a general and significant negative trend) and October (general positive trends), to highly regionalized trend patterns in July (with positive trends in north‐west and mainly negative in the remainder), February and April (positive and negative trends in the south‐east, respectively). These results suggest that both global and local factors affect the spatial distribution of trends in the Iberian Peninsula. Mountain ranges seem to be the most significant geographical factor in determining the spatial distribution of monthly trends on a detailed, sub‐regional spatial scale. These results show that it is possible to accurately delineate the areas affected by different precipitation trends if a dense spatial database is available. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Separation of purine and pyrimidine bases and nucleosides by hydrophilic interaction chromatography
Authors: Marrubini Giorgio , Mendoza Bolivar Enrique Castillo , Massolini Gabriella
Published: March 2010

The separation of 12 model compounds chosen among purine and pyrimidine bases and nucleosides was studied by using hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC). The compounds investigated were small molecules with relevant properties for biomedical and pharmaceutical studies. The mixture of pyrimidines and purines was applied on a ZIC®‐HILIC 150×2.1 mm, 5 μm, and two TSKgel Amide‐80 150×2.0 mm, 5 μm and 3 μm particle size columns. The retention of the analytes was studied by varying ACN%, ammonium formate concentration, pH, and column temperature. The results obtained confirmed the elution order of nucleobases, nucleosides, and nucleotides based on their hydrophobicity. The retention mechanism of the columns was studied considering the models used for describing partitioning and surface adsorption. The influence on retention of chromatographic conditions (ACN%, salt concentration, pH, and temperature) was described and discussed for both columns. The optimization of the conditions studied allowed to assess a gradient method for the separation of the 12 analytes. The developed method is a valuable alternative to existing methods for the separation of the compounds concerned.
Immobilization of 3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamates of cellulose and amylose onto silica gel using (3‐glycidoxypropyl)triethoxysilane as linker
Authors: Tang Shouwan , Ikai Tomoyuki , Tsuji Masashi , Okamoto Yoshio
Published: March 2010

The 3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamates of cellulose and amylose were effectively immobilized onto plain silica gels as chiral packing materials (CPMs) for HPLC by means of intermolecular polycondensation of triethoxysilyl groups introduced with (3‐glycidoxypropyl)triethoxysilane. The immobilization and chiral recognition abilities of the obtained CPMs prepared with different amounts of (3‐glycidoxypropyl)triethoxysilane were investigated. In addition, the solvent compatibilities of the immobilized‐type CPMs were examined with eluents containing chloroform and THF. When these eluents were used, for most of the tested racemates, the chiral resolving abilities of the obtained CPMs were improved.
The early postoperative course of surgical sleep apnea patients
Authors: Rotenberg Brian , Hu Amanda , Fuller John , Bureau Yves , Arra Ian , Sen Mithu
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Recent guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommended postoperative monitoring for most patients undergoing surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These guidelines, however, are largely based on retrospective literature and expert opinion. The appropriate level of postoperative monitoring remains controversial. Our objective was to prospectively document the early postoperative course of patients undergoing OSA surgery.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Methods:

One hundred twenty‐one patients (age 43.9 ± 13.5 years, 79.8% male) with sleep‐study proven OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index 31.9 ± 22.7) who were undergoing surgery for OSA at our tertiary care center were recruited from 2007 to 2009. Outcome measures were: 1) incidence of respiratory complications requiring nursing intervention, 2) level of postoperative blood oxygen saturation divided into three groups: mean oxygen saturation in recovery room (SpO2recovery), mean oxygen saturation in step‐up unit (SpO2step‐up), and lowest oxygen saturation over the 24 hour period (SpO2minimum). These results were then compared to the benchmark literature.

Results:

The overall incidence of nursing intervention in response to a respiratory complication (3.4%) was significantly less than expected (P < .002). Mean SpO2recovery was 92.9 ± 3.2%, SpO2step‐up was 95.9 ± 1.6%, and SpO2minimum was 92.8 ± 3.1%. No variables were identified as being predictive of any of the outcome measures.

Conclusions:

The incidence of respiratory events requiring intervention in the early postoperative course of OSA patients was low (3.4%). Routine postoperative inpatient monitoring may not be required in many cases. Laryngoscope, 2010
Postoperative morbidity after different types of selective neck dissection
Authors: Teymoortash Afshin , Hoch Stephan , Eivazi Behfar , Werner Jochen Alfred
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Although selective neck dissection (SND) is an oncologically efficient procedure for the N0 neck, its functional results are discussed controversially. The aim of the present study was to analyze the frequency of morbidity related to SND.

Study Design:

Retrospective single‐institution series.

Methods:

The clinical data of 98 patients who had undergone unilateral SND of different dimensions and neck levels were analyzed. Radiotherapy was carried out in 37 (37.8%) patients. Functional and aesthetic results were evaluated in the context of aftercare consultation in 52 patients. The contralateral side of each patient served as the control. The mean follow‐up period was 2.6 (0.5–9.1) years.

Results:

SND‐related complications arose in two out of 50 patients (4%) with dissection of level IV in terms of an injury of the thoracic duct. Ten (19.2%) patients showed persistent slight lymph edema, and 34 (65.4%) patients noticed cervical incision sensibility disturbances after at least 6 months. Concerning head, neck, and shoulder function, no significant side differences were noticed by 31 (82%) patients for arm abduction, 32 (84%) for head rotation, and 30 (79%) for lateral head inclination. Subjectively, 50 (96.2%) patients had no restriction in head, neck, and shoulder movement after SND. Concerning the aesthetic results, only one (2%) patient was subjectively not satisfied.

Conclusions:

SND of different dimensions and neck levels shows low incidence of surgical complications and acceptable functional and aesthetic results. Laryngoscope, 2010
Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for the period 2005–2006
Authors: Harvey David J.
Published: March 2010

This review is the fourth update of the original review, published in 1999, on the application of MALDI mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2006. The review covers fundamental studies, fragmentation of carbohydrate ions, method developments, and applications of the technique to the analysis of different types of carbohydrate. Specific compound classes that are covered include carbohydrate polymers from plants, N‐ and O‐linked glycans from glycoproteins, glycated proteins, glycolipids from bacteria, glycosides, and various other natural products. There is a short section on the use of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry for the study of enzymes involved in glycan processing, a section on industrial processes, particularly the development of biopharmaceuticals and a section on the use of MALDI–MS to monitor products of chemical synthesis of carbohydrates. Large carbohydrate–protein complexes and glycodendrimers are highlighted in this final section. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:1–100, 2011
Motor behavior abnormalities in drug‐naïve patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Peralta Victor , Campos Maria S. , De Jalón Elena García , Cuesta Manuel J.
Published: March 2010

Prevalence and correlates of primary motor abnormalities in schizophrenia are presently ill defined. This study was aimed at examining the prevalence, syndromic structure, external correlates, and response to antipsychotic medication of a broad array of primary motor abnormalities. Two‐hundred antipsychotic‐naive patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were examined for motor abnormalities using the Modified Rogers Scale. Thirty‐one motor signs were subjected to factor analysis, and the resulting factors examined for association with a number of risk factors, clinical and psychopathological variables. One‐hundred and eighty‐nine patients were reassessed for motor abnormalities after completing a 4‐week trial with antipsychotic medication. Prevalence rates for at least one motor sign and syndrome at baseline were 66% and 40%, respectively. Motor signs clustered together into seven clinically interpretable factors: abnormal involuntary movements, hypokinesia, retarded catatonia, echo‐phenomena, excited catatonia, catalepsy, and parkinsonism. All motor domains but parkinsonism were inter‐related. Abnormal involuntary movements were associated with variables indicating both neurodevelopmental dysfunction and illness severity, and most motor domains were closely related to negative or disorganization symptoms. Change scores in motor domains after treatment with antipsychotic medication indicated improvement for abnormal involuntary movements, hypokinesia, retarded catatonia, excited catatonia and echophenomena, and worsening for parkinsonism. It is concluded that primary motor dysfunction is a prevalent and heterogeneous condition of schizophrenia. Motor abnormalities segregate into various syndromes, which have different clinical correlates and a differential response pattern to antipsychotic medication. It is hypothesized that the existence of a differential dopaminergic dysfunction in the nigroestriatal circuitry is responsible for the generation of those motor domains that improve and worsen with antipsychotic drugs. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Computational homogenization for adhesive and cohesive failure in quasi‐brittle solids
Authors: Verhoosel Clemens V. , Remmers Joris J. C. , Gutiérrez Miguel A. , de Borst René
Published: March 2010

A computational multiscale framework is proposed that incorporates microstructural behaviour in a macroscale discrete fracture model. Homogenization procedures are derived for both adhesive and cohesive failure on the macroscale and are implemented in an FE2‐setting. The most important feature of the homogenization procedure is that it implicitly defines a traction‐opening relation for the macroscale fracture model. The representativeness of the micro models is studied using a one‐dimensional example, which shows that in the softening regime the proposed multiscale scheme behaves different from a bulk homogenization scheme. These results are also observed in a numerical simulation for a micro model with a periodic microstructure. Numerical simulations further demonstrate the applicability of the method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The distributional impact of in‐kind public benefits in European countries
Authors: Paulus Alari , Sutherland Holly , Tsakloglou Panos
Published: March 2010

International comparisons of inequality based on measures of disposable income may not be valid if the size and incidence of publicly provided in‐kind benefits differ across the countries considered. The benefits that are financed by taxation in one country may need to be purchased out of disposable income in another. We estimate the size and incidence of in‐kind or “noncash” benefits from public housing subsidies, education, and health care for five European countries using comparable methods and data. Inequality in the augmented income measure is dramatically lower than in disposable income, with the effects of the three components varying in importance across countries. Adapting equivalence scales to take proper account of differences in needs for health care and education across population members reduces the scale of the effect, but does not eliminate it. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Asset‐based measurement of poverty
Authors: Brandolini Andrea , Magri Silvia , Smeeding Timothy M.
Published: March 2010

Poverty is generally defined as income or expenditure insufficiency, but the economic condition of a household also depends on its real and financial asset holdings. This paper investigates measures of poverty that rely on indicators of household net worth. We review and assess two main approaches followed in the literature: income–net worth measures and asset‐poverty. We provide fresh cross‐national evidence based on data from the Luxembourg Wealth Study. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Estimating the potential effects of poverty reduction policies
Authors: Zedlewski Sheila , Giannarelli Linda , Wheaton Laura
Published: March 2010

States require a measure of poverty that captures all family resources net of taxes and nondiscretionary expenses and uses thresholds reflecting current needs in the state to assess the well‐being of families under current and alternative policies. This paper describes the implementation of a poverty measure for the State of Connecticut based on the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences, and it describes the potential antipoverty effects of changes in child care, adult education, and child support policies. The paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges in implementing a modern poverty measure and in simulating policy alternatives. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Influence of the rubbery phase on the crystallinity and thermomechanical properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/elastomer blends
Authors: Calvão Patrícia S , Chenal Jean‐Marc , Gauthier Catherine , Demarquette Nicole R , Dos Santos Amilton M , Cavaille Jean Yves
Published: March 2010

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a very promising biopolymer. In order to improve its processability and decrease its brittleness, PHB/elastomer blends can be prepared. In the work reported, the effect of the addition of a rubbery phase, i.e. ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM) or poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB), on the properties of PHB was studied. The effects of rubber type and of changing the PHB/elastomer blend processing method on the crystallinity and physical properties of the blends were also investigated. For blends based on PHB, the main role of EPDM is its nucleating effect evidenced by a decrease of crystallization temperature and an increase of crystallinity with increasing EPDM content regardless of the processing route. While EPDM has a weak effect on PHB glass transition temperature, PVB induces a marked decrease of this temperature thank to its plasticizer that swells the PHB amorphous phase. A promising solution to improve the mechanical properties of PHB seems to be the melt‐processing of PHB with both plasticizer and EPDM. In fact, the plasticizer is more efficient than the elastomer in decreasing the PHB glass transition temperature and, because of the nucleating effect of EPDM, the decrease of the PHB modulus due to the plasticizer can be counterbalanced. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of a 6‐week, co‐taught literacy unit on preservice special educators' literacy‐education knowledge
Authors: Pufpaff Lisa A. , Yssel Nina
Published: March 2010

For special education preservice teachers to be prepared to assist students with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential in literacy, an innovative, co‐taught literacy unit was implemented within existing methods courses. The intensive, 6‐week unit was created to prepare all candidates in both mild interventions and severe interventions licensure programs to meet the literacy needs of diverse learners. The curriculum was designed around the National Reading Panel's five critical components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension) in addition to the topics of emergent literacy and writing. Pre‐ and posttests were administered, revealing a significant growth in participant knowledge related to literacy assessment and instruction. Implications for future efforts to improve literacy outcomes for students with disabilities by improving teachers' knowledge and skills related to literacy instruction are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vocabulary use during storybook reading: Implications for children with augmentative and alternative communication needs
Authors: Da Fonte M. Alexandra , Pufpaff Lisa A. , Taber‐Doughty Teresa
Published: March 2010

Storybook‐reading interactions are a critical component of emergent literacy, contributing to later development of conventional literacy skills. Children with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs must be provided with appropriate vocabulary to actively participate in storybook interactions in a manner similar to that of their typically developing peers. This study examined vocabulary used by typically developing kindergartners while being read a storybook. Words used by the kindergartners were compared to vocabulary on premade, commercially available storybook communication displays marketed for individuals with AAC needs. Results revealed that vocabulary on commercially available communication displays did not include the words used most frequently by the kindergartners. Results suggest that practitioners who use commercially available communication displays may need to modify the materials to provide children with AAC needs sufficient vocabulary to enhance their participation during storybook‐reading interactions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Plastic Bonded Explosive (PBX) Formulations Based on RDX, Aluminum, and HTPB for Underwater Applications
Authors: Kumar Adapaka S. , Rao Vepakomma B. , Sinha Rabindra K. , Rao Alapati Subhananda
Published: March 2010

Aluminized high explosives are known to give better underwater performance. All explosive formulations for underwater targets are filled into warheads and shells by casting method. TNT, a high explosive is used as casting medium due to its lower melting point. Plastic bonded explosives are fast replacing TNT‐based high explosive formulations for the reasons that they are more insensitive and low vulnerable explosives with better shelf life. Few aluminized plastic bonded explosive formulations based on RDX, aluminum, and HTPB have been processed, varying the aluminum content from 0 to 35% and evaluated underwater. The present paper discusses the experimental methodology adopted to evaluate the above formulations for their ballistic parameters, viz., peak over pressure and impulse. Explosion bulge tests have been conducted with each explosive formulation and extent of bulge in test plates is presented and compared with a standard underwater explosive, viz., HBX‐3.
Improved side‐chain torsion potentials for the Amber ff99SB protein force field
Authors: Lindorff‐Larsen Kresten , Piana Stefano , Palmo Kim , Maragakis Paul , Klepeis John L. , Dror Ron O. , Shaw David E.
Published: March 2010

Recent advances in hardware and software have enabled increasingly long molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of biomolecules, exposing certain limitations in the accuracy of the force fields used for such simulations and spurring efforts to refine these force fields. Recent modifications to the Amber and CHARMM protein force fields, for example, have improved the backbone torsion potentials, remedying deficiencies in earlier versions. Here, we further advance simulation accuracy by improving the amino acid side‐chain torsion potentials of the Amber ff99SB force field. First, we used simulations of model alpha‐helical systems to identify the four residue types whose rotamer distribution differed the most from expectations based on Protein Data Bank statistics. Second, we optimized the side‐chain torsion potentials of these residues to match new, high‐level quantum‐mechanical calculations. Finally, we used microsecond‐timescale MD simulations in explicit solvent to validate the resulting force field against a large set of experimental NMR measurements that directly probe side‐chain conformations. The new force field, which we have termed Amber ff99SB‐ILDN, exhibits considerably better agreement with the NMR data. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent advances in InN‐based solar cells: status and challenges in InGaN and InAlN solar cells
Authors: Yamamoto Akio , Islam Md. R. , Kang Ting‐Ting , Hashimoto Akihiro
Published: March 2010

In this paper, we review and discuss the recent advances in InN‐based solar cells. Before the discussion on InN‐based solar cells, two major losses in a solar cell, transparency loss and excess excitation loss, are explained and the effectiveness of a multi‐junction tandem cell in reducing the both losses simultaneously is described. Then, the status and issues for multi‐junction tandem solar cells using the conventional III‐V materials (InGaP/InGaAs systems) are reviewed briefly in order to understand the advantages of InN‐based material as a multi‐junction solar cell material. It is shown that main problem in the conventional III‐V multi‐junction solar cell is the current mismatching between sub‐cells, which reduces significantly the conversion efficiency of the tandem cells. The main advantage of InGaN and InAlN as a multi‐junction solar cell is that a wanted band‐gap between 0.7 and 2.5 eV is realized by changing only their composition.

This means that current matching between sub‐cells will be easily achieved using InGaN and InAlN systems. After the status of InGaN solar cell research is summarized, the results on the MOVPE growth of InGaN with an In content up to 0.4, Mg doping using Cp2Mg, and the formation of an n+‐p homo‐junction are described. The insertion of step‐graded InxGa1‐xN interlayer between the GaN and InGaN epilayer is also shown to be effective to improve the epilayer quality. The study on InAlN solar cell is on the stage of the growth of In‐rich InAlN. Single‐crystalline InAlN films with an Al content from 0 (Eg = 0.7 eV) to 0.43 (2 eV) have been successfully grown by employing atmospheric‐pressure MOVPE. The study on Mg‐doping for InAlN will be the next step. Finally, we will summarize and discuss the challenges in InGaN and InAlN solar cells. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In‐clustering induced anomalous behavior of band gap in InAlN and InGaN
Authors: Gorczyca I. , Suski T. , Christensen N. E. , Svane A.
Published: March 2010

Electronic band structure calculations of In containing ternary nitride alloys are presented showing a strong modification of the band gap, EG and its pressure coefficient, dEG/dp, as a function of In‐content. Two different arrangements of In atoms are considered: uniform and clustered. It is shown that Indium clustering is the additional, large factor leading to the unusual bowings of the band gaps and their pressure coefficients. The theoretical results are compared with experimental data on variations of EG with In content. In the analysis of observed phenomena we point out the particular role of the uppermost valence band (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron microscopy of InGaN nanopillars spontaneously grown on Si(111) substrates
Authors: Kehagias Th. , Kerasiotis I. , Vajpeyi A. P. , Hausler I. , Neumann W. , Georgakilas A. , Dimitrakopulos G. P. , Komnninou Ph.
Published: March 2010

The mopholological, structural and chemical properties of InxGa1–xN nanopillars directly grown on Si (111) substrates, by molecular beam epitaxy, were investigated employing transmission electron microscopy related techniques. Single crystalline, single phase nanopillars were observed exhibiting a low density of crystal defects, which contribute to good crystal quality. Initial nanostructures merge through subgrain boundaries to form final nanopillars. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis revealed a very low InN mole fraction near the interface with the substrate, owing to high desorption rates from the elevated growth temperature, and gradually higher In incorporation rates near the tips of the nanopillars. This compositional fluctuation is maintained due to poor segregation of indium adatoms along the c‐axis of the nanopillars towards the Si interface. A second species of long and narrow nanopillars was found In‐free. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Meissner effect of superconducting InN
Authors: Inushima Takashi , Maude Duncan K. , Muto Daisuke , Nanishi Yasushi
Published: March 2010

We report on the BCS‐type superconductivity of InN. A sample with a carrier concentration ne of 7×1018cm–3 is found to become zero resistance at ∼0.8 K and show BCS type Meissner effect at 0.2 K onset. Though the vortex solid is melted by thermal fluctuation and by external magnetic field from ∼2.5 K, the occurrence of the Meissner phase is suppressed by localized carriers along [10$ \bar 1 $0], which changes the character of the superconductivity into BCS type and the coherent length becomes comparable to that of ideal metal In. A mechanism which causes superconductivity in InN is proposed on the basis of the residual carriers produced by the interaction among the second nearest neighbor In‐In atoms originating from In 4d and N 2s hybridization (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
TEM investigation of a processed InGaN based laser grown by PAMBE on bulk GaN substrate
Authors: Kret S. , Ivaldi F. , Żak M. , Feduniewicz‐Żmuda A. , Siekacz M. , Cywiński G. , Skierbiszewski C.
Published: March 2010

The structural investigation of the processed InGaN/GaN LDs and LEDs structures are performed by Transmission Electron Microscopy. A plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) process is used to fabricate laser structures on high pressure bulk GaN substrates. The indium composition inside the active multi quantum wells (MQW) region is measured by the analysis of the local lattice distortion using lattice fringes images. The characterization of different defects in the laser's structure is given in this paper. Defects, crossing the entire active region of the laser structure, have been detected. These defects can be related to the discontinuities of the Au/Ni contact. The local heating caused by the local non‐uniform current density can be the origin of these defects. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The microstructure and properties of InN layers
Authors: Ruterana P. , Syrkin A. L. , Monroy E. , Valcheva E. , Kirilov K.
Published: March 2010

A series of InN layers grown by different techniques has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy. The polarity is shown to be determined by the underlying GaN template. In these In polar layers, the c ‐screw dislocations density is low and that of a ‐type dislocations is in the high‐109 cm‐2 range. The dislocation density tends to decrease towards the surface. Along the first 0.5 μm, and particularly in the samples grown by hydride vapour epitaxy, we observe a large number of stacking faults, which probably contribute to the dislocation density reduction. The optical band gap in MBE and MOVPE samples is between 0.6 and 0.7 eV, but that of the HVPE templates is above 1 eV. Estimations from Raman data show that this behaviour correlates well with the residual carrier concentration. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quasi‐Biennial Modulation of the Southern Ocean Coherent Mode
Authors: Hibbert Angela , Leach Harry , Woodworth Philip , Hughes Chris W , Roussenov Vassil
Published: March 2010

Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis of two independent Southern Ocean sea‐level datasets for the period 1992–2002 shows that the coherent oceanic mode–a zonally symmetric counterpart to the atmospheric Southern Annular Mode (SAM)–consistently emerges as the predominant mode of variability and is revealed to be a reliable proxy for circumpolar transport upon subannual to interannual time‐scales. Cross‐validation of the coherent mode from each dataset and that of a global barotropic model demonstrates a high degree of correspondence between sea‐level observations and model estimations and also indicates that the coherent oceanic mode is largely barotropically driven upon subannual time‐scales, whilst baroclinic oceanic effects predominate at longer periods. Both the coherent mode and transport are shown to be modified by the stratospheric Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) and a mechanism is described by which QBO‐dependent planetary wave activity may be guided from the stratosphere towards the surface by high‐latitude easterly and westerly jets, inducing wind anomalies that force sea‐level variability through equatorward Ekman transport. A longer (18‐year) tide‐gauge record from the Vernadsky/Faraday station and a 22‐year time series of sea‐level estimations from an ocean general circulation model are used to show that QBO‐induced sea‐level and transport variability may be modulated upon longer time‐scales by a quasi‐decadal cycle of solar activity. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Dynamical derivation of Eyring equation and the second‐order kinetic law
Authors: Bonnet L. , Rayez J.‐C.
Published: March 2010

Elementary gas‐phase reactions of the bimolecular type A + B → Products are characterized by the second‐order kinetic law
$- {{d[{\rm A}]} \over {dt}} = k[{\rm A}][{\rm B}]$, where [A] and [B] are the concentrations of A and B species, t is the time, and k is the rate constant, usually estimated by means of Eyring equation. Here, we show that its dynamical derivation, as such, is not consistent with the second‐order law. This contradiction is however removed by introducing a correlation between what we call potentially reactive pairs. A new presentation of the dynamical derivation of Eyring equation is finally proposed on the basis of the previous findings. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 110:2355–2359, 2010
Interaction of atoms with graphenic‐type surfaces for the chemistry of the interstellar medium: New properties of H dimers on the surface
Authors: Teillet‐Billy D. , Rougeau N. , Ivanovskaya V. V. , Sidis V.
Published: March 2010

Following the works of Rougeau et al. (Chem Phys Lett 2006, 431,135) and Ferro et al. (Phys Rev B 2008, 78, 085417) on the one‐sided double chemisorption of H atoms on graphenic platelets, we investigate the two‐sided double chemisorption using DFT‐GGA PW91 calculations. Equilibrium characteristics and potential energy curves for chemisorption are reported for the ortho, meta, para, and bottom positions. Contrary to the one‐sided case, the two‐sided ortho chemisorption, as well as the bottom position, is barrier‐less, whereas the two‐sided para chemisorption exhibits an activation barrier. The highest occupied Kohn‐Sham orbital (HOKSO) of the H‐graphene radical is shown to signal the privileged barrier‐less double chemisorption sites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Climate records from corals
Authors: Lough Janice M.
Published: March 2010

Understanding the nature and causes of climate variability and change in the tropical oceans—the heat engine of the global climate system—is limited by the relatively short length of instrumental records. Certain massive reef‐building corals contain a wealth of historical proxy climate and environmental information locked in their calcium carbonate skeletons. This information is available from living corals that can be up to several hundred years old and from fossil corals, often well preserved after death, for well‐dated windows of the more distant past. Continuous, high‐resolution (annual to seasonal) information from such corals is provided by a range of measures that include growth characteristics which can document coral responses to unusual environmental conditions and various geochemical tracers whose incorporation into the skeleton is mediated by ambient seawater characteristics. The stable oxygen isotope ratio, δ18O, has been the most commonly measured coral environmental tracer and, although reflecting both sea surface temperature and seawater salinity, long records of this variable are providing new insights into interannual (e.g., El Niño‐Southern Oscillation), decadal, and longer time‐scale variability in the tropical oceans—information not accessible from the instrumental records—which complements other sources of high‐resolution proxy climate information (e.g., tree rings, ice cores, documentary records). The contribution of proxy climate records in corals to the global picture of past climates is being enhanced through efforts to reduce the various sources of uncertainty that can confound the interpretation of any source of proxy climate information. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Paleoclimate
A pseudoelastic model for mechanical twinning on the microscale
Authors: Glüge R. , Bertram A. , Böhlke T. , Specht E.
Published: March 2010

A pseudoelastic model for the simulation of deformation twinning on the microscale is develope and coupled with a crystal plasticity model for crystallographic slip. The material parameters are adopted to $\{10\bar 1 2\}\langle \bar 1 0 1 1 \rangle$ twinning and basal glide in a magnesium alloy. Special attention is drawn to the energy invariance of conjugate twin systems that emerges when twinning is treated elastically. The model is tested in three characteristic FE simulations, namely a simple shear test parallel and inclined to a twin system and an elongation test of a notched band. The slip‐twin interaction is studied, as well as the practical implications of the strain energy invariance. Some characteristics of twinning could be reproduced. The most important observations are that the load drop at the twin nucleation, the cusp shape of the twin tip in the absence of slip and the kink patterns that evolve in slip‐twin interaction could be simulated.
Complete allocation sampling: an efficient and easily implemented adaptive sampling design
Authors: Salehi Mohammad , Brown Jennifer A.
Published: March 2010

Adaptive sampling designs are becoming increasingly popular in environmental science, particularly for surveying rare and aggregated populations. An adaptive sample is one in which the survey design is modified, or adapted, in some way on the basis of information gained during the survey. There are many different adaptive survey designs that can be used to estimate animal and plant abundance. In adaptive cluster sampling, additional sample effort is allocated during the survey to the immediate neighborhood in which the species is found. In adaptive stratified sampling, additional sample effort is allocated during the survey to strata of high abundance. The appealing feature of these adaptive designs is that the field biologist gets to do what innately seems sensible when working with rare and aggregated populations—field effort is targeted around where the species is observed in the first wave of the survey. However, there are logistical challenges of applying this principle of targeted field effort while remaining in the framework of probability‐based sampling. We propose a simplified adaptive survey design that incorporates both targeting field effort and being logistically feasible. We show with a case study population of rockfish that complete allocation stratified sampling is a very efficient design.