bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurse‐Midwives in Federally Funded Health Centers: Understanding Federal Program Requirements and Benefits
Authors: Carter Martha
Published: July 2012

Midwives are working in federally funded health centers in increasing numbers. Health centers provide primary and preventive health care to almost 20 million people and are located in every US state and territory. While health centers serve the entire community, they also serve as a safety net for low‐income and uninsured individuals. In 2010, 93% of health center patients had incomes below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and 38% were uninsured. Health centers, including community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless programs, and public housing primary care programs, receive grant funding and enjoy other benefits due to status as federal grantees and designation as federally qualified health centers. Clinicians working in health centers are also eligible for financial and professional benefits because of their willingness to serve vulnerable populations and work in underserved areas. Midwives, midwifery students, and faculty working in, or interacting with, health centers need to be aware of the regulations that health centers must comply with in order to qualify for and maintain federal funding. This article provides an overview of health center regulations and policies affecting midwives, including health center program requirements, scope of project policy, provider credentialing and privileging, Federal Tort Claims Act malpractice coverage, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, and National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment programs.
Midwives and Liability: Results from the 2009 Nationwide Survey of Certified Nurse‐Midwives and Certified Midwives in the United States
Authors: Guidera Mamie , McCool William , Hanlon Alexandra , Schuiling Kerri , Smith Andrea
Published: July 2012

Introduction: In partnership with the American College of Nurse‐Midwives (ACNM), the authors conducted a survey of ACNM members to examine the incidence of lawsuit involvement, the outcomes of the litigation in which they were involved, and coping mechanisms among midwives who had been involved in a lawsuit.

Methods: In the spring of 2009, a nationwide Web‐based survey was completed by ACNM members. In addition to using chi‐square tests and nonparametric testing in data analysis, a logistic regression model was used to evaluate predictors of lawsuit involvement.

Results: Among 1340 midwives responding to the survey, 32% had been named in a lawsuit at least once. The median number of years in practice when the event leading to lawsuit occurred was 6. The majority of midwifery lawsuits involved hospital births and were settled prior to going to court. Three variables were statistically significant for involvement with litigation: the midwife's age, the number of births attended, and the ACNM region of practice in the United States.

Discussion: Lawsuits among midwives were significantly related to exposure to births over time. Practice patterns and job security were not greatly affected by the experience of a lawsuit. Future cyclic surveys are needed to track the frequency of litigation and the outcomes that lead to lawsuits and to better define the relationships between midwifery practice and medical malpractice litigation.
Correlation Between Grain Sizes and Electrical Properties of CaBi2Nb2O9 Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Chen Huanbei , Shen Bo , Xu Jinbao , Kong Lingbing , Zhai Jiwei
Published: July 2012

Calcium bismuth niobate (CaBi2Nb2O9, CBN) is a high Curie temperature (TC=930°C) ferroelectrics material and a promising candidate for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications. This study focuses on the effect of the grain size on the electric properties and thermal stability of CBN ceramics. The CBN ceramics with different grain sizes were prepared by three different sintering methods: normal sintering, two‐step sintering, and hot pressing sintering. Result shows that a strong dependence of piezoelectric properties on the grain size. The d33 of two‐step sintering samples with 1.4 μm grain size is 13.5 pC/N which is more than double of that the normal sintering sample with only about 6 pC/N. With the grain size increasing, the unit‐cell volume of CBN ceramic is expanded and the TC shift to higher temperature for enhanced stability of the orthorhombic structure. The thermal stability of piezoelectric properties is enhanced from room temperature to near Curie temperature when the grain size is larger than that of 4.3 μm. However, the thermal stability is decreased with decreasing of the grain size since internal stresses provide an additional driving force that assists the thermal depolarization.
Bakri balloon for the management of postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: AIBAR LAURA , AGUILAR MARIA TERESA , PUERTAS ALBERTO , VALVERDE MERCEDES
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Bakri balloon in treating postpartum hemorrhage refractory to medical treatment. This retrospective study included 24 women with postpartum hemorrhage treated with a Bakri balloon as a conservative therapeutic option. The Bakri balloon was successful in controlling hemorrhage in 87.5% of the women. It was effective in all women with vaginal delivery (five of five) and in all women with uterine atony who did not respond to medical uterotonic treatment (eight of eight). Its ease of use and high effectiveness make the Bakri balloon a useful approach for the conservative management of acute postpartum hemorrhage. This device reduces bleeding, shortens the hospital stay and avoids the need for more aggressive procedures.
Effects on bone mineral density of a monophasic combined oral contraceptive containing nomegestrol acetate/17β‐estradiol in comparison to levonorgestrel/ethinylestradiol
Authors: SØRDAL TERJE , GROB PAUL , VERHOEVEN CAROLE
Published: July 2012

Objective. To compare the effects of a monophasic combined oral contraceptive containing nomegestrol acetate/17β‐estradiol (NOMAC/E2) on bone mineral density with a combined oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel/ethinylestradiol (LNG/EE). Design. Prospective, randomized, open‐label, comparative clinical study. Setting. Gynecology center in Norway. Population. One hundred and ten women (20–35 years old) actively seeking contraception. Methods. For 26 consecutive 28‐day cycles, women received one of the following two treatments: NOMAC/E2 (2.5 mg/1.5 mg) in a 24/4‐day regimen (n= 56); or LNG/EE (150 μg/30 μg) in a 21/7‐day regimen (n= 54). Main outcome measures. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, hip and trochanter (measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry); associated z‐scores of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Results. In NOMAC/E2 users, mean (±SD) z‐score change from baseline for lumbar spine and femoral neck were 0.019 ± 0.242 and −0.007 ± 0.228, respectively, vs. 0.121 ± 0.269 and 0.044 ± 0.253 in LNG/EE users, respectively. Differences between treatment groups were not significant (p= 0.19 and p= 0.57, respectively). There were no significant differences between changes in hip and trochanter z‐scores between NOMAC/E2 and LNG/EE treatments. Conclusions. After two years, NOMAC/E2 had no clinically relevant effect on bone mineral density. No significant difference in the effect on bone mineral density between NOMAC/E2 and LNG/EE was observed.
Melatonin‐rich transgenic rice plants exhibit resistance to herbicide‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Park Sangkyu , Lee Da‐Eun , Jang Hyunki , Byeon Yeong , Kim Young‐Soon , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: July 2012

To examine whether melatonin‐rich plants can defend against oxidative stress, we subjected melatonin‐rich transgenic (MRT) rice plants to the singlet‐oxygen‐generating herbicide butafenacil. Both MRT and transgenic control (TC; expressing the vector only) rice seeds germinated and grew equally well in continuous dark on half‐strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.1 μm butafenacil. However, after transferring the seedlings to light, the TCs rapidly necrotized, whereas the MRT seedlings showed resistant phenotypes. Seven‐day‐old MRT seedlings treated with 0.1 μm butafenacil were resistant to the herbicide and contained high chlorophyll levels and low malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents compared with the TCs. As they did before the herbicide treatment, the MRT plants also produced much more melatonin after the herbicide treatment than the TCs. In addition, the MRT plants exhibited higher superoxide dismutase and catalase activities before and after the herbicide treatment compared with the TCs. This is the first report showing that MRT plants exhibit resistance against a peroxidizing herbicide that acts by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill plants. This result indicates that melatonin scavenges ROS efficiently in vivo in the transgenic plants, leading to oxidative stress resistance.
Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of facial wrinkles – searching for optimal treatment parameters in a randomized study in the split‐face design
Authors: Peukert Nadine , Bayer Johannes , Becke Dorothe , Zurakowski David , Luger Thomas , Manstein Dieter , Laubach Hans Joachim
Published: July 2012

Background: Fractionated photothermolysis (FP) is used for the treatment of facial wrinkles.

Objectives: Investigation of effects of different FP treatment parameters in the treatment of facial wrinkles.

Patients and methods: In a randomized split‐face controlled study 11 patients received 3 FP sessions in 4‐week intervals. Keeping the total energy input for each facial side constant, one side was treated with 6 mJ/MTZ with relatively high MTZ density (up to 2,625 MTZ/cm2) and the contralateral side with 70 mJ/MTZ with lower MTZ density (up to 230 MTZ/cm2). Follow‐up (FU) visits were performed 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. The cosmetic evaluation was done by the patient self‐assessments and by assessment of standardized photographs by 3 independent, blinded investigators. Post‐treatment side effects were documented daily in a patient diary up to 7 days after the procedure.

Results: After 6 months, the patient self‐assessments indicated significant improvements (p < 0.005) in wrinkle severity from 5.2 ± 1.5 to 3.8 ± 1.3 and 3.7 ± 1.3 for 6 and 70 mJ/MTZ, respectively, but without significant difference between the energy levels. In contrast, the photographic evaluation by the blinded investigators showed that wrinkle severity was rated significantly better at the sites treated with 70 mJ/MTZ than at the sites treated with 6 mJ/MTZ (p < 0.01). Treatment with 70 mJ/MTZ was significantly more painful than treatment with 6 mJ/MTZ. The typical local reactions to FP, erythema and edema, were also significantly more intense after 70 mJ/MTZ and lasted longer.

Conclusions: FP with higher energy per MTZ at constant total energy input is more effective in the treatment of facial wrinkles than lower energy. The gain in effectiveness is, nonetheless, accompanied by an increase in adverse reactions. The treating physician may use this information to adjust treatment to the preferences of the individual patient.
The Influence of Initial Soft Tissue Thickness on Peri‐Implant Bone Remodeling
Authors: Vervaeke Stijn , Dierens Melissa , Besseler Jos , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: July 2012

Aim

To elucidate the influence of initial soft tissue thickness on peri‐implant bone remodeling. The research hypothesis was that implants installed in patients or at sites with thin mucosal tissues would show increased peri‐implant bone loss.

Material and Methods

79 edentulous patients were consecutively treated with two non‐splinted implants supporting an overdenture in the mandible. During recall‐visits, peri‐implant health was determined by means of probing pocket depth and the modified plaque/bleeding index. Digital peri‐apical radiographs were taken from individual implants. Bone level changes were measured from a reference point (lower border of the smooth implant collar) to the marginal bone‐to‐implant contact level. The linear mixed‐effect model analysis was adopted to analyze the influence of clinical parameters and transmucosal abutment height on peri‐implant bone loss.

Results

67 patients attended the 1‐year and 66 the 2‐year recall‐visit. Mean bone level changes were 0.89 mm (SD 0.62) and 0.90 mm (SD 0.66), plaque scores 0.82 (SD 0.94) and 0.87 (SD 0.92), bleeding scores 0.46 (SD 0.68) and 0.56 (SD 0.72) and PPD 1.65 mm (SD 0.60) and 1.78 mm (SD 0.59) after 1 year and 2 years respectively. The linear mixed‐effect model revealed increasing bone level changes with decreasing abutment heights. Peri‐implant bone level changes were significantly higher for implants with abutments of <2 mm (1.17 mm, p < .01; 1.23 mm, p < .01), 2 mm (0.86 mm, p < .01; 1.03 mm, p < .01) or 3 mm (0.38 mm, p = .046; 0.41 mm, p = .044) compared to ≥4 mm‐abutments (bone level changes set to zero as reference value) both after 1 year and 2 years and bone level changes were significantly influenced by probing pocket depth (p < .01, p < .01), but not by plaque (p = .31, p = .09) and bleeding scores (p = .30, p = .40).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that implants with lower abutments, reflecting the initial gingival thickness, lose more peri‐implant bone, possibly by a re‐establishment of the biological width.
Effects of long‐term in vitro exposure of ejaculated boar sperm to zearalenone and α‐zearalenol in sperm liquid storage medium
Authors: SAMBUU Rentsenkhand , TAKAGI Mitsuhiro , NAMULA Zhao , NII Masahiro , TANIGUCHI Masayasu , UNO Seiich , KOKUSHI Emiko , TSHERING Chenga , SANTOS Regiane Rodrigues dos , FINK‐GREMMELS Johanna , OTOI Takeshige
Published: July 2012

The effects of in vitro exposure of porcine spermatozoa to zearalenone (ZEN) and α‐zearalenol (α‐ZOL) were studied by evaluating several parameters of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) system. For this purpose, boar spermatozoa cultured with semen storage medium containing 0 (control), 10 and 1000 µg/L of ZEN and α‐ZOL for 1 week at 5°C were used for IVF of in vitro matured oocytes. Overall, there were no significant differences in the rates of total penetration, monospermic fertilization, and polyspermic fertilization of oocytes inseminated with spermatozoa from the different groups. Similarly, ZEN and α‐ZOL at 10 and 1000 µg/L did not have detrimental effects on the cleavage and development to blastocysts of oocytes after in vitro fertilization. Although the motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity of spermatozoa significantly decreased after 3 weeks of storage compared to non‐stored spermatozoa (P < 0.05), ZEN and α‐ZOL at the evaluated concentrations did not exert detrimental effects on the above parameters, even after 3 weeks of storage. These results indicate that prolonged exposure of boar spermatozoa to ZEN and α‐ZOL up to 1000 µg/L under reduced metabolic conditions does not affect their in vitro function.
New strategies of boar sperm cryopreservation: Development of novel freezing and thawing methods with a focus on the roles of seminal plasma
Authors: OKAZAKI Tetsuji , SHIMADA Masayuki
Published: July 2012

Cryopreservation of boar spermatozoa offers an effective means of long‐term storage of important genetic material. Many researchers have investigated how to improve reproductive performance by artificial insemination (AI) using cryopreserved boar spermatozoa. Recently, we and other groups reported that high conception rates (70–80%) can be achieved by AI with frozen‐thawed boar spermatozoa using a modified temperature program during freezing, or a novel cryopreservation extender to improve sperm quality (including sperm survivability, motility, membrane status and fertilization ability) after thawing, or a novel sperm infusion method, deep intra uterine insemination. However, these techniques have not yet been used for commercial pig production. The variation in sperm freezability among boars or among ejaculations in an identical boar is one of the main reasons for this problem. In our previous study, it was revealed that some components of seminal plasma have a negative effect on the freezability of boar sperm. One of these factors is bacteria‐released endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide: LPS). LPS binds to Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4) expressed on the sperm surface, resulting in induction of apoptosis. On the other hand, seminal plasma suppresses cryo‐capacitation induced by thawing stress. On the basis of these findings, we designed a novel protocol of AI using frozen‐thawed boar sperm.
Carnivore mollusks as natural enemies of invasive land flatworms
Authors: Lemos V.S. , Canello R. , Leal‐Zanchet A.M.
Published: July 2012

There are several records of the carnivorous behaviour of land flatworms, considered to be top‐predators in their micro‐habitats, by preying upon various species of invertebrates. However, there is little knowledge of predators on land‐flatworms. The possible impact of invasive land flatworms on prey populations has caused widespread concern, when considering their predatory behaviour, combined with recent human influence on the distribution of certain species. This work is the first record of predation on land flatworms by a carnivorous snail. Various‐sized land flatworms of 10 native species of the subfamily Geoplaninae, as well as the exotic speciesBipalium kewense(subfamily Bipaliinae), were offered toRectartemon depressus(Gastropoda, Streptaxidae), which accepted all. The predator also fed on the snailBradybaena similaris. The snails were maintained in laboratory for an average period of 12 months based on a mixed diet of flatworms andB. similaris, suggesting that the snail is a polyphagous predator. Because certain land‐flatworm species have been described as invasive species which may have a potential impact on prey populations in native and man‐made ecosystems, it is proposed that carnivorous snails of other native species, as potential predators of flatworms, should be tested for possible use in biological control programmes of these invasive planarians.
Non‐pollinating Fig Wasps Decrease Pollinator and Seed Production in Ficus andicola (Moraceae)
Authors: Cardona William , Kattan Gustavo , de Ulloa Patricia Chacón
Published: July 2012

Fig trees (
Ficus spp.) and Agaonine fig‐wasps participate in an obligate mutualism. Fig wasps can only develop within fig inflorescences (syconia) and they are the only organisms capable of pollinating fig flowers. Other non‐pollinating wasps that lay eggs by inserting their ovipositors from the outside can also develop in syconia. These parasitic wasps may be parasitoids of either pollinating or other non‐pollinating wasps, or form galls in fig flowers or other tissues. Depending on this interaction, parasitic wasps may have various effects on the production of pollinating wasps and seeds. Wasps in the genus
Idarnes, which parasitize New World figs (subgenus
Urostigma), have an effect on wasp production but not on seed production.
Heterandrium spp., which have short ovipositors and lay on external flowers, are infrequent and no effect on seed production has been documented. In the Colombian Andes,
Idarnes spp. and
Heterandrium spp. are the most frequent parasites of the
Ficus andicola —
Pegoscapus sp. mutualism, affecting 62 and 43 percent of syconia, respectively. Controlling for other factors that influence wasp and seed production, such as number of foundresses, syconium size and tree, we found that
Idarnes reduced pollinator production by almost half but did not reduce seed production, whereas
Heterandrium reduced seed production by 40 percent, and marginally affected pollinator production. Our results provide the first clear documentation of
Heterandrium spp. impact on fig seed production. Whether the relative abundance of this genus is a generalized phenomenon in montane forest remains to be determined.
Determining the Hubble constant using giant extragalactic H ii regions and H ii galaxies
Authors: Chávez Ricardo , Terlevich Elena , Terlevich Roberto , Plionis Manolis , Bresolin Fabio , Basilakos Spyros , Melnick Jorge
Published: July 2012

We report the first results of a long-term programme aiming to provide accurate independent estimates of the Hubble constant (H0) using the L(Hβ)-σ distance estimator for giant extragalactic H ii regions (GEHR) and H ii galaxies.

We have used Very Large Telescope and Subaru high-dispersion spectroscopic observations of a local sample of H ii galaxies, identified in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 (SDSS DR7) catalogue in order to redefine and improve the L(Hβ)-σ distance indicator and to determine the Hubble constant. To this end, we utilized as local calibration or ‘anchor’ of this correlation GEHR in nearby galaxies which have accurate distance measurements determined via primary indicators. Using our best sample of 69 nearby H ii galaxies and 23 GEHR in nine galaxies, we obtain H0 = 74.3 ± 3.1 (statistical) ± 2.9 (systematic) km s−1 Mpc−1, in excellent agreement with, and independently confirming, the most recent Type Ia supernovae based results.
Evaluation of alginate as a substitute for root‐surrounding tissues in electronic root canal measurements
Authors: Lipski Mariusz , Trąbska‐Świstelnicka Marlena , Woźniak Krzysztof , Dembowska Elżbieta , Droździk Agnieszka
Published: July 2012

Alginate as a substitute for root‐surrounding tissue was investigated. The electronic working lengths of root canals under clinical conditions were compared with an in vitro simulation of the same teeth extracted and embedded in alginate. The working lengths in 26 teeth were determined on two occasions using an electronic apex locator, before extraction and after extraction with the same teeth embedded in an alginate mass. The apical 4 mm of the root canals were exposed following the measurements, and the distances between the apical constrictions and the tips of files repositioned in the canals were measured and recorded. The mean distance between the file tip and the constriction was +0.33 mm (±0.38) in vivo and +0.32 mm (±0.30) in vitro. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test indicated that these means were not significantly different. The apical constriction was assessed to be within the limits of 0.5 mm in 80.7% of in vivo cases and in 76.9% of extracted teeth. Statistical analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the results recorded in vivo and in vitro regarding apical constriction localisation. Based on the results of this study, the alginate mass is a useful tool in evaluating the performance of electronic apex locators.
Developing a new method for spatial assessment of drought vulnerability (case study: Zayandeh‐Rood river basin in Iran)
Authors: Babaei Hamid , Araghinejad Shahab , Hoorfar Abdolhossein
Published: July 2012

The paper presents an approach to spatially representative depiction for assessing the vulnerability of central Iran's Zayandeh‐Rood river basin to drought using multiple indicators. Drought conditions prevailed in the study basin from 2002 to 2007, with an annual rainfall deficiency of 45 to 55%. Multi‐attribute decision making (MADM) methods develop a framework to evaluate the relative priorities of drought assessment based on a set of preferences, criteria and indicators. The proposed MADM process uses well‐known techniques for product weights analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and order preference (TOPSIS). These indicators include the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), water demand, the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and the Groundwater Balance and Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI). Indicators' spatial information was categorised in layers prepared in the spatial domain using a geographic information system (GIS). The alternatives were ranked and presented using TOPSIS. Results show that the proposed method was highly effective in representing assessments of drought vulnerability.
Seasonal abundance and adult survival of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a community that cooperatively forages with fishermen in southern Brazil
Authors: Daura‐Jorge Fábio G. , Ingram Simon N. , Simões‐Lopes Paulo C.
Published: July 2012

Abstract

A subgroup of a population of Tursiops truncatus in southern Brazil is known for a cooperative behavior with artisanal fishermen whereby the dolphins shoal fish towards net‐casting fishermen. Combining photo‐identification data collected between September 2007 and 2009 with mark‐recapture and Pollock's robust design models, we assessed abundance within seasons and survival and temporary emigration rates of dolphins between seasons. We also reanalyzed a previous data set collected during 1989–1991, and Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber models were applied to estimate survival rates for each of the study periods. The abundance of marked “cooperative” dolphins varied between seasons from 18 (CI: 17–24) to 21 (CI: 20–24). The total abundance varied from 59 in the winter of 2008 (CI: 49–72) to 50 in the autumn of 2009 (CI: 40–62). The annual adult survival was estimated to be 0.917 (CI: 0.876–0.961), close to that estimated from data collected in the 1990s (0.941; CI: 0.888–0.998). The emigration probability was low (0.031; CI: 0.011–0.084) and different capture probabilities between the “cooperative” and “noncooperative” dolphins indicated a degree of behavioral segregation. The precision of our estimates is likely to provide sufficient power to detect population change, but we recommend a precautionary management approach to protect this vulnerable dolphin community and its unique cooperative feeding tradition.
Public Sector Labour Geographies and the Contradictions of State Employment
Authors: Jordhus‐Lier David C.
Published: July 2012

This article reviews how workers employed by the state are understood by economic and political geographers. To fully understand the politics of work in this sector, one must acknowledge how states perform different roles vis‐à‐vis workers: as a service delivery authority, regulatory body, democratic institution and, for public sector workers, as an employer and boss. The article asks how organised labour engages with the state across different political scales and in different geographical contexts. Public sector workers shape neoliberal restructuring through political contestation, not least at the level of local government. However, restructuring processes also erode the boundaries of the sector itself, thus questioning the basis for sector‐based unionism.
The Role of the University as an Agent of Regional Economic Development
Authors: Bagchi‐Sen Sharmistha , Smith Helen Lawton
Published: July 2012

Universities are commonly seen by policy makers as being key actors in the knowledge‐based economy. In the United States, universities, but particularly research universities, have been the focus of many studies which have sought to document and explain the commercial impact of university‐based research on regional economies. For example, studies have analyzed the extent and outcomes of academic entrepreneurship and of university‐industry collaborations. The focus of this paper is to review this literature with a specific focus on contradictory and inconclusive results. Data for these studies are obtained from a number of sources such as self‐administered surveys, patent office, the National Science Foundation and the Association of University Technology Managers. This paper reviews the literature and highlights the variety of conceptual frameworks, data, and methodology used. It has a specific focus on assessing impact over time as well the difficulty in generalizing the result obtained from one study to another context. In spite of these problems, the evidence from a broad range and increasing volume of literature on trends and characteristics of academic entrepreneurship and university‐industry collaborations shows that universities indisputably play a major role in their regions.
Northern Hemisphere Climate Variability: Character, Forcing Mechanisms, and Significance of the North Atlantic/Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Budikova Dagmar
Published: July 2012

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has long been recognized as an important source of climate variability over the north Atlantic region. The NAO is often referred to as the regional expression of the Arctic Oscillation that reflects a redistribution of atmospheric mass between the Arctic and the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere (NH). This review highlights our current understanding of these prominent teleconnection patterns and discusses outstanding questions and challenges that scientists face as they continue to build our knowledge of climate variability and change across the NH. The work discusses the strengths and limitations of the multitude of methods by which these phenomena have been defined, while highlighting recent changes in their character. Addressed also are the various internal and external forcing mechanisms that shape these phenomena and ultimately help define their predictive nature.
Comparison of Two Noninvasive Devices for Measurement of Central Systolic Blood Pressure With Invasive Measurement During Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Ott Christian , Haetinger Siegberto , Schneider Markus P. , Pauschinger Matthias , Schmieder Roland E.
Published: July 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:575–579. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Recently, a new device for noninvasive assessment of central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) (BPro device with A‐Pulse) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but available data are limited. In 52 patients undergoing invasive elective cardiac evaluation, central hemodynamics were measured invasively. Immediately thereafter, radial artery waveforms were sampled by two noninvasive techniques, the BPro and, as a comparator, the SphygmoCor System. Then, central hemodynamics were measured invasively for a second time. The invasively recorded cSBP (137±27 mm Hg) did not differ with both noninvasively assessed cSBP by BPro (136±21 mm Hg, P=.627 vs invasive cSBP) and by SphygmoCor (136 ± 23 mm Hg, P=.694 vs invasive cSBP) and correlated highly between invasively recorded and both noninvasively assessed cSBP. However, using Bland‐Altman plots, spreading of compared data of both devices can be found (BPro: 0.87±13 mm Hg vs invasive cSBP; SphygmoCor: 0.77±14 mm Hg vs invasive cSBP). There was an excellent correlation of both noninvasive devices for the calculation of cSBP (r=0.961, P<.001). cSBP differed by only 0.1±6 mm Hg (P=.913) between the two noninvasive devices. Therefore, both noninvasive devices showed an accurate agreement in cSBP compared with invasively measured cSBP.
Early intervention in eating disorders: a parent group approach
Authors: Nicholls Dasha E. , Yi Irene
Published: July 2012

Aim: Early intervention in eating disorders (EDs) has been a neglected area. Peak onset is in adolescence, suggesting that early intervention should include parents. We synthesize findings from five key theoretical domains, and present pilot data from a phase‐specific early intervention for new onset EDs in young people.

Methods: From literature searches, we reviewed current knowledge on risk factors for EDs; ED prevention in young people; the evidence base for treatment for young people with EDs; early intervention in other mental health fields; and parenting interventions. Based on these findings, we devised and piloted a parent group intervention.

Results: Presenting features are typically parental concern about changes in eating behaviour and/or weight loss. There is a delay between symptom onset and help seeking, by which time the illness is well established. Early intervention should therefore target parents and be delivered at secondary rather than primary care. Effective treatments favour family‐focused interventions with parental responsibility for symptom management. We hypothesized that a parents' group might be effective for addressing the specific emotional experience of parents in the early stages and their relative lack of knowledge and understanding. Pilot data show significant improvements in knowledge, skills, confidence, understanding and their child's adherence to meal plans as a result of a 6‐week parent group intervention.

Conclusion: A parent group intervention addressing themes identified from risk factor, prevention and treatment research is a potentially promising approach to early intervention for EDs. The impact of the intervention on patient outcome needs evaluation.
Biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Herbst Ronald , Liu Zheng , Jallal Bahija , Yao Yihong
Published: July 2012

In recent years, biomarkers have shown significant promise in helping decision‐making in drug development. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complicated and highly heterogeneous disease that involves all organs. Only one drug, belimumab, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat SLE during the last 50 years and there remains a high unmet medical need to develop new and effective therapies to benefit different patient populations in SLE. Due to the extreme heterogeneity of the disease and the complex and rigorous process to validate individual biomarkers, there is currently a very limited number of consensus biomarkers to aid the treatment decision‐making in SLE. This review provides a snapshot of some biomarkers in the field that have the potential to make a big impact on drug development and/or treatment decisions by physicians. These include: type I interferon (IFN) gene signature as a pharmacodynamic marker and potential predictive marker for anti‐type I IFN therapy; anti‐double stranded DNA as a disease marker and potential predictive marker for flares; the complements and neutrophil signatures as disease marker of SLE; and TWEAK (a tumor necrosis factor family member produced by macrophages) and MCP‐1 as potential markers to predict renal flares. Most of these markers need carefully planned and prospective studies with high statistical power to confirm their respective utilities. With the development and application of powerful new technologies, more successful biomarkers will emerge in SLE. This could improve the management of patients in the clinic and facilitate the development of novel and more effective therapeutics for this difficult‐to‐treat disease.
Eroding the Boundaries of Cognition: Implications of Embodiment1
Authors: Anderson Michael L. , Richardson Michael J. , Chemero Anthony
Published: July 2012

To accept that cognition is embodied is to question many of the beliefs traditionally held by cognitive scientists. One key question regards the localization of cognitive faculties. Here we argue that for cognition to be embodied and sometimes embedded, means that the cognitive faculty cannot be localized in a brain area alone. We review recent research on neural reuse, the 1/f structure of human activity, tool use, group cognition, and social coordination dynamics that we believe demonstrates how the boundary between the different areas of the brain, the brain and body, and the body and environment is not only blurred but indeterminate. In turn, we propose that cognition is supported by a nested structure of task‐specific synergies, which are softly assembled from a variety of neural, bodily, and environmental components (including other individuals), and exhibit interaction dominant dynamics.
Formation of the first oxidized iron in the solar system
Authors: GROSSMAN Lawrence , FEDKIN Alexei V. , SIMON Steven B.
Published: July 2012

Abstract–

For fayalite formation times of several thousand years, and systems enriched in water by a factor of ten relative to solar composition, 1 μm radius olivine grains could reach 2 mole% fayalite and 0.1 μm grains 5 mole% by nebular condensation, well short of the values appropriate for precursors of most chondrules and the values found in the matrices of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. Even 10 μm olivine crystals could reach 30 mole% fayalite above 1100 K in solar gas if condensation of metallic nickel‐iron were delayed sufficiently by supersaturation. Consideration of the surface tensions of several phases with equilibrium condensation temperatures above that of metallic iron shows that, even if they were supersaturated, they would still nucleate homogeneously above the equilibrium condensation temperature of metallic iron. This phenomenon would have provided nuclei for heterogeneous nucleation of metallic nickel‐iron, thus preventing the latter from supersaturating significantly and preventing olivine from becoming fayalitic. Unless a way is found to make nebular regions far more oxidizing than in existing models, it is unlikely that chondrule precursors or the matrix olivine grains of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites obtained their fayalite contents by condensation processes. Perhaps stabilization of FeO occurred after condensation of water ice and accretion of icy planetesimals, during heating of the planetesimals and/or in hot, dense, water‐rich vapor plumes generated by impacts on them. This would imply that FeO is a relatively young feature of nebular materials.
Reciprocity-Based Singular Value Decomposition for Inverse Kinematic Analysis of the Metamorphic Multifingered Hand
Authors: Cui Lei , Dai Jian S.
Published: July 2012

With a new type of multifingered hands that raise a new philosophy in the construction and study of a multifingered hand, this paper is a follow-on study of the kinematics of the metamorphic multifingered hand based on finger constraint equations. The finger constraint equations lead to a comprehensive mathematical model of the hand with a reconfigurable palm which integrates all finger motions with the additional palm motion. Singular values of the partitioned Jacobian matrix in their analytical form are derived and applied to obtaining analytical solution to inverse kinematics of a complete robotic hand. The paper for the first time solves this integrated motion and the multifingered hand model with the singular value decomposition and extra degrees of freedom are examined with the singular value analysis to avoid the singularities. The work identifies finger displacement and velocity with effect from the articulated palm and presents a new way of analyzing a multifingered robotic hand.
A Redundantly Actuated 2-Degrees-of-Freedom Mini Pointing Device
Authors: Palpacelli Matteo-Claudio , Palmieri Giacomo , Callegari Massimo
Published: July 2012

This article presents the concept of a novel parallel kinematics manipulator (PKM) designed for miniature scale applications. A flexible universal joint made of superelastic material provides the device two rotational degrees of freedom, which are redundantly driven by three linear actuators that push against the mobile platform with a sphere-plane unilateral constraint. The kinematic and structural behavior of the flexible joint and the overall kinetostatic performance of the manipulator are investigated. Eventually a preliminary design is proposed, aimed at creating a physical prototype of the machine.
Si delta doping inside InAs/GaAs quantum dots with different doping densities
Authors: Wang Ke-Fan , Gu Yongxian , Yang Xiaoguang , Yang Tao , Wang Zhanguo
Published: July 2012

During the growth process of InAs/GaAs self-assembled quantum dots (QDs), Si delta doping with different doping densities was carried out during initial QD formation. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals that this Si doping affects the QD morphology only slightly. Conductive AFM measurements show that the current on the surface QDs increases at low doping densities, but decreases unexpectedly at high doping densities. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurements show that an optimized Si doping density (5 × 1011 cm−2) improves the PL thermal stability for an intermediate temperature range from 125 to 225 K and enhances the PL intensity up to 35 times at room temperature. These results indicate that the Si doping density plays a key role in the electrical and optical properties of InAs QDs.
Low cost cryogenic high vacuum sample holder for in-plane magneto-transport studies
Authors: Abel Joseph , Matsubayashi Akitomo , LaBella Vincent P.
Published: July 2012

A custom sample holder is integrated into a commercially available cryostat that allows for mounting of the sample perpendicular to the standard mounting position. This is enables measurements to be performed with a magnetic field oriented in the plane of the sample, expanding the capabilities of the instrument. A cobalt/aluminum oxide/cobalt spin valve is utilized to demonstrate the functionality of the sample holder.
Smart-cut layer transfer of single-crystal SiC using spin-on-glass
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyung , Bargatin Igor , Park Joonsuk , Milaninia Kaveh M. , Theogarajan Luke S. , Sinclair Robert , Howe Roger T.
Published: July 2012

The authors demonstrate “smart-cut”-type layer transfer of single-crystal silicon carbide (SiC) by using spin-on-glass (SoG) as an adhesion layer. Using SoG as an adhesion layer is desirable because it can planarize the surface, facilitate an initial low temperature bond, and withstand the thermal stresses at high temperature where layer splitting occurs (800–900 °C). With SoG, the bonding of wafers with a relatively large surface roughness of 7.5–12.5 Å rms can be achieved. This compares favorably to direct (fusion) wafer bonding, which usually requires extremely low roughness (<2 Å rms), typically achieved using chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) after implantation. The higher roughness tolerance of the SoG layer transfer removes the need for the CMP step, making the process more reliable and affordable for expensive materials like SiC. To demonstrate the reliability of the smart-cut layer transfer using SoG, we successfully fabricated a number of suspended MEMS structures using this technology.
Diversity combining for long-range acoustic communication in deep water
Authors: Song H. C. , Hodgkiss W. S.
Published: July 2012

A recent experiment showed that coherent long-range acoustic communication is feasible in deep water over a ∼550 km range between a source towed slowly at ∼75 m depth and a horizontal line array towed at 3.5 knots at ∼200 m depth. This letter further demonstrates that diversity combining mitigates channel fading and increases the output signal-to-noise ratio. Using sparse channel-estimate-based equalization, three transmissions are combined successfully to decode a 40 Hz bandwidth (230–270 Hz) 8 phase-shift-keying communication signal, achieving an effective data rate of 17 bits/s at ∼550 km range.
Effects of word frequency, contextual diversity, and semantic distinctiveness on spoken word recognition
Authors: Johns Brendan T. , Gruenenfelder Thomas M. , Pisoni David B. , Jones Michael N.
Published: July 2012

The relative abilities of word frequency, contextual diversity, and semantic distinctiveness to predict accuracy of spoken word recognition in noise were compared using two data sets. Word frequency is the number of times a word appears in a corpus of text. Contextual diversity is the number of different documents in which the word appears in that corpus. Semantic distinctiveness takes into account the number of different semantic contexts in which the word appears. Semantic distinctiveness and contextual diversity were both able to explain variance above and beyond that explained by word frequency, which by itself explained little unique variance.
From Free to Free Market: Cost Recovery in Federally Funded Clinical Research
Authors: McCammon Margaret G. , Fogg Thomas T. , Jacobsen Lynda , Roache John , Sampson Royce , Bower Cynthia L.
Published: July 2012

Hybrid academic-business models are evolving in CTSA clinical research units.
Ultrasensitive Clinical Enumeration of Rare Cells ex Vivo Using a Micro-Hall Detector
Authors: Issadore David , Chung Jaehoon , Shao Huilin , Liong Monty , Ghazani Arezou A. , Castro Cesar M. , Weissleder Ralph , Lee Hakho
Published: July 2012

A hybrid microfluidic/semiconductor chip analyzes single, immunomagnetically tagged ovarian cancer cells in unprocessed biological samples.
Targeted Expression of Mutated ALK Induces Neuroblastoma in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Heukamp Lukas C. , Thor Theresa , Schramm Alexander , De Preter Katleen , Kumps Candy , De Wilde Bram , Odersky Andrea , Peifer Martin , Lindner Sven , Spruessel Annika , Pattyn Filip , Mestdagh Pieter , Menten Björn , Kuhfittig-Kulle Steffi , Künkele Annette , König Katharina , Meder Lydia , Chatterjee Sampurna , Ullrich Roland T. , Schulte Stefanie , Vandesompele Jo , Speleman Frank , Büttner Reinhard , Eggert Angelika , Schulte Johannes H.
Published: July 2012

ALK inhibitors induce complete tumor regression in a mouse model of ALK-driven neuroblastoma.
Pharmacological Rescue of Mitochondrial Deficits in iPSC-Derived Neural Cells from Patients with Familial Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Cooper Oliver , Seo Hyemyung , Andrabi Shaida , Guardia-Laguarta Cristina , Graziotto John , Sundberg Maria , McLean Jesse R. , Carrillo-Reid Luis , Xie Zhong , Osborn Teresia , Hargus Gunnar , Deleidi Michela , Lawson Tristan , Bogetofte Helle , Perez-Torres Eduardo , Clark Lorraine , Moskowitz Carol , Mazzulli Joseph , Chen Li , Volpicelli-Daley Laura , Romero Norma , Jiang Houbo , Uitti Ryan J. , Huang Zhigao , Opala Grzegorz , Scarffe Leslie A. , Dawson Valina L. , Klein Christine , Feng Jian , Ross Owen A. , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Virginia M.-Y. , Marder Karen , Surmeier D. James , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Przedborski Serge , Krainc Dimitri , Dawson Ted M. , Isacson Ole
Published: July 2012

Neural cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with genetic forms of Parkinson’s disease provide insights into disease pathogenesis.
Circulating Tumor Cells: Getting More from Less
Authors: Lang Joshua M. , Casavant Benjamin P. , Beebe David J.
Published: July 2012

Continued technologic innovation may soon permit the interrogation of rare circulating tumor cells to understand tumor biology, guide drug development, and personalize treatment for cancer patients.
You Are What and When You Eat
Authors: Nakamura Takahisa
Published: July 2012

Time-restricted feeding without reducing caloric intake prevents metabolic disease in mice fed a high-fat diet.
Antibodies Stop Secretion of Antibodies in Lupus
Authors: Methe Heiko
Published: July 2012

Serum from patients with lupus induces development of dendritic cells that promote B cell responses, including autoantibody secretion.
The Big Picture
Authors: Singh Manpreet K.
Published: July 2012

A new method helps to discover new genes that affect brain integrity.
Getting the Yin Without the Yang with Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Tanhehco Yvette
Published: July 2012

A PAR1 pepducin inhibitor prevents arterial thrombosis, but not coagulation, during coronary interventions.
Microbiota and Immune Cells: Friends with Benefits
Authors: Yipp Bryan G.
Published: July 2012

Host-microbial mutualism between gut immune cells and species-specific microbes has developed in mammals and is essential for normal gut immunity.
The Cryptococcus neoformans Capsule: a Sword and a Shield
Authors: O'Meara Teresa R. , Alspaugh J. Andrew
Published: July 2012

The human fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
is characterized by its ability to induce a distinct polysaccharide capsule in response to a number of host-specific environmental stimuli. The induction of capsule is a complex biological process encompassing regulation at multiple steps, including the biosynthesis, transport, and maintenance of the polysaccharide at the cell surface. By precisely regulating the composition of its cell surface and secreted polysaccharides,
C. neoformans
has developed intricate ways to establish chronic infection and dormancy in the human host. The plasticity of the capsule structure in response to various host conditions also underscores the complex relationship between host and parasite. Much of this precise regulation of capsule is achieved through the transcriptional responses of multiple conserved signaling pathways that have been coopted to regulate this
C. neoformans
-specific virulence-associated phenotype. This review focuses on specific host stimuli that trigger the activation of the signal transduction cascades and on the downstream transcriptional responses that are required for robust encapsulation around the cell.