bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High density cationic polymer brushes from combined “click chemistry” and RAFT‐mediated polymerization
Authors: Demirci Serkan , Caykara Tuncer
Published: April 2012

A simple method for preparing cationic poly[(ar‐vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride)] [poly(VBTAC)] brushes was used by combined technology of “click chemistry” and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Initially, silicon surfaces were modified with RAFT chain transfer agent by using a click reaction involving an azide‐modified silicon wafer and alkyne‐terminated 4‐cyanopentanoic acid dithiobenzoate (CPAD). A series of poly(VBTAC) brushes on silicon surface with different molecular weights, thicknesses, and grafting densities were then synthesized by RAFT‐mediated polymerization from the surface immobilized CPAD. The immobilization of CPAD on the silicon wafer and the subsequent polymer formation were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements, grazing angle‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and ellipsometry analysis. The addition of free CPAD was required for the formation of well‐defined polymer brushes, which subsequently resulted in the presence of free polymer chains in solution. The free polymer chains were isolated and used to estimate the molecular weights and polydispersity index of chains attached to the surface. In addition, by varying the polymerization time, we were able to obtain poly(VBTAC) brushes with grafting density up to 0.78 chains/nm2 with homogeneous distributions of apparent needle‐like structures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Irreversible helix rearrangement from Cis‐transoid to Cis‐cisoid in poly(p‐n‐hexyloxyphenylacetylene) induced by heat‐treatment in solid phase
Authors: Motoshige Asahi , Mawatari Yasuteru , Yoshida Yoshiaki , Seki Chigusa , Matsuyama Haruo , Tabata Masayoshi
Published: April 2012

Polymerization of p‐n‐hexyloxyphenylacetylene (pHPA) by using a [Rh(norbornadine)Cl]2‐triethylamine catalyst was carried out at room temperature to afford stereoregular helical poly(p‐n‐hexyloxyphenylacetylene)s (PpHPAs). When ethanol and n‐hexane were used as polymerization solvents, a bright yellow PpHPAs, poly(Y) with Mn = 8.5 × 104 and its purple red polymer, poly(R) with Mn = 5.3 × 104 were obtained in 95% yields and 84% yields, respectively. Diffuse reflective UV–vis spectra of poly(Y) and poly(R) in solid phase showed different broad absorption peaks at 445 and 575 nm, respectively. X‐Ray diffraction patterns of poly(Y) and poly(R) showed typical columnar structures assignable to cis‐transoid and cis‐cisoid structures, respectively, which were also supported by molecule mechanics calculation. Poly(Y) was irreversibly transformed to a reddish‐black polymer, poly(Y‐B), which columnar diameter was nearly the same as that of poly(R). Further, poly(Y) showed an exothermic peak in the differential scanning calorimetry trace at 80 °C for 1 h in N2 gas. Thus, these findings suggest a thermally irreversible rearrangement from an unstable cis‐transoid form, poly(Y) with a stretched cis‐transoid helix to a stable cis‐cisoid form, poly(R), with a contracted cis‐cisoid helix in the solid phase to give poly(Y→B) with the cis‐cisoid form. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis of gradient copolymers with simultaneously tailor‐made chain composition distribution and glass transition temperature by semibatch ATRP: From modeling to application
Authors: Zhou Yin‐Ning , Li Jin‐Jin , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: April 2012

Recent studies have demonstrated that gradient copolymers exhibit unique thermal properties. Although these properties can be determined by copolymer composition, other factors such as chain and sequence lengths and their distributions can also influence them. Accordingly, the synthesis of gradient copolymers requires simultaneously tailor‐made chain structure and thermal properties. In this work, we carried out a systematic study on the preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate‐grad‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [poly(MMA‐grad‐HEMA)] with synchronously tailor‐made chain composition distribution and glass transition temperature (Tg) through semibatch atom transfer radical polymerization. First, a comprehensive model for simultaneously predicting gradient copolymer microstructure and Tg was presented using the concept of pseudo‐kinetic rate coefficients and Johnston equation. The model was validated by comparing simulation results with the classical reference data. Furthermore, the model was used to guide the experimental synthesis of the poly(MMA‐grad‐HEMA) gradient copolymers potentially as excellent damping material. The thermal properties of these gradient copolymer samples were evaluated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis, reactivity, and optoelectronic properties of poly(3‐alkenylthiophene) diblock copolymers
Authors: Bhatt Mahesh P. , Huynh Martin K. , Sista Prakash , Nguyen Hien Q. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: April 2012

Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐b‐poly(3‐pentenylthiophene) and poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐b‐poly(3‐undecenylthiophene) diblock copolymers have been synthesized by McCullough method. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the diblock copolymers displayed all the reflection peaks specific to regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene), indicating that the presence of poly(3‐alkenylthiophene) block does not affect the packing of the polymer in the solid state. The synthesized diblock copolymers were subjected to hydroboration/oxidation and hydrosilation to demonstrate the reactivity of the alkenyl substituents. Furthermore, poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐b‐poly(3‐pentenylthiophene) was used as a chain transfer agent for the ruthenium‐catalyzed ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene to generate a polycyclooctene graft copolymer, which was hydrogenated to give poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐b‐poly(3‐pentenylthiophene‐g‐polyethylene). The opto‐electronic properties and the morphology of the synthesized polymers have been investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Controlling the formation of long‐subchain hyperbranched polystyrene from seesaw‐type AB2 macromonomers: Solvent polarity and solubility
Authors: He Chen , He Wei‐Dong , Li Lian‐Wei , Jiang Wen‐Xing , Tao Jing , Yang Jing , Chen Long , Ge Xue‐Song , Chen Sheng‐Qi
Published: April 2012

Through atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene with 1,3‐dibromomethyl‐5‐propargyloxy‐benzene as initiator followed by the conversion of bromine end‐groups into azide end‐groups, well‐defined seesaw‐type polystyrene (PSt) macromonomers with two molecular weights (Mn = 8.0 and 28.0 k) were obtained. Thus, a series of long‐subchain hyperbranched (lsc‐hp) PSt with high overall molar masses and regular subchain lengths were obtained via copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition click chemistry performed in THF and DMF, respectively. The polycondensation of seesaw‐type macromonomers was monitored by gel permeation chromatography. Because DMF is the reaction medium with higher polarity, click reaction proceeds more easily in DMF. Therefore, the growth of lsc‐hp PSt in DMF has faster rate than that in THF for the shorter seesaw‐type macromonomer (Seesaw‐8k). However, THF is the solvent with better solubility to PSt and leads to looser conformation of PSt chains. Thus, for the longer seesaw macromonomer (Seesaw‐28k), lsc‐hp PSt in THF has higher overall molar mass. As well, the self‐cyclization of seesaw‐type macromonomers also depends on both solvent and molar mass of macromonomer. The self‐cyclization degrees of Seesaw‐8k in DMF and THF are almost the same while that of Seesaw‐28k macromonomer is obviously lower in THF. The experimental results suggest a physical consideration to control the growth of hyperbranched polymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Effects of prepolymer structure in holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal
Authors: Jang Min Woo , Yoon Tae‐Hoon , Kim Byung Kyu
Published: April 2012

Three different types of polyols—poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), and poly(tetramethylene glycol)—with different molecular weights (Mn) were incorporated into the prepolymer structure, and the effects were examined with regard to the morphology and performance of holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal. Among them, PEG showing the lowest glass transition temperature (Tg) exhibited the lowest threshold voltage (Vth), lowest operating voltage (Vop), and lowest diffraction efficiency with slow grating formation owing to its high viscosity of prepolymer mixture. The Tg decreased with increasing Mn because of the decreased crosslink density and hydrogen bonding, which reduced the anchoring strength, Vth and Vop. PPG400 gave Vth and Vop of approximately 7 and 24 V, respectively, with a contrast ratio of approximately 12. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Computational identification of self‐inhibitory peptides from envelope proteins
Authors: Xu Yongtao , Rahman Noorsaadah A.B.D. , Othman Rozana , Hu Peijun , Huang Meilan
Published: April 2012

Fusion process is known to be the initial step of viral infection and hence targeting the entry process is a promising strategy to design antiviral therapy. The self‐inhibitory peptides derived from the enveloped (E) proteins function to inhibit the protein–protein interactions in the membrane fusion step mediated by the viral E protein. Thus, they have the potential to be developed into effective antiviral therapy. Herein, we have developed a Monte Carlo‐based computational method with the aim to identify and optimize potential peptide hits from the E proteins. The stability of the peptides, which indicates their potential to bind in situ to the E proteins, was evaluated by two different scoring functions, dipolar distance‐scaled, finite, ideal‐gas reference state and residue‐specific all‐atom probability discriminatory function. The method was applied to α‐helical Class I HIV‐1 gp41, β‐sheet Class II Dengue virus (DENV) type 2 E proteins, as well as Class III Herpes Simplex virus‐1 (HSV‐1) glycoprotein, a E protein with a mixture of α‐helix and β‐sheet structural fold. The peptide hits identified are in line with the druggable regions where the self‐inhibitory peptide inhibitors for the three classes of viral fusion proteins were derived. Several novel peptides were identified from either the hydrophobic regions or the functionally important regions on Class II DENV‐2 E protein and Class III HSV‐1 gB. They have potential to disrupt the protein–protein interaction in the fusion process and may serve as starting points for the development of novel inhibitors for viral E proteins. Proteins 2012; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A General Strategy for Self‐Assembly of Nanosized Building Blocks on Liquid/Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Liu Jian‐Wei , Zhang Shao‐Yi , Qi Hao , Wen Wu‐Cheng , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: April 2012

A family of water/oil interfaces is introduced to provide effective platforms for rapid fabrication of large‐area self‐assembled nanofilms composed of various nanosized building blocks, including nanoparticles (NPs), nanocubes (NC), nanowires (NWs), and nanosheets, at room temperature. As a general interfacial assembly method, NWs and NPs are co‐assembled at the liquid/liquid interface. The as‐prepared co‐assembled Ag NW and Ag NC films show high surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) intensity, the SERS performance being strongly dependent on the number ratio of the two kinds of nanosized building blocks. The results demonstrate that this interfacial system provides a general method for the assembly of various nanosized building blocks with different shapes and dimensionalities, and thus paves an alternative pathway for further applications of macroscopic assemblies with different functionalities.
Inflation and dark matter in two Higgs doublet models
Authors: Gong Jinn-Ouk , Lee Hyun Min , Kang Sin Kyu
Published: April 2012

Abstract

We consider the Higgs inflation in the extension of the Standard Model with two Higgs doublets coupled to gravity non-minimally. In the presence of an approximate global U(1) symmetry in the Higgs sector, both radial and angular modes of neutral Higgs bosons drive inflation where large non-Gaussianity is possible from appropriate initial conditions on the angular mode. We also discuss the case with single-field inflation for which the U(1) symmetry is broken to aZ2subgroup. We show that inflationary constraints, perturbativity and stability conditions restrict the parameter space of the Higgs quartic couplings at low energy in both multi- and single-field cases. Focusing on the inert doublet models whereZ2symmetry remains unbroken at low energy, we show that the extra neutral Higgs boson can be a dark matter candidate consistent with the inflationary constraints. The doublet dark matter is always heavy in multi-field inflation while it can be light due to the suppression of the co-annihilation in single-field inflation. The implication of the extra quartic couplings on the vacuum stability bound is also discussed in the light of the recent LHC limits on the Higgs mass.
Self versus maternal reports of emotional and behavioral difficulties in suicidal and non-suicidal adolescents: An Israeli nationwide survey
Authors: Shoval G. , Mansbach-Kleinfeld I. , Farbstein I. , Kanaaneh R. , Lubin G. , Apter A. , Weizman A. , Zalsman G.
Published: April 2012

There is relatively little research addressing parent-adolescent agreement as regards to reporting on adolescent suicidal behavior in general and their behavioral and emotional difficulties in particular. The objective of this study was to compare maternal and adolescents’ reports on behavioral and emotional difficulties among adolescents with and without suicidal behavior. This nationally-representative sample included 906 adolescents and their mothers. The mothers and adolescents were interviewed and evaluated separately using the Development and Well-Being Assessment Inventory (DAWBA) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Self-rated SDQ scores of the suicidal adolescents were significantly higher in all SDQ problem scales compared to the non-suicidal participants. In contrast, maternal-rated SDQ assessments failed to discriminate between these groups, except the Hyperactivity scale. We demonstrated that mothers of suicidal adolescents in the community hardly recognize the emotional and behavioral difficulties of their offsprings.

Conclusion

The mental examination of the adolescent patient should be maintained as the central and most reliable source of information regarding the suicidal adolescent. Mental health services planning of national suicide prevention programs should take into account these poor mother-adolescent agreement findings.
Outcome of obstetric fistula repair after 10‐day versus 14‐day Foley catheterization
Authors: Nardos Rahel , Menber Birhanu , Browning Andrew
Published: April 2012

Objective

To compare outcome between 10‐day and 14‐day bladder drainage after obstetric fistula repair.

Methods

In a randomized prospective study at Hamlin Fistula Center, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, patients presenting with obstetric vesicovaginal fistula between 2007 and 2010 were randomized to undergo 10‐day (group 1) or 14‐day (group 2) postoperative catheterization. Fistulas were categorized via Goh classification. The inclusion criteria were any type of vesicovaginal fistula except circumferential or recurrent.

Results

In total, 189 women were enrolled: 107 in group 1, and 82 in group 2. The groups were similar in age, parity, duration of labor, and time from injury to surgical repair. There was no significant difference in fistula stage according to the Goh classification (urethral length, P = 0.3; fistula size, P = 0.9; and vaginal scarring, P = 0.3). There were 3 fistula breakdowns in group 1, and 6 in group 2. The difference in cure was not significant (P = 0.15, confidence interval –0.009 to 0.1). There was no significant difference in non‐fistula‐related incontinence or urinary retention after repair.

Conclusion

The outcome of postoperative catheterization for 10 days was not inferior to that for 14 days. A similar treatment outcome with a shorter duration of catheterization will have a significant impact on reducing infection and cost.
Women's experience of menopause in rural communities in Orlu, Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Anolue Fredrick C. , Dike Ephraim , Adogu Paschal , Ebirim Chikere
Published: April 2012

Objective

To document women's experience of menopause in rural communities in Orlu, Eastern Nigeria, and to compare this with urban centers in Nigeria and worldwide.

Methods

A total of 349 women who had not menstruated for at least 12 months were included in a questionnaire‐based study. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, age at menarche and menopause, attitude to menopause, and knowledge and use of hormone replacement therapy. Questionnaires were administered in 13 communities by medical students during the Annual Convention of Christian Women in August 2009.

Results

The mean age at menopause of the women was 47 ± 4.2 years. Menopausal symptoms were prevalent, and bone and joint pain were the most prevalent symptoms. Knowledge and use of hormone replacement therapy were poor. Most of the women considered the menopause to be beneficial.

Conclusion

Age at menopause and associated postmenopausal symptoms were similar to those seen in urban centers in Nigeria, but age at menopause was lower than in studies of white women. Despite the apparent positive attitude of Nigerian women to menopause, a program of information and education, and use of hormone replacement therapy will improve quality of life for women in Eastern Nigeria.
Adverse Events Associated With Fluoroscopically Guided Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Authors: Plastaras Christopher T. , Joshi Anand B. , Garvan Cynthia , Chimes Gary P. , Smeal Wesley , Rittenberg Joshua , Lento Paul , Stanos Steven , Fitzgerald Colleen
Published: April 2012

Objective

To describe the type, incidence, and factors that contribute to adverse events associated with fluoroscopically guided intra‐articular sacroiliac joint injections (IASIJ).

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary, academic, outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation interventional spine clinic.

Participants

English‐speaking adults aged 18‐90 years who underwent fluoroscopically guided IASIJ injections between March 8, 2004, and April 19, 2007.

Interventions

After IASIJ injections, 3 senior researchers recorded the presence and types of adverse events. The relationship of adverse events with age, gender, fluoroscopy time, vital signs, and trainee presence was analyzed with the Fisher exact or the Wilcoxon rank sum 2‐sided tests.

Main Outcome Measures

The frequency of immediate (during or immediately after the procedure) or delayed (within 24‐72 hours after the procedure) adverse events.

Results

A total of 162 patients (133 women) underwent 191 procedures. The range of subject age was from 20 to 90 years (15.8 years, standard deviation [SD]). The range (SD) of the preprocedure 11‐point Likert Pain Scale was from 1.0 to 10.0 (2.0) and for the postprocedure 11‐point Likert Pain Scale was from 0.0 to 9.0 (2.5). Trainees were involved in 57% of the procedures. Reported immediate adverse events were vasovagal reaction (2.1% [n = 4]) and steroid‐clogged needle (0.5% [n = 1]). Follow‐up data were available for 132 of 191 procedures (69%). There were 32 adverse events reported at a mean follow‐up interval of 2 days, of which, the most frequent adverse events were injection‐site soreness (12.9% [n = 17]), pain exacerbation (5.3% [n = 7]), and facial flushing and/or sweating (2.3% [n = 3]). Delayed adverse events decreased with older age (P = .0029). The patients who underwent bilateral procedures experienced more delayed adverse events than the patients who underwent unilateral procedures (P = .024).

Conclusions

Fluoroscopically guided IASIJ injection is associated with minimal adverse effects. The most common immediate adverse event was vasovagal reaction, and the most common delayed adverse event was injection‐site soreness. Younger age is significantly related to reported delayed adverse events.
The Effects of Concussion Legislation One Year Later—What Have We Learned: A Descriptive Pilot Survey of Youth Soccer Player Associates
Authors: Shenouda Christian , Hendrickson Peter , Davenport Kathleen , Barber Jason , Bell Kathleen R.
Published: April 2012

Objective

To assess the knowledge of youth soccer athletes' parents, coaches, and soccer officials regarding concussion and return‐to‐play guidelines contained in the Lystedt Law in Washington State.

Design

Survey study.

Setting

Surveys were distributed via the youth soccer association monthly electronic newsletter in September and October 2010. Links to the survey also were provided via the Washington Youth Soccer Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Participants

Respondents were 18 years or older and were associated with Washington Youth Soccer.

Main Outcome Measures

The percentage of correct responses to questions regarding the identification and management of concussion symptoms and return to play guidelines as outlined in the Lystedt Law.

Results

A total of 391 adults responded; 63% were exclusively parents, 20% were coaches, and 17% were noncoaches (eg, club officers, referees, or volunteers). A total of 96% knew that concussions were a type of traumatic brain injury, 93% identified concussions as serious, and 93% knew that loss of consciousness is not universal. From the responses, 98% identified neurological manifestations of concussions, 90% chose to delay return to play in the presence of neurological symptoms, 85% were aware of the Lystedt Law, and only 73% knew that players must receive written clearance to return to play. A total of 88% were aware that a parent or legal guardian was not allowed to clear an athlete to return to play if a trained professional was not available. Survey respondents were less sure of soccer association guidelines for reporting medical clearance to club officials.

Conclusions

These data suggest that, although general knowledge of parents, coaches, and referees in youth soccer in Washington State is high, gaps in knowledge and practice regarding the prevention of concussion in youth soccer athletes still exist.
Reliability and Repeatability of the Hoffmann Sign
Authors: Annaswamy Thiru M. , Sakai Tomoya , Goetz Lance L. , Pacheco Fides M. , Ozarkar Tejas
Published: April 2012

Objective

To determine the inter‐rater, intrarater, and intrasubject reliability of the Hoffmann sign.

Design

Observational, cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Veterans Affairs medical center.

Patients

Fifty‐two consenting subjects without amputation of the first through third fingers, fixed finger contractures, relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, or any acute central neurological illness or injury within the past 3 months requiring hospital admission were recruited from inpatients and outpatients in the Spinal Cord Injury and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation services.

Interventions

The Hoffmann sign was elicited by 1 primary and 3 secondary investigators who used a standardized technique. The Hoffmann sign was considered positive if any reflexive flexion of the distal phalanx of the thumb or any of the fingers was present. In the first session, the primary and one secondary examiner performed 2 trials on both hands of each subject. Each investigator pair repeated the procedure in a second session.

Main Outcome Measures

Cohen's κ coefficient was calculated to determine (1) inter‐rater reliability, calculated per investigator pair per hand, for the first trial of a session; (2) intrarater reliability, calculated between the 2 trials of each session per investigator; and (3) intrasubject reliability, calculated per hand of each subject between the first trials of the 2 sessions.

Results

Inter‐rater κ was 0.65 (188 pairs), intrarater κ was 0.89 (384 pairs), and intrasubject κ was 0.73 (178 pairs). All κ values were obtained with P < .01.

Conclusions

The Hoffmann sign has substantial inter‐rater and intrasubject reliability, in addition to outstanding intrarater reliability, when tested with the use of a standardized technique.
Disparities in Activity Level and Nutrition Between Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C and Blood Donors
Authors: Moon Juhi , Kallman Jillian , Winter Patrice , Srishord Manirath , Fang Yun , Gerber Lynn , Younossi Zobair
Published: April 2012

Objective

To compare physical activity levels and dietary choices of patients who have chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with those of blood donors (BDs).

Design

A prospective survey.

Setting

A liver disease treatment center and a blood donor center from a nonprofit health system.

Patients

A total of 149 subjects (93 with CHC and 56 BDs) participated. Subjects were 18 years or older and agreed to participate; those with CHC had no evidence of cirrhosis.

Methods

All subjects provided basic clinical information and completed a nutrition survey, which contained questions about dietary choices and their frequency, and the Human Activity Profile, which measured maximum effort (Maximum Activity Score; MAS) and daily activity (Adjusted Activity Score; AAS).

Main Outcomes Measurements

MAS and AAS scales and 13 indices on the nutrition survey. Independent samples t‐tests, Pearson correlations, and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed.

Results

No significant differences were found between BDs and patients with CHC in terms of age, gender, race, body mass index, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. Mean body mass index was 27.5, 17.8% had hyperlipidemia, and 9.6% had diabetes. BDs reported significantly more exercise per week (mean: patients with CHC = 193.6 minutes/week and BDs = 280.4 minutes/week; P = .039) and had a significantly greater MAS (mean: patients with CHC = 77.2 and BDs = 87.4, P = .0001) and AAS (mean: patients with CHC = 72.58 and BDs = 83.8, P = .0001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis proposed 2 models predicting AAS: the presence of CHC (R = .445; R2 = .198; adjusted R2 = .184); and the presence of CHC and presence of hypertension (R = .537; R2 = .289; adjusted R2 = .263). BDs consumed significantly more alcohol and starchy foods than did patients with CHC (P = .0001 and P = .031, respectively), which may be explained by the compliance of patients with CHC to their hepatologist's recommendations regarding the minimization of alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Persons with CHC participate in less activity and less vigorous physical activity than do BDs and consume less starch and alcohol. These data about activity level and dietary intake in patients with CHC are novel; few data on these topics have been published previously. Low level of activity adds a substantial risk to this overweight CHC population, many of whom have multiple components of metabolic syndrome.
Late Quaternary glacial–interglacial variations in sediment supply in the southern Drake Passage
Authors: Lee Jae Il , Yoon Ho Il , Yoo Kyu-Cheul , Lim Hyoun Soo , Lee Yong Il , Kim Donghyun , Bak Young-Suk , Itaki Takuya
Published: April 2012

Geochemical characteristics of marine sediment from the southern Drake Passage were analyzed to reconstruct variations in sediment provenance and transport paths during the late Quaternary. The 5.95 m gravity core used in this study records paleoenvironmental changes during the last approximately 600 ka. Down-core variations in trace element, rare earth element, and Nd and Sr isotopic compositions reveal that sediment provenance varied according to glacial cycles. During glacial periods, detrital sediments in the southern Drake Passage were mostly derived from the nearby South Shetland Islands and shelf sediments. In contrast, interglacial sediments are composed of mixed sediments, derived from both West Antarctica and East Antarctica. The East Antarctic provenance of the interglacial sediments was inferred to be the Weddell Sea region. Sediment input from the Weddell Sea was reduced during glacial periods by extensive ice sheets and weakened current from the Weddell Sea. Sediment supply from the Weddell Sea increased during interglacial periods, especially those with higher warmth such as MIS 5, 9, and 11. This suggests that the influence of deep water from the Weddell Sea increases during interglacial periods and decreases during glacial periods, with the degree of influence increasing as interglacial intensity increases.
Development of the trailing shear layer in a starting jet during pinch-off
Authors: Gao L. , Yu S. C. M.
Published: April 2012

Experiments on a circular starting jet generated by a piston–cylinder arrangement, over a range of Reynolds number from $2600$ to $5600$, are conducted so as to investigate the development of the trailing shear layer during the leading vortex ring formation, as well as the corresponding effects on the pinch-off process. Results obtained by digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) show that secondary vortices start to develop in the trailing jet only after the critical time scale, the ‘formation number’, is achieved. The subsequent growth of the secondary vortices reduces the vorticity flux being fed into the leading vortex ring and, as a consequence, constrains the growth of leading vortex ring with larger circulation. Evolution of perturbation waves into secondary vortices is found to associate with growth and translation of the leading vortex ring during the formation process. A dimensionless parameter ‘$A$’, defined as ${\Gamma }_{\mathit{ring}} / ({x}_{\mathit{core}} \mrm{\Delta} U$), is therefore proposed to characterize the effect of the leading vortex ring on suppressing the nonlinear development of instability in the trailing shear layer, i.e. the initial roll-up of the secondary vortices. In a starting jet, $A$ follows a decreasing trend with the formation time ${t}^{\ensuremath{\ast} } $. A critical value ${A}_{c} = 1. 1\pm 0. 1$ is identified experimentally, which physically coincides with the initiation of the first secondary vortex roll-up and, therefore, indicates the onset of pinch-off process.
Compound viscous thread with electrostatic and electrokinetic effects
Authors: Conroy D. T. , Matar O. K. , Craster R. V. , Papageorgiou D. T.
Published: April 2012

Breakup of an electrified viscous compound jet, surrounded by a dielectric gas, is investigated theoretically. The fluids are considered to be electrolytes and the core fluid viscosity is assumed to be much larger than that of the annular fluid. Axisymmetric configurations are considered with the three fluids bound by a cylindrical electrode that is held at a constant voltage potential. The model equations are investigated asymptotically in the long-wave limit, yielding two cases corresponding to a negligible surface charge with electrokinetic effects and a leaky dielectric model. A linear stability analysis for both cases is performed and the electrical effects are found to have a stabilizing effect, which is consistent with previous investigations of single electrified jet breakup at small wavenumbers. The one-dimensional equations are also solved numerically. The electric field is found to cause satellite formation in the core fluid, which does not occur in the purely hydrodynamic case, with the satellite size increasing with the strength of the electric field.
Tonsillectomy under threat: auditing the indications for performing tonsillectomy
Authors: Silva S , Ouda M , Mathanakumara S , Ridyard E , Morar P
Published: April 2012

Background:

The 2009 McKinsey National Health Service report considered that tonsillectomy was relatively ineffective and often unjustified, and that its frequently could be greatly reduced. ENTUK argued against this, for severe recurrent tonsillitis. This study audited clinical indications for tonsillectomy.

Criteria and standards:

Current guidelines state that patients with recurrent tonsillitis must have disabling sore throat episodes five or more times per year, and symptoms for at least a year, to justify tonsillectomy.

Methods:

Seventeen recurrent tonsillitis patients receiving tonsillectomy were audited prospectively. Indications were poorly documented in the referral letter, so surgeons agreed to list specified tonsillectomy criteria when scheduling patients for tonsillectomy. A pro forma reminder was distributed to all clinics, and the next 100 scheduled tonsillectomy patients were audited.

Results:

In the first audit, all 17 tonsillectomies were justified but only two (11.8 per cent) had documented indications. In the second audit, 85 per cent of patients had all essential criteria, which were documented in the listing letter.

Conclusion:

Tonsillectomy risks being removed from the UK essential otolaryngological surgical register, risking increased patient morbidity and work absence, despite valid supporting evidence of efficacy for recurrent tonsillitis. All UK otolaryngology units should strictly adhere to the ENTUK and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network recommendations for tonsillectomy, and should document essential criteria in the listing letter, to strengthen the advocacy argument for tonsillectomy as essential, valid treatment for recurrent tonsillitis.
A randomized clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia
Authors: Vos S. P. F. , Huibers M. J. H. , Diels L. , Arntz A.
Published: April 2012

Background

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) seems to be as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of major depression. Because the onset of panic attacks is often related to increased interpersonal life stress, IPT has the potential to also treat panic disorder. To date, a preliminary open trial yielded promising results but there have been no randomized controlled trials directly comparing CBT and IPT for panic disorder.

Method

This study aimed to directly compare the effects of CBT versus IPT for the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia. Ninety-one adult patients with a primary diagnosis of DSM-III or DSM-IV panic disorder with agoraphobia were randomized. Primary outcomes were panic attack frequency and an idiosyncratic behavioral test. Secondary outcomes were panic and agoraphobia severity, panic-related cognitions, interpersonal functioning and general psychopathology. Measures were taken at 0, 3 and 4 months (baseline, end of treatment and follow-up).

Results

Intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses on the primary outcomes indicated superior effects for CBT in treating panic disorder with agoraphobia. Per-protocol analyses emphasized the differences between treatments and yielded larger effect sizes. Reductions in the secondary outcomes were equal for both treatments, except for agoraphobic complaints and behavior and the credibility ratings of negative interpretations of bodily sensations, all of which decreased more in CBT.

Conclusions

CBT is the preferred treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia compared to IPT. Mechanisms of change should be investigated further, along with long-term outcomes.
Sacralising the patriarchal family in the monotheistic religions: ‘To no form of religion is woman indebted for one impulse of freedom’
Authors: Raday Frances
Published: April 2012

This article attempts to unravel the universal human rights implications of family law in the three monotheisms – Jewish, Christian and Muslim. At issue is the requirement of gender equality as justice in the family. This requirement is inherent in the human rights agenda, a novel point of departure in political philosophy and antithetical to the patriarchal family sacralised in the monotheistic religions.
Subjective and Biological Weight-Related Parameters
Authors: Bachmann Christian J. , Gebhardt Stefan , Lehr Dirk , Haberhausen Michael , Kaiser Christoph , Otto Bärbel , Theisen Frank M.
Published: April 2012

Objective: Administration of atypical antipsychotics often induces significant weight gain and metabolic changes. Little is known about subjective weight-related parameters in adolescent patients. Therefore, this cross-sectional, explorative study aimed to assess these parameters and their relationship with biological weight-related parameters. Method: 74 patients (mean age: 19.9 [SD ± 2.3] years; 66.2% male) with schizophrenia under clozapine or olanzapine treatment were examined. Subjective well-being, eating behavior, body perception and social functioning were assessed, using the Three-Factor-Eating-Questionnaire, FKB-20 Body Perception Questionnaire, Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptics, Short Form and Global Assessment of Functioning. Patients’ biological weight-related parameters were measured as well. Gender differences as well as associations between subjective and biological weight-related parameters were evaluated. Results: Female patients reported significantly worse negative body appraisal and physical functioning than males. An elevated BMI was associated with impaired physical functioning in females and with negative body appraisal and hunger in males. Conclusions: In our sample of young patients with schizophrenia unter treatment with atypical antipsychotics, an elevated BMI was associated with impaired physical functioning and negative body appraisal, respectively. Bearing in mind the high risk of obesity in this population, the mentioned impairments should be accounted for, especially in terms of compliance and quality of life.
Depressions-Screening bei pädiatrischen Patienten
Authors: Frühe Barbara , Allgaier Antje-Kathrin , Pietsch Kathrin , Schulte-Körne Gerd
Published: April 2012

Fragestellung: Für das Screening depressiver Störungen im pädiatrischen Kontext wurde die konkurrente Validität des Depressionsinventars für Kinder und Jugendliche (DIKJ), der Skala Dysphorie aus dem Depressionstest für Kinder (DTK) und des Children’s Depression Screeners (ChilD-S) in Bezug auf ICD-10-Depressionsdiagnosen bei somatisch erkrankten Kindern verglichen. Methodik: Die Daten von 9- bis 12-jährigen pädiatrischen Patienten (N = 228) wurden mittels Receiver Operating Characteristics analysiert. Die daraus ableitbaren Kennwerte wie Area Under the Curve (AUC), Sensitivität (SE) und Spezifität (SP) wurden für jedes Instrument berechnet und miteinander verglichen. Als Goldstandard dienten Depressionsdiagnosen nach ICD-10, erhoben anhand des klinischen Interviews Kinder-DIPS. Ergebnisse: Die konkurrente Validität des 26 Items umfassenden DIKJ war sehr hoch (AUC = 92.6 %), der 25 Items umfassenden Skala Dysphorie zufriedenstellend (AUC = 86.2 %) und des 8 Items umfassenden ChilD-S hervorragend (AUC = 97.5 %); der ChilD-S war dem DIKJ signifikant überlegen. Nach dem Youden-Index sind folgende Cut-Off-Werte zu empfehlen: DIKJ ≥ 12 (SE = 91.7 %, SP = 81.9 %), Skala Dysphorie ≥ 10 (SE = 75.0 %, SP = 89.8 %) und ChilD-S ≥ 10 (SE ≥ 100 %, SP = 86.6 %). Schlussfolgerungen: Sowohl das DIKJ als auch der ChilD-S zeigte eine ausgezeichnete konkurrente Validität für das Screening depressiver Störungen bei pädiatrischen Patienten. Im Vergleich dazu erreichte die Skala Dysphorie etwas niedrigere Validitätsmaße. Für die Implementierung im zeitbegrenzten pädiatrischen Versorgungsalltag ist das ökonomische Verfahren ChilD-S zu favorisieren.
Leistungen von Kindern mit einer Störung der Aufmerksamkeit im HAWIK-IV
Authors: Schmidtendorf Steffen , Christmann Norbert , Heinrichs Nina
Published: April 2012

Gegenstand der vorliegenden Arbeit waren die Leistungen im HAWIK-IV von N = 433 Kindern und Jugendlichen mit AD(H)S. Untersucht wurden zudem die Abhängigkeit der Testergebnisse von komorbiden Störungen und die Spezifität gegenüber anderen Psychopathologien anhand von Teilgruppen (n = 212, n = 262, n = 117). Diese wurden durch Ausschluss von Personen mit Komorbiditäten auf (a) der ersten, (b) der zweiten und (c) der ersten und/oder der zweiten Achse des Multiaxialen Klassifikationsschemas für psychische Störungen des Kindes- und Jugendalters gebildet. Zur Prüfung der Spezifität des AD(H)S-Profils gegenüber dem Profil anderer psychischer Störungen wurde die komorbiditätsfreie Teilgruppe (n = 117) zudem mit einer Gruppe von Kindern mit einer Angst- oder emotionalen Störung (N = 41) verglichen. Wie erwartet zeigte sich eine signifikante Schwäche in der Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit sowohl in der Gesamtstichprobe aller AD(H)S-Kinder als auch in den um komorbide Störungen bereinigten Teilstichproben. Auch im Bereich des Arbeitsgedächtnisses lag ein Defizit vor, das jedoch in der Teilgruppe ohne Komorbiditäten nicht mehr nachweisbar war. Das Profil dieser Gruppe unterschied sich nicht signifikant von dem Profil der klinischen Kontrollgruppe. Die Ergebnisse unterstützen die Annahme, dass AD(H)S mit Defiziten in der Verarbeitungsgeschwindigkeit assoziiert ist. Das Arbeitsgedächtnis scheint nur bei Vorliegen komorbider Störungen ein signifikantes Defizit darzustellen.
Spezifische Vorläuferfertigkeiten der Lesegeschwindigkeit, des Leseverständnisses und des Rechtschreibens
Authors: Ennemoser Marco , Marx Peter , Weber Jutta , Schneider Wolfgang
Published: April 2012

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurden die spezifischen Einflüsse verschiedener Vorläuferkompetenzen im Kindergartenalter auf die nachfolgende Schriftsprachentwicklung untersucht. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde auch die Annahme überprüft, dass sich der prädiktive Stellenwert bestimmter Vorhersagemerkmale im Verlauf des nachfolgenden Schriftspracherwerbs verändert. Besonderes Augenmerk lag hierbei auf der Relevanz linguistischer Kompetenzen, für die angenommen werden kann, dass sie ihren Einfluss nicht unmittelbar, sondern erst zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt im Entwicklungsverlauf entfalten. Im Rahmen von zwei Längsschnittstudien wurden 165 (Studie 1) bzw. 175 Kinder (Studie 2) vom letzten Kindergartenjahr bis zum Ende der Grundschulzeit untersucht. Die Befunde zeigen in guter Übereinstimmung über beide Studien, dass die einbezogenen Prädiktoren jeweils spezifische Beiträge zur Vorhersage der Lesegeschwindigkeit, des Leseverständnisses und des Rechtschreibens leisten. Sie bestätigen ferner die erst mit zeitlicher Verzögerung registrierbare Bedeutung der linguistischen Kompetenz für das verstehende Lesen von Texten und zum Teil auch für das spätere Rechtschreiben.
Erfassung von Self-Handicapping im Lern- und Leistungsbereich
Authors: Schwinger Malte , Stiensmeier-Pelster Joachim
Published: April 2012

Zusammenfassung. Die Angst, in anstehenden Prüfungssituationen zu scheitern, wird von vielen Studierenden als selbstwertbedrohlich erlebt. In solchen Situationen muss der Lernende einen Weg finden, seinen Selbstwert zu regulieren bzw. vor weiteren Bedrohungen zu schützen. Eine häufig angewandte Regulationsstrategie ist Self-Handicapping. Hierbei verschafft sich der Lernende vor einer wichtigen Prüfung ein Handicap (z.B. wenig Schlaf in der Nacht vor der Klausur), welches er im Falle eines tatsächlichen Misserfolgs als Begründung hierfür heranziehen kann. Da habituelles Self-Handicapping mit negativen Folgen wie z.B. schlechten Leistungen assoziiert ist, ist es notwendig, über ein diagnostisches Instrument zu verfügen, anhand dessen die habituelle Tendenz eines Lerners zum Self-Handicapping ermittelt werden kann. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde eine deutsche Adaptation der Academic Self-Handicapping Scale ( Urdan, Midgley & Anderman, 1998 ) verschiedenen Stichproben von Studierenden vorgelegt. Es ergaben sich insgesamt erwartungskonforme Zusammenhänge der Self-Handicapping Skala mit konstruktnahen Kriterien wie dem allgemeinen Selbstwert, kognitiven und motivationalen Lernstrategien sowie universitären Leistungen.
Die kognitive Entwicklung des Verständnisses filmischer Montagetechniken bei Kindern als ein Kernbereich der Medienkompetenz
Authors: Munk Carmen , Diergarten Anna Katharina , Nieding Gerhild , Ohler Peter , Schneider Wolfgang
Published: April 2012

Zusammenfassung. Das Montageverständnis von Kindern im Alter von 5, 6, 7 und 8 Jahren wurde anhand ihres Nachspielens gezeigter Filmhandlungen untersucht. Die präsentierten unterschiedlich komplexen Schnittprinzipien wurden in Anlehnung an das Klassifikationssystem von d’Ydewalle und Vanderbeeken (1990) drei Ordnungsstufen zugeteilt. Dieses postuliert einen ansteigenden kognitiven Verarbeitungsaufwand für Schnittprinzipien von der 1. bis zur 3. Ordnung. Ein solcher Anstieg konnte in allen Altersgruppen für den Unterschied zwischen der niedrigsten und den beiden höheren Ebenen bestätigt werden, bei den 8-Jährigen zusätzlich zwischen den beiden höchsten Ebenen. Zudem zeigte sich ein genereller Anstieg des Schnittverständnisses zwischen 5 und 8 Jahren, der von einer allgemeinen symbolbasierten Medienkompetenz und dem Textgedächtnis positiv beeinflusst wurde.
Subject’s State Modulates Oscillatory Responses to Emotional Facial Expressions
Authors: Knyazev Gennady G. , Slobodskoj-Plusnin Jaroslav Yu. , Bocharov Andrej V.
Published: April 2012

Subject’s state during the experiment and his or her perception of the experimental procedure are usually ignored, although they may potentially considerably change the pattern of results. In this study, the effect of subject’s state on cortical oscillatory responses to emotional facial expressions was investigated in a sample of 40 subjects aged 17–32 years. The strength of oscillatory responses in all frequency bands was lower in subjects who felt tenseness, experienced negative emotions, and did not like the experimental procedure. Moreover, in these subjects, personality-related differences in cortical oscillatory responses were not found, though they were found in subjects who reported being relaxed and liked the procedure. The observed individual differences in subject’s state partly depended on personality and partly on other factors that preexisted before the experiment. These data show that subject’s state is an important contributor to observed oscillatory dynamics and should be taken into account.
Data assimilation of thermospheric mass density
Authors: Matsuo Tomoko , Fedrizzi Mariangel , Fuller‐Rowell Timothy J. , Codrescu Mihail V.
Published: April 2012

Accurate modeling of thermospheric mass density variation is of foremost importance to low Earth orbital prediction. The accuracy of empirical neutral density models based on global indices for solar and geomagnetic activity is inherently limited by the resolution of these indices. Assimilative modeling is appealing, as it provides a means to systematically identify and correct the inconsistencies between model specification and observations. In this paper we present a practical assimilative mass density specification methodology that optimally combines the mass density prediction by the Coupled‐Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Plasmasphere‐electrodynamics (CTIPe) model with in‐situ observations of neutral mass density by research satellites such as Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). The methodology yields an analysis of the global density according to Bayes's rule under the assumption of Gaussian prior and observation error distribution (namely, by using the Optimal Interpolation or Kalman Filter update formula). To make best use of under‐sampled global neutral mass density observations, the background (prior) error covariance is built on the principal component analysis to represent the long‐distance correlation effectively, with an adaptive capability by using the maximum‐likelihood method. The neutral mass density specification at 400 km can be improved up to 50% beyond what has been attained by the CTIPe by assimilating CHAMP and GRACE density observations.