bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphene based Schottky junction solar cells on patterned silicon-pillar-array substrate
Authors: Feng Tingting , Xie Dan , Lin Yuxuan , Zang Yongyuan , Ren Tianling , Song Rui , Zhao Haiming , Tian He , Li Xiao , Zhu Hongwei , Liu Litian
Published: December 2011

Graphene-on-silicon Schottky junction solar cells were prepared with pillar-array-patterned silicon substrate. Such patterned substrate showed an anti-reflective characteristic and led to an absorption enhancement of the solar cell, which showed enhanced performance with short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and energy conversion efficiency of 464.86 mV, 14.58 mA/cm2, 0.29, and 1.96%, respectively. Nitric acid was used to dope graphene film and the cell performance showed a great improvement with efficiency increasing to 3.55%. This is due to the p-type chemical doping effect of HNO3 which increases the work function and the carrier density of graphene.
Near-infrared down-conversion in rare-earth-doped chloro-sulfide glass GeS2–Ga2S3–CsCl: Er, Yb
Authors: Fan Bo , Point Céline , Adam Jean-Luc , Zhang Xianghua , Fan Xianping , Ma Hongli
Published: December 2011

Chloro-sulfide glass with low phonon energy, GeS2–Ga2S3–CsCl, is co-doped with Er and Yb. This active glass is a potential downconversion material for modifying the solar spectrum to improve the efficiency of solar cells. Two downconversion processes from visible to near infrared are observed. In the first process, an energy transfer between Er3+ ions and Yb3+ ions occurs. In that case, one photon is absorbed by the 4I15/2→2H11/2 (Er3+) transition and then two photons are emitted by 2F5/2→2F7/2 (Yb3+) and 4I13/2→4I15/2 (Er3+), respectively. In the second process, downconversion takes place from the charge-transfer state of Yb3+–S2− to the 4f states of Yb3+ ions, which leads to an intense excitation band between 400 nm and 600 nm, and an emission at 1000 nm. Quantum yields for downconversion are measured. The highest quantum yields of emission below 1200 nm and 1650 nm are equal to 51% and 76%, respectively.
Quantum mechanically guided design of transition metal doped SrCo0.875M0.125O3−δ (M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn)
Authors: Linke Bernd M. , Music Denis , Emmerlich Jens , Schneider Jochen M.
Published: December 2011

Perovskites are employed during energy conversion as membranes in conventional power plants or as fuel cell electrodes. To enable future materials design a quantum-mechanical model was developed to describe vacancy formation and the resulting chemical expansion. Cubic strontium cobaltite (SrCo0.875M0.125O3−δ) was doped with all 3d transition elements. A strong correlation between calculated energies of formation for vacancies and experimental oxygen flux literature data was identified.
Sodium Fluoride at the Air/Water Interface
Authors: Beattie James K. , Creux Patrice , Gray-Weale Angus
Published: December 2011

The zeta potentials of a single N2 bubble in near neutral aqueous solutions of 10–5 to 10–2 M NaF have been measured with a rotating cell zetameter. The zeta potentials in the NaF solutions are slightly more negative than those of comparable NaI concentrations. A simple interpretation of this observation is that the small size of the fluoride ion leads to its stronger adsorption at the interface, despite its smaller dielectric decrement. This would not be consistent with independent electrospray results from 100 µM solutions that bromide ion is less strongly adsorbed than iodide ion, i.e. that surface affinity increases with ion size. An alternative interpretation of the fluoride experiment is that the fluoride surface affinity is the consequence of stronger ion pairing with the NaOH that spontaneously forms at the interface.
A simple statistical test to infer the causality of target/phenotype correlation from small molecule phenotypic screens
Authors: Wei Xin , Hoffman Ann F. , Hamilton Shannon M. , Xiang Qing , He Yang , So W. Venus , So Sung-Sau , Mark David
Published: December 2011

Motivation: Cell-based phenotypic screens using small molecule inhibitors is an important technology for early drug discovery if the relationship between the disease-related cellular phenotype and inhibitors' biological targets can be determined. However, chemical inhibitors are rightfully believed to be less specific than perturbation by biological agents, such as antibody and small inference RNA. Therefore, it is often a challenge in small molecule phenotypic screening to infer the causality between a particular cellular phenotype and the inactivation of the responsible protein due to the off-target effect of the inhibitors.

Results: In this article, we present a Roche in-house effort of screening 746 structurally diverse compounds for their cytotoxicity in HeLa cells measured by high content imaging technology. These compounds were also systematically profiled for the targeted and off-target binding affinity to a panel of 25 pre-selected protein kinases in a cell-free system. In an effort to search for the kinases whose activities are crucial for cell survival, we found that the simple association method such as the chi-square test yields a large number of false positives because the observed cytotoxic phenotype is likely to be the result of promiscuous action of less specific inhibitors instead of true consequence of inactivation of single relevant target. We demonstrated that a stratified categorical data analysis technique such as the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test is an effective approach to extract the meaningful biological connection from the spurious correlation resulted from confounding covariates. This study indicates that, empowered by appropriate statistical adjustment, small molecule inhibitor perturbation remains a powerful tool to pin down the relevant biomarker for drug safety and efficacy research.

Contact:  xin.wei@roche.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Refeeding Syndrome in Children in Developing Countries Who Have Celiac Disease
Authors: Agarwal Jaya , Poddar Ujjal , Yachha Surender K. , Srivastava Anshu
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

The clinical presentations of celiac crisis and refeeding syndrome in celiac disease are almost similar, but information about refeeding syndrome is scarce. We are reporting for the first time 5 cases of refeeding syndrome in children with celiac disease that could have otherwise been labeled as celiac crisis.

Methods:

From January to December 2010, a chart review of hospital records of all celiac disease cases was performed, and refeeding syndrome was ascribed in those celiac patients who deteriorated clinically after initiation of a gluten‐free diet and had biochemical parameters suggestive of refeeding syndrome such as hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypoalbuminemia.

Results:

Of the total 35 celiac disease patients, 5 (median age 6.5 [range 2.2–10] years, 3 boys) were identified as having refeeding syndrome. All 5 children were severely malnourished (body mass index <14 kg/m2) and all of them had anemia, hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypocalcemia, meaning that they had the perfect setting for developing refeeding syndrome. At the same time, their clinical features fulfilled the criteria for celiac crisis except that their symptoms have worsened after the introduction of a gluten‐free diet. Nevertheless, instead of using steroids, they were managed as refeeding syndrome in terms of correction of electrolytes and gradual feeding, and that led to a successful outcome in all of them.

Conclusions:

Severely malnourished patients with celiac disease are at risk of developing potentially life‐threatening refeeding syndrome, which may mimic celiac crisis, especially in developing countries. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are the keys to a successful outcome.
Transcriptional Basis for Hepatic Fibrosis in Cystic Fibrosis–associated Liver Disease
Authors: Pereira Tamara N. , Lewindon Peter J. , Greer Ristan M. , Hoskins Anita C. , Williamson Richard M. , Shepherd Ross W. , Ramm Grant A.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

Liver disease contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF). Although all patients with CF express the defective CF transmembrane conductance regulator in cholangiocytes, many develop asymptomatic fibrosing liver disease. Only some develop cirrhosis, with pathogenesis remaining enigmatic. Available noninvasive diagnostic tools do not identify patients at risk before development of advanced fibrosis. We conducted a pilot study to identify genes associated with hepatic injury and fibrosis on liver biopsy that may help elucidate determinants of CF‐associated liver disease (CFLD).

Methods:

Liver tissue from children with CFLD with various stages of hepatic fibrosis was compared with pediatric controls using cDNA array analysis. Differential expression of genes of interest was then assessed relative to pediatric control liver and non‐CF cholestatic disease control liver from patients with biliary atresia, using both real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

cDNA array demonstrated differential expression of numerous genes associated with hepatic fibrogenesis including collagens, matrix metalloproteinases, and chemokines in CFLD versus normal controls, particularly decreased expression in tissue remodeling genes including plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1, up to 25‐fold) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1); this was validated by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (PAI‐1, P = 0.004; TIMP‐1, P = 0.019). No significant decrease in PAI‐1 or TIMP‐1 mRNA was observed in biliary atresia versus normal control. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the decreased expression of hepatic PAI‐1 and TIMP‐1 protein in CFLD versus both normal and biliary atresia disease controls.

Conclusions:

The coordinated differential expression of these genes associated with liver fibrosis provides evidence for a transcriptional basis for the pathogenesis of CFLD and provides avenues for further study. Clarifying the pathogenesis of CFLD will facilitate techniques for early, precirrhotic detection and targeted interventions.
Expression of Acid‐sensing Ion Channels of Gastric Mucosa From Patients With Henoch‐Schönlein Purpura
Authors: Yuan Li‐ping , Bo Yan , Ming Gui , Zhou Qi‐lian
Published: December 2011

Acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) are members of the voltage‐insensitive, amiloride‐sensitive degenerin/epithelial Na+ channel family of cation channels and have been shown to mediate pain associated with tissue acidosis after inflammation or injury; however, the expression and role of ASICs in gastrointestinal tract of Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP) patients were still uncertain. The present study was designed to examine the expression and localization of ASICs in gastric mucosa from patients with HSP using immunochemical techniques. The results showed that there was a significant increase in the mean relative optical density of ASIC2 and ASIC3 but not ASIC1a in the lining epithelium and glandular tubes of gastric mucosa from HSP patients with HSP. This finding suggested that ASICs may be related to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with HSP.
Impact of release dynamics of laser-irradiated polymer micropallets on the viability of selected adherent cells
Authors: Ma Huan , Mismar Wael , Wang Yuli , Small Donald W. , Ras Mat , Allbritton Nancy L. , Sims Christopher E. , Venugopalan Vasan
Published: December 2011

We use time-resolved interferometry, fluorescence assays and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to examine the viability of confluent adherent cell monolayers to selection via laser microbeam release of photoresist polymer micropallets. We demonstrate the importance of laser microbeam pulse energy and focal volume position relative to the glass–pallet interface in governing the threshold energies for pallet release as well as the pallet release dynamics. Measurements using time-resolved interferometry show that increases in laser pulse energy result in increasing pallet release velocities that can approach 10 m s
−1
through aqueous media. CFD simulations reveal that the pallet motion results in cellular exposure to transient hydrodynamic shear stress amplitudes that can exceed 100 kPa on microsecond timescales, and which produces reduced cell viability. Moreover, CFD simulation results show that the maximum shear stress on the pallet surface varies spatially, with the largest shear stresses occurring on the pallet periphery. Cell viability of confluent cell monolayers on the pallet surface confirms that the use of larger pulse energies results in increased rates of necrosis for those cells situated away from the pallet centre, while cells situated at the pallet centre remain viable. Nevertheless, experiments that examine the viability of these cell monolayers following pallet release show that proper choices for laser microbeam pulse energy and focal volume position lead to the routine achievement of cell viability in excess of 90 per cent. These laser microbeam parameters result in maximum pallet release velocities below 6 m s
−1
and cellular exposure of transient hydrodynamic shear stresses below 20 kPa. Collectively, these results provide a mechanistic understanding that relates pallet release dynamics and associated transient shear stresses with subsequent cellular viability. This provides a quantitative, mechanistic basis for determining optimal operating conditions for laser microbeam-based pallet release systems for the isolation and selection of adherent cells.
Stable isotopes challenge the perception of ocean sunfish Mola mola as obligate jellyfish predators
Authors: Syväranta J. , Harrod C. , Kubicek L. , Cappanera V. , Houghton J. D. R.
Published: December 2011

Evidence is provided from stable isotope analysis that aggregations of small ocean sunfish Mola mola (total length <1 m) feed broadly within coastal food webs and their classification as obligate predators of gelatinous zooplankton requires revision.
Feeding ecology and dietary comparisons among three sympatric Neotrygon (Myliobatoidei: Dasyatidae) species
Authors: Jacobsen I. P. , Bennett M. B.
Published: December 2011

The diets of Neotrygon picta, Neotrygon kuhlii and Neotrygon annotata are described using trophic level analysis, index of relative importance (IRI) and non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination (nMDS). They were secondary consumers with trophic levels of between 3·55 and 3·58. Carids were the most important prey category in the diets of N. picta (82·0%IRI) and N. annotata (69·4%IRI); Polychaeta (72·3%IRI) was the most important prey category for N. kuhlii. A significant difference was detected between the volumetric dietary data of all three species (ANOSIM, global R‐statistic = 0·742, P < 0·01) and between sequential N. picta and N. kuhlii size classes (ANOSIM, global R‐statistics = 0·367–0·403, P < 0·01). Changes in polychaete and carid prey proportions were the primary sources of diet variability. Dietary differences may be linked to variations in disc width, mouth morphology and feeding strategies. This study provides insights into the level of variability within and between the diets and feeding behaviours of Neotrygon species, and the potential for resource partitioning to occur when these species coexist.
The Huntington's Disease health‐related Quality of Life questionnaire (HDQoL): a disease‐specific measure of health‐related quality of life
Authors: Hocaoglu MB , Gaffan EA , Ho AK
Published: December 2011

Hocaoglu MB, Gaffan EA, Ho AK. The Huntington's disease health‐related quality of life questionnaire: a disease‐specific measure of health‐related quality of life.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, cognitive and psychiatric disturbances, and yet there is no disease‐specific patient‐reported health‐related quality of life outcome measure for patients. Our aim was to develop and validate such an instrument, i.e. the Huntington's Disease health‐related Quality of Life questionnaire (HDQoL), to capture the true impact of living with this disease. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the full spectrum of people living with HD, to form a pool of items, which were then examined in a larger sample prior to data‐driven item reduction. We provide the statistical basis for the extraction of three different sets of scales from the HDQoL, and present validation and psychometric data on these scales using a sample of 152 participants living with HD. These new patient‐derived scales provide promising patient‐reported outcome measures for HD.
Reducing the incidence of TRALI in the UK: the results of screening for donor leucocyte antibodies and the development of national guidelines
Authors: Lucas G. , Win N. , Calvert A. , Green A. , Griffin E. , Bendukidze N. , Hopkins M. , Browne T. , Poles A. , Chapman C. , Massey E.
Published: December 2011

Background and Objectives  Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is associated with the passive transfusion of leucocyte antibodies in blood products. Blood Transfusion Services have adopted a number of different strategies for reducing the incidence of TRALI, but, while these have been successful, TRALI has not been completely eliminated. Many Transfusion Services have introduced leucocyte antibody screening of donors to further reduce TRALI. This report describes the results of donor leucocyte antibody screening within NHS Blood and Transplant and the guidelines that have been developed for Transfusion Services within the United Kingdom (UK) to reduce the incidence of TRALI.

Materials and Methods  Blood samples from newly recruited female apheresis donors were tested for human leucocyte antigens (HLA) class I and class II antibodies and granulocyte‐specific antibodies.

Results  A total of 1157 female donors were evaluated. Three hundred and fifteen (27·23%) donors had HLA class I or II antibodies and were returned to red cell component donation. Fifty‐seven (6·77%) of the remaining 842 donors were found to have granulocyte‐specific antibodies of which 11 (1·31%) had HNA‐specific antibodies. A total of 818 donors (70·70%) were accepted for platelet apheresis, 336 donors (29·04%) were returned to red cell component donation, and three donors with HNA‐3a antibodies (0·26%) were deferred from therapeutic donation.

Conclusions  Female donors with leucocyte antibodies were identified in a stratified screening programme. Donors with antibodies were either directed to red cell donation or deferred. This process, combined with other measures that have already been introduced, is anticipated to further reduce the incidence of TRALI.
A Test of Genital Allometry Using Two Damselfly Species does not Produce Hypoallometric Patterns
Authors: Nava‐Bolaños Angela , Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex , Munguía‐Steyer Roberto
Published: December 2011

It is widely admitted that sexual selection is the responsible force behind genital traits. However, the particular mechanisms of genital evolution are still debated. Recently, studies of genital static allometry in insects have been used to elucidate such mechanisms. Insect genital traits are often reported to show negative allometry (i.e., a slope < 1), which has generated a number of ideas on how genital traits are selected. However, many studies that have inferred selection mechanisms have omitted consideration of the function of genital traits, used unreliable indicators of body size, and only rarely included female genitalia in their analysis. We investigated whether negative allometry operates for genitalia in two damselfly species (Protoneura cara and Ischnura denticollis). Damselflies are suitable for genital allometry tests as their genital function and body size indicators (wing length and head width) are relatively well known and established. First, we show that the aedeagus is used to physically remove sperm from both sperm storage organs (bursa and spermatheca) and that wing length and head width correlate positively with other morphological traits for the two study species. Second, we estimated genital allometry by measuring aedeagal length, vaginal length, bursal volume, and spermathecal volume. Our results indicate no consistent allometric pattern. Allometry for aedeagal length and vaginal width was not the same. Thus, there was no support for a negative allometric relationship. We urge researchers investigating allometry to look directly at how genitalia function rather than inferring function from allometric relationships only.
Participatory approach in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding for drought tolerance for southern Ethiopia
Authors: Asfaw Asrat , Almekinders Conny J. M. , Blair Matthew W. , Struik Paul C.
Published: December 2011

With 3 figures and 4 tables

This study employed and compared different methods for capturing farmers’ preference for common bean varieties in southern Ethiopia and tested their expressed preference using active selection of drought‐tolerant genotypes. The results showed considerable variation in farmers’ variety preferences, but the most important variation consistently focused on a fairly consistent set of variety traits. Different methods indicated that farmers considered earliness as the most important trait. Culinary qualities and marketability showed to be at least as important as drought tolerance. Comparing different methods in identifying farmers’ preference indicated that recording farmers rating or ranking for traits in breeding may not be effective or predictive of adoption for new variety and resulting variation among farmers. Real‐time participatory selection was quick, efficient and accurately revealed farmer preference. The relatively high level of coincidence of farmer selections and selections made by breeders and extensionists, combined with the relative consistent set of important traits to consider, suggest that diversity of farmers demand is not the first concern. The challenge of the common bean breeding for southern Ethiopia therefore lies in combining different mechanisms of drought tolerance with culinary attractiveness and marketability. Market in the study region shows to be fairly dynamic and as a consequence farmer preferences for grain types and colour are not static. Breeding that focuses on traditionally grown colours, shapes and sizes may therefore restrict farmers’ access to novel attractive and adapted germplasm.
Low‐dose ionising radiation from medical imaging in patients hospitalised in internal medicine
Authors: Martineau‐Beaulieu D. , Lanthier L.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Medical imaging is responsible for increasing exposure to low‐dose ionising radiation in the general population. The extent of exposure in specific patient populations remains to be determined.

Aim:  We sought to determine the level of exposure in patients hospitalised in General Internal Medicine.

Methods:  In this retrospective cohort study, we searched the Centre Informatisé de Recherche Évaluative en Services et Soins de Santé database for adult patients hospitalised in General Internal Medicine from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008. We collected data on demographics, co‐morbidities, and radiological and nuclear imaging. We used data from the literature to calculate an estimated annual effective dose for each patient and searched for factors associated with higher exposure.

Results:  One thousand one hundred eighty‐seven (1187) patients were hospitalised at least once during the study period. The median age was 69 years (interquartile range 56–81) and 636 (53.6%) were men. The median annual effective dose of the whole cohort was 8.7 mSv/year. Patients aged between 55 and 80 years were exposed to a higher median effective dose compared with their younger and older counterparts (P < 0.001). Patients with cardiac, pulmonary, peripheral arterial and neoplastic disease were at higher risk of exposure to high and very high annual effective dose (P < 0.01). Patients with longer hospitalisations were at higher risk of exposure to high and very high annual effective dose (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Patients hospitalised on a General Internal Medicine ward are exposed to three times more ionising radiation than the general population.
Diagnostic yield of bronchoscopic sampling in febrile neutropenic patients with pulmonary infiltrate and haematological disorders
Authors: Seneviratna A. , O'Carroll M. , Lewis C. A. , Milne D.
Published: December 2011

Background:  The development of pulmonary infiltrate in neutropenic patients is potentially life‐threatening, and requires early diagnosis and treatment. Bronchoscopic sampling is an established form of investigation in such patients.

Aim:  The aim of the study is to determine the diagnostic yield and complication rate of bronchoscopic sampling in patients with a haematological disorder presenting with febrile neutropenia and pulmonary infiltrate.

Methods:  Medical records and laboratory investigations were retrospectively reviewed for all patients with a haematological disorder who underwent flexible bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial washing (BW) at Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand, after presenting with febrile neutropenia and pulmonary infiltrate between January 2008 and December 2009. Demographic, clinical, radiological and microbiological data, procedure‐related complications and treatment were recorded. Modifications to treatment regimens as a result of bronchoscopy and 30‐day mortality were recorded.

Results:  Out of 678 bronchoscopies performed during this period, 26 were in patients with a haematological disorder presenting with febrile neutropenia and pulmonary infiltrate. Most patients had a haematological malignancy (19/26). Two (7.7%) patients reported minor haemoptysis. No biopsies were performed. Positive microbiological samples were obtained with BAL/BW in 23% of patients. The most common organisms identified were Aspergillus species (15.4%); other organisms were Candida (11.6%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (3.9%). The bronchoscopic results altered the clinical management of 10 (38.4%) patients. The 30‐day mortality rate was 19.2%, but no deaths were related to the procedure.

Conclusions:  In haematology patients presenting with febrile neutropenia and pulmonary infiltrate, bronchoscopy is a safe procedure that plays a significant role in management.
Comparison of size 2 i‐gel supraglottic airway with LMA‐ProSeal™ and LMA‐Classic™ in spontaneously breathing children undergoing elective surgery
Authors: Goyal Rakhee , Shukla Ravindra Nath , Kumar Gaurav
Published: December 2011

Background:  We compared size 2 i‐gel® (Intersurgical Inc.), a relatively new supraglottic airway device for use in spontaneously breathing anesthesized children with two different types of laryngeal mask airway‐ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) and Classic™ laryngeal mask airway (cLMA) for the ease of insertion, oropharyngeal sealing pressures (OSPs), and air leak. The hemodynamic effects on insertion of device and postoperative adverse effects were also noted.

Methods:  A randomized prospective study was planned in 120 children aged 2–5 years, weighing 10–20 kg, ASA physical status I–II scheduled for routine elective surgeries of <1‐h duration. They were randomly divided in three groups (i‐gel, PLMA, and cLMA) of 40 each, and a standard protocol for anesthesia was followed.

Results:  The age, weight, height, and type of surgery were similar in all groups. Success rate for first attempt was 95% for the i‐gel group and 90% for the two laryngeal mask airway groups. Insertion was found to be easy in the majority of cases in all groups, and there was no change in blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation on insertion. The OSP was 26 ± 2.6, 23 ± 1.2, and 22 ± 2.3 cm H2O for i‐gel, PLMA, and cLMA, respectively. The difference between the i‐gel and both laryngeal mask airway groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). There were no clinically important complications in the postoperative period.

Conclusion:  Pediatric size 2 i‐gel is easy to insert and provides higher OSP compared with same size PLMA and cLMA in spontaneously breathing children undergoing elective surgery. It may be a safe alternative to laryngeal mask airways in day care surgeries.
The Financial Costs of Caring in the British Labour Market: Is There a Wage Penalty for Workers in Caring Occupations?
Authors: Barron David N. , West Elizabeth
Published: December 2011

Recent evidence from the USA suggests that people engaged in occupations involving providing care for others, such as childcare and teaching, suffer a wage penalty. After taking into account job and individual characteristics such as level of education and work experience, people in these occupations in the American study earned about 6 per cent less than their peers in other types of occupation. However, we do not yet know if people working in similar occupations in other countries also suffer the same degree of disadvantage. The issue is important because, despite the perception that people in caring jobs place a relatively low weight on the level of remuneration when making career decisions, a number of studies have shown clear evidence of an association between pay and the propensity to give up working in a caring occupation. There are implications too for social inequality as many caring jobs are done by women and associated wage penalties could contribute to the persistent gender gap in pay. This study compares and contrasts the predictions of neoclassical economics, cultural feminist theory and social closure theory.

Data are taken from 17 waves of the British Household Panel Survey and include a total of 23,773 individuals, giving 110,677 person‐year observations. These data are analysed using multi‐level linear regression. The results show clear evidence of a statistically significant wage penalty associated with working in some caring occupations. Those occupations requiring lower levels of educational qualification, such as nursing assistants and auxiliaries, are particularly hard‐hit by the wage penalty. On the other hand, some occupations, such as medicine and teaching, have fared better than comparable non‐caring occupations over the same period. We discuss the implications of these results for the gender gap in pay, poverty, social inequality and the future supply of caring workers.
Tissue‐engineered provisional matrix as a novel approach to enhance diabetic wound healing
Authors: Balaji Swathi , Vaikunth Sachin S. , Lang Stephanie A. , Sheikh Abdul Q. , Lim Foong Y. , Crombleholme Timothy M. , Narmoneva Daria A.
Published: December 2011

Inherent pathologies associated with diabetic wound microenvironment including increased proteolysis, inflammatory dysregulation, and impaired neovascularization prevent timely resolution of chronic diabetic ulcers. It is hypothesized that augmentation of local wound microenvironment with a stable provisional matrix formed by proteolysis‐resistant angiogenic peptide nanofibers (NFs) will create permissive environment for attenuated inflammation, enhanced neovascularization, and improved diabetic wound healing. Using murine excisional wound healing models, full‐thickness dorsal skin wounds were treated with either NFs or control solutions (phosphate buffered saline; hyaluronic acid) and analyzed for morphology, inflammatory response, neovascularization, and biomechanical properties. NF treatment of diabetic wounds stimulated formation of a robust pro‐angiogenic in situ tissue‐engineered provisional matrix leading to a significant decrease in wound inflammatory cell infiltration and proinflammatory interleukin‐6 levels, a significant increase in endothelial and endothelial progenitor cell infiltration, vascular endothelial growth factor levels, and neovascularization (day 7), as well as improved wound morphology, accelerated wound closure, and significantly stronger repair tissue (day 28). These results suggest that appropriate design of provisional matrix may compensate for some of the complex disruptions in diabetic wound microenvironment and provide missing cues to cells and direct in situ responses toward improved healing, which is promising for future development of new therapies for diabetic ulcers.
Benefit evaluation in the therapy of chronic wounds from the patients' perspective—development and validation of a new method
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Blome Christine , Zschocke Ina , Schäfer Ines , Koenig Sibylle , Rustenbach Stephan J. , Herberger Katharina
Published: December 2011

Assessing therapeutic benefit of any drug and medical device is essential in registration and cost reimbursement decisions inGermany and in many nations. In this study, a method for the assessment of patient‐relevant benefits in wound therapy was developed and validated. A total of 83 items on treatment benefit from the patients' perspective were collected in an open survey, includingn = 50 patients with chronic wounds. The item pool was compiled to a list of 22 items by an interdisciplinary panel of experts including patients. The item list is presented prior to therapy to assess patient‐relevant treatment needs and during or after therapy to establish if benefits have been attained. A weighed patient benefit index (PBI) is calculated from the items of both questionnaires. The instrument was examined for practical feasibility, reliability, and validity in a prospective study involvingn = 172 patients with acute or chronic wounds treated by vacuum‐assisted therapy. Validation criteria were: change in generic and disease‐specific quality of life; judgment of efficacy by patients and physicians; treatment satisfaction; patients' willingness to recommend the therapy to others. Construct validity was given for all criteria applied. Cronbach's alpha was 0.88. The instrument was well‐accepted by patients and rated relevant for the assessment of benefit in wound treatment.
An Eye‐Tracking Investigation of Developmental Changes in Infants’ Exploration of Upright and Inverted Human Faces
Authors: Oakes Lisa M. , Ellis Ann E.
Published: December 2011

We used eye tracking to examine 4.5‐ to 12.5‐month‐old infants’ (N = 92) eye movements during 3‐s presentations of upright and inverted faces. Scanning of inverted faces was statistically indistinguishable at 4.5, 6.5, 8, and 12.5 months of age; at each of these ages, infants disproportionately scanned the region containing the eyes. Scanning of upright faces changed over this age range. When viewing upright faces, 4.5‐month‐old and 6.5‐month‐old infants focused disproportionately on the region containing the eyes, whereas 12.5‐month‐old and 8‐month‐old infants distributed looking more broadly, scanning more of the internal area of the faces. These results are consistent with other observed developmental differences in face processing and provide insight into how moment‐to‐moment face processing changes during infancy.
The Wound CARE Instrument: the process for developing standards for wound management education and programming
Authors: Orsted Heather L. , Woodbury M. Gail , Stevenson Kimberly
Published: December 2011

This article describes the collaborative process undertaken by the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy and the Canadian Association of Wound Care in an effort to improve the quality of wound prevention and management education and programming. The end result of this process is the Wound CARE Instrument which promotes an interprofessional, collaborative appraisal process to support the development, adoption or adaption of wound management educational events and programs.
DFT‐based QSAR Models to Predict the Antimycobacterial Activity of Chalcones
Authors: Barua Nilakshi , Sarmah Pubalee , Hussain Iftikar , Deka Ramesh C. , Buragohain Alak K.
Published: December 2011

In this study, antimycobacterial activity of a set of synthesized chalcone derivatives against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv was investigated by quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular mechanics (MM+)‐based descriptors in both gas and solvent phases. The best molecular descriptors identified were hardness, EHOMO, MRA‐4 and MRB‐4′ that contributed to the antimycobacterial activity of the chalcones as independent factors. The correlation of these four descriptors with their antimycobacterial activity increases with the inclusion of solvent medium, indicating their importance in studying biological activity. QSAR models revealed that in gas phase, lower values of EHOMO, MRA‐4 and MRB‐4′ increase the antimycobacterial activity of the chalcone molecules. However, in solvent phase, lower values of EHOMO and MRB‐4′ and higher values of MRA‐4 increase their activity.
CARBONATE GEOBODIES: HIERARCHICAL CLASSIFICATION AND DATABASE – A NEW WORKFLOW FOR 3D RESERVOIR MODELLING
Authors: Jung A. , Aigner T.
Published: December 2011

Quantitative data on geobodies are crucial for reservoir modelling. Although abundant quantitative data are available in the literature for siliciclastic depositional systems, equivalent data for carbonate systems are scarce. In this paper we introduce a new approach to the management of quantitative data on carbonate geobodies which is based on a hierarchical classification scheme. The classes to which a carbonate geobody are assigned are: (1) depo‐time (i.e. geological age); (2) depo‐system (i.e. type of carbonate platform); (3) depo‐zone (i.e. facies belt or zone); (4) depo‐shape (i.e. geometry of the geological body); (5) depo‐element (i.e. architectural elements present); and (6) depo‐facies (litho‐ and biofacies). This hierarchical classification is complemented by a set of rules for modifying depo‐shapes which refer to their spatial distribution and patterns of interaction.

Based on this classification, an extensive database has been developed which can be used for 3D reservoir modelling. The database holds more than 600 case studies from outcrop analogues and the subsurface and also from satellite images of modern carbonate settings. The database can be used as the basis for a new workflow for reservoir modelling which uses multiple‐point statistics (MPS). MPS makes use of training images to capture and reproduce facies patterns and geometries during stochastic simulations.

The application of this new approach is demonstrated by modelling a Cretaceous outcrop reservoir analogue from southern France. The use of MPS allows the generation of geologically realistic and complex facies distributions in the model based on the simplified training images.
Molecular Analysis of Cyst Fluid Aspiration in the Diagnosis and Risk Assessment of Cystic Lesions of the Pancreas
Authors: Garud Sagar S. , Willingham Field F.
Published: December 2011

Pancreatic cyst detection is increasing largely due to increasing use of cross‐sectional imaging. The management of pancreatic cysts differs for true cysts, pseudocysts, mucinous cysts, nonmucinous cysts, and malignant lesions. Depending on the setting, diagnostic tests, such as cross‐sectional imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, cyst fluid chemistry, and cytology, have moderate accuracy in characterizing the cyst subtype. Molecular analysis of cyst fluid aspirates has shown promise in preliminary studies and may require smaller fluid volumes than is needed for carcinoembryonic antigen level and cytology. This article reviews published studies in which molecular analysis was performed in the evaluation of pancreatic cysts. The molecular studies are compared with the conventional tests. Most studies have had moderate sample sizes (16–124) and have characterized a high proportion of patients with malignant cysts. Evaluation of molecular analysis as a diagnostic tool merits larger prospective trials with long‐term follow‐up of patients who are not sent to surgery. Larger cysts may meet size criteria for resection, and it is the smaller cysts for which molecular analysis may be of benefit if additional molecular testing results in a change in management. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 102–107
Returns Policy and Quality Risk in E‐Business
Authors: Hsiao Lu , Chen Ying‐Ju
Published: December 2011

In this article, we investigate the interplay between returns policy, pricing strategy, and quality risk. We define quality risk as the possibility of product misfit, defect, or unconformity with the consumers’ perception. These notions of quality risks differ in return policy restriction, residual values, and whether it is possible to unambiguously reduce the probability of mismatch. Using a stylized two‐segment market setting, we demonstrate that consumer returns are offered only when the high‐segment consumers incur a higher hassle cost, and both the quality risk and the valuation of the low segment are moderate. Moreover, it is possible to wisely design the returns policy that eliminates all inappropriate returns. Furthermore, the seller with a high‐quality risk may offer a refund that exceeds the selling price, which provides a theoretical ground and specific operating regime for the satisfaction guaranteed policy used in some e‐tailers. In contrast, when the quality risk is relatively low, further improvement on mitigating the quality risk may not necessarily benefit the seller. Finally, we observe that the restocking fee may be non‐monotonic in product quality; thus, a more generous returns policy does not necessarily indicate a lower quality risk.
Manufacturer–Retailer Negotiations in the Presence of an Oligopolistic Input Market
Authors: Arya Anil , Pfeiffer Thomas
Published: December 2011

When a manufacturer relies solely on its own inputs in making products, the focus of negotiations between the manufacturer and retailer is exclusively on profits in the output (retail) market. In such cases, absent retail competition concerns, standard two‐part tariff negotiations set the per‐unit wholesale price equal to marginal cost, and require fixed transfers from the retailer to the manufacturer. In this article, we recognize that manufacturers often rely on imperfectly competitive markets for at least some inputs. Incorporating this seemingly natural feature has profound implications for manufacturer–retailer negotiations since it shifts their focus from being exclusively on output markets to one that balances strategic concerns in both input and output realms. The article's main result is that the added need to discipline input prices can lead the manufacturer and retailer to write contingent contracts that are cost‐plus and prescribe lump‐sum slotting allowances (i.e., fixed transfer from the manufacturer to the retailer).
A psychotherapeutic baby clinic in a hostel for homeless families: Practice and evaluation
Authors: Sleed Michelle , James Jessica , Baradon Tessa , Newbery Julia , Fonagy Peter
Published: December 2011

Objectives. A pilot baby clinic in a hostel for homeless families has been established to address the specific attachment and developmental needs of infants living in temporary accommodation. The aim of this study was to assess whether this clinic model was associated with more positive outcomes than mainstream community services in terms of infant development and parent–infant interactions.

Design. Parent–infant psychotherapy and health visiting services collaborated to develop a new model of baby clinic, which reconfigured the traditional clinic to give priority to infants’ affective experiences in a therapeutic group setting. Outcomes for parent–infant dyads in a homeless hostel where this service model was applied were compared with outcomes for parents and infants in hostels, which did not have such a service.

Methods. Fifty‐nine mother–baby dyads participated in evaluation, 30 in the intervention hostel group and 29 living in comparison hostels. Infant mental and motor development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Interactions between the parents and infants were video‐recorded and coded on the Coding Interactive Behaviour Scales.

Results. The indices of mental and motor development of infants in the intervention hostel were significantly improved over time in relation to infants in the comparison hostels. No significant differences were found in the quality of parent–infant interaction between the two groups over time.

Conclusions. The findings indicate that the service model may have positive benefits for infant development. The findings, study limitations, and clinical implications are discussed.

Practitioner Points

Parents and infants living in temporary accommodation represent a high‐risk and hard‐to‐reach population.

A new model of intervention, which combines universal infant health services with a therapeutic parent–infant group may be an effective means of supporting the emotional needs of hard‐to‐reach parents and infants.
Vibration Suppression of a Four-Degrees-of-Freedom Nonlinear Spring Pendulum via Longitudinal and Transverse Absorbers
Authors: Eissa M. , Kamel M. , El-Sayed A. T.
Published: December 2011

An investigation into the passive vibration reduction of the nonlinear spring pendulum system, simulating the ship roll motion is presented. This leads to a four-degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) system subjected to multiparametric excitation forces. The two absorbers in the longitudinal and transverse directions are usually designed to control the vibration near the simultaneous subharmonic and internal resonance where system damage is probable. The theoretical results are obtained by applying the multiple scale perturbation technique (MSPT). The stability of the obtained nonlinear solution is studied and solved numerically. The obtained results from the frequency response curves confirmed the numerical results which were obtained using time history. For validity, the numerical solution is compared with the analytical solution. Effectiveness of the absorbers (Ea) are about 13 000 for the first mode (x) and 10 000 for the second mode (ϕ). A threshold value of linear damping coefficient can be used directly for vibration suppression of both vibration modes. Comparison with the available published work is reported.
Interaction of Edge Dislocation With Stacking Fault Tetrahedron in Cu
Authors: Jin Jianfeng , Huang Hanchen
Published: December 2011

This paper reports an anomaly in the yield strength of dislocation interacting with stacking fault tetrahedra (SFT) in Cu, reveals atomic mechanisms that are responsible for the anomaly, and further shows the thermodynamic driving force for the atomic mechanisms to prevail. Instead of monotonically increasing with the area of intersection cross-section, the yield strength first increases and then decreases with the area. The decrease, or the anomaly, is due to a change of atomic mechanism of the interactions—the SFT goes through a morphological transformation. The thermodynamic driving force for the transformation derives from the competition between the elastic energy of dislocations and the stacking fault energy.
A Comprehensive Review of Drop Impact Modeling on Portable Electronic Devices
Authors: Yau Y. H. , Hua Shijie Norman
Published: December 2011

This article is dedicated to the review of publications on drop impact analysis performed on consumer electronic devices such as cellular phones and two-way radios in the past decade. Prior to the highlights of this review, the scope and motivation behind this work will be briefly explained. A comprehensive survey on published literatures devoted to the methodologies established to analyze the reliability of electronic products exposed to the event of drop impact is presented. The scope of the review is extended beyond product level analysis to also include drop impact study at board level. This type of review is novel and has not been published in the past. The focus will be on the different analytical and numerical modeling approaches and the current status of finite element method in predicting the drop impact performance of electronic devices. Of equal interest is the methodology adopted in past work to establish a correlation between numerical and experimental results. This article serves as a reference to all intended future work which could be an extension from the current known art of drop impact analysis on electronic devices. The time frame of this review is up to year 2010.
Context Modularity of Human Altruism
Authors: Alexander Marcus , Christia Fotini
Published: December 2011

Ethnic integration enhances cooperative behavior and sanctioning of free-riders.