bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of delta-omega and fuzzy logic power system stabilizers under several operating conditions
Authors: Chopra R. , Joshi D. , Bansal R. C.
Published: June 2009

Power system stabilizers (PSSs) have become very common in the operation of large electric power systems. The stability of electric power systems is increased by the use of power system stabilizers. It is a challenging task to design a stabilizer that delivers good performance in a wider range of operating conditions and under disturbances. This paper presents a fuzzy logic power system stabilizer (FLPSS) and demonstrates the good performance of this stabilizer under a wide range of operating conditions and disturbances. The performance of FLPSS is compared with that of a speed deviation (delta-omega) PSS in the variation of four different operating conditions, i.e., inertia constant (H), automatic voltage regulator (AVR) gain (Ka), internal reactance (Xe), and reactive power (Q).
Demonstration of midinfrared type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiodes grown on GaAs substrate
Authors: Nguyen Binh-Minh , Hoffman Darin , Huang Edward Kwei-wei , Bogdanov Simeon , Delaunay Pierre-Yves , Razeghi Manijeh , Tidrow Meimei Z.
Published: June 2009

We report the growth and characterization of type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiodes grown on a GaAs substrate. Through a low nucleation temperature and a reduced growth rate, a smooth GaSb surface was obtained on the GaAs substrate with clear atomic steps and low roughness morphology. On the top of the GaSb buffer, a p+-i-n+ type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiode was grown with a designed cutoff wavelength of 4 μm. The detector exhibited a differential resistance at zero bias (R0A) in excess of 1600 Ω cm2 and a quantum efficiency of 36.4% at 77 K, providing a specific detectivity of 6×1011 cmHz/W and a background limited operating temperature of 100 K with a 300 K background. Uncooled detectors showed similar performance to those grown on GaSb substrates with a carrier lifetime of 110 ns and a detectivity of 6×108 cmHz/W.
An ambipolar phosphine oxide-based host for high power efficiency blue phosphorescent organic light emitting devices
Authors: Polikarpov Evgueni , Swensen James S. , Chopra Neetu , So Franky , Padmaperuma Asanga B.
Published: June 2009

We report blue electrophosphorescent organic light emitting devices with an ambipolar host material, 4-(diphenylphosphoryl)-N,N-diphenylaniline (HM-A1), doped with FIrpic (iridium (III)bis[(4,6-difluorophenyl)-pyridinato-N,C2′]picolinate). The ambipolar nature of the host was verified using single carrier devices. The power efficiency of devices with PO15 (2,8-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)dibenzothiophene) electron transport layer (ETL) showed optimized performance when the ETL thickness was 500 Å, giving a peak power efficiency of 46 lm/W (corresponding external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 17.1%). The EQE and power efficiency at the brightness of 800 cd/m2 were measured with no light outcoupling enhancement and found to be 15.4% and 26 lm/W, respectively.
Enhanced hole injection in organic light-emitting devices by using Fe3O4 as an anodic buffer layer
Authors: Zhang Dan-Dan , Feng Jing , Liu Yue-Feng , Zhong Yu-Qing , Bai Yu , Jin Yu , Xie Guo-Hua , Xue Qin , Zhao Yi , Liu Shi-Yong , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: June 2009

Hole injection improvement in organic light-emitting devices with Fe3O4 as a buffer layer on indium tin oxide (ITO) has been demonstrated. The luminance and the current density are significantly enhanced by using the Fe3O4/ITO anode, as well as the turn-on voltage is reduced by 1.5 V compared to the devices without the buffer. Results of atom force microscopy, x ray, and UV photoelectron spectroscopy studies reveal that the enhanced hole injection is attributed to the modification of the ITO surface and the reduced hole-injection barrier by the insertion of the Fe3O4 thin film between the ITO and hole-transporting layer.
Characterizing size-dependent effective elastic modulus of silicon nanocantilevers using electrostatic pull-in instability
Authors: Sadeghian H. , Yang C. K. , Goosen J. F. L. , van der Drift E. , Bossche A. , French P. J. , van Keulen F.
Published: June 2009

This letter presents the application of electrostatic pull-in instability to study the size-dependent effective Young’s Modulus Ẽ (∼170–70 GPa) of [110] silicon nanocantilevers (thickness ∼1019–40 nm). The presented approach shows substantial advantages over the previous methods used for characterization of nanoelectromechanical systems behaviors. The Ẽ is retrieved from the pull-in voltage of the structure via the electromechanical coupled equation, with a typical error of ≤12%, much less than previous work in the field. Measurement results show a strong size-dependence of Ẽ. The approach is simple and reproducible for various dimensions and can be extended to the characterization of nanobeams and nanowires.
Revision of Laryngodus Herrich-Schaeffer, an Allocasuarina feeder, with comments on its biology and the classification of the family (Heteroptera:Lygaeoidea:Rhyparochromidae)
Authors: Slater James A. , Schuh Randall T. , Cassis Gerasimos , Johnson Christine A. , Pedraza-Peñalosa Paola
Published: June 2009

Laryngodus Herrich-Schaeffer, 1850, is redescribed, including, for the first time, nymphal morphology. Three species are recognised based on qualitative morphology, a principle components analysis of morphometric data, and the study of sequence data from the mitochondrial genes COI and 16S. They are: L. australiae Herrich-Schaeffer from the south-western coastal area of Western Australia, L. cervantes, sp. nov., from southern Western Australia, and L. luteomaculatus, sp. nov., from western Victoria and adjacent South Australia. Sexual dimorphism in all species and variation in males of L. luteomaculatus, sp. nov. is documented and discussed. All species and their hosts are illustrated with colour digital images; scanning electron micrographs are used to illustrate male prosternal spines, antennnae, abdominal trichobothria, and other structures. Male genitalic morphology is illustrated with line drawings. Authoritative host identifications indicate that Laryngodus is restricted to feeding on several species of Allocasuarina (Casuarinaceae); nymphs and adults are known to live on the plants and to be strongly associated with the cone-like fruits. The tribal placement of Laryngodus is discussed.
Supertrees and the Tree of Life: generating a metaphylogeny for a diverse invertebrate family (Insecta:Diptera:Therevidae) using constraint trees and the parsimony ratchet to overcome low taxon overlap
Authors: Lambkin Christine L. , Trueman John W. H. , Yeates David K. , Holston Kevin C. , Webb Donald W. , Hauser Martin , Metz Mark A. , Hill Hilary N. , Skevington Jeffrey H. , Yang Longlong , Irwin Michael E. , Wiegmann Brian M.
Published: June 2009

The dipteran family Therevidae (stiletto flies) is cosmopolitan and has been the focus of many taxonomic and phylogenetic studies over the last 25 years. Despite this work, questions remain concerning the relationships between subfamilies, genera and generic groups and membership of those groups. We use the supertree method to produce an inclusive phylogeny for the family Therevidae from 24 phylogenetic studies using matrix representation with parsimony (MRP) analysis. The supertree method, one of the most common approaches to calculating globally inclusive phylogenies from smaller more exclusive analyses, produced the therevid metaphylogeny despite only 34% of the terminal taxa being found in more than one source tree. We describe a method for handling low taxon overlap in supertree analyses, in combination with the parsimony ratchet and constraint tree techniques. The supertree presented here is an overarching phylogenetic hypothesis of the Therevidae, incorporating extensive sampling of major lineages and summarising past phylogenetic work on the family. The inclusive metaphylogeny for 362 therevid taxa robustly retrieves the subfamilies Agapophytinae, Phycinae, Therevinae and Xestomyzinae, and the tribes Cyclotelini and Therevini. The Phycinae and Xestomyzinae form a clade, sister to the remaining Therevidae. The Australasian and South American Taenogera Kröber genus-group is monophyletic and sister to a clade of Therevinae and the Australian endemic Agapophytinae. The Therevinae consists of the Anabarhynchus Macquart genus-group of Australian, South American, New Caledonian and New Zealand taxa as sister to the non-Australasian ‘higher Therevinae’, which contains the tribes Cyclotelini and Therevini. The Therevini includes the Hoplosathe Lyneborg & Zaitzev, Litolinga Irwin & Lyneborg, Baryphora Loew, Pandivirilia Irwin & Lyneborg and Thereva Latreille generic-groups. MRP supertree methods can be used to produce inclusive metaphylogenies in situations where source trees have poor data overlap and low taxon overlap, and are therefore valuable in species-rich groups such as arthropods. These methods may be necessary for constructing the ‘Tree of Life’, representing phylogenetic relationships among the millions of known species. However, our analyses show that in situations of source tree conflict, MRP supertree analyses present only the majority signal. We also show that conflict between source trees can be hidden in MRP supertrees, thus our results emphasise the need to evaluate the resulting clades with reference to the source trees.
Nonenzymatic displacement of chlorine and formation of free radicals upon the reaction of glutathione with PCB quinones
Authors: Song Yang , Wagner Brett A. , Witmer Jordan R. , Lehmler Hans-Joachim , Buettner Garry R.
Published: June 2009

The reactions of glutathione (GSH) with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) quinones having different degrees of chlorination on the quinone ring were examined. EPR spectroscopy and MS revealed 2 types of reactions yielding different products: (i) a nonenzymatic, nucleophilic displacement of chlorine on the quinone ring yielding a glutathiylated conjugated quinone and (ii) Michael addition of GSH to the quinone, a 2-electron reduction, yielding a glutathiylated conjugated hydroquinone. The pKaof parent hydroquinone decreased by 1 unit as the degree of chlorination increased. This resulted in a corresponding increase in the oxidizability of these chlorinated hydroquinones. The reaction with oxygen appears to be first-order each in ionized hydroquinone and dioxygen, yielding hydrogen peroxide stoichiometrically. The generation of semiquinone radicals, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals was observed by EPR; however, the mechanisms and yields vary depending on the degree of the chlorination of hydroquinone/quinone and the presence or absence of GSH. Our discovery that chlorinated quinones undergo a rapid, nonenzymatic dechlorination upon reaction with GSH opens a different view on mechanisms of metabolism and the toxicity of this class of compounds.
Statistical mechanics of convergent evolution in spatial patterning
Authors: Khatri Bhavin S. , McLeish Tom C. B. , Sear Richard P.
Published: June 2009

We explore how the genotype–phenotype map determines convergent evolution in a simple model of spatial gene regulation during development. Evolution is simulated via a Monte Carlo scheme that incorporates mutation, selection, and genetic drift, by using a bottom-up model of gene regulation with a fitness function that is optimized by a switch-like response to a morphogen gradient. We find that even for very simple regulation, the genotype–phenotype map gives rise to an emergent fitness landscape of remarkable complexity. This leads to a richness of evolutionary behavior as population size is increased that parallels the thermodynamics of physical systems as temperature decreases. Convergence is controlled by the existence of sufficiently dominant global optima in “free fitness,” which is a quantity that is the balance of mutational entropy and fitness. In independent simulations at low population sizes, we find convergence to a phenotype of suboptimal fitness due to the multiplicity or entropy of solutions. This contrasts with convergence to the optimal fitness phenotype at high population size. However, at sufficiently large population sizes, we find convergence in only the phenotypes with greatest effect on fitness, whereas noncritical phenotypes exhibit divergence due to quenched disorder on a locally rough landscape. Our results predict that for large populations, the evolution of even simple gene regulatory circuits may be glassy-like, such that, counter to the commonly accepted view that conservation implies function, many conserved phenotypes are simply frozen accidents of little consequence to the fitness of the organism.
Radiographic absorptiometry as a screening tool in male osteoporosis: results from the odense androgen study
Authors: Hansen S. J. , Nielsen M. M. F. , Ryg J. , Wraae K. , Andersen M. , Brixen K.
Published: June 2009

Background: Osteoporosis screening with dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) is not recommended due to low diagnostic utility and costs. Radiographic absorptiometry (RA) determines bone mineral density (BMD) of the phalangeal bones of the hand and is a potential osteoporosis pre-screening tool.

Purpose: To determine the ability of RA to identify patients with osteoporosis in a male population.

Material and Methods: As part of the Odense Androgen Study, we measured BMD of the intermediate phalanges of the second to fourth finger, lumbar spine (L2–L4), and total hip in 218 men aged 60–74 years (mean 68.8 years), randomly invited from the population, using RA (MetriScan) and DXA (Hologic 4500-A). Osteopenia and osteoporosis were defined as a T-score of less than −1.0 and -2.5, respectively, in the hip and/or lumbar spine. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were computed.

Results: BMDRA of the phalanges correlated significantly with BMDDXA of the hip ( R=0.47, P<0.001) and lumbar spine ( R=0.46, P<0.001). A total of 105 men (48.2%) were osteopenic and 15 (6.9%) osteoporotic. The AUC (SE) value for detecting osteoporosis was 0.75 (0.06). The sensitivity and specificity of RA in identifying osteoporosis were 0.93 and 0.50, respectively.

Conclusion: BMDRA correlated weakly with BMDDXA of the lumbar spine and total hip, and RA has a moderate ability to identify osteoporotic individuals. Nevertheless, RA may be used as a pre-screening tool in men, since the diagnosis may be ruled out in half the population at little cost.
The validity of the new york radiological grading criteria in diagnosing sacroiliitis by computed tomography
Authors: Geijer M. , Gadeholt Göthlin G. , Göthlin J. H.
Published: June 2009

Background: Sacroiliitis in ankylosing spondylitis has frequently been graded radiographically using the New York (NY) criteria, which also have been applied in computed tomography (CT).

Purpose: To validate the grading of the NY criteria in CT of the sacroiliac joints.

Material and Methods: With the aid of the NY criteria, assessment of inflammatory and degenerative changes was made in 1304 CT studies. Assessment included erosions, the distribution, type, and width of sclerosis, and the involvement of the joints in sacroiliitis, as well as of normal anatomic variants such as joint space width and shape.

Results: There was definite radiological sacroiliitis in 420 joints in 251 patients. Among these, more than two-thirds of the joint was involved in 71.0% of the affected joints. Sclerosis of the ilium was much more prevalent than sacral sclerosis. With increasing NY grade, iliac sclerosis, width, and extent increased, transition from sclerosis to normal bone became indistinct, and the structure of sclerosis was more inhomogeneous. Erosions of the joint surfaces were localized predominantly on the iliac side.

Conclusion: Only erosions seem to be a valid solitary diagnostic sign. Solitary erosions need supplemental evidence from other inflammatory signs. Inflammatory sclerosis may be distinguished from degenerative sclerosis, and can sometimes support early diagnosis. Joint space width, joint shape, bone mineral content, or enthesopathy have no place in sacroiliitis diagnosis on CT. The NY criteria are not ideal for use with CT. A practical classification of sacroiliitis on CT is proposed, with a grading of no disease, suspected disease, and definite disease.
Book Reviews
Authors: Fransson Sven-Göran
Published: June 2009

Aids to Radiological Differential Diagnosis. Fifth edition. By S. Chapman & R. Nakielny. Edited by S. G. Davies. London: Saunders Elsevier, 2009. ISBN-13: 9780702029790. 519 pages. Price (paperback): USD 59.95
Stent implantation in chronic mesenteric ischemia
Authors: Aksu C. , Demirpolat G. , Oran I. , Demirpolat G. , Parildar M. , Memis A.
Published: June 2009

Background: Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a life-threatening disorder, which is usually associated with stenosis or occlusion of celiac or mesenteric arteries.

Purpose: To review our experience and to assess short-term results of stent placement in stenotic mesenteric arteries.

Material and Methods: Primary stent placement was performed in 15 patients who had nausea, vomiting, postprandial pain, and weight loss due to steno-occlusive diseases of mesenteric arteries. After stenting, the patients were followed clinically and with Doppler ultrasound at 1, 6, and 12 months. Symptomatic patients with restenosis were examined with digital subtraction angiography and were referred for retreatment with balloon dilatation.

Results: Twenty-three stenoses and 11 occlusions were detected in 15 patients, and 18 stenoses were treated with primary stenting. Single-vessel endovascular treatment was performed in 12 patients. In three patients, two arteries were stented in the same session. Technical success rate was 18/18 (100%). Clinical success was achieved in 13/15 (86.6%) patients. First-month mortality was 13%. During the mean 16.1-month follow-up period, restenoses developed in three patients. One of them was successfully treated with balloon angioplasty. Primary patency was 9/11 (81%) and primary assisted patency was 81% at 12 months. The complication rate was 1/15 patients (0.06%).

Conclusion: Our experience suggests that stent placement has a potential role in chronic mesenteric ischemia with low incidence of complications and high technical and clinical success rates.
Ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy in differential diagnosis of papillary breast tumors
Authors: Bode M. K. , Rissanen T. , Apaja-Sarkkinen M.
Published: June 2009

Background: Papillary lesions of the breast are considered diagnostically challenging for various reasons. A relatively high malignancy rate in final pathological analysis has in many cases necessitated excision of these lesions, regardless of core needle biopsy (CNB).

Purpose: To assess mammographic, sonographic, and CNB findings of papillary lesions, and to correlate them with final histology obtained by surgical excision.

Material and Methods: From 2000–2006, 29 benign and 19 malignant papillary tumors examined with CNB were surgically removed. Mammographic, sonographic, and CNB results were analyzed and correlated with final histology.

Results: On ultrasonography (US), 69% (20/29) of the benign lesions were solid and 31% (9/29) were cystic, and 47% of the malignant lesions (9/19) were solid and 53% (10/19) were cystic. The mammographic findings were nonspecific, although most of the malignant tumors (67%, 12/18) were categorized as BI-RADS 4 lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the core needle biopsy histology was 32% (6/19), 100% (29/29), and 100% (6/6), respectively, for papillary carcinoma. A negative predictive value of 91% (21/23) for malignancy and 48% (11/23) for either atypia or malignancy was shown. Of the lesions with CNB diagnosis of benign papillary lesion with atypia, 58% (11/19) turned out to be malignant and 11% (2/19) were benign on surgery.

Conclusion: The probability of malignancy is low when the CNB result shows a benign papillary lesion with no atypia. However, the only way to reliably diagnose atypical papillary lesions is to surgically remove all papillary tumors, irrespective of the CNB result. Differentiation between benign and malignant lesions or malignant noninvasive and invasive tumors is not possible based on sonographic or mammographic appearance.
Libel Tours
Authors: Griffin Michael
Published: June 2009

The Commonwealth has a dismal record in standing up for free speech, says Michael Griffin, not least in its failure to act against defamation
Thai Travails
Authors: Tunsarawuth Sinfah
Published: June 2009

There is still little will to reform legislation in Thailand, says Sinfah Tunsarawuth, where journalists can face a prison sentence
Poet of the Blind
Authors: Rose Jacqueline
Published: June 2009

Yitzhak Laor’s fiction, poetry and plays about the army expose Israel’s taboos, says Jacqueline Rose
Freedom From Fear
Authors: Dohel Ilia
Published: June 2009

Imprisoning journalists does not make society a better place, says Ilia Dohel. The repeal of criminal defamation is long overdue
Healthcare-Associated Infection in Italy Annual Point-Prevalence Surveys, 2002–2004
Authors: Lanini Simone , Jarvis William R. , Nicastri Emanuele , Privitera Gaetano , Gesu Giovanni , Marchetti Federico , Giuliani Luigi , Piselli Pierluca , Puro Vincenzo , Nisii Carla , Ippolito Giuseppe ,   INF-NOS Study Group (Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio delle Infezioni Noscomiali)
Published: June 2009

Objective.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. During the period from 2002 through 2004, a group of Italian hospitals was recruited to conduct HAI point-prevalence surveys.

Design.

Three point-prevalence surveys.

Methods.

A total of 9,609 patients were surveyed.

Results.

The overall frequency of HAI was 6.7% (645 infections among the 9,609 surveyed patients). The most frequent HAIs were lower respiratory tract infections, which accounted for 35.8% (231 of 645 HAIs) of all HAIs, followed by urinary tract infections (152 [23.6%] of 645 HAIs), bloodstream infections (90 [14.0%] of 645 HAIs), and surgical site infections (79 [12.2%] of 645 HAIs). In both multivariate and univariate analysis, invasive procedures, duration of stay, chemotherapy, trauma, coma, and the location of the hospital were all factors statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of an HAL Enterobacteriaceae were the most common isolates recovered in medical and surgical wards, whereas gram-negative aerobic bacilli were the most common isolates recovered in intensive care units. Approximately one-half of all of the patients surveyed were receiving antibiotics at the time of our study; the most used antibiotic classes were fluoroquinolones in medical wards, cephalosporins in surgical wards, and penicillins and glycopeptides in intensive care units.

Conclusion.

Our study emphasizes the need for implementing further HAI surveillance to provide the National Health System with proper tools to prevent and manage infection in hospitalized patients.
Influence of Usage History, Instrument Complexity, and Different Cleaning Procedures on the Cleanliness of Blood-Contaminated Dental Surgical Instruments
Authors: Wu Gang , Yu Xuefen
Published: June 2009

Our study assessed the factors that influence the resistance of blood residues on dental surgical instruments to washer-disinfector-based cleaning procedures in a clinical setting. The use of 2 additional cleaning methods—presoaking and scrubbing by hand—and the use of newer and/or less structurally complex instruments significantly increased the efficacy of washer-disinfector cleaning.
Subaltern strategies and autonomous community building: a critical analysis of the network organization of sustainable agriculture initiatives in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Kumbamu Ashok
Published: June 2009

This paper examines and analyses the organization and functioning of subaltern peasant sanghams (grassroot associations of the poor) and their place-based as well as network-based strategies in building autonomous local communities that challenge the consequences of neoliberal globalization in general and the commodification of agriculture and food in particular. The major objective of the counter-hegemonic organizational strategies is to build self-protective and subsistence communities, to mend the metabolic rift between nature and society, and to re-reconstruct social fabric within communities. The question remains is whether place-based autonomous communities can sustain in an increasingly globalizing world. To better understand these political dynamics, I use Karl Polanyi's concept of ‘double movement’ and examine the making of a double movement in Indian agriculture and its socio-political and ecological implications for the Indian peasantry. I use the organizational strategies and activities of the Deccan Development Society, a prominent non-governmental organization that has been working in Medak district for more than two decades, as an illustrative case study.
National Survey of Laboratory Response Network Sentinel Laboratory Preparedness
Authors: Kalish Brian T. , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang , Christensen Bryan E. , Carroll Karen C. , Cannons Andy , Cattani Jacqueline A. , Rothman Richard E.
Published: June 2009

Objective: The Laboratory Response Network (LRN) is the United States’ laboratory system for detecting, confirming, and reporting potential bioterrorism agents. The first tier—sentinel laboratories—is composed principally of hospital-based laboratories and is tasked with ruling out potential biological threat agents in clinical specimens or the identification of suspicious specimens for further testing in higher tiers of the LRN system. The aim of the present study was to broadly describe preparedness of the first tier of the hospital LRN, the sentinel laboratories, with a specific focus on training, personnel, and communications.

Methods: A semistructured cross-sectional survey of US sentinel laboratories was designed and conducted. Hospitals with greater than 250 beds and an emergency department were considered eligible for inclusion. A geographically weighted sample of 201 hospitals was selected for inclusion. The survey was administered by telephone to the microbiology managers (or designees) at the selected hospitals. The survey contained questions related to drill frequency, proficiency survey participation, personnel training, personnel responsibilities, procedures for biological threat response, and overall confidence in preparedness.

Results: Overall, 179 hospitals (89.1%) identified themselves as sentinel laboratories and participated in the survey; 11.7% reported that they had had an emergency alert within the last 2 years. Although rates of internal drills were low (20.7%), participation in some form of bioterrorism proficiency evaluation was high (79.9%). In all, 83.8% of laboratories reported that they had personnel designated to coordinate response to acts of bioterrorism. More than 73% of respondents indicated that they had sufficient personnel, equipment, and training to respond to a biological terrorism event. By multivariate analysis, sentinel laboratories were 3.4 times more likely to feel confident that they had sufficient personnel, equipment, and training to respond to a biological terrorism event if they had designated personnel for bioterrorism roles.

Conclusions: This pilot study of sentinel laboratory bioterrorism preparedness demonstrated that hospital laboratory personnel, training, and communication preparedness were not universal, despite designation as sentinel laboratories. A need for unified monitoring of sentinel laboratories exists, and efforts should be made to develop standardized metrics for sentinel laboratory preparedness. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 1):S17–S23)
Prevalence of Unmet Health Care Needs and Description of Health Care–seeking Behavior Among Displaced People After the 2007 California Wildfires
Authors: Jenkins J. Lee , Hsu Edbert B. , Sauer Lauren M. , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang , Kirsch Thomas D.
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The southern California wildfires in autumn 2007 resulted in widespread disruption and one of the largest evacuations in the state’s history. This study aims to identify unmet medical needs and health care–seeking patterns as well as prevalence of acute and chronic disease among displaced people following the southern California wildfires. These data can be used to increase the accuracy, and therefore capacity, of the medical response.

Methods: A team of emergency physicians, nurses, and epidemiologists conducted surveys of heads of households at shelters and local assistance centers in San Diego and Riverside counties for 3 days beginning 10 days postdisaster. All households present in shelters on the day of the survey were interviewed, and at the local assistance centers, a 2-stage sampling method was used that included selecting a sample size proportionate to the number of registered visits to that site compared with all sites followed by a convenience sampling of people who were not actively being aided by local assistance center personnel. The survey covered demographics; needs following the wildfires (shelter, food, water, and health care); acute health symptoms; chronic health conditions; access to health care; and access to prescription medications.

Results: Among the 175 households eligible, 161 (92.0%) households participated. Within the 47 households that reported a health care need since evacuation, 13 (27.7%) did not receive care that met their perceived need. Need for prescription medication was reported by 47 (29.2%) households, and 20 (42.6%) of those households did not feel that their need for prescription medication had been met. Mental health needs were reported by 14 (8.7%) households with 7 of these (50.0%) reporting unmet needs. At least 1 family member per household left prescription medication behind during evacuation in 46 households (28.6%), and 1 family member in 48 households (29.8%) saw a health care provider since their evacuation. Most people sought care at a clinic (24, 50.0%) or private doctor (11, 22.9%) as opposed to an emergency department (6, 12.5%).

Conclusions: A significant portion of the households reported unmet health care needs during the evacuations of the southern California wildfires. The provision of prescription medication and mental health services were the most common unmet need. In addition, postdisaster disease surveillance should include outpatient and community clinics, given that these were the most common treatment centers for the displaced population. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 1):S24–S28)
Challenge of Hospital Emergency Preparedness: Analysis and Recommendations
Authors: Barbera Joseph A. , Yeatts Dale J. , Macintyre Anthony G.
Published: June 2009

In the United States, recent large-scale emergencies and disasters display some element of organized medical emergency response, and hospitals have played prominent roles in many of these incidents. These and other well-publicized incidents have captured the attention of government authorities, regulators, and the public. Health care has assumed a more prominent role as an integral component of any community emergency response. This has resulted in increased funding for hospital preparedness, along with a plethora of new preparedness guidance.

Methods to objectively measure the results of these initiatives are only now being developed. It is clear that hospital readiness remains uneven across the United States. Without significant disaster experience, many hospitals remain unprepared for natural disasters. They may be even less ready to accept and care for patient surge from chemical or biological attacks, conventional or nuclear explosive detonations, unusual natural disasters, or novel infectious disease outbreaks.

This article explores potential reasons for inconsistent emergency preparedness across the hospital industry. It identifies and discusses potential motivational factors that encourage effective emergency management and the obstacles that may impede it. Strategies are proposed to promote consistent, reproducible, and objectively measured preparedness across the US health care industry. The article also identifies issues requiring research. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 1):S74–S82)
Review of Hospital Preparedness Instruments for National Incident Management System Compliance
Authors: Jenkins J. Lee , Kelen Gabor D. , Sauer Lauren M. , Fredericksen Kimberly A. , McCarthy Melissa L.
Published: June 2009

No standard exists by which to evaluate a hospital’s compliance for the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The instruments available and in use today for the evaluation of hospital preparedness have variable adherence to the principles and elements set forth in NIMS. This is especially evident in the areas of command and management and communications and information management. The use of NIMS as a standard remains itself in question because of its lack of focus on the health care environment and incomplete list of pertinent elements. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 1):S83–S89)
Impact of Tabletop Exercises on Participants’ Knowledge of and Confidence in Legal Authorities for Infectious Disease Emergencies
Authors: Savoia Elena , Biddinger Paul D. , Fox Priscilla , Levin Donna E. , Stone Lisa , Stoto Michael A.
Published: June 2009

Objective: Legal preparedness is a critical component of comprehensive public health preparedness for public health emergencies. The scope of this study was to assess the usefulness of combining didactic sessions with a tabletop exercise as educational tools in legal preparedness, to assess the impact of the exercise on the participants’ level of confidence about the legal preparedness of a public health system, and to identify legal issue areas in need of further improvement.

Methods: The exercise scenario and the pre- and postexercise evaluation were designed to assess knowledge gained and level of confidence in declaration of emergencies, isolation and quarantine, restrictions (including curfew) on the movement of people, closure of public places, and mass prophylaxis, and to identify legal preparedness areas most in need of further improvement at the system level. Fisher exact test and paired t test were performed to compare pre- and postexercise results.

Results: Our analysis shows that a combination of didactic teaching and experiential learning through a tabletop exercise regarding legal preparedness for infectious disease emergencies can be effective in both imparting perceived knowledge to participants and gathering information about sufficiency of authorities and existence of gaps.

Conclusions: The exercise provided a valuable forum to judge the adequacy of legal authorities, policies, and procedures for dealing with pandemic influenza at the state and local levels in Massachusetts. In general, participants were more confident about the availability and sufficiency of legal authorities than they were about policies and procedures for implementing them. Participants were also more likely to report the need for improvement in authorities, policies, and procedures in the private sector and at the local level than at the state level. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3:104–110)
Is amino acid racemization a useful tool for screening for ancient DNA in bone?
Authors: Collins Matthew J. , Penkman Kirsty E. H. , Rohland Nadin , Shapiro Beth , Dobberstein Reimer C. , Ritz-Timme Stefanie , Hofreiter Michael
Published: June 2009

Many rare and valuable ancient specimens now carry the scars of ancient DNA research, as questions of population genetics and phylogeography require larger sample sets. This fuels the demand for reliable techniques to screen for DNA preservation prior to destructive sampling. Only one such technique has been widely adopted: the extent of aspartic acid racemization (AAR). The kinetics of AAR are believed to be similar to the rate of DNA depurination and therefore a good measure of the likelihood of DNA survival. Moreover, AAR analysis is only minimally destructive. We report the first comprehensive test of AAR using 91 bone and teeth samples from temperate and high-latitude sites that were analysed for DNA. While the AAR range of all specimens was low (0.02–0.17), no correlation was found between the extent of AAR and DNA amplification success. Additional heating experiments and surveys of the literature indicated that
d
/
l
Asx is low in bones until almost all the collagen is lost. This is because aspartic acid is retained in the bone within the constrained environment of the collagen triple helix, where it cannot racemize for steric reasons. Only if the helix denatures to soluble gelatin can Asx racemize readily, but this soluble gelatine is readily lost in most burial environments. We conclude that Asx
d
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l
is not a useful screening technique for ancient DNA from bone.
Effects of urban noise on song and response behaviour in great tits
Authors: Mockford Emily J. , Marshall Rupert C.
Published: June 2009

Acoustic communication is fundamental in avian territory defence and mate attraction. In urban environments where sound transmissions are more likely to be masked by low-frequency anthropogenic noise, acoustic adaptations may be advantageous. However, minor modifications to a signal could affect its efficacy. While recent research has shown that there is divergence between songs from noisy and quiet areas, it is unknown whether these differences affect the response to the signal by its receivers. Here, we show that there is a difference in spectral aspects of rural and urban song in a common passerine, the great tit
Parus major
, at 20 sites across the UK. We also provide, to our knowledge, the first demonstration that such environmentally induced differences in song influence the response of male territory holders. Males from quiet territories exhibited a significantly stronger response when hearing song from another territory holder with low background noise than from those with high background noise. The opposite distinction in response intensity to homotypic versus heterotypic song was observed in males from noisy territories. This behavioural difference may intensify further signal divergence between urban and rural populations and raises important questions concerning signal evolution.
Tetrachlorido(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N′)tin(IV) 1,2-dichloroethane hemisolvate
Authors: Momeni Badri Z. , Rominger Frank , Hosseini Simin S.
Published: June 2009

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [SnCl4(C12H8N2)]·0.5C2H4Cl2, contains a tin complex and one disordered half-molecule of the solvent dichloroethane [occupancies 0.71 (2):0.29 (2)]. The six coordinate Sn(IV) atom adopts a distorted octahedral geometry. π–π interactions between adjacent aromatic rings [interplanar distance 3.483 (5) Å] seem to be effective in the stabilization of the crystal packing.
Dichloridobis(2-chlorobenzyl-κC)[5,6-diphenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazine-κ2N2,N3]tin(IV)
Authors: Tan Chui Lian , Lo Kong Mun , Ng Seik Weng
Published: June 2009

The asymmetric unit of the crystal structure of the title compound, [Sn(C7H6Cl)2Cl2(C20H14N4)], contains two independent molecules. Each SnIVatom is chelated by the bipyridine-like N-heterocycle and exists in a distortedtrans-C2SnCl2N2octahedral coordination environment. One chlorobenzyl substituent is disordered in each molecule in 0.5:0.5 and 0.778 (2):0.222 (2) ratios.
Child Protection and Self‐Regulation in the Internet Industry: The UK Experience
Authors: Carr John , Hilton Zoë
Published: June 2009

In the United Kingdom (UK), the number of convictions for offences related to child abuse images fell back following the police investigation dubbed ‘Operation Ore’, but have still continued at levels unimaginable only 10 years ago. However, while government and the internet industry deserve credit for the steps they have taken to reduce the traffic in child abuse images online in the UK, the fact that a number of Internet Service Providers appear to be reluctant to act to block access to it calls into question the effectiveness of the self‐regulatory principle: the idea which has been central to the UK’s overall approach to internet policy since 1996.
The longitudinal association between multiple substance use discrepancies and marital satisfaction
Authors: Homish Gregory G. , Leonard Kenneth E. , Kozlowski Lynn T. , Cornelius Jack R.
Published: June 2009

Aims  The objective of this work was to examine the relation between patterns of substance use among newly married couples and marital satisfaction over time. In particular, this work examined if differences between husbands' and wives' heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoking, rather than simply use per se, predicted decreases in marital satisfaction over the first 7 years of marriage.

Methods  Married couples (n = 634 couples) were assessed on a variety of substance use and relationship variables at the time of marriage and again at the first, second, fourth and seventh years of marriage.

Results  After controlling for key socio‐demographic variables, discrepancies in husband and wife cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol use were related to significant reductions in marital satisfaction. Importantly, couples who were discrepant on both substances experienced the greatest declines in marital satisfaction over time.

Conclusions  Patterns of substance use among newly married couples are important predictors of changes in marital functioning over time. It was not simply the heavy alcohol use or cigarette smoking that predicted dissatisfaction but, rather, differences between husbands' and wives' substance use that impacted the relationship.
Cassava mosaic geminiviruses: actual knowledge and perspectives
Authors: PATIL BASAVAPRABHU L. , FAUQUET CLAUDE M.
Published: June 2009

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) caused by cassava mosaic geminiviruses (CMGs) is one of the most devastating crop diseases and a major constraint for cassava cultivation. CMD has been reported only from the African continent and Indian subcontinent despite the large‐scale cultivation of cassava in Latin America and several South‐East Asian countries. Seven CMG species have been reported from Africa and two from the Indian subcontinent and, in addition, several strains have been recognized. Recombination and pseudo‐recombination between CMGs give rise not only to different strains, but also to members of novel virus species with increased virulence and a new source of biodiversity, causing severe disease epidemics. CMGs are known to trigger gene silencing in plants and, in order to counteract this natural host defence, geminiviruses have evolved suppressor proteins. Temperature and other environmental factors can affect silencing and suppression, and thus modulate the symptoms. In the case of mixed infections of two or more CMGs, there is a possibility for a synergistic interaction as a result of the presence of differential and combinatorial suppressor proteins. In this article, we provide the status of recent research findings with regard to the CMD complex, present the molecular biology knowledge of CMGs with reference to other geminiviruses, and highlight the mechanisms by which CMGs have exploited nature to their advantage.
Genes located on a SSC17 meat quality QTL region are associated with growth in outbred pig populations
Authors: Ramos A. M. , Bastiaansen J. W. M. , Plastow G. S. , Rothschild M. F.
Published: June 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of markers developed in eight genes, located in a previously detected meat quality QTL region on SSC17, on growth, fat and meat quality traits collected in commercial pig populations of different genetic backgrounds. The genes had been previously mapped to SSC17 as part of a fine‐mapping effort. Association analyses were conducted between each marker and the available phenotypic traits. Results showed that three genes (CTSZ, CSTF1 and C20orf43) were significantly associated with the growth traits. In addition, CTSZ also impacted on meat colour, with the less favourable genotype for growth being associated with darker meat. The differences observed between genotypes were substantial and may be of economic importance to pig producers. These markers may be useful for selecting for faster growth or improved meat quality.
Mapping markers linked to porcine salmonellosis susceptibility
Authors: Galina‐Pantoja L. , Siggens K. , Van Schriek M. G. M. , Heuven H. C. M.
Published: June 2009

The goal of this study was to identify pig chromosomal regions associated with susceptibility to salmonellosis. Genomic DNA from pig reference populations with differences in susceptibility to Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis as quantified by spleen and liver bacterial colonization at day 7 post‐infection (dpi; Van Diemen et al. 2002) was used. These samples belonged to the offspring of a sire thought to be heterozygous for genes involved in susceptibility to salmonellosis. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were created and used to determine associations with spleen or bacterial counts at 7 dpi. To position linked markers, two mapping populations, the Roslin and Uppsala PiGMaP pedigrees were used to create an integrated map which included the AFLP markers associated with salmonellosis. Twenty‐six AFLP markers located in 14 different chromosomal regions in the porcine genome were found to be significantly associated with susceptibility (Chi‐square P < 0.05). More than one linked marker was found on chromosomes 1, 7, 13, 14 and 18. It is likely that these regions contain genes involved in Salmonella susceptibility. Regions on chromosomes 1, 7 and 14 were significantly associated with Salmonella counts in the liver and regions on chromosomes 11, 13 and 18 with counts in spleen. The identification of these chromosomal regions highlights specific areas to search for candidate genes that may be involved in innate or adaptive immunity. Further investigation into these chromosomal regions would be useful to improve our understanding of host responses to infection with this widespread pathogen.
Breed difference and regulation of the porcine adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone sensitive lipase by TNFα
Authors: Shan T. , Wu T. , Reng Y. , Wang Y.
Published: June 2009

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) are major novel triglyceride lipases in animals. The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in the porcine ATGL (pATGL) and HSL genes between Jinhua pigs (a fatty breed) and Landrace pigs (a leaner breed). In addition, the effect of TNFα and pATGL‐specific siRNA (pATGL‐siRNA) on the expression of pATGL and HSL in porcine adipocytes was also examined. Compared with Landrace pigs, the body weight (BW) of Jinhua pigs was lower (P < 0.01), while intramuscular fat content (in the longissimus dorsi muscle), as well as the back fat thickness and body fat content were higher (P < 0.01). The expression of pATGL and HSL mRNA in Jinhua pigs was lower (P < 0.01) in subcutaneous adipose tissue, and greater (P < 0.01) in longissimus dorsi muscle compared with Landrace pigs. In vitro treatment of porcine adipocytes with TNFα decreased (P < 0.01) the glycerol release and the gene expression of pATGL, HSL and PPARγ in porcine adipocytes. Furthermore, transfection with pATGL‐siRNA significantly decreased (P < 0.01) the expression of pATGL, while it had no effect on the expression of HSL. Treatment with 25 ng/ml TNFα in conjunction with pATGL‐siRNA significantly decreased (P < 0.01) the expression of pATGL and HSL in cultured porcine adipocytes. These results provide useful information to further the understanding of the function of pATGL and HSL in porcine lipid metabolism, which should be applicable to the regulation of fat deposition and improvement of meat quality.