bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of trans‐ and cis‐isomeric defects on the localization of the charged excitations in π‐conjugated organic polymers
Authors: Nayyar Iffat H. , Batista Enrique R. , Tretiak Sergei , Saxena Avadh , Smith Darryl L. , Martin Richard L. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTWe use the long‐range‐corrected hybrid density functional theory models to study the effect of various conformational distortions of weak‐trans and strong‐cis nature on the spatial localization of charged states in poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and its derivative poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV). The extent of self‐trapping of positive (P+) and negative (P−) polarons is observed to be highly sensitive to molecular conformation that, in turn, controls the distribution of atomic charges within the polymers. It is shown that, to reach good agreement with recent experimental data on lattice distortion for P+ and P− excitations, the polarization of the medium plays a critical role. The introduction of weak‐trans defects along the MEH‐PPV chain breaks the observed symmetry for P+ and P− excitations. The P− states exhibit more spatial localization owing to lattice relaxation than their vacuum counterparts in contrast to P+. These observations suggest higher mobilities of holes than that of electrons in MEH‐PPV, in agreement with the experimental observations. The predicted binding, reorganization, and solvation energies for PPV and MEH‐PPV are analyzed for this difference in the response behavior of holes and electrons for trans and cis distortions. This study allows for a better understanding of charge‐transport and photophysical properties in π‐conjugated organic materials by analyzing their underlying structure–property correlations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 935–942
Carbon nanotube in a threading magnetic field: Conductance oscillations persistent current and magnetization
Authors: Onorato P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe magnetic response of electrons in a zigzag carbon nanotube (CN) threaded by an Aharonov Bohm fluxφis carefully analyzed by using a Hartree Fock approximation. The ground state energy as a function of the magnetic field,B, and the electron–electron repulsion strength,U, are obtained forNeinteracting electrons confined inshort(∼100 nm) andlong(∼1 μm) CNs. The spin and orbital magnetization responses to the magnetic field variations are discussed. The CN transport properties are investigated and periodic field dependent oscillations are predicted for both longitudinal ballistic and persistent currents. The behavior of persistent current is investigated as a function ofUand a significant suppression in current amplitude is observed when the strength of the electron–electron repulsion increases.
Microwave embedment for light and electron microscopy using epoxy resins, LR white, and other polymers
Authors: Giammara Beverly L. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMicrowave energy can be used to polymerize embedding polymers used for light and electron microscopy, providing novel and ultrarapid processing methods to accomplish cell and tissue embedments. These quick methods steadily show promise for diagnosis of disease where rapid methods can be crucial. This review is intended to answer some of the questions microscopists may have in attempting to utilize such microwave embedding procedures and to provide a comparison of results using divergent Medcast and LR White.
Contribution estimation of participants for human interaction recognition
Authors: Ji Yanli , Shimada Atsushi , Nagahara Hajime , Taniguchi Rin‐ichiro 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm to recognize actions of human interaction. Unlike previous algorithms using two participants' actions, the proposed algorithm estimates the action contribution of participants to determine which participant's action is the major action for correct interaction recognition. To estimate this contribution, we construct a contribution interaction model for each interaction category in which both participants carry out major actions. Using the contribution models, we design a method that automatically estimates the contribution of participants and classifies interaction samples into “co‐contribution” and “single‐contribution” interactions. At the same time, the major actions in the “single‐contribution” interactions are determined. We evaluate our method on the UT‐interaction dataset and our original interaction dataset (LIMU). Recognition results indicate the robustness of the proposed method and the high estimation accuracy obtained: estimation accuracies of 96 and 98% in set 1 and set 2 of the UT dataset, respectively, and 97.8% in the LIMU dataset. Based on the estimation results, we extract the major action information for interaction recognition. Average recognition accuracies of 93.3% in set 1 and 91.7% in set 2 of the UT dataset were obtained. Our result is at least 5% better than those obtained with previous algorithms. For the LIMU dataset, recognition accuracy reached 91.1%. It was 8.9% higher than the recognition result without contribution estimation. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prevalence of anal sphincter injury in primiparous women
Authors: Guzmán Rojas R. A. , Shek K. L. , Langer S. M. , Dietz H. P. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in a cohort of primiparous women and to evaluate their association with demographic, obstetric and ultrasound parameters.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of the ultrasound volume datasets of 320 primiparous women, acquired at 5 months postpartum. Tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) was used to evaluate the external anal sphincter (EAS). A significant EAS defect was diagnosed if a defect of > 30° was seen in four or more of six TUI slices bracketing the EAS.ResultsSignificant EAS defects were found in 69 women (27.9% of those delivered vaginally). In nine of those a third‐degree tear was diagnosed intrapartum and was sutured. In 60 women with significant defects there was no documentation of sphincter damage at birth, implying unidentified or occult defects (60/69, 87.0%). Among them, 29 had had a second‐degree tear, two a first‐degree tear and three an intact perineum. In 31 cases an episiotomy had been performed, with five extensions to a third‐degree tear. On multivariate analysis only forceps delivery was significantly associated with OASIS.ConclusionsIn this cohort of primiparous women we found OASIS in 27.9% of vaginally parous women, most of which had not been diagnosed in the delivery suite. There seems to be a need for better education of labor‐ward staff in the recognition of OASIS. On the other hand, it is conceivable that some defects may be masked by intact tissue. The significance of such defects remains doubtful. Forceps delivery was the only identifiable risk factor. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Comparative analysis of biodiesel versus green diesel
Authors: Vonortas Andreas , Papayannakos Nikolaos 
Published: April 2013

The use of biofuels is becoming more and more common because of both environmental and economical concerns. Several attempts have been made for the substitution of fossil fuels with other alternative fuels. An important feedstock for the production of biofuels fully adapted to modern engine technology is ester molecules derived from refined or crude vegetable oils and animal fats. Two distinct techniques have been applied for the transformation of the vegetable oil's esters into molecules compatible with petroleum diesel that is transesterification of ester molecules for the production of lighter esters by using an alcohol and hydrogenation of ester bonds for the production of linear hydrocarbons. The way both biofuels are produced is discussed in this work. Raw materials tested, production methods and systems investigated, feasibility of production of these fuels in plant and industrial scale and the main characteristics of the two fuels are included. WIREs Energy Environ 2014, 3:3–23. doi: 10.1002/wene.78This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Science and Materials
Energy and Development > Science and Materials
Brief report: Piloting the Positive Life Changes (PLC) program for at‐risk adolescents
Authors: Williamson Ariel A. , Dierkhising Carly B. , Guerra Nancy G. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to pilot the Positive Life Changes (PLC) program, a comprehensive cognitive‐behavioral intervention for at‐risk adolescents that aims to promote social competencies and to prevent aggression. The program was piloted in 4 intervention groups with a sample of 31 self‐referred adolescents (M age 15.64) attending an alternative high school. Questionnaires at pretest and 6‐week posttest included five social competencies that represent an expansion of social information‐processing (SIP) skills, a measure of aggressive behavior, and a new measure of aggression propensity. Three‐level hierarchical linear models showed increases in three social competencies and reductions in physical and verbal aggression propensity from pretest to posttest. Number of program sessions attended did not moderate pretest–posttest change. Findings are discussed in the context of program implementation and future research in school and community settings.
Relating clinical measures of pain with experimentally assessed pain mechanisms in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Skou Soren T. , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Lengsoe Lasse , Simonsen Ole , Laursen Mogens B. , Arendt-Nielsen Lars 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Background
Peripheral and central sensitisation is prominent in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and could be important for the reduced efficacy in some cases after as well surgery as pharmacological interventions. Although sensitisation is important in KOA it is not known to what degree it contributes to the overall clinical pain problem. The aim was therefore to investigate how much a combination of quantitative pain measures assessing various pain mechanisms (local and spreading hyperalgesia, temporal and spatial summation, descending inhibition) could predict peak pain intensity in patients with KOA.

Methods
While resting in a comfortable recumbent position the pressure pain thresholds (PPT) in the peripatellar region (eight locations) and at the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) were assessed by handheld pressure algometry, computer-controlled pressure algometry and cuff-algometry in the affected leg of 17 KOA patients without pain or sensory dysfunctions in other regions than the knee. Cuff-algometry was used to detect spatial pain summation of the lower leg. Temporal pain summation was assessed by repeated pressure stimulation on the TA muscle. The conditioning pain modulation (CPM) was evaluated by conditioning tonic arm pain and by PPT from the peripatellar region. The participants rated their peak pain intensity in the previous 24 h using on a 10 cm visual analogue scale.

Results
A multiple-regression model based on TA pressure pain sensitivity (spreading sensitisation) and temporal pain summation on the lower leg accounted for 55% of the variance in peak pain intensity experienced by the patients (P=0.001). Significant correlations (P< 0.05) were found between PPTs assessed by handheld pressure algometry in the peripatellar region and at TA (R = 0.94), PPTs assessed by computer-controlled pressure algometry and handheld pressure algometry in the peripatellar region (R = 0.71), PPTs assessed by computer-controlled pressure algometry in the peripatellar region and handheld pressure algometry at TA (R = 0.71) and temporal summation at the knee and at TA (R = 0.73).

Conclusion
Based on the multiple regression model 55% variance of the perceived maximal pain intensity in painful KOA could be explained by the quantitative experimental pain measures reflecting central pain mechanisms (spreading sensitisation, temporal summation). The lack of other correlations between the methods used in assessing pain mechanisms in this study highlights the importance of applying different tests and different pain modalities when assessing the sensitised pain system as different methods add complementary information.

Implications
Clinical pain intensity can be explained by influences of different central pain mechanisms in KOA. This has implications for pain management in KOA where treatment addressing central pain components may be more important than previously acknowledged.
Evaluation of a novel chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)-antagonist in painful diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Kalliomäki Jarkko , Jonzon Bror , Huizar Karin , O’Malley Michael , Andersson Anita , Simpson David M. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background and aims
Preclinical data suggest that the chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is involved in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain through modulation of neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission and activation of spinal cord microglia. CCR2-antagonists have shown to be effective in preclinical models of neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy, safety and tolerability of a novel CCR2-antagonist, AZD2423, in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

Methods
This was a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, multi-center study in patients with symmetric distal sensory polyneuropathy due to type 1 or 2 diabetes and duration of neuropathic pain between 3 months and 5 years. Concomitant treatment with neuropathic pain medications (e.g. anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, opioids, topical lidocaine or capsaicin) was not allowed. 134 patients with PDN were equally randomized to 28 days oral administration of 20 mg AZD2423,150 mg AZD2423, or placebo. The primary efficacy variable was the change of average pain score from 5-days baseline to the last 5 days of treatment, measured with numerical rating scale (NRS, 0–10). The secondary efficacy measures included NRS worst pain scores, patient global impression of change, pain interference on sleep and activity, and neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI).

Results
The change of NRS average pain score was not significantly different between treatment groups (AZD2423 20mg: –1.50; AZD2423 150 mg: –1.35; placebo: –1.61). The NPSI total score and three out of five subscores (evoked pain, pressing/deep pain and paresthesia/dysesthesia) tended to be reduced more by AZD2423 150 mg than by placebo. No other secondary efficacy variables differed between treatment groups. The frequency and type of adverse events for AZD2423 were similar to placebo. The achieved plasma levels of AZD2423 in the two dose groups were in line with predictions from pharmacokinetic data previously obtained in healthy volunteers. Dose-dependent increase of plasma levels of the ligand of CCR2 (CCL2; chemokine ligand 2) and decrease of the mean levels of monocytes (–27% by AZD2423 150 mg) suggested that the administrated doses of AZD2423 interacted with the CCR2 target.

Conclusion
The CCR2-antagonist AZD2423 showed no analgesic efficacy in PDN based on NRS average pain scores and global and functional pain outcome measures. The NPSI data suggested possible effects on certain sensory components of pain. There were no major safety or tolerability concerns.

Implications
Treatment with a CCR2-antagonist does not have a clinically important analgesic effect in an overall PDN population.
A raised OIS 3 sea level recorded in coastal sediments, southern Changjiang delta plain, China
Authors: Wang Zhanghua , Jones Brian G. , Chen Ting , Zhao Baocheng , Zhan Qing 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe distribution of marine-influenced oxygen isotope stage (OIS) 5 to OIS 1 sediments was examined in several late Quaternary boreholes from the southern Changjiang (Yangtze) delta plain, China, using different dating methods including OSL, U-series, AMS 14C and paleomagnetism. Results demonstrate that coastal and estuarine deposition during OIS 5 and OIS 3 occurred throughout the study area. However, Holocene transgressive sediments were absent on the Taihu block. The burial depth of intertidal to subtidal sediment deposited during OIS 5e records 30–80 m subsidence caused by sediment compaction and tectonic movement since that time. However, coastal sediments formed during the late phase of OIS 3 were buried to a depth of ca. 6–15 m in the Taihu Lake area, while the burial depth increased eastward to ca. 45–60 m on the coastal plain. This phenomenon, combined with the distribution of Holocene marine strata, indicates at least 25–30 m uplift of the Taihu block since the end of OIS 3. We suggest that this uplift was mainly caused by the differential subsidence due to substantial amount of post-glacial deposition by the Changjiang and Huanghe Rivers on the continental shelf of east China marginal sea.
Extinction Burst after Varenicline Titration: A Case Report
Authors: Steinberg Marc L. , Williams Jill M. 
Published: April 2013

Background: The mechanism of action of varenicline as a partial agonist may make it useful for cigarette reduction as smokers experience reduced craving and withdrawal at the same time their cigarettes provide reduced reinforcement value.Case Description: The current case report describes a 51-year-old African American woman using varenicline to reduce her cigarette use. After making a substantial reduction in cigarettes per day (from 25 to 8), the patient unexpectedly began smoking considerably more (from 8 to 20) after 11 days treatment with varenicline.Conclusions: The temporary increase in smoking while taking varenicline was likely the result of an ‘extinction burst’ where the extinction of a reward (e.g., nicotine's rewarding effects after smoking a cigarette) was temporarily associated with an increase in the behaviour usually associated with the reward (e.g., smoking a cigarette). Once explaining to her that no amount of cigarettes would overcome the feeling of reduced reward she likely felt while taking varenicline, she was able to reduce her smoking again.
Reproductive biology of pollack (Pollachius pollachius) from the Galician shelf (north-west Spain)
Authors: Alonso-Fernández Alexandre , Villegas-Ríos David , Valdés-López Marta , Olveira-Domínguez Beatriz , Saborido-Rey Fran 
Published: April 2013

The pollack, Pollachius pollachius, is an important commercial species for the Spanish artisanal fleet in Atlantic Iberian waters. This study provides information on the reproductive biology of the species, including length at maturity, reproductive cycle and gamete development pattern based on histological methods. A collection of 622 individuals were sampled from fish markets along the western coast of Galicia (NW Spain), between November 2009 and October 2010. Histological examination of the gonads revealed an asynchronous development of secondary growth follicles. Testicular tissue was of lobular type. The reproductive season extended from January to April for females and from January to May for males, with a peak of reproductive activity in February for both sexes. The hepatosomatic index was related to the reproductive cycle, with a mean maximum value during the developing reproductive phase. Length at 50% maturity was significantly different between females (47.1 cm) and males (36.1 cm).
Small-scale distribution patterns of two cirratulid species with a description of a peculiar early juvenile stage
Authors: Cosentino Andrea 
Published: April 2013

An assemblage of cirratulids in a confined marine basin (Mediterranean Sea) was investigated at small spatio-temporal scales in an experiment in which artificial granules of expanded fire-clay were used as a bare substratum for colonization. Analysis of core samples of 3.5 l undisturbed natural sediments (source area) and equal volumes of artificial substratum (new settlement area), plunged into the sea bottom were carried out from May to July 2008 after 0, 15, 30 and 60 days.Caulleriella bioculatashowed the highest total mean density of 10.1 ± 5.8 N l−1in the natural sediment, and the lowest at 0.13 ± 0.08 N l−1in the artificial substratum, with a marked temporal decrease. Individuals were not strongly aggregated and were found in a deeper sediment layer. The density of largeCirriformia tentaculatawas 0.5 ± 0.3 N l−1, with individuals more aggregated and confined to shallower sediments, versus 0.10 ± 0.06 N l−1but found deeper in the artificial substratum; temporal trends were not straightforward for this species. The adult stage of sedentary cirratulids appeared to actively move into the new available substratum from the neighbouring sediments. An early cirratulid juvenile stage was observed in both microhabitats at a comparable density of 1.8 ± 2.8 N l−1with highly aggregated individuals (cohorts). The peculiar morphology of branchiae, the threadlike body shape and the multivariate morphological differences between two sub-populations settled in the different substrata are reported for these problematic specimens.
Incidence and predictors of suicide attempts among primary-care patients with depressive disorders: a 5-year prospective study
Authors: Riihimäki K. , Vuorilehto M. , Melartin T. , Haukka J. , Isometsä E. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundNo previous study has prospectively investigated incidence and risk factors for suicide attempts among primary care patients with depression.MethodIn the Vantaa Primary Care Depression Study, a stratified random sample of 1119 patients was screened for depression, and Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV used to diagnose Axis I and II disorders. A total of 137 patients were diagnosed with a DSM-IV depressive disorder. Altogether, 82% of patients completed the 5-year follow-up. Information on timing of suicide attempts, plus major depressive episodes (MDEs) and partial or full remission, or periods of substance abuse were examined with life charts. Incidence of suicide attempts and their stable and time-varying risk factors (phases of depression/substance abuse) were investigated using Cox proportional hazard and Poisson regression models.ResultsDuring the follow-up there were 22 discrete suicide attempts by 14/134 (10.4%) patients. The incidence rates were 0, 5.8 and 107 during full or partial remission or MDEs, or 22.2 and 142 per 1000 patient-years during no or active substance abuse, respectively. In Cox models, current MDE (hazard ratio 33.5, 95% confidence interval 3.6–309.7) was the only significant independent risk factor. Primary care doctors were rarely aware of the suicide attempts.ConclusionsOf the primary care patients with depressive disorders, one-tenth attempted suicide in 5 years. However, risk of suicidal acts was almost exclusively confined to MDEs, with or without concurrent active substance abuse. Suicide prevention among primary care patients with depression should focus on active treatment of major depressive disorder and co-morbid substance use, and awareness of suicide risk.