bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevention of pressure ulcers after pediatric tracheotomy using a Mepilex Ag dressing
Authors: Kuo Connie Y. , Wootten Christopher T. , Tylor Dale A. , Werkhaven Jay A. , Huffman Kimberly F. , Goudy Steven L. 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisSkin irritation and ulceration beneath the tracheostomy tube or ties secondary to pressure and shearing forces on the skin frequently complicate pediatric tracheotomy in the immediate postoperative period. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Mepilex Ag dressings in reducing posttracheotomy wound complications.Study DesignRetrospective study.MethodsWe identified 134 pediatric tracheotomies performed between June 2005 and June 2011 at a tertiary care academic pediatric hospital. Peristomal skin breakdown was documented at the time of the first tracheostomy tube change. Starting in February 2010, the application of Mepilex Ag, a silver‐impregnated foam dressing, underneath the tracheostomy tube and twill ties became standard practice. The rates of wound breakdown before and after the introduction of Mepilex Ag were compared. Age, indication for tracheotomy, comorbidities, and severity of wound breakdown were also compared.ResultsPatients undergoing tracheotomies prior to February 2010 had no dressing applied under the tracheotomy at the end of the procedure (n = 93). Beginning in February 2010, Mepilex Ag barrier was applied beneath the tracheostomy and ties in all subjects undergoing tracheotomy (n = 41). In the cohort without Mepilex Ag, 11.8% developed skin breakdown by the time of first tracheostomy tube change. When Mepilex Ag was used to pad the tracheotomy site, no peristomal skin breakdown occurred (P = 0.02). No comorbidities were associated with postoperative ulcer formation in either cohort.ConclusionsThe use of Mepilex Ag after pediatric tracheotomy reduces the occurrence of postoperative peristomal pressure ulcers.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 123:3201–3205, 2013
RGS21, a regulator of taste and mucociliary clearance?
Authors: Kimple Adam J. , Garland Alaina L. , Cohen Staci P. , Setola Vincent , Willard Francis S. , Zielinski Thomas , Lowery Robert G. , Tarran Robert , Siderovski David P. 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisMotile cilia of airway epithelial cells help to expel harmful inhaled material. Activation of bitterant‐responsive G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) is believed to potentiate cilia beat frequency and mucociliary clearance. In this study, we investigated whether regulator of G protein signaling‐21 (RGS21) has the potential to modulate signaling pathways connected to airway mucociliary clearance, given that RGS proteins modulate GPCR signaling by acting as GTPase‐accelerating proteins (GAPs) for the Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins.Study DesignThis is a pilot investigation to determine if RGS21, a potential tastant specific RGS gene, is expressed in sinonasal mucosa, and to determine its specific Gα substrate using in vitro biochemical assays with purified proteins.MethodsRgs21 expression in sinonasal mucosa was determined using quantitative, real‐time PCR and a transgenic mouse expressing RFP from the Rgs21 promoter. Rgs21 was cloned, over‐expressed, and purified using multistep protein chromatography. Biochemical and biophysical assays were used to determine if RGS21 could bind and accelerate the hydrolysis of GTP on heterotrimeric Gα subunits.ResultsRgs21 was expressed in sinonasal mucosa and lingual epithelium. Purified recombinant protein directly bound and accelerated GTP hydrolysis on Gα subunits.ConclusionsRgs21 is expressed in sinonasal mucosa, is amenable to purification as a recombinant protein, and can bind to Gαi/o/q subunits. Furthermore, RGS21 can accelerate the hydrolysis rate of GTP on Gαi subunits. This provides evidence that RGS21 may be a negative regulator of bitterant responses. Future studies will be needed to determine the physiological role of this protein in mucociliary clearance.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 124:E56–E63, 2014
Organic light‐emitting transistors with voltage‐tunable lit area and full channel illumination
Authors: Toffanin Stefano , Capelli Raffaella , Koopman Wouter , Generali Gianluca , Cavallini Susanna , Stefani Andrea , Saguatti Davide , Ruani Giampiero , Muccini Michele 
Published: July 2013

AbstractOrganic light‐emitting transistors (OLETs) are multifunctional optoelectronic devices that hold great promise for a variety of applications, including flat panel displays, integrated light sources for sensing and optical communication systems. The narrow illumination area within the device channel is considered intrinsic to the device architecture and is a severe technological drawback for all those applications where a controlled, wide and homogeneous emission area is required. Here it is shown that not only the position but also the extension of the emission area is voltage‐tunable, and the entire channel of the transistor can be homogeneously illuminated. The modeling of the exciton distribution within the channel at the different bias conditions coupled to the modeling of the device emission profile highlights that excitons are spread through the entire channel width and across the bulk of the central emission layer of the p‐channel/emitter/n‐channel trilayer active heterostructure.
Helix capping
Authors: Aurora Rajeev , Rosee George D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHelix‐capping motifs are specific patterns of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions found at or near the ends of helices in both proteins and peptides. In an α‐helix, the first four >N‐H groups and last four >C=O groups necessarily lack intrahelical hydrogen bonds. Instead, such groups are often capped by alternative hydrogen bond partners. This review enlarges our earlier hypothesis (Presta LG, Rose GD. 1988. Helix signals in proteins. Science 240:1632‐1641) to include hydrophobic capping. A hydrophobic interaction that straddles the helix terminus is always associated with hydrogen‐bonded capping. From a global survey among proteins of known structure, seven distinct capping motifs are identified‐three at the helix N‐terminus and four at the C‐terminus. The consensus sequence patterns of these seven motifs, together with results from simple molecular modeling, are used to formulate useful rules of thumb for helix termination. Finally, we examine the role of helix capping as a bridge linking the conformation of secondary structure to supersecondary structure.
Magnetic properties variation of two‐dimensional magnetophotonic crystals by light influence
Authors: Zvezdin Nikolay Y. , Prokaznikov Alexander V. , Afansyeva Darya E. , Paporkov Vladimir A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractInvestigation of the magnetic properties of two‐dimensional magnetophotonic crystals (MPCs) based on silicon films covered by a Co layer several nanometers thick and a Cr layer several tens of nanometers thick indicated quasiperiodic variation of the magnetic properties of the system while interacting with electromagnetic radiation. Oscillations discovered of angular dependence of the transverse magneto‐optic Kerr effect are connected with resonant condition when a standing (stationary) wave is formed in a magnetic film. This wave activates the rotation of spins in the system and thereby changes the magnetic properties.
n‐ZnO/i‐InGaN/p‐GaN heterostructure for solar cell application
Authors: Nam Seung‐Yong , Choi Yong‐Seok , Song Young‐Ho , Jung Myoung‐Ho , Kang Chang Mo , Kong Duk‐Jo , Park Seong‐Ju , Lee Jeong‐Yong , Namkoong Gon , Lee Dong‐Seon 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe report hybrid n‐ZnO/i‐InGaN/p‐GaN solar cells in which the n‐GaN layer of n‐GaN/i‐InGaN/p‐GaN solar cell was replaced with n‐type ZnO. In this study, inverted structures were used for hybrid ZnO/nitride solar cells where p‐type GaN was first grown on sapphire substrate, followed by i‐InGaN and n‐ZnO layers. The as‐fabricated device showed high series resistance and low energy conversion efficiency due to the formation of damaged p‐GaN region during dry etching. On the other hand, formation of microrods on the p‐GaN eased the removal of the damaged p‐GaN resulting in significantly lowered series resistance and enhanced energy conversion efficiency. (a) n‐ZnO/i‐InGaN/p‐GaN solar cell structure without microrods, (b) n‐ZnO/i‐InGaN/p‐GaN solar cell structure with microrods, and (c) magnified image of the dashed box on (b).
Properties of the new electronic device material LaGdO3
Authors: Pavunny Shojan P. , Kumar Ashok , Misra Pankaj , Scott James F. , Katiyar Ram S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe room temperature crystal structure of potential high‐kdielectric LaGdO3has been analyzed by X‐ray diffraction techniques and its structural evolution with temperature has been probed by Raman spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement of the ambient XRD data established the perfectly layered B‐type monoclinic crystal structure witha = 14.43 Å,b = 3.68 Å,c = 8.99 Å, andβ = 100.57° which is further validated by the 21 (14 Agand 7 Bg) Raman‐active vibrational modes with centro‐symmetric space grouporC2/m. Atomic positions, coordination numbers, inter‐ionic lengths, etc. were derived using Rietveld analysis. All prominent Bragg peaks were successfully indexed. Temperature dependent Raman spectra of LaGdO3from 80 to 1400 K were analyzed using the damped harmonic oscillator model. The softening and hardening of vibrational modes are reported. Above 900 K, disappearance of all high frequency modes (>600 cm−1) and merger of several mid frequency modes (between 200 and 500 cm−1) into two distinct modes was observed, a direct evidence of a possible structural phase transition from monoclinic to tetragonal/pseudocubic.
On the definition of a moist‐air potential vorticity
Authors: Marquet Pascal 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA new potential vorticity is derived by using a specific entropy formulation expressed in terms of a moist‐air entropy potential temperature. The new formulation is compared with Ertel's version and with others based on virtual and equivalent potential temperatures. The new potential vorticity is subject to conservative properties ensured by the Second Law applied to the moist‐air material derivatives. It is shown that the upper tropospheric and stratospheric (dry) structures are nearly the same as those obtained with Ertel's component. Moreover, new structures are observed in the low troposphere, with negative values associated with moist frontal regions. The negative values are observed in the frontal regions where slantwise convection instabilities may take place, but they are smaller than those observed with the equivalent potential vorticity. The main purpose of the article is to diagnose the behaviour of the new potential vorticity from numerical output generated by the ARPEGE NWP model, with the help of isobaric charts and vertical cross‐sections. Two inversion methods are suggested. The first method could be based on the invertibility principle verified by the virtual potential vorticity, with a possibility to control and modify separately potential vorticity components in the (dry) upper and (moist) lower atmospheric levels. The other method may consist of an inversion process directly applied to the new moist‐air entropy potential vorticity, because the negative values and the solenoidal term are smaller than those observed with equivalent potential vorticity, as shown by numerical evaluations.
Cloud droplets in a bulk formulation and its application to buoyancy reversal instability
Authors: de Lozar A. , Mellado J. P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMixing processes at the boundary of clouds often include typical length‐scales of several metres. Such length‐scales are too large for current Lagrangian models but they are also poorly resolved by typical Eulerian‐based large‐eddy simulations. Here, a bulk formulation is introduced for direct numerical simulations. Two main assumptions sustain this approach: the continuum approximation and the liquid‐phase diffusion approximation. The formulation includes the small‐scale features that originate from microscopic droplet dynamics: sedimentation, finite‐time condensation/evaporation, inertial effects and the low diffusion of liquid droplets with respect to vapour. The methodology is applied to the study of the buoyancy reversal instability that occurs at the top of stratocumulus clouds as a consequence of evaporative cooling. The inclusion of sedimentation, low liquid‐phase diffusion and finite‐time evaporation have a negative impact on instability when compared with the equilibrium formulation. The combined effect of all these small‐scale features reduces mixing at the cloud top by at least 90%. This strong reduction is explained by a condensate‐free middle layer, which emerges when droplets leave the cloud interface due to sedimentation.
Quantification of docetaxel and its metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Hendrikx J. J. M. A. , Dubbelman A. C. , Rosing H. , Schinkel A. H. , Schellens J. H. M. , Beijnen J. H. 
Published: July 2013

RATIONALEDuring drug development accurate quantification of metabolites in biological samples using mass spectrometry is often hampered by the lack of metabolites of chemically pure quality. However, quantification of metabolites can be useful for assessment and interpretation of (pre)clinical data. We now describe an approach to quantify docetaxel metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) using docetaxel calibration standards.METHODSMetabolites (M1/M3, M2 and M4) were generated using microsomal incubations. Retention times of docetaxel and its metabolites were assessed using an LC/UV assay and peak identification was performed by LC/MSn. Samples containing isolated metabolites from human faeces were quantified by LC/UV and used as references for spiking human plasma samples. LC/MS/MS was applied to sensitively quantify docetaxel and its metabolites in human plasma using docetaxel calibration standards in a range of 0.25–500 ng/mL.RESULTSBecause ionisation of docetaxel and its metabolites differed, correction factors were established to quantify the metabolites using docetaxel calibration samples. During method validation, accuracy and precision of the metabolites were within ±7.7% and ≤17.6%, respectively, and within ±14.3% and ≤10.1%, respectively, for docetaxel. Metabolites were found to be unstable in human plasma at ambient temperature. After storage up to 1 year at –20 °C, recovered metabolite concentrations were within ±25%.CONCLUSIONSDevelopment and validation of an LC/MS/MS assay for the quantification of docetaxel and its metabolites M1/M3, M2 and M4 using docetaxel calibration standards is described. The same approach may be used for quantification of metabolites of other drugs by LC/MS/MS when chemically pure reference substances are unavailable. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stochastic stability of semi‐Markovian jump systems with mode‐dependent delays
Authors: Li Fanbiao , Wu Ligang , Shi Peng 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYSemi‐Markovian jump systems, due to the relaxed conditions on the stochastic process, and its transition rates are time varying, can be used to describe a larger class of dynamical systems than conventional full Markovian jump systems. In this paper, the problem of stochastic stability for a class of semi‐Markovian systems with mode‐dependent time‐variant delays is investigated. By Lyapunov function approach, together with a piecewise analysis method, a sufficient condition is proposed to guarantee the stochastic stability of the underlying systems. As more time‐delay information is used, our results are much less conservative than some existing ones in literature. Finally, two examples are given to show the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed techniques. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing geographic heterogeneity and variable importance in an air pollution data set
Authors: Stanley Young S. , Xia Jessie Q. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this article, we examine data on the relationship between air quality and mortality in the United States using a published observational data set. Observational studies are complex and open to various interpretations. We show that there is geographic heterogeneity for the effect of air pollution on longevity. We also show that the relative importance of air pollution on longevity is much less than that of income or smoking. Most often authors do not address the relative importance of variables under consideration, choosing instead to concentrate on specific claims of significance. Yet good policy decisions require knowledge of the magnitude of relevant effects. Our analysis uses three methods for determining variable importance, showing how this puts predictor variables into a context that supports sound environmental policymaking. In particular, using both regression and recursive partitioning, we are able to confirm a spatial interaction with the air quality variable PM2.5; there is no significant association of PM2.5 with longevity in the west of the United States. We also determine the relative importance of PM2.5 in comparison to other predictor variables available in this data set. Our findings call into question the claim made by the original researchers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2013
The Integration of Studio Cycling into a Worksite Stress Management Programme
Authors: Clark Matthew M. , Soyring Jason E. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Daniels Denise C. , Berkland Bridget E. , Werneburg Brooke L. , Hagen Philip T. , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco , Warren Beth A. , Olsen Kerry D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHigh stress is a prevalent problem in the worksite. To reduce stress, improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and lower healthcare costs, many companies offer exercise classes or stress management programmes. Although physical activity is an important component of stress management, few worksites have integrated physical activity into their comprehensive stress reduction programmes. The purpose of this single‐arm pilot project was to examine the potential effectiveness of an integrated exercise (studio cycling) and cognitive–behavioural stress management programme. Eighty‐four adults, 75% female, mostly aged 40+ years, participated in an integrated 12‐week cycling studio and cognitive–behavioural stress management programme. Participants experienced a significant and clinically meaningful reduction on the Perceived Stress Scale (p < 0.01), rating of current stress level and confidence to manage stress at the programme's end and at a 1‐month follow‐up. Participants also reported having significantly improved overall health, improved nutritional habits, higher physical activity level, greater confidence in their ability to follow a healthy diet, higher spiritual well‐being, improved sleep, receiving more support for maintaining healthy living and improved quality of life at the completion of the 12‐week programme and 1‐month follow‐up. These findings provide further support for an integrated exercise and stress management programme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Relationship Between Stress and Body Satisfaction in Female and Male Adolescents
Authors: Murray Kristen , Rieger Elizabeth , Byrne Don 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between stress and body satisfaction in adolescence. A sample consisting of 515 adolescents aged 12–16 years completed a series of self‐report questionnaires assessing general and specific aspects of adolescent stress, body satisfaction and the psychological constructs of self‐esteem, depressive symptoms and body importance. Results revealed a significant association between higher body dissatisfaction and higher ratings of peer stress, lower self‐esteem and greater body importance for female and male adolescents. These findings suggest that adolescent stress relates to satisfaction with the body and that this stress is specifically focused on the peer environment for both genders during adolescence. This may have implications for intervention programmes aimed at improving body satisfaction, suggesting that the inclusion of stress management training in these programmes could specifically focus on difficulties within the peer domain. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Searching for a sense of purpose: The role of parents and effects on self‐esteem among female adolescents
Authors: Blattner Meghan C.C. , Liang Belle , Lund Terese , Spencer Renee 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTAchieving a sense of purpose during adolescence is a developmental asset; however, searching for that purpose may be a developmental stressor. Supportive parent–child relationships may help youth during this stressful experience. The present study included 207 female students in the sixth, eighth, and tenth grades from two competitive private schools. Searching for purpose negatively predicted self‐esteem. Hierarchical linear regression examined moderating effects of parental trust and alienation on searching for purpose as a predictor of self‐esteem. Parental alienation significantly moderated the association between search for purpose and girls' self‐esteem; conversely, parental trust did not moderate the association. Results suggest that parent–child relationships characterized by high levels of parental alienation may exacerbate the pernicious effects of search for purpose. Person‐based analyses found four clusters corresponding to Foreclosed Purpose, Diffused Purpose, Uncommitted Purpose/Moratorium, and Achieved Purpose. We discuss implications for practice and research based on these results.
Multiphase flow in porous media
Authors: Higdon J. J. L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMultiphase flows in porous media represent fluid dynamics problems of great complexity involving a wide range of physical phenomena. These flows have attracted the attention of an impressive group of renowned researchers and have spawned a number of classic problems in fluid dynamics. These multiphase flows are perhaps best known for their importance in oil recovery from petroleum reservoirs, but they also find application in novel areas such as hydrofracturing for natural gas recovery. In a recent article, Zinchenko & Davis (J. Fluid Mech. 2013, vol. 725, pp. 611–663) present computational simulations that break new ground in the study of emulsions flowing through porous media. These simulations provide sufficient scale to capture the disordered motion and complex break-up patterns of individual droplets while providing sufficient statistical samples for estimating meaningful macroscopic properties of technical interest.
ART AND POLITICAL DISSENT IN POSTWAR LEBANON: WALID SADEK'SFI ANNANI AKBAR MIN BIKASU[BIGGER THAN PICASSO]
Authors: Mejcher-Atassi Sonja 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTaking Walid Sadek'sfi annani akbar min bikasu[bigger than picasso] as its starting point, this article examines relations of art and politics in post-civil war Lebanon. A tiny and inexpensive paperback related to Picasso unfolds into a work of art that raises questions about the place of art and political dissent. After situatingbigger than picassoin the context of contemporary book art and artistic practices of the postwar generation in Lebanon, the article focuses on the juxtaposition of text and image. By placing narratives of art vandalism next to the image of a monument dedicated to the late Syrian President Hafiz al-Asad,bigger than picassoplayfully and provocatively breaks with political taboos at a time when the silence about the Lebanese Civil War (1975–90) and about Lebanese-Syrian relations was met with increasing anxiety. At the same time, the work makes room for aesthetic inquiries, exploring new possibilities of art at the margins of cultural production. The article concludes thatbigger than picassobrings to the fore the discrepancy between public monumentality and artistic practices, which in finding ways around political violence and censorship have recourse to ephemeral and private spheres, and holds unexpected meanings in ever-changing political circumstances.