bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Rapid Thermal Annealing on Thermoelectric Properties of Bulk Nanostructured Zinc Oxide
Authors: Engenhorst Markus , Gautam Devendraprakash , Schilling Carolin , Winterer Markus , Schierning Gabi , Schmechel Roland 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIn search for non-toxic thermoelectric materials that are stable in air at elevated temperatures, zinc oxide has been shown to be one of only few efficient n-type oxidic materials. Our bottom-up approach starts with very small (<10 nm) Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared from organometallic precursors by chemical vapor synthesis using nominal doping concentrations of 2 at% and 8 at%. In order to obtain bulk nanostructured solids, the powders were compacted in a current-activated pressure-assisted densification process. Rapid thermal annealing was studied systematically as a means of further dopant activation. The thermoelectric properties are evaluated with regard to charge carrier concentration and mobility. A Jonker-type analysis reveals the potential of our approach to achieve high power factors. In the present study, power factors larger than 4×10-4 Wm-1K-2 were measured at temperatures higher than 600 °C.
Giant Thermoelectric Effect in Graded Micro-Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Niarchos Dimitrios G. , Tarkhanyan Roland H. , Ioannidou Alexandra 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIn this work we report on opportunities for a colossal reduction in lattice thermal conductivity (LTC) of graded micro-nanoporous structures with inhomogeneous porosity which leads to the considerable improvement in thermoelectric figure of merit ZT. We employ the effective medium theory to calculate the LTC of a porous media with hole pores of variable radius and show that porous materials with inhomogeneous porosity are expected to have stronger reduction (about 30 times!) in thermal conductivity than those with pores of equal sizes. Such a reduction is caused by enhanced scattering of thermal phonons with the pore boundaries. We have studied the variations of the LTC as a function of porosity, pore sizes, geometry and the number of pore groups with different sizes. Our theoretical results show excellent agreement with experimental data.
Fabrication and Characterization of Nanostructured Bulk Skutterudites
Authors: Tafti Mohsen Y. , Saleemi Mohsin , Jacquot Alexandre , Jägle Martin , Muhammed Mamoun , Toprak Muhammet S. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTLatest nanotechnology concepts applied in thermoelectric (TE) research have opened many new avenues to improve the ZT value. Low dimensional structures can improve the ZT value as compared to bulk materials by substantial reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity, κL. However, the materials were not feasible for the industrial scale production of macroscopic devices because of complicated and costly manufacturing processes involved. Bulk nanostructured (NS) TEs are normally fabricated using a bulk process rather than a nano-fabrication process, which has the important advantage of producing in large quantities and in a form that is compatible with commercially available TE devices.We developed fabrication strategies for bulk nanostructured skutterudite materials based on FexCo1-xSb3. The process is based on precipitation of a precursor material with the desired metal atom composition, which is then exposed to thermochemical processing of calcination followed by reduction. The resultant material thus formed maintains nanostructured particles which are then compacted using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) by utilizing previously optimized process parameters. Microstructure, crystallinity, phase composition, thermal stability and temperature dependent transport property evaluation has been performed for compacted NS FexCo1-xSb3. Evaluation results are presented in detail, suggesting the feasibility of devised strategy for bulk quantities of doped TE nanopowder fabrication.
The German Economy and East-Central Europe: The Development of Intra-Industry Trade from Ostpolitik to the Present
Authors: Gross Stephen 
Published: October 2013

Over the past decade Germany has had one of the most successfuleconomies in the developed world. Despite the ongoing Euro crisis unemploymenthas fallen below 7 percent, reaching its lowest levels since Germanreunification in 1990. Germany’s youth unemployment is among thelowest in Europe, far beneath the European average.1 One of the mostimportant engines of the German economy today, and in fact throughoutthe twentieth and twenty-first centuries, has been its export sector. As LudwigErhard, West Germany’s Economics Minister during the Wirtschaftswunderof the 1950s remarked: “foreign trade is quite simply the core andpremise of our economic and social order.”2 According to various estimates,today exports and imports of goods and services account for nearly a half ofGerman GDP—up from only a quarter in 1990. Germany is one of only threeeconomies that do over a trillion dollars worth of exports a year, the othertwo being the United States and China.
Smooth-muscle progenitor cells isolated from patients with moyamoya disease: novel experimental cell model
Authors: Kang Hyun-Seung , Moon Youn-Joo , Kim Young-Yim , Park Woong-Yang , Park Ae Kyung , Wang Kyu-Chang , Kim Jeong Eun , Phi Ji Hoon , Lee Ji Yeoun , Kim Seung-Ki 
Published: October 2013

Object
Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a cerebrovascular occlusive disease affecting bilateral internal carotid termini. Smooth-muscle cells are one of the major cell types involved in this disease process. The characteristics of circulating smooth-muscle progenitor cells (SPCs) in MMD are poorly understood. The authors purified SPCs from the peripheral blood of patients with MMD and sought to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SPCs from these patients.

Methods
The authors cultured and isolated SPCs from the peripheral blood of patients with MMD (n = 25) and healthy control volunteers (n = 22). After confirmation of the cellular phenotype, RNA was extracted from the cells and DEGs were identified using a commercially available gene chip. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to confirm the putative pathogenetic DEGs.

Results
The SPC-type outgrowth cells in patients with MMD invariably showed a hill-and-valley appearance under microscopic examination, and demonstrated high α–smooth muscle actin, myosin heavy chain, and calponin expression (96.5% ± 2.1%, 42.8% ± 18.6%, and 87.1% ± 8.2%, respectively), and minimal CD31 expression (less than 1%) on fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. The SPCs in the MMD group tended to make more irregularly arranged and thickened tubules on the tube formation assay. In the SPCs from patients with MMD, 286 genes (124 upregulated and 162 downregulated) were differentially expressed; they were related to cell adhesion, cell migration, immune response, and vascular development.

Conclusions
With adequate culture conditions, SPCs could be established from the peripheral blood of patients with MMD. These cells showed specific DEGs compared with healthy control volunteers. This study provides a novel experimental cell model for further research of MMD.
Repeat digital subtraction angiography after a negative baseline assessment in nonperimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage: a pooled data meta-analysis
Authors: Bakker Nicolaas A. , Groen Rob J. M. , Foumani Mahrouz , Uyttenboogaart Maarten , Eshghi Omid S. , Metzemaekers Jan D. M. , Lammers Natasja , Luijckx Gert-Jan , Van Dijk J. Marc C. 
Published: October 2013

Object
A repeat digital subtraction angiography (DSA) study of the cranial vasculature is routinely performed in patients with diffuse nonperimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after negative baseline CT angiography (CTA) and DSA studies. However, DSA carries a low but substantial risk of neurological complications. Therefore, the authors evaluated the added value of repeat DSA in patients with initial angiographically negative diffuse nonperimesencephalic SAH.

Methods
A systematic review of the contemporary literature was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Studies from January 2000 onward were reviewed since imaging modalities have much improved over the last decade. A pooled analysis was conducted to identify the detection rate of repeat DSA. In addition, the diagnostic yield of repeat DSAs in a prospectively maintained single-center series of 1051 consecutive patients with SAH was added to the analysis.

Results
An initial search of the literature yielded 179 studies, 8 of which met the selection criteria. Another 45 patients from the authors' institution were included in the study, providing 368 patients eligible for the pooled analysis. In 37 patients (10.0%, 95% CI 7.4%–13.6%) an aneurysm was detected on repeat DSA. The timing of the repeat DSA varied from 1 to 6 weeks after the initial DSA. The use of 3D techniques was poorly described among these studies, and no direct comparisons between CTA and DSA were made.

Conclusions
Repeat DSA is still warranted in patients with a diffuse nonperimesencephalic SAH and negative initial assessment. However, the exact timing of the repeat DSA is subject to debate.
Determinants of quality of life in patients with skull base chordoma
Authors: Diaz Roberto Jose , Maggacis Nicole , Zhang Shudong , Cusimano Michael D. 
Published: October 2013

Object
Skull base chordomas can be managed by surgical intervention and adjuvant radiotherapy. As survival for this disease increases, identification of determinants of quality of life becomes an important focus for guiding comprehensive patient care. In this study the authors sought to measure functional outcome and quality of life in patients with skull base chordomas and to identify determinants of quality of life in these patients.

Methods
The authors carried out an internet-based cross-sectional survey, collecting detailed data for 83 individual patients. Demographic and clinical variables were evaluated. Functional outcomes were determined by Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE), quality of life was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and depression was assessed using Patient Health Questions–9 (PHQ-9) instrument. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify determinants of the physical and mental components of the SF-36.

Results
Patients with skull base chordomas who have undergone surgery and/or radiation treatment had a median KPS score of 90 (range 10–100, IQR 10) and a median GOSE score of 8 (range 2–8, IQR 3). The mean SF-36 Physical Component Summary score (± SD) was 43.6 ± 11.8, the mean Mental Component Summary score was 44.2 ±12.6, and both were significantly lower than norms for the general US population (p < 0.001). The median PHQ-9 score was 5 (range 0–27, IQR 8). A PHQ-9 score of 10 or greater, indicating moderate to severe depression, was observed in 29% of patients. The median ZBI score was 12 (range 0–27, IQR 11), indicating a low burden. Neurological deficit, use of pain medication, and requirement for corticosteroids were found to be associated with worse SF-36 Physical Component Summary score, while higher levels of depression (higher PHQ-9 score) correlated with worse SF-36 Mental Component Summary score.

Conclusions
Patients with skull base chordomas have a lower quality of life than the general US population. The most significant determinants of quality of life in the posttreatment phase in this patient population were neurological deficits (sensory deficit and bowel/bladder dysfunction), pain medication use, corticosteroid use, and levels of depression as scored by PHQ-9.
Nevirapine–Raltegravir Combination, An Nrti and Pi/R Sparing Regimen, as Maintenance Antiretroviral Therapy in Virologically Suppressed HIV-1-Infected Patients
Authors: Reliquet Véronique , Chirouze Catherine , Allavena Clotilde , Muret Patrice , Peytavin Gilles , André-Garnier Elisabeth , Bettinger Dominique , Ferré Virginie , Hoen Bruno , Raffi François 
Published: October 2013

Background Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and protease inhibitor (PI)/ritonavir sparing regimens may be useful to some HIV-infected patients. Nevirapine (NVP) and raltegravir (RAL) are both potent antiretrovirals with good long-term safety profiles. Methods We retrospectively identified from our electronic database all patients with HIV RNA<50 copies/ml for >6 months on an NVP-containing regimen and no prior exposure to integrase strand transfer inhibitors who were switched to RAL plus NVP. Data was collected for 36 months or until discontinuation of RAL plus NVP for any reason. Results A total of 39 patients (30 male) were included in this analysis. Median duration of prior antiretroviral therapy was 14 years (IQR 10–17) and median duration with plasma HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml prior to switch was 50 months (IQR 22–96). Switched regimens included mainly a boosted PI ( n=24) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine ( n=12). After switching, the percentages of patients with HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml were 87.2% (95% CI 76.7, 97.7) and 82.1% (95% CI 70.0, 94.1) at 6 and 12 months, respectively, in the intent-to-treat-exposed analysis, 97.1% (95% CI 91.6, 100) and 94.1% (95% CI 86.2, 100), respectively, in the per-protocol analysis. All patients with follow-up to month 24 ( n=22) or month 36 ( n=14) had HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml. One virological failure was observed (related to archived non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutation). During follow-up, no patient experienced Grade 3 or 4 adverse events. Median values of serum creatinine and lipids significantly improved after switch. Conclusions In patients with prolonged HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml, switching to NVP–RAL combination maintained virological suppression throughout 36 months. This combination deserves further evaluation in patients unable to tolerate NRTI or PI/ritonavir agents.
Delayed Emergence of HIV-1 Variants Resistant to 4′-Ethy Nyl-2-Fluoro-2′-Deoxyadenosine: Comparative Sequential Passage Study with Lamivudine, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine and BMS-986001
Authors: Maeda Kenji , Desai Darshan V , Aoki Manabu , Nakata Hirotomo , Kodama Eiichi N , Mitsuya Hiroaki 
Published: October 2013

Background 4′-Ethynyl-2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine (EFdA) contains an ethynyl moiety and the 3′-hydroxyl and exerts highly potent activity against various HIV type-1 (HIV-1) strains including multi-drug-resistant variants. Methods Comparative selection passages against EFdA, lamivudine (3TC), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), emtricitabine (FTC) or BMS-986001 (Ed4T) were conducted using a mixture of 11 highly multi-drug-resistant clinical HIV-1 isolates (HIV11MIX) as a starting virus population. Results Before selection, HIV11MIX was sensitive to EFdA with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.032 μM, less susceptible to TDF and Ed4T with IC50s of 0.57 and 2.6 μM, respectively, and highly resistant to 3TC and FTC with IC50s>10 μM. IC50s of TDF against HIV11MIX exposed to EFdA and TDF for 17 (HIV11MIXEFdA-P17) and 14 (HIV11MIXTDF-P14) passages were 8 and >10 μM, respectively, while EFdA remained active against HIV11MIXEFdA-P17 and HIV11MIXTDF-P14 with IC50s of 0.15 and 0.1 μM, respectively. Both selected variants were highly resistant against zidovudine, 3TC, Ed4T and FTC (IC50 values >10 μM). Conclusions The present data demonstrate that HIV11MIX developed resistance more rapidly against 3TC, FTC, TDF and Ed4T than against EFdA and that EFdA remained substantially active against TDF- and EFdA-selected variants. Thus, EFdA has a favourable resistance profile and represents a potentially promising new-generation nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.
Histoires de renoncement ? Le cas des jeunes retirants sociaux touaregs au Mali
Authors: Figueiredo Cristina 
Published: October 2013

À travers des cas de retrait social de jeunes touaregs entre deux mondes et modes identificatoires, il s’agit ici d’interroger l’émergence d’une manière nouvelle d’exprimer l’incertitude, et la souffrance psychique qu’elle occasionne, face à des choix de vie au moment du passage à l’âge adulte. La période qui recoupe l’adolescence et la jeunesse est particulièrement signifiante et, si elle fait l’objet de nombreuses réflexions sociologiques dans les sociétés occidentales, elle reste peu étudiée dans les autres sociétés. La période du passage « à l’âge d’homme » est probablement aussi intense chez les Touaregs que chez les jeunes Français. Ce qui pourrait la distinguer est un investissement plus ou moins important de l’accompagnement et de la solidarité entre pairs.
Accompagner les candidats à l'adoption : l'expérience de la Belgique et du Luxembourg
Authors: Crine Anne-Marie 
Published: October 2013

Cet article présente l’accompagnement professionnel des candidats à l’adoption tel qu’il a été développé en Belgique et au Luxembourg. Il est apparu nécessaire aux responsables d’adoption dans ces deux pays d’accompagner ce que des spécialistes décrivent comme une « grossesse adoptive » au vu du décalage entre enfant rêvé et enfant réel, accru dans le cas des projets d’adoption. Cet accompagnement se décline sur des étapes d’information, de sensibilisation, de « démystification », de cheminement vers une ouverture à l’altérité et à la responsabilisation. Le travail avec les candidats s’appuie sur des concepts comme celui de « normalité adoptive », développé par Johanne Lemieux, et plus largement, sur une méthodologie qui se nourrit du partage d’expériences et des éclairages pluriels basés sur des recherches actualisées.
The use ofCerceris fumipennis(Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) for surveying and monitoring emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) infestations in eastern North America
Authors: Careless Philip , Marshall Stephen A. , Gill Bruce D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe beetle-hunting wasp,Cerceris fumipennisSay (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), native to eastern North America, provisions its subterranean nest almost exclusively with adult metallic wood-boring beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), including the destructive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennisFairmaire, EAB). This wasp provides a unique opportunity to survey indigenous and nonindigenous buprestid diversity. We discuss the accessibility, sustainability, and productivity ofC. fumipenniswith respect to its application as a buprestid surveying and monitoring tool.
Tigecycline activity against metallo-β-lactamase-producing bacteria
Authors: Kumar Simit , Bandyopadhyay Maitreyi , Mondal Soma , Pal Nupur , Ghosh Tapashi , Bandyopadhyay Manas , Banerjee Parthajit 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Backgound: Treatment of serious life-threatening multi-drug-resistant organisms poses a serious problem due to the limited therapeutic options. Tigecycline has been recently marketed as a broad-spectrum antibiotic with activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Even though many studies have demonstrated the activity of tigecycline against ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, its activity is not well-defi ned against micro-organisms producing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), as there are only a few reports and the number of isolates tested is limited. Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the activity of tigecycline against MBL-producing bacterial isolates. Materials and Methods: The isolates were tested for MBL production by (i) combined-disk test, (ii) double disc synergy test (DDST), (iii) susceptibility to aztreonam (30 μg) disk. Minimum inhibitory concentration to tigecycline was determined according to agar dilution method as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Disc diffusion susceptibility testing was also performed for all these isolates using tigecycline (15 μg) discs. Results: Among the total 308 isolates included in the study, 99 were found to be MBL producers. MBL production was observed mostly in isolates from pus samples (40.47%) followed by urine (27.4%) and blood (13.09%). MBL production was observed in E. coli (41.48%), K. pneumoniae (26.67%), Proteus mirabilis (27.78%), Citrobacter spp. (41.67%), Enterobacter spp. (25.08%), and Acinetobacter spp. (27.27%). The result showed that tigecycline activity was unaffected by MBL production and it was showed almost 100% activity against all MBL-producing isolates, with most of the isolates exhibiting an MIC ranging from 0.25-8 μg/ml, except 2 MBL-producing E. coli isolates who had an MIC of 8 μg/ml. Conclusion: To conclude, tigecycline was found to be highly effective against MBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and acinetobacter isolates, but the presence of resistance among organisms, even before the mass usage of the drug, warrants the need of its usage as a reserve drug. The study also found that the interpretative criteria for the disc diffusion method, recommended by the FDA, correlates well with the MIC detection methods. So, the microbiology laboratories might use the relatively easier method of disc diffusion, as compared to the comparatively tedious method of MIC determination.
Past and current dermatological status of yusho patients
Authors: Urabe Harukuni , Asahi Masakazu 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSkin symptoms of “Yusho” and their change thereafter are described. In the early stage, skin eruptions were the most prominent and impressive features of Yusho. Acneiform eruptions and pigmentation were most conspicuous. With the passage of time, there is some improvement and most patients now have few eruptions, except for the severely intoxicated group. As for blood PCB analysis, the severely intoxicated group who showed intensive skin symptoms showed “pattern A”—a typical specific Yusho pattern. The blood PCB patterns of each patient were stable with no alteration after many years and, on the other hand, the blood PCB concentrations have diminished year by year.
PCBs in blood of workers exposed to PCBs and their health status
Authors: Takamatsu Makoto , Oki Mariko , Maeda Katsuyoshi , Inoue Yoshito , Hirayama Hachiro , Yoshizuka Keiko 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFact‐finding surveys of workers occupationally exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the production of silk thread or of paint were carried out. Some of the workers showed higher PCB levels in the plasma than typical Yusho patients. Gas chromatographic patterns of their PCBs were shown to match the pattern of the PCBs to which they had been exposed. Levels of polychlorinated quaterphenyls in their blood were lower than 0.02 ppb. Medical findings were slight compared with typical Yusho patients. From these results, the differences in contamination with PCBs and relevant compounds and in health status between these workers and Yusho patients are discussed.