bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The nature of singlet excitons in oligoacene molecular crystals
Authors: Yamagata H. , Norton J. , Hontz E. , Olivier Y. , Beljonne D. , Brédas J. L. , Silbey R. J. , Spano F. C. 
Published: May 2011

A theory for polarized absorption in crystalline oligoacenes is presented, which includes Frenkel exciton coupling, the coupling between Frenkel and charge-transfer (CT) excitons, and the coupling of all neutral and ionic excited states to the dominant ring-breathing vibrational mode. For tetracene, spectra calculated using all Frenkel couplings among the five lowest energy molecular singlet states predict a Davydov splitting (DS) of the lowest energy (0–0) vibronic band of only −32 cm−1, far smaller than the measured value of 631 cm−1 and of the wrong sign—a negative sign indicating that the polarizations of the lower and upper Davydov components are reversed from experiment. Inclusion of Frenkel-CT coupling dramatically improves the agreement with experiment, yielding a 0–0 DS of 601 cm−1 and a nearly quantitative reproduction of the relative spectral intensities of the 0–n vibronic components. Our analysis also shows that CT mixing increases with the size of the oligoacenes. We discuss the implications of these results on exciton dissociation and transport.
Topology and transport in the edge region of RFX-mod helical regimes
Authors: Scarin P. , Vianello N. , Agostini M. , Spizzo G. , Spolaore M. , Zuin M. , Cappello S. , Carraro L. , Cavazzana R. , De Masi G. , Martines E. , Moresco M. , Munaretto S. , Puiatti M. E. , Valisa M. 
Published: May 2011

New edge diagnostics and detailed analysis of magnetic topology have significantly improved the comprehension of the processes developing at the boundary of a reversed-field pinch (RFP) plasma in RFX-mod (a = 0.46 m, R = 2 m).
An upper critical density n
C ≈ 0.4 n
G (n
G Greenwald density) is found to limit the operational space for the improved quasi-single helical (QSH) regime: magnetic topology reconstructions and diagnostic observations suggest that this limit is due to a helical plasma–wall interaction which determines toroidally and poloidally localized edge density accumulation and cooling.
The experimental evidence is provided by a variety of diagnostics: the magnetic boundary as reconstructed from equilibrium codes reveals a helical deformation, which is well correlated with the modulation of edge pressure profile as reconstructed from the thermal helium beam diagnostic. Correlations with the helical deformation are also observed on the space- and time-resolved patterns of the floating potential measured at the wall, and with the edge plasma flow, obtained from different diagnostics. The relevance of these findings is that understanding the mechanisms that limit the operational space of QSH is decisive in achieving the goal of high-density stationary helical RFP equilibrium.
Validation and Clinical Utility of a Bowel Habit Questionnaire in School‐age Children
Authors: Wald Ellen R. , Jagodzinski Tanya D. , Moyer Stacey C.L. , Wald Arnold , Eickhoff Jens C. , Edmonson M. Bruce 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the study was to validate a brief Bowel Habit Questionnaire (BHQ) with prospectively obtained data from a 14‐day diary and to determine whether the BHQ predicts the development of medically significant constipation (MSC) during the following year.Materials and Methods:The BHQ was distributed to parents of children ages 5 to 8 years during health supervision visits. Both the BHQ and subsequent diary were scored to indicate constipation if at least 2 of the following were reported: infrequent bowel movements, stool accidents, straining, avoidance, discomfort with defecation, or passing large stools >25% of the time. One year later, the BHQ was repeated to assess for MSC, defined as medical encounters about constipation or use of enemas, suppositories, laxatives, or stool softeners.Results:MSC was reported for 57 (13.7%) of 416 children on the first BHQ. Paired BHQ and diary data were obtained for 269 children; 54 (20.1%) had diary scores indicating constipation. BHQ had a sensitivity of 59.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 46.7%–71.4%) and a specificity of 82.6% (95% CI 77.0%–87.1%). One year later, 11 children (5.2%) had developed new‐onset MSC; 7 (63.6%) of these children had initial BHQ scores of at least 2. Positive and negative predictive values for MSC were 19.4% (95% CI 9.8%–35.0%) and 97.7% (94.2%–99.1%), respectively.Conclusions:Parents often do not recognize constipation in young school‐age children and most constipated children remain untreated. A brief screening questionnaire in this population proved to be valid but only moderately sensitive; efforts to improve sensitivity are needed before recommending it for routine use.
Magnetostratigraphy of the Neogene Chaka basin and its implications for mountain building processes in the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Hui‐Ping , Craddock William H. , Lease Richard O. , Wang Wei‐tao , Yuan Dao‐Yang , Zhang Pei‐Zhen , Molnar Peter , Zheng De‐Wen , Zheng Wen‐Jun 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTMagnetostratigraphy of sedimentary rock deposited in the Chaka basin (north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau) indicates a late Miocene onset of basin formation and subsequent development of the adjacent Qinghai Nan Shan. Sedimentation in the basin initiated at ∼11 Ma. In the lower part of the basin fill, a coarsening‐upward sequence starting at ∼9 Ma, as well as rapid sedimentation rates, and northward paleocurrents, are consistent with continued growth of the Ela Shan to the south. In the upper section, several lines of evidence suggest that thrust faulting and topographic development of the Qinghai Nan Shan began at ∼6.1 Ma. Paleocurrent indicators, preserved in the basin in the proximal footwall of the Qinghai Nan Shan, show a change from northward to southward flow between 6.5 and 3.8 Ma. At the same location, sediment derived from the Qinghai Nan Shan appears at 6.1 Ma. Finally, the initiation of progressively shallowing dips observed in deformed basin strata and a change to pebbly, fluvial deposits at 6.1 Ma provide a minimum age for the onset of slip on the thrust fault that dips north‐east beneath the Qinghai Nan Shan. We interpret a decrease in sediment accumulation rates since ∼6 Ma to indicate a reduction in Chaka basin accommodation space due to active faulting and folding along the Qinghai Nan Shan and incorporation of the basin into the wedge‐top depozone. Declination anomalies indicate the beginning of counter‐clockwise rotation since 6.1 Ma, which we associate with local deformation, not regional block rotation. The emergence of the Qinghai Nan Shan near the end of the Miocene Epoch partitioned the once contiguous Chaka‐Gonghe and Qinghai basin complex. In a regional framework, our study adds to a growing body of evidence that points to widespread initiation and/or reactivation of fault networks during the late Miocene across the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: analysis of risk factors in medical inpatients
Authors: Kato Shumei , Takahashi Koichi , Ayabe Kengo , Samad Reza , Fukaya Eri , Friedmann Patricia , Varma Mala , Bergmann Steven R. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryHeparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an unpredictable reaction to heparin characterized by thrombocytopenia and increased risk of life‐threatening venous and/or arterial thrombosis. Data are lacking regarding additional risk factors that may be associated with the development of HIT. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that may be associated with HIT in medical inpatients receiving heparin. Twenty five thousand six hundred and fifty‐three patients admitted to the medicine service who received heparin product were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of HIT was confirmed if the platelet count dropped >50% from baseline and there was a positive laboratory HIT assay. Fifty‐five cases of in‐hospital HIT were observed. Multivariate analysis identified the administration of full anticoagulation dose with unfractionated heparin or exposure to heparin products for more than 5 d with an increased risk of HIT. Moreover, patients who were on haemodialysis, carried a diagnosis of autoimmune disease, gout or heart failure were also at increased risk. The results suggest that when using heparin products in these patient cohorts, increased surveillance for HIT is necessary.
Effects of inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines on the bone
Authors: Schett Georg 
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1361–1366AbstractBackground  Inflammatory diseases are linked to enhanced bone loss. The effect of inflammation on bone is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, which regulate bone formation as well as bone resorption thereby altering bone homeostasis.Materials and methods  In this article we summarize the key insights in cytokine regulation of bone. We describe the major pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators, which are involved in the regulation of bone and describe the mechanisms by which these cytokines alter bone balance.Results  We describe the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)‐ 1 family members, IL‐6, IL‐17 and interferons (IFN) on bone and discuss the mechanisms by which these individual cytokines affect the bone resorbing and the bone forming cells.Conclusions  Several proinflammatory cytokines (such as TNFa, IL‐1 and IL‐17) are major triggers for osteoclast activation explaining the enhanced bone loss during inflammation. Other such as IL‐12, IL‐18, IL‐33 and IFN are strong suppressors of osteoclast differentiation and inhibit bone loss. Thus the cytokine composition of an inflammatory tissue is decisive whether inflammation triggers bone loss or not.
Secular trends in age at menarche in women in the UK born 1908–93: results from the Breakthrough Generations Study
Authors: Morris Danielle H. , Jones Michael E. , Schoemaker Minouk J. , Ashworth Alan , Swerdlow Anthony J. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryMorris DH, Jones ME, Schoemaker MJ, Ashworth A, Swerdlow AJ. Secular trends in age at menarche in women in the UK born 1908–93: results from the Breakthrough Generations Study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 394–400.Menarcheal age decreased over time in Western countries until cohorts born in the mid‐20th century. It then stabilised, but limited data are available for recent cohorts. Menarche data were collected retrospectively by questionnaire in 2003–10 from 94 170 women who were participating in the Breakthrough Generations Study, aged 16–98 years, born 1908–93 and resident in the UK. Average menarcheal age declined from women born in 1908–19 (mean = 13.5 years) to those born in 1945–49 (mean = 12.6 years). It was then stable for several birth cohorts, but resumed its downward trend in recent cohorts (mean = 12.3 years in 1990–93 cohort). Trends differed between socio‐economic groups, but the recent decline was present in each group. In conclusion, menarcheal age appears to have decreased again in recent cohorts after a period of stabilisation.
In‐field distribution of Plasmodiophora brassicae measured using quantitative real‐time PCR
Authors: Wallenhammar A.‐C. , Almquist C. , Söderström M. , Jonsson A. 
Published: May 2011

A protocol using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the direct detection and quantification of Plasmodiophora brassicae in soil samples was developed and used on naturally and artificially infested soil samples containing different concentrations of P. brassicae. Species‐specific primers and a TaqMan fluorogenic probe were designed to amplify a small region of P. brassicae ribosomal DNA. Total genomic DNA was extracted and purified from soil samples using commercial kits. The amount of pathogen DNA was quantified using a standard curve generated by including reactions containing different amounts of a plasmid carrying the P. brassicae target sequence. The PCR assay was optimized to give high amplification efficiency and three to four copies of the target DNA sequence were detected. Regression analysis showed that the standard curve was linear over at least six orders of magnitude (R2 > 0·99) and that the amplification efficiency was >92%. The detection limit in soil samples corresponded to 500 resting spores g−1 soil. The intersample reproducibility was similar to, or higher than, that of assays for other pathogens quantified in soil samples. Bait plants were used to validate the real‐time PCR assay. The protocol developed was used to investigate the spatial distribution of P. brassicae DNA in different fields and a significant difference was found between in‐field sampling points. The reproducibility of soil sampling was evaluated and showed no significant differences for samples with low levels of inoculum, whereas at higher levels differences occurred. Indicator kriging was used for mapping the probability of detecting P. brassicae within a 2‐ha area of a field. A threshold level of 5 fg plasmid DNA g−1 soil, corresponding to approximately 3 × 103P. brassicae resting spores g−1 soil, is suggested for growing resistant cultivars. The results provide a robust and reliable technique for predicting the risk of disease development and for assessing the distribution of disease within fields.
Effective concentrations of garlic distillate (Allium sativum) for the control of Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae)
Authors: Attia S. , Grissa K. L. , Mailleux A. C. , Lognay G. , Heuskin S. , Mayoufi S. , Hance T. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a worldwide pest that feeds on a large variety of plant families. Because its resistance to acaricides is spreading rapidly, the development of new biological control tactics for population management is crucial. Plant extracts, such as garlic extract (Allium sativum Linn.), may represent viable alternatives, because they are currently considered to be minimum‐risk pesticides. Although garlic is known for its acaricidal properties, the extract concentration that provides the most efficient control has not yet been precisely determined.In this study, we conducted a series of laboratory experiments to determine the susceptibility of adult females to different concentrations of garlic extract. Fresh garlic cloves were steam‐distilled and sprayed using a Potter spray tower. Mortality and fecundity were measured upon treatment with garlic extract concentrations ranging from 0.46 to 14.4 mg/l. Female mortality increased with concentration, with LD50 and LD90 values of 7.49 and 13.5 mg/l, respectively. Reduced fecundity was previously observed at concentrations of 0.36 and 0.74 mg/l.The chemical composition of the Allium sativum distillate was characterized by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection, GC/MS and Fast GC‐FID against an authentic standard (Standard, Bioextract).Vinyl dithiin, diallyl disulphide, diallyl trisulphide and methyl allyl trisulphide were identified based on their mass spectra. Sesquiterpenoids were identified by their retention index.
Factors affecting the dispersal of large‐scale releases of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni
Authors: Gilchrist A. S. , Meats A. W. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis study investigated two factors potentially affecting the spatial distribution of Queensland fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) after release from a single point. First, the effect of age at release was investigated using a single cohort of 205 000 males from a mass‐rearing strain used for sterile insect releases. Approximately half were released as immature males and the remainder as sexually mature males (1 week later). Males were collected over 3 weeks from a grid of 135 traps, each containing a pheromone/insecticide bait, positioned between 4 and 500 m from the release point. Variation in the distribution of fly density around the release point was assessed by regressing trapped fly counts against distance. Unexpectedly, no significant differences were found in the spatial distribution of the flies. Second, the effect of inbreeding on spatial distribution was investigated using replicated simultaneous releases of two strains of B. tryoni. One strain was the existing (inbred) mass‐rearing strain that has been selected for high productivity in a mass‐rearing facility. The second strain was deliberately outbred but also selected for high productivity. Almost 100 000 males of each strain were released over the two experiments. Regression of trappings against distance differed significantly between strains in only one of five releases, but in all cases the outbred strain had a greater dispersal distance. As our trapping grid was not regular but contained gaps of up to 100 m, a small preliminary experiment investigated whether flies move faster along tree rows or across open fields. At distances up to 100 m, we found no detectable difference in fly distributions. These results are primarily relevant to the large‐scale point releases carried out as part of an existing B. tryoni sterile insect programme and are discussed in that context.
The Effect of Boar Seminal Plasma on the Release of Prostaglandins and Interleukin‐6 by Porcine Endometrial and Cervical Cells and Bovine Endometrial Cells
Authors: Madej M , Norrby M , Madsen MT , Johannisson A , Hansen C , Madej A 
Published: May 2011

ContentsArtificial insemination (AI) of sows results in a significant elevation of prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM) levels in peripheral plasma, whereas in mated sows such elevation is not seen. The aim of this study was to investigate whether boar seminal plasma (SP) has any effect on the release of PGFM, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) by in vitro cultured porcine endometrial (epithelial – pUE and stromal – pUS), cervical (pCE and pCS) and bovine endometrial epithelial cells (bUE). This study shows that boar SP inhibits the release of PGFM, PGF2α and PGE2 by porcine endometrial and cervical cells and bovine endometrial cells after 3 and 24 h incubation. Boar SP stimulated IL‐6 release by pUE, pUS and even bUE after 3 h incubation. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) stimulated the release of IL‐6 by pUS only after 24 h incubation, but in the presence of boar SP, this stimulation was attenuated. The overall results from these in vitro studies give us possibility to understand the difference in prostaglandin response between mated and inseminated sows. Furthermore, we demonstrated that frozen‐stored epithelial and stromal cells from pig endometrium, as well as from the cervix are suitable for studying the effect of SP on the release of prostaglandins. The only prerequisite is to incubate these thawed cells with arachidonic acid as a source for the synthesis of prostaglandins. A similar effect of boar SP on porcine and bUE cells may suggest inter‐species reactivity.
Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Canine Mammary Gland Tumours: A Comparison Between Cytology and Histopathology
Authors: Sontas BH , Yüzbaşıoğlu Öztürk G , Toydemir TFS , Arun SS , Ekici H 
Published: May 2011

ContentsIn the current study, a total of 90 mammary neoplasms obtained from 55 female dogs were used to determine the accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of canine mammary tumours and to investigate the feasibility of this technique for the differentiation of simple tumours from complex or mixed tumours. Three aspirations were performed on each mammary gland mass using a 22‐gauge needle attached to a 5‐ml syringe before the mammary glands were surgically excised and submitted for histopathological examination. Twenty‐five (27.7%) of 90 samples were classified as insufficient/inadequate for diagnosis. Of the remaining 65 samples, six (9.2%) were benign, 51 (78.5%) were malignant tumours and 8 (12.3%) were suspicious. Histopathological examination of the 90 specimens revealed five (5.6%) benign, 84 (93.3%) malignant and one (1.1%) non‐neoplastic lesion. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of cytologic examination for diagnosing malignancy were 96.5%, 96.2% and 100%, respectively. However, when inadequate (n = 25) and suspicious (n = 8) samples were included, the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity decreased to 63.3% and 60.7%, respectively, but no change was observed in the specificity. Furthermore, it was not possible to differentiate simple tumours from complex and mixed tumours because spindle cells were seen in both 28% of the simple tumours and 39.3% of the complex or mix tumours. In conclusion, we believe that fine‐needle aspiration cytology of canine mammary tumours is a valuable diagnostic tool, although our results indicated lower accuracy when inadequate samples were taken into consideration.
Characteristics and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after the year 2000 in Japan
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Tada Toshifumi , Sone Yasuhiro , Kaneoka Yuji , Maeda Atsuyuki 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The survival rate of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improved through the 1990s in Japan, primarily due to advances in the detection of small HCC under the establishment of surveillance systems. We investigated how the characteristics of patients with HCC changed and whether this trend is continuing after the year 2000.Methods:  The characteristics and survival rates of patients with initial HCC (not a recurrence) who were diagnosed after the year 2000 until 2008 were analyzed and compared with those of patients in whom HCC was diagnosed in the 1990s or before.Results:  In comparison to 8 years before the year 2000, the percentage of patients with better liver function at diagnosis of HCC increased after the year 2000, whereas the size of maximal HCC tumors did not change in comparison to patients before the year 2000. The survival rate of patients continued increasing after the year 2000.Conclusions:  The prognosis of patients with HCC continues to improve after the year 2000. This is not due to further improvements in the detection of small‐sized HCC; the detection of small HCC had reached a plateau in the 1990s. Rather, this improvement appears to be due in part from the continued increase in the distribution of patients with better liver function at diagnosis.
Capacity development for Community Health Nurses in Pakistan: the assistant manager role
Authors: Gulzar S.A. , Mistry R. , Upvall M.J. 
Published: May 2011

GULZAR S.A., MISTRY R. & UPVALL M.J. (2011) Capacity development for Community Health Nurses in Pakistan: the assistant manager role. International Nursing Review58, 386–391Background:  Community health nurses (CHNs), as leaders in developing countries, can promote successful outcomes in meeting the targets of the Millennium Development Goals. A community‐based organization in Pakistan is striving to achieve the goals of maternal and child health through the development of the assistant manager role for community health nursing.Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to assess the perception of the role of the CHN assistant manager, with the goal of strengthening that role.Methods:  This interpretive, qualitative study included 13 participants already familiar with CHNs in Pakistan. Interviewing was utilized to explore perceptions of the assistant manager role and to uncover challenges currently existing within this new role.Findings:  Content analysis revealed the following themes: ‘role perceptions’, ‘expectations of the role’ and ‘collaboration with other community healthcare providers’.Conclusion:  Changes to the role are necessary including increased education of the assistant manager CHNs and preparing administration to work with the assistant mangers for effective leadership.