bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased incidence of bronchopulmonary fistulas complicating pediatric pneumonia
Authors: McKee A.J. , Ives A. , Balfour‐Lynn I.M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe frequency of complicated pneumococcal disease, including necrotizing pneumonia, has increased over the last decade. During 2008–2009, we noted an increase in the number of children whose empyema was complicated by the development of a bronchopleural fistula and air leak. We studied these children to see if there was an associated cause.MethodsThis was a retrospective case note and database review of children admitted to our tertiary unit with a parapneumonic effusion or empyema from 2002 to 2007, compared with 2008 to 2009. For the latter period, we also compared the outcomes of those with a bronchopleural fistula to those without.ResultsDuring the 8‐year period, 310 children were admitted. In the first 6 years, the frequency of air leaks was 1% (2/258) rising to 33% (16/49) in the last 2 years (P < 0.0001). Three children were excluded as their fistulas were possibly iatrogenic. This was associated with a significant increase in median hospital stay (7 vs. 10 days, P < 0.0001) and surgical intervention rate (2% vs. 14%, P = 0.001). In the latter 2 years, S. pneumoniae serotype 3 was identified in 10/16 (91%) of those with a bronchopleural fistula compared to 1/33 (3%) of those without.ConclusionsThe frequency of bronchopleural fistulas increased markedly in the 2 years 2008–2009. Although these cases were associated with pneumococcal serotype 3 infection, which was not covered by the heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine Prevenar® in use at that time, we do not know whether the increased incidence of fistulas was due to a change in serotype 3 prevalence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:717–721. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exhaled breath temperature in healthy children is influenced by room temperature and lung volume
Authors: Logie Karla M. , Kusel Merci M.H. , Sly Peter D. , Hall Graham L. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundExhaled breath temperature (EBT) has been proposed for the non‐invasive assessment of airway inflammation. Previous studies have not examined the influence of room temperature or lung size on the EBT.ObjectiveThis study aimed to address these issues in healthy children.MethodsWe assessed the effects of room temperature and lung volume in 60 healthy children aged 9–11 years (mean age 10.3 years, 33 male). Static lung volumes were assessed using multiple breath nitrogen washout. Questionnaire and skin prick tests were also used to establish respiratory health in the children. We obtained the EBT parameters of slope, end plateau temperature (PLET) and normalized plateau temperature (nPLET; plateau temperature minus inspired air temperature), and ascertained physiological factors influencing EBT.ResultsEnd plateau temperature was shown to be proportionally affected by room temperature (r = 0.532, P < 0.001) whereas slope and nPLET decreased with increasing room temperature (r = −0.392 P < 0.02 and r = −0.507 P = 0.002). After adjusting for room temperature, height and age, the total lung capacity (r2 = 0.435, P = 0.006) and slow vital capacity (SVC; r2 = 0.44, P = 0.005) were found to be the strongest predictors of end PLET in healthy children. When all factors were included in a multiple regression model, SVC and room temperature were the only predictors of plateau and nPLET. Slope was only influenced by room temperature.ConclusionsExhaled breath temperature measurements are highly feasible in children with a 95% success rate in this healthy population. Room temperature and SVC significantly influence EBT variables in healthy children. Further studies are required to investigate the ability of EBT to assess airway inflammation in children with respiratory disease. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1062–1068. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discriminative properties of two predictive indices for asthma diagnosis in a sample of preschoolers with recurrent wheezing
Authors: Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E. , Sossa‐Briceño Monica P. , Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIntroductionIt is important to predict if preschool children with recurrent wheezing will suffer from asthma in future years. To aid in this early identification, a number of asthma predictive scores have been reported, such as the asthma predictive index (API) and the PIAMA risk score. However, to the best of our knowledge, their predictive properties have not been evaluated in any lower‐ to middle‐income country.Materials and MethodsA prospective cohort study was carried out including preschoolers aged 1–3 years with recurrent wheezing who came to our Pediatric Pulmonary Unit in Bogota, Colombia. We collected the information required to complete the API index and the PIAMA risk score. At 5–6 years of age, the patients were contacted in order to determine if they were suffering from active asthma. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios (LR) of the API and PIAMA risk scores for the presence of active asthma at 5–6 years old.ResultsThe mean age at recruitment of the 130 included patients was 27.2 ± 5.9 months. The loose API yielded a sensitivity of 71.4% (95% CI: 50.0–86.2), specificity of 33.3% (95% CI 23.5–44.8), and positive predictive value of 23.8% (95% CI: 15.0–35.6). The stringent API yielded a sensitivity of 42.9% (95% CI: 24.5–63.5), specificity of 79.2% (95% CI 68.4–86.9), positive predictive value of 37.5% (95% CI: 21.2–57.3), and positive LR of 2.06. The PIAMA risk score yielded a sensitivity of 54.5% (95% CI: 42.6–66.0), specificity of 78.9 (95% CI: 66.7–87.5), positive predictive value of 75.0 (95% CI: 61.2–85.1), and positive LR of 2.59.ConclusionsOur results suggest that both indices can be used to predict asthma in preschoolers with recurrent wheezing in the context of a referral hospital. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46: 1175–1181. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Properties of monolithic InGaN quantum dot pillar microcavities
Authors: Sebald K. , Seyfried M. , Kalden J. , Dartsch H. , Tessarek C. , Aschenbrenner T. , Figge S. , Kruse C. , Hommel D. , Florian M. , Jahnke F. , Gutowski J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractInGaN quantum dots were successfully implemented into fully epitaxially grown nitride‐based monolithic microcavities (MCs). The discrete modes of airpost pillar MCs prepared out of the planar sample are shown in microreflectivity as well as in microphotoluminescence. These measurements are compared to theoretical simulations based on a vectorial‐transfer matrix method. Quality factors of up to 280 have been achieved and the emission of a single quantum dot was traced up to a temperature of 125 K.
Paramagnetic regime in Zn1−xMnxGeAs2 diluted magnetic semiconductor
Authors: Kilanski L. , Fedorchenko I. V. , Górska M. , Dynowska E. , Wójcik M. , Kowalski B. J. , Anderson J. R. , Rotundu C. R. , Varnavskiy S. A. , Dobrowolski W. , Marenkin S. F. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe systematic studies of both magnetic and magnetotransport properties of Zn0.947Mn0.053GeAs2 diluted magnetic semiconductor are presented. The paramagnetic behaviour of the sample confirms that the solubility of Mn in the studied alloy is of the order of 5 at%. The Curie–Weiss behaviour of magnetic susceptibility is preserved only at low temperatures, T < 100 K indicating the presence of short‐range magnetic interactions in the system due to the presence of groups of Mn counting few ions. The high‐field magnetization together with magnetoresistance data is used to estimate the amount of magnetic ions active in the semiconductor matrix. The obtained results showed that the amount of magnetically active Mn ions in the semiconductors matrix is two orders of magnitude lower than the value obtained from X‐ray fluorescence measurements. The magnetotransport studies revealed that only about 30% of all Mn ions are electrically active in the semiconductor matrix.
Electronic structure of CeAgGa based on the experimental and model data
Authors: Goraus Jerzy , Ślebarski Andrzej , Fijałkowski Marcin 
Published: May 2011

AbstractFerromagnetic compound CeAgGa crystallizes in CeCu2 Imma structure with Ag and Ga atoms distributed randomly at 8h position. We report X‐ray photoemission (XPS) valence‐band spectra for CeAgGa and compare the results with those obtained from the full potential linear augmented plane‐wave (FP‐LAPW) method. In order to study the influence of the atomic disorder at 8h sites on the calculated density of states (DOS) we analysed different geometries of the unit cell, possible for CeAgGa. We found that neither disorder nor Ce 4f electron correlations, when they are also taken into account, do give satisfactory agreement between the calculated DOSs and the XPS spectra. We show, however, that inclusion of a Coulomb repulsion U on the Ag 4d states yields a good result. We also report that disorder in Ag/Ga layers leads to the localization of the Ag 4d states. Magnetic moments on Ce atoms from our calculations are in good agreement with those obtained experimentally and the ferromagnetic ground state is energetically preferred. The valence of Ce ions close to 3+ has also been confirmed by the Ce 3d XPS spectra.
First principles study of structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of Nb2N and Ta2N compounds
Authors: Chihi T. , Parlebas J. C. , Guemmaz M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractStructural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of hexagonal β‐Nb2N and β‐Ta2N compounds are studied for different pressures. The computational technique is based on a plane wave pseudo potential (PWPP) method. The exchange correlation is treated using a generalized gradient approximation (GGA). We evaluate ground state quantities such as lattice parameter, bulk modulus and its pressure derivative, as well as elastic constants. The calculated equilibrium lattice is in rather good agreement with experimental data. Elastic constants and their pressure dependence are calculated using a static finite strain technique. We derive bulk and shear moduli, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio for ideal polycrystalline β‐Nb2N and β‐Ta2N aggregates. Also, we present results of densities of states. Furthermore, starting from dynamical optical properties, the static dielectric constant ε(ω = 0) is calculated for both compounds, along with the corresponding static refractive index n(0). The present results are a pioneer quantitative theoretical prediction of elastic, electronic and optical properties in the case of β‐Nb2N and β‐Ta2N compounds.
Structural characterization of MBE grown InGaGdN/GaN and InGaN/GaGdN structures
Authors: Krishnamurthy Daivasigamani , Tawil Siti Nooraya Mohd , Kakimi Rina , Ishimaru Manabu , Emura Shuichi , Zhou Yi‐Kai , Hasegawa Shigehiko , Asahi Hajime 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe structural characteristics of Gd doped InGaN structures grown by radio frequency plasma assisted MBE are analysed using high resolution x‐ray diffraction and reciprocal space maps (RSMs). The symmetric (002) RSMs of the InGaGdN thin films, InGaGdN/GaN and InGaN/GaGdN superlattice (SL) structures confirmed the absence of any tilt between the GaN buffer and the thin films or SL structures. The asymmetric RSMs of InGaGdN thin films showed double reciprocal lattice points (RLPs). The asymmetric RSMs of both types of superlattice structures indicated the presence of partial relaxation. The degree of partial relaxation increased with the Gd concentration for a fixed In composition. The InGaN/GaGdN SLs showed better crystallinity. Under optimized conditions, almost coherent growth of InGaN/GaGdN SLs could be achieved as confirmed by the nearly aligned RLPs in their asymmetric RSMs. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanosilicon: a new platform for photonics
Authors: Bettotti Paolo , Pavesi Lorenzo 
Published: May 2011

AbstractSilicon photonics has produced the first all‐optical components intergrated into systems available already on the market. Nanosilicon, where low dimensional silicon allows new phenomena and devices, is a way to expand the reach of silicon photonics. In this article we review some of our past research activities focused on the demonstration of innovative photonic integrated circuits building blocks. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Application of the photomodulated reflectance technique to the monitoring of metal layers
Authors: Dobos Gábor , Somogyi András , Lenk Sándor , Újhelyi Ferenc , Szita Zsófia , Kocsányi László 
Published: May 2011

AbstractPhotomodulated reflectance (PMR) measurement techniques are currently used for the monitoring of ultra‐shallow junctions. This paper discusses the possibility of applying them to the characterisation of metal layers. A finite element method based computer model has been created to study the dependence of the PMR signal on different sample parameters. We present the results of these simulations and show that the method can be used to establish the thickness of a metal layer (if the material is known) and it can also provide information about the metal/semiconductor interface. This information might be used to characterise the barrier seed layer beneath the metal, by a non‐contact and non‐destructive way. Simulation results are also supported by actual measurements on test samples. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Control of discrete cavity solitons in coupled cavities
Authors: Aghdami Keivan Mahmoud , Karimi Roghayeh , Kheradmand Reza 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn this paper, the light propagation in arrays of coupled optical cavities endowed with self‐focusing Kerr nonlinearity, derived by a holding beam has been studied. Our simulations showed the possibility of solitons switching (on/off) with appropriate Gaussian beam. The minimum injection time of control beam for a successful writing/erasing process is obtained. We estimate maximum rate for sequence of on/off switching in this system (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Inter‐laboratory comparison: Quantitative surface analysis of thin Fe‐Ni alloy films
Authors: Kim K. J. , Unger W. E. S. , Kim J. W. , Moon D. W. , Gross T. , Hodoroaba V.‐D. , Schmidt D. , Wirth T. , Jordaan W. , van Staden M. , Prins S. , Zhang L. , Fujimoto T. , Song X. P. , Wang H. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAn international interlaboratory comparison of the measurement capabilities of four National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and one Designated Institute (DI) in the determination of the chemical composition of thin Fe‐Ni alloy films was conducted via a key comparison (K‐67) of the Surface Analysis Working Group of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance. This comparison was made using XPS (four laboratories) and AES (one laboratory) measurements. The uncertainty budget of the measured chemical composition of a thin alloy film was dominated by the uncertainty of the certified composition of a reference specimen which had been determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using the isotope dilution method. Pilot study P‐98 showed that the quantification using relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) of Fe and Ni derived from an alloy reference sample results in much more accurate result in comparison to an approach using RSFs derived from pure Fe and Ni films. The individual expanded uncertainties of the participants in the K‐67 comparison were found to be between 2.88 and 3.40 atomic %. The uncertainty of the key comparison reference value (KCRV) calculated from individual standard deviations and a coverage factor (k) of 2 was 1.23 atomic %. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excessive fluoride induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and interferes enamel proteinases secretion
Authors: Wei Wei , Gao Yanhui , Wang Cheng , Zhao Lijun , Sun Dianjun 
Published: May 2011

AbstractProtein retention in the enamel layer during tooth formation is well known to be associated with dental fluorosis but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The functions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) correlate directly with secreted protein metabolism. We used an ameloblast‐derived cell line to determine whether excessive amounts of fluoride cause ER stress, and whether this interferes with the secretion of enamel matrix proteinases. ER stress activates a signaling network called the unfolded protein response (UPR). Here, we used real‐time RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence to study the effect of fluoride on the expression, translation, and secretion of UPR transcription factors in ameloblast‐like cells. Measurement of both the gene and protein expression of UPR transcription factors indicated that high‐dose fluoride increases the expression of UPR transcription factors in a dose‐dependent manner. We also used ELISA to detect and quantify the enamel proteinases secreted by ameloblasts. We found a corresponding decrease in extracellular secretion of the enamel proteinases matrix metalloproteinase‐20 and kallikrein‐4, after exposure to fluoride. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated that the expression of UPR transcription factors showed a strong inverse correlation with that of enamel proteinases. The results suggest that high‐dose fluoride initiates an ER stress response in ameloblasts and induces the UPR, which interferes with the synthesis and secretion of enamel proteinases. Taken together, these results suggest that excessive ingestion of fluoride during tooth formation can decrease the secretion of proteinases, thus causing protein retention in the enamel layer, indicating that the ER stress response may be responsible for dental fluorosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Four‐year follow‐up of chronic neuronopathic Gaucher disease in Europeans using a modified severity scoring tool
Authors: Davies Elin Haf , Mengel Eugen , Tylki‐Szymanska Anna , Kleinotiene G. , Reinke Joerg , Vellodi Ashok 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn 2007, the European Task Force for neuronopathic Gaucher disease (NGD) published a review of 55 patients across four countries. Although some observations were possible, analysis was difficult due to the absence of a systematic way of assessing patients. In response to this, a Severity Scoring Tool (SST) was devised to offer a systematic means of assessing the neurological presentation seen. The SST has been modified (mSST) and is a valid tool for monitoring neurological progression. This review describes disease status and progression of neurological manifestations in a cohort of 39 chronic NGD patients across three European countries over a period of 4 years, using the mSST.
Effect of graft site and gonadotrophin treatment on follicular development of canine ovarian grafts transplanted to NOD‐SCID mice
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani Mohammed Ali , Abe Yasuyuki , Asano Tomoyoshi , Suzuki Hiroshi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the effect of graft site and gonadotrophins administration on the number and survival rate of follicles of canine ovarian grafts transplanted to NOD‐severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice.MethodsFresh ovarian cortex slices obtained from immature bitches were grafted subcutaneously (SC), under kidney capsule (KC) or into ovarian bursa (OB) in NOD‐SCID mice. Two months after surgery, the mice allocated into non‐treated and treated gonadotrophins groups that injected with porcine follicle stimulating hormone during 7 days and human chorionic gonadotrophin 48 h later. Ovarian grafts were collected after 10 h of last injection and processed for histology.ResultsThe number of transitional and preantral follicles under KC and into OB was significantly higher in gonadotrophins‐treated mice than those who received saline. Furthermore, the survival rates of primary, transitional and preantral follicles under KC and into OB grafts were significantly higher than those placed SC in the treated gonadotrophins group, and in the non‐treated gonadotrophins group; the proportion of primary and preantral follicle survival was significantly higher under KC and into OB than SC grafts.ConclusionsIn canine ovarian xenografting, administration of gonadotrophin could be effective for improvement of survival of transplanted ovary. Furthermore, the grafting into OB appeared to be better than grafting under KC, which in turn is better than SC.
Margins and Hedge Fund Contagion
Authors: Dudley Evan , Nimalendran Mahendrarajah 
Published: May 2011

AbstractFunding risk measures the extent to which a fund can borrow money by posting collateral. Using a novel measure of funding risk based on futures margins, we are able to empirically identify the mechanism by which changes in funding risk affect the likelihood of contagion. An increase in margins of the order of magnitude observed during the subprime crisis increases the probability of contagion among certain types of funds by up to 34%. Our analysis shows that some types of hedge funds are more vulnerable to contagion than others. Our results also suggest that policies that limit the magnitude of changes in margins over short periods of time may reduce the likelihood of contagion among hedge funds.
New dialogues, old routes: emergent collaborations between Brazilian and Angolan music makers
Authors: Moehn Frederick 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis article considers emergent musical dialogues and official cultural collaborations between Brazil and Angola in light of recent literature theorizing the Lusophone Atlantic. As Angola restructures following a long civil war and Brazil takes a leading role among the rapidly developing BRIC nations, new questions arise pertaining to the African heritage in Brazilian music, and to Brazil's role in Angolan cultural initiatives and musical markets. Through examination of Brazilian discourse about such exchanges, combined with a comparative analysis of three versions of Angolan musician Teta Lando’s 1974 song, ‘Angolano segue em frente’ (Landos original, a recent Brazilian rerecording, and a Brazilian remix), I reveal a South-South dialogue that builds on historical connections yet also establishes new resonances in musical evocations of Atlantic affinities and flows.
Constructing community in the digital home studio: Carnival, creativity and indigenous music video production in the Bolivian Andes
Authors: Stobart Henry 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis paper examines issues surrounding the production of a Carnival music video VCD in the home studio of the Bolivian indigenous(originario)musician and cultural activist Gregorio Mamani. On the one hand, continuities with rural productive practices suggest a model for the ‘home studio’ more resembling a ‘cottage industry’ than the kind of ‘isolated’ activity separate from family life that Paul Théberge has described for the case of North America (1997). On the other hand, the urban isolation, entrepreneurial motivations, and concern with promoting the individual that characterise Gregorio Mamani's home studio suggest the very antithesis of indigenous community values. Notwithstanding difficult relations with his community of origin and his use of technological artifice to construct (or even ‘fake’) an audiovisual impression of thecommunitasof Carnival, Mamani presents this work as a means to ‘strengthen culture’. Despite these contradictions, this low budget production – targeted at rural peasants and urban migrants – is shown to engage deeply with indigenous concepts of creativity and oral tradition, as well as potentially contributing to the construction of broader circuits of culture and ‘imagined communities’. Mamani's individualistic, yet influential, approach and his insistence that only one or two individuals are the composers in an indigenous community, challenges us to question the relationship between creativity and community.
A combinator library for the design of railway track layouts
Authors: STRATFORD BARNEY 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn the design of railway track layouts, there are only a small number of geometric configurations that are used in practice, and a number of constraints as to how those configurations can be fitted together to create a whole layout. In order to solve these problems, we construct a Haskell combinator library. The library has been used for the design of real-world track layouts.