bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Temperature‐Dependent Hydrogen‐Bonding Signature of Lipids Monitored in the Far‐Infrared Domain
Authors: Hielscher Ruth , Hellwig Petra 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPhospholipids are studied by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the mid‐ and far‐infrared spectral ranges, thereby establishing the hydrogen‐bonding continuum as a function of the temperature. The well‐known mid‐infrared spectrum of the phospholipid layer clearly shows a temperature‐dependent phase transition. In the far‐infrared region (from 300 to 50 cm−1), an alternation of the interaction between the phospholipids and water molecules is found. The hydrogen‐bonding network ensemble and bound water molecules can be monitored in this spectral region. The lipid structure is found to strongly influence the intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interplay. Thus, studies in the far‐infrared region provide significant information—at the molecular level—about the intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding signature of self‐assembled phospholipids.
The Relevance of the Collaborative Effect in Determining the Performances of Photorefractive Polymer Materials
Authors: Angelone Rocco , Ciardelli Francesco , Colligiani Arturo , Greco Francesco , Masi Paolo , Romano Annalisa , Ruggeri Giacomo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA derivative of 2‐methylindole, 3‐[2‐(4‐nitrophenyl)ethenyl]‐1‐allyl‐2‐methylindole, NPEMI‐A, is studied for its photoconductivity and photorefractivity behaviour. Its blends with the organic polymer poly‐(2,3‐dimethyl‐N‐vinylindole), PVDMI, are also investigated. Due to the expected and devised mutual solubility of the two components of the blends, it is possible to carry out measurements with the weight percent of the chromophore NPEMI‐A changing from zero to 100. Films were produced by a squeezing process between two ITO‐covered glass sheets. No opacity phenomena, that are so common for many other organic blends due to the segregation of the dissolved chromophore, are observed. The photorefractive optical gain Γ2 is obtained as a function of the chromophore content. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements (DSC) are also carried out to obtain the whole change of the glass transition temperature Tg as a function of the amount of chromophore contained in the blends. From the experimental trend of Tg a meaningful quantitative estimate of the value of the electrostatic interactions acting in the studied blends, is obtained. The importance of the value of Tg, and of the electrostatic interactions, in determining the extent of the photorefractivity is clearly evident. The results are compared for NPEMI‐A (Γ2=210 cm−1) and for NPEMI‐E (Γ2 ≈ 2000 cm−1) that has a N‐2‐ethylhexyl group instead of a N‐allyl group. The Pockels and Kerr contributions and—for the first time—a “collaborative effect” of the photorefractivity of NPEMI‐A are distinguished and quantitatively evaluated.
The Protonated Guanine–Cytosine Base Pair
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Zhang Jun D. , Schaefer Henry F. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractProtonated base pairs were recently implicated in the context of DNA proton transfer and charge migration. The effects of protonating different sites of the guanine–cytosine (GC) base pair are studied here by using the DZP++ B3LYP density functional method. Optimized structures for the protonated GC base pair are compared with those of parent GC and the neutral hydrogenated GC radical (GCH). Proton and hydrogen‐atom additions significantly disturb the structure of the GC base pair. However, the structural perturbations arising from protonation are often less than those arising from hydrogenation of GC. Protonation of the GC base pair causes significant strengthening of the interstrand hydrogen bonds and a concomitant increase in the base dissociation energies. The adiabatic ionization potentials (AIPs), vertical ionization potentials (VIPs), and proton affinities (PAs) for the different protonation sites of the GC base pair are predicted. The N7 site of guanine is the preferred site for protonation of the GC base pair.
Multi‐Colour Electroluminescence of Dendronic Antennae Containing Pyrenes as Light Harvesters
Authors: Giovanella Umberto , Mróz Wojciech , Foggi Paolo , Fabbrizzi Pierangelo , Cicchi Stefano , Botta Chiara 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDendronic antennae systems containing pyrene units as energy donors and a styrylpyridinium derivative as energy acceptor show efficient energy transfer from the green‐emitting pyrene excimer to the red‐emitting acceptor. For the third dendron generation the effective screening of the pyrene units on the acceptor provides thin films showing bright red emission. Single‐layer light‐emitting diodes prepared by properly balancing the dendrons and donor units concentration in polyvinylcarbazole show electroluminescence from the blue, green and red components of the monomeric donor, the donor excimer and the acceptor when excitons are generated in the polymer and subsequently transferred to the molecules by resonant energy transfer.
Mesoscale Surface Patterning of a Laterally‐Grafted Rod Amphiphile: Rings And Fibers
Authors: Liu Libin , Kim Jung‐Keun , Lee Myongsoo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAn aromatic amphiphilic molecule based on branched oligo(ethylene oxide) was synthesized. Evaporation‐driven ring formation and Langmuir–Blodgett films are investigated by utilizing this rigid–flexible block molecule. The size of the rings is strongly dependent on the solvent evaporation rate and the concentration of the molecule. In case of fast evaporation, volcano‐like rings are formed by evaporating solution of high concentration. Perfectly symmetrical rings with diameters in the range of 2–6 μm are obtained by evaporating solution of low concentration. The formation mechanism of the ring is briefly discussed. The molecule at the air–water interface exhibits excellent amphiphilic properties. Upon transferring the monolayer onto solid substrates, AFM revealed the formation of fine and long, straight fibers. By combining the data obtained from the isotherms, AFM, water contact angle measurements, and UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra, the fibers are suggested to be formed by π–π stacking interaction of the aromatic rod segments as the oligo(ethylene oxide) branches are submerged in the water subphase upon compression. The fiber formation is associated with the transformation of the aromatic rod segments from the face‐on conformation to the edge‐on conformation.
Is mindfulness‐based therapy an effective intervention for obsessive–intrusive thoughts: a case series
Authors: Wilkinson‐Tough Megan , Bocci Laura , Thorne Kirsty , Herlihy Jane 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDespite the efficacy of cognitive‐behavioural interventions in improving the experience of obsessions and compulsions, some people do not benefit from this approach. The present research uses a case series design to establish whether mindfulness‐based therapy could benefit those experiencing obsessive–intrusive thoughts by targeting thought–action fusion and thought suppression. Three participants received a relaxation control intervention followed by a six‐session mindfulness‐based intervention which emphasized daily practice. Following therapy all participants demonstrated reductions in Yale‐Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale scores to below clinical levels, with two participants maintaining this at follow‐up. Qualitative analysis of post‐therapy feedback suggested that mindfulness skills such as observation, awareness and acceptance were seen as helpful in managing thought–action fusion and suppression. Despite being limited by small participant numbers, these results suggest that mindfulness may be beneficial to some people experiencing intrusive unwanted thoughts and that further research could establish the possible efficacy of this approach in larger samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message:• Preliminary evidence is provided for the use of mindfulness‐based therapy with obsessive intrusive thoughts.• Mindfulness processes may be useful in the management of thought‐action fusion and thought suppression.
Self‐concept and attributions about other women in women with a history of childhood sexual abuse
Authors: McAlpine Susan J. , Shanks Allison 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSelf‐concept literature and literature on childhood sexual abuse (CSA) suggests that women with a history of CSA may have particular ways of perceiving themselves, which, as well as impacting upon relationships within their everyday lives, may also have implications for therapy; whether this is on an individual basis or within a group. This research investigated self‐concept and attributions about other women using an adapted version of the self‐concept sorting task. Three groups of women were compared: women with a history of CSA, women experiencing depressed mood but without a history of CSA and a healthy non‐clinical comparison group of hospital staff. To some extent the current findings supported previous studies indicating that women attempting to cope with the consequences of a history of CSA have a negative self‐concept. However, there was evidence to suggest that certain self‐aspects are protective or protected. Similarly, there is some support for previous evidence of difficult relationships with mothers. Possible explanations for these findings were discussed and areas for future research suggested. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Massage:• Although women with a history of CSA and depression have a negative view of themselves in comparison to a non‐clinical group, there is no qualitative difference between these two groups.• Nor do women with a history of CSA have a more negative view of other women in general than women who are depressed.• Therefore, being aware of the likelihood that an individual may preceive herself, but not other women negatively, a therapist may use therapy to actively increase awareness and address this issue.
Psychopathology and well‐being in civilian survivors of war seeking treatment: a follow‐up study
Authors: Morina Nexhmedin , Rushiti Feride , Salihu Mimoza , Ford Julian D. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe goal of the current study was to examine types of exposure to traumatic events and affective and anxiety disorders of 81 civilian war survivors seeking treatment for war‐related stress almost one decade following the war in the area of former conflict. Furthermore, the study investigated changes in symptoms of mental health and in well‐being amongst these individuals during a treatment period of 6 months. The results indicated that civilian war survivors seeking treatment reported multiple war‐related traumatic events and high levels of psychiatric morbidity. Individuals assessed at follow‐up (n = 67) reported no change in post‐traumatic stress symptoms or psychological well‐being, but improvement in symptoms of depression, overall psychiatric distress and quality of life. The only significant difference between participants classified as achieving clinically significant improvement as compared with those who did not achieve such change was in less symptom severity of depression, post‐traumatic stress, general distress and higher psychological well‐being at the time of first assessment. Neither the assessment of initial diagnoses nor war or post‐war trauma types emerged as significantly different amongst the two groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message:• Civilian survivors of war seeking treatment report high levels of psychiatric morbidity.• Treatment for survivors of war may require adaptations to evidence‐based treatments based on their culture and life circumstances in order to recover from PTSD and experience general emotional relief.
Disruption tolerant networking by Smart Caching
Authors: Goebbels Stephan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractFuture mobile radio networks will aim at achieving ‘broadband access for all’, anywhere. The performance of a radio network vitally depends on the characteristics of the transmission path between the user terminal and the access point and the degree of network coverage. In urban areas, full broadband radio coverage is difficult to provide, causing a high variation in the link quality and making broadband services hard to realize. In rural regions, massive deployment costs prevent a full broadband coverage. Most of the time users have to settle for UMTS‐like wide area networks. For mobile users accessing services, such as video streaming, which require continuous broadband connectivity, it virtually results in intermittent network connectivity. The frequent disruption of the broadband link and its replacement with no or only low‐performance connections is a problem that should be addressed. This article introduces a new technique called Smart Caching (SC), which is able to mitigate variations in the network performance so that non‐real‐time and non‐interactive services' quality is substantially improved.SC supports pre‐fetching from a server and buffering data at the edge of the core network, in the so‐called Smart Cache. It transmits data with extremely high speed to be buffered in the mobile terminal when it is in the service range of an access point. This allows for the provisioning of data‐intensive services even in the case of patchy wireless broadband network coverage and intermittent connectivity.The performance of the SC service is evaluated with two different sophisticated queuing models, both based on the Markov arrival process. The benefit of the new technique is discussed and dimensioning issues are outlined. Furthermore, a comparison with legacy network setups is given. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The efficacy of monthly administration of darbepoetin alfa in Saudi hemodialysis patients
Authors: Alsaran Khalid , Sabry Alaa , Abdulghafour Mamdouh , Hji Mohammad 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDErythropoiesis‐stimulating agents have improved the outcome and quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease.OBJECTIVEWe investigated the efficacy and safety of conversion of hemodialysis patients from epoetin beta to darbepoetin alfa administered once a month.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 26 patients. Their mean age was 47.0 6 17.13 years with a mean hemodialysis duration of 55.8 ± 14.0 months. The study was carried out in 2 consecutive phases of 12 weeks each. The mean initial dose of darbepoetin was 57 ± 10.0 mg biweekly. After maintaining target hemoglobin (Hgb) levels—(11–12 g/L)—with the biweekly injections, we shifted our patients to a once‐monthly dose schedule.RESULTSThe mean weekly darbepoetin dose increased from 28.75 ± 4.2 mg during the biweekly phase to 38.5 ± 3.9 mg after switching to the monthly protocol (the mean conversion ratio changed from 309:1 to 256:1). The mean Hgb level was 10.81 ± .86 g/L at the start of the study and 10.86 ± .76 g/L at the end of 6 months.CONCLUSIONOur experience with darbepoetin alfa reveals that it is effective and safe for the treatment of anemia in hemodialysis patients even at monthly dose intervals.
Peritoneal dialysis‐related peritonitis caused by Brucella melitensis
Authors: Unal Aydin , Sipahioglu Murat Hayri , Kavuncuoglu Feridun , Tokgoz Bulent , Oymak Oktay , Sumerkan Bulent , Utas Cengiz 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPeritonitis is the most frequent complication in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). CAPD‐related peritonitis caused by Brucella species has been reported in only three patients, in whom the Thenckhoff catheter was removed. We report two cases of CAPD‐related peritonitis caused by Brucella melitensis. In both patients, peritonitis accompanied systemic brucellosis and was successfully treated with antibiotics (rifampicin plus doxycycline for 6 weeks) without removal of the Tenckhoff catheter.
Cost analysis of continuous renal replacement and extended hemodialysis
Authors: Ahmed Ziauddin , Gilibert Stephanie , Krevolin Larry 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDContinuous renal replacement therapies (CRRTs) are now considered routinely in the treatment of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) in the intensive care (ICU) setting. In search of the most effective modality, cost becomes important.METHODSOf the various modalities utilizing convection, diffusion, or a combination of the two, continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) and extended hemodialysis procedures (including sustained low‐efficiency dialysis [SLED]) are the most common in the United States; both have been noted to be effective in delivering an adequate dialysis dose. This study compared the costs of these two therapies in two Philadelphia teaching hospitals.RESULTSThe cost for delivery of 24 hours of CVVHDF using the Gambro‐Prisma machine was found to be $1,602 versus $423 for 12 hours of SLED therapy with the Fresenius 2008K machine. Twenty‐four hours of SLED would cost $797, and the cost can be decreased to $77 if the nursing‐to‐patient ratio is increased from 1:1 to 1:2.CONCLUSIONSHigher material costs were primarily responsible for the expense of CVVHDF. Given that the dose deliveries are similar, SLED remains the most cost‐effective option for delivering renal replacement in the ICU setting. These costs may not exactly mirror those of other institutions depending on the types of solutions used, the filters utilized, salary differences based on geographical location, and the intensity of CRRT delivered.
Timing of the administration of intravenous darbepoetin alfa during the dialysis session: Does it impact efficacy?
Authors: Rottembourg Jacques , Kpade Floride , Dansaert Aurélie , Chenuc Gaelle 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDDarbepoetin alfa (DA) is an erythropoietin‐stimulating agent (ESA) preferably administered through intravenous (IV) route in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Although some in vitro studies suggest the possibility of partial adsorption of ESAs in dialysis membranes (Mb) and lines, these data are not clinically confirmed.METHODSThis 12‐month, prospective, single‐center cross‐over study assessed the impact of the time of IV DA injection during HD on hemoglobin (Hgb) level and ESA dosing. A total of 90 HD patients received IV DA once every other week (Q2W), delivered at 2 possible time points: the middle or end of the HD session. After 6 months, the injection time point was crossed over to the other timing modality for another 6 months.RESULTSDemographics for both groups of patients were similar. Mean Hgb level remained stable from baseline to month 6 (not significant) for both timing modality groups. The same was observed for DA dose. Hemodialysis session parameters, nutritional status, and Kt/V were similar and stable during the study. Mean transferrin saturation was 44% and serum ferritin was $100 mg/L in more than 92% of patients. Iron supplementation remained unchanged and there were no blood transfusions during the study.CONCLUSIONSQ2W DA maintained target Hgb concentrations. The lack of difference in Hgb levels and DA dosing between the 2 injection timings suggests a lack of clinically significant adsorption/interaction between DA and dialysis Mb/lines. Therefore, timing of IV DA administration can be flexible and adapted to the routine practice of each local dialysis unit.
Developmental experience alters information coding in auditory midbrain and forebrain neurons
Authors: Woolley Sarah M.N. , Hauber Mark E. , Theunissen Frederic E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn songbirds, species identity and developmental experience shape vocal behavior and behavioral responses to vocalizations. The interaction of species identity and developmental experience may also shape the coding properties of sensory neurons. We tested whether responses of auditory midbrain and forebrain neurons to songs differed between species and between groups of conspecific birds with different developmental exposure to song. We also compared responses of individual neurons to conspecific and heterospecific songs. Zebra and Bengalese finches that were raised and tutored by conspecific birds, and zebra finches that were cross‐tutored by Bengalese finches were studied. Single‐unit responses to zebra and Bengalese finch songs were recorded and analyzed by calculating mutual information (MI), response reliability, mean spike rate, fluctuations in time‐varying spike rate, distributions of time‐varying spike rates, and neural discrimination of individual songs. MI quantifies a response's capacity to encode information about a stimulus. In midbrain and forebrain neurons, MI was significantly higher in normal zebra finch neurons than in Bengalese finch and cross‐tutored zebra finch neurons, but not between Bengalese finch and cross‐tutored zebra finch neurons. Information rate differences were largely due to spike rate differences. MI did not differ between responses to conspecific and heterospecific songs. Therefore, neurons from normal zebra finches encoded more information about songs than did neurons from other birds, but conspecific and heterospecific songs were encoded equally. Neural discrimination of songs and MI were highly correlated. Results demonstrate that developmental exposure to vocalizations shapes the information coding properties of songbird auditory neurons. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 235–252, 2010.
Controls on dissolved organic matter concentrations in soils and streams from a forested wetland and sloping bog in southeast Alaska
Authors: D'Amore David V. , Fellman Jason B. , Edwards Richard T. , Hood Eran 
Published: December 2009

AbstractUnderstanding the sources and removal mechanisms for dissolved organic matter (DOM) in soils is critical to determining the importance of peatlands in influencing streamwater DOM concentrations. Soil saturation and soil temperature are the primary factors that influence DOM cycling in soils, but the relationships among these factors vary by soil type and climate. Despite the extent of peatlands that occur within Pacific coastal temperate rainforest (CTR) watersheds, there is little information describing how DOM storage and export patterns are related to soil saturation and temperature in the region. We measured soil water tables, soil temperatures and redox potential and compared these measurements to fluctuations in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) concentrations in a forested wetland and sloping bog in southeast Alaska to address this key information gap. DOC concentrations ranged from 5 to 140 mg C l−1 in wetland soils, 11 to 46 mg C l−1 in streams, and varied greatly in response to changes in water table, redox potential and soil temperature. Similarly, DON concentrations ranged from 0·03 to 2·4 mg N l−1 in wetland soils, 0·2 to 0·6 mg N l−1 in streams and concentrations also reflected seasonal changes in physical measures. Depth to water table and soil temperature were significant factors related to the concentration of DOC in forested wetland soils and streams, while soil temperature was a significant factor that influenced stream DOC and DON concentrations. Comparing soil solution and stream DOM concentrations indicated that N is retained in bogs, while both dilution and biotic/abiotic retention mechanisms control DOM export in forested wetlands. The relationships among soil saturation, temperature and concentrations of DOC and DON provide preliminary models for estimating DOM fluxes from wetland soils in the CTR. Furthermore, these results can help calibrate regional watershed carbon flux models to predict the potential impacts of climate shifts and management activities on future wetland soil and stream DOM concentrations in CTR watersheds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.