bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of the transport and dielectric properties of graphite oxide nanoplatelets‐polyvinyl alcohol composite showing low percolation threshold
Authors: Bhadra Debabrata , Sannigrahi J. , Chaudhuri B. K. , Sakata H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGraphite oxide nanoplatelets (GOnP) were prepared using standard method and used to make GOnP‐polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites by using solution cast technique. Significant enhancement of electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity of the GOnP/PVA composites are observed at low GOnP concentration (fGOnP = fc∼0.41 vol%) which is the percolation threshold value estimated from the concentration dependent transport and dielectric data. Nearly 300 times increase in dielectric permittivity (compared with that of PVA) is observed in the GOnP/PVA composite around fc. We notice interesting metal‐insulator like transition (a sudden increase in resistivity) from the temperature dependent resistivity data in the pure GOnP sample around TMI ∼ 275 K which is shifted to 300 K in the GOnP/PVA composite for fc = 0.41 vol%, indicating drastic change of sp3/sp2 ratio around respective TMI. The present graphite‐based composite material might be processed for different applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Response to intervention in mathematics: Critical elements
Authors: Lembke Erica S. , Hampton David , Beyers Sarah J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWhile implementation efforts using a Response to Intervention (RtI) model to increase reading instruction are becoming widely used, more administrators and teachers are looking to learn effective RtI practices to support learning in mathematics. This article explores some of the key elements of RtI practices in mathematics, including screening for identification of struggling learners and progress monitoring for gauging instructional effectiveness. In addition, several of the pressing needs regarding the importance of mathematics proficiency for all students are discussed. We describe some of the similarities and differences between RtI processes in reading and mathematics. The article addresses the use of diagnostic data and details the importance of “core” instructional practices that reflect the standards included in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards and Common Core Mathematics standards, among others. The article concludes with a discussion of some evidence‐based interventions in mathematics, and we provide an implementation checklist to assist educators as they begin to implement RtI in mathematics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A ‘hurricane‐like’ polar low fuelled by sensible heat flux: high‐resolution numerical simulations
Authors: Føre Ivan , Kristjánsson Jón Egill , Kolstad Erik W. , Bracegirdle Thomas J. , Saetra Øyvind , Røsting Bjørn 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAn unusually deep (961 hPa) hurricane‐like polar low over the Barents Sea during 18–21 December 2002 is studied by a series of fine‐mesh (3 km) experiments using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The simulated polar low was similar to hurricanes and similar previous case‐studies in that it had a clear, calm and warm eye structure surrounded by moist convection organized in spiral cloud bands, and the highest surface wind speeds were found in the eye wall. The proximity to the sea ice and the high surface wind speeds (about 25 m s−1) during the deepening stage triggered extremely high surface sensible and latent heat fluxes at the eye wall of about 1200 and 400 W m−2, respectively. As the polar low moved eastward and weakened, maximum surface sensible and latent heat fluxes dropped to about 600 and 300 W m−2, respectively. Two types of sensitivity experiments were designed to analyse the physical properties of the polar low. Firstly, physical processes such as condensational heating and sensible and/or latent heat fluxes were switched off–on throughout the simulation. In the second type, these processes were turned off–on after the polar low had reached its peak intensity, which minimized the deformation of the polar‐low environment, making it suitable to study the direct effect of physical processes on the mature vortex. The experiments suggest that the deepening stage of the polar low was dominated by baroclinic growth and that upper‐level potential vorticity forcing contributed throughout its life cycle. After the deepening stage, the baroclinicity vanished and the polar low was fuelled by surface sensible heat fluxes while latent heat fluxes played a minor role. Condensational heating was not essential for the energetics of the polar low. Surprisingly, in experiments where condensational heating was turned off throughout the simulation, the polar low intensified. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
High‐Yield Assembly of Soluble and Stable Gold Nanorod Pairs for High‐Temperature Plasmonics
Authors: Nepal Dhriti , Park Kyoungweon , Vaia Richard A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractColloidal synthetic approaches to discrete, soluble plasmonic architectures, such as nanorod pairs, offer numerous advantages relative to lithographic techniques, including compositionally asymmetric structures, atomically smooth surfaces, and continuous fabrication. Density‐driven colloidal assembly, such as by solvent evaporation, produces some intriguing structures, e.g., particle chains; however, controllability and post‐processibility of the final architecture is inadequate. Also the limited quantity of product nominally comprises a broad distribution of assembly size and type. Herein, the high‐yield formation of soluble, stable, and compositionally discrete gold nanorod (Au NR) architectures by inducing—then arresting—flocculation is demonstrated using bifunctional nanorods and reversible modulation of solvent quality to deplete and reassemble an electrostatic stabilization layer, thereby eliminating the need for an additional encapsulant. Analogous to dimer formation during step‐growth polymerization, the initial yield of Au nanorod side‐by‐side pairs can be greater than 50%. The high solubility and stability of the assembly enable purification, scale‐up of nanomolarity solutions, and subsequent chemical modification of the assembled product. As an example, in situ silica deposition via Stöber synthesis onto the assembled pair produces highly processable nanostructures with a single pair of embedded Au NRs at their center, which exhibit thermal stability at temperatures in excess of 700 °C.
Prognostic Factors and Treatment Outcomes for Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: ATC Research Consortium of Japan Cohort Study of 677 Patients
Authors: Sugitani Iwao , Miyauchi Akira , Sugino Kiminori , Okamoto Takahiro , Yoshida Akira , Suzuki Shinichi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundAnaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) accounts for only 1 to 2% of all thyroid carcinomas, but it is one of the most lethal neoplasms in humans. To date, most findings about ATC have been derived from single‐institution studies with limited numbers of cohorts. To obtain further insights into this “orphan disease,” we have established a multicenter registry, the ATC Research Consortium of Japan (ATCCJ). We analyzed prognostic factors and treatment outcomes using the large cohort database of the ATCCJ.MethodsMost of the Japanese centers involved in the treatment of thyroid cancer were invited to join the ATCCJ and have provided information on ATC patients treated between 1995 and 2008. The database includes 677 cases from 38 registered institutions. Survival curves were determined using Kaplan‐Meier methods and were compared using the log‐rank test. Cox’s proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis.ResultsClinical varieties of ATC were classified into four types: common type (n = 547); incidental type (n = 29); anaplastic transformation at the neck (n = 95); anaplastic transformation at a distant site (n = 6). The incidental type followed by anaplastic transformation at the neck showed better outcomes than the other types. Anaplastic transformation at a distant site showed the worst outcomes. The 6‐month and 1‐year cause‐specific survival (CSS) rates for common‐type ATC were 36 and 18%, respectively. In all, 84 (15%) achieved long‐term (>1 year) survival. Multivariate analysis identified age ≥70 years, presence of acute symptoms, leukocytosis (white blood cell count ≥10,000/mm3), large tumor >5 cm, T4b tumor, and distant metastasis as significant risk factors for lower survival. CSS rates also differed significantly depending on UICC stages, with 6‐month CSSs of 60% for stage IVA, 45% for IVB, and 19% for IVC. For 36 of 69 (52%) stage IVA patients who underwent radical surgery, adjuvant therapies, including radiation therapy (RTX) and chemotherapy (CTX) did not show additional benefit statistically. Conversely, among 242 stage IVB patients, 80 (33%) underwent radical surgery. For those patients, therapies combining RTX with CTX significantly improved CSS.ConclusionsLong‐term survival is possible for selected patients with ATC. To determine the treatment strategy, UICC stage (disease extent) and other prognostic factors (e.g., biologic malignancy grade) should be considered.
POINTWISE APPROXIMATION BY BERNSTEIN POLYNOMIALS
Authors: TACHEV GANCHO 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe improve the degree of pointwise approximation of continuous functions f(x) by Bernstein operators, when x is close to the endpoints of [0,1]. We apply the new estimate to establish upper and lower pointwise estimates for the test function g(x)=xlog (x)+(1−x)log (1−x). At the end we prove a general statement for pointwise approximation by Bernstein operators.
Molecular epidemiology of norovirus in Edinburgh healthcare facilities, Scotland 2007–2011
Authors: McALLISTER G. , HOLMES A. , GARCIA L. , CAMERON F. , CLOY K. , DANIAL J. , CEPEDA J. A. , SIMMONDS P. , TEMPLETON K. E. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYNorovirus (NoV) is a leading cause of outbreaks of gastroenteritis worldwide, and a major burden for healthcare facilities. This study investigated the NoV genotypes responsible for outbreaks in Edinburgh healthcare facilities between June 2008 and July 2011, and studied their temporal distribution to enable a better understanding of the epidemiology of the outbreaks. A total of 287 samples positive for NoV genogroup II (GII) RNA by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) during routine diagnostic testing were investigated. Nested RT–PCR (nRT–PCR) and sequencing was used to genotype the NoV strains. Overall, a total of 69 NoV strains belonging to six different genoclusters (GII.1, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.13) were detected. The predominant genotype was GII.4 that included four variants, GII.4 2006a, GII.4 2006b, GII.4 2007 and GII.4 2010. Importantly, increases in NoV activity coincided with the emergence of new GII.4 strains, highlighting the need for an active surveillance system to allow the rapid identification of new strains.
The tasks of amacrine cells
Authors: MASLAND RICHARD H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTheir unique patterns of size, numbers, and stratification indicate that amacrine cells have diverse functions. These are mostly unknown, as studies using imaging and electrophysiological methods have only recently begun. However, some of the events that occur within the amacrine cell population—and some important unresolved puzzles—can be stated purely from structural reasoning.
Catch-up growth in children after repair of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Carmona Fabio , Hatanaka Lucas S. , Barbieri Marco A. , Bettiol Heloisa , Toffano Roseli B. D. , Monteiro Jacqueline P. , Manso Paulo H. , Carlotti Ana P. C. P. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the growth of children after repair of Tetralogy of Fallot, as well as the influence of residual lesions and socio-economic status.MethodsA total of 17 children, including 10 boys with a median age of 16 months at surgery, were enrolled in a retrospective cohort, in a tertiary care university hospital. Anthropometric (as z-scores), clinical, nutritional, and social data were collected.ResultsWeight-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores decreased pre-operatively and recovered post-operatively in almost all patients, most markedly weight for age. Weight-for-height z-scores improved, but were still lower than birth values in the long term. Long-term height-for-age z-scores were higher than those at birth, surgery, and 3 months post-operatively. Most patients showed catch-up growth for height for age (70%), weight for age (82%), and weight for height (70%). Post-operative residual lesions (76%) influenced weight-for-age z-scores. Despite the fact that most patients (70%) were from low-income families, energy intake was above the estimated requirement for age and gender in all but one patient. There was no influence of socio-economic status on pre- and post-operative growth. Bone age was delayed and long-term-predicted height was within mid-parental height limits in 16 children (93%).ConclusionChildren submitted to Tetralogy of Fallot repair had pre-operative acute growth restriction and showed post-operative catch-up growth for weight and height. Acute growth restriction could still be present in the long term.
Basic fibroblast growth factor modulates cell cycle of human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Ramasamy R. , Tong C. K. , Yip W. K. , Vellasamy S. , Tan B. C. , Seow H. F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have great potential in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy and gene therapy due to their unique properties of self‐renewal, high plasticity, immune modulation and ease for genetic modification. However, production of MSC at sufficient clinical scale remains an issue as in vitro generation of MSC inadequately fulfils the demand with respect to patients.ObjectivesThis study has aimed to establish optimum conditions to generate and characterize MSC from human umbilical cord (UC‐MSC).Materials and methodsTo optimize MSC population growth, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was utilized in culture media. Effects of bFGF on expansion kinetics, cell cycle, survival of UC‐MSC, cytokine secretion, expression of early stem‐cell markers and immunomodulation were investigated.ResultsbFGF supplementation profoundly enhanced UC‐MSC proliferation by reducing population doubling time without altering immunophenotype and immunomodulatory function of UC‐MSC. However, cell cycle studies revealed that bFGF drove the cells into the cell cycle, as a higher proportion of cells resided in S phase and progressed into M phase. Consistent with this, bFGF was shown to promote expression of cyclin D proteins and their relevant kinases to drive UC‐MSC to transverse cell cycle check points, thus, committing the cells to DNA synthesis. Furthermore, supplementation with bFGF changed the cytokine profiles of the cells and reduced their apoptotic level.ConclusionOur study showed that bFGF supplementation of UC‐MSC culture enhanced the cells’ growth kinetics without compromising their nature.
Dendritic calcium mechanisms and long‐term potentiation in cortical inhibitory interneurons
Authors: Topolnik Lisa 
Published: February 2012

AbstractCalcium (Ca2+) is a major second messenger in the regulation of different forms of synaptic and intrinsic plasticity. Tightly organized in space and time, postsynaptic Ca2+ transients trigger the activation of many distinct Ca2+ signaling cascades, providing a means for a highly specific signal transduction and plasticity induction. High‐resolution two‐photon microscopy combined with highly sensitive synthetic Ca2+ indicators in brain slices allowed for the quantification and analysis of postsynaptic Ca2+ dynamics in great detail. Much of our current knowledge about postsynaptic Ca2+ mechanisms is derived from studying Ca2+ transients in the dendrites and spines of pyramidal neurons. However, postsynaptic Ca2+ dynamics differ considerably among different cell types. In particular, distinct rules of postsynaptic Ca2+ signaling and, accordingly, of Ca2+‐dependent plasticity operate in GABAergic interneurons. Here, I review recent progress in understanding the complex organization of postsynaptic Ca2+ signaling and its relevance to several forms of long‐term potentiation at excitatory synapses in cortical GABAergic interneurons.
Identifying effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies underpinning preschool‐ and school‐based obesity prevention interventions aimed at 4–6‐year‐olds: a systematic review
Authors: Nixon C. A. , Moore H. J. , Douthwaite W. , Gibson E. L. , Vogele C. , Kreichauf S. , Wildgruber A. , Manios Y. , Summerbell C. D. ,   ToyBox‐study group
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe aim of this comprehensive systematic review was to identify the most effective behavioural models and behaviour change strategies, underpinning preschool‐ and school‐based interventions aimed at preventing obesity in 4–6‐year‐olds. Searching was conducted from April 1995 to April 2010 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library. Epidemiological studies relevant to the research question with controlled assignment of participants were included in the review, if they had follow‐up periods of 6 months or longer. Outcomes included markers of weight gain; markers of body composition; physical activity behaviour changes and dietary behaviour changes. Twelve studies were included in the review. The most commonly used model was social cognitive theory (SCT)/social learning theory (SLT) either as a single model or in combination with other behavioural models. Studies that used SCT/SLT in the development of the intervention had significant favourable changes in one, or more, outcome measures. In addition, interventions that (i) combined high levels of parental involvement and interactive school‐based learning; (ii) targeted physical activity and dietary change; and (iii) included long‐term follow‐up, appeared most effective. It is suggested that interventions should also be focused on developing children's (and parents') perceived competence at making dietary and physical changes.
Parental depressive symptoms and children’s sleep: the role of family conflict
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Kelly Ryan J. , Bagley Erika J. , Wetter Emily K. 
Published: February 2012

Background:  We used a multi‐method and multi‐informant design to identify developmental pathways through which parental depressive symptoms contribute to children’s sleep problems. Environmental factors including adult inter‐partner conflict and parent–child conflict were considered as process variables of this relation.Methods:  An ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of children (n = 268) participated (M age = 9.44 years, SD = 8.61 months). Children wore actigraphs for 7 consecutive nights and also reported on their sleep problems.Results:  Higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms were associated with children’s sleep/wake problems. Higher levels of paternal depressive symptoms were associated with shorter time in bed and fewer sleep minutes. Inter‐partner conflict and parent–child conflict were mechanisms of effects in the associations between maternal depressive symptoms and children’s actigraphy‐based and self‐reported sleep problems.Conclusions:  Findings build on this scant literature and highlight the importance of identifying pathways of risk and familial and environmental influences on children’s sleep problems.
Reputation Leaders, Quality Laggards: Incentive Structure in Markets with Both Private and Collective Reputations
Authors: Costanigro Marco , Bond Craig A. , McCluskey Jill J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA theoretical model is developed to illustrate the economic incentives to invest in quality in markets with a dual reputation structure: private (firm reputation) and collective (regional reputation). Numerical dynamic programming techniques are then used to simulate firms’ strategic behaviour, and competitive outcomes are compared to the optimal investment of a regional planner. Market and product characteristics inducing asymmetric and/or sub‐optimal investment strategies, potentially destabilising for the region, are investigated.
Rescue Therapy for Acute Migraine, Part 2: Neuroleptics, Antihistamines, and Others
Authors: Kelley Nancy E. , Tepper Deborah E. 
Published: February 2012

Objectives.— This second portion of a 3‐part series examines the relative effectiveness of headache treatment with neuroleptics, antihistamines, serotonin antagonists, valproate, and other drugs (octreotide, lidocaine, nitrous oxide, propofol, and bupivacaine) in the setting of an emergency department, urgent care center, or headache clinic.Methods.— MEDLINE was searched using the terms “migraine” AND “emergency” AND “therapy” OR “treatment.” Reports were from emergency department and urgent care settings and involved all routes of medication delivery. Reports from headache clinics were only included if medications were delivered by a parenteral route.Results.— Prochlorperazine, promethazine, and metoclopramide, when used alone, were superior to placebo. Droperidol and prochlorperazine were superior or equal in efficacy to all other treatments, although they also have more side effects (especially akathisia). Metoclopramide was equivalent to prochlorperazine and, when combined with diphenhydramine, was superior in efficacy to triptans and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Meperidine was inferior to chlorpromazine and equivalent to the other neuroleptics. The overall percentage of patients with pain relief after taking droperidol and prochlorperazine was equivalent to sumatriptan.Conclusions.— Prochlorperazine and metoclopramide are the most frequently studied of the anti‐migraine medications in the emergent setting, and the effectiveness of each is superior to placebo. Prochlorperazine is superior or equivalent to all other classes of medications in producing migraine pain relief. Dopamine antagonists, in general, appear to be equivalent for migraine pain relief to the migraine‐“specific” medications sumatriptan and dihydroergotamine, although there are fewer studies involving the last two. Lack of comparisons to placebo and the frequent use of combination medications in treatment arms complicate the comparison of single agents to one other.