bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct Insights on Flax Fiber Structure by Focused Ion Beam Microscopy
Authors: Domenges Bernadette , Charlet Karine 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn this article, it is shown that focused ion beam (FIB) systems can be used to study the inner structure of flax fibers, the use of which as a reinforcing material in polymer composites still draws much interest from multiple disciplines. This technique requires none of the specific preparations necessary for scanning electron microscopy or transmission electron microscopy studies. Irradiation experiments performed on FIB prepared cross sections with very low Ga+ion beam currents revealed the softer material components of fibers. Thus, it confirmed the presence of pectin-rich layers at the interfaces between the fibers of a bundle, but also allowed the precise localization of such layers within the secondary cell wall. Furthermore, it suggested new insights on the transition modes between the sublayers of the secondary cell wall.
Simulation Study of Aberration-Corrected High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Imaging of Few-Layer-Graphene Stacking
Authors: Nelson Florence , Diebold Alain C. , Hull Robert 
Published: January 2010

AbstractGraphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The high carrier mobility and mechanical robustness of single layer graphene make it an attractive material for “beyond CMOS” devices. The current work investigates through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image simulation the sensitivity of aberration-corrected HRTEM to the different graphene stacking configurations AAA/ABA/ABC as well as bilayers with rotational misorientations between the individual layers. High-angle annular dark field–scanning transmission electron microscopy simulation is also explored. Images calculated using the multislice approximation show discernable differences between the stacking sequences when simulated with realistic operating parameters in the presence of low random noise.
Tephra from Ice—A Simple Method to Routinely Mount, Polish, and Quantitatively Analyze Sparse Fine Particles
Authors: Kuehn Stephen C. , Froese Duane G. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA method involving a graphite substrate has been developed for the mounting and analysis of sparse, fine particles from a liquid suspension to enable improved study of volcanic ash (tephra) and atmospheric dust preserved in glacial ice. Unpolished grains may be studied by scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) at full vacuum without the need for a conductive coating due to the close proximity of the underlying graphite. The same grains in the same relative positions may be subsequently examined in polished mounts by a variety of methods including SEM-EDS, electron probe microanalysis, laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and optical microscopy. Particles as small as 3–5 μm may be routinely and easily prepared for analysis as polished grains, and particles of significantly different sizes may be exposed simultaneously. The general approach also offers significant flexibility, including both single- and multiple-sample mounts, and may be adjusted to suit a variety of samples and analytical methods.
Collagen-Chondroitin Sulphate-Hydroxyapatite Porous Composites: A Histochemical and Electron Microscopy Approach
Authors: Zarnescu Otilia , Craciunescu Oana , Moldovan Lucia 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn this study the structure of collagen-chondroitin sulphate-hydroxyapatite porous composites is investigated by histochemical (Von Kossa staining), immunohistochemical, and transmission electron microscopy. Examination of composites on picrosirius red stained sections showed that polarization colors of collagen were generally in the range of orange-red. Immunofluorescence data indicate that chondroitin sulphate was either chemically incorporated into the bulk structure of collagen scaffolds or attached on surfaces of collagen bundles. Depending on the ratio between collagen:chondroitin sulphate:hydroxyapatite, von Kossa histochemical staining showed a progressive loading of collagen-chondroitin sulphate bundles with hydroxyapatite. Transmission electron microscopy studies have shown that composites contain mostly collagen fibrils aggregated with random orientation with very few collagen fibers showing the 67-nm banding pattern. Hydroxyapatite deposits of various sizes occurred among the collagen fibrils.
RANKIN’S METHOD AND JACOBI FORMS OF SEVERAL VARIABLES
Authors: RAMAKRISHNAN B. , SAHU BRUNDABAN 
Published: January 2010

AbstractFollowing R. A. Rankin’s method, D. Zagier computed the nth Rankin–Cohen bracket of a modular form g of weight k1 with the Eisenstein series of weight k2, computed the inner product of this Rankin–Cohen bracket with a cusp form f of weight k=k1+k2+2n and showed that this inner product gives, up to a constant, the special value of the Rankin–Selberg convolution of f and g. This result was generalized to Jacobi forms of degree 1 by Y. Choie and W. Kohnen. In this paper, we generalize this result to Jacobi forms defined over ℋ×ℂ(g,1).
Glucocorticoids inhibit IL-1β-induced GM-CSF expression at multiple levels: roles for the ERK pathway and repression by MKP-1
Authors: Newton Robert , King Elizabeth M. , Gong Wei , Rider Christopher F. , Staples Karl J. , Holden Neil S. , Bergmann Martin W. 
Published: January 2010

In the present study, IL (interleukin)-1β increased GM-CSF (granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor) expression from pulmonary A549 cells and primary HBE (human bronchial epithelial) cells. These responses were repressed by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, allowing the use of A549 cells as a relevant model. IL-1β induced GM-CSF release into the culture medium by 6 h and in cell lysates (cytosolic) at 2 h. These effects were profoundly inhibited by dexamethasone, yet IL-1β-induced GM-CSF mRNA and unspliced nRNA (nuclear RNA; a surrogate of transcription rate) were modestly inhibited by dexamethasone at times up to 2 h. Although this indicates an effect on protein synthesis, actinomycin D chase experiments also indicated post-transcriptional repression by dexamethasone. Dexamethasone-dependent mRNA repression increased with time and was prevented by translational blockade. In addition, dexamethasone and the dissociated steroid RU24858 repressed GM-CSF release in an actinomycin D-sensitive manner, thereby implicating glucocorticoid-induced gene expression. At 2 h, IL-1β-induced expression of GM-CSF protein, but not mRNA, was sensitive to the MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase] inhibitors PD098059 and U0126. Although this indicates a role for the MEK/ERK pathway in GM-CSF translation, PD098059 subsequently destabilized GM-CSF mRNA. Dexamethasone and RU24858 both reduced IL-1β-induced ERK phosphorylation and increased MKP-1 (MAPK phosphatase-1) expression. Inhibition of ERK phosphorylation was reproduced by MKP-1 overexpression and prevented by MKP-1-targeting siRNA (small interfering RNA). Since MKP-1 prevented GM-CSF expression by transcriptional, post-transcriptional and translational processes, we propose that glucocorticoids induce MKP-1 expression to reduce both MEK/ERK activation and GM-CSF protein synthesis. Thus de novo gene expression, particularly of MKP-1, is involved in the repressive effects of glucocorticoids.
An Integrated Approach to Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusControl in a Rural, Regional-Referral Healthcare Setting
Authors: Bowler William A. , Bresnahan Jeanine , Bradfish Ann , Fernandez Christine 
Published: January 2010

Objective.To curtail the prevalence and cross-transmission of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in a rural healthcare setting.Design.Before-after, quasi-experimental quality improvement study.Setting.A regional-referral hospital, 5 affiliated nursing homes, and an outpatient MRSA clinic.Interventions.Residents of the 5 nursing homes were screened for MRSA at baseline and 1 year later. Active surveillance cultures were performed on subsequently admitted nursing home residents, “high-risk” patients admitted to the hospital, and household contacts of clinic patients. The decolonization regimen consisted of systemic therapy with minocycline and rifampin and topical therapy with nasal mupirocin ointment and 5% tea tree oil body wash. Three separate samples for cultures to document clearance of MRSA colonization were obtained at 1-week intervals 1 month after the completion of decolonization therapy. Samples for follow-up cultures were obtained at month 6 and month 12 after the completion of decolonization therapy.Results.After intervention and follow-up for 12 months or more, the prevalence of MRSA carriage at the nursing homes decreased by 67% (P<.001), and 120 (82%) of 147 nursing home residents and 111 (89%) of 125 clinic patients remained culture-negative for MRSA. Twenty-three (24%) of 95 new clinic patients had at least 1 MRSA-positive contact. Mupirocin resistance did not develop. In the hospital, the incidence rate of nosocomial MRSA infection decreased from 0.64 infections per 1,000 patient-days before the interventions to 0.40 infections per 1,000 patient-days 1 year after the interventions and to 0.32 infections per 1,000 patient-days 2 years after the intervention (P<.01).Conclusions.Use of active surveillance cultures and decolonization therapy was effective in decreasing the prevalence of asymptomatic carriage, the incidence of nosocomial infection, and the overall prevalence of MRSA in our rural healthcare setting.
Effects of alagebrium, an advanced glycation end‐product breaker, in patients with chronic heart failure: study design and baseline characteristics of the BENEFICIAL trial
Authors: Willemsen Suzan , Hartog Jasper W.L. , Hummel Yoran M. , Posma Jan L. , van Wijk Leen M. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Voors Adriaan A. 
Published: January 2010

AimsPrevious small open label studies have shown that the advanced glycation end‐product (AGE) breaker alagebrium may improve cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). We report the design, methods and baseline characteristics of a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of alagebrium (BENEFICIAL) in patients with HF and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 0.45.Methods and resultsPatients with NYHA II–IV stable HF for at least 3 months were eligible for this study. One hundred and two patients were included in the study and randomized to either 200 mg alagebrium twice daily or placebo for a period of 36 weeks. The mean age of patients was 60 ± 11 years, 78% were male, and 17% were diabetic. Mean peak VO2 was 21.7 ± 5.9 mL/min/kg, mean LVEF was 0.32 ± 0.09. Diastolic function was worse (mean early tissue diastolic velocity (E′) 4.6 ± 1.7 vs. 6.1 ± 2.0 cm/s; P < 0.001) in patients with LVEF ≤ 0.35 compared to patients with LVEF between 0.35 and 0.45.ConclusionThe BENEFICIAL study is a proof‐of‐concept study that will provide new data on the efficacy and safety of the AGE crosslink breaker alagebrium in systolic HF patients. EudraCT number of this trial is NCT00516646.
Lebedev scheme for the numerical simulation of wave propagation in 3D anisotropic elasticity‡
Authors: Lisitsa Vadim , Vishnevskiy Dmitriy 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a Lebedev finite difference scheme on staggered grids for the numerical simulation of wave propagation in an arbitrary 3D anisotropic elastic media. The main concept of the scheme is the definition of all the components of each tensor (vector) appearing in the elastic wave equation at the corresponding grid points, i.e., all of the stresses are stored in one set of nodes while all of the velocity components are stored in another. Meanwhile, the derivatives with respect to the spatial directions are approximated to the second order on two‐point stencils. The second‐order scheme is presented for the sake of simplicity and it is easy to expand to a higher order.Another approach, widely‐known as the rotated staggered grid scheme, is based on the same concept; therefore, this paper contains a detailed comparative analysis of the two schemes. It is shown that the dispersion condition of the Lebedev scheme is less restrictive than that of the rotated staggered grid scheme, while the stability criteria lead to approximately equal time stepping for the two approaches. The main advantage of the proposed scheme is its reduced computational memory requirements. Due to a less restrictive dispersion condition and the way the media parameters are stored, the Lebedev scheme requires only one‐third to two‐thirds of the computer memory required by the rotated staggered grid scheme. At the same time, the number of floating point operations performed by the Lebedev scheme is higher than that for the rotated staggered grid scheme.
Early Oligocene alkaline lamprophyric dykes from the Jandaq area (Isfahan Province, Central Iran): Evidence of Central–East Iranian microcontinent confining oceanic crust subduction
Authors: Torabi Ghodrat 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe Jandaq lamprophyres occur as eight mostly parallel dykes, which cross‐cut Eocene volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Pis‐Kuh Formation in dominant north to south direction. These lamprophyres are mainly composed of kaersutite, clinopyroxene, olivine, feldspar, ilmenite, and spinel as primary minerals. The rocks studied here are enriched in alkalis, TiO2, large ion lithophile elements, and light rare‐earth elements (LREE), with SiO2 content between 41.7 and 46.2 wt%, and are classified as camptonite and alkaline lamprophyre according to the mineralogical and chemical characteristics. These rocks exhibit positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 1.08–1.39) and are characterized by strong enrichment in LREE relative to heavy REEs, and also by varied Zr/Hf ratios. The geochemical features of the rocks suggest that the lamprophyre magmas were derived from low‐degree melting of an amphibole garnet lherzolite that experienced strong metasomatism by carbonate‐rich fluids in response to dehydration melting from the subducted slab. The Jandaq lamprophyric magmatism has been attributed to the former subduction of the Central–East Iranian microcontinent confining oceanic crust from the Triassic to Eocene, and decompression melting induced by the extensional basin of the Jandaq area in the early Oligocene.
Twin–twin transfusion syndrome, coarctation of the aorta and hypoplastic aortic arch: A case series report
Authors: Van Den Boom Jutta , Battin Malcolm , Hornung Tim 
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) complicates 10–30% of monochorionic pregnancies. The incidence of pulmonary stenosis and endocardial fibroelastosis is especially high in the recipient twin. We report a novel finding of four cases of coarctation of the aorta and hypoplastic aortic arch in the donor to raise awareness of cardiac lesions in twins affected by TTTS.Method:  Retrospective review of both neonatal database and mortality data from 2002 to 2007 with cross‐validation from the local tertiary cardiology unit data (1998–2006) to identify children presenting with coarctation who were also twins.Results:  We identified four monochorionic twin pairs affected by the TTTS, delivered between 25 weeks and 36 weeks' gestation, where the donor was found to have coarctation of the aorta or a hypoplastic aortic arch. In addition, two of the four recipients also had cardiac abnormalities. There was a high mortality rate of 30% for both twins, and a high morbidity rate, especially for neurological sequelae.Conclusion:  We believe that the types of abnormalities seen may be explained by the altered fetal blood flow and haemodynamics in TTTS. Given the increased prevalence of congenital heart disease in TTTS, with an increased risk of coarctation in the donor twin and pulmonary stenosis in the recipient, intra‐uterine surveillance and a post‐natal comprehensive cardiac assessment for both twins is warranted.
Sleep habits and disturbances in Malaysian children with epilepsy
Authors: Ong Lai Choo , Yang Wai Wai , Wong Sau Wei , AlSiddiq Feizel , Khu Yi Soon 
Published: January 2010

Aims:  To compare sleep habits and disturbances between Malaysian children with epilepsy and their siblings (age range 4–18 years) and to determine the factors associated with greater sleep disturbance.Methods:  The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) questionnaire was completed by the primary caregiver for 92 epileptic children (mean age 11.1 years, 50 male, 42 females) and their healthy siblings (mean age 11.1 years, 47 males, 45 females). Details of sleep arrangements and illness severity were obtained. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with high Total SDSC scores in epileptic patients.Results:  Compared with their siblings, epileptic children had significantly higher total SDSC score (difference between means 8.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.4–11.1) and subscale scores in disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (3.9, 95% CI 2.8–5.2), sleep–wake transition disorders (2.1, 95% CI 1.3–2.9), sleep‐disordered breathing (0.7, 95% CI 0.3–1.1) and disorders of excessive sleepiness (1.5, 95% CI 0.6–2.4). Epileptic children had a higher prevalence of co‐sleeping (73.7% vs 31.5%) and on more nights per week (difference between means 3, 95% CI 2.0–3.9) than their siblings. Higher Epilepsy Illness Severity scores were associated with higher total SDSC scores (P= 0.02).Conclusion:  Co‐sleeping was highly prevalent in children with epilepsy, who also had more sleep disturbances (especially problems with initiating and maintaining sleep and sleep–wake transition disorders) than their siblings. Epilepsy severity contributed to the sleep disturbances. Evaluation of sleep problems should form part of the comprehensive care of children with severe epilepsy.
Higher protein and energy intake is associated with increased weight gain in pre‐term infants
Authors: Collins Carmel T , Chua Mei Chien , Rajadurai Victor S , McPhee Andrew J , Miller Lisa N , Gibson Robert A , Makrides Maria 
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To characterise and compare the nutritional management and growth in infants <33 weeks' gestation in two tertiary centres.Methods:  An audit of daily intake and growth from birth to discharge home was undertaken in two neonatal units: The KK Women's and Children's Hospital Singapore and the Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital, South Australia. Mixed models were used to model intake and daily weight (g/day) accounting for repeated day per subject.Results:  The clinical characteristics of the two cohorts were similar. The Adelaide cohort had a higher initial energy intake in the first 5 days compared with the Singapore cohort, and a significantly greater weekly increase of 21.0 kcal/week (95% CI 7.7–34.3; P = 0.002). The Adelaide cohort also had a higher initial protein intake and a significantly greater weekly increase of 0.88 g/week (95% CI 0.5, 1.3), P < 0.001) compared with the Singapore cohort. The weight gain of the Adelaide cohort was 9 g/day more than the Singapore cohort (95% CI 7.3, 10.7; P < 0.001). Post‐natal growth failure was evident in 32% (n = 64) of the Adelaide cohort and 64% (n = 94) of the Singapore cohort.Conclusions:  The two centres showed distinct differences in nutritional management. A higher energy and protein intake was associated with improved growth yet growth in both cohorts was still below current recommendations.
Coping strategies for hospital‐related fears in pre‐school‐aged children
Authors: Salmela Marja , Salanterä Sanna , Ruotsalainen Taru , Aronen Eeva T 
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to describe the child‐reported coping strategies for hospital‐related fears in 4–6‐year‐old children.Method:  The data were collected by semi‐structured interviews of 4–6‐year‐old volunteering children (n= 82) in Finland. Thirty‐four children were interviewed in hospital, and 48 in kindergarten. The children were chosen through a purposive sampling method, in which volunteers were asked to take part in the study. The data were analysed with quantitative and qualitative methods.Results:  The most frequent child‐reported coping strategies were: the presence of parents and other family members (81/517, 15.7%), the help of the hospital personnel (58/517, 11.2%), positive images and humour (57/517, 11%), play (57/517, 11%) and the child's own safety toy (45/517, 8.7%). The children interviewed in hospital mentioned significantly more often play (P= 0.000) as their coping strategy than children interviewed in a kindergarten. Children interviewed in kindergarten expressed significantly more often the presence of parents (P= 0.032) and the help of the doctor (P= 0.012) as their coping strategy than the children interviewed in the hospital.Conclusions:  The results showed that children have many coping strategies, especially ones in which the children themselves play an active role. Besides, the traditional methods for alleviating fear, children need possibilities to use coping methods in which they have an active role giving them a feeling of some control over the hospital environment and medical procedures.
Breast milk macro‐ and micronutrient composition in lactating mothers from suburban and urban Shanghai
Authors: Qian Jihong , Chen Tongxin , Lu Weiming , Wu Shengmei , Zhu Jianxing 
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The objective of this study was to measure and compare the macro‐ and micronutrient composition of breast milk in urban and suburban lactating mothers living in Shanghai, China.Methods:  Primiparous women residing in three urban regions (n= 30/region) and a suburban area of Shanghai (n= 30) were recruited. Breast milk samples were collected 8–10 days postpartum and dietary intake was determined.Results:  Women from the suburban area were of lower socio‐economic status as indicated by levels of education, occupation and income. With the exception of carbohydrates, mothers in all urban areas had significantly higher macronutrient intake levels than suburban area mothers. Sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium intake levels were significantly lower in suburban compared to all urban women. Concentrations of protein, lipids, copper, sodium, potassium, chlorine, zinc, manganese, phosphorus and iron were all significantly lower in milk obtained from suburban compared to urban women. Concentrations of carbohydrates in milk from suburban women were significantly higher than concentrations in than two of the three urban groups. Offspring from women in Chongming county gained significantly less weight between birth and 6 months than did offspring born to women from the three other counties.Conclusions:  In summary, there were significant differences in macro‐ and micronutrient intake levels and breast milk concentrations between women from urban and suburban Shanghai. These differences may have important implications for the growth and development of breastfed infants.