bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast Dynamics of Localized and Delocalized Polaron Transitions in P3HT/PCBM Blend Materials: The Effects of PCBM Concentration
Authors: Lioudakis Emmanouil , Alexandrou Ioannis , Othonos Andreas 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Nowadays, organic solar cells have the interest of engineers for manufacturing flexible and low cost devices. The considerable progress of this nanotechnology area presents the possibility of investigating new effects from a fundamental science point of view. In this letter we highlight the influence of the concentration of fullerene molecules on the ultrafast transport properties of charged electrons and polarons in P3HT/PCBM blended materials which are crucial for the development of organic solar cells. Especially, we report on the femtosecond dynamics of localized (P2at 1.45 eV) and delocalized (DP2at 1.76 eV) polaron states of P3HT matrix with the addition of fullerene molecules as well as the free-electron relaxation dynamics of PCBM-related states. Our study shows that as PCBM concentration increases, the amplified exciton dissociation at bulk heterojunctions leads to increased polaron lifetimes. However, the increase in PCBM concentration can be directly related to the localization of polarons, creating thus two competing trends within the material. Our methodology shows that the effect of changes in structure and/or composition can be monitored at the fundamental level toward optimization of device efficiency.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activity and Micellization of Gemini Anionic Surfactants in a Pure State as Well as Mixed With a Conventional Nonionic Surfactant
Authors: Abd El‐Salam Fatma H. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNew gemini anionic surfactants were prepared from sodium salts of monoalkyl sulfosuccinate esters of ethylene glycol having variably long tails (C12, C16, C18) and dichloroethane. The chemical structures of the prepared surfactants were confirmed using different spectroscopic techniques. The surfaces tension values of the synthesized surfactants were measured at 25 °C individually or mixing at different molar fractions with ethoxylated alkylphenol. In all cases, mixed micellar aggregates were formed and critical micellar concentrations of binary mixtures containing different mole fractions of the surfactants were measured. The micellization processes of the individual and mixed surfactants were investigated. The effect of different alkyl chains of gemini anionic surfactants on properties of binary systems and molar ratio in the mixed aggregates were deduced. The critical micelle concentration of mixed surfactants shifted to lower values compared to those of the single surfactants. Effectiveness values increased with decreases in the mole fraction of gemini anionic surfactants. The negative values of interaction parameter (β) increased with increases in the chain length of anionic surfactants. The activity coefficient (f1, f2) and total minimum surface area of mixed solution were calculated. Also, the gemini anionic surfactants prepared have moderate antimicrobial activity towards bacteria and not active towards fungi.
Generation and characterization of functional cardiomyocytes using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from human fibroblasts
Authors: Gai Hui , Leung Elaine Lai‐Han , Costantino Peter D. , Aguila Jerell R. , Nguyen David M. , Fink Louis M. , Ward David C. , Ma Yupo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe have successfully developed both spontaneous and inductive cardiomyocyte differentiation of iPS cells reprogrammed from human foreskin fibroblasts. The reprogrammed iPS cells morphologically resemble human cardiomyocytes which can beat. RT‐PCR and immunostaining show that cardiac markers are expressed that are comparable to the differentiation pattern of authentic human embryonic stem cells, indicating the existence of both immature and mature differentiated cardiomyocytes. 5‐Azacytidine greatly enhanced the efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation, whereas dimethylsulfoxide had no effect. Low serum and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 marginally improved differentiation efficiency. iPS cell‐derived cardiomyocytes changed their beat frequency in response to cardiac drugs, which included ion channel blockers and α/β adrenergic stimulators. Derived cardiomyocytes look promising as an in vitro system for potential drug screen and/or toxicity, making this system closer to practical use in the near future.
Evidence for the use of a numerical rating scale to assess the intensity of pediatric pain
Authors: Miró Jordi , Castarlenas Elena , Huguet Anna 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe aim of this work was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Numerical Rating Scale‐11 (NRS‐11) when used to assess pediatric pain intensity. We performed two studies: 175 schoolchildren, aged 8–12, participated in Study 1 and 63 children undergoing surgery and aged 6–16, participated in Study 2. The NRS‐11 showed (a) adequate convergent construct validity when correlated with the Faces Pain Scale – Revised (FPS‐R; r1 = 0.78, r2 = 0.93); (b) adequate discriminant validity in relation to measures of pain‐related affect (z1 = 3.55, z2 = 7.62) and disability (z1 = 7.62, z2 = 6.83); and (c) adequate criterion‐related validity using measures of pain‐related affect (r1 = .58, r2 = .66), disability (r1 = 0.22, r2 = .39), and quality of life (r2 = −.46). Schoolchildren were asked whether they preferred using the NRS‐11 or the FPS‐R when reporting the intensity of their pain. While both sexes and both the younger and older age groups preferred the FPS‐R, this preference was more marked among girls and younger children.The NRS‐11 has shown an acceptable level of validity for assessing pain intensity in both samples, however, additional research is needed in order to fully clarify the lower age limit in which the NRS‐11 can be used.
Do community mental health teams caring for severely mentally ill patients adjust treatments and services based on patients’ antisocial or criminal behaviours?
Authors: Hodgins S. , Cree A. , Khalid F. , Patel K. , Sainz-Fuentes R. , Shortt M. , Mak T. , Riaz M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundAntisocial behaviour is common among patients with severe mental illness (SMI) requiring hospitalisation.AimTo determine whether differential treatments and services are provided to patients with SMI who engage in antisocial behaviour.MethodA random sample of 161 inpatients with SMI were recruited from general adult wards and assessed at baseline and two years later. Information on symptoms, aggressive behaviour, substance misuse, and service use was obtained from patients and clinical files.ResultsPast antisocial behaviours were not associated with type or intensity of treatments and services. Severity of positive symptoms, aggressive behaviour, and illicit drug use were positively associated with the frequency of CMHT contact, but not with the type of CMHT, type of medication, or other treatments and benefits.ConclusionsWhile the frequency of meetings with CMHTs increased with the severity of antisocial behaviours, no specific treatments were provided to patients with SMI engaging in antisocial behaviours.
A role for the MAPK/ERK pathway in oligodendroglial differentiation in vitro: stage specific effects on cell branching
Authors: Younes‐Rapozo V. , Felgueiras L.O.R. , Viana N.L. , Fierro I.M. , Barja‐Fidalgo C. , Manhães A.C. , Barradas P.C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway is important for both long‐term survival and timing of the progression of oligodendrocyte differentiation. Oligodendroglial cells treated with MEK inhibitor were distinguished by using stage specific markers: NG2 proteoglycan, A2B5, 2′3′nucleotide‐cyclic 3′phosphodiesterase (CNPase) and myelin basic protein (MBP), and classified according to their morphology into different developmental stages. Treatment significantly increased the number of cells with more immature morphologies and decreased the number of mature cells. Furthermore, it increased the number of rounded cells that could not be classified into any of the oligodendroglial developmental stages. The strongest effects were usually observed shortly after treatment. Rounded cells were CNPase/MBP positive and they were not stained by anti‐NG2 or A2B5, indicating that they were mature cells unable either to extend and/or to maintain their processes. These data showed an effect of the MAPK/ERK pathway on oligodendroglial branching, with possible consequences for the formation of the myelin sheath.
Conflicts of Interest in the Stock Recommendations of Investment Banks and Their Determinants
Authors: Shen Chung-Hua , Chih Hsiang-Lin 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study explores the phenomena associated with conflicts of interest, particularly as they pertain to the brokerage and proprietary trading divisions of investment banks. This distinguishes it from past studies, which have researched conflicts of interest between underwriting and brokerage divisions. We examine whether or not an investment bank issues buy recommendations to the market and buys (sells) the same recommended stocks through its proprietary trading division before (after) recommendations, and if so, to what extent this goes on. We find that these conflicts of interest do exist and that these investment banks can profit from their recommendations in the short run.
Fur seals, whales and tourists: a commercial history of Deception Island, Antarctica
Authors: Dibbern J. Stephen 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTDeception Island in the South Shetland Islands was the site of some of the earliest commercial activity to be carried out in the Antarctic with the early 19th century hunting of Antarctic fur seals. Nearly a century later it was the site of the most extensive anchorage for the reconstructed ships and ocean liners used as non-pelagic whale processing factories. Deception was also the site of what is the only successful land based commercial activity in Antarctic history. The Hektor whaling station operated in Whalers Bay from 1912 until 1931. Most of the remains of the station have now been obliterated by the volcanic activity that occurred in the late 1960s and 1970. By the later part of the twentieth century Deception Island had become a regular stop for the growing Antarctic tourist cruise industry. No other place in Antarctica has been so thoroughly identified with commercial activity.
A history of the exploitation of the Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Ainley David G. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTRecent analyses of anthropogenic impacts on marine systems have shown that the Ross Sea is the least affected stretch of ocean on Earth, although historical effects were not included in those studies. Herein the literature is reviewed in order to quantify the extent of extraction of biological resources from the Ross Sea continental shelf and slope from the start of the 20th century. There was none before that time. An intense extraction of Weddell sealsLeptonychotes weddelliiby the expeditions of the ‘heroic’ period and then by New Zealand to feed sled dogs in the 1950–1980s caused the McMurdo Sound population to decrease permanently. Otherwise no other sealing occurred. Blue whalesBalaenoptera musculus intermediawere extirpated from waters of the shelf break front during the 1920s, and have not reappeared. Minke whalesB. bonaerensisprobably expanded into the blue whale vacated habitat, but were then hunted during the 1970–1980s; their population has since recovered. Some minke whales are now taken in ‘scientific whaling’, twice more from the slope compared to the shelf. Other hunted cetaceans never occurred over the shelf and very few ever occurred in slope waters, and therefore their demise from whaling does not apply to the Ross Sea. No industrial fishing occurred in the Ross Sea until the 1996–1997 summer, when a fishery for Antarctic toothfishDissostichus mawsoniwas initiated, especially along the slope. This fishery has grown since then with effects on the ecosystem recently becoming evident. There is probably no other ocean area where the details of biological exploitation can be so elucidated. It appears that the Ross Sea continental shelf remains the least affected of any on the globe. However the same cannot be said of the slope.
SporadicSalmonella entericaserotype Javiana infections in Georgia and Tennessee: a hypothesis-generating study
Authors: CLARKSON L. S. , TOBIN-D'ANGELO M. , SHULER C. , HANNA S. , BENSON J. , VOETSCH A. C. 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYFrom 1996 to 2004, the incidence ofSalmonellaJaviana infections increased in FoodNet, the U.S. national active foodborne disease surveillance programme. Contact with amphibians and consumption of tomatoes have been associated with outbreaks ofS. Javiana infection. To generate and test hypotheses about risk factors associated with sporadicS. Javiana infections, we interviewed patients with laboratory-confirmedS. Javiana infection identified in Georgia and Tennessee during August–October 2004. We collected data on food and water consumption, animal contact, and environmental exposure from cases. Responses were compared with population-based survey exposure data. Seventy-two of 117 identifiedS. Javiana case-patients were interviewed. Consumption of well water [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4·3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·6–11·2] and reptile or amphibian contact (aOR 2·6, 95% CI 0·9–7·1) were associated with infection. Consumption of tomatoes (aOR 0·5, 95% CI 0·3–0·9) and poultry (aOR 0·5, 95% CI 0·2–1·0) were protective. Our study suggests that environmental factors are associated withS. Javiana infections in Georgia and Tennessee.
Dirty hands: bacteria of faecal origin on commuters' hands
Authors: JUDAH G. , DONACHIE P. , COBB E. , SCHMIDT W. , HOLLAND M. , CURTIS V. 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYAlthough many studies have investigated bacteria on the hands of health-care workers and caregivers, few have looked at microbiological contamination on the hands of the general adult public. This study investigated faecal bacteria on the hands of commuters in five UK cities. Of the 404 people sampled 28% were found to have bacteria of faecal origin on their hands. A breakdown by city showed that the proportion of people with contaminated hands increased the further north the city of investigation (P<0·001), an effect which was due in large part to a significant trend in men but not in women. Bus users were more contaminated than train users. The results of this exploratory study indicate that hand hygiene practices in the UK may be inadequate and that faecal indicator bacteria on hands may be used to monitor the effect of hand-washing promotion campaigns.
Anti-VP6 IgG antibodies against group A and group C rotaviruses in South India
Authors: MUKHOPADHYA I. , ANBU D. , ITURRIZA-GOMARA M. , GRAY J. J. , BROWN D. W. , KAVANAGH O. , ESTES M. K. , KANG G. 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYIn an epidemiological survey from South India, 936 serum samples were tested for IgG against recombinant baculovirus-expressed VP6 proteins from human group A and group C rotaviruses. The overall seroprevalence for group A was 100% and for group C was 25·32% (95% CI 22·64–28·21). The lowest seroprevalence for group C was in children aged <10 years (16·79%). An age-related rise in seroprevalence in group C, but not group A, suggests different patterns of exposure. Seroprevalence was similar in rural and urban subjects, unlike the higher prevalence in rural subjects in studies elsewhere.
Individual responsibility for what? – A conceptual framework for exploring the suitability of private financing in a publicly funded health-care system
Authors: Tinghőg Gustav , Carlsson Per , Lyttkens Carl H. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPolicymakers in publicly funded health-care systems are frequently required to make intricate decisions on which health-care services to include or exclude from the basic health-care package. Although it seems likely that the concept of individual responsibility is an essential feature of such decisions, it is rarely explicitly articulated or evaluated in health policy. This paper presents a tentative conceptual framework for exploring when health-care services contain characteristics that facilitate individual responsibility through private financing. Six attributes for exploring the suitability of private financing for specific health-care commodities are identified: (i) it should enable individuals to value the need and quality both before and after utilization; (ii) it should be targeted toward individuals with a reasonable level of individual autonomy; (iii) it should be associated with low levels of positive externalities; (iv) it should be associated with a demand sufficient to generate a private market; (v) it should be associated with payments affordable for most individuals; and finally, (vi) it should be associated with ‘lifestyle enhancements’ rather than ‘medical necessities’. The tentative framework enables exploration of individual responsibility connected to health care as a heterogeneous group of commodities, and allows policymakers to make decisions on rationing by design rather than default.
Habitat availability, hunting or poaching: what affects distribution and density of large mammals in western Tanzanian woodlands?
Authors: Waltert Matthias , Meyer Britta , Kiffner Christian 
Published: September 2009

AbstractGame reserves (GR) in Tanzania have been found to support similar or lower densities of large mammals compared with National parks (NP). But as these areas usually differ considerably not only in regard to management but also to environmental factors, we assessed the relative importance of vegetation cover, species‐specific habitat preferences and legal (trophy hunting) and illegal off‐take for observed differences in species‐specific densities. In the Katavi ecosystem, open habitats were characteristic elements of Katavi NP, while Rukwa GR was dominated by miombo forest. In an inter‐specific comparison, density differences were moderately correlated with preferences for open habitats, and with estimates of combined legal and illegal off‐take but not with one of these separately. In a multiple linear regression, open habitat preference was found to explain 39.6% of the density differences between the two protected areas. This analysis suggests that the broad‐scale pattern of most species’ distributions is governed by differing vegetation cover but that several species are overexploited by illegal (elephant, giraffe, buffalo, bush pig, warthog) or combined off‐take (hippopotamus, eland, waterbuck), thus emphasizing the need for quota readjustments and a more efficient anti‐poaching control.
Wild coffee management and plant diversity in the montane rainforest of southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Schmitt Christine B. , Senbeta Feyera , Denich Manfred , Preisinger Helmut , Boehmer Hans Juergen 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Coffea arabica occurs naturally in the montane rainforests of Ethiopia, but large areas of these unique forests have been converted to other land‐uses. In the remaining forest, wild coffee is managed and harvested with increasing intensity because of rising coffee prices in the world market. This study evaluated the impact of coffee management on wild coffee populations and the forest vegetation as a basis for conservation planning in southwestern Ethiopia. Vegetation surveys and yield assessments were carried out in unmanaged natural forest and in managed semi‐forest coffee (SFC) systems. Analyses show that wild coffee density and coffee yields were low in natural forest (max. 15 kg ha−1 year−1). In SFC systems, 30% of the canopy trees and most undergrowth vegetation were removed. This stimulated wild coffee growth and strongly enhanced yields (max. 54 kg ha−1 year−1), but severely disturbed forest structure. Species richness increased by 26% because of an increase in species of ruderal and secondary vegetation; however, species richness and abundance of typical forest species declined. Conservation of the natural forest therefore requires the control of wild coffee management. Wild coffee certification is discussed as one tool to reconcile conservation measures and the interests of local farmers.
Lobar torsion following thoraco‐abdominal oesophagogastrectomy
Authors: Felmine V. , Zuleika M. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryFollowing thoraco‐abdominal oesophagogastrectomy for an adenocarcinoma of the lower oesophagus, an 81‐year‐old female with no pre‐existing respiratory disease could not be weaned from mechanical ventilation. Right upper and middle lobe torsion were found at thoracotomy on the 14th postoperative day. Both lobes were resected. The patient was discharged from hospital after several postoperative complications. Pulmonary torsion is a rare, potentially life‐threatening complication of thoraco‐abdominal oesophagogastrectomy. Differentiation from the more common postoesophagectomy pulmonary complications can be difficult. Early post‐thoracotomy lung opacification, in the absence of the expected degree of hypoxaemia, should trigger a suspicion of pulmonary torsion.
A meta‐analysis of the prospective randomised trials of coronary revascularisation before noncardiac vascular surgery with attention to the type of coronary revascularisation performed
Authors: Biccard B. M. , Rodseth R. N. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryProspective randomised trials of coronary revascularisation prior to noncardiac surgery have shown no survival benefit following noncardiac surgery. However, these studies have not differentiated the outcomes associated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary interventions. We performed a meta‐analysis of the randomised controlled trials of pre‐operative coronary revascularisation for noncardiac surgery, extracting data for 30 day and long term all‐cause mortality and myocardial infarction (MI) following revascularisation, according to the type of revascularisation performed. Pre‐operative percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with significantly increased 30 day MI and composite death and MI. Pre‐operative CABG was associated with a significantly improved long term composite outcome of death and MI compared to percutaneous coronary interventions. The adverse effect of percutaneous coronary interventions on both short and long term outcomes in vascular surgical patients should be taken into consideration when interpreting these trials. CABG may improve long term outcomes in vascular surgical patients. The indications for and timing of CABG in vascular surgical patients needs further research.
Fibreoptic intubation through the laryngeal mask airway: effect of operator experience*
Authors: Hodzovic I. , Janakiraman C. , Sudhir G. , Goodwin N. , Wilkes A. R. , Latto I. P. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryIn a randomised crossover study, we compared times and success rates for tracheal placement of a fibrescope and railroading of a tracheal tube through the classic laryngeal mask airway by anaesthetists with limited experience in fibreoptic intubation (trainees) and those who were experts. Thirty‐two patients, 32 trainees and three experts took part. The median (IQR [range]) times to fibrescope placement for trainees and experts were 21 (18–30 [12–58]) s and 17 (14–24 [9–55]) s, respectively (95% CI for the difference 2–8 s; p = 0.023). There were no significant differences between trainees and experts in the times to placement of the laryngeal mask airway (41 (33–47 [31–105]) s and 36 (33–43 [30–52]) s, respectively; p = 0.24), railroading times (43 (40–58 [33–87]) s and 44 (38–57 [31–83]) s, respectively; p = 0.96) and total intubation time (114 (97–127 [80–213]) s and 95 (89–116 [74–139]) s, respectively; p = 0.13). There was no significant difference in the number of attempts needed for successful placement of the fibrescope (p = 0.12) and railroading the tracheal tube (p = 0.22). The differences between experts and trainees when using fibrescope assisted intubation via the classic laryngeal mask airway were not clinically important.