bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TrkB expression at the neuromuscular junction is reduced during aging
Authors: Personius Kirkwood E. , Parker Sara D.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Full‐length tyrosine kinase B (TrkB.FL) and truncated TrkB (TrkB.t1) receptors are colocalized with acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the neuromuscular junction. We have recently shown that reduced TrkB expression leads to age‐related alterations in AChR structure, neurotransmission failure, and muscle weakness. Methods: We investigated whether TrkB expression is reduced in the soleus muscle during aging. Results: TrkB protein expression was decreased in senescent (24‐month‐old) compared with 3–12‐month‐old mice. Loss of TrkB expression was concurrent with age‐related changes in AChR morphology. Changes in mRNA levels did not correlate with protein expression, because TrkB.FL copy number was increased in the senescent soleus. No change was seen in TrkB.t1 levels. Conclusions: The results suggest that reduced TrkB expression during aging may result from reduced TrkB.FL mRNA translation or increased TrkB protein turnover. Thus, maintaining adequate TrkB signaling is a potential therapeutic tool to improve muscle function during senescence. Muscle Nerve 47: 532–538, 2013
Fibular motor nerve conduction studies and ankle sensorimotor capacities
Authors: Richardson James K. , Allet Lara , Kim Hogene , Ashton‐Miller James A.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Nerve conduction studies provide information regarding the status of peripheral nerves, but relationships with sensorimotor capacities that influence mobility have not been defined. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted on data from 41 older subjects (20 women and 21 men, age 69.1 ± 8.3 years), including 25 with diabetic neuropathy of varying severity and 16 without diabetes or neuropathy. Measurements included routine fibular motor nerve conduction studies and laboratory‐based determination of ankle inversion/eversion proprioceptive thresholds and ankle inversion/eversion motor function. Results: Independent of age, fibular amplitude correlated robustly with ankle inversion/eversion proprioceptive thresholds (R2 = 0.591, P < 0.001), moderately with ankle inversion and eversion rates of torque generation (R2 = 0.216; P = 0.004 and R2 = 0.200; P = 0.006, respectively), and more strongly when fibular motor amplitude was normalized for body mass index (R2 = 0.350; P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.275; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Fibular motor amplitude was strongly associated with ankle sensorimotor capacities that influence lateral balance and recovery from perturbations during gait. The results suggest that nerve conduction study measures have potential for an expanded clinical role in evaluating mobility function in the population studied. Muscle Nerve 47: 497–503, 2013
Discrete element modeling of tool‐rock interaction II: rock indentation
Authors: Huang Haiying , Detournay Emmanuel
Published: August 2012

The failure mechanisms induced by a wedge‐shaped tool indenting normally against a rock surface are investigated using the discrete element method (DEM). The main focus of this study is to explore the conditions controlling the transition from a ductile to a brittle mode of failure. The development of a damage zone and the initiation and propagation of a brittle fracture is well captured by the DEM simulations. The numerical results support the conjecture that initiation of brittle fractures is governed by a scaled flaw length Λ, a ratio between the flaw size λ and the characteristic length (where KIc is the toughness and σc the uniaxial compressive strength). The size of the damage zone agrees well with analytical predictions based on the cavity expansion model. The effects of a far‐field confining stress and the existence of a relief surface near the indenter are also examined.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sleep, fatigue, depression, and quality of life in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gordijn Maartje S. , van Litsenburg Raphaële R. , Gemke Reinoud J. , Huisman Jaap , Bierings Marc B. , Hoogerbrugge Peter M. , Kaspers Gertjan J.L.
Published: August 2012

Background

With the improved survival of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the effect of treatment on psychosocial well‐being becomes increasingly relevant. Literature on sleep and fatigue during treatment is emerging. However, information on these subjects after treatment is sparse. This cross‐sectional study examined sleep and fatigue in relation to depression and quality of life (QoL) after treatment for childhood ALL.

Procedure

Sleep, fatigue, depression, and QoL were evaluated by parent proxy and/or child self‐reports of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, the PedsQL™ multidimensional fatigue scale, the Children's Depression Inventory and the Child Health Questionnaire. All total scores were compared to Dutch norm references.

Results

Sixty‐two children were included, being 36 (interquartile range 22–62) months after finishing treatment. Parents rated the ALL survivors as having more disturbed sleep, more fatigue and poorer physical QoL compared to the Dutch norm. ALL survivors themselves reported less sleep problems, less depressive symptoms, and better psychosocial QoL than the Dutch norm. More sleep disturbances and fatigue correlated with more symptoms of depression and a worse QoL.

Conclusions

Differences in parental and self‐reports, including worse parental ratings, might be explained by worried parents and/or the adaptive style of the children. Impaired sleep and fatigue correlated with more depressive symptoms and a worse QoL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 479–485. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional and structural differences in the hippocampus associated with memory deficits in adult survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Monje Michelle , Thomason Moriah E. , Rigolo Laura , Wang Yalin , Waber Deborah P. , Sallan Stephen E. , Golby Alexandra J.
Published: August 2012

Background

Radiation and chemotherapy targeted to the central nervous system (CNS) can cause cognitive impairment, including impaired memory. These memory impairments may be referable to damage to hippocampal structures resulting from CNS treatment.

Procedure

In the present study, we explored episodic memory and its neuroimaging correlates in 10 adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with cranial radiation therapy and both systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy and 10 controls matched for age and sex, using a subsequent memory paradigm after episodic encoding of visual scenes.

Results

We report behavioral, structural, and functional changes in the brains of the adult survivors. They demonstrated poorer recognition memory, hippocampal atrophy, and altered blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal in the hippocampus. Whole brain statistical map analysis revealed increased BOLD signal/activation in several brain regions during unsuccessful encoding in ALL survivors, potentially reflecting ineffective neural recruitment. Individual differences in memory performance in ALL participants were related to magnitude of BOLD response in regions associated with successful encoding.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings describe long term neuroimaging correlates of cognitive dysfunction after childhood exposure to CNS‐targeted cancer therapies, suggesting enduring damage to episodic memory systems. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:293–300. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scaling up cancer care for children without medical insurance in developing countries: The case of Mexico
Authors: Pérez‐Cuevas Ricardo , Doubova Svetlana V. , Zapata‐Tarres Marta , Flores‐Hernández Sergio , Frazier Lindsay , Rodríguez‐Galindo Carlos , Cortes‐Gallo Gabriel , Chertorivski‐Woldenberg Salomon , Muñoz‐Hernández Onofre
Published: August 2012

Background

In 2006, the Mexican government launched the Fund for Protection Against Catastrophic Expenditures (FPGC) to support financially healthcare of high cost illnesses. This study aimed at answering the question whether FPGC improved coverage for cancer care and to measure survival of FPGC affiliated children with cancer.

Procedure

A retrospective cohort study (2006–2009) was conducted in 47 public hospitals. Information of children and adolescents with cancer was analyzed. The coverage was estimated in accordance with expected number of incident cases and those registered at FPGC. The survival was analyzed by using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling.

Results

The study included 3,821 patients. From 2006 to 2009, coverage of new cancer cases increased from 3.3% to 55.3%. Principal diagnoses were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL, 46.4%), central nervous system (CNS) tumors (8.2%), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML, 7.4%). The survival rates at 36 months were ALL (50%), AML (30.5%), Hodgkin lymphoma (74.5%), Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (40.1%), CNS tumors (32.8%), renal tumors (58.4%), bone tumors (33.4%), retinoblastoma (59.2%), and other solid tumors (52.6%). The 3‐year overall survival rates varied among the regions; children between the east and south‐southeast had the higher risks (hazard ratio 3.0; 95% CI: 2.3–3.9) and 2.4; 95% CI: 2.0–2.8) of death from disease when compared with those from the central region.

Conclusion

FPGC has increased coverage of cancer cases. Survival rates were different throughout the country. It is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of this policy to increase access and identify opportunities to reduce the differences in survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:196–203. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Melanoma as a subsequent neoplasm in adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the childhood cancer survivor study
Authors: Pappo A.S. , Armstrong G.T. , Liu W. , Srivastava D.K. , McDonald A. , Leisenring W.M. , Hammond S. , Stovall M. , Neglia J.P. , Robison L.L.
Published: August 2012

Background

Childhood cancer survivors have a sixfold increased risk of developing subsequent neoplasms when compared to the general population. We sought to describe the occurrence of melanoma as a subsequent neoplasm among adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Patients and Methods

Among 14,358 5‐year survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed between 1970 and 1986, we calculated the cumulative incidence, standardized incidence ratio (SIR), and absolute excess risk (AER) of subsequent melanoma. Potential risk factors were assessed using a cause‐specific hazards model.

Results

Fifty‐seven melanomas (46 invasive, 2 ocular, and 9 in situ) occurred in 51 survivors. The median time to the development of melanoma was 21.0 years (range: 5.6–35.4 years) and the median age at melanoma was 32.3 years (range: 10.9–49.0 years). Initial cancer diagnoses included soft tissue and bone sarcoma (n = 15), leukemia (13), lymphoma (14), central nervous system malignancy (5), Wilms tumor (3), and neuroblastoma (1). The cumulative incidence of first subsequent melanoma at 35 years from initial cancer diagnosis was 0.55% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37–0.73]. The SIR of subsequent invasive malignant melanoma of the skin was 2.42 (95% CI: 1.77–3.23), and the AER was 0.10 (95% CI: 0.05–0.15) per 1,000 person‐years. No statistically significant associations were found between melanoma risk and family history of cancer, demographic, or treatment‐related factors.

Conclusion

Survivors of childhood cancer have an approximate 2.5‐fold increased risk of melanoma. Early screening and prevention strategies are warranted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 461–466. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low 2‐methoxyestradiol levels at the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with the development of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Pérez‐Sepúlveda Alejandra , Torres María José , Valenzuela Francisco J. , Larraín Raimundo , Figueroa‐Diesel Horacio , Galaz José , Nien Jyh Kae , Serra Ramón , Michea Luis , Illanes Sebastián E.
Published: August 2012

Objective

To determine whether maternal plasma levels of 2‐methoxyestradiol (2‐ME) are decreased early in pregnancies that subsequently develop pre‐eclampsia (PE) and whether this difference could be attributed to the presence of Val158Met catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) polymorphism in the placenta.

Methods

Clinical characteristics and plasma samples were collected at 11 to 14 weeks prospectively in a cohort of patients. From them, 13 PE and 72 control pregnant women were chosen. Plasma soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase1 and placental growth factor levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence and 2‐ME was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry detection. At delivery, placental tissue was collected and the Val158Met COMT polymorphism was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism–PCR.

Results

At 11 to 14 weeks, patients who would develop PE have significantly lower plasma levels of 2‐ME than controls [1.9 ± 2 standard error of the mean (SEM) vs 61.7 ± 27 pg/mL, P < 0.05]. The Val158Met polymorphism was more frequent in controls than in PE patients and the placental presence of COMT polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of developing PE [PE: 23.1% vs control: 66.6%; χ 2 = 10.9, p = 0.0041].

Conclusions

Lower plasma concentrations of 2‐ME during early pregnancy in patients who subsequently develop PE were found. Presence of placental Val158Met COMT polymorphism is associated with a decreased risk to develop PE, suggesting a protective role against PE. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of acquired tracheobronchomalacia in an infant studied by multidetector computed tomography
Authors: Malhotra Atul , Armstrong David , Ditchfield Michael
Published: August 2012

Acquired tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is an uncommon complication of severe lung disease in infancy. We report a case of TBM in an ex‐premature infant with severe chronic lung disease (CLD). Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was used to dynamically assess the patency of the large airways at different time periods during the infant's hospital course. Initially at 3 months of age, the airways maintained patency during both phases of the respiratory cycle, but at 6 months of age, diffuse TBM was evident on MDCT. Appropriate management with long‐term positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) was initiated for the infant once the diagnosis of acquired TBM was confirmed. The case highlights the efficacy and relative ease of early diagnosis of acquired TBM by MDCT in infants at risk of this condition. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:728–730. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Practicability of nitrogen multiple‐breath washout measurements in a pediatric cystic fibrosis outpatient setting
Authors: Singer Florian , Kieninger Elisabeth , Abbas Chiara , Yammine Sophie , Fuchs Oliver , Proietti Elena , Regamey Nicolas , Casaulta Carmen , Frey Urs , Latzin Philipp
Published: August 2012

Background

Although lung clearance index (LCI) is a sensitive indicator of mild cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, it is rarely measured due to lengthy protocols and the commercial unavailability of multiple‐breath washout (MBW) setups and tracer gases. We used a newly validated, commercially available nitrogen (N2) MBW setup to assess success rate, duration, and variability of LCI within a 20 min timeframe, during clinical routine. We also evaluated the relationship between LCI and other clinical markers of CF lung disease.

Methods

One hundred thirty six children (83 with CF) between 4 and 16 years were studied in a pediatric CF outpatient setting. One hundred eighteen out of 136 children were naïve to MBW. Within 20 min, each child was trained, N2MBW was performed, and LCI was analyzed. We assessed intra‐ and between‐test reproducibility in a subgroup of children.

Results

At least one LCI was feasible in 123 (90%) children, with a mean (range) of 3.3 (1.2–6.4) min per test. Two or more measurements were feasible in 56 (41%) children. Comparing LCI in CF versus controls, LCI mean (SD) was 12.0 (3.9) versus 6.1 (0.9), and the intra‐ and inter‐test coefficient of repeatability was 1.00 versus 0.81 and 0.96 versus 0.62, respectively. LCI was correlated with spirometry, blood gases, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

Conclusions

Using available N2MBW equipment, LCI measurements are practical and fast in children. LCI is correlated with markers of CF lung disease. Longer timeframes would be required for triplicate N2MBW tests in inexperienced children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:739–746. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optoelectronic properties of ABC‐stacked trilayer graphene
Authors: Xiao Y. M. , Xu W. , Zhang Y. Y. , Peeters F. M.
Published: August 2012

We present a theoretical study on the optoelectronic properties of ABC‐stacked trilayer graphene (TLG). The optical conductance and light transmittance are evaluated through using the energy‐balance equation derived from the Boltzmann equation for an air/graphene/dielectric‐wafer system in the presence of linearly polarized radiation field. The results obtained from two band structure models are examined and compared. For short wavelength radiation, the universal optical conductance $\sigma _{0} = 3e^{2} /(4\hbar )$ can be obtained. Importantly, there exists an optical absorption window in the radiation wavelength range 10–200 µm, which is induced by different transition energies required for inter‐ and intra‐band optical absorption channels. As a result, we find that the position and width of this window depend sensitively on temperature and carrier density of the system, especially the lower frequency edge. There is a small characteristic absorption peak at about 82 µm where the largest interband transition states exist in the ABC‐stacked TLG model, in contrast to the relatively smooth curves in a simplified model. These theoretical results indicate that TLG has some interesting and important physical properties which can be utilized to realize infrared or THz optoelectronic devices.
Multivariate extreme value modelling of laboratory safety data from clinical studies
Authors: Southworth Harry , Heffernan Janet E.
Published: August 2012

Generally, in the interpretation of clinical safety laboratory data, it is extreme values that indicate potential safety issues. We illustrate the application of multivariate extreme value modelling to such data. Applying the methods to a clinical trial dataset, we find unexpected extremal relationships that have potentially important implications for the interpretation of such data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination of Comfrey Root Extract Plus Methyl Nicotinate in Patients with Conditions of Acute Upper or Low Back Pain: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Pabst Helmut , Schaefer Axel , Staiger Christiane , Junker‐Samek Marc , Predel Hans‐Georg
Published: August 2012

This randomised, multicentre, double‐blind, three‐arm, placebo‐controlled trial compared a topical combination of 35% comfrey root extract plus 1.2% methyl nicotinate versus a single preparation of methyl nicotinate or placebo cream for relief of acute upper or low back pain. 379 patients were randomly assigned to three groups (combination, n = 163; methyl nicotinate, n = 164; placebo, n = 52). They applied a 12 cm layer of cream three times daily for 5 days. The primary efficacy variable was the area under the curve (AUC) of the visual analogue scale (VAS) on active standardised movement values at visits 1 to 4. Secondary measures included back pain at rest, pressure algometry, consumption of analgesic medication, functional impairment measured with Oswestry Disability Index, and global assessment of response. The AUC of the VAS on active standardised movement was markedly smaller in the combination treatment group than in the methyl nicotinate and in the placebo group (ANOVA: p < 0.0001). The combination demonstrated superiority to the two other treatment arms, while methyl nicotinate displayed a considerable effect as well. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of the Cardiovascular Benefits and Antioxidant Properties of Allicin
Authors: Chan Jackie Yan‐Yan , Yuen Ailsa Chui‐Ying , Chan Robbie Yat‐Kan , Chan Shun‐Wan
Published: August 2012

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a category of chronic noncommunicable diseases causing high global mortality and has been a heavy social burden in many countries. In the search of chemicals that arise from natural food source, allicin is one such ingredient from garlic that was discovered with the potential to provide beneficial effects to the cardiovascular system. From the pharmacokinetic studies, allicin is known to be hydrophobic and can be readily absorbed through the cell membrane without inducing any damage to the phospholipid bilayer and then rapidly metabolized to exert pharmacological effects that are important to the cardiovascular system. It was found to provide cardio‐protective effects by inducing vasorelaxation and alleviating various pathological conditions of CVD, including cardiac hypertrophy, angiogenesis, platelet aggregation, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. Allicin was also discovered to further protect the cardiovascular system by enhancing the antioxidant status by lowering the level of reactive oxygen species and stimulating the production of glutathione. Other pharmacological benefits such as anticancer and antimicrobial activities were also discussed. It is concluded that allicin can be potentially developed into a health product for the cardiovascular system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The potential for skill across the range of the seamless weather‐climate prediction problem: a stimulus for our science
Authors: Hoskins Brian
Published: August 2012

Predictability is considered in the context of the seamless weather‐climate prediction problem, and the notion is developed that there can be predictive power on all time‐scales. On all scales there are phenomena that occur as well as longer time‐scales and external conditions that should combine to give some predictability. To what extent this theoretical predictability may actually be realised and, further, to what extent it may be useful is not clear. However the potential should provide a stimulus to, and high profile for, our science and its application for many years. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The effect of time steps and time‐scales on parametrization suites
Authors: Williamson David L.
Published: August 2012

The problem of intense, truncation‐scale storms that form in high‐resolution versions of the Community Atmosphere Model Version 4 (CAM4) is studied. These storms are characterized by extreme vertical motion and heavy precipitation. This problem arises when some individual parametrizations do not produce an atmospheric‐like state because they are restrained by the time‐scales assumed in their formulation; other unconstrained parametrizations that follow then work in unintended ways. The behaviour of the moist parametrization components is examined in CAM4 for one typical, strong cell. At T340 spectral truncation with a 5 min time step, the deep and shallow convection parametrizations do not remove instabilities and supersaturation because they have time‐scales of 1 h and 30 min, respectively. Then the prognostic cloud‐water scheme, which is not constrained by a time‐scale, does remove supersaturation. That local release of latent heat drives very strong vertical motion and horizontal convergence, which transports even more water vapour into the column, exacerbating the problem. Two simple model problems are introduced that illustrate the ramifications of the time‐scale and time‐step mismatch. When either the time‐scales are shortened or the time step is lengthened, the convection parametrizations are more active and strong storms do not form. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Meteorology in society and practical developments
Authors: Hunt J. C. R.
Published: August 2012

The intellectual and cultural dimensions of the science of meteorology and its applications are now widely appreciated. The revolutions in worldwide media and communication technology enable the public and decision‐makers to be much better informed about the present and future state of weather, environment and climate, and their practical implications. Non‐specialists can now understand and engage in debating some of the main scientific questions facing meteorologists. The institutional and political issues associated with these developments are discussed, particularly the organizational arrangements for the measurement, forecasting, exchange of data and public communication. The effectiveness and functioning of national meteorological services (NMS) and international organizations involved in meteorology depend on their financing and governance, and also their policies for the exchange of data. These factors also affect how they collaborate with other public and private organizations, especially those in related sciences and technologies. Advances in science and computing are progressively improving the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasting and climate predictions, including estimates of their intrinsic limitations. The Internet, which is providing a greater variety of meteorological data to members of the public, also enables them to contribute, not only as voluntary observers and in assisting with warnings of extreme events, but even in participating in computer experiments about climate predictions. The public as well as weather professionals now also provide valuable feedback to forecasting organizations. The role of meteorology becomes even more central to societies as they prepare for the dangers associated with significant changes in climate and environment caused by human activities. Policies to reduce these dangers have to be based on predicting future climate trends, taking into account how societies will respond to these dangers over periods of decades and centuries. There are doubts as to whether emissions of greenhouse gases will be reduced soon enough to avoid critical changes to the environment; failing that, what local and/or global measures might be taken to moderate climate change artificially? Suggestions are made about a better understanding between meteorology, government and society to deal with such issues. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Spectral structure of mesoscale winds over the water
Authors: Larsén Xiaoli Guo , Vincent Claire , Larsen Søren
Published: August 2012

Standard meteorological measurements from a number of masts around two Danish offshore wind farms have been used to study the spectral structure of the mesoscale winds, including the power spectrum, the co‐ and quadrature spectrum and the coherence. When average conditions are considered, the power spectra show universal characteristics, in agreement with the findings in literature, including the energy amplitude and the −5/3 spectral slope in the mesoscale range transitioning to a slope of −3 for synoptic and planetary scales. The integral time‐scale of the local weather is found to be useful to describe the spectral slope transition as well as the limit for application of the Taylor hypothesis. The stability parameter calculated from point measurements, the bulk Richardson number, is found insufficient to represent the various atmospheric structures that have their own spectral behaviours under different stability conditions, such as open cells and gravity waves. For stationary conditions, the mesoscale turbulence is found to bear some characteristics of two‐dimensional isotropy, including (1) very minor vertical variation of spectra; (2) similar spectral behaviour for the along‐ and across‐wind components; and (3) the along‐ and across‐wind components at one point are not correlated. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
CLASSIFICATION OF NATURAL FLOW REGIMES IN THE EBRO BASIN (SPAIN) BY USING A WIDE RANGE OF HYDROLOGIC PARAMETERS
Authors: Alba Solans M. , LeRoy Poff N.
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a classification of different natural flow regimes found in Ebro basin, one of the largest in the Mediterranean region. Determination of flow regimes was based on multivariate analyses using long‐term discharge series of unaltered flow data. Mean monthly discharges of the 30 ‘best’ flow series and a total of 52 flow series containing unaltered flow data were selected to represent baseline flow conditions for tributaries throughout the basin. Metrics representing magnitude, duration and frequency components of flow were used to identify hydrologic differences across the basin. A total of six natural flow regimes were identified in the Ebro Basin, using a Ward cluster method. The flow patterns identified and their spatial distribution largely corresponded with climatic zones previously reported for the Ebro Basin, with regime types ranging from pluvio‐oceanic in the western part of the basin to Mediterranean in the eastern region. Geologic characteristics of the catchment and altitude of headwaters were also found to play an important role in defining flow regime type. A 19‐hydrologic variable subset was used to explain main hydrologic differences among groups (such as magnitude and frequency of extreme flow conditions or magnitude and variance of average flow conditions). However, stepwise discriminant analysis was not able to identify consistent subsets of hydrologic variables that adequately identified the six natural flow regime types in this basin. Canonical discriminant analysis was useful to understand class separation and for the interpretation of results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Method for Evaluating Coke Hot Strength
Authors: Haapakangas Juho , Uusitalo Juha , Mattila Olli , Kokkonen Tommi , Porter David , Fabritius Timo
Published: August 2012

The strength of coke is of major importance for efficient blast furnace operation. There are only a few studies related to compressive coke hot strength, possibly due to experimental difficulties. In this work, it has been demonstrated that the Gleeble thermomechanical simulator is suitable for evaluating coke hot strength and offers many benefits compared to purpose‐built devices reported in the literature. This finding could open coke hot strength research to a wider number of scientists. The compressive hot strength of coke was evaluated at 1000 and 1600°C by testing 50 samples at both temperatures. The yield strength and ultimate strength of the coke were, respectively, 46 and 20% lower at 1600°C than 1000°C. Stress–strain curves showed that the coke was brittle at 1000°C but partially plastic at 1600°C. The significantly lower coke strength at 1600°C could help explain the smaller coke lump size found near the tuyere level in quenched blast furnaces.
Recent successes in coarse‐grained modeling of DNA
Authors: Potoyan Davit A. , Savelyev Alexey , Papoian Garegin A.
Published: August 2012

The growing interest in the DNA‐based mesoscale systems of biological and nonbiological nature has encouraged the computational molecular science community to develop coarse‐grained (CG) representationsof the DNA that will be simple enough to permit exhaustive simulations in a reasonable amount of time, yet complex enough to capture the essential physics at play. In the recent years, there have been some major developments in the DNA coarse‐graining area and several fairly sophisticated models are now available that faithfully reproduce key mechanical and chemical properties of the double‐ and single‐stranded DNA. However, there are still many challenges, which limit the applicability of the present models, and much has to be done yet to develop more reliable schemes which would have a predictive power beyond the target domain of the intrinsic parametrization. A development of robust, controllable, and transferrable CG DNA force fields will provide an invaluable tool for gaining physical insights into the molecular nature of complex DNA‐based nanoscale entities such as the chromatin, virus capsids, and DNA nanocomposites. In the present contribution, we provide an overview of the recent developments in the DNA coarse‐graining field. Our aim is to review the existing CG models of the double‐stranded DNA, where a small selection of models, which we believe provide avenues for promising future development, are discussed in some detail. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Mechanics
Visualization toolkit software
Authors: Wills Graham
Published: August 2012

Information visualization is a discipline that takes data as an input and produces visual representations of that data in a form that can be readily understood by people. The overall goal of a Visualization Toolkit is to provide a library that can be used by professionals to construct appropriate visualizations so as to allow their data to be understood and used in decision‐making. This article defines the major components of a visualization toolkit and provides details on how they can be implemented and the consequences and restrictions imposed by those decisions.WIREs Comput Stat2012 doi: 10.1002/wics.1224

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Computer Graphics

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Statistical Graphics and Visualization
Mining from protein–protein interactions
Authors: Mamitsuka Hiroshi
Published: August 2012

Proteins are important cellular molecules, and interacting protein pairs provide biologically important information, such as functional relationships. We focus on the problem of predicting physically interacting protein pairs. This is an important problem in biology, which has been actively investigated in the field of data mining and knowledge discovery. Our particular focus is on data‐mining‐based methods, and the objective of this review is to introduce these methods for data mining researchers from technical viewpoints. We categorize those methods into three types: pairwise data‐based, network‐based, and integrative approaches, each approach being described in a different section. The first section is further divided into five types, such as supervised learning, algorithmic approaches, and unsupervised learning. The second section is mainly on link prediction, which can be further divided into two types, and two subsections that cover topics related with protein interaction networks are further added. The final section provides a wide variety of methods in integrative approaches. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Biological Data Mining

Application Areas > Industry Specific Applications

Technologies > Machine Learning
Software mining and fault prediction
Authors: Catal Cagatay
Published: August 2012

Mining software repositories (MSRs) such as source control repositories, bug repositories, deployment logs, and code repositories provide useful patterns for practitioners. Instead of using these repositories as record‐keeping ones, we need to transform them into active repositories that can guide the decision processes inside the company. By MSRs with several data mining algorithms, effective software fault prediction models can be built and error‐prone modules can be detected prior to the testing phase. We discuss numerous real‐world challenges in building accurate fault prediction models and present some solutions to these challenges. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Science and Technology
The Silicides M4Si4 with M = Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Ba2Si4 – NMR Spectroscopy and Quantum Mechanical Calculations
Authors: Goebel Thorsten , Ormeci Alim , Pecher Oliver , Haarmann Frank
Published: August 2012

The Zintl phases M4Si4 with M = Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Ba2Si4 feature a common structural unit, the Si44– anion. The coordination of the anions by the cations varies significantly. This allows a systematic investigation of the bonding situation of the anions by 29Si NMR spectroscopy. The compounds were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, 23Na, 29Si, 87Rb, 133Cs NMR spectroscopy, and quantum mechanical calculation of the NMR coupling parameter. The chemical bonding was investigated by quantum mechanical calculations of the electron localizability indicator (ELI). Synthesis of the compounds results for all of them in single phase material. A systematic increase of the isotropic 29Si NMR signal shift with increasing atomic number of the cations is observed by NMR experiments and quantum mechanical calculation of the NMR coupling parameter. The agreement of experimental and theoretical results is very good allowing an unambiguous assignment of the NMR signals to the atomic sites. Quantum mechanical modelling of the NMR shift parameter indicates a dominant influence of the cations on the isotropic 29Si NMR signal shift. In contrast to this a negligible influence of the geometry of the anions on the NMR signal shift is obtained by these model calculations. The origin of the systematic variation of the isotropic NMR signal shift is not yet clear although an influence of the charge transfer estimated by calculation using the QTAIM approach is indicated.
Massive hermitian gravity
Authors: Chamseddine Ali H. , Mukhanov Viatcheslav
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Einstein-Strauss Hermitian gravity was recently formulated as a gauge theory where the tangent group is taken to be the pseudo-unitary group instead of the orthogonal group. A Higgs mechanism for massive gravity was also formulated. We generalize this construction to obtain massive Hermitian gravity with the use of a complex Higgs multiplet. We show that both the graviton and antisymmetric tensor acquire the same mass. At the linearized level, the theory is ghost free around Minkowski background and describes a massive graviton with five degrees of freedom and an antisymmetric field with three degrees of of freedom. We determine the strong coupling scales for these degrees of freedom and argue that the potential nonlinear ghosts, if they exist, have to decouple from the gravitational degrees of freedom in strong coupling regime.
Sigma terms and strangeness content of the nucleon with N

f
= 2 + 1 + 1 twisted mass fermions
Authors: Dinter Simon , Drach Vincent , Frezzotti Roberto , Herdoiza Gregorio , Jansen Karl , Rossi Giancarlo
Published: August 2012

Abstract

We study the nucleon matrix elements of the quark scalar-density operator using maximally twisted mass fermions with dynamical light (u,d), strange and charm degrees of freedom. We demonstrate that in this setup the nucleon matrix elements of the light and strange quark densities can be obtained with good statistical accuracy, while for the charm quark counterpart only a bound can be provided. The present calculation which is performed at only one value of the lattice spacing and pion mass serves as a technical feasibility study for a future computation of the scalar quark content of the nucleon with a detailed analysis of the systematics.
Advances in Bridging Research and Practice: Introduction to the Second Special Issue on the Interactive System Framework for Dissemination and Implementation
Authors: Flaspohler Paul , Lesesne Catherine A. , Puddy Richard W. , Smith Emilie , Wandersman Abraham
Published: August 2012

The need for new ways to bridge the gap between research and practice is clear; the use of evidence‐based prevention programs and implementation with fidelity in practice are strikingly limited. The Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) was created to help bridge research and practice by specifying the systems and processes required to support dissemination and implementation of evidence‐based programs, processes, practices, and policies. The ISF identifies three key systems necessary for this process which include the Synthesis and Translation System, the Support System, and the Delivery System. The ISF was featured in a special issue of the American Journal of Community Psychology in 2008. This special issue extends that work by including both researchers who have applied an ISF lens to aspects of their current work and researchers who have proactively applied the ISF in a process that goes across the various systems of the ISF, i.e., Synthesis and Translation, Support, and Delivery. Content areas include: children's mental health, teen pregnancy prevention, HIV prevention, violence prevention, heart disease and stroke prevention, breast cancer prevention, and substance abuse prevention. In this introductory article, we provide a brief description of the history of the ISF and a summary of the articles in the special issue.

Special Issue: Advances in Bridging Research and Practice Using the Interactive System Framework for Dissemination and Implementation; Guest Editors: Abraham Wandersman, Paul Flaspohler, Catherine A. Lesesne, Richard Puddy; Action Editor: Emilie Phillips Smith
Multimodality Imaging in Congenital Heart Disease: an Update
Authors: Truong Uyen T. , Kutty Shelby , Broberg Craig S. , Sahn David J.
Published: August 2012

The increasing number of survivors of congenital heart disease (CHD) has been paralleled by advancement of imaging modalities used for the ongoing assessment of these patients. There has been a large body of literature describing new approaches to non-invasive assessment of CHD. We will review new applications of well established as well as novel techniques for the management and understanding of CHD.
Conformational transition of the lid helix covering the protease active site is essential for the ATP‐dependent protease activity of FtsH
Authors: Suno Ryoji , Shimoyama Masakazu , Abe Akiko , Shimamura Tatsuro , Shimodate Natsuka , Watanabe Yo-hei , Akiyama Yoshinori , Yoshida Masasuke
Published: August 2012

FtsH
and
FtsH
bind by molecular sieving (View Interaction)
Fetuin‐A triggers the secretion of a novel set of exosomes in detached tumor cells that mediate their adhesion and spreading
Authors: Watson Kurt , Koumangoye Rainelli , Thompson Pamela , Sakwe Amos M. , Patel Tina , Pratap Siddharth , Ochieng Josiah
Published: August 2012

Our goal in this study was to define the mechanisms by which fetuin‐A mediates the adhesion of tumor cells. The data show that in the absence of fetuin‐A, detached tumor cells secrete exosomes that contain most of the known exosomal associated proteins but lack the capacity to mediate cellular adhesion. In the presence of fetuin‐A, the cells secrete exosomes, which contain, in addition to the other exosomal proteins, fetuin‐A, plasminogen and histones. These exosomes mediate adhesion and cell spreading. Plasminogen is a participant in this novel adhesion mechanism. The data suggest that these exosomes play a role in tumor progression.
Strand-Biased Gene Distribution in Bacteria Is Related to both Horizontal Gene Transfer and Strand-Biased Nucleotide Composition
Authors: Wu Hao , Qu Hongzhu , Wan Ning , Zhang Zhang , Hu Songnian , Yu Jun
Published: August 2012

Although strand-biased gene distribution (SGD) was described some two decades ago, the underlying molecular mechanisms and their relationship remain elusive. Its facets include, but are not limited to, the degree of biases, the strand-preference of genes, and the influence of background nucleotide composition variations. Using a dataset composed of 364 non-redundant bacterial genomes, we sought to illustrate our current understanding of SGD. First, when we divided the collection of bacterial genomes into non-polC and polC groups according to their possession of DnaE isoforms that correlate closely with taxonomy, the SGD of the polC group stood out more significantly than that of the non-polC group. Second, when examining horizontal gene transfer, coupled with gene functional conservation (essentiality) and expressivity (level of expression), we realized that they all contributed to SGD. Third, we further demonstrated a weaker G-dominance on the leading strand of the non-polC group but strong purine dominance (both G and A) on the leading strand of the polC group. We propose that strand-biased nucleotide composition plays a decisive role for SGD since the polC-bearing genomes are not only AT-rich but also have pronounced purine-rich leading strands, and we believe that a special mutation spectrum that leads to a strong purine asymmetry and a strong strand-biased nucleotide composition coupled with functional selections for genes and their functions are both at work.
Introduction to Quantum Optics
Authors: Grynberg Gilbert , Aspect Alain , Fabre Claude , Cohen-Tannoudji Claude
Published: August 2012

Covering a number of important subjects in quantum optics, this textbook is an excellent introduction for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students, familiarizing readers with the basic concepts and formalism as well as the most recent advances. The first part of the textbook covers the semi-classical approach where matter is quantized, but light is not. It describes significant phenomena in quantum optics, including the principles of lasers. The second part is devoted to the full quantum description of light and its interaction with matter, covering topics such as spontaneous emission, and classical and non-classical states of light. An overview of photon entanglement and applications to quantum information is also given. In the third part, non-linear optics and laser cooling of atoms are presented, where using both approaches allows for a comprehensive description. Each chapter describes basic concepts in detail, and more specific concepts and phenomena are presented in 'complements'.
Ecosystem Functioning
Authors: Jax Kurt
Published: August 2012

In the face of decreasing biodiversity and ongoing global changes, maintaining ecosystem functioning is seen both as a means to preserve biological diversity as well as for safeguarding human well-being by securing the services ecosystems provide. The concept today is prominent in many fields of ecology and conservation biology, such as biodiversity research, ecosystem management, or restoration ecology. Although the idea of ecosystem functioning is important, the concept itself remains rather vague and elusive. This book provides a novel analysis and integrated synthesis of different approaches to conceptualising and assessing ecosystem functioning. It links the natural sciences with methodologies from philosophy and the social sciences, and introduces a new methodology for a clearer and more efficient application of ecosystem functioning concepts in practice. Special emphasis is laid on the social dimensions of the concept and the ways it influences research practice. Several case studies relate theoretical analyses to practical application.
Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory
Authors: Dimock Jonathan
Published: August 2012

Explaining the concepts of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory in a precise mathematical language, this textbook is an ideal introduction for graduate students in mathematics, helping to prepare them for further studies in quantum physics. The textbook covers topics that are central to quantum physics: non-relativistic quantum mechanics, quantum statistical mechanics, relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. There is also background material on analysis, classical mechanics, relativity and probability. Each topic is explored through a statement of basic principles followed by simple examples. Around 100 problems throughout the textbook help readers develop their understanding.
Intelligence for an Age of Terror
Authors: Treverton Gregory F.
Published: August 2012

During the Cold War, U.S. intelligence was concerned primarily with states; non-state actors like terrorists were secondary. Now the priorities are reversed and the challenge is enormous. States had an address, and they were hierarchical and bureaucratic. They thus came with some 'story'. Terrorists do not. States were 'over there', but terrorists are there and here. They thus put pressure on intelligence at home, not just abroad. The strength of this book is that it underscores the extent of the change and ranges broadly across data collection and analysis, foreign and domestic, as well as presenting the issues of value that arise as new targets require collecting more information at home.