bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysphagia in duchenne muscular dystrophy versus myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Umemoto George , Furuya Hirokazu , Kitashima Akio , Sakai Mitsuaki , Arahata Hajime , Kikuta Toshihiro
Published: February 2012

Introduction:

In this study we aimed to demonstrate the distinctive features of dysphagia in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods:

Diet‐type score (DTS) and maximum tongue pressure (MTP) were measured in 20 DM1 and 24 DMD patients; all patients were also examined by videofluoroscopy (VF). We used VF to measure the range of hyoid bone excursion (RHBE) during pharyngeal transit time and the area of pharyngeal residue (APR) after the first swallow.

Results:

RHBE and APR values for DM1 patients were significantly greater than those for DMD patients. DTS and MTP did not differ between patients. A significant correlation was observed between DTS, MTP, and RHBE in DMD patients, but not in DM1 patients.

Conclusions:

Our findings reveal the differences in the distinctive features of dysphagia in DM1 and DMD. Adjustments in the diet of DMD patients in accordance with swallowing ability could be useful. Muscle Nerve 46: 490–495, 2012
Characterization and mapping of dipolar interactions within macromolecules in tissues using a combination of DQF, MT and UTE MRI
Authors: Eliav Uzi , Komlosh Michal , Basser Peter J. , Navon Gil
Published: February 2012

This study shows that by combining a double‐quantum filtered magnetization transfer (DQF‐MT) with an ultra‐short TE (UTE) MRI that it is possible to obtain contrast between tissue compartments based on the following characteristics: (a) the residual dipolar coupling interaction within the biomacromolecules, which depends on their structure, (b) residual dipolar interactions within water molecules, and (c) the magnetization exchange rate between biomacromolecules and water. The technique is demonstrated in rat‐tail specimens, where the collagenous tissue such as tendons and the annulus pulposus of the disc are highlighted in these images, and their macromolecular properties along with those of bones and muscles can be characterized. DQF‐MT UTE MRI also holds promise because collagenous tissues that are typically invisible in conventional MRI experiments produce significant signal intensities using this approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity analysis for the generalized singular value decomposition
Authors: Chen Xiao Shan , Li Wen
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we discuss the sensitivity of multiple nonzero finite generalized singular values and the corresponding generalized singular matrix set of a real matrix pair analytically dependent on several parameters. From our results, the partial derivatives of multiple nonzero singular values and their left and right singular vector matrices are obtained.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome‐wide RNA interference analysis of renal carcinoma survival regulators identifies MCT4 as a Warburg effect metabolic target
Authors: Gerlinger Marco , Santos Claudio R , Spencer‐Dene Bradley , Martinez Pierre , Endesfelder David , Burrell Rebecca A , Vetter Marcus , Jiang Ming , Saunders Rebecca E , Kelly Gavin , Dykema Karl , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Stamp Gordon , Patard Jean Jacques , Larkin James , Howell Michael , Swanton Charles
Published: February 2012

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common pathological subtype of kidney cancer. Here, we integrated an unbiased genome‐wide RNA interference screen for ccRCC survival regulators with an analysis of recurrently overexpressed genes in ccRCC to identify new therapeutic targets in this disease. One of the most potent survival regulators, the monocarboxylate transporter MCT4 (SLC16A3), impaired ccRCC viability in all eight ccRCC lines tested and was the seventh most overexpressed gene in a meta‐analysis of five ccRCC expression datasets. MCT4 silencing impaired secretion of lactate generated through glycolysis and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Silencing MCT4 resulted in intracellular acidosis, and reduction in intracellular ATP production together with partial reversion of the Warburg effect in ccRCC cell lines. Intra‐tumoural heterogeneity in the intensity of MCT4 protein expression was observed in primary ccRCCs. MCT4 protein expression analysis based on the highest intensity of expression in primary ccRCCs was associated with poorer relapse‐free survival, whereas modal intensity correlated with Fuhrman nuclear grade. Consistent with the potential selection of subclones enriched for MCT4 expression during disease progression, MCT4 expression was greater at sites of metastatic disease. These data suggest that MCT4 may serve as a novel metabolic target to reverse the Warburg effect and limit disease progression in ccRCC. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First trimester screening for aneuploidies in successive pregnancies: correlations between markers
Authors: Illescas Tamara , Ortega Dolores , Soler Patricia , Costa Gloria , Coronado Pluvio , Montalvo Joaquín
Published: February 2012

Objectives

Screening for chromosomal abnormalities in the first trimester of pregnancy is based on maternal age, nuchal translucency (NT), and biochemical markers (pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin). We have assessed the influence of screenings and outcomes in previous pregnancies on screenings in subsequent pregnancies.

Methods

Retrospective study of the correlation between the variables of first trimester combined screening for chromosome abnormalities in patients with subsequent pregnancies. Excluded were gestations with fetal aneuploidies.

Results

Between July 1999 and December 2009, there were 2291 women with more than 1 euploid pregnancy screened in the first trimester in our hospital. There was a moderate correlation for pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (ρ = 0.530, p <0.001) and free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (ρ = 0.439, p <0.001) between the first and second pregnancy. The trend continued in successive pregnancies. NT showed no correlations of clinical importance. With an overall false positive (FP) rate of 2.1% for the combined screening, the probability of having a recurrent FP in the second pregnancy was 4.3% (not significant).

Conclusion

There are significant correlations between biochemical markers but not NT in successive pregnancies, leading to increased risk of recurrence of FP results. However, such increase is not statistically significant if the overall FP rate is very low. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carrier state for the nebulin exon 55 deletion and abnormal prenatal ultrasound findings as potential signs of nemaline myopathy
Authors: Yonath Hagith , Reznik‐Wolf Haike , Berkenstadt Michal , Eisenberg‐Barzilai Shlomit , Lehtokari Vilma‐Lotta , Wallgren‐Pettersson Carina , Mehta Lakshmi , Achiron Reuven , Gilboa Yinon , Polak‐Charcon Sylvie , Winder Thomas , Frydman Moshe , Pras Elon
Published: February 2012

Objective

To increase awareness to the possibility of nemaline myopathy (NM) when abnormal prenatal ultrasound findings appear together with a carrier state for the common exon 55 deletion in the nebulin gene (NEB) of an Ashkenazi Jewish parent.

Methods

We describe four unrelated pregnancies with abnormal prenatal ultrasound findings resulting in the birth of newborns with NM, where one or both parents were of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. Data was collected retrospectively from the patients' medical files. Molecular analysis of NEB was performed on the DNA from the patients and parents.

Results

Prenatal ultrasound findings included polyhydramnios, decreased fetal movements, club feet, and arthrogryposis. A biopsy from two of the newborns was consistent with NM. In all of the newborns, the common NEB exon 55 deletion was detected in the heterozygote state and in three of them, a second novel mutation was found.

Conclusions

Ultrasonographic findings suggestive of a myopathy and a carrier state for the NEB exon 55 deletion in one of the parents should trigger a thorough investigation for NM. The extreme size of NEB imposes great difficulties when searching for a second mutation, especially under the time constraints of an ongoing pregnancy. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of students' perceptions of a college‐based programme that involves patients, carers and service users in physiotherapy education
Authors: Thomson Di , Hilton Ros
Published: February 2012

Background. There is little evidence of the integration of UK physiotherapy university education into clinical practice, and some students say that they are not adequately prepared for professional life. This was addressed by a college‐based programme involving patients, carers and service users as facilitators of learning to enhance the partnership between health professionals and patients. Purpose. This programme has been running for 2 years, and this paper is an evaluation of the students' perceptions of it, appraising the outcomes of their learning in order to discover the ways in which it can be enhanced, improved or changed. Methods. A grounded theory approach utilizing focus groups and semi‐structured interviews was conducted. Three focus groups representing the higher educational levels 4–6 in pre‐registration physiotherapy were carried out. Following the analysis of the focus groups, seven interviews reflecting the three educational levels were conducted in order to explore in greater depth the findings from the focus groups. The analysis of the focus groups and the subsequent interviews were carried out in accordance with a grounded theory framework. Results. The students perceived the programme as a context in which to think how their learning needs could be met within a ‘real’ framework but on their own territory. Equally, it created feelings of anxiety at being given such an open forum that created a challenge to their communication skills. Many expressed a wish for a more explicit mentoring–learning environment. They also perceived a tension between the technical–rational demands of academia and social practice and a need to view this as a basis for critical appraisal and self‐awareness. Conclusion. This programme appeared to be integral to the students' development as future physiotherapists. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photolytic versus microbial degradation of clomazone in a flooded California rice field soil
Authors: Tomco Patrick L , Tjeerdema Ronald S
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Clomazone is a popular herbicide used on California rice fields and exhibits rapid anaerobic microbial degradation (t1/2 = 7.9 days). To test the potential of direct and indirect photolytic degradation as a cofactor in the overall degradation rate, sacrificial time‐series microcosms were amended with water, non‐sterilized soil + water and sterilized soil + water. Clomazone was added to each microcosm, which was then exposed to natural and artificial sunlight over 35 days. Water and acetonitrile extracts were analyzed for clomazone and metabolites via LC/MS/MS.

RESULTS: The calculated pseudo‐first‐order degradation rate constants (k) were kwater = 0–0.005 ± 0.003 day−1, ksterile = 0–0.005 ± 0.003 day−1 and knon−sterile = 0.010 ± 0.002–0.044 ± 0.007 day−1, depending on light type. The formation of ring‐open clomazone, a microbial metabolite, correlated with clomazone degradation. Trace amounts of 5‐hydroxyclomazone (m/z = 256 → 125), aromatic hydroxyclomazone (m/z = 256 → 141) and an unknown product (m/z = 268 → 125) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: The photolytic degradation rate depends on both light type and the quality of the chromophores that induce indirect photolysis. Microbial degradation was found to be sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Overall, microbes are shown to be more detrimental to the environmental fate of clomazone than photolysis. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Nematicidal fluorescent pseudomonads for the in vitro and in vivo suppression of root knot (Meloidogyne incognita) of Capsicum annuum L.
Authors: Wahla Verinder , Maheshwari Dinesh K , Bajpai Vivek K
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Considerable attention has been paid to plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), especially the fluorescent group of Pseudomonas species, as the best alternatives to chemicals for facilitating ecofriendly biological control of soil‐ and seedborne microorganisms. On the basis of their novel plant‐growth‐promoting attributes, two rhizobacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa VP1 and VP2 selected out of over 63 isolates from the rhizosphere of chilli (Capsicum annuum) were identified as potential candidates for biocontrol of the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on chilli.

RESULTS: The nematicidal activity of both strains was evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their efficacy against M. incognita. P. aeruginosa VP2 exhibited strong nematicidal activity in comparison with VP1, based on the in vitro killing of the second‐stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita. Seed bacterisation with both strains VP1 and VP2 was able to manage root‐knot M. incognita on chilli (C. annuum) in a pot trial study. Increase in root and shoot length and in fresh and dry weight of root and shoot and reduction in the root‐knot index over the control were attained. In overall performance, VP2 was 29.5% more effective than VP1, and about 30% more effective than the control (non‐bacterised).

CONCLUSION: The application of P. aeruginosa VP1 and P. aeruginosa VP2 controls the development of M. incognita in C. annuum, and hence they are recommended as efficient plant growth promotors and biocontrolling agents for raising healthy crop of C. annuum that can promote the growth of plants and reduce the nematode (M. incognita) population. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Electron scattering by random adsorbates: A tunable decoherence mechanism in surface bands
Authors: Marion Sanjin , Gumhalter Branko
Published: February 2012

Mechanisms of electron decoherence at surfaces are manifold as they may originate from the various complex interactions of electrons with the static crystal structure and dynamical degrees of freedom of the environment. Decoherence effects manifest themselves in the spectroscopic data in a convoluted fashion and it is usually hard or even impossible to fully disentangle them from each other because of the lack of control of underlying mechanisms by the external observer. However, electronic propagation in quasi‐two‐dimensional image potential bands (IS‐bands) on flat low index surfaces of some metals is subject to an efficient decoherence mechanism that can be controlled externally by careful preparation of the surface. By dosing the concentration (i.e. the coverage) of adsorbates on clean surfaces, which act as randomly distributed scattering centres, one can tune the strength of incoherent IS‐electron scattering from defects. Such processes in IS‐bands on Cu(100) surface have been investigated by two‐photon‐photoemission (2PPE) spectroscopy and interpreted using Fermi golden rule approach to calculation of the quasiparticle decay rates and scattering cross sections. However, these results could reproduce the experimental data only in a limited energy interval. Here, we employ the description of electron decoherence in IS‐bands based on the propagator approach and infrared renormalization of quasiparticle self‐energy and demonstrate that it gives a very good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results for the cross sections. This enables us to discuss the temporal stages of electron dynamics and decoherence in the intermediate states of 2PPE spectroscopy of surface bands.
Blue‐shift of E2 critical point resonance in optical second‐harmonic spectrum of Si nanocrystals
Authors: Mendoza Bernardo S. , Wei Junwei , Downer Michael C.
Published: February 2012

The E2 critical point (CP) resonance in the second‐harmonic spectrum of silica‐embedded Si nanocrystals (NCs) of 3 and 5 nm average diameter is observed to be blue‐shifted by 0.5 eV from its energy (4.4 eV) in the linear dielectric response ε(ω) of the same samples. In contrast, the E1 CP resonance (3.4 eV) and a third resonance intermediate in energy (3.8 eV) between E1 and E2 occur at nearly the same energy in both linear and nonlinear spectra. We explain the anomalous E2 blue‐shift by calculating the second‐harmonic response function Δ(ω) of the NCs analytically from the measured ε(ω) using a dipolium model. The analysis shows that the E2 blue‐shift originates from the screening factors of the form [ε(2ω) + 2]−1 and [2ε(2ω) + 3]−1 that are unique to second‐harmonic generation (SHG) from nanospheres. Strong interaction between E2 and $E'_{1} $ (5.3 eV in bulk c‐Si) resonant contributions to this factor pulls the E2 peak response toward the higher $E'_{1} $ energy while negligibly influencing lower energy resonances.
Towards electrical detection of plasmons in all‐silicon pin‐diodes
Authors: Fischer Inga A. , Wu Jyh‐Lih , Vogelgesang Ralf , Schulze Jörg
Published: February 2012

We investigate the possibility for optically exciting and electrically detecting surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in a set‐up fully compatible with complementary‐metal‐oxide‐semiconductor that consists of a silicon pin‐diode. A grating in the aluminum electrode of the pin‐diode is intended to enable the optical excitation of SPPs at the interface between the aluminum metallization and the SiO2‐passivation of the diode. When the SPP propagates towards the pin‐diode and excites electron–hole pairs, it can be detected on the basis of the resulting photocurrent. We report on preliminary results obtained with scanning photocurrent microscopy with three different laser wavelengths (458, 512, and 633 nm).
Boehmite (γ‐AlOOH) nanoparticles: Hydrothermal synthesis, characterization, pH‐controlled morphologies, optical properties, and DFT calculations
Authors: Alemi Abdolali , Hosseinpour Zahra , Dolatyari Mahboubeh , Bakhtiari Akbar
Published: February 2012

Boehmite nanoparticles (γ‐AlOOH) have been successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method at 180 °C using aluminum nitrate, Al(NO3)3·9H2O, as the aluminum source and sodium metaborate, NaBO2·4H2O, as controlling agent. The size and morphology of boehmite nanoparticles could be controlled by adjusting the pH value of the reaction mixture. The resulting products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform‐infrared spectra (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectra, and photoluminescence spectra. The electronic band structure along with density of states (DOS), obtained at the density functional theory (DFT) level indicates that γ‐AlOOH has a direct energy bandgap of 4.51 eV. The optical properties, including the dielectric, absorption, reflectivity, and energy‐loss spectra of the compound are calculated by the DFT method and analyzed based on the electronic structures.
Numerical minimisation of Gutzwiller energy functionals
Authors: Bünemann Jörg , Gebhard Florian , Schickling Tobias , Weber Werner
Published: February 2012

We give a comprehensive introduction into an efficient numerical scheme for the minimisation of Gutzwiller energy functionals for multi‐band Hubbard models. Our method covers all conceivable cases of Gutzwiller variational wave functions and has been used successfully in previous numerical studies.
Optimal surgical planning guidance for lumbar spinal fusion considering operational safety and vertebra–screw interface strength
Authors: Lee Jongwon , Kim Sungmin , Kim Young Soo , Chung Wan Kyun
Published: February 2012

Background

An optimized pre‐operative planning framework for lumbar spinal fusion was proposed, which augmented a novel functionality of suggesting optimal insertion trajectories and the screw size, considering operational safety and vertebra–screw interface strength, autonomously.

Methods

Based on an accurate 3D pedicle model with pre‐operative computed tomography (CT) data, the framework begins with safety margin estimation for each potential insertion trajectory, followed by procedures to collect a set of insertion trajectories satisfying the operation safety objective. Among the trajectory candidates, the insertion trajectory, which maximized the insertable depth of a pedicle screw into the vertebral body, was then chosen as optimal, because the insertable depth enhanced the strength of the screw–vertebra interface. The radius of a pedicle screw was chosen as 70% of the pedicle radius.

Results

This framework has been tested on 176 spinal pedicles of 20 patients requiring spinal fusion. It was successfully applied, resulting in an average success rate of 100% and a final safety margin of 2.1 ± 0.2 mm. Planning accuracy and usefulness of the proposed surgical planner show significant differences compared with a conventional manual planner.

Conclusion

We can expect that the derived conservative safety margin mitigates screw misplacement or pedicle breach, despite potential errors induced during registrations or intraoperative screw insertion. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microgroove cushion of robotic endoscope for active locomotion in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Gao Peng , Yan Guozheng , Wang Zhiwu , Jiang Pingping , Liu Hua
Published: February 2012

Background

The robotic endoscope the advantage of active locomotion in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but lacks a suitable contact device to improve the locomotion efficiency and safety.

Methods

This paper proposes a microgroove cushion for the robotic endoscope to improve its active locomotion ability in the GI tract. Coupons with different microgrooves were designed and tested to verify the contact efficiency of the grooves. Based on experimental investigations, uniform oblique grid grooves were suggested, because they could generate gteater friction than other proposed microgrooves on the intestinal surface. To improve the contact safety of the robotic endoscope, a cushion‐type contact device was designed and fabricated. The microgroove cushion was tested under the use of a custom‐built robot.

Results

An experiment in a rigid tube showed that the robot with cushion had a static friction 65% higher than the robot without cushion; an experiment in the in vitro colonic tract showed that the robot without the cushion produced a more obvious contact appearance than with the cushion. It can be seen that the microgroove cushion provides the robotic endoscope with efficient and safe contact ability.

Conclusions

The microgroove cushion is a useful addition to the development of a contact device for the robotic endoscope in the GI tract, although requiring further improvements. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model reference adaptive control of discrete‐time piecewise linear systems
Authors: Bernardo Mario di , Montanaro Umberto , Olm Josep M. , Santini Stefania
Published: February 2012

This article presents a switched model reference adaptive controller for discrete‐time piecewise linear systems. In the spirit of the work by Landau in the late seventies, proof of asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop error system is obtained, recasting its dynamics as a feedback system and showing the feedforward and the feedback paths are both passive. The challenge is that both paths can be piecewise linear. Numerical results show excellent performance of the proposed controller even in the face of sudden variations of the plant parameters. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximate controllability of abstract stochastic impulsive systems with multiple time‐varying delays
Authors: Shen Lijuan , Sun Jitao
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates the approximate controllability of abstract stochastic impulsive systems with multiple time‐varying delays. The class of stochastic impulsive systems consists of ordinary differential equations effected by impulse and noise environment. We focus first on constructing the control function. With this control function, we present sufficient conditions for approximate controllability problems in Hilbert space. The results are then extended to more easily verified conditions. The methods we choose are mainly Nussbaum fixed point theorem and stochastic analysis techniques combined with a strongly continuous semigroup. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximum likelihood ratio detection of abrupt state change for MIMO linear systems based on frequency domain data
Authors: Xia Yuanqing , Liu Bo
Published: February 2012

This paper is devoted to the detection of abrupt changes for multiple‐input, multiple‐output (MIMO) linear systems based on frequency domain data. The real discrete‐time Fourier transform is used to map the measured inputs and outputs from the time domain to the frequency domain. Under the hypothesis that the state change occurrence time is k, the system is split up into two systems at the time instant k. One of them describes the frequency dynamics before the hypothetical state change occurs, whereas the other describes the frequency dynamics after the hypothetical occurrence. Thus, the latent state change is modeled as an initial state disturbance to be estimated on the basis of frequency domain samples. Furthermore, the occurrence time is estimated by maximizing a likelihood ratio function. Finally, a numerical example is presented to show the performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐binary protograph low‐density parity‐check codes for space communications
Authors: Costantini Laura , Matuz Balázs , Liva Gianluigi , Paolini Enrico , Chiani Marco
Published: February 2012

Protograph‐based non‐binary low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) codes with ultra‐sparse parity‐check matrices are compared with binary LDPC and turbo codes (TCs) from space communication standards. It is shown that larger coding gains are achieved, outperforming the binary competitors by more than 0.3 dB on the additive white Gaussian noise channel (AWGN). In the short block length regime, the designed codes gain more than 1 dB with respect to the binary protograph LDPC codes recently proposed for the next generation up‐link standard of the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting SYN flooding attacks based on traffic prediction
Authors: Wang Shangguang , Sun Qibo , Zou Hua , Yang Fangchun
Published: February 2012

SYN flooding attacks are a common type of distributed denial‐of‐service attacks. Up to now, many defense schemes have been proposed against SYN flooding attacks. Traditional defense schemes rely on passively sniffing an attacking signature and are inaccurate in the early stages of an attack. These schemes are effective only at the later stages when attacking signatures are obvious. In this paper, we propose a detection approach that makes use of SYN traffic prediction to determine whether SYN flooding attacks happen at the early stage. We firstly adopt grey prediction model to predict SYN traffic, and then, we employ cumulative sum algorithm to detect SYN flooding attack traffic among forecasted SYN traffic. Trace‐driven simulation results demonstrate that our proposed detection approach can detect SYN flooding attacks effectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconciling and improving of multi‐receiver signcryption protocols with threshold decryption
Authors: Zhang Mingwu , Yang Bo , Takagi Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2012

Signcryption is a cryptographic primitive that offers both confidentiality and authentication simultaneously, which combines the functionalities of signature and encryption in a provably secure manner. Indistinguishability against adaptive chosen‐ciphertext attacks (ind‐cca2) and unforgeability against adaptive chosen‐message attacks (euf‐cma2) are two important security requirements of a signcryption protocol. In a multi‐receiver signcryption with a threshold decryption scheme, the ciphertext can be decrypted and verified when arbitrary t or more receivers among the n candidate decrypters work together. Recently, Qin et al. [Security and Communication Networks, 2011] proposed an identity‐based multi‐receiver signcryption scheme with threshold decryption, and they declared that the scheme achieves ind‐cca2 and euf‐cma2 security. In this paper, we first indicate that Qin et al.'s scheme is not secure, that is, Qin et al.'s scheme is neither semantically secure against ind‐cca2 nor unforgeable against euf‐cma2. After that, we present an improved scheme to capture the security requirements. Furthermore, we construct an anonymous version that can preserve the identity privacy of the sender and receiver, and we give the performance evaluation to indicate that our scheme has lower communication overhead although it provides the identity privacy preservation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Software package to calculate the effects of the core hole and surface excitations on XPS and AES
Authors: Tougaard S. , Yubero F.
Published: February 2012

We report on a new software package that allows to calculate the energy loss processes in a photo‐ and Auger electron spectrum. The calculations are performed within our previously published semiclassical dielectric response model. The model takes into account energy loss, which takes place because of the sudden creation of the static core hole and as the photoelectron travels in the bulk, passes the surface region and continues in the vacuum where it interacts with its image charge before it ends up in the electron spectrometer. It is a one‐step model, which includes interference effects between these excitations. The only input in the calculations is the dielectric function of the material. We discuss the capabilities of the software and illustrate some examples of its practical application, including comparison with experimental spectra. We hope the software will be useful for the investigations of fundamental excitation mechanisms in XPS and AES. The software is free for noncommercial use. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of laser ionization mass nanoscope (LIMAS)
Authors: Ebata Shingo , Ishihara Morio , Uchino Kiichiro , Itose Satoru , Matsuya Miyuki , Kudo Masato , Bajo Ken‐ichi , Yurimoto Hisayoshi
Published: February 2012

We have developed a new nano‐beam time‐of‐flight secondary neutral mass spectrometry system: laser ionization mass nanoscope or LIMAS. The primary ion beam column was equipped with a Ga liquid metal ion source and aberration correction optics. The primary ion beam was down to 40 nm in diameter under a current of 100 pA with an energy of 20 keV. The sputtered particles were post‐ionized under non‐resonance mode by a femtosecond laser. The post‐ionized ions were introduced into a multi‐turn mass spectrometer. A mass resolution of up to 40 000 was achieved. The vacuum of the sample chamber was maintained under an ultrahigh vacuum of 2 × 10−8 Pa. This instrument would be effective for ultrahigh sensitive analysis of nanosized particles such as return samples from asteroids, comets, and planets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved ARXPS data interpretation using near‐surface measuring angles
Authors: Oswald S. , Oswald F.
Published: February 2012

The increasing number of applications of very thin films requires both reliable thin‐layer and interface characterization. A powerful nondestructive method for depth‐profile characterization in the nanometer thickness range is the angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS). One limitation of ARXPS is that, in the past, its use has been restricted away from near‐surface angles because of the increasing effects of elastic electron scattering in this angular region. In this article, we present an ARXPS data interpretation method that accounts for elastic scattering effects, thus allowing the use of the whole angular region. Its concept is based on two main parts: (i) the Monte Carlo computer simulation of reliable ARXPS data for complex near‐surface structures considering elastic scattering and (ii) the interpretation of these data using a standard analysis procedure extended by an empiric angle correction. Besides the general potential of this procedure, we also discuss its dependence on parameters such as material, overlayer thickness, or angle selection. As an impressive application, the unique identification of layer sequences for thin overlayers less than 1 nm is presented. Thus, the method is readily applicable in the field of interface formation studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of white radish sprouts growth influenced by magnetic fields using TOF‐SIMS and MCR
Authors: Aoyagi Satoka , Kuroda Katsushi , Takama Ruka , Fukushima Kazuhiko , Kayano Isao , Mochizuki Seiichi , Yano Akira
Published: February 2012

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) is powerful for providing chemical and spatial information. It is, however, often difficult to interpret TOF‐SIMS data of complex samples such as tissues because of peak overlapping and unpredictable fragmentation of biomolecules, and therefore, data analysis techniques have been required to interpret TOF‐SIMS data. In this study, multivariate curve resolution (MCR), extracting pure component spectra from original data containing mixed information of all materials in a sample, was applied to TOF‐SIMS data of white radish sprouts to investigate physiological phenomena in the plant by comparing materials in the roots under different conditions in terms of magnetic fields. Influence of magnetic fields on plant growth was reported, but the mechanism has not been clarified. The sliced root samples were measured with TOF‐SIMS using Au+, and then, the TOF‐SIMS data were analyzed using MCR. As a result, the tissue area was distinguished from the others such as the substrate and compounds used for sample preparation by means of MCR, and the spectra of the components related to the tissue were obtained. Secondary ions specific to the sample, under a particular condition of magnetic fields, were suggested by analyzing the spectra of the tissue‐related components. It is indicated that it is useful to apply MCR into TOF‐SIMS spectra and secondary ion images to extract less complex spectra from intricate tissue samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy spectra of sputtered ions: assessment of the instrumental resolution
Authors: Gnaser Hubert
Published: February 2012

The energy spectra of Cs+ ions sputtered from silicon under 5.5‐keV Cs+ bombardment were recorded for emission energies E ≤ 100 eV. The emitted ions were detected in a high‐sensitivity double‐focusing SIMS (Cameca IMS‐4f). The influence of several instrumental parameters on the energy resolution and the peak position of the measured spectra were investigated to determine the instrument's resolution response. Specifically, entrance apertures with four different diameters (410, 280, 50, and 25 µm) were used in the energy analyzer, whereas the width of its exit slit was varied from 3300 to 15 µm. For the smallest of these values, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Cs+ spectrum amounts to 2.2 eV. A box‐type resolution function was found to describe the energy distributions over a substantial range. Using that function, the Cs+ distributions measured for various slit settings can be reproduced via the convolution of a single original function. The values of the spectral width obtained from this procedure are essentially identical with the FWHM values of the recorded spectra. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding in principal stratification settings with binary variables
Authors: Schwartz Scott , Li Fan , Reiter Jerome P.
Published: February 2012

Within causal inference, principal stratification (PS) is a popular approach for dealing with intermediate variables, that is, variables affected by treatment that also potentially affect the response. However, when there exists unmeasured confounding in the treatment arms—as can happen in observational studies—causal estimands resulting from PS analyses can be biased. We identify the various pathways of confounding present in PS contexts and their effects for PS inference. We present model‐based approaches for assessing the sensitivity of complier average causal effect estimates to unmeasured confounding in the setting of binary treatments, binary intermediate variables, and binary outcomes. These same approaches can be used to assess sensitivity to unknown direct effects of treatments on outcomes because, as we show, direct effects are operationally equivalent to one of the pathways of unmeasured confounding. We illustrate the methodology using a randomized study with artificially introduced confounding and a sensitivity analysis for an observational study of the effects of physical activity and body mass index on cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variance estimation for stratified propensity score estimators
Authors: Williamson E. J. , Morley R. , Lucas A. , Carpenter J. R.
Published: February 2012

Propensity score methods are increasingly used to estimate the effect of a treatment or exposure on an outcome in non‐randomised studies. We focus on one such method, stratification on the propensity score, comparing it with the method of inverse‐probability weighting by the propensity score. The propensity score—the conditional probability of receiving the treatment given observed covariates—is usually an unknown probability estimated from the data. Estimators for the variance of treatment effect estimates typically used in practice, however, do not take into account that the propensity score itself has been estimated from the data. By deriving the asymptotic marginal variance of the stratified estimate of treatment effect, correctly taking into account the estimation of the propensity score, we show that routinely used variance estimators are likely to produce confidence intervals that are too conservative when the propensity score model includes variables that predict (cause) the outcome, but only weakly predict the treatment. In contrast, a comparison with the analogous marginal variance for the inverse probability weighted (IPW) estimator shows that routinely used variance estimators for the IPW estimator are likely to produce confidence intervals that are almost always too conservative. Because exact calculation of the asymptotic marginal variance is likely to be complex, particularly for the stratified estimator, we suggest that bootstrap estimates of variance should be used in practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and physical effects of aroma compound binding to native starch granules
Authors: Jørgensen Anders D. , Jensen Susanne L. , Ziegler Gregory , Pandeya Anuranjan , Buléon Alain , Svensson Birte , Blennow Andreas
Published: February 2012

The interaction and physical/structural effects of aroma compounds, at high concentrations on dry native starch granules were studied using eight selected model compounds: acetaldehyde, dimethyl sulphide, diacetyl, allyl isothiocyanate, ethyl butyrate, citral, octanol and butyric acid. The maize, potato and pea starches used represent different typical structural and chemical starch characteristics. Retention of the different aroma compounds varied from a few to one hundred percent and starch was found to induce as well as reduce aroma evaporation depending on the aroma compound and the starch type. As deduced from DSC, powder XRD and SEM analyses, citral, butyric acid and octanol exerted specific effects on the starch granules manifested in local melting of crystalline layers and partial disruption of the granular meso structure. The most prominent effect was obtained with citral that generated surface wrinkles on B‐ and C‐type polymorphic granules and aggregation of A‐type polymorphic granules, decreased the melting temperature and suppressed the crystallinity of the starch.
Effect of lime treatment and subsequent carbonation on gelatinization and saccharification of starch granules
Authors: Matsuki Junko , Park Jeung‐yil , Shiroma Riki , Ike Masakazu , Yamamoto Kazutaka , Tokuyasu Ken
Published: February 2012

The present study was aimed to improve the efficiency of bioconversion process, namely the calcium capturing by carbonation at room temperature (RT‐CaCCO) process. Rice endosperm starch was used as a model substance to observe the effects of lime treatments on the gelatinization of starch granules. Effect of subsequent carbonation and saccharification behaviors were also evaluated. With increasing lime concentration, significant rise in the gelatinization temperatures, and decrease in the gelatinization enthalpy were observed, suggesting enhanced granule stability and disruption of hydrogen bonds. These changes appeared to be leveling off near 9% lime concentration, at which the binding effect of calcium ions may be saturated. The mild heat treatment further promoted changes in gelatinization. It was postulated that it was not an annealing effect, but that mild heat treatment disrupted hydrogen bonds and provided more available sites for calcium binding. Carbondioxide (CO2) neutralization led to decrease in gelatinization temperatures. The optimum pretreatment conditions for efficient hydrolysis of mild heat treatment at 50°C for 24 h subsequent to lime pretreatment is effective in accelerating saccharification by 1.9‐fold and CO2 neutralization should be carried out after heat treatment. This approach can be useful in improving the recovery of liberated glucose when applying the RT‐CaCCO process to feedstocks which contain both starch and lignocellulosic material.
Starch in the Arabidopsis plant
Authors: Smith Alison M.
Published: February 2012

The genetic and genomic resources available for the model plant Arabidopsis have allowed rapid progress in understanding the pathways of leaf starch synthesis and degradation. The pathway of starch synthesis is generally similar to that in other plants, but Arabidopsis research has permitted new insights into the mechanism of granule initiation. The pathway of starch degradation is very different from the ‘textbook’ version, largely derived from research on germinating cereal grains. The starch granule is attacked by β‐ rather than α‐amylases, and this process is strongly dependent on a cycle of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the granule surface. The major product of granule degradation is maltose, which is exported to the cytosol where it is metabolised to hexose phosphate and then to sucrose. Cytosolic maltose metabolism requires a glucanotransferase and a glucosyl acceptor which is believed to be a complex heteroglycan. Plant productivity and yield are highly dependent on leaf starch turnover, and starch metabolism is coordinated with other factors and processes that determine growth rate. Research in Arabidopsis provides an important knowledge base for the study of starch metabolism in other, less tractable species.
A Small Molecule Modulator of Prion Protein Increases Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lifespan, Ex Vivo Expansion, and Engraftment to Bone Marrow in NOD/SCID Mice
Authors: Mohanty Sindhu T. , Cairney Claire J. , Chantry Andrew D. , Madan Sanjeev , Fernandes James A. , Howe Steven J. , Moore Harry D. , Thompson Mark J. , Chen Beining , Thrasher Adrian , Keith W. Nicol , Bellantuono Ilaria
Published: February 2012

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been shown to have potential in regenerative approaches in bone and blood. Most protocols rely on their in vitro expansion prior to clinical use. However, several groups including our own have shown that hMSCs lose proliferation and differentiation ability with serial passage in culture, limiting their clinical applications. Cellular prion protein (PrP) has been shown to enhance proliferation and promote self-renewal of hematopoietic, mammary gland, and neural stem cells. Here we show, for the first time, that expression of PrP decreased in hMSC following ex vivo expansion. When PrP expression was knocked down, hMSC showed significant reduction in proliferation and differentiation. In contrast, hMSC expanded in the presence of small molecule 3/689, a modulator of PrP expression, showed retention of PrP expression with ex vivo expansion and extended lifespan up to 10 population doublings. Moreover, cultures produced a 300-fold increase in the number of cells generated. These cells showed a 10-fold increase in engraftment levels in bone marrow 5 weeks post-transplant. hMSC treated with 3/689 showed enhanced protection from DNA damage and enhanced cell cycle progression, in line with data obtained by gene expression profiling. Moreover, upregulation of superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2) was also observed in hMSC expanded in the presence of 3/689. The increase in SOD2 was dependent on PrP expression and suggests increased scavenging of reactive oxygen species as mechanism of action. These data point to PrP as a good target for chemical intervention in stem cell regenerative medicine.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Review of morphing concepts and materials for wind turbine blade applications
Authors: Lachenal Xavier , Daynes Stephen , Weaver Paul M.
Published: February 2012

With increasing size of wind turbines, new approaches to load control are required to reduce the stresses in blades. Experimental and numerical studies in the fields of helicopter and wind turbine blade research have shown the potential of shape morphing in reducing blade loads. However, because of the large size of modern wind turbine blades, more similarities can be found with wing morphing research than with helicopter blades. Morphing technologies are currently receiving significant interest from the wind turbine community because of their potential high aerodynamic efficiency, simple construction and low weight. However, for actuator forces to be kept low, a compliant structure is needed. This is in apparent contradiction to the requirement for the blade to be load carrying and stiff. This highlights the key challenge for morphing structures in replacing the stiff and strong design of current blades with more compliant structures. Although not comprehensive, this review gives a concise list of the most relevant concepts for morphing structures and materials that achieve compliant shape adaptation for wind turbine blades.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling the aerodynamics of vertical‐axis wind turbines in unsteady wind conditions
Authors: Scheurich Frank , Brown Richard E.
Published: February 2012

Most numerical and experimental studies of the performance of vertical‐axis wind turbines have been conducted with the rotors in steady, and thus somewhat artificial, wind conditions—with the result that turbine aerodynamics, under varying wind conditions, are still poorly understood. The vorticity transport model has been used to investigate the aerodynamic performance and wake dynamics, both in steady and unsteady wind conditions, of three different vertical‐axis wind turbines: one with a straight‐bladed configuration, another with a curved‐bladed configuration and another with a helically twisted configuration. The turbines with non‐twisted blades are shown to be somewhat less efficient than the turbine with helically twisted blades when the rotors are operated at constant rotational speed in unsteady wind conditions. In steady wind conditions, the power coefficients that are produced by both the straight‐bladed and curved‐bladed turbines vary considerably within one rotor revolution because of the continuously varying angle of attack on the blades and, thus, the inherent unsteadiness in the blade aerodynamic loading. These variations are much larger, and thus far more significant, than those that are induced by the unsteadiness in the wind conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.