bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of the diaphragm muscle with ultrasound improves diagnostic accuracy of phrenic nerve conduction studies
Authors: Johnson Nicholas E. , Utz Michael , Patrick Erica , Rheinwald Nicole , Downs Marlene , Dilek Nuran , Dogra Vikram , Logigian Eric L.
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Evaluation of phrenic neuropathy (PN) with phrenic nerve conduction studies (PNCS) is associated with false negatives. Visualization of diaphragmatic muscle twitch with diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) when performing PNCS may help to solve this problem. Methods: We performed bilateral, simultaneous DUS–PNCS in 10 healthy adults and 12 patients with PN. The amplitude of the diaphragm compound muscle action potential (CMAP) (on PNCS) and twitch (on DUS) was calculated. Results: Control subjects had <38% side‐to‐side asymmetry in twitch amplitude (on DUS) and 53% asymmetry in phrenic CMAP (on PCNS). In the 12 patients with PN, 12 phrenic neuropathies were detected. Three of these patients had either significant side‐to‐side asymmetry or absolute reduction in diaphragm movement that was not detected with PNCS. There were no cases in which the PNCS showed an abnormality but the DUS did not. Conclusions: The addition of DUS to PNCS enhances diagnostic accuracy in PN. Muscle Nerve 49: 669–675, 2014
Reliability of panoramic ultrasound imaging to simultaneously examine muscle size and quality of the medial gastrocnemius
Authors: Rosenberg Joseph G. , Ryan Eric D. , Sobolewski Eric J. , Scharville Michael J. , Thompson Brennan J. , King Gilbert E.
Published: August 2013

Introduction: In this study we examined the test–retest reliability of panoramic brightness‐mode ultrasound (US) imaging to simultaneously measure both muscle size and quality from a single US image. Methods: Sixteen healthy, recreationally active men (age = 20.9 ± 2.5 years) volunteered for this investigation. Test–retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the standard error of measurement as a percentage of the mean (SEM%). Muscle size [cross‐sectional area (CSA)], and muscle quality [echo intensity (EI)] of the medial gastrocnemius were examined on 2 separate days. Results: These measures demonstrated acceptable reliability between assessment days with ICCs and SEM% of 0.914 and 0.720 and 5.830 and 3.680 for CSA and EI, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that panoramic US imaging may be a reliable technique for simultaneous assessment of both muscle size and quality from a single US scan. Muscle Nerve 49: 736–740, 2014
Repeat post‐op voiding trials: An inconvenient correlate with success
Authors: Ferrante Kimberly L. , Kim Hae‐Young , Brubaker Linda , Wai Cliff Y. , Norton Peggy A. , Kraus Stephen R. , Shepherd Jonathan , Sirls Larry T. , Nager Charles W. ,   for the Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network
Published: August 2013

Aims

This study examined the association between the need for a repeat voiding trial after midurethral sling (MUS) surgery and 1‐year success rates.

Methods

We conducted this secondary analysis of the participants in the Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network trial of midurethral sling (TOMUS) study which compared retropubic versus transobturator MUS. A standard voiding trial was attempted on all subjects. The “repeat voiding trial” group included subjects discharged with catheterization. All others were considered “self voiding.” Success rates between the groups at 1‐year were compared, followed by multivariate analyses controlling for previously reported clinical predictors of success.

Results

Most women (76%) were self‐voiding, while 24% required a repeat voiding trial. The objective success rate at 1‐year was 85.8% in the repeat voiding trial group and 75.3% in the self‐voiding group (P = 0.01). Subjective success rate at 1‐year was 61.0% in the repeat voiding trial group and 55.1% in the self‐voiding group (P = 0.23). Women in the repeat voiding trial group continued to demonstrate greater objective success than the self‐voiding group in multivariate analysis that controlled for previous incontinence surgery, pad weight, urethral mobility, urge score, and type of MUS (P = 0.04, OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.03–3.22).

Conclusions

Women who require a repeat voiding trial following MUS surgery have greater objective success at 1‐year postoperatively when compared to those who are self‐voiding at the time of discharge. These results may help reassure women who require catheterization after MUS surgery that their outcome is not compromised by this immediate transient post‐operative result. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:1225–1228, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance enhancement of polylactide by nanoblending with POSS and graphene oxide
Authors: Pramoda K.P. , Koh C.B. , Hazrat H. , He C.B.
Published: August 2013

We report the effect of filler modification on the properties of polylactide (PLA)‐based nanocomposites, where graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocages are employed as nanofillers. The organically treated nanofillers are termed as GO‐functionalized and POSS‐functionalized. The synthesis of the nanocomposites was carried out via in situ ring‐opening polymerization of lactic acid (LA). The following four naocomposite systems were prepared, characterized, and compared to achieve a better understanding of structure‐property relationship (1) PLA/GO‐functionalized, (2) PLA/POSS‐functionalized, (3) PLA/physical mixture of GO‐functionalized and POSS‐functionalized, and (4) PLA/GO‐graft‐POSS (with eight hydroxyl groups). As revealed by the thermal and mechanical (nanoindendation) characterization, that the nanocomposites having a combination of GO and POSS as nanofiller, either as physical mixture of GO‐functionalized and POSS‐functionalized or as GO‐graft‐POSS, is far more superior as compared with the nanocomposites having individually dispersed nanofillers in the PLA matrix. Observed enhancement is attributing to the synergistic effect of the nanofillers as well as better dispersion of the modified‐fillers in the matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:118–126, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of geometrical features of electrospun nylon 6,6 interleave on the CFRP laminates mechanical properties
Authors: Palazzetti Roberto , Yan Xiu , Zucchelli Andrea
Published: August 2013

Twenty plies, woven carbon fiber/epoxy matrix, virgin, and Nylon 6,6 electrospun nanofiber interleaved composite laminate beams are tested under Modes I and II fracture mechanic to assess the effect of nanointerleave on the global behavior of the laminate. Aim of the work is to study the effect of geometrical features of the nanoreinforce on the mechanical response of a laminate subjected to fracture mechanic loads. Nanofiber orientation, nanolayer thickness, and nanofiber diameter have been considered. From the experiments, mechanical parameters have been extracted and used to compare the configurations. The work highlights the importance of an accurate choice of the nanointerleave and showed that thick interleaves may weaken the interface if a high number of voids is left after the curing process, the smaller is the fiber diameter the higher is the energy absorbing capability of the specimens, and that fiber orientation has different effect depending on the loading mode. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:137–150, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of differently substituted phenyl hepta isobutyl‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/polystyrene nanocomposites
Authors: Blanco Ignazio , Bottino Francesco A. , Cicala Gianluca , Latteri Alberta , Recca Antonino
Published: August 2013

Variously substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs)/polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites of general formula R7R′(SiO1.5)8/PS (where R = isobutyl and R′ = 4‐methoxyphenyl, 4‐methylphenyl, 3,5‐dimethylphenyl, 4‐fluorophenyl, 2,4‐difluorophenyl, 4‐chlorophenyl) were prepared by in situ polymerization of styrene in the presence of 5% w/w of POSS. The actual filler concentration in the obtained nanocomposites was checked by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy evidenced the presence of filler‐polymer interactions. Inherent viscosity (ηinh) determinations indicated that the average molar mass of polymer in halogenated derivatives was lower than neat PS, and were in agreement with calorimetric glass transition temperature (Tg) measurements. Finally, a comparative study concerning the thermal stability of synthesized nanocomposites was carried out in both inert (flowing nitrogen) and oxidative (static air) atmospheres into a thermobalance, in the scanning mode, at 10°C min−1, and the temperatures at 5% mass loss (T5%), of various compounds were determined. The results were discussed and interpreted. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:151–157, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
UHPLC/PDA–ESI/MS Analysis of the Main Berry and Leaf Flavonol Glycosides from Different Carpathian Hippophaë rhamnoides L. Varieties
Authors: Pop Raluca Maria , Socaciu Carmen , Pintea Adela , Buzoianu Anca Dana , Sanders Mark Gerardus , Gruppen Harry , Vincken Jean‐Paul
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) is known to be rich in many bioactive compounds (such as vitamins, phenolics, carotenoids) important for human health and nutrition. Among the phenolics, berries and leaves contain a wide range of flavonols that are good quality and authenticity biomarkers.

Objective

To compare the composition of the main flavonols of Romanian sea buckthorn berry and leaf varieties and to identify the specific biomarkers that contribute to sample differentiation among varieties.

Material and methods

Six varieties of cultivated sea buckthorn (ssp. Carpatica) berries and leaves were analysed by UHPLC/PDA–ESI/MS.

Results

Berries and leaves contained mainly isorhamnetin (I) glycosides in different ratios. Whereas I‐3‐neohesperidoside, I‐3‐glucoside, I‐3‐rhamnosylglucoside, I‐3‐sophoroside‐7‐rhamnoside and free isorhamnetin were predominant for berries (out of 17 compounds identified), I‐3‐rhamnosylglucoside, I‐3‐neohesperidoside, I‐3‐glucoside, quercetin‐3‐pentoside, kaempferol‐3‐rutinoside, and quercetin‐3‐glucoside were predominant in leaves (out of 19 compounds identified). Berries contained, on average, 917 mg/100 g DW flavonol glycosides. Leaves had higher content of flavonol glycosides than berries, on average 1118 mg/100 g DW. The variation of the quantitative dataset analysed using principal component analysis accounted for 91% of the total variance in the case of berries and 73% in case of leaves, demonstrating a good discrimination among samples.

Conclusion

Based on quantitative analysis, by principal component analysis, the flavonol derivatives can be considered as biomarkers to discriminate among varieties and to recognise specifically the berry versus leaf composition. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on the electrospinning of poly(vinyl alcohol) from aqueous solution: Influence of particle size
Authors: Jamnongkan Tongsai , Shirota Ryo , Sukumaran Sathish K. , Sugimoto Masataka , Koyama Kiyohito
Published: August 2013

Recently, interest in nonwoven mats composed of fibers manufactured by drawing polymer solutions or melts with suspended nanoparticles has been growing due to exciting opportunities for use in biomedical applications. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), due to its biocompatibility, and zinc oxide (ZnO), due its antibacterial activity, present one interesting combination for the manufacture of nonwoven fiber mats for potential use as wound dressings. Therefore, we have investigated the electrospinning of aqueous PVA solutions with suspended ZnO nanoparticles. ZnO nanoparticles of three different diameters (20, 70, and 100 nm) were used in the study. Interestingly, we found that increasing the diameter of suspended ZnO nanoparticles was accompanied by a decrease in the diameter of the electrospun fibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the ZnO nanoparticles were merely suspended in the aqueous PVA solution without any chemical bonding between the ZnO nanoparticles and the PVA chains. Shear rheometry of the suspensions indicated that, over the relevant range of shear rates, all of the samples exhibited essentially Newtonian behavior. However, the viscosity increased with a decrease in the diameter of the ZnO nanoparticles. We suggest that the effect of the nanoparticles on the diameter of the electrospun fibers is through their effect on the viscosity of the suspension from which the fibers are drawn. Finally, as was expected, increasing the electric field strength led to a gradual decrease in the diameter of the electrospun fibers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1969–1975, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparison of an assumption‐free Bayesian approach with Optimal Sampling Schedule to a maximum a posteriori Approach for Personalizing Cyclophosphamide Dosing
Authors: Laínez José M. , Orcun Seza , Pekny Joseph F. , Reklaitis Gintaras V. , Suvannasankha Attaya , Fausel Christopher , Anaissie Elias J. , Blau Gary E.
Published: August 2013

Study Objective

Variable metabolism, dose‐dependent efficacy, and a narrow therapeutic target of cyclophosphamide (CY) suggest that dosing based on individual pharmacokinetics (PK) will improve efficacy and minimize toxicity. Real‐time individualized CY dose adjustment was previously explored using a maximum a posteriori (MAP) approach based on a five serum–PK sampling in patients with hematologic malignancy undergoing stem cell transplantation. The MAP approach resulted in an improved toxicity profile without sacrificing efficacy. However, extensive PK sampling is costly and not generally applicable in the clinic. We hypothesize that the assumption‐free Bayesian approach (AFBA) can reduce sampling requirements, while improving the accuracy of results.

Design

Retrospective analysis of previously published CY PK data from 20 patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. In that study, Bayesian estimation based on the MAP approach of individual PK parameters was accomplished to predict individualized day‐2 doses of CY. Based on these data, we used the AFBA to select the optimal sampling schedule and compare the projected probability of achieving the therapeutic end points.

Measurements and Main Results

By optimizing the sampling schedule with the AFBA, an effective individualized PK characterization can be obtained with only two blood draws at 4 and 16 hours after administration on day 1. The second‐day doses selected with the AFBA were significantly different than the MAP approach and averaged 37% higher probability of attaining the therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

The AFBA, based on cutting‐edge statistical and mathematical tools, allows an accurate individualized dosing of CY, with simplified PK sampling. This highly accessible approach holds great promise for improving efficacy, reducing toxicities, and lowering treatment costs.
Modelling of Thin‐film Crystalline Silicon Parallel Multi‐junction Solar Cells
Authors: Edmiston S. A. , Sproul A. B. , Green M. A. , Wenham S. R.
Published: August 2013

The parallel multi‐junction solar cell design has recently been proposed to reduce the costs of photovoltaics, while maintaining or improving device performance. This design uses alternating layers of n‐ and p‐type semiconductor to ensure that every point in the device is much less than one diffusion length from a collecting junction, producing relatively high currents. Device voltages can be maintained through heavier doping than would normally be used. This approach is particularly suited to very low‐quality material where the diffusion lengths are much shorter than the device thickess required for significant photogeneration. In particular, this design strategy is seen as a way to realize the potential of thin‐film polycrystalline silicon solar cells for large‐scale, cost‐effective energy generation. A brief description of the parallel multi‐junction solar cell is presented, along with some analysis where parallel multi‐junction solar cells differ from conventional cells. Results from an analytical one‐dimensional model and two‐dimensional numerical simulations are presented, highlighting some of the significant advantages of parallel multi‐junction solar cells.
Perspective on High‐efficiency Cu(In, Ga)Se2‐based Thin‐film Solar Cells Fabricated by Simple, Scalable Processes
Authors: Tuttle J. R. , Contreras M. A. , Gabor A. M. , Ramanathan K. R. , Tennant A. L. , Albin D. S. , Keane J. , Noufi R.
Published: August 2013

We have fabricated high‐efficiency Cu(In, Ga)Se2(CIGS)‐based photovoltaic (PV) devices by four different processes. Each process may be characterized as cither sequential or concurrent deposition of the metals with or without an activity of selenium. A world‐record, total‐area efficiency of 17.1% has been achieved by the concurrent delivery of the metals in the presence of selenium. Gallium has been introduced into the device in such a manner as to produce homogeneous, normal profiling and double‐profiling graded bandgap structures. This has resulted in an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) parameter of 680 mV and a fill factor of over 78%. A growth model has been developed allowing for simple translation of these processes to a manufacturing environment for the large‐scale production of modules.
A Review on Possible Approaches for Detecting Early Warning Signs in Projects
Authors: Haji-Kazemi Sara , Andersen Bjørn , Krane Hans Petter
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we attempt to provide an overview of the full extent of early warning detection approaches, which are directly or indirectly addressed in the literature. These approaches can aid project managers in taking corrective actions timely enough for preventing failures. The study is based on a review of the current literature within the field of early warning in project management and our own experiences gained from practice. An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and their applications in different contexts are also performed. We conclude that the choice of the most effective approach is arguably dependent on the type of project, organizational culture, and the project environment.
Poly(ethylene glycol) as a biointeractive electron‐beam resist
Authors: Wang Yi , Firlar Emre , Dai Xiaoguang , Libera Matthew
Published: August 2013

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) can serve as an electron‐beam (e‐beam) resist to modulate protein adsorption on and cell adhesion to surfaces. PEG preferentially crosslinks under e‐beam irradiation to create microgels with controllable properties. Here, atomic‐force, scanning electron, and confocal microscopies are used to study discrete microgels formed from solvent‐cast PEG thin films by focused e‐beams with energies between 2 and 30 keV and point doses between 10 and 1000 fC. Consistent with experimental findings, Monte Carlo simulation of electron energy deposition identifies three structures within each microgel: a highly crosslinked core near the point of electron incidence; a lightly crosslinked near corona surrounding the core; and a far corona at the PEG–Si interface. The nature and relative sizes of these three regions and, hence, the microgel–protein interactions depend on the incident electron energy and dose. The far corona creates protein‐repulsive surface hundreds of nanometers or more from the microgel core. The highly crosslinked core is largely shielded by the near corona. These findings can help guide the choice of irradiation conditions to most effectively modulate protein–surface interactions via PEG microgels patterned by e‐beam lithography. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2013,51, 1543–1554
Development of Novel Tumor‐Targeted Theranostic Nanoparticles Activated by Membrane‐Type Matrix Metalloproteinases for Combined Cancer Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Ansari Celina , Tikhomirov Grigory A. , Hong Su Hyun , Falconer Robert A. , Loadman Paul M. , Gill Jason H. , Castaneda Rosalinda , Hazard Florette K. , Tong Ling , Lenkov Olga D. , Felsher Dean W. , Rao Jianghong , Daldrup‐Link Heike E.
Published: August 2013

A major drawback with current cancer therapy is the prevalence of unrequired dose‐limiting toxicity to non‐cancerous tissues and organs, which is further compounded by a limited ability to rapidly and easily monitor drug delivery, pharmacodynamics and therapeutic response. In this report, the design and characterization of novel multifunctional “theranostic” nanoparticles (TNPs) is described for enzyme‐specific drug activation at tumor sites and simultaneous in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of drug delivery. TNPs are synthesized by conjugation of FDA‐approved iron oxide nanoparticles ferumoxytol to an MMP‐activatable peptide conjugate of azademethylcolchicine (ICT), creating CLIO‐ICTs (TNPs). Significant cell death is observed in TNP‐treated MMP‐14 positive MMTV‐PyMT breast cancer cells in vitro, but not MMP‐14 negative fibroblasts or cells treated with ferumoxytol alone. Intravenous administration of TNPs to MMTV‐PyMT tumor‐bearing mice and subsequent MRI demonstrates significant tumor selective accumulation of the TNP, an observation confirmed by histopathology. Treatment with CLIO‐ICTs induces a significant antitumor effect and tumor necrosis, a response not observed with ferumoxytol. Furthermore, no toxicity or cell death is observed in normal tissues following treatment with CLIO‐ICTs, ICT, or ferumoxytol. These findings demonstrate proof of concept for a new nanotemplate that integrates tumor specificity, drug delivery and in vivo imaging into a single TNP entity through attachment of enzyme‐activated prodrugs onto magnetic nanoparticles. This novel approach holds the potential to significantly improve targeted cancer therapies, and ultimately enable personalized therapy regimens.
Active Targeting Using HER‐2‐Affibody‐Conjugated Nanoparticles Enabled Sensitive and Specific Imaging of Orthotopic HER‐2 Positive Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Satpathy Minati , Wang Liya , Zielinski Rafal , Qian Weiping , Lipowska Malgorzata , Capala Jacek , Lee Gee Young , Xu Hong , Wang Y. Andrew , Mao Hui , Yang Lily
Published: August 2013

Despite advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, ovarian cancer remains one of the most fatal cancer types. The development of targeted nanoparticle imaging probes and therapeutics offers promising approaches for early detection and effective treatment of ovarian cancer. In this study, HER‐2 targeted magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are developed by conjugating a high affinity and small size HER‐2 affibody that is labeled with a unique near infrared dye (NIR‐830) to the nanoparticles. Using a clinically relevant orthotopic human ovarian tumor xenograft model, it is shown that HER‐2 targeted IONPs are selectively delivered into both primary and disseminated ovarian tumors, enabling non‐invasive optical and MR imaging of the tumors as small as 1 mm in the peritoneal cavity. It is determined that HER‐2 targeted delivery of the IONPs is essential for specific and sensitive imaging of the HER‐2 positive tumor since we are unable to detect the imaging signal in the tumors following systemic delivery of non‐targeted IONPs into the mice bearing HER‐2 positive SKOV3 tumors. Furthermore, imaging signals and the IONPs are not detected in HER‐2 low expressing OVCAR3 tumors after systemic delivery of HER‐2 targeted‐IONPs. Since HER‐2 is expressed in a high percentage of ovarian cancers, the HER‐2 targeted dual imaging modality IONPs have potential for the development of novel targeted imaging and therapeutic nanoparticles for ovarian cancer detection, targeted drug delivery, and image‐guided therapy and surgery.
Use of Coated Silver Nanoparticles to Understand the Relationship of Particle Dissolution and Bioavailability to Cell and Lung Toxicological Potential
Authors: Wang Xiang , Ji Zhaoxia , Chang Chong Hyun , Zhang Haiyuan , Wang Meiying , Liao Yu‐Pei , Lin Sijie , Meng Huan , Li Ruibin , Sun Bingbing , Winkle Laura Van , Pinkerton Kent E. , Zink Jeffrey I. , Xia Tian , Nel André E.
Published: August 2013

Since more than 30% of consumer products that include engineered nanomaterials contain nano‐Ag, the safety of this material is of considerable public concern. In this study, Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are used to demonstrate that 20 nm polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP or P) and citrate (C)‐coated Ag NPs induce more cellular toxicity and oxidative stress than larger (110 nm) particles due to a higher rate of dissolution and Ag bioavailability. Moreover, there is also a higher propensity for citrate 20 nm (C20) nanoparticles to generate acute neutrophilic inflammation in the lung and to produce chemokines compared to C110. P110 has less cytotoxic effects than C110, likely due to the ability of PVP to complex released Ag+. In contrast to the more intense acute pulmonary effects of C20, C110 induces mild pulmonary fibrosis at day 21, likely as a result of slow but persistent Ag+ release leading to a sub‐chronic injury response. Interestingly, the released metallic Ag is incorporated into the collagen fibers depositing around airways and the lung interstitium. Taken together, these results demonstrate that size and surface coating affect the cellular toxicity of Ag NPs as well as their acute versus sub‐chronic lung injury potential.
A High Notch Pathway Activation Predicts Response to γ Secretase Inhibitors in Proneural Subtype of Glioma Tumor-Initiating Cells
Authors: Saito Norihiko , Fu Jun , Zheng Siyuan , Yao Jun , Wang Shuzhen , Liu Diane D. , Yuan Ying , Sulman Erik P. , Lang Frederick F. , Colman Howard , Verhaak Roel G. , Yung W. K. Alfred , Koul Dimpy
Published: August 2013

Genomic, transcriptional, and proteomic analyses of brain tumors reveal subtypes that differ in pathway activity, progression, and response to therapy. However, a number of small molecule inhibitors under development vary in strength of subset and pathway-specificity, with molecularly targeted experimental agents tending toward stronger specificity. The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that plays an important role in multiple cellular and developmental processes. We investigated the effects of Notch pathway inhibition in glioma tumor-initiating cell (GIC, hereafter GIC) populations using γ secretase inhibitors. Drug cytotoxicity testing of 16 GICs showed differential growth responses to the inhibitors, stratifying GICs into responders and nonresponders. Responder GICs had an enriched proneural gene signature in comparison to nonresponders. Also gene set enrichment analysis revealed 17 genes set representing active Notch signaling components NOTCH1, NOTCH3, HES1, MAML1, DLL-3, JAG2, and so on, enriched in responder group. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas expression dataset identified a group (43.9%) of tumors with proneural signature showing high Notch pathway activation suggesting γ secretase inhibitors might be of potential value to treat that particular group of proneural glioblastoma (GBM). Inhibition of Notch pathway by γ secretase inhibitor treatment attenuated proliferation and self-renewal of responder GICs and induces both neuronal and astrocytic differentiation. In vivo evaluation demonstrated prolongation of median survival in an intracranial mouse model. Our results suggest that proneural GBM characterized by high Notch pathway activation may exhibit greater sensitivity to γ secretase inhibitor treatment, holding a promise to improve the efficiency of current glioma therapy. Stem Cells  2014;32:301–312
Goffman in the Gallery: Interactive Art and Visitor Shyness
Authors: Scott Susie , Hinton‐Smith Tamsin , Härmä Vuokko , Broome Karl
Published: August 2013

In an effort to facilitate public engagement, contemporary art galleries and museums house interactive exhibits incorporating digital media. Despite removing traditional barriers of cultural capital, however, these exhibitions now presume a level of technological and performative competence, which can feel equally intimidating to visitors. Reporting on anUK‐based ethnographic study and using dramaturgical theory, we show how interactive exhibitions can evoke situational shyness in visitors, through the combination of a demand for active, performative engagement and the deliberate restriction of instructional and explanatory information. In this ambiguous setting, visitors search for a social script to guide their action, the absence or opaqueness of which creates self‐conscious inhibition. Actors adapt to this resourcefully by looking toward others to provide a replacement script; these may be companion visitors, strangers, or imaginary audiences. Some visitors, meanwhile, demonstrate resistance by refusing to engage with the interactive art agenda altogether, preferring to assume a role of detached spectatorship.
Fault weakening across the frictional‐viscous transition zone, Karakoram Fault Zone, NW Himalaya
Authors: Wallis David , Phillips Richard J. , Lloyd Geoffrey E.
Published: August 2013

Exhumed fault rocks formed in the frictional‐viscous transition zone (FVTZ) provide test material that can be used to assess the strength of natural fault zones. In the Karakoram Fault Zone (KFZ), such rocks contain evidence of several long‐term weakening mechanisms associated with reduced coefficients of friction (<0.4). The Nubra, Tangtse, and Arganglas strands of the KFZ are focused along metavolcano‐sedimentary formations indicating weakness relative to the bounding granitoids. Synkinematic retrogression suggests that reaction softening has weakened the margins of granitoids along the Nubra and Tangtse strands and the Nubra Formation within the Nubra strand. The resultant phyllosilicates have formed well‐developed interconnected weak layers within phyllonites and granitic mylonites. Micaceous foliae with increased proportions of opaque minerals in granitic mylonites suggest that fluid‐assisted diffusive mass transfer aided deformation within the Nubra and Tangtse strands. Microstructures within Nubra strand phyllonites suggest that frictional‐viscous flow accommodated deformation at low shear stresses in the FVTZ. Multiple generations of veining within each strand indicate overpressured pore fluids within the fault zone across a range of depths. Active springs and travertines along the fault indicate ongoing suprahydrostatic fluid flow within the KFZ. Despite such evidence for weakening mechanisms, the KFZ is currently locked and most likely generates moment magnitude 7.5+ earthquakes. Evidence for multiple fault weakening mechanisms reduces potential for shear heating within the KFZ and suggests that the long‐term strength of the lithosphere must reside below the depth of penetration of the fault.
Crop coefficients of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) and Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata) using water balance approach
Authors: Garg Kaushal K. , Wani Suhas P. , Rao A.V.R. Kesava
Published: August 2013

Jatropha and Pongamia are a potential source of biodiesel and grow in a wide range of agroclimatic zones and soil conditions. Data and knowledge available on water requirement of Jatropha and Pongamia are very scarce. Crop coefficients are important parameters used for assessing water requirement and irrigation scheduling. In the present study, crop coefficients of Jatropha and Pongamia were estimated using water balance approach. Temporal data on soil moisture at different depths in block plantations of Jatropha and Pongamia at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) farm, Patancheru in India, were collected at 15 days interval between 2007 and 2010. Measured soil moisture data were analyzed using one‐dimensional water balance model. Results showed that annual water requirement of Jatropha is 750 mm and of Pongamia is about 950 mm in semi‐arid tropics. Crop coefficients of Jatropha ranged from 0.10 to 0.95 and of Pongamia from 0.30 to 1.10 depending on plant growth stage in different months. ICRISAT received 820 mm of rainfall in a normal year (data between 2001 and 2010) during the monsoon, of which 52% (430 mm) contributed to evapotranspiration (ET), 34% (280 mm) was stored in soil, and 14% (110 mm) was lost through surface runoff. Stored soil moisture during monsoon season was subsequently utilized by the Jatropha and 270 mm converted into ET during nonmonsoonal period. Pongamia utilized stored soil moisture more effectively than Jatropha as it could remove water from deeper soil layers even at high levels of soil moisture suction.

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Science and Materials

Bioenergy > Economics and Policy

Bioenergy > Climate and Environment
Learning under nonstationarity: covariate shift and class‐balance change
Authors: Sugiyama Masashi , Yamada Makoto , du Plessis Marthinus Christoffel
Published: August 2013

One of the fundamental assumptions behind many supervised machine‐learning algorithms is that training and test data follow the same probability distribution. However, this important assumption is often violated in practice, for example, because of an unavoidable sample selection bias or nonstationarity of the environment. Owing to violation of the assumption, standard machine‐learning methods suffer a significant estimation bias. In this article, we consider two scenarios of such distribution change—thecovariate shiftwhere input distributions differ andclass‐balance changewhere class‐prior probabilities vary in classification—and review semi‐supervised adaptation techniques based onimportance weighting.WIREs Comput Stat2013, 5:465–477. doi: 10.1002/wics.1275

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Pattern Recognition
Simulation of electron-positron annihilation into hadrons with the event generator PHOKHARA
Authors: CzyŻ H. , Gunia M. , Kühn J. H.
Published: August 2013

Abstract

The precise determination of the cross section for electron-positron annihilation into hadrons is one of the central tasks of ongoing experiments at low energy colliders. These measurements have to be complemented by Monte Carlo generators which simulate a large number of final states and include higher order radiative corrections. With this motivation in mind the generator PHOKHARA is extended to version 8.0, thus allowing for the simulation of final states with zero, one or two real photons. At the same time corrections from the emission of one or two virtual photons are included, such that a full next-to-next-to leading order generator is available. The stability and consistency of the program is tested. The results (for muon-pair final states) are compared to the programs KKMC and MCGPJ and implications for the analysis of various hadronic final states are investigated.
Study on the Use of T‐tube for Patients with Persistent Duodenal Fistula: Is It Useful?
Authors: Gupta Vipin , Singh Shailendra Pal , Pandey Anand , Verma Rajesh
Published: August 2013

Background

The commonest surgical treatment used for peptic ulcer perforation is omental patching. If, however, the perforation leaks, it rarely heals by itself due to persistence of duodenal fistula (DF). We present our experience with a T‐tube placed into the DF for better outcome of the patients.

Methods

All patients in our hospital with DF following failure of surgery for duodenal perforation were included in this study. After identification of the perforation, a size 16 French T‐tube was put in place. The patients were analyzed on basis of duration of hospital stay, complications related to the T‐tube and overall complications, start of oral feeds, and follow‐up.

Results

In this 3‐year study, ten patients with DF were admitted. The mean age was 50 years. The T‐tube was kept in place within the fistula for 20.5 days. The mean duration to start oral feeds was 8.8 days. The mean duration of hospital stay was 23.2 days, and the mean follow‐up period was 6.3 months. The complications observed in the postoperative period were fever in four patients, wound dehiscence in four patients, and peritoneal collection in two patients, all of which were managed easily. There was no peritubal leakage and no failure of surgery as regards placement of a T‐tube. There were no deaths in this study.

Conclusions

Placement of a T‐tube into a DF appears to be very effective procedure for managing this complication of surgical repair of a perforated peptic ulcer with an omental patch. The technique appears to be simple and rewarding. Further use of this method by other workers will substantiate our efforts.
Context conditioning in virtual reality as a model for pathological anxiety
Authors: Glotzbach-Schoon E. , Andreatta M. , Mühlberger A. , Pauli P.
Published: August 2013

Phobic fear which is triggered by specif­ic stimuli can be modeled experimentally through cue conditioning. In contrast, con­text conditioning may serve as a model for anxiety which is longer lasting and unrelat­ed to cues. Such context conditioning can be studied in humans in analogy to animal stud­ies by using virtual reality (VR). Our VR con­text conditioning paradigm uses virtual offic­es as contexts. One office becomes the anxi­ety context since participants receive unpre­dictable mildly painful electric stimulations. The other office becomes the safety context because no aversive stimulation is delivered while participants explore this office. The va­lidity of the paradigm is indicated in the find­ings that after conditioning participants rate the virtual anxiety context as anxiety elicit­ing, avoid this context, and show startle po­tentiation in this context. Our studies fur­ther revealed that known risk factors for anx­iety disorders affect context conditioning. We found that enhanced trait anxiety facilitates contextual fear conditioning. In addition, we observed that individuals with genetic risks for anxiety disorders learn context condition­ing very effectively as shown in startle poten­tiation. These findings suggest that in individ­uals vulnerable to anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disor­der, context conditioning may have contrib­uted to the development of these disorders.
Accommodative coping in early adolescence: An investigation of possible developmental components
Authors: Thomsen Tamara , Greve Werner
Published: August 2013

Despite fruitful research on some aspects of adolescent coping, the development of specific coping mechanisms still remains a neglected topic. The present empirical study with 535 early adolescents (M = 12.60 years) and their parents examines possible developmental components of accommodative coping competences. Using latent path modelling, we investigated how specific components of four sets of variables (cognitive abilities, experiences in life, goal disengagement, and parental influences) contributed to accommodative coping capacities in the adolescents. Direct effects (e.g., specific cognitive abilities, parental influences) and indirect effects (e.g., positive experiences in life) on accommodative coping were identified for the components investigated. Future research should focus on the relevance of these components for the development of accommodative coping capacities.
Structure based design of protein linkers for zinc finger nuclease
Authors: Anand Priya , Schug Alexander , Wenzel Wolfgang
Published: August 2013

Zinc finger nucleases are a promising tool to edit DNA in many biological applications, in particular for gene knockout. Despite many efforts the number of genes that can be effectively targeted with ZFNs remains severely limited, as available constructs cannot address arbitrary gene sequences. Here, we develop a novel concept to significantly enhance the number of DNA sequences that can be targeted by ZFN. Using an efficient computational model, we provide an extensive library of possible linker molecules between individual zinc finger motifs in the construct that can skip up to 10 base pairs between adjacent zinc finger recognition sites in the DNA sequence, which increases the number of genes that can be efficiently targeted by more than an order of magnitude.
Resurrecting the size effect: Evidence from a panel nonlinear cointegration model for the G7 stock markets
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Payne James E.
Published: August 2013

Firm size is known to be an important factor affecting stock returns. This study proposes a panel threshold cointegration model to investigate the impact of the size effect on stock returns for the panel of G7 countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. over the period 1991:1–2012:12. The empirical analysis is based upon the nonlinear cointegration framework using the asymmetric ARDL cointegration methodology (Shin et al., 2011). This methodological approach permits a much richer degree of flexibility in the dynamic adjustment process toward equilibrium, than in the classical linear model. Our findings indicate the presence of asymmetric adjustment around a unique long‐run equilibrium. In particular, the empirical analysis provides evidence of asymmetric effects between stock returns and the size effect, while controlling for the book‐to‐market ratio and the price‐to‐earnings ratio.
The abnormal psychology of investment performance
Authors: Patterson Fernando M. , Daigler Robert T.
Published: August 2013

We examine a range of mental health characteristics (e.g. depression, paranoia, and schizophrenia) in subjects engaged in simulated investment trading, showing that certain abnormal personality characteristics have a statistically significant association with the degree of investment diversification, the return achieved, the degree of risk undertaken, and the resultant risk‐adjusted performance. These financially educated individuals are more paranoid and psychopathically deviant than the average person, with high scores on these characteristics associated with greater risk‐taking. Finally, male and female investors possess different mental health strengths and weaknesses in relation to their financial performance.
Early holocene monsoonal fluctuations in the Garhwal higher Himalaya as inferred from multi-proxy data from the Malari paleolake
Authors: Srivastava Pradeep , Kumar Anil , Mishra Akanksha , Meena Narendra K. , Tripathi Jayant K. , Sundriyal Y.P. , Agnihotri Rajesh , Gupta Anil K.
Published: August 2013

A 4.9-m-thick lake sequence, formed due to the landslide damming of a stream in the semiarid Garhwal Himalaya, was studied to understand past monsoonal variations in the region. The Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) chronology indicates that the lake existed between ~ 12 and ~ 7 ka ago. Chronologically constrained trends of sand percent, organic phosphorus (OP), apatite inorganic phosphorus (AIP) and parameters of environmental magnetism were measured in the paleolake profile. Measured proxies indicate that the Indian summer monsoon ameliorated in the early Holocene after 12 ka cooling, and it appears that all the proxies from the lake have captured this globally recognized early Holocene warming. Four phases of wet conditions (intensified monsoon) are recognized at ~ 11.5 ka, ~ 11–10.5 ka, ~ 10–9 ka and ~ 8–7 ka with maximum uncertainties of ~ 1000 years. The wet phases are characterized by high magnetic susceptibility, increased OP and reduced AIP. In an attempt to understand the primary forcing of the sharp fluctuations in monsoonal activity in the region, we show that changes in magnetic susceptibility match variations of residual atmospheric δ14C, suggesting a role for solar variability as an explanation of climatic variability.
The role of Chinese names in identity formation: a primer for psychoanalysts and psychotherapists
Authors: Teague Ronald
Published: August 2013

There have been many important psychoanalytic studies on the importance of names on the development of identity. None of these studies, however, have specifically examined Chinese names and their effect on development of identity in Chinese patients. Chinese names differ in many important ways from names used in Western cultures. This paper provides a basic description of the nature, structure and meaning of Chinese names and suggests ways that these names help form a sense of identity in the Chinese.
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule: Psychometric Properties for the Brazilian Portuguese Version
Authors: Pires Pedro , Filgueiras Alberto , Ribas Rodolfo , Santana Cristina
Published: August 2013

This study is about the validity and item analysis for the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), respectively through the Exploratory Factor Analysis (principal components method) and the Partial Credit Model (PCM). The scale has been largely used in areas ranging from clinical to social psychology since its release in 1988 by Watson, Clark, and Tellegen. In order to assess validity and item properties (Item Response Theory paradigm), this is study administered PANAS to 354 respondents, 115 male and 239 female subjects, with an average age of 29.5 (SD = 10,18). The results show PANAS’s excellent psychometric properties, with consistent dimensions and reliable item functioning, considering the Rasch measurement paradigm expressed in the PCM as an Item Response Theory model for polytomous data. The study considers important cultural issues and the results support more cautious translations for scales as well as further studies concerned with cross-cultural differences on the perception of affect states.
Correlation between spin structure oscillations and domain wall velocities
Authors: Bisig André , Stärk Martin , Mawass Mohamad-Assaad , Moutafis Christoforos , Rhensius Jan , Heidler Jakoba , Büttner Felix , Noske Matthias , Weigand Markus , Eisebitt Stefan , Tyliszczak Tolek , Van Waeyenberge Bartel , Stoll Hermann , Schütz Gisela , Kläui Mathias
Published: August 2013

Magnetic sensing and logic devices based on the motion of magnetic domain walls rely on the precise and deterministic control of the position and the velocity of individual magnetic domain walls in curved nanowires. Varying domain wall velocities have been predicted to result from intrinsic effects such as oscillating domain wall spin structure transformations and extrinsic pinning due to imperfections. Here we use direct dynamic imaging of the nanoscale spin structure that allows us for the first time to directly check these predictions. We find a new regime of oscillating domain wall motion even below the Walker breakdown correlated with periodic spin structure changes. We show that the extrinsic pinning from imperfections in the nanowire only affects slow domain walls and we identify the magnetostatic energy, which scales with the domain wall velocity, as the energy reservoir for the domain wall to overcome the local pinning potential landscape.
Adaptive behavior of marine cellular clouds
Authors: Koren Ilan , Feingold Graham
Published: August 2013

Shallow marine clouds appear in two formations - open cells that are weakly reflective and closed cells that are more reflective and hence more effective at cooling the climate system. Lagrangian satellite data analysis reveals that open cells oscillate, forming and disappearing with a periodicity of ~3 hours. In contrast, closed cells maintain rigid structures for periods of more than 10 hours, suggesting that self-organisation breaks the link between the lifetime and the scale of a convective entity. These dynamical states are linked to two theoretical solutions of population dynamics.
RAFT copolymerization of acid chloride-containing monomers
Authors: Seo Myungeun , Hillmyer Marc A.
Published: August 2013

Controlled radical copolymerization of acid chloride-containing monomers via RAFT enabled direct synthesis of well-defined reactive polymers and their block polymers which can be readily functionalized further by postpolymerization modification.
Fast algorithm based on self‐resonant frequency for decoupling capacitor selection
Authors: Chu Xiu Qin , Lin Yong Jia , Pan Bo Hua , Zhang Songsong
Published: August 2013

A fast algorithm based on the self‐resonant frequency for decoupling capacitor (decap) selection is proposed and verified experimentally. The proposed algorithm has been compared with the genetic algorithm (GA). Results show that they both give quality and similar decoupling solutions, but the proposed algorithm is superior to the GA in computation speed.