bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thirty‐day mortality risk associated with the postoperative nonresumption of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors: A retrospective study of the veterans affairs healthcare system
Authors: Mudumbai Seshadri C. , Takemoto Steven , Cason Brian A. , Au Selwyn , Upadhyay Anjali , Wallace Arthur W.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) are a widely used class of cardiovascular medication. However, limited data exist on the risks of postoperative nonresumption of an ACE‐I.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the factors and 30‐day mortality risks associated with the postoperative nonresumption of an ACE‐I.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System.

PATIENTS

A total of 294,505 admissions in 240,978 patients with multiple preoperative prescription refills (>3) for an ACE‐I who underwent inpatient surgery from calendar years 1999 to 2012.

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENTS

We classified surgical admissions based upon the timing of postoperative resumption of an ACE‐I prescription from the day of surgery through postoperative days 0 to 14 and 15 to 30, and collected 30‐day mortality data. We evaluated the relationship between 30‐day mortality and the nonresumption of an ACE‐I from postoperative day 0 to 14 using proportional hazard regression models, adjusting for patient‐ and hospital‐level risk factors. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using more homogeneous subpopulations and propensity score models.

RESULTS

Twenty‐five percent of our cohort did not resume an ACE‐I during the 14 days following surgery. Nonresumption of an ACE‐I within postoperative day 0 to 14 was independently associated with increased 30‐day mortality (hazard ratio: 3.44; 95% confidence interval: 3.30‐3.60; P < 0.001) compared to the restart group. Sensitivity analyses maintained this relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonresumption of an ACE‐I is common after major inpatient surgery in the large VA Health Care System. Restarting of an ACE‐I within postoperative day 0 to 14 is, however, associated with decreased 30‐day mortality. Careful attention to the issue of timely reinstitution of chronic medications such as an ACE‐I is indicated. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:289–296. 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Drop the Small Talk When Establishing Baseline Behaviour in Interviews
Authors: Ewens Sarah , Vrij Aldert , Jang Minhwan , Jo Eunkyung
Published: May 2014

The present experiment investigated the behavioural patterns of interviewees when comparing their baseline behaviour, prior to the interview, with their behaviour during the investigative interview. Similar to what has been advised in the police literature, the truthful baseline behaviour was established prior to the interview through non‐threatening questions. The investigative part of the interview then followed in which the interviewee was aware that they would be assessed on whether they were lying. During the investigative part, interviewees either discussed the job that they had (truth tellers, n = 128) or pretended to have (liars, n = 115). Findings revealed that both liars and truth tellers' behavioural patterns differed between the baseline behaviour and the investigative part of the interview. The findings suggest small talk should not be used as a baseline comparison with the investigative part of the interview when determining if the interviewee is being deceitful. An alternative way of using a baseline lie detection method, the comparable truth method, is discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological and functional changes in pituitary‐thyroid axis following prolonged exposure of female rats to constant light
Authors: Miler Marko , Šošić‐Jurjević Branka , Nestorović Nataša , Ristić Nataša , Medigović Ivana , Savin Svetlana , Milošević Verica
Published: May 2014

Light regulates numerous physiological functions and synchronizes them with the environment, in part by adjusting secretion of different hormones. We hypothesized that constant light (CL) would disturb pituitary‐thyroid axis. Our aim was to determine morphological and functional changes in this endocrine system in such extreme conditions and, based on the obtained results, to propose the underlying mechanism(s). Starting from the thirtieth postnatal day, female Wistar rats were exposed to CL (600 lx) for the following 95 days. The controls were maintained under the regular laboratory lighting conditions. After decapitation, pituitaries and thyroids were prepared for further histomorphometric, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence examinations. Concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total T4 and T3 (TH) were determined. Thyroid tissue of light‐treated rats was characterized by microfollicular structure. We detected no change in total thyroid volume, localization and accumulation of thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, and sodium‐iodide symporter in the follicular epithelium of CL rats. The volume of follicular epithelium and activation index were increased, while volume of the colloid and serum levels of TH decreased. In the pituitary, the relative intensity of TSH β‐immunofluorescence signal within the cytoplasm of thyrotrophs increased, but their average cell volume and the relative volume density decreased. Serum TSH was unaltered. We conclude that exposure of female rats to CL induced alterations in pituitary‐thyroid axis. Thyroid tissue was characterized by microfollicular structure. Serum TH levels were reduced without accompanying increase in serum TSH. We hypothesize that increased secretion and clearance of TH together with unchanged or even decreased hormonal synthesis, resulted in decreased serum TH levels in CL group. We assume this decrease consequently led to increased synthesis and/or accumulation of pituitary TSH. However, decreased average TSH cell volume and relative volume density, together with unchanged serum TSH, point to additional, negative regulation of thyrotrophs. J. Morphol. 275:1161–1172, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pectoral fin morphology of batoid fishes (Chondrichthyes: Batoidea): Explaining phylogenetic variation with geometric morphometrics
Authors: Franklin Oliver , Palmer Colin , Dyke Gareth
Published: May 2014

The diverse cartilaginous fish lineage, Batoidea (rays, skates, and allies), sister taxon to sharks, comprises a huge range of morphological diversity which to date remains unquantified and unexplained in terms of evolution or locomotor style. A recent molecular phylogeny has enabled us to confidently assess broadscale aspects of morphology across Batoidea. Geometric morphometrics quantifies the major aspects of shape variation, focusing on the enlarged pectoral fins which characterize batoids, to explore relationships between ancestry, locomotion and habitat. A database of 253 specimens, encompassing 60 of the 72 batoid genera, reveals that the majority of morphological variation across Batoidea is attributable to fin aspect‐ratio and the chordwise location of fin apexes. Both aspect‐ratio and apex location exhibit significant phylogenetic signal. Standardized independent linear contrast analysis reveals that fin aspect‐ratio can predict locomotor style. This study provides the first evidence that low aspect‐ratio fins are correlated with undulatory‐style locomotion in batoids, whereas high aspect‐ratio fins are correlated with oscillatory locomotion. We also show that it is phylogeny that determines locomotor style. In addition, body‐ and caudal fin‐locomotors are shown to exhibit low aspect‐ratio fins, whereas a pelagic lifestyle correlates with high aspect‐ratio fins. These results emphasize the importance of phylogeny in determining batoid pectoral fin shape, however, interactions with other constraints, most notably locomotor style, are also highlighted as significant. J. Morphol. 275:1173–1186, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of heat treatment on the enzymatic stability of grass carp skin collagen and its ability to form fibrils in vitro
Authors: Yang Huan , Wang Haibo , Zhao Yan , Wang Haiyin , Zhang Hanjun
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

The molecular configuration, molecular weight distribution and thermal transition enthalpy (ΔH) of grass carp skin (GCS) collagens after heat treatment under different conditions were measured using circular dichroism, gel filtration chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The enzymatic stability of collagen was evaluated using different enzymes, while the ability to form fibrils in vitro was assessed by morphological observation of collagen fibrils and turbidity testing.

RESULTS

The ΔH values, in‐solution molecular aggregation and the stability to enzymatic hydrolysis of GCS collagen decreased irreversibly and progressively with the duration of heat treatment at 33 °C, which was the onset endothermic temperature obtained from the DSC curve. A strong positive linear correlation between the enzymatic sensitivity of collagen and the degree of thermal denaturation was found. A decrease in fibril diameter and D‐periodicity length with denaturation could also be observed in the SEM and TEM images.

CONCLUSION

The onset endothermic temperature (To) rather than the denaturation temperature (Td) is the threshold temperature for configurational stability of GCS collagen in acidic solution, and the biological properties would obviously change if the collagen was heat treated at this temperature. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of methyl jasmonate on the anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of blueberries during cold storage
Authors: Huang Xiaojie , Li Jing , Shang Hongli , Meng Xin
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

The effects of postharvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) fumigation on total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, total phenolic content (TPC), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMAs), individual anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of blueberries stored at 1 °C for 28 days were evaluated. Prior to storage, the blueberries were fumigated with 0.05 mmol L−1 MeJA for 12 h. Control blueberries were subjected to the same conditions but were not exposed to MeJA.

RESULTS

MeJA treatment had no adverse effect on TSS and TA and inhibited the decrease in ascorbic acid during storage. MeJA treatment induced an enhancement in TPC on day 21; TPC decreased thereafter. Similarly, a significant increase in TMAs and individual anthocyanins was observed 21 days after MeJA treatment. TPC, TMAs and individual anthocyanins increased in control fruits on day 7 and decreased thereafter. Moreover, MeJA treatment maintained higher levels of antioxidant activity during the entire storage period.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that cold storage enhances TPC, TMAs and individual anthocyanin content during short‐term storage. However, postharvest application of MeJA to blueberries enhances TPC, TMAs and individual anthocyanin content during long‐term storage. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The Complex Crystalline Structure of Polyethylene/Polycarbonate Microfibril Blends in a Secondary Flow Field
Authors: Xia Xiao‐Chao , Zhang Quan‐Ping , Wang Long , Feng Jian‐Min , Yang Ming‐Bo
Published: May 2014

A mass of stretched molecular chains in the entire thickness direction of gas‐assisted injection molding (GAIM) composites is induced due to the redistribution and amplification of the shear flow caused by the introduction of polycarbonate (PC) microfibril under intense shear stress. In the vicinity of the PC microfibrils, stretched chains are either absorbed by PC microfibrils with a large diameter to form a transcrystallinity, or captured by ultrafine PC microfibrils to firstly form shish nuclei and finally form hybrid shish‐kebab structures. Typical shish‐kebab superstructures are formed in the zone with the absence of PC microfibrils. In summary, multi­form crystalline superstructures across the thickness direction are successfully obtained by the GAIM. Thus, this work can open a new way for the preparation of high‐performance polymer composites in industrial processing.

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Glass‐Transition‐, Melting‐, and Decomposition Temperatures of Tailored Polyacrylates and Polymethacrylates: General Trends and Structure–Property Relationships
Authors: Fleischhaker Friederike , Haehnel Alexander P. , Misske Andrea M. , Blanchot Mathieu , Haremza Sylke , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: May 2014

The glass‐transition‐, melting, and onset decomposition temperatures of a series of tailored polymethacrylates and polyacrylates are systematically investigated. Application fields of the investigated polymers include coatings, adhesives, textile, paper, cosmetics, electronics, lubricants, fuel additives, and oil‐field or construction chemicals. The present study focuses on linear alkyl, branched alkyl, and amino, as well as ether polymethacrylates and polyacrylates. Novel polymers are introduced with branched C9, C13, C17, and C21 ester, Lupragen, or glyco­pyranoside ester groups. The thermal characteristics of the novel polymers are analyzed and placed into the context of the thermal data of known polymers fitting into the homologous series. General trends providing a comprehensive and concise overview of the determined thermal properties are derived. Structure–property relationships are established and a detailed physicochemical rationale is provided. The study may even allow for a rapid empirical estimation of thermal data of not yet assessed polymer systems.

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Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells promotes intestinal tumorigenesis and is associated with decreased NK cells and IL‐22 binding protein
Authors: Janakiram Naveena B. , Mohammed Altaf , Bryant Taylor , Brewer Misty , Biddick Laura , Lightfoot Stan , Lang Mark L. , Rao Chinthalapally V.
Published: May 2014

High number of regulatory T cells (Tregs), both circulating and at the tumor site, often indicates a poor prognosis in CRC patient's possibly impairing natural killer (NK) cell function. To determine the role of Tregs in CRC development and their effects on NK cells, we created novel transgenic Rag‐Apc mice that lack T cells and develop spontaneous intestinal tumors, and we adoptively transferred Tregs or transiently depleted NK cells during initial stages of tumorigenesis. In 6‐weeks old Rag‐Apc mice containing microscopic intestinal tumors adoptive transfer of Tregs or transient NK cell depletion dramatically associated with an increase in intestinal tumor multiplicity and tumor size, with significantly decreased survival rates. Importantly, Treg transfer increased small intestinal polyp formation up to 65% (P < 0.0005) and increased colon tumors multiplicities by 84% (P < 0.0001) with a significant decrease in NK cells as compared to control mice. Similarly, in NK depleted mice, colon tumor multiplicities increased up to 40% and small intestinal polyp formation up to 60% (P < 0.0001). Treg transfer or NK cell transient depletion markedly increased interleukin (IL)‐22 systemically and the inflammatory signaling molecules P2X7R, and STAT3 in the tumors; and impaired production of the tumor suppressor interferon (IFN)‐γ systemically. Notably, IL‐22 binding protein (IL‐22 BP) was associated with NKs and a significant decrease was seen at the tumor site in mice adoptively transferred with Tregs or depleted of NK cells. Our results suggest that adoptive transfer of Tregs aggressively promote intestinal tumorigenesis by decreasing NK cell number and activity by modulating IL‐22 BP. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Erbb2 up‐regulation of ADAM12 expression accelerates skin cancer progression
Authors: Rao Velidi H. , Vogel Kristen , Yanagida Jodi K. , Marwaha Nitin , Kandel Amrit , Trempus Carol , Repertinger Susan K. , Hansen Laura A.
Published: May 2014

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause severe damage to the skin and is the primary cause of most skin cancer. UV radiation causes DNA damage leading to mutations and also activates the Erbb2/HER2 receptor through indirect mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species. We hypothesized that Erbb2 activation accelerates the malignant progression of UV‐induced skin cancer. Following the induction of benign squamous papillomas by UV exposure of v‐rasHa transgenic Tg.AC mice, mice were treated topically with the Erbb2 inhibitor AG825 and tumor progression monitored. AG825 treatment reduced tumor volume, increased tumor regression, and delayed the development of malignant squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Progression to malignancy was associated with increased Erbb2 and ADAM12 (A Disintegin And Metalloproteinase 12) transcripts and protein, while inhibition of Erbb2 blocked the increase in ADAM12 message upon malignant progression. Similarly, human SCC and SCC cell lines had increased ADAM12 protein and transcripts when compared to normal controls. To determine whether Erbb2 up‐regulation of ADAM12 contributed to malignant progression of skin cancer, Erbb2 expression was modulated in cultured SCC cells using forced over‐expression or siRNA targeting, demonstrating up‐regulation of ADAM12 by Erbb2. Furthermore, ADAM12 transfection or siRNA targeting revealed that ADAM12 increased both the migration and invasion of cutaneous SCC cells. Collectively, these results suggest Erbb2 up‐regulation of ADAM12 as a novel mechanism contributing to the malignant progression of UV‐induced skin cancer. Inhibition of Erbb2/HER2 reduced tumor burden, increased tumor regression, and delayed the progression of benign skin tumors to malignant SCC in UV‐exposed mice. Inhibition of Erbb2 suppressed the increase in metalloproteinase ADAM12 expression in skin tumors, which in turn increased migration and tumor cell invasiveness. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reach bleibt und hat Folgen
Authors: Lahl Uwe , Metzger Jürgen O.
Published: May 2014

Wie gut funktioniert die europäische Chemikaliengesetzgebung? Kommen kleine und mittlere Unternehmen damit zurecht? Was bleibt zu tun? Wirkt Europa auf die USA? Eine Standortbestimmung der Marktteilnehmer.
H als Abgangsgruppe
Authors: Gulder Tanja , Gulder Tobias A. M.
Published: May 2014

Nur eine sorgfältige Balance zwischen Reaktivität und Selektivität führt zur erfolgreichen C‐H‐Funktionalisierung in der Naturstofftotalsynthese. Eine vielversprechende Methode, um komplexe Naturstoffe aufzubauen, ist die direkte Pd‐katalysierte Arylierung nicht aktivierter C(sp3)‐H‐Bindungen.
Österreich im Jahr 2013
Authors: Pummer Johann
Published: May 2014

Seit ihrem höchsten Umsatzniveau vor zwei Jahren bewegt sich die chemische Industrie Österreichs seitwärts und fordert eine bessere Standortpolitik.
Mitmachen, nicht ärgern
Authors: Bengs Holger
Published: May 2014

Bei unserem Gesundheitssystem müssen sich Unternehmen inzwischen mehr mit Gesetzen auseinandersetzen als mit Wissenschaft und Forschung.
Toward high‐efficiency dye‐sensitized solar cells with a photoanode fabricated via a simple water‐based formulation
Authors: Lupitskyy Robert , Vendra Venkat Kalyan , Jasinski Jacek , Amos Delaina A. , Sunkara Mahendra K. , Druffel Thad
Published: May 2014

An aqueous formulation containing commercially available P25 nanoparticles and a water‐soluble precursor—titanium (IV) bis(ammonium lactato)dihydroxide (TALH) has been developed and optimized for fabricating photoanodes in dye‐sensitized solar cells. An optimal formulation achieved a power conversion efficiency of 9.2%. Solar cell performance is significantly influenced by precursor concentration impacting the porosity and electron transport of the thin film. The use of TALH during processing is shown to enhance the electron transport in the resulting titanium dioxide nanoparticle network using transient decay measurements. Bridging between neighboring nanoparticles is confirmed using transmission electron microscopy explaining the enhanced electron transport. The developed formulation has several advantages, as it is water‐based, composed of inexpensive, non‐hazardous components, is easy to make, and does not require special handling. The formulation has great potential for industrial applications, in particular for DSC manufacturing using roll‐to‐roll technology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conserved symmetries in noncommutative quantum mechanics
Authors: Kupriyanov V.G.
Published: May 2014

We consider a problem of the consistent deformation of physical system introducing a new features, but preserving its fundamental properties. In particular, we study how to implement the noncommutativity of space‐time without violation of the rotational symmetry in quantum mechanics or the Lorentz symmetry in field theory. Since the canonical (Moyal) noncommutativity breaks the above symmetries one should work with more general case of coordinate‐dependent noncommutative spaces, when the commutator between coordinates is a function of these coordinates. First we describe in general lines how to construct the quantum mechanics on coordinate‐dependent noncommutative spaces. Then we consider the particular examples: the Hydrogen atom on rotationally invariant noncommutative space and the Dirac equation on covariant noncommutative space‐time.
The effect of electrical treatment on cyclic fatigue of NiTi instruments
Authors: Saghiri Mohammad Ali , Asatourian Armen , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin , Gutmann James L. , Lotfi Mehrdad , Sheibani Nader
Published: May 2014

Dentists desire to use NiTi rotary instruments, which do not break inside the root canals of teeth, since the pieces from broken files are difficult to remove. The NiTi rotary instrument breakage is because of cyclic and torsional fatigue. Here the low‐voltage (12 V) and high voltage (24 V) electrical treatments were used to enhance the cyclic fatigue of NiTi rotary instruments and increase their durability. In excremental groups, following electrical treatment samples of the NiTi instruments were rotated inside artificial root canals until they broke. Our results showed that electrical treatment with 12‐V DC was effective in restoring NiTi instrument's resistance to cyclic fatigue. The scanning electron microscopy images and fractograph of samples exposed to 12‐V electrical treatment showed a more regular texture over the surface with less dimpling on fractured site. These patterns can improve the super elasticity of tested devices during rotational movement, and delay the NiTi instruments separation in root canal preparations. SCANNING 36:507–511, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding irregular shell formation of Nautilus in aquaria: Chemical composition and structural analysis
Authors: Moini Mehdi , O'Halloran Aoife , Peters Alan M. , France Christine A.M. , Vicenzi Edward P. , DeWitt Tamsen G. , Langan Esther , Walsh Tim , Speakman Robert J.
Published: May 2014

Irregular shell formation and black lines on the outside of live chambered nautilus shells have been observed in all adult specimens at aquariums and zoos soon after the organisms enter aquaria. Black lines have also been observed in wild animals at sites of broken shell, but continued growth from that point returns to a normal, smooth structure. In contrast, rough irregular deposition of shell continues throughout residence in aquaria. The composition and reasons for deposition of the black material and mitigation of this irregular shell formation is the subject of the current study. A variety of analytical techniques were used, including stable isotope mass spectrometry (SI‐MS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), micro x‐ray fluorescence (µXRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) based X‐ray microanalysis. Results indicate that the black material contains excess amounts of copper, zinc, and bromine which are unrelated to the Nautilus diet. The combination of these elements and proteins plays an important role in shell formation, growth, and strengthening. Further study will be needed to compare the proteomics of the shell under aquaria versus natural wild environments. The question remains as to whether the occurrence of the black lines indicates normal healing followed by growth irregularities that are caused by stress from chemical or environmental conditions. In this paper we begin to address this question by examining elemental and isotopic differences of Nautilus diet and salt water. The atomic composition and light stable isotopic ratios of the Nautilus shell formed in aquaria verses wild conditions are presented. Zoo Biol. 33:285–294, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large-scale climate variability and rodent abundance modulates recruitment rates in Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Authors: Kvasnes Mikkel A. J. , Pedersen Hans Chr. , Storaas Torstein , Nilsen Erlend B.
Published: May 2014

Recruitment of juveniles is important for the size of the next year’s breeding population in many bird species. Climate variability and predation may affect recruitment rates, and when these factors are spatially correlated, recruitment rates in spatially separated populations of a species may be synchronized. We used production data from an extensive survey of Willow Ptarmigan from 2000 to 2011 to investigate spatial synchrony in recruitment of juveniles within and among mountain region populations. In addition, we assessed the effects of predation and large—as well as local—scale climate on recruitment of juveniles. Recruitment was synchronized both within and among mountain regions, but the mean spatial correlation was strongest among mountain regions. This may be caused by small-scale factors such as predation or habitat structure, or be a result of sampling variation, which may be large at small spatial scales. The strong synchrony suggests that populations are subject to similar environmental forces. We used mixed effect models at the survey area and mountain region scales to assess the effect of rodent abundance (a proxy for predation rates) and local and regional climate during the breeding season on the recruitment of juvenile birds. Model selection based on AICc revealed that the most parsimonious models at both spatial scales included positive effects of rodent abundance and the North Atlantic oscillation during May, June and July (NAOMJJ). The NAOMJJindex was positively related to temperature and precipitation during the pre-incubation period; temperature during the incubation period and positive NAOMJJvalues accelerate plant growth. A comparison of the relative effects of NAOMJJand rodent abundance showed that variation in NAOMJJhad greatest impact on the recruitment of juveniles. This suggests that the climate effect was stronger than the effect of rodent abundance in our study populations. This is in contrast to previous studies on Willow Ptarmigan, but may be explained by the collapse in rodent cycles since the 1990s. If Willow Ptarmigan dynamics in the past were linked to the rodent cycle through a shared predator regime, this link may have been weakened when rodent cycles became more irregular, resulting in a more pronounced effect of environmental perturbation on the dynamics of ptarmigan.
Changes in community structure and species–landform relationship after repeated fire disturbance in an oak‐dominated temperate forest
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Arthur Mary A.
Published: May 2014

Landform has long been considered one of the primary controls on forest community structure; however, it is still unclear how the strength of such species–topography couplings varies in response to recurring disturbance events. We evaluated this question in the context of repeated prescribed fire applied to a forest landscape in eastern Kentucky, USA. The landscape encompassed different areas of varying treatment frequencies: no fire, less frequent fires (two times, 6‐year interval), and frequent fires (four times, 1 or 2‐year interval) over 8 years. For each of 32 plots (10 m × 40 m), species–landform data were collected seven times between 2002 and 2010. Results of canonical correspondence analysis showed generally decreasing importance of terrain attributes to the overall tree species composition, during and after the period of fire disturbance. Before fire, species composition showed high fractal dimensions and low Moran'sI, implying that the complex terrain of the area provided local, site‐specific topographic controls on community structure. As fire was repeatedly applied, fractal dimensions decreased and Moran'sIincreased, indicating that plots possessed increasingly similar vegetation characteristics regardless of site‐specific terrain conditions; that is, local topography no longer acted as the primary driver of species composition because such a short‐range spatial control became overwhelmed by a longer‐range variation dictated by fire. Following a period of fire disturbance, forest modelers are recommended to avoid species distribution modeling heavily based on topographic parameters and to explicitly take into account potentially increasing spatial autocorrelation in species composition.
miR‐17‐5p promotes proliferation by targeting SOCS6 in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Wu Qiong , Luo Guanhong , Yang Zhiping , Zhu Fei , An Yanxin , Shi Yongquan , Fan Daiming
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to test the exact functions and potential mechanisms of miR‐17‐5p in gastric cancer. Using real‐time PCR, miR‐17‐5p was found to be expressed more highly in gastric cancer compared with‐normal tissues. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays demonstrated that miR‐17‐5p increased the proliferation and growth of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Through reporter gene and western blot assays, SOCS6 was shown to be a direct target of miR‐17‐5p, and proliferative assays confirmed that SOCS6 exerted opposing function to that of miR‐17‐5p in gastric cancer. In short, miR‐17‐5p might function as a pro‐proliferative factor by repressing SOCS6 in gastric cancer.
Interleukin 10 promoter haplotype is associated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis in Taiwanese patients
Authors: Yang An‐Ming , Wen Li‐Li , Yang Chang‐Shyue , Wang Sun‐Chong , Chen Chien‐Sheng , Bair Ming‐Jong
Published: May 2014

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is a severe form of alcohol‐related liver damage. More than 95% of heavy drinkers develop a fatty liver, but only 35% of them develop cirrhosis. We postulate that genetic factors may play a role in this difference. Genetic polymorphisms of the cytokine genes may influence Kupffer cells cytokine genes expression. In this study, we evaluated the promoter polymorphisms of interleukin (IL) 1β, IL 6, IL 10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and aimed to clarify the association between the polymorphisms and the disease. Forty alcoholic patients with liver cirrhosis and 64 healthy volunteers were included in our investigation. Genotyping on IL 1β –511 T>C, IL 6 –572 G>C, IL 10 –819 C>T, IL 10 –1082 G>A, and TNFα –308 G>A was done. Another 36 patients with recurrent alcoholic pancreatitis were included as an additional control group. Genotyping on IL 10 –819 C>T and IL 10 –1082 G>A was done. The polymorphisms on IL 1 and IL 6 showed no significant association. The p value for TNFα –308 G>A was 0.028 in comparison with healthy volunteers. Although the p value was less than 0.05, it did not reach significance after Bonferroni correction. The p values for IL 10 –819 C>T and IL 10 –1082 G>A were respectively 0.031 and 0.026 in healthy volunteers and 0.028 and 0.023 in the alcoholic pancreatitis group. The results also did not reach significance after Bonferroni correction. Among the participants with the GCC haplotype, healthy volunteers had p = 0.027 (p < 0.05) and an odds ratio (OR) of 0.124 [confidence interval (95%) CI, 0.015–0.997], whereas the alcoholic pancreatitis group had p = 0.023 (p < 0.05) and an OR of 0.106 (95% CI, 0.012–0.912). The odds ratio of people having one ATA haplotype was 6.233 (95% CI, 0.739–52.547) in healthy volunteers and 6.588 (95% CI, 0.727–59.679) in the alcoholic pancreatitis group; the corresponding rate was 10.521 (95% CI, 1.252–88.440) and 12.833 (95% CI 1.408–117.008) for people with two ATA haplotypes. The p values in these groups were 0.031 (p < 0.05) and 0.028 (p < 0.05), respectively. The presence of a GCC haplotype could have protective effect against alcoholic liver disease, whereas the presence of an ATA haplotype could predispose carriers to the disease. The IL 10 promoter haplotype is associated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis in Taiwanese patients.
The output gap and expected security returns
Authors: Biswas Anindya
Published: May 2014

This paper analyzes the impact of the output gap on market excess returns. The output gap is usually defined as the deviation of output from potential output that is indicated by the trend output. However, this study departs from the common approach of calculating the output gap based on a simple trend line. It uses a flexible data‐driven weighting scheme, and it uses only the available information that corresponds to each forecasting origin to derive the output gap. Overall, the proposed output gap is a strong predictor of U.S. market excess returns.
Electro-explosion performance of KNO3-filled carbon nanotubes initiator
Authors: Guo Rui , Hu Yan , Shen Ruiqi , Ye Yinghua
Published: May 2014

An energetic initiator was developed by integrating KNO3@CNTs nanoenergetic materials with a Cu thin-film microbridge realized onto a ceramic substrate. The electro-explosion performances, including the voltage and current properties, the electro-explosion time, and the explosive sensitivity, of the initiator under capacitor discharge were investigated. The process of electrical explosion was observed by highspeed photography. The explosive sensitivity was obtained by Bruceton method. The results show that the Cu thin-film microbridge and the KNO3@CNTs initiator conducted different electro-explosion behaviours. Compared with the Cu thin-film microbridge, the explosive input energy was lower and the output energy was higher. It indicated that the superior electric and thermal conductivities of the carbon nanotubes and the chemical reaction of the KNO3@CNTs nanoenergetic materials were beneficial for the miniaturization of electropyrotechnics.
The physics of energy transfer toward improved subgrid-scale models
Authors: Cimarelli Andrea , De Angelis Elisabetta
Published: May 2014

Starting from physical insight on the energy transfer phenomena in wall turbulent flows, it is shown how modeling of subgrid stresses in large-eddy simulations can be improved. Each model should aim at reproducing the double feature of energy sink and source of the small scales of wall flows which become relevant when large filter lengths are considered. Here we propose one possible choice where the main ingredient is the coupling of the classical linear formulation of eddy viscosity with the nonlinear anisotropic features of the velocity increments tensor. This approach, which actually presents most of the features of the mixed models, captures the near-wall dynamics for very large filter lengths reproducing the small scales source physics responsible for backward energy transfer. A posteriori tests show excellent agreement with direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flows even when very coarse grids are considered. The capability of the balance of the filtered second order structure function as a post-processing tool to evaluate the physics of any model is also shown.
Delay time and Hartman effect in strain engineered graphene
Authors: Chen Xi , Deng Zhi-Yong , Ban Yue
Published: May 2014

Tunneling times, including group delay and dwell time, are studied for massless Dirac electrons transmitting through a one-dimensional barrier in strain-engineered graphene. The Hartman effect, the independence of group delay on barrier length, is induced by the strain effect, and associated with the transmission gap and the evanescent mode. The influence of barrier height/length and strain modulus/direction on the group delay is also discussed, which provides the flexibility to control the group delay with applications in graphene-based devices. The relationship between group delay and dwell time is finally derived to clarify the nature of the Hartman effect.
Water adsorption and dissociation on Ni(110): How is it different from its close packed counterparts?
Authors: Seenivasan H. , Tiwari Ashwani K.
Published: May 2014

Water adsorption and dissociation on Ni(110) surface is studied in detail and compared with its close packed counterparts using density functional theory calculations. Water adsorption occurs on the top site as found on Ni(100) and Ni(111) but the adsorption is stronger on Ni(110). H and OH preferably adsorb on the short bridge sites (brgshort) opposed to hollow sites on (100) and (111) surfaces. Energy barriers for water molecule dissociation on Ni(110) as obtained from the transition state (TS) calculations were low compared to other Ni low indexed surfaces. TS geometries at different positions of the lattice coordinate, Q, were obtained to study the effect of surface temperature on dissociation of H2O molecules. These calculations revealed that second layer atoms were also involved in the TS. Dissociation probabilities are obtained using a semi-classical approximation by sampling Q for a Boltzmann distribution at different temperatures. Results showed that the increasing surface temperature significantly increases the dissociation probabilities at lower energies and saturates near the barrier for dissociation. Although the contribution from both top and second layers is similar at low surface temperatures, motion of top layer atoms contribute more towards dissociation probability at higher surface temperatures. Dissociation probabilities obtained are more than one order of magnitude higher than that on Ni(100) and Ni(111) surfaces suggesting Ni(110) to be more reactive among the low indexed Ni surfaces.
Identification of crystalline elastic anisotropy in PZT ceramics from in-situ blocking stress measurements
Authors: Daniel L. , Hall D. A. , Webber K. G. , King A. , Withers P. J.
Published: May 2014

High energy x-ray diffraction measurements of lattice strains were performed on a rhombohedral Lead Zirconate Titanate ceramic (PZT 55-45) under combinations of applied electric field and compressive stress. These measurements allow the construction of blocking stress curves for different sets of crystallographic orientations which reflect the single crystal elastic anisotropy. A micro-mechanical interpretation of the results is then proposed. Assuming cubic symmetry for the crystalline elastic stiffness tensor and isotropy for the macroscopic elastic properties, the elastic properties of the single crystal are extracted from the measured data. An anisotropy ratio close to 0.3 is found (compared to 1 for isotropic materials). The high level of anisotropy found in this work suggests that crystalline elastic anisotropy should not be neglected in the modelling of ferroelectric materials.
Infrared light detection using a whispering-gallery-mode optical microcavity
Authors: Zhu Jiangang , Ozdemir Sahin Kaya , Yang Lan
Published: May 2014

We demonstrate a thermal infrared (IR) detector based on an ultra-high-quality-factor (Q) whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microtoroidal silica resonator and investigate its performance to detect IR radiation at 10 μm wavelength. The bandwidth and the sensitivity of the detector are dependent on the power of a probe laser and the detuning between the probe laser and the resonance frequency of the resonator. The microtoroid IR sensor achieved a noise-equivalent-power (NEP) of 7.46 nW, corresponding to an IR intensity of 0.095 mW/cm2.
Tensile strain mapping in flat germanium membranes
Authors: Rhead S. D. , Halpin J. E. , Shah V. A. , Myronov M. , Patchett D. H. , Allred P. S. , Kachkanov V. , Dolbnya I. P. , Reparaz J. S. , Wilson N. R. , Sotomayor Torres C. M. , Leadley D. R.
Published: May 2014

Scanning X-ray micro-diffraction has been used as a non-destructive probe of the local crystalline quality of a thin suspended germanium (Ge) membrane. A series of reciprocal space maps were obtained with ∼4 μm spatial resolution, from which detailed information on the strain distribution, thickness, and crystalline tilt of the membrane was obtained. We are able to detect a systematic strain variation across the membranes, but show that this is negligible in the context of using the membranes as platforms for further growth. In addition, we show evidence that the interface and surface quality is improved by suspending the Ge.
High-energy X-ray detection by hafnium-doped organic-inorganic hybrid scintillators prepared by sol-gel method
Authors: Sun Yan , Koshimizu Masanori , Yahaba Natsuna , Nishikido Fumihiko , Kishimoto Shunji , Haruki Rie , Asai Keisuke
Published: May 2014

With the aim of enhancing the efficiency with which plastic scintillators detect high-energy X-rays, hafnium-doped organic-inorganic hybrid scintillators were fabricated via a sol-gel method. Transmission electron microscopy of sampled material reveals the presence of HfxSi1−xO2 nanoparticles, dispersed in a polymer matrix that constitutes the active material of the X-ray detector. With HfxSi1−xO2 nanoparticles incorporated in the polymer matrix, the absorption edge and the luminescence wavelength is shifted, which we attribute to Mie scattering. The detection efficiency for 67.4-keV X-rays in a 0.6-mm-thick piece of this material is two times better than the same thickness of a commercial plastic scintillator-NE142.
Direct observation of electron emission from the grain boundaries of chemical vapour deposition diamond films by tunneling atomic force microscopy
Authors: Chatterjee Vijay , Harniman Robert , May Paul W. , Barhai P. K.
Published: May 2014

The emission of electrons from diamond in vacuum occurs readily as a result of the negative electron affinity of the hydrogenated surface due to features with nanoscale dimensions, which can concentrate electric fields high enough to induce electron emission from them. Electrons can be emitted as a result of an applied electric field (field emission) with possible uses in displays or cold-cathode devices. Alternatively, electrons can be emitted simply by heating the diamond in vacuum to temperatures as low as 350 °C (thermionic emission), and this may find applications in solar energy generation or energy harvesting devices. Electron emission studies usually use doped polycrystalline diamond films deposited onto Si or metallic substrates by chemical vapor deposition, and these films have a rough, faceted morphology on the micron or nanometer scale. Electron emission is often improved by patterning the diamond surface into sharp points or needles, the idea being that the field lines concentrate at the points lowering the barrier for electron emission. However, there is little direct evidence that electrons are emitted from these sharp tips. The few reports in the literature that have studied the emission sites suggested that emission came from the grain boundaries and not the protruding regions. We now present direct observation of the emission sites over a large area of polycrystalline diamond using tunneling atomic force microscopy. We confirm that the emission current comes mostly from the grain boundaries, which is consistent with a model for emission in which the non-diamond phase is the source of electrons with a threshold that is determined by the surrounding hydrogenated diamond surface.
Non-Geiger mode single photon detector with multiple amplification and gain control mechanisms
Authors: Nawar Rahman Samia , Hall David , Lo Yu-Hwa
Published: May 2014

A new type of single photon detector, Multiple Amplification Gain with Internal Control (MAGIC), is proposed and analyzed using Monte Carlo simulations based on a physical model of the device. The MAGIC detector has two coupled amplification mechanisms, avalanche multiplication and bipolar gain, and the net gain is regulated by a built-in feedback mechanism. Compared to conventional Geiger mode single photon avalanche detectors (SPADs), the MAGIC detector produces a much greater single photon detection efficiency of nearly 100%, low bit-error-ratio for single photon signals, and a large dynamic range. All these properties are highly desirable for applications that require single photon sensitivity and are absent for conventional Geiger-mode SPADs.
Should animal fats be back on the table? A critical review of the human health effects of animal fat
Authors: Barendse William
Published: May 2014

Humans hunt or raise a wide variety of animals for meat, which vary from free-range to intensively reared. These animals form a valuable part of human nutrition. Their tissues, including the fat, contain vitamin and other essential nutrients necessary for health. However, animal fat from ruminants and other land mammals is usually regarded as saturated. The purpose of this review is partly to examine the basis for the saturated fat hypothesis of cardiovascular disease given more recent research, to examine the human health effects of animal fats, and partly to draw into one place the diverse knowledge about animal fat and the effects of fat on metabolism. Mechanistic understanding of the initiation of the fatty streak and atherosclerosis calls into question the avoidance of ruminant or porcine fat. Due to high levels of oleic acid, a low n-6 : n-3 fatty acid ratio in some groups, and the presence of specific micronutrients including vitamins and essential fatty acids, animal fats are of benefit in human nutrition. Animal fats can be obtained in minimally processed form making them a convenient source of energy and micronutrients.
What’s Happening to the Weather? Australian Climate, H. C. Russell, and the Theory of a Nineteen-Year Cycle
Authors: Miller Julia
Published: May 2014

The theory of a nineteen-year climate cycle put forward by acclaimed New SouthWales Government Astronomer Henry Chamberlain Russell is arguably one of his least successful contributions to science. Yet his ability to draw global connections made Russell a pioneer in the field of climate science— one whose innovative thinking helped prepare the way for much later achievements in the field of seasonal prediction. While controversial, Russell's theory sparked intense interest in meteorology and climate cycles and, at a time when extreme weather events were putting pressure on agriculture and pastoralism in New South Wales, it addressed the question of whether the Australian climate was undergoing permanent change. An historical understanding of ideas about climate cycles illuminates current debates on how to address the problems associated with anthropogenic climate change.
Economic competition is like auto racing
Authors: Krennmayr Tina , Bowdle Brian F. , Mulder Gerben , Steen Gerard J.
Published: May 2014

Even though our language is pervaded by metaphor, we do not necessarily think metaphorically. Knowing whether people make conceptual connections between a source and a target domain, and if so under which conditions, is of theoretical as well as practical interest, for example in text design. This paper experimentally investigates under which conditions people build their textual representations of a news article on a metaphorical schema. To disentangle the inconclusive output of recent reaction-time studies, we conduct a memory study. We probe the effect of signaling and conventionality on textual representations — two variables which have been ignored or conflated in previous studies. We find that people are more likely to metaphorically structure their representations of a news article to the extent that it contains novel metaphorical expressions. The inclusion of similes that explicitly signal extended mappings between source and target domains may also act as an aid to integration, although our evidence for this is more equivocal. These findings are discussed in relation to the career of metaphor theory and to the role of deliberateness in metaphor processing.