bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of structures and properties of amorphous nanostructured SiC thin films deposited on AISI 304 stainless steel using pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Elgazzar Haytham A , Salem Hanadi G , Mattar Taha M , Hassan Ali M , Abdel-Rahman Ehab
Published: September 2013

Amorphous nanostructure silicon carbide (a-SiC) recently received great attention for its use as protective coating for metallic substrates due to its good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In this article, a-SiC thin films were deposited on AISI 304 stainless steel substrates at room temperature for deposition times of 4 and 6 h using pulsed laser deposition technique. The deposition process was stopped every 2 h then resumed for an hour. The effect of interval time during deposition process and substrate type on the properties of the produced films was extensively investigated. The morphological features of the deposited SiC films were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The film structures were determined by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray. The mechanical and tribological properties, such as Young’s modulus, hardness and scratch resistance, were determined using nanoindenter. The results showed the formation of uniform monocrystalline nanostructured Si interface between two a-SiC layers after the 2 h of no-deposition time intervals. The formation of crystalline Si interface attributed to the effect of high kinetic energy of the incoming ablated particles deposited on the grown a-SiC layers. The a-SiC films were amorphous having nanostructure grains with dimensions ≤ 100 nm. All films showed smooth surfaces with fine cracks due to the presence of intrinsic stresses. The deposited films showed low mechanical properties due to their amorphous structures.
School Leader Perspectives on Leadership Learning Preparation and Continuing Professional Development in the Chinese Province of Fujian
Authors: Wilson Michael , Xue Xiaomin
Published: September 2013

This article reports the findings of a small-scale investigation into the perspectives of Chinese school leaders (school principals and deputy principals) on their leadership learning opportunities. The research draws on key policy documents and semi-structured interviews within a phenomenographic framework based on a cluster sample of ten school leaders located in Fuqing municipality, Fujian. Three overarching ‘categories of description’ emerge from the data: perspectives on formal learning, informal learning and the influences of systemic-contextual factors. The findings indicate that while there has been both an increase in investment and significant developments in school leadership training and continuing professional development, provision has been top-down and primarily focused on raising awareness of educational policy and reform. The study gives voice to the perceived learning needs of the school leaders themselves, arguing that these need to be addressed by policymakers if improvements in the quality of education are to be achieved in line with government expectations.
Genital warts and human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Mehta Milan M , Salem Lara , Kemp Timothy
Published: September 2013

Genital warts, or condylomata acuminata, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are the most commonly diagnosed viral sexually transmitted infection in the UK. This article aims to describe the natural history of HPV and how to recognise and manage genital warts. A summary of the UK HPV vaccination programme is also included.
Bowel preparation regimens for colon capsule endoscopy: a review
Authors: Singhal Shashideep , Nigar Sofia , Paleti Vani , Lane Devin , Duddempudi Sushil
Published: September 2013

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is being actively evaluated as an emerging complementary or alternative procedure for evaluation of the colon. The yield of CCE is significantly dependent on the quality of bowel preparation. In addition to achieving a stool-free colon the bowel preparation protocols need to decrease bubble effect and aid propulsion of the capsule.

An extensive English literature search was done using PubMed with search terms of colon capsule endoscopy, PillCam and bowel preparation. Full-length articles which met the criteria were included for review.

A total of 12 studies including 1149 patients were reviewed. There was significant variability in the type of bowel preparation regimens. Large-volume (3–4 liters) polyethylene glycol (PEG) was the most widely used laxative. Lower volumes of PEG showed comparable results but larger studies are needed to determine efficacy. Sodium phosphate was used as an effective booster in most studies. Magnesium citrate and ascorbic acid are emerging as promising boosters to replace sodium phosphate when it is contraindicated. The potential benefit of prokinetics needs further evaluation.

Over the past decade there has been significant improvement in the bowel preparation regimens for CCE. Further experience and studies are likely to standardize the bowel preparation regimens before CCE is adopted into routine clinical practice.
The Absence of Structural Americanization
Authors: Nielsen Rasmus Kleis
Published: September 2013

Several comparative media researchers have hypothesized that the media systems of affluent Western democracies are becoming more and more structurally homogeneous—that they are becoming “Americanized.” This article uses data on newspaper industry revenues, commercial television revenues, Internet use, and funding for public service media from a strategic sample of six countries to test the structural version of the convergence hypothesis, looking at the period from 2000 to 2009. (The countries included are Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States.) The analysis demonstrates an “absence of Americanization” as the six media systems have not become structurally more similar over the last decade. Instead, developments are summarized as a combination of (1) parallel displacements, (2) persistent particularities, and (3) the emergence of some new peculiarities. Theoretically, economic and technological forces were expected to drive convergence. The article suggests that the reason these forces have not driven convergence in recent years may be that the interplay between them have changed as part of a broader shift from the mass media, mass production, and mass markets characteristic of twentieth-century Western societies and toward the fragmented media landscapes, tailored production, and niche marketing increasingly characteristic of early-twenty-first century affluent democracies.
EZH2 mutations are frequent and represent an early event in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Bödör Csaba , Grossmann Vera , Popov Nikolay , Okosun Jessica , O’Riain Ciarán , Tan King , Marzec Jacek , Araf Shamzah , Wang Jun , Lee Abigail M. , Clear Andrew , Montoto Silvia , Matthews Janet , Iqbal Sameena , Rajnai Hajnalka , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Campo Elias , Rimsza Lisa M. , Smeland Erlend B. , Chan Wing C. , Braziel Rita M. , Staudt Louis M. , Wright George , Lister T. Andrew , Elemento Olivier , Hills Robert , Gribben John G. , Chelala Claude , Matolcsy András , Kohlmann Alexander , Haferlach Torsten , Gascoyne Randy D. , Fitzgibbon Jude
Published: September 2013

Key Points

EZH2 mutations occur in more than 25% of follicular lymphoma patients. Mutations predominantly represent an early/clonal event in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Management of the refractory aplastic anemia patient: what are the options?
Authors: Marsh Judith C. W. , Kulasekararaj Austin G.
Published: September 2013

Refractory aplastic anemia (AA) is defined as a lack of response to first-line immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporin and is manifested as persistence of severe cytopenias at 6 months after IST. Although supportive care is critical for AA patients, it is of paramount importance for refractory disease in view of the longer duration of pancytopenia and susceptibility to life-threatening infections due to IST. Improvements in supportive care have largely contributed to better outcome over the past 2 decades, with 5-year overall survival reaching 57% during 2002 to 2008 for patients with AA unresponsive to initial IST. Exclusion of hypocellular myelodysplastic syndrome and constitutional BM failure masquerading as apparent idiopathic AA should be done in conjunction with centers of excellence. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is indicated if refractory AA patients are fit and have a suitably matched donor, either a sibling (>40-50 years) or unrelated donor. Patients lacking a fully matched donor should be considered for a second course of antithymocyte globulin plus cyclosporin, although response in the refractory setting is only ∼30% to 35%. Response may also occur with alemtuzumab or the thrombopoietin mimetic eltrombopag in refractory AA. The emerging data for alternate donor (cord or haploidentical) transplantation in AA has provided additional therapeutic choices to consider in refractory disease.
Detection of human leptospirosis as a cause of acute fever by capture ELISA using a Leptospira interrogansserovar Copenhageni (M20) derived antigen
Authors: Canal Enrique , Pollett Simon , Heitzinger Kristen , Gregory Michael , Kasper Matthew , Halsey Eric , Meza Yocelinda , Campos Kalina , Perez Juan , Meza Rina , Bernal Maruja , Guillen Alfredo , Kochel Tadeusz J , Espinosa Benjamin , Hall Eric R , Maves Ryan C
Published: September 2013

Background

Leptospirosis is a potentially lethal zoonosis mainly affecting low-resource tropical countries, including Peru and its neighbouring countries. Timely diagnosis of leptospirosis is critical but may be challenging in the regions where it is most prevalent. The serodiagnostic gold standard microagglutination test (MAT) may be technically prohibitive. Our objective in this study was to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of an IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunoassay (MAC-ELISA) derived from the M20 strain of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni (M20) by comparison to MAT, which was used as the gold standard method of diagnosis.

Methods

Acute and convalescent sera from participants participating in a passive febrile surveillance study in multiple regions of Peru were tested by both IgM MAC-ELISA and MAT. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV) of the MAC-ELISA assay for acute, convalescent and paired sera by comparison to MAT were calculated.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the MAC-ELISA assay for acute sera were 92.3%, 56.0%, 35.3% and 96.6% respectively. For convalescent sera, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the MAC-ELISA assay were 93.3%, 51.5%, 63.6% and 89.5% respectively. For paired sera, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the MAC-ELISA assay were 93.6%, 37.5%, 59.2%, 85.7% respectively.

Conclusions

The M20 MAC-ELISA assay performed with a high sensitivity and low specificity in the acute phase of illness. Sensitivity was similar as compared with MAT in the convalescent phase and specificity remained low. Paired sera were the most sensitive but least specific by comparison to MAT serodiagnosis. NPV for acute, convalescent and paired sera was high. The limited specificity and high sensitivity of the MAC-ELISA IgM suggests that it would be most valuable to exclude leptospirosis in low-resource regions that lack immediate access to definitive reference laboratory techniques such as MAT.
Better together? a naturalistic qualitative study of inter-professional working in collaborative care for co-morbid depression and physical health problems
Authors: Knowles Sarah E , Chew-Graham Carolyn , Coupe Nia , Adeyemi Isabel , Keyworth Chris , Thampy Harish , Coventry Peter A
Published: September 2013

Background

Mental-physical multi-morbidities pose challenges for primary care services that traditionally focus on single diseases. Collaborative care models encourage inter-professional working to deliver better care for patients with multiple chronic conditions, such as depression and long-term physical health problems. Successive trials from the United States have shown that collaborative care effectively improves depression outcomes, even in people with long-term conditions (LTCs), but little is known about how to implement collaborative care in the United Kingdom. The aim of the study was to explore the extent to which collaborative care was implemented in a naturalistic National Health Service setting.

Methods

A naturalistic pilot study of collaborative care was undertaken in North West England. Primary care mental health professionals from IAPT (Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies) services and general practice nurses were trained to collaboratively identify and manage patients with co-morbid depression and long-term conditions. Qualitative interviews were performed with health professionals at the beginning and end of the pilot phase. Normalization Process Theory guided analysis.

Results

Health professionals adopted limited elements of the collaborative care model in practice. Although benefits of co-location in primary care practices were reported, including reduced stigma of accessing mental health treatment and greater ease of disposal for identified patients, existing norms around the division of mental and physical health work in primary care were maintained, limiting integration of the mental health practitioners into the practice setting. Neither the mental health practitioners nor the practice nurses perceived benefits to joint management of patients.

Conclusions

Established divisions between mental and physical health may pose particular challenges for multi-morbidity service delivery models such as collaborative care. Future work should explore patient perspectives about whether greater inter-professional working enhances experiences of care. The study demonstrates that research into implementation of novel treatments must consider how the introduction of innovation can be balanced with the need for integration into existing practice.
Evaluation of losses of replacement heifers in pastoral and peri-urban camel herds in semi-arid northern Kenya
Authors: Shibia Mumina G , Owuor George , Bebe Bockline O
Published: September 2013

This study estimated heifer losses and associated determinants in peri-urban camel herds characterized by market orientation and domination of lactating camels grazing closer to urban market outlets for milk. In this evolving peri-urban camel production system in semi-arid Kenya, the proportion of heifers born that survives to breeding age is important in sustaining the herds and the extent to which households obtain tangible and intangible benefits from camel keeping. Data was obtained through progeny history recall on 2,000 heifer loss cases out of 4,398 heifers born between 1991 and 2009. The estimated heifer loss was 0.455 and was 11.8% higher (P < 0.0001) in peri-urban herds (0.505 ± 0.040) than in pastoral herds (0.387 ± 0.047). The extent of heifer loss was significantly associated with veterinary service access (P < 0.05), labour hire (P < 0.01) and state of security (P < 0.01). Results provide lessons for policy intervention to support evolution of peri-urban camel milk production. Improving infrastructure and the security situation is necessary to enhance delivery of veterinary service and feed supply interventions to peri-urban camel herds for production of milk and breeding stock.
Raltegravir does not revert efflux activity of MDR1-P-glycoprotein in human MDR cells
Authors: Dupuis Maria Luisa , Ascione Alessandro , Palmisano Lucia , Vella Stefano , Cianfriglia Maurizio
Published: September 2013

Background

Raltegravir (Isentress®)(RALT) has demonstrated excellent efficacy in both treatment-experienced and naïve patients with HIV-1 infection, and is the first strand transfer integrase inhibitor to be approved for use in HIV infected adults worldwide. Since the in vivo efficacy of this class of antiviral drugs depends on their access to intracellular sites where HIV-1 replicates, we analyzed the biological effects induced by RALT on human MDR cell systems expressing multidrug transporter MDR1-P-glycoprotein (MDR1-Pgp).

Methods

Our study about RALT was performed by using a set of consolidated methodologies suitable for evaluating the MDR1-Pgp substrate nature of chemical and biological agents, namely: i) assay of drug efflux function; ii) analysis of MDR reversing capability by using cell proliferation assays; iii) monoclonal antibody UIC2 (mAb) shift test, as a sensitive assay to analyze conformational transition associated with MDR1-Pgp function; and iv) induction of MDR1-Pgp expression in MDR cell variant subjected to RALT exposure.

Results

Functional assays demonstrated that the presence of RALT does not remarkably interfere with the efflux mechanism of CEM-VBL100 and HL60 MDR cells. Accordingly, cell proliferation assays clearly indicated that RALT does not revert MDR phenotype in human MDR1-Pgp expressing cells. Furthermore, exposure of CEM-VBL10 cells to RALT does not induce MDR1-Pgp functional conformation intercepted by monoclonal antibody (mAb) UIC2 binding; nor does exposure to RALT increase the expression of this drug transporter in MDR1-Pgp expressing cells.

Conclusions

No evidence of RALT interaction with human MDR1-Pgp was observed in the in vitro MDR cell systems used in the present investigation, this incorporating all sets of studies recommended by the FDA guidelines. Taken in aggregate, these data suggest that RALT may express its curative potential in all sites were HIV-1 penetrates, including the MDR1-Pgp protected blood/tissue barrier. Moreover RALT, evading MDR1-Pgp drug efflux function, would not interfere with pharmacokinetic profiles of co-administered MDR1-Pgp substrate antiretroviral drugs.
Three-dimensional methodology for photogrammetric acquisition of the soft tissues of the face: a new clinical-instrumental protocol
Authors: Deli Roberto , Galantucci Luigi M , Laino Alberto , D’Alessio Raoul , Di Gioia Eliana , Savastano Carmela , Lavecchia Fulvio , Percoco Gianluca
Published: September 2013

Background

The objective of this study is to define an acquisition protocol that is clear, precise, repeatable, simple, fast and that is useful for analysis of the anthropometric characteristics of the soft tissue of the face.

Methods

The analysis was carried out according to a new clinical-instrumental protocol that comprises four distinct phases: (1) setup of portable equipment in the space in which field analysis will be performed, (2) preparation of the subject and spatial positioning, (3) scanning of the subject with different facial expressions, and (4) treatment and processing of data. The protocol was tested on a sample comprising 66 female subjects (64 Caucasian, 1 Ethiopian, and 1 Brazilian) who were the finalists of an Italian national beauty contest in 2010. To illustrate the potential of the method, we report here the measurements and full analysis that were carried out on the facial model of one of the subjects who was scanned.

Results

This new protocol for the acquisition of faces is shown to be fast (phase 1, about 1 h; phase 2, about 1.5 min; phase 3, about 1.5 min; phase 4, about 15 min), simple (phases 1 to 3 requiring a short operator training period; only phase 4 requires expert operators), repeatable (with direct palpation of anatomical landmarks and marking of their positions on the face, the problem of identification of these same landmarks on the digital model is solved), reliable and precise (average precision of measurements, 0.5 to 0.6 mm over the entire surface of the face).

Conclusions

This standardization allows the mapping of the subjects to be carried out following the same conditions in a reliable and fast process for all of the subjects scanned.
The effects of staged intra-articular injection of cultured autologous mesenchymal stromal cells on the repair of damaged cartilage: a pilot study in caprine model
Authors: Nam Hui Yin , Karunanithi Puvanan , Loo Wagner Cheng Poh , Naveen Sangeetha Vasudevaraj , Chen Hui Cheng , Hussin Paisal , Chan Lucy , Kamarul Tunku
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Treatment of chondral injuries remains a major issue despite the many advances made in cartilage repair techniques. Although it has been postulated that the use of marrow stimulation in combination with cell-based therapy may provide superior outcome, this has yet to be demonstrated. A pilot study was thus conducted to determine if bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) have modulatory effects on the repair outcomes of bone marrow stimulation (BMS) techniques.

Methods

Two full-thickness chondral 5 mm diameter defects were created in tandem on the medial condyle of left stifle joints of 18 Boer caprine (N = 18). Goats were then divided equally into three groups. Simultaneously, bone marrow aspirates were taken from the iliac crests from the goats in Group 1 and were sent for BM-MSC isolation and expansion in vitro. Six weeks later, BMS surgery, which involves subchondral drilling at the defect sites, was performed. After two weeks, the knees in Group 1 were given autologous intra-articular BM-MSCs (N = 6). In Group 2, although BMS was performed there were no supplementations provided. In Group 3, no intervention was administered. The caprines were sacrificed after six months. Repairs were evaluated using macroscopic assessment through the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scoring, histologic grading by O’Driscoll score, biochemical assays for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and gene expressions for aggrecan, collagen II and Sox9.

Results

Histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated hyaline-like cartilage regeneration in the transplanted sites particularly in Group 1. In contrast, tissues in Groups 2 and 3 demonstrated mainly fibrocartilage. The highest ICRS and O’Driscoll scorings was also observed in Group 1, while the lowest score was seen in Group 3. Similarly, the total GAG/total protein as well as chondrogenic gene levels were expressed in the same order, that is highest in Group 1 while the lowest in Group three. Significant differences between these 3 groups were observed (P <0.05).

Conclusions

This study suggests that supplementing intra-articular injections of BM-MSCs following BMS knee surgery provides superior cartilage repair outcomes.
Life Outcomes of Anterior Temporal Lobectomy
Authors: Jones Jana E. , Blocher Jacquelyn B. , Jackson Daren C.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND:

At 3 time points, this study examined long-term psychosocial life outcomes of individuals who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy in comparison with individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy who were medically managed.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine seizure frequency, employment, driving, independent living, financial independence, mental health, and quality of life at each follow-up assessment, as well as predictors of outcomes.

METHODS:

All participants were diagnosed with medically intractable complex partial seizures of temporal lobe origin with or without secondary generalization. A structured clinical interview was used at all 3 time points. Information was obtained regarding seizure frequency, antiepilepsy medications, employment, driving status, financial assistance, and independent living. Additionally, questions regarding quality of life, satisfaction with surgery, and the presence of depression or anxiety were included. Participants were, on average, 17 years postsurgery.

RESULTS:

Surgery resulted in significantly improved and sustained seizure outcomes. At the first, second, and third follow-ups, 67%, 72%, and 67% of participants in the surgery group remained seizure-free in the year before the follow-up interview. At each follow-up, 97%, 84%, and 84% reported that they would undergo surgery again. Seizure freedom predicted driving outcomes at all 3 time points, but was not a significant predictor for employment, independent living, or financial independence. Psychosocial life outcomes in the surgical group were improved and maintained over time in comparison with the medically managed group.

CONCLUSION:

This systematic long-term investigation provides strong support for the positive impact of anterior temporal lobectomy on psychosocial life outcomes including driving, employment, independent living, and financial independence.
Differences Between Generalized Q-Sampling Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the Preoperative Visualization of the Nerve Fiber Tracts Within Peritumoral Edema in Brain
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Wang Yong , Lu Tao , Qiu Bo , Tang Yanqing , Ou Shaowu , Tie Xinxin , Sun Chuanqi , Xu Ke , Wang Yibao
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND:

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography enables the in vivo visualization of white matter tracts inside normal brain tissue, which provides the neurosurgeon important information to plan tumor resections. However, DTI is associated with restrictions in the resolution of crossing fibers in the vicinity of the tumor or in edema. We find that generalized q-sampling imaging (GQI) can overcome these difficulties and is advantageous over DTI for the tractography of the fiber bundle in peritumoral edema.

OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate the differences between GQI and DTI in the preoperative mapping of fiber tractography in peritumoral edema of cerebral tumors, and discuss the clinical application of GQI in neurosurgical planning.

METHODS:

Five patients with brain tumors underwent 3-T magnetic resonance imaging scans, and the data were reconstructed by DTI and GQI. We adjusted the parameters and compared the differences between DTI and GQI in visualizing the fiber tracts in the peritumoral edema of cerebral tumors.

RESULTS:

GQI and DTI showed substantial differences in displaying the nerve fibers in the edema surrounding the tumor. The GQI tractography method could fully display existing intact fibers in the edema, whereas the fiber tracts in edema displayed by DTI tractography were incomplete, missing, or ruptured.

CONCLUSION:

GQI can visualize the tracts in the peritumoral edema of cerebral tumors better than DTI. Although GQI has many limitations, its future in the preoperative guidance of brain tumor lesions is promising.
Preparation of Amorphous Carbon Nanotubes (a-CNTs) from Vanadium Dioxide@Organic Carbon Core–Shell-structured Composites and Their Thermal Stability in Air
Authors: Zhang Yifu , Zhang Xiongzhi , Huang Chi , Meng Changgong
Published: September 2013

A novel route was developed to synthesize amorphous carbon nanotubes (a-CNTs) from organic carbon using V2O5 and glucose solution as the starting materials. The annealing process can stabilize organic carbon shells, leading to the successful formation of a-CNTs, which is the crucial step for preparing a-CNTs. The as-obtained a-CNTs have uniform diameters with outer diameter ranging from 150 to 250 nm and inner diameter about 30 nm on average, and their length is up to several micrometers. The carbon in the as-synthesized a-CNTs is completely amorphous, and the as-prepared a-CNTs are a kind of hydrogenated a-CNTs containing both sp3- and sp2 carbons. Furthermore, the as-prepared a-CNTs have good thermal stability and oxidation resistance below 305 °C in air.
Chiral Symmetry Breaking of Axially Chiral Nicotinamide by Crystallization from the Melt
Authors: Yagishita Fumitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Kamataki Norifumi , Kanno Shota , Mino Takashi , Kasashima Yoshio , Sakamoto Masami
Published: September 2013

One of six 2-alkylamino-4,6-dimethylnicotinamides afforded a conglomerate, and subsequent X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the compound crystallized in the monoclinic system, the space group P21. Crystallization of the racemic nicotinamide from the melt led to the chiral breaking of symmetry from 83 to 92% ee. This amide exhibited considerably stable axial chirality (ΔG‡: 22.4–23.5 kcal mol−1 at 20 °C) due to rotationally restricted scaffolds for the C–C(=O) bond.
Switching Transport Modes to Meet Voluntary Carbon Emission Targets
Authors: Hoen Kristel M. R. , Tan Tarkan , Fransoo Jan C. , van Houtum Geert-Jan
Published: September 2013

The transport sector is the second-largest carbon emissions contributor in Europe, and its emissions continue to increase. Many producers are committing themselves to reducing transport emissions voluntarily, possibly in anticipation of increasing transport prices. In this paper we study a producer that has outsourced transport and has decided to cap its carbon emissions from outbound logistics for a group of customers. Setting an emission constraint for a group of customers allows for taking advantage of the portfolio effect. We focus on reducing emissions by switching transport modes within an existing network, because this has a large impact on emissions. In addition, the company sets the sales prices, which influence demand. The problem is solved by decomposing the multiproduct problem into several single-product problems, which we then analyze separately. Using the single-product solutions, we create an efficient frontier that reflects the trade-off between total carbon emissions and the total profit. It is observed that a diminishing rate of return applies in reducing emissions by switching transport modes. In a case study, we apply our method to a producer of bulk liquids and find that emissions can be reduced by 10% at only a 0.7% increase in total logistics cost.
The Team Orienteering Arc Routing Problem
Authors: Archetti Claudia , Speranza M. Grazia , Corberán Ángel , Sanchis José M. , Plana Isaac
Published: September 2013

The team orienteering arc routing problem (TOARP) is the extension to the arc routing setting of the team orienteering problem. In the TOARP, in addition to a possible set of regular customers that have to be serviced, another set of potential customers is available. Each customer is associated with an arc of a directed graph. Each potential customer has a profit that is collected when it is serviced, that is, when the associated arc is traversed. A fleet of vehicles with a given maximum traveling time is available. The profit from a customer can be collected by one vehicle at most. The objective is to identify the customers that maximize the total profit collected while satisfying the given time limit for each vehicle.

In this paper we propose a formulation for this problem and study a relaxation of its associated polyhedron. We present some families of valid and facet-inducing inequalities that we use in the implementation of a branch-and-cut algorithm for the resolution of the problem. Computational experiments are run on a large set of benchmark instances.
Polyelectrolyte complex containing antimicrobial guanidine-based polymer and its adsorption on cellulose fibers
Authors: Qian Liying , Dong Chao , Liang Xiangtao , He Beihai , Xiao Huining
Published: September 2013

Polyelectrolyte (PE) complexes (PECs) are formed by the electronic interaction between cationic and anionic PEs, and a number of factors influence the forming pattern and characteristic of the PECs. In this work, a guanidine-based polymer with high cationic charge density (CD) and low molecular weight (MW) was applied for interacting with anionic carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with low CD and high MW. To reveal the self-assembly pattern of the PEC, the turbidity of PEC and layer-by-layer (LBL) film, along with its adsorption on cellulose fibers, was characterized. The antimicrobial activity of the handsheet containing the PEC was also investigated. The charge ratio of anionic PE to cationic PE was found to be critical to the PEC stability. The roughness of the LBL film was increased and then decreased with more bilayers assembled. The isothermal adsorption indicated that the amount of adsorbed cationic PE on cellulose fibers was increased significantly by interacting with anionic CMC. The inhibition of the cationic PE on bacterial growth was not impaired by the formation of the complex. The CMC with high MW in the complex could maintain or even improve the antimicrobial efficiency of the guanidine-based polymer in handsheet.
Roasting and lipid binding provide allergenic and proteolytic stability to the peanut allergen Ara h 8
Authors: Petersen Arnd , Rennert Sandra , Kull Skadi , Becker Wolf-Meinhard , Notbohm Holger , Goldmann Torsten , Jappe Uta
Published: September 2013

Ara h 8 is the peanut allergen homologous to the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. Because Bet v 1 has been shown to bind lipophilic ligands, the aim of this investigation was to determine the impact of lipid binding and roasting on the Ara h 8 structure and their influences on allergenicity. For the characterization of natural Ara h 8 (nAra h 8) from roasted and unroasted peanuts, circular dichroism spectroscopy, hydrophobic binding assay, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblot with sera of peanut allergic patients were performed and compared with results from recombinant Ara h 8 (rAra h 8) and Bet v 1. rAra h 8 displayed stronger hydrophobicity than rBet v 1. Patients’ sera showed IgE reactivity with rAra h 8 and nAra h 8 from roasted peanuts, whereas fewer sera recognized nAra h 8 from unroasted peanuts. Simulated gastric digestion experiments demonstrated low proteolytic stability of rAra h 8, whereas the stability of nAra h 8 was increasingly higher in unroasted and roasted peanuts. The results demonstrate that IgE reactivity and thermal and proteolytic stability are reinforced in nAra h 8 after roasting, most likely due to Maillard reactions, lipid oxidations, and lipophilic associations. These aspects must be considered when estimating the allergenicity of Bet v 1-homologous proteins.
Branching law for finite subgroups of 𝐒𝐋3ℂ$\mathbf {SL}_3\mathbb {C}$ and McKay correspondence
Authors: Butin Frédéric , Perets Gadi S.
Published: September 2013

Given a finite subgroup

Γ

${\Gamma }$

of

𝐒𝐋
3

ℂ

$\mathbf {SL}_3\mathbb {C}$

, we determine how an arbitrary
finite dimensional irreducible representation of

𝐒𝐋
3

ℂ

$\mathbf {SL}_3\mathbb {C}$

decomposes under the action of

Γ

${\Gamma }$

. To the subgroup

Γ

${\Gamma }$

we associate a generalized McKay matrix

C
Γ

${C_\Gamma }$

. Then, generalizing a method used by B. Kostant for

𝐒𝐋
2

ℂ

$\mathbf {SL}_2\mathbb {C}$

, we decompose

C
Γ

${C_\Gamma }$

as a sum of products of reflections associated to mutually orthogonal roots: this is a sort of algebraic McKay correspondence in dimension 3.
Unipotent automorphisms of soluble groups with finite Prüfer rank
Authors: Frati Marco
Published: September 2013

In this paper we prove that a unipotent automorphism group H acting upon a soluble group with finite Prüfer rank is nilpotent. Furthermore, if H is finitely generated and the cardinality of a minimal set of generators is t, it is then possible to find an upper bound for the nilpotency class of H which depends only on n and t.
Impact fracture toughness and morphology of polypropylene/Mg(OH)2 composites
Authors: Liang Ji-Zhao , Li Feng-Jiao
Published: September 2013

Magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] with high flame retardant efficiency filled polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared using a twin-screw extruder. The impact fracture behavior of the composites was measured at room temperature. It was found that the toughening effect of the filler content on the PP resin was significant. The V-notched Izod impact strength of the PP/Mg(OH)2 composites showed a nonlinear increase with increase in filler weight fraction (ϕf), as ϕf was <15%, and then it decreased slightly; When ϕf was <15%, the V-notched Charpy impact strength of the PP/Mg(OH)2 composite also increased nonlinearly, then it decreased slightly. The impact fracture surface was observed by means of a scanning electronic microscope, to understand the toughening mechanisms for the composite systems.
Screening for AIP gene mutations in a Han Chinese pituitary adenoma cohort followed by LOH analysis
Authors: Cai Feng , Zhang Yi-Dan , Zhao Xiuli , Yang Ya-Kun , Ma Si-Hai , Dai Cong-Xin , Liu Xiao-Hai , Yao Yong , Feng Ming , Wei Jun-Ji , Xing Bing , Jiao Yong-Hui , Wei Zhen-Qing , Yin Zhen-Ming , Zhang Bo , Gu Feng , Wang Ren-Zhi
Published: September 2013

Objective

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein gene (AIP) is associated with pituitary adenoma (PA).AIPhas not been sequenced in East Asian PA populations, so we performed this study in a Han Chinese cohort.

Design

Our study included six familial PA pedigrees comprising 16 patients and 27 unaffected relatives, as well as 216 sporadic PA (SPA) patients and 100 unrelated healthy controls.

Methods

AIPsequencing was carried out on genomic DNA isolated from blood samples. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and microsatellite marker analyses on DNA from the paired tumor tissues were performed for loss of heterozygosity analysis.

Results

We identified three common and four rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), one intron insertion, one novel synonymous variant, four novel missense variants, and a reported nonsense mutation in three familial isolated PA (FIPA) cases from the same family. Large genetic deletions were not observed in the germline but were seen in the sporadic tumor DNA from three missense variant carriers. The prevalence of AIP pathogenic variants in PA patients here was low (3.88%), but was higher in somatotropinoma patients (9.30%), especially in young adults (≤30 years) and pediatric (≥18 years) paients (17.24% and 25.00% respectively). AllAIPvariant patients suffered from macroadenomas. However, theAIPmutation rate in FIPA families was low in this cohort (16.67%, 1/6 families).

Conclusion

AIPgene mutation may not be frequent in FIPA or SPA from the Han Chinese population.AIPsequencing and long-term follow-up investigations should be performed for young patients with large PAs and their families with PA predisposition.
Effect of phytoestrogens on basal and GnRH-induced gonadotropin secretion
Authors: Arispe Sergio A , Adams Betty , Adams Thomas E
Published: September 2013

Plant-derived estrogens (phytoestrogens, PEs), like endogenous estrogens, affect a diverse array of tissues, including the bone, uterus, mammary gland, and components of the neural and cardiovascular systems. We hypothesized that PEs act directly at pituitary loci to attenuate basal FSH secretion and increase gonadotrope sensitivity to GnRH. To examine the effect of PEs on basal secretion and total production of FSH, ovine pituitary cells were incubated with PEs for 48 h. Conditioned media and cell extract were collected and assayed for FSH. Estradiol (E2) and some PEs significantly decreased basal secretion of FSH. The most potent PEs in this regard were coumestrol (CM), zearalenone (ZR), and genistein (GN). The specificity of PE-induced suppression of basal FSH was indicated by the absence of suppression in cells coincubated with PEs and an estrogen receptor (ER) blocker (ICI 182 780; ICI). Secretion of LH during stimulation by a GnRH agonist (GnRH-A) was used as a measure of gonadotrope responsiveness. Incubation of cells for 12 h with E2, CM, ZR, GN, or daidzein (DZ) enhanced the magnitude and sensitivity of LH secretion during subsequent exposure to graded levels of a GnRH-A. The E2- and PE-dependent augmentation of gonadotrope responsiveness was nearly fully blocked during coincubation with ICI. Collectively, these data demonstrate that selected PEs (CM, ZR, and GN), like E2, decrease basal secretion of FSH, reduce total FSH production, and enhance GnRH-A-induced LH secretion in a manner that is dependent on the ER.
Combining the fourth‐corner and the RLQ methods for assessing trait responses to environmental variation
Authors: Dray Stéphane , Choler Philippe , Dolédec Sylvain , Peres-Neto Pedro R. , Thuiller Wilfried , Pavoine Sandrine , ter Braak Cajo J. F.
Published: September 2013

Assessing trait responses to environmental gradients requires the simultaneous analysis of the information contained in three tables: L (species distribution across samples), R (environmental characteristics of samples), and Q (species traits). Among the available methods, the so‐called fourth‐corner and RLQ methods are two appealing alternatives that provide a direct way to test and estimate trait–environment relationships. Both methods are based on the analysis of the fourth‐corner matrix, which crosses traits and environmental variables weighted by species abundances. However, they differ greatly in their outputs: RLQ is a multivariate technique that provides ordination scores to summarize the joint structure among the three tables, whereas the fourth‐corner method mainly tests for individual trait–environment relationships (i.e., one trait and one environmental variable at a time). Here, we illustrate how the complementarity between these two methods can be exploited to promote new ecological knowledge and to improve the study of trait–environment relationships. After a short description of each method, we apply them to real ecological data to present their different outputs and provide hints about the gain resulting from their combined use.
The Role of Race and Respectability in Attributions of Responsibility for Acquaintance Rape
Authors: Dupuis Erin C. , Clay Jason A.
Published: September 2013

Previous researchers have explored the role of race and respectability, independently, on attributions of responsibility; however, the interaction between race and respectability has not been analyzed in situations of acquaintance rape. Participants (N = 241) read a vignette detailing a case of acquaintance rape that manipulated the race of both the victim and the perpetrator and the respectability of the victim. Regression and ANOVA analyses indicated that victim race and respectability interacted in such a way that when Black victims were respectable, they were held less responsible than respectable White victims; however, less respected Black victims were held more responsible than less respected White victims. Manipulating perpetrator race revealed surprising results; the White perpetrator was found guilty more often than the Black perpetrator (although this appeared to be related to victim race).
Perpetrator and Victim Gender Patterns for 21 Forms of Youth Victimization in the National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence
Authors: Hamby Sherry , Finkelhor David , Turner Heather
Published: September 2013

Most interest in violence and gender has focused on certain types of victimization such as sex offenses and relational aggression. This study examined gender patterns across numerous forms of youth victimization. The data are from the National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV), a nationally representative U.S. sample of 4,549 children ages 1 month to 17 years obtained through a telephone survey of caregivers and youth. For 18 of 21 victimization types, male perpetration was significantly more common than female perpetration. Perpetrator–victim patterns revealed that most forms of physical assault and bullying showed a predominantly male-on-male pattern. All forms of sexual assault, plus kidnapping, showed a predominantly male-on-female pattern. Nonphysical maltreatment showed a mixed pattern, with fairly similar rates across all four gender configurations. Many violence types were more severe when perpetrated by males versus females as indicated by higher injury rates and greater victim fear. Higher order analyses by victimization type indicated, among other findings, that victimization types with more stranger perpetrators had more male perpetrators, victimizations with higher percentages of male-on-female and female-on-male incidents were more likely to be sexual offenses, and higher percentages of female-on-female incidents were associated with verbal victimizations. Results also suggest that males are more likely to aggress in more impersonal contexts compared to females. Gender socialization, physical power, and social power appear to intersect in ways that create gendered patterns of violence. These factors, versus a focus on skills deficits, need more attention in prevention and intervention.
Victims of Road Rage: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Motorists and Vulnerable Road Users
Authors: Cavacuiti Christopher , Ala-Leppilampi Kari Juhani , Mann Robert E. , Govoni Richard , Stoduto Gina , Smart Reginald , Locke Jennifer Ann
Published: September 2013

Objective: To gain an in-depth understanding of road rage incidents from the victims’ perspectives. Methods: The data consisted of 30- to 60-min in-depth semistructured phone interviews with 29 self-identified victims of road rage. Twenty of the participants were in a motor vehicle, whereas 9 were pedestrians/cyclists. A qualitative Grounded Theory approach was used to inductively code and analyze the transcripts. Results: Victims reported a correlation between their vulnerability and the perceived intensity/severity of the road rage incidents. The most vulnerable victims (pedestrians and cyclists) were the least likely to view road rage incidents as a random event and the most likely to feel that they were specifically targeted. Road rage incidents tended to evolve more rapidly when there was a greater real or perceived power imbalance between the victims and perpetrators. The most vulnerable victims were the most likely to have long-term physical and mental health consequences from the incident, and to significantly modify their behavior after the incident. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that issues of victim vulnerability play a major role in determining the intensity, severity, and psychological consequences of road rage incidents. This seems particularly true for the most vulnerable of road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Effect of Brine Composition on Wettability Alteration of Carbonate Rocks in the Presence of Polar Compounds
Authors: Jabbar Muhammad Yousuf , Al-Hashim Hasan Salman , Abdallah Wael
Published: September 2013

The impact of brine salinity and its ionic composition on oil recovery on chalk formations and to less extent in carbonate reservoirs have been investigated extensively in recent years due to the potential of extra oil recovery. Surface wettability was suggested to be the main reason behind such extra recovery. This study investigates the wettability alteration of calcite crystal and carbonates outcrop rock surface aged in model oils of total acid number of 2 and then treated with different brines. Model oils were prepared by mixing toluene with short chain (Heptanoic acid) and long chain (Stearic acid) carboxylic acids and the investigated brines included range of salinity and the effect of individual ions such as SO42−, Ca2+ and Mg2+. The results of this study showed that the long chain fatty acid (stearic acid) strongly adsorbs onto the calcite surface from the oil phase compared to the short chain (heptanoic acid) as confirmed by the measured contact angles. Twice dilution of Arabian Gulf seawater has been found to be a less effecient EOR fluid for wettability alteration as compared to undiluted Arabian Gulf seawater. This was confirmed by the changes in the measured contact angles toward more water-wet for aged calcite in heptanoic acid model oil, aged calcite in stearic acid model oil and aged carbonate in stearic acid model oil systems. Also, it was observed that significant wettability alteration was observed for the twice diluted Arabian Gulf seawater with higher concentrations of SO42− and Mg2+.