bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin response to feeding forage with varying crude protein and amino acid content in horses at rest and after exercise
Authors: Ringmark S. , Jansson A.
Published: December 2013

This study assessed the insulin response to forage intake with varying crude protein (CP) content in horses at rest and after exercise. Six geldings were fed three grass haylage-only diets for 7 days according to a 3×3 Latin square design. On day 7, blood samples were collected before and for 120 min after feeding 15% of the daily allowance before exercise (feeding A) and after standardised exercise (feeding B). Feed samples were collected before each feeding. Dry matter (DM) and nutrient content varied (DM: 37-58%, water-soluble carbohydrates minus fructans (WSC-f): 3-12% of DM, CP: 10-15% of DM) which resulted in a variation in nutrient intake within haylage batches. Based on individual CP and WSC-f intakes, intake groups were therefore formed (low and high CP intake; ≤ and ≯180 g CP/100 kg body weight, respectively and low and high WSC-f intake; ≤ and ≯100 g/100 kg body weight, respectively). Amino acids were analysed and intakes were generally higher in the high CP group than in the low CP group. An ANOVA model including horse, CP group and WSC-f intake explained 95% of the variation in plasma insulin response compared to 87% using a model including horse and WSC-f group alone. The plasma insulin area under curve (AUC) following feeding A tended to be higher in the high CP group than in the low CP group (P=0.08), but there was no difference after feeding B. Plasma glucose AUC was not affected by CP group (P≯0.05). The study indicates that the post-prandial plasma insulin response in horses fed a forage-only diet is increased by high WSC-f intake but may also be increased by high CP intake, at least at rest. However, due to the low number of observations further studies are needed.
Corografías de Santiago de Compostela: la vista de la ciudad monumental del arquitecto Juan López Freire, hijo (1799)
Authors: Taín Guzmán Miguel
Published: December 2013

En 1799 el arquitecto Juan López Freire, hijo, lleva a la estampa la primera vista impresa de la ciudad de Santiago, su frente occidental. La panorámica presenta un interés ineludible para la historia de Compostela, constituyendo el primer testimonio gráfico del Santiago Monumental, resultado de las nuevas construcciones e intervenciones en el entramado urbano llevadas a cabo en los siglos XVI, XVII y XVIII. En el presente artículo se reconoce el lugar desde donde se han hecho los bocetos preparatorios, concretamente Sarela de Abaixo, y se identifican uno por uno los edificios representados, definiendo la iconografía arquitectónica de la Compostela del setecientos.

[gl] En 1799 o arquitecto Juan López Freire, fillo, leva á estampa a primeira vista impresa da cidade de Santiago, o seu frente occidental. A panorámica presenta un interese ineludible para a historia de Compostela, constituíndo o primeiro testemuño gráfico do Santiago Monumental, resultado das novas construcións e intervencións na estructura urbana levadas a cabo nos séculos XVI, XVII e XVIII. No presente artigo localízase o lugar dende onde se fixeron os deseños preparatorios, concretamente Sarela de Abaixo, e identifícanse un por un os edificios representados, definindo a iconografía arquitectónica da Compostela do setecentos.
On varieties with higher osculating defect
Authors: De Poi Pietro , Di Gennaro Roberta , Ilardi Giovanna
Published: December 2013

In this paper, using the method of moving frames, we generalise some of Terracini’s results on varieties with tangent defect. In particular, we characterise varieties with higher order osculating defect in terms of Jacobians of higher fundamental forms and moreover we characterise varieties with “small” higher fundamental forms as contained in scrolls.
Five squares in arithmetic progression over quadratic fields
Authors: González-Jiménez Enrique , Xarles Xavier
Published: December 2013

We provide several criteria to show over which quadratic number fields

\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{D})

there is a nonconstant arithmetic progression of five squares. This is carried out by translating the problem to the determination of when some genus five curves

C_D

defined over

\mathbb{Q}

have rational points, and then by using a Mordell–Weil sieve argument. Using an elliptic curve Chabauty-like method, we prove that, up to equivalence, the only nonconstant arithmetic progression of five squares over

\mathbb Q(\sqrt{409})

is

7^2

,

13^2

,

17^2

,

409

,

23^2

. Furthermore, we provide an algorithm for constructing all the nonconstant arithmetic progressions of five squares over all quadratic fields. Finally, we state several problems and conjectures related to this problem.
On the boundedness of the Carleson operator near $L^1$
Authors: Lie Victor
Published: December 2013

Based on the tile discretization elaborated in [14], we develop a Calderón–Zygmund type decomposition of the Carleson operator. As a consequence, through a unitary method that makes no use of extrapolation techniques, we recover previously known results regarding the largest rearrangement invariant space of functions with almost everywhere convergent Fourier series.
Estimates for constant mean curvature graphs in $M\times\mathbb{R}$
Authors: Manzano José M.
Published: December 2013

We discuss some sharp estimates for a constant mean curvature graph

\Sigma

in a Riemannian 3-manifold

M\times\mathbb{R}

whose boundary

\partial\Sigma

is contained in a slice

M\times\{t_0\}

and satisfies a capillarity condition. We start by giving sharp lower bounds for the geodesic curvature of the boundary and improve these bounds when assuming additional restrictions on the maximum height attained by the graph in

M\times\mathbb{R}

. We also give a bound for the distance from an interior point to the boundary in terms of the height at that point, and characterize when these bounds are attained.
Exponential growth of rank jumps for $A$-hypergeometric systems
Authors: Fernández-Fernández María-Cruz
Published: December 2013

The dimension of the space of holomorphic solutions at nonsingular points (also called the holonomic rank) of an

A

-hypergeometric system

M_A (\beta )

is known to be bounded above by

2^{2d}\operatorname{vol}(A)

, where

d

is the rank of the matrix

A

and

\operatorname{vol}(A)

is its normalized volume. This bound was thought to be much too large because it is exponential in

d

. Indeed, all the examples we have found in the literature satisfy

\operatorname{rank}(M_A (\beta ))<2 \operatorname{vol}(A)

. We construct here, in a very elementary way, some families of matrices

A_{(d)}\in \mathbb{Z}^{d \times n}

and parameter vectors

\beta_{(d)} \in \mathbb{C}^d

,

d\geq 2

, such that

\operatorname{rank} ( M_{A_{(d)}} (\beta_{(d)} ))\geq a^d \operatorname{vol}(A_{(d)})

for some

a>1

.
Ground states for pseudo-relativistic Hartree equations of critical type
Authors: Coti Zelati Vittorio , Nolasco Margherita
Published: December 2013

We study the existence of ground state solutions for a class of nonlinear pseudo-relativistic Schrödinger equations with critical two-body interactions. Such equations are characterized by a nonlocal pseudo-differential operator closely related to the square root of the Laplacian. We investigate this problem using variational methods after transforming the problem to an elliptic equation with a nonlinear Neumann boundary conditions.
A general form of the weak maximum principle and some applications
Authors: Albanese Guglielmo , Alías Luis J. , Rigoli Marco
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to introduce new forms of the weak and Omori–Yau maximum principles for linear operators, notably for trace type operators, and show their usefulness, for instance, in the context of PDEs and in the theory of hypersurfaces. In the final part of the paper we consider a large class of nonlinear operators and we show that our previous results can be appropriately generalized to this case.
Optimal regularizing effect for scalar conservation laws
Authors: Golse François , Perthame Benoît
Published: December 2013

We investigate the regularity of bounded weak solutions of scalar conservation laws with uniformly convex flux in space dimension one, satisfying an entropy condition with entropy production term that is a signed Radon measure. We prove that all such solutions belong to the Besov space

B^{1/3,3}_{\infty,{\rm loc}}

. Since C. de Lellis and M. Westdickenberg [11] have proved the existence of such solutions that do not belong to

B^{s,p}_{q,{\rm loc}}

if either

s>1/\max(p,3)

or

s=1/3

and

1\le q<p<3

or

s=1/p

with

p\ge 3

and

q<\infty

, this regularizing effect is optimal. The proof is based on the kinetic formulation of scalar conservation laws and on an interaction estimate in physical space.
Identificación y análisis de los líderes de opinión en Twitter en torno a Hugo Chávez
Authors: Deltell Luis , Congosto Mari Luz , Claes Florencia , Osteso José Miguel
Published: December 2013

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación interdisciplinar realizada por varias universidades y departamentos de materias y campos de estudio diversos. Objetivos. Los objetivos son descubrir a los líderes de opinión en torno a la figura de Hugo Chávez creados en Twitter durante el período de la muestra, analizar el comportamiento de los usuarios de este espacio de microblogging y demostrar si en la actualidad se desarrolla una ciberdemocracia plena o la autocomunicación de masas. Metodología. En ella se han monitorizado todos los tuits que incluían los identificadores Chávez, Chavez, @chávez y @chavez en Twitter; se ha analizado el flujo de tuits diariamente desde el 5 de enero hasta el 13 de abril de 2013 (UTC/GMT - 4) y se ha conformado el mayor corpus de estos mensajes en lengua española sobre un tema político latinoamericano presentados en estudios científicos, con un total de 16.943.709 tuits y de 8.450.049 usuarios. Conclusión. Este estudio plantea que aún no existe una autocomunicación de masas plena.
Early response of the northeast subarctic Pacific plankton assemblage to volcanic ash fertilization
Authors: Mélançon Josiane , Levasseur Maurice , Lizotte Martine , Delmelle Pierre , Cullen Jay , Hamme Roberta C. , Peña Angelica , Simpson Kyle G. , Scarratt Michael , Tremblay Jean-Éric , Zhou Jie , Johnson Keith , Sutherland Nes , Arychuk Michael , Nemcek Nina , Robert Marie
Published: December 2013

Fe‐poor water collected at Sta. P20 in the Gulf of Alaska in June 2011 was enriched with different concentrations of volcanic ash (0.12, 1.2, and 10 mg L‒1) from two subduction zone volcanoes, Kasatochi and Chaiten, and incubated onboard under in situ conditions for 6 d. The experimental setup also included a control (no addition) and a positive control (addition of 0.6 nmol L‒1 FeSO4). Following a 4 d lag period, there were increases in carbon fixation rates (up to a factor of 10) and chlorophyll a concentrations (up to a factor of 3) in the positive control and in the ash‐enriched (1.2 and 10 mg L‒1) treatments. Diatoms dominated at the end of the incubations, but cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, pelagophytes, and haptophytes were also stimulated by the presence of ash. Deposition of ∼ 1 mg ash L‒1, which is in the lower range of those estimated to have caused the August 2008 bloom following the eruption of the Kasatochi volcano in the Aleutian Islands, would suffice to trigger a bloom in the Gulf of Alaska.
Influence of algal iron content on the assimilation and fate of iron and carbon in a marine copepod
Authors: Chen Xi , Fisher Nicholas S. , Baines Stephen B.
Published: December 2013

We conducted pulse‐chase experiments to study the assimilation and excretion of iron and carbon by the copepod Acartia tonsa fed three algal species cultured under Fe‐replete or Fe‐depleted conditions. Mean assimilation efficiency of Fe (AEFe) for copepods ranged from 47% to 53% when fed the diatom Thalassiosira oceanica, 43% to 45% when fed the cryptophyte Rhodomonas salina, and 50% to 69% when fed the prymnesiophyte Isochrysis galbana. Carbon assimilation efficiency (AEC) ranged from 82% to 90% for all species. No consistent difference in AEFe or AEC was observed between Fe treatments. Instead, AEFe was linearly correlated with the fraction of Fe contained in algal cytosol (r2 = 0.75, p = 0.02). The excretion rate constants of Fe were generally higher when A. tonsa individuals were fed Fe‐depleted cells, especially for R. salina and I. galbana, contrary to expectations if the copepods were maintaining elemental homeostasis. Mean respiratory rates were 30–60% higher for the copepods fed Fe‐depleted food among the three algal diets, suggesting that those animals were “dumping” excess C. However, respiration was also closely related to cell size of algal food. Biokinetic modeling based on parameters measured here suggests that A. tonsa cannot maintain stoichiometric homeostasis of their tissue Fe : C ratios. The lack of regulation of tissue Fe contents is in marked contrast to the well‐established regulation of the macronutrients nitrogen and phosphorus for some crustacean zooplankton.
Secondary organic aerosol formation and composition from the photo-oxidation of methyl chavicol (estragole)
Authors: Pereira K. L. , Hamilton J. F. , Rickard A. R. , Bloss W. J. , Alam M. S. , Camredon M. , Muñoz A. , Vásquez M. , Borrás E. , Ródenas M.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The increasing demand for palm oil for uses in biofuel and food products is leading to rapid expansion of oil palm agriculture. Methyl chavicol (also known as estragole and 1-allyl-4-methoxybenzene) is an oxygenated biogenic volatile organic compound that was recently identified as the main floral emission from an oil palm plantation in Malaysian Borneo. The emissions of methyl chavicol observed may impact regional atmospheric chemistry, but little is known of its ability to form secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The photo-oxidation of methyl chavicol was investigated at the European Photoreactor chamber as a part of the atmospheric chemistry of methyl chavicol (ATMECH) project. Aerosol samples were collected using a particle into liquid sampler (PILS) and analysed offline using an extensive range of instruments including; high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-ITMS), high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOFMS) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). The SOA yield was determined as 18–29% depending on initial precursor (VOC : NOx) mixing ratios. In total, 59 SOA compounds were observed and the structures of 10 compounds have been identified using high resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The addition of hydroxyl and/or nitro functional groups to the aromatic ring appears to be an important mechanistic pathway for aerosol formation. This results in the formation of compounds with both low volatility and high O : C ratios, where functionalisation rather than fragmentation is mainly observed as a~result of the stability of the ring. The SOA species observed can be characterized as semi-volatile to low volatile oxygenated organic aerosol (SVOOA and LVOOA) components and therefore may be important in aerosol formation and growth.
Constrained two-stream algorithm for calculating aerosol light absorption coefficient from the Particle Soot Absorption Photometer
Authors: Müller T. , Virkkula A. , Ogren J. A.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. We present a new correction scheme for filter-based absorption photometers based on a constrained two-stream (CTS) radiative transfer model and experimental calibrations. The two-stream model was initialized using experimentally accessible optical parameters of the filter. Experimental calibrations were taken from literature and from dedicated experiments for the present manuscript. Uncertainties of the model and calibration experiments are discussed and uncertainties for retrieval of absorption coefficients are derived. For single scattering albedos lower than 0.8, the new CTS method and also other correction schemes suffer from the uncertainty of calibration experiments, with an uncertainty of about 20% in the absorption coefficient. For high single scattering albedos the CTS correction significantly reduces error. At a single scattering albedo of about 0.98 the error can be reduced to 30%, whereas errors using the Bond correction (Bond et al., 1999) are up to 100%. The correction scheme was tested using data from an independent experiment. The tests confirm the modeled performance of the correction scheme when comparing CTS to other established correction methods.
Orbitally tuned time scale and astronomical forcing in the middle Eocene to early Oligocene
Authors: Westerhold T. , Röhl U. , Pälike H. , Wilkens R. , Wilson P. A. , Acton G.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Deciphering the driving mechanisms of Earth system processes, including the climate dynamics expressed as paleoceanographic events, requires a complete, continuous, and high-resolution stratigraphy that is very accurately dated. In this study, we construct a robust astronomically calibrated age model for the middle Eocene to early Oligocene interval (31–43 Ma) in order to permit more detailed study of the exceptional climatic events that occurred during this time, including the Middle Eocene Climate Optimum and the Eocene/Oligocene transition. A goal of this effort is to accurately date the middle Eocene to early Oligocene composite section cored during the Pacific Equatorial Age Transect (PEAT, IODP Exp. 320/321). The stratigraphic framework for the new time scale is based on the identification of the stable long eccentricity cycle in published and new high-resolution records encompassing bulk and benthic stable isotope, calibrated XRF core scanning, and magnetostratigraphic data from ODP Sites 171B-1052, 189-1172, 199-1218, and 207-1260 as well as IODP Sites 320-U1333, and -U1334 spanning magnetic polarity Chrons C12n to C20n. Subsequently we applied orbital tuning of the records to the La2011 orbital solution. The resulting new time scale revises and refines the existing orbitally tuned age model and the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale from 31 to 43 Ma. Our newly defined absolute age for the Eocene/Oligocene boundary validates the astronomical tuned age of 33.89 Ma identified at the Massignano (Italy) global stratotype section and point. Our compilation of geochemical records of climate-controlled variability in sedimentation through the middle-to-late Eocene and early Oligocene demonstrates strong power in the eccentricity band that is readily tuned to the latest astronomical solution. Obliquity driven cyclicity is only apparent during very long eccentricity cycle minima around 35.5, 38.3 and 40.1 Ma.
Regional flood susceptibility analysis in mountainous areas through the use of morphometric and land cover indicators
Authors: Rogelis M. C. , Werner M.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. A classification of susceptibility to flooding of 106 mountain watersheds was carried out in Bogotá (Colombia) through the use of an index composed of a morphometric indicator and a land cover indicator. Susceptibility was considered to increase with flashiness and the possibility of debris flows. Morphological variables recognised in literature to significantly influence flashiness and occurrence of debris flows were used to construct the morphometric indicator by applying principal component analysis. Subsequently, this indicator was compared with the results of debris flow propagation to assess its capacity in indentifying the morphological conditions of a watershed that make it able to transport debris flows. Propagation of debris flows was carried out using the Modified Single Flow Direction algorithm, following identification of source areas by applying thresholds identified in the slope-area curve of the watersheds. Results show that the morphometric variables can be grouped in four categories: size, shape, hypsometry and energy, with energy being the component that best explains the capability of a watershed to transport debris flows. However, the morphometric indicator was found to not sufficiently explain the records of past floods in the study area. Combining the morphometric indicator with land cover indicators improved the agreement, showing that even if morphometric parameters identify a high disposition to the occurrence of debris flow, improving land cover can reduce the susceptibility. On the contrary, if good morphometric conditions are present but deterioration of the land cover in the watershed takes place then the susceptibility to debris flow events increases.
Optimal locations of sea-level indicators in glacial isostatic adjustment investigations
Authors: Steffen H. , Wu P. , Wang H.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Fréchet (sensitivity) kernels are an important tool in glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) investigations to understand lithospheric thickness, mantle viscosity and ice-load model variations. These parameters influence the interpretation of geologic, geophysical and geodetic data, which contribute to our understanding of global change. Recently, sensitivity kernels have been extended to laterally heterogeneous Earth models using the finite-element formulation, which enabled detailed studies on the sensitivity of the different geodetic observations of GIA such as GPS and terrestrial and space gravimetry. In this study, we discuss global sensitivities of relative sea-level (RSL) data of the last 18 000 yr. This also includes indicative RSL-like data (e.g. lake levels) on the continents far off the coasts. We present detailed sensitivity maps for four parameters important in GIA investigations (ice-load history, lithospheric thickness, background viscosity, lateral viscosity variations) for up to 9 dedicated times. Assuming an accuracy of 2 m of RSL data of all ages, we highlight areas around the world where, if the environmental conditions allowed its deposition and survival until today, RSL data of at least this accuracy may help to quantify the GIA modelling parameters above. The sensitivity to ice-load history variations is the dominating pattern covering in times of 14 ka BP and older almost the whole world. Lithospheric thickness variations are mainly only possible to be determined in certain high-latitude areas around the large former and current ice sheets. Background viscosity as well as lateral viscosity variations can be traced at most coast and shelf areas around the world, especially when dated to be older than 10 ka BP. The latter three are almost everywhere overlapped by the ice-load history pattern. In general we find that the more recent the data are, the smaller is the area of possible RSL locations which could provide enough information on the four GIA modelling parameters. But, we also note that when the accuracy of RSL data can be improved, e.g. from 2 m to 1 m, these areas become larger allowing better inference of background viscosity and lateral heterogeneity. Although the patterns depend on the chosen models and error limit, our results are indicative enough to outline areas where one should look for helpful RSL data of a certain time period.
Evaluation of Monitoring for Metabolic Effects in Children Treated With Second Generation Antipsychotics in a Pediatric Clinic
Authors: Honey Brooke L. , Ramos Lourdes , Brahm Nancy C.
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the frequency of recommended metabolic monitoring and follow-up in pediatric patients on second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) medications from a pediatric clinic.

METHODS

A retrospective review of electronic medical records of all patients on antipsychotics from an academic medical center pediatric clinic was conducted. Inclusion criteria required patients to be established members of the pediatric clinic, < 19 years of age, and on ≥ 1 SGA for at least 1 year, regardless of medical diagnosis. Data collection consisted of patient demographic information and frequency of family history, vital signs, and recommended laboratory monitoring.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients on antipsychotics were identified. After the application of inclusion criteria, 32 patients qualified for review. The average age was 13.5 ± 4 years and gender distribution included 72% males. Only 4 (13%) patients had documented baseline monitoring that included weight, blood pressure, and fasting lipid panel. No patient had a fasting plasma glucose recorded at any point during antipsychotic therapy. Follow-up monitoring decreased over time, with the exception of quarterly weight and annual blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study highlight the lack of baseline and periodic monitoring that occur when pediatric patients are prescribed antipsychotic medications, putting the patient at risk for adverse events. The marked increase in antipsychotic prescribing and concerns related to their safety emphasize the need for improvement in monitoring of antipsychotic medications. This gap in patient care and safety opens an excellent opportunity for a clinical pharmacy team to provide education and assistance with SGA monitoring for the purpose of providing optimal patient care.
A internet, um novo espaço de disputa pela memória da ditadura militar no Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Sonale Diane Pastro de , Marinho Maria Gabriela da Silva Martins da Cunha
Published: December 2013

A pós-modernidade que, a priori parecia ter lançado a História no campo da irrelevância, acabou por desencadear um movimento de valorização da memória. No Brasil, a aprovação do 3º Plano Nacional de Direitos Humanos (PNDH-3, 2010) transformou essa tendência em política pública, ao adotar como um de seus eixos norteadores o “Direito à Memória e à Verdade”. Esta iniciativa governamental, aliada ao novo paradigma da comunicação, acirrou uma disputa em torno da construção da memória coletiva sobre o período da Ditadura Militar no Brasil, transformando a internet em palco privilegiado desse embate. A importância do tema deriva da compreensão da memória enquanto fator de coesão e de afirmação de valores; transformada em discurso, a memória pode influenciar o comportamento social e interferir no exercício do poder. Desse modo, analisando dois sites representativos, pretendemos resgatar os valores em torno dos quais cada grupo procura sustentar a ‘sua’ verdade e interferir na construção da memória nacional.Palavras-chave: Memória. Comunicação. Poder. Internet. Ditadura Militar – Brasil. Brasil – História (Período Militar).
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of Wrightia arborea
Authors: Ronok Zahan  , Laizuman Nahar  , Ashik Mosaddik  , Mohammad Abdur Rashid  , Amir Hassan  , Mansoor Ahmed
Published: December 2013

Wrightia arborea (Br.) (Family-Apocynaceae), locally known as Sathkurchi, is a small deciduous tree with small branches and densely velvety leaves. This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and anti tumor activities of leaves of W. arborea.
Antioxidant potential was evaluated in vitro by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging- and reducing power- assay method which was concentration dependent that was 25-200 µg/ml. The extract showed scavenging activity with IC50 value of 15.23 ± 4.10 µg/ml for DPPH and also showed reducing activity in dose dependent manner. In addition, total phenol and flavonoid content were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and were found to be 112.54 ± 9.74 mg/g plant extract (in GAE) and 247.14 ± 15.45 mg/g plant extract (in quercetin equivalent), respectively. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by phosphomolybdenum method and was found to be 117.27 ± 12.36 mg/g plant extract (in ascorbic acid equivalents). The anti tumor effect of the methanol extractwas determined with doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg b.wt against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice with respect to the determination of tumor volume, tumor weight, % of cell growth inhibition, % increase in life span (%ILS), and hematological parameter (WBC, RBC and hemoglobin).
The methanol extract of W. arborea decreased the tumor weight significantly compared to control group at all the mentioned doses and the highest was observed at the dose of 20 mg/kg b. wt. (1.28 ± 0.15 g). The % of cell growth inhibition increased in dose dependent manner like 36.43 ± 7.45, 58.76 ± 9.43 and 98.43 ± 12.45 at the doses of 5, 10, 20 mg/kg b.wt. respectively. The %ILS was also enhanced in all the doses where 20 mg/kg b.wt showed maximum effect (105.5 ± 3.57). Heamoglobin (Hb) content was significantly increased 8.12 ± 2.6, 10.23 ± 1.62 and 12.12 ± 2.09 g/dL at the doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg b.wt. respectively, compared to EAC control mice (4.95 ± 1.80 g). There was a significant (p< 0.05, p< 0.01, p<0.001) decrease in RBC count and increase in WBC counts in extract treated animals when compared to EAC control animals.
This is the first report of biological activities of leaves of W. arborea and it showed significant antioxidant as well as antitumor activity.
Wide Gap Microcrystalline Silicon Oxide Emitter for a-SiOx:H/c-Si Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Ding Kaining , Aeberhard Urs , Smirnov Vladimir , Holländer Bernd , Finger Friedhelm , Rau Uwe
Published: December 2013

This paper reports on the development of phosphorous doped microcrystalline silicon oxide (µc-SiOx:H) films as an emitter window layer in flat p-type silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells featuring intrinsic a-SiOx:H buffer layers. We investigated the material properties of n-type µc-SiOx:H films grown at various input gas ratios and correlated the results of SHJ solar cells utilizing varying oxygen content and thickness of the emitter layer to the corresponding film properties. A maximum efficiency of 19.0% was achieved. The excellent short circuit current of 35.8 mA/cm2for flat cells was attributed to the low optical losses in the emitter window.
Asymmetric Light Propagation Based on Graded Photonic Crystals
Authors: Wang Linhui , Yang Xiulun , Meng Xiangfeng , Wang Yurong , Chen Shouxiang , Huang Zhe , Dong Guoyan
Published: December 2013

This study proposes a novel graded photonic crystal structure that can be used to achieve asymmetric light propagation. This structure is obtained by changing the radius of a conventional square lattice photonic crystal. A higher contrast ratio is obtained by extending the numbers of the periods of the graded photonic crystal in the horizontal direction. The best contrast ratio almost reaches 1. The intensity at the spot where the light propagated forward converges is two orders of magnitude greater than the intensity at the optical axis of the backward transmission. Numerical results are obtained using the finite-difference time domain and plane wave methods. The proposed structure has significant application potential in optical integration.
Characteristics of Transition Bremsstrahlung Spectrum and Gaunt Factor: Thermal Shielding
Authors: Hong Woo-Pyo , Jung Young-Dae
Published: December 2013

The influence of thermal shielding on the bremsstrahlung cross section and the Gaunt factor is investigated for the transition bremsstrahlung process, using the effective Debye–Hückel potential in the impact-parameter analysis. The results show that thermal shielding suppresses the bremsstrahlung radiation cross section. It is also found that the maximum position of the bremsstrahlung cross section approaches the collision center with increasing thermal energy. In addition, it is found that the magnitude of the oscillatory behavior of the bremsstrahlung cross section decreases with an increase in the radiation photon energy near the peak impact-parameter domain. The thermal shielding effect on the bremsstrahlung Gaunt factor is also discussed.
Synthesis and investigation of reaction mechanisms of diamondoids produced using plasmas generated inside microcapillaries in supercritical xenon
Authors: Oshima Fumito , Stauss Sven , Inose Yoshifumi , Terashima Kazuo
Published: December 2013

We have synthesized diamondoids using dielectric barrier discharge microplasmas generated inside a microcapillary reactor in supercritical xenon. The plasmas were generated near the critical temperature (

) and pressure (

) of xenon in the ranges of

and

under both batch-type and continuous flow conditions with gas flow rates of 0.01–0.5 mL min−1. Micro-Raman spectra of the synthesized particles showed features characteristic of diamondoids, while gas chromatography–mass spectrometry measurements revealed that diamondoids up to undecamantane were possibly synthesized. Further, the amount of obtained diamantane was greater than those obtained using previously reported diamondoid synthesis processes that involve plasmas in supercritical fluids. This increase is attributed to the higher solubility of the supercritical medium, i.e., xenon, and the higher efficiency of the microreactor. A detailed gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed that higher diamondoids grow in a stepwise manner via the alternate removal of hydrogen atoms and the addition of methyl groups.
Toward policies for climate change mitigation: “Barriers for family‐sized biogas in the District of Gihanga, Burundi”
Authors: Nkunzimana Leonard , Huart Michel , Zaccai Edwin
Published: December 2013

In the context of climate change mitigation and poverty reduction, it has been argued that biogas energy is relevant, as it is economically and ecologically useful. In the 1980s, biogas use played an important role in the development of Burundi. Many schools and public institutions had implemented such installations. Unfortunately, many biogas infrastructures were destroyed in the civil war of the 1990s. This study analyzes what could be done, after a decade of crisis, to develop that sector. It aims to assess how and to what extent the inhabitants of villages are willing to contribute to the development of biogas technologies. We interviewed 150 farmers in order to assess their perception on the ecologic and economic features of biogas plants if implemented in their villages. The influence of socioeconomic, cultural, and demographic factors of households was assessed in this study. Results suggest that the maximum amount that a household is willing to pay each month for biogas use at a family level is positive for large‐size households, households that are aware of climate change, consumers of candles, households with high income, households with an educated head, women, and breeders. However, the willingness decreases for households with older head of families. The study concludes that awareness campaigns on biogas benefits and financial and nonfinancial incentives are necessary. This policy should probably and primarily be oriented toward some more receptive categories of the population. Women should be fully involved, considering their positive motivation toward sustaining this sector.
Nitrogen and phosphorous limitations significantly reduce future allowable CO2 emissions
Authors: Zhang Q. , Wang Y. P. , Matear R. J. , Pitman A. J. , Dai Y. J.
Published: December 2013

Allowable CO2 emissions are the emissions of CO2 allowed in order to follow a prescribed atmospheric CO2 concentration pathway. Allowable emissions depend on the uptake rates by the land and ocean and carbon‐climate interaction. Few Earth System Models used for estimating allowable emissions include nitrogen limitation on land, and none include phosphorus. We provide the first estimate of how nitrogen and phosphorus limitations alter the allowable emissions between 2006 and 2100 for two representative concentration pathways (RCPs). We show that nutrient limitations on land have little influence on ocean carbon uptake but reduce the land carbon uptake and allowable emissions by 69 Pg C (21%) for RCP2.6 and by 250 Pg C (13%) for RCP8.5 by 2100, as compared with the emissions estimated using integrated assessment models. We therefore demonstrate the importance of nutrient limitations in estimating future CO2 emissions to achieve the climate change limits implied by RCPs.
Boundary layer dynamics during the Ocean‐Atmosphere‐Sea‐Ice‐Snow (OASIS) 2009 experiment at Barrow, AK
Authors: Boylan Patrick , Helmig Detlev , Staebler Ralf , Turnipseed Andrew , Fairall Chris , Neff William
Published: December 2013

Three‐dimensional atmospheric turbulence measurements were conducted from seven sonic anemometers on two different towers in Barrow, AK, during the spring of 2009 as part of the Ocean‐Atmosphere‐Sea‐Ice‐Snow (OASIS) campaign. This was the largest number of side‐by‐side atmospheric turbulence measurements in the Arctic at one time. These analyses allowed for (1) a comparison of the instrumental measurement approaches and (2) a comparison of the variability of the lower atmospheric surface layer at these measurement heights and tower sites. Friction velocity estimates were affected for a sonic anemometer that was operated on the tower in the near vicinity of a building module. Boundary layer height (BLH) was estimated from sonic anemometer measurements based both on a turbulence variable estimator and a temperature gradient method. Results from both methods were compared to radiosonde‐estimated BLH and generally underestimated the BLH for shallower depths. Conditions with low BLH (< 100 m) often lasted for several days. The seven ozone depletion events (ODE) that were observed during the OASIS campaign had a tendency of coinciding with BLH of less than 50 m and stable atmospheric conditions; however, there was not a clear relationship between the occurrence of ODE and wind speed or wind direction as ODE occurred under a wide range of conditions of BLH, wind speed, local wind direction, and atmospheric stability. Comparisons of these surface layer dynamics to sites in Antarctica and Greenland reveal that boundary layer dynamics are not the primary driving force that fosters the unique ozone chemistry at this coastal Arctic site.
Recombinant Human Lactoferrin as a Biomaterial for Bone Tissue Engineering: Mechanism of Antiapoptotic and Osteogenic Activity
Authors: Amini Ashley A. , Nair Lakshmi S.
Published: December 2013

Lactoferrin is a bioactive globular protein with unique properties towards musculo‐skeletal cells and anabolic to bone in vivo. Even though the potent anti‐apoptotic and osteogenic activity of lactoferrin has been reported, the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. The study demonstrates that the anti‐apoptotic effect of rhLF towards MC3T3 pre‐osteoblast cells is mediated by Wnt5a/PKA pathway and the stabilization of β‐catenin by rhLF is dependent on PKA/LRP6 signaling pathway. The study also investigates the feasibility of developing rhLF as a biomaterial for cell delivery. The injectable rhLF cell delivery vehicles are prepared by enzymatic crosslinking of tyramine‐modified rhLF in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and horseradish peroxidase. The modified rhLF shows bioactivity similar to unmodified rhLF. The rhLF gels support encapsulated MC3T3 cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as phosphorylation of signaling proteins. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the involvement of Wnt5a, LRP6, and PKA signaling in rhLF‐mediated bioactivity towards MC3T3 cells and the feasibility of developing an injectable cell delivery vehicle from rhLF.
In Situ Synthesis of Self‐Assembled Gold Nanoparticles on Glass or Silicon Substrates through Reactive Inkjet Printing
Authors: Abulikemu Mutalifu , Da'as Eman Husni , Haverinen Hanna , Cha Dongkyu , Malik Mohammad Azad , Jabbour Ghassan Elie
Published: December 2013

A facile and low cost method for the synthesis of self‐assembled nanoparticles (NPs) with minimal size variation and chemical waste by using reactive inkjet printing was developed. Gold NPs with diameters as small as (8±2) nm can be made at low temperature (120 °C). The size of the resulting NPs can be readily controlled through the concentration of the gold precursor and oleylamine ink. The pure gold composition of the synthesized NPs was confirmed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS) analysis. High‐resolution SEM (HRSEM) and TEM (HRTEM), and X‐ray diffraction revealed their size and face‐centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure, respectively. Owing to the high density of the NP film, UV/Vis spectroscopy showed a red shift in the intrinsic plasmonic resonance peak. We envision the extension of this approach to the synthesis of other nanomaterials and the production of tailored functional nanomaterials and devices.
Hexagonal Bipyramidal [Ta2B6]−/0 Clusters: B6 Rings as Structural Motifs
Authors: Li Wei‐Li , Xie Lu , Jian Tian , Romanescu Constantin , Huang Xin , Wang Lai‐Sheng
Published: December 2013

It has been a long‐sought goal in cluster science to discover stable atomic clusters as building blocks for cluster‐assembled nanomaterials, as exemplified by the fullerenes and their subsequent bulk syntheses.1, 2 Clusters have also been considered as models to understand bulk properties, providing a bridge between molecular and solid‐state chemistry.3 Because of its electron deficiency, boron is an interesting element with unusual polymorphism. While bulk boron is known to be dominated by the three‐dimensional (3D) B12 icosahedral motifs,4 new forms of elemental boron are continuing to be discovered.5 In contrast to the 3D cages commonly found in bulk boron, in the gas phase two‐dimensional (2D) boron clusters are prevalent.6–8 The unusual planar boron clusters have been suggested as potential new bulking blocks or ligands in chemistry.6a Herein we report a joint experimental and theoretical study on the [Ta2B6]− and [Ta2B6] clusters. We found that the most stable structures of both the neutral and anion are D6h bipyramidal, similar to the recently discovered MB6M structural motif in the Ti7Rh4Ir2B8 solid compound.9
Drug‐loaded polyurethane/clay nanocomposite nanofibers for topical drug‐delivery application
Authors: Saha Kasturi , Butola Bhupendra Singh , Joshi Mangala
Published: December 2013

In this study, polyurethane/nanoclay nanocomposite nanofibrous webs were prepared by electrospinning. An antiseptic drug, chlorhexidine acetate (CA), was loaded onto montmorillonite clay and was then incorporated into polyurethane nanofibers. For comparison, the CA drug was loaded directly into the polyurethane solution dope used to electrospin the nanofibers. The emphasis was on investigating the effect of the drug loading into the nanoclay vis‐à‐vis direct drug loading on the drug‐release behavior of nanofibrous webs. The nanofibrous webs were also evaluated for other properties, such as moisture vapor transmission, porosity determination, contact angle measurement, and antibacterial activity, which are important for topical drug‐delivery application. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40230.
Hypercholesterolemia and Risk of Incident Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis in US Women
Authors: Wu Shaowei , Li Wen‐Qing , Han Jiali , Sun Qi , Qureshi Abrar A.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disorder associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been shown to have elevated cholesterol levels. However, it is not known whether hypercholesterolemia is associated with an increased risk of psoriasis or psoriasis with PsA. We undertook this study to determine whether a history of hypercholesterolemia is associated with the risk of developing incident psoriasis and psoriasis with PsA in a cohort of US women.

Methods

We included a total of 95,540 participants from the Nurses' Health Study II (1991–2005). Information on personal history of physician‐diagnosed hypercholesterolemia and related medication use was collected during the followup period. Clinician‐diagnosed psoriasis and psoriasis with PsA were ascertained and confirmed using supplementary questionnaires. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

During 1,320,765 person‐years of followup, we documented 646 participants with incident psoriasis, 165 of whom had concomitant PsA. Hypercholesterolemia was associated with elevated risks of incident psoriasis (HR 1.25 [95% CI 1.04–1.50]) and psoriasis with PsA (HR 1.58 [95% CI 1.13–2.23]) in multivariate‐adjusted models. Participants with hypercholesterolemia lasting for ≥7 years were at a higher risk of developing psoriasis (HR 1.29 [95% CI 1.03–1.61]) (P for trend = 0.0002) and psoriasis with PsA (HR 1.68 [95% CI 1.12–2.52]) (P for trend = 0.002). These associations persisted among participants who never took cholesterol‐lowering medications. There was no association between cholesterol‐lowering drugs and risk of psoriasis or psoriasis with PsA.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that hypercholesterolemia, a well‐known cardiovascular risk factor, is also associated with an elevated risk of psoriasis and psoriasis with PsA.
Photocurrent Enhancement in Diketopyrrolopyrrole Solar Cells by Manipulating Dipolar Anchoring Terminals on Alkyl‐Chain Spacers
Authors: Tang Ailing , Lu Zhenhuan , Bai Shuming , Huang Jianhua , Chen Yuxia , Shi Qiang , Zhan Chuanlang , Yao Jiannian
Published: December 2013

We chose DPP‐BDT‐DPP {DPP=diketopyrrolopyrrole, BDT=4,8‐di‐[2‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐thienyl]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene} as a model backbone and varied the anchoring groups [C5H11, COOCH3, and SiCH3(OSiCH3)2] terminated on the N‐substituted alkyl‐chain spacer of the DPP units to study the effect of anchoring terminals on the morphology of blend film and on the device performances of bulk heterojunction solar cells. By replacing the nonpolar C5H11 anchoring terminal with the polar COOCH3 anchoring terminal leads to an enhancement in the short‐circuit current density (Jsc) (4.62 vs. 9.32 mA cm−2), whereas the value of Jsc sharply decreases to 0.45 mA cm−2 if the C5H11 anchoring terminal is replaced by a SiCH3(OSiCH3)2 group. The changes in Jsc are associated with changes in the π–π stacking distance (3.39→3.34 Å vs. 3.39→3.45 Å) and the phase size (50→20 nm vs. 50→>250 nm) through alteration of the anchoring group from C5H11 to COOCH3 versus from C5H11 to SiCH3(OSiCH3)2. Interestingly, the anchoring terminals bring about drastic changes in molecular orientations, which result in different out‐of‐plane hole transport. This is the first time this effect has been systemically demonstrated to improve photocurrent generation by manipulating the dipolar anchoring groups terminated on the alkyl‐chain spacer.
Nutzerzufriedenheit mit dem thermischen Komfort in Bürogebäuden mit Umweltenergiekonzepten
Authors: Kalz Doreen , Hölzenbein Fabian , Pfafferott Jens , Vogt Gisela
Published: December 2013

Mit längerfristigen Nutzerbefragungen in zwei unmittelbar benachbarten Bürogebäuden in Freiburg wurden das Temperaturempfinden der Nutzer und deren Zufriedenheit mit dem thermischen Raumkomfort zweimal täglich erfasst. Ein Bürogebäude wird im Sommer mit einem maschinellen Nachtlüftungskonzept konditioniert und das zweite verfügt über eine Betonkerntemperierung und eine Zu‐ und Abluftanlage. Auf Basis der vorhandenen Daten aus der Erhebung wurde mit Hilfe von Regressionsanalysen ein Modell zur Vorhersage der Komforttemperatur berechnet und mit den Modellen in DIN EN 15251 verglichen.

User satisfaction with thermal comfort in office buildings applying environmental energy concepts. This paper presents results of a long‐term evaluation of occupant perception of and satisfaction with thermal comfort in two neighbouring office buildings in Freiburg. They were obtained in field surveys by daily questioning and accompanying measurements in high temporal resolution. One office building is conditioned during summer according to a night‐time ventilation concept and the second uses concrete core conditioning and a supply/exhaust ventilation system. Based on the survey data and a regression analysis, a model was calculated to predict the comfort temperature depending on the cooling concept employed. Results were compared to the comfort models of DIN EN 15251.