bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide association study of HPV‐associated cervical cancer in Japanese women
Authors: Miura Kiyonori , Mishima Hiroyuki , Kinoshita Akira , Hayashida Chisa , Abe Shuhei , Tokunaga Katsushi , Masuzaki Hideaki , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro
Published: April 2014

One of the important factors influencing the development of uterine cervical cancer is human papillomavirus infection in women. Usually, the infecting papillomavirus is eliminated from individuals; however, some retain the virus and this is believed to lead to the development of uterine cervical cancer. It is possible that virus elimination or persistent infection depends on an individual's genetic background. To identify single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to persistent infection or cervical cancer, a genome‐wide association study was performed on 226 cases and 186 controls. Some of the single nucleotide polymorphisms showed a P‐value < 10−5; however, no polymorphisms that were significantly associated with susceptibility to cervical cancer were identified. J. Med. Virol. 86:1153–1158, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The climate of Myanmar: evidence for effects of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: D'Arrigo Rosanne , Ummenhofer Caroline C.
Published: April 2014

We show evidence for the influence of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) on Myanmar's monsoonal hydroclimate using both instrumental and 20th century reanalysis data, and a tree‐ring width chronology from Myanmar's central Dry Zone. The ‘regime shifts’ identified in the instrumentalPDOfor the past century are clearly evident in the Myanmar teak. The teak record andPDOindex correlate most significantly and positively during December–May, atr = 0.41 (0.002,n= 109). We generated composite climate anomalies for southern Asia and adjacent ocean areas during negative and positivePDOphases and above/below average teak growth for the May–September wet monsoon season. They show that negative (positive)PDOphases correspond to dry (wet) conditions, due to reduced (enhanced) moisture flux into central Myanmar. Multitaper Method (MTM) and Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) spectral analyses reveal considerable multidecadal variability over the past several centuries of the teak chronology, consistent with thePDO.
An analysis of the synoptic and climatological applicability of circulation type classifications for Ireland
Authors: Broderick Ciaran , Fealy Rowan
Published: April 2014

Circulation type classifications compiled as part of the COST733 Action, ‘Harmonisation and Application of Weather Type Classifications for European Regions’, were evaluated based on their ability to describe variations in surface temperature (maximum and minimum) and precipitation across the Irish landmass. In all 16 different classification schemes, representative of four general approaches in synoptic typing (leader algorithm, optimization scheme, predefined types, eigenvector analysis) were considered. Several statistical measures variously quantifying performance in arranging daily observations into clearly defined homogenous groups were employed. Based on the results it was not possible to identify a single optimum classification or general approach in synoptic typing. This is related to inconsistencies in performance with respect to the specific target variable and statistical measures used; the results were also shown to be conditional on the number of circulation types (CTs) as well as spatiotemporal dependencies in performance. However, the study did indicate that those typing schemes based on predefined thresholds (Litynski, GrossWetterTypes, Lamb Weather Type) – along with the Kruizinga and Lund classifications – were better able to resolve surface temperature. With respect to precipitation those classifications derived using some optimization procedure (simulated annealing, Self Organizing Maps, k‐means clustering) were consistently among the best‐performing schemes. In capturing the relationship between synoptic‐scale circulation and precipitation the importance of incorporating some measure of vorticity was highlighted; in contrast the inclusion of discrete directional patterns was shown to be important for resolving variations in local temperature. The classifications generally performed best for winter, reflecting the closer coupling between circulation and surface conditions during this period. Spatial patterns in the synoptic–climatological relationship were more apparent for precipitation. In this case those more westerly/south‐westerly stations open to zonal airflow exhibited a stronger response to circulation variability.
Supraspinatus tendon load during abduction is dependent on the size of the critical shoulder angle: A biomechanical analysis
Authors: Gerber Christian , Snedeker Jess G. , Baumgartner Daniel , Viehöfer Arnd F.
Published: April 2014

Shoulders with supraspinatus (SSP) tears are associated with significantly larger critical shoulder angles (CSA) compared to disease‐free shoulders. We hypothesized that larger CSAs increase the ratio of joint shear to joint compression forces (defined as “instability ratio”), requiring substantially increased compensatory supraspinatus loads. A shoulder simulator with simulated deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus/teres minor, and subscapularis musculotendinous units was constructed. The model was configured to represent either a normal CSA of 33° or a CSA characteristic of shoulders with rotator cuff tears (38°), and the components of the joint forces were measured. The instability ratio increased for the 38° CSA compared with the control CSA (33°) for a range of motion between 6° to 61° of thoracohumeral abduction with the largest differences in instability observed between 33° and 37° of elevation. In this range, SSP force had to be increased by 13–33% (15–23 N) to stabilize the arm in space. Our results support the concept that a high CSA can induce SSP overload particularly at low degrees of active abduction. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:952–957, 2014.
Hepatoprotective effect by pretreatment with olprinone in a swine partial hepatectomy model
Authors: Iguchi Kohta , Hatano Etsuro , Yamanaka Kenya , Sato Motohiko , Yamamoto Gen , Kasai Yosuke , Okamoto Tatsuya , Okuno Masayuki , Taura Kojiro , Fukumoto Kyoko , Ueno Kazuyuki , Uemoto Shinji
Published: April 2014

Excessive portal flow to a small remnant liver or small-for-size graft is a primary factor of small-for-size syndrome. We demonstrated that olprinone (OLP), a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, had a hepatoprotective effect in a rat extended hepatectomy model and a small-for-size liver transplantation model through a modification of the portal venous pressure (PVP). To identify the appropriate dose and duration of treatment for clinical applications, we conducted experiments with a swine partial hepatectomy model. Twenty microminipigs were divided into 4 groups that received the following treatments: (A) saline (control group), (B) OLP at 0.3 μg/kg/minute (preoperative and postoperative administration), (C) OLP at 0.1 μg/kg/minute (preoperative administration), and (D) OLP at 0.3 μg/kg/minute (preoperative administration). The pigs underwent 70% partial hepatectomy. Hemodynamic changes, including changes in PVP, were examined. Liver biopsy was performed 1 and 3 hours after hepatectomy. Blood samples were collected until postoperative day 7 (POD7). In comparison with group A, PVP elevations, periportal edema, and sinusoidal hemorrhaging were attenuated after left Glisson's ligation in groups C and D. Pretreatment with OLP in groups C and D preserved the microstructure of sinusoids and improved the prothrombin activity 1 and 3 hours after hepatectomy. These animals showed better recovery of the remnant liver volume and the plasma disappearance rate of indocyanine green on POD7. In contrast, group B showed exacerbation of liver damage. Measurements of the serum OLP concentration showed that 10 ng/mL OLP was appropriate for a hepatoprotective effect. In conclusion, pretreatment with OLP shows hepatoprotective effects in a swine partial hepatectomy model. OLP may have the potential to ameliorate patients' outcomes after hepatectomy or liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 20:838–849, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
An Alternating Copolymer of a Tetrapeptide and a Tetrathiophene Prepared by a Click Reaction: A Study of the Synthesis and Assembly Behavior
Authors: Gong Ruiying , Guo Zongxia , Li Fei , Song Yubao , Mu Youbing , Li Ming , Wan Xiaobo
Published: April 2014

Alternating copolymers of an oligopeptide (N3‐GVGV‐N3, where G: glycine; V: valine) and an oligothiophene (5,5′‐bis(ethynyl)‐3,3'‐dioctyltetrathiophene) are prepared by click chemistry. The experimental results discover that these copolymers exhibit strong molecular‐weight‐dependent self‐assembly behaviors. The copolymer P1 with the lowest weight‐average molecular weight ( = 7400 g mol−1), assembles into well‐ordered fibrous nanostructures. P3 ( = 16 980 g mol−1) assembles into nano­balls. P2, which has the medium between P1 and P3, ( = 14 800 g mol−1), exhibits more‐complicated self‐assembly behaviors, more like a transition state between the other two. All of the results suggest the self‐assembly ability of these oligopeptide segments might be the major reason for the nano‐structure evolution.

image
Polysaccharide Biocatalysis: From Synthesizing Carbohydrate Standards to Establishing Characterization Methods
Authors: Ciric Jelena , Petrovic Dejan M. , Loos Katja
Published: April 2014

Starch, glycogen, and cellulose are all around us. They are eaten and used on a daily basis but they are not understood completely. Even though these carbohydrates are simple, concerning their repeating unit, they are hard to characterize. In order to try to understand as much as possible about their structure and the relationship between their molecular structure and physical properties, it is very practical to create such polysaccharides, for instance enzymatically, characterize them, and use them as standards for the characterization of natural ones. Therefore, the main objective of this Trend article is to outline different enzymatic routes to such carbohydrates, possibilities for their characterization, and the characterization of natural ones.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Controlled Polymerization of Hydrophilic Monomers with Ir(ppy)3 as a Photoredox Catalyst in Anisole
Authors: Ma Wenchao , Chen Haochuan , Ma Yuhong , Zhao Changwen , Yang Wantai
Published: April 2014

With fac‐Ir(ppy)3 as photoredox catalyst and ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBiB) as initiator, the homopolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in different solvents, such as N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile, and anisole are run under irradiation of an LED lamp. The results show that anisole is a better solvent for the polymerization with regard to the polydispersity index (PDI). A well‐controlled polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) is demonstrated and the clean block copolymer of PMMA‐b‐PPEGMA is prepared with PDI less than 1.3; however, the 2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) polymerization is poorly controlled. With the PMMA as macromolecular initiator, the block copolymer PMMA‐b‐PDMAEMA can be prepared with PDI around 2.0.

image
Entrapment of Protein Using Electrosprayed Poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) Microspheres with a Porous Structure for Sustained Release
Authors: Paik Dong‐Hyun , Choi Sung‐Wook
Published: April 2014

The entrapment of a protein in porous poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres is demonstrated through the closure of their outer surface pores for sustained delivery of the protein. The porous PLGA microspheres with less than 10 μm in size are prepared by electrospraying. Aqueous solutions containing fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran or bovine serum albumin (BSA) are penetrated into the inner pores as a result of vacuum treatment, and the outer surface pores of the porous PLGA microspheres are then closed using a solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide) to ensure entrapment of the macromolecules. Confocal microscopy images confirm the presence of a large amount of the macromolecules inside the porous structure. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and release analysis reveal that BSA is entrapped without denaturation and released in a sustained manner for a period of over 2 months, respectively.

image
Multilevel Nonvolatile Flexible Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Memories Employing Polyimide Electrets with Different Charge‐Transfer Effects
Authors: Yu An‐Dih , Tung Wei‐Yao , Chiu Yu‐Cheng , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Liou Guey‐Sheng , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: April 2014

The electrical memory characteristics of the n‐channel organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) employing diverse polyimide (PI) electrets are reported. The synthesized PIs comprise identical electron donor and three different building blocks with gradually increasing electron‐accepting ability. The distinct charge‐transfer capabilities of these PIs result in varied type of memory behaviors from the write‐one‐read‐many (WORM) to flash type. Finally, a prominent flexible WORM‐type transistor memory is demonstrated and shows not only promising write‐many‐read‐many (WMRM) multilevel data storage but also excellent mechanical and retention stability.

image
Chain‐End‐Functionalized Polyphosphazenes via a One‐Pot Phosphine‐Mediated Living Polymerization
Authors: Wilfert Sandra , Henke Helena , Schoefberger Wolfgang , Brüggemann Oliver , Teasdale Ian
Published: April 2014

A simple polymerization of trichlorophosphoranimine (Cl3P = N−SiMe3) mediated by functionalized triphenylphosphines is presented. In situ initiator formation and the subsequent polymerization progress are investigated by 31P NMR spectroscopy, demonstrating a living cationic polymerization mechanism. The polymer chain lengths and molecular weights of the resulting substituted poly(organo)phosphazenes are further studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. This strategy facilitates the preparation of polyphosphazenes with controlled molecular weights and specific functional groups at the α‐chain end. Such well‐defined, mono‐end‐functionalized polymers have great potential use in bioconjugation, surface modification, and as building blocks for complex macromolecular constructs.

image
The Traffic Police Location and Schedule Assignment Problem
Authors: Adler Nicole , Hakkert Alfred Shalom , Raviv Tal , Sher Mali
Published: April 2014

The traffic police routine patrol vehicle mission is to provide service to the public, primarily through enforcement of traffic laws and assistance to road users after accidents or other calls for service. An efficient traffic police location and schedule assignment (TPLSAP) across a road network ensures that the traffic police undertake their mission effectively. In the search for effective road network cover solutions, a multiple‐objective linear program is developed in the first stage with three distinct objectives. The objective functions maximize the following: (1) traffic police presence and conspicuousness; (2) police presence at blackspots where frequent traffic offences occur; and (3) the time available for proactive work. In the second stage of the TPLSAP formulation, distance and time halo effect integer linear programs produce a detailed, daily shift schedule across the planning horizon. Consequently, we formulate a routine traffic police schedule–location and activity problem, which incorporates road safety recommendations drawn from the literature, police policy and operational constraints. Finally, we apply the formulation to a case study of the interurban road network in Northern Israel, which highlights potential improvements over the current schedules. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid look‐up table method for noise‐corrected curve fitting in the r2* mapping of iron loaded liver
Authors: Wang Changqing , He Taigang , Liu Xiaoyun , Zhong Shouming , Chen Wufan , Feng Yanqiu
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Fitting the measured decay signal to the first moment in the presence of noncentral chi noise (M1NCM) can correctly address the effect of noise on the effective transverse relaxation rate (R2*) relaxometry of iron loaded liver. However, this method requires intensive computation, which restricts its application to R2* mapping. This work aims to develop a rapid implementation of the M1NCM method for R2* mapping.

Methods

The computation of the confluent hypergeometric function in the M1NCM model was approximated using cubic spline interpolation with breakpoints and coefficients precalculated and stored in a look‐up table (M1NCM‐LUT). The performance of the proposed M1NCM‐LUT method was evaluated through simulation and based on in vivo liver R2* relaxometry data.

Results

In both simulation and in vivo studies, the maximum absolute difference between R2* maps generated by the M1NCM and M1NCM‐LUT methods was nearly 10−3 s−1 or less, and the M1NCM‐LUT method obtained a R2* map in approximately 1 s and achieved an acceleration of approximately five orders of magnitude.

Conclusion

The proposed M1NCM‐LUT method can significantly increase the speed of the liver R2* mapping using the M1NCM model. This development is important in promoting application of this R2* mapping technique for tissue iron quantification. Magn Reson Med 73:865–871, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
General Practitioners' Views About an Orthopaedic Clinical Assessment Service
Authors: Burn Damon , May Stephen , Edwards Lindsay
Published: April 2014

Background

General practitioners' (GP) views about orthopaedic clinical assessment services (OCAS) managed by physiotherapists in the NHS have seldom been sought, yet GPs are likely to be key referrers to such a service.

Aim

This study aims to review GP views about an OCAS and how they believed the service could be improved.

Design of the Study

Fifteen consenting GPs were interviewed utilizing semi‐structured interviews and a standardized topic guide.

Method

Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed for emergent themes. Interviews were analysed sequentially by date performed until saturation. Themes were discussed, and disagreements evaluated until agreement was found between the two main authors. The third author then analysed randomly selected interview transcripts and found no additional themes.

Results

The study found GPs refer to specialist services, including this OCAS, because of wait times, locality, patient experience, GP experience and knowledge of available services. No GP identified they knew all possible orthopaedic referral routes.

Conclusion

GPs saw OCAS as another referral choice for patients suffering orthopaedic pathologies. GPs identified some difficulty in understanding the different services including the various professional roles involved. To assist with their understanding, they described requesting advertising of the different services and the clinicians involved or streamlining of services by provider services. Further detailed research addressing the limitations in this research design is indicated to investigate GP's thoughts and behaviours in relation to referral patterns especially as GPs in the UK took on commissioning for services from April 2013. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐growth annealing treatment of ZnO nanowires with arsenic and phosphorus sources
Authors: Zehani Emir , Hassani Said , Lusson Alain , Jomard François , Galtier Pierre , Sallet Vincent
Published: April 2014

An attempt to incorporate dopants in ZnO nanowires grown using metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) on sapphire substrates is presented. Diffusion of phosphorus (P) and arsenic (As) into the ZnO nanowires and ZnO substrates were carried out in vacuum sealed ampoules at temperatures ranging from 580 to 800 °C. Doping sources were Zn3P2 or Zn3sA2. The evolution of the wires morphology shows a dramatic degradation above 620–650 °C. SIMS analysis reveals the transport of P and As onto the sample surface. Mass profiling shows that the dopants do not diffuse significantly into bulk ZnO. This is confirmed by both Raman scattering and low temperature photoluminescence (PL) where no optical signatures related to the incorporation of P or As are observed. Surprisingly, PL experiments performed on nanowires processed at a temperature where the effect of annealing on the morphology start to be visible show an improved quality, and features commonly observables in high quality bulk samples. These results suggest that defects localised at the surface of the ZnO nanowires could be removed using post‐annealing in Zn rich atmosphere. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bottom‐up approach to control the photon outcoupling of a II‐VI quantum dot with a photonic wire
Authors: Cremel T. , Elouneg‐Jamroz M. , Bellet‐Amalric E. , Cagnon L. , Tatarenko S. , Kheng K.
Published: April 2014

Epitaxially‐grown semiconductor quantum dots are promising as single‐photon sources due to their compatibility with manufacturing techniques and their ability to be integrated into compact devices. Efficient collection of emitted photons is required for practical use of such nano‐emitters. Here, we show the possibility to form photonic wires for efficient extraction of photons by covering nanowire quantum dots with a dielectric coating using atomic layer deposition. We experimentally obtain an Al2O3‐based photonic wire with a quantum dot precisely positioned along its axis. Using finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulations of ZnO‐based photonic structures, we calculate the optimal wire geometry which leads to maximum emitted power along the wire axis. We obtain maximum values of 74% and 52% of the total emitted power for radial and a longitudinal dipoles respectively. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of ZnO/MgZnO multilayer films by sol‐gel dip method
Authors: Yasuda Takashi , Sakurai Takao , Kikawada Akihiro
Published: April 2014

In this work we have developed a computer controlled sol‐gel dip method using Zn‐acetate and/or Mg‐acetate as sources, which is designed for fabricating ZnO/MgZnO multilayer films automatically. The film thickness can be controlled precisely, by choosing sol‐gel source concentrations, pulling speeds of substrates, and stack numbers. High quality MgxZn1–xO films (x=0.18) have been synthesized using a sol‐gel source incorporated with 20% Mg‐acetate. The Mg content can be increased up to x=0.25, which exhibits the largest bandgap of 3.760 eV. We have successfully fabricated nano‐sized structures consisted of (ZnO(9nm)/Mg0.18Zn0.88O(6nm))10 on sapphire (001) substrates. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
RRAMs based on anionic and cationic switching: a short overview
Authors: Clima Sergiu , Sankaran Kiroubanand , Chen Yang Yin , Fantini Andrea , Celano Umberto , Belmonte Attilio , Zhang Leqi , Goux Ludovic , Govoreanu Bogdan , Degraeve Robin , Wouters Dirk J. , Jurczak Malgorzata , Vandervorst Wilfried , Gendt Stefan De , Pourtois Geoffrey
Published: April 2014

magnified image

Resistive random access memories are emerging as a new type of memory that has the potential to combine both the speed of volatile and the retention of nonvolatile memories. It operates based on the formation/dissolution of a low‐resistivity filament being constituted of either metallic ions or atomic vacancies within an insulating matrix. At present, the mechanisms and the parameters controlling the performances of the device remain unclear. In that respect, first‐principles simulations provide useful insights on the atomistic mechanisms, the thermodynamic and kinetics factors that modulate the material conductivity, providing guidance into the engineering of the operation of the device. In this paper, we review the current state‐of‐the‐art knowledge on the atomistic switching mechanisms driving the operation of copper‐based conductive bridge RRAM and HfOx valence change RRAM.

magnified image

Conceptual illustration of the RRAM device with the filament formation and disruption during its operation. AE/IM/CE are the active electrode/insulating matrix/ counterelectrode. The blue circles represent the conducting defects.

(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate Ameliorates Photodynamic Therapy Responses in an In Vitro T Lymphocyte Model
Authors: Qi Hang , Abe Naomi , Zhu Beiwei , Murata Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa
Published: April 2014

(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenolic constituent in green tea, is known as a powerful antioxidant but concomitantly possesses a prooxidant property. We investigated the effect of EGCG on phloxine B (PhB)‐induced photocytotoxicity in human T lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells. EGCG significantly potentiated PhB‐induced photocytotoxic effects, including the inhibition of cell proliferation, DNA fragmentation, and caspase‐3 activity induction in Jurkat cells. Catalase attenuated the enhanced cytotoxicity by EGCG, suggesting the involvement of extracellularly produced hydrogen peroxide. Indeed, EGCG significantly enhanced extracellular hydrogen peroxide formation induced by photo‐irradiated PhB. The EGCG also enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) gene expression, all of which are involved in PhB‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that EGCG is capable of potentiating photodynamic therapy responses, presumably through the intracellular oxidative stress‐sensitive JNK/IFN‐γ pathway by exogenous hydrogen peroxide formation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmission control protocol performance enhancement for mobile broadband interactive satellite communication system: a cross‐layer approach
Authors: Liu Gang , Ji Hong , Li Yi , Li Xi , Wang Yongbin
Published: April 2014

Mobile broadband interactive satellite communication system is of great interest in both academic and industrial communities. However, the conventional strict‐layered protocol stack architecture and the standard TCP version perform poorly over satellite link. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive cross‐layer Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) optimization architecture while considering the main factors that affect the TCP performance. In our proposed architecture, we adopt two TCP split connection performance enhancing proxies to isolate the satellite link from the terrestrial part of the broadband satellite communication system. Then, based on the proposed cross‐layer architecture, we present an analytical model for the TCP throughput by taking the modulation and coding (ModCod) mode and the allocated bandwidth into account. In addition, we put forward a TCP‐driven bandwidth sharing and ModCod mode optimization algorithm to maximize the TCP throughput in satellite link. Extensive simulation results illustrate that our proposed comprehensive cross‐layer TCP optimization approach is able to improve the TCP throughput significantly. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Dinuclear Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complex Containing A terpy‐like Fragment for Cu2+ Probing
Authors: Cheng Feixiang , Tang Ning , Miao Kaicheng , Wang Fan
Published: April 2014

The dinuclear RuII complex [{Ru(bpy)2}2(μ2‐H2L)]4+ (bpy = 2,2'‐bipyridine, H2L = 2,6‐bis{4‐(1,10‐phenanthroline‐[5,6‐d]imidazol‐2‐yl)}pyridine) was synthesized and characterized. The effects of the cation on the UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra as well as the electrochemical properties of the complex were studied. It served as a fluorescent sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity toward Cu2+ among 17 metal ions. The complex showed 2:1 binding ratio with Cu2+ in H2O/CH3CN solution (1:1, v/v) with a high binding constant of 2.69 × 1011 M–1.
Spectrum of the linear water model for a two‐layer liquid with cuspidal geometries at the interface
Authors: Martin J. , Nazarov S.A. , Taskinen J.
Published: April 2014

We show that the linear water wave problem in a bounded liquid domain may have continuous spectrum, if the interface of a two‐layer liquid touches the basin walls at zero angle. The reason for this phenomenon is the appearance of cuspidal geometries of the liquid phases. We calculate the exact position of the continuous spectrum. We also discuss the physical background of wave propagation processes, which are enabled by the continuous spectrum. Our approach and methods include constructions of a parametrix for the problem operator and singular Weyl sequences.
Autoresonant excitation and control of nonlinear mode for ultrasonically assisted drilling
Authors: Li X. , Babitsky V. , Parkin R. , Meadows A.
Published: April 2014

The application of high‐frequency vibration processes for intensification of machining requires a control technique for identification, excitation and stabilisation of the nonlinear resonant mode in machining systems with unpredictable variation of processing loads. Such a technique was developed with the use of a self‐exciting mechatronic system. This method of control is known as autoresonance. Autoresonant control of ultrasonically assisted drilling machine intended to improve machining process is thoroughly analysed and the simulation results of analysis for both mechanical feedback and electrical feedback are presented together with the application of different filters.
Transcystic or Transductal Stone Extraction during Single‐Stage Treatment of Choledochocystolithiasis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reinders Jan Siert K. , Gouma Dirk J. , Ubbink Dirk T. , van Ramshorst Bert , Boerma Djamila
Published: April 2014

Background

Choledochocystolithiasis can be managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) or laparoscopically by transcystic (TC) or transductal (TD) stone extraction.

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically review safety and effectiveness of combined endoscopic/laparoscopic management versus total laparoscopic management for choledochocystolithiasis with specific emphasis on TC versus TD stone extraction.

Methods

MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched systematically to identify trials on combined endoscopic/laparoscopic and total laparoscopic management for choledochocystolithiasis. Laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration was divided into TD and TC approach. Primary outcomes were successful stone clearance from CBD, postoperative/procedural morbidity, and mortality.

Results

Eight randomized trials with 965 patients were included. Successful bile duct clearance varied between 52.6 and 97 % in the ERCP groups, 80.4 and 100 % in the TC groups, and 58.3 and 100 % in the TD groups. There were more bile leaks after TD stone extraction (11 %) than after ERCP (1 %) and TC stone extraction (1.7 %). Total morbidity varied between 9.1 and 38.3 % in the ERCP groups, 7 and 10.5 % in the TC groups, and 18.4 and 26.7 % in the TD groups. Methodological and statistical heterogeneity among the trials precluded a meaningful meta‐analysis.

Conclusion

Stone clearance rates are comparable between the three modalities, but TD stone extraction is associated with a higher risk of bile leaks and should only be performed by highly experienced surgeons. TC stone extraction seems a more accessible technique with lower complication rates. If unsuccessful, per‐ or postoperative endoscopic stone extraction is a viable option.
Assessing Surgical Quality: Comparison of General and Procedure‐Specific Morbidity Estimation Models for the Risk Adjustment of Pancreaticoduodenectomy Outcomes
Authors: Ansorge C. , Lindström P. , Strömmer L. , Blomberg J. , Lundell L. , Andrén‐Sandberg Å. , Del Chiaro M. , Segersvärd R.
Published: April 2014

Introduction

The use of outcomes to evaluate surgical quality implies the need for detailed risk adjustment. The physiological and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) is a generally applicable risk adjustment model suitable for pancreatic surgery. A pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD)‐specific intraoperative pancreatic risk assessment (IPRA) estimates the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and associated morbidity based on factors that are not incorporated into POSSUM.

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the risk estimations of POSSUM and IPRA in patients undergoing PD.

Methods

An observational single‐center cohort study was conducted including 195 patients undergoing PD in 2008–2010. POSSUM and IPRA data were recorded prospectively. Incidence and severity of postoperative morbidity was recorded according to established definitions. The cohort was grouped by POSSUM and IPRA risk groups. The estimated and observed outcomes and morbidity profiles of POSSUM and IPRA were scrutinized.

Results

POSSUM‐estimated risk (62 %) corresponded with observed total morbidity (65 %). Severe morbidity was 17 % and in‐hospital‐mortality 3.1 %. Individual and grouped POSSUM risk estimates did not reveal associations with incidence (p = 0.637) or severity (p = 0.321) of total morbidity or POPF. The IPRA model identified patients with high POPF risk (p < 0.001), but was even associated with incidence (p < 0.001) and severity (p < 0.001) of total morbidity.

Conclusion

The risk factors defined by a PD‐specific model were significantly stronger predictive indicators for the incidence and severity of postoperative morbidity than the factors incorporated in POSSUM. If available, reliable procedure‐specific risk factors should be utilized in the risk adjustment of surgical outcomes. For pancreatic surgery, generally applicable tools such as POSSUM still have to prove their relevance.
The Influence of Obesity on the Outcome of TKR: Can the Impact of Obesity be justified from the Viewpoint of the Overall Health Care System?
Authors: Rodriguez-Merchan E. Carlos
Published: April 2014

Background

There is controversy in the literature regarding the justification of performing total knee replacement (TKR) in obese patients in view of their increased risk of poor outcomes and how those poorer outcomes impact the health care system overall.

Questions/Purposes

Is TKR justifiable in the obese patient? Can the negative impact of continuing to perform TKR in the obese be quantified?

Methods

A Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE), and Google Scholar search related to the justification of TKR in the obese patient and its impact on the health care system was analyzed. The main criteria for selection were that the articles were focused in the aforementioned questions.

Results

Two thousand one hundred seventy-three articles were found, but only 50 were selected and reviewed because they were focused on the questions of this paper. Although some articles (with low grade of evidence) did not find that obesity adversely affected the outcome of TKR, most of them found that obesity adversely affected the results of TKR. Regarding complications rates and survival rates, obesity has shown to have a negative influence on outcome after TKR. The improvements in patient-reported outcome measures, however, were similar irrespective of body mass index. Regarding the impact of TKR in obese patients, an extra cost of US$3,050 has been reported per patient. Considering that 50% of the US population is obese and that 600,000 TKRs are implanted per year, the impact for the US health system could be as much as 915 million dollars (300,000 × 3,050).

Conclusion

TKR in obese patients may be justifiable because the functional improvements appear equivalent to those of patients with a lower BMI. However, in obese patients, the risk of complications is higher and the prosthetic survival is lower. Moreover, TKR in obese patients has a huge impact on the health system which should be considered.
Momentos estocásticos de orden superior y la estimación de la volatilidad implícita: aplicación de la expansión de Edgeworth en el modelo Black-Scholes
Authors: Silverio Milanesi Gastón
Published: April 2014

El documento utiliza la expansión de Edgeworth en el modelo de Black-Scholes para estimar la volatilidad implícita y el impacto en el precio de la opción de los momentos estocásticos de orden superior, sobre contratos de opciones del Grupo Financiero Galicia (GGAL), negociados en la Bolsa de Comercio de Bue- nos Aires (Argentina). Primero se analiza la distribución de probabilidad de rendimientos de subyacente; luego, el modelo se somete a iteración para obtener los valores implícitos de la volatilidad, asimetría y cur- tosis. Como principal conclusión se encuentran la forma aplanada de la curva de volatilidad implícita del modelo y el significativo peso de la asimetría y curtosis en el precio de las opciones «muy fuera/dentro del dinero».
Influencia de la capacidad de absorción sobre la innovación: un análisis empírico en las mipymes colombianas
Authors: González Campo Carlos Hernán , Hurtado Ayala Andrea
Published: April 2014

Este artículo analiza la capacidad de absorción como un constructo multidimensional y tiene comoobjetivo determinar la presencia de dicha capacidad en las mipymes colombianas y su relación con lainnovación, siendo este uno de los primeros estudios en este campo realizados en Colombia. Partiendo deuna muestra de 403 mipymes colombianas, se efectúa un análisis de conglomerados bietápico que per-mite probar que la capacidad de absorción no es un determinante de la innovación en estas empresas, ypermite demostrar que la capacidad de absorción se desarrolla principalmente en las peque˜nas empresascolombianas y los procesos de innovación están determinados por las estrategias competitivas asumidaspor cada tipo de empresas.
Pocket creation in the prepectoral subfascial position for the implantation of a cardiac implantable electrical device
Authors: Imai Katsuhiko
Published: April 2014

Pockets created in the prepectoral subcutaneous space in electrophysiology laboratories for the implantation of a cardiac implantable electrical device (CIED) have several advantages; however, lean or small subjects are thought to cause pocket erosion. To minimize such traumatic pocket complications, prepectoral subfascial implantation has been employed since the early 1990s. In this paper, we introduce a method for prepectoral subfascial pocket creation.
The influence of non-polar lipids on tear film dynamics
Authors: Bruna M. , Breward C. J. W.
Published: April 2014

In this paper we examine the effect that physiological non-polar lipids, residing on the surface of an aqueous tear film, have on the film evolution. In our model we track the evolution of the thickness of the non-polar lipid layer, the thickness of the aqueous layer and the concentration of polar lipids which reside at the interface between the two. We also utilise a force balance in the non-polar lipid layer in order to determine its velocity. We show how to obtain previous models in the literature from our model by making particular choices of the parameters. We see the formation of boundary layers in some of these submodels, across which the concentration of polar lipid and the non-polar lipid velocity and film thickness vary. We solve our model numerically for physically realistic parameter values, and we find that the evolution of the aqueous layer and the polar lipid layer are similar to that described by previous authors. However, there are interesting dynamics for the non-polar lipid layer. The effects of altering the key parameters are highlighted and discussed. In particular, we see that the Marangoni number plays a key role in determining how far over the eye the non-polar lipid spreads.
‘We Don't Do God’? Religion and Party Choice in Britain
Authors: Tilley James
Published: April 2014

This article shows that religion has been consistently important in predicting voters’ party choices in Britain over time. The relationship between religion and party preference is not primarily due to the social make-up of different religious groups, nor to ideological differences between religious groups, whether in terms of social conservatism, economic leftism or national identity. Instead, particular denominations are associated with parties that represented those denominational groups in the early twentieth century when social cleavages were ‘frozen’ within the system. The main mechanism underpinning these divisions is parental transmission of party affiliations within denominations. These findings have important implications for how we understand both the persistence of social cleavages and the precise mechanisms that maintain social cleavages.
Differences in sperm storage and remating propensity between adult females of two morphotypes of theAnastrepha fraterculus(Diptera: Tephritidae) cryptic species complex
Authors: Abraham S. , Rull J. , Mendoza M. , Liendo M.C. , Devescovi F. , Roriz A.K. , Kovaleski A. , Segura D.F. , Vera M.T.
Published: April 2014

The South American fruit fly,Anastrepha fraterculus, is a complex of cryptic species composed of at least seven morphotypes. Some of them, such as the Peruvian and Brazilian 1 morphotypes (which include Argentinean populations), exhibit strong pre-copulatory isolation, yet it is possible to obtain heterotypic crosses when forcing copulation of adults under laboratory conditions. The cross involving Peruvian males and Argentinean females produces F1 offspring with reduced viability in terms of egg hatch. This low hatchability could be caused by a reduced amount of sperm transferred to and stored by females mated with heterotypic males, which in turn could affect their post-copulatory behaviour. To test these hypotheses, we investigated sperm transfer and female mating and remating behaviour for homotypic and heterotypic crosses between adults of two morphotypes (Brazilian 1 [Argentina] and Peruvian [Peru]) of theA. fraterculuscryptic species complex. As reported before, Argentinean males and females mated earlier in the day than the other three mating combinations. Peruvian females engaged in shorter copulation times than Argentinean females. Peruvian females tended to store smaller quantities of sperm than Argentinean females, and almost a half of the crosses involving Argentinean males and Peruvian females were unsuccessful (no sperm transfer). However, there was no evidence that the cross between Peruvian males and Argentinean females resulted in storage of a critically small amount of sperm (posing risk of sperm shortage). Argentinean females were more willing to remate than Peruvian females, irrespective of male morphotype, but latency to remating was not affected by male or female morphotype. This study shows that mating behaviour differs between some of theA. fraterculuscomplex morphotypes, with female but not male morphotype determining female likelihood to remate.
Investing in the “New Economy”: Mutual Fund Performance and the Nature of the Firm
Authors: Gupta-Mukherjee Swasti
Published: April 2014

Although stock returns of intangibles-intensive firms tend to exceed physical assets-intensive firms, risk-adjusted returns of actively managed mutual funds significantly decrease (increase) with their portfolios’ exposure to intangibles-intensive (physical assets-intensive) firms. Fund managers tend to exhibit skill when they focus on difficult-to-value (e.g., small) firms, except when the firms are intangibles-intensive. In sum, the worst-performing funds are in areas of the market that seem to offer ample opportunities for professional investors due to exacerbated mispricing. The negative impact of investments in intangibles-intensive firms on fund performance appears to be driven by extrapolation bias and decreases with learning from experience.
No stress – Hsp90 and signal transduction inLeishmania
Authors: HOMBACH A. , CLOS J.
Published: April 2014

Hsp90 (a.k.a. Hsp83) plays a significant role in the life cycle control of the protozoan parasiteLeishmania donovani. Rather than protectingLeishmaniaspp. against adverse and stressful environs, Hsp90 is required for the maintenance of the motile, highly proliferative insect stage, the promastigote. However, Hsp90 is also essential for survival and proliferation of the intracellular mammalian stage, the amastigote. Moreover, recent evidence shows Hsp90 and other components of large multi-chaperone complexes as substrates of stage-specific protein phosphorylation pathways, and thus as likely effectors of the signal transduction pathways inLeishmaniaspp. Future efforts should be directed towards the identification of the protein kinases and the critical phosphorylation sites as targets for novel therapeutic approaches.
The Six-Shooter Marketplace: 19th-Century Gunfighting as Violence Expertise
Authors: Obert Jonathan
Published: April 2014

How are new forms of violence expertise organized and exploited? Most scholars view this as primarily a question of state-building; that is, violence experts use their skills in an attempt to regulate economic transactions or to extract and redistribute resources via protection rents either for themselves or at the behest of political elites. In an alternative view, this article demonstrates that historical gunfighters active in the late 19th-century American Southwest were actually market actors—the possessors of valuable skills cultivated through participation in the Civil War and diffused through gunfighting and reputation building in key marketentrepôts. Neither solely state-builders nor state-resisters, as they have traditionally been interpreted, gunfighters composed a professional class that emerged in the 1870s and 1880s and who moved frequently between wage-paying jobs, seizing economic opportunities on both sides of the law and often serving at the behest of powerful economic, rather than political, actors. I establish this claim by examining a dataset of over 250 individuals active in the “gunfighting system” of the post-bellum West, demonstrating that the social connections forged through fighting, and diffused through social networks, helped generate a form of organized violence that helped bring “law and order” to the frontier but as a byproduct of market formation rather than as state-building.
Inter-laboratory comparison of multi-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) for verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia coliO157 to facilitate data sharing
Authors: HOLMES A. , PERRY N. , WILLSHAW G. , HANSON M. , ALLISON L.
Published: April 2014

Multi-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) is used in clinical and reference laboratories for subtyping verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia coliO157 (VTEC O157). However, as yet there is no common allelic or profile nomenclature to enable laboratories to easily compare data. In this study, we carried out an inter-laboratory comparison of an eight-loci MLVA scheme using a set of 67 isolates of VTEC O157. We found all but two isolates were identical in profile in the two laboratories, and repeat units were homogeneous in size but some were incomplete. A subset of the isolates (n = 17) were sequenced to determine the actual copy number of representative alleles, thereby enabling alleles to be named according to international consensus guidelines. This work has enabled us to realize the potential of MLVA as a portable, highly discriminatory and convenient subtyping method.
Aspergillus endocarditis in a paediatric patient after a cardiac surgery, associated with septic pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Miranda Joana O. , de Sousa António Rodrigues , Monterroso José
Published: April 2014

We report a rare case of pulmonary prosthetic valve endocarditis due to Aspergillus fumigatus, associated with septic pulmonary embolism and secondary pulmonary hypertension, in a 4-year-old boy with surgically corrected tetralogy of Fallot. The diagnosis and treatment of Aspergillus endocarditis remains highly challenging. The best therapeutic option for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension due to an infectious thromboembolic event is highly debatable and the results are poor.