bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Heterogeneity of Bone Matrix Mineralization in Pediatric Patients Prone to Fractures: A Biopsy Study
Authors: Tamminen Inari S , Misof Barbara M , Roschger Paul , Mäyränpää Mervi K , Turunen Mikael J , Isaksson Hanna , Kröger Heikki , Mäkitie Outi , Klaushofer Klaus
Published: October 2013

Idiopathic osteoporosis (IOP) in children is characterized by fragility fractures and/or low bone mineral density in otherwise healthy individuals. The aim of the present work was to measure bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) based on quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) in children with suspected IOP. Entire cross-sectional areas of transiliac bone biopsy samples from children (n = 24, 17 boys; aged 6.7–16.6 years) with a history of fractures (n = 14 with at least one vertebral fracture) were analyzed for cancellous (Cn) and cortical (Ct) BMDD. Outcomes were compared with normal reference BMDD data and correlated with the patients' clinical characteristics and bone histomorphometry findings. The subjects had similar average degree but significantly higher heterogeneity of mineralization in both Cn and Ct bone (Cn.CaWidth +23%, Ct.CaWidth +15%, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively), together with higher percentages of low mineralized cancellous (Cn.CaLow +35%, p < 0.001) and highly mineralized cortical bone areas (Ct.CaHigh +82%, p = 0.032). Ct.CaWidth and Ct.CaLow were positively correlated with mineralizing surface per bone surface (MS/BS; a primary histomorphometric determinant of bone formation) and with serum bone turnover markers (all p < 0.05). The correlations of the mineralization heterogeneity with histomorphometric and serum bone turnover indices suggest that an enhanced variation in bone turnover/formation contributes to the increased heterogeneity of mineralization. However, it remains unclear whether the latter is cause for, or the response to the increased bone fragility in these children with suspected IOP. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Etanercept Administration to Neonatal SH3BP2 Knock-In Cherubism Mice Prevents TNF-α-Induced Inflammation and Bone Loss
Authors: Yoshitaka Teruhito , Ishida Shu , Mukai Tomoyuki , Kittaka Mizuho , Reichenberger Ernst J , Ueki Yasuyoshi
Published: October 2013

Cherubism is a genetic disorder of the craniofacial skeleton caused by gain-of-function mutations in the signaling adaptor protein, SH3-domain binding protein 2 (SH3BP2). In a knock-in mouse model for cherubism, we previously demonstrated that homozygous mutant mice develop T/B cell–independent systemic macrophage inflammation leading to bone erosion and joint destruction. Homozygous mice develop multiostotic bone lesions whereas cherubism lesions in humans are limited to jawbones. We identified a critical role of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the development of autoinflammation by creating homozygous TNF-α-deficient cherubism mutants, in which systemic inflammation and bone destruction were rescued. In this study, we examined whether postnatal administration of an anti-TNF-α antagonist can prevent or ameliorate the disease progression in cherubism mice. Neonatal homozygous mutants, in which active inflammation has not yet developed, were treated with a high dose of etanercept (25 mg/kg, twice/week) for 7 weeks. Etanercept-treated neonatal mice showed strong rescue of facial swelling and bone loss in jaws and calvariae. Destruction of joints was fully rescued in the high-dose group. Moreover, the high-dose treatment group showed a significant decrease in lung and liver inflammatory lesions. However, inflammation and bone loss, which were successfully treated by etanercept administration, recurred after etanercept discontinuation. No significant effect was observed in low-dose–treated (0.5 mg/kg, twice/week) and vehicle-treated groups. In contrast, when 10-week-old cherubism mice with fully active inflammation were treated with etanercept for 7 weeks, even the high-dose administration did not decrease bone loss or lung or liver inflammation. Taken together, the results suggest that anti-TNF-α therapy may be effective in young cherubism patients, if treated before the inflammatory phase or bone resorption occurs. Therefore, early genetic diagnosis and early treatment with anti-TNF-α antagonists may be able to prevent or ameliorate cherubism, especially in patients with a mutation in SH3BP2. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Synthesis of a New Class of Sulfonamido Bis Heterocycles—Pyrrolyl/Pyrazolyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles, 1,3,4‐Thiadiazoles, and 1,2,4‐Triazoles
Authors: Muralikrishna Akkarapalli , Mallikarjuna Reddy Guda , Lavanya Gopala , Padmavathi Venkatapuram , Padmaja Adivireddy
Published: October 2013

A new class of sulfonamido bis heterocycles—pyrrolyl/pyrazolyl‐oxadiazoles, thiadiazoles, and triazoles—were prepared from arylaminosulfonylacetic acid hydrazide and E‐aroylethenesulfonylacetic acid adopting simple and versatile synthetic methodologies.
Synthesis of New Chromeno[4,3‐b]pyrazolo[4,3‐e]pyridines Derivatives with Antimicrobial Evaluation
Authors: El‐Essawy Farag A. , El‐Etrawy Abd‐Allah. Sh.
Published: October 2013

A series of 2‐oxo‐2,5‐dihydro‐1H‐chromeno[4,3‐b]pyridine derivatives were obtained by using a one‐pot three component reaction of 2,2‐disubstituted chroman‐4‐one with aromatic aldehydes and 2‐cyanoacetamide in the presence of sodium hydroxide under solvent‐free conditions. Heating chromenopyridine derivatives with phosphoryl chloride gave the corresponding chloro derivatives. The reaction of the chloro derivatives with hydrazine hydrate afforded dihydrochromeno[4,3‐b]pyrazolo[4,3‐e]pyridines derivatives. Condensation of the dimethyl derivative compound with the aromatic aldehydes gave 8‐Arylideneamino‐6,6‐dimethyl‐10H‐chromeno[4,3‐b]pyrazolo[4,3‐e]pyridine.
α‐Fetoprotein is a surrogate marker for predicting treatment failure in telaprevir‐based triple combination therapy for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C Japanese patients with the IL28B minor genotype
Authors: Shimada Noritomo , Tsubota Akihito , Atsukawa Masanori , Abe Hiroshi , Ika Makiko , Kato Keizo , Sato Yoshiyuki , Kondo Chisa , Sakamoto Choitsu , Tanaka Yasuhito , Aizawa Yoshio
Published: October 2013

Even when treated with telaprevir‐based triple therapy, some patients fail to achieve a sustained virological response. This study identified factors related closely to treatment failure. A total of 146 Japanese genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C patients were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter study and received a 24‐week regimen of triple therapy. The end‐of‐treatment response rate was significantly lower in patients with the interleukin 28B (IL28B) (rs8099917) non‐TT genotype (85.2%) than in those with the TT genotype (100%, P = 0.0002). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified high α‐fetoprotein levels as an independent factor related to non‐end‐of‐treatment response in patients with the non‐TT genotype. A cut‐off value of 20 ng/ml was determined for a non‐end‐of‐treatment response; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 75.0%, 95.7%, 75.0%, 75.0%, and 92.6%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis for a sustained virological response identified the IL28B TT genotype, low α‐fetoprotein levels, non‐responders, and a rapid virological response. The sustained virological response rate was significantly lower in patients with the non‐TT genotype (59.3%) than in those with the TT genotype (96.7%, P < 0.0001). In patients with the non‐TT genotype, α‐fetoprotein was the most significant predictor for non‐sustained virological response by univariate analysis. A cut‐off value of 7.4 ng/ml α‐fetoprotein was determined for non‐sustained virological response; sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 63.6%, 87.5%, 77.8%, 77.8%, and 77.8%, respectively. For the non‐TT patients, serum α‐fetoprotein levels may be a surrogate marker for predicting treatment failure in telaprevir‐based therapy for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C. J. Med. Virol. 86:461–472, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acceleration of TDP43 and FUS/TLS protein expressions in the preconditioned hippocampus following repeated transient ischemia
Authors: Sun Miao , Yamashita Toru , Shang Jingwei , Liu Ning , Deguchi Kentaro , Liu Wentao , Ikeda Yoshio , Feng Juan , Abe Koji
Published: October 2013

The 43‐kDa transactivation response DNA binding protein (TDP43), fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and β‐amyloid (Aβ) are induced and involved in cerebral ischemia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their relationships in ischemic tolerance have never been examined, although they could be involved in endogenous neuroprotection under ischemic preconditioning. In the present study, Mongolian gerbils were subjected to one or three incidents of basically nonlethal 2‐min transient common carotid arteries occlusion (tCCAO). Hippocampal CA1 neurons were lost only in the 2‐min three times group at 3 and 7 days, which then gradually recovered from 1 to 6 months. Inductions of TDP43 and FUS/TLS were accelerated from 3 months to 7 days or from 7 days to 1 day, respectively, after 2‐min three times ischemia compared with once. The cytoplasmic stainings of TDP43 and FUS/TLS showed a further acceleration of the peaks from 1 months to 3 days or from 1 months to 7 days, respectively, after 2‐min three times ischemia compared with once. In contrast, HSP70 was induced only at 7 days after 2‐min tCCAO for three times, with no expression for Aβ. These data show that ischemic preconditioning offers a way to induce endogenous neuroprotection and neurogenesis in gerbils, with TDP43, FUS/TLS, and HSP70 involved in this function. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Training Transfer and Transfer Motivation in the Malaysian Banking Sector
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Awais , Kaur Sharan , Battour Mohamed Mohamed
Published: October 2013

A study of 503 participants in a financial training program at 11 Malaysian banks investigated the role and importance of training design factors—transfer design and perceived validity of content—along with individual performance self‐efficacy, transfer motivation, and affective reaction in the training transfer process. As hypothesized, the study found that transfer design and perceived content validity work together to improve trainees' performance self‐efficacy. The study also tested the dual role of perceived content validity and found that it not only improves trainees' performance self‐efficacy level, but also positively influences their affective reaction. Furthermore, the researchers noted that performance self‐efficacy has a mediating influence on perceived content validity, transfer design, and transfer motivation, and that affective reaction plays a mediating role between perceived content validity and transfer motivation. The results also indicated that transfer motivation works as a mediator on performance self‐efficacy, affective reaction, and training transfer. The findings suggest that both researchers and human resources practitioners should address the factors that enhance trainees' performance self‐efficacy level and their affective reaction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic Analysis of Ethyl Iodide Pyrolysis Based on Shock Tube Measurements
Authors: Varga Tamás , Zsély István Gy. , Turányi Tamás , Bentz Tobias , Olzmann Matthias
Published: October 2013

The optimization of a kinetic mechanism of the pyrolysis of ethyl iodide was carried out based on data obtained from reflected shock wave experiments with H‐ARAS and I‐ARAS detection. The analysis took into account also the measurements of Michael et al. (Chem. Phys. Lett. 2000, 319, 99–106) and Vasileiadis and Benson (Int. J. Chem. Kinet. 1997, 29, 915–925) of the reaction H2 + I = H + HI. The following Arrhenius parameters were determined for the temperature range 950–1400 K and the pressure range 1–2 bar: C2H5I → C2H5 + I: log10(A) = 13.53, E/R = 24,472 K; C2H5I → C2H4 + HI: log10(A) = 13.67, E/R = 27,168 K; H + HI → H2 + I: log10(A) = 13.82, E/R = 491 K; C2H5I + H →C2H5 + HI: log10(A) = 15.00, E/R = 2593 K (the units of A are cm3, mol, s). The joint covariance matrix of the optimized Arrhenius parameters was also determined. This covariance matrix was converted to the temperature‐dependent uncertainty parameters f of the rate coefficients and also to the temperature‐dependent correlation coefficients between pairs of rate coefficients. Each fitted rate coefficient was determined with much lower uncertainty compared to the estimated uncertainty of the data available in the literature.
New Hyper‐Crosslinked Partly Conjugated Networks with Tunable Composition by Spontaneous Polymerization of Ethynylpyridines with Bis(bromomethyl)arenes: Synthesis, Spectral Properties, and Activity in CO2 Capture
Authors: Petrášová Sabina , Zukal Arnošt , Brus Jiří , Balcar Hynek , Pastva Jakub , Zedník Jiří , Sedláček Jan
Published: October 2013

Spontaneous catalyst‐free polymerizations of 4‐ethynylpyridine (4EPy) and 2‐ethynylpyridine with bifunctional quaternizing agents (QAs) of bis(bromomethyl)arenes provide highly crosslinked polymer networks in high yields. 13C cross‐polarization magic‐angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR, Fourier transform IR (FTIR) and diffuse reflectance vis spectroscopy confirm that these networks consist of polyacetylene main chains substituted with pyridyl and pyridiniumyl groups, the latter interconnected with –CH2(arylene)CH2– linkers. Variation of the 4EPy/QA ratio in the polymerization feed results in networks with different extents of crosslinking and pyridyl/pyridin­iumyl ratio (N/N+ from 0 to 1.32). Networks exhibit photolumi­nescence and are also moderately active in CO2 capture (the highest uptake is 16.4 cm3 (STP) g−1 at 293 K and an equilibrium CO2 pressure of 750 Torr).

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Investigating the Crystal Growth Behavior of Biodegradable Polymer Blend Thin Films Using In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Malwela Thomas , Sinha Ray Suprakas
Published: October 2013

This article reports the crystal growth behavior of biodegradable polylactide (PLA)/poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] (PBSA) blend thin films using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Currently, polymer thin films have received increased research attention due to their important role in a variety of technological applications, and crystallization plays a pivotal role in controlling the properties of thin films. Thin films of biodegradable PLA/PBSA blends were prepared on a silicon wafer substrate with a spin coater. The morphology and crystal growth behaviors of films, which were crystallized at different temperatures, were visualized with AFM. The results indicated that the size and distribution of the dispersed phase were directly related to the blend composition. The crystal growth behaviors indicated the presence of both homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation, and the nature of nucleation was directly related to the blend ratio and the temperature at which crystallization occurred. Therefore, this study will facilitate the understanding of crystal growth behavior in a confined environment and will allow us to modulate the blend properties.
Thermochemical Calculations for Potassium Ferrate(VI), K2FeO4, as a Green Oxidizer in Pyrotechnic Formulations
Authors: Wilharm Caroline K. , Chin Anton , Pliskin Sara K.
Published: October 2013

This paper documents the first‐time assessment of a novel oxidizer, potassium ferrate(VI), as an alternative to perchlorate and hazardous metal‐containing oxidizers in energetic formulations, using thermochemical calculations. Calculations were performed for several different types of pyrotechnic formulations using the NASA Chemical Equilibria with Applications (NASA‐CEA) program. Formulations used in devices including smokes, illuminants, signals, igniters, delays, and flashes were evaluated to determine the feasibility of using potassium ferrate(VI) as an alternative oxidizer. The calculated adiabatic flame temperatures and equilibrium combustion products for the proposed formulations were compared to those of common baseline formulations for different pyrotechnic applications to determine the likelihood of functional success of potassium ferrate(VI)‐based formulations. Based on these initial data, it is highly probable that formulations incorporating potassium ferrate(VI) will result in reactive compositions for a variety of pyrotechnic applications. This material could address environmental concerns about perchlorate and heavy metal contamination by offering an environmentally‐friendly alternative oxidizer.
Bi‐Spectral IRCM‐Flare Formulations based on Tetrazole‐Derivatives
Authors: Brusnahan Jason S. , Fitzgerald Mark , Morgan Michael , Pietrobon Raoul
Published: October 2013

The spectral performance, sensitiveness to ignition stimuli and burning rate of bi‐spectral flare formulations based on tetrazole containing fuels, 5‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazole, 5,5′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(1H‐tetrazole) and 5‐(4‐nitro‐phenyl)‐1H‐tetrazole, utilizing potassium perchlorate as the oxidizer, are reported. The formulation based on 5‐(4‐nitro‐phenyl)‐1H‐tetrazole yielded the highest spectral efficiency in the β‐band (44.1 J g−1 sr−1). The formulation based on 5‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazole gave the highest color ratio (θβ/α=6.8) and was the least sensitive.
Spectroscopic Investigations of High‐Nitrogen Compounds for Near‐Infrared Illuminants
Authors: Fischer Niko , Feller Michael , Klapötke Thomas M. , Kowalewski Markus , Scheutzow Susanne , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: October 2013

Alkaline metal salts are widely used in pyrotechnic formulations. For NIR pyrotechnics, potassium, and cesium nitrate are mainly used as oxidizers and infrared emitters. Herein, new NIR illuminant formulations were tested using several potassium and cesium salts of high‐nitrogen compounds such as tetrazole and triazole derivatives. The research of new formulations comprises the evaluation of sensitivity data and radiometric measurements of new formulations. It was further investigated whether the IR emission can be improved using different nitrogen releasing agents like aminotetrazole or diethylene triamine trinitrate (DETT) as hexamethylenetetramine replacements.
Oxidative stress response of Beauveria bassiana to Bordeaux mixture and its influence on fungus growth and development
Authors: Martins Fátima , Pereira José Alberto , Baptista Paula
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Chemical fungicides used to manage plant diseases may negatively affect beneficial fungi such as entomopathogens. In this study, the participation of the antioxidative system in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana exposed to the copper‐based Bordeaux mixture fungicide and its relation with fungus growth and development were examined. The fungus was grown in submerged culture containing Bordeaux mixture at the recommended dose. Within the first 24 h of elicitation, the vegetative growth, germination, sporulation and activity of amylase and laccase and the antioxidative enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), were evaluated.

RESULTS

Bordeaux mixture inhibited B. bassiana germination (between 65 and 88%) and sporulation (between 15 and 57%) and significantly increased laccase production (≥130%), especially within the first 4 h of fungus exposure. By contrast, the mycelial growth was found to be less affected by the fungicide. These effects were accompanied with a significant increase in H2O2 levels in fungal cells, as well as in SOD activity, but not in CAT, showing clear signs of increased oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

The effect of Bordeaux mixture on B. bassiana development was probably due to the toxicity of the copper ion itself, and it also induced an oxidative state in fungal cells. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Microstructure of ZnO‐Li2CO3 compound studied by positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang M. , Liu L. L. , Wang Z. , Chen Z. Q.
Published: October 2013

Li‐doped ZnO polycrystals with Li2CO3 concentration between 0 and 15 at.% have been prepared using a solid state reaction method. After annealing of the mixed samples at 1200 °C, Li2CO3 completely decomposed to Li2O and the lattice parameters a/c first increase with Li2CO3 concentration up to 5 at.%, and then decrease with increasing Li2CO3 concentration. This indicates that Li atoms prefer interstitial sites at low concentration and substitute Zn sites when Li concentration is beyond a certain threshold. Positron annihilation measurements were performed for undoped ZnO and Li2CO3‐doped ZnO with 15 at.% samples as a function of annealing temperature. A high concentration of vacancy defects is observed in the undoped and as‐prepared Li2CO3‐doped samples, and they are fully removed after annealing at 1200 °C. The average positron lifetimes of all Li2CO3‐doped samples after annealing at 1200 °C are the same, suggesting that Li doping has little effect on the positron lifetime in ZnO. This might be due to the invisibility of positron to Lii or LiiLiZn complex, which is further confirmed by theoretical calculation.
Effect of heavy Ga doping on defect structure of SnO2 layers
Authors: Mogilatenko Anna , Kirmse Holm , Bierwagen Oliver , Schmidbauer Martin , Tsai Min‐Ying , Häusler Ines , White Mark E. , Speck James S.
Published: October 2013

Crystal defects in Ga‐doped SnO2 grown on SnO2 buffer layers on r‐plane sapphire by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy have been analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The (101)‐oriented epitaxial SnO2 buffer layers contain a high number of crystallographic shear plane (CSP) defects (∼1011 cm−2) and threading dislocations (TDs, ∼1010 cm−2). However, their density reduces with increasing layer thickness. Whereas a Ga atomic concentration of 3.2 × 1016 cm−3 does not lead to any change in the defect structure of the SnO2 layers, heavily doped SnO2 layers ([Ga] ∼ 6.1 × 1020 cm−3) contain a continuous network of coherent Ga‐rich precipitates appearing as platelets in crystallographically equivalent SnO2(100) and SnO2(010) planes. Electron conduction through this network might explain the reduced electrical resistivity compared to semi‐insulating SnO2 with lower Ga concentration
The role of the tip symmetry on the STM topography of ‐conjugated molecules
Authors: Siegert Benjamin , Donarini Andrea , Grifoni Milena
Published: October 2013

We present an STM theory based on the reduced density matrix (RDM) formalism which is able to describe transport properties of an STM junction for ‐conjugated molecules on thin insulating films. It combines a very popular derivation of STM tunneling matrix elements (), based on Bardeen's tunneling formalism (), with a generalized master equation approach for interacting molecular systems. We show that this method allows the efficient implementation of different tip symmetries in STM simulations. With the example of hydrogen phthalocyanine (H2 Pc), we study the influence of s‐ and p‐wave tip symmetries on the constant‐height current maps of ‐conjugated molecules.

Constant‐height STM images evaluated at the cationic resonance of H2 Pc. Left image computed by using an s‐wave tip and right image for a linear combination of px and py states.
Influence of vibrations on electron transport through nanoscale contacts
Authors: Bürkle Marius , Viljas Janne K. , Hellmuth Thomas J. , Scheer Elke , Weigend Florian , Schön Gerd , Pauly Fabian
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we present a novel semi‐analytical approach to calculate first‐order electron–vibration (EV) coupling constants within the framework of density functional theory. It combines analytical expressions for the first‐order derivative of the Kohn–Sham operator with respect to nuclear displacements with coupled‐perturbed Kohn–Sham theory to determine the derivative of the electronic density matrix. This allows us to efficiently compute accurate EV coupling constants.We apply our approach to describe inelastic electron tunneling (IET) spectra of metallic and molecular junctions. A gold junction bridged by an atomic chain is used to validate the developed method, reproducing established experimental and theoretical results. For octanedithiol and octanediamine single‐molecule junctions, we discuss the influence of the anchoring group and mechanical stretching on the IET spectra.
Non‐normal growth of Kelvin–Helmholtz eddies in a sea breeze
Authors: Feliks Yizhak , Tziperman Eli , Farrell Brian
Published: October 2013

The generalized stability of a sea‐breeze front is analyzed using a two‐dimensional model. The objective is to understand the mechanisms leading to the shedding of eddies behind the sea‐breeze front, as seen in observations, laboratory experiments and numerical models. Regions with Ri < 1/4 are not always associated with instability in this spatially inhomogeneous flow and significant transient growth is found in the absence of normal‐mode instability, for both Ri ≤ 1/4 and Ri > 1/4. The energy source for optimal growth is the vertical shear of the mean horizontal wind, the vertical shear in the upper part of the front and the horizontal shear in the lower part. The growth begins with vertical advection by the perturbation velocity of the mean flow momentum located in the upper part of the front. Perturbations eventually propagate away from the localized shear area and a feedback mechanism is needed for this growth to be sustained. This feedback occurs through temperature anomalies in the upper part of the front inducing pressure‐gradient anomalies in the lower part. These gradients lead to a growing vertical wind component and this vertical wind component then enters the upper part of the front, which reinforces the extraction of energy, thereby closing the feedback loop and leading to both normal‐mode instability and, in the stable regime, large non‐normal growth. We find that both the instability and the non‐normal growth are vulnerable to parameter changes that weaken this feedback loop.
Will the Americas Keep on Swinging?
Authors: Snip Eelco
Published: October 2013

Latin America: always exciting, even in economic terms
Spotting Hot Technology
Authors: Briggs Rex
Published: October 2013

A growing volume of real‐time data about consumers behaviour is becoming available through new technology which is attracting significant investment. Brian Andersen of LUMA Partners on the latest digital information services.
When Algorithms Rule
Authors: Bowman Jo
Published: October 2013

Harvard Business School's John Deighton on the role of research
Where Are the Innovators?
Authors: Mareck Manfred
Published: October 2013

Audience measurement is increasingly using technology, but readership surveys remain in a time bubble.
Density and Molar Volume of Liquid Iron Containing Nb
Authors: Zhong Liangcai , Zeze Masafumi , Mukai Kusuhiro
Published: October 2013

Densities of liquid iron containing Nb up to 0.198 wt pct were measured with the modified sessile drop method in a temperature range from 1510 to 1610°C. The densities decrease linearly with increase in temperature and increase with increase in niobium content. The thermal expansion coefficient of molten liquid containing Nb increases linearly with increase in niobium content. An equation for density of liquid iron containing niobium has been derived from the measured results as a function of temperature and niobium content as follows:
urn:x-wiley:16113683:media:srin201300116:srin201300116-math-0001

The difference between the measured and calculated values is in the range of −0.26 to +0.29 pct. The molar volume of liquid iron containing Nb at the same temperature decreases with increase in niobium content. The partial molar volume of niobium in liquid iron decreases with increase in temperature, while that of iron increases with temperature. The densities calculated with the partial molar volumes are in good agreement with the measured ones for the iron‐niobium binary alloys.
Thermomechanical Behavior of Steel Ladle Linings and the Influence of Insulations
Authors: Gruber Dietmar , Harmuth Harald
Published: October 2013

Refractory linings of steel ladles are usually exposed to considerable thermomechanical loads caused by temperature gradients and different thermal expansion coefficients of refractory material and steel construction. Highest temperatures and compressive stresses appear at the hot face in circumferential direction. For common refractory materials this leads to irreversible compressive strains. If these strains are exceeding a critical value and the lining shows further radial displacement joints between bricks will open. Hence the joint opening depends on the lining design, material properties, and process conditions. A new group of refractory materials can counterbalance the irreversible strains by controlled expansion (CE) during service. For a selected steel ladle the value of required expansion was calculated to achieve closed joints at the hot face. Therefore, a Finite Element simulation was set up and the influence of lining design, material properties, and preheating conditions was determined. Special interest is attributed to an occasionally applied insulation. On the one hand it increases the lining temperature and decreases the steel shell temperature. Both factors increase the thermomechanical stress. On the other hand a relatively low stiffness of insulating materials reduces the stresses. The impact of insulation on the required CE is discussed in the results.
A Systems Engineering Approach to Estimating Uncertainty in Above‐Ground Biomass (AGB) Derived from Remote‐Sensing Data
Authors: Weisbin Charles R. , Lincoln William , Saatchi Sassan
Published: October 2013

We integrate systems of measurement and modeling to improve estimation of uncertainties in above‐ground biomass (AGB) derived from remote sensing. The outcome provides a unified starting point for the climate‐change carbon community to assess uncertainty and sensitivity data and methodologies, and ultimately supports decision‐making about which missions and instruments to develop for a desired cost/benefit ratio. Initial results include fusion of remote‐sensing techniques (e.g., radar and lidar), uncertainties associated with measurement and modeling, and the impact of potential uncertainty correlations across aggregated unit areas. Biomass uncertainty estimates are presented at the single‐hectare level for the forestlands of California. Using a forest biomass map of California, we calculate changes in variance (e.g., 2 orders of magnitude) as a function of uncertainty correlation assumptions, with correlations extending to spatial scales up to 100 km. Using a variogram formalism to derive the correlation shape and magnitude, we show that the estimated variance for California above‐ground biomass is between 1% and 2% (1 standard deviation) for our current best estimate of the correlation range at 5–10 km—i.e., we bound the standard deviation by a factor of 2. This contrasts with 0.025% (1 standard deviation) if one does not include the correlation term.
A new investigation for double tapered atomic force microscope cantilevers by considering the damping effect
Authors: Sadeghi Ali
Published: October 2013

The resonant frequency of flexural vibration for a double tapered atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever has been investigated by considering the damping effect. In this paper the effects of the contact position, contact stiffness, height of the tip, thickness of the beam, the height and breadth taper ratios of cantilever, the angle between the cantilever and the sample surface and damping parameter based on Timoshenko beam theory on the non‐dimensional frequency and sensitivity have been studied. The differential Quadrature method (DQM) is employed to solve the nonlinear differential equations of motion. The results show that the resonant frequency decreases when Timoshenko beam parameter or cantilever thickness increases and high order modes are more sensitive to it. The first frequency is sensitive only in the lower range of contact stiffness, but the higher order modes are sensitive to the contact stiffness in a larger range. Increasing the tip height increases the sensitivity of the vibrational modes in a limited range of normal contact stiffness. Increasing the lateral contact stiffness increases the sensitivity to the normal contact stiffness after critical normal contact stiffness, but when the normal contact stiffness is lower than critical normal contact stiffness, the situation is reversed. By increasing the lateral damping parameter, the resonant frequency and sensitivity to the contact stiffness decrease. Furthermore, by increasing the breadth taper ratio, the frequency increases.
Bifurcation structure and scaling properties of a subsonic periodically driven panel with geometric nonlinearity
Authors: Li Peng , Yang Yiren , Dong Yu
Published: October 2013

Bifurcation structure and scaling properties of a nonlinear subsonic panel with a harmonic excitation are investigated numerically and theoretically in this paper. The panel under study is two‐dimensional and simply supported considering Kelvin's model of structural damping and geometric nonlinearity generating by large deflection based on the von Kármán's theory. Galerkin method is used to derive the subsonic aerodynamic pressure and transform the governing partial equations to a series of ordinary differential equations. Numerical calculations were conducted to the analysis on the bifurcation structure of the nonlinear panel system and the distributions of complex responses regions are shown in a two‐parameter space. The interesting scaling properties of the bifurcation structure are discussed in terms of a discrete mapping theoretically based on linear approximation. The proposed approximate analytical method shows a good agreement with the numerically found scaling properties.
Assessment of adrenocortical and gonadal hormones in male spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) following capture, restraint and anesthesia
Authors: Rodas‐Martínez Alba Zulema , Canales Domingo , Brousset Dulce María , Swanson William F. , Romano Marta C.
Published: October 2013

The spider monkey (SM) (Ateles geoffroyi) a New World primate species native to Mexican forests, has become endangered in the wild due to environmental perturbations. Little is known about adrenal function and its relationship to reproduction in this species. Our objectives were to assess serum glucocorticoid (GC), mineralocorticoid (MC) and testosterone concentrations in captive SM and evaluate adrenal and testicular responses to potentially stressful animal handling procedures. Seven adult males, housed in a single mixed gender group in an off‐exhibit enclosure at the University Park were captured for anesthesia every 2 months over a 1‐year period. Blood samples were collected from each male at three time points: (1) ∼5–10 min after ketamine injection in the outdoor enclosure; (2) ∼2 hr later following animal transport to the laboratory and immediately after tiletamine–zolazepam injection; and (3) ∼20–30 min following the second anesthetic injection. Serum samples were frozen and later analyzed for cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone and testosterone via radioimmunoassay. Cortisol was the primary GC detected in SM serum with much higher mean concentrations than for corticosterone. Capture, restraint and anesthesia resulted in significant increases in both cortisol and corticosterone concentrations. Whereas aldosterone concentrations were unchanged by animal handling procedures, testosterone concentrations significantly declined under anesthesia over time. In summary, these results provide data for the main adrenocortical hormones in male SM and characterize their acute adrenal responses to potentially stressful handling and anesthesia procedures. Our findings also suggest an interaction between acute increases in corticosteroids and decreased concentrations of serum testosterone. Zoo Biol. 32:641–647, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy for Adenocarcinoma of the Body and Tail of the Pancreas
Authors: Park Hyo Jun , Do You Dong , Choi Dong Wook , Heo Jin Seok , Choi Seong Ho
Published: October 2013

Background

Studies have claimed that in the surgical treatment of pancreas body and tail cancer, radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) is associated with effective tangential margin and extensive lymph node dissection. In the present study, the authors have compared the surgical outcomes between RAMPS and conventional distal pancreatosplenectomy (DPS) in patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas body and tail, and also identified prognostic factors associated with survival after surgery.

Methods

Retrospective review of 92 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for pancreas body and tail adenocarcinoma with curative intent between 1995 and 2010. Median follow‐up duration was 16.1 months.

Results

Of the 92 patients, 38 patients received RAMPS and 54 patients received DPS. Patients who underwent RAMPS had a greater number of retrieved lymph nodes than patients undergoing DPS [median 14 (5–52) vs. 9 (1–36), p < 0.05]. Conventional DPS, no adjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT), and non‐curative resection were associated with poor overall survival (OS) on univariate analysis. After multivariate analysis for these variables, only the lack of adjuvant CRT and resection margin status were found to adversely affect OS.

Conclusions

While the RAMPS procedure is effective in performing an extensive LN dissection, it is not associated with better retroperitoneal resection margin or retrieval of more positive LNs, and it does not lead to better curability or OS survival compared to DPS. Lack of adjuvant CRT and resection margin status are poor prognostic factors in patients with pancreas body and tail cancer.
Predictive Factors of Thyroid Cancer in Patients with Graves’ Disease
Authors: Ren Meng , Wu Mu Chao , Shang Chang Zhen , Wang Xiao Yi , Zhang Jing Lu , Cheng Hua , Xu Ming Tong , Yan Li
Published: October 2013

Background

The best preoperative examination in Graves’ disease with thyroid cancer still remains uncertain. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of thyroid cancer in Graves’ disease patients, and to identify the predictive factors and ultrasonographic features of thyroid cancer that may aid the preoperative diagnosis in Graves’ disease.

Methods

This retrospective study included 423 patients with Graves’ disease who underwent surgical treatment from 2002 to 2012 at our institution. The clinical features and ultrasonographic findings of thyroid nodules were recorded. The diagnosis of thyroid cancer was determined according to the pathological results.

Results

Thyroid cancer was discovered in 58 of the 423 (13.7 %) surgically treated Graves’ disease patients; 46 of those 58 patients had thyroid nodules, and the other 12 patients were diagnosed with incidentally discovered thyroid carcinomas without thyroid nodules. Among the 58 patients with thyroid cancer, papillary microcarcinomas were discovered in 50 patients, and multifocality and lymph node involvement were detected in the other 8 patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed younger age was the only significant factor predictive of metastatic thyroid cancer. Ultrasonographic findings of calcification and intranodular blood flow in thyroid nodules indicate that they are more likely to harbor thyroid cancers.

Conclusions

Because the influencing factor of metastatic thyroid cancers in Graves’ disease is young age, every suspicious nodule in Graves’ disease patients should be evaluated and treated carefully, especially in younger patients because of the potential for metastasis.
Betting Patterns for Sports and Races: A Longitudinal Analysis of Online Wagering in Australia
Authors: Gainsbury Sally M. , Russell Alex
Published: October 2013

Online wagering is increasing in popularity as it is easily accessible through websites which market these services widely. However, few studies have examined online betting based on actual behavioural data. This paper describes the results of an analysis of 2,522,299 bets placed with an Australian online wagering operator over a 1-year period. The majority of bets placed were for a win (45.31 %) and were placed on races (86.74 %) or sports (11.29 %). Sports betting was dominated by ball sports, reflecting popular interest in these events. More than three-quarters (77.63 %) of the bets were losses and there was large variation in bet size between bet types and events bet on although average bets were higher than in previously reported studies. The most popular bets placed to win, had a relatively high rate of losses and lowest average returns, which may reflect less sophisticated betting behaviour. More specific handicap and total bets were placed by fewer customers, but were larger bets with the greatest returns. Similarly, bets placed on less popular sporting events had greater average returns potentially reflecting greater customer sophistication and knowledge raising the possibility of a proportion of bettors being more ‘skilled’. As the first paper to analyze the types of bets placed on events and outcomes the results support the notion that wagering is an entertainment activity, and the majority of customers are motivated by factors other than simply winning money.
ALDH‐1 expression levels predict response or resistance to preoperative chemoradiation in resectable esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Ajani J.A. , Wang X. , Song S. , Suzuki A. , Taketa T. , Sudo K. , Wadhwa R. , Hofstetter W.L. , Komaki R. , Maru D.M. , Lee J.H. , Bhutani M.S. , Weston B. , Baladandayuthapani V. , Yao Y. , Honjo S. , Scott A.W. , Skinner H.D. , Johnson R.L. , Berry D.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Operable thoracic esophageal/gastroesophageal junction carcinoma (EC) is often treated with chemoradiation and surgery but tumor responses are unpredictable and heterogeneous. We hypothesized that aldehyde dehydrogenase‐1 (ALDH‐1) could be associated with response.

Methods

The labeling indices (LIs) of ALDH‐1 by immunohistochemistry in untreated tumor specimens were established in EC patients who had chemoradiation and surgery. Univariate logistic regression and 3‐fold cross validation were carried out for the training (67% of patients) and validation (33%) sets. Non‐clinical experiments in EC cells were performed to generate complimentary data.

Results

Of 167 EC patients analyzed, 40 (24%) had a pathologic complete response (pathCR) and 27 (16%) had an extremely resistant (exCRTR) cancer. The median ALDH‐1 LI was 0.2 (range, 0.01–0.85). There was a significant association between pathCR and low ALDH‐1 LI (p ≤ 0.001; odds‐ratio [OR] = 0.432). The 3‐fold cross validation led to a concordance index (C‐index) of 0.798 for the fitted model. There was a significant association between exCRTR and high ALDH‐1 LI (p ≤ 0.001; OR = 3.782). The 3‐fold cross validation led to the C‐index of 0.960 for the fitted model. In several cell lines, higher ALDH‐1 LIs correlated with resistant/aggressive phenotype. Cells with induced chemotherapy resistance upregulated ALDH‐1 and resistance conferring genes (SOX9 and YAP1). Sorted ALDH‐1+ cells were more resistant and had an aggressive phenotype in tumor spheres than ALDH‐1− cells.

Conclusions

Our clinical and non‐clinical data demonstrate that ALDH‐1 LIs are predictive of response to therapy and further research could lead to individualized therapeutic strategies and novel therapeutic targets for EC patients.
Precipitation variations and possible forcing factors on the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau during the last millennium
Authors: Gou Xiaohua , Deng Yang , Chen Fahu , Yang Meixue , Gao Linlin , Nesje Atle , Fang Keyan
Published: October 2013

Understanding precipitation variation, drought and flood history, and their associated forcing mechanisms are important to human society. In this study, five moisture-sensitive tree-ring width chronologies are used to represent variations in precipitation over the past millennium on the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NETP). We find a strong coherency between chronologies in the NETP, indicating a common response to regional climate during the last millennium. The first principal component of the five chronologies (PC1) correlates significantly with regional precipitation and can thus be used as an indicator of regional precipitation variations. Dry spells, even more severe than the 1920s drought, occurred during AD 1139–1152, 1294–1309, 1446–1503 and 1708–1726. Previous studies in this area using other proxies also identified these droughts. Multi-Taper spectral analysis demonstrates significant periodicities at 205 yr and 73 yr, plus a range of ~ 2 yr cycles, suggesting possible linkage with solar variation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). PC1 also shows coherent patterns with solar irradiance variation: the precipitation tends to reach low values during the well-known solar minimum.
Direct numerical simulation of top-down and bottom-up diffusion in the convective boundary layer
Authors: Waggy Scott B. , Biringen Sedat , Sullivan Peter P.
Published: October 2013

A direct numerical simulation (DNS) of an unstably stratified convective boundary layer with system rotation was performed to study top-down and bottom-up diffusion processes. In order to better understand near-wall dynamics associated with scalar diffusion in the absence of surface roughness, direct simulation is utilized to numerically integrate the governing equations that model the atmospheric boundary layer. The ratio of the inversion height to Obukhov length scale, ${z}_{i} / L= - 49. 1$, indicates moderately strong heating for the case studied. Two passive scalars were initialized in the flow field: the first with a zero gradient at the wall (${q}_{t} $, top-down diffusion), and the second with a non-zero wall gradient and a close-to-zero gradient at the height of the temperature inversion (${q}_{b} $, bottom-up diffusion). Scalar flux, variance and covariance profiles show good agreement between the DNS and rough-wall large-eddy simulation (LES). The top-down gradient function displays a slight increase in amplitude, indicating reduced mixing efficiency for the smooth-wall, low-Reynolds-number convective boundary layer. For the bottom-up process, the gradient matches other rough-wall simulations. The only notable difference between the smooth-wall DNS data and other rough-wall simulations is an increase in the gradient function near the wall. This indicates that the bottom-up gradient functions for a rough wall and a smooth wall are nearly identical except as the viscous sublayer is approached. Finally, a new empirical model for the scalar variance of a bottom-up scalar is proposed: here, a single function replaces two piecewise relationships to accurately capture the DNS results up to the viscous sublayer. The scalar covariance between top-down and bottom-up processes agrees with rough-wall and tree-canopy LES results; this indicates that the scalar covariance is independent of both Reynolds number and surface friction.