bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Physical Activity and Risk of Fracture
Authors: Qu Xinhua , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhai Zanjing , Li Haowei , Liu Xuqiang , Li Huiwu , Liu Guangwang , Zhu Zhenan , Hao Yongqiang , Dai Kerong
Published: June 2013

Prospective studies that have examined the association between physical activity and fracture risks have reported conflicting findings. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate this association. We searched MEDLINE (1966 to February 1, 2013), EMBASE (1980 to February 1, 2013), and OVID (1950 to February 1, 2013) for prospective cohort studies with no restrictions. Categorical, heterogeneity, publication bias, and subgroup analyses were performed. There were 22 cohort studies with 1,235,768 participants and 14,843 fractures, including 8874 hip, 690 wrist, and 927 vertebral fractures. The pooled relative risk (RR) of total fractures for the highest versus lowest category of physical activity was 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–0.80). The analysis of fracture subtypes showed a statistically significant inverse relationship between a higher category of physical activity and risk of hip and wrist fracture. The risk of hip or wrist fracture was 39% and 28% lower, respectively, among individuals with the highest category of physical activity than among those with the lowest category (95% CI, 0.54–0.69 and 0.49–0.96, respectively). The association between physical activity and vertebral fracture risk was not statistically related (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.72–1.03). There was no evidence of publication bias. There was a statistically significant inverse association between physical activity and total fracture risk, especially for hip and wrist fractures. Additional subject-level meta-analyses are required for a more reliable assessment of subgroups and types of physical activity. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Knockdown of core binding factorβ alters sphingolipid metabolism
Authors: Greer Adam H. , Yong Thomas , Fennell Katie , Moustafa Yara W. , Fowler Marcie , Galiano Floyd , Ng Shu‐Wing , Berkowitz Ross S. , Cardelli James , Meyers Shari , Davis J. Nathan
Published: June 2013

Core binding factor (CBF) is a heterodimeric transcription factor containing one of three DNA‐binding proteins of the Runt‐related transcription factor family (RUNX1–3) and the non‐DNA‐binding protein, CBFβ. RUNX1 and CBFβ are the most common targets of chromosomal rearrangements in leukemia. CBF has been implicated in other cancer types; for example RUNX1 and RUNX2 are implicated in cancers of epithelial origin, including prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers. In these tumors, CBF is involved in maintaining the malignant phenotype and, when highly over‐expressed, contributes to metastatic growth in bone. Herein, lentiviral delivery of CBFβ‐specific shRNAs was used to achieve a 95% reduction of CBFβ in an ovarian cancer cell line. This drastic reduction in CBFβ expression resulted in growth inhibition that was not associated with a cell cycle block or an increase in apoptosis. However, CBFβ silencing resulted in increased autophagy and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since sphingolipid and ceramide metabolism regulates non‐apoptotic cell death, autophagy, and ROS production, fumonsin B1 (FB1), an inhibitor of ceramide synthase, was used to alter ceramide production in the CBFβ‐silenced cells. FB1 treatment inhibited the CBFβ‐dependent increase in autophagy and provided a modest increase in cell survival. To document alterations to sphingolipids in the CBFβ‐silenced cells, ceramide, and lactosylceramide levels were directly examined by mass spectrometry. Substantial increases in ceramide species and decreases in lactosylceramides were identified. Altogether, this report provides evidence that CBF transcriptional pathways control cellular survival, at least in part, through sphingolipid metabolism. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 2350–2364, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of the interhemispheric asymmetry in reverse convection near solstice during northward interplanetary magnetic field conditions using MHD simulations
Authors: Wilder F. D. , Eriksson S. , Wiltberger M.
Published: June 2013

The reverse convection potential under northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is significantly larger in the summer ionosphere than in the winter. In this study, we use the Coupled Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere‐Thermosphere model to simulate a Northern Hemisphere winter event where observations have shown asymmetry in both the reverse convection strength between hemispheres and the magnetic field topology associated with the ionospheric reverse convection cells. We show that a topological asymmetry, in which reconnection between the geomagnetic field and the IMF occurs in the summer hemisphere, first drives the interhemispheric asymmetry in reverse convection strength rather than an interhemispheric asymmetry in ionospheric conductivity. We find a large amount of overdraped open magnetic flux connected to the summer hemisphere that results from this reconnection bypasses the winter hemisphere x line and reconnects with the IMF again in the summer hemisphere lobe. This leads to a large amount of circulating lobe flux in the summer hemisphere and stagnant lobe flux in the winter hemisphere, while maintaining a divergence‐free field, as well as the weaker reverse convection potential in the winter hemisphere ionosphere.
Gulf of Mexico hurricane wave simulations using SWAN: Bulk formula‐based drag coefficient sensitivity for Hurricane Ike
Authors: Huang Yong , Weisberg Robert H. , Zheng Lianyuan , Zijlema Marcel
Published: June 2013

The effects of wind input parameterizations on wave estimations under hurricane conditions are examined using the unstructured grid, third‐generation wave model, Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN). Experiments using Hurricane Ike wind forcing, which impacted the Gulf of Mexico in 2008, illustrate that the default and recommended setting for the wind input parameterization tends to overestimate the maximum significant wave heights in the deep Gulf of Mexico by about 2 m when comparing with observations. The overestimation can be remedied either by adjusting the maximum value of the surface drag coefficient or by substituting a high wind speed formula for the default low to moderate wind speed. Because of added dissipative effects in the shallow coastal areas, the overestimations found in deep water have limited effect on the waves in the near shore shallower waters. Thus, previous wave model results using a low to moderate wind speed bulk formula may still be reliable in waters shallower than about 20–30 m even while overestimating significant wave heights in deeper waters under hurricane conditions.
Climatic variability of the circulation in the Rhode Island Sound: A modeling study
Authors: Luo Yiyong , Rothstein Lew , Liu Qianqian , Zhang Shuwen
Published: June 2013

Seasonal and interannual variability of the circulation in the Rhode Island Sound (RIS) is investigated by employing the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) with two configurations in which a local‐scale model with very fine resolution over the RIS is nested within a regional‐scale model covering the entire US Northeastern Continental Shelf. The models are driven by tidal harmonics, climatological river discharge, and realistic ocean open boundary conditions and atmospheric forcing from January 2004 to December 2009. Results show that the tidal residual current forms a cyclonic circulation in the RIS, with amplitude of a few centimeters per second. During summer, the cyclonic circulation is significantly strengthened owing to tidal mixing and local stratification. However, due to strong northwesterly winds in winter, the cyclonic circulation disappears and instead the surface currents in the RIS move offshore. Simulations further indicate that the RIS winter currents, in terms of their magnitude and direction, have interannual variability that appears to be related to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) winter index. In addition, the southwestward jet near the southern New England shelf break is found to intensify (weaken) during the low (high) phases of the NAO with a lag of about 1 year. The ROMS models are also used to examine the response of the regional ocean circulation to global warming, with both atmospheric forcing and open boundary conditions obtained from global climate model outputs. As the climate warms, it is found that the cyclonic gyre in the RIS is intensified, and this change is due to an intensification of the larger‐scale cyclonic coastal ocean circulation over the Middle Atlantic Bight in a warming climate.
SST subseasonal variability in the central Benguela upwelling system as inferred from satellite observations (1999–2009)
Authors: Goubanova Katerina , Illig Séréna , Machu Eric , Garçon Véronique , Dewitte Boris
Published: June 2013

Subseasonal variability of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the central Benguela upwelling system is investigated using TMI satellite‐derived data over the period 1999–2009. Spatial patterns and time‐frequency characteristics of subseasonal variability are documented based on Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF) decomposition and wavelet analysis. Despite the land contamination of the TMI satellite data within approximately 100 km off the coast the first EOF of SST anomalies allows characterizing the coastal upwelling variability at the subseasonal scale. Two regimes of variability are evidenced: a submonthly (2–30 days) regime with a dominant 11 days oscillation and a lower frequency intraseasonal (30–90 days) regime with a dominant 61 days oscillation. Both regimes are modulated, to a large extent, by the local surface wind stress and are consistent with Ekman dynamics. The seasonality of the relationship between wind stress and SST for submonthly (intraseasonal) regime is characterized by a marked semiannual (annual) cycle, which is explained in terms of the impact of seasonal change of the upper ocean stratification on the vertical advection process. The wind‐driven SST subseasonal variability is shown to be associated with eastward propagating disturbances in the midlatitudes corresponding to a wave number 4. The results also suggest an important role of the Antarctic Oscillation in modulating the intraseasonal wind‐driven SST variability. The characteristics of the equatorial intraseasonal Kelvin waves are documented in order to discuss possible impact of remote oceanic forcing on SST variability along the coast in the Benguela upwelling system.
Upper ocean vertical supply: A neglected primary factor controlling the distribution of neodymium concentrations of open ocean surface waters?
Authors: Chen Tian‐Yu , Rempfer Johannes , Frank Martin , Stumpf Roland , Molina‐Kescher Mario
Published: June 2013

Neodymium (Nd) isotopes are an important geochemical tool to trace the present and past water mass mixing as well as continental inputs. The distribution of Nd concentrations in open ocean surface waters (0–100 m) is generally assumed to be controlled by lateral mixing of Nd from coastal surface currents and by removal through reversible particle scavenging. However, using 228Ra activity as an indicator of coastal water mass influence, surface water Nd concentration data available on key oceanic transects as a whole do not support the above scenario. From a global compilation of available data, we find that more stratified regions are generally associated with low surface Nd concentrations. This implies that upper ocean vertical supply may be an as yet neglected primary factor in determining the basin‐scale variations of surface water Nd concentrations. Similar to the mechanism of nutrients supply, it is likely that stratification inhibits vertical supply of Nd from the subsurface thermocline waters and thus the magnitude of Nd flux to the surface layer. Consistently, the estimated required input flux of Nd to the surface layer to maintain the observed concentrations could be nearly two orders of magnitudes larger than riverine/dust flux, and also larger than the model‐based estimation on shelf‐derived coastal flux. In addition, preliminary results from modeling experiments reveal that the input from shallow boundary sources, riverine input, and release from dust are actually not the primary factors controlling Nd concentrations most notably in the Pacific and Southern Ocean surface waters.
Horizontal structure function and vertical correlation analysis of mesoscale water vapor variability observed by airborne lidar
Authors: Fischer L. , Craig G. C. , Kiemle C.
Published: June 2013

Analysis is presented of airborne lidar measurements of water vapor, covering a height range from 1.5 to 10.4 km, from three field campaigns (midlatitude summer, polar winter, and subtropical summer). The lidar instrument provides two‐dimensional cross sections of absolute humidity, with high accuracy (errors less than 5–7%) and high vertical (∼ 200 m) and horizontal (∼ 2 km) resolution. Structure functions, i.e., statistical moments up to the fifth‐order of absolute increments over a range of scales, are investigated, and power law scaling or statistical‐scale invariance was found over horizontal distances from 5 to 100 km. The scaling exponents are found to take different values, depending on whether or not the observations were taken in an air mass where convective clouds were present. The exponent of the first‐order structure function in nonconvective regions, H=0.63±0.10, is large indicating a smooth series with long‐range correlations, in contrast to the lower value H=0.35±0.11 found in convective air masses. Correspondingly, the moisture field in the convective regime was found to be more intermittent than for the nonconvective regime, i.e., water vapor structures in convectively influenced air mass show more jump discontinuities, which could be explained by the moistening and drying effects of updrafts and downdrafts in convective air mass. Within each regime (convective or nonconvective), the values appear to be universal, with no significant dependence on the season, latitude, or height where the observations were made. Furthermore, some evidence is found that vertical correlation lengths are longer in convective air masses.
Transient simulation of orbital‐scale precipitation variation in monsoonal East Asia and arid central Asia during the last 150 ka
Authors: Li Xinzhou , Liu Xiaodong , Qiu Linjing , An Zhisheng , Yin Zhi‐Yong
Published: June 2013

A long‐term transient simulation is conducted using the Community Climate System Model version 3 and the orbital acceleration technique to analyze the impact of insolation change caused by the Earth's orbital forcing on precipitation in the monsoonal East Asia (EA) and arid central Asia (CA) over the past 150 ka. Our results show that annual precipitation in both EA and CA has strong signals of the 20 ka precessional cycles and varies in phase with the Northern Hemisphere (NH) summer insolation. Similar characteristics can also be observed from previously published oxygen isotope records of stalagmites near EA and CA. Composite analyses based on seven precessional cycles suggest that the increase (decrease) in the NH summer (winter) insolation enhances EA (CA) summer (winter) precipitation by modulation of the Asian monsoon (westerly) circulation in summer (winter). When the precession‐induced NH summer insolation increases, the Asian summer monsoon circulation is enhanced and EA precipitation increases significantly. Meanwhile, the increase in the summer insolation at the precessional scale is accompanied by a decrease in the winter insolation, which causes dramatic cooling of the troposphere in the lower latitudes. Consequently, the CA winter precipitation increases due to the changes in the temperature gradient and the westerly circulation. Therefore, the responses of the Asian monsoon and westerly circulation to summer and winter insolation variations induced by the precessional cycles determine precipitation in the respective rainy seasons and are the primary cause leading to the synchronous variation patterns of annual precipitation in EA and CA at the orbital scale.
Lidar‐derived estimate and uncertainty of carbon sink in successional phases of woody encroachment
Authors: Sankey Temuulen , Shrestha Rupesh , Sankey Joel B. , Hardegree Stuart , Strand Eva
Published: June 2013

Woody encroachment is a globally occurring phenomenon that contributes to the global carbon sink. The magnitude of this contribution needs to be estimated at regional and local scales to address uncertainties present in the global‐ and continental‐scale estimates, and guide regional policy and management in balancing restoration activities, including removal of woody plants, with greenhouse gas mitigation goals. The objective of this study was to estimate carbon stored in various successional phases of woody encroachment. Using lidar measurements of individual trees, we present high‐resolution estimates of aboveground carbon storage in juniper woodlands. Segmentation analysis of lidar point cloud data identified a total of 60,628 juniper tree crowns across four watersheds. Tree heights, canopy cover, and density derived from lidar were strongly correlated with field measurements of 2613 juniper stems measured in 85 plots (30 × 30 m). Aboveground total biomass of individual trees was estimated using a regression model with lidar‐derived height and crown area as predictors (Adj. R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001, RMSE = 0.58 kg). The predicted mean aboveground woody carbon storage for the study area was 677 g/m2. Uncertainty in carbon storage estimates was examined with a Monte Carlo approach that addressed major error sources. Ranges predicted with uncertainty analysis in the mean, individual tree, aboveground woody C, and associated standard deviation were 0.35 – 143.6 kg and 0.5 – 1.25 kg, respectively. Later successional phases of woody encroachment had, on average, twice the aboveground carbon relative to earlier phases. Woody encroachment might be more successfully managed and balanced with carbon storage goals by identifying priority areas in earlier phases of encroachment where intensive treatments are most effective.
Biology of anterior cruciate ligament injury and repair: Kappa delta ann doner vaughn award paper 2013
Authors: Murray Martha Meaney , Fleming Braden C.
Published: July 2013

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are currently treated by removing the injured ligament and replacing it with a tendon graft. Recent studies have examined alternative treatment methods, including repair and regeneration of the injured ligament. In order to make such an approach feasible, a basic understanding of ACL biology and its response to injury is needed. Identification of obstacles to native ACL healing can then be identified and potentially resolved using tissue engineering strategies—first, with in vitro screening assays, and then with in vivo models of efficacy and safety. This Perspectives paper outlines this path of discovery for optimizing ACL healing using a bio‐enhanced repair technique. This journey required constructing indices of the functional tissue response, pioneering physiologically based methods of biomechanical testing, developing, and validating clinically relevant animal models, and creating and optimizing translationally feasible scaffolds, surgical techniques, and biologic additives. Using this systematic translational approach, “bio‐enhanced” ACL repair has been advanced to the point where it may become an option for future treatment of acute ACL injuries and the prevention of subsequent post‐traumatic osteoarthritis associated with this injury. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1501–1506, 2013
Eared grebe diet on Great Salt Lake, Utah, and competition with the commercial harvest of brine shrimp cysts
Authors: Roberts Anthony J. , Conover Michael R.
Published: July 2013

Interactions between wildlife and commercial harvest industries need to be understood to manage resources for all users. About 1.5 million eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis), half the North American population, stage on Utah's Great Salt Lake (GSL) each fall. A $56 million commercial harvest industry also operates during fall when the harvest of brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) cysts occurs. Eared grebes and commercial harvest both utilize brine shrimp cysts creating a potentially adverse relationship. We assessed the diet of eared grebes to determine the extent to which they are dependent on brine shrimp and their cysts. We collected individual birds to measure diets and examine changes in body condition of staging eared grebes. Cysts were consumed by 40% of collected eared grebes and made up >75% of aggregate biomass of stomach samples. Despite the high occurrence of cysts in stomach samples, cysts were not the primary food item of eared grebes. Cysts were held in the stomach for longer periods by feather mass, so esophagus samples were a better indicator of diet. Adult brine shrimp were the primary food collected from the esophagus from October until December. After cold water temperatures caused a die‐off of adult brine shrimp, cysts became more prevalent in the diet of eared grebes. Concomitantly, eared grebe body weights decreased as their diet shifted to brine shrimp cysts. Current monitoring and management of commercial harvest are sufficient to maintain yearly populations of adult brine shrimp to sustain eared grebes populations. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
ATR controls the UV‐related upregulation of the CDKN1A mRNA in a Cdk1/HuR‐dependent manner
Authors: Al‐Khalaf Huda H. , Aboussekhra Abdelilah
Published: June 2013

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a carcinogenic agent that upregulates the expression of several genes involved in various cellular processes, including cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis. The universal cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/Cip1 plays major roles in these processes, and the level of its corresponding message increases several times in response to UV‐induced DNA damage. This upregulation is mainly posttranscriptional owing to HuR‐dependent mRNA stabilization. Since the protein kinase Atr plays major roles during the cellular response to UV damage, we sought to investigate its possible implication in the stabilization of the p21WAF1/Cip1 coding mRNA. We have shown that the UV‐dependent accumulation of the CDKN1A mRNA is indeed under the control of the Atr protein kinase. Upon UV damage, Atr allows nuclear–cytoplasmic shuttling of the HuR protein, which binds the CDKN1A mRNA and reduces its turnover. This ATR‐dependent effect is mediated through UV‐related phosphorylation/inactivation of the Cdk1 protein kinase by Atr, which leads to the dissociation of HuR from Cdk1. Indeed, inhibition or shRNA specific knockdown of CDK1 in ATR‐deficient cells enhanced the cytoplasmic level of HuR and restored the CDKN1A mRNA upregulation in response to UV damage. These results show that ATR stabilizes the CDKN1A message in response to UV damage through Cdk1‐related cytoplasmic accumulation of HuR. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of oxide nanoparticles on the kinetics of free radical methyl methacrylate polymerization in bulk
Authors: Bera Oskar , Jovičić Mirjana , Pavličević Jelena , Pilić Branka
Published: June 2013

A series of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were synthesized using free radical polymerization in bulk, by addition of 1 vol% of oxide nanoparticles (silica, alumina, and titania), differing in the nature and type. The influence of nanofiller presence on the kinetics of methyl methacrylate (MMA) free radical polymerization was investigated. For this purpose, the kinetic model that includes the contribution from the first‐order reaction and the autoacceleration was applied on data obtained following the isothermal polymerization at 70°C by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effect of the size and the surface nature of nanofillers on the interfacial layer thickness (d), as well as the influence of d on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PMMA hybrid materials was studied. It was found that hydrophilic particles accelerated the initiator decomposition and affected the monomer polymerization on the surface, which caused the formation of thicker interfacial layer compared to the one around hydrophobic fillers. The addition of smaller nanoparticles size decreased the glass transition temperature of pure poly(methyl metacrylate). The linear increase of PMMA Tg value with increasing the polymeric interfacial layer was determined. The Tg values of pure PMMA and PMMA nanocomposite with d of 1.4 nm were estimated to be the same. POLYM. COMPOS. 34:1342–1348, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Procedure effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the extruded wood plastic composites
Authors: TabkhPaz Majid , Behravesh Amir H. , Shahi Peyman , Zolfaghari Abbas
Published: June 2013

This article investigates the effect of raw material preparation on the mechanical and physical properties in wood‐plastic composite (WPC) production. Four possible procedures in material preparation to obtain a determined level of wood content are: (i) to use and feed raw materials in the same ratio of the desired composition (single stage), (ii) to use the batch of granules of the same composition (two‐stage), (iii) to add wood to the batch of granules having a lower wood content, (iv) to add polymer to the batch of granules having a higher wood content. The main question then is that, while it is economically attractive to use granules of a fixed wood content in all productions, whether there are noticeable differences in final properties of the products. The examined compositions were 50, 60, and 70 wt% of wood content which are considered as highly filled WPCs and mainly used in the WPC markets. Thus, 12 sets of WPC profiles were manufactured and the processing conditions (temperature, pressure, and outlet velocity) recorded. The flexural properties, impact strength, density, and water uptake were measured. Results revealed that in the production of WPCs with 50 and 70 wt% of wood content, using the WPC granules with the same composition yields better physical and mechanical properties. However, for producing WPC with 60 wt% of wood content, using WPC granules with 70 wt% of wood and adding appropriate amount of polymer exhibit better results. POLYM. COMPOS. 34:1349–1356, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
In situ reactive compatibilization and reinforcement of peroxide dynamically vulcanized polypropylene/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer tpv by zinc dimethacrylate
Authors: Cao Liming , Cao Xiaodong , Jiang Xiujuan , Xu Chuanhui , Chen Yukun
Published: June 2013

This work demonstrates an approach of in situ reactive compatibilization between polypropylene (PP) and ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) by using ZDMA as a compatibilizer and, simultaneously, as a very strong reinforcing agent. With 7phr ZDMA in the PP/EPDM (30/70, w/w) thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), the tensile strength and elongation at break were increased from 5.3 MPa and 222% up to 11.2 MPa and 396%, respectively. Increasing the PP concentration further improved mechanical properties of the TPVs with ZDMA. This tremendous reinforcing as well as the compatibilization effect of the ZDMA was understood by polymerization of ZDMA and ZDMA reacting with EPDM and PP during peroxide induced dynamic vulcanization. A peculiar nano‐composite structure that the crosslinked rubber particles were “bonded” by a transition zone which containing numerous of nano‐particles with dimensions of about 20–30 nm was observed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that increase of PP/EPDM ratio reduced the size of crosslinked EPDM particles. Moreover, we found that the ZDMA reinforced EPDM particles resulted in a higher tan δ peak temperature for EPDM phase and built “filler‐filler”‐like networking in the PP melt. POLYM. COMPOS. 34:1357–1366, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of carbon nanotubes on the thermal expansion isotropy of injection molded carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics
Authors: Rios P. F. , Kenig S. , Cohen R. , Shechter A.
Published: June 2013

Plastics have a weight advantage over metals but they lack their strength, stiffness, dimensional stability, and electrical conduction. Fiber reinforced plastics have been used to bridge this properties gap, specifically engineering thermoplastics including carbon fibers (CFs). These composites are light, strong and stiff, electrostatically dissipating, and relatively easy to process by injection molding. However, the high aspect ratio and rigidity of the CFs cause orientation and anisotropy, especially when injection molded, thus reducing dimensional stability on the final product and limiting its use in precision components. In this study, polymer composite formulations of polyether imide containing CFs and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were compounded and injection‐molded following a design of experiments (DOE) methodology. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in the polymer flow direction and perpendicular to the flow direction was used to evaluate thermal expansion isotropy. The electrical resistivity, impact strength, and morphological structure were also investigated. It was found that the addition of CNT caused a significant reduction in the thermal expansion anisotropy of the parts without compromising the impact strength. Also, it was found that CNTs are significantly more efficient than CFs for reducing the electrical resistivity. The conclusions of this study can be used to fine‐tune polymer composites with high dimensional thermal stability, electrostatic dissipation, and good mechanical properties, suitable for high‐performance devices. POLYM. COMPOS. 34:1367–1374, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and thermal properties of a novel composite prepared with epoxy resin and lateritic ore
Authors: Deveci Huseyin
Published: June 2013

Composites made from epoxy resins (ERs) are one of the important polymer groups used in different industries due to their good mechanical and thermal properties. Many attempts have been done to improve both the mechanical and the thermal properties of ER composites and to lower the cost of ER composites with addition of inexpensive fillers such as calcium carbonate, kaolin clays, silica, talc, etc. In this study novel lateritic ore (LO) filler was used in diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A‐type ER. Different addition percentages (5–20%) of both natural LO (nLO) and modified LO (mLO) into ER were tested to determine the influence on mechanical and thermal properties of newly produced composites. Surface hardness, Young's modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break, water sorption, adhesion, and thermal stability of composites were determined and were compared with pure ER. Results showed that the addition of nLO/mLO has positive effect on mechanical and thermal properties. Morphological characterization by scanning electron microscopy and structural characterization by X‐ray diffraction revealed that addition nLO/mLO distributed homogenously throughout the composites. POLYM. COMPOS. 34:1375–1381, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Country'S Crime Rate Moderates the Relation between Authoritarian Predispositions and the Manifestations of Authoritarianism: A Multilevel, Multinational Study
Authors: Roccato Michele , Vieno Alessio , Russo Silvia
Published: July 2013

We performed a multilevel, multinational test of Stenner's model on authoritarianism using the 2008 European Values Survey dataset (N = 55 199, nested in 38 nations). We focussed on the effects exerted on four authoritarian manifestations (racial intolerance, political intolerance, negative attitudes towards immigrants, and moral intolerance) by the cross–level interaction between participants’ authoritarian predispositions (assessed in terms of childrearing values) and their country's crime rate. Associations between authoritarian predispositions and racial intolerance, political intolerance, negative attitudes towards immigrants, and moral intolerance were significantly stronger among participants living in countries characterised by high crime rates than those among participants living in countries with low crime rates. Limitations, implications, and future directions of this study are discussed. Copyright © 2013 European Association of Personality Psychology.
Neues aus der zweiten Familie
Authors: Lauss Bernhard , Kirch Klaus
Published: July 2013

Während das Elektron zur ersten Familie der Fermionen gehört, ist das Myon sein schwerer Vetter aus der zweiten Familie. Es zerfällt allerdings nach rund zwei Mikrosekunden. Am Paul Scherrer Institut gelang eine neue hochpräzise Messung dieser Lebensdauer. Sie erlaubt es, die Kopplungskonstante, das heißt die Stärke, der schwachen Kraft präziser zu bestimmen. Diese Naturkonstante ist fundamental wichtig für das Verständnis von radioaktiven Zerfällen, Kernfusion und besonders für das Standardmodell der Teilchenphysik. Myonen haben den Vorteil, dass sie sich an einem Beschleuniger in großer Menge erzeugen lassen. Sie eignen sich einerseits für Präzisionsmessungen, um Parameter des Standardmodells genauer festzulegen. Andererseits spielen sie auch auf der Suche nach “neuer Physik” eine wichtige Rolle.
Astronomie mit SkEye
Authors: Bernshausen Henrik , Kuhn Jochen , Wilhelm Thomas , Lück Stephan
Published: July 2013

SkEye ist eine Sternkarten‐App für Smartphones mit dem Betriebssystem Android. Ähnlich dem bekannten Google Sky Map können mit Hilfe von SkEye Himmelskörper am Himmel gefunden oder identifiziert werden. Zusätzlich enthält die App einen Modus, der es ermöglicht, mit dem Smartphone Teleskope auf gewünschte Positionen auszurichten.
Controlled synthesis of new amphiphilic glycopolymers with liquid crystal grafts
Authors: Ferji Khalid , Nouvel Cécile , Babin Jérôme , Albouy Pierre‐Antoine , Li Min‐Hui , Six Jean‐Luc
Published: June 2013

A cholesterol‐based liquid crystal monomer, diethylene glycol cholesteryl ether acrylate (DEGCholA), has been successfully polymerized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for the first time. Appropriate experimental conditions to control the polymerization of DEGCholA have been investigated using a model initiator (ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or toluene at 60 °C. Well‐controlled ATRP of DEGCholA was obtained using N,N,N′,N′,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as ligand in THF at 60 °C. These conditions were then applied to initiate the ATRP of DEGCholA from multifunctional macroinitiators based on dextran. Using a protection/deprotection synthetic scheme, novel graft glycopolymers (Dex‐g‐PDEGCholA) have been synthesized. The mesomorphic properties of DEGCholA, PDEGCholA, and Dex‐g‐PDEGCholA have been studied by thermal polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray scattering. PDEGCholA and Dex‐g‐PDEGCholA show an interdigitated smectic A phase (SmAd) between Tg (∼30 °C) and around 170 °C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3829–3839
Dapagliflozin: first SGLT2 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Wilding John
Published: July 2013

Dapagliflozin (Forxiga) is the first SGLT2 inhibitor licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse events, and Professor John Wilding discusses its potential role in treatment.
Managing malnutrition: the paradox of thrift?
Authors: Rao Shailen
Published: July 2013

Shailen Rao examines how identifying and treating patients at risk of malnutrition, instead of focusing solely on prescribing savings, could help to save the NHS money.
Localization of the anti‐cancer peptide EGFR‐lytic hybrid peptide in human pancreatic cancer BxPC‐3 cells by immunocytochemistry
Authors: Ohara Koji , Kohno Masayuki , Kawakami Koji
Published: July 2013

Cationic lytic‐type peptides have been studied for clinical application in various infections and cancers, but their functional cellular mechanisms remain unclear. We generated anti‐cancer epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐lytic hybrid peptide, a 32‐amino‐acid peptide composed of an EGFR‐binding sequence and lytic sequence. In this study, we investigated the distribution of EGFR‐lytic hybrid peptide in BxPC‐3 human pancreatic cancer cells by an immunocytochemical (ICC) method. Distribution of EGFR protein expression was unchanged after treatment with EGFR‐lytic peptide compared with non‐treated cells. In confocal laser scanning microscopy, immunostaining of EGFR‐lytic peptide was observed in the cytoplasm, mostly in the form of granules. Some staining was also localized on the mitochondrial membrane. At the ultrastructure level, cells treated with EGFR‐lytic peptide had a low electron density, disappearance of microvilli, and swollen mitochondria. Fragments of cell membrane were also observed in the proximity of the membrane. In immunoelectron microscopy, EGFR‐lytic peptide was observed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. A number of granules were considered swollen mitochondria. Activation of the caspase pathway as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction was also examined to determine the cytotoxic activity of EGFR‐lytic peptide; however, no effect on cell death after EGFR‐lytic treatment was observed, and moreover, apoptosis was not found to play a critical role in the cell death mechanism. These results suggest that EGFR‐lytic peptide is localized on cell and mitochondrial membranes, with disintegration of the cell membrane contributing mainly to cell death. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intense intra‐3d luminescence and waveguide properties of single Co‐doped ZnO nanowires
Authors: Geburt Sebastian , Röder Robert , Kaiser Uwe , Chen Limei , Chu Manh‐Hung , Segura‐Ruiz Jaime , Martínez‐Criado Gema , Heimbrodt Wolfram , Ronning Carsten
Published: July 2013

magnified image

Successful doping of ZnO nanowires with the transition metal cobalt was achieved by ion implantation. Excellent optical activation of the incorporated Co ions was observed from nanowire ensembles after annealing. Efficient excitation of the Co ions occurs either by near resonant absorption or by energy transfer from the ZnO host. The excited Co ions decay radiatively with a lifetime of 8 ns. Intense and homogeneous Co2+ intra‐3d luminescence was observed from single nanowires with different Co concentrations in the range of 0.02– 4 at% and at various excitation powers. Spatially resolved measurements allowed the characterization of the waveguide properties of single doped nanowires. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The giant Shakhdara migmatitic gneiss dome, Pamir, India‐Asia collision zone: 1. Geometry and kinematics
Authors: Stübner Konstanze , Ratschbacher Lothar , Rutte Daniel , Stanek Klaus , Minaev Vladislav , Wiesinger Maria , Gloaguen, Richard ,   Project TIPAGE members
Published: June 2013

Cenozoic gneiss domes comprise one third of the surface exposure of the Pamir and provide a window into the deep crustal processes of the India‐Asia collision. The largest of these are the doubly vergent, composite Shakhdara‐Alichur domes of the southwestern Pamir, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan; they are separated by a low‐strain horst. Top‐to‐SSE, noncoaxial pervasive flow over the up to 4 km thick South Pamir shear zone exhumed crust from 30–40 km depth in the ~250 × 80 km Shakhdara dome; the top‐to‐NNE Alichur shear zone exposed upper crustal rocks in the ~125 × 25 km Alichur dome. The Gunt shear zone bounds the Shakhdara dome in the north and records alternations of normal shear and dextral transpression; it contributed little to bulk exhumation. Footwall exhumation along two low‐angle, normal‐sense detachments resulted in up to 90 km syn‐orogenic ~N‐S extension. Extension in the southwestern Pamir opposes shortening in a fold‐thrust belt north of the domes and in particular in the Tajik depression, where an evaporitic décollement facilitated upper crustal shortening. Gravitational collapse of the Pamir‐plateau margin drove core‐complex formation in the southwestern Pamir and shortening of the weak foreland adjacent to the plateau. Overall, this geometry defines a “vertical extrusion” scenario, comprising frontal and basal underthrusting and thickening, and hanging gravitationally driven normal shear. In contrast to the Himalayan vertical extrusion scenario, erosion in the Pamir was minor, preserving most of the extruded deep crust, including the top of the South Pamir shear zone at peak elevations throughout the dome.
A review of heterogeneous materials and their implications for relationships between kinematics and dynamics in continents
Authors: Bendick R. , Flesch L.
Published: June 2013

The variation of mechanical properties as a function of depth in the lithosphere controls the relationship between surface deformation and whole‐lithosphere deformation. Where mechanical competence (elastic strength or viscous stiffness) is a continuous function with depth, surface deformation can be used to constrain either force balance or rheological parameters for the lithosphere. However, where competence is vertically discontinuous, the surface deformation and deformation at depth may have a range of relationships, including complete independence. Therefore, both inversions and forward models designed to test either rheology or stress state are highly sensitive to the a priori choice of a mechanical model.
Reactions of Titanocene with Triazines and Dicyandiamide: Formation of Novel Di‐ and Trinuclear Metallacyclic Complexes
Authors: Ruhmann Martin , Spannenberg Anke , Villinger Alexander , Schulz Axel , Beweries Torsten
Published: July 2013

The titanocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complex Cp2Ti(η2‐Me3SiC2SiMe3) (1) reacts with different triazines to give trinuclear titanocene compounds. Cleavage of the heterocyclic unit takes place in the reaction with cyanuric chloride, which furnishes a trinuclear cyanide bridged titanocene complex [Cp2Ti(CN)]3 (2). Reaction with cyanuric acid yields the paramagnetic ate complex (Cp2Ti)3(C3N3O3) (3). With melamine the structurally similar amide species (Cp2Ti)3[C3N3(NH)3] (4) is formed. A dinuclear, paramagnetic complex 5 is obtained in the reaction of 1 with dicyandiamide. Complexes 2, 4, and 5 were characterized by X‐ray analyses.
Energy correlation functions for jet substructure
Authors: Larkoski Andrew J. , Salam Gavin P. , Thaler Jesse
Published: June 2013

Abstract

We show how generalized energy correlation functions can be used as a powerful probe of jet substructure. These correlation functions are based on the energies and pair-wise angles of particles within a jet, with (N + 1)-point correlators sensitive to N-prong substructure. Unlike many previous jet substructure methods, these correlation functions do not require the explicit identification of subjet regions. In addition, the correlation functions are better probes of certain soft and collinear features that are masked by other methods. We present three Monte Carlo case studies to illustrate the utility of these observables: 2-point correlators for quark/gluon discrimination, 3-point correlators for boosted W /Z/Higgs boson identification, and 4-point correlators for boosted top quark identification. For quark/gluon discrimination, the 2-point correlator is particularly powerful, as can be understood via a next-to-leading logarithmic calculation. For boosted 2-prong resonances the benefit depends on the mass of the resonance.
Effect of upper torso inclination in Fowler’s position on autonomic cardiovascular regulation
Authors: Kubota Satoshi , Endo Yutaka , Kubota Mitsue
Published: July 2013

The present study investigates autonomic cardiovascular regulation during postural changes while in Fowler’s position. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and sequence baroreflex sensitivity (sBRS) were measured in 12 healthy individuals in three positions (Experiment 1). We also measured RSA, sBRS, tidal volume (TV), lung volume spectrum (LV spectrum), and transfer gain and phase between lung volume and RR interval (RSA-TF, RSATF-phase) in 11 healthy individuals in two positions (Experiment 2). All participants maintained respiratory frequency at 15 breaths/min. The three positions in Experiment 1 were 30°, 45°, and 60° of upper torso inclination with a lower torso inclination of 30° throughout all evaluations. The two positions in Experiment 2 were 30° and 60° of upper torso backrest inclination with a lower torso inclination of 30° throughout all evaluations. The results of Experiment 1 showed significantly higher RSA and sBRS at 60° and 45° than at 30°, whereas RR interval (RRI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) did not differ significantly under any condition. The results of Experiment 2 showed that RSA, RSA-TF, sBRS, TV, and LV spectrum were significantly higher at 60° than at 30°, and that RRI, SBP, DBP, and the RSATF phase did not significantly differ under any condition. These findings suggested that slight flexion of the upper torso in Fowler’s position activates respiratory function and increases the contribution of vagal nerve activity to the cardiovascular system in young participants under conditions of a fixed respiratory rate.
Größenvorteile, Skaleneffizienz und Wettbewerb zwischen Gebietskörperschaften bei der Produktion öffentlicher Güter: Evidenz aus der Schweiz
Authors: Widmer Philippe K. , Elias George , Zweifel Peter
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the optimal scale of local jurisdictions (cantons) in Switzerland applying Data Envelopment Analysis to the years 2000–2004. Aggregate output performance indicators for four local government activities (administration, education, health, and transportation) are used to measure technical and scale efficiency and to derive Data Envelopment Analysis scores. Results show that these public services fail to exhibit economies of scale, undermining quests for centralization of public good provision while suggesting the possibility of Tiebout competition.
Methylerythritol phosphate pathway to isoprenoids: Kinetic modeling andin silicoenzyme inhibitions inPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Singh Vivek Kumar , Ghosh Indira
Published: June 2013

This study demonstrates that both types of enzyme targets, one acting via flux reduction and the other by metabolite accumulation, exist inP. falciparumMEP pathway. These groups of targets can be exploited for independent anti‐malarial drugs.
Chemical and genomic evolution of enzyme‐catalyzed reaction networks
Authors: Kanehisa Minoru
Published: June 2013

There is a tendency that a unit of enzyme genes in an operon‐like structure in the prokaryotic genome encodes enzymes that catalyze a series of consecutive reactions in a metabolic pathway. Our recent analysis shows that this and other genomic units correspond to chemical units reflecting chemical logic of organic reactions. From all known metabolic pathways in the KEGG database we identified chemical units, called reaction modules, as the conserved sequences of chemical structure transformation patterns of small molecules. The extracted patterns suggest co‐evolution of genomic units and chemical units. While the core of the metabolic network may have evolved with mechanisms involving individual enzymes and reactions, its extension may have been driven by modular units of enzymes and reactions.