bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Operation of IP‐Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with Hydrogen and Methane Fuel Mixtures under Current Load Cycle Operating Condition
Authors: Almutairi G. , Dhir A. , Bujalski W.
Published: February 2014

The effects of methane concentration and current load cycle on the performance and durability of integrated planar solid oxide fuel cell (IP‐SOFC) obtained from Rolls Royce Fuel Cell Systems Ltd (RRFCS) has been investigated. The IP‐SOFC was operated with hydrogen–methane fuel mixture with up to 20% methane concentration at 900 °C for short term operation of the cells with high methane concentration increased the voltage of the IP‐SOFC due to increase in Gibbs free energy. However, it degraded the performance of the IP‐SOFC in long term operation due to carbon deposition on the anode surface. The current load cycle tests were carried out with 95% H2–5% CH4 and 80% H2–20% CH4 fuel mixtures at 900 °C with a constant current of 1 A. At low methane concentration, the decrease in the IP‐SOFC voltage was observed after operating nine current load cycles (384 h). At higher methane concentration, the voltage of IP‐SOFC decreased by almost 30% just after one current load cycle (48 h) due to faster carbon deposition. So future work is therefore required to identify viable alternative materials and optimum operating conditions.
Electric Transmission: Underground HVDC Supergrid Can Work in Europe
Authors: Faulkner Roger W.
Published: February 2014

Elpipes are game‐changing underground high‐voltage DC (HVDC) power lines that will allow pipeline companies to compete in the power transmission market. Elpipe technology uses polymer‐insulated underground HVDC conductors that are rigid (not wires, but sections of bus pipe). This allows much heavier conductors than are possible if they have to wrap on a reel. This greater capability means that they can carry more than twice as much power (more than 15 gigawatts) as the largest transmission line ever built, a 7.2‐gigawatt, 800‐thousand‐volt overhead HVDC line in China built by ABB and State Grid Corp China.
Energy and the Environment: New Data Supports Need for Climate Vulnerability Assessment by Transmission Providers
Authors: Balentine Howard W.
Published: February 2014

In the December 2013 issue of Natural Gas & Electricity, I presented a case for the reality of climate change and described policy considerations that should be used by the electric industry when implementing adaptation measures to reduce their climate change vulnerability. In this follow‐up article, I present an update that describes three events that have occurred since preparation of that article: Typhoon Haiyan, publication of an important research paper in Nature Geoscience, and publication of an assessment of abrupt climate change by the United States National Research Council (NRC).
NERC and Enforcement Issues: NERC Provides Best Practices for Effective Procedures
Authors: Carpentier Deborah A.
Published: February 2014

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently issued a report of its findings after analyzing the auditing procedures of its eight regional entities, related to the disturbance event reporting standards: CIP‐001‐2a, EOP‐004‐1, and EOP‐004‐2. While an auditor must perform the due diligence necessary to have a reasonable assurance that a responsible entity (an entity responsible for compliance with a particular reliability standard) is in compliance with a standard, inevitably different compliance auditing practices are used across the eight regions. Such inconsistency could lead to different results.
The impact of an unfavorable depression course on network size and loneliness in older people: a longitudinal study in the community
Authors: Houtjes Wim , van Meijel Berno , van de Ven Peter M. , Deeg Dorly , van Tilburg Theo , Beekman Aartjan
Published: February 2014

Objective

This work aims to gain insight into the long‐term impact of depression course on social network size and perceived loneliness in older people living in the community.

Methods

Within a large representative sample of older people in the community (Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA)), participants with clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms (scores >16 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) were followed up over a period of 13 years of the LASA study (five waves). General estimating equations were used to estimate the impact of depression course on network size and loneliness and the interaction with gender and age.

Results

An unfavorable course of depression was found to be associated with smaller network sizes and higher levels of loneliness over time, especially in men and older participants.

Conclusions

The findings of this study stress the importance of clinical attention to the negative consequences of chronicity in depressed older people. Clinicians should assess possible erosion of the social network over time and be aware of increased feelings of loneliness in this patient group. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraoperative dorsal language network mapping by using single‐pulse electrical stimulation
Authors: Yamao Yukihiro , Matsumoto Riki , Kunieda Takeharu , Arakawa Yoshiki , Kobayashi Katsuya , Usami Kiyohide , Shibata Sumiya , Kikuchi Takayuki , Sawamoto Nobukatsu , Mikuni Nobuhiro , Ikeda Akio , Fukuyama Hidenao , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: February 2014

The preservation of language function during brain surgery still poses a challenge. No intraoperative methods have been established to monitor the language network reliably. We aimed to establish intraoperative language network monitoring by means of cortico‐cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs). Subjects were six patients with tumors located close to the arcuate fasciculus (AF) in the language‐dominant left hemisphere. Under general anesthesia, the anterior perisylvian language area (AL) was first defined by the CCEP connectivity patterns between the ventrolateral frontal and temporoparietal area, and also by presurgical neuroimaging findings. We then monitored the integrity of the language network by stimulating AL and by recording CCEPs from the posterior perisylvian language area (PL) consecutively during both general anesthesia and awake condition. High‐frequency electrical stimulation (ES) performed during awake craniotomy confirmed language function at AL in all six patients. Despite an amplitude decline (≤32%) in two patients, CCEP monitoring successfully prevented persistent language impairment. After tumor removal, single‐pulse ES was applied to the white matter tract beneath the floor of the removal cavity in five patients, in order to trace its connections into the language cortices. In three patients in whom high‐frequency ES of the white matter produced naming impairment, this “eloquent” subcortical site directly connected AL and PL, judging from the latencies and distributions of cortico‐ and subcortico‐cortical evoked potentials. In conclusion, this study provided the direct evidence that AL, PL, and AF constitute the dorsal language network. Intraoperative CCEP monitoring is clinically useful for evaluating the integrity of the language network. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4345–4361, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial correlation of hemodynamic changes related to interictal epileptic discharges with electric and magnetic source imaging
Authors: Heers Marcel , Hedrich Tanguy , An Dongmei , Dubeau François , Gotman Jean , Grova Christophe , Kobayashi Eliane
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal changes at the time of interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) identify their associated vascular/hemodynamic responses. BOLD activations and deactivations can be found within the epileptogenic zone but also at a distance. Source imaging identifies electric (ESI) and magnetic (MSI) sources of IEDs, with the advantage of a higher temporal resolution. Therefore, the objective of our study was to evaluate the spatial concordance between ESI/MSI and BOLD responses for similar IEDs.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with similar IEDs in simultaneous electroencephalogram/functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG/fMRI) and in simultaneous EEG/magnetoencephalogram (MEG) recordings were studied. IEDs in EEG/fMRI acquisition were analyzed in an event‐related paradigm within a general linear model (GLM). ESI/MSI of averaged IEDs was performed using the Maximum Entropy on the Mean. We assessed the spatial concordance between ESI/MSI and clusters of BOLD activations/deactivations with surface‐based metrics.

Results

ESI/MSI were concordant with one BOLD cluster for 20/21 patients (concordance with activation: 14/21 patients, deactivation: 6/21 patients, no concordance: 1/21 patients; concordance with MSI only: 3/21, ESI only: 2/21). These BOLD clusters exhibited in 19/20 cases the most significant voxel. BOLD clusters that were spatially concordant with ESI/MSI were concordant with IEDs from invasive recordings in 8/11 patients (activations: 5/8, deactivations: 3/8).

Conclusion

As the results of BOLD, ESI and MSI are often concordant, they reinforce our confidence in all of them. ESI and MSI confirm the most significant BOLD cluster within BOLD maps, emphasizing the importance of these clusters for the definition of the epileptic focus. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4396–4414, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accelerated radiotherapy for T1 to T2 glottic cancer
Authors: Motegi Atsushi , Kawashima Mitsuhiko , Arahira Satoko , Zenda Sadamoto , Toshima Masamichi , Onozawa Masakatsu , Hayashi Ryuichi , Akimoto Tetsuo
Published: February 2014

Background

Accelerated fractionation radiotherapy (RT) was administered in an attempt to improve the local control rates in patients with T1/T2 N0 glottic cancer.

Methods

Medical charts of 148 consecutive patients who had undergone RT using 2.4 Gray (Gy) once‐daily fractionation between July 1999 and April 2007 were reviewed.

Results

Of 104 patients with T1 disease treated by RT, 82 received 60 Gy/25 fractions, and the remaining 22 with large tumor volumes and/or slow response to RT received 64.8 Gy/27 fractions. All 44 patients with T2 disease received 64.8 Gy/27 fractions. The 5‐year local control and overall survival (OS) rates were 93% and 96%, respectively, in patients with T1 disease, and 77% and 91%, respectively, in patients with T2 disease. No severe acute toxicities were observed, although 2 patients (1%) developed severe late toxicity.

Conclusion

Accelerated RT for early glottic cancer is feasible, with encouraging local control rates. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 579–584, 2015
Role of protein kinase C isoforms in bile formation and cholestasis
Authors: Anwer Sawkat M.
Published: February 2014

Transhepatic solute transport provides the osmotic driving force for canalicular bile formation. Choleretic and cholestatic agents affect bile formation, in part, by altering plasma membrane localizations of transporters involved in bile formation. These short-term dynamic changes in transporter location are highly regulated posttranslational events requiring various cellular signaling pathways. Interestingly, both choleretic and cholestatic agents activate the same intracellular signaling kinases, such as phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). An emerging theme is that choleretic and cholestatic effects may be mediated by different isoforms of these kinases. This is most evident for PKC-mediated regulation of plasma membrane localization of Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) by conventional PKCα (cPKCα), novel PKCδ (nPKCδ), nPKCε, and atypical PKCζ (aPKCζ). aPKCζ may mediate choleretic effects by inserting NTCP into the plasma membrane, and nPKCε may mediate cholestatic effects by retrieving MRP2 from the plasma membrane. On the other hand, cPKCα and nPKCδ may be involved in choleretic, cholestatic, and anticholestatic effects by inserting, retrieving, and inhibiting retrieval of transporters, respectively. The effects of PKC isoforms may be mediated by phosphorylation of the transporters, actin binding proteins (radixin and myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate), and Rab proteins. Human NTCP plays an important role in the entry of hepatitis B and D viruses into hepatocytes and consequent infection. Thus, PKCs, by regulating NTCP trafficking, may also play an important role in hepatic viral infections. (Hepatology 2014;60:1090–1097)
THE CREDIT‐TO‐GDP GAP AND COMPLEMENTARY INDICATORS FOR MACROPRUDENTIAL POLICY: EVIDENCE FROM THE UK
Authors: Giese Julia , Andersen Henrik , Bush Oliver , Castro Christian , Farag Marc , Kapadia Sujit
Published: February 2014

The financial crisis has demonstrated the need for a set of macroprudential policy tools that can be used to mitigate systemic risk. Focusing on the UK, our paper reviews the performance of the Basel III credit‐to‐GDP gap that, alongside judgement, is to be used as a reference guide in setting the countercyclical capital buffer. We find that this measure worked well in providing an advance signal of past UK episodes of banking system distress. But this does not guarantee future signalling success. We therefore evaluate some conceptual shortcomings of the credit gap and suggest complementary indicators. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct and indirect effects of invertebrate predators on population level responses of the rotifer Brachionus havanaensis (Rotifera)
Authors: Nandini S. , Zúñiga‐Juárez F. S. , Sarma S. S. S.
Published: February 2014

Rotifers, in nature, are consumed by several vertebrates and invertebrates. In response to predation, they show a certain degree of plasticity in their life history traits. In this regard, there is an ample database of information on the effect of Asplanchna on brachionids; much less is known on the effect of other common freshwater predators. We studied the chemical effects of four invertebrate predators, Stenostomum leucops (Turbellaria), Asplanchna girodi (Rotifera), Eosphora najas (Rotifera) and Mesocyclops pehpeiensis (Copepoda) on the demography of Brachionus havanaensis. Population growth and life table demography experiments were conducted in 50 mL vessels with 25 mL of moderately hard water and 0.5 × 106 cells mL−1 of Chlorella vulgaris as food. Two predators of each phylum were introduced into small meshes with 50 µm mesh and fed 15 individuals of another rotifer species Plationus patulus. Each experiment was set up with two controls, with and without the prey (P. patulus) in meshes, as in all the other treatments. We started the experiments with 15 individuals of B. havanaensis in the population growth experiments and 15 neonates (<12 h old) in the life table studies. The population growth studies were terminated after 20 days and the life table studies after the last individual of each cohort died. We also tested the feeding rates of A. girodi, S. leucops and M. pehpeiensis on B. havanaensis by observing the prey consumed at different time intervals from 15 to 90 min. The presence of P. patulus alone had an impact on the reproductive but not on the survivorship variables of Brachionus as compared to the controls. We found that among the predators, S. leucops had the least impact on the population dynamics and life history variables. The survivorship ranged from 16 to 18 days with no significant impact of infochemicals from any of the test predators. The population growth rate of B. havanaensis ranged from 0.2 to 0.34 day−1 and was highest in the presence of M. pehpeiensis and A. girodi. We also observed maximal differences in the life history strategy of B. havanaensis, as compared to the controls, in response to the most voracious predator, A. girodi.
Effect of FDI and Time on Catching Up: New Insights from a Conditional Nonparametric Frontier Analysis
Authors: Mastromarco Camilla , Simar Léopold
Published: February 2014

We use an appropriate nonparametric two‐step approach on conditional efficiencies to investigate how foreign direct investment (FDI) and time affect the process of catching up. By using a dataset of 44 countries over 1970–2007, we explore the channels under which FDI fosters productivity by disentangling the impact of this factor on the production process and its components: impact on the attainable production set (input–output space) and the impact on the distribution of efficiencies. We extend existing methodological tools—conditional nonparametric efficiency measures—to examine these interrelationships. We emphasize the usefulness of smoothing over time to better analyze the potential dynamic influence of FDI on efficiency. We find that both FDI and time play an important role as influencing efficiency distribution and affecting, to a smaller extend, the production set. This effect of FDI does not seem to vary much over time. By the second‐stage nonparametric regression of the conditional efficiencies over FDI and time we identify clearly the effect of time and FDI on conditional efficiency and we determine idiosyncratic efficiency, which represents the‘Solow residual’, measured by looking to the unexplained part of the conditional efficiencies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo telemetric determination of shear and axial loads on a regenerative cartilage scaffold following ligament disruption
Authors: Szivek John A. , Heden Gregory J. , Geffre Christopher P. , Wenger Karl H. , Ruth John T.
Published: February 2014

Recent interest in repair of chondral and osteochondral cartilage defects to prevent osteoarthritis caused by ligament disruption has led to the research and development of biomimetic scaffolds combined with cell‐based regeneration techniques. Current clinical focal defect repair strategies have had limited success. New scaffold‐based approaches may provide solutions that can repair extensive damage and prevent osteoarthritis. This study utilized a novel scaffold design that accommodated strain gauges for shear and axial load monitoring in the canine stifle joint through implantable telemetry technology. Loading changes induced by ligament disruption are widely implicated in the development of injury‐related osteoarthritis. Seeding the scaffold end with progenitor cells resulted in higher shear stress than without cell seeding and histology showed significantly more bone and cartilage formation. Biomechanically, the effect of transecting the anterior cruciate ligament was a significant reduction in braking load in shear, but no change axially, and conversely a significant reduction in push‐off load axially, but no change in shear. This is the first study to report shear loads measured directly in knee joint tissue. Further, advances of these measurement techniques are critical to developing improved regeneration strategies and personalizing reliable rehabilitation protocols. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1415–1425, 2014.
Association Between Components of Body Composition and Scoliosis: A Prospective Cohort Study Reporting Differences Identifiable Before the Onset of Scoliosis
Authors: Clark Emma M , Taylor Hilary J , Harding Ian , Hutchinson John , Nelson Ian , Deanfield John E , Ness Andy R , Tobias Jon H
Published: February 2014

There is an increasing body of research suggesting that low body weight is associated with scoliosis, but this is based on case-control studies, which are prone to bias. No studies have investigated the components of body weight: fat and lean mass. We have therefore carried out the first population-based prospective study of the association between fat and lean mass at age 10 years assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), with presence of scoliosis at age 15 years using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). All children with scoliosis at age 10 years were excluded. Of 5299 children at age 15 years, 312 (5.9%) had scoliosis. Our results show a negative association between body mass index (BMI)/body weight at age 10 years and scoliosis at age 15 years, with a 20% reduced risk of scoliosis per SD increase in BMI (odds ratio [OR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–0.92; p = 0.001). This association with BMI/body weight reflects associations with both fat mass and lean mass. After adjustment for age, gender, leg length, and fat mass per SD increase in lean mass, there was a 20% reduced risk of scoliosis (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.65–0.97) and per SD increase in fat mass there was a 13% reduced risk of scoliosis (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.74–1.03). In terms of adipocyte function, an inverse association was seen between leptin at age 10 years and scoliosis (OR for scoliosis per SD increase in leptin of 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63–0.99), and a positive association between adiponectin at age 10 years and scoliosis (OR for scoliosis per SD increase in adiponectin of 1.44; 95% CI, 0.99–2.10). This is the first study to address the association between the individual components of body weight and scoliosis in a prospective cohort study, and shows altered body composition that is present before the onset of clinically detected scoliosis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of Age on Regulation of Human Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Chung Ping‐Lin , Zhou Shuanhu , Eslami Behnam , Shen Longxiang , LeBoff Meryl S. , Glowacki Julie
Published: February 2014

Human skeletal aging is characterized as a gradual loss of bone mass due to an excess of bone resorption not balanced by new bone formation. Using human marrow cells, we tested the hypothesis that there is an age‐dependent increase in osteoclastogenesis due to intrinsic changes in regulatory factors [macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF), receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG)] and their receptors [c‐fms and RANK]. In bone marrow cells (BMCs), c‐fms (r = 0.61, P = 0.006) and RANK expression (r = 0.59, P = 0.008) were increased with age (27–82 years, n = 19). In vitro generation of osteoclasts was increased with age (r = 0.89, P = 0.007). In enriched marrow stromal cells (MSCs), constitutive expression of RANKL was increased with age (r = 0.41, P = 0.049) and expression of OPG was inversely correlated with age (r = −0.43, P = 0.039). Accordingly, there was an age‐related increase in RANKL/OPG (r = 0.56, P = 0.005). These data indicate an age‐related increase in human osteoclastogenesis that is associated with an intrinsic increase in expression of c‐fms and RANK in osteoclast progenitors, and, in the supporting MSCs, an increase in pro‐osteoclastogenic RANKL expression and a decrease in anti‐osteoclastogenic OPG. These findings support the hypothesis that human marrow cells and their products can contribute to skeletal aging by increasing the generation of bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. These findings help to explain underlying molecular mechanisms of progressive bone loss with advancing age in humans. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1412–1419, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osteocytes Serve as a Progenitor Cell of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Sottnik Joseph L. , Campbell Brittany , Mehra Rohit , Behbahani‐Nejad Omid , Hall Christopher L. , Keller Evan T.
Published: February 2014

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common primary bone tumor in humans. However, the cell of origin of OSA is not clearly defined although there is evidence that osteoblasts may serve as OSA progenitors. The role of osteocytes, terminally differentiated osteoblasts, as OSA progenitors has yet to be described. Analysis of patient cDNA from publicly available microarray data revealed that patients with OSA have increased expression of dentin matrix phosphoprotein 1 (DMP1), a marker of osteocytes. Analysis of multiple murine, human, and canine OSA cell lines revealed DMP1 expression. To test the tumorigenic potential of osteocytes, MLO‐Y4, a SV‐40 immortalized murine osteocyte cell line, was injected into subcutaneous and orthotopic (intratibial) sites of mice. Tumor growth occurred in both locations. Orthotopic MLO‐Y4 tumors produced mixed osteoblastic/osteolytic radiographic lesions; a hallmark of OSA. Together, these data demonstrate for the first time that osteocytes can serve as OSA progenitors. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1420–1429, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast, metadynamics‐based method for prediction of the stereochemistry‐dependent relative free energies of ligand–receptor interactions
Authors: Plazinska Anita , Plazinski Wojciech , Jozwiak Krzysztof
Published: February 2014

The computational approach applicable for the molecular dynamics (MD)‐based techniques is proposed to predict the ligand–protein binding affinities dependent on the ligand stereochemistry. All possible stereoconfigurations are expressed in terms of one set of force‐field parameters [stereoconfiguration‐independent potential (SIP)], which allows for calculating all relative free energies by only single simulation. SIP can be used for studying diverse, stereoconfiguration‐dependent phenomena by means of various computational techniques of enhanced sampling. The method has been successfully tested on the β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) binding the four fenoterol stereoisomers by both metadynamics simulations and replica‐exchange MD. Both the methods gave very similar results, fully confirming the presence of stereoselective effects in the fenoterol‐β2‐AR interactions. However, the metadynamics‐based approach offered much better efficiency of sampling which allows for significant reduction of the unphysical region in SIP. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A two‐step reaction scheme leading to singlet carbene species that can be detected under matrix conditions for the reaction of Zr(3F) with either CH3F or CH3CN
Authors: Torres Ana E. , Castro Guadalupe , Pablo‐Pedro Ricardo , Colmenares Fernando
Published: February 2014

The results obtained from CASSCF‐MRMP2 calculations are used to rationalize the singlet complexes detected under matrix‐isolation conditions for the reactions of laser‐ablated Zr(3F) atoms with the CH3F and CH3CN molecules, without invoking intersystem crossings between electronic states with different multiplicities. The reaction Zr(3F) + CH3F evolves to the radical products ZrF· + ·CH3. This radical asymptote is degenerate to that emerging from the singlet channel of the reactants Zr(1D) + CH3F because they both exhibit the same electronic configuration in the metal fragment. Hence, the caged radicals obtained under cryogenic‐matrix conditions can recombine through triplet and singlet paths. The recombination of the radical species along the low‐multiplicity channel produces the inserted structures H3CZrF and H2CZrHF experimentally detected. For the Zr(3F) + CH3CN reaction, a similar two‐step reaction scheme involving the radical fragments ZrNC· + ·CH3explains the presence of the singlet complexes H3CZrNC and H2CZr(H)NC revealed in the IR‐matrix spectra upon UV irradiation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation of Bio‐Mesoporous Silica from Rice Husk
Authors: He Jia‐Rung , Kuo Wei‐Chiao , Su Chi‐Shen , Lin Hong‐Ping
Published: February 2014

By using a simple and safe citric acid‐hydrothermal treatment, bio‐mesoporous silica with a high surface area (≈200 m2g−1) and pore size of around 6.0 nm can be isolated from rice husk. We found that the surface area of the isolated porous silica is dependent on the pH value, hydrothermal temperature, and reaction time but independent on the water content. At pH around 2.0‐2.5, the resulted bio‐mesoporous silica possesses the highest surface area regardless to the acid sources. Increasing hydrothermal temperature can accelerate the removal rate of the metal impurity in the rice husk. From the data of the surface areas, the required reaction time to isolate the mesoporous silica of the largest surface area (≈200 m2g−1) from rice husk increases with decreasing temperature. It takes only about 0.5 hour at 100 °C, 1.0 hour at 60 °C and 12.0 h at room temperature. This citric acid‐hydrothermal treatment can also be applied to isolate bio‐mesoporous silica from Equisetum grass.
Core Binding Factor β (CBFβ) Is Retained in the Midbody During Cytokinesis
Authors: Lopez‐Camacho Cesar , van Wijnen Andre J. , Lian Jane B. , Stein Janet L. , Stein Gary S.
Published: February 2014

Core Binding Factor β (CBFβ) is complexed with the RUNX family of transcription factors in the nucleus to support activation or repression of genes related to bone (RUNX2), hematopoiesis (RUNX1) and gastrointestinal (RUNX3) development. Furthermore, RUNX proteins contribute to the onset and progression of different types of cancer. Although CBFβ localizes to cytoskeletal architecture, its biological role in the cytoplasmic compartment remains to be established. Additionally, the function and localization of CBFβ during the cell cycle are important questions relevant to its biological role. Here we show that CBFβ dynamically distributes in different stages of cell division and importantly is present during telophase at the midbody, a temporal structure important for successful cytokinesis. A functional role for CBFβ localization at the midbody is supported by striking defects in cytokinesis that include polyploidy and abscission failure following siRNA‐mediated downregulation of endogenous CBFβ or overexpression of the inv(16) fusion protein CBFβ‐SMMHC. Our results suggest that CBFβ retention in the midbody during cytokinesis reflects a novel function that contributes to epigenetic control. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1466–1474, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulating Endothelial Barrier Function by Targeting Vimentin Phosphorylation
Authors: Liu Tiegang , Ghamloush Maher M. , Aldawood Ali , Warburton Rod , Toksoz Deniz , Hill Nicholas S. , Tang Dale D. , Kayyali Usamah S.
Published: February 2014

Vimentin is a major intermediate filament protein in vascular endothelial cells which might be involved in their function as a barrier tissue. It is proposed to dynamically maintain integrity of the endothelium as a tightly regulated permeability barrier that is subjected to a variety of shear and contractile forces. The results described in this report demonstrate that vimentin plays that role through mechanisms that are dependent on its phosphorylation state. Withaferin A (WFA), a vimentin targeting drug is shown to disrupt endothelial barrier function through its effects on vimentin filament distribution and physical properties. These effects are related to WFA's ability to increase vimentin phosphorylation. Through overexpressing a non‐phosphorylatable vimentin mutant we can block the effects of WFA on vimentin distribution and barrier permeability. The barrier augmentation effect appears to extend to endothelial cells that do not express detectable mutant vimentin which might suggest transmissible effects across cells. Blocking vimentin phosphorylation also protects the endothelial barrier against LPS endotoxin, implicating it as a target for drug development against pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1484–1493, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ovary of Matsucoccus pini (Insecta, Hemiptera, Coccinea: Matsucoccidae): Morphology, ultrastructure, and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Szklarzewicz Teresa , Michalik Anna , Kalandyk‐Kołodziejczyk Małgorzata , Kobiałka Michał , Simon Ewa
Published: February 2014

The structure of ovary in a representative of the scale insect family Matsucoccidae, Matsucoccus pini, is described at the ultrastructural level. The paired ovaries of M. pini are composed of about 50 ovarioles of telotrophic type that develop asynchronously. An individual ovariole consists of an anterior tropharium (trophic chamber) and posterior vitellarium. The tropharium encloses trophocytes (nurse cells) and early previtellogenic oocytes termed arrested oocytes. In the vitellarium from 1 to 6, linearly arranged oocytes may develop. Analysis of serial sections has shown that each ovariole contains 32 germ cells (trophocytes, arrested oocytes, and developing oocytes). In the cytoplasm of all these cells, small rod‐shaped bacteria are present. In the early vitellogenic oocytes, accessory nuclei arise. As vitellogenesis progresses, these nuclei migrate toward the cortical ooplasm. The obtained results are discussed in a phylogenetic context. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:327–334, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hospitalist and primary care physician perspectives on medication management of chronic conditions for hospitalized patients
Authors: Breu Anthony C. , Allen‐Dicker Joshua , Mueller Stephanie , Palamara Kerri , Hinami Keiki , Herzig Shoshana J.
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

Little is currently known regarding physicians' opinions on the relative appropriateness of inpatient management of medical conditions unrelated to the reason for admission.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate physician attitudes on the appropriateness of inpatient medication interventions, based on the interventions' relatedness to the reason for admission.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Case‐based survey of hospitalists and hospital‐based primary care physicians at 3 academic medical centers in Boston, Massachusetts.

METHODS

Physicians were emailed a survey consisting of 6 pairs of clinical cases. Each pair included 1 case with an inpatient management decision related to the reason for admission, followed by a case involving the same management decision but unrelated to the reason for admission. Respondents rated the appropriateness of the interventions, and results were compared based on the relatedness to the reason for admission and based on the respondents' primary role.

RESULTS

Overall, 162 out of 295 providers (55%) responded to the survey. Physicians were significantly more likely to rate inpatient interventions as appropriate when they were related, compared to unrelated, to the reason for admission (78.9% vs 38.8%; P < 0.001). Primary care physicians were significantly more likely than hospitalists to feel that inpatient interventions were appropriate. (64.1% vs 52.1%, P < 0.001; relative risk: 1.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–1.4).

CONCLUSION

Physicians are more likely to rate inpatient medication changes as appropriate when they are related to the reason for admission. Our results suggest that opportunities for meaningful medical interventions may be underutilized in current systems that adhere to a strict dichotomy of inpatient and outpatient roles. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:303–309. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Hemodynamic assessment in a child with renovascular hypertension using time‐resolved three‐dimensional cine phase‐contrast MRI
Authors: Ishikawa Takamichi , Takehara Yasuo , Yamashita Shuhei , Iwashima Satoru , Sugiyama Masataka , Wakayama Tetsuya , Johnson Kevin , Wieben Oliver , Sakahara Harumi , Ogata Tsutomu
Published: February 2014

Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is an important cause of hypertension in children. It is essential to assess the hemodynamics of RVH lesions in detail. We herein report the case of a 9‐year‐old female with RVH caused by left renal artery stenosis in which the hemodynamics of the lesions were assessed with time‐resolved three‐dimensional cine phase‐contrast MRI (3D cine PC MRI) with a vastly undersampled 3D radial projection imaging trajectory before and after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA). The utility of 3D cine PC MRA for diagnosing RVH and evaluating the renal blood flow pre‐ and post‐PTRA is presented. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:165–168. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface and tropospheric temperature trends in Armenia
Authors: Gevorgyan Artur
Published: February 2014

The surface and tropospheric temperature trends have been evaluated over Armenia. A very clear signal of warming is detected at most stations of Armenia for spring, summer and autumn seasons for the period 1979–2012 compared to 1961–1994. Overall, the observed data and the reanalyses products (ERA‐40 and ERA‐Interim) provide a generally consistent picture for tropospheric temperature trends over Armenia. The trends obtained from the three sources of data show significantly faster warming at the near‐surface troposphere (at 850 hPa) for the period 1979–2012 compared to 1961–1994. However, temperature trends at 850 hPa are underestimated by the reanalysis products relative to the observed data. The warming rates decrease with height, and negative and nearly zero trends are observed in the middle and upper troposphere in most cases.
Parametric study using distributed computing and genetic algorithm in TFT‐LCD projector
Authors: Lin Samuel I‐En , Lin S. C. , Lo Yun‐Chien
Published: February 2014

We present an analysis of the parameters affecting light engines in liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors, using actual LCD projectors as examples. The significant parameters affecting light engines in LCD projectors are evaluated using the light uniformity as the determining standard. Optimization is performed on those parameters that affect the uniformity as well as the rendering effects of the projectors, by employing our own distributed genetic algorithm. The rotation angle of the collimator and its position are shown to improve the uniformity of the LCD projection, but we find that their effect on improving the brightness is not significant. Increased length of a projectors' light tube promotes better integration results. In our study, we effectively improved the performance index of an LCD projector, increasing projection uniformity by 4% (to 91.5%) and the brightness by 12% (to 7.9 lm).
Selective corrosion of duplex stainless steel bars in acid. Part 2: Effect of the surface strain and numerical analysis
Authors: Bautista A. , Alvarez S. M. , Velasco F.
Published: February 2014

In the second part of this study, the effect of the strain level on the selective corrosion of the phases comprised in four different heavily strained duplex stainless steel (DSS) bars is analyzed. The corrosion behavior of the surface of bars with variable strain levels is analyzed and compared to the results of the less strained core of the same bars. For lean DSS bars (UNS S32304 and S32001 grades), an increase on the corrosion rate caused by the strains has been detected for the surface. For these DSS without Mo, ferrite has proved to be more sensitive to decrease on the corrosion resistance caused by the strain than austenite. In these cases, the strains expand the region of active corrosion toward higher potentials. On the other hand, when the grains are heavily strained parallel to the surface, if the most corrosion resistant phase has good corrosion behavior in the medium (UNS S32205 grades), the corrosion rate can be effectively slowed down, in spite of the microstructural defects.
Pure Blue‐Light Emissive Poly(oligofluorenes) with Bifunctional POSS in the Main Chain
Authors: Chi Hong , Lim Siew Lay , Wang Fuke , Wang Xizu , He Chaobin , Chin Wee Shong
Published: February 2014

Emission of conjugated polymers is known to undergo bathochromic shift from solution to film formation due to π–π stacking in the solid state. In this report, a series of pearl‐necklace‐like hybrid polymers is designed via the hydrosilylation condensation between bifunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (B‐POSS) and oligofluorene segments. Optoelectronic analyses unequivocally show that the presence of these interconnecting B‐POSS can effectively reduce red‐shift in photoluminescence and electroluminescence during film formation. These hybrid poly(oligofluorenes) display stable blue emission with high color purity. Thermal analyses also indicate that they are vitrified polymers with high glass transition temperature (up to 125 °C). We believe that this strategy can be extended to other conjugated systems to control color purity in electroactive materials and holds promise as new emissive materials for various applications.

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Continuous Free‐Radical Polymerization with Long‐Chain Branching and Scission in a Tanks‐in‐Series Model
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: February 2014

Free‐radical polymerization that involves the polymer transfer reactions, leading to both long‐chain branching and scission, as in the cases of high‐pressure ethylene polymerization, is considered for a tanks‐in‐series model. In a tanks‐in‐series model, the residence time distribution (RTD) becomes narrower to approach that for a plug flow reactor (PFR), as the number of tanks, N increases. The molecular weight distribution approaches rather quickly to that for a PFR, as the N‐value increases. On the other hand, the branching density and the radius of gyration of highly branched polymers may show clear differences from that for a PFR, even when N‐value is as large as 20. The present theoretical approach would provide great insight into the continuous production processes having complex RTDs.
Multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type: Clinical state of the art
Authors: Lin David J. , Hermann Katherine L. , Schmahmann Jeremy D.
Published: February 2014

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a late‐onset, sporadic neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by autonomic failure and either poorly levodopa‐responsive parkinsonism or cerebellar ataxia. It is neuropathologically defined by widespread and abundant central nervous system α‐synuclein–positive glial cytoplasmic inclusions and striatonigral and/or olivopontocerebellar neurodegeneration. There are two clinical subtypes of MSA distinguished by the predominant motor features: the parkinsonian variant (MSA‐P) and the cerebellar variant (MSA‐C). Despite recent progress in understanding the pathobiology of MSA, investigations into the symptomatology and natural history of the cerebellar variant of the disease have been limited. MSA‐C presents a unique challenge to both clinicians and researchers alike. A key question is how to distinguish early in the disease course between MSA‐C and other causes of adult‐onset cerebellar ataxia. This is a particularly difficult question, because the clinical framework for conceptualizing and studying sporadic adult‐onset ataxias continues to undergo flux. To date, several investigations have attempted to identify clinical features, imaging, and other biomarkers that may be predictive of MSA‐C. This review presents a clinically oriented overview of our current understanding of MSA‐C with a focus on evidence for distinguishing MSA‐C from other sporadic, adult‐onset ataxias. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Gap cycling for SWIFT
Authors: Corum Curtis A. , Idiyatullin Djaudat , Snyder Carl J. , Garwood Michael
Published: February 2014

Purpose

SWIFT (SWeep Imaging with Fourier Transformation) is a non‐Cartesian MRI method with unique features and capabilities. In SWIFT, radiofrequency (RF) excitation and reception are performed nearly simultaneously, by rapidly switching between transmit and receive during a frequency‐swept RF pulse. Because both the transmitted pulse and data acquisition are simultaneously amplitude‐modulated in SWIFT (in contrast to continuous RF excitation and uninterrupted data acquisition in more familiar MRI sequences), crosstalk between different frequency bands occurs in the data. This crosstalk leads to a “bulls‐eye” artifact in SWIFT images. We present a method to cancel this interband crosstalk by cycling the pulse and receive gap positions relative to the un‐gapped pulse shape. We call this strategy “gap cycling.”

Theory and Methods

We carry out theoretical analysis, simulation and experiments to characterize the signal chain, resulting artifacts, and their elimination for SWIFT.

Results

Theoretical analysis reveals the mechanism for gap‐cycling's effectiveness in canceling interband crosstalk in the received data. We show phantom and in vivo results demonstrating bulls‐eye artifact free images.

Conclusion

Gap cycling is an effective method to remove bulls‐eye artifact resulting from interband crosstalk in SWIFT data. Magn Reson Med 73:677–682, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal bilateral adrenal calcifications, hypogonadism, and nephrotic syndrome: beyond Wolman disease
Authors: Schreyer‐Shafir Nira , Sukenik‐Halevy Rivka , Tepper Ronnie , Arnon Schmuel , Litmanovitch Itta , Eliakim Alon , Pommeranz Avishalom , Ludman Mark David , Raas‐Rothschild Annick
Published: February 2014

What's already known about this topic?

Prenatal bilateral adrenal calcifications are a rare prenatal finding.

Adrenal calcifications may be seen with intrauterine infections, tumor, or in Wolman disease. Risk factors for adrenal calcifications include large birth weight, hypoxia, septicemia, coagulation defects, and thromboembolism.

The association of adrenal calcifications and proteinuria has been published in two reports of four different patients.

What does this study add?

We propose that the constellation of bilateral adrenal calcifications, micropenis, testicular dysfunction, increased fetal nuchal translucency, and congenital nephrotic syndrome represents a new clinical entity.

The consanguinity in this family suggests an autosomal recessive inheritance of this disease.

This entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bilateral adrenal calcifications.
Rigid polyurethane and kenaf core composite foams
Authors: Nar Mangesh , Webber Charles , Anne D'Souza Nandika
Published: February 2014

Rigid PU foams are valuable in many construction applications. Kenaf is a bast fiber plant where the surface stem skin provides bast fibers whose strength‐to‐weight ratio competes with glass fiber. The higher volume product of the kenaf core is an under‐investigated area in composite applications. The naturally porous structure of kenaf‐core provides a novel reinforcement particle. In this work, foams of rigid polyurethane with 5, 10, and 15% kenaf‐core were formed. To date efforts at using it as a reinforcement have proven largely unsuccessful. This was mirrored in this effort when free expansion of the foam was utilized. However, introducing constraint during foaming resulted in reinforcement. The environmental scanning electron microscopy is used in conjunction with in‐situ microCT compression to capture the change in void fractions before and after deformation. The results show that free foaming resulted in poor reinforcement while a constrained expansion on the foam increased the reinforcement potential of the kenaf core. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:132–144, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Metallization‒induced recombination losses of bifacial silicon solar cells
Authors: Edler Alexander , Mihailetchi Valentin D. , Koduvelikulathu Lejo J. , Comparotto Corrado , Kopecek Radovan , Harney Rudolf
Published: February 2014

In this study, we investigate the metallization‒induced recombination losses of high efficiency bifacial n‒type and p‒type crystalline Si solar cells. From the experimental data, we found that the most efficiency limiting parameter by the screen‒printed metallization is the open‒circuit voltage (VOC) of the cells. We investigated the mechanism responsible for this loss by varying the metallization fraction on either side of the cell and determined the local enhancement in the dark saturation current density beneath the metal contacts (J0(met)). Under optimum fabrication conditions, the J0(met) at metal‒p+ (boron) emitter interfaces was found to be significantly higher compared with the values obtained for metal‒n+ emitters. A two‒dimensional simulation model was used to get further insight into the recombination mechanism leading to these VOC losses. The model assumes that metal contacts penetrate (or etch) into the diffused region following the firing process and depassivate the interface. Applying this model to our n‒type solar cells with a boron p+ emitter, we demonstrated that the simple loss of passivated area beneath the metal contact cannot explain the degradation observed in the VOC of the cell without considering a significant etching or metal penetration into the emitter region. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.