bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raster Vs. Point Cloud LiDAR Data Classification
Authors: El-Ashmawy N. , Shaker A.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Airborne Laser Scanning systems with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology is one of the fast and accurate 3D point data acquisition techniques. Generating accurate digital terrain and/or surface models (DTM/DSM) is the main application of collecting LiDAR range data. Recently, LiDAR range and intensity data have been used for land cover classification applications. Data range and Intensity, (strength of the backscattered signals measured by the LiDAR systems), are affected by the flying height, the ground elevation, scanning angle and the physical characteristics of the objects surface. These effects may lead to uneven distribution of point cloud or some gaps that may affect the classification process. Researchers have investigated the conversion of LiDAR range point data to raster image for terrain modelling. Interpolation techniques have been used to achieve the best representation of surfaces, and to fill the gaps between the LiDAR footprints. Interpolation methods are also investigated to generate LiDAR range and intensity image data for land cover classification applications. In this paper, different approach has been followed to classifying the LiDAR data (range and intensity) for land cover mapping. The methodology relies on the classification of the point cloud data based on their range and intensity and then converted the classified points into raster image. The gaps in the data are filled based on the classes of the nearest neighbour. Land cover maps are produced using two approaches using: (a) the conventional raster image data based on point interpolation; and (b) the proposed point data classification. A study area covering an urban district in Burnaby, British Colombia, Canada, is selected to compare the results of the two approaches. Five different land cover classes can be distinguished in that area: buildings, roads and parking areas, trees, low vegetation (grass), and bare soil. The results show that an improvement of around 10 % in the classification results can be achieved by using the proposed approach.
The XWS open access catalogue of extreme European windstorms from 1979 to 2012
Authors: Roberts J. F. , Champion A. J. , Dawkins L. C. , Hodges K. I. , Shaffrey L. C. , Stephenson D. B. , Stringer M. A. , Thornton H. E. , Youngman B. D.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The XWS (eXtreme WindStorms) catalogue consists of storm tracks and model-generated maximum 3 s wind-gust footprints for 50 of the most extreme winter windstorms to hit Europe in the period 1979–2012. The catalogue is intended to be a valuable resource for both academia and industries such as (re)insurance, for example allowing users to characterise extreme European storms, and validate climate and catastrophe models. Several storm severity indices were investigated to find which could best represent a list of known high-loss (severe) storms. The best-performing index was Sft, which is a combination of storm area calculated from the storm footprint and maximum 925 hPa wind speed from the storm track. All the listed severe storms are included in the catalogue, and the remaining ones were selected using Sft. A comparison of the model footprint to station observations revealed that storms were generally well represented, although for some storms the highest gusts were underestimated. Possible reasons for this underestimation include the model failing to simulate strong enough pressure gradients and not representing convective gusts. A new recalibration method was developed to estimate the true distribution of gusts at each grid point and correct for this underestimation. The recalibration model allows for storm-to-storm variation which is essential given that different storms have different degrees of model bias. The catalogue is available at http://www.europeanwindstorms.org .
Biochar as a growing media additive and peat substitute
Authors: Steiner C. , Harttung T.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Environmental concerns raised the demand for alternative growing media substituting Sphagnum peat. However growing media formulations still depend on peat and alternatives are limited. Biochar is carbonized plant material and could be an appropriate additive or even substitute for Sphagnum peat. Freshly produced, it is free from pathogens, has a low nutrient content (if produced from nutrient-poor feedstock), a very high structural stability and likely other favourable properties such as air capacity and water-holding capacity. Preliminary tests were conducted to compare biochar with other growing media and growing media additives. The growth of a miniature sunflower, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) was measured in different growing media such as biochar, perlite, clay granules, Sphagnum peat and peat mixed with biochar in the ratios 1 : 4, 1 : 1 and 4 : 1 (25, 50 and 75%, by volume). Fresh biochar has a similar EC to peat which is even lower after rinsing with water. Due to the relatively high pH of biochar, it could be added to peat instead of lime in a concentration of up to 75%. The growth of the sunflower was similar in all growing media. Only the plant weight was slightly higher of plants that grew in perlite or peat. There is a large potential for optimization such as selection of particle size and feedstock for biochar production and growing media formulations for specific plant requirements.
The Ethics of Uncovering Something Else in Histoire(s) du cinema
Authors: Baek Jiewon
Published: September 2014

In lieu of an abstract, here is the essay's opening paragraph:Marguerite Duras prefaces the second edition of Le navire night, from which an excerpt is cited above, by explaining that after writing the story of a man named J.M., everything came too late, including the realization of the film version of Le navire night. Once the event has been written and the common night of history been closed up, did she have the right to flash a light into the darkness to go back and see? The only seeing through cinema that was possible, she continues, was to film the failure, the disaster of the film. But how does one film the failure of realizing a film adaptation of a written text, which itself was transcribed from an oral re-telling of a story, which itself was adapted from memory? The event already took place – writing, “this history here” –, leaving cinema to film what never took place, namely, the film itself. As Jean-Luc Godard confirms in a chapter titled Seul le cinéma in Histoire(s) du cinéma, not only in the form of his project as a whole but also more explicitly in one shot that positions two close-up photographs of his face with the sound of Paul Hindemith’s “Funeral Music” and this text: “Faire une description précise de ce qui n’a jamais eu lieu est le travail de l’historien.” Describing the rise of the film Le navire night from its disastrous death, Duras writes: “On a mis la caméra à l’envers et on a filmé ce qui entrait dedans, de la nuit, de l’air, des projecteurs, des routes, des visages aussi.” The camera turned upside-down, or in the other sense, inside-out, Duras films the entrance of the exterior, a sort of a Levinasian visage. The question no longer is one of having the right but of the duty to re-write history, as is insinuated by the reference to “The Critic as Artist” written across one of the photographs mentioned above, which is again a gesture of Godard’s positioning himself as the critic whose role Oscar Wilde defined: “The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it.”
Effect of Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Impregnated Chitosan Film on Hemostasis and Healing of Blood Vessels
Authors: Lee Sangshin , Jung Inwook , Yu Seongcheol , Hong Joon Pio
Published: September 2014

Background Bleeding can be a problem in wound debridement. In search for an effective hemostatic agent, we experimented with a chitosan film combined with the recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF), hypothesizing that it would achieve effective hemostasis and simultaneously enhance arterial healing.

Methods Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were used, and 96 puncture wounds were made. The wounds were divided into the following four groups: treated with sterile gauze, treated with gelatin sponge, treated with chitosan, and treated with chitosan combined with rh-EGF. Immediate hemostasis was evaluated, and arterial healing was observed histologically.

Results Groups B, C, and D showed a significant rate of immediate hemostasis as compared to group A (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences among groups B, C, and D. Histologically, only group D showed good continuity of the vessel wall after 1 week. It was the only group to show smooth muscle cell nuclei of the vessel wall.

Conclusions We observed that chitosan has an effective hemostatic potential and the mix of rh-EGF and chitosan does not interfere with chitosan's hemostatic capabilities. We also identified enhanced healing of vessel walls when rh-EGF was added to chitosan. Further research based on these positive findings is needed to evaluate the potential use of this combination on difficult wounds like chronic diabetic ulcerations.
Immediate Partial Breast Reconstruction with Endoscopic Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap Harvest
Authors: Yang Chae Eun , Roh Tai Suk , Yun In Sik , Kim Young Seok , Lew Dae Hyun
Published: September 2014

Background Currently, breast conservation therapy is commonly performed for the treatment of early breast cancer. Depending on the volume excised, patients may require volume replacement, even in cases of partial mastectomy. The use of the latissimus dorsi muscle is the standard method, but this procedure leaves an unfavorable scar on the donor site. We used an endoscope for latissimus dorsi harvesting to minimize the incision, thus reducing postoperative scars.

Methods Ten patients who underwent partial mastectomy and immediate partial breast reconstruction with endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle flap harvest were reviewed retrospectively. The total operation time, hospital stay, and complications were reviewed. Postoperative scarring, overall shape of the reconstructed breast, and donor site deformity were assessed using a 10-point scale.

Results In the mean follow-up of 11 weeks, no tumor recurrence was reported. The mean operation time was 294.5 (±38.2) minutes. The postoperative hospital stay was 11.4 days. Donor site seroma was reported in four cases and managed by office aspiration and compressive dressing. Postoperative scarring, donor site deformity, and the overall shape of the neobreast were acceptable, scoring above 7.

Conclusions Replacement of 20% to 40% of breast volume in the upper and the lower outer quadrants with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap by using endoscopic harvesting is a good alternative reconstruction technique after partial mastectomy. Short incision benefits from a very acceptable postoperative scar, less pain, and early upper extremity movement.
Partial Breast Reconstruction Using Various Oncoplastic Techniques for Centrally Located Breast Cancer
Authors: Park Hyo Chun , Kim Hong Yeul , Kim Min Chul , Lee Jeong Woo , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae , Park Ho Yong , Yang Jung Dug
Published: September 2014

Background As the breast cancer incidence has increased, breast-conserving surgery has replaced total mastectomy as the predominant procedure. However, centrally located breast cancers pose significant challenges to successful breast-conserving surgeries. Therefore, we performed partial mastectomy and oncoplastic procedures on centrally located breast cancer as a means of partial breast reconstruction. The authors examined and evaluated the functional and aesthetic usefulness of this reconstruction method.

Methods From January 2007 to June 2011, 35 patients with centrally located breast cancers who underwent various oncoplastic procedures based on the breast size and resection volume. The oncoplastic procedures performed included volume displacement surgical techniques such as purse-string suture, linear suture, and reduction mammaplasty. Other oncoplastic procedures included volume replacement procedures with an adipofascial, thoracoepigastric, intercostal artery perforator, thoracodorsal artery perforator, or latissimus dorsi flap.

Results Mean patient age was 49 years, and mean follow-up period was 11 months. In cases of small to moderate-sized breasts and resection volumes <50 g, volume displacement procedures were performed. In cases of resection volumes >50 g, volume replacement procedures were performed. In cases of larger breasts and smaller resection volumes, glandular reshaping was performed. Finally, in cases of larger breasts and larger resection volumes, reduction mammaplasty was performed. This reconstruction method also elicits a high patient satisfaction rate with no significant complications.

Conclusions In centrally located breast cancer, oncoplastic surgery considering breast size and resection volume is safe and provides appropriate aesthetic outcomes. Therefore, our method is advisable for breast cancer patients who elect to conserve their breasts and retain a natural breast shape.
Strategic Decisions in Setting Up Child Rights Impact Assessments
Authors: Desmet Ellen , Op De Beeck Hanne
Published: September 2014

Establishing a child rights impact assessment (CRIA) requires making strategic choices in regards to scope and process. This article focuses on choices regarding (i) the material scope: for which documents will a CRIA be carried out?; (ii) the personal scope: will a CRIA be done only for children (0-18 years), or be extended towards young adults?; and (iii) the relationship to other instruments and processes: will a CRIA stand alone, or be integrated with other impact assessments? The relation between CRIA and other instruments, such as child(-friendly) budgeting is also discussed. The article illustrates these choices, drawing on an evaluation of the experience of implementing the Child and Youth Impact Report (JoKER) in Flanders (Belgium).
Une histoire de droits : jeu d’acteurs et pluralisme juridique en République démocratique du Congo
Authors: Jean-Bouchard Évelyne
Published: September 2014

Le pluralisme juridique est une approche théorique qui critique l’exclusivité du droit de l’État. Cependant, il existe autant de conceptions du pluralisme juridique que de penseurs pluralistes. Et les jeunes chercheurs qui désirent s’aventurer sur cette voie se retrouvent bien vite submergés par l’éventail de possibilités que leur offre cette école de pensée. Dans cette perspective, une analyse historique peut servir de première exploration empirique d’un objet de recherche. C’est ce que nous allons effectuer dans ce court essai, sur le terrain qui est le nôtre, soit l’est de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC). En RDC, il faut comprendre le pluralisme juridique comme la combinaison de différents systèmes normatifs superposés à des échelles différentes, lesquels se mélangent dans les pensées et les actions des individus. À une certaine porosité juridique s’ajoute donc le rôle des acteurs sociaux dans la production et la reproduction du droit. Et c’est le modèle du jeu que l’anthropologue français Étienne Le Roy a conçu qui nous permet de théoriser de manière adéquate tous ces éléments.
On Describing Similarity and Measuring Equivalence in English-Spanish Translation
Authors: Izquierdo Marlén
Published: September 2014

This article reports on a descriptive translation study that attempts to examine the notion of equivalence in translation in an empirical manner. In order to do that, the analysis focuses on the similarities and differences, considered as the components of any relation of equivalence, between the source texts and the target texts. In this particular case, the source texts are English Gerund-Participle (G-P) Adjuncts, and their target texts, the Spanish translational options found in so-called “ACTRES parallel corpus.” The study is interdisciplinary as it draws from contrastive functional analysis and descriptive translation studies, from a corpus-based approach. The study reveals different types of similarities between the English G-P Adjuncts and its Spanish equivalents, which are described in functional terms, taking into consideration functionality, meaning-form interface and frequency of usage. The descriptive parameters followed have prompted a grading system for measuring equivalence between the objects of study.
A relação entre desenvolvimento sustentável e imagem de lugar de um destino turístico: proposição de um modelo estrutural
Authors: Buosi Maria Carolina de Alcântara , Lima Sérgio Henrique de Oliveira , Leocádio Áurio Lúcio
Published: September 2014

Na década de 1960 o turismo iniciou seu avanço enquanto setor econômico e passou a ser promovido em países em desenvolvimento como solução possível para alguns de seus problemas. Diante desse fato, o marketing começou a se tornar elemento-chave para o gerenciamento do turismo e do destino turístico, sendo necessárias estratégias bem elaboradas para trazer atratividade ao lugar, dada a intensificação da competitividade entre destinos turísticos. Entretanto, ao se considerar o sucesso do destino turístico no longo prazo, é preciso levar em conta a importância da sustentabilidade do lugar, adotando estratégias que tornem o destino turístico competitivo sem comprometer sua sobrevivência. Baseado nesses fatos, o estudo buscou verificar a relação existente entre o desenvolvimento sustentável e a imagem do destino turístico, de forma a contribuir para a tomada de ações estratégicas que favoreçam a competitividade do lugar. Realizou-se uma survey com 280 turistas, a partir da qual foram aplicadas análises estatísticas e modelagem de equações estruturais. Os resultados apontaram a influência de forma direta e positiva do desenvolvimento sustentável sobre a imagem do destino turístico, confirmando sua relevância enquanto fator a ser considerado nas estratégias de marketing para a competitividade do lugar.
Training and certification of doctors of chiropractic in delivering manual cervical traction forces: Results of a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Gudavalli Maruti Ram , Vining Robert D. , Salsbury Stacie A. , Goertz Christine M.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) use manual cervical distraction to treat patients with neck pain. Previous research demonstrates variability in traction forces generated by different DCs. This article reports on a training protocol and monthly certification process using bioengineering technology to standardize cervical traction force delivery among clinicians.

Methods

This longitudinal observational study evaluated a training and certification process for DCs who provided force-based manual cervical distraction during a randomized clinical trial. The DCs completed a 7-week initial training that included instructional lectures, observation, and guided practice by a clinical expert, followed by 3 hours of weekly practice sessions delivering the technique to asymptomatic volunteers who served as simulated patients. An instrument-modified table and computer software provided the DCs with real-time audible and visual feedback on the traction forces they generated and graphical displays of the magnitude of traction forces as a function of time immediately after the delivery of the treatment. The DCs completed monthly certifications on traction force delivery throughout the trial. Descriptive accounts of certification attempts are provided.

Results

Two DCs achieved certification in traction force delivery over 10 consecutive months. No certification required more than 3 attempts at C5 and occiput contacts for 3 force ranges (0–20 N, 21–50 N, and 51–100 N).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a training protocol and certification process using bioengineering technology for training DCs to deliver manual cervical distraction within specified traction force ranges over a 10-month period.
Influence of Martian crustal magnetic anomalies on the emission of energetic neutral hydrogen atoms
Authors: Wang X.‐D. , Barabash S. , Futaana Y. , Grigoriev A. , Wurz P.
Published: September 2014

We analyze the data on hydrogen energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) emissions from the dayside of Mars, recorded by a Neutral Particle Detector of the Analyzer of Space Plasmas and Energetic Atoms aboard Mars Express from 14 March to 9 July 2004. We first identify and analyze events of the ENA flux enhancement coinciding with the presence of the crustal magnetic anomalies on the dayside of Mars. We then backtrace the ENA emissions to the lower altitudes (source region) and build up an average map of the flux intensities in the geographic coordinates with all the available data. The map shows a peak‐to‐valley ENA flux enhancement of 40%–90% close to the crustal magnetic anomaly regions. These results suggest the influence of the magnetic anomalies on the ENA emission from the dayside of Mars. The enhancement may result from the deviation of the highly directional plasma flow above anomalies toward the detectors such that more charge exchange ENAs would be recorded. Alternatively, higher exospheric densities above the anomalies would also result in an increase of the charge exchange ENA flux.
Coastally trapped eddies in the north of the Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Djakouré Sandrine , Penven Pierrick , Bourlès Bernard , Veitch Jennifer , Koné Vamara
Published: September 2014

Cyclonic eddies generated downstream of Cape Palmas and Cape Three points have been suggested to contribute to the coastal upwelling along the northern coast of the Gulf of Guinea. A numerical analysis using a high‐resolution model is used to investigate the mesoscale activity and the coastal upwelling generation processes. An eddy detection and tracking tool is applied to altimeter and model data, showing good agreement between these data sets. About two cyclonic eddies per year with an average radius of 60 km were identified downstream of both capes. These cyclonic eddies have an average lifetime of about 60 days during the major coastal upwelling period (boreal summer) and an eastward propagation. These cyclonic eddies are shallow, energetic (their relative vorticity can reach 3 times the earth's rotation), and dimensionless parameters show that they are in an eddy shedding regime. Mean flow interactions and barotropic instabilities associated with capes are their main generation processes. An idealized experiment is conducted in order to analyze the effect of capes on eddy generation and on coastal upwelling. It reveals that these cyclonic eddies generated downstream of capes are not the process responsible for this coastal upwelling. This experiment also suggests that the cyclonic eddies are the cause of the westward and coastal Guinea Counter Current that is associated with a transfer of energy from eddy kinetic to the mean flow.
Characteristics of surface signatures of Mediterranean water eddies
Authors: Bashmachnikov I. , Carton X. , Belonenko T. V.
Published: September 2014

In this work, we obtain new results on the manifestation of meddies (or of other deep eddies) at the sea‐surface, further developing the results by Bashmachnikov and Carton (2012). The quasi‐geostrophic equations are used to describe a near‐axisymmetric vortex in the upper ocean, forced at its lower boundary by the isopycnal elevation of a moving meddy. The solution thus obtained provides a better approximation of the characteristics of meddy surface signals. The results show that in subtropics large meddies with dynamic radius
 ≥ 30 km are always seen at the sea‐surface with AVISO altimetry, that medium‐size meddies with
 = 20 km may be seen at the sea‐surface only if they are sufficiently shallow and strong, while small meddies with
 = 10 km generally cannot be detected with the present accuracy of altimetry data. The intensity of meddy surface signals decreases to the south with the decrease of the
ratio. The seasonal variation in intensity of the surface signal for northern meddies (45°N) is on the order of 2–3 cm, but for subtropical meddies (35°N) it can be on the order of 5–10 cm. The radii of meddy surface signals range from 1 to 2 times the radii of the corresponding meddies. For most of the observed subtropical meddies, the upper limit should be used. Numerical experiments show that surface signals of meddies translated with
‐drift are efficiently dispersed by the radiation of Rossby waves. At the same time, for meddies translated by a background current, the surface signal does not show strong dissipation.
Dust‐induced episodic phytoplankton blooms in the Arabian Sea during winter monsoon
Authors: Banerjee Priyanka , Prasanna Kumar S.
Published: September 2014

Phytoplankton blooms mediated by the oceanic supply of nutrients is a well‐understood phenomenon in the Arabian Sea (AS), while the role of dust deposition in enhancing phytoplankton is less explored. In this paper, we show that during winter monsoon the central Arabian Sea (CAS), away from the realm of active winter convection, supports episodic phytoplankton blooms. These blooms cannot be fully explained by the oceanic input of nutrients through processes such as advection and mixing in the upper ocean. Using satellite images, we tracked about 45 dust storms over the AS during the winter monsoons of 2002–2003 to 2010–2011 of which only eight were followed by chlorophyll enhancements. We used a regional climate model to get possible fluxes of dust and the amount of nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, and iron) that can be derived from the dust depositions. Additionally, we used published in situ nutrients data in conjunction with carbon: nitrogen: phosphorus and iron: carbon molar ratios to compute the potential requirements of different nutrients for the eight cases of chlorophyll enhancements. It is likely that the deepening of the mixed layer can incorporate nitrate and phosphate, but not enough iron from the subsurface waters leading to potential iron limitation. Although, all the phytoplankton blooms within CAS were observed following episodic dust events, only four blooms can be attributed to dust depositions. Our work shows that phytoplankton blooms fueled by episodic dust storms are important in driving the interannual variability in chlorophyll in a region away from active winter convection.
Falling head ponded infiltration in the nonlinear limit
Authors: Triadis D.
Published: September 2014

The Green and Ampt infiltration solution represents only an extreme example of behavior within a larger class of very nonlinear, delta function diffusivity soils. The mathematical analysis of these soils is greatly simplified by the existence of a sharp wetting front below the soil surface. Solutions for more realistic delta function soil models have recently been presented for infiltration under surface saturation without ponding. After general formulation of the problem, solutions for a full suite of delta function soils are derived for ponded surface water depleted by infiltration. Exact expressions for the cumulative infiltration as a function of time, or the drainage time as a function of the initial ponded depth may take implicit or parametric forms, and are supplemented by simple asymptotic expressions valid for small times, and small and large initial ponded depths. As with surface saturation without ponding, the Green‐Ampt model overestimates the effect of the soil hydraulic conductivity. At the opposing extreme, a low‐conductivity model is identified that also takes a very simple mathematical form and appears to be more accurate than the Green‐Ampt model for larger ponded depths. Between these two, the nonlinear limit of Gardner's soil is recommended as a physically valid first approximation. Relative discrepancies between different soil models are observed to reach a maximum for intermediate values of the dimensionless initial ponded depth, and in general are smaller than for surface saturation without ponding.
Influence of YH2 Nanoparticles Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Ferritic Alloys
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Chenxi , Shen Hailong , Cao Yurong , Chou Wusheng
Published: September 2014

YH2 nanoparticles of about 15 nm were prepared and used to substitute Y2O3 nanoparticles to produce the oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) Fe–14Cr–3Al–0.1Ti–2W alloys. With the addition of YH2 nanoparticles, Y2Ti2O7 nanoparticles in coherent with α‐Fe matrix were generated firstly in the Al‐containing ODS alloys due to the reaction of YH2 with Ti and excessive oxygen in the system. When Y2O3 nanoparticles were completely replaced by YH2 nanoparticles, the dispersed oxides in the ODS alloy has the most narrow size distribution from 3 to 30 nm and a small mean size of about 9 nm. The tensile strength of the ODS alloy increased remarkably with the increasing YH2 content. This provides a promising way to control the structure and size of the oxide nanoparticles and develop the high performance Al‐containing ODS alloys.
Improving on Nature: Making a Cyclic Heptapeptide Orally Bioavailable
Authors: Nielsen Daniel S. , Hoang Huy N. , Lohman Rink‐Jan , Hill Timothy A. , Lucke Andrew J. , Craik David J. , Edmonds David J. , Griffith David A. , Rotter Charles J. , Ruggeri Roger B. , Price David A. , Liras Spiros , Fairlie David P.
Published: September 2014

The use of peptides in medicine is limited by low membrane permeability, metabolic instability, high clearance, and negligible oral bioavailability. The prediction of oral bioavailability of drugs relies on physicochemical properties that favor passive permeability and oxidative metabolic stability, but these may not be useful for peptides. Here we investigate effects of heterocyclic constraints, intramolecular hydrogen bonds, and side chains on the oral bioavailability of cyclic heptapeptides. NMR‐derived structures, amide H–D exchange rates, and temperature‐dependent chemical shifts showed that the combination of rigidification, stronger hydrogen bonds, and solvent shielding by branched side chains enhances the oral bioavailability of cyclic heptapeptides in rats without the need for N‐methylation.
Effect of 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate and N‐acryloylmorpholine on the properties of polyurethane/acrylic hybrid materials
Authors: Ma Guozhang , Guan Taotao , Wu Jianbing , Hou Caiying , Wang Gang , Qin Guofeng , Wang Baojun
Published: September 2014

A hybrid synthesis technology was used to prepare waterborne polyurethane/acrylic hybrid emulsions by polymerization of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate(EHA), and N‐acryloylmorpholine (AMCO) in presence of acrylic‐terminated PU dispersion. Various characterization methods were used to investigate the effect of EHA and ACMO content on the properties of the hybrid emulsions and their resultant films. The research results show that the introduction of EHA can enhance the elasticity of their films, meanwhile, ACMO endows the film with high gloss, adhesion on substrate, toughness, and hardness. Mixing the two monomers leads to yield the hybrid materials with moderate properties. While increasing the weight ratio of ACMO/EHA, the average particle size of the hybrid emulsions increases and their viscosity decreases. For the resultant films, their surface water contact angle, adhesion on substrates, tensile strength, and hardness increase, but the water resistance and elasticity decrease. It has been found that EHA and ACMO have a synergistic effect on gloss of the hybrid films and the hydrogen bond interaction increases with an increase in the ACMO content. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41463.
Integrated interactive chart as a tool for teaching metabolic pathways
Authors: Kalogiannis Stavros , Pagkalos Ioannis , Koufoudakis Panagiotis , Dashi Ino , Pontikeri Kyriaki , Christodoulou Constantina
Published: September 2014

An interactive chart of energy metabolism with didactic function, complementary to the already existing metabolic maps, located at the URL www.metpath.teithe.gr is being presented. The chart illustrates the major catabolic and biosynthetic pathways of glucose, fatty acids, and aminoacids, individually as well as in an integrated view. For every metabolite and reaction an information sheet may be presented at the side of the map as fancybox, containing chemical structural formulae, an external link to the KEGG database and links that lead to the reactions at which the produced metabolites may participate as reactants. The latter allows the user to navigate through metabolic reactions following a route similar to the metabolic flow of substances, while keeping track of the occurring chemical transformations. Simultaneously, users may observe how they move across the metabolic map, possibly along different pathways, thus enhancing the user's integrated perception of metabolism. The site has already been introduced in biochemistry lectures and the students evaluated it. Most students were helped a lot or more to understand individual pathways as well as their interconnections and they also found it pleasant and easy to navigate. The vast majority of the students considered its use in the classroom desired. The chart currently may be displayed in English and in Greek while more languages can be integrated in the future. The authors' view, in accordance to the users' perception, is that the presented site may offer biochemistry tutors and students a useful teaching aid. © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(6):501–506, 2014.
Type 1 equilibrative nucleoside transporter regulates astrocyte‐specific glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the striatum
Authors: Hinton David J. , Lee Moonnoh R. , Jang Jin Sung , Choi Doo‐Sup
Published: September 2014

Background

Adenosine signaling has been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. Previously, we found that astrocytic excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) are downregulated in the striatum of mice lacking type 1 equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT1).

Methods

To further investigate the gene expression profile in the striatum, we preformed Illumina Mouse Whole Genome BeadChip microarray analysis of the caudate–putamen (CPu) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) inENT1 null mice. Gene expression was validated byRT‐PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Using transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) under the control of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter, we examinedEGFPexpression in anENT1 null background.

Results

Glial fibrillary acidic protein was identified as a top candidate gene that was reduced in ENT1 null mice compared to wild‐type littermates. Furthermore, EGFP expression was significantly reduced in GFAP‐EGFP transgenic mice in an ENT1 null background in both the CPu and NAc. Finally, pharmacological inhibition or siRNA knockdown of ENT1 in cultured astrocytes also reduced GFAPmRNAlevels.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings demonstrate thatENT1 regulatesGFAPexpression and possibly astrocyte function.
(Un)Targeted Metabolomics in Asteraceae: Probing the Applicability of Essential‐Oil Profiles of Senecio L. (Senecioneae) Taxa in Chemotaxonomy
Authors: Radulović Niko S. , Mladenović Marko Z. , Blagojević Polina D.
Published: September 2014

The possible applicability of (un)targeted metabolomics (volatile metabolites) for revealing taxonomic/evolutionary relationships among Senecio L. species (Asteraceae; tribe Senecioneae) was explored. Essential‐oil compositional data of selected Senecio/Senecioneae/Asteraceae taxa (93 samples in total) were mutually compared by means of multivariate statistical analysis (MVA), i.e., agglomerative hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis. The MVA input data set included the very first compositional data on the essential oil extracted from the aerial parts of S. viscosus L. as well as on four different Serbian populations of S. vernalis Waldst. & Kit. (oils from aerial parts and roots; eight samples in total). This metabolomic screening of Senecio/Senecioneae/Asteraceae species (herein presented results and data from the literature) pointed to short‐chain alk‐1‐enes (e.g., oct‐1‐ene, non‐1‐ene, and undec‐1‐ene), with up to now restricted general occurrence in Plantae, as characteristic chemotaxonomic markers/targets for future metabolomic studies of Senecio/Senecioneae taxa. The MVA additionally showed that the evolution of the terpene metabolism (volatile mono‐ and sesquiterpenoids) within the Asteraceae tribe Senecioneae was not genera specific. However, the MVA did confirm plant‐organ specific production/accumulation of volatiles within S. vernalis and suggested the existence of at least two volatile chemotypes for this species.
‘Yeast Mail’: A Novel Saccharomyces Application (NSA) to Encrypt Messages
Authors: Rosemeyer Helmut , Paululat Achim , Heinisch Jürgen J.
Published: September 2014

The universal genetic code is used by all life forms to encode biological information. It can also be used to encrypt semantic messages and convey them within organisms without anyone but the sender and recipient knowing, i.e., as a means of steganography. Several theoretical, but comparatively few experimental, approaches have been dedicated to this subject, so far. Here, we describe an experimental system to stably integrate encrypted messages within the yeast genome using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based, one‐step homologous recombination system. Thus, DNA sequences encoding alphabetical and/or numerical information will be inherited by yeast propagation and can be sent in the form of dried yeast. Moreover, due to the availability of triple shuttle vectors, Saccharomyces cerevisiae can also be used as an intermediate construction device for transfer of information to either Drosophila or mammalian cells as steganographic containers. Besides its classical use in alcoholic fermentation and its modern use for heterologous gene expression, we here show that baker's yeast can thus be employed in a novel Saccharomyces application (NSA) as a simple steganographic container to hide and convey messages.
DMAEM‐based cationic polymers as novel carriers for DNA delivery into cells
Authors: Tanasienko Iryna V. , Yemets Alla I. , Finiuk Nataliya S. , Stoika Rostyslav R. , Blume Yaroslav B.
Published: September 2014

Different transformation systems and vectors have been improved to increase the effectiveness of transformation and achieve stable expression of target genes. Because classical direct and indirect transformation processes commonly suffer from instability of a gene in the environment, gene deletion, transgene silencing, and poor gene transfer efficiency. Nowadays, gene transformation technologies are based on the use of new carriers (nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, whiskers, and polymers) characterized by better efficiency and reproducibility for the direct DNA delivery into cells. In this review, we have focused on the novel DMAEM‐based direct DNA delivery system and its possible applications for cell transformation.
Cross flow microfiltration of starch nanocrystal suspensions
Authors: Romdhane Ahlem , Aurousseau Marc , Guillet Agnès , Mauret Evelyne
Published: September 2014

Starch nanocrystals (SNC), because of their interesting barrier properties, are of great interest for the formulation of biodegradable nanocomposites. Conventional production process by acid hydrolysis results in a very low yield and a heterogeneous suspension which limits the possibility of scaling up. A continuous process that includes a microfiltration step for isolating starch nanocrystals during the hydrolysis step may be a solution to increase SNC production yield. The main objectives of this study were, first, to quantify the transmission of SNC through membranes under different operating conditions and then to identify the preponderant fouling phenomenon by using simple linear fouling models.

Filtration tests were run using a lab‐scale microfiltration unit. It was equipped with ceramic membranes with a nominal pore sizes of 1.4 µm and 0.8 µm. Suspensions of nanocrystals at 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 % (w/w) were filtered in a concentration mode under different transmembrane pressures (50, 100, and 150 kPa).

Particle size analysis by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) showed that microfiltration is an effective tool for suspension fractionation. Mean diameter of SNC particles was reduced to less than 300 nm in permeate. The transmission through the membrane depended on operating conditions and reached 37 %. The permeate flow rate decreased with time to reach a steady value. The decrease rate was higher when the feed concentration increased. Constant pressure filtration models were used to identify the preponderant fouling phenomenon during filtration and highlighted that the decrease in permeate flow was mainly due to a cake formation on membrane surface.
Relevance of accelerated conditions for the study of monoethanolamine degradation in post‐combustion CO2 capture
Authors: Léonard Grégoire , Toye Dominique , Heyen Georges
Published: September 2014

Solvent degradation represents one of the main operational drawbacks of the post‐combustion CO2 capture process. Degradation not only induces additional costs for solvent make‐up, it also impacts the process efficiency and its environmental penalty due to the emission of various degradation products. There is still a gap of knowledge about the influence of process operating conditions on degradation, making it currently impossible to predict the solvent degradation rate in CO2 capture plants. Morever, the reaction mechanisms corresponding to solvent degradation are very slow, significantly complicating its study in industrial units. In the present work, appropriate experimental equipment and analytical methods are developed for accelerating the degradation of monoethanolamine solvents (MEA). The relevance of accelerated conditions is established by comparing artificially degraded solvent samples with degraded solvent samples from industrial CO2 capture pilot plants. Two approaches are evaluated implying either discontinuous or continuous gas feed, this latest being the most representative of industrial degradation. The respective influences of the gas feed composition and the gas‐liquid transfer are evidenced and quantified. Finally, the present study leads to a better understanding of solvent degradation in the CO2 capture process with MEA. More generally, it also evidences that accelerated conditions at laboratory‐scale may provide relevant information for the study of slow phenomena taking place in large‐scale industrial processes. Further works include the development of a kinetic model for MEA solvent degradation and the extension of this methodology to other promising solvents in order to facilitate the operation and large‐scale deployment of CO2 capture.
A semiparametric inverse‐Gaussian model and inference for survival data with a cured proportion
Authors: Choi Sangbum , Huang Xuelin , Cormier Janice N. , Doksum Kjell A.
Published: September 2014

This work focuses on a semiparametric analysis of a cure rate modelling approach based on a latent failure process. In clinical and epidemiological studies, a Wiener process with drift may represent a patient's health status and a clinical endpoint occurs when the process first reaches an adverse threshold state. The first‐hitting‐time then follows an inverse‐Gaussian distribution. On the basis of the improper inverse‐Gaussian distribution, we consider a process‐based lifetime model that allows for a positive probability of no event taking place in finite time. Model flexibility is achieved by leaving a transformed time measure for disease progression completely unspecified, and regression structures are incorporated into the model by taking the acceleration factor and the threshold parameter as functions of the covariates. When applied to experiments with a cure fraction, this model is compatible with classical two‐mixture or promotion‐time cure rate models. We develop an asymptotically efficient likelihood‐based estimation and inference procedure and derive the large‐sample properties of the estimators. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed method performs well in finite samples. A case study of stage‐III soft tissue sarcoma data is used as an illustration. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 42: 635–649; 2014 © 2014 Statistical Society of Canada
Interdisciplinary sojourns
Authors: Rosenthal Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2014

I was very honoured to receive the SSC 2013 Gold Medal, which caused me to reflect on different aspects of my research career. In this paper, I provide a personal reflection on those projects of mine, which could be regarded as “interdisciplinary.” I present informal summaries of my experiences with these projects, and consider possible lessons to be learned. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 42: 509–524; 2014 © 2014 Statistical Society of Canada
Glucocorticoids for bronchiolitis—should they be used?
Authors: Cohen Eyal
Published: September 2014

Eco‐paediatrics is an occasional feature in Evidence‐Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal. Our goal is to contribute to the worldwide discussion on reducing waste in health care. In each instalment, we will select a recent Cochrane review highlighting a practice, still in use, which the available evidence tells us should be discontinued.
The adaptor protein SAP regulates type II NKT‐cell development, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity against lymphoma
Authors: Weng Xiufang , Liao Chia‐Min , Bagchi Sreya , Cardell Susanna L. , Stein Paul L. , Wang Chyung‐Ru
Published: September 2014

CD1d‐restricted NKT cells represent a unique lineage of immunoregulatory T cells that are divided into two groups, type I and type II, based on their TCR usage. Because there are no specific tools to identify type II NKT cells, little is known about their developmental requirements and functional regulation. In our previous study, we showed that signaling lymphocytic activation molecule associated protein (SAP) is essential for the development of type II NKT cells. Here, using a type II NKT‐cell TCR transgenic mouse model, we demonstrated that CD1d‐expressing hematopoietic cells, but not thymic epithelial cells, meditate efficient selection of type II NKT cells. Furthermore, we showed that SAP regulates type II NKT‐cell development by controlling early growth response 2 protein and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger expression. SAP‐deficient 24αβ transgenic T cells (24αβ T cells) exhibited an immature phenotype with reduced Th2 cytokine‐producing capacity and diminished cytotoxicity to CD1d‐expressing lymphoma cells. The impaired IL‐4 production by SAP‐deficient 24αβ T cells was associated with reduced IFN regulatory factor 4 and GATA‐3 induction following TCR stimulation. Collectively, these data suggest that SAP is critical for regulating type II NKT cell responses. Aberrant responses of these T cells may contribute to the immune dysregulation observed in X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease caused by mutations in SAP.