bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O final da vida no século XXI
Authors: Motta Alda Britto da
Published: June 2013

Apresentação do dossiê.
A Numerical Study for the Solution of Time Fractional Nonlinear Shallow Water Equation in Oceans
Authors: Kumar Sunil
Published: June 2013

In this paper, an analytical solution for the coupled one-dimensional time fractional nonlinear shallow water system is obtained by using the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The shallow water equations are a system of partial differential equations governing fluid flow in the oceans (sometimes), coastal regions (usually), estuaries (almost always), rivers and channels (almost always). The general characteristic of shallow water flows is that the vertical dimension is much smaller than the typical horizontal scale. This method gives an analytical solution in the form of a convergent series with easily computable components, requiring no linearization or small perturbation. A very satisfactory approximate solution of the system with accuracy of the order 10-4 is obtained by truncating the HPM solution series at level six.
Teknik budi daya larva Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) sebagai sumber protein pakan ternak melalui biokonversi limbah loading ramp dari pabrik CPO
Authors: Zarkani Agustin , Miswarti Miswarti
Published: June 2013

Larva lalat Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) merupakan salah satu sumber protein alternatif untuk membuat pelet pakan ternak. Saat ini, produksi larva lalat H. illucens masih terbatas karena media budi daya bergantung pada limbah palm kernel meal (PKM). Penelitian ini bertujuan melakukan rekayasa media berbasis limbah loading ramp pabrik minyak kelapa sawit (CPO) sebagai media alternatif untuk budi daya larva H. illucens. Penelitian dilakukan dengan melakukan analisis fisik dan pada kimia media uji. Evaluasi potensi media dilakukan dengan melihat daya dukung hidup limbah loading ramp yang difermentasi menggunakan EM4®, mikroba rumen dan pupuk organik cair (POC) serta tanpa fermentasi. Perlakuan pengayaan media loading ramp dengan dedak dan sekam pada rasio 1 : 0,25 (v/v); 1 : 0,5 (v/v) dan 1 : 1 (v/v) serta penambahan gula kelapa berbentuk padat 1,25%; 2,5%, dan 5% (b/b). Percobaan disusun dalam Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) melibatkan 20 ekor larva instar ke-2. Larva diinkubasi dalam tabung plastik berdiameter 10 cm dan tinggi 20 cm yang mengandung 300 g media. Respon perbedaan pertumbuhan dan mortalitas dianalisis dengan ANOVA dan uji lanjut least significant differences (LSD) pada taraf 0,05. Analisis ketertarikan dan kesesuaian media dilakukan dengan pengaturan komposisi bahan pengayaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa limbah loading ramp terdiri dari kelopak buah sawit 56%, buah sawit 12%, pasir 20,1%, bebatuan 0,5%, dan lainnya 4,4%. Nutrisi limbah loading ramp mengandung protein 9,8% dan lemak 10,32%. Masing-masing komposisi media loading ramp tanpa pengayaan dan dengan pengayaan mampu mendukung tumbuh kembang larva meskipun dengan tingkat beragam. Media dari limbah loading ramp fermentasi POC dengan pengayaan dedak 1 : 0,5 (v/v) merupakan media budi daya paling potensial.
Struktur komunitas serangga herbivora dan parasitoid pada polong tanaman kacang-kacangan (Fabaceae) di Padang
Authors: Hamid Hasmiandy
Published: June 2013

Kelimpahan dan keanekaragaman serangga herbivora tidak hanya ditentukan oleh tingkat tropic di atasnya, tetapi juga dapat dipengaruhi oleh tingkat tropik di bawahnya. Untuk mempelajari interaksi tritropik antara tumbuhan, serangga herbivora dan parasitoid perlu diketahui struktur komunitas serangga herbivora dan parasitoidnya pada berbagai jenis tumbuhan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari komunitas serangga herbivora dan parasitoid pada polong berbagai jenis tanaman legum di Padang. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode survey dengan cara mengumpulkan polong tumbuhan legum di berbagai habitat. Serangga yang terdapat di dalam polong dipelihara sampai menjadi dewasa. Individu serangga yang tidak muncul dari polong dikeluarkan dengan membedah polong. Metode ini juga digunakan untuk menaksir jumlah biji, baik biji yang rusak maupun tidak rusak pada masing-masing polong. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komposisi serangga herbivora pada polong legum terutama Crotalaria striata didominasi oleh Eucorynus crassicornis, sedangkan komposisi parasitoid didominasi oleh Famili Braconidae. Eucorynus crassicornis memiliki kisaran ekspansi yang lebih luas dibandingkan serangga herbivore lainnya. Serangga tersebut ditemukan pada tiga jenis tanaman legum, yaitu Crotalaria striata, Crotalaria sp., dan Leucaena leucocephala, sedangkan jenis herbivora lainnya hanya menyerang dua jenis legum. Persentase kerusakan tertinggi ditemukan pada Crotalaria striata, yaitu sebesar 74,53%.
Onda corta vs. radio online. Radio Exterior de España en la era digital.
Authors: Fernández Cuesta Antonio
Published: June 2013

Artículo para la sección Tribuna de adComunica.
Internet: de la rapidez a la inmediatez
Authors: Monfort Sánchez Nuria
Published: June 2013

Artículo para la sección Tribuna de adComunica.
Arbitrage homogénéité / taille des segments : proposition d’une approche pour les PME africaines1
Authors: Anasse Augustin
Published: June 2013

Homogénéité et taille des segments sont deux conditions essentielles de la segmentation des marchés. Cependant, ces deux conditions sont souvent antinomiques : plus la taille d’un segment est importante, plus le segment en question est hétérogène et vice versa. Les responsables marketing ont donc besoin d’outils pour réaliser le compromis entre homogénéité et taille des segments. Cet article propose ainsi aux PME africaines une méthode simple et adaptée à leurs exigences.
Les modes de coordination comme analyseurs des relations siège-filiales : une étude de dix firmes multinationales françaises
Authors: Beddi Hanane
Published: June 2013

Notre article porte sur les modes de coordination à l’oeuvre dans les firmes multinationales (FMN) en vue de comprendre la nature des relations établies entre le siège et ses filiales. Des entretiens dans dix FMN françaises ont été menés auprès de dirigeants de siège et de filiales internationales. Nos résultats nous permettent de préciser les mécanismes informels à l’oeuvre dans les relations siège-filiales. Nous proposons également une typologie reposant sur différentes combinaisons des modes de coordination tout en tenant compte des facteurs liés au contexte spécifique des filiales et du groupe.
Towards a Comprehensive Procedure for Developing Measurement Scales for Cross-Cultural Management Research
Authors: Caramelli Marco , van de Vijver Fons J. R.
Published: June 2013

A procedure for developing and testing measurement scales for use in cross-cultural comparative management research is described. The procedure emphasizes the combination of adequate instrument design if a new instrument is used or adequate adaptation procedures if working with an existing instrument and state-of-the-art statistical analyses (notably multigroup confirmatory factor analysis) to test the adequacy of the scales in all groups. The procedure is illustrated in a study of competitive orientation among French, Mexican, US and Italian employees of multinational corporations.
Hopping rim to rim through the Golgi
Authors: Pfeffer Suzanne R
Published: June 2013

A novel approach based on tracking the fate of proteins that become ‘stapled’ to the walls of the Golgi yields insights into the long-sought mechanism of transport through this organelle.
Adaptive control of homogeneous charge compression ignition engines
Authors: Chiang Chia‐Jui , Chou Chih‐Cheng , Lin Jian‐Hong
Published: June 2013

This paper presents an adaptive controller, which maintains consistent ignition timing control of a gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition engine with high dilution in the presence of uncertainty or unknown variation in plant parameters such as exhaust runner wall temperature and cylinder charge properties. The control of the combustion timing is based on manipulating the charge temperature through internal dilution, which is achieved by controlling the lift of a secondary opening of the exhaust valves, also known as the rebreathing lift. The adaptive controller is designed on the basis of a simplified bilinear parametric model, which contains only the cycle‐to‐cycle combustion timing dynamics. Implementation of the designed adaptive controller involves feedforward of the injected fuel and feedback of the combustion timings CA50 and CA90 when 50% and 90% of energy are released, respectively, which alleviates the impact of inevitable errors in estimation of in‐cylinder charge properties such as temperature, pressure, and compositions. It is shown through convergence analysis and closed‐loop simulation of a full‐order engine model that the adaptive controller is able to drive the combustion timing CA50 to desired set points by stabilizing the bilinear dynamics when plant parameters are changing. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Irreversible neurological defects in the lower extremities after haploidentical stem cell transplantation: Possible association with nelarabine
Authors: Kawakami Manabu , Taniguchi Kyoko , Yoshihara Satoshi , Ishii Shinichi , Kaida Katsuji , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Okada Masaya , Watanabe Shohei , Nishina Takuya , Hamada Hidefumi , Nakagawa Masashi , Ogawa Hiroyasu
Published: June 2013

Severe peripheral neuropathy and myelopathy are rare complications after stem cell transplantation (SCT). In our institution, seven patients of precursor T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma without the central nervous involvement who had been treated by nelarabine to control their diseases received SCT from HLA‐haploidentical familial donor (HLA‐haploidentical SCT) with the conditioning regimen including high‐dose cytarabine (HDAC). Three of evaluable six patients developed irreversible paresthesia and muscle weakness in both lower extremities after neutrophil engraftment. The results of nerve conduction studies and short latency somatosensory evoked potentials suggested axonal neuropathy of both lower extremities in all three patients and myelopathy in two patients. Negative findings of PET‐CT, and analyses of repeated cerebrospinal fluid samples and the bone marrow also indicated that tumor involvement was improbable. In all three patients, the symptoms worsened or persisted despite administration of corticosteroid and intravenous immunoglobulin. The high frequency of the neurological symptoms in our patients previously treated by nelarabine strongly suggested the association of the nelarabine use. Furthermore, the HLA‐haploidentical SCT setting and the use of a potentially neurotoxic agent, HDAC might augment the neurotoxicity of nelarabine. It may be desirable that HLA‐haploidentical SCT candidates avoid receiving nelarabine. Am. J. Hematol. 88:853–857, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical and genetic factors associated with venous thromboembolism in myeloma patients treated with lenalidomide‐based regimens
Authors: Bagratuni Tina , Kastritis Efstathios , Politou Marianna , Roussou Maria , Kostouros Efthimios , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Eleutherakis‐Papaiakovou Evangelos , Kanelias Nikolaos , Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: June 2013

Lenalidomide has significant antimyeloma activity but it is associated with a significant risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this study, we assessed clinical and genetic risk factors that may predispose for VTE in myeloma patients who were treated with lenalidomide‐based regimens. We analyzed common clinical and selected genetic factors in 200 consecutive, unselected myeloma patients who were treated with lenalidomide‐based regimens in a single institution. Twelve patients (6%) developed a VTE (nine deep venous thrombosis and three pulmonary embolism). All VTEs occurred in patients who were receiving aspirin prophylaxis; no patient who received LMWH or acenocoumarol had a VTE. The frequency of VTEs was 9.4% in previously untreated and 4.5% in previously treated patients. VTEs were more frequent in patients >65 years (8.1% vs. 1.6%) especially among patients receiving aspirin as prophylaxis (10.4% vs. 1.8% for patients ≤65 years). In patients who received prophylaxis with low dose aspirin a single‐nucleotide polymorphism in NFκB1 (rs3774968) gene was associated with increased risk of VTE (OR 3.76, 95%CI 1–16, P = 0.051). None of the patients who developed VTEs had common genetic variations that are associated with increased risk of VTEs in the general population, such as FVLeiden and FIIG20210A. Our data indicated that LMWH or vitamin K antagonists (with a target INR 2–3) effectively reduce the risk of VTEs. In patients who received prophylaxis with aspirin genetic variants of genes that are involved directly or indirectly in inflammatory response may be associated with increased risk of VTE. Am. J. Hematol. 88:765–770, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with thalassemia in North America and the United Kingdom
Authors: Thompson Alexis A. , Kim Hae‐Young , Singer Sylvia T. , Vichinsky Elliott , Eile Jennifer , Yamashita Robert , Giardina Patricia J. , Olivieri Nancy , Parmar Nagina , Trachtenberg Felicia , Neufeld Ellis J. , Kwiatkowski Janet L. ,   for the Thalassemia Clinical Research Network
Published: June 2013

Improved survival in thalassemia has refocused attention on quality of life, including family planning. Understanding the issues associated with infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes may impact clinical care of patients with thalassemia. We report the number and outcomes of pregnancies among subjects enrolled in Thalassemia Clinical Research Network (TCRN) registries and examine variables associated with successful childbirth. We identified 129 pregnancies in 72 women among the 264 women, age 18 years or older in our dataset. Over 70% of pregnancies resulted in live births and 73/83 (88%) of live births occurred at full term. Most pregnancies (78.2%) were conceived without reproductive technologies. Most (59.3%) pregnancies occurred while on chronic transfusion programs, however only 38.9% were on iron chelation. Four women developed heart problems. Iron burden in women who had conceived was not significantly different from age‐ and diagnosis‐matched controls that had never been pregnant. There was also no difference in pregnancy outcomes associated with diagnosis, transfusion status, diabetes or Hepatitis C infection. Pregnancies occurred in 27.3% of women with thalassemia of child‐bearing age in the TCRN registries, a notable increase from our previous 2004 report. With optimal health maintenance, successful pregnancies may be achievable. Am. J. Hematol. 88:771–773, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Little Effect of Gestation at 3,100 m on Fetal Fat Accretion or the Fetal Circulation
Authors: Schwartz Joel , Cioffi‐Ragan Darleen , Wilson Megan J. , Julian Colleen G. , Beatty Brenda , Moore Lorna G. , Galan Henry L.
Published: June 2013

Objective

While chronic hypoxia has been recognized as the principal causative factor for decreasing birth weight at high altitude, unknown is whether fetal fat accretion and vascular function are affected.

Methods

Colorado women with normal singleton pregnancies (18 Denver residents, 1,600 m; 24 Leadville residents, 3,100 m) were studied longitudinally from 20 to 36 weeks gestation. Fetal biometry was used to obtain axial images for assessing mid‐upper arm and mid‐thigh subcutaneous tissue mass (MUA and MUL SQ) and Doppler waveform analysis conducted to measure indices of vascular function in the fetal umbilical arteries (UmbA), umbilical vein (UmbV), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and ductus venosus (DV). SAS PROC MIXED was used to compare altitudes with P < 0.05 considered significant and trends present when 0.05 < P < 0.10.

Results

The 3,100 m vs. 1,600 m babies weighed less at birth. Third trimester fetal biometry, MUA SQ and MUL SQ were somewhat lower, but neither the biometry nor the SQ altitudinal differences attained statistical significance. Greater prepregnant maternal BMI tended to decrease MUA SQ (P = 0.07) and increase MUL SQ (P = 0.07). UmbA S/D ratios decreased and UmbV flow increased with advancing gestation (both P < 0.001). Altitude did not affect the UmbA or MCA systolic/diastolic ratios (S/D), MCA peak‐systolic velocity, UmbV flow, or the DV systolic/atrial flow ratio.

Conclusion

The hypoxia of residence at high compared to moderate altitude lowered birth weight but did not significantly alter MUA or mid‐thigh fetal subcutaneous tissue mass or Doppler indices of vascular function. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:544–549, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cranial morphological variation among contemporary Mexicans: Regional trends, ancestral affinities, and genetic comparisons
Authors: Hughes Cris E. , Tise Meredith L. , Trammell Lindsay H. , Anderson Bruce E.
Published: June 2013

Genetic research has documented geographical variation within Mexico that corresponds to trends in ancestry admixture from postcolonial times on. The purpose of this study is to determine whether craniometric variation among contemporary Mexicans is comparable to that reported in genetic studies. Standard osteometric measurements were taken on 82 male crania derived from forensic cases, with geographic origins of the specimens spanning over two‐thirds of Mexico's states. To study similarities in regional clustering patterns with genetic data, k‐means clustering analyses were performed, followed by chi‐square tests of association between cluster assignments and geographic region of origin. Normal mixtures analyses were performed, centered on three “ancestral” sample proxies to estimate classification probability to each ancestry. The results demonstrate that the cranial morphological sample data cluster similarly to the regional groupings inferred from the genetic data. Additionally, the results indicate a gradient trend in population structure for contemporary Mexicans, with the proportion of Amerindian ancestry increasing from North to South while, conversely, European ancestry proportion estimates increase from South to North. Furthermore, the probabilities for classification of African ancestry remained low across the regions, again reflecting the results for the genetic data. Cranial morphological variation is well aligned with the genetic data for describing broad trends among Mexican populations, as well as yielding comparable estimates of general ancestry affiliations that reflect Mexico's history of Spanish contact and colonialism. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:506–517, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Foaming of polypropylene with supercritical carbon dioxide: An experimental and theoretical study on a new process
Authors: Ding Jie , Ma Weihua , Song Fujiao , Zhong Qin
Published: June 2013

A new process was used to foam polypropylene (PP) with batch foaming technique with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as the blowing agent. Comparing with the conventional process, the new one takes less time to foam and the foaming temperature range is much broader, which is about 2.5 h and 55°C, respectively. An activation model was established on the basis of mass equilibrium, this model was combined with classical nucleation theory and S‐L EOS model to explain foaming behaviors of PP and simulate the cell nucleation and cell diameter. A satisfactory agreement between calculated and experimental values was obtained. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2877–2885, 2013
Mastering methodological pitfalls for surviving the metagenomic jungle
Authors: Delmont Tom O. , Simonet Pascal , Vogel Timothy M.
Published: June 2013

Metagenomics is a culture‐ and PCR‐independent approach that is now widely exploited for directly studying microbial evolution, microbial ecology, and developing biotechnologies. Observations and discoveries are critically dependent on DNA extraction methods, sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics tools. The potential pitfalls need to be understood and, to some degree, mastered if the resulting data are to survive scrutiny. In particular, methodological variations appear to affect results from different ecosystems differently, thus increasing the risk of biological and ecological misinterpretation. Part of the difficulty is derived from the lack of knowledge concerning the true microbial diversity and because no approach can guarantee accessing microorganisms in the same proportion in which they exist in the environment. However, the variation between different approaches (e.g. DNA extraction techniques, sequence annotation systems) can be used to evaluate whether observations are meaningful. These methodological variations can be integrated into the error analysis before comparing microbial communities.
Ligand Binding Promiscuity of Human Liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein: Structural and Dynamic Insights from an Interaction Study with Glycocholate and Oleate
Authors: Favretto Filippo , Assfalg Michael , Gallo Mariana , Cicero Daniel Oscar , D'Onofrio Mariapina , Molinari Henriette
Published: June 2013

Human liver fatty acid binding protein (hL‐FABP) has been reported to act as an intracellular shuttle of lipid molecules, thus playing a central role in systemic metabolic homeostasis. The involvement of hL‐FABP in the transport of bile salts has been postulated but scarcely investigated. Here we describe a thorough NMR investigation of glycocholate (GCA) binding to hL‐FABP. The protein molecule bound a single molecule of GCA, in contrast to the 1:2 stoichiometry observed with fatty acids. GCA was found to occupy the large internal cavity of hL‐FABP, without requiring major conformational rearrangement of the protein backbone; rather, this led to increased stability, similar to that estimated for the hL‐FABP:oleate complex. Fast‐timescale dynamics appeared not to be significantly perturbed in the presence of ligands. Slow motions (unlike for other proteins of the family) were retained or enhanced upon binding, consistent with a requirement for structural plasticity for promiscuous recognition.
CO2/CH4 Separation by Adsorption using Nanoporous Metal organic Framework Copper‐Benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate Tablet
Authors: Asadi T. , Ehsani M. R. , Ribeiro A. M. , Loureiro J. M. , Rodrigues A. E.
Published: June 2013

Equilibrium data for carbon dioxide and methane adsorption on nanoporous metal organic framework Cu‐BTC powder and tablets were measured in a magnetic suspension balance in the temperature range of 308–373 K and a pressure range of 0–7 bar and fitted with Langmuir model. The tablets adsorption loading is 0.63 mol kg–1 for methane and 3.1 mol kg–1 for carbon dioxide at 1 bar and 308 K, while these values are 0.77 and 3.9 mol kg–1 for powder in the same conditions. Isosteric heats of adsorption were 22.8 and 15.0 kJ mol–1 for carbon dioxide and methane, respectively, on both adsorbents, which indicates a strong adsorption of carbon dioxide. Also, single and binary breakthrough curves were measured in the same temperature range and atmospheric pressure by using Cu‐BTC tablets as adsorbent. A complete model was used in the simulation of breakthrough curves and good agreement was observed with experimental data.
Predicting Readmission or Death After Acute ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Brown Jeremiah R. , Conley Sheila M. , Niles Nathaniel W.
Published: June 2013

Background

Risk factors for emergent readmissions or death after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are important in identifying patients at risk for major adverse events. However, there has been limited investigation conducted of prospective clinical registries to determine relevant risk factors.

Hypothesis

We hypothesize 30‐day readmission or death could be predicted using patient, procedural, and process factors.

Methods

Patients presenting with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from 2006 to 2011 were prospectively enrolled in a STEMI registry (1271 patients). Thirty‐day readmission was ascertained by administrative claims data. Death was determined by linking to the Social Security Death Master File. Univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression was conducted with Hosmer‐Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit statistics for model calibration and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for model discrimination.

Results

The combined end point of 30‐day readmission or postdischarge death included 135 patients (10.6%), including 109 emergent readmissions and 26 deaths. Factors associated with an increase risk of 30‐day readmission or postdischarge death included age ≥80 years, diabetes, chest pain or cardiac arrest at presentation, and 3‐vessel disease found at initial angiography. Factors associated with a decreased risk of 30‐day readmission or postdischarge death included transfer to the catheterization lab from another emergency department, clopidogrel given during the procedure hypercholesterolemia, and receiving aspirin, β‐blockers, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme or angiotensin receptor blocker inhibitors at discharge. Index admission outcomes indicative of readmission or death postdischarge only included a new diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The model discriminated well with an ROC of 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.66‐0.76).

Conclusions

Prehospitalization factors are overlooked and are important factors to incorporate in routine risk prediction models for readmission or death within 30 days following an AMI.
Enhanced Lithium Battery with Polyethylene Oxide‐Based Electrolyte Containing Silane–Al2O3 Ceramic Filler
Authors: Zewde Berhanu W. , Admassie Shimelis , Zimmermann Jutta , Isfort Christian Schulze , Scrosati Bruno , Hassoun Jusef
Published: June 2013

A solid polymer electrolyte prepared by using a solvent‐free, scalable technique is reported. The membrane is formed by low‐energy ball milling followed by hot‐pressing of dry powdered polyethylene oxide polymer, LiCF3SO3 salt, and silane‐treated Al2O3 (Al2O3‐ST) ceramic filler. The effects of the ceramic fillers on the properties of the ionically conducting solid electrolyte membrane are characterized by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, XRD, differential scanning calorimeter, SEM, and galvanostatic cycling in lithium cells with a LiFePO4 cathode. We demonstrate that the membrane containing Al2O3‐ST ceramic filler performs well in terms of ionic conductivity, thermal properties, and lithium transference number. Furthermore, we show that the lithium cells, which use the new electrolyte together with the LiFePO4 electrode, operate within 65 and 90 °C with high efficiency and long cycle life. Hence, the Al2O3‐ST ceramic can be efficiently used as a ceramic filler to enhance the performance of solid polymer electrolytes in lithium batteries.
Assessing the cryptic invasion of a domestic conspecific: American mink in their native range
Authors: Beauclerc Kaela B. , Bowman Jeff , Schulte‐Hostedde Albrecht I.
Published: June 2013

Control of invasions is facilitated by their early detection, but this may be difficult when invasions are cryptic due to similarity between invaders and native species. Domesticated conspecifics offer an interesting example of cryptic invasions because they have the ability to hybridize with their native counterparts, and can thus facilitate the introgression of maladaptive genes. We assessed the cryptic invasion of escaped domestic American mink (Neovison vison) within their native range. Feral mink are a known alien invader in many parts of the world, but invasion of their native range is not well understood. We genetically profiled 233 captive domestic mink from different farms in Ontario, Canada and 299 free‐ranging mink from Ontario, and used assignments tests to ascertain genetic ancestries of free‐ranging animals. We found that 18% of free‐ranging mink were either escaped domestic animals or hybrids, and a tree regression showed that these domestic genotypes were most likely to occur south of a latitude of 43.13°N, within the distribution of mink farms in Ontario. Thus, domestic mink appear not to have established populations in Ontario in locations without fur farms. We suspect that maladaptation of domestic mink and outbreeding depression of hybrid and introgressed mink have limited their spread. Mink farm density and proximity to mink farms were not important predictors of domestic genotypes but rather, certain mink farms appeared to be important sources of escaped domestic animals. Our results show that not all mink farms are equal with respect to biosecurity, and thus that the spread of domestic genotypes can be mitigated by improved biosecurity.
Facile Fabrication of Highly‐Dispersed Nickel Nanoparticles with Largely Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity
Authors: Kong Xianggui , Zhao Jingwen , Shi Wenying , Wei Min
Published: June 2013

Supported nickel nanoparticles with high dispersion have been prepared by partial reduction of NiAl‐layered double hydroxide (NiAl‐LDH) precursors, which exhibit significant electrocatalytic behavior towards glucose. XRD and XPS results confirm that the nickel nanoparticles are successfully synthesized. TEM images reveal that the nickel nanoparticles are highly dispersed in the NiAl‐LDH matrix with a size of 6±0.3 nm. The resulting nanocomposite modified electrode displays significant electrocatalytic performance to glucose with a broad linear response range (8.0×10−5–2.0×10−3 M), low detection limit (3.6 µM), high sensitivity (339.2 µA/mM), selectivity and excellent reproducibility as well as repeatability.
Piloting and validation of a novel self‐administered online cognitive screening tool in normal older persons: the Cognitive Function Test
Authors: Trustram Eve Catharine , de Jager Celeste A.
Published: June 2013

Background

Subtle cognitive changes have been described that may predate the onset of clinically recognizable Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may reflect pathological changes in the brain that are detectable up to 10 years before the onset of AD. Early screening for cognitive status can have benefits in terms of early management and prevention strategies for cognitive decline.

Method

A novel computerized cognitive screening tool, the Cognitive Function Test (CFT), was compared with established paper tests of episodic memory, executive function and processing speed, domains previously shown to be predictive of AD, with 50 normal participants, Mini Mental State Examination ≥24, mean age 58.1, SD 5.6 years (range 50–65). An online version, self‐administered by 195 eligible respondents without significant memory complaints or dementia, was assessed.

Results

Significant correlations (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001) were found between the CFT and paper tests in a pilot study, showing concurrent validity. The pilot computerized tests were compared with the online version, and no differences were found in mean scores on the total test and domain‐specific scores using an algorithm derived from the pilot CFT scores, thus showing internal consistency and reliability of the online format. Norms and 1.5 SD cut‐offs for the CFT are presented.

Conclusion

The online CFT was shown to be suitable for self‐administration in online format (with a mouse response mode) for this midlife age group. Individuals may wish to monitor their cognitive performance before memory concerns are sufficient to warrant visiting a GP or memory clinic. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discovery and Mechanism of Type III Secretion System Inhibitors
Authors: May Aaron Elijah , Khosla Chaitan
Published: June 2013

The Type III Secretion System (TTSS) is indispensable for virulence of many Gram‐negative pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp., Vibrio spp., Chlamydia spp., Shigella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Xanthomonas spp., and Auromonas spp. Such pathogenic bacteria are responsible for diseases such as plague, shigellosis, chlamydia, cholera, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis. This review offers insights into the known inhibitors of the TTSS, their discovery, and their mode of action.
Application of real‐time GPS to earthquake early warning in subduction and strike‐slip environments
Authors: Colombelli Simona , Allen Richard M. , Zollo Aldo
Published: June 2013

We explore the application of GPS data to earthquake early warning and investigate whether the coseismic ground deformation can be used to provide fast and reliable magnitude estimations and ground shaking predictions. We use an algorithm to extract the permanent static offset from GPS displacement time series and invert for the slip distribution on the fault plane, which is discretized into a small number of rectangular patches. We developed a completely “self‐adapting” strategy in which the initial fault plane model is built based on a quick, approximate magnitude estimation and is then allowed to increase in size based on the evolutionary magnitude estimation resulting from the slip inversion. Two main early warning outputs are delivered in real‐time: magnitude and the along‐strike extent of the rupture area. These are finally used to predict the expected ground shaking due to the finite source. We tested the proposed strategy by simulating real‐time environments for three earthquakes. For theMw9.0, 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake, our algorithm provides the first magnitude estimate of 8.2 at 39 s after the origin time and then gradually increases to 8.9 at 120 s. The estimated rupture length remains constant from the outset at ~360 km. For theMw8.3, 2003 Tokachi‐Oki earthquake, the initial magnitude estimate is 8.5 at 24 s and drops to 8.2 at 40 s with a rupture length of 290 km. Finally, for theMw7.2, 2010 El Mayor‐Cucapah earthquake, the magnitude estimate is 7.0 from the outset with a rupture length of 140 km. The accuracy of the ground shaking prediction using the GPS‐based magnitude and finite extent is significantly better than existing seismology‐based point source approaches. This approach would also facilitate more rapid tsunami warnings.
The shallow structure of Kīlauea caldera from high‐resolution Bouguer gravity and total magnetic anomaly mapping: Insights into progressive magma reservoir growth
Authors: Zurek Jeffrey , Williams‐Jones Glyn
Published: June 2013

We conducted total magnetic field and Bouguer gravity measurements to investigate the shallow structure beneath the summit caldera of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai'i. Two significant and distinctive magnetic anomalies were identified within the caldera. One is interpreted to be associated with a long‐lived prehistoric eruptive center, the Observatory vent, located ~1 km east of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The second magnetic anomaly corresponds to a set of eruptive fissures that strike northeast from Halema'uma'u Crater, suggesting this is an important transport pathway for magma. The Bouguer gravity data were inverted to produce 3‐D models of density contrasts in the upper 2 km beneath Kīlauea. The models detect 3.0 km3 of material, denser than 2800 kg m−3, beneath the caldera that may represent an intrusive complex centered northeast of Halema'uma'u. Recent temporal gravity studies indicate continual addition of mass beneath the caldera during 1975–2008 centered west of Halema'uma'u and suggest this is due to filling of void space. The growth of a large intrusive complex, apparent cyclical caldera formation, and continual mass addition without inflation, however, can also be explained by extensional rifting caused by the continual southward movement of Kīlauea's unstable south flank.
Maximal triangle‐free graphs with restrictions on the degrees
Authors: Füredi Zoltán , Seress Ákos
Published: June 2013

We investigate the problem that at least how many edges must a maximal triangle‐free graph on n vertices have if the maximal valency is ≤D. Denote this minimum value by F(n, D). For large enough n, we determine the exact value of F(n, D) if D ≥ (n − 2)/2 and we prove that lim F(n, cn)/n = K(c) exists for all 0 < c with the possible exception of a sequence ck → 0. The determination of K(c) is a finite problem on all intervals [γ, ∞). For D = cnϵ, 1/2 < ϵ < 1, we give upper and lower bounds for F(n, D) differing only in a constant factor. (Clearly, D < (n ‐ 1)1/2 is impossible in a maximal triangle‐free graph.)
Minimal locally cyclic triangulations of the projective plane
Authors: Fisk Steve , Mohar Bojan , Nedela Roman
Published: June 2013

A triangulation of a surface is locally cyclic if each cycle of length three in its 1‐skeleton bounds a face. It is shown that any locally cyclic triangulation of the projective plane can be obtained by repeatedly using the vertex splitting operation and starting with one of five minimal locally cyclic triangulations.
A neighborhood condition which implies the existence of a class of d‐chromatic subgraphs
Authors: Knisley Debra J.
Published: June 2013

A graph G of order n satisfies the neighborhood condition NCk > s if any collection of k independent vertices is collectively adjacent to more than s vertices. Given a family H of graphs, the decomposition class β(H) is the family of graphs B with the property that for some H ∈ H of chromatic number d, H contains B as an induced subgraph and l̀V(H) − V(B)ǹ is (d − 2) colorable. Let H be a family of d‐chromatic graphs, B an element of β(H) such that B contains an s‐matching as an induced subgraph. Thus the cardinality of one of the partite sets of B is s + r for some integer r ≥ 0. We show that if t is a fixed positive integer, G is a graph of sufficiently large order n that satisfies the neighborhood condition

then G contains B + K(d ‐ 2; t) as a subgraph.
Globally sparse vertex‐ramsey graphs
Authors: Kurek Andrzej , Ruciński Andrzej
Published: June 2013

For graphs G and F we write F → (G)1r if every r‐coloring of the vertices of F results in a monochromatic copy of G. The global density m(F) of F is the maximum ratio of the number of edges to the number of vertices taken over all subgraphs of F. Let

We show that

The lower bound is achieved by complete graphs, whereas, for all r ≥ 2 and ϵ > 0, mcr(Sk, r) > r ‐ ϵ for sufficiently large k, where Sk is the star with k arms. In particular, we prove that
Antioxidant enzyme influences germination, stress tolerance, and virulence of Isaria fumosorosea
Authors: Ali Shaukat , Huang Zhen , Li Huaxing , Bashir Muhammad Hamid , Ren Shunxiang
Published: June 2013

Antioxidizing enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidae) are important enzymatic systems used to degrade hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thereby lowering intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels. Entomopathogenic fungi display increased activities of antioxidizing enzymes during growth and germination, which is necessary to counteract the hyperoxidant state produced by oxidative metabolism. We studied the influence of different carbon sources on antioxidizing enzyme production by Isaria fumosorosea to determine the importance of antioxiding enzymes induction in fungal germination, stress tolerance and virulence. Conidia produced by colonies grown on hydrocarbons showed higher rates of enzyme activities compared to the control and the enzyme activities of the conidia produced on n‐octacosane were higher than all the other treatments. The lipid peroxidation activities were observed as an indicative marker of oxidative damage to cells and the lowest levels of lipid peroxidation activities were observed for n‐octacosane treatment. The increased enzyme activities of n‐octacosane‐ grown conidia were accompanied by higher levels of resistance to exogenous hydrogen peroxide, reduction in germination time and higher virulence against Spodoptera exigua. Our study has helped to identify that increased activities of antioxidizing enzymes can improve the germination and tolerance to antioxidant stress response of I. fumosorosea.
Delayed mobilization after microsurgical reconstruction: An independent risk factor for pneumonia
Authors: Yeung Justin K. , Harrop Robertson , McCreary Olivia , Leung Leslie T. , Hirani Naushad , McKenzie David , de Haas Vim , Matthews T. Wayne , Nakoneshny Steve , Dort Joseph C. , Schrag Christiaan
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Large defects secondary to oral cancer resection are reconstructed with microsurgical free flaps. Pulmonary complications in these patients are common. Postoperative mobilization is recommended to decrease respiratory complications; however, many microsurgeons are reluctant to adopt early mobilization protocols due to the perceived risk of flap compromise. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pneumonia among patients undergoing oral cancer resection and immediate free flap reconstruction and to compare the incidence of this complication between patients mobilized early (<4 days postoperative) versus later. A secondary goal was to determine whether early postoperative mobilization affected microvascular flap outcome.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Sixty‐two consecutive patients treated between 2005 and 2009 with oral carcinoma resection and free flap reconstruction were studied. Information pertaining to comorbidities, postoperative care, and complications were collected. Risk factors for development of pulmonary and flap complications were analyzed.

Results

The incidence of pneumonia was 30.6%. Longer intensive care unit stay (P = 0.01), tracheostomy decannulation later than 10 days (P = 0.04), and longer operative times (P = 0.04) were significantly associated with pneumonia. Delayed mobilization (after day 4 postoperative) was an independent risk factor for pneumonia (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.1, 17.1). Early mobilization (before day 4 postoperative) was not associated with an increased incidence of secondary flap procedures or flap failure.

Conclusion

Late mobilization of free flap patients is an independent risk factor for developing postoperative pneumonia. Earlier mobilization does not increase flap failure rates, is safe, and should be strongly considered in all free flap patients to reduce pulmonary complications.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2996–3000, 2013
Curcumin as a regulator of epigenetic events
Authors: Teiten Marie‐Hélène , Dicato Mario , Diederich Marc
Published: June 2013

Epigenetic alterations correspond to changes in DNA methylation, covalent modifications of histones, or altered miRNA expression patterns. These three mechanisms are interconnected and appear to be key players in tumor progression and failure of conventional chemotherapy. Dietary components emerged as a promising source of new epigenetically active compounds able to reverse these alterations and to actively regulate gene expression as well as molecular targets implicated in tumorigenesis. The polyphenolic compound curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a yellow spice that enters into the composition of curry, already described for its diverse and broad biological activities, is nowadays well described as an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase so that it is considered as a DNA hypomethylating agent. It reestablishes the balance between histone acetyl transferase and histone deacetylase (HDAC 1, 3, 4, 5, 8) activity to selectively activate or inactivate the expression of genes implicated in cancer death and progression, respectively. Finally curcumin modulates miRNAs (miR‐15a, miR‐16, miR‐21, miR‐22, miR‐26, miR‐101, miR‐146, miR‐200, miR‐203, and let‐7) and their multiple target genes. In conclusion, this dietary compound is able to restore the epigenetic regulation balance and appears as an attractive preventive and/or therapeutic approach against human cancer.
Conformational change, intrachain aggregation and photophysical properties of regioregular poly(3‐octylthiophene) in alkanes
Authors: Potai Ruttayapon , Kamphan Anothai , Traiphol Rakchart
Published: June 2013

ABSTACT

This study explores the role of segmental solubility of regioregular poly(3‐octylthiophene) (rr‐P3OT) on chain organization and its photophysical properties. In good solvent chlorobenzene (CRB), rr‐P3OT chain adopts an extended conformation, allowing long conjugation length of π‐electrons. Cyclohexane is a good solvent for octyl side chain but a poor solvent for the thiophene backbone. The selective segmental interactions of rr‐P3OT with this solvent induce conformational change of the polymer. Addition of cyclohexane into the CRB solution leads to chain coiling, which in turn causes significant decrease of the conjugation length. Absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the rr‐P3OT in cyclohexane exhibit a blueshift of about 16 nm compared to those of the CRB solution. The change of chain conformation is also detectable by monitoring the variation of quantum yield upon increasing cyclohexane ratio. The quantum yield drops from 0.17 ± 0.01 to 0.11 ± 0.01 when the extended rr‐P3OT chain transforms into coiled conformation. Hexane is a nonsolvent for rr‐P3OT due to its relatively low solubility parameter. The addition of hexane into rr‐P3OT solution in cyclohexane forces dense packing of thiophene rings within the coiled chain. An intrachain aggregation occurs in this system, leading to the appearance of three distinct redshift peaks in absorption spectra and the drastic drop of quantum yield. Correlation between the growth of redshift peaks and the decrease of quantum yield is clearly observed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1288–1297
Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon with Mesopore Confinement Efficiently Enhances the Tolerance, Sensitivity, and Stability of a Pt Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Gao Shuyan , Fan Hao , Wei Xianjun , Li Liang , Bando Yoshio , Golberg Dmitri
Published: June 2013

Electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) present some of the most challenging vulnerability issues reducing ORR performance and shortening their practical lifetime. Fuel crossover resistance, selective activity, and catalytic stability of ORR catalysts are still to be addressed. Here, a facile and in situ template‐free synthesis of Pt‐containing mesoporous nitrogen‐doped carbon composites (Pt‐m‐N‐C) is designed and specifically developed to overcome its drawback as an electrocatalyst for ORR, while its high activity is sustained. The as‐prepared Pt‐m‐N‐C catalyst exhibits high electrocatalytic activity, dominant four‐electron oxygen reduction pathway, superior stability, fuel crossover resistance, and selective activity to a commercial Pt/C catalyst in 0.1 m KOH aqueous solution. Such excellent performance benefits from in situ covalent incorporation of Pt nanoparticles with optimal size into N‐doped carbon support, dense active catalytic sites on surface, excellent electrical contacts between the catalytic sites and the electron‐conducting host, and a favorable mesoporous structure for the stabilization of the Pt nanoparticles by pore confinement and diffusion of oxygen molecules.
Tongkat Ali as a Potential Herbal Supplement for Physically Active Male and Female Seniors—A Pilot Study
Authors: Henkel Ralf R. , Wang Ruxiang , Bassett Susan H. , Chen Tao , Liu Na , Zhu Ying , Tambi Mohd Ismail
Published: June 2013

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia; TA) is known to increase testosterone levels and alleviate aging males' symptoms. This study aimed at investigating TA as an ergogenic supplement for elderly people. Thirteen physically active male and 12 physically active female seniors (57–72 years) were supplemented with 400‐mg TA extract daily for 5 weeks. Standard hematological parameters were taken. In addition, the concentrations of total and free testosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone, cortisol, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, and sex hormone‐binding globulin were analyzed. As additional biochemical parameters, blood urea nitrogen and creatine kinase as parameters of kidney function and muscle damage, respectively, as well as the muscle strength by a simple handgrip test were determined. After treatment, hemoglobin, testosterone, and dihydroepiandrosterone concentrations, and the ratio of total testosterone/cortisol and muscle force remained significantly lower in female seniors than in male seniors. Hematocrit and erythrocyte count in male seniors increased slightly but were significantly higher than in female seniors. Treatment resulted in significant increases in total and free testosterone concentrations and muscular force in men and women. The increase in free testosterone in women is thought to be due to the significant decline in sex hormone‐binding globulin concentrations. The study affirms the ergogenic benefit of TA through enhanced muscle strength. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.