bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canopy interception by a spruce forest in the upper reach of Heihe River basin, Northwestern China
Authors: Peng Huanhua , Zhao Chuanyan , Feng Zhaodong , Xu Zhonglin , Wang Chao , Zhao Yang
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study is to understand the canopy interception of Qinghai spruce forest under conditions of different precipitation characteristics and canopy structures in the upper reach of Heihe River basin, northwestern China. On the basis of a continuous record covering our investigating period by an automatic throughfall‐collecting system, we analysed the relationships between the canopy interception and the precipitation characteristics. Our results support the well‐established exponential decay relationship between the gross precipitation and the interception percentage after the canopy is saturated. But our results sufficiently illustrate a notable point that the variations in the interception percentage are almost independent from the variations in the gross precipitation before the canopy is saturated. Our examination into the relationship between the interception and the 10‐min average intensity of precipitation demonstrates a divergent relationship, and the divergent relationship is bracketed by an upper ‘dry line’ indicating that 100% of gross precipitation was intercepted before saturation and by a lower ‘wet line’ suggesting that the actual canopy storage capacity reached the maximum and evaporation was the only component of the interception. To search for the relationship between canopy structures and interception, we grouped the canopy covers over the 90 throughfall‐collecting tanks into ten categories ranging from 0 (no cover) to 0.9 (nearly completely covered), and the corresponding canopy interception was calculated by subtracting the averaged throughfall of each canopy‐cover category from the gross precipitation. The results show that the interception percentage increases faster with increasing canopy cover under intermediate rainfall conditions than that under heavy rainfall conditions. Unexpectedly, under light rainfall conditions the increasing rate of interception percentage with increasing canopy cover and also with increasing plant area index is not faster than that under the intermediate rainfall conditions simply because the tank‐measured percentage of interception was extremely high at near‐zero canopy cover conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New test strategy for dung beetles during the authorization process of parasiticides
Authors: Adler Nicole , Bachmann Jean , Römbke Jörg
Published: January 2013

According to European legislation, an environmental risk assessment (ERA) of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) for dung fauna is required in the authorization process, if the substance acts as a parasiticide for the treatment of pasture animals. In the past, however, the demonstration of the environmental safety of those VMPs for dung fauna was strongly hampered by the fact that no standardized tests were available. Therefore, starting with recommendations from the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) advisory group, dung organism toxicity test standardization (DOTTS) test systems for phase II Tier A standardized tests on the mortality of dung fly and dung beetle larvae were developed and published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2008 and 2010. If a risk is identified for dung organisms in phase II Tier A of the ERA process, further tests are required for Tier B. So far, however, no advice is given for such studies in the existing guidelines. Therefore, 4 workshops took place between 2007 and 2009 with international dung fauna experts (Aveiro-Group) to find an appropriate test strategy for dung fauna organisms beyond Tier A mortality testing. For the first time, 2 different Tier B extended laboratory test approaches for dung beetles and test strategies for scenarios beyond Tier B are described in more detail. In case the risk assessment is still not clear, further options for Tier C (i.e., field studies) or Tier D (modeling) are briefly presented. Finally, the role of uncertainty and variability of test results is discussed, including recommendations for assessment factors for the different tiers to be used when assessing the risk of VMPs on dung organisms. The approach, especially the test strategy, will help industry, consultants, and assessors appropriately assess the environmental risk assessments during the authorization procedure of parasiticides. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:524–530. © 2013 SETAC
Rapid Genotypic Detection of rpoB and katG Gene Mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates from Northern India as Determined by MAS‐PCR
Authors: Gupta Anamika , Prakash Pradyot , Singh Surya K. , Anupurba Shampa
Published: January 2013

Background

There is a growing need to develop rapid laboratory research methods to counter the menace of drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) cases worldwide especially in developing countries. The present study was undertaken to investigate the type and frequency of rpoB and katG mutations in rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistant strains respectively of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) circulating in Northern India and to explore the utility of multiplex‐allele‐specific (MAS)‐PCR assay for detection of drug‐resistant MTB isolates in low resource set up. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 27:31–37, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Methods

Phenotypic and genotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed on 354 MTB isolates.

Results

Mutation in rpoB gene was found most frequently at codons 531, 526 and 516 (59.83%, 45.29% and 22.22%, respectively). Further, combinations of 2–3 point mutations were also observed in 19.66% of RIF‐resistant MTB strains. The frequency of mutations in katG gene was found at codon 315 among 82.95% of the INH‐resistant MTB isolates. MAS‐PCR detected rpoB and katG mutations in phenotypically resistant isolates with sensitivities of 93% and 83% respectively.

Conclusion

MAS‐PCR assays can be used for rapid detection of drug‐resistant TB strains in routine diagnostic practice, enabling early administration of appropriate treatment regimens to the affected patients.
Positive Bias in Mycophenolic Acid Concentrations Determined by the CEDIA Assay Compared to HPLC‐UV Method: Is CEDIA Assay Suitable for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Mycophenolic Acid?
Authors: Dasgupta Amitava , Johnson Myrtle
Published: January 2013

Background

Both immunoassays and chromatographic methods are available for therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid (MPA), an immunosuppressant. We studied the suitability of cloned enzyme donor immunoassay (CEDIA) assay for routine monitoring of MPA by comparing values obtained by the CEDIA assay with corresponding values obtained by using a high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with ultraviolet detection (HPLC‐UV) method. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 27:77–80, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Methods

We compared MPA concentrations obtained by a reference HPLC‐UV method and CEDIA assay on Hitachi 917 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) using 60 patient specimens (18 liver transplant recipient and 42 kidney transplant recipients).

Results

When MPA concentrations in all 60 transplant recipients obtained by the HPLC‐UV (x‐axis) method were compared with corresponding values obtained by the CEDIA method (y‐axis), the following regression equation was obtained: y = 1.1558x + 0.2876 (r = 0.97). Interestingly, much lower bias was observed in 42 renal transplant recipients as revealed by the following regression equation; y = 1.1181x + 0.2745 (r = 0.98). However, more significant positive bias was observed in 18 liver transplant recipients as following regression equation as observed: y = 1.3337x + 0.1493 (r = 0.94).

Conclusions

We conclude that MPA concentrations determined by the CEDIA assay showed significant positive bias compared to HPLC‐UV method. Therefore, caution must be exercised in interpreting therapeutic drug monitoring result of MPA if CEDIA assay is used.
Optimization of lipid production for algal biodiesel in nitrogen stressed cells of Dunaliella salina using FTIR analysis
Authors: Liu Junying , Mukherjee Joy , Hawkes Jeremy J. , Wilkinson Stephen J.
Published: January 2013

Background

Large improvements in productivity are required to make massive scale biodiesel production from microalgae an economic reality. Although the maximum neutral lipid content of microalgae has received much attention as a target for optimization, there are other factors that are equally important. These are (1) the rates of accumulation of both biomass and lipids and (2) the maximum densities of algal cells that can be sustained in continuous cultivation. The combined effect of these factors for lipid production has not been thoroughly examined in Dunaliella species. Hence this study examines the rates of growth and lipid accumulation in Dunaliella salina using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) under several combinations of temperatures and cell densities.

Results

The FTIR signal at 2926 cm−1 (rather than 1740 cm−1) is better for measuring lipids and the PCA of the full spectrum showed a clear separation between the nitrogen replete and nitrogen depleted cells. As expected, cells subjected to nitrogen starvation (N‐depleted) showed very little growth compared to the N‐replete cells. N‐depleted cells achieved a final lipid content that was 78% more than the N‐replete samples at 26 °C, while the differential for 16 °C was 28%. However, the slower growth rates caused by the stress of nitrogen starvation meant that the total lipid production over the starvation period was lower for many samples. Indeed, the only stress condition that gave significantly higher total lipid production was the highest cell density studied at 26 °C.

Conclusion

For optimization of lipid productivity for biodiesel, the trade‐off between lipid content, growth rate and cell density needs to be considered. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among U.S. Veterans: Comparing Associations With Intimate Partner Substance Abuse and Veteran Psychopathology
Authors: Miller Mark W. , Reardon Annemarie F. , Wolf Erika J. , Prince Lauren B. , Hein Christina L.
Published: January 2013

This study examined the relative influences of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other psychopathology, and intimate partner alcohol and drug use on substance‐related problems in U.S. veterans (242 couples, N = 484). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that partner alcohol and drug use severity explained more variance in veteran alcohol use and drug use (20% and 13%, respectively) than did veteran PTSD, adult antisocial behavior, or depression symptoms combined (6% for veteran alcohol use; 7% for veteran drug use). Findings shed new light on the influence of relationship factors on veteran alcohol and drug use and underscore the importance of couples‐oriented approaches to treating veterans with comorbid PTSD and substance abuse.
A Polymer Network Prepared by the Thiol‐yne Photocrosslinking of a Liquid Crystalline Dendrimer
Authors: Cervera‐Procas Ramón , Sánchez‐Somolinos Carlos , Serrano José L. , Omenat Ana
Published: January 2013

A polymer network is prepared by the thiol‐yne photopolymerization of multifunctional dendrimer with a tetrathiol crosslinker. The network obtained shows a liquid crystalline phase at room temperature, which has been characterized by optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. Photoinduced deformation of uniaxially aligned free‐standing films of the photocrosslinked material has been demonstrated.
Disrupted cerebellar connectivity reduces whole‐brain network efficiency in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Lu Chia‐Feng , Soong Bing‐Wen , Wu Hsiu‐Mei , Teng Shin , Wang Po‐Shan , Wu Yu‐Te
Published: January 2013

Multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type is a sporadic neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. We hypothesized that the white matter degeneration of the cerebellum and pons in this disease may cause a breakdown of cerebellar structural networks and further reduce the network efficiency of cerebellar‐connected cerebral regions. Diffusion tensor tractography was used to construct the structural networks of 19 cerebellar‐type multiple system atrophy patients, who were compared with 19 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Graph theory was used to assess the small‐world properties and topological organization of structure networks in both the control and patient groups. Our results showed that the cerebellar‐type multiple system atrophy patients exhibited altered small‐world architecture with significantly increased characteristic shortest path lengths and decreased clustering coefficients. We also found that white matter degeneration in the cerebellum was characterized by reductions in network strength (number and integrity of fiber connections) of the cerebellar regions, which further induced extensively decreased network efficiency for numerous cerebral regions. Finally, we found that the reductions in nodal efficiency of the cerebellar lobules and bilateral sensorimotor, prefrontal, and basal ganglia regions negatively correlated with the severity of ataxia for the cerebellar‐type multiple system atrophy patients. This study demonstrates for the first time that the brains of cerebellar‐type multiple system atrophy patients exhibit disrupted topological organization of white matter structural networks. Thus, this study provides structural evidence of the relationship between abnormalities of white matter integrity and network efficiency that occurs in cerebellar‐type multiple system atrophy. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Characterization of thiol‐conjugated metabolites of ginger components shogaols in mouse and human urine and modulation of the glutathione levels in cancer cells by [6]‐shogaol
Authors: Chen Huadong , Soroka Dominique N. , Hu Yuhui , Chen Xiaoxin , Sang Shengmin
Published: January 2013

Scope

Shogaols, a series of major constituents in dried ginger with the most abundant being [6]‐, [8]‐, and [10]‐shogaols, show much higher anticancer potencies than gingerols. Previously, we reported the mercapturic acid pathway as a major metabolic route for [6]‐shogaol in mice. However, it is still unclear how the side chain length affects the metabolism of shogaols and how shogaols are metabolized in humans.

Methods and results

We first investigate the metabolism of [10]‐shogaol in mouse urine, and then investigate the biotransformation of shogaols in human urine. Our results show that eight major thiol‐conjugated metabolites of [10]‐shogaol were detected in mouse urine, while six major thiol‐conjugated metabolites of [6]‐shogaol, two thiol‐conjugated metabolites of [8]‐shogaol, and two thiol‐conjugated metabolites of [10]‐shogaol were detected in urine collected from human after drinking ginger tea, using LC/ESI‐MS/MS. Our results clearly indicate the mercapturic acid pathway is a major metabolic route for [10]‐shogaol in mice and for shogaols in human. Furthermore, we also investigated the regulation of glutathione (GSH) by [6]‐shogaol in human colon cancer cells HCT‐116. Our results show [6]‐shogaol, after initially depleting glutathione levels, can subsequently restore and increase GSH levels over time.

Conclusion

Shogaols are metabolized extensively in mouse and human to form thiol‐conjugated metabolites and GSH might play an important role in the cancer‐preventive activity of ginger.
Transverse relaxometry with reduced echo train lengths via stimulated echo compensation
Authors: Uddin Md. Nasir , Marc Lebel R. , Wilman Alan H.
Published: January 2013

Transverse relaxation (T2) mapping has many applications, including imaging of iron accumulation in grey matter. Using the typical multiecho spin‐echo sequence with long echo trains, stimulated echo compensation can enable T2 fitting under conditions of variable radio frequency homogeneity arising from slice profile and in‐plane radio frequency variation. Substantial reduction in the number of refocusing pulses could enable use at high magnetic fields where specific absorption rate is a major limitation, and enable multislice use with reduced incidental magnetization transfer at all field strengths. We examine the effect of reduced echo train lengths and multislice imaging on T2 fitting using stimulated echo compensation applied to iron‐rich subcortical grey matter in human brain at 4.7 T. Our findings indicate that reducing from 20 echoes to as few as four echoes can maintain consistent T2 values when using stimulated echo compensation in grey and white matter, but not for cerebrospinal fluid. All territories produce marginal results when using standard exponential fitting. Savings from reduced echoes can be used to substantially increase slice coverage. In multislice mode, the resulting incidental magnetization transfer decreased brain signal but had minimal effect on measured T2 values. Magn Reson Med 70:1340–1346, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and electro‐optical properties of polymer dispersed liquid crystal films with relatively low liquid crystal content
Authors: Zhang Cuihong , Wang Dongrui , Cao Hui , Song Ping , Yang Chaoyong , Yang Huai , Hu Guo‐Hua
Published: January 2013

In this paper, polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) films with LC content as low as 40 wt% were prepared, and the electro‐optical properties were carefully investigated. To accomplish this, different (meth)acrylate copolymerizaiton monomers have been used. The electro‐optical properties and morphologies of the PDLC films were strongly influenced by the chemical structure of copolymerization monomers (hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), glycidyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate) and their feed ratio. Lower driven voltage and higher contrast ratio were achieved when the PDLC films showed a morphology with suitably LC domain size. At high HPMA content, a thin polymer film was formed on the surface of PDLC samples, which is beneficial to decrease the total LC content in PDLC devices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of novel poly(aryl ether ketone)s containing both 2,6‐naphthylene moieties and amide linkages in the main chains
Authors: Cai Mingzhong , Chen Mengfei , Yu Yikai , Song Caisheng
Published: January 2013

A new monomer, 2,6‐bis(4‐phenoxybenzoyl)naphthalene (BPOBON), was easily synthesized via simple synthetic procedures from readily available materials. A series of novel poly(aryl ether ketone)s containing both 2,6‐naphthylene moieties and amide linkages in the main chains were prepared by the Friedel‐Crafts acylation solution copolycondensation of isophthaloyl chloride with a mixture of BPOBON and N,N'‐bis(4‐phenoxybenzoyl)‐1,4‐phenylenediamine (BPBPPD), over a wide range of BPOBON/BPBPPD molar ratios, in the presence of anhydrous AlCl3 and N‐methylpyrrolidone in 1,2‐dichloroethane. All the polymers are semicrystalline and had remarkably increased Tgs over the conventional PEEK and PEKK due to the incorporation of naphthalene and amide linkages in the main chains. The polymers with 50–70 mol% BPOBON had not only high Tgs of 179–186 °C, but also moderate Tms of 321–328 °C, which are very suitable for the melt processing. These polymers had tensile strengths of 101.5–107.1 MPa, Young's moduli of 2.13–2.39 GPa, and elongations at break of 11.8–13.7% and exhibited excellent thermal stability and good resistance to organic solvents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospun core–shell nanofibers for drug encapsulation and sustained release
Authors: Maleki Mahboubeh , Latifi Masoud , Amani‐Tehran Mohammad , Mathur Sanjay
Published: January 2013

Fabrication of core–shell nanofibers by coaxial electrospinning system suited for drug delivery applications was investigated based on tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) as the core and poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) as the shell materials. Comparison of drug release from monolithic fibers (blend electrospinning) and core–shell structures was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the core–shell morphology. The nanofibrous webs are potentially interesting for wound healing purposes since they can be maintained for an adequate length of time to gradually disinfect a local area without the need of bandage renewal. Further, our studies showed the potential of core–shell nanostructures for sustained drug release, which also suppressed the burst release effect from 62 to 44% in the first 3 hours by adding only 1 wt% TCH to the polymeric shell. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Organomodification of montmorillonite and its effects on the properties of poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites
Authors: Phua Y.J. , Chow W.S. , Mohd Ishak Z.A.
Published: January 2013

The pristine sodium montmorillonite (MMT) was organically modified with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) at different contents. The organoclay was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray techniques, and thermogravimetric analysis. Then, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) nanocomposites were prepared by melt‐mixing process using maleic anhydride‐grafted PBS (PBS‐g‐MA) as compatibilizer. It was found that the mechanical properties of PBS nanocomposites filled with organoclay were apparently higher than that of the nanocomposite filled with MMT. This is attributed to the better filler–matrix interactions between PBS and the organoclay and the better filler dispersion. This is verifiable through the XRD, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The addition of PBS‐g‐MA further improved the mechanical properties. It was also found that our laboratory synthesized organoclay modified with HTAB has provided a better reinforcing efficiency when compared with the commercial octadecylamine‐modified organoclay. Besides that the thermal properties of PBS nanocomposites were studied through differential scanning calorimetry. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological properties and stability of ethylene vinyl acetate polymer‐modified bitumen
Authors: Bulatović Vesna Ocelić , Rek Vesna , Marković Kristina Jurkaš
Published: January 2013

Polymers are commonly used to improve the properties of bitumen (BIT) as a binder for asphalt. Polymers improve the temperature susceptibility of BIT by increasing its stiffness at high service temperatures and by reducing its stiffness at low service temperatures. The addition of polymers as BIT modifiers contributes to the BIT viscoelasticity. The aim of this article was to study the effect of the addition of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer on the morphology, rheological, and physical properties before and after aging. The influence of EVA contents on rheological and physical properties which are included in conventional tests before and after aging was investigated. The results indicated that the rheological and physical properties as well as the morphology of polymer‐modified bitumen (PMB) depended on the polymer content. The rheological properties of road BIT were improved by means of EVA polymer modification as proven by conventional tests, the rheological parameters G*, η*, δ, and resistance to permanent deformation, that is, rutting. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2276–2283, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Light‐trapping properties of patch textures created using laser assisted texturing
Authors: Thorstensen Jostein , Foss Sean Erik , Gjessing Jo
Published: January 2013

For crystalline silicon solar cells, the efficient collection of light at wavelengths in the infrared is a challenge because of long absorption lengths. Especially for thinner wafers, an efficient light‐trapping scheme, such as the patch texture, is required for high short‐circuit current densities. We have measured the light‐trapping properties of patch textures produced by laser assisted texturing (LAST) on polished ⟨100⟩silicon wafers, and compared them with ray‐tracing simulations. Single‐sided random pyramid textures are created for comparison. Excellent agreement between simulations and measurements is achieved by employing diffuse scattering with a narrow angular distribution in the simulations, confirming the successful implementation of the process. We use our optical measurements of the textures for simulations of textures with rear reflectors, where we also investigate the influence on light‐trapping properties when varying geometry and reflectance properties. The results from the optical simulations are imported into the solar cell simulation program PC1D. For a 50  μm‐thick solar cell, we simulate an improvement in Jsc of up to 0.4  mA/cm2 when going from single‐sided random pyramid textures to patch textures, even when the performance of the texture is limited by process inaccuracies. Removing the physical inaccuracies of the laser system, the potential gain in Jsc on a 50  μm‐thick cell with a patch texture covering the complete wafer surface is 0.8  mA/cm2. We therefore conclude that the LAST method for creating patch textures is suitable to achieve an improved Jsc in thin monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deciphering of ADP‐induced, phosphotyrosine‐dependent signaling networks in human platelets by Src‐homology 2 region (SH2)‐profiling
Authors: Schweigel Hardy , Geiger Jörg , Beck Florian , Buhs Sophia , Gerull Helwe , Walter Ulrich , Sickmann Albert , Nollau Peter
Published: January 2013

Tyrosine phosphorylation plays a central role in signal transduction controlling many important biological processes. In platelets, the activity of several signaling proteins is controlled by tyrosine phosphorylation ensuring proper platelet activation and aggregation essential for regulation of the delicate balance between bleeding and hemostasis. Here, we applied Src‐homology 2 region (SH2)‐profiling for deciphering of the phosphotyrosine state of human platelets activated by adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Applying a panel of 31 SH2‐domains, rapid and complex regulation of the phosphotyrosine state of platelets was observed after ADP stimulation. Specific inhibition of platelet P2Y receptors by synthetic drugs revealed a major role for the P2Y1 receptor in tyrosine phosphorylation. Concomitant activation of protein kinase A (PKA) abolished ADP‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation in a time and concentration‐dependent manner. Given the fact that PKA activity is negatively regulated by the P2Y12 receptor, our data provide evidence for a novel link of synergistic control of the state of tyrosine phosphorylation by both P2Y receptors. By SH2 domain pull down and MS/MS analysis, we identified distinct tyrosine phosphorylation sites in cell adhesion molecules, intracellular adapter proteins and phosphatases suggesting a major, functional role of tyrosine phosphorylation of theses candidate proteins in ADP‐dependent signaling in human platelets.
Optical and electrical characterization of transparent conductive Gd‐doped AZO thin films
Authors: Liu Yen‐Shuo , Lin Yung‐Shun , Wei Yu‐Shan , Wei Chia‐Ying , Lee Po‐Ming , Liu Cheng‐Yi
Published: January 2013

The Gd‐doped Al‐doped Zn oxide (AZO) thin films are prepared and characterized in this study. The findings show that when the Gd doping concentration exceeded a threshold of approximately 3–5 wt%, the resistivity of the Gd:AZO thin film was reduced to a point that was lower than the resistivity of the pure AZO thin film. The reduction in resistivity was caused by the increase of the carrier concentration. This study proposes that the increase in carrier concentration was caused by the additional Gd3+Zn2+ substitution reaction. After performing 10 wt% Gd doping, the transmittance of the Gd:AZO thin film in the near UV region was increased. Following an annealing process at 200 °C, the transmittance of the annealed 100‐nm Gd:AZO (10 wt%) thin films was over 80% at the 375 nm wavelength, which was approximately 40% higher than that of the annealed pure AZO thin film. The 600‐nm Gd:AZO (10 wt%) annealed at 200 °C is found to have the best figure of merit value (0.24 ohm−1) at 375 nm (near UV regime) among all studied Gd:AZO (10 wt%) thin films in this study.
The carbon dioxide production rate assumption biases gastric emptying parameters in healthy adults
Authors: Markey Oonagh , Shafat Amir
Published: January 2013

RATIONALE

An altered gastric emptying (GE) rate has been implicated in the aetiology of obesity. The 13C‐octanoic acid breath test (OBT) is frequently used to measure GE, and the cumulative percentage of 13C recovered (cPDR) is a common outcome measure. However, true cPDR in breath is dependent on accurate measurement of carbon dioxide production rate (). The current study aimed to quantify differences in the 13C OBT results obtained using directly measured (
) compared with (i) predicted from resting (
) and (ii) predicted from body surface area (
).

METHODS

The GE rate of a high‐fat test meal was assessed in 27 lean subjects using the OBT. Breath samples were gathered during the fasted state and at regular intervals throughout the 6‐h postprandial period for determination of 13C‐isotopic enrichment by continuous‐flow isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry. The was measured directly from exhaled air samples and the PDR calculated by three methods. The bias and the limits of agreement were calculated using Bland‐Altman plots.

RESULTS

Compared with the
, the cPDR was underestimated by
(4.8%; p = 0.0001) and
(2.7%; p = 0.02). The GE Thalf was underestimated by
(13 min; p = 0.0001) and
(10 min; p = 0.01), compared with
.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the importance of directly measuring production rates throughout the 13C OBT and could partly explain the conflicting evidence regarding the effect of obesity on GE rates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric exploration of the high‐affinity binding of three natural alkaloids with the mRNA G‐quadruplex in the BCL2 5′‐untranslated region
Authors: Tan Wei , Yuan Gu
Published: January 2013

RATIONALE

The BCL2 gene encodes an integral outer mitochondrial membrane protein (25 kDa) which regulates the apoptotic death of cells. There is a 25‐nucleotide G‐rich sequence in the 5'‐untranslated region (5'‐UTR) of the BCL2 mRNA, which can adopt a G‐quadruplex structure. Small molecules which could tightly bind to this structure have a potential function in the regulation of the expression of the BCL2 mRNA.

METHODS

The 25‐mer oligonucleotide (5'‐G5CCGUG4UG3AGCUG4‐3') was synthesized by TaKaRa Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (TaKaRa, Dalian) with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification. Electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) was used to probe the binding properties of natural small molecules (P) with the mRNA G‐quadruplex in the BCL2 5′‐UTR (BCL2Q). Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectrometry and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were performed to evaluate the stabilization of the mRNA G‐quadruplex and its complexes.

RESULTS

The results from ESI mass spectra showed that three natural alkaloids (nitidine, palmatine, and jatrorrizine) have high binding affinities to the mRNA G‐quadruplex with the binding stoichiometry ranging from 1:1 to 3:1. CID mass spectrometry results revealed that the G‐quadruplex‐ligand complex lost bases first rather than losing the binding molecules. Increases in the Tm values of the complexes of the G‐quadruplex with the natural alkaloids in the CD melting experiments demonstrated that the three small molecules can stabilize the G‐quadruplex structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Three natural small molecules were found to have very high binding affinities to the mRNA G‐quadruplex and stabilize this structure. The properties of these alkaloids revealed promising potentials to regulate the expression of the BCL2 protein from the posttranscriptional pathway. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust H ∞  control of stochastic linear switched systems with dwell time
Authors: Shaked U. , Gershon E.
Published: January 2013

The theory of H ∞  control of switched systems is extended to stochastic systems with state‐multiplicative noise. Sufficient conditions are obtained for the mean square stability of these systems where dwell time constraint is imposed on the switching. Both nominal and uncertain polytopic systems are considered. A Lyapunov function, in a quadratic form, is assigned to each subsystem that is nonincreasing at the switching instants. During the dwell time, this function varies piecewise linearly in time following the last switch, and it becomes time invariant afterwards. Asymptotic stochastic stability of the set of subsystems is thus ensured by requiring the expected value of the infinitesimal generator of this function to be negative between switchings, resulting in conditions for stability in the form of LMIs. These conditions are extended to the case where the subsystems encounter polytopic‐type parameter uncertainties. The method proposed is applied to the problem of finding an upper bound on the stochastic L2‐gain of the system. A solution to the robust state‐feedback control problem is then derived, which is based on a modification of the L2‐gain bound result. Two examples are given that demonstrate the applicability of the proposed theory. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Welches Potenzial bietet die Dorferneuerungsförderung in Hessen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen und Schleswig-Holstein zur Innenentwicklung von Dörfern?
Authors: Peter Heike , Fengler Birgit , Moser Andrea
Published: January 2013

Against the background of demographic changes, the inner development of villages faces new challenges. This paper addresses the question of the potential benefits of village renewal programs for inner-village issues in the federal states Hessen, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein and considers the impact of the specifically tailored individual state measures. To answer these research questions, regulatory documents will be illuminated, support data from years 2007 until 2009 will be assessed, and the results of an in-depth study of selected villages (village study) will be presented. The strategic direction of the responsible ministries is well-advanced on the state level and local actors are already sensitive to the urgency of the topic. However, the emphasis of village renewal programs continues to remain on the structural development of the villages. Support for social and functional development does take place, but must be intensified with a view toward sustainable inner-village development.
Including the Smoking Epidemic in Internationally Coherent Mortality Projections
Authors: Janssen Fanny , van Wissen Leo J. G. , Kunst Anton E.
Published: January 2013

We present a new mortality projection methodology that distinguishes smoking- and non-smoking-related mortality and takes into account mortality trends of the opposite sex and in other countries. We evaluate to what extent future projections of life expectancy at birth (e0) for the Netherlands up to 2040 are affected by the application of these components. All-cause mortality and non-smoking-related mortality for the years 1970–2006 are projected by the Lee-Carter and Li-Lee methodologies. Smoking-related mortality is projected according to assumptions on future smoking-attributable mortality. Projecting all-cause mortality in the Netherlands, using the Lee-Carter model, leads to high gains in e0 (4.1 for males; 4.4 for females) and divergence between the sexes. Coherent projections, which include the mortality experience of the other 21 sex- and country-specific populations, result in much higher gains for males (6.4) and females (5.7), and convergence. The separate projection of smoking and non-smoking-related mortality produces a steady increase in e0 for males (4.8) and a nonlinear trend for females, with lower gains in e0 in the short run, resulting in temporary sex convergence. The latter effect is also found in coherent projections. Our methodology provides more robust projections, especially thanks to the distinction between smoking- and non-smoking-related mortality.
Phospholipid – Driven gene regulation
Authors: Musille Paul M. , Kohn Jeffrey A. , Ortlund Eric A.
Published: January 2013

Phospholipids (PLs), well known for their fundamental role in cellular structure, play critical signaling roles via their derivatives and cleavage products acting as second messengers in signaling cascades. Recent work has shown that intact PLs act as signaling molecules in their own right by modulating the activity of nuclear hormone transcription factors responsible for tuning genes involved in metabolism, lipid flux, steroid synthesis and inflammation. As such, PLs have been classified as novel hormones. This review highlights recent work in PL‐driven gene regulation with a focus on the unique structural features of phospholipid‐sensing transcription factors and what sets them apart from well known soluble phospholipid transporters.
Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in endoscopic and FDG‐PET/CT (18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography) imaging
Authors: Lin Chung‐Cheng , Shih Hsiang‐Yao , Kuo Chao‐Hung , Hu Huang‐Ming , Chen Yu‐Wen , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Su Yu‐Chung
Published: January 2013

Gastrointestinal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia is a rare lymphoproliferative state. In children, it is associated with familial immunodeficiency disease but most cases have no obvious etiology. In adults, nodular lymphoid hyperplasia is associated with immunocompromised status, including chemotherapy, acquired immunodeficiency viral infection, organ transplantation, and multiple polypoid lesions are noted in endoscopic findings and sometimes may be confused with family polypoid syndrome. We present a child with histological proof of focal intestinal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia that had a complete image study including negative results of 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography analysis.
Functional Outcomes of Adults with Left Ventricular Assist Devices Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Nguyen Elizabeth , Stein Joel
Published: January 2013

Objective

To study the functional outcomes of patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) who were receiving inpatient rehabilitation.

Design

This is a retrospective cohort study of adults with an implanted LVAD admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation unit (IRU) over a 14‐month period from March 2010 through May 2011.

Setting

A tertiary care hospital.

Patients

This study included 11 patients with an implanted LVAD who required acute inpatient rehabilitation. All the patients with LVADs were included irrespective of the initial admitting diagnosis. Nine patients were admitted for cardiac diagnoses and underwent LVAD placement before their transfer to the IRU; 2 patients received LVADs before this hospital admission and were admitted for stroke.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, and functional data were abstracted. Acute care length of stay (LOS), IRU LOS, and discharge disposition, along with IRU Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measurements

The primary outcome measurements were IRU LOS, change in functional status (measured by the FIM), FIM efficiency (FIM gain/LOS), and discharge setting.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) IRU LOS was 17.5 ± 8.9 days. The mean ± SD FIM gain was statistically significant at 28.6 ± 10.2 (P < .0001), and compared favorably to benchmarks for mean FIM gains regionally (22.5) and nationally (23) for patients admitted to IRUs with a cardiac diagnosis. The mean (SD) FIM efficiency (FIM gain/IRU LOS) was 1.97 ± 1.1 compared with the regional mean of 2.27 and national mean of 2.28. Seven of the 11 patients were discharged directly home after inpatient rehabilitation, and 3 returned home after an additional acute hospital stay. One subject died after transfer back to the acute hospital service.

Conclusions

The patients with LVADs in this study achieved clinically meaningful functional gains from inpatient rehabilitation that compared favorably with national benchmarks for patients with cardiac diagnoses. The majority of the subjects were successfully discharged home. IRUs should consider implementing rehabilitation programs for this growing patient population.
Lectures on Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Weinberg Steven
Published: January 2013

Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg combines his exceptional physical insight with his gift for clear exposition to provide a concise introduction to modern quantum mechanics. Ideally suited to a one-year graduate course, this textbook is also a useful reference for researchers. Readers are introduced to the subject through a review of the history of quantum mechanics and an account of classic solutions of the Schrödinger equation, before quantum mechanics is developed in a modern Hilbert space approach. The textbook covers many topics not often found in other books on the subject, including alternatives to the Copenhagen interpretation, Bloch waves and band structure, the Wigner–Eckart theorem, magic numbers, isospin symmetry, the Dirac theory of constrained canonical systems, general scattering theory, the optical theorem, the 'in-in' formalism, the Berry phase, Landau levels, entanglement and quantum computing. Problems are included at the ends of chapters, with solutions available for instructors at www.cambridge.org/9781107028722.
A ten-legged sea spider (Arthropoda: Pycnogonida) from the Lower Devonian Hunsrück Slate (Germany)
Authors: KÜHL GABRIELE , POSCHMANN MARKUS , RUST JES
Published: January 2013

A new sea spider (Arthropoda: Pycnogonida) from the Lower Devonian Hunsrück Slate (Germany) is described asPentapantopus vogteligen. et sp. nov. This is the fifth pycnogonid species known from this exceptional fossil Lagerstätte. The most conspicuous character of the new species is the presence of five pairs of walking legs. This character, in concert with a reduced abdomen, indicates a phylogenetic position ofP. vogteliamong the crown group pycnogonids.P. vogteliextends the knowledge of fossil pycnogonid body plans and underlines the significance of the Hunsrück Slate, as this locality shows the highest diversity of sea spiders for the entire fossil record so far.
A Referendum on Trade Theory: Voting on Free Trade in Costa Rica
Authors: Urbatsch Robert
Published: January 2013

Research on mass opinion in international political economy overwhelmingly relies on survey data. This poses problems of external validity, especially for a frequently low-salience issue such as trade policy. To examine whether survey findings about attitudes toward economic openness apply outside of surveys, this note considers patterns of voting in the 2007 Costa Rican plebiscite about joining the Central American Free Trade Area. Several extant theories appear to explain voting patterns, but the results are less in line with traditional economic models based on locally important economic sectors.
Strange Birds: RewritingThe Maltese Falcon
Authors: HAMILTON CYNTHIA S.
Published: January 2013

Hammett's formative role in establishing the conventions of the hard-boiled detective formula is widely acknowledged, but the formative influence of his masterpiece,The Maltese Falcon, on specific texts by subsequent innovators has remained largely unexplored territory. Both Sara Paretsky and Chester Himes have paid tribute to Hammett's influence, with particular reference toThe Maltese Falcon. An examination ofIndemnity OnlyandFor the Love of Imabellein relation toThe Maltese Falconoffers a unique perspective on Paretsky's and Himes's stylistic choices and the social perspectives these articulated. It also helps to explain the critical reception of their work. Paretsky, writing within the grain of a type of social realism associated with both protest literature and hard-boiled detective fiction, achieved early recognition. Himes, writing against the grain, did not. Those of his detective novels most closely allied to his protest writing have received the most critical attention, but inFor the Love of Imabelle, Himes used techniques allied to surrealism. These effectively disrupted and destabilized important, socially privileged discourses – and discomforted audiences and wrong-footed critics.
Palmer and Company: an Indian Banking Firm in Hyderabad State
Authors: LEONARD KAREN
Published: January 2013

Although the misreading of Hyderabad's early nineteenth century banking firm, Palmer and Company, as scandalous, illegal, and usurious in its business practices was contested at the time in Hyderabad, and at the highest levels of the East India Company in both Calcutta and London, such conspiracy theories have prevailed and are here challenged. The Eurasian William Palmer and his partner, the Gujarati banker, Benkati Das, are best understood as indigenoussahukarsor bankers. Their firm functioned like other Indian banking firms and was in competition with them in the early nineteenth century as Hyderabad State dealt with the increasing power of the British East India Company and its man-on-the-spot, the Resident. Historians need to look beyond the English language East India Company records to contextualize this important banking firm more accurately.
Student Perceptions of the Impact of Bursaries and Institutional Aid on their Higher Education Choices and the Implications for the National Scholarship Programme in England
Authors: CALLENDER CLAIRE , WILKINSON DAVID
Published: January 2013

Variable tuition fees and bursaries, funded by higher education institutions, were introduced in England to promote student choice and provider competition, while bursaries would off-set higher fees and safeguard access. Both have been central to government reforms of undergraduate student funding since 2004. This article assesses student perceptions of the impact of bursaries on their higher education decisions and choices, and considers the implications for the 2012/13 National Scholarship Programme. It concludes that most students do not think their choices are affected by bursaries, although those who are cost-conscious, expect to receive higher bursaries, especially of £1,000 or more, and attend Russell Group universities are more likely to think bursaries are influential and important. The reconfiguration of institutional aid from 2012/13 may overcome some perceived barriers to the effectiveness of financial support, but is likely to exacerbate others, and create new impediments and inequalities.
ICOMOS Thailand International Conference
Authors: Naeem Anila
Published: January 2013

An international conference on “Asian Urban Heritage,” organized by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Thailand Association, took place in the city of Phuket 15–17 October, 2011. The conference was organized and hosted in collaboration with Phuket Province, Phuket Municipality, the Thai Perankan Association, Phuket Old Town Community, Old Phuket Town Foundation, Department of Architecture–Chulangkorn University and the Department of Architecture–Thammasat University. The conference invited papers on five subthemes: Heritage Management, Legal Protection and Incentives, Historic Urban Landscapes, Climate Change and Disaster Prevention, and Industrial Heritage.
Spatiotemporal patterns of pandemic influenza-related deaths in Allied naval forces during 1918
Authors: SHANKS G. D. , WALLER M. , SMALLMAN-RAYNOR M.
Published: January 2013

This paper draws on the mortality records of the French, US and UK Royal navies to reconstruct the spatiotemporal evolution of the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic in global Allied naval forces. For a total of 7658 deaths attributed to respiratory diseases (French and US navies) and all diseases (UK Royal Navy) at 514 locations worldwide, techniques of spatial point pattern analysis were used to generate weekly maps of global mortality intensity in 1918. The map sequence for the main period of pandemic mortality, mid-August to mid-November 1918, revealed a near-simultaneous development of mutiple foci of high disease intensity in three distant locations (Europe, North America, West Africa). Given the relatively slow speed of naval ships in convoy at this time (<12 knots), our findings suggest that the pandemic influenza virus was circulating on three continents at the observed onset of the main mortality wave.