bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing the power envelope fluctuation of OFDM systems using side information supported amplitude clipping approach
Authors: Taher Montadar Abas , Mandeep JS , Ismail Mahamod , Samad Salina Abdul , Islam MT
Published: January 2013

OFDM is an important modulation technique currently in development in the field of communications systems. OFDM signals can combat multipath propagation and fading channels and can support large data rates. However, OFDM systems are multicarrier systems and experience problems due to the required summation of sinusoids when the in‐phase subcarriers are combined, which produces high power peaks. The large power envelope fluctuations that occur at the output cause in‐band and out‐of‐band distortions that result in degraded BER performance. The literature contains many qualified approaches to resolving the peak‐to‐average power ratio problem, including selected mapping, partial transmit sequence, and amplitude clipping techniques. The simplest technique is the amplitude clipping technique, and the selected mapping and partial transmit sequence techniques are excessively complicated for real‐time implementation. In this paper, we suggest a modification to the amplitude clipping method to produce a novel clipping technique called the side information supported amplitude clipping (SI‐SAC) method. The SI‐SAC technique involves sending certain bits of extra information so that the receiver can recover all of the clipped data. The SI‐SAC technique does not add computational complexity to the system, and simulation results show that the proposed method is superior to the conventional method. The peak‐to‐average power ratio was reduced by ≈2.5 dB, and the magnitude of the mean squared error vector is the same as that of the original signal that is not clipped. In contrast, the conventional amplitude clipping method produces a mean squared error vector with a large magnitude. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A data aware 9T static random access memory cell for low power consumption and improved stability
Authors: Singh Ajay Kumar , Seong Mah Meng , Prabhu C. M. R.
Published: January 2013

Reducing the power consumption in static random access memory can significantly improve the system power efficiency, reliability, and performance. In this paper, we propose a data aware static random access memory cell to reduce the power consumption during read and write operation. The proposed cell contains nine transistors with separate read/write ports. The write operation in the proposed cell is controlled by an additional write signal instead of word line. Because of isolation of the storage nodes with bit lines, read signal‐to‐noise margin is equal to ideal hold signal‐to‐noise margin of the conventional cell. The proposed cell saves approximately more than 43% active power compared with the 6T cell and other published cells. The proposed cell gives faster write access and low leakage current compared with the conventional and other cells. About 99% standby column power reduction, with 128 cells, is observed in the proposed cell. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a 75‐nW, 0.5‐V subthreshold complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor operational amplifier
Authors: Magnelli Luca , Amoroso Francesco A. , Crupi Felice , Cappuccino Gregorio , Iannaccone Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

This work focuses on the subthreshold design of ultra low‐voltage low‐power operational amplifiers. A well‐defined procedure for the systematic design of subthreshold operational amplifiers (op‐amps) is introduced. The design of a 0.5‐V two‐stage Miller‐compensated amplifier fabricated with a 0.18‐µm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor process is presented. The op‐amp operates with all transistors in subthreshold region and achieves a DC gain of 70 dB and a gain–bandwidth product of 18 kHz, dissipating just 75 nW. The active area of the chip is ≈0.057 mm2. Experimental results demonstrate that well‐designed subthreshold op‐amps are a very attractive solution to implement sub‐1‐V energy‐efficient applications for modern portable electronic systems. A comparative analysis with low‐voltage, low‐power op‐amp designs available in the literature highlights that subthreshold op‐amps designed according to the proposed design procedure achieve a better trade‐off among speed, power, and load capacitance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anal cytology as a predictor of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV‐positive men and women
Authors: Betancourt Eve M. , Wahbah Mary M. , Been Laura C. , Chiao Elizabeth Y. , Citron Deborah R. , Laucirica Rodolfo
Published: January 2013

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals have increased risk of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Cytologic screening is invaluable in the detection of cervical neoplasia, therefore many clinicians have adopted anal cytology as part of anal cancer screening in patients at high‐risk for anal neoplasia. The purpose of this study is to determine whether anal cytology is a valuable screening test for identifying AIN in HIV+ patients. The cohort included 228 HIV+ patients who underwent anal cancer screening with collection of 318 anal cytology specimens between January 2006 and December 2009. Of this group, 74 (32.5%) patients had associated anal biopsies within a 6‐month period, with a total of 89 comparison cases. The anal cytology samples were classified using the 2001 Bethesda System terminology. The sensitivity of anal cytology in detecting ASC‐US, AIN 1‐3 or SCC was 93%. Cytology was 88% sensitive for detecting low‐grade AIN (AIN 1), but only 20% sensitive for detecting high‐grade AIN (AIN 2–3) or SCC. Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cases were distributed evenly between low‐ and high‐grade AIN, with two cases having normal histology. Only six cases had negative cytology, all of which were associated with AIN on biopsy, for a false negative rate of 7%. Anal cytology is a good predictor of AIN, as confirmed by the high degree of sensitivity. However, there is poor correlation between the cytological and histological grade of AIN. Cytology underestimates the grade of dysplasia compared to the corresponding biopsy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:697–702. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pitfalls in the diagnosis of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma by FNA and needle core biopsy
Authors: Jurczyk Matthew , Zhu Bing , Laskin William , Lin Xiaoqi
Published: January 2013

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) of the liver is an extremely rare tumor that masquerades as an epithelial neoplasm and poses significant diagnostic pitfalls for the cytopathologist. This report describes a 64‐year‐old woman whom on computerized tomography was found to have multiple peripherally calcified hypodense lesions throughout the liver and an ipsilateral adrenal mass. Fine needle aspiration and needle cores biopsies of the largest liver lesion showed epithelioid cells and spindle cells in fibrous stroma. The epithelioid cells had round or oval, hyperchromatic nuclei with smooth nuclear contours, delicate cytoplasm and indistinct cytoplasmic borders. Rare cells had intracellular vascular lumen containing fragmented or intact red blood cells. The cells were individually dispersed or arranged in nests and vague tubular arrays. No mitotic figures or necrosis were seen. An immunohistochemical profile demonstrated diffuse CD31 and focal CD 34 and nuclear Fli‐1 immunoexpression and low Ki‐67 proliferative activity (1%) within lesional cells confirming the diagnosis of EHE. The differential diagnosis of EHE which includes cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic carcinoma and melanoma is discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:516–520. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inkjet‐Printed Nanoscaled CuO for Miniaturized Gas‐Sensing Devices
Authors: Pashchanka Mikhail , Prasad Ravi M. , Hoffmann Rudolf C. , Gurlo Aleksander , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: January 2013

Parallel, separate, narrow tracks of nanoscaled cupric oxide, CuO, displaying a width of 100–150 μm were fabricated by inkjet printing using a molecular copper–keto‐acidoximato complex as the precursor for ink formulation. Printed patterns were obtained on various inorganic substrates, such as silicon, silicon dioxide, or alumina. Annealing temperatures of 180–200 °C were employed for the decomposition of the printed precursor into the pure nanoscaled CuO phase. The inkjet‐printed samples were cured at 450 °C to ensure their stability during gas‐sensor tests at elevated temperatures. The printed material showed considerable promise for miniaturized gas‐sensor cells and for the detection of low concentrations of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
Luminescent Transparent Composite Films Based on Lanthanopolyoxometalates and Filmogenic Polysaccharides
Authors: Pinto Ricardo J. B. , Granadeiro Carlos M. , Freire Carmen S. R. , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Neto Carlos Pascoal , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Carlos Luís D. , Cavaleiro Ana M. V. , Trindade Tito , Nogueira Helena I. S.
Published: January 2013

A series of polysaccharide‐based transparent composite films containing lanthanopolyoxometalates (LnPOMs) have been prepared by using a water‐soluble cationic chitosan derivative [HTCC = N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)‐3‐trimethylammonium chitosan chloride] and pullulan (PUL). HTCC was more suitable than pure chitosan for this purpose due to its positive charge and solubility in water over a broad range of pH values. The LnPOMs [Ln(W5O18)2]9– (Ln = Eu and Tb) were incorporated into the polysaccharides. EuPOMs encapsulated in amorphous silica shells were also incorporated into the polysaccharides to test the effect on film processing of the loading of nanoparticles instead of LnPOM anions. The incorporation of LnPOMs or LnPOM/silica core/shell nanoparticles into either HTCC or PUL polysaccharides originated clear transparent films. These composite films are transparent in daylight and exhibit visible emission under UV excitation. Photoluminescence studies (emission and excitation spectra and emission decay curves) were performed on the newly prepared films.
Synthesis, Properties and Redox Behavior of Ene–Diyne Scaffolds Bearing 1‐ and 2‐Azulenyl Groups at the Periphery
Authors: Shoji Taku , Shimomura Erika , Maruyama Mitsuhisa , Ito Shunji , Okujima Tetsuo , Morita Noboru
Published: January 2013

Ene–diyne systems possessing 1‐ and 2‐azulenyl groups at the periphery were prepared by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction of 1‐ and 2‐ethynylazulenes with 9‐dibromomethylene‐9H‐fluorene and 9,10‐bis(dibromomethylene)‐9,10‐dihydroanthracene or 2‐iodoazulene with 9,10‐bis(diethynylmethylene)‐9,10‐dihydroanthracene under Sonogashira–Hagihara conditions. The redox behavior of the ene–diyne compounds was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Moreover, a significant color change of the ene–diyne derivatives was observed with visible spectroscopy under electrochemical reduction conditions.
A Chloroacetate‐Caged Fluorescein Chemodosimeter for Imaging Cysteine/Homocysteine in Living Cells
Authors: Zhu Baocun , Zhao Yunzhou , Zhou Qi , Zhang Bing , Liu Lunying , Du Bin , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: January 2013

A chloroacetate‐caged fluorescein chemodosimeter (CACFC) employing a double molecular recognition mechanism was designed and synthesized to selectively detect cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) over glutathione (GSH) and other amino acids. The results showed that CACFC could serve as a “naked‐eye” indicator, and quantitatively detect Cys and Hcy with a detection limit of 4 μM (Cys) and 7 μM (Hcy). Additionally, CACFC was successfully applied to the fluorescence imaging of Cys and Hcy in living cells. The mechanism of the reaction between CACFC and Cys/Hcy was confirmed by ESI‐MS and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis to involve a conjugate substitution/cyclization sequence. We highlight the simplicity of the design and synthesis and show that its combined properties, such as high specificity, high sensitivity, fast response, quantitative detection and real time Cys and Hcy imaging in living cells should find applications in imaging and biomedical fields.
An event‐related FMRI study of exogenous orienting across vision and audition
Authors: Yang Zhen , Mayer Andrew R.
Published: January 2013

The orienting of attention to the spatial location of sensory stimuli in one modality based on sensory stimuli presented in another modality (i.e., cross‐modal orienting) is a common mechanism for controlling attentional shifts. The neuronal mechanisms of top‐down cross‐modal orienting have been studied extensively. However, the neuronal substrates of bottom‐up audio‐visual cross‐modal spatial orienting remain to be elucidated. Therefore, behavioral and event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) data were collected while healthy volunteers (N= 26) performed a spatial cross‐modal localization task modeled after the Posner cuing paradigm. Behavioral results indicated that although both visual and auditory cues were effective in producing bottom‐up shifts of cross‐modal spatial attention, reorienting effects were greater for the visual cues condition. Statistically significant evidence of inhibition of return was not observed for either condition. Functional results also indicated that visual cues with auditory targets resulted in greater activation within ventral and dorsal frontoparietal attention networks, visual and auditory “where” streams, primary auditory cortex, and thalamus during reorienting across both short and long stimulus onset asynchronys. In contrast, no areas of unique activation were associated with reorienting following auditory cues with visual targets. In summary, current results question whether audio‐visual cross‐modal orienting is supramodal in nature, suggesting rather that the initial modality of cue presentation heavily influences both behavioral and functional results. In the context of localization tasks, reorienting effects accompanied by the activation of the frontoparietal reorienting network are more robust for visual cues with auditory targets than for auditory cues with visual targets. Hum Brain Mapp 35:964–974, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantum Monte Carlo for large chemical systems: Implementing efficient strategies for petascale platforms and beyond
Authors: Scemama Anthony , Caffarel Michel , Oseret Emmanuel , Jalby William
Published: January 2013

Various strategies to implement efficiently quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations for large chemical systems are presented. These include: (i) the introduction of an efficient algorithm to calculate the computationally expensive Slater matrices. This novel scheme is based on the use of the highly localized character of atomic Gaussian basis functions (not the molecular orbitals as usually done), (ii) the possibility of keeping the memory footprint minimal, (iii) the important enhancement of single‐core performance when efficient optimization tools are used, and (iv) the definition of a universal, dynamic, fault‐tolerant, and load‐balanced framework adapted to all kinds of computational platforms (massively parallel machines, clusters, or distributed grids). These strategies have been implemented in the QMC=Chem code developed at Toulouse and illustrated with numerical applications on small peptides of increasing sizes (158, 434, 1056, and 1731 electrons). Using 10–80 k computing cores of the Curie machine (GENCI‐TGCC‐CEA, France), QMC=Chem has been shown to be capable of running at the petascale level, thus demonstrating that for this machine a large part of the peak performance can be achieved. Implementation of large‐scale QMC simulations for future exascale platforms with a comparable level of efficiency is expected to be feasible. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
After the electronic field: Structure, bonding, and the first hyperpolarizability of HArF
Authors: Wu Heng‐Qing , Zhong Rong‐Lin , Kan Yu‐He , Sun Shi‐Ling , Zhang Min , Xu Hong‐Liang , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: January 2013

In this work, we add different strength of external electric field (Eext) along molecule axis (Z‐axis) to investigate the electric field induced effect on HArF structure. The H‐Ar bond is the shortest atEext= −189 × 10−4and the Ar‐F bond show shortest value atEext= 185 × 10−4au. Furthermore, the wiberg bond index analyses show that with the variation of HArF structure, the covalent bond H‐Ar shows downtrend (ranging from0.79 to 0.69) and ionic bond Ar‐F shows uptrend (ranging from 0.04 to 0.17). Interestingly, the natural bond orbital analyses show that the charges of F atom range from −0.961 to −0.771 and the charges of H atoms range from 0.402 to 0.246. Due to weakened charge transfer, the first hyperpolarizability (βtot) can be modulated from 4078 to 1087 au. On the other hand, make our results more useful to experimentalists, the frequency‐dependent first hyperpolarizabilities were investigated by the coupled perturbed Hartree‐Fork method. We hope that this work may offer a new idea for application of noble‐gas hydrides. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydroxylation of 4‐Amino‐5‐hydroxynaphthalene‐2,7‐disulfonic Acid Monosodium Salt Catalysed by Horseradish Peroxidase and Hydrogen Peroxide: Computation of Kinetic Parameters Including Its Application to Crude Plant Extracts
Authors: Krishna Honnur , Nagaraja Padmarajaiah , Shivakumar Anantharaman , Avinash Krishnegowda , Lingaiah Vasanthkumar
Published: January 2013

The new spectrophotometric assay method for the quantification of peroxidase activity uses 4‐amino‐5‐hydroxynaphthalene‐2,7‐disulfonicacid monosodium salt (AHNDSA) as chromogenic co‐substrate. The method is based on hydroxylation of AHNDSA in presence of H2O2/peroxidase forming quinone, having λmax = 460 nm in the acetate buffer (pH = 4.0) at 30 °C.

The linearity of H2O2 by kinetic method was 10–332 µM and for peroxidase by kinetic and fixed time methods were 1.18–18.92 and 1.18–9.46 nM, respectively. Catalytic efficiency and catalytic power for peroxidase assay were 7.965 × 104 M−1min−1 and 3.76 × 10−4 min−1, respectively. From the plot of d(1/Ao) vs d(1/Vo) and d(1/Ho) vs d(1/Vo), the apparent Michaelis‐Menten constants for H2O2 and AHNDSA were K = 68 and K = 275 µM, respectively. The method was tested with some plant extracts and also compared with guaiacol/peroxidase system. Except Boerhavia diffusa, all other tested plant samples showed highest peroxidase activity. The proposed method is a rapid and convenient method to determine peroxidase activity by spectrophotometer. This method for the first time reports peroxidase activity in Lantana camara and Oplismenus compositus plants. Kinetic results showed that AHNDSA/peroxidase system can be better hydrogen donor for peroxidase assay than guaiacol system.
Degradation of X‐ray contrast media diatrizoate in different water matrices by gamma irradiation
Authors: Velo Gala Inmaculada , López Peñalver Jesús J. , Sánchez Polo Manuel , Rivera Utrilla José
Published: January 2013

Background

This study analyzes the effectiveness of gamma irradiation in removing diatrizoate contrast from different water matrices: ultrapure water, surface water, groundwater and wastewater. The use of gamma irradiation for degradation is influenced by coexisting substances in natural waters and wastewaters. The influence of the presence of anions on the degradation of diatrizoate by gamma irradiation was investigated.

Results

Study results indicate that: (1) diatrizoate radiolysis fits pseudo‐first‐order kinetics; removal of  91.9% of the diatrizoate was achieved at a dose of 1000 Gy; (2) diatrizoate degradation depends on the type of water matrix, with the radiolysis being affected by the presence of anions, as follows: (i) high concentrations of Cl− increase the efficacy of the process; and (ii) low concentrations of markedly decrease the degradation rate, because nitrite ions act as scavengers of , hydroxyl radical and hydrogen radical; (3) TOC values showed that diatrizoate does not mineralize at a dose of 1000 Gy.

Conclusions

Radiolysis degrades diatrizoate by more than 90%; results obtained indicate that it is not mineralized, with TOC values remaining constant in all waters studied. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of thermal processing of cow and buffalo milk on the allergenic response to caseins and whey proteins in mice
Authors: Shandilya Umesh Kumar , Kapila Rajeev , Haq Raies M , Kapila Suman , Kansal VK
Published: January 2013

Background

Heat treatment is the most common method for reducing pathogen load, but it remains controversial in reducing the incidence of hyperimmune reactions. The aim of this study was to compare the allergenicity of caseins (CSN) and whey proteins (WP) of thermally processed cow and buffalo milk in a mouse model. Swiss albino mice were sensitised by intraperitoneal injections (administered in three doses at weekly intervals) of CSN or WP from cow or buffalo milk for the evaluation of humoral response and splenocyte stimulation index.

Results

After 3 weeks of intraperitoneal stimulation of mice with milk proteins, the sterilised milk protein group displayed significantly lowered (P ≤ 0.05) serum IgG and IgE levels, while considerably increased cow milk protein‐specific responses (IgE) were shown by proteins of pasteurised milk compared with those of raw milk. The stimulation index of splenocytes induced by CSN or WP of boiled and sterilised milk was also lower (P ≤ 0.05) than that of raw milk of both cow and buffalo.

Conclusion

The experiment showed that boiling and sterilisation of cow and buffalo milk clearly affect the allergenicity by decreasing the humoral and cell‐mediated responses in mice. All results indicated that CSN and WP of sterilised milk are less allergenic than those of raw milk in mice. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Two‐fraction anaerobic fermentation of grass waste
Authors: Maroušek Josef
Published: January 2013

Background

Waste from public green areas represents large quantities of grassy phytomass. The grass is usually utilised by composting, combustion or anaerobic fermentation. However, the classical composts are time‐demanding, the quality of accelerated composts is low, combustion is under increasing criticism and conventional anaerobic fermentation requires high investment.

Results

A new method of two‐fraction anaerobic fermentation of grass waste consisting from a hot maceration, up‐flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor, steam explosion, horizontally stirred batch anaerobic fermentors and a charcoal kiln, all run on waste heat from a co‐generation unit was investigated on a commercial scale.

Conclusion

The results shows that due to faster energy utilisation the two‐fraction technology requires smaller fermentors and hence the technology is approximately one‐third less costly than conventional systems, with 4 years shorter payback time. Additionally, huge amounts of charcoal are produced. However, the process control and optimisation is more demanding. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzyme‐Degradable Self‐Assembled Hydrogels From Polyalanine‐Modified Poly(ethylene glycol) Star Polymers
Authors: Thornton Paul D. , Billah Shah M. Reduwan , Cameron Neil R.
Published: January 2013

The generation of a range of star‐shaped block copolymers composed of a biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) core tethered to a polyalanine (PAla) shell that possesses the capability to (reversibly) self‐assemble in water is described. The hydrogels formed offer a hydrophilic environment ideal for biological processes involving proteins and are able to withhold albumin for prolonged periods before its triggered release following the targeted material degradation by the proteolytic enzyme elastase. Consequently, the materials formed offer significant promise for the delivery of proteins, and possibly inhibitors, in response to a proteolytic enzyme overexpressed in chronic wounds.
Metallkatalysierte dehydrierende Kreuzkupplung
Authors: Tamke Sergej , Paradies Jan
Published: January 2013

Die Kreuzkupplung zweier C‐H‐Gruppen ist der effizienteste Weg, um zwei organische Fragmente durch eine C‐C‐Bindung zu verbinden. Retrosynthetisch ist dieser Schnitt widersprüchlich, er bietet jedoch neue Möglichkeiten.
Umweltchemie und die Ängste um die Gesundheit
Authors: Pauls Alfred
Published: January 2013

Methodisch fragwürdige epidemiologische Studien am Menschen scheinen Beweise für die Vorhersagekraft toxikologischer Befunde zu liefern. Dabei ist die Dosierung der Chemikalien in den Studien höher als die Exposition der Verbraucher. Nur hochwertige, unabhängige epidemiologische Untersuchungen können belastbare Daten liefern.
The natural radial element method
Authors: Belinha J. , Dinis L.M.J.S. , Natal Jorge R.M.
Published: January 2013

In this work an innovative numerical approach is proposed, which combines the simplicity of low‐order finite elements connectivity with the geometric flexibility of meshless methods. The natural neighbour concept is applied to enforce the nodal connectivity. Resorting to the Delaunay triangulation a background integration mesh is constructed, completely dependent on the nodal mesh. The nodal connectivity is imposed through nodal sets with reduce size, reducing significantly the test function construction cost. The interpolations functions, constructed using Euclidian norms, are easily obtained. To prove the good behaviour of the proposed interpolation function several data‐fitting examples and first‐order partial differential equations are solved. The proposed numerical method is also extended to the elastostatic analysis, where classic solid mechanics benchmark examples are solved. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased protein intake and meal frequency reduces abdominal fat during energy balance and energy deficit
Authors: Arciero Paul J. , Ormsbee Michael J. , Gentile Christopher L. , Nindl Bradley C. , Brestoff Jonathan R. , Ruby Maxwell
Published: January 2013

Objective

Unrefined, complex carbohydrates and lean protein diets are used to combat obesity, although it's unknown whether more frequent meals may improve this response. The effects of consuming traditional (∼15%) versus higher (∼35%) protein intakes as three or six meals/day on abdominal fat, postprandial thermogenesis (TEM), and cardiometabolic biomarkers in overweight individuals during 28 days of energy balance (BAL) and deficit (NEG), respectively were compared.

Design and Methods

Overweight individuals (n = 30) were randomized into three groups: two high‐protein groups (35% of energy) consumed as three (HP3) or six (HP6) meals/day and one group consumed three meals/day of a traditional intake (TD3). Following a 5‐day baseline control (CON), subjects consumed their respective diets throughout a 56‐day intervention consisting of two, 28 day phases: a BAL followed by a NEG phase (75% of energy needs). Total body fat (BF) and abdominal BF (ABF), body weight (BW), TEM, and fasting biomarkers were assessed at the end of CON, BAL, and NEG phases.

Results

BW remained stable throughout CON and BAL in all groups, whereas BF (P < 0.001) and ABF (P < 0.01) decreased in HP groups and lean body mass (LBM) and leptin increased in HP6. Following NEG, BW decreased in all groups. BF, ABF, and leptin decreased in HP groups; LBM remained higher (P < 0.05), and TEM was highest in HP6 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Consuming increased protein (∼35%) more frequently (6×) throughout the day decreases BF and ABF, increases LBM and TEM, and favorably affects adipokines more than current recommendations for macronutrients consumed over three meals/day in overweight individuals during both BAL and NEG.
Healthcare provider accuracy at estimating women's BMI and intent to provide counseling based on appearance alone
Authors: Evans‐Hoeker Emily A. , Calhoun Kathryn C. , Mersereau Jennifer E.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To assess healthcare providers' ability to estimate women's body mass index (BMI) based on physical appearance and determine the prevalence of, and barriers to, weight‐related counseling.

Methods

A web‐based survey was distributed to healthcare providers (“participants”) at a university‐based hospital and contained photographs of anonymous women (“photographed women (PW)”) as well as questions regarding participant demographics. Participants were asked to estimate BMI category based on physical appearance, state whether they would provide weight‐loss counseling for each PW and identify barriers to counseling.

Results

One hundred forty‐two participants completed the survey. BMI estimations were poor among all participants, with an overall accuracy of only 41% and a large proportion of underestimations. Standardization of PW clothing did not improve accuracy; 41% for own clothing versus 40% for scrubs, P = 0.2. BMI assessments were more accurate for Caucasian versus African American PW (45% versus 36%, P < 0.001) and PW with normal weight (84%) and obesity III (38%) compared to PW with mid‐range BMI (P < 0.001). Although the frequency of weight loss counseling was positively associated with PW BMI, participants only intended to counsel 69% of overweight and obese PW. The most commonly cited reason for lack of counseling was time constraints (54%).

Conclusions

Healthcare providers are inaccurate at appearance‐based BMI categorization and thus, BMI should be routinely calculated in order to improve identification of those in need of counseling. When appropriately identified, time constraints may prevent practitioners from providing appropriate weight‐loss counseling—further complicating the already difficult task of fighting obesity.
Effects of household composition and income security on body weight in working‐age men
Authors: Barnes Michael G. , Smith Trenton G. , Yoder Jonathan K.
Published: January 2013

Objective

Many recent studies have provided evidence suggesting that increases in body weight may spread via social networks. The mechanism(s) by which this might occur have become the subject of much speculation, but to date little direct evidence has been available. Building on evidence from economics, anthropology, and behavioral biology, within‐household peers might influence body weight via implicit provision of income security was hypothesized.

Design and Methods

Using a sample of 2,541 working‐age men from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1979), the effect of cohabitation on weight gain over a 6‐year period was estimated. The potential confound caused by the joint determination of economic insecurity and cohabitation status with instrumental variables that exploit variation in local and state‐level macroeconomic conditions and the presence of children in the home was addressed.

Results

The marginal effect of cohabitation with adults on body weight is negative. Moreover, the magnitude of the effect is more than six times greater when the cohabitant is engaged in paid employment.

Conclusions

Income insecurity may play an important role in peer‐to‐peer transmission of weight gain.
Combining integrated genomics and functional genomics to dissect the biology of a cancer‐associated, aberrant transcription factor, the ASPSCR1–TFE3 fusion oncoprotein
Authors: Kobos Rachel , Nagai Makoto , Tsuda Masumi , Merl Man Yee , Saito Tsuyoshi , Laé Marick , Mo Qianxing , Olshen Adam , Lianoglou Steven , Leslie Christina , Ostrovnaya Irina , Antczak Christophe , Djaballah Hakim , Ladanyi Marc
Published: January 2013

Oncogenic rearrangements of the TFE3 transcription factor gene are found in two distinct human cancers. These include ASPSCR1–TFE3 in all cases of alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) and ASPSCR1–TFE3, PRCC‐TFE3, SFPQ‐TFE3 and others in a subset of paediatric and adult RCCs. Here we examined the functional properties of the ASPSCR1–TFE3 fusion oncoprotein, defined its target promoters on a genome‐wide basis and performed a high‐throughput RNA interference screen to identify which of its transcriptional targets contribute to cancer cell proliferation. We first confirmed that ASPSCR1–TFE3 has a predominantly nuclear localization and functions as a stronger transactivator than native TFE3. Genome‐wide location analysis performed on the FU‐UR‐1 cell line, which expresses endogenous ASPSCR1–TFE3, identified 2193 genes bound by ASPSCR1–TFE3. Integration of these data with expression profiles of ASPS tumour samples and inducible cell lines expressing ASPSCR1–TFE3 defined a subset of 332 genes as putative up‐regulated direct targets of ASPSCR1–TFE3, including MET (a previously known target gene) and 64 genes as down‐regulated targets of ASPSCR1–TFE3. As validation of this approach to identify genuine ASPSCR1–TFE3 target genes, two up‐regulated genes bound by ASPSCR1–TFE3, CYP17A1 and UPP1, were shown by multiple lines of evidence to be direct, endogenous targets of transactivation by ASPSCR1–TFE3. As the results indicated that ASPSCR1–TFE3 functions predominantly as a strong transcriptional activator, we hypothesized that a subset of its up‐regulated direct targets mediate its oncogenic properties. We therefore chose 130 of these up‐regulated direct target genes to study in high‐throughput RNAi screens, using FU‐UR‐1 cells. In addition to MET, we provide evidence that 11 other ASPSCR1–TFE3 target genes contribute to the growth of ASPSCR1–TFE3‐positive cells. Our data suggest new therapeutic possibilities for cancers driven by TFE3 fusions. More generally, this work establishes a combined integrated genomics/functional genomics strategy to dissect the biology of oncogenic, chimeric transcription factors. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left‐sided cryptorchidism in mice with Wilms' tumour 1 gene deletion in gubernaculum testis
Authors: Kaftanovskaya Elena M , Neukirchner Giselle , Huff Vicki , Agoulnik Alexander I
Published: January 2013

A significant number of patients with germline mutations in the Wilms' tumour 1 ( WT1) gene, a transcriptional factor essential for early renal and gonadal development, display cryptorchidism or non‐scrotal testis position. We show here that WT1 is expressed during development in the mouse gubernacular ligament connecting the testis to the abdominal wall. Conditional inactivation of Wt1 in the gubernaculum (GU‐WT1KO animals) resulted in abnormal differentiation of the gubernacula during development and, in about 40% of adult males, unilateral, always left‐sided, cryptorchidism. At birth the right testis was positioned above the processus vaginalis and eventually moved into the developing scrotal pouch. In affected mutants the left testis was displaced from the normal position and the left processus vaginalis failed to form. The analysis of testicular descent at different stages of postnatal development suggests that unilateral cryptorchidism might be caused by asymmetry in the positions of the abdominal organs providing a higher degree of mobility for the left testis. Spermatogenesis in GU‐WT1KO animals was blocked in cryptorchid testes located in a high pararenal position, but was maintained in testes located in a low abdominal position. Conditional inactivation of both Wt1 and androgen receptor (Ar) genes in the gubernaculum led to a bilateral asymmetrical cryptorchidism in all mutant males, with the left testis again located higher than the right one. The malformations induced by WT1 and AR deficiency in the gubernaculum and processus vaginalis, in combination with mechanical constraints on testis descent, determine the final position of the testes. In summary, our data indicate that WT1 is directly involved in gubernaculum differentiation. Taken together, the results of the study underline the complex nature of testicular descent, with an involvement in this process of several genetic factors and developmental events. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved circuit model for polymer solar cells
Authors: Gaur Ankita , Kumar Pankaj
Published: January 2013

Authenticity of conventional circuit model, to interpret the characteristics of polymer solar cells (PSCs) is examined. Conventional circuit model is found to be quite limited, and various assumptions used there are not valid for PSCs. By understanding the nature of photovoltaic characteristics, through detailed investigations, we developed an improved circuit model, which explains correctly the behavior of PSCs under different environmental conditions. Investigations are carried out on the solar cells, made of the blend of regioregular poly(3‐hexylethiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl [6,6] C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The model is developed by treating both the dark and illuminated characteristics separately, even the characteristics were dealt with separately in reverse and forward biases. The formulated equivalent circuit model helps us in explaining many other important features, observed in the characteristics of PSCs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the impact and control of an invasive alien: the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Great Britain, as determined from regional surveys
Authors: Mayle Brenda A , Broome Alice C
Published: January 2013

The grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin, was introduced into sites in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland from the United States and Canada between 1876 and 1929. Soon after its introduction there were reports of damage to trees by seasonal bark stripping activity. Surveys in state and private forests since 1954 have monitored their distribution and impacts. Two surveys also gathered information on control efforts used to minimise damage. Grey squirrel population range has expanded significantly in Britain over the last 50 years and continues to do so. Survey results show high variability between years in damage recorded, consistent with the understanding that damage is triggered by high numbers of juveniles entering the population following a good breeding season. Results also show high variability between tree species in levels of damage recorded, but that thin‐barked tree species are most at risk of damage from grey squirrels. Further, results show that the economic cost of damage can be high and that control measures will be ineffective if not appropriately targeted. The findings support suggestions that grey squirrels in mainland Europe should be eradicated to prevent future population expansion and any accompanying impacts on commercial timber crops. © Crown copyright 2013. Reproduced with permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Locating apoptosis proteins by incorporating the signal peptide cleavage sites into the general form of Chou's Pseudo amino acid composition
Authors: Qin Yufang , Zheng Li , Huang Jifeng
Published: January 2013

Apoptosis proteins play an essential role in the development and homeostasis of an organism. The accurate prediction of subcellular location for apoptosis proteins is helpful for understanding the mechanism of programmed cell death and their biological functions. In this article, a new apoptosis proteins localization algorithm, named PSSP, is proposed based on the predicted cleavage sites of primary protein sequences. First, protein chains are divided into N‐terminal signal parts and mature protein parts according to their predicted cleavage sites by SignalP. Then, amino acid composition (ACC) of the individual subsequence together with pseudo‐ACC and stereochemical properties of whole chain were extracted to represent a given protein sequence. Jackknife test by support vector machine on three broadly used datasets (ZD98, ZW225, and CL317 datasets) of apoptosis proteins demonstrated that the total accuracies by this approach are 93.9, 87.6, and 91.5%, respectively. In addition, an independent nonapoptosis benchmark dataset (NNPSL) was also used to evaluate the performance of this method, and predictive accuracies for eukaryotic and prokaryotic proteins are also comparable to existing methods. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Entwicklung einer integrierten Verbunddecke für nachhaltige Stahlbauten
Authors: Hegger Josef , Claßen Martin , Schaumann Peter , Sothmann Jörg , Feldmann Markus , Döring Bernd
Published: January 2013

Integrated composite floor‐slab‐systems for sustainable steel structures. Integrated and multifunctional floor‐slab‐systems have great potential to benefit the planning, construction and operation of sustainable buildings. In the present paper the development of a sustainable slab‐system is presented which incorporates building services and technical installations into the structural element by means of an integrated installation floor. Due to a prestressed concrete chord at the bottom side of the cross‐section, the slab‐system features improved physical and fire protection characteristics and provides wide spans for increased flexibility at the same time. The paper illustrates the complex interactions between the disciplines of building services, building physics, structural engineering and fire protection and gives an outlook on future investigations.
Instandhaltungsstrategien als Basis für die ganzheitliche Bewertung von Stahl‐ und Verbundbrücken nach Kriterien der Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Maier Philippa , Friedrich Heinz , Kaschner Rolf , Mensinger Martin , Pfaffinger Marjolaine , Sedlbauer Klaus , Fischer Matthias , Lenz Katrin , Beck Tabea , Ummenhofer Thomas , Zinke Tim
Published: January 2013

Die Berücksichtigung aller Einflüsse im gesamten Lebenszyklus einer Brücke bildet die Grundlage für Nachhaltigkeitsanalysen. Hierfür müssen Instandhaltungsszenarien auf Basis von Erneuerungszyklen für die einzelnen Bauteilgruppen – das sind Lager, Fahrbahnübergänge, Kappen etc. – definiert werden. Dieser Beitrag leitet drei Strategien für den deutschen Raum her, die für die Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung von Brückenbauwerken angewendet werden können. Die Auswertungen der in Deutschland vorhandenen empirischen Datenbasis bildet hierfür die Grundlage. Zwei Strategien werden abschließend an einer Referenzbrücke als Autobahnüberführung in Integralbauweise zur Anwendung gebracht und mit Hilfe einer Ökobilanzierung, als Teil einer Nachhaltigkeitsanalyse, aus ökologischer Sicht bewertet.

Maintenance strategies as a basis for the holistic assessment of steel and composite bridges according to criteria of sustainability. The consideration of all impacts during the life cycle of a bridge is essential for sustainability analyses. For this purpose maintenance scenarios based on of renewal cycles for all components of a bridge – i. e. bearings, expansion joints, caps, etc. – have to be defined. In this article three maintenance strategies for Germany are derived from an empirical database. This database is analyzed to develop input parameters which can be used for sustainability analyses. Concluding, two strategies are applied to a reference bridge as integral crossing of a motorway and evaluated by using the method of life cycle assessment, as one part of sustainability analyses.
Neubau von zwei flügelartigen Überdachungsbauwerken in Monocoque‐Bauweise für den ZOB Schwäbisch Hall
Authors: Engelsmann Stephan , Peters Stefan
Published: January 2013

Der Neubau von zwei Überdachungsbauwerken ist Teil der Baumaßnahme ZOB (Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof) Schwäbisch Hall. Erscheinungsbild und Form der beiden sehr schlanken, flügelartigen Überdachungsbauwerke in Monocoque‐Bauweise sind abgestimmt auf die städtebaulich‐architektonischen Randbedingungen. Der Beitrag beschreibt den Tragwerksentwurf für die beiden Überdachungsbauwerke sowie deren Tragverhalten.

Design of two wing‐like roofs in monocoque building technique for central bus station Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. Two roofs are part of the project ZOB (central bus station) Schwäbisch Hall. Appearance and form of these extremely slender wing‐like roofs in monocoque building technique have been adjusted to urban as well as architectural planning aspects. This article describes the structural design process for both roof structures as well as their structural behaviour.
Clinical Diagnosis and Wide-Awake Surgical Treatment of Proximal Median Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow: A Prospective Study
Authors: Hagert Elisabet
Published: January 2013

Background

Proximal median nerve entrapment (PMNE, or pronator syndrome) at the elbow has traditionally been considered an elusive and rare diagnosis, as it is seldom detectable using electrophysiological techniques. In this paper, the clinical manifestations, physical diagnosis, surgical technique, and results of surgical treatment of PMNE are presented, with accompanying instructional video.

Patients/Methods

During 2011, 44 patients with PMNE were surgically released and followed prospectively, 22 women/22 men, mean age 48.8 (range 25-66). The patients were equally distributed between right/left hands (23/21) and the dominant hand was treated in 56 % of cases. The diagnosis was based on: (1) weakness in median innervated muscles distal to the lacertus fibrosus; (2) pain upon pressure over the median nerve at the level of the lacertus fibrosus; and (3) positive scratch collapse test. A minimally invasive surgical treatment using only local anesthesia with lidocaine–epinephrine and no tourniquet was used, and direct perioperative return of strength in median innervated muscles was seen in all subjects.

Results

The average preoperative quick DASH was 35.4 (range 6.8–77.2); work DASH, 44.3 (6.25–100); and activity DASH, 61.6 (12.5–100). There were 71.1 % patients who completed the 6-month follow-up, and the average postoperative quick DASH was 12.7 (range 0–43.1), which is a statistically significant reduction ( p<0.0001; Student's paired t test). Similarly, the work and activity DASH was significantly reduced ( p<0.001) to 12.5 (0-75) and 6.25 (0-50), respectively.

Conclusions

PMNE at the level of the lacertus fibrosus should be called lacertus tunnel syndrome to distinguish it from other levels of median nerve entrapment. It is a clinical diagnosis based on three distinct clinical findings: weakness, pain over point of compression, and positive scratch collapse test. Surgical release in local anesthesia allows for a safe, ambulatory, and cost-efficient procedure with low morbidity.
Petrological and Geochemical Considerations to Predict Oil Potential of Rajpardi and Vastan Lignite Deposits of Gujarat, Western India
Authors: Singh Prakash K.
Published: January 2013

This paper entails the results of the investigations undertaken to assess the oil potential of two lignite deposits, Rajpardi and Vastan, from Gujarat, western India. They are ‘Low rank B’ type lignite. Petrographically, they are enriched in huminite and are low in liptinite and inertinite. Their elevated hydrogen content, in relation to carbon, has probably made them perhydrous in nature and oil prone. The reactivity of these coals during liquefaction has also been discussed in the light of petrofactor. Good correlation has been noticed between oil yield and conversion (r2 = 0.999) in both the lignite deposits. The VRr (0.24 – 0.35% in both lignites), H/C atomic ratio (0.11 – 1.39 in Rajpardi and 1.09 – 1.88 in Vastan), reactive maceral content (91.6 – 99.8 vol % mmf in Rajpardi lignite and 75.5 – 99.7 vol % in Vastan lignite) and VMdaf (64.8 – 67.9 wt % in Rajpardi lignite and 42.1 – 80.0 wt % in Vastan lignite) of these lignites have a favourable range required for a coal to generate oil. Huminite is seen to play a vital role in conversion and maintains a good correlation with it. The calculations show that these lignites have a high conversion (> 95%) and oil yield (> 65%).