bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
U.S. IOOS coastal and ocean modeling testbed: Evaluation of tide, wave, and hurricane surge response sensitivities to mesh resolution and friction in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Kerr P. C. , Martyr R. C. , Donahue A. S. , Hope M. E. , Westerink J. J. , Luettich R. A. , Kennedy A. B. , Dietrich J. C. , Dawson C. , Westerink H. J.
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates model response sensitivities to mesh resolution, topographical details, bottom friction formulations, the interaction of wind waves and circulation, and nonlinear advection on tidal and hurricane surge and wave processes at the basin, shelf, wetland, and coastal channel scales within the Gulf of Mexico. Tides in the Gulf of Mexico are modestly energetic processes, whereas hurricane surge and waves are highly energetic. The unstructured‐mesh, coupled wind‐wave and circulation modeling system, SWAN+ADCIRC, is implemented to generate modeled tidal harmonic constituents and hurricane waves and surge for a Hurricane Ike (2008) hindcast. In the open ocean, mesh resolution requirements are less stringent in achieving accurate tidal signals or matching hurricane surge and wave responses; however, coarser resolution or the absence of intertidal zones decreases accuracy along protected nearshore and inland coastal areas due to improper conveyance and/or lateral attenuation. Bottom friction formulations are shown to have little impact on tidal signal accuracy, but hurricane surge is much more sensitive, especially in shelf waters, where development of a strong shore‐parallel current is essential to the development of Ike's geostrophic setup. The spatial and temporal contributions of wave radiation stress gradients and nonlinear advection were charted for Ike. Nonlinear advection improves model performance by capturing an additional 10–20 cm of geostrophic setup and increasing resonant cross‐shelf waves by 30–40 cm. Wave radiation stress gradients improve performance at coastal stations by adding an extra 20–40 cm to water levels.
Internal tidal energy fluxes in the South China Sea from density and velocity measurements by gliders
Authors: Johnston T. M. Shaun , Rudnick Daniel L. , Alford Matthew H. , Pickering Andy , Simmons Harper L.
Published: July 2013

Internal tidal energy fluxes were obtained from June 2011 to August 2011 using underwater gliders in the South China Sea. Spray gliders profiled every ∼2 h to 500 m, which is deep enough given the shallow thermocline to compute mode‐1 fluxes from vertical mode fits to tidal displacements and currents. Westward, mode‐1 diurnal and semidiurnal fluxes exceeded 40 and 30 kW m−1. To our knowledge, these flux observations are the first from both velocity and density measurements by gliders. Fluxes compare well with a mooring near a generation site in southern Luzon Strait and a regional model. Furthermore, the zonal‐depth structure of the internal tide is obtained by binning measurements, which cover four spring‐neap cycles and over 100 km along 20°39′N. Westward phase propagation is found for currents and displacements, while roughly constant phase is found along beams. Both these features of the phase suggest a narrow‐banded internal tide. Semidiurnal energy density is largest along a raypath which coincides with generation sites on both the eastern and western ridges in Luzon Strait. Diurnal energy density is surface‐intensified consistent with relatively shallower diurnal raypaths emanating from the eastern ridge.
Influence of the vertical and zonal propagation of stratospheric planetary waves on tropospheric blockings
Authors: Kodera Kunihiko , Mukougawa Hitoshi , Fujii Aki
Published: July 2013

Case studies are used to elucidate the relationship between stratospheric planetary wave reflection and blocking formation in the troposphere. The enhanced upward propagation of a planetary‐scale wave packet from the Eurasian sector, involving a Euro‐Atlantic blocking, leads to a stratospheric sudden warming (SSW). Following the weakening of the stratospheric westerly jet due to polar warming, the stratospheric planetary wave packet then propagates downward over the American sector, inducing a ridge over the North Pacific as well as a trough over eastern Canada in the upper troposphere. The ridge promotes the formation of a Pacific blocking. This result explains why Pacific blockings tend to form after SSW, and why they are associated with suppressed upward propagation of planetary waves.
Nighttime secondary ozone layer during major stratospheric sudden warmings in specified‐dynamics WACCM
Authors: Tweedy Olga V. , Limpasuvan Varavut , Orsolini Yvan J. , Smith Anne K. , Garcia Rolando R. , Kinnison Doug , Randall Cora E. , Kvissel Ole‐Kristian , Stordal Frode , Harvey V. Lynn , Chandran Amal
Published: July 2013

A major stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) strongly impacts the entire middle atmosphere up to the thermosphere. Currently, the role of atmospheric dynamics on polar ozone in the mesosphere‐lower thermosphere (MLT) during SSWs is not well understood. Here we investigate the SSW‐induced changes in the nighttime “secondary” (90–105 km) ozone maximum by examining the dynamics and distribution of key species (like H and O) important to ozone. We use output from the National Center for Atmospheric Research Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with “Specified Dynamics” (SD‐WACCM), in which the simulation is constrained by meteorological reanalyses below 1 hPa. Composites are made based on six major SSW events with elevated stratopause episodes. Individual SSW cases of temperature and MLT nighttime ozone from the model are compared against the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry observations aboard the NASA's Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite. The evolution of ozone and major chemical trace species is associated with the anomalous vertical residual motion during SSWs and consistent with photochemical equilibrium governing the MLT nighttime ozone. Just after SSW onset, enhanced upwelling adiabatically cools the polar region from 80 to 100 km and transports low H from below. These conditions promote a concentration increase in the secondary ozone layer. Subsequent downwelling from the lower thermosphere warms the MLT and enhances the descent of H from the thermospheric reservoir, thereby limiting the secondary ozone concentration increase. Negative correlation of secondary ozone with respect to temperature and H is more pronounced during winters with SSWs than during non‐SSW winters.
The variability of California summertime marine stratus: Impacts on surface air temperatures
Authors: Iacobellis Sam F. , Cayan Daniel R.
Published: July 2013

This study investigates the variability of clouds, primarily marine stratus clouds, and how they are associated with surface temperature anomalies over California, especially along the coastal margin. We focus on the summer months of June to September when marine stratus are the dominant cloud type. Data used include satellite cloud reflectivity (cloud albedo) measurements, hourly surface observations of cloud cover and air temperature at coastal airports, and observed values of daily surface temperature at stations throughout California and Nevada. Much of the anomalous variability of summer clouds is organized over regional patterns that affect considerable portions of the coast, often extend hundreds of kilometers to the west and southwest over the North Pacific, and are bounded to the east by coastal mountains. The occurrence of marine stratus is positively correlated with both the strength and height of the thermal inversion that caps the marine boundary layer, with inversion base height being a key factor in determining their inland penetration. Cloud cover is strongly associated with surface temperature variations. In general, increased presence of cloud (higher cloud albedo) produces cooler daytime temperatures and warmer nighttime temperatures. Summer daytime temperature fluctuations associated with cloud cover variations typically exceed 1°C. The inversion‐cloud albedo‐temperature associations that occur at daily timescales are also found at seasonal timescales.
The influence of temperature‐dependent viscosity on lava flow dynamics
Authors: Diniega S. , Smrekar S. E. , Anderson S. , Stofan E. R.
Published: July 2013

Many studies have investigated how channels and tubes form within basaltic flows. The partitioning of a broad lava flow into narrow regions of enhanced flow velocity (which we refer to as preferred pathways) can affect lava emplacement, and allow flows to reach great lengths on Earth and other planets. In this study, we investigate the role that a dynamic instability, driven by large changes in viscosity due to small changes in temperature, can play in the formation and propagation of low‐viscosity preferred pathways. We use a fluid dynamics‐based model of laminar lava flow emplacement that examines this process exclusively. Analysis of this model shows that preferred pathways will initiate when the temperature dependence of the lava's viscosity is sufficiently strong. If a preferred pathway develops, it will form and stabilize over a distance that reflects the competition between the cooling rate through the flow's surfaces and the flow velocity within the preferred pathway. Using velocity and cooling rates of typical basaltic flows on Earth, this model is able to produce preferred pathways within lava flows with reasonable dimensions and timescales. The model also fails to produce such pathways in situations where tubes and channels are not found in nature (e.g., in basalt sheet flows and silicic flows < 1 km in length). These results are sufficiently positive to demonstrate that this thermodynamic instability may play a role in the formation and propagation of preferred pathways within some flows, and thus merit further investigation.
Lithologic and tectonic controls on bedrock channel form at the northwest Himalayan front
Authors: Allen George H. , Barnes Jason B. , Pavelsky Tamlin M. , Kirby Eric
Published: July 2013

Recognition that channel form reflects a river's ability to erode rock and transport material has spawned stream‐power models that estimate incision patterns by approximating energy dissipation within a channel. These models frequently assume that channel width scales as a power law with drainage area, partly because drainage area is easily extracted from digital elevation models (DEMs). However, this assumption is often confounded by local variations in rock strength and rock‐uplift rate that can cause channel constriction downstream. Here we investigate the morphological response to spatial changes in rock strength and rock‐uplift rate of 10 bedrock channels traversing the Mohand range along the northwest Himalayan front. We present a new method to continuously measure and compare channel width, slope, and other hydraulic parameters that integrate satellite imagery and DEM analysis. Our method corrects for an ~13% overestimation of average channel gradient from a 90 m resolution DEM that arises from short circuits of fine‐scale meanders. We find that channels (1) narrow >1 km upstream from knickpoints formed by an increase in rock strength, (2) adjust laterally more than vertically in response to downstream decreases rock erodibility and uplift rate, and (3) meander where shear stresses are high and channel widths are low. We attribute these results to a high ratio of sediment supply to transport capacity, which enhances lateral erosion relative to vertical incision. Our results suggest that substrate strength and sediment supply substantially influence channel form and that channel width should be explicitly measured when interpreting tectonic signals from bedrock channel morphology.
In search of greener pastures: Using satellite images to predict the effects of environmental change on zebra migration
Authors: Bartlam‐Brooks Hattie L. A. , Beck Pieter S. A. , Bohrer Gil , Harris Stephen
Published: July 2013

Historically, ungulate migrations occurred in most grassland and boreal woodland ecosystems, but many have been lost due to increasing habitat loss and fragmentation. With the rate of environmental change increasing, identifying and prioritizing migration routes for conservation has taken on a new urgency. Understanding the cues that drive long‐distance animal movements is critical to predicting the fate of migrations under different environmental change scenarios and how large migratory herbivores will respond to increasing resource heterogeneity and anthropogenic influences. We used an individual‐based modeling approach to investigate the influence of environmental conditions, monitored using satellite data, on departure date and movement speed of migrating zebras in Botswana. Daily zebra movements between dry and rainy season ranges were annotated with coincident observations of precipitation from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission data set and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer‐derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). An array of increasingly complex movement models representing alternative hypotheses regarding the environmental cues and controls for movement was parameterized and tested. The best and most justified model predicted daily zebra movement as two linear functions of precipitation rate and NDVI and included a modeled departure date as a function of cumulative precipitation. The model was highly successful at replicating both the timing and pace of seven actual migrations observed using GPS telemetry (R2 = 0.914). It shows how zebras rapidly adjust their movement to changing environmental conditions during migration and are able to reverse migration to avoid adverse conditions or exploit renewed resource availability, a nomadic behavior which should lend them a degree of resilience to climate and environmental change. Our results demonstrate how competing individual‐based migration models, informed by freely available satellite data, can be used to evaluate the weight of evidence for multiple hypotheses regarding the use of environmental cues in animal movement. This modeling framework can be applied to quantify how animals adapt the timing and pace of their movements to prevailing environmental conditions and to forecast migrations in near real time or under alternative environmental scenarios.
Hospital‐acquired anemia: Prevalence, outcomes, and healthcare implications
Authors: Koch Colleen G. , Li Liang , Sun Zhiyuan , Hixson Eric D. , Tang Anne , Phillips Shannon C. , Blackstone Eugene H. , Henderson J. Michael
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that patients with normal hemoglobin (Hgb) levels on hospital admission who subsequently develop hospital‐acquired anemia (HAA) may be at risk for adverse outcomes. Our objectives were to (1) determine the prevalence of HAA and (2) examine whether HAA is associated with increased mortality, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges.

METHODS

The population consisted of 417,301 adult hospitalizations from January 1, 2009 to August 31, 2011, in an academic medical center and 9 community hospitals. Patients with anemia on admission, and hospitals in the health system without available laboratory data were excluded; 188,447 hospitalizations were included in the analysis. Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were retrieved from administrative data; Hgb values were taken from the electronic medical record. Regression modeling was used to examine the association between demographics, comorbidity, hospitalization type, and HAA variables (mild: Hgb >11 and <12 g/dL for women, and >11 and <13 g/dL for men; moderate: Hgb 9.1 to ≤11.0 g/dL; severe: Hgb ≤9.0 g/dL) on mortality, LOS, and hospital charges.

RESULTS

Among 188,447 hospitalizations, 139,807 patients (74%) developed HAA: mild, 40,828 (29%); moderate, 57,184 (41%); and severe, 41,795 (30%). Risk‐adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for in‐hospital mortality with HAA were: mild, 1.0 (0.88–1.17; P = 0.8); moderate, 1.51 (1.33–1.71, P < 0.001); and severe, 3.28 (2.90–3.72, P < 0.001). Risk–adjusted relative mean LOS and hospital charges relative to no HAA were higher with HAA: LOS: mild, 1.08 (1.08–1.10, P < 0.001); moderate, 1.28 (1.26–1.29, P < 0.001); severe, 1.88 (1.86–1.89, P < 0.001). Hospital charges: mild, 1.06 (1.06–1.07, P < 0.001); moderate, 1.18 (1.17–1.19, P < 0.001); severe, 1.80 (1.79–1.82, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

HAA is common and associated with increased mortality and resource utilization. Factors related to its development necessitate further study. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:506–512. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Application of neutral iridium(I) N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes in ortho‐directed hydrogen isotope exchange
Authors: Cochrane Alison R. , Irvine Stephanie , Kerr William J. , Reid Marc , Andersson Shalini , Nilsson Göran N.
Published: July 2013

Bench‐stable complexes of the type [Ir(COD)(NHC)Cl] (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene) have been investigated within the field of hydrogen isotope exchange. By employing a sterically encumbered NHC within such complexes and catalyst loadings of only 5 mol%, moderate to high deuterium incorporations were achieved across a range of aromatic ketones and nitrogen‐based heterocycles. The simple and synthetically accessible catalysts reported herein present alternatives to phosphine‐based species and increase the available labelling systems with respect to established iridium‐based isotope exchange methodologies.
Multifunctional targeted therapy system based on 99mTc/177Lu‐labeled gold nanoparticles‐Tat(49–57)‐Lys3‐bombesin internalized in nuclei of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Jiménez‐Mancilla Nallely , Ferro‐Flores Guillermina , Santos‐Cuevas Clara , Ocampo‐García Blanca , Luna‐Gutiérrez Myrna , Azorín‐Vega Erika , Isaac‐Olivé Keila , Camacho‐López Miguel , Torres‐García Eugenio
Published: July 2013

Radiolabeled gold nanoparticles may function simultaneously as radiotherapy and thermal ablation systems. The gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRP‐r) is overexpressed in prostate cancer, and Lys3‐bombesin is a peptide that binds with high affinity to the GRP‐r. HIV Tat(49–57) is a cell‐penetrating peptide that reaches the DNA. In cancer cells, 177Lu shows efficient crossfire effect, whereas 99mTc that is internalized in the cancer cell nuclei acts as an effective system of targeted radiotherapy because of the biological Auger effect. The aim of this research was to evaluate the in vitro potential of 99mTc‐labeled and 177Lu‐labeled gold nanoparticles conjugated to Tat(49–57)‐Lys3‐bombesin peptides (99mTc/177Lu‐AuNP‐Tat‐BN) as a plasmonic photothermal therapy and targeted radiotherapy system in PC3 prostate cancer cells. Peptides were conjugated to AuNPs (5 nm) by spontaneous reaction with the thiol group of cysteine (Cys). The effect on PC3 cell viability after laser heating of the AuNP‐Tat‐BN incubated with the cancer cells was conducted using an Nd:YAG laser pulsed for 5 ns at 532 nm (0.65 W/cm2). For the 99mTc/177Lu‐AuNP‐Tat‐BN to be obtained, the 177Lu‐DOTA‐Gly‐Gly‐Cys and 99mTc‐HYNIC‐octreotide radiopeptides were first prepared and added simultaneously to a solution of AuNP‐Tat‐BN. 99mTc/177Lu‐AuNP‐Tat‐BN (20 Bq/cell) was incubated with PC3 cells, and the effect on the cell proliferation was evaluated after 3 days. Fluorescence images of 99mTc/177Lu‐AuNP‐Tat‐BN internalized in nuclei of PC3 were also obtained. After laser irradiation, the presence of AuNP‐Tat‐BN caused a significant increase in the temperature of the medium (46.4 vs 39.5 °C of that without AuNP) resulting in a significant decrease in PC3 cell viability down to 1.3%. After treatment with 99mTc/177Lu‐AuNP‐Tat‐BN, the PC3 cell proliferation was inhibited. The nanosystem exhibited properties suitable for plasmonic photothermal therapy and targeted radiotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Identification and quantification of different species in animal fibres by LC/ESI‐MS analysis of keratin‐derived proteolytic peptides
Authors: Paolella Sara , Bencivenni Mariangela , Lambertini Francesca , Prandi Barbara , Faccini Andrea , Tonetti Cinzia , Vineis Claudia , Sforza Stefano
Published: July 2013

In the present paper, a proteomic method for species determination in fibres has been developed. Keratin was extracted from yak, wool and cashmere fibres and digested by trypsin, providing peptide mixtures that were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS) in order to identify peptidic species‐specific markers able to differentiate the fibres. Several suitable peptide markers were identified and validated in different fibres of different origin and having undergone different technological treatments, showing 100% specificity and 100% selectivity. Most of the peptide markers were also identified by means of high‐resolution mass spectrometry, confirming the origin from species‐specific keratin sequences. Some peptides were also used for the quantification of the different species in mixed fibres by LC/ESI‐MS. Validation experiments and blind tests confirmed their ability to act as very specific quantitative and qualitative markers. The method here developed is a valid complement to the standard benchmark methods for fibre identification and quantification and will be very useful for assessing the authenticity of textile products. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A UFLC‐MS/MS method with a switching ionization mode for simultaneous quantitation of polygalaxanthone III, four ginsenosides and tumulosic acid in rat plasma: application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and Alzheimer's disease rats
Authors: Lv Chunxiao , Li Qing , Zhang Yaowen , Sui Zhenyu , He Bosai , Xu Huarong , Yin Yidi , Chen Xiaohui , Bi Kaishun
Published: July 2013

A fast, sensitive and reliable ultra fast liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC‐MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for simultaneous quantitation of polygalaxanthone III (POL), ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), ginsenoside Rd (GRd), ginsenoside Re (GRe), ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1) and tumulosic acid (TUM) in rat plasma after oral administration of Kai‐Xin‐San, which plays an important role for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The plasma samples were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction using ethyl acetate–isopropanol (1:1, v/v) with salidrdoside as internal standard (IS). Good chromatographic separation was achieved using gradient elution with the mobile phase consisting of methanol and 0.01% acetic acid in water. The tandem mass spectrometric detection was performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode on 4000Q UFLC‐MS/MS system with turbo ion spray source in a negative and positive switching ionization mode. The lower limits of quantification were 0.2–1.5 ng/ml for all the analytes. Both intra‐day and inter‐day precision and accuracy of analytes were well within acceptance criteria (±15%). The mean absolute extraction recoveries of analytes and IS from rat plasma were all more than 60.0%. The validated method has been successfully applied to comparing pharmacokinetic profiles of analytes in normal and AD rat plasma. The results indicated that no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of GRe, GRg1 and TUM were observed between the two groups, while the absorption of POL and GRd in AD group were significantly higher than those in normal group; moreover, the GRb1 absorbed more rapidly in model group. The different characters of pharmacokinetics might be caused by pharmacological effects of the analytes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MALDI mass spectrometry‐based sequence analysis of arginine‐containing glycopeptides: improved fragmentation of glycan and peptide chains by modifying arginine residue
Authors: Taniguchi Kenichi , Kuyama Hiroki , Kajihara Shigeki , Tanaka Koichi
Published: July 2013

This paper describes an improved method for the sequence analysis of Arg‐containing glycopeptide by MALDI mass spectrometry (MS). The method uses amino group derivatization (4‐aza‐6‐(2,6‐dimethyl‐1‐piperidinyl)‐5‐oxohexanoic acid N‐succinimidyl ester) and removal (carboxypeptidase B) or modification (peptidylarginine deiminase 4) of the arginine residue of the peptide. The derivatization attaches a basic tertiary amine moiety onto the peptides, and the enzymatic treatment removes or modifies the arginine residue. Fragmentation of the resulting glycopeptide under low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation yielded a simplified ion series of both the glycan and the peptide that can facilitate their sequencing. The feasibility of the method was studied using α1‐acid glycoprotein‐derived N‐linked glycopeptides, and glycan and peptide in each glycopeptide were successfully sequenced by MALDI tandem MS (MS/MS). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of different bone marrow stimulation techniques (BSTs) on MSCs mobilization
Authors: Min Byoung‐Hyun , Choi Woo Hee , Lee Yu Sang , Park So Ra , Choi Byung Hyune , Kim Young Jick , Jin Long Hao , Yoon Jeong Ho
Published: July 2013

The therapeutic effect of bone marrow stimulation techniques (BSTs) is mainly attributed to the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the bone marrow. However, no studies have directly shown the amount of MSCs drained by BSTs. This study hypothesized that differences in the opening of subchondral bone affect the number of MSCs drained from the bone marrow. We purposed that as the exposed area and hole size of BSTs vary, the number of MSCs drained out was measured. Three groups of different BSTs were designed that have variations in the sizes of total exposed area and individual holes. Three different BSTs using a curette, 1.5‐ and 0.8‐mm awls were carried out on the full‐thickness femoral cartilage defect of young rabbits. After BST, the number of MSCs in the blood clot was measured by CFU‐Fs assay. As the size of the total exposed area increased, so did the number of MSCs obtained. The number of MSCs drained from bone marrow may vary depending on different BSTs and this could affect therapeutic efficacy of cartilage defect. As current microfracture (MF) method cannot drain the most MSCs clinically, more improved surgery technique is needed. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1814–1819, 2013
Native multipotential stromal cell colonization and graft expander potential of a bovine natural bone scaffold
Authors: Kouroupis Dimitrios , Baboolal Thomas G. , Jones Elena , Giannoudis Peter V.
Published: July 2013

Graft expanders are bone scaffolds used, in combination with autografts, to fill large bone defects in trauma surgery. This study investigates the graft expander potential of a natural bone substitute Orthoss® by studying its ability to support attachment, growth and osteogenic differentiation of neighboring multipotential stromal cells (MSCs). Material consisting of bone marrow (BM) aspirate and reamer‐irrigator‐aspirator (RIA)‐harvested autograft bone was co‐cultured with commercially available Orthoss® granules. Native MSCs attached to Orthoss® were expanded and phenotypically characterized. MSCs egress from neighboring cancelous bone was assessed in 3D Matrigel co‐cultures. MSC differentiation was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity per cell. CD45+ hematopoietic lineage cells and highly proliferative CD90+CD73+CD105+ MSCs preferentially colonized Orthoss® granules, over RIA bone chips. MSC colonization was followed by their intrinsic osteogenic differentiation, assessed as mineral deposition and gradual rise in ALP activity, even in the absence of osteogenic stimuli. When in contact with mixed cell populations and RIA chips, Orthoss® granules support the attachment, growth and osteogenic differentiation of neighboring MSCs. Therefore, natural bone substitutes similar to Orthoss® can be used as void fillers and graft expanders for repairing large bone defects in conjunction with autologous BM aspirates and autografts. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1950–1958, 2013
A stable ‘sandwich’ system of Surface‐Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering for the analysis of β‐carotenes in a photosynthetic pigment‐protein complex
Authors: Qin Xiaochun , Zhu Jiajia , Wang Wenda , Ding Xiang , Wang Kebin , Fang Yan , Kuang Tingyun
Published: July 2013

In plants, Photosystem I (PSI) is composed of a core complex and a membrane‐associated antenna complex light‐harvesting complex I that captures light and funnels its energy to the core complex. To obtain Raman structural information on β‐carotenes embedded in the PSI core complex, a ‘sandwich’ system of roughened silver slice: target protein complexes: single silver nanoparticles was fabricated for Surface‐Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering (SERRS) measurements. This study provided a method to overcome spectral irreproducibility, which is the main drawback of Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering/SERRS‐based studies. The Raman spectra of β‐carotenes embedded in the PSI core complex can be obtained at very low sample concentrations (1–5 µg Chl/ml) and high signal/noise ratios. The β‐carotenes in the spinach PSI core complex were predominantly all‐trans configuration. The membrane protein‐mediated adsorption of silver nanoparticles induced the uniform distribution of a large number of single nanoparticles, which contributed to achieving highly reproducible SERRS spectra. This study is the first to apply single silver nanoparticle‐based SERRS analysis in membrane proteins. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ripple phenomenon of displays with nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Lee Yu‐Jung , Liu Tzong‐Shi , Lee Yu‐Ching
Published: July 2013

Liquid crystal displays will show ripple if the display surface or display bracket is subjected to tactile forces. In this paper, the ripple of liquid crystal displays is investigated by dealing with elastic wave propagation in a liquid crystal layer. The model proposed for a visco‐elastic medium like liquid crystals (LCs) is generalized by combining the properties of a crystalline solid and an anisotropic fluid. The governing equation is derived by using visco‐elastic and wave equations. In the experiments, a linear motor is used to touch the display panel for producing ripple. Displays of three different amounts of LCs are compared. Experimental results also show that each display panel has its own wave propagation velocity that is not changed by different motor touch speeds. In addition, both theoretical analysis and experimental results depict that displays with a larger amount of LCs lead to slower ripple speed.
Management and prognosis of primary tracheal cancer: A national analysis
Authors: Nouraei S. Mahmoud , Middleton Steve E. , Reza Nouraei S. A. , Virk Jagdeep S. , George P. Jeremy , Hayward Martin , Sandhu Guri S.
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To perform a national review of the incidence and treatment of primary tracheal cancer and to identify gaps in service provision and factors associated with survival.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics data for England between 1996 and 2011.

Methods

Information about age, sex, morbidity, provider trust, diagnostic delay, nature of hospital admission and treatment, and palliation‐free survival were recorded. The relationship between variables and survival was explored with Cox regression.

Results

There were 874 patients, giving an incidence of 0.9 per million. Mean age at diagnosis was 66 ± 13, and there were 456 (52%) males. Mean presentation to diagnosis latency was 2.5 ± 8 months, and 40% of patients presented as emergency admissions. There were 19 cases of oesophageal involvement and 241 cases of bronchopulmonary involvement; and 188 patients developed distant metastases. There were 60 curative resections (6.9%), which was the most significant predictor of palliation‐free survival (hazard ratio: 0.23; 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.38). Other prognostic variables included age, sex, emergency admission, interventional bronchoscopy, chemotherapy, oesophageal involvement, and distant metastases. Ten‐year palliation‐free survival was 60.8% with curative resection and 19.5% overall. Eighty‐six percent of patients were treated in units that treated fewer than one patient per year.

Conclusion

Tracheal cancer is under‐recognized and under‐treated. Early diagnosis, access to interventional bronchoscopy, and surgical treatment in specialist units may improve the survival of patients with this condition.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:145–150, 2014
Optical formation and manipulation of particle and cell patterns using a tapered optical fiber
Authors: Xin Hongbao , Xu Rui , Li Baojun
Published: July 2013

A method for optical formation and controllable manipulation of particle and cell patterns using a tapered optical fiber is demonstrated. With a laser beam at 980‐nm wavelength launched into the fiber, different sized silica particles were formed into particle patterns (both one‐dimensional chains and two‐dimensional arrays) with different particle numbers by optical binding. The formed particle patterns can be controllably manipulated in three dimensions. Using yeast cells as an example, it was demonstrated that the method is applicable for the formation of biological cell patterns, without damage to the yeast cell viability. This method provides a new facile way for biophotonic and biological researches with particles and cells in a highly organized manner.
Liver transplantation and autoimmune liver diseases
Authors: Liberal Rodrigo , Zen Yoh , Mieli-Vergani Giorgina , Vergani Diego
Published: July 2013

Liver transplantation (LT) is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage autoimmune liver diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Indications for LT for these diseases do not differ substantially from those used for other acute or chronic liver diseases. Despite the good outcomes reported, the recurrence of autoimmune liver disease is relatively common in the allograft. In addition, it has become apparent that autoimmunity and autoimmune liver disease can arise de novo after transplantation for nonautoimmune liver disorders. An awareness of the existence of recurrent autoimmune liver diseases and de novo autoimmune hepatitis after LT has important clinical implications because their management differs from the standard antirejection treatment and is similar to the management of classic autoimmune liver diseases in the native liver. Liver Transpl 19:1065-1077, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Alpha-fetoprotein and modified response evaluation criteria in Solid Tumors progression after locoregional therapy as predictors of hepatocellular cancer recurrence and death after transplantation
Authors: Lai Quirino , Avolio Alfonso W. , Graziadei Ivo , Otto Gerd , Rossi Massimo , Tisone Giuseppe , Goffette Pierre , Vogel Wolfgang , Pitton Michael B. , Lerut Jan
Published: July 2013

Locoregional therapy (LRT) is being increasingly used for the management of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in patients listed for liver transplantation (LT). Although several selection criteria have been developed, stratifications of survival according to the pathology of explanted livers and pre-LT LRT are lacking. Radiological progression according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) behavior was reviewed for 306 patients within the Milan criteria (MC-IN) and 116 patients outside the Milan criteria (MC-OUT) who underwent LRT and LT between January 1999 and March 2010. A prospectively collected database originating from 6 collaborating European centers was used for the study. Sixty-one patients (14.5%) developed HCC recurrence. For both MC-IN and MC-OUT patients, an AFP slope > 15 ng/mL/month and mRECIST progression were unique independent risk factors for HCC recurrence and patient death. When the radiological Milan criteria (MC) status was combined with radiological and biological progression, MC-IN and MC-OUT patients without risk factors had similarly excellent 5-year tumor-free and patient survival rates. MC-IN patients with at least 1 risk factor had worse outcomes, and MC-OUT patients with at least 1 risk factor had the poorest survival (P < 0.001). In conclusion, both radiological and biological modifications permit documentation of the response to LRT in patients waiting for LT. According to these 2 parameters, tumor progression significantly increases the risk of recurrence and patient death not only for MC-OUT patients but also for MC-IN patients. The monitoring of both parameters in combination with the initial radiological MC status is an essential element for further refining the selection criteria for potential liver recipients with HCC. Liver Transpl 19:1108-1118, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Pretransplant donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies as predictors of early allograft rejection in ABO-compatible liver transplantation
Authors: Musat Alexandru I. , Pigott Courtney M. , Ellis Thomas M. , Agni Rashmi M. , Leverson Glen E. , Powell Amy J. , Richards Katelyn R. , D'Alessandro Anthony M. , Lucey Michael R.
Published: July 2013

The significance of preexisting donor-specific HLA antibodies (HLA-DSAs) for liver allograft function is unclear. Our previous studies have shown that humoral alloreactivity frequently accompanies acute cellular rejection (ACR). In the present study, we set out to determine whether pretransplant HLA-DSAs correlate with clinically significant ACR in the first 90 days after transplantation and, if so, to determine their predictive values. Class I HLA-DSAs and class II HLA-DSAs were determined by single-antigen bead flow cytometry for 113 consecutive adult transplants. A statistical analysis was performed for data from 109 consecutive patients with graft survival greater than or equal to 90 days. All patients who developed biochemical graft dysfunction underwent liver biopsy for hematoxylin-eosin and complement component 4d staining. Cox proportional hazards models and associated hazard ratios revealed a significant association of pretransplant HLA-DSAs with clinically significant ACR: this association started with a mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) as low as 300 for both class I (hazard ratio = 2.7, P < 0.01) and class II (hazard ratio = 6.0, P < 0.01). Pretransplant HLA-DSAs were associated with an increased risk of ACR: P < 0.01 for class I (42% versus 18%), P < 0.001 for class II (37% versus 7%), and P < 0.001 for either class I or II (36% versus 3%). Class I or II HLA-DSAs with an MFI ≥ 1000 had the best positive predictive value for clinically significant ACR at 46%, whereas class I or II HLA-DSAs with an MFI ≥ 300 had the best negative predictive value at 97.1%. Although our study was based on consecutive patients, it was limited by the relatively low number of single-center subjects. In conclusion, the present study indicates that pretransplant HLA-DSAs, even at low levels of allosensitization, correlate with the risk of clinically significant ACR. Our findings suggest that anti–human leukocyte antigen antibodies could serve as donor-specific markers of immunoreactivity to the liver graft. Liver Transpl 19:1132-1141, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Effective Tumor Treatment by VEGF siRNA Complexed with Hydrophobic Poly(Amino Acid)‐Modified Polyethylenimine
Authors: Chen Jie , Tian Huayu , Dong Xuan , Guo Zhaopei , Jiao Zixue , Li Feifan , Kano Arihiro , Maruyama Atsushi , Chen Xuesi
Published: July 2013

Two copolymers are designed and synthesised for siRNA delivery based on polyethylenimine by grafting hydrophilic acrylamide segments and hydrophobic poly(γ‐benzyl L‐glutamate). The amphiphilic PEI‐PBLG/siRNA complex demonstrates high gene silencing efficiency in the absence or presence of 10 vol% and 50 vol% sera in vitro. The anti‐tumor effects in vivo are evaluated in luciferase‐bearing mice expressing CT26 tumors. PEI‐PBLG/siVEGF complex provides a higher and more sustained suppressive effect by reducing VEGF mRNA expression in the tumors, leading to higher tumor growth inhibition efficacy. Further studies on the potential use of the PEI‐PBLG carrier system in mediating the silencing of genes other than VEGF or in other tumor models are recommended.
Synthesis and Thermal Properties of Comb‐Like Maleimide Copolymers Containing Polymethylene and Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Side Chains as the N‐Substituents
Authors: Takeda Kyota , Omayu Akitoshi , Matsumoto Akikazu
Published: July 2013

The radical copolymerization of N‐substituted maleimides containing polymethylene and poly(ethylene oxide) side chains as the N‐substituent groups with isobutene, styrene, and α‐methylstyrene as the electron‐donating monomers is carried out in order to investigate the structure and thermal properties of the resulting comb‐like copolymers. The obtained copolymers show excellent thermal stability and their glass transition temperatures vary depending on the chain length of the introduced N‐substituents. The main‐ and side‐chain motions of the copolymers are investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis at various frequencies over the temperature range of −150 to 100 °C.

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Generation of PGS/PCL Blend Nanofibrous Scaffolds Mimicking Corneal Stroma Structure
Authors: Salehi Sahar , Fathi Mohammadhossein , Javanmard Shaghayegh Haghjooy , Bahners Thomas , Gutmann Jochen S. , Ergün Süleyman , Steuhl Klaus P. , Fuchsluger Thomas A.
Published: July 2013

Morphological studies of aligned nanofibers scaffolds made of poly(glycerol sebacate)(PGS)/poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)(PCL) blends for application as corneal tissue scaffolds are presented. Parallel conductive bars are used as ground electrode to generate unidirectional nanofibers. Scaffolds have fibers diameter in the range of 550–300 nm. The structural stability and wettability, especially the in vitro degradation rate, of the electrospun scaffolds can be controlled by regulating the blended ratio of the polymers. The results indicate that PGS/PCL nanofiber scaffolds can be considered as ideal candidates for corneal tissue engineering scaffolds. The particular motivation for this work is to engineer a tissue‐like construct that will mimic the stromal tissue of the cornea.
Novel Poly(Benzonorbornadiene) Derivatives Prepared by a Three‐Dimensional Geometry Bimetallic Nickel Catalyst with Good Processability for Electrospinning
Authors: Huo Ping , Liu Wanyun , He Xiaohui , Chen Yiwang
Published: July 2013

Two novel benzonorbornadiene derivatives (OAc)2BenzoNBD and (OCH2PhBr)2BenzoNBD monomers are synthesized and applied to copolymerize with 2‐butoxymethylene norbornene (BN) by the catalytic system of three‐dimensional geometry bimetallic nickel complex/B(C6F5)3. The (OCH2PhBr)2BenzoNBD or (OAc)2BenzoNBD content in the copolymers can be controlled 9.1–26.7% or 9.7–30.4% by varying the comonomer feed ratios (OCH2PhBr)2BenzoNBD or (OAc)2BenzoNBD from 10 to 50%, respectively. Both of the poly(BN‐co‐(OCH2PhBr)2BenzoNBD)s and poly(BN‐co‐(OAc)2BenzoNBD)s exhibit high thermal stability and high glass transition temperature, as well as excellent optical transparency. Copolymers are processed into films and fibers by solution casting method and electrospinning, respectively. The films show good transparency in the visible region while the fibers are uniform with smooth surface and diameters ranging from 700 to 1 200 nm.
Prediction for Rational Synthesis Based on Weighted Feature Selection Method
Authors: Qi Miao , Li Jinsong , Wang Jianzhong , Lu Yinghua , Kong Jun
Published: July 2013

In this paper, a novel integrated feature selection model is proposed to analyze the relationship between the synthesis factors and the specific resulting structure on the database of AlPO synthesis. Concretely, the proposed model can select the most significant synthesis factors affecting the formation of a (6,12)‐ring‐containing structure by combining multiple feature selection methods. Firstly, eight feature selection methods are employed to prerank the synthesis factors based on the predictive performance of support vector machine. Then, a weighted fusion mechanism is presented to rerank the results. Finally, sequential forward floating search method is utilized to select the most significant synthesis factors in view of the highest predictive performance. A large number of experimental results show that the proposed model is efficient and feasible. The predictive accuracy can reach 86.47 % with the selected 10 factors among 21 synthesis factors. The selection and ranking results also give a rational understanding for AlPO synthesis. More specifically, a proportional relationship among gel composition parameters is recommended based on the result of feature selection, which has important guiding significance for the rational design and synthesis.
Nonstationary Stokes system in Besov spaces
Authors: Zadrzyńska Ewa , Zajączkowski Wojciech M.
Published: July 2013

We examine the solvability in Besov spaces of an initial–boundary value problem for the nonstationary Stokes system with the slip boundary conditions. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the problem in a bounded domain . The existence is shown by localizing the system to interior and boundary subdomains of Ω. The localized Stokes system is transformed by the Helmholtz–Weyl decomposition to the heat and the Poisson equations, which are solved in the Besov spaces. Next, by the properties of the partition of unity and a perturbation argument, the existence is proved in domain Ω. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exact boundary controllability of nodal profile for quasilinear wave equations in a planar tree‐like network of strings
Authors: Wang Ke , Gu Qilong
Published: July 2013

Based on the theory of semi‐global piecewise C2 solutions to 1D quasilinear wave equations, the local exact boundary controllability of nodal profile for quasilinear wave equations in a planar tree‐like network of strings with general topology is obtained by a constructive method. The principles of providing nodal profiles and of choosing and transferring boundary controls are presented, respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new multiquadric quasi‐interpolation operator with interpolation property
Authors: Wu Jinming
Published: July 2013

In this article, we discuss a class of multiquadric quasi‐interpolation operator that is primarily on the basis of Wu–Schaback's quasi‐interpolation operator and radial basis function interpolation. The proposed operator possesses the advantages of linear polynomial reproducing property, interpolation property, and high accuracy. It can be applied to construct flexible function approximation and scattered data fitting from numerical experiments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diaphragm depth in normal subjects
Authors: Shahgholi Leili , Baria Michael R. , Sorenson Eric J. , Harper Caitlin J. , Watson James C. , Strommen Jeffrey A. , Boon Andrea J.
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Needle electromyography (EMG) of the diaphragm carries the potential risk of pneumothorax. Knowing the approximate depth of the diaphragm should increase the test's safety and accuracy. Methods: Distances from the skin to the diaphragm and from the outer surface of the rib to the diaphragm were measured using B mode ultrasound in 150 normal subjects. Results: When measured at the lower intercostal spaces, diaphragm depth varied between 0.78 and 4.91 cm beneath the skin surface and between 0.25 and 1.48 cm below the outer surface of the rib. Using linear regression modeling, body mass index (BMI) could be used to predict diaphragm depth from the skin to within an average of 1.15 mm. Conclusions: Diaphragm depth from the skin can vary by more than 4 cm. When image guidance is not available to enhance accuracy and safety of diaphragm EMG, it is possible to reliably predict the depth of the diaphragm based on BMI. Muscle Nerve 49: 666–668, 2014