bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic structure and nonsaturating magnetoresistance of superconducting Heusler topological insulators
Authors: Shekhar Chandra , Nicklas M. , Nayak Ajaya K. , Ouardi Siham , Schnelle W. , Fecher Gerhard H. , Felser Claudia , Kobayashi Keisuke
Published: April 2013

We report the electronic structure and transport properties of the proposed Heusler topological insulators, YPtBi and LaPtBi, which show superconducting transition below 1 K. The measured valence band spectra of LaPtBi at 20 K exhibit a linear behavior close to the Fermi energy, where charge carriers behave as massless particles. The transport properties are similar to that of a gapless semiconductor with low carrier concentration. Furthermore, nonsaturating magnetoresistance is observed in the temperature range 2–300 K that shows linear behavior at high fields.
Mechanism of fatigue performance enhancement in a laser sintered superhard nanoparticles reinforced nanocomposite followed by laser shock peening
Authors: Lin Dong , Ye Chang , Liao Yiliang , Suslov Sergey , Liu Richard , Cheng Gary J.
Published: April 2013

This study investigates the fundamental mechanism of fatigue performance enhancement during a novel hybrid manufacturing process, which combines laser sintering of superhard nanoparticles integrated nanocomposites and laser shock peening (LSP). Through laser sintering, TiN nanoparticles are integrated uniformly into iron matrix to form a nanocomposite layer near the surface of AISI4140 steel. LSP is then performed on the nanocomposite layer to generate interaction between nanoparticles and shock waves. The fundamental mechanism of fatigue performance enhancement is discussed in this paper. During laser shock interaction with the nanocomposites, the existence of nanoparticles increases the dislocation density and also helps to pin the dislocation movement. As a result, both dislocation density and residual stress are stabilized, which is beneficial for fatigue performance.
Anisotropic meta-mirror for achromatic electromagnetic polarization manipulation
Authors: Pu Mingbo , Chen Po , Wang Yanqin , Zhao Zeyu , Huang Cheng , Wang Changtao , Ma Xiaoliang , Luo Xiangang
Published: April 2013

Polarization states are of particular importance for the manipulation of electromagnetic waves. Here, we proposed the design and experimental demonstration of anisotropic meta-mirror for achromatic polarization tuning. It is demonstrated that linear polarized wave can be achromatically transformed to its cross-polarization state or to arbitrary circular polarization after its reflection from the mirror. Microwave experiments verified that the fraction bandwidth for 90% transformation efficiency can be larger than 3:1. Furthermore, by utilizing photoinduced carrier generation in silicon, a broadband tunable circular polarizer is demonstrated in the terahertz regime.
Understanding the discharge current behavior in reactive high power impulse magnetron sputtering of oxides
Authors: Aiempanakit Montri , Aijaz Asim , Lundin Daniel , Helmersson Ulf , Kubart Tomáš
Published: April 2013

The discharge current behavior in reactive high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) of Ti-O and Al-O is investigated. It is found that for both metals, the discharge peak current significantly increases in the oxide mode in contrast to the behavior in reactive direct current magnetron sputtering where the discharge current increases for Al but decreases for Ti when oxygen is introduced. In order to investigate the increase in the discharge current in HiPIMS-mode, the ionic contribution of the discharge in the oxide and metal mode is measured using time-resolved mass spectrometry. The energy distributions and time evolution are investigated during the pulse-on time as well as in the post-discharge. In the oxide mode, the discharge is dominated by ionized oxygen, which has been preferentially sputtered from the target surface. The ionized oxygen determines the discharge behavior in reactive HiPIMS.
Ultrahigh throughput plasma processing of free standing silicon nanocrystals with lognormal size distribution
Authors: Doğan İlker , Kramer Nicolaas J. , Westermann René H. J. , Dohnalová Kateřina , Smets Arno H. M. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Gregorkiewicz Tom , van de Sanden Mauritius C. M.
Published: April 2013

We demonstrate a method for synthesizing free standing silicon nanocrystals in an argon/silane gas mixture by using a remote expanding thermal plasma. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal that the distribution has a bimodal shape consisting of two distinct groups of small and large silicon nanocrystals with sizes in the range 2–10 nm and 50–120 nm, respectively. We also observe that both size distributions are lognormal which is linked with the growth time and transport of nanocrystals in the plasma. Average size control is achieved by tuning the silane flow injected into the vessel. Analyses on morphological features show that nanocrystals are monocrystalline and spherically shaped. These results imply that formation of silicon nanocrystals is based on nucleation, i.e., these large nanocrystals are not the result of coalescence of small nanocrystals. Photoluminescence measurements show that silicon nanocrystals exhibit a broad emission in the visible region peaked at 725 nm. Nanocrystals are produced with ultrahigh throughput of about 100 mg/min and have state of the art properties, such as controlled size distribution, easy handling, and room temperature visible photoluminescence.
Direct observation of energy band development in a one-dimensional biradical molecular chain by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Koike Harunobu , Kubo Takashi , Uchida Kazuyuki , Chikamatsu Masayuki , Azumi Reiko , Mase Kazuhiko , Kanai Kaname
Published: April 2013

We directly observed development of an energy band in a one-dimensional biradical molecular chain, which is constructed by exploiting the covalency between organic biradical molecules of a diphenyl derivative of s-indacenodiphenalene (Ph2-IDPL). The morphology and crystallinity of the Ph2-IDPL films were controlled by varying film growth conditions. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy revealed the process of energy band development in the biradical molecular chain, clearly showing that the dispersion width of the π-band was extremely broad, exceeding 1 eV.
Structural reconstruction and defects transition in mediating room temperature ferromagnetism in Co-doped ZnO film
Authors: Chen B. , Yu Q. X. , Gao Q. Q. , Liao Y. , Wang G. Z.
Published: April 2013

Room temperature (RT) ferromagnetism (FM) was achieved in H2/N2 annealed Co-doped ZnO films on silicon substrates and we got annealing temperature, Tan, dependence of saturation magnetization, Ms, which increased and finally reached a maximum as Tan elevated. The curve of Ms versus Tan seems like three steps. Surprisingly, after sequential oxygen annealing, Ms of each annealed film decreased abruptly at first, and then restored to its original order after the second annealing, which may owe to the formation of zinc-blende ZnO during thermal oxidation. This experiment illustrated that room temperature ferromagnetism in Co-doped ZnO films is associated with multiple factors.
Elastomeric substrates with embedded stiff platforms for stretchable electronics
Authors: Romeo Alessia , Liu Qihan , Suo Zhigang , Lacour Stéphanie P.
Published: April 2013

Stretchable electronics typically integrate hard, functional materials on soft substrates. Here we report on engineered elastomeric substrates designed to host stretchable circuitry. Regions of a stiff material, patterned using photolithography, are embedded within a soft elastomer leaving a smooth surface. We present the associated design rules to produce stretchable circuits based on experimental as well as modeling data. We demonstrate our approach with thin-film electronic materials. The “customized” elastomeric substrates may also be used as a generic elastic substrate for stretchable circuits prepared with alternative technologies, such as transfer-printing of inorganic, thinned devices.
Efficient coupling of single photons to ridge-waveguide photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Fattah poor S. , Hoang T. B. , Midolo L. , Dietrich C. P. , Li L. H. , Linfield E. H. , Schouwenberg J. F. P. , Xia T. , Pagliano F. M. , van Otten F. W. M. , Fiore A.
Published: April 2013

We demonstrate the efficient coupling of single photons emitted by single quantum dots (QDs) in a photonic crystal cavity (PhCC) to a ridge waveguide (RWG). Using a single-step lithographic process with an optimized tapering, up to 70% coupling efficiency between the photonic crystal waveguide and the RWG was achieved. The emission enhancement of single QDs inside an in-line PhCC coupled via the RWG to a single-mode fiber was observed. Single-photon funneling rates around 3.5 MHz from a single QD into the RWG were obtained. This result is a step toward the realization of a fully functional quantum photonic integrated circuit.
Two-dimensional magnetic interactions and magnetism of high-density charges in a polymer transistor
Authors: Tsuji Masaki , Takahashi Yuki , Sakurai Yuki , Yomogida Yohei , Takenobu Taishi , Iwasa Yoshihiro , Marumoto Kazuhiro
Published: April 2013

Magnetic interactions and magnetism of high-density charges in a polymer transistor were investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR). The anisotropy of the ESR spectra indicated an edge-on molecular orientation and the existence of two-dimensional magnetic interactions between the spins of the charges, reflecting high charge density. The voltage dependences revealed that the magnetism of charge carriers changed from paramagnetic to nonmagnetic as charge density increased. These results provide insight to the charge transport mechanism of polymer semiconductors with high charge densities.
Laser-enhanced cavitation during high intensity focused ultrasound: An in vivo study
Authors: Cui Huizhong , Zhang Ti , Yang Xinmai
Published: April 2013

Laser-enhanced cavitation during high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was studied in vivo using a small animal model. Laser light was employed to illuminate the sample concurrently with HIFU radiation. The resulting cavitation was detected with a passive cavitation detector. The in vivo measurements were made under different combinations of HIFU treatment depths, laser wavelengths, and HIFU durations. The results demonstrated that concurrent light illumination during HIFU has the potential to enhance cavitation effect by reducing cavitation threshold in vivo.
Lumbar Facet Resurfacing
Authors: de Kelft Erik V.
Published: April 2013

Study Design:

This is a feasibility study to confirm the design, patient population, and the surgical technique for FENIX implants.

Objective:

This study evaluated the safety and the clinical and radiologic performance of bilaterally implanted FENIX facet resurfacing device.

Introduction:

Facet joint osteoarthritis is responsible for up to 30% of chronic low back pain. Arthroplasty is a surgical treatment option that aims to relieve pain while maintaining or restoring motion.

Methods:

A total of 8 consecutive patients with proven single segmental bilateral lumbar facet joint osteoarthritis as unique pain generator received a bilateral implantation of the FENIX device. Correct device placement and mobility preservation were assessed on x-ray at 6 weeks and at 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation. Magnetic resonance imaging at 12 and 24 months after surgery assessed the bony ingrowth and computed tomography-single photon emision computed tomography was repeated at 6 months to assess evolution of the preoperative inflamed facet joints. The Oswestry disability index, pain visual analogue scale, and the need for analgesic medication were the parameters used for clinical assessment.

Results:

At 24 months after surgery, 7 of the 8 patients were found to have all implants in place and all assessed parameters were found to be normal. Patients experienced significant pain relief and functionality improvement. Mobility was maintained and no Modic changes were noted, either at the index or at the adjacent levels. No “hot” lesions at the implanted levels were observed on computed tomography-single photon emision computed tomography. One of the 48 (2%) implants was found to be dislocated at 6 months follow-up.

Conclusions:

The FENIX facet resurfacing technique might be considered in the future as a surgical treatment of well-selected patients suffering from chronic low back pain because of facet joint osteoarthritis. A modification of the superior implant should provide an initial firm fixation preventing implant dislocation.
Inferring chromatin-bound protein complexes from genome-wide binding assays
Authors: Giannopoulou Eugenia G. , Elemento Olivier
Published: April 2013

Genome-wide binding assays can determine where individual transcription factors bind in the genome. However, these factors rarely bind chromatin alone, but instead frequently bind to cis-regulatory elements (CREs) together with other factors thus forming protein complexes. Currently there are no integrative analytical approaches that can predict which complexes are formed on chromatin. Here, we describe a computational methodology to systematically capture protein complexes and infer their impact on gene expression. We applied our method to three human cell types, identified thousands of CREs, inferred known and undescribed complexes recruited to these CREs, and determined the role of the complexes as activators or repressors. Importantly, we found that the predicted complexes have a higher number of physical interactions between their members than expected by chance. Our work provides a mechanism for developing hypotheses about gene regulation via binding partners, and deciphering the interplay between combinatorial binding and gene expression.
A novel framework to study colour signalling to multiple species
Authors: Renoult Julien P. , Courtiol Alexandre , Schaefer H. Martin
Published: April 2013

The overwhelming focus of studies on communication has been on interactions among conspecifics. However, communication is often selected by a complex network of disparate intended perceivers and eavesdroppers belonging to multiple species. Shifting towards a multiple‐perceiver paradigm requires a framework to compare the perception of signals across the different community members. Here, we present the stimulation landscape, a generalist model that achieves this goal.

A stimulation landscape consists of a multidimensional space describing every possible stimulus for a given signalling system, to which is added one dimension indicating for each stimulus its conspicuousness for a given perceiver. Random sampling of stimuli in the landscape then allows computing a reference distribution of conspicuousness, which is used to standardize the observed conspicuousness.

The stimulation landscapes corresponding to the different perceivers participating in a communication system all have the same dimensionality and scaling. They can thus be combined to describe the amalgamation of the selective forces exerted on a signal by the distinct sensory systems of multiple perceivers.

We detail the model in the context of colour signalling and apply it to the case of sexual communication in songbirds. Songbirds have a different visual system than their main predators, the birds of prey. We therefore asked whether songbirds evolved colour signals that can mediate the trade‐off between sexual selection exerted by conspecifics and natural selection exerted by birds of prey. We show that yellow – not ultraviolet colours as previously thought – maximize the difference of conspicuousness to songbirds and to birds of prey, but that the perceptual similarities between these two groups generally hamper the evolution of private visual communication in songbirds.

The stimulation landscape is a valuable tool to investigate the role of communication in structuring the large networks of interactions between species. We further show that the stimulation landscape is related to the evolutionary model of adaptive landscape. By explicitly addressing communication in a community context, the stimulation landscape contributes to bridge the current gap between evolution and ecology.
Habitat fragmentation and reproductive success: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Le Tortorec Eric , Helle Samuli , Käyhkö Niina , Suorsa Petri , Huhta Esa , Hakkarainen Harri
Published: April 2013

There is great interest on the effects of habitat fragmentation, whereby habitat is lost and the spatial configuration of remaining habitat patches is altered, on individual breeding performance. However, we still lack consensus of how this important process affects reproductive success, and whether its effects are mainly due to reduced fecundity or nestling survival.

The main reason for this may be the way that habitat fragmentation has been previously modelled. Studies have treated habitat loss and altered spatial configuration as two independent processes instead of as one hierarchical and interdependent process, and therefore have not been able to consider the relative direct and indirect effects of habitat loss and altered spatial configuration.

We investigated how habitat (i.e. old forest) fragmentation, caused by intense forest harvesting at the territory and landscape scales, is associated with the number of fledged offspring of an area‐sensitive passerine, the Eurasian treecreeper (Certhia familiaris). We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine the complex hierarchical associations between habitat loss and altered spatial configuration on the number of fledged offspring, by controlling for individual condition and weather conditions during incubation.

Against generally held expectations, treecreeper reproductive success did not show a significant association with habitat fragmentation measured at the territory scale. Instead, our analyses suggested that an increasing amount of habitat at the landscape scale caused a significant increase in nest predation rates, leading to reduced reproductive success. This effect operated directly on nest predation rates, instead of acting indirectly through altered spatial configuration.

Because habitat amount and configuration are inherently strongly collinear, particularly when multiple scales are considered, our study demonstrates the usefulness of a SEM approach for hierarchical partitioning of habitat amount vs. habitat configuration in landscape ecology that may have bearing on biological conclusions.
Religion, the state, and the Vietnamese lunar new year (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: McAllister Patrick
Published: April 2013

This article examines the ways in which the Communist Party and the state in Vietnam have become involved in the annual lunar new year (Tet) festival in the name of the nation, and with how this is facilitated by the ancestor cult and linked to their more general involvement in religious events such as the commemoration of national heroes and deities.
Reflections on knowledge and experience
Authors: Colman Warren
Published: April 2013

As analysts become more experienced, theoretical knowledge becomes more integrated and implicit and is gradually transformed into the practical wisdom (phronesis) described by Aristotle. While this leads to greater freedom in ways of working, it remains conditional on the consistent disciplined practice represented by the analytic attitude. In the context of my own development as an analyst, I suggest that increasingly the analyst works from the self rather than the ego and link this with Fordham's account of ‘not knowing beforehand’. Some implications for boundaries, enactment and the use of personal disclosure are discussed in relation to clinical material. I compare analysis with the wisdom traditions of religious practice and suggest that analysis is concerned with a way of living rooted in humane values of compassion and benevolence.
National survey of knowledge, attitude and practice of fibromyalgia among rheumatologists in China
Authors: Mu Rong , Li Chun , Zhu Jia‐Xin , Zhang Xiao‐Ying , Duan Tian‐Jiao , Feng Min , Wang Guo‐Chun , Zhang Feng‐Chun , Li Zhan‐Guo
Published: April 2013

Aim

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. It is a less frequently diagnosed disease in China, thus Chinese rheumatologists may have lower awareness of FM compared with colleagues in Western countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of FM in Chinese rheumatologists and analyze their therapeutic approach in clinical practice.

Method

An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among a nationwide sample of Chinese rheumatologists at the 15th National Rheumatology Conference in 2010. The 20‐question survey included questions regarding background, work experience, perceptions of diagnosis and behaviors of treatment related to FM. Continuing medical education (CME) information was also collected in the survey.

Results

Seven hundred and seven rheumatologists responded to the questionnaire, a response rate of 60%. Less than one‐fifth of the respondents were experienced in dealing with FM. Although most of the respondents regarded FM as a distinct pathological entity, nearly 30% of Chinese rheumatologists believed that FM was only a psychological disorder. The respondents recognized some of the FM‐related symptoms, but had limited knowledge on the diagnostic criteria. Eighty percent of the respondents declared they had difficulties in treating FM patients. However, nearly all (90.8%) respondents believed that the prognosis of FM patients was usually benign. Our data also showed that most Chinese rheumatologists were eager for CME on FM.

Conclusion

The awareness and perception of FM are still low among Chinese rheumatologists. CME on FM is needed for improving the quality of health care in China.
Corona mortis: Anatomical data and clinical considerations
Authors: Stavropoulou‐Deli Alcestis , Anagnostopoulou Sofia
Published: April 2013

Background

Minimally invasive procedures, such as the TVT‐Secur™, have been linked to injury to the corona mortis. Injury during the insertion of the TVT‐Secur™ happens due to the vessel's position close to the place of the margin (25–30 mm from the symphysis pubis).

Aims

Systematic description of the aberrant vessel anatomy so as to help gynaecologists determine the risk of peri‐ and postoperative complications during the TVT‐Secur™ and related procedures.

Methods

In a cadaver study, the lesser pelvis of ten female cadavers with venous or arterial coronae mortis was dissected. The origin, diameter and course of the aberrant vessels, as well as the distance from the symphysis pubis, were documented.

Results

Arterial coronae mortis were found in eight hemipelvises. All vessels originated from the ipsilateral inferior epigastric artery and all crossed over the superior pubic rami. Average distance from the symphysis pubis was 52.4 mm. Average vessel diameter was 3 mm. Venous coronae mortis were identified in ten hemipelvises. Eight drained into the external iliac and four into the inferior epigastric artery. Nine vessels crossed over the superior pubic rami. Average distance from the symphysis pubis was 46.7 mm. Average vessel diameter was 3.13 mm.

Conclusion

Although individual variation makes direct contact with the vessel possible, in most cases there is a window of eight millimetres at least between the margin of the TVT‐Secur™ and most aberrant veins. Possible aberrant arteries seem to lie even further.
An argument for reframing debates about corruption: Insights from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Walton Grant W.
Published: April 2013

There have been few attempts to identify the way different perspectives of corruption are employed in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The paucity of such analysis makes it difficult to identify the way scholars and policy‐makers understand corruption in the country, in turn leading to potentially poor targeting of anti‐corruption programmes. This article categorises perspectives of corruption that are found in academic and policy accounts of PNG. It finds that this literature is marked by an over‐reliance on ‘mainstream’ Western interpretations of the definition, causes and solutions to corruption. In turn, it is argued that there is an important role that ‘critical’ and culturally aware academics can play in reframing debates about corruption in PNG and the Pacific.
Aurora B inhibitor barasertib and cytarabine exert a greater‐than‐additive cytotoxicity in acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Yamauchi Takahiro , Uzui Kanako , Shigemi Hiroko , Negoro Eiju , Yoshida Akira , Ueda Takanori
Published: April 2013

Barasertib, an aurora B inhibitor, terminates cell division, introduces polyploidy, and consequently causes apoptosis. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of the combination of barasertib and cytarabine (ara‐C), a key agent for leukemia chemotherapy, on leukemic cells in vitro. Human leukemia HL‐60 cells and HL‐60/ara‐C20 cells, a 20‐fold ara‐C‐resistant variant, were used. The 50% growth inhibitory concentrations of an active metabolite of barasertib, barasertib‐hydroxyquinazoline‐pyrazol‐aniline (Barasertib‐HQPA), and ara‐C were 51 nM and 300 nM for HL‐60 cells and 70 nM and 5300 nM for HL‐60/ara‐C20 cells, respectively. Barasertib‐HQPA induced polyploidy with a subsequent induction of sub‐G1 phase apoptosis, indicating the M‐phase specific cytotoxicity. Cells treated with the S‐phase specific ara‐C accumulated in S phase and subsequently died through apoptosis. When HL‐60 cells were treated with barasertib‐HQPA and ara‐C in combination, a greater‐than‐additive apoptosis was induced. This enhancement was obtained when the cells were treated with barasertib‐HQPA prior to ara‐C (37.9% sub‐G1) or with both concurrently (31.2% sub‐G1), but not with ara‐C prior to barasertib‐HQPA (17.8% sub‐G1). The combination effects were similarly obtained in HL‐60/ara‐C20 cells with 19.7% sub‐G1 for barasertib‐HQPA→ara‐C, 18.4% sub‐G1 for both concurrently, and 13.8% sub‐G1 for ara‐C→barasertib‐HQPA, and another leukemic U937 cells with 25.4% sub‐G1 for barasertib‐HQPA→ara‐C, 28.2% sub‐G1 for both concurrently, and 16.0% sub‐G1 for ara‐C→barasertib‐HQPA. Barasertib‐HQPA inhibited aurora B autophosphorylation and histone H3 phosphorylation in all the cell lines. Barasertib‐HQPA did not inhibit DNA synthesis, allowing ara‐C incorporation into DNA for its cytotoxicity. Thus, barasertib‐HQPA and ara‐C provided a greater‐than‐additive cytotoxicity in leukemic cells in vitro.
Crestal Approach for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation in Patients with ≤4 mm of Residual Alveolar Bone
Authors: Gonzalez Stephanie , Tuan Mao‐Chi , Ahn Kang Min , Nowzari Hessam
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Less morbidity is the major advantage to a one‐stage crestal approach to maxillary sinus elevation. However, the ability to ensure high primary implant stability in a severely atrophied ridge is of chief concern. The purpose of this study is to measure and compare the success rate of implants placed at the time of crestal approach sinus lift in patients with ≤4 mm of residual alveolar bone (RAB) and >4 mm of RAB.

Materials and Methods

In this three‐site multicenter study, one hundred two patients, 53 males and 49 females, (23–89 years old; mean = 56.2) were evaluated. Three experienced surgeons (>15 years) performed the crestal approach sinus lift microsurgeries with simultaneous implant placement. At baseline and at the follow‐up appointments, calibrated examiners measured radiographic interproximal bone level using ImageJ for Windows after calibration of the radiographs. References for the bone level measurements were the platform, first and second threads of the implants. Statistical analyses, using STATA version 12, stratified patients according to RAB height (group 1: RAB of ≤4 mm; n = 35 and group 2: RAB > 4 mm; n = 67), age, gender, and treatment center.

Results

The success rate was 100% for group 1 and 98.51% for group 2 at 6 to 100 months postprosthetic loading (mean = 29.7 months). The peri‐implant bone loss averaged 0.55 mm (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.5 [0–1]) in group 1 and 0.07 mm (IQR = 0 [0–0]) in group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Clinical outcomes were independent of age, gender, and treatment center.

Conclusions

The RAB height did not increase crestal bone loss or reduce the success rate of the implants and associated prostheses. The crestal approach should be considered a viable technique for use in patients with residual bone height of ≤4 mm and merits further evaluation.
A comparison of insulin detemir and neutral protamine Hagedorn (isophane) insulin in the treatment of diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Frier B. M. , Russell‐Jones D. , Heise T.
Published: April 2013

The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical efficacy, tolerability and safety data of insulin detemir, and compare its use with that of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin in randomized controlled trials in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A literature search was conducted with PubMed using predefined search terms. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: randomized, controlled trial, comparison of insulin detemir with NPH insulin, non‐hospitalized adults aged ≥18 years with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and study duration of ≥12 weeks. The following types of studies were excluded: non‐randomized controlled trials, studies of mixed cohorts of patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes that did not report results separately, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, reviews, pooled or meta‐analyses or health‐economic analyses. Fourteen publications met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies in people with type 1 diabetes and three studies in people with type 2 diabetes, using insulin detemir in a basal–bolus regimen were included. Two studies were in people with type 2 diabetes using insulin detemir with oral antidiabetes medicines. In 14 studies of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, insulin detemir treatment provided similar or better glycaemic control, lower within‐subject variability, similar or lower frequency of hypoglycaemia and less weight gain when compared with NPH insulin.
The aphid Ceratovacuna nekoashi (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae) and its allied species in Korea, Japan and Taiwan
Authors: Aoki Shigeyuki , Kurosu Utako , Kutsukake Mayako , Hsieh Tsung‐Jui , Yang Man‐Miao , Choe Jae C. , Fukatsu Takema
Published: April 2013

The aphid Ceratovacuna nekoashi and its allied species have been a taxonomically difficult group. They form peculiar “cat's‐paw” galls (called “Nekoashi” in Japanese) on Styrax trees and also use Microstegium grasses as their secondary hosts. Through sampling aphids from both Styrax galls and Microstegium grasses in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, and sequencing their DNA, we made it clear that four distinct species occur in these regions: C. nekoashi (Sasaki), C. oplismeni (Takahashi), C. orientalis (Takahashi) and C. subtropicana sp. nov. In Korea, C. nekoashi forms galls on both S. japonicus and S. obassia, whereas in Japan the species forms galls on the former but not on the latter; our molecular analyses unequivocally indicated the occurrence of a single species in South Korea and mainland Japan. Aphids of the four species on the secondary host were morphologically discriminated from one another. The identity of the primary‐ and secondary‐host generations was also clarified for each species. All four species were found to produce second‐instar sterile soldiers in their Styrax galls, and first‐instar soldiers were found in colonies of C. subtropicana on the secondary host.
Effects of creation of open vegetation in abandoned terraced paddy fields on carabid beetle assemblages in temperate Japan
Authors: Ohwaki Atsushi , Kaneko Yohei
Published: April 2013

Many paddy fields in the mountainous rural areas of Japan have been abandoned since the 1960s, and forests have regenerated on these sites. In a mountainous area on Sado Island, a large number of abandoned paddies were converted into wetlands and open terrestrial vegetation. In this study, we used pitfall traps to examine the effects of the creation of open vegetation on carabid beetle assemblages by investigating 14 sites spanning five vegetation types: six sites in secondary forests (three coppice forests and three 40‐year‐old regenerating forests on abandoned paddies), three each in clear‐cuts and paddy levees, and two in grasslands. The 14 study sites were clearly separated into two groups different in the species composition of carabid beetles: secondary forest and grassland‐levee groups. The species composition of two clear‐cut sites was similar to that of secondary forests, whereas that of the remaining one clear‐cut site was similar to that of grasslands. Analyses of species responses showed various habitat preferences, e.g., for only coppice forests, for two types of secondary forests, for secondary forests and clear‐cuts, for clear‐cuts and grasslands, and for grasslands or levees, or no clear preference. There were no characteristic species in the regenerating forests. These results suggest that the 40‐year‐old regenerating forests may sustain only a limited subset of the carabid fauna found in coppice forests and that the creation of open vegetation in the abandoned paddies enhances carabid diversity at the landscape level by raising β diversity among the different vegetation types.
Do Criminal Sanctions Deter Insider Trading?
Authors: Frijns Bart , Gilbert Aaron , Tourani‐Rad Alireza
Published: April 2013

Many developed markets have taken what appears to be a tough stance on illegal insider trading through the use of criminal sanctions. Although criminal sanctions represent a much greater penalty than civil sanctions, the higher burden of proof required makes their enforceability weaker. This trade off between severity and enforceability makes the impact of criminal sanctions ambiguous. We empirically examine this issue by studying the deterrence of insider trading following the introduction of criminal sanctions in a developed market. Significant changes in sanction regimes are rare, especially when criminal sanctions are introduced without other changes. In February 2008, New Zealand introduced criminal sanctions for insider trading. This change of law offers a unique setting in which to examine the deterrence effect of criminalization. Using measures for the cost of trading, degree of information asymmetry, and probability of informed trading, we find that the enactment of this law led to a worsening in these measures. These findings suggest that the weaker enforceability of criminalization outweighs the associated increased severity of the penalties in New Zealand.
Financial and Economic Integration's Impact on Asian Equity Markets’ Sensitivity to External Shocks
Authors: Asgharian Hossein , Nossman Marcus
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the spillover effects from U.S. and regional stock markets on local stock markets in the Pacific Basin region and China. We also analyze if the spillover depends on countries’ financial and economic integration. We apply a stochastic volatility model with jumps in order to separate the spillover of extreme shocks from those of normal shocks. We find that the spillovers of both normal and extreme shocks are significant for almost all Asian countries except China. We also find that the time‐variation in stock market interdependence can largely be associated with economic integration.
Germination response of endophytic Festuca rubra seeds in the presence of arsenic
Authors: Vázquez de Aldana B.R. , Gundel P. E. , García Criado B. , García Ciudad A. , García Sánchez A. , Zabalgogeazcoa I.
Published: April 2013

Epichloë fungal endophytes colonize the intercellular space of aerial organs of their plant hosts without causing symptoms. These symbionts are known to improve the performance of their host grasses in some situations of biotic and abiotic stress, leading to the suggestion that they can be used to improve grass tolerance to contaminants. The grass Festuca rubra is a host of the endophyte Epichloë festucae. We used two half‐sib lines of F. rubra, each line composed of infected (E+) or endophyte‐free (E−) seeds, to study the effect of varying levels of arsenic (6, 12, 25, and 50 mg L−1), and of the endophyte in seed germination and radicle growth. The results showed that seed germination was not significantly affected by arsenic (As) levels lower than 25 mg L−1, indicating that this grass has a relatively high tolerance of As at the germination stage. The decrease in germination observed at 25 and 50 mg L−1 was due to increased seed mortality and to the reversible inhibition of the germination of viable seeds caused by As. The presence of the endophyte did not change the germination response to arsenic of one line, but affected negatively the germination of the other line. In contrast to the process of germination, radicles of E+ seeds of both lines were longer than those of endophyte‐free seeds. The results of this work indicate that Epichloë endophytes can affect the performance of some F. rubra genotypes when As is present in the soil.
Spectroscopic andMechanicalEvaluation ofThinFilmCommonlyUsed forBandingCongenitalPortosystemicShunts inDogs
Authors: Smith Rebecca R. , Hunt Geraldine B. , Garcia‐Nolen Tanya C. , Stump Samuel , Stover Susan M.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To (1) determine whether different types of thin film used to occlude congenital portosystemic shunts are cellophane, and (2) evaluate the influence of saline immersion and sterilization on the tensile properties of cellophane.

Study Design

Ex vivospectroscopic evaluation and mechanical testing.

Sample Population

Rectangular strips of thin film from 4 sources.

Methods

Samples were evaluated with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and microscopy with a polarizing lens. Samples consistent with cellophane were divided into 5 sterilization groups: non‐sterile, autoclave, gamma irradiation, hydrogen peroxide and ethylene oxide. Samples were tested while dry or after saline solution immersion. Tensile properties were compared using ANOVA, unpaired t‐tests, Mann‐Whitney U‐tests and Fisher's exact tests.P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

One thin film was consistent with cellophane and it could be differentiated from the other thin films by visible striations. Cellophane was strongest when strips were oriented parallel with its fiber direction and saline immersion reduced its strength by 48% (P < .001). All sterilization methods except autoclave significantly weakened wet cellophane (ethylene oxide [P < .001], gamma irradiation [P < .001], and hydrogen peroxide [P < .001]).

Conclusions

Thin film from most sources was not consistent with cellophane. Autoclave sterilization is the best way to preserve the strength of wet cellophane.
Quality of Corporate Governance and Cost of Equity in Brazil
Authors: Lima Bruno Faustino , Sanvicente Antonio Zoratto
Published: April 2013

Common sense suggests that the adoption of better corporate governance practices, which enable greater transparency, more protection against capital expropriation, and greater rights for investors, should have the effect of reducing the risk perceived by shareholders and so lead to lower required returns. This article investigates the existence of an inverse relationship between the quality of corporate governance and the cost of equity capital for Brazilian companies.

The authors begin by constructing a broad index of corporate governance quality that combines four key aspects of corporate governance: (1) transparency and disclosure; (2) structure of the board of directors; (3) ownership and control structure; and (4) shareholder rights. To estimate the cost of equity, the CAPM was applied by using ex ante market premiums calculated with a simple discounted‐dividend method. On the basis of a sample of 67 Brazilian companies traded at the São Paulo Stock Exchange (Bovespa) during the period 1998–2008, the study concludes that there is a significant inverse relationship between the cost of equity and a number of proxies for effective governance, particularly those representing transparency and disclosure. Closer inspection of the reductions in cost of capital associated with improvements in the specific governance quality index components suggests that companies would benefit the most from prompt submission of information to regulators and full disclosure of executive pay.
Mechanotransduction at focal adhesions: integrating cytoskeletal mechanics in migrating cells
Authors: Kuo Jean‐Cheng
Published: April 2013

Focal adhesions (FAs) are complex plasma membrane‐associated macromolecular assemblies that serve to physically connect the actin cytoskeleton to integrins that engage with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). FAs undergo maturation wherein they grow and change composition differentially to provide traction and to transduce the signals that drive cell migration, which is crucial to various biological processes, including development, wound healing and cancer metastasis. FA‐related signalling networks dynamically modulate the strength of the linkage between integrin and actin and control the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. In this review, we have summarized a number of recent investigations exploring how FA composition is affected by the mechanical forces that transduce signalling networks to modulate cellular function and drive cell migration. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of how force governs adhesion signalling provides insights that will allow the manipulation of cell migration and help to control migration‐related human diseases.
Morphological segmentation of FIB‐SEM data of highly porous media
Authors: PRILL T. , SCHLADITZ K. , JEULIN D. , FAESSEL M. , WIESER C.
Published: April 2013

Nanoporous materials play an important role in modern batteries as well as fuel cells. The materials microstructure needs to be analyzed as it determines the electrochemical properties. However, the microstructure is too fine to be resolved by microcomputed tomography. The method of choice to analyze the microstructure is focused ion beam nanotomography (FIB‐SEM). However, the reconstruction of the porous 3D microstructure from FIB‐SEM image data in general has been an unsolved problem so far. In this paper, we present a new method using morphological operations. First, features are extracted from the data. Subsequently, these features are combined to an initial segmentation, that is then refined by a constrained watershed transformation. We evaluate our method with synthetic data, generated by a simulation of the FIB‐SEM imaging process. We compare the ground truth in the simulated data to the segmentation result. The new method is found to produce a much smaller error than existing techniques.
Quantitative temperature‐depending mapping of mechanical properties of bitumen at the nanoscale using the AFM operated with PeakForce TappingTM mode
Authors: FISCHER H. , STADLER H. , ERINA N.
Published: April 2013

The mechanical properties of bitumen, such as elasticity/Young's modulus, stickiness/adhesion, hardness and energy loss, and sample deformation were acquired quantitatively and simultaneously with the topology at the microscale, discriminating clearly two separate phases within the bitumen. Temperature‐dependent measurements revealed detailed and specific data about the changes of these properties with temperature, enabling the development of predictive models for the performance and durability of asphalt.
Role of salpingoscopy in assessing the inner fallopian tubes of infertility patients with ovarian endometriomas
Authors: Nakagawa Koji , Nishi Yayoi , Sugiyama Rie , Kuribayashi Yasushi , Akira Shigeo , Sugiyama Rikikazu , Inoue Masto
Published: April 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to observe the insides of the fallopian tubes of patients with unilateral or bilateral endometriomas by using salpingoscopy and evaluate the inner cavity of the fallopian tubes according to our original scoring system.

Material and Methods

From April 2008 through December 2010, patients with unilateral or bilateral endometriomas were recruited (n = 157, endometrioma group). All patients underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and salpingoscopy. Using salpingoscopy, we observed the tubal lumen and calculated a fallopian tube score (F score) paying attention to the following six results: adhesions, loss of mucosal folds, rounded edges of mucosal folds, debris, foreign bodies, and abnormal vessels. The F scores were compared with those of the unexplained infertility patients who received those same procedures during the same period (n = 235; control group).

Results

Slightly more than three‐quarters (75.9%) of the patients in the endometrioma group received F scores of 0, and this percentage was significantly higher than that for the control group (139/235 = 59.1%, P < 0.05). The pregnancy rate after conventional treatment for the endometrioma group was 21.7%, and all pregnant patients had achieved an F score of less than 2.

Conclusion

It is highly possible that infertility patients with ovarian endometriomas are more likely to have intact fallopian tubes, by comparison with infertility patients who do not have ovarian endometriomas.
Associations between endotoxin‐induced metabolic changes and temperament in Brahman bulls,
Authors: Burdick Sanchez N. C. , Carroll J. A. , Randel R. D. , Vann R. C. , Welsh T. H.
Published: April 2013

The influence of temperament on the alteration of metabolic parameters in response to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was investigated. Brahman bulls were selected based on temperament score. Bulls (10 months; 211 ± 5 kg BW; n = 6, 8 and 7 for Calm, Intermediate and Temperamental groups, respectively) were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters to evaluate peripheral blood concentrations of glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin, epinephrine and cortisol before and after LPS administration (0.5 μg/kg BW LPS). Feed intake was also recorded. Intermediate bulls consumed more feed than the Temperamental bulls during the challenge (p = 0.046). Pre‐LPS glucose (p = 0.401) and BUN (p = 0.222) did not differ among the temperament groups. However, pre‐LPS insulin (p = 0.023) was lower, whereas pre‐LPS NEFA (p < 0.001), cortisol (p < 0.001) and epinephrine (p < 0.001) were greater in Temperamental than in Calm and Intermediate bulls. Post‐LPS glucose was increased in Calm and Intermediate bulls but not in Temperamental bulls (p < 0.001). Insulin concentrations post‐LPS were greater in Calm than in Intermediate and Temperamental bulls (p < 0.001). Concentrations of NEFA post‐LPS were greater in Temperamental than in Calm and Intermediate bulls (p < 0.001). Serum BUN concentration increased post‐LPS, with values being greater in Calm and Intermediate than in Temperamental bulls (p = 0.012). Collectively, these data demonstrate that animal temperament is related to the metabolic responses of Brahman bulls following a provocative endotoxin challenge. Specifically, Temperamental bulls may preferentially utilize an alternate energy source (i.e. NEFA) to a greater degree than do bulls of Calm and Intermediate temperaments. The use of circulating NEFA from lipolysis may reduce the negative metabolic consequences of an immune response by allowing for a prompt answer to increasing energy demands required during immunological challenge, compared with the time required for glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.