bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co‐inoculation of Glomus intraradices and Trichoderma atroviride acts as a biostimulant to promote growth, yield and nutrient uptake of vegetable crops
Authors: Colla Giuseppe , Rouphael Youssef , Di Mattia Elena , El‐Nakhel Christophe , Cardarelli Mariateresa
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

The application of beneficial microorganisms at transplanting can promote rapid transplant establishment (starter effect) for achieving early and high yields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biostimulant effects of Glomus intraradices BEG72 (G) and Trichoderma atroviride MUCL 45632 (T) alone or in combination on plant growth parameters, yield, chlorophyll index (SPAD), chlorophyll fluorescence and mineral composition of several vegetable crops.

RESULTS

The T. atroviride strain was capable of producing siderophores and auxin‐like compounds under a wide range of substrate pH conditions (5.5–8.0). The highest shoot, root dry weight, SPAD and chlorophyll fluorescence in lettuce, tomato and zucchini was observed in the G + T combination, followed by a single inoculation of G or T, whereas the lowest values were recorded in the uninoculated plants. Under greenhouse conditions, the shoot dry weight was significantly increased by 167%, 56%, 115%, 68% and 58% in lettuce, melon, pepper, tomato and zucchini, respectively, when supplied with both beneficial microorganisms in comparison with the control. This increase in root and shoot weight was associated with an increased level of nutrient uptake (e.g. P, Mg, Fe, Zn and B). Under open field conditions, the lettuce shoot and root dry weight increased by 61% and 57%, respectively, with biostimulant microorganism application in field conditions. For zucchini, early and total yields were significantly increased by 59% and 15%, respectively, when plants were inoculated with both microorganisms.

CONCLUSION

The application of the biostimulant tablet containing both G and T can promote transplant establishment and vegetable crop productivity in a sustainable way. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The Protection of Geographical Indications in Thailand
Authors: Lertdhamtewe Pawarit
Published: August 2014

The adoption of the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) poses significant implications for a developing country such as Thailand, where agriculture is a large share of its domestic and export markets. A notable facet of TRIPS is its focus on the protection of geographical indications (GIs). This paper seeks to discuss the implementation of TRIPS in Thailand with respect to GI protection. It specifically considers the Protection of Geographical Indications Act B.E.2546 (AD2003) of Thailand, which is relevant to an examination of TRIPS implementation in developing countries. The overall objective of this paper is to analyse Thailand's position with reference to the protection of GIs, and the benefits, which may be accrued as a consequence of implementing the TRIPS Agreement.
Review: Bone conduction devices and contralateral routing of sound systems in single‐sided deafness
Authors: Peters Jeroen P. M. , Smit Adriana L. , Stegeman Inge , Grolman Wilko
Published: August 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Systematically review the literature on the clinical outcome of bone conduction devices (BCD) and contralateral routing of sound systems (CROSS) for patients with single‐sided deafness (SSD).

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases were searched up to April 7, 2014.

Review Methods

All studies investigating BCD and CROSS for patients with SSD on speech perception in noise, sound localization, or quality of life were selected and critically appraised.

Results

In total, 46 articles were retrieved, of which six satisfied the eligibility criteria. Critical appraisal showed that five studies (n = 91) carried a moderate to high directness of evidence and a low to moderate risk of bias. Subsequently, study characteristics and outcome measurements were extracted. Due to large heterogeneity between studies, pooling of data was not feasible. Studies did not show a clear advantage of BCD or CROSS on speech perception in noise. BCD and CROSS lead to the same sound localization ability as the unaided condition. Quality of life did not differ significantly between conditions; however, subjective speech communication did improve.

Conclusion

No high level of evidence studies compare BCD and CROSS in patients with SSD. Literature showed no beneficial effect of BCD or CROSS regarding speech perception in noise and sound localization. Subjective speech communication demonstrated a moderate improvement with BCD and CROSS. High evidence studies comparing all treatment options for single‐sided deafness should be conducted. Laryngoscope, 125:218–226, 2015
Predictive findings of allergic disease in fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy
Authors: Brook Christopher , Noordzij J. Pieter , Russell Kimberly , Aliphas Avner , Platt Michael
Published: August 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine whether findings on fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy beyond the nasal cavity can aid in diagnosis of atopy.

Study Design

Case control analysis of patients undergoing fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy and allergy testing at a single academic institution.

Methods

Patients who underwent flexible nasolaryngoscopy for either laryngeal or nasal symptoms and allergy testing by in vitro methods were divided into an atopic group and a nonatopic control group based on results of allergy testing. Three board‐certified otolaryngologists who were blinded to the atopic status and symptoms viewed 88 patient videos and filled out an 8‐item endoscopic rating questionnaire for each. Correlation between rater scores, endoscopic findings, and atopic status was calculated using Randolph's multirater kappa values and Mann‐Whitney test.

Results

Intrarater reliability was moderate to perfect for all physicians on all questions (kappa 0.545–1.0). Inter‐rater reliability was slight to fair (kappa 0.143–0.399) for all questions and the overall impression of atopic disease. Abnormalities of the torus tubarius (P = .007) and increased nasopharyngeal secretions (P = .038) were predictive of atopic disease, whereas the presence of an adenoid (P = .08) and impression of atopic disease (P = .15) approached significance. All other endoscopic measures were not predictive of atopic status.

Conclusions

Fiberoptic nasolaryngeal findings within the nasopharynx rather than the larynx are predictive of a positive atopic status.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 125:286–290, 2015
Fat signal suppression for coronary MRA at 3T using a water‐selective adiabatic T2‐preparation technique
Authors: Coristine Andrew J. , van Heeswijk Ruud B. , Stuber Matthias
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To improve fat saturation in coronary MRA at 3T by using a spectrally selective adiabatic T2‐Prep (WSA‐T2‐Prep).

Methods

A conventional adiabatic T2‐Prep (CA‐T2‐Prep) was modified, such that the excitation and restoration pulses were of differing bandwidths. On‐resonance spins are T2‐Prepared, whereas off‐resonance spins, such as fat, are spoiled. This approach was combined with a CHEmically Selective Saturation (CHESS) pulse to achieve even greater fat suppression. Numerical simulations were followed by phantom validation and in vivo coronary MRA.

Results

Numerical simulations demonstrated that augmenting a CHESS pulse with a WSA‐T2‐Prep improved robustness to B1 inhomogeneities and that this combined fat suppression was effective over a broader spectral range than that of a CHESS pulse in a conventional T2‐Prepared sequence. Phantom studies also demonstrated that the WSA‐T2‐Prep+CHESS combination produced greater fat suppression across a range of B1 values than did a CA‐T2‐Prep+CHESS combination. Lastly, in vivo measurements demonstrated that the contrast‐to‐noise ratio between blood and myocardium was not adversely affected by using a WSA‐T2‐Prep, despite the improved abdominal and epicardial fat suppression. Additionally, vessel sharpness improved.

Conclusion

The proposed WSA‐T2‐Prep method was shown to improve fat suppression and vessel sharpness as compared to a CA‐T2‐Prep technique, and to also increase fat suppression when combined with a CHESS pulse. Magn Reson Med 72:763–769, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intratumor distribution and test–retest comparisons of physiological parameters quantified by dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI in rat U251 glioma
Authors: Aryal Madhava P. , Nagaraja Tavarekere N. , Brown Stephen L. , Lu Mei , Bagher‐Ebadian Hassan , Ding Guangliang , Panda Swayamprava , Keenan Kelly , Cabral Glauber , Mikkelsen Tom , Ewing James R.
Published: August 2014

The distribution of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) parametric estimates in a rat U251 glioma model was analyzed. Using Magnevist as contrast agent (CA), 17 nude rats implanted with U251 cerebral glioma were studied by DCE‐MRI twice in a 24 h interval. A data‐driven analysis selected one of three models to estimate either (1) plasma volume (vp), (2) vp and forward volume transfer constant (Ktrans) or (3) vp, Ktrans and interstitial volume fraction (ve), constituting Models 1, 2 and 3, respectively. CA distribution volume (VD) was estimated in Model 3 regions by Logan plots. Regions of interest (ROIs) were selected by model. In the Model 3 ROI, descriptors of parameter distributions – mean, median, variance and skewness – were calculated and compared between the two time points for repeatability. All distributions of parametric estimates in Model 3 ROIs were positively skewed. Test–retest differences between population summaries for any parameter were not significant (p ≥ 0.10; Wilcoxon signed‐rank and paired t tests). These and similar measures of parametric distribution and test–retest variance from other tumor models can be used to inform the choice of biomarkers that best summarize tumor status and treatment effects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A regular perturbation analytical‐numerical method for the evolution of precancerous lesions caused by the human papillomavirus
Authors: Jerez Silvia , Gonzalez Luz Maria , Solis Francisco J.
Published: August 2014

A numerical method is developed to analyze the behavior of the evolution of the lesions at the cervical cells caused by the human papillomavirus. The model to be solved consists in a one‐dimensional nonlinear advection–diffusion‐reaction equation. Such equation is approximated by a consistent explicit difference scheme which is based on regular perturbation theory. A constructive procedure for the numerical scheme is given and finally an illustrative example of the evolution of a mild dysplasia is included. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 847–855, 2015
Role of oxygen during CdTe growth for CdTe photovoltaic devices
Authors: Korevaar Bas A. , Cournoyer James R. , Sulima Oleg , Yakimov Aharon , Johnson James N.
Published: August 2014

Polycrystalline CdTe thin films for CdTe solar cell devices are typically grown using physical vapor techniques such as close‐spaced sublimation or vapor transport deposition with, in some cases, a small amount of oxygen in the process gas. In this report, we discuss the results of growing CdTe films in an environment of pure oxygen using close‐space sublimation. The results show that oxygen has a positive impact on CdTe film quality as it increases charge carrier mobility and lifetime in the absorber layer of CdTe‐based devices. This has resulted in a 10–20 mV improvement in open‐circuit voltages when growing the CdTe in pure oxygen. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of linkage chemistry on folding, self‐assembly, and photoresponse of amphiphilic azobenzene main chain polymers
Authors: Yu Zhilin , Hecht Stefan
Published: August 2014

Two types of amphiphilic polymers composed of azobenzene repeat units in the main chain connected either via ethynylene (acetylene) or butadiynylene (diacetylene) linkages and carrying oligo(ethylene glycol) side chains were reported. Synthesis was accomplished by polycondensation involving Sonogashira–Hagihara cross coupling and Glaser coupling, respectively. Solvent titration experiments revealed that both polymers fold into stable helices in a polar environment. While the ethynylene‐bridged polymer resembled the behavior of its oligomeric counterparts, introduction of the extended diacetylene unit strengthened π,π‐stacking interactions in case of the butadiynylene‐bridged polymer leading to a pronounced aggregation tendency and suppressing photoisomerization in the folded state. Our study demonstrates the importance of backbone connectivity to balance intra‐ and intermolecular forces for the successful design of photoresponsive polymers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 313–318
Analysis of diversity schemes employing antenna selection in the presence of channel estimation errors and feedback delay
Authors: Coşkun Ahmet Faruk , Kucur Oğuz
Published: August 2014

The main objective of this paper is to provide an extensive and complete examination on the effect of practical impairments such as channel estimation errors (CEEs) and feedback delay (FD) on the performance of diversity schemes over Nakagami‐m fading channels. Under erroneous channel estimation and outdated feedback cases, statistical expressions and several performance metrics related to the post‐processing signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) are derived for four different diversity schemes: transmit antenna selection (TAS)/orthogonal space–time block coding, TAS/maximal‐ratio transmission (MRT), MRT/receive antenna selection (RAS), and joint transmit and RAS. Exact analytical expressions for outage probability and average error rates of M‐ary modulations are derived in order to provide insightful perspectives on the capacity and error performance of diversity schemes that experience both CEE and FD. The asymptotic diversity order of the investigated diversity schemes are derived via a high‐SNR approximation approach. In order to assess the real‐world performance of the investigated diversity schemes and to observe their robustness or sensitivities in practical imperfections, various configurations are considered together with several performance comparisons. Also, Monte Carlo simulations are performed in order to validate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Unilateral Bloody Nipple Discharge; Useful When Conventional Diagnostics are Negative?
Authors: van Gelder L. , Bisschops R. H. C. , Menke‐Pluymers M. B. E. , Westenend P. J. , Plaisier P. W.
Published: August 2014

Background

Unilateral bloody nipple discharge (UBND) is mostly caused by benign conditions such as papilloma or ductal ectasia. However, in 7–33 % of all nipple discharge, it is caused by breast cancer. Conventional diagnostic imaging like mammography (MMG) and ultrasonography (US) is performed to exclude malignancy. Preliminary investigations of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assume that it has additional value. With an increasing availability of MRI, it is of clinical importance to evaluate this. We evaluated the additional diagnostic value of MRI in patients with UBND in the absence of a palpable mass, with normal conventional imaging.

Methods

All women with UBND in the period November 2007–July 2012 were included. In addition to the standard work‐up (patient’s history, physical examination, MMG, and US), MRI was performed. Data from these examinations and treatment were collected retrospectively.

Results

A total of 111 women (mean age 52 years; range 23–80) were included. In nine (8 %) patients, malignancy was suspected on MRI while conventional imaging was normal. In eight (89 %) of these patients, histology was obtained, two by core biopsy and six by terminal duct excision. Benign conditions were found in six patients (86 %) and a (pre‐) malignant lesion in two patients. In both cases, it concerned a ductal carcinoma in situ, which was treated with breast‐conserving therapy. Moreover, in two cases of (pre)malignancy, the MRI was interpreted as negative.

Conclusion

In patients with UBND who show no signs of a malignancy on conventional diagnostic examinations, the added value of a breast MRI is limited, since a malignancy can be demonstrated in <2 %.
Mothers’ Experiences of Genetic Counselling in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Morris Megan , Glass Merlyn , Wessels Tina‐Marié , Kromberg Jennifer G. R.
Published: August 2014

Genetic counselling is offered in diverse settings, and patient reactions vary due to differences in personal, family and community beliefs, local healthcare settings, as well as cultural background. Together, these factors influence how individuals experience genetic counselling. This study aimed to describe and document the experiences of thirteen mothers, with children with Down syndrome, oculocutaneous albinism or haemophilia B, who had received genetic counselling at state hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa. A qualitative research design drawing on principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. Four voice‐recorded focus groups were conducted and the resulting data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Five themes were identified in the data: thrown into the unknown; a worthwhile experience; a break in communication; telling the family and the community; and spreading the word. It was seen that genetic counselling cannot be viewed as a singular experience, but rather as one which is influenced by mothers’ lived experiences and their interactions with other healthcare services, family and community members. The results from this study showed that genetic services and conditions were poorly understood, that the experience of genetic counselling varied amongst mothers, and on‐going patient support is needed particularly when addressing family and community members. Further research is needed to assess what information is valuable to individuals during genetic counselling and how to deliver this information in a contextually appropriate manner. Greater awareness of genetic conditions is also required amongst communities and healthcare professionals. Valuable insight was gained from this study which can be used to improve local training programmes and genetic counselling services in Johannesburg, and in South Africa.
Understanding the Experience of Myotonic Dystrophy. Mixed Method Study
Authors: Geirdal Amy Østertun , Lund‐Petersen Inger , Heiberg Arvid
Published: August 2014

Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) is a progressive multi‐systemic disorder characterized by myotonia and muscle weakness where currently no effective treatment or cure to prevent or delay the disorder exists. This study used mixed methods to examine the experience of living with DM, in patients and their close relatives. Thirteen patients and eight next of kin responded completing Quality of Life and Psychological distress questionnaires in this cross‐sectional study, and participating in a semi‐structured interview. The findings indicate a higher level of anxiety and hopelessness in next of kin compared to patients, while patients were more depressed. Next of kin reported higher physical, but lower emotional quality of life than patients. Qualitative interviews confirmed the questionnaire findings. The findings from this study may be helpful in genetic counseling. Genetic counselors and geneticists should not only be aware of the burden of being a next of kin, but include discussions about opportunities to minimize the burden in families affected with DM. The findings may be of relevance in counseling for other types of neuromuscular disorders.
On the periodic injection of fluid into, and its extraction from, a confined aquifer
Authors: Dudfield Peter , Woods Andrew W.
Published: August 2014

We consider the periodic injection and extraction of fluid from a line well in a horizontal saturated aquifer of finite thickness as part of an aquifer thermal energy storage system. We focus on the case in which the injected fluid is dense relative to the original fluid in the aquifer and we explore the competition between the driving pressure and buoyancy force in controlling the dispersal of the injected fluid through the aquifer. We show that, after each cycle, a progressively larger fraction of the injected fluid is extracted, while the remainder of the injected fluid gradually migrates away from the well such that, after time $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}t$, the position of the leading edge of the injected fluid, $x_{nose}(t)$, scales as $ x_{nose}(t)\sim x_{nose}(\tau )\sqrt{t/\tau }$, where $\tau $ is the period of injection. If the fluid is extracted from the base of the layer, then, near the well, the thickness of the injected fluid at the end of the extraction cycle tends to a constant value, which decreases with injection rate. We also show that there is a class of self-similar exchange-flow solutions that develop when a saturated porous layer of thickness $H$ is in contact with a stratified fluid reservoir, filled to thickness $F_0H<H$ with relatively dense fluid, and with original reservoir fluid above this level. We show that these solutions coincide exactly with the far-field flow produced by the injection–extraction cycles. We successfully test the models with a series of analogue experiments of both the injection–extraction flow and the exchange flow using a Hele-Shaw cell. In the case that the fluid is injected and extracted from the top of the aquifer, the value $F_0$ tends to unity in all cases, although the convergence time depends on the rate and period of injection, the buoyancy speed and the vertical extent and the porosity of the aquifer. We use the model to explore how the concentration of reservoir fluid in the produced fluid varies as the system evolves from cycle to cycle, and we also examine the time required to transport a localised but distant contaminant to the production well through the far-field exchange flow. Finally, we consider the analogous axisymmetric injection–extraction flow problem, and show, through both numerical solution of the governing equations and experiment, that, although there is no simple class of similarity solutions, the fraction of injected fluid that is extracted progressively increases in each cycle.
Particle-laden flow down a slope in uniform stratification
Authors: Snow Kate , Sutherland B. R.
Published: August 2014

Lock–release laboratory experiments are performed to examine saline and particle-laden flows down a slope into both constant-density and linearly stratified ambients. Both hypopycnal (surface-propagating) currents and hyperpycnal (turbidity) currents are examined, with the focus being upon the influence of ambient stratification on turbidity currents. Measurements are made of the along-slope front speed and the depth at which the turbidity current separates from the slope and intrudes into the ambient. These results are compared to the predictions of a theory that characterizes the flow evolution and separation depth in terms of the slope $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}s$, the entrainment parameter $E$ (the ratio of entrainment to flow speed), the relative stratification parameter $S$ (the ratio of the ambient density difference to the relative current density) and a new parameter $\gamma $ defined to be the ratio of the particle settling to entrainment speed. The implicit prediction for the separation depth, $H_s$, is made explicit by considering limits of small and large separation depth. In the former case of a ‘weak’ turbidity current, entrainment and particle settling are unimportant and separation occurs where the density of the ambient fluid equals the density of the fluid in the lock. In the latter case of a ‘strong’ turbidity current, entrainment and particle settling crucially affect the separation depth. Consistent with theory, we find that the separation depth indeed depends on $\gamma $ if the particle size (and hence settling rate) is sufficiently large and if the current propagates many lock lengths before separating from the slope. A composite prediction that combines the explicit formulae for the separation depth for weak and strong turbidity currents agrees well with experimental measurements over a wide parameter range.
Interfacial instability of thin ferrofluid films under a magnetic field
Authors: Seric Ivana , Afkhami Shahriar , Kondic Lou
Published: August 2014

We study magnetically induced interfacial instability of a thin ferrofluid film subjected to an applied uniform magnetic field and covered by a non-magnetizable passive gas. Governing equations are derived using the long-wave approximation of the coupled static Maxwell and Stokes equations. The contact angle is imposed via a disjoining/conjoining pressure model. Numerical simulations show the patterning resulting from unstable perturbations and dewetting of the ferrofluid film. We find that the subtle competition between the applied field and the van der Waals induced dewetting determines the appearance of satellite droplets. The results suggest a new route for generating self-assembled ferrofluid droplets from a thin film using an external magnetic field. An axisymmetric droplet on a surface is also studied, and we demonstrate the deformation of the droplet into a spiked cone, in agreement with experimental findings.
Turbulent pair dispersion as a continuous-time random walk
Authors: Thalabard Simon , Krstulovic Giorgio , Bec Jérémie
Published: August 2014

The phenomenology of turbulent relative dispersion is revisited. A heuristic scenario is proposed, in which pairs of tracers undergo a succession of independent ballistic separations during time intervals whose lengths fluctuate. This approach suggests that the logarithm of the distance between tracers self-averages and performs a continuous-time random walk. This leads to specific predictions for the probability distribution of separations, which differ from those obtained using scale-dependent eddy-diffusivity models (e.g. in the framework of Richardson’s approach). These predictions are tested against high-resolution simulations and shed new light on the explosive separation between tracers.
Monosodium glutamate delivered in a protein-rich soup improves subsequent energy compensation
Authors: Masic Una , Yeomans Martin R.
Published: August 2014

Previous research suggests that monosodium glutamate (MSG) may have a biphasic effect on appetite, increasing appetite within a meal with its flavour-enhancing effect, but enhancing subsequent satiety due to its proposed role as a predictor of protein content. The present study explored this by assessing the impact of a 450 g soup preload differing in MSG concentration (1 % MSG added (MSG+) or no MSG (MSG–)) and nutrient content (low-energy control or high-energy carbohydrate or high-energy protein) on rated appetite and ad libitum intake of a test meal in thirty-five low-restraint male volunteers using a within-participant design. Protein-rich preloads significantly reduced intake at the test meal and resulted in more accurate energy compensation than did carbohydrate-rich preloads. This energy compensation was stronger in the MSG+ protein conditions when compared with MSG+ carbohydrate conditions. No clear differences in rated appetite were seen in MSG or the macronutrient conditions alone during preload ingestion or 45 min after intake. Overall, these findings indicate that MSG may act to further improve energy compensation when provided in a protein-rich context.
Are Tiled Display Walls Needed for Astronomy?
Authors: Meade Bernard F. , Fluke Christopher J. , Manos Steven , Sinnott Richard O.
Published: August 2014

Clustering commodity displays into a Tiled Display Wall (TDW) provides a cost-effective way to create an extremely high resolution display, capable of approaching the image sizes now generated by modern astronomical instruments. Many research institutions have constructed TDWs on the basis that they will improve the scientific outcomes of astronomical imagery. We test this concept by presenting sample images to astronomers and non-astronomers using a standard desktop display (SDD) and a TDW. These samples include standard English words, wide field galaxy surveys and nebulae mosaics from the Hubble telescope. Our experiments show that TDWs provide a better environment than SDDs for searching for small targets in large images. They also show that astronomers tend to be better at searching images for targets than non-astronomers, both groups are generally better when employing physical navigation as opposed to virtual navigation, and that the combination of two non-astronomers using a TDW rivals the experience of a single astronomer. However, there is also a large distribution in aptitude amongst the participants and the nature of the content also plays a significant role in success.
TYING UP THE LOOSE ENDS OF NATIONAL SELF-DETERMINATION: BRITISH, FRENCH, AND AMERICAN EXPERTS IN PEACE PLANNING, 1917–1919
Authors: PROTT VOLKER
Published: August 2014

This article examines Allied peace planning during the latter stages of the First World War by comparing and connecting the British, French, and American expert groups. These academic experts were expected to apply the publicly announced programme of national self-determination to the local realities in Europe without losing sight of their governments’ geopolitical directives. Contacts and exchanges between the three groups, largely neglected in the literature, played a crucial role in shaping the experts’ work. At the same time, persisting national suspicion and the fragile institutional position of the experts prevented open debate on the precise meaning of national self-determination and thereby forestalled the development of a coherent Allied peace programme. This shortcoming would become a serious burden for the negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference and the early interwar period, in that it led to growing frustration and undermined Allied commitment to the Paris peace treaties.
A RECENT HISTORY OF AL-QA'IDA
Authors: CRAGIN R. KIM
Published: August 2014

Scholars, journalists, and government officials have tried to understand al-Qa'ida and its predecessor, Maktab al-Khidamat, since the early 1980s. These efforts increased significantly after the 11 September 2001 attacks against the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon. Yet, despite this attention, questions remain unanswered. What factors have influenced al-Qa'ida leaders over time as they have made and executed strategic decisions? How have they defined their relationship with affiliated groups in the context of these decisions? This present article utilizes private al-Qa'ida documents, captured by United States Navy Seals during a raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan, and recently released to the public, to answer these questions. In doing so, it casts doubt on some of the conventional explanations for al-Qa'ida's trajectory between 2004 and 2013.
Conservative management of vestibular schwannomas of 15 to 31 mm intracranial diameter
Authors: Reddy C E E , Lewis-Jones H G , Javadpour M , Ryland I , Lesser T H J
Published: August 2014

Objective:

To study the natural course of vestibular schwannomas 15 to 31 mm in diameter.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 45 patients conservatively managed with interval scanning was performed. Outcome measures were: changes in tumour size, clinical features and hearing. A tumour was considered to be growing if it increased in size by more than 2 mm.

Results:

Initial tumour sizes ranged from 15 to 31 mm, with a mean (± standard deviation) diameter of 20.1 ± 4.3 mm. The duration of follow up ranged from 6 months to 14 years (median, 3 years). Tumours grew in 11 cases (24.4 per cent), remained stable in 30 cases (66.7 per cent) and regressed in 4 cases (8.9 per cent). The overall mean tumour growth rate was 0.9 ± 2.2 mm per year; in growing tumours, it was 3.6 ± 2.9 mm per year.

Conclusion:

Outcomes were similar to those reported for smaller tumours. These findings suggest that patients with medium or moderately large tumours can be safely offered an initial period of conservative management before intervention is considered.
Charles Winthrop Molesworth Swithinbank 1926–2014
Authors: Harrowfield David L.
Published: August 2014

On 27 May 2014 the polar community was saddened to learn that the eminent glaciologist Dr Charles Swithinbank had died after a brief illness, at Hilton Park Nursing Home in Bottisham, Cambridgeshire. He was 87.
Canonical heights and division polynomials
Authors: de JONG ROBIN , MÜLLER J. STEFFEN
Published: August 2014

We discuss a new method to compute the canonical height of an algebraic point on a hyperelliptic jacobian over a number field. The method does not require any geometrical models, neitherp-adic nor complex analytic ones. In the case of genus 2 we also present a version that requires no factorisation at all. The method is based on a recurrence relation for the ‘division polynomials’ associated to hyperelliptic jacobians, and a diophantine approximation result due to Faltings.
Transport networks and inequities in vaccination: remoteness shapes measles vaccine coverage and prospects for elimination across Africa
Authors: METCALF C. J. E. , TATEM A. , BJORNSTAD O. N. , LESSLER J. , O'REILLY K. , TAKAHASHI S. , CUTTS F. , GRENFELL B.T.
Published: August 2014

Measles vaccination is estimated to have averted 13·8 million deaths between 2000 and 2012. Persisting heterogeneity in coverage is a major contributor to continued measles mortality, and a barrier to measles elimination and introduction of rubella-containing vaccine. Our objective is to identify determinants of inequities in coverage, and how vaccine delivery must change to achieve elimination goals, which is a focus of the WHO Decade of Vaccines. We combined estimates of travel time to the nearest urban centre (⩾50 000 people) with vaccination data from Demographic Health Surveys to assess how remoteness affects coverage in 26 African countries. Building on a statistical mapping of coverage against age and geographical isolation, we quantified how modifying the rate and age range of vaccine delivery affects national coverage. Our scenario analysis considers increasing the rate of delivery of routine vaccination, increasing the target age range of routine vaccination, and enhanced delivery to remote areas. Geographical isolation plays a key role in defining vaccine inequity, with greater inequity in countries with lower measles vaccine coverage. Eliminating geographical inequities alone will not achieve thresholds for herd immunity, indicating that changes in delivery rate or age range of routine vaccination will be required. Measles vaccine coverage remains far below targets for herd immunity in many countries on the African continent and is likely to be inadequate for achieving rubella elimination. The impact of strategies such as increasing the upper age range eligible for routine vaccination should be considered.
Factors associated with recently acquired hepatitis C virus infection in people who inject drugs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: new findings from an unlinked anonymous monitoring survey
Authors: Cullen K. J. , Hope V. D. , Croxford S. , Shute J. , Ncube F. , Parry J.V.
Published: August 2014

Monitoring infections and risk in people who inject drugs (PWID) is important for informing public health responses. In 2011, a novel hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) avidity-testing algorithm to identify samples compatible with recent primary infection was introduced into a national surveillance survey. PWID are recruited annually, through >60 needle-and-syringe programmes and prescribing services. Of the 980 individuals that could have been at risk of HCV infection, there were 20 (2%) samples that were compatible with recent primary infection. These were more common among: those imprisoned ⩾5 times [8/213; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8·7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·04–37·03]; women (8/230; aOR 3·8, 95% CI 1·41–10·38); and those ever-infected with hepatitis B (5/56; aOR 6·25, 95% CI 2·12–18·43). This study is the first to apply this algorithm and to examine the risk factors associated with recently acquired HCV infection in a national sample of PWID in the UK. These findings highlight underlying risks and suggest targeted interventions are needed.
Hybrid polymer photonic crystal fiber with integrated chalcogenide glass nanofilms
Authors: Markos Christos , Kubat Irnis , Bang Ole
Published: August 2014

The combination of chalcogenide glasses with polymer photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) is a difficult and challenging task due to their different thermo-mechanical material properties. Here we report the first experimental realization of a hybrid polymer-chalcogenide PCF with integrated As2S3 glass nanofilms at the inner surface of the air-channels of a poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) PCF. The integrated high refractive index glass films introduce distinct antiresonant transmission bands in the 480–900 nm wavelength region. We demonstrate that the ultra-high Kerr nonlinearity of the chalcogenide glass makes the polymer PCF nonlinear and provides a possibility to shift the transmission band edges as much as 17 nm by changing the intensity. The proposed fabrication technique constitutes a new highway towards all-fiber nonlinear tunable devices based on polymer PCFs, which at the moment is not possible with any other fabrication method.
The photocycle and ultrafast vibrational dynamics of bacteriorhodopsin in lipid nanodiscs
Authors: Johnson Philip J. M. , Halpin Alexei , Morizumi Takefumi , Brown Leonid S. , Prokhorenko Valentyn I. , Ernst Oliver P. , Dwayne Miller R. J.
Published: August 2014

The photocycle and ultrafast vibrational dynamics of bacteriorhodopsin in lipid nanodiscs as determined by steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies.
State-to-state dynamics of high-n Rydberg H-atom scattering with H2: inelastic scattering and reactive scattering
Authors: Yu Shengrui , Su Shu , Dai Dongxu , Yuan Kaijun , Yang Xueming
Published: August 2014

The state-to-state dynamics of H* + para-H2 at collision energies of 0.45 and 1.07 eV have been studied using the HRTOF technique.
On the directionality and non-linearity of halogen and hydrogen bonds
Authors: Grant Hill J. , Legon Anthony C.
Published: August 2014

Theoretical and experimental structures of hydrogen and halogen bonds are compared, and the nature of the interactions is discussed.
Dinuclear [{(p-cym)RuCl}2(μ-phpy)](PF6)2 and heterodinuclear [(ppy)2Ir(μ-phpy)Ru(p-cym)Cl](PF6)2 complexes: synthesis, structure and anticancer activity
Authors: Tripathy Suman Kumar , De Umasankar , Dehury Niranjan , Pal Satyanarayan , Kim Hyung Sik , Patra Srikanta
Published: August 2014

Heterodinuclear Ir–Ru (2) with polypyridyl based phpy ligand shows autophagy induced cell death, whereas homodinuclear Ru–Ru (1) is inactive.
Effect of solid loading on properties of reaction bonded silicon carbide ceramics by gelcasting
Authors: Yuan Zhiyong , Zhang Yumin , Zhou Yufeng , Dong Shanliang
Published: August 2014

Reaction bonded silicon carbide (SIC) ceramics were successfully fabricated by gelcasting using a new non-aqueous, low-toxicity gel system based on the polymerization of a phenol-formaldehyde resin and furfuryl alcohol.
A series of unexpected ferromagnetic behaviors based on the surface-vacancy state: an insight into NiO nanoparticles with a core–shell structure
Authors: Yang Zhaolong , Gao Daqiang , Tao Kun , Zhang Jing , Shi Zhenhua , Xu Qiang , Shi Shoupeng , Xue Desheng
Published: August 2014

We propose that the observed anomalous ferromagnetic behavior of NiO nanoparticles is due to the formation of a ferromagnetic particle shell that is oxygen-vacancy related.
A new polymer with low dielectric constant based on trifluoromethyl-substituted arene: preparation and properties
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Jin Kaikai , He Fengkai , Sun Jing , Fang Qiang
Published: August 2014

A polymer based on trifluoromethyl-substituted arene was synthesized with high molecular weight (Mn) of 62 000 by the Scholl reaction. The polymer film showed low dielectric constants of about 2.56 in a range of frequencies from 1 to 25 MHz. Moreover, the polymer revealed high thermostability and good mechanical properties, suggesting that the polymer had potential applications in the electronics industry.
First-principles study of O2 reduction on BaZr1−xCoxO3 cathodes in protonic-solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Wang Zhenbin , Yang Wenqiang , Zhu Zhuoying , Peng Ranran , Wu Xiaojun , Xia Changrong , Lu Yalin
Published: August 2014

Bulk proton mobility and catalytic activity to surface oxygen reduction are the two factors for determining the effectiveness of cathode materials for protonic-solid oxide fuel cells (p-SOFCs).
Enhancing the blue phosphorescence of iridium complexes with a dicyclometalated phosphite ligand via aza-substitution: a density functional theory investigation
Authors: Godefroid Gahungu , Yuqi Liu , Yanling Si , Juanjuan Su , Xiaochun Qu , Xiaohong Shang , Zhijian Wu
Published: August 2014

The influence of azasubstitution on electronic and photophysical properties of iridium complexes of blue phosphorescent dicyclometalated phosphite has been explored using quantum chemical methods.
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation reduces abnormalities in the expression of immune genes in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sousa Alessandra de Paula A. , Malmegrim Kelen C. R. , Panepucci Rodrigo A. , Brum Doralina S. , Barreira Amilton A. , Carlos Dos Santos Antonio , Araújo Amélia G. , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Oliveira Maria C. , Moraes Daniela A. , Pieroni Fabiano , Barros George M. , Simões Belinda P. , Nicholas Richard , Burt Richard K. , Voltarelli Júlio C. , Muraro Paolo A.
Published: August 2014

Autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been experimented as a treatment in patients affected by severe forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) who failed to respond to standard immunotherapy. The rationale of AHSCT is to ‘reboot’ the immune system and reconstitute a new adaptive immunity. The aim of our study was to identify, through a robust and unbiased transcriptomic analysis, any changes of gene expression in T-cells potentially underlying the treatment effect in patients who underwent non-myeloablative AHSCT for treatment of MS. We evaluated by microarray DNA-chip technology the gene expression of peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets sorted from patients with MS patients before AHSCT, at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after AHSCT and from healthy control subjects. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that reconstituted CD8+ T-cells of MS patients at 2 years post-transplantation, aggregated together with healthy controls, suggesting a normalization of gene expression in CD8+ cells post-therapy. When we compared the gene expression in MS patients before and after therapy, we detected a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEG) in both CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell subsets at all time points after transplantation. We catalogued the biological function of DEG and we selected 27 genes known to be involved in immune function for accurate quantification of gene expression by real-time PCR. The analysis confirmed and extended with quantitative data, a number of significant changes in both the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells subsets from MS post-transplant. Notably, CD8+ T-cells revealed more extensive changes in the expression of genes involved in effector immune responses.
Some relations between symmetries of nonlocally related systems
Authors: Yang Zhengzheng , Cheviakov Alexei F.
Published: August 2014

The paper is concerned with relations between local symmetries of systems of partial differential equations (PDE) within trees of nonlocally related PDE systems. It is shown that potential systems arising from a given system through linearly independent conservation laws are nonlocally related to each other. Further, a theorem is proven stating that for a PDE system which has precisely n linearly independent local conservation laws, any local symmetry of the PDE system is a projection of some local symmetry of the n-plet potential system. Moreover, a criterion is presented to determine whether or not a specific local symmetry of a given PDE system is a projection of some local symmetry of a specific potential system. Examples are considered. Finally, a formula for a symmetry of a given PDE system in terms of a local symmetry of a nonlocally related subsystem is given. The formula can be used to determine whether a symmetry of the subsystem yields a local or a nonlocal symmetry of the given system, without the need to undertake a full symmetry classification and comparison between the given system and the subsystem.
Electronic and optical properties of pure and modified diamondoids studied by many-body perturbation theory and time-dependent density functional theory
Authors: Demján Tamás , Vörös Márton , Palummo Maurizia , Gali Adam
Published: August 2014

Diamondoids are small diamond nanoparticles (NPs) that are built up from diamond cages. Unlike usual semiconductor NPs, their atomic structure is exactly known, thus they are ideal test-beds for benchmarking quantum chemical calculations. Their usage in spintronics and bioimaging applications requires a detailed knowledge of their electronic structure and optical properties. In this paper, we apply density functional theory (DFT) based methods to understand the electronic and optical properties of a few selected pure and modified diamondoids for which accurate experimental data exist. In particular, we use many-body perturbation theory methods, in the G0W0 and G0W0+BSE approximations, and time-dependent DFT in the adiabatic local density approximation. We find large quasiparticle gap corrections that can exceed thrice the DFT gap. The electron-hole binding energy can be as large as 4 eV but it is considerably smaller than the GW corrections and thus G0W0+BSE optical gaps are about 50% larger than the Kohn-Sham (KS) DFT gaps. We find significant differences between KS time-dependent DFT and GW+BSE optical spectra on the selected diamondoids. The calculated G0W0 quasiparticle levels agree well with the corresponding experimental vertical ionization energies. We show that nuclei dynamics in the ionization process can be significant and its contribution may reach about 0.5 eV in the adiabatic ionization energies.
Line tension and reduction of apparent contact angle associated with electric double layers
Authors: Dörr Aaron , Hardt Steffen
Published: August 2014

The line tension of an electrolyte wetting a non-polar substrate is computed analytically and numerically. The results show that, depending on the value of the apparent contact angle, positive or negative line tension values may be obtained. Furthermore, a significant difference between Young's contact angle and the apparent contact angle measured several Debye lengths remote from the three-phase contact line occurs. When applying the results to water wetting highly charged surfaces, line tension values of the same order of magnitude as found in recent experiments can be achieved. Therefore, the theory presented may contribute to the understanding of line tension measurements and points to the importance of the electrostatic line tension. Being strongly dependent on the interfacial charge density, electrostatic line tension is found to be tunable via the pH value of the involved electrolyte. As a practical consequence, the stability of nanoparticles adsorbed at fluid-fluid interfaces is predicted to be dependent on the pH value. The theory is suited for future incorporation of effects due to surfactants where even larger line tension values can be expected.