bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of ice grains in the Enceladus plume from Cassini observations
Authors: Dong Y. , Hill T. W. , Ye S.‐Y.
Published: December 2014

Ice grains in the Enceladus plume have been observed by several Cassini instruments during many Enceladus encounters. In this paper we study the ice grains ranging from less than one nanometer to micrometers in size based on multiple instrument observations. We have analyzed the nanograin data from the E17 and E18 Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) energy spectra using the approach of Hill et al. (2012) and studied the charging of the grains using the E3–E6 Radio and Plasma Wave Spectrometer (RPWS)‐Langmuir Probe (LP) data presented by Morooka et al. (2011). To bridge the gap between CAPS nanograin observations and Cosmic Dust Analyzer and RPWS micrograin observations, we propose a composite size distribution and fit it to the E3, E5, E17, and E18 CAPS and RPWS data. The resulting size distribution peaks at ~2 nm and provides a total grain mass density ~20% that of the water vapor measured by Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer at the densest part of the plume and a total grain charge density much smaller than that inferred from the RPWS‐LP plasma data. Charge balance with the RPWS‐LP plasma data would require many more grains than provided by the best fit composite distribution to the CAPS and RPWS data and would provide a grain mass density comparable to that of the water vapor. On the basis of these results, we study the subsequent motion of the ice grains and estimate the resulting grain current (~104 to ~105A) and grain mass production rate (~15–65 kg/s).
Real‐Time Chemiluminescence Imaging Using Nano‐Lantern Probes
Authors: Arai Yoshiyuki , Nagai Takeharu
Published: December 2014

Chemiluminescence imaging can be performed without excitation light sources at various spatial levels ranging from a single cell to the whole body. Thus far, chemiluminescence imaging has been primarily performed with long exposure times because of weak signals, resulting in low temporal resolution. Recently, the brightest‐known chemiluminescent proteins—Nano‐lantern and Nano‐lantern‐based functional indicators—have been developed. Nano‐lantern probes break the limitation of temporal resolution and enable chemiluminescence imaging of living samples such as cells, plants, and small animals at video rates. This unit describes one protocol for observation of a freely moving unshaved mouse transplanted with Nano‐lantern‐expressing tumor cells, and another for compatible use of optogenetic tools and a Nano‐lantern calcium indicator. Both protocols utilize the synchronization of illumination and camera acquisition sessions, thereby enabling real‐time chemiluminescence imaging. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Production of silk fibroin nanoparticles using ionic liquids and high‐power ultrasounds
Authors: Lozano‐Pérez Antonio Abel , Montalbán Mercedes García , Aznar‐Cervantes Salvador David , Cragnolini Francesca , Cenis José Luis , Víllora Gloria
Published: December 2014

Biopolymeric nanoparticles have attracted great research interest in the last few years due to their multiple applications. This article describes how high‐power ultrasounds are capable of enhancing the dissolution process of silk proteins in ionic liquids (ILs) and how silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNs) can be obtained directly from the silk/ionic liquid solution (SIL) by rapid desolvation in polar organic solvents. The silk fibroin integrity is highly preserved during the dissolution process, as confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) of the SIL. These regenerated SFNs are insoluble in water and other common organic solvents and are indistinguishable from the classical SFNs with respect to their diameter (180 ± 5 nm), Zeta potential (−25 ± 3 mV), high degree of β‐sheet and low cytotoxicity. Large amounts of silk can be turned into biomaterials directly from the SIL solution for use in a wide range of applications, while the ILs can be recovered from the coagulant solution under reduced pressure and reused without loss of their solvent properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41702.
Ausführung tragender Tiefgaragen‐Bodenplatten unter wirtschaftlichen Aspekten
Authors: Rösener Wolfgang
Published: December 2014

In den letzten 15 Jahren hat sich eine große Anzahl von Fachleuten und Gremien mit der Ausführung direkt befahrener Parkdecks aus tragenden Stahlbetonkonstruktionen auseinandergesetzt, wobei technische und juristische Themen im Vordergrund standen. Eine streng wirtschaftliche Betrachtungsweise führt jedoch zu überraschenden Aspekten bzw. deutlich von solchen in zurückliegenden Veröffentlichungen abweichenden Empfehlungen, wobei im Rahmen dieses Aufsatzes ausschließlich die Ausführungsmöglichkeiten tragender Tiefgaragen‐Bodenplatten analysiert werden.

Execution of carrying carpark‐baseplates under economic aspects. Calculated damages vs. coating?

In the last 15 years a large number of professionals and bodies set apart with the execution of directly drive on parking decks made of carrying reinforced concrete structures, in which the focus was on technical and legal themes. A strictly economical approach leads to surprisingly aspects respectively clear from such publications in history with different recommendations. This essay only analyzes the execution abilities of carrying underground carpark‐baseplates.
Zum Nachweis der räumlichen Gebäudestabilität
Authors: Brandt Bernd
Published: December 2014

Der Nachweis der Gebäudeaussteifung gemäß EC2 einschl. des nationalen Anhangs [1, 2] führt für Verdrehungsbeanspruchungen mit Ausnahme der Sonderfälle der reinen Wölbkrafttorsion (κ = 0) und der reinen St. Venantschen Torsion (κ = ∞) zu Ergebnissen, die bis zu 34 % von der genauen Lösung abweichen und generell auf der unsicheren Seite liegen, d. h. es ist nach der genauen Berechnung eher ein Nachweis nach Theorie II. Ordnung erforderlich, als es nach EC2 [1, 2] vorgegeben wird.

Es sind ergänzend zur genauen Berechnung modifizierte Labilitätszahlen angegeben, mit denen das Stabilitäts‐ und Schwingungsverhalten eines Gebäudes zutreffend beurteilt werden kann. Zusätzlich gibt es für die Labilitätszahlen eine geschlossene formelmäßige Lösung, die von der genauen Berechnung um weniger als 3 % abweicht.

Die Vorgehensweise ist an einem Beispiel erläutert, baupraktische Hinweise vervollständigen die Ausführungen.

Proof of spatial stability of the building

The verification of building bracing in accordance with EC2, including the national annex [1, 2] for torsional loads, with exception in specific cases of pure warping torsion (κ = 0) and Saint Venant torsion (κ = ∞), leads to results that deviate up to 34 % of the exact solution and generally may be incorrect. Based on exact calculation, it is rather a verification according to theory II. regulation required according to EC2 [1, 2].

In addition to the exact calculation, modified labilitynumbers have been added, with which the stability performance as well as the vibrational characteristics of a building can be appropriately assessed. Furthermore, there is a closed formulized solution for the lability numbers, of which the exact calculation deviates less than 3 %.

This procedure is illustrated by means of an example. Operational indications complete these versions.
Microsurgical anatomy of the posterior median septum of the human spinal cord
Authors: Turkoglu Erhan , Kertmen Hayri , Uluc Kutluay , Akture Erinc , Gurer Bora , Cikla Ulaş , Salamat Shahriar , Başkaya Mustafa K.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to analyze the topographical anatomy of the dorsal spinal cord (SC) in relation to the posterior median septum (PMS). This included the course and variations in the PMS, and its relationship to and distance from other dorsal spinal landmarks. Microsurgical anatomy of the PMS was examined in 12 formalin‐fixed adult cadaveric SCs. Surface landmarks such as the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ), the denticulate ligament, the architecture of the leptomeninges and pial vascular distribution were noted. The PMS was examined histologically in all spinal segments. The PMS extended most deeply at spinal segments C7 and S4. This was statistically significant for all spinal segments except C5. The PMS was shallowest at segments T4 and T6, where it was statistically significantly thinner than at any other segment. In 80% of the SCs, small blood vessels were identified that traveled in a rostrocaudal direction in the PMS. The longest distance between the PMS and the DREZ was at the C1–C4 vertebral levels and the shortest distance was at the S5 level. Prevention of deficits following a dorsal midline neurosurgical approach to deep‐seated SC lesions requires careful identification of the midline of the cord. The PMS and septum define the midline on the dorsum of the SC and their accurate identification is essential for a safe midline surgical approach. In this anatomical study, we describe the surface anatomy of the dorsal SC and its relationship with the PMS, which can be used to determine a safe entry zone into the SC. Clin. Anat. 28:45–51, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prussian Blue Films Produced by Pentacyanidoferrate(II) and Their Application as Active Electrochemical Layers
Authors: Morandi Pires Bruno , Venturinelli Jannuzzi Sergio Augusto , Barboza Formiga André Luiz , Alves Bonacin Juliano
Published: December 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is Juliano Bonacin from the University of Campinas, Brazil. The cover image shows the use of Prussian Blue films prepared from pentacyanidoferrate(II) to chemically modify electrodes of electrochemical sensors.
From the discussion at the Tunnel Day 2010 to VIP 2 / Von der Diskussion am Tunneltag 2010 bis zum VIP 2
Authors: Purer Walter , Holzer Wolfgang
Published: December 2014

The discussion “NATM – quo vadis” at the 7th Austrian Tunnel Day 2010 made quite clear that questions apart from tunnelling technology, especially questions about cooperation between project partners, represent the bottleneck holding back the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. Contracts with excessively low prices were identified as the essential cause of problems with cooperation between project partners. This consideration led to the forming of the VIP working group of the ITA Austria. The VIP tendering model should change precisely the process that was recognised as essential in the discussion at the Tunnel Day 2010. At the same time, however, it was clear that the cybernetic networking of all construction processes also had to be considered. The award itself is thus no isolated process but only a part of a mosaic of improved cooperation in construction. The following considerations have therefore been included in the VIP:

– The close integration with all other processes requires cybernetic modelling.

– Construction is not a purely technical but rather a techno‐social process.

– The quality of collaboration is essential for the overall success of a construction project.

– The award criteria must be aimed at the optimisation of the completed structure.

– Due to the complexity of infrastructure projects, tendering as a negotiation procedure is mostly more suitable than an open/non‐open procedure.

Die Diskussion “NÖT – quo vadis” hat am 7. Österreichischen Tunneltag 2010 hat eindrucksvoll vor Augen geführt, dass nicht tunnelbautechnischen Fragestellungen, sondern Probleme der Kooperation der Projektbeteiligten den Engpass für erfolgreiche Projektabwicklung im Infrastrukturbau darstellt. Für die Kooperation der Projektbeteiligten wurde das Bauen mit zu niedrigen Preisen als maßgebender Problemverursacher erkannt. Aus dieser Einschätzung hat sich die Arbeitsgruppe VIP der ITA‐Austria gebildet. Mit dem Vergabemodell VIP sollte genau jener Prozess verändert werden, der aus der Diskussion des Tunneltags 2010 als maßgebend erkannt wurde. Zugleich war aber auch klar, dass die kybernetische Vernetzung aller Prozesse des Bauens mit berücksichtigt werden müssen. Die Vergabe selbst ist daher kein isolierter Prozess, sondern nur ein Mosaikstein für verbesserte Kooperation am Bau. Die folgenden Überlegungen sind daher in die Erarbeitung des VIP eingeflossen:

– Die enge Vernetzung mit allen anderen Prozessen erfordert eine kybernetische Modellierung.

– Das Bauen ist kein rein technischer, sondern ein techno‐sozialer Prozess.

– Die Qualität der Zusammenarbeit ist für den Gesamterfolg eines Bauprojekts maßgebend.

– Die Kriterien für die Vergabe müssen auf ein Optimum des fertigen Bauwerks ausgerichtet sein.

– Aufgrund der Komplexität von Infrastrukturprojekten ist die Vergabe im Verhandlungsverfahren gegenüber einem offenen/nicht offenen Verfahren meist besser geeignet.
The Onset of Nonmotor Symptoms in Parkinson's disease (The ONSET PDStudy)
Authors: Pont‐Sunyer Claustre , Hotter Anna , Gaig Carles , Seppi Klaus , Compta Yaroslau , Katzenschlager Regina , Mas Natalia , Hofeneder Dominik , Brücke Thomas , Bayés Angels , Wenzel Karoline , Infante Jon , Zach Heidemarie , Pirker Walter , Posada Ignacio J. , Álvarez Ramiro , Ispierto Lourdes , De Fàbregues Oriol , Callén Antoni , Palasí Antoni , Aguilar Miquel , Martí Maria José , Valldeoriola Francesc , Salamero Manel , Poewe Werner , Tolosa Eduardo
Published: December 2014

Nonmotor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) can precede onset of motor symptoms. Relationship between premotor symptoms onset and motor features is limited. Our aim is to describe the presence and perceived onset of NMS in PD as well as their possible association with motor phenotype. Presence and onset of NMS were assessed by a custom‐made questionnaire in 109 newly diagnosed untreated PD patients and 107 controls from 11 Spanish and Austrian centers. Seventeen of thirty‐one NMS were more common in patients than controls (P < 0.05). They were usually mild and frequently reported to occur at different time‐spans before motor symptoms. Anhedonia, apathy, memory complaints, and inattention occurred more frequently during the 2‐year premotor period. Those reported more frequently in the 2‐ to 10‐year premotor period were smell loss, mood disturbances, taste loss, excessive sweating, fatigue, and pain. Constipation, dream‐enacting behavior, excessive daytime sleepiness, and postprandial fullness were frequently perceived more than 10 years before motor symptoms. No correlation between NMS burden and motor severity, age, or gender was observed. NMS associated in four clusters: rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder symptoms‐constipation, cognition‐related, mood‐related, and sensory clusters. No cluster was associated with a specific motor phenotype or severity. NMS are common in early unmedicated PD and frequently reported to occur in the premotor period. They are generally mild, but a patient subgroup showed high NMS burden mainly resulting from cognition‐related symptoms. Certain NMS when present at the time of assessment or in the premotor stage, either alone or in combination, allowed discriminating PD from controls. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Integral representation of a solution to the Stokes–Darcy problem
Authors: Medková Dagmar , Ptashnyk Mariya , Varnhorn Werner
Published: December 2014

With methods of potential theory, we develop a representation of a solution of the coupled Stokes–Darcy model in a Lipschitz domain for boundary data in H−1/2. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noninvasive MRI and multilineage differentiation capability of ferritin‐transduced human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kim Hoe Suk , Woo Jisu , Choi YoonSeok , Hwang Eun Hye , Choi Sul Ki , Cho Kyoung‐Won , Moon Woo Kyung
Published: December 2014

Molecular imaging can be a breakthrough tool for the investigation of the behavior and ultimate feasibility of transplanted human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) inside the body, and for the development of guidelines and recommendations based on the treatment and evaluation of stem cell therapy for patients. The goals of this study were to evaluate the multilineage differentiation ability of hMSCs expressing an MRI reporter, human ferritin heavy chain (FTH) and to investigate the feasibility of using FTH‐based MRI to provide noninvasive imaging of transplanted hMSCs. The transduction of FTH and green fluorescence protein (GFP) did not influence the expression of the mesenchymal stem cell surface markers (CD29+/CD105+/CD34–/CD45–) or the self‐renewal marker genes [octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT‐4) and SRY (sex determining region Y)‐box 2 (Sox‐2)], cell viability, migration ability and the release of cytokines [interleukin‐5 (IL‐5), IL‐10, IL‐12p70, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)]. FTH‐hMSCs retained the capacity to differentiate into adipogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic and neurogenic lineages. The transduction of FTH led to a significant enhancement in cellular iron storage capacity and caused hypointensity and a significant increase in R2* values of FTH‐hMSC‐collected phantoms and FTH‐hMSC‐transplanted sites of the brain, as shown by in vitro and in vivo MRI performed at 9.4 T, compared with control hMSCs. This study revealed no differences in biological characteristics between hMSCs and FTH‐hMSCs and, therefore, these cells could be used for noninvasive monitoring with MRI during stem cell therapy for brain injury. Our study suggests the use of FTH for in vivo long‐term tracking and ultimate fate of hMSCs without alteration of their characteristics and multidifferentiation potential. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid oxygen compatibility and thermal stability of bisphenol A and bisphenol F epoxy resins modified by DOPO
Authors: Wu Zhanjun , Li Jialiang , Wang Zhi
Published: December 2014

Bisphenol A and bisphenol F epoxy resins (BA and BF) were chemically modified by 9,10‐Dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide to improve their liquid oxygen compatibility. The structures of the modified epoxy resins were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Significant enhancement of liquid oxygen compatibility for the modified resins was detected according to the liquid oxygen mechanical impact test. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that during the degradation in oxygen atmosphere, the modified resins exhibited much lower weight loss rate and possessed much higher char residues than the control ones. Based on limited oxygen index test, better flame retardancy was also observed for the modified resins. In addition, the modified BA system was more excellent than the modified BF system in liquid oxygen compatibility, thermal stability, and flame retardancy. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that after the liquid oxygen impact, the modified resins was still in oxidation stage and the control ones already begun to decompose and char. It could be attributed to formation of the phosphoric oxyacid on the surface of the modified resins, which prevented decomposition and inhibited the reaction between the specimen and liquid oxygen. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing Optical Forces on Fluorescent Up‐Converting Nanoparticles by Surface Charge Tailoring
Authors: Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Héctor , Rodríguez Sevilla Paloma , Martín Rodríguez Emma , Ortgies Dirk H. , Pedroni Marco , Speghini Adolfo , Bettinelli Marco , Jaque Daniel , Haro‐González Patricia
Published: December 2014

3D remote control of multifunctional fluorescent up‐converting nanoparticles (UCNPs) using optical forces is being required for a great variety of applications including single‐particle spectroscopy, single‐particle intracellular sensing, controlled and selective light‐activated drug delivery and light control at the nanoscale. Most of these potential applications find a serious limitation in the reduced value of optical forces (tens of fN) acting on these nanoparticles, due to their reduced dimensions (typically around 10 nm). In this work, this limitation is faced and it is demonstrated that the magnitude of optical forces acting on UCNPs can be enhanced by more than one order of magnitude by a controlled modification of the particle/medium interface. In particular, substitution of cationic species at the surface by other species with higher mobility could lead to UCNPs trapping with constants comparable to those of spherical metallic nanoparticles.
A comparison of lead and steel shot loads for harvesting mourning doves
Authors: Pierce Brian L. , Roster Thomas A. , Frisbie Michael C. , Mason Corey D. , Roberson Jay A.
Published: December 2014

With approximately 100 million shots fired at mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) annually, it is incumbent on managers to determine whether changes in ammunition will substantially alter harvest metrics or hunter satisfaction. We compared mourning dove harvest metrics for 1 lead (Pb 7½, 32 g) and 2 steel (Fe 7 and Fe 6, 28 g) 12‐gauge ammunition types using a double‐blind field test in central Texas, USA. There were no differences in the number of attempts, or number of shots fired among ammunition types. Hunters were unable to distinguish the ammunition type being used in the field, and we detected no relationship between ammunition type and level of hunter satisfaction. Field analyses detected no difference in doves bagged per shot, wounded per shot, bagged per hit, or wounded per hit among the 3 ammunition types. Necropsy analyses detected no difference in the proportion of birds with through‐body strikes, mean penetration depth of through‐body strikes, or mean embedded pellet depth among ammunition types. Ammunition and choke combinations that produced higher pattern densities yielded more hits per shot and produced more total strikes per bird, resulting in a higher percentage of birds with embedded pellets, more embedded pellets per bird, and a higher proportion of birds with broken legs. All 3 ammunition types retained sufficient lethality to harvest mourning doves under typical hunting conditions. Our results demonstrate that when the ammunition type used provides sufficient lethality for pellets to penetrate vital organs, pattern density becomes the primary factor influencing ammunition performance. © 2014 The Authors. The Wildlife Society Bulletin is published by The Wildlife Society
Synthesizing bounded-time 2-phase fault recovery
Authors: Bonakdarpour Borzoo , Kulkarni Sandeep S.
Published: December 2014

We focus on synthesis techniques for transforming existing fault-intolerant real-time programs into fault-tolerant programs that provide
phased recovery
. A fault-tolerant program is one that satisfies its
safety
and
liveness
specifications as well as
timing constraints
in the presence of faults. We argue that in many commonly considered programs (especially in safety/mission-critical systems), when faults occur, simple recovery to the program’s normal behavior is necessary, but not sufficient. For such programs, it is necessary that recovery is accomplished in a sequence of phases, each ensuring that the program satisfies certain properties. In the simplest case, in the first phase the program recovers to an
acceptable
behavior within some time
θ
, and, in the second phase, it recovers to the
ideal
behavior within time
δ
. In this article, we introduce four different types of bounded-time 2-phase recovery, namely ordered-strict, strict, relaxed, and graceful, based on how a real-time fault-tolerant program reaches the acceptable and ideal behaviors in the presence of faults. We rigorously analyze the complexity of automated synthesis of each type: we either show that the problem is hard in some class of complexity or we present a sound and complete synthesis algorithm. We argue that such complexity analysis is essential to deal with the highly complex decision procedures of program synthesis.
What’s in a Name?: Providing Clarity in the Definition of Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy
Authors: James Benjamin C. , Kaplan Edwin L. , Grogan Raymon H. , Angelos Peter
Published: December 2014

Background

In recent years minimally invasive parathyroidectomy has become the procedure of choice for many surgeons, but the meaning of the term is unclear. This is confusing for both the medical community and patients. We hypothesize that because the definition of minimally invasive parathyriodectomy in the literature is so variable this term has little meaning.

Methods

We performed a Pubmed search using the terms: parathyroidectomy, minimally invasive, localized, focused, unilateral, radio‐guided, video‐assisted, and endoscopic. Data were collected for: author, journal title, year published, and all described aspects of parathyroidectomy.

Results

We analyzed 443 (44 %) articles after applying the exclusion criteria. Eighteen words were used in 75 different combinations to describe minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. We established four categories that encompassed all 75 definitions: 1. operative approach (incision size, describing as open; endoscopic; robotic; or video‐assisted), 2. number of glands explored, 3. operative adjuncts, and 4. anesthesia type. Operative approach was the most commonly described attribute and was mentioned in 47 % (n = 207) of the articles (mean incision size was found to be 2.2 cm), followed by number of glands explored, operative adjuncts, and anesthesia type.

Conclusions

The finding that there are 75 different definitions for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy confirms that this term is too generic to be useful. We propose a new taxonomic format to describe minimally invasive parathyroidectomy based on the four descriptive categories identified: (operative approach), (# of glands explored), parathyroidectomy using (operative adjuncts) under (anesthesia type). For example, “2 cm, single gland parathyroidectomy using intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement, under general anesthesia”.
Laparoscopy in Penetrating Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Uranues Selman , Popa Dorin Eugen , Diaconescu Bogdan , Schrittwieser Rudolph
Published: December 2014

If morbidity and mortality are to be reduced in patients with penetrating abdominal trauma, first priority goes to prompt and accurate determination of peritoneal penetration and identification of the need for surgery. In this setting, laparoscopy may have an important impact on the rate of negative or non‐therapeutic laparotomies. We analyzed indications and patient selection criteria for laparoscopy in penetrating trauma along with outcomes. The analysis focused on identification of peritoneal penetration and injuries to the diaphragm, small intestine, and mesentery. Results from the early phase of laparoscopy were compared with those from recent decades with more advanced laparoscopic equipment and instruments and more experienced surgeons. A systematic review of the role of laparoscopy in penetrating abdominal trauma shows a sensitivity ranging from 66.7 to 100 %, specificity from 33.3 to 100 % and accuracy from 50 to 100 %. Publications from the 1990s found trauma laparoscopy to be inadequate for detecting intestinal injuries and so to lead to missed injuries. Twenty‐three of the 50 studies including the most recent ones report sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100 %. Laparoscopy is more cost effective than negative laparotomy. Laparoscopy can be performed safely and effectively on stable patients with penetrating abdominal trauma. The most important advantages are reduction of morbidity, accuracy in detecting diaphragmatic and intestinal injuries, and elimination of prolonged hospitalization for observation, so reducing the length of stay and increasing cost effectiveness.
Economic Crisis and Political Extremism in Europe: From the 1930s to the Present
Authors: Klapsis Antonis
Published: December 2014

The Great Depression of the 1930s greatly affected political developments in Europe. Economic stagnation proved beneficial for far-right parties, which generally saw their influence increasing. Authoritarian regimes became established in most European countries at the time, the most important being the Nazi regime in Germany. In recent years, the global financial crisis has also increased the appeal of far-right extremists. All over Europe anti-system political parties that are anti-liberal, racist, anti-Semitic, xenophobic and Eurosceptic are gaining ground: the European Parliament elections held in May 2014 offer the latest example of this. Historical experience shows that when economic conditions remain bad for a significant period of time people tend to become more radical as far as their electoral behaviour is concerned. However, no matter how strong the linkage between economic crisis and the rise of political extremism might be, economic crisis is not the only factor to be taken into account when analysing the phenomenon of political extremism, as other parameters (historical, social and so on) are also important.
Native Out-Migration and Neighborhood Immigration in New Destinations
Authors: Hall Matthew , Crowder Kyle
Published: December 2014

Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics linked to three decades of census data on immigrant settlement patterns, this study examines how the migration behaviors of native-born whites and blacks are related to local immigrant concentrations, and how this relationship varies across traditional and nontraditional metropolitan gateways. Our results indicate that regardless of gateway type, the likelihood of neighborhood out-migration among natives increases as the local immigrant population grows—an association that is not explained by sociodemographic characteristics of householders or by features of the neighborhoods and metropolitan areas in which they reside. Most importantly, we find that this tendency to move away from immigrants is pronounced for natives living in metropolitan areas that are developing into a major gateway—that is, a community that has experienced rapid recent growth in foreign-born populations. We also demonstrate that among mobile natives, the neighborhoods that they move to have substantially smaller immigrant concentrations than the ones they left, a finding that is especially evident in new gateway areas.
Workplace Concentration of Immigrants
Authors: Andersson Fredrik , García-Pérez Mónica , Haltiwanger John , McCue Kristin , Sanders Seth
Published: December 2014

Casual observation suggests that in most U.S. urban labor markets, immigrants have more immigrant coworkers than native-born workers do. While seeming obvious, this excess tendency to work together has not been precisely measured, nor have its sources been quantified. Using matched employer–employee data from the U.S. Census Bureau Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) database on a set of metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with substantial immigrant populations, we find that, on average, 37 % of an immigrant’s coworkers are themselves immigrants; in contrast, only 14 % of a native-born worker’s coworkers are immigrants. We decompose this difference into the probability of working with compatriots versus with immigrants from other source countries. Using human capital, employer, and location characteristics, we narrow the mechanisms that might explain immigrant concentration. We find that industry, language, and residential segregation collectively explain almost all the excess tendency to work with immigrants from other source countries, but they have limited power to explain work with compatriots. This large unexplained compatriot component suggests an important role for unmeasured country-specific factors, such as social networks.
Using the Effective Surface Permittivity Method to Analyse Multilayer Piezoelectric Substrates for Surface Acoustic Wave Filters
Authors: Tsai H.-Y. , Hsu W.-H. , Yu Y.-K , Chen R.
Published: December 2014

In this study, the properties of surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, including phase velocity and electromechanical coupling coefficient (K2) are investigated. The effective surface permittivity (ESP) method was employed to estimate the K2 of bulk materials (single layer) and multi-layer (double-layer and trilayer) structures. In the cases of bulk materials, the calculation results agree with the experimental data, and the errors are less than 7% for quartz. In the cases of double-layer materials, the phase velocity and K2 of various materials, such as ZnO/Diamond and LiNbO3/Diamond, were acquired, and the results demonstrate that LiNbO3/diamond is the optimal choice for high-frequency SAW devices. For the cases of trilayer, the structure of ZnO/PZT/diamond has relatively high K2 and phase velocity. Therefore, this structure is the optimal trilayer structure for high-frequency SAW devices. The study demonstrates that ESP method can be successfully used for estimating SAW properties in piezoelectric multi-layer structures even though the structures contain nonpiezoelectric film (diamond). The proposed numerical computation has the potential to shorten the developing time of SAW device.
The influence of HR practices and job satisfaction on interpersonal deviance in the workplace
Authors: Shamsudin Faridahwati Mohd , Subramaniam Chandrakantan , Sri Ramalu Subramaniam
Published: December 2014

We examined the influence of human resource practices on interpersonal deviance at work through job satisfaction. A survey was carried out among 372 manufacturing employees of various occupational levels in manufacturing companies in the northern region of Malaysia. We collected data by distributing questionnaires to participants, with the assistance of human resource department. We asked them to indicate how often they know whether any of their workmates engaged in different types of interpersonal deviance. Regression analysis showed that human resource practices of job description, employment security, and internal career opportunities have significant relationships with interpersonal deviance. Hierarchical regression indicated that the dimensions of job satisfaction have a direct relationship with interpersonal deviance. The dimensions also mediated the relationship between human resource practices and interpersonal deviance. Implications to managers and practitioners are discussed.
Homozygosity mapping of autosomal recessive intellectual disability loci in 11 consanguineous Pakistani families
Authors: Ahmed Iltaf , Rafiq Muhammad Arshad , Vincent John B. , Bhatti Attya , Ayub Muhammad , John Peter
Published: December 2014

Background

Autosomal recessive intellectual disability (ID) is genetically heterogeneous and most of the genes causing it remain undiscovered.

Objective

We have ascertained 11 consanguineous families multiplex for IDs in order to identify new loci for autosomal recessive genes for non-syndromic ID, or to aid pinpointing mutations in known causative gene/loci.

Methodology

Microarray genotyping (Affymatrix 250K) was performed to identify homozygosity-by-descent (HBD) in all affected families.

Results

Analysis of genotypes revealed 45 potential HBD regions across the families, although these may be rationalised down to 39. Two families share an overlapping HBD region on 7q11.21. In one family, X-linkage also looks plausible, and a new ID gene near the centromere may be a likely cause. In one family, no HBD region was found, and thus we exclude autosomal recessive mutation as the likely cause in this family. Copy-number variation (CNV) was also performed and revealed no CNVs, homozygous or heterozygous, segregating with the phenotype.

Conclusion

The homozygous loci identified in this study might harbour candidate genes for ID in these studied families. Therefore, we are proceeding with next-generation sequencing analysis of the families, using whole-exome approaches, and anticipate that this will identify the causative gene/mutation within the identified HBD regions for many of the families studied here.
Evolutionary innovation and conservation in the embryonic derivation of the vertebrate skull
Authors: Piekarski Nadine , Gross Joshua B. , Hanken James
Published: December 2014

Development of the vertebrate skull has been studied intensively for more than 150 years, yet many essential features remain unresolved. One such feature is the extent to which embryonic derivation of individual bones is evolutionarily conserved or labile. We perform long-term fate mapping using GFP-transgenic axolotl and Xenopus laevis to document the contribution of individual cranial neural crest streams to the osteocranium in these amphibians. Here we show that the axolotl pattern is strikingly similar to that in amniotes; it likely represents the ancestral condition for tetrapods. Unexpectedly, the pattern in Xenopus is much different; it may constitute a unique condition that evolved after anurans diverged from other amphibians. Such changes reveal an unappreciated relation between life history evolution and cranial development and exemplify ‘developmental system drift’, in which interspecific divergence in developmental processes that underlie homologous characters occurs with little or no concomitant change in the adult phenotype.
Nucleation and growth kinetics of zirconium-oxo-alkoxy nanoparticles
Authors: Labidi Sana , Jia Zixian , Amar Mounir Ben , Chhor Khay , Kanaev Andrei
Published: December 2014

Nucleation and growth of zirconium-oxo-alkoxy nanoparticles were studied in a sol–gel process in n-propanol solution in quasi-perfect micromixing conditions.
New insights into the anti-obesity activity of xanthones from Garcinia mangostana
Authors: Liu Qian-Yu , Wang Yi-Tao , Lin Li-Gen
Published: December 2014

This article reviews the anti-adipogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of xanthones from Garcinia mangostana.
Coupled techniques for arsenic speciation in food and drinking water: a review
Authors: Sadee Bashdar , Foulkes M. E. , Hill S. J.
Published: December 2014

Arsenic is ubiquitous in nature appearing in various chemical forms.
Solar ultraviolet radiation and ozone depletion-driven climate change: effects on terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Bornman J. F. , Barnes P. W. , Robinson S. A. , Ballaré C. L. , Flint S. D. , Caldwell M. M.
Published: December 2014

In this assessment we summarise advances in our knowledge of how UV-B radiation (280-315 nm), together with other climate change factors, influence terrestrial organisms and ecosystems. We identify key uncertainties and knowledge gaps that limit our ability to fully evaluate the interactive effects of ozone depletion and climate change on these systems. We also evaluate the biological consequences of the way in which stratospheric ozone depletion has contributed to climate change in the Southern Hemisphere. Since the last assessment, several new findings or insights have emerged or been strengthened. These include: (1) the increasing recognition that UV-B radiation has specific regulatory roles in plant growth and development that in turn can have beneficial consequences for plant productivityviaeffects on plant hardiness, enhanced plant resistance to herbivores and pathogens, and improved quality of agricultural products with subsequent implications for food security; (2) UV-B radiation together with UV-A (315-400 nm) and visible (400-700 nm) radiation are significant drivers of decomposition of plant litter in globally important arid and semi-arid ecosystems, such as grasslands and deserts. This occurs through the process of photodegradation, which has implications for nutrient cycling and carbon storage, although considerable uncertainty exists in quantifying its regional and global biogeochemical significance; (3) UV radiation can contribute to climate changeviaits stimulation of volatile organic compounds from plants, plant litter and soils, although the magnitude, rates and spatial patterns of these emissions remain highly uncertain at present. UV-induced release of carbon from plant litter and soils may also contribute to global warming; and (4) depletion of ozone in the Southern Hemisphere modifies climate directlyviaeffects on seasonal weather patterns (precipitation and wind) and these in turn have been linked to changes in the growth of plants across the Southern Hemisphere. Such research has broadened our understanding of the linkages that exist between the effects of ozone depletion, UV-B radiation and climate change on terrestrial ecosystems.
Suppression of the Leidenfrost effect via low frequency vibrations
Authors: Ng Boon T. , Hung Yew M. , Tan Ming K.
Published: December 2014

By inducing low frequency vibrations, the Leidenfrost effect is suppressed due to the higher impact forces between the droplet and the vibrating plate.
Bombyx mori prothoracicostatic peptide receptor is allosterically activated via a Gαi/o-protein-biased signalling cascade by Drosophila sex peptide
Authors: He Xiaobai , Zang Jiashu , Yang Huipeng , Huang Haishan , Shi Ying , Zhu Chenggang , Zhou Naiming
Published: December 2014

In insects, molting and metamorphosis are strictly regulated by ecdysteroids. Ecdysteroid synthesis is positively or negatively controlled by several neuropeptides. The prothoracicostatic peptide (PTSP) BmPTSP (Bombyx mori prothoracicostatic peptide), isolated from the larval brain of B. mori, has been demonstrated to inhibit ecdysteroid synthesis in the prothoracic glands (PGs) [Hua et al. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 31169–31173]. More recently, the newly recognized B. mori receptor for Drosophila melanogaster sex peptide (DmSP) has been identified as a receptor for BmPTSP. However, details on the signalling pathways and physiological functions of this receptor have remained elusive. In the present paper, we report the functional characterization of the BmPTSP receptor (BmPTSPR)/sex peptide (SP) receptor (SPR) using both mammalian and insect cells. Synthetic DmSP shows the potential to inhibit forskolin (FSK) or adipokinetic hormone (AKH)-induced cAMP-response element (CRE)-driven luciferase (Luc) activity in a manner comparable with synthetic BmPTSP1. However, DmSP displayed a much lower activity in triggering Ca2+ mobilization and internalization than did BmPTSP1. Additionally, 6-carboxy-fluorescein fluorophore (FAM)-labelled DmSP and BmPTSP3 were found to bind specifically to BmPTSPR/SPR. The binding of FAM–DmSP was displaced by unlabelled DmSP, but not by unlabelled BmPTSP1 and, vice versa, the binding of FAM–BmPTSP3 was blocked by unlabelled BmPTSP3, but not by unlabelled DmSP. Moreover, internalization assays demonstrated that BmPTSP1, but not DmSP, evoked recruitment of the Bombyx non-visual arrestin, Kurtz, to the activated BmPTSPR/SPR in the plasma membrane. This was followed by induction of internalization. This suggests that BmPTSP1 is probably an endogenous ligand specific for BmPTSPR/SPR. We therefore designate this receptor BmPTSPR. In contrast, DmSP is an allosteric agonist that is biased towards Gαi/o-dependent cAMP production and away from Ca2+ mobilization and arrestin recruitment.
Robust visual tracking via online informative feature selection
Authors: Song Huihui
Published: December 2014

An efficient and effective algorithm which online exploits informative features for visual tracking is presented. First, a high‐dimensional multi‐scale spatio‐colour image feature vector is developed, which takes into account both appearance and spatial layout information; secondly, this feature vector is randomly projected onto a low‐dimensional feature space, where its projections preserve intrinsic information of the high‐dimensional feature vector but effectively avoid the curse of dimensionality; and finally, an online feature selection technique to design an adaptive appearance model is proposed, which explores the most informative features from the projections via maximising entropy energy. Experiments on extensive challenging sequences demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over some state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
High‐frequency wideband quadrature coupler using transformer and lumped elements
Authors: Hou Zhang Ju , Chiu Leung , Xue Quan
Published: December 2014

A lumped quadrature coupler based on a ferromagnetic core is proposed for high‐frequency (HF) application. The four terminals of the transformer are connected to the four ports, whereas two inductors and two capacitors are connected between two adjacent ports. The bandwidth is only limited by magnitude imbalance. A 13.56 MHz prototype is designed and tested. A 69% bandwidth is achieved with ±3 dB magnitude imbalance. Within the frequency band, the measured return loss is greater than 31.57 dB, port‐to‐port isolation is greater than 33.21 dB and the phase imbalance is <2°.
Flicker‐free transformerless LED driving circuit based on quadratic buck PFC converter
Authors: Yan Tiesheng , Xu Jianping , Liu Xueshan , Zhou Guohua , Gao Jianlong
Published: December 2014

A flicker‐free transformerless light emitting diode (LED) driving circuit based on a quadratic buck power factor correction (PFC) converter is proposed. It combines a cascaded input buck PFC converter and an output buck dc–dc converter with a single switch. The proposed LED driving circuit can not only achieve high PFC to comply with the EN61000‐3‐2 standard and low output voltage without a high step‐down transformer, but also reduces second‐order line frequency current ripple flowing through the LED to eliminate light flicker of the LED. Experimental results of a 7 W prototype are presented to verify the analysis results of the proposed converter.
CCEDA: building bridge between subspace projection learning and sparse representation‐based classification
Authors: Zhu Qi , Sun Han , Feng Qingxiang , Wang Jinghua
Published: December 2014

Representation‐based classification (SRC) is a face recognition breakthrough of recent years, but the dimensionality reduction for SRC has not been well addressed. The reason why existing dimensionality reduction methods are not effective for SRC is revealed for the first time. Based on analysis of the classification mechanism of SRC, the novel dimensionality reduction method for SRC is proposed, i.e. class coding error discriminant analysis (CCEDA), which simultaneously maximises the inner‐class coding error and minimises the intra‐class coding error. Extensive experiments show that the CCEDA feature achieves a better performance than the other features when using SRC as the classifier.
Face recognition using average example image
Authors: Hwang Wonjun , Kim Wonjun , Suh Sungjoo , Han Jae‐joon , Kim Junmo
Published: December 2014

A novel face recognition approach by the use of a bundle of example images is presented, in which a combination of useful examples for face recognition is selected, and multiple augmented example images are made using those images. For this purpose, first, example images are divided into multiple groups using unsupervised methods such as the K‐means method, and then clustering them into several groups according to their image variations. In each group, the most similar example images to an input image are found and they independently make an example average image from both the retrieved examples and their rank orders. When comparing similarities between two images, now local distance information can be utilised, which are calculated via corresponding average example images, as well as global distance information, the traditional direct comparison. The proposed approach is compared with the traditional direct comparison method on a multi‐PIE database, and the generalisation ability of the proposed method across different features, such as local binary pattern, histogram of oriented gradients and Gabor features, is demonstrated.
Sub‐harmonic upconversion mixer using 0.18 μm CMOS technology
Authors: Jin Jie , Wang Chunhua , Xia Zanming , Yang Huai
Published: December 2014

A novel sub‐harmonic upconversion mixer using Chartered 0.18 μm radio‐frequency (RF) CMOS technology for 2.4 GHz wireless application is introduced. Using the sub‐harmonic technique, the required local oscillator (LO) frequency can be reduced a half, which simplifies the design of the LO. Moreover, the sub‐harmonic technique can effectively reduce the influence of LO leakage. The measured results demonstrate that the novel upconversion mixer can provide about 14.4 dB conversion gain, whereas the power consumption is only 1.65 mW with a 1 V supply voltage, and the input‐referred third‐order intercept point (IIP3) of the mixer is about 4 dBm. The chip area including test pads is only 0.7 × 0.72 mm2.