bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P-gp efflux pump inhibition potential of common environmental contaminants determined in vitro
Authors: Georgantzopoulou Anastasia , Skoczyńska Ewa , Van den Berg Johannes H.J. , Brand Walter , Legay Sylvain , Klein Sebastian G. , Rietjens Ivonne M.C.M. , Murk Albertinka J.
Published: December 2013

Across different species, cellular efflux pumps such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp; also termed multidrug resistance protein 1 [MDR1]) serve as a first line of defense by transporting toxic xenobiotics out of the cell. This mechanism is also active in aquatic organisms such as mussels, fish, and their larvae. Modulation of this resistance mechanism by chemical agents occurring in the environment could result in either higher or lower internal concentrations of toxic or endogenous compounds in cells. The aim of the present study was to explore and quantify the inhibition of the P-gp efflux pumps by several ubiquitous aquatic contaminants. The calcein-acetoxymethyl ester (calcein-AM) assay commonly used in pharmacological research was established with P-gp–overexpressing Madin–Darby canine kidney cells (MDCKII–MDR1) in a 96-well plate, avoiding extra washing, centrifugation, and lysis steps. This calcein-AM–based P-gp cellular efflux pump inhibition assay (CEPIA) was used to study the inhibition by commonly occurring environmental contaminants. Among others, the compounds pentachlorophenol, perfluorooctane sulfonate, and perfluorooctanoate strongly inhibited the P-gp–mediated efflux of calcein-AM while the chloninated alkanes did not seem to interact with the transporter. The fact that common pollutants can be potent modulators of the efflux transporters is a motive to further study whether this increases the toxicity of other contaminants present in the same matrices. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:804–813. © 2013 SETAC
Investigation of gelatin/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite films as packaging materials
Authors: Kavoosi Gholamreza , Dadfar Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Dadfar Seyed Mohammad Ali , Ahmadi Farhad , Niakosari Mehrdad
Published: December 2013

Gelatin composite films were prepared from gelatin solutions (10% w/v) containing multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% w/w gelatin) as nanofiller. The water solubility, water swelling, water uptake, water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical, and antibacterial properties of the films were examined. Water solubility, water swelling, water uptake, andWVPfor gelatin films were 45 ± 1%, 821 ± 42%, 45 ± 1.1%, and 0.4 ± 0.022 g mm/m2 kPa h, respectively. Incorporation ofMWCNTcaused a significant decrease in water solubility, water swelling, water uptake, andWVP. Gelatin/MWCNTfilms containing 1–1.5%MWCNTshowed the lowest water vapor transmission. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus for gelatin films were 13.4 ± 1.2 MPa, 95 ± 5%, and 45.4 ± 7 MPa, respectively. Incorporation ofMWCNTcaused a significant increase in tensile strength and decrease in the elongation at break. The largest mechanical strength was found at 1.5%MWCNT. All gelatin/MWCNTfilms showed significant antibacterial activities against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Our results suggest that the gelatin/MWCNTcomposites films could be used as a very attractive alternative to traditional materials for different biomedical and food applications.
Three‐Dimensional Reconstruction and Microstructure Modeling of Porosity‐Graded Cathode Using Focused Ion Beam and Homogenization Techniques
Authors: Amani Hamedani H. , Baniassadi M. , Sheidaei A. , Pourboghrat F. , Rémond Y. , Khaleel M. , Garmestani H.
Published: December 2013

In this study, microstructure of a porosity‐graded lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) cathode of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) has been characterized using focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with image processing. Two‐point correlation functions of the two‐dimensional (2D) images taken along the direction of porosity gradient are used to reconstruct a three‐dimensional (3D) microstructure. The effective elastic modulus of the two‐phase porosity‐graded cathode is predicted using strong contrast (SC) and composite inclusion (CI) homogenization techniques. The effectiveness of the two methods in predicting the effective elastic properties of the porosity‐graded LSM cathode is investigated in comparison with the results obtained from the finite element model (FEM).
Fate of abstracts presented at the 2004-2008 International Liver Transplantation Society meetings
Authors: Hackett Patrick J. , Guirguis Marina , Sakai Nozomi , Sakai Tetsuro
Published: December 2013

Only 20.5% to 61.6% of abstracts presented at biomedical meetings are subsequently published as full-length articles. The aim of this study was to analyze the abstract-to-publication rate of International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS) meeting abstracts. Abstracts presented at 5 consecutive annual ILTS meetings (2004-2008) were included to ensure a minimum follow-up period of 4 years. For each abstract, a PubMed Central search was conducted with the first author's name and affiliation along with keywords from the title. The following abstract characteristics were examined and used to obtain the abstract-to-publication rate: (1) the year of presentation, (2) the presentation category (plenary session, concurrent oral presentation, or poster presentation), (3) the type of study (randomized clinical study, case report, other clinical study, or basic science study), (4) the first author's discipline (surgery, medicine, anesthesiology/critical care medicine, pathology, radiology, or pharmacology), and (5) the location of the authors (ie, an English-speaking or non–English-speaking country). A total of 2345 abstracts (469 ± 144 abstracts per meeting) were presented, and 913 of those abstracts (38.9%) were expanded into full-length publications. It took 46 months for 90% of the abstracts to be published as full-length journal articles. The abstract-to-publication rates differed with the year of abstract presentation (50.2% in 2004, 45.9% in 2005, 47.6% in 2006, 30.6% in 2007, and 30.3% in 2008; P < 0.001), with the presentation category (49.6% for plenary sessions, 48.5% for concurrent oral presentations, and 34.8% for poster presentations; P < 0.001), and with the type of study (66.7% for randomized clinical studies, 63.1% for basic science studies, 36.7% for other clinical studies, and 35.0% for case reports; P < 0.001). Abstracts from authors from non–English-speaking countries had a higher publication rate (41.1% versus 33.6%, P < 0.001). No differences were found between first authors' disciplines. Liver Transpl 20:355-360, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Sarcopenia is a prognostic factor in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Masuda Toshiro , Shirabe Ken , Ikegami Toru , Harimoto Norifumi , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Soejima Yuji , Uchiyama Hideaki , Ikeda Tetsuo , Baba Hideo , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: December 2013

The aims of this study were to investigate sarcopenia as a novel predictor of mortality and sepsis after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to evaluate the effects of early enteral nutrition on patients with sarcopenia. Two hundred four patients undergoing preoperative computed tomography within the month before LDLT were retrospectively evaluated. The lengths of the major and minor axes of the psoas muscle were simply measured at the caudal end of the third lumbar vertebra, and the area of the psoas muscle was calculated. A psoas muscle area lower than the 5th percentile for healthy donors of each sex was defined as sarcopenia. Ninety-six of the 204 patients (47.1%), including 58.3% (60/103) of the male patients and 35.6% (36/101) of the female patients, were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was independently and significantly associated with overall survival: there was an approximately 2-fold higher risk of death for patients with sarcopenia versus patients without sarcopenia (hazard ratio = 2.06, P = 0.047). Sarcopenia was an independent predictor of postoperative sepsis (hazard ratio = 5.31, P = 0.009). Other independent predictors were a younger recipient age (P < 0.001) and a higher body mass index (P = 0.02). Early enteral nutrition within the first 48 hours after LDLT was performed for 24.2% in 2003-2007 and for 100% in 2008-2011, and the incidence of postoperative sepsis for patients with sarcopenia (n = 96) was 28.2% (11/39) in 2003-2007 and 10.5% (6/57) in 2008-2011 (P = 0.03). In conclusion, sarcopenia is an independent predictor of mortality and sepsis after LDLT. The incidence of postoperative sepsis was reduced even in patients with sarcopenia after the routine application of early enteral nutrition. Liver Transpl 20:401–407, 2014. © 2013 AASLD.
Investigation of Historical Hard Rubber Ornaments of Charles Goodyear
Authors: Raue M. , Wambach M. , Glöggler S. , Grefen D. , Kaufmann R. , Abetz C. , Georgopanos P. , Handge U. A. , Mang T. , Blümich B. , Abetz V.
Published: December 2013

Charles Goodyear discovered the vulcanization process of natural rubber in the middle of the 19th century. In this paper, original ornaments produced by Charles Goodyear are investigated. Additionally, for comparison, a sample is produced according to Goodyear's patent (US 3633) as reference. Contrary to expectation, it is found that Charles Goodyear did not prepare the ornaments using the formulation of his patent, thus he excluded the white lead. Due to this, another reference sample is produced like the other but without white lead. It is proven that by artificial aging, natural rubber samples can get properties similar to the 150 years old rubber sample.

image
Brand Personification: Introduction and Overview
Authors: Cohen Ronald Jay
Published: December 2013

This introduction to the Special Issue on Brand Personification was designed to provide background and perspective on the topic. Definitions of brand personification and related terminology were presented for discussion, as were two sample taxonomies of brand personification strategies. The first taxonomy entailed categorization on the basis of the personified character's relationship to the brand; five overlapping categories (including, for example, “the brand personification is a character who personifies the brand” and “the brand personification is a character who is a spokesperson for the brand”) were distinguished and illustrated. The second taxonomy was based on the anthropomorphic qualities of personifications with reference to a reality continuum (ranging from animated cartoons to real people). The research articles presented in this Special Issue were introduced, and several questions for future research were raised. Issues related to the why and the how of brand personification were discussed (including, for example, an examination of the pros and cons of brand personification strategies). Interspersed throughout were some case histories of selected brand personifications. The applicability of dimensional qualitative research (DQR) as a tool in the academic and applied study of brand personification was illustrated with reference to each of the eight dimensions that comprise the DQR “BASIC IDS” (an acronym for behavior, affect, sensation, imagery, cognition, interpersonal relations, drugs, and sociocultural factors).
Nothing Can Tear Us Apart: The Effect of Brand Identity Fusion in Consumer–Brand Relationships
Authors: Lin Jhih‐Syuan , Sung Yongjun
Published: December 2013

While existing literature describes strong brand relationships along several dimensions, this research sheds light on the identity perspective of consumer–brand relationships through the lens of brand identity fusion. Specifically, this research examines the effect of brand identity fusion on consumers’ responses to different brand transgressions. By comparing brand identity fusion with brand identification, this research also provides evidence that brand identity fusion is more predictive and enduring in explaining consumers’ relationship‐serving biases and prorelationship behaviors in the face of brand transgressions. The applicability of brand identity fusion for understanding connections between consumers and brand relationship partners in consumer–brand relationships is presented, followed by discussions of theoretical and managerial implications and directions for future research.
Brand Personification through the Use of Spokespeople: An Exploratory Study of Ordinary Employees, CEOs, and Celebrities Featured in Advertising
Authors: Fleck Nathalie , Michel Géraldine , Zeitoun Valérie
Published: December 2013

Personifying a brand through the use of a spokesperson is a strategy that some companies use to humanize their brands. Three of the ways that such personification is accomplished in advertising is by ads featuring celebrities, “regular people” (such as everyday consumers or persons employed by the brand), and company founders or CEOs as spokespeople. Using a sampling of representative print ads as stimuli, this exploratory qualitative research probed consumer thinking and perceptions regarding these various approaches to brand personification. It was found that celebrities could magically transport consumers to an idealized place, provided there was congruence between the celebrity and the brand. Ordinary people as spokespeople, when genuinely perceived as “one of us,” could be particularly effective in humanizing a brand and eliciting empathy. Famous CEOs and company founders were revered by many respondents who viewed them as aspirational models: they are ordinary people with an extraordinary story. The implications and limitations of the research were discussed, and some directions for future research were provided.
An Application of ELECTRE Tri to Support Innovation
Authors: Norese Maria Franca , Carbone Vincenzo
Published: December 2013

In relation to the economic crisis, the airports were pressed from their national civil aviation authorities and from the market to lower their costs and improve their capability in organizing the supply of public facilities. Some airports reacted to this situation improving their efficiency in invoicing and collecting user charges. An enterprise that supplies different services to the Italian Aviation Authority and to several Italian companies who are airport concessionaires decided to analyse the Italian airport revenues from off‐flight services, in order to compare their different results and help them improve their product offerings and identify new products' value drivers.

To meet this requirement, an outranking method, ELECTRE Tri, was used to evaluate the marginal and overall activation of each Italian airport in reacting to the crisis and making profit by organizing public facilities and services that are different from the classic air navigation services on the ground. The choice of the method and the adopted procedure were motivated by the difficulties in reliable data acquisition, comparison of different and almost incomparable situations and preference elicitation, without the involvement of the actual decision makers and, in relation to a sequence of model versions, different in terms of problem structuring and parameters definition.

A collaborative procedure of model structuring and incremental result analysis and several ELECTRE Tri applications, assigning each airport to a specific category, were oriented to the generation of a ‘robust’ model and a clear result, to read and synthesize all the information elements, understand the situation and acquire a shared vision of the problem, orient the process of information acquisition and support the definition of some improving actions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quasi‐boundary value regularization method for determining the heat source
Authors: Yang Fan , Fu Chu‐Li , Li Xiao‐Xiao
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we consider the inverse problem of determining the heat source, which depends only on spatial variable in one‐dimensional heat equation in a bounded domain where data is given at some fixed time. A conditional stability result is given, and a quasi‐boundary value regularization method is also provided. For this regularization solution, the Hölder type stability estimate between the regularization solution and the exact solution is obtained. Numerical examples show that the regularization method is effective and stable. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engineering the oxyanion hole of trypsin for promoting the reverse of proteolysis
Authors: Franke Lars , Liebscher Sandra , Bordusa Frank
Published: December 2013

Although proteases are capable of synthesizing peptide bonds via the reverse of proteolysis, they are not proficient at peptide fragment ligation. Further manipulations are needed to shift the native enzyme activity from the cleavage to the synthesis of peptides especially when longer peptides or even proteins are the target molecules of the reaction. This account reports on the synthetic potential of trypsin variants with engineered oxyanion holes mutated by proline mutations, which were designed to minimize proteolytic side reactions during peptide bond synthesis. From the six single and double proline‐mutated trypsins, in particular, trypsinQ192P came out as the most promising biocatalyst enabling not only the ligation of cleavage‐sensitive peptide fragments but also the selectiveN‐terminal modification of a real protein substrate. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamic modelling of liquids: CALPHAD approaches and contributions from statistical physics
Authors: Becker Chandler A. , Ågren John , Baricco Marcello , Chen Qing , Decterov Sergei A. , Kattner Ursula R. , Perepezko John H. , Pottlacher Gernot R. , Selleby Malin
Published: December 2013

We describe current approaches to thermodynamic modelling of liquids for the CALPHAD method, the use of available experimental methods and results in this type of modelling, and considerations in the use of atomic‐scale simulation methods to inform a CALPHAD approach. We begin with an overview of the formalism currently used in CALPHAD to describe the temperature dependence of the liquid Gibbs free energy and outline opportunities for improvement by reviewing the current physical understanding of the liquid. Brief descriptions of experimental methods for extracting high‐temperature data on liquids and the preparation of undercooled liquid samples are presented. Properties of a well‐determined substance, B2 O3, including the glass transition, are then discussed in detail to emphasize specific modelling requirements for the liquid. We then examine the two‐state model proposed for CALPHAD in detail and compare results with experiment and theory, where available. We further examine the contributions of atomic‐scale methods to the understanding of liquids and their potential for supplementing available data. We discuss molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo methods that employ atomic interactions from classical interatomic potentials, as well as contributions from ab initio MD. We conclude with a summary of our findings.
Hydration structure of Na+, K+, F−, and Cl− in ambient and supercritical water: A quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics study
Authors: Ma Haibo
Published: December 2013

The ion solvation in aqueous solution under different temperatures and pressures governs many important biological, geological, and chemical processes. In this work, we present a theoretical study of hydration structures of several alkali metal cations and halide anions, Na+, K+, F−, and Cl−, in ambient and supercritical water through quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations. It is shown that our calculated first peak or minimum positions for the radial distribution functions of ion‐water pairs and hydration numbers
as well as hydrogen bond numbers
are in good agreements with available experimental determinations or other high‐level QM/MM simulated results. We reveal that
under supercritical condition does not reduce much comparing to that under ambient condition due to the inherent local clustering effect although the bulk density decreases evidently. After the investigation of the angular distribution of oxygen‐ion‐oxygen within the first hydration sphere, it is shown that Na+ or F− in ambient water tends to be six‐fold coordinated in a octahedral‐like structure. Through the analysis of ion‐oxygen‐hydrogen angle distributions within the first hydration spheres of F− and Cl−, we also find that strong hydrogen bonds exist in ambient aqueous F− and become weakened under supercritical condition, whereas weak hydrogen bonds exist in ambient aqueous Cl− and become nearly disappeared under supercritical condition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid Cleanup of Chlorinated Solvent Source Zones: Synergies Between Chemical and Biological Degradation
Authors: Kinsella Karen , Summerly Edward A. , Andrus Stephen M. , Schaffner I. Richard
Published: December 2013

A chlorinated volatile organic compound (cVOC) source area approximately 25 by 100 ft in a heavily industrialized urban area was characterized with groundwater tetrachloroethene (PCE) concentrations up to 9,180 μg/L. This is approximately 6 percent of PCE's aqueous solubility, indicative of the presence of residual dense, nonaqueous phase liquid. The resulting dissolved‐phase plume migrated off‐site. Biotic and abiotic dechlorination using a combination of a food‐grade organic carbon‐based electron donor and zero‐valent iron suspended in a food‐grade emulsifying agent reduced the source area PCE concentrations by 98 percent within 27 weeks, with minimal downgradient migration of daughter products dichloroethene and vinyl chloride. Combining biological dechlorination with iron‐based chemical dechlorination is synergistic, enhancing treatment aggressiveness, balancing pH, and optimizing degradation of both DNAPL and dissolved‐phase cVOCs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immobilization and Encapsulation of Contaminants Using Silica Treatments: A Review
Authors: Camenzuli Danielle , Gore Damian B.
Published: December 2013

The immobilization and encapsulation of contaminants using silica treatments is an emerging technology for the management of contaminated land. This article reviews the potential of silica treatments for the management of metals, hydrocarbons, and acid mine drainage at contaminated sites; and evaluates the effects of environmental conditions on silica treatment performance. The review demonstrates the potential of silica treatments for managing contaminated land; however, a paucity of research offers only a limited understanding of this technology. Further development of the technology will require additional research evaluating its long‐term performance under a range of environmental conditions. Field‐based experiments and studies investigating potential adverse effects of silica treatments are also necessary to demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and reliability of silica treatments. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Residential Flood Damage After Hurricane Floyd, Mold, Household Remediation, and Respiratory Health
Authors: Jones Elaina K. , Sumner Kevin G. , Gochfeld Michael
Published: December 2013

We conducted a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of flooding, mold exposure, remediation, and respiratory symptom prevalence on a random sample of respondents from Bound Brook, New Jersey, a community that received extensive flood damage from Hurricane Floyd in September 1999. Over 3,000 homes were impacted, some with water damage to the second floor. Many required condemnation. In 2001 to 2002 we conducted a randomized telephone survey of 29 families still living in flood‐damaged and repaired homes and 18 families who had not experienced flood damage from Floyd. Flood status was the last question on the interview, leaving the interviewer effectively blinded as to status. Flood damage was a strong predictor of mold growth (p < 0.001), and there was a strong association between flooding and physician‐confirmed respiratory symptoms in the aftermath of the flood (28 of 29 cases vs. 10 of 18 referents; p < 0.001). There was also an association between flood status and continued symptom prevalence in the month prior to the interviews (22 of 29 cases vs. 6 of 18 referents; p < 0.01). Most flooded homes required removal and replacement of various building materials, which was usually delayed for days or weeks pending re‐occupancy. Many occupants participated in the renovation without adequate personal protection. Persons assisting with cleanup work were more likely to report five or more symptoms (p < 0.002). Smokers with mold damage reported five or more symptoms in the 30 days before the interviews, more frequently than nonsmokers with mold damage. These results are consistent with previous reports of flooding, mold, and illness, but demonstrate that self‐remediation of mold (particularly with lack of training and personal protective equipment) and smoking are significant risk factors for mold‐related symptoms. Exposure during cleanup of moldy materials was a significant contributor to symptoms, and recommendations should include more reliance on professionals and enhanced personal protective equipment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospecting in Hückel‐space: From Hinokitiol to Non‐benzenoid Organic Electronics
Authors: Tovar John D.
Published: December 2013

Note from the Editor:

Science is about connections. Some of these are connections between dreams and reality. Surely, dreams are the source of energy necessary to produce great science. In chemistry, the most obvious connections are the bonds: bonds between atoms, bonds between people. It was this metaphor that inspired the title “Bonding Beyond Borders” for the Nozoe Autograph Book publication project.

In the following essay accompanying the publication of the ninth segment of the Nozoe Autograph Books, J. D. Tovar of Johns Hopkins University illustrates many connections. He connects some of the signatory's dreams, in the form of their real or projected novel compounds written decades ago, to today's state‐of‐the‐art. He connects theory with experiment. He connects structure with novel optoelectronic or electrical properties. He broadly and firmly connects his own research program with that of the greater novel aromatics community, a remarkable demonstration of progress given that he is barely a decade from receipt of his Ph.D. degree.

We are pleased to have this splendid contribution to the Nozoe Autograph Books project.

— Jeffrey I. Seeman

Guest Editor

University of Richmond

Richmond, Virginia 23173, USA

E‐mail: jseeman@richmond.edu
The Normal-Theory and Asymptotic Distribution-Free (ADF) Covariance Matrix of Standardized Regression Coefficients: Theoretical Extensions and Finite Sample Behavior
Authors: Jones Jeff A. , Waller Niels G.
Published: December 2013

Yuan and Chan (Psychometrika, 76, 670–690, 2011) recently showed how to compute the covariance matrix of standardized regression coefficients from covariances. In this paper, we describe a method for computing this covariance matrix from correlations. Next, we describe an asymptotic distribution-free (ADF; Browne in British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology, 37, 62–83, 1984) method for computing the covariance matrix of standardized regression coefficients. We show that the ADF method works well with nonnormal data in moderate-to-large samples using both simulated and real-data examples. R code (R Development Core Team, 2012) is available from the authors or through the Psychometrika online repository for supplementary materials.
Geophysical Anomalies Associated with Uranium Mineralization from Beldih Mine, South Purulia Shear Zone, India
Authors: Mandal Animesh , Biswas Arkoprovo , Mittal Saurabh , Mohanty William K. , Sharma Shashi Prakash , Sengupta Debashish , Sen Joydip , Bhatt A. K.
Published: December 2013

Beldih mine at the central part of the South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) has been reported with low grade uranium-bearing formation within quartz-magnetite-apatite host in kaolinized formation. Therefore, the present integrated geophysical study with gravity, magnetic, radiometric, very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF) and gradient resistivity profiling methods around the known mineralized zones aimed at identifying the exact geophysical signatures and lateral extent of these uranium mineralization bands. The closely spaced gravity-magnetic contours over the low to high anomaly transition zones of Bouguer, reduced-to-pole magnetic, and trend surface separated residual gravity-magnetic anomaly maps indicate the possibility of high altered zone(s) along NW–SE direction at the central part of the study area. High current density plots of VLF method and the low resistive zones in gradient resistivity study depict the coincidence with low gravity, moderately high magnetic and low resistivity anomalies at the same locations. Moderate high radioactive zones have also been observed over these locations. This also suggests the existence of radioactive mineralization over this region. Along profile P2, drilled borehole data revealed the presence of uranium mineralization at a depth of ∼100 m. The vertical projection of this mineralization band also identified as low gravity, low resistivity and high magnetic anomaly zone. Thus, the application of integrated geophysical techniques supported by geological information successfully recognized the nature of geophysical signatures associated with the uranium mineralization of this region. This enhances the scope of further integrated geophysical investigations in the unexplored regions of SPSZ.
Platinum Group of Elements in Semra Komatiites, Palamau District, Jharkhand: A Preliminary Observation
Authors: Prasad Jugnu , Bhattacharya D. K.
Published: December 2013

Semra komatiites that occur at the NW fringe of the Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex represent high PGE content, associated with the pyrrhotite, pentlandite, chalcopyrite and pyrite. They display wide variation in the IPGE concentration and characterized by Pd/Pt values (> 1) similar to that of primitive mantle. The negative Ir anomaly is attributed to temperature dependant solubility limit, therefore, not a reflection of bulk mantle IPGE content. Wide variation in the Au content indicates its highly mobile nature. Metasomatism and serpentinisation possibly have played significant role in the Au enrichment.
Plate Motion Predictability using Hurst Exponent Applied to the Maitri-Antarctica GPS Network
Authors: Akilan A. , Balaji S. , Srinivas Y. , Yuvaraj N.
Published: December 2013

The Global Positioning System (GPS) data collected during years 1997 - 2007 at Maitri along with the International GNSS Service (IGS) stations viz. Casey, Davis, Yaragadee, Tidbinbilla, Seychelles, Coco, Diego Garcia, Kerguelen and Hartbeesthoek in and around Indian Ocean were processed using Bernese. 4.2 software. The baseline length and their changes were estimated and spectral analysis was carried out subsequently. The value of the Hurst exponent, as estimated from the slope of spectral fall-off of each time series of baseline length, was used to interpret the characteristics of the plate motions in the region. The Hurst exponent is found to be 0.65 (>0.5) for the baseline length between stations Kerguelen and Coco clearly showing a constant increasing trend of the changes in baseline length. The time series of baseline lengths between stations Kerguelen and Diego Garcia; and Tidbinbilla and Yaragadee shows an increasing trend and the Hurst exponent is close to 0.5. This may suggest that the diffuse plate boundary zone and the Australian plate are moving away from the Antarctican plate. The baseline length between Kerguelen and Davis, Casey, Maitri and Seychelles is less than 0.5, which indicates that the baseline length of these stations shows a decreasing trend.
Stratigraphy and Structure of Sarda, Manil, Changpur and Naghal Areas, District Kotli, Jammu & Kashmir
Authors: Aadil Naseem , Rehman Touseef Ur
Published: December 2013

The Chauki, Mandi, Manil colony, Changpur, Khawas and Naghal areas are situated in between the limbs of Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis (HKS). HKS is the part of Himalayan fold and thrust belt that lies in sub-Himalayan domain. Seismically, this is an active zone. Early Miocene to Recent sedimentary rocks are exposed in the area. The stratigraphic units in Kashmir basin are the cover sequence of the Indian plate. These non-marine lithostratigraphic units are molasse deposits formed by the deposition of sediments coming from north carried by the rivers originated from higher Himalayas. Murree Formation of early Miocene age is the oldest rock unit in the studied area. Siwalik Group; Chinji, Nagri, Dhok Pathan and Soan formations of early Miocene to Pliocene and Mirpur Formation of Pleistocene age is exposed. The area is structurally deformed into folds and faults. The Sarda Sarhota syncline, Mandi syncline and Fagosh anticline are major folds in the area. These folds are isoclinal to open in nature, southwest or northeast verging and thrust direction is southwest or northeast. Major reverse faults are Riasi fault and Fagosh fault. The Changpur fault is a normal fault. Primary sedimentary structures present in the area are load cast, ripups and cross bedding. The facing of beds have been marked on the basis of these sedimentary structures.
Intracranial Hypertension After Spinal Cord Injury and Suboptimal Cervical Fusion
Authors: Sussman Walter I. , Shaw Erik
Published: December 2013

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a syndrome of increased intracranial pressure. Secondary causes have been associated with IIH, but the pathogenesis is poorly understood, and most cases are idiopathic. We present a case of IIH after suboptimal surgical stabilization of a traumatic C5 spinal cord injury, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade A. The patient underwent a posterior arthrodesis and fusion to stabilize the spine, and his symptoms gradually resolved. To our knowledge, we present the first reported case of intracranial hypertension after a traumatic spinal cord injury and failed surgical stabilization.
Microhabitat and spatial complexity predict group size of the whip spiderHeterophrynus batesiiin Amazonian Ecuador
Authors: Chapin Kenneth James
Published: December 2013

The process by which solitary animals evolve to live in groups is a central question in biology. Conspecifics that compete for patchy resources may evolve incipient social behaviours such as group formation and conspecific tolerance when persistent aggressive interactions reduce resource access. In this investigation, a facultative group living species of whip spider was studied to understand the microhabitat resources that support group formation. Although most species of whip spider are solitary and oftentimes cannibalistic,Heterophrynus batesiisometimes aggregate in small groups at the bases of tree trunks. Twenty-five groups of whip spiders and associated tree buttress microhabitats were surveyed at Tiputini Biodiversity Station bordering Yasuní National Park in Eastern Amazonian Ecuador. Tree buttress complexity, surface area and other microhabitat variables were recorded.Heterophrynus batesiiaggregated in groups of 2–8 animals and used large, buttressing, complex trees with more leaf litter relative to those available in the environment. This study showed that large groups of whip spiders require more complex microhabitats than smaller groups that were associated with more variable microhabitat parameters. These microhabitats act as patches of limited resources important for the species, and may have led to the evolution of tolerance and facultative group living.
VARIANCE BOUNDS UNDER A HAZARD RATE CONSTRAINT
Authors: Brown Mark
Published: December 2013

Consider an absolutely continuous distribution on [0, ∞) with known mean μ, and hazard rate function, h satisfying, 0<a≤h(t)≤b<∞, for almost all t≥0. We derive the sharp range for σ2, under these constraints.
Aseptic meningitis outbreak caused by echovirus 30 in two regions in Bulgaria, May–August 2012
Authors: MLADENOVA Z. , BUTTINELLI G. , DIKOVA A. , STOYANOVA A. , TROYANCHEVA M. , KOMITOVA R. , STOYCHEVA M. , PEKOVA L. , PARMAKOVA K. , FIORE L.
Published: December 2013

An aseptic meningitis outbreak emerged in two regions in Bulgaria in 2012 and echovirus 30 (E30) was established as the aetiological agent by cell culture isolation, serological test, and molecular-based techniques. A total of 157 patients with aseptic meningitis were investigated, of which 117 were confirmed as having E30-associated disease. Molecular analysis of 12 E30 isolates revealed 99–100% nucleotide and amino-acid identity between them and a close correlation with a Greek strain involved in an E30 outbreak in 2012. Children aged 5–14 years were mainly affected, which could reflect the absence of E30 epidemics in Bulgaria for a period of 11 years. The first case with E30 isolation (a 2-year-old patient from Plovdiv) was notified at the end of April 2012. This was most likely the index case, from which the spread of the virus started, causing sporadic cases first, which later led to an aseptic meningitis outbreak facilitated by person-to-person viral transmission.
Left ventricular dimensions, systolic functions, and mass in term neonates with symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Cinar Bahar , Sert Ahmet , Gokmen Zeynel , Aypar Ebru , Aslan Eyup , Odabas Dursun
Published: December 2013

Background:Previous studies have demonstrated structural changes in the heart and cardiac dysfunction in foetuses with intrauterine growth restriction. There are no available data that evaluated left ventricular dimensions and mass in neonates with symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate left ventricular dimensions, systolic functions, and mass in neonates with symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction. We also assessed associated maternal risk factors, and compared results with healthy appropriate for gestational age neonates.Methods:In all, 62 asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates, 39 symmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates, and 50 healthy appropriate for gestational age neonates were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography.Results:The asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction group had significantly lower left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters and posterior wall diameter in systole and diastole than the control group. The symmetric intrauterine growth restriction group had significantly lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter than the control group. All left ventricular dimensions were lower in the asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates compared with symmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates (p>0.05), but not statistically significant except left ventricular posterior wall diameter in diastole (3.08±0.83 mm versus 3.54 ±0.72 mm) (p<0.05). Both symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction groups had significantly lower relative posterior wall thickness (0.54±0.19 versus 0.48±0.13 versus 0.8±0.12), left ventricular mass (9.8±4.3 g versus 8.9±3.4 g versus 22.2±5.7 g), and left ventricular mass index (63.6±29.1 g/m2versus 54.5±24.4 g/m2versus 109±28.8 g/m2) when compared with the control group.Conclusions:Our study has demonstrated that although neonates with both symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction had lower left ventricular dimensions, relative posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass, and mass index when compared with appropriate for gestational age neonates, left ventricular systolic functions were found to be preserved. In our study, low socio-economic level, short maternal stature, and low maternal weight were found to be risk factors to develop intrauterine growth restriction. To our knowledge, our study is the first to evaluate left ventricular dimensions, wall thicknesses, mass, and systolic functions in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction and compare results with respect to asymmetric or symmetric subgroups.
Actual vs. Reported Behavior
Authors: Nichols Austin Lee
Published: December 2013

Past research has failed to adequately address the reasons behind the lack of handwashing in public restrooms. The present study explores possibilities for using psychology to design effective handwashing interventions. Specifically, the current study examines whether (1) the frequency of reported handwashing differs from that of actual handwashing behavior and (2) the presence of a sign increases handwashing behavior. Participants self-reported their handwashing behavior and/or their handwashing was observed in a public restroom. In the observation portion of the study, the experimenters either observed participants’ natural behavior or posted a sign in the restroom that read “Washing your hands after going to the bathroom reduces your risk of catching or spreading infectious diseases such as salmonella or hepatitis A” before observing their handwashing behavior. The experimenters recorded whether participants washed their hands with water and soap, with water but no soap, or not at all. Participants reported significantly higher rates of handwashing than were observed. Additionally, the reported and observed handwashing behavior of women exceeded that of men. Finally, men used soap more when presented with the sign than when no sign was present. In all, this study suggests that many serious diseases and illnesses can be avoided by increasing handwashing by posting signs in public restrooms reminding people to wash their hands.
Adaptation of the Composite Scale of Morningness for Parent Report and Results from Kindergarten Children
Authors: Randler Christoph , Truc Yvonne
Published: December 2013

Chronotype, or morningness-eveningness, refers to a person’s preference for a given time of day for intellectual and/or physical activities. It has many implications on health, well-being, performance, and daytime functioning. Because few data are available on prepubertal children, we assessed morningness-eveningness in kindergarten children using a parent-report scale, which was an adapted version of the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM), and sleep-wake variables. A total of 199 parents of children from 15 kindergartens participated in the study. The CSM scores were relatively high, with a mean above 40 for all age groups, which clearly indicates that young children are early morning larks. Weekend wake-up times, rise times, bedtimes, and sleep-onset times were later than on weekdays. Sleep length did not differ in this respect, but time in bed was longer on weekends. Midpoint of sleep was earlier on weekdays. Wake times, rise times, bedtimes, and sleep-onset times were inversely correlated with the CSM score, suggesting that morning-oriented children woke up, got out of bed, went to bed, and fell asleep earlier than evening-oriented children. CSM scores correlated negatively with midpoint of sleep. Age correlated with CSM scores and midpoint of sleep.
Regulation of Experienced and Anticipated Regret for Daily Decisions in Younger and Older Adults in a Swedish One-Week Diary Study
Authors: Bjälkebring Pär , Västfjäll Daniel , Johansson Boo
Published: December 2013

Regret and regret regulation were studied using a weeklong web-based diary method. 108 participants aged 19 to 89 years reported regret for a decision made and a decision to be made. They also reported the extent to which they used strategies to prevent or regulate decision regret. Older adults reported both less experienced and anticipated regret compared to younger adults. The lower level of experienced regret in older adults was mediated by reappraisal of the decision. The lower level of anticipated regret was mediated by delaying the decision, and expecting regret in older adults. It is suggested that the lower level of regret observed in older adults is partly explained by regret prevention and regulation strategies.
A fast and reproducible method to quantify magnetic nanoparticle biodistribution
Authors: Maurizi Lionel , Sakulkhu Usawadee , Gramoun Azza , Vallee Jean-Paul , Hofmann Heinrich
Published: December 2013

Magnetic susceptibility measurements allow the detection of magnetic nanoparticle (bio)distribution without any influence of coatings or endogenous metallic ions.
Chemical differentiation of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction and its three analogous decoctions using UFLC-IT-TOF/MS-based chemomic and chemometric approach
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Wang Mengru , Zhang Qianqian , Tian Yuan , Xu Fengguo , Zhang Zunjian
Published: December 2013

A UFLC-IT-TOF/MS combined with chemometric approach was firstly developed to detect the chemical differentiation among DCQD and its three analogous decoctions.
The nitrilimine–alkene cycloaddition is an ultra rapid click reaction
Authors: Wang Xiaoshan Shayna , Lee Yan-Jiun , Liu Wenshe R.
Published: December 2013

The transient formation of nitrilimine in aqueous conditions is greatly influenced by pH and chloride.
Synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles via [3 + 2]-annulation of aziridines and β-nitroalkenes under aerobic conditions
Authors: Wang Shaoyin , Zhu Xiancui , Chai Zhuo , Wang Shaowu
Published: December 2013

Polysubstituted pyrroles are regioselectively synthesizedviathe copper acetate-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation reaction of aziridines and nitroalkenes under aerobic conditions.
In situ sulfur deposition route to obtain sulfur–carbon composite cathodes for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang W. G. , Wang X. , Tian L. Y. , Wang Y. L. , Ye S. H.
Published: December 2013

Sulfur–carbon composites were prepared by anin situsulfur deposition route developed for the heterogeneous nucleation of sulfur into nanopores of conductive carbon black (CCB) by fumigation of Na2S4/CCB powder with HCl. The sulfur–carbon composites demonstrate enhanced reversible capacity and stable cycle performance.
Towards balanced strength and toughness improvement of isotactic polypropylene nanocomposites by surface functionalized graphene oxide
Authors: Bao Rui-Ying , Cao Jun , Liu Zheng-Ying , Yang Wei , Xie Bang-Hu , Yang Ming-Bo
Published: December 2013

The surface of graphene oxide was grafted with octadecylamine, and then supported with a β-nucleating agent for isotactic polypropylene (iPP), leading to excellent toughening and reinforcing effects on iPP composites.
Ioffe–Regel limit and lattice thermal conductivity reduction of high performance (AgSbTe2)15(GeTe)85 thermoelectric materials
Authors: Zhu Tiejun , Gao Hongli , Chen Yi , Zhao Xinbing
Published: December 2013

This work shows that the carrier mean free path of TAGS-85 thermoelectric materials is comparable to the lattice parameter, and that refining the grain size will not affect the mobility while benefiting the thermal conductivity reduction. A state-of-the-art ZT of ~ 1.6 is obtained for the fine-grained samples.
Label-free aptamer biosensor for thrombin detection on a nanocomposite of graphene and plasma polymerized allylamine
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Liu Shunli , Shi Yu , Zhang Yuanchang , Peacock Dave , Yan Fufeng , Wang Peiyuan , He Linghao , Feng Xiaozhong , Fang Shaoming
Published: December 2013

A nanocomposite was fabricated from graphene, self assembled octadecylamine (OTA) and plasma polymerized allylamine (PPAA). A thrombin aptamer was immobilized onto the amino-functionalized nanocomposite.
Effects of self-assembled fibers on the synthesis, characteristics and biomedical applications of CCAG hydrogels
Authors: Li Xian , Fan Daidi , Zhu Chenhui , Ma Xiaoxuan
Published: December 2013

Injectable CCAG hydrogels as body filler materials were prepared by self-assembly of CCA fibers and crosslinking with β-GP.
Photoresponsive helical nanofilaments of B4 phase
Authors: Zep Anna , Sitkowska Kaja , Pociecha Damian , Gorecka Ewa
Published: December 2013

It is shown that the nanofilament structure of B4 made of azo-dimers can be easily re-structured by UV light.