bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raman spectroscopy of M3B7O13X boracites (M = Cr,Co,Ni,Cu,Zn,Cd; X = Cl,Br,I)
Authors: Iliev Milko N. , Schmid Hans
Published: March 2014

We report results of a Raman study on single crystals of 16 boracites M3B7O13X (M = Cr,Co,Ni,Cu,Zn,Cd; X = Cl,Br,I) over a broad temperature range. The Raman modes for all boracites in their high‐temperature prototype cubic (F3c) phase are compared. With decreasing temperature, most (but not all) compounds present a transition to the low‐temperature orthorhombic phase (Pca21) or to a sequence of orthorhombic, monoclinic (Pa), and trigonal (R3c) phases. The variations of the Raman spectra through different phases are studied in detail. Special attention is paid to the temperature hysteresis near the transitions and the dependence of transition temperature on the direction of crystal growth for the same material. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) Bilayer Skin Tissue Engineering Constructs with Improved Epidermal Rearrangement
Authors: Zonari Alessandra , Cerqueira Mariana T. , Novikoff Silviene , Goes Alfredo M. , Marques Alexandra P. , Correlo Vitor M. , Reis Rui L.
Published: March 2014

Bilayer skin substitutes constitute an attractive strategy towards improved skin wound healing. Therefore, solvent casting and freeze‐drying methodologies are used to produce polyhydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) thin nanoporous membranes and 3D porous scaffolds that are combined in bilayer structures to recreate the epidermal and dermal layers, respectively. The combination of these methodologies allow attaining a bilayer structure with a high water retention capability and adequate mechanical properties, susceptible to enzymes degradative action. Cultures established with human keratinocytes (hKC) and dermal fibroblasts (hDFb) confirm the suitability of the PHBV structures to support cell adhesion and proliferation. Nonetheless, when co‐cultured under defined conditions, hKC are able to grow and rearrange in a multilayer structure with proliferative cells in the basal layer, and cells expressing a terminal differentiation marker in the upper layer. Therefore, PHBV bilayer structures demonstrate properties that favor skin cells performance, thus representing a promising strategy to improve wound healing.
Localized oxidation of zirconium alloys in high temperature and pressure oxidizing environments of nuclear reactors
Authors: Kumar M. Kiran , Aggarwal S. , Beniwal D. , Dey A. K. , Singh H. , Kain V.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the results of parametric studies on the existing test procedures to assess nodular corrosion susceptibility of zirconium (Zr) base alloys. The parameters included the level of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the steam, exposure time, and type of exposure. The alloys studied were Zircaloy‐2, Zircaloy‐4, Zr–2.5Nb, and Zr–1Nb. A two‐step test procedure involving prefilming at 410 °C followed by nodule growth at 510 °C in deaerated steam (using demineralized water) was found to be the most representative for Zircaloys and none of the test conditions produced nodules on Zr–Nb alloys. Presence of high dissolved oxygen was found to suppress nodule formation in Zircaloys. A detailed investigation on the morphology of individual nodules and nodule cross section is presented. Mechanism of nodular corrosion, in particular and localized oxidation of Zr alloys at 400 °C, in general, in oxidizing environments of nuclear reactors has been discussed in the light of the present results of nodular corrosion. Long term oxidation of Zircaloy‐2 and Zircaloy‐4 under low and high DO conditions are reported and compared with our earlier results on the effect of dissolved oxygen on the long term oxidation and hydrogen pick‐up behavior of Zr–Nb alloys.
Multicriteria Optimization of A Long‐Haul Routing and Scheduling Problem
Authors: Rancourt Marie‐Eve , Paquette Julie
Published: March 2014

Long‐haul carriers are facing a shortage of drivers in North American countries. To reduce turnover rates and improve driver retention, trucking companies are making more efforts to improve their drivers' quality of life. The aim of this paper is to introduce and solve a multi‐objective vehicle routing and truck driver scheduling problem under the legislative requirements on work and rest hours in the US (US MOVRTDSP). We present a tabu search algorithm that solves the US MOVRTDSP and provides a heuristic non‐dominated solution set from which tradeoffs between operating costs and driver inconvenience are evaluated. The tradeoffs between the number of vehicles used and operating costs are also estimated. Overall, interpretations of the computational results on artificial and real‐life instances provide meaningful information to long‐haul carriers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐order difference scheme for the solution of linear time fractional klein–gordon equations
Authors: Mohebbi Akbar , Abbaszadeh Mostafa , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: March 2014

In this article, we apply a high‐order difference scheme for the solution of some time fractional partial differential equations (PDEs). The time fractional Cattaneo equation and the linear time fractional Klein–Gordon and dissipative Klein–Gordon equations will be investigated. The time fractional derivative which has been described in the Caputo's sense is approximated by a scheme of order , and the space derivative is discretized with a fourth‐order compact procedure. We will prove the solvability of the proposed method by coefficient matrix property and the unconditional stability and ‐convergence with the energy method. Numerical examples demonstrate the theoretical results and the high accuracy of the proposed scheme. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1234–1253, 2014
A C0 finite element method for the biharmonic problem without extrinsic penalization
Authors: Gazi Karakoc S. Battal , Neilan Michael
Published: March 2014

A symmetric C
0 finite element method for the biharmonic problem is constructed and analyzed. In our approach, we introduce one‐sided discrete second‐order derivatives and Hessian matrices to formulate our scheme. We show that the method is stable and converge with optimal order in a variety of norms. A distinctive feature of the method is that the results hold without extrinsic penalization of the gradient across interelement boundaries. Numerical experiments are given that support the theoretical results, and the extension to Kirchhoff plates is also discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1254–1278, 2014
CHANGING DIMENSIONS OF TRUST IN GOVERNMENT: AN EXPLORATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY IN HONG KONG
Authors: Walker Richard M. , Hills Peter
Published: March 2014

This study reports the findings of a 3‐year investigation into dimensions of trust in governmental capacity to deal with environmental risks (air pollution, sustainable development, waste, and water). We explore if levels of trust in Hong Kong correspond with the two‐dimensional structure identified in the research of Poortinga and Pidgeon. Findings of this multi‐method study (survey and focus group) conducted between 2005 and 2008 point towards largely low but unchanging levels of trust in the Hong Kong government. By contrast, the number of dimensions of trust reduced over the study period, pointing towards growing levels of scepticism. This leads us to conclude that, in relation to environmental risks, Hong Kong is characterised by cynicism. These findings reflect a wider argument that there are two underlying dimensions of trust—reliance and scepticism. The implications of these findings are discussed, and strategies to address low levels of trust are outlined. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of ADHD medication during pregnancy from 1999 to 2010: a Danish register‐based study
Authors: Hærvig Katia Buch , Mortensen Laust Hvas , Hansen Anne Vinkel , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine
Published: March 2014

Objective

This study aimed to describe the trends in use of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) medication during pregnancy in Denmark from 1999 to 2010, as well as to explore characteristics of women who use ADHD medication during pregnancy and whether exposure is associated with outcome of pregnancy.

Method

A linkage between various Danish national health registries was performed to identify all recorded pregnancies from 1999 to 2010. Use of ADHD medication was defined as a redeemed prescription on methylphenidate, modafinil, or atomoxetine from 28 days prior to the first day of the last menstrual period until the end of pregnancy.

Results

Of the 1 054 494 registered pregnancies, 480 were exposed to ADHD medication. From 2003 to the first quarter of 2010, use of ADHD medication during pregnancy increased from 5 to 533 per 100 000 person‐years. A similar increase was observed among Danish women of childbearing age. Compared with unexposed, women who used ADHD medication during pregnancy were more often younger, single, lower educated, received social security benefits, and used other psychopharmaca. Exposed pregnancies were more likely to result in induced abortions on maternal request (odds ratio = 4.70, 95%CI = 3.77–5.85), induced abortions on special indication (odds ratio = 2.99, 95%CI = 1.34–6.67), and miscarriage (odds ratio = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.51–2.84) compared with unexposed pregnancies.

Conclusions

The number of pregnancies exposed to ADHD medication has increased similarly to the increase in use of ADHD medication among women of childbearing age. Use of ADHD medication in pregnancy was associated with different indicators of maternal disadvantage and with increased risk of induced abortion and miscarriage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qubits in der Mikrowelle
Authors: Ospelkaus Christian , Warring Ulrich , Colombe Yves
Published: March 2014

Einzelne, gefangene Ionen sind ein vielversprechendes System für die Quanteninformation, Quantensimulation und für Präzisionsmessungen. Üblicherweise werden sie über Laser kontrolliert. Die hier vorgestellten Techniken ermöglichen es, dies mit Mikrowellen‐Nahfeldern zu erzielen. Das erlaubt den Bau von einfach gestalteten Chip‐Fallen, die den Weg zu einer Integration vieler Quantenlogik‐Module zu skalierbaren Quantencomputern eröffnen. Wir konnten damit bereits ein verschränkendes Zwei‐Qubit‐Gatter demonstrieren, wobei die verwendete Verschränkungsoperation für universelle Quantencomputer geeignet ist. Die Mikrowellentechnik vereinfacht dabei den experimentellen Aufwand erheblich.
Gut gekaut ist halb geschluckt
Authors: Vilgis Thomas
Published: March 2014

Eine Handvoll geröstete Erdnüsse, ein Schluck Bier dazu, so sehen gerne gesellige Abende aus. Bis die Nüsse aber geschluckt werden können, ist neben harter Beißarbeit ein gutes Stück Physik zu bewältigen. Das Zerkleinern der Nüsse und die Bildung eines schluckbaren, plastisch deformierbaren Nahrungsbreis folgen den Gesetzen von Materialphysik und “oraler Nahrungsmittel‐Prozesstechnik.”
Empfangssignale untersuchen mit Network Signal Info
Authors: Dengler Roman , Wilhelm Thomas , Kuhn Jochen , Lück Stephan
Published: March 2014

Mobile Kommunikation gehört heute ganz selbstverständlich zum Alltag. Man nutzt Handy und Smartphone, ohne sich über die damit verbundene komplexe Technik Gedanken zu machen. Ebenso bleibt die Strahlungsbelastung durch die mobilen Geräte beim alltäglichen Benutzen häufig unbeachtet, obwohl diese immer wieder Gegenstand wissenschaftlicher und öffentlicher Diskussion ist. Die vorgestellte App liefert Informationen zur Signalübertragung und zu den verwendeten Standards. Dies erlaubt Beobachtungen und Untersuchungen von Eigenschaften elektromagnetischer Wellen. Der Empfang von Navigationssatelliten und die Kartendarstellungen eröffnen weitere interessante Möglichkeiten.
Fabrication of nitride/Si tandem cell structures with low environmental burden by surface activated bonding
Authors: Shigekawa Naoteru , Liang Jianbo , Watanabe Noriyuki , Yamamoto Akio
Published: March 2014

Group‐III nitride on Si tandem solar cell structures, which are free from materials with high impacts on the environment such as group‐III arsenides or phosphides, were successfully fabricated using the surfaceactivated bonding of nitride‐based sub cells, which had been grown on (0001) GaN substrates, and (111) Si‐based sub cells. The backsides of the GaN substrates had been polished and their averaged roughness was smaller than 1 nm prior to bonding.

The open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of the tandem cells was almost equal to the sum of VOC of the respective sub cells, while the conversion efficiency was limited by the properties of the nitride‐based top cells. Nitride‐on‐(100) Si tandem cells were also fabricated and the enhancement in VOC was observed. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High temperature stability in non‐polar (11$ \bar 2 $0) InGaN quantum dots: Exciton and biexciton dynamics
Authors: Reid B. P. L. , Zhu T. , Chan C. C. S. , Kocher C. , Oehler F. , Emery R. , Kappers M. J. , Oliver R. A. , Taylor R. A.
Published: March 2014

We report on optical studies of non‐polar InGaN quantum dots grown on the (11$ \bar 2 $2) plane. Excitonic and biexcitonic complexes are identified by their power dependence and show similar binding energies (∼ 36 meV) and recombination dynamics to conventional polar (0001) InGaN quantum dots. Measured lifetimes as low as 300 ps suggest a reduced internal electric field when compared with polar InGaN quantum dots.

Temperature dependent micro‐photoluminescence measurements on a single exciton with a lifetime of 327ps reveal no significant exciton linewidth broadening up to 120K, suggesting a reduction in phonon coupling strength when compared to polar quantum dots. This is supported by a measured lifetime of 313 ps for this exciton at 77 K, suggesting the measured exciton decay is almost purely radiative. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Crude Extract of Eugenia jambolana Lam. on Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
Authors: Chinni Santhivardhan , Dubala Anil , Kosaraju Jayasankar , Khatwal Rizwan Basha , Satish Kumar M. N. , Kannan Elango
Published: March 2014

The fruit of Eugenia jambolana Lam. is very popular for its anti‐diabetic property. Previous studies on the crude extract of E. jambolana (EJE) have successfully explored the scientific basis for some of its traditional medicinal uses. Considering its wide use and consumption as a seasonal fruit, the present study investigates the ability of E. jambolana to interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes. The standardized EJE was incubated with pooled human liver microsomes to assess the CYP2C9‐, CYP2D6‐, and CYP3A4‐mediated metabolism of diclofenac, dextromethorphan, and testosterone, respectively. The metabolites formed after the enzymatic reactions were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. EJE showed differential effect on cytochrome P450 activities with an order of inhibitory potential as CYP2C9 > CYP3A4 > CYP2D6 having IC50 of 76.69, 359.02, and 493.05 µg/mL, respectively. The selectivity of EJE for CYP2C9 rather than CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 led to perform the enzyme kinetics to explicate the mechanism underlying the inhibition of CYP2C9‐mediated diclofenac 4′‐hydroxylation. EJE was notably potent in inhibiting the reaction in a non‐competitive manner with Ki of 84.85 ± 5.27 µg/mL. The results revealed the CYP2C9 inhibitory potential of EJE with lower Ki value suggesting that EJE should be examined for its potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions when concomitantly administered with other drugs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Generalized Procedure for Monitoring Right‐censored Failure Time Data
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Kong Zhenyu
Published: March 2014

Right‐censored failure time data is a common data type in manufacturing industry and healthcare applications. Some control charting procedures were previously proposed to monitor the right‐censored failure time data under some specific distributional assumptions for the observed failure times and censoring times. But these assumptions may not be always satisfied in the real‐world data. Therefore, a more generalized control chart technique, which can handle different types of distributions of the data, is highly needed. Considering the limitations of existing methodologies for detecting changes of hazard rate, this paper develops a generalized statistical procedure to monitor the failure time data in the presence of random right censoring when abundant historical failure times are available. The developed method makes use of the one‐sample nonparametric rank tests without any specific assumptions of the data distribution. The operating characteristic functions of the control chart are derived on the basis of the asymptotic properties of the rank statistics. Case studies are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed control chart technique, and its performance is investigated and compared with some Shewhart‐type control charts based on the conditional expected value weight. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton‐Functionalized Two‐Dimensional Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheet: An Excellent Metal‐/Label‐Free Biosensing Platform
Authors: Ma Tian Yi , Tang Youhong , Dai Sheng , Qiao Shi Zhang
Published: March 2014

Ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets, due to their interesting two‐dimensional graphene‐like structure and unique physicochemical properties, have attracted great research attention recently. Here, a new approachis developed to prepare, for the first time, proton‐functionalized ultrathin g‐C3N4 nanosheets by sonication‐exfoliation of bulk g‐C3N4 under an acid condition. This method not only reduces the exfoliation time from more than 10 h to 2 h, but also endows the nanosheets with positive charges. Besides retaining the properties of g‐C3N4, the obtained nanosheets with the thickness of 2–4 nm (i.e., 6–12 atomic monolayers) also exhibit large specific surface area of 305 m2 g−1, enhanced fluorescence intensity, and excellent water dispersion stability due to their surface protonation and ultrathin morphology. The well‐dispersed protonated g‐C3N4 nanosheets are able to interact with negatively charged heparin, which results in the quenching of g‐C3N4 fluorescence. A highly sensitive and highly selective heparin sensing platform based on protonated g‐C3N4 nanosheets is established. This metal‐free and fluorophore label‐free system can reach the lowest heparin detection limit of 18 ng mL−1.
Re: Non‐invasive prenatal testing for fetal chromosomal abnormalities by low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing of maternal plasma DNA: review of 1982 consecutive cases in a single center. T. K. Lau, S. W. Cheung, P. S. S. Lo, A. N. Pursley, M. K. Chan, F. Jiang, H. Zhang, W. Wang, L. F. J. Jong, O. K. C. Yuen, H. Y. C. Chan, W. S. K. Chan and K. W. Choy. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 43: 254–264
Authors: Hui L.
Published: March 2014

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 43: 254–264
Freestyle facial perforator flaps—a safe reconstructive option for moderate-sized facial defects
Authors: Gunnarsson Gudjon Leifur , Jackson Ian Thomas , Thomsen Jorn Bo
Published: March 2014

Background

Perforators are a constant anatomical finding in the facial area and any known flap can in theory be based on the first perforator located at the flap rotation axis.

Methods

A case series of single stage reconstruction of moderate sized facial defects using 21 perforator based local flaps in 19 patients from 2008–2013.

Results

A sufficient perforator was located in every case and the flap rotated along its axis (76 %) or advanced (24 %).

Reconstruction was successfully achieved with a high self reported patient satisfaction. Two minor complications occurred early on in the series and corrective procedures were performed in four patients.

Conclusions

The random facial perforator flap seems to be a good and reliable option for the reconstruction of facial subunits, especially the periorbital, nasal and periocular area with a minimal morbidity and a pleasing result in a one stage outpatient setting.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study
Evidence for density‐dependent habitat occupancy at varying scales in an expanding bird population
Authors: Gadenne Hélène , Cornulier Thomas , Eraud Cyril , Barbraud Jean‐Claude , Barbraud Christophe
Published: March 2014

Understanding factors shaping the spatial distribution of animals is crucial for the conservation and management of wildlife species. However, few studies have investigated density‐dependent habitat selection in wild populations in non‐equilibrium conditions and at varying spatial scales. Here, we investigated density‐dependent habitat selection at varying spatial scales in an increasing white storkCiconia ciconiapopulation using a long term data set in western France. During a 16‐year study period, the breeding population density increased from 0.66 nests per 100 km2to 6.6 nests per 100 km2. At the beginning of the colonisation of the area settlement probability of storks was mainly positively affected by grasslands located near wetlands. Areas with intensive or moderately intensive agriculture were extremely unlikely to be occupied by breeding birds. However, selection for the initially preferred habitats faded as stork density increased although the proportions of habitat types remained unchanged. At the same time selection for initially less favoured habitats had increased. Moreover, we found that the spatial scale of selection for each foraging habitat variable was consistent over time. Our results suggest that snapshot analyses of resource selection in populations at high density may be misleading for population conservation or management. In contrast, a longitudinal approach to resource selection can be a valuable tool for understanding resource limitation.
Alterations in Membrane Phospholipid Fatty Acids of Gram‐Positive Piezotolerant Bacterium Sporosarcina sp. DSK25 in Response to Growth Pressure
Authors: Wang Jiani , Li Jiangtao , Dasgupta Shamik , Zhang Li , Golovko Mikhail Y. , Golovko Svetlana A. , Fang Jiasong
Published: March 2014

Pressure is an important thermodynamic property of the ocean and the deep biosphere that affects microbial physiology and biochemistry. Here, we report on our investigation of the response of Gram‐positive piezotolerant bacterium Sporosarcina sp. DSK25 to hydrostatic pressure. Strain DSK25 responded in an adaptive manner to upshifts of growth pressure and showed systematic changes in phospholipid fatty acids. As the pressure increased from 0.1 to 10 MPa (Megapascal), unsaturated fatty acids in DSK25 increased from 21.7 to 31.1 % of total fatty acids, while the level of iso‐ and anteiso‐branched fatty acids remained unchanged. At higher pressures (30, 50, and 60 MPa), the amount of unsaturated fatty acids decreased, and that of anteiso‐branched fatty acids increased from 34.4 to 49.9 % at the expense of iso‐branched fatty acids. For the first time, two polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 18:2n‐6 and 18:2n‐x, with the latter having much higher abundance than the former, were identified in DSK25. The concentration of the PUFA increased with growth pressure. These results indicate the involvement of unsaturated and methyl‐branched fatty acids in the modulation of bacteria membrane fluidity and function over environmentally relevant parameter (pressure). Piezotolerant bacterium Sporosarcina sp. DSK25 appears to utilize two regulatory mechanisms for adaptation to high pressure, a rapid‐responding mechanism on transient scale, expressed as increased biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids, and a long‐term adaptation mechanism in increased synthesis of anteiso‐branched and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our results further suggest that Gram‐positive piezophilic bacteria respond differently than Gram‐negative bacteria in adaptation to high pressure.
Optimization of Triacylglycerol‐estolide Analysis by Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Haixia , Smith Mark A. , Purves Randy W.
Published: March 2014

Acylglycerols containing more than three acyl groups (TAG‐estolides) have been reported in plant seed oils and oil from ergot fungus. These TAG‐estolides have considerable potential for industrial use, however, costs of producing synthetic TAG‐estolides limits their use in large‐scale applications. Identification and structural characterization of additional natural sources of TAG‐estolides has been restricted by their complexity and limitations of current analytical techniques. In this work, detection and characterization of TAG‐estolides was optimized for use with MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Eight commonly used matrices were compared; 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) and 2,4,6‐trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP) gave good quality mass spectra. Matrix additives were examined and lithium was the most suitable, since MS/MS spectra of lithiated TAG‐estolides provided the most informative fragmentation using an optimized method. The matrix solution pH was examined, and for THAP, replacing LiCl with 10–40 mM LiOH resulted in a slightly basic pH and significantly more intense TAG‐estolide signals (up to eightfold higher). Since DHB is acidic, a larger amount of LiOH (>150 mM) was required for the matrix solution to become basic, leading to ion suppression and reduced signal intensities. Thus, for TAG‐estolide analysis, THAP with ~20 to 30 mM LiOH gives the highest quality spectra and the most informative MS/MS fragmentation.
Muscle wasting disease: a proposal for a new disease classification
Authors: Anker Stefan D. , Coats Andrew J. S. , Morley John E. , Rosano Giuseppe , Bernabei Roberto , von Haehling Stephan , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar
Published: March 2014

Muscle wasting and cachexia are the ultimate consequence of aging and a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. Significant efforts are made by many stakeholders to develop effective therapies. An important aspect of successful therapeutic development research is a common nomenclature for effective communication between researchers and clinicians, to the public, and also with regulatory bodies. Despite several efforts to develop consensus definitions for cachexia and sarcopenia, including such new terms for muscle wasting as myopenia, a common conceptual approach and acceptable vocabulary and classification system are yet to be established. Notwithstanding the potential need to translate such disease definitions and terminologies into different languages, we advocate the use of the term “muscle wasting” as the unifying entity that represents the single most common disease process across a large spectrum of cachexia and in sarcopenia‐associated disorders. In this paper, we outline a first proposal for the disease nomenclature and classification of “Muscle Wasting Diseases.” This concept can be applied in acute and chronic disease settings. It is pertinent for wasting diseases, cachexia, and sarcopenia of any severity and due to any underlying illness. The concept of muscle wasting disease underscores the most common denominator of the underlying wasting processes, i.e., muscle wasting, without ignoring the advanced disease states that are also accompanied by fat tissue wasting. The term muscle wasting disease is easily understood by both the scientific community and the lay public. This may promote its general use and efforts to heighten education and awareness in the field.
Membrane androgen receptor sensitive Na+/H+ exchanger activity in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Chatterjee Soumya , Schmidt Sebastian , Pouli Stella , Honisch Sabina , Alkahtani Saad , Stournaras Christos , Lang Florian
Published: March 2014

Membrane androgen receptors (mAR) are expressed in several tumors. mAR activation by testosterone albumin conjugates (TAC) suppresses tumor growth and migration. mAR signaling involves phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K) and Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK). PI3K stimulates serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase SGK1, which in turn activates Na+/H+‐exchangers (NHE). In prostate cancer cells cytosolic pH (pHi) was determined utilizing 2′,7′‐bis‐(2‐carboxyethyl)‐5‐(and‐6)‐carboxyfluorescein‐fluorescence and NHE‐activity utilizing Na+‐dependent cytosolic realkalinization following an ammonium pulse. TAC (100 nM) significantly increased pHi and NHE‐activity, effects abrogated by NHE1‐inhibitor cariporide (10 μM), SGK1‐inhibitors EMD638683 (50 μM) and GSK650349 (10 μM) and ROCK‐inhibitors Y‐27632 (10 μM) and fasudil (100 μM). TAC treatment rapidly and significantly increased cell volume and actin polymerization, effects abolished in the presence of cariporide. Thus, mAR‐activation activates cariporide‐sensitive Na+/H+‐exchangers, an effect requiring SGK1 and ROCK activity.
Lentiviral vector transduction of spermatozoa as a tool for the study of early development
Authors: Chandrashekran Anil , Isa Ihsan , Dudhia Jayesh , Thrasher Adrian J. , Dibb Nicholas , Casimir Colin , Readhead Carol , Winston Robert
Published: March 2014

Spermatozoa and lentiviruses are two of nature's most efficient gene delivery vehicles. Both can be genetically modified and used independently for the generation of transgenic animals or gene transfer/therapy of inherited disorders. Here we show that mature spermatozoa can be directly transduced with various pseudotyped lentiviral vectors and used in in vitro fertilisation studies. Lentiviral vectors encoding Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) were shown to be efficiently processed and expressed in sperm. When these transduced sperm were used in in vitro fertilisation studies, GFP expression was observed in arising blastocysts. This simple technique of directly transducing spermatozoa has potential to be a powerful tool for the study of early and pre‐implantation development and could be used as a technique in transgenic development and vertical viral transmission studies.
Assessment of “fresh” versus “macerated” as accurate markers of time since intrauterine fetal demise in low‐income countries
Authors: Gold Katherine J. , Abdul‐Mumin Abdul‐Razak S. , Boggs Martha E. , Opare‐Addo Henry S. , Lieberman Richard W.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To compare provider assessment of fetal maceration with death‐to‐delivery interval to evaluate the reliability of appearance as a proxy for time of death.

Methods

Cohort chart abstraction was performed for all stillbirth deliveries at or above 28 weeks of gestation during a 1‐year period in a teaching hospital in Ghana.

Results

Of 470 stillborn infants, 337 had adequate data for analysis. Of 47 fetuses alive on admission with death‐to‐delivery intervals estimated to be less than 8 hours (expected to be reported as fresh), 14 (30%) were actually reported as macerated. Of 94 cases in which the fetus was deceased on admission with death‐to‐delivery interval of more than 8 hours (expected to be macerated), 17 (18%) were described as fresh.

Conclusion

Provider description of fetal appearance may be an unreliable indicator for time since fetal death. The findings have significant implications for stillbirth prevention and assessment.
Effects of Humidity on Foil and Vial Packaging to Preserve Glucose and Lactate Test Strips for Disaster Readiness
Authors: Truong Anh-Thu , Louie Richard F. , Vy John H. , Curtis Corbin M. , Ferguson William J. , Lam Mandy , Sumner Stephanie , Kost Gerald J.
Published: March 2014

Objective

Efficient emergency and disaster response is challenged by environmental conditions exceeding test reagent storage and operating specifications. We assessed the effectiveness of vial and foil packaging in preserving point-of-care (POC) glucose and lactate test strip performance in humid conditions.

Methods

Glucose and lactate test strips in both packaging were exposed to mean relative humidity of 97.0 ± 1.1% in an environmental chamber for up to 168 hours. At defined time points, stressed strips were removed and tested in pairs with unstressed strips using whole blood samples spiked to glucose concentrations of 60, 100, and 250 mg/dL (n = 20 paired measurements per level). A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare stressed and unstressed test strip measurements.

Results

Stressed glucose and lactate test strip measurements differed significantly from unstressed strips, and were inconsistent between experimental trials. Median glucose paired difference was as high as 12.5 mg/dL at the high glucose test concentration. Median lactate bias was −0.2 mmol/L. Stressed strips from vial (3) and foil (7) packaging failed to produce results.

Conclusions

Both packaging designs appeared to protect glucose and lactate test strips for at least 1 week of high humidity stress. Documented strip failures revealed the need for improved manufacturing process. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–7)
ON TESTIMONY AND TRANSMISSION
Authors: Carter J. Adam , Nickel Philip J.
Published: March 2014

Jennifer Lackey's case “Creationist Teacher,” in which students acquire knowledge of evolutionary theory from a teacher who does not herself believe the theory, has been discussed widely as a counterexample to so-called transmission theories of testimonial knowledge and justification. The case purports to show that a speaker need not herself have knowledge or justification in order to enable listeners to acquire knowledge or justification from her assertion. The original case has been criticized on the ground that it does not really refute the transmission theory, because there is still somebody in a chain of testifiers – the person from whom the creationist teacher acquired what she testifies – who knows the truth of the testified statements. In this paper, we provide a kind of pattern for generating counterexample cases, one that avoids objections discussed by Peter Graham and others in relation to such cases.
Inertial versus baroclinic instability of the Bickley jet in continuously stratified rotating fluid
Authors: Ribstein Bruno , Plougonven Riwal , Zeitlin Vladimir
Published: March 2014

The paper contains a detailed study of the inertial instability of a barotropic Bickley jet on the $f$-plane in the continuously stratified primitive equations model, and a comparison of this essentially ageostrophic instability with the classical baroclinic one. Analytical and numerical investigation of the linear stability of the jet in the long-wave sector is performed for a range of Rossby and Burger numbers. The major results are that: (1) the standard symmetric inertial instability, appearing at high enough Rossby numbers, turns out to be the infinite-wavelength limit of an asymmetric inertial instability, this latter having the highest growth rate for a large range of vertical wavenumbers; (2) inertial instability coexists with the standard baroclinic instability, which becomes dominant at small Rossby numbers. Nonlinear saturation of the inertial instability of the jet with a superimposed random small-amplitude perturbation is then studied, using the Weather Research and Forecast model. It is shown that at first stages the inertial instability dominates. It is localized near the maximum of the anticyclonic shear and is associated with the highest attainable value of the vertical wavenumber. The saturation of the inertial instability leads to the homogenization of the geostrophic momentum in the unstable region. At later stages, another baroclinic instability develops, characterized by lower values of the vertical wavenumber. This instability saturates by forming large-scale vortices downstream. It is identified as the leading instability of a marginally inertially stable jet resulting from the initial one through homogenization of the geostrophic momentum. The rough scenario of the evolution of essentially ageostrophic jets is, thus, as follows: the inertial instability rapidly saturates and baroclinic instability takes over. It is shown that reorganization of the flow due to developing instabilities is an efficient source of inertia-gravity waves.
HERODOTUS BECOMES INTERESTED IN HISTORY
Authors: Harvey David
Published: March 2014

At 3.60 Herodotus tells us that he has dwelt at length on the Samians because ‘they are responsible for three of the greatest buildings in the Greek world’: the tunnel of Eupalinos, the great temple, and the breakwater that protects their harbour. As successive commentators have pointed out, that is not the real reason for the length of his account. We hear about the tunnel for the first time in this chapter (60.1–3); Maiandrios escapes down a secret channel at 146.2, which may or may not be Eupalinos' tunnel; we hear about the temple of Artemis, not of Hera, at Samos in 48; dedications in the temple of Hera are mentioned in passing at 1.70.3, 3.123.1, 4.88.1, and 4.152.4, but the temple itself cannot be said to play a major part in Herodotus' narrative; naval expeditions sail from Samos (e.g. 44.2, 59.4) but there is no emphasis on the harbour or its breakwater. What Herodotus should have said is ‘I have dwelt at length on Samos, because I am interested in the island's history; and, by the way, they are responsible for three…’; but it is not our job to tell him what he ‘should’ have said. As David Asheri remarks, ‘We can explain it [the length of the Samianlogos] most simply by supposing that thelogosalready existed before the final draft of the book’.
LIVING WITH SENECA THROUGH HISEPISTLES
Authors: Davies Mark
Published: March 2014

In a letter famous for outlining the genesis of his workThe Prince, Machiavelli responded to his friend's description of his day as a courtier in Rome by describing his own daily routine on his farm. The morning he spent bird-catching, taking a book of poetry to pass the time, ‘Dante, Petrarch, or one of the minor poets like Tibullus, Ovid, or some such’. The afternoon was spent at the inn in noisy arguments over games. However, in the evening he goes on:

I return home and enter my study; on the threshold I take off my workday clothes, covered with mud and dirt, and put on the garments of court and palace. Fitted out appropriately, I step inside the venerable courts of the ancients, where, solicitously received by them, I nourish myself on that food that alone is mine and for which I was born; where I am unashamed to converse with them and to question them about the motives for their actions, and they, out of their human kindness, answer me. And for four hours at a time I feel no boredom, I forget all my troubles, I do not dread poverty, and I am not terrified by death. I absorb myself into them completely.
THE INTRODUCTION OF GREEK INTO ENGLISH SCHOOLS
Authors: Adams Matthew
Published: March 2014

At the end of the fifteenth and beginning of the sixteenth centuries, knowledge of ancient Greek for most educated Englishmen was something one could aspire to but not necessarily attain. Greek was learnt for reading alone and so less time was spent on its study than Latin, which at this period was learnt also for conversation: this might explain why today, Greek remains a second language in schools, to be learnt after Latin. Even in continental Europe, for one as learned as Erasmus, difficulties could be encountered in the study of the new language. ‘My Greek studies are almost too much for my courage’, he wrote in 1500, ‘while I have not the means of purchasing books nor the help of a master’. What Erasmus lacked – namely a teacher and reading material necessary to learn from – was paralleled across Europe, but nowhere more so than in English schools in the mid-sixteenth century. Without these, the schools in England also found it hard to introduce and maintain Greek in the classroom.
Reception
Authors: Harloe Katherine , Paul Joanna
Published: March 2014

It might seem unduly cautious to consider reception as still an ‘emerging’ sub-discipline within Classics, but a selection of publications from recent years provides evidence of its continuous development and diversification. Edited volumes (the preferred format in reception studies’ infancy) are still very much in evidence, but, as this subject review indicates, an increasing number of monographs bear witness to the confidence and rigour of new work in the field.
General
Authors: Izzet Vedia , Shorrock Robert
Published: March 2014

The last few years have brought us handbooks, companion guides and encyclopaedias in serried ranks. In size these works have ranged from magnum (opus) through to double magnum or perhaps (in the case of the 2010 Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome) to jeroboam. The new Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Ancient History outdoes them all in capacity (clearly a rehoboam) and range. This vast work – comprising over 5,000 entries in more than 7,000 pages – advances confidently (note the bold use of the definite article in the title: TheEncyclopedia of Ancient History) beyond the confines of the ‘classical world’ and ‘ancient Greece and Rome’ to provide nothing less than a reference work for the whole of Ancient History from the Near East to the Egypt of the Pharaohs, from the Neolithic to the eighth century ce. The refusal of this work to recognize traditional boundaries would clearly have appealed to the spirit of Alexander III, the Great (whose entry spans an impressive six pages). Alexander would no doubt also be impressed by the remarkable juxtapositions which occur within this alphabetized encyclopaedia: in volume 11 we move within five pages from an Egyptian residence and town associated with Rameses II (Piramese) to the Greek district of Elis around Olympia (Pisa) to a ‘short Jewish magical text of a Late Antique Babylonian provenance’ (Pishra de-Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa; 5337). Alexander's attempts at eastward expansion proved, in the end, too much for his men. One wonders if this work too – in the form of thirteen printed volumes – may prove to be similarly overwhelming to many an undergraduate whose starting point lies in Augustan Rome or Periclean Athens:(consider, for example the daunting thirty-five pages of maps which precede the first entry in volume 1 (not ‘Aardvark’, alas, but ‘Abantes’). However, it is important to consider that the print version of this work is not the end of the project nor even the main point of the project at all. The Encyclopedia of Ancient History is a true child of the World Wide Web. It has clearly been conceptualized as an online resource (not simply as a printed text that can be viewed on a computer screen) that will continue to expand and evolve:

The electronic form of the EAH will continue to add new articles, indeed new areas of the ancient world; to revise existing ones; and to create spaces for correction and discussion of published articles – even, in line with our conviction of the open-endedness of history, counter-articles… . It will try to represent something of the unsettledness of our disciplines and their vitality. It will continue to evolve as historical studies do. (cxxxvi)
Host-specificity and morphometrics of female Haemonchus contortus, H. placei and H. similis (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) in cattle and sheep from shared pastures in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Silva M.R.L. , Amarante M.R.V. , Bresciani K.D.S. , Amarante A.F.T.
Published: March 2014

To better evaluate the usefulness of female Haemonchus specimens for specific identification, we undertook a detailed analysis of the morphology of a collection of worms obtained from cattle and sheep in shared pastures. Based on the results, we also more precisely evaluated the host-specificity of Haemonchus contortus, H. placei and H. similis occurring sympatrically in a farm located in the western region of São Paulo State, Brazil. A synlophe analysis was employed to identify the three species of Haemonchus. In cattle, the predominant species was H. similis (90.9%), followed by H. placei (9.1%). With the exception of one H. placei specimen, only H. contortus was found in sheep. The longest body length was found for H. placei specimens, followed by H. contortus and then H. similis. It was possible to distinguish H. similis females from H. contortus and H. placei on the basis of vulval structure. The synlophe analysis proved to be very useful for identification of H. contortus, H. placei and H. similis in epidemiological studies involving different species of ruminants in the same pastures. The finding that H. placei and H. similis were adapted to cattle and that H. contortus was adapted to sheep also confirmed the high host-specificity of the three nematodes species.
How have fisheries affected parasite communities?
Authors: WOOD CHELSEA L. , LAFFERTY KEVIN D.
Published: March 2014

To understand how fisheries affect parasites, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies that contrasted parasite assemblages in fished and unfished areas. Parasite diversity was lower in hosts from fished areas. Larger hosts had a greater abundance of parasites, suggesting that fishing might reduce the abundance of parasites by selectively removing the largest, most heavily parasitized individuals. After controlling for size, the effect of fishing on parasite abundance varied according to whether the host was fished and the parasite's life cycle. Parasites of unfished hosts were more likely to increase in abundance in response to fishing than were parasites of fished hosts, possibly due to compensatory increases in the abundance of unfished hosts. While complex life cycle parasites tended to decline in abundance in response to fishing, directly transmitted parasites tended to increase. Among complex life cycle parasites, those with fished hosts tended to decline in abundance in response to fishing, while those with unfished hosts tended to increase. However, among directly transmitted parasites, responses did not differ between parasites with and without fished hosts. This work suggests that parasite assemblages are likely to change substantially in composition in increasingly fished ecosystems, and that parasite life history and fishing status of the host are important in predicting the response of individual parasite species or groups to fishing.
Fishery in ‘free spaces’: non-compliance with fishery regulations in a northern Baikal Evenki village
Authors: Davydov Vladimir Nikolaevich
Published: March 2014

During the post-Soviet period, fishery became one of the main sources of income for the inhabitants of Evenki villages in the northern Baikal region. When a number of villagers lost their official jobs, they managed to earn money by selling fish. Most people are required to fish during a particular season and to follow official quotas. Special indigenous Evenki quotas, however, are usually in excess of regular official guidelines and those who can use these quotas usually exceed them. This results in a tension between the way local Evenki people judge their own actions and the way their actions are judged by the official authorities. The law never covers all the areas of human activities, and in these gaps regular people manage to control certain institutions, knowledge and the use of landscapes themselves. In a discussion of the northern Baikal area, I employ the term ‘free spaces’, that describes the weakening of external control over the sphere of activities which are essential for local people's survival. This lessening of control has led people to regulate the fishing situation locally, resulting in many violations of fishing laws not being registered in official documents. The purpose of this paper is to to discuss a case of ‘free spaces’ in the post-Soviet Evenki village, with particular focus upon the village's non-compliance with official fishery regulations. This article investigates the reasons for, and the social mechanisms guiding, non-compliant behaviour in a northern Baikal Evenki village. It argues that non-compliance with fishery regulations should be interpreted within the context of local mechanisms of social control, market relations, reciprocity and cooperation.