bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel method for early signs of clinical shock detection by monitoring blood capillary/vessel spatial pattern
Authors: Kanawade Rajesh , Klämpfl Florian , Riemann Max , Knipfer Christian , Tangermann‐Gerk Katja , Schmidt Michael , Stelzle Florian
Published: July 2013

The ability to monitor capillary/vessel spatial patterns and local blood volume fractions is critical in clinical shock detection and its prevention in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Although the causes of shock might be different, the basic abnormalities in pathophysiological changes are the same. To detect these changes, we have developed a novel method based on both spectrally and spatially resolved diffuse reflectance spectra. The preliminary study has shown that this method can monitor the spatial distribution of capillary/vessel spatial patterns through local blood volume fractions of reduced hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin. This method can be used as a real‐time and non‐invasive tool for the monitoring of shock development and feedback on the therapeutic intervention. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photocatalytic inactivation of biofilms on bioactive dental adhesives
Authors: Cai Yanling , Strømme Maria , Melhus Åsa , Engqvist Håkan , Welch Ken
Published: July 2013

Biofilms are the most prevalent mode of microbial life in nature and are 10–1000 times more resistant to antibiotics than planktonic bacteria. Persistent biofilm growth associated at the margin of a dental restoration often leads to secondary caries, which remains a challenge in restorative dentistry. In this work, we present the first in vitro evaluation of on‐demand photocatalytic inactivation of biofilm on a novel dental adhesive containing TiO2 nanoparticles. Streptococcus mutans biofilm was cultured on this photocatalytic surface for 16 h before photocatalytic treatment with ultraviolet‐A (UV‐A) light. UV‐A doses ranging from 3 to 43 J/cm2 were applied to the surface and the resulting viability of biofilms was evaluated with a metabolic activity assay incorporating phenol red that provided a quantitative measure of the reduction in viability due to the photocatalytic treatments. We show that an UV‐A irradiation dose of 8.4 J/cm2 leads to one order of magnitude reduction in the number of biofilm bacteria on the surface of the dental adhesives while as much as 5–6 orders of magnitude reduction in the corresponding number can be achieved with a dose of 43 J/cm2. This material maintains its functional properties as an adhesive in restorative dentistry while offering the possibility of a novel dental procedure in the treatment or prevention of bacterial infections via on‐demand UV‐A irradiation. Similar materials could be developed for the treatment of additional indications such as peri‐implantits. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 62–67, 2014.
Breakdown of Born‐Oppenheimer Approximation as a Physical Mechanism for Ultrafast Hydrogen Migrations in Strong Laser Driven Molecules
Authors: Mineo Hirobumi , Chao Sheng D. , Kato Tsuyoshi , Yamanouchi Kaoru
Published: July 2013

We propose a physical mechanism based on breakdown of the Born‐Oppenheimer approximation to rationalize the ultrafast hydrogen migration in strong laser driven isomerization reactions. A three nuclei (proton, donor, and acceptor) model is employed to develop a three step solution scheme. The proton‐donor Coulomb repulsion is shown to be responsible for the high proton mobility. We identify a proton tunneling process and use the Keldysh‐Faisal‐Reiss theory to calculate the tunneling probability. The effect of laser parameters (intensity, frequency, polarization, and pulse duration) has been studied and found to be consistent with recent experiments.
Monte Carlo modeling of north‐south asymmetries in Mercury's sodium exosphere
Authors: Schmidt Carl A.
Published: July 2013

Ground‐based observations and MESSENGER's first flyby show persistent asymmetries in Mercury's neutral sodium tail, with brightest emission often seen in the northern lobe. This feature may be associated with the recent finding that the magnetic dipole moment is offset from the planet's center by 0.2 RM to the north, while approximately aligned with the spin axis. Such a configuration produces an asymmetry in the magnetosphere cusp whereby more plasma has direct access to the planet's southern hemisphere than the north. Using 3‐D numerical modeling, it is demonstrated that ion precipitation, enhanced in the south, can result in the observed Na emission profiles across the tail that are brighter to the north. However, sources located at high‐latitude cusp footprints on the dayside are unable to match the observed width of the brightness profiles across the tail. Instead, these simulations provide evidence for lower latitude sources on the dawnside, resulting from the accumulation of sodium during the long Mercury night. Photodesorption, rather than ion sputtering, is determined to be the responsible mechanism for this population's release and escape from the planet's surface.
Sawtooth‐substorm connections: A closer look
Authors: Noah M. A. , Burke W. J.
Published: July 2013

This paper seeks to improve understanding of sawtooth events (STEs) that occur during the main phases of geomagnetic storms. We consider the dynamics of diverse space environments encountered during a magnetic storm on 24 March 2002 when four STEs were identified in energetic particle fluxes measured by Synchronous Orbit Particle Analyzers on Los Alamos National Laboratory satellites. Over the reported interval, 28 substorms were identified in magnetometer traces obtained via the SuperMAG international collaboration. Magnetic inclination variations sampled by the Geostationary Operational Environment Satellites 8 and 10 on the nightside indicate that STEs coincided with substorms marked by strong and prolonged dipolarizations. Significantly, the four STEs were accompanied by partial recoveries of the SYM‐H index. Two SuperMAG substorms were marked by weak dipolarizations and energetic particle flux increases. The remaining 22 substorms showed no such signatures near 6.6 RE. We regard the latter SuperMAG events as indicating intensifications of the DP 2 current system driven by episodically enhanced reconnection at the distant X line. Presented data are shown to be consistent with the conjecture of Huang et al. () that STEs occur only after open flux in the magnetotail exceeds a critical level near 109 Wb. During STEs, significant quantities of open flux were removed from the magnetotail at near‐Earth reconnection lines. It took ~3 h to eject plasmoids and replenish open flux in the magnetotail to a critical level via continued dayside merging, thereby driving quasi‐cyclic STE occurrences.
Type III bursts produced by power law injected electrons in Maxwellian background coronal plasmas
Authors: Li Bo , Cairns Iver H.
Published: July 2013

Simulations are presented for coronal type III bursts produced by injection of energetic electrons with power law speed spectra onto open magnetic field lines embedded in an otherwise unmagnetized Maxwellian background coronal plasma, including quasi‐linear wave‐particle interactions and nonlinear wave‐wave processes. The simulations show that although fast electrons with speeds >0.3c are injected, they are important only to the onset and not to the peak of fp emission, where fp is the local electron plasma frequency. Instead, slower beam electrons are the major drivers of the peak fp emission. Therefore, the type III beam speeds derived from the drift rates of peak fp emission are less than the typical speeds of c/3 observed for coronal type III bursts. This occurs mainly because the number of fast beam electrons with speeds >0.3c is much less than the slower ones, causing weaker fp emission from these fast beam electrons. Comparisons are made with injected electrons having Maxwellian spectra. We find that type III beams are faster when the injection has power law spectra, since there are more fast electrons injected than for Maxwellian spectra. These results suggest that type III beams produced in the corona with Maxwellian background particle distributions and either power law or Maxwellian spectra can account only for the lower half of the observed range 0.1–0.6c of type III beam speeds but not for the upper half.
On the structure of the Lofoten Basin Eddy
Authors: Søiland H. , Rossby T.
Published: July 2013

A small anticyclonic eddy of extraordinary intensity sits in the center of the Lofoten Basin near 69°40′N, 3°E. This paper gives a first detailed description of its kinematics and lowest‐order dynamic balances. Using a 75 kHz vessel‐mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler, hydrography, and six RAFOS floats to probe the eddy, we document a solid body core with 7–8 km radius and relative vorticity very close to –f, where f is the local Coriolis parameter. Maximum orbital velocities close to 0.8 ms−1 were observed at 18 km radius. One float, trapped in the core of the eddy for 9 months, indicated undiminished strength throughout that period, possibly even intensifying in winter. Hydrography revealed adiabatic conditions from the bottom of a shallow seasonal thermocline to 1000 m depth in early July 2010. Thermal convection in winter maintains an already deep pycnostad, and may also play a key role in intensifying the eddy, quite possibly through penetrative convection that deepens and sharpens the underlying pycnocline. Heat lost to the atmosphere has to be replenished from warm anticyclonic eddies shed off the eastern branch of the Norwegian Atlantic Current, but the mechanism(s) by which it is added to the eddy remains to be studied. Examination of historical data sets suggests the eddy is a permanent feature of the Lofoten Basin. Two hydrocasts from the 1960s also show a similar adiabatic mixed layer albeit 1°C cooler than in 2010, perhaps reflecting the generally cold winter conditions that prevailed then.
Northern Hemisphere summer temperature and specific humidity anomalies from two reanalyses
Authors: Gill Emily C. , Chase Thomas N. , Pielke Roger A. , Wolter Klaus
Published: July 2013

This study investigates the magnitude and spatial extent of extreme summer temperature and specific humidity events in the extratropical northern hemisphere (NHEXT) using the NCEP Reanalysis (1979–2012) and the 20th century reanalysis (1871–2010). Specifically, we look at the percentage of area exceeding standard deviation thresholds in layer‐averaged (500 mb–1000 mb) temperature and surface‐level specific humidity to classify extremes. We find that: (1) areas of the NHEXT, including the southwestern tip of Greenland, experienced a summer heat wave during 2012 that was almost as extreme in spatial extent and magnitude as the Russian heat wave of 2010, (2) there is an increasing trend in summer heat waves and positive specific humidity anomalies and a decreasing trend in summer cold waves and negative specific humidity anomalies, and (3) while similar patterns in the global trend (1979–2012) in variability exist for both temperature and specific humidity, areas of increased variability are not necessarily the areas that have experienced extreme heat waves.
Overturn and evolution of a crystallized magma ocean: A numerical parameter study for Mars
Authors: Tosi N. , Plesa A.‐C. , Breuer D.
Published: July 2013

Early in the history of terrestrial planets, the fractional crystallization of a magma ocean can lead to a mantle stratification characterized by a progressive enrichment in heavy elements from the core‐mantle boundary to the surface. Such a configuration is gravitationally unstable; it causes mantle overturn and the formation of a stable chemical layering. Using simulations of thermochemical convection, we analyzed the consequences of overturn and subsequent layering on mantle dynamics assuming Mars' scaling parameters. We found that the time needed to achieve chemical homogenization via convective mixing scales exponentially with the buoyancy ratio, which measures the relative importance of chemical to thermal buoyancy. In addition, when using a strongly temperature‐dependent viscosity, the formation of a stagnant lid prevents the uppermost crystallized layers from sinking into the mantle. In order to obtain their subduction, a yielding mechanism must be invoked. In the context of Mars' evolution, our results suggest that complete chemical mixing is unlikely to take place within time scales comparable with the planet's age. Magma ocean freezing could thus be responsible for the long‐term preservation of compositional heterogeneities as required by meteoritic evidence. The inferred lack of a high density lid is difficult to reconcile with a stagnant‐lid regime operating throughout Mars' history. An episode of surface mobilization induced by compositional overturn can resolve this difficulty provided thatis large enough. Too large buoyancy ratios, however, tend to suppress convective heat transport, rendering it problematic to explain the late volcanic history of Mars.
Mechanisms of dust emission from Pleistocene loess deposits, Nebraska, USA
Authors: Sweeney Mark R. , Mason Joseph A.
Published: July 2013

Saltation bombardment is commonly believed to be the primary mechanism by which large quantities of dust can be generated. Direct entrainment of silt, on the other hand, is thought to generate minimal quantities of dust. If so, loess landscapes should rarely be major sources of dust unless disturbed by human activity. To test the mechanisms by which loess can be eroded by the wind, we used the Portable In‐Situ Wind Erosion Lab (PI‐SWERL). PI‐SWERL tests were conducted on benches that were carved into loess at field locations. Coarse to fine loess was also collected and tested in a controlled setting using (1) dry, unconsolidated loess and (2) crusted loess. Results indicate that in most cases, the threshold friction velocity for silt is less than that for sand and that most dust generation occurs by direct entrainment of dust. Saltation, even in coarse loess, was nonexistent to intermittent. In a few cases, saltation of sand or soil aggregates preceded dust generation or enhanced emissions after direct entrainment began. Emission fluxes of loess are potentially high in both proximal and distal settings, suggesting that loess is easily entrainable if vegetation density is low. We hypothesize that an arid and windy climate of the late Pleistocene, paired with lower vegetation density, facilitated large‐scale erosion of Peoria Loess in Nebraska to generate wind‐aligned ridges and troughs. More broadly, our results indicate that loess landscapes have the potential to be major sources as well as sinks of dust.
Quality evaluation of cook‐chilled chicory stems (Cichorium intybus L., Catalogna group) by conventional and sousvide cooking methods
Authors: Renna Massimiliano , Gonnella Maria , Giannino Donato , Santamaria Pietro
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Chicory stems, appreciated both raw and cooked, represent a nutritious and refined food. In this study the effects on the quality of stems cooked by conventional (boiling, steaming and microwaving) and innovative (sous vide) methods were analysed. Several physical, chemical and sensory traits were compared using two local varieties (Galatina and Molfettese) of southern Italy (Puglia region).

RESULTS

Independently of the variety, the sous vide method did not significantly affect (redness, yellowness and hue angle) or had the least impact on (lightness and total colour difference) quality parameters among the four methods as compared with the raw product. Following sensory analysis, the sous vide product always showed the highest score among the cooking methods. Moreover, this innovative method did not affect total phenol (TP) content and antioxidant activity (AA) compared with uncooked stems of both varieties. Microwaving increased TP content and AA (though associated with higher weight loss), while different responses depending on the chicory variety were observed after boiling and steaming.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate the sous vide technique as optimal to preserve several traits, including organoleptic ones, for the quality of cook‐chilled chicory stems. They also provide product‐specific information usually required for cooking process strategies in the industrial sector of ready‐to‐eat vegetables. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of display method, number of message lines, and text colour on Chinese comprehension and subjective preferences for an LED display
Authors: So Joey C. Y. , Chan Alan H. S.
Published: July 2013

This study investigated the effects of display method, number of message lines and text colour on comprehension performance and subjective preferences for reading Chinese on a light‐emitting diode display. The factors and levels studied were: two text display methods (rapid serial visual presentation ‘rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP)’ and paged view scrolling), four numbers of message lines displayed at a time (one to four lines) and three text colours (amber, green and red). The RSVP method resulted in higher comprehension scores than the paged view scrolling method, and the green text produced better comprehension score than amber or red. However, the paged view scrolling received better subjective evaluation ratings than the RSVP method. A multiline display was found to be superior to a single‐line display for both comprehension scores and subjective evaluations. The results here provide useful ergonomics recommendations for choice of appropriate display method and format setting for presenting Chinese messages on light‐emitting diode displays.
Reconsidering the Knowledge Audit Process: Methodological Revisions in Practice
Authors: Burnett Simon , Williams Dorothy , Illingworth Lorraine
Published: July 2013

Over the last 20 years, the knowledge audit and map have been acknowledged as important tools in helping to identify and visually represent the knowledge present in organizational contexts. Despite this recognition and the availability of theoretical material, there has been a dearth of literature relating to the application of these tools. Consequently, a number of methodologies based on KM practice and research emerged in the early 2000s; several of which still inform the knowledge audit and map processes today. This paper revisits and extends research carried out by the authors in 2004 to present how this work has been expanded further through the incorporation of ensuing developments in the field with a view of continuing the development of knowledge auditing and mapping approaches. As such, a detailed methodology based on a recent case study is presented, including comparisons between the two methodological approaches, a rationale for the consequent modifications to the original case methodology and concomitant benefits for the amended approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward Controlling the Formation, Degradation Behavior, and Properties of Hydrogels Synthesized by Aza‐Michael Reactions
Authors: Southan Alexander , Mateescu Markus , Hagel Valentin , Bach Monika , Schuh Christian , Kleinhans Claudia , Kluger Petra J. , Tussetschläger Stefan , Nuss Isabell , Haraszti Tamás , Wegner Seraphine V. , Spatz Joachim P. , Boehm Heike , Laschat Sabine , Tovar Günter E. M.
Published: July 2013

The aza‐Michael reaction of amino‐functionalized polymers with acrylate and acrylamide crosslinkers for the formation of hydrogels is investigated. It is studied how far the reaction conditions (pH value, chemical structures of the compounds involved) influence the crosslinking and degradation rate of the gels. When crosslinking the polymer poly(1‐glycidylpiperazine), high pH values lead to fast crosslinking. Fast degradation of β‐aminoester crosslinks is observed when acrylate crosslinkers are used due to a neighboring group effect. With acrylamide crosslinkers, hydrolytically stable gels are formed, in which the shear moduli and swelling ratio can be adjusted and in which the extracts show no toxic effect on primary human fibroblasts, making them a promising material for biotechnological applications.

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In Silico Prediction of Mechanism of Action for Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Whitebay E. A. , Gasem K. A. M. , Neely B. J. , Ramsey J. D.
Published: July 2013

Cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the U.S. and is projected to become the principal cause in the near future. While radiation and surgery are common cancer treatment methods, chemotherapy remains a key treatment option, offering distinct advantages over other therapy options, especially in the management of metastasized tumors. Understanding the mechanism of action (MoA) of current and newly developed drugs is crucial to ongoing drug development research. Foreknowledge of how a candidate drug works can yield a wealth of information, including which cancers a drug may treat more effectively based on the susceptibility of the cancer to drugs with the same MoA. Previous studies concerning prediction of MoA have relied on costly experimental measurements as input for their predictions. We have developed an a priori quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) for the in silico prediction of MoA without the need for experimental measurements. This model enables us to relate structural features of a chemical to its efficacy with a predictive accuracy of over 80 %, thus identifying the MoA of a candidate drug without costly, time‐consuming experimental tests.
Semilinear structural damped waves
Authors: D'Abbicco M. , Reissig M.
Published: July 2013

We study the Cauchy problem for the semilinear structural damped wave equation with source term
urn:x-wiley:01704214:media:mma2913:mma2913-math-0001

with σ ∈ (0,1] in space dimension n ≥ 2 and with a positive constant μ. We are interested in the influence of σ on the critical exponent pcrit in | f(u) | ≈ | u | p. This critical exponent is the threshold between global existence in time of small data solutions and blow‐up behavior for some suitable range of p. Our results are optimal for σ = 1 ∕ 2. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density modeling of polyurethane box foam
Authors: Shen Lu , Zhao Yusheng , Tekeei Ali , Hsieh Fu‐Hung , Suppes Galen J.
Published: July 2013

A model based on about a dozen fundamental differential equations is used to evaluate and simulate the urethane reactions and physical processes of urethane box foaming. This work focuses on quantitative modeling of foam density for foams using water and physical blowing agents. The final densities of foams range from 30 to 90% of the density as projected with full utilization of the blowing agent. The primary sources of inefficient use of blowing agent are loss of the physical blowing during open‐air mixing and degassing—basically, physical blowing agents with boiling points between 25 and 80°C will evaporate and experience cell rupture in box foams. This loss of blowing agent would not apply to in‐line mixers used for commercial production and should be taken into account with scaling up box or cup foams commercial processes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1503–1511, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Timing of Stressful Life Events Affects Stability and Change of Neuroticism
Authors: Riese Harriëtte , Snieder Harold , Jeronimus Bertus F. , Korhonen Tellervo , Rose Richard J. , Kaprio Jaakko , Ormel Johan
Published: July 2013

Neuroticism is a predictor of many health problems. To study the determinants of within–subject change in neuroticism, three hypotheses were tested: (i) subjects who experienced stressful life events (SLEs) show an increase in neuroticism; (ii) high baseline neuroticism moderated this effect; and (iii) recent SLEs had a greater impact on neuroticism than distant SLEs. Data came from the Finnish Twin Cohort. Neuroticism data were collected in 1975 and 1981 and SLEs data in 1981 (n = 21 085). By entering baseline neuroticism as a predictor for neuroticism at follow–up, the outcome measure was change in neuroticism. Changes in neuroticism were predicted from SLE indices or their interaction with baseline neuroticism. Timing of SLEs was taken into account by distinguishing recent from distant SLEs. To control for confounding by shared genes and environments, both within–twin pair and between–twin pair effects were tested for monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs separately. Neuroticism's six–year stability was high (r = .58, p < .001). Exposure to SLEs modestly increased neuroticism (βs > .55, ps < .001), unconfounded by shared genes. This effect was not moderated by high baseline neuroticism. Recent SLEs (.09 < βs < .15) had more impact than distant SLEs (.03 < βs < .11; ps < .01). In conclusion, the findings strongly supported a model of environmentally driven SLEs causing dynamic fluctuations around a person's set point of neuroticism. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Exploration of the Dishonest Side of Self–Monitoring: Links to Moral Disengagement and Unethical Business Decision Making
Authors: Ogunfowora Babatunde , Bourdage Joshua S. , Nguyen Brenda
Published: July 2013

The majority of research on self–monitoring has focused on the positive aspects of this personality trait. The goal of the present research was to shed some light on the potential negative side of self–monitoring and resulting consequences in two independent studies. Study 1 demonstrated that, in addition to being higher on Extraversion, high self–monitors are also more likely to be low on Honesty–Humility, which is characterized by a tendency to be dishonest and driven by self–gain. Study 2 was designed to investigate the consequences of this dishonest side of self–monitoring using two previously unexamined outcomes: moral disengagement and unethical business decision making. Results showed that high self–monitors are more likely to engage in unethical business decision making and that this relationship is mediated by the propensity to engage in moral disengagement. In addition, these negative effects of self–monitoring were found to be due to its low Honesty–Humility aspect, rather than its high Extraversion side. Further investigation showed similar effects for the Other–Directedness and Acting (but not Extraversion) self–monitoring subscales. These findings provide valuable insight into previously unexamined negative consequences of self–monitoring and suggest important directions for future research on self–monitoring. Copyright © 2013 European Association of Personality Psychology
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L.) Bark Extract Regulates Antioxidant Response Element (ARE)‐Mediated Enzyme Expression Via Nrf2 Pathway Activation in Normal Hepatocyte Cell Line
Authors: Krajka‐Kuźniak Violetta , Paluszczak Jarosław , Oszmiański Jan , Baer‐Dubowska Wanda
Published: July 2013

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L.), a plant used in traditional medicine, is a rich source of procyanidins which have been reported to exhibit antioxidant and anti‐carcinogenic activity. In this study, we assessed the effect of hawthorn bark extract (HBE) on Nrf2 pathway activation in THLE‐2 and HepG2 cells. Treatment with 1.1 µg/mL, 5.5 µg/mL and 11 µg/mL of HBE resulted in the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus in both cell lines; however, the accumulation of phosphorylated Nrf2 was observed only in THLE‐2. Accordingly, treatment of cells with HBE was associated with an increase in the mRNA and protein level of such Nrf2‐dependent genes as glutathione S‐transferases (GSTA, GSTP, GSTM, GSTT), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) (0.2–1.1‐fold change, p < 0.05), however, only in normal THLE‐2 hepatocytes. The induction of NQO1 correlated with an increased level of p53 (0.21–0.42‐fold change, p < 0.05). These effects may be related to induction of phosphorylation of upstream ERK and JNK kinases. Collectively, the results suggest that the Nrf2/ARE pathway may play an important role in the regulation of procyanidin‐mediated antioxidant/detoxifying effects in hepatocytes, and this may explain the hepatoprotective and chemopreventive properties of these phytochemicals. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mission Reliability Assessment of Space TT&C System by Discrete Event System Simulation
Authors: Yang Xiaosong , Wu Xiaoyue
Published: July 2013

Based on the analysis of system characteristics and mission process, space tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) system can be viewed as a phased‐mission system (PMS). A general methodology using discrete event system simulation is proposed to quantitatively assess mission reliability of space TT&C system, because the traditional method is difficult to solve such complex problem. By dividing the time sequence of TT&C mission profile into several phases, the fault tree model of PMS is built to represent the system logical structure in each phase. In order to efficiently build simulation models, unified modeling language static class diagram is used to describe simulation model architecture. Extensible markup language is adopted to represent the mission reliability model in standard format for simulation input. By randomly generating the failure and repair events of the system components, the changes of the system state are simulated. The logic structure function of fault tree and observation data of the system state change jointly determines the mission reliability. A case study is given to illustrate the approach and validate its effectiveness. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A wireless capsule robot with spiral legs for human intestine
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Yan Guozheng , Wang Zhiwu , Jiang Pingping , Liu Hua
Published: July 2013

Background

As an attractive alternative to traditional diagnostic techniques, wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) can be considered a disruptive technology.

Methods

This paper presents a wirelessly powered micro‐robot based on the Archimedes spiral with high integration of an active locomotion module.

Results

A WCE prototype was fabricated and tested. Including the video camera and end cap, the outer dimensions of the capsule were diameter (Φ) 16 mm, length 45 mm. Experiments demonstrated that the anchoring force can overcome 2.6 N wrap force on each leg. The anchoring force was improved to 1.486 with textured legs. A series of ex vivo experiments evaluated capsule performance and ability to traverse the intestine at an average speed of 2.3 cm/min. The wireless power transmission utilized a cylinder ferrite‐core in the receiving coil‐set, which significantly improved the coupling efficiency (to 12%) in the direction close (and parallel) to the transmitting coil.

Conclusions

Although improvements of the wireless power transmission should target increased stability, this WCE device is both safe and practical for endoscopy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser‐Induced Direct Graphene Patterning and Simultaneous Transferring Method for Graphene Sensor Platform
Authors: Yoo Jae‐Hyuck , Park Jong Bok , Ahn Sanghoon , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: July 2013

General methods utilized in the fabrication of graphene devices involve graphene transferring and subsequent patterning of graphene via multiple wet‐chemical processes. In the present study, a laser‐induced pattern transfer (LIPT) method is proposed for the transferring and patterning of graphene in a single processing step. Via the direct graphene patterning and simultaneous transferring, the LIPT method greatly reduces the complexity of graphene fabrication while augmenting flexibility in graphene device design. Femtosecond laser ablation under ambient conditions is employed to transfer graphene/PMMA microscale patterns to arbitrary substrates, including a flexible film. Suspended cantilever structures are also demonstrated over a prefabricated trench structure via the single‐step method. The feasibility of this method for the fabrication of functional graphene devices is confirmed by measuring the electrical response of a graphene/PMMA device under laser illumination.
Aptamer‐Directed Synthesis of Multifunctional Lanthanide‐Doped Porous Nanoprobes for Targeted Imaging and Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhou Li , Li Zhenhua , Ju Enguo , Liu Zhen , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: July 2013

Multifunctional lanthanide‐doped porous nanoparticles are prepared via a facile one‐step solvothermal route by employing aptamers as the biotemplate. The nanoparticles feature excellent aqueous dispersibility and biospecific properties and could work as effective nanoprobes for targeted imaging and drug delivery. With aptamer being in principle available for any kind of target, this synthetic strategy may open the door to a new generation of nanoprobes for bioapplications such as time‐resolved biodetection, multimode bioimaging/biolabeling, and targeted cancer therapy.
Corticosteroid Injection Therapy for Trigger Finger or Thumb: A Retrospective Review of 577 Digits
Authors: Schubert Cornelius , Hui-Chou Helen G. , See Alfred P. , Deune E. Gene
Published: July 2013

Background

Stenosing flexor tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon (trigger digit) is a common condition encountered by hand surgeons. Our purpose was to determine the efficacy of corticosteroid injections and review the demographic profile of patients with trigger digits.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 362 patients (577 trigger digits) treated with steroid injections (8 mg of triamcinolone acetonide in 1 % lidocaine) from 1998 through 2011. Follow-up (intervention to last visit) averaged 66.4 months. We assessed patient demographics (e.g., gender, age, diabetes mellitus, hand dominance, trigger digit distribution) and determined recurrence rate and injection duration of efficacy. If one injection failed, additional injections or surgical A1 pulley release were offered. Results were analyzed with Student's t test or Fisher's exact test (significance, p<0.05).

Results

Women (258, 71.3 %) were affected significantly ( p<0.001) more frequently than men (104, 28.7 %) and at a significantly ( p<0.001) younger age (average, 58.3 versus 62.1 years, respectively). Eighty patients (22.1 %) were diabetic. We observed no correlation between trigger digit and hand dominance. The two most commonly affected digits were the right long finger (17.8 %) and right thumb (17.7 %). For 721 injections, the recurrence rate was 20.3 %; there were no major complications. For recurrences, the injection efficacy averaged 315 days. Surgery was required for 117 patients.

Conclusions

Injection therapy is safe and highly effective (79.7 %). Women were affected by trigger digits more often than men and at a younger age. Surgical release provides a definitive therapeutic option if corticosteroid injection fails.
The helical hairpin structure of the influenza fusion peptide can be seen on a hydrophobic moment map
Authors: Worch Remigiusz
Published: July 2013

An assignment of the helical hairpin of the influenza fusion peptide has been made based on the hydrophobic moments, represented in a form of two‐dimensional map. Such assignment holds for all serotypes, even for the cases of mutations altering the amino acid character. Similar results are obtained for the experimentally developed hydrophobicity scales, whose values reflect the transfer energies between aqueous and membrane environments. A distinct, however still structure‐related hydrophobic map corresponds to a helical and contiguous HIV gp41 fp. The method may be used as a simple tool for sequence‐based prediction of structures adopted by viral fusion peptides.
Biochemical evidence of key residues for the activation and autoprocessing of tomato type II metacaspase
Authors: Wen Shuai , Ma Qiu-Min , Zhang Ya-Li , Yang Ji-Ping , Zhao Guang-Hua , Fu Da-Qi , Luo Yun-Bo , Qu Gui-Qin
Published: July 2013

To investigate the autolysis pattern and activation of metacaspase in higher plants, the biochemical characteristics of purified recombinant type II metacaspase (LeMCA1) from tomato were explored. Western blotting analysis indicated that four cleaved bands were formed; two N‐terminal fragments and two C‐terminal fragments. N‐terminal sequencing confirmed that LeMCA1 cleaves at Lys223 and Arg332. Site mutants indicated that catalytic Cys139, cleaved Lys223, Arg332 and predicted calcium binding Asp116/Asp117 are the key residues that are responsible for its Ca2+ and pH dependent activation. The cleavage of the full‐size fragment seemed crucial for the activation of LeMCA1 in vitro.
Functional characterization of PccH, a key cytochrome for electron transfer from electrodes to the bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens
Authors: Dantas Joana M. , Tomaz Diogo M. , Morgado Leonor , Salgueiro Carlos A.
Published: July 2013

The cytochrome PccH from Geobacter sulfurreducens (Gs) plays a crucial role in current‐consuming fumarate‐reducing biofilms. Deletion of pccH gene inhibited completely electron transfer from electrodes toward Gs cells. The pccH gene was cloned and the protein heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Complementary biophysical techniques including CD, UV–visible and NMR spectroscopy were used to characterize PccH. This cytochrome contains one low‐spin c‐type heme with His–Met axial coordination and unusual low‐reduction potential. This reduction potential is pH‐dependent, within the Gs physiological pH range, and is discussed within the context of the electron transfer mechanisms from electrodes to Gs cells.
Let‐7c inhibits A549 cell proliferation through oncogenic TRIB2 related factors
Authors: Wang Ping-Yu , Sun Yun-Xiao , Zhang Shuai , Pang Min , Zhang Han-Han , Gao Shu-Yan , Zhang Can , Lv Chang-Jun , Xie Shu-Yang
Published: July 2013

MicroRNAs have tumor suppressive or oncogenic roles in carcinogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of let‐7c in suppressing lung cancer cell proliferation. First, let‐7c was revealed to be able to inhibit lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation significantly. TRIB2 was further demonstrated to be a novel target and negatively regulated by let‐7c. As downstream signals of TRIB2, the activities of C/EBP‐α and phosphorylated p38MAPK were increased obviously in let‐7c‐treated cells compared with controls. Our results demonstrate that, through regulating the expression of TRIB2 and its downstream factors, let‐7c can effectively inhibit A549 cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.
The future of blood‐based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Henriksen Kim , O'Bryant Sid E. , Hampel Harald , Trojanowski John Q. , Montine Thomas J. , Jeromin Andreas , Blennow Kaj , Lönneborg Anders , Wyss‐Coray Tony , Soares Holly , Bazenet Chantal , Sjögren Magnus , Hu William , Lovestone Simon , Karsdal Morten A. , Weiner Michael W. ,   Blood‐Based Biomarker Interest Group
Published: July 2013

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is significantly hampered by the lack of easily accessible biomarkers that can detect disease presence and predict disease risk reliably. Fluid biomarkers of AD currently provide indications of disease stage; however, they are not robust predictors of disease progression or treatment response, and most are measured in cerebrospinal fluid, which limits their applicability. With these aspects in mind, the aim of this article is to underscore the concerted efforts of the Blood‐Based Biomarker Interest Group, an international working group of experts in the field. The points addressed include: (1) the major challenges in the development of blood‐based biomarkers of AD, including patient heterogeneity, inclusion of the “right” control population, and the blood–brain barrier; (2) the need for a clear definition of the purpose of the individual markers (e.g., prognostic, diagnostic, or monitoring therapeutic efficacy); (3) a critical evaluation of the ongoing biomarker approaches; and (4) highlighting the need for standardization of preanalytical variables and analytical methodologies used by the field.
Clinical characterization of a presenilin 1 mutation (F177S) in a family with very early‐onset Alzheimer's disease in the third decade of life
Authors: Hausner Lucrezia , Tschäpe Jakob A. , Schmitt Hans Peter , Hentschel Frank , Hartmann Tobias , Frölich Lutz
Published: July 2013

Background

Early‐onset familial Alzheimer disease (AD) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1 (PSEN1), or presenilin 2 gene. The objective of this study was to characterize the phenotype in a large family with a PSEN1 F177S mutation by performing detailed clinical assessments, neuroimaging, and neuropathological analysis.

Methods

In two subjects, clinical and neuropsychological assessments, structural magnetic resonance imaging, F‐18‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomographic imaging, AD biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and genetic analysis were available. In three deceased affected subjects, medical records were reviewed. In one subject, a complete neuropathological examination was available.

Results

Cognitive impairment and neurological symptoms developed homogeneously around 30 years of age and worsened rapidly. All subjects died about 7 years (range, 6–8 years) after disease onset before 40 years of age. All technical diagnostic information (neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid) were typically for AD. Neuropathology showed abundant neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, typical of severe AD. Antidementia treatment in one subject did not alter the length of survival.

Conclusions

The PSEN1 F177S mutation leads to typical AD starting at age 30 and a homogeneous phenotype with rapid cognitive decline and prominent neurological symptoms. Excessive amyloid beta 42 production in the brain cortex corresponds well with other PSEN1 mutations.
On coherent structure in wall turbulence
Authors: Sharma A. S. , McKeon B. J.
Published: July 2013

A new theory of coherent structure in wall turbulence is presented. The theory is the first to predict packets of hairpin vortices and other structure in turbulence, and their dynamics, based on an analysis of the Navier–Stokes equations, under an assumption of a turbulent mean profile. The assumption of the turbulent mean acts as a restriction on the class of possible structures. It is shown that the coherent structure is a manifestation of essentially low-dimensional flow dynamics, arising from a critical-layer mechanism. Using the decomposition presented in McKeon & Sharma (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 658, 2010, pp. 336–382), complex coherent structure is recreated from minimal superpositions of response modes predicted by the analysis, which take the form of radially varying travelling waves. The leading modes effectively constitute a low-dimensional description of the turbulent flow, which is optimal in the sense of describing the resonant effects around the critical layer and which minimally predicts all types of structure. The approach is general for the full range of scales. By way of example, simple combinations of these modes are offered that predict hairpins and modulated hairpin packets. The example combinations are chosen to represent observed structure, consistent with the nonlinear triadic interaction for wavenumbers that is required for self-interaction of structures. The combination of the three leading response modes at streamwise wavenumbers $6, ~1, ~7$ and spanwise wavenumbers $\pm 6, ~\pm 6, ~\pm 12$, respectively, with phase velocity $2/ 3$, is understood to represent a turbulence ‘kernel’, which, it is proposed, constitutes a self-exciting process analogous to the near-wall cycle. Together, these interactions explain how the mode combinations may self-organize and self-sustain to produce experimentally observed structure. The phase interaction also leads to insight into skewness and correlation results known in the literature. It is also shown that the very large-scale motions act to organize hairpin-like structures such that they co-locate with areas of low streamwise momentum, by a mechanism of locally altering the shear profile. These energetic streamwise structures arise naturally from the resolvent analysis, rather than by a summation of hairpin packets. In addition, these packets are modulated through a ‘beat’ effect. The relationship between Taylor’s hypothesis and coherence is discussed, and both are shown to be the consequence of the localization of the response modes around the critical layer. A pleasing link is made to the classical laminar inviscid theory, whereby the essential mechanism underlying the hairpin vortex is captured by two obliquely interacting Kelvin–Stuart (cat’s eye) vortices. Evidence for the theory is presented based on comparison with observations of structure in turbulent flow reported in the experimental and numerical simulation literature and with exact solutions reported in the transitional literature.
Cold versus Warm Dark Matter Simulations of a Galaxy Group
Authors: Libeskind Noam I. , Di Cintio Arianna , Knebe Alexander , Yepes Gustavo , Gottlöber Stefan , Steinmetz Matthias , Hoffman Yehuda , Martinez-Vaquero Luis A.
Published: July 2013

The differences between cold dark matter (CDM) and warm dark matter (WDM) in the formation of a group of galaxies are examined by running two identical simulations, where in the WDM case the initial power spectrum has been altered to mimic a 1-keV dark matter particle. The CDM initial conditions were constrained to reproduce at z = 0 the correct local environment within which a ‘Local Group’ (LG) of galaxies may form. Two significant differences between the two simulations are found. While in the CDM case a group of galaxies that resembles the real LG forms, the WDM run fails to reproduce a viable LG, instead forming a diffuse group which is still expanding at z = 0. This is surprising since, due to the suppression of small-scale power in its power spectrum, WDM is naively expected to only affect the collapse of small haloes and not necessarily the dynamics on a scale of a group of galaxies. Furthermore, the concentration of baryons in halo centre is greater in CDM than in WDM and the properties of the discs differ.
Effect of dietary lipid structure in early postnatal life on mouse adipose tissue development and function in adulthood
Authors: Oosting Annemarie , van Vlies Naomi , Kegler Diane , Schipper Lidewij , Abrahamse-Berkeveld Marieke , Ringler Silvia , Verkade Henkjan J. , van der Beek Eline M.
Published: July 2013

Obese individuals have more (hyperplastic) and larger (hypertrophic) adipocytes in their white adipose tissue (WAT) than normal-weight individuals. The difference in cell number emerges early in childhood, suggesting that this is a critical period for being susceptible to obesity. Breast-feeding has been shown to be protective against obesity, and we have previously shown in mice that the physical structure of lipids in human milk may contribute to this protective effect. In the present study, we investigated how differences in the physical structure of lipids in the early diet may modulate adipose tissue development. Male mice were fed a diet containing control infant milk formula (Control IMF; Danone Research) or Nuturis®(Concept IMF with large phospholipid-coated lipid droplets; Danone Research) from postnatal day (PN)16 to 42. Subsequently, mice were challenged with a moderate Western-style diet (WSD) until PN98, and body composition was monitored by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Epididymal WAT was analysed for adipocyte size, number and gene expression of metabolic transcription factors. Early Concept IMF exposure reduced fat accumulation during the WSD challenge by 30 % compared with the Control IMF. It reduced adipocyte size without affecting adipocyte number in adult mice. The Concept IMF decreased the expression of PPARγ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein and retinoid X receptor α in WAT in adulthood, key regulators of metabolic activity. In conclusion, Concept IMF exposure in early life reduced susceptibility to obesity in adult life, by preventing adipocyte hypertrophia upon adult dietary challenge without affecting adipogenesis. These data emphasise the importance of the physical properties of dietary lipids in early life in obesity risk later in life.