bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Polymer Solar Cells Based on Solution‐processed Vanadium Oxide as Hole‐extracting Layer
Authors: Xiao Biao , Cheng Xiaoping , Zhao Baofeng , Wu Hongbin
Published: November 2013

Here we reported the fabrication of efficient polymer solar cells from regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):fullerene derivative [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) mixtures, in which solution‐processed vanadium oxide (VOx) was used as a hole‐extracting layer (HEL). The obtained devices exhibited a high power conversion efficiency of 3.96%, and can be enhanced to 4.06% and 4.16%, respectively, when two types of PEDOT:PSS with different conductivities were used in conjunction with the VOx layer. All the VOx‐based devices showed a high fill factor (FF) over 70%, which was ascribed to efficient hole extracting efficiency associated with the solution‐processed VOx hole‐extracting layer. The origins of the improvement were also studied by transmission spectra, atomic force microscope (AFM), and capacitance‐voltage characteristics.
The pharmacokinetics of darexaban (YM150), an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor, are not affected by ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A and P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Groenendaal Dorien , Strabach Gregory , Garcia‐Hernandez Alberto , Kadokura Takeshi , Heeringa Marten , Mol Roelof , Eltink Charlotte , Onkels Hartmut
Published: November 2013

We investigated the effects of ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the direct clotting factor Xa inhibitor darexaban (YM150) and its main active metabolite darexaban glucuronide (YM‐222714) which almost entirely determines the antithrombotic effect. In this open‐label, randomized, two‐period crossover study, 26 healthy male volunteers received in one treatment period a single dose of darexaban 60 mg, and in the other treatment period, ketoconazole 400 mg once daily on Days 1–9 with a single dose of darexaban 60 mg on Day 4. Washout between periods was at least 1 week. The geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) of darexaban glucuronide (darexaban plus ketoconazole versus darexaban) for AUCinf was 1.11 (1.00, 1.23), and for Cmax 1.18 (1.03, 1.35). Darexaban concentrations remained very low (AUClast ∼196‐fold lower) in relation to darexaban glucuronide concentrations. In conclusion, the PK of darexaban glucuronide was not affected to a clinically relevant degree by co‐administration of the strong CYP3A/P‐glycoprotein inhibitor, ketoconazole. The PK of the parent compound darexaban were changed, however, concentrations remained quantitatively insignificant in relation to the main active moiety, darexaban glucuronide.
Effect of growth temperature on the structure and optical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays grown on ITO substrate
Authors: Zhang Lingcui , Ruan Yongfeng , Liu Yali , Zhai Ying
Published: November 2013

ZnO nanorod arrays have been successfully prepared on ITO substrate by a chemical‐bath deposition method at different growth temperatures. The influence of the growth temperature on the morphology and microstructure of the ZnO nanorods was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the diameter of the ZnO nanorods decreased and the size of the nanocrystals increased with increasing growth temperature. Optical absorption measurements showed the absorption band edge has shifted to a lower‐energy region due to the quantum size effect. Green emission and UV emission bands were observed and they are found to be temperature dependent, which indicates that the deep‐level emission and band‐edge emission of ZnO nanorods is closely related to the rod diameter, and the related mechanism is discussed.
Integrating batch marks and radio tags to estimate the size of a closed population with a movement model
Authors: Schwarz Carl James , Cope Scott , Fratton Glenda
Published: November 2013

Movement models require individually identifiable marks to estimate the movement rates among strata. But they are relatively expensive to apply and monitor. Batch marks can be readily applied, but individual animal movements cannot be identified. We describe a method to estimate population size in a stratified population when movement takes place among strata and animals are marked with a combination of batch and individually identifiable tags. A hierarchical model with Bayesian inference is developed that pools information across segments on the detection efficiency based on radio‐tagged fish and also uses the movement of the radio‐tagged fish to impute the movement of the batch‐marked fish to provide estimates of the population size on a segment and river level. The batch marks provide important information to help estimate the movement rates, but contribute little to the overall estimate of the population size. In this case, the approximate equal catchability among strata in either sample obviates the need for stratification.
B‐cell‐derived IL‐10 does not vitally contribute to the clinical course of glomerulonephritis
Authors: Kluger Malte A. , Ostmann Annett , Luig Michael , Meyer Matthias C. , Goerke Boeren , Paust Hans‐Joachim , Meyer‐Schwesinger Catherine , Stahl Rolf A. K. , Panzer Ulf , Tiegs Gisa , Steinmetz Oliver M.
Published: November 2013

IL‐10‐secreting regulatory B cells have been postulated as negative mediators of inflammation. However, their impact on immune‐mediated diseases requires further investigation. We recently found that IL‐10‐secreting B cells infiltrate the kidney during crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN). We therefore studied the function of B‐cell‐derived IL‐10 in light of the potential risks associated with increasingly used B‐cell depleting therapies. Lack of IL‐10 production by B cells, however, did not influence acute or adaptively mediated progressive renal injury in terms of renal function and histological damage in the nephrotoxic nephritis model of GN. Renal leukocyte infiltration and cytokine expression were similar apart from increased macrophages in mice lacking B‐cell‐derived IL‐10. Systemic immune responses as assessed by cytokine production, leukocyte composition, proliferation, and activation were indistinguishable, while production and renal deposition of Ag‐specific IgG were mildly impaired in the absence of B‐cell‐produced IL‐10. Importantly, detailed analysis of systemic and renal regulatory T cells did not show any differences between nephritic mice bearing IL‐10‐deficient B cells and WT controls. Finally, studies in reporter mice revealed that B cells are only a minor source of systemic IL‐10. In summary, our data reveal that endogenous B‐cell‐derived IL‐10 does not play a major role in the nephrotoxic nephritis model of crescentic GN.
A simple two‐parameter model for scaling hillslope surface runoff
Authors: Sheridan Gary J. , Noske Philip J. , Lane Patrick N.J. , Jones Owen D. , Sherwin Christopher B.
Published: November 2013

The objective of this research was to develop and parameterise a physically justified yet low‐parameter model to quantify observed changes in surface runoff ratios with hillslope length. The approach starts with the assumption that a unit of rainfall‐excess runoff generated at a point is a fraction β of precipitation P (m) which travels some variable distance down a slope before reinfiltrating, depending on the local rainfall, climate, soils, etc. If this random distance travelled Y is represented by a distribution, then a survival function will describe the probability of this unit of runoff travelling further than some distance x (m). The total amount of per unit width runoff Q (m2) flowing across the lower boundary of a slope of length λ (m) may be considered the sum of all the proportions of the units of rainfall excess runoff integrated from the lower boundary x = 0 to the upper boundary x = λ of the slope. Using these assumptions we derive a model Q(λ) = βPμλ/(μ + λ), (μ > 0, 0 ≤ β ≤ 1, λ ≥ 0) that describes the change in surface runoff with slope length, where μ (m) is the mean of the random variable Y. Dividing both sides of this equation by Pλ yields a simple two‐parameter equation for the dimensionless hillslope runoff ratio Qh(λ) = βμ/(μ + λ). The model was parameterised with new rainfall and runoff data collected from three replicates of bounded 2 m wide plots of four different lengths (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 m) for 2 years from a forested SE Australian site, and with 32 slope length–runoff data sets from 12 other published studies undertaken between 1934 and 2010. Using the parameterised model resulted in a Nash and Sutcliffe statistic between observed and predicted runoff ratio (for all data sets combined) of 0.93, compared with –2.1 when the runoff ratio was fixed at the value measured from the shortest plot. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for Causal Relations between Executive Functions and Alphabetic Skills Based on Longitudinal Data
Authors: Kegel Cornelia A. T. , Bus Adriana G.
Published: November 2013

Children showing poor executive functioning may not fully benefit from learning experiences at home and school and may lag behind in literacy skills. This hypothesis was tested in a sample of 276 kindergarten children. Executive functions and literacy skills were tested at about 61 months and again a year later. In line with earlier studies, correlations between both skills were significant at age 5 years, but the predictive value of executive functions on alphabetic skills weakened or disappeared 1 year later. Assuming that executive functions are in development at this age and change has to be taken into account, we applied fixed effects analyses (FEAs) to repeated measures of alphabetic skills and executive functions. FEAs demonstrated that changes in children's alphabetic skills concur with changes in executive functions, thus strengthening inferences about a causal relationship. Executive functions are unstable in the early stages of cognitive development and one‐time measures cannot predict their impact on reading 1 year later. Consequences of this new insight are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo antitumor effect of an intracellular single‐chain antibody fragment against the E7 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus 16
Authors: Accardi Luisa , Paolini Francesca , Mandarino Angela , Percario Zulema , Di Bonito Paola , Di Carlo Valentina , Affabris Elisabetta , Giorgi Colomba , Amici Carla , Venuti Aldo
Published: November 2013

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated tumors still represent an urgent problem of public health in spite of the efficacy of the prophylactic HPV vaccines. Specific antibodies in single‐chain format expressed as intracellular antibodies (intrabodies) are valid tools to counteract the activity of target proteins. We previously showed that the M2SD intrabody, specific for the E7 oncoprotein of HPV16 and expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum of the HPV16‐positive SiHa cells, was able to inhibit cell proliferation. Here, we showed by confocal microscopy that M2SD and E7 colocalize in the endoplasmic reticulum of SiHa cells, suggesting that the E7 delocalization mediated by M2SD could account for the anti‐proliferative activity of the intrabody. We then tested the M2SD antitumor activity in two mouse models for HPV tumors based respectively on TC‐1 and C3 cells. The M2SD intrabody was delivered by retroviral vector to tumor cells before cell injection into C57BL/6 mice. In both models, a marked delay of tumor onset with respect to the controls was observed in all the mice injected with the M2SD‐expressing tumor cells and, importantly, a significant percentage of mice remained tumor‐free permanently. This is the first in vivo demonstration of the antitumor activity of an intrabody directed towards an HPV oncoprotein. We consider that these results could contribute to the development of new therapeutic molecules based on antibodies in single‐chain format, to be employed against the HPV‐associated lesions even in combination with other drugs.
Integrated analysis of high‐resolution DNA methylation profiles, gene expression, germline genotypes and clinical end points in breast cancer patients
Authors: Fleischer Thomas , Edvardsen Hege , Solvang Hiroko K. , Daviaud Christian , Naume Bjørn , Børresen‐Dale Anne‐Lise , Kristensen Vessela N. , Tost Jörg
Published: November 2013

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease for which alterations in DNA methylation patterns have been shown to be of biological and clinical importance. Here we report on the integrated analysis of molecular alterations including the methylation status of 27 gene promoters analyzed by highly quantitative pyrosequencing, and the association to gene expression, germline genotype and clinical parameters including survival. Breast cancer specific deregulation of DNA methylation (both hyper‐ and hypomethylation) was found in twenty genes including ACVR1, OGG1, IL8 and TFF1. The methylation level in the promoter regions was significantly negatively correlated to gene expression for twelve genes (such as MST1R, ST6GAL1 and TFF1) indicating that a gain of aberrant methylation (hypermethylation) inhibits gene expression. Multiple associations between molecular and clinical parameters were identified, and multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated that methylation was more strongly associated to clinical parameters than gene expression for the investigated genes. The methylation level of BCAP31 and OGG1 showed significant association to survival, and these associations were validated in a larger patient cohort (The Cancer Genome Atlas). Our study provides evidence for the promise of DNA methylation alterations for clinical applications.
A mixed microscopic method for differentiating seven species of “Bixie”‐related Chinese Materia Medica
Authors: Tang Yina , He Xicheng , Quanlan Chen , Lanlan Fan , Jianye Zhang , Zhongzhen Zhao , Dong Lisha , Zhitao Liang , Yi Tao , Chen Hubiao
Published: November 2013

Confusion in the species associated with the name of “Bixie” in Chinese Materia Medica began centuries ago. In recent decades, diverse medicinal plants from the genera Dioscorea and Smilax, and even minor species from the genus Heterosmilax, have been documented under the name Bixie or a very similar name as folk medicines in different areas of China. However, the traditional efficacies and chemical profiles of these herbs are not exactly the same and even vary wildly. Comprehensive authentication of multiple Bixie herbs has not yet been attempted. To differentiate and ensure the correct use of these Bixie‐related herbs, in this study, seven sorts of representative Bixie herbs (Dioscorea collettii, D. zingiberensis, D. nipponica, D. septemloba, Smilax china, S. glabra, and Heterosmilax japonica) were characterized based on the microscopic examination of their powders and cryotomed transverse sections. This is not only the first attempt to distinguish Bixie herbs by a comprehensive microscopic techniques, including common light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and polarized light microscopy, but also it is the first research to observe characteristics of transections of crude drugs under polarized lighting for the purpose of authentication. Polarized light has been found to provide a number of unique characteristics. The results indicate that starch granules, stone cells, vascular bundles, and other significant tissue features can be used to authenticate “Bixie” herbs. The method was proven to be quick, handy, specific, and simple. It should be widely applicable to other herbal materials. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:57–70, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation and characterization of a novel native Bacillus thuringiensis strain BRC‐HZM2 capable of degrading chlorpyrifos
Authors: Wu Songqing , Peng Yan , Huang Zhangmin , Huang Zhipeng , Xu Lei , Ivan Gelbič , Guan Xiong , Zhang Lingling , Zou Shuangquan
Published: November 2013

Studies were carried out to isolate chlorpyrifos degrading Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains from chlorpyrifos‐contaminated samples. Six Bt strains (isolation rate 2.7%) were isolated by modified sodium acetate antibiotic heat treatment, and one novel strain (BRC‐HZM2) was selected for further analysis. Phenotype and phylogeny analysis of this strain was conducted on the basis of biochemical reactions, antibiotic sensitivity, 16s rRNA genes, plasmid profile, insecticidal crystal protein profiles, and PCR–RFLP for cry and cyt genes. The degradation rate of chlorpyrifos in liquid culture was estimated during 48 h of incubation for the isolate BRC‐HZM2. More than 50% of the initial chlorpyrifos concentration degraded within 12 h, 88.9% after 48 h. These results highlight the potential of the Bt strain for biological control and the bioremediation of environments contaminated with chlorpyrifos.
Dissipative Particle Dynamics Study of the Structural Inversion Process of pH‐Responsive Polymeric Micelles
Authors: del Rosario Rodríguez‐Hidalgo María , Soto‐Figueroa César , Vicente Luis
Published: November 2013

The thermodynamic stability and structural inversion process of polymeric micelles is explored that are formed by the purely pH‐responsive poly(methacrylic acid)‐b‐poly((2‐diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PMAA‐b‐PDEA) diblock copolymer in aqueous environment with different pH (from pH 2 to 12) employing dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations and coarse‐grained models. In acid environments, thermodynamically stable micelles can be generated with well‐defined micellar structures of a PMAA‐core and PDEA‐corona by protonation of the amine groups of PDEA segments. In stark contrast, in alkaline environments, the polymeric micelles invert their micellar structure (PDEA‐core and PMAA‐corona) by ionization of the carboxylic acid groups of PMAA segments. The mesoscopic simulations, which agree with experimental outcomes, reveal an isoelectric point at pH 7.2 and a wide pH interval where the polymeric micelles lose their thermodynamic stability and tend to precipitate. The structural inversion process triggered by the pH effect is characterized by a simultaneous immersion and ascent of polymeric segments.
Shape memory and phase transitions for auxetic materials
Authors: Ciarletta Michele , Fabrizio Mauro , Tibullo Vincenzo
Published: November 2013

We present a mathematical model describing the auxetic‐austenitic phase transition phenomenon by a second order shape memory phase transition. The typical properties of auxetic materials, as the negative Poisson ratio ν, are described by a function of the phase ϕ, called order parameter, which relates the phase transition with a change of the internal order structure of the material. In our model, the auxetic phase is represented by an order parameter ϕ = 1, which provides a negative Poisson's ratio, while the austenitic phase will be denoted by ϕ = 0. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analytical and numerical study of liquid dynamics in a one‐dimensional capillary under entrapped gas action
Authors: Fazio Riccardo , Iacono Salvatore
Published: November 2013

Capillary dynamics has been and is yet an important field of research, because of its very relevant role played as the core mechanism at the base of many applications. In this context, we are particularly interested in the liquid penetration inspection technique. Because of the obviously needed level of reliability involved with such a non‐destructive test, this paper is devoted to study how the presence of an entrapped gas in a close‐end capillary may affect the inspection outcome. This study is carried out through a one‐dimensional ordinary differential model that despite its simplicity is able to point out quite well the capillary dynamics under the effect of an entrapped gas. The paper is divided into two main parts; the first starts from an introductory historical review of capillary flows modelling, goes on presenting the one‐dimensional second order ordinary differential model, taking into account the presence of an entrapped gas and therefore ends by showing some numerical simulation results. The second part is devoted to the analytical study of the model by separating the initial transitory behaviour from the stationary one. Besides, these solutions are compared with the numerical ones, and finally, an expression is deduced for the threshold radius switching from a fully damped transitory to an oscillatory one. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Structural Model of the Influence of Immigrant Mothers' Depressive Symptoms and Home Environment on Their Children's Early Developmental Outcomes in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Hung‐Hui , Hwang Fang‐Ming , Wang Kung‐Liahng , Chen Chwen‐Jen , Lai Jerry Cheng‐Yen , Chien Li‐Yin
Published: November 2013

In this cross‐sectional study of 61 immigrant mothers and their 6‐ to 24‐month‐old children in Taiwan, we examined the structure of relationships among maternal depressive symptoms, quality of the child‐rearing home environment, and child development using a partial least squares approach. Maternal depressive symptoms as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale had a direct and negative effect on the quality of the home environment as measured by the IT‐HOME, which in turn had a direct and positive effect on child development as measured by the Comprehensive Developmental Inventory for Infants and Toddlers. Maternal depressive symptoms did not directly affect child development, suggesting that the quality of the home environment mediated the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms and child development. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36: 603–611, 2013
A comparative study of P450 gene expression in field and laboratory Musca domestica L. strains
Authors: Højland Dorte H , Vagn Jensen Karl‐Martin , Kristensen Michael
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

The housefly is a global pest that has developed resistance to most insecticides applied for its control. Resistance has been associated with cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s). The authors compare the expression of six genes possibly associated with insecticide resistance in three unselected strains: a multiresistant strain (791a), a neonicotinoid‐resistant strain (766b) and a new field strain (845b).

RESULTS

CYP4G2 was highly expressed throughout the range of strains and proved to be the one of the most interesting expression profiles of all P450s analysed. CYP6G4 was expressed up to 11‐fold higher in 766b than in WHO‐SRS. Significant differences between expression of P450 genes between F1 flies from 845b and established laboratory strains were shown. In general, P450 gene expression in 845b was 2–14‐fold higher than in the reference strain (P < 0.0101) and 2–23‐fold higher than in the multiresistant strain (P < 0.0110).

CONCLUSION

The newly collected field strain 845b had significantly higher constitutive gene expression than both WHO‐SRS and 791a. High constitutive expression of CYP4G2 in houseflies indicates a possible role of this gene in metabolic resistance. There is a strong indication that CYP6G4 is a major insecticide resistance gene involved in neonicotinoid resistance. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
A model‐driven approach for experimental evaluation of intrusion detection systems
Authors: Abou El Kalam Anas , Gad El Rab Mohamed , Deswarte Yves
Published: November 2013

Because attacks are becoming more frequent and more complex, intrusion detection systems (IDSes) need significant improvements to be able to detect new attacks and variants of already known attacks. It is thus necessary to assess precisely their quality of detection, performance, and robustness in the environment where they will be deployed. In this paper, we present an evaluation approach designed to overcome most of the identified weaknesses in several IDS evaluation: the lack of a rigorous methodology, the use of non‐representative test datasets, and the use of inappropriate metrics. In our approach, model‐based evaluation is combined with experimental testing. Because testing an IDS against all possible attacks is practically impossible, we propose a classification of elementary attacks and a model of attack processes. Then, we developed the attack planning and injection tool that helps security administrators to plan and select the most relevant attack scenarios. Attack planning and injection tool is able to generate and carry out concrete and adaptable attacks on specifically identified computers. To demonstrate the validity of our approach, we experimented our tool in a case study environment to compare well‐known IDSes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyester condensation adducts as novel photo stabilizers for polystyrene
Authors: Rabie Samira T. , Abd‐El‐Ghaffar Mahmoud A. , Ahmed Ahmed E. , Sabaa Magdy W.
Published: November 2013

Polycondensation adducts formed by the reaction of maleic anhydride with some Polyalcohols, namely, phloroglucinol, glycerol, and ethylene glycol, were prepared, characterized, and investigated as photostabilizers for polystyrene. Their Photostabilizing effectiveness was evaluated by measuring the extent of weight loss (%), the amount of gel formed as well as the viscosity average molecular weight of the soluble fractions of the degraded polymer. The results indicated better stabilizing effects of these stabilizers compared with that of the UV absorber, phenyl salicylate. A synergistic effect was achieved when the investigated photostabilizers were mixed with phenyl salicylate in a weight ratio of 1:1, and a radical mechanism is proposed to account for the action of the polycondensation adducts as photostabilizers. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:293–301, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Compact closed form solution of the incremental plane states in a pre‐stressed elastic composite with an elliptical hole
Authors: Craciun E. M. , Barbu Luminita
Published: November 2013

We consider an unbounded, homogeneous, pre‐stressed orthotropic elastic composite containing an elliptical hole and subject to uniform remote tensile and uniform remote tangential shear loads (Mode I and respectively Mode II of fracture). Using the conformal mapping technique and the representation of the stress and displacement fields by complex potentials, we determine the solution of the problem in a compact and elementary form. When the smaller semiaxis of the elliptical hole tends to zero, i.e. the hole becomes a crack, the potentials obtained reduce to a form similar to that of the crack problem, obtained by solving the corresponding Riemann‐Hilbert problem.
Infrared conformality and bulk critical points: SU(2) with heavy adjoint quarks
Authors: Lucini Biagio , Patella Agostino , Rago Antonio , Rinaldi Enrico
Published: November 2013

Abstract

The lattice phase structure of a gauge theory can be a serious obstruction to Monte Carlo studies of its continuum behaviour. This issue is particularly delicate when numerical studies are performed to determine whether a theory is in a (near-)conformal phase. In this work we investigate the heavy mass limit of the SU(2) gauge theory with N

f
= 2 adjoint fermions and its lattice phase diagram, showing the presence of a critical point ending a line of first order bulk phase transition. The relevant gauge observables and the low-lying spectrum are monitored in the vicinity of the critical point with very good control over different systematic effects. The scaling properties of masses and susceptibilities open the possibility that the effective theory at criticality is a scalar theory in the universality class of the four-dimensional Gaussian model. This behaviour is clearly different from what is observed for SU(2) gauge theory with two dynamical adjoint fermions, whose (near-)conformal numerical signature is hence free from strong-coupling bulk effects.
Primary epiploic appendagitis
Authors: Martinez Carlos Augusto Real , Palma Rogério Tadeu , Júnior Paulo Pedroso Silveira , Sato Daniela Tiemi , Rodrigues Murilo Rocha , Júnior Hermínio Cabral de Resende , Filho René Crepaldi
Published: November 2013

Primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is a seldom reported disease caused by spontaneous torsion of one or more epiploic appendices. The aim of this study is to describe two cases of PEA reviewing the main aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Case report: Case 1) Male patient, 55 years old, obese, with abdominal right iliac fossa (RIF) pain for two days. Abdominal examination showed pain on palpation in the RIF with rebound tenderness. Abdominal computed tomography identified lobulated lesion in the cecum, measuring 4.5 cm in diameter, which was suggestive of PEA or early neoplasm of the colon wall. The laparoscopic assessment confirmed the diagnosis of PEA and the appendix was removed. The patient had a satisfactory outcome, being discharged on the second postoperative day. Case 2) Female patient, obese, 47 years old, with abdominal pain for six days, with sudden RIF onset. She had pain at palpation with rebound tenderness. Acute diverticulitis was suspected and patient underwent abdominal CT that identified PEA in the sigmoid colon. After expectant management, the patient showed progressive improvement resuming her activities in seven days. PEA is a rarely recalled condition during the investigation of inflammatory acute abdomen which can be easily recognized by modern imaging methods of assessment.
Weakly Nonlinear Characteristics of a Three-Layer Circular Piezoelectric Plate-Like Power Harvester Near Resonance
Authors: Wang H. R. , Xie X. , Hu Y. T. , Wang J.
Published: November 2013

The nonlinear characteristics of a simply-supported three-layer circular piezoelectric plate-like power harvester near resonance are examined in the paper, where the energy-scavenging structure consists of two properly poled piezoceramic layers separated by a central metallic layer. The structure is subjected to a uniform harmonic pressure on the upper surface. Nonlinear effects of large deflection near resonance to induce the incidental in-plane extension are considered. Results on output powers are presented, which exhibit multi-valuedness and jump phenomena.
Discretization of Dynamic Loading in Time History Analysis
Authors: Chang S.-Y.
Published: November 2013

Although the numerical properties of a step-by-step integration method can be evaluated based on the currently available techniques, there is still lack of a technique for evaluating its capability to capture dynamic loading. In this work, the amplitude error caused by the step discretization error is identified and the correlation between the relative amplitude error and relative step discretization error is analytically established. As a result, it is thoroughly confirmed that the asymptotic constant of the discretization error amplification factor for the displacement response to a cosine loading can be considered as an indicator of the capability to capture dynamic loading for a general step-by-step integration method.
An Investigation of Suspension Phenomena of a Large Glass Substrate in a Vertical Transportation by the Arbitrary Lagrangian and Eulerian Method
Authors: Fu W.-S. , Lai Y.-C. , Huang Y. , Huang S.-H.
Published: November 2013

For economizing the space of equipment and increasing the throughput of product, a vertical transportation is usually used for manufacturing a large and thin glass substrate. Due to the fragile characteristic of the large and thin glass substrate, investigation of a method for maintaining the glass substrate stably and safely on a supporting frame during manufacturing processes becomes an important subject. This subject belongs to a kind of moving boundary problem and the method of Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) with a finite element scheme is suitably used to solve it. Also, related methods of the generalized minimal residual method (GMRES) and pressure convection diffusion method are adopted to calculate pneumatic pressures distributed on the glass substrate. The results show that under a low frequency of the vertical transportation the glass substrate stably lies on the supporting frame, oppositely under a high frequency of the vertical transportation the glass substrate has possibility to depart from the supporting frame. The later situation is disadvantageous to the glass substrate and should be avoided as much as possible.
Exploring the Evolution of Lateral Earth Pressure using the Distinct Element Method
Authors: Weng M.-C. , Cheng C.-C. , Chiou J.-S.
Published: November 2013

This study adopted the distinct element method (DEM) to explore the key influencing factors on the variations of lateral earth pressure, including packing type, interior friction angle, particle stiffness and particle size. The reference parameters for the DEM model were retrieved from direct shear tests of a rod assembly. Based on the reference parameters, the evolution of lateral earth pressure is further simulated, and a parametric study was conducted. The results showed that: (1) the analysis model could effectively capture the variation of lateral earth pressure under both active and passive conditions, and the simulated failure patterns were consistent with those from the sandbox tests; (2) the greater interior friction angle ϕinteriordecreased the active coefficientKaand increased the passive coefficientKp; (3) increasing particle stiffness decreased the active coefficientKaand increased the passive coefficientKp; (4) larger particle sizes led to a larger active coefficientKaand a smaller passive coefficientKp; and (5) when the particle assembly was arranged in order, its lateral pressure was much larger than that of the randomly packed assembly.
Segmental distributions and consonant-vowel association patterns in Japanese infant- and adult-directed speech
Authors: TSUJI SHO , NISHIKAWA KENYA , MAZUKA REIKO
Published: November 2013

Japanese infant-directed speech (IDS) and adult-directed speech (ADS) were compared on their segmental distributions and consonant-vowel association patterns. Consistent with findings in other languages, a higher ratio of segments that are generally produced early was found in IDS compared to ADS: more labial consonants and low-central vowels, but fewer fricatives. Consonant-vowel associations also favored the early produced labial-central, coronal-front, coronal-central, and dorsal-back patterns. On the other hand, clear language-specific patterns included a higher frequency of dorsals, affricates, geminates, and moraic nasals in IDS. These segments are frequent in adult Japanese, but not in the early productions or the IDS of other studied languages. In combination with previous results, the current study suggests that both fine-tuning (an increased use of early produced segments) and highlighting (an increased use of language-specifically relevant segments) might modify IDS on the segmental level.
Use of TALP with laboratory powder diffraction data from 2D detectors
Authors: Vallcorba Oriol , Crespi Anna , Rius Jordi , Miravitlles Carles
Published: November 2013

The viability of the direct-space strategy TALP (Vallcorbaet al., 2012b) to solve crystal structures of molecular compounds from laboratory powder diffraction data is shown. The procedure exploits the accurate metric refined from a ‘Bragg-Brentano’ powder pattern to extract later the intensity data from a second ‘texture-free’ powder pattern with the DAJUST software (Vallcorbaet al., 2012a). The experimental setup for collecting this second pattern consists of a circularly collimated X-ray beam and a 2D detector. The sample is placed between two thin Mylar®foils, which reduces or even eliminates preferred orientation. With the combination of the DAJUST and TALP software a preliminary but rigorous structural study of organic compounds can be carried out at the laboratory level. In addition, the time-consuming filling of capillaries with diameters thinner than 0.3mm is avoided.
Atenolol characterization in solid formulations available in Brazilian market
Authors: Salvi S. T. B. , Antonio S. G. , Paiva-Santos C. O.
Published: November 2013

Atenolol is the most used drug in Brazil to hypertension treatment. Two crystal structures are known for this molecule: a racemic form (R,S)-atenolol and a pure form S-atenolol. The racemic form is found in commercial tablets. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is an adequate tool to study crystalline structures including drugs. Using the Rietveld Method with XRD data it is possible to quantify the crystalline structures existing in the raw material. Other methods like Le Bail and Pawley can be used to the profile fit and phases identification. For this work we analyzed three tablets of atenolol, two generics and the reference (materials were purchased from a drugstore at the city of Araraquara). These tablets were analyzed by Rietveld, Le Bail and Pawley methods. All tablets exhibited the racemic mixture API (R,S)-atenolol. Some crystalline excipients could be characterized: magnesium carbonate hydrate, lactose monohydrate and talc. The conclusion is that the three methods can be efficiently used to characterize the three atenolol tablets.
Simultaneous measurement of X-ray powder diffraction and ferroelectric polarisation data as a function of applied electric field at a range of frequencies
Authors: Ryding Stephanie , Cernik Robert , Wooldridge Jenny , Burnett Tim L , Stewart Mark , Vecchini Carlo , Cain Markys G. , Lennie Alistair , Yuan Fajin , Tang Chiu , Thompson Paul
Published: November 2013

A variable frequency ferroelectric polarisation measurement system has been designed and built at the UK's Diamond Light Source. The electric field induced phase transitions in Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 (PZT) have been used to test the facility via in-situ measurements of electric polarisation and XRD. Stroboscopic and real time data collection methods on polycrystalline samples were employed as a function of frequency to determine the dynamic ferroelectric response. The system has been shown to deliver XRD patterns of good statistical quality measured over 40 points of a ferroelectric PE loop. The system is now available on station I11 as a user facility at the Diamond Light Source.
XRD analysis of nanocrystalline anatase powders prepared by various chemical routes: correlations between micro-structure and crystal structure parameters
Authors: Matěj Z. , Matějová L. , Kužel R.
Published: November 2013

Nanocrystalline anatase powders synthesised by various chemical processes as super/subcritical fluid extraction, sol-gel technique and hydrolysis of titanium alkoxides in hydrogen peroxide were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) whole profile modelling method (WPPM) in order to reveal correlations between structural and micro-structural parameters as well as sample treatment conditions. Anisotropy of the diffraction line broadening due to truncated bipyramidal shape of anatase crystals was discussed. The hkl-anisotropy can be very strong but also almost negligible in dependence on relative ratio of the crystallite dimensions. The latter was the case for the studied samples. The size of synthesised anatase nanoparticles was within the range 3–25 nm. The theoretical total surface area of crystallites calculated from XRD was in a good correlation with the surface area measured by the nitrogen physisorption up to the temperature 400–450 °C, when the particles started to agglomerate. At atomic scale a unit cell volume contraction with decreasing crystallite size and a significant deficiency in the Ti-site occupancy was observed. Both effects were attributed to the presence of Ti-vacancies and a linear coefficient between the relative cell volume contraction and the fraction of Ti-vacancies was estimated to (–0.017 ± 0.003).
Temperature dependant structural changes in thin films of random semifluorinated PMMA copolymers
Authors: Jehnichen Dieter , Friedel Peter , Selinger Romy , Korwitz Andreas , Wengenmayr Martin , Berndt Andreas , Pospiech Doris
Published: November 2013

Semifluorinated (SF) side chain polymers show phase separation between polymer backbone and SF side chains. Due to strong interaction between SF segments the side chains determine the structure behaviour strongly, often resulting in layered structures in which backbones and layers of SF side chains alternate. The interest in this work was directed to find out the dependence of these structures on concentration of SF side chains. Thin films of random copolymers consisting of methylmethacrylate (MMA) and semifluorinated side chain methacrylate (SFMA) segments and with different fluorine content in the perfluoroalkyl side chains (abbreviated as H10F10 and H2F8) were prepared by spin-coating. Phase separation and structure changes were initiated by external subsequent annealing. Corresponding bulk material served as basic information. Generation of ordered structures and variation of film parameters were observed using different X-ray scattering methods (XRR, GIWAXS, and GISAXS). The phase behaviour in bulk is governed by the SF side chain amount and their specific fluorine content which control the self-organization tendency of SF side chains. Additionally, the confinement in thin films generates an orientation of side chains normally to film surface.
Rare Earth Distribution in NaRF4: Effect on Up-Conversion Intensity
Authors: Brito H.F. , Hölsä J. , Laamanen T. , Laihinen T. , Lastusaari M. , Rodrigues L.C.V. , Pihlgren L. , Soukka T.
Published: November 2013

The NaYF4:Yb3+,Tb3+ (xYb: 0.20, xTb: 0.04) materials were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The as-prepared material was washed with and without water and thereafter annealed at 500 °C. This resulted in materials with moderate (with water) and very high (without water) up-conversion luminescence intensity. The structural details causing the differences in luminescence intensity were investigated at room temperature with X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld analyses. All materials crystallized in the hexagonal form (P63/m, No. 176, Z: 1.5) with a composition very close to stoichimetric. The local structural details revealed microstrains in the rare earth sublattice that were relaxed for the material with very high up-conversion luminescence intensity thus decreasing energy losses and enhancing up-conversion.
Polymorphism in Ho2(MoO4)3
Authors: González-Silgo C. , Guzmán-Afonso C. , Sánchez-Fajardo V. M. , Acosta-Gutiérrez S. , Sánchez-Soares A. , Torres M. E. , Sabalisck N. , Matesanz E. , Rodríguez-Carvajal J.
Published: November 2013

Two polymorphs of Holmium molybdate, known as β'-phase and γ-phase, were prepared by solid state reaction with different thermal treatments. These polycrystalline samples have been studied for the first time by X-ray thermodiffractometry from room temperature up to 1300 K. We found that the initial β'-phase undergoes a transition to a β-phase and then to a γ-phase. The γ (hydrated)-phase, turns to the γ (dehydrated)-phase and then to the β-phase. Each sequence involves a reversible and an irreversible phase transition for Ho2(MoO4)3. Both polymorphs have remarkable physical properties like nonlinear optics, ferroelectricity and negative thermal expansion. We have calculated the linear expansion coefficients of both phases. We have obtained a positive coefficient for the β'-phase and a negative one for the γ-phase. Moreover, we have made a comparison of the obtained coefficients with previous results for other rare earth molybdates.
The Distance-t Chromatic Index of Graphs
Authors: KAISER TOMÁŠ , KANG ROSS J.
Published: November 2013

We consider two graph colouring problems in which edges at distance at most t are given distinct colours, for some fixed positive integer t. We obtain two upper bounds for the distance-t chromatic index, the least number of colours necessary for such a colouring. One is a bound of (2-ε)Δt for graphs of maximum degree at most Δ, where ε is some absolute positive constant independent of t. The other is a bound of O(Δt/log Δ) (as Δ → ∞) for graphs of maximum degree at most Δ and girth at least 2t+1. The first bound is an analogue of Molloy and Reed's bound on the strong chromatic index. The second bound is tight up to a constant multiplicative factor, as certified by a class of graphs of girth at least g, for every fixed g ≥ 3, of arbitrarily large maximum degree Δ, with distance-t chromatic index at least Ω(Δt/log Δ).
The Past in Belgium: Different Memories and Controversial History in a Divided Society?
Authors: Kesteloot Chantal
Published: November 2013

This contribution focuses on the spirit and the associated behaviours belonging to Belgian society. It deals with the past and, more specifically, with the legacy of the two world wars. In which way did Flemings and Francophones interact? What is the real nature of their relations described from the roots of the many issues and embedded consequences seen even today? Why is there a different vision of the past and how did the situation evolve with the federalization within the country?
Different Images of the Future of the Hungarian Communities in Neighbouring Countries, 1989–2012
Authors: Bárdi Nándor
Published: November 2013

The paper offers a conceptual framework for interpreting the actions, rhetoric and decisions of the Hungarian communities living in neighbouring countries. Its main topic is covering how post-communist social transformations have been linked to the images these different communities have of the future, including expectations, principles and strategic goals.
Document The Dispute over Cyprus: Facts and Interpretations
Authors: Bibó István
Published: November 2013

Along with those case studies he did on the Middle East, the Cyprus case study that is presented here was meant to have been part of István Bibó's Paralysis of International Institutions and the Remedies. A Study of Self-Determination, Concord among the Major Powers, and Political Arbitration (Hassock, Sussex: The Harvester Press, 1976), written between 1965 and 1974, but it was finally left out of the volume. István Bibó (1911–1979) was a seminal Hungarian democratic political thinker, international lawyer, and the last legitimate minister of the 1956 revolution, and, in this case study, he pointed out that there is no such entity as a Cypriot nation. Cyprus is the clashing and splitting area of the Greek and the Turkish nation-making processes. His detailed analysis is based upon this assumption. It has been translated by Péter Pásztor (Szentendre, Hungary).
The association of soda sales tax and school nutrition laws: a concordance of policies
Authors: Greathouse K Leigh , Chriqui Jamie , Moser Richard P , Agurs-Collins Tanya , Perna Frank M
Published: November 2013

Objective

The current research examined the association between state disfavoured tax on soda (i.e. the difference between soda sales tax and the tax on food products generally) and a summary score representing the strength of state laws governing competitive beverages (beverages that compete with the beverages in the federally funded school lunch programme) in US schools.

Design

The Classification of Laws Associated with School Students (CLASS) summary score reflected the strength of a state's laws restricting competitive beverages sold in school stores, vending machines, school fundraisers and à la carte cafeteria items. Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a nationally recognized research initiative that provided state-level soda tax data. The main study outcome was the states’ competitive beverage summary scores for elementary, middle and high school grade levels, as predicted by the states’ disfavoured soda tax. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted, adjusting for year and state.

Setting

Data from BTG and CLASS were used.

Subjects

BTG and CLASS data from all fifty states and the District of Columbia from 2003 to 2010 were used.

Results

A higher disfavoured soda sales tax was generally associated with an increased likelihood of having strong school beverage laws across grade levels, and especially when disfavoured soda sales tax was >5 %.

Conclusions

These data suggest a concordance between states’ soda taxes and laws governing beverages sold in schools. States with high disfavoured sales tax on soda had stronger competitive beverage laws, indicating that the state sales tax environment may be associated with laws governing beverage policy in schools.