bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent changes in total column ozone based on the SBUV Version 8.6 Merged Ozone Data Set
Authors: Frith S. M. , Kramarova N. A. , Stolarski R. S. , McPeters R. D. , Bhartia P. K. , Labow G. J.
Published: August 2014

The Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SBUV) Merged Ozone Data Set (MOD) provides the longest available satellite‐based time series of profile and total ozone from a single instrument type. The data span a 44 year period from 1970 to 2013 (except a 5 year gap in the 1970s). Data from nine independent SBUV‐type instruments are included in the record, one of which is still operating. Although modifications in instrument design were made in the evolution from the Nimbus‐4 Backscattered Ultraviolet instrument to the modern SBUV(/2) model, the basic principles of the measurement technique and retrieval algorithm remain the same, lending consistency to this record compared to those based on measurements using different instrument types. Nevertheless, each instrument has specific characteristics, and known anomalies must be incorporated in the MOD uncertainty estimates. In this study we describe the latest version of the MOD data set based on SBUV data processed using the Version 8.6 algorithm. We assess the measurement consistency across instruments and use this information to assign a drift uncertainty to the MOD. We then fit a multiple regression model to the MOD time series alternately using Equivalent Effective Stratospheric Chlorine (EESC) or linear trend fits over varying time series segments to analyze trends. Regression results indicate a statistically significant positive trend in total ozone outside the tropics based on the EESC proxy fit to the full record, but a linear trend fit to the last 13 years of data does not yield a statistically significant ozone increase.
InSAR measurements of compaction and subsidence in the Ganges‐Brahmaputra Delta, Bangladesh
Authors: Higgins Stephanie A. , Overeem Irina , Steckler Michael S. , Syvitski James P. M. , Seeber Leonardo , Akhter S. Humayun
Published: August 2014

Many of the world′s largest river deltas are sinking due to sediment loading, compaction, and tectonics but also recently because of groundwater extraction, hydrocarbon extraction, and reduced aggradation. Little is known, however, about the full spatial variability of subsidence rates in complex delta systems. This study reconstructs subsidence rates in the eastern portion of the Ganges‐Brahmaputra Delta (GBD), Bangladesh, covering more than 10,000 km2 at a high spatial resolution of 100 m. The map was produced using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) covering the period 2007 to 2011. Eighteen Advanced Land Observing Satellite Phased‐Array L‐band SAR scenes were used to generate 30 interferograms calibrated with GPS. Interferograms were stacked to yield average subsidence rates over the study period. Small Baseline Subset‐InSAR was then applied to validate the results against an additional GPS record from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Land subsidence of 0 to > 10 mm/yr is seen in Dhaka, with variability likely related to local variations in shallow subsurface sediment properties. Outside of the city, rates vary from 0 to > 18 mm/yr, with the lowest rates appearing primarily in Pleistocene Madhupur Clay and the highest rates in Holocene organic‐rich muds. Results demonstrate that subsidence in this delta is primarily controlled by local stratigraphy, with rates varying by more than an order of magnitude depending on lithology. The ability of L‐band InSAR to differentiate between stratigraphic units in this humid, vegetated subtropical river delta demonstrates the power of interferometry as a tool for studying the subsurface in deltaic environments.
SuFEx‐Based Synthesis of Polysulfates
Authors: Dong Jiajia , Sharpless K. Barry , Kwisnek Luke , Oakdale James S. , Fokin Valery V.
Published: August 2014

High‐molecular‐weight polysulfates are readily formed from aromatic bis(silyl ethers) and bis(fluorosulfates) in the presence of a base catalyst. The reaction is fast and proceeds well under neat conditions or in solvents, such as dimethyl formamide or N‐methylpyrrolidone, to provide the desired polymers in nearly quantitative yield. These polymers are more resistant to chemical degradation than their polycarbonate analogues and exhibit excellent mechanical, optical, and oxygen‐barrier properties.
Switchable Bifunctional Stimuli‐Triggered Poly‐N‐Isopropylacrylamide/DNA Hydrogels
Authors: Guo Weiwei , Lu Chun‐Hua , Qi Xiu‐Juan , Orbach Ron , Fadeev Michael , Yang Huang‐Hao , Willner Itamar
Published: August 2014

DNA‐tethered poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide copolymer chains, pNIPAM, that include nucleic acid tethers have been synthesized. They are capable of inducing pH‐stimulated crosslinking of the chains by i‐motif structures or to be bridged by Ag+ ions to form duplexes. The solutions of pNIPAM chains undergo crosslinking at pH 5.2 or in the presence of Ag+ ions to form hydrogels. The hydrogels reveal switchable hydrogel‐to‐solution transitions by the reversible crosslinking of the chains at pH 5.2 and the separation of the crosslinking units at pH 7.5, or by the Ag+ ion‐stimulated crosslinking of the chains and the reverse dissolution of the hydrogel by the cysteamine‐induced elimination of the Ag+ ions. The DNA‐crosslinked hydrogels are thermosensitive and undergo reversible temperature‐controlled hydrogel‐to‐solid transitions. The solid pNIPAM matrices are protected against the OH− or cysteamine‐stimulated dissociation to the respective polymer solutions.
Core–Shell Hollow Microspheres of Magnetic Iron Oxide@Amorphous Calcium Phosphate: Synthesis Using Adenosine 5′‐Triphosphate and Application in pH‐Responsive Drug Delivery
Authors: Lu Bing‐Qiang , Zhu Ying‐Jie , Chen Feng , Qi Chao , Zhao Xin‐Yu , Zhao Jing
Published: August 2014

Drug nanocarriers with magnetic targeting and pH‐responsive drug‐release behavior are promising for applications in controlled drug delivery. Magnetic iron oxides show excellent magnetism, but their application in drug delivery is limited by low drug‐loading capacity and poor control over drug release. Herein, core–shell hollow microspheres of magnetic iron oxide@amorphous calcium phosphate (MIO@ACP) were prepared and investigated as magnetic, pH‐responsive drug nanocarriers. Hollow microspheres of magnetic iron oxide (HMIOs) were prepared by etching solid MIO microspheres in hydrochloric acid/ethanol solution. After loading a drug into the HMIOs, the drug‐loaded HMIOs were coated with a protective layer of ACP by using adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) disodium salt (Na2ATP) as stabilizer, and drug‐loaded core–shell hollow microspheres of MIO@ACP (HMIOs/drug/ACP) were obtained. The as‐prepared HMIOs/drug/ACP drug‐delivery system exhibits superparamagnetism and pH‐responsive drug‐release behavior. In a medium with pH 7.4, drug release was slow, but it was significantly accelerated at pH 4.5 due to dissolution of the ACP shell. Docetaxel‐loaded core–shell hollow microspheres of MIO@ACP exhibited high anticancer activity.
Optimal Control of Switching Times in Switched Stochastic Systems
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Zhang Kanjian , Li Shengtao , Fei Shumin , Wei Haikun
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we solve an optimal control problem for switched stochastic systems using calculus of variations, where the objective is to minimize a cost functional defined on the state and the switching times are the sole control variables. In particular, we focus on the problem in which a pre‐specified sequence of active subsystems is given. For one switching time case, the derivative of the cost functional with respect to the switching time is derived, which has an especially simple form and can be directly used in gradient descent algorithms to locate the optimal switching instant. Then, we propose an approach to deal with the problem with multi‐switching times case. Finally, two numerical examples are given, highlighting the viability and advantages of the proposed methodology.
Long‐term use of metformin and colorectal cancer risk in type II diabetics: a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Cardel Majken , Jensen Sara M. , Pottegård Anton , Jørgensen Trine L. , Hallas Jesper
Published: August 2014

In vitro and animal studies indicate that metformin prevents colorectal cancer (CRC). Epidemiological studies, however, have been equivocal. We undertook this study to assess whether metformin prevents CRC in individuals with type II diabetes. We performed a nested case–control study restricted to Danish citizens with type II diabetes. Data were collected from four Danish nationwide registries. Cases were type II diabetics with a primary CRC between 2000 and 2009, and controls were sampled among subjects with type II diabetes. Long‐term exposure to metformin was defined by the redeeming of prescriptions for a cumulative dose of 2000 g within 5 years prior to the index date. To control for potential confounders, we used unconditional logistic regression. We generated adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the association between metformin and CRC and performed subanalyses for selected subgroups and for the dose–response relation. We identified 2088 cases and 9060 controls during the study period. The association between long‐term metformin use and CRC gave an adjusted OR at 0.83 (95% CI 0.68–1.00). A protective effect on CRC with long‐term use of metformin was only evident for women (OR 0.66 vs. 0.99 for men). There was a significant dose–response association of metformin use >250 defined daily dose (DDD) and for the duration of metformin use >1 year. We found an indication of a protective effect of long‐term metformin use against CRC in type II diabetics, although this effect was only seen in women.
Performance Loss of a Pt‐Based Implantable Glucose Fuel Cell in Simulated Tissue and Cerebrospinal Fluids
Authors: Köhler Christian , Frei Maxi , Zengerle Roland , Kerzenmacher Sven
Published: August 2014

We present an electrode‐resolved analysis of the performance of platinum‐based abiotically catalyzed glucose fuel cells in realistically simulated tissue fluid (STF) and cerebrospinal fluid (SCF). The presence of amino acids and small organic molecules at physiological concentration leads to a drastic breakdown in fuel cell voltage, resulting in a maximum lifetime of 19 h in STF or 37 h in SCF. The performance loss mainly originates from catalyst poisoning at the anode, which causes 92 % or 80 % of the overall fuel cell voltage loss in STF or SCF, respectively. The results underline the necessity to further investigate and improve catalyst poisoning at the anode under realistic body conditions in order to improve the lifetime of platinum‐based implantable glucose fuel cells.
Fettsäuren geben Signal für Rückzug von Entzündung
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: August 2014

Um eine Entzündung zu beenden, muss der Körper sie aktiv auflösen. Die Rückkehr zur Homöostase führen Lipide herbei, die aus Omega‐3‐Fettsäuren hervorgehen. Der Biosyntheseweg des Botenstoffs Protektin D1 ist bekannt, nun wird eine sehr effektive stereoselektive Synthese in acht Stufen vorgestellt.
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program in the era of health reform: A vision forward
Authors: Plescia Marcus , Wong Faye , Pieters Jennifer , Joseph Djenaba
Published: August 2014

For the last 22 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) has provided high quality breast and cervical cancer screening to women who do not have health insurance or who have inadequate insurance. As the health care landscape changes, it is time for CDC to address new identified needs and opportunities to increase cancer screening and to further explore new or expanded roles for the program looking to the future. The NBCCEDP is well positioned to build upon its experience, established clinical and community partnerships, and success in serving disadvantaged and diverse populations to address important barriers to cancer screening that will persist as health reform is implemented. Additionally, the program can adapt its extensive experience with establishing and managing an organized system of delivering cancer screening and apply it to promote a more organized approach to screening through health care systems on a population level. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of evidenced‐based interventions proven effective in increasing cancer screening rates, promising practices and other organizational policy and health systems interventions. Cancer 2014;120(16 suppl):2620‐4. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Mast cells are crucial in the resistance against Toxoplasma gondii oral infection
Authors: Cruz Aline , Mendes Érica Araújo , de Andrade Marcus Vinícius Melo , Nascimento Vanuza Chagas do , Cartelle Christiane T. , Arantes Rosa M. E. , Melo José Renan da Cunha , Gazzinelli Ricardo Tostes , Ropert Catherine
Published: August 2014

During oral infection, mucosal immunity assumes a predominant role. Here, we addressed the role of mast cells (MCs), which are mainly located in mucosa during oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii, using MC‐deficient (W/Wv) mice. We show that in the absence of MCs the resistance of W/Wv mice to oral infection was considerably reduced. W/Wv mice uniformly succumbed within 15 days of infection after administration of cysts of the ME49 strain of T. gondii. The rapid lethality of T. gondii in W/Wv mice correlated with a delayed Th1‐cell response, since IFN‐γ and IL‐12 levels peaked in the later phase of the infection. In vitro, BM‐derived MCs were able to recognize parasite lysate in a MyD88‐dependent way, reaffirming the role of this TLR adapter in immune responses to T. gondii. The importance of MCs in vivo was confirmed when W/Wv mice reconstituted with BM‐derived MCs from control mice retrieved an early strong Th1‐cell response and specially a significant IL‐12 production. In conclusion, MCs play an important role for the development of a protective immune response during oral infection with T. gondii.
Donor–Acceptor 1,4‐Fluorenylene Chromophores: Photophysics, Electrochemistry, and Synthesis through a Route for Asymmetric Chromophore Preparation
Authors: Laughlin Brynna J. , Burdette Mary K. , Powell Chadwick R. , Levy Benjamin E. , Tennyson Andrew G. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: August 2014

Fourteen chromophores of the form 1‐(4‐X‐styryl)‐4‐(4‐nitrostyryl)benzene or 1‐(4‐X‐styryl)‐4‐(4‐nitrostyryl)fluorene have been synthesized with X = CF3, Cl, I, H, CH3, OCH3, or OCH(CH3)3. An innovative synthetic route was developed in the course of this work wherein phosphonium‐phosphonate ester bifunctional precursors were employed. By exploiting steric considerations and the difference in acidity of protons in the position alpha to the phosphonium and phosphonate ester, target asymmetric chromophores were assembled in a straightforward fashion with high selectivity. The photophysical characteristics of the chromophores are described, including notable solvatochromism revealed by measuring photophysical properties in acetonitrile, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, and toluene. Electrochemical analysis by cyclic voltammetry, along with DFT calculations (B3LYP‐6‐31G*) were employed to reveal the HOMO and LUMO distributions and energies, thus providing further understanding of the properties of these materials and the similarities/differences between phenylene‐centered and fluorenylene‐centered chromophores.
First Example of the Intermolecular Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Hydroxyacrylates: Synthesis of All‐Carbon α‐Aryl Quaternary Aldehydes
Authors: Asad Sharif A. , Ulicki Joseph , Shevyrev Maria , Uddin Nazim , Alberch Eduardo , Hossain M. Mahmun
Published: August 2014

A set of acyclic all‐carbon α‐aryl quaternary aldehydes was synthesized by intermolecular palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation (Pd‐AAA). Hydroxyacrylates were used as unprecedented nucleophilic counterparts instead of widely used ketone substrates. This produced a very rare all‐carbon quaternary aldehyde. Chiral ligand (R,R)‐L3 was found to be optimal in this Pd‐AAA reaction and provided good to excellent yields (75–99 %) and enantioselectivities (75–94 %) with a range of analogs.
Human fetal ductal plate revisited. I. ductal plate expresses NCAM, KIT, MET, PDGFRA, and neuroendocrine antigens (NSE, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and CD56)
Authors: Terada Tadashi
Published: August 2014

Background: The molecular mechanisms of ductal plate (DP) development and differentiation (DD) in human fetal livers (HFLs) are unclear. Materials and Methods: The author immunohistochemically investigated expressions of NCAM, KIT, KIT, PDGFRA, and neuroendocrine antigens in 32 HFLs. Results: The processes of human intrahepatic bile duct (IBD) DD could be categorized into four stages: DP, remodeling DP, remodeled DP, and mature IBD. NCAM was always expressed in DP and remodeling DP, but not in remodeled DP and mature IBD. The biliary elements were positive for cytokeratin (CK)7, 8, 18, and 19. The hepatoblasts were positive for CK8 and CD18, but negative for CK7 and CK19; however, periportal hepatoblasts showed biliary‐type CKs (CK7 and CK19). NCAM was always expressed in DP and remodeling DP, but not in remodeled DP and mature IBD. KIT was occasionally (12/32 cases) expressed in DP and remodeling DP, but not in remodeled DP and mature IBD. NCAM expression was also seen in some hepatoblasts and hematopoietic cells and neurons. KIT was also expressed in some hepatoblasts, hematopoietic cells, and mast cells. MET and PDGFRA were strongly expressed in DP, remodeling DP, remodeled DP, and mature IBD. MET and PDGFRA were also strongly expressed in hepatoblasts and hematopoietic cells. MET and PDGFRA were not expressed in portal mesenchyme, portal veins, sinusoids, and hepatic veins. DP showed immunoreactive chromogranin, synaptophysin, neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and CD56. Expressions of chromogranin and CD56 were infrequently seen in remodeling DP. No expressions of these four neuroendocrine antigens were seen in remodeled DP and mature IBD. The nerve fibers were consistently positive for chromogranin, synaptophysin, NSE, and CD56 in the portal mesenchyme in the stages of remodeling DP, remodeled DP, and mature IBDs. Conclusions: The data suggest that NCAM, KIT/stem cell factor‐signaling, NSE, hepatocyte growth factor/MET signaling, PDGFα/PDGFRA signaling, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and CD56 play important roles in DD of biliary cells of HFL. They also suggest that the DP cells having neuroendocrine molecules give rise to hepatic stem/progenitor cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:814–824, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Azines and Azoloazines, Part 1: Reactions of Triazolo[3,4‐a]phthalazine and Its Derivatives with Carbanions
Authors: Zinczenko Wiktoria , Bernard Marek K. , Okulicz‐Kozaryn Irena , Mikolajczak Przemyslaw
Published: August 2014

Triazolo[3,4‐a]phthalazine as well as their chloro and nitro derivatives were subjected to the reactions with the carbanions typical for the vicarious nucleophilic substitution (VNS) of hydrogen. The reactions were strongly dependent on the substituents present on the triazolo[3,4‐a]phthalazine ring and resulted not only in the substitution of hydrogen but also in exchange of chlorine atom and pyridazine ring scission; the latter process dominated for the unsubstituted triazolophthalazine. Two of the products showed promising stimulating activity towards the central nervous system with no significant toxic effects.
Disruption of paranodal axo–glial interaction and/or absence of sulfatide causes irregular type I inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor deposition in cerebellar Purkinje neuron axons
Authors: Ishibashi Tomoko , Kodama Akiko , Baba Hiroko
Published: August 2014

Paranodal axo–glial junctions (PNJs) play an essential role in the organization and maintenance of molecular domains in myelinated axons. To understand the importance of PNJs better, we investigated cerebroside sulfotransferase (CST; a sulfatide synthetic enzyme)‐deficient mice, which partially lack PNJs in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Previously, we reported that axonal mitochondria at the nodes of Ranvier in the PNS were large and swollen in CST‐deficient mice. Although we did not observed significant defects in the nodal regions in several areas of the CNS, myelinated internodal regions showed many focal swellings in Purkinje cell axons in the cerebellum, and the number and the size of swellings increased with age. In the present analysis of various stages of the swellings in 4–12‐week‐old mutant mice, calbindin‐positive axoplasm swellings started to appear at an early stage. After that, accumulation of neurofilament and mitochondria gradually increased, whereas deposition of amyloid precursor protein became prominent later. Ultrastructural analysis showed accumulations of tubular structures closely resembling smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Staining of cerebellar sections of the mutant mice for type I inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) revealed high immunoreactivity within the swellings. This IP3R1 deposition was the initial change and was not observed in development prior to the onset of myelination. This suggests that local calcium regulation through ER was involved in these axonal swellings. Therefore, in addition to the biochemical composition of the internodal myelin sheath, PNJs might also affect maintenance of axonal homeostasis in Purkinje cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identifying the drivers of liking by investigating the reasons for (dis)liking using CATA in cross‐cultural context: a case study on barbecue sauce
Authors: Choi Ji‐Hye , Gwak Mi‐Jin , Chung Seo‐Jin , Kim Kwang‐Ok , O'Mahony Michael , Ishii Rie , Bae Ye‐Won
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

The present study cross‐culturally investigated the drivers of liking for traditional and ethnic chicken marinades using descriptive analysis and consumer taste tests incorporating the check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) method. Seventy‐three Koreans and 86 US consumers participated. The tested sauces comprised three tomato‐based sauces, a teriyaki‐based sauce and a Korean spicy seasoning‐based sauce. Chicken breasts were marinated with each of the five barbecue sauces, grilled and served for evaluation. Descriptive analysis and consumer taste tests were conducted. Consumers rated the acceptance on a hedonic scale and checked the reasons for (dis)liking by the CATA method for each sauce. A general linear model, multiple factor analysis and chi‐square analysis were conducted using the data.

RESULTS

The results showed that the preference orders of the samples between Koreans and US consumers were strikingly similar to each other. However, the reasons for (dis)liking the samples differed cross‐culturally. The drivers of liking of two sauces sharing relatively similar sensory profiles but differing significantly in hedonic ratings were effectively delineated by reasons of (dis)liking CATA results.

CONCLUSION

Reasons for (dis)liking CATA proved to be a powerful supporting method to understand the internal drivers of liking which can be overlooked by generic descriptive analysis. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Biomechanical changes from long‐term freezer storage and cellular reduction of tracheal scaffoldings
Authors: Jones Matthew C. , Rueggeberg Frederick A. , Cunningham Aaron J. , Faircloth Hunter A. , Jana Tanima , Mettenburg Donald , Waller Jennifer L. , Postma Gregory N. , Weinberger Paul M.
Published: August 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine structural biomechanical changes in tracheal scaffolds resulting from cellular reduction and storage at −80oC.

Study Design

Laboratory‐based study.

Methods

Forty‐four rabbit tracheal segments were separated into four treatment groups: untreated (group A, control), cellular‐reduced (group B), storage at −80oC followed by cellular reduction (group C), and cellular‐reduced followed by storage at −80oC (group D). Tracheal segments were subjected to uniaxial tension (n = 21) or compression (n = 23) using a universal testing machine to determine sutured tensile yield load and radial compressive strengths at 50% lumen occlusion. Mean differences among groups for tension and compression were compared by analysis of variance with post‐hoc Tukey‐Kramer test.

Results

The untreated trachea (group A) demonstrated mean yield strength of 5.93 (± 1.65) N and compressive strength of 2.10 (± 0.51) N. Following treatment/storage, the tensile yield strength was not impaired (group B = 6.79 [± 1.58] N, C = 6.21 [± 1.40] N, D = 6.26 [± 1.18]; P > 0.10 each). Following cellular reduction, there was a significant reduction in compressive strength (group B = 0.44 N [± 0.13], P < 0.0001), but no further reduction due to storage (group C = 0.39 N [± 0.10]; P = 0.97 compared to group B).

Conclusion

The data suggest cellular reduction leads to loss of compressive strength. Freezing at −80°C (either before, or subsequent to cellular reduction) may be a viable storage method for tracheal grafts.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 125:E16–E22, 2015
Current issues in wind energy meteorology
Authors: Emeis Stefan
Published: August 2014

This review discusses some of the current issues in wind energy meteorology from the viewpoint of a meteorologist. The focus is on four major subjects: (1) the wind potential, (2) the influence of major terrain inhomogeneities on this wind potential, (3) diurnal wind variations and (4) the impact of wind turbines and wind parks on the flow. The wind potential is addressed by describing vertical profiles of wind and turbulence, trying to give profile laws that are valid throughout the major part of the atmospheric boundary layer and specifying specific offshore turbulence conditions. Flow over forests and gently sloping hills are presented as two examples for the very broad spectrum of possible terrain inhomogeneities. Diurnal variations of wind speed turn out to be height dependent. A major diurnal variation, the formation of low‐level jets, is discussed in detail. Finally, wakes of single turbines and of entire wind parks are addressed and an analytical model for park efficiency and wake is presented. This review gives only a short overview on the spectrum of issues in wind energy meteorology. A few analytical approaches are presented to explain first‐order effects. Detailed investigations of wind and turbulence conditions usually require the use of non‐linear high‐resolution flow models.
THE IMPACT OF ADULT CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN DEVELOPING DEMOCRACIES
Authors: Finkel Steven E.
Published: August 2014

Are individuals in emerging democracies more likely to embrace democratic values, to learn basic knowledge about political processes, and to engage in politics in response to donor‐sponsored civic education programmes? After more than a decade of civic education evaluations, it is a good time to take stock of what we have learned about the impacts of these efforts to strengthen democratic political culture in developing democracies. This article describes four US Agency for International Development‐sponsored evaluations that have been conducted since the late 1990s, summarizes their most important findings, and discusses the lessons learned. I show that civic education can have meaningful and relatively long‐lasting effects in terms of increasing political information, increasing feelings of empowerment, and mobilizing individuals, even in contexts beset by political and ethnic violence. However, these interventions are much less likely to affect ‘deep‐seated’ democratic values such as political tolerance, support, and trust. Moreover, the size of the effects depends critically on how the programmes are designed, the kinds of pedagogical methods employed, and the quality of the trainers. I conclude with a discussion of current developments in the field. © 2014 The Authors. Public Administration and Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balanced double subset difference broadcast encryption scheme
Authors: Wang Shyh‐Yih , Yang Wu‐Chuan , Lin Ying‐Jen
Published: August 2014

Broadcast encryption is a key‐distribution technique for sending encrypted messages to arbitrary groups of users in public channels. When applied to large systems (e.g., pay‐TV), the existing symmetric‐key‐setting schemes usually exhibit high transmission costs; thus, numerous efforts have been made to enhance the transmission performance. However, tremendous additional computation cost or storage size requirements are often necessary. In this paper, a symmetric‐key‐setting scheme, called balanced double subset difference, and its variant, BDSDλ, are proposed. By enlarging the subset collection of the subset difference scheme with special subsets, called balanced subsets, the proposed schemes retain the excellent computational performance of subset difference and offer the capability of reducing transmission costs with a reasonable storage requirement. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extreme weather events and plant–plant interactions: shifts between competition and facilitation among grassland species in the face of drought and heavy rainfall
Authors: Grant Kerstin , Kreyling Juergen , Heilmeier Hermann , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Jentsch Anke
Published: August 2014

Biotic interactions play an important role in ecosystem function and structure in the face of global climate change. We tested how plant–plant interactions, namely competition and facilitation among grassland species, respond to extreme drought and heavy rainfall events. We also examined how the functional composition (grasses, forbs, legumes) of grassland communities influenced the competition intensity for grass species when facing extreme events. We exposed experimental grassland communities of different functional compositions to either an extreme single drought event or to a prolonged heavy rainfall event. Relative neighbour effect, relative crowding and interaction strength were calculated for five widespread European grassland species to quantify competition. Single climatic extremes caused species specific shifts in plant–plant interactions from facilitation to competition or vice versa but the nature of the shifts varied depending on the community composition. Facilitation by neighbouring plants was observed for Arrhenatherum elatius when subjected to drought. Contrarily, the facilitative effect of neighbours on Lotus corniculatus was transformed into competition. Heavy rainfall increased the competitive effect of neighbours on Holcus lanatus and Lotus corniculatus in communities composed of three functional groups. Competitive pressure on Geranium pratense and Plantago lanceolata was not affected by extreme weather events. Neither heavy rainfall nor extreme drought altered the overall productivity of the grassland communities. The complementary responses in competition intensity experienced by grassland species under drought suggest biotic interactions as one stabilizing mechanism for overall community performance. Understanding competitive dynamics under fluctuating resources is important for assessing plant community shifts and degree of stability of ecosystem functions.
Younger age and female sex predict a better therapeutic response in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients to entecavir therapy
Authors: Su Wei‐Chih , Hsieh Tsung‐Cheng , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Tseng Kuo‐Chih , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Lin Chih‐Lin , Su Tung‐Hung , Hsiao Tsung‐Hsien , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Lin Hans Hsienhong , Wang Chia‐Chi , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: August 2014

Background

Clinical trials and real‐world data confirm the efficacy of entecavir treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB); however, the factors associated with a favorable response remain unknown.

Methods

In a retrospective multicenter study, 132 treatment‐naïve hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive CHB patients (71% male; median age, 40.2 years) received entecavir therapy for >2 years. At baseline, 15% of these patients had cirrhosis. The primary endpoint was HBeAg loss at 2 years of entecavir treatment.

Results

The rates of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization at treatment Year 1 and Year 2 were 86% and 88%, respectively. The cumulative rate of HBeAg loss at treatment Year 1 and Year 2 were 17% and 33.3%, respectively. The rates of undetectable levels of serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) at treatment Year 1 and Year 2 were 64% and 80.8%, respectively. In univariate analysis, HBeAg loss at 2 years was associated with a young age (≤35 years; p = 0.007) and a high baseline ALT level (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, and ALT level [>5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN)] showed that a young age (odds ratio, 2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–5.92) and male sex (odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.83) were independent factors associated with HBeAg loss at 2 years of therapy.

Conclusion

Two‐year entecavir therapy has good biochemical and virologic responses; however, the rate of HBeAg loss is modest in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients. A young age (i.e., ≤35 years) and female sex were also associated with a better serologic response.
Distinction between the Youngest Toba Tuff and Oldest Toba Tuff from northern Sumatra based on the area density of spontaneous fission tracks in their glass shards
Authors: Westgate John A. , Pearce Nicholas J.G. , Gatti Emma , Achyuthan Hema
Published: August 2014

Determination of the area density of spontaneous fission tracks (ρs) in glass shards of Toba tephra is a reliable way to distinguish between the Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT) and the Oldest Toba Tuff (OTT). The ρsvalues for YTT, uncorrected for partial track fading, range from 70 to 181 tracks/cm2with a weighted mean of 108 ± 5 tracks/cm2, based on 15 samples. Corrected ρsvalues for YTT are in the range of 77–140 tracks/cm2with a weighted mean of 113 ± 8 tracks/cm2, within the range of uncorrected ρsvalues. No significant difference in ρsexists between YTT samples collected from marine and continental depositional settings. The uncorrected ρsfor OTT is 1567 ± 114 tracks/cm2so that confusion with YTT is unlikely.

The ρsvalues of the Toba tephra at Bori, Morgaon, and Gandhigram in northwestern India indicate a YTT identity, in agreement with geochemical data on their glass shards, the presence of multiple glass populations, and a glass fission-track age determination. Therefore, the view of others that OTT is present at these sites – and thereby indicates an early Pleistocene age for the associated Acheulean artifacts – is incorrect.
Varieties of English in the urban landscapes of Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Authors: Danielewicz-Betz Anna , Graddol David
Published: August 2014

The border between mainland China and Hong Kong has become one of the world's most fascinating linguistic divides. On one side lies the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen, stretching the entire length of the border – an extraordinary urban development which in many ways epitomises the recent urbanisation of modern China. On the other side lies the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of Hong Kong (see Figure 1). It is not possible to cross from Hong Kong to mainland China by land without passing through one of the Shenzhen checkpoints.
IN THE SHADOW OF “PROPHETIC LEGISLATION”: THE VENTURE OF PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY AFTER AVICENNA
Authors: Kaya M. Cüneyt
Published: August 2014

The article aims to demonstrate that Avicenna's (d. 428/1037) centrality in Islamic intellectual history is not restricted to the branches of theoretical philosophy; rather, he also has had a deep and strong influence on the conception of practical philosophy until modern times. I will discuss the impact of Avicenna's view of practical philosophy by analyzing his different classifications of practical philosophy throughout his career and the factors behind his disregard for practical philosophy in his philosophicalsummason the basis of his view of the relationship between philosophy andšarīʿa. To demonstrate my argument regarding Avicenna's influence on the conception of practical philosophy in Islamic tradition, I will refer to major works on the classification of sciences, and the commentaries (šurūḥ) and glosses (ḥāwāšī) on the two most important and widely circulated philosophicalsummasin the post-Avicennan philosophy, which are al-Abharī's (d. 663/1264)Hidāyat al-ḥikmaand al-Kātibī's (d. 675/1276)Ḥikmat al-ʿayn.
Lexical and Phonological Processing in Visual Word Recognition by Stuttering Children: Evidence from Spanish
Authors: Álvarez Carlos J. , Hernández-Jaramillo Janeth , Hernández-Cabrera Juan A.
Published: August 2014

A number of studies have pointed out that stuttering-like disfluencies could be the result of failures in central and linguistic processing. The goal of the present paper is to analyze if stuttering implies deficits in the lexical and phonological processing in visual word recognition. This study compares the performance of 28 children with and without stuttering in a standard lexical decision task in a transparent orthography: Spanish. Word frequency and syllable frequency were manipulated in the experimental words. Stutterers were found to be considerably slower (in their correct responses) and produced more errors than the non- stutterers (χ(1) = 36.63, p < .001, η2 = .60). There was also a facilitation effect of syllable frequency, restricted to low frequency words and only in the stutterers group (t1(10) = 3.67, p < .005; t2(36) = 3.10, p < .001). These outcomes appear to suggest that the decoding process of stutterers exhibits a deficit in the interface between the phonological-syllabic level and the word level.
Case Report of Multiple Valve Disease Found in Triplets
Authors: Molnár Andrea Á. , Kovács Attila , Apor Astrid , Tárnoki Ádám D. , Tárnoki Dávid L. , Horváth Tamás , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Kiss Róbert G. , Jermendy György , Merkely Béla
Published: August 2014

Valvular heart disease is a multifactorial disorder. Twin studies may help to better understand both genetic and environmental determinants contributing to the development of valve lesions. We describe the case of a 45-year-old female asymptomatic triplet with multiple valvular heart lesions, with a somewhat different pattern between the dizygotic twin pairs compared with the monozygotic twin pair. After thorough assessment of medical history and physical examination, the triplet underwent two- and three-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic examinations to assess the pathomechanism and severity of their heart valve lesions. The monozygotic twin pair (second-born twin B and third-born twin C) showed the same pattern of valvular lesions: mild mitral, tricuspidal, and aortic regurgitation of the same pathomechanism (posterior mitral valve cleft and aortosclerosis). Interestingly, the examination of first-born twin (twin A), who was dizygotic to twins B and C, revealed mild protosystolic mitral and mild tricuspidal regurgitation, but neither aortic insufficiency nor mitral cleft or indentation could be detected. Beyond the genetic effect, we presume that the intrauterine twinning process might also play a role in the development of congenital valvular heart disease. In order to verify this, further investigation should be performed on larger twin populations. Nevertheless, when one twin is affected, the other asymptomatic twin should also be examined for valvular heart disease.
Large Area Stress Distribution in Crystalline Materials Calculated from Lattice Deformation Identified by Electron Backscatter Diffraction
Authors: Shao Yongliang , Zhang Lei , Hao Xiaopeng , Wu Yongzhong , Dai Yuanbin , Tian Yuan , Huo Qin
Published: August 2014

We report a method to obtain the stress of crystalline materials directly from lattice deformation by Hooke's law. The lattice deformation was calculated using the crystallographic orientations obtained from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technology. The stress distribution over a large area was obtained efficiently and accurately using this method. Wurtzite structure gallium nitride (GaN) crystal was used as the example of a hexagonal crystal system. With this method, the stress distribution of a GaN crystal was obtained. Raman spectroscopy was used to verify the stress distribution. The cause of the stress distribution found in the GaN crystal was discussed from theoretical analysis and EBSD data. Other properties related to lattice deformation, such as piezoelectricity, can also be analyzed by this novel approach based on EBSD data.
Ion counting in supercapacitor electrodes using NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Griffin John M. , Forse Alexander C. , Wang Hao , Trease Nicole M. , Taberna Pierre-Louis , Simon Patrice , Grey Clare P.
Published: August 2014

19F NMR spectroscopy has been used to study the local environments of anions in supercapacitor electrodes and to quantify changes in the populations of adsorbed species during charging. In the absence of an applied potential, anionic species adsorbed within carbon micropores (in-pore) are distinguished from those in large mesopores and spaces between particles (ex-pore) by a characteristic nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS). Adsorption experiments and two-dimensional exchange experiments confirm that anions are in dynamic equilibrium between the in- and ex-pore environments with an exchange rate in the order of tens of Hz.19Fin situNMR spectra recorded at different charge states reveal changes in the intensity and NICS of the in-pore resonances, which are interpreted in term of changes in the population and local environments of the adsorbed anions that arise due to the charge-storage process. A comparison of the results obtained for a range of electrolytes reveals that several factors influence the charging mechanism. For a tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate electrolyte, positive polarisation of the electrode is found to proceed by anion adsorption at a low concentration, whereas increased ion exchange plays a more important role for a high concentration electrolyte. In contrast, negative polarization of the electrode proceeds by cation adsorption for both concentrations. For a tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate electrolyte, anion expulsion is observed in the negative charging regime; this is attributed to the reduced mobility and/or access of the larger cations inside the pores, which forces the expulsion of anions in order to build up ionic charge. Significant anion expulsion is also observed in the negative charging regime for alkali metal bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide electrolytes, suggesting that more subtle factors also affect the charging mechanism.
Cyclodextrin-scaffolded amphiphilic aminoglucoside clusters: self-assembling and gene delivery capabilities
Authors: Aguilar Moncayo Eva M. , Guilloteau Nicolas , Bienvenu Céline , Jiménez Blanco José L. , Di Giorgio Christophe , Vierling Pierre , Benito Juan M. , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , García Fernández José M.
Published: August 2014

The self-assembling and gene transfer capabilities of monodisperse amphiphilic aminoglucoside–cyclodextrin conjugates depend on the amino disposition at the glycationic head.
Routes to tin chalcogenide materials as thin films or nanoparticles: a potentially important class of semiconductor for sustainable solar energy conversion
Authors: Lewis David J. , Kevin Punarja , Bakr Osman , Muryn Christopher A. , Malik Mohammad Azad , O'Brien Paul
Published: August 2014

A review of synthetic routes to tin chalcogenides and CTZS, promising materials for sustainable photovoltaics.
Gemcitabine induced supramolecular hydrogelations of aldehyde-containing short peptides
Authors: Ren Chunhua , Xu Chao , Li Dongxia , Ren He , Hao Jihui , Yang Zhimou
Published: August 2014

Supramolecular hydrogels can be formed by the addition of gemcitabine to aldehyde-containing peptides.
Selective adsorption of CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 within a charged metal–organic framework
Authors: Kong Lidan , Zou Ruyi , Bi Wenzhu , Zhong Ruiqin , Mu Weijun , Liu Jia , Han Ray P. S. , Zou Ruqiang
Published: August 2014

A new ultramicroporous metal–organic framework with an anionic framework and counter cations accommodated in the large channels is reported for CO2 capture.
Polyelectrolyte multilayer-assisted fabrication of p-Cu2S/n-CdS heterostructured thin-film phototransistors
Authors: Sharma Ramphal , Cai Gangri , Shinde Dipak V. , Patil Supriya A. , Shaikh Shaheed , Ghule Anil Vithal , Mane Rajaram S. , Han Sung-Hwan
Published: August 2014

We demonstrate meticulous fabrication of p-Cu2S/n-CdS heterojunction thin films using a facile wet-chemical approach.
Switching on ubiquitylation by phosphorylating a ubiquitous activator
Authors: Shaw Gary S.
Published: August 2014

The dysfunction of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin is a key contributor to the development of early-onset Parkinson's disease. Parkin is responsible for the labelling of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins with the small modifier protein ubiquitin in response to oxidative stress. This ubiquitylation signals the clearance of the damaged mitochondria to preserve overall cell health. Recent structural and biochemical experiments have shown that native Parkin exists in an autoinhibited state that must be activated in order to unmask its full ubiquitylation potential. In a recent article in the Biochemical Journal (vol. 460, pp. 127–139), Kazlauskaite and co-workers identified that the Parkinson's disease-associated kinase PINK1 [PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10)-induced putative kinase 1] can phosphorylate ubiquitin in response to mitochondrial depolarization. Furthermore, the authors demonstrated that phosphorylated ubiquitin can activate Parkin's E3 ligase activity and promote both increased autoubiquitylation and substrate ubiquitylation of the mitochondrial protein Miro1. The study provides exciting initial insights that show how PINK1 might activate ubiquitin through phosphorylation, and how this important regulatory step might switch on Parkin-mediated ubiquitylation.
Use of the ADOS for Assessing Spontaneous Expressive Language in Young Children With ASD: A Comparison of Sampling Contexts
Authors: Kover Sara T. , Davidson Meghan M. , Sindberg Heidi A. , Weismer Susan Ellis
Published: August 2014

Purpose

The current study compared the spontaneous expressive language of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across multiple language sampling contexts: the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS; Lord, Rutter, DiLavore, & Risi, 1999) and play with an examiner or parent.

Method

Participants were children with ASD (
n
= 63; 55 boys) with a mean age of 45 months (
SD
= 3.94, range = 37–53). The number of utterances produced; percentage of intelligible utterances; number of different words; mean length of utterance; and the number of requests, comments, and instances of turn-taking were calculated for the ADOS, examiner–child play, and parent–child play. Children were categorized into Tager-Flusberg et al.'s (2009) developmental language phases for each context.

Results

Effects of sampling context were identified for all variables examined. The ADOS resulted in fewer utterances and lower structural and pragmatic language performance than examiner–child play and/or parent–child play. Categorization of children into language phases differed across contexts.

Conclusions

Use of the ADOS as a language sampling context may lead to underestimating the abilities of young children with ASD relative to play with an examiner or parent. Researchers and clinicians should be aware of context effects, particularly for assessments designed to observe autism symptoms.