bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MHD mixed convective heat and mass transfer in a viscoelastic fluid in a porous medium towards a stretching sheet with viscous‐Ohmic heating and chemical reaction
Authors: Pal Dulal , Chatterjee Sewli
Published: July 2013

A numerical model is developed to analyse the combined effects of mixed convection magnetohydrodynamic heat and mass transfer in a viscoelastic fluid in a porous medium with chemical reaction, non‐uniform heat source/sink and viscous‐Ohmic dissipation. The governing boundary layer equations for momentum, energy and species transfer are transformed to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using similarity solutions which are then solved numerically. The effects of magnetic field on local skin‐friction, local Nusselt number and local Sherwood number are studied for various physical parameters. The results show that there are significant effects of various physical parameters on velocity profiles, temperature and concentration profiles.
Nutritional Targets for Modulation of the Microbiota in Obesity
Authors: Pimentel Gustavo D. , Micheletti Thayana O. , Pace Fernanda
Published: July 2013

Preclinical Research

The gut microbiota is being increasingly appreciated by both clinical and research professionals as the human ancestral genome has undergone modification by the microbes that colonize the human body. The gut is now known to be a key metabolic organ that contains some 15 000 bacterial species that influence health and chronic diseases, the latter including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hepatic steatosis, and hypertension. Based on the potentially beneficial effects of nutrients, this review discusses how obesity disturbs the gut microbiota. Additionally, the main dietary nutrients known to modulate the intestine microbiome were highlighted.
Therapeutic Potential of the Human Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Authors: Borody Thomas J. , Peattie Debra , Campbell Jordana
Published: July 2013

Clinical Development Phases I‐III Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing

Scientific breakthroughs in deciphering the human gut microbiome and the clinical success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (R‐CDI) are driving therapeutic advances based on human gut microbiota. Due to the powerful therapeutic capacity of FMT and the keen interest for FMT‐related products approved by regulatory agencies it is timely to review the growing field of therapeutics rooted in the human microbiome, emphasizing FMT but also considering probiotics, vaccines, bacteriophages, and bioactive products. The diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics and the increasing rates of antibiotic resistance have renewed interest in finding alternative methods to combat bacterial infections. Despite pharmaceutical investment in developing new and more effective antibiotics, infectious disease experts warn of a compelling need to develop antibacterial agents distinct from antibiotics. Probiotics have been recognized as beneficial to human health for over one hundred years. The most powerful probiotic of all, the gastrointestinal microbiota, houses approximately 100 trillion species of bacteria, many of which produce a wealth of potent components, such as antimicrobial bacteriocins, metabolites, vitamins, and bacteriophages. The success of human gut microbiota in treating R‐CDI and restoring gut homeostasis has highlighted the power of “nature's complete probiotic” and is propelling fecal microbiota along a therapeutic biologic regulatory path. Clinical use of FMT in R‐CDI has also taught us that other conditions, e.g., ulcerative colitis, characterized by superinfected and dysbiotic microbiomes may benefit from restoring gut homeostasis with normal microbiota, leading to active efforts to develop therapeutics from the human gut microbiome.
Iron‐rich nanoparticles formed by aeolian abrasion of desert dune sand
Authors: Baddock Matthew , Boskovic Lucija , Strong Craig , McTainsh Grant , Bullard Joanna , Agranovski Igor , Cropp Roger
Published: July 2013

Iron‐rich nanoparticles in aeolian mineral dust are of considerable importance to biogeochemical cycles. A major determinant of the chemical characteristics of nanoparticles is the parent sediment they are sourced from. The abrasion of dune sand has previously been shown to produce coarse dust (>1 μm) during the occurrence of aeolian saltation. In this study, Australian red dune sands were laboratory abraded and emission of particles 18–414 nm was observed throughout the experiment duration (∼1 h). The mean size of particles was 130 nm at the start of the test, but this gradually decreased to 110 nm at the end. The number concentration of particles approximately trebled over the course of the experiment with results suggesting that collisions between mobile sand grains led to the production of new nanosized particles over time. Chemical analysis revealed that these nanoparticles were highly abundant in iron, with some aluminium present. This chemical composition suggests that nanoparticles are produced from the clay coatings surrounding the parent sand grains. The study shows that abrasion from saltation occurring in Australian dune sands can release iron‐rich nanoparticles, making them available for downwind transport during blowing dust events.
Formation of double‐layered ejecta craters on Mars: A glacial substrate model
Authors: Weiss David K. , Head James W.
Published: July 2013

A class of Martian impact craters with particularly unusual ejecta characteristics (double‐layered ejecta (DLE) craters) are preferentially located in the midlatitudes in both hemispheres of Mars. Unlike today, decameters thick deposits of snow and ice occupied these same latitudes for significant periods during the Amazonian period. We assess the hypothesis that the unusual double‐layer morphology could be related to impact into a snow and ice glacial substrate followed by landsliding of ejecta off of the structurally uplifted rim. We find that many characteristics of DLE craters (e.g., latitudinal distribution, lack of secondaries, landslide‐like textures, evidence for overthrusting, relation to other crater types, etc.) are consistent with such an origin.
Seasonal to interannual variations in the intensity and central position of the surface Kuroshio east of Taiwan
Authors: Hsin Yi‐Chia , Qiu Bo , Chiang Tzu‐Ling , Wu Chau‐Ron
Published: July 2013

Seasonal and interannual changes of surface Kuroshio intensity and central position east of Taiwan during 1993–2012 are investigated by quantitatively analyzing the satellite altimetry product. The Kuroshio moves inshore (offshore) off northeast of Taiwan in winter (summer), whereas it has an offshore (inshore) path off southeast of Taiwan in winter (summer). The seasonal change of heat flux over the East China Sea shelf is found to cause the seasonality of the Kuroshio central position off northeast of Taiwan, whereas the seasonal Kuroshio movement off southeast of Taiwan is found to be induced by the combined effect of the Kuroshio changes through the Luzon Strait and the eastern Luzon Island. In contrast to this y‐dependent path changes, the Kuroshio becomes weaker (stronger) as a whole east of Taiwan in winter (summer). On the interannual time scales, the Kuroshio throughout the eastern coast of Taiwan intensifies and has a concurrent offshore path during the periods of 1995–1997 and 2004–2007. The relative intensity of cyclonic eddies to anticyclonic eddies off eastern Taiwan are found to contribute to these interannual Kuroshio changes.
Integrating a process‐based ecosystem model with Landsat imagery to assess impacts of forest disturbance on terrestrial carbon dynamics: Case studies in Alabama and Mississippi
Authors: Chen Guangsheng , Tian Hanqin , Huang Chengquan , Prior Stephen A. , Pan Shufen
Published: July 2013

Forest ecosystems in the southern United States are dramatically altered by three major disturbances: timber harvesting, hurricane, and permanent land conversion. Understanding and quantifying effects of disturbance on forest carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles is critical for sustainable forest management in this region. In this study, we introduced a process‐based ecosystem model for simulating forest disturbance impacts on ecosystem carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles. Based on forest mortality data classified from Landsat TM/ETM + images, this model was then applied to estimate changes in carbon storage using Mississippi and Alabama as a case study. Mean annual forest mortality rate for these states was 2.37%. Due to frequent disturbance, over 50% of the forest land in the study region was less than 30 years old. Forest disturbance events caused a large carbon source (138.92 Tg C, 6.04 Tg C yr‐1; 1 Tg = 1012 g) for both states during 1984–2007, accounting for 2.89% (4.81% if disregard carbon storage changes in wood products) of the total forest carbon storage in this region. Large decreases and slow recovery of forest biomass were the main causes for carbon release. Forest disturbance could result in a carbon sink in few areas if wood product carbon was considered as a local carbon pool, indicating the importance of accounting for wood product carbon when assessing forest disturbance effects. The legacy effects of forest disturbance on ecosystem carbon storage could last over 50 years. This study implies that understanding forest disturbance impacts on carbon dynamics is of critical importance for assessing regional carbon budgets.
Validation of isotope dilution surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (IDSERS) as a higher order reference method for clinical measurands employing international comparison schemes
Authors: Zakel Sabine , Wundrack Stefan , O'Connor Gavin , Güttler Bernd , Stosch Rainer
Published: July 2013

Isotope dilution surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (IDSERS) was established as a higher order reference measurement method for clinical measurands in international comparison schemes and in direct comparison with established mass spectrometric methods. IDSERS represents the most accurate and precise quantitative Raman technique and is capable of providing SI‐traceable amount‐of‐substance measurements. IDSERS has now been validated by participation in two international ring trials organized within the framework of the Metre Convention on the determination of biomarkers in human serum. The concentration of creatinine has been measured in two human serum samples supplied by the study organizer. The results obtained by IDSERS agree excellently with the data reported by participating national metrology institutes using mass spectrometry, and the associated uncertainties are within the claimed limits of equivalence. The performance and applicability of IDSERS were thereby convincingly demonstrated. This has led to the approval of the method as a higher order reference measurement procedure, which is now listed in a publicly accessible database maintained by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of mixture design to construct a consortium of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit extract and potentially probiotic Bacillus strain to confer protection against vibriosis in Artemia culture
Authors: Mahdhi Abdelkarim , Bahi Abir , Mzah Dorra , Bakhrouf Amina
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

To find a biological control treatment applicable to shrimp hatcheries, the influence of the dietary administration of a consortium of two date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit extracts and potentially probiotic Bacillus strain on Artemia culture was studied. Challenge tests were performed with virulent Vibrio alginolyticus to assess the protective effects of Deglet Nour and Degla fruit extracts alone or in conjunction with potentially probiotic Bacillus strain.

RESULTS

Under the conducted bioassays, where Deglet Nour and Degla fruit extracts were used singly or in association with potentially probiotic Bacillus strain, the survival and growth rates of Artemia nauplii were improved. Nauplii protection against virulent Vibrio strain was highest using a feed comprising 2.7% Deglet Nour/97.3% Deglat extract and no Bacillus bacteria.

CONCLUSION

The present findings provide evidence that the use of palm fruit extracts singly or in conjunction with potentially probiotic Bacillus strain has tremendous potential as a biocontrol treatment for Artemia culture, particularly with regard to improving culture conditions and the ability to inhibit bacterial pathogens under in vivo conditions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
European randomized lung cancer screening trials: Post NLST
Authors: Field John K. , van Klaveren Rob , Pedersen Jesper H. , Pastorino Ugo , Paci Eugino , Becker Nikolauss , Infante Maurizo , Oudkerk Matthijs , de Koning Harry J. ,   on behalf of the European Randomized Screening Trial Group
Published: July 2013

Overview of the European randomized lung cancer CT screening trials (EUCT) is presented with regard to the implementation of CT screening in Europe; post NLST. All seven principal investigators completed a questionnaire on the epidemiological, radiological, and nodule management aspects of their trials at August 2010, which included 32,000 people, inclusion of UKLS pilot trial will reach 36,000. An interim analysis is planned, but the final mortality data testing is scheduled for 2015. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013 108:280–286. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spontaneous and Deliberate Dissociative States in Military Personnel: Are Such States Helpful?
Authors: Morgan Charles A. , Taylor Marcus K.
Published: July 2013

This study explored distinctions between spontaneous and deliberate dissociative states in 335 military personnel exposed to stressful survival training. Participants completed the Clinician‐Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) after a stressful mock‐captivity event. They were also asked to indicate whether the dissociative experiences just happened (i.e., spontaneous), or whether they chose to have them happen (i.e., deliberate); and whether they appraised the dissociative experience as helpful (i.e., facilitative) or hurtful (i.e., debilitative) to their ability to cope with the stressful event. A majority (95.4%) endorsed dissociative states during stress. More than half (57.4%) described dissociative experiences as spontaneous, 13.0% as deliberate, and 29.5% endorsed neither. In Special Forces soldiers only, those who endorsed facilitative dissociation exhibited higher total CADSS scores than those who endorsed debilitative dissociation. Seventy‐three percent of spontaneous dissociators described the experience as debilitative to coping with stress; conversely, 76% of deliberate dissociators said these experiences facilitated coping with stress. Individuals with prior trauma exposure tended to appraise dissociative states as more debilitative to coping. This research may enhance the fidelity of studies of dissociation constructs and may offer pivot points for prevention and treatment of stress‐related disorders.
Occult cytomegalovirus cholangitis as a potential cause of cholestatic complications after orthotopic liver transplantation? A study of cytomegalovirus DNA in bile
Authors: Gotthardt Daniel Nils , Senft Jonas , Sauer Peter , Weiss Karl Heinz , Flechtenmacher Christa , Eckerle Isabella , Schaefer Yvonne , Schirmacher Peter , Stremmel Wolfgang , Schemmer Peter , Schnitzler Paul
Published: July 2013

Cholestatic complications, important causes of morbidity and mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), often have an unclear etiology. Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections occur in immunosuppressed patients and can be detected in blood samples. However, CMV analyses of body fluids and biopsies are more sensitive. Here we evaluated whether a CMV analysis of bile could reveal occult CMV cholangitis. We evaluated OLT patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) for suspected biliary complications after OLT at a tertiary care center. Biliary CMV DNA levels were measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction. A nonanastomotic biliary lesion (NABL) group consisted of patients with nonanastomotic strictures (NASs) at the time of ERC (n = 59) and patients with normal ERC findings but microscopic biliary lesions in biopsy samples (n = 12). The anastomotic stricture (AS) group comprised patients with ASs only (n = 53). In all, 124 OLT patients underwent 240 ERC procedures. Biliary CMV DNA was detected in 14 of the 124 patients and was more frequently found in the NABL group (12/71 for the NABL group versus 2/53 for the AS group, P = 0.02). Concurrent sampling of CMV DNA in blood yielded negative results. Biliary CMV was more frequently detected in patients with a positive recipient status (13/73 or 17.8% versus 1/44 or 2.3%, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of biliary CMV between patients with a high-risk CMV status and patients with a low-risk CMV status. The median interval between OLT and biliary CMV detection was 8.4 months (range = 0.4-212.8 months). In conclusion, biliary CMV was detected in a substantial number of patients after OLT and was significantly associated with NASs or microscopic biliary lesions. A potential occult CMV infection could, therefore, be considered as a contributory etiological factor in the development of biliary complications. Liver Transpl 19:1142–1150, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Down-staging of hepatocellular carcinoma via external-beam radiotherapy with subsequent liver transplantation: A case report
Authors: Wigg Alan , Hon Kenneth , Mosel Leigh , Sladden Nicole , Palumbo Kevin
Published: July 2013

Despite the widespread use of locoregional therapies [radiofrequency ablation and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)], there is currently a lack of high-quality evidence supporting their use for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients on the liver transplantation (LT) waiting list or requiring down-staging. Radiotherapy has rarely been used in this setting and has usually been in the form of more complex and less accessible techniques such as proton-beam and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Only 1 report describes the use of conventional 3-dimensional conformal external-beam radiotherapy (cEBRT) techniques as neoadjuvant or down-staging therapy for patients who are LT candidates. This report describes the use of cEBRT in a 52-year-old hepatitis C–positive man with cirrhosis. A 40-mm right lobe HCC was treated initially with TACE while he was on the waiting list. The lesion progressed beyond transplant criteria (76 mm). Conventional external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) was used (54 Gy in 27 fractions) to down-stage the lesion. EBRT was well tolerated and resulted in a complete radiological response with no arterial enhancement of the lesion for a total of 16 months. Subsequent LT and a review of the explant demonstrated complete histological necrosis of the lesion. This report provides the first description of complete histological necrosis of HCC through the use of cEBRT techniques as down-staging/neoadjuvant therapy before LT. Because of its potential efficacy, accessibility, tolerability, noninvasive and outpatient nature, and ability to treat lesions adjacent to vessels and biliary structures, further trials examining the efficacy of cEBRT versus other neoadjuvant techniques are urgently required. Liver Transpl 19:1119–1124, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Pathological analysis of opened round ligaments as venous patch grafts in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Ikegami Toru , Wang Huanlin , Imai Daisuke , Bekki Yuki , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Yamashita Yo-Ichi , Toshima Takeo , Soejima Yuji , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: July 2013

Although the round ligament, including the umbilical vein, could be used as a venous graft in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), no studies have determined its appropriate use on the basis of pathological findings. We prospectively examined 19 LDLT cases in which the donor's round ligament was procured and used as a venous graft. The round ligaments were categorized into 3 types based on the CD31 immunohistochemistry of tissue cross-sections: (I) canalized umbilical veins (n = 7 or 36.8%), (II) capillary umbilical vessels (n = 4 or 21.1%), and (III) occluded umbilical veins (n = 8 or 42.1%). After dilatation and incision, the round ligaments provided patch grafts that were 5.8 ± 0.4 cm long and 1.8 ± 1.2 cm wide. However, histological studies showed the absence of fine intimal layers on the dilated round ligaments after mechanical maneuvers. The ligaments were used to cuff the venous orifices in 15 patients (left lobe, n = 8; right lobe, n = 7) and were used as venous bridges in 4 patients (left lobe, n = 2; right lobe, n = 2). We detected no thrombosis at the implant sites after LDLT. Our pathological findings indicate that opened round ligaments can be used safely as venous patch grafts in LDLT. Liver Transpl 19:1245–1251, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
δ13C and δ15N Characterization of Modern Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) from the Patagonian Andean Forest. Scope and Limitations of Their Use as a Geographical Marker
Authors: Tessone Augusto , Fernández Pablo Marcelo , Bellelli Cristina , Panarello Héctor
Published: July 2013

This paper presents an isotopic characterization (δ13C and δ15N) of modern huemul from Patagonian Andean forest. This deer is considered an endemic species, now inhabiting the sub‐Antarctic forest of Chile and Argentina. We analyse if the isotopic signals of the modern huemuls can be used as geographic markers on two distinct spatial scales. Firstly, on the intra‐forest level, we analyse the relation between the δ13C and δ15N of the huemul and the annual precipitation in the place in which the sample was collected. Secondly, on the inter‐environmental level, we evaluate to what extent the huemul's isotopic signal differs from that of the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), an herbivore that occupies Patagonia's continental steppe. The results reveal that, on the one hand, there is no relation between the isotopic values of modern huemules and precipitation levels, whereas on the other hand, the modern huemul is different from the guanaco in both isotopes. We believe that this difference between the herbivores is associated with the isotopic signals at the base trophic chain, which is influenced by the precipitation gradient. In this way, even though for now, these isotopic markers turn out not to be useful for differentiating between huemuls coming from sectors of the forest with marked differences in precipitation, it is possible to distinguish herbivores coming from the forest and steppe of continental Patagonia, enabling the use of δ13C and δ15N as geographic markers. The isotopic characterization of δ13C and δ15N of the modern huemuls and its relation to the Patagonian Andean forest has strong implications for paleoecological and archaeological aspects of this environment, including the biogeographical history of the huemul, and in order to the test the models of use and exploitation of the forest by hunter‐gatherers in the past. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic approach to relief and flare systems evaluation
Authors: Melhem Georges A.
Published: July 2013

The process industries are primarily concerned with the reliability, availability, auditability, and maintainability of relief and flare systems data. These data are critical component of process safety information and its lifecycle must be properly managed to ensure sound process safety management and loss prevention programs.

For most large facilities, the process of managing the lifecycle of relief and flare systems data are complex and fraught with challenges and risks, whether the work is performed internally or contracted out. For existing large facilities, the process of relief and flare systems evaluations require mechanical and process data collection, field verification, up to date heat and material balances, information about process safeguards, scenario identification, establishing relief requirements, identification and risk ranking of deficiencies, and managing the corrective actions process for addressing deficiencies where applicable.

Reliability is influenced by many technical and human factors including the quality of data, adequacy of tools used for analysis, the qualifications of the relief systems engineers performing the scenario identification, and relief and flare systems evaluations.

Availability primarily deals with how quickly can one access accurate and up to date relief and flare systems data. This is especially challenging since relief systems data are not all “structured” data and are interconnected with other engineering data systems.

Auditability involves version control and the management of revisions and/or modifications of relief and flare systems that typically result from plant/process modifications, process hazard analysis, incident investigations, etc.

Maintainability requires keeping the relief and flare systems data forever green and enabling efficient reviews and revisions.

This article describes a systematic web‐based workflow methodology for managing the lifecycle of relief and flare systems data for a single site or at a corporate level. The workflow methodology breaks the flare and relief systems data lifecycle into discrete components and activities, with built‐in review, approval, quality management, and reporting. Built‐in business and engineering rules ensure that all activities can only progress when specific quality criteria are met.

This system was developed based on our experience with the execution of many such large scale projects for refineries, chemical, and petrochemical facilities. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 230–238, 2013
Ensemble transform Kalman–Bucy filters
Authors: Amezcua Javier , Ide Kayo , Kalnay Eugenia , Reich Sebastian
Published: July 2013

Two recent works have adapted the Kalman–Bucy filter into an ensemble setting. In the first formulation, the ensemble of perturbations is updated by the solution of an ordinary differential equation (ODE) in pseudo‐time, while the mean is updated as in the standard Kalman filter. In the second formulation, the full ensemble is updated in the analysis step as the solution of single set of ODEs in pseudo‐time. Neither requires matrix inversions except for the frequently diagonal observation error covariance.

We analyse the behaviour of the ODEs involved in these formulations. We demonstrate that they stiffen for large magnitudes of the ratio of background error to observational error variance, and that using the integration scheme proposed in both formulations can lead to failure. A numerical integration scheme that is both stable and is not computationally expensive is proposed. We develop transform‐based alternatives for these Bucy‐type approaches so that the integrations are computed in ensemble space where the variables are weights (of dimension equal to the ensemble size) rather than model variables.

Finally, the performance of our ensemble transform Kalman–Bucy implementations is evaluated using three models: the 3‐variable Lorenz 1963 model, the 40‐variable Lorenz 1996 model, and a medium complexity atmospheric general circulation model known as SPEEDY. The results from all three models are encouraging and warrant further exploration of these assimilation techniques.
Nutrition and bioprocess development for efficient biosynthesis of an antitumor compound from marine-derived fungus
Authors: Zhou Weiqiang , Cai Menghao , Zhou Jiushun , Jiang Tao , Zhou Jiao , Wang Meixia , Zhou Xiangshan , Zhang Yuanxing
Published: July 2013

An integrated nutrition and bioprocess strategy was developed for improving the biosynthesis of an antitumor compound, 1403C, by a marine-derived fungus, Halorosellinia sp. (no. 1403). First, statistical design strategies were synthetically applied to optimize the nutritional composition. The resulting 1403C production reached 2.07 g/l, which was 143.5 % higher than the original production. However, it only produced 0.44 g/l of 1403C in 5-l bioreactor fermentation. Thus, the operating parameters including culture pH, dissolved oxygen, agitation speed, impeller type and inoculum level were considered to improve the fermentation process, and an effective control strategy for 1403C production by Halorosellinia sp. submerged in a 5-l bioreactor was established. When inoculating 0.22 g/l dry biomass, controlling dissolved oxygen not lower than 30 % during the growth phase but ranging between 30 and 40 % during the stationary phase, using a double-layer six-flat-blade Rushton disc turbine agitated at 400 rpm, keeping short-term low pH and rapid-rising pH with glucose starvation, the highest 1403C production was finally obtained at 1.32 g/l, which was promoted by 200 % compared to before optimization. Fermentation scale-up was finally performed in a 500-l bioreactor, and 1403C production of 1.09 g/l was obtained.
Social cognition is not a special case, and the dark matter is more extensive than recognized
Authors: Cummins Fred
Published: July 2013

The target article's approach is applauded, but it is suggested that the “dark matter” may be much larger than even the current authors suspect. Cartesian and mechanistic assumptions infuse not only the discipline of cognitive psychology, but all societal accounts of the person. A switch to dynamical accounts in which lawfulness is observed within a given systemic context is suggested.
Social affordances in context: What is it that we are bodily responsive to?
Authors: Rietveld Erik , de Haan Sanneke , Denys Damiaan
Published: July 2013

We propose to understand social affordances in the broader context of responsiveness to a field of relevant affordances in general. This perspective clarifies our everyday ability to unreflectively switch between social and other affordances. Moreover, based on our experience with Deep Brain Stimulation for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, we suggest that psychiatric disorders may affect skilled intentionality, including responsiveness to social affordances.
Further steps toward a second-person neuroscience
Authors: Sameen Nehdia , Thompson Joseph , Carpendale Jeremy I. M.
Published: July 2013

Schilbach et al. contribute to neuroscience methodology through drawing on insights from the second-person approach. We suggest that they could further contribute to social neuroscience by more fully spelling out the ways in which a second-person approach to the nature and origin of thinking could transform neuroscience.
Parameterising ecological validity and integrating individual differences within second-person neuroscience
Authors: Chakrabarti Bhismadev
Published: July 2013

This commentary situates the second person account within a broader framework of ecological validity for experimental paradigms in social cognitive neuroscience. It then considers how individual differences at psychological and genetic levels can be integrated within the proposed framework.
Second-person neuroscience: Implications for Wittgensteinian and Vygotskyan approaches to psychology
Authors: Moore Kevin
Published: July 2013

Interactive approaches to development and social psychology may particularly benefit from the non-dualist features of a second-person neuroscience. In that context, I discuss the compatibility of a second-person neuroscience with a Wittgensteinian analysis of psychological concepts and its connections to a Vygotskyan approach to psychological development.
Early predictors of phonological and morphological awareness and the link with reading: Evidence from children with different patterns of early deficit
Authors: CUNNINGHAM ANNA J. , CARROLL JULIA M.
Published: July 2013

This study examines the contribution of early phonological processing (PP) and language skills on later phonological awareness (PA) and morphological awareness (MA), as well as the links among PA, MA, and reading. Children 4–6 years of age with poor PP at the start of school showed weaker PA and MA 3 years later (age 7–9), regardless of their language skills. PA and phonological and morphological strategies predict reading accuracy, whereas MA predicts reading comprehension. Our findings suggest that children with poor early PP are more at risk of developing deficits in MA and PA than children with poor language. They also suggest that there is a direct link between PA and reading accuracy and between MA and reading comprehension that cannot be accounted for by strategy use at the word level.
Enclosing literacy? Common lands and human capital in Spain, 1860–1930
Authors: BELTRÁN TAPIA FRANCISCO J.
Published: July 2013

The slow growth of the stock of human capital in Spain has been related to weak levels of economic development and a low commitment of Spanish institutions to primary education. This paper adds to these explanations by showing that common lands positively contributed to achieving significantly higher levels of both schooling expenditure and literacy rates. By supporting both municipal and households’ incomes, these collective resources sustained not only the local supply of education, but also the demand for it, although their influence decreased over time. Likewise, either low levels of economic development prevented human capital from growing endogenously or demand factors were not as important as previously argued. Lastly, even though the active intervention of the central government was crucial to promote education, its effort was not enough and human capital in Spain lagged behind other European countries in the early stages of economic development.
Genetic control of inflorescence architecture during rice domestication
Authors: Zhu Zuofeng , Tan Lubin , Fu Yongcai , Liu Fengxia , Cai Hongwei , Xie Daoxin , Wu Feng , Wu Jianzhong , Matsumoto Takashi , Sun Chuanqing
Published: July 2013

Inflorescence architecture is a key agronomical factor determining grain yield, and thus has been a major target of cereal crop domestication. Transition from a spread panicle typical of ancestral wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) to the compact panicle of present cultivars (O. sativa L.) was a crucial event in rice domestication. Here we show that the spread panicle architecture of wild rice is controlled by a dominant gene, OsLG1, a previously reported SBP-domain transcription factor that controls rice ligule development. Association analysis indicates that a single-nucleotide polymorphism-6 in the OsLG1 regulatory region led to a compact panicle architecture in cultivars during rice domestication. We speculate that the cis-regulatory mutation can fine-tune the spatial expression of the target gene, and that selection of cis-regulatory mutations might be an efficient strategy for crop domestication.
Involvement of the HIF-1α and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in the protective effects of losartan on fatty liver graft with ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Yang Ying-Ying , Lee Pei-Chang , Huang Yi-Tsau , Lee Wei-Ping , Kuo Ying-Ju , Lee Kuei-Chuan , Hsieh Yun-Cheng , Lee Tzung-Yan , Lin Han-Chieh
Published: July 2013

Besides cardioprotective effects, the AT1R (angiotensin-II type 1 receptor) antagonist losartan protects the liver from IRI [IR (ischaemia/reperfusion) injury], but the mechanism has not been fully determined. The HIF (hypoxia inducible factor)-1α and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways have been reported to be involved in the mechanism of liver IRI. Therefore the aim of the present study was to determine whether the Wnt/HIF axis is part of the mechanism of the positive effect of AngII inhibition by losartan in liver IRI in rats. Various measurements were made in MCD/HF-NASH (methionine- and choline-deficient-diet/high-fat-diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) rats with liver IRI. Acute losartan pre-administration markedly reversed the IR-suppressed levels of the hepatic-protective factors IL (interleukin)-6, IFN (interferon)-γ, Wnt3a, β-catenin and HIF-1α, and decreased hepatic blood flow and IR-elevated serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase), hepatic TNF (tumour necrosis factor)-α, IL-1α, hepatic congestion, vacuolization and necrosis, hepatic Suzuki IRI scores, necrotic index and levels of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances) in MCD/HF-NASH rats. Furthermore, acute Wnt3a pre-treatment significantly inhibited IR-elevated serum ALT, hepatic Suzuki IRI scores and TBARS, and restored the IR-depleted β-catenin/HIF-1α activity in MCD/HF-NASH rats. Simultaneous acute sFRP2 (secreted frizzled-related protein 2; a Wnt3a inhibitor) pre-treatment eliminated the losartan-related beneficial effects in MCD/HF-NASH rats with liver IRI, which was accompanied by a decrease in hepatic HIF-1α/β-catenin activity. Losartan-induced up-regulation of HIF-1α and Wnt/β-catenin signalling was associated with the recovery of IR-inhibited hepatic Bcl-2, Mn-SOD (manganese superoxide), Cu/Zn-SOD (copper/zinc superoxide) and GSH levels, and the suppression of IR-increased hepatic catalase and caspase 3/caspase 8 levels in MCD/HF-NASH rats. In conclusion, up-regulation of the HIF-1α and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways are part of the mechanism of the positive effects of losartan-related AngII inhibition in MCD/HF-NASH rats with liver IRI. Our study highlights the potential of the dual-organ protective agent losartan in NASH patients with steatotic livers and cardiovascular risk.
Design methodology and performance analysis of application-oriented flexure hinges
Authors: Shi R. C. , Dong W. , Du Z. J.
Published: July 2013

Flexure hinges are widely employed in miniature and ultra-precision equipments with the development of precision engineering. In this paper, Castigliano's theorem and Labotto quadrature formula are utilized to derive the compliance matrix. An exclusive longitudinal section of corner-filleted flexure hinges is proposed and the curve of the cross-section is expressed by basic design parameters (r0, d, and l) and machining error parameter (η). The influences of parameters are analyzed by the defined evaluation indexes, i.e., rotation capacity, relative flexibility, and relative rotation error, which are used to assess the quality of flexure hinges. The analysis results indicate small d and optimized values of r0, l, and η will improve flexure hinges’ performances. The proposed method is verified by finite element method and experiments within a 5% margin of error.
Methanol synthesis on ZnO($\mathrm{\bm{{000\overline{1}}}}$0001̄). II. Structure, energetics, and vibrational signature of reaction intermediates
Authors: Kiss Janos , Frenzel Johannes , Meyer Bernd , Marx Dominik
Published: July 2013

A rigorous characterization of a wealth of molecular species adsorbed at oxygen defects on ZnO(000\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\overline{\text{1}}$\end{document}1̄) is given. These defects represent the putative active sites in methanol synthesis from CO and H2. The oxidation state of the ZnO catalyst and thus the preferred charge state and the reactivity of the oxygen vacancies depend on the gas phase temperature and pressure conditions. Considering charge states of oxygen vacancies relevant at the reducing conditions of the industrial process, i.e., F++/H2, F0, F0/H2, and F−−, as well as the F++ center which is abundant at UHV conditions and therefore important to allow for comparison with surface science experiments, we have investigated the structure, energetics, and vibrational frequencies of an exhaustive catalog of reaction intermediates using electronic structure calculations. After having identified the characteristic adsorption modes of CO, formate, formic acid, hydroxymethylene, formyl, formaldehyde, dioxomethylene, hydroxymethyl, hydroxymethoxide, methoxide, as well as methanol itself, the thermodynamic stability of all species with respect to the charge state of the oxygen vacancy and their electronic stabilization is discussed in detail and summarized in an energy level diagram.
Development of a ReaxFF potential for Pd/O and application to palladium oxide formation
Authors: Senftle Thomas P. , Meyer Randall J. , Janik Michael J. , van Duin Adri C. T.
Published: July 2013

Oxide formation on palladium surfaces impacts the activity and selectivity of Pd-based catalysts, which are widely employed under oxygen rich operating conditions. To investigate oxidation processes over Pd catalysts at time and length scales inaccessible to quantum based computational methods, we have developed a Pd/O interaction potential for the ReaxFF reactive force field. The parameters of the ReaxFF potential were fit against an extensive set of quantum data for both bulk and surface properties. Using the resulting potential, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations of oxide formation on Pd(111), Pd(110), and Pd(100) surfaces. The results demonstrate good agreement with previous experimental observations; oxygen diffusion from the surface to the subsurface occurs faster on the Pd(110) surface than on the Pd(111) and Pd(100) surfaces under comparable conditions at high temperatures and pressures. Additionally, we developed a ReaxFF-based hybrid grand canonical Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics (GC-MC/MD) approach to assess the thermodynamic stability of oxide formations. This method is used to derive a theoretical phase diagram for the oxidation of Pd935 clusters in temperatures ranging from 300 K to 1300 K and oxygen pressures ranging from 10−14 atm to 1 atm. We observe good agreement between experiment and ReaxFF, which validates the Pd/O interaction potential and demonstrates the feasibility of the hybrid GC-MC/MD method for deriving theoretical phase diagrams. This GC-MC/MD method is novel to ReaxFF, and is well suited to studies of supported-metal-oxide catalysts, where the extent of oxidation in metal clusters can significantly influence catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.
The 4-body problem in a (1+1)-dimensional self-gravitating system
Authors: Lauritzen A. , Gustainis P. , Mann R. B.
Published: July 2013

We report on the results of a study of the motion of a four particle non-relativistic one-dimensional self-gravitating system. We show that the system can be visualized in terms of a single particle moving within a potential whose equipotential surfaces are shaped like a box of pyramid-shaped sides. As such this is the largest N-body system that can be visualized in this way. We describe how to classify possible states of motion in terms of Braid Group operators, generalizing this to N bodies. We find that the structure of the phase space of each of these systems yields a large variety of interesting dynamics, containing regions of quasiperiodicity and chaos. Lyapunov exponents are calculated for many trajectories to measure stochasticity and previously unseen phenomena in the Lyapunov graphs are observed.
Nonlinear Brillouin amplification of finite-duration seeds in the strong coupling regime
Authors: Lehmann G. , Spatschek K. H.
Published: July 2013

Parametric plasma processes received renewed interest in the context of generating ultra-intense and ultra-short laser pulses up to the exawatt-zetawatt regime. Both Raman as well as Brillouin amplifications of seed pulses were proposed. Here, we investigate Brillouin processes in the one-dimensional (1D) backscattering geometry with the help of numerical simulations. For optimal seed amplification, Brillouin scattering is considered in the so called strong coupling (sc) regime. Special emphasis lies on the dependence of the amplification process on the finite duration of the initial seed pulses. First, the standard plane-wave instability predictions are generalized to pulse models, and the changes of initial seed pulse forms due to parametric instabilities are investigated. Three-wave-interaction results are compared to predictions by a new (kinetic) Vlasov code. The calculations are then extended to the nonlinear region with pump depletion. Generation of different seed layers is interpreted by self-similar solutions of the three-wave interaction model. Similar to Raman amplification, shadowing of the rear layers by the leading layers of the seed occurs. The shadowing is more pronounced for initially broad seed pulses. The effect is quantified for Brillouin amplification. Kinetic Vlasov simulations agree with the three-wave interaction predictions and thereby affirm the universal validity of self-similar layer formation during Brillouin seed amplification in the strong coupling regime.
Vibrational solvatochromism: Towards systematic approach to modeling solvation phenomena
Authors: Błasiak Bartosz , Lee Hochan , Cho Minhaeng
Published: July 2013

Vibrational solvatochromic frequency shift of IR probe is an effect of interaction between local electric field and IR probe in condensed phases. Despite prolonged efforts to develop empirical maps for vibrational frequency shifts and transition dipoles of IR probes, a systematic approach to ab initio calculation of vibrational solvatochromic charges and multipoles has not been developed. Here, we report on density functional theory (DFT) calculations of N-methylacetamide (NMA) frequency shifts using implicit and coarse-grained models. The solvatochromic infrared spectral shifts are estimated based on the distributed multipole analysis of electronic densities calculated for gas-phase equilibrium structure of NMA. Thus obtained distributed solvatochromic multipole parameters are used to calculate the amide I vibrational frequency shifts of NMA in water clusters that mimic the instantaneous configurations of the liquid water. Our results indicate that the spectral shifts are primarily electrostatic in nature and can be quantitatively reproduced using the proposed model with semi-quantitative accuracy when compared to the corresponding DFT results.
Influence of Förster-type energy transfer on the vibrational relaxation of anionic hydration shells
Authors: Lotze Stephan , Bakker Huib J.
Published: July 2013

We study the influence of Förster energy transfer on the vibrational relaxation dynamics of anionic hydration shells by performing time-resolved mid-infrared spectroscopy on the OH-stretch vibration of water molecules in aqueous solutions of sodium iodide. We observe that the Förster energy transfer leads to a pronounced acceleration of the vibrational relaxation. We describe the observed dynamics with a model in which we include the Förster vibrational energy transfer between the different hydroxyl groups in solution. With this model we can quantitatively describe the experimental data over a wide range of isotopic compositions and salt concentrations. Our results show that resonant energy transfer is an efficient mechanism assisting in the vibrational relaxation of anionic hydration shells.
High efficiency silicon 1310 nm detector without defect states or heteroepitaxy
Authors: Liu Yu-Hsin , Zhou Yuchun , Lo Yu-Hwa
Published: July 2013

The Si community has continued to seek low cost, fully complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor compatible optical detection techniques to overcome the interconnect bottleneck facing the electronics world. We demonstrate high internal quantum efficiency 1310 nm detectors using entirely the properties of Si crystal by employing homojunction band structure engineering to tailor the optoelectronic properties of the material. Nearly 100% internal detector quantum efficiency has been obtained. The device concept may find broad applications benefiting from the extended spectral response beyond the limit of bandgap, especially the limit associated with indirect bandgap of the material.
Enzymatic activity induced by interactions with a nanofabricated hydrophobic Si surface
Authors: Nishiyama Katsuhiko
Published: July 2013

The binding of peptides of 2–10 glycine residues (2-10Gly) to papain on nanofabricated hydrophobic Si surfaces was investigated by molecular dynamics and docking simulations. 5Gly, 7Gly, 9Gly, and 10Gly were distributed on sites near the active center of papain on the Si surface, while 6-10Gly were distributed on sites near the active center of free papain. The Si surface changed the substrate specificity of papain, and modification of this surface should allow full control of substrate specificity. Molecular surgery of proteins in cells may be realized using papain on specially designed surfaces.