bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Sonography and Antibody Activity in Patients With Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Authors: Willms Arnulf , Bieler Dan , Wieler Helmut , Willms Diana , Kaiser Klaus P. , Schwab Robert
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis show structural changes of the thyroid that can be identified by a variety of sonographic criteria. We conducted this study to investigate whether there is a correlation between sonography and antibody activity and to assess the role of sonography in the diagnosis and follow‐up of Hashimoto thyroiditis. In addition, we present a new classification system (termed the VESINC system [volume, echogenicity, sonographic texture, pseudonodular hypoechoic infiltration, nodules, and cysts]), which helps improve the clarity of sonographic findings.

Methods

The study included 223 consecutive patients with previously diagnosed Hashimoto autoimmune thyroiditis who attended the thyroid clinic of the German Armed Forces Central Hospital in Koblenz for follow‐up examinations between 2006 and 2008. Laboratory tests were performed to measure the levels of free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyrotropin, anti‐thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs), and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs). Sonography was performed according to a strict protocol. We then assessed whether a correlation existed between antibody activity and the 6 sonographic variables of the VESINC system.

Results

Hypoechogenicity, heterogeneity, and pseudonodular hypoechoic infiltration were associated with significantly higher TPOAb activity (P < .001). There were no significant correlations between the other sonographic variables examined (cysts, nodules, and volume) or the biometric data with the TPOAb and TgAb levels. In addition, an assessment of TgAb levels did not show significant differences in correlations with any of the sonographic variables.

Conclusions

Sonography is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging modality that provides information about the level of inflammatory activity. Markedly decreased echogenicity, heterogeneity, and multifocal pseudoinodular hypoechoic infiltration are indicative of a high level of inflammatory activity. The sonographic classification system presented here (VESINC system) can be a useful tool for comparing sonographic findings in a rapid and objective manner during follow‐up of Hashimoto thyroiditis.
Sea‐ice conditions in the Okhotsk Sea during the last 550 kyr deduced from environmental magnetism
Authors: Yamazaki Toshitsugu , Inoue Seiko , Shimono Takaya , Sakamoto Tatsuhiko , Sakai Saburo
Published: October 2013

Reconstructing past sea‐ice conditions in the Okhotsk Sea is important because sea‐ice conditions vary in response to global climate changes, which in turn may affect global ocean circulation through intermediate water mass formation. We conducted an environmental magnetic study of six cores from three stations in the central Okhotsk Sea to better understand temporal and spatial sea‐ice variations. Intercore correlations and age estimations are based mainly on geomagnetic paleointensity; an oxygen‐isotope stratigraphy is available for one station. Magnetic susceptibility (MS) minima are accompanied by maxima in color b*, the ratio of the anhysteretic remanent magnetization susceptibility to saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (kARM/SIRM), and the S‐ratio, which indicates a higher proportion of biogenic to terrigenous magnetic components. This reflects enhanced ocean productivity. First‐order reversal curve diagrams and IRM component analyses support the dominance of biogenic magnetite at MS minima. In contrast, color b*, kARM/SIRM, and S‐ratio values are low when MS is high, which indicates an increased proportion of the terrigenous component that was probably transported as ice‐rafted debris (IRD). For the southern two stations, IRD accumulation increased in glacial and deglacial periods, which implies mobile sea‐ice conditions even in full glacials. This was succeeded by extremely enhanced ocean productivity in early interglacials, which suggests nearly ice‐free conditions. For the northernmost station, on the other hand, IRD accumulation was low in glacials and increased in early interglacials, which indicates perennial sea‐ice coverage with little mobility in glacials. Succeeding ocean‐productivity enhancement was delayed compared to the southern stations.
Methyl chloride from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder: First global climatology and assessment of variability in the upper troposphere and stratosphere
Authors: Santee M. L. , Livesey N. J. , Manney G. L. , Lambert A. , Read W. G.
Published: October 2013

Methyl chloride (CH3Cl) is by far the largest natural carrier of chlorine to the stratosphere. Its importance in stratospheric ozone chemistry is expected to increase in the coming decades as emission controls alter the relative contributions from natural and anthropogenic halogen sources. The Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on NASA's Aura satellite provides the first daily global observations of CH3Cl. Here we quantify the quality of the MLS version 3 CH3Cl data (single‐profile precision of ±100 pptv; accuracy of 30–45%; vertical and horizontal resolution of 4–5 km and 450–600 km, respectively) and demonstrate their utility for scientific studies over the vertical range from 147 to 4.6 hPa. We exploit the unmatched scope of the 8 year MLS data set to investigate the spatial, seasonal, and interannual variations in the distribution of CH3Cl in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS). Like carbon monoxide, CH3Cl is a marker of pollution from biomass burning that can be lofted to the UTLS very rapidly by deep convection. The climatological seasonal cycle in CH3Cl reflects variability in regional fire activity and other surface sources as well as convection, and anomalous CH3Cl enhancements in the tropical upper troposphere are linked to specific episodes of intense burning. Methyl chloride is shown to be very useful as a tracer of large‐scale dynamical processes, such as diabatic descent inside the stratospheric winter polar vortices, quasi‐isentropic cross‐tropopause transport associated with the summer monsoon circulations, and effects related to the quasi‐biennial oscillation and the tropical “tape recorder”.
Compositional heterogeneity of central peaks within the South Pole‐Aitken Basin
Authors: Moriarty D. P. , Pieters C. M. , Isaacson P. J.
Published: October 2013

Using high‐spectral and ‐spatial resolution Moon Mineralogy Mapper data, we investigate compositional variations across the central peak structures of four impact craters within the South Pole‐Aitken Basin (SPA). Two distinct causes of spectral diversity are observed. Spectral variations across the central peaks of Bhabha, Finsen, and Lyman are dominated by soil development, including the effects of space weathering and mixing with local materials. For these craters, the central peak structure is homogeneous in composition, although small compositional differences between the craters are observed. This group of craters is located within the estimated transient cavity of SPA, and their central uplifts exhibit similar mafic abundances. Therefore, it is plausible that they have all uplifted material associated with melts of the lower crust or upper mantle produced during the SPA impact. Compositional differences observed between the peaks of these craters reflect heterogeneities in the SPA subsurface, although the origin of this heterogeneity is uncertain. In contrast to these craters, Leeuwenhoek exhibits compositional heterogeneity across its central peak structure. The peak is areally dominated by feldspathic materials, interspersed with several smaller exposures exhibiting a mafic spectral signature. Leeuwenhoek is the largest crater included in the study and is located in a region of complex stratigraphy involving both crustal (feldspathic) and SPA (mafic melt and ejecta) materials. The compositional diversity observed in Leeuwenhoek's central peak indicates that kilometer‐scale heterogeneities persist to depths of more than 10 km in this region.
Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Carter David
Published: October 2013

This overview covers the two main types of confocal scanner. Point scanners are more flexible and give the best resolution, while camera‐based systems can be more sensitive, faster, and more automated. The procedure for setting up and using these instruments is described in sufficient depth for basic operation. Beyond collecting single images, a Z‐series, which captures a volume of data, a kinetics series, collecting a sequence of images, and generation of a large montage image are all described. Confocal is an extension of regular fluorescence microscopy, with the ability to handle thicker and more heavily stained specimens and to work more precisely with physiological markers in live samples and organelle stains. Such techniques are highly divergent, depending on specimen type, so they cannot be covered in any detail here, but a general idea will give the user confidence to explore the literature and collect good data on their own systems. Curr. Protoc. Essential Lab. Tech. 7:9.4.1‐9.4.36. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optical properties of CaAl(SO4)2Br:RE (RE = Dy, Eu, Ce) novel phosphors
Authors: Deshmukh Priti B. , Puppalwar S. P. , Dhoble N. S. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: October 2013

A new phosphor CaAl(SO4)2Br doped with Dy, Ce and Eu is reported. Rare earth (Dy, Eu and Ce)‐doped polycrystalline CaAl(SO4)2Br phosphors were prepared using a wet chemical reaction method and studied for X‐ray diffraction and photoluminescence (PL) characteristics. Dy3+ emission in the CaAl(SO4)2Br lattice was observed at 484 and 574 nm in the blue and yellow regions of the spectrum, which are assigned to 4 F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4 F9/2 → 6H13/2 transitions of the Dy3+ ion, respectively. While the PL emission spectra of CaAl(SO4)2Br:Ce phosphor showed Ce3+ emission at 347 nm due to 5d → 4f transition of the Ce3+ ion. In a CaAl(SO4)2Br:Eu lattice, Eu3+ emissions were observed at 593 and 617 nm, coming from the 5D0 → 7 F1 and 5D0 → 7 F2 electron transitions, respectively. The PL study showed that the intensity of electric dipole transition at 617 nm dominates over that of magnetic dipole transition at 590 nm. The maximum PL intensity was obtained for a 1 mol% concentration of Eu3+ in CaAl(SO4)2Br host lattice. The results showed that the material may be a promising candidate as a blue‐, yellow‐ and red‐emitting phosphor. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of manganese on apoptosis and glutathione content of cumulus cells during in vitro maturation in bovine oocytes
Authors: Anchordoquy Juan Patricio , Anchordoquy Juan Mateo , Picco Sebastián J. , Sirini Matías A. , Errecalde Ana Lía , Furnus Cecilia C.
Published: October 2013

We have investigated the effect of different Mn concentrations on (1) DNA integrity of cumulus cells by olive tail moment (OTM); (2) cumulus cells apoptosis by Annexin V staining assay; (3) intracellular total glutathione (GSH‐GSSG) content; and (4) oocyte nuclear maturation and embryo cleavage after in vitro fertilisation (IVF). For this purpose, 0 (control), 2 (Mn1), 5 (Mn2) and 6 ng/mL (Mn3) Mn concentrations were added to IVM medium. Comet assay analysed by OTM was significantly higher in cumulus cells arising from COCs matured without Mn (control, P < 0.01) respect to cumulus cells obtained from COCs matured with Mn (control: 5.18 ± 2.3; Mn1: 2.93 ± 2.2; Mn2: 2.63 ± 2.4; Mn3: 2.92 ± 2.4). The frequency of apoptotic cells was higher in the control group (control: 6.63 ± 0.59; Mn1: 5.05 ± 0.5; Mn2: 4.61 ± 0.49; Mn3: 3.33 ± 0.42). Intracellular concentration of GSH‐GSSG increased in oocytes and cumulus cells matured in the presence of Mn (P < 0.01). There were no differences in percentages of nuclear maturation when Mn was added to IVM medium at any concentration, but at 6 ng/mL Mn a higher cleavage rate was observed respect to the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, deficiency in Mn concentration during in vitro maturation increased the damage in the DNA molecule and the frequency of apoptotic cumulus cells. However, the addition of an adequate Mn concentration (6 ng/mL Mn) to IVM medium improved the health of cumulus‐oocyte complexes and produced more cleaved embryos 48 h after IVF.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Wittig Olefination Reactions of N‐Tosylhydrazones with Trifluoromethylketones
Authors: Sha Qiang , Wei Yunyang
Published: October 2013

Cuprous iodide‐catalyzed Wittig olefination reactions of N‐tosylhydrazones with trifluoromethylketones are reported. This procedure provides an efficient method for the synthesis of various trifluoromethyl‐substituted alkenes in moderate to good yields (up to 89 % yield) and good stereoselectivity (up to 93 % E‐selectivity). To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report of a Wittig reaction of N‐tosylhydrazones with ketones.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Two Coumarin‐Type Derivatization Reagents for Fluorescence Detection of Chiral Amines and Chiral Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Mertens Matthias D. , Gütschow Michael
Published: October 2013

The synthesis of two fluorescent coumarin‐type chiral derivatization agents (4 and 11) is reported. A chiral side chain was introduced at position 7 of the coumarin via Mitsunobu reaction. The two coumarins bear in this side chain either a free amino group or a carboxyl group, making them useful for further transformations. Conjugates of chiral prototype drugs with 4 or 11 were prepared by amide coupling of the analyte's carboxyl group to the reagent's amine group, or vice versa. The separation of seven diastereomeric conjugates through achiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a common C18 column is demonstrated. Chirality 25:957–964, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A New Enantioselective Synthesis of the Anticonvulsant Drug Pregabalin (Lyrica) Based on a Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution Method
Authors: Mujahid Mohammad , Muthukrishnan Murugan
Published: October 2013

A practical and efficient enantioselective synthesis of the anticonvulsant drug pregabalin is described for the first time using Jacobsen's hydrolytic kinetic resolution of a terminal epoxide as a key step and a source of chirality. Chirality 25:965–969, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solvothermal synthesis and growth mechanism of asymmetric ZnO hierarchical structures in diethylene glycol with ammonia solution
Authors: Gu Pengfei , Wang Xudong , Li Tao , Yu Hongying , Meng Huimin
Published: October 2013

Several novel asymmetric ZnO hierarchical structures were synthesized in diethylene glycol (DEG) with different amount of ammonia solution via solvothermal process. The submicron‐rods or nanorods as the building units are distributed on the two sides in an asymmetric manner, resulting in formation of the shiitake‐like or bouquet‐like morphology. A possible formation mechanism was proposed on the basis of the experimental result. The consumption of the precursor could lead to a two‐step nucleation and growth process. The relative content of the [Zn(OH)4]2− and the [Zn(NH3)4]2+ precursors varies with the amount of ammonia solution, which affect the size and morphology of the asymmetric structures. The [Zn(OH)4]2− complex and the [Zn(NH3)4]2+ complex are absorbed on the positive (0001)‐Zn polar surface and the negative (000–1)‐O polar surface respectively, which lead to the alteration of growth rate of these polar surfaces.
A new fast‐lock, low‐jitter, and all‐digital frequency synthesizer for DVB‐T receivers
Authors: Gholami Mohammad , Rahimpour Hamid , Ardeshir Gholamreza , Miar‐Naimi Hossein
Published: October 2013

Lock time and convergence time are the most important challenges in delay‐locked loops (DLLs). In this paper we cover French very high frequency band with a novel all‐digital fast‐lock DLL‐based frequency synthesizer. Because this new architecture uses a digital signal processing unit instead of using phase frequency detector, charge pump, and loop filter in conventional DLL, therefore, it shows better jitter performance, lock time, and convergence speed than previous related works. Optimization methods are used to make input and output signals of the proposed DLL in phase. The proposed architecture is designed to cover all channels of French very high frequency band by choosing number of delay cells in signal path. Simulation has been done for 22–27 delay cells, and fREF = 16 MHz, which can produce output frequency in range of 176–216 MHz. Locking time is approximately 0.3 µs, which is equal to five clock cycles of reference clock. All of the simulation results show superiority of the proposed structure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of flow and fine sediment dynamics on the turnover of stream invertebrate assemblages
Authors: Buendia Cristina , Gibbins Chris N. , Vericat Damià , Batalla Ramon J.
Published: October 2013

Interactions between flow regime, sediment dynamics and benthic invertebrates have seldom been studied in rivers experiencing naturally high suspended sediment loads. This paper examines invertebrate responses to hydrological and sedimentary processes over an annual cycle in a morphologically heterogeneous reach of a river that receives large volumes of fine sediment. Flow regime and sedimentary conditions showed a marked seasonal pattern, with fine sediment accumulating during low flows and after small flood events and not being removed until the large floods that occurred in autumn. The magnitude of sediment accumulation differed between habitats (e.g. being greater in pools than in riffles). The turnover in invertebrate assemblages, measured as beta diversity, was greatest in winter and decreased during summer as deposited fine sediment accumulated across the reach, suggesting that observed patterns of turnover were influenced by seasonal and habitat‐specific rates of sedimentation. Some of the spatial and temporal patterns in invertebrate assemblages were subtle, complex and difficult to interpret, but co‐inertia analysis indicated an overriding influence of low flows and associated sedimentation on their composition. Floods capable of entraining coarser bed material, along with smaller events accompanied by extensive mobilization of fine sediment, also influenced assemblages and resulted in immediate changes to assemblage composition and abundance. Assemblages appeared to exhibit resilience over the timescale of the study, with similar assemblages found at the beginning and at the end of the study period. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximizing the Solar Gain of a Grid‐Interactive Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant
Authors: Thakur Vidyotma , Chandel S. S.
Published: October 2013

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants installed worldwide, are emerging as an alternative to fossil‐fuel‐based power plants. However, the poorly designed power plant not only escalates the cost but also results in inefficient power generation. The performance of a solar power plant depends on the solar energy received on the surface of solar panels installed at correct tilt angles and orientations for maximum solar gain. The tilt angle depends on the position of sun and has to be determined for different locations. The main objective of the paper is to study the effect of optimum tilt angles on power generation by a solar PV plant at any location, As a case study, the monthly, seasonal, and yearly optimum tilt angles are determined for a 190 kWp grid‐interactive solar power plant installed at Khatkar‐Kalan in India. The effects of optimum tilt angles on the energy yield of the solar power plant are studied. A comparative analysis of the simulated and measured energy yield of the power plant is also presented. The energy yields of the power plant determined at optimum yearly, seasonal, and monthly tilt angles are found to be enhanced by 25, 28, and 29 %, respectively, thus increasing the income generation by the power plant. The methodology followed can be used for enhancing the power produced by solar photovoltaic plants at any location worldwide.
An Efficient Synthesis of Pyrido[2,3‐d][6,5‐d]dipyrimidine and 5,5′‐Arylmethylenebis(2,6‐diaminopyrimidinone) Derivatives under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Lin Zhilan , Hu Huiling , You Xinkui , Zhang Xueli , Gao Yuan
Published: October 2013

A series of pyrido[2,3‐d][6,5‐d]dipyrimidine and 5,5′‐arylmethylenebis(2,6‐diaminopyrimidinone) derivatives have been synthesized through a rapid reaction of aromatic aldehydes with aminopyrimidines in acetic acid under microwave irradiation. This method has the advantages of simple operation, high yields, short reaction time, and easy work‐up.
Phytochemicals in fruits of Hawaiian wild cranberry relatives
Authors: Hummer Kim , Durst Robert , Zee Francis , Atnip Allison , Giusti M Monica
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) contain high levels of phytochemicals such as proanthocyanidins (PACs). These polymeric condensations of flavan‐3‐ol monomers are associated with health benefits. Our objective was to evaluate phytochemicals in fruit from Hawaiian cranberry relatives, V. reticulatum Sm. and V. calycinum Sm. Normal‐phase HPLC coupled with fluorescence and ESI‐MS detected PACs; the colorimetric 4‐dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) assay was used to determine total PACs. Spectrophotometric tests and reverse‐phase HPLC coupled to photodiode array and refractive index detectors evaluated phenolics, sugars, and organic acids. Antioxidant capacity was determined by the ORAC and FRAP assays.

RESULTS

Antioxidant capacities of Hawaiian berries were high. The FRAP measurement for V. calycinum was 454.7 ± 90.2 µmol L−1 Trolox equivalents kg−1 for pressed fruit. Hawaiian berries had lower peonidin, quinic and citric acids amounts and invert (∼1) glucose/fructose ratio compared with cranberry. Both Hawaiian Vaccinium species were good sources of PACs; they contained phenolics and PAC monomers, A and B‐type trimers, tetramers and larger polymers. Vaccinium reticulatum and V. calycinum showed comparable or higher PAC levels than in cranberry. Cranberries had higher percentage of A‐type dimers than did V. reticulatum. A and B‐type dimers were not differentiated in V. calycinum. The total PACs (as measured by DMAC) for V. calycinum (24.3 ± 0.10 mg catechin equivalents kg−1) were about twice that in cranberry.

CONCLUSION

Berries of V. reticulatum and V. calycinum could serve as a rich dietary source of PACs, comparable to or greater than cranberries. These finding suggest that Hawaiian Vaccinium berries could be a functional food. Additional examination of the phytochemicals in other wild Vaccinium species is warranted. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Fatigue life estimation of non‐penetrated butt weldments in ligth metals by artificial neural network approach
Authors: Karakas Ö. , Tomasella A.
Published: October 2013

This study presents a model for estimating the fatigue life of magnesium and aluminium non‐penetrated butt‐welded joints using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The input parameters for the network are stress concentration factor Kt and nominal stress amplitude sa,n. The output parameter is the endurable number of load cycles N. Fatigue data were collected from the literature from three different sources. The experimental tests, on which the fatigue data are based, were carried out at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (LBF), Darmstadt – Germany. The results determined with use of artificial neural network for welded magnesium and aluminium joints are displayed in the same scatter bands of SN‐lines. It is observed that the trained results are in good agreement with the tested data and artificial neural network is applicable for estimating the SN‐lines for non‐penetrated welded magnesium and aluminium joints under cyclic loading.
The investigation of effect of adherend thickness on scarf lap joints
Authors: Adin H.
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the mechanical behavior of the Scarf Lap Joints (SLJs) bonded with adhesive under a tensile load was analyzed. The effects of adherend thickness at the interface stress‐strain distributions of SLJs were examined. The stress‐strain analyses were performed by Finite Element Method (3D‐FEM). The 3D‐FEM code was employed with Ansys (Ver.12.0.1). Experimental results were compared with the 3D‐FEM results and were found quite reasonable. It was concluded that both experimental and 3D‐FEM failure loads were increased with increased adherend thickness. The results indicated that the maximum failure loads were determined at t=8 mm in all joints. The analysis of the SLJs under tensile load showed that the stress and strain concentrations occurred around the edges of the joints.
Dynamics of a predator–prey model with disease in the predator
Authors: Pal Pallav Jyoti , Haque Mainul , Mandal Prashanta Kumar
Published: October 2013

The present investigation deals with a predator–prey model with disease that spreads among the predator species only. The predator species is split out into two groups—the susceptible predator and the infected predator both of which feeds on prey species. The stability and bifurcation analyses are carried out and discussed at length. On the basis of the normal form theory and center manifold reduction, the explicit formulae are derived to determine stability and direction of Hopf bifurcating periodic solution. An extensive quantitative analysis has been performed in order to validate the applicability of our model under consideration. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of a kinematic dynamo model with FEM–BEM coupling
Authors: Lemster W. , Lube G. , Of G. , Steinbach O.
Published: October 2013

We consider a kinematic dynamo model in a bounded interior simply connected region Ω and in an insulating exterior region . In the so‐called direct problem, the magnetic field B and the electric field E are unknown and are driven by a given incompressible flow field w. After eliminating E, a vector and a scalar potential ansatz for B in the interior and exterior domains, respectively, are applied, leading to a coupled interface problem. We apply a finite element approach in the bounded interior domain Ω, whereas a symmetric boundary element approach in the unbounded exterior domain Ωc is used. We present results on the well‐posedness of the continuous coupled variational formulation, prove the well‐posedness and stability of the semi‐discretized and fully discretized schemes, and provide quasi‐optimal error estimates for the fully discretized scheme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From curing kinetics to network structure: A novel approach to the modeling of the network buildup of epoxy–anhydride thermosets
Authors: Fernàndez‐Francos Xavier , Ramis Xavier , Serra Àngels
Published: October 2013

The curing kinetics and network buildup during curing of epoxy–anhydride formulations using tertiary amines as initiators are reviewed in this work. A mechanism‐based kinetic and structural model has been defined, showing better prediction capabilities than previous living polymerization and simple regeneration models. The curing kinetics have been analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the gelation during curing has been determined by combined thermomechanical analysis and DSC. The effect of initiator content and epoxy equivalent weight are taken into account. The network buildup has been modeled using a stochastic network buildup model based on the random combination of primary chains generated by the kinetic model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 61–75
Interface‐engineered resistive memory using plasma‐modified electrode on polyimide substrate
Authors: Zheng Zhi‐Wei , Hsu Hsiao‐Hsuan , Cheng Chun‐Hu
Published: October 2013

In this study, we report a low power Ni/GeOx /TiOy /TaN resistive random access memory (RRAM) using plasma‐modified electrode. The low sub‐mA switching current, highly uniform switching cycles (only 4% variation for the set) and good high‐temperature current distribution at 125 °C are simultaneously achieved in this RRAM device. Such good performance can be ascribed to interface plasma treatment on TaN electrode where the resulting Ta–N ionic bond increases the oxidation resistance and reduces the oxygen vacancy concentration near TaN interface that is favorable to lower switching power and improve high‐temperature current distribution.

magnified image

(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Applicability of MIMO to satellite communications
Authors: Kyröläinen Jukka , Hulkkonen Ari , Ylitalo Juha , Byman Aaron , Shankar Bhavani , Arapoglou Pantelis‐Daniel , Grotz Joel
Published: October 2013

This paper presents achievements of an on‐going activity where the applicability of MIMO to satellite communications with Digital Video Broadcasting – Satellite services to Handhelds as the key application is studied. The potential satellite and hybrid satellite‐terrestrial MIMO scenarios are described, and the applicable MIMO schemes for each scenario are selected. The performance of the MIMO schemes was studied by performing comprehensive computer simulations, and the main results are presented in this paper. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mars to Earth communications through orbiters: Delay‐Tolerant/Disruption‐Tolerant Networking performance analysis
Authors: Caini C. , Firrincieli R. , de Cola T. , Bisio I. , Cello M. , Acar G.
Published: October 2013

Delay‐Tolerant/Disruption‐Tolerant Networking (DTN) architecture will be used in future deep space missions, to enable autonomous networking operations and disruption‐tolerant data communications. Therefore, it is worth analyzing the performance of the DTN Bundle Protocol (BP) in a realistic deep space environment, reproducing the characteristics of Mars missions. After a comprehensive introduction on data communications between Mars and Earth, the paper presents the essential features of both the BP DTN architecture and the Licklider Transmission Protocol (LTP), adopted here as BP convergence layer on deep space links, thanks to its ability to cope with the very long delays typical of this environment. The focus of our experiments is on analysis of the bundle flow from a Mars lander to an Earth control center through an intermediate relay node, for which two configurations are considered, inspired to Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions, respectively. Results are obtained by means of a test bed consisting of some GNU/Linux personal computers running either Interplanetary Overlay Network (ION) or DTN2 BP implementations. The analysis of results aims to highlight the role played by BP and LTP in tackling the challenges of Mars to Earth communications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overview and comparison of on‐ground and on‐board beamforming techniques in mobile satellite service applications
Authors: Tronc J. , Angeletti P. , Song N. , Haardt M. , Arendt J. , Gallinaro G.
Published: October 2013

The objective of this paper is to review state‐of‐the‐art techniques of beamforming in mobile satellite systems and evaluate the potential benefits/drawbacks of on‐ground beamforming compared with on‐board beamforming approach. The paper also provides a short analysis of beamforming error sources in on‐ground beamforming such as propagation effects at feeder link level, on‐board degradations at payload level, differential atmospheric perturbations, and Doppler shift effect. An investigation of signal processing techniques is also performed to provide a preliminary assessment of the interest for employing adaptive beamforming and precoding techniques in multi‐spots mobile satellite systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MidCloud: an agent‐based middleware for effective utilization of replicated Cloud services
Authors: Mohamed Nader , Al‐Jaroodi Jameela
Published: October 2013

The Cloud relies heavily on resource replication to support the demands of the clients efficiently. Replicated Cloud services are distributed across large geographic areas and are accessible via the Internet. This paper describes MidCloud; an agent‐based middleware that provides Cloud clients with dynamic load balancing and fault tolerance mechanisms for effective utilization of replicated Cloud services and resources. MidCloud can be used to connect clients with multiple replicated Cloud services and provide fast and reliable service delivery from multiple replicas. Several approaches for load balancing and fault tolerance in distributed systems were introduced; however, they require prior knowledge of the environment's operating conditions and/or constant monitoring of these conditions at run time that allows the applications to adjust the load and redistribute the tasks when operational conditions change and when failures occur. These techniques work well when there is no high communication delay. Yet, this is not true in the Cloud, where data storage and computation servers are scattered all over the world and communication delays are usually very high. MidCloud deploys approaches to reduce the negative impact of high and dynamic delays on the Cloud servers and the Internet. The experimental results show the positive effects of using MidCloud to provide efficient load balancing and fault tolerance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of hippocampal cellular assemblies
Authors: Li Guangnan , Pleasure Samuel J.
Published: October 2013

The proper assembly of a cohort of distinct cell types is a prerequisite for building a functional hippocampus. In this review, we describe the major molecular events of the developmental program leading to the cellular construction of the hippocampus. Data from rodent studies are used here to elaborate on our understanding of these processes. WIREs Dev Biol 2014, 3:165–177. doi: 10.1002/wdev.127

This article is categorized under:

Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development
The Use of FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for Rapid Authentication of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Rohman Abdul , Che Man Y. B. , Yusof Farahwahida Mohd.
Published: October 2013

The authenticity of high value edible fats and oils including extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is an emerging issue, currently. The potential employment of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics of multivariate calibration and discriminant analysis has been exploited for rapid authentication of EVOO from canola oil (Ca‐O). The optimization of two calibration models of partial least square (PLS) and principle component regression was performed in order to quantify the level of Ca‐O in EVOO. The chemometrics of discriminant analysis (DA) was used for making the classification between pure EVOO and EVOO adulterated with Ca‐O. The individual oils and their blends were scanned on good contact with ZnSe crystals in horizontal attenuated total reflectance, as a sampling technique. The wavenumbers of 3,028–2,985 and 1,200–987 cm−1 were used for quantification and classification of EVOO adulterated with Ca‐O. The results showed that PLS with normal FTIR spectra was well suited for quantitative analysis of Ca‐O with a value of the coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.99. The error, expressed as root mean square error of calibration obtained was relatively low, i.e. 0.108 % (v/v). DA can make the classification between pure EVOO and that adulterated with Ca‐O with one misclassified reported.
On “Exegetical Function” in Rewritten Scripture: Inner-Biblical Exegesis and the Abram/Ravens Narrative inJubilees
Authors: Teeter D. Andrew
Published: October 2013

While no consensus obtains among specialists as to what the term “rewritten Bible” (or “rewritten Scripture”) properly denotes—or whether, indeed, it is proper to use at all—most agree that the texts thought to represent this category are basically exegetical in character. That is, they are supposed to have as their aim or goal the interpretation of texts that are now part of the Hebrew Bible. At the same time, it is universally recognized that the authors of so-called rewritten Bible compositions exercised a substantial degree of freedom in their retelling. They clearly had their own interests, motives, and aims, distinct from those of the biblical narrative. These interests (sometimes characterized as “ideological” in nature), in turn, determine the structure or literary shape of their work, including such basic elements as character, plot, scope, and narrative voice. Thus, while it is constitutive for the genre or category that such works mainly follow the sequence and wording of the biblical text, they are not—and cannot be—identical to the latter in compositional form. Every rewritten Bible composition is defined by its own retelling strategy or program.
“Hellenistic Judaism” in the Works of Edwyn Robert Bevan
Authors: Shon Frank S.
Published: October 2013

Elias Bickerman did not like teleologies, and sought, by recognizing their influence, to resist “the teleological point of view,” which he thought he detected behind documents such as Daniel, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and the works of Josephus. All are important source texts for the persecution of the Jews of Palestine under the Seleucid monarch Antiochus IV in the second centuryb.c.e. In their different ways, he believed, these accounts all arose “not out of historical, but out of theological or political considerations.” Adopting a more Rankean approach to the sources, Bickerman reached a very different interpretation of events. Focusing instead on clues regarding the infighting among factions at Jerusalem, he concluded that the Jews had, in effect, been the authors and even the agents of their own persecution. This conclusion still elicits controversy, not least because Bickerman was himself a Jew. In trying to account for this, the Israeli historian Victor Tcherikover thought he discerned the undue influence of, among others, the English scholar Edwyn Bevan—a name that to modern readers is likely to be less familiar than those of Bickerman or Tcherikover.
“Gentile Christianity” as a Category in the Study of Christian Origins
Authors: Donaldson Terence L.
Published: October 2013

At least since the time of Ferdinand Christian Baur in the mid-nineteenth century, the concepts of “Jewish Christianity” and “Gentile Christianity,” together with related binary pairs (Jewish Christian / Gentile Christian, Jews / Gentiles), have functioned as basic categories in the critical investigation of Christian origins. Adopting the voice of his hero Paul, Baur speaks of “my Gospel of Gentile Christianity, as opposed to Jewish Christianity,” the English terms renderingHeidenchristentumsandJudenchristentums, respectively. Speaking of Paul's success in establishing “a Gentile Christianity,” Baur says that “the greater the strides were which the Gospel made among the Gentiles, the greater was the importance which the Gentile Christians assumed over the Jewish Christians.” Such increase in importance notwithstanding, the “Jewish-Christian party opposed to [Paul],” he says, remained “powerful,” and the “conflict between the Pauline and Jewish Christianity” continued to mark the early history of the movement. The place of this conflict in Baur's reconstruction of Christian origins is well known, and his characteristic terminology is readily recognized.
A Tale of Two Collapses: The Twin Declines of the Christian Faith and the Traditional Family
Authors: Kurth James
Published: October 2013

One of the most extraordinary stories in the long history of religion is now unfolding in our own time and before our own eyes: the precipitous decline of the Christian faith in its ancient heartland, the West, over the past half-century. This decline is most obvious in Europe, where it has reached the point of being an actual collapse, but in the past decade there has been considerable evidence that a sharp decline has begun in the United States as well. There has also been that other, and parallel, extraordinary story of the revival of the Islamic faith in the Middle East over the past three or four decades. And of course, these two momentous trajectories coexist and conflict with each other—side by side, empty churches and filled mosques—in much of Western Europe itself.
The effects of combiningArtemisia annuaandCurcuma longaethanolic extracts in broilers challenged with infective oocysts ofEimeria acervulinaandE. maxima
Authors: ALMEIDA GUSTAVO F. D. , THAMSBORG STIG M. , MADEIRA ALDA M. B. N. , FERREIRA JORGE F. S. , MAGALHÃES PEDRO M. , FILHO LUIZ C. DEMATTÊ , HORSTED KLAUS , HERMANSEN JOHN E.
Published: October 2013

Due to an increasing demand for natural products to control coccidiosis in broilers, we investigated the effects of supplementing a combination of ethanolic extracts ofArtemisia annuaandCurcuma longain drinking water. Three different dosages of this herbal mixture were compared with a negative control (uninfected), a positive control (infected and untreated), chemical coccidiostats (nicarbazin+narazin and, later, salinomycin), vaccination, and a product based on oregano. Differences in performance (weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion rate), mortality, gross intestinal lesions and oocyst excretion were investigated. Broilers given chemical coccidiostats performed better than all other groups. Broilers given the two highest dosages of the herbal mixture had intermediate lesion scores caused byEimeria acervulina, which was higher than in broilers given coccidiostats, but less than in broilers given vaccination, oregano and in negative controls. There was a trend for lower mortality (P= 0·08) in the later stage of the growing period (23–43 days) in broilers given the highest dosage of herbal mixture compared with broilers given chemical coccidiostats. In conclusion, the delivery strategy of the herbal extracts is easy to implement at farm level, but further studies on dose levels and modes of action are needed.
Laser-ablation and induced nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Batani Dimitri , Vinci Tommaso , Bleiner Davide
Published: October 2013

Laser pulses are largely used for processing and analysis of materials and in particular for nano-particle synthesis. This paper addresses fundamentals of the generation of nano-materials following specific thermodynamic paths of the irradiated material. Computer simulations using the hydro code MULTI and the SESAME equation of state have been performed to follow the dynamics of a target initially heated by a short laser pulse over a distance comparable to the metal skin depth.
Electroconvulsive therapy: is there a role for treating older patients?
Authors: Ramos-Garcia MI , González-Salazar CF
Published: October 2013

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a powerful acute treatment for severe and resistant depression. We review literature related to the efficacy, safety and tolerability of ECT in older people, with an emphasis on research studies and reviews published in the last 25 years. In general ECT has been considered a very effective and safe treatment for depression and other psychiatric and non-psychiatric disorders in older people. Amnesia is commonly attributed to ECT treatment, but studies suggest that the negative effects of ECT on cognition are probably small in older patients. Currently the balance of risks and benefits of ECT justify its use for severe depression in older patients, both with and without dementia.
Ultrastructure of vitrified rabbit transgenic embryos
Authors: Chrenek P. , Makarevich A.V. , Popelková M. , Schlarmannová J. , Toporcerová S. , Ostró A. , Živčák J. , Bosze Zs.
Published: October 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the viability of rabbit transgenic (enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-positive) embryos cultured in vitro and compare with gene-microinjected (Mi) non-transgenic (EGFP-negative) embryos following vitrification. Non-microinjected and non-vitrified embryos were used as the control. Morphological signs of injury to embryo organelles were determined at the ultrastructural level using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphometric evaluation was performed on cellular organelles using microphotographs obtained by TEM. Intact and Mi embryos recovered from in vivo fertilized eggs at 19–20 hours post coitum (hpc) were cultured for up to 72 hpc (morula stage), evaluated for the EGFP gene integration and then vitrified in 0.25 ml insemination straws in modified EFS (40% ethylene glycol + 18% Ficoll 70 + 0.3 M sucrose) vitrification solution. After 1–3 days the embryos were devitrified, a representative selection of embryos was analyzed by TEM and the remaining embryos were subjected to additional in vitro culture. Observations by TEM showed that the vitrified/warmed EGFP-positive and EGFP-negative embryos had a slight accumulation of cellular debris and lipid droplets compared with the control intact embryos. More severe changes were detected in the membrane structures of the treated embryos, mostly in the cytoplasmic envelope, trophoblastic microvilli, junctional contacts and mitochondria. We suggest that the higher proportion of deteriorated cell structures and organelles in the treated embryos may be due to the vitrification process rather than to mechanical violation (the gene-microinjection procedure), as a detailed inspection of ultrastructure revealed that most damage occurred in the cell membrane structures.
Training Frontline Mental Health Staff to Deliver “Low Intensity” Psychological Therapy for Psychosis: A Qualitative Analysis of Therapist and Service User Views on the Therapy and its Future Implementation
Authors: Waller Helen , Garety Philippa , Jolley Suzanne , Fornells-Ambrojo Miriam , Kuipers Elizabeth , Onwumere Juliana , Woodall Anna , Craig Tom
Published: October 2013

Background: Increasing access to evidence-based talking therapies for people with psychosis is a national health priority. We have piloted a new, “low intensity” (LI) CBT intervention specifically designed to be delivered by frontline mental health staff, following brief training, and with ongoing supervision and support. A pilot feasibility study has demonstrated significant improvement in service user outcomes. This study is a qualitative analysis of the experiences of the staff and service users taking part in the evaluation. Aims: To evaluate the acceptability of the training protocol and the therapy, and to examine the factors promoting and restraining implementation. Method: All trained staff and service users completed a semi-structured interview that was transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Service users spoke about learning new skills and achieving their goals. Staff spoke about being able to use a brief, structured intervention to achieve positive outcomes for their clients. Both groups felt that longer, more sophisticated interventions were required to address more complex problems. The positive clinical outcomes motivated therapists to continue using the approach, despite organizational barriers. Conclusions: For both trained staff and service users, taking part in the study was a positive experience. Staff members’ perceived skill development and positive reaction to seeing their clients improve should help to promote implementation. Work is needed to clarify whether and how more complex difficulties should be addressed by frontline staff.