bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestational age‐specific scoring systems for the prediction of coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Gómez‐Montes Enery , Herraiz Ignacio , Gómez‐Arriaga Paula Isabel , Escribano David , Mendoza Alberto , Galindo Alberto
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To determine which combination of cardiac parameters provides the best prenatal prediction of coarctation of aorta (CoAo).

Methods

We selected all cases of simple cardiac asymmetry prenatally diagnosed in 2003–2013. Logistic regression was used to select the best predictors of CoAo.

Results

The study population included 115 fetuses. CoAo was confirmed in 52 neonates (45%). The sample was divided in two groups according to the gestational age (GA) at diagnosis: early group (EG) ≤28 weeks (n = 57), and late group (LG) >28 weeks (n = 58). CoAo was confirmed in 75% and 16% of cases, respectively. GA‐specific scoring systems with maximum two parameters were made, and the pairwise combination with the best diagnostic performance for each group was selected. In EG, the z‐score of ascending aorta (AAo) and aortic isthmus (three vessels and trachea view) showed the best diagnostic accuracy [area under receiver‐operating curve (AUC) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94–1.00]. In the LG, the best results were provided by the tricuspid valve/mitral valve ratio with the main pulmonary artery/AAo ratio (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.67–1.00).

Conclusions

Gestational age‐specific scoring systems combining size‐based cardiac parameters may improve the accuracy of fetal echocardiography to stratify the risk of CoAo. The objectivity and simplicity of its components may facilitate its implementation in fetal cardiology units. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism and disposition of MM‐433593, a selective FAAH‐1 inhibitor, in monkeys
Authors: Banijamali Ali R. , Wakefield James D. , Mermerian Ara H. , Busby Robert W.
Published: July 2014

MM‐433593 is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase‐1 (FAAH‐1) with potential utility as an orally administered treatment of pain, inflammation, and other disorders. In this study, we investigated the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of MM‐433593 in monkeys, and compared plasma and urine metabolites of this compound to the in vitro metabolites produced by monkey hepatocytes. Intravenous administration of MM‐433593 to cynomolgus monkeys produced a rapid distribution phase and slower elimination phase with a mean systemic clearance rate of 8–11 mL/min/kg. Absolute oral bioavailability was determined to be 14–21% with maximum plasma concentrations reached ~3 h (Tmax) following a 10 mg/kg oral dose. The average terminal half‐life of MM‐433593 was 17–20 h, and there were no qualitative sex differences in the metabolite profile of MM‐433593. The major site of metabolism was oxidation of the methyl group at the five position of the indole ring, which was confirmed by chromatography and mass spectrometry comparison to a synthesized authentic standard. This metabolite was further oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acid and/or conjugated with sulfate, glucuronide, or glutathione. In all, 18 metabolites were found in plasma and urine. In vitro incubations of MM‐433593 with monkey hepatocytes yielded 13 metabolites, all of which were found in vivo, indicating a good correlation between the in vitro and in vivo metabolism data. A comprehensive pathway for the metabolism of MM‐433593 is proposed, including a plausible, five‐step biotransformation for the formation of N‐acetylcysteine conjugate metabolite (M18) from the hydroxylated parent (M5).
Drofenine: a 2‐APB analog with improved selectivity for human TRPV3
Authors: Deering‐Rice Cassandra E. , Mitchell Virginia K. , Romero Erin G. , Abdel Aziz May H. , Ryskamp Daniel A. , Križaj David , Venkat Raj Gopal , Reilly Christopher A.
Published: July 2014

Transient receptor potential vanilloid‐3 (TRPV3) is a member of the TRPV subfamily of TRP ion channels. The physiological functions of TRPV3 are not fully understood, in part, due to a lack of selective agonists and antagonists that could both facilitate the elucidation of roles for TRPV3 in mammalian physiology as well as potentially serve as therapeutic agents to modulate conditions for which altered TRPV3 function has been implicated. In this study, the Microsource Spectrum Collection was screened for TRPV3 agonists and antagonists using alterations in calcium flux in TRPV3 overexpressing human embryonic kidney‐293 (HEK‐293) cells. The antispasmodic agent drofenine was identified as a new TRPV3 agonist. Drofenine exhibited similar potency to the known TRPV3 agonists 2‐aminoethoxydiphenylboronate (2‐APB) and carvacrol in HEK‐293 cells, but greater selectivity for TRPV3 based on a lack of activation of TRPA1, V1, V2, V4, or M8. Multiple inhibitors were also identified, but all of the compounds were either inactive or not specific. Drofenine activated TRPV3 via interactions with the residue, H426, which is required for TRPV3 activation by 2‐APB. Drofenine was a more potent agonist of TRPV3 and more cytotoxic than either carvacrol or 2‐APB in human keratinocytes and its effect on TRPV3 in HaCaT cells was further demonstrated using the antagonist icilin. Due to the lack of specificity of existing TRPV3 modulators and the expression of multiple TRP channels in cells/tissue, drofenine may be a valuable probe for elucidating TRPV3 functions in complex biological systems. Identification of TRPV3 as a target for drofenine may also suggest a mechanism by which drofenine acts as a therapeutic agent.
Researching children's schooling identities: Towards the development of an ethnographic methodology
Authors: Brown Ceri
Published: July 2014

This paper argues that there is merit in the study of students' identity constructions as a means of understanding inequalities in schooling outcomes. However, the effectiveness of such accounts remains limited by the hiatus between the identity theories deployed in research studies and the empirical data used to illuminate such theories. The methodology by which interview protocols are used in relation to identity theories is tacit or unclear. This paper aims to address this issue by developing a methodology of identity construction for students in schools that makes explicit the links between theory, methods and data. In applying this methodology to an analysis of one longitudinal case study example, its utility is illustrated.
Coordinated test‐rig and ToF‐SIMS experiments to investigate the influence of phosphate glass layers on the friction behavior of a wet clutch
Authors: Mayer C. , Lipinsky D. , Wohlleber F. , Pflaum H. , Stahl K. , Arlinghaus H. F.
Published: July 2014

The structure and chemical composition of boundary layers built under tribological stress impact the friction and wear of solid‐state surfaces in a major way. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry is ideally suited for the analysis of these boundary layers, including the adsorptive layer formed from oil additive components, and to advance the understanding of the interaction of all materials involved.

Tribologically formed phosphate glass layers on friction body surfaces of standard wet multi‐disc clutches, which had been exposed to defined loads in an environment of different model fluids of polyalphaolefin base oil blended with different single additives or well‐defined mixtures of two additives, were investigated using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The obtained data give an insight on how additive‐based reaction layers on friction surfaces may affect the friction curve of a wet clutch. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Perceived Stress Scale‐4 in a Community Sample
Authors: Ingram Paul B. , Clarke Erik , Lichtenberg James W.
Published: July 2014

Although the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is among the most widely used measures of perceived stress, it has only recently begun to be tested in independent psychometric validation studies, and the four‐item version of the PSS (PSS‐4) (the briefest version of this measure) has never undergone testing to examine and confirm the originally proposed structure. To address this paucity of research, the present study (a) tested the structure of the PSS‐4 in the first confirmatory factor analysis of the instrument and (b) tested for item‐level gender differences in the PSS that have been demonstrated in other versions of this scale. Results indicated that the PSS four‐item measure does not fit its proposed model. Additionally, score differences were observed for one item across genders. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional diversity versus species diversity: relationships with habitat heterogeneity at multiple scales in a subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forest
Authors: Hu Guang , Jin Yi , Liu Jinliang , Yu Mingjian
Published: July 2014

Understanding the relationship between functional and species diversity as well as their association with habitat heterogeneity can help reveal the mechanisms of species coexistence in ecological communities. However, these interactions have been poorly studied in subtropical forests. In this paper, we evaluated functional diversity (as measured by Rao's Q) and traditional species diversity (based on Simpson's index) in a 24 ha forest plot in a subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forest (EBLF) in China. We compared the sensitivities of functional and species diversity to topographic variables (elevation, convexity, slope and aspect) at multiple spatial scales based on 10 × 10, 20 × 20, 40 × 40 and 50 × 50 m quadrats. Functional and species diversity were found to have different distribution patterns along a topographical gradient, with functional diversity better explained by topography than was species diversity using a spatial autocorrelation regression error model. Furthermore, functional diversity had a significantly greater association with topographic variables than species diversity in both adult and young trees; in both cases, the strength of the diversity‐habitat association increased with quadrat size. We conclude that functional diversity reflects a greater diversity‐habitat association in EBLF than does species diversity, and that the association depends on the spatial scale and life stages of the woody plants under evaluation.
Multipolar radiofrequency ablation with non‐touch technique for hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3 cm: A preliminary report
Authors: Wu Li‐Wei , Chen Chiung‐Yu , Liu Chun‐Jen , Chen Ming‐Yao , Liu Po‐Chun , Liu Pan‐Fu , Seror Olivier , Lee I‐Lin , Lin Shi‐Ming
Published: July 2014

Background

Conventional monopolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) bears the risks of incomplete ablation and tumor seeding. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of multipolar RFA with non‐touch technique for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 3 cm.

Methods

Fifteen cirrhotic patients (9 men, 6 women; age 51–83 years, mean 64.4 years, Child‐Pugh score: A = 10 and B = 5) with 17 HCCs of ≤ 3 cm (mean: 26 mm), which were diagnosed based on typical radiologic findings were enrolled. Two or three Celon Prosurge Bipolar electrodes with 3‐cm active tip were deployed with non‐touch technique via percutaneous approach under ultrasound guidance.

Results

Complete ablation was achieved in all 17 lesions. This is defined as no enhanced part around the ablated index tumors according to dynamic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging at least 1 month after ablation. No local tumor progression was detected at follow‐up (range, 3–21.5 months; mean, 10 months). No track seeding was observed. There was one distant recurrence 15.4 months after ablation. One patient had procedure‐related biliary stricture and died of pneumonia 3.5 months after tumor ablation.

Conclusion

Multipolar RFA with non‐touch technique is an effective method to achieve complete tumor ablation and an adequate safety margin. This method has low complication rate and bears minimal risk of tumor seeding.
A child with global neuroregression with refractory epilepsy
Authors: Dubey Rachana , Chakrabarty Biswaroop , Gulati Sheffali , Kumar Atin
Published: July 2014

Hypomyelinating disorders have wide spectrum of clinical and radiological manifestations. A 17-month-old girl presented with baseline global developmental delay with insidious onset global neuroregression with refractory seizures from 1 year of age. Her birth and family history were noncontributory. Salient features on examination were central hypotonia and retinal cherry red spot. MRI Brain revealed characteristic white matter and basal ganglia changes. Her serum hexosaminidase A levels were undetectable. Identification of these radiological changes is crucial in directing appropriate enzyme and mutation testing in these patients.
The role of physical distribution services as determinants of product returns in Internet retailing
Authors: Rao Shashank , Rabinovich Elliot , Raju Dheeraj
Published: July 2014

Pressure continues to build on Internet retailers to squeeze out inefficiencies from their day‐to‐day operations. One major source of such inefficiencies is product returns. Indeed, product returns in Internet retailing have been shown to be, on average, as high as 22% of sales. Yet, most retailers accept them as a necessary cost of doing business. This is not surprising since many retailers do not have a clear understanding of the causes of product returns. While it is known that return policies of retailers, along with product attributes, are two important factors related to product return incidents, little is known about which aspects of the online retail transaction make such a purchase more return‐prone. In the current study, we seek to address this issue. We use a large data set of customer purchases and returns to identify how process attributes in physical distribution service (PDS) influence product returns. The first attribute involves perceptions of scarcity conditions in inventory availability among consumers when retailers reveal to consumers information on inventory levels for the products that they intend to buy. Our results show that orders in which items are sold when these conditions are revealed to shoppers have a higher likelihood of being returned than orders in which these conditions are not revealed. While prior research has argued that inventory scarcity perceptions have an effect on purchases, our findings suggest that they are also related to the likelihood of these purchases being returned. The second attribute involves the reliability in the delivery of orders to consumers. We find that the likelihood of orders being returned depends on the consistency between retailer promises of timeliness in the delivery of orders and the actual delivery performance of the orders. Moreover, we find that the effect that consistency in the delivery has in the likelihood of returns, is stronger for orders that involve promises for expedited delivery than for orders with less expeditious promises. That is, although the occurrence of returns depends on the delays in the delivery of orders to consumers relative to the initial promises made by the retailers, this effect is more notable for orders that involve promises of fast delivery.
Influence of intravenous anesthetics on neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery
Authors: Chang Pi‐Ying , Wu Che‐Wei , Chen Hsiu‐Ya , Chen Hui‐Chun , Cheng Kuang‐I , Lu I‐Cheng , Chiang Feng‐Yu
Published: July 2014

Limited reports are available in the literature on the impact of intravenous administration of anesthetics on laryngeal electromyographic (EMG) activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the two commonly used intravenous anesthetics (propofol and thiamylal) on EMG amplitude evoked from the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid surgery. A total of 40 patients were randomized to receive a bolus of propofol (0.5 mg/kg; n = 20) or thiamylal (1.5 mg/kg; n = 20) to increase anesthetic depth when the surgeon found patient movement intraoperatively. Evoked potentials were obtained before and every 1 minute after the administration of each agent for up to 5 minutes by stimulating the RLN. The magnitude of evoked potentials at each time point and hemodynamic response were compared within groups. The mean amplitude of evoked potentials did not change significantly after administration of either propofol or thiamylal (p > 0.05 within groups). Mean arterial pressure measured from 1 minute to 5 minutes was significantly lower in the propofol group than in the thiamylal group (p < 0.05). Heart rate measured within 5 minutes did not differ significantly within groups. Low dose of propofol (0.5 mg/kg) or thiamylal (1.5 mg/kg) did not affect EMG readings during neuromonitoring of the RLN in thyroid surgery. Our results show that thiamylal provides better hemodynamic stability than propofol, and is therefore a preferable agent to increase anesthesia depth and prevent further patient movement during intraoperative neuromonitoring.
Sedimentation of a dilute suspension of rigid spheres at intermediate Galileo numbers: the effect of clustering upon the particle motion
Authors: Uhlmann Markus , Doychev Todor
Published: July 2014

Direct numerical simulation of the gravity-induced settling of finite-size particles in triply periodic domains has been performed under dilute conditions. For a single solid-to-fluid-density ratio of 1.5 we have considered two values of the Galileo number corresponding to steady vertical motion ($\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\mathit{Ga}=121$) and to steady oblique motion ($\mathit{Ga}=178$) in the case of one isolated sphere. For the multiparticle system we observe strong particle clustering only in the latter case. The geometry and time scales related to clustering are determined from Voronoï tessellation and particle-conditioned averaging. As a consequence of clustering, the average particle settling velocity is increased by 12 % as compared with the value of an isolated sphere; such a collective effect is not observed in the non-clustering case. By defining a local (instantaneous) fluid velocity average in the vicinity of the finite-size particles it is shown that the observed enhancement of the settling velocity is due to the fact that the downward fluid motion (with respect to the global average) which is induced in the cluster regions is preferentially sampled by the particles. It is further observed that the variance of the particle velocity is strongly enhanced in the clustering case. With the aid of a decomposition of the particle velocity it is shown that this increase is due to enhanced fluid velocity fluctuations (due to clustering) in the vicinity of the particles. Finally, we discuss a possible explanation for the observation of a critical Galileo number marking the onset of clustering under dilute conditions.
Influence of the viscosity ratio on drop dynamics and breakup for a drop rising in an immiscible low-viscosity liquid
Authors: Ohta Mitsuhiro , Akama Yu , Yoshida Yutaka , Sussman Mark
Published: July 2014

In a low Morton number ($\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}M$) regime, the stability of a single drop rising in an immiscible viscous liquid is experimentally and computationally examined for varying viscosity ratio$\eta $(the viscosity of the drop divided by that of the suspending fluid) and varying Eötvös number ($\mathit{Eo}$). Three-dimensional computations, rather than three-dimensional axisymmetric computations, are necessary since non-axisymmetric unstable drop behaviour is studied. The computations are performed using the sharp-interface coupled level-set and volume-of-fluid (CLSVOF) method in order to capture the deforming drop boundary. In the lower$\eta $regimes,$\eta = 0.02 $or 0.1, and when$\mathit{Eo}$exceeds a critical threshold, it is observed that a rising drop exhibits nonlinear lateral/tilting motion. In the higher$\eta $regimes,$\eta = 0.1$, 1.94, 10 or 100, and when$\mathit{Eo}$exceeds another critical threshold, it is found that a rising drop becomes unstable and breaks up into multiple drops. The type of breakup, either ‘dumbbell’, ‘intermediate’ or ‘toroidal’, depends intimately on$\eta $and$\mathit{Eo}$.
A continuum approach to predicting electrophoretic mobility reversals
Authors: Stout Robert F. , Khair Aditya S.
Published: July 2014

We present a continuum approach to predicting the electrophoretic mobility of a charged dielectric colloidal particle in a concentrated multivalent electrolyte. Our model takes into account steric (excluded volume) hindrance between ions via Bikerman’s approach (Philos. Mag., vol. 33, 1942, p. 384) and ion–ion electrostatic (Coulombic) correlations via the work of Bazant et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 106, 2011, 046102). The latter can result in the prediction of an electrophoretic mobility reversal, that is, the migration velocity of a particle switches direction with increasing ion concentration. Our model predictions compare favourably with experiments that observe mobility reversals in multivalent electrolytes.
Comparison of Observing Modes for Statistical Estimation of the 21 cm Signal from the Epoch of Reionisation
Authors: Trott Cathryn M.
Published: July 2014

Noise considerations for experiments that aim to statistically estimate the 21 cm signal from high redshift neutral hydrogen during the Epoch of Reionisation (EoR) using interferometric data are typically computed assuming a tracked observation, where the telescope pointing centre and instrument phase centre are the same over the observation. Current low frequency interferometers use aperture arrays of fixed dipoles, which are steered electronically on the sky, and have different properties to mechanically-steered single apertures, such as reduced sensitivity away from zenith, and discrete pointing positions on the sky. These properties encourage the use of two additional observing modes: (1) zenith drift, where the pointing centre remains fixed at the zenith, and the phase centre tracks the sky, and (2) drift + shift, a hybrid mode where the telescope uses discrete pointing centres, and the sky drifts during each fixed pointing. These three observing modes view the sky differently, and therefore yield different uncertainties in the power spectrum according to the balance of radiometric noise and cosmic variance. The coherence of measurements made by the instrument in these modes dictates the optimal reduction in thermal noise by combination of coherent modes, and the reduction in cosmic variance by combination of incoherent modes (views of different patches of the sky). Along with calibration and instrument stability considerations, the balance between these noise components provides one measure for the utility of these three modes for measuring a statistical signature of the EoR signal. We provide a general framework for estimating the uncertainty in the power spectrum for a given observing mode, telescope beam shape, and interferometer antenna distribution. We then apply this framework to the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) using an analysis of the two-dimensional (2D) and one-dimensional (1D) power spectra for 900 hours of observing. We demonstrate that zenith drift scans can yield marginally lower uncertainty in the signal power compared with tracked scans for the MWA EoR experiment, and that moderately higher signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) estimates of the amplitude (3%) and slope (1%) of the 1D power spectrum are accessible, translating directly into a reduction in the required observing time to reach the same estimation precision. We find that the additional sensitivity of pointing at zenith, and the reduction in cosmic variance available with a zenith drift scan, makes this an attractive observing mode for current and future arrays.
Implementation of minimally invasive and objective humane endpoints in the study of murinePlasmodiuminfections
Authors: DELLAVALLE B. , KIRCHHOFF J. , MARETTY L. , CASTBERG F. C. , KURTZHALS J. A. L.
Published: July 2014

Defining appropriate and objective endpoints for animal research can be difficult. Previously we evaluated and implemented a body temperature (BT) of <32 °C as an endpoint for experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) and were interested in a similar endpoint for a model of severe malarial anaemia (SMA). Furthermore, we investigate the potential of a minimally invasive, non-contact infrared thermometer for repeated BT measurement. ECM was induced withPlasmodium bergheiANKA infection in C57Bl/6 mice. SMA was induced withPlasmodium chabaudiAS infection in A/J mice. Our previous published endpoint was applied in ECM and 30 °C was pre-determined as the lowest permitted limit for termination in SMA according to consultation with the Danish Animal Inspectorate. Infrared thermometer was compared with the rectal probe after cervical dislocation, ECM and SMA. Linear regression analysis of rectal versus infrared thermometry: cervical dislocation: PearsonR = 0·99,R2 = 0·98, slope = 1·01, y-intercept = 0·55; ECM: 0·99, 0·98, 1·06, −2·4; and SMA: 0·98, 0·97, 1·14, −5·6. Implementation of the 30 °C endpoint captured all lethal infections. However, some animals with BT below 30 °C were not deemed clinically moribund. This study supports repeated measurement infrared thermometry. A humane endpoint of 30 °C was sensitive in capturing terminal animals but might overestimate lethality in this SMA model.
Çatalhöyük: the leopard changes its spots. A summary of recent work
Authors: Hodder Ian
Published: July 2014

This paper summarises and interprets data from the Neolithic site ot Çatalhöyük East collected between 2000 and 2008, while at the same time integrating data from earlier and more recent excavation seasons. The paper focuses on evidence for change during the occupation of the site, arguing for an increase in the size and density of occupation into the middle levels associated with symbolic and ritual elaboration within an aggressively egalitarian community. The middle ‘classic’ levels at Çatalhöyük were associated with increased workload, physical stresses and illness. The pressures were relieved in the upper levels after 6500 BC by shifts to greater mobility, increased economic independence of houses and dispersal of population. This shift in the upper levels may be of relevance to the spread of farming populations into northwestern Anatolia and Europe.
Early Bronze Age burial customs on the central Anatolian plateau: a view from Demircihöyük-Sarıket
Authors: Massa Michele
Published: July 2014

This paper focuses on the analysis of the cemetery of Demircihöyük-Sarıket, for which exists one of the largest Early Bronze Age funerary datasets published to date in Anatolia. The size and quality of the sample allow the dataset to be approached quantitatively, to determine both normative and anomalous funerary practices, and to detect distinct patterns of burial treatment for different segments of the population represented in the cemetery. Despite the small size of the community (ca 100–130 people), the results suggest a rather complex picture, in which the choice of specific burial containers, the relative wealth of grave assemblages and the selection of particular sets of items were dependent on differences in the age, gender, occupation and achieved status of the deceased. Comparison with other contemporary funerary assemblages helps to place Demircihöyük-Sarıket and these community-scale observations within their wider cultural context in central Anatolia.
The octagonal gemstones from Gordion: observations and interpretations
Authors: Goldman Andrew L.
Published: July 2014

Of the increasing number of Roman gemstones from Turkey published from museum and private collections, nearly all lack a secure archaeological context. Consequentially, it has been difficult to discuss the origin, production or dissemi¬nation of gemstones in Anatolia during the imperial period. Excavations in the cemeteries at Gordion have yielded over a dozen carved intaglios typical of the first to the fourth century AD. Three of the gems are cut in a relatively rare octagonal form, an eight-sided shape which achieved limited popularity during the late imperial period but has yet to receive scholarly treatment. The recent recovery of similar late Roman octagonals from other central Anatolian sites has indicated strongly that this particular gemstone type was popular and possibly produced locally in central Turkey. Examination of octagonals as a distinct group, via analyses of gem type, dimension, provenance, date and iconographic representation as evident in a newly-constructed corpus of 185 examples, appears to provide additional support for this theory. It is suggested here that the octagonal shape held numeric and symbolic significance among the military and early Christian communities of central Turkey, where a permanent workshop catering to that mixed clientele possibly existed in at least one of the principal urban centres, at Ancyra and/or Caesarea.
Dynamic planning navigation strategy for mobile terrestrial robots
Authors: de Oliveira Átila V. F. M. , Fernandes Marcelo A. C.
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes a new dynamic planning navigation strategy for use with mobile terrestrial robots. The strategy was applied to situations in which the environment and obstacles were unknown. After each displacement event, the robot replanned its route using a control algorithm that minimized the distance to the target and maximized the distance between the obstacles. Using a spatial localization sensor and a set of distance sensors, the proposed navigation strategy was able to dynamically plan optimum routes that were free of collisions. Simulations performed using different types of environment demonstrated that the technique offers a high degree of flexibility and robustness, and validated its potential use in real applications involving mobile terrestrial robots.
Self-adaption grasping force analysis for an apple sorting hand-claw with robustness
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Guangyuan
Published: July 2014

A flexible apple sorting hand-claw with three fingers evenly on the spiral chuck is designed. Each finger with series double hinges is driven by one air-cylinder. Sizes of hand-claw and parameters of two torsion springs round axes of series double hinges are obtained via global optimization based on the grid method so that the two torsion springs exhibit a coordinative function to enhance compliance for grasping apples of different sizes under the same system pressure. Besides, the critical pressures and bending deflection between different working processes are studied. Results show that hinge 2 begins to rotate at 0.0270 MPa pressure, and when the pressure increases to 0.0634 MPa and 0.0746 MPa, hand-claw begins to touch the biggest and the smallest apples respectively. The curve of torsional angle versus pressure presents that angular velocity droops with homogeneous extension. Therefore, it is able to reduce impact and time in vain during the grasping process. Crucially, the grasping forces for grasping the smallest and the biggest apple are 4 N and 4.38 N respectively under the same 0.5 MPa pressure, indicating the excellent adaption performance and robust result for size variation of apples without any force sensors.
TERM PREMIA IMPLICATIONS OF MACROECONOMIC REGIME CHANGES
Authors: Carboni Giacomo
Published: July 2014

Term premia are shown to provide crucial information for discriminating among alternative sources of change in the economy, namely shifts in the variance of structural shocks and in monetary policy. These sources have been identified as competing explanations for time-varying features of major industrial economies during the 1980s and 1990s. Although hardly distinguishable through the lens of standard dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models, lower nonpolicy shock variances and “tighter” monetary policy regimes imply higher and lower term premia, respectively. As a result, moving to tighter monetary policy alone cannot explain the improved U.S. macroeconomic stability in the 1980s and 1990s: term premia would have shifted downward, a fact inconsistent with the evidence of higher premia from early 80s onward. Conversely, favorable shifts in nonpolicy innovation variance imply movements in term premia that are at least qualitatively consistent with historical patterns.
The future of evolutionary economics: can we break out of the beachhead?
Authors: WINTER SIDNEY G.
Published: July 2014

This essay contemplates the possible futures of evolutionary economics in terms of two contrasting images. In the first, the primary research emphasis of the future will continue to be on the topics that have interested evolutionary economists in the past, such as technological change, business behavior, and the role of institutions. Research contributions in these focal areas and in some related areas are briefly characterized. In the second image, there is a breakout from this ‘beachhead’ and a broader conflict with the reigning paradigm, neoclassical economics. Thomas Kuhn's theory of scientific revolutions provides a framework and stimulus for thinking about the latter case, and the 20th century paradigm conflict in physics provides a baseline for thinking about it. The core strengths of evolutionary economics in the paradigm conflict are noted, and the evolutionary role of intentionality is examined No definitive prediction about the future is offered.
Chondrenchelys problematica(Traquair, 1888) redescribed: a Lower Carboniferous, eel-like holocephalan from Scotland
Authors: Finarelli John A. , Coates Michael I.
Published: July 2014

Chondrenchelys problematica, from the Viséan (Holkerian) of Scotland, is the earliest holocephalan known from extensive cranial and postcranial material. Here, we provide a comprehensive new description of this taxon using three new specimens, in which we observe many morphological features for the first time. Much of the cranial morphology is closer to that of living chimaeroid holocephalans than was previously appreciated. For this reason, we provide original figures illustrating the chondrocranium of a hatchlingCallorhinchus miliidemonstrating these similarities. InChondrenchelys, although the jaw articulation is positioned at the posterior margin of the orbit, the high-walled lamina orbitonasalis and densely-mineralised antorbital crest provide evidence for forward rotation of the jaw adductor musculature. Preserved foramina for the efferent superficial ophthalmic nerves show that the sensory organs on the rostrum were enervated in a manner similar to modern sharks, with the ophthalmic nerves not enclosed in an ethmoid canal, as in modern holocephalans. The conjunction of numerous distinctly holocephalan features with those that are otherwise general to Chondrichthyes demonstrates a decoupling of several of the structural conditions that characterise the distinctive morphological complex of the extant holocephalan skull. The anguiliform postcranium is more elongate than previously reconstructed, and it is now clear that the axial skeleton extended beyond the posterior extremity of the elongate dorsal fin. Morphological characters are reviewed with a view to further phylogenetic analyses. We recommend using the appearance ofChondrenchelysat 336.5 Ma as a hard minimum age for the last common ancestor of elasmobranchs and chimaeroids, because of its secure association with other holocephalans, and current uncertainties concerning elasmobranch stem lineage membership.
Synoptic revision of the Ordovician brachiopods of the Barr and Lower Ardmillan groups of the Girvan area, Scotland
Authors: Candela Y. , Harper D. A. T.
Published: July 2014

The generic assignments of some 200 Ordovician brachiopod species in the Barr and Lower Ardmillan (upper Darriwilian–lower Katian) succession, Girvan are reviewed and, where necessary, modified. This key database on the distribution and occurrence of a Laurentian-marginal brachiopod assemblage has featured in many analyses of global biogeography for the period and has confirmed the position of Girvan at relatively low latitudes. Revision of these taxonomic assignments within a modified stratigraphical framework permits closer comparisons with coeval faunas elsewhere around the palaeocontinent of Laurentia and beyond and allows the definition of a variety of brachiopod biofacies on a fault-controlled basin founded on a dismembered ophiolite.
An early origin for detailed perception in Autism Spectrum Disorder: biased sensitivity for high-spatial frequency information.
Authors: Kéïta Luc , Guy Jacalyn , Berthiaume Claude , Mottron Laurent , Bertone Armando
Published: July 2014

Autistics demonstrate superior performances on several visuo-spatial tasks where local or detailed information processing is advantageous. Altered spatial filtering properties at an early level of visuo-spatial analysis may be a plausible perceptual origin for such detailed perception in Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this study, contrast sensitivity for both luminance and texture-defined vertically-oriented sine-wave gratings were measured across a range of spatial frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 4 & 8 cpd) for autistics and non-autistic participants. Contrast sensitivity functions and peak frequency ratios were plotted and compared across groups. Results demonstrated that autistic participants were more sensitivity to luminance-defined, high spatial frequency gratings (8 cpd). A group difference in peak distribution was also observed as 35% of autistic participants manifested peak sensitivity for luminance-defined gratings of 4 cpd, compared to only 7% for the comparison group. These findings support that locally-biased perception in Autism Spectrum Disorder originates, at least in part, from differences in response properties of early spatial mechanisms favouring detailed spatial information processing.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) releasing agents: chemistry and biological applications
Authors: Zhao Yu , Biggs Tyler D. , Xian Ming
Published: July 2014

This Feature Article provides an overview of currently known hydrogen sulfide donors.
Metal–organic frameworks as potential shock absorbers: the case of the highly flexible MIL-53(Al)
Authors: Yot Pascal G. , Boudene Zoubeyr , Macia Jasmine , Granier Dominique , Vanduyfhuys Louis , Verstraelen Toon , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Devic Thomas , Serre Christian , Férey Gérard , Stock Norbert , Maurin Guillaume
Published: July 2014

Investigating the irreversible pressure induced structural transformation of MIL-53(Al).
Detection of cancer cells using triplex DNA molecular beacons based on expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)
Authors: Xi Dongmei , Wang Xindong , Ai Shiyun , Zhang Shusheng
Published: July 2014

A novel strategy was developed for cancer cell detection using triplex DNA based on expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein.
An activatable, polarity dependent, dual-luminescent imaging agent with a long luminescence lifetime
Authors: Rood Marcus T. M. , Oikonomou Maria , Buckle Tessa , Raspe Marcel , Urano Yasuteru , Jalink Kees , Velders Aldrik H. , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B.
Published: July 2014

A combination of two quenching interactions was incorporated in a new activatable imaging agent. Partial and total activation of luminescence can be achieved, as well as luminescence lifetime imaging.
Lewis base mediated halogenation/semipinacol rearrangement of diazo compounds: new access to α-halo-quaternary ketones
Authors: Mao Haibin , Tang Zhongkai , Hu Hongwen , Cheng Yixiang , Zheng Wen-Hua , Zhu Chengjian
Published: July 2014

A novel halogenation/semipinacol rearrangement of α-diazo alcohol catalyzed by Lewis base has been developed through a carbene-free mechanism.
A versatile synthetic approach for the synthesis of CoO, CoxC, and Co based nanocomposites: tuning kinetics and crystal phase with different polyhydric alcohols
Authors: Huba Zachary J. , Carpenter Everett E.
Published: July 2014

By changing the polyhydric alcohol and reaction time, the cobalt crystal phase can be manipulated and allow for control of the resulting magnetic properties.
Self-assembly and magnetic properties of Ni(ii)/Co(ii) coordination polymers based on 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)benzene and varying biphenyltetracarboxylates
Authors: Su Feng , Lu Liping , Feng Sisi , Zhu Miaoli
Published: July 2014

Five complexes of 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)benzene, H4bptas and cobalt/nickel are synthesized via solvothermal reaction; both of them have intriguing interpenetrated architectures.
An improved catalytic system for the reduction of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone
Authors: Tukacs József M. , Novák Márton , Dibó Gábor , Mika László T.
Published: July 2014

An improved bidentate phosphine-modified Ru catalytic system was developed for the selective reduction of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone.
Synthesis, characterization and reactivity studies of electrophilic ruthenium(ii) complexes: a study of H2activation and labilization
Authors: Naidu K. S. , Patil Yogesh P. , Nethaji Munirathinam , Jagirdar Balaji R.
Published: July 2014

Synthesis of some new highly electrophilic ruthenium complexes bearing the 1,2-bis(dipentafluorophenyl phosphino)ethane ligand and their reactivity studies towards activation and labilization of molecular hydrogen are reported.
New triethoxysilylated 10-vertex closo-decaborate clusters. Synthesis and controlled immobilization into mesoporous silica
Authors: Abi-Ghaida Fatima , Laila Zahra , Ibrahim Ghassan , Naoufal Daoud , Mehdi Ahmad
Published: July 2014

Triethoxysilylated borate clusters comprising the closo-decaborate cage were synthesized and immobilized into the pores of SBA-15 mesoporous silica.
Elucidation of inorganic reaction mechanisms in ionic liquids: the important role of solvent donor and acceptor properties
Authors: Schmeisser Matthias , van Eldik Rudi
Published: July 2014

Solvent donor and acceptor properties play an important role in the elucidation of inorganic reaction mechanisms studied in ionic liquids.
Structure and photoluminescence properties of a rare-earth free red-emitting Mn2+-activated KMgBO3
Authors: Wu L. , Wang B. , Zhang Y. , Li L. , Wang H. R. , Yi H. , Kong Y. F. , Xu J. J.
Published: July 2014

Abnormal strong absorptions are observed in a Mg-based host KMgBO3 doped by single Mn2+ ions, which lead to a strong red emission band centered at 636 nm.
Concentration gradient focusing and separation in a silica nanofluidic channel with a non-uniform electroosmotic flow
Authors: Hsu Wei-Lun , Harvie Dalton J. E. , Davidson Malcolm R. , Jeong Helen , Goldys Ewa M. , Inglis David W.
Published: July 2014

Concentration gradient focusing and separation in a silica nanofluidic channel with a non-uniform electroosmotic flow.
Calculation of enthalpies of formation and band gaps of polymeric binders
Authors: Shafeeuulla Khan Md Abdul , Dey Abhijit , Athar Javaid , Sikder Arun Kanti
Published: July 2014

Determination of enthalpies of formation and band gaps of polymeric binders has been carried out using linear extrapolation and PBC techniques, respectively, and suggests that the azido HTPB can be a potential energetic binder in explosive compositions.
Amino acid and water-driven tunable green protocol to access S–S/C–S bonds via aerobic oxidative coupling and hydrothiolation
Authors: Shard Amit , Kumar Rajesh , Saima Saima , Sharma Nidhi , Sinha Arun K.
Published: July 2014

Arginine in conjunction with water has been employed as an effective and recyclable organocatalyst for oxidative coupling of thiophenols and hydrothiolation of alkynes.
In situ simultaneous reduction–doping route to synthesize hematite/N-doped graphene nanohybrids with excellent photoactivity
Authors: Zhu Yun-Pei , Ren Tie-Zhen , Liu Yu-Ping , Yuan Zhong-Yong
Published: July 2014

Hematite/N-doped graphene nanohybrids were prepared by an in situ simultaneous reduction–doping strategy, exhibiting excellent photocatalytic activity for phenol decomposition.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activities of pulse-mode potentiostatic electrodeposited single-crystal, fern-like Pt nanorods
Authors: Chou Huei-Yu , Tsai Ming-Chi , Wei Sung-Yen , Wei Yu-Hsuan , Yeh Tsung-Kuang , Chen Fu-Rong , Ma Chen-Chi M. , Tsai Chuen-Horng , Hsieh Chien-Kuo
Published: July 2014

The pulse-mode potentiostatic electrodeposited single-crystal fern-like Pt nanorods enhanced the electrocatalytic activities for the methanol oxidation reaction.
Highly enhanced photocatalytic properties of ZnS nanowires–graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Cao Jian , Liu Qianyu , Han Donglai , Yang Shuo , Yang Jinghai , Wang Tingting , Niu Haifeng
Published: July 2014

ZnS–graphene nanocomposites exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue under UV light irradiation.
Synthesis and inclusion behavior of a heterotritopic receptor based on hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene
Authors: Jin Cheng-Cheng , Cong Hang , Ni Xin-Long , Zeng Xi , Redshaw Carl , Yamato Takehiko
Published: July 2014

A heterotritopic hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene receptor binding two alkali metals and a transition metal in a cooperative fashion has been synthesized.
In vitro and in vivo cytocompatibility of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Goonoo N. , Bhaw-Luximon A. , Jhurry D.
Published: July 2014

An electrospun polymeric-based nanofibrous scaffold mimicking the extracellular matrix and serving as a temporary support for cell growth, adhesion, migration and proliferation.
A high-capacity dual-electrolyte aluminum/air electrochemical cell
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Fude , Wang Wentao , Yang Guandong , Zheng Dawei , Wu Zhuangchun , Leung Michael K. H.
Published: July 2014

A dual-electrolyte aluminum/air electrochemical cell with a high anodic capacity of 6000 mA h cm−3.
Nanocrystalline cellulose grafted random copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid synthesized by RAFT polymerization: effect of different acrylic acid contents on LCST behavior
Authors: Zeinali Elnaz , Haddadi-Asl Vahid , Roghani-Mamaqani Hossein
Published: July 2014

NCC-attached dual-sensitive copolymers ofN-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid (AA) with different contents of AA were synthesized by RAFT polymerization. Effect of NCC, AA content, and pH on LCST was evaluated.
Rate-determining step in the self-assembly process of supramolecular coordination capsules
Authors: Tsujimoto Yuya , Kojima Tatsuo , Hiraoka Shuichi
Published: July 2014

We present a novel method for investigating the self-assembly process by following the average composition of the fragmentary species.
Phase transitions in supported lipid bilayers studied by AFM
Authors: Alessandrini Andrea , Facci Paolo
Published: July 2014

We review the studies dealing with lipid bilayer phase transitions and separations performed by Atomic Force Microscopy highlighting the added values with respect to traditional approaches.
The preparation of an azo-substituted polyrotaxane end-capped with PNIPPAAm and its dual stimuli-responsive behavior for drug delivery applications
Authors: Ye Lin , Liu Xiaoqiong , Ito Kohzo , Feng Zengguo
Published: July 2014

Micelles contracted and expanded alternately in response to UV/vis radiation, which offers a reversible on–off switch for controlling the drug release of the micelles.
Glycopolymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles: shape-controlled synthesis and cellular uptake
Authors: Li Xiao , Bao Meimei , Weng Yuyan , Yang Kai , Zhang Weidong , Chen Gaojian
Published: July 2014

Serum-stable glyco-nanoparticles with controlled shape were easily obtained and exhibit shape-dependent cell uptake behaviors as well as enhanced activity toward specific lectins.
Third-order nonlinear optical vitreous material derived from mesoporous silica incorporated with Au nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Xin , Luo Wei , Wang Lian-Jun , Jiang Wan
Published: July 2014

A novel method is introduced to prepare gold nanoparticles-embedded silica glass matrix with third-order nonlinear optical property.