bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human mesenchymal stromal cells modulate T‐cell responses through TNF‐α‐mediated activation of NF‐κB
Authors: Dorronsoro Akaitz , Ferrin Izaskun , Salcedo Juan Manuel , Jakobsson Emma , Fernández‐Rueda Jon , Lang Valérie , Sepulveda Pilar , Fechter Karoline , Pennington Dan , Trigueros César
Published: November 2013

Although mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess the capacity to modulate immune responses, little is known about the mechanisms that underpin these processes. In this study, we show that immunosupression is mediated by activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) in human MSCs. This pathway is activated by TNF‐α that is generated following TCR stimulation of T cells. Inhibition of NF‐κB through silencing of IκB kinase β or the TNF‐α receptor abolishes the immunosuppressive capacity of MSCs. Our data also indicate that MSC‐associated NF‐κB activation primarily leads to inhibition of T‐cell proliferation with little effect on expression of the activation markers CD69 and CD25. Thus, our data support the hypothesis that the TNF‐α/NF‐κB signalling pathway is required for the initial priming of immunosuppressive function in human MSCs. Interestingly, drugs that interfere with NF‐κB activation significantly antagonise the immunoregulatory effect of MSCs, which could have important implications for immunosuppression regimens in the clinic.
Simultaneous Synthesis of Polyoxometalates and Metal Nanoparticles from Molecular Precursors – Redox‐Active Microreactors and Functional Nanomaterials
Authors: Mitchell Scott G. , de la Fuente Jesús M.
Published: November 2013

Invited for the cover of this issue are Scott Mitchell and Jesús Martínez de la Fuente of The Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostics Group from the Institute of Nanoscience of Aragón, part of the University of Zaragoza (Spain). The cover image shows a false colored SEM image of triangular gold nanoprisms (we refer to them as “nanonachos”), which can be synthesized by using paradodecatungstate [H4W12O42]8–. The distinctive green color of the nanonachos is due to their localized surface plasmon resistance absorbance in the near‐infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Self‐Sorting Effects in the Self‐Assembly of Metallosupramolecular Rhombi from Chiral BINOL‐Derived Bis(pyridine) Ligands
Authors: Gütz Christoph , Hovorka Rainer , Stobe Caroline , Struch Niklas , Topić Filip , Schnakenburg Gregor , Rissanen Kari , Lützen Arne
Published: November 2013

Four BINOL‐based bis(4‐pyridyl) ligands were synthesised in enantiopure and racemic form. These ligands form metallosupramolecular [(dppp)2M2L2] rhombi with cis‐protected [(dppp)Pd]2+ and [(dppp)Pt]2+ ions. In principle, racemic ligands can self‐assemble into three stereoisomeric rhombi. The degree of self‐sorting in the self‐assembly process crucially depends on the substitution pattern and the resulting bend angle of the V‐shaped ligands as well as the degree of steric crowding within the assembly when racemic ligands are used. Thus, these processes either lead to homochiral assemblies in a narcissistic self‐recognition manner, to heterochiral assemblies in a social self‐discriminating manner, or proceed in a nonselective fashion as evidenced by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Rapid and sensitive detection of lower respiratory tract infections by stuffer‐free multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification
Authors: Chung Boram , Shin Gi Won , Park Chan Kwon , Choi Woong , Chung Yeun‐Jun , Yoon Hyung Kyu , Jung Gyoo Yeol
Published: November 2013

Lower respiratory tract infection is one of the most common infectious diseases. However, conventional methods for detecting infectious pathogens are time‐consuming, and generally have a limited impact on early therapeutic decisions. We previously reported a rapid and sensitive method for detecting such pathogens using stuffer‐free multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification coupled with high‐resolution CE‐SSCP. In this study, we report an application of this method to the detection of respiratory pathogens. As originally configured, this method was capable of simultaneously detecting seven bacterial species responsible for lower respiratory tract infections, but its detection limit and assay time were insufficient to provide useful information for early therapeutic decisions. To improve sensitivity and shorten assay time, we added a target‐specific preamplification step, improving the detection limit from 50 pg of genomic DNA to 500 fg. We further decreased time requirements by optimizing the hybridization step, enabling the entire assay to be completed within 7 h while maintaining the same detection limit. Taken together, these improvements enable the rapid detection of infectious doses of pathogens (i.e. a few dozen cells), establishing the strong potential of the refined method, particularly for aiding early treatment decisions.
Determination of ascorbic acid and its degradation products by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Szultka Małgorzata , Buszewska‐Forajta Magdalena , Kaliszan Roman , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: November 2013

This study describes application of liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) for evaluation of vitamin C stability, the objective being prediction of the degradation products. Detection was performed with an UV detector (UV‐Vis) in sequence with a triple‐quad mass spectrometer in the multiple reaction mode. The negative ion mode of ESI and MS‐MRM transitions of m/z 175→115 (quantifier) and 175→89 (qualifier) for ascorbic acid was used. All the validation parameters were within the range of acceptance proposed by the Food and Drug Administration. The method was fully validated in terms of linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, and interday precision. Validation experiments revealed good linearity with R2 = 0.999 within the established concentration range, and excellent repeatability (9.3%). The LOD of the method was 0.1524 ng/mL whereas the LOQ was 0.4679 ng/mL. LC‐MS methodology proves to be an improved, simple, and fast approach to determining the content of vitamin C and its degradation products with high sensitivity, selectivity, and resolving power within 6 minutes of analysis.
Analysis of the Effect of Cellulose Particle Size on the Rate of Microbial Hydrolysis for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Dionisi Davide
Published: November 2013

This study develops a new approach to analyze the effect of particle size on the rate of the microbial hydrolysis of cellulose under anaerobic conditions. The new approach is based on the quantitative analysis of the ratios of the cellulose‐particle surface areas and those of the microorganisms. It is shown that the effectiveness of the microbial‐hydrolysis process is expected to depend both on the particle size and on the cellulose/biomass ratio. At low cellulose/biomass ratios, a decrease in particle size is expected to bring an increase in the rate of microbial hydrolysis, because the rate is limited by the cellulose availability. At high cellulose/biomass ratios, the cellulose particle size is expected to have no or limited effect on the hydrolysis rate, because the rate is limited by the biomass concentration. The available literature data on the rate of microbial cellulose hydrolysis are critically analyzed and a new kinetic model for the microbial hydrolysis of particulate substances is developed.
Characterization of the coke in the coprocessing of bio‐oil with paraffin oil
Authors: Li Shanling , Zhang Suping , Feng Zhanyuan , Yan Yongjie
Published: November 2013

Biomass fast pyrolysis oil (bio‐oil) is generally unstable, acidic, corrosive, viscous, and high in moisture content. A feasible upgrading method is the coprocessing of bio‐oil with petroleum fractions. In this article, bio‐oil was co‐processed with paraffin oil in a fixed‐bed reactor. The effects of temperature, WHSV and coprocessed ratio on the coke yield were investigated. The coke deposited on the catalyst was characterized by using different analytical techniques (elementary analysis, adsorption measurements, XRD, SEM, TG, IR, GC‐MS, and NMR spectroscopy). The results show that the coke formation is mainly due to the polymerization and polycondensation of the polycyclic aromatic compounds. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1373–1379, 2014
Anaerobic nitrogen, sulfide, and carbon removal in anaerobic granular bed reactor
Authors: Ahmad Anwar , O‐Aljasser Abdulaziz
Published: November 2013

Industrial wastewater may contain high concentrations of sulfides (S2−) and nitrates
, which must be removed before discharging into water bodies. The inhibitory effects of 134.82–771.9 mg L−1 d−1 of sulfide loading rate (SLR) and 58.79–337.56 mg L−1 d−1 of nitrate loading rate (NLR) on methanogenesis were investigated in a mixed methanogenic condition using palm oil mill effluent (POME) as carbon source. This technique cultivated mature granules using anaerobic sludge of POME as seed sludge, incubated in denitrifying sulfide removal medium to acclimate the denitrifiers. Biological denitrification was used to eliminate carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur in an anaerobic granular bed reactor of 4.5 L by varying hydraulic retention time of 16 h from 241 to 300 d. The maximum nitrate and sulfide removal efficiencies were observed up to SLR and NLR of 188.42 mg L−1 d−1 and 82.39 mg L−1 d−1 respectively. Maximum volatile fatty acid removal of 82% and methane 65.5 mL g−1 of POME was obtained on SLR and NLR of 230 and 100.62 mg L−1 d−1. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1096–1104, 2014
Development of a tilted‐slide reactor for the fast pyrolysis of biomass
Authors: Choi Yeon Seok , Choi Sang Kyu , Jeong Yeon Woo
Published: November 2013

A tilted‐slide reactor for fast pyrolysis of the biomass was designed for the production of the biocrude‐oil, in which no fluidizing gas and no electric power are necessary for conveying hot sand. The hot sand and the biomass are mixed together while they slid down on the inner surface of the tilted reactor by gravity force. The biomass is decomposed during the “sliding down” process simultaneously. An 8‐h continuous experiment was conducted to evaluate the reactor's performance for the stable operation. Woody biomass (Douglas fir) was fed into the reactor to study the biocrude‐oil yield and its characteristics. One spray‐type condenser was used to condense the biocrude‐oil by a direct contact heat transfer, and five shell‐and‐tube type condensers were used to collect the biocrude‐oil by an indirect contact heat transfer. The biocrude‐oil yield was achieved about 65 wt % with a feeding rate of 15.5 kg/h at the reactor temperature of 490°C. The characteristics of the biocrude‐oil obtained from each condenser were analyzed and compared with each other. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1405–1410, 2014
The role of astrocytes in mediating exogenous cell‐based restorative therapy for stroke
Authors: Li Yi , Liu Zhongwu , Xin Hongqi , Chopp Michael
Published: November 2013

Astrocytes have not been a major therapeutic target for the treatment of stroke, with most research emphasis on the neuron. Given the essential role that astrocytes play in maintaining physiological function of the central nervous system and the very rapid and sensitive reaction astrocytes have in response to cerebral injury or ischemic insult, we propose to replace the neurocentric view for treatment with a more nuanced astrocytic centered approach. In addition, after decades of effort in attempting to develop neuroprotective therapies, which target reduction of the ischemic lesion, there are no effective clinical treatments for stroke, aside from thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator, which is used in a small minority of patients. A more promising therapeutic approach, which may affect nearly all stroke patients, may be in promoting endogenous restorative mechanisms, which enhance neurological recovery. A focus of efforts in stimulating recovery post stroke is the use of exogenously administered cells. The present review focuses on the role of the astrocyte in mediating the brain network, brain plasticity, and neurological recovery post stroke. As a model to describe the interaction of a restorative cell‐based therapy with astrocytes, which drives recovery from stroke, we specifically highlight the subacute treatment of stroke with multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell therapy. GLIA 2013;62:1–16
Synthesis of Ethyl Isoxazole‐3‐Carboxylates Using an Ionic Liquid as a Soluble Support
Authors: Sheng Shouri , Sheng Wusheng , Hu Qiaosheng , Qu Hongen , Cai Mingzhong
Published: November 2013

A regioselective 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of ionic liquid‐supported vinyl ethers, derived from ionic liquid‐supported α‐phenylselenomethyl ether, with ethyl cyanoformate N‐oxide gave supported isoxazoline derivatives, which were then cleaved from the ionic liquid support under mild acidic conditions to afford ethyl isoxazole‐3‐carboxylates. This new synthetic method is simple and efficient and the products are obtained in good yields.
Three‐Step Synthesis of Novel 2‐Aryl‐3‐benzamidobenzofurans: Regiospecific Reactions Catalyzed by Molybdate Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Hashemi Fatemeh , Karami Bahador , Khodabakhshi Saeed
Published: November 2013

A solvent‐free and synthetic pathway to novel benzofuran derivatives, starting from oxidation of phenyl ketones to arylglyoxals in three steps was developed. The molybdate sulfuric acid catalyzed the reaction of arylglyoxals with benzamide and phenols to afford 2‐aryl‐3‐benzamidobenzofurans in high yield. The structures of the synthesized compounds were assigned on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectral data. The present methodology offers several advantages such as non‐hazardous reaction condition, simple operation, and work‐up procedure.
Manual segmentation of individual muscles of the quadriceps femoris using MRI: A reappraisal
Authors: Barnouin Yoann , Butler‐Browne Gillian , Voit Thomas , Reversat David , Azzabou Noura , Leroux Gaëlle , Behin Anthony , McPhee Jamie S. , Carlier Pierre G. , Hogrel Jean‐Yves
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To propose a manual segmentation method for individual quadriceps femoris (QF) muscles and to test its reliability for muscle volume estimation.

Materials and Methods

Images were acquired every 5 mm along the thigh using a 3T MRI scanner on 10 young (mean age: 25 years) and 10 older (mean age: 75 years) adults using a three‐point 3D Dixon sequence. In each slice, anatomical cross‐sectional areas of the individual quadriceps muscles of the dominant leg were outlined by two operators working independently. Differences between operators were assessed by means of Bland–Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). This study was approved by the local Ethics Committee.

Results

Precise delimitation of individual muscles along the femur often remains challenging, particularly near their insertion areas where some muscles may be partially or totally fused. There was, however, an excellent interoperator segmentation reliability despite a systematic significant difference between operators (ICC > 0.99), mainly due to delineation divergences. Considering all subjects and muscles, differences between operators were all lower than 4.4%.

Conclusion

This work has demonstrated the excellent reliability of manual segmentation to assess cross‐sectional areas and therefore the volume of individual QF muscles using MRI. It may serve as a basis for a future segmentation consensus of the QF muscles. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:239–247. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebrovascular reactivity mapping in patients with low grade gliomas undergoing presurgical sensorimotor mapping with BOLD fMRI
Authors: Zacà Domenico , Jovicich Jorge , Nadar Sreenivasan R. , Voyvodic James T. , Pillai Jay J.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

(i) to validate blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) breathhold cerebrovascular reactivity (BH CVR) mapping as an effective technique for potential detection of neurovascular uncoupling (NVU) in a cohort of patients with perirolandic low grade gliomas undergoing presurgical functional MRI (fMRI) for sensorimotor mapping, and (ii) to determine whether NVU potential, as assessed by BH CVR mapping, is prevalent in this tumor group.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 12 patients, with histological diagnosis of grade II glioma, who performed multiple motor tasks and a BH task. Sensorimotor activation maps and BH CVR maps were compared in two automatically defined regions of interest (ROIs), ipsilateral to the lesion (i.e., ipsilesional) and contralateral to the lesion (i.e., contralesional).

Results

Motor task mean T‐value was significantly higher in the contralesional ROIs (6.00 ± 1.74 versus 4.34 ± 1.68; P = 0.00004) as well as the BH mean T‐value (4.74 ± 2.30 versus 4.09 ± 2.50; P = 0.009). The number of active voxels was significantly higher in the contralesional ROIs (Z = 2.99; P = 0.03). Actual NVU prevalence was 75%.

Conclusion

Presurgical sensorimotor fMRI mapping can be affected by NVU‐related false negative activation in low grade gliomas (76% of analyzed tasks). J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:383–390. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
UV Laser Processing for Semiconductor Devices
Authors: Krüger Olaf , Grundmüller Richard
Published: November 2013

The application of reliable laser sources is well‐established in several fields of industry including automotive, electronics, and medical manufacturing on macro, micro, and even nanometer scales [1]. In modern semiconductor technology, silicon is the dominating material. Further materials like gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) allow for higher operating frequencies and power levels, i. e., high‐speed electronics and high‐power applications. However, their chemical and physical properties do not only allow extending the limits of silicon‐based device performance, but also call for alternative methods of processing.
Laser Welding of Fine Structures
Authors: Brunnecker Frank , Sieben Manuel , Jaus Tobias
Published: November 2013

The range of applications for microfluidic systems has rapidly developed in the last few years. Now that the technology has established itself the demands on this reliable and economical manufacturing processes are growing. With PrecisionWeld, LPKF is presenting a laser system that has several decisive improvements in this area: the ClearJoining laser welding process for especially fine structures, optimized detection of channels and clamping technology that eliminates impairments of preliminary processes.
Laser Welding of Large Plastic Components
Authors: Buechel Andreas , Oswald Gerhard
Published: November 2013

The welding of large scale closed plastic components with integrated functional elements inside is always a challenge to producers, just think for example of the reachable joint tolerances, depending on the method used. To also use laser beam welding in this application field, Jenoptik's Lasers & Material Processing division has developed a welding system with an in sections on/off switchable diode laser line.
Probing the Surface Swelling in Ultra‐Thin Supported Polystyrene Films During Case II Diffusion of n‐Hexane
Authors: Ogieglo Wojciech , Wormeester Herbert , Wessling Matthias , Benes Nieck E.
Published: November 2013

In situ time‐resolved spectroscopic ellipsometry is used to study the dynamics of n‐hexane diffusion into, and the corresponding induced swelling of, ultra‐thin polystyrene films. The experimental conditions are carefully selected to facilitate the observation of anomalous Case II diffusion in the system, thereby allowing the probing of the chain‐relaxation dynamics of a sharp moving penetrant front within the films. It has been found that the two different approaches to the obtained data are in quantitative agreement and suggest the existence of a finite thickness region of 14 ± 3 nm in the outer film interface that is instantly swollen after contact with the penetrant. The thickness of this fast swelling layer is found to be independent of swelling temperature and physical aging time. After the interface is swollen, the diffusion front velocity shows no significant spatial variations in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, but is strongly dependent on temperature and sample aging history.

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1,4‐Bisbenzil: Visible‐Light‐ and Heat‐Assisted Crosslinking of Polystyrene Films
Authors: Lukáč Ivan , Kósa Csaba , Husár Branislav
Published: November 2013

Polystyrene (PS) film containing 1,4‐bisbenzil is efficiently crosslinked in two steps. In the first step, visible light (λ > 400 nm) causes molecular oxygen to insert between two carbonyl groups of one of the 1,2‐dicarbonyl groups. The peroxide is subsequently decomposed by absorption of another photon, forming acyloxy radicals, which add to the aromatic ring of the PS chain. The remaining 1,2‐dicarbonyl group is then photoperoxidized to form PS with pendant benzoyl peroxide moieties. In the second step, pendant benzoyl peroxide groups are decomposed thermally to form acyloxy macroradicals responsible for the crosslinking. Crosslinking proceeds simultaneously with degradation. Finally, the gel content in the film may exceed 80 wt%.

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An efficient complex‐frequency shifted‐perfectly matched layer for second‐order acoustic wave equation
Authors: Ma Youneng , Yu Jinhua , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2013

In the context of simulations of wave propagations in unbounded domain, absorbing boundary conditions are often used to truncate the simulation domain to a finite space. Perfectly matched layer (PML) has proven to be an excellent absorbing boundary conditions. However, as this technique was primarily designed for the first‐order equation system, it cannot be applied to the second‐order equation system directly. In this paper, based on a complex‐coordinate stretching technique, we developed a novel, efficient auxiliary‐differential equation form of the complex‐frequency shifted‐PML for the second‐order equation system. This facilitates the use of complex‐frequency shifted‐PML in acoustic simulations based upon wave equations of second‐order form. Compared with previous state‐of‐the‐art methods, the proposed one has the advantage of simpler implementation. It is an unsplit‐field scheme that can be extended to higher‐order discretization schemes conveniently. Numerical results from both homogeneous and heterogeneous computational domains are provided to illustrate the validity of the method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Llamas in the Cornfield: Prehispanic Agro‐Pastoral System in the Southern Andes
Authors: Dantas M. , Figueroa G.  G. , Laguens A.
Published: November 2013

We report a study of the organisation of camelid production at the Ambato Valley, northern Argentine Andes, between the 6th and 11th centuries ad. We aim to contribute to the understanding of the different modes of economic production adopted in the past within non‐egalitarian social contexts.

In view of this, information collected from previous studies is analysed from multiple perspectives, centering on the application of different analytical techniques to the assemblage of camelid bones (anatomical and taxonomical identification, osteometry and stable isotopes), to their diverse archaeological contexts and architectural and agricultural units, together with the implementation of frames of reference and ethnoarchaeological models. The results support the presence of an organisational mode for the production of plants and animals on the basis of a combination of different agrarian and livestock productive strategies under a unique new integrated agro‐pastoral practice, differing from both previous ones. This new practice combined, in the very same land, the use of pens and agriculture terraces in an annual productive cycle adjusted to the seasonal calendar, where maize production was used as stubble for llamas during the dry season, at the same time those fertilised corn fields during fallow.

Although this new practice suggests an intensification in production, the bond and synergy of animal and plant productive strategies in a single practice could be considered risky because it decreases the range of possible responses to external fluctuation, to the extent that these could have influenced simultaneously or indirectly on both resources. This might have implied an extra factor contributing to the destructuration of the Ambato societies around 1000 ad. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Surfer im Erdschwerefeld
Authors: Flechtner Frank , Güntner Andreas , Förste Christoph
Published: November 2013

Die Kenntnis des Schwerefeldes der Erde und seiner zeitlichen Variationen, wie es seit Beginn dieses Jahrhunderts mit Satelliten wie CHAMP, GRACE oder GOCE mit nie da gewesener Genauigkeit vermessen wird, erlaubt Einblicke in die Struktur und Dynamik des Erdinneren und ermöglicht das Studium von Massentransportprozessen an der Erdoberfläche. Zusammen mit dem Geoid lassen sich aus den zeitlichen Variationen des Schwerefeldes wichtige physikalische Informationen für die Geodäsie, Geophysik, Ozeanographie, Glaziologie und Hydrologie ableiten. Zudem tragen die neuen Messdaten zum besseren Verständnis klimarelevanter Prozesse bei. Zukünftig soll GRACE Follow‐on diese Messungen mit erhöhter Genauigkeit fortführen.
Die Entdeckung des Higgs‐Bosons
Authors: Jakobs Karl , Müller Thomas
Published: November 2013

Mit der Entdeckung eines neuen Bosons am Large Hadron Collider hat die Teilchenphysik einen großen Durchbruch erzielt. Alle bislang von den ATLAS‐ und CMS‐Kollaborationen vorgelegten Ergebnisse zu den Produktions‐ und Zerfallsprozessen und somit zu den Kopplungsstärken an die bekannten Teilchen entsprechen den Erwartungen an das Higgs‐Boson des Standardmodells. Dazu gehört auch eine klare Evidenz für die skalare Natur des Teilchens. Seine Masse liegt bei 125,6 GeV/c2, es besitzt den Spin 0, und auch die Kopplungen an Fermionen und Bosonen entsprechen den Erwartungen. Ob es sich tatsächlich um “das” Higgs‐Boson des Standardmodells handelt oder ob sich doch vielleicht kleine Abweichungen in den Kopplungsstärken ergeben oder gar noch weitere Higgs‐Bosonen auftauchen, müssen weitere Messungen zeigen. Mit der Wiederaufnahme des LHC‐Betriebs im Jahre 2015 bei etwa der doppelten Energie des Beschleunigers werden die Messungen mit höherer Präzision fortgesetzt werden. Darüber hinaus erlaubt die hohe Energie den Vorstoß in neue, bislang unerforschte Massenbereiche, in denen eventuell auch Antworten auf weitere offene Fragen der Physik, beispielsweise nach der Natur der Dunklen Materie gefunden werden können.
Wie schwach wird die starke Kraft?
Authors: Rabbertz Klaus
Published: November 2013

Wissenschaftler des CMS‐Experiments am Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Genf haben im Laufe dieses Jahres neue Ergebnisse zur Bestimmung der Kopplungskonstanten αS der starken Wechselwirkung bekannt gegeben. Die Messungen bei bisher unerreichten Energien bestätigen die Vorhersage des Standardmodells und liefern keinen Hinweis auf neue Phänomene.
Magnetismus im Stress: Gleichzeitiger Anti‐ und Ferromagnetismus
Authors: Schneider Christof W. , Niedermayer Christof
Published: November 2013

Die gleichzeitige Existenz von Magnetismus und Ferroelektrizät in einem Material ist selten. Setzt sich dieser Magnetismus aus mehreren unabhängigen, magnetischen Grundzuständen zusammen, ist das ungewöhnlich. Einer schweizerisch‐französischen Zusammenarbeit unter Leitung des Paul Scherrer Instituts ist es gelungen, mehrere magnetische Grundzustände in einem Material zu realisieren und detailliert zu untersuchen.
Hilfe, mein Auto scheidet Schnee aus!
Authors: Schlichtung H. Joachim
Published: November 2013

An kalten Wintertagen kann der Wasserdampf in den Abgasen eines Autos schneeweiße Raureifbeläge auf dem kalten Pflaster hervorrufen.
Heimlich mit der Gattin im Labor
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: November 2013

Er wird im selben Jahr geboren, in dem die Existenz von Atomkernen experimentell nachgewiesen wird – “ein glücklicher Zufall”, stellt er später fest. In Wirklichkeit sind eine ganze Reihe anderer Zufälle viel entscheidender für seinen Weg in die Physik, der in recht unphysikalischer familiärer Umgebung seinen Anfang nimmt.
Schäumendes Öl für vollen Geschmack
Authors: Vilgis Thomas
Published: November 2013

Aus gastronomischer Sicht ist es wünschenswert, wohlschmeckende aromatisierte Öle, Oliven‐ oder Kürbiskernöl zu verdicken oder luftig leicht aufzuschäumen. Doch es gibt nur wenige öllösliche und verzehrbare Substanzen, mit denen das möglich ist. Mono‐ und Diglyceride sind die Helfer in der Not.
Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in the kindred of an infant with CFTR‐related metabolic syndrome: Importance of follow‐up that includes monitoring sweat chloride concentrations over time
Authors: Williams Sophia N. , Nussbaum Eliezer , Chin Terry W. , Do Paul C.M. , Singh Kathryn E. , Randhawa Inderpal
Published: November 2013

Newly implemented newborn screening (NBS) programs in California have resulted in a large subset of patients in whom at least two cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations are identified, but subsequent sweat chloride analysis reveals normal or indeterminate values. These patients are diagnosed with CFTR‐Related Metabolic Syndrome (CRMS). However, the natural progression and management of these patients are not clearly understood and frequently after the age of 1‐year these patients are lost to follow‐up with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Centers. We present the first case of an infant who was referred to Miller Children's Hospital for a NBS positive for CF and subsequent discovery of identical mutations in six of his seven older brothers. Several siblings had positive sweat chloride results on repeat testing after the age of 3 years. We suggest the need for continued follow‐up of CRMS in a CF center with diagnostic evaluation including repeat sweat chloride testing, beyond the currently recommended period. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E103–E108. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unilateral pulmonary agenesis: A report of four cases, two diagnosed antenatally and literature review
Authors: Kayemba‐Kay's S. , Couvrat‐Carcauzon V. , Goua V. , Podevin G. , Marteau M. , Sapin E. , Levard G.
Published: November 2013

Pulmonary agenesis is a rare congenital malformation of lung development defined as complete absence of lung tissues, bronchi, and pulmonary vessels; it may be uni‐ or bilateral. The right‐sided form carries the poorest prognosis due to severity of co‐existent anomalies. Its diagnostic circumstances are variables: first reported cases were diagnosed at autopsy, but early postnatal as well as fortuitous discovery have been reported. In recent years, progress in obstetrical imaging has made antenatal diagnosis possible so that fetal ultrasound and MRI allow early diagnosis and refinement by permitting the elimination of differential diagnoses (diaphragmatic hernia, cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung, giant lobar emphysema, and situs inversus). This anomaly is compatible with normal life provided co‐existent malformations are thoroughly investigated and managed in a multidisciplinary setting. We report four cases of lung agenesis two of which were diagnosed antenatally at 23rd and 30th weeks of gestation respectively. Our aim is to describe the circumstances having led to diagnosis and report both follow‐up and outcome of our patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E96–E102. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism of strain relaxation in BaSi2 epitaxial films on Si(111) substrates during post‐growth annealing and application for film exfoliation
Authors: Hara Kosuke O. , Usami Noritaka , Nakamura Kotaro , Takabe Ryouta , Baba Masakazu , Toko Kaoru , Suemasu Takashi
Published: November 2013

Strain accumulation and relaxation in BaSi2 epitaxial films on Si(111) substrates during thermal treatments have been studied. The 2θ –ω X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that the film‐normal lattice parameters (a) in epitaxial films are smaller than that in the bulk, indicating in‐plane tensile stress is accumulated in the asgrown films. Resultant curvature of the substrate has been observed by spatially‐resolved X‐ray rocking curve analysis. This strain is relaxed by post‐growth annealing through cracking.

The conditions of cracking are revealed in terms of the film thickness and annealing temperature, from which the mechanism of strain relaxation is discussed. It is found from the tape test that the films with cracks can be exfoliated with an adhesive tape. The free‐standing annealed films are subjected to the microwave‐detected photoconductivity decay measurement, which reveals a long minority‐carrier lifetime of 5 μs. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Epitaxial growth of BaSi2 films with large grains using vicinal Si(111) substrates
Authors: Baba Masakazu , Hara Kosuke O. , Toko Kaoru , Saito Noriyuki , Yoshizawa Noriko , Usami Noritaka , Suemasu Takashi
Published: November 2013

a‐axis oriented BaSi2 epitaxial films were grown on vicinal Si(111) using molecular beam epitaxy. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the grain size of BaSi2 was increased up to 6.0 μm ×1.0 μm, stretching along Si〈1$ \bar 1 $0〉 rather than Si〈11$ \bar 2 $〉. Electron backscatter diffraction showed that half of the surface was covered with this elongated epitaxial variant. Kelvin probe force microscopy indicated that grain boundaries of these grains do not work as recombination center for minority carriers (holes). On the other hand, randomly‐oriented small grains work as recombination areas. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spectral tuning of InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot infrared photodetectors with bandpass guided‐mode resonance filters
Authors: McKerracher Ian , Fu Lan , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati
Published: November 2013

Quantum dot infrared photodetectors can be coupled with micro‐structured filters to create narrowband sensors. Guided‐mode resonance filters based on a high‐index dielectric slab can exhibit bandpass characteristics that are suitable for monolithic integration with focal‐plane arrays. Here, patterned Ge filters were integrated with InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot detectors to linearly tune their 77 K photoresponse peaks from 5.6 µm to 6.2 µm. The dark current was not influenced by these filters but the ability to narrow the photoresponse linewidth was limited by substrate scattering, which is often encountered with front‐side illumination architectures. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Aortic and carotid intima–media thickness in term small‐for‐gestational‐age newborns and relationship with prenatal signs of severity
Authors: Stergiotou I. , Crispi F. , Valenzuela‐Alcaraz B. , Cruz‐Lemini M. , Bijnens B. , Gratacos E.
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess carotid and aortic intima–media thickness (IMT) in term small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) newborns with and without prenatal signs of severity.

Methods

This prospective study comprised 67 cases diagnosed prenatally and 134 normally grown newborns. Cases were subclassified into SGA with no signs of severity and those with signs of severity, defined as a birth weight below the 3rd percentile or abnormal uterine artery Doppler or cerebroplacental ratio. Blood pressure and vascular IMT were evaluated.

Results

SGA newborns showed a non‐significant trend for higher values of blood pressure. IMT values were significantly increased in SGA newborns, with and without signs of severity, compared with controls. The magnitude of the increase was higher in SGA newborns with signs of severity.

Conclusions

Vascular IMT was increased in SGA newborns, irrespective of the presence or absence of prenatal signs of severity. This finding challenges the notion of ‘constitutionally small’ SGA, and supports the premise that the majority of SGA newborns have true growth restriction and suffer fetal cardiovascular programming. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Silicon‐Terminated Octyl/Decyl Polyethylene Oxide as Novel Low‐Foam Penetrating Agents
Authors: Niu Qing‐hua , He Zhi‐qiang , Fang Yun
Published: November 2013

Low‐foam penetrating agents have been sought after for many industrial applications. In this paper, we were aiming at a low‐foam penetrating agent with excellent wetting ability and hydrolysis resistance, various silicon‐terminated penetrating agents were designed and synthesized starting from a popular commercial penetrating agent, octyl/decyl polyethylene oxide (OEO). All the products present much better low‐foam performances than that of the precursor OEO. Statistically, multi‐OEO substituted products present the best low‐foam performance but a slightly weaker wetting ability. Except octyl/decyl polyethylene oxide trimethyl silicane, all the other five products maintain excellent wetting ability and show good hydrolysis resistance at neutral pH and ambient temperature. Di(octyl/decyl polyethylene oxide) dimethyl silicane is the preferred low‐foam penetrating agent based on its structure–performance and cost, which reduced the foam volume of OEO from 75 to 4 mL (on the 100 mL volume base) at neutral pH and ambient temperature with a similar wetting ability.
The Effect of Same-Sex Marriage Laws on Different-Sex Marriage: Evidence From the Netherlands
Authors: Trandafir Mircea
Published: November 2013

It has long been argued that the legalization of same-sex marriage would have a negative impact on marriage. In this article, I examine how different-sex marriage in the Netherlands was affected by the enactment of two laws: a 1998 law that provided all couples with an institution almost identical to marriage (a “registered partnership”) and a 2001 law that legalized same-sex marriage for the first time in the world. I first construct a synthetic control for the Netherlands using OECD data for the period 1988–2005 and find that neither law had significant effects on either the overall or different-sex marriage rate. I next construct a unique individual-level data set covering the period 1995–2005 by combining the Dutch Labor Force Survey and official municipal records. The estimates from a discrete-time hazard model with unobserved heterogeneity for the first-marriage decision confirm the findings in the aggregate analysis. The effects of the two laws are heterogeneous, with presumably more-liberal individuals (as defined by their residence or ethnicity) marrying less after passage of both laws and potentially more-conservative individuals marrying more after passage of each law.
The Flow State Scale for Occupational Tasks: Development, Reliability, and Validity
Authors: Yoshida Kazuki , Asakawa Kiyoshi , Yamauchi Taro , Sakuraba Satoshi , Sawamura Daisuke , Murakami Yui , Sakai Shinya
Published: November 2013

Objective/Background

The degree of a patient's absorption in tasks as a measure of rehabilitation effectiveness has yet to be studied. The objective of this study is to develop a scale that can measure a patient's flow state in a clinical situation such as occupational therapy (OT).

Methods

The final 14 items were determined from the comprehensive assessment of item analysis results by a preliminary experiment. A total of 240 participants engaged in computer games that induced three psychological states: flow, anxiety, and boredom. After performing each task, participants completed our flow scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The validity was confirmed from three viewpoints, namely, the correlation coefficient with the STAI, the discrimination power of each psychological state, and the accuracy of factor structure. An occupational analysis of various activities was also conducted to confirm that the computer game task was representative of measurable activities.

Results

Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .918. The total score of the scale was significantly negatively correlated with the total score of STAI (r = -.537, p < .01). A significant difference among each psychological state was observed (p < .01). Covariance structure analysis indicated that the model fit index showed an acceptable fit. The computer game task used in this experiment was closely related to games, crafts, learning, cooking, and playing an instrument.

Conclusion

Our flow scale appears to have satisfactory reliability and validity to verify quantitatively whether the occupational tasks used in OT can effectively provide a flow experience for patients.
DILEMMA ARGUMENTS AGAINST NATURALISM
Authors: Watson Jamie Carlin
Published: November 2013

Albert Casullo (2000, 2003) and Shane Oakley (2011) argue that dilemma arguments against epistemic naturalism, such as those offered by Laurence BonJour (1998) and Harvey Siegel (1984), are such that, whatever strength they have against naturalism applies equally to moderate rationalist accounts of a priori justification. They conclude that dilemma arguments are, therefore, insufficient for establishing an advantage for moderate rationalism over naturalized epistemology. I argue that both Casullo's and Oakley's criticisms depend on an illicit assumption, namely, that dilemma arguments presuppose a meta-justificatory demand that naturalists provide non-circular support for their basic sources of evidence. I argue that this assumption is not necessary for the force of dilemma arguments, and I construct a version that avoids this misreading. I conclude that, although there remain strategies for responding to dilemma arguments, they constitute a challenge naturalists must take seriously.
Slippery interfaces for drag reduction
Authors: Tsai Peichun Amy
Published: November 2013

Inspired by natural interfaces with surprising transport properties, innovative modifications of surfaces have been engineered to reduce drag. The common theme across these new developments is the presence of lubricant patches or layers that decrease the direct contact of viscous liquid with non-slippery solid walls. For laminar flow, the traditional assumption regarding the lubricant layer is a constant shear rate or a steady pressure gradient, implying a net flow rate of the lubricant film. By challenging this assumption, Busse et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 727, 2013, pp. 488–508) rigorously found that the hydrodynamic slip is reduced by the presence of a reversal of lubricant flow close to the wall. The analytical results for velocity field and change in drag provide insight into the optimal design of slippery surfaces with lubricant layers for drag reduction.
Comparison between two- and three-dimensional Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: van der Poel Erwin P. , Stevens Richard J. A. M. , Lohse Detlef
Published: November 2013

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional Rayleigh–Bénard convection is compared using results from direct numerical simulations and previous experiments. The phase diagrams for both cases are reviewed. The differences and similarities between two- and three-dimensional convection are studied using $Nu(Ra)$ for $\mathit{Pr}= 4. 38$ and $\mathit{Pr}= 0. 7$ and $Nu(Pr)$ for $Ra$ up to $1{0}^{8} $. In the $Nu(Ra)$ scaling at higher $Pr$, two- and three-dimensional convection is very similar, differing only by a constant factor up to $\mathit{Ra}= 1{0}^{10} $. In contrast, the difference is large at lower $Pr$, due to the strong roll state dependence of $Nu$ in two dimensions. The behaviour of $Nu(Pr)$ is similar in two and three dimensions at large $Pr$. However, it differs significantly around $\mathit{Pr}= 1$. The Reynolds number values are consistently higher in two dimensions and additionally converge at large $Pr$. Finally, the thermal boundary layer profiles are compared in two and three dimensions.
Effects of dietary nutrients on volatile breath metabolites
Authors: Ajibola Olawunmi A. , Smith David , Španěl Patrik , Ferns Gordon A. A.
Published: November 2013

Breath analysis is becoming increasingly established as a means of assessing metabolic, biochemical and physiological function in health and disease. The methods available for these analyses exploit a variety of complex physicochemical principles, but are becoming more easily utilised in the clinical setting. Whilst some of the factors accounting for the biological variation in breath metabolite concentrations have been clarified, there has been relatively little work on the dietary factors that may influence them. In applying breath analysis to the clinical setting, it will be important to consider how these factors may affect the interpretation of endogenous breath composition. Diet may have complex effects on the generation of breath compounds. These effects may either be due to a direct impact on metabolism, or because they alter the gastrointestinal flora. Bacteria are a major source of compounds in breath, and their generation of H2, hydrogen cyanide, aldehydes and alkanes may be an indicator of the health of their host.
Swallowing outcomes following surgical and non-surgical treatment for advanced laryngeal cancer
Authors: Burnip E , Owen S J , Barker S , Patterson J M
Published: November 2013

Background:

Treatment for advanced laryngeal cancer includes surgery, and/or chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy. Each of these treatments results in major changes to the swallowing mechanism. Dysphagia is strongly correlated with poorer quality of life. A good understanding of outcomes is needed for well-informed treatment decisions.

Method:

This study reports on patients' swallowing outcomes following surgical and non-surgical treatments based on the results of three different swallowing tests. A total of 123 data sets were collected in out-patient clinics across two hospitals in North East England.

Results:

There were no significant differences between treatment groups for patient-reported swallowing outcomes or swallowing performance. However, patients who had undergone chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy (with or without laryngectomy) had significantly more diet restrictions than other groups.

Conclusion:

Long-term dysphagia is a common outcome of treatment for advanced laryngeal cancer. Patients treated with chemoradiotherapy and laryngectomy reported the worst overall outcomes. More longitudinal prospective research with large treatment groups is needed to investigate swallowing outcomes following different treatment methods.
Low-frequency electrostatic waves in a magnetized, current-free, heavy negative ion plasma
Authors: KIM S. H. , MERLINO R. L. , MEYER J. K. , ROSENBERG M.
Published: November 2013

We report experimental observations of a low-frequency (≪ ion gyrofrequency) electrostatic wave mode in a magnetized cylindrical (Q machine) plasma containing positive ions, very few electrons and a relatively large fraction (n−/ne > 103) of heavy negative ions (m−/m+ ≈ 10), and no magnetic field-aligned current. The waves propagate nearly perpendicular to B with a multiharmonic spectrum. The maximum wave amplitude coincided spatially with the region of largest density gradient suggesting that the waves were excited by a drift instability in a nearly electron-free positive ion–negative ion plasma