bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi‐scale hydroclimatic analysis of runoff generation in the Athabasca River, western Canada
Authors: Peters Daniel L. , Atkinson David , Monk Wendy A. , Tenenbaum David E. , Baird Donald J.
Published: December 2012

A multi‐scale hydroclimatic study of runoff generation in the Athabasca River watershed located in western Canada is presented. Mann–Kendall trend detection tests performed on hydrometric data for the lower Athabasca River (LAR) revealed predominantly significant (p < 0.05) declines in annual and open‐water season median/mean runoff indices over 1958–2009, with the ice‐influenced season experiencing significant declines in the median and not the mean. The presence or absence of significant declines in the 25thand 75thrunoff percentiles helped explain these results. The only noteworthy result from the mid‐point of the watershed was a probable (p < 0.10) decline in median open‐water runoff, which was not seen over the 1913–2009 period. Divergent seasonal runoff trends from the headwater zone were seen since 1958 and back to 1913, increasing ice‐influenced and declining open‐water season runoff trends. Although precipitation was observed to decline over 1958–2009, only the LAR watershed scale annual index emerged as a probable decline. Multiple non‐linear regression analysis indicated that variation in precipitation explained >67% of the annual median/mean LAR runoff variability since 1958. A first‐order precipitation driven hindcasting model suggested that LAR watershed scale runoff may have increased since 1913, warranting further study. A correlation analysis of climatic teleconnections with median/mean runoff indices revealed that the winter North Pacific American index showed a strong, positive association with open‐water runoff. The results from our study demonstrated that potentially inconsistent and/or divergent trend results can be obtained when using different time periods and/or regions of the watershed, emphasizing that extreme caution should be exercised when extrapolating sub‐watershed results to the watershed scale, or to adjacent watersheds. Our multi‐scale study approach also identified the drainage area between Athabasca and Fort McMurray as a zone that influenced runoff declines observed at the LAR watershed scale since 1958, which warrants further investigation with competent hydrological models. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Reproduced with the permission of the Ministry of the Environment.
Quantitative diagnosis of cervical neoplasia using fluorescence lifetime imaging on haematoxylin and eosin stained tissue sections
Authors: Gu Jun , Fu Chit Yaw , Ng Beng Koon , Gulam Razul Sirajudeen , Lim Soo Kim
Published: December 2012

The use of conventional fluorescence microscopy for characterizing tissue pathological states is limited by overlapping spectra and the dependence on excitation power and fluorophore concentration. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) can overcome these limitations due to its insensitivity to fluorophore concentration, excitation power and spectral similarity. This study investigates the diagnosis of early cervical cancer using FLIM and a neural network extreme learning machine classifier. A concurrently high sensitivity and specificity of 92.8% and 80.2%, respectively, were achieved. The results suggest that the proposed technique can be used to supplement the traditional histopathological examination of early cervical cancer. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of multicystic congenital mesoblastic nephroma
Authors: Esmer Aytul Corbacioglu , Kalelioglu Ibrahim , Kilicaslan Isin , Gun Feryal , Ziylan Orhan
Published: December 2012

The authors report an unusual presentation of congenital mesoblastic nephroma as a multilocular cystic renal lesion. Prenatal sonography revealed a unilateral, encapsulated, multilocular cytic mass with solid components measuring 5.7 × 5.4 × 4.3 cm in the left renal fossa. There was no increase in vascularity and no signs of hydrops fetalis. On the forth postnatal day left‐sided radical nephrectomy was performed and histopathological examination revealed cellular type congenital mesoblastic nephroma. A multicystic appearance is rare as the vast majority of prenatally diagnosed congenital mesoblastic nephroma cases presented in the literature are of the classic type with solid homogenous or heterogenous appearence. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:59–61, 2013
Sonographic appearance of a retained surgical sponge after thyroidectomy: Report of three cases
Authors: Polat Ahmet Veysel , Belet Umit , Aydin Ramazan , Akan Huseyin
Published: December 2012

Although a number of cases of retained surgical sponge (RSS) after thoracic and abdominal surgery have been reported in the literature, the occurrence of RSS after thyroidectomy is very rare. We report the imaging findings of three cases of RSS after thyroidectomy. Sonography of the three patients revealed a hyperechoic mass with marked acoustic shadow. Computed tomography showed a well‐defined, circumscribed heterogeneous mass that had gas bubbles inside in two patients, whereas the mass in the third patient was hyperdense and homogenous with smooth margins. All three RSSs were surgically removed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:46–49, 2013
Abusive supervision and feedback avoidance: The mediating role of emotional exhaustion
Authors: Whitman Marilyn V. , Halbesleben Jonathon R. B. , Holmes Oscar
Published: December 2012

The occurrence of abusive supervision is steadily rising. Extant literature continues to expand the number of destructive consequences linked to such improper workplace behavior. This study tested a model linking abusive supervision to feedback avoidance through emotional exhaustion. We invoked conservation of resources theory in our examination of the role that the loss of valued resources plays in instances where abuse is perceived. Results from three rounds of matched data from 460 nurses and 220 working adults demonstrated support for our model, suggesting a mediating effect for exhaustion on the relationship between abuse and feedback avoidance. Findings also revealed that feedback avoidance was associated with subsequent exhaustion, representing a loss spiral. These findings are important as they reveal the link between a subordinate's reactions (exhaustion) and coping behavior (feedback avoidance) when supervisory abuse is perceived. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and directions for future research are offered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative surface enhanced Raman scattering measurements at the early stage of active agent release processes
Authors: Anastasopoulos J. A. , Soto Beobide A. , Voyiatzis G. A.
Published: December 2012

The surface enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS) is introduced as a new method to probe the initial release of active agents from controlled delivery systems. As a model system, mitoxantrone‐loaded polypropylene specimens immersed in water have been utilized. Surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) measurements allowed the quantitative delineation of the initial drug release profile. SERRS was also compared in early stage release processes with UV–vis absorption often used in traditional quantitative analysis via HPLC, a common technique for controlled release evaluation. More and above the high selectivity of the Raman Effect, SERS has been proved as a highly sensitive method to quantitatively monitor the initial release of the medicine even at the very early stage of the delivery process; UV–vis absorbance was unable to respond accordingly. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atacamite as a natural pigment in a South American colonial polychrome sculpture from the late XVI century
Authors: Tomasini Eugenia P. , Landa Carlos Rúa , Siracusano Gabriela , Maier Marta S.
Published: December 2012

The image of Our Lady of Copacabana is a gilded polychrome sculpture manufactured in maguey wood at the end of the 16th century. It is a highly devotional image in the Andean region and her sanctuary lays at the shores of the Titicaca Lake in Bolivia. In this study, a green sample taken from the Virgin's veil has been analyzed with the aim to identify the green pigment and the gilding technique. The green pigment layer covered completely the shiny color of the gilded area. First, the cross section of the sample was examined by optical microscopy revealing the presence of green crystals on a white layer; beneath it, a gold leaf on a red bole was observed. Scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis allowed the identification and quantification of copper and chloride in the green pigment layer. Analysis by micro‐Raman spectroscopy indicated the presence of atacamite (Cu3Cl2(OH)3) as the green pigment. Although this compound has been identified as a degradation product of copper pigments or of metallic objects containing copper, in this polychrome sculpture, atacamite was used as the green pigment and is identified for the first time as a mineral pigment in a colonial sculpture made in the Viceroyalty of Peru. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of post‐lumpectomy recurrence rates: Is follow‐up every 6 months for 2 years needed?
Authors: McNaul David , Darke Maxine , Garg Megha , Dale Paul
Published: December 2012

Background and Objectives

There is currently debate about the optimal timing and frequency of mammography follow‐up after breast‐conserving therapy (BCT). The purpose of this study was to determine if 6‐month intervals for the first 2 years following BCT offer benefit over annual screening.

Methods

Three hundred ninety‐nine patients who had lumpectomies between 1997 and 2009 and who were followed for at least 2 years with mammography were selected. The mammography yields for the first 2 years following BCT were compared to those of the general screening population. Also, patients were grouped as either compliant or noncompliant with the recommended 6‐month intervals; Fischer's exact test was used to determine if there was a relationship between the grouping (compliant or noncompliant) and tumor recurrence.

Results

Mammography yield was 0.94 and 2.87 per 1,000 for the first and second years, respectively, following surgery. Three hundred twenty‐eight patients were categorized as compliant and 1 local recurrence was discovered in this group; 67 patients were labeled as noncompliant and 0 local recurrences were found in this group.

Conclusions

Mammography yield of cancer in the study population was not greater than the general population. There was no difference between the compliant and noncompliant groups regarding tumor recurrence. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:597–601. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonaqueous CE ESI‐IT‐MS analysis of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Chen Zilin
Published: December 2012

The Amaryllidaceae are widely distributed medical plants. Lycorine, lycoramine, lycoremine, and lycobetaine are the major active alkaloids in Amaryllidaceae plants. A nonaqueous CE ESI‐IT‐MS method for separation, identification, and quantification of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids has been developed. The MS1–3 behavior has been studied and the fragmentation pathways of main fragment ions have been proposed. The effects of several factors such as composition and concentration of buffer, applied voltage, composition, and flow rate of the sheath liquid, nebulizing gas pressure, flow rate, and temperature of drying gas were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the linear concentration range of these compounds was wide with the correlation coefficient (R2) >0.99. RSDs of migration time and peak areas were <10%. The LODs were <240 ng/mL. The proposed method can be successfully applied to the determination of the related alkaloids in the Lycoris radiata roots.
Pointwise multipliers of Calderón‐Lozanovskiǐ spaces
Authors: Kolwicz Paweł , Leśnik Karol , Maligranda Lech
Published: December 2012

Several results concerning multipliers of symmetric Banach function spaces are presented firstly. Then the results on multipliers of Calderón‐Lozanovskiǐ spaces are proved. We investigate assumptions on a Banach ideal space E and three Young functions φ1, φ2 and φ, generating the corresponding Calderón‐Lozanovskiǐ spaces \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$E_{\varphi _1}, E_{\varphi _2}, E_{\varphi }$\end{document} so that the space of multipliers \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$M(E_{\varphi _1}, E_{\varphi })$\end{document} of all measurable x such that x y ∈ Eφ for any \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$y \in E_{\varphi _1}$\end{document} can be identified with \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$E_{\varphi _2}$\end{document}. Sufficient conditions generalize earlier results by Ando, O'Neil, Zabreǐko‐Rutickiǐ, Maligranda‐Persson and Maligranda‐Nakai. There are also necessary conditions on functions for the embedding \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$M(E_{\varphi _1}, E_{\varphi }) \subset E_{\varphi _2}$\end{document} to be true, which already in the case when E = L1, that is, for Orlicz spaces \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$M(L^{\varphi _1}, L^{\varphi }) \subset L^{\varphi _2}$\end{document} give a solution of a problem raised in the book 26. Some properties of a generalized complementary operation on Young functions, defined by Ando, are investigated in order to show how to construct the function φ2 such that \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$M(E_{\varphi _1}, E_{\varphi }) = E_{\varphi _2}$\end{document}. There are also several examples of independent interest.
Conformal solitons to the mean curvature flow and minimal submanifolds
Authors: Arezzo C. , Sun J.
Published: December 2012

In this note we prove a correspondence, first found by Smoczyk in the hypersurface case, between conformal solitons to the mean curvature flow in an ambient manifold N and minimal submanifolds in a different space \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$N\times \textbf {R}$\end{document}. This naturally leads to a new natural stability notion for conformal solitons. We show that this corresponds to the recent Colding‐Minicozzi's F‐stability for codimension one self‐shrinkers in euclidean space. In this spirit we can give some classification results for stable conformal solitons, answering two questions of Smoczyk.
Explaining Cooperative Enterprises through Knowledge Acquisition Outcomes
Authors: Dietl Helmut M. , Duschl Tobias , Grossmann Martin , Lang Markus
Published: December 2012

This paper develops a model of a cooperative enterprise and compares it to a vertically separated market. In our model of a multi‐stage production process, agents can acquire costly knowledge to decrease production costs. Our model shows that the cooperative acquires less non‐generalizable knowledge than the market, but more generalizable knowledge if the large member in the cooperative receives a sufficiently large share of the cooperative's profits. Additionally, we derive that the cooperative generates larger aggregate surplus than the market if the influence of generalizable knowledge on production costs is large. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Red wine consumption may affect sperm biology: The effects of different concentrations of the phytoestrogen Myricetin on human male gamete function
Authors: Aquila Saveria , Santoro Marta , De Amicis Francesca , Guido Carmela , Bonofiglio Daniela , Lanzino Marilena , Cesario Maria Grazia , Perrotta Ida , Sisci Diego , Morelli Catia
Published: December 2012

Myricetin is a natural flavonoid, particularly enriched in red wines, whose occurrence is widespread among plants. Despite extensive research, the beneficial effects of Myricetin on human health are still controversial. Here, we tested the estrogen‐like effect of the phytoestrogen Myricetin on human ejaculated sperm biology. To this aim, human normozoospermic samples were exposed to increasing concentrations (10 nM, 100 nM, and 1 µM) of Myricetin. Motility, viability, capacitation‐associated biochemical changes (i.e., cholesterol efflux and tyrosine phosphorylation), acrosin activity, as well as glucose utilization and fatty‐acid oxidation (i.e., glucose and lipid metabolism) were all significantly increased by low doses of Myricetin. Importantly, both estrogen receptors α and β (ERs) and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐OH kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling are activated in the presence of Myricetin since these were both abrogated by specific inhibitors of each pathway. Our results show how Myricetin, through ERs and PI3K/AKT signalings, potentiates sperm function. This effect is dose‐dependent at low concentrations of Myricetin (up to 100 nM), whereas higher amounts do not seem to improve any further sperm motility, viability, or other tested features, and, in some cases, they reduced or even abrogated the efficacy exerted by lower doses. Further studies are needed to elucidate if high levels of Myricetin, which could be attained even with moderate wine consumption, could synergize with endogenous estrogens in the female reproductive tract, interfering with the physiological sperm fertilization process. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
R1 and R2* changes in the human placenta in response to maternal oxygen challenge
Authors: Huen Isaac , Morris David M. , Wright Caroline , Parker Geoff J. M. , Sibley Colin P. , Johnstone Edward D. , Naish Josephine H.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction are sometimes thought to be caused by placental abnormalities associated with reduced oxygenation. Oxygen‐enhanced MRI (R1 contrast) and BOLD MRI (R2* contrast) have the potential to noninvasively investigate this oxygen environment at a range of gestational ages.

Methods

Scanning was carried out at 1.5 T under maternal air and oxygen breathing in a single placental slice in 14 healthy pregnant subjects of gestational ages 21–37 weeks. We report R1 changes using a respiratory‐triggered inversion recovery‐turbo spin‐echo sequence, which is sensitive to changes in PO2, and R2* changes using a breathhold multiple gradient‐recalled echo sequence sensitive to changes in oxygen saturation.

Results

Significant R1 increases (P < 0.005, paired t‐test) and R2* decreases (P < 0.0001, paired t‐test) between air and oxygen breathing were demonstrated. ΔR1 decreased with gestational age (P < 0.0005, r = −0.835, Pearson correlation test). No significant effect of gestational age on R2* change was observed.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the feasibility of non‐invasive investigation of placental oxygenation using MRI and the sensitivity of R1 oxygen‐enhanced MRI to gestational age. The techniques have the potential to provide unique noninvasive biomarkers in compromised pregnancies. Magn Reson Med 70:1427–1433, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐frequency subband compressed sensing MRI using quadruplet sampling
Authors: Sung Kyunghyun , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To present and validate a new method that formalizes a direct link between k‐space and wavelet domains to apply separate undersampling and reconstruction for high‐ and low‐spatial‐frequency k‐space data.

Theory and Methods

High‐ and low‐spatial‐frequency regions are defined in k‐space based on the separation of wavelet subbands, and the conventional compressed sensing problem is transformed into one of localized k‐space estimation. To better exploit wavelet‐domain sparsity, compressed sensing can be used for high‐spatial‐frequency regions, whereas parallel imaging can be used for low‐spatial‐frequency regions. Fourier undersampling is also customized to better accommodate each reconstruction method: random undersampling for compressed sensing and regular undersampling for parallel imaging.

Results

Examples using the proposed method demonstrate successful reconstruction of both low‐spatial‐frequency content and fine structures in high‐resolution three‐dimensional breast imaging with a net acceleration of 11–12.

Conclusion

The proposed method improves the reconstruction accuracy of high‐spatial‐frequency signal content and avoids incoherent artifacts in low‐spatial‐frequency regions. This new formulation also reduces the reconstruction time due to the smaller problem size. Magn Reson Med 70:1306–1318, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Partial volume correction in arterial spin labeling using a Look‐Locker sequence
Authors: Petr Jan , Schramm Georg , Hofheinz Frank , Langner Jens , van den Hoff Jörg
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Partial volume (PV) effects are caused by limited spatial resolution and significantly affect cerebral blood flow investigations with arterial spin labeling. Therefore, accurate PV correction (PVC) procedures are required. PVC is commonly based on PV maps obtained from segmented high‐resolution T1‐weighted images. Segmentation of these images is error‐prone, and it can be difficult to coregister these images accurately with the single‐shot ASL images such as those created by echo‐planar imaging (EPI). In this paper, an alternative method for PV map generation is proposed.

Methods

The Look‐Locker EPI (LL‐EPI) acquisition is used for analyzing the T1‐recovery curve and for subsequent PV map generation. The new method was evaluated in five healthy volunteers (mean age 30 ± 3.7 years).

Results

By applying a linear regression method for PVC, a 12% decrease in regression error was reached with the new method.

Conclusion

PV maps extraction from LL‐EPI is a viable, possibly superior alternative to the standard approach based on segmentation of high‐resolution T1‐weighted images. Magn Reson Med 70:1535–1543, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multilevel computations of dispersed drug release
Authors: Zhao Wei , Pelinovsky Dmitry E.
Published: December 2012

We study a mathematical model of drug release from controlled delivery systems with initial drug loading higher than solubility. The model combines dissolution, diffusion, swelling, and erosion mechanisms of drug delivery. Multilevel methods are introduced to solve the governing system of diffusion equations numerically with better accuracy and lower computational costs compared with the finite element methods. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the advantages of the multilevel methods. Numerical solutions are compared to exact and approximate solutions of the reduced models. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013
Dually responsive multinetworked hydrogels with improved performances by covalently bonding poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐based microgels and poly(vinyl alcohol) skeleton
Authors: Ma Xiaomei , Li Yanhong , Wang Wenchao , Ji Quan , Xia Yanzhi , Mu Hengxing
Published: December 2012

To prepare intelligent hydrogels with both good mechanical performance and fast response, a series of multinetworked composite hydrogels with pH and thermo‐responsivity were designed and fabricated combining the advantages of both interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels and microgels. To begin with, precipitation polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide, methacrylic acid and polyethyleneglycol methacrylate was carried out in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aqueous solution, yielding thermo‐ and pH‐responsive copolymeric microgels. Then glutaraldehyde was added to the obtained microgel dispersion to covalently bond the microgel particles and PVA through acetal reaction, leading to the formation of multinetworked hydrogels with dual responses. The morphology of microgels and the internal microstructure of composite hydrogels were characterized by transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The influence of the PVA content and glutaraldehyde dosage on the mechanical behavior of the prepared hydrogels was investigated by means of uniaxial compressive tests. Experimental results reveal that the as‐prepared composite hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical performance compared to conventional hydrogels. Investigation onthe swelling and deswelling behaviors shows that they possess good temperature‐ and pH‐sensitivity andswell/deswell more rapidly than conventional hydrogels. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of filler size on thermophysical and electrical behavior of nanocomposites based on expanded graphite nanoparticles filled in low‐density polyethylene matrix
Authors: Kratochvíla Ján , Boudenne Abderrahim , Krupa Igor
Published: December 2012

Various aspects of electrical and thermophysical properties of nanocomposites based on low‐density polyethylene matrix filled with nanostructuralized expanded graphite (EG) and standard, microsized graphite are presented in this article. A periodical method developed in the laboratory was used to measure simultaneously thermal conductivity, specific heat, and diffusivity of composites at room temperature. The effect of micro‐ and nanosized fillers on the final thermophysical and electrical behavior is investigated. It was found that the electrical conductivity of composites strongly depends not only on the filler content but also on the filler size. When the microsized graphite was used, the percolation concentration of the filler was found to be 15 vol%, whereas the percolation concentration of the filler in nanocomposites filled with EG of large sizes was significantly lower. Similarly, it was shown that the graphite significantly improves the thermophysical behavior of composites filled with micro‐ and nanofiller sizes. The thermal conductivity measured values were also compared with some theoretical models for the prediction of the thermal conductivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Examining post‐translational modification‐mediated protein–protein interactions using a chemical proteomics approach
Authors: Li Xiang , Foley Emily A. , Kawashima Shigehiro A. , Molloy Kelly R. , Li Yinyin , Chait Brian T. , Kapoor Tarun M.
Published: December 2012

Post‐translational modifications (PTM) of proteins can control complex and dynamic cellular processes via regulating interactions between key proteins. To understand these regulatory mechanisms, it is critical that we can profile the PTM‐dependent protein–protein interactions. However, identifying these interactions can be very difficult using available approaches, as PTMs can be dynamic and often mediate relatively weak protein–protein interactions. We have recently developed CLASPI (cross‐linking‐assisted and stable isotope labeling in cell culture‐based protein identification), a chemical proteomics approach to examine protein–protein interactions mediated by methylation in human cell lysates. Here, we report three extensions of the CLASPI approach. First, we show that CLASPI can be used to analyze methylation‐dependent protein–protein interactions in lysates of fission yeast, a genetically tractable model organism. For these studies, we examined trimethylated histone H3 lysine‐9 (H3K9Me3)‐dependent protein–protein interactions. Second, we demonstrate that CLASPI can be used to examine phosphorylation‐dependent protein–protein interactions. In particular, we profile proteins recognizing phosphorylated histone H3 threonine‐3 (H3T3‐Phos), a mitotic histone “mark” appearing exclusively during cell division. Our approach identified survivin, the only known H3T3‐Phos‐binding protein, as well as other proteins, such as MCAK and KIF2A, that are likely to be involved in weak but selective interactions with this histone phosphorylation “mark”. Finally, we demonstrate that the CLASPI approach can be used to study the interplay between histone H3T3‐Phos and trimethylation on the adjacent residue lysine 4 (H3K4Me3). Together, our findings indicate the CLASPI approach can be broadly applied to profile protein–protein interactions mediated by PTMs.
MBE growth and applications of cubic AlN/GaN quantum wells
Authors: As Donat J. , Mietze Christian
Published: December 2012

Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of cubic group III‐nitrides is a direct way to eliminate polarization effects which inherently limit the performance of optoelectronic devices containing quantum well or quantum dot active regions. In this contribution, the latest achievement in the MBE of phase‐pure cubic GaN, AlN, and AlN/GaN quantum wells will be reviewed. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of state of the art cubic nitrides and AlGaN/GaN will be presented. We show that no polarization field exists in cubic nitrides and demonstrate intersubband absorption at 1.55 µm in cubic AlN/GaN superlattices. Comparing the experimental results with simulations based on an effective‐mass model the GaN/AlN conduction‐band offset is demonstrated to be higher than 1.2 eV. The best fit with the experimental data is achieved for a conduction‐band offset of 1.4 eV. Further the progress toward the fabrication of cubic GaN/AlGaN superlattices for terahertz applications will be discussed and our first experiments on cubic AlN/GaN resonant tunneling devices will be reported.
Improved thermal stability of antimony‐doped amorphous selenium film for X‐ray flat‐panel detectors
Authors: Chen Zexiang , Dong Miao , Li Chun , Shao Shengzi , Hu Tianyong , Kang Dequn
Published: December 2012

Amorphous selenium (a‐Se) film is a promising photoconductive material for X‐ray flat‐panel detectors (FPD) application. However, a‐Se tends to be crystalline Se at near room temperature. This remarkable temperature sensitivity limits its practical application. To prevent the near‐room‐temperature crystallization of a‐Se film, we fabricate antimony (Sb)‐doped a‐Se films using a vacuum evaporation technique equipped with an in situ cooling trap. We experimentally demonstrate that the Sb doping improves the thermal stability of a‐Se film while possessing a similar X‐ray photoelectric conversion efficiency as the pure a‐Se film. After air annealing at 50 °C for 90 min, the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results of the 4.1 at.% Sb‐doped a‐Se film shows no detectable crystallization diffraction peak. Upon applying an electric field of 10 V µm−1, such Sb‐doped a‐Se film exhibits dark current density below 1 nA cm−2, while under an X‐ray dosage of about 4 mGy, the annealed Sb‐doped a‐Se film shows a photocurrent density of more than 100 nA cm−2.
Prediction of high efficiency ZnMgO/Si solar cells suppressing carrier recombination by conduction band engineering
Authors: Knutsen K. E. , Schifano R. , Marstein E. S. , Svensson B. G. , Kuznetsov A. Yu.
Published: December 2012

A significant conduction band offset appearing in n‐ZnO/p‐Si heterojunction solar cells is recognized as a serious roadblock to obtain high efficiency solar cells. By alloying with Mg, the conduction band in Zn1–xMgxO can be raised above that of Si, so that the influence of recombination centers at the interface between the two materials is strongly reduced, enabling high efficiency despite recombination velocities as high as 106 cm s−1. By simulating these phenomena we predict an optimal design of a n‐Zn0.8Mg0.2O/p‐Si solar cell resulting in high conversion efficiencies.
Prebiotics to Fight Diseases: Reality or Fiction?
Authors: Di Bartolomeo F. , Startek J.B. , Van den Ende W.
Published: December 2012

Bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract are crucial for human health and disease occurrence. Increasing the beneficial intestinal microflora by consumption of prebiotics, which are ‘functional foods’, could be an elegant way to limit the number and incidence of disorders and to recover from dysbiosis or antibiotic treatments. This review focuses on the short‐chain low‐digestible carbohydrates (LDCs) which are metabolized by gut microbiota serving as energy source, immune system enhancers or facilitators of mineral uptake. Intake of foods containing LDCs can improve the state of health and may prevent diseases as for example certain forms of cancer. Given the large number of different molecules belonging to LDCs, we focused our attention on fructans (inulin, fructo‐oligosaccharides), galacto‐oligosaccharides and resistant starches and their therapeutic and protective applications. Evidence is accumulating that LDCs can inhibit bacterial and viral infections by modulating host defense responses and by changing the interactions between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. Animal studies and studies on small groups of human subjects suggest that LDCs might help to counteract colorectal cancer, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The action mechanisms of LDCs in the human body might be broader than originally thought, perhaps also including reactive oxygen species scavenging and signaling events. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antifungal Activity of 10 Guadeloupean Plants
Authors: Biabiany Murielle , Roumy Vincent , Hennebelle Thierry , François Nadine , Sendid Boualem , Pottier Muriel , Aliouat El Moukhtar , Rouaud Isabelle , Lohézic‐Le Dévéhat Françoise , Joseph Henry , Bourgeois Paul , Sahpaz Sevser , Bailleul François
Published: December 2012

Screening of the antifungal activities of ten Guadeloupean plants was undertaken to find new extracts and formulations against superficial mycoses such as onychomycosis, athlete's foot, Pityriasis versicolor, as well as the deep fungal infection Pneumocystis pneumonia. For the first time, the CMI of these plant extracts [cyclohexane, ethanol and ethanol/water (1:1, v/v)] was determined against five dermatophytes, five Candida species, Scytalidium dimidiatum, a Malassezia sp. strain and Pneumocystis carinii. Cytotoxicity tests of the most active extracts were also performed on an HaCat keratinocyte cell line. Results suggest that the extracts of Bursera simaruba, Cedrela odorata, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Pluchea carolinensis have interesting activities and could be good candidates for developing antifungal formulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emerging Importance of Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin – Authenticating Geo‐Authentic Botanicals and Implications for Phytotherapy
Authors: Brinckmann J. A.
Published: December 2012

Pharmacopoeial monographs providing specifications for composition, identity, purity, quality, and strength of a botanical are developed based on analysis of presumably authenticated botanical reference materials. The specimens should represent the quality traditionally specified for the intended use, which may require different standards for medicinal versus food use. Development of quality standards monographs may occur through collaboration between a sponsor company or industry association and a pharmacopoeial expert committee. The sponsor may base proposed standards and methods on their own preferred botanical supply which may, or may not, be geo‐authentic and/or correspond to qualities defined in traditional medicine formularies and pharmacopoeias. Geo‐authentic botanicals are those with specific germplasm, cultivated or collected in their traditional production regions, of a specified biological age at maturity, with specific production techniques and processing methods. Consequences of developing new monographs that specify characteristics of an ‘introduced’ cultivated species or of a material obtained from one unique origin could lead to exclusion of geo‐authentic herbs and may have therapeutic implications for clinical practice. In this review, specifications of selected medicinal plants with either a geo‐authentic or geographical indication designation are discussed and compared against official pharmacopoeial standards for same genus and species regardless of origin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tropical cyclone predictions over the Bay of Bengal using the high‐resolution Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW) model
Authors: Srinivas C. V. , Bhaskar Rao D. V. , Yesubabu V. , Baskaran R. , Venkatraman B.
Published: December 2012

The performance of the high‐resolution Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW) model for tropical cyclone prediction over the Bay of Bengal region of the northern Indian Ocean is assessed through study of 21 cyclone systems. Error metrics in the predicted fields of maximum sustained winds (MSW), central sea‐level pressure (CSLP) and the vector track position are computed by comparison with corresponding tropical cyclone estimations from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). From 65 sensitivity experiments for five severe cyclones the combination of Kain–Fritsch (KF) convection, Yonsei University (YSU) planetary boundary layer (PBL), LIN explicit microphysics and NOAH land surface schemes are found to provide the best simulations for intensity and track prediction. It has been found that the KF convection scheme gives higher convective warming with stronger vertical motions relative to other tested cumulus schemes and that the YSU scheme simulates more realistic winds in the inflow region than other tested PBL schemes. Results of simulations with the best physics for all 21 cyclones reveal that the model had a tendency to overestimate the intensity, with mean errors ranging from −2 to 15 hPa for CSLP, 1 to 22 m s−1for MSW corresponding to 24 to 72 h predictions. The mean vector landfall position errors are found to be 122 km at 12 h, 170 km at 24 h, 244 km at 48 h and 250 km at 72 h, and 67% of the landfall errors are less than 135 km, indicating fairly good forecasts. Further, the predictions are found to be best for northward moving cyclones followed by northwestward, westward and northeastward moving cyclones.
Improved variational analyses using a nonlinear humidity control variable
Authors: Ingleby N. B. , Lorenc A. C. , Ngan K. , Rawlins F. , Jackson D. R.
Published: December 2012

A new humidity analysis variable has been successfully introduced into the Met Office's variational data assimilation system. The new variable uses a transformation consisting of a nonlinear normalization and a link with temperature increments that is a function of background (forecast) humidity. The normalization (which is the more important aspect) makes the new variable's errors more symmetrical and thus better represented by the variational cost function. As in the previous operational system, water vapour and cloud are combined into a single total water variable for the analysis step. The transform is now operational in both global and limited‐area systems. The forecast improvements—to the mass as well as the humidity fields—are largest in the Southern Hemisphere and there is a better fit of both background and analysis to humidity‐sensitive satellite channels. The results suggest that the transformation is particularly beneficial for the use of satellite data. The transform reduces the problem of negative humidities in the analysis which were more prevalent over the ocean.
A Robust Bivariate Control Chart Alternative to the Hotelling's T2 Control Chart
Authors: Abu‐Shawiesh Moustafa Omar Ahmed , Golam Kibria B. M. , George Florence
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we proposed a new bivariate control chart denoted by based on the robust estimation as an alternative to the Hotelling's T2 control chart. The location vector and the variance‐covariance matrix for the new control chart are obtained using the sample median, the median absolute deviation from the sample median, and the comedian estimator. The performance of the proposed method in detecting outliers is evaluated and compared with the Hotelling's T2 method using a Monte‐Carlo simulation study. A numerical example is considered to illustrate the application of the proposed method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved inapproximability results for counting independent sets in the hard‐core model
Authors: Galanis Andreas , Ge Qi , Štefankovič Daniel , Vigoda Eric , Yang Linji
Published: December 2012

We study the computational complexity of approximately counting the number of independent sets of a graph with maximum degree Δ. More generally, for an input graph and an activity , we are interested in the quantity defined as the sum over independent sets I weighted as . In statistical physics, is the partition function for the hard‐core model, which is an idealized model of a gas where the particles have non‐negligible size. Recently, an interesting phase transition was shown to occur for the complexity of approximating the partition function. Weitz showed an FPAS for the partition function for any graph of maximum degree Δ when Δ is constant and . The quantity is the critical point for the so‐called uniqueness threshold on the infinite, regular tree of degree Δ. On the other side, Sly proved that there does not exist efficient (randomized) approximation algorithms for , unless , for some function . We remove the upper bound in the assumptions of Sly's result for , that is, we show that there does not exist efficient randomized approximation algorithms for all for and . Sly's inapproximability result uses a clever reduction, combined with a second‐moment analysis of Mossel, Weitz and Wormald which prove torpid mixing of the Glauber dynamics for sampling from the associated Gibbs distribution on almost every regular graph of degree Δ for the same range of λ as in Sly's result. We extend Sly's result by improving upon the technical work of Mossel et al., via a more detailed analysis of independent sets in random regular graphs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 45, 78–110, 2014
Bounds for algebraic gossip on graphs
Authors: Borokhovich Michael , Avin Chen , Lotker Zvi
Published: December 2012

We study the stopping times of gossip algorithms for network coding. We analyze algebraic gossip (i.e., random linear coding) and consider three gossip algorithms for information spreading: Pull, Push, and Exchange. The stopping time of algebraic gossip is known to be linear for the complete graph, but the question of determining a tight upper bound or lower bounds for general graphs is still open. We take a major step in solving this question, and prove that algebraic gossip on any graph of sizenisO(Δn) where Δ is the maximum degree of the graph. This leads to a tight bound offor bounded degree graphs and an upper bound ofO(n2) for general graphs. We show that the latter bound is tight by providing an example of a graph with a stopping time of. Our proofs use a novel method that relies on Jackson's queuing theorem to analyze the stopping time of network coding; this technique is likely to become useful for future research. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 45, 185–217, 2014
Context data distribution with quality guarantees for Android‐based mobile systems
Authors: Corradi Antonio , Fanelli Mario , Foschini Luca , Cinque Marcello
Published: December 2012

In the last years, context awareness, namely the provisioning of the current execution context to the application level, has received an increasing attention up to becoming a core capability in next generation mobile scenarios. Context awareness intrinsically forces a continuous delivery of context data to resource‐constrained mobile devices, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants, to allow application adaptation, and that can become too severe a constraint even for modern platforms (Android, iOS, etc.). This paper focuses on the realization of a context data distribution support for Android‐based mobile phones with guaranteed quality levels on the context data delivery time. Android, notwithstanding its great potential, puts harsh constraints on the implementation of specific context distribution primitives, thus preventing the realization of a wide set of significant deployment scenarios. At this stage, we face that a large campaign of tests are necessary. We have collected main experimental results in a real testbed to highlight noteworthy details on the runtime performance obtainable with a real Android deployment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of surface composition on Alloy 22 in neutral chloride solutions
Authors: Zagidulin Dmitrij , Zhang Xiangrong , Zhou Jigang , Noël James J. , Shoesmith David W.
Published: December 2012

The composition of anodically grown oxide films on Alloy 22, a Ni‐Cr‐Mo(W) alloy, has been investigated in 5 mol l−1 NaCl at room temperature using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. For applied potentials up to 0.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl (saturated KCl solution)), a Cr(III) oxide barrier layer develops at the alloy/oxide interface accounting for the excellent passivity demonstrated to prevail in this potential region by previous electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. At higher potentials, this layer is destroyed by defect injection as Cr(III) is oxidized to the more soluble Cr(VI). The overall oxide/hydroxide film thickness is, however, increased as Mo(VI)/W(VI) species accumulate at the oxide solution interface. The potential of 0.2 V at which the barrier layer switches from growth to destruction coincides with the previously demonstrated threshold potential for the initiation of crevice corrosion. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physician performance assessment using a composite quality index
Authors: Liu Kaibo , Jain Shabnam , Shi Jianjun
Published: December 2012

Assessing physician performance is important for the purposes of measuring and improving quality of service and reducing healthcare delivery costs. In recent years, physician performance scorecards have been used to provide feedback on individual measures; however, one key challenge is how to develop a composite quality index that combines multiple measures for overall physician performance evaluation. A controversy arises over establishing appropriate weights to combine indicators in multiple dimensions, and cannot be easily resolved. In this study, we proposed a generic unsupervised learning approach to develop a single composite index for physician performance assessment by using non‐negative principal component analysis. We developed a new algorithm named iterative quadratic programming to solve the numerical issue in the non‐negative principal component analysis approach. We conducted real case studies to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. We provided interpretations from both statistical and clinical perspectives to evaluate the developed composite ranking score in practice. In addition, we implemented the root cause assessment techniques to explain physician performance for improvement purposes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse Life Events and Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Adolescence: The Role of Coping and Emotion Regulation
Authors: Flouri Eirini , Mavroveli Stella
Published: December 2012

We tested whether emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) and coping (distraction, avoidance, support seeking and active coping) mediate or moderate the association between change in life stress (change in number of adverse life events) and change in adolescent problem behaviour. We used prospective and retrospective longitudinal data from a community sample. We measured change in problem behaviour as emotional and behavioural problems at Time 2 controlling for emotional and behavioural problems at Time 1, a year earlier. We measured change in life stress as life stress between Times 1 and 2, controlling for total previous life stress (before Time 1). Neither coping nor emotion regulation mediated the association between change in life stress and change in problem behaviour. Avoidance and expressive suppression were related to an increase in problem behaviour. Only cognitive reappraisal moderated the effect of increase in life stress on worsening of problem behaviour, suggesting that, as expected, cognitive reappraisal was a protective factor. In adolescents who reported they habitually reappraise, the association between change in life stress and change in emotional and behavioural problems was non‐significant. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.