bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Varietal Susceptibility of Improved Cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) (Walp.) Cultivars to Field and Storage Pests
Authors: Baidoo P. K. , Mochiah M. B.
Published: March 2014

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata is widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics as food for man and livestock. The crop is highly prone to pests and diseases which limit its production. Resistant cowpea varieties have become increasingly important in the management of both field and storage pests. Three improved cowpea varieties and one local variety were screened for their susceptibility to field and storage pests. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replications. The different pests infesting the plants were identified and counted. Aphids and thrips were scored on a scale of 0-5, depending on the levels of infestations. Natural enemies’ numbers, leaf damage, pod damage and yield were assessed. Callosobruchus maculatus infestations during storage and weight reduction were determined over a six week period. Aphids and M. sjostedti score, M. virtrata and Empoasca sp. numbers did not differ significantly; however, significantly more pod sucking bubs attacked the local variety than the improved varieties. Natural enemies’ numbers on the various cultivars did not differ significantly. Yield was however significantly better in the improved varieties. The local variety suffered the largest weight reduction (20.91%) during storage while Nhyira suffered the least weight reduction of 4.23%. The use of improved varieties and application of pests’ control measures will increase cowpea production in Ghana.
Madrid en el siglo XXI. Transformaciones y retos de su realidad social. La Realidad Social de Madrid Vol. II
Authors: Pascual Mª del Pilar Gomiz
Published: March 2014

Madrid en el siglo XXI. Transformaciones y retos de su realidad social  es el título elegido por la Asociación Madrileña de Sociología (AMS) para el segundo volumen de lo que pretende ser una trilogía sobre la Realidad Social de Madrid. Tras el éxito del trabajo realizado con el primer volumen, Antonio Lucas Marín, Carmen Cortés Beltrán y Dolores Cáceres Zapatero, vuelven a coordinar un proyecto excelente donde se da un paso más al esfuerzo comenzado con la edición anterior por dar a conocer aspectos nuevos de la estructura social del Madrid del siglo XXI, aportando enfoques y matices que quedaron sin analizar entonces.
Le spectre épistocratique
Authors: Giroux Jessy
Published: March 2014

J’aborde dans cet article un problème que je nomme le « spectre épistocratique ». Le problème se présente ainsi : s’il existe des vérités politiques, c’est-à-dire des positions politiques qui soient véritablement bonnes, ne devrait-on pas faire de l’atteinte de ces vérités politiques l’objectif central de notre système politique, ce qui pourrait nous conduire à limiter le pouvoir populaire afin de laisser les individus « éclairés » prendre toutes les décisions politiques ? J’explore différentes stratégies possibles afin de défendre la démocratie contre l’attrait d’une telle épistocratie, et je conclus que la meilleure stratégie consiste à souligner qu’une démocratie délibérative bien organisée démontre un potentiel épistémique supérieur à tout autre système politique. Je termine en montrant comment une telle conclusion parvient à nous informer sur le phénomène de la contestation politique.
Démocratie contestataire ou contestation de la démocratie ?
Authors: Roussin Juliette
Published: March 2014

Cet article a pour objet d’interroger la tendance actuelle des démocraties à s’entourer d’institutions indépendantes au fort degré de compétence en vue de limiter et de corriger les défaillances éventuelles des corps démocratiques élus et représentatifs. La légitimité démocratique de ces institutions contre-majoritaires leur viendrait, selon certains théoriciens de la démocratie, de ce qu’elles offrent la possibilité de contester les décisions collectives lorsque celles-ci sont mauvaises ou injustes, contribuant ainsi à l’amélioration globale des performances du régime démocratique. À partir notamment d’une lecture des travaux de Philip Pettit sur la démocratie contestataire et d’une réflexion sur l’approche épistémique défendue par David Estlund, nous questionnons au contraire le caractère démocratique de ces formes institutionnelles de contestation et montrons que, tant qu’elles ne font pas l’objet d’un contrôle démocratique plus étroit, elles peuvent être interprétées comme des modes de contestation de la démocratie plutôt que comme des instruments de son amélioration.
Instituer l’espace de la contestation : la compétence du peuple et la régulation des médias
Authors: Girard Charles
Published: March 2014

Si la démocratie doit être comprise comme le gouvernement du peuple par et pour le peuple, il faut que le jugement populaire soit compétent : les procédures décisionnelles doivent pouvoir être à la fois inclusives et efficaces. Cet article considère l’une des conditions de la compétence du peuple : l’existence d’un espace public propice à la contestation publique des décisions politiques. En confrontant les paradigmes contestataire (Pettit) et épistémique (Cohen, Estlund) de la démocratie, il montre d’abord que la contestabilité ne peut fonder la légitimité démocratique des décisions que si la contestation populaire passe notamment par l’espace public médiatisé. Il établit ensuite qu’il est irréaliste d’attendre que les actions des agents médiatiques produisent spontanément un contexte adéquat à la délibération pour peu que la liberté d’expression et le pluralisme des médias soient protégés juridiquement, comme le suggèrent certaines approches (Page). Il conclut enfin que l’espace public de la contestation doit être institué, ce qui suppose une régulation adéquate des médias, qui peut puiser dans les ressources offertes par l’éthique journalistique, la critique sociale et le droit de la communication.
Rüzgar enerji potansiyelinin uydu ve yüzey verilerine dayali olarak belirlenmesi ve analizi
Authors: Pamuk Onur , Aslan Zafer
Published: March 2014

Özet

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, gün geçtikçe değeri daha iyi anlaşılan yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarından rüzgar enerjisinin yüzey ve uydu gözlemlerine dayalı olarak saptanması ve analiz edilmesidir. Bu sayede, potansiyel belirleme çalışmalarında kullanılan klasik yöntemlerde gerekli zaman kaybını önlemek ve maliyetin düşürülmesi amacıyla, uydu teknolojilerine dayalı verilerin bu alanda kullanımının verimli olup olmayacağı tartışılmaktadır. Çalışmanın sonucunda, yüzey gözlemlerine halen daha ihtiyaç duyulduğu, ancak uydu verilerinin ön analiz aşamasında faydalı olabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır.
Gravity waves generated by convection during TWP‐ICE: 2. High‐frequency gravity waves
Authors: Hankinson Mai C. N. , Reeder M. J. , Lane T. P.
Published: March 2014

High‐frequency gravity waves are analyzed using radiosonde soundings taken during the Tropical Warm Pool‐International Cloud Experiment (TWP‐ICE). The intrinsic periods of these waves are estimated to be between 10 and 50 min. The high‐frequency wave activity in the stratosphere, defined by mass‐weighted variance of the vertical motion of the sonde, has a maximum following the afternoon local convection indicating that these waves are generated by local convection. The wave activity is the strongest in the lower stratosphere below 22 km and, during the suppressed monsoon period, is modulated with a 3–4 day period. The concentration of the wave activity in the lower stratosphere is consistent with the properties of the environment in which these waves propagate, whereas its 3–4 day modulation is explained by the variation of the convection activity in the TWP‐ICE domain. For shallow convection, the wave activity has a weak tendency to increase as the rainfall intensity increases. The wave activity associated with deep convection, which typically occurs at high rainfall intensities, is larger and has more spread than that associated with shallow convection.
Lateral inflows, stream‐groundwater exchange, and network geometry influence stream water composition
Authors: Mallard John , McGlynn Brian , Covino Tim
Published: March 2014

The role of stream networks and their hydrologic interaction with hillslopes and shallow groundwater in modifying and transporting watershed signals is an area of active research. One of the primary ways that stream networks can modify watershed signals is through spatially variable stream gains and losses, described herein as hydrologic turnover. We measured hydrologic gain and loss at the reach scale using tracer experiments throughout the Bull Trout watershed in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. We extended the results of reach scale experiments to the stream network using empirical relationships between (1) watershed area and stream discharge and (2) stream discharge and percent stream water loss to the groundwater system. We thus incorporate linkages between (1) hillslopes and stream networks via lateral inflows and (2) stream networks and shallow groundwater via hydrologic exchange. We implemented these relationships within a concise analytical framework to simulate hydrologic turnover across stream networks and estimate the variable influence exerted by upstream reaches and streamflow source locations on stream water composition across stream networks. Application to six natural Sawtooth watersheds and seven synthetic watersheds with varying topographic structure and stream network geometry indicated that contributions to discharge from any upstream source depend on the magnitude of the initial input, but also on the distribution of hydrologic turnover occurring along the stream network. The evolution of stream water source compositions along stream networks was unique in each watershed due to the combination of watershed structure and stream network geometry. Our results suggest that a distributed representation of hydrologic turnover at the stream network scale can improve understanding of how the stream network can modify source water compositions along the stream.
White House Budget Proposal Would Provide National Science Foundation With 1.2% Increase
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2014

The proposed $7.255 billion budget request for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for fiscal year (FY) 2015, announced by the White House on 4 March, would increase funding just $83 million, 1.2% above the FY 2014 estimate (see Table 1). The budget for NSF's Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) would nudge up 0.1% to $1.304 billion, an increase of $1.36 million (see Table 2).
Diverse coral communities thrive in acidified western Pacific waters
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2014

Ocean acidification, a growing problem associated with increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, can disrupt the lives of many marine species. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable because the increased CO2 concentration in seawater—which combines with water to form carbonic acid—makes it hard for corals to grow. Models, observations, and lab studies consistently predict that as the ocean becomes more acidic, coral cover and diversity will decrease.
Investigation of the sources and evolution processes of severe haze pollution in Beijing in January 2013
Authors: Sun Yele , Jiang Qi , Wang Zifa , Fu Pingqing , Li Jie , Yang Ting , Yin Yan
Published: March 2014

China experienced severe haze pollution in January 2013. Here we have a detailed characterization of the sources and evolution mechanisms of this haze pollution with a focus on four haze episodes that occurred during 10–14 January in Beijing. The main source of data analyzed is from submicron aerosol measurements by an Aerodyne Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor. The average PM1 mass concentration during the four haze episodes ranged from 144 to 300 µg m−3, which was more than 10 times higher than that observed during clean periods. All submicron aerosol species showed substantial increases during haze episodes with sulfate being the largest. Secondary inorganic species played enhanced roles in the haze formation as suggested by their elevated contributions during haze episodes. Positive matrix factorization analysis resolved six organic aerosol (OA) factors including three primary OA (POA) factors from traffic, cooking, and coal combustion emissions, respectively, and three secondary OA (SOA) factors. Overall, SOA contributed 41–59% of OA with the rest being POA. Coal combustion OA (CCOA) was the largest primary source, on average accounting for 20–32% of OA, and showed the most significant enhancement during haze episodes. A regional SOA (RSOA) was resolved for the first time which showed a pronounced peak only during the record‐breaking haze episode (Ep3) on 12–13 January. The regional contributions estimated based on the steep evolution of air pollutants were found to play dominant roles for the formation of Ep3, on average accounting for 66% of PM1 during the peak of Ep3 with sulfate, CCOA, and RSOA being the largest fractions (> ~ 75%). Our results suggest that stagnant meteorological conditions, coal combustion, secondary production, and regional transport are four main factors driving the formation and evolution of haze pollution in Beijing during wintertime.
Using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning to Identify Gout Flares From Electronic Clinical Notes
Authors: Zheng Chengyi , Rashid Nazia , Wu Yi‐Lin , Koblick River , Lin Antony T. , Levy Gerald D. , Cheetham T. Craig
Published: March 2014

Objective

Gout flares are not well documented by diagnosis codes, making it difficult to conduct accurate database studies. We implemented a computer‐based method to automatically identify gout flares using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) from electronic clinical notes.

Methods

Of 16,519 patients, 1,264 and 1,192 clinical notes from 2 separate sets of 100 patients were selected as the training and evaluation data sets, respectively, which were reviewed by rheumatologists. We created separate NLP searches to capture different aspects of gout flares. For each note, the NLP search outputs became the ML system inputs, which provided the final classification decisions. The note‐level classifications were grouped into patient‐level gout flares. Our NLP+ML results were validated using a gold standard data set and compared with the claims‐based method used by prior literatures.

Results

For 16,519 patients with a diagnosis of gout and a prescription for a urate‐lowering therapy, we identified 18,869 clinical notes as gout flare positive (sensitivity 82.1%, specificity 91.5%): 1,402 patients with ≥3 flares (sensitivity 93.5%, specificity 84.6%), 5,954 with 1 or 2 flares, and 9,163 with no flare (sensitivity 98.5%, specificity 96.4%). Our method identified more flare cases (18,869 versus 7,861) and patients with ≥3 flares (1,402 versus 516) when compared to the claims‐based method.

Conclusion

We developed a computer‐based method (NLP and ML) to identify gout flares from the clinical notes. Our method was validated as an accurate tool for identifying gout flares with higher sensitivity and specificity compared to previous studies.
Sustainability of Rituximab Therapy in Different Treatment Strategies: Results of a 3‐Year Followup of a German Biologics Register
Authors: Richter Adrian , Strangfeld Anja , Herzer Peter , Wilden Elke , Bussmann Arnold , Listing Joachim , Zink Angela
Published: March 2014

Objective

To compare the approved treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using rituximab + methotrexate (RTX + MTX) versus the off‐label treatment variants of RTX in monotherapy or RTX in combination with leflunomide (RTX + LEF).

Methods

We included RTX‐naive patients enrolled in the German biologics register RABBIT (Rheumatoid Arthritis: Observation of Biologic Therapy) between 2007 and 2012 (n = 907) who started treatment with RTX. Three treatment regimens (RTX + MTX, RTX + LEF, and RTX monotherapy) were analyzed regarding therapy discontinuation, dropout, RTX retreatment, and concomitant glucocorticoid therapy. Effectiveness was evaluated with linear mixed models.

Results

Baseline patient characteristics were similar across treatment regimens, except for poorer functional status and more comorbidities in RTX monotherapy. Average doses of glucocorticoids were lower in RTX + LEF compared to the 2 other groups. The frequency and timing of RTX retreatment (P > 0.62) as well as improvement in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) over time (P > 0.15) were similar in all treatment regimens. Within the first 12 months of treatment, the DAS28 decreased by 1.5 units, and between months 12 and 36, by a further 0.4 unit equally in all groups. Nevertheless, therapy discontinuation and dropout were significantly increased on RTX monotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] 1.7 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.2–2.3]), and additionally when patients were rheumatoid factor negative (HR 1.5 [95% CI 1.0–2.1]).

Conclusion

In patients who continue therapy, RTX + LEF, RTX monotherapy, and RTX + MTX seem to be equally effective. However, given the lower adherence rates on monotherapy, this treatment option is not sufficient for all patients. Since many patients are intolerant to MTX, more licensed RTX treatment options are needed.
Deficits in Muscle Mass, Muscle Density, and Modified Associations With Fat in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Baker Joshua F. , Von Feldt Joan , Mostoufi‐Moab Sogol , Noaiseh Ghaith , Taratuta Elena , Kim Woojin , Leonard Mary B.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To quantify muscle outcomes, independent of fat mass, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to healthy controls.

Methods

Quantitative computed tomography scans measured calf muscle and fat cross‐sectional area (CSA) and muscle density (an index of intramuscular adipose tissue), and isometric dynamometry was used to measure ankle muscle strength in 50 participants with RA ages 18–70 years and 500 healthy controls. Multivariable linear regression models assessed muscle deficits in RA after adjusting for group differences in adiposity and assessing for an altered muscle–fat association. Associations between RA disease characteristics and fat‐adjusted muscle outcomes were also assessed.

Results

Compared to controls, RA subjects had significantly greater body mass index (BMI) and fat area, and lower muscle area, muscle density, and muscle strength (P < 0.001 for all). Strength deficits were eliminated with adjustment for the smaller muscle area. The magnitude of muscle deficits, relative to controls, was significantly greater (P < 0.03 for interaction) in participants with lower fat area and BMI. Among those in the lower tertiles of adiposity, RA subjects demonstrated more significant deficits compared to controls with similar adiposity. In contrast, among those in the highest tertile for adiposity, RA was not associated with muscle deficits. Among RA, greater Sharp/van der Heijde scores were associated with lower muscle CSA and muscle density. Greater disease activity and disability were associated with low muscle density.

Conclusion

Deficits in muscle area and muscle density are present in RA patients compared to controls and are most pronounced in subjects with low fat mass. Greater joint destruction is associated with greater muscle deficits.
Early Tumor Necrosis Factor α Antagonist Therapy in Everyday Practice for Inflammatory Back Pain Suggesting Axial Spondyloarthritis: Results From a Prospective Multicenter French Cohort
Authors: Canouï‐Poitrine Florence , Poulain Cécile , Molto Anna , Le Thuaut Aurélie , Lafon Cécile , Farrenq Valérie , Ferkal Salah , Le Corvoisier Philippe , Ghaleh Bijan , Bastuji‐Garin Sylvie , Fautrel B. , Dougados Maxime , Claudepierre Pascal
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine the frequency of and factors associated with early tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) antagonist therapy in everyday clinical practice in patients with suspected axial spondyloarthropathy (SpA).

Methods

We used data from the prospective observational study in the French Devenir des Spondylarthropathies Indifférenciées Récentes (DESIR; Outcome of Recent Undifferentiated Spondylarthropathies) cohort of 708 patients with recent‐onset (<3 years) inflammatory back pain (IBP) suggesting axial SpA. TNFα antagonist use was recorded at months 6 and 12 and factors independently associated with TNFα antagonist therapy were identified by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Among the 708 patients (mean age 33.8 years, 46.2% men), 166 (23.4%) patients received TNFα antagonist therapy by month 12, including 120 (73.6%) patients who fulfilled Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) axial criteria and 157 (94.6%) who fulfilled at least 1 SpA criteria set; 109 (65.6%) had no sacroiliitis. Factors independently associated with early TNFα antagonist therapy were high Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score using the C‐reactive protein level (odds ratio [OR]1‐point increase 1.60, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.25–2.03, P < 0.001), high physician's global disease activity score (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.21–1.54, P < 0.001), ASAS nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug score >50 (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.24–2.87, P = 0.003), current or past disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug use (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.22–3.59, P = 0.008), systemic corticosteroid use (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.43–4.34, P = 0.002), and mild to severe radiographic hip abnormalities (OR 9.43, 95% CI 2.11–42.09, P = 0.003). After adjustment on these factors, Achilles enthesis hypervascularization by power Doppler and number of work days missed were associated with TNFα antagonist therapy.

Conclusion

In the DESIR cohort, approximately one‐fourth of patients with recent IBP suggestive of axial SpA were under anti‐TNFα therapy after 1 year of followup. All factors associated with this early initiation reflected higher disease activity, refractoriness, or severity, which suggests compliance of French rheumatologists with current treatment guidelines.
Relationships Between Driving Distance, Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis, and Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Receipt
Authors: Polinski Jennifer M. , Brookhart M. Alan , Ayanian John Z. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Kim Seoyoung C. , Lii Joyce , Tonner Chris , Yelin Edward , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: March 2014

Objective

Disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are recommended for all patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some estimate that approximately one‐half of patients with RA do not receive DMARDs. We hypothesized that patients with RA living farther from rheumatologists would be less likely to receive RA diagnoses and to receive DMARDs.

Methods

US‐based Medicare patients ages >65 years were study eligible. We calculated driving distance from patients' homes to the nearest rheumatologist. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed relationships between driving distance and RA diagnosis and between driving distance and DMARD receipt. In one set of analyses, distance was divided into quartiles: 0–2, 2.1–5, 5.1–15.9, and ≥16 miles. In a second set of analyses, we used predefined categories: 0–15, 15.1–30, 30.1–60, and >60 miles.

Results

Among 59,426 Medicare beneficiaries, 918 had diagnosed RA. Compared to the first quartile, increased distance was associated with decreased odds of RA diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.96 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.80–1.16] in second quartile, OR 0.88 [95% CI 0.72–1.07] in third quartile, and OR 0.72 [95% CI 0.56–0.93] in fourth quartile; P < 0.01 for trend). Similar results were observed using predefined categories. Among those with RA, increased distance was associated with increased odds of DMARD receipt across quartiles (OR 1.15 [95% CI 1.06–1.25] in second quartile, OR 1.41 [95% CI 1.29–1.54] in third quartile, and OR 1.32 [95% CI 1.18–1.46] in fourth quartile; P = 0.001 for trend). There was no relationship between predefined categories and DMARD receipt (P = 0.45 for trend).

Conclusion

Increased driving distance to rheumatologists was associated with decreased odds of RA diagnosis. Among those with diagnosed RA, the odds of DMARD receipt rose as distance increased from <2 to 16 miles, but not beyond. Urban residents living closer to rheumatologists may have barriers to DMARD use besides geographic access.
Outdoor Operational Stability of Indium‐Free Flexible Polymer Solar Modules Over 1 Year Studied in India, Holland, and Denmark
Authors: Angmo Dechan , Sommeling Paul M. , Gupta Ritu , Hösel Markus , Gevorgyan Suren A. , Kroon Jan M. , Kulkarni Giridhar U. , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: March 2014

We present an outdoor interlaboratory stability study of fully printed and coated indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO)‐free polymer solar cell modules in JNCASR Bangalore (India), ECN (Holland), and DTU (Denmark) carried over more than 1 year. The modules comprising a fully printed and coated stack (Ag grid/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO/P3HT:PCBM/PEDOT:PSS/Ag grid) were prepared in two successive generations and evaluated for outdoor operational stability according to the test protocols laid out by the International Summit on OPV stability (ISOS‐3). The modules (70–100 cm2 active area) were encapsulated between two sheets of low‐cost plastic barrier material with the use of a UV curing adhesive. The impact of differences in the climatic conditions on the performance of the modules is highlighted and the performance of the modules under storage conditions in parallel with the outdoor study is investigated. While all Gen‐I modules failed, the best devices of Gen‐II module in which simple improvement in the encapsulation scheme (Gen‐II modules) was carried out maintained 95% of the initial performance after 1 year of outdoor testing. We provide detailed insight into the failure mode and offer a discussion on the need for improvement in flexible encapsulation. Finally, recommendations on future encapsulation schemes are also presented.
Copper‐Stabilized Sulfur‐Microporous Carbon Cathodes for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Zheng Shiyou , Yi Feng , Li Zhipeng , Zhu Yujie , Xu Yunhua , Luo Chao , Yang Junhe , Wang Chunsheng
Published: March 2014

A copper‐stabilized sulfur‐microporous carbon (MC‐Cu‐S) composite is synthesized by uniformly dispersing 10% highly electronically conductive Cu nanoparticles into microporous carbon (MC), followed by wet‐impregnating S. In the MC‐Cu‐S composite, the MC host that physically confines S/polysulfides provides free space to accommodate volumetric expansion of S during lithiation, while the Cu nanoparticles that are anchored in the MC further chemically interact with S/polysulfides through bonding between Cu and S/polysulfides. The Cu loading allows the S content to increase from 30 to 50% in the carbon‐S cathode material without scarifying the electrochemical performance in a low‐cost carbonate electrolyte. At a current density of 100 mA g‐1, the MC‐Cu‐S cathode shows that Coulumbic efficiency is close to 100% and capacity maintains more than 600 mAh g‐1 with progressive cycling up to more than 500 cycles. In addition, the Cu nano‐inclusins also enhance the electronic conductivity of the MC‐Cu‐S composite, remarkably increasing the rate capabilities. Even the current density increases 10.0 A g‐1, the MC‐Cu‐S cathode can still deliver a capacity of 200 mAh g‐1. This strategy of stabilization of S with small amount of metal nanoparticles anchored in MC provides an effective approach to improve the cycling stability, Coulumbic efficiency, and S loading for Li–S batteries.
Soft Robotic Concepts in Catheter Design: an On‐Demand Fouling‐Release Urinary Catheter
Authors: Levering Vrad , Wang Qiming , Shivapooja Phanindhar , Zhao Xuanhe , López Gabriel P.
Published: March 2014

Infectious biofilms are problematic in many healthcare‐related devices and are especially challenging and ubiquitous in urinary catheters. This report presents an on‐demand fouling‐release methodology to mechanically disrupt and remove biofilms, and proposes this method for the active removal of infectious biofilms from the previously inaccessible main drainage lumen of urinary catheters. Mature Proteus mirabilis crystalline biofilms detach from silicone elastomer substrates upon application of strain to the substrate, and increasing the strain rate increases biofilm detachment. The study presents a quantitative relationship between applied strain rate and biofilm debonding through an analysis of biofilm segment length and the driving force for debonding. Based on this mechanism, hydraulic and pneumatic elastomer actuation is used to achieve surface strain selectively within the lumen of prototypes of sections of a fouling‐release urinary catheter. Proof‐of‐concept prototypes of sections of active, fouling‐release catheters are constructed using techniques typical to soft robotics including 3D printing and replica molding, and those prototypes demonstrate release of mature P. mirabilis crystalline biofilms (e.g., ≈90%) from strained surfaces. These results provide a basis for the development of a new urinary catheter technology in which infectious biofilms are effectively managed through new methods that are entirely complementary to existing approaches.
Anomalous NIR Luminescence in Mn2+‐Doped Fluoride Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Song Enhai , Ding Sha , Wu Ming , Ye Shi , Xiao Fen , Zhou Shifeng , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: March 2014

An anomalous near‐infrared (NIR) upconversion (UC) emission band at approximately 770 nm is demonstrated in KZnF3:Yb3+,Mn2+ nanocrystals with heavy Mn2+ doping. This band would enable advanced biological imaging with improved resolution and enhanced penetration depth. Careful studies based on structure analysis, excitation and emission spectra, and luminescence decay curves indicate that this unusual NIR emission (770 nm) originates from the 6A1g(S)4T1g(G)→6A1g(S)6A1g(S) transitions of the Mn2+–Mn2+ dimers. The influence of Mn2+ concentration and temperature on the Stokes and UC luminescence properties are also investigated. The proposed mechanism for the observed NIR UC emission involves ground state absorption and excited state absorption processes. The present results not only provide a useful and effective approach to achieving pure NIR UC emission, and also new insights into the development of advanced photonic devices and technologies.
Flexible Supercapacitors Based on Bacterial Cellulose Paper Electrodes
Authors: Li Shaohui , Huang Dekang , Zhang Bingyan , Xu Xiaobao , Wang Mingkui , Yang Guang , Shen Yan
Published: March 2014

Supercapacitors based on freestanding and flexible electrodes that can be fabricated with bacterial cellulose (BC), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and polyaniline (PANI) are reported. Due to the porous structure and electrolyte absorption properties of the BC paper, the flexible BC‐MWCNTs‐PANI hybrid electrode exhibits appreciable specific capacitance (656 F g−1 at a discharge current density of 1 A g−1) and remarkable cycling stability with capacitance degradation less than 0.5% after 1000 charge–discharge cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1. The facile and low‐cost of this binder‐free paper electrode may have great potential in development of flexible energy‐storage devices.
Inverted Tandem Polymer Solar Cells with Polyethylenimine‐Modified MoOX/Al2O3:ZnO Nanolaminate as the Charge Recombination Layers
Authors: Shim Jae Won , Fuentes‐Hernandez Canek , Zhou Yinhua , Dindar Amir , Khan Talha M. , Giordano Anthony J. , Cheun Hyeunseok , Yun Minseong , Marder Seth R. , Kippelen Bernard
Published: March 2014

A new charge recombination layer for inverted tandem polymer solar cells is reported. A bilayer of MoOX/Al2O3:ZnO nanolaminate is shown to enable efficient charge recombination in inverted tandem cells. A polymer surface modification on the MoOX/Al2O3:ZnO nanolaminate bilayer increases the work function contrast between the two outward surfaces of the charge recombination layer, further improving the performance of tandem solar cells. An analysis of the electrical, optical, and surface properties of the charge recombination layer is presented. Inverted tandem polymer solar cells, with two photoactive layers comprising poly (3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):indene‐C60 bisadduct (IC60BA) for the bottom cell and poly[(4,8‐bis‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene)‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexanoyl)‐thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene))‐2,6‐diyl] (PBDTTT‐C):[6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC60BM) for the top cell, yield an open‐circuit voltage of 1481 mV ± 15 mV, a short‐circuit current density of 7.1 mA cm−2 ± 0.1 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 0.62 ± 0.01, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of 6.5% ± 0.1% under simulated AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2 illumination.
Enhanced Near‐Bandgap Response in InP Nanopillar Solar Cells
Authors: Battaglia Corsin , Xu Jingsan , Zheng Maxwell , Yin Xingtian , Hettick Mark , Chen Kevin , Haegel Nancy , Javey Ali
Published: March 2014

The effect of nanopillar texturing on the performance of InP solar cells is investigated. Maskless, lithography‐free reactive ion etching of InP nanopillars improves the open‐circuit voltage, reduces reflectance over a broad spectral range, and enhances the near‐bandgap response compared to a flat, non‐textured cell with comparable reflectance in the infrared. Electron‐beam induced current measurements indicate an increased effective minority carrier collection length. The response at short wavelengths decreases due to the formation of a defective surface layer with strong non‐radiative recombination. Plasma oxidation and wet etching partially restore the blue response resulting in a power conversion efficiency of 14.4%.
Worst‐case design of subsea production facilities using semi‐infinite programming
Authors: Stuber Matthew D. , Wechsung Achim , Sundaramoorthy Arul , Barton Paul I.
Published: March 2014

The problem of designing novel process systems for deployment in extreme and hostile environments is addressed. Specifically, the process system of interest is a subsea production facility for ultra deepwater oil and gas production. The costs associated with operational failures in deepwater environments are prohibitively high and, therefore, warrant the application of worst‐case design strategies. That is, prior to the construction and deployment of a process, a certificate of robust feasibility is obtained for the proposed design. The concept of worst‐case design is addressed by formulating the design feasibility problem as a semi‐infinite optimization problem with implicit functions embedded. A basic model of a subsea production facility is presented for a case study of rigorous performance and safety verification. Relying on recent advances in global optimization of implicit functions and semi‐infinite programming, the design feasibility problem is solved, demonstrating that this approach is effective in addressing the problem of worst‐case design of novel process systems. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2513–2524, 2014
Intensification of fast exothermic reaction by gas agitation in a microchemical system
Authors: Zhang Jisong , Wang Kai , Lin Xiyan , Lu Yangcheng , Luo Guangsheng
Published: March 2014

The Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime in oleum as a fast exothermic reaction model is carried out in an adiabatic multiphase microchemical system. A severe coalescene is observed due to the high viscosity of the rearrangement mixture, which decreases the reaction rate and selectivity. Gas agitation is introduced into the microsystem to enhance the reaction by reducing the coalescene and providing an evaporation space to carry away reaction heat. The effects of gas agitation on dispersion performance and mass‐transfer rate have been investigated. The acid droplets diameter ranges from about 44 to 20 µm, decreasing with the increase of the gas flow rate. The overall volume mass‐transfer coefficient in the microsystem ranges from 0.16 to 0.74 s−1, 1.5–3.8 times larger than that without gas agitation. The reaction performance is evaluated under different conditions and better conversion and selectivity are obtained. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2724–2730, 2014
Formulation of a physically motivated specific breakage rate parameter for ball milling via the discrete element method
Authors: Capece Maxx , Bilgili Ecevit , Davé Rajesh N.
Published: March 2014

A physically based specific breakage rate parameter of the population balance model for batch dry‐milling is formulated, which explicitly accounts for the impact energy distribution calculated by the discrete element method (DEM). Preliminary DEM simulations of particle impact tests were first performed, which concluded that dissipation energy should be used in contrast to collision energy to accurately define the impact energy distribution. Subsequently, DEM simulations of the motion of spheres representing silica glass beads in a ball mill were performed to determine the specific breakage rate parameter, which was in good agreement with those found experimentally. An analysis of the impact energy distribution, which was only possible within context of the physically motivated specific breakage rate parameter, emphasized the importance of accounting for a threshold impact energy. Without proper assessment of the impact energy distribution, DEM simulations may lead to an erroneous evaluation of milling experiments. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2404–2415, 2014
Fate of a sessile droplet absorbed into a porous surface experiencing chemical degradation
Authors: Atkinson Theresa , Navaz Homayun K. , Nowakowski Albert , Kamensky Krissy , Zand Ali , Jackson Janice
Published: March 2014

A general‐purpose multiphase and multicomponent computer model was developed for simulation of the spread, evaporation, and chemical reaction of sessile droplet(s) in porous substrates. In the model, chemical reactions were allowed in or between any of the liquid, gas, or solid phases present. The species mass and momentum conservation equations were solved on a finite difference mesh representing the domain. These equations were marched in time using the Runge–Kutta fourth‐order method. The model's function was studied via simulation of experiments, both those performed by the authors and found in the literature. These simulations demonstrated a quantitative match to the time history of product evolution and a similar spread of liquid reactants. The model may be particularly beneficial for predicting the extent of contamination and the possible threat outcomes of those chemical agents that are harmful when introduced into the environment. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2557–2565, 2014
Mutations in HADHB, which encodes the β‐subunit of mitochondrial trifunctional protein, cause infantile onset hypoparathyroidism and peripheral polyneuropathy
Authors: Naiki Misako , Ochi Nobuhiko , Kato Yusuke S. , Purevsuren Jamiyan , Yamada Kenichiro , Kimura Reiko , Fukushi Daisuke , Hara Shinya , Yamada Yasukazu , Kumagai Toshiyuki , Yamaguchi Seiji , Wakamatsu Nobuaki
Published: March 2014

Mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP) is a hetero‐octamer composed of four α‐ and four β‐subunits that catalyzes the final three steps of mitochondrial β‐oxidation of long chain fatty acids. HADHA and HADHB encode the α‐subunit and the β‐subunit of MTP, respectively. To date, only two cases with MTP deficiency have been reported to be associated with hypoparathyroidism and peripheral polyneuropathy. Here, we report on two siblings with autosomal recessive infantile onset hypoparathyroidism, peripheral polyneuropathy, and rhabdomyolysis. Sequence analysis of HADHA and HADHB in both siblings shows that they were homozygous for a mutation in exon 14 of HADHB (c.1175C>T, [p.A392V]) and the parents were heterozygous for the mutation. Biochemical analysis revealed that the patients had MTP deficiency. Structural analysis indicated that the A392V mutation identified in this study and the N389D mutation previously reported to be associated with hypoparathyroidism are both located near the active site of MTP and affect the conformation of the β‐subunit. Thus, the present patients are the second and third cases of MTP deficiency associated with missense HADHB mutation and infantile onset hypoparathyroidism. Since MTP deficiency is a treatable disease, MTP deficiency should be considered when patients have hypoparathyroidism as the initial presenting feature in infancy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An intragenic deletion of the gene MNAT1 in a family with pectus deformities
Authors: Heithaus Jennifer L. , Davenport Sandra , Twyman Kimberly A. , Torti Erin E. , Batanian Jacqueline R.
Published: March 2014

Pectus carinatum and excavatum have multiple genetic associations. We report on a novel association of these deformities in a 34‐month‐old male and his father, likely due to a small intragenic deletion of MNAT1 (ménage a trois 1 gene). Both individuals share a deletion of MNAT1 located at 14q23.1 and an interstitial duplication of CHRNA7 located at 15q13.3. Deletion of MNAT1 has been associated with connective tissue abnormalities and is likely the etiology of the malformations, whereas the duplication of CHNRA7 is unlikely related due to the lack of association with any such connective tissue abnormalities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Holt–Oram syndrome with intermediate atrioventricular canal defect, and aortic coarctation: Functional characterization of a de novo TBX5 mutation
Authors: Baban Anwar , Pitto Letizia , Pulignani Silvia , Cresci Monica , Mariani Laura , Gambacciani Carolina , Digilio Maria Cristina , Pongiglione Giacomo , Albanese Sonia
Published: March 2014

Holt–Oram syndrome (HOS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by upper limb defects and congenital heart defects (CHD), which are often simple septal and conduction defects, less frequently complex CHDs. We report on a 9 year‐old boy with clinical and radiologic features of HOS consisting of bilateral asymmetric hypoplastic thumbs, generalized brachydactyly, limited supination due to radioulnar synostosis, and sloping shoulders, and intermediate atrioventricular canal defect (AVCD) with aortic coarctation. A de novo, previously described mutation, (Arg279ter) was identified in the TBX5 gene. Molecular characterization of this mutation was carried out due to the atypical CHD. In order to investigate whether the mutated transcript of TBX5 was able to escape the post‐transcriptional surveillance mechanism and to produce a truncated TBX5 protein, we analyzed the TBX5 transcript, and protein pattern in HOS, and WT cardiac tissues. Our results demonstrate that the mutant TBX5 transcript is cleared by the cellular mechanism of surveillance. This data provides some support for the hypothesis that a dominant negative mutation, which strongly impairs the WT allele, might be too hazardous to be maintained. The literature suggests that HOS is relatively common among syndromes associated with AVCD. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autism and anxiety in males with fragile X syndrome: An exploratory analysis of neurobehavioral profiles from a parent survey
Authors: Talisa Victor B. , Boyle Lia , Crafa Daina , Kaufmann Walter E.
Published: March 2014

Although it is suspected that anxiety modifies the clinical presentation of autism in fragile X syndrome (FXS), neuropsychiatric co‐morbidity profiles of these two disorders have not been extensively studied. The National Fragile X Survey was completed for 1,027 males with FXS, for whom yes/no information regarding the presence of several disorders is provided. Although the survey exhibited limited depth and lacked validation by standardized measures, this exploratory study was conducted to take advantage of the data as an opportunity for identifying future lines of inquiry. We addressed the following questions: (i) how do the co‐morbidity profiles of FXS males with both autism and anxiety compare to those without anxiety?; (ii) do individuals with autism exhibit specific co‐morbidity profiles compared to FXS males with anxiety only, or without either autism or anxiety?; (iii) how do co‐morbidity profiles in children ages 3–11 differ from profiles of individuals >12 years? The group with autism and anxiety reported the highest prevalence of attention problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, self‐injurious behavior and aggressiveness. In addition, the lowest prevalence rates of these conditions were often observed in non‐anxious groups regardless of autism status. Overall, this exploratory analysis generated several hypotheses for further study: (i) anxiety increases the severity of autism in FXS, particularly through additional behavioral abnormalities; (ii) some neuropsychiatric and behavioral conditions (i.e., attention problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, aggressiveness) are primarily related to comorbid anxiety, not autism; (iii) prevalence of behavioral abnormalities increases with age. Future studies evaluating these hypotheses should incorporate validated neurobehavioral assessments, and control for cognitive level. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
De novo duplication of 17p13.1–p13.2 in a patient with intellectual disability and obesity
Authors: Kuroda Yukiko , Ohashi Ikuko , Tominaga Makiko , Saito Toshiyuki , Nagai Jun‐ichi , Ida Kazumi , Naruto Takuya , Masuno Mitsuo , Kurosawa Kenji
Published: March 2014

17p13.1 Deletion encompassing TP53 has been described as a syndrome characterized by intellectual disability and dysmorphic features. Only one case with a 17p13.1 duplication encompassing TP53 has been reported in a patient with intellectual disability, seizures, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Here, we present a patient with a 17p13.1 duplication who exhibited obesity and intellectual disability, similar to the previous report. The 9‐year‐old proposita was referred for the evaluation of intellectual disability and obesity. She also exhibited insulin resistance and liver dysfunction. She had wide palpebral fissures, upturned nostrils, a long mandible, short and slender fingers, and skin hyperpigmentation. Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) detected a 3.2 Mb duplication of 17p13.1–p13.2 encompassing TP53, FXR2, NLGN2, and SLC2A4, which encodes the insulin‐responsive glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) associated with insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes and muscle. We suggest that 17p13.1 duplication may represent a clinically recognizable condition characterized partially by a characteristic facial phenotype, developmental delay, and obesity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel homozygous DEAF1 variant suspected in causing white matter disease, intellectual disability, and microcephaly
Authors: Faqeih Eissa A. , Al‐Owain Mohammed , Colak Dilek , Kenana Rosan , Al‐Yafee Yusra , Al‐Dosary Mazhor , Al‐Saman Abdulaziz , Albalawi Fadwa , Al‐Sarar Dalia , Domiaty Dalia , Daghestani Maha , Kaya Namik
Published: March 2014

DEAF1 encodes a transcriptional binding factor and is a regulator of serotonin receptor 1A. Its protein has a significant expression in the neurons of different brain regions and is involved in early embryonic development. In addition, its role in neural tube development is evident from the knockout mouse as many homozygotes have exencephaly. Heterozygous mutations of this gene have been linked to intellectual disability in addition to the gene's involvement in major depression, suicidal tendencies, and panic disorder. In this clinical report, we describe two children from a consanguineous family with intellectual disability, microcephaly, and hypotonia. The brain MRI of both patients showed bilateral and symmetrical white matter abnormalities, and one of the patients had a seizure disorder. Using whole exome sequencing combined with homozygosity mapping, a homozygous p.R226W (c.676C>T) mutation in DEAF1 was found in both patients. Furthermore, sequencing analysis confirmed complete segregation in tested family members and absence of the mutation in control cohort (n = 650). The mutation is located in a highly conserved structural domain that mediates DNA binding and therefore regulates transcriptional activity of its target molecules. This study indicates, for the first time to our knowledge, a hereditary role of DEAF1 in white matter abnormalities, microcephaly and syndromic intellectual disability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.