bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superbase‐Promoted Selective Cascade Cyclization Reaction of 1,5‐Diketones with Acetylenes to Methylene‐6,8‐dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes
Authors: Schmidt Elena Yu. , Bidusenko Ivan A. , Protsuk Nadezhda I. , Ushakov Igor A. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: March 2013

1,5‐Diketones are readily cyclized in the presence of various alkali‐metal superbases with acetylenes at 70 °C in a one‐pot cascade reaction to give methylene‐6,8‐dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes in up to 92 % yield. In the case of symmetrical 1,5‐diketones, only one diastereomer is formed, whereas unsymmetrical diketones afford two diastereomers in a ratio corresponding to that of the starting ketones. This result indicates the key cascade cyclization sequence is stereoselective.
Study on Electrochemical Fingerprints and Identification of Different Varieties of Rice and Mouldy Rice by B‐Z Oscillation Reaction System
Authors: Li Yongling , Li Cong , Chen Wen , Zhang Mingxiao
Published: March 2013

The electrochemical fingerprints of different varieties of rice and mouldy rice were studied by Belousov‐Zhabotinskii (B‐Z) oscillation reaction system with malonic acid as dissipative material under the condition of constant temperature. The results indicated that the chemical composition of rice may influence the kinetic parameters of the B‐Z oscillation reaction, which lead to the electrochemical fingerprint characteristic parameters and the intuitive information changes obviously. The varieties of rice and mouldy rice can be identified and evaluated by the difference of the electrochemical characteristic information.
Testing the feasibility of fully automated chip‐based nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry as a novel tool for rapid diagnosis of Fabry disease
Authors: Flangea Corina , Mosoarca Cristina , Cozma Claudia , Galusca Mirela , Przybylski Michael , Zamfir Alina D.
Published: March 2013

Fabry condition, a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) is characterized by the absence or reduction of the α‐galactosidase A activity. Recently, a new diagnostic method for detection of α‐galactosidase activity from dried blood spots (DBS) using a chemical substrate and quantification of reaction mixture was developed. To improve this method in the terms of automation, reproducibility, sensitivity, and data reliability, we introduce here an innovative analytical approach based on chip‐nanoESI MS. The α‐galactosidase assay products derived from DBS of 11 healthy donors and 11 Fabry disease patients were analyzed by NanoMate robot coupled to a high‐capacity ion trap MS. Confirmation and structural analysis of the reaction products was achieved by CID and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) MS/MS. The cleavage of a substrate GLA‐S generated a product, GLA‐P, which was quantified related to an internal standard GLA‐IS. Comparative patient versus control analysis indicated a 13‐fold reduction in GLA‐P/GLA‐IS ratio in the case of the patients. Moreover, our method provided direct data on the enzyme, from which it was for the first time possible to discriminate between the patients lacking the enzyme and those presenting a less active one. GLA‐IS and GLA‐P were confirmed by CID/ETD, which applied together, increased considerably the sequence coverage and provided complementary information for unambiguous product identification. The present chip‐nanoESI CID and ETD MSn strategy introduced here for first time in LSD diagnosis, provided a maximum confidence in assay product identification, a high sensitivity, speed of analysis, and result reproducibility.
A variable source area for groundwater evapotranspiration: impacts on modeling stream flow
Authors: Tsang Yin‐Phan , Hornberger George , Kaplan Louis A. , Newbold J. Denis , Aufdenkampe Anthony K.
Published: March 2013

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a crucial role in catchment water budgets, typically accounting for more than 50% of annual precipitation falling within temperate deciduous forests. Groundwater ET is a portion of total ET that occurs where plant roots extend to the capillary fringe above the phreatic surface or induce upward movement of water from the water table by hydraulic redistribution. Groundwater ET is spatially restricted to riparian zones or other areas where the groundwater is accessible to plants. Due to the difficulty in measuring groundwater ET, it is rarely incorporated explicitly into hydrological models. In this study, we calibrated Topographic Model (TOPMODEL) using a 14‐year hydrograph record and added a groundwater ET pathway to derive a new model, Groundwater Evapotranspiration TOPMODEL (GETTOP). We inspected groundwater elevations and stream flow hydrographs for evidence of groundwater ET, examined the relationship between groundwater ET and topography, and delineated the area where groundwater ET is likely to take place. The total groundwater ET flux was estimated using a hydrological model. Groundwater ET was larger where the topography was flat and the groundwater table was shallow, occurring within about 10% of the area in a headwater catchment and accounting for 6 to 18% of total annual ET. The addition of groundwater ET to GETTOP improved the simulation of stream discharge and more closely balanced the watershed water budget. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drugs Released for Clinical Use
Authors: de HAEN PAUL
Published: March 2013

This listing includes new single chemical entities and preparations, duplicate single products, and combination products that have been made available for clinical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the period from September 21 to October 20, 1971. This information is taken from the manufacturer's package insert or brochure, which should be consulted for further details on indications, dosage, contraindications, and adverse reactions.
Drugs Released for Clinical Use
Authors: de HAEN PAUL
Published: March 2013

This listing includes new single chemical entities and preparations, duplicate single products, and combination products that have been made available for clinical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the period from June 21 to July 20, 1972. This information is taken from the manufacturer's package insert or brochure, which should be consulted for further details on indications, dosage, contraindications, and adverse reactions.
Clinical Utility of Long‐Term Enalapril/Diltiazem ER in Stage 3–4 Essential Hypertension
Authors: Chrysant Steven G. , Gavras Haralambos , Niederman Alan L. , Marbury Thomas C. , Goldstein Robert ,   For the Long‐term Use of Enalapril/Diltiazem ER in Stage 3–4 Hypertension Group
Published: March 2013

The use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, as monotherapies and in combination, is common in the management of hypertension. Clinical studies have documented the augmentation of blood pressure reduction when these agents are combined compared with the individual agents, in short‐term studies. In the present investigation, 93 patients with stage 3–4 essential hypertension, who successfully completed a short‐term double‐blind study, participated in a 40‐week open‐label treatment phase. The patients were maintained on their previous doses of enalapril/diltiazem ER (E/D) with or without additional antihypertensive medications. Doses of medication could be adjusted as necessary for blood pressure control. Of the 93 patients, 68% were male and 82% were white; they averaged 52.7 years of age and had a baseline mean sitting blood pressure (SiBP) of 167/111 mmHg. The use of E/D alone (n = 14) reduced mean SiBP by 14.5/14.4 mmHg from baseline, whereas the use of E/D with other agents (n = 79) decreased it by 27/20.5 mmHg from baseline. E/D alone or in combination with other drugs was well‐tolerated, and no serious adverse events were noted. This long‐term open‐label study demonstrated that the E/D combination alone or with the addition of other antihypertensive drugs was effective, safe, and well‐tolerated after prolonged administration.
The ecohydrology of forested peatlands: Simulating the effects of tree shading on moss evaporation and species composition
Authors: Kettridge N. , Thompson D. K. , Bombonato L. , Turetsky M. R. , Benscoter B. W. , Waddington J. M.
Published: March 2013

Forested peatlands represent an important global carbon pool, storing 48.0 Pg of carbon within continental western Canada alone. Peatland hydrology regulates the carbon dynamics and future stability of this carbon store and provides a critical control on regional water dynamics. Drying associated with land‐use change and climate change has the potential to increase tree growth, modifying the density, size, and spatial arrangement of trees. This can reduce peatland evaporation and offset the associated increase in transpiration. To determine the magnitude of this negative ecohydrological feedback, we simulated spatial variations in radiation, turbulent energy fluxes, and temperatures in peatlands with real and idealized tree densities and distributions. For a random tree distribution, an increase in tree density from 0 to 4 trees per m2 reduced available energy at the peat surface, decreasing average evaporation by 25%. At higher tree densities, feather moss species covered a larger fraction of the ground because of lower light availability. In combination with the lower energy availability, this change in moss composition reduced evaporation by ~70%. The reduction in evaporation was greater (83%) when the effects of increased canopy cover on peatland aerodynamic properties were incorporated. Additionally, we found that evaporation was dependent on the spatial arrangement of trees, with evaporation being higher when trees were clustered. Overall, our model showed that the trade‐off between reduced evaporation and increased transpiration with increasing tree densities reduced landscape variation in evapotranspiration, with simulated evapotranspiration remaining approximately constant across a broad range of peatland ecosystems despite varying canopy densities.
Effects of exercise level on biomarkers in a rat knee model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Yamaguchi Shoki , Aoyama Tomoki , Ito Akira , Nagai Momoko , Iijima Hirotaka , Zhang Xiangkai , Tajino Junichi , Kuroki Hiroshi
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to elucidate whether the levels of serum biomarkers reflect the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) induced by different levels of exercise. Thirty‐five Wistar rats subjected to anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT) were divided into three groups: Control, moderate running, and intense running. Twelve rats (moderate running without ACLT) were allocated as a naive group. Running was performed on a motorized treadmill, at a speed of 18 m/min for 30 min/day (moderate and naive) or 60 min/day (intense) for 3 days per week. After 2 or 4 weeks, OA histopathology in the knees was evaluated using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score, and the serum levels of cleaved collagen type II (C2C) and procollagen II C‐propeptide (CPII) were analyzed. The OARSI score deteriorated in the intense running group after 2 weeks and the serum C2C/CPII ratio suggested the development of OA. At 4 weeks, the C2C/CPII ratio suggested there would be deterioration in the OARSI score but the score did not differ significantly between the moderate and intense running groups. C2C/CPII ratio had 13–25% correlation with the OARSI histological score. Thus, in rat experimental OA, the OARSI score could be partially predicted by the C2C/CPII ratio as a serum biomarker of OA. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1026–1031, 2013
Effects of emitting layer host composition profile on the recombination zone of blue phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Tang Ching. W. , Rothberg Lewis. J.
Published: March 2013

The spatial distribution of charge recombination in blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes with linearly graded, step‐graded and uniformly mixed host architectures was identified by selective doping of the emissive layer. Using TCTA and UGH‐3 for hole and electron transporting hosts in the emitting layer, the recombination zones were found to be near the interface with electron transport layer due to the relatively high hole mobility of TCTA. For linearly graded host concentration profiles, however, the recombination region extends much further into the emissive layer. Expansion of the recombination region increases device efficiency by reducing quenching at the interface with the electron transport layer or by reducing triplet diffusion into the electron transport layer.
Color accurate monitors: Basic features and comparison of four monitors
Authors: Abileah Adi
Published: March 2013

Color accurate monitors are high resolution, luminance‐controlled displays with very large color gamut. They have internal controls to match specific color standards (e.g., sRGB, Adobe‐RGB, REC‐709) and well‐defined gamma functions (mostly γ = 2.2, but others such as Equal Probability of Detection, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). Usually, they come with external tools for automatic calibration (like Chroma 5 or Spider) and for communicating with the host computer through USB port, and with software to control the calibration process. Most of them allow a calibration to a specific customer selected color gamut, besides the precalibrated standards, but limit the gray levels calibration to a gamma type function (typically γ = 2.2). Their unique properties, challenges, and applications will be discussed. A comparison between the properties of four monitors and optical test results of their parameters is presented.
Transnasal Esophagogastroduodenoscopy for Evaluation of Upper Gastrointestinal Non‐Neoplastic Disorders in Patients With Fresh Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Wang Cheng‐Ping , Tseng Ping‐Huei , Chen Tseng‐Cheng , Lou Pei‐Jen , Yang Tsung‐Lin , Hu Ya‐Ling , Ko Jenq‐Yuh , Hsiao Tzu‐Yu , Lee Yi‐Chia
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract non‐neoplastic disorders are detrimental to cancer treatment. This study is to evaluate the feasibility of transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the diagnosis of UGI disorders at the same time as the diagnosis of hypopharyngeal cancer and to provide the prevalence of UGI disorders in patients with fresh hypopharyngeal cancer.

Study Design:

A prospective cases series study.

Methods:

Patients with newly diagnosed hypopharyngeal cancer between 2007 and 2010 were enrolled. An endoscope (GIF‐XP260N; Olympus Optical, Tokyo, Japan) without conscious sedation was transnasally used to evaluate from the pharynx to duodenum.

Results:

One hundred two patients were evaluated. Sixty‐five patients had at least one UGI disorder: gastric/duodenal ulcers in 32; active Helicobacter pylori infection in 36; and erosive esophagitis in 20 patients, including Los Angeles classification grade A in eight patients, grade B in 10, grade C in one, and grade D in one. Of the abovementioned disorders, 45 patients had only one, 17 patients had two, and three patients had all of the above disorders. Neither age, sex, location, nor T classification of the hypopharyngeal tumor was associated with the presence of UGI disorders.

Conclusions:

Transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy can be a single procedure to diagnose hypopharyngeal cancer and UGI disorders at one session. Approximately ⅔ of the patients with fresh hypopharyngeal cancer had either erosive esophagitis, active H. pylori infection, or gastric/duodenal ulcers.
Otolaryngology training programs: Resident and faculty perception of the mentorship experience
Authors: Lin Sandra Y. , Laeeq Kulsoom , Malik Adeel , Varela David A. Diaz Voss , Rhee John S. , Pillsbury Harold C. , Bhatti Nasir I.
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study is to compare faculty and trainees' perceptions of their mentorship experience in otolaryngology training programs in order to identify areas where improvements could yield more productive mentorship.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

Residents and faculty from three otolaryngology–head and neck surgery programs were surveyed regarding their perceptions of their mentoring relationship. Trainees were asked about the characteristics of their mentorship experience. Separately, faculty were asked to describe their mentorship relationship, available resources to provide effective mentorship, and to identify areas in which formal training would improve their mentoring skills.

Results

Forty‐eight trainees (72%) and sixty‐one faculty members (73%) completed the survey. Ninety percent of residents meet with their mentors at least twice a year. Faculty and residents (> 80%) agreed that career planning was the most commonly addressed topic in mentorship sessions. However, faculty and residents differed in their perceptions of providing mentorship in other areas including clinical judgment (P = 0.003). The majority of faculty (56%) felt that formal mentorship training would improve their mentorship skills. While 95% of mentees agreed that their mentor is accessible, only 46% of faculty believed they have enough time to dedicate to mentoring (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Mentees are generally satisfied with the mentoring they receive, while most mentors are not satisfied with the time they have to provide mentorship. Further insights into differences in faculty and trainee perceptions may improve the mentorship experience.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:1876–1883, 2013
Reconstruction of the pedicled nasoseptal flap donor site with a contralateral reverse rotation flap: Technical modifications and outcomes
Authors: Kasemsiri Pornthep , Carrau Ricardo L. , Otto Bradley A. , Tang Ing Ping , Prevedello Daniel M. , Muto Jun , Caicedo Emiro
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

A pedicled nasoseptal flap is our preferred reconstructive technique after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery. Its harvesting implies that the donor site (septal cartilage) is left bare. Secondary healing leads to crusting at the donor site that negatively affects the patient's quality of life and requires multiple outpatient debridements. A nasoseptal reverse rotation flap was designed to eliminate this problem; however, its outcomes have not been reported.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery at the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University from November 2010 to September 2012, and in whom a reverse flap was used. We analyzed patients' demographics, pathology, and outcomes regarding the reverse flap.

Results

Forty‐nine patients with various pathologies were included (11 meningiomas, seven craniopharyngiomas, five pituitary macroadenomas, five chondrosarcomas, five meningoencephaloceles, three chordomas, 11 malignant tumors, two other lesions). There were two patients lost to follow‐up. Mean follow‐up time was 11 weeks (range = 1–39 weeks). A follow‐up examination 1 to 2 weeks after surgery revealed a complete re‐epithelialization in 46 of 47 patients (97.87%). Adverse events included granuloma (n = 1), anterior dehiscence (n = 1), and excoriated mucosa (n = 1). Factors such as underlying disease, prior chemoradiotherapy, and postoperative chemoradiotherapy did not seem to affect the healing of the reverse flap.

Conclusions

The reverse flap provides complete remucosalization of the denuded donor septum, decreasing septal crusting within the first 1 to 2 postoperative weeks, and adds minimal morbidity.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 123:2601–2604, 2013
Management and long-term consequences of portal vein thrombosis after liver transplantation in children
Authors: Jensen Kyle M. , Campbell Kathleen M. , Alonso Maria H. , Nathan Jaimie D. , Ryckman Frederick C. , Tiao Greg M.
Published: March 2013

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) occurs in ≤12% of pediatric recipients of liver transplantation (LT). Known complications of PVT include portal hypertension, allograft loss, and mortality. The management of PVT is varied. A single-center, case-control study of pediatric LT recipients with portal vein (PV) changes after LT was performed. Cases were categorized as early PVT (if PVT was detected within 30 days of transplantation) or late PVT (if PVT was detected more than 30 days after transplantation or if early PVT persisted beyond 30 days). Two non-PVT control patients were matched on the basis of the recipient weight, transplant indication, and allograft type to each patient with PVT. Thirty-two of the 415 LT recipients (7.7%) received 37 allografts and developed PVT. In comparison with control patients, a higher proportion of patients with PVT had PVT present before LT (13.3% versus 0%, P = 0.01). Patients with early PVT usually returned to the operating room, and 9 of 15 patients (60%) had PV flow restored. Patients with late PVT had lower white blood cell (4.9 [1000/μL] versus 6.8 [1000/μL], P < 0.01) and platelet counts (140 [1000/μL] versus 259 [1000/μL], P < 0.01), an elevated international normalized ratio (1.2 versus 1.0, P < 0.001), and more gastrointestinal bleeding (25% versus 8.3%, P = 0.03) compared to controls. Patients with PVT were also less frequently at the expected grade level (52% versus 88%, P < 0.001). The patient survival rates were 84%, 78%, and 78% and 91%, 84%, and 79% for cases and controls at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The allograft survival rates were 90%, 80%, and 80% for cases and 94%, 89%, and 87% for controls at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. In conclusion, patients with early and late PVT had preserved allograft function, and there was no impact on mortality. Patients diagnosed with early PVT often underwent operative interventions with successful restoration of flow. Patients diagnosed with late PVT experienced variceal bleeding, and some required portosystemic shunting procedures. Academic delays were also more common. In late PVT, the clinical presentation dictates care because the optimal management algorithm has not yet been determined. Multi-institutional studies are needed to confirm these findings and improve patient outcomes.
Does the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) measure anxiety symptoms consistently across adolescence? The TRAILS study
Authors: Mathyssek Christina M. , Olino Thomas M. , Hartman Catharina A. , Ormel Johan , Verhulst Frank C. , Van Oort Floor V.A.
Published: March 2013

We assessed if the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) measures anxiety symptoms similarly across age groups within adolescence. This is crucial for valid comparison of anxiety levels between different age groups. Anxiety symptoms were assessed biennially in a representative population sample (n = 2226) at three time points (age range 10–17 years) using the RCADS anxiety subscales (generalized anxiety disorder [GAD], obsessive‐compulsive disorder [OCD], panic disorder [PD], separation anxiety [SA], social phobia [SP]). We examined longitudinal measurement invariance of the RCADS, using longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis, by examining the factor structure (configural invariance), factor loadings (metric invariance) and thresholds (strong invariance). We found that all anxiety subtypes were configural invariant. Metric invariance held for items on the GAD, OCD, PD and SA subscales; yet, for the SP subscale three items showed modest longitudinal variation at age 10–12. Model fit decreased modestly when enforcing additional constraints across time; however, model fit for these models was still adequate to excellent. We conclude that the RCADS measures anxiety symptoms similarly across time in a general population sample of adolescents; hence, measured changes in anxiety symptoms very likely reflect true changes in anxiety levels. We consider the instrument suitable to assess anxiety levels across adolescence. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the thermal degradation behavior and flame‐retardant property of polylactide/PEDPP blends
Authors: Lin Hai‐Juan , Han Li‐Jing , Wang Xue‐Mei , Bian Yi‐Jie , Li Yue‐Sheng , Dong Li‐Song
Published: March 2013

A phosphorus‐containing polyester, poly (ethylene diglycol phenylphosphinate) (PEDPP) was synthesized from phenylphosphonic dichloride and ethylene diglycol. The structure of PEDPP has been determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight‐mass spectrometer. A series of polylactide (PLA) blends with various content of PEDPP as flame retardant was prepared by direct melt compounding; the PLA/PEDPP blend is partially miscible. PEDPP is an effective flame retardant for PLA. The limiting oxygen index values increased from 19.7% for pure PLA to 29.0% for the blend containing 10wt% PEDPP. Thermogravimetric analysis‐FTIR analysis indicated that the PEDPP affected the pyrolytic decomposition process of PLA, which is established by the change of the pyrolytic decomposition rate and the gross mass of gaseous fuel formation. The pyrolytic decomposition activation energies of PLA and PLA/10%PEDPP were estimated via Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deprivation of liberty to safeguard against recurrent ketoacidosis
Authors: Aslam A , Rajbhandari SM
Published: March 2013

Advances in medical treatment have resulted in prolonged survival of people with diabetes, with multiple complications. Vascular dementia is one of these and is increasingly seen due to a reduction in mortality from cardiovascular causes. People suffering from dementia are often not capable of weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of proposed treatment in order to give an informed decision. In most cases, this incapacity does not cause problems as patients and their carers agree with the recommendation made by their health care professionals. However, we encountered a challenging case where we had to apply for deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) to treat in the patient's best interests.

We report the case of a patient with vascular dementia who had repeated admissions with life‐threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as she refused to comply with the insulin treatment because of her lack of insight regarding her diabetes care. In order to prevent harm to her, an application was successfully made for DoLS. This allowed treatment with once‐daily, long‐acting analogue insulin under supervision even against her wishes. This prevented further admission to hospital with DKA.

DoLS was introduced in the UK in April 2009 to safeguard some of the most vulnerable people in our society for their own safety. People with type 1 diabetes are increasingly surviving longer and may suffer from dementia. The majority will manage with some help from family or health care worker, but in a small proportion DoLS may be needed, as in our case, to prevent recurrent life‐threatening complications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.
Surface tracks on ultra‐thin polymer films
Authors: Thomaz R. S. , Barbosa L. G. , Silva M. R. , Esteves C. R. B. , Papaléo R. M.
Published: March 2013

In this work, crater formation by single 20 MeV Au ions on ultra‐thin poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films was systematically investigated as a function of the thickness t of the layers (2 nm<t <100 nm). The samples were bombarded at grazing angles of incidence (79°and 84° to the surface normal) and morphological changes analyzed employing scanning force microscopy in the tapping mode. For thicknesses from 100 nm down to approximately 20 nm no major changes were observed in the size and morphology of the impact features. For t<20 nm rims (hillocks) start to diminish, but crater hole size showed very little changes even for very thin samples of ∼ 8 nm. Similar results were observed for both impact angles. The results indicate a different depth of origin for crater and ridge formation due to a fast ion impact. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nano‐ and micro‐scale morghological defects in oxidized a‐SiC:H thin films
Authors: Vasin A. V. , Gomeniuk Y. Y. , Rusavsky A. V. , Nazarov A. N. , Lysenko V. S. , Lytvyn P. M. , Gontar O. G. , Starik S. P. , Nouveau C. , Ashok S.
Published: March 2013

Amorphous carbon rich a‐SiC:H films were deposited on silicon substrates by RF‐magnetron sputtering of SiC target in argon/methane gas mixture. The principal focus of this study was investigation of the effect of thermal oxidation on structure and morphology reconstruction in a‐SiC:H amorphous network. The density of the films was varied over the range 1.6‐2.2 g/cm2 by varying the magnetron discharge power. The local nano‐ and micro‐scale surface morphology and chemical composition distribution were examined by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with Auger electron scanning system and optical profilometry. It was found that partial oxidation leads to local structure reconstruction accompanied by transformation of mechanical stresses from compressive to tensile. Formation of carbon‐enriched nano‐ and micro‐scale regions was observed after oxidation in low density samples. We attrribute these morphological defects to migration and precipitation of carbon species released in the process of oxidation of the SiC amorphous network. The mechanism of tensile stresses generation is also discussed. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantum chemical study of electron‐phonon interaction in crystals
Authors: Klotins Eriks , Zvejnieks Guntars
Published: March 2013

Study of the interaction of the electromagnetic radiation with nonlocal potentials and the electron‐phonon interaction is motivated by its key role in non‐classical phenomena in dielectrics and semiconductors. Actual in second quantization is decoupling of the undesirable mixture of electronic and phonon birth/annihilation operators and obtaining the effect of radiation in presence of the nonlocal potentials. Here we transform an arbitrary effective electron‐ phonon Hamiltonian in two matrices – the matrix of a new interaction Hamiltonian and the matrix of the transformation. For a particular effective Hamiltonian formulated in second quantization these two matrices outline a starting point to decouple the electron‐phonon interaction by transformation of the lattice Hamiltonian to a purely electronic one available for wave function and atomic orbital approaches. The impact of external electromagnetic radiation is incorporated through the birth/annihilation operators. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Germanium nanocrystals in SiO2: relevance of the defect state distribution at the Si‐SiO2 interface
Authors: Beyer Reinhard , Burghardt Hubert , Borany Johannes von
Published: March 2013

Nanocrystals (NC's) in metal‐oxide‐semiconductor structures are considered as storage nodes for non‐volatile memory devices. The application of germanium NC's is essentially driven by the prospect of improved charge retention, however, the trade‐off between short write/erase operation and long data retention is still an unsolved issue as long as the electronic states contributing to the memory effect and the charge transfer paths for capture and emission are not clearly identified. Recently we have shown, that a thermally stimulated process is involved in the hole emission from embedded nanocrystals and that interface states might play a key role as transfer nodes. In order to inspect this supposition we examine in this study the charge response from interface states and near‐interfacial border traps by means of temperature dependent capacitance‐voltage measurements and deep level transient spectroscopy. NC's were introduced into 20 nm SiO2 layers on p‐type silicon by Ge implantation and subsequent annealing.

The temperature dependence of the programming window was established for different samples, and the interface state density distribution was reconstructed from the DLTS spectrum. A particular feature was found in the spectrum which is not associated with the emission of the dispersed interface states, but likely related to the charge emission of the NC's based on a second order process. A scheme of the write/erase mechanisms is discussed, pointing out the crucial role of the interface states with respect to the device operation. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ascorbigen Induces Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation in Vitro, but Fails to Modulate Chemotherapy‐Induced Alopecia in Vivo
Authors: Wang Chih‐Hsiu , Huang Hsu‐Shan , Dai Niann‐Tzyy , Sheu Ming‐Jen , Chang Deh‐Ming
Published: March 2013

Ascorbigen (ABG) is the predominant indole‐derived compound from Brassica vegetables. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effects of ABG on hair growth. To this end, we examined the proliferation of isolated human dermal papilla (DP) cells and keratinocytes after incubation in various concentrations (0–1.25 mM) of ABG. Furthermore, hair shaft regrowth was monitored in a mouse model of chemotherapy‐induced alopecia (CIA), and hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed for histological analyses. We found that 1.25 mM ABG induced a 1.2‐fold increase in the growth of DP cells, but not keratinocytes. However, ABG did not exert significant protective effects against CIA in the mouse model. These findings suggest that ABG may not be able to counteract CIA and that further investigation of the therapeutic potential of ABG in disease models is required. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Royleanone Derivatives Against Gram‐Positive Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Rijo Patrícia , Duarte Aida , Francisco Ana Paula , Semedo‐Lemsaddek Teresa , Simões Maria Fátima
Published: March 2013

Infections caused by multiresistant bacterial pathogens are a significant problem worldwide, turning the search for natural compounds to act as alternatives to antibiotics of major importance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of 7α‐acetoxy‐6β‐hydroxyroyleanone (1), isolated from Plectranthus grandidentatus (Lamiaceae), and 11 additional royleanone abietane derivatives of 1 (2–12) against important Gram‐positive human bacterial pathogens. Results showed that the aromatic and alkylic esters 2, 3 and 5 are more active than 1 against Enterococcus and Staphylococcus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.98 to 62.50 µg/mL). Moreover, 7α‐acetoxy‐6β‐hydroxy‐12‐O‐(4‐chloro)benzoylroyleanone (2) gave rise to a new antibacterial‐prototype (MIC values of 3.91–15.63 µg/mL against Staphylococcus and of 0.98–3.91 µg/mL against Enterococcus). The results showed that the compounds under analysis also present antimicrobial activity against resistant bacteria. The hydrophobic extra‐interactions with bacterial targets seem to play an important role on the activity of royleanones derivatives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exponential CUSUM Charts with Estimated Control Limits
Authors: Zhang Min , Megahed Fadel M. , Woodall William H.
Published: March 2013

Exponential CUSUM charts are used in monitoring the occurrence rate of rare events because the interarrival times of events for homogeneous Poisson processes are independent and identically distributed exponential random variables. In these applications, it is assumed that the exponential parameter, i.e. the mean, is known or has been accurately estimated. However, in practice, the in‐control mean is typically unknown and must be estimated to construct the limits for the exponential CUSUM chart. In this article, we investigate the effect of parameter estimation on the run length properties of one‐sided lower exponential CUSUM charts. In addition, analyzing conditional performance measures shows that the effect of estimation error can be significant, affecting both the in‐control average run length and the quick detection of process deterioration. We also provide recommendations regarding phase I sample sizes. This sample size must be quite large for the in‐control chart performance to be close to that for the known parameter case. Finally, we provide an industrial example to highlight the practical implications of estimation error, and to offer advice to practitioners when constructing/analyzing a phase I sample. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composition and emission characterization and computational simulation of silicon rich oxide films obtained by LPCVD
Authors: Aceves‐Mijares M. , Espinosa‐Torres N. D. , Flores‐Gracia F. , González‐Fernández A. A. , López‐Estopier R. , Román‐López S. , Pedraza G. , Domínguez C. , Morales A. , Falcony C.
Published: March 2013

Silicon rich oxide (SRO) is a silicon compatible material that could solve the light emission limitation inherent to bulk silicon. However, not many applications are yet reported, since still much research has to be done. In this paper, SRO superficial films were obtained by low pressure chemical vapor deposition. Structural and optical characterization was done by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) corroborating that after annealing, the SiO and the Si2O phase clearly increases. Emission of SRO in the range between ultra violet and near‐infrared is determined by photo, electro and cathode luminescence. Assuming that emission is due to agglomerates of Si–O compounds, computational simulations of cyclic chains of SiO were done to calculate the FTIR spectra, emission and HOMO‐LUMO densities. It was found that emission of molecules with less than 10 silicon atoms is not likely to be present in the annealed films. However, for molecules with more than 13 silicon atoms, the emission extends to the visible and near infrared region. The calculated FTIR agrees with the experimental results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and assembly of the influenza A virus ribonucleoprotein complex
Authors: Zheng Wenjie , Tao Yizhi Jane
Published: March 2013

The genome of influenza A viruses consists of eight segments of single‐stranded, negative‐sense RNA that are encapsidated as individual rod‐shaped ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). Each RNP contains a viral RNA, a viral polymerase and multiple copies of the viral nucleoprotein (NP). Influenza A virus RNPs play important roles during virus infection by directing viral RNA replication and transcription, intracellular transport of the viral RNA, gene reassortment as well as viral genome packaging into progeny particles. As a unique genomic entity, the influenza A virus RNP has been extensively studied since the 1960s. Recently, exciting progress has been made in studying the RNP structure and its assembly, leading to a better understanding of the structural basis of various RNP functions.
Exploring the accessible conformations of N‐terminal acetylated α‐synuclein
Authors: Moriarty Gina M. , Janowska Maria K. , Kang Lijuan , Baum Jean
Published: March 2013

Alpha synuclein (αsyn) fibrils are found in the Lewy Bodies of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The aggregation of the αsyn monomer to soluble oligomers and insoluble fibril aggregates is believed to be one of the causes of PD. Recently, the view of the native state of αsyn as a monomeric ensemble was challenged by a report suggesting that αsyn exists in its native state as a helical tetramer. This review reports on our current understanding of αsyn within the context of these recent developments and describes the work performed by a number of groups to address the monomer/tetramer debate. A number of in depth studies have subsequently shown that both non‐acetylated and acetylated αsyn purified under mild conditions are primarily monomer. A description of the accessible states of acetylated αsyn monomer and the ability of αsyn to self‐associate is explored.
Knockout of the abundant Trichomonas vaginalis hydrogenosomal membrane protein TvHMP23 increases hydrogenosome size but induces no compensatory up‐regulation of paralogous copies
Authors: Brás Xavier Pereira , Zimorski Verena , Bolte Kathrin , Maier Uwe-G. , Martin William F. , Gould Sven B.
Published: March 2013

The Trichomonas vaginalis genome encodes up to 60 000 genes, many of which stem from genome duplication events. Paralogous copies thus accompany most T. vaginalis genes, a phenomenon that limits genetic manipulation. We characterized one of the parasite's most abundant hydrogenosomal membrane proteins, TvHMP23, which is phylogenetically distinct from canonical metabolite carriers, and which localizes to the inner hydrogenosomal membrane as shown through sub‐organellar fractionation and protease protection assays. Knockout of Tvhmp23 through insertion of the selectable neomycin marker led to a size increase of hydrogenosomes, the first knockout‐induced phenotypes reported for Trichomonas, but no growth impairment. The transcriptional response of its four paralogous copies then analyzed revealed that they are not up‐regulated, and hence do not compensate for the Tvhmp23 knockout.
The pentose catabolic pathway of the rice‐blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae involves a novel pentose reductase restricted to few fungal species
Authors: Klaubauf Sylvia , Ribot Cecile , Melayah Delphine , Lagorce Arnaud , Lebrun Marc-Henri , de Vries Ronald P.
Published: March 2013

A gene (MoPRD1), related to xylose reductases, was identified in Magnaporthe oryzae. Recombinant MoPRD1 displays its highest specific reductase activity toward l‐arabinose and d‐xylose. Km and Vmax values using l‐arabinose and d‐xylose are similar. MoPRD1 was highly overexpressed 2–8 h after transfer of mycelium to d‐xylose or l‐arabinose, compared to d‐glucose. Therefore, we conclude that MoPDR1 is a novel pentose reductase, which combines the activities and expression patterns of fungal l‐arabinose and d‐xylose reductases. Phylogenetic analysis shows that PRD1 defines a novel family of pentose reductases related to fungal d‐xylose reductases, but distinct from fungal l‐arabinose reductases. The presence of PRD1, l‐arabinose and d‐xylose reductases encoding genes in a given species is variable and likely related to their life style.
Considerations on Representative Government
Authors: Mill John Stuart
Published: March 2013

John Stuart Mill (1806–73) was a pioneering British politician and social reformer who is considered one of the most influential social and political theorists of the nineteenth century. His works on logic, epistemology, political philosophy, women's legal rights and economics helped shape emerging radical social and political ideas, and ensured his reputation as one of Britain's foremost radical intellectuals. This volume, first published in 1861, contains Mill's discussion of democracy and the ideal system of government. Writing during a turbulent time in British politics, Mill discusses his political theories concerning democracy and his ideal political institutions and their proper functions, and links these with contemporary political questions including franchise reform, and colonial and federal government. His thoughts concerning the limitations of democracy, the links between performing civic duties, education and voting are fully illustrated in this influential volume, which is reissued from the second edition of 1861.
Environmental Toxicology
Authors: Wright David A. , Welbourn Pamela
Published: March 2013

Environmental Toxicology is a comprehensive introductory textbook dealing with most aspects of the subject, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Early chapters deal with basic and advanced concepts, methods and approaches. The next tier discusses the environmental toxicology of individual or groups of substances. The third part addresses complex issues, in which many of the concepts, approaches and substances covered in earlier tiers are incorporated. The fourth part includes chapters on risk assessment, rehabilitation and regulatory toxicology. The book concludes with a summary of present and future areas of emphasis. Each chapter contains a comprehensive list of references and further reading, case studies from different jurisdictions, and student exercises. Environmental Toxicology is primarily a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in environmental toxicology, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, applied ecology, environmental management, and risk assessment. It will also be valuable for specialists in ecology, environmental science, and chemistry.
Paradoxes
Authors: Sainsbury R. M.
Published: March 2013

A paradox can be defined as an unacceptable conclusion derived by apparently acceptable reasoning from apparently acceptable premises. Many paradoxes raise serious philosophical problems, and they are associated with crises of thought and revolutionary advances. The expanded and revised third edition of this intriguing book considers a range of knotty paradoxes including Zeno's paradoxical claim that the runner can never overtake the tortoise, a new chapter on paradoxes about morals, paradoxes about belief, and hardest of all, paradoxes about truth. The discussion uses a minimum of technicality but also grapples with complicated and difficult considerations, and is accompanied by helpful questions designed to engage the reader with the arguments. The result is not only an explanation of paradoxes but also an excellent introduction to philosophical thinking.
Popular Lectures and Addresses
Authors: Thomson William
Published: March 2013

William Thomson, Baron Kelvin (1824–1907), was educated at Glasgow and Cambridge. While only in his twenties, he was awarded the University of Glasgow's chair in natural philosophy, which he was to hold for over fifty years. He is best known through the Kelvin, the unit of measurement of temperature named after him in consequence of his development of an absolute scale of temperature. These volumes collect together Kelvin's lectures for a wider audience. In a convivial but never condescending style, he outlines a range of scientific subjects to audiences of his fellow scientists. The range of topics covered reflects Kelvin's broad interests and his stature as one of the most eminent of Victorian scientists. Volume 2 is mainly concerned with geology and was actually published last, in 1894. It includes additional lectures given between 1866 and 1893 that were not included in the other two volumes.
Geschichte des Hellenismus
Authors: Droysen Johann Gustav
Published: March 2013

Johann Gustav Droysen (1808–84) belonged to a German school of historical thought influenced by Hegel, which emphasised the role of great individuals in history. A pupil of August Boeckh, his own famous students included Jacob Burckhardt. He was noted for his thorough and painstaking use of source materials, and his history of Alexander the Great (1833) remained the standard work on the subject for many years. Droysen published this pioneering two-volume study of the centuries after Alexander's death in 1836 and 1843; he coined the term 'Hellenism' to refer to this period. Volume 1 is devoted to Alexander's successors and covers the period 323–278 BCE, from Alexander's death to the campaigns of Demetrios Poliorcetes, ending with the invasion of Macedonia by the Gauls during the reign of Antigonus II. The book includes information on classical and medieval sources, chronological tables and an index of names.
Metaphor
Authors: Ritchie L. David
Published: March 2013

'Metaphor', a form of figurative language in which one thing or idea is expressed in terms of another, is becoming an increasingly popular area of study, as it is relevant to the work of semanticists, pragmatists, discourse analysts and also those working at the interface of language and literature and in other disciplines such as philosophy and psychology. This book provides a summary, critique and comparison of the most important theories on how metaphors are used and understood, drawing on research from linguistics, psychology and other disciplines. In order to ground the discussion in actual language use, the book uses examples from discourse, including casual conversations, political speeches, literature, humor, religion and science. Written in a non-technical style, the book includes clear definitions, examples, discussion questions and a glossary, making it ideal for graduate-level seminars.