bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSI to turbulence during internal wave beam refraction through the upper ocean pycnocline
Authors: Gayen B. , Sarkar S.
Published: November 2014

A numerical study based on large eddy simulation (LES) is performed to investigate the nonlinear interaction of a semidiurnal (M2) internal wave beam with an upper ocean pycnocline. During refraction through the pycnocline, the wave beam undergoes parametric subharmonic instability (PSI) with formation of waves with (1/2)M2 frequency. The three‐dimensional LES enables new results that quantify the route to turbulence through PSI. The subharmonic waves generated from PSI have an order of magnitude smaller vertical scale and are susceptible to wave breaking. Convective instability initiates transition to turbulence, while shear production maintains it. Turbulence at points in the subharmonic wave paths is modulated at (1/2)M2 frequency. The beam suffers substantial degradation owing to PSI, reflected harmonics and ducted waves so that only about 30% of the incoming energy is transported by the main reflected beam.
Global and along‐strike variations of source duration and scaling for intermediate‐depth and deep‐focus earthquakes
Authors: Poli Piero , Prieto German
Published: November 2014

The systematic behavior of earthquake rupture as a function of earthquake magnitude and/or tectonic setting is a key in our understanding of the physical mechanisms involved during earthquake rupture. Geophysical evidence suggests that although deep earthquakes—including intermediate‐depth and deep—are similar to shallow ones, the mechanism involved during deep earthquakes is different from that of shallow ones. In particular, the magnitude and depth dependence of scaled duration, a measure of earthquake rupture duration, has led to controversy of what controls deep earthquake behavior. Here we estimate scaled source durations for 600 intermediate‐depth and deep‐focus earthquakes recorded at teleseismic distances and show deviation from self‐similar scaling. No depth dependence is observed which we interpret as due to little differences between intermediate‐depth and deep‐focus earthquake mechanisms. The data show no correlation between durations and plate age or thermal parameters, suggesting that the thermal properties of the plate have little effect on source durations. We nevertheless report differences in average source duration and scaling between subduction zones and along‐strike variations of source durations that more closely resemble the geometry of subduction (flat or steep subduction) rather than plate age.
Abrupt termination of the 2012 Pacific warming and its implication on ENSO prediction
Authors: Su Jingzhi , Xiang Baoqiang , Wang Bin , Li Tim
Published: November 2014

In the summer of 2012, there was a clear signal of the developing El Niño over the equatorial Pacific, and many climate models forecasted the occurrence of El Niño with a peak phase in the subsequent winter. However, the warming was aborted abruptly in late fall. Here we show that the abrupt termination of the 2012 Pacific warming was largely attributed to the anomalous sea surface temperature (SST) cooling in the northeastern and southeastern subtropical Pacific. The anomalous SST cooling induced strong easterly and low‐level divergence anomalies, suppressing the development of westerly and convection anomalies over the equatorial central Pacific. Thus, the surface warming over the equatorial Pacific was decoupled from the surface wind forcing and subsurface thermocline variability, inhibiting its further development into a mature El Niño in the winter of 2012–2013. This study highlights the importance of the SST anomaly in the subtropical Pacific in El Niño prediction.
Improving the geoid: Combining altimetry and mean dynamic topography in the California coastal ocean
Authors: Mazloff Matthew R. , Gille Sarah T. , Cornuelle Bruce
Published: November 2014

Satellite gravity mapping missions, altimeters, and other platforms have allowed the Earth's geoid to be mapped over the ocean to a horizontal resolution of approximately 100 km with an uncertainty of less than 10 cm. At finer resolution this uncertainty increases to greater than 10 cm. Achieving greater accuracy requires accurate estimates of the dynamic ocean topography (DOT). In this study two DOT estimates for the California Current System with uncertainties less than 10 cm are used to solve for a geoid correction field. The derived field increases the consistency between the DOTs and along‐track altimetric observations, suggesting it is a useful correction to the gravitational field. The correction is large compared to the dynamic ocean topography, with a magnitude of 15 cm and significant structure, especially near the coast. The results are evidence that modern high‐resolution dynamic ocean topography products can be used to improve estimates of the geoid.
Seasonal and latitudinal variations of the electron density nonmigrating tidal spectrum in the topside ionospheric F region as resolved from CHAMP observations
Authors: Xiong Chao , Lühr Hermann , Stolle Claudia
Published: November 2014

In this study we present for the first time the nonmigrating tidal spectrum for the electron density in the topside ionosphere on global scale for different seasons at both solar maximum and minimum conditions. The electron density observations from the CHAMP (CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload) satellite provide evidence for prominent nonmigrating tides at different latitude regions. At middle and high latitudes the most prominent diurnal tides are DE1, D0, and DW2, as well as semidiurnal tides SW1 and SW3 preferably during equinox seasons. DE1 is only found in the northern middle and high latitudes, while D0 and DW2 are much stronger in the Southern Hemisphere. These tides are believed to be driven by the thermospheric winds through ion‐neutral interactions. At equatorial and low‐latitude regions the most prominent diurnal tides are DE2 and DE3. DE2 is found to be present at low‐latitude regions throughout the whole year with larger amplitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, while DE3 shows largest amplitudes (symmetric above the dip equator) at the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest region during September equinox. A general antiphase behavior between the EIA crest and trough is observed for the tides DE3, DE2, DW2, and SW3. We consider this as strong evidence for the modulation of the EIA electron density by the E layer zonal electric field via the ion fountain effect. An exception is the tidal component D0, which exhibits antiphase variations between the two hemispheres. The phase value at the equatorial trough is halfway between those of the two hemispheres. Presently, we cannot give an explanation for it, and study concerning special model effort is further needed.
Magnetic local time variation and scaling of poleward auroral boundary dynamics
Authors: Longden N. , Chisham G. , Freeman M. P.
Published: November 2014

The balance of dayside and nightside reconnection processes within the Earth's magnetosphere and its effect on the amount of open magnetic flux threading the ionosphere is well understood in terms of the expanding‐contracting polar cap model. However, the nature and character of the consequential fluctuations in the polar cap boundary are poorly understood. By using the poleward auroral luminosity boundary (PALB), as measured by the FUV instrument of the IMAGE spacecraft, as a proxy for the polar cap boundary, we have studied the motion of this boundary for more than 2 years across the complete range of magnetic local time. Our results show that the dayside PALB dynamics are broadly self‐similar on timescales of 12 min to 6 h and appear to be monofractal. Similarity with the characteristics of solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field variability suggests that this dayside monofractal behavior is predominantly inherited from the solar wind via the reconnection process. The nightside PALB dynamics exhibit scale‐free behavior at intermediate time scales (12–90 min) and appear to be multifractal. We propose that this character is a result of the intermittent multifractal structure of magnetotail reconnection.
Few‐Layered SnS2 on Few‐Layered Reduced Graphene Oxide as Na‐Ion Battery Anode with Ultralong Cycle Life and Superior Rate Capability
Authors: Zhang Yandong , Zhu Peiyi , Huang Liliang , Xie Jian , Zhang Shichao , Cao Gaoshao , Zhao Xinbing
Published: November 2014

Na‐ion Batteries have been considered as promising alternatives to Li‐ion batteries due to the natural abundance of sodium resources. Searching for high‐performance anode materials currently becomes a hot topic and also a great challenge for developing Na‐ion batteries. In this work, a novel hybrid anode is synthesized consisting of ultrafine, few‐layered SnS2 anchored on few‐layered reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by a facile solvothermal route. The SnS2/rGO hybrid exhibits a high capacity, ultralong cycle life, and superior rate capability. The hybrid can deliver a high charge capacity of 649 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. At 800 mA g−1 (1.8 C), it can yield an initial charge capacity of 469 mAh g−1, which can be maintained at 89% and 61%, respectively, after 400 and 1000 cycles. The hybrid can also sustain a current density up to 12.8 A g−1 (≈28 C) where the charge process can be completed in only 1.3 min while still delivering a charge capacity of 337 mAh g−1. The fast and stable Na‐storage ability of SnS2/rGO makes it a promising anode for Na‐ion batteries.
Surface Oxidation as a Cause of High Open‐Circuit Voltage in CdSe ETA Solar Cells
Authors: Kirmayer Saar , Edri Eran , Hines Douglas , Klein‐Kedem Nir , Cohen Hagai , Niitsoo Olivia , Pinkas Iddo , Kamat Prashant V. , Hodes Gary
Published: November 2014

TiO2/CdSe/CuSCN extremely thin absorber (ETA) solar cells are found to give relatively high values of open‐circuit voltage (>0.8 V) but low currents upon annealing the cadmium selenide (CdSe) in air (500 ºC). Annealing in N2 produces much lower photovoltages and slightly lower photocurrents. Band structure measurements show differences between the two annealing regimes that, however, appear to favor the N2‐annealed CdSe. On the other hand, chemically resolved electrical measurements (CREM) of the cells reveal marked differences in photo‐induced charge trapping, in particular at absorber grain boundaries of the air versus N2‐annealed systems, correlated with the formation of Cd–O species at the CdSe surface. Using transient absorption and photovoltage decay, pronounced lifetime differences are also observed, in agreement with the strong suppression of charge recombination. The results point to a multiple role of grain surface‐oxidation, which both impedes electron injection from the CdSe to the TiO2, but, much more significantly, enhances hole injection to the CuSCN via passivation of hole traps that act as efficient recombination centers.
Bendamustine and rituximab combination in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia‐associated autoimmune hemolytic anemia: A multicentric retrospective study of the French CLL intergroup (GCFLLC/MW and GOELAMS)
Authors: Quinquenel Anne , Willekens Christophe , Dupuis Jehan , Royer Bruno , Ysebaert Loic , Guibert S. De , Michallet Anne‐Sophie , Feugier Pierre , Guieze Romain , Levy Vincent , Delmer Alain
Published: November 2014

We report our experience on bendamustine and rituximab (BR) combination in 26 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) complicated by autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). At the time of BR initiation, 88% of the patients had already been treated for AIHA and CLL was progressive regardless of AIHA in all patients but one. Overall response rates were 81% for AIHA and 77% for CLL. Median time to next treatment was 28.3 months and 26.2 months for AIHA and CLL, respectively. BR therapy may represent a good and safe therapeutic option in this setting where adequate control of CLL seems important for long‐term AIHA response. Am. J. Hematol. 90:204–207, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compound heterozygosity for a frame shift mutation and a likely pathogenic sequence variant in the planar cell polarity—ciliogenesis gene WDPCP in a girl with polysyndactyly, coarctation of the aorta, and tongue hamartomas
Authors: Saari Jonathan , Lovell Mark A. , Yu Hung‐Chun , Bellus Gary A.
Published: November 2014

We report on a young girl with polysyndactyly, coarctation of the aorta, and tongue hamartomas. These features are similar to those reported in individuals with variant forms of orofaciodigital syndrome known as congenital heart defects, hamartomas of the tongue and polysyndactly (CHDHTP: OMIM 217085) [Örstavik et al., 1992] and orocardiodigital syndrome [Digilio et al., 1996]. Whole exome sequencing revealed that she is a compound heterozygote for a frame shift mutation and a likely pathogenic sequence variant in WDPCP, a gene that regulates planar cell polarity and ciliogenesis. Results of genotyping in her parents and unaffected siblings were consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance of the mutation and the WDPCP variant. These results suggest that disruption of planar cell polarity and ciliogenesis may result in this unusual form of orofaciodigital syndrome. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Angelman syndrome in adulthood
Authors: Larson Anna M. , Shinnick Julianna E. , Shaaya Elias A. , Thiele Elizabeth A. , Thibert Ronald L.
Published: November 2014

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder. The goal of this study was to investigate the primary health issues affecting adults with AS and to further characterize the natural history and genotype–phenotype correlations. Standardized phone interviews with caregivers for 110 adolescents and adults with AS were conducted. The impact of age, sex, and genotype on specific outcomes in neurology, orthopedics, internal medicine, and psychiatry were investigated. The mean age of individuals with AS was 24 years (range 16–50y). Active seizures were present in 41% of individuals, and 72% had sleep dysfunction. Significant constipation was present in 85%, and 32% were overweight or obese, with obesity disproportionately affecting women. Scoliosis affected 50% with a mean age at diagnosis of 12 years, and 24% of those diagnosed with scoliosis required surgery, an intervention disproportionately affecting men. Sixty‐eight percent were able to walk independently, and 13% were able to speak 5 or more words. Self‐injurious behavior was exhibited in 52% of individuals. The results of this study indicate that epilepsy severity may assume a bimodal age distribution: seizures are typically most severe in early childhood but may recur in adulthood. While late‐adolescent and adult sleep patterns were improved when compared to the degree of sleep dysfunction present during infancy and childhood, the prevalence of poor sleep in adults remained quite high. Primary areas of clinical management identified include the following: seizures, sleep, aspiration risk, GERD, constipation, dental care, vision, obesity, scoliosis, bone density, mobility, communication, behavior, and anxiety. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aspects of speech‐language abilities are influenced by MECP2 mutation type in girls with Rett syndrome
Authors: Urbanowicz Anna , Downs Jenny , Girdler Sonya , Ciccone Natalie , Leonard Helen
Published: November 2014

This study investigates relationships between methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) mutation type and speech‐language abilities in girls with Rett syndrome. Cross‐sectional data on 766 girls, aged 15 years and under, with genetically confirmed Rett syndrome was obtained from the Australian Rett Syndrome Database (ARSD) (n = 244) and the International Rett Syndrome Phenotype Database (InterRett) (n = 522). Relationships between MECP2 mutation type and age of regression in speech‐language abilities, and the level of speech‐language abilities before and after this regression were investigated. The females had a median age of 4.95 years in the ARSD and 5.25 years in InterRett. The majority (89%, 685/766) acquired speech‐language abilities in the form of babble or words at some point in time. Of those who acquired babble or words, 85% (581/685) experienced a regression in these abilities. Those with a p.Arg133Cys mutation were the most likely to use one or more words, prior to (RRR = 3.45; 95% CI 1.15–10.41) and after (RRR = 5.99; 95% CI 2.00–17.92), speech‐language regression. Girls with Rett syndrome vary in their use of speech and language, and in their experience of speech‐language regression and these variations are partly explained by genotype. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reconstruction magnetic resonance neurography in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Shibuya Kazumoto , Sugiyama Atsuhiko , Ito Sho‐ichi , Misawa Sonoko , Sekiguchi Yukari , Mitsuma Satsuki , Iwai Yuta , Watanabe Keisuke , Shimada Hitoshi , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Suhara Tetsuya , Yokota Hajime , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: November 2014

To study distribution and patterns of nerve hypertrophy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), magnetic resonance neurography with 3‐dimensional reconstruction of short tau inversion recovery images was performed in 33 patients. This technique clearly showed longitudinal morphological changes from the cervical roots to the nerve trunks in the proximal arm. Nerve enlargement was detected in 88% of the patients. According to the clinical subtype of CIDP, typical CIDP patients showed symmetric and root‐dominant hypertrophy, whereas Lewis–Sumner syndrome patients had multifocal fusiform hypertrophy in the nerve trunks. The patterns of nerve hypertrophy presumably reflect the different pathophysiology of each CIDP subtype. Ann Neurol 2014.
Cystic fibrosis newborn screening: A model for neuromuscular disease screening?
Authors: Scully Michele A. , Farrell Philip M. , Ciafaloni Emma , Griggs Robert C. , Kwon Jennifer M.
Published: November 2014

Congenital neuromuscular disorders, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and Pompe disease (acid maltase deficiency [AMD]), are candidates for universal newborn screening (NBS). In this article, we discuss the future path of NBS for these disorders with particular emphasis on DMD NBS, because of the likely approval of new gene‐modifying treatments, the possible benefits of earlier treatment with corticosteroids, and the recently demonstrated feasibility of a 2‐tiered approach to NBS with screening by creatine kinase (CK) levels in dried blood spots followed by mutation detection in those with elevated CK. The cystic fibrosis (CF) NBS program is a successful model for NBS. CF outcomes have consistently improved into adulthood following introduction of CF NBS because considerable resources have been devoted to practices that include: attention to improving laboratory screening, consistent confirmatory testing and immediate referral of all newly diagnosed infants to designated CF care centers that follow established practice guidelines, and ongoing evaluation of CF care centers via a centralized clinical database. Like CF, DMD, SMA, and infantile AMD are inexorably debilitating and require lifetime multidisciplinary clinical management. NBS would address the delays in diagnosis that prevent patients from receiving timely treatments. Standardized care following early diagnosis would reduce disparities in clinical care and outcomes. NBS in these neuromuscular disorders should be implemented, utilizing lessons learned from the past 20 years of CF NBS: standardized protocols for all patients identified by DMD NBS, longitudinal follow‐up in multidisciplinary clinics, and coordinated oversight of these clinics. Ann Neurol 2015;77:189–197.
Late onset spinal motor neuronopathy is caused by mutation in CHCHD10
Authors: Penttilä Sini , Jokela Manu , Bouquin Heidi , Saukkonen Anna Maija , Toivanen Jari , Udd Bjarne
Published: November 2014

Objective

A study was undertaken to identify the responsible gene defect underlying late onset spinal motor neuronopathy (LOSMoN/SMAJ; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man #615048), an autosomal dominant disease mapped to chromosome 22q11.2.

Methods

The previous genetic linkage approach by microsatellite haplotyping was continued in new families. A whole genome sequencing was performed to find all possibly pathogenic mutations in the linked area. The detected variations were verified by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Six new SMAJ families were identified based on the unique founder haplotype. A critical recombination in 1 family restricted the linked area to 727kb between markers SHGC‐106816 and D22S345. In whole genome sequencing a previously unknown mutation c.197G>T p.G66V in CHCHD10 was identified. The mutation was shown to segregate with the disease in 55 patients from 17 families.

Interpretation

Mutation c.197G>T p.G66V in CHCHD10 is the cause of the lower motor neuron syndrome LOSMoN/SMAJ. During the preparation of this article other mutations were reported to cause frontotemporal dementia–amyotrophic lateral sclerosis syndrome, indicating that the CHCHD10 gene is largely important for the motor and cognitive neuronal systems. ANN NEUROL 2015;77:163–172
Early cerebral small vessel disease and brain volume, cognition, and gait
Authors: Smith Eric E. , O'Donnell Martin , Dagenais Gilles , Lear Scott A. , Wielgosz Andreas , Sharma Mukul , Poirier Paul , Stotts Grant , Black Sandra E. , Strother Stephen , Noseworthy Michael D. , Benavente Oscar , Modi Jayesh , Goyal Mayank , Batool Saima , Sanchez Karla , Hill Vanessa , McCreary Cheryl R. , Frayne Richard , Islam Shofiqul , DeJesus Jane , Rangarajan Sumathy , Teo Koon , Yusuf Salim ,   on behalf of the PURE Investigators
Published: November 2014

Objective

Decline in cognitive function begins by the 40s, and may be related to future dementia risk. We used data from a community‐representative study to determine whether there are age‐related differences in simple cognitive and gait tests by the 40s, and whether these differences were associated with covert cerebrovascular disease on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Between 2010 and 2012, 803 participants aged 40 to 75 years in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study, recruited from prespecified postal code regions centered on 4 Canadian cities, underwent brain MRI and simple tests of cognition and gait as part of a substudy (PURE‐MIND).

Results

Mean age was 58 ± 8 years. Linear decreases in performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Timed Up and Go test of gait were seen with each age decade from the 40s to the 70s. Silent brain infarcts were observed in 3% of 40‐ to 49‐year‐olds, with increasing prevalence up to 18.9% in 70‐year‐olds. Silent brain infarcts were associated with slower timed gait and lower volume of supratentorial white matter. Higher volume of supratentorial MRI white matter hyperintensity was associated with slower timed gait and worse performance on DSST, and lower volumes of the supratentorial cortex and white matter, and cerebellum.

Interpretation

Covert cerebrovascular disease and its consequences on cognitive and gait performance and brain atrophy are manifest in some clinically asymptomatic persons as early as the 5th decade of life. Ann Neurol 2015;77:251–261
Synthesis and adhesion properties of waterborne polyurethane dispersions with long‐branched aliphatic chains
Authors: Lei Liang , Xia Zhengbin , Lin Xiaoqiong , Yang Tao , Zhong Li
Published: November 2014

In this study, a series of waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) with different contents of long‐branched aliphatic chains were synthesized through variation of the amount of diol chain extender trimethylol propane monooleate (TMPM). The effects of the TMPM content on the adhesion properties of the WPUs were investigated in terms of their surface tension, interfacial tension, contact angle, and adhesion strength. Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐NMR spectra demonstrated the successful incorporation of TMPM into the polyurethanes. An increase in the TMPM content produced decreases in the surface tension of the WPUs and the interfacial tension and contact angle between the WPUs and plastic films. This indicated that the wetting properties of the WPUs on the plastic films was improved. The improved wettability enhanced the adhesion strength of the WPUs, and this showed that the long‐branched aliphatic chains could effectively improve the adhesion performance of the WPUs on the plastic films. Moreover, TMPM, with its hydrophobic aliphatic chains, increased the hydrophobicity and thermal stability of the WPU films. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41688.
Mixed matrix membranes as potential transdermal devices for gemfibrozil release
Authors: Donato Laura , Guzzo Laura , Drioli Enrico , Algieri Catia
Published: November 2014

Aim of this work was the development of mixed matrix membranes as potential devices for transdermal controlled release of gemfibrozil (2,2‐dimethyl‐5‐(2,5‐dimethylphenoxy) pentanoic acid). The effect of the hydrophilic NaX zeolite and of drug loading on the release kinetics of the drug was investigated. The material used as membrane matrix was polydimethylsiloxane. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed as zeolite crystals were well embedded into the polymeric matrix. Membrane characterizations by means of swelling ratio, moisture uptake, and erosion degree determination indicated low swelling degree and moisture uptake, and the absence of erosion. This results confirmed as these membranes did not promote bacterial growth and skin irritation. The performance of the membranes was evaluated by performingin vitrorelease studies and percutaneous tests through the stratum corneum taken from the skin of rabbit ear.In vitroexperiments indicated as the best system was the membrane containing 12 wt % of zeolite and 2.6 wt % of gemfibrozil (PDMS‐2.6GEM‐12NaX) and so it was used in the percutaneous tests. In this case, the permeation rate was lower owing to the presence of an additional resistance applied by rabbit skin. An interesting result was the linear behavior indicating that the permeation of the drug thorough the device occurred with zero‐order kinetic which is the feature of the transdermal controlled delivery systems. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 41698.
On The Exact Controllability of Impulsive Fractional Semilinear Functional Differential Inclusions
Authors: Liu Zhenhai , Li Xiuwen
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we deal with the exact controllability for impulsive fractional semilinear functional differential inclusions in Hilbert spaces. Under suitable assumptions, the exact controllability of the control systems are formulated and proved. The main tools in our study rely on the fixed point theorem for multivalued maps due to Dhage associated with evolution systems.
Dynamic surface control design for the rotating stall and surge in an aeroengine compressor
Authors: Dong Wenhan , Shao Pengjie , Xie Wujie , Lin Yan , Sun Xiuxia
Published: November 2014

A dynamic surface controller is proposed for the control of the rotating stall and surge of an aeroengine. The new control law is simpler than the backstepping method, which suffers from the problem of “explosion of terms.” The useful nonlinearities that would have been cancelled in a feedback linearizing design are retained in the proposed method. The same controller structure could be employed with or without measuring the rotating stall, and without obtaining the signal of rotating stall amplitude a priori. The design process based on Lyapunov tools and the simulations showed that with the proposed scheme, the boundedness of all signals of a closed‐loop system could be assured.
Consanguinity in India and Its Association With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Mamidala Madhu P. , Kalikiri Mahesh K. , Praveen Kumar P. T. V. , Rajesh N. , Vallamkonda OmSai R. , Rajesh Vidya
Published: November 2014

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has both genetic and environmental factors in its etiology. The risk for many disorders is increased by consanguinity, but it is not known whether it increases the risk for ASD. Our study from large population in India concludes that consanguinity increases the risk for ASD with an odds ratio of 3.22. Autism Res 2015, 8: 224–228. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pulmonary vascular development goes awry in congenital lung abnormalities
Authors: Kool Heleen , Mous Daphne , Tibboel Dick , de Klein Annelies , Rottier Robbert J.
Published: November 2014

Pulmonary vascular diseases of the newborn comprise a wide range of pathological conditions with developmental abnormalities in the pulmonary vasculature. Clinically, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) is characterized by persistent increased resistance of the vasculature and abnormal vascular response. The classification of PH is primarily based on clinical parameters instead of morphology and distinguishes five groups of PH. Congenital lung anomalies, such as alveolar capillary dysplasia (ACD) and PH associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), but also bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), are classified in group three. Clearly, tight and correct regulation of pulmonary vascular development is crucial for normal lung development. Human and animal model systems have increased our knowledge and make it possible to identify and characterize affected pathways and study pivotal genes. Understanding of the normal development of the pulmonary vasculature will give new insights in the origin of the spectrum of rare diseases, such as CDH, ACD, and BPD, which render a significant clinical problem in neonatal intensive care units around the world. In this review, we describe normal pulmonary vascular development, and focus on four diseases of the newborn in which abnormal pulmonary vascular development play a critical role in morbidity and mortality. In the future perspective, we indicate the lines of research that seem to be very promising for elucidating the molecular pathways involved in the origin of congenital pulmonary vascular disease. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 102:343–358, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical stability analysis of the protein L immunoglobulin‐binding domain by full alanine screening using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Glyakina Anna V. , Likhachev Ilya V. , Balabaev Nikolay K. , Galzitskaya Oxana V.
Published: November 2014

This article is the first to study the mechanical properties of the immunoglobulin‐binding domain of protein L (referred to as protein L) and its mutants at the atomic level. In the structure of protein L, each amino acid residue (except for alanines and glycines) was replaced sequentially by alanine. Thus, 49 mutants of protein L were obtained. The proteins were stretched at their termini at constant velocity using molecular dynamics simulations in water, i.e. by forced unfolding. 19 out of 49 mutations resulted in a large decrease of mechanical protein stability. These amino acids were affecting either the secondary structure (11 mutations) or loop structures (8 mutations) of protein L. Analysis of mechanical unfolding of the generated protein that has the same topology as protein L but consists of only alanines and glycines allows us to suggest that the mechanical stability of proteins, and specifically protein L, is determined by interactions between certain amino acid residues, although the unfolding pathway depends on the protein topology. This insight can now be used to modulate the mechanical properties of proteins and their unfolding pathways in the desired direction for using them in various biochips, biosensors and biomaterials for medicine, industry, and household purposes.
Quantitation of VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) inhibitors – review of assay methodologies and perspectives
Authors: Sharma Kuldeep , Suresh P. S. , Mullangi Ramesh , Srinivas N. R.
Published: November 2014

The introduction of small‐molecule tyrosine kinase VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) inhibitors has added another dimension in the treatment of several oncology indications as they offer a unique mechanism. The VEGFR2 inhibitors have demonstrated superior benefits in treating certain types of cancer, such as renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, as a monotherapy option. Many of the approved VEGFR2 inhibitors have also shown promise when used in combination with other anticancer agents. There are numerous bioanalytical methods published for the analysis of VEGFR2 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical samples. This review covers VEGFR2 inhibitors such as sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib and JI‐101. In addition to providing a comprehensive review of the available methods for the above‐mentioned VRGFR2 inhibitors, it also provides information on assays that can simultaneously measure multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including VEGFR2 molecules. Based on the review, the published methodologies using LC/MS‐MS or HPLC‐UV are adequate for the quantification of the VEGFR2 inhibitors and can easily be established in a modern day bioanalytical laboratory. The availability of a plethora of assays for multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors makes it easy to analyze a panel of compounds to support either therapeutic drug monitoring and/or clinical pharmacokinetics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on metabolites and metabolic pathways of bulleyaconitine A in rat liver microsomes using LC‐MSn combined with specific inhibitors
Authors: Bi Yunfeng , Zhuang Xiaoyu , Zhu Hongbin , Song Fengrui , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Shuying
Published: November 2014

Bulleyaconitine A (BLA) from Aconitum bulleyanum plants is usually used as anti‐inflammatory drug in some Asian countries. It has a variety of bioactivities, and at the same time some toxicities. Since the bioactivities and toxicities of BLA are closely related to its metabolism, the metabolites and the metabolic pathways of BLA in rat liver microsomes were investigated by HPLC–MSn. In this research, the 12 metabolites of BLA were identified according to the results of HPLC‐MSn data and the relevant literature. The results showed that there are multiple metabolites of BLA in rat liver microsomes, including demethylation, deacetylation, dehydrogenation deacetylation and hydroxylation. The major metabolic pathways of BLA in rat liver microsomes were clarified by HPLC‐MS combined with specific inhibitors of CYP450 isoforms. As a result, CYP3A and 2C were found to be the principal CYP isoforms contributing to the metabolism of BLA. Moreover, CYP2D6 and 2E1 are also more important CYP isoforms for the metabolism of BLA. While CYP1A2 only affected the formation rate of M11, its effect on the metabolism of BLA is very small. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast determination of virgin olive oil phenolic metabolites in human high‐density lipoproteins
Authors: Fernández‐Ávila C. , Montes R. , Castellote A. I. , Chisaguano A. M. , Fitó M. , Covas M. I. , Muñoz‐Aguallo D. , Nyyssönen K. , Zunft H. J. , López‐Sabater M. C.
Published: November 2014

In recent years it has been confirmed that the consumption of olive oil prevents the oxidation of biomolecules owing to its monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and phenolic content. The main objective of the study was to develop an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method for the determination of phenolic compounds in human high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) samples. At the same time, the influence of olive oil consumption on the phenolic metabolite levels was evaluated in a European population. The participants were 51 healthy men, aged 20–60. They were randomized to two consecutive intervention periods with the administration of raw olive oil with low and high polyphenolic content. The UHPLC‐MS/MS analytical method has been validated for hydroxytyrosol and homovanillic acid in terms of linearity (r2 = 0.99 and 1.00), repeatability (5.7 and 6.5%) reproducibility (6.2 and 7%), recovery (98 to 97%), limits of detection (1.7 to 1.8 ppb) and quantification (5.8 and 6.3 ppb).The levels of the studied metabolites increased significantly after high polyphenolic content virgin olive oil ingestion (p <0.05) compared with lowpolyphenolic content olive oil. Virgin olive oil consumption increases the levels of phenolic metabolites in HDL and thus provides human HDL with more efficient antioxidant protection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of consumer embarrassment on shopping basket size and value: A study of the millennial consumer
Authors: Nichols Bridget Satinover , Raska David , Flint Daniel J.
Published: November 2014

This paper examines how the emotion of embarrassment affects shopping behavior in a retail setting. In a series of three studies, we explore the phenomenon of “masking,” which is defined as a coping strategy used by shoppers when experiencing embarrassment related to a purchase task. Study 1 provides consumer insights into masking behaviors among Millennials. Study 2 empirically examines degrees of anticipated embarrassment associated with purchasing a variety of personal care products and uses a controlled experiment to test the impact of embarrassment on the size of the shopping basket (number of items purchased) and the value of the shopping basket. Study 3 examines basket size and value with respect to complementary and counterbalancing products, and compares Millennial with non‐Millennial consumers. Collectively, this research indicates that both Millennial and non‐Millennials use masking as a coping strategy for a variety of products due to anticipated embarrassment, translating into enhanced basket sizes and values. This effect appears to be moderated by one's innate susceptibility to embarrassment. This study contributes to our understanding of how the emotion of embarrassment influences shopping basket composition in terms of its value and size. It also provides insightful findings relevant to retail practitioners. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver/Gold Core–Shell Nanoprism‐Based Plasmonic Nanoprobes for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Yang Xinjian , Ren Yuqian , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: November 2014

A simple and highly sensitive and selective hydrogen sulfide assay utilizing plasmonic nanoprobes is presented in this report. The assay employs the etching of silver in the Ag/Au core–shell nanoprisms, accompanied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) signal depression and shift. Briefly, thin layers of gold are first coated onto silver nanoprisms. The thin gold layer not only guarantees the high stability of the plasmonic nanoprobes but also ensures the high selectivity toward hydrogen sulfide. Once hydrogen sulfide is introduced, the silver core is converted to Ag2S mainly from its lateral walls. Moreover, the SPR peak is located in the NIR region that makes these plasmonic nanoprobes more appealing for the detection of hydrogen sulfide in real‐world samples and in in vivo applications.
Preventive Effect of American Ginseng Against Premature Ovarian Failure in a Rat Model
Authors: Ge Pengling , Xing Nannan , Ren Yanhai , Zhu Lei , Han Dongwei , Kuang Haixue , Li Ji
Published: November 2014

Preclinical Research

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined by the WHO as the loss of physiological ovarian function before the age of 40. The effect of American ginseng and its underlying mechanisms in preventing and treating premature ovarian failure (POF) was studied in female Sprague‐Dawley rats where POF was induced by ip administration of 4‐vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD). Rat behavior, serum hormone levels, ovarian and uterine size, pathological features, and ovarian tissue expression of genes associated with POF were assessed in controls, untreated POF model rats, and POF model rats treated with low‐ (1.125 g/kg), medium‐ (2.25 g/kg), and high‐dose (4.5 g/kg) American ginseng. Compared with untreated POF model rats, those treated with medium‐ and high‐dose American ginseng had more stable behavior and better coat appearance as well as serum hormone levels closer to those in control rats. Moreover, treatment with medium‐ or high‐dose American ginseng increased ovarian and uterine size. Hematoxylin and eosin‐staining revealed mature follicles and endometrium with an alternating concave/convex surface structure with visible capillaries and glands in ginseng‐ treated POF rats. PLA2G4A expression was positively correlated with POF, while the expression levels of PAPPA, STC2, CCL2, and NELL1 were negatively correlated with POF. Our study showed that American ginseng may effectively prevent POF and alleviate POF symptoms by regulating serum hormone levels and altering the expression levels of genes related to POF in ovarian tissue.
Persistent Noggin arrests cardiomyocyte morphogenesis and results in early in utero lethality
Authors: Simmons Olga , Snider Paige , Wang Jain , Schwartz Robert J. , Chen Yiping , Conway Simon J.
Published: November 2014

Background: Multiple bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) genes are expressed in the developing heart from the initiation to late‐differentiation stages, and play pivotal roles in cardiovascular development. In this study, we investigated the requirement of BMP activity in heart development by transgenic over‐expression of extracellular BMP antagonist Noggin. Results: Using Nkx2.5‐Cre to drive lineage‐restricted Noggin within cardiomyocyte progenitors, we show persistent Noggin arrests cardiac development at the linear heart stage. This is coupled with a significantly reduced cell proliferation rate, subsequent cardiomyocyte programmed cell death and reduction of downstream intracellular pSMAD1/5/8 expression. Noggin mutants exhibit reduced heartbeat which likely results in subsequent fully penetrant in utero lethality. Significantly, confocal and electron micrographic examination revealed considerably fewer contractile elements, as well as a lack of maturation of actin‐myosin microfilaments. Molecular analysis demonstrated that ectopic Noggin‐expressing regions in the early heart's pacemaker region, failed to express the potassium/sodium hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel 4 (Hcn4), resulting in an overall decrease in Hcn4 levels. Conclusions: Combined, our results reveal a novel role for BMP signaling in the progression of heart development from the tubular heart stage to the looped stage by means of regulation of proliferation and promotion of maturation of the in utero heart's contractile apparatus and pacemaker. Developmental Dynamics 244:457–467, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Determination Method for the Optimal Operation of Controllable Generators in Micro Grids That Copes with Unstable Outputs of Renewable Energy Generation
Authors: Takano Hirotaka , Zhang Peng , Murata Junichi , Hashiguchi Takuhei , Goda Tadahiro , Iizaka Tatsuya , Nakanishi Yosuke
Published: November 2014

Micro grids are expected to be one of the most realistic energy systems for efficient use of renewable energy sources with few adverse effects on the main electric power grids. However, it is difficult to maintain the supply‐and‐demand balance because distributed renewable energy generation units (DREGs), such as photovoltaic generation systems and wind turbine generation systems, generate a significant portion of electrical energy in the micro grids. Therefore, an operation planning method is needed considering the uncertainty in weather prediction in order to ensure stable micro grid operations. This paper presents an optimization method for operation plans of controllable generators in micro grids that copes with the uncertainty of DREG outputs. In the proposed method, the optimal operation plans are determined by, depending on the problem conditions, either an enumeration method or Tabu Search with preprocessing. Numerical simulations were carried out for a micro grid model in order to verify the usefulness of the proposed method. In the simulations, the daily operation plan and the modified half‐hourly one were determined by the proposed method. As a result, we could obtain the optimal plans which had enough reserve margins for coping with the fluctuations caused by DREGs and demand.
Photoactive Hybrid Polymer Films Incorporated with Lanthanide Complexes and ZIF‐8 for Selectively Excited Multicolored Luminescence
Authors: Liu Chang , Yan Bing
Published: November 2014

A series of photoactive polymer hybrid films fabricated with both lanthanide complexes and ZIF‐8 [zeolite imidazole framework, a kind of metal organic framework, Zn(MeIM)2, MeIM = 2‐methylimidazole] was prepared. ZIF‐8 and the lanthanide complexes Ln‐L [Ln = Eu, Tb; L = AA (acetylacetonate), phen (1,10‐phenanthroline), TAA (trifluoroacetylacetonate), TTA (trifluoroacetylacetonate)] were assembled with the the monomers 4‐vinyl pyridine (VPD) and ethylene‐methyl acrylate (EMA), forming the final hybrid polymer films after initiation with benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The products are are indicated as PEMA‐PVPD⊃Ln‐L/ZIF‐8 [PEMA‐PVPD: copolymer of poly 4‐vinyl pyridine (PVPD) and polyethylene‐methyl acrylate (PEMA)]. The SEM images of these hybrid films indicate homogeneous dense packing and a high degree of coverage of the crystals on the ITO glass. The luminescent behavior of all the hybrid films was studied in detail. Discrete luminescence of the ZIF‐8 unit and the lanthanide complexes was observed in which energy coupling between the two emissive centers does not exist. Therefore, by selectively exciting these hybrid films with different wavelengths, the luminescence colors of them can be tuned from blue (for ZIF‐8) to red (for Eu3+), green (for Tb3+), yellow (for Eu3+/Tb3+) and even to white by integrating the emission of both Eu3+/Tb3+ into the polymer unit (PEMA‐PVPD). These results are useful and have potential application in optical devices for displays or encoding.
Ratiometric Detection of Adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP) and Cytidine‐5′‐triphosphate (CTP) with a Fluorescent Spider‐Like Receptor in Water
Authors: Gupta Abhishek Kumar , Dhir Abhimanew , Pradeep Chullikkattil P.
Published: November 2014

A series of water‐soluble spider‐like receptor molecules has been developed by the Schiff‐base condensation of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS) with various 2,6‐diformylphenol (dfp) derivatives. The products were assessed for their anion sensing properties. Among these, the receptor with a methoxy substituent showed selective fluorescent sensing towards adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP) and cytidine‐5′‐triphosphate (CTP) in contrasting modes in 100 % aqueous media at pH 7.2.