bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpreting Long-Term Trends in Time Series Intervention Studies of Smoke-Free Legislation and Health
Authors: Salway Ruth , Sims Michelle , Gilmore Anna B.
Published: February 2014

Background: Numerous studies have investigated the impact of smoke-free laws on health outcomes. Large differences in estimates are in part attributable to how the long-term trend is modelled. However, the choice of appropriate trend is not always straightforward. We explore these complexities in an analysis of myocardial infarction (MI) mortality in England before and after the introduction of smoke-free legislation in July 2007.
Methods: Weekly rates of MI mortality among men aged 40+ between July 2002 and December 2010 were analysed using quasi-Poisson generalised additive models. We explore two ways of modelling the long-term trend: (1) a parametric approach, where we fix the shape of the trend, and (2) a penalised spline approach, in which we allow the model to decide on the shape of the trend.
Results: While both models have similar measures of fit and near identical fitted values, they have different interpretations of the legislation effect. The parametric approach estimates a significant immediate reduction in mortality rate of 13.7% (95% CI: 7.5, 19.5), whereas the penalised spline approach estimates a non-significant reduction of 2% (95% CI:-0.9, 4.8). After considering the implications of the models, evidence from sensitivity analyses and other studies, we conclude that the second model is to be preferred.
Conclusions: When there is a strong long-term trend and the intervention of interest also varies over time, it is difficult for models to separate out the two components. Our recommendations will help further studies determine the best way of modelling their data.
Appréhender les critiques militantes par les processus de socialisation politique. Le cas du Parti socialiste français
Authors: Baloge Martin
Published: February 2014

Parmi les nombreuses analyses sur les opinions politiques, peu se sont concentrées sur les critiques formulées par des militants. Cet article entend étudier comment la socialisation politique influence la relation et la perception des membres du Parti socialiste français à l’égard de leur organisation. L’origine sociale, les interactions, les expériences, les positions dans le Parti jouent un rôle important dans la structuration de différents types de critiques. Finalement, la socialisation politique conduit à des rapports critiques au Parti qui ont des conséquences importantes sur les manières dont les membres participent. De ce fait, cet article souligne le lien entre la socialisation politique et les formes de participation militante.
Analyser la contribution d’un dispositif public à la socialisation politique des jeunes
Authors: Becquet Valérie
Published: February 2014

À partir des résultats d’une enquête réalisée auprès des volontaires de l’association Unis-Cité en 2008-2009, cet article propose d’analyser la contribution du service civil volontaire français à la socialisation politique des jeunes. Après avoir présenté les contours de l’expérience politique des volontaires avant le début de leur service civil, il s’agira de présenter ce dispositif public et, en particulier, de repérer les éléments susceptibles d’influencer leurs représentations, leurs connaissances et leurs pratiques citoyennes. Enfin, il s’agira de mesurer les effets de cette expérience sur ces dimensions.
La politique positive : un levier pour susciter l’intérêt envers la politique chez les jeunes
Authors: Dostie-Goulet Eugénie , Guay Jean-Herman
Published: February 2014

Cette étude, qui s’insère dans le courant de la littérature portant sur les jeunes et la politique, souhaite apporter un éclairage sur un groupe d’âge auquel on accorde moins d’attention : les adolescents. Comment ceux-ci voient-ils la politique ? Quels termes (bien commun, pouvoir, conflit…) sont pour eux les plus « parlants » ? À travers l’étude de données provenant de 700 adolescents montréalais, nous explorons comment cette vision de la politique influence leur engagement envers cette dernière. Différentes analyses, autant factorielles que de régression, nous permettent de conclure que, au-delà de l’intérêt, une vision positive de la politique a un effet beaucoup plus important sur l’engagement qu’une vision négative, mais qu’il n’y a rien de pire que l’indifférence.
Les musulmans en France : religiosité, politisation et capital social
Authors: Tournier Vincent
Published: February 2014

Des signes convergents incitent à penser que les populations issues de l’immigration musulmane présentent un degré de religiosité relativement élevé, échappant de ce fait au processus de sécularisation qui caractérise la plupart des pays européens. À partir de l’enquête Trajectoires et Origines (TeO), réalisée en France auprès d’un vaste échantillon d’immigrés et de descendants d’immigrés, cet article vise à vérifier ce constat tout en essayant de mieux cerner l’univers social et politique des musulmans. Les données indiquent qu’une dynamique de retour vers le religieux est manifestement à l’oeuvre et que cette dynamique ne s’explique pas uniquement par les difficultés sociales et les discriminations, mais qu’elle doit être resituée dans un processus global de socialisation politique où se mêlent les aspects culturels et idéologiques. L’article se conclut par une lecture critique de l’enquête TeO, dont le questionnaire reste marqué par des présupposés qui empêchent d’analyser toutes les dimensions de l’intégration.
Autour d’un Pacifique postcolonial, pluriel et plurilingue
Authors: Leach Michael , Clarke Matthew , Tanguy Philippe , Scambary James
Published: February 2014

La construction de l’État-nation reste un défi majeur pour la Mélanésie. Dès la décolonisation des années 1970 et 1980, les nouvelles nations mélanésiennes ont éprouvé beaucoup de difficulté à se créer une identité nationale solide et une communauté politique unie, tout en maintenant leurs langues vernaculaires et leurs cultures traditionnelles. Le Vanuatu pour sa part a eu pour tâche de se construire une identité nationale en dépit d’un double héritage colonial franco-anglais. Cet article présente un sondage que nous avons organisé dans plusieurs centres d’enseignement supérieur à Port-Vila en 2010, dont l’Université du Pacifique Sud et l’Agence universitaire pour la francophonie, sur les attitudes des étudiants de ces institutions à l’égard de l’identité nationale. Notre enquête révèle, entre autres, qu’il existe des points communs et des similitudes sur le développement du sentiment national entre les étudiants francophones et anglophones de l’enseignement supérieur au Vanuatu. La convergence porte notamment sur des points clés tels les indicateurs de la fierté nationale, le maintien des traditions et de lakastom(coutume), la conception de la citoyenneté et le respect des institutions et de l’État de droit. Nos données indiquent aussi que, malgré un relâchement des liens postcoloniaux associant les deux langues d’enseignement à des affiliations religieuses et politiques divergentes, la langue d’enseignement reste un vecteur important pour les étudiants quant à leur attitude envers l’identité nationale et ses éléments prioritaires. Nos conclusions offrent un nouvel éclairage sur la vision qui pourrait animer les élites politiques et professionnelles futures du Vanuatu dans leur dépassement des fractures régionales, ethniques, intergénérationnelles et linguistiques qui ont jadis touché le pays.
Reconsideration of relativistic corrections for an electron confined in a two-dimensional quantum dot: I. Spin–orbit coupling and Rashba effect
Authors: Yokozuka Takahiro , Ido Kota , Clark Richard , Takeda Kyozaburo , Tokura Yasuhiro
Published: February 2014

By implementing the relativistic corrections of Pauli’s spin–orbit (SO) coupling, Darwin’s correction, and mass-velocity (MV) interaction, we computationally study the electronic structure of an electron confined in a two-dimensional (2D) quantum dot (QD), and discuss the influence of these relativistic terms. We further study the influence of the Rashba effect on the electronic structure. In the typical semiconductor QD system, the Rashba effect causes a sizeable shift to the energy eigenstates on the order of a milli-electron volt whereas the other relativistic corrections of the internal SO interaction, MV coupling, and Darwin term amount to a shift in energy eigenstates on the order of less than a micro-electron volt, and are largely negligible. The Rashba coupling hybridizes the opposite spin state, and the second-order perturbation approach reveals that this hybridization causes the interstate interference and a curious distribution appears in the spin density in the degenerated state.
Impact of random discrete dopant in extension induced fluctuation in gate–source/drain underlap FinFET
Authors: Wang Yijiao , Huang Peng , Xin Zheng , Zeng Lang , Liu Xiaoyan , Du Gang , Kang Jinfeng
Published: February 2014

In this work, three dimensional technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations are performed to investigate the impact of random discrete dopant (RDD) including extension induced fluctuation in 14 nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) gate–source/drain (G–S/D) underlap fin field effect transistor (FinFET). To fully understand the RDD impact in extension, RDD effect is evaluated in channel and extension separately and together. The statistical variability of FinFET performance parameters including threshold voltage (V
th), subthreshold slope (SS), drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), drive current (I
on), and leakage current (I
off) are analyzed. The results indicate that RDD in extension can lead to substantial variability, especially for SS, DIBL, and I
on and should be taken into account together with that in channel to get an accurate estimation on RDF. Meanwhile, higher doping concentration of extension region is suggested from the perspective of overall variability control.
Investigation of multi-level-cell and SET operations on super-lattice phase change memories
Authors: Egami Toru , Johguchi Koh , Yamazaki Senju , Takeuchi Ken
Published: February 2014

This paper gives the optimum SET pulse with the investigation on SET current delay and the multi-level-cell (MLC) operation for super-lattice phase change memories (SL-PCMs). From the investigation, the voltage, or the electric field triggers RESET/SET transition of SL-PCM. The induced energy is also essential for changing the resistance state. In this paper, the MLC operation is also verified with RESET pulse, 1-step SET pulse and 2-step SET pulse. The measurement results indicate the 2-step SET pulse is the best for the MLC function, which realizes the precise resistance controlling. Additionally, the retention-time is measured to evaluate the reliability of MLC SL-PCM. The features of SL-PCM are not only small RESET/SET current, but also MLC operation and the SL-PCM technology provides a potential for next generation non-volatile memories.
Amperometric electrochemical sensor array for on-chip simultaneous imaging
Authors: Kuno Tsuyoshi , Niitsu Kiichi , Nakazato Kazuo
Published: February 2014

We propose an amperometric electrochemical sensor array for high-speed measurement of microelectrode currents. The biosensor was fabricated using CMOS technology and a contact photolithographic process to incorporate gold microelectrodes (256 electrodes) on a chip. The sensor circuit employed a current buffer circuit and dual switch. During measurement, all electrodes were kept at a constant potential, currents were at steady-state levels, and rapid switching was performed while maintaining the steady-state current. The measured current range of the current buffer circuit was approximately 1 pA to 1 µA. A microelectrode array (MEA) with auxiliary electrode (AE) was used to suppress expansion of the diffusion layer over the MEA. Steady-state current was obtained and amplified by redox cycling, greatly reducing the time for reaching the steady-state level. The sensor successfully simultaneously measured multipoint cyclic voltammetry and amperometry, and will be useful for measuring local concentration and analyzing the diffusion processes of target molecules.
Separating drivers of Saturnian magnetopause motion
Authors: Mistry R. , Dougherty M. K. , Masters A. , Sulaiman A. H. , Allen E. J.
Published: February 2014

Surface waves on Saturn's magnetopause and oscillations of the magnetopause at a period associated with that of planetary rotation have previously been detected. How the amplitudes of these two key perturbations to the magnetopause position compare, however, is unclear. We construct a one‐dimensional magnetopause model that considers both types of boundary dynamics and compare it to six sets of magnetopause crossings observed by the Cassini magnetometer instrument, in order to estimate and compare properties of the two phenomena. We identify their relative amplitudes to be approximately one in all cases, suggesting that magnetopause oscillations notably affect the magnetopause position, even when surface waves are present. Furthermore, using this technique, we estimate the surface wave period for crossings on 14 July 2007 as 47 min and periods for all other sets at values between 2.4 h and 4.9 h. These periods are in agreement with previous studies which employed minimum variance analysis of magnetometer data.
Seal‐borne sensors are valuable for studies of Southern Ocean conditions
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: February 2014

Icy conditions make it difficult to monitor the southern part of the Southern Ocean using floats or ship‐based sampling. For about a decade, scientists have been mounting temperature and salinity sensors on the heads of seals from several colonies around Antarctica. There is now a fairly large data set of seal‐derived hydrographic data.
Thin Layer Chromatography
Authors: Cai Li
Published: February 2014

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a quick, sensitive, and inexpensive technique used to determine the number of components in a mixture, verify the identity and purity of a compound, monitor the progress of a reaction, determine the solvent composition for preparative separations, and analyze the fractions obtained from column chromatography. This unit is mainly aimed at novice experimenters, describing in detail the strategies and principal steps for performing a TLC experiment, with illustrations of the relevant instruments, as well as approaches for obtaining and understanding results. Valuable practical tips and troubleshooting solutions are also provided throughout the unit. Curr. Protoc. Essential Lab. Tech. 8:6.3.1‐6.3.18. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Relation of Novel Echocardiographic Measures to Invasive Hemodynamic Assessment in Scleroderma‐Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Gopal Deepa M. , Doldt Bryan , Finch Kim , Simms Robert W. , Farber Harrison W. , Gokce Noyan
Published: February 2014

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSC; scleroderma)–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major cause of mortality in SSc patients and represents an important diagnostic and therapeutic target. Our aims were to evaluate the relationship between echocardiogram‐derived right‐sided heart hemodynamics and gold standard right‐sided heart catheterization (RHC) measurements in a scleroderma population and to investigate whether this relationship is modified by a subset of pulmonary hypertension.

Methods

We performed RHC and echocardiography on the same day, with pulmonary function testing in 21 consecutive subjects with scleroderma and precapillary pulmonary hypertension (mean ± SD age 57 ± 10 years, 81% women).

Results

RHC measures, including pulmonary arterial systolic and mean pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), correlated strongly with echocardiogram‐derived data. RHC‐derived PVR was negatively associated with right ventricular (RV) systolic performance, as measured by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE; rho = −0.70, P < 0.001), tissue Doppler tricuspid s′ velocity (rho = −0.68, P = 0.002), and RV fractional area change (rho = −0.78, P < 0.001). Correlations with TAPSE and s′ velocity were strengthened when forced vital capacity %/diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide % ≥1.6 was used to identify pure PAH phenotypes in SSc. Bland‐Altman analyses demonstrated strong agreement between RHC and echocardiogram‐derived hemodynamic measures.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that echocardiography may play a clinical role in identifying pulmonary hypertension and RV dysfunction noninvasively, particularly in a subset of SSc patients stratified by pulmonary function testing. This method may establish specific disease phenotypes with differential cardiovascular impact and prove useful as a marker of disease progression/risk stratification in SSC patients that warrants further investigation in larger cohorts.
Well‐Ordered and High Density Coordination‐Type Bonding to Strengthen Contact of Silver Nanowires on Highly Stretchable Polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Lee Hanleem , Lee Keunsik , Park Jin Taek , Kim Woon Chun , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: February 2014

Recently, Ag nanowires (AgNWs) has had a great interest as a conducting material for flexible and transparent devices, but it still shows several problems such as the ultimate detachment of AgNWs from substrate and a high contact resistance on AgNW junctions. Therefore, the novel concept to enhance permanent and closed attachment of AgNWs by silane modification to polydimethylsilaoxane (PDMS) substrate well known as high stretchable film with extremly low adhesive is suggested. According to this experiment, higher sigma (σ)‐donating ability and hydrophilicity indicate better electrical and mechanical properties in real device. Especially, densely amine self‐assembled PDMS surface exhibits the strongest contact force to the AgNWs, especially for junction side, and the longest maintenance of hydrophilicity by coordination‐type bonding. In addition, AgNWs adhere permanently to stretchable substrates while simultaneously maintaining high transparency (87%) and high conductivity (27 Ω sq–1). Consequently, the resulting AgNW film shows excellent mechanical durability which includes enhanced performance of both flexibility and stretchability.
Marketing Raw Milk from Dairy Farmers before and after the 2008 Milk Scandal in China: Evidence from Greater Beijing
Authors: Jia Xiangping , Luan Hao , Huang Jikun , Li Shengli , Rozelle Scott
Published: February 2014

China's 2008 milk scandal severely impacted its dairy industry. Afterwards, the government took prompt efforts to regulate and enhance food safety standards. For example, a dairy marketing management policy was implemented, and concentrated dairy complexes were recommended as options for smallholder dairy farmers. The results of this study show that the policies affected marketing channels at the farm gate. Since then, new dairy complexes have emerged and are becoming the primary marketing channel for milk. The marketing transformation has profound implications for food safety, and has strengthened vertical coordination in the Chinese dairy chain.
Catalytic conversion of concentrated miscanthus in water for ethylene glycol production
Authors: Pang Jifeng , Zheng Mingyuan , Wang Aiqin , Sun Ruiyan , Wang Hua , Jiang Yu , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2014

Miscanthus, a promising energy crop, was used for ethylene glycol (EG) production through one‐pot catalytic conversion. With a binary catalyst composed of commercial tungstic acid and Raney Ni, the miscanthus with 1 % concentration was transformed into EG with a yield of 35.5%. However, the yield dropped to 13.6% as the miscanthus concentration was increased to 10 %. The underlying reason for the yield decrease was disclosed through analysis of the liquid products, investigation of pretreatments, and characterization of the catalysts. It was found that the protectors on the surface of miscanthus and the lignin component underwent decomposition under reaction conditions, resulting in the formation of some organic acids and unsaturated compounds that preferentially poisoned the Raney Ni catalyst and consequently decreased the EG yield. When the inhibitors were effectively removed by base solvent pretreatment, the EG yield was successfully improved to 39.0% even under 10% concentration of feedstock. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2254–2262, 2014
Prolonged cyclosporine administration after antithymocyte globulin delays but does not prevent relapse in severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Scheinberg Phillip , Rios Olga , Scheinberg Priscila , Weinstein Barbara , Wu Colin O. , Young Neal S.
Published: February 2014

In severe aplastic anemia, approximately one‐third of responders to standard horse antithymocyte globulin (h‐ATG) plus cyclosporine (CsA) will relapse. Anecdotal experience has suggested that a gradual CsA taper might avoid relapse, but this practice has not been rigorously assessed prospectively. In 2003, we adopted a strategy to taper CsA beyond 6 months, with the intention to reduce hematologic relapse compared with our extensive historical experience. In total, 102 patients received h‐ATG/CsA for 6 months in two sequential clinical protocols: 67 patients (66%) responded and all had the CsA dose tapered per protocol over the subsequent 18 months (total of 2 years). The rate of relapse at 5 years was 33% (95% CI 27–44%), which did not differ from our large historical relapse experience (patients treated before 2003) of 30–40%, in protocols in which CsA was simply discontinued at 6 months. However, time to relapse was prolonged by about 1 year with the longer CsA course. The rates of clonal evolution and overall survival did not differ between the two cohorts. We infer from this large prospective study that CsA taper as implemented delayed but did not prevent relapse. The kinetics of relapse with long course CsA does suggest that a lower long‐term dose might be adequate to maintain patients in remission. Am. J. Hematol. 89:571–574, 2014. © Published 2014.
Mired in Miranda Misconceptions: A Study of Legally Involved Juveniles at Different Levels of Psychosocial Maturity
Authors: Rogers Richard , Steadham Jennifer A. , Fiduccia Chelsea E. , Drogin Eric Y. , Robinson Emily V.
Published: February 2014

The Supreme Court of the United States has long recognized that the vulnerabilities of juvenile offenders merit special protections due to deficits in experience and maturity. Appellate courts assume that Miranda warnings will inform juvenile suspects of their Miranda rights, and allow them to render knowing and intelligent waivers. This study examines Miranda misconceptions of legally involved juveniles (i.e., juvenile detainees and youth mandated to juvenile justice alternative education) at different levels of psychosocial maturity. These juveniles manifested an unexpectedly large frequency of erroneous Miranda beliefs; each group (low, middle, and high maturity) averaged a dozen or more misconceptions, thus overshadowing substantive differences between maturity groups. However, maturity played an important role in the immediate recall of a Miranda advisement. Alarmingly, both low‐ and middle‐maturity groups displayed less than one‐third immediate recall. The high‐maturity group performed better, but still failed to recall almost half of the Miranda concepts. The overall findings are discussed with respect to juvenile Miranda comprehension and reasoning. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An optimal model for predicting the productivity of perforated vertical HTHP wells
Authors: Hu Jiancheng , Xu Jiuping , Wang Shize , Qi Bin , Qiao Zhiguo
Published: February 2014

As perforation helps regulate inflow from the reservoir, the optimisation of the perforating parameters is critically important in increasing productivity. In this paper, a one‐dimensional reservoir/wellbore coupling model is presented to predict the productivity of perforated vertical high‐temperature‐high‐pressure (HTHP) wells. A comprehensive perforation skin factor is developed in the model, which takes into consideration many reservoir and perforation parameters, such as length, density, radius, anisotropy, phasing, partial penetration, perforation damage and formation damage. An optimisation strategy is established to investigate the effect of the perforation parameters on productivity based on the skin factor of a well. The model is applied to a 7100 m deep HTHP gas well to demonstrate its use in determining optimal perforation parameters. The simulation results demonstrate that an optimisation strategy improves the perforated well inflow performance. Then, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the effect of reservoir and perforation parameters on productivity.
Effect of pH on fouling attachments and power consumption in ultrafiltration of latex solution
Authors: Abdelrasoul Amira , Doan Huu , Lohi Ali
Published: February 2014

The goal of the present study was to remediate ultrafiltration fouling through the altering of the latex paint solution pH, in order to reduce the total mass fouling and the specific power consumption. Polycarbonate flat membrane with a pore size of 0.05 µm was used under a constant feed flow rate and cross‐flow mode in ultrafiltration of a latex paint solution. It was observed that the ionic strength of the latex solution had a significant effect on the membrane hydrophilicy and the particle surface charge, which in turn influenced the particle–particle and particle–membrane attachment. At the transmembrane pressure of 15 psi, a feed flow rate of 1 LPM, and a feed concentration of 1.3 kg/m3, increasing solution pH from 7 to 12 resulted in a considerable 50% reduction in membrane fouling. This reduction of fouling led to a 53.9% decrease in the specific power consumption, while the permeate flux increased by 97.4%. On the other hand, the mass of fouling noticeably decreased by 35.8%, the permeate flux increased by 64.5% and the specific power consumption dramatically increased by 127.5%, when the feed flow rate was increased from 1 to 4 LPM at the solution pH of 7. Alternatively, when the feed flow rate and the solution pH were increased simultaneously, the mass of fouling was reduced by 56.8%, with an improvement in the specific power consumption augmented only by 54.1%, while the permeate flux increased by 136.84%.
Chaotic fractional‐order model for muscular blood vessel and its control via fractional control scheme
Authors: Aghababa Mohammad Pourmahmood , Borjkhani Mehdi
Published: February 2014

This article studies the chaotic and complex behavior in a fractional‐order biomathematical model of a muscular blood vessel (MBV). It is shown that the fractional‐order MBV (FOMBV) model exhibits very complex and rich dynamics such as chaos. We show that the corresponding maximal Lyapunov exponent of the FOMBV system is positive which implies the existence of chaos. Strange attractors of the FOMBV model are depicted to validate the chaotic behavior of the system. We change the fractional order of the model and investigate the dynamics of the system. To suppress the chaotic behavior of the model, we propose a single input fractional finite‐time controller and prove its stability using the fractional Lyapunov theory. In addition, the effects of the model uncertainties and external disturbances are taken into account and a robust fractional finite‐time controller is constructed. The upper bound of the chaos suppression time is also given. Some computer simulations are presented to illustrate the findings of this article. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 20: 37–46, 2014
Evolving a predator–prey ecosystem of mathematical expressions with grammatical evolution
Authors: Alfonseca Manuel , Soler Gil Francisco José
Published: February 2014

This article describes the use of grammatical evolution to obtain a predator–prey ecosystem of artificial beings associated with mathematical functions, whose fitness is also defined mathematically. The system supports the simultaneous evolution of several ecological niches and through the use of standard measurements, makes it possible to explore the influence of the number of niches and the values of several parameters on “biological” diversity and similar functions. Sensitivity analysis tests have been made to find the effect of assigning different constant values to the genetic parameters that rule the evolution of the system and the predator–prey interaction or of replacing them by functions of time. One of the parameters (predator efficiency) was found to have a critical range, outside which the ecologies are unstable; two others (genetic shortening rate and predator–prey fitness comparison logistic amplitude) are critical just at one side of the range), the others are not critical. The system seems quite robust, even when one or more parameters are made variable during a single experiment, without leaving their critical ranges. Our results also suggest that some of the features of biological evolution depend more on the genetic substrate and natural selection than on the actual phenotypic expression of that substrate. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 20: 66–83, 2015
Plasma Applications: A Dermatological View
Authors: Tiede R. , Hirschberg J. , Daeschlein G. , von Woedtke T. , Vioel W. , Emmert S.
Published: February 2014

The ability to produce cold plasma at atmospheric pressure conditions was the basis for the rapid growth of plasma related application areas in biomedicine. Plasma comprises a multitude of active components such as charged particles, electric current, UV radiation, and reactive species which can act synergistically. The antiitch, antimicrobial, and anti‐inflammatory effect was already demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro experiments and until now no resistance of pathogens against plasma treatment was observed. The combination of the different active agents and their broad range of positive effects on various diseases, especially easily accessible skin diseases, render plasma quite attractive for applications in medicine. Hence, plasma medicine as an independent and promising medical field has been emerged recently.

For medical applications two different types of cold plasma are suitable; indirect (plasma jet, plasma torch) and direct plasma sources (dielectric barrier discharge ‐ DBD). So far, no standards and norms are defined for any of these plasma sources. Also, no convenient criteria for standardization of the quality rating of plasma in the view of dermatological applications exist. Although various cold plasma studies have been performed the results are hardly comparable, as physical parameters of the plasma devices, experimental conditions, and organisms used vary greatly. Therefore, standardized risk analyses are necessary for the assessment of different plasma sources. In this review two plasma sources are described and possible risk factors are discussed to estimate the safety of plasma used as a therapeutic tool in dermatology. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Determination of the Energy Flux of a Commercial Atmospheric‐Pressure Plasma Jet for Different Process Gases and Distances Between Nozzle Outlet and Substrate Surface
Authors: Fröhlich M. , Bornholdt S. , Regula C. , Ihde J. , Kersten H.
Published: February 2014

The energy flux of an atmospheric‐pressure plasma jet for surface treatment has been investigated by a calorimetric probe. Generally, the investigations exhibit that the main contributions of the total energy influx from the plasma to the substrate surface originate from the neutrals regarding high gas temperature coupled with a high gas flow. The use of nitrogen as process gas shows a higher energy flux compared to oxygen and air presumably caused by increased gas temperature as well as by higher molecule formation and recombination energy of N2. Moreover, the lateral expansion of the plasma beam could be roughly determined by a spatially resolved analysis of the energy influx. A top part mounted on the nozzle, commonly used for the injection of additional precursor gases, showed a significant effect on the flow behavior and collision entailed relaxation of the excited plasma species leading to a restraining of the plasma jet. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Wireless Power Transmission via Sheet Medium Using Automatic Phase Adjustments of Multiple Inputs
Authors: Matsuda Takashi , Oota Toshifumi , Kado Youiti , Zhang Bing
Published: February 2014

Wireless power transmission via a sheet medium is a novel physical form of communication that utilizes a surface as a medium to provide both data and power transmission services. To efficiently transmit a relatively large amount of electric power (several watts), we have developed a wireless power transmission system via sheet medium that concentrates electric power on a specific spot by using phase control of multiple inputs. However, to find the optimal phases of the multiple inputs that let the microwave energy converge on a specific spot in the sheet medium, prior knowledge of the device's position and a preliminary experiment measuring the output power are needed. In the field of wireless communication, it is known that the retrodirective array scheme can efficiently transmit power in a self‐phasing manner, which uses pilot signals sent by client devices. In this paper, we apply the retrodirective array scheme to our wireless power transmission system via a sheet medium, and propose a power transmission scheme using the phase‐adjusted power transmission inputs. To confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, we evaluate its performance by computer simulation and real‐world measurement. Both results show that the proposed scheme can achieve retrodirectivity over wireless power transmission via a sheet medium.
KLRG1 activity is regulated by association with the transferrin receptor
Authors: Schweier Oliver , Hofmann Maike , Pircher Hanspeter
Published: February 2014

The killer cell lectin‐like receptor G1 (KLRG1) is a cadherin‐binding inhibitory receptor expressed by NK cells and differentiated T cells. Here, we surprisingly found that a fraction of KLRG1 molecules expressed in the murine A5 T‐cell line and in IL‐2‐activated NK cells forms disulfide‐linked heteromers with the transferrin receptor (TfR). Fluorescence microscopy additionally revealed substantial colocalization of KLRG1 and TfR in intracellular compartments and on the cell surface. TfR expression in resting lymphocytes is known to be low but it is strongly upregulated in proliferating cells. Intriguingly, our data further demonstrate that the inhibitory activity of KLRG1 is decreased in T cells expressing high levels of TfR, indicating that association of KLRG1 with TfR hinders KLRG1‐mediated silencing. This implies that proliferating TfRhigh KLRG1+ lymphocytes may respond strongly to activation signals even in the presence of KLRG1 ligands, whereas resting TfRlow cells may be efficiently silenced via KLRG1.
Activation of Nrf2 in keratinocytes causes chloracne (MADISH)‐like skin disease in mice
Authors: Schäfer Matthias , Willrodt Ann‐Helen , Kurinna Svitlana , Link Andrea S , Farwanah Hany , Geusau Alexandra , Gruber Florian , Sorg Olivier , Huebner Aaron J , Roop Dennis R , Sandhoff Konrad , Saurat Jean‐Hilaire , Tschachler Erwin , Schneider Marlon R , Langbein Lutz , Bloch Wilhelm , Beer Hans‐Dietmar , Werner Sabine
Published: February 2014

The transcription factor Nrf2 is a key regulator of the cellular stress response, and pharmacological Nrf2 activation is a promising strategy for skin protection and cancer prevention. We show here that prolonged Nrf2 activation in keratinocytes causes sebaceous gland enlargement and seborrhea in mice due to upregulation of the growth factor epigen, which we identified as a novel Nrf2 target. This was accompanied by thickening and hyperkeratosis of hair follicle infundibula. These abnormalities caused dilatation of infundibula, hair loss, and cyst development upon aging. Upregulation of epigen, secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (Slpi), and small proline‐rich protein 2d (Sprr2d) in hair follicles was identified as the likely cause of infundibular acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and cyst formation. These alterations were highly reminiscent to the phenotype of chloracne/“metabolizing acquired dioxin‐induced skin hamartomas” (MADISH) patients. Indeed, SLPI, SPRR2, and epigen were strongly expressed in cysts of MADISH patients and upregulated by dioxin in human keratinocytes in an NRF2‐dependent manner. These results identify novel Nrf2 activities in the pilosebaceous unit and point to a role of NRF2 in MADISH pathogenesis.
Influence of Mixing Technology and the Potential to Modify the Morphological Properties of Materials used in the Manufacture of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wenzel Valentin , Moeller Richard Sebastian , Nirschl Hermann
Published: February 2014

Lithium‐ion batteries are state‐of‐the‐art for the energy supply of small electronic devices as mobile computer and cellphones. However, for larger cell sizes with higher capacities, the energy density is still not sufficient for a commercial use such as in electromobility applications and stationary power storage solutions. Both materials aspects and the processing of the whole battery device is an important factor for the final performance. It is known that the material structure and the interaction between the components determine the electrical behavior of the battery. The formation of the structure and network takes place in mixing devices in which the process conditions must be investigated and studied through experimentation. This research is focused on the mixing behavior of an active material with carbon black and the structural modification during the slurry manufacturing process.
Approximate seismic risk assessment of building structures with explicit consideration of uncertainties
Authors: Kosič Mirko , Fajfar Peter , Dolšek Matjaž
Published: February 2014

An approximate seismic risk assessment procedure for building structures, which involves pushover analysis that is performed utilizing a deterministic structural model and uncertainty analysis at the level of the equivalent SDOF model, is introduced. Such an approach is computationally significantly less demanding in comparison with procedures based on uncertainty analysis at the level of the entire structure, but still allows for explicit consideration of the effect of record‐to‐record variability and modelling uncertainties. A new feature of the proposed pushover‐based method is the so‐called probabilistic SDOF model. Herein, the proposed methodology is illustrated only for reinforced concrete (RC) frames, although it could be implemented in the case of any building structure, provided that an appropriate probabilistic SDOF model is available. An extensive parametric analysis has been performed within the scope of this study in order to develop a probabilistic SDOF model, which could be used for the seismic risk assessment of both code‐conforming and old, that is, non code‐conforming RC frames. Based on the results of risk analysis for the four selected examples, it is shown that the proposed procedure can provide conservative estimates of seismic risk with reasonable accuracy, in spite of the employed simplifications and the relatively small number of Monte Carlo simulations with Latin hypercube sampling, which are performed at the level of the SDOF model. An indication of the possible default values of dispersion measures for limit‐state intensities in the case of low to medium‐height RC frames is also presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamically equivalent rocking structures
Authors: DeJong Matthew J. , Dimitrakopoulos Elias G.
Published: February 2014

Predicting the rocking response of structures to ground motion is important for assessment of existing structures, which may be vulnerable to uplift and overturning, as well as for designs which employ rocking as a means of seismic isolation. However, the majority of studies utilize a single rocking block to characterize rocking motion. In this paper, a methodology is proposed to derive equivalence between the single rocking block and various rocking mechanisms, yielding a set of fundamental rocking parameters. Specific structures that have exact dynamic equivalence with a single rocking block, are first reviewed. Subsequently, approximate equivalence between single and multiple block mechanisms is achieved through local linearization of the relevant equations of motion. The approximation error associated with linearization is quantified for three essential mechanisms, providing a measure of the confidence with which the proposed methodology can be applied. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive and quantitative study of rank‐4 order diffusion tensor imaging and positive definite rank‐4 order diffusion tensor imaging: A higher order tensor imaging study
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhang Pengfei
Published: February 2014

Rank‐4 order diffusion tensor imaging (DT4) has been shown to be able to capture complex local tissue structures, for example, crossing fibers, but it cannot ensure the positive‐definite property of diffusion. As a result, the positive‐definite rank‐4 order diffusion tensor imaging was presented to guarantee the positive‐definite property. However, a comprehensive comparison that concerns SNR of Rician noise, effect of the numbers of gradient directions and the ability of detecting IVOH between DT4 and PDT4 has never been performed. To overcome these limitations, a comprehensive comparison between the two methods is made. Results show that it can help to determine whether the applied noise is close to the clinical application by estimating corresponding SNRs. Compared with DT4, PDT4 can achieve better result in terms of fiber error, standard deviation (SD) of generalized trace (GT) and generalized anisotropy (GA). PDT4 can increase the values of GA and scaled entropy, especially in nonwhite matter areas. Thus this study comes to conclusions as follows. The relationship between SNR and SD of Rician noise should be considered. PDT4 can achieve higher accuracy and better stability, but the advantage will become unobvious with increasing of sample directions and SNR. PDT4 will detect fake IVOH in nonwhite matter areas. The works in this article can provide an optimized plan for making sampling scheme and choosing proper imaging methods.
Two level security for medical images using watermarking/encryption algorithms
Authors: Kannammal A. , Subha Rani S.
Published: February 2014

In this article, an attempt is made to provide two level securities for medical images using watermarking and encryption. Watermarking provides security and encryption, authenticates medical image and provides integrity. Watermarking is performed by using a new nontensor product wavelet filter banks, which have the ability to reveal singularities in different directions. Natural image is taken as the original image and the medical image is taken as a watermark image. The medical image is embedded into the LH sub band of the natural image. The encryption is performed by RSA, AES, and RC4 algorithms. A qualitative comparative analysis of the proposed algorithm is done for different encryption methods. The proposed algorithm has the ability to withstand different attacks like noise, rotation, contrast, and brightness attacks. Performance analysis is made by calculating PSNR, SSIM, NC, and CV.
Fourier‐transform surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (FT‐SERS) applied to the identification of natural dyes in textile fibers: an extractionless approach to the analysis
Authors: Zaffino Chiara , Bruni Silvia , Guglielmi Vittoria , De Luca Eleonora
Published: February 2014

In the present study, an application of a silver colloid substrate in order to obtain Fourier‐transform surface‐enhanced Raman (FT‐SER) spectra of natural historical dyes is presented. In detail, we collected a spectral database from solutions of pure dyes and then we carried out extractionless both hydrolysis and non‐hydrolysis FT‐SERS analyses on wool fibers previously dyed in our laboratory and on ancient textiles. The term ‘extractionless’ refers to a method of SERS analysis applied directlyon the fiber, thus avoiding the extraction of dyes from textile samples. The combination of a low‐energy source of radiation, as in the FT‐Raman technique, with SER spectroscopy can bring the important advantage of reducing the fluorescence typical of ancient samples and organic dyes. In some historical textile samples, for which SER spectra by use of visible excitation could not be obtained, the FT‐SER spectrum of an iron‐gall dye was recorded without hydrolysis, while, with an HF hydrolysis pre‐treatment on ancient fibers, madder, lac dye and brazilwood were clearly recognized. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methylation status of retinoic acid receptor beta2 promoter and global DNA in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Ruei‐Nian , Yu Fang‐Jung , Wu Chun‐Chieh , Chen Yu‐Kuei , Yu Chun‐Chieh , Chou Shah‐Hwa , Lee Jui‐Ying , Cheng Yu‐Jen , Wu Ming‐Tsang , Wu I‐Chen
Published: February 2014

Background

Focal hypermethylation in promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes against the background of global hypomethylation is a landmark of carcinogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the methylation status of retinoic acid receptor beta2 (RARβ2) and long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE‐1) in different stages of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Method

The tumor and adjacent normal esophageal tissues from 125 male ESCC patients who underwent primary surgery were analyzed for the methylation status of RARβ2 promoter and LINE‐1 through methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing.

Results

RARβ2 hypermethylation was detected in 20% of the tumor samples, but not in the normal counterparts. The methylation frequency of LINE‐1 was significantly lower in the tumor than in the normal parts (median: 67.7% vs. 80%, P < 0.0005). Ninety‐eight patients (78.4%) had both RARβ2 hypermethylation and LINE‐1 hypomethylation or either one. There was a trend toward higher risk of advanced T stage (P for trend = 0.05) or lymph node metastasis (P for trend = 0.02) when more adverse gene methylation profiles were present.

Conclusion

Methylation status of RARβ2 and LINE‐1 was related to the development and possibly the severity of ESCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:623–627. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment strategy of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
Authors: Liu Heli , Yan Zhongshu , Liao Guoqing , Yin Hongling
Published: February 2014

Background

Rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare entity. A retrospective analysis of outcomes from a single institution to identify treatment strategies associated with improved outcomes.

Methods

Records of patients with GIST of the rectum were retrospectively reviewed. Patient and tumor characteristics, treatment details, and outcome were evaluated.

Results

Compared with the trans‐abdominal approach group, the local excision group patients had smaller size and lower location tumors (P < 0.05). Positive resection margin was an important hazard factor for DFS (OR, 7.63; P = 0.015). Among the patients with the tumor size >5 cm, those with preoperative Imatinib therapy had higher rate of a negative resection margin than those without (100% vs. 20%, P = 0.048). Among the patients with intermediate and high‐risk tumors, those who received peri‐operative Imatinib therapy had longer DFS compared with those without (61.3 ± 6.1 months vs. 20.2 ± 4.4 months, P = 0.030).

Conclusions

The location of rectal GIST impacts the choice of resection type. Most patients with tumors within 5 cm of the anal verge can be treated with local excision. Positive resection margin is the independent hazard factor for poorer survival. Peri‐operative Imatinib therapy is associated with a prolonged DFS in patients with intermediate and high‐risk tumors. J. Surg. Oncol 2014; 109:708–713. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.