bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐Time GPS Network Monitors Bayou Corne Sinkhole Event
Authors: Kent Joshua D. , Dunaway Larry
Published: October 2013

In August 2012 a sinkhole developed in the swampy marshland near the rural community of Bayou Corne in Assumption Parish (i.e., county), Louisiana. The area was evacuated, and some residents have still not been able to return. The sinkhole—which now measures about 450 meters wide and is continuing to grow—is being monitored by multiple systems, including four rapid‐response GPS continuously operating reference stations (CORS) called CORS911. The real‐time data provided by this system are used by scientists and decision makers to help ensure public safety.
Finance Leaders Link Climate Change to Economic Development
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2013

“If we don't tackle climate change, with the kinds of disasters that are lurking in our future, a single event could reverse years of development success in individual countries,” World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim said at a 9 October forum at the start of the bank's 2013 annual meeting in Washington, D. C. The current annual cost of responding to natural disasters is about U.S. $6 billion, and that projection suggests that the cost could increase to up to $1 trillion a year by the year 2050, Kim said.
Magnetospheric sawtooth events during the solar cycle 23
Authors: Cai X. , Clauer C. R.
Published: October 2013

The Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere have a variety of responses to different solar activities. As a result, there are several types of magnetosphere response modes; one of which is termed sawtooth injection events. Currently, it is still unclear whether sawtooth events occurrence has a solar cycle dependence. Partially, this is due to a lack of an event list which covers a full solar cycle. In this research, we have extended our original event list to cover the solar cycle 23, which now includes 126 events from 1996 to 2007. Sawtooth events have been grouped into three categories based on their solar wind drivers: interplanetary coronal mass ejections, stream interaction regions, and others. Then we examine in detail whether sawtooth events occurrence has dependencies on solar cycle and season. We also test a hypothesis that sawtooth events occurrence is related to a threshold of total eroded magnetic flux at the magnetopause regardless of solar wind structures. This paper suggests understanding sawtooth events and other convection modes from solar wind magnetic flux or energy aspect rather than from structure aspect, which is an important idea to understand the complicated magnetosphere dynamics.
Newcastle Disease Virus‐Like Particles: Preparation, Purification, Quantification, and Incorporation of Foreign Glycoproteins
Authors: McGinnes Lori W. , Morrison Trudy G.
Published: October 2013

Virus‐like particles (VLPs) are large particles, the size of viruses, composed of repeating structures that mimic those of infectious virus. Since their structures are similar to that of viruses, they have been used to study the mechanisms of virus assembly. They are also in development for delivery of molecules to cells and in studies of the immunogenicity of particle‐associated antigens. However, they have been most widely used for development of vaccines and vaccine candidates. VLPs can form upon the expression of the structural proteins of many different viruses. This chapter describes the generation and purification of VLPs formed with the structural proteins, M, NP, F, and HN proteins, of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Newcastle disease virus‐like particles (ND VLPs) have also been developed as a platform for assembly into VLPs of glycoproteins from other viruses. This chapter describes the methods for this use of ND VLPs. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 30:18.2.1‐18.2.21. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Decentralized output feedback controller design for nonlinear interconnected systems with unknown control direction and time‐varying delays
Authors: Hua Changchun , Zhang Liuliu , Guan Xinping
Published: October 2013

The decentralized output feedback control problem is considered for a class of large‐scale systems with unknown time‐varying delays. The uncertain interconnections are bounded by general nonlinear functions with unknown coefficients. The control direction parameters are unknown for each subsystem, which brings a challenging issue for decentralized controller design. To deal with this problem, we propose a new decentralized control scheme with the help of Nussbaum function. The decentralized filter is designed at first. By constructing Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, we design the dynamic output feedback controller. It is rigorously proved that the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable. Finally, the simulation is performed, and the results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive reconfigurable control of systems with time‐varying delay against unknown actuator faults
Authors: Yang Feisheng , Zhang Huaguang , Jiang Bin , Liu Xiaodong
Published: October 2013

This work is concerned with the problem of delay‐dependent adaptive fault‐tolerant controller design against unknown actuator faults for linear continuous systems with time‐varying delay. Based on the online estimation of possible faults by discontinuous adaptation law, identification parameters of the adaptive state feedback controller are updated autonomously to compensate the fault effects on the delayed system. For the first time, a convex combination idea and a projection‐type adaptive approach are combined organically to derive the main results. A set of new delay‐dependent reconfigurable stabilization criteria, which guarantee the stability of closed‐loop systems in both fault‐free and faulty cases, is established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Two numerical instances for linear delayed systems and the linearized model for the lateral motion of Boeing 747 are respectively simulated to illustrate the superiority and the effectiveness of the presented adaptive delay‐dependent results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Multi‐synergistic Platform for Sequential Irradiation‐Activated High‐Performance Apoptotic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chen Zhaowei , Li Zhenhua , Wang Jiasi , Ju Enguo , Zhou Li , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: October 2013

Artificial hyperthermia is an emerging technique to induce apoptotic cancer cell death. However, achieving effective hyperthermic apoptosis is often difficult, as cells typically acquire resistance to thermal stress. With the aid of sequential irradiation, highly integrated nanoassemblies based on reduced graphene oxide–ZnO nanoparticles–hyaluronic acid (rGo‐ZnO‐HA) can serve as a multi‐synergistic platform for targeted high‐performance apoptotic cancer therapy. The surface engineering of ZnO/graphene hybrid with multifunctional HA biomacromolecules simultaneously confers the system colloidal stability, biocompatibility, and a cancer cell targeting ability. After receptor‐mediated endocytosis, enzyme‐mediated fluorescence activation helps track cellular uptake and provides truly molecular imaging. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by ZnO/rGo under light illumination can effectively sensitize cancer cells to the subsequent NIR laser‐induced apoptotic hyperthermia. In particular, photo modulation of cellular ROS to sensitize cells provides a novel approach to increase the efficacy of hyperthermic apoptosis. These findings suggest that a powerful apoptotic therapeutic platform could be achieved based on the multi‐synergistic platform.
Enhancement of VOC without Loss of JSC in Organic Solar Cells by Modification of Donor/Acceptor Interfaces
Authors: Zhong Yufei , Tada Akira , Izawa Seiichiro , Hashimoto Kazuhito , Tajima Keisuke
Published: October 2013

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are promising low‐cost devices for generating electricity. In addition to fill factor, the short circuit current density (JSC) and the open circuit voltage (VOC) are two key factors that have critical influence on the device performance. The energy levels of the donor and acceptor materials are crucial for achieving a high JSC and VOC. However, the interfacial structures between the organic materials substantially affect the JSC and VOC through the energy of the charge transfer (CT) states and the charge separation and recombination reaction kinetics. Here, it is reported that separating the donor and acceptor layer in bilayer OSCs with a thin insulating layer increases the energy of the CT state by weakening the Coulomb interaction at the interface and this also suppresses photoinduced CT and recombination. Although these effects usually increase VOC and decrease JSC, the trade‐off is avoided by doping the insulating layer with a dye to utilize the energy transfer process. The increase in VOC without the reduction in JSC enhances the conversion efficiency of the OSCs by 30%.
Identification of human cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the hepatic and intestinal biotransformation of 20(S)‐protopanaxadiol
Authors: Chiu Nga Ting Colette , Guns Emma S. Tomlinson , Adomat Hans , Jia William , Deb Subrata
Published: October 2013

20(S)‐Protopanaxadiol (aPPD), a ginseng sapogenin, has been shown to be a promising anti‐cancer compound and anti‐depressant agent. Although the bacterial biotransformation of ginsenosides has been studied thoroughly, few have reported on the cytochrome P450 (P450) mediated metabolism of aPPD. Taken orally, aPPD must first undergo absorption and metabolism in the intestine before further metabolism in the liver. The present study investigated the comparative biotransformation profile of aPPD in human intestinal microsomes (HIM) and human liver microsomes (HLM) and characterized the human P450 enzymes involved in aPPD metabolism. Three major monooxygenated metabolites and five minor dioxygenated metabolites were identified as the predominant products in aPPD incubations with HIM and HLM using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Reaction phenotyping studies were performed with a panel of specific P450 chemical inhibitors, antibody inhibition and human recombinant P450 enzymes. Ketoconazole, a CYP3A inhibitor, blocked the formation of oxygenated metabolites of aPPD in both HIM and HLM in a concentration dependent manner. Among the human recombinant P450 enzymes assayed, CYP3A4 exhibited the highest activity towards aPPD oxidative metabolite formation, followed by CYP3A5. In summary, the results have shown that aPPD is extensively metabolized by HIM and the metabolite profile following in vitro incubations is similar in HIM and HLM. CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 isoforms are the predominant enzymes responsible for oxygenation of aPPD in HIM and HLM. The characterization of aPPD as a CYP3A substrate may facilitate better prediction of drug–herb interactions when aPPD is taken concomitantly with other therapeutic agents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concerted Electron/Proton Transfer Mechanism in the Oxidation of Phenols by Laccase
Authors: Galli Carlo , Madzak Catherine , Vadalà Raffaella , Jolivalt Claude , Gentili Patrizia
Published: October 2013

This study aimed to assess structural requirements in the enzyme/substrate interactions that are responsible for tuning the enzymatic reactivity. To better assess the role of the aspartic residue in the substrate‐binding pocket of basidiomycete‐type laccases, we compared the catalytic efficiency of wild‐type enzymes to that of a mutant in which carboxylic acid residue Asp206 was changed to alanine. Oxidation efficiency towards phenolic substrates by laccases of Trametes villosa, Trametes versicolor and a T. versicolor D206A mutant was studied at two pH values. By the Hammett approach and Marcus analysis, we obtained unambiguous evidence that the oxidation takes place by a concerted electron/proton transfer (EPT) mechanism, and that at pH 5 (optimum pH for enzyme activity) the phenolic proton is transferred to Asp206 during the concerted electron/proton transfer process.
HCVAD plus imatinib or dasatinib in lymphoid blastic phase chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Strati Paolo , Kantarjian Hagop , Thomas Deborah , O'Brien Susan , Konoplev Sergej , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Luthra Raja , Abruzzo Lynne , Jabbour Elias , Quintas‐Cardama Alfonso , Borthakur Gautam , Faderl Stefan , Ravandi Farhad , Cortes Jorge
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may progress to blast phase (BP) at the rate of 1% to 1.5% per year. With the use of single‐agent tyrosine kinase inhibitors, median overall survival ranges between 7 and 11 months.

METHODS

The outcome was analyzed for 42 patients with lymphoid BP‐CML who were treated with hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, Adriamycin, dexamethasone (HCVAD) plus imatinib or dasatinib.

RESULTS

Complete hematological response was achieved in 90% of patients, complete cytogenetic remission in 58%, and complete molecular remission in 25%. Flow cytometry minimal residual disease negativity was achieved by 42% of evaluable patients after induction. Eighteen patients received allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) while in first complete hematological response. Median remission duration was 14 months and was longer among SCT recipients (P = .01) on multivariate analysis. Median overall survival was 17 months (range, 7‐27 months) and was longer among SCT recipients (P < .001) and patients treated with dasatinib (P = .07) on multivariate analysis. Although a high rate of hematologic toxicity (100%) and infectious complications (59%) were observed, the related rate of treatment discontinuation was low (7% and 9%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

HCVAD combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is an effective regimen for the management of BP‐CML, particularly when followed by allogeneic SCT. Cancer 2014;120:373–380 © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Wireless sensor networks with joint network–channel code optimization
Authors: Alaoui Nabih , Meghdadi Vahid , Cances Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2013

Optimization of large sensor network architecture in order to improve the overall system performance at the end processing station is an important challenge. Many architectures have been designed to optimize the bit error rate. Conventionally, this optimization is performed by inserting relays between sensors and destination. These relays insert redundant information by mixing the incoming streams from sensor nodes hence creating parity check information which is very useful to help decode the transmit information from sensors. The goal is to combine network and channel coding to match network on graph to code on graph, and this is called adaptive network coded cooperation. Compared with the previous works in the field, we propose a new transmit protocol based on the use of beamforming technique, which is very efficient in terms of throughput and is fully compatible with the physical network coding (PNC) principles. Furthermore, we propose a distributed coding scheme where the relay, the destination, and the sensors are all equipped with repeat accumulate (RA) channel code structures. The relay has a special RA structure to suit the need of the PNC multiple‐access channel. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dinuclear Species versus Zigzag or Helical Polymers in Palladium, Zinc, and Copper Complexes with Ditopic Bis(pyrazolyl)methane Ligands
Authors: Durá Gema , Carrión M. Carmen , Jalón Félix A. , Manzano Blanca R. , Rodríguez Ana M.
Published: October 2013

Two new all‐nitrogen donor ditopic ligands, namely, p‐bis[bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)methyl]biphenyl (L3) and p‐bis[bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)methyl]biphenyl (L4), have been synthesized. Their coordination chemistry, along with that of the previously described ligands p‐bis[bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene (L1) and p‐bis[bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene (L2), has been explored with different metallic fragments. The reactions of L1–L4 with PdCl2(PhCN)2, Pd(OAc)2 and Zn(NO3)2 led to the formation of dinuclear species with anti orientation of the metallic fragments and bis(bidentate) chelation of the coordinated ligands. The reactions of L1 or L3 with Cu(OAc)2 produced zigzag polymers with Cu2(OAc)4 paddle‐wheel units alternating with ligands that coordinate through one pyrazolyl ring at each end. The reaction between L3 and [Cu(CH3CN)4][BF4] leads to a helical racemic coordination polymer. The presence of methyl groups on the pyrazolyl rings and the geometry of the metal centres influence the parameters of the metallacycles formed by chelate coordination of the ligands. The discrete molecules and the polymers organize to give three‐dimensional structures through different noncovalent interactions including hydrogen bonding, CH–π, anion–π and π–π interactions that are influenced by the presence or absence of methyl groups on the pyrazolyl rings.
Chiral capillary electromigration techniques—mass spectrometry—hope and promise
Authors: Wuethrich Alain , Haddad Paul R. , Quirino Joselito P.
Published: October 2013

Analytical methods for chiral compounds require a separation step prior to mass spectrometric detection. CE can separate enantiomers by the use of a chiral selector and can be hyphenated with MS. The chiral selector can be either embedded inside the capillary (electrochromatography) or added into the background solution (EKC). This review describes the fundamentals and highlights the recent developments (September 2009–May 2013) of chiral CEC and EKC with detection using MS. There were 20 research and more than 30 review papers during this period. The research efforts were driven by fundamental studies, such as the development of novel chiral selectors in electrochromatography and of advanced partial filling techniques in EKC in order to optimise separation. Other developments were in application studies, such as in food analytics and metabolomics.
Tracking leakage from a natural CO2 reservoir (Montmiral, France) through the chemistry and isotope signatures of shallow groundwater
Authors: Lions Julie , Humez Pauline , Pauwels Hélène , Kloppmann Wolfram , Czernichowski‐Lauriol Isabelle
Published: October 2013

Natural accumulations and releases of CO2 provide the opportunity to study the CO2 trapping and migration mechanisms, the potential impacts of CO2 leaks, and the monitoring tools to assess the impacts of geological storage of anthropogenic CO2. Previous studies on the deep CO2 reservoir of Montmiral (France), focusing on soil gases, groundwater, as well as deep fluids, did not detect any signs of leaks and despite high CO2 fluxes suspiciously high δ13C values have not been stated. In order to further investigate whether some CO2 has leaked from the reservoir toward the surface, we focus here on the major and trace element geochemistry of the shallow aquifers overlying the reservoir with a special focus on the carbonate system, using isotope tracers potentially sensitive to leaks (δ13C of DIC, 87Sr/86Sr and stable isotopes of water). A forward modeling of the potential evolution of groundwater in case of leaks was performed, combining equilibrium calculations of the carbonate system and an ad hoc carbon isotope model. Most observed δ13C values are compatible with modeled carbonate dissolution under open or closed conditions with respect to CO2. A 13C‐enriched subset of samples shows clear signs of incongruent dissolution of Mg‐Sr‐calcite or dolomite, corroborated by 87Sr/86Sr ratios, so that mixing with isotopically heavy deep CO2 is not required to explain the observed chemical and isotope data. The absence of any sign of CO2 leakage into shallow groundwater would support the fact that the reservoir and caprock have been trapping the CO2 efficiently over millions of years.
Trajectories of quality of life in early‐stage dementia: individual variations and predictors of change
Authors: Clare Linda , Woods Robert T. , Nelis Sharon M. , Martyr Anthony , Marková Ivana S. , Roth Ilona , Whitaker Christopher J. , Morris Robin G.
Published: October 2013

Background

Little evidence is available about how quality of life (QoL) changes as dementia progresses.

Objectives

We explored QoL trajectories over a 20‐month period and examined what predicted change in QoL.

Method

Fifty‐one individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, vascular or mixed dementia (people with dementia (PwD)) participating in the Memory Impairment and Dementia Awareness Study rated their QoL using the QoL‐Alzheimer's Disease Scale at baseline and at 20‐month follow‐up. PwD also rated their mood and quality of relationship with the carer. In each case, the carer rated his or her level of stress and perceived quality of relationship with the PwD.

Results

There was no change in mean QoL score. Nearly one‐third of PwD rated QoL more positively at 20‐month follow‐up and nearly one‐third rated QoL more negatively. These changes could be regarded as reliable in one‐quarter of the sample. Participants taking acetylcholinesterase‐inhibiting medication at baseline were more likely to show a decline in QoL score. There were no other significant differences between those whose scores increased, decreased or stayed the same on any demographic or disease‐related variables, or in mood or perceived quality of relationship with the carer. Whereas baseline QoL score was the strongest predictor of QoL at 20 months, the quality of relationship with the carer as perceived by the PwD was also independently a significant predictor.

Conclusions

There is a degree of individual variation in QoL trajectories. Use of acetylcholinesterase‐inhibiting medication appears linked to decline in QoL score, whereas positive relationships with carers play an important role in maintaining QoL in early‐stage dementia. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Insecticidal Activity of (Z)‐Nitenpyram Derivatives with Optical Activity
Authors: Wu Ying , Sun Chuan‐Wen , Zhang Wang‐Geng , Wang Jing , Chen Yan‐Xia
Published: October 2013

Fourteen novel nitenpyram derivatives (Z)‐4‐substituted‐3‐acetyl‐6‐methylamino −6‐[N‐(6‐chloro‐3‐pyridinylmethyl)‐N‐ethyl]amino‐5‐nitno‐2‐oxa‐5‐hexene 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4n were synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. The stereostructure of 4h was determined by the single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The preliminary bioassay tests showed that most of the title compounds exhibited good insecticide activities against Nilaparvata lugens as well as Aphis medicaginis at 500 mg/L, whereas compound 4h afforded the best activity, with 100% mortality against A. medicaginis at 100 mg/L.
Advanced glycation end products in degenerative nucleus pulposus with diabetes
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Ting , Ho Natalie Yi‐Ju , Lin Ying‐Ting , Lai Po‐Liang , Fu Tsai‐Sheng , Niu Chi‐Chien , Chen Lih‐Huei , Chen Wen‐Jer , Pang Jong‐Hwei S.
Published: October 2013

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been clinically proved as a risk factor of disc degeneration, and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is known to be potentially involved in diabetes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of AGEs in the degeneration process of diabetic nucleus pulposus (NP) in rats and humans. Diabetic NP cells from rat coccygeal discs were treated with different concentrations of AGEs (0, 50, and 100 µg/ml) for 3 days, and mRNA expressions of MMP‐2 and RAGE were measured by real‐time RT‐PCR. In addition, conditioned medium from NP cells was used to analyze protein expression of MMP‐2 activity and ERK by gelatin zymography and Western blot. These experiments were repeated using human intervertebral disc samples. The immunohistochemical expression of AGEs was significantly increased in diabetic discs. In response to AGEs, an increase of MMP‐2, RAGE, and ERK at both mRNA and protein expression levels was observed in diabetic NP cells. The findings suggest that AGEs and DM are associated with disc degeneration in both species. Hyperglycemia in diabetes enhances the accumulation of AGEs in the NP and triggers disc degeneration. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:238–244, 2014.
Electrophoretic Deposition Polymerization of Diacetylenes with Tunable Structure
Authors: Huo Jing Pei , Deng Guo Hua , Wu Wei , Xiong Jin Feng , Zhong Ming Li , Wang Zhao Yang
Published: October 2013

Serial novel chiral polydiacetylenes (PDAs) are efficiently prepared at room temperature by the controllable electrophoretic deposition of diacetylenes with tunable structure as designed from easily available starting materials. The colorimetrically reversible properties of PDAs in the range between 25 and 85 °C are influenced by the different amino acid moiety in the PDAs as anticipated. The PDA containing aromatic ring is much better for the colorimetrically reversible properties, while irreversible thermochromism is displayed for the PDA with the structure of the longer methylene units in the main chain of amino acid moiety.

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Effect of dendrimer‐like PAMAM grafted attapulgite on the microstructure and morphology of Nylon‐6
Authors: Xia Lei , Shentu Baoqing , Weng Zhixue
Published: October 2013

The effect of dendrimer‐like polyamidoamine grafted attapulgite (ATP‐PAMAM) on the microstructure and morphology of Nylon‐6 (PA6) was investigated. The ATP‐PAMAM nanoparticles were prepared by treating attapulgite (ATP) with heat and acid followed by grafting with polyamidoamine (PAMAM) molecules, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dispersion state in formic acid. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis result indicated that the grafting modification was occurred on the surface of fibrous crystals and did not shift the crystal structure of ATP. PA6/ATP‐PAMAM (G2.0) nanocomposites with different modified ATP content were prepared by melt compounding in a twin screw extruder. XRD measurements suggested that the intensity of diffraction peak of α crystalline form of PA6 decreased gradually as the inclusion of ATP‐PAMAM(G2.0) into the PA6 matrix, while that of γ crystalline form increased gradually. The results of molau experiment and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed not only a uniform dispersion of ATP‐PAMAM(G2.0) in the PA6 matrix but also a strong interfacial adhesion between them. Mechanical investigation (by tensile test) showed an obvious improvement in the presence of surface modified ATP. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:627–635, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Porphyrin migration and aggregation in a poly(methylmethacrylate) matrix
Authors: Kalachyova Y. , Lyutakov O. , Prajzler V. , Tuma J. , Siegel J. , Švorčík V.
Published: October 2013

The aging of thin polymer films is interesting for the development of nonlinear optical media. In this study, the optical properties of porphyrin‐doped poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) films are investigated before and after annealing. Both absorption and luminescence spectroscopies were used to characterize the changes that occurred during the thermal treatment. The surface and bulk characteristics of the doped films were also measured using atomic force microscopy, X‐ray‐induced photoelectron spectra, and DSC. We found that the aging of the thin polymer films led the porphyrin molecules to diffuse in the direction of the polymer surface. This led to the random formation of porphyrin aggregates on the surface, followed by absorption band shift and little luminescence quenching. These results suggest that porphyrin‐doped PMMA films could be used as long‐term stable active optical materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:665–670, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
In Vivo Volumetric Photoacoustic Molecular Angiography and Therapeutic Monitoring with Targeted Plasmonic Nanostars
Authors: Nie Liming , Wang Shouju , Wang Xiaoyong , Rong Pengfei , Ma Ying , Liu Gang , Huang Peng , Lu Guangming , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: October 2013

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging promises deeper tissue penetration while maintaining rich optical contrast as compared to other high resolution optical imaging techniques. In this report, a near‐infrared pulse laser serves as the excitation source, and 128 ultrasonic transducers are spirally distributed on a hemispherical surface to receive PA signals for three‐dimensional (3D) image reconstruction. With these attributes, the unique modality produces an isotropic and homogeneous spatial resolution (∼200 μm) with penetration depth of centimeters. Cyclic Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) peptides conjugated plasmonic gold nanostars (RGD‐GNS) are designed to specifically target over‐expressed integrin αvβ3 on tumor neovasculature, enabling highly sensitive angiography and photothermal therapy (PTT). After the administration of RGD‐GNS, tumor angiogenesis is clearly imaged with enhanced contrast, and the growth of tumor is effectively inhibited by PTT after laser irradiation. This study suggest that the PA angiography with plasmonic RGD‐GNS can be applied as a triple functional platform for tumor diagnosis, PTT, and treatment monitoring. This PA technique offers deeper imaging depth with homogeneous resolution over existing optical imaging techniques for early diagnosis of tumor angiogenesis as well as on‐the‐spot nanotherapeutic evaluation.
Carotenoid supplementation enhances reproductive success in captive strawberry poison frogs (Oophaga pumilio)
Authors: Dugas Matthew B. , Yeager Justin , Richards‐Zawacki Corinne L.
Published: October 2013

Amphibians are currently experiencing the most severe declines in biodiversity of any vertebrate, and their requirements for successful reproduction are poorly understood. Here, we show that supplementing the diet of prey items (fruit flies) with carotenoids has strong positive effects on the reproduction of captive strawberry poison frogs (Oophaga pumilio), substantially increasing the number of metamorphs produced by pairs. This improved reproduction most likely arose via increases in the quality of both the fertilized eggs from which tadpoles develop and trophic eggs that are fed to tadpoles by mothers. Frogs in this colony had previously been diagnosed with a Vitamin A deficiency, and this supplementation may have resolved this issue. These results support growing evidence of the importance of carotenoids in vertebrate reproduction and highlight the nuanced ways in which nutrition constrains captive populations. Zoo Biol. 32:655–658, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Black branes in flux compactifications
Authors: Torroba Gonzalo , Wang Huajia
Published: October 2013

Abstract

We construct charged black branes in type IIA flux compactifications that are dual to (2 + 1)-dimensional field theories at finite density. The internal space is a general Calabi-Yau manifold with fluxes, with internal dimensions much smaller than the AdS radius. Gauge fields descend from the 3-form RR potential evaluated on harmonic forms of the Calabi-Yau, and Kaluza-Klein modes decouple. Black branes are described by a four-dimensional effective field theory that includes only a few light fields and is valid over a parametrically large range of scales. This effective theory determines the low energy dynamics, stability and thermodynamic properties. Tools from flux compactifications are also used to construct holographic CFTs with no relevant scalar operators, that can lead to symmetric phases of condensed matter systems stable to very low temperatures. The general formalism is illustrated with simple examples such as toroidal compactifications and manifolds with a single size modulus. We initiate the classification of holographic phases of matter described by flux compactifications, which include generalized Reissner-Nordstrom branes, nonsupersymmetric$ Ad{S_2}\times {{\mathbb{R}}^2} $and hyperscaling violating solutions.
Patterns of Structural Recurrence in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Kruijff Schelto , Petersen Japke F. , Chen Paul , Aniss Ahmed M. , Clifton‐Bligh Roderick J. , Sidhu Stan B. , Delbridge Leigh W. , Gill Anthony J. , Learoyd Diana , Sywak Mark S.
Published: October 2013

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is uncommonly associated with tumor‐related mortality, although local recurrence can be a frequent and difficult problem. This study was conducted to clarify the pattern of structural locoregional recurrence in PTC.

Material and method

A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing surgical intervention for PTC was undertaken. Data were collected from a comprehensive thyroid cancer database maintained within a single tertiary referral center. The primary outcome measure was cancer recurrence requiring surgical intervention. Secondary outcome measures were site of recurrence, time to recurrence, and risk factors for recurrence.

Results

In the period 1980–2013, 1,183 patients with PTC were included in the study. The overall rate of structural recurrence requiring reoperative surgery was 7.9 %. The median time to reoperation was 31 months. Younger age, male gender, large primary tumor diameter, and number of positive lymph nodes at initial presentation were all significantly associated with disease recurrence. The lateral compartments (levels I, II, III, IV, V) were involved almost twice as frequently as the central compartment (level VI) (67 vs 32 %, P < 0.01). The distribution of recurrences was level I (1 %), level II (12 %), level III (18 %), level IV (18 %), level V (17 %), level VI (32 %), level VII (2 %).

Conclusions

In a center with a liberal approach to central compartment lymph node dissection for PTC, the lateral neck compartment is the most common site of structural recurrence requiring reoperative surgery.
Lipid raft‐regulated IGF‐1R activation antagonizes TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Xu Ling , Qu Xiujuan , Hu Xuejun , Zhu Zhitu , Li Ce , Li Enze , Ma Yanju , Song Na , Liu Yunpeng
Published: October 2013

Gastric cancer cells are resistant to tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) and the resistance mechanism is not fully understood. In human gastric cancer MGC803 and BGC823 cells, TRAIL induces insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) pathway activation. Treatment with IGF‐1R inhibitor OSI‐906 or small interfering RNAs against IGF‐1R, prevents IGF‐1R pathway activation and increases TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. The TRAIL‐induced IGF‐1R pathway activation is promoted by IGF‐1R translocation into lipid rafts. Moreover, the translocation of IGF‐1R into lipid rafts is regulated by Casitas B‐lineage lymphoma b (Cbl‐b). Taken together, TRAIL‐induced IGF‐1R activation antagonizes TRAIL‐induced apoptosis by Cbl‐b‐regulated distribution of IGF‐1R in lipid rafts.
Liquid–solid impacts with compressible gas cushioning
Authors: Hicks Peter D. , Purvis Richard
Published: October 2013

The role played by gas compressibility in gas-cushioned liquid–solid impacts is investigated within a viscous gas and inviscid liquid regime. A full analysis of the energy conservation in the gas is conducted for the first time, which indicates that both thermal diffusion across the gas film and viscous dissipation play an important role in gas cushioning once gas compression becomes significant. Consequently existing models of gas compressibility based on either an isothermal or an adiabatic equation of state for the gas do not fully reflect the physics associated with this phenomenon. Models incorporating thermal diffusion and viscous dissipation are presented, which are appropriate for length scales consistent with droplet impacts, and for larger scale liquid–solid impacts. The evolution of the free surface is calculated alongside the corresponding pressure, temperature and density profiles. These profiles indicate that a pocket of gas can become trapped during an impact. Differences between the new model and older models based on isothermal and adiabatic equations of state are discussed, along with predictions of the size of the trapped gas pocket.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE DECLINE IN MATERNAL MORTALITY IN INDIA? EVIDENCE FROM TIME SERIES AND CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSES
Authors: GOLI SRINIVAS , JALEEL ABDUL C. P.
Published: October 2013

Studies on the causes of maternal mortality in India have focused on institutional deliveries, and the association of socioeconomic and demographic factors with the decline in maternal mortality has not been sufficiently investigated. By using both time series and cross-sectional data, this paper examines the factors associated with the decline in maternal mortality in India. Relative effects estimated by OLS regression analysis reveal that per capita state net domestic product (−1.49611, p<0.05), poverty ratio (0.02426, p<0.05), female literacy rate (−0.05905, p<0.10), infant mortality rate and total fertility rate (0.11755, p<0.05) show statistically significant association with the decline in the maternal mortality ratio in India. The Barro-regression estimate reveals that improvements in economic and demographic conditions such as growth in state income (β=0.35020, p<0.05) and reduction in poverty (β=0.01867, p<0.01) and fertility (β=0.02598, p<0.05) have a greater association with the decline in the maternal mortality ratio in India than institutional deliveries (β=0.00305). The negative β-coefficient (β=−0.69578, p<0.05), showing the effect of the initial maternal mortality ratio on change in maternal mortality ratio in the Barro-regression model, indicates a greater decline in maternal mortality ratio in laggard states compared with advanced states. Overall, comparing the estimates of relative effects, the socioeconomic and demographic factors have a stronger statistically significant association with the maternal mortality ratio than institutional deliveries. Interestingly, the weak association between ‘increase in institutional deliveries' and ‘decline in maternal mortality ratio’ suggests that merely increasing deliveries alone will not help in ensuring maternal survival in India. Quality of services provided by the health facility, birth preparedness and avoiding delay in reaching health facility are also important. Deliveries in health facilities will not necessarily translate into increased survival chances of mothers unless women receive full antenatal care services and delays in reaching health facility are avoided.
Finding the most effective cerumenolytic
Authors: Saxby C , Williams R , Hickey S
Published: October 2013

Aim:

To conduct anin-vitrostudy to determine the most effective topical cerumenolytic.

Method:

Cerumen was collected from patients who attended the ENT out-patient clinic. The collected cerumen was formed into a homogeneous ball. Discs of wax were punched out and weighed to create samples of uniform shape and size. Each cerumen sample was placed in a tube which contained one of six test solutions. The tubes were observed at specific time points. Digital photographs were taken to record the degree of cerumen disintegration. The cerumen discs were then removed from the solutions, dried and re-weighed.

Results:

Distilled water caused the greatest reduction in the mass of the cerumen disc. Cerumen placed in distilled water and in sodium bicarbonate solution showed substantial disintegration at 12 hours. Cerumen placed in solutions containing oil-based agents showed no visible sign of disintegration and no reduction in dried weight.

Conclusion:

Distilled water resulted in the greatest degree of cerumenolysis. Oil-based cerumenolytics were ineffective.
Human T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and disease
Authors: Ma Cindy S , Deenick Elissa K
Published: October 2013

The generation of protective antibodies by B cells following natural infection or vaccination requires ‘help’ from CD4+ T cells. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are the specialized CD4+ T cell subset that has evolved the appropriate mechanisms to induce the activation and differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin (Ig) secreting cells. As such, appropriate control of Tfh cell generation and function is essential to human health as overactivation is likely to result in autoimmunity, whereas underactivation is often associated with immunodeficiency. Furthermore, an understanding of the regulation of these cells may be invaluable to improved vaccine development strategies. Traditionally Tfh cells have been identified by their anatomical location in secondary lymphoid tissues, which has hindered the study of these cells in humans as access to these tissues is often not feasible. However, recent studies have identified the circulating counterparts to tissue Tfh cells and with this has come a wealth of knowledge gained from the study of these cells in human disease. Here we review some of the recent developments on the role of human Tfh cells in health and disease.
The fate of CD4+ T cells under tolerance‐inducing stimulation: a modeling perspective
Authors: Caridade Marta , Oliveira Vanessa G , Agua‐Doce Ana , Graca Luis , Ribeiro Ruy M
Published: October 2013

Non‐depleting anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) induce long‐term dominant tolerance mediated by regulatory T cells in several animal models of transplantation, allergy and autoimmunity. However, despite many studies on tolerance induction following CD4 blockade, the consequences of this intervention on T‐cell kinetics are still unknown. Mathematical models have been useful to understand lymphocyte dynamics, estimating rates of proliferation and cell death following an intervention. Using the same strategy, we found that CD4+ T cells activated in vitro in the presence of non‐depleting anti‐CD4 MAbs are prevented from undergoing optimal proliferation and show a higher frequency of apoptosis. Although the changes are small, during the course of a proliferative response, they lead to very distinct final levels of cell numbers. The importance of these mechanisms, predicted by the mathematical model, was validated by showing that lck‐driven Bcl‐xL transgenic mice, bearing T cells resistant to apoptosis, fail to become tolerant to skin grafts following CD4‐blockade. Our data show that, in addition to induction of regulatory T cells, CD4 blockade has a marked effect in the effector T‐cell pool by the combined action of hindering proliferation while favoring apoptosis. It is, therefore, the combination of all those mechanisms that leads to stable tolerance.
AAC Apps and ASD: Giving Voice to Good Practice
Authors: Farrall Jane
Published: October 2013

Mobile applications (apps) and mobile technologies have had a huge impact on the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), causing major social change around the way in which individuals, families, and other services perceive AAC. Apps for AAC and mobile technologies often are portrayed as a miracle for autism with attention in the media and on social media focusing on lists of apps and on case studies. Little attention is given to the crucial areas of app selection and implementation, resulting in the frequent abandonment of tablet computers as an AAC system. It is important that AAC specialists get involved in the implementation process, capitalizing on the increased interest in AAC and at the same time demonstrating the improved outcomes provided by maintaining the focus on communication and on already established good practice in AAC.
The nuclear shell model code CRUNCHER
Authors: Resler D. A. , Grimes S. M.
Published: October 2013

A new nuclear shell model code CRUNCHER, patterned after the code VLADIMIR, has been developed. While CRUNCHER and VLADIMIR employ the techniques of an uncoupled basis and the Lanczos process, improvements in the new code allow it to handle much larger problems than the previous code and to perform them more efficiently. Tests involving a moderately sized calculation indicate that CRUNCHER running on a SUN 3/260 workstation requires approximately one-half the central processing unit (CPU) time required by VLADIMIR running on a CRAY-1 supercomputer.
Using microcomputers for teaching lattice gauge theory computational techniques
Authors: Dreher Patrick
Published: October 2013

An interactive program for teaching students some of the basic ideas of lattice gauge theory has been written in BASIC on both Apple II+/e- and IBM-type microcomputers. An initial introductory section discusses the basic concepts of lattice gauge theory and the Monte Carlo method. An outline of the features of the computer program used in a U(1) lattice gauge theory numerical simulation is presented. Finally, the limitations and results of this simulation are discussed. This program can serve as the basis for a laboratory demonstration in computational physics without the use of a large mainframe or supercomputer. The program can also be modified to include other variables that can be simulated using the same technique.
Scattering in a spherical potential: Motion of complex-plane poles and zeros
Authors: Arndt Richard A. , Roper L. David
Published: October 2013

Scattering of spinless nucleons in a spherical potential is examined with the use of a computer graphics simulation VSCAT. The potential is defined stepwise and the Schrödinger equation is solved to obtain wavefunctions, scattering phases, partial-wave total cross sections, and differential cross sections, which are then displayed graphically. For the particular case of a square well, partial-wave amplitudes are displayed over the complex momentum plane in a three-dimensional plot. The well depth is then varied to follow the motion of poles in the complex momentum plane as they become resonances and then are bound states. Also displayed are the partial-wave zeros, which are required to satisfy Levinson’s theorem for multiple states. The requirement on well depth is developed to produce a specified number of bound states and enumerate the energies which, at a given well depth, create equal scattering phases in adjoining partial waves δl−1=δl=δl+1. This symmetry of scattering phases exists for both repulsive and attractive square potentials. A square repulsive core is also studied, which has the same triple-point symmetry as the square well.
A program for total (orthogonal) least squares in compact storage mode
Authors: Branham Richard L.
Published: October 2013

Total (orthogonal) least squares considers the least-squares problem when data errors occur in both the vector of the right-hand side and in the matrix of the equations of condition. A total least-squares solution may be calculated by use of the singular value decomposition (SVD), but this is computationally much more demanding than use of the normal equations and requires more memory, particularly when there are many more equations than unknowns. A FORTRAN program is given to calculate a total least-squares solution from normal equations stored in compact mode; only the upper triangular part of the matrix is stored. If the total least-squares solution does not exist, the program calculates an ordinary least-squares solution. Two examples illustrating use of the program are presented.
Monte Carlo simulation of an expanding gas
Authors: Boyd Iain D.
Published: October 2013

By application of simple computer graphics techniques, the statistical performance of two Monte Carlo methods used in the simulation of rarefied gas flows are assessed. Specifically, two direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) methods developed by Bird and Nanbu are considered. The graphics techniques are found to be of great benefit in the reduction and interpretation of the large volume of data generated, thus enabling important conclusions to be drawn about the simulation results. Hence it is discovered that the method of Nanbu suffers from increased statistical fluctuations, thereby prohibiting its use in the solution of practical problems.
A visualization model based on the mathematics of fiber bundles
Authors: Butler D. M. , Pendley M. H.
Published: October 2013

In this paper, a visualization model based on the mathematics of fiber bundles is described. A brief, intuitive description of the mathematics of fiber bundles is given, introducing the concepts using typical application examples and emphasizing aspects relevant to our visualization model. Three important classes of operations on fiber bundles are described. A flexible scheme is developed for constructing graphic representations of fiber bundles and a simple but useful visualization taxonomy.