bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time cutting simulation of meshless deformable object using dynamic bounding volume hierarchy
Authors: Jung Hoeryong , Lee Doo Yong
Published: October 2012

This paper proposes a novel method for a real‐time cutting simulation of deformable objects using meshless method. The method utilizes a rapid refinement of topological relations among the simulation nodes of meshless deformable objects. Topological relations are defined as an undirected graph based on a visibility criterion. The graph connects the adjacent nodes that lie within a support of each node. The topological relations are refined by removing the edges of the graph that is intersected by the cut surface during the cutting simulation. Our approach utilizes a bounding volume hierarchy (BVH) to accelerate the computation of the intersection test. The BVH reconstruction algorithm is proposed to account for the cases where pieces of the object are completely cut out from the object. Algorithms to examine the connectivity among simulation nodes and accordingly reconstructing the BVH using two‐level BVH are presented. The proposed approach achieves real‐time cutting simulation of deformable objects through the rapid refinement of the topological relation. In addition, the computational performance of the cutting procedure is preserved during the entire simulation, thanks to the real‐time reconstruction of the BVH. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ruthenium Complexation in an Aluminium Metal–Organic Framework and Its Application in Alcohol Oxidation Catalysis
Authors: Carson Fabian , Agrawal Santosh , Gustafsson Mikaela , Bartoszewicz Agnieszka , Moraga Francisca , Zou Xiaodong , Martín‐Matute Belén
Published: October 2012

A ruthenium trichloride complex has been loaded into an aluminium metal–organic framework (MOF), MOF‐253, by post‐synthetic modification to give MOF‐253‐Ru. MOF‐253 contains open bipyridine sites that are available to bind with the ruthenium complex. MOF‐253‐Ru was characterised by elemental analysis, N2 sorption and X‐ray powder diffraction. This is the first time that a Ru complex has been coordinated to a MOF through post‐synthetic modification and used as a heterogeneous catalyst. MOF‐253‐Ru catalysed the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols, including allylic alcohols, with PhI(OAc)2 as the oxidant under very mild reaction conditions (ambient temperature to 40 °C). High conversions (up to >99 %) were achieved in short reaction times (1–3 h) by using low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol % Ru). In addition, high selectivities (>90 %) for aldehydes were obtained at room temperature. MOF‐253‐Ru can be recycled up to six times with only a moderate decrease in substrate conversion.
Terpyridine–Porphyrin Hetero‐Pacman Compounds
Authors: Schwalbe Matthias , Metzinger Ramona , Teets Thomas S. , Nocera Daniel G.
Published: October 2012

The two different coordination spheres afforded by Pacman architectures offer cooperativity derived from two different metal centers. A modular strategy is developed to produce a hetero‐Pacman scaffold featuring a porphyrin and terpyridine for metal‐ion binding. A double Suzuki reaction was employed to first attach a terpyridine moiety to a xanthene backbone and then attach a porphyrin. The new hetero‐Pacman scaffold has been characterized and all building blocks have been isolated and structurally characterized. The principle objective to incorporate different metal centers was confirmed by isolating a trinuclear complex comprising two porphyrinic units and a bis(terpyridine)–iron unit. The compounds described herein expand the Pacman scaffold concept by allowing for the incorporation of a terpyridine–metal complex proximate to a porphyrin‐cofactor active site for small‐molecule activation.
PD‐1 targeting in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Ferris Robert
Published: October 2012

This Web‐only perspective commentary discusses a new class of monoclonal antibodies that have garnered tremendous enthusiasm within the field of cancer immunotherapy, which has previously been hampered by complex, cumbersome agents and cells; individualized and laborious preparations; and questionable clinical efficacy.
Tolerogenic dendritic cells impede priming of naïve CD8+T cells and deplete memory CD8+T cells
Authors: Kleijwegt Fleur S. , Jansen Diahann T. S. L. , Teeler Josefine , Joosten Antoinette M. , Laban Sandra , Nikolic Tatjana , Roep Bart O.
Published: October 2012

Type 1 diabetes is a T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune disease in which autoreactive CD8+ T cells destroy the insulin‐producing pancreatic beta cells. Vitamin D3 and dexamethasone‐modulated dendritic cells (Combi‐DCs) loaded with islet antigens inducing islet‐specific regulatory CD4+ T cells may offer a tissue‐specific intervention therapy. The effect of Combi‐DCs on CD8+ T cells, however, remains unknown. To investigate the interaction of CD8+ T cells with Combi‐DCs presenting epitopes on HLA class I, naive, and memory CD8+ T cells were co‐cultured with DCs and proliferation and function of peptide‐specific T cells were analyzed. Antigen‐loaded Combi‐DCs were unable to prime naïve CD8+ T cells to proliferate, although a proportion of T cells converted to a memory phenotype. Moreover, expansion of CD8+ T cells that had been primed by mature monocyte‐derived DCs (moDCs) was curtailed by Combi‐DCs in co‐cultures. Combi‐DCs expanded memory T cells once, but CD8+ T‐cell numbers collapsed by subsequent re‐stimulation with Combi‐DCs. Our data point that (re)activation of CD8+ T cells by antigen‐pulsed Combi‐DCs does not promote, but rather deteriorates, CD8+ T‐cell immunity. Yet, Combi‐DCs pulsed with CD8+ T‐cell epitopes also act as targets of cytotoxicity, which is undesirable for survival of Combi‐DCs infused into patients in therapeutic immune intervention strategies.
Green Microwave Synthesis of MIL‐100(Al, Cr, Fe) Nanoparticles for Thin‐Film Elaboration
Authors: García Márquez Alfonso , Demessence Aude , Platero‐Prats Ana Eva , Heurtaux Daniela , Horcajada Patricia , Serre Christian , Chang Jong‐San , Férey Gérard , de la Peña‐O'Shea Victor Antonio , Boissière Cédric , Grosso David , Sanchez Clément
Published: October 2012

Nanoparticles of mesoporous MIL‐100(Al, Cr or Fe) metal–organic frameworks were synthesized by a microwave‐assisted solvothermal route with green solvents. The optimization of yield, crystallinity, and particle size was achieved through the control of synthetic parameters such as temperature, heating rate, and dwelling time. The particle size strongly depends on the metallic cation and the metal and linker precursors; nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm were obtained for iron and chromium based MIL‐100. Finally, stable colloidal solutions of iron and chromium MIL‐100 nanoparticles were used for thin layer dip‐coating deposition, which resulted in high optical quality thin films, the porosity of which was investigated by environmental ellipsometric porosimetry.
The 1,4,5‐Triaminotetrazolium Cation (CN7H6+): A Highly Nitrogen‐Rich Moiety
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Piercey Davin G. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: October 2012

The amination of 1,5‐diamino‐1,2,3,4‐tetrazole with tosylhydroxylamine yielded 1,4,5‐triaminotetrazolium tosylate. Metathesis reactions yielded energetic bromide, nitrate, and nitrotetrazolate 2‐oxide salts. Owing to the exceedingly high nitrogen content of the cation (>84 % !), the calculated heats of formation and the experimental explosive and thermal sensitivities are exceedingly high. For the first time, the X‐ray structure of this energetic cation is reported, as are the standard multinuclear NMR, infrared, and Raman spectroscopic data. Explosive performances (detonation velocity and pressure) have also been calculated for a sample compound.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Gas Turbine Systems Operating with Various Biofuels
Authors: Patel H. C. , Woudstra T. , Aravind P. V.
Published: October 2012

Solid oxide fuel cell–gas turbine (SOFC‐GT) systems provide a thermodynamically high efficiency alternative for power generation from biofuels. In this study biofuels namely methane, ethanol, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia are evaluated exergetically with respect to their performance at system level and in system components like heat exchangers, fuel cell, gas turbine, combustor, compressor, and the stack. Further, the fuel cell losses are investigated in detail with respect to their dependence on operating parameters such as fuel utilization, Nernst voltage, etc. as well as fuel specific parameters like heat effects. It is found that the heat effects play a major role in setting up the flows in the system and hence, power levels attained in individual components. The per pass fuel utilization dictates the efficiency of the fuel cell itself, but the system efficiency is not entirely dependent on fuel cell efficiency alone, but depends on the split between the fuel cell and gas turbine powers which in turn depends highly on the nature of the fuel and its chemistry. Counter intuitively it is found that with recycle, the fuel cell efficiency of methane is less than that of hydrogen but the system efficiency of methane is higher.
Stressful life events and cognitive decline in late life: moderation by education and age. The Cache County Study
Authors: Tschanz JoAnn T. , Pfister Roxane , Wanzek Joseph , Corcoran Chris , Smith Ken , Tschanz Brian T. , Steffens David C. , Østbye Truls , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen A. , Norton Maria C.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Stressful life events (SLE) have been associated with increased dementia risk, but their association with cognitive decline has been inconsistent. In a longitudinal population‐based study of older individuals, we examined the association between SLE and cognitive decline, and the role of potential effect modifiers.

Methods

A total of 2665 non‐demented participants of the Cache County Memory Study completed an SLE questionnaire at Wave 2 and were revisited 4 and 7 years later. The events were represented via several scores: total number, subjective rating (negative, positive, and unexpected), and a weighted summary based on their impact. Cognition was assessed at each visit with the modified Mini‐Mental State Exam. General linear models were used to examine the association between SLE scores and cognition. Effect modification by age, education, and APOE genotype was tested.

Results

Years of formal education (p = 0.006) modified the effect of number of SLE, and age (p = 0.009) modified the effect of negative SLE on the rate of cognitive decline. Faster decline was observed among those with fewer years of education experiencing more SLE and also among younger participants experiencing more negative SLE. There was no association between other indicators of SLE and cognitive decline. APOE genotype did not modify any of the aforementioned associations.

Conclusions

The effects of SLE on cognition in late life are complex and vary by individual factors such as age and education. These results may explain some of the contradictory findings in the literature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome in adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials published from June 2000 to February 2012
Authors: Cossins L. , Okell R.W. , Cameron H. , Simpson B. , Poole H.M. , Goebel A.
Published: October 2012

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling pain condition with sensory, motor and autonomic manifestations. Uncertainty remains about how CRPS can be effectively managed. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for treatment and prophylactic interventions for CRPS published during the period 2000–2012, building on previous work by another group reviewing the period 1966–2000. Bibliographic database searches identified 173 papers which were filtered by three reviewers. This process generated 29 trials suitable for further analysis, each of which was reviewed and scored by two independent reviewers for methodological quality using a 15‐item checklist. A number of novel and potentially effective treatments were investigated. Analysing the results from both review periods in combination, there was a steep rise in the number of published RCTs per review decade. There is evidence for the efficacy of 10 treatments (3× strong – bisphosphonates, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and graded motor imagery, 1× moderate and 6× limited evidence), and against the efficacy of 15 treatments (1× strong, 1× moderate and ×13 limited). The heterogeneity of trialled interventions and the pilot nature of many trials militate against drawing clear conclusions about the clinical usefulness of most interventions. This and the observed phenomenon of excellent responses in CRPS subgroups would support the case for a network‐ and multi‐centre approach in the conduct of future clinical trials. Most published trials in CRPS are small with a short follow‐up period, although several novel interventions investigated from 2000 to 2012 appear promising.
Galectin‐3 expression in thyroid fine needle cytology (t‐FNAC) uncertain cases: Validation of molecular markers and technology innovation
Authors: Papale F. , Cafiero G. , Grimaldi A. , Marino G. , Rosso F. , Mian C. , Barollo S. , Pennelli G. , Sorrenti S. , De Antoni E. , Barbarisi A.
Published: October 2012

Thyroid cancer is not very common, accounting for 1–2% of all cancers, with a population incidence of about 0.004%. Currently, the ability to discriminate between follicular adenoma and carcinoma represents the major challenge in preclinical diagnosis of thyroid proliferative lesions. Better discrimination between the two would help avoid unnecessary thyroidectomy and save valuable resources. Over the years, galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) has been proposed as a diagnostic marker with varied success. In this paper, we used Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy Immunogold Labelling (ESEM‐IGL) to investigate the expression of Gal‐3 on Thin‐Prep fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). We optimized the ESEM‐IGL method on thyroid cell lines (RO‐82 and FTC‐133) comparing our membrane Gal‐3 labeling data with Western blot. We evaluated 183 thyroid FNAC from Italian patients with a uncertain pre‐surgical diagnosis. ESEM‐IGL method marker sensitivity is 71.2%, while specificity is 53.3% and diagnostic efficacy is 61.2%. Our results confirmed that Gal‐3 expression is associated with situations of hypertrophy and/or cellular hyperproliferation, pathophysiological situations common both to adenomas and to thyroid carcinomas. The innovation of thyroid FNAC Thin‐Prep ESEM‐IGL shows the levels of Gal‐3 immunolabeling clearly, even through the individual cells of a thyroid nodule. However, Gal‐3 alone, as a molecular marker of thyroid cancer, can still have a limited application in pre‐surgery diagnosis. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancement of placenta growth factor expression by oncostatin M in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Tu Huang‐Ju , Lin Tzu‐Hung , Chiu Yung‐Cheng , Tang Chih‐Hsin , Yang Rong‐Sen , Fu Wen‐Mei
Published: October 2012

Oncostatin M (OSM) belongs to IL‐6 subfamily and is mostly produced by T lymphocytes. High levels of OSM are detected in the pannus of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and it may arouse the inflammation responses in joints and eventually leads to bone erosion. Placenta growth factor (PLGF) is an angiogenic factor and highly homologous with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It has been recently reported that PLGF is highly expressed in synovial tissue and enhances the production of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF‐α and IL‐6. Here, we demonstrated that OSM increased mRNA and protein levels of PLGF in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner in RA synovial fibroblasts. Inhibitors of JAK3 and PI3K antagonized OSM‐induced production of PLGF. OSM enhanced the phosphorylation of Tyr705‐STAT3, Ser727‐STAT3, Ser473‐Akt, and increased the nuclear translocation of phosphorylated STAT3 time‐dependently. Transfection of dominant negative Akt or application of PI3K inhibitorLY294002 significantly inhibited p‐Tyr705‐STAT3, p‐Ser727‐STAT3, and PLGF expression, indicating that Akt is involved in JAK3/STAT3/PLGF signaling cascade. To further examine whether STAT3 binds to the promoter region of PLGF, Chip assay was used and it was found that OSM could bind with PLGF promoter, which was inhibited by JAK3 and PI3K inhibitors. Accumulation of PLGF in the pannus may contribute to the inflammation, angiogenesis and joints destruction in RA patients. These findings demonstrated the important role of OSM in the pathology network of RA and provided novel therapeutic drug targets for RA treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An investigation of donor and culture parameters which influence epithelial outgrowths from cultured human cadaveric limbal explants
Authors: Baylis Oliver , Rooney Paul , Figueiredo Francisco , Lako Majlinda , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: October 2012

Limbal stem cell deficiency is a blinding disease which affects the cornea at the front of the eye. The definitive cure involves replacing the corneal epithelial (limbal) stem cells, for example by transplanting cultured limbal epithelial cells. One method of performing cultures is to grow a sheet of epithelial cells from a limbal explant on human amniotic membrane. The growth of limbal tissue can be variable. The aim of this study is to investigate how different donor and culture factors influence the ex vivo growth of cadaveric limbal explants. Limbal explant cultures were established from 10 different cadaveric organ cultured corneo‐scleral discs. The growth rate and the time taken for growth to be established were determined. Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlation between these factors and donor variables including donor age, sex, time from donor death to enucleation, time from enucleation to organ culture storage and duration in organ culture. Growth curves consistently showed a lag phase followed by a steeper linear growth phase. Donor age, time between death and enucleation, and time between enucleation and organ culture were not correlated to the lag time or the growth rate. Time in organ culture had a significant correlation with the duration of lag time (P = 0.003), but no relationship with the linear growth rate. This study shows that an important factor correlating with growth variation is the duration of corneo‐scleral tissue in organ culture. Interestingly, donor age was not correlated with limbal explant growth. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caveolae regulate smad signaling as verified by novel imaging and system biology approaches
Authors: Saldanha Sven , Bragdon Beth , Moseychuk Oleksandra , Bonor Jeremy , Dhurjati Prasad , Nohe Anja
Published: October 2012

The contribution of caveolae in Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2) activated Smad signaling was quantified using a system biology approach. BMP2 plays crucial roles during processes such as hematopoiesis, embryogenesis, and skeletal development. BMP2 signaling is tightly regulated on the plasma membrane by its receptors. The localization of BMP receptors in caveolae and endocytosis through clathrin‐coated pits are thought to regulate the signaling; however the conclusions in the current literature are inconsistent. Therefore published literature was used to establish a mathematical model that was validated using confocal AFM (atomic force microscopy), confocal microscopy, and sucrose density centrifugation followed by Western blots, and reporter gene assays. The model and experiments confirmed that both caveolae and CCPs regulate the Smad‐dependent signaling pathway, however caveolae are centers at the plasma membrane where receptor–ligand interaction is crucial, Smad phosphorylation occurs, and a high degree of Smad signaling is regulated. This demonstrates a role for caveolae that needs to be considered and further studied. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers in Ternary Solvent Mixtures: Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Phase Behavior and Structure
Authors: Sarkar Biswajit , Lakshmichand Jinendra , Alexandridis Paschalis
Published: October 2012

The effects of the simultaneous addition of two organic solvents (glycerol and ethanol) on the lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) phase behavior and structure formed by PEO–PPO–PEO amphiphilic block copolymers in water are examined. Glycerol and ethanol have been selected because of their opposite effect: structure promoting and structure dissolving, respectively. Lattice parameters of Pluronic P105 (EO37PO58EO37) and F127 (EO100PO70EO100) LLC samples in the presence of any type and amount of E+G solvents decrease with increasing volume fraction of the PPO‐rich domains. Lattice parameters for the two block copolymers fall on the same line when normalized with the square root of polymer molecular weight, suggesting weak block segregation.
Distributed spirals: A new class of three‐dimensional k‐space trajectories
Authors: Turley Dallas C. , Pipe James G.
Published: October 2012

This work presents a new class of three‐dimensional spiral based‐trajectories for sampling magnetic resonance data. The distributed spirals trajectory efficiently traverses a cylinder or sphere or intermediate shape in k‐space. The trajectory is shown to be nearly as efficient as a conventional stack of spirals trajectory in terms of scan time and signal‐to‐noise ratio, while reducing coherent aliasing in all three spatial directions and reducing Gibbs ringing due to the nature of collecting data from a sphere in k‐space. The trajectory uses a single two‐dimensional spiral waveform with the addition of a single orthogonal waveform which is scaled with each repetition, making it relatively easy to implement. Blurring from off‐resonance only occurs in two dimensions due to the temporal nature of the sampling. Magn Reson Med 70:413–419, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation on strength and stability of jointed rock mass using three‐dimensional numerical manifold method
Authors: He L. , An X. M. , Zhao X. B. , Zhao Z. Y.
Published: October 2012

This paper proposes a numerical model for jointed rock masses within the 3‐D numerical manifold method (NMM) framework equipped with a customized contact algorithm. The strength of rock sample containing a few sets of discontinuities is first investigated. The results of models with simple geometries are compared with the available analytical solutions to verify the developed computer code, whereas models with complex geometries are simulated to better understand the fundamental behavior and failure mechanism of jointed rock mass. Furthermore, the stability of jointed rock mass in an underground excavation is studied, where rock failure process is determined by the 3‐D NMM simulation. The simulation results provide valuable guidance on excavation process design and stabilization design in rock engineering practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teachers’ academic appraisals and referral decisions: The effect of sharing health information when diabetes is present
Authors: CUNNINGHAM MELISSA M. , WODRICH DAVID L.
Published: October 2012

Two prior studies showed that giving teachers more information about a student's illness led them to make better attributions about that student's classroom problems and better classroom accommodations. In this study, 235 teachers appraised academic competence and judged whether to seek help or make a referral for a hypothetical student with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Teachers received one of five levels comprising increasing disease disclosure and classroom‐relevant information about T1DM. Contrary to prior studies, teachers in this study who were given a student's T1DM diagnosis and details about T1DM's classroom risks failed to make better judgments about the student's academic skill levels or to award more accurate grades. Instead, teachers seemed swayed by this student's apparently careless and inconsistent schoolwork, which was presumably disease related. Likewise, better‐informed teachers were no better at selecting accommodations. However, once it was disclosed that the hypothetical student had T1DM, most teachers seemed knowledgeable about the most appropriate potential Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act category for service delivery. Regarding practice issues, school psychologists were rarely selected as a first choice for consultation, and the more information teachers were provided with about T1DM and the student's disease status, the less likely they were to select a school psychologist as a consultant.
Considerations for Establishing a Multi‐Tiered Problem‐Solving Model for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Comorbid Emotional–Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Magyar Caroline I. , Pandolfi Vincent
Published: October 2012

Students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present unique programming challenges to school personnel because of the wide variability of clinical symptoms and the high rates of emotional and/or behavior disorders (EBD) that can affect learning outcomes. Currently, there is little empirically based guidance to assist in determining the support and intervention needs of these students to improve their classroom participation and engagement in learning, particularly for those students at risk for or diagnosed with an EBD. This article describes considerations for establishing a multi‐tiered problem‐solving model of service delivery that can guide identification, intervention, and progress monitoring of EBD in students with ASD. This article describes how empirically based ASD‐specific assessment and instructional and behavior support practices can be embedded within a multi‐tiered prevention‐based continuum of support. A case example illustrates how the model was developed in a school to meet the needs of students with ASD and related EBD.
Morphological studies of blends of conjugated polymers and acceptor molecules using langevin dynamics simulations
Authors: Marsh Hilary S. , Jayaraman Arthi
Published: October 2012

We use coarse‐grained Langevin dynamics simulations of blends of generic conjugated polymers and acceptor molecules to show how architecture (e.g., side chains, backbone flexibility of oligomers) and the pair‐wise interactions between the constituents of the blend affect morphology and phase transition. Alkyl side chains on the conjugated oligomer backbones shift the liquid crystal (LC) transition temperature from that of bare conjugated backbones and the direction of the shift depends on backbone–backbone interactions. Rigid backbones and constrained side chains cause a layer‐by‐layer morphology of conjugated polymers and amorphous acceptors, whereas flexible backbones and unconstrained side chains facilitate highly ordered acceptor arrangement. Strong backbone–backbone attraction shifts LC transition to higher temperatures than weak backbone–backbone attraction, and strong acceptor–acceptor attraction increases acceptor aggregation. Pure macro‐phase separated domains form when all pair‐wise interactions in the blend are strongly attractive, whereas interconnected domains form at intermediate acceptor–acceptor attraction and strong polymer–polymer attractions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
The hydrogel containing a novel vesicle‐like soft crosslinker, a “trilayered” polymeric micelle, shows characteristic rheological properties
Authors: Uchida Yusuke , Fukuda Kengo , Murakami Yoshihiko
Published: October 2012

We have developed a novel hydrogel that is formed from a crosslinkable trilayered polymeric micelle and a polyamine for the sustained release of hydrophilic compounds. This hydrogel is quite unique because the vesicle‐like structure of the trilayered polymeric micelle acts as not only a crosslinker of the hydrogel but also a container of hydrophilic compounds. The hydrogel is rapidly formed by mixing both the trilayered polymeric micelle solution and the polyamine solution. The gelation property of the hydrogel, such as the storage modulus, can be changed by tuning the molecular weights, concentrations, and pH of the dissolving solvent of the hydrogel's constituent components. Furthermore, it is clarified that the structural difference among the micelles acting as crosslinkers affects the gelation property of the hydrogel. Amazingly, the hydrogel that is formed from the trilayered polymeric micelles possessing a vesicle‐like flexible structure exhibits a higher storage modulus than the hydrogel that is formed from the bilayered polymeric micelles possessing a highly packed, hard structure. Our results demonstrates that a microscopic structural difference of crosslinkers can induce a macroscopic (and, in some cases, an interesting and unexpected) change in the properties of the resulting hydrogels. For medical applications, the hydrogel proposed in the present article can encapsulate the hydrophilic compounds so that the hydrogel can be available as the material for their sustained release. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
A resource‐based perspective on human capital losses, HRM investments, and organizational performance
Authors: Shaw Jason D. , Park Tae‐Youn , Kim Eugene
Published: October 2012

Reversing the focus on human capital accumulations in the resource‐based literature, the authors examine the issue of human capital losses and organizational performance. They theorize that human capital losses markedly diminish the inimitability of human capital stores initially, but that the negative effects are attenuated as human capital losses increase. They argue further that these effects are more dramatic when human resource management (HRM) investments are substantial. As predicted, Study 1 shows that the human capital losses (voluntary turnover rates)‐workforce performance relationship takes the form of an attenuated negative relationship when HRM investments are high. Study 2 shows stronger curvilinear effects of voluntary turnover rates on financial performance via workforce productivity under these conditions. Implications for resource‐based theory and strategic HRM are addressed.
Effect of Coating MgO on Sticking Behavior during Reduction of Iron Ore Concentrate Fines in Fluidized Bed
Authors: Shao Jianhua , Guo Zhancheng , Tang Huiqing
Published: October 2012

The effect of coating MgO with different methods on sticking behavior during the reduction of iron ore fines was investigated, at 1073 K with 70%CO–30%H2 gas mixture in a visualization fluidized bed. It was found that coating MgO on particle surface could extend fluidization time from 12 min to more than 80 min, and improve the degree of metallization from 22% to more than 80%. The expansion level of bed after defluidization could also be obviously decreased. To achieve a similar effect, the initial coating content with solution method was less than that with powder method. The reason was that coating MgO could effectively insulate the contact of metallic iron on particle, which provided the reaction time for carbon deposition and the production of Fe3C with low stickiness. Therefore, the decrease of metallic iron on particle surface led to the decrease of particle stickiness at high temperature.
Effect of EMBr on Flow in Slab Continuous Casting Mold and Evaluation Using Nail Dipping Measurement
Authors: Ji Chuanbo , Li Jingshe , Tang Haiyan , Yang Shufeng
Published: October 2012

The nail dipping method was developed to investigate the effect of electromagnetic brake on the mold top surface flow in a certain slab caster with different casting speed and submerged entry nozzle (SEN) depth. The shape of the meniscus profile and direction of flow were quantified by analyzing the angular profile of the lump for each solidified nail, and the error evaluation for the nail dipping measurement was also determined. The results show that the meniscus level fluctuates with time variation; the electromagnetic force suppresses the high‐speed flow and decreases the meniscus flow velocity, which makes the meniscus level flatter and slower. A stronger meniscus velocity and fluctuation were created by increasing casting speed and decreasing the SEN depth. Furthermore, the effect of magnetic field on the fluid flow in the mold has been investigated.
Calculation of the Total Solidification Time for the 230t Large Steel Ingot
Authors: Ji Zhijun , Li Shiqi , Zhang Yanlin , Tang Guangwu
Published: October 2012

For a 230t large steel ingot which is firstly manufactured in one industrial plant, both of the analytical calculation and the numerical simulation methods were adopted to predict the total solidification time based on their own physical and mathematical models. The results showed that the total solidification time calculated by the analytical method was 46.0 h, and that was 40.2 h by the numerical method. Comparing with the actual stripping time of 45.8 h for the 230t large steel ingot, both of the estimated values agreed reasonably well with the actual one. For the purpose of practical utilization, the analytical method tends to be more convenient rather than the numerical one. This study can provide a kind of reference for the prediction on the total solidification time of large steel ingots.
Using Role‐Play to Foster Transformational and Social Action Multiculturalism in theESLClassroom
Authors: Gordon Tatiana
Published: October 2012

This article discusses the use of role‐play as an effective strategy for enhancing the quality of multicultural curricula in the English as a second language (ESL) classroom. The author critiques the use of the simplistic additive approach to multicultural instruction and furthers the work of those theorists who advocate the use of the more substantive paradigms: namely, transformational, social action, and reconstructionist multicultural curricula (Banks, 1991, 2006; Epstein, 2010; Pinet, 2006; Sleeter & Grant, 2003). The article discusses evidence, obtained through action research, that contextualizing language teaching through role‐play enables teachers to renderESLmulticultural instructional objectives more significant and classroom activities more meaningful and engaging. It provides an overview of oral and literacy activities as well as literacy scaffolds and assessment tools developed in conjunction with multicultural role‐play units. Included with the text are some instructional materials used in two elementary and secondary level units: Exploring Aztec Roots of Mexican Culture and Amending the U.S. Constitution.
Modeling the climatic effects of large explosive volcanic eruptions
Authors: Timmreck C.
Published: October 2012

Large volcanic eruptions are an important driving factor of natural climate variability. A sound assessment of the role of volcanoes in the climate system in comparison to other forcing factors is therefore a prerequisite for understanding future and past climate variability. New advances in understanding volcanic climate effects have been achieved by using comprehensive climate and Earth system models. New insights have been gained over the last decade about volcanic impacts on atmospheric composition and dynamics, but most notably also about their impact on ocean dynamics, the hydrological and the carbon cycle and on marine and terrestrial biogeochemistry. An important achievement is the improved understanding of the volcanic imprint on decadal to multidecadal time scales. Climate model simulations of past eruptions are highly dependent not only on the quality of the model and of the volcanologcial input data but also on the treatment of the aerosol size distribution in chemistry and radiation calculations. Further knowledge has to be achieved about the relation between the initial climate state at the time of the eruption and the volcanic climatic impact. A challenging task for climate models is also the simulation of the Northern Hemisphere winter climate response after a large tropical eruption. Model intercomparison studies and cross validations of model simulations with observations are essential to better constrain the radiative forcing of large volcanic eruptions and their climate impact.WIREs Clim Change2012, 3:545–564. doi: 10.1002/wcc.192

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Earth System Models
Understanding vascular development
Authors: Udan Ryan S. , Culver James C. , Dickinson Mary E.
Published: October 2012

The vasculature of an organism has the daunting task of connecting all the organ systems to nourish tissue and sustain life. This complex network of vessels and associated cells must maintain blood flow, but constantly adapt to acute and chronic changes within tissues. While the vasculature has been studied for over a century, we are just beginning to understand the processes that regulate its formation and how genetic hierarchies are influenced by mechanical and metabolic cues to refine vessel structure and optimize efficiency. As we gain insights into the developmental mechanisms, it is clear that the processes that regulate blood vessel development can also enable the adult to adapt to changes in tissues that can be elicited by exercise, aging, injury, or pathology. Thus, research in vessel development has provided tremendous insights into therapies for vascular diseases and disorders, cancer interventions, wound repair and tissue engineering, and in turn, these models have clearly impacted our understanding of development. Here we provide an overview of the development of the vascular system, highlighting several areas of active investigation and key questions that remain to be answered. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:327–346. doi: 10.1002/wdev.91

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Conformal field theory of Painlevé VI
Authors: Gamayun O. , Iorgov N. , Lisovyy O.
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Generic Painlevé VI tau function τ (t) can be interpreted as four-point correlator of primary fields of arbitrary dimensions in 2D CFT with c = 1. Using AGT combinatorial representation of conformal blocks and determining the corresponding structure constants, we obtain full and completely explicit expansion of τ (t) near the singular points. After a check of this expansion, we discuss examples of conformal blocks arising from Riccati, Picard, Chazy and algebraic solutions of Painlevé VI.
Homer's Trojan Theater
Authors: Strauss Clay Jenny
Published: October 2012

Moving away from the verbal and thematic repetitions that have dominated Homeric studies and exploiting the insights of cognitive psychology, this highly innovative and accessible study focuses on the visual poetics of the Iliad as the narrative is envisioned by the poet and rendered visible. It does so through a close analysis of the often-neglected 'Battle Books'. They here emerge as a coherently visualized narrative sequence rather than as a random series of combats, and this approach reveals, for instance, the significance of Sarpedon's attack on the Achaean Wall and Patroclus' path to destruction. In addition, Professor Strauss Clay suggests new ways of approaching ancient narratives: not only with one's ear, but also with one's eyes. She further argues that the loci system of mnemonics, usually attributed to Simonides, is already fully exploited by the Iliad poet to keep track of his cast of characters and to organize his narrative.
Armed Conflict and Displacement
Authors: Jacques Mélanie
Published: October 2012

With 'displacement' as the guiding thread, the purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, it derives from the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law a legal framework for the protection of displaced persons in armed conflict, both from and during displacement. It contains a case study on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the recent Advisory Opinion on the Separation Wall, and addresses such issues as humanitarian assistance for displaced persons, the treatment of refugees in the hands of a party to a conflict and the militarisation of refugee camps. Secondly, it examines the issue of displacement within the broader context of civilian war victims and identifies and addresses the normative gaps of international humanitarian law, including the inadequacy of concepts such as 'protected persons' and the persistence of the dichotomy between international and non-international armed conflicts, which is at odds with the realities of contemporary armed conflicts.
A general description of a gravity current front propagating in a two-layer stratified fluid
Authors: White Brian L. , Helfrich Karl R.
Published: October 2012

The behaviour of a gravity current propagating into a two-layer stratified ambient fluid is described in detail. A comprehensive description is given of the different flow regimes, with particular emphasis on the front condition linking the thickness of the gravity current to its speed of propagation and the transfer of energy to upstream disturbances in the form of internal bores and nonlinear solitary waves. Hydraulic theory analogous to that of two-layer flow over topography (Baines, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 146, 1984, pp. 127–167) is extended to the gravity current problem to classify frontal behaviour into the following regimes: Type I, subcritical currents; Type II, currents that generate upstream undular bores; Type III, currents that generate an upstream monotonic bore connected by a rarefaction; Type IV, supercritical fronts with a large-amplitude trapped solitary-wave-like disturbance; and Type V, supercritical gravity currents. Over 200 two-dimensional Boussinesq–Euler simulations spanning a range of gravity current properties demonstrate good agreement, for both the behavioural regime and the front condition ${U}_{o} (h)$, with hydraulic theory that extends original work by Rottman & Simpson (Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc., vol. 115, 1989, pp. 941–963) to arbitrary ambient layer thickness, and uses an improved closure for the upstream bore that correctly predicts the behaviour in the limit of large bore amplitude. In addition, the energy balance is analysed, and it is shown that the energy transfer from the gravity current to upstream disturbances is significant, and consistent with the hydraulic theory. The results demonstrate a clear connection to the problem of upstream resonance in two-layer flow over topography, and have significant implications for interpreting field observations of nonlinear internal waves generated by atmospheric density currents and coastal river plumes.
A tale of two villages: assessing the dynamics of fuelwood supply in communal landscapes in South Africa
Authors: MATSIKA RUWADZANO , ERASMUS BAREND F.N. , TWINE WAYNE C.
Published: October 2012

Fuelwood is the dominant source of energy used by most rural households in southern Africa to meet daily domestic energy requirements. Due to limited financial resources, most rural households are unable to make the transition to electricity thus they remain dependant on the woodlands surrounding their settlements as a source of cheap energy. Unsustainable fuelwood harvesting due to increasing demand as a result of growing human populations may result in environmental degradation particularly in the high-density, communal savannah woodlands of South Africa. Evaluating the sustainability of current fuelwood harvesting patterns requires an understanding of the environmental impacts of past logging practices to establish patterns of woodland degradation. This study evaluates impacts of fuelwood harvesting from 1992–2009 on the woodland structure and species composition surrounding two rural villages located within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve (Mpumalanga Province, South Africa). Both villages (Welverdiend and Athol) were of similar spatial extent and exhibited similar socioeconomic characteristics. The total wood stock in the communal woodlands of both villages declined overall (with greater losses seen in Welverdiend) and, in Welverdiend, there were also changes in the woodland structure and species diversity of the species commonly harvested for fuelwood over this period. The woodlands in Welverdiend have become degraded and no longer produce fuelwood of preferred species and stem size in sufficient quantity or quality. The absence of similar negative impacts in Athol suggests more sustainable harvesting regimes exist there because of the lower human population and lower fuelwood extraction pressure. The Welverdiend community has annexed neighbouring unoccupied private land in a social response to fuelwood scarcity. Athol residents behaved similarly during drought periods. The potential for future conflict with neighbouring conservation areas within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere is high if current land uses and fuelwood extraction patterns are maintained.
First observation of the Venus UV dayglow at limb from SPICAV/VEX
Authors: Chaufray Jean‐Yves , Bertaux Jean‐Loup , Leblanc Francois
Published: October 2012

We present the first limb observations of the dayglow emissions by the UV channel of SPICAV aboard Venus Express between October and December 2011. The CO Cameron bands between 180–260 nm and CO2+ doublet at 289 nm are clearly identified for the first time in the Venusian dayglow. The Cameron bands brightness peaks at 137.5 ± 1.5 km with a peak brightness of 2000 ± 100 kR and the CO2+ doublet peaks at 135.5 ± 2.5 km with a peak brightness of 270 ± 20 kR. The temperature near 145 km derived from the CO2+ bands scale height is 290 ± 60 K, in good agreement with other types of measurement. The spectral shape of the Cameron bands is similar to the spectral shape of the Cameron bands observed on Mars with the same coarse 10 nm resolution. The stronger brightness of the Venusian dayglow with respect to Mars dayglow in the 200–300 nm range cannot be explained only by the distance to the Sun and by the difference in EUV solar flux at the time of the observations.
Interdomain communication modulates the tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing of leucyl-tRNA synthetase
Authors: Tan Min , Zhu Bin , Liu Ru-Juan , Chen Xin , Zhou Xiao-Long , Wang En-duo
Published: October 2012

EcLeuRS [Escherichia coli LeuRS (leucyl-tRNA synthetase)] has evolved both tRNA-dependent pre- and post-transfer editing capabilities to ensure catalytic specificity. Both editing functions rely on the entry of the tRNA CCA tail into the editing domain of the LeuRS enzyme, which, according to X-ray crystal structural studies, leads to a dynamic disordered orientation of the interface between the synthetic and editing domains. The results of the present study show that this tRNA-triggered conformational rearrangement leads to interdomain communication between the editing and synthetic domains through their interface, and this communication mechanism modulates the activity of tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing. Furthermore, tRNA-dependent editing reaction inhibits misactivating non-cognate amino acids from the synthetic active site. These results also suggested a novel quality control mechanism of EcLeuRS which is achieved through the co-ordination between the synthetic and editing domains.
Improving promiscuous mammalian cell entry by the baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus
Authors: O’Flynn Neil M. J. , Patel Avnish , Kadlec Jan , Jones Ian M.
Published: October 2012

The insect baculovirus AcMNPV (Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus) enters many mammalian cell lines, prompting its application as a general eukaryotic gene delivery agent, but the basis of entry is poorly understood. For adherent mammalian cells, we show that entry is favoured by low pH and by increasing the available cell-surface area through a transient release from the substratum. Low pH also stimulated baculovirus entry into mammalian cells grown in suspension which, optimally, could reach 90% of the transduced population. The basic loop, residues 268–281, of the viral surface glycoprotein gp64 was required for entry and a tetra mutant with increasing basicity increased entry into a range of mammalian cells. The same mutant failed to plaque in Sf9 cells, instead showing individual cell entry and minimal cell-to-cell spread, consistent with an altered fusion phenotype. Viruses grown in different insect cells showed different mammalian cell entry efficiencies, suggesting that additional factors also govern entry.