bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Model Predictive Control of Exhaust Recompression Hcci
Authors: Widd Anders , Liao Hsien‐Hsin , Gerdes J. Christian , Tunestål Per , Johansson Rolf
Published: May 2013

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) holds promise for reduced emissions and increased efficiency compared to conventional internal combustion engines. As HCCI lacks direct actuation over the combustion phasing, much work has been devoted to designing controllers capable of set‐point tracking and disturbance rejection. This paper presents results on model predictive control (MPC) of the combustion phasing in an HCCI engine based on a hybrid model formulation composed of several linearizations of a physics‐based nonlinear model. The explicit representation of the MPC was implemented experimentally and the performance during set point changes was compared to that of a switched state feedback controller. The hybrid MPC produced smoother transients without overshoot when the set point change traversed several linearizations.
Functional expression of amyloidogenic human stefins A and B in Pichia pastoris using codon optimization
Authors: Nakamura Kosuke , Maeda Yuki , Morimoto Kensuke , Katayama Shigeru , Kondo Kazunari , Nakamura Soichiro
Published: May 2013

Complementary DNAs encoding human stefins A (HSA) and B (HSB) were synthesized using Pichia‐preferred codons by overlap extension PCR. The full‐length genes were ligated downstream of the glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase promoter in the Pichia expression vector pGAPZαC and successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris strain X‐33. Functional recombinant HSA and HSB proteins were purified from culture medium at yields of 121.3 ± 13.5 (n = 3) and 95.4 ± 4.1 (n = 3) mg/L, respectively. Using this expression strategy, we demonstrated that high levels of bioactive recombinant HSA and HSB can be produced by fermentation in P. pastoris.
A probe to study the toxic interaction of tartrazine with bovine hemoglobin at the molecular level
Authors: Li Yating , Wei Haoran , Liu Rutao
Published: May 2013

Tartrazine is an artificial azo dye commonly used in food products, but tartrazine in the environment is potentially harmful. The toxic interaction between tartrazine and bovine hemoglobin (BHb) was investigated using fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, UV–vis absorption, circular dichroism (CD) and molecular modeling techniques under simulated physiological conditions. The fluorescence data showed that tartrazine can bind with BHb to form a complex. The binding process was a spontaneous molecular interaction, in which van der Waals' forces and hydrogen bonds played major roles. Molecular docking results showed that the hydrogen bonds exist between the oxygen atoms at position 31 of tartrazine and the nitrogen atom NZ7 on Lys99, and also between the oxygen atoms at position 15 of tartrazine and the nitrogen atom NZ7 on Lys104, Lys105. The results of UV–vis and CD spectra revealed that tartrazine led to conformational changes in BHb, including loosening of the skeleton structure and decreasing α helix in the secondary structure. The synchronous fluorescence experiment revealed that tartrazine binds into the hemoglobin central cavity, and this was verified using a molecular modeling study. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Problem‐solving test: Digestion of a plasmid with restriction endonucleases
Authors: Szeberényi József
Published: May 2013

Terms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test: plasmid, restriction endonuclease, agarose gel electrophoresis, ethidium bromide staining, autoradiography, Coomassie staining, Southern blotting, linear and circular DNA, superhelical DNA, exonuclease, modification methylase, palindrome, sticky and blunt ends, nicked circular DNA. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 41(3):189–190, 2013
Strategies for Using Microreactors and Flow Chemistry: Drivers and Tools
Authors: Kirschneck D.
Published: May 2013

An innovative concept for the characterization of situations or problems (drivers) where the application of continuous flow processing, microreactor and/or other intensification technologies lead to the desired solutions is presented. An overview of techniques and equipment (tools) currently available for developing intensified processes is given as well as some examples of how they can be implemented in the engineering of chemical plants in kilo‐lab, pilot‐, and full‐size manufacturing scale. These drivers and tools are described and depicted by easy‐to‐understand icons, and strategies for the development of continuous processes are explained. Short summaries of three different case studies demonstrate the economic advantages and potentials of intensified flow processing in manufacturing scale. Finally, the current approach to avoid inflexibility of systems operated in continuous mode is reported and how pilot and manufacturing plants can be realized with a special focus on modularity and multi‐purpose functionality.
Application of Ultrasound in a Micro Heat Exchanger for Crystallization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Schoenitz M. , Joseph S. , Bunjes H. , Scholl S.
Published: May 2013

The application of ultrasound during the batch‐wise as well as continuous crystallization of lipid nanoparticles is reported. For the latter, a micro heat exchanger is modified, allowing the inline application of ultrasound to promote the α‐to‐β transformation of the lipid nanoparticles. Ultrasonication during batch crystallization is carried out in an ultrasonic bath. While for batch processing the application of ultrasound leads to an increase of the fraction of stable β‐polymorph according to differential scanning calorimetry measurements, no significant increase is found for continuous operation. This is a result of one or both of the following effects: The residence time in the continuous micro heat exchanger is approximately 1 s and thus possibly too short for significant influences on the polymorphism or crystallization. Additionally, the ultrasound is induced indirectly to the product side and thus reduced.
Combining Ozonation and Ceramic Membrane Filtration for Tertiary Treatment
Authors: Stüber Johan , Miehe Ulf , Stein Robert , Köhler Mirco , Lesjean Boris
Published: May 2013

A pilot plant with a full scale monolithic ceramic membrane was operated at Ruhleben wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), Berlin Germany, for more than 12 months. Filtration performance according to the applied pre‐treatment (dose of ozone and coagulant) were investigated. Trial runs with and without ozone, varying the operational parameters such as flux, coagulant dosage, and filtration time were conducted in order to identify the benefits of pre‐ozonation. The reduction of the total fouling rate by ∼70 % when applying a specific ozone dose between 1.0 and 1.4 mg mgDOC–1 highlights the potential of ozonation as pre‐treatment step. Using LC‐OCD measurements, the effect of ozone on the biopolymer concentration and the DOC fraction was demonstrated.
Response to Immediate and Long‐Term Results Following Balloon Mitral Valvotomy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Oduncu Vecih
Published: May 2013

Mohanan Nair KK et al. Clin Cardiol. 2012;35:35–39
Mutation‐specific antibody detects mutant BRAFV600E protein expression in human colon carcinomas
Authors: Sinicrope Frank A. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Tougeron David , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Singh Shalini , Muranyi Andrea , Shanmugam Kandavel , Grogan Thomas M. , Alberts Steven R. , Shi Qian
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

A point mutation (V600E) in the BRAF oncogene is a prognostic biomarker and may predict for nonresponse to anti‐EGFR antibody therapy in patients with colorectal carcinoma. BRAFV600E mutations are frequently detected in tumors with microsatellite instability and indicate a sporadic origin. We used a mutation‐specific antibody to examine mutant BRAFV600E protein expression and its concordance with BRAFV600E mutation data.

METHODS

Primary stage III colon carcinomas were analyzed for BRAFV600E mutations in exon 15, and 50 BRAFV600E mutation carriers and 25 wild‐type tumors were selected for analysis of BRAF proteins by immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC was performed in archival tissue specimens using a pan‐BRAF antibody and a mutation‐specific antibody against BRAFV600E proteins. Staining was scored by 2 pathologists who were blinded to clinical and mutation data.

RESULTS

Using a pan‐BRAF antibody, total BRAF protein expression was observed in the tumor cell cytoplasm in 74 of 75 colon carcinomas. A mutation‐specific antibody identified diffuse cytoplasmic staining of mutant BRAFV600E proteins in 49 of 74 cancers. Analysis using a polymerase chain reaction‐based assay revealed that all 49 of these cancers carried BRAFV600E mutations. In contrast, BRAFV600E staining was absent in all 25 tumors that carried wild‐type copies of BRAF.

CONCLUSIONS

A BRAF mutation‐specific (V600E) antibody detected tumors with BRAFV600E mutations and exhibited complete concordance with a DNA‐based method. These results support the use of IHC as a simplified strategy to screen colorectal cancers for BRAFV600E mutations in clinical practice. Cancer 2013;119:2765–2770. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Effects of transitioning from conventional methods to liquid‐based methods on unsatisfactory Papanicolaou tests
Authors: Owens Christopher L. , Peterson Dan , Kamineni Aruna , Buist Diana S. M. , Weinmann Sheila , Ross Tyler R. , Williams Andrew E. , Stark Azadeh , Adams Kenneth F. , Field Terry S.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Papanicolaou (Pap) testing has transitioned from conventional preparations (CPs) to liquid‐based preparations (LBPs) because of the perceived superiority of LBPs. Many studies conclude that LBPs reduce unsatisfactory Pap tests; however, some believe that the evidence substantiating this claim is weak. The authors studied the effect of the transition from CPs to LBPs on the proportion of unsatisfactory Pap tests in 4 health care systems in the United States participating in the National Institutes of Health‐funded Screening Effectiveness and Research in Community‐Based Healthcare (SEARCH) project.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 548,174 women ages 21 to 65 years who had 1443,725 total Pap tests between 2000 and 2010. Segmented regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of adopting LBPs on the proportion of unsatisfactory Pap tests after adjusting for age.

RESULTS

Three sites that implemented SurePath LBP experienced significant reductions in unsatisfactory Pap tests (estimated effect: site 1, −2.46%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.47%, −3.45%; site 2, −1.78%; 95% CI, −1.54%, −2.02%; site 3, −8.25%; 95% CI, −7.33%, −9.17%). The fourth site that implemented ThinPrep LBP did not experience a reduction in unsatisfactory Pap tests. The relative risk of an unsatisfactory Pap test in women aged ≥50 years increased after the transition to LBPs (SurePath: relative risk, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.9‐2.2; ThinPrep: relative risk, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5‐2.0).

CONCLUSIONS

The observed changes in the proportion of unsatisfactory Pap tests varied across the participating sites and depended on the type of LBP technology, the age of women, and the rates before the implementation of this technology. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:568–575. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Vibration perception threshold for sight‐threatening retinopathy screening in type 2 diabetic outpatients
Authors: Shen Jing , Hu Yanyun , Liu Fang , Zeng Hui , Li Lianxi , Zhao Jun , Zhao Jungong , Zheng Taishan , Lu Huijuan , Lu Fengdi , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping
Published: May 2013

Objective

We investigated the relationship between vibration perception threshold and diabetic retinopathy and verified the screening value of vibration perception threshold for severe diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

A total of 955 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited and divided into three groups according to their fundus oculi photography results: no diabetic retinopathy (n = 654, 68.48%), non‐sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy (n = 189, 19.79%) and sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy (n = 112, 11.73%). Their clinical and biochemical characteristics, vibration perception threshold and the diabetic retinopathy grades were detected and compared.

Results

There were significant differences in diabetes duration and blood glucose levels among three groups (all p < 0.05). The values of vibration perception threshold increased with the rising severity of retinopathy, and the vibration perception threshold level of sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy group was significantly higher than both non‐sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy and no diabetic retinopathy groups (both p < 0.01). The prevalence of sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy in vibration perception threshold >25 V group was significantly higher than those in 16–24 V group (p < 0.01). The severity of diabetic retinopathy was positively associated with diabetes duration, blood glucose indexes and vibration perception threshold (all p < 0.01). Multiple stepwise regression analysis proved that glycosylated haemoglobin (β = 0.385, p = 0.000), diabetes duration (β = 0.275, p = 0.000) and vibration perception threshold (β = 0.180, p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for diabetic retinopathy. Receiver operating characteristic analysis further revealed that vibration perception threshold higher than 18 V was the optimal cut point for reflecting high risk of sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio = 4.20, 95% confidence interval = 2.67–6.59).

Conclusion

There was a close association between vibration perception threshold and the severity of diabetic retinopathy. vibration perception threshold was a potential screening method for diabetic retinopathy, and its optimal cut‐off for prompting high risk of sight‐threatening retinopathy was 18 V. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal and environmental influences on egg size and juvenile life‐history traits in Pacific salmon
Authors: Braun Douglas C. , Patterson David A. , Reynolds John D.
Published: May 2013

Life‐history traits such as fecundity and offspring size are shaped by investment trade‐offs faced by mothers and mediated by environmental conditions. We use a 21‐year time series for three populations of wild sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) to test predictions for such trade‐offs and responses to conditions faced by females during migration, and offspring during incubation. In years when their 1100 km upstream migration was challenged by high water discharges, females that reached spawning streams had invested less in gonads by producing smaller but not fewer eggs. These smaller eggs produced lighter juveniles, and this effect was further amplified in years when the incubation water was warm. This latter result suggests that there should be selection for larger eggs to compensate in populations that consistently experience warm incubation temperatures. A comparison among 16 populations, with matching migration and rearing environments but different incubation environments (i.e., separate spawning streams), confirmed this prediction; smaller females produced larger eggs for their size in warmer creeks. Taken together, these results reveal how maternal phenotype and environmental conditions can shape patterns of reproductive investment and consequently juvenile fitness‐related traits within and among populations.
Hydrological impact of war‐induced deforestation in the Mekong Basin
Authors: Lacombe Guillaume , Pierret Alain
Published: May 2013

The Vietnam War played a decisive role in the pre‐1990s deforestation of the lower Mekong Basin, which in turn likely influenced regional broad‐scale hydrology. This note presents and discusses new analyses that strengthen this thesis. Although concurrent overestimation of discharge and underestimation of rainfall, a couple of years after bombing climaxed in the early 1970s, could theoretically explain the sharp rise in water yield previously attributed to bomb‐induced deforestation, new observations suggest that bombing has durably modified the landscape: by 2002, degraded forests still largely overlapped with areas heavily bombed 30 years earlier. This corroborates observed long‐term hydrological changes and suggests that warfare‐induced deforestation has more profound and durable hydrological effects than previously thought. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pentaglycine–NiII Complex: From Kinetics to Structure
Authors: Gaisin Zeev , Gellerman Gary , Meyerstein Dan
Published: May 2013

Binding NiII to the terminal amine of a peptide depresses totally its nucleophilic character as measured by the rate constant of the reaction of the peptide with 4‐nitrophenyl acetate. The structure of NiII(GGGGG) in aqueous solutions was determined by this technique. The results indicate that the ratio of complexes in which the nickel is bound to four deprotonated peptide nitrogen atoms to those in which the nickel is bound to the terminal amine and three deprotonated peptide nitrogen atoms increases as the pH increases. At pH 9.0, this ratio is approximately 1.
A Luminescent Material: La3Cl(CN2)O3 Doped with Eu3+ or Tb3+ Ions
Authors: Kubus Mariusz , Enseling David , Jüstel Thomas , Meyer H.‐Jürgen
Published: May 2013

The new carbodiimide compound La3Cl(CN2)O3 was obtained by a solid‐state metathesis reaction from LaOCl and Li2(CN2) at 750 °C in a fused tube. Differential scanning calorimetry of the reaction mixture was performed. The crystal structure of La3Cl(CN2)O3 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies (space group Cmcm, No. 63). The luminescent properties of the Eu3+‐ and Tb3+‐doped compounds are reported.
Total Synthesis of Neo‐Tanshinlactones through a Cascade Benzannulation‐Lactonization as the Key Step
Authors: Ghosh Ketaki , Karmakar Raju , Mal Dipakranjan
Published: May 2013

The cascade annulation‐lactonization of phthalides with α‐carboxyfurylacrylates in the presence of lithium hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) provides both convergent and semiconvergent regioselective syntheses of neo‐tanshinlactones in moderate yields. This methodology also offers an avenue for the direct syntheses of hitherto unreported 6‐alkoxycarbonyl‐substituted neo‐tanshinlactones and their heterocyclic analogues. A new synthesis of 4‐alkyl phthalides was developed on the basis of a combination of a Duff reaction and Fürstner cross‐coupling.
Structural Studies of the O‐Acetyl‐Containing O‐Antigen from a Shigella flexneri Serotype 6 Strain and Synthesis of Oligo­saccharide Fragments Thereof
Authors: Chassagne Pierre , Fontana Carolina , Guerreiro Catherine , Gauthier, Charles , Phalipon Armelle , Widmalm Göran , Mulard Laurence A.
Published: May 2013

Extensive analysis by NMR spectroscopy of the delipidated lipopolysaccharide of Shigella flexneri serotype 6 strain MDC 2924‐71 confirmed the most recently reported structure of the O‐antigen repeating unit as {→4)‐β‐D‐GalpA‐(1→3)‐β‐D‐GalpNAc‐(1→2)‐α‐L‐Rhap3Ac/4Ac‐(1→2)‐α‐L‐Rhap‐(1→}, and revealed the non‐stoichiometric acetylation at O‐3C/4C. Input from the CASPER program helped to ascertain the fine distribution of the three possible patterns of O‐acetylation. The non‐O‐acetylated repeating unit (ABCD) corresponded to about 2/3 of the population, while 1/4 was acetylated at O‐3C (3AcCDAB), and 1/10 at O‐4C (4AcCDAB). Di‐ to tetrasaccharides with a GalpA residue (A) at their reducing end were synthesized as their propyl glycosides following a multistep linear strategy relying on late‐stage acetylation at O‐3C. Thus, the 3C‐O‐acetylated and non‐O‐acetylated targets were synthesized from common protected intermediates. Rhamnosylation was most efficiently achieved by using imidate donors, including at O‐4 of a benzyl galacturonate acceptor. In contrast, a thiophenyl 2‐deoxy‐2‐trichloroacetamido‐D‐galactopyranoside precursor was preferred for chain elongation involving residue B. Final Pd/C‐mediated deprotection ensured O‐acetyl stability. All of the target molecules represent parts of the O‐antigen of S. flexneri 6, a prevalent serotype. Non‐O‐acetylated oligosaccharides are also fragments of the Escherichia coli O147 O‐antigen.
Chronic toxicity of nickel-spiked freshwater sediments: Variation in toxicity among eight invertebrate taxa and eight sediments
Authors: Besser John M. , Brumbaugh William G. , Ingersoll Christopher G. , Ivey Chris D. , Kunz James L. , Kemble Nile E. , Schlekat Christian E. , Garman Emily Rogevich
Published: May 2013

This study evaluated the chronic toxicity of Ni-spiked freshwater sediments to benthic invertebrates. A 2-step spiking procedure (spiking and sediment dilution) and a 2-stage equilibration period (10 wk anaerobic and 1 wk aerobic) were used to spike 8 freshwater sediments with wide ranges of acid-volatile sulfide (AVS; 0.94–38 µmol/g) and total organic carbon (TOC; 0.42–10%). Chronic sediment toxicity tests were conducted with 8 invertebrates (Hyalella azteca, Gammarus pseudolimnaeus, Chironomus riparius, Chironomus dilutus, Hexagenia sp., Lumbriculus variegatus, Tubifex tubifex, and Lampsilis siliquoidea) in 2 spiked sediments. Nickel toxicity thresholds estimated from species-sensitivity distributions were 97 µg/g and 752 µg/g (total recoverable Ni; dry wt basis) for sediments with low and high concentrations of AVS and TOC, respectively. Sensitive species were tested with 6 additional sediments. The 20% effect concentrations (EC20s) for Hyalella and Gammarus, but not Hexagenia, were consistent with US Environmental Protection Agency benchmarks based on Ni in porewater and in simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) normalized to AVS and TOC. For Hexagenia, sediment EC20s increased at less than an equimolar basis with increased AVS, and toxicity occurred in several sediments with Ni concentrations in SEM less than AVS. The authors hypothesize that circulation of oxygenated water by Hexagenia led to oxidation of AVS in burrows, creating microenvironments with high Ni exposure. Despite these unexpected results, a strong relationship between Hexagenia EC20s and AVS could provide a basis for conservative site-specific sediment quality guidelines for Ni. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2495–2506. © 2013 SETAC
Electrochemical Deposition of Highly Dispersed Palladium Nanoparticles on Nafion‐Graphene Film in Presence of Ferrous Ions for Ethanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Shendage S. S. , Patil U. B. , Nagarkar J. M.
Published: May 2013

An efficient method was developed to produce highly dispersed Pd nano particles (NPs), supported on Nafion‐graphene film by electrochemical deposition at constant potential in presence of ferrous ions. The Fe2+ ions govern the size, shape and morphology of Pd NPs. The as‐prepared catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). It was obeserved from TEM that the mean diameter of electrodeposited Pd NPs was 6.4 ± 1.3 nm with narrow diameter range from 4 to 10 nm. The electrocatalytic performance of the Pd NPs deposited on Nafion‐graphene (Nf‐G) catalyst was studied by cyclic voltametry (CV) and chronoamperometric measurements. The highly dispersed Pd NPs on Nf‐G film were obtained in presence of Fe2+ ions. This alters electrochemical active surface area and hence catalytic activity of Pd NPs. The prepared Pd/Nf‐G catalyst exhibit highest tolerance to the intermediate poisoning species (ratio If/Ib = 2.2). The as‐obtained catalyst shows an efficient electrocatalytic activity and good stability for ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium.
Communicative Spaces
Authors: Voß Britta
Published: May 2013

People with dementia often experience problems with orientation. To make everyday life easier for them, hospitals and nursing homes require architectural modification. Emmy Noether junior research group leader Dr. Gesine Marquardt is a pioneer in this area.
Tapped Energy
Authors: Woias Peter
Published: May 2013

Whether in an espresso machine or a bulldozer — embedded technical microsystems are in demand. Through “energy harvesting”, it should be possible to supply them with power from their immediate surroundings, without the need of batteries or power cords.
The Data Whisperer
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: May 2013

Innovations in mobile communication: communications engineer and Humboldt professor Robert Schober works at the interface between basic research and industry. “There's nothing more practical than a good theory.”
The Heart of Research
Authors: Strohschneider Peter
Published: May 2013

There is a danger that the debate regarding the future of the German research system will be reduced to the level of organisational conflicts. More important, however, is to consider the main purpose of research and how it should be organised in order to make the system as productive as possible.
Factors associated with caregiver readiness to use nonpharmacologic strategies to manage dementia‐related behavioral symptoms
Authors: Gitlin Laura N. , Rose Karen
Published: May 2013

Background

Nonpharmacologic strategies to manage dementia‐related behavioral symptoms depend upon caregiver implementation. Caregivers may vary in readiness to use strategies. We examined characteristics associated with readiness, extent readiness changed during intervention, and predictors of change in readiness.

Methods

Data came from a randomized trial involving 119 caregivers in a nonpharmacologic intervention for managing behavioral symptoms. Baseline measures included caregiver, patient, and treatment‐related factors. At initial (2 weeks from baseline) and final (16 weeks) intervention sessions, interventionists rated caregiver readiness as pre‐action (precontemplation = 1; contemplation = 2; preparation = 3) or action (= 4). Ordinal logistic regression identified baseline characteristics associated with initial readiness. Mc Nemar–Bowker test of symmetry described change in readiness; binary logistic regression identified baseline predictors of change in readiness (initial to final sessions). One‐way multivariate analysis of variance identified treatment factors (dose/intensity, number of strategies used, perceived benefits, and therapeutic engagement) associated with change in readiness.

Results

At initial intervention session, 67.2% (N = 80) of caregivers were in pre‐action and 32.8% (N = 39) in action. Initial high readiness was associated with better caregiver mood, less financial difficulty, lower patient cognition, and more behavioral symptoms. By final session, 72% (N = 79) were in action and 28% (N = 31) in pre‐action; caregivers with less financial difficulty improved in readiness (B = −0.70, p = 0.017); those in action were more therapeutically engaged (F[2,107] = 3.61, p = 0.030) and perceived greater intervention benefits (F[2, 88] = 6.06, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Whereas patient and caregiver‐related factors were associated with initial readiness, financial stability, therapeutic engagement, and perceived benefits enhanced probability of change. Understanding caregiver readiness and factors associated with its change may be important considerations in nonpharmacologic interventions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation of multiple sub‐cavities adjacent to single separatrix
Authors: Wang Rongsheng , Du Aimin , Nakamura Rumi , Lu Quanming , Khotyaintsev Yuri V. , Volwerk Martin , Zhang Tielong , Kronberg E. A. , Daly P. W. , Fazakerley Andrew N.
Published: May 2013

We investigate a direct south‐north crossing of a reconnection ion diffusion region in the magnetotail. During this crossing, multiple electron density dips with a further density decrease within the cavity, called sub‐cavities, adjacent to the northern separatrix are observed. The correlation between electron density sub‐cavities and strong electric field fluctuations is obvious. Within one of the sub‐cavities, a series of very strong oscillating perpendicular electric field and patchy parallel electric field are observed. The parallel electric field is nearly unipolar and directs away from X line. In the same region, inflow electrons with energy up to 100 keV are injected into the X line. Based on the observations, we conclude that the high‐energy inflowing electrons are accelerated by the patchy parallel electric field. Namely, electrons have been effectively accelerated while they are flowing into the X line along the separatrix. The observations indicate that the electron acceleration region is widely larger than the predicted electron diffusion region in the classical Hall magnetic reconnection model.
Prediction of stream‐flow regime using ecological classification zones
Authors: Trubilowicz Joel W. , Moore R. D. , Buttle J. M.
Published: May 2013

Hydrologic classification is useful for data organization, transfer of model parameters and estimation of hydrologic sensitivity to disturbance and climatic change. Stream‐flow regime has frequently been used as a basis for classification, typically by mapping regimes defined by stream‐flow data from a gauging network. As an alternative, we hypothesized that ecological classification systems can predict stream‐flow regime because they are based on the same characteristics that control run‐off generation (soils, climate and topography). A multivariate regression tree (MRT) was used to relate stream‐flow regime to the fractional coverages of the Biogeoclimatic Ecological Classification (BEC) zones within the catchment for gauged streams in British Columbia, Canada. Although the MRT identified a realistic set of regimes, only a small number of BEC zones were used as predictors, reflecting bias in the gauging network. To avoid this bias, we used a water balance model to compute mean monthly stream flow for 932 ungauged basins in British Columbia that were generated with areas between 10 and 1000 km2; these monthly stream flows were used to train an MRT model based on BEC zone coverages. This model predicted the regime at gauged basins nearly as accurately as the water balance model for pluvial, nival and glacier‐supported nival regimes. Difficulties occurred in smaller basins and in specific regions where the local BEC zones were not included as predictors. Coastal hybrid nivo–pluvial regimes were poorly predicted. With further development, ecological classification systems could have great value as a tool for hydrologic classification for both research and operational applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the Flood‐PROOFS probabilistic forecasting system
Authors: Laiolo P. , Gabellani S. , Rebora N. , Rudari R. , Ferraris L. , Ratto S. , Stevenin H. , Cauduro M.
Published: May 2013

Probabilistic hydrometeorological forecasting systems are becoming more and more an operational tool used by civil protection centres for issuing flood alerts. One of the most important requests of decision makers is related to the reliability of such systems and to the validation of their predictive performances. For these reasons, this work is devoted to the validation of a probabilistic flood forecasting system called Flood‐PRObabilistic Operational Forecasting System (Flood‐PROOFS). The system is operational in real time, since 2008, in Valle d'Aosta, an alpine Region of northern Italy. It is used by the Civil Protection regional service to issue warnings and by the local water company to protect its facilities. The system manages and uses both real‐time meteorological and satellite data and real‐time data on the operation of the control structures in dam and river, managed by the water company. It has proven a useful tool for flood forecasting and for managing complex situations, facilitating the dialogue between civil protection and the water company during crisis periods.

The system uses both a limited area model forecast and a forecast issued by regional expert meteorologists. The main outputs are deterministic and probabilistic discharge forecasts in different outlet areas of the river network.

The performance of the system has been evaluated on a 25 months period with different statistical methods such as Brier score and Rank histograms. The results highlight good performances of the system as support system for emitting warnings, but there is a lack of statistics especially for huge discharge events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water source dynamics of high Arctic river basins
Authors: Blaen Phillip J. , Hannah David M. , Brown Lee E. , Milner Alexander M.
Published: May 2013

Arctic river basins are amongst the most vulnerable to climate change. However, there is currently limited knowledge of the hydrological processes that govern flow dynamics in Arctic river basins. We address this research gap using natural hydrochemical and isotopic tracers to identify water sources that contributed to runoff in river basins spanning a gradient of glacierization (0–61%) in Svalbard during summer 2010 and 2011. Spatially distinct hydrological processes operating over diurnal, weekly and seasonal timescales were characterized by river hydrochemistry and isotopic composition. Two conceptual water sources (‘meltwater’ and ‘groundwater’) were identified and used as a basis for end‐member mixing analyses to assess seasonal and year‐to‐year variability in water source dynamics. In glacier‐fed rivers, meltwater dominated flows at all sites (typically >80%) with the highest contributions observed at the beginning of each study period in early July when snow cover was most extensive. Rivers in non‐glacierized basins were sourced initially from snowmelt but became increasingly dependent on groundwater inputs (up to 100% of total flow volume) by late summer. These hydrological changes were attributed to the depletion of snowpacks and enhanced soil water storage capacity as the active layer expanded throughout each melt season. These findings provide insight into the processes that underpin water source dynamics in Arctic river systems and potential future changes in Arctic hydrology that might be expected under a changing climate. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling the effects of land use and climate changes on hydrology in the Ursern Valley, Switzerland
Authors: Alaoui A. , Willimann E. , Jasper K. , Felder G. , Herger F. , Magnusson J. , Weingartner R.
Published: May 2013

While many studies have been conducted in mountainous catchments to examine the impact of climate change on hydrology, the interactions between climate changes and land use components have largely unknown impacts on hydrology in alpine regions. They need to be given special attention in order to devise possible strategies concerning general development in these regions. Thus, the main aim was to examine the impact of land use (i.e. bushland expansion) and climate changes (i.e. increase of temperature) on hydrology by model simulations. For this purpose, the physically based WaSiM‐ETH model was applied to the catchment of Ursern Valley in the central Alps (191 km2) over the period of 1983−2005. Modelling results showed that the reduction of the mean monthly discharge during the summer period is due primarily to the retreat of snow discharge in time and secondarily to the reduction in the glacier surface area together with its retreat in time, rather than the increase in the evapotranspiration due to the expansion of the “green alder” on the expense of grassland. The significant decrease in summer discharge during July, August and September shows a change in the regime from b‐glacio‐nival to nivo‐glacial. These changes are confirmed by the modeling results that attest to a temporal shift in snowmelt and glacier discharge towards earlier in the year: March, April and May for snowmelt and May and June for glacier discharge. It is expected that the yearly total discharge due to the land use changes will be reduced by 0.6% in the near future, whereas, it will be reduced by about 5% if climate change is also taken into account. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mir‐142‐3p target sequences reduce transgene‐directed immunogenicity following intramuscular adeno‐associated virus 1 vector‐mediated gene delivery
Authors: Majowicz Anna , Maczuga Piotr , Kwikkers Karin L. , van der Marel Sander , van Logtenstein Richard , Petry Harald , van Deventer Sander J. , Konstantinova Pavlina , Ferreira Valerie
Published: May 2013

Background

Muscle represents an important tissue target for adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector‐mediated gene transfer in muscular, metabolic or blood‐related genetic disorders. However, several studies have demonstrated the appearance of immune responses against the transgene product after intramuscular AAV vector delivery that resulted in a limited efficacy of the treatment. Use of microRNAs that are specifically expressed in antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) is a promising approach for avoiding those immune responses. Cellular mir‐142‐3p, which is APC‐specific, is able to repress the translation of its target cellular transcripts by binding to a specific target sequences.

Methods

In the present study, we explored the potential of mir‐142‐3p specific target sequences with respect to reducing or abolishing immune responses directed against ovalbumin (OVA), a highly immunogenic protein, expressed as transgene and delivered by AAV1 vector administered intramuscularly.

Results

The occurrence of immune responses against OVA transgene following intramuscular delivery by AAV have been described previously and resulted in the loss of OVA protein expression. In the present study, we demonstrate that OVA protein expression was maintained when mir‐142‐3pT sequences were incorporated into the expression cassette. The sustained expression of OVA protein over time correlated with a reduced increase in anti‐OVA antibody levels. Furthermore, no cellular infiltrates were observed in the muscle tissue when AAV1 vectors containing four or eight repeats of mir‐142‐3p target sequences after the OVA sequence were used.

Conclusions

The rising humoral and cellular immune responses against OVA protein after intramuscular delivery can be efficiently reduced by the use of mir‐142‐3p target sequences. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circulation of Two Mumps Virus Genotypes in an Unimmunized Population in India
Authors: Vaidya Sunil R. , Chowdhury Deepika T. , Kumbhar Neelakshi S. , Tomar Ramsingh , Kamble Madhukar B. , Kazi Mohammed I.
Published: May 2013

Two separate outbreaks of fever with parotitis were reported from the Apsinga and Pimpla villages in the Osmanabad district of the Maharashtra State, India during February and March 2012. Meningo‐encephalitis was noted in two patients resulting in the death of an 11‐year male. Samples of blood and throat swabs were collected from patients with fever and parotitis. Serum samples from suspected (n = 62) and convalescent (n = 19) patients were tested for mumps virus specific IgM and/or IgG antibodies. Mumps virus specific IgM antibodies were detected in 44 of 62 serum samples (71%). Of the 19 convalescent phase sera 16 had both, anti‐mumps virus IgM and IgG antibodies. Twenty‐eight throat swabs collected from patients with parotitis were tested by RT‐PCR for the SH gene. Twenty‐three specimens were found to be positive and nucleotide sequencing of the amplified PCR products revealed circulation of two distinct genotypes that were village specific. Mumps virus genotype C (n = 18) was detected in Apsinga village and genotype G (n = 5) in Pimpla village. Two mumps virus isolates were also obtained using Vero cells. This is the first report from India confirming simultaneous circulation of mumps virus genotype C in one village and the G genotype in another village only 37 km away. J. Med. Virol. 85:1426–1432, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Strategic Significance of Negative Externalities
Authors: Nagler Matthew G.
Published: May 2013

Negative externalities have competitive relevance in a market when they have selective impacts – as, for example, when a product in use imposes greater costs on consumers of rival products than on other people. Because managers have discretion over aspects of product design that affect external costs, the externality in such cases may be viewed as a strategic variable. This paper presents evidence of the existence of competitively relevant negative externalities. I introduce a metric for the externality's competitive effect, the external cost elasticity of demand, which I estimate econometrically using data from the motor vehicle industry. Managerial implications are considered. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Statistical Illusion of Large‐firm Conformity to Gibrat's Law
Authors: Giordano James N.
Published: May 2013

When mean growth rates decline across large size classes of firms, the differences can become too small to achieve statistical significance, creating an illusion of proportionate size‐independent growth (Gibrat's law). Thus, a final confirmation of the law requires a lognormal size distribution with a secularly increasing variance (growing firm size inequality). An empirical test on the less‐than‐truckload trucking industry demonstrates the illusion. The growth rate mean and variance between the two largest classes are statistically indistinguishable, despite an actual decline in both. Their combined size distribution gives a poor fit to lognormal, however, so large‐firm conformity to the law is rejected. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary phosphatidylinositol protects C57BL/6 mice from concanavalin A‐induced liver injury by modulating immune cell functions
Authors: Inafuku Masashi , Nagao Koji , Inafuku Ayako , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Taira Naoyuki , Toda Takayoshi , Oku Hirosuke
Published: May 2013

Scope

Several recent studies have demonstrated that phospholipids (PLs) supplementation can modulate the function of cultured‐immune cells. Furthermore, dietary PLs have been shown to ameliorate inflammatory processes and immune responses in arthritic and diabetic murine models, respectively. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the immune‐modulating activities of dietary soybean PLs in mice, with particular emphasis on the immune cell functions.

Methods and results

Mice were fed semisynthetic diets for 6 weeks, which contained either 7% soybean oil or 5% soybean oil plus 2% of either PL: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylinositol (PI), or phosphatidylserine (PS). Production of concanavalin A (Con A)‐induced proinflammatory cytokines was significantly decreased in the splenocytes isolated from mice fed PI compared to other lipids. Supplementation of the diet with PI, but not with the other lipids, significantly suppressed the proinflammatory cytokine serum levels and the development of Con A‐induced liver damages.

Conclusion

These observations suggest that dietary PI influenced immune functions, resulting in the prevention of pathogenesis and development of the liver injury in mice.
Bone marrow fat quantification in the presence of trabecular bone: Initial comparison between water‐fat imaging and single‐voxel MRS
Authors: Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Melkus Gerd , Baum Thomas , Bauer Jan S. , Rummeny Ernst J. , Krug Roland
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to test the relative performance of chemical shift‐based water‐fat imaging in measuring bone marrow fat fraction in the presence of trabecular bone, having as reference standard the single‐voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

Methods

Six‐echo gradient echo imaging and single‐voxel MRS measurements were performed on the proximal femur of seven healthy volunteers. The bone marrow fat spectrum was characterized based on the magnitude of measurable fat peaks and an a priori knowledge of the chemical structure of triglycerides, in order to accurately extract the water peak from the overlapping broad fat peaks in MRS. The imaging‐based fat fraction results were then compared to the MRS‐based results both without and with taking into consideration the presence of short
water components in MRS.

Results

There was a significant underestimation of the fat fraction using the MRS model not accounting for short
species with respect to the imaging‐based fat fraction. A good equivalency was observed between the fat fraction using the MRS model accounting for short
species and the imaging‐based fat fraction (R2 = 0.87).

Conclusion

The consideration of the short
water species effect on bone marrow fat quantification is essential when comparing MRS‐based and imaging‐based fat fraction results. Magn Reson Med 71:1158–1165, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kühlen mit Sonnenlicht
Authors: Janiak Christoph , Henninger Stefan K.
Published: May 2013

Allein in Deutschland verbrauchen Kälte‐ und Klimaanlagen etwa 14 Prozent der jährlichen elektrischen Endenergie. Die Suche nach neuen Kühlverfahren, die effizient mit regenerativen Energien arbeiten, läuft auf Hochtouren. Hochporöse metallorganische Netzwerke können helfen.
Rickets in a High Social Class of Renaissance Italy: The Medici Children
Authors: Giuffra V. , Vitiello A. , Caramella D. , Fornaciari A. , Giustini D. , Fornaciari G.
Published: May 2013

Exploration of the Medici Chapels in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence revealed the burials of nine juvenile members of the Medici family (16th–17th centuries). The estimated children's skeletal ages ranged from newborns to 5‐year‐olds, showing a series of bone abnormalities, in particular diffuse periosteal new bone and bowing of long bones. The comparable pathological lesions, including porosity evident on the skull, orbital roofs, costocondral ribs and growth plates between metaphyses and epiphyses, enlargement of metaphyses and sternal rib ends, and long bone bending, are interpreted as the skeletal manifestation of rickets. The diagnosis of a metabolic disease linked to vitamin D deficiency would appear to be unexpected for children brought up at the court of a Renaissance elite class family like the Medici of Florence. Analysis of the historical and social background is particularly helpful to understand the causes of the onset of the disease in this aristocratic group. Documentary sources, supported by 13C and 15N bone collagen analysis, attest that weaning of these children took place when they were around 2 years old. With a prolonged breast‐feeding and a delay in introducing solid food in the diet, vitamin D deficiency is expected to rise considerably, in particular if the other main risk factor, namely inadequate sunlight exposition, is associated with this human milk‐based diet. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epoxy‐cyanate ester shape memory thermoset: some aspects of phase transition, viscoelasticity and shape memory characteristics
Authors: Rajendran Biju , Kumar K. S. Santhosh , R. S. Rajeev , Nair C. P. Reghunadhan
Published: May 2013

A shape memory thermoset comprising of a co‐reacted system of epoxy resin (diglycidylether of bisphenol A), cyanate ester (bisphenol A dicyanate ester) and phenol telechelic poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTOH) was investigated for its morphology, viscoelasticity and shape memory characteristics at the transition temperature regime. The system exhibited a switching temperature (Tswitch) centered at about 105°C. Atomic force microscopy analyses at different temperatures provided evidences for the existence of a discrete phase at Tswitch regime. Polarized light microscope images gave evidence for the birefringence and tubular crystal formation due to PTOH segments in the shape memory thermoset. It is concluded that the Tswitch has its origin from melting transition of PTOH and Tg of the thermoset matrix, the latter being lowered through plasticization by PTMO segments. Reversibility of Tswitch, and stress relaxation behavior of the blend were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The reversibility of transition temperature was ascertained by cyclic DMA. Temperature dependency of shape memory properties implied fast recovery of original shape above the Tswitch. The cured system manifests shape memory properties even below Tswitch though it is a slow process. The extent of shape recovery increased with temperature and became faster in league with the trend in temperature dependency of stress relaxation of the polymer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.