bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Just two moments! A cautionary note against use of high-order moments in multifractal models in hydrology
Authors: Lombardo F. , Volpi E. , Koutsoyiannis D. , Papalexiou S. M.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The need of understanding and modelling the space–time variability of natural processes in hydrological sciences produced a large body of literature over the last thirty years. In this context, a multifractal framework provides parsimonious models which can be applied to a wide-scale range of hydrological processes, and are based on the empirical detection of some patterns in observational data, i.e. a scale invariant mechanism repeating scale after scale. Hence, multifractal analyses heavily rely on available data series and their statistical processing. In such analyses, high order moments are often estimated and used in model identification and fitting as if they were reliable. This paper warns practitioners against the blind use in geophysical time series analyses of classical statistics, which is based upon independent samples typically following distributions of exponential type. Indeed, the study of natural processes reveals scaling behaviours in state (departure from exponential distribution tails) and in time (departure from independence), thus implying dramatic increase of bias and uncertainty in statistical estimation. Surprisingly, all these differences are commonly unaccounted for in most multifractal analyses of hydrological processes, which may result in inappropriate modelling, wrong inferences and false claims about the properties of the processes studied. Using theoretical reasoning and Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the reliability of multifractal methods that use high order moments (>3) is questionable. In particular, we suggest that, because of estimation problems, the use of moments of order higher than two should be avoided, either in justifying or fitting models. Nonetheless, in most problems the first two moments provide enough information for the most important characteristics of the distribution.
Simulative verification of a novel semi-active broadband energy harvester
Authors: Retan K. , Graf A. , Reindl L.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. This paper presents a semi-active broadband vibrational-energy harvesting system. Based on a non-resonant rotational generator, electronic circuitry was used to overcome the physical start-up restrictions. Due to the functional design it remains an energy harvester suitable for battery-less devices. For the first time a vibrational energy harvester is presented that allows standardization and thus higher volume production. A system layout, simulation, and measurement data will be shown.
Mapping of extreme wind speed for landscape modelling of the Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic
Authors: Pop L. , Hanslian D. , Hošek J.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Extreme wind events are among the most damaging weather-related hazards in the Czech Republic, forestry is heavily affected. In order to successfully run a landscape model dealing with such effects, spatial distribution of extreme wind speed statistics is needed. The presented method suggests using sector-wise wind field calculations together with extreme value statistics fitted at a reference station. A special algorithm is proposed to provide the data in the form expected by the landscape model, i.e. raster data of annual wind speed maxima. The method is demonstrated on the area of Bohemian Forest that represents one of largest and most compact forested mountains in Central Europe. The reference meteorological station Churáňov is located within the selected domain. Numerical calculations were based on linear model of WAsP Engineering methodology. Observations were cleaned of inhomogeneity and classified into convective and non-convective cases using index CAPE. Due to disjunct sampling of synoptic data, appropriate corrections were applied to the observed extremes. Finally they were fitted with Gumbel distribution. The output of numerical simulation is presented for the windiest direction sector. Another map shows probability that annual extreme exceeds required threshold. The method offers a tool for generation of spatially variable annual maxima of wind speed. It assumes a small limited model domain containing a reliable wind measurement. We believe that this is typical setup for applications similar to one presented in the paper.
Mantle lithosphere transition from the East European Craton to the Variscan Bohemian Massif imaged by shear-wave splitting
Authors: Vecsey L. , Plomerová J. , Babuška V. , Working Group PASSEQ
Published: January 2014

Abstract. We analyse splitting of teleseismic shear-wave recorded during the PASSEQ passive experiment (2006–2008) focussed on the upper mantle structure across the Trans-European Suture Zone (TESZ). 1009 pairs of the delay times of the slow split-shear waves and orientations of the polarized fast-shear waves exhibit lateral variations across the array, as well as backazimuth dependences of measurements at individual stations. While a distinct regionalization of the splitting parameters exists in the Phanerozoic part of Europe, a correlation with the large-scale tectonics around the TESZ and in the East European Craton (EEC) is less evident. No general and abrupt change in the splitting parameters (anisotropic structure) can be related to the Teisseyre–Tornquist Zone (TTZ), marking the edge of the Precambrian province on the surface. Instead, regional variations of anisotropic structure were found along the TESZ/TTZ. We suggest a south-westward continuation of the Precambrian mantle lithosphere beneath the TESZ and the adjacent Phanerozoic part of Europe, probably as far as towards the Bohemian Massif.
A New International Human Rights Court for West Africa: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice
Authors: Alter Karen J. , Helfer Laurence , McAllister Jacqueline R.
Published: January 2014

The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Court) is an increasingly active and bold adjudicator of human rights. Since acquiring jurisdiction over human rights complaints in 2005, theECOWASCourt has issued numerous decisions condemning human rights violations by the member states of the Economic Community of West African States (Community). Among this Court’s path-breaking cases are judgments against Niger for condoning modern forms of slavery and against Nigeria for impeding the right to free basic education for all children. TheECOWASCourt also has broad access and standing rules that permit individuals and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to bypass national courts and file suits directly with the Court. Although the Court is generally careful in the proof that it requires of complainants and in the remedies that it demands of governments, it has not shied away from politically courageous decisions, such as rulings against the Gambia for the torture of journalists and against Nigeria for failing to regulate multinational companies that have degraded the environment of the oil-rich Niger Delta.
TheTravauxofTravaux: Is the Vienna Convention Hostile to Drafting History?
Authors: Mortenson Julian Davis
Published: January 2014

It is often asserted that the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) relegates drafting history to a rigidly subsidiary role in treaty interpretation. Many commentators go so far as to suggest that the VCLT entrenches a categorical prejudice againsttravaux préparatoires(travaux)—the preparatory work of negotiation, discussions, and drafting that produces a final treaty text. Because of this alleged hostility to history as a source of meaning, the conventional wisdom is that when an interpreter thinks a text is fairly clear and produces results that are not manifestly unreasonable or absurd, she ought to give that prima facie reading preclusive effect over anything the travaux might suggest to the contrary.
Detlev F. Vagts (1929–2013)
Authors: Trooboff Peter D.
Published: January 2014

In August we learned of the passing of Detlev Vagts, our colleague, mentor, and friend, and thisJournal’s co-editor in chief from 1993 to 1998 with Judge Theodor Meron. Fortunately, Vagts lived to hear not only praise for his life devoted to scholarship, teaching, and academic administration at the Harvard Law School but also expressions of gratitude for his service to his country and to thisJournal. In addition, his former students honored him during his lifetime with a Festschrift of insightful essays, providing a complete list of his publications and valuable perspectives on his career.
Kiobel and the Surprising Death of Universal Jurisdiction Under the Alien Tort Statute
Authors: Ku Julian G.
Published: January 2014

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. has not ended future debate about the scope and impact of the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). But the Kiobel Court did resolve at least one issue with surprising unanimity: both the opinion for the Court by Chief Justice John Roberts and the main concurring opinion by Justice Stephen Breyer refused to interpret the ATS as authorizing universal jurisdiction. All nine justices rejected decades of lower-court precedent and widespread scholarly opinion when they held that the ATS excluded cases involving purely extraterritorial conduct, even if the alleged conduct constituted acts that are universally proscribed under international law.
TBB–Turkish Union in Berlin/Brandenburg v. Germany
Authors: Senier Amy
Published: January 2014

In February 2013, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD Committee or the Committee) issued its opinion in TBB—Turkish Union in Berlin/Brandenburg v. Germany. The majority of the Committee concluded that Germany had violated its obligations to protect its Turkish and Arab populations from a former state official’s allegedly racially discriminatory statements in violation of Articles 2(1)(d), 4(a), and 6 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD or the Convention). The Committee reached significant conclusions regarding the contours of incitement to racial hatred and ideas of racial superiority, the balance between freedom from discrimination and freedom of expression, and state discretion not to prosecute. Consideration of this matter also marks the first time a member of the CERD Committee has filed an individual—or dissenting—opinion.
Pastor, Mentor, or Father? The Contested Intimacies of the Eddie Long Sex Abuse Scandal
Authors: Chipumuro Todne Thomas
Published: January 2014

In September 2010, four young African American men filed lawsuits against Bishop Eddie Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church alleging that Long had sexually abused them as teens. Though the case generated a number of discussions about the institutional politics underwriting clerical privilege, missing was detailed attention to the interior social dynamics that connected the religious participants. Informed by an examination of the case's legal texts and related local and electronic media, this article examines how the relationships between Long and his accusers were differentially constructed as pastoral relationships, mentorship ties, and spiritual kinship bonds. Applying anthropological frameworks that demonstrate how different forms of sociality can intersect to reinforce social structures, I use this timely investigation to argue that despite the variegated and contested character of the relationships, all are mutually organized by the social logic of patriarchy and the complex intimacies mediating contemporary Afro-Protestant religious belonging.
Neither Anglican nor Ethiopian:
Authors: Tishken Joel E.
Published: January 2014

This article examines two failed schismatic movements that emerged in 1863 and 1876 within the Liberian Episcopal Church. The goal in both schisms was the creation of an autonomous Liberian Episcopal church that would be ruled by blacks but remain part of the Anglican Communion. The failure of both attempts can be attributed to the same two factors: race and ecclesiastical politics. Both movements were created by Americo-Liberian clergy, yet it failed to integrate indigenous clergy and therefore the movements only represented a portion of Liberian Episcopalians. Additionally, both movements stopped short of a full declaration of ecclesiastical independence and desired to remain part of their parent denomination. In being renegade Anglicans yet not exactly “Ethiopians,” the movements’ leaders lacked the legitimacy to consecrate their own bishop. Yet while both attempts to establish the Protestant Episcopal Church in Liberia failed, agitation from multiple parts of the black Atlantic, including Liberia, did contribute to bringing about an Anglican moment of black bishops from the 1860s to the 1880s.
Launching a Career and a Way to Make a Difference
Authors: Rogers Tate W.
Published: January 2014

Field work was conducted on a pit‐emptying system in South Africa after a proposal by the author received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). BMGF was looking for new ideas to meet the needs of more than 2.5 billion people without access to proper sanitation in the developing world.
Potential Application of Temozolomide in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based TRAIL Gene Therapy Against Malignant Glioma
Authors: Kim Seong Muk , Woo Ji Sun , Jeong Chang Hyun , Ryu Chung Heon , Jang Jae-Deog , Jeun Sin-Soo
Published: January 2014

Because the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively kills tumor cells, it is one of the most promising candidates for cancer treatment. TRAIL-secreting human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-TRAIL) provide targeted and prolonged delivery of TRAIL in glioma therapy. However, acquired resistance to TRAIL of glioma cells is a major problem to be overcome. We showed a potential therapy that used MSC-TRAIL combined with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ). The antitumor effects of the combination with MSC-TRAIL and TMZ on human glioma cells were determined by using an in vitro coculture system and an in vivo experimental xenografted mouse model. Intracellular signaling events that are responsible for the TMZ-mediated sensitization to TRAIL-induced apoptosis were also evaluated. Treatment of either TRAIL-sensitive or -resistant human glioma cells with TMZ and MSC-TRAIL resulted in a significant enhancement of apoptosis compared with the administration of each agent alone. We demonstrated that TMZ effectively increased the sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis via extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mediated upregulation of the death receptor 5 and downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins, such as X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein. Subsequently, this combined treatment resulted in a substantial increase in caspase activation. Furthermore, in vivo survival experiments and bioluminescence imaging analyses showed that treatment using MSC-TRAIL combined with TMZ had greater therapeutic efficacy than did single-agent treatments. These results suggest that the combination of clinically relevant TMZ and MSC-TRAIL is a potential therapeutic strategy for improving the treatment of malignant gliomas.
Identification of dislocations in 4H-SiC epitaxial layers and substrates using photoluminescence imaging
Authors: Kawahara Chihiro , Suda Jun , Kimoto Tsunenobu
Published: January 2014

Dislocations in n- and p-type substrates as well as in epitaxial layers (epilayers) were clearly identified using a photoluminescence (PL) imaging technique. Dislocations in epilayers show large/small bright spots or lines in infrared PL images, which correspond to threading screw/edge dislocations (TSDs/TEDs) or basal plane dislocations (BPDs), respectively. In contrast, dislocations in substrates exhibit large/small dark spots or dark lines in infrared PL images, corresponding to TSDs/TEDs or BPDs, respectively. These different features (bright/dark contrast) of dislocations may originate from the different densities of point defects or impurities.
Structure and impact of atmospheric blocking over the Euro‐Atlantic region in present‐day and future simulations
Authors: Masato G. , Woollings T. , Hoskins B. J.
Published: January 2014

The spatial structure of winter atmospheric blocking and its impact on the surface temperatures are analyzed for the current climate and a strong CO2 emission scenario over the Euro‐Atlantic sector, using four different global circulation models. The models perform very well in describing the spatial pattern of meteorological fields associated with blocking, despite the well‐known negative bias associated with the European blocking frequency. While a slight increase in the frequency of the Atlantic blocking is observed for the future climate, the European blocking frequency remains unchanged, with a net eastward shift apparent for the European warm blocking events. Under enhanced CO2 forcing, Atlantic blocking is associated with reduced amplitudes for positive and negative anomalies both in the geopotential height at 500 hPa and in the surface temperature, in particular for the latter. The anomalies associated with the occurrence of the two types of European blocking (those dominated by warm and cold air masses) exhibit changed shapes and locations in both the geopotential height and surface temperature fields, with only the cold cases leading to severe cold weather conditions over Europe and most of the polar region. Moreover, the eastward shift and amplification of the anticyclone associated with the warm events in the future is found to generate strong positive surface temperature anomalies over the entire polar cap. As a whole, the results show a marked increase in the sensitivity of Arctic temperatures to blocking in the future.
Dynamics of sea level rise and coastal flooding on a changing landscape
Authors: Bilskie M. V. , Hagen S. C. , Medeiros S. C. , Passeri D. L.
Published: January 2014

Standard approaches to determining the impacts of sea level rise (SLR) on storm surge flooding employ numerical models reflecting present conditions with modified sea states for a given SLR scenario. In this study, we advance this paradigm by adjusting the model framework so that it reflects not only a change in sea state but also variations to the landscape (morphologic changes and urbanization of coastal cities). We utilize a numerical model of the Mississippi and Alabama coast to simulate the response of hurricane storm surge to changes in sea level, land use/land cover, and land surface elevation for past (1960), present (2005), and future (2050) conditions. The results show that the storm surge response to SLR is dynamic and sensitive to changes in the landscape. We introduce a new modeling framework that includes modification of the landscape when producing storm surge models for future conditions.
The Pacific quasi‐decadal oscillation (QDO): An important precursor toward anticipating major flood events in the Missouri River Basin?
Authors: Wang Shih‐Yu , Hakala Kirsti , Gillies Robert R. , Capehart William J.
Published: January 2014

Measurements taken by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites indicated a continued water storage increase over the Missouri River Basin (MRB) prior to the 2011 flood event. An analysis of the major hydrologic variables in the MRB, i.e., those of soil moisture, streamflow, groundwater storage, and precipitation, show a marked variability at the 10–15 year time scale coincident with the water storage increase. A climate diagnostic analysis was conducted to determine what climate forcing conditions preceded the long‐term changes in these variables. It was found that precipitation over the MRB undergoes a profound modulation during the transition points of the Pacific quasi‐decadal oscillation and associated teleconnections. The results infer a prominent teleconnection forcing in driving the wet/dry spells in the MRB, and this connection implies persistence of dry conditions for the next 2 to 3 years.
Driven around the bend: Spatial evolution and controls on the orientation of helical bend flow in a natural submarine gravity current
Authors: Sumner E. J. , Peakall J. , Dorrell R. M. , Parsons D. R. , Darby S. E. , Wynn R. B. , McPhail S. D. , Perrett J. , Webb A. , White D.
Published: January 2014

Submarine channel systems transport vast amounts of terrestrial sediment into the deep sea. Understanding the dynamics of the gravity currents that create these systems, and in particular, how these flows interact with and form bends, is fundamental to predicting system architecture and evolution. Bend flow is characterized by a helical structure and in rivers typically comprises inwardly directed near‐bed flow and outwardly directed near‐surface flow. Following a decade of debate, it is now accepted that helical flow in submarine channel bends can exhibit a variety of structures including being opposed to that observed in rivers. The new challenge is to understand what controls the orientation of helical flow cells within submarine flows and determines the conditions for reversal. We present data from the Black Sea showing, for the first time, the three‐dimensional velocity and density structure of an active submarine gravity current. By calculating the forces acting on the flow, we evaluate what controls the orientation of helical flow cells. We demonstrate that radial pressure gradients caused by across‐channel stratification of the flow are more important than centrifugal acceleration in controlling the orientation of helical flow. We also demonstrate that nonlocal acceleration of the flow due to topographic forcing and downstream advection of the cross‐stream flow are significant terms in the momentum balance. These findings have major implications for conceptual and numerical models of submarine channel dynamics, because they show that three‐dimensional models that incorporate across‐channel flow stratification are required to accurately represent curvature‐induced helical flow in such systems.
Normalized particle size distribution for remote sensing application
Authors: Delanoë J. M. E. , Heymsfield A. J. , Protat A. , Bansemer A. , Hogan R. J.
Published: January 2014

The ice particle size distribution (PSD) is fundamental to the quantitative description of a cloud. It is also crucial in the development of remote sensing retrieval techniques using radar and/or lidar measurements. The PSD allows one to link characteristics of individual particles (area, mass, and scattering properties) to characteristics of an ensemble of particles in a sampling volume (e.g., visible extinction (σ), ice water content (IWC), and radar reflectivity (Z)). The aim of this study is to describe a normalization technique to represent the PSD. We update an earlier study by including recent in situ measurements covering a large variety of ice clouds spanning temperatures ranging between −80°C and 0°C. This new data set also includes direct measurements of IWC. We demonstrate that it is possible to scale the PSD in size space by the volume‐weighted diameter Dm and in the concentration space by the intercept parameter and obtain the intrinsic shape of the PSD. Therefore, by combining , Dm, and a modified gamma function representing the normalized PSD shape, we are able to approximate key cloud variables (such as IWC) as well as cloud properties which can be remotely observed (such as Z) with an absolute mean relative error smaller than 20%. The underlying idea is to be able to retrieve the PSD using two independent measurements. We also propose parameterizations for ice cloud key parameters derived from the normalized PSD. We also investigate the effects of uncertainty present in the ice crystal mass‐size relationships on the parameterizations and the normalized PSD approach.
Robust Ordinal Regression
Authors: Corrente Salvatore , Greco Salvatore , Kadziński Miłosz , Słowiński Roman
Published: January 2014

Any multiple Criteria Decision Aiding (MCDA) method needs some preference parameters. The Decision Maker (DM) could be asked to provide directly all these parameters; however, because it needs a great cognitive effort, the indirect preference information is more used in practice. Starting from the indirect preference information, usually there could be more than one set of preference parameters compatible with the information provided by the DM and the choice of only one of them could be considered arbitrary and meaningless. Robust Ordinal Regression (ROR) considers all the sets of compatible preference parameters using the possible and necessary preference relations. The necessary preference relation holds between two alternativesaandbifais at least as good asbfor all sets of compatible preference parameters, whereas the possible preference relations holds betweenaandbifais at least as good asbfor at least one set of compatible preference parameters. In this article, we introduce the basic concepts and the main developments of ROR.
Windowing and random weighting‐based adaptive unscented Kalman filter
Authors: Gao Shesheng , Hu Gaoge , Zhong Yongmin
Published: January 2014

The conventional unscented Kalman filter (UKF) requires prior knowledge on system noise statistics. If the statistical characteristics of system noise are not known exactly, the filtering solution will be biased or even divergent. This paper presents an adaptive UKF by combining the windowing and random weighting concepts to address this problem. It extends the windowing concept from the linear Kalman filter to the nonlinear UKF for estimation of system noise statistics. Subsequently, the random weighting concept is adopted to refine the obtained windowing estimation by adjusting random weights of each window. The proposed adaptive UKF overcomes the limitation of the conventional UKF by online estimating and adjusting system noise statistics. Experimental results and comparison analysis demonstrate that the proposed adaptive UKF outperforms the conventional UKF and adaptive robust UKF under the condition without precise knowledge on system noise statistics.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly Fluorescent and Color‐Tunable Exciplex Emission from Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) Film Containing Nanostructured Supramolecular Acceptors
Authors: Kim Jong H. , An Byeong‐Kwan , Yoon Seong‐Jun , Park Sang Kyu , Kwon Ji Eon , Lim Chang‐Keun , Park Soo Young
Published: January 2014

Highly fluorescent excited‐state charge‐transfer complexes (exciplexes) formed at the interfacial region between a polymeric donor matrix, here, poly(N‐vinylcarbazole), and embedded nanostructured acceptors are characterized for their photophysical properties. Exciplex‐to‐exciton emission switching is observed after solvent vapor annealing (SVA) due to the size evolution of the nanostructures beyond the exciton diffusion length. Color‐tunable exiplex emission (sky blue, green, and orange) is demonstrated for three different nanostructured acceptors with the same HOMO–LUMO gap (i.e., the same blue excitonic emission) but with different electron affinity. White‐emitting poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) film is also fabricated, simply by incorporating mixed supramolecular acceptors, which provide independent exciplex emissions. This study presents important insights into the excited‐state intermolecular interaction at the well‐defined nanoscale interface and suggests an efficient way to obtain multicolored exciplex emissions.
Alkoxy‐Functionalized Thienyl‐Vinylene Polymers for Field‐Effect Transistors and All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Hui , Zhou Nanjia , Ortiz Rocio Ponce , Chen Zhihua , Loser Stephen , Zhang Shiming , Guo Xugang , Casado Juan , López Navarrete J. Teodomiro , Yu Xinge , Facchetti Antonio , Marks Tobin J.
Published: January 2014

π‐conjugated polymers based on the electron‐neutral alkoxy‐functionalized thienyl‐vinylene (TVTOEt) building‐block co‐polymerized, with either BDT (benzodithiophene) or T2 (dithiophene) donor blocks, or NDI (naphthalenediimide) as an acceptor block, are synthesized and characterized. The effect of BDT and NDI substituents (alkyl vs alkoxy or linear vs branched) on the polymer performance in organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) and all‐polymer organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells is reported. Co‐monomer selection and backbone functionalization substantially modifies the polymer MO energies, thin film morphology, and charge transport properties, as indicated by electrochemistry, optical spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, AFM, DFT calculations, and TFT response. When polymer P7 is used as an OPV acceptor with PTB7 as a donor, the corresponding blend yields TFTs with ambipolar mobilities of μe = 5.1 × 10−3 cm2 V–1 s–1 and μh = 3.9 × 10−3 cm2 V–1 s–1 in ambient, among the highest mobilities reported to date for all‐polymer bulk heterojunction TFTs, and all‐polymer solar cells with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.70%, the highest reported PCE to date for an NDI‐polymer acceptor system. The stable transport characteristics in ambient and promising solar cell performance make NDI‐type materials promising acceptors for all‐polymer solar cell applications.
Effects of 3‐D microwell culture on initial fate specification in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Hsiao Cheston , Tomai Matthew , Glynn Jeremy , Palecek Sean P.
Published: January 2014

Several studies have demonstrated that three‐dimensional (3‐D) culture systems influence human embryonic stem cell (hESC) phenotypes and fate choices. However, the effect that these microenvironmental changes have on signaling pathways governing hESC behaviors is not well understood. Here, a 3‐D microwell array was used to investigate differences in activation of developmental pathways between 2‐D and 3‐D cultures of both undifferentiated hESCs and hESCs undergoing initial differentiation in embryoid bodies (EBs). An increased induction into mesoderm and endoderm and differences in expression of genes from multiple signaling pathways that regulate development, including Wnt/β‐catenin, TGF‐β superfamily, Notch, and FGF during EB‐mediated differentiation were observed in 3‐D microwells as compared with the 2‐D substrates. In undifferentiated hESCs, differences in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition phenotypes and the TGFβ/BMP pathway between cultures in 3‐D and 2‐D were also observed. These results illustrate that 3‐D culture influences multiple pathways that may regulate the differentiation trajectories of hESCs. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1225–1235, 2014
Examining occupational health and safety disparities using national data: A cause for continuing concern
Authors: Steege Andrea L. , Baron Sherry L. , Marsh Suzanne M. , Menéndez Cammie Chaumont , Myers John R.
Published: January 2014

Background

Occupational status, a core component of socioeconomic status, plays a critical role in the well‐being of U.S. workers. Identifying work‐related disparities can help target prevention efforts.

Methods

Bureau of Labor Statistics workplace data were used to characterize high‐risk occupations and examine relationships between demographic and work‐related variables and fatality.

Results

Employment in high‐injury/illness occupations was independently associated with being male, Black, ≤high school degree, foreign‐birth, and low‐wages. Adjusted fatal occupational injury rate ratios for 2005–2009 were elevated for males, older workers, and several industries and occupations. Agriculture/forestry/fishing and mining industries and transportation and materials moving occupations had the highest rate ratios. Homicide rate ratios were elevated for Black, American Indian/Alaska Native/Asian/Pacific Islanders, and foreign‐born workers.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of understanding patterns of disparities of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Results can improve intervention efforts by developing programs that better meet the needs of the increasingly diverse U.S. workforce. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:527–538, 2014. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The effects of aMAP2K5microRNA target site SNP on risk for anxiety and depressive disorders
Authors: Jensen Kevin P. , Kranzler Henry R. , Stein Murray B. , Gelernter Joel
Published: January 2014

Functional variants that contribute to genomewide association study (GWAS) signals are difficult to identify. MicroRNAs could contribute to some of these gene–trait relationships. We compiled a set of GWAS trait gene SNPs that were predicted to affect microRNA regulation of mRNA. Trait associations were tested in a sample of 6725 European‐American (EA) and African‐American (AA) subjects that were interviewed using the polydiagnostic SSADDA to diagnose major psychiatric disorders. A predicted miR‐330‐3p target site SNP (rs41305272) in mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MAP2K5) mRNA was in LD (d′ = 1.0, r2 = 0.02) with a reported GWAS‐identified variant for restless legs syndrome (RLS), a disorder frequently comorbid with anxiety and depression, possibly because of a shared pathophysiology. We examined the SNP's association with mood and anxiety‐related disorders. Rs41305272 was associated with agoraphobia (Ag) in EAs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.95,P = 0.007; 195 cases) and AAs (OR = 3.2,P = 0.03; 148 cases) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in AAs (OR = 2.64,P = 0.01; 427 cases), but not EAs (465 cases). Rs41305272*T carrier frequency was correlated with the number of anxiety and depressive disorders diagnosed per subject. RLS was not evaluated in our subjects. Predicted miR‐330‐3p target genes were enriched in pathways relevant to psychiatric disorders. These findings suggest that microRNA target site information may be useful in the analysis of GWAS signals for complex traits. MiR‐330‐3p andMAP2K5are potentially important contributors to mood and anxiety‐related traits. With support from additional studies, these findings could add to the large number of risk genes identified through association to medical disorders that have primary psychiatric effects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative Photoswitching in Bis(dithiazole)ethene Enables Modulation of Light for Encoding Optical Signals
Authors: Wu Yue , Xie Yongshu , Zhang Qiong , Tian He , Zhu Weihong , Li Alexander D. Q.
Published: January 2014

Using one ray of light to encode another ray of light is highly desirable because information in optical format can be directly transferred from one beam to another without converting back to the electronic format. One key medium to accomplish such an amazing task is photoswitchable molecules. Using bis(dithiazole)ethene that can be photoswitched between its ring‐open and ring‐closed states quantitatively with excellent fatigue resistance and high thermal stability, it is shown that quantitative photoreversibility allowed the photoswitching light to control other light travelling through the photoswitchable medium, a phenomenon of transferring information encoded in one light ray to others, thus imparting photo‐optical modulation on the orthogonal light beam.
Copper(I) and palladium nanoparticles supported on ethylenediamine‐functionalized cellulose as an efficient catalyst for the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition/direct arylation sequence
Authors: Keshipour Sajjad , Shaabani Ahmad
Published: January 2014

Cu(I) and nanoparticles of Pd supported on ethylenediamine‐functionalized cellulose as a novel bio‐supported catalyst was synthesized and characterized. The synthesized catalyst was found to be a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 1,4,5‐trisubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles through a sustainable 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition/direct arylation sequence. The catalyst could be easily recovered by simple filtration and reused for at least five cycles without losing its activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and biological applications of selenoureas
Authors: Hussain Raja Azadar , Badshah Amin , Shah Afzal
Published: January 2014

In this review article we have discussed synthesis, free radical scavenging, enzyme inhibition, anticancer activity, DNA binding of selenoureas and detection of selenium species. We have given the structure and activity relationships of different selenoureas with each other and with their sulfur homologues (thioureas). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biocidal action of copolymers based on aliphatic diamines and guanidine hydrochloride
Authors: Nikolaevna Grigor'eva Maria , Aleksandrovich Stel'makh Sergey , Aleksandrovna Astakhova Svetlana , Mihaylovna Tsenter Irina , Ulzitovna Bazaron Larisa , Babudorjievich Batoev Valeriy , Markovich Mognonov Dmitry
Published: January 2014

Copolymers of polyguanidines with various lengths of hydrocarbon radicals were obtained by polycondensation. The biocidal action of water‐soluble, guanidine‐containing copolymers on the pathogenic microorganisms Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus by the method of agar diffusion was evaluated. The results indicate that the ratio of hydrophobic methylene groups to ionogen guanidine groups influenced the copolymer biocidal action. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40319.
Synthesis of poly(4‐aminophenol) by horseradish peroxidase and the evaluation of its adsorptivity for silver ions
Authors: Duan Hua , Zheng Ke , Zhang Lei , Cui Yuanchen
Published: January 2014

In this study, poly(4‐aminophenol) was successfully prepared by an enzymatic reaction in water, with its molecular weights ranging from 12,000 to 52,000. The polymerization of 4‐aminophenol produced high yields over a wide pH ranging from 4 to 10. In addition, poly(4‐aminophenol) was also used for silver‐ion adsorption because it was composed of amino and hydroxyl groups. We found that the adsorption capacity of poly(4‐aminophenol) was relevant to the time, pH value, temperature, and concentration of silver ions, and the greatest adsorption capacity of poly(4‐aminophenol) for silver ions was 220 mg/g. Moreover, a series of tests showed that the adsorption of silver ions was mainly achieved by a reduction reaction, and the silver nanoparticles were formed with a face‐centered cubic structure, and their average particle size was about 10 nm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 40367.
KINETIC ASSESSMENT AND EFFECT ON DEVELOPMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY OF A TRYPSIN INHIBITOR FROM Eugenia jambolana (JAMBUL) SEEDS ON Helicoverpa armigera (HÜBNER)
Authors: Singh Dushyant , Jamal Farrukh , Pandey Prabhash K.
Published: January 2014

A trypsin inhibitor was purified from the seeds of Eugenia jambolana (Jambul) with a fold purification of 14.28 and a yield recovery of 2.8%. Electrophoretic analysis of E. jambolana trypsin inhibitor (EjTI) revealed a molecular weight of approximately 17.4 kDa on 12% denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with or without reduction. EjTI exhibited high stability over a wide range of temperatures (4–80 °C for 30 min) and pH (3.0–10.0) and inhibited trypsin‐like activities of the midgut proteinases of fourth instar Helicoverpa armigera larvae by approximately 86%. Feeding assays containing 0.05, 0.15, and 0.45 (% w/w) EjTI on functionally important fourth‐instar larvae indicated a dose‐dependent downfall in the larval body weight as well as on extent of survival. The nutritional analysis suggests that EjTI exerts toxic effects on H. armigera. Dixon plot analysis revealed competitive inhibition of larval midgut proteinases by EjTI, with an inhibition constant (Ki) of approximately 3.1 × 10−9 M. However, inhibitor kinetics using double reciprocal plots for trypsin inhibition demonstrated a mixed inhibition pattern. These observations suggest the potential of E. jambolana trypsin inhibitor protein in insect pest management.
EXPRESSION OF SNMP1 AND SNMP2 GENES IN ANTENNAL SENSILLA OF Spodoptera exigua (HÜBNER)
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Zhang Jin , Liu Yang , Wang Guirong , Dong Shuanglin
Published: January 2014

Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) are olfactory‐specific, two‐transmembrane proteins. Previous publications reported that SNMP1 is expressed on the dendrite membrane of pheromone‐sensitive neurons in Heliothis virescens and is an essential cofactor for pheromone detection in Drosophila. In this study, we cloned two SNMP genes (GenBank accession nos. JX469106 and JX469107) from the antenna of the beet armyworm moth Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Hübner). These SNMP genes are classified into two highly conserved subclades, indicating their importance in physiological activity of lepidopteran insects. SexiSNMP1 is antenna‐specific in male and female adults, while SexiSNMP2 is antenna‐abundant but also expressed in other chemosensory tissues, particularly proboscises and maxillary palps of adults both sexes. In situ hybridization revealed that both SNMPs are broadly expressed in long and short trichoid and basiconic sensilla. We infer that SNMP1 and SNMP2 act in the detection of the sex pheromone and general odorants.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Farnesylthiosalicylic Acid Derivatives for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ling Yong , Wang Xuemin , Zhu Hongyan , Wang Zhiqiang , Xu Chenjun , Wang Xinyang , Chen Li , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2014

Novel farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS) derivatives were synthesized by coupling with different substituted diamines. Their in vitro growth inhibitory activities against seven human cancer cell lines were evaluated. The results revealed that the synthetic farnesylthiosalicylamides displayed significant antitumor activities compared to the positive control FTS. Especially, compound 8f exhibited the strongest antitumor activities with IC50 values of 6.20–7.83 µM, which were one‐ to threefold less than those of sorafenib and six‐ to tenfold less than that of FTS against each cell line in vitro. Furthermore, 8f could inhibit the Ras‐related signaling pathway and induce SMMC‐7721 cell apoptosis superior to FTS in a dose‐dependent manner. These data indicate that 8f may hold greater promise as therapeutic agent for the intervention of human cancers.
Cellular redox homeostasis in endothelial cells treated with nonmodified and Fenton‐modified nanodiamond powders
Authors: Solarska‐Ściuk K. , Gajewska A. , Skolimowski J. , Gajek A. , Bartosz G.
Published: January 2014

Diamond nanoparticles find numerous applications in pharmacy, medicine, cosmetics, and biotechnology. However, possible adverse cellular effects of diamond nanoparticle cells have been reported, which may limit their use. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of nonmodified diamond nanoparticles (D) and diamond nanoparticles modified by the Fenton reaction (D+OH) on human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVEC‐ST). We found that both D and D+OH show time‐ and concentration‐dependent cytotoxicity, inducing apoptosis and necrosis of HUVEC‐ST. Interaction with D and D+OH also induced changes in the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and changes in the level of glutathione and activities of antioxidant enzymes in the cells. These data demonstrate that diamond nanoparticles may induce oxidative stress in human endothelial cells, which contributes to their cytotoxic effects seen at higher concentrations of D and D+OH.
A paternal environmental legacy: Evidence for epigenetic inheritance through the male germ line
Authors: Soubry Adelheid , Hoyo Cathrine , Jirtle Randy L. , Murphy Susan K.
Published: January 2014

Literature on maternal exposures and the risk of epigenetic changes or diseases in the offspring is growing. Paternal contributions are often not considered. However, some animal and epidemiologic studies on various contaminants, nutrition, and lifestyle‐related conditions suggest a paternal influence on the offspring's future health. The phenotypic outcomes may have been attributed to DNA damage or mutations, but increasing evidence shows that the inheritance of environmentally induced functional changes of the genome, and related disorders, are (also) driven by epigenetic components. In this essay we suggest the existence of epigenetic windows of susceptibility to environmental insults during sperm development. Changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, and non‐coding RNAs are viable mechanistic candidates for a non‐genetic transfer of paternal environmental information, from maturing germ cell to zygote. Inclusion of paternal factors in future research will ultimately improve the understanding of transgenerational epigenetic plasticity and health‐related effects in future generations.
Transfer and functional consequences of dietary microRNAs in vertebrates: Concepts in search of corroboration
Authors: Witwer Kenneth W. , Hirschi Kendal D.
Published: January 2014

If validated, diet‐derived foreign microRNA absorption and function in consuming vertebrates would drastically alter our understanding of nutrition and ecology. RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms of Caenorhabditis elegans are enhanced by uptake of environmental RNA and amplification and systemic distribution of RNAi effectors. Therapeutic exploitation of RNAi in treating human disease is difficult because these accessory processes are absent or diminished in most animals. A recent report challenged multiple paradigms, suggesting that ingested microRNAs (miRNAs) are transferred to blood, accumulate in tissues, and exert canonical regulation of endogenous transcripts. Independent replication of these findings has been elusive, and multiple disconfirmatory findings have been published. In the face of mounting negative results, any additional positive reports must provide the proverbial “extraordinary proof” to support such claims. In this article, we review the evidence for and against a significant role for dietary miRNAs in influencing gene expression, and make recommendations for future studies.

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Trautmann's triangle anatomy with application to posterior transpetrosal and other related skull base procedures
Authors: Shane Tubbs R. , Griessenauer Christoph , Loukas Marios , Ansari Shaheryar F. , Fritsch Michael H. , Cohen‐Gadol Aaron A.
Published: January 2014

Trautmann's triangle (TT) faces the cerebellopontine angle and is exposed during posterior transpetrosal approaches. However, reports on the morphometric analysis of this structure are lacking in the literature. The goal was to better understand this important operative corridor. TT was exposed from an external approach (transmastoid) in ten cadavers (20 sides) and from an internal approach on 20 dry adult temporal bones. Measurements included calculation of the area of TT and the distance of the endolymphatic sac from the anterior border of the sigmoid sinus. The area range of TT was 45–210 mm2 (mean 151 mm2; SD 37 mm2). Three types of triangles were identified based on area. Type I triangles had areas less than 75 mm2, Type II areas were 75–149 mm2, and Type III areas were 150 mm2 and greater. These types were observed in 37.5%, 35%, and 27.5% of sides, respectively. The distance from the jugular bulb's anterior border to the posterior border of the posterior semicircular canal ranged from 6 to 11 mm (mean 8.5 mm). The endolymphatic sac was located in the inferior portion of TT and traveled anterior to the sigmoid sinus. The horizontal distance from the anterior edge of the sigmoid sinus to the posterior edge of the endolymphatic sac ranged from 0 to 13.5 mm (mean 9 mm). Additional anatomic knowledge regarding TT may improve neurosurgical procedures in this region by avoiding intrusion into the endolymphatic sac and sigmoid sinus. Clin. Anat. 27:994–998, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.