bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dinâmica socioambiental na Vila dos Pescadores (Amazônia Oriental, Pará, Brasil)
Authors: Pereira Luci Cajueiro Carneiro , Souza Filho Pedro Walfir Martins e , Ribeiro Marcilenia de Jesus Silva , Pinheiro Samara Cristina Campelo , Nunes Zélia Maria Pimentel , Da Costa Rauquírio Marinho
Published: July 2014

Este trabalho descreve os aspectos sociais, econômicos e ambientais de uma comunidade de pescadores(Vila dos Pescadores), situada no estuário do Rio Caeté, no nordeste do Pará (Brasil). A metodologiaadotada neste estudo foi baseada em entrevistas, questionários e observação direta para caracterizaralguns aspectos sociais, econômicos e ambientais, bem como no monitoramento de perfis de praia,para determinar a dinâmica costeira local. Os resultados mostram que a maioria dos entrevistados tementre 18 e 35 anos (50,97%), são pescadores (62,13%), casados (68,93%), com 1 grau incompleto(77,67%), moram com a família (2-4 pessoas, 39,8%), em casa própria (86,89%) e ganham menos de1 salário mínimo (95,63%). A maioria habita a vila há 3 anos ou mais (42,71%) e não está satisfeitacom a atual situação social, econômica e ambiental. A vila apresenta alguns problemas ambientais,como erosão costeira, e sérios problemas de serviços e infra-estrutura (p. ex. transporte público, telefonespúblicos, coletores de lixo, iluminação pública, água potável, saneamento básico, comércio, áreapara lazer, posto de saúde, estacionamento, salva-vidas, escolas, etc.). A ausência de emprego favoreceque a pesca seja a principal atividade econômica da vila. Por outro lado, a natureza exuberante, oclima equatorial, a tranqüilidade e a abundância de peixes são aspectos positivos segundo a opiniãodos entrevistados.
Formas de uso e ocupação na praia de Ajuruteua (PA, Brasil)
Authors: Pereira Luci Cajueiro Carneiro , Ribeiro Marcilenia de Jesus Silva , Guimarães Danielly De Oliveira , Souza e Filho Pedro Walfir Martins , Da Costa Rauquírio Marinho
Published: July 2014

A Vila de Ajuruteua está localizada em uma praia do litoral nordeste do estado do Pará, a 36 km dacidade de Bragança. Apresenta uma população de 392 moradores (2004), dos quais a maioria temcomo principais ocupações a pesca e o comércio. A renda familiar média é baixa, por causa do atrasotecnológico das práticas utilizadas na pesca artesanal e à baixa escolaridade e qualificação profissional.A ocupação territorial na zona costeira ocorreu de maneira rápida e desordenada, a partir dadécada de 1980, e os serviços e infra-estruturas são escassos ou inexistentes (p. ex. falta de saneamentobásico, falta de água potável, precariedade na iluminação pública, etc.). Um plano de gerenciamentocosteiro é imprescindível para melhorar o uso e a ocupação do espaço costeiro em estudo e, conseqüentemente,melhorar a qualidade de vida da população local.
Urbanização e Gestão do Litoral Centro-Sul do Estado de Santa Catarina
Authors: Scherer Marinez , Ferreira Celso Moller , Mudat Julio , Cataneo Sabrina
Published: July 2014

Trinta e seis municípios compõem o Litoral de Santa Catarina. Esses 36 municípios são divididos emcinco setores: norte, centro-norte, centro, centro-sul e sul. O litoral centro-sul é composto por seismunicípios próximos do maior complexo lagunar do Estado. Laguna é o município que mais crescenessa região do Estado, sendo também o município mais populoso. A urbanização acelerada edesordenada do litoral centro-sul, em especial a região de Laguna, vem causando impactos ambientaissignificativos na região, como poluição dos corpos hídricos, processos erosivos da região de dunas,perda de vegetação litorânea e de biodiversidade em geral. Atividades como a carcinicultura, agricultura,turismo e expansão urbana estão entre as atividades que mais contribuem para os impactosambientais. Para que a região se desenvolva sem a perda de seus recursos naturais, algumas medidasdevem ser tomadas, tais como: melhoria do saneamento básico; planificação do desenvolvimento urbano,levando em consideração a fragilidade das planícies costeiras e dunas frontais; zoneamento edefinição de critérios para atividade de maricultura, em especial a carcinicultura; desenvolvimento eimplementação de planos de manejo das unidades de conservação da região; seguimento da legislaçãoambiental, em especial as normas relacionadas à poluição de corpos hídricos e áreas de preservaçãopermanente.
Platybasia in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Is Not Correlated with Speech Resonance
Authors: Spruijt Nicole E , Kon Moshe , Mink van der Molen Aebele B
Published: July 2014

Background An abnormally obtuse cranial base angle, also known as platybasia, is a common finding in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). Platybasia increases the depth of the velopharynx and is therefore postulated to contribute to velopharyngeal dysfunction. Our objective was to determine the clinical significance of platybasia in 22q11DS by exploring the relationship between cranial base angles and speech resonance.

Methods In this retrospective chart review at a tertiary hospital, 24 children (age, 4.0-13.1 years) with 22q11.2DS underwent speech assessments and lateral cephalograms, which allowed for the measurement of the cranial base angles.

Results One patient (4%) had hyponasal resonance, 8 (33%) had normal resonance, 10 (42%) had hypernasal resonance on vowels only, and 5 (21%) had hypernasal resonance on both vowels and consonants. The mean cranial base angle was 136.5° (standard deviation, 5.3°; range, 122.3-144.8°). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant relationship between the resonance ratings and cranial base angles (P=0.242). Cranial base angles and speech ratings were not correlated (Spearman correlation=0.321, P=0.126). The group with hypernasal resonance had a significantly more obtuse mean cranial base angle (138° vs. 134°, P=0.049) but did not have a greater prevalence of platybasia (73% vs. 56%, P=0.412).

Conclusions In this retrospective chart review of patients with 22q11DS, cranial base angles were not correlated with speech resonance. The clinical significance of platybasia remains unknown.
A New Approach to Objective Evaluation of the Success of Nasal Septum Perforation
Authors: Ozturk Sinan , Zor Fatih , Ozturk Serdar , Kartal Ozgur , Alhan Dogan , Isik Selcuk
Published: July 2014

Background Perforations in the nasal septum (NSP) give rise not only to disintegration of the septum anatomy but also impairment in normal nasal physiology. The successes of these surgical techniques are usually equated to anatomical closure of the perforation. The goal of this study is to evaluate the subjective and objective results of our surgical technique for septal perforation surgery.

Methods All NSPs in the six patients were closed by inferior turbinate flap. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) instrument was used to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative subjective sensation of nasal obstruction. Measurement of preoperative and postoperative nasal airway resistance was performed using active anterior rhinomanometry which is an objective test. Wilcoxson signed rank test and Spearman correlation test were used to analyze correlation between NOSE scores and rhinomanometric measurements.

Results The full closure of the septal perforations was noted in 100% of patients. The total NOSE score was 14 preoperatively and one postoperatively. The improvement in NOSE scores was statistically significant (P≤0.002). The mean preoperative total resistance (ResT150) value was 0.13 Pa/cm3s-1, which is below the normal range (0.16-0.31 Pa/cm3s-1), while the mean postoperative ResT150 value was 0.27 Pa/cm3s-1. The correlation between the improvement in NOSE scores and improvements in ResT150 values was statistically significant.

Conclusions Surgical approaches should aim to solve both the anatomical and physiological problems of NSP. The application of subjective and objective tests in the postoperative period will help surgeons assess the applied techniques.
Prevention of Implant Malposition in Inframammary Augmentation Mammaplasty
Authors: Kim Yoon Ji , Kim Yang Woo , Cheon Young Woo
Published: July 2014

Background Implant malposition can produce unsatisfactory aesthetic results after breast augmentation. The goal of this article is to identify aspects of the preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative flap fixation that can prevent implant malposition.

Methods This study examined 36 patients who underwent primary dual plane breast augmentation through an inframammary incision between September 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013. Before the surgery, preoperative evaluation and design using the Randquist formula were performed. Each patient was evaluated retrospectively for nipple position relative to the breast implant and breast contour, using standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs. The average follow-up period was 10 months.

Results Seven of 72 breasts were identified as having implant malposition. These malpositions were divided into two groups. In relation to the new breast mound, six breasts had an inferiorly positioned and one breast had a superiorly positioned nipple-areolar complex. Two of these seven breasts were accompanied with an unsatisfactory breast contour.

Conclusions We identified two main causes of implant malposition after inframammary augmentation mammaplasty. One cause was an incorrect preoperatively designed nipple to inframammary fold (N-IMF) distance. The breast skin and parenchyma quality, such as an extremely tight envelope, should be considered. If an extremely tight envelope is found, the preoperatively designed new N-IMF distance should be increased. The other main cause of malposition is failure of the fascial suture from Scarpa's fascia to the perichondrium through an inframammary incision. As well, when this fixation is performed, it should be performed directly downward to the perichondrium, rather than slanted in a cranial or caudal direction.
Identifying Dart and Arrow Points in the Great Basin: Comment on Smith Et Al.'s “Points in Time: Direct Radiocarbon Dates on Great Basin Projectile Points“
Authors: Hockett Bryan , Hildebrandt William R. , King Jerome H.
Published: July 2014

Smith et al. (2013) provided important new information concerning the ages of a variety of projectile point types found in the Great Basin. Two of their interpretations, however, deserve further discussion. Smith et al. (2013) concluded that the Nicholarsen (or Nicolarsen) Cache contains both dart and arrow points. However, our application of methods developed by Hildebrandt and King (2012) to distinguish dart and arrow points, indicates that the Nicholarsen Cache contains arrow points exclusively. In addition, we suggest that the two ca. 6,800-year-old “Elko-Eared” points identified by Smith et al. (2013) are Large Side-notched points.
The Fama-French Three Factors in the Chinese Stock Market
Authors: Xu Jin , Zhang Shaojun
Published: July 2014

China is the largest emerging market and attracts a great deal of attention from investors and researchers worldwide. The Fama-French three-factor model is the outcome of decades of research on US stock returns. To what extent the three factors explain the variation in Chinese stock returns is an intriguing question. This paper documents empirical evidence on this issue and identifies some pitfalls that arise in the application of the three-factor model to Chinese stock returns. We find that several special features in China affect the three factors considerably and also influence the explanatory power of the three-factor model.
A Systematic Review of Amniotic Fluid Assessments in Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Ippolito Danielle L. , Bergstrom Jennifer E. , Lutgendorf Monica A. , Flood-Nichols Shannon K. , Magann Everett F.
Published: July 2014

The objectives of this systematic review were to examine the reproducibility of sonographic estimates of amniotic fluid volume (AFV) in twin pregnancies, compare the association of sonographic estimates of AFV with dye‐determined AFV, and correlate AFV with antepartum, intrapartum, and perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. Studies were included if they were adequately powered and investigated antepartum, intrapartum, and/or perinatal adverse outcome parameters in twin gestations. Studies with comparable populations and exclusion criteria were merged into forest plots. Data comparing the accuracy of AFV assessment, correlation of AFV with gestational age, and adverse outcomes were tabulated. Five of the 6 studies investigating AFV by the amniotic fluid index as a function of gestational age reported data fitting a quadratic equation, with fluid volumes peaking at mid gestation and then declining. This trend was less pronounced when AFV was assessed by the single deepest pocket (2 of 4 studies reporting a quadratic fit). Polyhydramnios was associated with prematurity in 2 of 4 studies (1 amniotic fluid index and 1 single deepest pocket), and oligohydramnios was associated with prematurity in 1 single deepest pocket study. Stillbirth was the only intrapartum outcome reported in more than 1 study. Perinatal outcomes associated with polyhydramnios included neonatal death (P < .05 in 1 of 2 studies), low Apgar scores (1 of 2 studies), neonatal intensive care unit admission (1 of 2 studies), and low birth weight (2 of 3 studies).
Use of Fetal Echocardiography for Characterization of Fetal Cardiac Structure in Women With Normal Pregnancies and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Garg Salil , Sharma Prafull , Sharma Divyesh , Behera Vineet , Durairaj Manuel , Dhall Anil
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To assess fetal cardiac structure and function and to evaluate the efficacy of routine fetal echocardiography for detection of fetal cardiac abnormalities in women with normal pregnancies and those with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods

In this prospective study, we studied fetal cardiac structure and function in 294 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and 302 pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. Fetal echocardiography (2‐dimensional sonography and pulsed wave Doppler imaging) was used to assess functional parameters and to detect any cardiac structural abnormality. Data from clinical and echocardiographic evaluations of neonates at birth and 3 months were obtained to confirm the antenatal findings.

Results

The mean maternal age ± SD was 28.9 ± 5.0 years in the diabetes group and was comparable to that of women with normal pregnancies. The mean hemoglobin A1c value was 6.3%, and the mean body mass index was 28.0 kg/m2. The systolic function as assessed by the ejection fraction increased significantly in the diabetes group compared to the normal pregnancy group independent of glycemic control (P < .001). The pulsed wave parameters (early diastolic peak flow velocity and early‐to‐late diastolic peak flow velocity ratio) were significantly different between the groups (P < .001). The interventricular septum and fetal ventricular wall thicknesses were significantly increased in the presence of gestational diabetes (P < .001). No major fetal cardiac structural anomaly was detected in either group. On follow‐up after delivery, all neonates were assessed clinically and by transthoracic echocardiography to rule out congenital defects.

Conclusions

In our study, significant increases in the interventricular septum and ventricular wall thicknesses were detected in the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus. Interestingly, none of the neonates of pregnant women with gestational diabetes were found to have echocardiographic evidence of congenital heart disease.
Prospective Study of Intracranial Translucency and the Posterior Brain in Normal Fetuses at the 11‐ to 13‐Week Scan
Authors: Fong Katherine W. , Dengler Jana , Toi Ants , Menezes Ravi J. , Karimzad Yasser , Okun Nanette
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the ability of sonographers to prospectively identify intracranial translucency and posterior brain structures at 11 to 13 weeks and to evaluate measurement reproducibility of brain stem and brain stem–occipital bone diameters on stored images.

Methods

After specific training for intracranial translucency visualization, 10 nonphysician sonographers prospectively identified intracranial translucency at the 11‐ to 13‐week scan, noting whether intracranial translucency was present, absent, or uncertain. If absent/uncertain, they documented the reason as spina bifida or an inadequate image (with reasons for the inadequate image). Measurements of brain stem and brain stem–occipital bone diameters were performed on stored images. Fifty randomly selected cases were reviewed for intraobserver and interobserver variability.

Results

In 313 singleton pregnancies, the posterior brain including intracranial translucency was evaluated; 293 (93.6%) had known pregnancy outcomes. None had open spina bifida, but 7 had chromosomal or congenital abnormalities. In the remaining 286 normal fetuses, intracranial translucency was seen in 275 (96%) and uncertain in 11 (4%), due to inadequate images (top 3 reasons were fetal position [n = 8], obesity [n = 5], and retroverted uterus [n = 4]). Fetal position and gestational age were significantly associated with intracranial translucency visualization (P < .05). Intraobserver and interobserver agreement rates were moderate for measurements of brain stem diameter (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.59 and 0.57) and substantial for brain stem–occipital bone diameter (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.76 and 0.61). Bland‐Altman analysis revealed negligible intraobserver and interobserver differences in brain stem and brain stem–occipital bone diameter measurements.

Conclusions

Intracranial translucency can be prospectively identified by trained sonographers in 96% of normal fetuses at 11 to 13 weeks. Measurements of brain stem and brain stem–occipital bone diameters are reproducible.
Acoustic Radiation Force for Noninvasive Evaluation of Corneal Biomechanical Changes Induced by Cross‐linking Therapy
Authors: Urs Raksha , Lloyd Harriet O. , Silverman Ronald H.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To noninvasively measure changes in corneal biomechanical properties induced by ultraviolet‐activated riboflavin cross‐linking therapy using acoustic radiation force (ARF).

Methods

Cross‐linking was performed on the right eyes of 6 rabbits, with the left eyes serving as controls. Acoustic radiation force was used to assess corneal stiffness before treatment and weekly for 4 weeks after treatment. Acoustic power levels were within US Food and Drug Administration guidelines for ophthalmic safety. Strain, determined from ARF‐induced displacement of the front and back surfaces of the cornea, was fit to the Kelvin‐Voigt model to determine the elastic modulus (E) and coefficient of viscosity (η). The stiffness factor, the ratio of E after treatment to E before treatment, was calculated for treated and control eyes. At the end of 4 weeks, ex vivo thermal shrinkage temperature analysis was performed for comparison with in vivo stiffness measurements. One‐way analysis of variance and Student t tests were performed to test for differences in E, η, the stiffness factor, and corneal thickness.

Results

Biomechanical stiffening was immediately evident in cross‐linking–treated corneas. At 4 weeks after treatment, treated corneas were 1.3 times stiffer and showed significant changes in E (P= .006) and η (P= .007), with no significant effect in controls. Corneal thickness increased immediately after treatment but did not differ significantly from the pretreatment value at 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate a statistically significant increase in stiffness in cross‐linking–treated rabbit corneas based on in vivo axial stress/strain measurements obtained using ARF. The capacity to noninvasively monitor corneal stiffness offers the potential for clinical monitoring of cross‐linking therapy.
Freehand Elastography for Determination of Breast Cancer Size
Authors: Zippel Douglas , Shalmon Anat , Rundstein Arie , Novikov Ilya , Yosepovich Ady , Zbar Andrew , Goitein David , Sklair‐Levy Miri
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Elastography assesses the strain of soft tissues and is used to enhance diagnostic accuracy in evaluating breast tumors, but minimal data exist on its ability to accurately assess tumor size. This study was performed to assess the preoperative accuracy of measuring the size of biopsyproven breast cancer lesions with elastography and conventional B‐mode sonography compared with the reference standard size measured by histopathologic examination.

Methods

Elastography and conventional B‐mode sonography were performed on 69 women with histologically proven breast cancer, and tumor sizes on both modalities were recorded. These measurements were compared with the final pathologic size, which was used as the reference standard. The sizes and differences between sonographic, elastographic, and pathologic measurements were statistically tested, and an analysis of equivalence to the reference standard was performed using Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

There was a significant difference between sizes on elastography and pathologic examination, with elastography overestimating the tumor size (P = .0187). Sonography slightly underestimated the tumor size, but this finding was not significant (P = .36). Bland‐Altman plots confirmed that sonography but not elastography was an acceptable standard compared with the pathologic size.

Conclusions

Breast elastography but not B‐mode sonography overestimates the size of breast tumors compared with the final pathologic size.
Controls on groundwater flow in a semiarid folded and faulted intermountain basin
Authors: Ball Lyndsay B. , Caine Jonathan Saul , Ge Shemin
Published: July 2014

The major processes controlling groundwater flow in intermountain basins are poorly understood, particularly in basins underlain by folded and faulted bedrock and under regionally realistic hydrogeologic heterogeneity. To explore the role of hydrogeologic heterogeneity and poorly constrained mountain hydrologic conditions on regional groundwater flow in contracted intermountain basins, a series of 3‐D numerical groundwater flow models were developed using the South Park basin, Colorado, USA as a proxy. The models were used to identify the relative importance of different recharge processes to major aquifers, to estimate typical groundwater circulation depths, and to explore hydrogeologic communication between mountain and valley hydrogeologic landscapes. Modeling results show that mountain landscapes develop topographically controlled and predominantly local‐scale to intermediate‐scale flow systems. Permeability heterogeneity of the fold and fault belt and decreased topographic roughness led to permeability controlled flow systems in the valley. The structural position of major aquifers in the valley fold and fault belt was found to control the relative importance of different recharge mechanisms. Alternative mountain recharge model scenarios showed that higher mountain recharge rates led to higher mountain water table elevations and increasingly prominent local flow systems, primarily resulting in increased seepage within the mountain landscape and nonlinear increases in mountain block recharge to the valley. Valley aquifers were found to be relatively insensitive to changing mountain water tables, particularly in structurally isolated aquifers inside the fold and fault belt.
Improving nutrient management practices in agriculture: The role of risk‐based beliefs in understanding farmers' attitudes toward taking additional action
Authors: Wilson Robyn S. , Howard Gregory , Burnett Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2014

A recent increase in the amount of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) entering the western Lake Erie basin is likely due to increased spring storm events in combination with issues related to fertilizer application and timing. These factors in combination with warmer lake temperatures have amplified the spread of toxic algal blooms. We assessed the attitudes of farmers in northwest Ohio toward taking at least one additional action to reduce nutrient loss on their farm. Specifically, we (1) identified to what extent farm and farmer characteristics (e.g., age, gross farm sales) as well as risk‐based beliefs (e.g., efficacy, risk perception) influenced attitudes, and (2) assessed how these characteristics and beliefs differ in their predictive ability based on unobservable latent classes of farmers. Risk perception, or a belief that negative impacts to profit and water quality from nutrient loss were likely, was the most consistent predictor of farmer attitudes. Response efficacy, or a belief that taking action on one's farm made a difference, was found to significantly influence attitudes, although this belief was particularly salient for the minority class of farmers who were older and more motivated by profit. Communication efforts should focus on the negative impacts of nutrient loss to both the farm (i.e., profit) and the natural environment (i.e., water quality) to raise individual perceived risk among the majority, while the minority need higher perceived efficacy or more specific information about the economic effectiveness of particular recommended practices.
Examining spatial and temporal variability in snow water equivalent using a 27 year reanalysis: Kern River watershed, Sierra Nevada
Authors: Girotto Manuela , Cortés Gonzalo , Margulis Steven A. , Durand Michael
Published: July 2014

This paper used a data assimilation framework to estimate spatially and temporally continuous snow water equivalent (SWE) from a 27 year reanalysis (from water year 1985 to 2011) of the Landsat‐5 record for the Kern River watershed in the Sierra Nevada, California. The data assimilation approach explicitly treats sources of uncertainty from model parameters, meteorological inputs, and observations. The method is comprised of two main components: (1) a coupled land surface model (LSM) and snow depletion curve (SDC) model, which is used to generate an ensemble of predictions of SWE and fractional snow cover area (FSCA) for a given set of prior (uncertain) inputs, and (2) a retrospective reanalysis step, which updates estimation variables to be consistent with the observed fractional snow cover time series. The final posterior SWE estimate is generated from the LSM‐SDC using the posterior estimation variables consistently with all postulated sources of uncertainty in the model, inputs, and observations. A reasonable agreement was found between the SWE reanalysis and in situ SWE observations and streamflow data. The data set was studied to evaluate factors controlling SWE spatial and temporal variability. Elevation was found to be the primary control on spatial patterns of peak‐SWE and day‐of‐peak. The easting coordinate had additional explanatory power, which is hypothesized to be related to rain shadow effects due to the prevailing storm track directions. The spatial patterns were found to be interannually inconsistent. However, drier years and lower elevations were found more variable than wetter years and higher elevations, respectively. Only a very small percentage of the Kern River watershed had a significant trend in peak‐SWE and day‐of‐peak. Trends deemed to be significant were found to be positive (peak‐SWE is increasing and day‐of‐peak occurs later) at higher elevations, but negative (peak‐SWE is decreasing and day‐of‐peak occurs earlier) at lower elevations. The reanalysis approach proved to be useful in terms of identifying subwatershed variability and trends, and could be extended to larger regions and areas where in situ data are sparse or unavailable.
Interfacially Engineered High‐Speed Nonvolatile Memories Employing p‐Type Nanoribbons
Authors: Yu Yongqiang , Lan XinZheng , Jiang Yang , Zhang Yuguang , Zhang Yan , Zhu Zhifeng , Wang Li , Wu Chunyan , Jie Jiansheng
Published: July 2014

A novel two‐terminal high‐speed nonvolatile memory device is demonstrated featuring the construction of a quasi‐metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (q‐MIS) architecture. The quasi‐MIS memory takes advantage of an in situ formed amorphous AlOx interfacial layer sandwiched between p‐type ZnS nanoribbons (p‐ZnSNRs) and a Al electrode. Systematical optimization of the AlOx interfacial layer enables the resultant memory to show excellent memory characteristics, including a fast programming speed of <100 ns, a high current ON/OFF ratio of ∼108, a long retention time of 6 × 104 s, and good stability over 12 months. In addition, an interface‐state‐induced mechanism is proposed to elucidate in detail the memory characteristic for the quasi‐MIS structure. This work suggests great potential of such quasi‐MIS architecture for high‐performance two‐terminal memory, and more importantly, signifies the importance of interface engineering for the construction of novel functional nano‐devices.
Curvature dark energy reconstruction through different cosmographic distance definitions
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , De Laurentis Mariafelicia , Luongo Orlando
Published: July 2014

In the context of gravity, dark energy is a geometrical fluid with negative equation of state. Since the function is not known a priori, the need of a model independent reconstruction of its shape represents a relevant technique to determine which model is really favored with respect to others. To this aim, cosmography is related to a generic and its derivatives in order to provide a model‐independent investigation at redshift . The analysis is based on the use of three different cosmological distance definitions, in order to alleviate the duality problem, i.e. the problem of which cosmological distance to use with specific cosmic data sets. We therefore consider the luminosity, , flux, , and angular, , distances and we find numerical constraints by the Union 2.1 supernovae compilation and measurement of baryonic acoustic oscillations, at . We notice that all distances reduce to the same expression, i.e. , at first order. Thus, to fix the cosmographic series of observables, we impose the initial value of H0 by fitting through supernovae only, in the redshift regime . We find that the pressure of curvature dark energy fluid is slightly lower than the one related to the cosmological constant. This indicates that a possible evolving curvature dark energy realistically fills the current universe. Moreover, the combined use of and shows that the sign of the acceleration parameter agrees with theoretical bounds, while its variation, namely the jerk parameter, is compatible with . Finally, we infer the functional form of by means of a truncated polynomial approximation, in terms of fourth order scale factor .
Massless Dirac cones in graphene: Experiments and theory
Authors: Cappelluti Emmanuele , Benfatto Lara , Papagno Marco , Pacilè Daniela , Sheverdyaeva Polina M. , Moras Paolo
Published: July 2014

The opening of a gap in single‐layer graphene is often ascribed to the breaking of the equivalence between the two carbon sublattices. It is shown by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy that Ir‐ and Na‐modified graphene grown on the Ir(111) surface presents a very large unconventional gap that can be described in terms of a phenomenological massless Dirac model. The consequences and differences of this model are discussed in comparison of the standard massive gap model, and the conditions under which such anomalous gap can arise from a spontaneous symmetry breaking are investigated.
Peptide Modifications Differentially Alter G Protein‐Coupled Receptor Internalization and Signaling Bias
Authors: Mäde Veronika , Babilon Stefanie , Jolly Navjeet , Wanka Lizzy , Bellmann‐Sickert Kathrin , Diaz Gimenez Luis E. , Mörl Karin , Cox Helen M. , Gurevich Vsevolod V. , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: July 2014

Although G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are targeted by more clinically used drugs than any other type of protein, their ligand development is particularly challenging. Humans have four neuropeptide Y receptors: hY1R and hY5R are orexigenic, while hY2R and hY4R are anorexigenic, and represent important anti‐obesity drug targets. We show for the first time that PEGylation and lipidation, chemical modifications that prolong the plasma half‐lives of peptides, confer additional benefits. Both modifications enhance pancreatic polypeptide preference for hY2R/hY4R over hY1R/hY5R. Lipidation biases the ligand towards arrestin recruitment and internalization, whereas PEGylation confers the opposite bias. These effects were independent of the cell system and modified residue. We thus provide novel insights into the mode of action of peptide modifications and open innovative venues for generating peptide agonists with extended therapeutic potential.
Controlling water permeability of composite films of polylactide acid, cellulose, and xyloglucan
Authors: Gårdebjer Sofie , Larsson Anette , Löfgren Caroline , Ström Anna
Published: July 2014

To test the hypothesis that the introduction of a hydrophilic hemicellulose would affect viscoelastic properties and increase water permeability, xyloglucan (XG) was adsorbed onto the surface of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in water dispersion prior to the extrusion of 79–80 wt % polylactide acid (PLA), 20 wt % MCC, and 0–1 wt % XG. For comparison, composites of PLA, MCC, and non‐absorbed XG were produced. Analysis of thermal properties showed no differences for glass‐transition or melting temperatures, but the crystallinity of the films increased with the addition of MCC and XG. Storage modulus of the composite materials increased with XG content; however, at higher humidities storage modulus decreased, probably because of lower interfacial adhesion. Water permeability through the films increased more with the addition of XG adsorbed to the MCC than with the MCC and XG simply mixed in the same amounts. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41219.
Influence of metal‐oxide‐supported bentonites on the pyrolysis behavior of polypropylene and high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Khan Mohammad Ismail , Khan Hizbullah , Ishaq Mohammad , Tariq Razia , Gul Kashif , Ahmad Waqas
Published: July 2014

In this article, we report on the pyrolysis of polypropylene (PP) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) in the absence and presence of plain and metal‐oxide‐impregnated bentonite clays [BCs; acid‐washed bentonite clay (AWBC), Zn/AWBC, Ni/AWBC, Co/AWBC, Fe/AWBC, and Mn/AWBC] into useful products. Thermal and catalytic runs were performed at 300°C in the case of PP and at 350°C in the case of HDPE for a contact time of 30 min. The effects of different catalysts and their concentrations on the overall yields and the yields of liquid, gas, and residue were studied. The efficacy of each catalyst is reported on the basis of the highest liquid yields (in weight percentage). The derived liquid products were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy; this confirmed the presence of paraffins, olefins, and naphthenes. The results indicate the catalytic role of impregnated BCs compared to plain BC with the optimum efficiency shown by Co/AWBC in the case of PP and Zn/AWBC in the case of HDPE toward the formation of liquid products in a desirable C range with the enrichment of olefins and naphthenes in the case of PP and paraffins and olefins in the case of HDPE compared to the thermal run. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41221.
Network structure and mechanical properties of hydrophobic association hydrogels: Surfactant effect I
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Xiaoli , Yu Jingfeng , Gao Ge , Liu Fengqi
Published: July 2014

Three series hydrophobic association hydrogels (HA‐gels) with different concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were prepared by free radical micellar copolymerization. The backbone of HA‐gels was based on the copolymer of acrylamide and a little octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether acrylate with 10 ethoxyl units (OP10∼AC). Their mechanical properties were determined by tension tests. It was found that the properties of all three series HA‐gels presented a very similar variation tendency with increasing R, the molar ratio of SDS to OP10∼AC. In the medium region of R (around 1.23), higher effective crosslinked density and proper match between shorter and longer chains were achieved, so that the HA‐gels exhibited better mechanical strengths. In lower R region, it is prone to form the unstable aggregation of OP10∼AC with little SDS, while in higher R region some of co‐micelles could not act as crosslinkers. Both would reduce the effective crosslinked density and the mechanical strength of HA‐gel. In the condition of fixed R, the change of OP10∼AC content would remodel the topological structure of network. The HA‐gels with better properties could be obtained as the OP10∼AC content was varied from 1 to 2% at the proper R. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41222.
Mild cold‐stress depresses immune responses: Implications for cancer models involving laboratory mice
Authors: Messmer Michelle N. , Kokolus Kathleen M. , Eng Jason W.‐L. , Abrams Scott I. , Repasky Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2014

Physiologically accurate mouse models of cancer are critical in the pre‐clinical development of novel cancer therapies. However, current standardized animal‐housing temperatures elicit chronic cold‐associated stress in mice, which is further increased in the presence of tumor. This cold‐stress significantly impacts experimental outcomes. Data from our lab and others suggest standard housing fundamentally alters murine physiology, and this can produce altered immune baselines in tumor and other disease models. Researchers may thus underestimate the efficacy of therapies that are benefitted by immune responses. A potential mediator, norepinephrine, also underlies stress pathways common in mice and humans. Therefore, research into mechanisms connecting cold‐stress and norepinephrine signaling with immune depression in mice could highlight new combination therapies for humans to simultaneously target stress while stimulating anti‐tumor immunity.
Facile preparation of boronic acid‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles with a high capacity and their use in the enrichment of cis‐diol‐containing compounds from plasma
Authors: Du Jin , He Maofang , Wang Xiaomeng , Fan Hua , Wei Yinmao
Published: July 2014

The use of bronate affinity adsorbents is a new separation method that appeared recently with great potential for specific extraction of cis‐diol‐containing compounds. In this work,a new strategy for the facile construction of boronic acid‐functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@FPBA MNPs) with a high capacity was described. The extraction capacity of the Fe3O4@FPBA MNPs was determined to be 66.0 ± 2.7 µmol/g for catechol and 80.6 ± 2.0 µmol/g for dopamine, being higher than that for the reported methods. The Fe3O4@FPBA MNPs were used to extract four cis‐diol drugs: caffeic acid isopropyl ester, caffic acid bornyl ester, isopropyl 3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐2‐hydroxypropanoate and 3‐(3, 4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐2‐hydroxylpropionic acid – from the spiked rabbit plasma, and the recoveries of four drugs were between 87.29 and104.37% with relative standard deviations ranging from 1.34 to 8.81%. Under the most favorable conditions, the solid‐phase extraction combined with HPLC‐UV for the analysis of four drugs in plasma could eliminate interferences from endogenous components of the biological fluids and exhibited sufficient precision and accuracy. These results showed that the prepared Fe3O4@FPBA MNPs were qualified for efficiently enriching and determining the trace cis‐diol substances from biological samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symmetric corticospinal excitability and representation of vastus lateralis muscle in right‐handed healthy subjects
Authors: Al Sawah Mohomad , Rimawi Mohammad , Concerto Carmen , Amer Bahaa , Cao Yisheng , D'Antoni Anthony V. , Chusid Eileen , Battaglia Fortunato
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the size and location of the representations of the anterior thigh muscles on the human motor cortex in the dominant and non‐dominant hemispheres. Motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation were recorded from the right and left vastus lateralis (rVL, lVL) muscles. A total of ten right‐handed healthy volunteers participated in the study. In a single session experiment, we investigated VL muscle corticospinal excitability (motor threshold, MEP size, short interval intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation) and cortical representation (map area, volume, and location) in the dominant and non‐dominant hemispheres. The motor threshold, MEPs, and intracortical excitability did not differ significantly between the hemispheres (P > 0.05). Furthermore, no difference between sides was found in the location of VL motor representation (mediolateral and anteroposterior axis) or in map area and volume (P > 0.05). Vastus lateralis muscle corticospinal excitability and cortical map were symmetrical in right‐handed subjects. Future studies on patients with unilateral lower extremity injuries could examine side‐to‐side plastic reorganization in corticomotor output and map location in both hemispheres. Clin. Anat. 27:1053–1057, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Chiari malformations: A review with emphasis on anatomical traits
Authors: Cesmebasi Alper , Loukas Marios , Hogan Elizabeth , Kralovic Sara , Tubbs R. Shane , Cohen‐gadol Aaron A.
Published: July 2014

Hindbrain herniations come in many forms and have been further subdivided as their original descriptions. For cerebellar tonsillar ectopia, they can be divided into two categories, acquired and congenital. Acquired hindbrain herniations are due to increased intracranial pressure caused by certain conditions such as trauma or brain tumor. Although the mechanism for their formation is not clear, congenital hindbrain herniation makes up the majority of these congenital malformations. Furthermore, these malformations are often found to harbor additional anatomical derailments in addition to the hindbrain herniation whether it be the cerebellar tonsils (Chiari I malformation) or the cerebellar vermis (Chiari II malformation). This article reviews these forms of cerebellar ectopia and describes the details of their anomalous anatomy. Moreover, this article compares and contrasts the differing embryological theories found in this literature. Clin. Anat. 28:184–194, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiple Site‐Specific Installations of Nε‐Monomethyl‐L‐Lysine into Histone Proteins by Cell‐Based and Cell‐Free Protein Synthesis
Authors: Yanagisawa Tatsuo , Takahashi Mihoko , Mukai Takahito , Sato Shin , Wakamori Masatoshi , Shirouzu Mikako , Sakamoto Kensaku , Umehara Takashi , Yokoyama Shigeyuki
Published: July 2014

Lysine methylation is one of the important post‐translational modifications of histones, and produces an Nε‐mono‐, di‐, or trimethyllysine residues. Multiple and site‐specific lysine methylations of histones are essential to define epigenetic statuses and control heterochromatin formation, DNA repair, and transcription regulation. A method was previously developed to build an analogue of Nε‐monomethyllysine, with cysteine substituting for lysine. Here, we have developed a new method of preparing histones bearing multiple Nε‐monomethyllysine residues at specified positions. Release factor 1‐knockout (RFzero) Escherichia coli cells or a cell‐free system based on the RFzero cell lysate was used for protein synthesis, as in RFzero cells UAG is redefined as a sense codon for non‐canonical amino acids. During protein synthesis, a tert‐butyloxycarbonyl‐protected Nε‐monomethyllysine analogue is ligated to Methanosarcina mazei pyrrolysine tRNA (tRNAPyl) by M. mazei pyrrolysyl‐tRNA synthetase mutants, and is translationally incorporated into one or more positions specified by the UAG codon. Protecting groups on the protein are then removed with trifluoroacetic acid to generate Nε‐monomethyllysine residues. We installed Nε‐monomethyllysine residues at positions 4, 9, 27, 36, and/or 79 of human histone H3. Each of the Nε‐monomethyllysine residues within the produced histone H3 was recognized by its specific antibody. Furthermore, the antibody recognized the authentic Nε‐monomethyllysine residue at position 27 better than the Nε‐monomethyllysine analogue built with cysteine. Mass spectrometry analyses also confirmed the lysine modifications on the produced histone H3. Thus, our method enables the installation of authentic Nε‐monomethyllysines at multiple positions within a protein for large‐scale production.
The Effect of Water on Furan Conversion over ZSM‐5
Authors: Gilbert Christopher J. , Espindola Juliana S. , Conner William C. , Trierweiler Jorge O. , Huber George W.
Published: July 2014

Catalytic fast pyrolysis is a method for converting lignocellulosic biomass into renewable aromatics and olefins. Water is a byproduct of this reaction and is also present in the biomass feed. As the water partial pressure is increased from 0 to 212 Torr (0 to 28 kPa), there is an increase in furan conversion from 43.8 to 84.8 % over ZSM‐5. The CO2 and propylene yields also increase from 0.7 to 16.4 % and 2.9 to 44.9 %, respectively, as the water partial pressure increases. Water partial pressures in an industrial catalytic fast pyrolysis reactor should be within the range of water partial pressures used in this study. These results demonstrate that the presence of water promotes hydrolysis reactions in the gas‐phase conversion of furanic pyrolysis vapors over zeolite catalysts.
Comparison of Hydrogen Elimination from Molecular Zinc and Magnesium Hydride Clusters
Authors: Intemann Julia , Sirsch Peter , Harder Sjoerd
Published: July 2014

In analogy to the previously reported tetranuclear magnesium hydride cluster with a bridged dianionic bis‐β‐diketiminate ligand, a related zinc hydride cluster has been prepared. The crystal structures of these magnesium and zinc hydride complexes are similar: the metal atoms are situated at the corners of a tetrahedron in which the vertices are bridged either by dianionic bis‐β‐diketiminate ligands or hydride ions. Both structures are retained in solution and show examples of H−⋅⋅⋅H−NMR coupling (Mg: 8.5 Hz; Zn: 16.0 Hz). The zinc hydride cluster [NN‐(ZnH)2]2thermally decomposes at 90 °C and releases 1.8 equivalents of H2. In contrast to magnesium hydride clusters, there is no apparent relationship between cluster size and thermal decomposition temperature for the zinc hydrides. DFT calculations reproduced the structure of the zinc hydride cluster reasonably well and charge density analysis showed no bond paths between the hydride ions. This contrasts with calculations on the analogous magnesium hydride cluster in which a counter‐intuitive H−⋅⋅⋅H−bond path was observed. Forcing a reduced H−⋅⋅⋅H−distance in the zinc hydride cluster, however, gave rise to a H−⋅⋅⋅H−bond path. Such weak interactions could play a role in H2desorption. The presumed molecular product after H2release, a Zn(I) cluster, could not be characterized experimentally but DFT calculations predicted a cluster with two localized ZnZn bonds.
Catalytic Functionalization of Methane and Light Alkanes in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Fuentes M. Ángeles , Olmos Andrea , Muñoz Bianca K. , Jacob Kane , González‐Núñez M. Elena , Mello Rossella , Asensio Gregorio , Caballero Ana , Etienne Michel , Pérez Pedro J.
Published: July 2014

The development of catalytic methods for the effective functionalization of methane yet remains a challenge. The best system known to date is the so‐called Catalytica Process based on the use of platinum catalysts to convert methane into methyl bisulfate with a TOF rate of 10−3 s. In this contribution, we report a series of silver complexes containing perfluorinated tris(indazolyl)borate ligands that catalyze the functionalization of methane into ethyl propionate upon reaction with ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) by using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as the reaction medium. The employment of this reaction medium has also allowed the functionalization of ethane, propane, butane, and isobutane.