bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE DYNAMICS OF REAL EXCHANGE RATES: A RECONSIDERATION
Authors: Kaufmann Hendrik , Heinen Florian , Sibbertsen Philipp
Published: June 2013

In this paper we offer a bootstrap‐based version of the Cox specification test for non‐nested hypothesis to discriminate between ESTAR and MSAR models. Both models are commonly used for modeling real exchange rates dynamics. We show that the test has good size and power properties in finite samples. In an application, we analyze several major real exchange rates to shed light on the question of which model describes these processes best. This allows us to draw conclusions about the driving forces of real exchange rates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transglutaminase‐2 mediates calcium‐regulated crosslinking of the Y‐Box 1 (YB‐1) translation‐regulatory protein in TGFβ1‐activated myofibroblasts
Authors: Willis William L. , Hariharan Seethalakshmi , David Jason J. , Strauch Arthur Roger
Published: June 2013

Myofibroblast differentiation is required for wound healing and accompanied by activation of smooth muscle α‐actin (SMαA) gene expression. The stress‐response protein, Y‐box binding protein‐1 (YB‐1) binds SMαA mRNA and regulates its translational activity. Activation of SMαA gene expression in human pulmonary myofibroblasts by TGFβ1 was associated with formation of denaturation‐resistant YB‐1 oligomers with selective affinity for a known translation‐silencer sequence in SMαA mRNA. We have determined that YB‐1 is a substrate for the protein‐crosslinking enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2) that catalyzes calcium‐dependent formation of covalent γ‐glutamyl‐isopeptide linkages in response to reactive oxygen signaling. TG2 transamidation reactions using intact cells, cell lysates, and recombinant YB‐1 revealed covalent crosslinking of the 50 kDa YB‐1 polypeptide into protein oligomers that were distributed during SDS–PAGE over a 75–250 kDa size range. In vitro YB‐1 transamidation required nanomolar levels of calcium and was enhanced by the presence of SMαA mRNA. In human pulmonary fibroblasts, YB‐1 crosslinking was inhibited by (a) anti‐oxidant cystamine, (b) the reactive‐oxygen antagonist, diphenyleneiodonium, (c) competitive inhibition of TG2 transamidation using the aminyl‐surrogate substrate, monodansylcadaverine, and (d) transfection with small‐interfering RNA specific for human TG2 mRNA. YB‐1 crosslinking was partially reversible as a function of oligomer‐substrate availability and TG2 enzyme concentration. Intracellular calcium accumulation and peroxidative stress in injury‐activated myofibroblasts may govern SMαA mRNA translational activity during wound healing via TG2‐mediated crosslinking of the YB‐1 mRNA‐binding protein. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2753–2769, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetics of simultaneous methane and toluene biofiltration in an inert packed bed
Authors: Ménard Camille , Ramirez Antonio Avalos , Heitz Michèle
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Biofiltration of methane is of particular interest to contribute to limiting the greenhouse gas effect of biogas emissions from landfills. The complexity of the biogas mixture from landfills has underlined the importance of the presence of non‐methane organic compounds. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of toluene on the microkinetic and macrokinetic parameters of methane biodegradation using an inorganic filter bed.

RESULTS

Two concentrations of toluene were tested, 0.7 and 3.4 gC m−3, and compared with the case of methane biofiltration alone. The specific growth rates of methane decreased from 0.793 to 0.574 to 0.278 d−1 when the toluene concentration was increased from 0 to 0.7 to 3.4 gC m−3, respectively. The maximum elimination capacity of methane decreased from 39.4 to 5.6 gC m−3 h−1 when toluene concentration was increased from 0 to 3.4 gC m−3. The half‐saturation constants decreased from 4.6 to 1.6 gC m−3 and from 4.6 to 0.7 gC m−3, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Results show that an inhibition occurred on methane biodegradation when toluene was introduced into the biofilter. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
MicroRNA‐146b improves intestinal injury in mouse colitis by activating nuclear factor‐κB and improving epithelial barrier function
Authors: Nata Toshie , Fujiya Mikihiro , Ueno Nobohiro , Moriichi Kentaro , Konishi Hiroaki , Tanabe Hiroki , Ohtake Takaaki , Ikuta Katsuya , Kohgo Yutaka
Published: June 2013

Background

The precise role of microRNAs in inflammatory disease is not clear. The present study investigated the effect of microRNA (miR‐146b) with respect to improving intestinal inflammation.

Methods

The microRNA profile in interleukin‐10 deficient mice was examined using microRNA arrays and miR‐146b was selected for the subsequent experiments. The expression vectors containing either the whole sequence of miR‐146b or small interfering RNA for miR‐146b were intraperitoneally administered to the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis mouse. The expression levels of inflammation‐related mediators were examined by the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. Intestinal barrier function was evaluated by an ex vivo mannitol flux study.

Results

The overexpression of miR‐146b activated the NF‐κB pathway, improved epithelial barrier function, relieved intestinal inflammation in the DSS‐induced colitis mice, and improved the survival rate of mice with lethal colitis. Furthermore, this amelioration of intestinal inflammation by miR‐146b was negated by the inhibitor for the NF‐κB pathway. The overexpression of miR‐146b decreased the expression of siah2, which has a target sequence for miR‐146b, and promoted the ubiquitination of TRAF proteins. This suggests that the up‐regulation of NF‐κB by miR‐146b was mediated by inhibition of the ubiquitination of TRAF proteins upstream of NF‐κB.

Conclusions

miR‐146b improves intestinal inflammation by up‐regulating NF‐κB as a result of the decreased expression of siah2, which ubiquitinates TRAF proteins. Modulation of the miR‐146b expression is a potentially useful therapy for the treatment of intestinal inflammation via activation of the NF‐κB pathway. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dependence of model convergence on horizontal resolution and convective parameterization in simulations of a tropical cyclone at gray‐zone resolutions
Authors: Sun Yuan , Yi Lan , Zhong Zhong , Hu Yijia , Ha Yao
Published: June 2013

The Advanced Research WRF is used to examine the sensitivity of simulations of Typhoon Shanshan (2006) to changes in horizontal grid spacing at gray‐zone resolutions (7.5–1 km) and to choices of convective parameterization (CP) schemes. It is illustrated that fine resolution (3 to 1 km) runs feature a weak model convergence in tropical cyclone (TC) intensity than coarse resolution (7.5 to 5 km) runs, and the simulations using the Grell 3D ensemble CP (GR3D) exhibit a relatively strong model convergence, compared to the other three CP schemes. Further analyses reveal that model convergence relies on a number of factors that limit or promote TC intensification as resolution varies. Smaller radius of maximum wind (RMW) and thus smaller eyewall slope, along with smaller surface energy flux outside the eyewall and smaller eyewall asymmetries, are associated with finer resolution runs. These factors, especially the smaller RMW, promote the radial gradients of kinematical and microphysical attributes such as wind, pressure, latent heating, and mixing ratio of hydrometeors near the eyewall, causing growth of storm intensity, resulting in a weak model convergence. However, the impacts of the factors promoting storm intensification are notably different under different CP conditions, which are appreciably weaker in GR3D runs than in other three groups of CP experiments and responsible for a relatively strong model convergence in GR3D simulations. Overall, improvement of current CP schemes in simulation of TCs at gray‐zone resolutions is needed and targeted by a further study in future.
Analysis of sexual assault evidence by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Mirabelli Mario F. , Chramow Alexander , Cabral Elaine C. , Ifa Demian R.
Published: June 2013

Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI‐MS) is employed in the forensic analysis of chemical components present in condoms and imaging of latent fingerprints as circumstantial evidence of sexual assault. Polymers such as nonoxynol‐9, polyethylene glycol, and polydimethylsiloxane, as well as small molecules additives such as N‐methylmorpholine, N‐octylamine, N,N‐dibutyl formamide, and isonox 132, commonly used in lubricated condom formulations, were successfully characterized by DESI. The results suggest that DESI‐MS is useful for identification of this type of evidence, and it has advantages over conventional extractive techniques, in terms of speed of analysis and ease of use. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moist dynamics of active/break cycle of Indian summer monsoon rainfall from NCEPR2 and MERRA reanalysis
Authors: Pillai Prasanth A. , Sahai A. K.
Published: June 2013

The vertically integrated moisture and moist static energy (MSE) budgets during the active and break phases of Indian summer monsoon are studied using National Centers for Environmental Prediction Reanalysis2 (NCEPR2) and Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) data. The different parameterization procedures adopted by the reanalysis models will impose inevitable differences between the reanalysis products, which will make an impact on their intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) also. At the same time, the agreement of the moisture budget terms of the reanalysis products has enabled us to come up with a common moisture mechanism responsible for the ISO. Estimates of the moisture budget indicates that the rainfall anomalies over the Indian monsoon region in both active and break phases are mainly (70–80%) balanced by local moisture divergence. The remaining 20–25% is accounted by the horizontal moisture advection. The moisture advection is found to lead the rainfall by 8–9 d, while there is no lead‐lag relationship is observed between the moisture divergence and rainfall. The anomalous moisture advection from the northwest pacific initiates the active phase of Indian monsoon and the dry air advection from the northwest of India after the onset of active convection sets off the break conditions. MSE budget over India is balanced by MSE divergence and moisture advection, indicating that the variation in MSE is mainly governed by moisture in the intraseasonal timescales. A positive covariance between radiative and surface fluxes and precipitation anomalies indicates that these flux terms slowdown the variation of MSE during active/break phase and may help to extend the ISO. The anomalous moisture advection has a major role in northward propagation of ISO also. A large residual of MSE budget during onset of ISO is the main caveat of the reanalysis products and it is the major constrain in the present analysis also.
Repair of avascular meniscal injuries using juvenile meniscal fragments: An in vitro organ culture study
Authors: Dai Zhu , Li Kanghua , Chen Zhiwei , Liao Ying , Yang Lezhong , Liu Chunlei , Ding Wenjun
Published: June 2013

We investigated whether the implantation of juvenile allograft and minced meniscal fragments could improve the healing of avascular meniscal injuries, which cannot heal spontaneously. Concentric cylindrical explants were excised from the inner two‐thirds of swine medial menisci. The inner cylinder consisted of a “sandwich” structure, with minced juvenile meniscal fragments, juvenile meniscal columns, minced mature meniscal fragments, or mature meniscal columns implanted in the middle. The explants were cultured in vitro for 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Interfacial meniscal repair was assessed by histology, immunohistochemistry, biomechanical testing, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Histology and confocal microscopy results revealed that tissue repair and cell accumulation at the interface were best at all time points in the juvenile meniscal fragments group, followed by the juvenile columns, minced mature fragments, and mature columns groups, respectively. At 6 weeks, the implantation of juvenile allograft and minced meniscal fragments increased the shear strength, peak force, and energy to failure in the peripheral interface. Picosirius red/polarized light microscopy and immunohistochemistry results showed concurrent expression of type I and II collagen in the interfacial repair tissue. In conclusion, implantation of juvenile allograft and minced meniscal fragments could increase the healing of avascular meniscal injury in vitro. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1514–1519, 2013
Compact Cpw‐Fed UWB Slot Antenna with Triple Band‐Notched Characteristics
Authors: Subbarao Akkala , Raghavan S.
Published: June 2013

A novel compact coplanar waveguide‐fed antenna is presented with triple band‐notched characteristics. A C‐slot is etched in a novel patch to avoid interference from WiMAX band. By using pair of CSRR slots and pair of L‐shaped slits in ground plane, two notched bands for WLAN and ITU 8 GHz bands are obtained, respectively. The antenna has bandwidth of 2.8–11.2 GHz with three notched bands of 3.3–3.7 GHz, 5–6 GHz, and 8–8.4 GHz to avoid interference from WiMAX, WLAN, and ITU 8 GHz bands, respectively. The antenna has good impedance matching and stable radiation patterns. Good agreement is reached between measured and simulated results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2113–2117, 2013
Birth of children with severe β‐thalassemia at a tertiary obstetric hospital: what are the reasons behind it?
Authors: Yang Yu , Li Dong‐Zhi
Published: June 2013

Objective

To find reasons for the births of severe β‐thalassemia at a tertiary obstetric hospital in mainland China.

Methods

All cases with confirmed diagnosis of β‐thalassemia major were included from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011. The main clinical characteristics of the affected pregnancies were reviewed, including maternal reproductive history, prenatal care in the current pregnancy, the gestation of pregnancy at the time of booking, and availability of husbands for a screen test.

Results

A total of nine cases of β‐thalassemia major were identified at birth during the study period. The reasons for no prenatal diagnosis included unavailability of the father for a test in four cases, unacceptability of the invasive procedure in two cases, absence of prenatal care in two cases, and nonpaternity in one case.

Conclusion

The effectiveness in control of the disease is not only associated with the model itself but also the factors playing against the model. The identification of the main reasons for the birth of severe thalassemia might help to find room for improvement in clinical practice. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preoperative prediction of the individualized risk of early fetal death after laser therapy in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Eixarch Elisenda , Valsky Dan , Deprest Jan , Baschat Ahmet A. , Lewi Liesbeth , Ortiz Javier U. , Martinez‐Crespo Josep Maria , Gratacos Eduard
Published: June 2013

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the independent and combined value of gestational age, fetal weight, fetoplacental Doppler, and myocardial performance index for the prediction of individual risk of early (≤7 days) intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) after laser therapy in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Material and Methods

A consecutive series of 215 cases of TTTS treated with laser therapy in three centers was prospectively studied. Ultrasound evaluation within 24 h of surgery included estimated fetal weight discordance, umbilical artery, pulsatility index (PI) and diastolic flow evaluation, middle cerebral artery PI and middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, ductus venosus PI and atrial flow assessment, and modified myocardial performance index. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of preoperative parameters with IUFD.

Results

Intrauterine fetal death occurred in 17 (7.9%) of the recipients and 33 (15.3%) donors (p = 0.016). The only independent predictors of IUFD in recipients was the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity >1.5 MoM (OR = 22, p = 0.015), but this event was present in only 3% of recipients. In donors, reverse end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (OR = 14.748, p = 0.033), estimated fetal weight discordance (OR = 1.054, p = 0.036), and gestational age (OR = 0.757, p = 0.046) were independent predictors.

Conclusion

In TTTS, preoperative fetal assessment can identify independent risk factors for early post‐operative IUFD, particularly in donors. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Octahydrogenated retinoic acid‐conjugated glycol chitosan nanoparticles as a novel carrier of azadirachtin: Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Lu Wei , Lu Meng‐Ling , Zhang Qing‐Peng , Tian Yong‐Qing , Zhang Zhi‐Xiang , Xu Han‐Hong
Published: June 2013

Environment‐friendly and controlled release formulation is highly promising for reducing environmental pollution and achieving the most effective utilization of pesticides. As a novel “green” nanocarrier of pesticides, amphiphilic self‐assembled nanoparticles were prepared by chemical conjugation of octahydrogenated retinoic acid (OR) to the backbone of glycol chitosan (GC). In aqueous media, the synthesized OR‐GC conjugates formed nanosized particles with a diameter of 257 nm. Hydrophobic azadirachtin (AZA) was efficiently loaded into the OR‐GC nanoparticles at a feed weight ratio of up to 1:4 using a simple dialysis method, the maximum drug‐loading efficiency of which was 74%. AZA‐OR‐GC (25 wt %) nanoparticles also showed sustained release of the incorporated AZA (65% of the loaded dose was released in 7 days at 27 °C in phosphate‐buffered saline; pH 7.2). Cytotoxicity tests and cell cycle arrest assays confirmed that OR‐GC exhibits good biocompatibility; AZA‐OR‐GC (25 wt %) nanoparticles also showed favorable inhibition of cell proliferation in Sl‐1 cells compared with free AZA in organic solvents. Overall, controlled release AZA‐OR‐GC may be a promising environment‐friendly formulation for integrated pest management. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3932–3940
Resistance and behavioural response of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) populations to Bacillus thuringiensis formulations
Authors: Zago Hugo B , Siqueira Herbert ÁA , Pereira Eliseu JG , Picanço Marcelo C , Barros Reginaldo
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Insecticide resistance is probably the major cause of control failure of Plutella xylostella (L.) in Brazil. In most production regions, the use of chemicals has been the prevalent method of control, with reduced efficacy through cropping seasons, even for the most recent use of products based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The current status of the resistance to these products was assessed, as well as the behavioural response of P. xylostella populations to Bt sprays.

RESULTS

Most populations of P. xylostella were resistant to Bt products, particularly to Xentari®WDG (2–54‐fold). Differences in walking characteristics of larvae were variable for most populations, for both Dipel®WP and Xentari®WDG, but not associated with resistance. Most females preferred to lay eggs on untreated surfaces and showed a reduced proportion of oviposition on treated surfaces that only correlated with resistance to Dipel®WP (r = −0.74, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Broad and indiscriminate use of Bt‐based products has selected Brazilian P. xylostella populations to resistance. Larval movement appears to be a resistance‐independent mechanism. Most populations of P. xylostella preferred to lay eggs on Bt‐free surfaces, which might be a result of growers' practice of spraying the cabbage head. Reduced oviposition on treated surfaces correlated with physiological resistance, suggesting a behavioural response among the Bt‐resistant colonies to Dipel®WP. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
A unified framework for testing linear‐invariant properties
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arnab , Grigorescu Elena , Shapira Asaf
Published: June 2013

In the study of property testing, a particularly important role has been played by linear invariant properties, i.e., properties of Boolean functions on the hypercube which are closed under linear transformations of the domain. Examples of such properties include linearity, Reed‐Muller codes, and Fourier sparsity. In this work, we describe a framework that can lead to a unified analysis of the testability of all linear‐invariant properties, drawing on techniques from additive combinatorics and from graph theory.

Our main contributions here are the following:

We introduce a simple combinatorial condition, which we call subspace‐heredity, and conjecture that any property of Boolean functions satisfying it can be efficiently tested. Verifying this conjecture will unify many individual results in this area.

We show that if our conjecture holds, then one can obtain a simple combinatorial characterization of properties of Boolean functions that can be efficiently tested with one‐sided error, thus addressing a challenge posed by Sudan recently.

We introduce a new technique for proving the testability of Boolean functions. The main tool we develop is an extension of Green's arithmetic regularity lemma. Using it, we verify a special case of the conjecture.

Our approach here is motivated by techniques that proved to be very successful previously in studying the testability of graph properties.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46, 232–260, 2015
Genotoxicity of cadmium chloride in the marine gastropod Nerita chamaeleon using comet assay and alkaline unwinding assay
Authors: Sarkar Anupam , Bhagat Jacky , Ingole Baban S. , Rao Durga P. , Markad Vijaykumar L.
Published: June 2013

This paper presents an evaluation of the genotoxic effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on marine gastropod, Nerita chamaeleon following the technique of comet assay and the DNA alkaline unwinding assay (DAUA). In this study, the extent of DNA damage in gill cells of N. chamaeleon was measured after in vivo exposure to four different concentrations (10, 25, 50, and 75 µg/L) of CdCl2. In vitro exposure of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 1, 10, 25, and 50 µM) of the gill cells showed a significant increase in the percentage tail DNA, Olive tail moment, and tail length (TL). Significant changes in percentage tail DNA by CdCl2 exposure were observed in all exposed groups of snails with respect to those in control. Exposure to 75 µg/L of CdCl2 produced significant decrease in DNA integrity as measured by DAUA at all duration with respect to control. In vivo exposure to different concentrations of CdCl2 (10, 25, 50, and 75 µg/L) to N. chamaeleon showed considerable increase in DNA damage as observed by both alkaline comet assay and the DAUA. The extent of DNA damage in marine gastropods determined by the application of alkaline comet assay and DAUA clearly indicated the genotoxic responses of marine gastropod, N. chamaeleon to a wide range of cadmium concentration in the marine environment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 177–187, 2015.
Large Normal and Intermediate Alleles in the Context of SCA2 Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Cruz‐Mariño Tania , Laffita‐Mesa Jose Miguel , Gonzalez‐Zaldivar Yanetza , Velazquez‐Santos Miguel , Aguilera‐Rodriguez Raul , Estupinan‐Rodriguez Annelie , Vazquez‐Mojena Yaime , Macleod Patrick , Paneque Milena , Velazquez‐Perez Luis
Published: June 2013

In 2001 a program for predictive testing of Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 was developed in Cuba, based on the detection of an abnormal CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene. A descriptive study was designed to assess the implications of ATXN2 large normal and intermediate alleles in the context of the SCA2 Prenatal Diagnosis Program. Four clinical scenarios were selected based upon the behaviour of large normal and intermediate alleles when passing from one generation to the next, showing expansions, contractions, or stability in the CAG repeat size. In some populations, traditional Mendelian risk figures of 0 % or 50 % may not be applicable due to the high frequency of unstable large normal alleles. Couples with no family history of SCA2 may have a >0 % risk of having an affected offspring. Similarly, couples in which there is both an expanded and a large normal allele may have a recurrence risk >50 %. It is imperative that these issues be addressed with these couples during genetic counseling. These recurrence risks have to be carefully estimated in the presence of such alleles (particularly alleles ≥27 CAG repeats), carriers need to be aware of the potential risk for their descendants, and programs for prenatal diagnosis must be available for them.
The protective role of endogenous bacterial communities in chironomid egg masses and larvae
Authors: Senderovich Yigal , Halpern Malka
Published: June 2013

Insects of the family Chironomidae, also known as chironomids, are distributed worldwide in a variety of water habitats. These insects display a wide range of tolerance toward metals and organic pollutions. Bacterial species known for their ability to degrade toxicants were identified from chironomid egg masses, leading to the hypothesis that bacteria may contribute to the survival of chironomids in polluted environments. To gain a better understanding of the bacterial communities that inhabit chironomids, the endogenous bacteria of egg masses and larvae were studied by 454-pyrosequencing. The microbial community of the egg masses was distinct from that of the larval stage, most likely due to the presence of one dominant bacterial Firmicutes taxon, which consisted of 28% of the total sequence reads from the larvae. This taxon may be an insect symbiont. The bacterial communities of both the egg masses and the larvae were found to include operational taxonomic units, which were closely related to species known as toxicant degraders. Furthermore, various bacterial species with the ability to detoxify metals were isolated from egg masses and larvae. Koch-like postulates were applied to demonstrate that chironomid endogenous bacterial species protect the insect from toxic heavy metals. We conclude that chironomids, which are considered pollution tolerant, are inhabited by stable endogenous bacterial communities that have a role in protecting their hosts from toxicants. This phenomenon, in which bacteria enable the continued existence of their host in hostile environments, may not be restricted only to chironomids.
Conservation Treatments: Cleaning, Consolidation and Protection
Authors: Dei L.
Published: June 2013

In this chapter some general remarks dealing with cleaning, consolidation and protection will be given, in order to make the reader aware of the “practical” operations occurring during conservation and restoration. This contribution serves thus as a basis before introducing, in the following chapters, the new materials developed by nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Some main principles concerning meanings, purposes and strategies of both conservation and restoration will be enunciated in the first part, highlighting the difference between these two terms. The chapter will then treat the two fundamental rules of scientific conservation and restoration: reversibility and physic-chemical compatibility. These two meaningful guidelines will be discussed in detail, showing how the history of the last 50 years of conservation and restoration evidenced the importance of taking into account both rules, emphasizing compatibility against reversibility. In particular, the physico-chemical compatibility of new materials with respect to original artworks materials will be highlighted as a new and modern golden rule. The chapter concludes by stating some general criteria for modern conservation and restoration, individuating in materials science and materials chemistry the research fields with strong potential to develop new art-compatible materials, and widely discussing some possible new educational profiles to inform conservation scientists to face the challenges of the third millennium in the field of science and technology as applied to the world's cultural heritage.
Cleaning II: Applications and Case Studies
Authors: Carretti E. , Dei L.
Published: June 2013

The present chapter is dedicated to illustrating some applications of nanostructured systems, which have already been theoretically introduced, for the cleaning of architectonic and artistic surfaces. In particular, the content of this chapter will deal with the removal of aged polymeric materials – polyacrylates, polyvinyl acetates, etc. – applied in the past as protective or consolidating coatings. In this regard, some general properties linked to the degradation of these synthetic materials and to their interaction with solvents, leading to swelling and solubilization phenomena, will be described. The use of resin soaps and complex micellar solutions for the removal of aged polymeric coatings will be illustrated in detail, concerning both the preparation of these cleaning systems and their application on painted and stone surfaces. The last part of the chapter will discuss some emblematic case studies where multi-component complex micellar solutions have been applied onto historical artworks, including fresco and a secco Italian Renaissance wall paintings.
Inorganic Nanomaterials for the Consolidation of Wall Paintings and Stones
Authors: Baglioni P. , Giorgi R.
Published: June 2013

This chapter reports on the usage of inorganic nanomaterials for the compatible and stable consolidation of wall paintings and stone artefacts. Traditional consolidants, either inorganic [aqueous Ca(OH)2 solutions or dispersions] or organic [e.g. acrylate or vinyl acetate polymers], exhibit several limitations and drawbacks. On the other hand, dispersions of calcium hydroxide nanoparticles in short-chain aliphatic alcohols ensure optimal consolidation effects, as highlighted by several case studies. Mixed formulations, including barium, strontium, magnesium and calcium hydroxides, can be used on salt-contaminated plasters and other carbonate-based stones, owing to their different chemical reactivity and to the physico-chemical characteristics of the carbonates they form.
Emotional Facial and Vocal Expressions During Story Retelling by Children and Adolescents With High-Functioning Autism
Authors: Grossman Ruth B. , Edelson Lisa R. , Tager-Flusberg Helen
Published: June 2013

Purpose

People with high-functioning autism (HFA) have qualitative differences in facial expression and prosody production, which are rarely systematically quantified. The authors' goals were to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze prosody and facial expression productions in children and adolescents with HFA.

Method

Participants were 22 male children and adolescents with HFA and 18 typically developing (TD) controls (17 males, 1 female). The authors used a story retelling task to elicit emotionally laden narratives, which were analyzed through the use of acoustic measures and perceptual codes. Naïve listeners coded all productions for emotion type, degree of expressiveness, and awkwardness.

Results

The group with HFA was not significantly different in accuracy or expressiveness of facial productions, but was significantly more awkward than the TD group. Participants with HFA were significantly more expressive in their vocal productions, with a trend for greater awkwardness. Severity of social communication impairment, as captured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS; Lord, Rutter, DiLavore, & Risi, 1999), was correlated with greater vocal and facial awkwardness.

Conclusions

Facial and vocal expressions of participants with HFA were as recognizable as those of their TD peers but were qualitatively different, particularly when listeners coded samples with intact dynamic properties. These preliminary data show qualitative differences in nonverbal communication that may have significant negative impact on the social communication success of children and adolescents with HFA.
Product formulas for exponentials of commutators
Authors: Childs Andrew M. , Wiebe Nathan
Published: June 2013

We provide a recursive method for systematically constructing product formula approximations to exponentials of commutators, giving approximations that are accurate to arbitrarily high order. Using these formulas, we show how to approximate unitary exponentials of (possibly nested) commutators using exponentials of the elementary operators, and we upper bound the number of elementary exponentials needed to implement the desired operation within a given error tolerance. By presenting an algorithm for quantum search using evolution according to a commutator, we show that the scaling of the number of exponentials in our product formulas with the evolution time is nearly optimal. Finally, we discuss applications of our product formulas to quantum control and to implementing anticommutators, providing new methods for simulating many-body interaction Hamiltonians.
Highly effective superconducting vortex pinning in conformal crystals
Authors: Guénon S. , Rosen Y. J. , Basaran Ali C. , Schuller Ivan K.
Published: June 2013

We have investigated the vortex dynamics in superconducting thin film devices with non-uniform patterns of artificial pinning centers (APCs). The magneto-transport properties of a conformal crystal and a randomly diluted APC pattern are compared with that of a triangular reference lattice. We have found that in both cases the magneto-resistance below the first matching field of the triangular reference lattice is significantly reduced. For the conformal crystal, the magneto-resistance is below the noise floor indicating highly effective vortex pinning over a wide magnetic field range. Further, we have discovered that for asymmetric patterns the R vs. H curves are mostly symmetric. This implies that the enhanced vortex pinning is due to the commensurability with a stripe in the non-uniform APC pattern and not due to a rearrangement and compression of the whole vortex lattice.
Jahn-Teller effect in CH2DO/CHD2O(${\rm \tilde X}^{\rm 2} {\rm E}$X̃2E): Vibronic coupling of all vibrational modes
Authors: Shao Zhuo , Mo Yuxiang
Published: June 2013

For the Jahn-Teller active methoxy radical CH3O/CD3O(${\rm \tilde X}^{\rm 2} {\rm E}$X̃2E), only the degenerate vibrational modes break the C3v geometric symmetry. For the isotopologues CH2DO/CHD2O, all their normal vibrational motions break the C3v geometric symmetry, which results in a splitting of the adiabatic potential energy surfaces (APESs), that is, all vibrational modes are Jahn-Teller active. Therefore, each fundamental vibrational energy level of CH2DO/CHD2O splits into two levels due to a combination of Jahn-Teller and spin-orbit interactions. In this work we report an ab initio calculation of the spin-vibronic energy levels of CH3O/CH2DO/CHD2O/CD3O using a diabatic model. The APESs were calculated at the UCCSD(T)-F12a/cc-pVQ(T)Z-F12a level. The vibronic parameters in the diabatic model Hamiltonian of CD3O were first determined using the least-squares fitting to the APESs. The vibronic parameters of the other three isotopologues were derived from those of CD3O using the Duschinsky rotation method. The calculated spin-vibronic energy splittings for the vibrational ground states of CH3O/CH2DO/CHD2O/CD3O are 61.8/73.5/70.2/54.5 cm−1, respectively, in good agreement with the reported experimental results.
Identifying the cause of the efficiency droop in GaInN light-emitting diodes by correlating the onset of high injection with the onset of the efficiency droop
Authors: Meyaard David S. , Lin Guan-Bo , Cho Jaehee , Fred Schubert E. , Shim Hyunwook , Han Sang-Heon , Kim Min-Ho , Sone Cheolsoo , Sun Kim Young
Published: June 2013

An unequivocal correlation between the onset of high injection and the onset of the efficiency droop is demonstrated in GaInN light-emitting diodes over a wide range of temperatures. The diode voltage at the onset of high injection and the voltage at the onset of the efficiency droop are correlated by the equation VHigh-injection onset + ΔV ≈ VDroop onset. The excess voltage, ΔV, determined to be 0.3 V, drops partially over the p-type neutral region. The resulting electric field sweeps electrons out of the active region and results in substantial electron leakage despite high barriers that confine the carriers to the active region.
Theoretical analysis of multilevel intermediate-band solar cells using a drift diffusion model
Authors: Nozawa Tomohiro , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: June 2013

We have investigated the carrier dynamics in multilevel intermediate-band solar cells (IBSCs) by solving the Poisson equation, the continuity equations of electrons and holes, and the balance equation of IBs self-consistently. The efficiencies of 6-level IBSCs have stronger dependence on the doping concentration than those of 3-level IBSCs. For non-optimal doping conditions under 1 sun, the efficiencies of 6-level IBSCs can be inferior to those of 3-level IBSCs and even single junction solar cells (i.e., 2-level IBSC). The reasons for this are that multiple IBs in 6-level IBSCs limit their ability to produce currents and the combinations of the energy bandgaps are not optimized for doping concentrations. On the other hand, at around half occupation of electrons in the IBs, the energy conversion efficiencies of IBSCs are maximized under any sun concentrations. The efficiency of 6-level IBSCs has a maximum (66% under 1000 suns) approaching the thermodynamic upper limit, which is similar to the case of 3-level IBSCs. These results indicate the importance of optimizing the doping concentrations in the IB regions of the 6-level IBSCs.
Dislocation-templated amorphization of Ge2Sb2Te5 nanowires under electric pulses: A theoretical model
Authors: Ji Xiang-Ying , Feng Xi-Qiao
Published: June 2013

Owing to their unique phase change property, GeSbTe alloys hold promise for applications as a candidate material for nonvolatile electronic data storage. In this paper, we theoretically investigate the dislocation mechanisms underlying the phase change phenomenon of GeSbTe alloys under electric pulses. On the basis of the recent experiments by Nam et al. (Science 336, 1561–1566 (2012)), a theoretical model is presented to rationalize the dislocation-templated amorphization process under the action of electric pulses. The physical mechanisms of the nucleation, movement, and multiplication of dislocations in the electric field are analyzed. Using the model, the evolutions of temperature and dislocation density in a Ge2Sb2Te5 nanowire under electric pulses are computed and the critical voltage of amorphization is predicted.
The electronic structure and magnetism of BaTi2Sb2O
Authors: Wang Guangtao , Zhang Huiping , Zhang Lin , Liu Chang
Published: June 2013

The electronic structure and magnetic structures of recently discovered BaTi2Sb2O were studied from first-principles calculations. In the nonmagnetic state, the density of states at the Fermi level are mostly derived from the dz2,dx2−y2, and dxy orbitals. The Fermi surface (FS) consists of three sheets. The first FS sheet (along X-R line) will nest with the third FS sheet (along M-A line) by the q-vector q→1=(πa, 0, 0) or q→2=(0,πa, 0) shift. The calculated bare susceptibility χ0(q) peaked at X-point, rather than at the M-point in the FeAs-based superconductor. Such peaked susceptibility induces the spin density wave, and the magnetic ground state is nearly two degenerate antiferromagnetism the bi-collinear antiferromagnetism (AF3) or the blocked checkerboard antiferromagnetism (AF4). The peak of susceptibility χ0(q) is obviously suppressed and become slightly in-commensurate with hole doping, but increased with electron doping. When the spin fluctuation is suppressed, the superconductivity appears. This can explain that why the superconductivity appears only in the hole-doped compounds, not in the electron-doped ones.
Strain relaxation and Sn segregation in GeSn epilayers under thermal treatment
Authors: Li H. , Cui Y. X. , Wu K. Y. , Tseng W. K. , Cheng H. H. , Chen H.
Published: June 2013

We report the effects of thermal annealing on the characteristics of GeSn epilayers grown on Ge-buffered Si wafers with a high Sn content near a threshold value that affords a direct bandgap. On annealing at temperatures below 400 °C, the characteristics of the epilayer remain unchanged, compared to those of the as-grown samples. On annealing the samples at a temperature in the range of 440–540 °C, strain relaxation in the epilayer is observed, accompanied by generation of misfit dislocations at the GeSn/Ge interface. A further increase in annealing temperature beyond 580 °C causes not only a relaxation in strain but also a change in the microstructure of the epilayer. In addition, Sn forms clusters and segregates to the surface, resulting in a reduction in the Sn content of the epilayer. The present investigation shows changes in the characteristics of the film under thermal treatment, providing an insight into the physical properties of such devices.
Detection of edge magnetic state by a ballistic bend resistance measurement
Authors: Matsunaga Takahiro , Furukawa Kohsuke , Kanda Yuhsuke , Hara Masahiro , Nomura Tatsuya , Kimura Takashi
Published: June 2013

We have investigated a magnetization process of a permalloy nanowire by using a ballistic micro-Hall sensor consisting of GaAs/AlGaAs two-dimensional electron gas. Although a conventional bi-stable hysteresis loop with a rectangular shape was observed in the Hall resistance measurement, unexpected extra resistance changes were observed in a bend resistance measurement. These unconventional features are quantitatively explained by the magnetic transitions among the meta-stable edge-domain structures in the ferromagnetic wire. The geometrical dependence of these resistance changes and their application possibility for the multiple-valued memory were also discussed.
Intensity asymmetry of the (00) diffracted spin-polarized electron beam scattered from W(110): Azimuthal dependence
Authors: Samarin Sergey , Williams James , Artamonov Oleg , Pravica Luka , Sudarshan Kathi , Guagliardo Paul , Giebels Franz , Gollisch Herbert , Feder Roland
Published: June 2013

Intensity asymmetry of the elastically scattered spin-polarized electrons from W(110) surface at 22 eV primary energy and at 25° angles of incidence and detection ((00) diffraction beam) was measured as a function of the azimuthal angle. Experimental results are compared with the calculations based on the relativistic multiple scattering formalism. The comparison showed fairly good agreement. These support the general theoretical approach and the input data chosen for the calculations. The information gained from our work is important for the interpretation of results of various spin-polarized electron spectroscopies as well as for design and construction of multi-layered structures with spin-active interfaces.
Impacts of climate change on Australian marine mammals
Authors: Schumann Nicole , Gales Nick J. , Harcourt Robert G. , Arnould John P. Y.
Published: June 2013

Increasing evidence suggests that climate change is negatively affecting marine ecosystems and biota. However, little is known of how climate change will impact marine mammals. This review aims to identify the effects of climatic variations on Australian marine mammals and determine their potential responses to climate change. Shifts in distributions and reproductive success have been associated with climatic factors, while stranding events, drowning of seal pups, exposure to altered water conditions and disease in several marine mammal species have followed extreme weather events. Climate change may produce distributional shifts as the ranges of warm-water species expand or shift southwards, and those of cold-water species contract. Reductions in the extent of key habitats, changes in breeding success, a greater incidence of strandings in dugongs and cetaceans, and increased exposure of coastal species to pollutants and pathogens are likely. The capacity of Australian marine mammals to adapt to climate change is poorly understood, though there is evidence that several species may be able to modify their physiology or behaviour in response to warming temperatures. To increase the resilience of marine mammals, it is necessary to address non-climatic threats, such as ensuring that key habitats are protected in Australia.
A Road Map to a Comprehensive Regulation on Ventilation Technology for Operating Rooms
Authors: Iudicello Santina , Fadda Antonello
Published: June 2013

Among strategies to reduce surgical site infection (SSI) risk, we concentrate on the optimization of the air quality through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Current ventilation standards applied by some European countries have been compared and show uncertainty in the criteria for dimensioning the HVAC system. The development of a comprehensive regulation needs further discussion.
Is the Use of Antimicrobial Devices to Prevent Infection Correlated across Different Healthcare-Associated Infections? Results from a National Survey
Authors: Saint Sanjay , Greene M. Todd , Damschroder Laura , Krein Sarah L.
Published: June 2013

Antimicrobial devices are often used to prevent nosocomial infection, despite mixed evidence as to their efficacy. Using a national survey, we found that a hospital's use of an antimicrobial device to prevent one type of infection was associated with a higher likelihood that a similar device would be used to prevent a different infection.
Infection Prevention and Control in the Intensive Care Unit: Open versus Closed Models of Care
Authors: Daneman Nick , Scales Damon C. , Lawless Bernard , Muscedere John , Blount Vanessa , Fowler Robert A.
Published: June 2013

In the intensive care unit (ICU), our sickest patients receive our most invasive treatments and are therefore highly vulnerable to hospital-acquired infection. Up to one-third of ICU patients develop infectious complications of care, with associated increases in morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Earlier research has indicated substantial heterogeneity in uptake of infection prevention best practices in North American hospitals, and this variability may also exist in ICUs. We hypothesized that ICU system-level characteristics, including closed model of care, academic affiliation, and availability of a dedicated infection control practitioner (ICP), may be associated with improved infection prevention practices.

During July 2011, we conducted a province-wide survey of nurse directors in ICUs across Ontario, Canada (population, 12 million). We developed a 77-item questionnaire to broadly capture ICU structures and processes relevant to infection prevention. The questionnaire was developed (item generation and reduction) by the authors and was further improved through pilot and sensibility testing by 3 ICU nurse directors and 2 ICPs. It was then distributed via e-mail by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Critical Care Secretariat to nurse directors of all ICUs. A second email was sent to nonrespondents 2 weeks later. Approval was granted by the research ethics board at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada.