bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel and non‐parallel morphological divergence among foraging specialists in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus)
Authors: Siwertsson Anna , Knudsen Rune , Adams Colin E. , Præbel Kim , Amundsen Per‐Arne
Published: April 2013

Parallel phenotypic evolution occurs when independent populations evolve similar traits in response to similar selective regimes. However, populations inhabiting similar environments also frequently show some phenotypic differences that result from non‐parallel evolution. In this study, we quantified the relative importance of parallel evolution to similar foraging regimes and non‐parallel lake‐specific effects on morphological variation in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus). We found evidence for both lake‐specific morphological characteristics and parallel morphological divergence between whitefish specializing in feeding on profundal and littoral resources in three separate lakes. Foraging specialists expressed similar phenotypes in different lakes in both overall body shape and selected measured morphological traits. The morphology of the two whitefish specialists resembled that predicted from other fish species, supporting the conclusion of an adaptive significance of the observed morphological characteristics. Our results indicate that divergent natural selection resulting from foraging specialization is driving and/or maintaining the observed parallel morphological divergence. Whitefish in this study may represent an early stage of divergence towards the evolution of specialized morphs.
Analysis of the relationship between inundation frequency and wetland vegetation in Dongting Lake using remote sensing data
Authors: Deng Fan , Wang Xuelei , Cai Xiaobin , Li Enhua , Jiang Liuzhi , Li Hui , Yan Ranran
Published: April 2013

Hydrological characteristics significantly drive the formation of and variations in wetland vegetation. Given increasing impact from human activities and climate change, the hydrological regime has become exceedingly unstable, thereby heavily affecting the distribution and dynamics of wetland vegetation. The relationship between inundation frequency – an important hydrological factor – and vegetation community distribution in Dongting Lake was analysed to depict how the hydrological regime determines the distribution of wetland vegetation cover. Wide tempo‐spatial scales were used to calculate the inundation frequency in the lake and to compare the distribution patterns of the communities. For the implementation of the aforementioned tasks, this study provides remote sensing‐ and geographical information system‐based methods. The responses of individual vegetation communities to inundation frequency differ depending on their specific physiological characteristics. Wood and reed communities are more suitable for regions with low inundation frequency, whereas grass and lake‐grass communities are more adaptable to areas of high inundation frequency. The variations in inundation frequency may explain the succession of vegetation communities, which occurs when inundation frequency decreases with increasing wood and reed communities. These results can serve as support for evaluating the impact of hydrological changes on the community structures and distributions of wetland vegetation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transgenic expression of survivin compensates for OX40‐deficiency in driving Th2 development and allergic inflammation
Authors: Lei Fengyang , Song Jianyong , Haque Rizwanul , Xiong Xiaofang , Fang Deyu , Wu Yuzhang , Lens Susanne M. A. , Croft Michael , Song Jianxun
Published: April 2013

Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis family molecule, has been proposed as a crucial intermediate in the signaling pathways leading to T‐cell development, proliferation, and expansion. However, the importance of survivin to T‐cell‐driven inflammatory responses has not been demonstrated. Here, we show that survivin transgenic mice exhibit an increased antigen‐driven Th2 lung inflammation and that constitutive expression of survivin reversed the defective lung inflammation even in the absence of OX40 costimulation. We found that OX40‐deficient mice were compromised in generating Th2 cells, airway eosinophilia, and IgE responses. In contrast, OX40‐deficient/survivin transgenic mice generated normal Th2 responses and exhibited strong lung inflammation. These results suggest that OX40 costimulation crucially engages survivin during antigen‐mediated Th2 responses. These findings also promote the notion that OX40 costimulation regulates allergic responses or lung inflammation by targeting survivin thereby enhancing T‐cell proliferation and resulting in more differentiated Th2 cells in the allergic inflammatory response.
Prevention of F‐actin assembly switches the response to SCF from chemotaxis to degranulation in human mast cells
Authors: Smrž Daniel , Bandara Geethani , Beaven Michael A. , Metcalfe Dean D. , Gilfillan Alasdair M.
Published: April 2013

Following antigen/IgE‐mediated aggregation of high affinity IgE‐receptors (FcεRI), mast cells (MCs) degranulate and release inflammatory mediators leading to the induction of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Migration of MCs to resident tissues and sites of inflammation is regulated by tissue chemotactic factors such as stem cell factor (SCF (KIT ligand)). Despite inducing similar early signaling events to antigen, chemotactic factors, including SCF, produce minimal degranulation in the absence of other stimuli. We therefore investigated whether processes regulating MC chemotaxis are rate limiting for MC mediator release. To investigate this issue, we disrupted actin polymerization, a requirement for MC chemotaxis, with latrunculin B and cytochalasin B, then examined chemotaxis and mediator release in human (hu)MCs induced by antigen or SCF. As expected, such disruption minimally affected early signaling pathways, but attenuated SCF‐induced human mast cell chemotaxis. In contrast, SCF, in the absence of other stimuli, induced substantial degranulation in a concentration‐dependent manner following actin disassembly. It also moderately enhanced antigen‐mediated human mast cell degranulation which was further enhanced in the presence of SCF. These observations suggest that processes regulating cell migration limit MC degranulation as a consequence of cytoskeletal reorganization.
Plasmacytoid DCs are gentle guardians of tonsillar epithelium
Authors: Rescigno Maria
Published: April 2013

The outcome of the interaction between plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and bacteria has been very controversial: pDCs have been reported not to be activated by extracellular bacteria, to be activated but to only produce TNF‐α and IL‐6, or to be activated and produce IFN‐α, the hallmark of pDC activation, but only if the bacteria have first been opsonized. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Soumelis and colleagues [Eur. J. Immunol. 2013. 43: 1264–1273] unequivocally show that both blood and tonsillar pDCs are fully activated by bacteria and can produce IFN‐α. They also show that pDCs are found in the stratified mucosal epithelium in human tonsils, and are “educated” by tonsillar epithelial cells not to release inflammatory cytokines, despite still being capable of activating T cells, albeit with no impact on T‐cell polarization. Hence, pDCs can respond to bacteria but can be educated by epithelial cells to remain anergic to potential inflammatory signals. These findings support a mechanism by which intraepithelial pDCs, which are exposed to the microbiota colonizing the upper respiratory tract, remain capable of initiating immunity without overreacting to microbial stimulation.
Thermal and Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Directional Bis(terpyridine)ruthenium(II)–(Bipyridine)platinum(II) Complexes
Authors: Dietrich Jan , Wünsche von Leupoldt Anica , Grabolle Markus , Resch‐Genger Ute , Heinze Katja
Published: April 2013

Metalloligands L1 and L2 consisting of directional bis(terpyridine)ruthenium(II) units and bipyridine moieties were constructed by amide formation. From these metalloligands two Ru–Pt heterobimetallic complexes 1 and 2 were derived by a building‐block method by means of platination with [PtCl2(dmso)2]. Both bimetallic complexes 1 and 2 feature metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorptions, and emission occurs at room temperature in fluid solution from 3MLCT(Ru) states in all cases. Energy transfer from platinum to ruthenium is observed in 2 but not in 1 (light harvesting). The one‐electron‐reduced species [1]– and [2]– were prepared by reduction of 1 and 2 with decamethylcobaltocene. EPR spectra and DFT calculations reveal that the spin density is localized at the tpy–CO/Ru (tpy = terpyridine) site in [1]–, whereas it is centered at bpy–CO/Pt (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) in [2]–. Efficient photoinduced electron transfer from triethanolamine to 1 and 2 is feasible by excitation at 500 nm [MLCT(Ru)].
Chelate Structure of a Dirhodium–Amino Acid Complex Identified by Chiroptical and NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Majer Zsuzsa , Szilvágyi Gábor , Benedek László , Csámpai Antal , Hollósi Miklós , Vass Elemér
Published: April 2013

Dinuclear rhodium complexes have attracted considerable attention as a result of their chemical and biological reactivity. We report herein the synthesis and structural elucidation by combined spectroscopic methods of a new rhodium complex containing N‐methyl‐D‐phenylalaninate (NMfO–) as a chiral ligand. It has been demonstrated that the structure of the chiral complex formed in water is independent of the ligand/metal molar ratio, the type of solvent, and reaction time, as shown by HPLC and ESI‐MS analyses. The steric structure of the isolated and identified [Rh2(OAc)2(OfMN)2] complex was determined by chiroptical (VCD, ECD) and NMR spectroscopy supported by DFT calculations. By this combined analysis, our studies have shown that the complex formed has two chiral ligands chelated through the O and N atoms of their carboxylate and sec‐amino groups, respectively, in the vicinity of the two bridging acetate ligands.
The Ant‐Pro Reverse‐Turn Motif. Structural Features and Conformational Characteristics
Authors: Thorat Vijaykumar H. , Ingole Tukaram S. , Vijayadas Kuruppanthara N. , Nair Roshna V. , Kale Sangram S. , Ramesh Veera V. E. , Davis Hilda C. , Prabhakaran Panchami , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Gawade Rupesh L. , Puranik Vedavati G. , Rajamohanan Pattuparambil R. , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: April 2013

This article details the characteristic conformational features of the Ant‐Pro reverse turn ― a folded pseudo β‐turn motif that displays a closed nine‐membered‐ring hydrogen‐bonded network involving just two amino acid residues, namely anthranilic acid (Ant; a constrained β‐amino acid), and proline (Pro; a constrained α‐amino acid). The results from the extensive investigation of ten crystal structures and their NMR conformations in the solution state provide a clear idea about the conformational characteristics of the Ant‐Pro reverse turn. The Ant and Pro residues, which form the turn segment, maintain a perfect antiperiplanar orientation throughout, leaving little possibility for the formation of the otherwise possible six‐membered hydrogen‐bonding that requires a coplanar disposition of the two amino acid residues, as clearly evident from investigation of several crystal structures. The closed hydrogen‐bonded network observed in the Ant‐Pro reverse turn motif, formed in the forward direction of the sequence (1→2 amino acid interactions) involving only two amino acid residues, is in stark contrast to the native β‐turns that involve four residues to form hydrogen‐bonded network featuring backward 1←4 amino acid interactions. The readily available two‐residue Ant‐Pro motif raises the possibility of a practical utility, particularly in the application of rigidifying flexible peptide backbones by inserting the robust Ant‐Pro reverse turn motifs into their backbone.
Foldamer Stability Coupled to Aggregation Propensity of Elongated Trp‐Cage Miniproteins
Authors: Farkas Viktor , Csordás Barbara , Hegyi Orsolya , Tóth Gábor K. , Perczel András
Published: April 2013

Here we present folding‐associated aggregation propensity of three Trp‐cage foldamers: E0 (20 aa), E5 (25 aa) and E10 (30 aa), models of different sizes but comparable molecular properties. Electronic circular dichroism (ECD), vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and FT‐IR spectroscopic measurements were used to monitor their concentration‐dependent, heat‐induced (5 °C → 65 °C) “α→β” fold transition. The ECD curves of E0 display an ensemble of highly dynamic structures. ECD of both E5 and E10 foldamers show the expected Trp‐cage fold, dominated by their α‐helical properties. No sign of β‐structures was revealed by ECD at any conditions (5 °C < T < 65 °C, 5 < pH < 7, c ≈ 30 μM) for any of these miniproteins. However, at higher concentration (c ≈ 1–30 mM) both VCD and FT‐IR spectral features of E5 as well as E10 resemble that of a β‐strand (ca. 1615 cm–1), accompanied with “free β‐edges”, or native β‐sheets (ca. 1635 cm–1). E5 at lower concentrations (c ≈ 1–3 mM), and E10 at higher concentration (c ≈ 30 mM) display the α→native‐β→β‐sheet folding transitions, monitored by the characteristic C=O vibrational normal mode frequency shift as follows: ca. 1650 cm–1 → ca. 1635 cm–1 → ca. 1615 cm–1, respectively. The latter folding path is irreversible. The shortest polypeptide E0 has an “unordered” fold, while E10 presents the most tightly packed Trp‐cage 3D‐structure. We have found that both high dynamicity and/or tight molecular core packing are different in nature, but common in efficacy in preventing the polypeptide backbone chain against self‐aggregation. However, E5 is intermediate in size and stability, and thus among these three polypeptides it is the quickest to aggregate. The present molecular triad, E0, E5 and E10, serves as a good example of larger globular proteins for which aggregation and amyloid fiber‐like nanoparticle formations are often associated with Alzheimer's, Creutzfeldt–Jakob, or prion diseases.
ZnII‐Cyclen as a Supramolecular Probe for Tagging Thymidine Nucleosides on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Micoli Alessandra , Soriano M. Laura , Traboulsi Hassan , Quintana Mildred , Prato Maurizio
Published: April 2013

One of the big challenges in the organic chemistry of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is the characterization of their structure together with their physicochemical properties. In this work, we report the utilization of an acridine‐derived ZnII‐cyclen complex as a multidentate ligand for recognizing thymidine‐derived multiwalled carbon nanotube derivatives (Td‐MWCNTs). The effectiveness of the ZnII‐cyclen recognition has been confirmed through a combination of analytical techniques such as the Kaiser test, TGA‐MS, IR, X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, TEM, UV/Vis absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Taken together, the different characterization techniques have unambiguously shown the 1:1 recognition of the nucleoside by a ZnII‐cyclen complex, allowing an accurate estimation of the Td moieties present on the CNTs surface.
A Short, Gram‐Scale Synthesis of 2,5‐Disubstituted Furans
Authors: Chang Stanley , Desai Saheena , Leznoff Daniel B. , Merbouh Nabyl , Britton Robert
Published: April 2013

A modified Feist–Bénary furan synthesis has been developed that involves a lithium aldol reaction between a methyl ketone and an α‐chloroaldehyde followed by a thermally induced tetrahydrofuran formation/dehydration sequence and affords 2,5‐disubstituted furans in good overall yield. This process is demonstrated on multigram scale and is amenable to the production of symmetric or asymmetric furans that incorporate a range of substituents (e.g., aryl, tert‐butyl, ferrocenyl).
Mapping alternating current electroosmotic flow at the dielectrophoresis crossover frequency of a colloidal probe
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Wei Ming‐Tzo , Cohen Joel A. , Ou‐Yang H. Daniel
Published: April 2013

AC electroosmotic (ACEO) flow above the gap between coplanar electrodes is mapped by the measurement of Stokes forces on an optically trapped polystyrene colloidal particle. E2‐dependent forces on the probe particle are selected by amplitude modulation (AM) of the ACEO electric field (E) and lock‐in detection at twice the AM frequency. E2‐dependent DEP of the probe is eliminated by driving the ACEO at the probe's DEP crossover frequency. The location‐independent DEP crossover frequency is determined, in a separate experiment, as the limiting frequency of zero horizontal force as the probe is moved toward the midpoint between the electrodes. The ACEO velocity field, uncoupled from probe DEP effects, was mapped in the region 1–9 μm above a 28 μm gap between the electrodes. By use of variously sized probes, each at its DEP crossover frequency, the frequency dependence of the ACEO flow was determined at a point 3 μm above the electrode gap and 4 μm from an electrode tip. At this location the ACEO flow was maximal at ∼117 kHz for a low salt solution. This optical trapping method, by eliminating DEP forces on the probe, provides unambiguous mapping of the ACEO velocity field.
Microfluidic biofunctionalisation protocols to form multi‐valent interactions for cell rolling and phenotype modification investigations
Authors: Perozziello Gerardo , Simone Giuseppina , Malara Natalia , La Rocca Rosanna , Tallerico Rossana , Catalano Rossella , Pardeo Francesca , Candeloro Patrizio , Cuda Giovanni , Carbone Ennio , Di Fabrizio Enzo
Published: April 2013

In this study, we propose a fast, simple method to biofunctionalise microfluidic systems for cellomic investigations based on micro‐fluidic protocols. Many available processes either require expensive and time‐consuming protocols or are incompatible with the fabrication of microfluidic systems. Our method differs from the existing since it is applicable to an assembled system, uses few microlitres of reagents and it is based on the use of microbeads. The microbeads have specific surface moieties to link the biomolecules and couple cell receptors. Furthermore, the microbeads serve as arm spacer and offer the benefit of the multi‐valent interaction. Microfluidics was adapted together with topology and biochemistry surface modifications to offer the microenvironment for cellomic studies. Based on this principle, we exploit the streptavidin–biotin interaction to couple antibodies to the biofunctionalised microfluidic environment within 5 h using 200 μL of reagents and biomolecules. We selected the antibodies able to form complexes with the MHC class I (MHC‐I) molecules present on the cell membrane and involved in the immune surveillance. To test the microfluidic system, tumour cell lines (RMA) were rolled across the coupled antibodies to recognise and strip MHC‐I molecules. As result, we show that cell rolling performed inside a microfluidic chamber functionalised with beads and the opportune antibody facilitate the removal of MHC class I molecules. We showed that the level of median fluorescent intensity of the MHC‐I molecules is 300 for cells treated in a not biofunctionalised surface. It decreased to 275 for cells treated in a flat biofunctionalised surface and to 250 for cells treated on a surface where biofunctionalised microbeads were immobilised. The cells with reduced expression of MHC‐I molecules showed, after cytotoxicity tests, susceptibility 3.5 times higher than normal cells.
Amyloid beta deregulates astroglial mGluR5‐mediated calcium signaling via calcineurin and Nf‐kB
Authors: Lim Dmitry , Iyer Anand , Ronco Virginia , Grolla Ambra A. , Canonico Pier Luigi , Aronica Eleonora , Genazzani Armando A.
Published: April 2013

The amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) suggests that soluble amyloid β (Aβ) is an initiator of a cascade of events eventually leading to neurodegeneration. Recently, we reported that Aβ deranged Ca2+ homeostasis specifically in hippocampal astrocytes by targeting key elements of Ca2+ signaling, such as mGluR5 and IP3R1. In the present study, we dissect a cascade of signaling events by which Aβ deregulates glial Ca2+: (i) 100 nM Aβ leads to an increase in cytosolic calcium after 4–6 h of treatment; (ii) mGluR5 is increased after 24 h of treatment; (iii) this increase is blocked by inhibitors of calcineurin (CaN) and NF‐kB. Furthermore, we show that Aβ treatment of glial cells leads to de‐phosphorylation of Bcl10 and an increased CaN‐Bcl10 interaction. Last, mGluR5 staining is augmented in hippocampal astrocytes of AD patients in proximity of Aβ plaques and co‐localizes with nuclear accumulation of the p65 NF‐kB subunit and increased staining of CaNAα. Taken together our data suggest that nanomolar [Aβ] deregulates Ca2+ homeostasis via CaN and its downstream target NF‐kB, possibly via the cross‐talk of Bcl10 in hippocampal astrocytes.
Field‐aligned current reconfiguration and magnetospheric response to an impulse in the interplanetary magnetic field BY component
Authors: Wilder F. D. , Eriksson S. , Korth H. , Baker J. B. H. , Hairston M. R. , Heinselman C. , Anderson B. J.
Published: April 2013

When the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is dawnward or duskward, magnetic merging between the IMF and the geomagnetic field occurs near the cusp on the dayside flanks of the magnetosphere. During these intervals, flow channels in the ionosphere with velocities in excess of 2 km/s have been observed, which can deposit large amounts of energy into the high‐latitude thermosphere. In this study, we analyze an interval on 5 April 2010 where there was a strong dawnward impulse in the IMF, followed by a gradual decay in IMF magnitude at constant clock angle. Data from the Sondrestrom incoherent scatter radar and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program spacecraft were used to investigate ionospheric convection during this interval, and data from the Active Magnetospheric and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) were used to investigate the associated Field‐Aligned Current (FAC) system. Additionally, data from AMPERE were used to investigate the time response of the dawnside FAC pair. We find there is a delay of approximately 1.25 h between the arrival of the dawnward IMF impulse at the magnetopause and strength of the dawnward FAC pair, which is comparable to substorm growth and expansion time scales under southward IMF. Additionally, we find at the time of the peak FAC, there is evidence of a reconfiguring four‐sheet FAC system in the morning local time sector of the ionosphere. Additionally, we find an inverse correlation between the dawn FAC strength and both the solar wind Alfvénic Mach number and the SYM‐H index. No statistically significant correlation between the FAC strength and the solar wind dynamic pressure was found.
HIGHLIGHTING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CONDITIONAL AND UNCONDITIONAL QUANTILE REGRESSION APPROACHES THROUGH AN APPLICATION TO ASSESS MEDICATION ADHERENCE
Authors: Borah Bijan J. , Basu Anirban
Published: April 2013

The quantile regression (QR) framework provides a pragmatic approach in understanding the differential impacts of covariates along the distribution of an outcome. However, the QR framework that has pervaded the applied economics literature is based on the conditional quantile regression method. It is used to assess the impact of a covariate on a quantile of the outcome conditional on specific values of other covariates. In most cases, conditional quantile regression may generate results that are often not generalizable or interpretable in a policy or population context. In contrast, the unconditional quantile regression method provides more interpretable results as it marginalizes the effect over the distributions of other covariates in the model. In this paper, the differences between these two regression frameworks are highlighted, both conceptually and econometrically. Additionally, using real‐world claims data from a large US health insurer, alternative QR frameworks are implemented to assess the differential impacts of covariates along the distribution of medication adherence among elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positioning matrix of economic efficiency and complexity: a case study in a university hospital
Authors: Ippolito Adelaide , Viggiani Vincenzo
Published: April 2013

At the end of 2010, the Federico II University Hospital in Naples, Italy, initiated a series of discussions aimed at designing and applying a positioning matrix to its departments. This analysis was developed to create a tool able to extract meaningful information both to increase knowledge about individual departments and to inform the choices of general management during strategic planning. The name given to this tool was the positioning matrix of economic efficiency and complexity. In the matrix, the x‐axis measures the ratio between revenues and costs, whereas the y‐axis measures the index of complexity, thus showing “profitability” while bearing in mind the complexity of activities. By using the positioning matrix, it was possible to conduct a critical analysis of the characteristics of the Federico II University Hospital and to extract useful information for general management to use during strategic planning at the end of 2010 when defining medium‐term objectives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxic, genotoxic and the hemolytic effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on human erythrocyte and lymphocyte cells in vitro
Authors: Ghosh Manosij , Chakraborty Anirban , Mukherjee Anita
Published: April 2013

With the increasing clinical use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, a better understanding of their safety in the blood stream is required. The present study evaluates the toxic effect of commercially available TiO2 nanoparticles (~100 nm) using a battery of cytotoxic, genotoxic, hemolytic and morphological parameters. The cytotoxic effects of TiO2 nanoparticles in human lymphocyte cells were studied with respect to membrane damage, mitochondrial function, metabolic activity and lysosomal membrane stability. Genotoxicity in lymphocyte cells was quantitated using a comet assay. The mode of cell death (apoptosis/necrosis) was evaluated using PI/Annexin V staining. TiO2 nanoparticles were also evaluated for their hemolytic properties, osmotic fragility and interaction with hemoglobin. Human erythrocyte cells were studied for morphological alterations using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results suggest that the particles could induce a significant reduction in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity in human lymphocyte cells. Membrane integrity remained unaffected by nanoparticle treatment. DNA damage and apoptosis were induced by TiO2 nanoparticles in a dose‐dependent manner. A study on human erythrocyte cells revealed a hemolytic property of TiO2 nanoparticles characterized by spherocytosis and echinocytosis. Spectral analysis revealed a hemoglobin TiO2 nanoparticle interaction. Our in vitro study results suggest that commercially available blood contacting nanoparticles (TiO2 nanoparticle) should be carefully evaluated for their toxic potential. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of correlation mapping optical coherence tomography (cmOCT) for anti‐spoof sub‐surface fingerprinting
Authors: Zam Azhar , Dsouza Roshan , Subhash Hrebesh M. , O'Connell Marie‐Louise , Enfield Joey , Larin Kirill , Leahy Martin J.
Published: April 2013

We propose the use of correlation mapping optical coherence tomography (cmOCT) to deliver additional biometrics associated with the finger that could complement existing fingerprint technology for law enforcement applications. The current study extends the existing fingerprint paradigm by measuring additional biometrics associated with sub‐surface finger tissue such as sub‐surface fingerprints, sweat glands, and the pattern of the capillary bed to yield a user‐friendly cost effective and anti‐spoof multi‐mode biometric solution associated with the finger. To our knowledge no other method has been able to capture sub‐surface fingerprint, papillary pattern and horizontal vessel pattern in a single scan or to show the correspondence between these patterns in live adult human fingertip. Unlike many current technologies this approach incorporates ‘liveness’ testing by default. The ultimate output is a biometric module which is difficult to defeat and complements fingerprint scanners that currently are used in border control and law enforcement applications. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Atmospheric electric parameters and micrometeorological processes during the solar eclipse on 15 January 2010
Authors: Kumar C. P. Anil , Gopalsingh R. , Selvaraj C. , Nair K. U. , Jeyakumar H. Johnson , Vishnu R. , Muralidas S. , Balan N.
Published: April 2013

Indian scientists got the unique opportunity to study the near‐Earth environment during a long annular solar eclipse at the end of the last long deep solar minimum, on 15 January 2010. Continuous high time resolution records of the atmospheric electric parameters and meteorological parameters were made at Tirunelveli (8.07°N, 77.08°E, 35 m Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL) and Braemore Hill (8.41°N, 76.59°E, 460 m AMSL) stations where the eclipse was during 11:07:57–15:06:52 IST with maximum obscuration (~90%) at 13:17:09 Indian Standard Time (IST). The recorded values of the parameters show marked deviations from those normally observed on control fair‐weather days. The ambient electric field underwent a large drop by up to 65% during the eclipse, and potential gradient showed epochs of enhancements during and after the eclipse until postsunset. The data also seem to reveal the long lasting paradox of conductivity enhancement during eclipse, which may be due to the eclipse induced upsurge of low winds or waves that brings high density of free space charges embedded in air parcels.
Linear and nonlinear statistical analysis of the impact of sub‐tropical ridge intensity and position on south‐east Australian rainfall
Authors: Whan Kirien , Timbal Bertrand , Lindesay Janette
Published: April 2013

The intensity and position of the sub‐tropical ridge (STR) have strong relationships with rainfall variability in southern Australia. The combined effect of intensity and position in March‐April‐May (MAM) and June‐July‐August (JJA) is the focus of this research. Linear statistics were used first: area‐averaged and Australia‐wide spatial correlations of STR intensity and position with precipitation in south‐west eastern Australia reveal that STR intensity has a much stronger and more widespread relationship with precipitation in both seasons. Over time, these relationships vary in magnitude and spatial extent with the sign of the correlation changing between two 50‐year epochs. These nonlinearities were investigated further using classification trees. Area‐averaged precipitation data (terciles) for south‐west eastern Australia was classified on the basis of STR intensity and position. In both seasons the classification trees identify STR intensity as the primary partition defining the dry group, supporting the linear analysis. In the transition season of MAM, the time of year when the mean position of the STR is more southerly, STR position is important in distinguishing between a ‘winter‐like’ and a ‘summer‐like’ wet groups, providing STR intensity is low. Vector wind analyses were computed to explain the composite seasonal precipitation anomaly results in terms of different circulation patterns associated with these two wet groups. The frequency of wet and dry cases in each group was examined with changes evident over the recent years. The research confirms that STR intensity is more important than STR position in explaining inter‐annual rainfall variability across southern Australia but also demonstrates the additional role of STR position in MAM. These results explain the low correlation between rainfall and STR position and why this relationship has evolved during the 20th century as the mean location of the STR has shifted south in MAM.
Carbonaceous sorbents for high‐temperature interactive liquid chromatography of polyolefins
Authors: Chitta Rajesh , Macko Tibor , Brüll Robert , Miller Matthew , Cong Rongjuan , deGroot Willem
Published: April 2013

The elution behavior of polyethylene (PE) and the three stereoisomers of polypropylene (PP) was studied on porous graphite along with three other carbon‐based sorbents, carbon‐clad zirconia particles, activated carbon, and exfoliated graphite in a systematic way in this work. Decahydronaphthalene, 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene, 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene, tetrachloroethylene, xylene and p‐xylene were used as mobile phases. While PE is adsorbed to various extents on all the tested carbonaceous sorbents from the majority of the solvents, PP is fully adsorbed only in selected cases. Testing alcohols (C7–C9) as mobile phase with Hypercarb™ indicates that all stereoisomers of PP are selectively adsorbed and desorbed when a solvent gradient alcohol→1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene is used at 160°C. The retention of all stereoisomers of PP increases with the polarity of the alcohol. Linear PE is retained on Hypercarb™ even from 1,2‐dichloro‐ and 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene, when a temperature below 120°C is applied, while it is not retained from these solvents at higher temperatures. All stereoisomeric forms of PP are not adsorbed under the same conditions. Some of the tested new sorbent/solvent systems have potential to be applied in routine analysis of industrially synthesised polyolefins.
Oxidation of Reduced Sulfur Species: Carbonyl Sulfide
Authors: Glarborg Peter , Marshall Paul
Published: April 2013

A detailed chemical kinetic model for oxidation of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) has been developed, based on a critical evaluation of data from the literature. The mechanism has been validated against experimental results from batch reactors, flow reactors, and shock tubes. The model predicts satisfactorily oxidation of OCS over a wide range of stoichiometric air–fuel ratios (0.5 ), temperatures (450–1700 K), and pressures (0.02–3.0 atm) under dry conditions. The governing reaction mechanisms are outlined based on calculations with the kinetic model. The oxidation rate of OCS is controlled by the competition between chain‐branching and ‐propagating steps; modeling predictions are particularly sensitive to the branching fraction for the OCS + O reaction to form CO + SO or CO2 + S.
Effect of bluetooth headset and mobile phone electromagnetic fields on the human auditory nerve
Authors: Mandalà Marco , Colletti Vittorio , Sacchetto Luca , Manganotti Paolo , Ramat Stefano , Marcocci Alessandro , Colletti Liliana
Published: April 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The possibility that long‐term mobile phone use increases the incidence of astrocytoma, glioma and acoustic neuroma has been investigated in several studies. Recently, our group showed that direct exposure (in a surgical setting) to cell phone electromagnetic fields (EMFs) induces deterioration of auditory evoked cochlear nerve compound action potential (CNAP) in humans. To verify whether the use of Bluetooth devices reduces these effects, we conducted the present study with the same experimental protocol.

Study Design

Randomized trial.

Methods

Twelve patients underwent retrosigmoid vestibular neurectomy to treat definite unilateral Ménière's disease while being monitored with acoustically evoked CNAPs to assess direct mobile phone exposure or alternatively the EMF effects of Bluetooth headsets.

Results

We found no short‐term effects of Bluetooth EMFs on the auditory nervous structures, whereas direct mobile phone EMF exposure confirmed a significant decrease in CNAPs amplitude and an increase in latency in all subjects.

Conclusions

The outcomes of the present study show that, contrary to the finding that the latency and amplitude of CNAPs are very sensitive to EMFs produced by the tested mobile phone, the EMFs produced by a common Bluetooth device do not induce any significant change in cochlear nerve activity. The conditions of exposure, therefore, differ from those of everyday life, in which various biological tissues may reduce the EMF affecting the cochlear nerve. Nevertheless, these novel findings may have important safety implications.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:255–259, 2014
IMOUTA: A proposal for patient care handoffs
Authors: Connor Matthew P. , Bush Anneke C. , Brennan Joseph
Published: April 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

An increased frequency of patient handoffs has occurred as a result of the new resident work‐hour restrictions that have recently been instituted. Inadequate handoff of patient care has been associated with adverse patient events due to residents being unprepared for events that happen during cross cover periods. The objective of our study was to develop and test the effectiveness of a patient handoff method in an otolaryngology residency program.

Study Design

Single‐blinded controlled clinical trial.

Methods

A standardized, anonymous questionnaire was developed that scored on‐call residents' understanding of their patients' diagnoses, hospital courses, active concerns, and treatment plans. For the first 45 days, residents used their traditional handoff. This handoff was prepared by the residents, relaying relevant patient information without any structured format. For the next 45 days, the residents followed the acronym of IMOUTA for handoffs. This mnemonic was developed to help residents identify data (I), medical course (M), outcomes possible tonight (OU), responsibilities to do tonight (T), and opportunity to ask questions and give morning feedback in the AM (A). The questionnaires were then compared at the end of the study.

Results

The residents who used the IMOUTA acronym scored significantly higher on their perceived knowledge of patients diagnoses (P = 0.001), hospital courses (P <0.001), active concerns (P <0.001), and treatment plans (P <0.001).

Conclusion

Residents felt significantly better prepared for call duties when using the IMOUTA acronym. This standardized system of patient handoff may also be valuable to other residency programs.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2649–2653, 2013
An isogeometric solid‐like shell element for nonlinear analysis
Authors: Hosseini Saman , Remmers Joris J. C. , Verhoosel Clemens V. , de Borst René
Published: April 2013

An isogeometric solid‐like shell formulation is proposed in which B‐spline basis functions are used to construct the mid‐surface of the shell. In combination with a linear Lagrange shape function in the thickness direction, this yields a complete three‐dimensional representation of the shell. The proposed shell element is implemented in a standard finite element code using Bézier extraction. The formulation is verified using different benchmark tests. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperbranched polysiloxane‐based diglycidyl ether of bisphenol a epoxy composite for low k dielectric application
Authors: Devaraju S. , Vengatesan M.R. , Selvi M. , Song J.K. , Alagar M.
Published: April 2013

A new type of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy‐based hybrids has been developed by the incorporation of varying percentages of glycidyl‐terminated hyperbranched polysiloxane (HPSiE) into DGEBA resin and are characterized for their physicochemical, thermal, mechanical, and dielectric behaviors by modern analytical techniques. Data resulted from different studies indicate that the incorporation of HPSiE into DGEBA epoxy resin significantly improved the impact strength, thermal, and dielectric properties with an increase in the HPSiE loading. The contact angle [water and diiodomethane (DI)] increase with increases according to the weight percentages of HPSiE, which indicates the HPSiE‐modified DGEBA shows hydrophobic in nature. The resulting epoxy‐based hybrid composites can be used effectively for different industrial and engineering applications for better performance with improved longevity. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:904–911, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene‐POSS hybrid nanocomposites obtained by reactive blending
Authors: Grala M. , Bartczak Z. , Pracella M.
Published: April 2013

The polypropylene‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (PP‐POSS) organic–inorganic hybrids were obtained and studied. The hybrids were prepared by grafting of POSS on PP chains during a reactive melt‐blending of polypropylene (iPP), maleic anhydride functionalized PP (PP‐g‐MA), and amine‐functionalized POSS (aminopropylheptaisobutyl‐POSS, ambPOSS, aminopropylheptaisooctyl‐POSS, amoPOSS, or aminoethylaminopropylheptaisobutyl‐POSS, am2bPOSS), taking advantage of the high efficiency of amino‐anhydride reaction in the molten state. The structure, morphology, and physical properties of the obtained hybrids and blends were studied by means of wide‐ and small‐angle X‐ray scattering, dynamic scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, as well as tensile and impact experiments. The influence of POSS chemical structure and grafting degree on the morphological characteristics and mechanical properties was investigated. It was found that grafting of POSS cages on PP chains leads to the POSS dispersion on the molecular level. On contrary, when POSS was mixed with plain iPP any grafting of POSS on iPP chains was impossible, which resulted in phase‐separated blend with crystallites of POSS dispersed in iPP matrix. The mechanical tests revealed that modification of polypropylene by grafting with POSS molecules does not affect significantly its mechanical properties, both static and dynamic, except ultimate strain, which is markedly lower in hybrids and their blends than in plain iPP. Also the impact properties of PP were practically not improved by modification with POSS. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:929–941, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Physicochemical and rheological properties of agarose/xylans composite hydrogel materials
Authors: Meena Ramavatar , Lehnen Ralph , Schmitt Uwe , Saake Bodo
Published: April 2013

Agarose (AG)/Xylans [beech (BX) and oat spelt (OSX)] composite hydrogels were prepared by effortless mixing method, using water as solvent. The gelling behavior of the composite hydrogels was investigated by a rheometer fitted with a temperature control facility. Improved gelling properties were observed as a result of incorporation of BX and OSX into the appropriate native aqueous agarose solution. A significant increase in the viscosity and elastic modulus of the parent AG was found with incorporation of xylans. The gelling and melting points of the mixtures resembled that of pure agarose gel, except for 90% xylan concentration. A significant increase in swelling ability of the parent AG was found with incorporation of xylans, while syneresis was reduced on addition of xylans. The physicochemical and rheological properties of seaweed polysaccharide agarose were modified significantly after blending with xylans, allowing their use in new applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:978–988, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Myocardial infarction and individual nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Varas‐Lorenzo Cristina , Riera‐Guardia Nuria , Calingaert Brian , Castellsague Jordi , Salvo Francesco , Nicotra Federica , Sturkenboom Miriam , Perez‐Gutthann Susana
Published: April 2013

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of observational studies on the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with use of individual nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Methods

A search of Medline (PubMed) for observational studies published from 1990 to 2011 identified 3829 articles; 31 reported relative risk (RR) of AMI with use of individual NSAIDs versus nonuse of NSAIDs. Information abstracted in a standardized form from 25 publications was used for the meta‐analysis on 18 independent study populations.

Results

Random‐effects RR (95% confidence interval (CI)) was lowest for naproxen 1.06 (0.94–1.20), followed by celecoxib 1.12 (1.00–1.24), ibuprofen 1.14 (0.98–1.31), meloxicam 1.25 (1.04–1.49), rofecoxib 1.34 (1.22–1.48), diclofenac 1.38 (1.26–1.52), indometacin 1.40 (1.21–1.62), etodolac 1.55 (1.16–2.06), and etoricoxib 1.97 (1.35–2.89). Heterogeneity between studies was present. For new users, RRs (95% CIs) were for naproxen, 0.85 (0.73–1.00); ibuprofen, 1.20 (0.97–1.48); celecoxib, 1.23 (1.00–1.52); diclofenac, 1.41 (1.08–1.86); and rofecoxib, 1.43 (1.21–1.66).

Except for naproxen, higher risk was generally associated with higher doses, as defined in each study, overall and in patients with prior coronary heart disease. Low and high doses of diclofenac and rofecoxib were associated with high risk of AMI, with dose–response relationship for rofecoxib. In patients with prior coronary heart disease, except for naproxen, duration of use ≤3 months was associated with an increased risk of AMI.

Conclusions

Most frequently NSAIDs used in clinical practice, except naproxen, are associated with an increased risk of AMI at high doses or in persons with diagnosed coronary heart disease. For diclofenac and rofecoxib, the risk was increased at low and high doses. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization‐based load reduction during rapid shutdown of multi‐megawatt wind turbine generators
Authors: Gros Sébastien , Chachuat Benoît
Published: April 2013

This paper describes an optimization‐based approach to reducing extreme structural loads during rapid or emergency shutdown of multi‐megawatt wind turbine generators. The load reduction problem is cast into an optimal control formulation, and a simple, low‐order model is developed in order for this optimization problem to be tractable in reasonable time using state‐of‐the‐art numerical methods. To handle the variations in wind speed and turbulence inherent to wind turbine operation as well as the presence of model mismatch, a real‐time optimization strategy based on fast sensitivity updates is also considered, whose online computational burden is limited to the repeated solution of quadratic programs that are designed offline. The low‐order model and both the open‐loop and closed‐loop optimal control strategies are validated against a high‐fidelity model in the simulation environment Bladed™  for an industrial 3 MW wind turbine. Under favorable shutdown scenarios, i.e. when the wind turbine is operating properly and the actuators and sensors are not faulty, large reductions of the first compressive peak and subsequent compressive/tensile peaks of the tower load pattern are obtained at various above‐rated wind speeds compared with normal pitch control shutdown. Extension to more challenging shutdown scenarios are also discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meningococcemia: The Pediatric Orthopedic Sequelae
Authors: Wick Jane M. , Krajbich Ivan , Kelly Shannon , DeWees Todd
Published: April 2013

Meningococcal disease affects as many as 3,000 people in the United States per year, with the highest incidence in children younger than two years of age and two‐thirds of cases occurring in children younger than five years of age. Children who survive meningococcemia face quality‐of‐life issues that result from limb deficiencies. Consultation with an experienced pediatric orthopedic surgeon in the early stages of the illness is vital for planning surgical approaches for amputation of the resulting necrotic tissue and for minimizing eventual tissue loss. Early surgical intervention is rarely indicated in cases of extremity gangrene unless a secondary infection is present. Allowing time for tissue demarcation and recovery can be essential for limb length preservation. Maintaining functional joints is important for long‐term quality of life and activities of daily living.
Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen bei der Erhebung von körperlicher Aktivität in der Epidemiologie
Authors: Kohler Simone , Leitzmann Michael
Published: April 2013

Einleitung

Zur Erhebung der körperlichen Aktivität in epidemiologischen Studien existieren unterschiedliche Methoden, wobei eine präzise Erfassung in größeren Studienpopulationen eine Herausforderung darstellt. Mithilfe moderner Technologien wie der Pedometrie oder Akzelerometrie ist die Anwendung objektiver Verfahren möglich. Alternativ oder in Kombination bieten sich Aktivitätsfragebögen und Aktivitätsprotokolle an. Letztere stellen in webbasierter Form ein erfolgsversprechendes Zukunftspotenzial dar.