bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrational study on the interactions between yak keratin fibres and glyoxylic acid
Authors: Taddei Paola , Boga Carla , Micheletti Gabriele , Ballarin Barbara
Published: November 2014

Raman and IR spectroscopy were used to investigate the changes induced in yak hair keratin by the straightening treatment based on glyoxylic acid. The amino acidic residues that appeared involved in the reaction with glyoxylic acid were serine and lysine; the involvement of the latter was deduced by the spectroscopic detection of iminic species, resulting from the reaction between the aminic group of lysine and the carbonyl group of glyoxylic acid. The reaction with glyoxylic acid induced conformational rearrangements that mainly involved the fibre bulk rather than the cuticle. Changes in the average tyrosine environment and its hydrogen‐bonding state were detected: at increasing glyoxylic acid incorporation, the tyrosine residues appeared more exposed, probably because of H‐bond interactions with the COOH group. The distribution of the disulfide bridge conformation was also affected, although no cleavage of the S–S bond was detected, in agreement with the shiny and healthy appearance of the fibres. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman investigation of chemical reaction product in thermal‐treated SiCf/C/Mo/Ti6Al4V composite
Authors: Xiao Zhiyuan , Yang Yanqing , Kou Zongde , Ouyang Sheng , Luo Xian , Huang Bin
Published: November 2014

SiC fiber‐reinforced titanium matrix composite (TMC) is an interesting material for aerospace industry because of its excellent properties. Characterization of their interfacial reaction product is principal to further optimization of the TMCs. Here we report application of Raman spectroscopy to identify reaction products and their microstructural details in thermal‐treated SiCf/C/Mo/Ti6Al4V composite. Meanwhile TEM is performed to help explain phenomena in Raman result. Raman line scanning along interface indicates thickness of two sublayers (Ti5Si3(Cx) layer next to SiC fiber and TiCx layer next to matrix). The main Raman result of phase distribution is confirmed by TEM. While a 300‐nm Ti3SiC2 layer whose Raman features are similar with nearby Ti5Si3(Cx) layer is also detected. Raman peakshift in Ti5Si3(Cx) layer possibly results from residual stress or/and microstructural evolution caused by carbon solution. No evidence indicates Mo participation of interfacial reactions. However, Mo diffusion changes phase distribution of matrix alloy and affects interfacial reaction indirectly. Meanwhile, TEM and Raman results indicate that particles are TiCx and defective Ti3AlC2. Raman features of Ti3AlC2 particles differ from that of bulk material, which is attributed to defects. Although Ti3AlC2 formation mechanism is ambiguous, it possibly relates to TiCx formation nearby. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiac tamponade following liver transplantation after intrapericardial control of the suprahepatic vena cava
Authors: Xu Junming , Hong Johnny C. , Busuttil Ronald W.
Published: November 2014

Transabdominal intrapericardial control of the suprahepatic inferior vena cava (SIVC) is a rather uncommon procedure occasionally required in conjunction with complicated liver transplantation (LT) and hepatobiliary surgery. Experience with this technique is limited. Here we report 6 cases of LT in which transabdominal intrapericardial control of the SIVC was necessary. After institutional review board approval was obtained, a single‐center, retrospective review was conducted from January 1991 to December 2013 to identify adult cases (age > 18 years) of LT in which transabdominal intrapericardial isolation of the SIVC was necessary. Among 4102 adult LT cases in the study period, 6 such cases were identified. To gain access to the pericardial space, a 6‐ to 9‐cm vertical incision was made above the SIVC. After reperfusion, the diaphragmatic incision was partially closed and selectively drained. Pericardial tamponade developed in 1 patient, and it necessitated emergent reoperation and widespread drainage. In conclusion, transabdominal intrapericardial isolation of the SIVC is easily achieved without the need for a separate thoracic incision. However, to be effective, the pericardial incision should be only partially closed, and the pericardial sac should be drained liberally. Such patients should be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of pericardial tamponade, the development of which should prompt an immediate return to the operating room for emergent decompression and widespread drainage. Liver Transpl 21:339–343, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Spurious resonance suppression for a THz single bandpass filter using lossy glass substrates
Authors: Kim Dongju , Eo Sung‐Hwa , Oh Se‐I , Jang Jae‐Hyung
Published: November 2014

Narrowband metamaterial‐based filters using an array of split ring resonator (SRR) unit cells exhibit multiband operating characteristics due to the low frequency L‐C resonance together with the high frequency dipole resonance of the SRR structure. To obtain single‐band characteristics from the metamaterial‐based terahertz (THz) band pass filter (BPF), the unwanted dipole resonance at high frequency should be suppressed. A lossy glass was used for a substrate for THz BPF that consists of a complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) to suppress the undesirable resonances at higher frequencies. The resulting CSRR filter on a glass substrate exhibited single‐band BPF characteristics with a spurious band rejection ratio over 50 dB. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:58–60, 2015
A compact CRLH unit cell loaded triple‐band monopole antenna
Authors: Reddy S. Venkatrami , Sarkar Debdeep , Saurav Kushmanda , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav
Published: November 2014

In this letter, a microstrip‐fed triple‐band monopole antenna loaded with a composite right/left handed (CRLH) unit cell is presented. The proposed CRLH unit cell comprises of shunt spiral inductors and series interdigital capacitors. Loading of the monopole with CRLH unit cell induces two additional lower order frequency bands below the λ/4 resonance of the monopole. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement. The radiation patterns at the three operating frequencies are quasi‐omnidirectional. The proposed antenna can be used in GSM‐900/WLAN/LTE2500 applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:115–119, 2015
Inkjet‐printed loop radiators design and testing by near field scanning
Authors: Kalinichev Victor , Vesnik Mikhail , Ryabokul Artem , Krol Anton , Efremov Alexey , Kohtina Julia , Nisan Anton , Pavlov Nikolai
Published: November 2014

Characteristics of inkjet‐printed loop radiators in the 2–3 GHz range are studied. Main attention is given to antennas on a paper‐based substrate. Radiation characteristics are tested using the EMSCAN™ technology of near field scanning. Main prospective applications are in construction of RFID tags. Further research in this area is in demand. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:127–132, 2015
A compact dual‐wideband bandpass filter using two triple‐mode resonators for S‐band applications
Authors: Qiang Tian , Wang Cong , Kim Nam Young
Published: November 2014

A compact dual‐wideband bandpass filter (BPF) is proposed using two triple‐mode resonators (TMRs) for S‐band applications. The proposed TMRs loaded with two folded open‐ended stubs exhibit triple‐mode property and realize dual‐band performance by sharing a common input and output. Due to the symmetrical structure of the TMRs, even‐odd‐mode analysis is applied to explain the modal characteristics. Finally, a dual‐wideband triple‐mode BPF is designed and measured. The proposed pattern without via satisfied the specification of the lower passband and the upper passband as the lower insertion loss of 0.87 dB and 0.93 dB, respectively and the wider fractional bandwidth of 13.9 and 17.7%, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:153–157, 2015
Linearly‐polarized patch PIFA for GPS/GLONASS operation for tablet‐computer applications
Authors: Su Saou‐Wen
Published: November 2014

A linearly‐polarized, planar inverted‐F antenna (PIFA) embedded inside a large‐sized tablet computer with a complete, metal back cover for global positioning system and global navigation satellite system operations is proposed. The antenna was constructed by stamping a flat plate and bent two times to form a compact structure with dimensions 6 × 9 × 50 mm3. The patch PIFA was fed and short‐circuited at the top patch above the antenna ground with a vertical ground wall, connecting there between and facing the interior of the tablet. This wall can be used to alleviate the electromagnetic interaction between the antenna and the conducting components in the vicinity. Effects of various antenna locations on the right‐hand circularly‐polarized and the left‐hand circularly‐polarized patterns were also analyzed. Detailed design and the results, thereof, are described and discussed in the article. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:149–153, 2015
A highly transparent broadside patch antenna
Authors: Wan Shaopeng , Huang Kama
Published: November 2014

The transparent antenna can potentially be combined with solar cells to create multifunctional compact systems. In this article, an optically transparent broadside antenna is presented. Based on a meshed patch antenna which has three horizontal lines and three vertical lines, the antenna has four more lines to increase the bandwidth. The antenna is fed by a top fed for simple structure, and the area of the feed line is much smaller than the one of a side fed. The transparency is much better because of the low ratio of metal area, which can be further reduced without destroying the performance of the antenna. The transparent broadside antenna is studied at 2.5 GHz. On the upper surface of the antenna, the ratio of metal area is 3.2%, and the measured −10 dB impedance bandwidth is close to 60 MHz. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:146–149, 2015
Wide band frequency selective surface for angular and polarization independent operation
Authors: da Silva Segundo F. C. G. , Campos A. L. P. S. , Braz E. C.
Published: November 2014

In this article, the authors propose the use of Cantor dust fractal geometry design frequency selective surfaces (FSS) with wideband, angular, and polarization independent operation aiming ultrawide band (UWB) applications. The simulated results were obtained with the computer program Ansoft Designer™. A prototype of the designed FSS was built and its transmission characteristics were measured for vertical and horizontal polarization. A good agreement between simulated and measured results was obtained. The FSS was stable angularly and in terms of polarization and proved to be useful for UWB applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:216–219, 2015
Theoretical analyses of chemical dissolution‐front instability in fluid‐saturated porous media under non‐isothermal conditions
Authors: Zhao Chongbin , Hobbs B. E. , Ord A.
Published: November 2014

This paper mainly deals with the theoretical aspects of chemical dissolution‐front instability problems in two‐dimensional fluid‐saturated porous media under non‐isothermal conditions. In the case of the mineral dissolution ratio (that is defined as the ratio of the dissolved‐mineral equilibrium concentration in the pore fluid to the molar concentration of the dissolvable mineral in the solid matrix of the fluid‐saturated porous medium) approaching zero, the corresponding critical condition has been mathematically derived when temperature variation effects are considered. As a complementary tool, the computational simulation method is used to simulate the morphological evolution of chemical dissolution fronts in two‐dimensional fluid‐saturated porous media under non‐isothermal conditions. The related theoretical and numerical results have demonstrated that: (i) a temperature increase in a non‐isothermal chemical dissolution system can have some influence on the propagation speed of the planar chemical dissolution front in the system. Generally, the chemical dissolution front in the non‐isothermal chemical dissolution system propagates slower than that in the counterpart isothermal chemical dissolution system when the temperature of the non‐isothermal chemical dissolution system is higher than that of the counterpart isothermal chemical dissolution system; (ii) a temperature increase in the non‐isothermal chemical dissolution system can stabilize the chemical dissolution front propagating in the system, because it can cause a decrease in the Zhao number of the system but does not affect the critical Zhao number of the system; and (iii) the temperature gradient in the upstream direction of a chemical dissolution front is smaller than that in the downstream direction of the chemical dissolution front when the non‐isothermal chemical dissolution system is supercritical. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An essential role for Ewing sarcoma gene (EWS) in early white adipogenesis
Authors: Park Jun Hong , Lee Sean Bong
Published: November 2014

Objective

White adipose tissue is important for mammalian energy homeostasis and metabolism. It was previously demonstrated that Ewing sarcoma gene (EWS) is essential for early classical brown fat lineage determination, but its role in white adipocyte differentiation is not known.

Methods

Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking Ews and shRNA‐mediated silencing of Ews in 3T3L1 preadipocytes were used to investigate the role of EWS in adipogenesis. White fat differentiation was determined by analyzing the expression of key adipogenic genes and by Oil red O staining.

Results

Following adipogenic stimulation, Ews expression arose rapidly in 3T3L1 cells during early induction period. Ews‐null MEFs and 3T3L1 cells with reduced Ews expression failed to undergo adipogenesis. This was accompanied by significant reduction in the expression of critical early adipogenic regulators, Bmp2, Bmp4 (bone morphogenic protein 2 and 4), Cebpβ, and Cebpδ (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β and δ). Complementation of recombinant BMP2 or BMP4 partially rescued adipogenesis in Ews‐depleted 3T3L1 cells.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that EWS is essential during the early steps of white adipocyte differentiation, at least in part through its regulation of BMP2 and BMP4 expression.
Mixed Aggregates of 1‐Methoxyallenyllithium with Lithium Chloride
Authors: Pratt Lawrence M. , Dixon Darryl D. , Tius Marcus A.
Published: November 2014

A combined computational and 13C NMR study was used to investigate the formation of mixed aggregates of 1‐methoxyallenyllithium and lithium chloride in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution. The observed and calculated chemical shifts, as well as the calculated free energies of mixed aggregate formation (MP2/6‐31+G(d)), are consistent with the formation of a mixed dimer as the major species in solution. Free energies of mixed dimer, trimer, and tetramer formation were calculated by using the B3LYP and MP2 methods and the 6‐31+G(d) basis set. The two methods generated different predictions of which mixed aggregates will be formed, with B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) favoring mixed trimers and tetramers in THF solution, and MP2/6‐31+G(d) favoring mixed dimers. Formation of the sterically unhindered mixed dimers is also consistent with the enhanced reactivity of these compounds in the presence of lithium chloride. The spectra are also consistent with some residual 1‐methoxyallenyllithium tetramer, as well as small amounts of higher mixed aggregates. Although neither computational method is perfect, for this particular system, the calculated free energies derived using the MP2 method are in better agreement with experimental data than those derived using the B3LYP method.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of epoxy–matrix composites with hybrid fillers
Authors: Gaska Karolina , Rybak Andrzej , Kapusta Czeslaw , Sekula Robert , Siwek Artur
Published: November 2014

The results of thermal conductivity study of epoxy–matrix composites filled with different type of powders are reported. Boron nitride and aluminum nitride micro‐powders with different size distribution and surface modification were used. A representative set of samples has been prepared with different contents of the fillers. The microstructure was investigated by SEM observations. Thermal conductivity measurements have been performed at room temperature and for selected samples it was also measured as a function of temperature from 300 K down to liquid helium temperatures. The most spectacular enhancement of the thermal conductivity was obtained for composites filled with hybrid fillers of boron nitride–silica and aluminum nitride–silica. In the case of sample with 31 vol.% of boron nitride–silica hybrid filler it amounts to 114% and for the sample with 45 vol.% of hybrid filler by 65% as compared with the reference composite with silica filler. However, in the case of small aluminum nitride grains application, large interfacial areas were introduced, promoting creation of thermal resistance barriers and causing phonon scattering more effective. As a result, no thermal conductivity improvement was obtained. Different characters of temperature dependencies are observed for hybrid filler composites which allowed identifying the component filler of the dominant contribution to the thermal conductivity in each case. The data show a good agreement with predictions of Agari‐Uno model, indicating the importance of conductive paths forming effect already at low filler contents. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the soft segment length on the properties of water‐cured poly(carbonate‐urethane‐urea)s
Authors: Mazurek Magdalena M. , Tomczyk Karolina , Auguścik Monika , Ryszkowska Joanna , Rokicki Gabriel
Published: November 2014

Poly(carbonate‐urethane‐urea)s (PCUU) based on oligocarbonate diols (Mn ≈ 2000) with different length of the hydrocarbon chain as soft segments were synthesized and investigated. Carbonate oligomerols were obtained in a two‐step method from dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and linear α,ω‐diols (1,4‐butanediol, 1,5‐pentanediol, 1,6‐hexanediol, 1,9‐nonanediol, 1,10‐dekanediol and 1,12‐dodecanediol). Oligo(trimethylene carbonate) diol was synthesized using ring‐opening polymerization of trimethylence carbonate. PCUUs were obtained by prepolymer method using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and water as a chain extender. Changes in polymers properties with increase of methylene group number between carbonate linkages were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), tensile strength and hardness measurements. The thermal stability was also analyzed by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Based on FTIR analysis influence of methylene groups number between carbonate linkages on phase separation and concentration of allophanate and biuret groups in the samples were investigated. The obtained poly(carbonate‐urethane‐urea)s exhibited very good mechanical properties. Tensile strength and elongation at break were 40 MPa and 400–600%, respectively, depending on the oligocarbonate used. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of polyurethane/graphite elastomer by in situ technique
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Zhang Huan , Li Ye , Jia Haixiang , Shou Jinquan , Wen Kai , Bai Pengguang , Xue Yi , Bai Lizhong , Liu Yaqing
Published: November 2014

Elastomeric polyurethane (PU) was mixed with 0, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 wt% of graphite to obtain PUE‐based composites. The structure of PU/graphite elastomer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the polyurethane elastomer (PUE) molecular chains were intercalated into the graphite layers and evenly distributed in the matrix. When the graphite content was lower it could make full use of its strength with some loss of plasticity; when the graphite content was too high, the friction between graphite and PUE increased and hence it is more difficult for the macromolecular chain reaction. The polymer was more unstable as a whole. Furthermore, the thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained products were investigated in detail. The result showed that the thermal stability of PUE was improved by the introduction of the graphite. The softening temperature of the PUE/graphite containing 10% graphite was 11°C higher than that of pure PUE. At the same time, the hardness, tensile strength, elongation, 300% tensile modulus, tearing strength of PU/graphite elastomer were also investigated. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1318–1322, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface modification of ZrW2O8 and ZrW2O7(OH)·2H2O by in situ polymerization: Enhanced filler particles for use in composites
Authors: Gao Xiaodong , Coleman Maria R. , Lind Cora
Published: November 2014

To explore the effect of negative thermal expansion on the reduction of the coefficient of thermal expansion of polymer with respect to that of chain stiffening, the preparation of polycarbonate composites with ZrW2O8 and ZrW2O7(OH)2·2H2O are attempted. In the process, the dispersion of the filler particles in the polymer needs to be optimized, and the transfer of properties at the interface between the two phases. Therefore, surface modification by in situ polymerization is performed on these two particles. Several parameters of the reaction are optimized to achieve higher surface coverage of oligomer, including reaction time and the amount of monomers and particles. On the basis of the optimized conditions, two modification steps are then used to maximize both recovered amount of modified particles and surface coverage. The composites prepared with modified particles show enhanced dispersion of the particles and interaction at the interfaces. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1359–1368, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comprehensive identification of phosphorylation sites on the Numb endocytic adaptor protein
Authors: Krieger Jonathan R. , Taylor Paul , Moran Michael F. , McGlade C. Jane
Published: November 2014

Numb is an adaptor protein that functions in the endocytosis and intracellular trafficking of membrane receptors and adhesion molecules. Previous studies have indicated that Numb localization and function are regulated through phosphorylation by atypical protein kinase C at several key sites. Here, using LC‐MS/MS, we report the identification of 25 serine/threonine Numb phosphorylation sites, and a single tyrosine phosphorylation site. Amino acid sequences flanking several of the sites identified conform to consensus motifs for cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). In vitro kinase assays and immunoblotting confirmed that CDK5 phosphorylates Numb. LC‐MS/MS analysis identified specific CDK5‐directed phosphorylation of Numb at position S288 and at two additional regions. Therefore, Numb is likely to exist in multiple phospho‐isoforms, and may be subject to phosphorylation‐mediated regulation downstream of CDK5. These findings provide a basis for further investigations into the complex role of Numb phosphorylation in regulating its subcellular localization, protein interactions, and function. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000997 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000997).
Plant hormone signalling through the eye of the mass spectrometer
Authors: Walton Alan , Stes Elisabeth , De Smet Ive , Goormachtig Sofie , Gevaert Kris
Published: November 2014

Plant growth and development are regulated by hormones and the associated signalling pathways share several common steps, the first being the detection of the signal by receptor proteins. This typically leads to conformational changes in the receptor, thereby modifying its spectrum of interaction partners. Next, secondary signals are transmitted via rapid post‐translational cascades, such as targeted phosphorylation or ubiquitination, resulting in the activation/deactivation, relocalization or degradation of target proteins. These events finally give rise to the signal‐dependent read‐out, such as changes in gene expression and regulation of protein activity. So far, the majority of studies aimed at unravelling hormone signalling pathways in plants relied on genetic or transcriptomic approaches. During the last decade however, MS‐driven proteomic methods became increasingly popular tools in plant research as they reveal the specific mechanisms controlled by phytohormones, which for a large part occur on the level of the proteome. Here, we provide an up‐to‐date review on the growing body of work in these areas using MS‐based techniques, with a focus on nonpeptide plant hormones.
X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of gold nanowire arrays embodied in ion‐track template
Authors: Yao Huijun , Xie Lu , Duan Jinglai , Mo Dan , Chen Yonghui , Lv Shuangbao , Liu Jie , Sun Youmei
Published: November 2014

The gold nanowire arrays with different diameter and length were successfully prepared in etched ion‐track template assisted with electrochemical deposition method and the nanowire's crystal structure and morphology were characterized by transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) and scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM). The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyse the electronic states of gold nanowire arrays embodied in the template. It was found that the 4f core level binding energy of gold nanowire shifted toward higher binding energy when comparing with bulk gold. The positive binding energy shift increased significantly with decreasing nanowire's length or diameter. The enhanced final‐state effect was considered to explain the 4f binding energy shift of gold nanowire arrays embodied in template finally. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formation and properties of SiC and C particle nano‐colloids in non‐polar liquids
Authors: Hajjaji Hamza , Zakharko Yuriy , Alekseev Sergeï , Guillot Gérard , Philippon David , Vergne Philippe , Bluet Jean‐Marie
Published: November 2014

Electrochemical etching of polycrystalline SiC is used in order to form SiC nanoparticles. During the process, both SiC and carbon‐related nanoparticles like onion like carbon are formed. The two different species can be selected by centrifugation. Both nanoparticles have been functionalized for dispersion in non‐polar liquids. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Complementary Usage of Rhodiola crenulata (L.) in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: The Effects on Cytokines and T Cells
Authors: Chen Shih‐Pin , Huang Liu Rosa , Lu Tsong‐Ming , Wei James Cheng‐Chung , Wu Tzu‐Chin , Tsai Wei‐Yu , Tsai Chung‐Hung , Yang Chi‐Chiang
Published: November 2014

Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease predominantly involving T cells, no study of Rhodiola as an immunomodulator in COPD patients has been reported. In this study, COPD patients took Rhodiola crenulata 500 mg (n = 38) or placebo (starch/phosphate buffered saline) (n = 19) daily for 12 weeks and were compared with untreated, age‐matched, and sex‐matched non‐COPD control subjects. Our results showed that serum levels of IL‐2, IL‐10, and IFN‐γ in COPD patients before treatment are significantly higher than levels in non‐COPD controls (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in IFN‐γ was seen in the Rhodiola treatment group (p < 0.05) but not in the placebo group (p > 0.05). The results suggested that Rhodiola treatment had beneficial antiinflammation effects, lower COPD assessment test score and decreased high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, on COPD patients (p < 0.05). The effects of Rhodiola treatment on COPD patients were shown to decrease the IFN‐γ concentration and CD8+ count but increase the expressions of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ and CD4+CD25+CD45+FOXP3+ in the blood significantly (p < 0.05). This is the first trial using Rhodiola as a complementary therapy for COPD patients. T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD through the increased expression of CD8+ T cells and IFN‐γ and may be a viable target for potential therapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semiparametric Bayesian inference on skew–normal joint modeling of multivariate longitudinal and survival data
Authors: Tang An‐Min , Tang Nian‐Sheng
Published: November 2014

We propose a semiparametric multivariate skew–normal joint model for multivariate longitudinal and multivariate survival data. One main feature of the posited model is that we relax the commonly used normality assumption for random effects and within‐subject error by using a centered Dirichlet process prior to specify the random effects distribution and using a multivariate skew–normal distribution to specify the within‐subject error distribution and model trajectory functions of longitudinal responses semiparametrically. A Bayesian approach is proposed to simultaneously obtain Bayesian estimates of unknown parameters, random effects and nonparametric functions by combining the Gibbs sampler and the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm. Particularly, a Bayesian local influence approach is developed to assess the effect of minor perturbations to within‐subject measurement error and random effects. Several simulation studies and an example are presented to illustrate the proposed methodologies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Edible films based on native and phosphated 80:20 waxy:normal corn starch
Authors: Gutiérrez Tomy J. , Tapia María Soledad , Pérez Elevina , Famá Lucía
Published: November 2014

Edible films based on 80:20 waxy:normal corn starch were evaluated for their potential use in the food industry. Two types of film were prepared by the casting method: The first from native corn starch and the second from starch modified with glycerol. The influence of this chemical modification on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of both the starch and films was investigated. The phosphation of the base material improved the interaction between the plasticizer and the modified starch. This was demonstrated by the lower moisture content and water activity, higher crystallinity, greater elongation under stress and higher thermal resistance observed for the cross‐linked films. The results showed that high quality edible films can be prepared from modified 80:20 waxy:normal corn starch, and demonstrated their potential as a coating or packaging material in the food industry.
An extremal eigenvalue problem for the Wentzell–Laplace operator
Authors: Dambrine M. , Kateb D. , Lamboley J.
Published: November 2014

We consider the question of giving an upper bound for the first nontrivial eigenvalue of the Wentzell–Laplace operator of a domain
Ω
, involving only geometrical information. We provide such an upper bound, by generalizing Brock's inequality concerning Steklov eigenvalues, and we conjecture that balls maximize the Wentzell eigenvalue, in a suitable class of domains, which would improve our bound. To support this conjecture, we prove that balls are critical domains for the Wentzell eigenvalue, in any dimension, and that they are local maximizers in dimension 2 and 3, using an order two sensitivity analysis. We also provide some numerical evidence.
CXCL14 is no direct modulator of CXCR4
Authors: Otte Maik , Kliewer Andrea , Schütz Dagmar , Reimann Christiane , Schulz Stefan , Stumm Ralf
Published: November 2014

C‐X‐C motif chemokine 12/C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCL12/CXCR4) signaling is involved in ontogenesis, hematopoiesis, immune function and cancer. Recently, the orphan chemokine CXCL14 was reported to inhibit CXCL12‐induced chemotaxis – probably by allosteric modulation of CXCR4. We thus examined the effects of CXCL14 on CXCR4 regulation and function using CXCR4‐transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and Jurkat T cells. CXCL14 did not affect dose–response profiles of CXCL12‐induced CXCR4 phosphorylation, G protein‐mediated calcium mobilization, dynamic mass redistribution, kinetics of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2 phosphorylation or CXCR4 internalization. Hence, essential CXCL12‐operated functions of CXCR4 are insensitive to CXCL14, suggesting that interactions of CXCL12 and CXCL14 pathways depend on a yet to be identified CXCL14 receptor.
Improving Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction in a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Center Using Lean-Based Methodology
Authors: Zhu Ying , Lu Zhenqi , Dai Hongqin
Published: November 2014

Background: The peripherally inserted central catheter implantation and maintenance process was optimized at Shanghai Fu Dan University Cancer Center using lean-based methodology. Problems addressed were coping with capacity limitations and streamlining the process of patient care to reduce potential complications associated with delays in catheter administration. These clinical processes were evaluated with regard to pretreatment areas—such as booking, waiting, and patient education—and solutions were recommended to the problems that were identified.

Methods: Lean methodology was used under actual clinical settings to improve the clinical process, using observations, patient surveys, interviews, data analysis, and a kaizen workshop. Three tools were applied from lean methodology: value stream mapping, bottleneck calculation, and fishbone root cause analysis. The philosophy of kaizen was used to enhance teamwork, boost morale, and encourage all members of the frontline nursing team and administration leaders to contribute ideas and suggestions for improvement.

Results: A value stream map and a redesigned future value stream map were plotted at the workshop to identify problems related to inefficiency and waste and to aid in proposing solutions. Implementation of these solutions resulted in smooth and steady patient distributions on days with the largest patient volume during a typical week and an increase of 30% in the number of patients that could be seen in a week.

Conclusions: The economic methodology of lean manufacturing, especially value stream mapping, can be a powerful tool for visualizing and better understanding processes to reduce waste and reengineer a standardized workstream in settings where peripheral intravenous central catheters are placed.
Data-driven traffic and diffusion modeling in peer-to-peer networks: A real case study
Authors: HOLLANDERS ROMAIN , BERNARDES DANIEL F. , MITRA BIVAS , JUNGERS RAPHAËL M. , DELVENNE JEAN-CHARLES , TARISSAN FABIEN
Published: November 2014

Peer-to-peer systems have driven a lot of attention in the past decade as they have become a major source of Internet traffic. The amount of data flowing through the peer-to-peer network is huge and hence challenging both to comprehend and to control. In this work, we take advantage of a new and rich dataset recording the peer-to-peer activity at a remarkable scale to address these difficult problems. After extracting the relevant and measurable properties of the network from the data, we develop two models that aim to make the link between the low-level properties of the network, such as the proportion of peers that do not share content (i.e., free riders) or the distribution of the files among the peers, and its high-level properties, such as the Quality of Service or the diffusion of content, which are of interest for supervision and control purposes. We observe a significant agreement between the high-level properties measured on the real data and on the synthetic data generated by our models, which is encouraging for our models to be used in practice as large-scale prediction tools. Relying on them, we demonstrate that spending efforts to reduce the amount of free riders indeed helps to improve the availability of files on the network. We observe however a saturation of this phenomenon after 60% of free riders.
Unilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder: retrocochlear lesion in disguise?
Authors: Mohammadi A , Walker P , Gardner-Berry K
Published: November 2014

Objective:

To investigate whether the aetiology for hearing impairment in neonates with unilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder could be explained by structural abnormalities such as cochlear nerve aplasia, a cerebellopontine angle tumour or another identifiable lesion.

Methods:

In this prospective case series, 17 neonates were diagnosed with unilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder on electrophysiological testing. Diagnostic audiology testing, including auditory brainstem response testing, was supplemented with computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

Ten of the neonates (59 per cent) showed evidence for cochlear nerve aplasia. Of the remaining seven, four were shown to have another abnormality of the temporal bone on imaging. Only three neonates (18 per cent) were not diagnosed with cochlear nerve aplasia or another lesion. Three computed tomography scans were reported as normal, but subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed cochlear nerve aplasia.

Conclusion:

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder as a unilateral condition mandates further investigation for a definitive diagnosis. This series demonstrates that most neonates with unilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder had pathology as visualised on computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging scans. Magnetic resonance imaging is an appropriate first-line imaging modality.
Social Investment after Neoliberalism: Policy Paradigms and Political Platforms
Authors: DEEMING CHRISTOPHER , SMYTH PAUL
Published: November 2014

The concept of the ‘social investment state’ refocuses attention on the productive function of social policy eclipsed for some time by the emphasis on its social protection or compensation roles. Here we distinguish between different social investment strategies, the Nordic ‘heavy’ and the Liberal ‘light’, with particular reference to the inclusive growth approach adopted in Australia. In 2007, social democrats in Australia returned to government with a clear mandate to reject the labour market deregulation and other neoliberal policies of its predecessor, and to tackle entrenched social and economic disadvantage in Australian society. For the last five years, social investment and inclusive growth has been at the centre of the Australian social policy agenda. Against this background, the article examines and critically assesses the (re)turn to ‘social investment’ thinking in Australia during Labor's term in office (2007–13). Analysis focuses not just on what was actually achieved, but also on the constraining role of prevailing economic and political circumstances and on the processes that were used to drive social investment reform. In many ways, the article goes some way to exposing ongoing tensions surrounding the distinctiveness of ‘social investment’ strategies pursued by leftist parties within the (neo)liberal state.
Walmart in South Africa: Precarious Labor and Retail Expansion
Authors: Kenny Bridget
Published: November 2014

In 2011 Walmart's bid to buy a controlling stake in South Africa's Massmart Holdings, Inc. went before the country's Competition Commission and Competition Tribunal, both of which would determine whether to grant the merger outright or to place conditions on it. Massmart Holdings comprises a number of branded subsidiaries in the South African market, including Walmart-style general merchandise dealers, electronics retailers, do-it-yourself building suppliers, and food wholesalers—Game, Dion, Builder's Warehouse, and Makro, respectively—as well as the more recently acquired food retailer, Cambridge Food. South African unions, most prominently the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu), with support from the Global Union Federation UNI Global and, in the United States, the United Food and Commercial Workers, fought the merger.
Still Waiting: Labor, Revolution, and the Struggle for Social Justice in Egypt
Authors: Sabea Hanan
Published: November 2014

In his first televised address as prime minister on March 2, 2014, Ibrahim Mehleb reiterated what has become a familiar term of state rhetoric used to contain labor unrest, widely referred to as “the wheel of production” (‘agalat el-intag) discourse. The true meaning of the “wheel of production” iteration was expressed in Mehleb's call on “Egyptians to help rebuild the nation and halt strikes and protests.” When representatives of the state—or state-allied political actors, including some labor unions—proclaim that the “wheel of production must turn” in response to strikes and other labor demonstrations, they are suggesting that the protesters are behaving selfishly, in their own economic interests. For laborers to make demands for better wages and working conditions during a time of national crisis is presented to the public as a threat to economic stability and national security that is harmful to all Egyptians. Ironically, though not unexpectedly, in the same address Mehleb pledged to address many of the basic demands raised by protesting workers: a decent standard of living, the even distribution of resources, the rooting out of corruption, and institutional reform of the public sector—all while maintaining workers’ rights. Although state agents' rhetorical commitment to decent standards of living and social and economic rights is not novel, the simultaneous conjuring of the “wheel of production” to halt protests has a more recent history occasioned by the last three years of revolutionary transformations.
UNIVERSAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS SCREENING: TIME FOR REAPPRAISAL?
Authors: HUTCHINSON BRIOHNY J , PALMA-DIAS RICARDO , WALKER SUSAN P
Published: November 2014

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is now the commonest infective cause of neurological handicap. Arguably, there is no other single contributor to developmental disability where a greater opportunity, and imperative, exists to improve outcomes than CMV. CMV is the most common intrauterine infection and congenital CMV is the leading non-inherited cause of sensorineural deafness. The public health impact of CMV is significant: the overall birth prevalence of congenital CMV is estimated at 0.64%, with 11% of live born infants displaying symptoms.
Ralph Erskine: an organic architect?
Authors: Jones Peter Blundell
Published: November 2014

I cannot recall when and how I first heard of Ralph Erskine, but by 1975 I was well aware of his work and included Byker in an article on architecture for the Chambers Encyclopaedia Yearbook, setting it among the most significant British architectural events of the year.
The movement of thought in Erskine's writings
Authors: Andersen Michael Asgaard
Published: November 2014

In the 1960s and '70s Ralph Erskine wrote a number of articles where he manifested and developed his view on architecture and its role in society. These articles are important to understand his oeuvre, but have not received the same attention as his built work. This essay aims at explicating the central themes as well as tracing changes and recurrences in the articles during the most important decades of his lifelong career.

The articles were published in a range of different magazines, some in rather marginal ones with a limited distribution, others only in the Swedish language. This accounts in part for the reason his thoughts are primarily known through secondary sources. Nonetheless, his writings present significant and sometimes even original thoughts on architecture.
Sublexical modulation of simultaneous language activation in bilingual visual word recognition: The role of syllabic units
Authors: CONRAD MARKUS , ÁLVAREZ CARLOS J. , AFONSO OLIVIA , JACOBS ARTHUR M.
Published: November 2014

We addressed the question of whether syllabic units of the presented language would activate words containing these syllables in the nonpresented language. In two lexical decision experiments using Spanish and German words presented to two groups of late Spanish–German and German–Spanish bilinguals and to two monolingual control groups, target words’ syllable-frequency in the nonpresented language was manipulated. Inhibitory effects of syllable-frequency in the nonpresented language were found only when Spanish–German bilinguals read German L2 words– suggesting that L2 sublexical syllabic units activated L1 syllabic neighbors’ representations that would interfere with L2 target processing. On the contrary, no inhibitory effects but rather a facilitation tendency due to syllable-frequency from the nonpresented German language was obtained for both groups of bilinguals reading Spanish words. This dissociation concerning the spread of activation from sublexical units to lexical representations from bilinguals’ two languages is discussed in terms of structural differences between the two languages.
Acceleration in the bilingual acquisition of phonological structure: Evidence from Polish–English bilingual children
Authors: TAMBURELLI MARCO , SANOUDAKI EIRINI , JONES GARY , SOWINSKA MICHELLE
Published: November 2014

This study examines the production of consonant clusters in simultaneous Polish–English bilingual children and in language-matched English monolinguals (aged 7;01–8;11). Selection of the language pair was based on the fact that Polish allows a greater range of consonant clusters than English. A nonword repetition task was devised in order to examine clusters of different types (obstruent-liquid vs. s + obstruent) and in different word positions (initial vs. medial), two factors that play a significant role in repetition accuracy in monolingual acquisition (e.g., Kirk & Demuth, 2005). Our findings show that bilingual children outperformed monolingual controls in the word initial s + obstruent condition. These results indicate that exposure to complex word initial clusters (in Polish) can accelerate the development of less phonologically complex clusters (in English). This constitutes significant new evidence that the facilitatory effects of bilingual acquisition extend to structural phonological domains. The implications that these results have on competing views of phonological organisation and phonological complexity are also discussed.
Investigation of (Fe,Co)NbB-Based Nanocrystalline Soft Magnetic Alloys by Lorentz Microscopy and Off-Axis Electron Holography
Authors: Zheng Changlin , Kirmse Holm , Long Jianguo , Laughlin David E. , McHenry Michael E. , Neumann Wolfgang
Published: November 2014

The relationship between microstructure and magnetic properties of a (Fe,Co)NbB-based nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy was investigated by analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microstructures of (Fe0.5Co0.5)80Nb4B13Ge2Cu1 nanocrystalline alloys annealed at different temperatures were characterized by TEM and electron diffraction. The magnetic structures were analyzed by Lorentz microscopy and off-axis electron holography, including quantitative measurement of domain wall width, induction, and in situ magnetic domain imaging. The results indicate that the magnetic domain structure and particularly the dynamical magnetization behavior of the alloys strongly depend on the microstructure of the nanocrystalline alloys. Smaller grain size and random orientation of the fine particles decrease the magneto-crystalline anisotropy and suggests better soft magnetic properties which may be explained by the anisotropy model of Herzer.