bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of the spandrel type on the lateral behavior of unreinforced masonry walls
Authors: Parisi Fulvio , Augenti Nicola , Prota Andrea
Published: May 2014

Seismic response of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings is largely influenced by nonlinear behavior of spandrels, which provide coupling between piers under in‐plane lateral actions. Seismic codes do not appropriately address modeling and strength verification of spandrels, adapting procedures originally proposed for piers. Therefore, research on spandrels has received significant attention in some earthquake‐prone countries, such as Italy and New Zealand. In the last years, the authors of this paper have performed both monotonic and cyclic in‐plane lateral loading tests on full‐scale masonry walls with single opening and different spandrel types. Those tests were carried out in a static fashion and with displacement control. In this paper, experimental outcomes for two as‐built specimens are presented and compared with those obtained in the past for another as‐built specimen with a wooden lintel above the opening. In both newly tested specimens, the masonry above the opening was supported by a shallow masonry arch. In one of those specimens, a reinforced concrete (RC) bond beam was realized on top of the spandrel, resulting in a composite URM‐RC spandrel. Then, the influence of spandrel type is analyzed in terms of observed damage, force–drift curves, and their bilinear idealizations, which allowed to compare displacement ductility and overstrength of wall specimens. Furthermore, effects of rocking behavior of piers are identified, highlighting their relationship with hysteretic damping and residual drifts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ore genesis of the unusual Talate Pb–Zn(–Fe) skarn‐type deposit, Altay, NW China: constraints from geology, geochemistry and geochronology
Authors: Li Deng‐Feng , Zhang Li , Chen Hua‐Yong , Zheng Yi , Hollings Pete , Wang Cheng‐Ming , Fang Jing
Published: May 2014

The Talate ore field is located in the Abagong polymetallic metallogenic belt of the Altay Orogen, NW China. Lenticular ore bodies occur in the Kangbutiebao Formation, a package of intermediate‐felsic marine volcanic rocks and terrigenous clastic sedimentary‐carbonate rocks. Skarn alteration (mainly garnet) is present in both ore and wall rocks, especially the carbonate rocks. The mineral assemblages and cross‐cutting relationships of veins allow the alteration and mineralization process to be divided into four stages. From early to late, these are the early skarn (E‐skarn), the late skarn with quartz–magnetite veins (QM), the quartz–sulphide (QS) and the quartz–carbonate (QC) assemblages. Quartz crystals are important gangue minerals in the latter three stages, in which four distinct compositions of fluid inclusions are identified based on petrography, microthermometry and laser Raman microspectroscopy, namely aqueous inclusions (W‐type), pure CO2inclusions (PC‐type), CO2‐rich inclusions (C‐type) and daughter mineral‐bearing inclusions (S‐type). Microthermometric data and laser Raman analyses show that the quartz crystals from the QM stage contain all four inclusion types, with the W‐type being predominant. Homogenization temperatures range between 271 and 426 °C. The salinities of the W‐ and C‐type fluid inclusions range from 0.5 to 22.4 wt.% NaCl eqv., whereas the S‐type fluid inclusions in the QM stage range from 31 to 41 wt.% NaCl eqv. Daughter minerals in the fluid inclusions include halite, sylvite, pyrite and calcite. Quartz from the QS stage (main mineralization stage) contains the W‐, C‐ and PC‐type inclusions, which are homogenized at temperatures of 204–269 °C, with salinities of 0.2–15.6 wt.% NaCl eqv. Only W‐type fluid inclusions have been identified in the QC stage. These yielded homogenizing temperatures of 175–211 °C and salinities of 1.1–9.9 wt.% NaCl eqv. The C‐type fluid inclusions of the main (QS) mineralization stage yield trapping pressures of 107–171 MPa, corresponding to a depth of 4–6 km. The sulphur isotope values (−1.7‰ and −6.6‰) imply that the QS stage may not be directly associated with the early skarn (−7.4‰) and quartz–magnetite stages (−4.8‰ and −5.0‰), though the QS stage is probably dominated by magmatic‐hydrothermal fluids.40Ar/39Ar isotope plateau ages of 227.6 and 214.1 Ma for biotite separated from the QM and QS stages are significantly younger than the host Kangbutiebao Formation (ca. 410 Ma). The Talate Pb–Zn(–Fe) deposit is interpreted to be an unusual skarn‐type system formed in a continental collision orogeny. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Independent component analysis of resting state activity in pediatric obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Gruner Patricia , Vo An , Argyelan Miklos , Ikuta Toshikazu , Degnan Andrew J. , John Majnu , Peters Bart D. , Malhotra Anil K. , Uluğ Aziz M. , Szeszko Philip R.
Published: May 2014

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is an often severely disabling illness with onset generally in childhood or adolescence. Little is known, however, regarding the pattern of brain resting state activity in OCD early in the course of illness. We therefore examined differences in brain resting state activity in patients with pediatric OCD compared with healthy volunteers and their clinical correlates. Twenty‐three pediatric OCD patients and 23 healthy volunteers (age range 9–17), matched for sex, age, handedness, and IQ completed a resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging exam at 3T. Patients completed the Children's Yale Brown Obsessive Scale. Data were decomposed into 36 functional networks using spatial group independent component analysis (ICA) and logistic regression was used to identify the components that yielded maximum group separation. Using ICA we identified three components that maximally separated the groups: a middle frontal/dorsal anterior cingulate network, an anterior/posterior cingulate network, and a visual network yielding an overall group classification of 76.1% (sensitivity = 78.3% and specificity = 73.9%). Independent component expression scores were significantly higher in patients compared with healthy volunteers in the middle frontal/dorsal anterior cingulate and the anterior/posterior cingulate networks, but lower in patients within the visual network. Higher expression scores in the anterior/posterior cingulate network correlated with greater severity of compulsions among patients. These findings implicate resting state fMRI abnormalities within the cingulate cortex and related control regions in the pathogenesis and phenomenology of OCD early in the course of the disorder and prior to extensive pharmacologic intervention. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5306–5315, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Molecular modeling study of the changes of some steric properties of the precatalysts during the olefin metathesis reaction
Authors: Marx Frans T. I. , Jordaan Johan H. L. , Lachmann Gerhard , Vosloo Hermanus C. M.
Published: May 2014

The productive self‐metathesis of 1‐octene with a series of new phosphine ligated Grubbs‐type precatalysts was studied. The resulting structures were used to compare some steric properties of the new precatalysts with those of well‐known precatalysts. The possibility of α‐CC agnostic stabilization as well as the ability of the ligands to shield the metal was studied. A comparison of the obtained data, pointed to the unlikelihood that α‐CC agostic stabilization is a major contribution to the stabilization of the various metallacyclobutane rings. The similarity in the ability of the ligands to shield the metal also raised questions about the comparison of experimentally observed trends with those obtained theoretically. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two new alkaloids from the edible macrofungus Ramaria madagascariensis
Authors: Liu Dong‐Ze , Li Jian‐Guo , Zhang Ming‐Wei , Liu Gang
Published: May 2014

Phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of the edible macrofungus, Ramaria madagascariensis, has led to the isolation of two new alkaloids (1 and 2). Their structures were elucidated by HR‐ESI‐MS, IR, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments. The antimicrobial activity of 1 and 2 was also tested and evaluated.
Exploration of heterogeneity in distributed research network drug safety analyses
Authors: Hansen Richard A. , Zeng Peng , Ryan Patrick , Gao Juan , Sonawane Kalyani , Teeter Benjamin , Westrich Kimberly , Dubois Robert W.
Published: May 2014

Distributed data networks representing large diverse populations are an expanding focus of drug safety research. However, interpreting results is difficult when treatment effect estimates vary across datasets (i.e., heterogeneity). In a previous study, risk estimates were generated for selected drugs and potential adverse outcomes. Analyses were replicated across eight distributed data sources using an identical analytic structure. To evaluate heterogeneity of risk estimates across data sources, the estimates were combined with summary‐level data characterizing the population of each data source. Meta‐analysis, meta‐regression, and plots of the influence on overall results versus contribution to heterogeneity were examined and used to illustrate an approach to heterogeneity assessment.

Heterogeneity, as measured by the I‐squared statistic, was high with variability across outcomes. Plots of the relationship between influence on overall results and contribution to heterogeneity suggest that certain datasets and characteristics were influential but there was variability dependent on the drug and outcome being assessed. Exploratory meta‐regression identified many possible influential factors, but may be subject to ecological bias and false positive conclusions.

Distributed data network drug safety analyses can produce heterogeneous risk estimates that may not be easily explained. Approaches illustrated here can be useful for research that is subject to similar problems with heterogeneity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constant heat stress reduces skeletal muscle protein deposition in broilers
Authors: Zuo Jianjun , Xu Mei , Abdullahi Yusuf Auwalu , Ma Limei , Zhang Zhongyue , Feng Dingyuan
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of constant heat stress on growth performance and protein metabolism in skeletal muscle of Arbor Acres broilers.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy 21‐day‐old Arbor Acres broilers with similar body weight (1298 ± 28 g) were selected for a 3‐week trial (29–49 days of age). The broilers were randomly assigned to three groups including the control group, constant heat stress group and pair‐fed group. Up‐regulation of the rectal temperature and the mRNA expression of heat shock protein 70 in liver indicate that the model for constant heat stress was success. The average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, breast and thigh muscle weight, percentage of breast muscle, crude protein content in breast and thigh muscle in constant heat stress group were significantly lower than in control group and pair‐fed group. Serum uric acid content and the glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase activity were significantly higher, while protein content and glutamic‐pyruvate transaminase activity were significantly lower in liver of heat stress group than of the control and pair‐fed groups. The expression of insulin‐like growth factor 1, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase and p70S6 kinase associated with protein synthesis were lower in breast muscle but higher in thigh muscle in heat stress group compared to the control or fed‐pair groups. In thigh muscles, the expression of muscle ring‐finger protein‐1 and MAFbx associated with protein degradation were higher in the heat stress group than in the control and pair‐fed groups.

CONCLUSION

Poor performance of the birds under heat stress may be due to lower synthesis and increased degradation of proteins. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Regional lymphatic recurrence after salvage surgery for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence of breast cancer without local treatment for regional lymphatic basin
Authors: Ishitobi Makoto , Matsushita Ako , Nakayama Takahiro , Motomura Kazuyoshi , Koyama Hiroki , Tamaki Yasuhiro
Published: May 2014

Background

There is limited information regarding rates of and risk factors for regional lymphatic recurrence (RLR) after salvage surgery for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) without local treatment for the regional lymphatic basin.

Methods

One hundred two patients, who underwent salvage breast surgery without local treatment for the regional lymphatic basin (surgery or radiotherapy) for IBTR that relapsed after breast‐conserving surgery for primary breast cancer, were reviewed retrospectively to examine the rate of and risk factors for RLR.

Results

Of the 102 patients, 9 patients (8.8%) had RLR with a median follow‐up period of 3.7 years after salvage breast surgery for IBTR. The estrogen receptor (ER) status and lymphovascular invasion of the recurrent breast tumor were both independent predictive factors of RLR (P = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions

The rate of RLR was not low in patients with IBTR who received salvage breast surgery only without any treatment for the regional lymphatic basin. The ER status and lymphovascular invasion of the recurrent breast tumor were predictive factors of RLR. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:265–269. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Well‐Defined Imidazolium ABA Triblock Copolymers as Ionic‐Liquid‐Containing Electroactive Membranes
Authors: Jangu Chainika , Wang Jing‐Han Helen , Wang Dong , Sharick Sharon , Heflin James R. , Winey Karen I. , Colby Ralph H. , Long Timothy E.
Published: May 2014

Nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) affords the synthesis of well‐defined ABA triblock copolymers with polystyrene external blocks and a charged poly(1‐methyl‐3‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)­imidazolium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide central block. Aqueous size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and 1H NMR spectroscopy studies confirm the control of the composition and block lengths for both the central and external blocks. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals a room temperature modulus suitable for fabricating these triblock copolymers into electroactive devices in the presence of an added ionic liquid. Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS) elucidates the ion‐transport properties of the ABA triblock copolymers with varied compositions. The ionic conductivity in these single‐ion conductors exhibits Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann (VFT) and Arrhenius temperature dependences, and electrode polarization (EP) analysis determines the number density of simultaneously conducting ions and their mobility. The actuators derived from these triblock copolymer membranes experience similar actuation speeds at an applied voltage of 4 V DC, as compared with benchmark Nafion membranes. These tailorable ABA block copolymers are promising candidates for ionic‐polymer device applications.

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A Facile Visible‐Light‐Induced Route to Functionalize Polymeric Substrates by Combining Controlled Radical Grafting Polymerization and Thiol−Yne Click Chemistry with Photoredox Catalyst Ir(ppy)3
Authors: Chen Haochuan , Zhao Changwen , Li Ruibo , Ma Yuhong , Liu Lianying , Yang Wantai
Published: May 2014

A novel strategy, based on surface‐initiated grafting polymerization and post‐polymerization thiol‐yne click chemistry, with Ir(ppy)3 as a sole photoredox catalyst, under visible light irradiation is developed. The “livingness” of the grafting polymerization is demonstrated by the linear increase of the graft yield with irradiation time and the block grafting polymerization. Then, acetenyl groups of poly(propargyl methacrylate) (PPMA) grafting chains are reacted with pentaerythritoltetra‐(3‐mercaptopropionate) via the thiol‐yne click reaction. The successful introduction of reactive thiol groups onto the low‐density polyethylene‐graft‐poly(propargyl methacrylate) (LDPE‐g‐PPMA) films is demonstrated by Fourier transform IR (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) spectroscopy, and the thiol‐ene click reaction with N‐(1‐pyrenyl) maleimide.

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Sex hormone‐binding globulins characterization and gonadal gene expression during sex differentiation in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Marivin Elisa , Yano Ayaka , Guérin Adèle , Nguyen Thao‐Vi , Fostier Alexis , Bobe Julien , Guiguen Yann
Published: May 2014

Sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) binds androgens and estrogens in the blood of many vertebrates, including teleost fish. In mammals, SHBG is synthetized in the liver and secreted into the blood. In fish, shbga also exhibits a hepatic expression. In salmonids, in which the gene has been duplicated, the recently discovered shbgb gene exhibits a predominantly ovarian expression. The present work aimed at gaining new insight into shbgb gene structure and expression during gonadal sex differentiation, a steroid‐sensitive process, and Shbgb protein structure and binding characteristics; specifically, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) shbgb was analyzed. shbgb structure was analyzed in silico while expression was characterized during gonadal sex differentiation using all‐male and all‐female populations. We observed that shbgb gene and cognate‐protein structures are similar to homologs previously described in zebrafish and mammals. The shbgb gene is predominantly expressed in differentiating female gonads, with increased expression around the end of ovarian differentiation. In the ovary, shbgb mRNA was detected in a subset of somatic cells surrounding the ovarian lamellae. Furthermore, Shbgb binds steroids with a higher selectivity than Shbga, exhibiting a higher affinity for estradiol compared to Shbga. In conclusion, Shbgb binding characteristics are clearly different from those of Shbga. Shbgb is expressed in the differentiating ovary during a period when the synthesis and action of testosterone and estradiol must be tightly regulated. This strongly suggests that Shbgb participates in the regulation of steroid metabolism and/or mediation, that is, needed during early gonadal development in rainbow trout. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 757–765, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A hybrid discontinuous in space and time Galerkin method for wave propagation problems
Authors: Wang Dalei , Tezaur Radek , Farhat Charbel
Published: May 2014

Medium‐frequency regime and multi‐scale wave propagation problems have been a subject of active research in computational acoustics recently. New techniques have attempted to overcome the limitations of existing discretization methods that tend to suffer from dispersion. One such technique, the discontinuous enrichment method, incorporates features of the governing partial differential equation in the approximation, in particular, the solutions of the homogeneous form of the equation. Here, based on this concept and by extension of a conventional space–time finite element method, a hybrid discontinuous Galerkin method (DGM) for the numerical solution of transient problems governed by the wave equation in two and three spatial dimensions is described. The discontinuous formulation in both space and time enables the use of solutions to the homogeneous wave equation in the approximation. In this contribution, within each finite element, the solutions in the form of polynomial waves are employed. The continuity of these polynomial waves is weakly enforced through suitably chosen Lagrange multipliers. Results for two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional problems, in both low‐frequency and medium‐frequency regimes, show that the proposed DGM outperforms the conventional space–time finite element method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wnt/β‐catenin signalling maintains self‐renewal and tumourigenicity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma stem‐like cells by activating Oct4
Authors: Lee Sang Hyuk , Koo Bon Seok , Kim Jin Man , Huang Songmei , Rho Young Soo , Bae Woo Jin , Kang Hyun Jung , Kim Young Sook , Moon Jung Hwa , Lim Young Chang
Published: May 2014

Accumulating evidence suggests that a distinct subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is responsible for tumour initiation and progression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Wnt/β‐catenin signalling is essential for stem cell regulation and tumourigenesis, but its molecular mechanism in HNSCC CSCs remains unknown. We investigated whether Wnt/β‐catenin signalling regulates self‐renewal and tumourigenicity of HNSCC stem‐like cells in vitro and in vivo. Cytoplasmic/nuclear β‐catenin, a major effector of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling, was expressed in a subpopulation of tumour cells in primary HNSCC tissue but in none of normal head and neck tissues. Overexpression of β‐catenin increased proliferation of HNSCC cells and induced dedifferentiation of these cells to cells with stem‐like features. Knockdown of β‐catenin in HNSCC stem‐like cells blocked their self‐renewal capacity, stemness‐associated gene expression, chemoresistance, and in vivo tumourigenicity. Furthermore, β‐catenin directly regulates Oct4 transcription in HNSCC stem‐like cells. In addition, the effect of shRNA‐mediated repression of β‐catenin on CSC traits in HNSCC stem‐like cells was reversed by overexpression of Oct4. In patients with HNSCC, higher levels of both cytoplasmic/nuclear β‐catenin and Oct4 correlated with the worst prognosis. These results suggest inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling as a novel therapeutic strategy for targeting HNSCC stem‐like cells. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression Rate Studies of Paraffin Wax‐HTPB Hybrid Fuels Using Swirl Injectors
Authors: Sakote Rakesh , Yadav Narendra , Karmakar Srinibas , Joshi Puran Chand , Chatterjee Ashwini Kumar
Published: May 2014

Studies on the regression rates of three compositions of paraffin wax‐HTPB hybrid fuel grains in a stream of gaseous oxygen using two different swirl injectors at a fixed injection pressure were carried out. It was found that the regression rate in the hybrid fuel increases with increasing paraffin wax percentage, which may be attributed to melt‐flow effects. The local regression rates, average regression rates, fuel mass consumption rates, and total mass fluxes for the hybrid fuels were found to be dependent on the swirl injector configuration. All three hybrid fuels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the thermal stability and thermal degradation behavior of the hybrid fuels were investigated by DTA/TGA techniques.
Growth Inhibition Effects of Isoalantolactone on K562/A02 Cells: Caspase‐dependent Apoptotic Pathways, S Phase Arrest, and Downregulation of Bcr/Abl
Authors: Cai Hong , Meng Xiuxiang , Li Yuzhong , Yang Chuihui , Liu Yong
Published: May 2014

Isoalantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone, is the active component of Inula helenium (Compositae). It has been reported that isoalantolactone has the capacity to inhibit tumor cell growth through induction of apoptosis. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effects of isoalantolactone on the human erythroleukemia drug‐resistant cell line K562/A02 and to provide evidence of its function as a potent therapeutic agent in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia with the Bcr/Abl phenotype. Our results showed that isoalantolactone significantly inhibited K562/A02 cell growth by downregulating Bcr/Abl expression. Isoalantolactone also induced apoptosis via increase generation of reactive oxygen species, modulation of the protein levels of Bcl‐2 family members, caspase activation, poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and release of cytochrome c. We also observed that isoalantolactone inhibited proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in the S phase. Taken together, all these findings support that growth inhibition effects of isoalantolactone on K562/A02 cells may be mediated through caspase‐dependent apoptotic pathways, S phase arrest, and downregulation of Bcr/Abl. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptidic Ligands to Control the Three‐Dimensional Self‐Assembly of Quantum Rods in Aqueous Media
Authors: Bizien Thomas , Even‐Hernandez Pascale , Postic Marie , Mazari Elsa , Chevance Soizic , Bondon Arnaud , Hamon Cyrille , Troadec David , Largeau Ludovic , Dupuis Christophe , Gosse Charlie , Artzner Franck , Marchi Valérie
Published: May 2014

The use of peptidic ligands is validated as a generic chemical platform allowing one to finely control the organization in solid phase of semiconductor nanorods originally dispersed in an aqueous media. An original method to generate, on a macroscopic scale and with the desired geometry, three‐dimensional supracrystals composed of quantum rods is introduced. In a first step, nanorods are transferred in an aqueous phase thanks to the substitution of the original capping layer by peptidic ligands. Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data prove that the exchange is complete; fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrates that the emitter optical properties are not significantly altered; electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering experiments assess the good colloidal stability of the resulting aqueous suspension. In a second step, water evaporation in a microstructured environment yields superstructures with a chosen geometry and in which nanorods obey a smectic B arrangement, as shown by electron microscopy. Incidentally, bulk drying in a capillary tube generates a similar local order, as evidenced by small angle X‐ray scattering.
Spontaneous Growth and Division in Self‐Reproducing Inorganic Colloidosomes
Authors: Li Mei , Huang Xin , Mann Stephen
Published: May 2014

Self‐reproduction in compartmentalized chemical ensembles is a central issue for the development of new materials and processes capable of autonomous behavior, self‐amplification and artificial evolution. Current approaches to synthetic cellularity focus primarily on self‐assembled soft matter systems such as membrane‐bounded lipid vesicles, which have sufficient structural plasticity to undergo growth and division. Steps towards inorganic protocells are being advanced, but self‐reproduction in these more structurally robust micro‐compartments has not been demonstrated. Here, a primitive form of growth and division involving inorganic colloidosomes (Pickering emulsions), comprising aqueous micro‐droplets enclosed by an ultrathin membrane of silica nanoparticles, is shown. Growth of the colloidosomes is induced by organosilane‐mediated methanol formation, and results in a localized rupture of the inorganic membrane followed by outgrowth and separation of a second‐generation protocell, which is stabilized by de novo nanoparticle assembly. These observations provide a first step towards synthetic cell‐like inorganic materials capable of chemically induced self‐reproduction.
Automatic threshold and run parameter selection: a climatology for extreme hourly precipitation in Switzerland
Authors: Fukutome S. , Liniger M. A. , Süveges M.
Published: May 2014

Extreme value analyses of a large number of relatively short time series are in increasing demand in environmental sciences and design. Here, we present an automated procedure for the peaks-over-threshold (POT) approach to extreme value theory and use it to provide a climatology of extreme hourly precipitation in Switzerland. The POT approach fits the generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) to independent exceedances above some high threshold. To guarantee independence, the time series is pruned: exceedances separated by less than a fixed interval called the run parameter are considered a cluster, and all but the cluster maxima are discarded. We propose the automation of an existing graphical method for joint selection of threshold and run parameter. Hourly precipitation is analyzed at 59 stations of the MeteoSwiss observational network over the period 1981–2010. The four seasons are considered separately. When necessary, a simple detrending is applied. Results suggest that unnecessarily large run parameters have adverse effects on the estimation of the GPD parameters. The proposed method yields mean cluster sizes that reflect the seasonal and geographical variation of lag dependence of hourly precipitation. The climatology, as represented by the return level maps and Alpine cross-section, mirror known aspects of the Swiss climate. Unlike for daily precipitation, summer thunderstorm tracks are visible in the seasonal frequency of events, rather than in the amplitude of rare events.
Le concept de « démocratie raciale » dans l'histoire intellectuelle brésilienne
Authors: Brochier Christophe
Published: May 2014

Cet article retrace l'histoire de l'expression« démocratie raciale» dans la littérature sociologique au Brésil. Ce terme, associé en général à l'idée de « mythe », est régulièrement utilisé dans les études sur les relations raciales avec beaucoup de flou dans les définitions. Le texte reconstitue d'abord les origines de cette expression en minimisant le rôle joué par Gilberto Freyre. Il examine ensuite les évolutions de son usage en insistant sur les enquêtes de l'Unesco dans les années 1950 et les textes de Florestan Fernandes dans les années 1960.
Agouti signalling protein is an inverse agonist to the wildtype and agonist to the melanic variant of the melanocortin‐1 receptor in the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Authors: McRobie Helen R. , King Linda M. , Fanutti Cristina , Symmons Martyn F. , Coussons Peter J.
Published: May 2014

The melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) is a key regulator of mammalian pigmentation. Melanism in the grey squirrel is associated with an eight amino acid deletion in the mutant melanocortin‐1 receptor with 24 base pair deletion (MC1RΔ24) variant. We demonstrate that the MC1RΔ24 exhibits a higher basal activity than the wildtype MC1R (MC1R‐wt). We demonstrate that agouti signalling protein (ASIP) is an inverse agonist to the MC1R‐wt but is an agonist to the MC1RΔ24. We conclude that the deletion in the MC1RΔ24 leads to a receptor with a high basal activity which is further activated by ASIP. This is the first report of ASIP acting as an agonist to MC1R.
Therapeutic Synergism in the Treatment of Post‐stroke Arm Paresis Utilizing Botulinum Toxin, Robotic Therapy, and Constraint‐induced Movement Therapy
Authors: Takebayashi Takashi , Amano Satoru , Hanada Keisuke , Umeji Atsushi , Takahashi Kayoko , Koyama Tetsuo , Domen Kazuhisa
Published: May 2014

Botulinum toxin type A (BtxA) injection, constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT), and robotic therapy (RT) each represent promising approaches to enhance arm motor recovery after stroke. To provide more effective treatment for a 50‐year‐old man with severe left spastic hemiparesis, we attempted to facilitate CIMT with adaptive approaches to extend the wrist and fingers using RT for 10 consecutive weeks after BtxA injection. This combined treatment resulted in substantial improvements in arm function and the amount of arm use in activities of daily living, and may be effective for stroke patients with severe arm paresis. However, we were unable to sufficiently prove the efficacy of combined treatment based only on a single case. To fully elucidate the efficacy of the combined approach for patients with severe hemiparesis after stroke, future studies of a larger number of patients are needed.
Atypical Presentation of Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: Involvement of the Anterior Tibial Artery
Authors: Bou Steven , Day Carly
Published: May 2014

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare condition that should be suspected in a young patient with exertional lower extremity pain. We report the case of an 18‐year‐old female volleyball player with bilateral exertional lower extremity pain who had been previously diagnosed with tendinitis and periostitis. Diagnostic studies showed entrapment of the left popliteal artery and the left anterior tibial artery. To our knowledge, there has only been 1 previous report of anterior tibial artery involvement in PAES.
Ephemeral Gods and Billboard Saints: Don DeLillo'sUnderworldand Urban Apparitions
Authors: WASSERMAN SARAH L.
Published: May 2014

In this essay, I examine the hyper-modern apparition with which Don DeLillo concludesUnderworldalongside a “real-life” image, said to look like the Virgin Mary, which appeared in April 2005 in Chicago on the wall of a highway underpass. I argue that discussing these two apparitions together highlights how both images transform urban surfaces and waste, creating new sites around which collectivities take shape. The pairing also illustrates the mode of perception that the apparitions engender, one that makes urban realities of class dispossession and minority displacement visible. Drawing upon Walter Benjamin's notion of the wish image and Merleau-Ponty's concept of “perceptual faith,” I argue that these apparitions evoke the otherworldly but ultimately insist upon the material dimensions of urban life.
Restructuring States, Restructuring Ethnicity: Looking Across Disciplinary Boundaries at Federal Futures in India and Nepal
Authors: SHNEIDERMAN SARA , TILLIN LOUISE
Published: May 2014

India and federalizing Nepal represent distinct types of federal polity: their origins lie not in the unification of previously autonomous states, but in the devolution of power by a previously centralized state. The boundaries of their constituent sub-units are therefore open to debate, and settling their contours is central to the project of state-building. Written by a political scientist and an anthropologist, this paper presents a comparative exploration of the reciprocal relationship between state structuring and ethnicity in India and Nepal, with a focus on the effects of territorial versus non-territorial forms of recognition. It pushes against recent tendencies within South Asian Studies to see ethnic identity as called into being solely by state practices or ‘governmentality’ on the one hand, or as a newly commoditized form of belonging produced through neoliberal reforms on the other. Instead it argues that ethnicity must be understood as a multivalent concept that is at once embedded in specific histories of state and sub-state formation, and generative of them. Comparative in scope yet driven by qualitative data collected over years of engagement across the region, the paper charts a middle way between detailed ethnographic studies and large-scale comparative endeavours.
The X-ray powder diffraction data for CeCo3Ni2
Authors: Li Degui , Qin Ming , Liang Liuqing , Lu Zhao , Liu Shuhui , Huang Caimin , He Bing , Zeng Lingmin
Published: May 2014

The CeCo3Ni2 compound was synthesized by arc melting under argon atmosphere. High-quality powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data of CeCo3Ni2 have been collected using a Rigaku SmartLab X-ray powder diffractometer. The refinement of the XRD pattern for the CeCo3Ni2 compound shows that the CeCo3Ni2 is a hexagonal structure, space group P6/mmm (No.191) with a = b = 4.9081(2) Å, c = 4.0034(2) Å, V = 83.52 Å3, Z = 1, and ρx = 8.6347 g cm−3. The Smith–Snyder FOM F30 = 112.7(0.0089, 30) and the intensity ratio RIR = 0.48.
Regulation of adipocyte lipolysis
Authors: Frühbeck Gema , Méndez-Giménez Leire , Fernández-Formoso José-Antonio , Fernández Secundino , Rodríguez Amaia
Published: May 2014

In adipocytes the hydrolysis of TAG to produce fatty acids and glycerol under fasting conditions or times of elevated energy demands is tightly regulated by neuroendocrine signals, resulting in the activation of lipolytic enzymes. Among the classic regulators of lipolysis, adrenergic stimulation and the insulin-mediated control of lipid mobilisation are the best known. Initially, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) was thought to be the rate-limiting enzyme of the first lipolytic step, while we now know that adipocyte TAG lipase is the key enzyme for lipolysis initiation. Pivotal, previously unsuspected components have also been identified at the protective interface of the lipid droplet surface and in the signalling pathways that control lipolysis. Perilipin, comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) and other proteins of the lipid droplet surface are currently known to be key regulators of the lipolytic machinery, protecting or exposing the TAG core of the droplet to lipases. The neuroendocrine control of lipolysis is prototypically exerted by catecholaminergic stimulation and insulin-induced suppression, both of which affect cyclic AMP levels and hence the protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of HSL and perilipin. Interestingly, in recent decades adipose tissue has been shown to secrete a large number of adipokines, which exert direct effects on lipolysis, while adipocytes reportedly express a wide range of receptors for signals involved in lipid mobilisation. Recently recognised mediators of lipolysis include some adipokines, structural membrane proteins, atrial natriuretic peptides, AMP-activated protein kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Lipolysis needs to be reanalysed from the broader perspective of its specific physiological or pathological context since basal or stimulated lipolytic rates occur under diverse conditions and by different mechanisms.
Free trade and the greening of domestic industry
Authors: Gulati Sumeet , Roy Devesh
Published: May 2014

In this paper we present an example where a domestic import-competing industry can benefit from a pollution tax borne by its consumers. We show that this pollution tax can be similar to a traditional trade barrier (such as a tariff) and can raise the price received by the domestic industry. Given an open economy, we highlight conditions under which domestic producers prefer a higher consumption-based pollution tax than is socially optimal. In contrast, when the economy is closed, we find that producers prefer a pollution tax that is lower than socially optimal. Domestic producers turn ‘green’ only when faced with import competition.
Gute Verordnungspraxis im ambulanten Sektor – Qualitätsanforderungen an die Rezeptschreibung in Deutschland
Authors: Faller Christine K. , Seidling Hanna M. , Haefeli Walter E.
Published: May 2014

Die schriftliche Verordnung von Medikamenten als persönliches Rezept ist eine komplexe ärztliche Tätigkeit mit multiplen landestypischen Fehlerquellen. Verschiedene Rezepttypen (rosa, blaues, grünes, T- und Betäubungsmittelrezepte), Rabattverträge und andere häufig wechselnde erstattungsrelevante Rahmenbedingungen, ein besonders großer Arzneimittelmarkt und die vielfach zwingend erforderliche formale Detailtreue machen die Rezeptschreibung in Deutschland vielschichtig und kompliziert und führen so besonders häufig zu Fehlern. Die erforderlichen Entscheidungsschritte sind in dieser Arbeit algorithmisch dargestellt und können die Basis für eine gezielte Schulung von Ärzten und Studenten in der Rezeptschreibung bilden. Entsprechende Schulungen können die Rezeptqualität zwar unmittelbar verbessern, ändern jedoch nichts an der Komplexität des Vorgangs, weshalb eine Umstellung auf eine konsequente elektronische Rezeptschreibung wirksamer und langfristig wirtschaftlicher ist. Elektronisch unterstützt, ist die Rezeptqualität substanziell besser und der Schulungsaufwand geringer; dadurch wird die Arzneimittelversorgung der Patienten beschleunigt und der Arbeitsaufwand der involvierten Heilberufler minimiert.
Role of Spleen-Derived Monocytes/Macrophages in Acute Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Kim Eunhee , Yang Jiwon , Beltran Cesar D , Cho Sunghee
Published: May 2014

Monocytes/macrophages (MMs), mononuclear phagocytes, have been implicated in stroke-induced inflammation and injury. However, the presence of pro-inflammatory Ly-6Chigh and antiinflammatory Ly-6Clow monocyte subsets raises uncertainty regarding their role in stroke pathologic assessment. With recent identification of the spleen as an immediate reservoir of MMs, this current study addresses whether the spleen-derived MMs are required for stroke pathologic assessment. We observed that the spleen was contracted in poststroke animals and the contraction was accompanied by decreased number of Ly-6Chigh and Ly-6Clow subsets in the spleen. The deployment of these subsets from the spleen temporally coincided with respective increases in the ischemic brain. Compared to mice with the spleen, mice receiving a splenectomy just before the stroke displayed less accumulation of Ly-6Chigh and Ly-6Clow MMs in the brain. Despite the reduced accumulation of both subsets, infarct size and swelling were not reduced in the asplenic mice. The dissociative findings of infarct size and extent of MM infiltration in the postischemic brain indicate minimal involvement of spleen-derived total MMs in acute infarct development. Selective Ly-6Chigh or Ly-6Clow MM targeting is suggested to address the contribution of the individual subset to acute stroke pathologic assessment.
Mapping Brain Glucose Uptake with Chemical Exchange-Sensitive Spin-Lock Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Jin Tao , Mehrens Hunter , Hendrich Kristy S , Kim Seong-Gi
Published: May 2014

Uptake of administered D-glucose (Glc) or 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) has been indirectly mapped through the chemical exchange (CE) between glucose hydroxyl and water protons using CE-dependent saturation transfer (glucoCEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We propose an alternative technique—on-resonance CE-sensitive spin-lock (CESL) MRI—to enhance responses to glucose changes. Phantom data and simulations suggest higher sensitivity for this ‘glucoCESL’ technique (versus glucoCEST) in the intermediate CE regime relevant to glucose. Simulations of CESL signals also show insensitivity to B0-fluctuations. Several findings are apparent from in vivo glucoCESL studies of rat brain at 9.4 Tesla with intravenous injections. First, dose-dependent responses are nearly linearly for 0.25-, 0.5-, and 1-g/kg Glc administration (obtained with 12-second temporal resolution), with changes robustly detected for all doses. Second, responses at a matched dose of 1 g/kg are much larger and persist for a longer duration for 2DG versus Glc administration, and are minimal for mannitol as an osmolality control. And third, with similar increases in steady-state blood glucose levels, glucoCESL responses are ~2.2 times higher for 2DG versus Glc, consistent with their different metabolic properties. Overall, we show that glucoCESL MRI could be a highly sensitive and quantifiable tool for glucose transport and metabolism studies.
Inhibitors of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) activate tumor-suppressor microRNAs in human cancer cells
Authors: Hibino S , Saito Y , Muramatsu T , Otani A , Kasai Y , Kimura M , Saito H
Published: May 2014

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) enhances tumorigenesis and is commonly overexpressed in several types of cancer. To investigate the anticancer effects of EZH2 inhibitors, microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles were examined in gastric and liver cancer cells treated with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep). We confirmed that SAHA and DZNep suppressed EZH2 expression in AGS and HepG2 cells and inhibited their proliferation. The results of microarray analyses demonstrated that miR-1246 was commonly upregulated in cancer cells by treatment with SAHA and DZNep. MiR-302a and miR-4448 were markedly upregulated by treatment with SAHA and DZNep, respectively. DYRK1A, CDK2, BMI-1 and Girdin, which are targets of miR-1246, miR-302a and miR-4448, were suppressed by treatment with SAHA and DZNep, leading to apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and reduced migration of AGS and HepG2 cells. ChIP assay revealed that SAHA and DZNep inhibited the binding of EZH2 to the promoter regions of miR-1246, miR-302a and miR-4448. These findings suggest that EZH2 inhibitors such as SAHA and DZNep exert multiple anticancer effects through activation of tumor-suppressor miRNAs.
Electrosynthesis and electrochemical characteristics of 2,2′-(4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-1,2-phenylene)bis(3-oxo-3-phenylpropanenitrile): application as a mediator for determination of hydroxylamine at a carbon nanotube modified electrode surface
Authors: Zare Hamid R. , Tashkili Milad , Khoshro Hossein , Nematollahi Davood , Benvidi Ali
Published: May 2014

Electrosynthesis and electrochemical characteristics of an electrodeposited DMPP film on a multi-wall carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode and its role as a mediator for electrocatalytic oxidation of hydroxylamine.
A nanodiamond/CNT–SiC monolith as a novel metal free catalyst for ethylbenzene direct dehydrogenation to styrene
Authors: Liu Hongyang , Diao Jiangyong , Wang Qi , Gu Songyuan , Chen Tong , Miao Changxi , Yang Weimin , Su Dangsheng
Published: May 2014

A novel nanodiamond/CNT–SiC monolith catalyst has been prepared and afforded high selectivity and stability for ethylbenzene direct dehydrogenation to styrene.
Toehold-mediated DNA logic gates based on host–guest DNA-GNPs
Authors: Liu Yizhen , Dong Boran , Wu Zitong , Fang Wei , Zhou Guohua , Shen Aiguo , Zhou Xiaodong , Hu Jiming
Published: May 2014

A simple, toehold-mediated two-way input DNA machine has been developed. Utilizing symmetric and asymmetric protector sequences, INH, XOR logic gates and a half-subtractor are designed based on this two-way structure.
Three-dimensional graphene oxide: a promising green and sustainable catalyst for oxidation reactions at room temperature
Authors: Gonçalves Gil A. B. , Pires Sónia M. G. , Simões Mário M. Q. , Neves M. Graça P. M. S. , Marques Paula A. A. P.
Published: May 2014

Three-dimensional graphene oxide foam (3DGO) was found to be a highly efficient and recyclable catalyst for the oxidation of thioanisole at room temperature.
Preparation and photoelectrochemical behavior of 1,4,6,8,11,13-hexazapentacene (HAP)
Authors: Li Gang , Miao Jianwei , Cao Jun , Zhu Jia , Liu Bin , Zhang Qichun
Published: May 2014

Photoelectrochemical studies demonstrated that 1,4,6,8,11,13-hexazapentacene (HAP) exhibited active n-type semiconductor behavior under visible light (λ > 400 nm) illumination.
Chemical nature of boron and nitrogen dopant atoms in graphene strongly influences its electronic properties
Authors: Lazar Petr , Zbořil Radek , Pumera Martin , Otyepka Michal
Published: May 2014

The electronic properties of the N- and B-doped graphenes depend, besides the doping element, on the nature of doping.
Polycondensation of guanidine hydrochloride into a graphitic carbon nitride semiconductor with a large surface area as a visible light photocatalyst
Authors: Shi Lei , Liang Lin , Wang Fangxiao , Ma Jun , Sun Jianmin
Published: May 2014

g-C3N4 prepared from guanidine hydrochloride exhibited a large surface area and a reduced recombination rate of electrons and holes, leading to improved photocatalytic activity for degrading RhB under visible light.
Theoretical treatment of one electron redox transformation of a small molecule using f-element complexes
Authors: Castro Ludovic , Kefalidis Christos E. , McKay David , Essafi Stéphanie , Perrin Lionel , Maron Laurent
Published: May 2014

DFT calculations can provide useful insights into low-valent f-element single electron transfer reactivity.
Method for isotope ratio drift correction by internal amplifier signal synchronization in MC-ICPMS transient signals
Authors: Gourgiotis Alkiviadis , Bérail Sylvain , Louvat Pascale , Isnard Hélène , Moureau Julien , Nonell Anthony , Manhès Gérard , Birck Jean-Louis , Gaillardet Jérôme , Pécheyran Christophe , Chartier Frédéric , Donard Olivier F. X.
Published: May 2014

This work provides a simple method for isotope ratio drift correction in MC-ICPMS transient signals.
Polyimide as anode electrode material for rechargeable sodium batteries
Authors: Chen Long , Li Wangyu , Wang Yonggang , Wang Congxiao , Xia Yongyao
Published: May 2014

Polyimide served as an anode material for a sodium ion battery with a large reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability.
Digital signal transmission from fully implantable CMOS image sensor in simulated body environment
Authors: Hayami H. , Ishii Y. , Sasagawa K. , Noda T. , Tokuda T. , Ohta J.
Published: May 2014

A method for wireless data transmission from an implantable image sensor through the biological tissue as a conductive medium is reported. A battery‐powered implantable image sensor unit is dipped in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) as the simulant body solution and received the data signal through the PBS. Its equivalent circuit model for simulation is also proposed. The transmitted signal waveforms are in good agreement with the simulation result. Image recovery from the signal obtained from the implantable image sensor received outside the PBS is also demonstrated.