bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic Profiling of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) using Magnetic Beads‐based Serum Fractionation and MALDI‐TOF MS
Authors: Yang Juan , Zhu Jiang , He Kang , Zhao Ling‐Yu , Liu Li‐Ying , Song Tu‐Sheng , Huang Chen
Published: August 2014

Aim

To reveal the serum proteomic profiling of intraductal carcinoma (IDC) patients in China, establish a serum proteome fractionation technique for choosing magnetic beads for proteomic analysis in breast cancer research; and identify differentially expressed peptides (m/z; P < 0.0001) as potential biomarkers of early IDCs.

Methods

We used two different kinds of magnetic beads (magnetic bead‐based weak cation exchange chromatography (MB‐WCX) and immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (MB‐IMAC‐Cu)) to analyze 32 patients with early stage (stages I‐II) IDC and 32 healthy control serum samples for proteomic profiling by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) analysis. The mass spectra, analyzed using ClinProTools software, distinguished between IDC patients and healthy individuals based on k‐nearest neighbor genetic algorithm.

Results

The serum samples purified in the MB‐WCX group provided better proteomic patterns than the MB‐IMAC‐Cu group. The samples purified by MB‐WCX had better average peak numbers, higher peak intensities, and better capturing ability of low abundance proteins or peptides in serum samples. In addition, the MB‐WCX and MB‐IMAC‐Cu purification methods, followed MALDI‐TOF MS identification and use of ClinProTools software accurately distinguished patients with early stage IDC from healthy individuals.

Conclusion

Serum proteomic profiling by MALDI‐TOF MS is a novel potential tool for the clinical diagnosis of patients with IDC in China.
Comparison of iSED and Ves‐Matic Cube 200 Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Measurements With Westergren Method
Authors: Boğdaycioğlu Nihal , Yilmaz Fatma Meric , Sezer Sevilay , Oğuz Esra
Published: August 2014

Background

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is performed widely in laboratories. Besides the traditional Westergren method, new methods have been developed for ESR measurements. We aimed to compare the instruments using new methods, iSED (Alcor Scientific) and Ves‐Matic Cube 200 (Diesse Diagnostica Senese, Italy) with the Westergren method.

Methods

Blood samples from 136 patients were taken into EDTA tubes for automated analyzers and citrated tubes for Westergren method. Patients were divided into three groups— low, medium, and high—according to their sedimentation rates. Precision, stability, and interference studies of the methods were performed.

Results

The iSED sedimentation method (n = 136) yielded a slope of (0.61–0.84), with an intercept of (−2.32 to 1.89), which resulted in a mean bias of 13; and the Ves‐Matic Cube 200 method (n = 136) yielded a slope of (0.85–1.00), with an intercept of (0.00–3.07), which resulted in a mean bias of 1.4 in Passing–Bablok regression analysis compared to the reference method.

Conclusion

iSED sedimentation showed a poor correlation and a high bias (>10%) with the Westergren method, and Ves‐Matic Cube 200 method showed a higher correlation and a lower bias than the iSED device when compared with Westergren reference method. These instruments should be carefully monitored.
MLPA Application in Clinical Diagnosis of DMD/BMD in Shanghai
Authors: Ji Xing , Zhang Jingmin , Xu Yan , Long Fei , Sun Wei , Liu Xiaoqin , Chen Yingwei , Jiang Wenting
Published: August 2014

Background

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) are X‐linked recessive disorders caused by mutation in dystrophin gene. We reported 3‐year clinic experience from a single hospital in Shanghai using multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay to detect DMD mutations.

Methods

Four hundred and fifty‐one males and 184 females, who were clinically diagnosed as DMD/BMD patients or carriers at our hospital's outpatient clinic, were collected and performed with MLPA to detect DMD gene mutations.

Results

Seventeen novel mutation points not reported in the Leiden Muscular Dystrophy pages were identified in this study. We found that the most frequent deletion spots ranged from exon45 to exon52, and exon2, exon19 were the two most frequently detected duplication spots.

Conclusion

The results of our study confirmed MLPA as an efficient clinical method for detecting DMD gene mutations in DMD/BMD patients. Single exon mutation detected by MLPA should be verified by other methods, and we should emphasize that only precise clinical molecular diagnosis can lead to the feasibility of prenatal diagnosis.
Effect of Lys656Asn Polymorphism of Leptin Receptor Gene on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Serum Adipokine Levels after a High Polyunsaturated Fat Diet in Obese Patients
Authors: de Luis D. A. , Aller R. , Izaola O. , Gonzalez Sagrado M. , Conde R. , de la Fuente B. , Primo D.
Published: August 2014

Background

Human obesity is characterized by high levels of leptin, and leptin levels may change with weight loss and dietary restriction. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of Lys656Asn polymorphism in the leptin receptor gene on cardiovascular risk factors, weight loss, and serum leptin levels to a high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) hypocaloric diet in obese patients.

Design

A sample of 132 obese patients was analyzed in a prospective way with a dietary intervention. The enriched PUFAs hypocaloric intervention consisted in a diet of 1,459 kcal, 45.7% of carbohydrates, 34.4% of lipids, and 19.9% of proteins.

Results

In wild‐type group, BMI (−1.9 ± 1.4 kg/m2), weight (−4.4 ± 3.2 kg), fat mass (−4.2 ± 3.8 kg), waist circumference (−4.1 ± 3.1 cm), systolic blood pressure (−7.0 ± 12.1 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (−3.9 ± 6.8 mmHg), insulin (−1.8 ± 5.6 MUI/l) and HOMA‐IR (−0.5 ± 1.5 Units) decreased. In mutant genotype group, BMI (−2.0 ± 2.1 kg/m2), weight (−3.6 ± 4.1 kg), waist circumference (−3.1 ± 4.1 cm), total cholesterol (−25.2 ± 19.6 mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (−16.6 ± 25.6 mg/dl), and tryglicerides (−26.6 ± 39.1 mg/dl) decreased. Only leptin levels have a significant decrease in wild genotype group (−6.6 ± 10.2 ng/ml) (25.1%).

Conclusion

Carriers of ASn656 allele have a different response than wild‐type obese, with a lack of decrease in insulin levels, leptin levels, and HOMA‐IR. However, obese patients with this mutant allele have a better lipid profile after weight loss.
Incidence and dynamics of active cytomegalovirus infection in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients according to single nucleotide polymorphisms in donor and recipient CCR5, MCP‐1, IL‐10, and TLR9 genes
Authors: Corrales Isabel , Giménez Estela , Solano Carlos , Amat Paula , de la Cámara Rafael , Nieto José , Garcia‐Noblejas Ana , Navarro David
Published: August 2014

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in the activation or regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses may modulate the susceptibility to and the natural history of certain chronic viral infections. The current study aimed to investigate whether donor and recipient SNPs in the chemokine receptor 5 (rs1800023), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (rs13900), interleukin‐10 (rs1878672), and Toll‐like receptor 9 (rs352140) genes would exert any influence on the rate of incidence and features of CMV DNAemia in the allogeneic stem cell transplantation setting. This was a retrospective observational multicenter study. The cohort consisted of 102 non‐consecutive allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. SNP genotyping was performed by allele‐specific real‐time PCR. CMV surveillance was performed by the pp65 antigenemia assay/and or by real‐time PCR. Seventy‐three patients developed CMV DNAemia within the first 100 days after transplantation (71.5%). Neither donor nor recipient SNPs were associated significantly with the rate of incidence of active CMV infection, nor with the need for pre‐emptive antiviral therapy. Both the duration of CMV DNAemia and the plasma CMV DNA peak load during episodes were significantly higher in patients harboring the donor (but not the recipient) chemokine receptor 5 A/A genotype, than in their A/G and G/G counterparts (P = 0.022 and P = 0.045, respectively). The data reported suggest that SNPs in chemokine receptor 5 may influence the dynamics of CMV infection in the Allo‐SCT setting. J. Med. Virol. 87:248–255, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor reboxetine restores spatial learning deficits, biochemical changes, and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in an animal model of depression
Authors: Bhagya V. , Srikumar B.N. , Raju T.R. , Shankaranarayana Rao B.S.
Published: August 2014

Depression is a major psychiatric illness that is associated with cognitive dysfunctions. The underlying mechanism of depression‐associated memory impairment is unclear. Previously, we showed altered hippocampal synaptic plasticity in an animal model of depression. Although several antidepressants are beneficial in the treatment of depression, very little is known about the effects of these drugs on depression‐associated learning and memory deficits. Prolonged antidepressant treatment might contribute to neuroplastic changes required for clinical outcomes. Accordingly, we evaluated the effect of chronic reboxetine (a selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor) treatment on depression‐induced reduced hippocampal synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter levels, and spatial learning and memory impairments. Depression was induced in male Wistar rats by the administration of clomipramine from postnatal days 8 to 21, and these rats were treated with reboxetine in adulthood. The neonatal clomipramine administration resulted in impaired hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP), decreased hippocampal cholinergic activity and monoamine levels, and poor performance in a partially baited eight‐arm radial maze task. Chronic reboxetine treatment restored the hippocampal LTP, acetylcholinesterase activity, and levels of biogenic amines and ameliorated spatial learning and memory deficits in the depressed state. Thus, restoration of hippocampal synaptic plasticity might be a cellular mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of reboxetine in depression‐associated cognitive deficits. This study furthers the existing understanding of the effects of antidepressants on learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity and could ultimately assist in the development of better therapeutic strategies to treat depression and associated cognitive impairments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and validation of a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of etilefrine and oxilofrine in equine blood plasma and urine
Authors: Kong Noel , Yi Rong , Zhao Sarah , Sandhu Jasmeet , Lam Geoffrey , Loganathan Devan , Morrissey Barbara
Published: August 2014

A sensitive hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous detection and quantification of etilefrine and oxilofrine in equine blood plasma and urine. The method is highly sensitive and specific with good precision and accuracy. In plasma the limit of detection and limit of quantification are 0.03 and 0.1 ng/mL, respectively, for both analytes. In urine the limit of detection and limit of quantification are 0.3 and 1 ng/mL, respectively, for both analytes. The suitability of the method for doping control analysis in equine species is demonstrated by analyzing postadministration samples collected after a single intravenous administration of 50 mg etilefrine to a standardbred mare. Etilefrine was detected up to 120 h in urine and up to 48 h in plasma. Etilefrine is highly conjugated in equine urine whereas it exists in the free form in equine plasma. Therefore, enzyme hydrolysis prior to sample preparation is recommended for the detection and quantification of etilefrine and oxilofrine in equine urine.
Modeling Landscape‐scale Erosion Potential Related to Vehicle Disturbances Along the USA–Mexico Border
Authors: Villarreal Miguel L. , Webb Robert H. , Norman Laura M. , Psillas Jennifer L. , Rosenberg Abigail S. , Carmichael Shinji , Petrakis Roy E. , Sparks Philip E.
Published: August 2014

Decades of intensive off‐road vehicle use for border security, immigration, smuggling, recreation, and military training along the USA–Mexico border have prompted concerns about long‐term human impacts on sensitive desert ecosystems. To help managers identify areas susceptible to soil erosion from anthropogenic activities, we developed a series of erosion potential models based on factors from the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). To better express the vulnerability of soils to human disturbances, we refined two factors whose categorical and spatial representations limit the application of the USLE for non‐agricultural landscapes: the C‐factor (vegetation cover) and the P‐factor (support practice/management). A soil compaction index (P‐factor) was calculated as the difference in saturated hydrologic conductivity (Ks) between disturbed and undisturbed soils, which was then scaled up to maps of vehicle disturbances digitized from aerial photography. The C‐factor was improved using a satellite‐based vegetation index, which was better correlated with estimated ground cover (r2 = 0·77) than data derived from land cover (r2 = 0·06). We identified 9,780 km of unauthorized off‐road tracks in the 2,800‐km2 study area. Maps of these disturbances, when integrated with soil compaction data using the USLE, provided landscape‐scale information on areas vulnerable to erosion from both natural processes and human activities and are detailed enough for adaptive management and restoration planning. The models revealed erosion potential hotspots adjacent to the border and within areas managed as critical habitat for the threatened flat‐tailed horned lizard and endangered Sonoran pronghorn. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical model for Binding Refresh Request to reduce storage and communication overhead in MIPv6 network
Authors: A. Avelin Diana , K. Sundarakantham , S. Mercy Shalinie , L. Rajendran
Published: August 2014

Home agent is a key component of MIPv6 functionality that comprises binding cache to hold the mobile nodes current point of attachment to the Internet. This paper is concerned with binding cache support for home agents within MIPv6 network. Existing binding cache of home agent supports weak cache consistency by using fixed contract length for Binding Refresh Request, which functions reasonably well in normal situations. However, maintaining a strong binding cache consistency in home agent as a crucial exceptional handling mechanism has become more demanding for the following objectives: (i) to adapt increasingly frequent change of care‐of address due to mobile nodes movement detection update; (ii) to provide fine‐grain controls to balance the binding cache load distributions for better delivery services; and (iii) to reduce the overhead allowances around the binding cache. In this paper, we have first verified the effectiveness of Binding Refresh Request contract length, and on the basis of that, two dynamic contract algorithms are suggested to reduce the storage and communication overhead allowances in binding cache. We have also compared our technique with the existing fixed Binding Refresh Request contract length, and our simulation results reveals that the proposed approach provides an effective performance to reduce overhead within the network. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feather‐inspired carbon fiber reinforced polymers with nanofibrous fractal interlayer
Authors: Drakonakis Vasileios M. , Velisaris Chris N. , Seferis James C. , Doumanidis Charalabos C.
Published: August 2014

Much work has been performed in improving carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites to prevent delamination, which is the major defect in laminated composites. Nevertheless, there is not much focus on improving conventional CFRP systems in terms of weight, especially when these are used in primary structures. This article explores whether lighter and at the same time stronger CFRP composites can be manufactured to replace conventional CFRP systems in major applications. Under this perspective, and having established the fundamentals for creating the next generation of light weight structural composites—the featherweight composites—this work introduces a feather‐inspired case which uses a controlled interlayer reinforcement in a fractal and reproducible manner at the macro‐, micro‐, and nano‐scales. By extensively describing the matrix system and the manufacturing processes and focusing on analytically and thermomechanically testing the CNT (Carbon Nanotubes) reinforced nanofiber interlayer system, it is shown that this feather‐inspired CFRP achieves significantly higher mechanical properties as well as potential weight savings. POLYM. COMPOS., 168–181, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Injection molded noil hemp fiber composites: Interfacial shear strength, fiber strength, and aspect ratio
Authors: Etaati Amir , Pather Selvan , Cardona Francisco , Wang Hao
Published: August 2014

Noil hemp fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites were fabricated using intermixer and injection molding machines. X‐ray microtomography and Weibull statistical methods were employed to characterize the aspect ratio distributions of noil hemp fibers in the polypropylene matrices. The influence of fiber content (0–40 wt%) and compatibilizer addition (5 wt%) on IFSS (interfacial shear strengths) was evaluated by means of the modified Bowyer and Bader model. The evaluated IFSSs decreased from 9.7 to 7.2 MPa as the fiber content increased from 10 to 40 wt%. Also, the outcomes indicated increases to IFSSs for the maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP)‐coupled composites than uncoupled ones. They were used to predict theoretical tensile strength of the composites. A good agreement has been found between the theoretical and the experimental tensile strengths of composites indicating that the developed model has excellent capability to predict the tensile strength of noil hemp fiber reinforced polypropylene composites. Ultimately, the influences of interfacial shear strength; fiber strength and fiber aspect ratio were investigated using the developed model to predict composite tensile strengths. POLYM. COMPOS., 213–220, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ultra‐high dielectric constant of poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites filled with hydroxyl modified graphite powders
Authors: Sun Jin , Xue Qingzhong , Chu Liangyong , Guo Qikai , Lei Tuo , Xia Fujun , Zhang Zhongyang
Published: August 2014

We provide a one‐step hydrothermal reaction to modify graphite powders (GPs) and prepare hydroxyl modified GPs/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composites which have excellent dielectric properties using high conductivity, low cost GPs as raw material. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that hydroxyl groups had been introduced to the surface of GPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the hydroxyl modified GPs had better dispersion in the polymer matrix than the GPs. An ultra‐high dielectric constant of more than 5.1 × 103 (dielectric loss is about 3.0) was obtained for the hydroxyl modified GPs/PVDF near the percolation threshold at 1 kHz. The hydroxyl modified GPs/PVDF composites exhibited better dielectric properties than most carbon/polymer composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:327–333, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Finding off‐targets, biological pathways, and target diseases for chymase inhibitors via structure‐based systems biology approach
Authors: Arooj Mahreen , Sakkiah Sugunadevi , Cao Guang Ping , Kim Songmi , Arulalapperumal Venkatesh , Lee Keun Woo
Published: August 2014

Off‐target binding connotes the binding of a small molecule of therapeutic significance to a protein target in addition to the primary target for which it was proposed. Progressively such off‐targeting is emerging to be regular practice to reveal side effects. Chymase is an enzyme of hydrolase class that catalyzes hydrolysis of peptide bonds. A link between heart failure and chymase is ascribed, and a chymase inhibitor is in clinical phase II for treatment of heart failure. However, the underlying mechanisms of the off‐target effects of human chymase inhibitors are still unclear. Here, we develop a robust computational strategy that is applicable to any enzyme system and that allows the prediction of drug effects on biological processes. Putative off‐targets for chymase inhibitors were identified through various structural and functional similarity analyses along with molecular docking studies. Finally, literature survey was performed to incorporate these off‐targets into biological pathways and to establish links between pathways and particular adverse effects. Off‐targets of chymase inhibitors are linked to various biological pathways such as classical and lectin pathways of complement system, intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of coagulation cascade, and fibrinolytic system. Tissue kallikreins, granzyme M, neutrophil elastase, and mesotrypsin are also identified as off‐targets. These off‐targets and their associated pathways are elucidated for the effects of inflammation, cancer, hemorrhage, thrombosis, and central nervous system diseases (Alzheimer's disease). Prospectively, our approach is helpful not only to better understand the mechanisms of chymase inhibitors but also for drug repurposing exercises to find novel uses for these inhibitors. Proteins 2015; 83:1209–1224. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Near‐monochromatic ducted gravity waves associated with a convective system close to the Pyrenees
Authors: Román‐Cascón Carlos , Yagüe Carlos , Viana Samuel , Sastre Mariano , Maqueda Gregorio , Lothon Marie , Gómara Iñigo
Published: August 2014

Near‐monochromatic gravity waves (GWs) associated with a mesoscale convective system (MCS) were detected during the Boundary Layer Late Afternoon and Sunset Turbulence (BLLAST) field campaign in Lannemezan (France) on 21 June 2011. These GWs are analyzed using available instrumental data (e.g. an array of microbarometers, a microwave system Humidity And Temperature PROfiler (HATPRO) and an ultra‐high‐frequency (UHF) wind profiler). Pressure oscillations of up to 0.5 hPa were recorded after a pronounced pressure drop of 1.4 hPa, identified as the MCS weak low. Wavelet analysis and evaluated wave parameters confirm the occurrence of such GWs (period ∼9 min, horizontal wavelength ∼7 km), which propagated from southwest to northeast, i.e. in the same direction of propagation as the MCS. Observational evidence suggests the downdraughts associated with the rear‐inflow jet at the weak low zone of the MCS as the most likely generator mechanism of the GWs. However, the complex orography and proximity of the Pyrenees to the field campaign could also play an important role. Wave propagation was possible through the ducting mechanism, favoured by the existence of a critical level in a wind‐sheared environment around 2000 m above ground level. Wave‐like motions related to the passage of the GWs were also observed in other atmospheric parameters close to the surface and within the lower troposphere. The effects of GWs on the surface fluxes have also been analyzed through Multi‐Resolution Flux Decomposition (MRFD) methods.
Regulation of Mitochondrial Function and Cellular Energy Metabolism by Protein Kinase C-λ/ι: A Novel Mode of Balancing Pluripotency
Authors: Mahato Biraj , Home Pratik , Rajendran Ganeshkumar , Paul Arindam , Saha Biswarup , Ganguly Avishek , Ray Soma , Roy Nairita , Swerdlow Russell H. , Paul Soumen
Published: August 2014

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) contain functionally immature mitochondria and rely upon high rates of glycolysis for their energy requirements. Thus, altered mitochondrial function and promotion of aerobic glycolysis are key to maintain and induce pluripotency. However, signaling mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial function and reprogram metabolic preferences in self-renewing versus differentiated PSC populations are poorly understood. Here, using murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as a model system, we demonstrate that atypical protein kinase C isoform, PKC lambda/iota (PKCλ/ι), is a key regulator of mitochondrial function in ESCs. Depletion of PKCλ/ι in ESCs maintains their pluripotent state as evident from germline offsprings. Interestingly, loss of PKCλ/ι in ESCs leads to impairment in mitochondrial maturation, organization, and a metabolic shift toward glycolysis under differentiating condition. Our mechanistic analyses indicate that a PKCλ/ι-hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-PGC1α axis regulates mitochondrial respiration and balances pluripotency in ESCs. We propose that PKCλ/ι could be a crucial regulator of mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in stem cells and other cellular contexts. Stem Cells  2014;32:2880–2892
Application of a Three‐dimensional Print of a Liver in Hepatectomy for Small Tumors Invisible by Intraoperative Ultrasonography: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Igami Tsuyoshi , Nakamura Yoshihiko , Hirose Tomoaki , Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Sugawara Gen , Mizuno Takashi , Mori Kensaku , Nagino Masato
Published: August 2014

Background

Hepatectomy for an invisible small tumor using intraoperative ultrasonography requires technical ingenuity. We used a 3D print of a liver to perform a hepatectomy on two patients with synchronous multiple liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Because of preoperative chemotherapy, one of the tumors became smaller and invisible to ultrasonography in each case. We present our procedure here.

Methods

Multidetector‐row computed tomography images of anatomical structures were digitally segmented using the original software “PLUTO,” which was developed at the Graduate School of Information Science, Nagoya University. After converting the final segmentation data to stereolithography files, a 3D printed liver at a 70 % scale was produced. The support material was washed and the mold charge was removed from the 3D‐printed hepatic veins. The surface of the 3D‐printed model was abraded and coated with urethane resin paint. After air‐drying, the 3D‐printed hepatic veins were colored by injecting a dye. The 3D printed portal veins were whitish because mold charge remained. All procedures after 3D printing were performed by hand.

Results

Hepatectomy for the small tumor that is invisible to intraoperative ultrasonography was performed by referring to a 3D‐printed model. The planned resections were successful with histologically negative surgical margins.

Conclusions

The application of a 3D‐printed liver to perform a hepatectomy for a small tumor that is invisible to intraoperative ultrasonography is an easy and feasible procedure. Use of 3D‐printing technology in hepatectomy requires further improvement and automation of hand work after the 3D print has been made.
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Dysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus
Authors: Markar Sheraz R. , Hanna George
Published: August 2014

A substantial portion of patients diagnosed preoperatively with high grade dysplasia (HGD) alone will have occult esophageal adenocarcinoma on analysis of the surgical specimen. Therefore, because of an increased risk of disease progression and malignancy, patients with HGD should be referred for esophagectomy promptly when endoscopic therapy has failed. The required extent of lymphadenectomy in this cohort of patients is unknown because of the variable incidence of submucosal cancer observed. Improvements in perioperative care, adoption of a minimally invasive surgical approach, and centralization of esophageal cancer services have substantially reduced the rates of mortality and morbidity associated with esophagectomy in recent years. Minimally invasive esophagectomy should be considered the treatment of choice in patients with dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus that is refractory to endoscopic therapy or those at high risk of invasive cancer.
A Proposed Matrix for Planning Global Surgery Interventions
Authors: Kushner Adam L.
Published: August 2014

The concept of surgery and global health is gaining acceptance; however, a great deal of confusion still exists as to what constitutes global surgery. To facilitate the overall view of how surgical care in a low resource setting can be integrated into a health system, a matrix for planning global surgery interventions has been developed. The key components of this tool are treatment locations and disease time course. The matrix also allows for the inclusion of information on surgical capacity for personnel, infrastructure, procedure, equipment, and supplies. This simple tool can assist researchers, program implementers, policy makers, and donors understand how to improve the delivery of surgical care to the billions of people around the world in need.
Wissenschaft in der Pflege-Praxis (WiPP)
Authors: Boggatz Thomas
Published: August 2014

Im dem Drei-Länder-Projekt „Wissenschaft in der PflegePraxis“ (WiPP) arbeiten Hochschulen aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz zusammen, um Ergebnisse der Pflegeforschung in der Praxis zu verbreiten. Durch Bachelorarbeiten wird die verfügbare Evidenz zugänglich gemacht.
Measurement Biases Explain Discrepancies between the Observed and Simulated Decadal Variability of Surface Incident Solar Radiation
Authors: Wang Kaicun
Published: August 2014

Observations have reported a widespread dimming of surface incident solar radiation (Rs) from the 1950s to the 1980s and a brightening afterwards. However, none of the state-of-the-art earth system models, including those from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5), could successfully reproduce the dimming/brightening rates over China. We find that the decadal variability of observed Rs may have important errors due to instrument sensitivity drifting and instrument replacement. While sunshine duration (SunDu), which is a robust measurement related to Rs, is nearly free from these problems. We estimate Rs from SunDu with a method calibrated by the observed Rs at each station. SunDu-derived Rs declined over China by −2.8 (with a 95% confidence interval of −1.9 to −3.7) W m−2 per decade from 1960 to 1989, while the observed Rs declined by −8.5 (with a 95% confidence interval of −7.3 to −9.8) W m−2 per decade. The former trend was duplicated by some high-quality CMIP5 models, but none reproduced the latter trend.
Direct measurement of interaction forces between charged multilamellar vesicles†
Authors: Frostad John M. , Seth Mansi , Bernasek Sebastian M. , Leal L. Gary
Published: August 2014

Depletion-attraction induced adhesion of two giant (∼40 μm), charged multilamellar vesicles is studied using a new Cantilevered-Capillary Force Apparatus, developed in this laboratory.
Modification of fulleropyrazolines modulates their cleavage by light
Authors: Rutte Reida N. , Parsons Thomas B. , Davis Benjamin G.
Published: August 2014

The tuned photocleavage of fulleropyrazolines unveils potential for controlled release of biologically-relevant molecules or payloads.
Hierarchical multi-villous nickel–cobalt oxide nanocyclobenzene arrays: morphology control and electrochemical supercapacitive behaviors
Authors: Cheng Jinbing , Lu Yang , Qiu Kangwen , Zhang Deyang , Wang Chunlei , Yan Hailong , Xu Jinyou , Zhang Yihe , Liu Xianming , Luo Yongsong
Published: August 2014

Self-assembled multi-villous nickel–cobalt oxide nanocyclobenzene arrays were directly grown on nickel foam by a mild and low-cost method, and they exhibited superior capacitive performance and long-life stability as an advanced integrated electrode for high-performance supercapacitors.
Chemically derived defects in zinc oxide nanocrystals and their enhanced photo-electrocatalytic activities
Authors: Prakash Anand , Bahadur D.
Published: August 2014

Schematic illustration of ZnO NCs synthesized in DMF (ZnO-1), NMP (ZnO-2) and DMSO (ZnO-3), their charge–discharge behavior as well as degradation performance.
Self-healing gels based on constitutional dynamic chemistry and their potential applications
Authors: Wei Zhao , Yang Jian Hai , Zhou Jinxiong , Xu Feng , Zrínyi Miklós , Dussault Patrick H. , Osada Yoshihito , Chen Yong Mei
Published: August 2014

This review presents recent developments and potential applications of physical and chemical self-healing gels based on constitutional dynamic chemistry.
The yin: an adverse health perspective of nanoceria: uptake, distribution, accumulation, and mechanisms of its toxicity
Authors: Yokel Robert A. , Hussain Salik , Garantziotis Stavros , Demokritou Philip , Castranova Vincent , Cassee Flemming R.
Published: August 2014

This critical review identifies nanoceria's pharmacokinetics and adverse effects, discloses uncertainties and unknowns, and makes recommendations to address research gaps.
Single-molecule portrait of DNA and RNA double helices
Authors: Arias-Gonzalez J. Ricardo
Published: August 2014

Mechanochemical analysis of DNA and RNA double helices at the single-molecule level by force- and torque-measuring optical and magnetic tweezers.
Graphene oxide–noble metal (Au, Pt, and Pd) nanoparticle composites as optical limiters
Authors: Zheng Chan , Chen Wenzhe , Huang Yanyi , Xiao Xueqing , Ye Xiaoyun
Published: August 2014

GO/noble metal (Au, Pt, and Pd) NP composites were synthesized and the corresponding NLO and optical OL properties were investigated.
Preparation of NaLuF4:Gd, Yb, Tm–TiO2 nanocomposite with high catalytic activity for solar light assisted photocatalytic degradation of dyes and wastewater
Authors: Wang Chengcheng , Song Kailin , Feng Yi , Yin Dongguang , Ouyang Juan , Liu Bing , Cao Xianzhang , Zhang Lu , Han Yanlin , Wu Minghong
Published: August 2014

A new nanocomposite NaLuF4:Gd, Yb, Tm–TiO2 photocatalyst was developed.
Influence of crystal structure on the electrochemical performance of A-site-deficient Sr1−sNb0.1Co0.9O3−δ perovskite cathodes
Authors: Zhu Yinlong , Lin Ye , Shen Xuan , Sunarso Jaka , Zhou Wei , Jiang Shanshan , Su Dong , Chen Fanglin , Shao Zongping
Published: August 2014

Sr0.95Nb0.1Co0.9O3−δ (P4/mmm crystal structure), displaying a large JT distortion combined with charge-ordering of cobalt, shows improved ORR activity at low temperature, whereas Sr0.98Nb0.1Co0.9O3−δ (P4mm crystal structure), with a slight JT distortion, shows diminished performance.
Toughening mechanism behind intriguing stress–strain curves in tensile tests of highly enhanced compatibilization of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) blends
Authors: Bian Yijie , Han Changyu , Han Lijing , Lin Haijuan , Zhang Huiliang , Bian Junjia , Dong Lisong
Published: August 2014

The intriguing mechanical properties and mechanism of highly enhanced compatibilization of two biopolymer blends.
Glycol based plasticisers for salt modified starch
Authors: Abbott Andrew P. , Abolibda Tariq Z. , Davis Stefan J. , Emmerling Franziska , Lourdin Denis , Leroy Eric , Wise William R.
Published: August 2014

Simple quaternary ammonium salts combined with glycols form effective modifiers that produce flexible thermoplastic starch which has mechanical properties comparable to some polyolefin plastics.
Using facial recognition technology in the exploration of student responses to conceptual conflict phenomenon
Authors: Liaw Hongming Leonard , Chiu Mei-Hung , Chou Chin-Cheng
Published: August 2014

It has been shown that facial expression states of learners are related to their learning. As part of a continuing research project, the current study delved further for a more detailed description of the relation between facial microexpression state (FMES) changes and learning in conceptual conflict-based instructions. Based on the data gathered and analyzed through the lenses of two theoretical frameworks, it was revealed that not only is there a significant relationship between FMES changes and students' macro-submicroscopic understandings, FMES was also shown to be a viable reference for differentiating students who are more likely to undergo conceptual change or able to provide, at a minimum, a scientifically accurate description of the concept taught.
Design of liquid crystals with ‘de Vries-like’ properties: the effect of carbosilane nanosegregation in 5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole mesogens
Authors: Mulligan Kirk M. , Bogner Andreas , Song Qingxiang , Schubert Christopher P. J. , Giesselmann Frank , Lemieux Robert P.
Published: August 2014

X-ray diffraction analyses reveal the dependence of ‘de Vries-like’ properties on the degree of nanosegregation in carbosilane-terminated smectic liquid crystals.
Highly twisted biphenyl-linked carbazole–benzimidazole hybrid bipolar host materials for efficient PhOLEDs
Authors: Cheng Shuo-Hsien , Hung Wen-Yi , Cheng Ming-Hung , Chen Hsiao-Fan , Chaskar Atul , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Chou Shu-Hua , Wong Ken-Tsung
Published: August 2014

Three highly twisted bipolar molecules with different degree of charge transfer characters are developed to serve as PhOLEDs host materials.
Wideband superconducting diplexer with stepped‐impedance cross‐structure
Authors: Lu Xilong , Guo Xubo , Cao Bisong , Wei Bin , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: August 2014

A stepped‐impedance cross‐structure (SICS), consisting of a centre rectangular patch loaded with two pairs of stubs, is proposed for the designing of a wideband superconducting diplexer. Each pair of the stubs is designed for one channel of the diplexer, and is coupled by the centre rectangular patch with a strong coupling property required by the wide bandwidths. The frequencies and the coupling strengths of the two pairs of the stubs can be controlled independently. A superconducting diplexer has been successfully designed and fabricated with the proposed structure. The two channels are centred at 2.9 and 5.8 GHz with fractional bandwidths of 26.9 and 24.5%. The measured results of the fabricated device show low insertion losses and high isolations and agree well with the simulated ones.
Ellipse‐based velocity obstacles for local navigation of holonomic mobile robot
Authors: Jeon J.D. , Lee B.H.
Published: August 2014

The real‐time navigation problem of a holonomic mobile robot in dynamic environments is addressed. The robot's footprint and obstacles are approximated with the smallest enclosing ellipses, known as the Löwner‐John ellipses. The robot avoids collisions with obstacles by selecting a translational velocity outside of the ellipse‐based velocity obstacle (EBVO) described in this Letter at each time step. Furthermore, the rotational velocity of the robot is controlled to gradually change the EBVO so that the robot can efficiently reach the destination. Finally, the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through simulations.
Unbiased optimal power flow for power systems with wind power generation
Authors: Plathottam S.J. , Ranganathan P. , Salehfar H.
Published: August 2014

Wind power plants connected to power systems are often unable to utilise all available power due to transmission constraints. This problem is illustrated in an optimal power flow problem to schedule power from two different wind plants in a 6‐bus system. A cost function is proposed to schedule wind power in an unbiased manner.
Conception and realization of a parallel-plate free-air ionization chamber for the absolute dosimetry of an ultrasoft X-ray beam
Authors: Groetz J.-E. , Ounoughi N. , Mavon C. , Belafrites A. , Fromm M.
Published: August 2014

We report the design of a millimeter-sized parallel plate free-air ionization chamber (IC) aimed at determining the absolute air kerma rate of an ultra-soft X-ray beam (E = 1.5 keV). The size of the IC was determined so that the measurement volume satisfies the condition of charged-particle equilibrium. The correction factors necessary to properly measure the absolute kerma using the IC have been established. Particular attention was given to the determination of the effective mean energy for the 1.5 keV photons using the PENELOPE code. Other correction factors were determined by means of computer simulation (COMSOL™and FLUKA). Measurements of air kerma rates under specific operating parameters of the lab-bench X-ray source have been performed at various distances from that source and compared to Monte Carlo calculations. We show that the developed ionization chamber makes it possible to determine accurate photon fluence rates in routine work and will constitute substantial time-savings for future radiobiological experiments based on the use of ultra-soft X-rays.
Prioritizing small hydropower projects in scenarios with limited financial resources
Authors: Canales Fausto A. , Mendes Carlos André B. , Beluco Alexandre
Published: August 2014

Because of the maturity of its technology, small scale hydropower generation is one of the main energy sources to be considered to provide electricity to areas far from the national grid. Very often, because of the economic limitations of the communities that can be supplied with electricity, these projects are unappealing from the entrepreneur's point of view; however, they can have such a great positive impact on the life of these communities, with little impact on the environment, that they may well justify subsidies for their construction. This paper describes a mathematical model that combines multicriteria analysis and a knapsack problem formulation for optimizing the distribution of limited financial resources among several options available of hydropower projects with a stochastic behavior in their initial cost. The test data were obtained mainly from 14 prefeasibility studies of sites in rural Nicaragua with potential for small hydropower. Five scenarios are presented, assessing the impact of multicriteria and different subsidy conditions or economic efficiency requirements. The results indicate that the presented method is suitable to be used for an efficient distribution of limited monetary resources for funding small hydropower projects, and, therefore, can be a useful tool in decision making process. The proposed method can be adapted for application to projects based on other forms of renewable energy, and can also be adapted for prioritization of projects based on different energy resources.
Studies on hydrogen plasma and dust charging in low-pressure filament discharge
Authors: Kakati B. , Kalita D. , Kausik S. S. , Bandyopadhyay M. , Saikia B. K.
Published: August 2014

The effect of working gas pressure and dust charging on electron energy probability function has been studied for hydrogen plasma in a multi-dipole dusty plasma device. A cylindrical Langmuir probe is used to evaluate the plasma parameters and electron energy probability function (EEPF) for different working pressures. For lower energy range (below 10 eV), the EEPF follows a bi-Maxwellian shape at very low pressure (6 × 10−5 mbar), while elevating the working pressure up to ∼2 × 10−3 mbar, the shape of the EEPF transforms into a single Maxwellian. Some dip structures are observed at high energy range (ε > 10 eV) in the EEPF of hydrogen plasma at all the working conditions. In presence of dust particles, it is observed that the shape of the EEPF changes due to the redistribution of the high and low-energy electron populations. Finally, the effect of working pressure on charge accumulation on dust particles is studied with the help of a Faraday cup and electrometer. From the observations, a strong influence of working pressure on plasma parameters, EEPF and dust charging is observed.
Classification of Hamilton-Jacobi separation in orthogonal coordinates with diagonal curvature
Authors: Rajaratnam Krishan , McLenaghan Raymond G.
Published: August 2014

We find all orthogonal metrics where the geodesic Hamilton-Jacobi equation separates and the Riemann curvature tensor satisfies a certain equation (called the diagonal curvature condition). All orthogonal metrics of constant curvature satisfy the diagonal curvature condition. The metrics we find either correspond to a Benenti system or are warped product metrics where the induced metric on the base manifold corresponds to a Benenti system. Furthermore, we show that most metrics we find are characterized by concircular tensors; these metrics, called Kalnins-Eisenhart-Miller metrics, have an intrinsic characterization which can be used to obtain them on a given space. In conjunction with other results, we show that the metrics we found constitute all separable metrics for Riemannian spaces of constant curvature and de Sitter space.
Ab-initio modeling of electromechanical coupling at Si surfaces
Authors: Hoppe Sandra , Michl Anja , Weissmüller Jörg , Müller Stefan
Published: August 2014

The electromechanical coupling at the silicon (100) and (111) surfaces was studied via density functional theory by calculating the response of the ionization potential and the electron affinity to different types of strain. We find a branched strain response of those two quantities with different coupling coefficients for negative and positive strain values. This can be attributed to the reduced crystal symmetry due to anisotropic strain, which partially lifts the degeneracy of the valence and conduction bands. Only the Si(111) electron affinity exhibits a monotonously linear strain response, as the conduction band valleys remain degenerate under strain. The strain response of the surface dipole is linear and seems to be dominated by volume changes. Our results may help to understand the mechanisms behind electromechanical coupling at an atomic level in greater detail and for different electronic and atomic structures.
Combination of grazing incidence x-ray fluorescence with x-ray reflectivity in one table-top spectrometer for improved characterization of thin layer and implants on/in silicon wafers
Authors: Ingerle D. , Schiebl M. , Streli C. , Wobrauschek P.
Published: August 2014

As Grazing Incidence X-ray Fluorescence (GIXRF) analysis does not provide unambiguous results for the characterization of nanometre layers as well as nanometre depth profiles of implants in silicon wafers by its own, the approach of providing additional information using the signal from X-ray Reflectivity (XRR) was tested. As GIXRF already uses an X-ray beam impinging under grazing incidence and the variation of the angle of incidence, a GIXRF spectrometer was adapted with an XRR unit to obtain data from the angle dependent fluorescence radiation as well as data from the reflected beam. A θ-2θ goniometer was simulated by combining a translation and tilt movement of a Silicon Drift detector, which allows detecting the reflected beam over 5 orders of magnitude. HfO2 layers as well as As implants in Silicon wafers in the nanometre range were characterized using this new setup. A just recently published combined evaluation approach was used for data evaluation.
Collective dynamics and pattern switching in an array of parametrically excited micro cantilevers interacting through fringing electrostatic fields
Authors: Krylov Slava , Lulinsky Stella , Ilic B. Robert , Schneider Inbar
Published: August 2014

We report on an experimental observation of synchronization and abrupt transitions between standing wave patterns in arrays of micromechanical oscillators. The architecture of flexible cantilever arrays parametrically excited by and interacting through time-dependent fringing electrostatic fields allows tuning of an interaction potential and supports traveling waves. The arrays consisting of 500 μm long and 5 μm thick single crystal Si cantilevers were fabricated from silicon on insulator substrates. The out-of-plane resonant responses were visualized by time-averaged temporally aliased video imaging and measured by laser Doppler vibrometry. Our experimental and reduced order model results collectively demonstrate that under a slowly varying drive frequency the standing wave patterns remain unchanged in certain frequencies intervals, followed by an abrupt change in the pattern.