bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evening methane emission pulses from a boreal wetland correspond to convective mixing in hollows
Authors: Godwin Casey M. , McNamara Patrick J. , Markfort Corey D.
Published: June 2013

Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of methane flux from boreal wetlands makes prediction and up‐scaling challenging, both within and among wetland systems. Drivers of methane production and emissions are also highly variable, making empirical model development difficult and leading to uncertainty in methane emissions estimates from wetlands. Previous studies have examined this problem using point‐scale (static chamber method) and ecosystem‐scale (flux tower methods) measurements, but few studies have investigated whether different processes are observed at these scales. We analyzed methane emissions from a boreal fen, measured by both techniques, using data from the Boreal Ecosystem‐Atmosphere Study. We sought to identify driving processes associated with methane emissions at two scales and explain diurnal patterns in emissions measured by the tower. The mean methane emission rates from flux chambers were greater than the daytime, daily mean rates measured by the tower, but the nighttime, daily mean emissions from the tower were often an order of magnitude greater than emissions recorded during the daytime. Thus, daytime measurements from either the tower or chambers would lead to a biased estimate of total methane emissions from the wetland. We found that the timing of nighttime emission events was coincident with the cooling and convective mixing within hollows, which occurred regularly during the growing season. We propose that diurnal thermal stratification in shallow pools traps methane by limiting turbulent transport. This methane stored during daytime heating is later released during evening cooling due to convective turbulent mixing.
Hydroclimatic assessment of water resources of low Pacific islands: evaluating sensitivity to climatic change and variability
Authors: de Freitas C. R. , Helbig M. , Matzarakis A.
Published: June 2013

For many of the low islands of the tropical Pacific, freshwater is a scarce resource. Water catchment areas are small and groundwater storage is a shallow fresh water lens. The high hydraulic conductivities of the coral and sand substrate means surface water is limited. Realization of the possible impact of climate change has highlighted the sensitivity of island communities to the availability of water. However, impact evaluation requires specialized data as well as appropriate sensitivity assessment methodologies. This is the second of a two part study. The first addressed the data problem by assembling and validating a suitable database. The second develops an island water balance model and applies a sensitivity assessment. Data are at a 2.5° × 2.5° latitude–longitude grid resolution for the Pacific bounded by coordinates 30°S to 30°N and 155°E to 120°W. Output is in the form of Climate Change Sensitivity Index maps that show the impact on the spatial redistribution of climate‐determined freshwater resources under various climate scenarios. The method allows for estimation of water deficits or surpluses for low islands located in any part of the study area. Areas of high sensitivity to climatic change are those that sit between margins of very wet and very dry zones. Their extent is determined by the gradients at the margins. Steep gradients define small areas of high sensitivity, whereas gentle gradients appear as large areas of high sensitivity. Adjustments to the model for differing local surface conditions on different islands can be easily made, which allows a sensitivity assessment of individual islands, even for islands with no climate station data. The approach could be a powerful tool to gain useful information on the influence of climate change on freshwater resources of low islands. Planning decision‐making is possible without knowing precisely the magnitude of climate change that might occur.
The effect of driving climate data on the simulated terrestrial carbon pools and fluxes over North America
Authors: Garnaud C. , Sushama L. , Arora V. K.
Published: June 2013

Dynamic vegetation models provide the ability to simulate terrestrial carbon pools and fluxes and a useful tool to study how these are affected by climate variability and climate change. At the continental scale, the spatial distribution of climate, in particular temperature and precipitation, strongly determines surface vegetation characteristics. Model validation exercises typically consist of driving a model with observation‐based climate data and then comparing simulated quantities with their observation‐based counterparts. However, observation‐based datasets themselves may not necessarily be consistent with each other. Here, we compare simulated terrestrial carbon pools and fluxes over North America with observation‐based estimates. Simulations are performed using the dynamic vegetation model Canadian Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (CTEM) coupled to the Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS) when driven with two reanalysis‐based climate datasets. The driving ECMWF reanalysis data (ERA40) and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis I data (NCEP) show differences when compared to each other, as well as when compared to the observation‐based climate research unit (CRU) data. Most simulated carbon pools and fluxes show important differences, particularly over eastern North America, primarily due to differences in precipitation and temperature in the two reanalysis. However, despite very different gross fluxes, the model yields fairly similar estimates of the net atmosphere‐land CO2 flux when driven with the two forcing datasets. The ERA40 driven simulation produces terrestrial pools and fluxes that compare better with observation‐based estimates. These simulations do not take into account land use change or nitrogen deposition, both of which have been shown to enhance the land carbon sink over North America. The simulated sink of 0.5 Pg C year−1 during the 1980s and 1990s is therefore lower than inversion‐based estimates. The analysis of spatial distribution of trends in simulated carbon pools and fluxes shows that the simulated carbon sink is driven primarily by NPP enhancements over eastern United States. © 2013 The Authors and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. International Journal of Climatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
on behalf of the Royal Meteorological Society.
microRNAs and cartilage
Authors: Gibson Gary , Asahara Hiroshi
Published: June 2013

microRNAs are small non‐coding RNAs that in the last decade have emerged as overarching regulators of gene expression. Their abundance, ability to repress a large number of target genes and overlapping target specificity indicate a complex network of interactions that is still being defined. A number of studies focused on the role of microRNAs in cartilage have identified a small number, including miR‐140 and ‐675 as playing important roles in regulation of cartilage homeostasis and together with the broader description of the activity of microRNAs in other tissues are beginning to define the function of microRNAs in cartilage development and homeostasis. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1333–1344, 2013.
Distal attachment of flexor tendon allograft: A biomechanical study of different reconstruction techniques in human cadaver hands
Authors: Wei Zhuang , Thoreson Andrew R. , Amadio Peter C. , An Kai‐Nan , Zhao Chunfeng
Published: June 2013

We compared the mechanical force of tendon‐to‐bone repair techniques for flexor tendon reconstruction. Thirty‐six flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons were divided into three groups based upon the repair technique: (1) suture/button repair using FDP tendon (Pullout button group), (2) suture bony anchor using FDP tendon (Suture anchor group), and (3) suture/button repair using FDP tendon with its bony attachment preserved (Bony attachment group). The repair failure force and stiffness were measured. The mean load to failure and stiffness in the bony attachment group were significantly higher than that in the pullout button and suture anchor groups. No significant difference was found in failure force and stiffness between the pullout button and suture anchor groups. An intrasynovial flexor tendon graft with its bony attachment has significantly improved tensile properties at the distal repair site when compared with a typical tendon‐to‐bone attachment with a button or suture anchor. The improvement in the tensile properties at the repair site may facilitate postoperative rehabilitation and reduce the risk of graft rupture. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1720–1724, 2013
SHINERS and plasmonic properties of Au Core SiO2 shell nanoparticles with optimal core size and shell thickness
Authors: Tian Xiang‐Dong , Liu Bi‐Ju , Li Jian‐Feng , Yang Zhi‐Lin , Ren Bin , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: June 2013

Shell‐isolated nanoparticles (NPs)‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) can be potentially applied to virtually any substrate type and morphology. How to take a step forward to prepare SHINERS NPs (SHINs) with superior performance is critical for the practical applications of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in the breadth and depth. Here, we present a method to obtain 120 nm diameter gold NPs coated with ultrathin silica shells (1–4 nm). The silica shell can be controlled growth through carefully tuning a series of parameters, such as amount of 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane used, pH, reaction time, and reaction temperature. We compare the enhancement factor of the obtained 120 nm Au with a 4 nm silica shell NPs to the 55 nm Au with a 4 nm silica shell NPs, and the activity of a 120 nm SHINs is nearly 24 times that the 55 nm SHIN from a single particle view. We also compare the enhancement factor of 1 nm silica shell Au@SiO2 NPs with the bare Au NPs. The enhancement factor of 1 nm silica shell Au@SiO2 NPs was found to be about twice that of the bare particles. For a deeper understanding of the source of the giant enhanced electrical field of the 1 nm silica shell Au@SiO2 NPs, we study the plasmonic property of single 1 nm silica shell Au@SiO2 NP on a gold film substrate through correlation of the structure of single NP using SEM with its SPR spectroscopy. We find that the multipolar interaction between the single Au@SiO2 NP and gold film substrate is important for the SERS. Our studies on the performance of 120 nm SHINs and the plasmonic property of these particles can significantly expand the applications of SHINERS technique and improve the understanding of physical nature of SHINs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality assessment of comparative diagnostic accuracy studies: our experience using a modified version of the QUADAS‐2 tool
Authors: Wade Ros , Corbett Mark , Eastwood Alison
Published: June 2013

Assessing the quality of included studies is a vital step in undertaking a systematic review. The recently revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool (QUADAS‐2), which is the only validated quality assessment tool for diagnostic accuracy studies, does not include specific criteria for assessing comparative studies.

As part of an assessment that included comparative diagnostic accuracy studies, we used a modified version of QUADAS‐2 to assess study quality. We modified QUADAS‐2 by duplicating questions relating to the index test, to assess the relevant potential sources of bias for both the index test and comparator test. We also added review‐specific questions.

We have presented our modified version of QUADAS‐2 and outlined some key issues for consideration when assessing the quality of comparative diagnostic accuracy studies, to help guide other systematic reviewers conducting comparative diagnostic reviews.

Until QUADAS is updated to incorporate assessment of comparative studies, QUADAS‐2 can be used, although modification and careful thought is required. It is important to reflect upon whether aspects of study design and methodology favour one of the tests over another. © 2013 Crown copyright.
Preparation of a novel carboxyl stationary phase by “thiol‐ene” click chemistry for hydrophilic interaction chromatography
Authors: Peng Xi‐Tian , Liu Tao , Ji Shu‐Xian , Feng Yu‐Qi
Published: June 2013

A novel carboxyl‐bonded silica stationary phase was prepared by “thiol‐ene” click chemistry. The resultant Thiol‐Click‐COOH phase was evaluated under hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) mobile phase conditions. A comparison of the chromatographic performance of Thiol‐Click‐COOH and pure silica columns was performed according to the retention behaviors of analytes and the charged state of the stationary phases. The results indicated that the newly developed Thiol‐Click‐COOH column has a higher surface charge and stronger hydrophilicity than the pure silica column. Furthermore, the chromatographic behaviors of five nucleosides on the Thiol‐Click‐COOH phase were investigated in detail. Finally, a good separation of 13 nucleosides and bases, and four water‐soluble vitamins was achieved.
Isolation of terpenoids from Pimpinella anisum essential oil by high‐performance counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Skalicka‐Woźniak Krystyna , Walasek Magdalena , Ludwiczuk Agnieszka , Głowniak Kazimierz
Published: June 2013

High‐performance counter‐current chromatography was successfully used for the isolation and purification of terpenoid compounds from the essential oil of Pimpinella anisum L. A two‐phase solvent system composed of n‐heptane/methanol/ethyl acetate/water (5:2:5:2, v/v/v/v) was suitable for the purification of linalool, terpinen‐4‐ol, α‐terpineol, p‐anisaldehyde, while n‐heptane/methanol (1:1, v/v) was used for the isolation of anethole and foeniculin. A scale‐up process from analytical to preparative was developed. Additionally, a stepwise gradient elution was applied and instead of two different runs, 40 min each, one 80 min separation was performed; although the time of separation remains the same, it was possible to repeat the efficiency even if the water‐containing mobile phase was changed to a nonaqueous system. The obtained essential oil, as well as purified compounds, was analyzed by GC. A total of 0.64 mg of linalool, 0.52 mg of terpinen‐4‐ol, 0.10 mg of α‐terpineol, 0.62 mg of p‐anisaldehyde, 15 mg of anethole, and 2.12 mg of foeniculin were obtained from 210 mg of the essential oil of P. anisum L. in a short time with purities of 99, 98, 94, 93.54, 93, and 93.6%, respectively.
Deep subsurface cavities in skin utilizing mechanical optical clearing and femtosecond laser ablation
Authors: Qiu Jinze , Neev Joseph , Wang Tianyi , Milner Thomas E.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

High precision subsurface ablation can be produced in transparent materials using femtosecond laser pulses and multiphoton absorption. Light scattering limits application of the same technique to most biological tissues. Previously, subsurface ablation was demonstrated at superficial depths (50–250 µm) in highly scattering tissues including murine skin and human sclera. We report application of mechanical optical clearing to produce deeper subsurface femtosecond ablation in rodent skin. Ability to target deeper structures in skin using subsurface ablation may allow novel clinical applications for dermatological laser surgery.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Operation of a prototype tissue optical clearing device (TOCD) was verified with white light photography in ex vivo rodent skin. A focused femtosecond beam transmitted through the TOCD and was scanned across rodent skin to produce subsurface ablation at increasing focal depths. Histological sections with H&E staining of the laser irradiated rodent skin were examined for subsurface ablation features following laser irradiation.

Results

Subsurface cavities were observed as deep as 1.7 mm below the skin surface in histological tissue sections. Diameter of subsurface cavities varied from tens of microns to over 100 μm. Subsurface cavities produced by scanning the focused femtosecond beam were contiguous and formed a continuous cut. Mechanical disruption of the overlying tissues was not observed.

Conclusions

Mechanical optical clearing can be applied directly to in situ rodent skin and produces an optical clearing effect. High precision subsurface ablation can be produced at positions substantially deeper than previously demonstrated. Future studies may be targeted in in vivo human skin to investigate potential clinical applications of subsurface femtosecond ablation using mechanical optical clearing. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:383–390, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transforming the Self‐Assembled Structures of Diblock Copolymer/POSS Nanoparticle Composites Through Complementary Multiple Hydrogen Bonding Interactions
Authors: Wu Yu‐Rong , Wu Yi‐Chen , Kuo Shiao‐Wei
Published: June 2013

Well‐defined self‐assembled structures are obtained in the form of block copolymer (BCP) nanocomposites, prepared by blending octuply adenine (A)‐functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OBA‐POSS) nanoparticles (NPs) with a thymine (T)‐containing BCP (PS‐b‐PVBT); these nanocomposites are stabilized through complementary multiple hydrogen bonding interactions between the A and T units. A transition from one ordered morphology to another occurs upon increasing the content of OBA‐POSS NPs in the PS‐b‐PVBT diblock copolymer, namely lamellar structures at relatively low OBA‐POSS NP contents (<25 wt%) and cylindrical structures at higher OBA‐POSS NP contents (>25 wt%), with concomitant variations in the effective interaction parameter and the overall volume fractions of the two microphase‐separated domains.

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Forming of Polymer Nanofibers by a Pressurised Gyration Process
Authors: Mahalingam Suntharavathanan , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: June 2013

A new route consisting of simultaneous centrifugal spinning and solution blowing to form polymer nanofibers is reported. The fiber diameter (60–1000 nm) is shown to be a function of polymer concentration, rotational speed, and working pressure of the processing system. The fiber length is dependent on the rotational speed. The process can deliver 6 kg of fiber per hour and therefore offers mass production capabilities compared with other established polymer nanofiber generation methods such as electrospinning, centrifugal spinning, and blowing.

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Expected impacts and value of improvements in weather forecasting on the road transport sector
Authors: Nurmi Pertti , Perrels Adriaan , Nurmi Väinö
Published: June 2013

Atmospheric predictability has improved by approximately 1 day per decade during the last 20 years based on verification results of ECMWF forecast output. In Finland, locally applied accuracy measures indicate marked improvements in the quality of forecasts for the general public since the late 1980s. It is assumed that similar trends will continue to the foreseeable future. Use of weather information will allow for better options in the decision‐making of various stake holders in the transport sector, such as commuters or tourists, transport infrastructure owners and transport service and maintenance operators. This paper discusses the economic impacts and value of weather forecasts on different transport modes (road, rail, air) highlighting the effects of potential improvements in forecast quality in the expected future climates in Europe. It is not only the improved quality of available weather forecasts that will define the value of information. The way in which the information is communicated and how it is being utilized by decision‐makers are highly relevant steps in a weather service value chain. Rather than applying the traditional Cost‐Loss model, which would relate improved forecast accuracy to increased expected utility, an alternative approach is being applied. This ‘Weather Service Chain Analysis’ (WSCA) accounts for imperfect features in the communication chain and in the use of weather information by analysing the decay of the total potential benefits via decomposing the information flow from original forecast generation to final benefit realization. Concrete estimates are provided for the road transport modes both in Finland and in Europe. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Factors affecting the quality of QPF: a multi‐method verification of multi‐configuration BOLAM reforecasts against MAP D‐PHASE observations
Authors: Casaioli Marco , Mariani Stefano , Malguzzi Piero , Speranza Antonio
Published: June 2013

This paper discusses the results of a quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) verification study aimed at comparing different alternative new configurations of the meteorological BOlogna Limited Area Model (BOLAM) to be implemented in 2013 into the ISPRA's Hydro‐Meteo‐Marine forecasting system (SIMM) in place of the currently operational version, dated 2009. Five new configurations are defined after considering several combinations of the following model settings: horizontal grid spacing, domain extension, initial and boundary conditions, nesting design and the BOLAM code version. Such testing configurations are inter‐compared with the operational BOLAM version following a multi‐method approach including Fourier spectral analysis, several categorical scores, quasi‐relative operating characteristic diagram and visual inspection of the spatial distributions of the contingency table elements. Rain gauge measurements available between June and November 2007 within the international initiative ‘Demonstration of Probabilistic Hydrological and Atmospheric Simulation of flood Events in the Alpine region’ of the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP D‐PHASE) are considered as observational dataset. A 6 month reforecast campaign is performed in order to produce, for each compared configuration, the corresponding forecast series. Results show that decreasing model grid spacing and simultaneously increasing model domain extension is effective in improving the QPF quality when higher‐resolution initial and boundary conditions are directly applied to BOLAM, without using a coarser‐resolution parent model run. Therefore, such skilful configuration has been deployed in late 2012 within the international research programme ‘HYdrological cycle in Mediterranean EXperiment’ (HyMeX). On the contrary, when keeping the low‐resolution, double nesting configuration, improving input data decreases the QPF performance. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
A unified verification system for operational models from Regional Meteorological Centres of China Meteorological Administration
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Yu , Li Li , Zhao Bin , Chen Fajing , Li Yinglin , Cui Yingjie
Published: June 2013

A new unified verification system was set up for evaluating operational models from Regional Meteorological Centres (RMC) of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) using traditional verification methods. The functionality of the system includes data transmission and processing, forecast verification, new product validation and operational monitoring. Eight limited‐area models from different regions of China were verified in this study, including Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) models from four RMCs. Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES) models from two RMCs, Mesoscale Model version 5 (MM5) and Advanced Regional Eta‐co‐ordinate Model (AREM) from the remaining two RMCs. Real time ground observations and model analysis are used as truth for surface and upper‐air variables, respectively. The variables verified are 500 hPa geopotential height, wind and temperature at 850 hPa, wind at 250 hPa, 24 and 3 h accumulated precipitation, and 2 m temperature. The results of the RMCs' models were also compared with those from a limited‐area version of the GRAPES model (GRAPES‐MESO) run operationally at the Numerical Weather Prediction Center (NWPC)/CMA. A new score called ‘relative improvement ratio’ was defined for continuous variables in the comparison. The preliminary results for the year 2011 showed that forecast error varied from one RMC to another, e.g., performance is more stable with relatively lower error for the regional centres of Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenyang than others. These centres provide also more accurate predictions of the rain‐shine category and of precipitation amount, especially the moderate rain forecast in 3 h accumulation. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparative skill assessment of consensus and physically based tercile probability seasonal precipitation forecasts for Brazil
Authors: Coelho Caio A. S.
Published: June 2013

This study aimed to perform a comparative skill assessment of consensus and physically based tercile probability seasonal precipitation forecasts for Brazil produced during the last decade. Two fundamental forecast attributes have been examined: discrimination and reliability. The discrimination assessment revealed that forecast quality is seasonally dependent and that consensus and physically based forecasts are complementary. During spring and summer consensus forecasts were generally found to have better discrimination ability than physically based forecasts. During autumn and winter physically based forecasts were found to have better discrimination ability than consensus forecasts. However, discrimination is a necessary but not sufficient forecast skill attribute, and therefore only provides indication of potential forecast quality provided forecasts are reliable (i.e. well calibrated). The analysis of tendency diagrams has revealed that both consensus and physically based forecasts suffer from systematic errors (biases) for the three forecast categories. Both forecasts under‐forecasted the below‐normal category and over‐forecasted the above normal category. This over‐forecasting feature was stronger for physically based forecasts when compared to consensus forecasts. The normal category was more severely over‐forecast for consensus forecasts when compared to physically based forecasts. The assessment through the computation of the reliability component of the Brier Score has revealed that consensus forecasts are better calibrated than CPTEC/AGCM physically based forecasts. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Characteristic decompositions and boundary value problems for two‐dimensional steady relativistic Euler equations
Authors: Lai Geng , Shen Chun
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we investigate Goursat problems, and mixed initial and boundary value problems for the two‐dimensional steady relativistic Euler equations. The global existence of classical solutions to these problems are obtained by using the characteristic decomposition method. Some applications of these results in supersonic flow in two‐dimensional ducts and the two‐dimensional relativistic jet are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualitative analysis and explicit traveling wave solutions for the Davey–Stewartson equation
Authors: Song Ming , Liu Zhengrong
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we use the bifurcation method of dynamical systems to study the traveling wave solutions for the Davey–Stewartson equation. A number of traveling wave solutions are obtained. Those solutions contain explicit periodic wave solutions, periodic blow‐up wave solutions, unbounded wave solutions, kink profile solitary wave solutions, and solitary wave solutions. Relations of the traveling wave solutions are given. Some previous results are extended. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
10‐Hydroxy‐2‐decenoic acid, a unique medium‐chain fatty acid, activates 5'‐AMP‐activated protein kinase in L6 myotubes and mice
Authors: Takikawa Masathito , Kumagai Aya , Hirata Harumi , Soga Minoru , Yamashita Yoko , Ueda Manabu , Ashida Hitoshi , Tsuda Takanori
Published: June 2013

Scope

10‐Hydroxy‐2‐decenoic acid (10H2DA) is one of the unique medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) specifically found in royal jelly. We hypothesize that 10H2DA has multiple biological functions and may aid in 5′‐AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and affect the glucose transport system in skeletal muscle.

Methods and results

We examined whether various MCFAs present in royal jelly activated AMPKα. Treatment of L6 myotubes with various MCFAs showed that 10H2DA administration resulted in a significant increase in phosphorylated AMPKα. 10H2DA activates AMPK independently of insulin and significantly increased glucose uptake into L6 myotubes following translocation of glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) to the plasma membrane (PM). The activation was induced by the upstream kinase Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase kinase β, but was independent of changes in AMP:ATP ratio and the liver kinase B1 pathway. Oral administration of 10H2DA significantly stimulated phosphorylation of AMPK and Glut4 translocation to the PM in mouse skeletal muscle.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that (i) 10H2DA activates AMPK, and insulin independently enhances glucose uptake following translocation of Glut4 to PM, (ii) activation of AMPKα by 10H2DA is mediated via extracellular Ca2+‐dependent Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase kinase β, without alteration in the AMP:ATP ratio, and liver kinase B1 was not involved in the activation.
Estimation of isotropic nuclear magnetic shieldings in the CCSD(T) and MP2 complete basis set limit using affordable correlation calculations
Authors: Kupka Teobald , Stachów Michał , Kaminsky Jakub , Sauer Stephan P. A.
Published: June 2013

A linear correlation between isotropic nuclear magnetic shielding constants for seven model molecules (CH2O, H2O, HF, F2, HCN, SiH4 and H2S) calculated with 37 methods (34 density functionals, RHF, MP2 and CCSD(T)), with affordable pcS‐2 basis set and corresponding complete basis set results, estimated from calculations with the family of polarization‐consistent pcS‐n basis sets is reported. This dependence was also supported by inspection of profiles of deviation between CBS estimated nuclear shieldings and shieldings obtained with the significantly smaller basis sets pcS‐2 and aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐J for the selected set of 37 calculation methods. It was possible to formulate a practical approach of estimating the values of isotropic nuclear magnetic shielding constants at the CCSD(T)/CBS and MP2/CBS levels from affordable CCSD(T)/pcS‐2, MP2/pcS‐2 and DFT/CBS calculations with pcS‐n basis sets. The proposed method leads to a fairly accurate estimation of nuclear magnetic shieldings and considerable saving of computational efforts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Living with advanced heart failure or COPD: Experiences and goals of individuals nearing the end of life
Authors: Lowey Susan E. , Norton Sally A. , Quinn Jill R. , Quill Timothy E.
Published: June 2013

The last phase of life of patients with end‐stage heart failure (HF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is marked by high symptom burden and uncertainty about the future. Few enroll in hospice, and their preferences for care remain unknown. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experiences and goals for care of patients with end‐stage HF and COPD who were recently discharged from the hospital. Forty semi‐structured interviews were completed with 20 participants. Despite conditions considered life‐threatening by clinicians, participants believed they still had time. They hoped that their illnesses would remain stable, although specific experiences made them think they might be worsening. All expected that their doctors would tell them when their illnesses became life‐threatening. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36: 349–358, 2013
Solution NMR resonance assignment strategies for β‐barrel membrane proteins
Authors: Fox Daniel A. , Columbus Linda
Published: June 2013

Membrane proteins in detergent micelles are large and dynamic complexes that present challenges for solution NMR investigations such as spectral overlap and line broadening. In this study, multiple methods are introduced to facilitate resonance assignment of β‐barrel membrane proteins using Opa60 from Neisseria gonorrhoeae as a model system. Opa60 is an eight‐stranded β‐barrel with long extracellular loops (∼63% of the protein) that engage host receptors and induce engulfment of the bacterium. The NMR spectra of Opa60 in detergent micelles exhibits significant spectral overlap and resonances corresponding to the loop regions had variable line widths, which interfered with a complete assignment of the protein. To assign the β‐barrel residues, trypsin cleavage was used to remove much of the extracellular loops while preserving the detergent solubilized β‐barrel. The removal of the loop resonances significantly improved the assignment of the Opa60 β‐barrel region (97% of the resonances corresponding to the β‐barrel and periplasmic turns were assigned). For the loop resonance assignments, two strategies were implemented; modulating temperature and synthetic peptides. Lowering the temperature broadened many peaks beyond detection and simplified the spectra to only the most dynamic regions of the loops facilitating 27 loop resonances to be assigned. To further assign functionally important and unstructured regions of the extracellular loops, a synthetic 20 amino acid peptide was synthesized and had nearly complete spectral overlap with the full‐length protein allowing 17 loop resonances to be assigned. Collectively, these strategies are effective tools that may accelerate solution NMR structure determination of β‐barrel membrane proteins.
Insecticide susceptibilities in populations of two rice planthoppers, Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera, immigrating into Japan in the period 2005–2012
Authors: Matsumura Masaya , Sanada‐Morimura Sachiyo , Otuka Akira , Ohtsu Reiko , Sakumoto Shinji , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Satoh Masaru
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens and the whitebacked planthopper Sogatella furcifera are both important pests on rice throughout Asia. The major cause of recent outbreaks is thought to be the development of insecticide resistance. Thus, the authors monitored insecticide susceptibilities in populations of these two insects immigrating into Japan in the period 2005–2012. Ten insecticides were tested, including members of the organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid and phenylpyrazole groups.

RESULTS

The LD50 values of N. lugens against imidacloprid increased from 2005 (0.7 µg g−1) to 2012 (98.5 µg g−1). The resistance ratio (LD50 value in 2012/baseline LD50 value in 1992) was 615.5. In contrast, LD50 values of N. lugens against fipronil were <1.0 µg g−1 up to 2012, suggesting that N. lugens had developed no insecticide resistance to this insecticide. However, S. furcifera exhibited resistance against fipronil up to 2012. Except for the case of malathion, the resistances of N. lugens against members of the organophosphate and carbamate groups were closely similar in the period 2005–2012 to earlier determinations in 1984 and 1985.

CONCLUSION

Species‐specific insecticide resistance (imidacloprid resistance in N. lugens and fipronil resistance in S. furcifera) is ongoing in populations of the two planthoppers immigrating into Japan. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Atomistic simulations on the mechanical properties of silicene nanoribbons under uniaxial tension
Authors: Jing Yuhang , Sun Yi , Niu Hongwei , Shen Jun
Published: June 2013

The mechanical properties of silicene are investigated using ab initio calculation and molecular dynamics simulations with different empirical potentials. The simulation results show that the calculated Young's modulus of bulk silicene with EDIP model is consistent with the ab initio calculations. The chirality has a significant effect on the critical strain and stress of bulk silicene under uniaxial tension. In addition, the Young's modulus depends strongly on the chirality and size of the silicene nanoribbon due to the edge effects. The fracture process of a silicene nanoribbon is also studied.
Aligned silicon nanowires with fine‐tunable tilting angles by metal‐assisted chemical etching on off‐cut wafers
Authors: Ma Jie , Wen Liping , Dong Zhichao , Zhang Tong , Wang Shutao , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2013

The morphology control of aligned silicon nanowires (SiNWs) is highly desirable as SiNWs demonstrated high prospect in a variety of applications. Besides the control over length, shape and distribution of aligned SiNWs, the fine‐tuning of tilting angles thereof also attracted intense interest. Up to now, only several discrete tilting angles have been reported. In this Letter, the ability to fine‐tune the tilting angle of SiNWs is demonstrated and the range that can be achieved is identified. Our technique employs the anisotropic characteristic of the etching process using custom‐produced off‐cut Si wafers of various orientations as substrates. With this technique, a uniquely favoured etching direction can result and the tilting angle can be precisely controlled. Tilted SiNWs with tilting angles from 0° to 50° relative to the wafer normal were obtained. The mechanism of the tilting angle manipulation is also discussed. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Robotic‐assisted hepatic resection: a systematic review
Authors: Pelletier Jean‐Sébastien , Gill Richdeep S. , Shi Xinzhe , Birch Daniel W. , Karmali Shahzeer
Published: June 2013

Background

Currently, hepatic resections are being performed with robotic‐assisted systems. There is little evidence regarding the outcomes of this surgical approach. This study aims to systematically review the outcomes related to robotic‐assisted hepatic resections.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases was completed. All human studies, limited to adults, published between 2000 to August 2011 were included.

Results

Eight studies yielded a total of 170 procedures. The overall morbidity rate was 11.6% (range 0–39%). There were no mortalities reported following robotic‐assisted hepatic resection. Mean operative time was 264.8 minutes, with a mean hospital length of stay of 7.8 days. Rate of conversion was 6.6%. Cost was greater than either laparoscopy or open hepatic surgery.

Conclusions

Our systematic review suggests robotic‐assisted hepatic resection is safe and feasible, with low mortality and morbidity rates. Further research is needed to determine if oncological outcomes are similar. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Privacy in the Internet of Things: threats and challenges
Authors: Ziegeldorf Jan Henrik , Morchon Oscar Garcia , Wehrle Klaus
Published: June 2013

The Internet of Things paradigm envisions the pervasive interconnection and cooperation of smart things over the current and future Internet infrastructure. The Internet of Things is, thus, the evolution of the Internet to cover the real world, enabling many new services that will improve people's everyday lives, spawn new businesses, and make buildings, cities, and transport smarter. Smart things allow indeed for ubiquitous data collection or tracking, but these useful features are also examples of privacy threats that are already now limiting the success of the Internet of Things vision when not implemented correctly. These threats involve new challenges such as the pervasive privacy‐aware management of personal data or methods to control or avoid ubiquitous tracking and profiling. This paper analyzes the privacy issues in the Internet of Things in detail. To this end, we first discuss the evolving features and trends in the Internet of Things with the goal of scrutinizing their privacy implications. Second, we classify and examine privacy threats in this new setting, pointing out the challenges that need to be overcome to ensure that the Internet of Things becomes a reality. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unpacking functional alliance portfolios: How signals of viability affect young firms' outcomes
Authors: Hoehn‐Weiss Manuela N. , Karim Samina
Published: June 2013

This article investigates how alliance portfolio composition affects young firms' outcomes. Drawing on signaling theory, we propose how alliance portfolio composition—number, functional domains (R&D, manufacturing, and marketing), and single‐purpose or multi‐purpose nature of alliances within the portfolio—may affect a firm's likelihood of achieving a liquidity event (IPO or acquisition). We study 8,600 U.S.‐based, VC‐backed firms during the period of 1990 to 2002 from 10 industry sectors. We find that alliance portfolios (to a certain extent) increase a firm's liquidity event likelihood. Further, firms with heterogeneous alliance portfolios, including portfolios emitting greater efficiency signals versus endorsement signals, are more likely to experience an IPO versus acquisition. Our findings lend support to the value of multi‐function alliances within portfolios. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Governance mode vs. governance fit: Performance implications of make‐or‐ally choices for product innovation in the worldwide aircraft industry, 1942–2000
Authors: Castañer Xavier , Mulotte Louis , Garrette Bernard , Dussauge Pierre
Published: June 2013

We examine the impact of governance mode and governance fit on performance in make‐or‐ally decisions. We argue that while horizontal collaboration and autonomous governance have direct and countervailing performance implications, the alignment of make‐or‐ally choices with the focal firm's resource endowment and the activity's resource requirements leads to better performance. Data on the aircraft industry show that relative to aircraft developed autonomously, collaborative aircraft exhibit greater sales but require longer time‐to‐market. However, governance fit increases unit sales and reduces time‐to‐market. We contribute to the alliance and economic organization literatures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat Transfer, Solidification, and Microstructural Evolution in Al33Cu Alloy During the Starting of Twin Roll Strip Casting
Authors: Sahoo Seshadev , Ghosh Sudipto
Published: June 2013

Numerical simulation of transient fluid flow, heat transfer, and solidification during the starting of high speed twin roll strip casting was carried out to estimate the time required for steady state condition to set in and solidification front speed during the transient stage. The solidification front speed during the transient stage was expected to be higher, leading to different microstructure and thus it is necessary to know it in comparison to that during the steady state. The free surface of the pool was tracked using volume of fluids (VOFs) approach and an enthalpy‐porosity method was employed to incorporate the phase change during solidification. Surface tension was incorporated into the momentum transfer equation and all the physical properties were treated as functions of temperature. The filling sequence and temperature profiles in the molten pool, along with the solidification front profile were numerically simulated. From the evolution of temperature profile the transient length of the cast strip was estimated. The prediction of temperature profile in the transient stage was experimentally validated using Jackson–Hunt theory. From the results of simulation the transient length of strip, which needs to be rejected for different casting speeds was estimated. It was found that when the speed is increased beyond 0.7979 up to 3.98 m s−1 the transient length did not increase appreciably.
Contemplative Practices and the Renewal of Legal Education
Authors: Magee Rhonda V.
Published: June 2013

This chapter describes the nascent development of a contemplative approach to law and legal education. It describes some of the notable innovations—inspiring new courses and cocurricular offerings—that have been increasingly observed among law schools and argues that because these reforms respond to a range of criticisms of the legal profession they merit further research and support among legal educators.
Crown−rump length discordance in the first trimester: a predictor of adverse outcome in twin pregnancies?
Authors: Johansen M. L. , Oldenburg A. , Rosthøj S. , Maxild J. Cohn , Rode L. , Tabor A.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of first‐trimester crown−rump length (CRL) discordance in predicting adverse outcome in twin pregnancies.

Methods

This retrospective study included a large cohort retrieved from local ultrasound databases at 14 obstetric departments in Denmark, comprising all twin pregnancies with two live fetuses scanned between 11 and 14 weeks' gestation during the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006. The association between CRL discordance ≥ 10 % and adverse outcome was evaluated.

Results

Among 1993 twin pregnancies, 1733 were dichorionic (156 (9%) discordant; 1577 (91%) concordant) and 260 were monochorionic (32 (12%) discordant; 228 (88%) concordant). In dichorionic twin pregnancies we found an association between CRL discordance ≥ 10% and preterm delivery before 34 weeks' gestation (P = 0.007), birth weight discordance (P = 0.001) and mean birth weight (P = 0.033). In monochorionic twin pregnancies we found an association between CRL discordance ≥ 10% and birth weight discordance (P = 0.02) and mean birth weight (P = 0.03). To evaluate CRL discordance as a predictor of fetal loss and preterm delivery before 34 weeks' gestation, receiver−operating characteristics curves were created for each outcome. For CRL discordance ≥ 10% as a predictor of fetal loss and preterm delivery in dichorionic twin pregnancies, sensitivity was 0.17 (95% CI, 0.06−0.28) and 0.14 (95% CI, 0.10−0.18), respectively, and in monochorionic twin pregnancies it was 0.10 (95% CI, 0.03−0.22) and 0.16 (95% CI, 0.06−0.26), respectively.

Conclusions

CRL discordance in twin pregnancies is associated with, but is not a strong predictor of, adverse outcome. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Can rectal endoscopic sonography be used to predict infiltration depth in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum?
Authors: Rossi L. , Palazzo L. , Yazbeck C. , Walker F. , Chis C. , Luton D. , Koskas M.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of rectal endoscopic sonography (RES) in the prediction of the infiltration depth of rectal endometriosis and to ascertain whether RES could be used to choose between segmental bowel resection and a more conservative approach, such as shaving or discoid resection.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 38 consecutive patients with symptomatic deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection were included. RES results for infiltration depth of rectal endometriosis were compared with results of pathological examination. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively), positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) and test accuracy were calculated for the presence of infiltration of the muscularis layers and submucosal/mucosal layers, as demonstrated by RES and confirmed by histopathological analysis.

Results

For the detection of muscularis layer infiltration by endometriosis, the PPV of RES was 100%, whereas for the detection of submucosal/mucosal layer involvement, the sensitivity was 89%, specificity was 26%, PPV was 55%, NPV was 71%, test accuracy was 58% and positive and negative LRs were 1.21 and 0.40, respectively.

Conclusions

RES is a valuable tool for detecting rectal endometriosis as endometriotic infiltration of the muscularis layer can be predicted accurately. However, RES is less accurate in detecting submucosal/mucosal layer involvement and cannot, therefore, be used to choose between bowel resection and a more conservative approach. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd