bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oppositely Synchronized Lamellar Bending in Poly(l‐lactic acid) Versus Poly(d‐lactic acid) Blended with Poly(1,4‐butylene adipate)
Authors: Nurkhamidah Siti , Woo Eamor M.
Published: March 2014

Lamellar bending habits, as influenced by molecular‐chain chirality, in packing into dendritic spherulites with specific optical patterns are discussed using two model polymers of opposite chirality that are blended with a common polymer as examples: i) poly(l‐lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate) (PLLA/PBA) and ii) poly(d‐lactic acid)/PBA (PDLA/PBA) blends. The bending habits in the spherulites of PLLA or PDLA blended with PBA are dictated by the chirality, specifically the counterclockwise and clockwise directions for the PLLA/PBA (50:50) and PDLA/PBA (50:50) blends, respectively. Straight lamellae in spiral lozenge crystals are packed with crystal aggregates of PLLA on top of the flat‐on lamellae plates acting as a basal plane during crystallization at Tc; spiral lozenge‐crystal frameworks are surrounded by needle‐like crystals resembling PBA crystals.

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A class of impulsive nonautonomous differential equations and Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability
Authors: Wang JinRong , Lin Zeng
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we study a model described by a class of impulsive nonautonomous differential equations. This new impulsive model is more suitable to show dynamics of evolution processes in pharmacotherapy than the classical one. We apply Krasnoselskii's fixed point theorem to obtain existence of solutions. Meanwhile, we mainly present the sufficient conditions on Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability on both compact and unbounded intervals. Many analysis techniques are used to derive our results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WALKING A THIN LINE: WHITE, QUEER (AUTO)ETHNOGRAPHIC ENTANGLEMENTS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
Authors: Mizzi Robert , Stebbins Anne
Published: March 2014

This paper dives into the messy work of writing (our) sexualities into our qualitative research. We suggest that even though queering research methods opens up new ways of conducting research and sharing a queer identity with research participants there are some limitations to both notions. One such limitation is that queer identities and practices are not synonymous, and that what may be queer to the participant might be considered “unqueer” by the researcher. Autoethnography, therefore, becomes one method in which to facilitate a queer research project given the spectrum of identities and practices. We draw on examples from our graduate research projects to illustrate the curious tension that exists among queerness, race, identity and education within social science inquiry.
Synovial sarcoma relapses in children and adolescents: Prognostic factors, treatment, and outcome
Authors: Soole Frederick , Maupain Carole , Defachelles Anne‐Sophie , Taque Sophie , Minard‐Colin Veronique , Bergeron Christophe , De Rycke Yann , Orbach Daniel
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Twenty‐five to 32% of patients with synovial sarcoma (SS) relapse after appropriate treatment, and experience a poor outcome. Patients who can be salvaged by second‐line therapy need to be more clearly identified.

Patients and Methods

Data of patients treated in SFCE (Société Française des Cancers de l'Enfant) centers with an initial diagnosis of localized SS before the age of 18 years and treated from 1/1988 to 12/2008, and who experienced at least one relapse, were retrieved. After descriptive analysis, statistical analysis was performed to determine prognostic factors.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients were identified. First relapse occurred after a median interval of 24 months and was localized in 73.0% of cases and metastatic in 24.3% of cases. Treatment of relapse consisted of new surgery in 75.7% of cases, second‐line chemotherapy in 73.0% of cases and radiotherapy in 48.6% of cases. Response rate to ifosfamide‐based regimens was 36.4%. Overall, 70.3% patients achieved a second complete remission. Median 5‐year‐event‐free survival was 32.8% and 5‐year overall survival was 42.1%. Factors significantly correlated with better survival were primary tumor involving the limbs, age less than 12 years at diagnosis, absence of chemotherapy or radiotherapy as initial treatment and local relapse.

Conclusion

Despite its poor overall outcome, relapse of synovial sarcoma sometimes remains curable. Aggressive surgery, when possible, in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the recommended treatment. Ifosfamide‐based regimens may remain effective in patients with relapsed SS. However, alternative therapies should be proposed in patients with poor prognostic factors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1387–1393. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From the dual function lead AP2238 to AP2469, a multi‐target‐directed ligand for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tarozzi Andrea , Bartolini Manuela , Piazzi Lorna , Valgimigli Luca , Amorati Riccardo , Bolondi Cecilia , Djemil Alice , Mancini Francesca , Andrisano Vincenza , Rampa Angela
Published: March 2014

The development of drugs with different pharmacological properties appears to be an innovative therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we describe a simple structural modification of AP2238, a first dual function lead, in particular the introduction of the catechol moiety performed in order to search for multi‐target ligands. The new compound AP2469 retains anti‐acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE)1 activities compared to the reference, and is also able to inhibit Aβ42 self‐aggregation, Aβ42 oligomer‐binding to cell membrane and subsequently reactive oxygen species formation in both neuronal and microglial cells. The ability of AP2469 to interfere with Aβ42 oligomer‐binding to neuron and microglial cell membrane gives this molecule both neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory properties. These findings, together with its strong chain‐breaking antioxidant performance, make AP2469 a potential drug able to modify the course of the disease.
Preparing individual patient data from clinical trials for sharing: the GlaxoSmithKline approach
Authors: Hughes Sara , Wells Karen , McSorley Paul , Freeman Andrew
Published: March 2014

In May 2013, GlaxoSmithKline (980 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9GS, UK) established a new online system to enable scientific researchers to request access to anonymised patient level clinical trial data. Providing access to individual patient data collected in clinical trials enables conduct of further research that may help advance medical science or improve patient care. In turn, this helps ensure that the data provided by research participants are used to maximum effect in the creation of new knowledge and understanding. However, when providing access to individual patient data, maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of research participants is critical. This article describes the approach we have taken to prepare data for sharing with other researchers in a way that minimises risk with respect to the privacy and confidentiality of research participants, ensures compliance with current data privacy legal requirements and yet retains utility of the anonymised datasets for research purposes. We recognise that there are different possible approaches and that broad consensus is needed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The equivalent‐weights particle filter in a high‐dimensional system
Authors: Ades M. , van Leeuwen P. J.
Published: March 2014

In general, particle filters need large numbers of model runs in order to avoid filter degeneracy in high‐dimensional systems. The recently proposed, fully nonlinear equivalent‐weights particle filter overcomes this requirement by replacing the standard model transition density with two different proposal transition densities. The first proposal density is used to relax all particles towards the high‐probability regions of state space as defined by the observations. The crucial second proposal density is then used to ensure that the majority of particles have equivalent weights at observation time. Here, the performance of the scheme in a high, 65 500 dimensional, simplified ocean model is explored. The success of the equivalent‐weights particle filter in matching the true model state is shown using the mean of just 32 particles in twin experiments. It is of particular significance that this remains true even as the number and spatial variability of the observations are changed. The results from rank histograms are less easy to interpret and can be influenced considerably by the parameter values used. This article also explores the sensitivity of the performance of the scheme to the chosen parameter values and the effect of using different model error parameters in the truth compared with the ensemble model runs.
Amyloid‐β Aggregation with Gold Nanoparticles on Brain Lipid Bilayer
Authors: Lee Hyojin , Kim Yuna , Park Anna , Nam Jwa‐Min
Published: March 2014

Understanding and manipulating amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregation provide key knowledge and means for the diagnosis and cure of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the applications of Aβ‐based aggregation systems. Here, we studied the formation of various Aβ aggregate structures with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and brain total lipid extract‐based supported lipid bilayer (brain SLB). The roles of AuNPs and brain SLB in forming Aβ aggregates were studied in real time, and the structural details of Aβ aggregates were monitored and analyzed with the dark‐field imaging of plasmonic AuNPs that allows for long‐term in situ imaging of Aβ aggregates with great structural details without further labeling. It was shown that the fluid brain SLB platform provides the binding sites for Aβ and drives the fast and efficient formation of Aβ aggregate structures and, importantly, large Aβ plaque structures (>15 μm in diameter), a hallmark for AD, were formed without going through fibril structures when Aβ peptides were co‐incubated with AuNPs on the brain SLB. The dark‐field scattering and circular dichroism‐correlation data suggest that AuNPs were heavily involved with Aβ aggregation on the brain SLB and less α‐helix, less β‐sheet and more random coil structures were found in large plaque‐like Aβ aggregates.
Structural Diversity of Bulky Graphene Materials
Authors: Liu Lili , Niu Zhiqiang , Zhang Li , Chen Xiaodong
Published: March 2014

The unique two‐dimensional (2D) structure and chemical properties of graphene and its derivatives make it a distinctive nanoscale building block for constructing novel bulky architectures with different dimensions, such as 1D fibers, 2D films and 3D architectures. These bulky graphene materials, depending on the manner in which graphene sheets are assembled, show a variety of fascinating features that cannot be achieved from individual graphene sheet or conventional materials. Thus, over the past several years, considerable effort has been expended in fabricating various structures of bulky graphene materials and developing their corresponding applications. Here, we present a broad and comprehensive overview of the recent developments in expanding the structural diversity of bulky graphene materials and their applications in energy storage and conversion, composites, environmental remediation, etc. Finally, prospects and further developments in this exciting field of bulky graphene materials are also suggested.
Climate change in Switzerland: a review of physical, institutional, and political aspects
Authors: Brönnimann Stefan , Appenzeller Christof , Croci‐Maspoli Mischa , Fuhrer Jürg , Grosjean Martin , Hohmann Roland , Ingold Karin , Knutti Reto , Liniger Mark A. , Raible Christoph C. , Röthlisberger Regine , Schär Christoph , Scherrer Simon C. , Strassmann Kuno , Thalmann Philippe
Published: March 2014

Climate change is clearly discernible in observed climate records in Switzerland. It impacts on natural systems, ecosystems, and economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and energy, and it affects Swiss livelihood in various ways. The observed and projected changes call for a response from the political system, which in Switzerland is characterized by federalism and direct democratic instruments. Swiss climate science embraces natural and social sciences and builds on institutionalized links between researchers, public, and private stakeholders. In this article, we review the physical, institutional, and political aspects of climate change in Switzerland. We show how the current state of Swiss climate science and policy developed over the past 20 years in the context of international developments and national responses. Specific to Switzerland is its topographic setting with mountain regions and lowlands on both sides of the Alpine ridge, which makes climate change clearly apparent and for some aspects (tourist sector, hydropower, and extreme events) highly relevant and better perceivable (e.g., retreating glaciers). Not surprisingly the Alpine region is of central interest in Swiss climate change studies.

This article is categorized under:

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > National Reviews
Exact solution for vibration analysis of an eccentric elliptical membrane
Authors: Hasheminejad S. M. , Ghaheri A.
Published: March 2014

The classical method of separation of variables in elliptical coordinates in conjunction with the translational addition theorems for Mathieu functions are used to investigate free transverse vibrations of an elastic membrane of elliptical planform with an arbitrarily located elliptical perforation. Subsequently, the elaborated method of eigenfunction expansion is employed to obtain an exact time‐domain series solution, in terms of products of angular and radial Mathieu functions, for the forced transverse oscillations of the eccentric membrane. The analytical solution is illustrated through numerical examples including circular/elliptical membranes with a circular perforation or with an elliptical perforation of selected geometric, orientation, and location parameters. The first five natural frequencies are tabulated, and selected vibration mode shapes are presented in graphical form. Also, the displacement responses of representative membranes in a practical loading configuration (i.e., a uniformly distributed step load) are calculated. The accuracy of solutions is ensured through proper convergence studies, and the validity of results is demonstrated with the aid of a commercial finite element package as well as by comparison with the existing data. The set of data reported herein is believed to be the first rigorous attempt on the free/forced vibrational characteristics of eccentric elliptical membranes for a wide range of geometric parameters.
Integra® Dermal Regenerative Template Application on Exposed Tendon
Authors: Hulsen John , Diederich Ryan , Neumeister Michael W. , Bueno Reuben A.
Published: March 2014

Background

Tendon without paratenon presents the reconstructive surgeon with a tissue coverage challenge. Integra® dermal regenerative template has been shown to initiate a stable, vascularized bed for skin grafting over tendon. However, histological processes that occur during incorporation have not been described. The purpose of this study is to characterize the pattern of changes that occur when Integra® is applied to an avascular tendon. We hypothesize that vascular incorporation will originate from the wound periphery and proceed toward the tendon center.

Methods

A full-thickness defect was created over a denuded Achilles tendon in a single hind limb in eight New Zealand white rabbits. Integra was placed over the avascular tendon, and the limb was dressed and splinted. Two animals were euthanized at each timepoint (weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4), and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained tissue specimens were microscopically evaluated.

Results

Week 1 specimens demonstrated limited adherence between Integra and the tendon, while myofibroblasts were found encircling the tendon. No cellularity was noted centrally. At week 2, the dermis–Integra junction had increasing vascularity and the central portion developed increasing cellularity. By week 3, Integra was completely revascularized. At week 4, Integra had the histological appearance of normal dermis.

Conclusion

Neovascularization of Integra® over exposed tendon occurs from the peripheral tissue. Ingrowth proceeds from the dermis–Integra interface toward the center of the graft. Four weeks after application to the denuded tendon, Integra has the histological appearance of native dermis.
Characteristics of head‐up tilt testing with additional adenosine compared with head‐up tilt testing with isoproterenol and isosorbide dinitrate
Authors: Watanabe Norikazu , Kawasaki Shirou , Oonishi Yoshimi , Onuma Yoshimasa , Munetsugu Yumi , Itou Takayuki , Onuki Tatsuya , Miyoshi Fumito , Minoura Yoshino , Adachi Tarou , Kawamura Mitsuharu , Asano Taku , Tanno Kaoru , Kobayashi Youichi
Published: March 2014

Background

Head‐up tilt (HUT) testing is used to establish the diagnosis of neurally mediated syncope (NMS). Adenosine administration during HUT testing is useful for inducing NMS. However, no comparison between adenosine HUT testing and HUT testing using other drugs has been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of adenosine compared with isoproterenol (ISP) and isosorbide (ISDN) during HUT testing.

Methods

The subjects comprised 103 consecutive patients with unexplained syncope who underwent adenosine and isoproterenol (ISP) HUT tests following a negative response in a drug‐free HUT test. Subjects were first tilted upright at an 80° angle for 30 min and shown to have a negative response in drug‐free HUT test. Subsequently, a continuous bolus of 0.1‐ or 0.2‐mg/kg adenosine was administered while the subjects remained upright and were observed for 5 min (adenosine HUT test). Next, they were tilted upright for 15 min during a continuous infusion of 0.01–0.02 mg/kg min ISP (ISP HUT test). Lastly, they were tilted upright for 15 min after 1.25‐mg ISDN infusion (ISDN HUT test).

Results

The diagnostic yield of the adenosine HUT test was 18.1% (18/99) and that of the ISP HUT test was 6.0% (6/99; p=N.S.). Sixty‐one of 99 patients underwent ISDN HUT testing, and 17 patients had a positive response. The diagnostic yield of the adenosine HUT test was 14.7% (9/61) and that of ISDN HUT test was 27.8% (p<0.05). Five patients had positive responses in both adenosine and ISDN HUT tests. Conversely, 4 patients had a positive response in the adenosine HUT test and a negative response in the ISDN HUT test.

Conclusion

The adenosine HUT test was effective in the diagnosis of NMS and is useful as the ISP HUT test for inducing NMS. The diagnostic yield of the adenosine HUT test was not higher than that of the ISDN HUT test. However, the adenosine HUT test took only a few minutes and induced NMS in some of the patients in whom NMS was not induced by the ISDN HUT test. Therefore, performing adenosine HUT testing is worthwhile.
Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 modulates invasion and metastatic potential of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: David Muriel , Naudin Cécile , Letourneur Martine , Polrot Mélanie , Renoir Jack-Michel , Lazar Vladimir , Dessen Philippe , Roche Serge , Bertoglio Jacques , Pierre Josiane
Published: March 2014

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1 is an inducible negative regulator of cytokine signaling but its role in human cancer is not completely established. Here we report that, while SOCS1 is expressed in normal colonic epithelium and colon adenocarcinomas, its level decreases during progression of colon adenocarcinomas, the lowest level being found in the most aggressive stage and least differentiated carcinomas. Forced expression of SOCS1 in metastatic colorectal SW620 cells reverses many characteristics of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), as highlighted by the disappearance of the transcription factor ZEB1 and the mesenchymal form of p120ctn and the re‐expression of E‐cadherin. Furthermore, miRNA profiling indicated that SOCS1 also up‐regulates the expression of the mir‐200 family of miRNAs, which can promote the mesenchymal–epithelial transition and reduce tumor cell migration. Accordingly, overexpression of SOCS1 induced cell morphology changes and dramatically reduced tumor cell invasion in vitro. When injected in nude mice, SOCS1‐expressing SW620 cells induced metastases in a smaller number of animals than parental SW620 cells, and did not generate any adrenal gland or bone metastasis. Overall, our results suggest that SOCS1 controls metastatic progression of colorectal tumors by preventing the mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), including E‐cadherin expression. This pathway may be associated with survival to colorectal cancer by reducing the capacity of generating metastases.
Soya protein stimulates bile acid excretion by the liver and intestine through direct and indirect pathways influenced by the presence of dietary cholesterol
Authors: Arellano-Martínez Gloria Leticia , Granados Omar , Palacios-González Berenice , Torres Nimbe , Medina-Vera Isabel , Tovar Armando R.
Published: March 2014

Several studies using different animal models have demonstrated that the consumption of soya protein (SP) reduces serum cholesterol concentrations by increasing the excretion of bile acids (BA). However, the mechanism by which SP enhances BA excretion is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether the consumption of SP regulates the expression of key enzymes involved in hepatic BA synthesis and the transporters involved in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) via fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) and/or small heterodimer protein (SHP) in rats. To achieve this aim, four groups of rats were fed experimental diets containing 20 % casein (C) or SP with or without the addition of 0·2 % cholesterol and the expression of hepatic genes involved in BA synthesis and the ileal and hepatic RCT was measured. Rats fed the SP diet had higher concentrations of ileal FGF15 and hepatic FGF15 receptor (FGFR4) and increased expression ofSHPand liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH1) than those fed the C diet; as a result, the excretion of faecal BA was greater. The addition of cholesterol to the diet repressed the protein abundance of FGF15 and FGFR4; however, SP increased the expression ofSHPandLRH1to a lesser extent. Nonetheless, the expression ofABCG5/8was increased in the intestine of rats fed the SP diet, and the effect was enhanced by the addition of cholesterol to the diet. In conclusion, SP in the presence of cholesterol increases BA synthesis via the repressions of FGF15 and SHP and accelerates BA excretion to prevent cholesterol overload in the enterocytes by increasing RCT.
Antidepressants, autonomic function and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease: data from the Heart and Soul Study
Authors: Zimmermann-Viehoff F. , Kuehl L. K. , Danker-Hopfe H. , Whooley M. A. , Otte C.
Published: March 2014

Background

Antidepressants reduce depressive symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease, but they may be associated with increased mortality. This study aimed to examine whether the use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) is associated with mortality in patients with coronary heart disease, and to determine whether this association is mediated by autonomic function.

Method

A total of 956 patients with coronary heart disease were followed for a mean duration of 7.2 years. Autonomic function was assessed as heart rate variability, and plasma and 24-h urinary norepinephrine.

Results

Of 956 patients, 44 (4.6%) used TCA, 89 (9.3%) used SSRI, and 823 (86.1%) did not use antidepressants. At baseline, TCA users exhibited lower heart rate variability and higher norepinephrine levels compared with SSRI users and antidepressant non-users. At the end of the observational period, 52.3% of the TCA users had died compared with 38.2% in the SSRI group and 37.3% in the control group. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for TCA use compared with non-use was 1.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–2.69, p = 0.01]. Further adjustment for measures of autonomic function reduced the association between TCA use and mortality (HR = 1.27, 95% CI 0.67–2.43, p = 0.47). SSRI use was not associated with mortality (HR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.81–1.64, p = 0.44).

Conclusions

The use of TCA was associated with increased mortality. This association was at least partially mediated by differences in autonomic function. Our findings suggest that TCA should be avoided in patients with coronary heart disease.
The Great Migration: Los Angeles Salsa Speculations and the Performance of Latinidad
Authors: García Cindy
Published: March 2014

“The Great Migration” considers danced formations of latinidad in Los Angeles. Through close analysis of the spectacularized “migration” within one east Los Angeles County nightclub, the author argues that the politics of Mexican migration interlock with salsa dance practices.
Between History and Historiography: The Origins of Classical Kuchipudi Dance
Authors: Putcha Rumya S.
Published: March 2014

This article examines the intertwined discourses and debates of classicism, linguistic regionalism, caste, and gender in the case of South Indian dance. By focusing on the dance form, Kuchipudi, from Andhra Pradesh, the first administrative region in India formed on the basis of language, this study exposes the important connections between identity politics and the creation of cultural icons, such as classical dance. This study deconstructs the paradox of Kuchipudi's classicization, as it has become historicized as a symbol of masculine, Brahminical, Telugu culture, on the one hand, and the projects of Indian modernity, which center on the iconicization of the female dancer, on the other.

Through archival, discursive, and ethnographic analysis, this article examines how the construction of classicism in Kuchipudi dance creates and supports hegemonic versions of Telugu history. This focus extends previous studies of Indian classical dance by sustaining questions about the reification of the Kuchipudi dancing body, the implications that this has regarding the fate of hereditary courtesan dancers, and the discursive strategies that allow Brahmin male history and female dance practice to coalesce.
Intersecting scapes and new millennium identities in language learning
Authors: Higgins Christina
Published: March 2014

This paper examines how flows of people, media, money, technology, and ideologies move through the world, with attention to how these scapes (Appadurai 1990, 1996, 2013) shape identity construction among language learners, both in and out of classrooms. After illustrating intersecting scapes in sociolinguistic terms, I explore the relevance of these ideas to identity formation among language learners, using three case studies. First, I examine the mediascape of hip hop in the ideoscape of education in Hong Kong, where an ELT Rap curriculum was designed for working class students in a low-banded secondary school. Next, I discuss how the confluence of transnationals and cosmopolitan urban residents in Tanzania provides a range of identity options for learners of Swahili that challenge nation-state-based associations of language. Finally, I consider how learners’ engagement in anime and manga from the mediascape is taken up in an introductory university-level Japanese language classroom in Hawai’i. These examples demonstrate how individuals are increasingly learning and using additional languages in the contexts of cultural mélange and new identity zones.
Misconceptions about fructose-containing sugars and their role in the obesity epidemic
Authors: van Buul Vincent J. , Tappy Luc , Brouns Fred J. P. H.
Published: March 2014

A causal role of fructose intake in the aetiology of the global obesity epidemic has been proposed in recent years. This proposition, however, rests on controversial interpretations of two distinct lines of research. On one hand, in mechanistic intervention studies, detrimental metabolic effects have been observed after excessive isolated fructose intakes in animals and human subjects. On the other hand, food disappearance data indicate that fructose consumption from added sugars has increased over the past decades and paralleled the increase in obesity. Both lines of research are presently insufficient to demonstrate a causal role of fructose in metabolic diseases, however. Most mechanistic intervention studies were performed on subjects fed large amounts of pure fructose, while fructose is ordinarily ingested together with glucose. The use of food disappearance data does not accurately reflect food consumption, and hence cannot be used as evidence of a causal link between fructose intake and obesity. Based on a thorough review of the literature, we demonstrate that fructose, as commonly consumed in mixed carbohydrate sources, does not exert specific metabolic effects that can account for an increase in body weight. Consequently, public health recommendations and policies aiming at reducing fructose consumption only, without additional diet and lifestyle targets, would be disputable and impractical. Although the available evidence indicates that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with body-weight gain, and it may be that fructose is among the main constituents of these beverages, energy overconsumption is much more important to consider in terms of the obesity epidemic.
Cardiac rhabdomyoma presenting as infective endocarditis: a case report
Authors: Azhari Nawal , Hakim Manal , Barefah Ghaith
Published: March 2014

We report a case of cardiac rhabdomyomas in an infant who presented with right ventricular tachycardia, and a clinical picture of infective endocarditis. Typical features of tuberous sclerosis developed subsequently. To the best of our knowledge, cardiac rhabdomyoma has not been reported previously in association with infective endocarditis.
Blueprints for the Future of Welfare Provision? Shared Features of Service Innovations across Europe
Authors: Ewert Benjamin , Evers Adalbert
Published: March 2014

This article discusses localised forms of social innovation in social services in relation to social policy and welfare issues. It draws upon research findings from the EU project ‘Welfare Innovations at the local Level in favour of Cohesion’ (WILCO), which takes in social innovations in twenty European cities. First, we argue why there is currently a significant gap between the debate on social innovation and the debate on social welfare reforms. Second, we present attempts that have been made to identify and interpret recurring approaches and instruments in the social innovations studied in relation to various dimensions of the debate on social welfare and services, such as the search for new ways of addressing users and citizens; the emphasis on new risks and related approaches to the issues of rights and responsibilities; and finally the concern with issues of governance. We argue that the features of the local innovations we identified may be significant for welfare systems at large, going beyond the introduction of special new items in special fields. However, the degree to which this will come about in reality will depend on building more bridges of shared understanding between concerns with social innovation on the one hand and welfare reforms on the other hand.
Compact 3D USB dongle monopole antenna for mobile wireless communication bands
Authors: Elsheakh Dalia M. , Safwat Amr M.E.
Published: March 2014

Three-dimensional compact volume internal antenna for universal serial bus (USB) dongle that covers hexa operating bands is proposed in this paper. The volume of the proposed USB dongle is 15×20×4 mm3; it is based on two connected monopoles, one of them is semi-circular monopole ended by three unit cells of meander-line and the other is a bent monopole with four unit cells of high-impedance wire. The proposed antenna is realized on a printed circuit board to reduce the fabrication costs. The coupling between the antenna elements broadens the operating bandwidth, which includes most of the wireless commercial service bands, GSM850/GSM900/UMTS/GSM1800/GSM1900/WCDMA2100/802.11b/g/LTE2600 (824–2690 MHz) as well as 802.11a/n (5150–5825 MHz). The antenna's simulated and experimental results are in good agreement.
Using Pupillometry and Electromyography to Track Positive and Negative Affect During Flight Simulation
Authors: Tichon Jennifer G. , Mavin Tim , Wallis Guy , Visser Troy A. W. , Riek Stephan
Published: March 2014

Affect is a key determinant of performance, due to its influence on cognitive processing. Negative emotions such as anxiety are recognized cognitive stressors shown to degrade decision making and situation awareness. Conversely, positive affect can improve problem solving and facilitate recall. This exploratory pilot study used electromyography and pupillometry measures to track pilots’ levels of negative and positive affect while training in a flight simulator. Fixation duration and saccade rate were found to correspond reliably to pilot self-reports of anxiety. Additionally, large increases in muscle activation were also recorded when higher anxiety was reported. Decreases in positive affect correlated significantly with saccade rate, fixation duration, and mean saccade velocity. Results are discussed in terms of using psychophysiological measures to provide a continuous, objective measure of pilot affective levels as an additional evaluation method to support assessment of pilot performance in simulation training environments.
Effects of Stress on Perceived Performance of Collegiate Aviators
Authors: Blouin Nicholas , Deaton John , Richard Erin , Buza Paul
Published: March 2014

Studies have shown that elevated levels of stress can have a significant impact on an individual’s cognitive processes. This study evaluated the effects of stress on the perceived flight performance of collegiate aviators. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to group the participants into one of three stress groups (low, medium, or high). The study participants’ levels of perceived flight performance were also measured using a survey. The results of the study indicated that the low stress group and the medium stress group had perceived flight performance scores that were significantly higher than those of the high stress group. Additionally, a strong negative correlation was found between the participants’ stress levels and their perceived performance levels.
Examining the Benefits of Active Noise Control and Supplementary Pictorial Information in Improving the Recall of Information in a Noisy Environment
Authors: Molesworth Brett R. C. , Burgess Marion , Gunnell Belinda , Duong Kevin
Published: March 2014

The present research tested the effectiveness of delivering oral and supplementary pictorial information in a noisy environment such as aviation. Thirty-two participants, half of whom were non-native speakers, were asked to complete a cued recall task under four different experimental conditions. Two experimental conditions involved the use of active noise cancelling headphones, and two involved the use of information cards. The results of this study revealed that providing an information card containing pictures or symbols of safety-related information aided little in terms of performance on a cued recall task. In contrast, employing noise cancelling headphones to improve the signal to noise ratio of the oral information proved effective. This effect was most noticeable for non-native speakers.
Tantalum-based semiconductors for solar water splitting
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Jijie , Gong Jinlong
Published: March 2014

This review describes the current status of the design, synthesis, and applications of tantalum-based semiconductors, including tantalum oxides, tantalates and tantalum (oxy)nitrides, for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Application of polyaniline–nylon-6 nanocomposite, GC-MS and chemometrics for rapid and comprehensive analysis of Zingiber officinale fragrance components
Authors: Asadollahi-Baboli M. , Aghakhani A.
Published: March 2014

Polyaniline–nylon-6 nanocomposite for headspace adsorptive microextraction together with GC-MS and chemometrics were utilized as a novel procedure for comprehensive and comparative analysis of oregano fragrance and its essential oil.
Toll-like receptor 3 modified Au electrodes: an investigation into the interaction of TLR3 immobilized on Au surfaces with poly(I:C)
Authors: Amini Kaveh , Chan Nora W. C. , Kraatz Heinz-Bernhard
Published: March 2014

The rapid detection of viruses is crucial for medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, public health, and homeland security.
Simultaneous determination of six volatile components in Longhu Rendan pills using gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Tian-Ming , Ding Li-Qin , Jia Yi-Qun , Jin Hua-Jia , Shi Rong , Zhu Li , Ma Yue-Ming
Published: March 2014

A rapid and effective GC-MS/MS method for the determination of six volatile active constituents in Longhu Rendan pills was developed and validated.
Three-dimensional NiFe layered double hydroxide film for high-efficiency oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Lu Zhiyi , Xu Wenwen , Zhu Wei , Yang Qiu , Lei Xiaodong , Liu Junfeng , Li Yaping , Sun Xiaoming , Duan Xue
Published: March 2014

A 3D architecture of NiFe-LDH has been found to be very active for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction.
CO2incorporation in hydroxide and hydroperoxide containing water clusters—a unifying mechanism for hydrolysis and protolysis
Authors: Ryding Mauritz J. , Uggerud Einar
Published: March 2014

A unifying mechanism for CO2hydrolysis and protolysis in aqueous media is presented based on experimental and computational work on the reaction between CO2and water clusters containing the hydroxide ion.
Nanostructured carbon-based cathode catalysts for nonaqueous lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Li Qing , Cao Ruiguo , Cho Jaephil , Wu Gang
Published: March 2014

Structure–activity correlations of nanocarbon oxygen cathode catalysts for nonaqueous Li–O2batteries are discussed, providing guidance for rational catalyst design.
Electrocatalysis on gold
Authors: Rodriguez Paramaconi , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: March 2014

This perspective article reviews recent advances in the study of important catalytic reactions on gold electrodes.
Glutamate biosensors based on diamond and graphene platforms
Authors: Hu Jingping , Wisetsuwannaphum Sirikarn , Foord John S.
Published: March 2014

l-Glutamate is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the mammalian central nervous system, playing a vital role in many physiological processes and implicated in several neurological disorders, for which monitoring of dynamic levels of extracellular glutamate in the living brain tissues may contribute to medical understanding and treatments. Electrochemical sensing of glutamate has been developed recently mainly using platinum, carbon fibre and carbon nanotube electrodes. In the present work, we explore the fabrication and properties of electrochemical glutamate sensors fabricated on doped chemical vapour deposition diamond electrodes and graphene nanoplatelet structures. The sensors incorporate platinum nanoparticles to catalyse the electrooxidation of hydrogen peroxide, glutamate oxidase to oxidise glutamate, and a layer of poly-phenylenediamine to impart selectivity. The performance of the devices was compared to a similar sensor fabricated on glassy carbon. Both the diamond and the graphene sensor showed very competitive performance compared to the majority of existing electrochemical sensors. The graphene based sensor showed the best performance of the three investigated in terms of sensitivity, linear dynamic range and long term stability, whereas it was found that the diamond device showed the best limit of detection.
Dynamic interplay of flow and collagen stabilizes primary hepatocytes culture in a microfluidic platform
Authors: Hegde Manjunath , Jindal Rohit , Bhushan Abhinav , Bale Shyam Sundhar , McCarty William J , Golberg Inna , Usta O. Berk , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: March 2014

A two chambered device that enables sandwich culture of primary hepatocytes in conjunction with flow on top of the gel. Increased collagen secretion under flow leads to stabilization and enhancement of hepatocytes function
Micropatterned biofilm formations by laminar flow-templating
Authors: Aznaveh Nahid Babaei , Safdar Muhammad , Wolfaardt Gideon , Greener Jesse
Published: March 2014

We present a flow-templating micro-bioreactor as a new concept for controlled patterning of linear biofilm formations. Experiments and simulations comprehensively exploit control parameters to grow biofilm patterns with controllable dimensions. The paper concludes with a study of biofilm growth rates under well-defined shear stress environments.
Peroxisomes are juxtaposed to strategic sites on mitochondria
Authors: Cohen Yifat , Klug Yoel Alexander , Dimitrov Lazar , Erez Zohar , Chuartzman Silvia G. , Elinger Dalia , Yofe Ido , Soliman Kareem , Gärtner Jutta , Thoms Sven , Schekman Randy , Elbaz-Alon Yael , Zalckvar Einat , Schuldiner Maya
Published: March 2014

Peroxisomes are situated in the cell adjacent to specific subdomains of mitochondria such as the ER/Mitochondria contact site or sites enriched for the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
Sequence context induced antimicrobial activity: insight into lipopolysaccharide permeabilization
Authors: Ghosh Anirban , Datta Aritreyee , Jana Jagannath , Kar Rajiv Kumar , Chatterjee Chiradip , Chatterjee Subhrangsu , Bhunia Anirban
Published: March 2014

Mechanistic insights into the permeabilization of the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria by an antimicrobial peptide lactoferrampin, a 17 residue peptide, using high and low resolution spectroscopy in conjunction with MD simulation.
Metabolomics analysis reveals that bile acids and phospholipids contribute to variable responses to low-temperature-induced ascites syndrome
Authors: Shen Yiru , Shi Shourong , Tong Haibing , Guo Yuming , Zou Jianmin
Published: March 2014

Hepatic metabolomic profiles of low-temperature induced ascites syndrome showed disturbances in the metabolism of bile acids and phospholipid.
Synthesis and gene transfection activity of cyclen-based cationic lipids with asymmetric acyl-cholesteryl hydrophobic tails
Authors: Liu Bao-Quan , Yi Wen-Jing , Zhang Ji , Liu Qiang , Liu Yan-Hong , Fan Sheng-Di , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: March 2014

Novel cyclen-based cationic lipids with asymmetric acyl-cholesteryl hydrophobic tails were synthesized and applied as non-viral gene vectors.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of seleno-dihydropyrimidinones as potential multi-targeted therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Canto Rômulo F. S. , Barbosa Flavio A. R. , Nascimento Vanessa , de Oliveira Aldo S. , Brighente Inês M. C. , Braga Antonio Luiz
Published: March 2014

We report the design, synthesis and evaluation of a series of seleno-dihydropyrimidinones as potential multi-targeted therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease.
A concise review of computational studies of the carbon dioxide–epoxide copolymerization reactions
Authors: Darensbourg Donald J. , Yeung Andrew D.
Published: March 2014

The production of polycarbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides is an important route by which waste CO2 is converted into useful products. This review surveys the use of computational chemistry toward understanding this reaction.
Condensed Fukui function predicts innate C–H radical functionalization sites on multi-nitrogen containing fused arenes
Authors: Ma Yuchi , Liang Jin , Zhao Dongmei , Chen Yue-Lei , Shen Jingkang , Xiong Bing
Published: March 2014

The condensed Fukui function (values in blue and red) predicts innate radical C–H functionalization sites (dark green circles) observed in experiments.
A simple route to transform normal hydrophilic cloth into a superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic hybrid surface
Authors: Wang Ben , Zhang Yabin , Liang Weixin , Wang Guiyuan , Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin
Published: March 2014

By utilizing the selective modification of n-octadecyl thiol for the Fe and Co nanoparticles, we fabricated superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic hybrid fabrics by a simple in situ growth process.
Preparation of porous carbon with high dispersion of Ru nanoparticles by sol–gel method and its application in hydrogen storage
Authors: Chen Yuanzhen , Liu Yongning
Published: March 2014

Nano-Ru/porous carbon composites were prepared by Ru/aerogels which were made through a reaction of resorcinol, formaldehyde and RuCl3·3H2O.
Engineering crystalline structures of two-dimensional MoS2sheets for high-performance organic solar cells
Authors: Yang Xi , Fu Weifei , Liu Wenqing , Hong Jinghua , Cai Yu , Jin Chuanhong , Xu Mingsheng , Wang Haibo , Yang Deren , Chen Hongzheng
Published: March 2014

The effects of different local crystalline structures of two-dimensional (2D) MoS2sheets on the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs) are studied, providing new insights towards high-performance devices.
Designed peptides for biomineral polymorph recognition: a case study for calcium carbonate
Authors: Schüler Timo , Renkel Jochen , Hobe Stephan , Susewind Moritz , Jacob Dorrit E. , Panthöfer Martin , Hoffmann-Röder Anja , Paulsen Harald , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: March 2014

Peptides possess a unique ability for substrate recognition and sequence-specific self-assembly properties, and thus play a pivotal role in soft materials assembly and the mineralization of inorganic materials in natural systems.
A new system for achieving high-quality nonpolar m-plane GaN-based light-emitting diode wafers
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Lin Yunhao , Yang Weijia , Liu Zuolian , Zhiou Shizhong , Qian Huirong , Gao Fangliang , Wen Lei , Li Guoqiang
Published: March 2014

High-quality nonpolar m-plane GaN-based light-emitting diode (LED) wafers have been deposited on LiGaO2(100) substrates by a combination of pulsed laser deposition and molecular beam epitaxy technologies.
Disruption of histamine H2 receptor slows heart failure progression through reducing myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Shen Liang , Li Xixian , Luo Tao , Wei Xuan , Zhang Jingwen , Cao Shiping , Huang Xiaobo , Fukushima Yasushi , Bin Jianping , Kitakaze Masafumi , Xu Dingli , Liao Yulin
Published: March 2014

Histamine H2 receptor (H2R) blockade has been reported to be beneficial for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), but the mechanisms involved are not entirely clear. In the present study, we assessed the influences of H2R disruption on left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and the mechanisms involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and calcineurin-mediated myocardial fibrosis. H2R-knockout mice and their wild-type littermates were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham surgery. The influences of H2R activation or inactivation on mitochondrial function, apoptosis and fibrosis were evaluated in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts as well as in murine hearts. After 4 weeks, H2R-knockout mice had higher echocardiographic LV fractional shortening, a larger contractility index, a significantly lower LV end-diastolic pressure, and more importantly, markedly lower pulmonary congestion compared with the wild-type mice. Similar results were obtained in wild-type TAC mice treated with H2R blocker famotidine. Histological examinations showed a lower degree of cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis in H2R-knockout mice. H2R activation increased mitochondrial permeability and induced cell apoptosis in cultured cardiomyocytes, and also enhanced the protein expression of calcineurin, nuclear factor of activated T-cell and fibronectin in fibroblasts rather than in cardiomyocytes. These findings indicate that a lack of H2R generates resistance towards heart failure and the process is associated with the inhibition of cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis, adding to the rationale for using H2R blockers to treat patients with CHF.