bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainties in Arctic sea ice thickness and volume: new estimates and implications for trends
Authors: Zygmuntowska M. , Rampal P. , Ivanova N. , Smedsrud L. H.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Sea ice volume has decreased in the last decades, evoked by changes in sea ice area and thickness. Estimates of sea ice area and thickness rely on a number of geophysical parameters which introduce large uncertainties. To quantify these uncertainties we use freeboard retrievals from ICESat and investigate different assumptions about snow depth, sea ice density and area. We find that uncertainties in ice area are of minor importance for the estimates of sea ice volume during the cold season in the Arctic basin. The choice of mean ice density used when converting sea ice freeboard into thickness mainly influences the resulting mean sea ice thickness, while snow depth on top of the ice is the main driver for the year-to-year variability, particularly in late winter. The absolute uncertainty in the mean sea ice thickness is 0.28 m in February/March and 0.21 m in October/November. The uncertainty in snow depth contributes up to 70% of the total uncertainty and the ice density 30–35%, with higher values in October/November. We find large uncertainties in the total sea ice volume and trend. The mean total sea ice volume is 10 120 ± 1280 km3 in October/November and 13 250 ± 1860 km3 in February/March for the time period 2005–2007. Based on these uncertainties we obtain trends in sea ice volume of −1450 ± 530 km3 a−1 in October/November and −880 ± 260 km3 a−1 in February/March over the ICESat period (2003–2008). Our results indicate that, taking into account the uncertainties, the decline in sea ice volume in the Arctic between the ICESat (2003–2008) and CryoSat-2 (2010–2012) periods may have been less dramatic than reported in previous studies. However, more work and validation is required to quantify these changes and analyse possible unresolved biases in the freeboard retrievals.
The Effects of Long Term Sleep and Exercise Deprivation on Total Serum Testosterone in Male Professional Drivers
Authors: Nabi Ghulam , Amin Muhammad , Khan Amjad , Ullah Rahim , Shuaib Muhammad , Khan Ayaz Ali
Published: April 2014

The aim of the present study was to find out the effects of long term sleep deprivation and lack of exercise on total serum testosterone level and their consequences in male professional drivers. This study was conducted at Mingora and Timergara in District Swat and District Dir respectively, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Blood samples were taken from 50 sleep deprived sluggish drivers and from 50 normal people of the same locality. A standard format questionnaire was designed regarding their age, marital status, number of children, mating frequency, duration and timing of sleep and habit of exercise. Bio-check (USA) kit was used according to the manufacturer protocol. The mean and standard deviation of total serum testosterone in control was 650 ± 110 ng/dl (P < 0.0001), and in drivers was 410 ± 33 ng/dl (P < 0.0001). Total serum testosterone level was significantly lower in sleep deprived and sluggish drivers as compared to control group. The ill effects like reduce sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, Absent morning erection, scare pubic hairs, decrease frequency for shaving, muscle weakness, fatigue, depression and poor memory were also reported from the drivers during blood sampling, but no such problems were found in the control group.Sleep deprivation especially REM and lack of exercise has a negative effect on total serum testosterone level. This low testosterone level in turn produces ill effects both on sexual and general body health.
Should Smaller Commercial Trucks Be Subject to Safety Regulations?
Authors: Corsi Thomas M. , Grimm Curtis , Cantor David , Wright Donald
Published: April 2014

Motor-carrier safety is a critical and challenging issue in the US motor-carrier industry. Despite the vast safety improvements in the industry, a continuing challenge is the economic costs associated with regulatory oversight of safety inspection programs. The purpose of this article is to compute the costs and associated benefits of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's driver and vehicle inspection program of commercial motor vehicles in the 10,001- to 26,000-lb category. Our analysis reveals that for every dollar spent in program costs, the benefits are $8.86.
Cultura de auditoria e governança iliberal: universidades e a política da responsabilização
Authors: Shore Cris
Published: April 2014

Os imperativos econômicos do neoliberalismo combinados com as tecnologias do Novo Gerenciamento Público forjaram profundas mudanças na organização do local de trabalho em muitas sociedades capitalistas contemporâneas. Práticas de cálculo que incluem “indicadores de desempenho” e são cada vez mais usados para medir e reformar organizações do setor público e melhorar a produtividade e a conduta de indivíduos em diversas profissões. Esses processos resultaram no desenvolvimento de uma “cultura de auditoria” mais e mais generalizada, que deriva sua legitimidade da sua pretensão de aumentar a transparência e a responsabilização . Utilizando exemplos do Reino Unido, especialmente a reforma das universidades depois da década de 1990, este artigo busca analisar as origens e difusão desta cultura de auditoria e teorizar suas implicações para a construção de subjetividades acadêmicas. As perguntas que faço são: Como essas tecnologias de auditoria estão remodelando o ambiente de trabalho e quais são os seus efeitos sobre o comportamento (e a subjetividade) dos acadêmicos? O que a análise da ascensão do gerencialismo nos diz sobre processos históricos mais amplos de poder e mudança na nossa sociedade? E por que os acadêmicos são aparentemente tão cúmplices nesses processos de auditoria e incapazes de desafiá-los?
O feminismo, o capitalismo e a astúcia da história
Authors: Fraser Nancy
Published: April 2014

Do feminism and neoliberalism share a secret affinity? In this article the author examine the co-option of gender politics by the “new spirit” of post-Fordist capitalism, and subordination of its radical critique to a neoliberal agenda, that instrumentalized the flags of second-wave feminism. Might a neoliberalism shift offer prospects for socialist-feminist renewal?
Heat transport in hyporheic zones due to bedforms: An experimental study
Authors: Norman Francis A. , Cardenas M. Bayani
Published: April 2014

Heat transport in hyporheic zones is critical for many temperature‐sensitive physical, chemical, and biological processes. It also plays a role in the energy balance of rivers. To complement previous theoretical studies, we investigated the effects of hyporheic flow due to bed topography on hyporheic thermal dynamics through flume experiments. Diel temperature cycles were imposed in the channel and propagation of temperature signals into the sediment was examined for three different bed morphologies (flat bed, pool‐riffle‐pool, and rippled bed), three‐channel flow rates, and two sediment grain sizes. Results show that the downwelling upstream and downstream of the bedforms and upwelling focused near the crest caused substantial advective heat transport and distinct thermal patterns in the sediment, with downwelling zones reflecting most of the surface water diel thermal range whereas upwelling zones were more buffered. Increasing permeability and channel flow rates increased advective transport. The results corroborate previous theoretical models further showing that hyporheic flow distinctly affects thermal patchiness in sediment. The results also have implications for heat tracing using analytical models which work well for flow fields without pronounced divergence and convergence and minimal dispersion, features atypical of hyporheic flow.
Debates—the future of hydrological sciences: A (common) path forward? Using models and data to learn: A systems theoretic perspective on the future of hydrological science
Authors: Gupta Hoshin V. , Nearing Grey S.
Published: April 2014

Key Points

Discovery can be advanced by taking a perspective based in Information Theory

Much can be gained by focusing on the a priori role of Process Modeling

System Parameterization can result in information loss
Debates—The future of hydrological sciences: A (common) path forward? A call to action aimed at understanding velocities, celerities and residence time distributions of the headwater hydrograph
Authors: McDonnell Jeffrey J. , Beven Keith
Published: April 2014

Key Points

Celerity is faster than velocity

Watershed models are evaluated only against celerity

Velocity must be addressed in future watershed models
Kinematics of the western Caribbean: Collision of the Cocos Ridge and upper plate deformation
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , LaFemina Peter , Geirsson Halldór , Chichaco Eric , Abrego Antonio A. , Mora Hector , Camacho Eduardo
Published: April 2014

Subduction of the Cocos plate and collision of the Cocos Ridge have profound effects on the kinematics of the western Caribbean, including crustal shortening, segmentation of the overriding plate, and tectonic escape of the Central American fore arc (CAFA). Tectonic models of the Panama Region (PR) have ranged from a rigid block to a deforming plate boundary zone. Recent expansion of GPS networks in Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia makes it possible to constrain the kinematics of the PR. We present an improved kinematic block model for the western Caribbean, using this improved GPS network to test a suite of tectonic models describing the kinematics of this region. The best fit model predicts an Euler vector for the counterclockwise rotation of the CAFA relative to the Caribbean plate at 89.10°W, 7.74°N, 1.193° Ma−1, which is expressed as northwest‐directed relative block rates of 11.3 ± 1.0–16.5 ± 1.1 mm a−1 from northern Costa Rica to Guatemala. This model also predicts high coupling along the Nicoya and Osa segments of the Middle American subduction zone. Our models demonstrate that the PR acts as a single tectonic block, the Panama block, with a predicted Euler vector of 107.65°W, 26.50°N, 0.133° Ma−1. This rotation manifests as northeast migration of the Panama block at rates of 6.9 ± 4.0–7.8 ± 4.8 mm a−1 from southern Costa Rica to eastern Panama. We interpret this motion as tectonic escape from Cocos Ridge collision, redirected by collision with the North Andes block, which migrates to the northwest at 12.2 ± 1.2 mm a−1.
Insights into Nanoscale Electrochemical Reduction in a Memristive Oxide: the Role of Three‐Phase Boundaries
Authors: Lenser Christian , Patt Marten , Menzel Stephan , Köhl Annemarie , Wiemann Carsten , Schneider Claus M. , Waser Rainer , Dittmann Regina
Published: April 2014

The nanoscale electro‐reduction in a memristive oxide is a highly relevant field for future non‐volatile memory materials. Photoemission electron microscopy is used to identify the conducting filaments and correlate them to structural features of the top electrode that indicate a critical role of the three phase boundary (electrode‐oxide‐ambient) for the electro‐chemical reduction. Based on simulated temperature profiles, the essential role of Joule heating through localized currents for electro‐reduction and morphology changes is demonstrated.
Metal/Semiconductor Hybrid Nanostructures for Plasmon‐Enhanced Applications
Authors: Jiang Ruibin , Li Benxia , Fang Caihong , Wang Jianfang
Published: April 2014

Hybrid nanostructures composed of semiconductor and plasmonic metal components are receiving extensive attention. They display extraordinary optical characteristics that are derived from the simultaneous existence and close conjunction of localized surface plasmon resonance and semiconduction, as well as the synergistic interactions between the two components. They have been widely studied for photocatalysis, plasmon‐enhanced spectroscopy, biotechnology, and solar cells. In this review, the developments in the field of (plasmonic metal)/semiconductor hybrid nanostructures are comprehensively described. The preparation of the hybrid nanostructures is first presented according to the semiconductor type, as well as the nanostructure morphology. The plasmonic properties and the enabled applications of the hybrid nanostructures are then elucidated. Lastly, possible future research in this burgeoning field is discussed.
Robust Mechanochromic Elastic One‐Dimensional Photonic Hydrogels for Touch Sensing and Flexible Displays
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Qiao , Wang Cai‐Feng , Zhou Zhen‐Fang , Chen Su
Published: April 2014

Mechanochromic materials which control their color variation by straightforward effective mechanical stimuli are useful for applications including switches, display devices, and sensors. It is still challenging to create mechnochromic materials with wide‐range color tunability, fast response, and sensitivity to pressure <10 kPa. Here a facile strategy to fabricate very sensitive and reversibly mechanochromic elastic photonic hydrogels (EPHs) is demonstrated. The hydrogels exhibit reversible full‐color variation within 1 s under each compression–decompression cycle. Importantly, EPH films display versatile touch‐induced chromatic behavior even under forces below 0.5 N or pressures down to 1 kPa. Furthermore, rewritable displays on EPH films are realized by the exertion of forces without any external inks. This work may provide a new way to develop smart skin materials with integrated functions of tactile sensing and color variation, as well as touch‐based flexible displays.
N‐Annulated Perylene as a Coplanar π‐Linker Alternative to Benzene as a Low Energy‐Gap, Metal‐Free Dye in Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Yao Zhaoyang , Yan Cancan , Zhang Min , Li Renzhi , Cai Yanchun , Wang Peng
Published: April 2014

Perylenes are well‐known pigments with excellent chemical, thermal, and photochemical stabilities and have been used in various optical and electronic fields. Although for sensitized mesoscopic solar cells there is rapid progress of metal‐free thiophene dyes, which now reach over 11.5% power conversion efficiency (PCE) at air mass 1.5 global (AM1.5G) conditions, the so far reported highest PCE of a perylene dye is only 6.8%. Here, a new metal‐free organic donor‐acceptor (D‐A) dye (C261) featuring a bisarylamino functionalized N‐annulated perylene electron‐releasing segment and a cyanoacrylic acid electron‐withdrawing unit is synthesized. Combining a mesoporous titania film grafted by this structurally simple perylene dye with a non‐corrosive cobalt redox shuttle, an 8.8% PCE is achieved at an irradiance of the AM1.5G sunlight. By selecting the model dye G221 as a reference, theoretical calculations, steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopies, and electrical measurements are used to compare the energy‐levels, light absorptions, and mutichannel charge transfer dynamics that contribute to the photovoltaic behavior.
Chemical effect of hydrodynamic cavitation: Simulation and experimental comparison
Authors: Capocelli Mauro , Musmarra Dino , Prisciandaro Marina , Lancia Amedeo
Published: April 2014

The chemical effect of hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) in a Venturi reactor from both the theoretical and the experimental point of view is dealt. A mathematical model is presented to simulate the global production of hydroxyl radicals; it is based on a set of ordinary differential equations that account for the hydrodynamics, mass diffusion, heat exchange, and chemical reactions inside the bubbles. Experimentally, the degradation of p‐nitrophenol (initial concentration 0.15 g dm−3) has been conducted in a lab scale Venturi reactor at inlet pressure ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 MPa and has been used to estimate the hydroxyl radical production. The optimum configuration, suggested by numerical simulations, has been experimentally confirmed. Thanks to the empirical validation, this novel modeling approach can be considered as a theoretical tool to identify the best configuration of HC operating parameters. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2566–2572, 2014
Design under uncertainty using parallel multiperiod dynamic optimization
Authors: Washington Ian D. , Swartz Christopher L. E.
Published: April 2014

A technique for optimizing dynamic systems under uncertainty using a parallel programming implementation is developed in this article. A multiple‐shooting discretization scheme is applied, whereby each shooting interval is solved using an error‐controlled differential equation solver. In addition, the uncertain parameter space is discretized, resulting in a multiperiod optimization formulation. Each shooting interval and period (scenario) realization is completely independent, thus a major focus of this article is on demonstrating potential computational performance improvement when the embedded dynamic model solution of the multiperiod algorithm is implemented in parallel. We assess our parallel multiperiod and multiple‐shooting‐based dynamic optimization algorithm on two case studies involving integrated plant and control system design, where the objective is to simultaneously determine the size of the process equipment and the control system tuning parameters that minimize cost, subject to uncertainty in the disturbance inputs. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3151–3168, 2014
Inclusive separation of acetophenone from petrochemical by‐product with 1‐phenylethanol via noncovalent interactions
Authors: Chai Kungang , Ji Hongbing
Published: April 2014

Separation of the barely studied mixture of acetophenone and 1‐phenylethanol, a typical by‐product obtained by oil refinery plant, based on the preferential affinity of β‐cyclodextrin (abbreviated as β‐CD) for acetophenone is focused. To demonstrate the potential application of β‐CD for separation of acetophenone from 1‐phenylethanol, the noncovalent interactions of β‐CD with acetophenone and 1‐phenylethanol were compared from thermodynamic and conformational points of view. For the purpose of separation, a multicomponent coprecipitation technique has been established based on the selective noncovalent binding property of β‐CD, which has been proved rigorously. Under the optimized conditions, the acetophenone/1‐phenylethanol equimolar binary mixture can be separated with a separation factor >37. For the petrochemical by‐product, which contains 74.93 wt % of acetophenone, 17.79 wt % of 1‐phenylethanol, and other minor compounds, expanding the separation scale, content of acetophenone in complex can get 99.2%, and the separation efficiency of β‐CD kept stable after recycling twice. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2962–2975, 2014
Fault detection and isolation in hybrid process systems using a combined data‐driven and observer‐design methodology
Authors: Tong Chudong , El‐Farra Nael H. , Palazoglu Ahmet , Yan Xuefeng
Published: April 2014

A combined data‐driven and observer‐design methodology for fault detection and isolation (FDI) in hybrid process systems with switching operating modes is proposed. The main contribution is to construct a unified framework for FDI by integrating Gaussian mixture models (GMM), subspace model identification (SMI), and results from unknown input observer (UIO) theory. Initially, a GMM is built to identify and describe the multimodality of hybrid systems using the recorded input/output process data. A state‐space model is then obtained for each specific operating mode based on SMI if the system matrices are unknown. An UIO is designed to estimate the system states robustly, based on which the fault detection is laid out through a multivariate analysis of the residuals. Finally, by designing a set of unknown input matrices for specific fault scenarios, fault isolation is performed through the disturbance‐decoupling principle from the UIO theory. A significant benefit of the developed framework is to overcome some of the limitations associated with individual model‐based and data‐based approaches in dealing with the problem of FDI in hybrid systems. Finally, the validity and effectiveness of the proposed monitoring framework are demonstrated using a numerical example, a simulated continuous stirred tank heater process, and the Tennessee Eastman benchmark process. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2805–2814, 2014
Regularization‐based statistical batch process modeling for final product quality prediction
Authors: Yan Zhengbing , Chiu Chih‐Chiun , Yao Yuan , Doing Weiwei
Published: April 2014

Prediction accuracy and model interpretation are two important aspects with regard to regression models. In the field of statistical modeling of chemical batch processes, most research focuses on prediction accuracy, while the importance of the latter aspect is often overlooked. In multiphase batch processes, it is possible that only a few phases are relevant to certain quality indices, while different time points belonging to the same relevant phase usually have similar contribution to the quality. The regression coefficients of batch process model should reflect such process characteristics, that is, the coefficients corresponding to the irrelevant phases should be close to zero, while the coefficients of each variable within the same phase should vary smoothly. In this study, regularization techniques are introduced to statistical modeling of chemical batch processes to achieve both accurate prediction and good interpretation. The application to an injection molding process shows the feasibility of the proposed methods. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 60: 2815–2827, 2014
Transient adsorption studies of automotive hydrocarbon traps
Authors: Luo Jing , McCabe Robert W. , Dearth Mark A. , Gorte Raymond J.
Published: April 2014

A chromatographic adsorption unit was designed and built to study the adsorption of alkanes in zeolites for the hydrocarbon trap systems in three‐way catalysts, to assist in the selection of optimal materials for this application. The experimental apparatus used a zeolite bed in place of the column in an ordinary gas chromatograph and could be accurately modeled to determine the adsorption equilibrium constants for simple alkanes in MFI zeolites. The adsorption of iso‐pentane was studied in BEA zeolites with varying Si/Al2 ratios, before and after ex situ zeolite aging simulating engine exhaust, and in the presence of water vapor. The elution times were shown to depend directly on the zeolite adsorption capacity. The primary effect of water was to decrease the iso‐pentane adsorption capacity by partial filling of the zeolite pores through adsorption of water at acid sites. Some implications of this work for choosing the best materials for hydrocarbon trapping are discussed. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2875–2881, 2014
Extractive distillation with the mixture of ionic liquid and solid inorganic salt as entrainers
Authors: Lei Zhigang , Xi Xiaomin , Dai Chengna , Zhu Jiqin , Chen Biaohua
Published: April 2014

The use of the mixture of ionic liquid (IL) and solid inorganic salt in place of the single IL as entrainers for extractive distillation, which integrates the advantages of a liquid solvent, that is, IL (easy operation and nonvolatility) and a solid salt (high separation ability) has been proposed in this work. The vapor–liquid equilibrium experiments indicated that the combination of [EMIM]+[Ac]− and KAc is the most promising for the separation of ethanol and water among all of the entrainers investigated. Based on the thermodynamic study, the conceptual process design was developed to evaluate the competitiveness of the suggested entrainers for the separation of ethanol and water. It was determined that the overall heat duty on reboilers in the extractive distillation process using the new mixed entrainers decreases 19.04% compared with the benchmark entrainer [EMIM]+[Ac]−. Moreover, the density functional theory and COSMO‐RS model were used to achieve theoretical insights at the molecular level. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2994–3004, 2014
Type 1 versus Type 2 calreticulin mutations in essential thrombocythemia: A collaborative study of 1027 patients
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Wassie Emnet A. , Guglielmelli Paola , Gangat Naseema , Belachew Alem A. , Lasho Terra L. , Finke Christy , Ketterling Rhett P. , Hanson Curtis A. , Pardanani Animesh , Wolanskyj Alexandra P. , Maffioli Margherita , Casalone Rosario , Pacilli Annalisa , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Passamonti Francesco
Published: April 2014

CALR (calreticulin) trails JAK2 as the second most mutated gene in essential thrombocythemia (ET). Mutant CALR in ET is a result of frameshift mutations, caused by exon 9 deletions or insertions; type‐1, 52‐bp deletion (p.L367fs*46), and type‐2, 5‐bp TTGTC insertion (p.K385fs*47) variants constitute more than 80% of these mutations. The current study includes a total of 1027 patients divided into test (n = 402) and validation (n = 625) cohorts. Among the 402 ET patients in the test cohort, 227 (57%) harbored JAK2, 11 (3%) Myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL), and 114 (28%) CALR mutations; 12% were wild‐type for all three mutations (i.e., triple‐negative). Among the 114 patients with CALR mutations, 51 (45%) displayed type‐1 and 44 (39%) type‐2 variants; compared to mutant JAK2, both variants were associated with higher platelet and lower hemoglobin and leukocyte counts. However, male sex was associated with only type‐1 (P = 0.005) and younger age with type‐2 (P = 0.001) variants. Notably, platelet count was significantly higher in type‐2 vs. type‐1 CALR‐mutated patients (P = 0.03) and the particular observation was validated in the validation cohort that included 111 CALR‐mutated ET patients (P = 0.002). These findings, coupled with the recent demonstration of preferential expression of mutant and wild‐type CALR in megakaryocytes, suggest differential effects of CALR variants on thrombopoiesis. Am. J. Hematol. 89:E121–E124, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relation between cigarette smoking and risk of acute myeloid leukemia: An updated meta‐analysis of epidemiological studies
Authors: Fircanis Sophia , Merriam Priscilla , Khan Naushaba , Castillo Jorge J.
Published: April 2014

Smoking has been postulated as an environmental risk factor for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The primary objective of this meta‐analysis of observational studies was to evaluate the epidemiologic relationship between smoking and the risk of development of AML. Twenty‐three studies published between January 1993 and December 2013 were included in our analysis, and accounted for 7,746 cases of AML. The outcome of interest was the relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of developing AML in adult cigarette smokers in comparison with non‐smokers, and was estimated using the random‐effects model. Our results showed that current and ever smokers have 40% (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.22–1.60; P < 0.001) and 25% (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15–1.36; P < 0.001) increased risk of developing AML when compared with non‐smokers. The increased RR of AML was increased regardless of sex, study design, geographical region, and quality of the studies. Intensity of smoking of <10, 10–20, 20–30, and >30 cigarettes per day was associated with RRs of AML of 1.27, 1.36, 1.55, and 1.77, respectively (P < 0.001 for trend). Duration of smoking of <20 and >20 years was associated with RRs of 1.07 and 1.44, respectively (P < 0.001 for trend). Cumulative smoking of <10, 10–20, 20–30, and >30 pack‐years was associated with RRs of 1.13, 1.23, 1.39, and 1.71, respectively (P < 0.001 for trend). Overall, cigarette smoking proves to be a significant risk factor for the development of AML in adults. Am. J. Hematol. 89:E125–E132, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptability in stone tool use by wild capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus)
Authors: De Moraes Bárbara Lins Caldas , Da Silva Souto Antonio , Schiel Nicola
Published: April 2014

Capuchin monkeys are well known for population variation in the use of stone tools and the types of food items consumed. In order to determine adaptability in stone tool use, we investigated a never before studied population of wild capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) displaying terrestrial habits in a Caatinga environment. To carry out this study we recorded physical evidence of the use of stone tools as well as made direct observations through trap cameras. During a 15‐month period, we studied a group ofSapajus libidinosusin Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil. In total, 257 anvils and 395 hammers were identified, characterized, and monitored. We identified five types of food items exploited at these “tool use sites”:Syagrus oleracea(catolé palm),Manihot epruinosa(manioc),Pilosocereus pachycladus(facheiro),Tacinga inamoena(quípa), andCommiphora leptophloeos(imburana de cambão). Five hundred three video clips of capuchin monkeys were recorded, 43 of which involved the use of stone tools. The results indicated evidence of adaptability in tool use by the capuchins. We verified that the rigidity and size of the food item, along with the presence or absence of spines seem to influence the choice of stone tools made by the animals for processing the food. The recurring use of tools for the processing of cacti was especially noteworthy and it appears that the presence of spines predisposes the capuchins to use stones to process them. A significant difference was observed between the characteristics of the anvils and the weight of the hammers according to the food item consumed. The use of tools enabled the animals to access otherwise unavailable or difficult to acquire food items within a Caatinga habitat. Adaptability in the use of stone tools by the capuchin monkey population of Serra Talhada provides an example of the complexity that these primates demonstrate in food processing. Am. J. Primatol. 76:967–977, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding the effects of nanocarbons on flexible polymer chain orientation and crystallization: Polyethylene/carbon nanochip hybrid fibrillar crystal growth
Authors: Green Emily C. , Zhang Yiying , Minus Marilyn L.
Published: April 2014

Polyethylene (PE)/carbon nanochip fibers (CNCF) fibrillar crystals were grown under shear flow. The fibrillar crystals ranged from 25 to 200 nm in diameter and bundled to form PE/CNCF macro‐fibers. The PE/CNCF fibers were further processed by hot‐drawing near the PE melting temperature. On the basis of small‐angle X‐ray analysis, it was found that during drawing the presence of CNCF led to continuous extended‐chain PE crystal growth. DSC melting peaks associated with transformation of the orthorhombic to a hexagonal lattice phase in the PE crystal structure (i.e., increased ordering and extension of the polymer chain along the fiber axis) was also observed for drawn hybrid PE/CNCF fibrillar crystals. The orientation factor for the extended‐chain (i.e., shish) crystals in the hybrid as compared to the control fibers improved from 0.88 to 0.93. This work shows the direct evidence that these nanocarbon fillers can promote extended‐chain polymer crystal growth under shear. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40763.
Complex of cisplatin with biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) with pendant carboxyl groups for the effective treatment of liver cancer
Authors: Li Jing , Hu Xiuli , Liu Ming , Hou Jie , Xie Zhigang , Huang Yubin , Jing Xiabin
Published: April 2014

Cisplatin was incorporated into polymeric carriers through the coordination of Pt with the carboxylic groups of methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG)‐block‐poly[(2‐carboxy‐ethylsulfanyl)‐propyl glycidyl ether] (PCPGE). The mPEG‐b‐PCPGE/Pt complexes with a Pt content of 14 wt % could self‐assemble into spheric micelles with diameter of about 80 nm in aqueous solution. The effective internalization of the polymer platinum micelles by the cells via an endocytosis mechanism was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. The antitumor activity of the polymeric micelles was similar to that of cisplatin in vitro. The in vivo blood clearance of platinum was studied, and the results show that the micelles exhibited longer blood circulation than the free cisplatin. The biodistribution of cisplatin and its micelles in mice was studied through the measurement of the Pt content in plasma, organs, and tumors, especially in tumor cell DNA. Their antitumor activity in vivo, assessed in mice bearing H22 liver cancers, showed that the micelles exhibited greater antitumor efficacy than free cisplatin. Therefore, this polymer platinum micelle is a promising candidate as a smart antitumor drug carrier for malignancy therapy in future clinical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40764.
Influence of microwave heating time on the structure and properties of chitosan films
Authors: Jacquot Charlotte , Jacquot Muriel , Marques Patrícia , Jasniewski Jordane , Akhtar Muhammad Javeed , Didelot Anne‐Sophie , Desobry Stéphane
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate chitosan film behavior during microwave heating for 10 different heating times from 0 to 40 min. Chitosan films were produced by casting. Their structure and properties were investigated with several techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, but also by the measurement of the film color and the mechanical properties or by the study of the rheological properties of the rehydrated films. An original technique of gas chromatography (electronic nose) was used to analyze the film odor and highlight the presence of volatile compounds related to the Maillard reaction occurring during film heating. The results show that structural modifications occurred in two steps; this affected the polymer structure, such as the crystallization and chain scission. The appearance of the neoformed compounds was also observed and must be controlled to guarantee the safety of this food‐contact packaging material. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40779.
Temperature‐triggered disintegrable poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) nanoparticles via heterophase polymerization in the presence of tetramethylethylenediamine and sodium dodecyl sulfate
Authors: Chen Yan , Sajjadi Shahriar
Published: April 2014

In this work, polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) in the presence of N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been studied. The ability to control the characteristics of resulting particles was investigated via varying the concentrations of monomer, SDS, and TEMED used in the polymerization. Particles formed in the absence of TEMED were not completely soluble in water below lower critical solution temperature (LCST) but were quite stable. With the help of TEMED, fully disintegrable particles in water below LCST could be produced but at the cost of low stability. Electrophoretic measurements showed a substantial decrease in zeta potential of resulting colloids due to many neutral radicals generated by TEMED. With the aid of a small amount of SDS, stable temperature‐triggered water‐disintegrable polyNIPAM particles as small as 70 nm could be obtained. However, excessive use of SDS caused the particles to swell in the course of reaction and therefore adversely affected particles size and properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40781.
Structure and mechanical properties of blends of an amorphous polyamide and an amorphous copolyester
Authors: Granado Ainhoa , Iturriza Lara , Eguiazábal Jose Ignacio
Published: April 2014

This article deals with the structure and mechanical properties of blends of an amorphous copolyester (PCTG) and an amorphous polyamide (aPA) which were directly prepared during the plasticization step of an injection molding process. The blends were composed by an almost pure aPA phase, and a PCTG‐rich phase where some aPA subparticles are present. The morphology of the blends showed both rather fine dispersed particles and occasionally large particles with occluded subparticles. This complex morphology indicated a low interface tension attributed to the presence of some aPA in the PCTG‐rich phase of the blends. The almost linear behavior of the modulus of elasticity was attributed to the constancy of the main structural characteristics upon blending and the equally linear ductility to the good adhesion level and the presence of thin and elongated morphologies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40785.
A facile method of using sulfobetaine‐containing copolymers for biofouling resistance
Authors: Liu Qingsheng , Li Wenchen , Wang Hua , Liu Lingyun
Published: April 2014

Antifouling materials are desirable for many biomedical applications. In this work, the poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate‐co‐butyl methacrylate) (PSB) copolymers were investigated for their antifouling properties. The copolymers were synthesized via a simple free‐radical polymerization with feed ratio of the zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) varying from 0 to 20 mol %. The polymer composition was verified by nuclear magnetic resonance. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasmon resonance were used to evaluate protein adsorption on a series of PSB copolymers from the single protein solution of fibrinogen, undiluted human blood serum, and undiluted human blood plasma. Results show that the protein adsorption amount decreased with the increasing content of SBMA in the copolymers. The adsorption levels achieved by PSB containing 20 mol % SBMA (PSB20) were only 4, 17, and 15 ng/cm2 from fibrinogen, serum, and plasma, respectively, which represented 99%, 90%, and 90% reduction compared with the adsorption amounts on poly(butyl methacrylate) with no SBMA. The PSB20 film also completely inhibited endothelial cell attachment. Fouling resistance of PSB polymers can be well correlated with their receding water contact angles, which represent the polymer surface compositions in aqueous environment. The excellent antifouling abilities of PSB copolymers, combined with the facial synthesis method, commercial availability of all monomers, and low cost, render them highly promising for wide practical applications. The polymers can be applied versatilely as both solvent‐cast films and surface coatings. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40789.
Viscosity changes of aqueous carboxymethyl starch by partial crosslinking and montmorillonite addition
Authors: Zdanowicz Magdalena , Spychaj Tadeusz
Published: April 2014

Slightly crosslinked carboxymethyl starch (cCMS) with degree of substitution (DS) 0.8–0.9 was prepared using mono‐ and di‐chloroacetic acids (MCA and DCA, respectively). Constant molar ratio of halogenated acetic acid derivatives to anhydroglucosidic unit (AGU) was adjusted (MCA+DCA):AGU=1.75:1; whereas, DCA:AGU ratio was changed in a range 0–0.10:1. The viscosity of 2 wt % cCMS aqueous solutions increased substantially for very slightly crosslinked product (DCA:AGU molar ratio 0.0075), in comparison to unmodified CMS, up to 170,000 mPa·s at 1 rpm, and 16,000 mPa·s, respectively. Some viscosity decrease of cCMS solutions during storing was observed. The explanation of this phenomenon was discussed and supported by 1H NMR results. The rheological properties of cCMS solutions as well as aqueous cCMS/clay dispersions with various type of montmorillonite (MMT): sodium, calcium and organophilized as shear‐thinning systems were evaluated on a basis of power law model. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40793.
Selective etching of polylactic acid in poly(styrene)‐block‐poly(d,l)lactide diblock copolymer for nanoscale patterning
Authors: Cummins Cian , Mokarian‐Tabari Parvaneh , Holmes Justin D. , Morris Michael A.
Published: April 2014

Self‐assembled thin films of a lamellar forming polystyrene‐block‐poly(d,l)lactide (PS‐b‐PLA) block copolymer (BCP) contain a “reactive” block that can be readily removed to provide a template for substrate pattern formation. Various methods of PLA removal were studied here with a view to develop the system as an on‐chip etch mask for substrate patterning. Solvo‐microwave annealing was used to induce microphase separation in PS‐b‐PLA BCP with a periodicity of 34 nm (Lo) on silicon and silicon on insulator (SOI) substrates. Wet etches based on alkaline and enzymatic solutions were studied in depth. Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) analysis showed that basic hydrolysis using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) solutions resulted in greater PLA removal in comparison to an enzymatic approach using Proteinase K in a Tris‐HCl buffer solution. However, in the enzymatic approach, the characteristic self‐assembled fingerprint patterns were retained with less damage. Comparison to a dry etch procedure using a reactive ion etch (RIE) technique was made. A detailed study of the etch rate of PS and PLA homopolymer and PS‐b‐PLA shows depending on DC bias, the etch selectivity of PLA and PS
can be almost doubled from 1.7 at DC bias 145 V to 3 at DC bias 270 V. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40798.

Together with Krebs et al., J. Appl. Polym. Sci. (2014) 131, 40795, doi:10.1002/app.40795, this article is part of a Special Issue on Polymers for Microelectronics. The remaining articles appear in J. Appl. Polym. Sci. (2014) volume 131, issue 24. This note was added on 1st July 2014.
Belief dynamics in web search
Authors: White Ryen W.
Published: April 2014

People frequently answer consequential questions, such as those with a medical focus, using Internet search engines. Their primary goal is to revise or establish beliefs in one or more outcomes. Search engines are not designed to furnish answers, and instead provide results that may contain answers. Information retrieval research has targeted aspects of information access such as query formulation, relevance, and search success. However, there are important unanswered questions on how beliefs‐and potential biases in those beliefs‐affect search behaviors and how beliefs are shaped by searching. To understand belief dynamics, we focus on yes‐no medical questions (e.g., “Is congestive heart failure a heart attack?”), with consensus answers from physicians. We show that (a) presearch beliefs are affected only slightly by searching and changes are likely to skew positive (yes); (b) presearch beliefs affect search behavior; (c) search engines can shift some beliefs by manipulating result rank and availability, but strongly‐held beliefs are difficult to move using uncongenial information and can be counterproductive, and (d) search engines exhibit near‐random answer accuracy. Our findings suggest that search engines should provide correct answers to searchers’ questions and develop methods to persuade searchers to shift strongly held but factually incorrect beliefs.
Efficient expression of a soluble lipid transfer protein (LTP) of Platanus orientalis using short peptide tags and structural comparison with the natural form
Authors: Salari Farhad , Vahedi Fatemeh , Chamani Jamshidkhan , Varasteh Abdolreza , Ketabdar Hanieh , Sankian Mojtaba
Published: April 2014

Successful recombinant allergen‐based immunotherapy has drawn a great deal of attention to use recombinant allergens for new therapeutic and/or diagnostic strategies. The Escherichia coli expression system is frequently used to produce recombinant allergens; however, protein expression in E. coli often results in inclusion bodies. Here, we focused on the expression of two recombinant soluble forms of Pla or 3 using solubility‐enhancing peptide tags, human immune deficiency virus type 1 transactivator of transcription core domain and poly‐arginine–lysine: rTAT–Pla or 3 and rPoly‐Arg–Lys–Pla or 3. Structural characteristics and IgE reactivity of purified recombinant proteins were compared with natural Pla or 3 (nPla or 3) isolated from Platanus orientalis using circular dichroism spectra, fluorescence spectroscopy, and immunoblotting. Likewise, intrinsic viscosity and Stokes radius of the natural and recombinant Pla or 3 allergens were determined to analyze structural compactness in aqueous media. The results indicate high‐level solubility and efficient expression of the fusion proteins (rTAT–Pla or 3 and rPoly‐Arg–Lys–Pla or 3) compared with the wild‐type recombinant. Furthermore, the similar structural characteristics and IgE‐binding activities of the fusion proteins to nPla or 3 provide a promising tool for allergy diagnosis and treatment.
De novo 2q36.1q36.3 interstitial deletion involving the PAX3 and EPHA4 genes in a fetus with spina bifida and cleft palate
Authors: Goumy Carole , Gay‐Bellile Mathilde , Eymard‐Pierre Eléonore , Kemeny Stephan , Gouas Laetitia , Déchelotte Pierre , Gallot Denis , Véronèse Lauren , Tchirkov Andrei , Pebrel‐Richard Céline , Vago Philippe
Published: April 2014

Background

Interstitial 2q36 deletion is a rare event. Only two previously published cases of 2q36 deletions were characterized using array‐CGH. This is the first case diagnosed prenatally.

Methods

We report on the prenatal diagnosis of a 2q36.1q36.3 interstitial deletion in a fetus with facial dysmorphism, spina bifida, and cleft palate.

Results

Array‐CGH analysis revealed a 5.6 Mb interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 2q36.1q36.3, including the PAX3 and EPHA4 genes.

Conclusion

The present study reinforces the hypothesis that PAX3 haploinsufficiency may be associated with neural tube defects in humans and suggests that the EPHA4 gene might be implicated during palate development. This report also illustrates the added value of array‐CGH to detect cryptic chromosomal imbalances in malformed fetuses and to improve genetic counseling prenatally. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:507–511, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An investigation of the role of the adiponectin variable domain on the stability of the collagen‐like domain
Authors: Harris Paul W. R. , Hampe Lutz , Radjainia Mazdak , Brimble Margaret A. , Mitra Alok K.
Published: April 2014

The chemical synthesis is described of a polypeptide construct possessing both the variable and the collagen‐like domain of adiponectin, which can be used as a model system for probing the influence of the variable domain on multimerization of this important circulating hormone. Using a collagen domain repeat peptide unit derived from native adiponectin or a glutamic acid analogue was ineffective due to noncollagenous conformational properties in both cases. However, employing a collagen model peptide and linking this to the variable domain thioester peptide using native chemical ligation proved effective. The 63 residue peptide was characterized by circular dichroism and mass spectrometry which demonstrated that a collagen‐like triple‐helical structure was preserved. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 102: 313–321, 2014.