bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioaccumulation, toxicokinetics, and effects of copper from sediment spiked with aqueous Cu, nano-CuO, or micro-CuO in the deposit-feeding snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum
Authors: Pang Chengfang , Selck Henriette , Banta Gary T. , Misra Superb K. , Berhanu Deborah , Dybowska Agnieszka , Valsami-Jones Eugenia , Forbes Valery E.
Published: March 2013

The present study examined the relative importance of copper (aqueous Cu and CuO particles of different sizes) added to sediment to determine the bioaccumulation, toxicokinetics, and effects in the deposit feeder Potamopyrgus antipodarum. In experiment 1, the bioaccumulation of Cu (240 µg Cu/g dry wt of sediment) added as aqueous Cu (CuCl2), nano- (6 nm, 100 nm), or micro- (<5 µm) CuO particles in adult snails was measured. In experiment 2, a more comprehensive analysis of the toxicokinetics of Cu (aqueous Cu, 6 nm, or 100 nm) was conducted. In experiment 3, the effects of Cu form (aqueous Cu and 6 nm CuO) on juvenile growth and survival at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 µg Cu/g dry weight sediment were assessed. Snails took up less of the 5-µm CuO particles than nano-CuO or aqueous Cu. A substantial fraction of Cu taken up was associated with shell, and this was rapidly lost when snails were transferred to clean sediment. Net uptake rates from sediment amended with 6 nm CuO and aqueous Cu were significantly higher (∼40–50%) than from sediment amended with 100 nm CuO. During 2 wk of depuration, there were no significant differences in depuration rates (kd) among forms (aqueous Cu: kd = −0.12 wk−1; 6 nm CuO: kd = −0.22 wk−1; 100 nm CuO: kd = −0.2 wk−1). Average juvenile growth was reduced by 0.11 mm (41%) at measured exposure concentrations of 127.2 µg Cu/g dry weight sediment for aqueous Cu and 71.9 µg Cu/g dry weight sediment for 6 nm CuO compared with control; however, differences between forms were not statistically significant. Juvenile snails in the highest exposure concentrations (aqueous Cu and 6-nm CuO groups pooled) reduced their growth by 0.18 mm on average (67%) compared with the control group. Although we observed minor differences in toxicity among Cu forms, effects on juvenile snail growth occurred at bulk sediment concentrations lower than those in the Canadian interim sediment quality guidelines. Characterization of the CuO particles showed that particle size distributions of commercially prepared particles deviated substantially from the manufacturers' specifications and highlighted the importance of fully characterizing particles when using them in toxicity tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1561–1573. © 2013 SETAC
Dynamic effective properties of heterogeneous geological formations with spherical inclusions under periodic time variations
Authors: Rabinovich A. , Dagan G. , Miloh T.
Published: March 2013

In unsteady groundwater flow (or similar processes of heat/electrical conduction), the heterogeneous medium structure is characterized by two random properties, the conductivity K and the specific storativity S. The average head field ⟨H ⟩and the associated effective properties Kef, Sef are determined for a layer with a periodic head drop between boundaries, such that H is periodic in time, and a medium made up of a matrix with a dilute concentration of spherical inclusions. In the common quasi‐steady approximation, Kef is equal to the classical steady solution while Sef = SA, the arithmetic mean. We derive expressions for the frequency dependent Kef, Sef, which are generally complex, i.e., dynamic. The main result is the delineation of the ranges of the parameters: dimensionless frequency (ω) and contrasts of conductivity (κ) and storativity (s) between the matrix and the inclusions, for which dynamic effects are significant.
Infragravity waves in the deep ocean: An upward revision
Authors: Aucan J. , Ardhuin F.
Published: March 2013

Ocean infragravity waves are surface gravity waves with periods of several minutes and corresponding wavelengths of up to tens of kilometers. When propagating freely in the deep ocean, these waves are typically small, several centimeters at most, so they have been seldom studied. In the context of future wide‐swath altimetry missions, these waves need to be better quantified as they have wavelengths that will be resolved by such instruments. Here, we analyze the global climatology and variability of infragravity waves in the deep ocean using data from over 40 open ocean locations, with depths larger than 2000 m. We show that typical infragravity wave heights are higher than previously estimated, with winter‐averaged values up to 11 mm off the U.S. West Coast, and typically less than 6 mm in the tropics. The mid to high latitudes exhibit a strong seasonal cycle consistent with the local variability of the wind‐waves, while the tropical Pacific has a higher energy level during the Austral winter that does not correlate well with the local wind‐waves, suggesting a remote source for the recorded infragravity waves. These infragravity wave energies are expected to be a significant contribution to the error budget for possible measurements of sea level associated to sub‐mesoscale currents at horizontal scales around 10 km. Hence, a global numerical model of infragravity waves will likely be necessary for the analysis of the planned Surface Water Ocean Topography mission.
Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy as primary treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: May James T. , Rao Nikhil , Sabater Roberto D. , Boutrid Hinda , Caudell Jimmy J. , Merchant Faisal , Han Gang , Padhya Tapan A. , McCaffrey Judith C. , Tanvetyanon Tawee , Deconti Ronald , Kish Julie , McCaffrey Thomas V. , Trotti Andy
Published: March 2013

Background

Over the past decade, intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has gained widespread use in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

Methods

All patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx treated with primary IMRT with or without chemotherapy over a 5‐year period were reviewed. Outcomes and morbidity were analyzed and compared with previously published data.

Results

In all, 170 patients were included in the analysis. The 3‐year local control, locoregional control, disease‐free survival, and overall survival rates were 92%, 91%, 80%, and 87%, respectively. Feeding tubes were present in 55% of patients during treatment, but remained in only 1% 2 years following treatment.

Conclusions

This study confirms that IMRT yields excellent treatment outcomes for oropharyngeal carcinoma. Although acute toxicity remains a problem, late toxicity rates are low and long‐term feeding tube dependence is rare compared with conventional radiation therapy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1796–1800, 2013
Reduction of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels And Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Receiving 10 Years of Nucleoside Analogue Therapy
Authors: Seto Wai-Kay , Wong Danny Ka-Ho , Fung James , Huang Fung-Yu , Lai Ching-Lung , Yuen Man-Fung
Published: March 2013

The profile and clinical significance of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels during long-term nucleoside analogue (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is undetermined. From 1994 to 2002, 322 Chinese CHB patients were started on lamivudine in our center. Patients were recruited if they were continuously treated with lamivudine for at least 10 years and maintained favorable virologic responses throughout therapy (HBV DNA <2,000 IU/mL). HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were measured serially, and the predictability of HBsAg kinetics in determining NA-related HBsAg seroclearance was determined. Seventy patients were recruited, of which 43 (61.4%) were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive. Fifty-two (74.3%) patients had undetectable viremia (HBV DNA <20 IU/mL) during therapy. Fifteen (21.4%) patients were followed up for 15 years. The median rate of HBsAg reduction was 0.104 log IU/mL/year, with no significant difference found when comparing patients who were HBeAg-positive versus HBeAg-negative, were genotype B versus C, and had detectable versus undetectable viremia during therapy (all P > 0.05). Seven (10%) patients achieved HBsAg seroclearance, and when compared with the remaining 63 patients, had significantly lower median baseline HBsAg levels (P = 0.012) and a greater median rate of HBsAg reduction (P < 0.001). Baseline HBsAg levels and the rate of HBsAg reduction achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.860 (P = 0.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.742-0.978) and 0.794 (P = 0.018; 95% CI, 0.608-0.979), respectively. Baseline HBsAg <1,000 IU/mL and on-treatment reduction of HBsAg >0.166 log IU/mL/year were optimal cutoff levels in predicting subsequent HBsAg seroclearance (negative predictive values, 98.1% and 97.8%, respectively). Conclusion: Low baseline HBsAg levels and greater rate of HBsAg reduction achieved high predictive values for predicting HBsAg seroclearance, strengthening the prognostic role of HBsAg measurements during NA therapy. (Hepatology 2013;53:923–931)
Poly (ε‐caprolactone) scaffolds functionalized by grafting NGF and GRGD promote growth and differentiation of PC12 cells
Authors: Chung Tze‐Wen , Lai Dar‐Ming , Chen Shin‐Der , Lin Ya‐I
Published: March 2013

Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds functionalized by grafting nerve growth factor (NGF) and Asp‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp (GRGD)(PCL‐NGF/GRGD) for neural tissue engineering. The influences of PCL‐NGF/GRGD scaffolds on the growth and differentiation of PC12 cells were investigated. The successfully grafting NGF and GRGD into PCL‐CS scaffold were verified by FTIR spectra. The densities of GRGD and NGF in the scaffolds were about 2.10×10−1 μmol/cm2 and 1.51×10−3 nmol/cm2. Growths of PC12 cells in PCL‐GRGD and PCL/NGF‐GRGD scaffolds via MTS measurements were significantly higher (p < 0.01, n = 4) than that in PCL‐CS or PCL‐NGF ones for three days of cultivation that was consistent with SEM observations. Moreover, the differentiation of PC12 cells, induced by NGF at 50 ng/mL for four days, in PCL‐NGF/GRGD scaffolds were qualitatively more numbers and longer outgrowth of neurites than those in PCL‐CS, PCL‐GRGD, and PCL‐NGF ones by SEM observations. The synergistic effects of grafting both NGF and GRGD ligands to PCL‐CS scaffolds on the growth and differentiation of PC12 cells provide a new biomaterial for neural tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 315–323, 2014.
Function of the master energy regulator adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase in stroke
Authors: Manwani Bharti , McCullough Louise D.
Published: March 2013

Adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an evolutionarily conserved signaling molecule that is emerging as one of the most important energy sensors in the body. AMPK monitors cellular energy status and is activated via phosphorylation when energy stores are low. This allows for maintenance of energy homeostasis by promoting catabolic pathways for ATP production and limiting processes that consume ATP. Growing number of stimuli have been shown to activate AMPK, and AMPK has been implicated in many diverse biological processes, including cell polarity, autophagy, and senescence. The effect of AMPK activation and its biological functions are extremely diverse and depend on both the overall energy “milieu” and the location and duration of activation. AMPK has tissue‐ and isoform‐specific functions in the brain vs. periphery. These functions and the pathways activated also appear to differ by cell location (hypothalamus vs. cortex), cell type (astrocyte vs. neuron), and duration of exposure. Short bursts of AMPK activation have been found to be involved in ischemic preconditioning and neuronal survival; however, prolonged AMPK activity during ischemia leads to neuronal cell death. AMPK may also underlie some of the beneficial effects of hypothermia, a potential therapy for ischemic brain injury. This review discusses the role of AMPK in ischemic stroke, a condition of severe energy depletion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catalyzing Inspirational Leadership: Aproaches and Metrics for Twenty‐First‐Century Executives
Authors: Seidman Dov
Published: March 2013

Seidman believes that in order to become the most successful and inspirational, leaders must fundamentally change the way they operate. Strong values will both catalyze and support new behaviors among their followers, ultimately leading to the still‐rare status of organizational self‐governance. Seidman's company, LRN, developed the HOW Report, which analyzed how areas such as leadership, governance, and culture affected performance worldwide. Only 3 percent have reached self‐governance, where a company is “built on a purpose‐driven mission, guided by values and permeated with trust.” Besides these three areas, he suggests concentrating on rethinking fundamentals, being deliberate about culture change, and embracing transparency.
Lost and Found in a Brave New World
Authors: Wheatley Margaret (Meg)
Published: March 2013

Wheatley contends that as a global culture, we are essentially lost in an unsatisfying world of “hyper speed, hyper stress, and hyper irrationality.” Yet many may not recognize being lost, because they first deny it is happening. She suggests that leaders must create new maps, which first entails admitting that we are lost, in order to create something new and better. This leads to an ongoing process of experimentation, reflecting and learning, and taking in new information and diverse perspectives. The process “needs to be a collective recognition, not just an announcement by the leader.”
Estimation of single‐kidney glomerular filtration rate without exogenous contrast agent
Authors: He Xiang , Aghayev Ayaz , Gumus Serter , Bae K. Ty
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Measurement of single‐kidney filtration fraction and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) without exogenous contrast is clinically important to assess renal function and pathophysiology, especially for patients with comprised renal function. The objective of this study is to develop a novel MR‐based tool for noninvasive quantification of renal function using conventional MR arterial spin labeling water as endogenous tracer.

Theory and Methods

The regional differentiation of the arterial spin labeling water between the glomerular capsular space and the renal parenchyma was characterized and measured according to their MR relaxation properties (T1ρ or T2), and applied to the estimation of filtration fraction and single‐kidney GFR. The proposed approach was tested to quantify GFR in healthy volunteers at baseline and after a protein‐loading challenge.

Results

Biexponential decay of the cortical arterial spin labeling water MR signal was observed. The major component decays the same as parenchyma water; the minor component decays much slower as expected from glomerular ultra‐filtrates. The mean single‐kidney GFR was estimated to be 49 ± 9 mL/min at baseline and increased by 28% after a protein‐loading challenge.

Conclusion

We developed an arterial spin labeling‐based MR imaging method that allows us to estimate renal filtration fraction and singe‐kidney GFR without use of exogenous contrast. Magn Reson Med 71:257–266, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of backbone moiety in epoxies on thermal conductivity of epoxy/alumina composite
Authors: Giang Thanhkieu , Park Jaeman , Cho Inhee , Ko Youngjun , Kim Jinhwan
Published: March 2013

We chose two commercial epoxies, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) and 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethyl‐4,4′‐biphenol diglycidyl ether (TMBP), and synthesized one liquid crystalline epoxy (LCE), 4′4′‐bis(4‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐diaminophenylene diglycidyl ether (LCE‐DP) to investigate the effect of backbone moiety in epoxies on the thermal conductivity of epoxy/alumina composite. The DGEBA structure shows an amorphous state and the TMBP structure displays a crystal phase, whereas the LCE‐DP structure exhibits a liquid crystalline phase. The curing behaviors of them were examined employing 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) as a curing agent. The heat of curing of epoxy resin was measured with dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Alumina (Al2O3) of commercial source was applied as an inorganic filler. Thermal conductivity was measured by laser flash method and compared with value predicted by two theoretical models, Lewis‐Nielsen and Agari‐Uno. The results indicated that the thermal conductivity of the LCE‐DP structure was larger than that of the commercial epoxy resins such as TMBP and DGEBA and the experimental data fitted quite well in the values estimated by Agari‐Uno model. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Post curing effect of poly epoxy on visco‐elastic and mechanical properties of different sandwich structures
Authors: Khan Laraib Alam , Mahmood Ali Hasan , Khan Zaffar
Published: March 2013

Poly epoxy is a high performance room temperature cured epoxy system which provides excellent physical and mechanical properties. However, the effects of post curing of this resin system on the properties of different sandwich structures are unknown. This study aims to evaluate the effect of post curing (at 70°C for 2 hr) on the edgewise compressive and flexural strengths of a sandwich structure, constructed with Styrofoam and honeycomb as core materials and a plain weave carbon fabric as face sheet. Tested factors evaluated from edgewise compressive tests were as follows: peak load, compressive strength, and crash energy absorption of sandwich structures while core shear stress and bending stress of sandwich structures were determined and compared with flexural tests. It was observed that post curing affects significantly on the bending and compressive strengths of the sandwich structures. However, the data obtained for crash energy absorption suggested that the effect of post curing on the core shear strength and the total deflection was statistically insignificant. The matrix polymer was also inspected using dynamic‐mechanical thermal analysis to assess the changes in glass transition temperature and degree of conversion due to post cure. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Clinical and Financial Impact of Pharmacy Services in the Intensive Care Unit: Pharmacist and Prescriber Perceptions
Authors: MacLaren Robert , Brett McQueen R. , Campbell Jon
Published: March 2013

Study Objective

To compare pharmacist and prescriber perceptions of the clinical and financial outcomes of pharmacy services in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

ICU pharmacists were invited to participate in the survey and were asked to invite two ICU prescriber colleagues to complete questionnaires.

Setting

ICUs with clinical pharmacy services.

Methods

The questionnaires were designed to solicit frequency, efficiency, and perceptions about the clinical and financial impact (on a 10‐point scale) of pharmacy services including patient care (eight functions), education (three functions), administration (three functions), and scholarship (four functions). Basic services were defined as fundamental, and higher‐level services were categorized as desirable or optimal. Respondents were asked to suggest possible sources of funding and reimbursement for ICU pharmacy services.

Results

Eighty packets containing one 26‐item pharmacy questionnaire and two 16‐item prescriber questionnaires were distributed to ICU pharmacists. Forty‐one pharmacists (51%) and 46 prescribers (29%) returned questionnaires. Pharmacists had worked in the ICU for 8.3 ± 6.4 years and devoted 50.3 ± 18.7% of their efforts to clinical practice. Prescribers generally rated the impact of pharmacy services more favorably than pharmacists. Fundamental services were provided more frequently and were rated more positively than desirable or optimal services across both groups. The percent efficiencies of providing services without the pharmacist ranged between 40% and 65%. Both groups indicated that salary support for the pharmacist should come from hospital departments of pharmacy or critical care or colleges of pharmacy. Prescribers were more likely to consider other sources of funding for pharmacist salaries. Both groups supported reimbursement of clinical pharmacy services.

Conclusion

Critical care pharmacy activities were associated with perceptions of beneficial clinical and financial outcomes. Prescribers valued most services more than pharmacists. Fundamental services were viewed more favorably than desirable or optimal services, possibly because they occurred more frequently or were required for safe patient care. Substantial inefficiencies may occur if pharmacy services disappeared. Considerable support existed for funding and reimbursement of critical care pharmacy services.
Nephrotoxicity in Patients with Vancomycin Trough Concentrations of 15–20 μg/ml in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Cies Jeffrey J. , Shankar Venkat
Published: March 2013

Study Objectives

To determine if a higher serum vancomycin (Vt) target trough concentration of 15–20 μg/ml or greater is associated with an increased rate of vancomycin‐induced nephrotoxicity in children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and to determine risk factors for developing vancomycin‐induced nephrotoxicity.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A PICU within a freestanding tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Patients

A total of 113 patients received vancomycin for at least 48 hours The high–trough cohort (H group [57 patients]) received vancomycin therapy between November 2008 and June 2009 for pneumonia, bacteremia, or meningitis that was managed by a clinical pharmacist who directed dosage adjustments driven by a novel algorithm to attain a target Vt concentration of 15–20 μg/ml or greater; the control group (C group [56 patients]) received vancomycin therapy during the preceding 10 months (between January and October 2008) for pneumonia or meningitis using standard dosing guidelines with lower target Vt concentrations of 5–15 μg/ml.

Measurements and Main Results

The highest grade of renal dysfunction according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events criteria, v.4.0, was recorded. The mean ± SD Vt was 17.8 ± 3.1 and 8.4 ± 3.1 in the H and C groups, respectively (p<0.001). The rate of grade 1 nephrotoxicity was not significantly different between groups (8.8% in the H group vs 5.4% in the C group; p=0.72). No patient in either group developed a higher grade of renal dysfunction. In the univariable analysis, duration of vancomycin therapy (odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.02, p=0.003), use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13–1.75, p=0.003), and vasopressor use (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.11–1.37, p<0.001) were associated with nephrotoxicity. In the multivariable analysis, vasopressor use (OR 11.1, 95% CI 1.4–85, p=0.021) and duration of therapy were associated with nephrotoxicity (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04–1.37, p=0.011).

Conclusion

Our observations suggest that maintaining Vt concentrations 15 µg/ml or greater is not associated with an increased rate of nephrotoxicity in a PICU population.
Cobicistat: A New Boost for the Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Shah Bhavik M. , Schafer Jason J. , Priano James , Squires Kathleen E.
Published: March 2013

Ritonavir is commonly used as a pharmacokinetic booster for antiretroviral regimens in the management of human immunodeficiency virus infections. Limitations to ritonavir boosting include increased pill burden, adverse effects, and a wide range of clinically significant drug‐drug interactions. Cobicistat is a new pharmacokinetic booster that is a selective inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A, the main metabolizing pathway of several antiretrovirals. Cobicistat has been studied as a booster for elvitegravir, a second‐generation integrase inhibitor, and protease inhibitors. Based on successful clinical trials, a new single‐tablet regimen of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir has been approved for the management of treatment‐naïve patients. Additional studies are underway investigating the safety and efficacy of cobicistat‐boosted protease inhibitor regimens for both treatment‐naïve and treatment‐experienced patients. Cobicistat is well tolerated and may become a preferred booster for antiretroviral regimens, as it can be coformulated with several agents to create simpler regimens.
Quantum phase transitions in heavy fermion metals and Kondo insulators
Authors: Si Qimiao , Paschen Silke
Published: March 2013

Strongly correlated electron systems at the border of magnetism are of active current interest, particularly because the accompanying quantum criticality provides a route towards both strange‐metal non‐Fermi liquid behavior and unconventional superconductivity. Among the many important questions is whether the magnetism acts simply as a source of fluctuations in the textbook Landau framework, or instead serves as a proxy for some unexpected new physics. We put into this general context the recent developments on quantum phase transitions in antiferromagnetic (AF) heavy fermion metals. Among these are the extensive recent theoretical and experimental studies on the physics of Kondo destruction in a class of beyond‐Landau quantum critical points (QCPs). Also discussed are the theoretical basis for a global phase diagram of AF heavy fermion metals, and the recent surge of materials suitable for studying this phase diagram. Furthermore, we address the generalization of this global phase diagram to the case of Kondo insulators, and consider the future prospect to study the interplay among Kondo coherence, magnetism, and topological states. Finally, we touch upon related issues beyond the AF settings, arising in mixed valent, ferromagnetic, quadrupolar, or spin glass f‐electron systems, as well as some general issues on emergent phases near QCPs.
Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of quaternary half‐metallic Heusler alloy CoFeCrAl
Authors: Nehra Jagdish , Sudheesh V. D. , Lakshmi N. , Venugopalan K.
Published: March 2013

We have investigated the structural, electronic and magnetic properties in quaternary CoFeCrAl Heusler alloy. Rietveld refinement and Mössbauer spectroscopy of samples quenched from 973 K show absence of the A2 phase and presence of a highly ordered B2‐type structure. Full‐potential linearized augmented plane wave calculations using the experimental lattice constant show that there is an energy gap of 0.41 eV around the Fermi level in the bands for minority spin electrons. Partial substitution of Co by Fe in Co2CrAl thus brings excellent structural ordering while retaining the high Curie temperature, spontaneous magnetization and half‐metallicity necessary for application as spin valves. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In vitro Inhibition of bovine enamel demineralization by enamel matrix derivative
Authors: Ran Jin Mei , Ieong Cheng Cheng , Xiang Chen Yang , Lv Xue Ping , Xue Jing , Zhou Xue Dong , Li Wei , Zhang Ling Lin
Published: March 2013

This study aimed to determine whether enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) affects the demineralization of bovine enamel in vitro and to assess the agent's anti‐caries potential. Bovine enamel blocks were prepared and randomly divided into three groups (n = 15 per group), which were treated with distilled water (negative control), NaF (positive control), or Emdogain. All three groups were pH‐cycled 12 times over 6 days. The percentage of surface enamel microhardness reduction (%SMHR), calcium demineralization rate (CDR), surface roughness, lesion depth and mineral loss after demineralization were examined. Surface morphology of specimens was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The Emdogain and positive control groups showed similar surface roughness, lesion depths and mineral loss, which were significantly lower than those in the negative control group. In addition, the enamel surfaces of both the Emdogain and NaF groups showed much narrower intercrystalline spaces than the surfaces of the negative control group, which exhibited extensive microfractures along the crystal edges. %SMHR differed significantly among all three groups, with the smallest value in the Emdogain group and the greatest in the negative control group. These results indicate that enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) can significantly inhibit demineralization of bovine enamel in vitro, suggesting that it has potential as an anti‐caries agent. SCANNING 36:194–201, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of silane sol–gel coatings for the protection of aluminium components of heat exchangers
Authors: Naderi R. , Fedel M. , Urios T. , Poelman M. , Olivier M.‐G. , Deflorian F.
Published: March 2013

Despite the relatively low mechanical properties respect to the aluminium alloys but due to high thermal exchange capacity, pure aluminium (AA1XXX series) is widespread for industrial applications for heat exchanger components or cooling systems (like refrigerator systems). The corrosion protection properties of aluminium components are commonly enhanced by applying organic coatings or by performing chemical conversion treatments on aluminium surface. One of the routes for the protection of aluminium components for heat exchangers is the application of silane sol–gel coatings. In this work, a thin silane sol–gel coating improving the corrosion protection of aluminum for heat exchanger and avoiding the loss of thermal exchange due to the presence of the protective layer was developed. Prior to deposit, the silane layer as a mixture of three different silicon alkoxides precursors (such as tetraethoxysilane, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and methyltrithoxysilane), the optimum surface chemical treatment of the 1050 aluminum alloy, widely employed in the heat exchanger and cooling system industry, was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In order to enhance protective properties, different amounts of nano‐sized sodium montmorillonite were embedded into the silane network. Through taking advantage of some parameters extracted from EIS, the most efficient concentration of nanoclay was determined, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis as well. The resistance of the different sol–gel layers to thermal cycles (strictly related to the application in the heat exchanger industry) was carried out to stress the sol–gel coating. The behavior of the investigated sol–gel layer after the thermal cycles was evaluated by means of EIS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamic Properties of Novel Branched Gemini Imidazolium Surfactants in Aqueous Solutions Based on Free Energy Perturbation
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Gu Daming , Liu Guoyu , Ding Wei
Published: March 2013

The thermodynamics properties of novel branched gemini imidazolium surfactants (BGIS) with different numbers of carbon atoms in the hydrophobic group or hydroxyl numbers of the spacer are studied by the free energy perturbation (FEP) model. In the FEP model, the Gibbs free energy contributions to the driving force for micelle formation are computed using hydration data obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. The thermodynamic properties of micellization in aqueous solutions for BGIS were discussed according to the pseudo‐phase separation model. The results show that the micellization of BGIS in aqueous solutions is a spontaneous and entropy‐driven process. It is linearly enthalpy‐entropy compensated. The compensation temperature of BGIS was lower for BGIS with hydroxyl group than without it at 297 ± 3 versus 307 ± 3 K. The contribution of entropy change to the micellization tends to decrease, while the contribution of enthalpy change tends to increase. In particular, as the number of hydroxyl groups in spacer is increased, the thermodynamic favorability and stability of the micelles of BGIS with hydroxyl group improve significantly.
Genetic Background and Diet Impact Beef Fatty Acid Composition and Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase mRNA Expression
Authors: Costa Ana S. H. , Silva Marta P. , Alfaia Cristina P. M. , Pires Virgínia M. R. , Fontes Carlos M. G. A. , Bessa Rui J. B. , Prates José A. M.
Published: March 2013

The intramuscular fat composition of ruminant meats influences the quality of the final product, which explains the increasing interest in assessing the fatty acid profile of meat from different production systems. In this study, it was hypothesized that there are breed‐ and diet‐induced variations on lipid metabolism in the muscle, which may be, at least partially, modulated by the stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) gene expression levels. Forty purebred young bulls from two phylogenetically distant autochthonous cattle breeds, Alentejana and Barrosã (n = 20 for each breed), were assigned to two different diets (low vs. high silage) and slaughtered at 18 months of age. Meat fatty acid composition, including the detailed conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomeric profile, was determined along with the SCD mRNA levels. Meat from Barrosã bulls fed the low silage diet was richer in monounsaturated fatty acids, CLA and trans fatty acids, when compared to that from Alentejana bulls. The meat content in polyunsaturated fatty acids was similar across experimental groups. Moderate positive correlations between the SCD mRNA levels and the products of this enzyme activity were found, although they were not reflected on the calculated desaturase indices. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of taking into account the genetic background while devising feeding strategies to manipulate beef fatty acid composition.
Kite Skier's Toe: An Unusual Case of Frostbite
Authors: Russell Katie White , Imray Chris H. , McIntosh Scott E. , Anderson Rachel , Galbraith Deirdre , Hudson Sean T. , Cochran Amalia L.
Published: March 2013

Frostbite is a well-known occurrence in outdoor winter activity and exploration. We report the first documented case of frostbite associated with kite skiing. Kite skiing is an emerging sport that uses a kite to harness wind power for recreation and to travel long distances on skis. Certain characteristics of this sport may predispose athletes to frostbite injury. The stance required to resist and redirect the force created by the wind and kite puts constant pressure and repetitive trauma on the downwind great toe. This can compromise blood flow and increase risk of cold injury. Future kite skier expeditions should focus on specific prevention methods including properly fitting boots, adequate boot insulation, and frequent rest periods to inspect and warm toes.
Stochastic Calculus and Differential Equations for Physics and Finance
Authors: McCauley Joseph L.
Published: March 2013

Stochastic calculus provides a powerful description of a specific class of stochastic processes in physics and finance. However, many econophysicists struggle to understand it. This book presents the subject simply and systematically, giving graduate students and practitioners a better understanding and enabling them to apply the methods in practice. The book develops Ito calculus and Fokker–Planck equations as parallel approaches to stochastic processes, using those methods in a unified way. The focus is on nonstationary processes, and statistical ensembles are emphasized in time series analysis. Stochastic calculus is developed using general martingales. Scaling and fat tails are presented via diffusive models. Fractional Brownian motion is thoroughly analyzed and contrasted with Ito processes. The Chapman–Kolmogorov and Fokker–Planck equations are shown in theory and by example to be more general than a Markov process. The book also presents new ideas in financial economics and a critical survey of econometrics.
Mesoscale-Convective Processes in the Atmosphere
Authors: Trapp Robert J.
Published: March 2013

This new textbook seeks to promote a deep yet accessible understanding of mesoscale-convective processes in the atmosphere. Mesoscale-convective processes are commonly manifested in the form of thunderstorms, which are fast evolving, inherently hazardous, and can assume a broad range of sizes and severity. Modern explanations of the convective-storm dynamics, and of the related development of tornadoes, damaging 'straight-line' winds and heavy rainfall, are provided. Students and weather professionals will benefit especially from unique chapters devoted to observations and measurements of mesoscale phenomena, mesoscale prediction and predictability, and dynamical feedbacks between mesoscale-convective processes and larger-scale motions.
An Introduction to Gödel's Theorems
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: March 2013

In 1931, the young Kurt Gödel published his First Incompleteness Theorem, which tells us that, for any sufficiently rich theory of arithmetic, there are some arithmetical truths the theory cannot prove. This remarkable result is among the most intriguing (and most misunderstood) in logic. Gödel also outlined an equally significant Second Incompleteness Theorem. How are these Theorems established, and why do they matter? Peter Smith answers these questions by presenting an unusual variety of proofs for the First Theorem, showing how to prove the Second Theorem, and exploring a family of related results (including some not easily available elsewhere). The formal explanations are interwoven with discussions of the wider significance of the two Theorems. This book - extensively rewritten for its second edition - will be accessible to philosophy students with a limited formal background. It is equally suitable for mathematics students taking a first course in mathematical logic.
Consumer Financial Dispute Resolution in a Comparative Context
Authors: Ali Shahla F.
Published: March 2013

Nearly all major global financial centres have developed systems of consumer financial dispute resolution. Such systems aim to assist parties to resolve a growing number of monetary disputes with financial institutions. How governments and self-regulatory organizations design and administer financial dispute resolution mechanisms in the context of increasingly turbulent financial markets is a new area for research and practice. Consumer Financial Dispute Resolution in a Comparative Context presents comparative research about the development and design of these mechanisms in East Asia, North America and Europe. Using a comparative methodology and drawing on empirical findings from a multi-jurisdictional survey, Shahla Ali examines the emergence of global principles that influence the design of financial dispute resolution models, considers the structural variations between the ombuds and arbitration systems and offers practical proposals for reform.
Community Capitalism in China
Authors: Hou Xiaoshuo
Published: March 2013

Hou proposes to end the dichotomous view of the state and the market, and capitalism and communism, by examining the local institutional innovation in three villages in China and presents community capitalism as an alternative to the neoliberal model of development. Community is both the unit of redistribution and the entity that mobilizes resources to compete in the market; collectivism creates the boundary that sets the community apart from the outside and justifies and sustains the model. Community capitalism differs from Mao-era collectivism, when individual interests were buried in the name of collective interests and market competition was not a concern. This book demonstrates the embeddedness of the market in community, showing how social relations, group solidarity, power, honor, and other values play an important role in these villages' social and economic organization.
The Dimensions of Consequentialism
Authors: Peterson Martin
Published: March 2013

Consequentialism, one of the major theories of normative ethics, maintains that the moral rightness of an act is determined solely by the act's consequences. The traditional form of consequentialism is one-dimensional, in that the rightness of an act is a function of a single moral aspect, such as the sum total of wellbeing it produces. In this book Martin Peterson introduces a new type of consequentialist theory: multidimensional consequentialism. According to this theory, an act's moral rightness depends on several separate dimensions, including individual wellbeing, equality and risk. Peterson's novel approach shows that moral views about equality and risk that were previously thought to be mutually incompatible can be rendered compatible, and his precise theoretical discussion helps the reader to understand better the distinction between consequentialist and non-consequentialist theories. His book will interest a wide range of readers in ethics.
Injective stability for unitary K1, revisited
Authors: Sinchuk S.
Published: March 2013

We prove the injective stability theorem for unitary K1 under the usual stable range condition on the ground ring. This improves the stability theorem of A. Bak, V. Petrov and G. Tang where a stronger Λ-stable range condition was used.
Marine vertebrate remains from the Toarcian–Aalenian succession of southern Beaujolais, Rhône, France
Authors: VINCENT PEGGY , MARTIN JEREMY E. , FISCHER VALENTIN , SUAN GUILLAUME , KHALLOUFI BOUZIANE , SUCHÉRAS-MARX BAPTISTE , LÉNA ALEX , JANNEAU KÉVIN , ROUSSELLE BRUNO , RULLEAU LOUIS
Published: March 2013

A previously undocumented marine vertebrate fauna comprising ichthyosaur, plesiosaur, marine crocodilian and fish remains from the Toarcian–Aalenian succession at Lafarge quarry, southern Beaujolais (Rhône, France) is described on the basis of both historical collections and new discoveries. The taxonomic composition of the Lafarge quarry marine vertebrate assemblage highlights its cosmopolitan nature and strong relationships with taxa known from elsewhere in Europe. Several groups are recorded for the first time in the Toarcian–Aalenian succession of France, implying new palaeobiogeographic interpretations and prompting discussion of marine amniote diversity during this interval.
What Made Pompeius Fight in 49 B.c.?
Authors: Pocock L. G.
Published: March 2013

The Civil War of 49 B.c. is one of the most important wars of European history, if only for the fact that it ended an old world order and paved the way for a new one which was to endure in Europe for nearly two thousand years. It is also one of the most dramatic wars of history, perhaps the most truly ‘tragic’, in the Greek sense of the word, of them all—so ‘tragic’ that it has never found a poet to do it justice, or to bring its leading characters fairly upon the stage. It was certainly the most unnecessary of wars. It involved the whole of Western civilization, and yet no really deep-seated emotions or animosities, racial, national, social, or even individual, caused the conflagration. It was, in fact, nothing but a trial of strength, with no constructive objective in view, between two men, highly educated, humane, related by marriage, not unfriendly to one another, members of the same society and the same clubs, as it were, whose interests, even, need not have been incompatible. It is generally agreed that the great majority of the senatorial aristocracy very definitely did not want the war; and it seems quite clear that the small minority, of some twenty-two, who did were powerless to commence it or wage it without the will and leadership of Pompeius. It is also agreed that Caesar, while prepared to fight for his skin and his dignitas, and to that extent responsible, did not want war and made sincere efforts both to avoid it and to stop it.
II - The Iliad
Authors: Rutherford Richard
Published: March 2013

The Iliad is not an Achilleid, although Achilles is the most important character in the epic. One of the most striking features of the poem is the way in which it embraces the action of the whole Trojan War by retrospective and prospective references, rather than by narrating the events in full. In this, as is evident from ancient testimony, the Iliad was markedly different from the ‘cyclic’ epics (see esp. Hor. Ars P. 136–7). The human characters refer to the abduction of Helen, the initial embassy to the Trojans, the mustering at Aulis, the earlier campaigns and clashes; the prophecies and comments of the gods, particularly Zeus and Thetis, anticipate the doom of Achilles and the ultimate fall of Troy, also grimly foreshadowed in other ways. In an important passage which seems to be deliberately reserved for a late stage in the poem, Homer himself looks back to the origin of the whole conflict, the judgement of Paris which aroused the implacable anger of Athena and Hera against Troy.
IV - Some Memorable Scenes
Authors: Rutherford Richard
Published: March 2013

In the remaining pages I offer some more detailed comments on a number of passages from both epics. Besides allowing slightly more attention to stylistic matters than was possible in the earlier chapters, this procedure also gives an opportunity to comment on some specific problems, and on a number of other approaches which have not been discussed so far.
Towards Post-Liberal Democracy in Latin America? A Conceptual Framework Applied to Bolivia
Authors: WOLFF JONAS
Published: March 2013

Recent political changes across Latin America that challenge mainstream conceptions of liberal democracy have led to speculation about some kind of post-liberal democracy possibly emerging in the region. Up to now, however, there has been no systematic assessment of this proposition or any explicit conception of post-liberal democracy. This article fills this research gap by proposing a conceptual framework for analysing political change in the direction of post-liberal democracy, in Latin America and beyond, and probes the plausibility of this framework in a case study of Bolivia. It shows that the concept of post-liberal democracy helps us make sense of the contemporary transformation of Bolivian democracy and that it has comparative advantages over alternative conceptual frameworks such as radical populism and defective – that is, illiberal or delegative – democracy.
Two, Three, Many Revolutions? Cuba and the Prospects for Revolutionary Change in Latin America, 1967–1975
Authors: HARMER TANYA
Published: March 2013

Drawing on interviews, published sources and archival documents, this article examines Cuba's policy towards Latin America after Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara's death. It argues that as a result of this event and other setbacks in the region, Cuba reconceptualised its priorities, de-emphasised armed revolution and embraced new revolutionary processes. The results were mixed. By the mid-1970s, Havana was more disillusioned about revolutionary prospects in Latin America than ever before. However, it had also rejoined the inter-American system after more than a decade of isolation. This article asks how, why and with what consequences for Fidel Castro's stated pledge to ‘make revolution’ these shifts in Cuba's Latin American relations took place.
Identification of high-risk regions for schistosomiasis in the Guichi region of China: an adaptive kernel density estimation-based approach
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-JIE , DAVIES TILMAN M. , GAO JIE , WANG ZENGLIANG , JIANG QING-WU
Published: March 2013

Identification of high-risk regions of schistosomiasis is important for rational resource allocation and effective control strategies. We conducted the first study to apply the newly developed method of adaptive kernel density estimation (KDE)-based spatial relative risk function (sRRF) to detect the high-risk regions of schistosomiasis in the Guichi region of China and compared it with the fixed KDE-based sRRF. We found that the adaptive KDE-based sRRF had a better ability to depict the heterogeneity of risk regions, but was more sensitive to altering the user-defined smoothing parameters. Specifically, the impact of bandwidths on the estimated risk value and risk significance (Pvalue) was higher for the adaptive KDE-based sRRF, but lower on the estimated risk variation standard error (s.e.) compared with the fixed KDE-based sRRF. Based on this application the adaptive and fixed KDE-based sRRF have their respective advantages and disadvantages and the joint application of the two approaches can warrant the best possible identification of high-risk subregions of diseases.