bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central pupillary light reflex circuits in the cat: II. Morphology, ultrastructure, and inputs of preganglionic motoneurons
Authors: Sun Wensi , May Paul J.
Published: April 2014

Preganglionic motoneurons supplying the ciliary ganglion control lens accommodation and pupil diameter. In cats, these motoneurons make up the preganglionic Edinger‐Westphal population, which lies rostral, dorsal, and ventral to the oculomotor nucleus. A recent cat study suggested that caudal motoneurons control the lens and rostral motoneurons control the pupil. This led us to examine the morphology, ultrastructure, and pretectal inputs of these populations. Preganglionic motoneurons retrogradely labeled by introducing tracer into the cat ciliary ganglion generally fell into two morphologic categories. Fusiform neurons were located rostrally, in the anteromedian nucleus and between the oculomotor nuclei. Multipolar neurons were found caudally, dorsal and ventral to the oculomotor nucleus. The dendrites of preganglionic motoneurons within the anteromedian nucleus crossed the midline, providing a possible basis for consensual responses. Ultrastructurally, several different classes of synaptic profiles contact preganglionic motoneurons, suggesting that their activity may be modified by a variety of inputs. Furthermore, there were differences in the synaptic populations contacting the rostral vs. caudal populations, supporting the contention that these populations display functional differences. Anterogradely labeled pretectal terminals were observed in close association with labeled preganglionic motoneurons, particularly in the rostral population. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that these terminals, packed with clear, spherical vesicles, made asymmetric synaptic contacts onto motoneurons in the rostral population, indicating that these cells serve the pupillary light reflex. Thus, the preganglionic motoneurons found in the cat display morphologic, ultrastructural, and connectional differences suggesting that this rostral preganglionic population is specialized for pupil control, whereas more caudal elements control the lens. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3978–4002, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Central pupillary light reflex circuits in the cat: I. The olivary pretectal nucleus
Authors: Sun Wensi , May Paul J.
Published: April 2014

The central pathways subserving the feline pupillary light reflex were examined by defining retinal input to the olivary pretectal nucleus (OPt), the midbrain projections of this nucleus, and the premotor neurons within it. Unilateral intravitreal wheat germ agglutinin–conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA–HRP) injections revealed differences in the pattern of retinal OPt termination on the two sides. Injections of WGA–HRP into OPt labeled terminals bilaterally in the anteromedian nucleus, and to a lesser extent in the supraoculomotor area, centrally projecting Edinger–Westphal nucleus, and nucleus of the posterior commissure. Labeled terminals, as well as retrogradely labeled multipolar cells, were present in the contralateral OPt, indicating a commissural pathway. Injections of WGA–HRP into the anteromedian nucleus labeled fusiform premotor neurons within the OPt, as well as multipolar cells in the nucleus of the posterior commissure. Connections between retinal terminals and the pretectal premotor neurons were characterized by combining vitreous chamber and anteromedian nucleus injections of WGA–HRP in the same animal. Fusiform‐shaped, retrogradely labeled cells fell within the anterogradely labeled retinal terminal field in the OPt. Ultrastructural analysis revealed labeled retinal terminals containing clear spherical vesicles. They contacted labeled pretectal premotor neurons via asymmetric synaptic densities. These results provide an anatomical substrate for the pupillary light reflex in the cat. Pretectal premotor neurons receive direct retinal input via synapses suggestive of an excitatory drive, and project directly to nuclei containing preganglionic motoneurons. These projections are concentrated in the anteromedian nucleus, indicating its involvement in the pupillary light reflex. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3960–3977, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of mapped stress‐field boundary conditions based on a Hill‐type muscle model
Authors: Cardiff P. , Karač A. , FitzPatrick D. , Flavin R. , Ivanković A.
Published: April 2014

Forces generated in the muscles and tendons actuate the movement of the skeleton. Accurate estimation and application of these musculotendon forces in a continuum model is not a trivial matter. Frequently, musculotendon attachments are approximated as point forces; however, accurate estimation of local mechanics requires a more realistic application of musculotendon forces. This paper describes the development of mapped Hill‐type muscle models as boundary conditions for a finite volume model of the hip joint, where the calculated muscle fibres map continuously between attachment sites. The applied muscle forces are calculated using active Hill‐type models, where input electromyography signals are determined from gait analysis. Realistic muscle attachment sites are determined directly from tomography images. The mapped muscle boundary conditions, implemented in a finite volume structural OpenFOAM (ESI‐OpenCFD, Bracknell, UK) solver, are employed to simulate the mid‐stance phase of gait using a patient‐specific natural hip joint, and a comparison is performed with the standard point load muscle approach. It is concluded that physiological joint loading is not accurately represented by simplistic muscle point loading conditions; however, when contact pressures are of sole interest, simplifying assumptions with regard to muscular forces may be valid. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bogoliubov Spectrum of Interacting Bose Gases
Authors: Lewin Mathieu , Nam Phan Thành , Serfaty Sylvia , Solovej Jan Philip
Published: April 2014

We study the large‐N limit of a system of N bosons interacting with a potential of intensity 1/N. When the ground state energy is to the first order given by Hartree's theory, we study the next order, predicted by Bogoliubov's theory. We show the convergence of the lower eigenvalues and eigenfunctions towards that of the Bogoliubov Hamiltonian (up to a convenient unitary transform). We also prove the convergence of the free energy when the system is sufficiently trapped. Our results are valid in an abstract setting, our main assumptions being that the Hartree ground state is unique and nondegenerate, and that there is complete Bose‐Einstein condensation on this state. Using our method we then treat two applications: atoms with “bosonic” electrons on one hand, and trapped two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional Coulomb gases on the other hand. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Graphene Oxides: Transformations in Natural Waters over a Period of Three Months
Authors: Teo Wei Zhe , Pumera Martin
Published: April 2014

Graphene oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene consisting of various oxygen moieties, has gained popularity owing to its excellent physiochemical properties and applicability in various fields. GO nanomaterials can be synthesized by using Hofmann (HO), Hummers (HU), and Staudenmaier (ST) methods of oxidative treatment of graphite to give GO‐HO, GO‐HU, and GO‐ST, respectively. These GO nanomaterials were found to exhibit different degrees of cytotoxicity that were suggested to be dependent on the amount and type of the oxygen‐containing functional group present in the nanomaterials. Therefore, in this study, the transformations of GO‐HO, GO‐HU, and GO‐ST nanomaterials in three types of natural waters over time were investigated to determine whether the oxygen‐containing functional groups present in these nanomaterials undergo any changes after residing in natural waters. Based on the data obtained from Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, although the density of defects in the GO nanomaterials remained relatively similar (a slight increase was detected in the GO‐HO nanomaterials) over the period of examination, changes in the oxygen content of the GO nanomaterials were observed in most of the GO suspensions, which suggests that interaction between the natural waters and the GO nanomaterials do occur. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed that the natural waters had opposing effects on the GO nanomaterials: the GO‐HU nanomaterials suffered a reduction in the amount of electroactive oxygen‐containing functional groups present, whereas an increase was observed in the GO‐HO and GO‐ST nanomaterials. In addition, it was proposed that some of the electroactive oxygen moieties were completely lost from the GO‐ST nanomaterials after exposing them to the natural waters. More studies should be performed in the future to comprehend the underlying mechanism for the transformations observed in this study so that the fate, transport, and toxicity of GO nanomaterials in environmental waters can be better understood.
Interannual variation in stand transpiration estimated by sap flow measurement in a semi‐arid black locust plantation, Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Guo , Guan Jin‐Hong , Shi Wei‐Yu , Yamanaka Norikazu , Du Sheng
Published: April 2014

The semi‐arid region of the Loess Plateau in China is characterized by its fragile ecosystems. Soil erosion and water shortage are major factors influencing the ecology and hydrology of vegetation in this area. For proper management of watershed ecosystems, quantification of water use by major vegetation types is needed. We used Granier‐type thermal dissipation probes in a black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) plantation and upscaled stand transpiration from individual measurements of stem sap flow. Stand transpiration water use during the growing seasons of 2008–2010 was estimated on the basis of measured sap flux densities and sapwood areas. Seasonal and interannual variations were observed in stand‐scale transpiration. Within a monthly timescale, water use by daily transpiration was correlated with daily solar radiation and daytime average vapour pressure deficit. The monthly changes in stand transpiration were mainly correlated with changes in leaf area index and with mean daytime vapour pressure deficit, solar radiation and potential evapotranspiration at lower significance. A positive relationship between stand transpiration and soil moisture conditions was detected at an annual scale, but not at a monthly scale. Precipitation did not show a clear correlation with stand transpiration at either seasonal or annual timescale. The results suggest that although the stand transpiration is controlled by multiple factors, those contributing to a significant difference vary with timescales. Some factors (e.g. soil moisture) may only be detected upon long‐term observations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Aminosulfonylation of Aryl Iodides by using Na2SO3 as the SO2 Source
Authors: Li Wanfang , Li Haoquan , Langer Peter , Beller Matthias , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: April 2014

We realized an interesting palladium‐catalyzed aminosulfonylation of aryl iodides by using Na2SO3 as a cheap SO2 source. In most cases, the yields were comparable to those reported by using the 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis(sulfur dioxide) adduct (DABCO·2SO2, DABSO) as the SO2 source.
Design, simulation, and large‐scale testing of an innovative vibration mitigation device employing essentially nonlinear elastomeric springs
Authors: Luo Jie , Wierschem Nicholas E. , Fahnestock Larry A. , Spencer Billie F. , Quinn D. Dane , McFarland D. Michael , Vakakis Alexander F. , Bergman Lawrence A.
Published: April 2014

This study proposes an innovative passive vibration mitigation device employing essentially nonlinear elastomeric springs as its most critical component. Essential nonlinearity denotes the absence (or near absence) of a linear component in the stiffness characteristics of these elastomeric springs. These devices were implemented and tested on a large‐scale nine‐story model building structure. The main focus of these devices is to mitigate structural response under impulse‐like and seismic loading when the structure remains elastic. During the design process of the device, numerical simulations, optimizations, and parametric studies of the structure‐device system were performed to obtain stiffness parameters for the devices so that they can maximize the apparent damping of the fundamental mode of the structure. Pyramidal elastomeric springs were employed to physically realize the optimized essentially nonlinear spring components. Component‐level finite element analyses and experiments were conducted to design the nonlinear springs. Finally, shake table tests using impulse‐like and seismic excitation with different loading levels were performed to experimentally evaluate the performance of the device. Experimental results demonstrate that the properly designed devices can mitigate structural vibration responses, including floor acceleration, displacement, and column strain in an effective, rapid, and robust fashion. Comparison between numerical and experimental results verified the computational model of the nonlinear system and provided a comprehensive verification for the proposed device. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust and distributed design for coordinated downlink beamforming for secure MISO interference channels
Authors: Fei Zesong , Ni Jiqing , Wang Niwei , Xing Chengwen , Kuang Jingming
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we address the optimization problems of downlink coordinated beamforming over the K‐user multiple‐input single‐output interference channel with confidential messages. Our design objective is to minimise the total transmit power subject to the constraints of individual signal‐to‐interference plus noise ratio and equivocation rates. For the case with perfect channel state information (CSI), by deriving the equivalent forms for the signal‐to‐interference plus noise ratio and the secrecy constraints, the optimization problem is reformulated as a second‐order cone programme problem. Then, an optimal distributed algorithm using the partial Lagrangian duality is discussed. In addition we extend the analysis to the imperfect CSI scenario with bounded ellipsoidal errors, the centralised algorithm has been proposed by solving a semi‐definite programme with the help of rank relaxation, whereas the distributed robust algorithm is devised by using ADMM. Finally, the simulation results have shown that with perfect CSI, the centralised and distributed algorithms have nearly the same performance, but in the case of imperfect CSI, the centralised algorithm shows a slightly better performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posterior parietal cortex activity reflects the significance of others' actions during natural viewing
Authors: Salmi Juha , Glerean Enrico , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Lahnakoski Juha M. , Kettunen Juho , Lampinen Jouko , Tikka Pia , Sams Mikko
Published: April 2014

The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) has been associated with multiple stimulus‐driven (e.g., processing stimulus movements, providing visual signals for the motor system), goal‐directed (e.g., directing visual attention to a target, processing behavioral priority of intentions), and action‐related functions in previous studies with non‐naturalistic paradigms. Here, we examined how these functions reflect PPC activity during natural viewing. Fourteen healthy volunteers watched a re‐edited movie during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants separately annotated behavioral priority (accounting for percepts, thoughts, and emotions) they had experienced during movie episodes. Movements in the movie were quantified with computer vision and eye movements were recorded from a separate group of subjects. Our results show that while overlapping dorsomedial PPC areas respond to episodes with multiple types of stimulus content, ventrolateral PPC areas exhibit enhanced activity when viewing goal‐directed human hand actions. Furthermore, PPC activity related to viewing goal‐directed human hand actions was more accurately explained by behavioral priority than by movements of the stimulus or eye movements. Taken together, our results suggest that PPC participates in perception of goal‐directed human hand actions, supporting the view that PPC has a special role in providing visual signals for the motor system (“how”), in addition to processing visual spatial movements (“where”). Hum Brain Mapp 35:4767–4776, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Encoding and retrieval of landmark‐related spatial cues during navigation: An fMRI study
Authors: Wegman Joost , Tyborowska Anna , Janzen Gabriele
Published: April 2014

To successfully navigate, humans can use different cues from their surroundings. Learning locations in an environment can be supported by parallel subsystems in the hippocampus and the striatum. We used fMRI to look at differences in the use of object‐related spatial cues while 47 participants actively navigated in an open‐field virtual environment. In each trial, participants navigated toward a target object. During encoding, three positional cues (columns) with directional cues (shadows) were available. During retrieval, the removed target had to be replaced while either two objects without shadows (objects trial) or one object with a shadow (shadow trial) were available. Participants were informed in blocks about which type of retrieval trial was most likely to occur, thereby modulating expectations of having to rely on a single landmark or on a configuration of landmarks. How the spatial learning systems in the hippocampus and caudate nucleus were involved in these landmark‐based encoding and retrieval processes were investigated. Landmark configurations can create a geometry similar to boundaries in an environment. It was found that the hippocampus was involved in encoding when relying on configurations of landmarks, whereas the caudate nucleus was involved in encoding when relying on single landmarks. This might suggest that the observed hippocampal activation for configurations of objects is linked to a spatial representation observed with environmental boundaries. Retrieval based on configurations of landmarks activated regions associated with the spatial updation of object locations for reorientation. When only a single landmark was available during retrieval, regions associated with updating the location of oneself were activated. There was also evidence that good between‐participant performance was predicted by right hippocampal activation. This study therefore sheds light on how the brain deals with changing demands on spatial processing related purely to landmarks. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Floccosic Acid, a New Triterpenic Acid from Nepeta floccosa
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Ali Samina , Hussain Javid , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed , Latif Khan Abdul , Tasleem Hussain Shah Syed , Shamim Rizvi Tania
Published: April 2014

The isolation and structure elucidation of a new triterpenic acid named floccosic acid (1) is reported on the basis of the 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR assignments. This secondary metabolite was isolated as a new constituent, along with the known triterpenoids, betulinic acid and β‐amyrin. All these compounds were purified by repeated column chromatography of the MeOH extract of Nepeta floccosa. The structure elucidation of the new compound was accomplished by the combined mass spectrometry (MS), infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy, one‐ (1H‐ and 13C‐) and two‐dimensional (HC correlations; HMBC and HSQC) NMR techniques. The known compounds were identified by comparison of their physical and spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature.
Synthesis of 1‐Amino‐5,6‐diaryl‐3‐cyano‐1H‐pyridin‐2‐ones and 6,7‐Diaryl‐4‐cyano‐3‐hydroxy‐1H‐[1,2]diazepines from Isoflavones
Authors: Zhu Mu‐Lin , Zhang Zun‐Ting , Xue Dong , Hua Hui‐Liang , Liang Yong , Wnuk Stanislaw F.
Published: April 2014

The one‐step cyclocondensation of substituted isoflavones (=3‐phenyl‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ones) with cyanoacetohydrazide in the presence of KOH afforded a mixture of 1‐amino‐5,6‐diaryl‐3‐cyano‐1H‐2‐pyridin‐2‐ones and 6,7‐diaryl‐4‐cyano‐3‐hydroxy‐1H‐[1,2]diazepines.
Cancer beyond organ and tissue specificity: Next‐generation‐sequencing gene mutation data reveal complex genetic similarities across major cancers
Authors: Heim D. , Budczies J. , Stenzinger A. , Treue D. , Hufnagl P. , Denkert C. , Dietel M. , Klauschen F.
Published: April 2014

Cancer medicine relies on the paradigm that cancer is an organ‐ and tissue‐specific disease, which is the basis for classifying tumors. With the extensive genomic information now available on tumors it is possible to conduct analyses to reveal common genetic features across cancer types and to explore whether the established anatomy‐based tumor classification is actually reflected on the genetic level, which might provide important guides to new therapeutic directions. Here, we have conducted an extensive analysis of the genetic similarity of tumors from 14 major cancer entities using somatic mutation data from 4,796 cases available through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) based on all available genes as well as different cancer‐related gene sets. Our analysis provides a systematic account of the genetic similarity network for major cancer types and shows that in about 43% of the cases on average, tumors of a particular anatomic site are genetically more similar to tumors from different organs and tissues (trans‐similarity) than to tumors of the same origin (self‐similarity). The observed similarities exist not only for carcinomas from different sites but are also present among neoplasms from different tissue origin, such as melanoma, acute myeloid leukemia, and glioblastoma. The current WHO cancer classification is therefore reflected on the genetic level by only about 57% of the tumors. These results provide a rationale to reconsider organ‐ and tissue‐specificity in cancer and contribute to the discussion about whether personalized therapies targeting specific genetic alterations may be transferred to cancers from other anatomic sites with similar genetic properties.
Solitary osteochondroma of the distal radius: A rare cause of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed using ultrasound
Authors: Franz Torsten , Leclère Franck Marie , Rees Marcel Gregor
Published: April 2014

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy in the upper extremity. A rare case of carpal tunnel syndrome due to solitary osteochondroma arising from the metaphysis of the distal radius is presented. Preoperative diagnosis was suspected by physical examination and high‐resolution sonography and confirmed by radiographs. Surgical treatment consisted of extended open carpal tunnel release and excision of the tumor. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:557–559, 2014
Enamel erosion and prevention efficacy characterized by confocal laser scanning microscope
Authors: Maia Ana Marly Araújo , Longbottom Christopher , Gomes Anderson Stevens Leonidas , Girkin John Michael
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the erosion‐inhibiting effect of two toothpastes on the development of erosion‐like lesions, by a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Forty human enamel blocks were divided into five groups (n = 8), in accordance to evaluate the GC MI Paste Plus and Oral B with stannous fluoride, applied as slurries and associated with toothbrush. Specimens were submitted to an erosion challenge from citric acid (0.5%, pH = 2.8), for 5 min, six times a day, alternating in artificial saliva immersions. Reference group was not exposed to treatment. Part of specimens (Groups 02 and 03) was exposed twice daily just to slurries, for 2 min, therefore specimens from Groups 04 and 05 were also abraded, for 30 s. The enamel surfaces were morphological characterized using CLSM images, with mineral loss being measured using the resulting 3D images referenced to an un‐challenged portion of the sample. Step values were compared using the one‐way ANOVA test. CLSM was shown to be a viable, noncontact, and simple technique to characterize eroded surfaces. The statistical difference in the step size was significant between the groups (P = 0.001) and using multiple comparisons a statistically significant protective effect of toothpastes was shown when these were applied as slurries. Although groups submitted to tooth brush showed mineral loss similar to reference control group, due to the damages of abrasion associated. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:439–445, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variability in summer anticyclonic circulation over the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and west Greenland in the late 20th/early 21st centuries and its effect on glacier mass balance
Authors: Bezeau P. , Sharp M. , Gascon G.
Published: April 2014

More frequent summer anticyclonic circulation over the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) between 2007 and 2012 caused more intense and sustained melt of ice caps and glaciers and increased rates of mass loss. To determine the frequency of the occurrence of anticyclonic circulation over the CAA and western Greenland, a self‐organizing map (SOM) was used to classify daily 500 hPa geopotential height (GPH) anomalies calculated from National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) Reanalysis 1 (1948–2012) and five Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models (1950–2025). While the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis indicates that significant summer warming over the CAA is linked to a doubling in the frequency of anticyclonic circulation over the region since 2007, the CMIP5 models were not capable of reproducing the magnitude of the trend in the frequency of anticyclonic circulation over the CAA and western Greenland found in NCEP/NCAR. The variability of the frequency of positive anomalies in summer 500 hPa GPH was found to be related to variability of Arctic sea ice volume/thickness in April, May and June (1979–2012) and to poleward eddy heat flux in June (1979–2012).
Analysis and modelling of water vapour and temperature changes in Hong Kong using a 40‐year radiosonde record: 1973–2012
Authors: Liu Zhizhao , Chen Biyan , Chan Sai T. , Cao Yunchang , Gao Yang , Zhang Kefei , Nichol Janet
Published: April 2014

Radiosonde observations provide a good data source for examining the long‐term trend of atmospheric water vapour, temperature and cold point tropopause (CPT). In this article, precipitable water vapour (PWV) and surface temperature from the Hong Kong radiosonde station over the period of 1973–2012 are analysed. We find that the atmospheric water vapour in Hong Kong in the layers from the surface to approximately 1181 m, from ∼1181 to ∼2509 m, from ∼2509 to ∼5126 m and from ∼5126 to ∼8093 m accounts for 50, 25, 20 and 5% of the PWV, respectively. The atmosphere is almost completely dry above approximately 8000 m. Surface temperature has increased at a rate of 0.16° decade−1 over the past 40 years. On a seasonal timescale, the largest rate of increase is 0.23° decade−1 in winter and the smallest rate is 0.09° decade−1 in spring. The CPT height is located at approximately 17.5 km above mean sea level over the period of this study. This CPT height is estimated to have risen at a rate of 87.3 m decade−1 over 1983–2012, which is 1.36 times the global average. The CPT temperature is observed to decrease at a rate of 0.84° decade−1, which is 2.05 times the global average. Taking advantage of the periodicity of PWV and surface temperature over the past 40 years, Fourier series analysis models have been developed. The models are evaluated using 1 year (2012) of radiosonde data. It was found that the modelled PWV data can achieve root mean square error accuracy of 9.23 mm and the modelled surface temperature can achieve a standard deviation of 2.34° with a bias of −0.19°.
Domiciliary floseal prevents admission for epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Warner Laura , Halliday Jane , James Karen , de Carpentier John
Published: April 2014

Laryngoscope 124:2238–2240, 2014
Control of Glycopolymer Nanoparticle Morphology by a One‐Pot, Double Modification Procedure Using Thiolactones
Authors: Chen Yong , Espeel Pieter , Reinicke Stefan , Du Prez Filip E. , Stenzel Martina H.
Published: April 2014

A copolymer from N‐isopropylacryl amide (NIPAAm) and N‐homocysteine thiolactone acrylamide (TlaAm), prepared by RAFT polymerization, is reacted with various amines, bearing alkyl residues of increasing length (n‐propylamine, n‐hexylamine, and n‐dodecylamine) to liberate the corresponding thiol, which is consequently reacted in situ with 2‐bromoethyl‐2′,3′,4′,6′‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐α‐d‐mannopyranoside. The resulting double‐modified graft copolymers show characteristic self‐assembly behavior due to their amphiphilic nature, affording glycopoly­mer‐based nanoparticles. While the n‐propylamine‐derived amphiphiles mainly lead to micelles (30 nm), the n‐hexylamine adducts give rise to larger vesicles (200–600 nm). Longer alkyl amines result in the formation of large compound micelles. The assembled nanoparticles are bioactive and interact effectively with Concanavalin A (ConA).

image
The dual integrated force method applied to unidirectional composites
Authors: Adarraga I. , Cantera M.A. , Romera J.M. , Insausti N. , Mujika F.
Published: April 2014

This paper shows the use of the dual integrated force method (IFMD) in finite elements method and its application to composite materials. This method was developed by S.N. Patnaik in isotropic materials, considering not only the equilibrium equations but also the compatibility conditions. In the IFMD, the principal unknowns are the displacements, and the structure of governing equation is similar to the stiffness method. It is shown that the governing equation of the IFMD is the same than in the case of the hybrid method of Pian. The method is applied to two examples, a cantilever beam of orthotropic material loaded at the end and one off‐axis tensile test in a unidirectional composite specimen. The results of this method have been compared with the ones obtained from the application of the stiffness method and with analytical results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel computational methods for high‐dimensional stochastic sensitivity analysis
Authors: Rahman Sharif , Ren Xuchun
Published: April 2014

This paper presents three new computational methods for calculating design sensitivities of statistical moments and reliability of high‐dimensional complex systems subject to random input. The first method represents a novel integration of the polynomial dimensional decomposition (PDD) of a multivariate stochastic response function and score functions. Applied to the statistical moments, the method provides mean‐square convergent analytical expressions of design sensitivities of the first two moments of a stochastic response. The second and third methods, relevant to probability distribution or reliability analysis, exploit two distinct combinations built on PDD: the PDD‐saddlepoint approximation (SPA) or PDD‐SPA method, entailing SPA and score functions; and the PDD‐Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) or PDD‐MCS method, utilizing the embedded MCS of the PDD approximation and score functions. For all three methods developed, the statistical moments or failure probabilities and their design sensitivities are both determined concurrently from a single stochastic analysis or simulation. Numerical examples, including a 100‐dimensional mathematical problem, indicate that the new methods developed provide not only theoretically convergent or accurate design sensitivities, but also computationally efficient solutions. A practical example involving robust design optimization of a three‐hole bracket illustrates the usefulness of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intentions in wishes to die: analysis and a typology – A report of 30 qualitative case studies of terminally ill cancer patients in palliative care
Authors: Ohnsorge K. , Gudat H. , Rehmann‐Sutter C.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To investigate the variations in and intentions of wishes to die (WTD) of palliative care cancer patients.

Methods

Thirty terminally ill cancer patients, their caregivers and relatives in a hospice, an oncology palliative care ward of a general hospital, and an outpatient palliative care service. 116 semistructured qualitative interviews analyzed by a combined approach using Grounded Theory and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

Results

A WTD is dynamic and interactive. Its subjective phenomenology can be described by three aspects: intentions, motivations, and interactions. In this article, we present a typology of the possible intentions. We identified nine different (ideal) types of intentions that WTD statements might have, other than wishing to live and accepting death. Many WTD statements do not imply a desire to hasten death. The intentions of statements differ according to whether a WTD is related to as imaginary or as an action. Often WTD statements contain several partial wishes, which can be in tension with each other and form a dynamic, sometimes unstable equilibrium.

Conclusions

Terminally ill persons' WTD statements differ in their intention, and deeper knowledge about these differences is ethically relevant. © 2014 The Authors. Psycho‐Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Reinforcement Ability of Plasma‐Etched Carbon Nanofibers on Mechanical Properties of C‐Epoxy Composites
Authors: Krushnamurty Killi , Reddy Pappireddy Manoj Kumar , Srikanth Ivaturi , Prasad Pinnelli S. R. , Ghosal Partha , Subrahmanyam Challapalli
Published: April 2014

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are plasma etched by using cold plasma of helium and air for different time durations. Changes in surface characteristics of CNFs due to plasma treatment was studied with Raman spectroscopy, BET surface area analyzer, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Raman spectroscopic studies showed that, plasma treatment is imparting enhanced degree of disorder for CNFs. While AFM studies indicated enhancement in the surface roughness due to plasma treatment. Laminated (2D) carbon fiber reinforced epoxy matrix (C‐epoxy) composites were fabricated with the addition of 0.5 wt% of plasma‐etched CNFs and evaluated the mechanical properties of the prepared composites. Results indicate that, plasma‐etched CNFs can improve the mechanical properties of CFRPs significantly as compared to untreated CNFs.
Observation of oscillations in energy of Aharonov–Bohm excitons in type‐II ZnTe/ZnSe stacked submonolayer quantum dots
Authors: Roy Bidisha , Ji Haojie , Dhomkar Siddharth , Tamargo Maria C. , Kuskovsky Igor L.
Published: April 2014

We report our recent experiments with type‐II ZnTe/ZnSe stacked submonolayer quantum dots that show the dependence of photoluminescence (PL) emission energy on the magnetic field. This is explained as due to the excitonic Aharonov‐Bohm (AB) effect. The AB oscillations in energy are observed for each of the contributing emission bands and are correlated with the changes in the magneto‐PL emission intensity. We propose that interplay of magneto‐excitonic behavior, the Coulomb interaction and mixing of angular momentum states are responsible for the observed behavior of the AB excitons depending on the magnetic field ranges. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Molecular beam epitaxy of p‐type ZnSTe:N and p–n‐junction light emitting diodes
Authors: Ichino Kunio , Kojima Takahiro , Obata Shunsuke , Kuroyanagi Takuma , Kimata Kenta , Nakazawa Shoichi , Kashiyama Shota
Published: April 2014

p‐type doping of ZnS1–xTex alloy with N acceptors has been studied with an idea that an upward shift of the valence band maximum due to Te incorporation could improve p‐type doping efficiency. The resistivity was found to be less than 100 Ωcm for the layers with 0.2 < x < 0.3, which are suggested to be p‐type from the currentvoltage (I – V) characteristic and the electron‐beam induced current. For further characterization, ZnSTe:N/n‐ZnS diode structures have been fabricated. It was found that the diode exhibits clear rectification in I – V characteristic, and blue‐green electroluminescence probably due to hole injection from the ZnSTe:N layer into the n‐ZnS layer. These results indicate p‐type conduction in ZnSTe:N, and thus the light‐emitting diode operation in the ZnS‐based pn‐junctions. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electric‐field modulation of ferromagnetism in hexagonal chromium telluride thin film
Authors: Akiyama Ryota , Oikawa Haruyoshi , Yamawaki Kazuma , Kuroda Shinji
Published: April 2014

We report the electric‐field modulation of magnetism of a hexagonal Cr1–δTe thin film. A gate voltage VG is ap‐plied in the field effect capacitor (FEC) structure consisting of electric double‐layer capacitor (EDLC) of an ion liquid and a 2nm‐thick Cr1–δTe layer grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and the magnetization of the layer is directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer in the both configurations with magnetic fields perpendicular or parallel to the film plane. As a result, we observe a clear change in the magnetization vs. magnetic field (M‐H) curves by applying VG at a low temperature of 15 K in the perpendicular field configuration; the magnetization increases and the coercivity decreases by applying either positive or negative gate voltage. When the temperature is increased up to 160K, slightly lower than the Curie temperature, or the magnetization was measured in the in‐plane field configuration, the magnetization increases similarly by applying either positive or negative gate voltage, but the amount of the increase becomes much smaller. A possible mechanism of the electric‐field modulation is discussed in relation to the Cr vacancies in the Cr1–δTe layer. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Black Raspberry on Lipid Profiles and Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Jeong Han Saem , Hong Soon Jun , Lee Tae‐Bum , Kwon Ji‐Wung , Jeong Jong Tae , Joo Hyung Joon , Park Jae Hyoung , Ahn Chul‐Min , Yu Cheol Woong , Lim Do‐Sun
Published: April 2014

Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) has been known for its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant effects. However, short‐term effects of black raspberry on lipid profiles and vascular endothelial function have not been investigated in patients with metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome (n = 77) were prospectively randomized into a group with black raspberry (n = 39, 750 mg/day) and a placebo group (n = 38) during a 12‐week follow‐up. Lipid profiles, brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (baFMD), and inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6, TNF‐α, C‐reactive protein, adiponectin, sICAM‐1, and sVCAM‐1 were measured at the baseline and at the 12‐week follow‐up. Decreases from the baseline in the total cholesterol level (−22.8 ± 30.4 mg/dL vs. −1.9 ± 31.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05, respectively) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (−0.31 ± 0.64 vs. 0.07 ± 0.58, p < 0.05, respectively) were significantly greater in the group with black raspberry than in the placebo group. Increases in baFMD at the 12‐week follow‐up were significantly greater in the group with black raspberry than in the placebo group (0.33 ± 0.44 mm vs. 0.10 ± 0.35 mm, p < 0.05, respectively). Decreases from the baseline in IL‐6 (−0.4 ± 1.5 pg/mL vs. −0.1 ± 1.0 pg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively) and TNF‐α (−2.9 ± 4.7 pg/mL vs. 0.1 ± 3.6 pg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively) were significantly greater in the group with black raspberry. The use of black raspberry significantly decreased serum total cholesterol level and inflammatory cytokines, thereby improving vascular endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome during the 12‐week follow‐up. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The time of bootstrap percolation with dense initial sets for all thresholds
Authors: Bollobas Béla , Smith Paul , Uzzell Andrew J.
Published: April 2014

We study the percolation time of the r‐neighbour bootstrap percolation model on the discrete torus . For t at most a polylog function of n and initial infection probabilities within certain ranges depending on t, we prove that the percolation time of a random subset of the torus is exactly equal to t with high probability as n tends to infinity. Our proof rests crucially on three new extremal theorems that together establish an almost complete understanding of the geometric behaviour of the r‐neighbour bootstrap process in the dense setting. The special case of our result was proved recently by Bollobas, Holmgren, Smith and Uzzell. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 47, 1–29, 2015
Characterisation of helical structure in AFM micrographs of a trimer of the peptide sequence (ValGlyGlyValGly)
Authors: Castle James Eric , Ibris Neluta , Salvi Anna Maria , Moscarelli Pasquale , Bochicchio Brigida , Pepe Antonietta
Published: April 2014

Studies by atomic force microscopy of a set of helical fibres formed within the same period of time from the amyloidogenic peptide, (VGGVG)3 show that there is a characteristic increment in diameter, suggesting that the helices are formed from multiple layers. Measurement of the height to pitch ratio suggests that each succeeding layer forms on top of the previous winding and does not fit into the gap between the turns. Dimensions are given for the increment per layer and for the pitch of the helices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic structures of SiO2 thin films via Ar gas cluster ion beam sputtering
Authors: Kyoung Yong Koo , Chung Jae Gwan , Lee Hyung Ik , Yun Dong‐Jin , Lee Jae Cheol , Kim Yong Su , Oh Suhk Kun , Kang Hee Jae
Published: April 2014

The electronic structure of a SiO2 thin film on a Si substrate after Ar gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) sputtering was investigated using photoemission spectroscopy whose results were compared with those obtained via mono‐atomic Ar ion beam sputtering. The depth profile of the SiO2 thin film revealed that Ar ion sputtering had a great deal of influence on electronic structure of the SiO2 thin film. However, Ar GCIB sputtering under sample rotation at the grazing incident angle did not exhibit any significant transition of electronic structure of the SiO2 thin film. The valence band structure of the SiO2 thin film during Ar GCIB sputtering was almost the same as that of the as‐grown SiO2 thin film. Our results showed that Ar GCIB could be useful for potential applications of oxide materials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
π‐Conjugated Polymer–Fullerene Covalent Hybrids via Ambient Conditions Diels–Alder Ligation
Authors: Yameen Basit , Puerckhauer Tanja , Ludwig Jens , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Altintas Ozcan , Fruk Ljiljana , Colsmann Alexander , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: April 2014

The established ability of graphitic carbon‐nanomaterials to undergo ambient condition Diels–Alder reactions with cyclopentadienyl (Cp) groups is herein employed to prepare fullerene‐polythiophene covalent hybrids with improved electron transfer and film forming characteristics. A novel precisely designed polythiophene (M
n 9.8 kD, Đ 1.4) with 17 mol% of Cp‐groups bearing repeat unit is prepared via Grignard metathesis polymerization. The UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence (λex 450 nm) characteristics of polythiophene with pendant Cp‐groups (λmax 447 nm, λe‐max 576 nm) are comparable to the reference poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (λmax 450 nm, λe‐max 576 nm). The novel polythiophene with pendant Cp‐groups is capable of producing solvent‐stable free‐standing polythiophene films, and non‐solvent assisted self‐assemblies resulting in solvent‐stable nanoporous‐microstructures. 1H‐NMR spectroscopy reveals an efficient reaction of the pendant Cp‐groups with C60. The UV/Vis spectroscopic analyses of solution and thin films of the covalent and physical hybrids disclose closer donor‐acceptor packing in the case of covalent hybrids. AFM images evidence that the covalent hybrids form smooth films with finer lamellar‐organization. The effect is particularly remarkable in the case of poorly soluble C60. A significant enhancement in photo‐voltage is observed for all devices constituted of covalent hybrids, highlighting novel avenues to developing efficient electron donor‐acceptor combinations for light harvesting systems.
Designable Luminescence with Quantum Dot–Silver Plasmon Coupler
Authors: Hu Lian , Wu Huizhen , Zhang Bingpo , Du Lingxiao , Xu Tianning , Chen Yongyue , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2014

We explore a strongly interacting QDs/Ag plasmonic coupling structure that enables multiple approaches to manipulate light emission from QDs. Group II–VI semiconductor QDs with unique surface states (SSs) impressively modify the plasmonic character of the contiguous Ag nanostructures whereby the localized plasmons (LPs) in the Ag nanostructures can effectively extract the non‐radiative SSs of the QDs to radiatively emit via SS–LP resonance. The SS–LP coupling is demonstrated to be readily tunable through surface‐state engineering both during QD synthesis and in the post‐synthesis stage. The combination of surface‐state engineering and band‐tailoring engineering allows us to precisely control the luminescence color of the QDs and enables the realization of white‐light emission with single‐size QDs. Being a versatile metal, the Ag in our optical device functions in multiple ways: as a support for the LPs, for optical reflection, and for electrical conduction. Two application examples of the QDs/Ag plasmon coupler for optical devices are given, an Ag microcavity + plasmon‐coupling structure and a new QD light‐emitting diode. The new QDs/Ag plasmon coupler opens exciting possibilities in developing novel light sources and biomarker detectors.
Consumption of Synbiotic Bread Decreases Triacylglycerol and VLDL Levels While Increasing HDL Levels in Serum from Patients with Type‐2 Diabetes
Authors: Shakeri Hossein , Hadaegh Haleh , Abedi Fatemeh , Tajabadi‐Ebrahimi Maryam , Mazroii Navid , Ghandi Yaser , Asemi Zatollah
Published: April 2014

To our knowledge, no reports are available indicating the favorable effects of synbiotic bread consumption on blood lipid profiles among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the daily consumption of synbiotic bread on blood lipid profiles of patients with T2DM. This randomized double‐blinded controlled clinical trial was performed with 78 diabetic patients, aged 35–70 years. After a 2‐week run‐in period, subjects were randomly assigned to consume either synbiotic (n = 26), probiotic (n = 26) or control bread (n = 26) for 8 weeks. The synbiotic bread contained viable and heat‐resistant probiotic Lactobacillus sporogenes (1 × 108 CFU) and 0.07 g inulin (HPX) as prebiotic per 1 g. The probiotic bread contained L. sporogenes (1 × 108 CFU) per 1 g. Patients were asked to consume the synbiotic, probiotic and control breads three times a day in a 40 g package for a total of 120 g/day. Biochemical measurements including blood lipid profiles were conducted before and after 8 weeks of intervention. Consumption of the synbiotic bread, compared to the probiotic and control breads, led to a significant decrease in serum TAG (P = 0.005), VLDL‐C (P = 0.005), TC/HDL‐C (P = 0.002) and a significant increase in serum HDL‐C levels (P = 0.01). No significant effect of synbiotic bread consumption on FPG, TC, LDL‐C and non‐HDL‐C levels was seen compared to the probiotic and control breads (P > 0.05). Trial registry code: http://www.irct.ir IRCT201311215623N13.