bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on the Permeability and Thermal Resistance of the Cement Clinker Accumulation
Authors: Wen Yan , Wang Jia‐shun , Yue Hai‐long , Jing Tong , Liu Bin
Published: September 2014

A device was designed for measuring the permeability of cement clinker accumulation in three dimensions. In addition, the equivalent permeability and equivalent thermal resistance coefficient were introduced to evaluate the penetration ability in high temperature. First, the equivalent permeability of the accumulation in three dimensions was measured at a room temperature of 298 K and the order of magnitude was decided to be 10−6. The difference degree of equivalent permeability was less than 15% in each direction; Then the rule of equivalent permeability in three‐dimensional changed with temperature was obtained by the air‐cooled experiments of the cement clinker accumulation at an initial temperature – 773 K; Finally, the law of equivalent thermal resistance coefficient was obtained through comparing the change of the permeability from high temperature to room temperature. The results showed that the equivalent thermal resistance coefficient change with temperature was nonlinear and the equivalent thermal resistance coefficient changed from 1.0 to 1.3 when the temperature was in the range of 298 K to 773 K.
Numerical Simulation of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer on the Lubricating Surface with Micro‐Groove
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Cong , Liu Xuebo , Liu Yanbo
Published: September 2014

The effect of the lubricant flow in the micro‐grooves which resulted from the machining can be expressed in the flow fluid and heat transfer during the mechanical lubrication process. In this paper, a thermal lattice Boltzmann model (LBM), which consists of the heat viscous dissipation term, was proposed to investigate on the lubricants flow and heat transfer in the micro‐grooves. The heat, generated in the lubricating flowing process, was equivalent to a heat source R (x,t) within the fluid and added to the internal energy distribution function. The effect of the heat generated by the fluid on the flow and temperature field can be derived by comparing these two models. The results showed that the fluid temperature rises slower than the mainstream area on account of the vortex motion in the grooves. When the heat source is added to the function, the vortex became larger and the solid boundary was heated by the fluid. Thus, the improved thermal lattice Boltzmann method can accurately simulate the flow of lubricants.
Short‐term stream water temperature observations permit rapid assessment of potential climate change impacts
Authors: Caldwell Peter , Segura Catalina , Gull Laird Shelby , Sun Ge , McNulty Steven G. , Sandercock Maria , Boggs Johnny , Vose James M.
Published: September 2014

Assessment of potential climate change impacts on stream water temperature (Ts) across large scales remains challenging for resource managers because energy exchange processes between the atmosphere and the stream environment are complex and uncertain, and few long‐term datasets are available to evaluate changes over time. In this study, we demonstrate how simple monthly linear regression models based on short‐term historical Ts observations and readily available interpolated air temperature (Ta) estimates can be used for rapid assessment of historical and future changes in Ts. Models were developed for 61 sites in the southeastern USA using ≥18 months of observations and were validated at sites with longer periods of record. The Ts models were then used to estimate temporal changes in Ts at each site using both historical estimates and future Ta projections. Results suggested that the linear regression models adequately explained the variability in Ts across sites, and the relationships between Ts and Ta remained consistent over 37 years. We estimated that most sites had increases in historical annual mean Ts between 1961 and 2010 (mean of +0.11 °C decade−1). All 61 sites were projected to experience increases in Ts from 2011 to 2060 under the three climate projections evaluated (mean of +0.41 °C decade−1). Several of the sites with the largest historical and future Ts changes were located in ecoregions home to temperature‐sensitive fish species. This methodology can be used by resource managers for rapid assessment of potential climate change impacts on stream water temperature. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between blood IL‐12p40 level and melanoma progression
Authors: Fang Shenying , Wang Yuling , Chun Yun Shin , Liu Huey , Ross Merrick I. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Cormier Janice N. , Royal Richard E. , Lucci Anthony , Schacherer Christopher W. , Reveille John D. , Sui Dawen , Bassett Roland L. , Wang Li‐E , Wei Qingyi , Amos Christopher I. , Lee Jeffrey E.
Published: September 2014

Cytokines such as Interleukin (IL)−12p70 (“IL‐12”) and IL‐23 can influence tumor progression. We tested the hypothesis that blood levels of IL‐12p40, the common subunit of both cytokines, are associated with melanoma progression. Blood from 2,048 white melanoma patients were collected at a single institution between March 1998 and March 2011. Plasma levels of IL‐12p40 were determined for 573 patients (discovery), 249 patients (Validation 1) and 244 patients (Validation 2). Per 10‐unit change of IL‐12p40 level was used to investigate associations with melanoma patient outcome among all patients or among patients with early or advanced stage. Among stage I/II melanoma patients in the pooled data set, after adjustment for sex, age, stage and blood draw time from diagnosis, elevated IL‐12p40 was associated with melanoma recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.04 per 10‐unit increase in IL‐12p40, 95% CI 1.02–1.06, p = 8.48 × 10−5]; Elevated IL‐12p40 was also associated with a poorer melanoma specific survival (HR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09, p = 3.35 × 10−5) and overall survival (HR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.08, p = 8.78×10−7) in multivariate analysis. Among stage III/IV melanoma patients in the pooled data set, no significant association was detected between elevated IL‐12p40 and overall survival, or with melanoma specific survival, with or without adjustment for the above covariates. Early stage melanoma patients with elevated IL‐12p40 levels are more likely to develop disease recurrence and have a poorer survival. Further investigation with a larger sample size will be needed to determine the role of IL‐12p40 in advanced stage melanoma patients.
Mutant p53 promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal plasticity and enhances metastasis in mammary carcinomas of WAP‐T mice
Authors: Lenfert Eva , Maenz Claudia , Heinlein Christina , Jannasch Katharina , Schumacher Udo , Pantel Klaus , Tolstonog Genrich V. , Deppert Wolfgang , Wegwitz Florian
Published: September 2014

To study the postulated mutant p53 (mutp53) “gain of function” effects in mammary tumor development, progression and metastasis, we crossed SV40 transgenic WAP‐T mice with mutant p53 transgenic WAP‐mutp53 mice. Compared to tumors in monotransgenic WAP‐T mice, tumors in bitransgenic WAP‐T x WAP‐mutp53 mice showed higher tumor grading, enhanced vascularization, and significantly increased metastasis. Bitransgenic tumors revealed a gene signature associated with the oncogenic epithelial‐mesenchymal transition pathway (EMT gene signature). In cultures of WAP‐T tumor‐derived G‐2 cancer cells, which are comprised of subpopulations displaying “mesenchymal” and “epithelial” phenotypes, this EMT gene signature was associated with the “mesenchymal” compartment. Furthermore, ectopic expression of mutp53 in G‐2 cells sufficed to induce a strong EMT phenotype. In contrast to these in vitro effects, monotransgenic and bitransgenic tumors were phenotypically similar suggesting that in vivo the tumor cell phenotype might be under control of the tumor microenvironment. In support, orthotopic transplantation of G‐2 cells as well as of G‐2 cells expressing ectopic mutp53 into syngeneic mice resulted in tumors with a predominantly epithelial phenotype, closely similar to that of endogenous primary tumors. We conclude that induction of an EMT gene signature by mutp53 in bitransgenic tumors primarily promotes tumor cell plasticity, that is, the probability of tumor cells to undergo EMT processes under appropriate stimuli, thereby possibly increasing their potential to disseminate and metastasize.
“NEW BEGINNINGS” IN SOUTH AFRICAN SHELTERS FOR THE HOMELESS: PILOTING OF A GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY INTERVENTION FOR HIGH‐RISK MOTHER–INFANT DYADS
Authors: Bain Katherine
Published: September 2014

The New Beginnings program was developed at the Anna Freud Centre and originally piloted in Her Majesty Prisons in the United Kingdom. This study aimed to explore the use of this manualized parent–infant psychotherapy group model in an African setting with high‐risk mother–infant dyads, and describes the implementation and investigation of this 12‐week group psychotherapy intervention in two Johannesburg shelters for homeless women. The measures used to investigate treatment efficacy were the Parent Development Interview (A. Slade, J.L. Aber, I. Bresgi, B. Berger, & M. Kaplan, ), the Emotional Availability Scales (Z. Biringen, J.L. Robinson, & R.N. Emde, ), the Kessler‐10 (R.C. Kessler et al., ), and the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development (D. Luiz et al., ). At pretesting, infants exhibited delays in a number of developmental areas, and mothers showed high levels of depression and generally low capacities for reflective function. While significant shifts in the mothers’ capacities for reflective function were not found in the treatment condition, significant shifts were found in the infants’ speech abilities and in the mothers’ abilities to structure their interactions with their infants. This suggests that the program enabled mothers to become more sensitized to their infants’ needs in interaction and that communication between mother and infant increased. The number of sessions attended by the dyads correlated with improvements made by the mothers and their infants.
PREVALENCE AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND CHILD BEHAVIOR AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN
Authors: Clarkson Freeman Pamela A.
Published: September 2014

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as child abuse and neglect impact a child's socioemotional development. Drawing from the methods employed in the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE; Felitti et al., ) Study, the present study utilized data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well‐Being to examine the prevalence of ACEs among children birth to 6 years, and the relationship of ACEs to emotional and behavioral outcomes 59 to 97 months after the close of investigation or assessment. Logistic regression also was used to examine the cumulative impact of ACEs on child behavior outcomes. By the age of 6, approximately 70% of children experienced three or more ACEs, and there were strong relationships between ACEs. Numerous ACEs were associated with long‐term behavioral problems, and results supported a dose–response effect. Three or greater ACEs more than quadrupled the risk of experiencing internalizing problems, and almost quadrupled the risk of experiencing either externalizing or total problems at 59 to 97 months’ postinvestigation. Based on these findings, it is crucial for both early screening/assessment and increased collaboration between child welfare and early intervention programs.
The potential of microbial processes for lignocellulosic biomass conversion to ethanol: a review
Authors: Dionisi Davide , Anderson James A. , Aulenta Federico , McCue Alan , Paton Graeme
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

This paper assesses the feasibility of a single‐ or multi‐stage process entirely based on microbial cultures, with no or minimal non‐biological pretreatment and with no external enzyme addition, for the conversion of lignocellulosic materials into ethanol. The process considered involves three distinct microbial processes, which can possibly combined in one single reaction stage: (a) lignin hydrolysis; (b) cellulose and hemicelluloses hydrolysis; and (c) glucose fermentation to ethanol. This paper critically reviews the literature on the three microbial processes and compares the rates of microbial processes with those of the alternative physico‐chemical pretreatment processes.

RESULTS

There is a large number of microbial species that can perform each of the three processes required for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol, although only one species has been unquestionably reported, so far, to be able to hydrolyse lignin under anaerobic conditions; another challenge is controlling the anaerobic fermentation of glucose to ethanol with mixed cultures; the rates of the microbial processes reported so far in the literature are generally lower than the rates obtained with physico‐chemical pretreatments.

CONCLUSIONS

While in principle the whole process from lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol can be carried out with existing, non‐engineered microorganisms, there is a need for further research to obtain rates and yields which are commercially attractive. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The Rhetoric of Racism: Revisiting the Creation of the Psychological Institute of the Republic of South Africa (1956–1962)
Authors: Long Wahbie
Published: September 2014

This paper revisits the 1962 splitting of the South African Psychological Association (SAPA), when disaffected Afrikaner psychologists broke away to form the whites‐only Psychological Institute of the Republic of South Africa (PIRSA). It presents an analysis of the rhetorical justification for forming a new professional association on principles at odds with prevailing international norms, demonstrating how the episode involved more than the question of admitting black psychologists to the association. In particular, the paper argues that the SAPA‐PIRSA separation resulted from an Afrikaner nationalist reading of the goals of psychological science. PIRSA, that is, insisted on promoting a discipline committed to the ethnic‐national vision of the apartheid state. For its part, SAPA's racial integration was of a nominal order only, ostensibly to protect itself from international sanction. The paper concludes that, in a racist society, it is difficult to produce anything other than a racist psychology.
Getting hip to vitamin D: A hospitalist project for improving the assessment and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture
Authors: Stephens John R. , Williams Christine , Edwards Eric , Ossman Paul , DeWalt Darren A.
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly patients with hip fracture, and clinical practice guidelines recommend screening this population. Our hospitalist group cares for all patients admitted with hip fracture, yet lacked a standardized approach to screening for and treating vitamin D deficiency in this population.

OBJECTIVES

To standardize and improve the assessment and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture.

DESIGN

Quality improvement implementation.

SETTING

Tertiary academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Adults age >50 years with hip fracture.

INTERVENTIONS

We implemented a computerized hip fracture order set with preselected orders for 25‐OH vitamin D level and initial supplementation with 1000 IU/day of vitamin D. We presented a review of the literature and performance data to our hospitalist group.

MEASUREMENTS

Percentage of patients with acute hip fracture screened for vitamin D deficiency and percentage of deficient or insufficient patients discharged on recommended dose of vitamin D (50,000 IU/wk if level <20 ng/mL).

RESULTS

The percentage of patients screened for vitamin D deficiency improved from 37.2% (n = 196) before implementation to 93.5% (n = 107) after (P < 0.001). The percentage of deficient or insufficient patients discharged on the recommended vitamin D dose improved from 40.9% to 68.0% (P = 0.008). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (25‐OH vitamin D level <30 ng/mL) was 50.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Simple interventions, consisting of a change in computerized order set and presentation of evidence and data from group practice, led to significant improvement in the assessment and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:714–719. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Health Aid and Health Improvement in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Accounting for the Heterogeneity Between Stable States and Post‐Conflict States
Authors: Yogo Urbain Thierry , Mallaye Douzounet
Published: September 2014

Using a sample of 34 sub‐Saharan African countries over the period 1990–2012, this paper reveals that health aid helps to improve health outcomes in sub‐Saharan African countries. More specifically, for each additional unit of health aid, the prevalence of HIV decreases by 8.3% and child mortality decreases by 64% over 4 years. This effect operates mainly through the improvement of female education and the increase in health spending. Furthermore, the results do not support the hypothesis of a significant difference between post‐conflict states and stable states in terms of aid effectiveness. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radioiodinated acebutolol as a new highly selective radiotracer for myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Swidan M. M. , Sakr T. M. , Motaleb M. A. , El‐Bary A. Abd , El‐Kolaly M. T.
Published: September 2014

Acebutolol was successfully labeled with 125I via direct electrophilic substitution reaction. Radioiodinated acebutolol was prepared with a maximum radiochemical yield of 96.5 ± 0.3% and in vitro stability up to 72 h. The in vivo biological distribution of radioiodinated acebutolol showed high heart uptake of 37.8 ± 0.14% injected activity/g organ with low lungs and liver uptakes at 5 min post‐injection. In vivo receptor blocking study was carried out in mice to evaluate its selectivity to heart. Radioiodinated acebutolol showed fast heart accumulation with high heart/liver ratio, which provides the ability for fast myocardial imaging with significant decrease in the radiation hazards risk on patients. So, radioiodinated acebutolol could be displayed as a radiotracer drug of choice in case of emergency patients for myocardial perfusion imaging.
Synthesis of 13C215N2‐labeled anti‐inflammatory and cytoprotective tricyclic bis(cyanoenone) ([13C215N2]‐TBE‐31) as an internal standard for quantification by stable isotope dilution LC‐MS method
Authors: Zheng Suqing , Huang Jeffrey T.‐J. , Knatko Elena V. , Sharp Sheila , Higgins Maureen , Ojima Iwao , Dinkova‐Kostova Albena T. , Honda Tadashi
Published: September 2014

Tricyclic bis(cyanoenone), TBE‐31, one of the most potent activators of the Keap1/Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway, has been developed as a new anti‐inflammatory and cytoprotective agent. 13C215N2‐labeled TBE‐31 ([13C215N2]‐TBE‐31), which has two 13C and two 15N atoms in two cyano groups, was designed to develop a method for quantification of cell, tissue, and plasma levels of TBE‐31 that involves chromatography/mass spectrometry coupled with the use of a stable isotope‐labeled internal standard. [13C215N2]‐TBE‐31 was successfully synthesized in four steps from a previously reported intermediate, which is prepared in 11 steps from cyclohexanone, by introduction of two 13C atoms with ethyl [13C]formate and two 15N atoms with hydroxyl[15N]amine. The stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method for quantification of TBE‐31 was successfully developed using [13C215N2]‐TBE‐31 to compensate for any variables encountered during sample processing and analysis.
Ultra‐fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry determination of ochratoxin A in traditional Chinese medicines based on vortex‐assisted solid–liquid microextraction and aptamer‐affinity column clean‐up
Authors: Yang Xihui , Hu Yichen , Kong Weijun , Chu Xianfeng , Yang Meihua , Zhao Ming , Ouyang Zhen
Published: September 2014

A rapid, selective, and sensitive ultra‐fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of ochratoxin A in traditional Chinese medicines based on vortex‐assisted solid–liquid microextraction and aptamer‐affinity column clean‐up. Through optimizing the sample pretreatment procedures and chromatographic conditions, good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9993), low limit of detection (0.5–0.8 μg/kg), and satisfactory recovery (83.54–94.44%) expressed the good reliability and applicability of the established method in various traditional Chinese medicines. Moreover, the aptamer‐affinity column, prepared in‐house, showed an excellent feasibility owing to its specific identification of ochratoxin A in various kinds of selected traditional Chinese medicines. The maximum adsorption amount and applicability value were 188.96 ± 10.56 ng and 72.3%, respectively. The matrix effects were effectively eliminated, especially for m/z 404.2→358.0 of ochratoxin A. The application of the developed method for screening the natural contamination levels of ochratoxin A in 25 random traditional Chinese medicines on the market in China indicated that only eight samples were contaminated with low levels below the legal limit (5.0 μg/kg) set by the European Union. This study provided a preferred choice for the rapid and accurate monitoring of ochratoxin A in complex matrices.
The Cauchy problem for the generalized hyperelastic rod wave equation
Authors: Tian Changan , Yan Wei , Zhang Haixia
Published: September 2014

In this paper we consider the Cauchy problem for the generalized hyperelasticrod wave equation

urn:x-wiley:dummy:media:mana201200243:mana201200243-math-0001which includes the Camassa‐Holm equation and the hyperelastic rod wave equation. Firstly, by using the Kato's theory, we prove that the Cauchy problem for the generalized hyperelastic rod wave is locally well‐posed in Sobolev spaces with . Secondly, we give some conservation laws, some useful conclusions and the precise blow‐up scenario and show that the Cauchy problem for the generalized hyperelastic rod wave equation has smooth solutions which blows up in finite time. Thirdly, we give the blow‐up rate of the strong solutions to the Cauchy problem for the generalized hyperelastic rod wave equation. Finally, we give the lower bound of the maximal existence time of the solution and the lower semicontinuity of existence time of solutions to the generalized hyperelastic rod wave equation.
An analog of the Hartogs theorem in a ball of
Authors: Kytmanov Alexander M. , Myslivets Simona G.
Published: September 2014

In this paper we consider continuous functions given on the boundary of a ball B in , , and having a one‐dimensional property of holomorphic extension along the families of complex lines, passing through a finite number of points of B. We study the problem of existence of holomorphic extension of such functions in the ball B.
Synthesis, Self‐Assembly, and Multi‐Stimuli Responses of a Supramolecular Block Copolymer
Authors: Yuan Weizhong , Wang Jinju , Li Lulin , Zou Hui , Yuan Hua , Ren Jie
Published: September 2014

A supramolecular block copolymer is prepared by the molecular recognition of nucleobases between poly(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate‐co‐oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate)‐SS‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐adenine (P(MEO2MA‐co‐OEGMA)‐SS‐PCL‐A) and uracil‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG‐U). Because the block copolymer is linked by the combination of covalent (disulfide bond) and noncovalent (AU) bonds, it not only has similar properties to conventional covalently linked block copolymers but also possesses a dynamic and tunable nature. The copolymer can self‐assemble into micelles with a PCL core and P(MEO2MA‐co‐OEGMA)/PEG shell. The size and morphologies of the micelles/aggregates can be adjusted by altering the temperature, pH, salt concentration, or adding dithiothreitol (DTT) to the solution. The controlled release of Nile red is achieved at different environmental conditions.

image
Fast 3DT2‐weighted imaging using variable flip angle transition into driven equilibrium (3DT2‐TIDE) balanced SSFP for prostate imaging at 3T
Authors: Srinivasan Subashini , Wu Holden H. , Sung Kyunghyun , Margolis Daniel J.A. , Ennis Daniel B.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Three‐dimensional (3D) T2‐weighted fast spin echo (FSE) imaging of the prostate currently requires long acquisition times. Our objective was to develop a fast 3D T2‐weighted sequence for prostate imaging at 3T using a variable flip angle transition into driven equilibrium (T2‐TIDE) scheme.

Methods

3D T2‐TIDE uses interleaved spiral‐out phase encode ordering to efficiently sample the ky–kz phase encodes and also uses the transient balanced steady‐state free precession signal to acquire the center of k‐space for T2‐weighted imaging. Bloch simulations and images from 10 healthy subjects were acquired to evaluate the performance of 3D T2‐TIDE compared to 3D FSE.

Results

3D T2‐TIDE images were acquired in 2:54 minutes compared to 7:02 minutes for 3D FSE with identical imaging parameters. The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) efficiency was significantly higher for 3D T2‐TIDE compared to 3D FSE in nearly all tissues, including periprostatic fat (45 ± 12 vs. 31 ± 7, P < 0.01), gluteal fat (48 ± 8 vs. 41 ± 10, P = 0.12), right peripheral zone (20 ± 4 vs. 16 ± 8, P = 0.12), left peripheral zone (17 ± 2 vs. 12 ± 3, P < 0.01), and anterior fibromuscular stroma (12 ± 4 vs. 4 ± 2, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

3D T2‐TIDE images of the prostate can be acquired quickly with SNR efficiency that exceeds that of 3D FSE. Magn Reson Med 74:442–451, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The direct and indirect roles of HBV in liver cancer: prospective markers for HCC screening and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Ringelhan Marc , O'Connor Tracy , Protzer Ulrike , Heikenwalder Mathias
Published: September 2014

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the number one risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for more than 600 000 deaths/year. Despite highly effective antiviral treatment options, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), subsequent end‐stage liver disease and HCC development remain a major challenge worldwide. In CHB, liver damage is mainly caused by the influx of immune cells and destruction of infected hepatocytes, causing necro‐inflammation. Treatment with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues can effectively suppress HBV replication in patients with CHB and thus decrease the risk for HCC development. Nevertheless, the risk of HCC in treated patients showing sufficient suppression of HBV DNA replication is significantly higher than in patients with inactive CHB, regardless of the presence of baseline liver cirrhosis, suggesting direct, long‐lasting, predisposing effects of HBV. Direct oncogenic effects of HBV include integration in the host genome, leading to deletions, cis/trans‐activation, translocations, the production of fusion transcripts and generalized genomic instability, as well as pleiotropic effects of viral transcripts (HBsAg and HBx). Analysis of these viral factors in active surveillance may allow early identification of high‐risk patients, and their integration into a molecular classification of HCC subtypes might help in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological behavior and mechanical properties of wood flour/high density polyethylene blends: Effects of esterification of wood with citric acid
Authors: Ou Rongxian , Wang Qingwen , Wolcott Michael P. , Sui Shujuan , Xie Yanjun
Published: September 2014

This study explored the modifying effects of wood flour (WF) with citric acid (CA) on the rheological and mechanical properties of WF/high density polypropylene (HDPE) composites. WF was treated with CA, which acts a cross‐linking agent and melt‐blended with HDPE with a twin‐screw extruder. Injection molding was used to make tensile and impact tests samples. The rheological properties of the blends were characterized using a Haake microcompounder, torque‐, capillary‐, and rotational‐rheometer, respectively. Results show that the thermal stability of WF decreased after treatment. Compared with those of untreated composites, the tensile strength, elongation‐at‐break, and impact strength of the composites treated with 5% CA were reduced by 6%, 14%, and 16%, respectively. This reduction was attributed to embrittlement of WF, which may negatively influence the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed better dispersion of CA‐treated WF in the composites than the untreated WF. For composites treated with 5% CA, the melt torque, viscosity, moduli, and shear stress decreased significantly, indicating an improvement in processibility. This improvement is attributed to uniform dispersion of the modified WF, as well as to better interfacial adhesion between WF and the matrix. Results suggest that treating WF with CA shows promise for improving the processibility of highly filled thermoplastic composites via extrusion/injection molding processing. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:553–560, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Self‐Assembled Binary Mixtures of Partially Etched Nanowires
Authors: Smith Benjamin D. , Kirby David J. , Boehm Sarah J. , Keating Christine D.
Published: September 2014

Arrays of anisotropic particles are sought after for applications in optics, electronics, and energy. Structures assembled from multiple micro‐ or nanoparticles could incorporate the distinct properties of each component to achieve functions not possible from single‐population assemblies. In mixed‐particle populations, the assembly forces may differ between the particle types, which will in turn influence the final assembled structures. Here, binary particle mixtures are studied and compared to assemblies formed from each of the component particles alone. The particles are partially etched nanowires (PENs, ≈300 nm diameter, and 3–8 μm overall length), which are formed by the silica coating and subsequent etching of striped metal nanowires, such that what remains are silica nanotubes containing segments of metal core (Au, Pt, Rh, or Pt/Au) with controllable location and number, spaced by “empty” regions that fill with water. Binary mixtures of PENs with different core metals and segment patterns are examined here to explore how the different core segment material, length, position, and number affects overall self‐assembly behavior.
An atomistic picture of the diffusion of two vacancies forming a di‐vacancy in Si
Authors: Kamiyama Eiji , Sueoka Koji , Vanhellemont Jan
Published: September 2014

A method is proposed to calculate the formation of a point defect pair in Si based on an atomistic picture. As an illustration, the capturing of a vacancy (V) by another V forming a di‐vacancy is described semi‐quantitatively. It is shown that in Si, the number of most likely diffusion paths of two vacancies V to form a di‐vacancy is limited. The energetically most favorable diffusion paths are the twelve zigzag Si chains surrounding the V along the ⟨110⟩ directions. Systematically calculating all of the irreducible configurations of two vacancies, each with its weight (=total number of each possible configuration), enables determining all possible V diffusion paths with their relative weights. This obtained picture is different from diffusion in the continuum model, which does not take into account the anisotropy of covalent bonds in the diamond lattice. The proposed approach is a first step towards the calculation of the effective “capture cross‐section” for the formation of point defect pairs that can be used in continuum models.
Multifrequency Raman spectroscopy on bulk (11,10) chirality enriched semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kramberger Christian , Kharlamova Marianna V. , Yanagi Kazuhiro
Published: September 2014

We performed a thorough multifrequency Raman spectroscopy study to access the entire spread of all traces of chirality species and confirm the absence of metallic species in metallicity and single chirality sorted single‐walled carbon nanotubes. On the bulk scale the diameters of all detectable species fall within 1.43 nm 2% and are dominated by an outstanding abundance of the single (11,10) chirality.
Aspects of ECMWF model performance in polar areas
Authors: Bauer P. , Magnusson L. , Thépaut Jean‐Noël , Hamill Thomas M.
Published: September 2014

Global numerical weather prediction skill over polar areas is assessed, mostly based on the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) system but also the Met Office, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Environment Canada and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) analysis data. Polar forecast verification against analyses shows a similar trend of forecast improvement over the past 12 years compared with improvements at lower latitudes. These improvements are presumably due to increased model resolution and model sophistication, improved data assimilation methods and increased observational data coverage and better data quality. By comparing ECMWF's real‐time forecast skill changes against those from reforecasts initialized from reanalyses, it is possible to quantify how much of the improvement is from system improvements and how much is attributable to weather variability. Ensemble skill also improved over time and, again, consistently across latitudes. The quality of analyses serving for forecast verification and initialization has been investigated further. An intercomparison of The Observing system Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE) analyses and forecasts revealed substantial differences for surface parameters, but also at lower levels in the troposphere, where most of the physical processes relevant to weather in the short‐to‐medium range take place over the poles. The differences between the TIGGE analyses were generally much larger than differences between members of the ECMWF 4D‐Var ensemble of analyses generated internally at ECMWF. This suggests that neither the multi‐analysis approach nor ensemble data assimilation may represent polar analysis uncertainty properly. This is particularly visible at the surface and lower levels in the atmosphere. Forecast spread and error match much better north of 65∘N where less atmospheric variability prevails along the entire forecast range, while in areas of significant synoptic activity the spread also appears too low.
Large‐scale two‐component relativistic quantum‐chemical theory: Combination of the infinite‐order douglas–kroll–hess method with the local unitary transformation scheme and the divide‐and‐conquer method
Authors: Seino Junji , Nakai Hiromi
Published: September 2014

Large‐scale two‐component (2c) relativistic quantum‐chemical (RQC) theory is reviewed. We briefly discuss the theories, advantages, and extensibilities of an overall linear‐scaling scheme in 2c relativistic theory. The theory is based on the infinite‐order Douglas–Kroll–Hess method, with the local unitary transformation scheme to produce the 2c relativistic Hamiltonian, and the divide‐and‐conquer method to achieve linear‐scaling of Hartree–Fock and electron correlation methods. Furthermore, perspectives for large‐scale RQC are explained to bring the practical usage and treatment of light and heavy elements in 2c relativistic calculations close to those in non‐relativistic methods. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stereoscopic visualization and quantification of auricular cartilage regeneration in rabbits using multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhu Xiaoqin , Xu Yahao , Tang Yiyan , Xiong Shuyuan , Zhuo Shuangmu , Chen Jianxin
Published: September 2014

Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) was applied for imaging and quantifying the elastic cartilage regeneration tissue in a rabbit ear model without using labeling agents. Morphology of cells and collagen matrix were analysis, showing significant difference between regenerated and intact cartilage in cellular size and collagen distribution. The results demonstrate that high resolution images provide by MPM are consistent with the histological results, and show additional biological behavior which is not visible in standard histology. Advantages in instrumentation may lead to the application of MPM for intravital detection and treatment. SCANNING 36:540–546, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of impact energy on SIMS U–Pb zircon geochronology
Authors: Magee Charles , Ferris Jim , Magee Charles
Published: September 2014

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) measurements of Pb isotopes and U–Pb elemental ratios in natural minerals are one of the most important methods of measuring geologic time on the million to billion year timescale. Precise and accurate geochronology requires accurate correction of elemental U and Pb fractionation in the SIMS process. The calibration schemes used to correct for this fractionation have been in use since the 1990s. However, the mechanism by which they work remains poorly understood. The independence of primary ion impact energy from the secondary voltage in the sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) is used to examine the ionization efficiency of Pb+ in zircon over a range of impact energies from 3.7 kV to 15.7 kV. A plateau of around 34 cps/nA O2−/ppm 206Pb is observed between 5.7 and 10.7‐kV impact energy. In contrast, useful yield increases steadily as impact energy is decreased. The use of a primary beam made of 18O2− ions allows the 18O implanted by the primary beam to be differentiated from the 16O in the natural silicate matrix. The oxygen isotopic results, with larger 18O/16O ratios at lower energies, suggest that enhanced oxygen activity at the sputtering surface may be due to progressively lower sputtering efficiency at lower energies. This would increase the Pb+ yield from the sample even as the ion yield per nA of primary beam remains constant, as a nA of molecular oxygen at 5 kV or less sputters a smaller sample volume than at higher energies. The useful yield for Pb increases from 1% to 3% as the primary energy drops. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rat globus pallidus neurons: Functional classification and effects of dopamine depletion
Authors: Karain Brad , Xu Dan , Bellone John A. , Hartman Richard E. , Shi Wei‐Xing
Published: September 2014

The rat globus pallidus (GP) is homologous to the primate GP externus. Studies with injectable anesthetics suggest that GP neurons can be classified into Type‐I and Type‐II cells based on extracellularly recorded spike shape, or positively coupled (PC), negatively coupled (NC), and uncoupled (UC) cells based on functional connectivity with the cortex. In this study, we examined the electrophysiology of rat GP neurons using the inhalational anesthetic isoflurane which offers more constant and easily regulated levels of anesthesia than injectable anesthetics. In 130 GP neurons recorded using small‐tip glass electrodes (<1 μm), all but one fired Type‐II spikes (positive/negative waveform). Type‐I cells were unlikely to be inhibited by isoflurane since all GP neurons also fired Type‐II spikes under ketamine‐induced anesthesia. When recorded with large‐tip electrodes (∼2 μm), however, over 70% of GP neurons exhibited Type‐I spikes (negative/positive waveform). These results suggest that the spike shape, recorded extracellularly, varies depending on the electrode used and is not reliable in distinguishing Type‐I and Type‐II neurons. Using dual‐site recording, 40% of GP neurons were identified as PC cells, 17.5% NC cells, and 42.5% UC cells. The three subtypes also differed significantly in firing rate and pattern. Lesions of dopamine neurons increased the number of NC cells, decreased that of UC cells, and significantly shifted the phase relationship between PC cells and the cortex. These results support the presence of GP neuron subtypes and suggest that each subtype plays a different role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. Synapse 69:41–51, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Explanatoriness and Evidence: A Reply to McCain and Poston
Authors: Roche William , Sober Elliott ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2014

We argue elsewhere that explanatoriness is evidentially irrelevant (Roche and Sober 2013). Let H be some hypothesis, O some observation, and E the proposition that H would explain O if H and O were true. Then O screens-off E from H: Pr(H | O & E)=Pr(H | O). This thesis, hereafter “SOT” (short for “Screening-OffThesis”), is defended by appeal to a representative case.The case concerns smoking and lung cancer. McCain and Poston grant that SOT holds in cases, like our case concerning smoking and lung cancer, that involve frequency data. However, McCain and Poston contend that there is a wider sense of evidential relevance—wider than the sense at play in SOT—on which explanatoriness is evidentially relevant even in cases involving frequency data. This is their main point, but they also contend that SOT does not hold in certain cases not involving frequency data. We reply to each of these points and conclude with some general remarks on screening-off as a test of evidential relevance.
Sonographic spectrum of first‐trimester fetal cephalocele: review of 35 cases
Authors: Sepulveda W. , Wong A. E. , Andreeva E. , Odegova N. , Martinez‐Ten P. , Meagher S.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To describe the sonographic features of fetal cephalocele diagnosed at the time of first‐trimester ultrasound screening for aneuploidy.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of cases of cephalocele diagnosed in the first trimester at four fetal medicine referral centers. Once diagnosis was suspected, a transvaginal ultrasound examination was offered to improve depiction of the cranial defect and enhance examination of fetal anatomy, with special attention given to the location, size and content of defects. To assure consistency in diagnosis, representative pictures and videoclip sequences of the cranial defect were obtained and reviewed by at least two authors. Cases were classified and compared with the assessment made at diagnosis.

Results

Of the 35 affected fetuses identified, 33 were of a singleton pregnancy and two were of twin pregnancies in which the other fetus was unaffected. The lesion was classified as a cranial meningocele in 13 (37%) cases and as an encephalocele in 22 (63%). The bone defect was occipital in 27 (77%), frontal in three (9%), parietal in three (9%) and non‐classifiable in two (6%). Twelve (34%) were considered as small in size, 11 (31%) as medium and 12 (34%) as large. There were no reported cases of aneuploidy; however, four (11%) cases were associated with Meckel–Gruber syndrome, two (6%) with a disruptive syndrome and one (3%) with skeletal dysplasia. Eight (23%) pregnancies were lost to follow‐up. Parents opted for termination of pregnancy in 21 of the 27 remaining cases and, of the six ongoing pregnancies, four patients miscarried or the fetus died in utero during the second trimester, one liveborn infant died shortly after delivery and one underwent neonatal surgery for an isolated cranial meningocele and is currently doing well.

Conclusions

First‐trimester sonographic diagnosis of cephalocele is accomplished easily with a detailed examination of the skull contour at the time of routine assessment of the axial and sagittal views of the head for measurement of the biparietal diameter and nuchal translucency, respectively. However, the sonographic features are highly variable. A significant proportion of cases are associated with genetic or disruptive syndromes. Prenatal diagnosis of cephalocele in the first trimester was associated with a high rate of termination of pregnancy and early intrauterine fetal demise. Only one fetus in this series survived and is neurologically intact; therefore, the prognosis of this condition remains poor. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The thinking Neanderthals: What do we know about Neanderthal cognition?
Authors: Johansson Sverker
Published: September 2014

The study of Neanderthal cognition is difficult, because of the archaeological invisibility of cognition, and because of the methodological issues that arise both from that invisibility and from their being close to modern humans. Nevertheless, fair progress has been made in gathering relevant evidence. There is now good evidence that Neanderthals were cognitively sophisticated, displaying many of the cognitive traits that were traditionally regarded as proxies for modern human cognition, notably including language. It can neither be proven nor excluded that they were our cognitive equals, but they were close enough to us, biologically and cognitively, to interbreed successfully and leave a genetic legacy in our DNA. WIREs Cogn Sci 2014, 5:613–620. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1317

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Linguistics > Evolution of Language
Nanomedicine: a pharma perspective
Authors: Brown Peter D. , Patel Piyush R.
Published: September 2014

Nanotechnology as applied to medicine is not a new field. The first nanomedicines approved for use were developed from research dating back to the 1970s. These liposomal formulations of existing drugs showed improved therapeutic activity and reduced toxicity in the nonclinical model systems. However, these benefits proved more subtle and harder to demonstrate in patients. This fact, combined with the technical challenges in commercial‐scale production of nanoparticles, led to only limited investment in nanomedicines by the major pharmaceutical companies. Even so, research on nanomedicines has proceeded apace in academic laboratories and smaller biopharmaceutical companies. New materials and drug combinations have been studied, and targeting moieties added with the aim of improving the therapeutic index. Today many of these new designs are in, or are approaching, clinical testing. It will take only one or two to be successful to change the way pharmaceutical companies view this field of innovative research. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:125–130. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1288

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
The issues and tentative solutions for contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging at ultra‐high field strength
Authors: Fries Peter , Morelli John N. , Lux Francois , Tillement Olivier , Schneider Günther , Buecker Arno
Published: September 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at ultra‐high field strengths beyond 3 Tesla (T) has become increasingly prevalent in research and preclinical applications. As such, the inevitable clinical implementation of such systems lies on the horizon. The major benefit of ultra‐high field MRI is the markedly increased signal‐to‐noise ratios achievable, enabling acquisition of MR images with simultaneously greater spatial and temporal resolution. However, at field strengths higher than 3 T, the efficacy of Gd(III)‐based contrast agents is diminished due to decreased r1 relaxivity, somewhat limiting imaging of the vasculature and contrast‐enhanced imaging of tumors. There have been extensive efforts to design new contrast agents with high r1 relaxivities based on macromolecular compounds or nanoparticles; however, the efficacy of these agents at ultra‐high field strengths has not yet been proven. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the basic principles of MR contrast enhancement processes and to highlight the main factors influencing relaxivity. In addition, challenges and opportunities for contrast‐enhanced MRI at ultra‐high field strengths will be explored. Various approaches for the development of effective contrast agent molecules that are suitable for a broad spectrum of applied field strengths will be discussed in the context of the current literature. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2014, 6:559–573. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1291

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging