bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Henetus wave forecast system in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Bertotti L. , Canestrelli P. , Cavaleri L. , Pastore F. , Zampato L.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. We describe the Henetus wave forecast system in the Adriatic Sea. Operational since 1996, the system is continuously upgraded, especially through the correction of the input ECMWF wind fields. As these fields are of progressively improved quality with the increasing resolution of the meteorological model, the correction needs to be correspondingly updated. This ensures a practically constant quality of the Henetus results in the Adriatic Sea since 1996. After suitable and extended validation of the quality of the results at different forecast ranges, the operational range has been recently extended to five days. The Henetus results are used also to improve the tidal forecast on the Venetian coasts and the Venice lagoon, particularly during the most severe events. Extensive statistics on the model performance are provided, both as analysis and forecast, by comparing the model results versus both satellite and buoy data.
ENSO components of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation and their relation to North Atlantic interannual coastal sea level anomalies
Authors: Park J. , Dusek G.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) are known to influence coastal water levels along the East Coast of the United States. By identifying empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs), which coherently contribute from the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) to the AMO index (AMOI), we characterize both the expression of ENSO in the unsmoothed AMOI, and coherent relationships between these indices and interannual sea level anomalies at six stations in the Gulf of Mexico and western North Atlantic. Within the ENSO band (2–7 yr periods) the total contribution of MEI to unsmoothed AMOI variability is 79%. Cross correlation suggests that the MEI leads expression of the ENSO signature in the AMOI by six months, consistent with the mechanism of an atmospheric bridge. Within the ENSO band, essentially all of the coupling between the unsmoothed AMOI and sea level anomalies is the result of ENSO expression in the AMOI. At longer periods we find decadal components of sea level anomalies linked to the AMOI at three southern stations (Key West, Pensacola, Charleston), but not at the northern stations (Baltimore, Boston, Portland), with values of coherence ranging from 20 to 50%. The coherence of MEI to coastal sea level anomalies has a different structure and is generally weaker than that of the ENSO expressed AMOI influence, suggesting distinct physical mechanisms are influencing sea level anomalies due to a direct ENSO teleconnection when compared to teleconnections based on ENSO expression in the AMOI. It is expected that applying this analysis to extremes of sea level anomalies will reveal additional influences.
Library Network Analysis and Planning (LIB-NAT)
Authors: Duggan Maryann
Published: June 2013

A preliminary report on planning for network design undertaken by the Reference Round Table of the Texas Library Association and the State Advisory Council to Library Services and Construction Act Title III Texas Program. Necessary components of a network are discussed, and network transactions of eighteen Dallas area libraries analyzed using a methodology and quantitative measures developed fm· this project.
Management Planning for Library Systems Development
Authors: Bellomy Fred L.
Published: June 2013

This paper deals with the application to library systems development programs of planning techniques which long ago proved their usefulness in business, military, and aerospace developments. The significant features of PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), WBS (Work Breakdown Structure), planning diagrams, statements of work, cost/time estimates, schedules, manpower loading, and cost phasing are related through an example to the management requirements of a mafor systems development program at a large university library. The practical aspects of planning are treated in preference to the more theoretical.
Assessing the Treatment of Patron Privacy in Library 2.0 Literature
Authors: Zimmer Michael
Published: June 2013

As libraries begin to embrace Web 2.0 technologies to serve patrons – ushering in the era of Library 2.0 – unique dilemmas arise regarding protection of patron privacy. The norms of Web 2.0 promote the open sharing of information – often personal information – and the design of many Library 2.0 services capitalize on access to patron information and might require additional tracking, collection and aggregation of patron activities. Thus, embracing Library 2.0 potentially threatens the traditional ethics of librarianship, where protecting patron privacy and intellectual freedom has been held paramount. As a step towards informing the decisions to implement Library 2.0 to adequately protect patron privacy, we must first understand how such concerns are being articulated within the professional discourse surrounding these next generation library tools and services. The study presented in this paper aims to determine whether and how issues of patron privacy are introduced, discussed, and settled – if at all – within trade publications utilized by librarians and related information professionals
Content Management Systems: Trends in Academic Libraries
Authors: Connell Ruth Sara
Published: June 2013

Academic libraries, and their parent institutions, are increasingly using Content Management Systems (CMSs) for website management.  In this study, the author surveyed academic library web managers from four-year institutions to discover whether they had adopted CMSs, which tools they were using, and their satisfaction with their website management system.  Other issues, such as institutional control over library website management, were raised.   The survey results showed that CMS satisfaction levels vary by tool, and that many libraries do not have input into the selection their CMS because the determination is made at an institutional level.  These findings will be helpful for decision makers involved in the selection of CMSs for academic libraries.
Oportunidades y desafíos de la radio en la era digital
Authors: Bolea de Anta Adelaida , Ferrando García Pablo
Published: June 2013

Introducción a la sección informe sobre Retos de la radio en los escenarios de la convergencia digital.
Wood use and kayak construction: Material selection from the perspective of carpentry
Authors: Walls Matthew
Published: June 2013

Although the natural availability and quality of wood is variable across the Arctic, there is great continuity in how it was traditionally used. This article considers the value of wood to Arctic peoples and the criteria that would distinguish the utility of different pieces. The topic is explored in the case of kayak construction, one of the most complex carpentry tasks that can be inferred from many archaeological sites. Numerous types of kayaks were built in several periods by a variety of peoples using very different toolkits. Using both ethnographic and archaeological examples, it is shown that this technology everywhere shared several key stages of construction. Within these stages, specific carpentry tasks defined the criteria that all kayak builders used to select wood. By exploring the value of wood to Arctic peoples for carpentry, this article demonstrates the potential for understanding wood use through experimental archaeology.
Using wood on King Island, Alaska
Authors: Alix Claire
Published: June 2013

Ugiuvak, or King Island, off the coast of the Seward Peninsula in the Bering Strait, is among the few Arctic villages with stilt houses in an environment where wood is essentially lacking. In 1899, Edward W. Nelson, describing the island’s architecture, noted that wood was abundant. Today, the contrast is striking between the bareness and steepness of the coast and the extensive use of wood in the village. This article presents information about wood procurement and use as building material on Ugiuvak in the last 300 years based on literature review, on-site observations, and discussions with members of the King Island community. It briefly reviews the origin, circulation, and deposition of driftwood in the Bering Strait region. It then explores the possibility of a relationship in the 19th century between an increase in driftwood availability and the development of stilt architecture on the island, taking into account other wood sources that became available at the time. The last 150 years of occupation of the village were marked by a transition from a solely driftwood-based economy to one where driftwood was first supplemented and then largely replaced by lumber.
Walrus Island – A pivotal place for High Arctic Palaeo-Eskimo societies in Northeast Greenland
Authors: Sørensen Mikkel
Published: June 2013

In this article, the Palaeo-Eskimo ruin features of the Walrus Island site are presented and analysed. The Walrus Island site was investigated in 2008 and more than 2,000 stone features were recorded, of which 445 were the remains of dwellings attributed to Palaeo-Eskimo occupations. These ruins are described as “mid-passages,” “tent rings,” “clearings,” and “pavements.” They are associated with lithic artefacts that attest to the presence of all the previously identified Palaeo-Eskimo cultures of Northeast Greenland, i.e., Independence I, Saqqaq, and Greenlandic Dorset. Based on the ruins’ location near sloping terrain and lack of peripheral stones, it is argued that the Greenlandic Dorset people built snow houses on the site. Walrus Island has the second largest known Palaeo-Eskimo site in Northeast Greenland, the largest one being the Kap Skt. Jacques site on the island Île-de-France, which has 548 features. Both sites, and four other large or potentially very large sites, have in common a shore location on the Northeast Greenland coast near polynyas. These large sites were of pivotal importance for the Palaeo-Eskimos of Northeast Greenland and may help us understand their way of life in the extreme High Arctic.
Factors associated with loss to clinic among HIV patients not yet known to be eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Mozambique
Authors: Pati Rituparna , Lahuerta Maria , Elul Batya , Okamura Mie , Alvim Maria Fernanda , Schackman Bruce , Bang Heejung , Fernandes Rufino , Assan Americo , Lima Josue , Nash Denis ,   for the Identifying Optimal Models of HIV Care in Mozambique Study Group
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Retention in HIV care prior to ART initiation is generally felt to be suboptimal, but has not been well‐characterized.

Methods

We examined data on 37,352 adult pre‐ART patients (ART ineligible or unknown eligibility) who enrolled in care during 2005–2008 with >1 clinical visit at 23 clinics in Mozambique. We defined loss to clinic (LTC) as >12 months since the last visit among those not known to have died/transferred. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to examine factors associated with LTC, accounting for clustering within sites.

Results

Of 37,352 pre‐ART patients, 61% had a CD4 count within three months of enrolment (median CD4: 452, IQR: 345–611). 17,598 (47.1%) were ART ineligible and 19,754 (52.9%) were of unknown eligibility status at enrolment because of missing information on CD4 count and/or WHO stage. Kaplan‐Meier estimates for LTC at 12 months were 41% (95% CI: 40.2–41.8) and 48% (95% CI: 47.2–48.8), respectively. Factors associated with LTC among ART ineligible patients included male sex (AHRmen_vs_non‐pregnant women: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.4–1.6) and being pregnant at enrolment (AHRpregnant_vs_non‐pregnant women: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1–1.5). Older age, more education, higher weight and more advanced WHO stage at enrolment were independently associated with lower risks of LTC. Similar findings were observed among patients whose ART eligibility status was unknown at enrolment.

Conclusions

Substantial LTC occurred prior to ART initiation among patients not yet known to be eligible for ART, including nearly half of patients without documented ART eligibility assessment. Interventions are needed to target pre‐ART patients who may be at higher risk for LTC, including pregnant women and patients with less advanced HIV disease.
Characteristics and Applications of Tapered Fiber Optical Sensors for 1310 nm Wavelength
Authors: Hwang Thunter , Cheng Wood-Hi , Su Yan-Kuin
Published: June 2013

Optical sensors for displacement measurement and fluorescence probes were designed and experimentally studied. This is the first time we used photonic sensors for displacement measurement and fluorescence probes at the same time using a long-wavelength (1310 nm) photon beam in the reflective mode. A tapered fiber sensor was chosen to increase the dynamic range for fluorescence probes. The results showed that the tapered fiber sensor exhibited a high resolution of 12 nm and a better dynamic range of 2 mm in our system. The relationship between resolution and dynamic range was experimentally found to vary with tapered fiber tilt angle. The precise diameter of the fiber microlens was measured. These were the characteristics considered in the manufacturing of our chosen device. Moreover, these novel 1310-nm-wavelength tapered fiber sensors with high resolution, good dynamic range, better reliability, and low cost may provide multipurpose applications, such as those in telecommunication systems, commercial measurements, and military inspection.
Determination of the Drain Saturation Voltage of a Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor by the Capacitance–Voltage Method
Authors: Kim Kwangsoo , Choi Pyungho , Kim Hyungjoon , Park Hyoungsun , Choi Byoungdeog
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we present a simple technique to extract drain saturation voltage using the drain junction capacitance–voltage data of a metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). When voltage is applied to the gate terminal, the drain and source are connected electrically via a surface inversion charge, and drain junction capacitance increases. When drain voltage increases, the pinch-off occurs at the drain end of the channel, and drain junction capacitance is rapidly reduced. Through this phenomenon, we can extract the drain saturation voltage directly from the drain junction capacitance–voltage curve without using complex mathematical formulas.
Effects of Interfacial Fluorination on Performance Enhancement of High-k-Based Charge Trap Flash Memory
Authors: Wang Chenjie , Huo Zongliang , Liu Ziyu , Liu Yu , Cui Yanxiang , Wang Yumei , Li Fanghua , Liu Ming
Published: June 2013

The effects of interfacial fluorination on the metal/Al2O3/HfO2/SiO2/Si (MAHOS) memory structure have been investigated. By comparing MAHOS memories with and without interfacial fluorination, it was identified that the deterioration of the performance and reliability of MAHOS memories is mainly due to the formation of an interfacial layer that generates excess oxygen vacancies at the interface. Interfacial fluorination suppresses the growth of the interfacial layer, which is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profile analysis, increases enhanced program/erase efficiency, and improves data retention characteristics. Moreover, it was observed that fluorination at the SiO–HfO interface achieves a more effective performance enhancement than that at the HfO–AlO interface.
Effects of Interactions with Cyclic Solvent Molecules on Optical Dephasing of CdSe/ZnS Colloidal Quantum Dots Detected by Femtosecond Four-Wave Mixing Spectroscopy
Authors: Hirosawa Yusuke , Kouzai Hiroyoshi , Yamazaki Naoya , Miyagawa Hayato , Tsurumachi Noriaki , Koshiba Shun , Nakanishi Shunsuke , Biju VasudevanPillai , Ishikawa Mituru
Published: June 2013

We have studied the effects of interactions with cyclic solvent molecules on the optical dephasing of CdSe/ZnS colloidal quantum dots (QDs) by femtosecond four-wave mixing spectroscopy. We have found that the interactions with the cyclic solvents without π-bonds result in unexpectedly long dephasing times of QDs even at room temperature, while the interactions with the cyclic solvents including π-bonds make the optical dephasing of QDs extremely fast with a dephasing time of less than our time resolution.
Plasma-Deposited SiOxCyHzBarrier Coatings for Organic Device Encapsulation
Authors: Lee Seunghun , Kang Yong-Jin , Jung Sunghoon , Kim Jong-Kuk , Kim Do-Geun
Published: June 2013

A plasma-deposited SiOxCyHzbarrier coating was investigated for the encapsulation of an organic photovoltaic (OPV). A closed drift linear plasma source, which is a modified extended layer linear ion source, was used to deposit SiOxCyHzfilms without any plasma damage due to plasma heating and ion bombardment on the organic devices. The deposition precursor was a gas mixture of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and oxygen. The effect of the HMDSO/(HMDSO+O2) ratio over the range from 3.7 to 14.2% on the silicon content in Si(–O)xbonding was studied. HMDSO reacted effectively with oxygen radicals to form pure SiO2bonds at the ratio of 3.7%. However, additional HMDSO injection led to insufficient HMDSO oxidation resulting in SiOxCyHzfilm deposition. In this work, a SiO2single layer deposited at the ratio of 3.7% was adapted for the encapsulation of OPV. The encapsulated OPV showed an original power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ∼2% without any degradation.
Transmission Properties of a 4-MeV C+ Ion Beam Entering a Narrow Gap between Two Cylindrical Glass Surfaces
Authors: Motohashi Kenji , Saitoh Yuichi , Miyawaki Nobumasa , Matsuo Yutaro
Published: June 2013

To investigate the possibility of guiding a fast, heavy-ion beam with tilted curved surfaces, we study the transmission properties of a 4 MeV C+-ion beam passing through a narrow gap between a convex glass lens and concave glass lens. The ion-beam transmission of 42–59% obtained at the tilt angle θ= 3° is 20–30 times greater than that of 2% estimated from the cross section of the narrow gap between the two cylindrical lenses. The results of laser-beam-transmission experiments indicate that, even at θ= 3.4° where almost no ions pass through the gap without interacting with the cylindrical glass surfaces, approximately 10% of the ions are transmitted. The transmission probability is asymmetric with respect to the polarity of θ, indicating that the ion beam impinging on the concave surface is more easily transmitted than when impinging on the convex surface. Furthermore, no significant ion-energy loss occurs upon transmission for the angular range -3≤θ≤+ 3.4°. These results provide evidence that fast heavy-ion beams are guided by curved surfaces.
Temperature Dependence of Scintillation Properties of Bright Oxide Scintillators for Well-Logging
Authors: Yanagida Takayuki , Fujimoto Yutaka , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Kamada Kei , Takahashi Hiromitsu , Fukazawa Yasushi , Nikl Martin , Chani Valery
Published: June 2013

Scintillation characteristics such as the pulse height, energy resolution, and decay time of single crystals of Tl-doped NaI (Tl:NaI), Ce-doped Lu2SiO5 (Ce:LSO), Ce-doped YAlO3 (Ce:YAP), Ce-doped Gd3(Al,Ga)5O12 (Ce:GAGG), Pr-doped Lu3Al5O12 (Pr:LuAG), undoped LuAG, and Ce-doped Y3Al5O12 (Ce:YAG) transparent ceramics were compared at 25–150 °C to simulate well logging conditions. For increasing temperature, the light output of the scintillators decreased, mostly because of thermal quenching. Among these samples, Pr:LuAG demonstrated the highest scintillation performance at 150 °C.
Analysis of a Monolithic, Nonperiodic Array of Quartz Crystal Microbalances
Authors: Liu Nan , Yang Jiashi , Wang Ji , Kosinski John A.
Published: June 2013

We study thickness-shear and thickness-twist vibrations of a crystal plate with a nonperiodic array of surface mass layers for mass sensor applications. A theoretical analysis is performed. The equations of anisotropic elasticity are used. An analytical solution is obtained for the free vibration eigenvalue problem using trigonometric series from which the resonant frequencies and mode shapes are calculated. Results show that, depending on the geometric and physical parameters of the mass layers, the vibration may be mainly trapped under some of the mass layers but not under others.
Safety of Surgery After Rituximab Therapy in 133 Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Data From the AutoImmunity and Rituximab Registry
Authors: Godot S. , Gottenberg J.‐E. , Paternotte S. , Pane I. , Combe B. , Sibilia J. , Flipo R.‐M. , Schaeverbeke T. , Ravaud P. , Toussirot E. , Berenbaum F. , Mariette X. , Wendling D. , Sellam J.
Published: June 2013

Objective

We used data from the AutoImmunity and Rituximab (AIR) registry to investigate the safety of surgery for patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving rituximab (RTX) in routine care.

Methods

Data for patients included in the AIR registry and undergoing surgery during the year following an infusion of RTX were reviewed to describe the frequency of postsurgical complications, compare patients with and without complications, and identify factors associated with complications.

Results

We examined data for 133 patients with a known date of surgery and at least 1 followup visit, corresponding to 140 procedures, including 94 orthopedic surgeries (67%) and 23 abdominal surgeries (16.5%). The median delay between surgery and the last RTX infusion was 6.4 months (interquartile range 4.3–8.7 months), without any difference between patients with and without complications. Nine patients (6.7%) experienced 12 complications (8.5%), including 8 surgical site infections (5.7%) and 1 death due to septic shock. Postoperative complications occurred after 4.3% of abdominal surgeries (1 of 23) and 7.4% of orthopedic surgeries (7 of 95). On univariate analysis, spine surgery was associated with postoperative complications (P = 0.048).

Conclusion

In common practice, the risk of complications may be more important in case of spine surgery, but does not seem to be linked to the time between the last RTX infusion and surgery.
High Performance Multi‐Level Non‐Volatile Polymer Memory with Solution‐Blended Ferroelectric Polymer/High‐k Insulators for Low Voltage Operation
Authors: Hwang Sun Kak , Bae Insung , Cho Suk Man , Kim Richard Hahnkee , Jung Hee Joon , Park Cheolmin
Published: June 2013

Polymer ferroelectric‐gate field effect transistors (Fe‐FETs) employing ferroelectric polymer thin films as gate insulators are highly attractive as a next‐generation non‐volatile memory. Furthermore, polymer Fe‐FETs have been recently of interest owing to their capability of storing data in more than 2 states in a single device, that is, they have multi‐level cell (MLC) operation potential for high density data storage. However, among a variety of technological issues of MLC polymer Fe‐FETs, the requirement of high voltage for cell operation is one of the most urgent problems. Here, a low voltage operating MLC polymer Fe‐FET memory with a high dielectric constant (k) ferroelectric polymer insulator is presented. Effective enhancement of capacitance of the ferroelectric gate insulator layer is achieved by a simple binary solution‐blend of a ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE) (k ≈ 8) with a relaxer high‐k poly(vinylidene‐fluoride–trifluoroethylene–chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE‐CTFE) (k ≈ 18). At optimized conditions, a ferroelectric insulator with a PVDF‐TrFE/PVDF‐TrFE‐CTFE (10/5) blend composition enables the discrete six‐level multi‐state operation of a MLC Fe‐FET at a gate voltage sweep of ±18 V with excellent data retention and endurance of each state of more than 104 s and 120 cycles, respectively.
In Situ Formation of Dendrites in Eumelanin Thin Films between Gold Electrodes
Authors: Wünsche Julia , Cardenas Luis , Rosei Federico , Cicoira Fabio , Gauvin Reynald , Graeff Carlos F. O. , Poulin Suzie , Pezzella Alessandro , Santato Clara
Published: June 2013

Eumelanin is a ubiquitous pigment in the human body, animals, and plants, with potential for bioelectronic applications because of its unique set of physical and chemical properties, including strong UV‐vis absorption, mixed ionic/electronic conduction, free radical scavenging and anti‐oxidant properties. Herein, a detailed investigation is reported of eumelanin thin films grown on substrates patterned with gold electrodes as a model system for device integration, using electrical measurements, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Under prolonged electrical biasing in humid air, one can observe gold dissolution and formation of gold‐eumelanin nanoaggregates, the assembly of which leads to the formation of dendrites forming conductive pathways between the electrodes. Based on results collected with eumelanins from different sources, a mechanism is proposed for the formation of the nanoaggregates and dendrites, taking into account the metal binding properties of eumelanin. The surprising interaction between eumelanin and gold points to new opportunities for the fabrication of eumelanin‐gold nanostructures and biocompatible memory devices and should be taken into account in the design of devices based on eumelanin thin films.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Domino Cyclization (5‐exo/3‐exo), Ring‐ Expansion by Palladium Rearrangement, and Aromatization: An Expedient Synthesis of 4‐Arylnicotinates from Morita–Baylis–Hillman Adducts
Authors: Kim Ko Hoon , Kim Se Hee , Lee Hyun Ju , Kim Jae Nyoung
Published: June 2013

Various 4‐arylnicotinate derivatives were synthesized via a palladium‐catalyzed cascade reaction of N‐(2‐bromoallyl)‐N‐cinnamyltosylamides in a one‐pot procedure in good yields. The reaction involves a domino 5‐exo/3‐exo carbopalladation, ring‐expansion by palladium rearrangement, and an aromatization process.
A Continuous Flow Solution to Achieving Efficient Aerobic Anti‐Markovnikov Wacker Oxidation
Authors: Bourne S. L. , Ley S. V.
Published: June 2013

An aerobic anti‐Markovnikov Wacker oxidation for the flow‐synthesis of arylacetaldehydes is reported. In the process, flow chemistry techniques have provided a means to control and minimise the over‐oxidation of sensitive products. The reaction showed general applicability to various functionalised styrenes and provided a process capable of a multi‐gram scale.
Dietary zinc intake is inversely associated to metabolic syndrome in male but not in female urban adolescents
Authors: Suarez‐Ortegón Milton F. , Ordoñez‐Betancourth Jenny E. , Aguilar‐de Plata Cecilia
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate the relationship of copper and zinc dietary intakes with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents.

Methods

The sample consisted of 1,311 adolescents aged 11–16 years, and MetS definition by de Ferranti et al. was used. Nutritional intakes, anthropometrical and biochemical markers were measured.

Results

In males, highest quartile of zinc intake was inversely associated with MetS without and with adjustment by covariables. Without adjustment, highest quartile of copper intake was inversely associated (marginal significance) with MetS, but with adjustment, the relationship was not maintained. Likewise in male gender, elevated waist circumference was the only MetS component inversely associated with highest quartiles of zinc (without and with adjustment) and copper (significant in crude analysis and marginal significant in adjustment by covariables) intakes. In the girls, only waist circumference was significant and inversely associated with highest quartiles of zinc and copper intakes but the association did not remain significant after adjustments.

Discussion

In the adolescents of this study, zinc intake could be more associated to a clustering of anthropometric, vascular, and metabolic alterations than to these alterations separately, and also it is inversely related to this clustering (MetS). However, studies in other populations are necessary to confirm and explain the finding of exclusive association zinc intake‐MetS in male gender adolescents. Further research is required to explore biomarkers of physiological processes (antioxidant function, blood flow regulation, and epigenetic modulation dependent of zinc) in relation to zinc intake and MetS in pediatric and adult populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:550–554, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of a titania‐supported highly dispersed palladium nano‐catalyst and its application in Suzuki and Heck coupling reactions
Authors: Karami Kazem , Shehni Mahlagha Bahrami , Rahimi Nasser
Published: June 2013

In this work, palladium complexes nanoparticles in titania are prepared by a pH‐controlled adsorption and without pH‐controlled adsorption method. This method results in high‐dispersion palladium on the titania surface. We demonstrate the use of the titania‐supported palladium as an efficient catalyst for Suzuki and Heck reactions of a representative range of aryl bromides and chlorides. The reusability of catalyst was tested, and deactivation process of the catalyst was not observed after four recycles. The catalysts were characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, elemental analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical Outcomes of Remission Induction Therapy for Severe Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Miloslavsky E. M. , Specks U. , Merkel P. A. , Seo P. , Spiera R. , Langford C. A. , Hoffman G. S. , Kallenberg C. G. M. , St.Clair E. W. , Tchao N. K. , Viviano L. , Ding L. , Sejismundo L. P. , Mieras K. , Iklé D. , Jepson B. , Mueller M. , Brunetta P. , Allen N. B. , Fervenza F. C. , Geetha D. , Keogh K. , Kissin E. Y. , Monach P. A. , Peikert T. , Stegeman C. , Ytterberg S. R. , Stone J. H. ,   for the Rituximab in ANCA‐Associated Vasculitis–Immune Tolerance Network Research Group
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate the reasons that complete remission is not achieved or maintained with original treatment in some patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) treated with rituximab (RTX) or with cyclophosphamide/azathioprine (CYC/AZA).

Methods

The Rituximab in AAV trial was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial comparing the rate of remission induction among patients treated with RTX (n = 99) and patients treated with CYC followed by AZA (n = 98). Glucocorticoids were tapered over a period of 5 months. The primary outcome measure was lack of disease activity without glucocorticoid treatment at 6 months. To determine the most important reason for failure to achieve the primary outcome, 7 hierarchical categories of reasons were defined retrospectively (uncontrolled disease, adverse event leading to therapy discontinuation, severe flare, limited flare, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis >0, prednisone treatment at any dosage, and other).

Results

Although remission (lack of disease activity) was achieved in 170 of the 197 patients (86%) in the first 6 months, the primary outcome measure was not achieved in 42%. There were 3 deaths. Twenty‐four percent of the patients failed to achieve the primary end point due to active disease: 10 (5%) experienced uncontrolled disease in the first month and 37 (19%) experienced flares after initial improvement. In the majority of such patients, treatment with blinded crossover or according to best medical judgment led to disease control. Ninety‐one percent of patients who had uncontrolled disease or experienced a severe flare had proteinase 3 (PR3)–ANCA. When patients with uncontrolled disease were excluded from analysis, those who were PR3‐ANCA positive were found to experience fewer flares when treated with RTX compared to CYC/AZA (8 of 59 [14%] versus 20 of 62 [32%]; P = 0.02). Neither ANCA titers nor B cell counts predicted disease flare.

Conclusion

Current treatment regimens are largely successful in controlling AAV, but in approximately one‐fourth of patients, active disease persists or recurs in the first 6 months despite treatment. PR3‐ANCA positivity is a risk factor for recurrence or persistence of severe disease. ANCA titers and B cell detectability are poor predictors of both disease relapse and disease quiescence in the first 6 months.
Gr‐1highCD11b+ Cells Suppress B Cell Differentiation and Lupus‐like Disease in Lupus‐Prone Male Mice
Authors: Trigunaite Abhishek , Khan Ayesha , Der Evan , Song Anne , Varikuti Sanjay , J⊘rgensen Trine N.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develops much more readily in females than in males. Previous research has focused primarily on identifying mechanisms pertinent to the pathology in females. The aim of the current study was to delineate active protective mechanisms in males. We present evidence of a new male‐associated mechanism of protection against the development of lupus‐like disease in lupus‐prone (NZB × NZW)F1 mice.

Methods

We identified previously uncharacterized cellular and functional differences in myeloid cells between male and female (NZB × NZW)F1 mice, with the use of flow cytometry, confocal imaging, in vivo antibody‐mediated depletion, and in vitro cell coculture assays.

Results

A population of Gr‐1highLy‐6G+CD11b+ myeloid cells was found to be constitutively increased in male (NZB × NZW)F1 mice as compared with female mice and was regulated by testosterone. The cells were located adjacent to spleen B cell follicles in vivo and were found to directly inhibit cytokine‐induced differentiation of naive B cells into antibody‐secreting cells in vitro. Most notably, treatment with anti–Gr‐1–depleting antibodies increased the spontaneous production of antinuclear autoantibodies in male (NZB × NZW)F1 mice, while a similar approach in female mice had no effect on disease development.

Conclusion

Male lupus‐prone (NZB × NZW)F1 mice harbor elevated levels of a population of myeloid cells with pronounced immunosuppressive capacities that specifically target B cells and the production of antibodies in vivo. We suggest that these cells represent a male‐driven inhibitory mechanism involved in the control of B cell pathogenesis, delaying (or preventing) lupus‐like disease development in otherwise genetically predisposed male (NZB × NZW)F1 mice.
Short‐term forecasting of the daily load curve for residential electricity usage in the Smart Grid
Authors: Hosking J.R.M. , Natarajan R. , Ghosh S. , Subramanian S. , Zhang X.
Published: June 2013

We propose a model of the daily load curve for residential electricity usage, including in particular the effects of dynamic price incentives on the demand response, a topic of considerable interest in the emerging Smart Grid. The model is based on a time series and stochastic regression framework in which the observed daily load curve is represented in terms of a set of periodic smoothing‐spline basis functions, with the basis function coefficients evolving according to a linear Gaussian state‐space model that incorporates level shifts, day of the week and holiday adjustments, and weather effects, as well as the dynamic price‐incentive effects mentioned earlier. Model parameters are estimated from observational time‐series data using maximum‐likelihood methods, with the computations being efficiently carried out using Kalman filtering recursions. The resulting fitted model can be used for short‐term load forecasting by providing a forward sequence of price‐incentive signals and weather projections over the forecast period. This proposed modeling and forecasting methodology have many advantages over competing methods in the literature, including the ability to model intraday load‐substitution effects that are induced by the specified dynamic pricing schedules, the ability to use fine‐grained (5–15 min interval) observational data without greatly increasing the computational cost of the estimation and forecasting procedures, the ability to use informative prior distributions for any model parameters that cannot be reliably estimated from the available observational data, and the ability to update model forecasts based on the latest sequence of partial observational data without having to store the entire time‐series history. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stochastic method for determination of the organ‐specific averaged SAR in realistic environments at 950 MHz
Authors: Thielens Arno , Vermeeren Günter , Joseph Wout , Martens Luc
Published: June 2013

The organ‐specific averaged specific absorption rate (SARosa) in a heterogeneous human body phantom, the Virtual Family Boy, is determined for the first time in five realistic electromagnetic environments at the Global System for Mobile Communications downlink frequency of 950 MHz. We propose two methods based upon a fixed set of finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulations for generating cumulative distribution functions for the SARosa in a certain environment: an accurate vectorial cell‐wise spline interpolation with an average error lower than 1.8%, and a faster scalar linear interpolation with a maximal average error of 14.3%. These errors are dependent on the angular steps chosen for the FDTD simulations. However, it is demonstrated that both methods provide the same shape of the cumulative distribution function for the studied organs in the considered environments. The SARosa depends on the considered organ and the environment. Two factors influencing the SARosa are investigated for the first time: conductivity over the density ratio of an organ, and the distance of the organ's center of gravity to the body's surface and exterior of the phantom. A non‐linear regression with our model provides a correlation of 0.80. The SARosa due to single plane‐wave exposure is also investigated; a worst‐case single plane‐wave exposure is determined for all studied organs and has been compared with realistic SARosa values. There is no fixed worst‐case polarization for all organs, and a single plane‐wave exposure condition that exceeds 91% of the SARosa values in a certain environment can always be found for the studied organs. Bioelectromagnetics. 34:549–562. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Under‐folded proteins: Conformational ensembles and their roles in protein folding, function, and pathogenesis
Authors: Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: June 2013

For decades, protein function was intimately linked to the presence of a unique, aperiodic crystal‐like structure in a functional protein. The two only places for conformational ensembles of under‐folded (or partially folded) protein forms in this picture were either the end points of the protein denaturation processes or transiently populated folding intermediates. Recent years witnessed dramatic change in this perception and conformational ensembles, which the under‐folded proteins are, have moved from the shadow. Accumulated to date data suggest that a protein can exist in at least three global forms–functional and folded, functional and intrinsically disordered (nonfolded), and nonfunctional and misfolded/aggregated. Under‐folded protein states are crucial for each of these forms, serving as important folding intermediates of ordered proteins, or as functional states of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and IDP regions (IDPRs), or as pathology triggers of misfolded proteins. Based on these observations, conformational ensembles of under‐folded proteins can be classified as transient (folding and misfolding intermediates) and permanent (IDPs and stable misfolded proteins). Permanently under‐folded proteins can further be split into intentionally designed (IDPs and IDPRs) and unintentionally designed (misfolded proteins). Although intrinsic flexibility, dynamics, and pliability are crucial for all under‐folded proteins, the different categories of under‐foldedness are differently encoded in protein amino acid sequences. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 870–887, 2013.
Prophylactic central neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer (Br J Surg 2013; 100: 410–418)
Authors: Hadad S , Balasubramanian S
Published: June 2013

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length
Taking a Long View in Child Welfare: How Can We Evaluate Intervention and Child Wellbeing Over Time?
Authors: McGhee Janice , Mitchell Fiona , Daniel Brigid , Taylor Julie
Published: June 2013

This paper synthesises ideas generated from an international knowledge exchange seminar series to explore the potential and pitfalls in utilising routine administrative data and survey data for longitudinal research about children involved in public child welfare services. Methodological, technical and ethical issues are explored, including the challenges in capturing the nature, focus and intensity of intervention. It is suggested that assessing child wellbeing across a range of dimensions in the short, medium and long term may provide a better conceptual basis for research than defining specific outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Synthesises ideas generated from an international knowledge exchange seminar series’

Key Practitioner Messages:

In responding to child maltreatment, it is crucial to record and understand the social context.

Information systems can be used beyond individual cases, disciplines and jurisdictions. Their potential when combined will help us understand child maltreatment to a greater degree.

Child protection work is complex and practice is not straightforward. Understanding what works best, for whom and in what circumstances can be enhanced by looking at multiple disciplines over long periods of time.
Multivariate curve resolution for understanding complex reactions
Authors: Pell Randy J. , Chen Xiaoyun
Published: June 2013

Chemometrics is applied to in situ infrared spectra collected from a complex reacting mixture to elucidate the reaction mechanism. A series of models beginning with simple peak area progressing to classical least squares then to multivariate curve resolution with nonnegative spectral and concentration profile constraints and finally to multivariate curve resolution with nonnegative constraints and spectral and concentration profile equality constraints are used. The logic used to develop from the simple models to the more complex models is discussed. An intermediate component is estimated, and for each of two of the chemical components, two pure component spectral profiles are required to accurately fit the validation data. The changing polarity of the system is believed to be responsible for the multiple pure spectra required for two single chemical components. A total of 11 components are used to accurately describe the reacting system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Charge‐Stabilizing, Multimodular, Ferrocene–Bis(triphenylamine)–Zinc‐porphyrin–Fullerene Polyad
Authors: Wijesinghe Channa A. , El‐Khouly Mohamed E. , Zandler Melvin E. , Fukuzumi Shunichi , D'Souza Francis
Published: June 2013

A novel multimodular donor–acceptor polyad featuring zinc porphyrin, fullerene, ferrocene, and triphenylamine entities was designed, synthesized, and studied as a charge‐stabilizing, photosynthetic‐antenna/reaction‐center mimic. The ferrocene and fullerene entities, covalently linked to the porphyrin ring, were distantly separated to accomplish the charge‐separation/hole‐migration events leading to the creation of a long‐lived charge‐separated state. The geometry and electronic structures of the newly synthesized compound was deduced by B3LYP/3‐21G(*) optimization, while the energy levels for different photochemical events was established using data from the optical absorption and emission, and electrochemical studies. Excitation of the triphenylamine entities revealed singlet‐singlet energy transfer to the appended zinc porphyrin. As predicted from the energy levels, photoinduced electron transfer from both the singlet and triplet excited states of the zinc porphyrin to fullerene followed by subsequent hole migration involving ferrocene was witnessed from the transient absorption studies. The charge‐separated state persisted for about 8.5 μs and was governed by the distance between the final charge‐transfer product, that is, a species involving a ferrocenium cation and a fullerene radical anion, with additional influence from the charge‐stabilizing triphenylamine entities located on the zinc‐porphyrin macrocycle.
Future Processing and Recycling Strategies for Rare Earths
Authors: Helling Christoph , Strube Jochen
Published: June 2013

The annual demand on rare earth materials still increases for many applications. The present study focusses on recycling technologies of rare earth compound out and for luminescence materials at different light spectra. The purity specification allows only impurities in ppm‐range. A case study based on experimental and literature data is described. Different processing concepts are generated and optimized by process modeling. Finally, a cost calculation and sensitivity analysis point out the potential for a combined processing concept of chromatographic and reactive liquid‐liquid extraction processes. Main cost drivers are indicated. Technological realization limits are included in this study.
Shear cell tests for quantification of tailings segregation
Authors: Talmon Arno M. , van Kesteren Walther G. M. , Sittoni Luca , Hedblom Eric P.
Published: June 2013

Mine tailings consisting of sands, silts and clays may segregate during deposition and flow, leading to problems with storage capacity and strength development of settling pond deposits. Non‐segregating tailings (NST) may effectively limit the effect of segregation by increasing the amount of fines retained in deposited tailings. Segregation can be minimised once the settling velocity of the coarse fraction of the tailings is determined as a function of the rheological properties and shear rate. Shear cell testing provides a bench‐scale test method to quantify settling velocities of the coarse fraction of slurries. Within the tested conditions, measured settling velocities are about twice as large as settling velocities calculated based on apparent viscosity and hindered settling.
Self‐certified proxy convertible authenticated encryption: formal definitions and a provably secure scheme
Authors: Xie Qi , Wang Guilin , Xia Fubiao , Chen Deren
Published: June 2013

In 2009, Wu and Lin introduced the concept of self‐certified proxy convertible authenticated encryption (SP‐CAE) by integrating self‐certified public‐key system and designated verifier proxy signature with message recovery. They also presented the first SP‐CAE scheme which is based the discrete logarithm problem. However, Wu‐Lin scheme is not secure as Xie et al. recently showed that this scheme is existentially forgeable under adaptive chosen warrants, unconfidentiable and verifiable under adaptive chosen messages and designated verifiers. In this paper, we first discuss the security requirements of SP‐CAE and then formally define unforgeability, message confidentiality, and unverifiability. Consequently, the first complete formal model of SP‐CAE is proposed. After that, we propose a provably secure SP‐CAE scheme by using two‐party Schnorr signature introduced by Nicolosi et al. in 2003. Finally, we prove the formal security of the proposed scheme in the random oracle model under the discrete logarithm assumption. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.