bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Thermal Conductivity of Thermoplastics by Lamellar Crystal Alignment of Polymer Matrices
Authors: Yoshihara Shusuke , Ezaki Toshiaki , Nakamura Mitsuru , Watanabe Junji , Matsumoto Kazuaki
Published: August 2012

Thermal conductivity (TC) of injection‐molded main‐chain smectic liquid‐crystalline polymers and the composites containing hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) particles is investigated. Shear flow during injection molding induces alignment of chain‐folding lamellar crystals of polymer matrices, in which polymer chains are aligned in the normal direction (ND) with respect to the molding surface, thus leading to a high TC (1.2 W m−1 K−1) in the ND. The composites exhibit a dramatic enhancement of TC in not only the ND but also the in‐plane direction. The enhanced TC is much higher than that of common thermoplastic composites at comparable loading levels. These results indicate that the polymer matrices serve as effective heat conductors between h‐BN particles.
Regenerative cell injection in denervated muscle reduces atrophy and enhances recovery following nerve repair
Authors: Schaakxs Dominique , Kalbermatten Daniel F. , Raffoul Wassim , Wiberg Mikael , Kingham Paul J.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Functional muscle recovery after peripheral nerve injury is far from optimal, partly due to atrophy of the muscle arising from prolonged denervation. We hypothesized that injecting regenerative cells into denervated muscle would reduce this atrophy. Methods: A rat sciatic nerve lesion was performed, and Schwann cells or adipose‐derived stem cells, untreated or induced to a “Schwann‐cell–like” phenotype (dASC), were injected into the gastrocnemius muscle. Nerves were either repaired immediately or capped to prevent muscle reinnervation. One month later, functionality was measured using a walking track test, and muscle atrophy was assessed by examining muscle weight and histology. Results: Schwann cells and dASC groups showed significantly better scores on functional tests when compared with injections of growth medium alone. Muscle weight and histology were also significantly improved in these groups. Conclusion: Cell injections may reduce muscle atrophy and could benefit nerve injury patients. Muscle Nerve 47: 691–701, 2013
A new maneuver for repetitive nerve stimulation testing in the trapezius muscle
Authors: Ogawa Go , Sonoo Masahiro , Hatanaka Yuki , Kaida Ken‐Ichi , Kamakura Keiko
Published: August 2012

Introduction

The repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test in the trapezius muscle is used widely for the evaluation of myasthenia gravis. However, pseudofacilitation is often difficult to avoid in this muscle and may compromise the detection of small decremental responses. We have devised a new maneuver to reduce pseudofacilitation.

Methods

Using our maneuver, the shoulder of a supine subject is elevated passively and is held firmly by the examiner. Four conventional maneuvers as well as ours were compared with regard to pseudofacilitation that was maximal at the second wave in 14 control subjects.

Results

Pseudofacilitation at the second and fourth waves was the smallest using our maneuver. Up to 15% pseudofacilitation was observed using the other maneuvers.

Conclusion

Pseudofacilitation in the trapezius muscle is mainly due to shortening of the muscle belly. It can be reduced greatly by shortening the muscle in advance. Muscle Nerve 47: 668–672, 2013
Cardiac proton spectroscopy using large coil arrays
Authors: Weiss Kilian , Martini Nicola , Boesiger Peter , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: August 2012

Large coil arrays are widely used in clinical routine for cardiovascular imaging providing extended spatial coverage and enabling accelerated acquisition using parallel imaging approaches. This work investigates the use of large coil arrays in single‐voxel cardiac spectroscopy for the detection of myocardial creatine and triglyceride content. For this purpose, a navigator‐gated and cardiac‐triggered point‐resolved spectroscopy sequence was implemented, and data obtained in 11 healthy volunteers using 32‐ and 5‐element coil arrays were compared. For combination of the individual coil element signals, four strategies were evaluated differing in the manner of estimation of the complex coil weights and the amount of additional information required for coil combination. In all volunteers, and with both the 32‐ and 5‐channel coil arrays, triglyceride‐to‐water (0.44 ± 0.19% and 0.45 ± 0.17%) and total creatine‐to‐water (0.05 ± 0.02% and 0.05 ± 0.01%) contents were computed. The values were found to agree well, showing an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.76 (p < 0.003). The results revealed a gain in signal‐to‐noise ratio of approximately 24% with the 32‐channel coil relative to the 5‐channel array. The findings may foster the integration of cardiac spectroscopy into clinical practice using large coil arrays, provided that appropriate reconstruction algorithms are implemented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study on the gas‐phase and liquid‐phase thermal isomerization reaction of α‐pinene
Authors: He Jindong , Gong Yan , Zhao Wentao , Tang Xiangyang , Qi Xin
Published: August 2012

In this paper, a method of preparation of ocimene is investigated, which is obtained from isomerization reaction of α‐pinene. Two kinds of experimental apparatus are established for the investigation of the thermal isomerization reaction of α‐pinene. The behavior of thermal isomerization reaction of α‐pinene is respectively discussed in the gas phase and in the liquid phase. Under gas phase conditions, the conversion of α‐pinene is 80% and the selectivity of ocimene is 30%–33%. Under liquid phase conditions, the conversion of α‐pinene is 60% and the selectivity of ocimene is 50%–54%. According to the kinetic‐molecular theory of ideal gases, two kinds of reaction models are proposed to visualize the reaction process. In addition, the mechanism and kinetics of thermal isomerization reaction of α‐pinene are respectively discussed. The conclusion is that the gas phase reaction temperature is calculated to be 390–450 °C and the liquid phase reaction temperature is calculated to be 450–550 °C. From a bond dissociation energy point of view, results support the hypothesis that the reaction involves biradical intermediates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: a dose–response study
Authors: Collins Barbara , MacKenzie Joyce , Tasca Giorgio A. , Scherling Carole , Smith Andra
Published: August 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine if cognition progressively worsens with cumulative chemotherapy exposure. We reasoned that the demonstration of such a ‘dose–response’ relationship would help to establish whether cognitive changes are caused by neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy or whether they are due to other confounding factors such as mood and pre‐treatment differences in cognition.

Methods

Sixty women with early stage breast cancer, aged 65 years or younger with no previous history of cancer or chemotherapy, were matched to 60 healthy women on age and education. Neuropsychological assessment was conducted after surgery but prior to commencing chemotherapy and then again following each chemotherapy cycle in patients and at yoked intervals in healthy controls. We used multilevel modeling to assess change over time in an overall cognitive summary score as well as domain‐specific cognitive scores.

Results

After controlling for baseline performance, age, education, and mood, the chemotherapy group showed a significant progressive decline over time relative to a matched healthy control group in an overall cognitive summary score, as well as in working memory, processing speed, verbal memory, and visual memory scores. A linear model best fit the trajectory of cognitive change over the course of treatment in the chemotherapy group supporting a dose–response hypothesis.

Conclusions

These results are in keeping with a dose–response relationship and provide the most compelling clinical evidence to date that cognitive decline is caused by chemotherapy exposure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The PNT domain from Drosophila pointed‐P2 contains a dynamic N‐terminal helix preceded by a disordered phosphoacceptor sequence
Authors: Lau Desmond K. W. , Okon Mark , McIntosh Lawrence P.
Published: August 2012

Pointed‐P2, the Drosophila ortholog of human ETS1 and ETS2, is a transcription factor involved in Ras/MAP kinase‐regulated gene expression. In addition to a DNA‐binding ETS domain, Pointed‐P2 contains a PNT (or SAM) domain that serves as a docking module to enhance phosphorylation of an adjacent phosphoacceptor threonine by the ERK2 MAP kinase Rolled. Using NMR chemical shift, 15N relaxation, and amide hydrogen exchange measurements, we demonstrate that the Pointed‐P2 PNT domain contains a dynamic N‐terminal helix H0 appended to a core conserved five‐helix bundle diagnostic of the SAM domain fold. Neither the secondary structure nor dynamics of the PNT domain is perturbed significantly upon in vitro ERK2 phosphorylation of three threonine residues in a disordered sequence immediately preceding this domain. These data thus confirm that the Drosophila Pointed‐P2 PNT domain and phosphoacceptors are highly similar to those of the well‐characterized human ETS1 transcription factor. NMR‐monitored titrations also revealed that the phosphoacceptors and helix H0, as well as region of the core helical bundle identified previously by mutational analyses as a kinase docking site, are selectively perturbed upon ERK2 binding by Pointed‐P2. Based on a homology model derived from the ETS1 PNT domain, helix H0 is predicted to partially occlude the docking interface. Therefore, this dynamic helix must be displaced to allow both docking of the kinase, as well as binding of Mae, a Drosophila protein that negatively regulates Pointed‐P2 by competing with the kinase for its docking site.
Solution structure of a tethered Lmo2LIM2/Ldb1LID complex
Authors: Dastmalchi Siavoush , Wilkinson‐White Lorna , Kwan Ann H. , Gamsjaeger Roland , Mackay Joel P. , Matthews Jacqueline M.
Published: August 2012

LIM‐only protein 2, Lmo2, is a regulatory protein that is essential for hematopoietic development and inappropriate overexpression of Lmo2 in T‐cells contributes to T‐cell leukemia. It exerts its functions by mediating protein–protein interactions and nucleating multicomponent transcriptional complexes. Lmo2 interacts with LIM domain binding protein 1 (Ldb1) through the tandem LIM domains of Lmo2 and the LIM interaction domain (LID) of Ldb1. Here, we present the solution structure of the LIM2 domain of Lmo2 bound to Ldb1LID. The ordered regions of Ldb1 in this complex correspond well with binding hotspots previously defined by mutagenic studies. Comparisons of this Lmo2LIM2–Ldb1LID structure with previously determined structures of the Lmo2/Ldb1LID complexes lead to the conclusion that modular binding of tandem LIM domains in Lmo2 to tandem linear motifs in Ldb1 is accompanied by several disorder‐to‐order transitions and/or conformational changes in both proteins.
Improved anticancer potency by head‐to‐tail cyclization of short cationic anticancer peptides containing a lipophilic β2,2‐amino acid
Authors: Tørfoss Veronika , Isaksson Johan , Ausbacher Dominik , Brandsdal Bjørn‐Olav , Flaten Gøril E. , Anderssen Trude , Cavalcanti‐Jacobsen Cristiane de A. , Havelkova Martina , Nguyen Leonard T. , Vogel Hans J. , Strøm Morten B.
Published: August 2012

We have recently reported a series of synthetic anticancer heptapeptides (H‐KKWβ2,2WKK‐NH2) containing a central achiral and lipophilic β2,2‐amino acid that display low toxicity against non‐malignant cells and high proteolytic stability. In the present study, we have further investigated the effects of increasing the rigidity and amphipathicity of two of our lead heptapeptides by preparing a series of seven to five residue cyclic peptides containing the two most promising β2,2‐amino acid derivatives as part of the central lipophilic core. The peptides were tested for anticancer activity against human Burkitt's lymphoma (Ramos cells), haemolytic activity against human red blood cells (RBC) and cytotoxicity against healthy human lung fibroblast cells (MRC‐5). The results demonstrated a considerable increase in anticancer potency following head‐to‐tail peptide cyclization, especially for the shortest derivatives lacking a tryptophan residue. High‐resolution NMR studies and molecular dynamics simulations together with an annexin‐V‐FITC and propidium iodide fluorescent assay showed that the peptides had a membrane disruptive mode of action and that the more potent peptides penetrated deeper into the lipid bilayer. The need for new anticancer drugs with novel modes of action is demanding, and development of short cyclic anticancer peptides with an overall rigidified and amphipathic structure is a promising approach to new anticancer agents. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sanguisorbae Radix Protects Against 6‐Hydroxydopamine‐induced Neurotoxicity by Regulating NADPH Oxidase and NF‐E2‐related Factor‐2/Heme Oxygenase‐1 Expressions
Authors: Oh Hyein , Hur Jinyoung , Park Gunhyuk , Kim Hyo Geun , Kim Young Ock , Oh Myung Sook
Published: August 2012

6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) produces neuronal cell damage by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The major mechanisms of protection against ROS‐induced stress are inhibiting expression of ROS generating genes such as NADPH oxidase (NOX) and increasing expression of endogenous antioxidant genes such as heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). This study investigated whether a standardized Sanguisorbae Radix extract (SRE), a medical herb commonly used in Asian traditional medicine, has a protective effect on 6‐OHDA‐induced cell toxicity by regulating ROS in SH‐SY5Y cells. SRE at 10 and 50 µg/mL significantly reduced 6‐OHDA‐induced cell damage dose dependently in the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and by Hoechst 33342 staining. SRE increased the B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2)/Bcl‐2‐associated X ratio and decreased cytochrome C release and caspase‐3 activity. SRE also abolished 6‐OHDA‐induced ROS by inhibiting NOX expression and by inducing HO‐1 expression via NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 activation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that SRE has protective effects against 6‐OHDA‐induced cell death by regulating ROS in SH‐SY5Y cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐Inflammatory, Antinociceptive and Cytotoxic Effects of the Methanol Extract of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul
Authors: de Oliveira Aragão Danielle Maria , de Assis Lima Isabel Vieira , da Silva Josiane Mello , Bellozi Paula Maria Quaglio , de Carvalho da Costa Juliana , Cardoso Gabriele Mendes Matos , de Souza‐Fagundes Elaine Maria , Scio Elita
Published: August 2012

Cecropia pachystachya is widely used in the traditional medicine as anti‐inflammatory, antitusive, expectorant, antiasthmatic and hypoglycemic. It is also commercially available to treat skin cancer. To validate some of the popular uses of this species, its methanol leaves extract (CPM) was tested for anti‐inflammatory, antinociceptive and cytotoxic effects. The anti‐inflammatory activity was evaluated by croton oil‐induced ear edema test. When used orally, the anti‐inflammatory effect of CPM at 300 mg/kg was similar to that of indomethacin with 53% inhibition of the ear edema. Also, results on topical treatment were similar to that of dexamethasone with 83% inhibition of the edema. To evaluate the antinociceptive activity, acetic acid‐induced writhing and formalin‐induced pain tests were employed. CPM (100 and 300 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhing by 61% and 67%, respectively. In both doses, the activity was comparable to the reference drug, indomethacin. The oral administration of CPM was ineffective in the first phase of formalin test but exhibited great effects on the second phase decreasing the licking time by 85% at 300 mg/kg. The cytotoxic potential of CPM was also investigated against HL60, HL60.bcl2 and Jurkat tumor cell lines and showed an inhibition of more than 50% of cell proliferation. The flavones orientin and isoorientin were detected in CPM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A taxonomy framework based on ITU‐TX‐805 security architecture for quantitative determination of computer network vulnerabilities
Authors: Mohammadi Shahriyar , Sherkat Mohammad Hussein , Jamporazmey Mona
Published: August 2012

Network vulnerability taxonomy has become increasingly important in the area of information and data exchange for its potential use not only in identification of vulnerabilities but also in their assessment and prioritization. Computer networks play an important role in information and communication infrastructure. However, they are constantly exposed to a variety of vulnerability risks. In their attempts to create secure information exchange systems, scientists have concentrated on understanding the nature and typology of these vulnerabilities. Their efforts aimed at establishing secure networks have led to the development of a variety of methods and techniques for quantifying vulnerability. The objectives of the present paper are twofold: (1) to develop a taxonomy framework for the classification of network vulnerabilities on the basis of the ITU‐TX‐805 security architecture and (2) to develop a method on the basis of the second edition of Common Vulnerability Scoring System for the quantification of vulnerabilities within the proposed taxonomy framework. It is expected that the framework proposed in this paper will provide a comprehensive taxonomic structure that can be extended to all the different aspects of network vulnerability. Furthermore, it will help in the identification and effective management of vulnerabilities by their quantification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SIMS quantification of thick Si1−x Gex films (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) using the isotopic comparative method under Ar+ beam
Authors: Prudon G. , Dubois C. , Gautier B. , Dupuy J. C. , Graf J. P. , Le Gall Y. , Muller D.
Published: August 2012

The isotopic comparative method (ICM) has been used to measure the concentrations and relative ion yields of Si+, Ge+ (Si‐, Ge‐) in SiGe alloys ranging almost from pure silicon to pure germanium by secondary‐ion mass spectrometry under Ar+ bombardment at 8 keV, ~39° incidence, (17 keV, ~25°). This method requires only two specific ICM reference samples to be fabricated. The negative‐secondary‐ion yields YR−(Si) and YR−(Ge) are found to be nearly constant over the entire range of SiGe alloy. The measurement conditions are free of matrix effects, thereby allowing accurate and easy quantification of SiGe alloys. In contrast, the positive‐secondary‐ion yield YR+ (Si) decreases strongly over the full range of SiGe alloy, whereas YR+(Ge) varies only slightly for cGe < 25 at.%. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examination of gunshot residues transfer using ToF‐SIMS
Authors: Szynkowska Małgorzata Iwona , Parczewski Andrzej , Szajdak Katarzyna , Rogowski Jacek
Published: August 2012

It has been proved that time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) is a very effective technique enabling detection of traces of gunshot residues (GSRs) which are usually transferred from the palm (fingers) of an attendant of criminal scene on a primary base, e.g. top of table, glass and mobile phone. From the fingerprint, the GSRs are lifted by adhesive tape and analyzed on this secondary base by ToF‐SIMS. The results are images, in different ions, which reveal distribution of GSRs on the fingerprint. Scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) is commonly used in examination of morphology and elemental composition of GSR particles. It was shown that ToF‐SIMS provides much additional relevant information which is important for forensic investigation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive linear rank tests for eQTL studies
Authors: Szymczak Silke , Scheinhardt Markus O. , Zeller Tanja , Wild Philipp S. , Blankenberg Stefan , Ziegler Andreas
Published: August 2012

Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies are performed to identify single‐nucleotide polymorphisms that modify average expression values of genes, proteins, or metabolites, depending on the genotype. As expression values are often not normally distributed, statistical methods for eQTL studies should be valid and powerful in these situations. Adaptive tests are promising alternatives to standard approaches, such as the analysis of variance or the Kruskal–Wallis test. In a two‐stage procedure, skewness and tail length of the distributions are estimated and used to select one of several linear rank tests. In this study, we compare two adaptive tests that were proposed in the literature using extensive Monte Carlo simulations of a wide range of different symmetric and skewed distributions. We derive a new adaptive test that combines the advantages of both literature‐based approaches. The new test does not require the user to specify a distribution. It is slightly less powerful than the locally most powerful rank test for the correct distribution and at least as powerful as the maximin efficiency robust rank test. We illustrate the application of all tests using two examples from different eQTL studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sequential testing approach to detecting multiple change points in the proportional hazards model
Authors: He Pei , Fang Liang , Su Zheng
Published: August 2012

The semi‐parametric proportional hazards model has been widely adopted in clinical trials with time‐to‐event outcomes. A key assumption in the model is that the hazard ratio function is a constant over time, which is frequently violated as there is often a lag period before an experimental treatment reaches its full effect. One existing approach uses maximal score tests and Monte Carlo sampling to identify multiple change points in the hazard ratio function, which requires the number of change points that exist in the model to be known. We propose a sequential testing approach to detecting multiple change points in the hazard ratio function using likelihood ratio tests, and the distributions of the likelihood ratio statistics under the null hypothesis are evaluated via resampling. An important feature of the proposed approach is that the number of change points in the model is inferred from the data and does not need to be specified. Numerical results based on simulated clinical trials and a real time‐to‐event study show that the proposed approach can accurately detect the change points in the hazard ratio function. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving IR‐based traceability recovery via noun‐based indexing of software artifacts
Authors: Capobianco Giovanni , Lucia Andrea De , Oliveto Rocco , Panichella Annibale , Panichella Sebastiano
Published: August 2012

One of the most successful applications of textual analysis in software engineering is the use of information retrieval (IR) methods to reconstruct traceability links between software artifacts. Unfortunately, because of the limitations of both the humans developing artifacts and the IR techniques any IR‐based traceability recovery method fails to retrieve some of the correct links, while on the other hand it also retrieves links that are not correct. This limitation has posed challenges for researchers that have proposed several methods to improve the accuracy of IR‐based traceability recovery methods by removing the ‘noise’ in the textual content of software artifacts (e.g., by removing common words or increasing the importance of critical terms). In this paper, we propose a heuristic to remove the ‘noise’ taking into account the linguistic nature of words in the software artifacts. In particular, the language used in software documents can be classified as a technical language, where the words that provide more indication on the semantics of a document are the nouns. The results of a case study conducted on five software artifact repositories indicate that characterizing the context of software artifacts considering only nouns significantly improves the accuracy of IR‐based traceability recovery methods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative morphology of the male genitalia of Aphididae (Insecta, Hemiptera): part 2
Authors: Wieczorek Karina , Płachno Bartosz J. , Świątek Piotr
Published: August 2012

The present study provides new data related to the morphology of the male genitalia of Aphididae. The structure of the male genitalia of 39 species from 23 genera of Aphididae was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. In the species studied, the genitalia of males consist of a phallus composed of the sclerotized basal part with its articulation and a membranous apical part—an aedeagus as well as parameres. This state probably represents the hypothetical plesiomorphic condition of the external male genitalia of aphids. According to the results of the present study, the male genitalia vary among subfamilies (the most varied in Lachninae). Both the phallus and parameres show great variability in their form and the number of setae and may provide characters of taxonomic and diagnostic importance. The shape, size, and modification of parameres are considered in conjunction with the phylogenetic relationships among the studied taxa. Compared with Lachninae, Greenideinae, Aiceoninae, the external genitalia of Aphidinae are less specialized, having many features in common with those of drepanosiphine aphids and differing little from the hypothetical condition. In dwarfish males of Anoeciinae, Thelaxinae, Hormaphidinae, and Eriosomatinae, the miniaturization of the body size affects on the modification of genitalia, mostly parameres. However, the homology of non-modified and modified structures of parameres is not clear.
The cumulative load of depressive illness is associated with cognitive function in the remitted state of unipolar depressive disorder
Authors: Hasselbalch B.J. , Knorr U. , Hasselbalch S.G. , Gade A. , Kessing L.V.
Published: September 2012

Objective:

To investigate whether the cumulative number, duration and subtypes (severity and presence of psychotic features) of previous episodes of depression in patients with unipolar depressive disorder in a remitted state are associated with decreased global cognitive function.

Methods:

Via the Danish registers individuals between 40 and 80 years of age were identified: (1) patients with a diagnosis of unipolar disorder at their first discharge from a psychiatric hospital in the period 1994 to 2002, and (2) gender and age matched control individuals. The participants were assessed with the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), which provides a composite measure of global cognitive function.

Results:

A total of 88 patients and 50 controls accepted our invitation to participate, fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in the study. The cumulative duration of depressive episodes was associated with a decreased CAMCOG score adjusted for age, gender, education, premorbid IQ and residual depressive symptoms (B = −0.14, 95% C.I. (−0.26, −0.02), R2adj = 0.31, P = .02). Significant associations were also found between CAMCOG score and the cumulative duration and total number of depressive episodes with psychotic features, respectively.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that cognitive dysfunction is associated with the cumulative duration of depressive episodes, and that, in particular, depressive episodes with psychotic features in the course of illness may be a significant predictor of future impairment of cognitive function.
Changes in Biomechanical Properties of Glenohumeral Joint Capsules With Adhesive Capsulitis by Repeated Capsule‐Preserving Hydraulic Distensions With Saline Solution and Corticosteroid
Authors: Koh Eun S. , Chung Sun G. , Kim Tae Uk , Kim Hee Chan
Published: August 2012

Objective

To investigate whether capsule‐preserving hydraulic distension with saline solution and corticosteroid for adhesive capsulitis induces biomechanical alterations in glenohumeral joint capsules along with clinical improvements.

Design

A case series.

Setting

University outpatient clinic of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Participants

Eighteen patients with unilateral adhesive capsulitis.

Intervention and Main Outcome Measurements

Three hydraulic distensions with saline solution and corticosteroid were performed with 1‐month intervals. To avoid rupturing capsules, all distensions were monitored by using real‐time pressure–volume curves. Stiffness, maximal volume capacity, and pressure at the maximal volume capacity of the capsule were measured at each intervention. Clinical parameters, such as pain and range of motion, were recorded before, 3 days after, and 1 month after each distension.

Results

Stiffness decreased (47.6 ± 27.1 mm Hg/mL to 31.7 ± 18.4 mm Hg/mL to 24.2 ± 14.0 mm Hg/mL, mean SD) and maximal volume capacity increased (18.8 ± 7.3 mL to 20.5 ± 7.5 mL to 24.2 ± 7.0 mL, mean SD) significantly (P = .001 for both) at each repeated hydraulic distension. Pressure at the maximal volume capacity tended to decrease, but the decrements were not statistically significant (P = .662). The clinical parameters were significantly improved throughout and 1 month after the 3 repeat procedures (P < .05 for all).

Conclusion

Capsule‐preserving hydraulic distension changed the biomechanical properties of the glenohumeral joint capsule, lessening the stiffness and enlarging the volume capacity. These alterations were accompanied by improved range of motion and relief of pain. Repeated capsule‐preserving hydraulic distension with saline solution and corticosteroid would be useful to treat adhesive capsulitis and to evaluate the treatment results.
Redescription of the archosaurParringtonia gracilisfrom the Middle Triassic Manda beds of Tanzania, and the antiquity of Erpetosuchidae
Authors: NESBITT STERLING J. , BUTLER RICHARD J.
Published: August 2012

Parringtonia gracilisHuene, 1939 is represented by both cranial and postcranial material collected from the lower Middle Triassic (Anisian) Lifua Member of the Manda beds in southwestern Tanzania. This aberrant taxon was previously proposed to have affinities with pseudosuchian archosaurs, and specifically with the enigmaticErpetosuchus grantifrom the Upper Triassic of Scotland. Here, we confirm the close affinities ofParringtonia gracilisandErpetosuchus grantibased on the following unambiguous synapomorphies: mediolaterally expanded posterior portion of the maxilla, alveoli present only in the anterior half of the maxilla, and absence of tooth serrations. Furthermore, the two taxa share osteoderms with deep sculpturing, a deep fossa on the dorsal margin of the neural spines and a heavily waisted shaft of the scapula. We added bothParringtonia gracilisandErpetosuchus grantiinto a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of early archosaurs and found that these taxa are clearly referable to Archosauria but that relationships are poorly resolved at the base of this clade. However, our analysis demonstrates thatErpetosuchus grantiis not closely related to Crocodylomorpha, as has been hypothesized previously. The Erpetosuchidae are a clade of small-bodied archosaurs that have a poor fossil record but have members from both northern and southern Pangaea, ranging temporally from the Middle to Late Triassic. Thus, Erpetosuchidae is part of the early archosaurian radiation.
Object Biography, Re-use and Recycling in the Late to Post-Roman Transition Period and Beyond: Rings made from Romano-British Bracelets
Authors: Swift Ellen
Published: August 2012

Documenting a phenomenon that has previously been overlooked, this article examines the later stages of object biography in relation to Romano-British bracelets, namely, their modification and subsequent re-use as smaller rings. Re-use is shown to occur widely and is particularly associated with the late fourth to early fifth centuriesa.d., with cut-down bracelets also found in early Anglo-Saxon cemeteries. The making of smaller rings from late Roman bracelets is demonstrated to be part of a wider phenomenon of re-use, repair and recycling at the end of the Roman period in Britain, with attendant implications of cultural and economic change. It is proposed that the transformation of these artefacts was accompanied by changes in meaning which undermine the apparent continuity that is seen in the extended lifespan of the original object. This in turn illuminates the way that wider cultural norms were gradually eroded in the fifth century. Through the study of these artefacts a new perspective is provided on the transition to post-Roman Britain and the relationship between this and the early Anglo-Saxon period.
THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE: IMPACTS ON PRIVATE INSURANCE, ASSET HOLDINGS, AND WELFARE
Authors: Hsu Minchung , Lee Junsang
Published: August 2012

This paper aims to investigate impacts of public provision of universal health insurance (UHI) in an environment with household heterogeneity and financial market incompleteness. Various UHI polices with both distortionary and nondistortionary financing methods are compared to address the trade-off between risk reduction and tax distortion, as well as the corresponding welfare implications. We use a dynamic equilibrium model with endogenous insurance choice and labor supply decisions to perform quantitative analysis. The results suggest that the UHI expenditure coverage rate is too high in most OECD countries when the distortion effect is considered. We find a clear crowding-out effect on asset holdings. Implications for private health insurance (PHI) purchases when UHI is introduced depend on the pricing and the design of coverage. We find that the rich are sensitive to the price of PHI, and would prefer a supplemental plan when UHI is introduced.
The past, present and future of Galactic planetary nebula surveys
Authors: Parker Quentin A. , Frew David J. , Acker Agnes , Miszalski Brent
Published: August 2012

Over the last decade Galactic planetary nebula discoveries have entered a golden age due to the emergence of high sensitivity, high resolution narrow-band surveys of the Galactic plane. These have been coupled with access to complimentary, deep, multi-wavelength surveys across near-IR, mid-IR and radio regimes in particular from both ground-based and space-based telescopes. These have provided powerful diagnostic and discovery capabilities. In this review these advances are put in the context of what has gone before, what we are uncovering now and through the window of opportunity that awaits in the future. The astrophysical potential of this brief but key phase of late stage stellar evolution is finally being realised.
A wealth of new planetary nebulae from the IPHAS survey
Authors: Corradi Romano L.M. , Sabin Laurence ,   the IPHAS collaboration
Published: August 2012

We report on the current status of the search for planetary nebulae (PNe) in the IPHAS survey, the 1800 square degree H-alpha survey of the Northern Galactic Plane carried out at La Palma Observatory. The first major installment of the “IPHAS Catalogue of Extended Nebulae” is presented. This includes a complete census of emission-line nebulae in 320 square degrees toward the inner regions of the Galaxy. In this area, more than 450 emission nebulae have been catalogued including 100 known PNe, and 155 new IPHAS candidate PNe.

A vigorous programme of spectroscopic confirmation of IPHAS candidate PNe over the entire survey area is underway using a number of telescopes worldwide. So far, around one hundred new PNe over the whole IPHAS area have been spectroscopically confirmed. Their main properties, some outstanding examples, as well as the relevance of the IPHAS survey to determine the total PN population in the Galactic disc and its chemical gradient is discussed.
Herschel observations of planetary nebulae in the MESS key program
Authors: van Hoof P. A. M. , Barlow M. J. , Van de Steene G. C. , Exter K. M. , Wesson R. , Ottensamer R. , Lim T. L. , Sibthorpe B. , Matsuura M. , Ueta T. , Van Winckel H. , Waelkens C. ,   the MESS consortium
Published: August 2012

In this paper we give a progress report on the Herschel observations of planetary nebulae that are carried out as part of the MESS guaranteed time key program.
New advances in the field of planetary nebulae from ultraviolet observations
Authors: Bianchi Luciana
Published: August 2012

The ultraviolet (UV) domain, in particular shortwards of Lyα, provides unique information to unravel the physical parameters of Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae (CSPNe) and the paths for this elusive final stage of stellar evolution, thanks to a wealth of diagnostic transitions from ionic species not observable at other wavelengths. Intermediate mass stars are the major providers of important elements like C and N. Understanding how they shed most of their initial mass is critical for understanding the chemical enrichment of the ISM. Mass-loss diagnostic lines abound at UV wavelengths, and when the CSPN reaches the hottestTeffbefore turning on the WD-cooling sequence, and the wind fades, the last wind lines to disappear are found in the far-UV, as well as diagnostic lines for elements such as Ne. This domain also offers a host of H2transitions, tracing the circum-stellar material expelled in previous phases. UV images and spectra of PNe add critical constraints to their ionization structure and to some abundances. Finally, the recent GALEX sky surveys in two UV bands afforded the first unbiased census of hot white dwarfs (WD) and post-AGB objects in the Milky Way, significantly expanding known catalogs and providing statistical constraints to the initial-final mass relation.
A mid-infrared imaging survey of post-AGB stars
Authors: Lagadec Eric , Verhoelst Tijl , Mékarnia Djamel , Suárez Olga , Zijlstra Albert A. , Bendjoya Philippe , Szczerba Ryszard , Chesneau Olivier , Van Winckel Hans , Barlow Michael J. , Matsuura Mikako , Bowey Janet E. , Lorenz-Martins Silvia , Gledhill Tim
Published: August 2012

Post-AGB stars are key objects for the study of the dramatic morphological changes of low- to intermediate-mass stars on their evolution from the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) towards the planetary nebula stage. There is growing evidences that binary interaction processes may very well have a determining role in the shaping process of many objects, but so far direct evidence is still weak. We aim at a systematic study of the dust distribution around a large sample of post-AGB stars as a probe of the symmetry breaking in the nebulae around these systems. We used imaging in the mid-infrared to study the inner part of these evolved stars to probe direct emission from dusty structures in the core of post-AGB stars in order to better understand their shaping mechanisms. We imaged a sample of 93 evolved stars and nebulae in the mid-infrared using VISIR/VLT, T-Recs/Gemini South and Michelle/Gemini North. We found that all the the proto-planetary nebulae we resolved show a clear departure from spherical symmetry. 59 out of the 93 observed targets appear to be non resolved. The resolved targets can be divided in two categories. The nebulae with a dense central core, that are either bipolar and multipolar. The nebulae with no central core have an elliptical morphology. The dense central torus observed likely host binary systems which triggered fast outflows that shaped the nebulae.
SOFIA observations of the planetary nebula NGC 7009
Authors: Rubin R. H. , Colgan S. W. J. , Corradi R. L. M. , Sankrit R. , Tielens A. G. G. M. , Tsamis Y. G. , Sivaraja V.
Published: August 2012

We report spectrophotometric observations made with SOFIA/FORCAST on 2011 June 2 UT. Optical measurements have previously shown that the abundance discrepancy factor (adf) varies with position in several high-adf PNe, and is highest close to the central star. The very low electron temperature inclusions postulated to explain the abundance discrepancy, must be cooled predominantly by fine structure IR lines. These SOFIA data will map mid-IR FS lines (and our related Herschel program will add several far-IR FS lines) in the bright, well-characterized, high-adf PN NGC 7009. We will compare these IR results with FS optical line measurements in order to correlate ratios of IR to optical fluxes with position, and thus correlate with where the adf peaks.
AGB mass loss
Authors: Willson Lee A. , Wang Qian
Published: August 2012

Mass loss on the AGB removes most of the envelope and leaves a compact remnant to become a white dwarf and perhaps first the central star of a planetary nebula. The envelope mass provides an upper limit on the material available to form the PN, and the terminal mass loss rate plus the small remnant mass left on the core determines how much of that would still be available to form the PN after the star has evolved far enough to the blue. Given a mass loss formula based on observations or models, we can find the deathline where −dMstar/dt = (M/L) dL/dt and can find the contours of constant mass loss rate on a plot of M vs. L. From such plots we can derive the mass available for a PN and the lowest mass single star that can produce a PN of a given mass. However, some details important for PN formation remain uncertain, including the maximum mass loss rate achieved and the envelope mass left when AGB mass loss ceases.
Population synthesis of planetary nebulae from binaries
Authors: Moe Maxwell , De Marco Orsola
Published: August 2012

There is at present no viable theory whereby a single star with MMS < 2.3 ± 0.3 M⊙ can sustain a PN-forming superwind with Ṁ > 3×10−5 M⊙ yr−1 at the tip of the AGB that can eject the last ~0.3 M⊙ of envelope mass. We propose that a binary companion can not only result in non-spherical PN, but more importantly provide the AGB mass loss rate enhancement that is required to create a visible PN. We provide an overview of our binary population synthesis calculations of the PN formation rates from common envelope (CE) interactions, CE mergers with substellar companions, tidally synchronized systems that avoid CE, gravitationally focused winds, and double degenerate systems. The predicted number of Galactic PN with radii < 0.9 pc shaped and created by a binary companion is 8,100±2,300 which is (71±20)% of the observationally-estimated total. We demonstrate that the observed close central star of PN binary fraction of 15–20% is consistent with our overall binary fraction, considering we predict two binary populations with period distributions centred at log P(days) ~0 and 4. Finally, we discuss the impact of binarity on the PN luminosity function, central star mass distribution, chemical abundances, morphologies, etc., and why these distributions predicted in the binary scenario are close to observations while the single star paradigm produces distributions which are measurably discrepant.
Observing compact disks inside pre-PNe with the VLTI
Authors: Bright Stacey N. , De Marco Orsola , Chesneau Olivier , Lagadec Eric , Van Winckel Hans , Hrivnak Bruce J.
Published: August 2012

AGB stars appear to lose mass spherically, but many PNe resulting from the AGB mass-loss have non-spherical morphologies. Compact disks have been found in some bipolar PNe, but their role in the shaping process remains unknown. Compact Keplerian disks are found to be common around post-AGB binaries, however, these objects may never develop into PNe. Another group of post-AGB stars, known as pre-PNe, are surrounded by collimated nebulae shining by reflected light or shock ionisation. We are observing the inner circumstellar regions of pre-PNe at high angular resolutions with the VLTI. We seek to compare pre-PNe disks to those around other post-AGB stars and PNe. New observations of the pre-PN, IRAS 16279-4757, show evidence for a disk similar to those seen in young PNe.
Heavy elements in planetary nebulae: A theorist's gold mine
Authors: Karakas Amanda I. , Lugaro Maria
Published: August 2012

Observations of planetary nebulae have revealed a wealth of information about the composition of heavy elements synthesized by the slow neutron capture process (the s process). In some of these nebulae the abundances of neutron-capture elements are enriched by factors of 10 to 30 times the solar value, indicating that these elements were produced in the progenitor star while it was on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). In this proceedings we summarize results of our recent full s-process network predictions covering a wide range of progenitor masses and metallicities. We compare our model predictions to observations and show how this can provide important insights into nucleosynthesis processes occurring deep within AGB stars.
Report on the Tenerife Workshop on Uncertainties in Atomic Data and How They Propagate in Chemical Abundances
Authors: Luridiana Valentina , García-Rojas Jorge
Published: August 2012

In 2010, we organised a workshop in Tenerife with the aim of bringing together scientists concerned with the completeness and accuracy of atomic data for astrophysical applications. Participants included atomic physicists, theoretical astrophysicists and astronomers, and the workshop covered topics such as the evaluation of uncertainties in atomic data, the propagation of such uncertainties in chemical abundances, and the feedback between observations and calculations. Communication issues were also discussed, including questions such as: How can it be ensured that atomic data are correctly understood and used? Which forum is the best one for a fluid interaction between all communities involved in the production and use of atomic data? This contribution lays out the main issues raised during the workshop and some of the solutions proposed.
When shape matters: Correcting the ICFs to derive the chemical abundances of bipolar and elliptical PNe
Authors: Gonçalves Denise R. , Wesson Roger , Morisset Cristophe , Barlow Michael , Ercolano Barbara
Published: August 2012

The extraction of chemical abundances of ionised nebulae from a limited spectral range is usually hampered by the lack of emission lines corresponding to certain ionic stages. So far, the missing emission lines have been accounted for by the ionisation correction factors (ICFs), constructed under simplistic assumptions like spherical geometry by using 1-D photoionisation modelling.

In this contribution we discuss the results (Gonçalves et al. 2011, in prep.) of our ongoing project to find a new set of ICFs to determine total abundances of N, O, Ne, Ar, and S, with optical spectra, in the case of non-spherical PNe. These results are based on a grid of 3-D photoionisation modelling of round, elliptical and bipolar shaped PNe, spanning the typical PN luminosities, effective temperatures and densities.

We show that the additional corrections to the widely used Kingsburgh & Barlow (1994) ICFs are always higher for bipolars than for ellipticals. Moreover, these additional corrections are, for bipolars, up to: 17% for oxygen, 33% for nitrogen, 40% for neon, 28% for argon and 50% for sulphur. Finally, on top of the fact that corrections change greatly with shape, they vary also greatly with the central star temperature, while the luminosity is a less important parameter.
Molecular processes from the AGB to the PN stage
Authors: García-Hernández D. Anibal
Published: August 2012

Many complex organic molecules and inorganic solid-state compounds have been observed in the circumstellar shell of stars (both C-rich and O-rich) in the transition phase between Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars and Planetary Nebulae (PNe). This short (~102-104 years) phase of stellar evolution represents a wonderful laboratory for astrochemistry and provides severe constraints on any model of gas-phase and solid-state chemistry. One of the major challenges of present day astrophysics and astrochemistry is to understand the formation pathways of these complex organic molecules and inorganic solid-state compounds (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fullerenes, and graphene in the case of a C-rich chemistry and oxides and crystalline silicates in O-rich environments) in space. In this review, I present an observational review of the molecular processes in the late stages of stellar evolution with a special emphasis on the first detections of fullerenes and graphene in PNe.