bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3‐D‐Inspektion in der Produktion
Authors: Hofmann Andreas , Carl Daniel
Published: February 2012

Die Vermessung dreidimensionaler Oberflächen im Produktionsprozess ist eine bekannte Aufgabe für die industrielle Messtechnik. Gängige optische Verfahren wie Streifenreflexion, Lasertriangulation oder Weißlicht‐Interferometrie sind jedoch für viele Messaufgaben in der Inline‐Inspektion entweder zu ungenau, zu langsam oder zu wenig robust. Das neue Inspektionssystem „HoloTop”︁ von Fraunhofer IPM setzt nun dank eines digital‐holographischen Verfahrens neue Maßstäbe in puncto Messgeschwindigkeit bei hoher Auflösung und Genauigkeit.
High molecular weight diblock and ABA/ABC triblock copolymers of tert‐butyl (meth)acrylate
Authors: Neugebauer Dorota , Bury Katarzyna , Pendziałek Katarzyna
Published: February 2012

AB diblock copolymers were prepared by use of poly(tert‐butyl (meth)acrylate) (PtBA/PtBMA) as monofunctional macroinitiator in atom transfer radical polymerization of various (meth)acrylates (methyl, butyl) in the presence of the CuBr/N, N, N′, N′, N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine catalyst system. Then using the diblock copolymer as macroinitiator with a bromine atom at the chain end, ABC and ABA triblock copolymers containing at least one PtBA or PtBMA segment were synthesized via polymerization of the selected (meth)acrylic monomer. Gel permeation chromatography was applied to determine molecular weights and polydispersity indices. The latter, for block copolymers prepared without deactivator addition, were in the range 1.2‐1.6 with a high degree of polymerization (150‐500). The chemical compositions of the block copolymers were characterized with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. The kind of combined segments and their lengths influenced the glass transition temperature (Tg) determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and characterization of degradable cellulose‐based macroporous resin
Authors: Yu Chaosheng , Liu Haipeng , Li Yanqing , Zu Yuangang
Published: February 2012

In this paper, a macroporous cellulose resin (toluene diisocyanate crosslinked cellulose, TCC) was prepared by using toluene diisocyanate crosslinking agent. Analyses of Fourier transform IR spectra confirmed a successful crosslinkage. Chemical shifts of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance of TCC also proved the chemical structure. TCC was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the images showed porous characteristics and increased surface area. Based on the strong polarity of TCC, rutin was used to check static adsorption and desorption capabilities. The adsorption isotherms of TCC as well as commercial D101 and AB‐8 macroporous resin were compared and explained using the Freundlich equation. Dynamic adsorption was also examined, and the influence of feed flow rate and pH value on the breakthrough volume are discussed. The dynamic desorption of rutin from TCC was carried out and the influence of eluent concentration (ethanol concentration) on desorption rate was analysed. The results of adsorption and desorption of rutin revealed that TCC is a potential tool for separating strong polar organics especially flavone glycosides from plants. Based on the detection of cellulosic bacteria, TCC is superior to commercial macroporous resins in biodegradability. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Incorporation of polyfluorenes into poly(lactic acid) films for sensor and optoelectronics applications
Authors: Martelo Liliana , Jiménez Alfonso , Valente Artur JM , Burrows Hugh D , Marques Ana T , Forster Michael , Scherf Ullrich , Peltzer Mercedes , Fonseca Sofia M
Published: February 2012

Films of neat and plasticized biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrices containing anionic conjugated polyelectrolytes, poly[9,9‐bis(4‐phenoxybutylsulfonate)]fluorene‐2,7‐diyl‐alt‐arylenes, with 1,4‐phenylene and 4,4″‐p‐terphenylene, respectively, as arylene groups or a neutral poly(9,9‐dialkylfluorene) for comparison were prepared by solution casting. These films were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the effects of plasticizer on the thermal properties and the oxygen permeability of the PLA films were measured through the oxygen transmission rate. Results show that it is possible to obtain thin, optically transparent and luminescent films with potential in oxygen sensing, exhibiting good thermal and photochemical stability. At high polyelectrolyte content, evidence is found for phase separation and aggregate formation and it is no longer possible to obtain completely homogeneous films. The possibility of incorporating the cationic metal complex tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) into plasticized PLA films containing conjugated polyelectrolytes for dual‐wavelength ratiometric luminescence sensing is also discussed. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Prescription patterns for psychotropic drugs in cancer patients; a large population study in the Netherlands
Authors: Ng Chong Guan , Boks Marco PM , Smeets Hugo Matthias , Zainal Nor Zuraida , de Wit Niek J.
Published: February 2012

Background

Psychotropic drugs are commonly prescribed for various psychological complaints in cancer patients. We aim to examine the prescription pattern in cancer patients of three common psychotropic drugs: benzodiazepine, antidepressant and antipsychotic.

Methods

This is a retrospective case‐control study. Data were extracted from the Agis Health Database. This insurance database contains the healthcare consumption of 1.3 million inhabitants of the Netherlands. We analyzed the use of psychotropics in cancer patients and an equally sized randomly selected control group of noncancer patients from 2006 to 2008. Odds ratio (OR) were adjusted for age, gender, immigrant status, neighborhood socio‐economic status, and premorbid medical condition. Additionally, the numbers of new user in the 3 months after cancer was diagnosed and in the 3 months before death were compared.

Results

A total of 113 887 cancer patients and 121 395 control subjects were included. Cancer patients were significantly more often prescribed psychotropic drugs (adjusted OR: benzodiazepines = 1.70, CI = 1.67‐1.74; antidepressants = 1.38, CI = 1.34‐1.42; and antipsychotics = 1.70, CI = 1.62‐1.77). Lower socio‐economic status, immigrant, and premorbid chronic medical conditions were significantly associated with higher risk of psychotropic use. Odds for a new prescription for all three psychotropic drugs were significantly less in the first 3 months after cancer diagnosis than the 3 months before death (benzodiazepine, OR = 0.673, CI = 0.647‐0.705; antidepressant, OR = 0.592, CI = 0.544‐0.644; antipsychotic, OR = 0.177, CI = 0.165‐0.190)

Conclusions

Psychotropic drug prescription is common in cancer patients, starts soon after diagnosis, and increases in the terminal stage. Prescription rates were significantly higher in patients from lower socio‐economic group, immigrants, or with premorbid chronic medical condition.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Baseline susceptibility of a wild strain of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) to DDT and pyrethroids in an endemic focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran
Authors: Saeidi Zahra , Vatandoost Hassan , Akhavan Amir Ahmad , Yaghoobi‐Ershadi Mohamad Reza , Rassi Yavar , Sheikh Zahra , Arandian Mohamad Hossein , Jafari Reza , Sanei Dehkordi Ali Reza
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Phelebotumus papatsi is considered to be the main vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis as well as sand fly fever in Iran. There are several measures for vector control, with emphasis on insecticides. The objective of this study was to determine the baseline susceptibility of this vector to the commonly used insecticides in an endemic focus of the disease in central Iran. P. papatasi collected from the field were used for susceptibility status. Its baseline susceptibility to DDT and pyrethroids was assessed on about 6866 specimens collected from Badrood rural district, Esfahan Province, Iran, during the summer of 2010. The LT50 and LT90 values were measured according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) test using probit analysis and regression lines.

RESULTS: Results of tests against female P. papatasi revealed LT50 values to DDT 4%, permethrin 0.75%, deltamethrin 0.1%, cyfluthrin 0.15% and lambdacyhalothrin 0.05% of 1104.97, 182.35, 26.79, 15.42 and 1.48 s respectively. The figures for male P. papatasi were 973.51, 59.5, 4.4, 2.65 and 1.5.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide a guideline for implementation of different vector control measures. Furthermore, guidelines are needed for monitoring and evaluation of insecticide susceptibility tests against sand flies. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication and characterization of CdSe/ZnS quantum‐dot LEDs
Authors: Nguyen Huu Tuan , Pham Thu Nga , Koh Ken Ha , Lee Soonil
Published: February 2012

A series of inorganic–organic hybrid light‐emitting devices (HLEDs) based on orange CdSe/ZnS quantum dots were fabricated and their operation characteristics were investigated. Other than replacing an organic light‐emitting layer (EML) with a CdSe/ZnS‐QD EML spin‐coated from a colloidal QD solution, the structure of HLEDs was kept identical to that of conventional organic light‐emitting devices. Comparison of the operation characteristics of two types of CdSe/ZnS‐QD HLEDs with a either Bebq2 or Alq3 electron transport layer (ETL) showed that the control of the injection and transport of electrons is the key step for the improvement of the luminance yield, power efficiency, and color purity of our HLEDs. The most common ETL material Alq3 turned out to be sufficient to make HLEDs with promising device performance.
Recent developments in Ge dots grown on pit‐patterned surfaces
Authors: Karmous Alim , Fischer Inga A. , Kirfel Olaf , Mattes Johannes , Oehme Michael , Werner Jens , Schulze Jörg
Published: February 2012

Carrier confinement in Ge dots in a Si matrix has a large influence on electronic and optical properties. These dots, therefore, continue to be of interest for potential device applications. For this, the control over dot geometry, position, composition, and strain is a necessary prerequisite. Ge dots that are deposited on substrates with previously defined nucleation sites, as obtained by a patterning of the substrate, have been at the focus of a number of experimental investigations these last years, precisely because they seem to be suited for incorporation into electronic and optical devices. We review recent results in this research area that are e.g., concerned with analysing the influence of the available patterning and growth parameters on the dots and give an overview of recent developments in device applications.
Electroluminescence properties of organic nanostructures studied by scanning tunnelling microscopy
Authors: Kuhnke Klaus , Kabakchiev Alexander , Lutz Theresa , Kern Klaus
Published: February 2012

The control of light emission on the scale of individual quantum systems, like molecules or quantum dots, is a field of intense current research. One way to induce light emission from these systems is the local charge injection through the tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). Studies which employ this method have to address one basic question: Does the detected luminescence provide information precisely from the molecule into which charge is injected by the STM tip apex or are the luminescence properties determined by a larger volume? In this article, we focus on the investigation of organic nanocrystals and discuss the relation between the local excitation, the intermolecular coupling and the influence of the STM as a measuring instrument. Choosing pentacene as an organic emitter, we present results, which suggest that the STM‐induced luminescence cannot be attributed simply to the emission by a single molecule. We discuss how information about locality can be obtained and comment on the present experimental limitations and possible future improvements.
Controllable fabrication and characterization of conical nanocarbon structures on polymer substrate for transparent and flexible field emission displays
Authors: Ghosh Pradip , Satou Shunsaku , Tsuchiya Takuma , Hayashi Yasuhiko , Tanemura Masaki
Published: February 2012

The direct fabrication of fully transparent conical nanocarbon structures (CNCSs) of controlled nanoscopic dimension on a flexible nafion substrate was achieved, using field electron source, by a novel room temperature ion irradiation technique. By controlling the sizes (below the wavelength of visible light) of the CNCSs, the transparency of the substrate can be tailored satisfactorily. The transparency of the CNCSs was observed to be around 90% in the visible regime depending on the ion irradiation time. Our results suggest that the direct fabrication of well controlled fully transparent CNCSs on any transparent and flexible substrate at room temperature could open a novel route for potential applications in future highly transparent, flexible (bendable), low weight and portable field emission displays (FEDs). (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The impact of multi‐group multi‐layer network structure on the performance of distributed consensus building strategies
Authors: Wan Yan , Namuduri Kamesh , Akula Swathik , Varanasi Murali
Published: February 2012

We consider a structural approach to the consensus building problem in multi‐group multi‐layer (MGML) distributed sensor networks (DSNs) common in many natural and engineering applications. From among the possible network structures, we focus on bipartite graph structure as it represents a typical MGML structure and has a wide applicability in the real world. We establish exact conditions for consensus and derive a precise relationship between the consensus value and the degree distribution of nodes in a bipartite MGML DSN. We also demonstrate that for subclasses of connectivity patterns, convergence time and simple characteristics of network topology can be captured by explicit algebra. Direct inference of the convergence behavior of consensus strategies from MGML DSN structure is the main contribution of this paper. The insights gained from our analysis facilitate the design and development of large‐scale DSNs that meet specific performance criteria. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New results on static output feedback H ∞  control for fuzzy singularly perturbed systems: a linear matrix inequality approach
Authors: Chen Jinxiang , Sun Yanguang , Min Haibo , Sun Fuchun , Zhang Yungui
Published: February 2012

This paper presents the novel approaches of designing robust fuzzy static output feedback H ∞  controller for a class of nonlinear singularly perturbed systems. Specifically, the considered system is approximated by a fuzzy singularly perturbed model. With the use of linear matrix inequality (LMI) methods, two methods are provided to design fuzzy static output feedback H ∞  controllers. The resulted controllers can guarantee that the closed‐loop systems are asymptotically stable and satisfy H ∞  performances for sufficiently small ϵ. In contrast to the existing results, the proposed approaches have two advantages: (i) the gains of controller are solved directly by a set of ϵ‐independent LMIs, and therefore, the problem of selecting the initial values in iterative LMIs algorithm can be avoided, and (ii) the smaller control input efforts are needed. The given methods are easy to implement and can be applied to both standard and nonstandard nonlinear singularly perturbed systems. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed methods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite‐time consensus tracking for harmonic oscillators using both state feedback control and output feedback control
Authors: Zhang Yanjiao , Yang Ying , Zhao Yu
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates the distributed finite‐time consensus‐tracking problem for coupled harmonic oscillators. The objective is to guarantee a team of followers modeled by harmonic oscillators to track a dynamic virtual leader in finite time. Only a subset of followers can access the information of the virtual leader, and the interactions between followers are assumed to be local. We consider two cases: (i) The followers can obtain the relative states between their neighbors and their own; and (ii) Only relative outputs between neighboring agents are available. In the former case, a distributed consensus protocol is adopted to achieve the finite‐time consensus tracking. In the latter case, we propose a novel observer‐based dynamic protocol to guarantee the consensus tracking in finite time. Simulation examples are finally presented to verify the theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING: A NOVEL STATISTICAL FRAMEWORK FOR EXPLORING THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES IN RIVERINE ECOSYSTEMS
Authors: Bizzi S. , Surridge Ben W. J. , Lerner David N.
Published: February 2012

Benthic macroinvertebrates have been used widely as bioindicators to assess the condition of riverine ecosystems. However, understanding and modelling the spatial distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates within these ecosystems remain significant challenges for research and management. Statistical analyses of multivariate data sets offer opportunities to explore the ecological systems controlling the distribution of biota. This article reports a novel statistical analysis of a national‐scale data set from England and Wales using the structural equation modelling (SEM) framework. Relationships between water quality, physical habitat structure and indices reflecting benthic macroinvertebrate community structure were analysed using SEM. On the basis of data from 219 monitoring sites, structural equation models were built. These models explained 87% of the spatial variation in the average score per taxon index and 76% of the spatial variation in the Lotic Invertebrate Index for Flow Evaluation. Significant direct and indirect effects on these indices were exerted by water quality variables, particularly the concentrations of dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and orthophosphate. Independent of water quality conditions, both biotic indices were directly affected by variables describing the structure and the degradation of physical habitat. The strengths of the SEM framework include (i) direct evaluation of a priori models against observed data, thereby supporting confirmatory analysis of theoretical models of ecological systems; (ii) specification of latent variables representing unmeasured constructs; and (iii) simultaneous assessment of multiple direct and indirect paths between variables within a model. These strengths define a framework with the potential to be applied widely in the development and testing of hypotheses regarding the processes operating within riverine ecosystems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructure Formation and Passivation of Large‐Area Black Silicon for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Liu Yaoping , Lai Tao , Li Hailing , Wang Yan , Mei Zengxia , Liang Huili , Li Zhilei , Zhang Fengming , Wang Wenjing , Kuznetsov Andrej Yu , Du Xiaolong
Published: February 2012

Nanoscale textured silicon and its passivation are explored by simple low‐cost metal‐assisted chemical etching and thermal oxidation, and large‐area black silicon was fabricated both on single‐crystalline Si and multicrystalline Si for solar cell applications. When the Si surface was etched by HF/AgNO3 solution for 4 or 5 min, nanopores formed in the Si surface, 50–100 nm in diameter and 200–300 nm deep. The nanoscale textured silicon surface turns into an effective medium with a gradually varying refractive index, which leads to the low reflectivity and black appearance of the samples. Mean reflectance was reduced to as low as 2% for crystalline Si and 4% for multicrystalline Si from 300 to 1000 nm, with no antireflective (AR) coating. A black‐etched multicrystalline‐Si of 156 mm × 156 mm was used to fabricate a primary solar cell with no surface passivation or AR coating. Its conversion efficiency (η) was 11.5%. The cell conversion efficiency was increased greatly by using surface passivation process, which proved very useful in suppressing excess carrier recombination on the nanostructured surface. Finally, a black m‐Si cell with efficiency of 15.8% was achieved by using SiO2 and SiNX bilayer passivation structure, indicating that passivation plays a key role in large‐scale manufacture of black silicon solar cells.
Evidence for a Crucial Role Played by Oxygen Vacancies in LaMnO3 Resistive Switching Memories
Authors: Xu Zhong‐tang , Jin Kui‐juan , Gu Lin , Jin Yu‐ling , Ge Chen , Wang Can , Guo Hai‐zhong , Lu Hui‐bin , Zhao Rui‐qiang , Yang Guo‐zhen
Published: February 2012

LaMnO3 (LMO) films are deposited on SrTiO3:Nb (0.8 wt%) substrates under various oxygen pressures to obtain different concentrations of oxygen vacancies in the films. The results of X‐ray diffraction verify that with a decrease of the oxygen pressure, the c‐axis lattice constant of the LMO films becomes larger, owing to an increase of the oxygen vacancies. Aberration‐corrected annular‐bright‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy with atomic resolution and sensitivity for light elements is used, which clearly shows that the number of oxygen vacancies increases with the decrease of oxygen pressure during fabrication. Correspondingly, the resistive switching property becomes more pronounced with more oxygen vacancies in the LMO films. Furthermore, a numerical model based on the modification of the interface property induced by the migration of oxygen vacancies in these structures is proposed to elucidate the underlying physical origins. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data, which reveal from a theoretical point of view that the migration of oxygen vacancies and the variation of the Schottky barrier at the interface with applied bias dominate the resistive switching characteristic. It is promising that the resistive switching property in perovskite oxides can be manipulated by controlling the oxygen vacancies during fabrication or later annealing in an oxygen atmosphere.
Direct Evidence of Lipid Rafts by in situ Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Cai Mingjun , Zhao Weidong , Shang Xin , Jiang Junguang , Ji Hongbin , Tang Zhiyong , Wang Hongda
Published: February 2012

Lipid rafts are membrane microdomains enriched with cholesterol, glycosphingolipids, and proteins. Although they are broadly presumed to play a pivotal role in various cellular functions, there are still fierce debates about the composition, functions, and even existence of lipid rafts. Here high‐resolution and time‐lapse in situ atomic force microscopy is used to directly confirm the existence of lipid rafts in native erythrocyte membranes. The results indicate some important aspects of lipid rafts: most of the lipid rafts are in the size range of 100–300 nm and have irregular shape; the detergent‐resistant membranes consist of cholesterol microdomains and are not likely the same as the lipid rafts; cholesterol contributes significantly to the formation and stability of the protein domains; and Band III is an important protein of lipid rafts in the inner leaflet of erythrocyte membranes, indicating that lipid rafts are exactly the functional domains in plasma membrane. This work provides direct evidence of the presence, size, and main constitutive protein of lipid rafts at a resolution of a few nanometers, which will pave the way for studying their structure and functions in detail.
Three‐Dimensional Morphological and Crystallographic Investigation of Lamellar Alpha and Retained Beta in a Near Alpha Titanium Alloy by Combination of Focused Ion Beam and Electron Backscattering Diffraction
Authors: He Dong , Zaefferer Stefan , Zhu Jingchuan , Lai Zhonghong
Published: February 2012

We studied the three‐dimensional (3D) morphology and crystal orientation distribution of coarse primary α, fine second α lamellae, and retained β layers in a near α titanium alloy using a 3D microtomographic electron backscattering diffraction method (3D EBSD). The results demonstrate that primary α lamellae are more like a thick plate in 3D space. The second α lamellae have lower in‐grain (mis)orientation gradients than primary α. The retained β is a continuous network structure and contains many cavities for α lamellae embedding.
Fetal cerebrovascular resistance and neonatal EEG predict 18‐month neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with congenital heart disease
Authors: Williams I. A. , Tarullo A. R. , Grieve P. G. , Wilpers A. , Vignola E. F. , Myers M. M. , Fifer W. P.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate early markers of risk for neurobehavioral compromise in survivors with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Pregnant women in whom a fetal CHD had been diagnosed before 24 weeks' gestational age (GA) were enrolled in this prospective pilot study for serial Doppler ultrasound assessment of the fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical arteries. The cerebral‐to‐placental resistance ratio (CPR) and MCA pulsatility index (PI) Z‐scores for GA were calculated. After birth, subjects underwent high‐density (128‐lead) electroencephalography (EEG), and beta frequency (12–24 Hz) band EEG power, a measure of local neural synchrony, was analyzed. Neurodevelopment was assessed at 18 months with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID)‐III.

Results

Thirteen subjects were enrolled: four with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), four with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and five with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Compared with subjects with normal CPR, those with CPR < 1 (n = 7) had lower mean BSID cognitive scores (91.4 ± 4.8 vs. 99.2 ± 3.8, P = 0.008). Fetal MCA‐PI Z‐score also correlated with BSID cognitive score (r = 0.589, P = 0.03) as did neonatal EEG left frontal polar (r = 0.58, P = 0.037) and left frontal (r = 0.77, P = 0.002) beta power. Furthermore, fetal Doppler measures were associated with EEG power: fetuses with CPR < 1 had lower left frontal polar (t = 2.36, P = 0.038) and left frontal (t = 2.85, P = 0.016) beta power as newborns than did fetuses with normal CPR, and fetal MCA‐PI Z‐score correlated with neonatal EEG left frontal polar (r = 0.596, P = 0.04) and left frontal (r = 0.598, P = 0.04) beta power.

Conclusion

In fetuses with HLHS, TGA and TOF, abnormal cerebrovascular resistance predicts decreased neonatal EEG left frontal beta power and lower 18‐month cognitive development scores. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Similarity between blackbody and synchrotron radiation analyzed by Tsallis entropy
Authors: Iwasaki Hiroyuki , Kawai Jun , Yuge Koretaka , Nagy Ágnes
Published: February 2012

It is believed that blackbody and bremsstrahlung are completely different phenomena. However, their spectral shapes are somewhat similar to each other. We demonstrate that synchrotron radiation spectra, which are relativistic magnetic bremsstrahlung, can be approximated by blackbody radiation through Tsallis entropy under the dulite gas approximation at Tsallis non‐extensive parameter q = 1.05. The error of mean square is 4 × 10−6 within the range of 5 × 104 eV without adjusting any parameters. This approximation will be applied to more complex bremsstrahlung such as an X‐ray tube. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deletion of ku homologs increases gene targeting frequency in Streptomyces avermitilis
Authors: Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen Wei , Zhang Yang , Jiang Libin , Chen Zhi , Wen Ying , Li Jilun
Published: February 2012

Streptomyces avermitilis is an industrially important soil bacterium known for production of avermectins, which are antiparasitic agents useful in animal health care, agriculture, and treatment of human infections. ku genes play a key role in the non-homologous end-joining pathway for repair of DNA double strand breaks. We identified homologs of eukaryotic ku70 and ku80 genes, termed ku1 and ku2, in S. avermitilis. Mutants with deletion of ku1, ku2, and both genes were constructed and their phenotypic changes were characterized. Deletion of ku genes had no apparent adverse effects on growth, spore formation, or avermectin production. The ku mutants, in comparison to wild-type strain, were slightly more sensitive to the DNA-damaging agent ethyl methanesulfonate, but not to UV exposure or to bleomycin. Gene targeting frequencies by homologous recombination were higher in the ku mutants than in wild-type strain. We conclude that ku-deleted strains will be useful hosts for efficient gene targeting and will facilitate functional analysis of genes in S. avermitilis and other industrially important bacterial strains.
The cognitive profile of type 1 Gaucher disease patients
Authors: Biegstraaten Marieke , Wesnes Keith A. , Luzy Cécile , Petakov Milan , Mrsic Mirando , Niederau Claus , Giraldo Pilar , Hughes Derralynn , Mehta Atul , Mengel Karl‐Eugen , Hollak Carla E. M , Maródi László , van Schaik Ivo N.
Published: February 2012

Background

The absence of neurological symptoms and signs is traditionally considered mandatory for a diagnosis of type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1), but in recent years many reports have emerged on neurological manifestations in GD1 patients. Nevertheless, it has been unclear whether cognitive deficits are part of the disease as well.

Methods

Cognitive function was assessed in a large cohort of GD1 patients with the use of the CDR system, a set of computerised cognitive tests. Testing was performed at baseline and every 6 months thereafter during a two‐year study period.

Results

Our patient cohort (84 patients, median age 40 years, median time from diagnosis 15 years) showed mild deficits relative to healthy age‐matched subjects on the composite scores: power of attention (Z‐score (mean ± SD) ‐0.9 ± 1.37) and speed of memory (Z‐score (mean ± SD) ‐1.39 ± 1.49). No decline in cognitive function was seen during the two‐year period. Age correlated with the composite scores variability of attention and quality of working memory. Moreover, severely affected patients (Zimran severity score (SSI) ≥ 15) scored more poorly compared to mildly affected patients (SSI ≤ 5) on the composite measure power of attention, reflecting the ability to concentrate.

Conclusions

GD1 patients exhibit mild deficits in power of attention and speed of memory, reflecting a decreased ability to focus attention and process information, together with a slowing in the speed of retrieval of items from memory. The clinical relevance of these findings is uncertain.
Value-For-Money Perceptions of Supermarket and Private Labels
Authors: Nenycz-Thiel Magda , Romaniuk Jenni
Published: February 2012

Private labels are becoming more sophisticated, spanning many price-quality tiers and categories. As such, private label branding is evolving and retailers have to pay greater attention to factors that affect private label perceptions. One of such factors is the value-for-money perception of the supermarket, which is important both in terms of its competitiveness and the private labels it carries. The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between value-for-money perceptions of a supermarket and perceptions that the private labels it offers are also value-for-money. We find a positive relationship between value-for-money perceptions of a supermarket and value-for-money perceptions of its private labels, which is stronger for private label non-users. Given that most private labels are not advertised, knowing that non-users of private labels form associations based on the store image is important for private label managers who want to grow the customer base of their private labels. For premium private labels we find that if a premium private label is the only private label in a category, it is perceived just like the traditional private label, suggesting a benefit in offering at least two tiers of private labels. Our findings provide implications for retailers in regards to their private label branding strategies.
Nmnat2 protects cardiomyocytes from hypertrophy via activation of SIRT6
Authors: Cai Yi , Yu Shan-Shan , Chen Shao-Rui , Pi Rong-Biao , Gao Si , Li Hong , Ye Jian-Tao , Liu Pei-Qing
Published: February 2012

The discovery of sirtuins (SIRT), a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)‐dependent deacetylases, has indicated that intracellular NAD level is crucial for the hypertrophic response of cardiomyocytes. Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat) is a central enzyme in NAD biosynthesis. Here we revealed that Nmnat2 protein expression and enzyme activity were down‐regulated during cardiac hypertrophy. In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, overexpression of Nmnat2 but not its catalytically inactive mutant blocked angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, which was dependent on activation of SIRT6 through maintaining the intracellular NAD level. Our results suggested that modulation of Nmnat2 activity may be beneficial in cardiac hypertrophy.
MiR‐219‐5p inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation by targeting glypican‐3
Authors: Huang Na , Lin Jing , Ruan Jian , Su Ning , Qing Ruzhai , Liu Feiye , He Benfu , Lv Chengwei , Zheng Dayong , Luo Rongcheng
Published: February 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to the molecular pathogenesis of many cancers. In this study, we found that miR‐219‐5p was significantly downregulated in 83 HCC tissues and three HCC cell lines, compared to their non‐tumor counterparts. MiR‐219‐5p expression correlated with tumor size, histological differentiation, and overall survival time in HCC patients. We also found that miR‐219‐5p could inhibit cell proliferation in vitro and arrest cell cycle at the G1 to S transition. Further studies identified that miR‐219‐5p reduced both the mRNA and protein levels of glypican‐3 (GPC3). These findings indicate that miR‐219‐5p exerts tumor‐suppressive effects in hepatic carcinogenesis through negative regulation of GPC3 expression.
Instability and hydraulics of turbulent stratified shear flows
Authors: Liu Zhiyu , Thorpe S. A. , Smyth W. D.
Published: February 2012

The Taylor–Goldstein (T–G) equation is extended to include the effects of small-scale turbulence represented by non-uniform vertical and horizontal eddy viscosity and diffusion coefficients. The vertical coefficients of viscosity and diffusion, ${A}_{V} $ and ${K}_{V} $, respectively, are assumed to be equal and are expressed in terms of the buoyancy frequency of the flow, $N$, and the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy per unit mass, $\varepsilon $, quantities that can be measured in the sea. The horizontal eddy coefficients, ${A}_{H} $ and ${K}_{H} $, are taken to be proportional to the dimensionally correct form, ${\varepsilon }^{1/ 3} {l}^{4/ 3} $, found appropriate in the description of horizontal dispersion of a field of passive markers of scale $l$. The extended T–G equation is applied to examine the stability and greatest growth rates in a turbulent shear flow in stratified waters near a sill, that at the entrance to the Clyde Sea in the west of Scotland. Here the main effect of turbulence is a tendency towards stabilizing the flow; the greatest growth rates of small unstable disturbances decrease, and in some cases flows that are unstable in the absence of turbulence are stabilized when its effects are included. It is conjectured that stabilization of a flow by turbulence may lead to a repeating cycle in which a flow with low levels of turbulence becomes unstable, increasing the turbulent dissipation rate and so stabilizing the flow. The collapse of turbulence then leads to a condition in which the flow may again become unstable, the cycle repeating. Two parameters are used to describe the ‘marginality’ of the observed flows. One is based on the proximity of the minimum flow Richardson number to the critical Richardson number, the other on the change in dissipation rate required to stabilize or destabilize an observed flow. The latter is related to the change needed in the flow Reynolds number to achieve zero growth rate. The unstable flows, typical of the Clyde Sea site, are relatively further from neutral stability in Reynolds number than in Richardson number. The effects of turbulence on the hydraulic state of the flow are assessed by examining the speed and propagation direction of long waves in the Clyde Sea. Results are compared to those obtained using the T–G equation without turbulent viscosity or diffusivity. Turbulence may change the state of a flow from subcritical to supercritical.
High-enthalpy flow over a rearward-facing step – a computational study
Authors: Deepak N. R. , Gai S. L. , Neely A. J.
Published: February 2012

Hypersonic, high-enthalpy flow over a rearward-facing step has been numerically investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Two conditions relevant to suborbital and superorbital flow with total specific enthalpies of$26$and$50~\mathrm{MJ} ~{\mathrm{kg} }^{\ensuremath{-} 1} $, are considered. The Mach number and unit Reynolds number per metre were 7.6, 11.0 and$1. 82\ensuremath{\times} 1{0}^{6} $,$6. 23\ensuremath{\times} 1{0}^{5} $respectively. The Reynolds number based on the step height was correspondingly$3. 64\ensuremath{\times} 1{0}^{3} $and$12. 5\ensuremath{\times} 1{0}^{2} $. The computations were carried out assuming the flow to be laminar throughout and the real gas effects such as thermal and chemical non-equilibrium are studied using Park’s two-temperature model with finite-rate chemistry and Gupta’s finite-rate chemistry models. In the close vicinity of the step, detailed quantification of flow features is emphasised. In particular, the presence of the Goldstein singularity at the lip and separation on the face of the step have been elucidated. Within the separated region and downstream of reattachment, the influence of real gas effects has been identified and shown to be negligible. The numerical results are compared with the available experimental data of surface heat flux downstream of the step and reasonable agreement is shown up to 30 step heights downstream.
An evaluation of crustal assimilation within the Late Devonian South Mountain Batholith, SW Nova Scotia
Authors: SHELLNUTT J. GREGORY , DOSTAL JAROSLAV
Published: February 2012

The Late Devonian South Mountain Batholith (SMB) of southwestern Nova Scotia is the largest batholith in the Appalachian Orogen of Eastern North America and contains economic deposits of U and Sn. The SMB comprises at least 11 individual plutons, which range in composition from granodiorite to biotite monzogranite, leucomonzogranite and leucogranite. Previous studies have suggested that a combination of fractional crystallization, assimilation of Meguma Supergroup country rocks and an influx of magmatic fluids contributed to the chemical evolution of the SMB. The amount of crustal assimilation is estimated to be as high as 33%. MELTS modelling assuming a starting composition of granodiorite with H2O = 4 wt%, pressure = 4 kbar (~12 km) and fO2 = FMQ can reproduce the chemical evolution observed in the SMB. However, some leucogranites likely require an additional component (e.g. hydrothermal fluids) to explain their alkali metal enrichment (e.g. Na, K, Rb). Zircon saturation thermometry estimates indicate the Salmontail Lake and Scrag Lake granodiorite plutons had high minimum initial temperatures of 823 ± 6°C and 832 ± 2°C, respectively, which are similar to low zircon-inheritance granitoids. The TiO2/Al2O3 and alkali-lime ratios of the surrounding country rocks and the leucogranites indicate the amount of crustal assimilation is likely to be between 10% and 20%. Our findings suggest the granodiorites of the SMB were likely produced by partial melting of the sub-Meguma Supergroup (e.g. Avalon terrane) lower crust caused by the contemporaneous injection of high temperature mafic to ultramafic magmas.
BODY MASS INDEX OF MARRIED BANGLADESHI WOMEN: TRENDS AND ASSOCIATION WITH SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS
Authors: HOSSAIN M. G. , BHARATI P. , AIK SAW , LESTREL PETE E. , ABEER ALMASRI , KAMARUL T.
Published: February 2012

Body mass index (BMI) is a good indicator of nutritional status in a population. In underdeveloped countries like Bangladesh, this indicator provides a method that can assist intervention to help eradicate many preventable diseases. This study aimed to report on changes in the BMI of married Bangladeshi women who were born in the past three decades and its association with socio-demographic factors. Data for 10,115 married and currently non-pregnant Bangladeshi women were extracted from the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). The age range of the sample was 15–49 years. The mean BMI was 20.85±3.66 kg/m2, and a decreasing tendency in BMI was found among birth year cohorts from 1972 to 1992. It was found that the proportion of underweight females has been increasing in those born during the last 20 years of the study period (1972 to 1992). Body mass index increased with increasing age, education level of the woman and her husband, wealth index, age at first marriage and age at first delivery, and decreased with increasing number of ever-born children. Lower BMI was especially pronounced among women who were living in rural areas, non-Muslims, employed women, women not living with their husbands (separated) or those who had delivered at home or non-Caesarean delivery.
Suppression of ovarian secretions before puberty strongly affects mammogenesis in the goat
Authors: Yart Lucile , Finot Laurence , Marnet Pierre-Guy , Dessauge Frédéric
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study was to provide insight into the biological mechanisms underlying mammary development and the role of the ovaries in prepubertal caprine mammogenesis using a serial ovariectomy approach. Young Alpine goats were ovariectomized (Ovx) or sham-operated (Int) at three periods before puberty (G1=1 month, G2=2 month and G3=3 months of age) and one after puberty (G7=7 months of age). The goats were slaughtered at 9 months of age and mammary glands were removed. Ovariectomy performed at 1, 2 and 3 months of age caused a 50% reduction in DNA concentration, in mammary tissue taken from the parenchyma-stroma border region. Morphological analysis of mammary tissue sections indicated that the parenchymal structures of Ovx goats were negatively affected by ovariectomy. Goats ovariectomized before 2 months of age (Ovx-1 and Ovx-2) showed a significant decrease in the percent of cells proliferating in mammary glands of 9-month old goats (proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and antigen Ki67-positive cell number). Also, goats ovariectomized at 1 and 2 months of age had reduced matrix metalloprotease 2 activity at 9 months of age. E-cadherin was strongly decreased in goats ovariectomized before 2 months of age (80 and 85% in Ovx-1 and Ovx-2 goats, respectively). Quantitative PCR analysis of transcripts encoding for oestrogen (ERα) and progesterone receptors (PR) and immunodetection of ERα showed that ovariectomy at 1 and 2 months of age strongly inhibited the transcription of ERα and PR in the mammary gland. We conclude that ovariectomy before 3 months of age markedly impaired parenchymal development. These findings suggest that prepubertal mammogenesis in goats depends on the ovaries to initiate mammary epithelial cell proliferation and mammary gland remodelling.
Strategies to dissect parasite proteomes
Authors: BURGESS KARL , BURCHMORE RICHARD
Published: February 2012

Proteomes are complex and dynamic entities that are still poorly understood, but the application of proteomic technologies has become invaluable in many areas of biology, including parasitology. These technologies can be exploited to identify proteins in both complex or relatively simple samples, that formerly could only be characterized by targeted approaches such as Western blotting. Quantitative proteomic approaches can reveal modulations in protein expression that accompany phenotypes of interest. Proteomic approaches have been exploited to understand some of the molecular basis for host:parasite interactions and to elucidate phenotypes such as virulence, antigenicity and drug resistance. Many of the same technologies can also be more easily applied to targeted sub-proteomes.

Examples from several studies on pathogen proteomes and sub-proteomes, from bacteria to helminths, are presented to illustrate the potential and limitations of proteomic technologies.
Roles of morphological awareness in the reading comprehension of Spanish-speaking language minority learners: Exploring partial mediation by vocabulary and reading fluency
Authors: KIEFFER MICHAEL J. , BIANCAROSA GINA , MANCILLA-MARTINEZ JEANNETTE
Published: February 2012

This study investigated the direct and indirect roles of morphological awareness reading comprehension for Spanish-speaking language minority learners reading in English. Multivariate path analysis was used to investigate the unique contribution of derivational morphological awareness to reading comprehension as well as its indirect contributions via three hypothesized mediators for students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade (N= 101). Results indicated a significant unique contribution of morphological awareness, controlling for phonemic decoding, listening comprehension, reading vocabulary, word reading fluency, and passage reading fluency. Results further indicated significant indirect contributions of morphological awareness via reading vocabulary and passage fluency, but not via word reading fluency. Findings suggest that morphological awareness may play multiple important roles in second-language reading comprehension.
The explicit/implicit knowledge distinction and working memory: Implications for second-language reading comprehension
Authors: ERÇETİN GÜLCAN , ALPTEKİN CEM
Published: February 2012

Following an extensive overview of the subject, this study explores the relationships between second-language (L2) explicit/implicit knowledge sources, embedded in the declarative/procedural memory systems, and L2 working memory (WM) capacity. It further examines the relationships between L2 reading comprehension and L2 WM capacity as well as those between L2 reading comprehension and L2 explicit/implicit knowledge sources. Participants were late adult learners of English as an L2, with a relatively advanced level of English proficiency. They completed tests measuring their WM capacity, explicit knowledge, implicit knowledge, and L2 reading comprehension. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between L2 WM capacity and both explicit and implicit L2 knowledge. Exploratory factor analysis showed that explicit knowledge, WM capacity, and L2 reading comprehension loaded on a single factor whereas implicit L2 knowledge formed an independent factor with no relationship to L2 reading. The results suggest that L2 WM is able to manipulate and store both explicit and implicit L2 input through controlled and automatic processes. They also suggest that L2 explicit knowledge, connected with the control processes of the declarative system's lexical/semantic features, and L2 WM, reflecting attentional resource capacity/allocation associated with control processes, play an important role in L2 reading comprehension.