bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of 3d Tower Crane Based on Tensor Product Model Transformation With Neural Friction Compensation
Authors: Matuško Jadranko , Ileš Šandor , Kolonić Fetah , Lešić Vinko
Published: September 2014

Fast and accurate positioning and swing minimization of heavy loads in crane manipulation are demanding and, at the same time, conflicting tasks. Accurate load positioning is primarily limited by the existence of a nonlinear friction effect, especially in the low speed region. In this paper the authors propose a new control scheme for 3D tower crane, that consists of a tensor product model transformation based nonlinear feedback controller, with an additional neural network based friction compensator. Tensor product based controller is designed using linear matrix inequalities utilizing a parameter varying Lyapunov function. Neural network parameters adaptation law is derived using Lyapunov stability analysis. The simulation and experimental results on a 3D laboratory crane model are presented.
Cycle‐by‐Cycle Adaptive Force Compensation for the Soft‐Landing Control of an Electro‐Mechanical Engine Valve Actuator
Authors: di Gaeta Alessandro , Hoyos Velasco Carlos I. , Montanaro Umberto
Published: September 2014

Electro‐mechanical valve actuators (EMVA) are a solution for implementing variable valve actuation in internal combustion engines. Their use can increase engine power, reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, while significantly improving engine efficiency. The control of this actuator is a complex task since non‐smooth nonlinearities, parameter variations and external forces strongly affect plant dynamics. In addition, the impact of the valve at its end‐strokes translates into mechanical wear and unacceptable noise, and in the worst case the electromagnet may also fail to catch the valve, causing system failure. The design of effective control strategies to ensure valve capture with low impact velocities is therefore essential for the correct functioning of such a mechatronic device. In this paper, the control problem of reducing the impact velocity at “landing” known in the literature as soft landing control, is tackled via novel cycle‐by‐cycle adaptive force compensation control algorithms. Two schemes are presented: a discrete adaptive proportional integral controller to regulate landing velocity to a preassigned set‐point, and a gradient descent method based controller to automatically achieve the minimum admissible impact velocity. The effectiveness of both methods in limiting landing velocities is shown numerically using a high predictive simulator of the EMVA system, when considering unknown varying environmental conditions, such as internal friction and external gas pressure forces.
Alexander von Humboldt, Johann Franz Encke
Authors: Kanz Kai Torsten
Published: September 2014

Briefwechsel. Hrsg. von Oliver Schwarz und Ingo Schwarz unter Mitarbeit von Eberhard Knobloch, (Beiträge zur Alexander‐von‐Humboldt‐Forschung; 37) Berlin: Akademie Verlag 2013. 558 S., zahlr. Abb., geb., € 99,95. ISBN 978‐3‐05‐006083‐5.
Sensitive and selective determination of fluvoxamine maleate using a sensitive chemiluminescence system based on the alkaline permanganate–Rhodamine B–gold nanoparticles reaction
Authors: Hassanzadeh Javad , Amjadi Mohammad
Published: September 2014

A high‐yield chemiluminescence (CL) system based on the alkaline permanganate–Rhodamine B reaction was developed for the sensitive determination of fluvoxamine maleate (Flu). Rhodamine B is oxidized by alkaline KMnO4 and a weak CL emission is produced. It was demonstrated that gold nanoparticles greatly enhance this CL emission due to their interaction with Rhodamine B molecules. It is also observed that sodium dodecyl sulfate, an anionic surfactant, can strongly increase this enhancement. In addition, it was demonstrated that a notable decrease in the CL intensity is observed in the presence of Flu. This may be related to Flu oxidation with KMnO4. There is a linear relationship between the decrease in CL intensity and the Flu concentration over a range of 2–300 µg/L. A new simple, rapid and sensitive CL method was developed for the determination of Flu with a detection limit (3s) of 1.35 µg/L. The proposed method was used for the determination of Flu in pharmaceutical and urine samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust transfection reagent for the transfection of CHO and HEK293 cells and production of recombinant proteins and lentiviral particles – PTG1
Authors: Gonçalves Cristine , Gross Fabian , Guégan Philippe , Cheradame Hervé , Midou Patrick
Published: September 2014

Bioproduction of recombinant proteins (r‐proteins) and recombinant lentiviral particles (r‐lentiviral particles) requires robust transfections consisting of efficient protocols that are easy to implement, with good reproducibility for a maximum production of proteins and lentiviral particles in a short time with low cytotoxicity. This study evaluates the capacity of histidinylated polyethyleneimine I (PTG1) to facilitate robust DNA transfection, with low cytotoxicity, of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells for the production of r‐proteins and r‐lentiviral particles. We report that PTG1 transfection of cells in suspension with a plasmid DNA encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein leads to 72 and 97% of transfected CHO and HEK293T cells respectively, and does not significantly affect cell viability. PTG1 transfection of 100 mL of CHO‐S cell culture in suspension at a cell density of 2 × 106 cells /mL resulted in a high level of transfected cells and protein expression after transfection with 0.75 μg/mL plasmid DNA. Transfection with PTG1 is more efficient than LipofectAmine2000™, and gene expression is higher than observed with FreeStyle™ and JetPEI®. Tri‐transfection of HEK293T packaging cells leads to the production of a higher level of r‐lentiviral particles compared to the calcium phosphate method, and permits two harvests of viral particles within three days. These results show that PTG1 is a powerful new transfection reagent for cell lines frequently used for recombinant protein and lentiviral particle production. PTG1 could be used in protocols for bioproduction of therapeutic proteins such as antibodies for cancer treatments and viral vectors for gene therapy applications.
Tumor‐activated prodrug (TAP)‐conjugated nanoparticles with cleavable domains for safe doxorubicin delivery
Authors: Guarnieri Daniela , Biondi Marco , Yu Hui , Belli Valentina , Falanga Andrea P. , Cantisani Marco , Galdiero Stefania , Netti Paolo A.
Published: September 2014

A major issue in chemotherapy is the lack of specificity of many antitumor drugs, which cause severe side effects and an impaired therapeutic response. Here we report on the design and characterization of model tumor activated prodrug‐conjugated polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (TAP‐NPs) for the release of doxorubicin (Dox) triggered by matrix metalloprotease‐2 (MMP2) enzyme, which is overexpressed in the extracellular matrix of tumors. In particular, TAP‐NPs were produced by attaching Dox to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) through two MMP2—cleavable enzymes. The resulting adduct was then tethered to PS NPs. Results showed that Dox release was actually triggered by MMP2 cleavage and was dependent on enzyme concentration, with a plateau around 20 nM. Furthermore, significant cell cytotoxicity was observed towards three cell lines only in the presence of MMP2, but not in cells without enzyme pre‐treatment, even after NP internalization by cells. These findings indicate the potential of TAP‐NPs as suitable nanocarriers for an on demand, tumor—specific delivery of antitumor drugs after the response to an endogenous stimulus. Further advancements will focus on the translation of this production technology to biodegradable systems for the safe transport of cytotoxic drug to tumor tissues. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 601–611. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The California Acceleration Project: Reforming Developmental Education to Increase Student Completion of College‐Level Math and English
Authors: Hern Katie , Snell Myra
Published: September 2014

This chapter describes how the authors are using data and professional learning to mobilize change in developmental English and mathematics curricula and pedagogy across multiple community colleges in California.
Cathodic Corrosion of Cu Substrates as a Route to Nanostructured Cu/M (M=Ag, Au, Pd) Surfaces
Authors: Najdovski Ilija , Selvakannan PR , O'Mullane Anthony P.
Published: September 2014

The electrochemical formation of nanostructured materials is generally achieved by reduction of a metal salt onto a substrate that does not influence the composition of the deposit. In this work, we report that Ag, Au and Pd electrodeposited onto Cu under conditions where galvanic replacement is not viable and hydrogen gas is evolved results in the formation of nanostructured surfaces that unexpectedly incorporate a high concentration of Cu in the final material. Under cathodic polarisation conditions, the electrodissolution/corrosion of Cu occurs, which provides a source of ionic copper that is reduced at the surface–electrolyte interface. The nanostructured Cu/M (M=Ag, Au and Pd) surfaces are investigated for their catalytic activity for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol by NaBH4, where Cu/Ag was found to be extremely active. This work indicates that a substrate electrode can be utilised in an interesting manner to make bimetallic nanostructures with enhanced catalytic activity.
Nonsymmetrical 3,4‐Dithienylmaleimides by Cross‐Coupling Reactions with Indium Organometallics: Synthesis and Photochemical Studies
Authors: Mosquera Ángeles , Férnandez M. Isabel , Canle Lopez Moisés , Pérez Sestelo José , Sarandeses Luis A.
Published: September 2014

The synthesis and photochemical study of novel nonsymmetrical 1,2‐dithienylethenes (DTEs) with a maleimide bridge have been carried out. The synthetic approach to the DTEs was based on successive selective palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions of 5‐susbtituted‐2‐methyl‐3‐thiophenyl indium reagents with 3,4‐dichloromaleimides. The required organoindium reagents were prepared from 2‐methyl‐3,5‐dibromothiophene by a selective (C‐5) coupling reaction with triorganoindium compounds (R3In) and subsequent metal–halogen exchange. The coupling reactions usually gave good yields and have a high atom economy with substoichiometric amounts of R3In. The results of photochemical studies show that these novel dithienylmaleimides undergo a photocyclization reaction upon irradiation in the UV region and a photocycloreversion after excitation in the visible region, thus they can be used as photochemical switches. ON–OFF operations can be repeated in successive cycles without appreciable loss of effectiveness in the process.
Palladacycle Catalyzed Asymmetric PH Addition of Diarylphosphines to N‐Enoyl Phthalimides
Authors: Chew Renta Jonathan , Lu Yunpeng , Jia Yu‐Xiang , Li Bin‐Bin , Wong Esther Hui Yen , Goh Rosanne , Li Yongxin , Huang Yinhua , Pullarkat Sumod Appukuttan , Leung Pak‐Hing
Published: September 2014

The first asymmetric phospha‐Michael addition of diarylphosphines to N‐enoyl phthalimides has been developed in the presence of a chiral palladacycle catalyst. A library of free chiral tertiary phosphine adducts were directly obtained with excellent yields and enantioselectivities. Products can be subsequently functionalized to afford β‐phosphinoamides, the direct preparation of which from cinnamides has been notoriously challenging.
Facile and Scalable Synthesis of Nanoporous Materials Based on Poly(ionic liquid)s
Authors: Azcune Itxaso , García Ignacio , Carrasco Pedro M. , Genua Aratz , Tanczyk Marek , Jaschik Manfred , Warmuzinski Krzysztof , Cabañero Germán , Odriozola Ibon
Published: September 2014

A simple, fast, sustainable, and scalable strategy to prepare nanoporous materials based on poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) is presented. The synthetic strategy relies on the radical polymerization of crosslinker‐type ionic liquid (IL) monomers in the presence of an analogous IL, which acts as a porogenic solvent. This IL can be extracted easily after polymerization and recycled for further use. The great advantages of this synthetic approach are the atom‐efficiency and lack of waste. The effects of different monomer/porogen ratios on the specific surface area, porosity, and pore size have been investigated. Finally, the potential of the materials as CO2 sorbents has been evaluated.
Coupling of the HPA and HPG axes in the context of early life adversity in incarcerated male adolescents
Authors: Dismukes Andrew R. , Johnson Megan M. , Vitacco Michael J. , Iturri Florencia , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2014

The effects of early life adversity can be observed across the lifespan, and the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axes could be mechanistic intermediaries underlying this phenomenon. The current study examined 50 adolescent males aged 12–18 in a maximum‐security correctional and treatment setting. Saliva samples were collected five times a day for 2 days and assayed for cortisol, testosterone, and DHEA. Youth completed semi‐structured life stress interviews and self‐reports of child maltreatment to index adversity. When youth had higher testosterone levels, they had higher cortisol and DHEA levels, indicating positive “coupling” of the HPA–HPG axes. In addition, children experiencing greater life adversity had tighter coupling of the HPA–HPG axes. Additional analyses hint that coupling may be driven largely by HPG axis functioning. Results indicate that positive coupling of the HPA–HPG axis is observed within incarcerated adolescents, especially for those with the greatest life stress. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 705–718, 2015.
Effects of cooking conditions on the concentrations of extractable tocopherols, tocotrienols and γ‐oryzanol in brown rice: Longer cooking time increases the levels of extractable bioactive components
Authors: Lin Tsu‐Chi , Huang Shao‐Hua , Ng Lean‐Teik
Published: September 2014

This study aimed to examine the effects of cooking conditions on the extractable content of bioactive compounds, namely tocopherols (Toc), tocotrienols (T3), and γ‐oryzanol (GO) in brown rice. The results showed that cooked brown rice possessed significantly higher sum of Toc and T3, total Toc, total T3 and GO concentrations than uncooked brown rice. The highest concentrations of these bioactive compounds were noted after the cooking time of 64 min. Among the different vitamin E homologs, α‐Toc, α‐T3, and γ‐T3 were the major three homologs present in cooked brown rice; although δ‐Toc and β‐T3 were not detected, a longer cooking time was observed to increase α‐Toc, β‐Toc, α‐T3, and γ‐T3 level. Compared with untreated brown rice, cooking brown rice with a pre‐soaking step significantly enhanced the levels of Toc, T3, and GO. This study concludes that cooking and pre‐soaking increases the extraction yield of Toc, T3, and GO, and hence improves the quality and functionality of brown rice.

Practical application: Tocopherols (Toc), tocotrienols (T3), and γ‐oryzanol (GO), major bioactive components of brown rice, are known to provide various health benefits. Cooking can help release them from the food matrix and increase their extraction recovery. This study shows how the cooking process can enhance the extractable Toc, T3, and GO concentrations. A longer cooking time led to an increase in α‐Toc, β‐Toc, α‐T3, and γ‐T3 levels.

Cooked brown rice showed higher extractable content tocopherols (Toc), tocotrienols (T3) and γ‐oryzanol concentrations than uncooked brown rice. The major vitamin E homologs in cooked brown rice were α‐Toc, α‐T3 and γ‐T3, of which the yields were enhanced with a longer cooking time.
Forecasting VaR models under Different Volatility Processes and Distributions of Return Innovations
Authors: Dendramis Yiannis , Spungin Giles E. , Tzavalis Elias
Published: September 2014

This paper provides clear‐cut evidence that the out‐of‐sample VaR (value‐at‐risk) forecasting performance of alternative parametric volatility models, like EGARCH (exponential general autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity) or GARCH, and Markov regime‐switching models, can be considerably improved if they are combined with skewed distributions of asset return innovations. The performance of these models is found to be similar to that of the EVT (extreme value theory) approach. The performance of the latter approach can also be improved if asset return innovations are assumed to be skewed distributed. The performance of the Markov regime‐switching model is considerably improved if this model allows for EGARCH effects, for all different volatility regimes considered. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive and negative affective processing exhibit dissociable functional hubs during the viewing of affective pictures
Authors: Zhang Wenhai , Li Hong , Pan Xiaohong
Published: September 2014

Recent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies using graph theory metrics have revealed that the functional network of the human brain possesses small‐world characteristics and comprises several functional hub regions. However, it is unclear how the affective functional network is organized in the brain during the processing of affective information. In this study, the fMRI data were collected from 25 healthy college students as they viewed a total of 81 positive, neutral, and negative pictures. The results indicated that affective functional networks exhibit weaker small‐worldness properties with higher local efficiency, implying that local connections increase during viewing affective pictures. Moreover, positive and negative emotional processing exhibit dissociable functional hubs, emerging mainly in task‐positive regions. These functional hubs, which are the centers of information processing, have nodal betweenness centrality values that are at least 1.5 times larger than the average betweenness centrality of the network. Positive affect scores correlated with the betweenness values of the right orbital frontal cortex (OFC) and the right putamen in the positive emotional network; negative affect scores correlated with the betweenness values of the left OFC and the left amygdala in the negative emotional network. The local efficiencies in the left superior and inferior parietal lobe correlated with subsequent arousal ratings of positive and negative pictures, respectively. These observations provide important evidence for the organizational principles of the human brain functional connectome during the processing of affective information. Hum Brain Mapp, 36:415–426, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Campus‐Based Organizing: Tactical Repertoires of Contemporary Student Movements
Authors: Barnhardt Cassie L.
Published: September 2014

This chapter elaborates on the range of collective action tactics and organizing strategies that today's students invoke to pursue their ambitions for social change.
Performances of Student Activism: Sound, Silence, Gender, and Dis/ability
Authors: Pasque Penny A. , Vargas Juanita Gamez
Published: September 2014

This chapter explores the various performances of activism by students through sound, silence, gender, and dis/ability and how these performances connect to social change efforts around issues such as human trafficking, homeless children, hunger, and children with varying abilities.
Measuring head and neck lymphedema: The “ALOHA” trial
Authors: Purcell Amanda , Nixon Jodie , Fleming Jennifer , McCann Andrew , Porceddu Sandro
Published: September 2014

Background

There is no clinical assessment available to measure head and neck lymphedema. This study proposes the use of a tape measurement system and the MoistureMeterD (MMD) to evaluate head and neck lymphedema.

Methods

The reliability and validity of these assessments was examined in 20 patients with head and neck lymphedema and 20 matched healthy controls.

Results

Interrater reliability for the MMD and 3 of the 4 tape measurements was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] >0.90). Intrarater reliability of the MMD was 0.97. The MMD discriminated between patients with head and neck lymphedema and healthy controls, t(19) = 8.97, p < .001, whereas the tape measurements did not. Correlation between MMD score and head and neck lymphedema level ratings was significant (rho = 0.59) indicating convergent validity. Three of the tape measurements were significantly correlated with MMD scores (rho = 0.37–0.38) but not with ratings of head and neck lymphedema.

Conclusion

The tape measurement system and MMD show potential as objective measurements of head and neck lymphedema with the exception of 1 tape measurement point. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 79–84, 2016
Perioperative immunonutrition in patients undergoing liver transplantation: A randomized double‐blind trial
Authors: Plank Lindsay D. , Mathur Sachin , Gane Edward J. , Peng Sze‐Lin , Gillanders Lyn K. , McIlroy Kerry , Chavez Carolina Paras , Calder Philip C. , McCall John L.
Published: September 2014

Preliminary work suggested that perioperative immunonutrition (IMN) enriched in n‐3 fatty acids, arginine, and nucleotides may improve preoperative nutritional status, enhance postoperative recovery, and reduce postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). The current study examined these outcomes in a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial. Patients wait‐listed for LT (n = 120) were randomized to either supplemental (0.6 L/d) oral IMN or an isocaloric control (CON). Enteral IMN or CON was resumed postoperatively and continued for at least 5 days. The change in total body protein (TBP) measured by neutron activation from study entry until immediately prior to LT was the primary endpoint and TBP measurements were repeated 10, 30, 90, 180, and 360 days after LT. Infectious complications were recorded for the first 30 postoperative days. Nineteen patients died or were delisted prior to LT. Fifty‐two IMN and 49 CON patients received supplemental nutrition for a median (range) 56 (0‐480) and 65 (0‐348) days, respectively. Preoperative changes in TBP were not significant (IMN: 0.06 ± 0.15 [SEM]; CON: 0.12 ± 0.10 kg). Compared to baseline, a 0.7 ± 0.2 kg loss of TBP was seen in both groups at 30 days after LT (P < 0.0001) and, at 360 days, TBP had not increased significantly (IMN: 0.08 ± 0.19 kg; CON: 0.26 ± 0.23 kg). Infectious complications occurred in 31 (60%) IMN and 28 (57%) CON patients (P = 0.84). The median (range) postoperative hospital stay was 10 (5‐105) days for IMN and 10 (6‐27) days for CON patients (P = 0.68). Conclusion: In patients undergoing LT, perioperative IMN did not provide significant benefits in terms of preoperative nutritional status or postoperative outcome. (Hepatology 2015;61:639‐647)
Clinical course of infection and viral tissue tropism of hepatitis C virus–like nonprimate hepaciviruses in horses
Authors: Pfaender Stephanie , Cavalleri Jessika M.V. , Walter Stephanie , Doerrbecker Juliane , Campana Benedetta , Brown Richard J.P. , Burbelo Peter D. , Postel Alexander , Hahn Kerstin , Anggakusuma  , Riebesehl Nina , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Becher Paul , Heim Markus H. , Pietschmann Thomas , Feige Karsten , Steinmann Eike
Published: September 2014

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a very narrow species and tissue tropism and efficiently replicates only in humans and the chimpanzee. Recently, several studies identified close relatives to HCV in different animal species. Among these novel viruses, the nonprimate hepaciviruses (NPHV) that infect horses are the closest relatives of HCV described to date. In this study, we analyzed the NPHV prevalence in northern Germany and characterized the clinical course of infection and viral tissue tropism to explore the relevance of HCV‐related horse viruses as a model for HCV infection. We found that approximately 31.4% of 433 horses were seropositive for antibodies (Abs) against NPHV and approximately 2.5% carried viral RNA. Liver function analyses revealed no indication for hepatic impairment in 7 of 11 horses. However, serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations were mildly elevated in 3 horses, and 1 horse displayed even highly elevated GGT levels. Furthermore, we observed that NPHV infection could be cleared in individual horses with a simultaneous emergence of nonstructural (NS)3‐specific Abs and transient elevation of serum levels of liver‐specific enzymes indicative for a hepatic inflammation. In other individual horses, chronic infections could be observed with the copresence of viral RNA and NS3‐specific Abs for over 6 months. For the determination of viral tissue tropism, we analyzed different organs and tissues of 1 NPHV‐positive horse using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent in situ hydridization and detected NPHV RNA mainly in the liver and at lower amounts in other organs. Conclusion: Similar to HCV infections in humans, this work demonstrates acute and chronic stages of NPHV infection in horses with viral RNA detectable predominantly within the liver. (Hepatology 2015;61:448‐459)
Real‐time in vivo cancer diagnosis using raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Zhao Jianhua , Short Michael , Zeng Haishan
Published: September 2014

Raman spectroscopy has becoming a practical tool for rapid in vivo tissue diagnosis. This paper provides an overview on the latest development of real‐time in vivo Raman systems for cancer detection. Instrumentation, data handling, as well as oncology applications of Raman techniques were covered. Optic fiber probes designs for Raman spectroscopy were discussed. Spectral data pre‐processing, feature extraction, and classification between normal/benign and malignant tissues were surveyed. Applications of Raman techniques for clinical diagnosis for different types of cancers, including skin cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, oesophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer, were summarized.

Schematic of a real‐time Raman spectrometer for skin cancer detection. Without correction, the image captured on CCD camera for a straight entrance slit has a curvature. By arranging the optic fiber array in reverse orientation, the curvature could be effectively corrected.

magnified image

Schematic of a real‐time Raman spectrometer for skin cancer detection. Without correction, the image captured on CCD camera for a straight entrance slit has a curvature. By arranging the optic fiber array in reverse orientation, the curvature could be effectively corrected.
Fabrication and characterization of DLC coated microdimples on hip prosthesis heads
Authors: Choudhury Dipankar , Ay Ching Hee , Mamat Azuddin Bin , Cizek Jan , Abu Osman Noor Azuan , Vrbka Martin , Hartl Martin , Krupka Ivan
Published: September 2014

Diamond like carbon (DLC) is applied as a thin film onto substrates to obtain desired surface properties such as increased hardness and corrosion resistance, and decreased friction and wear rate. Microdimple is an advanced surface modification technique enhancing the tribological performance. In this study, DLC coated microdimples were fabricated on hip prosthesis heads and their mechanical, material and surface properties were characterized. An Electro discharge machining (EDM) oriented microdrilling was utilized to fabricate a defined microdimple array (diameter of 300 µm, depth of 70 µm, and pitch of 900 µm) on stainless steel (SS) hip prosthesis heads. The dimpled surfaces were then coated by hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a‐C:H) and tetrahedral amorphous carbon (Ta‐C) layers by using a magnetron sputtering technology. A preliminary tribology test was conducted on these fabricated surfaces against a ceramic ball in simulated hip joint conditions. It was found that the fabricated dimples were perpendicular to the spherical surfaces and no cutting‐tools wear debris was detected inside the individual dimples. The a‐C:H and Ta‐C coatings increased the hardness at both the dimple edges and the nondimpled region. The tribology test showed a significant reduction in friction coefficient for coated surfaces regardless of microdimple arrays: the lowest friction coefficient was found for the a‐C:H samples (µ = 0.084), followed by Ta‐C (µ = 0.119), as compared to the SS surface (µ = 0.248). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1002–1012, 2015.
Investigation of the Interaction between Nitrite Ion and Bovine Serum Albumin Using Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Techniques
Authors: Bagheri Habibollah , Madrakian Tayyebeh , Afkhami Abbas
Published: September 2014

The interaction between nitrite ion and bovine serum albumin (BSA), in an aqueous environment, was studied using spectroscopic methods, including fluorescence quenching technique, synchronous fluorescence, UVVis spectrophotometry and Resonance Rayleigh Scattering (RRS), and molecular docking technique. The experimental results showed that nitrite ion effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA with the static quenching. The ion‐BSA binding constant was determined to be 3.69×103 L mol−1. As the results showed the stoichiometry of binding nitrite ion to BSA was 1 : 1. Furthermore the thermodynamic parameters and nature of the binding force were calculated. The negative ΔHo and ΔSo values of reaction between nitrite ion and BSA indicated the predominant forces in the ion‐BSA interactions are hydrogen bonding interactions. Based on the Förster’s theory of non‐radiative energy transfer, the binding distance between nitrite ion and the inner tyrosine and tryptophan residue of BSA were determined to be 2.16 nm. Furthermore binding site of this ion on BSA was carried out by molecular docking technique.
The Dysfunction of the Trabecular Meshwork During Glaucoma Course
Authors: Saccà Sergio Claudio , Pulliero Alessandra , Izzotti Alberto
Published: September 2014

Primary open angle glaucoma is a multi‐tissue disease that targets, in an ascending order, the trabecular meshwork, the optic nerve head, the lateral geniculate nuclei, and the visual cortex. Oxidative stress and vascular damage play major roles in triggering apoptotic cell loss in these tissues. Molecular alterations occurring in the ocular anterior chamber during the early course of glaucoma trigger this cell loss. These molecular events are mainly of endogenous origin and related to the long‐term accumulation of oxidative damages arising from mitochondrial failure and endothelial dysfunction. This situation results in decreased antioxidant defences in aqueous humour and apoptosis activation in trabecular meshwork cells as triggered by severe mitochondrial damage altering tissue function and integrity. The presence of neural proteins in glaucomatous aqueous humour indicate that a molecular interconnection exists between the anterior and the posterior chamber tissues. Trabecular meshwork and lamina cribrosa share a common neuro‐ectodermal embryological, which contribute to explain the interconnection between anterior and the posterior chamber during glaucoma pathogenesis. During glaucoma, proteins deriving from the damage occurring in endothelial trabecular meshwork cells are released into aqueous humour. Accordingly, aqueous humour composition is characterised in glaucomatous patients by the presence of proteins deriving from apoptosis activation, mitochondrial damage, loss of intercellular connections, antioxidant decrease. Many questions remain unanswered, but molecular events illuminate TM damage and indicate that trabecular cell protection plays a role in the treatment and prevention of glaucoma. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 510–525, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Responding by exclusion in Wistar rats in a simultaneous visual discrimination task
Authors: Felipe de Souza Matheus , Schmidt Andréia
Published: September 2014

Responding by exclusion is to select a correct alternative by rejecting other potential alternatives. Studies describe this ability in some mammals and birds. However, this type of performance has not been reported in rodents. The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of responding by exclusion in Wistar rats after a baseline of simple simultaneous visual discrimination. Six male Wistar learned nose‐poking tunnels displaying visual stimuli (projected geometric shapes) in an operant chamber. After establishing the simultaneous discrimination baseline, three probe sessions were conducted. In each session, there was a novelty‐control probe (a new stimulus was presented together with a stimulus trained as the S+) and an exclusion probe (a second new stimulus was presented simultaneously with a stimulus trained as the S‐). Only one rat responded to the new stimulus in one of the three novelty probe trials. Four rats responded to the three new stimuli and one responded to the new stimulus in two of the three exclusion probes. One subject responded to the S‐ in all the exclusion probes. Five of the six subjects were therefore able to choose the new stimulus, rejecting stimuli trained as the S‐. This is the first experimental evidence for performance by exclusion in rats.
Triacylglycerols and aliphatic alcohols from fruits of three Tunisian Pistacia lentiscus populations
Authors: Trabelsi Hajer , Renaud Justin , Herchi Wahid , Boukhchina Sadok , Mayer Paul
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

The search for other sources of vegetable oils by the exploitation and the enhancement of other oil plants will be needed to meet the demands of the international market. This study aims to determine the triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species and aliphatic alcohol compositions of unexploited fruits of three Tunisian Pistacia lentiscus (lentisc) populations from the Korbous, Tebaba and Rimel areas of Tunisia.

RESULTS

Results show that the content of total TAG varies from 738.32 mg g−1 of total lipid in the Tebaba population to 981.15 mg g−1 of total lipid in the Korbous population. Furthermore, 14 species of TAG were detected in the three studied populations. In addition, 13 aliphatic compounds were identified and classified into two groups: (1) aliphatic alcohols with fewer than 20 carbon atoms (hexadecanol, heptadecanol, (Z)‐octadec‐9‐en‐1‐ol, octadecanol and nonadécanol); and (2) the policosanol group (eicosenol, docosenol, docosanol tetracosanol, hexacosanol octacosanol and triacontanol). The Tebaba population showed a distinct composition compared to Korbous and Rimel where heptadecanol is the major compound.

CONCLUSION

Quantitatively, the most abundant TAG species are those constituted by palmitic, oleic and/or linoleic acid. Furthermore, the significant difference observed at the oil composition is associated with a remarkable station effect. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Allium vegetable intake and gastric cancer: A case–control study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Turati Federica , Pelucchi Claudio , Guercio Valentina , Vecchia Carlo La , Galeone Carlotta
Published: September 2014

Scope

To provide new epidemiological data and summarize evidence on the association between allium vegetable intake and gastric cancer risk.

Methods and results

Data were from an Italian case–control study including 230 cases and 547 controls. Odds ratios were derived using multiple logistic regression. We combined results from all published studies using random‐effect models. In our case–control study, the odds ratios were 0.59 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.25–1.41) for ≥2 portions of onion per week, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.41–1.15) for high garlic intake, and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.39–1.28) for frequent use of both onion and garlic. Besides our study, 22 case–control and four cohort studies were included in the meta‐analyses (>10 000 cases). The pooled relative risks for the highest versus lowest intake category were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.67–0.91) for allium vegetables (ten case–control and four cohort studies), 0.60 (95% CI, 0.47–0.76) for garlic (12 case–control studies), and 0.55 (95% CI, 0.41–0.73) for onion (13 case–control studies). The pooled relative risk for high allium vegetable intake from the four cohorts was 1.02 (95% CI, 0.88–1.18).

Conclusion

High allium vegetable consumption is likely to reduce gastric cancer risk. This evidence is derived mainly from case–control studies. Further data from large cohorts are desirable for conclusive confirmation.
Real‐time motion correction using gradient tones and head‐mounted NMR field probes
Authors: Haeberlin Maximilian , Kasper Lars , Barmet Christoph , Brunner David O. , Dietrich Benjamin E. , Gross Simon , Wilm Bertram J. , Kozerke Sebastian , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Sinusoidal gradient oscillations in the kilohertz range are proposed for position tracking of NMR probes and prospective motion correction for arbitrary imaging sequences without any alteration of sequence timing. The method is combined with concurrent field monitoring to robustly perform image reconstruction in the presence of potential dynamic field deviations.

Methods

Benchmarking experiments were done to assess the accuracy and precision of the method and to compare it with theoretical predictions based on the field probe's time‐dependent signal‐to‐noise ratio. An array of four field probes was used to perform real‐time prospective motion correction in vivo. Images were reconstructed based on both predetermined and concurrently measured k‐space trajectories.

Results

For observation windows of 4.8 ms, the precision of probe position determination was found to be 35 to 62 µm, and the maximal measurement error was 595 µm root‐mean‐square on a single axis. Sequence update per repetition time on this basis yielded images free of conspicuous artifacts despite substantial head motion. Predetermined and concurrently observed k‐space trajectories yielded equivalent image quality.

Conclusion

NMR field probes in conjunction with gradient tones permit the tracking and prospective correction of rigid‐body motion. Relying on gradient oscillations in the kilohertz range, the method allows for concurrent motion detection and image encoding. Magn Reson Med 74:647–660, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of copper contamination on the illuminated forward and dark reverse current‐voltage characteristics of multicrystalline p‐type silicon solar cells
Authors: Turmagambetov Tleuzhan , Dubois Sébastien , Garandet Jean‐Paul , Martel Benoit , Enjalbert Nicolas , Veirman Jordi , Pihan Etienne
Published: September 2014

We studied the influence of copper (Cu) on the performances of conventional photovoltaic (PV) solar cells by growing two multicrystalline (mc) boron‐doped silicon (Si) ingots from ultra‐pure feedstocks, one of these feedstocks being deliberately contaminated with 90 ppm wt of Cu. Industrial‐like solar cells were fabricated and the associated external gettering and hydrogenation effects were studied. An originality of our approach consisted in evaluating the forward but also reverse current‐voltage (I‐V) characteristics of the fabricated cells. Furthermore we assessed the stability under illumination of the PV parameters as Cu is known to be responsible for light‐induced degradations (LID) of the carrier lifetime. On the one hand we unexpectedly showed that the PV conversion efficiency (η) was not affected by the initially large Cu concentrations. We demonstrated that it was due to the complementary actions of the external gettering effect developed by the phosphorus‐diffusion and the bulk hydrogenation. The Cu‐addition slightly enhanced the pn junction hard breakdown, however the extracted junction breakdown voltages fulfilled the common industrial requirements for this parameter. On the other hand we highlighted significant decreases under illumination of the PV performances for the Cu‐contaminated solar cells fabricated from wafers coming from the upper part of the ingot (i.e., samples with the highest Cu concentration). These decreases could be explained by the previously proposed mechanisms in the literature, which argue that the excess charge carriers could reduce the electrostatic repulsion between interstitial Cu ions and Cu precipitates, this effect enhancing the Cu precipitation. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantitative analysis of carbon impurity concentration in silicon epitaxial layers by luminescence activation using carbon ion implantation and electron irradiation
Authors: Nakagawa Satoko , Kashima Kazuhiko
Published: September 2014

The calibration curve for the carbon concentration in silicon epitaxial layers was obtained by photo‐luminescence spectroscopy after carbon ion implantation and electron irradiation. Low carbon concentrations on the order of 1014 atoms/cm3 affected properties such as the on‐resistance and carrier lifetime of insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). We focused on carbon impurities because interstitial carbon can form complexes, such as complexes of interstitial and substitutional carbon (Ci‐Cs) and of interstitial carbon and oxygen (Ci‐Oi), which produce deep levels in the energy band gap. To verify the effects of carbon impurities separately from those of oxygen impurities, oxygen‐free silicon epitaxial layers were studied. The carbon concentration in silicon epitaxial wafers was evaluated quantitatively by using our calibration curve. Carbon ion implantation and photoluminescence spectrum measurements were performed to obtain the slope of the calibration curve. In addition, secondary ion mass spectrometry measurement gave absolute carbon concentration against photo‐luminescence intensity for fixing the calibration curve. The calibration curve was used to determine the carbon concentration for each IGBT. Carbon impurity concentrations as low as 1014 atoms/cm3 in silicon epitaxial layers lowered device performance. Therefore, decreasing the carbon impurity concentration is essential for improving the performance of advanced IGBTs. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Local response dispersion method: A density‐dependent dispersion correction for density functional theory
Authors: Ikabata Yasuhiro , Nakai Hiromi
Published: September 2014

This review presents theoretical developments and benchmark studies of the local response dispersion (LRD) method. In this scheme, the dispersion correction energy is obtained as the sum of two‐center (atom–atom) and multicenter (atom‐atomic pair and atomic pair‐atomic pair) contributions, which are computed using the electron density and well‐established numerical quadrature. While two‐center interactions are sufficient to reproduce interaction energies at equilibrium geometries, multicenter interactions are important for obtaining the accurate asymptotic behavior. Wide assessments indicate that the LRD method with the long‐range corrected‐B88 exchange and one‐parameter progressive correlation functional is suitable to provide intermolecular interaction energies for various electronic states. In addition, the LRD method reduces errors not only in intermolecular interactions but also in reaction and conformational energies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The interplay between charge transfer, rehybridization, and atomic charges in the internal geometry of subunits in noncovalent interactions
Authors: Scheiner Steve
Published: September 2014

When a noncovalent bond is formed, there is frequently some charge transfer from one subunit to the other. The interaction also causes changes in the atomic charges and hybridization patterns of bonding orbitals. The manner in which these various effects combine to cause elongations or contractions of bonds within the individual subunits is examined. In both the cases of CH···O H‐bonds and P···N pnicogen bonds, the bond length changes are consistent with the guiding principles generally known as Bent's rules. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial distribution and settlement strategies in willow ptarmigan
Authors: Kvasnes Mikkel A. J. , Pedersen Hans Chr. , Solvang Håkon , Storaas Torstein , Nilsen Erlend B.
Published: September 2014

In heterogeneous landscapes individuals select among several habitat patches. The fitness rewards of these choices are assumed to play an important role in the distribution of individuals across landscapes. Individuals can either use environmental cues to directly assess the quality of breeding sites, or rely on social cues to guide the settlement decision. We estimated the density of adult birds and per capita reproductive success of willow ptarmigan over 5–15 years in 42 survey areas, nested within 5 spatially separated populations in south‐central Norway. Our aims were to (1) examine spatial and temporal patterns of variation in densities of adult birds (i.e., the breeding densities) and reproductive success (juveniles/pair) measured in autumn and (2) evaluate which habitat distribution model best described the distribution of willow ptarmigan across heterogeneous mountain landscapes. Variation in density of adult birds was primarily attributable to variation between survey areas which could arise from spatial heterogeneity in adult survival or as a consequence of spacing behavior of juveniles during the settlement stage. In contrast, reproductive success was more variable between years and did not vary consistently between survey areas once year effects were accounted for. The lack of any relationship between the density of adult birds and reproductive success supported the predictions of an ideal free distribution (IFD), implying that within years, the mean reproductive success was approximately equal across survey areas. However, analysis based on Taylor's power law (i.e., the relationship between logarithms of spatial variance and mean density of adult birds) suggested that aggregation was stronger than expected under IFD. This implies that the relative change in density of adult birds was larger in areas with high mean densities than in areas with low densities. The exact mechanisms causing this statistical pattern are unclear, but based on the breeding biology of willow ptarmigan we suggest that yearlings are attracted to areas of high densities during the settlement period in spring. Our study was conducted during a period of low overall density and we suggest that this pattern might be particular to such situations. This implies that the presence of conspecifics might represent a cue signaling high adult survival and thus high habitat quality.
Triggered Earthquake Study in Tranh River No. 2 (Vietnam) Hydropower Reservoir
Authors: Trieu Cao Dinh , Trong Cao Dinh , Dung Le Van , Tuan Thai Anh , Van Dinh Quoc , Long Ha Vinh
Published: September 2014

This article presents the results of investigating triggered earthquakes in the vicinity of Tranh River No.2 Hydropower Reservoir in recent years. It is found that earthquakes occurred in the vicinity of Tranh River Hydropower Reservoir, probably associated with the Trà My – Trà BÓng fault zone. It is estimated that this fault is capable of hosting an earthquake of M∼6.1. The ‘b’ value for this earthquake sequence is 0.83, which is higher than the regional ‘b’ value of 0.60. We estimate that the return period of earthquakes of M=4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 is 11, 29, 76 and 198 months respectively. On October 22, 2012 an earthquake MS=4.6, I0=6.0 (MSK-64) occurred at 13:41:28 hrs GMT. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a distance of 5.5 km away from the center of the dam towards the west. The focal depth is about 4.5 km, and the rupture length is about 1.8 km.