bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Low Noise Planar-Type Avalanche Photodiode using a Single-Diffusion Process in Geiger-Mode Operation
Authors: Lee Kiwon , Lee Byoungwook , Yoon Sunwoong , Hong Jung-ho , Yang Kyounghoon
Published: June 2013

We report the performances of a planar-type Geiger-mode InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode (APD) using a single-diffusion process based on a single wet recess-etching technique at a wavelength of 1.55 µm. The recess-etched window region is found to have a smoothly etched sidewall with a large slope width of 0.9 µm. The Geiger-mode characteristics have been measured at 240–280 K for a 20 µm diameter device. The fabricated Geiger-mode APD shows a low dark count probability (DCP) per gate pulse of 2.8×10-3, a high photon detection efficiency (PDE) of 17.4%, and a low noise equivalent power (NEP) of 1.74×10-16 W/Hz1/2 at 240 K. The results are the first demonstration of a planar-type single-diffused Geiger-mode APD using a single wet recess-etching.
Measuring the forces generated by erosive debris flows
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: June 2013

Like water flows, debris flows can carve out steep valleys and change landscapes. By studying the mechanics of bedrock incision caused by flowing debris, scientists are better able to understand patterns and rates of landscape evolution. Laboratory studies and models have shown how flowing granular materials can cut into rock, but field measurements are needed to confirm the findings and provide information about the more complex natural environment.
Evaluating models of karst system processes
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: June 2013

Karst aquifers are complex hydrological systems with water flow and storage below the surface. Scientists are able to study these systems by observing surface runoff, but this method provides an incomplete picture of the system's hydrological processes. Models can help improve understanding, but evaluating which models are most accurate is difficult.
Injectable Tumor Necrosis Factor α Inhibitors and Outpatient Antimicrobial Use in Children With Rheumatic Diseases: Analyses of Prescription Claims From a Pharmacy Benefit Manager Database
Authors: Ringold Sarah , Grant Shannon , Girdish Charmaine , Wallace Carol A. , Sullivan Sean D.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To estimate the incidence and rate of outpatient antibiotic and antiviral medication use among children receiving methotrexate and/or an injectable tumor necrosis factor α (iTNFα) inhibitor (etanercept and/or adalimumab) and to compare these rates with those of a control population.

Methods

Data were obtained from a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) database. Children were included if they had ≥1 prescription claim for an iTNFα inhibitor or methotrexate prescribed by a pediatric or adult rheumatologist between 2008 and 2010 and if they were age <18 years at the time of the claim. A control cohort of randomly selected children was generated from the PBM database. Poisson regression was used to compare antimicrobial rate ratios (RRs). Incidence rates and RRs were adjusted for age, sex, and prednisone exposure.

Results

In total, 4,312 children were included. The adjusted RRs for antibiotic prescriptions among children receiving methotrexate monotherapy or iTNFα inhibitor and methotrexate combination therapy compared with the control cohort were 2.18 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.92–2.47) and 2.12 (95% CI 1.79–2.50), respectively. The adjusted RRs for antiviral prescriptions among children receiving methotrexate monotherapy or iTNFα inhibitor and methotrexate combination therapy compared with the control cohort were 3.67 (95% CI 1.98–6.78) and 4.34 (95% CI 1.86–10.14), respectively. The RRs for the iTNFα inhibitor group were similar in magnitude. There was no significant difference in RRs between the medication exposure categories for either antibiotic or antiviral prescriptions.

Conclusion

Children receiving methotrexate and/or an iTNFα inhibitor had higher rates of antibiotic and antiviral use compared with the control cohort. Data sets with additional patient‐level and disease‐specific data are required to assess this association in more detail.
Laboratory testing for platelet antibodies
Authors: Heikal Nahla M. , Smock Kristi J.
Published: June 2013

Laboratory testing for immune‐mediated thrombocytopenias involves identification and classification of antibodies present in patient sera or attached to patient platelets. This article summarizes the available types of platelet antibody testing and applications in disorders such as neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, post‐transfusion purpura, multiple platelet transfusion refractoriness, immune thrombocytopenia, and drug‐induced thrombocytopenia. Am. J. Hematol. 88:818–821, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suppression of Glomerulonephritis in Lupus‐Prone NZB × NZW Mice by RN486, a Selective Inhibitor of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Mina‐Osorio Paola , LaStant Jacob , Keirstead Natalie , Whittard Toni , Ayala Julia , Stefanova Stella , Garrido Rosario , Dimaano Nena , Hilton Holly , Giron Mario , Lau Kai‐Yeung , Hang Julie , Postelnek Jennifer , Kim Yong , Min Soo , Patel Alka , Woods John , Ramanujam Meera , DeMartino Julie , Narula Satwant , Xu Daigen
Published: June 2013

Objective

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays a critical role in B cell development and function. We recently described a selective BTK inhibitor, RN486, that blocks B cell receptor (BCR) and Fcγ receptor signaling and is efficacious in animal models of arthritis. The aim of this study was to examine the potential efficacy of BTK in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), using an NZB × NZW mouse model of spontaneous SLE.

Methods

Mice received RN486 or its vehicle (administered in chow) at a final concentration of 30 mg/kg for 8 weeks, starting at 32 weeks of age.

Results

The administration of RN486 completely stopped disease progression, as determined by histologic and functional analyses of glomerular nephritis. The efficacy was associated with striking inhibition of B cell activation, as demonstrated by a significant reduction in CD69 expression in response to BCR crosslinking. RN486 markedly reduced the secretion of IgG anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) secretion, as determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent and enzyme‐linked immunospot assays. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated depletion of CD138highB220low plasma cells in the spleen. RN486 inhibited secretion of IgG anti‐dsDNA but not IgM anti‐dsDNA, suggesting that pharmacologic blockade of BTK resembles the reported transgenic expression of low levels of endogenous BTK in B cells. In addition, RN486 may also impact the effector function of autoantibodies, as evidenced by a significant reduction in immune complex–mediated activation of human monocytes in vitro and down‐regulation of the expression of macrophage‐related and interferon‐inducible genes in both the kidneys and spleens of treated mice.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data suggest that BTK inhibitors may simultaneously target autoantibody‐producing and effector cells in SLE, thus constituting a promising therapeutic alternative for this disease.
A Dicyanomethylene‐Substituted Triangulene: Effects of Molecular‐Symmetry Reduction and Electron‐Accepting Substituents on a Fused Polycyclic Neutral π‐Radical System
Authors: Ueda Akira , Wasa Hideki , Nishida Shinsuke , Kanzaki Yuki , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Morita Yasushi
Published: June 2013

A triangulene‐based C2‐symmetric 33 π‐conjugated stable neutral π‐radical, 2., which possesses two dicyanomethylene groups and one oxo group, has been designed, synthesized, and isolated as an analogue of tris(dicyanomethylene) derivative 1. and trioxo derivative TOT. with C3 symmetry. Effects of molecular‐symmetry reduction and electron‐accepting substituents on this fused polycyclic neutral π‐radical system were studied in terms of their molecular structure, electronic‐spin structure, and electrochemical and optical properties with the help of theoretical calculations. Interestingly, this system (2.) has a four‐stage redox ability, like TOT., as well as low frontier energy levels and a small SOMO–LUMO gap, similar to 1., in spite of the loss of the degenerate LUMOs in symmetry‐lowered 2., which is associated with the attachment of the weaker electron‐accepting oxo group instead of the dicyanomethylene group in 1.. These prominent results are attributable to the structural and electronic properties in the triangulene‐based highly delocalized fused polycyclic neutral π‐radical system.
Unusual Pathway Taken in the Reaction of Bis(alkynyl)diisopropylaminoboranes with B(C6F5)3
Authors: Ge Fang , Kehr Gerald , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Erker Gerhard
Published: June 2013

The bis(alkynyl)diisopropyl‐aminoboranes 7 were prepared by treatment of iPr2NBCl2 with two molar equivalents of 1‐pentynyl lithium or lithium phenylacetylenide, respectively. Their reaction with one molar equivalent of B(C6F5)3 resulted in the formation of the 1,1‐carboboration products 8 that were subsequently stabilized by adduct formation (9) with tert‐butyl isocyanide. Thermolysis of 8a (R=nPr) proceeded with hydride transfer from a N‐isopropyl substituent to the distal carbon atom of the remaining pentynyl unit at boron to give the zwitterionic five‐membered heterocyclic product 10a in good yield. The analogous product 10b (R=Ph) was obtained upon photolysis of 8b. The compounds 7b, 9b, 10a, and 10b were characterized by X‐ray crystal structure analysis.
Expression, purification, and lipolytic activity of recombinant human serum albumin fusion proteins with one domain of human growth hormone in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Wang Furong , Wu Min , Liu Wenhui , Shen Qi , Sun Hongying , Chen Shuqing
Published: June 2013

Human growth hormone (hGH) can mobilize lipid and inhibit the synthesis of triglycerides. However, it is not a potentially useful drug for treating obesity because it has many other actions resulting in several side effects. Here, we report a novel approach to develop the lipolytic function of hGH. The amino terminus of hGH was replaced by an inactive protein so that the actions unrelated to lipolytic function would be avoided. The fusion genes encoding human serum albumin (HSA) and lipolytic domain of hGH were constructed and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant proteins were purified and characterized by SDS‐PAGE and Western blot. The preliminary stability tests demonstrated that HSA–hGH166–191 and HSA–hGH177–191 were stable at different pH levels after four days at 37°C. Lipolytic activity assay revealed that fusion proteins could increase the amounts of glycerol released from the isolated adipocytes. The HSA fusion proteins constructed in this work can be further developed as antiobesity agents.
Thermodynamic Signature of Substrates and Substrate Analogs Binding to Human Blood Group B Galactosyltransferase from Isothermal Titration Calorimetry Experiments
Authors: Sindhuwinata Nora , Grimm Lena L. , Weißbach Sophie , Zinn Sabrina , Munoz Eva , Palcic Monica M. , Peters Thomas
Published: June 2013

It has been observed earlier that human blood group B galactosyltransferase (GTB) hydrolyzes its donor substrate UDP‐Galactose (UDP‐Gal) in the absence of acceptor substrate, and that this reaction is promoted by the presence of an acceptor substrate analog, α‐L‐Fuc‐(1,2)‐β‐d‐3‐deoxy‐Gal‐O‐octyl (3DD). This acceleration of enzymatic hydrolysis of UDP‐Gal was traced back to an increased affinity of GTB toward the donor substrate in the presence of 3DD. Herein, we present new thermodynamic data from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) on the binding of donor and acceptor substrates and analogs to GTB. ITC data are supplemented by surface plasmon resonance and STD‐NMR titration experiments. These new data validate mutual allosteric control of binding of donor and acceptor substrates to GTB. It is of note that ITC experiments reveal significant differences in enthalpic and entropic contributions to binding of the natural donor substrate UDP‐Gal, when compared with its analog UDP‐Glucose (UDP‐Glc). This may reflect different degrees of ordering of an internal loop (amino acids 176–194) and the C‐terminus (amino acids 346–354), which close the binding pocket on binding of UDP‐Gal or UDP‐Glc. As both ligands have rather similar dissociation constants KD and almost identical modes of binding this finding is unexpected. Another surprising finding is that an acceptor analog, α‐L‐Fuc‐(1,2)‐β‐d‐3‐amino‐3‐deoxy‐Gal‐O‐octyl (3AD) as well as the constituent monosaccharide β‐d‐3‐amino‐3‐deoxy‐Gal‐O‐octyl (3AM) effectively inhibit enzymatic hydrolysis of UDP‐Gal. This is unexpected, too, because in analogy to the effects of 3DD one would have predicted acceleration of enzymatic hydrolysis of UDP‐Gal. It is difficult to explain these observations based on structural data alone. Therefore, our results highlight that there is an urgent need of experimental studies into the dynamic properties of GTB. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 784–795, 2013.
Characterization of early pathogenesis in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS: part II, results and discussion
Authors: Vinsant Sharon , Mansfield Carol , Jimenez‐Moreno Ramon , Moore Victoria Del Gaizo , Yoshikawa Masaaki , Hampton Thomas G. , Prevette David , Caress James , Oppenheim Ronald W. , Milligan Carol
Published: June 2013

Pathological events are well characterized in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mouse models, but review of the literature fails to identify a specific initiating event that precipitates disease pathology. There is now growing consensus in the field that axon and synapses are first cellular sites of degeneration, but controversy exists over whether axon and synapse loss is initiated autonomously at those sites or by pathology in the cell body, in nonneuronal cells or even in nonmotoneurons (MNs). Previous studies have identified pathological events in the mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) models involving spinal cord, peripheral axons, neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), or muscle; however, few studies have systematically examined pathogenesis at multiple sites in the same study. We have performed ultrastructural examination of both central and peripheral components of the neuromuscular system in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. Twenty percent of MNs undergo degeneration by P60, but NMJ innervation in fast fatigable muscles is reduced by 40% by P30. Gait alterations and muscle weakness were also found at P30. There was no change in axonal transport prior to initial NMJ denervation. Mitochondrial morphological changes are observed at P7 and become more prominent with disease progression. At P30 there was a significant decrease in excitatory axo‐dendritic and axo‐somatic synapses with an increase in C‐type axo‐somatic synapses. Our study examined early pathology in both peripheral and central neuromuscular system. The muscle denervation is associated with functional motor deficits and begins during the first postnatal month in SOD1G93A mice. Physiological dysfunction and pathology in the mitochondria of synapses and MN soma and dendrites occur, and disease onset in these animals begins more than 2 months earlier than originally thought. This information may be valuable for designing preclinical trials that are more likely to impact disease onset and progression.
New lipid‐producing, cold‐tolerant yellow‐green alga isolated from the rocky mountains of colorado
Authors: Nelson David R. , Mengistu Sinafik , Ranum Paul , Celio Gail , Mashek Mara , Mashek Douglas , Lefebvre Paul A.
Published: June 2013

A new strain of yellow‐green algae (Xanthophyceae, Heterokonta), tentatively named Heterococcus sp. DN1 (UTEX accession number UTEX ZZ885), was discovered among snow fields in the Rocky Mountains. Axenic cultures of H. sp. DN1 were isolated and their cellular morphology, growth, and composition of lipids were characterized. H. sp. DN1 was found to grow at temperatures approaching freezing to accumulate large intracellular stores of lipids. H. sp. DN1 produces the highest quantity of lipids when grown undisturbed with high light in low temperatures. Of particular interest was the accumulation of eicosapentaenoic acid, known to be important for human nutrition, and palmitoleic acid, known to improve biodiesel feedstock properties. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:853–861, 2013
The halo model of origin images: Conceptualisation and initial empirical test
Authors: Josiassen Alexander , Lukas Bryan A. , Whitwell Gregory J. , Assaf A. George
Published: June 2013

National origin has gained importance as a marketing tool for practitioners to sell their goods and services. However, because origin‐image research has been troubled by several fundamental limitations, academia has become sceptical of the current status and strategic implications of the concept. The aim of this paper was threefold, namely, to provide a state‐of‐the‐art review of origin‐image research in marketing, develop and empirically test a new origin‐image model and, present the implications of the study. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second‐versus first‐generation “Limus”‐eluting stents in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease: A randomized comparison in setting of ISAR‐TEST‐4 trial
Authors: Kufner Sebastian , Byrne Robert A. , Mehilli Julinda , Massberg Steffen , Birkmeier Katrin A. , Schulz Stefanie , Pache Jürgen , Schömig Albert , Kastrati Adnan
Published: June 2013

Background

Patients with diabetes mellitus remain at higher risk for adverse events following percutaneous coronary intervention and the identification of the optimum drug eluting stents (DES) in these patients is of high clinical relevance. We compared effectiveness of everolimus‐eluting stents (EES; Xience) versus sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES; Cypher) in patients with diabetes mellitus enrolled in the Intracoronary Stenting and Angiographic Results: Test Efficacy of 3 Limus‐Eluting Stents (ISAR‐TEST‐4) trial.

Methods

In the setting of the ISAR‐TEST‐4 trial, 1304 patients with broad inclusion criteria were randomized to treatment with EES or SES. The focus of the present analysis is on a cohort of 377 patients with diabetes mellitus assigned to receive EES (n = 184) or SES (n = 193). The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) related to the target vessel, or target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 3‐year follow‐up. Secondary endpoints were parameters of angiographic and clinical restenosis (in‐stent late lumen loss, binary restenosis, and TLR), all‐cause mortality and definite/probable stent thrombosis.

Results

EES was comparable to SES concerning the incidence of the primary endpoint (21% vs. 24%, respectively; relative risk = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.57–1.34; P = 0.53). Concerning the secondary endpoint, TLR at 3 years with EES versus SES stents was not statistically different (14.7% vs. 16.6%, respectively; relative risk = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.51–1.43; P = 0.55). In terms of angiographic outcomes patients treated with EES as compared to SES had significantly lower late lumen loss (0.22 ± 0.46 mm vs. 0.44 ± 0.66 mm, respectively; P < 0.001) and binary restenosis (8.4% vs. 17%, respectively; P = 0.02) at 6‐ to 8‐month angiographic follow‐up. EES was comparable to SES concerning the incidence of all‐cause death (10% vs. 16%, respectively; relative risk = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.37–1.18; P = 0.16) and stent thrombosis (1.1% vs. 3.1%, respectively; P = 0.19).

Conclusions

In patients with diabetes mellitus enrolled in a real‐world randomized control trial, EES is comparable to SES in terms of clinical efficacy and safety out to 3 years; angiographic markers of antirestenotic efficacy favored EES. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Multivalent Carbohydrate‐Centered Glycoclusters as Nanomolar Ligands of the Bacterial Lectin LecA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Gening Marina L. , Titov Denis V. , Cecioni Samy , Audfray Aymeric , Gerbst Alexey G. , Tsvetkov Yury E. , Krylov Vadim B. , Imberty Anne , Nifantiev Nikolay E. , Vidal Sébastien
Published: June 2013

A family of fifteen glycoclusters based on a cyclic oligo‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucosamine core has been designed as potential inhibitors of the bacterial lectin LecA with various valencies (from 2 to 4) and linkers. Evaluation of their binding properties towards LecA has been performed by a combination of hemagglutination inhibition assays (HIA), enzyme‐linked lectin assays (ELLA), and isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC). Divalent ligands displayed dissociation constants in the sub‐micromolar range and tetravalent ligands displayed low nanomolar affinities for this lectin. The influence of the linker could also be demonstrated; aromatic moieties are the best scaffolds for binding to the lectin. The affinities observed in vitro were then correlated with molecular models to rationalize the possible binding modes of these glycoclusters with the bacterial lectin.
Effect of bubbles and additives on friction factor in pipeline flow
Authors: Baghaei Pouria , Pal Rajinder
Published: June 2013

This work investigated drag reduction in turbulent flow of water using air bubbles and other additives. The first phase of the experimental program dealt with the effects of small air bubbles on wall shear stress and friction factor. The friction factor versus Reynolds number data exhibited different trends at low and high Reynolds numbers. At high Reynolds number, the two‐phase mixture behaved as a pseudo‐homogeneous system and the friction factor followed the single‐phase behaviour. At low Reynolds number, the observed friction factor was significantly higher than that of single‐phase fluids. The observed trends were interpreted in terms of the average bubble sizes predicted from a well‐known empirical equation. The second phase of the experimental program investigated the effects of additive/air‐bubble combinations on drag reduction in water flow where the additives used were frother and polymer. The addition of frother made the flow more homogeneous and the mixture followed the single‐phase behaviour more closely. In the absence of polymer, the injection of air bubbles generally increased the wall shear stress and friction factor compared to single‐phase flow, especially at low Reynolds number. However, the addition of polymer to two‐phase water/bubbles mixture induced drag reduction up to as high as 60%. The friction factor data for polymer‐solution/bubbles combination followed the polymer‐solution line, regardless of the presence of frother.
Systematic Error Compensation for Airborne Gravimetry
Authors: Zhong‐Miao SUN , Zhen‐He ZHAI , Yun XIAO , Ying‐Chun LI
Published: June 2013

The systematic error sources for airborne gravimetry are analyzed in detail using the basic mathematical model. The sources can be classified into three types: the first is the observation errors in the parking apron gravity values and the base reading of the airborne gravimeter, the second is the calibration errors of cross‐coupling correction, beam scale factor and the scale value, and the third is the modeling errors in the horizontal acceleration correction. The magnitudes of the various systematic errors are discussed and the related compensation methods are proposed. It is indicated that the modeling error of the horizontal acceleration correction (HAC) is one of the largest errors. Analysis of real data demonstrates that the systematic bias between airborne gravity and the ground (or sea) reference value in the Datong, Harbin and Bohai areas are all less than 1×10−5 m·s−2 after compensating the various systematic errors especially the modeling errors of horizontal acceleration correction.
Magnetic Properties of Sediments and Their Response to Environmental Changes During the Holocene in the Fuzhou Basin, Fujian, China
Authors: Zhi‐Hua SU , Xiao‐Qiang YANG , Jie YANG , Zhuo ZHENG , Yuan‐Fu YUE , Jian‐Hua WANG
Published: June 2013

The Fuzhou basin is an ideal place for high‐resolution paleoclimate study, because it lies in the coastal zone and its sediments contain wealth information on the interaction between ocean and land during the Holocene. In this paper, rock magnetism, environmental magnetism and paleomagnetism features of core FZ5 sediments in the Fuzhou basin were studied to reveal the response of magnetic properties to terrigenous input, sea‐level change and diagenesis. Studies of rock magnetism show that ferrimagnetic minerals with low coercivity are dominant minerals, while the types of magnetic minerals vary at different stages of environmental variation. Magnetite, siderite and some amounts of Fe‐sulphides are the main contributors to magnetic properties in the transgression environment during the Early and Middle Holocene (9∼3 cal. ka BP), although sulphidation dissolved fine‐grained magnetite to form greigite and pyrite. However, sulphidation did not completely eliminate the natural remanence carried by magnetite and the dominant controls of the terrestrial detritus input and sea‐level fluctuations to magnetic properties at this stage. During the late Holocene (3 cal. ka BP), magnetite was still partly dissolved to greigite due to the earlier reduction in the terrestrial oxidizing environment, but further transformation was restrained by the oxidation then. Strong oxidation process formed the high coercivity minerals and disturbed the natural remanence. During the deposition process, the six strong ancient oxide interfaces occurred at ∼8.2, ∼7.7, ∼7.5, ∼2.7, ∼1.5, and ∼0.5 cal. ka BP, respectively, which reflect the unusually dry or humid climate events in the Fuzhou basin.
Aeromagnetic Total Field Gridding Enhancement with Consideration of Variations in Horizontal Gradients
Authors: Ru‐Kuan XIE , Ping WANG , Hua GUO , Shu‐Ling DUAN , Hao‐Jun LIU , Jin‐Long WANG
Published: June 2013

Measured aeromagnetic lateral horizontal gradients reflect the magnetic field gradients perpendicular to survey lines and contain more magnetic field information between survey lines. Based on the Hardwick method and Akima interpolation, we used aeromagnetic lateral horizontal gradient and total field data to construct pseudo‐survey lines and study bi‐directional line gridding, and finally realized aeromagnetic total field gridding enhancement with consideration of variations in horizontal gradients. We also employed the effective filter method to remove level noise in gridding results. Processing results on theoretical models and real data show that this method can highlight magnetic anomaly details between survey lines, delineate linear structures or trends of magnetic units, and improve the accuracy and resolution of grid maps.
Acoustic Prestack Reverse Time Migration Using the Adaptive High‐Order Finite‐Difference Method in the Time‐Space Domain
Authors: Hong‐Yong YAN , Yang LIU
Published: June 2013

At present, prestack reverse time migration (RTM) is the most accurate method for seismic imaging in theory. One of its key steps is wavefield extrapolation. The essence of wavefield extrapolation is to solve the wave equation. Thus solving the wave equation fast yet accurately is very important. In this paper, we use a time‐space domain dispersion‐relation‐based finite‐difference (FD) method to solve the acoustic wave equation, then analyze the dispersion and stability of the numerical solution, perform the numerical modeling, and compare the results with the conventional FD method. The results of analysis and numerical modeling demonstrate the time‐space domain FD method has better accuracy and stability than the conventional method under the same discretization. We adopt the time‐space domain high‐order FD method to solve the acoustic wave equation in the process of wavefield extrapolation, then use the normalized cross‐correlation imaging condition to obtain imaging in RTM. The results of synthetic data processing show that the imaging accuracy has enhanced. Meanwhile, in the process of wavefield extrapolation, we adopt adaptive variable‐length spatial operators to compute spatial derivatives and thus to decrease computing cost significantly without reducing the accuracy of numerical modeling and imaging.
Association Between C‐Reactive Protein and Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Zhouqin , Dai Limeng , Song Zhiyuan , Li Huakang , Shu Maoqin
Published: June 2013

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with inflammation. Increased serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels are important representatives of an inflammatory state of AF. A variety of studies have evaluated whether increased CRP levels have an association with AF recurrence after catheter ablation. However, the results remain inconsistent, therefore, this meta‐analysis was conducted to offer suggestions.

Hypothesis

Increased baseline CRP have an association with AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

Methods

Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, and ScienceDirect were searched until December 31, 2012 for any CRP‐associated studies. Overall and subgroup analyses were performed. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the associations between CRP levels and postablation AF recurrence. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.2 and Stata 11.0.

Results

Seven available studies were identified, which included 526 patients (179 recurrence vs 347 no recurrence). Overall, increased baseline CRP levels had significant positive association with postablation AF recurrence. The SMD in the CRP levels was 0.65 units (95% CI: 0.30‐0.99), and the z‐score for overall effect was 3.70 (P = 0.0002). The heterogeneity test showed that there were moderate differences between individual studies (P = 0.006, I2 = 67%). Metaregression revealed that different sample sizes of studies possibly accounted for the heterogeneity. Positive associations were also found in subgroup analyses based on sample size. When stratifying for ethnicity, similarly significant associations were found in both European (Caucasian) and Asian populations.

Conclusions

Investigations demonstrate that baseline CRP levels are greater in patients with postablation AF recurrence. Further studies with larger sample size and delicate design for CRP should be conducted.
A Web 2.0‐based science gateway for massive remote sensing image processing
Authors: Miao Yanhua , Wang Lizhe , Liu Dingsheng , Ma Yan , Zhang Wanfeng , Chen Lajiao
Published: June 2013

With the incessant expansion of applications and the frequent update of the software, Science Gateway for Massive Remote Sensing Image Processing (SGMRSIP), developed by client/server model or traditional browser/server model, has received more and more challenges. Fortunately, the Web 2.0 technologies, proposed in recent years, bring us a new user experience (UE) that has a fast response speed and a good interface. In particular, the remote sensing image can be processed smoothly in the absence of client software by Web 2.0 technologies. Hence, a Web 2.0‐based browser/server model is designed for SGMRSIP to enhance the UE in this paper. Firstly, functions of a parallel remote sensing image processing portal, based on high performance cluster and client/server model, are summarized. And then, a Web 2.0‐based interaction model is built, and all these functions are accomplished again on the basis of this model. Finally, the Web 2.0‐based Science Gateway is achieved. In addition, we design different workflows for different satellite data, and all the processing tasks are finished successfully to verify the feasibility of this Science Gateway. The experimental results showed that the software scalability and interaction were improved and a better UE was achieved, compared with the existing SGMRSIP. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A His‐Tagged Melanocarpus albomyces Laccase and its Electrochemistry upon Immobilisation on NTA‐Modified Electrodes and in Conducting Polymer Films
Authors: Sosna Maciej , Boer Harry , Bartlett Philip N.
Published: June 2013

The article describes the construction, immobilisation and electrochemistry of histidine tagged laccase from Melanocarpus albomyces. A facile method of functionalisation of glassy carbon electrodes with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) using diazonium grafting and solid state chemistry is described. NTA‐modified electrodes are shown to bind laccase which reduces oxygen at neutral pH in the presence of soluble redox mediator. Laccase‐modified electrodes are also prepared by enzyme immobilisation within poly(aniline)/poly(vinylsulfonate) films. The polymer is found to efficiently retain the enzyme as well as provide direct electrical contact between the electrode and the enzyme active centre. Cyclic voltammetry reveals the direct electron transfer to the enzyme is dependent on the redox state of the polymer film.
Molecular Imprinting of Tri‐O‐Acetyladenosine for the Synthetic Imitation of an ATP‐Binding Cleft in Protein Kinases
Authors: Lakka Achillia , Tsakalof Andreas
Published: June 2013

A number of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and inflammation, are linked to deregulation of cell signaling pathways controlled by protein kinases. Inhibition of the kinases involved can interrupt aberrant signaling and have a specific therapeutic effect. Protein kinases are recognized as validated therapeutic targets for the treatment of a number of diseases and there are considerable efforts to discover new kinase inhibitors suitable for drug development. The main goal of this study was to fabricate the synthetic imitations of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cleft in protein kinases and thus produce polymers suitable for screening and isolation of new protein kinase ATP‐mimetic inhibitors from different sources. Such polymers were created by the imprinting of tri‐O‐acetyladenosine in acrylic polymer matrix with the use of methacrylic acid (MAA) or 3‐vinylbenzoic acid (VBA) as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross‐linking agent. The imprints prepared with the use of VBA demonstrate substantially better binding efficiency than that with MAA and particularly high affinity to the initial template (Kd as low as 1.2 μM), sufficient concentration of binding sites N (up to 32 μmol g−1), and pronounced specificity (imprinting factor up to 11). Under flow conditions, the fabricated polymers also demonstrate high capacity and template affinity. The produced imprints reproduce spatially noncovalent interactions present in the ATP binding site of protein kinases and can be anticipated as approximate synthetic imitations of the binding cleft.
Metacognition‐Oriented Social Skills Training for Individuals with Long‐Term Schizophrenia: Methodology and Clinical Illustration
Authors: Ottavi Paolo , D'Alia Daria , Lysaker Paul , Kent Jerillyn , Popolo Raffaele , Salvatore Giampaolo , Dimaggio Giancarlo
Published: June 2013

Purpose

There is much evidence indicating the presence of social deficits in schizophrenia and the detrimental effect of these deficits on global functioning in this population. As a result, social skills training (SST) has emerged as a legitimate psychosocial treatment, although effectiveness research has revealed small effect sizes and limited generalizability regarding the benefits of this treatment.

Methods

In light of the strong evidence of metacognitive deficits in schizophrenia and the importance of metacognition to successful social functioning, we propose a novel therapeutic intervention wherein metacognitive remediation is integrated into SST: metacognition‐oriented social skills training (MOSST). In the current paper, we present MOSST, an adapted SST programme wherein clients are also encouraged to have mindful contact with their own thoughts and to better consider and understand the mental states of others as well as the connection between mental states and behaviour.

Results

We present a case wherein an individual with schizophrenia successfully completed the MOSST programme.

Conclusion

We outline directions for future research, starting with the logical next step of empirically testing the efficacy of MOSST. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Currently social skills training is considered to be the elected psychosocial treatment for people affected by schizophrenia, although evidence indicates limited benefits.

People with schizophrenia have metacognitive deficits, which interfere with proper social functioning.

A metacognitive‐oriented social skills training (MOSST) intervention has been developed by the authors.

A treatment such as MOSST, which integrates social skills training and metacognitive training, promises to improve social skills through improving the metacognition.
Fuel properties of methyl esters of borage and black currant oils containing methyl γ‐linolenate
Authors: Knothe Gerhard
Published: June 2013

In this work, the methyl esters of two oils enriched in γ‐linolenic acid (6Z,9Z,12Z‐octadecatrienoic acid) were prepared under the aspect of evaluating their properties, including potential fuel properties. One oil is black currant oil in which γ‐linolenic and α‐linolenic (9Z,12Z,15Z‐octadecatrienoic acid) are relatively evenly distributed, and the other oil is borage oil which mainly contains γ‐linolenic acid as C18:3 species. The fatty acid profiles of both oils confirm literature results. The cetane number (CN) of neat methyl γ‐linolenate was also determined for the first time as 29.2, which is slightly higher than that of the more common methyl α‐linolenate. The methyl esters (biodiesel) from such oils meet most property specifications in biodiesel standards with the exception of feedstock restrictions on highly unsaturated fatty acid chains, although CNs are lower and antioxidants are required for oxidation stability. Although, due to their nutritional value and limited occurrence, these oils are unlikely biodiesel feedstocks themselves, their methyl esters may be seen as models for similar derivatives from other feedstocks with elevated levels of unsaturation, including algal oils. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of black currant and borage methyl esters are also reported.
Preparation of Cobalt Oxide Nanoclusters/Overoxidized Polypyrrole Composite Film Modified Electrode and Its Application in Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensing
Authors: Yu Hao , Jin Jun , Jian Xuan , Wang Yi , Qi Guang‐cai
Published: June 2013

A cobalt oxide nanocluster/overoxidized polypyrrole composite film electrochemical sensing interface was fabricated by two step electrochemical method. The electrochemical properties and electrocatalytic activity of the resulting modified electrode were also studied carefully. The results showed that this modified electrode exhibited good stability, good anti‐interference ability, as well as high electrocatalytic activity to the oxidation of glucose. The linear range for the amperometric determination of glucose was 2.0×10−7–2.4×10−4 mol L−1 and 2.4×10−4–1.4×10−3 mol L−1 with a detection limit of 5.0×10−8 mol L−1 (S/N=3), respectively. The sensitivity was 1024 µA mM−1 cm−2.
Label‐Free Impedimetric Immunosensor for Nerve Growth Factor Protein Constructed Using an Automated Dispensing System
Authors: Holford Timothy R. J. , Holmes Joanne L. , Collyer Stuart D. , Davis Frank , Higson Séamus P. J.
Published: June 2013

We describe the development, validation and optimisation of label‐free immunosensors for Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) protein. Screen‐printed carbon electrodes were electrochemically coated with polyaniline, and onto this antibodies to NGF were immobilised using electrostatic or neutravidin‐biotin interactions. These were constructed manually or using an automated liquid dispensing system. QCM demonstrated deposition of individual layer stages and binding of NGF. Studies revealed clear increases in immunosensor impedance following antigen exposure. Automated methodologies produced sensors with lowered sample‐to‐sample variation. Affinity produced electrodes offered higher sensitivities than those produced utilising electrostatic interactions. NGF between 25–1000 pg mL−1 could be determined using the optimised sensor.
Application of a multi‐temporal, LiDAR‐derived, digital terrain model in a landslide‐volume estimation
Authors: Tseng Chih‐Ming , Lin Ching‐Weei , Stark Colin P. , Liu Jin‐Kin , Fei Li‐Yuan , Hsieh Yu‐Chung
Published: June 2013

Sediments produced by landslides are crucial in the sediment yield of a catchment, debris flow forecasting, and related hazard assessment. On a regional scale, however, it is difficult and time consuming to measure the volumes of such sediment. This paper uses a LiDAR‐derived digital terrain model (DTM) taken in 2005 and 2010 (at 2 m resolution) to accurately obtain landslide‐induced sediment volumes that resulted from a single catastrophic typhoon event in a heavily forested mountainous area of Taiwan. The landslides induced by Typhoon Morakot are mapped by comparison of 25 cm resolution aerial photographs taken before and after the typhoon in an 83.6 km2 study area. Each landslide volume is calculated by subtraction of the 2005 DTM from the 2010 DTM, and the scaling relationship between landslide area and its volume are further regressed. The relationship between volume and area are also determined for all the disturbed areas (VL = 0.452AL1.242) and for the crown areas of the landslides (VL = 2.510AL1.206). The uncertainty in estimated volume caused by use of the LiDAR DTMs is discussed, and the error in absolute volume estimation for landslides with an area >105 m2 is within 20%. The volume–area relationship obtained in this study is also validated in 11 small to medium‐sized catchments located outside the study area, and there is good agreement between the calculation from DTMs and the regression formula. By comparison of debris volumes estimated in this study with previous work, it is found that a wider volume variation exists that is directly proportional to the landslide area, especially under a higher scaling exponent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing Small‐ and Large‐Scale Models of Multicategory Buying Behavior
Authors: Hruschka Harald
Published: June 2013

Focusing on the interdependence of product categories we analyze multicategory buying decisions of households by a finite mixture of multivariate Tobit‐2 models with two response variables: purchase incidence and expenditure. Mixture components can be interpreted as household segments. Correlations for purchases of different categories turn out to be much more important than correlations among expenditures as well as correlations among purchases and expenditures of different categories. About 18% of all pairwise purchase correlations are significant. We compare the best‐performing large‐scale model with 28 categories to four small‐scale models each with seven categories. In our empirical study the large‐scale model clearly attains a better forecasting performance. The small‐scale models provide several biased correlations and miss about 50% of the significant correlations which the large scale model detects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polar cap patch segmentation of the tongue of ionization in the morning convection cell
Authors: Zhang Q.‐H. , Zhang B.‐C. , Moen J. , Lockwood M. , McCrea I. W. , Yang H.‐G. , Hu H.‐Q. , Liu R.‐Y. , Zhang S.‐R. , Lester M.
Published: June 2013

Two types of poleward moving plasma concentration enhancements (PMPCEs) were observed during a sequence of pulsed reconnection events, both in the morning convection cell: Type L (low density) was associated with a cusp flow channel and seems likely to have been produced by ionization associated with particle precipitation, while Type H (high density) appeared to originate from the segmentation of the tongue of ionization by the processes which produced the Type L events. As a result, the Type L and Type H PMPCEs were interspersed, producing a complex density structure which underlines the importance of cusp flow channels as a mechanism for segmenting and structuring electron density in the cusp and shows the necessity of differentiating between at least two classes of electron density patches.
Are atmospheric surface layer flows ergodic?
Authors: Higgins Chad W. , Katul Gabriel G. , Froidevaux Martin , Simeonov Valentin , Parlange Marc B.
Published: June 2013

The transposition of atmospheric turbulence statistics from the time domain, as conventionally sampled in field experiments, is explained by the so‐called ergodic hypothesis. In micrometeorology, this hypothesis assumes that the time average of a measured flow variable represents an ensemble of independent realizations from similar meteorological states and boundary conditions. That is, the averaging duration must be sufficiently long to include a large number of independent realizations of the sampled flow variable so as to represent the ensemble. While the validity of the ergodic hypothesis for turbulence has been confirmed in laboratory experiments, and numerical simulations for idealized conditions, evidence for its validity in the atmospheric surface layer (ASL), especially for nonideal conditions, continues to defy experimental efforts. There is some urgency to make progress on this problem given the proliferation of tall tower scalar concentration networks aimed at constraining climate models yet are impacted by nonideal conditions at the land surface. Recent advancements in water vapor concentration lidar measurements that simultaneously sample spatial and temporal series in the ASL are used to investigate the validity of the ergodic hypothesis for the first time. It is shown that ergodicity is valid in a strict sense above uniform surfaces away from abrupt surface transitions. Surprisingly, ergodicity may be used to infer the ensemble concentration statistics of a composite grass‐lake system using only water vapor concentration measurements collected above the sharp transition delineating the lake from the grass surface.
Evidence of aqueous secondary organic aerosol formation from biogenic emissions in the North American Sonoran Desert
Authors: Youn Jong‐Sang , Wang Zhen , Wonaschütz Anna , Arellano Avelino , Betterton Eric A. , Sorooshian Armin
Published: June 2013

This study examines the role of aqueous secondary organic aerosol formation in the North American Sonoran Desert as a result of intense solar radiation, enhanced moisture, and biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). The ratio of water‐soluble organic carbon (WSOC) to organic carbon (OC) nearly doubles during the monsoon season relative to other seasons of the year. When normalized by mixing height, the WSOC enhancement during monsoon months relative to preceding dry months (May–June) exceeds that of sulfate by nearly a factor of 10. WSOC:OC and WSOC are most strongly correlated with moisture parameters, temperature, and concentrations of O3 and BVOCs. No positive relationship was identified between WSOC or WSOC:OC and anthropogenic tracers such as CO over a full year. This study points at the need for further work to understand the effect of BVOCs and moisture in altering aerosol properties in understudied desert regions.
Synthesis of Tetradentate Schiff Base Derivatives of Transition Bimetallic Complexes as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad , Pervaiz Muhammad , Sagir Muhammad , Zaman Ashhar‐uz , Mushtaq Muhammad , Naz Muhammad Yasin
Published: June 2013

A series of Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II) and Zn(II) bimetallic complexes have been synthesized with the schiff base ligand 2‐(bis‐2‐hydroxyl phenylidene) diimine (L) derived from the condensation of hydrazine and salicylaldehyde. The synthesized ligand and bimetallic complexes were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. The characterization of ligand was carried out by FT‐IR, H1NMR, C13NMR and MS while the bimetallic complexes were characterized by FT‐IR and X‐ray crystallographic techniques. The complexes and ligand were employed in vitro for antifungal and antibacterial activities using disc diffusion method. Different fungal strains such as Alternaria Alternate, Aspergillus Flavus and Aspergillus Niger were used to check antifungal activities of bimetallic complexes and ligand. Similarly, the bacterial strains used were Staphylococcus Aureus, Bacillus Subbtilis and Escheria Coli. The biological studies showed that the ligand exhibited lower value of antifungal and antibacterial activities than bimetallic complexes.