bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Implication of Earthquake‐Related Loss and Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Heart Failure Following the 2008 Earthquake in Sichuan
Authors: Huang Kaisen , Deng Xiaojian , He Dingxiu , Huang Dejia , Wu Qi , Wen Shuyin , Zhou Yougen , Zhou Fangming , Kang Yingde , Chen Mao
Published: November 2011

Background:

Earthquake exposure is associated with adverse consequences for cardiovascular disease. However, in the context of depressive symptoms, the prognostic significance of heart failure (HF) related to earthquake‐related loss has not been characterized before.

Hypothesis:

To determine the prognostic impact of earthquake‐related loss on event‐free survival in patients with HF, with depression as a modifying factor.

Methods:

Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale in 404 HF patients who were followed up for 2 years after the earthquake to collect data on mortality and readmission. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to compare event‐free survival between patients with and without earthquake‐related loss. Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was used to examine the predicted outcomes for baseline variables.

Results:

The proportion of patients with moderate/severe depressive symptoms among the HF patients with earthquake‐related loss is much higher than their counterparts (27.038% vs 17.84%, P = 0.039). Heart failure patients without loss experienced longer event‐free survival than patients with loss (P = 0.002), especially among patients without depressive symptoms (P = 0.003). Meanwhile, in a Cox proportional hazard regression model, the event‐free survival was associated with earthquake‐related loss, left ventricular ejection fraction, depressive symptoms, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.

Conclusions:

Heart failure patients without earthquake‐related loss experienced longer event‐free survival than did HF patients with severe loss. Earthquake‐related loss was a predictor of poor outcomes in HF patients, particularly in patients without depression. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The work was supported by grants from the National High‐Tech Research and Development Program of China (2008AA022601). The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
The multiple roles of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitory protein p57KIP2 in cerebral cortical neurogenesis
Authors: Tury Anna , Mairet‐Coello Georges , DiCicco‐Bloom Emanuel
Published: November 2011

The members of the CIP/KIP family of cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitory proteins (CKIs), including p57KIP2, p27KIP1, and p21CIP1, block the progression of the cell cycle by binding and inhibiting cyclin/CDK complexes of the G1 phase. In addition to this well‐characterized function, p57KIP2 and p27KIP1 have been shown to participate in an increasing number of other important cellular processes including cell fate and differentiation, cell motility and migration, and cell death/survival, both in peripheral and central nervous systems. Increasing evidence over the past few years has characterized the functions of the newest CIP/KIP member p57KIP2 in orchestrating cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration during neurogenesis. Here, we focus our discussion on the multiple roles played by p57KIP2 during cortical development, making comparisons to p27KIP1 as well as the INK4 family of CKIs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 72: 821–842, 2012
Cell Cycle Arrest, Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis, DNA‐Binding, Photocleavage, and Antioxidant Activity of Octahedral Ruthenium(II) Complexes
Authors: Huang Hong‐Liang , Li Zheng‐Zheng , Liang Zhen‐Hua , Liu Yun‐Jun
Published: November 2011

Three ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(dmp)2(dcdppz)]2+ 1, [Ru(phen)2(dcdppz)]2+ 2, and [Ru(dip)2(dcdppz)]2+ 3 were synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of complex 1 was solved by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. This complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with a = 18.454(3) Å, b = 44.648(7) Å, c = 13.082(2) Å, β = 99.911(3)°, R = 0.0571, and Rω = 0.1501. The DNA‐binding constants were determined to be 1.78 (±0.24) × 105, 2.73 (±0.16) × 105, and 7.55 (±0.16) × 105 M–1 for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The photocleavage of pBR322 DNA by RuII complexes was studied. The retardation assay of pGL 3 plasmid DNA was investigated. The cytotoxicity of complexes 1, 2, and 3 against BEL‐7402, Hela, HepG‐2, and MG‐63 cells was evaluated by the MTT method. Complexes 1 and 3 show higher cytotoxicity than Cisplatin on Hela cells. The apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were investigated, and the antioxidant activities of these complexes were also explored.
Hydrophobic Vitamin B12 Derivatives: Unprecedented Formation of a 7‐Membered Lactam
Authors: ó Proinsias Keith , Kurcoń Sylwester , Gryko Dorota
Published: November 2011

The synthesis of a new hydrophobic cobalamin derivative through intramolecular aminolysis is described. Under acidic conditions, (CN)2CobIII(10‐NH2)7C1‐ester formed a seven‐membered lactam between the ester and amino groups present at the C8 and C10 positions. Subsequent Boc protection of the NH group enabled ring opening with primary amines, leading to derivatives functionalized at the C8 and C10 positions.
Naïve definitions of action and inaction: The continuum, spread, and valence of behaviors
Authors: McCulloch Kathleen C. , Li Hong , Hong Sungjin , Albarracin Dolores
Published: November 2011

The cohesiveness of a society depends, in part, on how its individual members manage their daily activities with respect to the goals of that society. Hence, there should be a degree of social agreement on what constitutes action and what constitutes inaction. The present research investigated the structure of action and inaction definitions, the evaluation of action versus inaction, and individual differences in these evaluations. Action–inaction ratings of behaviors and states showed more social agreement at the ends of the inaction–action continuum than at the middle, suggesting a socially shared construal of this definition. Action–inaction ratings were also shown to correlate with the valence of the rated behaviors, such that the more active the behavior, the more positive its valence. Lastly, individual differences in locomotion, need for closure, and Christian religious beliefs correlated positively with a preference for action. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unsteady electroosmosis in a microchannel with Poisson–Boltzmann charge distribution
Authors: Chang Chien C. , Kuo Chih‐Yu , Wang Chang‐Yi
Published: November 2011

The present study is concerned with unsteady electroosmotic flow (EOF) in a microchannel with the electric charge distribution described by the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) equation. The nonlinear PB equation is solved by a systematic perturbation with respect to the parameter λ which measures the strength of the wall zeta potential relative to the thermal potential. In the small λ limits (λ≪1), we recover the linearized PB equation – the Debye–Hückel approximation. The solutions obtained by using only three terms in the perturbation series are shown to be accurate with errors <1% for λ up to 2. The accurate solution to the PB equation is then used to solve the electrokinetic fluid transport equation for two types of unsteady flow: transient flow driven by a suddenly applied voltage and oscillatory flow driven by a time‐harmonic voltage. The solution for the transient flow has important implications on EOF as an effective means for transporting electrolytes in microchannels with various electrokinetic widths. On the other hand, the solution for the oscillatory flow is shown to have important physical implications on EOF in mixing electrolytes in terms of the amplitude and phase of the resulting time‐harmonic EOF rate, which depends on the applied frequency and the electrokinetic width of the microchannel as well as on the parameter λ.
Solvent bonding of poly(methyl methacrylate) microfluidic chip using phase‐changing agar hydrogel as a sacrificial layer
Authors: Gan Zhibin , Zhang Luyan , Chen Gang
Published: November 2011

In this report, a solvent bonding method based on phase‐changing agar hydrogel has been developed for the fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microfluidic chips. Prior to bonding, the channels and the reservoir ports on PMMA channel plates were filled with molten agar hydrogel that could gelate to form solid sacrificial layers at room temperature. Subsequently, PMMA cover sheets were covered on the channeled plates and 1,2‐dichlororethane was applied to the interspaces between them. The agar hydrogel in the channels could prevent the bonding solvent and the softened surface of the PMMA cover sheets from filling in the channels. After solvent bonding, the agar hydrogel in the channels and the reservoir ports was melted and removed under pressure. The sealed channels in the complete microchips had been examined by an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The results indicated that high‐quality bonding was achieved at room temperature. The prepared microfluidic microchips have been successfully employed in the electrophoresis separation and detection of three cations in combination with contactless conductivity detection.
Genome‐wide expression and copy number analysis identifies driver genes in gingivobuccal cancers
Authors: Ambatipudi Srikant , Gerstung Moritz , Pandey Manishkumar , Samant Tanuja , Patil Asawari , Kane Shubhada , Desai Rajiv S. , Schäffer Alejandro A. , Beerenwinkel Niko , Mahimkar Manoj B.
Published: November 2011

The molecular mechanisms contributing to the development and progression of gingivobuccal complex (GBC) cancers—a sub‐site of oral cancer, comprising the buccal mucosa, the gingivobuccal sulcus, the lower gingival region, and the retromolar trigone–remain poorly understood. Identifying the GBC cancer‐related gene expression signature and the driver genes residing on the altered chromosomal regions is critical for understanding the molecular basis of its pathogenesis. Genome‐wide expression profiling of 27 GBC cancers with known chromosomal alterations was performed to reveal differentially expressed genes. Putative driver genes were identified by integrating copy number and gene expression data. A total of 315 genes were found differentially expressed (P ≤ 0.05, logFC > 2.0) of which 11 genes were validated by real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) in tumors (n = 57) and normal GBC tissues (n = 18). Overexpression of LY6K, in chromosome band 8q24.3, was validated by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. We found that 78.5% (2,417/3,079) of the genes located in regions of recurrent chromosomal alterations show copy number dependent expression indicating that copy number alteration has a direct effect on global gene expression. The integrative analysis revealed BIRC3 in 11q22.2 as a candidate driver gene associated with poor clinical outcome. Our study identified previously unreported differentially expressed genes in a homogeneous subtype of oral cancer and the candidate driver genes that may contribute to the development and progression of the disease. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gene expression of BAALC, CDKN1B, ERG, and MN1 adds independent prognostic information to cytogenetics and molecular mutations in adult acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Haferlach Claudia , Kern Wolfgang , Schindela Sonja , Kohlmann Alexander , Alpermann Tamara , Schnittger Susanne , Haferlach Torsten
Published: November 2011

Expression of BAALC, ERG, and MN1 is associated with outcome in normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, the expression of these markers and of EVI1 and CDKN1B was determined using oligonucleotide microarrays in 286 AML comprising all cytogenetic groups. Higher expression of each gene was associated with an inferior outcome: CDKN1B, median overall survival (mOS): 14.9 months vs. not reached (nr), P = 0.005, median event‐free survival (mEFS): 9.7 vs. 31.0 months, P = 0.013; BAALC, no impact on OS, mEFS: 6.2 vs. 13.0 months, P = 0.03; ERG: mOS: 12.5 months vs. nr, P = 0.002, mEFS: 8.1 vs. 15.7 months, P = 0.001; MN1: mOS: 12.3 months vs. nr, P = 0.004, mEFS: 8.1 vs. 16.7 months, P = 0.001. A multivariate analysis revealed an independent impact on OS for CDKN1B, ERG, and MN1 expression. A novel score based on BAALC, CDKN1B, ERG, and MN1 expression had an impact on OS and EFS independent of cytogenetics and age. A score taking into account gene expression and karyotype allowed the separation of four prognostic groups with significant differences in OS and EFS (OS at 2 years: 90.4%, 56.4%, 34.0%, 12.6%; mEFS: n.r., 18.1 months, 8.7 months, 2.5 months). The impact on outcome of this score was independent of NPM1mut/FLT3‐ITD− status, MLL‐PTD, and age. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Four component one‐pot synthesis of novel 7,8‐dihydroquinolin‐5(1H,4H,6H)‐one derivatives containing an ionone unit and in vitro antioxidant activity
Authors: Fındık Esra , Ceylan Mustafa , Elmastaş Mahfuz
Published: November 2011

A new class of novel 7,8‐dihydroquinolin‐5‐(1H,4H,6H)‐one derivatives (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5k) were synthesized by the one‐pot four‐component condensation of dimedon, α‐ionone, ammonium acetate, and benzaldehyde derivatives. The structures were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C NMR spectral studies. All the title compounds were screened for antioxidant properties and some of them found to exhibit potent in vitro antioxidant activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Solvent‐free one‐pot synthesis of pyrane derivatives
Authors: Rostami‐Charati Faramarz , Hossaini Zinatossadat , Khalilzadeh Mohammad A. , Moghaddam Mahboube Islami , Babaei Vahid
Published: November 2011

A straightforward and an efficient method for the synthesis of 2H‐pyrans via the one‐pot, reaction of alkyl bromides, carbon disulfide, secondary amines, activated acetylenes and isocyanides under solvent‐free conditions without using any catalyst at room temperature is reported. The method offers several advantages including high yields of products and an easy work‐up procedure. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
A COMMUNITY‐LEVEL ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING LIVELIHOODS IN NAWALPARASI DISTRICT, NEPAL
Authors: Biggs Eloise M. , Watmough Gary R.
Published: November 2011

This field research investigated the livelihoods of rural communities in Nawalparasi District, Nepal. An adapted form of the Delphi technique was used to assess community perceptions regarding factors which affected their livelihoods. The six most significant factors were selected by participants and ranked in order of importance. Research findings indicated that important factors across communities included those related to water resources, education, health and roads. Climate and environmental change were found to be impacting on livelihoods, and results indicated that education and environmental awareness were two key factors affecting a community's ability to adapt to change. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Innovation and venture capital exit performance
Authors: Nadeau Pierre
Published: November 2011

Technological innovation is an important strategic resource of the entrepreneurial firm that can attract venture capital investment, provide competitive advantage and produce superior performance.
What drives firm performance: environment or capabilities?
Authors: O'Regan Nicholas , Kluth Carole , Parnell John
Published: November 2011

This study of plastics processing companies in the United Kingdom finds little evidence to support a link between the competitive environment and firm performance whereas differences in performance are more likely attributable to firm‐specific factors.
15‐Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase associates with poor prognosis in breast cancer, induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and promotes cell migration in cultured breast cancer cells
Authors: Lehtinen Laura , Vainio Paula , Wikman Harriet , Reemts Johannes , Hilvo Mika , Issa Rana , Pollari Sirkku , Brandt Burkhard , Oresic Matej , Pantel Klaus , Kallioniemi Olli , Iljin Kristiina
Published: November 2011

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer and the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in women worldwide. The prognosis of breast cancer is tightly correlated with the degree of spread beyond the primary tumour. Arachidonic acid (AA) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are known to regulate tumour metastasis enabling epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the detailed role of 15‐hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD), the key enzyme degrading prostaglandin E2, remains unclear in breast cancer. Here, we show that HPGD mRNA is overexpressed in a subset of clinical breast cancers compared to normal breast tissue samples and that high HPGD mRNA expression associates with poor prognosis. Immunohistochemical staining of primary breast cancer and lymph node metastasis tissue samples confirmed high HPGD protein expression in 20% of the samples, as well as associated HPGD expression with aggressive characteristics, such as increased risk of disease relapse and shorter disease‐free survival. Results from cultured cells indicated abundant HPGD expression in highly metastatic breast cancer cells, and impairment of HPGD expression using RNA interference led to a significant decrease in transforming growth factor‐β signalling, in cellular arachidonic acid levels as well as in cell migration. Furthermore, gene expression microarray analysis followed by quantitative RT‐PCR validation showed that HPGD silencing decreased aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling and induced mesenchymal‐epithelial transition. In conclusion, our results indicate that HPGD is highly expressed in metastatic and aggressive breast cancer and promotes EMT and migration in breast cancer cells. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Endocannabinoid System: Role in Energy Regulation
Authors: Gamage Thomas F. , Lichtman Aron H.
Published: November 2011

Cannabis sativa has been used since antiquity to treat many ailments, including eating disorders. The primary psychoactive constituent of this plant, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is an FDA approved medication to treat nausea and emesis caused by cancer chemotherapeutic agents as well as to stimulate appetite in AIDS patients suffering from cachexia. The effects of THC are mediated through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which promotes a positive energy balance through stimulation of appetite as well as shifting homeostatic mechanisms toward energy storage. Here we discuss the physiological function of the ECS in energy balance and the therapeutic potential of targeting this system. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 144–148. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improvement of the open circuit voltage by modifying the transparent indium–tin oxide front electrode in amorphous n–i–p solar cells
Authors: Haug Franz‐Josef , Biron Remi , Kratzer Gilles , Leresche Frank , Besuchet Jonathan , Ballif Christophe , Dissel Marcel , Kretschmer Sebastian , Soppe Wim , Lippens Paul , Leitner Klaus
Published: November 2011

At the front contact of thin film silicon solar cells, the junction between the p‐doped window layer and the n‐type transparent electrode results in a barrier that must be surmounted by the charge carriers. The barrier height is governed by the work‐function difference of these two materials. For different compositions of the well known In2O3–SnO2 (ITO) system, we find that higher oxygen partial pressure during sputter deposition increases the work function of the deposited films. Over the same range of oxygen partial pressures, ITO electrodes with low tin content applied to n–i–p type thin film silicon solar yield a gain in VOC by up to 40 mV. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic study of BH3 reduction of benzaldehydes: identification of effective reducing species
Authors: Abe Masatsugu , Yamataka Hiroshi
Published: November 2011

A kinetic study was carried out for the reaction of benzaldehyde and borane (BH3) in tetrahydrofuran. The effect of BH3 concentration on the rate constant showed that the reaction order with respect to BH3 was 1.6. Substituent effects gave a linear Hammett plot with a ρ value of −0.51. It was concluded that the reaction proceeds through a rate‐determining hydride‐transfer transition state with two BH3 molecules, in which one molecule of BH3 acts as a reducing agent and the other serves as a catalyst. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular characterization of boscalid‐ and penthiopyrad‐resistant isolates of Didymella bryoniae and assessment of their sensitivity to fluopyram
Authors: Avenot Hervé F , Thomas Anna , Gitaitis Ronald D , Langston Jr David B , Stevenson Katherine L
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Didymella bryoniae has a history of developing resistance to single‐site fungicides. A recent example is with the succinate‐dehydrogenase‐inhibiting fungicide (SDHI) boscalid. In laboratory assays, out of 103 isolates of this fungus, 82 and seven were found to be very highly resistant (BVHR) and highly resistant (BHR) to boscalid respectively. Cross‐resistance studies with the new SDHI penthiopyrad showed that the BVHR isolates were only highly resistant to penthiopyrad (BVHR‐PHR), while the BHR isolates appeared sensitive to penthiopyrad (BHR‐PS). In this study, the molecular mechanism of resistance in these two phenotypes (BVHR‐PHR and BHR‐PS) was elucidated, and their sensitivity to the new SDHI fluopyram was assessed.

RESULTS: A 456 bp cDNA amplified fragment of the succinate dehydrogenase iron sulfur gene (DbSDHB) was initially cloned and sequenced from two sensitive (BS‐PS), two BVHR‐PHR and one BHR‐PS isolate of D. bryoniae. Comparative analysis of the DbSDHB protein revealed that a highly conserved histidine residue involved in the binding of SDHIs and present in wild‐type isolates was replaced by tyrosine (H277Y) or arginine (H277R) in the BVHR‐PHR and BHR‐PS variants respectively. Further examination of the role and extent of these alterations showed that the H/Y and H/R substitutions were present in the remaining BVHR‐PHR and BHR‐PS variants respectively. Analysis of the sensitivity to fluopyram of representative isolates showed that both SDHB mutants were sensitive to this fungicide as the wild‐type isolates.

CONCLUSION: The genotype‐specific cross‐resistance relationships between the SDHIs boscalid and penthiopyrad and the lack of cross‐resistance between these fungicides and fluopyram should be taken into account when selecting SDHIs for gummy stem blight management. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Living on the Move: Mobility, Religion and Exclusion of Eastern European Migrants in Rural Scotland
Authors: Shubin Sergei
Published: November 2011

The paper explores theoretical and practical issues related to spiritual mobility and engagement with Eastern European migrants in rural Scotland. Emerging mobile lifestyles create different patterns of living ‘on the move’, but the church and other rural institutions in Scotland often fail to attend to migrants' affective relationships with existing immigrant communities, unpredictable travelling behaviour, and cross‐border spiritual links. For this gap to be addressed, the paper develops a complex understanding of migrants living on the move. It suggests adding a spiritual element to the analysis of transnational mobilities and explores the ways in which constellations of mobility and religion generate more‐than‐corporeal dislocations (faith‐based sensations), generate virtual movement (beyond rationality to the outside of knowing), and create new imaginations of the migrants' place in the world. It argues that the spiritual can be seen as an important factor in producing new social worlds and overcoming the separations and division created by migrations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency‐dependent Electrophysiological Remodeling of the AV Node by Hydroalcohol Extract of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) During Experimental Atrial Fibrillation: The Role of Endogenous Nitric Oxide
Authors: Khori Vahid , Alizadeh Ali Mohammad , Yazdi Hamidreza , Rakhshan Elnaz , Mirabbasi Abbas , Changizi Shima , Mazandarani Masumeh , Nayebpour Mohsen
Published: November 2011

The study assessed the hydroalcohol extract effects of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on (i) the basic and rate‐dependent electrophysiological properties of the AV node, (ii) remodeling of the AV node during experimental atrial fibrillation (AF) and (iii) the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the effects of saffron on the AV node. Stimulation protocols in isolated AV node were used to quantify AV nodal recovery, facilitation and fatigue in four groups of rabbits (n = 8–16 per group). In addition, the nodal response to AF was evaluated at multiple cycle lengths and during AF. Saffron had a depressant effect on AV nodal rate‐dependent properties; further, it increased Wenckebach block cycle length, functional refractory period, facilitation and fatigue (p < 0.05). A NO‐synthase inhibitor (L‐NAME) prevented the depressant effects of saffron on the AV node (p < 0.05). Saffron increased the zone of concealment in experimental AF (p < 0.05). The present research showed, for the first time, established electrophysiological remodeling of the AV node during AF by saffron. Saffron increased the AV nodal refractoriness and zone of concealment. These depressant effects of saffron were mediated by endogenous NO. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The North Atlantic jet stream: a look at preferred positions, paths and transitions
Authors: Hannachi A. , Woollings T. , Fraedrich K.
Published: November 2011

Preferred jet stream positions and their link to regional circulation patterns over the winter North Atlantic/European sector are investigated to corroborate findings of multimodal behaviour of the jet positions and to analyse patterns of preferred paths and transition probabilities between jet regimes using ERA‐40 data. Besides the multivariate Gaussian mixture model, hierarchical clustering and data image techniques are used for this purpose. The different approaches all yield circulation patterns that correspond to the preferred jet regimes, namely the southern, central and the northern positions associated respectively with the Greenland anticyclone or blocking, and two opposite phases of an East Atlantic‐like flow pattern. Growth and decay patterns as well as preferred paths of the system trajectory are studied using the mixture model within the delay space. The analysis shows that the most preferred paths are associated with central to north and north to south jet stream transitions with a typical time‐scale of about 5 days, and with life cycles of 1–2 weeks. The transition paths are found to be consistent with transition probabilities. The analysis also shows that wave breaking seems to be the dominant mechanism behind Greenland blocking. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Spatial scan statistics with overdispersion
Authors: Zhang Tonglin , Zhang Zuoyi , Lin Ge
Published: November 2011

The spatial scan statistic has been widely used in spatial disease surveillance and spatial cluster detection for more than a decade. However, overdispersion often presents in real‐world data, causing not only violation of the Poisson assumption but also excessive type I errors or false alarms. In order to account for overdispersion, we extend the Poisson‐based spatial scan test to a quasi‐Poisson‐based test. The simulation shows that the proposed method can substantially reduce type I error probabilities in the presence of overdispersion. In a case study of infant mortality in Jiangxi, China, both tests detect a cluster; however, a secondary cluster is identified by only the Poisson‐based test. It is recommended that a cluster detected by the Poisson‐based scan test should be interpreted with caution when it is not confirmed by the quasi‐Poisson‐based test. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using XQuery for problem solving
Authors: Kilpeläinen Pekka
Published: November 2011

XQuery is a recommendation by the World Wide Web Consortium as a standard XML query language. In addition to being a special‐purpose query language, XQuery has also features that support unexpected applications such as problem solving. We demonstrate and discuss these features by presenting several XQuery programs for solving recreational problems and puzzles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Important technical remarks on distal pancreatectomy with en‐bloc celiac axis resection for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer (with video)
Authors: Tanaka Eiichi , Hirano Satoshi , Tsuchikawa Takahiro , Kato Kentaro , Matsumoto Joe , Shichinohe Toshiaki
Published: November 2011

Background

We have already reported the feasibility, safety, and excellent long‐term results of distal pancreatectomy with en‐bloc celiac axis resection (DP‐CAR) for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer. An international standard for the surgical technique of DP‐CAR has yet to be established.

Methods

DP‐CAR was carefully performed in 42 patients in Hokkaido University Hospital from 1998 to July 2007. Arterial blood flow alteration and collateral flow development toward the liver and stomach was obtained following preoperative routine transcatheter arterial embolization of the common hepatic artery. The right‐sided approach to the superior mesenteric artery and celiac artery, and the preservation of the inferior pancreatoduodenal artery during the dissection of the plexus around the pancreatic head, are the key techniques in DP‐CAR.

Results

The operative morbidity and mortality were 43 and 4.8%, respectively. R0 resection could be done in 39 (93%) patients. Median operation time and intraoperative blood loss were 478 min and 1030 ml, respectively. Ischemic gastropathy was complicated in 5 (12%) patients, but liver abscess was found in only one patient and no liver failure was encountered.

Conclusions

We emphasize again the feasibility and safety of DP‐CAR; it should be a treatment of choice for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer.
Psychoactive drug use: Expand the scope of outcome assessment
Authors: Troisi Alfonso
Published: November 2011

The “hijacking” and “drug instrumentalization” models of psychoactive drug use predict opposite outcomes in terms of adaptive behavior and fitness benefits. Which is the range of applicability of each model? To answer this question, we need more data than those reported by studies focusing on medical, psychiatric, and legal problems in addicted users. An evolutionary analysis requires a much wider focus.
Governing drug use through neurobiological subject construction: The sad loss of the sociocultural
Authors: Wu Kevin Chien-Chang
Published: November 2011

Based on their “drugs as instruments” framework, Müller & Schumann (M&S) propose a staged drug policy that matches well the neoliberal governance scheme. To mend the sad loss of the sociocultural dimension in their model, I propose three such considerations: first, sociocultural interactions with the brain; second, sociocultural context and justice of drug use; and third, sociocultural preparedness for implementing their drug policy.
Kepler mission highlights
Authors: Borucki William J. , Koch David G. ,   the Kepler Team
Published: November 2011

During the first 33.5 days of science-mode operation of the Kepler Mission, the stellar flux of 156,000 stars were observed continuously. The data show the presence of more than 1800 eclipsing binary stars, over 700 stars with planetary candidates, and variable stars of amazing variety. Analyses of the commissioning data also show transits, occultations and light emitted from the known exoplanet HAT-P7b. The depth of the occultation is similar in amplitude to that expected from a transiting Earth-size planet and demonstrates that the Mission has the precision necessary to detect such planets. On 15 June 2010, the Kepler Mission released most of the data from the first quarter of observations. At the time of this data release, 706 stars from this first data set have exoplanet candidates with sizes from as small as that of the Earth to larger than that of Jupiter. More than half the candidates on the released list have radii less than half that of Jupiter. Five candidates are present in and near the habitable zone; two near super-Earth size, one similar in size to Neptune, and two bracketing the size of Jupiter. The released data also include five possible multi-planet systems. One of these has two Neptune-size (2.3 and 2.5 Earth-radius) candidates with near-resonant periods as well as a super-Earth-size planet in a very short period orbit.
The debris disk – terrestrial planet connection
Authors: Raymond Sean N. , Armitage Philip J. , Moro-Martín Amaya , Booth Mark , Wyatt Mark C. , Armstrong John C. , Mandell Avi M. , Selsis Franck
Published: November 2011

The eccentric orbits of the known extrasolar giant planets provide evidence that most planet-forming environments undergo violent dynamical instabilities. Here, we numerically simulate the impact of giant planet instabilities on planetary systems as a whole. We find that populations of inner rocky and outer icy bodies are both shaped by the giant planet dynamics and are naturally correlated. Strong instabilities – those with very eccentric surviving giant planets – completely clear out their inner and outer regions. In contrast, systems with stable or low-mass giant planets form terrestrial planets in their inner regions and outer icy bodies produce dust that is observable as debris disks at mid-infrared wavelengths. Fifteen to twenty percent of old stars are observed to have bright debris disks (at λ ~ 70μm) and we predict that these signpost dynamically calm environments that should contain terrestrial planets.
New transiting exoplanets from the SuperWASP-North survey
Authors: Faedi Francesca , Barros Susana C. C. , Pollacco Don , Simpson Elaine K. , McCormac James , Moulds Victoria , Watson Chris , Todd Ian , Keenan F. , Fitzsimmons Alan , Chew Yilen Gómez Maqueo ,   the WASP Consortium
Published: November 2011

The Wide Angle Search for Planet (WASP) project is one of the leading projects in the discovery of transiting exoplanets. We present 1) the current status of the WASP-North survey, 2) our recent exoplanet discoveries, and 3) we exemplify how these results fit into our understanding of transiting exoplanet properties and how they can help to understand exoplanet diversity.
Composition of transiting and transiting-only super-Earths
Authors: Valencia Diana
Published: November 2011

The relatively recent detections of the first three transiting super-Earths mark the beginning of a subfield within exoplanets that is both fruitful and challenging. The first step into characterizing these objects is to infer their composition given the degenerate character of the problem. The calculations show that Kepler-10b has a composition between an Earth-like and a Mercury-like (enriched in iron) composition. In contrast, GJ 1214b is too large to be solid, and has to have a volatile envelope. Lastly, while three of the four reported mass estimates of CoRoT-7b allow for a rocky composition, one forbids it and can only be reconciled with significant amounts of water vapor. In addition to these three transiting low-mass planets, there are now more than one thousand Kepler planets with only measured radius. Even without a mass measurement (“transiting-only”) it is still possible to place constraints on the amount of volatile content of the highly-irradiated planets, as their envelopes, if present, are flared. Using Kepler-9d as an example, we estimate its water vapor, or hydrogen and helium content to be less than 50% or 0.1% by mass respectively.
The origin of retrograde hot Jupiters
Authors: Naoz Smadar , Farr Will M. , Lithwick Yoram , Rasio Frederic A.
Published: November 2011

Many hot Jupiters are observed to be misaligned with respect to the rotation axis of the star (as measured through the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect) and some (about ~ 25%) even appear to be in retrograde orbits. We show that the presence of an additional, moderately inclined and eccentric massive planet in the system can naturally explain close, inclined, eccentric, and even retrograde orbits. We have derived a complete and accurate treatment of the secular dynamics including both the key octupole-order effects and tidal friction. The flow of angular momentum from the inner orbit to the orbit of the perturber can lead to both high eccentricities and inclinations, and even flip the inner orbit. In our treatment the component of the inner orbit's angular momentum perpendicular to the stellar equatorial plane can change sign; a brief excursion to very high eccentricity during the chaotic evolution of the inner orbit can then lead to rapid “tidal capture,” forming a retrograde hot Jupiter. Previous treatments of the secular dynamics focusing on stellar-mass perturbers would not allow for such an outcome, since in that limit the component of the inner orbit's angular momentum perpendicular to the stellar equatorial plane is strictly conserved. Thus, the inclination of the planet's orbit could not change from prograde to retrograde.
Evolution of spin direction of accreting magnetic protostars and spin-orbit misalignment in exoplanetary systems
Authors: Lai Dong , Foucart Francois , Lin Douglas N. C.
Published: November 2011

Recent observations have shown that in many exoplanetary systems the spin axis of the parent star is misaligned with the planet's orbital axis. These have been used to argue against the scenario that short-period planets migrated to their present-day locations due to tidal interactions with their natal discs. However, this interpretation is based on the assumption that the spins of young stars are parallel to the rotation axes of protostellar discs around them. We show that the interaction between a magnetic star and its circumstellar disc can (although not always) have the effect of pushing the stellar spin axis away from the disc angular momentum axis toward the perpendicular state and even the retrograde state. Planets formed in the disc may therefore have their orbital axes misaligned with the stellar spin axis, even before any additional planet-planet scatterings or Kozai interactions take place. In general, magnetosphere–disc interactions lead to a broad distribution of the spin–orbit angles, with some systems aligned and other systems misaligned.
A roadmap towards habitable exoplanets by the Blue Dots Initiative
Authors: du Foresto V. Coudé ,   the Blue Dots participants
Published: November 2011

This paper is an abridged version of the report produced by the Blue Dots initiative, whose activities include the elaboration of a roadmap towards the spectroscopic characterization of habitable exoplanets. The full version of the Blue Dots report can be downloaded at http://www.blue-dots.net/spip.php?article105. While the roadmap will need to be updated regularly, it is expected that the methodology developed within Blue Dots will provide a durable framework for the elaboration of future revisions.
The Gaia astrometric survey for exoplanets in the solar neighborhood
Authors: Busonero Deborah
Published: November 2011

The Gaia astrometric mission holds the promise for crucial contributions to almost every subject of astrophysics and astronomy, including planetary systems astrophysics. We focus on the potential of the Gaia mission as perfect tool for a complete screening of nearby stars in search for exoplanets. We build our dissertation on the most recent results of the satellites astrometric payload performances and data reduction capabilities. We put the identified capabilities in context by illustrating the outstanding contribution to planetary sciences, in combination with nowadays and next decade exoplanets search programs, as a complement to other indirect and direct methods for the detection and characterization of planetary systems. We conclude by highlighting the crucial improvements in the optimization of the target lists of future dedicated observatory projects.
How common are Earth-Moon planetary systems?
Authors: Elser Sebastian , Stadel Joachim , Moore Ben , Morishima Ryuji
Published: November 2011

The Earth's comparatively massive moon, formed via a giant impact on the proto-Earth, has played an important role in the development of life on our planet. Here we study how frequently Earth-Moon planetary systems occur. We derive limits on the collision parameters that may guarantee the formation of a circumplanetary disk after a protoplanet collision that could form a satellite. Based on a large set of simulations, we observe potential moon forming impacts and conclude that giant impacts with the required energy and orbital parameters for producing a binary planetary system occur frequently with more than one in ten terrestrial planets hosting a massive moon.
Long-term stability of the dead-zone in proto-planetary disks
Authors: Flock Mario , Turner Neal , Dzyurkevich Natalia , Klahr Hubert
Published: November 2011

We present 3D global non-ideal MHD simulations with a self consistent dynamic evolution of ionization fraction of the gas as result of reduced chemical network. We include X-ray ionization from the star as well as cosmic ray ionization. Based on local gas density and temperature in our chemical network, we determine the magnetic resistivity, which is fed back in MHD simulations. Parameters for dust size and abundance are chosen to have accreting layers and a laminar “dead” mid-plane.
High-contrast polarimetric imaging of the protoplanetary disk around AB Aurigae
Authors: Fukagawa M. , Wisniewski J. P. , Hashimoto J. , Okamoto Y. , Grady C. A. , Muto T. , Inutsuka S.-I. , Hodapp K. W. , Kudo T. , Momose M. , Shibai H. , Tamura M. ,   the SEEDS Team
Published: November 2011

We present the spatially-resolved polarization measurements for the disk around the Herbig Ae star, AB Aurigae. The images were obtained in J, H, and Ks bands with the coronagraphic camera HiCIAO on the Subaru Telescope. The inner region beyond 30 AU from the star was imaged, which reveals an azimuthal dip, a radial gap at around 80 AU, and complex spiral-like emission in polarized light.
Volatiles and refratories in solar analogs: No terrestial planet connection
Authors: González Hernández Jonay I. , Israelian Garik , Santos Nuno C. , Sousa Sergio , Delgado-Mena Elisa , Neves Vasco , Udry Stéphane
Published: November 2011

We have analysed very high-quality HARPS and UVES spectra of 95 solar analogs, 24 hosting planets and 71 without detected planets, to search for any possible signature of terrestial planets in the chemical abundances of volatile and refractory elements with respect to the solar abundances.

We demonstrate that stars with and without planets in this sample show similar mean abundance ratios, in particular, a sub-sample of 14 planet-host and 14 “single” solar analogs in the metallicity range 0.14 < [Fe/H] < 0.36. In addition, two of the planetary systems in this sub-sample, containing each of them a super-Earth-like planet with masses in the range ~ 7-11 Earth masses, have different volatile-to-refratory abundance ratios to what would be expected from the presence of a terrestial planets.

Finally, we check that after removing the Galactic chemical evolution effects any possible difference in mean abundances, with respect to solar values, of refratory and volatile elements practically dissappears.
Forming short-period earth-like planets via a collision-merger scenario
Authors: Jin Sheng , Ji Jianghui , Tinney Chris G.
Published: November 2011

We present a new formation mechanism to produce short-period Earth-like planets in the late stage of planet formation, through a collision-merger scenario. In this scenario, a planetary embryo is directly thrown into a close-in orbit after a collision with another embryo, and then the larger merged body is seized by the central star as a hot Earth-like planet.
Exoplanet discovery and characterisation through robotic follow-up of microlensing events: Season 2010 results
Authors: Street Rachel A. , Tsapras Yiannis , Horne Keith , Snodgrass Colin , Bramich Daniel M. , Dominik Martin , Hawkins Eric , Browne Paul , Han Cheongho , Steele Iain , Dodds Peter , Liebig Christine
Published: November 2011

Microlensing searches for planets are sensitive to small, cold exoplanets from 1–6 AU from their host stars and therefore probe an important part of parameter space. Other techniques would require many years of observations, often from space, to detect similar systems. Microlensing events can be characterised from only ground-based observations over a relatively short (≤100d) timescales. LCOGT and SUPA/St Andrews are building a robotic global network of telescopes that will be well suited to follow these events. Here we present preliminary results of the Galactic Bulge observing season 2010 March–October.
Modeling giant planets and brown dwarfs
Authors: Becker Andreas , Nettelmann Nadine , Kramm Ulrike , Lorenzen Winfried , French Martin , Redmer Ronald
Published: November 2011

We present new results in modeling the interiors of Giant Planets (GP) and Brown Dwarfs (BD). In general models of the interior rely on equation of state data for planetary materials which have considerable uncertainties in the high-pressure domain. Our calculations are based on ab initio equation of state (EOS) data for hydrogen, helium, hydrogen-helium mixtures and water as the representative of all heavier elements or ices using finite-temperature density functional theory molecular dynamics (FT-DFT-MD) simulations. We compare results for the BD Gliese 229B calculated with Saumon-Chabrier-Van Horn EOS (SCVH95) and our EOS data.
A new look at NICMOS transmission spectroscopy: No conclusive evidence for molecular features
Authors: Gibson Neale P. , Pont Frederic , Aigrain Suzanne
Published: November 2011

We present a re-analysis of archival HST/NICMOS transmission spectroscopy of the exoplanet system, HD 189733, from which detections of several molecules have been claimed. As expected, we can replicate the transmission spectrum previously published when we use an identical model for the systematic effects, although the uncertainties are larger as we use a residual permutation algorithm in an effort to account for instrumental systematics. We also find that the transmission spectrum is considerably altered when slightly changing the instrument model, and conclude that the NICMOS transmission spectrum is too dependent on the method used to remove systematics to be considered a robust detection of molecular species, given that there is no physical reason to believe that the baseline flux should be modelled as a linear function of any chosen set of parameters.
Hot Jupiters and the evolution of stellar angular momentum
Authors: Damiani Cilia , Lanza Antonino F.
Published: November 2011

A close-in massive planet affects the angular momentum of its host star through tidal and magnetic interactions. The transiting planets allow us to study the distribution of the spin and orbital angular momenta in star-planet systems. Considering a sample of about 70 systems, we find that stars having an effective temperature between 6000 and 6700 K and a rotation period shorter than 10 days show a rotation synchronized with the orbit of their hot Jupiters or have a rotation period twice the orbital period of their planets. Such rotational behaviours cannot be explained on the basis of tidal interactions alone. Besides, the gyrochronology relationship for those systems holds if an angular momentum loss rate smaller by about 30 percent than in stars without hot Jupiters is assumed.