bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DFT investigation of the interactions of Pd, Ag, Sn, and Cs with silicon carbide
Authors: Rabone Jeremy , Kovács Attila
Published: June 2014

With a view to understand the diffusion of radionuclides through the silicon carbide layers in tristructural isotropic coated fuel particles, density functional theory calculations are applied to assess the interaction of palladium, silver, tin, and caesium with silicon carbide. The silicon carbide molecule (Si2C2), crystalline cubic silicon carbide (β‐SiC), and the (120) ∑5 grain boundary of β‐SiC are investigated to elucidate the differences in the interactions of silicon carbide with these elements. The main stabilizing forces in the PdSi2C2 complex were found to be donor‐acceptor charge transfer (covalent) interactions, the Ag and Sn complexes involve significant contributions from both electrostatic and covalent interactions, while the Cs atom is bonded dominantly by electrostatic forces. For the unconstrained MSi2C2 model, the following energetic ordering was obtained: Pd > Sn > Cs > Ag. The steric constraints in the bulk SiC and on the grain boundary change the order of binding energies to Pd > Ag > Sn > Cs in the interstitials and Pd > Sn > Ag > Cs in vacancies and at the grain boundary. By comparing the incorporation energies in the solid phases, it is possible to group these elements by similarities in the patterns of incorporation energies. Silver and palladium form a group with carbon, tin is grouped with silicon, and caesium is on its own. © 2014 European Commission. International Journal of Quantum Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Basics of the spin Hamiltonian formalism
Authors: Mostafanejad Mohammad
Published: June 2014

Based on the relation between quantum mechanical concepts such as effective Hamiltonians (EHs), perturbation theory (PT), and unitary transformations, and phenomenological aspects of spin Hamiltonians (SHs), the present tutorial tries to address the basics of the SH formalism. Using simple physical models and historical important examples, we have reviewed the derivation methods and applications of the SHs for a brief and in‐depth description of various sources of anisotropies and interactions such as electronic (EZ), and nuclear Zeeman (NZ), terms, electron‐exchange interaction (EE), zero‐field splitting (ZFS), spin–spin (SS), spin‐orbit (SO), nuclear quadrupole (NQ), and hyperfine couplings (HFCs), in a step‐wise manner. In this way, this tutorial is tailored for the graduate students and young researchers who intend to begin their studies in the field of magnetism, electron magnetic resonance (EMR), spectroscopy, and related areas. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiple plasmonic effect on photocurrent generation of metal‐loaded titanium dioxide composite/dye films on gold grating surface
Authors: Chomkitichai Weerasak , Ninsonti Hathaithip , Baba Akira , Phanichphant Sukon , Shinbo Kazunari , Kato Keizo , Kaneko Futao
Published: June 2014

We demonstrate the multiple plasmonic effect on the photocurrent properties of photoanodes containing Ag or Au nanoparticles (NPs) loaded onto titanium dioxide film (Ag–TiO2 or Au–TiO2) on Au grating surfaces. Ag–TiO2 or Au–TiO2 nanocomposite particles are prepared by a flame spray pyrolysis route. The structures and morphologies of the prepared products are characterized by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Ag–TiO2 or Au–TiO2 composite NPs are deposited by spin coating onto the Au grating surfaces. The photoanode electrode is a layered structure of blu‐ray disc‐recordable grating substrate/Au/Ag (or Au)–TiO2/dye/electrolyte/indium‐tin oxide. The plasmonic effect is induced when Ag or Au NPs are located within the propagating surface plasmon (SP) field on the Au grating surface. The short‐circuit photocurrent is increased by exciting the grating‐coupled propagating SP on the Au gratings and is further enhanced by positioning the Ag or Au NPs within the grating‐coupled SP field. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of Motor Function of the Remnant Stomach by 13C Breath Test With Special Reference to Gastric Local Resection
Authors: Kawamura Masahiko , Nakada Koji , Konishi Hideo , Iwasaki Taizo , Murakami Keishiro , Mitsumori Norio , Hanyu Nobuyoshi , Omura Nobuo , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: June 2014

Background

Indications for gastric local resection (LR) include gastrointestinal stromal tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, and early gastric cancer. LR is expected to preserve physiological function and ameliorate postgastrectomy syndrome.

Methods

Gastric emptying was assessed by the 13C‐acetate breath test in 20 healthy volunteers (HVs) and 60 gastrectomized patients [distal gastrectomy with Billroth I reconstruction (DGBI) in 26 patients, LR in 34 patients]. For the 13C breath test, 100 mg of 13C‐acetate sodium salt was mixed in a test meal. Breath samples were collected before intake and during the next 3 h. We compared the gastric reservoir capacity using the gastric retention rate at 5 min (RR5) and gastric emptying by the half emptying time (T½). Patients completed a questionnaire survey about their symptoms, dietary intake, body weight, and restriction of activities of daily living [reflecting quality of life (QOL)].

Results

The RR5 values for the HV, LR, and DGBI groups were 93.7, 90.0, and 45.3* %, respectively (*compared to HV and LR, p < 0.0001). The T½ values were 23.3, 20.2, and 5.9* min, respectively. Dietary intake and body weight change were significantly more reduced in the DGBI group than the LR group (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that the reservoir capacity in those with LR at the lesser curvature was more disturbed than that in patients with LR at the greater curvature. The questionnaire showed no differences in those patients’ QOL.

Conclusions

Because the reservoir capacity, the gastric emptying and QOL were maintained, LR is an option for selected patients with early gastric cancer.
A novel approach for improving the yield of Bacillus subtilis transglutaminase in heterologous strains
Authors: Liu Yihan , Lin Song , Zhang Xiqing , Liu Xiaoguang , Wang Jianling , Lu Fuping
Published: June 2014

The transglutaminase (BTG) from Bacillus subtilis is considered to be a new type of transglutaminase for the food industry. Given that the BTG gene only encodes a mature peptide, the expression of BTG in heterologous microbial hosts could affect their normal growth due to BTG’s typical transglutaminase activity which can catalyze cross-linking of proteins in the cells. Therefore, we developed a novel approach to suppress BTG activity and reduce the toxicity on microbial hosts, thus improving BTG yield. Genes encoding the respective regions of transglutaminase propeptide from seven species of Streptomyces were fused to the N-terminal of the BTG gene to produce fusion proteins. We found that all the fused propeptides could suppress BTG activity. Importantly, BTG activity could be completely restored after the removal of the propeptides by proteolytic cleavage. Of the seven propeptides tested, the propeptide proD from Streptomyces caniferus had the strongest suppressive effect on BTG activity (70 % of the activity suppressed). Moreover, fusion protein proD-BTG (containing proD) also exhibited the highest yield which was more than twofold of the expression level of BTG in an active form in Escherichia coli. Secretion expression of BTG and proD-BTG in Corynebacterium glutamicum further showed that our novel approach was suitable for the efficient BTG expression, thus providing a valuable platform for further optimization of large-scale BTG production.
Between‐island compositional dissimilarity of avian communities
Authors: Pitta Eva , Kassara Christina , Tzanatos Evangelos , Giokas Sinos , Sfenthourakis Spyros
Published: June 2014

Compositional dissimilarity patterns of biotic communities can vary among different types of insular systems and among taxa with different dispersal abilities. In this work we examined compositional dissimilarity patterns of four avian groups, namely birds of prey, waterbirds, seabirds and landbirds, in various insular systems around the world. Compositional dissimilarity of avian communities was calculated for 25 presence‐absence matrices compiled from the literature. We used generalized linear mixed‐effects models to check for differences in between‐island compositional dissimilarity among the aforementioned avian groups that differ in their dispersal abilities, as well as between two different types of insular systems, oceanic and continental shelf. In agreement with our original hypothesis, landbirds which have relatively poorer dispersal abilities than birds of prey and waterbirds, exhibit higher between‐island compositional dissimilarity compared to these two avian groups. On the contrary, seabirds present a deviation from the expected pattern, since they show higher between‐island compositional dissimilarity compared to landbirds, even though they also have better dispersal abilities than landbirds, which can be explained by the relatively irregular occurrence of proper breeding habitats among islands for this avian group. Island type (oceanic or continental shelf) does not appear to affect between‐island compositional dissimilarity of avian communities. Distance, area and elevation differences among islands are positively related to compositional dissimilarity. In conclusion, compositional dissimilarity of avian communities differs between avian groups but cannot always be associated with differences in the dispersal ability among these groups.
Interaction Between Cationic and Anionic Surfactants: Detergency and Foaming Properties of Mixed Systems
Authors: Wang Ruitao , Li Yunling , Li Yuan
Published: June 2014

The micellar and interfacial behavior of mixtures of the anionic surfactant (alcohol ether sulfate, AES) with quaternary ammonium type cationic surfactants dodecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (DTAC), dodecyl‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐dimethyl ammonium chloride (DHDAC), dodecyl‐di(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐methyl ammonium chloride (DHHAC) were investigated by means of surface tension measurements. Various physicochemical properties such as surface activity parameters (CMC, γCMC, Гmax, Amin), the micellar and interfacial compositions (x1m, x1σ), interaction parameters (βm, βσ), and activity coefficients (, , , ) were evaluated. The influence of the hydroxyethyl groups of cationic surfactant component on the physicochemical properties of mixed systems has been analyzed. It is observed that the CMC values of the three mixed systems decrease with increases in the number of hydroxyethyl groups of the cationic surfactant component. From the results of βσ and βm values, the interactions between molecules for the three surfactant mixtures at the air/liquid interface increase in the following order DHHAC/AES < DHDAC/AES < DTAC/AES, but it is the opposite for the interactions in mixed micelles. The detergency and foaming properties of mixed systems were also studied. As expected, complex surfactant systems exhibit good detergency and foaming properties.
Interaction Study of Anionic Surfactant with Aqueous Non‐Ionic Polymers from Conductivity, Density and Speed of Sound Measurements
Authors: Chauhan Suvarcha , Singh Ram , Sharma Kundan , Kumar Kuldeep
Published: June 2014

In the present study, we have investigated in detail the interactions of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with aqueous polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and various PEG + PVP mixtures at 293.15, 303.15 and 313.15 K by applying conductivity, density and speed of sound techniques. From experimentally measured data, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) values, standard free energy of micellization (ΔGmo), standard enthalpy of micellization (ΔHmo), standard entropy of micellization (ΔSmo), isentropic compressibilities (κs), apparent molar volumes (ϕv) and apparent molar isentropic compressions (ϕk) of SDS in aqueous polymer mixtures have been calculated. The nature of the process of micellization has been evidenced from the magnitude of ΔGmo, ΔHmo and ΔSmo values. The trends of variations obtained in the various parameters have been explained in terms of the electrostatic as well as hydrophobic interactions pertaining in SDS−PEG/PVP−water systems.
MALDI‐TOF Fingerprinting of Seminal Plasma Lipids in the Study of Human Male Infertility
Authors: Camargo Mariana , Intasqui Paula , Bruna de Lima Camila , Montani Daniela Antunes , Nichi Marcílio , Pilau Eduardo Jorge , Gozzo Fabio Cesar , Lo Turco Edson Guimarães , Bertolla Ricardo Pimenta
Published: June 2014

This study proposed lipid fingerprinting of human seminal plasma by mass spectrometry as an analytical method to differentiate biological conditions. For this purpose, we chose infertile men as a model to study specific conditions, namely: high and low seminal plasma lipid peroxidation levels (sub‐study 1.1), high and low sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation (sub‐study 1.2), and intervention status: before and after subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy (study 2). Study 1 included 133 patients, of which 113 were utilized for sub‐study 1.1 and 89 for sub‐study 1.2. Study 2 included 17 adult men submitted to subinguinal varicocelectomy, before and 90 days after varicocelectomy. Lipids were extracted from seminal plasma and submitted to Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Quadrupole‐Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry in the positive ionization mode. Spectra were processed using Waters® MassLynx, and MetaboAnalyst online software was used for statistical analyses. For sub‐studies 1.1 and 1.2, and study 2, univariate analysis revealed 8, 87 and 34 significant ions, respectively. Multivariate analysis was performed through PCA and PLS‐DA. PCA generated 56, 32 and 34 components respectively for each study and these were submitted to logistic regression. A ROC curve was plotted and the area under the curve was equal to 97.4, 92.5 and 96.5 %. PLS‐DA generated a list of 19, 24 and 23 VIP ions for sub‐studies 1.1 and 1.2, and study 2, respectively. Therefore, this study established the lipid profile and comparison of patterns altered in response to specific biological conditions.
Enhanced Solubility and Oral Bioavailability of γ‐Tocotrienol Using a Self‐Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEDDS)
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed , Alayoubi Alaadin , Nazzal Sami , Sylvester Paul W. , Kaddoumi Amal
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of γ‐tocotrienol (γ‐T3) incorporated in a self‐emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) and to compare its enhanced performance to a commercially available product, namely Tocovid Suprabio™ (hereafter Tocovid), containing tocotrienols. The solubilization of γ‐T3 was tested in a dynamic in vitro lipolysis model followed by in vitro cellular uptake study for the lipolysis products. In addition, in vitro uptake studies using Caco2 cells were conducted at different concentrations of γ‐T3 prepared as SEDDS, Tocovid, or mixed micelles. γ‐T3 incorporated in SEDDS or Tocovid was orally administered to rats at different doses and absolute oral bioavailability from both formulations were determined. The dynamic in vitro lipolysis experiment showed about two fold increase in the solubilization of γ‐T3 prepared as SEDDS compared to Tocovid, which correlated with higher cellular uptake in the subsequent uptake studies. In vitro cellular uptake and in vivo oral bioavailability studies have shown a twofold increase in the cellular uptake and oral bioavailability of γ‐T3 incorporated in SEDDS compared to Tocovid as a result of improvement in its solubility and passive uptake as confirmed by in vitro studies. In conclusion, incorporation of γ‐T3 in SEDDS formulation enhanced γ‐T3 solubilization and passive permeability, thus its cellular uptake and oral bioavailability when compared to Tocovid.
Nanotribological studies using nanoparticle manipulation: Principles and application to structural lubricity
Authors: Dietzel Dirk , Schwarz Udo D. , Schirmeisen André
Published: June 2014

The term “structural lubricity” denotes a fundamental concept where the friction between two atomically flat surfaces is reduced due to lattice mismatch at the interface. Under favorable circumstances, its effect may cause a contact to experience ultra-low friction, which is why it is also referred to as “superlubricity”. While the basic principle is intriguingly simple, the experimental analysis of structural lubricity has been challenging. One of the main reasons for this predicament is that the tool most frequently used in nanotribology, the friction force microscope, is not well suited to analyse the friction of extended nanocontacts. To overcome this deficiency, substantial efforts have been directed in recent years towards establishing nanoparticle manipulation techniques, where the friction of nanoparticles sliding on a substrate is measured, as an alternative approach to nanotribological research. By choosing appropriate nanoparticles and substrates, interfaces exhibiting the characteristics needed for the occurrence of structural lubricity can be created. As a consequence, nanoparticle manipulation experiments such as in this review represent a unique opportunity to study the physical conditions and processes necessary to establish structural lubricity, thereby opening a path to exploit this effect in technological applications.
High‐speed atomic force microscopy: Imaging and force spectroscopy
Authors: Eghiaian Frédéric , Rico Felix , Colom Adai , Casuso Ignacio , Scheuring Simon
Published: June 2014

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is the type of scanning probe microscopy that is probably best adapted for imaging biological samples in physiological conditions with submolecular lateral and vertical resolution. In addition, AFM is a method of choice to study the mechanical unfolding of proteins or for cellular force spectroscopy. In spite of 28 years of successful use in biological sciences, AFM is far from enjoying the same popularity as electron and fluorescence microscopy. The advent of high‐speed atomic force microscopy (HS‐AFM), about 10 years ago, has provided unprecedented insights into the dynamics of membrane proteins and molecular machines from the single‐molecule to the cellular level. HS‐AFM imaging at nanometer‐resolution and sub‐second frame rate may open novel research fields depicting dynamic events at the single bio‐molecule level. As such, HS‐AFM is complementary to other structural and cellular biology techniques, and hopefully will gain acceptance from researchers from various fields. In this review we describe some of the most recent reports of dynamic bio‐molecular imaging by HS‐AFM, as well as the advent of high‐speed force spectroscopy (HS‐FS) for single protein unfolding.
Emergence of pyridoxal phosphorylation through a promiscuous ancestor during the evolution of hydroxymethyl pyrimidine kinases
Authors: Castro-Fernandez Victor , Bravo-Moraga Felipe , Ramirez-Sarmiento Cesar A. , Guixe Victoria
Published: June 2014

In the family of ATP‐dependent vitamin kinases, several bifunctional enzymes that phosphorylate hydroxymethyl pyrimidine (HMP) and pyridoxal (PL) have been described besides enzymes specific towards HMP. To determine how bifunctionality emerged, we reconstructed the sequence of three ancestors of HMP kinases, experimentally resurrected, and assayed the enzymatic activity of their last common ancestor. The latter has ∼8‐fold higher specificity for HMP due to a glutamine residue (Gln44) that is a key determinant of the specificity towards HMP, although it is capable of phosphorylating both substrates. These results show how a specific enzyme with catalytic promiscuity gave rise to current bifunctional enzymes.
Retardation of fetal dendritic development induced by gestational hyperglycemia is associated with brain insulin/IGF‐I signals
Authors: Jing Yu‐Hong , Song Yan‐Feng , Yao Ya‐Ming , Yin Jie , Wang De‐gui , Gao Li‐Ping
Published: June 2014

Hyperglycemia is an essential risk factor for mothers and fetuses in gestational diabetes. Clinical observation has indicated that the offspring of mothers with diabetes shows impaired somatosensory function and IQ. However, only a few studies have explored the effects of hyperglycemia on fetal brain development. Neurodevelopment is susceptible to environmental conditions. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects of maternal hyperglycemia on fetal brain development and to evaluate insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) signals in fetal brain under hyperglycemia or controlled hyperglycemia. At day 1 of pregnancy, gestational rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozocin (60 mg/kg). Some of the hyperglycemic gestational rats were injected with insulin (20 IU, two times a day) to control hyperglycemia; the others were injected with saline of equal volume. The gestational rats were sacrificed at days 14, 16, and 18 of embryo development. The dendritic spines of subplate cortex neurons in the fetal brain were detected by Golgi–Cox staining. The mRNA levels of insulin receptors (IRs) and IGF‐IR in the fetal brain were measured using qRT‐PCR. The protein levels of synaptophysin, IR, and IGF‐IR in the fetal brain were detected by western blot. No significant difference in fetal brain formation was observed between the maternal hyperglycemic group and insulin‐treated group. By contrast, obvious retardation of dendritic development in the fetus was observed in the maternal hyperglycemic group. Similarly, synaptophysin expression was lower in the fetus of the maternal hyperglycemic group than in that of the insulin‐treated group. The mRNA and protein expression levels of IRs in the fetal brain were higher in the hyperglycemic group than in the insulin‐treated group. By contrast, the levels of IGF‐IR in the brain were lower in the fetus of the maternal hyperglycemic group than in that of the insulin‐treated group. These results suggested that maternal hyperglycemia can retard dendritic development in the fetal brain and that these changes partially resulted from abnormal insulin/IGF‐I signaling in the fetal brain.
Outcomes of minimally invasive suburethral slings with and without concomitant pelvic organ prolapse surgery
Authors: Naidu Madhu , Thakar Ranee , Sultan Abdul H.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To assess subjective outcomes among patients who underwent minimally invasive suburethral sling (MIS) surgery for stress urinary incontinence with or without concurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery.

Methods

In a prospective study between 2002 and 2010, patients who underwent MIS surgery with or without concomitant POP surgery at Croydon University Hospital, UK, completed the ICIQ‐FLUTS and ICIQ‐LUTSqol questionnaires on lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life before and 12 months after surgery.

Results

Overall, 203 patients underwent MIS surgery alone and 91 underwent concomitant POP and MIS surgery. At 12 months, the response rate was 64.3%. Before surgery, there was no significant difference between the groups in any domain of ICIQ‐FLUTS and ICIQ‐LUTSqol, except for in the incontinence domain of ICIQ‐FLUTS, for which scores were significantly worse in the MIS group (P = 0.018). All domains of ICIQ‐FLUTS and ICIQ‐LUTSqol had improved after 1 year in both groups, except for the voiding domain of the ICIQ‐FLUTS in the MIS group (P = 0.054). After surgery, there was no difference between the groups in any domain (P > 0.05). Complication rates were low in both groups.

Conclusion

MIS with concomitant POP surgery is as safe and effective as MIS surgery alone.
Role of permanent cardiac pacing for vasovagal syncope
Authors: Sumiyoshi Masataka
Published: June 2014

The role of pacemaker therapy for vasovagal syncope (VVS) is still controversial. The ISSUE 3 study led to reappraisal of pacing therapy (using DDD pacing with the rate‐drop response algorithm) for reducing syncope recurrence in a highly selected patient group (age, ≥40 years) with asystolic VVS clinically documented by implantable loop recorder. However, the role of pacemaker treatment for young (age, <40 years) VVS patients remains to be established. Psychological sequelae and the burden of the long‐term implanted device should be considered. DDD pacing with closed‐loop stimulation seems to be a promising algorithm; however, we need more data to determine the best pacing algorithm. Multicenter, prospective mega trials with a randomized and controlled design are needed to resolve these issues.
Incidence of esophageal injury after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with a low body mass index and esophageal temperature monitoring at a 39 °C setting
Authors: Kiuchi Kunihiko , Okajima Katsunori , Shimane Akira , Kanda Gaku , Yokoi Kiminobu , Teranishi Jin , Aoki Kousuke , Chimura Misato , Tsubata Hideo , Miyata Taishi , Matsuoka Yuuki , Toba Takayoshi , Ohishi Shogo , Sawada Takahiro , Tsukishiro Yasue , Onishi Tetsuari , Kobayashi Seiichi , Taniguchi Yasuyo , Yamada Shinichiro , Yasaka Yoshinori , Kawai Hiroya , Harada Takashi , Ohsawa Masato , Azumi Yasutomo , Nakamoto Mitsuharu
Published: June 2014

Background

Esophageal injury following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is reported to occur in 35% of patients. Even with a low energy setting (20–25 W), lesions develop in 10% of patients. Body mass index (BMI) has been reported to be a predictor of esophageal injury, indicating that patients with a low BMI (<24.9 kg/m2) are at a higher risk. We hypothesized that catheter ablation with a lower energy setting of 20 W controlled by esophageal temperature monitoring (ETM) at 39 °C could prevent esophageal injury even in patients with a BMI <24.9 kg/m2.

Methods

Twenty patients with AF were included (age, 63±8 years; BMI, 22.9±1.3 kg/m2, left atrium diameter, 44±11 mm). If the esophageal temperature probe registered a temperature of >39 °C, radiofrequency (RF) application was stopped immediately. RF application could be performed in a “point by point” manner for a maximum of 20 s. Endoscopy was performed 1–5 days after ablation.

Results

Esophageal mucosal injury was not observed in any patient in the study.

Conclusions

Catheter ablation using ETM reduced the incidence of esophageal injuries, even in patients with a low BMI.
Implementing an Emergency Medical Services System in Kathmandu, Nepal: A Model for “White Coat Diplomacy”
Authors: Walker Rebecca , Auerbach Paul S. , Kelley Benjamin V. , Gongal Rajesh , Amsalem David , Mahadevan Swaminatha
Published: June 2014

Wilderness medicine providers often visit foreign lands, where they come in contact with medical situations that are representative of the prevailing healthcare issues in the host countries. The standards of care for matters of acute and chronic care, public health, and crisis intervention are often below those we consider to be modern and essential. Emergency medical services (EMS) is an essential public medical service that is often found to be underdeveloped. We describe our efforts to support development of an EMS system in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, including training the first-ever class of emergency medical technicians in that country. The purpose of this description is to assist others who might attempt similar efforts in other countries and to support the notion that an effective approach to improving foreign relations is assistance such as this, which may be considered a form of “white coat diplomacy.”
A variational derivation of the geostrophic momentum approximation
Authors: Oliver Marcel
Published: June 2014

This paper demonstrates that the shallow water semigeostrophic equations arise from a degenerate second-order Hamilton principle of very special structure. The associated Euler–Lagrange operator factors into a fast and a slow first-order operator; restricting to the slow part yields the geostrophic momentum approximation as balanced dynamics. While semigeostrophic theory has been considered variationally before, this structure appears to be new. It leads to a straightforward derivation of the geostrophic momentum approximation and its associated potential vorticity law. Our observations further affirm, from a different point of view, the known difficulty in generalizing the semigeostrophic equations to the case of a spatially varying Coriolis parameter.
Healthcare and Warfare. Medical Space, Mission and Apartheid in Twentieth Century Northern Namibia
Authors: Nord Catharina
Published: June 2014

In the year 1966, the first government hospital, Oshakati hospital, was inaugurated in northern South-West Africa. It was constructed by the apartheid regime of South Africa which was occupying the territory. Prior to this inauguration, Finnish missionaries had, for 65 years, provided healthcare to the indigenous people in a number of healthcare facilities of which Onandjokwe hospital was the most important. This article discusses these two agents’ ideological standpoints. The same year, the war between the South-West African guerrillas and the South African state started, and continued up to 1988. The two hospitals became involved in the war; Oshakati hospital as a part of the South African war machinery, and Onandjokwe hospital as a ‘terrorist hospital’ in the eyes of the South Africans. The missionary Onandjokwe hospital was linked to the Lutheran church in South-West Africa, which became one of the main critics of the apartheid system early in the liberation war. Warfare and healthcare became intertwined with apartheid policies and aggression, materialised by healthcare provision based on strategic rationales rather than the people’s healthcare needs. When the Namibian state took over a ruined healthcare system in 1990, the two hospitals were hubs in a healthcare landscape shaped by missionary ambitions, war and apartheid logic.
Elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic geochemistry of the basalts and microgabbros in the Shuanggou ophiolite, SW China: implication for the evolution of the Palaeotethys Ocean
Authors: HU WEN-JUN , ZHONG HONG , ZHU WEI-GUANG , HE XIAO-HU
Published: June 2014

The Early Palaeozoic Shuanggou ophiolite is the best-preserved part of the Ailaoshan ophiolite belt. The microgabbros (basaltic dykes) and basalts (basaltic lavas) show distinct characteristics in geochemistry, implying that their genetic mechanisms are different. With Al2O3 contents ranging from 14.7% to 17.0%, the microgabbros belong to low-alumina type. They exhibit normal mid-ocean-ridge basalt (N-MORB) -like trace elemental characteristics with positive εNd(t) values (9.7–11.6) and slightly variable (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.7036–0.7046). In contrast, the basalts have high Al2O3 contents (19.5–23.2%), therefore belonging to high-alumina type. A plagioclase-accumulation model is used to account for the high alumina contents. Moreover, the basalts have enriched MORB (E-MORB) -like trace element characteristics with lower εNd(t) values (6.4–8.0) and (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.7032–0.7036). Their incompatible element ratios exhibit linear correlation with the isotopic data, which is probably related to the contribution of a mixed lithosphere–asthenosphere source. In summary, a two-stage model is proposed to explain the formation of the Shuanggou ophiolite: (1) at the continent–ocean transition stage, the basalts were generated by low-degree partial melting of the mixed mantle near a slow-spreading embryonic centre; and (2) at the mature stage of the Ailaoshan Ocean, the microgabbros were produced by moderate-degree partial melting of the depleted asthenospheric mantle.
Acquired subglottic stenosis: aetiological profile and treatment results
Authors: Pookamala S , Thakar A , Puri K , Singh P , Kumar R , Sharma S C
Published: June 2014

Objectives:

To analyse the aetiological profile and surgical results of patients with acquired chronic subglottic stenosis, and formulate a surgical scheme based on an audit of various surgical procedures.

Methods:

Thirty patients were treated by 65 procedures (31 endoscopic and 34 external) between 2004 and 2009.

Results:

Isolated subglottic stenosis was noted as unusual in the majority (27 cases), demonstrating contiguous tracheal or glottic involvement. The major aetiologies were intubation injury (n = 8) and external injury (n = 21) (i.e. blunt trauma, strangulation or penetrating injury). Vocal fold immobility and cartilage framework involvement were frequent with external injury and infrequent with intubation injury. Luminal restoration was achieved by endoscopic procedures in 2 cases, external procedures in 19 cases, and external plus adjuvant endoscopic procedures in 8 cases. The preferred surgical options were: endoscopic procedures, restricted to short, recent, grade I or II mucosal stenosis cases; and external procedures for all other stenosis situations, including isolated subglottic (anterior cricoid split plus cartilage graft), subglottic and glottic or high subglottic (anterior plus posterior cricoid split with cartilage graft), and subglottic and tracheal (cricotracheal resection with anastomosis).

Conclusions:

External injury stenosis has a worse profile than intubation injury stenosis. Anatomical categorisation of subglottic stenosis guides surgical procedure selection. Endoscopic procedures have limited indications as primary procedures but are useful adjunctive procedures.
RIGHT AND WRONG: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW HAMILTON
Authors: Sarsfield Donal
Published: June 2014

This article is the first extended analytical study of the music of the Irish composer Andrew Hamilton. It explores the aesthetic ideas that inform Hamilton's music, which often have as much in common with the work of contemporary visual artists and writers as they do with that of other composers. It discusses the particular sense of humour underlying many of his pieces, as well as his music's use of common and supposedly simple materials, which are put in the service of new and original aims.
James MacMillan premieres in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London
Authors: Conway Paul
Published: June 2014

The concerto form is well represented in James MacMillan's output. So far, he has written three for piano, two for percussion and one each for violin, viola, cello, trumpet, oboe and clarinet. There is also threaded through his output a series of concertante works, such as A Deep but Dazzling Darkness, for violin, ensemble and tape (2003), A Scotch Bestiary, for organ and orchestra (2004) and the concertino Seraph, for trumpet and strings (2010). All share a common concern to realise fully the soloist's expressive potential.
The forward kinematics of the 6-6 parallel manipulator using an evolutionary algorithm based on generalized generation gap with parent-centric crossover
Authors: Rolland Luc , Chandra Rohitash
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a fast and efficient evolutional algorithm, called the G3-PCX has been implemented to solve the forward kinematics problem (FKP) of the general parallel manipulators being modeled by the 6-6 hexapod, constituted by a fixed and mobile platforms being non planar and non-symmetrical. The two platforms are connected by six linear actuators, each of which is located between one ball joint and one universal joint. Forward kinematics are formulated using Inverse Kinematics applying one position based equation system which is converted into an objective function by expressing the sum of squared error on kinematics chain lengths and mobile platform distances. In less than one second, the 16 unique real solutions are computed with improved accuracy when compared to previous methods.
Loveis hard to understand: the relationship between transitivity and caused events in the acquisition of emotion verbs
Authors: HARTSHORNE JOSHUA K. , POGUE AMANDA , SNEDEKER JESSE
Published: June 2014

Famously,dog bites manis trivia whereasman bites dogis news. This illustrates not just a fact about the world but about language: to know who did what to whom, we must correctly identify the mapping between semantic role and syntactic position. These mappings are typically predictable, and previous work demonstrates that young children are sensitive to these patterns and so could use them in acquisition. However, there is only limited and mixed evidence that children do use this information to guide acquisition outside of the laboratory. We find that children understand emotion verbs which follow the canonical CAUSE–VERB–PATIENT pattern (Mary frightened/delighted John) earlier than those which do not (Mary feared/liked John), despite the latter's higher frequency, suggesting children's generalization of the mapping between causativity and transitivity is broad and active in acquisition.
The third and fourth pluricanonical maps of threefolds of general type
Authors: XU JINSONG
Published: June 2014

For a nonsingular projective threefold of general typeXover the field of complex numbers, we show that the fourth pluricanonical map ϕ4is not birational onto its image if and only ifXis birationally fibred by (1,2)-surfaces, provided that vol(X) ≥ 303. We also have similar characterization of birationality of ϕ3.
Photoreceptor replacement therapy: Challenges presented by the diseased recipient retinal environment
Authors: PEARSON RACHAEL A. , HIPPERT CLAIRE , GRACA ANNA B. , BARBER AMANDA C.
Published: June 2014

Vision loss caused by the death of photoreceptors is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the developed world. Rapid advances in stem cell biology and techniques in cell transplantation have made photoreceptor replacement by transplantation a very plausible therapeutic strategy. These advances include the demonstration of restoration of vision following photoreceptor transplantation and the generation of transplantable populations of donor cells from stem cells. In this review, we present a brief overview of the recent progress in photoreceptor transplantation. We then consider in more detail some of the challenges presented by the degenerating retinal environment that must play host to these transplanted cells, how these may influence transplanted photoreceptor cell integration and survival, and some of the progress in developing strategies to circumnavigate these issues.
Taking Stock of Utilitarianism
Authors: CRISP ROGER
Published: June 2014

This article is an attempt to take an overview of the current position of utilitarian theory. It begins by providing a definition of utilitarianism as it is found in the works of Bentham, Mill and Sidgwick. These authors are all interpreted as intuitionists. It is claimed that the main rivals to utilitarianism are egoism on the one hand, and reflective non-egoistic pluralism, as found in the work of Ross, on the other. The significance of disagreement between proponents of these views is explained, and modern attempts to ground utilitarianism are found lacking. The article ends with a plea for history.
Nongovernmental International Human Rights Organizations: The Case of Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Wai-man
Published: June 2014

This article examines the contributions of nongovernmental international human rights organizations (NGIHRO) in promoting a broad sense of human rights in hybrid regimes using the cases of Amnesty International Hong Kong (AIHK), Green Peace Hong Kong (GPHK), and Oxfam Hong Kong (OHK). It contends that NGIHROs have made significant contributions to public education and fund-raising in Hong Kong. However, with regard to the human rights conditions, it is erroneous to consider Hong Kong as part of the developed world. Together with other probable political considerations, doing so may have led to gaps in the organizations’ roles and functions as advocates for human rights in Hong Kong. In the final analysis, this article uses the political protests in Hong Kong to illustrate the importance of addressing the implications of demands for preserving the local identity and alternative lifestyles in the broader understanding of human rights.
Unsettling Lessons: Teaching Indigenous Politics and Settler Colonialism in Political Science
Authors: Wadsworth Nancy D.
Published: June 2014

Indigenous politics and history are central to and, indeed, intertwined with the history and politics of many if not most contemporary nations, yet the topics of indigenous politics and settler colonialism are rarely taught in undergraduate political science programs. This article outlines the pedagogical utility of an undergraduate course focused on indigenous history and politics, approached through a comparative race politics framework. The course on which this article is based compares state power and indigenous rights in the United States, Australia, and Latin America in historical context, but many variations are possible. The article first reviews the context for developing the course, the challenges related to teaching the subject, and my primary teaching objectives. It then outlines three pedagogical strategies applicable in other course frameworks and discusses positive learning outcomes I have observed as I refine this teaching area.
Protected areas and economic welfare: an impact evaluation of national parks on local workers' wages in Costa Rica
Authors: Robalino Juan , Villalobos Laura
Published: June 2014

The number of protected areas around the world has significantly increased. However, the effects of this policy on the wellbeing of local households are still under debate. Using pre-treatment characteristics and household surveys with highly disaggregated geographic reference, we explore how national parks affect the wages of local workers in Costa Rica. We use matching techniques to control for the endogenous location of parks. We find that parks' effects on wages are, on average, positive and significant, but the magnitudes vary. Wages close to parks are higher for local workers living near tourist entrances. However, there is no robust evidence of positive effects for those close to parks but far away from tourist entrances. With our individual-level data, we also show that the positive effects on local households might not be as large as suggested by previous studies that use aggregated level data containing both local and immigrant households.
WEIGHTED SOLVABILITY FOR PARABOLIC EQUATIONS WITH PARTIALLY BMO COEFFICIENTS AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Authors: TANG LIN
Published: June 2014

We consider the weighted$L_p$solvability for divergence and nondivergence form parabolic equations with partially bounded mean oscillation (BMO) coefficients and certain positive potentials. As an application, global regularity in Morrey spaces for divergence form parabolic operators with partially BMO coefficients on a bounded domain is established.
Indication for the Assessment of Driver Fitness after Problematic Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Reimann Caroline , Schubert Wolfgang , Berg Michael , Meer Elke van der
Published: June 2014

Objectives: The present review of literature examines the relationship of alcohol consumption and fitness to drive. The legal limit (1,6 ‰) for establishing fitness to drive by means of a medical-psychological assessment (MPA) in Germany is analyzed on the background of published empirical research to present recommendations for the improvement of the current legal situation and administrative practice. Methods: 103 published articles have been analysed (inclusion criteria: completeness, comprehensibility, and experimental manipulation of the blood alcohol concentration [BAC]). The number of alcohol-induced impairments is to be shown in a quantitative analysis. The qualitative analyses of the studies will reveal the impaired areas of psychological and medical functioning. Results: It appears that 97 % of the documented impairments occur at a maximum BAC of 1,1 ‰. Numerous skills are impaired by low doses of alcohol (e. g. attention, memory, perception). Conclusion: Alcohol-induced impairments arise at a BAC far below 1.6 ‰, which marks the legal limit for a medical-psychological assessment (MPA) after drunk driving in Germany. The BAC limit in the current ordinance for assigning a medical-psychological fitness assessment cannot be confirmed on the basis of research findings. A reduction of this BAC limit to 1,1 ‰ is proposed.
Salting-out induced liquid–liquid microextraction based on the system of acetonitrile/magnesium sulfate for trace-level quantitative analysis of fluoroquinolones in water, food and biological matrices by high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector
Authors: Du Dongli , Dong Guozhong , Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Jingjing , Gao Ming , Wang Xuedong , Li Yanyan
Published: June 2014

A convenient, economical SILLME method coupled with HPLC/FLD for sample preparation, extraction and trace-level quantitative determination of fluoroquinolones is reported.
Total synthesis of the cyanobacterial metabolite nostodione A: discovery of its antiparasitic activity against Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: McNulty J. , Keskar K. , Bordón C. , Yolken R. , Jones-Brando L.
Published: June 2014

A diversity-oriented total synthesis of nostodione-A and analogues and their antiparasitic activity againstToxoplasma gondiiis reported.
Fabrication of single-crystal few-layer graphene domains on copper by modified low-pressure chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Shi Y. G. , Wang D. , Zhang J. C. , Zhang P. , Shi X. F. , Hao Y.
Published: June 2014

Few-layer graphene domains are fabricated by modified LPCVD on Cu and the growth mechanism is schematically shown in the figure.
Interpolation of extensive routine water pollution monitoring datasets: methodology and discussion of implications for aquifer management
Authors: Yuval Yuval , Rimon Yaara , Graber Ellen R. , Furman Alex
Published: June 2014

We present methodology for mapping groundwater pollution plumes in a large aquifer while also delineating the clean areas that are fit for water production.
Monodisperse functional microspheres from step-growth “click” polymerizations: preparation, functionalization and implementation
Authors: Wang Chen , Podgórski Maciej , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: June 2014

We introduce a new paradigm in microparticles, where “click” chemistry enables the fabrication of functional monodisperse microspheres from step-growth polymerization at ambient conditions.
Effect of 1,3-adamantane bridging units within the surrounding macrocycle of squaraine rotaxanes
Authors: Collins Carleton G. , Johnson Andrew T. , Connell Richard D. , Nelson Ruth A. , Murgu Ivan , Oliver Allen G. , Smith Bradley D.
Published: June 2014

Squaraine rotaxanes with macrocycles containing 1,3-adamantanedicarboxamide bridging units have altered chemical and luminescent properties due to a more loosely held rotaxane co-conformation.
Antibacterial activity of two-dimensional MoS2 sheets
Authors: Yang Xi , Li Jie , Liang Tao , Ma Chunyan , Zhang Yingying , Chen Hongzheng , Hanagata Nobutaka , Su Huanxing , Xu Mingsheng
Published: June 2014

Graphene-like two-dimensional materials (2DMats) show application potential in optoelectronics and biomedicine due to their unique properties.
Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of isoindoloquinazolinones via dicarbonylation of 1,2-dibromoarenes
Authors: Chen Jianbin , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: June 2014

The first example of palladium-catalyzed carbonylative synthesis of isoindoloquinazolinones has been developed. Using 1,2-dibromobenzenes and 2-aminobenzyl amine as substrates, the products were isolated in moderate to good yields with the installation of two molecules of CO.
Intermolecular reactions of gold(i)-carbenes with furans by related mechanisms
Authors: Lebœuf David , Gaydou Morgane , Wang Yahui , Echavarren Antonio M.
Published: June 2014

The intermolecular gold(i)-catalyzed reactions of propargyl carboxylates, 1,6-enynes, or 7-substituted 1,3,5-cycloheptatrienes with furans afford cyclopentenones, polyenes or polycyclic compounds by related mechanisms initiated by the electrophilic addition of gold(i) carbenes to furans followed by ring-opening.
Aptamer based surface enhanced Raman scattering detection of adenosine using various core sizes of Au–Ag core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Ko Fu-Hsiang , Chang Yu-Cheng
Published: June 2014

The combination of the varied sizes of Au NPs and seeding growth approach can be exploited to control the sizes of Au–Ag core–shell NPs. The silicon substrates with self-assembled Au–Ag core–shell NPs can be used to detect adenosine by a structures-switch aptamer.