bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creativity with Building Information Modelling Tools
Authors: Ahmad A.M. , Demian P. , Price A.D.F.
Published: June 2013

Whilst the application of BIM continues to be acknowledged and prevailing, design practitioners and academics find themselves in a paradox with an on-going discussion on the impact of BIM tools on design creativity and innovation. Literature suggests that BIM tools can hinder design creativity due to: parametric limitations; interoperability; and the demand for detailed information at preliminary design stages. However, other literature shows that BIM tools increase design creativity, and at some point provide limitless opportunities to be creative. The aim of this paper is to identify and verify the impact of BIM tools on design creativity. It is important for architectural students and practioners to be aware of the impact of BIM tools on the design. A literature review was used to identify the benefits and constraints of BIM tools on design creativity; a questionnaire survey was used to verify its impact. The questionnaire survey was conducted with the top 100 UK architectural firms (group one) and CNBR Yahoo Group (group two). It was found that BIM tools do not affect design creativity and innovation in the opinion of the respondents. This paper enlightens the status-quo of BIM tools on creativity and innovation, but will focus on the impact of BIM tools on architectural design creativity in the early design phase more closely. This research would be important to both academics and architectural designers using BIM in their various applications.
Forest Cover Change in the Northeastern U.S.
Authors: Bentley George C. , Cromley Robert G. , Hanink Dean M. , Heidkamp C. Patrick
Published: June 2013

An analysis of the association of forest cover, treated as an environmental good, and income at the county scale in the Northeastern United States was conducted for 2006. Global analysis using a spatial error regression model indicates an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) type of relationship, with total forest cover, percent forest cover, and forest cover per capita is better associated with per capita income and is better specified as a polynomial rather than in linear terms. Local analysis, using geographically weighted regression, indicates that sub-regional effects are pronounced, and that conformity to an EKC varies spatially and by forest cover measure. The findings should be interpreted strictly within their context of a cross-sectional analysis and within certain statistical limitations, primarily engendered by multicollinearity of the explanatory variables in the regression models.
The Mediating Role of Absorptive Capacity in Knowledge Transfer
Authors: Adisa Femi , Rose Jeremy
Published: June 2013

Knowledge transfer between consultants and organizational users influences the outcomes of an Enterprise Resource System (ERP) implementation. Configuration and implementation tasks are dependent on generating some level of shared understanding of both business practices and technology. These problems become acute in implementations in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs often operate with non-standard business processes, making an effective interchange of process knowledge between consultants and end-users crucial. Using a multiple case study method and content analysis, the authors investigate the mediating role of absorptive capacity in knowledge transfer in SMEs ERP implementations. They present exploratory case studies from 3 Nigerian companies with varying outcomes, and hypothesize that knowledge transfer is complicated by acute information asymmetry, absence of pre-existing related knowledge and consequent difficulties in developing a shared understanding, and by a tendency to operate with lone consultants and lone organizational representatives.
Coupled Matrix Factorization with Sparse Factors to Identify Potential Biomarkers in Metabolomics
Authors: Acar Evrim , Gurdeniz Gozde , Rasmussen Morten A. , Rago Daniela , Dragsted Lars O. , Bro Rasmus
Published: June 2013

Metabolomics focuses on the detection of chemical substances in biological fluids such as urine and blood using a number of analytical techniques including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Among the major challenges in analysis of metabolomics data are (i) joint analysis of data from multiple platforms, and (ii) capturing easily interpretable underlying patterns, which could be further utilized for biomarker discovery. In order to address these challenges, the authors formulate joint analysis of data from multiple platforms as a coupled matrix factorization problem with sparsity penalties on the factor matrices. They developed an all-at-once optimization algorithm, called CMF-SPOPT (Coupled Matrix Factorization with SParse OPTimization), which is a gradient-based optimization approach solving for all factor matrices simultaneously. Using numerical experiments on simulated data, the authors demonstrate that CMF-SPOPT can capture the underlying sparse patterns in data. Furthermore, on a real data set of blood samples collected from a group of rats, the authors use the proposed approach to jointly analyze metabolomics data sets and identify potential biomarkers for apple intake. Advantages and limitations of the proposed approach are also discussed using illustrative examples on metabolomics data sets.
Using Sustainability Reports as a Method of Cause-Related Marketing for Competitive Advantage
Authors: Corley John Kenneth , Vannoy Sandra A. , Cazier Joseph A.
Published: June 2013

This study explores the impact of sustainability reporting on consumer behavior. In this study, the authors measure consumer perception and behavior using the constructs value congruence, trust, loyalty, and purchase intention. To test otheur research model and hypotheses they collected survey data during an online experimental simulation. During the simulation participants were presented with information about a fictional retailer of digital music, movies, and MP3 players. Consumer behavior data were collected from participants before and after presenting information about the sustainability report of the fictitious retailer. The results of the study suggest sustainability reporting has a significant and positive impact on consumer behavior. Therefore, it may prove to be an effective method of cause-related marketing used to attract conscientious consumers.
A Taxonomy Built on Layers of Abstraction for Time and State Vulnerabilities
Authors: Corcalciuc Horia V.
Published: June 2013

Software classifications have been created before with the purpose of keeping track of attack patterns as well as providing a history for the various vulnerable software packages. This article focuses on one single class of such attacks, conventionally known as “Time and State” attacks. The authors offer a more fine-grained analysis of the anatomy of such attacks. They reason about vulnerabilities by using “swimlane” diagrams which are loosely derived from UML diagrams, annotated with semantics of concurrent programming, such as the notions of traces and stability. The authors offer a taxonomy based on abstraction layers, implying thereby some form of tree hierarchy where vulnerabilities inherit properties from the upper abstract layers and share code-level flaws on the lower layers. That allows them to classify attacks by what they share in common, which is a different approach than other related classification attempts.
Effect of Base Metal Alloys Recasting on Marginal Integrity of Castable Crowns
Authors: Bajoghli Farshad , Nosouhian Saeid , Badrian Hamid , Goroohi Hossein , Saberian Amir , Gadesi Leyla
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Base metals have a wide use in casting methods. Sometimes they are reused in laboratories which may have an adverse effect on the restoration marginal integrity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of recasting of alloys on marginal integrity of restorations.

Materials and methods

Models with two types of finishing lines shoulder bevel 45° and shoulder 135° were produced and 15 wax copings were formed on each one of them. Each group containing 15 copings was divided into three subgroups A, B and C. Group A was casted with 100% new alloy, group B with 50% new and 50% recasted alloy and group C with 100% recasted alloy. Obtained metal copings were placed on dies and marginal gap size between restoration margin and the dies finishing line was measured using metric microscope and Moticam camera in four points, buccal, lingual, mesial and distal.

Results

A significant difference in mean marginal gap size exists among three types of alloys used (p-value = 0.036). A significant difference is observed between mean marginal gap size of two types of finishing lines for different alloys (p-value = 0.001).

Conclusion

Using 100% recasted alloy is not recommended for any of the two types of finishing lines.

How to cite this article

Bajoghli F, Nosouhian S, Badrian H, Goroohi H, Saberian A, Gadesi L. Effect of Base Metal Alloys Recasting on Marginal Integrity of Castable Crowns. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(2):255-258.
Comparison among Different Screening Tests for Diagnosis of Adolescent Hypertension
Authors: Totaro Silvia , Rabbia Franco , Rabbone Ivana , Covella Michele , Berra Elena , Fulcheri Chiara , Di Monaco Silvia , Testa Elisa , Veglio Franco
Published: June 2013

The diagnosis of childhood hypertension based upon percentile tables proposed by the international guidelines is complex and often a cause of underdiagnosis, particularly among physicians who have not had specific training in the field of adolescent hypertension. The use of a simple and accurate screening test may improve hypertension diagnosis in adolescents. The aim of our study is to compare the different screening methods currently used in the literature to improve the diagnosis of childhood hypertension. We have conducted a cross-sectional population-based study of 1412 Caucasian adolescents among students of public junior high schools of Turin, Italy. In this population we have defined the hypertensive status with four different screening tests: BPHR, Somu's equations, Ardissino, and Kaelber methods. Finally, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of the 4 screening tests with the gold standard. Our analysis identifies in BPHR the test which combines ease of use and diagnostic accuracy.
Diversity of Rhynchosporium secalis (Oud.) J. J. Davis strains in morphological and cultural peculiarities
Authors: Lebedeva L.
Published: June 2013

Biological peculiarities of the rye scald fungus Rhynchosporium secalis (Oud.) J. J. Davis, in one population of North-West region were examined. Seventy-eight isolates, the causal agent of scald, were taken from infected rye plants. This isolates were analalysed on rate of growth on artificial test medium, structure and color and temperature dependence. Single-spore strains were obtained from each natural isolate. Color and structure of some single-spore isolates remained stable through repeated transfers to fresh PDA medium.
Analysis of weeds communities using selected biological indicators
Authors: Wanic Maria , Jastrzębska Magdalena , Kostrzewska Marta K. , Nowicki Janusz
Published: June 2013

The paper analyses the weeds community in oats cultivated at different position in two crop rotations: after potato (in the rotation system with 25% share of oats) and twice after oats (with its 75% share) during the years 1990-2000, using the diversity of species indicators (by Simpson and by Shannon-Wiener), homogeneity of species by Simpson and communities similarity ratios. The dependence of biological indicators on the weather conditions and the dependence of oats grain yield on the number and diversity of species were assessed. Diversity and homogeneity of species in communities of weeds in the field of oats showed high differences from year to year of studies and dates of measurements (stage of oats tillering, end of its vegetation). To a lesser degree they changed under the influence of the position in the rotation system. With the passage of years the number of weeds during the spring period gradually increased. The analyzed parameters showed the differentiated dependence on the weather conditions. The communities form years with similar weather conditions did not show analogy in individual density and species. No significant dependence between the yield and the diversity of weeds was confirmed.
Fungi colonizing diseased plants of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum x grandiflorum /Ramat./ Kitam) grown under covers in Sandomierz region
Authors: Kopacki Marek , Wagner Anna
Published: June 2013

Chrysanthemum is one of the most important ornamental plants growing under covers in Poland but it is often infected by soil fungi. Investigations were carried out in 1999-2001 (summer and autumn) in 9 horticultural farms in Sandomierz district. Plants with symptoms of stem and root rot, leaves yellows and wilt were noticed on the investigated plantations. The results of mycological analysis showed that chrysanthemum plants were colonized by Fusarium spp., Cylindrocarpon spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Sclerotinia spp. and Alternaria spp. Among isolated fungi Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium avenaceum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were predominating pathogenic species. Cv. Snowdon was colonized by pathogens most frequently, while the population of pathogenic fungi from cv. Royalys was the lowest.
The studies on ash dying (Fraxinus excelsior L.) in the Włoszczowa Forest Unit stands
Authors: Kowalski Tadeusz , Łukomska Agata
Published: June 2013

The studies were carried out in the Włoszczowa Forest Unit, in 9 ash stands differing in respect of age, origin (natural, artificial), site and in the nursery on 3 quarters differing due to a silvicultural method (transplanted and not transplanted) and seedlings age. In each stand an analysis of disease symptoms was carried out on 100 trees (2 - 20 years old stands) or 50 trees (21 - 80 years old stands) growing side by side in central part of the stand, while in the nursery in each block 200 seedlings were analyzed (4 sectors with 50 seedlings each). From the infected seedlings and trees 120 fragments of dead branches, living branches with cankers, and dead roots were taken. Identification of fungi was made on the basis of fructification and over 300 isolations of fungi on malt agar medium. The most frequent disease symptoms in ash stands were: the dead top (34.7% trees), the dying of whole branches (83.5%), the dying of the top of branches (20.1%), the occurrence of healed (36.0%) and unhealed cankers (18.9%) and the slime flux (23.7%) on the trunk, also the chlorosis of leaves (7.5%) and their atrophy (11.2%). Most of the types of disease symptoms appeared irrespectively of the tree age, origin and site, sometimes showing only a difference in the frequency of occurrence. On the seedlings in the nursery the shoot discolouration, healed and unhealed cankers on shoots and necrosis of a part of leaves were recorded most frequently. Disease symptoms occurred more frequently on 4-year-old seedlings in comparison with 3-year-old. In respect of transplanted seedlings the leaves dying was more frequent. Within cankers and on dead tops of shoots the most frequent were: Alternaria alternata, Chalara sp., Cytospora ambiens, Diplodia mutila, Fusarium lateritium, Gloeosporidiella turgida, Phomopsis controversa and Phomopsis scobina. In sparsely found dead roots of living trees appeared mostly: Cryptosporiopsis radicicola, Cylindrocarpon destructans and Phialocephala sp.
Botanical analysis of fallow grasslands existing in mountain conditions
Authors: Radkowski Adam , Barabasz-Krasny Beata
Published: June 2013

The investigations were carried out in the years 2000- -2004 on permanent grassland in Czarny Potok (Beskidy Mts. - 650 a. s. l.). Botanical census was conducted by using Klapp's method on 26 plots (18 random selected plots and 8 controls). The whole floristic material was subjected to numerical classification. As a result, three main types of plots with the dominating species of: Juncus effusus (1), Cirsium arvense (2) and Deschampsia caespitosa (3), were distinguished. Poa trivialis was the dominating species of the control plots. Results of the floristic and habitat analysis confirmed that the main factors determining the formation of meadow and pasture communities are as follows: the method of use, water relations and soil nutrient availability. It was found that idle glades are characterised by degraded sward of the average (the sward patches with the domination of Deschampsia caespitosa) or low use value (the swards patches with the domination of Cirsium arvense and Juncus effusus). The deterioration of the feeding value of the fallow plots is an effect of their high weed infestation, which in turn results, in this case, from habitat changes as a consequence of the cessation of use and earlier errors made in cultivation measures. Both high and low soil moisture, with improper meadow management, accelerated the weed infestation of the sward, what in turn lowers its use value. Cutting and fertilisation positively affect the use value of plant habitats, what was confirmed by the botanical and habitat analysis of the control plots with the domination of Poa trivialis, which is known to be of good use value.
Nature and magnitude of aromatic base stacking in DNA and RNA: Quantum chemistry, molecular mechanics, and experiment
Authors: Šponer Jiří , Šponer Judit E. , Mládek Arnošt , Jurečka Petr , Banáš Pavel , Otyepka Michal
Published: June 2013

Base stacking is a major interaction shaping up and stabilizing nucleic acids. During the last decades, base stacking has been extensively studied by experimental and theoretical methods. Advanced quantum‐chemical calculations clarified that base stacking is a common interaction, which in the first approximation can be described as combination of the three most basic contributions to molecular interactions, namely, electrostatic interaction, London dispersion attraction and short‐range repulsion. There is not any specific π–π energy term associated with the delocalized π electrons of the aromatic rings that cannot be described by the mentioned contributions. The base stacking can be rather reasonably approximated by simple molecular simulation methods based on well‐calibrated common force fields although the force fields do not include nonadditivity of stacking, anisotropy of dispersion interactions, and some other effects. However, description of stacking association in condensed phase and understanding of the stacking role in biomolecules remain a difficult problem, as the net base stacking forces always act in a complex and context‐specific environment. Moreover, the stacking forces are balanced with many other energy contributions. Differences in definition of stacking in experimental and theoretical studies are explained. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 978–988, 2013.
Characterizing Carbohydrate–Protein Interactions by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Bewley Carole A. , Shahzad‐ul‐Hussan Syed
Published: June 2013

Interactions between proteins and soluble carbohydrates and/or surface displayed glycans are central to countless recognition, attachment and signaling events in biology. The physical chemical features associated with these binding events vary considerably, depending on the biological system of interest. For example, carbohydrate–protein interactions can be stoichiometric or multivalent, the protein receptors can be monomeric or oligomeric, and the specificity of recognition can be highly stringent or rather promiscuous. Equilibrium dissociation constants for carbohydrate binding are known to vary from micromolar to millimolar, with weak interactions being far more prevalent; and individual carbohydrate‐binding sites can be truly symmetrical or merely homologous, and hence, the affinities of individual sites within a single protein can vary, as can the order of binding. Several factors, including the weak affinities with which glycans bind their protein receptors, the dynamic nature of the glycans themselves, and the nonequivalent interactions among oligomeric carbohydrate receptors, have made nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) an especially powerful tool for studying and defining carbohydrate–protein interactions. Here, we describe those NMR approaches that have proven to be the most robust in characterizing these systems, and explain what type of information can (or cannot) be obtained from each. Our goal is to provide the reader the information necessary for selecting the correct experiment or sets of experiments to characterize their carbohydrate–protein interaction of interest. Published 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.* Biopolymers 99: 796–806, 2013.
Influence of tumour biology on the surgical management of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Barry M , Kell M R
Published: June 2013

More evidence leading to a tailored approach
Mechanism of Palladium‐Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Reactions: Multiple and Antagonistic Roles of Anionic “Bases” and Their Countercations
Authors: Amatore Christian , Le Duc Gaëtan , Jutand Anny
Published: June 2013

In Suzuki–Miyaura reactions, anionic bases F− and OH− (used as is or generated from CO32− in water) play multiple antagonistic roles. Two are positive: 1) formation of trans‐[Pd(Ar)F(L)2] or trans‐[Pd(Ar)‐ (L)2(OH)] (L=PPh3) that react with Ar′B(OH)2 in the rate‐determining step (rds) transmetallation and 2) catalysis of the reductive elimination from intermediate trans‐[Pd(Ar)(Ar′)(L)2]. Two roles are negative: 1) formation of unreactive arylborates (or fluoroborates) and 2) complexation of the OH group of [Pd(Ar)(L)2(OH)] by the countercation of the base (Na+, Cs+, K+).
Frustrated Lewis Pair Chemistry of Chiral (+)‐Camphor‐Based Aminoboranes
Authors: Lindqvist Markus , Axenov Kirill , Nieger Martin , Räisänen Minna , Leskelä Markku , Repo Timo
Published: June 2013

Dimethylamino‐(+)‐camphorenamine reacted with an equimolar amount of Piers’ borane, HB(C6F5)2, to give the corresponding iminium–hydroborate zwitterionic salt. Being in equilibrium with the parent enamine–HB(C6F5)2 N–B pair, this salt was able to split hydrogen heterolytically, hydrogenating the iminium group in the molecule. Detailed studies revealed that the hydrogen splitting in this reaction proceeded through an intermolecular pathway leading to a bornylamine–HB(C6F5)2 adduct. When the starting enamine is present in excess over HB(C6F5)2, the produced bornylamine–HB(C6F5)2 adduct breaks up, eliminating free bornylamine and forming the initial camphorenamine– HB(C6F5)2 pair. This results in hydrogenation of the camphorenamine framework in a catalytic fashion.
Recent Developments in Colloidal Synthesis of CuInSe2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Witt Elena , Kolny‐Olesiak Joanna
Published: June 2013

Ternary semiconductor nanocrystals, such as CuInSe2, are of high interest for photovoltaic application due to their relatively low toxicity and unique properties. During the last decades great success has been achieved in the colloidal synthesis of binary nanoparticles, but for ternary compounds this research is still in an early stage of development. These materials are a challenge for synthetic chemistry, because the interaction between the three components (copper, indium, and selenium) plays a major role for the production of high quality material. The purpose of this Minireview is to provide a summary of the achievements in colloidal synthesis of CuInSe2 nanoparticles—in particular, details of reaction mechanism and its characterization possibilities, which might be useful also for the colloidal synthesis of other multicomponent systems.
A Connection to the Past: Monodelphis domestica Provides Insight Into the Organization and Connectivity of the Brains of Early Mammals
Authors: Dooley James C. , Franca João G. , Seelke Adele M.H. , Cooke Dylan F. , Krubitzer Leah A.
Published: June 2013

The current experiment is one of a series of comparative studies in our laboratory designed to determine the network of somatosensory areas that are present in the neocortex of the mammalian common ancestor. Such knowledge is critical for appreciating the basic functional circuitry that all mammals possess and how this circuitry was modified to generate species‐specific, sensory‐mediated behavior. Our animal model, the gray short‐tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica), is a marsupial that is proposed to represent this ancestral state more closely than most other marsupials and, to some extent, even monotremes. We injected neuroanatomical tracers into the primary somatosensory area (S1), rostral and caudal somatosensory fields (SR and SC, respectively), and multimodal cortex (MM) and determined their connections with other architectonically defined cortical fields. Our results show that S1 has dense intrinsic connections, dense projections from the frontal myelinated area (FM), and moderate projections from S2 and SC. SR has strong projections from several areas, including S1, SR, FM, and piriform cortex. SC has dense projections from S1, moderate to strong projections from other somatosensory areas, FM, along with connectivity from the primary (V1) and second visual areas. Finally, MM had dense intrinsic connections, dense projections from SC and V1, and moderate projections from S1. These data support the proposition that ancestral mammals likely had at least four specifically interconnected somatosensory areas, along with at least one multimodal area. We discuss the possibility that these additional somatosensory areas (SC and SR) are homologous to somatosensory areas in eutherian mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3877–3897, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organic Sensitizers Featuring a Planar Indeno[1,2‐b]‐thiophene for Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Lim Kimin , Ju Myung Jong , Song Juman , Choi In Taek , Do Kwangsuk , Choi Hyeju , Song Kihyung , Kim Hwan Kyu , Ko Jaejung
Published: June 2013

An efficient organic sensitizer (JK‐306) featuring a planar indeno[1,2‐b]thiophene as the π‐linker of a bridging unit for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was synthesized. The sensitizer had a strong molar absorption coefficient and a red‐shifted absorption band compared with JK‐305, which resulted in a significant increase in the short‐circuit photocurrent density. We incorporated a highly congested bulky amino group into the 2′,4′‐dihexyloxybiphenyl‐4‐yl moiety, an electron donor, to diminish the charge recombination and to prevent aggregation of the sensitizer. Under standard AM 1.5G solar conditions, JK‐306‐sensitized cells in the presence of co‐adsorbents chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and 4‐[bis(9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)amino]benzoic acid (HC‐A), which afforded an overall conversion efficiency of 8.37 % and 8.52 %, respectively. Upon changing the I−/I3− electrolyte to the CoII/CoIII redox couple, the cell gave rise to a significantly improved conversion efficiency of 10.02 % with the multifunctional HC‐A, which is one of the highest values reported for DSSCs with a cobalt‐based electrolyte. Furthermore, the JK‐306‐based solar cell with a polymer gel electrolyte revealed a high conversion efficiency of 7.61 %, which is one of the highest values for cells based on organic sensitizers.
0.5‐V bulk‐driven OTA and its applications
Authors: Kulej Tomasz
Published: June 2013

A new 0.5‐V bulk‐driven operational transconductance amplifier (OTA), designed in 50 nm CMOS technology, is presented in the paper. The circuit is characterized by improved linearity and dynamic range obtained for MOS devices operating in moderate inversion region. Some basic applications of the OTA such as a voltage integrator and a second‐order low‐pass filter have also been described. The filter is compared to other low‐voltage filters presented in the literature. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 3.6‐mW 6‐GHz current‐reuse VCO‐buffer with improved load drivability in 65‐nm CMOS
Authors: Amin Tawfiq , Mak Pui‐In , Martins Rui P.
Published: June 2013

A new current‐reuse voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO)‐buffer with enhanced load drivability is proposed. It incorporates a PMOS‐based source follower stacked atop a NMOS‐based LC VCO to share the bias current, while preventing the voltage stress at any oscillation node from exceeding the 1.2‐V technology voltage limit. Also, ac‐coupling networks are avoided between the VCO and buffer, improving the Q of the LC tank while minimizing parasitics. With internal buffering, the VCO can directly drive up a 50‐Ω load for testing, or to withstand a large capacitive load in on‐chip local oscillator distribution, particularly suitable for multi‐band MIMO WLAN radios. The fabricated VCO‐buffer in 65‐nm CMOS measures 13.8% tuning range from 5.64 to 6.4 GHz, consumes 3.6 mW at 1.2 V and exhibits −108.84 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1‐MHz offset. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A harmonized approach to intracellular cytokine staining gating: Results from an international multiconsortia proficiency panel conducted by the Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium (CIC/CRI)
Authors: McNeil Lisa K. , Price Leah , Britten Cedrik M. , Jaimes Maria , Maecker Holden , Odunsi Kunle , Matsuzaki Junko , Staats Janet S. , Thorpe Jerill , Yuan Jianda , Janetzki Sylvia
Published: June 2013

Previous results from two proficiency panels of intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) from the Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium and panels from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy highlight the variability across laboratories in reported % CD8+ or % CD4+ cytokine‐positive cells. One of the main causes of interassay variability in flow cytometry‐based assays is due to differences in gating strategies between laboratories, which may prohibit the generation of robust results within single centers and across institutions. To study how gating strategies affect the variation in reported results, a gating panel was organized where all participants analyzed the same set of Flow Cytometry Standard (FCS) files from a four‐color ICS assay using their own gating protocol (Phase I) and a gating protocol drafted by consensus from the organizers of the panel (Phase II). Focusing on analysis removed donor, assay, and instrument variation, enabling us to quantify the variability caused by gating alone. One hundred ten participating laboratories applied 110 different gating approaches. This led to high variability in the reported percentage of cytokine‐positive cells and consequently in response detection in Phase I. However, variability was dramatically reduced when all laboratories used the same gating strategy (Phase II). Proximity of the cytokine gate to the negative population most impacted true‐positive and false‐positive response detection. Recommendations are provided for the (1) placement of the cytokine‐positive gate, (2) identification of CD4+ CD8+ double‐positive T cells, (3) placement of lymphocyte gate, (4) inclusion of dim cells, (5) gate uniformity, and 6) proper adjustment of the biexponential scaling. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
In vivo targeting of human DC‐SIGN drastically enhances CD8+T‐cell‐mediated protective immunity
Authors: Hesse Christina , Ginter Wiebke , Förg Theresa , Mayer Christian T. , Baru Abdul Mannan , Arnold‐Schrauf Catharina , Unger Wendy W. J. , Kalay Hakan , van Kooyk Yvette , Berod Luciana , Sparwasser Tim
Published: June 2013

Vaccination is one of the oldest yet still most effective methods to prevent infectious diseases. However, eradication of intracellular pathogens and treatment of certain diseases like cancer requiring efficient cytotoxic immune responses remain a medical challenge. In mice, a successful approach to induce strong cytotoxic CD8+ T‐cell (CTL) reactions is to target antigens to DCs using specific antibodies against surface receptors in combination with adjuvants. A major drawback for translating this strategy into one for the clinic is the lack of analogous targets in human DCs. DC‐SIGN (DC‐specific‐ICAM3‐grabbing‐nonintegrin/CD209) is a C‐type lectin receptor with potent endocytic capacity and a highly restricted expression on human immature DCs. Therefore, DC‐SIGN represents an ideal candidate for DC targeting. Using transgenic mice that express human DC‐SIGN under the control of the murine CD11c promoter (hSIGN mice), we explored the efficacy of anti‐DC‐SIGN antibodies to target antigens to DCs and induce protective immune responses in vivo. We show that anti‐DC‐SIGN antibodies conjugated to OVA induced strong and persistent antigen‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses, which efficiently protected from infection with OVA‐expressing Listeria monocytogenes. Thus, we propose DC targeting via DC‐SIGN as a promising strategy for novel vaccination protocols against intracellular pathogens.
A sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection for the determination of fatty acids as exemplified for Dendrobium species
Authors: Zhang Shijuan , Song Cuihua , Chen Guang , Xia Lian , Wang Xiaoyan , You Jinmao
Published: June 2013

A novel high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method using 2‐(9‐oxoacridin‐10(9H)‐yl) acetohydrazide (OAAH) as pre‐column labeling reagent was applied to the analysis of fatty acids in four kinds of Dendrobium species for the first time. The reaction of OAAH with fatty acids could proceed easily and quickly in the presence of 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) as condensing reagent within 20 min. The derivatives exhibit excellent fluorescence property with excitation and emission wavelengths of 255 and 420 nm, respectively. The 20 fatty acid derivatives were separated on a SB C18 reversed‐phase column with gradient elution. Good linear correlations were observed for all fatty acids with correlation coefficients of >0.996. When 50 mg of sample was used for analysis, the detection limits at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 were in the range of 0.10–0.42 µg/g. Free fatty acids and total fatty acids in four kinds of Dendrobium species were analyzed by the developed method. The results indicated that the main fatty acids in Dendrobium species were unsaturated linoleic acid (C18:2n‐6) and saturated hexadecanoic acid. This work provides a useful tool for the safety assessment and quality control of Dendrobium species.

Practical applications: Dendrobium species, the stems of which can be used for medical purpose or as health foods, are precious plants in China. Their significant medical effects have recently attracted increasing attention. However, there is little research on the fatty acid composition of Dendrobium species. The proposed method provided a sensitive method for the HPLC analysis of FFAs and TFAs in four kinds of Dendrobium species. This is the first report of the fatty acid compositions of Dendrobium species. It would be helpful for the comprehensive safety or quality assessment of Dendrobium species.
Heavy Impact of Recent Regulation on Generation Permitting
Authors: Echikson Thomas G.
Published: June 2013

The Obama EPA has been busy, and electric utilities have been among the hardest hit.
Natural Gas & Electricity Pricing: Pop Go Gas Prices: Has the Market Recovered?
Authors: Bodell Tanya
Published: June 2013

Natural gas prices this spring roughly doubled those in 2012. Rising from around $2.00 a million Btu's last spring to above $4.00 a million Btu's, prices settled into the range established after the economic collapse in 2008. Has the dramatically oversupplied market corrected itself or is this a temporary lull before another crash?
Natural Gas Matters: Natural Gas Industry Passes Some Important Milestones
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: June 2013

The year 2013 will mark a couple of important birthdays for the US wholesale natural gas industry—the 75th anniversary of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) and the 20th anniversary of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC's) Order 636.
Development of a methodology for the detection of hospital financial outliers using information systems
Authors: Okada Sachiko , Nagase Keisuke , Ito Ayako , Ando Fumihiko , Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Okamoto Kazuya , Kume Naoto , Takemura Tadamasa , Kuroda Tomohiro , Yoshihara Hiroyuki
Published: June 2013

Comparison of financial indices helps to illustrate differences in operations and efficiency among similar hospitals. Outlier data tend to influence statistical indices, and so detection of outliers is desirable. Development of a methodology for financial outlier detection using information systems will help to reduce the time and effort required, eliminate the subjective elements in detection of outlier data, and improve the efficiency and quality of analysis. The purpose of this research was to develop such a methodology.

Financial outliers were defined based on a case model. An outlier‐detection method using the distances between cases in multi‐dimensional space is proposed. Experiments using three diagnosis groups indicated successful detection of cases for which the profitability and income structure differed from other cases.

Therefore, the method proposed here can be used to detect outliers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal homotopy asymptotic method for heat transfer in hollow sphere with robin boundary conditions
Authors: Mabood Fazle , Khan Waqar A. , Ismail Ahmad Izani Md
Published: June 2013

In this article, we have investigated heat transfer from a hollow sphere using a powerful and relatively new semi‐analytic technique known as the optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM). Robin boundary conditions are applied on both the inner and outer surfaces. The effects of Biot numbers, uniform heat generation, temperature‐ dependent thermal conductivity, and temperature parameters on the dimensionless temperature and heat transfer are investigated. The results of OHAM are compared with a numerical method and are found to be in good agreement. It is shown that the dimensionless temperature increases with an increase in Biot number at the inner surface and temperature and heat generation parameters, whereas it decreases with an increase in the Biot number at the outer surface and the dimensionless thermal conductivity and radial distance parameters. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res 43(2): 124‐133, 2014; Published online 20 June 2013 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21067
Attitude towards second‐generation antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia and their relatives
Authors: Karthik MS , Kulhara Parmanand , Chakrabarti Subho
Published: June 2013

Objective

Given the paucity of research in this area, this study attempted to assess attitudes towards second‐generation antipsychotic medications and their correlates among the patients with schizophrenia and their relatives.

Methods

Structured assessments of attitudes to medications, psychopathology, insight/knowledge, side effects, functioning and treatment satisfaction were carried out in a random sample of 50 patients with DSM‐IV schizophrenia and their relatives. All, except one of the patients, were on second‐generation antipsychotics.

Results

Most patients had positive attitudes towards second‐generation antipsychotics. Severity of positive symptoms and higher burden of side effects (e.g. sexual dysfunction, weight gain and sedation) emerged as the principal correlates of negative attitudes among patients. Greater awareness of illness, being employed, better social functioning and greater treatment satisfaction were all associated with positive attitudes among patients. Relatives had significantly more positive attitudes towards antipsychotics than patients and were more satisfied with the treatment. They were well informed about the illness, and their level of knowledge had a significant association with positive attitudes.

Conclusions

Effective antipsychotic treatment, which improves functioning and minimises side effects could lead to more favourable attitudes towards antipsychotics among patients. Increasing awareness of illness, enhancing treatment satisfaction and involving relatives in treatment could also be of help. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum interleukin‐6 associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk: A nested case–control study
Authors: Ohishi Waka , Cologne John B. , Fujiwara Saeko , Suzuki Gen , Hayashi Tomonori , Niwa Yasuharu , Akahoshi Masazumi , Ueda Keiko , Tsuge Masataka , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: June 2013

Inflammatory markers have been associated with increased risk of several cancers, including colon, lung, breast and liver, but the evidence is inconsistent. We conducted a nested case–control study in the longitudinal cohort of atomic‐bomb survivors. The study included 224 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases and 644 controls individually matched to cases on gender, age, city and time and method of serum storage, and countermatched on radiation dose. We measured C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)‐6 using stored sera obtained within 6 years before HCC diagnosis from 188 HCC cases and 605 controls with adequate volumes of donated blood. Analyses with adjustment for hepatitis virus infection, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, body mass index (BMI) and radiation dose showed that relative risk (RR) of HCC [95% confidence interval (CI)] in the highest tertile of CRP levels was 1.94 (0.72–5.51) compared to the lowest tertile (p = 0.20). RR of HCC (95% CI) in the highest tertile of IL‐6 levels was 5.12 (1.54–20.1) compared to the lowest tertile (p = 0.007). Among subjects with BMI > 25.0 kg/m2, a stronger association was found between a 1‐standard deviation (SD) increase in log IL‐6 and HCC risk compared to subjects in the middle quintile of BMI (21.3–22.9 kg/m2), resulting in adjusted RR (95% CI) of 3.09 (1.78–5.81; p = 0.015). The results indicate that higher serum levels of IL‐6 are associated with increased HCC risk, independently of hepatitis virus infection, lifestyle‐related factors and radiation exposure. The association is especially pronounced among subjects with obesity.
Allele‐specific imbalance mapping identifies HDAC9 as a candidate gene for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fleming Jessica L. , Dworkin Amy M. , Allain Dawn C. , Fernandez Soledad , Wei Lai , Peters Sara B. , Iwenofu O. Hans , Ridd Katie , Bastian Boris C. , Toland Amanda Ewart
Published: June 2013

More than 3.5 million nonmelanoma skin cancers were treated in 2006; of these 700,000 were cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs). Despite clear environmental causes for cSCC, studies also suggest genetic risk factors. A cSCC susceptibility locus, Skts5, was identified on mouse chromosome 12 by linkage analysis. The orthologous locus to Skts5 in humans maps to 7p21 and 7q31. These loci show copy number increases in ∼10% of cSCC tumors. Here, we show that an additional 15–22% of tumors exhibit copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity. Furthermore, our previous data identified microsatellite markers on 7p21 and 7q31 that demonstrate preferential allelic imbalance (PAI) in cSCC tumors. On the basis of these results, we hypothesized that the human orthologous locus to Skts5 would house a gene important in human cSCC development and that tumors would demonstrate allele‐specific somatic alterations. To test this hypothesis, we performed quantitative genotyping of 108 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mapping to candidate genes at human SKTS5 in paired normal and tumor DNAs. Nine SNPs in HDAC9 (rs801540, rs1178108, rs1178112, rs1726610, rs10243618, rs11764116, rs1178355, rs10269422 and rs12540872) showed PAI in tumors. These data suggest that HDAC9 variants may be selected for during cSCC tumorigenesis.
Production and use of biochar from buffalo‐weed (Ambrosia trifida L.) for trichloroethylene removal from water
Authors: Ahmad Mahtab , Moon Deok Hyun , Vithanage Meththika , Koutsospyros Agamemnon , Lee Sang Soo , Yang Jae E , Lee Sung Eun , Jeon Choong , Ok Yong Sik
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Ambrosia trifida L. (buffalo‐weed) is a ubiquitous invasive plant species in Korea, causing severe allergy problems to humans and reduction in crop yields. Converting buffalo‐weed biomass to biochar and its use as an adsorbent for the depuration of trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated water could help resolve two existing environmental issues simultaneously.

RESULTS

The plant biomass was converted to biochar at 300 °C (BC300) and 700 °C (BC700). The pyrolysis temperature strongly influenced the properties of resulting biochars. The higher temperature resulted in a higher degree of C‐enrichment. The loss of H‐ and O‐containing functional groups shifted the BC700 composition towards a less polar, more aromatic carbon structure evidenced by lower O/C (0.06) and H/C (0.15) values compared with those of BC300 (0.07 and 0.65, respectively). These properties of BC700 further highlighted its greater efficiency of TCE removal (88.47%) from water, compared with that of BC300 (69.07%). The TCE adsorption data was well described by the Hill isotherm model indicating the mechanism of adsorption to be cooperative interaction. Linear correlations between model parameters and biochar properties were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Buffalo‐weed can be converted to value‐added biochar that can be used as an effective adsorbent for the treatment of TCE contaminated groundwater. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of the source of benzene concentrations at Texas City during SHARP using an adjoint neighborhood‐scale transport model and a receptor model
Authors: Buzcu‐Guven Birnur , Olaguer Eduardo P. , Herndon Scott C. , Kolb Charles E. , Knighton W. Berk , Cuclis Alex E.
Published: June 2013

The Aerodyne Research Inc. mobile laboratory performed real‐time in‐situ measurements of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and formaldehyde in Texas City, Texas on 7 May 2009 during the Formaldehyde and olefins from Large Industrial Releases experiment of the 2009 Study of Houston Atmospheric Radical Precursors (SHARP) campaign. Our goal was to identify and quantify emission sources within the largest industrial facility in Texas City most likely responsible for measured concentrations of benzene, an important VOC and hazardous air pollutant. The Houston Advanced Research Center inverse air quality model has been used to infer benzene emission rates from all potential source locations that could account for the benzene concentrations measured by the mobile lab in the vicinity of the facility. A Positive Matrix Factorization receptor model was also applied to the concentrations measured by the mobile lab, the results of which strongly supported the source attribution specified by the inverse model. The two independent source apportionment techniques both implicated flare, storage tank, and ultraformer units in the facility as significant contributors to emission plumes of elevated benzene concentrations observed by the mobile lab. The emissions of some of the flare and tank units were found to be greater than reported in emission inventories by about an order of magnitude.