bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions between magnetosonic waves and radiation belt electrons: Comparisons of quasi‐linear calculations with test particle simulations
Authors: Li Jinxing , Ni Binbin , Xie Lun , Pu Zuyin , Bortnik Jacob , Thorne Richard M. , Chen Lunjin , Ma Qianli , Fu Suiyan , Zong Qiugang , Wang Xiaogang , Xiao Chijie , Yao Zhonghua , Guo Ruilong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractQuasi‐linear theory (QLT) has been commonly used to study the Landau resonant interaction between radiation belt electrons and magnetosonic (MS) waves. However, the long‐parallel wavelengths of MS waves can exceed their narrow spatial confinement and cause a transit‐time effect during interactions with electrons. We perform a careful investigation to validate the applicability of QLT to interactions between MS waves, which have a distribution in frequency and wave normal angle, and radiation belt electrons using test particle simulations. We show agreement between these two methods for scattering rate of intense MS waves at L = 4.5 inside the plasmapause, but find a significant inconsistency for MS waves outside the plasmapause, due to the broad transit‐time region in (Ek,α) space. Consequently, we introduce a particle‐independent criterion to justify the validity of QLT for MS waves: the wave spatial confinement should be longer than two parallel wavelengths.
Modeling initial breakdown pulses of CG lightning flashes
Authors: Karunarathne Sumedhe , Marshall Thomas C. , Stolzenburg Maribeth , Karunarathna Nadeeka 
Published: July 2014

AbstractElectric field change waveforms of initial breakdown pulses (IBPs) in cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lightning flashes were recorded at ten sites at Kennedy Space center, Florida, in 2011. Six “classic” IBPs were modeled using three modified transmission line (MTL) models called MTLL, MTLE, and MTLK. The locations of the six IBPs were obtained using a time‐of‐arrival method and used as inputs for the models; the recorded IBP waveforms from six to eight sites were used as model constraints. All three models were able to reasonably fit the measured IBP waveforms; the best fit was most often given by the MTLE model. For each individual IBP, there was good agreement between the three models on several physical parameters of the IBPs: current risetime, current falltime, current shape factor, current propagation speed, and the total charge moment change. For the six IBPs modeled, the ranges, mean values, and standard deviations of these quantities are as follows: current risetime [4.8–25, (12 ±6)] μs, current falltime [15–37, (25 ±6)] μs, current speed [0.78–1.8, (1.3 ±0.3)]×108 m/s, and charge moment change [0.015–0.30, (0.12 ±0.10)] C km. Currents in the MTLL and MTLE models moved a negative charge −Q downward and deposited an equivalent positive charge +Q along their paths; the mean Q values were 0.35 C for MTLL and 0.71 C for MTLE. MTLK model deposited negative charge along its lower path and positive charge along its upper path with mean values of 0.27 C.
Effect of sildenafil on skeletal and cardiac muscle in Becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: Witting Nanna , Kruuse Christina , Nyhuus Bo , Prahm Kira P. , Citirak Gulsenay , Lundgaard Stine J. , von Huth Sebastian , Vejlstrup Niels , Lindberg Ulrich , Krag Thomas O. , Vissing John 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivePatients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy lack neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). nNOS mediates physiological sympatholysis, thus ensuring adequate blood supply to working muscle. In mice lacking dystrophin, restoration of nNOS effects by a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor (sildenafil) improves skeletal and cardiac muscle performance. Sildenafil also improves blood flow in patients with BMD. We therefore hypothesized that sildenafil would improve blood flow, maximal work capacity, and heart function in patients with BMD.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover design with two 4‐week periods of treatment, separated by 2‐week washout was used. We assessed brachial artery blood flow during maximal handgrip exercise, 6‐minute walk test, maximal oxidative capacity, and life quality; cardiac function was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at rest and during maximal handgrip exercise. Muscle nNOS and PDE5 were tested with Western blotting in 5 patients.ResultsSixteen patients completed all skeletal muscle evaluations, and 13 completed the cardiac MRI investigations. Sildenafil had no effect on any of the outcome parameters. No serious adverse effects were recorded. PDE5 and nNOS were deficient in 5 of 5 biopsies.InterpretationDespite positive evidence from animal models of dystrophinopathy and physiological findings in patients with BMD, this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study showed no effect of sildenafil on blood flow, maximal work capacity, and heart function in adults with BMD. This discrepancy may be explained by a significant downregulation of PDE5 in muscle. Ann Neurol 2014;76:550–557
Fingolimod may support neuroprotection via blockade of astrocyte nitric oxide
Authors: Colombo Emanuela , Di Dario Marco , Capitolo Eleonora , Chaabane Linda , Newcombe Jia , Martino Gianvito , Farina Cinthia 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveAlthough astrocytes participate in glial scar formation and tissue repair, dysregulation of the NFκB pathway and of nitric oxide (NO) production in these glia cells contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Here we investigated the role of the crosstalk between sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) and cytokine signaling cascades in astrocyte activation and inflammation‐mediated neurodegeneration, and addressed the effects of fingolimod on astrocyte–neuron interaction and NO synthesis in vivo.MethodsImmunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy were used to detect S1P receptors, interleukin (IL) 1R, IL17RA, and nitrosative stress in multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) spinal cord, and the spinal cord of fingolimod‐treated EAE mice. An in vitro model was established to study the effects of S1P, IL1, and IL17 stimulation on NFkB translocation and NO production in astrocytes, on spinal neuron survival, and on astrocyte–neuron interaction. Furthermore, fingolimod efficacy in blocking astrocyte‐mediated neurodegeneration was evaluated.ResultsWe found coordinated upregulation of IL1R, IL17RA, S1P1, and S1P3 together with nitrosative markers in astrocytes within MS and EAE lesions. In vitro studies revealed that S1P, IL17, and IL1 induced NFκB translocation and NO production in astrocytes, and astrocyte conditioned media triggered neuronal death. Importantly, fingolimod blocked the 2 activation events evoked in astrocytes by either S1P or inflammatory cytokines, resulting in inhibition of astrocyte‐mediated neurodegeneration. Finally, therapeutic administration of fingolimod to EAE mice hampered astrocyte activation and NO production.InterpretationA neuroprotective effect of fingolimod in vivo may result from its inhibitory action on key astrocyte activation steps. Ann Neurol 2014;76:325–337
A peek behind the curtain: Peer review and editorial decision making at Stroke
Authors: Sposato Luciano A. , Ovbiagele Bruce , Johnston S. Claiborne , Fisher Marc , Saposnik Gustavo ,   for the Stroke Outcome Research Working Group (www.sorcan.ca)
Published: July 2014

Editor's NoteThe mechanisms of peer review and editorial decision making often appear opaque to junior academic neurologists, especially those who have not yet published many papers or served as journal referees themselves. Previous entries in the NeuroGenesis career development series from the Editor‐in‐Chief have reviewed some of the reasons why faculty should participate as peer reviewers when given the opportunity and the factors that authors should consider in choosing appropriate journals for their own manuscripts. In this article, Sposato et al present the results of a systematic analysis of the editorial process at a leading neurology subspecialty journal; their findings will be of interest to readers at all stages of their careers who seek a better understanding of what goes on “behind the scenes” in journal decisions. — Bernard Chang, MD, NeuroGenesis EditorObjectiveA better understanding of the manuscript peer‐review process could improve the likelihood that research of the highest quality is funded and published. To this end, we aimed to assess consistency across reviewers' recommendations, agreement between reviewers' recommendations and editors' final decisions, and reviewer‐ and editor‐level factors influencing editorial decisions at the journal Stroke.MethodsWe analyzed all initial original contributions submitted to Stroke from January 2004 through December 2011. All submissions were linked to the final editorial decision (accept vs reject). We assessed the level of agreement between reviewers (intraclass correlation coefficient). We compared the initial editorial decision (accept, minor revision, major revision, and reject) across reviewers' recommendations. We performed a logistic regression analysis to identify reviewer‐ and editor‐related factors associated with acceptance as the final decision.ResultsOf 12,902 original submissions to Stroke during the 8‐year study period, the level of agreement between reviewers was between fair and moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09–0.75). Likelihood of acceptance was <5% if at least 1 reviewer recommended a rejection. In the multivariate analysis, higher reviewer‐assigned priority scores were related to greater odds of acceptance (odds ratio [OR] = 26.3, 95% CI = 23.2–29.8), whereas higher number of reviewers (OR = 0.54 per additional reviewer, 95% CI = 0.50–0.59) and suggestions for reviewers by authors versus no suggestions (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.73–0.94) had lesser odds of acceptance.InterpretationThis analysis of the peer‐review process at Stroke identified several factors that might be targeted to improve the consistency and fairness of the overall process. Ann Neurol 2014;76:151–158
Temperature/pH dual responsive microgels of crosslinked poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam‐co‐undecenoic acid) as biocompatible materials for controlled release of doxorubicin
Authors: Lou Shaofeng , Gao Shan , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Mingming , Zhang Qiqing , Wang Chun , Li Chen , Kong Deling 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTUndecenoic acid functionalized thermo/pH responsive microgels, poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam‐co‐undecenoic acid) [poly(VCL‐co‐UA)], were synthesized by precipitation emulsion copolymerization. The microgels exhibit reversible thermo/pH responsive phase transition behavior, which can be tuned by varying the monomer feed ratio. The lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) of the materials are close to body temperature. As a result, when temperatures rise above ca. 37°C, a rapid thermal gelation process occurs, accompanied by a phase transition, resulting in expulsion of encapsulated compound. In vitro experiment evaluated its applicability as a drug carrier for controlled release of an anticancer agent (doxorubicin) and showed that the drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), releasing rate, and kinetics are dependent on the temperature and pH value as expected. Minimal cytotoxicity of the microgels was observed by a cytotoxicity assay using 3T3 fibroblast cells. Our finding suggests that the poly(VCL‐co‐UA) based microgels may be considered a promising candidate for temperature or pH‐controlled delivery of anticancer drugs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41146.
Influence of biodegradable materials in the recycled polystyrene
Authors: Dolores Samper M. , Marina Patricia Arrieta , Santiago Ferrándiz , Juan López 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTPolystyrene (PS) is one of the commonly used polymer in food packaging, that is why it generates a large amount of residual PS: because of the need of reduce environmental damage that occurs, it is common to recycle this polymer. Recycling of PS may be affected by the introduction of biodegradable polymer in industrial food. For this reason we have studied the influence that generates small amounts of biodegradable polymer (PLA, PHB, and TPS) in the recycled PS properties. The recycled PS and biodegradable polymers blends were evaluated by measuring the Vicat softening temperature, melt flow index, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and mechanical properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41161.
Technical Review: Types of Imaging—Direct STORM
Authors: Jensen Ellen , Crossman David J. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIn the 1990s, new concepts of microscopy revolutionized the imaging field by breaking the lateral resolution diffraction limit for the first time, even with propagating light and regular lenses (i.e., far‐field). In 2006, several research groups independently showed super‐resolution microscopy using high‐precision localization of single fluorophores. These new developments in single‐molecule spectroscopy enabled a different approach to achieving nanometer‐scale optical microscopy. Direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) is a technique of single‐molecule super‐resolution imaging that does not require an activator fluorophore. This technique is used to visualize cellular structures with a resolution of approximately 20 nm. dSTORM is compatible with many conventionally used fluorophores. This article provides an overview of the principles and uses of dSTORM. Advantages and disadvantages of dSTORM are also discussed. Anat Rec, 297:2227–2231, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microphysical differences with rainfall intensity in severe tropical storm Bilis
Authors: Cui Xiaopeng , Wang Yaping , Yu Hui 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSimulated rainfall of severe tropical storm Bilis (2006) is classified into eight types based on precipitation intensity. Cloud microphysical budget analysis shows that Pracw (accretion of cloud water by rain) and Pgmlt (melting of graupel) are the two main sources of raindrops. Unlike Pracw, whose magnitude monotonously increases with increasing precipitation intensity, Pgmlt increases at first and then decreases. This indicates that Pgmlt plays a more important role in weaker precipitation than in stronger precipitation, although Pracw and Pgmlt are always the main sources of raindrops.
Stakeholder dynamics in the EU forest energy sector: key issues to manage and ways forward
Authors: Sluka Charlotte , Peck Philip C. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractEU forest biomass demand is increasing rapidly under policy stimuli, as biofuels are important for EU utilities to reach EU 2020 renewables goal. The import of large amounts will be required, but stakeholders have sustainability concerns. Utilities are adopting self‐regulatory certification schemes to reduce stakeholder pressures but the interplay between these efforts, stakeholder and policy dynamics, and business risks is not well understood. This study uses literature, interviews, and a survey of 120 stakeholders to delineate influential actors in the discourse, principal concerns, and ways to ameliorate opposition and risk.The work finds many actors opposed to forest energy systems, and shows how critique is directed toward a nexus of industry and policymakers. It also indicates that critics have an ascendant status and can catalyze changes in policy and business practice in response to their concerns. Key concerns involve carbon, biodiversity, and deforestation; however, it is found that self‐governance systems do not yet incorporate metrics to meet emerging expectations. The study concludes that efforts must deliver robust track records of strong ecological, climate, and social performance for forest energy supply chains to allay concerns – as distinct from just ‘sustainability certification’. Work must include increased efforts to source woody biomass from the EU‐27+ to engender trust in forest energy actors, and scientific studies to delineate ‘strong’ versus ‘weak’ ‘carbon and temporal carbon’ performance for forest energy systems. This also suggests a need to delineate silvicultural regimes that facilitate the management of forest energy supply chains for improved carbon performance. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Preserving human cells for regenerative, reproductive, and transfusion medicine
Authors: Asghar Waseem , El Assal Rami , Shafiee Hadi , Anchan Raymond M. , Demirci Utkan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCell cryopreservation maintains cellular life at sub‐zero temperatures by slowing down biochemical processes. Various cell types are routinely cryopreserved in modern reproductive, regenerative, and transfusion medicine. Current cell cryopreservation methods involve freezing (slow/rapid) or vitrifying cells in the presence of a cryoprotective agent (CPA). Although these methods are clinically utilized, cryo‐injury due to ice crystals, osmotic shock, and CPA toxicity cause loss of cell viability and function. Recent approaches using minimum volume vitrification provide alternatives to the conventional cryopreservation methods. Minimum volume vitrification provides ultra‐high cooling and rewarming rates that enable preserving cells without ice crystal formation. Herein, we review recent advances in cell cryopreservation technology and provide examples of techniques that are utilized in oocyte, stem cell, and red blood cell cryopreservation.
Biosilica‐loaded poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) nanofibers mats provide a morphogenetically active surface scaffold for the growth and mineralization of the osteoclast‐related SaOS‐2 cells
Authors: Müller Werner E.G. , Tolba Emad , Schröder Heinz C. , Diehl‐Seifert Bärbel , Link Thorben , Wang Xiaohong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBioprinting/3D cell printing procedures for the preparation of scaffolds/implants have the potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine. Besides biocompatibility and biodegradability, the hardness of the scaffold material is of critical importance to allow sufficient mechanical protection and, to the same extent, allow migration, cell–cell, and cell–substrate contact formation of the matrix‐embedded cells. In the present study, we present a strategy to encase a bioprinted, cell‐containing, and soft scaffold with an electrospun mat. The electrospun poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers mats, containing tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), were subsequently incubated with silicatein. Silicatein synthesizes polymeric biosilica by polycondensation of ortho‐silicate that is formed from prehydrolyzed TEOS. Biosilica provides a morphogenetically active matrix for the growth and mineralization of osteoblast‐related SaOS‐2 cells in vitro. Analysis of the microstructure of the 300–700 nm thick PCL/TEOS nanofibers, incubated with silicatein and prehydrolyzed TEOS, displayed biosilica deposits on the mats formed by the nanofibers. We conclude and propose that electrospun PCL nanofibers mats, coated with biosilica, may represent a morphogenetically active and protective cover for bioprinted cell/tissue‐like units with a suitable mechanical stability, even if the cells are embedded in a softer matrix.
Modeling decoupled mobile cloud computing using Mobile UNITY
Authors: De Suddhasil , De Sohini 
Published: July 2014

SummaryA mobile cloud computing paradigm supports different resource‐intensive mobile applications by leasing various mobile cloud services, thus helping these applications to overcome the inherent shortcomings of mobile ∕ portable devices of end users. However, mobile cloud services in existing architectures become tightly coupled with mobile applications during servicing, which is highly undesirable because of the dynamic nature of the mobile cloud computing paradigm. A new mobile cloud architecture, where the interactions between mobile applications and mobile cloud services are decoupled during service invocation and delivery phases, is proposed in this paper. The tuple space model is used in this architecture to decouple such interactions, thereby improving adaptability and robustness of mobile cloud computing. This paper also suggests an approach of modeling and formally verifying the correctness of the proposed architecture, which also validates its adaptability and robustness during interactions between mobile applications and mobile cloud services. The modeling and verification are carried out using the Mobile UNITY model. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast parallel solver for the levelset equations on unstructured meshes
Authors: Fu Zhisong , Yakovlev Sergey , Kirby Robert M. , Whitaker Ross T. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe levelset method is a numerical technique that tracks the evolution of curves and surfaces governed by a nonlinear partial differential equation (levelset equation). It has applications within various research areas such as physics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, computer vision, and microchip fabrication. Applying the levelset method entails solving a set of nonlinear partial differential equations. This paper presents a parallel algorithm for solving the levelset equations on unstructured 2D and 3D meshes. By taking into account constraints and capabilities of different computing architectures, the method is suitable for both the coarse‐grained parallelism found on CPU‐based systems and the fine‐grained parallelism of modern massively single instruction, multiple data architectures such as graphics processors. In order to solve the levelset equations efficiently, we combine the narrowband scheme with a domain decomposition that is adapted for several different architectures. We also introduce a novel parallelism strategy, which we call hybrid gathering, which allows regular and lock‐free computations of local differential operators. Finally, we provide the detailed description of the implementation and data structures for the proposed strategies, as well as performance data for both CPU and graphics processing unit implementations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns in root traits of woody species hosting arbuscular and ectomycorrhizas: implications for the evolution of belowground strategies
Authors: Comas Louise H. , Callahan Hilary S. , Midford Peter E. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRoot traits vary enormously among plant species but we have little understanding of how this variation affects their functioning. Of central interest is how root traits are related to plant resource acquisition strategies from soil. We examined root traits of 33 woody species from northeastern US forests that form two of the most common types of mutualisms with fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) and ectomycorrhizas (EM). We examined root trait distribution with respect to plant phylogeny, quantifying the phylogenetic signal (K statistic) in fine root morphology and architecture, and used phylogenetically independent contrasts (PICs) to test whether taxa forming different mycorrhizal associations had different root traits. We found a pattern of species forming roots with thinner diameters as species diversified across time. Given moderate phylogenetic signals (K = 0.44–0.68), we used PICs to examine traits variation among taxa forming AM or EM, revealing that hosts of AM were associated with lower branching intensity (rPIC = −0.77) and thicker root diameter (rPIC = −0.41). Because EM evolved relatively more recently and intermittently across plant phylogenies, significant differences in root traits and colonization between plants forming AM and EM imply linkages between the evolution of these biotic interactions and root traits and suggest a history of selection pressures, with trade‐offs for supporting different types of associations. Finally, across plant hosts of both EM and AM, species with thinner root diameters and longer specific root length (SRL) had less colonization (rPIC = 0.85, −0.87), suggesting constraints on colonization linked to the evolution of root morphology.