bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A two‐point dynamic model for the coupled evolution of channels and tidal flats
Authors: Mariotti G. , Fagherazzi S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA dynamic model for the morphological evolution of channels and unvegetated tidal flats is proposed. Channels and tidal flats are schematized as two reservoirs that exchange sediment through the tidal dispersion mechanism, which stems from the presence of a tidal exchange flow and spatial gradients in sediment concentration. The reference concentration in each reservoir is determined by the shear stress associated to tidal currents and surface wind waves, which are a function of the geometry of the system. A simplified procedure to compute flow partition between channels and tidal flats is developed and compared to the numerical solution of the shallow water equations, showing good agreement. In the absence of wind waves, tidal flats reach a stable dynamic vertical equilibrium close to mean high water level, resembling a creek‐marsh morphology. For intermediate wind conditions, an additional stable dynamic vertical equilibrium, characterized by a channel flanked by tidal flats close to mean low water, arises. Such equilibrium stems from a sediment exchange dynamic balance between current‐dominated channels and wave‐dominated tidal flats, and it likely represents the morphological configuration of most tidal flats. Waves associated with intense winds suppress the channelization process. The model suggests that tidal flat elevation is primarily controlled by waves and can be decoupled from channels. Channel depth is also indirectly controlled by waves, through the influence of tidal flat elevation on channel hydrodynamics. Finally, the model predicts that variations in environmental parameters, such as sea level, storminess, and sediment availability, can induce catastrophic morphological shifts.
Fungal biodegradation of pomegranate ellagitannins
Authors: Ascacio‐Valdés Juan A. , Buenrostro José J. , De la Cruz Reynaldo , Sepúlveda Leonardo , Aguilera Antonio F. , Prado Arely , Contreras Juan C. , Rodríguez Raúl , Aguilar Cristóbal N. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEllagitannins (ETs) are phytochemicals derived from secondary metabolism associated to defense system, with complex chemical structures, which have high participation during all stages of protection against microbial infection. In this study, we report the fungal biodegradation of a bioactive ET, named punicaline which was recovered and purified from pomegranate peels and used as carbon source in solid‐state culture (SSC) using polyurethane as solid support. SSC was kinetically monitored during 36 h of incubation time. ETs and glycosides consumption were spectrophotometrically determined. Ellagic acid (EA) accumulation was analyzed by HPLC. Several enzymatic activities were assayed (cellulase, xylanase, β‐glucosydase, polyphenoloxidase, tannase, and ET hydrolyzing activities). The consumption levels of ETs and glycosides were 66 and 40%, while EA accumulation reached 42.02 mg g−1. A differential pattern of enzymatic activities was found; evidence from our studies suggests that the ET hydrolyzing activity is directly associated to EA accumulation, and production of this enzyme may represent the most critical step to successfully develop a bioprocess for production of an important bioactive compound, the EA.
Assessing the applicability of six precipitation probability distribution models on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Li Zhi , Brissette Francois , Chen Jie 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTStochastic modelling of daily precipitation is useful for many hydrological and agricultural applications; however, the ability of the precipitation generator should be assessed to ensure accurate precipitation simulation. In particular, the appropriate choice of a precipitation probability distribution is of utmost importance. The Loess Plateau in China has a semi‐arid climate with strong monsoon influence and contains some of the most erodible soils in the world. The large annual variability in precipitation and the common occurrence of very large rainfall events makes this region very challenging for stochastic generation of precipitation. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to compare the performances of six precipitation probability distributions (exponential, gamma, Weibull, skewed normal, mixed exponential and hybrid exponential/generalized Pareto distributions) on the Loess Plateau of China based on daily precipitation data of 47 stations during 1961–2009. Results indicate that using increasingly more complex precipitation distributions contribute to more accurate precipitation simulation. However, none of the tested distributions is able to simulate all the observed statistical characteristics of precipitation. The three‐parameter models are superior to simulating the observed mean and variance. The hybrid exponential/generalized Pareto distribution is the best at simulating the frequency distributions and interannual variations of precipitation while the skewed normal distribution performs the best in reproducing extreme precipitation events. Overall, as erosion on the Loess Plateau is highly dependent on extreme precipitation, the skewed normal distribution may be the best candidate and therefore is recommended on the Loess Plateau.
Trends and variability of seasonal weather regimes
Authors: Vrac Mathieu , Vaittinada Ayar Pradeebane , Yiou Pascal 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTSeasons and seasonality are the main properties of extra‐tropical climate that affect ecosystems and society. For example, agriculture, tourism, energy consumption or ecosystem phenology are primarily dependent on seasonality and on the magnitude of the meteorological events associated within each season. Changes in the seasonality of variables like surface temperature during the last decades have been widely investigated but seasonal changes of the weather have received less quantification. This paper redefines the concept of seasonality based on the extra‐tropical atmospheric circulation, and on the notion that it can drive the evolution of temperature. We find that summer‐like atmospheric conditions have appeared earlier and ended later since 1948. Conversely, the period with winter patterns has reduced over that period. The temperatures associated with weather patterns allow to identify the sources of temperature trends.
Osteoporosis as a risk factor for the recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Yamanaka Toshiaki , Shirota Shiho , Sawai Yachiyo , Murai Takayuki , Fujita Nobuya , Hosoi Hiroshi 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) frequently occurs in females over 50 years old, suggesting that a postmenopausal decrease in estrogen secretion might be involved in its onset. An estrogen deficiency is generally known to cause osteoporosis through a reduction in bone mass. This study was designed to investigate a clinical association between idiopathic BPPV and osteoporosis.Study DesignCase‐control study.MethodsWe measured the bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar vertebrae in 61 patients with idiopathic BPPV who were postmenopausal women over 50 years old using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. After being treated with the canalith repositioning maneuver, the patients were followed up for at least 1 year.ResultsOur results showed that the incidence of osteoporosis in patients with BPPV was 26.2%, which was similar to those observed in epidemiological surveys conducted in Japan. However, we found that in BPPV patients with osteoporosis, the incidence of recurrence was 56.3%, which was significantly higher than that observed in patients with normal bone mineral density (16.1%). Furthermore, the frequency of BPPV recurrence increased as BMD decreased.ConclusionsThese results suggest that osteoporosis is a risk factor for BPPV recurrence. The prognosis of BPPV might be clinically predicted by BMD reduction.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope, 123:2813–2816, 2013
Preparation and Properties of Hybrid Materials Originating from Polybenzoxazines and Silsesquioxanes
Authors: Fu Zien , Xu Kai , Liu Xin , Wu Jianchen , Tan Chanjuan , Chen Mingcai 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA benzoxazine‐bridged bis(triethoxysilane) (BFS) compound is synthesized by a condensation reaction and characterized. Different ratios of BFS are integrated into 6,6‐(1‐methylethyliden)‐bis‐(3,4‐dihydro‐3‐phenyl‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxaizne) (Ba) through solution mixing; thermally hybrid‐cured polymers are obtained. The neat, cured polymers (PBFS100) based on BFS display low water absorption, low dielectric constant, and a glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of 169 °C. The thermal properties, water absorption, and dielectric properties of the hybrid polymers are markedly improved due to the incorporation of BFS. Electron microscopy observation reveals that the polymer hybrid features a self‐assembled lamellar structure responsible for the enhanced properties of polybenzoxazine/silsesquioxane composites.
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Memory for Sponsorship Relationships: A Critical Juncture in Thinking
Authors: Cornwell T. Bettina , Humphreys Michael S. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTMarketing communications that utilize partnerships between a brand or corporation and a sport, art, or community activity are thoroughly integrated into our understanding of business behavior. Despite the ubiquity of sponsorship relationships as the bases of communication platforms, we still do not understand fully how they work when successful, and how they do not work when they fail. Memory is important to the communication function of all sponsorships and a strategic objective of many. Thus, we explore memory for sponsorship relationships. The aim is to codify our progress to date in measuring memory‐related sponsorship outcomes, to identify where shortcomings in our understanding remain and to move toward more complete and explanatory models of sponsorship effects. Topics discussed include: memory as a measure of sponsorship success, strong and weak memory objectives, implicit and explicit memory, interference from competitors, strategic encoding processes, cueing memory retrieval, redefining memories, and enhancing memory for sponsorship relationships.
Assessing the Financial Impact of Sponsorship Investment
Authors: Kourovskaia Anastasia A. , Meenaghan Tony 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper outlines an effective approach to the problem of assessing the financial impact of sponsorship investment, which has a track record of successful implementation in the sponsorship industry. Based on a number of interrelated proprietary models the approach provides the tools to measure the brand financial uplift created by a sponsorship programme and the shareholder value thus created. The core thrust of the paper is around the use of the MBO model, i.e., the Millward Brown Optimor model, which has proved successful in capturing the effectiveness of sponsorships and in forecasting financial performance of the brand and thus allowing for the quantification of the value created for the brand by the sponsorship investment. The implementation of the MBO approach is outlined as a five‐step process involving comprehensive segmentation, benchmarking to derive a brand discount rate, modeling of financial performance, determining the role of the brand in ultimately driving usage choice, and ultimately providing the techniques to calculate Brand Contribution in financial terms. The paper concludes that the complex tasks involved in assessing the financial impact of sponsorship investment and the impact on shareholder value can be rigorously addressed through the application of these tools and sponsorship managers can thereby make improved decisions which are underpinned by market and financial analysis.
Modeling trajectories of regional volume loss in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Josephs Keith A. , Xia Rong , Mandrekar Jay , Gunter Jeffrey L. , Senjem Matthew L. , Jack Clifford R. , Whitwell Jennifer L. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTProgressive supranuclear palsy is a neurodegenerative disease with progressive brain atrophy over time. It is unknown which specific brain regions decline over time, whether regional volume loss occurs in a linear fashion, and whether regional atrophy correlates with clinical decline over time in progressive supranuclear palsy. Twenty‐eight subjects meeting probable progressive supranuclear palsy criteria were prospectively recruited and completed 96 MRI scans over 2 years. Mixed‐effect models were utilized to determine which regions had significant atrophy over time and whether decline was linear or nonlinear. We assessed 13 regions across the brain, as well as whole‐brain and ventricular volume. Regional trajectories were also correlated with change in clinical measures of executive function and gait and ocular motor impairment. A linear decline was observed in all frontal and temporal regions, the superior parietal lobe, the thalamus, the caudate nuclei, and the midbrain, as well as in the whole brain. Ventricular expansion was also linear. Nonlinear decline was observed for the caudal middle frontal lobe and globus pallidus. Rates of change in the superior frontal lobe, thalamus, and midbrain were beyond those expected in normal aging. Decline in frontal lobe volume and the midbrain area correlated best to decline in clinical measures. In progressive supranuclear palsy, atrophy is occurring in multiple brain regions, particularly in those that have previously been implicated in the disease. Decline is mainly linear but can be nonlinear for some regions. The frontal lobe and midbrain seem to be playing the most significant roles in the progressive worsening of clinical signs in progressive supranuclear palsy. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Familial psychogenic movement disorders
Authors: Stamelou Maria , Cossu Giovanni , Edwards Mark J. , Murgia Daniela , Pareés Isabel , Melis Maurizio , Bhatia Kailash P. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundPsychogenic (or functional) movement disorders (PMDs) are considered sporadic. Despite the growing literature describing the clinical features and the natural history of sporadic cases with PMDs, their occurrence in familial clusters is not reported.MethodsWe identified 10 patients from 5 families affected by PMDs. In this report, we describe the clinical characteristics along with videos and long‐term follow‐up of these patients.ResultsClinical clues from the history and signs suggesting a functional origin of the symptoms in these patients with familial PMD were similar to those identified in sporadic cases. The phenomenology of the PMD was similar in the affected members of the same family.ConclusionsWe wish to highlight that a positive family history does not necessarily imply an organic disorder. When a positive family history for a condition is reported by a patient with PMD, examination of these further affected members may be needed and may identify further family members suffering from PMDs. A positive family history of PMDs may be an additional risk factor for developing PMDs. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
The Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonates (ANPs): Antonín Holý's Legacy
Authors: De Clercq Erik 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe name of Antonín Holý has become synonymous for the era of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs), which started with (S)‐HPMPA as the prototype and (S)‐HPMPC (cidofovir) as the first marketed compound. It has now evolved to a number of compounds clinically used in the treatment of HIV and hepatitis B virus infections, either as such [tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, Viread®)] or in combination [Truvada®, Atripla®, Complera®, Stribild®]. Truvada has also been approved for the prevention of HIV infections. Forthcoming is a new formulation of tenofovir (TAF: tenofovir alafenamide). Also forthcoming are several “quad” drug combinations containing either TDF or TAF. Other ANPs, based on either an alkoxy side chain or 5‐azacytosine heterocycle seem highly promising and worth further pursuing.
Comparative Analysis of Cluster Validity Indices in Identifying Some Possible Genes Mediating Certain Cancers
Authors: Ghosh Anupam , Dhara Bibhas Chandra , De Rajat K. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this article, we compare the performance of 19 cluster validity indices, in identifying some possible genes mediating certain cancers, based on gene expression data. For the purpose of this comparison, we have developed a method. The proposed method involves cluster generation, selection of the best k‐value or c‐values, cluster identification, identifying the altered gene cluster, scoring an altered gene cluster and determining the best k‐value or c‐value exploring through biological repositories. The effectiveness of the method has been demonstrated on three gene expression data sets dealing with human lung cancer, colon cancer, and leukemia. Here, we have used three clustering algorithms, i.e., k‐means, PAM and fuzzy c‐means. We have used biochemical pathways related to these cancers and p‐value statistics for validating the study.
Clinically viable magnetic poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) particles for MRI‐based cell tracking
Authors: Granot Dorit , Nkansah Michael K. , Bennewitz Margaret F. , Tang Kevin S. , Markakis Eleni A. , Shapiro Erik M. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeTo design, fabricate, characterize, and in vivo assay clinically viable magnetic particles for MRI‐based cell tracking.MethodsPoly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) encapsulated magnetic nano and microparticles were fabricated. Multiple biologically relevant experiments were performed to assess cell viability, cellular performance, and stem cell differentiation. In vivo MRI experiments were performed to separately test cell transplantation and cell migration paradigms, as well as in vivo biodegradation.ResultsHighly magnetic nano (∼100 nm) and microparticles (∼1–2 µm) were fabricated. Magnetic cell labeling in culture occurred rapidly achieving 3–50 pg Fe/cell at 3 h for different particles types, and >100 pg Fe/cell after 10 h, without the requirement of a transfection agent, and with no effect on cell viability. The capability of magnetically labeled mesenchymal or neural stem cells to differentiate down multiple lineages, or for magnetically labeled immune cells to release cytokines following stimulation, was uncompromised. An in vivo biodegradation study revealed that NPs degraded ∼80% over the course of 12 weeks. MRI detected as few as 10 magnetically labeled cells, transplanted into the brains of rats. Also, these particles enabled the in vivo monitoring of endogenous neural progenitor cell migration in rat brains over 2 weeks.ConclusionThe robust MRI properties and benign safety profile of these particles make them promising candidates for clinical translation for MRI‐based cell tracking. Magn Reson Med 71:1238–1250, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analytical solution for 1D consolidation under haversine cyclic loading
Authors: Razouki Sabah S. , Bonnier Paul , Datcheva Maria , Schanz Tom 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYPresented and discussed in this paper is an exact analytical solution of the nonhomogeneous partial differential equation governing the conventional one‐dimensional consolidation under haversine repeated loading. The derived analytical solution to the 1D consolidation equation is compared with the numerical solution of the same consolidation problem via FEM. The series solution takes into account the frequency of repeated loading through a dimensionless time factor T0. The paper reveals that an increase in the frequency of imposed repeated haversine loading (a decrease in period of repeated loading) causes an increase in the number of cycles required to achieve the steady state, whereas the effect of frequency on the maximum excess pore water pressure at the bottom of a clay layer with permeable top and impermeable bottom for the range of frequencies studied is generally insignificant. The effective stress at the bottom of the clay deposit with permeable top and impermeable bottom increases with time but with some fluctuations without changing the sign. These fluctuations become more pronounced for increasing values of T0. An increase in T0 also causes an increase in maximum effective stress. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local Fourier analysis of the complex shifted Laplacian preconditioner for Helmholtz problems
Authors: Cools Siegfried , Vanroose Wim 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYIn this paper, we solve the Helmholtz equation with multigrid preconditioned Krylov subspace methods. The class of shifted Laplacian preconditioners is known to significantly speed up Krylov convergence. However, these preconditioners have a parameter , a measure of the complex shift. Because of contradictory requirements for the multigrid and Krylov convergence, the choice of this shift parameter can be a bottleneck in applying the method. In this paper, we propose a wavenumber‐dependent minimal complex shift parameter, which is predicted by a rigorous k‐grid local Fourier analysis (LFA) of the multigrid scheme. We claim that, given any (regionally constant) wavenumber, this minimal complex shift parameter provides the reader with a parameter choice that leads to efficient Krylov convergence. Numerical experiments in one and two spatial dimensions validate the theoretical results. It appears that the proposed complex shift is both the minimal requirement for a multigrid V‐cycle to converge and being near optimal in terms of Krylov iteration count. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Polymerization of Aqueous Solutions of NIPAAm Initiated by Atmospheric Plasma Treatment
Authors: Molina Ricardo , Ligero Cristina , Jovančić Petar , Bertran Enric 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn situ polymerization of aqueous solution of NIPAAm initiated by atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment as an innovative approach to synthesis of thin polymeric films and hydrogels is introduced in this work. The characterization of the active species present in the polymerization plasma system by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and UV irradiation as well as the chemical characterization of the plasma polymerized NIPAAm (PNIPAAm) films by FTIR, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis give evidences that the monomer chemical composition is highly retained during the in situ polymerization.magnified image
Superhydrophobic Transparent Surface of Nanostructured Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Enhanced by a Hydrolysis Reaction
Authors: Her E. K. , Ko T.‐J. , Shin B. , Roh H. , Dai W. , Seong W. K. , Kim H.‐Y. , Lee K.‐R. , Oh K. H. , Moon M.‐W. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe report a method to create a self‐cleaning, transparent surface on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using a dry etching with CF4 plasma and a subsequent hydrolysis process with water immersion. During the CF4 plasma treatment, nanoscale pillar structures were formed and its aspect ratio tended to increase. However, the transparency was reduced due to the deposition and the accumulation of undesired capping layers, which cover the structures. The hydrolysis was used to remove the capping layers of metal fluoride. As a result, the surface improves their clarity based on the transmittance up to 95%, because the reflectivity was reduced. With a subsequent hydrophobic coating, a superhydrophobic surface was achieved showing robust anti‐wetting and anti‐dewing effects.magnified image
Two‐photon absorption induced anti‐Stokes emission in single InGaN/GAN quantum‐dot‐like objects
Authors: Bardoux R. , Funato M. , Kaneta A. , Kawakami Y. , Kikuchi A. , Kishino K. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe observed crossed transitions and anti‐Stokes emissions in single quantum‐dot‐like objects embedded in the active layer of InGaN/GaN quantum disks by two‐photon absorption techniques. We proposed a phenomenological model based on the interplay between Auger effect and crossed transitions to explain the origin of anti‐Stokes emissions and the preferential excitation of 0D objects at the expense of their surroundings. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)