bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In search of influence of stratospheric Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation on tropical cyclones tracks over the Bay of Bengal region
Authors: Fadnavis S. , Ernest Raj P. , Buchunde Pallavi , Goswami B. N. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe ability of the stratospheric Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) to modulate tropospheric circulation allows it to modulate tracks of tropical cyclones (TCs). This possibility is examined using data on the cyclone tracks over the Bay of Bengal (BOB) during the period 1948–2010. TC tracks (excluding the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation years) when stratified as per the phases of QBO show the evidence of influence of stratospheric QBO on tracks. In pre‐monsoon and post‐monsoon seasons, during easterly phase of QBO, cyclones move westward/northwestward while during westerly phase they move northward/northeastward. The evidence of influence of QBO on modulation of TC tracks is reported for the first time during pre‐satellite period (1948–1978) and satellite period (1979–2010) over the BOB. The QBO influence is observed to be significantly stronger during easterly phase as compared to that in the westerly phase. Numbers of cyclones are more during easterly phase (during pre‐monsoon and post‐monsoon) than during the westerly phase. A mechanism is proposed whereby QBO of the zonal winds in the stratosphere influences the movement of cyclone tracks in the BOB by redistributing deep convection associated with cyclones by modulating steering winds. The possible interaction between QBO and cyclone activity is investigated through the variation of tropopause height, geo‐potential height and Outgoing Longwave Radiations. © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Morphology, Dielectric and Thermal Properties of Poly(sulfobutylbetaine)/Montmorillonite (PMBS‐4/MMT) Nanocomposites as Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Cardoso Judith , Vázquez Gerardo , García Pedro R. , González Ignacio 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPolymeric electrolyte composites based on polymer poly(sulfobutylbetaines) (PMBS‐4) and 1%, 3% and 5% montmorillonite (MMT) modified with organic ions, dodecyldimethyl(3‐sulfo‐propyl) ammonium hydroxide (C12SB) were synthesized. The structural modification and electrochemical properties of samples were investigated to understand the effects of organic MMT in a polymer matrix on ionic conductivity. The modification of the clay with organic ions resulted in a larger d‐spacing which makes easier the penetration of PMBS‐4 into the interlayer galleries. The values of Tg obtained from differential scanning calorimetry are 18 °C, 20 °C, 20 °C and 27 °C for PMBS‐4, PMBS‐4/C12SB‐MMT 1%, PMBS‐4/C12SB‐MMT 3% and PMBS‐4/C12SB‐MMT 5% respectively. Since PMBS‐4 and PMBS/C12SB‐MMT were examined in the absence of Li salt, the conductivity of samples was attributed to the motion of dipoles in chains of zwitterionic PMBS‐4. The increase in conductivity with increasing temperature was explained as a local structural relaxation and segmental motion of polymer. The values of σ, at 25 °C, for: PMBS‐4, PMBS‐4/C12SB‐MMT 1%, PMBS‐4/C12SB‐MMT 3% and PMBS‐4/C12SB‐MMT 5% were 6.2 × 10−6 S/cm, 1.2 × 10−6 S/cm, 1.7 × 10−6 S/cm and 9.1 × 10−6 S/cm respectively.
High‐Throughput Method for RAFT Kinetic Investigations and Estimation of Reactivity Ratios in Copolymerization Systems
Authors: Guerrero‐Sanchez Carlos , Harrisson Simon , Keddie Daniel J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA new high‐throughput experimental technique, namely automated parallel freeze‐evacuate‐thaw degassing method, is applied for the facile, rapid and reliable determination of reactivity ratios in copolymerization systems. The approach allowed carrying out a detailed kinetic investigation of the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) with vinyl acetate (VAc) monomers in 2‐methyl‐2‐butanol at 60 °C. Thereafter, the reactivity ratios of this copolymerization system were estimated utilizing the obtained kinetic data and a computer program based on the visualization of the sum of residual space method. The obtained reactivity ratios of the system (rMA = 8.2 and rVAc = 0.17) are comparable to values previously reported in the literature, which demonstrates the utility of this approach.
TEMPO Mediated Radical Emulsion Polymerization of Styrene by Stepwise and Semibatch Processes
Authors: González‐Blanco Roberto , Saldívar‐Guerra Enrique , Herrera‐Ordóñez Jorge , Cano‐Valdez Andrés 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn the present study we carried out nitroxide mediated radical polymerizations (NMRP) of styrene in emulsion using 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl (TEMPO) by stepwise and semibatch processes obtaining polystyrene (PS) with a dispersity (Đ) lower than 1.5 and average particle diameter (Dp) between 180 and 520 nm when methanol was used. Otherwise, when the polymerization was carried out in the absence of methanol, a bimodal particle size distribution (PSD) was obtained. This is attributed to the super‐swelling effect, which causes the particles to grow considerably and also to lower the nitroxide efficiency reducing chain formation and thus drastically reducing the particle nucleation. These polymerizations did not require a separate macroinitiator synthesis step, which represents an important simplification for further applications.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ionic Graphene Oxides (GO) for the Generation of New Multilayered Structures and Hybrid GO/Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Ledezma Raquel , Arizmendi Layza , Rodríguez J. Alberto , Castañeda Adali , Ziolo Ronald F. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe chemical surface modification of graphene and graphene oxide materials is a burgeoning area of investigation. We report the preparation of new ionic forms of graphene oxide by wet chemical modification and metathesis reactions. Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by a modified Hummers method and functionalized to form cationic and anionic species. The former were prepared via nucleophilic substitution of alkyl amines at the epoxy and hydroxyl groups on the GO while the latter, consisting of sulfonated GO, was prepared via an aryl diazonium salt. The functionalized graphene oxide sheets consist of quaternary ammonium ion substituted GO, GO+, with Cl‐ or I‐ as counter ion and sulfonated GO, GO‐, with H+, Ba2+ or tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) ion as counter ions. The addition reaction between GO+ and GO‐ in aqueous solution by metathesis to form a black [GO+][GO‐] precipitate was also investigated. Materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR, Raman, STEM and TEM/HRTEM. Chemically modified graphene and graphene oxides are expected to facilitate further understanding of the chemistry and physics of graphene materials in general and contribute to the formation and further understanding of advanced hybrid graphene and graphene oxide polymer nanocomposites.1,2
The Ring‐Opening Polymerization of ε‐Caprolactone Catalyzed by Molybdenum Trioxide: A Kinetic Approach Study Using NMR and DSC Data
Authors: Reyes‐López Simón Yobanny , Richa Antonio Martinez 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe bulk ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ε‐caprolactone (CL), catalyzed by molybdenum trioxide (α‐MoO3), was investigated under nitrogen atmosphere at 150°C. Effect of monomer/initiator ([CL]0/[I]0, I = MoO3) and monomer/initiator/co‐initiator ([CL]0/[I]0/[CoI]0, CoI = ROH and H2O) ratios on monomer conversion and molecular weight were determined. Bulk polymerization of CL was completed within 20 hours at 150°C for [CL]0/[I]0 = 100. Propagation was first order in CL concentration and initiator at this temperature, being the rate constant of propagation kp equal to 2.27 × 10−4 mol−1 l s−1. Polymerization reaction was accelerated by the addition of small amounts of water and n‐octanol. In the presence of water (up to [CL]0/[H2O]0 = 120), polymerization rate increases and was completed within 6 hours at 150°C; for higher amounts of water (150 to 180), lower conversions are observed. However, control of number‐average molecular weight was only efficient for [CL]0/[H2O]0 = 20 and 30. In the presence of n‐octanol, degradation of polyester occurs at early stages of polymerization. Kinetic data for polymerization (obtained by 1H‐NMR) were fitted to 14 different model reaction functions. It was found that a linear model represents better the conversion versus time plots for bulk polymerization, in agreement with the pseudo living nature of polymerization.
Mass spectrometry and next‐generation sequencing reveal an abundant and rapidly evolving abalone sperm protein
Authors: Palmer Melody R. , McDowall Margo H. , Stewart Lia , Ouaddi Aleena , MacCoss Michael J. , Swanson Willie J. 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYAbalone, a broadcast spawning marine mollusk, is an important model for molecular interactions and positive selection in fertilization, but the focus has previously been on only two sperm proteins, lysin and sp18. We used genomic and proteomic techniques to bring new insights to this model by characterizing the testis transcriptome and sperm proteome of the Red abalone Haliotis rufescens. One pair of homologous, testis‐specific proteins contains a secretion signal and is small, abundant, and associated with the acrosome. Comparative analysis revealed that homologs are extremely divergent between species, and show strong evidence for positive selection. The acrosomal localization and rapid evolution of these proteins indicates that they play an important role in fertilization, and could be involved in the species‐specificity of sperm‐egg interactions in abalone. Our genomic and proteomic characterization of abalone fertilization resulted in the identification of interesting, novel peptides that have eluded detection in this important model system for 20 years. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 460–465, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The plasminogen activator system in the ovine placentome during late gestation and stage‐two of parturition
Authors: McNeel Anthony K. , Cushman Robert A. , Vallet Jeffrey L. 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYThe process of placental separation is not completely understood. In domestic animals, especially cattle, it is important that expulsion of the fetal membranes takes place in a timely manner in order to achieve maximal reproductive efficiency. The activity of the matrix‐metalloprotease (MMP) family of proteases is known to be reduced in placentomes from cases of retained placenta. Members of the MMP family are known to be activated by the plasminogen activator (PA) family of proteases. We hypothesized that the expression and activity of the PA family increase in the cotyledon and/or caruncle as parturition approaches, with maximal expression and activity at parturition. To test this hypothesis, we performed reverse‐transcriptase quantitative PCR and plasminogen‐casein zymography to detect the presence and activity of PA family members in the placentome leading up to and during parturition in spontaneous and dexamethasone‐induced parturient ewes. The results from our experiments indicated that serine proteases inhibitor E1 (SERPINE1) mRNA abundance in the cotyledon was different between treatment groups (P = 0.0002). In the caruncle, gene expression for plasminogen activator urokinase‐type (PLAU) was different (P = 0.0154), and there was a strong trend for differences in SERPINE1 expression (P = 0.0565). These results demonstrate that expression of the PA system in the placentome changes from late pregnancy to parturition, and the presence or activity of these enzymes may occur after fetal expulsion. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 466–473, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generalized orienteering problem with resource dependent rewards
Authors: Pietz Jesse , Royset Johannes O. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe introduce a generalized orienteering problem (OP) where, as usual, a vehicle is routed from a prescribed start node, through a directed network, to a prescribed destination node, collecting rewards at each node visited, to maximize the total reward along the path. In our generalization, transit on arcs in the network and reward collection at nodes both consume a variable amount of the same limited resource. We exploit this resource trade‐off through a specialized branch‐and‐bound algorithm that relies on partial path relaxation problems that often yield tight bounds and lead to substantial pruning in the enumeration tree. We present the smuggler search problem (SSP) as an important real‐world application of our generalized OP. Numerical results show that our algorithm applied to the SSP outperforms standard mixed‐integer nonlinear programming solvers for moderate to large problem instances. We demonstrate model enhancements that allow practitioners to represent realistic search planning scenarios by accounting for multiple heterogeneous searchers and complex smuggler motion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
Cremated Human Remains Deposited in Two Phases: Evidence from the Necropolis of the Tuileries Site (Lyon, France: 2nd Century AD)
Authors: André A. , Leahy R. , Rottier S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA small 2nd century AD necropolis was discovered at site N°16–28 Tuileries Street, in the 9th district of Lyon. This funerary ensemble included two secondary funerary structures, one containing cremation residues and the other an ossuary. Together, the structures have spatial, stratigraphic and anthropological particularities, which can be used to establish the relative chronology of certain funerary gestures applied to a single individual. Here, we insist on the necessity of detailed anthropological analyses, which allowed us to reestimate the minimum number of individuals, reconsider the relationship between the two different structures and postulate a new interpretation of the funerary gestures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of visceral obesity on cardiac parasympathetic activity in type 2 diabetics after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Salamin Guillaume , Pelletier Claudine , Poirier Paul , Després Jean‐Pierre , Bertrand Olivier , Alméras Natalie , Costerousse Olivier , Brassard Patrice 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveThe association between adiposity and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is not well documented. We evaluated the associations between indices of adiposity and HRV in patients with T2D with CABG and quantified the relationships of the volume of visceral (VVAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VSAT) to HRV.Design and MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐five men with T2D who underwent CABG participated in this study. HRV, BMI, waist circumference (WC), VVAT, and VSAT were measured. Correlations between indices of HRV and adiposity were evaluated and predictors of HRV modulation were identified. Patients were then divided into quartiles of VVAT and VSAT to further evaluate the influence of adiposity on HRV.ResultsSubjects were 65 ± 7 years old (mean ± SD) with a BMI of 30 ± 4 kg/m2 and a WC of 105 ± 10 cm. BMI (r = −0.19) and WC (r = −0.25) were inversely correlated with low frequencies. VVAT correlated negatively with SD normal‐to normal (SDNN) (r = −0.22, P < 0.01), indices of cardiac parasympathetic activity [rMSSD (r = −0.27), NN50 (r = −0.22), pNN50 (r = −0.26; all P < 0.05], and with low (r = −0.37) and high frequencies (r = −0.20; all P < 0.01). Patients with the lowest VVAT had the highest cardiac parasympathetic activity (P < 0.05). VVAT remained the best predictor of cardiac parasympathetic activity after adjustments for confounding parameters (P < 0.01).ConclusionAn increase in visceral adiposity, not BMI, seems to be associated with lower HRV in patients with T2D who had a CABG procedure.
Weight‐related teasing from adolescence to young adulthood: Longitudinal and secular trends between 1999 and 2010
Authors: Haines Jess , Hannan Peter J. , van den Berg Patricia , Eisenberg Marla E. , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo examine longitudinal trends from 1999–2010 in weight‐related teasing as adolescents transition to young adulthood and to examine secular trends in teasing among early and middle adolescents over the same time period.Design and MethodsTo examine longitudinal changes we used data from 2,287 participants in Project EAT‐III, an ongoing cohort that followed two age cohorts of adolescents from 1999 to 2010. Over the study period the younger cohort transitioned from early adolescence to early young adulthood and the older cohort transitioned from middle adolescence to middle young adulthood. To examine how levels of teasing among early and middle adolescents changed from 1999–2010 (secular trends), we compared baseline data from EAT‐I to cross‐sectional data from a new cohort of early and middle adolescents that was established in 2010.ResultsIn 1999, 29% of early adolescent and 23% of middle adolescent females reported being teased. Approximately 18% of males in both age groups reported being teased in 1999. Longitudinal trends suggest that weight‐related teasing remained stable among all subgroups as they transitioned to young adulthood, except among early adolescent males where teasing increased to 27% in early young adulthood. Analyses of age‐matched secular trends show that teasing decreased by 10.4% among early adolescent females and by 7.6% among middle adolescent males from 1999–2010.ConclusionResults suggest that interventions that focus on reducing weight‐based discrimination are needed throughout adolescence and young adulthood. The secular decrease in weight‐related teasing is promising, but the high prevalence of teasing remains a public health concern.
Prenatal diagnosis of multicystic dysplastic kidney disease in the second trimester screening
Authors: Al Naimi Ammar , Baumüller Jan‐Eric , Spahn Stephan , Bahlmann Franz 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveMulticystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is the most common antenatally diagnosed cystic renal pathology. It refers to the presence of multiple kidney cysts surrounded by dysplastic parenchymal tissue. The typical MCDK ultrasound finding shows multiple nonconnecting thin‐walled cysts within an irregularly outlined kidney. We want to present our own cases as an addition to the relatively scarce literature about MCDK.MethodWe retrospectively review 54 cases (21 bilateral and 33 unilateral) with antenatally diagnosed MCDK between the years 1998 and 2012. We compare our data with the published literature and discuss different parameters.ResultsOur findings show a male predominance of 1.8 : 1 and a left side/right side ratio of 0.73 : 1. Most of the cases were isolated findings, but 20.3% were associated with anomalies. One case was a Goldenhar syndrome. Of the bilateral MCDK cases, 14.3% had chromosomal defects. The mean gestational age at time of diagnosis was 20–21 weeks. Renal length was above the 90th normal percentile in 96.2% of the cases.ConclusionIsolated unilateral MCDK has good prognosis. Bad prognosis is linked to association with other anomalies as well as to bilateral MCDK. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First trimester prediction of early onset preeclampsia using demographic, clinical, and sonographic data: a cohort study
Authors: Caradeux Javier , Serra Ramón , Nien Jyh‐Kae , Pérez‐Sepulveda Alejandra , Schepeler Manuel , Guerra Francisco , Gutiérrez Jorge , Martínez Jaime , Cabrera Cristián , Figueroa‐Diesel Horacio , Soothill Peter , Illanes Sebastián E. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of this research was to evaluate the performance of a predictive model for early onset preeclampsia (PE) during early gestation.MethodProspective multicenter cohort study was performed in women attending 11–14 weeks ultrasound. Medical history and biometrical variables were recorded and uterine artery Doppler was performed. All patients were followed until postpartum period. Constructed predictive models were compared using the area under the associated receiver operating characteristic curve. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were estimated for each outcome.ResultsA total of 627 patients were enrolled. Sixty‐five (10.4%) developed gestational hypertension, of which 29 developed PE (4.6% of the total sample) and nine occurred before 34 weeks (1.5% of total sample). Prediction model generated for early onset PE (ePE) with 5% false positive achieve sensitivity of 62.5% and specificity of 95.5%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios for ePE were 13.9 and 0.39, respectively. Development of ePE was significantly associated with history of preterm labor (p = 0.002) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.02).ConclusionsThis study confirms the advantage of combining multiple variables for prediction of ePE. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nasal bone length: the long and short of it. Evaluation of the reference values for the fetal nasal bone length at 16 to 25 weeks of gestational age in an Indian population
Authors: Sharma Akshatha , Tayal Tulika , BH Narayani , Radhakrishnan Prathima , Kaul Anita 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo establish a reference interval range for the fetal nasal bone length (NBL) in an Indian population.MethodsA retrospective study of antenatal ultrasound records of fetuses at 16 to 25 weeks in singleton pregnancies. NBL, biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length were noted in 6436 observations of singleton, euploid, nonmalformed pregnancies.ResultsThe 50th centile for NBLs increased from 3.4 to 6.9 mm from 16th to 25th week of gestational age. The relation between nasal bone and gestational age, BPD and femur length were found and noted. The NBLs were found to be shorter when compared with other ethnicities.ConclusionsA reference range for fetal NBLs at 16 to 25 weeks in an Indian population and its relation with fetal biometry was established. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epilepsy Action: campaigning for and supporting people with epilepsy
Authors: Scott Pete 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEpilepsy Action is the UK's leading epilepsy organisation, providing advice, information and social opportunities to people with epilepsy, their families and carers. Here, Pete Scott explains how Epilepsy Action is engaging in social research, campaigns for positive change and promoting quality care to key decision makers in order to secure a better future for people with epilepsy in the UK.
Study on Rubber Composite Armor Anti‐Shaped Charge Jet Penetration
Authors: Zu Xudong , Huang Zhengxiang , Jia Xin 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe process of rubber composite armor anti‐shaped charge jet (SCJ) penetration was divided into four parts based on jet deformation that occurred when the SCJ penetrated the rubber composite armor. Results on the interference speed interval, interference frequency, and surplus penetration capability of the SCJ with the rubber composite armor were derived based on the stress wave and the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability theory. The effects of rubber layer thickness and obliquity of the armor for the composite armor anti‐SCJ penetration were studied through theoretical, X‐ray, and depth of penetration experiments. The results showed that when the obliquity was at 60° and the rubber layer thickness was in the range of 3 mm to 3.5 mm, the rubber composite armor seriously disturbed the stability of the SCJ. Thus, the rubber composite armor was found to have the best protection capability under these specifications.