bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a finite‐difference micromagnetic model on GPU hardware
Authors: Vansteenkiste Arne , de Wiele Ben Van , Dupré Luc , Waeyenberge Bartel Van , Zutter Daniël De 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYWe have developed a micromagnetic simulator for graphical processing units (GPU), using the CUDA framework. In this paper, we discuss the optimization of the effective field calculation, both from a mathematical and from a hardware‐specific point of view. By using a finite‐difference discretization scheme, the long‐range magnetostatic field can be calculated using fast Fourier transforms, an approach well suited for the GPU. We show how the implementation can be tuned to the GPU hardware and how the performance can be further increased by dealing with the large number of zeros that typically occurs in the micromagnetic field computation. Additionally, we show how the ferromagnetic exchange interaction can be readily included in the magnetostatic field calculation without any additional computational cost. The resulting high‐performance software can be used to run large‐scale simulations that would have been very time‐consuming on regular CPU hardware. As an example, we present a case study on the de‐pinning of domain walls in racetrack memory devices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying the residual effects of ENSO on low‐frequency variability in the tropical Pacific
Authors: Choi Jung , An Soon‐Il 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe asymmetry of El Niño‐La Niña, one of the well‐known characteristics of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), is suggested to produce a non‐zero residual effect that could rectify the background state, and thereby generates the low‐frequency variability in the tropical Pacific. So far, this rectification effect has been hardly quantified apart from the low‐frequency variability because the low‐frequency variability captured via conventional methods represents the mixture of both the residual effects of ENSO and the no‐ENSO‐related natural decadal variability. Here we separate the residual effects of ENSO from the natural decadal variability that appears in four historical sea surface temperature datasets during the last century by applying a long‐term moving average. A significant correlation between the computed residual effect and the decadal change in the ENSO skewness (i.e. the measure of the El Niño‐La Niña asymmetry) confirmed the applicability of our computational method. Quantitatively, the residual effects of ENSO consistently account for at least 15% of the total low‐frequency variability in four datasets, especially over the eastern and central tropical Pacific. This implies that the asymmetry of ENSO enhances the tropical Pacific decadal variability for the last century. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Synthesis and Thermomechanical Properties of Stereo Triblock Polylactides With Nonequivalent Block Compositions
Authors: Masutani Kazunari , Lee Chan Woo , Kimura Yoshiharu 
Published: March 2012

AbstractABA stereo triblock polylactides consisting of PLLA and PDLA are prepared by two‐step ROP of L‐ and D‐lactides. In the first step, PDLA prepolymers with bishydroxyl terminals are prepared that are then used as macroinitiators in the ROP of L‐lactide to obtain the target t‐sb‐PLAs with different block compositions. The resultant t‐sb‐PLAs with nonequivalent PLLA/PDLA compositions form stereocomplex crystals without homochiral crystallization. Their sc crystallinity and thermomechanical properties are dramatically improved by enantiomeric adjustment of PLLA‐rich t‐sb‐PLAs with PDLA‐rich t‐sb‐PLAs having complementary PLLA/PDLA composition.
Fully‐Branched Hyperbranched Polymers with a Diselenide Core as Glutathione Peroxidase Mimics
Authors: Fu Yu , Chen Junyi , Xu Huaping , Van Oosterwijck Chantal , Zhang Xi , Dehaen Wim , Smet Mario 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA novel glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mimic has been prepared by incorporation of a selenium‐based catalytic unit into the focal point of a fully‐branched hyperbranched polymer. First, an AB2 monomer consisting of isatin and an electron rich aromatic moiety was polycondensed in the presence of 5‐nitroisatin as a core reagent, resulting in a polymer with 100% degree of branching. The latter was coupled to the catalytically active moiety, Br(CH2)5SeSe(CH2)5Br, by nucleophilic substitution of the bromides by the residual amide groups of the incorporated nitroisatin core. The obtained polymer has demonstrated prominent GPx activity as desired, which could be attributed to the hydrophobic, densely branched and core‐shell structure of the polymer surrounding the catalytic center.
Preparation of Micron‐Sized Monodisperse Poly(ionic liquid) Particles
Authors: Tokuda Masayoshi , Minami Hideto , Mizuta Yusuke , Yamagami Tomoe 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMicron‐sized monodisperse poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) particles, poly([2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide), were prepared by dispersion polymerization at 70 °C in methanol with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as a stabilizer. The obtained particle size could be controlled by addition of ethanol to the methanol medium while maintaining narrow monodispersity. The PIL particles exhibit unique properties; they can be observed by scanning electron microscopy without platinum coating, which is generally used to avoid an electron charge. Moreover, the solubility of the PIL particles can be easily changed by changing the counter anion, similar to the process for ionic liquids.
Conversion of Phenolic Constituents in Aqueous Hamamelis virginiana Leaf Extracts During Fermentation
Authors: Duckstein Sarina M. , Lorenz Peter , Stintzing Florian C. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIntroductionHamamelis virginiana, known for its high level of tannins and other phenolics is widely used for treatment of dermatological disorders. Although reports on hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts from Hamamelis leaf and bark exist, knowledge on fermented leaf preparations and the underlying conversion processes are still scant.ObjectiveAqueous Hamamelis leaf extracts were monitored during fermentation and maturation in order to obtain an insight into the bioconversion of tannins and other phenolics.MethodologyAliquots taken during the production period were investigated by HPLC‐DAD‐MS/MS as well as GC‐MS after derivatisation into the corresponding trimethylsilyl compounds.ResultsIn Hamamelis leaf extracts, the main constituents exhibited changes during the observational period of 6 months. By successive depside bond cleavage, the gallotannins were completely transformed into gallic acid after 1 month. Although not completely, kaempferol and quercetin glycosides were also converted during 6 months to yield their corresponding aglycones. Following C‐ring fission, phloroglucinol was formed from the A‐ring of both flavonols. The B‐ring afforded 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid from quercetin and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid as well as 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐ethanol from kaempferol. Interestingly, hydroxycinnamic acids remained almost stable in the same time range.ConclusionThe present study broadens the knowledge on conversion processes in aqueous fermented extracts containing tannins, flavonol glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acids. In particular, the analogy between the microbial metabolism of phenolics from fermented Hamamelis extracts, fermented sourdough by heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria or conversion of phenolics by the human microbial flora is indicated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement of thermal properties of biodegradable polymer poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) by modification with acryloyloxyethyl isocyanate
Authors: Chen Bor‐Kuan , Lo Shuen‐Hung , Shih Chien‐Chang , Artemov Arseny V. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPoly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is one type of polyhydroxyalkanoates often used as a biomedical material due to its biodegradable and biocompatible nature. However, the mechanical and thermal properties of PHB must be improved before it can be used in a wider variety of biomedical applications. To improve the thermal properties of biodegradable PHB, various reaction conditions were studied. Results demonstrate that reacting PHB with acryloyloxyethyl isocyanate (AOI), a monomer with dual functional groups, produces a modified PHB material with markedly improved thermal properties. The 10% thermal decomposition temperature for PHB modified with 5% AOI was 297°C, which was 26.8°C higher than original PHB. The Tg also increased from 4°C to around 30°C for AOI‐modified materials. Additionally, due to the poly(ester‐urethane) structure and hydrogen bonding of polymer materials, the mechanical properties also improved. Thus, this modified PHB biodegradable polymer may have greater application as a biomedical material due to its enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Biodegradation of elastin‐like polypeptide nanoparticles
Authors: Shah Mihir , Hsueh Pang‐Yu , Sun Guoyong , Chang Ho Yon , Janib Siti M. , MacKay J. Andrew 
Published: March 2012

AbstractProtein polymers are repetitive polypeptides produced by ribosomal biosynthetic pathways; furthermore, they offer emerging opportunities in drug and biopharmaceutical delivery. As for any polymer, biodegradation is one of the most important determinants affecting how a protein polymer can be utilized in the body. This study was designed to characterize the proteolytic biodegradation for a library of protein polymers derived from the human tropoelastin, the Elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs). ELPs are of particular interest for controlled drug delivery because they reversibly transition from soluble to insoluble above an inverse phase transition temperature (Tt). More recently, ELP block copolymers have been developed that can assemble into micelles; however, it remains unclear if proteases can act on these ELP nanoparticles. For the first time, we demonstrate that ELP nanoparticles can be degraded by two model proteases and that comparable proteolysis occurs after cell uptake into a transformed culture of murine hepatocytes. Both elastase and collagenase endopeptidases can proteolytically degrade soluble ELPs. To our surprise, the ELP phase transition was protective against collagenase but not to elastase activity. These findings enhance our ability to predict how ELPs will biodegrade in different physiological microenvironments and are essential to develop protein polymers into biopharmaceuticals.
Stimulation, Segregation and Scandal: Geographies of Prostitution Regulation in British India, between Registration (1888) and Suppression (1923)
Authors: LEGG STEPHEN 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis paper explores the regulation of prostitution in colonial India between the abolition of the Indian Contagious Diseases Act in 1888 and the passing of the first Suppression of Immoral Traffic Act in 1923. It challenges the commonly held assumption that prostitutes naturally segregated themselves in Indian cities, and shows that this was a policy advocated by the Government of India. The object was to prevent the military visiting these segregated areas, in the absence of effective Cantonment Regulations for registering, inspecting, and treating prostitutes. The central government stimulated provincial segregation through expressing its desires via demi-official memoranda and confidential correspondence, to which Rangoon and Bombay responded most willingly. The second half of the paper explores the conditions, in both India and Ceylon, that made these segregated areas into scandalous sites in the early twentieth century. It situates the brothel amongst changing beliefs that they: increased rather than decreased incidents of homosexuality; stimulated trafficking in women and children; and encouraged the spread of scandalous white prostitutes ‘up-country’, beyond their tolerated location in coastal cosmopolitan ports. Taken alongside demands that the state support social reform in the early twentieth century, segregation provided the tipping point for the shift towards suppression from 1917 onwards. It also illustrates the scalar shifts in which central-local relations, and relations between provinces, in government were being negotiated in advance of the dyarchy system formalized in 1919.
The impact of verb form, sentence position, home language, and second language proficiency on subject–verb agreement in child second language Dutch
Authors: BLOM ELMA , BAAYEN HARALD R. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIt has been argued that children learning a second language (L2) omit agreement inflection because of communication demands. The conclusion of these studies is that L2 children know the morphological and syntactic properties of agreement inflection, but sometimes insert an inflectional default form (i.e., the bare verb) in production. The present study focuses on factors that explain errors with subject–verb agreement in the speech of children learning Dutch as their L2. Analyses of experimentally obtained production data from 4- to 9-year-old L2 children reveal that verb form, sentence position, home language, and L2 proficiency determine accuracy with subject–verb agreement in the L2. Most errors were omissions of inflection, in line with the above hypothesis. However, in more exceptional contexts, the children also substituted verb forms, which is more difficult to reconcile with the claim that L2 children's errors reflect insertion of a default form.
Comprehension of reflexive and personal pronouns in children with autism: A syntactic or pragmatic deficit?
Authors: PEROVIC ALEXANDRA , MODYANOVA NADYA , WEXLER KEN 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTAlthough pragmatic deficits are well documented in autism, little is known about the extent to which grammatical knowledge in this disorder is deficient, or merely delayed when compared to that of typically developing children functioning at similar linguistic or cognitive levels. This study examines the knowledge of constraints on the interpretation of personal and reflexive pronouns, an aspect of grammar not previously investigated in autism, and known to be subject to differential developmental schedules in unimpaired development. Fourteen children with autism (chronological age = 6–17 years,M= 11) showed some difficulties comprehending personal pronouns, no different from those observed in two groups of younger controls matched on nonverbal IQ or receptive grammar, but in line with the reported pragmatic deficits and general language delay in this population. However, their interpretation of reflexives was significantly worse than that of the control children. This pattern is not evidenced at any stage of typical development, revealing an impaired grammatical knowledge in our sample of children with autism, and is argued not to be due to a general language delay or cognitive deficits.
Total and Abdominal Obesity Are Risk Factors for Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Children
Authors: Quitadamo Paolo , Buonavolontà Roberta , Miele Erasmo , Masi Paola , Coccorullo Paola , Staiano Annamaria 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectives:The association between GERD and obesity has been frequently reported in adults. Data in children are scarce and inconclusive, evaluating only general obesity. Central adiposity has never been investigated in children as a possible risk factor for GERD. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in overweight and obese children in comparison with a general normal‐weight population and whether the GERD symptoms are associated with waist circumference (WC).Methods:The study population consisted of 153 healthy children. A detailed clinical history and a physical examination were obtained from each patient. A questionnaire on reflux symptoms was completed by caregivers.Results:The reflux symptomatic score resulted significantly higher in obese than in normal‐weight children and in children with WC >90th percentile compared with those with WC <75th percentile.Conclusions:These preliminary data show that both total and abdominal obesity are risk factors for the development of GERD symptoms in children. The risk of GERD symptoms rises progressively with the increase in both body mass index and waist circumference, even in normal‐weight children.
Plasma clearance of transferrin in control and hypotransferrinaemic mice: implications for regulation of transferrin turnover
Authors: Raja K. B. , Simpson R. J. , Peters T. J. 
Published: March 2012

Summary. Kinetic studies were performed to determine the clearance of iodinated transferrin in hypotransferrinaemic mice, as compared to normal animals. Clearance of i.v. (and i.p.) administered radiolabelled protein in homozygous (hpx/hpx) mice was significantly faster than in heterozygous (hpx/+) and wild‐type control (+/+) groups. A comparable t1/2 value for transferrin clearance in hpx/hpx mice was derived from a study in which immunoassay was performed on serum samples obtained at various times post‐injection with normal mouse serum, indicating that the clearance of 125I reflected true clearance of transferrin protein.The clearance rate in the hpx/+ group was significantly slower than in +/+ mice. Calculation of transferring synthesis rates in these two groups suggested that transferrin levels do not regulate transferrin synthesis rates, but may affect degradation; this observation is consistent with the fact that transferrin levels in hpx/+ mice are > 50% of the values in +/+ mice, and indicates a partial compensation for reduced synthesis. The rapid clearance in hpx/hpx mice is an additional factor in determining the low levels of circulating transferrin in these synthesis‐impaired mutants.
Pharmacokinetics of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus): influence of pharmaceutical formulation and length of dosing
Authors: Van ZEELAND Y. R. A. , SCHOEMAKER N. J. , HARITOVA A. , SMIT J. W. , Van MAARSEVEEN E. M. , LUMEIJ J. T. , FINK‐GREMMELS J. 
Published: March 2012

van Zeeland, Y. R. A., Schoemaker, N. J., Haritova, A., Smit, J. W., van Maarseveen, E. M., Lumeij, J. T., Fink‐Gremmels, J. Pharmacokinetics of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus): influence of pharmaceutical formulation and length of dosing. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 36, 51–58.Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, may be beneficial in the treatment of behavioural disorders in pet birds. The lack of pharmacokinetic data and clinical trials currently limits the use of this drug in clinical avian practice. This paper evaluates the pharmacokinetic properties and potential side effects of single and repeated dosing of paroxetine in Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). Paroxetine pharmacokinetics were studied after single i.v. and single oral dosing, and after repeated oral administration during 1 month. Plasma paroxetine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. No undesirable side effects were observed during the study. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a quick distribution and rapid elimination after i.v. administration. Oral administration of paroxetine HCl dissolved in water resulted in a relatively slow absorption (Tmax = 5.9 ± 2.6 h) and a low bioavailability (31 ± 15%). Repeated administration resulted in higher rate of absorption, most likely due to a saturation of the cytochrome P450‐mediated first‐pass metabolism. This study shows that oral administration of paroxetine HCl (4 mg/kg twice daily) in parrots results in plasma concentrations within the therapeutic range recommended for the treatment of depressions in humans. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of this dosage regimen in parrots with behavioural disorders.
Modified donor lymphocyte infusion‐associated acute graft‐versus‐host disease after haploidenticalT‐cell‐replete hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: incidence and risk factors
Authors: Yan Chen‐Hua , Liu Dai‐Hong , Xu Lan‐Ping , Liu Kai‐Yan , Zhao Ting , Wang Yu , Chen Huan , Chen Yu‐Hong , Han Wei , Huang Xiao‐Jun 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe performed a study to investigate the profile of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI)‐associated acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) in haploidentical T‐cell‐replete hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). A total of 124 patients receiving modifiedDLIafter haploidentical T‐cell‐repleteHSCTwere enrolled. The cumulative incidence ofDLI‐associated acuteGVHDwas 53.2% for gradesII–IVand 28.4% for gradesIII–IV. The duration ofGVHDprophylaxis afterDLIwas the only risk factor forDLI‐associated gradesIII–IVacuteGVHD(p < 0.05). The cumulative incidence of gradesIII–IVacuteGVHDin patients with prophylaxis more than six, four to six, two to four, and <2 wk were 9.3%, 14.4%, 31.6%, and 49.5%, respectively (p = 0.018). Furthermore,DLI‐associated gradesIII–IVacuteGVHDwas the only risk factor for overall survival (p = 0.038,OR = 2.869) and transplant‐related mortality (p = 0.018,OR = 3.296) but not a risk factor for relapse afterDLI(p = 0.840). This study confirms for the first time that the duration ofGVHDprophylaxis afterDLIis the only risk factor for the development of gradesIII–IVacuteGVHD. Donor lymphocyte infusion with prophylaxis more than six wk was associated with a lower incidence of gradesIII–IVacuteGVHD.
Incidence and costs of severe hypoglycaemia requiring attendance by the emergency medical services in South Central England
Authors: Farmer A. J. , Brockbank K. J. , Keech M. L. , England E. J. , Deakin C. D. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAims  The aim was to estimate the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia requiring emergency ambulance assistance, its management and associated costs.Methods  A retrospective observational study used routinely collected data for a 1‐year period from December 2009 to November 2010 from the South Central Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust, UK. The main outcome was episodes reported by ambulance personnel and costs were estimated from published data.Results  During the 1‐year study period, 398 409 emergency calls were received, of which 4081 (1.02%) were coded as hypoglycaemia. The overall numbers (and annual rate) of hypoglycaemia recorded among people ≥ 15 years with presumed diabetes was 3962 (2.1%), but for those aged 15–35 years was 516 (7.5%) and for those aged ≥ 65 years was 1886 (1.9%). Of those attended, 1441 (35.3%) were taken to hospital. The estimated total cost of initial ambulance attendance and treatment at scene was £553 000; if transport to hospital was necessary, the additional ambulance costs were £223 000 plus emergency department costs of £140 000; and the cost of primary care follow‐up was estimated as £61 000. The average cost per emergency call was £263. The estimated annual cost of emergency calls for severe hypoglycaemia is £13.6m for England.Conclusions  Our estimates suggest prevalence of severe hypoglycaemia attended by the emergency services is high in younger age groups and lower for older age groups, although the absolute numbers of severe events in older age groups contribute substantially to the overall costs of providing emergency assistance for hypoglycaemia.