bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neyman‐Pearson Lemma
Authors: Hallin Marc
Published: January 2013

Named after Jerzy Neyman and Egon Pearson, who published the result in 1933 [1], the Neyman–Pearson lemma can be considered as the theoretical cornerstone of the modern theory of hypothesis testing. Although the situation it is addressing (a
simple
null hypothesis versus a
simple
alternative) is of limited practical value, this lemma paved the way for all further developments of the theory; see Ref. [2] for an overview. We briefly state that fundamental result, and describe some immediate applications to standard one‐sided one‐parameter problems.
Robust estimation of location and scale
Authors: Croux Christophe , Dehon Catherine
Published: January 2013

Sample mean and standard deviation are the classical estimators of the location and scale parameters of a statistical distribution. They are, however, unreliable in the presence of outliers. Robust alternatives have been proposed, of which the median and the median absolute deviation are best known. Several robust estimators of location and scale are reviewed and their properties discussed. The multivariate case is also discussed.
Skew Distributions
Authors: Ley Christophe
Published: January 2013

Interest in skew distributions has been growing tremendously over the past two decades, driven mostly by applications. Indeed, datasets exhibiting evidence of nonsymmetric distributions are the rule rather than the exception. From a more theoretical perspective, skew distributions have been used as privileged alternatives in the construction of tests for symmetry and related inferential procedures. We review the history and development of skew distributions, describe the most important skewing methods, and present some examples for each method.
Binomial Distribution
Authors: Hallin Marc
Published: January 2013

This article briefly summarizes, for the purpose of easy reference, the definition and main properties of binomial distributions.
Gauss–Markov Theorem
Authors: Hallin Marc
Published: January 2013

The Gauss–Markov theorem states that, under very general conditions, which do not require Gaussian assumptions, the ordinary least squares method, in linear regression models, provides best linear unbiased estimators (BLUE), a property which constitutes the theoretical justification for that widespread estimation method.
Agrobiodiversity
Authors: Hammer Karl , Piepho H.‐P. , Szabó Attila T.
Published: January 2013

Agrobiodiversity
is a term coined toward the end of the last millennium after the Rio conference on biodiversity. Important features of agrobiodiversity have been developed from a synthesis of biodiversity research and the genetic resources approach. The aim of agrobiodiversity is to include all crops and livestock, wild relatives, interacting species‐pollinators, symbionts, pests, parasites, predators, and competitors. As in the discussions of biological diversity, three levels are generally acknowledged: genetic diversity, species diversity, and the diversity of ecosystems. Genetic erosion, that is, the disappearance of a large number of traditional races and breeds and the predominance of a limited number of high‐bred organisms, leads to a tremendous loss of valuable genes. This particular process within agrobiodiversity is under intensive discussion, but a coherent theory has yet to be developed. In addition, for the strongly interacting elements of agrobiodiversity a generalized model is still far from being available.
Geomicrobiology and Environmental Biotechnology
Authors: Gadd Geoffrey M.
Published: January 2013

Microbes play key geoactive roles in the biosphere in element and mineral biotransformations. Central to many geomicrobial processes are transformations of metals and minerals. Apart from being important in natural biosphere processes, metal and mineral transformations have beneficial or detrimental consequences in a human context. Bioremediation is the application of biological systems to the cleanup of organic and inorganic pollution, with bacteria and fungi being the most important organisms for reclamation, immobilization, or detoxification of metallic and radionuclide pollutants. Some biominerals or metallic elements deposited by microbes have catalytic and other properties in nanoparticle, crystalline, or colloidal forms. Several metal and mineral transformations by microbes result in spoilage and destruction of natural and synthetic materials, rock and mineral‐based building materials, for example, concrete, acid mine drainage and associated metal pollution, biocorrosion of metals, alloys, and related substances, and adverse effects on radionuclide speciation, mobility, and containment.
E
nergy
E
fficiency
Authors: Ang Beng Wah , Chai Kah Hin
Published: January 2013

In most countries, energy efficiency is now considered a key factor in achieving long‐term energy and climate goals. In this article, the concept and definitions of energy efficiency as they are generally used and presented in interdisciplinary energy studies are described. The techniques of measuring and tracking economy‐wide energy efficiency trends and the underlying methodological and application issues are explained. Various approaches to implementing energy efficiency and the barriers to energy efficiency are discussed. In view of the complexity of the issues involved, a holistic and systematic approach is needed to studying and managing energy efficiency.
Nanoparticles: Environmental Fate and Transport
Authors: Römer Isabella , Pettitt Michala E. , Lead Jamie R.
Published: January 2013

Nanomaterials (NMs) are usually defined as those particles that have at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm in size. The unusual properties of NMs and our ability to manipulate matter at this spatial scale have accelerated growth in the production of nanoscale materials and the rapid increase of their applications in many areas has captured the attention of researchers, government, and industry worldwide. Study of their fate and impact in the environment is becoming important due to the large discharges to the environment and the potentially novel toxicities associate with NMs. Two of the most widely used metal and metal oxides in consumer products are silver (Ag) and titanium oxide (TiO
2
), both TiO
2
and Ag NMs will be discussed as exemplars of general NM fate and behavior processes. Understanding the NM environmental fate and behavior such as their environmental distributions and concentration, pathways, sinks are critical in determining environemntal exposure and risk. The precise fate of NMs is uncertain because of the complexity of (i) types NMs and (ii) different environmental systems
Renewable Energy Technologies
Authors: Deshmukh Sandip , Jinturkar Adesh
Published: January 2013

Renewable energy comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished) forms of energy. One of the most notable features of renewable forms of energy is the diversity of technologies and resources. The prominent advantages of renewable energy sources are perennial, available locally, do not need elaborate arrangements for transport, usually modular in nature, environment‐friendly, suited for decentralized applications and use in remote areas, and so on. Renewable technology choices can be made on the basis of their adoption at the building integrated or community level. The density of development also plays an important role in technology selection. This article introduces various available forms of renewable energy and their applications.
Groundwater Remediation
Authors: Bjerg Poul L. , Broholm Mette , Lemming Gitte , Heron Gorm
Published: January 2013

This article focuses on off‐site, on‐site, and
in situ
treatment methods for chlorinated solvent and petroleum hydrocarbon source and plume zones at contaminated sites. Physical remediation methods often include
in situ
contaminant mass transfer followed by an on‐site treatment. Chemical and biological remediation methods provide contaminant mass destruction, which is preferable. However, physical methods such as thermal remediation technologies have shown very high efficiency within short time frames. The major challenges for chemical and biological methods are contaminations in low‐permeability settings and source zones with dense nonaqueous phase liquids, which cause long remediation time frames. Finally, considerations for choice of remediation technologies and the recent development in the use of decision support tools for environmental comparison of remedial alternatives and their life cycle impacts are addressed.
Geomatics Engineering
Authors: Pagiatakis Spiros D.
Published: January 2013

Geomatics engineering is the modern term used to describe the group of related disciplines that collect, analyze, manage, and display a wide variety of geographic information, including digital imagery and satellite‐based position coordinates. Geomatics engineers use their knowledge of science, measurement technology, and engineering to solve complex real‐world problems. The key element in all geomatics applications is the common frame or grid to which all diverse data are referenced. Geomatics engineering applications touch every aspect of our daily lives but most importantly contribute significantly to the socioeconomic development, sovereignty, health and safety, and the environment of every country that has adopted a modern geospatial database.
Ocean Acidification
Authors: Cooley Sarah R. , Doney Scott C.
Published: January 2013

Ocean acidification is the multidecadal decrease in ocean pH and change in seawater inorganic carbon chemistry caused primarily by uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO
2
) from the atmosphere. Global surface ocean mean pH has decreased from 8.2 to 8.1 over the past two centuries; the current pH decrease is about 10‐100 times faster than past trends observed in the recent geological record. As CO
2
dissolves into the ocean, it decreases pH as well as carbonate ion concentrations (CO
3
2−
). Carbonate ions are required for the hard calcium carbonate (CaCO
3
) shells and skeletons that many marine organisms create. Many organisms decrease their rate of CaCO
3
production in response to ocean acidification. Other biological responses to ocean acidification include changes in photosynthesis and respiration, alterations in behavior, and shifts in intracellular chemistry. Ocean acidification may also alter the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen, carbon, and micronutrients. Direct impacts on individual organisms could then indirectly affect local ecosystems via altered predator‐prey relationships, competition, and habitat availability. Ecosystems that will most likely be affected include coral reefs, open ocean environments, high‐latitude oceans, and deep‐sea regions. Susceptible species provide human communities with many goods and services, so human communities may feel the effects of ocean acidification in several ways.
Climate Change, Cryosphere, and Atmospheric Chemistry
Authors: Brenning Alexander , Gel Yulia R.
Published: January 2013

In this article, we briefly review three major methodological challenges faced in climate change research, cryospheric science, and atmospheric chemistry, namely, (i) matching and correlation of climatic and (paleo)climatic records, (ii) trend and regime shift analysis, and (iii) spatial downscaling and modeling. We discuss uses and misuses of statistics in climate research and provide general perspectives on open research problems lying at the intersection of modern statistical science and climate studies.
Ecological Economics
Authors: Stern David I.
Published: January 2013

Ecological economics is a relatively new interdisciplinary field concerned with the relationship between economic systems and the biological and physical world. This article covers the following topics: a discussion of views on whether ecological economics is just a field or approach within economics or a new “transdisciplinary” field in its own right; origin of the name of the field; core common principles of ecological economics; comparison with environmental economics; applications; history and institutions of ecological economics. The core principles are that the economy is embedded and dependent upon the ecosphere and that, therefore, models of the economy have to comply with biophysical principles. Ecological economists believe that there are limits to our ability to substitute human‐made inputs and knowledge for natural resources and the environment in both production and consumption. They also argue that economic policy must consider jointly the objectives of economic efficiency, equity, and sustainability.
Colimitations
Authors: Wacker Alexander
Published: January 2013

Understanding the interactions in resource limitations is a crucial challenge for ecological sciences. If organisms are simultaneously limited by more than one nutrient, they face a multiple resource limitation, which is often described by the term
co‐limitation
. Though the concept of co‐limitation has been successfully applied to describe nutrient‐limited growth responses of plants, this concept has been poorly applied to the nutrient‐limited growth of animals. This article provides essential insights into the concept of co‐limitation and its different facets, in particular the differences among modeling equations.
Forest Ecology
Authors: Johnson E. A.
Published: January 2013

Forest ecology focuses on the ecology of forest trees and provides the ecological basis for silviculture, forest management, and forest economics. Recent years have seen forest ecology shift from field trials and correlation studies to more process models. Forest ecology has also been enriched by hydrology, meteorology, soil science, geomorphology, economics, and wildlife management. Watersheds and water budgets, forest geomorphology, and ecosystem management, three areas that have seen significant advances are discussed in more detail.
Fish Population Estimation
Authors: Routledge Rick
Published: January 2013

Fisheries management decisions typically depend heavily on suitable estimates of abundance, or at least indices that can be used to assess trends. This article provides an overview of the more commonly used approaches with commentary on their relative advantages and weaknesses.
Species Interaction Networks
Authors: Chiu Grace S.
Published: January 2013

To gain insight into the food web structure through analysis of empirical food webs, it is necessary to disentangle the complex interdependence among the species interactions that form the food web. This article reviews some basics for making sense of species trophic (feeding) interactions and any associated nonconsumption information. It then provides some details of a more novel statistical‐model‐based social network analysis approach. The inference for food web structure resulting from the single rigorous quantitative analysis incorporates trophic data and any available nontrophic data, and accounts for uncertainty inherent in the data. The inference can reveal trophic patterns simultaneously from three different perspectives of feeding behavior: trophic activity, predator's preference, and so‐called prey's preference.
Aerial Survey Data
Authors: Ver Hoef Jay M.
Published: January 2013

Aircraft are important platforms for sampling and monitoring the environment. Aerial surveys often use photography to estimate some environmental feature over large geographic areas. In this article I use wildlife surveys from Alaska as examples, which are broadly classified based on visibility of the response variable. Census data is covered first, where all objects are visible to be counted with complete survey coverage. Sampling is used when all objects are visible but complete survey coverage is not possible. When objects are only partially visible, distance sampling and capture‐recapture methods are popular. Even when items are only partially visible, it may still be possible to estimate trend and habitat relationships. Occupancy models can be used for less expensive, rapid surveys, or when objects are very difficult to see but evidence of presence is possible. Advancements in technology such as digital cameras, GPS systems, etc., have made aircraft more valuable and cost effective for surveys, and this trend will likely continue.
Conservation Planning
Authors: Zwick Paul D. , Carr Margaret
Published: January 2013

Conservation planning – a subdiscipline of environmental planning that focuses on the development of plans to address conservation objectives including the protection of biological diversity, environmental processes, and all other ecological services on which human life depends. The plans might include the adoption of some form of public policy, a private set of actions, or the design of some physical feature to achieve a conservation goal.

Conservation implies some moral thought or normative objective as embodied in an ethic or set of ethics. There is no better place to turn to find that moral guidance than the writings of the pioneer conservationist, Aldo Leopold. Leopold discussed conservation in his classic book
A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There
, stating “that conservation is getting nowhere because of its incompatibility with our Abrahamic concept of land”. He described the drive to support conservation as evolving from two concepts (i) a conservation esthetic and (ii) a land ethic. He argued that the essence of conservation revolves around a conservation esthetic which he declared to be “the common consent that it is good for people to get back to nature”. Second, he argued that conservation is not adequately valued monetarily, that most conservation value is derived from an esthetic quality of the land and by a land owners understanding that the land is important for natural processes. To describe the natural system web of interlinking components and processes, he presented one of the first descriptions of ecosystem energy flows by defining a “land pyramid.” His land pyramid starts with the soil layer that supports the plant layer that in turn supports the insect layer. Next, the insect layer supports the birds and small animals, channeling energy to predators, which ultimately support the top carnivore layer. Today, his land pyramid is still valid and eloquently describes the flow of energy from the sun through plants to the rest of the ecosystem. Subsequent leaders in the evolution of conservation thinking like Archie Carr, David Ehrenfeld, and Holmes Rolston have expanded on the guidance provided by Leopold, articulating each in their own way, why it is important to engage in conservation planning.
Process Models
Authors: Johnson E. A. , Martin Y. E.
Published: January 2013

Three types of process models are described: physical models, conceptual models and mathematical models. The choice of a model depends on the available knowledge about the process, available data and the intended uses of the model. Two examples of process mathematical models are briefly described with one dealing with modeling sediment transport process in geomorphology while the other is concerned with modeling the changes in population number overtime.
E
nvironmental
I
ndices
Authors: Dobbie Melissa J. , Dail David
Published: January 2013

An environmental index is the combination of multiple sources of information (i.e., indicators of ecological responses) about an environmental system (e.g., a stream) from potentially varying attributes of that system (e.g., instream processes, ecological processes, species richness, riparian vegetation, etc.). Environmental indices are typically developed to provide an overall snapshot of some feature of the environmental system but they are also used to compare similar environmental systems. The construction of an environmental index requires careful consideration of several important aspects of the individual environmental indicators that contribute to it, namely,

defining a theoretical framework for supporting indicator selection;

data preparation;

standardization of the potentially disparate indicators so that they can easily be combined into an index;

weighting and aggregation of the individual indicators; and

robustness and sensitivity of the decisions made in constructing an environmental index.

By considering all five steps, there is a better chance of producing a transparent, objective, and defensible summary of the attribute of the environmental system.
Statistical Graphics
Authors: Wickham Hadley
Published: January 2013

Statistical graphics (let alone visualisation) is a very broad field. This article is my personal take on it, focussing on the works that are most useful for creating insightful graphics. Visualisations work because they display data in a way that is easy for the brain to parse and interpret: this means we need to know a little bit about cognitive psychology, particularly the perception of continuous values, colour and differences. It's also helpful to be aware of what's already been done, so I also summarise the origins the most common statistical graphics, plots of statistical summaries, graphics for high‐dimensional data, display spatial data, and the grammar of graphics.
E
xtremes:
S
patial
M
odels and
P
rediction
Authors: Stoev Stilian A.
Published: January 2013

Max‐stable processes and fields are reviewed as natural models of spatial extremes. Their stochastic properties, extremal integral, and de Haan spectral representations are briefly discussed. A solution to the prediction problem for a large class of spectrally discrete max‐linear models is presented and illustrated over a data set of rainfall extremes.
Soil Contamination and Remediation
Authors: Zvomuya Francis , Murata Alison P.
Published: January 2013

Soil contamination is a major concern across the globe because it poses a severe threat to human and environmental health. Organisms that come into direct or indirect contact with contaminated soil or its associated groundwater may be negatively impacted. Soil contamination is also a problem because it reduces the quality and productivity of natural and agricultural ecosystems. Although soil contamination can be caused by natural processes and events, most contamination is the result of anthropogenic activities. Sites may be contaminated with a variety of contaminants, which are grouped into two categories: inorganic and organic. Inorganic contaminants include trace elements and radionuclides, whereas organic contaminants include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), petroleum hydrocarbons, and pesticides. Trace elements and PAHS are the most abundant and widespread contaminants. When sites are found to be contaminated, a wide variety of remediation strategies exists to address the problem. This article discusses some of the more common technologies used to treat contaminated soils.
Judgments about Felony‐Murder in Hindsight
Authors: Evelo Andrew J. , Greene Edie
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of hindsight bias in application of the felony‐murder law, a controversial rule stating that felons can be held responsible for any foreseeable deaths that occur as a result of their felony. Some versions of the rule involve notions of proximate cause requiring legal decision makers to determine foreseeability and assess case evidence. Those judgments may be biased by outcome information and the process of cognitive sense‐making. Jury eligible participants read a crime vignette modeled on an actual felony‐murder case manipulated with regard to outcome information and relevant case facts. They made likelihood judgments and rated felons on intent and culpability. Results indicated that outcome information biased death likelihood ratings in hindsight but did not significantly affect assessments of case evidence. Implications for further applied cognitive research regarding the felony‐murder rule are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topographically Flat Substrates with Embedded Nanoplasmonic Devices for Biosensing
Authors: Jose Jincy , Jordan Luke R. , Johnson Timothy W. , Lee Si Hoon , Wittenberg Nathan J. , Oh Sang‐Hyun
Published: January 2013

The ability to precisely control the topography, roughness, and chemical properties of metallic nanostructures is crucial for applications in plasmonics, nanofluidics, electronics, and biosensing. Here a simple method to produce embedded nanoplasmonic devices that can generate tunable plasmonic fields on ultraflat surfaces is demonstrated. Using a template‐stripping technique, isolated metallic nanodisks and wires are embedded in optical epoxy, which is capped with a thin silica overlayer using atomic layer deposition. The top silica surface is topographically flat and laterally homogeneous, providing a uniform, high‐quality biocompatible substrate, while the nanoplasmonic architecture hidden underneath creates a tunable plasmonic landscape for optical imaging and sensing. The localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nanodisks embedded underneath flat silica films is used for real‐time kinetic sensing of the formation of a supported lipid bilayer and subsequent receptor‐ligand binding. Gold nanodisks can also be embedded in elastomeric materials, which can be peeled off the substrate to create flexible plasmonic membranes that conform to non‐planar surfaces.
Synthesis of 4‐Trifluoromethylpyridines by [5+1] Cyclization of 3‐Hydroxy‐pent‐4‐yn‐1‐ones with Urea
Authors: Iaroshenko Viktor O. , Ostrovskyi Dmytro , Ayub Khurshid , Spannenberg Anke , Langer Peter
Published: January 2013

Trifluoromethyl‐substituted 1,3‐diketones can undergo direct alkynylation reactions which are not possible for alkyl‐ or aryl‐substituted derivatives. The products can be easily transformed into 2,6‐diaryl‐4‐trifluoromethylpyridines by acid‐mediated [5+1] cyclization with urea. The reaction was thoroughly optimized by variation of the conditions and the scope was studied in detail. The products are not readily available by other methods. A plausible mechanism was suggested based on DFT calculations.
Assessment of gas flow characteristics and reaction kinetics of chemical vapour deposition reactors for the production of nano‐hybrid fibres
Authors: Rashid Suraya Abdul , Rashid Muhammad Zamir Abdul , Musa Muharniza Azinita , Othman Siti Hajar
Published: January 2013

Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) had been used to produce carbon nanotube (CNT) coated carbon fibre, referred to in this work as nano‐hybrid fibres. In order to understand the gas flow behaviour inside the CVD reactor, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been utilised to simulate the process in a horizontal CVD reactor together with a vertical CVD reactor for comparison. For simplicity purposes, the CNT synthesis was represented by ferrocene decomposition into iron, which acts as the catalyst for CNT formation. The gas flow behaviour inside the horizontal reactor was asymmetrical in nature and seen to be dominated by recirculation effects compared with the vertical reactor, which was symmetrical and generally lacking in circulation. The impact of the gas flow characteristics on the reaction rates of the ferrocene decomposition and mass fraction of chemical species was also investigated. The kinetic rate of reaction in the horizontal reactor was found to be 2–3 orders of magnitude larger in the horizontal reactor compared with the vertical reactor. The results provide valuable insight into the best approach for producing nano‐hybrid fibres in a one‐step continuous process. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multistage dynamic optimization of a copolymerization reactor using differential evolution
Authors: Anand P. , Venkateswarlu Ch. , Bhagvanth Rao M.
Published: January 2013

A multistage dynamic optimization methodology with sequential implementation procedure is proposed, and the evolutionary optimizing features of differential evolution (DE) are exploited to implement the methodology for optimal control of a semi‐batch copolymerization reactor. DE is designed and implemented to determine the optimal control policies for monomer addition rate and reactor temperature to produce a polymer with the desired copolymer composition and molecular weight distribution. Further, a similar multistage dynamic optimization strategy based on iterative dynamic programming is used for optimal control of copolymerization reactor and to compare with DE. The results show the effectiveness of the DE‐based multistage dynamic optimization strategy in determining the optimal control policies that yield the desired polymer product characteristics. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of polytetrafluoroethylene on the foaming behaviors of linear polypropylene in continuous extrusion
Authors: Wang Kun , Wu Fei , Zhai Wentao , Zheng Wenge
Published: January 2013

Linear polypropylene (PP) foams, blown in the continuous extrusion process using supercritical CO2 as the blowing agent, exhibited poor cell morphology and narrow foaming window, because of their low melt strength. In this study, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was blended with PP resin with the aim of improving the foaming behavior of PP. It was found that the PTFE particles were deformed into fine fibers under shear or extensional flows during the extrusion process, which significantly increased the melt strength of PP from 0.005 N to 0.03 N (PP/PTFE with PTFE content of 4.0 wt %) at 230°C. The experimental results indicated that the presence of PTFE improved the cell morphology of PP foams and broadened the foaming window of PP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Inhibition of DNA synthesis facilitates expansion of low‐complexity repeats
Authors: Kuzminov Andrei
Published: January 2013

Simple DNA repeats (trinucleotide repeats, micro‐ and minisatellites) are prone to expansion/contraction via formation of secondary structures during DNA synthesis. Such structures both inhibit replication forks and create opportunities for template‐primer slippage, making these repeats unstable. Certain aspects of simple repeat instability, however, suggest additional mechanisms of replication inhibition dependent on the primary DNA sequence, rather than on secondary structure formation. I argue that expanded simple repeats, due to their lower DNA complexity, should transiently inhibit DNA synthesis by locally depleting specific DNA precursors. Such transient inhibition would promote formation of secondary structures and would stabilize these structures, facilitating strand slippage. Thus, replication problems at simple repeats could be explained by potentiated toxicity, where the secondary structure‐driven repeat instability is enhanced by DNA polymerase stalling at the low complexity template DNA.

This minireview is dedicated to the FASEB‐2012 meeting “Dynamic DNA Structures in Biology”, organized by Nancy Maizels and Sergei Mirkin.
Determination of paroxetine in serum treated with simple pretreatment by pre‐column high‐performance liquid chromatography using 4‐(5,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐phthalimidinyl)‐2‐methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride as a fluorescent labeling reagent
Authors: Inoue Hirofumi , Harada Takuya , Eto Seiji , Nakashima Ken , Ibusuki Takuya , Kosha Keiko , Date Yuuko , Sanematsu Emiko , Shinohara Yoshitake , Takahashi Kojiro , Yoshimura Reiji , Nakamura Jun , Kojima Eijiro , Tsuruta Yasuto
Published: January 2013

The therapeutic drug monitoring of paroxetine could be used to optimize the pharmacological treatment of depressed patients. A simple and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography procedure was developed for the determination of paroxetine in serum. After simple pretreatment of serum (50 μL) with acetonitrile and o‐phthalaldehyde, paroxetine was derivatized with 4‐(5,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐phthalimidinyl)‐2‐methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride at 70°C for 20 min in borate buffer (0.1 mol/L, pH 8.0) to produce a fluorescent product. The derivative was separated on a reversed‐phase column at 40°C for stepwise elution with (A) acetic acid (10 mmol/L) and (B) acetonitrile. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The fluorescence intensity was monitored at excitation and emission wavelengths of 320 and 400 nm, respectively. The within‐day and day‐to‐day relative standard deviations were 3.0–3.4 and 2.7–8.3%, respectively. The detection limit of paroxetine was 8.3 fmol at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. As the proposed method that only requires a small quantity of serum (50 μL) is simple, sensitive and reproducible, it would be useful for clinical and biochemical research as well as drug monitoring. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A biomimetic chitosan composite with improved mechanical properties in wet conditions
Authors: Oh Dongyeop X. , Hwang Dong Soo
Published: January 2013

Chitosan is one of the most widely used structural polymers for biomedical applications because it has many favorable properties. However, one of the most critical drawbacks regarding the use of chitosan as a biomedical material is its poor mechanical properties in wet conditions. Here, we designed a method to improve the mechanical properties of chitosan in wet conditions and minimized the swelling behavior of chitosan film due to water adsorption by mimicking the sclerotization of insect cuticles and squid beaks, that is, catechol‐meditated crosslinking. The biomimetic chitosan composite film was prepared by mixing chitosan with l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) as a catecholic crosslinker and sodium periodate as an oxidant. The catechol‐meditated crosslinking provided a sevenfold enhancement in the stiffness in wet conditions compared to pure chitosan films and reduced the swelling behavior of the chitosan film. This strategy expands the possible applications for the use of chitosan composites as load‐bearing biomaterials. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29: 505–512, 2013
Structure–Activity Relationships of Glucosamine‐Derived Glycerolipids: the Role of the Anomeric Linkage, the Cationic Charge and the Glycero Moiety on the Antitumor Activity
Authors: Xu Yaozu , Ogunsina Makanjuola , Samadder Pranati , Arthur Gilbert , Schweizer Frank
Published: January 2013

The potent antitumor activity of 1‐O‐hexadecyl‐2‐O‐methyl‐3‐O‐(2′‐amino‐2′‐deoxy‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl)‐sn‐glycerol (1) was previously shown to arise through an apoptosis‐independent pathway. Here, a systematic structure–activity study in which the effects of the anomeric linkage, the cationic charge and the glycero moiety on the antitumor activity is described. Eight analogues of 1 were synthesized, and their antitumor activity against breast (JIMT1 and BT549), pancreas (MiaPaCa2) and prostate (DU145, PC3) cancer was determined. 1‐O‐Hexadecyl‐2‐O‐methyl‐3‐O‐(2′‐amino‐2′‐deoxy‐α‐D‐glucopyranosyl)‐sn‐glycerol (2) consistently displayed the most potent activity against all five cell lines with CC50 values in the range of 6–10 μM. However, replacement of the O‐glycosidic linkage by a thioglycosidic linkage or replacement of the amino group by an azide or guanidino group leads to a threefold or greater decrease in potency. The glycero moiety also contributes to the overall activity of 1 and 2 but its effects are of lesser importance. Investigation into the mode of action of this class of compounds revealed that, in agreement with previous findings, the cytotoxic effects arise through induction of large acid vacuoles.
Understanding Self‐Photorechargeability of WO3 for H2 Generation without Light Illumination
Authors: Ng Charlene , Iwase Akihide , Ng Yun Hau , Amal Rose
Published: January 2013

This work presents insight into the self‐photorechargeability of WO3, whereby the intercalation of positive alkali cations is accompanied by the simultaneous storage of photo‐excited electrons. The cyclic voltammetry studies verify the photo‐assisted intercalation and de‐intercalation of Na+ and K+ from the flower structured WO3. A storage capacity of up to 0.722 C cm−2 can be achieved in a saturated (0.68 M) K2SO4 electrolyte solution. However, the best photo recharge–discharge stability of the electrode are observed at a lower (0.1 M) cation concentration. At high electrolyte concentrations, the intercalated cations are firmly trapped, as indicated by the structural modifications observed in Raman analysis, resulting in much less photocharging and discharging abilities in subsequent cycles. The study also shows that the stored electrons can be successfully used to generate H2 with 100 % faradaic efficiency in the absence of light.
Dressed not to kill: CD16+ monocytes impair immune defence against tuberculosis
Authors: Lugo‐Villarino Geanncarlo , Neyrolles Olivier
Published: January 2013

Monocytes are blood leukocytes that can differentiate into several phagocytic cell types, including DCs, which are instrumental to the inflammatory response and host defence against microbes. A study published in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology by Balboa et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2013. 43: 335‐347] suggests that a shift of the CD16− monocyte population toward a CD16+ subpopulation may represent an immune evasion strategy that ultimately favors persistence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Together with other recent reports, the article by Balboa et al. sheds new light on the function of CD16+ monocytes in health and disease; in this commentary, we discuss the implications stemming from these findings.
Preparation of Mesoporous NiO with Excellent Pseudocapacitive Behavior
Authors: Chen Hui , Xu Jinling , Xu Xiaowen , Zhang Qianli
Published: January 2013

We report a simple and scalable strategy to synthesize mesoporous NiO with nickel oxide nanoparticles of 3–6 nm crystalline walls and 4–5 nm pore diameter with the assistance of MoO42– as templating agent at room temperature. The product has a moderately high surface area of 294 m2 g–1 and a high specific capacitance of 2418 F g–1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s–1, which indicates its promising potential as supercapacitor.
Mesoporous Carbon Incorporated with In2O3 Nanoparticles as High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Bastakoti Bishnu Prasad , Oveisi Hamid , Hu Chi‐Chang , Wu Kevin C.‐W. , Suzuki Norihiro , Takai Kimiko , Kamachi Yuichiro , Imura Masataka , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: January 2013

Well‐organized mesoporous carbon impregnated with In2O3 nanoparticles can be used as supercapacitor electrodes. The uniformly distributed In2O3 nanoparticles in the mesoporous carbon matrix are effectively utilized for the enhancement of capacitive performance.
Tuning the Stereoselectivity in One‐Pot Scission/Addition Processes: Synthesis of Azanucleotide Analogues from Proline Derivatives
Authors: Miguélez‐Ramos Javier , Batchu Venkateswara Rao , Boto Alicia
Published: January 2013

The one‐pot preparation of azanucleotide analogues from proline derivatives has been achieved by a sequential radical decarboxylation/phosphorylation process. The process proceeded under mild conditions, giving high yields of the nucleotide analogues. Remarkably, the stereoselectivity of the reaction can be controlled by using different oxygen and nitrogen substituents at C‐4 to give preferentially either the 2,4‐cis or 2,4‐trans products. In this way, the diastereomeric cis/trans ratio can be shifted from 98:2 to 15:85.
Arsenic present in the soil-vine-wine chain in vineyards situated in an old mining area in Trentino, Italy
Authors: Bertoldi Daniela , Villegas Tomás Román , Larcher Roberto , Santato Alessandro , Nicolini Giorgio
Published: January 2013

The present study follows arsenic (As) transfer through the chain of soil-vine-leaves-grapes-wine to assess the possible risk of arsenic intake related to consuming grapes and wines produced in 10 vineyards located in a mining area rich in this element. The results are compared with date from 18 uncontaminated areas. In the soil, the content of As extracted with acqua regia and that extracted with ammonium acetate, were analyzed. Leaves and berries were analyzed after washing with acidified aqueous solution and acid mineralization in a closed vessel, whereas wines were simply diluted before analysis. All analyses were performed using an inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometer. The aqua regia extractable As concentration in soil ranged from 3.7 to 283 mg/kg, whereas available As varied from 18 to 639 µg/kg, and As total concentration ranged from 16.3 to 579 µg/kg dry weight in leaves and from <0.1 to 36.8 µg/kg dry weight in grapes. Arsenic levels in wines were always below 1.62 µg/L, with higher concentration in red wines than in white wines. Significant and positive correlations between the As concentrations in soils, leaves, and berries are highlighted, with the samples collected near the mining area having significantly higher values. Nevertheless, As levels in wines were always well below the limit (200 µg/L) suggested by the International Organization of Vine and Wine. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:773–779. © 2013 SETAC
Copper tolerance and genetic diversity of Porcellionides sexfasciatus (ISOPODA) in a highly contaminated mine habitat
Authors: Costa Dalila , Bouchon Didier , van Straalen Nico M. , Sousa José Paulo , Ribeiro Rui
Published: January 2013

Organisms inhabiting metal-contaminated areas may develop metal tolerance, with either phenotypic adjustments or genetic changes (adaptation) or with both. In the present study, three populations of the terrestrial isopod Porcellionides sexfasciatus, collected at an abandoned mine area, were compared to assess the effects of metal contamination on tolerance to lethal and sublethal levels of copper, through comparison of survival, avoidance, and feeding. The effects of metal contamination on genetic diversity were considered using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. No evidence of increased metal tolerance of the population inhabiting the contaminated site was found. There was no correlation between metal exposure and within-population genetic variance, but the three populations were clearly separated from each other. In conclusion, the populations of P. sexfasciatus in the mine landscape live rather isolated from each other and show no differential tolerance to Cu or indications of genetic erosion. Their phenotypic plasticity provides a means to survive despite exposure to extremely high metal concentrations in the soil. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:884–888. © 2013 SETAC
Potential for metal contamination by direct sonication of nanoparticle suspensions
Authors: Betts Julia N. , Johnson Mark G. , Rygiewicz Paul T. , King George A. , Andersen Christian P.
Published: January 2013

While conducting toxicity tests with nano titanium dioxide, the authors found that test suspensions were being contaminated with aluminum and titanium from tip erosion during direct sonication. The contaminating alloy particles had a measurable size distribution and zeta potential using dynamic light scattering, which changed the measured characteristics of the suspensions. Caution should be used when employing direct sonication for preparing test suspensions due to potential interferences of these particles in toxicological assessments. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:889–893. © 2013 SETAC
Malignant histiocytosis and related tumors. A clinicopathologic study of 42 cases using cytological, histochemical and ultrastructural parameters
Authors: Van Heerde Peter , Feltkamp Constance A. , Hart Augustinus A. M. , Somers Reinier , Van Unnik Jan A. M. , Vroom Thea M.
Published: January 2013

Light and electron microscopical, immunohistochemical and clinical characteristics in 42 cases of malignant neoplasms, arising from true histiocytes, are described. These were separated in a lymphoma‐like subtype, called true histiocytic lymphoma (29 patients) and a disseminated variant, called malignant histiocytosis (9 patients). In addition 4 related histiocytic tumors are discussed, including 2 tumors arising from interdigitating cells.

Sinus pattern and cytologic features, especially ‘window’ nuclei, are emphasized as diagnostic criteria. Erythrophagocytosis was not a constant finding. Electron microscopic features, presence of acid phosphatase, acid a‐naphthylacetate esterase, lysozyme, a1‐antitrypsin, a1‐antichymotrypsin, Ia‐antigen and absence of B‐ and T‐cell markers, were important in establishing the histiocytic nature or excluding a non‐histiocytic tumor.

A distinct male predominance existed (♂:♀ = 2·5:1) with a higher relapse free period in females (p = 0·032). A high number of mitotic figures appeared to be a favourable sign, p = 0·020 and 0·019, for remission rate and relapse free period respectively. The degree of cell differentiation and the immunohistochemical pattern did not show a correlation with remission and relapse free period. Extranodal involvement and the presence of short profiles of endoplasmic reticulum were prognostically unfavourable signs. True histiocytic lymphomas showed a higher remission rate (p = 0·041) and relapse‐free period (p = 0·017) than malignant histiocytosis.
The prognostic significance of large mediastinal masses in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease. The experience of the institut gustave‐roussy
Authors: Cosset J. M. , Henry‐Amar M. , Carde P. , Clarke D. , Le Bourgeois J. P. , Tubiana M.
Published: January 2013

At the Institut Gustave‐Roussy we undertook a study of 154 patients with clinical stages I and II Hodgkin's disease treated by irradiation to evaluate the prognostic significance of the mediastinal mass size. The population under study included those patients treated at our institute and entered into the H2and H5E.O.R.T.C. trials between 1972 and 1981.

Patients were divided into three groups for purposes of analysis; large mediastinal masses (MT ratio ≥ 0·35) were noted in 20 cases (13 per cent), moderate mediastinal invasion (MT ratio < 0·35) was observed in 60 cases (39 per cent), and 74 patients (48 per cent) had no mediastinal involvement on presentation. Intrathoracic relapses were more frequent in those patients with mediastinal involvement at presentation (p< 0·001) but there was no statistically significant difference between those patients with ‘large’ masses and patients with ‘small’ masses. Additionally multivariate analyses showed that neither the presence nor the size of mediastinal disease adversely affected relapse free survival or overall survival.

These results can perhaps be linked to the technique of radiotherapy where a ‘split course’ technique was habitually used for large masses and the radiation fields were routinely modified during treatment according to the tumour response. Consequently we do not advocate the routine use of extensive primary treatment such as combined modality therapy utilizing MOPP chemotherapy for all patients presenting with bulky mediastinal masses. Rather chemotherapy should be reserved for those tumours which are particularly voluminous (MT ratio > 0·50) where primary radiotherapy may potentially result in unsatisfactory late pulmonary complications. We also advise the use of combined modality therapy for those patients who may additionally have certain unfavourable prognostic factors which we have previously identified.