bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical framework for evaluation of climate model simulations by use of climate proxy data from the last millennium – Part 2: A pseudo-proxy study addressing the amplitude of solar forcing
Authors: Hind A. , Moberg A. , Sundberg R.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The statistical framework of Part 1 (Sundberg et al., 2012), for comparing ensemble simulation surface temperature output with temperature proxy and instrumental records, is implemented in a pseudo-proxy experiment. A set of previously published millennial forced simulations (Max Planck Institute – COSMOS), including both "low" and "high" solar radiative forcing histories together with other important forcings, was used to define "true" target temperatures as well as pseudo-proxy and pseudo-instrumental series. In a global land-only experiment, using annual mean temperatures at a 30-yr time resolution with realistic proxy noise levels, it was found that the low and high solar full-forcing simulations could be distinguished. In an additional experiment, where pseudo-proxies were created to reflect a current set of proxy locations and noise levels, the low and high solar forcing simulations could only be distinguished when the latter served as targets. To improve detectability of the low solar simulations, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in local temperature proxies was more efficient than increasing the spatial coverage of the proxy network. The experiences gained here will be of guidance when these methods are applied to real proxy and instrumental data, for example when the aim is to distinguish which of the alternative solar forcing histories is most compatible with the observed/reconstructed climate.
Investigating the past and recent δ18O-accumulation relationship seen in Greenland ice cores
Authors: Buchardt S. L. , Clausen H. B. , Vinther B. M. , Dahl-Jensen D.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Decadal means of δ18O and accumulation rates from 52 ice core sites in Greenland are presented. The accumulation rates are derived from annual layers determined in the δ18O curve. Investigation of the δ18O-accumulation relationship across the ice divide reveals a significant Foehn effect with anticorrelation of δ18O and accumulation on the lee side of the divide in Southern Greenland, while no effect is seen in Central Greenland. Furthermore, the sensitivity of accumulation rate to changes in temperature is found to be smaller in Northern Greenland than in the central and southern parts. Four sites in the data set contain sufficient recent data that the period of observed temperature rise from the 1990's and onwards can be investigated. All four sites are located close to the ice divide in Northern Greenland and while three sites show increased temperatures, none show evidence of increased accumulation.
Computer-supported games and role plays in teaching water management
Authors: Hoekstra A. Y.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. There is an increasing demand for an interdisciplinary approach in teaching water management. Computer-supported games and role plays offer the potential of creating an environment in which different disciplines come together and in which students are challenged to develop integrated understanding. Two examples are discussed. The River Basin Game is a common-pool resource game in which participants experience the risk of over-abstractions of water in a river basin and learn how this risk relates to the complexity of the system, the conflict between individual and group optimums and the difficulty in achieving good cooperation. The Globalization of Water Role Play makes participants familiar with the global dimension of water management by letting them experience how national governments can integrate considerations of water scarcity and domestic water productivities into decisions on international trade in commodities like food, cotton and bio-energy. The two examples illustrate that play sessions inspire participants to think about the functioning of systems as a whole and to develop good cooperative courses of action, whereby both uncertainties about the system and the presence of different values and perspectives among participants play a role.
A Message from the Editor
Authors: Obeng Kofi , Babcock Michael W.
Published: August 2012

Message from the Editor
Contributing Factors to Older-Driver Injury Severity in Rural and Urban Areas
Authors: Perera Loshaka , Dissanayake Sunanda
Published: August 2012

Older drivers tend to be involved in more severe crashes compared to middle-aged drivers, and U.S. Census Population statistics indicate that the older-driver population is rapidly increasing. Therefore, an improvement in older-driver safety is both important and necessary. In this analysis, a statistical modeling technique was used to identify factors contributing to older-driver injury severity. Two separate models were developed for rural and urban locations, which incorporated several potential explanatory variables. Speed, gender, presence of passengers, road type and street-lighting conditions were found to be important factors affecting injury severity of older drivers on both rural and urban roads.
Wages and Working Conditions of Truck Drivers at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles
Authors: Monaco Kristen
Published: August 2012

Using data from surveys conducted in 2004 and 2006, we examine the work and earnings of drayage drivers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Though possessing relatively low levels of education (most have a high school diploma or less), these drivers average approximately $35,000 in earnings net of truck expenses, working on average 11.2 hours per day. Owner operators experience increased net earnings once their trucks are fully paid for, leading them to buy older, more polluting trucks. This negative externality is currently being addressed by both ports by enacting new regulations regarding truck drayage in Southern California.
The Deadweight Costs of Operating and Capital Subsidies
Authors: Obeng Kofi
Published: August 2012

This paper determines the deadweight loss of operating and capital subsidies by extending Tullock's (1998) work. It finds that when both subsidies are received deadweight loss is 6.83% of total cost or $0.861 million on the average, $0.780 million when operating subsidy is received and $0.0503 million when capital subsidy is received. Decomposing the deadweight loss using regression shows that the incentive tier of the federal operating subsidy, federal labor protection, fleet size, and the number of maintenance facilities owned are positively associated with it while leasing maintenance facilities and absence of dedicated funding sources are negatively associated with it.
Developing Freight Analysis Zones at a State Level: A Cluster Analysis Approach
Authors: Harris Gregory A. , Anderson Michael D. , Farrington Phillip A. , Schoening Niles C. , Swain James J. , Sharma Nitin S.
Published: August 2012

The ability to forecast freight to support transportation infrastructure decisions is limited by data availability at a level of detail meaningful to the transportation planner. The Freight Analysis Framework Version 2 is a national, comprehensive public freight database. The difficulty that transportation planners encounter when using this data is due to extensive aggregation. In this paper, the authors develop a methodology for creating freight analysis zones (FAZs) at a sub-state level by partitioning a state into meaningful zones that support freight transportation planning and analysis. The authors concl
The Impacts of Emergency Vehicle Signal Preemption on Urban Traffic Speed
Authors: Teng Hualiang (Harry) , Kwigizile Valerian , Xie Gang , Kaseko Mohamed , Gibby A. Reed
Published: August 2012

We used GPS data from paratransit vehicles to evaluate the impact of emergency vehicles on urban traffic speeds. The results indicate that speed variance is significantly higher during emergency preemption and the mean speeds of traffic flowing in the same direction as the emergency vehicle and on crossing streets are lower during preemption than during normal conditions. Regression results indicate that traffic on major arterials and traffic in the opposite direction of the emergency vehicle tend to have higher speed during signal preemption. Signal preemption during peak periods and duration of preemption had a significant negative impact on traffic speeds. Also, the transition time has a negative impact on traffic speeds. The authors recommend further research on how to optimize (minimize) the preemption duration as well as transition time. Also, the impact of median type and number of lanes should be evaluated.
Demand Analysis for Air Passenger Service in U.S. City-Pair Markets
Authors: Chi Junwook , Koo Won W. , Lim Siew H.
Published: August 2012

With single- and multi-segment market data, this paper used a heteroskedasticity-adjusted instrumental variable technique to explore the determinants of air passenger service. The results showed that price played a more prominent role than income in both single- and multi-segment markets. The results further indicated that demand of air passengers is price elastic and rises as distance increases. We found evidence that population, tourism, and business factors were significant predictors of demand. Tourism has a larger impact than the local Professional Scientific Technical (PST) industry earnings on airline demand in single-segment markets, while the inverse relationship is found in multi-segment markets. Based on these results, policymakers should focus on continuation, growth, and improvement of their air transportation infrastructure in metropolitan areas that have a high demand for business travel as well as vacation travel.
Transportation Infrastructure Implications of Development of a Cellulosic Biofuels Industry for Indiana
Authors: Turner Wallace E. , Rismiller Craig W.
Published: August 2012

Development of a cellulosic biofuels industry in biomass-rich states such as Indiana would cause substantial impacts on road infrastructure. This research estimated the infrastructure impacts of cellulosic biofuel production using three Indiana cellulosic facility sites. Following are key results:

Average loaded vehicle trip miles (VTM) are projected to be 101 to 583% higher per gallon of cellulosic biofuel capacity compared to the VTM per gallon of capacity for grain-based ethanol.
Average ton-miles per gallon of capacity for cellulosic biofuel production is projected to be 4 to 255% higher compared to the average ton-mile per gallon of capacity for grain-based ethanol.
Evaluation of Design Standards of Four-Hour Volume Traffic Signal Warrant
Authors: Zhu Xuesong , Gan Albert , Shen David
Published: August 2012

Traffic signal warrants set the minimum conditions under which a traffic signal installation may be appropriate. The four-hour volume signal warrant in the current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) (FHWA 2009) is applied based on a set of critical vehicular volumes for different lane combinations of major and minor streets. This paper describes an effort to apply microscopic simulation to evaluate the critical volumes used in the four-hour warrant. The results show significant differences in average control delay for minor street traffic under different volume combinations, lane configurations, turning volume percentages, heavy vehicle percentages, and the number of major street lanes (four versus six lanes), most of which are not currently considered in the four-hour warrant. This finding provides some evidence of the need to possibly revise the critical design values of the current four-hour volume warrant.
Productivity and Deregulation in the Canadian For-Hire Trucking Industry, 1985-1996
Authors: Nolan James , Richie Pamela , Rowcraft John
Published: August 2012

Many policy makers today take for granted that economic deregulation yields net benefits to industry, particularly with respect to helping improve productivity and efficiency. Certain structural issues about industrial deregulation are not well understood, including the impact of technical change or innovation. In this paper, we measure the extent to which innovation affected productivity within the Canadian for-hire trucking industry during deregulation. Using a unique data set spanning the trucking deregulation era in Canada, non-parametric Malmquist productivity indices are computed and de-composed. Results of the analysis indicate that the industry was affected by deregulation in a manner consistent with public policy goals.
Empirical Examination of Passing Lane Operational Benefits on Rural Two-Lane Highways
Authors: Al-Kaisy Ahmed , Freedman Zachary
Published: August 2012

This paper presents an empirical investigation into the operational benefits of passing lanes on rural two-lane highways. Two study sites in the state of Montana were used in this investigation. Performance was examined at a single location upstream and multiple locations downstream of the passing lane at each study site. Using percent followers as a performance measure, operational benefits right after the passing lane ranged between 33% and 42% at one study site and 12% to 19% at the other study site under prevalent traffic levels. Study results also suggest that operational benefits persist for a remarkable distance beyond the end of the passing lane.
Railroad Operational Performance in the United States
Authors: Tolliver Denver , Bitzan John , Benson Doug
Published: August 2012

This paper examines the effects of increased car weights, train size, and distance on railroad operational performance, which is measured in revenue ton-miles per train hour. A statistical model is estimated from Class I data that explains most of the variation in this index, while controlling for commodity and fixed network effects. The results suggest that length of haul, net load, and train size contributed significantly to performance gains from 1987 to 2006. However, train miles per track mile increased by 89% during the same period, resulting in line and yard congestion.
Rail Competition Changes Since the Staggers Act
Authors: Prater Marvin E. , Casavant Ken , Jessup Eric , Blanton Bruce , Bahizi Pierre , Nibarger Daniel , Weingram Isaac
Published: August 2012

Agricultural and other shippers are concerned about the sufficiency in rural areas of transportation capacity, the sufficiency of competition in the transportation system, the reliability of transportation services, and the reasonableness of rates. This paper examines the sufficiency of rail freight competition and the effects of intramodal competition on rail rates.

The paper begins with a review of the importance of rail transportation for U.S. agricultural producers. Specific attention is paid to the nature of competition faced by railroads, especially since deregulation, using the analytical tool of inverse Herfindahl-Hirschman Indices (HHI), by USDA Crop Reporting Districts (CRD). As shown by the inverse HHIs, the overall level of rail competition for grains and oilseeds has generally decreased since the 1985-1992 period, even though rail competition has increased for some CRDs. In addition, revenue to variable cost ratios (R/VC) increased in most of the CRDs analyzed, and the analysis found them related to the number of railroads competing in the CRD.

Competition is then analyzed relative to the revenue per ton, revenue per ton-mile, and the revenue to variable cost ratios (R/VC) associated with the level of competition for six states with the least rail-to-rail competition, and distant from water transportation, with those for four states having more rail-to-rail competition and close proximity to water transportation.
Transatlantic Port Issues
Authors: Brooks Mary R. , Van der Lugt Larissa M.
Published: August 2012

This paper examines differences between Northwest Europe and Eastern North America with respect to port commercial activities, port policy, port hinterland access and competition, port governance, and port security. While the volume of traffic on the transatlantic trade route has grown, its share of world trade with Europe has declined slightly. The authors explore the relevant contextual issues the ports on the trade route have experienced in the last decade, and using the Baltazar and Brooks (2001) Environment-Strategy-Structure framework, examine the structure and strategies followed by ports as they seek to deal with the changing environment (context) on all routes, not just the transatlantic.
Insecticidal Effect and Residual Action of Fenitrothion and Esfenvalerate onSitophilus oryzaeandS. zeamais(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Stored Maize and Wheat
Authors: Vásquez-Castro J. A. , de Baptista G. C. , Gadanha C. D. , Trevizan L. R. P.
Published: August 2012

Among the pests that attack stored maize and wheat grain,Sitophilus oryzae(L.) andS. zeamaisMotsch (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are the most destructive. This paper is aimed at the study of the insecticidal effect and the residual action of organophosphate fenitrothion, pyrethroid esfenvalerate, and the mixture of both onS. oryzaeandS. zeamaisin stored maize and wheat. Grains were treated in order to obtain theoretical concentrations of 10 and/or 0.5 mg·kg−1fenitrothion and esfenvalerate, respectively. The effectiveness experiments were installed as of 15, and 30 days, and subsequently at monthly intervals as of 12 months after grain treatment, or until mortality ceased in the plots. After mortality evaluation happened all individuals were eliminated, either dead or alive, and grains were kept for 60 days to assess the number of emerged progeny. The comparison of mortality curves of the pest species within each combination of grain type and insecticide showed significant differences. In general, the mortality ofS. oryzaedecreased faster than that ofS. zeamaisconsidering the grain type-insecticide combination. Esfenvalerate was ineffective in all combinations. Higher mortality of both species was observed on wheat grains treated with fenitrothion and fenitrothion + esfenvalerate mixture. Best results as to progeny control were obtained with fenitrothion and fenitrothion + esfenvalerate mixture. The factors that influenced the pest control are discussed in the present work.
The Structural and Magnetic Properties of the Double Rearth Elements La1−xNdxFeO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Thi , Cong Bach Thanh , Minh Dang Le
Published: August 2012

The double rearth elements La1−xNdxFeO3 (0≤x≤0.5) nanosized powders with orthorhombic structure were prepared by sol-gel method. The particle size of the La1−xNdxFeO3 powder is about 20 nm. The doping of the second rearth element in the A position of the compound ABO3 influenced the crystalline structure and magnetic property of the samples. The M(H) dependence shows that the nanosized La1−xNdxFeO3 samples exhibit ferromagnetic behavior in the room temperature and the M(H) curves are well fitted by Langevin functions.
Evaluation of a Fresh Fruit Distribution Program in an Ethnically Diverse San Francisco High School
Authors: Nagata Jason M. , Heyman Melvin B. , Wojcicki Janet M.
Published: August 2012

Objectives. We evaluated the effects of a Department of Education Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) on food consumption habits in an inner-city, San Francisco high school. Methods. One intervention high school received a California state grant from the Department of Education to distribute fruit biweekly from fall 2008 to spring 2010 and coordinate associated nutrition education. Students completed 1793 surveys at the intervention school and 778 surveys at a comparison school that assessed fruit, vegetable, fast food and soda consumption habits. Pearson's chi-squared tests were used to compare consumption of foods. Results. At the end of the intervention period, the percentage of students consuming soft drinks once or more per day was significantly lower in the intervention versus comparison school (3.1% versus 8.9%, ). Consumption of candy once or more per week was also lower in the intervention versus the comparison school in fall 2009 (55.7% versus 64.0%, ). No significant changes in fruit and vegetable consumption were observed in the intervention or comparison schools. Conclusions. Fruit distribution programs in high schools may decrease high school students' consumption of soft drinks and candy.
Independent Predictors of Erectile Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Is It True What They Say about Risk Factors?
Authors: Sharifi Faranak , Asghari Mohammad , Jaberi Yahya , Salehi Oveis , Mirzamohammadi Fatemeh
Published: August 2012

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent predictors of ED in adult men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. We have recruited 200 T2DM patients referred to our center between March 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010. All the patients were scored with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 questionnaires. Contribution of age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), free testosterone concentration, and duration of diabetes to risk of ED were evaluated. Results. Of 200 men with T2DM, 59.5% had ED (95%CI: 52%–67%). A negative significant correlation was found between potency score and HbA1c (r: 0.20,P: 0.01), FPG (r: 0.17, P: 0.03) and SBP (r: 0.18, P: 0.02) but not between other risk factors such as lipid profile, BMI, and serum testosterone level. By using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found out that the only two independent predictors of ED in these group of patients are age (OR: 2.8, P: 0.01), and taking calcium channel blockers (CCB) (OR: 4.1, P: 0.01). Conclusions. Aging and taking CCB were the only two major predictors for ED but surprisingly other metabolic or sexual covariates in this study did not have predictive value for ED risk in T2DM patients.
I2-SDS-H2O System: A highly Efficient Dual Catalytic Green System for Deprotection of Imines and in Situ Preparation of Bis(indolyl)alkanes from Indoles in Water
Authors: Hazarika Parasa , Pahari Pallab , Borah Manash Jyoti , Konwar Dilip
Published: August 2012

A novel catalytic system consisting of I2-SDS-H2O has been developed which cleaves 2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene, 1-aza-1,3-butadienes, oximes and in presence of indoles in the medium uses the corresponding aldehyde products to produce bis(indolyl)alkanes in situ. This one pot simple and mild dual catalytic system works in water at room temperature under neutral conditions.
Adult Participation in Education in South-Eastern Europe: An Elaboration on the Study Report for the Assessment of the Impact of Ongoing Reforms in Education and Training on the Adult Learning Sector
Authors: Zarifis George K.
Published: August 2012

This article reflects on the findings of the Research voor Beleid (RvB) study for the second phase of the assessment of the ‘Impact of ongoing reforms in education and training on adult learning sector’ (2010), with particular focus on adult participation in education in three EU Member States in south-eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece). Based on generic quantitative appreciation from Eurostat that is largely supported by the qualitative results of the RvB study, the article provides an insight into the structural and policy peculiarities in developing and promoting adult education in three countries, arguing that barriers to participation in south-eastern EU Member States relates more to cultural, structural and socio-economic aspects rather than policy inadequacies.
Critical Links between Recognition of Prior Learning, Economic Changes and Social Justice in Portugal
Authors: Guimarães Paula
Published: August 2012

This paper is a reflection on recent Portuguese policy on adult education. It explores the policy discussion at the national level from 1999 and in particular after 2005, when the New Opportunities Initiative (Iniciativa Novas Oportunidades in Portuguese) was adopted and European Union (EU) guidelines were given considerable emphasis. The first section discusses the empirical methodology undertaken. The second section briefly examines policy discourses since 1974, stressing dominant trends such as popular education, second-chance/compensatory education and vocational training. The third and fourth sections explore adult education and training policy discourses from the perspective of social justice. Particular attention is devoted to a specific policy instrument – the recognition of prior learning ( Reconhecimento, Validação e Certificação de Competěncias – RVCC), aimed at widening adult access to basic education – in the fifth section. The last section is devoted to final thoughts, in particular the contribution of the RVCC to social justice.
What's Going on? An Overview of Adult Education Policies in Spain
Authors: Lucio-Villegas Emilio
Published: August 2012

In this paper, I attempt to present the state of adult education in Spain. Adult education in Spain is not unlike that of other countries in Europe in that it focuses on the policies and practices of lifelong learning rather than on the perspectives of people and communities.

However, Spain has two specific characteristics that are distinctive from other European countries: first, the foundation for its educational heritage comes from the dark times during the post-war Franco dictatorship – but not only from that. Second, while Spain is seen as a sovereign territorial unit, the country could be considered a fragmented group of different territories, each with claims of autonomy.

Starting from these two distinctions, I will explore the consequences of an adult education model in Spain which is based on encouraging people to participate to become only workers rather than active citizens.
Swedish Adult Education in Transition? Implications of the Work First Principle
Authors: Andersson Eva , Wärvik Gun-Britt
Published: August 2012

The Swedish government recently launched a number of short-term initiatives within the framework of formal adult education. These initiatives are: vocational adult education, education for commercial drivers and apprenticeship education for adults. The new initiatives can be seen as education for the short-term needs of the world of work and we will argue that they can be understood in the light of a changing labour market policy, the so called work first principle’. In the late 1990s, when the Adult Education Initiative was launched, the government stressed that a person needs a general education of at least three years at upper secondary level in order to be employable. The new initiatives illustrate another view of reasoning, i.e. that specific vocational knowledge and contact with the workplaces are crucial for getting a job. The work first principle is reflected in the idea of adult education as a way to satisfy the short-term needs of the labour market having been squeezed into the larger aim of formal adult education as a way to upgrade formal qualifications for the long-term needs of society as a whole. The article identifies and analyses tensions and conflicting interests concerning adult education on a systemic level.
Mechanical and Thermal Management Characteristics of Ultrahigh Surface Area Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Aerogels
Authors: Kim Kyu Hun , Oh Youngseok , Islam Mohammad F.
Published: August 2012

Lightweight aerogels with large specific surface area (SSA) have numerous applications. Free‐standing aerogels are created from single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and their SSA and pore characteristics, electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and thermal management attributes are determined. The SSA of the aerogels is extraordinarily high and approaches 1291 m2 g−1 at a density of 7.3 mg mL−1, which is close to the theoretical limit (≈1315 m2 g−1). Mechanical characterization shows that these aerogels have open‐cell structures and their Young's moduli are higher than other aerogels at comparable density. The aerogels also enhance heat transfer in a forced convective process by ≈85%, presumably due to their large porosity and surface area.
Electrical Conductivity and Ferromagnetism in a Reduced Graphene–Metal Oxide Hybrid
Authors: Karim Mohammad Razaul , Shinoda Hideaki , Nakai Mina , Hatakeyama Kazuto , Kamihata Hidenobu , Matsui Takeshi , Taniguchi Takaaki , Koinuma Michio , Kuroiwa Keita , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Matsumoto Yasumichi , Hayami Shinya
Published: August 2012

The rare coexistence of ferromagnetism and electrical conductivity is observed in the reduced graphene oxide–metal oxide hybrids, rGO‐Co, rGO‐Ni, and rGO‐Fe, using chemical reduction with hydrazine or ultraviolet photoirradiation of the graphene oxide–metal complexes, GO‐Co, GO‐Ni, and GO‐Fe. The starting and final materials are characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental analysis, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. In contrast to graphene, where the electrical conductivity and magnetic properties are controlled by carrier (electron or hole) doping, those of graphene oxide can be controlled by complexation with Co2+, Ni2+, and Fe3+ cations through the strong electrostatic affinity of negatively charged graphene oxide towards metal cations. The presence of ferromagnetism and electrical conductivity in these hybrids can promote significant applications including magnetic switching and data storage.
Tau phosphorylation pathway genes and cerebrospinal fluid tau levels in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bekris Lynn M. , Millard Steve , Lutz Franziska , Li Gail , Galasko Doug R. , Farlow Martin R. , Quinn Joseph F. , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Leverenz James B. , Tsuang Debby W. , Yu Chang‐En , Peskind Elaine R.
Published: August 2012

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence in the brain of amyloid plaques, consisting predominately of the amyloid β peptide (Aβ), and neurofibrillary tangles, consisting primarily of tau. Hyper‐phosphorylated‐tau (p‐tau) contributes to neuronal damage, and both p‐tau and total‐tau (t‐tau) levels are elevated in AD cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compared to cognitively normal controls. Our hypothesis was that increased ratios of CSF phosphorylated‐tau levels relative to total‐tau levels correlate with regulatory region genetic variation of kinase or phosphatase genes biologically associated with the phosphorylation status of tau. Eighteen SNPs located within 5′ and 3′ regions of 5 kinase and 4 phosphatase genes, as well as two SNPs within regulatory regions of the MAPT gene were chosen for this analysis. The study sample consisted of 101 AD patients and 169 cognitively normal controls. Rs7768046 in the FYN kinase gene and rs913275 in the PPP2R4 phosphatase gene were both associated with CSF p‐tau and t‐tau levels in AD. These SNPs were also differentially associated with either CSF t‐tau (rs7768046) or CSF p‐tau (rs913275) relative to t‐tau levels in AD compared to controls. These results suggest that rs7768046 and rs913275 both influence CSF tau levels in an AD‐associated manner. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The association between supraorbital ethmoid air cells and orbital proptosis in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Comer Brett T. , Kincaid Nathan W. , Kountakis Stilianos E.
Published: August 2012

Background

Orbital proptosis is a known possible complication in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study was undertaken to determine the association of sinus anatomy and anatomic variants with the predisposition for such a complication.

All adult patients (n = 16) with orbital proptosis were identified from a prospectively‐collected database at a tertiary institution. These were compared with a series of randomly‐selected patients (n = 50) diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and who had undergone sinus computed tomography. The presence or absence of supraorbital ethmoid air cells (SOECs) was noted and compared between the 2 groups. The primary sinus anatomy responsible for the proptosis was also identified. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi squared test.

Sixteen patients with orbital proptosis were identified, of which all but 1 had SOECs present. Causal analysis showed that in all but 1 case the SOECs were the cause of proptosis. Of the 50 patients with CRS but without proptosis, only 13 had SOECs present and 37 patients did not (chi squared = 22.8, p = 0.000002).

SOECs appear to be highly associated with and most often are responsible for orbital proptosis in patients with CRS. © 2012 ARS–AAOA, LLC.

Methods

All adult patients (n = 16) with orbital proptosis were identified from a prospectively‐collected database at a tertiary institution. These were compared with a series of randomly‐selected patients (n = 50) diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and who had undergone sinus computed tomography. The presence or absence of supraorbital ethmoid air cells (SOECs) was noted and compared between the 2 groups. The primary sinus anatomy responsible for the proptosis was also identified. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi squared test.

Sixteen patients with orbital proptosis were identified, of which all but 1 had SOECs present. Causal analysis showed that in all but 1 case the SOECs were the cause of proptosis. Of the 50 patients with CRS but without proptosis, only 13 had SOECs present and 37 patients did not (chi squared = 22.8, p = 0.000002).

SOECs appear to be highly associated with and most often are responsible for orbital proptosis in patients with CRS. © 2012 ARS–AAOA, LLC.

Results

Sixteen patients with orbital proptosis were identified, of which all but 1 had SOECs present. Causal analysis showed that in all but 1 case the SOECs were the cause of proptosis. Of the 50 patients with CRS but without proptosis, only 13 had SOECs present and 37 patients did not (chi squared = 22.8, p = 0.000002).

SOECs appear to be highly associated with and most often are responsible for orbital proptosis in patients with CRS. © 2012 ARS–AAOA, LLC.

Conclusion

SOECs appear to be highly associated with and most often are responsible for orbital proptosis in patients with CRS. © 2012 ARS–AAOA, LLC.
Epithelial permeability alterations in an in vitro air–liquid interface model of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Den Beste Kyle A. , Hoddeson Elizabeth K. , Parkos Charles A. , Nusrat Asma , Wise Sarah K.
Published: August 2012

Background:

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory upper‐airway disease with numerous etiologies. Patients with a characteristic subtype of CRS, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), display increased expression of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines and antigen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Various sinonasal inflammatory conditions are associated with alterations in epithelial barrier function. The aim of this study was to compare epithelial permeability and intercellular junctional protein expression among cultured primary sinonasal cells from AFRS patients vs noninflammatory controls.

Methods:

Epithelial cells isolated from paranasal sinus mucosa of AFRS and noninflammatory control patients were grown to confluence on permeable supports and transitioned to air–liquid interface (ALI). Transepithelial resistance (TER) was measured with a horizontal Ussing chamber to characterize the functional permeability of each cell type. After TER recordings were complete, a panel of intercellular junctional proteins was assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence labeling followed by confocal microscopy.

Results:

After 12 samples were measured from each group, we observed a 41% mean decrease in TER in AFRS cells (296 ± 89 ohms × cm2) compared to control (503 ± 134 ohms × cm2, p = 0.006). TER deficits observed in AFRS were associated with decreased expression of the tight junction proteins occludin and junctional adhesion molecule‐A (JAM‐A), and increased expression of a leaky tight junction protein claudin‐2.

Conclusion:

Cultured sinonasal epithelium from AFRS patients displayed increased epithelial permeability and altered expression of intercellular junctional proteins. Given that these cells were not incubated with inflammatory cytokines in vitro, the cultured AFRS epithelial alterations may represent a retained modification in protein expression from the in vivo phenotype. © 2013 ARS–AAOA, LLC.
Dark matter evidence, particle physics candidates and detection methods
Authors: Bergström L.
Published: August 2012

The problem of the dark matter in the universe is reviewed. A short history of the subject is given, and several of the most obvious particle candidates for dark matter are identified. Particular focus is given to weakly interacting, massive particles (WIMPs) of which the lightest supersymmetric particle is an interesting special case and a useful template. The three detection methods: in particle accelerators, by direct detections of scattering in terrestrial detectors, and indirect detection of products from dark matter particle annihilation in the galactic halo, are discussed and their complementarity is explained. Direct detection experiments have revealed some possible indications of a dark matter signal, but the situation is quite confusing at the moment. Very recently, also indirect detection has entered a sensitivity region where some particle candidates could be detectable. Indeed, also here there are some (presently non‐conclusive) indications of possible dark matter signals, like an interesting structure at 130 GeV γ‐ray energy found in publicly available data from the Fermi‐LAT space detector. The future of the field will depend on whether WIMPs are indeed the dark matter, something that may realistically be probed in the next few years. If this exciting scenario turns out to be true, we can expect a host of other, complementary experiments in the coming decade. If it is not true, the time scale and methods for detection will be much more uncertain.
The relationships between adult juvenile idiopathic arthritis and employment
Authors: Malviya Ajay , Rushton Stephen P. , Foster Helen E. , Ferris Calum M. , Hanson Helen , Muthumayandi Karthik , Deehan David J.
Published: August 2012

Objective

The chronicity of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) into adulthood and attendant potential disability may adversely influence educational attainment and the ability to secure and maintain gainful employment. We undertook this study to investigate the effects of patient‐ and disease‐specific factors on education and employment outcomes in a group of adult patients with JIA.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of 103 consecutive adults attending a JIA continuity clinic, and patients who consented completed questionnaires relating to educational achievement, employment status, and functional disability (the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index [HAQ DI]), and, for those who were employed, the rheumatoid arthritis Work Instability Scale. We used the structural equation modeling technique to study key patient and disease variables for employment in adults with JIA.

Results

The median age of patients was 24 years (range 17–71 years) with median disease duration of 19 years (range 7–67 years). Functional disability (the mean HAQ DI score) was significantly lower in patients who were employed (P = 0.03) and in those with oligoarticular JIA (t = 2.29, P = 0.02). Educational achievement was not influenced by JIA subtype (F = 1.18, P = 0.33). Educational achievement measured by General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) grades had a positive effect on the type of job achieved in later life (F = 11.63, P = 0.001), with greater success leading to more professional or managerial posts. In the complex structural equation model, job stability was influenced positively by educational achievement measured by GCSE grades and negatively by the HAQ DI score (t = 10.94, P = 6.36 × 10−16).

Conclusion

Educational attainment is key to successful employability and is influenced by functional disability rather than by JIA subtype. These findings have implications for choice of occupation and delivery of career advice to aid decision making by young people with JIA.
Selective Detection of Multicarboxylate Anions based on “Turn on” Electron Transfer by Self‐Assembled Molecular Rectangles
Authors: Mishra Anurag , Lee Sunmi , Kim Hyunuk , Cook Timothy R. , Stang Peter J. , Chi Ki‐Whan
Published: August 2012

Two new large molecular rectangles (4 and 5) were obtained by the reaction of two different dinuclear arene ruthenium complexes [Ru2(arene)2(OO)2Cl2] (arene=p‐cymene; OO=2,5‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinonato (2), 6,11‐dihydroxy‐5,12‐naphthacene dionato (3)) with the unsymmetrical amide (N‐[4‐(pyridin‐4‐ylethynyl)phenyl]isonicotinamide) donor ligand 1 in methanol in the presence of AgO3SCF3, forming tetranuclear cations of the general formula [Ru4(arene)4()2(O O)2]4+. Both rectangles were isolated in good yields as triflate salts and were characterized by multinuclear NMR, ESI‐MS, UV/Vis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The crystal structure of 5 was determined by X‐ray diffraction. Luminescent rectangle 5 was used for anion sensing with an amide ligand as a hydrogen‐bond donor and an arene–ruthenium acceptor as a signaling unit. Rectangle 5 strongly bound multicarboxylate anions, such as oxalate, tartrate, and citrate, in UV/Vis titration experiments in 1:1 ratios, in contrast to monoanions, such as F−, Cl−, NO3−, PF6−, CH3COO−, and C6H5COO−. The fluorescence titration experiment showed a large fluorescence enhancement of 5 upon binding to multicarboxylate anions, which could be attributed to blocking of the photoinduced electron transfer process from the arene–ruthenium moiety to the amidic donor in 5; this was likely to be a result of hydrogen bonding between the ligand and the anion. On the other hand, rectangle 5 was not selective towards any other anions. To the naked eye, multicarboxylate anions in a solution of 5 in methanol appear greenish upon irradiation with UV light.
Size and Shape Control of Metal Nanoparticles for Reaction Selectivity in Catalysis
Authors: An Kwangjin , Somorjai Gabor A.
Published: August 2012

A nanoparticle with well‐defined surfaces, prepared through colloidal chemistry, enables it to be studied as a model heterogeneous catalyst. The colloidal synthetic approach provides versatile tools to control the size and shape of nanoparticles. Traditional nucleation and growth mechanisms have been utilized to understand how nanoparticles can be uniformly synthesized and unprecedented shapes can be controlled. Now, the size of metal particles can be controlled to cluster regimes by using dendrimers. By using seeds and foreign atoms, specific synthetic environments such as seeded growth and crystal overgrowth can be induced to generate various shaped mono‐ or bi‐metallic, core/shell, or branched nanostructures. For green chemistry, catalysis in 21st century is aiming for 100 % selectivity to produce only one desired product at high turnover rates. Recent studies on nanoparticle catalysts clearly demonstrate size and shape dependent selectivity in many catalytic reactions. By combining in situ surface characterization techniques, real‐time monitoring of nanoparticles can be performed under reaction environments, thus identifying several molecular factors affecting catalytic activity and selectivity.
The Role of Oxygen‐ and Nitrogen‐containing Surface Groups on the Sintering of Iron Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes in Different Atmospheres
Authors: Sánchez Miguel D. , Chen Peirong , Reinecke Thomas , Muhler Martin , Xia Wei
Published: August 2012

The sintering of iron nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under different atmospheres was investigated. CNTs were first treated with HNO3 vapor at 200 °C to obtain O‐functionalized CNTs (OCNTs). The OCNTs were treated in ammonia at 400 °C to obtain N‐doped CNTs (NCNTs). Highly dispersed FeOx nanoparticles were subsequently deposited by chemical vapor deposition from ferrocene under oxidizing conditions. The obtained FeOx/OCNT and FeOx/NCNT samples were allowed to sinter at 500 °C under flowing helium, hydrogen, or ammonia. The samples were studied by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A significant increase in particle size and a decrease in Fe surface atomic concentration were observed in all the sintered samples. The sintering on OCNTs was more severe than on NCNTs, which can be attributed to stronger metal‐substrate interactions and a higher amount of surface defects on NCNTs. The applied gas atmosphere had a substantial influence on the sintering behavior of the nanoparticles: treatment in helium led to the growth of particles and a significant widening of particle size distributions, whereas treatment in hydrogen or ammonia resulted in the growth of particles, but not in the widening of particle size distributions.
Support‐dependent Performance of Size‐selected Subnanometer Cobalt Cluster‐based Catalysts in the Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexene
Authors: Lee Sungsik , Di Vece Marcel , Lee Byeongdu , Seifert Sönke , Winans Randall E. , Vajda Stefan
Published: August 2012

The evolution of the chemical state and change in the morphology of subnanometer cobalt clusters during the dehydrogenation of cyclohexene was investigated in terms of metal‐support interactions. The model catalyst systems were prepared by deposition of size selected subnanometer Co27±4 clusters on various amorphous metal oxide supports (Al2O3, ZnO, and MgO), as well as on a carbon‐based support (UNCD=ultrananocrystaline diamond). The reactivity, oxidation state, and sintering resistance of the clusters were monitored by temperature programmed reaction (TPRx), in situ grazing incidence X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (GIXAS), and grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS), respectively. The reactivity and selectivity of cobalt clusters show strong dependency on the support used, with clusters supported on UNCD possessing the highest activity at 300 °C. The evolution of the oxidation state of metal cluster during the reaction reveals that metal‐support interaction plays a key role in performance of the subnanometer catalyst. A reversible assembly of clusters into a nanostructure which evolves with reaction temperature was observed on the MgO support.
Synthesis of Aldehydes by Layer‐by‐Layer Immobilized Laccases in the Presence of Redox Mediators
Authors: Guazzaroni Melissa , Bozzini Tiziana , Saladino Raffaele
Published: August 2012

Laccase from Trametes versicolor was immobilized on Eupergit®C250L and alumina particles. The immobilized enzyme was protected by coating with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes by means of the Layer‐by‐Layer (LbL) technique. Enzymatic assay showed that immobilized laccase was more stable than free enzyme at different pH and temperatures without loss of catalytic efficiency. Immobilized laccase based catalysts were efficiently used for the selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes in the presence of redox mediators such as ABTS (2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid), HBT (1‐hydroxybenzotriazole), VLA (violuric acid) and TEMPO (2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy free radical)
Total Synthesis of Indole‐Derived Allocolchicine Analogues Exhibiting Strong Apoptosis‐Inducing Activity
Authors: Sitnikov Nikolay , Velder Janna , Abodo Liliane , Cuvelier Nicole , Neudörfl Jörg , Prokop Aram , Krause Günter , Fedorov Aleksey Y. , Schmalz Hans‐Günther
Published: August 2012

A series of novel pyrrolo‐allocolchicine derivatives (containing a 1‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐5‐yl moiety replacing ring C) was synthesized. The tetracyclic ring system was constructed by Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of a 1‐methylindole‐5‐boronate with an ortho‐iodo‐dihydrocinnamic acid derivative and subsequent intramolecular Friedel–Crafts acylation. After reduction of the resulting ketone, the nitrogen functionality was introduced in a Mitsunobu‐type reaction by using zinc azide followed by LiAlH4 reduction. Structural assignments were supported by X‐ray crystallography. The compounds synthesized were then tested against BJAB tumor cells and found to exhibit pronounced cytotoxic activity (proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction). The ketone 24 b was even active at sub‐nanomolar concentration. In addition, the antitumor potential of the compounds was confirmed by using B lymphoid cell lines.