bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The first reported cases of Q fever endocarditis in Thailand
Authors: Pachirat Orathai , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Pussadhamma Burapha , Taksinachanekij Suthep , Lulitanond Viraphong , Baggett Henry C. , Thamthitiwat Somsak , Watt George , Raoult Didier , Maloney Susan A.
Published: January 2015

We describe the first two reported cases of Q fever endocarditis in Thailand. Both patients were male, had pre-existing heart valve damage and had contact with cattle. Heightened awareness of Q fever could improve diagnosis and case management and stimulate efforts to identify risk factors and preventive measures.
Guidelines for Adults
Authors: Telfer Paul
Published: January 2015

Sickle Cell Disease is a rare condition in many regions of Europe and general clinicians responsible for local services to patients with SCD may have relatively little experience and knowledge of the condition [...]
Torwards a More Patient-Centred Healthcare System and Effective Services
Authors: Chircop Philip Michael
Published: January 2015

The European Patients’ Forum is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation set up in 2003 and based in Brussels. EPF is an umbrella body with currently 54 members - who are national coalitions of patients’ organisations, and disease-specific patients’ organisations active at European level. EPF’s raison d’être is to contribute a strong and united patients’ voice into EU-level policies that have an impact on patients’ lives. EPF works with the EU institutions and agencies, as well as a range of other stakeholders, on a number of health-related policy areas and projects. EPF’s vision is: high-quality, patient-centred, and equitable healthcare for all patients across the EU.
Decrease of α-Chains in β-Thalassemia
Authors: Papadaki M. , Vassilopoulos George
Published: January 2015

In the pathophysiology of β-thalassemia, globin chain imbalance plays a central role in predicting red blood cell (RBC) life span and disease severity. Strategies to improve globin chain imbalance are therefore a legitimate target in the management of this incurable genetic disorder. Classical gene addition with the available retroviral vectors can alter one of the two variables while combined reduction of achains could provide a more potent therapeutic effect. We developed foamy virus (FV) vectors for the production of β-globin and vectors targeting the a-globin transcript using the shRNA technology. Using FVderived vectors, we expressed human anti-a-globin short hairpin RNAs, off a potent PolIII promoter (H1); of the 4 different shRNAs tested, α-globin mRNA reduction varied from 6.3 to 54% of the control CD34+ cells. Similarly, vectors developed for the mouse α-globin, resulted in a significant reduction (range 15-28% of the control) of aglobin in erythroid colonies of Lin- cells. To assay vector performance in vivo, we investigated the hematological parameters in thal3+/- mice transpalnted with FV-transduced Lin- cells, transduced with anti-alpha-globin shRNA. Despite low chimerism and low vector copy numbers (<0.5 per cell), we observed a 10% reduction in red cell distribution width, a marker for distorted erythropoiesis. We finally developed a combination FV vector expressing β-globin off a HS40 enhancer and anti-α-globin shRNA and tested its performance in human CD34+ cells from a thalassemic patient. Globin chain imbalance was ameliorated from a β/α ratio of 0.12 to the level of 0.5, clearly indicating a therapeutic benefit. Overall, shRNA control of α-globin excess is a feasible target but requires improvements since the RNAi effect is tough to predict and should ideally be combined with controllable elements.
Towards an ecological philosophy of law: a comparative discussion
Authors: De Lucia Vito
Published: January 2015

Environmental law finds itself in a very delicate position. Its role is to elaborate rules and principles for addressing multiple ecological crises, yet environmental law is structurally and conceptually rooted in a broader legal tradition thoroughly implicated in the domination and ‘othering’ of nature. The ecological worldview challenges the roots of modern law, casting critical light upon Cartesian dualism and the epistemology of mastery. While environmental law has incorporated some of the new knowledge offered by ecology into its normative texture, and has shifted its focus from fragmented parts and individuals (for example, individual species) towards wholes, relationships and complexity (for example, biodiversity, ecosystems processes), it remains far from being a comprehensive translation of the ecological worldview into law. Against this background, this article will discuss and compare two frameworks – Earth Jurisprudence and Law for Nature – both of which aim to elaborate an ecological philosophy of law. It will be suggested that while their critical premises are similarly grounded on ecological critiques of central legal categories such as subject (persons), object (things) and property (ownership), their respective ethical stances and central strategies are quite different: Earth Jurisprudence aims at articulating an ecocentric narrative in which nature is understood as a plurality of legal subjects endowed with rights; Law for Nature starts from a concept of ecological normativity, which through a continuous transformative process re-orients law, and grounds the relationship between subject and object in the concept of patrimonium. The tensions between subjective rights and objective norms, between individual and community, and between practical action and long-lasting, radical re-orientation, operate as guides for the discussion offered here.
Variability of BVOC emissions from a Mediterranean mixed forest in southern France with a focus on Quercus pubescens
Authors: Genard-Zielinski A.-C. , Boissard C. , Fernandez C. , Kalogridis C. , Lathière J. , Gros V. , Bonnaire N. , Ormeño E.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. We aimed at quantifying biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions in June from three Mediterranean species located at the O3HP site (southern France): Quercus pubescens, Acer monspessulanum and C. coggygria (for isoprene only). As Q. pubescens was shown to be the main BVOC emitter with isoprene representing ≈ 99% of the carbon emitted as BVOC, we mainly focused on this species. C. coggygria was found to be a non-isoprene emitter (no other BVOCs were investigated). To fully understand both the canopy effect on Q. pubescens isoprene emissions and the inter-individual variability (tree to tree and within canopy), diurnal variations of isoprene were investigated from nine branches (seven branches located to the top of canopy at ≈ 4 m above ground level (a.g.l.), and two inside the canopy at ≈ 2 m a.g.l.). The Q. pubescens daily mean isoprene emission rate (ERd) fluctuated between 23 and 98 μgC gDM−1 h−1. Q. pubescens daily mean net assimilation (Pn) ranged between 5.4 and 13.8, and 2.8 and 6.4 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 for sunlit and shaded branches respectively. Both ERd and isoprene emission factors (Is), assessed according to Guenther et al. (1993) algorithm, varied by a factor of 4.3 among the sunlit branches. While sunlit branches ERd was clearly higher than for shaded branches, there was a non-significant variability of Is (59 to 77 μgC gDM−1 h−1). Diurnal variations of isoprene emission rates (ERs) for sunlit branches were also investigated. ERs were detected at dawn 2 h after Pn became positive and were mostly exponentially dependent on Pn. Diurnal variations of ERs were not equally well described throughout the day by temperature (CT) and light (CL) parameters according to G93 algorithm. Temperature had more impact than photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on the morning emissions increase, and ER was no longer correlated to CL × CT between solar noon (maximum ER) and mid-afternoon, possibly due to thermal stress of the plant. A comparison between measured and calculated emissions using two isoprene algorithms (G93 and MEGAN – Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature) highlighted the importance of isoprene emission factor Is value used, and some weakness in assessing isoprene emissions under Mediterranean climate conditions (drought) with current isoprene models.
Modeling the feedback between aerosol and meteorological variables in the atmospheric boundary layer during a severe fog-haze event over the North China Plain
Authors: Gao Y. , Zhang M. , Liu Z. , Wang L. , Wang P. , Xia X. , Tao M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The feedback between aerosol and meteorological variables in the atmospheric boundary layer over the North China Plain is analyzed by conducting numerical experiments with and without the aerosol direct and indirect effects via a coupled meteorology and aerosol/chemistry model (WRF-Chem). The numerical experiments are performed for the period 2–26 January 2013, during which a severe fog-haze event (10–15 January 2013) occurred. Comparison of the model results with aerosol feedback against observations indicates that the model can reproduce the spatial and temporal characteristics of temperature, relative humidity (RH), wind, surface PM2.5 concentration, atmospheric visibility, and aerosol optical depth. Comparison of modeling results in the presence and absence of aerosol feedback during the fog-haze event shows that aerosols lead to a significant negative radiative forcing of −20 to −140 W m−2 at the surface and a large positive radiative forcing of 20–120 W m−2 in the atmosphere and induce significant changes in meteorological variables of which the maximum changes occur during 09:00–18:00 LT over urban Beijing and Tianjin, and south Hebei Province: the temperature decreases by 0.8–2.8 °C at the surface and increases by 0.1–0.5 °C at around 925 hPa while the RH increases by about 4–12% at the surface and decreases by 1–6% at around 925 hPa. As a result, the aerosol-induced equivalent potential temperature profile change shows that the atmosphere is much more stable and thus the surface wind speed decreases by up to 0.3 m s−1 (10%) and the atmosphere boundary layer height decreases by 40–200 m (5–30%) during the daytime of this severe fog-haze event. Owing to this more stable atmosphere, during 09:00–18:00, 10–15 January, compared to the surface PM2.5 concentration from the model results without aerosol feedback, the average surface PM2.5 concentration increases by 10–50 μg m−3 (2–30%) over Beijing, Tianjin, and south Hebei province and the maximum increase of hourly surface PM2.5 concentration is around 50 μg m−3 (70%), 90 μg m−3 (60%) and 80 μg m−3 (40%), averaged over Beijing, Tianjin and south Hebei Province, respectively. Although the aerosol concentration is maximum at nighttime, the mechanism of feedback by which meteorological variables increase the aerosol concentration most occurs during the daytime (around 10:00 and 16:00). The results suggest that aerosol induces a more stable atmosphere, which is favorable for the accumulation of air pollutants, and thus contributes to the formation of fog-haze events.
Lidar observations of Nabro volcano aerosol layers in the stratosphere over Gwangju, Korea
Authors: Shin D. , Müller D. , Lee K. , Shin S. , Kim Y. J. , Song C. K. , Noh Y. M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. We report on the first Raman lidar measurements of stratospheric aerosol layers in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere over Korea. The data were taken with the multiwavelength aerosol Raman lidar at Gwangju (35.10° N, 126.53° E), Korea. The volcanic ash particles and gases were released around 12 June 2011 during the eruption of the Nabro volcano (13.37° N, 41.7° E) in Eritrea, east Africa. Forward trajectory computations show that the volcanic aerosols were advected from North Africa to East Asia. The first observation of the stratospheric aerosol layers over Korea was on 19 June 2011. The stratospheric aerosol layers appeared between 15 and 17 km height a.s.l. The aerosol layers' maximum value of the backscatter coefficient and the linear particle depolarization ratio at 532 nm were 1.5 ± 0.3 Mm−1 sr−1 and 2.2%, respectively. We found these values at 16.4 km height a.s.l. 44 days after this first observation, we observed the stratospheric aerosol layer again. We continuously probed the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere for this aerosol layer during the following 5 months, until December 2011. The aerosol layers typically occurred between 10 and 20 km height a.s.l. The stratospheric aerosol optical depth and the maximum backscatter coefficient at 532 nm decreased during these 5 months.
Forecast indices from a ground-based microwave radiometer for operational meteorology
Authors: Cimini D. , Nelson M. , Güldner J. , Ware R.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Today, commercial microwave radiometer profilers (MWRPs) are robust and unattended instruments providing real-time, accurate atmospheric observations at ~ 1 min temporal resolution under nearly all weather conditions. Common commercial units operate in the 20–60 GHz frequency range and are able to retrieve profiles of temperature, vapour density, and relative humidity. Temperature and humidity profiles retrieved from MWRP data are used here to feed tools developed for processing radiosonde observations to obtain values of forecast indices (FIs) commonly used in operational meteorology. The FIs considered here include K index, total totals, KO index, Showalter index, T1 gust, fog threat, lifted index, S index (STT), Jefferson index, microburst day potential index (MDPI), Thompson index, TQ index, and CAPE (convective available potential energy). Values of FIs computed from radiosonde and MWRP-retrieved temperature and humidity profiles are compared in order to quantitatively demonstrate the level of agreement and the value of continuous FI updates. This analysis is repeated for two sites at midlatitude, the first one located at low altitude in central Europe (Lindenberg, Germany) and the second one located at high altitude in North America (Whistler, Canada). It is demonstrated that FIs computed from MWRPs well correlate with those computed from radiosondes, with the additional advantage of nearly continuous updates. The accuracy of MWRP-derived FIs is tested against radiosondes, taken as a reference, showing different performances depending upon index and environmental situation. Overall, FIs computed from MWRP retrievals agree well with radiosonde values, with correlation coefficients usually above 0.8 (with few exceptions). We conclude that MWRP retrievals can be used to produce meaningful FIs, with the advantage (with respect to radiosondes) of nearly continuous updates.
Seasonal lake surface water temperature trends reflected by heterocyst glycolipid based molecular thermometers
Authors: Bauersachs T. , Rochelmeier J. , Schwark L.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. It has been demonstrated that the relative distribution of heterocyst glycolipids (HGs) in cultures of N2-fixing heterocystous cyanobacteria is largely controlled by growth temperature, suggesting a potential use of these components in paleoenvironmental studies. Here, we investigated the effect of environmental parameters (e.g. surface water temperatures, oxygen concentrations and pH) on the distribution of HGs in a natural system using water column filtrates collected from Lake Schreventeich (Kiel, Germany) from late July to the end of October 2013. HPLC-ESI/MS analysis revealed a dominance of 1-(O-hexose)-3,25-hexacosanediols (HG26 diols) and 1-(O-hexose)-3-keto-25-hexacosanol (HG26 keto-ol) in the solvent extracted water column filtrates, which were accompanied by minor abundances of 1-(O-hexose)-3,27-octacosanediol (HG28 diol) and 1-(O-hexose)-3-keto-27-octacosanol (HG28 keto-ol) as well as 1-(O-hexose)-3,25,27-octacosanetriol (HG28 triol) and 1-(O-hexose)-3-keto-25,27-octacosanediol (HG28 keto-diol). Fractional abundances of alcoholic and ketonic HGs generally showed strong linear correlations with surface water temperatures and no or only weak linear correlations with both oxygen concentrations and pH. Changes in the distribution of the most abundant diol and keto-ol (e.g., HG26 diol and HG26 keto-ol) were quantitatively expressed as the HDI26 (heterocyst diol index of 26carbon atoms) with values of this index ranging from 0.89 in mid-August to 0.66 in mid-October. An average HDI26 value of 0.79, which translates into a calculated surface water temperature of 15.8 ± 0.3 °C, was obtained from surface sediments collected from Lake Schreventeich. This temperature – and temperatures obtained from other HG indices (e.g., HDI28 and HTI28) – is similar to the one measured during maximum cyanobacterial productivity in early to mid-September and suggests that HGs preserved in Lake Schreventeich sediments record summer surface water temperatures. As N2-fixing heterocystous cyanobacteria are widespread in present-day freshwater and brackish environments, we conclude that the distribution of HGs in sediments may allow the reconstruction of surface water temperatures of modern and potentially ancient lacustrine settings.
A conceptual, distributed snow redistribution model
Authors: Frey S. , Holzmann H.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. When applying conceptual hydrological models using a temperature index approach for snowmelt to high alpine areas often accumulation of snow during several years can be observed. Some of the reasons why these "snow towers" do not exist in nature are vertical and lateral transport processes. While snow transport models have been developed using grid cell sizes of tens to hundreds of square meters and have been applied in several catchments, no model exists using coarser cell sizes of one km2. In this paper we present an approach that uses only gravity and snow density as a proxy for the age of the snow cover and land-use information to redistribute snow in the catchment of Ötztaler Ache, Austria. This transport model is implemented in the distributed rainfall–runoff model COSERO and a comparison between the standard model without using snow transport and the updated version is done using runoff and MODIS data for model validation. While the signal of snow redistribution can hardly be seen in the binary classification compared with MODIS, snow accumulation over several years can be prevented. In a seven year period the classic model would lead to snow accumulation of approximately 2900 mm SWE in high elevated regions whereas the updated version of the model does not show accumulation and does also predict discharge more precisely leading to a Kling–Gupta-Efficiency of 0.93 instead of 0.9.
Memoria y narración: Atravesando el tiempo en Retahílas de Carmen Martín Gaite
Authors: Craig-Kuhn Mallory N.
Published: January 2015

La novela Retahílas de Carmen Martín Gaite es en gran medida una reflexión sobre la memoria que abarca varias generaciones de una misma familia. Los recuerdos personales se narran y se comparten y de esta manera se legan de una generación a otra, formando parte de una memoria familiar heredada y compartida. Este intercambio solamente es posible a través de una excepcional conversación construida de largas retahílas durante toda una noche en la que los interlocutores esperan la muerte de la última representante de una generación ya casi perdida de la familia. El que escucha le da pie al que habla para compartir e interpretar sus experiencias. Estos recuerdos están estrechamente ligados a la identidad y la vida mientras que la muerte se asocia con el silencio y el olvido. No obstante, los recuerdos narrados hacen que de alguna manera los muertos se vuelven presentes para los interlocutores.
El ensayo de interpretación del ser nacional: su problemática y el caso de 'Nosotros' de Luis López de Mesa
Authors: Galeano Juan Camilo
Published: January 2015

Este texto se divide en dos partes: la primera aborda el ensayo de interpretación del ser nacional, las voces que lo han desarrollado en América Latina y cuestiona la falta de reconocimiento de este género en Colombia. La segunda considera a Luis López de Mesa: partiendo de su obra De cómo se ha formado la nación colombiana, analiza las estrategias literarias de las que éste se vale en Nosotros para mostrar la identidad antioqueña como resultado de una debacle moral. En el desarrollo del análisis se encuentra que la industrialización de Antioquia hizo mundanos su valores humanos.
El Boom y el fracaso de los intelectuales. Sobre "Conversación en la Catedral" (1969) de Vargas Llosa y "Cien años de soledad" (1967) de García Márquez
Authors: Alonso Mercedes
Published: January 2015

El debate en torno al papel de los intelectuales tiene un lugar central en el Boom de la Literatura Latinoamericana. Por un lado,  porque es un momento en que los escritores saltan a la esfera pública e intervienen en ámbitos que exceden o literario. Por otro, porque ha sido uno de los temas que ha ocupado a la crítica en su afán de adscribir el fenómeno al mercado o a las circunstancias políticas de América Latina.Bajo el supuesto de esa centralidad, el presente artículo busca desentrañar las representaciones del intelectual que aparecen en dos novelas del período: Conversación en la Catedral (1969) de Mario Vargas Llosa y Cien años de soledad (1967) de Gabriel García Márquez. En ellas aparecen elementos y problemáticas presentes en los debates que les son contemporáneos con una mirada más amplia que la que opone al escritor y el político (o al intelectual y el revolucionario). Las tareas propias del letrado y la relación con la esfera pública y con las masas definen a los dos personajes principales a partir de los que se puede reconstruir una definición del intelectual.
Prevention and Management of Infusion-Associated Reactions in the Comparison of Alemtuzumab and Rebif® Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (CARE-MS) Program
Authors: Caon Christina , Namey Marie , Meyer Cathy , Mayer Lori , Oyuela Pedro , Margolin David H. , Rizzo Marco
Published: January 2015

Background: Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody approved in several countries for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This report summarizes the experience with infusion-associated reactions (IARs) in two phase 3 trials of alemtuzumab in RRMS and examines skilled nursing interventions in IAR prevention and management.

Methods: In the Comparison of Alemtuzumab and Rebif® Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (CARE-MS) studies, patients with RRMS (treatment naive [CARE-MS I] or with inadequate response [defined as at least one relapse] to previous therapy [CARE-MS II]) received intravenous infusions of alemtuzumab 12 mg/day on 5 consecutive days at baseline and on 3 consecutive days 12 months later. Patients were monitored for IARs during and after each infusion. An IAR was defined as any adverse event occurring during any infusion or within 24 hours after infusion.

Results: The IARs affected 90.1% of patients receiving alemtuzumab. The most common IARs were headache, rash, pyrexia, nausea, and flushing; most were mild to moderate in severity. Management of IARs consisted of infusion interruption or rate reduction, pharmacologic therapies, and continual patient education and support. Medication administration before and during alemtuzumab infusion reduced IAR severity. Forty-five of 972 alemtuzumab-treated patients (4.6%) required interruption of the first treatment course (ie, infusions did not occur on consecutive days); of these, 24 (53.3%) were still able to complete the first and second full treatment courses.

Conclusions: Nurses played an invaluable role in the detection and management of IARs in the CARE-MS studies. Best practices for management of IARs associated with alemtuzumab include patient and caregiver education, medication to lessen IAR severity, infusion monitoring, and discharge planning.
ENHANCEMENT OF SPILLED OIL BIODEGRADATION BY NUTRIENTS OF NATURAL ORIGIN
Authors: Basseres Anne , Eyraud Patrick , Ladousse Alain , Tramier Bernard
Published: January 2015

Ten years ago, Elf Aquitaine began developing the technologies for the acceleration of hydrocarbon biodegradation. The continuation of this work has involved the study of new additives to complement the oleophilic nutrient, INIPOL EAP 22.

In particular, it has been shown in both laboratory and in situ tests that hydrocarbon degradation can be accelerated by animal meals, which are natural products. Preliminary laboratory studies carried out under batch conditions, have shown that the use of these products has resulted in considerable growth of the bacteria, coupled with a notable increase in the biological degradation kinetics of the hydrocarbons. These results are comparable with the performance of the nutrient INIPOL EAP 22.

In situ experiments undertaken on soils polluted by hydrocarbons have shown that by using animal meals, 50 percent biodegradation was obtained after six weeks and this increased to 80 percent when mechanical aeration was also employed. Under nutrient-free control conditions, 25 percent biodegradation was obtained with no aeration and 35 percent with mechanical aeration. In trials using coastal sandy sediments, the use of these nutrients has resulted in an increase of both the number of hydrocarbon specific bacteria and the hydrocarbon degradation.

It can be concluded from these pilot experiments that in the development of bioremediation as an operational tool in the response to accidental oil spills, these nutrients of natural origin represent an interesting advance.
THE NEWFOUNDLAND OFFSHORE BURN EXPERIMENT—NOBE
Authors: Fingas Mervin F. , Halley Greg , Ackerman Francine , Nelson Robert , Bissonnette Martine , Laroche Nanci , Wang Zhendi , Lambert Patrick , Li Ken , Jokuty Paula , Sergy Gary , Tennyson Edward J. , Mullin Joe , Hannon Larry , Halley Wayne , Latour John , Galarneau Roy , Ryan Bill , Turpin Rod , Campagna Phil , Aurand Don V. , Hiltabrand Robert R.
Published: January 2015

A group of 25 agencies from Canada and the United States conducted a major offshore burn experiment near Newfoundland, Canada. Two lots of oil, about 50 cubic meters (50 tons) each, were released into a fireproof boom. Each burn lasted over an hour and was monitored for emissions and physical parameters. Over 200 sensors or samplers were employed to yield data on over 2000 parameters or substances. The operation was extensive; more than 20 vessels, 7 aircraft and 230 people were involved in the operation at sea.

The quantitative analytical data show that the emissions from this in-situ oil fire were less than expected. All compounds and parameters measured more than about 150 meters from the fire were below occupational health exposure levels; very little was detected beyond 500 meters. Pollutants were found to be at lower values in the Newfoundland offshore burn than they were in previous pan tests.

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found to be lower in the soot than in the starting oil and were consumed by the fire to a large degree. Particulates in the air were measured by several means and found to be of concern only up to 150 meters downwind at sea level. Combustion gases including carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide did not reach levels of concern. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were abundant, however their concentrations were less than emitted from the nonburning spill. Over 50 compounds were quantified, several at levels of concern up to 150 meters downwind. Water under the burns was analyzed; no compounds of concern could be found at the detection level of the methods employed. Toxicity tests performed on this water did not show any adverse effect. The burn residue was analyzed for the same compounds as the air samples. Overall, indications from these burn trials are that 150 meters or farther from the burn source emissions from in-situ burning are lower than health criteria levels.
Morphology and mixing state of aged soot particles at a remote marine free troposphere site: Implications for optical properties
Authors: China Swarup , Scarnato Barbara , Owen Robert C. , Zhang Bo , Ampadu Marian T. , Kumar Sumit , Dzepina Katja , Dziobak Michael P. , Fialho Paulo , Perlinger Judith A. , Hueber Jacques , Helmig Detlev , Mazzoleni Lynn R. , Mazzoleni Claudio
Published: January 2015

The radiative properties of soot particles depend on their morphology and mixing state, but their evolution during transport is still elusive. Here we report observations from an electron microscopy analysis of individual particles transported in the free troposphere over long distances to the remote Pico Mountain Observatory in the Azores in the North Atlantic. Approximately 70% of the soot particles were highly compact and of those 26% were thinly coated. Discrete dipole approximation simulations indicate that this compaction results in an increase in soot single scattering albedo by a factor of ≤2.17. The top of the atmosphere direct radiative forcing is typically smaller for highly compact than mass‐equivalent lacy soot. The forcing estimated using Mie theory is within 12% of the forcing estimated using the discrete dipole approximation for a high surface albedo, implying that Mie calculations may provide a reasonable approximation for compact soot above remote marine clouds.
Crustal shear wave velocity and radial anisotropy beneath the Rio Grande rift from ambient noise tomography
Authors: Fu Yuanyuan V. , Li Aibing
Published: January 2015

Shear wave velocity and radial anisotropy beneath New Mexico are obtained from ambient seismic noise tomography using data from the Transportable Array. Besides the distinct seismic structure imaged across the Rio Grande rift from the Colorado Plateau to the Great Plains, both velocity and anisotropy models also reveal significant variations along the rift. The rift at Albuquerque is characterized by remarkably low velocity in the shallow crust, high velocity and strong positive anisotropy in the middle and lower crust, and low velocity in the upper mantle. These observations can be interpreted as magma accumulation in the shallow crust and significant mafic underplating in the lower crust with abundant melt supply from the hot mantle. We propose that the Albuquerque region has recently been experiencing the most vigorous extensional deformation in the rift. Positive anisotropy with Vsh > Vsv appears in the central and southern rifts with a stronger anisotropy beneath younger volcanoes, reflecting layering of magma intrusion due to past and recent rifting activities. The low velocities in the uppermost mantle are observed under high‐elevation places, the Jemez Lineament, northern rift, and east rift boundary, implying that the buoyancy of hot mantle largely compensates the local high topography. Low mantle velocities appear at the boundary of the southern rift, corresponding to the large lithosphere thickness change, instead of the rift center, consistent with the prediction from the small‐scale, edge‐driven mantle convection model. We conclude that the edge‐driven upper mantle convection is probably the dominant mechanism for the recent and current rifting and uplift in the Rio Grande rift.
Ice‐melt rates by steam condensation during explosive subglacial eruptions
Authors: Woodcock D. C. , Gilbert J. S. , Lane S. J.
Published: January 2015

Subglacial volcanism melts cavities in the overlying ice. These cavities may be flooded with meltwater or they may be fully or partially drained. We quantify, for the first time, heat transfer rates by condensation of steam on the walls and roof of a fully or partially drained subglacial eruption cavity. Our calculations indicate that heat fluxes of up to 1 MW m−2may be obtained when the bulk vapor in the cavity is in free convection. This is considerably smaller than heat fluxes inferred from ice penetration rates in recent subglacial eruptions. Forcing of the convection by momentum transfer from an eruption jet may allow heat fluxes of up to 2 MW m−2, consistent with values inferred for the Gjálp 1996 subglacial eruption. Vapor‐dominated cavities in which vapor‐liquid equilibrium is maintained have thermal dynamic responses that are an order of magnitude faster than the equivalent flooded cavities.
Circulation, retention, and mixing of waters within the Weddell‐Scotia Confluence, Southern Ocean: The role of stratified Taylor columns
Authors: Meredith Michael P. , Meijers Andrew S. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Brown Peter J. , Venables Hugh J. , Abrahamsen E. Povl , Jullion Loïc , Messias Marie‐José
Published: January 2015

The waters of the Weddell‐Scotia Confluence (WSC) lie above the rugged topography of the South Scotia Ridge in the Southern Ocean. Meridional exchanges across the WSC transfer water and tracers between the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) to the north and the subpolar Weddell Gyre to the south. Here, we examine the role of topographic interactions in mediating these exchanges, and in modifying the waters transferred. A case study is presented using data from a free‐drifting, intermediate‐depth float, which circulated anticyclonically over Discovery Bank on the South Scotia Ridge for close to 4 years. Dimensional analysis indicates that the local conditions are conducive to the formation of Taylor columns. Contemporaneous ship‐derived transient tracer data enable estimation of the rate of isopycnal mixing associated with this column, with values of O(1000 m2/s) obtained. Although necessarily coarse, this is of the same order as the rate of isopycnal mixing induced by transient mesoscale eddies within the ACC. A picture emerges of the Taylor column acting as a slow, steady blender, retaining the waters in the vicinity of the WSC for lengthy periods during which they can be subject to significant modification. A full regional float data set, bathymetric data, and a Southern Ocean state estimate are used to identify other potential sites for Taylor column formation. We find that they are likely to be sufficiently widespread to exert a significant influence on water mass modification and meridional fluxes across the southern edge of the ACC in this sector of the Southern Ocean.
Conductive “Smart” Hybrid Hydrogels with PNIPAM and Nanostructured Conductive Polymers
Authors: Shi Ye , Ma Chongbo , Peng Lele , Yu Guihua
Published: January 2015

Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels with decent electrical properties are a promising class of polymeric materials for a range of technological applications, such as electrical, electrochemical, and biomedical devices. In this paper, thermally responsive and conductive hybrid hydrogels are synthesized by in situ formation of continuous network of conductive polymer hydrogels crosslinked by phytic acid in poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) matrix. The interpenetrating binary network structure provides the hybrid hydrogels with continuous transporting path for electrons, highly porous microstructure, strong interactions between two hydrogel networks, thus endowing the hybrid hydrogels with a unique combination of high electrical conductivity (up to 0.8 S m−1), high thermoresponsive sensitivity (significant volume change within several seconds), and greatly enhanced mechanical properties. This work demonstrates that the architecture of the filling phase in the hydrogel matrix and design of hybrid hydrogel structure play an important role in determining the performance of the resulting hybrid material. The attractive performance of these hybrid hydrogels is further demonstrated by the developed switcher device which suggests potential applications in stimuli‐responsive electronic devices.
Highly Stable Supercapacitors with Conducting Polymer Core‐Shell Electrodes for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Xia Chuan , Chen Wei , Wang Xianbin , Hedhili Mohamed N. , Wei Nini , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: January 2015

Conducting polymers such as polyaniline (PAni) show a great potential as pseudocapacitor materials for electrochemical energy storage applications. Yet, the cycling instability of PAni resulting from structural alteration is a major hurdle to its commercial application. Here, the development of nanostructured PAni–RuO2 core–shell arrays as electrodes for highly stable pseudocapacitors with excellent energy storage performance is reported. A thin layer of RuO2 grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on PAni nanofibers plays a crucial role in stabilizing the PAni pseudocapacitors and improving their energy density. The pseudocapacitors, which are based on optimized PAni–RuO2 core–shell nanostructured electrodes, exhibit very high specific capacitance (710 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1) and power density (42.2 kW kg−1) at an energy density of 10 Wh kg−1. Furthermore, they exhibit remarkable capacitance retention of ≈88% after 10 000 cycles at very high current density of 20 A g−1, superior to that of pristine PAni‐based pseudocapacitors. This prominently enhanced electrochemical stability successfully demonstrates the buffering effect of ALD coating on PAni, which provides a new approach for the preparation of metal‐oxide/conducting polymer hybrid electrodes with excellent electrochemical performance.
The role of age in association analyses of ADHD and related neurocognitive functioning: A proof of concept for dopaminergic and serotonergic genes
Authors: Thissen Andrieke J.A.M. , Bralten Janita , Rommelse Nanda N.J. , Arias‐Vasquez Alejandro , Greven Corina U. , Heslenfeld Dirk , Luman Marjolein , Oosterlaan Jaap , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Hartman Catharina , Franke Barbara , Buitelaar Jan K.
Published: January 2015

Elucidating genetic mechanisms involved in Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been challenging. Relatively unexplored is the fact that genetic mechanisms can differ with age. The current study explored the association between dopaminergic and serotonergic genes, ADHD symptoms, and neurocognitive functioning in relation to age. Associations of three genetic ADHD risk factors, DAT1, DRD4, and 5‐HTT with symptoms and six neurocognitive measures were explored in two samples of the NeuroIMAGE study: 756 children, adolescents, and young adults with ADHD, their siblings, and controls (M age 17 years, SD 3.2), and 393 parents with and without ADHD (M age 48 years, SD 4.8). Association analyses were performed in both samples, and effects were compared to address dichotomous age effects. Gene*age interactions were examined to address continuous age effects. Moderating effects of age were found for DRD4‐7R carriership and ADHD symptoms in the adult group only; in the adolescents the 5‐HTT LL genotype was differentially associated with inhibition and with motor timing at different ages, and to inhibition in adults; DAT1 10‐6 haplotype carriership showed differential working memory performance depending on age. None of our effects survived correction for multiple comparisons. Our results are preliminary, but may point to differential genotype–phenotype associations at different ages. This can be seen as a proof of concept for the importance of age in dopaminergic and serotonergic genetic association analyses. Our findings are consistent with the idea that genetic and neurocognitive mechanisms underlying ADHD may change throughout life. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement standards for human metacarpals
Authors: Case D. Troy , Rawlins Callie M. , Mick Charlotte B.
Published: January 2015

Standards for measuring the metacarpals are absent from commonly used osteometric guides. Perhaps the closest to a set of standard measurements in common use today are those proposed by Scheuer and Elkington (Scheuer and Elkington: J Forensic Sci 38 (1993) 769–788) for forensic sex assessment. They include caliper measurements of interarticular length, base and head width, base and head height, and maximum midshaft diameter. Over the last decade, a new set of measurements that encompass similar dimensions to those used by Scheuer and Elkington, but which are taken with a mini‐osteometric board (MOB) have been developed by the lead author. Use of the MOB avoids the need to manipulate both the bone and calipers in three‐dimensional space and causes less strain on the hands. However, the question of intra‐ and interobserver accuracy has not been adequately addressed for either set of measurements. The purpose of this study was to test both the Scheuer/Elkington and MOB measurements on 20 hands from 10 anatomical skeletons for intra‐ and inter‐observer accuracy. The study found that 92% of the MOB measures had a lower intraobserver error, and 88% had a lower interobserver error than did the caliper measurements. It also found that the maximum midshaft diameter measurement used by Scheuer and Elkington is more repeatable than a mediolateral diameter. Overall, 88% of the 25 MOB measurements had median intraobserver error rates of under 1.5%, compared with 60% of the caliper measurements. Furthermore, the MOB measurements as a set were taken 10 to 12% faster than the caliper measurements. Am J Phys Anthropol 157:322–329, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controlled Release of Encapsulated Bioactive Volatiles by Rupture of the Capsule Wall through the Light‐Induced Generation of a Gas
Authors: Paret Nicolas , Trachsel Alain , Berthier Damien L. , Herrmann Andreas
Published: January 2015

The encapsulation of photolabile 2‐oxoacetates in core–shell microcapsules allows the light‐induced, controlled release of bioactive compounds. On irradiation with UVA light these compounds degrade to generate an overpressure of gas inside the capsules, which expands or breaks the capsule wall. Headspace measurements confirmed the light‐induced formation of CO and CO2 and the successful release of the bioactive compound, while optical microscopy demonstrated the formation of gas bubbles, the cleavage of the capsule wall, and the leakage of the oil phase out of the capsule. The efficiency of the delivery system depends on the structure of the 2‐oxoacetate, the quantity used with respect to the thickness of the capsule wall, and the intensity of the irradiating UVA light.
Tunable Photoluminescence Across the Entire Visible Spectrum from Carbon Dots Excited by White Light
Authors: Hu Shengliang , Trinchi Adrian , Atkin Paul , Cole Ivan
Published: January 2015

Although reports have shown shifts in carbon dot emission wavelengths resulting from varying the excitation wavelength, this excitation‐dependent emission does not constitute true tuning, as the shifted peaks have much weaker intensity than their dominant emission, and this is often undesired in real world applications. We report for the first time the synthesis and photoluminescence properties of carbon dots whose peak fluorescence emission wavelengths are tunable across the entire visible spectrum by simple adjustment of the reagents and synthesis conditions, and these carbon dots are excited by white light. Detailed material characterization has revealed that this tunable emission results from changes in the carbon dots’ chemical composition, dictated by dehydrogenation reactions occurring during carbonization. These significantly alter the nucleation and growth process, resulting in dots with either more oxygen‐containing or nitrogen‐containing groups that ultimately determine their photoluminescence properties, which is in stark contrast to previous observations of carbon dot excitation‐dependent fluorescence. This new ability to synthesize broadband excitable carbon dots with tunable peak emissions opens up many new possibilities, particularly in multimodal sensing, in which multiple analytes and processes could be monitored simultaneously by associating a particular carbon dot emission wavelength to a specific chemical process without the need for tuning the excitation source.
Asolectin from soybeans as a natural compatibilizer for cellulose‐reinforced biocomposites from tung oil
Authors: Johns Ashley , Morris Steven , Edwards Kyle , Quirino Rafael Lopes
Published: January 2015

The free radical copolymerization of tung oil, divinylbenzene, and n‐butyl methacrylate results in bio‐based thermosetting polymers with tunable properties. Biocomposites have been obtained by the reinforcement of such bio‐based resins with α‐cellulose. Asolectin from soybeans consists of a mixture of natural, polyunsaturated phospholipids. Because of its long, unsaturated fatty acid chains, and the presence of phosphate and ammonium groups, asolectin from soybeans is a good candidate for acting as a natural compatibilizer between the hydrophobic matrix and the hydrophilic reinforcement. In the current work, we investigate the changes in properties resulting from the addition of asolectin to a tung oil‐based polymer reinforced with α‐cellulose. An evaluation of the cure‐kinetics of the tung oil‐based resin has been conducted by dielectric analysis (DEA), and the final biocomposites have been thoroughly characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Soxhlet extraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41833.
Preparation and investigation of sodium alginate nanocapsules by different microemulsification devices
Authors: Ghayempour Soraya , Mortazavi Sayed Majid
Published: January 2015

Numerous techniques of preparation have been reported for the encapsulation of the core material, but the microemulsion technique is the most effective and commonly used for encapsulation. In this article, three microemulsification devices including ultrasonic stirrer, labo ratory reactor, and mechanical stirrer were used to produce the alginate nanocapsules containing peppermint oil. The effect of different parameters on surface morphology, mean particle size, and size distributions were investigated. The results indicated that the ultrasonic stirrer is the best device to make the nanocapsules containing essential oils prepared by microemulsion method, so that the size of nanocapsules prepared by ultrasonic stirrer was about 56 nm. Also, the results of GC‐MS, FTIR, and TGA show that quantities of the remaining compounds in nanocapsules prepared by ultrasonic stirrer are higher than other devices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41904.
Effect of Chloride Passivation on Recombination Dynamics in CdTe Colloidal Quantum Dots
Authors: Espinobarro‐Velazquez Daniel , Leontiadou Marina A. , Page Robert C. , Califano Marco , O'Brien Paul , Binks David J.
Published: January 2015

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) can be used in conjunction with organic charge‐transporting layers to produce light‐emitting diodes, solar cells and other devices. The efficacy of CQDs in these applications is reduced by the non‐radiative recombination associated with surface traps. Here we investigate the effect on the recombination dynamics in CdTe CQDs of the passivation of these surface traps by chloride ions. Radiative recombination dominates in these passivated CQDs, with the radiative lifetime scaling linearly with CQD volume over τr=20–55 ns. Before chloride passivation or after exposure to air, two non‐radiative components are also observed in the recombination transients, with sample‐dependent lifetimes typically of less than 1 ns and a few ns. The non‐radiative dynamics can be explained by Auger‐mediated trapping of holes and the lifetimes of this process calculated by an atomistic model are in agreement with experimental values if assuming surface oxidation of the CQDs.
Effect of pH value on the growth morphology of KH2PO4 crystal grown in defined crystallographic direction
Authors: Liu Fafu , Lisong Zhang , Yu Guangwei , Sun Xun
Published: January 2015

KH2PO4 single crystals were grown in aqueous solution at different pH values by using “point seeds” with a defined crystallographic direction at 59 degree to the Z axis. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) was applied to observe the surface morphology of (100) face. It was found that at the same supersaturation, the larger steps appeared at the lower pH value before appearance of 2D nucleus. We found that 2D nucleus was occurred at σ ≤ 0.04 when pH value is <2.8. The occurrence of 2D nucleus was caused by the decreasing step‐edge free energy with the decreasing of pH value in the growth solution. In this paper, we observed the morphologies of (100) faces of KDP crystals which grew in solutions with different pH values. 2D nucleuses appeared on the terrace of growth steps when pH value down to 2.8 and 3.2 at supersaturation of 0.04, while pH value down to 2.4, only 2D nucleation control the growth. Therefore, the pH value can change the growth mechanism of KDP crystals.