bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTSD and depression following armed robbery: Patterns of appearance and impact on absenteeism and use of health care services
Authors: Belleville Geneviève , Marchand André , St‐Hilaire Marie‐Hélène , Martin Mélissa , Silva Cidalia
Published: July 2012

Armed robbery is a sudden, life‐threatening event affecting the victims' mental health. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in this population have rarely been studied. The objectives of the study were to assess the occurrence of PTSD and MDD in victims of armed robbery, and to evaluate occupational functioning and use of health care services. Eighty‐six convenience store employees, victims of armed robbery, were evaluated within days after the robbery, and 1 and 3 months after. A validated diagnostic interview (SCID‐I) was used. Data about sick leave, absenteeism, and use of health care services were collected. The total number of individuals who had PTSD, MDD, or both at any time during the 3 months following the robbery was 1 (2%), 4 (6%), and 5 (8%), respectively, showing that comorbid PTSD–MDD is as frequent as or even more frequent than either disorder in isolation. Individuals with PTSD (with or without comorbid MDD) reported more absenteeism (η2p = .25) and more medical visits (η2p = .12) following the robbery. Clinicians and management resources personnel must be alert to the possibility that both PTSD and MDD, either alone or comorbid, can develop in victims of armed robbery.
Mercury in waterfowl from a contaminated river in Virginia
Authors: Cristol Daniel A. , Savoy Lucas , Evers David C. , Perkins Christopher , Taylor Robert , Varian‐Ramos Claire W.
Published: July 2012

Many bodies of water around the world are contaminated with mercury from historic industrial and mining activities or ongoing atmospheric deposition, resulting in numerous fish consumption advisories. However, concerns about mercury have only rarely led to consumption advisories on waterfowl. In contrast with fish, waterfowl frequently disperse long distances to new watersheds, so hunters and wildlife managers do not know whether waterfowl at a pristine site have spent time at a contaminated site elsewhere. We sampled tissue mercury concentrations of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), wood ducks (Aix sponsa), and Canada geese (Branta canadensis) at a site contaminated with mercury, during the breeding and hunting seasons. We found that many mallards had bioaccumulated mercury to levels that had the potential to produce reproductive effects and exceeded consumption advisories set for fish by regulatory agencies, whereas this was true for only a few wood ducks and Canada geese. We also documented that mercury‐exposed waterfowl from this contaminated site were harvested by hunters as far as 1,054 km away. Our results suggest the need for more proactive sampling of waterfowl for mercury, and likely other bioaccumulating contaminants, in order to allow hunters to make more informed choices about consumption of their harvest. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Quantifying carnivory by grizzly bears in a multi‐ungulate system
Authors: Milakovic Brian , Parker Katherine L.
Published: July 2012

Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) cohabit landscapes with a diversity of ungulates, but the degree to which grizzly bears are carnivorous is unclear and likely varies across landscapes. We used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to infer seasonal diets of grizzly bears in northern British Columbia while studying predator–prey dynamics in a largely undisturbed system. We found high seasonal variation in diets among individuals; males consumed more ungulate prey than did females throughout the year. In fall, both sexes increased their consumption of prey; large ungulates constituted 51% and 32% of the fall diets of males and females, respectively. This increase in carnivory appeared to be primarily associated with consumption of elk (Cervus elaphus). Estimates of prey proportions in the diets of grizzly bears were highly sensitive to the range of tissue to diet discrimination values that were incorporated in isotope models. Small changes in discrimination values resulted in estimated prey intakes that varied more than threefold as a percentage of the diet depending on sex and season. We caution against using standard discrimination values, and we recommend that diet reconstructions using stable isotopes be based on tissue‐specific values that would be appropriate for the species of interest. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Nest success and cause‐specific nest failure of grassland passerines breeding in prairie grazed by livestock
Authors: Johnson Tracey N. , Kennedy Patricia L. , Etterson Matthew A.
Published: July 2012

Livestock grazing is a widespread source of habitat modification, and may affect populations of ground‐nesting grassland birds by influencing rates of nest failure. Nesting attempts can fail for various reasons, and determining risk of failure from specific causes associated with livestock grazing would enhance development of range management practices in areas managed for threatened grassland bird populations. Domestic livestock may influence nest failure by affecting vegetation structure, numerical or functional responses of predators, or directly by trampling nests. We hypothesized stocking rate may influence nest fate because it affects the amount and distribution of remaining vegetation, and the number of large herbivores to which nests are exposed. In 2007 and 2008, we evaluated nest fates for savannah sparrows and horned larks under 4 stocking rates experimentally applied in 40‐ha paddocks in northeastern Oregon, USA. In addition to stocking rate, we evaluated variables such as vegetation structure and predator abundance and activity to help clarify mechanisms responsible for nest failure. We used a discrete competing risks framework to estimate daily probability of nest survival and failure from specific causes. These algorithms, implemented in a stand‐alone graphical user interface‐driven model, allow incorporation of covariates within an information theoretic approach to model inference. Although stocking rate influenced vegetation structure, the only nest failures related to stocking rate were from trampling. Trampling events were too infrequent to test for treatment effects (only 1 nest of each species), but occurred in the moderate and high stocking treatments. Additional variables were related to variation in nest failure from predation, but we found no support for the hypothesis that these causes of failure were affected by stocking rate. For savannah sparrows, daily probability of nest success (95% CI) = 0.97 (0.96–0.98); predation = 0.018 (0.008–0.028); and trampling = 0.001 (0.000–0.004). For horned larks, daily probability of nest success = 0.96 (0.95–0.98); predation = 0.029 (0.012–0.045); and trampling = 0.003 (0.000–0.007). Our results suggest grasslands managed for livestock may generally be compatible with grassland songbird conservation, at least for the species and stocking rates examined here. The most effective conservation strategies for improving nest success will involve decreasing risk of nest predation. However, we found no evidence that management of stocking rate is an effective method for doing so. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Controlled Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Substituted Episulfides for Side‐Chain Functional Polysulfide‐Based Amphiphiles
Authors: Kuhlmann Matthias , Singh Smriti , Groll Jürgen
Published: July 2012

We used initiation solutions of DBU and different thiols for the controlled ring‐opening homo‐ and copolymerization of ethoxy ethyl thio glycidyl ether (EETGE) and allyl thio glycidyl ether (ATGE) to side‐chain multifunctional polysulfides. Optimized preparation conditions allow the syntheses of monomodal homopolysulfides and monomodal polysulfide‐block‐mPEG copolymers. Furthermore, copolymers of EETGE and mPEG are firstly synthesized, characterized, and finally deprotected to yield intact poly(thio glycidol)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers. These amphiphiles are suitable to form particles in aqueous solutions as confirmed by DLS and cryo‐SEM measurements.
Monodisperse Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolic acid)‐Based Nanocarriers for Gene Transfection
Authors: Byeon Jeong Hoon , Kim Hee‐Kwon , Roberts Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2012

This contribution describes a simple, aerosol‐based method for fabricating monodisperse particles containing mixtures of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolic acid) [PLGA], protamine sulfate (Prot), and poly(l‐lysine) [PLL] as nanocarriers for gene transfection. Aqueous solutions of PLGA, Prot, and PLL were collison‐atomized, and the resulting aerosolized droplets were dried “on the fly” to form solid particles, which then were electrostatically size‐classified into 50, 100, and 200 nm mobility diameter samples. Measurements of cell viability and transfection reveal that the fabricated nanocarriers have a lower cytotoxicity (>85% in cell viability) and a higher transfection efficiency [>8.7 × 105 in relative light units (RLU) mg−1] than does 25 kDa polyethyleneimine (≈50% and 6.8 × 105 RLU mg−1).
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 40)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Emery Keith , Hishikawa Yoshihiro , Warta Wilhelm , Dunlop Ewan D.
Published: July 2012

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since January 2012 are reviewed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parental refusal to consent for evaluation: A legal analysis with implications for school psychologists
Authors: Etscheidt Susan , Clopton Kerri , Haselhuhn Charlotte
Published: July 2012

The decision to begin the process for special education eligibility has complexities impacting children, parents, teachers, and schools. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) eligibility provisions specify the need to obtain consent prior to evaluation and options when consent cannot be obtained. School psychologists may encounter parents who are reluctant to provide consent or parents who may seek to condition their permission. The reasons for parent refusal to consent to evaluation are analyzed in a review of administrative and judicial decisions published in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Law Report between 2004 and 2008. Possible parent reactions to the request for evaluation are discussed, and guidelines for school psychologists encountering reluctant parents are provided. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reversible formation of aryloxenium ions from the corresponding quinols under acidic conditions
Authors: Chakraborty Mrinal , Brzozowski Christopher F. , Novak Michael
Published: July 2012

Quinols, 1, are products of the hydration of O‐aryloxenium ions, 2, and N‐arylnitrenium ions, 3, and they are being investigated for medical uses. Under acidic conditions (pH 1–3) kinetics and products of Br– trapping demonstrate that 1a, 4‐phenyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2,5‐cyclohexadienone, and 1b, 4‐p‐tolyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2,5‐cyclohexadienone, generate the corresponding oxenium ions 2a and 2b, respectively, as steady‐state intermediates. Formation and trapping of the oxenium ions occurs in competition with the acid catalyzed dienone–phenol rearrangement. Because oxenium ion formation is reversible, the ion can only be detected by trapping with a nucleophile. Br– is an efficient trap under acidic conditions because, unlike N3–, it is not protonated under those conditions. Attempts to detect the oxenium ions 2a and 2b at pH 4.6 and 7.1 with N3– were unsuccessful indicating that oxenium ion formation only occurs under acidic conditions. The oxenium ion 2c could not be detected under acidic conditions from the quinol 1c, 4‐(benzothiazol‐2‐yl)‐4‐hydroxy‐2,5‐cyclohexadienone, by Br– trapping methods, even though this ion can be detected during hydrolysis of the corresponding ester, 4c. Although the benzothiazol‐2‐yl group is a resonance electron donor that is capable of stabilizing an O‐aryloxenium ion, it is also a strong inductive electron withdrawing group that hinders the formation of 2c from 1c by decreasing the extent of protonation of 1c to generate 1cH+ and by destabilizing the transition state for ionization of 1cH+. Generation of an oxenium ion from the corresponding quinol is feasible under acidic conditions as long as the 4‐substituent of the quinol is both a resonance and inductive electron donor. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successful use of bronchoscopic lung insufflation to treat left lung atelectasis
Authors: Abu‐Hasan Mutasim N. , Chesrown Sarah E. , Jantz Michael A.
Published: July 2012

We report first use of bronchoscopic lung insufflation in a child to treat acute left lung collapse. The patient is a 6‐year old male asthmatic who was hospitalized with a 2‐day history of cough, chest pain, and abdominal pain. He was tachypneic and hypoxemic on room air. Chest exam revealed diminished breath sounds on the left side. Chest X‐ray and Chest CT showed complete left lung collapse. He underwent bronchoscopic lung insufflation procedure by injecting total of 200 ml air via flexible bronchoscope in the left upper lobe using 50cc syringe aliquots followed by similar injection of 200 ml of air in left lower lobe. After air insufflations, 6 ml of bovine surfactant (calfactant) were instilled in each lobe. Chest fluoroscopy was done immediately after procedure and showed expansion of entire left lung with no pneumothorax. The procedure was well tolerated. The patient's symptoms and hypoxemia resolved soon after procedure. However, left lower lobe atelectasis recurred next day and persisted for 6 days despite treatments with chest physical therapy, systemic steroids, oral azithromycin, nebulized dornase alpha, and endoscopic removal of secretions from left lower lobe. Bronchoscopic insufflation of left lower lobe was repeated resulting in immediate expansion of that lobe as demonstrated by intraoperative fluoroscopy. The patient was discharged home next day. This case suggests that brochoscopic lung insufflation can be safe and effective in treating acute lung collapse and in treating atelectasis which is refractory to conventional therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:306–309. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitamin A deficiency alters airway resistance in children with acute upper respiratory infection
Authors: Amaral Cleia T. , Pontes Núbia N. , Maciel Bruna L.L. , Bezerra Hugo S.M. , Triesta Ana Nataly A.B. , Jeronimo Selma M.B. , McGowan Stephen E. , Dantas Vera M.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To assess whether vitamin A deficiency alters the recovery of total respiratory resistance (TRR) following acute upper respiratory tract infection (URI).

Methods

This is a case control study of children, age 4–6 years and grouped as: URI, (n = 74), URI and wheezing, (URI‐wheezing, n = 52), and healthy controls (n = 51). Vitamin A and total respiratory resistance (TRR) were assessed using the modified relative dose response (MRDR) and forced oscillometry, respectively.

Results

Children with URI and URI‐wheezing had lower retinol, 32.4 ± 13.12 and 18.3 ± 6.83 µg/dl respectively, compared to controls, 56.9 ± 29.82 µg/dl (ANOVA, P < 0.001). The MRDR was elevated in children in the URI or URI‐wheezing groups 0.066 ± 0.045 and 0.021 ± 0.021, respectively, compared to controls 0.007 ± 0.006 (ANOVA, P < 0.0001). The TRR in the URI and URI‐wheezing groups differed from controls. During convalescence, the TRR failed to decline in the URI‐group only when the MRDR was >0.06. In the URI‐wheezing group, TRR declined independently of retinol and MRDR.

Conclusion

Vitamin A contributes to preservation of airway function during and in recovery after upper respiratory infection in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:481–489. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Everyday Occupation of Space by Teenagers in a Deprived Neighbourhood: Conflict Without Mobilisation
Authors: Danic Isabelle
Published: July 2012

Around the world, there is increasing concern with the ways in which different populations use public spaces and places. Focusing on the French context, this paper investigates conceptual difficulties inherent in the co‐occupation of space by different population groups. The focus is to shed light on the ordinary engagement of teenagers in a working‐class neighbourhood in terms of differentiated social practices according to gender, age, social network, the physical and social morphology of the neighbourhood, and relational and situational criteria. Their occupation of space is channelled by public policies as well as educational, family, and socio‐educational care that structure their time and space. However, this paper highlights also the subjective dimension. Manipulating the ‘regime of familiarity’ and the ‘regime of regular planning’, teenagers learn through experimentation to use the ‘regime of justification’, thus challenging adult spatiality in terms of their moral and political involvement.

The deliberate and involuntary characteristics of their occupation of space transgresses the accepted uses of public space and disturbs adults. Their actions produce discomfort, which adult residents express through distancing practices. Teenagers recall various situations of general dissatisfaction that they are unable to synthesise in a complaint with reference to a general problem, and they express this feeling through stronger transgressions. Low‐level conflict between adults and teenagers is thus self‐perpetuated.

Furthermore, teenagers' occupation of space is differentiated between girls and boys, between the ‘cool’ teenagers and the ‘geeks’, the teenagers from the neighbourhood and those from the outside, those who ‘have origins’ and those who do not. This generates unpleasant reciprocal disturbance and an everyday conflict that is further perpetuated by the failure to frame this disturbance as a public problem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internet‐based operation of autonomous robots: The role of data replication, compression, bandwidth allocation and visualization
Authors: Guivant José , Cossell Stephen , Whitty Mark , Katupitiya Jayantha
Published: July 2012

The problem of remote‐controlling a mobile robot through the Internet with its associated bandwidth constraints is addressed in this paper. Our solution combines a novel communication and processing module with a unique sensor layout and a flexible control architecture to achieve a range of capabilities from traditional teleoperation to point‐and‐click autonomy. Careful management of the available bandwidth enables a demonstration of these capabilities between nodes with 20,000 km separation while also providing real‐time three‐dimensional (3D) models of the environment through the Internet. A spatially oriented compression algorithm, integral to efficient bandwidth management, is also presented. Experiments establish the effectiveness of the extended situational awareness in improving the efficiency and accuracy of driving a mobile robot through a cluttered environment over the existing 2D map or video streaming methods. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface characteristics of anodic oxide films fabricated in acid and neutral electrolytes on Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy
Authors: Wu Guolong , Yu Mei , Liu Jianhua , Li Songmei , Wu Liang , Zhang You
Published: July 2012

Anodic oxide films were fabricated on Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy in acid (H2SO4/H3PO4) and neutral environmental friendly (C4H4O6Na2) electrolytes. The morphology, roughness, crystalline structure of the anodic oxide film were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the oxide film fabricated in H2SO4/H3PO4 electrolyte had a porous structure and the thickness of the film was 3.5 µm. The oxide film fabricated in C4H4O6Na2 electrolyte presented a nonporous structure that sustained the evident microstructure of the substrate, and the thickness of the film was 6.0 µm. The surface average roughness values of the two types of films were 245 nm and 166 nm, respectively. The phase of the anodic oxide films consisted mainly of anatase and rutile. EIS results showed that the film fabricated in C4H4O6Na2 electrolyte had higher impedance of the outer layer, while the film fabricated in H2SO4/H3PO4 electrolyte had higher impedance of the inner layer. Moreover, we attempt to explain the differences in the anodizing kinetics, structure and electrochemical impedance of anodic oxide films by the different films growth processes in the two types of electrolytes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calibration correction of ultra low energy SIMS profiles based on MEIS analysis of shallow arsenic implants in silicon
Authors: Demenev E. , Giubertoni D. , Reading M. A. , Bailey P. , Noakes T. C. Q. , Bersani M. , van den Berg J. A.
Published: July 2012

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and medium energy ion scattering (MEIS) have been applied to the characterization of ultra‐shallow distributions of arsenic in silicon obtained by ion implantation. A previously developed quantitative model for the correction of results obtained by ultra low energy SIMS was tested on different types of samples. The model deals with the different sputtering regimes in SiO2 and Si and corrects the analysis behaviour at the SiO2/Si interface. Model results were compared with MEIS which yields depth profiles that are more accurate and can be quantified from first principles. The obtained model was tested on samples with or without a pre‐amorphization implant step prior to As implantation and subsequently annealed at 550 °C in a partially oxidizing atmosphere. Results show excellent agreement on As peak position and shape; however, MEIS detects differences between profiles of preamorphised and non‐preamorphised samples whereas SIMS profiles of these samples are almost identical. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta‐analysis methods and models with applications in evaluation of cholesterol‐lowering drugs
Authors: Chen Ming‐Hui , Ibrahim Joseph G. , Shah Arvind K. , Lin Jianxin , Yao Hui
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we propose a class of multivariate random effects models allowing for the inclusion of study‐level covariates to carry out meta‐analyses. As existing algorithms for computing maximum likelihood estimates often converge poorly or may not converge at all when the random effects are multi‐dimensional, we develop an efficient expectation–maximization algorithm for fitting multi‐dimensional random effects regression models. In addition, we also develop a new methodology for carrying out variable selection with study‐level covariates. We examine the performance of the proposed methodology via a simulation study. We apply the proposed methodology to analyze metadata from 26 studies involving statins as a monotherapy and in combination with ezetimibe. In particular, we compare the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol‐lowering efficacy of monotherapy and combination therapy on two patient populations (naïve and non‐naïve patients to statin monotherapy at baseline), controlling for aggregate covariates. The proposed methodology is quite general and can be applied in any meta‐analysis setting for a wide range of scientific applications and therefore offers new analytic methods of clinical importance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of a decreasing hazard of patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: van Geloven N. , Martin I. , Damman P. , de Winter R.J. , Tijssen J.G. , Lopuhaä H.P.
Published: July 2012

The Kaplan–Meier, Nelson–Aalen and Breslow estimators are widely used in the analysis of right‐censored time to event data in medical applications. These methods are fully non‐parametric and do not put any restriction on the shape of the hazard curve. In some applications, this leads to implausible estimates of the hazard course over time. With non‐parametric shape‐constrained estimation techniques, one can facilitate an increasing or decreasing hazard and thus generate estimators that better match the biological reasoning, without being as restrictive as parametric methods. We illustrate the advantage of such techniques in the analysis of a large clinical trial in cardiology. Simulation results show that in case the true hazard is monotone, the non‐parametric shape‐constrained estimators are more accurate than the traditional estimators on the hazard level. On the (cumulative) distribution function level, the shape‐constrained estimators show similar performance as the traditional ones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acquisition announcements and stock market valuations of acquiring firms' rivals: A test of the growth probability hypothesis in China
Authors: Gaur Ajai S. , Malhotra Shavin , Zhu Pengcheng
Published: July 2012

To examine the impact of acquisition announcements on the stock market returns of rivals of the acquiring firms, we propose a growth probability hypothesis: when an acquisition is announced, it signals the potential for future growth in the acquirer's industry to the market, resulting in positive stock market reactions to rivals of the acquiring firms. We test the growth probability hypothesis with a longitudinal sample of Chinese domestic and cross‐border acquisitions during 1993–2008. The results provide robust support for this hypothesis as a means to explain market reactions to rivals of acquiring firms. We also empirically test and negate alternative theoretical explanations advanced in prior literature to explain positive market reactions to rivals of the target firms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hollow Copper Sulfide Nanoparticle‐Mediated Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Ramadan Samy , Guo Liangran , Li Yajuan , Yan Bingfang , Lu Wei
Published: July 2012

A photothermal ablation‐enhanced transdermal drug delivery methodology is developed based on hollow copper sulfide nanoparticles (HCuSNPs) with intense photothermal coupling effects. Application of nanosecond‐pulsed near‐infrared laser allows rapid heating of the nanoparticles and instantaneous heat conduction. This provides very short periods of time but extremely high temperatures in local regions, with focused thermal ablation of the stratum corneum. The depth of skin perforations can be controlled by adjusting the laser power. Skin disruption by HCuSNP‐mediated photothermal ablation significantly increases the permeability of human growth hormone. This technique offers compelling opportunities for macromolecular drug and vaccine delivery.
Effects of Salt Tracer Amount, Concentration and Kind on the Fluid Flow Behavior in a Hydrodynamic Model of Continuous Casting Tundish
Authors: Chen Chao , Cheng Guoguang , Sun Haibo , Hou Zibing , Wang Xinchao , Zhang Jiaquan
Published: July 2012

The hydrodynamic modeling method that widely used to simulate the fluid flow was reconsidered and discussed in this paper. The effects of injected salt tracer amount, concentration and kind on the fluid flow behavior in a hydrodynamic model tundish were investigated. The results were compared with the mathematical modeling calculation results, that the tracer density effect was eliminated. The residence time distribution (RTD) curve of tracer introduced deviated to the left side of the calculated curve, besides the deviation was increased as dimensionless tracer amount (the ratio of tracer amount to hydrodynamic model tundish volume) increased from 0.202 × 10−3 to 1.008 × 10−3. The results of tracer concentration study were similar, namely the deviation was increased with concentration increased; on the other hand, the deformation of a “stair‐shape” RTD curve occurred when tracer concentration was much lower (at dimensionless tracer amount of 0.168 × 10−3 with converting to saturated solution). Besides, the effect of tracer kind on the accuracy of hydrodynamic modeling was also studied; the measurements of KCl solution with lower density than that of NaCl solution exhibited more of accuracy. Finally, the optimized tracer in hydrodynamic model tundish of present work is saturated KCl solution with dimensionless tracer amount of 0.202 × 10−3.
US East Coast offshore wind energy resources and their relationship to peak‐time electricity demand
Authors: Dvorak Michael J. , Corcoran Bethany A. , Ten Hoeve John E. , McIntyre Nicolas G. , Jacobson Mark Z.
Published: July 2012

This study characterized the annual mean US East Coast (USEC) offshore wind energy (OWE) resource on the basis of 5 years of high‐resolution mesoscale model (Weather Research and Forecasting–Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting) results at 90 m height. Model output was evaluated against 23 buoys and nine offshore towers. Peak‐time electrical demand was analyzed to determine if OWE resources were coincident with the increased grid load. The most suitable locations for large‐scale development of OWE were prescribed, on the basis of the wind resource, bathymetry, hurricane risk and peak‐time generation potential. The offshore region from Virginia to Maine was found to have the most exceptional overall resource with annual turbine capacity factors (CF) between 40% and 50%, shallow water and low hurricane risk. The best summer resource during peak time, in water of ≤ 50 m depth, is found between Long Island, New York and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, due in part to regional upwelling, which often strengthens the sea breeze. In the South US region, the waters off North Carolina have adequate wind resource and shallow bathymetry but high hurricane risk. Overall, the resource from Florida to Maine out to 200 m depth, with the use of turbine CF cutoffs of 45% and 40%, is 965–1372 TWh (110–157 GW average). About one‐third of US or all of Florida to Maine electric demand can technically be provided with the use of USEC OWE. With the exception of summer, all peak‐time demand for Virginia to Maine can be satisfied with OWE in the waters off those states. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Winter waterbird and food dynamics in autumn‐managed moist‐soil wetlands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley
Authors: Hagy Heath M. , Kaminski Richard M.
Published: July 2012

Managed moist‐soil wetlands are important habitats for waterfowl and other waterbirds in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) and elsewhere in North America. These wetlands often contain abundant food resources, but they also contain tall and dense (i.e., robust) vegetation that may constrain use and foraging by waterbirds. During winters 2006–2009, we estimated densities of waterbirds, seeds and tubers, and aquatic invertebrates following autumn, preflooding treatments of disking, mowing, and no manipulation (control) of robust vegetation in 26 moist‐soil wetlands in and near the MAV. In late autumn, seed and tuber dry mass was greater in control ( = 750.7 kg/ha) and mowed ( = 709.7 kg/ha) than disked plots ( = 509.8 kg/ha). Dabbling ducks (Anatini) accounted for 92% of all waterbirds observed and were 2–3 times more abundant in mowed and disked than control plots during winter. Invertebrates comprised <1% (dry mass) of potential waterbird foods, but were greatest in control plots throughout winter. In mid‐ and late winter, residual seed and tuber masses were similar among mowed, disked, and control plots within study sites (approx. 260 kg/ha), despite different waterbird use. We recommend 1) active management of moist‐soil wetlands, including partial autumn mowing of robust vegetation to increase use by waterbirds; 2) that conservation planners consider increasing foraging thresholds (e.g., giving‐up density) in carrying‐capacity models for moist‐soil wetlands; and 3) additional experiments to describe foraging thresholds in moist‐soil and other wetlands targeted by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Endocrine Changes in Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Pups Undergoing Rehabilitation
Authors: Trumble Stephen J. , O'Neil Danielle , Cornick Leslie A. , Gulland Frances M. D. , Castellini Michael A. , Atkinson Shannon
Published: July 2012

Rehabilitating pinniped pups are often admitted to care centers as neonates and generally lack maternal investment and are in poor body condition. Upon admittance to a rehabilitation facility, pups are typically fed a milk replacement formula via gavage, which is switched to frozen fish upon weaning. While rehabilitation has been successful in terms of recovery and release, preweaning growth rates in captivity are consistently lower than in the wild. Indicators of stress (cortisol and total thyroxine; TT4), and standard morphometrics, of harbor seal pups in rehabilitation (n = 20) were determined for both preweaned and weaned pups. Hormone concentrations and standard morphometrics from pups in care were compared with free‐ranging harbor seal pups (n = 59). Pups in rehabilitation gained mass on both milk and fish diets. Preweaned pups had greater mean serum cortisol and similar TT4 concentrations than weaned pups. Free‐ranging harbor seal pups were heavier and longer than preweaned and weaned pups in rehabilitation. The free‐ranging pups had the lowest cortisol and highest TT4 concentrations of any of the pups. These results suggest that weaned pups that have undergone rehabilitation are not physiologically equivalent to free‐ranging weaned pups. Additional research is needed regarding physiological changes in endocrine values during early development under captive care conditions. This information should be useful to marine mammal rehabilitation centers in their development of care protocols and release criteria for rehabilitating harbor seal pups. Zoo Biol. 32:134–141, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in Kazhakuttam Block, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala
Authors: Binoj Kumar R.B. , Divya M.P.
Published: July 2012

The groundwater in the study area generally shows an acidic trend as evidenced by the low pH values, particularly in lateritic aquifers. Spatial assessment indicates that the southern part of the coastal aquifers shows elevated pollution levels during post monsoon season. Most of the groundwater is of Na-Cl facies in post monsoon and which slightly changes to Na-Mg-Cl facies during pre monsoon. Inter relationship between chemical parameters were also studied to understand the groundwater facies. Salinity hazard, percentage of sodium, SAR, integrated SAR and EC and RSC, were considered for judging the usefulness of groundwater for irrigation. Landuse map was prepared and water sample locations were superimposed on it, in a GIS platform, to assess the variation in water quality in different landuse classes. The outcome of the present study indicates that the concentration of certain parameters exceeds the recommended limits and hence mitigation measures are needed to be adopted to ensure safe drinking water.
Evaluation and Augmentation of Safe Drinking Water Supply Schemes in Salur Mandal, Vizainagaram District, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Mondal Nepal C. , Das Surendra N.
Published: July 2012

In order to assess the groundwater potentiality and augmentation of water supply schemes, estimation of the safe yield, well loss, formation loss, horse power of pump, depth of pump installation and duration of the pumping are essential. These parameters are estimated either by means of in-situ test or laboratory test. But the applicability of result from the laboratory test has limitations while in-situ tests give real representation of individual well of aquifer. The most common in-situ test is pumping test performed on well, which involves measurement of the fall and rise of water level with respect to time. The changes in water level (drawdown/recovery) and its quality are caused due to pumping of water from the well. Such study was carried out in Salur Mandal, Vizainagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.

In this study, special emphasis was given to the step draw down test at 13 bore wells with maximum 4-steps preferably increasing discharge rate (ranges: 24-293 lpm) for the intensification of safe drinking water supply. Simultaneously 26 groundwater samples were collected separately in 2 steps of the pumping phases from each well and then chemically analyzed. This study indicates that the recommended yields varied from 3600 to 12000 lph. The wells could be used in safely with recommended yield of 5000 lph and pumped for 1 to 2 hrs in 4 to 8 hrs intervals per day. Groundwater is of nearly neutral to mildly acidic and alkaline nature in the pumping stresses. The total dissolved solids (TDS) varied from 142-1050 mg/l, but its values changed from –67 to 240 mg/l during the pumping phases. The concentrations of chloride and sulphate changed from –20 to 30 mg/l and –2 to 8 mg/l, respectively, but about 39% groundwater samples are of constant Cl-concentration. In these pumping phases groundwater is hydrochemically within permissible limit for drinking water supply. This study provides the basis of safe drinking water to tribals, backward class communities and school children.
Tectonic Amalgamation of Crustal Blocks along Gadag-Mandya Shear Zone in Dharwar Craton of Southern India
Authors: Sengupta Siladitya , Roy Abhinaba
Published: July 2012

The crustal scale Shear Zone that can be traced from Gadag in the north to Mandya in the south in Dharwar Craton of southern India is considered as the boundary between two subcratonic blocks namely the Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) and the Western Dharwar Craton (WDC) in published literature. The present study on the Gadag-Mandya Shear Zone (GMSZ) in the Javanahalli-Hagalvadi sector has brought out a detailed account on the disposition, geometry and kinematics of the shear zone, and also the distinctive structural patterns of the two adjacent supracrustal belts, namely the Chitradurga schist belt (CSB) in the west and Javanahalli schist belt (JSB) in the east. The JSB has an overall N-S striking and gentle easterly dipping geometry, the structural features of which are indicative of a predominant non-coaxial deformation and westward transportation of the supracrustal assemblage. In contrast, deformation in the CSB, which is defined mainly by a flattening type of strain, has produced an overall verticality of the structures (dominant foliation, axial planes of regional folds).

Difference in metamorphic grade is apparent from the mineral assemblages in the rocks of these two belts, while the JSB showing an amphibolite facies CSB is restricted to green schist facies mineral assemblages.

The 2 to 3 km wide, N-S striking, prominent ductile shear zone, GMSZ, has affected both CSB and JSB rocks and also the syntectonically emplaced Bukkapatna granite. The geometric and kinematic evidences from both the belts and the GMSZ point to an E-W horizontal compressional regime. The gentle dipping, amphibolite grade JSB and its underlying gneisses acted as an allochthon which got amalgamated with the subvertical, green schist grade CSB by a top-W thrusting along the GMSZ. The subvertical CSB impeded further up-dip movement of the eastern block, resulting in the subsequent development of N-S trending sinistral strike slip shear along the contact of the two contrasting belts to accommodate the continued E-W compression. The linear Bukkapatna Granite, synkinematically emplaced along GMSZ shows evidences of both magmatic stage and solid state deformation in the shear zone.
Biogenic Wad in Iron Ore Group of Rocks of Bonai-Keonjhar Belt, Orissa
Authors: Mohapatra B. K. , Mishra S. , Singh P. P.
Published: July 2012

Outcrop of wad, about 3-5 m thick, associated with low to medium-grade manganese ore deposits in Iron Ore Group (IOG), is present in large quantum in Bonai-Keonjhar belt, Orissa. It is often inter-bedded with volcanic ash layers. Wad is powdery, fine grained, black to blackish-brown in colour, very soft, readily soils the fingers and its hardness on the Mohs’ hardness scale is 1-3. The wad zone is capped by a thin lateritic zone and overlies manganese ore beds of variable thickness in Dalki, Guruda and Dubna mines. Wad constitutes two mineral phases, viz. manganese oxides (δ-MnO2, manganite, romanechite with minor pyrolusite) and iron oxides (goethite/limonite and hematite) with minor clay and free quartz. Mixed limonite-clay and cryptomelane-limonite are commonly observed. Under microscope the ore appears oolitic, pisolitic, elipsoidal to globular in shape having small detritus of quartz, pyrolusite /romanechite and hematite at the core. The ore contains around 23% Mn and 28% Fe with ~7% of combined alumina and silica. Wad might have developed in a swampy region due to slow chemical precipitation of Fe-Mn-Co enriched fluid, nucleating over quartz/hematite grains. Influence of a marine environment is indicated from δ-MnO2 phase. Remnants of some microfossils, like algal filament, bacteria, foraminifera and diatomite are observed in wad sample under SEM. These microorganisms might have been responsible for the oxidation of dissolved Mn2+ and Fe2+ precipitates. These findings suggest bio-chemogenic origin of wad in Bonai-Keonjhar belt of Orissa.
Optimization of Analytical Equations of Groundwater Seepage into Tunnels: A Case Study of Amirkabir Tunnel
Authors: Farhadian H. , Aalianvari A. , Katibeh H.
Published: July 2012

In this study, with investigation of validity limits of analytical equations in computing groundwater seepage discharge into tunnels in different values of r/h (tunnel radius/water table height above tunnel), using optimization by regression analysis, we have tried to converge the results of analytical equations for any value of r/h. There are various experimental, analytical and numerical methods by which it is possible to calculate the amount of groundwater seepage into tunnels. Due to their simplicity and practical base theory, analytical methods have been applied more frequently. Studies imply that amount of real seepage into tunnel is significantly less than what is anticipated from analytical equations; on the other hand, the results of seepage calculations using these equations are depended on tunnel geometry and medium conditions. Previous investigations confirmed that in a tunnel for which, r/h is more than 0.4; these results are highly different both from one another and from the real seepage inflow. In this paper, optimization has been successfully performed on analytical equations so that the results of these methods are converged to each other for any value of r/h.
Early Permian Xiphosurid Trackways from India
Authors: Chakraborty Abhijit , Bhattacharya H. N.
Published: July 2012

Present work is the first report of Early Permian xiphosurid trackways from India. Surface trackways and undertracks, preserved within ice-marginal storm-affected, shoreface sediments of the Talchir Formation, Jayanti coalbasin closely resemble Kouphichnium Nopsca 1923. Trackways reveal distinct heteropody with foliate pusher impressions, paired series of semi-circular, oval, V- or Y-shaped chilate (walking) leg impressions. Varied ventral impressions also include telson drag marks and telson dents; spine drag marks, book -gills impression, genal gouges as well as symmetric, paired lateral genal furrows, partial cubichnial impressions of prosoma and spinose opisthosoma. A tentative early Permian age (Asselian/Sakmarian) and marginal marine facies association points towards a paleolimuloidae affinity for the trace makers, which is in conformity with their inferred widths of exoskeleton, sub-rounded prosoma and subtriangular spinose opisthosoma with predictable movable spines. Flexed pusher impressions and co-dominant pincer impressions as well as, other ventral impressions in abundance, confirm crawling as their dominant mode of locomotion. Inferred presence of juvenile crawlers in the community suggests a probable shoreline or marginal marine ecospace.
Competitive binding of UBPY and ubiquitin to the STAM2 SH3 domain revealed by NMR
Authors: Lange Anja , Ismail Mouhamad-Baligh , Rivière Gwladys , Hologne Maggy , Lacabanne Denis , Guillière Florence , Lancelin Jean-Marc , Krimm Isabelle , Walker Olivier
Published: July 2012

To date, the signal transducing adaptor molecule 2 (STAM2) was shown to harbour two ubiquitin binding domains (UBDs) known as the VHS and UIM domains, while the SH3 domain of STAM2 was reported to interact with deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) like UBPY and AMSH. In the present study, NMR evidences the interaction of the STAM2 SH3 domain with ubiquitin, demonstrating that SH3 constitutes the third UBD of STAM2. Furthermore, we show that a UBPY‐derived peptide can outcompete ubiquitin for SH3 binding and vice versa. These results suggest that the SH3 domain of STAM2 plays versatile roles in the context of ubiquitin mediated receptor sorting.
Pilt is a coiled‐coil domain‐containing protein that localizes at the trans‐Golgi complex and regulates its structure
Authors: Tamaki Hideaki , Sanda Masashi , Katsumata Osamu , Hara Yoshinobu , Fukaya Masahiro , Sakagami Hiroyuki
Published: July 2012

Pilt physically interacts with Arf6(Q67L) by pull down (View interaction)
Boron‐based phosphodiesterase inhibitors show novel binding of boron to PDE4 bimetal center
Authors: Freund Yvonne R. , Akama Tsutomu , Alley M.R.K. , Antunes Joana , Dong Chen , Jarnagin Kurt , Kimura Richard , Nieman James A. , Maples Kirk R. , Plattner Jacob J. , Rock Fernando , Sharma Rashmi , Singh Rajeshwar , Sanders Virginia , Zhou Yasheen
Published: July 2012

We have used boron‐based molecules to create novel, competitive, reversible inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). The co‐crystal structure reveals a binding configuration which is unique compared to classical catechol PDE4 inhibitors, with boron binding to the activated water in the bimetal center. These phenoxybenzoxaboroles can be optimized to generate submicromolar potency enzyme inhibitors, which inhibit TNF‐α, IL‐2, IFN‐γ, IL‐5 and IL‐10 activities in vitro and show safety and efficacy for topical treatment of human psoriasis. They provide a valuable new route for creating novel potent anti‐PDE4 inhibitors.
The Effects of a Sensory Integration Programme with Applied Interactive Metronome Training for Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Hyun Ho , Bo Gak Hwang , Yoo Byung Kook
Published: July 2012

Objective

To assess the effects of a sensory integration programme involving applied interactive metronome training in a group of children with developmental disabilities.

Methods

Ten children with various developmental disabilities participated in this study. Participants received sensory integration treatment in a group programme with applied interactive metronome training for 45 minutes a day for 4 weeks, exclusive of Saturday and Sunday. The treatments consisted of stimulations of the vestibular and tactile senses, and proprioceptive applied metronome training.

Results

The effects of the programme were evaluated via measurements of short sensory profile, Corner's teacher rating scale, and DeGangi-Berk test. The data obtained before and after the treatment were analyzed using Wilcoxon's test. The findings of this study were that there were significantly positive effects on sensory processing, concentration, motor control, bilateral coordination, and reflex integration in the study group.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that the sensory integration programme with applied interactive metronome training might be useful and improved the performance of the children with developmental disabilities. The results demonstrated the efficacy of this new approach. This pilot study provides new insights into the effective treatment of children with developmental disabilities.