bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbonate system in the water masses of the Southeast Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean during February and March 2008
Authors: González-Dávila M. , Santana-Casiano J. M. , Fine R. A. , Happell J. , Delille B. , Speich S.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Carbonate system variables were measured in the South Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean along a transect from South Africa to the southern limit of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) from February to March 2008. Eddies detached from the retroflection of the Agulhas Current increased the gradients observed along the fronts. Minima in the fugacity of CO2, fCO2, and maxima in pH on either side of the frontal zone were observed, noting that within the frontal zone fCO2 reached maximum values and pH was at a minimum. Vertical distributions of water masses were described by their carbonate system properties and their relationship to CFC concentrations. Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW) and Lower Circumpolar Deep Water (LCDW) offered pHT,25 values of 7.56 and 7.61, respectively. The UCDW also had higher concentrations of CFC-12 (>0.2 pmol kg−1) as compared to deeper waters, revealing that UCDW was mixed with recently ventilated waters. Calcite and aragonite saturation states (Ω) were also affected by the presence of these two water masses with high carbonate concentrations. The aragonite saturation horizon was observed at 1000 m in the subtropical area and north of the Subantarctic Front. At the position of the Polar Front, and under the influence of UCDW and LCDW, the aragonite saturation horizon deepened from 800 m to 1500 m at 50.37° S, and reached 700 m south of 57.5° S. High latitudes proved to be the most sensitive areas to predicted anthropogenic carbon increase. Buffer coefficients related to changes in [CO2], [H+] and Ω with changes in dissolved inorganic carbon (CT) and total alkalinity (AT) offered minima values in the Antarctic Intermediate Water and UCDW layers. These coefficients suggest that a small increase in CT will sharply decrease the status of pH and carbonate saturation. Here we present data that suggest that south of 55° S, surface water will be under-saturated with respect to aragonite within the next few decades.
A new concept for simulation of vegetated land surface dynamics – Part 1: The event driven phenology model
Authors: Kovalskyy V. , Henebry G. M.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Phenologies of the vegetated land surface are being used increasingly for diagnosis and prognosis of climate change consequences. Current prospective and retrospective phenological models stand far apart in their approaches to the subject. We report on an exploratory attempt to implement a phenological model based on a new event driven concept which has both diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in the same modeling framework. This Event Driven Phenological Model (EDPM) is shown to simulate land surface phenologies and phenophase transition dates in agricultural landscapes based on assimilation of weather data and land surface observations from spaceborne sensors. The model enables growing season phenologies to develop in response to changing environmental conditions and disturbance events. It also has the ability to ingest remotely sensed data to adjust its output to improve representation of the modeled variable. We describe the model and report results of initial testing of the EDPM using Level 2 flux tower records from the Ameriflux sites at Mead, Nebraska, USA, and at Bondville, Illinois, USA. Simulating the dynamics of normalized difference vegetation index based on flux tower data, the predictions by the EDPM show good agreement (RMSE < 0.08; r2>0.8) for maize and soybean during several growing seasons at different locations. This study presents the EDPM used in the companion paper (Kovalskyy and Henebry, 2011) in a coupling scheme to estimate daily actual evapotranspiration over multiple growing seasons.
A new version of the CNRM Chemistry-Climate Model, CNRM-CCM: description and improvements from the CCMVal-2 simulations
Authors: Michou M. , Saint-Martin D. , Teyssèdre H. , Alias A. , Karcher F. , Olivié D. , Voldoire A. , Josse B. , Peuch V.-H. , Clark H. , Lee J. N. , Chéroux F.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. This paper presents a new version of the Météo-France CNRM Chemistry-Climate Model, so-called CNRM-CCM. It includes some fundamental changes from the previous version (CNRM-ACM) which was extensively evaluated in the context of the CCMVal-2 validation activity. The most notable changes concern the radiative code of the GCM, and the inclusion of the detailed stratospheric chemistry of our Chemistry-Transport model MOCAGE on-line within the GCM. A 47-yr transient simulation (1960–2006) is the basis of our analysis. CNRM-CCM generates satisfactory dynamical and chemical fields in the stratosphere. Several shortcomings of CNRM-ACM simulations for CCMVal-2 that resulted from an erroneous representation of the impact of volcanic aerosols as well as from transport deficiencies have been eliminated. Remaining problems concern the upper stratosphere (5 to 1 hPa) where temperatures are too high, and where there are biases in the NO2, N2O5 and O3 mixing ratios. In contrast, temperatures at the tropical tropopause are too cold. These issues are addressed through the implementation of a more accurate radiation scheme at short wavelengths. Despite these problems we show that this new CNRM CCM is a useful tool to study chemistry-climate applications.
Clinical Study Protocol for the ARCH Project Computational Modeling for Improvement of Outcome after Vascular Access Creation
Authors: Bode Aron , Caroli Anna , Huberts Wouter , Planken Nils , Antiga Luca , Bosboom Marielle , Remuzzi Andrea , Tordoir Jan
Published: May 2011

Despite clinical guidelines and the possibility of diagnostic vascular imaging, creation and maintenance of a vascular access (VA) remains problematic: avoiding short- and long-term VA dysfunction is challenging. Although prognostic factors for VA dysfunction have been identified in previous studies, their potential interplay at a systemic level is disregarded. Consideration of multiple prognostic patient specific factors and their complex interaction using dedicated computational modeling tools might improve outcome after VA creation by enabling a better selection of VA configuration. These computational modeling tools are developed and validated in the ARCH project: a joint initiative of four medical centers and three industrial partners (FP7-ICT-224390). This paper reports the rationale behind computational modeling and presents the clinical study protocol designed for calibrating and validating these modeling tools. The clinical study is based on the pre-operative collection of structural and functional data at a vascular level, as well as a VA functional evaluation during the follow-up period. The strategy adopted to perform the study and for data collection is also described here.
Nitrification Processes in Tehran Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Sadrnejad S. A.
Published: May 2011

A wastewater treatment plant is designed to daily treat 450000 m3 of wastewater collected from the city of Tehran. The wastewater treatment plant is located at the south of Shahr-Ray in southern Tehran with the area of 110 hectares. The treatment plant effluent will be transferred to Varamin agricultural lands to be used for the irrigation of crops. A conventional activated sludge for carbon removal and a high-rate trickling filter for nitrification of ammonia to nitrate are designed and constructed. The treatment plant consists of inlet pumping station, primary treatment, primary sedimentation tanks, selector and aeration tanks, trickling filter, and sludge treatment units. A mass balance analysis method which is a new approach for optimum design is used to achieve cost saving for the construction of south Tehran wastewater treatment plant. The comparison between combined system of activated sludge with trickling filter and an activated sludge alone shows that the combined system is 20% less costly and more efficient for the treatment of Tehran wastewater, the system has low volume demand, maximum biogas yeild, and low process control and is less variable to pH and chemical effects and highly energy-efficient.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Parotid Lesions
Authors: Ali Naeem Sultan , Akhtar Shabbir , Junaid Montasir , Awan Sohail , Aftab Kanwal
Published: May 2011

Objective.Histopathology of parotid gland tumors is extremely varied and complex due to heterogeneous cellular composition. Preoperative diagnostic tools include fine needle aspiration cytology, the role of which remains controversial. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of parotid gland tumors.Methods.We retrospectively reviewed charts of 129 patients who underwent parotidectomy for parotid lesions at Aga Khan University Hospital from 2002 to 2010. We compared the results of preoperative FNAC with final histopathological diagnosis.Results.Concordance with histological results was observed in 86%, specificity was 98%, sensitivity was 84%, and diagnostic accuracy was 94%.Conclusion.Our results demonstrate that preoperative cytology in parotid lesions is fairly accurate and useful in diagnosing benign from malignant and in planning appropriate approach for treatment.
Neoadjuvant Use of Photodynamic Therapy in Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Face
Authors: Jeremic Goran , Moore Corey C. , Brandt Michael G. , Doyle Philip C.
Published: May 2011

Background. This preliminary study sought to determine the success of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in reducing lesion size in an effort to assess the potential application of this treatment approach in a neoadjuvant role. Objectives. To quantify the effects of PDT on lesion area (mm2) for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the face.
Results. Eighteen participants (10 BCC lesions and 8 SCC lesions of the face) were assessed. Four lesions (all from the BCC group) showed a complete response to PDT. Of the remaining 14 lesions, 85.7% (n=12) showed reductions in lesion area, while two lesions showed increase in lesion area. Proportional reductions for the 12 lesions that did not demonstrate complete response or an increase in area following-PDT were found to range from 13.2% to 85.1% (BCC) and 6.7% to 89.7% (SCC).
Conclusions. PDT as a neoadjuvant treatment may provide a simple, efficient, and viable approach to reducing the area of malignant lesions of the face with the advantage of reduced cosmetic and aesthetic morbidities.
Rubber, 7. Synthesis by Polyaddition, Polycondensation, and Other Mechanisms
Authors: Ackermann Jürgen , Wrobel Dieter , Hoffmann Uwe , Thomas Hans Dieter , Engehausen Rüdiger , Pask Stephen D.
Published: May 2011

The article contains sections titled:1.Silicone Rubber1.1.Properties, Grades, and Applications1.2.Production Process and Basic Chemistry1.3.Producers and Markets2.Polyurethane Rubber3.Thiokol Rubber3.1.Properties, Grades, and Applications3.1.1.History3.1.2.Grades3.1.3.Mechanical Properties, Cross‐Linking, and Applications3.2.Basic Chemistry and Production Processes3.3.Producers and Production Capacities
Transport Phenomena, 4. Macroscopic Systems
Authors: Flumerfelt Raymond W.
Published: May 2011

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

2.

Conservation of Total Mass

3.

Conservation of Linear Momentum

4.

Conservation of Angular Momentum

5.

An Accounting of Mechanical Energy

6.

Conservation of Total Energy

7.

An Accounting of Thermal Energy

8.

The Second Law of Thermodynamics

9.

Tabular Summary of the Macroscopic Equations

10.

Some Examples

10.1.

Pressure Drops and Temperature Changes for Closed Channel Flow

10.2.

Compressible Flow in a Tube

10.3.

Heterogeneous Reaction in a Fluidized‐Bed Reactor
Remembering Routes: Streets and Landmarks
Authors: Tom Ariane Cecile , Tversky Barbara
Published: May 2011

Route directions are often given on request in situ, requiring the inquirer to remember the directions. Previous work has shown that landmarks are more memorable than street names. However, in those studies, the names of landmarks were more vivid and distinctive than the street names. In two experiments, we disentangled vividness/distinctiveness from landmark/street. The major factor in memorability of routes was vividness/distinctiveness, with a slight advantage to streets. Route directions were remembered better when either the landmarks, the street names or both were more vivid and distinctive. Those high in mental imagery read the descriptions faster and remembered them better. Thus, vividness in the stimuli and visual imagery in the mind augment constructing and remembering spatial mental models because forming spatial mental models relies in part on spatial structure but also on associative learning, and vividness and visual imagery promote associative learning. The findings have implications for learning in general. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In the Dock: Chimeric Image Composites Reduce Identification Accuracy
Authors: Strathie Ailsa , McNeill Allan , White David
Published: May 2011

The aim of presenting chimeric images (formed from opposing halves of a pair of same or different faces) in court settings is to optimise the accuracy of identification decisions based on CCTV evidence. The experiments reported here examined the utility of this technique. Experiment 1 examined the accuracy of face matching with vertically split, aligned chimeric images, misaligned hemi‐faces and full‐face images. Experiment 2 replicated the first experiment but replaced the misaligned images with opposing hemi‐faces separated by a gap. The final experiment used horizontally split faces. All three experiments showed that matching was less accurate with aligned chimeric images than with full‐face images. Furthermore, the pattern of responses obtained with chimeric images differed significantly from full‐face matching and misaligned/separated hemi‐face matching. Chimeric images produced a bias towards same responses even when the face halves were different. The results suggest caution in the use of chimeric images in court. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parts Containing Open‐Celled Metal Foam Manufactured by the Foundry Route: Processes, Performances, and Applications
Authors: Dairon Jonathan , Gaillard Yves , Tissier Jean.‐Charles , Balloy David , Degallaix Gérard
Published: May 2011

This work presents casting techniques developed by CTIF for manufacturing functional parts containing open‐celled metal foam. It also deals with the performances of these cast foams in energy absorption and thermal management applications and gives some examples of achievements in these fields. Regarding the manufacturing routes, the emphasis is put on the means to achieve foamed parts getting a solid skin. The obtained cast open‐celled structures are stochastic or regular. Behaviors in energy absorption of these two kinds of structures are distinguished and first results in heat exchange properties are mentioned.
Fabrication of Multifaceted Micropatterned Surfaces with Laser Scanning Lithography
Authors: Slater John H. , Miller Jordan S. , Yu Shann S. , West Jennifer L.
Published: May 2011

The implementation of engineered surfaces presenting micrometer‐sized patterns of cell adhesive ligands against a biologically inert background has led to numerous discoveries in fundamental cell biology. While existing surface patterning strategies allow patterning of a single ligand, it is still challenging to fabricate surfaces displaying multiple patterned ligands. To address this issue we implemented laser scanning lithography (LSL), a laser‐based thermal desorption technique, to fabricate multifaceted, micropatterned surfaces that display independent arrays of subcellular‐sized patterns of multiple adhesive ligands with each ligand confined to its own array. We demonstrate that LSL is a highly versatile “maskless” surface patterning strategy that provides the ability to create patterns with features ranging from 460 nm to 100 μm, topography ranging from ‐1 to 17 nm, and to fabricate both stepwise and smooth ligand surface density gradients. As validation for their use in cell studies, surfaces presenting orthogonally interwoven arrays of 1 μm × 8 μm elliptical patterns of Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐terminated alkanethiol self‐assembled monolayers and human plasma fibronectin are produced. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on these multifaceted surfaces form adhesion sites to both ligands simultaneously and utilize both ligands for lamella formation during migration. The ability to create multifaceted, patterned surfaces with tight control over pattern size, spacing, and topography provides a platform to simultaneously investigate the complex interactions of extracellular matrix geometry, biochemistry, and topography on cell adhesion and downstream cell behavior.
Pd nanoparticles supported on hydrotalcite‐modified porous alumina spheres as selective hydrogenation catalyst
Authors: Zhang Fazhi , Chen Jiali , Chen Peng , Sun Zhiyi , Xu Sailong
Published: May 2011

The immobilization or supporting of transition‐metal nanoparticles on carriers by different techniques has attracted much attention, considering the significance of nanocatalysts in actual practical applications. Here we report Pd nanoparticles supported on modified porous θ‐alumina spheres are adopted as heterogeneous catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) to dimethyl cyclohexane‐1,4‐dicarboxylate (DMCD), a kind of significant polymer modification and intermediate. θ‐alumina spheres as supports were originally modified by in situ growth of magnesium‐aluminum layered double hydroxide (MgAl‐LDH; also known as hydrotalcite) in the pores and on the surface. Pd nanoparticles were immobilized on the supports by a subsequent wet impregnating method. The resulting Pd nanoparticles catalyst provides quite higher activity/selectivity compared with that supported on the unmodified alumina spheres with the same loading of Pd. The enhanced catalytic performance of the former can be ascribed to the higher dispersion of Pd nanoparticles and the smaller particle size. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1853–1861, 2012
Renal impairment, hemoglobinuria, and hemoglobinemia among patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Xue Fei , Wentworth Chuck , Ganesh Vanitha , Gastanaga Victor , Stryker Scott , Cha Steven , Zhao Sean
Published: May 2011

Renal impairment (RI) and events potentially leading to RI were reported in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients with specific medications. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence rate (IR) of RI, hemoglobinuria and hemoglobinemia (HE) and characterize baseline risk factors in ITP and ITP‐free patients. Incident ITP and matched non‐ITP patients were identified from an electronic medical record database from 1990 to 2002. ITP patients were classified by the treatment first received (initiators) or ever received (users). All cohorts were followed for study outcomes. IRs were calculated and standardized by age and gender. A total of 881 ITP and 4,496 ITP‐free patients yielded 3,044 and 16,006 person‐years, respectively. The ITP cohort had a slightly higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases and infections than the ITP‐free cohort. The IR (/10,000 person‐years) for RI, hemoglobinuria and HE was 14.2, 35.7, and 7.1 in the ITP cohort; 10.0, 48.8, and 0 in the ITP‐free cohort; and 18.3, 37.1, and 6.1 in untreated ITP patients, respectively. The risk of RI, HE or hemoglobinuria was not found to differ substantially between ITP and non‐ITP patients or across ITP treatments. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iris texture traits show associations with iris color and genomic ancestry
Authors: Quillen Ellen E. , Guiltinan Jenna S. , Beleza Sandra , Rocha Jorge , Pereira Rinaldo W. , Shriver Mark D.
Published: May 2011

Objectives:

This study seeks to identify associations among genomic biogeographic ancestry (BGA), quantitative iris color, and iris texture traits contributing to population‐level variation in these phenotypes.

Methods:

DNA and iris photographs were collected from 300 individuals across three variably admixed populations (Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde). Two raters scored the photos for pigmentation spots, Fuchs' crypts, contraction furrows, and Wolflinn nodes. Iris color was quantified from RGB values. Maximum likelihood estimates of individual BGA were calculated from 176 ancestry informative markers.

Results:

Pigmentation spots, Fuchs' crypts, contraction furrows, and iris color show significant positive correlation with increasing European BGA. Only contraction furrows are correlated with iris color.

Conclusions:

The relationship between BGA and iris texture illustrates a genetic contribution to this population‐level variation. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perinatal winter conditions affect later reproductive performance in romanian women: Intra and intergenerational effects
Authors: Huber Susanne , Fieder Martin
Published: May 2011

Objectives:

To compare epidemiological studies on Austrian and New Zealand women that report below average reproductive performance after birth in summer, with a similar study in Romanian women.

Methods:

We examined the association between birth month and offspring count analyzing census data from Romania obtained from IPUMS International (Population and Housing Census of Romania, year 2002), totaling 411,270 women aged older than 45 years. We investigated whether socio‐economic status affected this association, and whether intergenerational effects exist for mother's birth month in relation to their daughter's offspring number.

Results:

The time series of mean offspring count per birth month has a highly significant period of 12 months. Contrary to our expectations, average offspring count is highest in women born in June and lowest in those born in December, with a strong coincidence between negative peak values of residuals of mean offspring count per birth month and corresponding monthly means of ambient temperature in Romania. The association between winter birth and lower offspring number is significant in poorly educated women only. For mothers born in winter there is also an association with a lower daughters' offspring count.

Conclusions:

Conflicting results exist between Romania and Austria/New Zealand, and may be most easily explained by women's different exposure to winter conditions in these countries. © 2011Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood oxidative stress in taiwan workers exposed to carbon disulfide
Authors: Luo Jiin‐Chyuan John , Shih Tung‐Sheng , Chang Cheng‐Ping , Huang Chin‐Chang
Published: May 2011

Background

Overexposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) has been associated with an increase in coronary heart disease, but the mechanisms mediating this effect remain unclear. We aimed to examine the relationship between CS2 exposure and oxidative stress markers, in order to clarify the oxidative mechanisms involved in CS2‐induced atherosclerosis.

Methods

A total of 89 workers from a viscose rayon plant were recruited for this study, and 111 workers not exposed to CS2 served as controls. Cholesterol, triglyceride, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, GSH peroxidase, as well as total antioxidants were analyzed.

Results

The workers exposed to CS2 had significantly higher MDA levels and lower SOD levels than the controls. The average MDA levels were 776 ± 268.2 (240–1,220) in the high exposure (≥10 ppm; n = 38), 751.6 ± 274 (170–1,320) in the low exposure (<10 ppm; n = 51), and 550.4 ± 199 (115–1,050) mM in the control group (n = 111). The average SOD levels were 36.5 ± 38.8 (0–223.5), 39.3 ± 38.8 (0–160), and 58.8 ± 60.8 (5.25, 400) U/ml in the high exposure‐, low exposure‐, and control group, respectively. MDA level increased significantly at a cumulative CS2 exposure of over 60 ppm‐years. Dyslipoproteinemia was borderline significantly associated with CS2 exposure and MDA level.

Conclusions

These results indicate that CS2 exposure can induce oxidative stress as well as reduce the levels of antioxidative enzymes, and that a cumulative exposure level of 60 ppm‐years may be a threshold value for the oxidative and the antioxidant response. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:637–645, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A follow‐up case–control association study of tractable (druggable) genes in recurrent major depression
Authors: Schosser A. , Gaysina D. , Cohen‐Woods S. , Domenici E. , Perry J. , Tozzi F. , Korszun A. , Gunasinghe C. , Gray J. , Jones L. , Binder E.B. , Holsboer F. , Craddock N. , Owen M.J. , Craig I.W. , Farmer A.E. , Muglia P. , McGuffin P.
Published: May 2011

The High‐Throughput Disease‐specific target Identification Program (HiTDIP) aimed to study case–control association samples for 18 common diseases. Here we present the results of a follow‐up case–control association study of HiTDIP in major depressive disorder (MDD). The HiTDIP in MDD was conducted in a sample of 974 cases of recurrent MDD of white German origin collected at the Max‐Planck Institute (MP‐GSK) and 968 ethnically matched controls screened for lifetime absence of depression. Six genes were identified as of interest for a follow‐up, based on the strength of the association and based on the interest as potential candidate target for developing new treatment for depression: Solute Carrier Family 4 Member 10 (SLC4A10), Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPP4), Dopamine Receptor D3 (DRD3), Zinc Finger Protein 80 (ZNF80), Nitric Oxide Synthase 2A (NOS2A) and Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor‐Gamma, Coactivator 1, Alpha (PPARGC1A). Within the current study, we attempted to follow‐up these findings in a sample from the UK, the Depression Case Control (DeCC) sample consisting of 1,196 cases and 842 screened controls, phenotyped using exactly the same methods as the MP‐GSK sample. Performing Cochran–Mantel–Haenzel statistics to test for genotypic and/or allelic differences between the DeCC and MP‐GSK samples, we found no significant differences, thus being able to combine the two samples for association testing. In the combined sample of 2,170 MDD cases and 1,810 controls, there were positive findings in the Nitric Oxide Synthase 2A (NOS2A) gene both using single SNP analysis and haplotype analysis. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigations on hydrodynamics of multilayer Π‐type radial flow reactors
Authors: Li Ruijiang , Zhu Zibin
Published: May 2011

Consisting of two or three different layers of catalyst or adsorbent, the multilayer radial flow reactor is a novel radial reactor with compact structure and high performance. In this article, pressure profiles in the flow channels and layers of a three‐layer radial flow reactor were measured and the properties of the fluids in the flow channels and layers were investigated. Results show that the uniformity of the pressure profiles in the distributing and collecting channels in the axial direction has a significant effect on the flow distribution of each layer. The uniformity of the flow distribution in multilayer Π‐type radial flow reactors varies in the radial direction. It is better in the outer layer than in the inner layer when the pressure variation in the center channel is more significant than that in the annular channel. The main contributions of this work are helpful to the proper design and optimum operation of the multilayer radial reactor. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone)/tungsten oxide composite membranes
Authors: Wang Suwen , Dong Feilong , Li Zhongfang , Jin Lei
Published: May 2011

Sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (SPPESK)‐based composite membranes doped with hydrated tungsten oxide were prepared and studied for proton‐exchange membrane applications. Hydrated tungsten oxide (WO3· 2H2O) was synthesized from acidic hydrolysis of sodium tungstate. The SPPESK/WO3 composite membranes were prepared by mixing proper amounts of SPPESK and hydrated WO3 in dimethylacetamide as casting solvent. The composite membranes were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and atomic force microscope (AFM). Infrared results indicated that the adding of WO3· 2H2O did not destroy the structure of polymer. In particular, SEM as well as AFM measurements showed a dense structure of the membranes, and the homogenous dispersion of WO3· 2H2O TGA results revealed thermal stability of the composite membranes at below 200 °C. The conductivity of the SPPESK/WO3 (30 wt%) composite membrane was about 0.033 S/cm at 140 °C under 100% relative humidity. The methanol permeabilities of the SPPESK/WO3 composite membranes were in the range of 1.715 × 10−7 to 0.496 × 10−7 cm2/s, much lower than that of Nafion® 117 (2.4 × 10−6 cm2/s). The presence of the oxide not only enhanced the proton conductivity of the SPPESK membranes but also improved their heat resistance and therefore decreased the methanol permeabilities. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological effects of Ni nanostructures on electropolymerization of aniline
Authors: Eftekhari Ali , Yazdani Bahareh
Published: May 2011

Electrochemical polymerization of aniline on nanostructured Ni substrates was investigated. To this aim, the Ni substrate electrodes were prepared by casting various samples of Ni nanoparticles having different morphologies. The electropolymerization on these different nanostructured Ni substrates was systematically investigated by means of comparative results obtained from cyclic voltammetry and electron microscopy as representatives of electrochemical behavior and morphology, respectively. Since the Ni nanoparticles are the beginning sites for the polymer growth, polyaniline morphology is strongly controlled by the nature of the Ni nanoparticles associated with chemical properties rather than geometrical shape. In conclusions, although the substrate surfaces had a similar nanostructure, but due to the difference in their chemical properties, the morphologies electrochemical behaviors of the polyaniline films electrodeposited on these substrates are significantly different. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Carnauba straw: Characterization and chemical treatments
Authors: Fernandes Jéssica Emanuela , Dantas Tereza Neuma de Castro , Fonseca José Luís Cardozo , Pereira Márcia Rodrigues
Published: May 2011

The influence of chemical modifications, such as dewaxing with hexane and carbon tetrachloride, and alkaline treatment, on the mechanical, thermal, and sorption properties of carnauba straw was investigated for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the solvent treatments removed the wax layer, exposing the straw fibrils. The straw water sorption capacity was very high, and the treatments turned it from Fickian to non‐Fickian. The results show that the solvents used were very effective in removing the surface wax layer, whereas alkali, on the other hand, promoted a more marked change in the chemical structure of the straw. The chemical treatments demonstrated that the wax surface layer was very important in determining the final properties of this material and that its removal reduced the thermal stability and Young's modulus from 143 to 48 MPa and increased its hydrophilicity, changing the contact angle from 90 to 60°. As a result, carnauba straw is a potentially promising material to be used, for example, as a natural fiber with polymer matrices for the manufacture of low‐cost, ecofriendly composite materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Neurochemical and Structural Organization of the Principal Nucleus of the Inferior Olive in the Human
Authors: Baizer Joan S. , Sherwood Chet C. , Hof Patrick R. , Witelson Sandra F. , Sultan Fahad
Published: May 2011

The inferior olive (IO) is the sole source of the climbing fibers that innervate the Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex. The IO comprises several subdivisions, the dorsal accessory olive (DAO), medial accessory olive (MAO), and principal nuclei of the IO (IOpr); the relative sizes of these subnuclei vary among species. In human, there is an expansion of the cerebellar hemispheres and a corresponding expansion of the IOpr. We have examined the structural and neurochemical organization of the human IOpr, using sections stained with cresyl violet (CV) or immunostained for the calcium‐binding proteins calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR), and parvalbumin (PV), the synthetic enzyme for nitric oxide (nNOS), and nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein (NPNFP). We found qualitative differences in the folding patterns of the IOpr among individuals and between the two sides of the brainstem. Quantification of IOpr volumes and indices of folding complexity, however, did not reveal consistent left–right differences in either parameter. Single‐label immunohistochemistry showed that populations of neurons in the IOpr express CB, CR, NPNFP, and nNOS. Individual fibers labeled for PV, CB, CR, NPNFP, and nNOS were also found. There was individual variability in the numbers and density of stained neurons in the human IOpr; such variability was not seen in other brainstem nuclei. These data are consistent with, and complement, earlier studies showing a dramatic age‐related increase in lipofuscin and decrease in RNA in the human IOpr. The impact of these changes in the IOpr on cerebellar function is, however, not known. Anat Rec,, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Expression Pattern of Polycomb Group Protein Ezh2 During Mouse Embryogenesis
Authors: Ningxia Zhu , Shuyan Liu , Zhongjing Su , Ling Chen , Tianzhong Ma , Lifeng Wen , Yan Yuan , Leili Lv , Xiancai Chen , Haibin Chen
Published: May 2011

The Polycomb group (PcG) family proteins are required for the stability of homeotic selector genes and other genes related to the regulation of mammalian development through their roles in the modulation of chromatin domains. Among them, the mammalian enhancer zeste homologue 2 (Ezh2) contributes to the transcriptional repression of these genes. Previous studies tracked the Ezh2 expression at cDNA and mRNA levels during mouse development. However, little information is known about the expression patterns of Ezh2 at the protein levels. In this study, the embryos (E6.5–E18.5) obtained through timed matings of strain Kunming mice were inserted into paraffin blocks. Tissue microarrays were constructed and followed by subsequent immunohistochemical staining. The positive cells were identified and scored based on both the percentage of stained cells and their staining intensities. Ezh2 protein expression was found throughout the embryonic tissues including the nerves, intestine epithelial, liver, pancreas, renal tubule, and lungs. Its expression level was higher at early embryonic developmental stages. However, the nerve fibers and myocardium showed weak or no immunostaining reactivities. Ezh2 protein was moderately expressed in the nuclei of renal tubule epithelial cells at E14.5. In contrast, it was weakly expressed in the fetal kidneys at E18.5 and the protein was localized in the cytoplasm of the renal tubule epithelial cells. Our data confirmed that Ezh2 protein was expressed in mouse embryos and its expression exhibited tissue specificity and dependence on the stages of embryo development. thus providing new information helpful for understanding the possible roles of Ezh2 in embryogenesis. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro digestive stability of complexes between gliadin and synthetic blocking peptides
Authors: Hoffmann Karolina , Carlsson Nils‐Gunnar , Alminger Marie , Chen Tingsu , Wold Agnes , Olsson Olof , Sandberg Ann‐Sofie
Published: May 2011

Celiac disease is caused by an inappropriate immune response to incompletely digested gluten proteins. We investigated whether synthetic peptides with high affinity to wheat gliadin could be selected with a phage display technique and whether complexes between such peptides and gliadin could sustain gastric and pancreatic digestion. Two synthetic peptides, P61 and P64, were selected because of their high affinity to immobilized gliadin. They were allowed to form complexes with gliadin, whereafter the complexes were subjected to in vitro digestion with gastric and pancreatic enzymes. The digestion products were analyzed with Western blot and RP HPLC. The results showed that both peptides formed stable complexes with intact gliadin and that complexes between gliadin and peptide P64 partly resisted gastrointestinal digestion. The two peptides reduced the binding of serum anti‐gliadin IgA antibodies by 12%, and 11.5%, respectively, and the binding of anti‐gliadin antibodies of the IgG isotype by 13% and 10%. Thus peptides produced by a phage display technique could interact stably with gliadin partly masking epitopes for antibody binding. A combination of peptides of this kind may be used to block gliadin‐immune system interactions.
The effect of carbon source supplementation on the production of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) by Cupriavidus necator
Authors: Fereidouni Mohammad , Younesi Habibollah , Daneshi Ali , Sharifzadeh Mazyar
Published: May 2011

The objective of the present study was to investigate the ability of Cupriavidus necator to produce poly‐(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) on various carbon sources in batch cultivation. These results show that C. necator produces poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate from single carbon sources. The highest poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) content was achieved at growth on fructose in the exponential growth phase. The maximum yield of the P3HV content was obtained when fructose was mixed with acetate. The highest content P3HB‐co‐3HV was also achieved by C. necator when we supplied C‐excess and N‐ and P‐normal conditions. These results indicate that C. necator accumulates high polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) content by depleting these elements in the culture medium. Nitrogen and phosphorus limitation has no significant effect on the PHA production, whereas C‐excess leads to an increase in PHA formation of up to 92% PHAs of cell dry weight after growth on 5 g/L acetate and 40 g/L fructose.
Effects of folic acid fortification on spina bifida prevalence in Brazil
Authors: Orioli Iêda Maria , Lima do Nascimento Ricardo , López‐Camelo Jorge Santiago , Castilla Eduardo Enrique
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: To assess spina bifida birth prevalence changes after folic acid fortification of wheat and maize flours began in Brazil in June 2004. METHODS: Cross‐sectional study of Brazilian live births in 2004 and 2006. Spina bifida birth prevalence from the Live Births Information System (SINASC: Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos) in a prefortified period was compared to a period fortified with folic acid in each state. Observed prevalence rates in 2004 were used to calculate the expected prevalence rates in 2006 under the null hypothesis that both were similar. The observed/expected (O/E) ratios were tested by two‐tailed Z‐test. To minimize ascertainment differences among states, the O/E ratio of each one of the 27 Brazilian states was adjusted for the number of births with the Mantel‐Haenszel statistic. RESULTS The reduction in spina bifida birth prevalence in 2006 was 39% (O/E = 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55‐0.67), and 40% (O/E = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.53–0.68), after adjusting for state birth number. This reduction was significant (p < 0.0001), and heterogeneous among states (χ2 = 72.96; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Using SINASC data, there was a significant reduction in spina bifida birth prevalence in Brazil, probably related to the folic acid food fortification program. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced cellular uptake and metabolic stability of lipo‐oligoarginine peptides
Authors: Lee Jae Sam , Tung Ching‐Hsuan
Published: May 2011

Developing efficient cellular delivery vectors is crucial for designing novel therapeutic agents to enhance their plasma membrane permeability and metabolic stability in cells. Previously, we engineered cell penetrating peptide vectors named as “lipo‐oligoarginine peptides” (LOAPs) by conjugating a proper combination of fatty acid and oligoarginine that translocated into cell easily without adverse effect on cell viability. In the present study, we report a systemic evaluation of cellular uptake and metabolic stability of LOAPs in Jurkat cells by introducing different combination of D‐Arg residues in the peptide backbone. The cellular uptake and intracellular fate, cell viability, and metabolic stability and proteolytic degradation patterns of various LOAPs consisted of different combination of L‐ and D‐Arg sequences were confirmed by flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assay, and analytical RP‐HPLC with MALDI‐TOF mass. All investigated LOAPs penetrated the cell efficiently with low cellular toxicity. The LOAPs having D‐Arg residues at their N‐termini seemed to have better metabolic stability than the LOAPs having C‐terminal D‐Arg residues. The metabolic degradation patterns were similar among all investigated LOAPs. The major hydrolytic site was between lauroyl group and β‐Ala residue. Without the lipid chain, the oligoarginine peptide was pumped out ofcells easily. The results presented in this study suggest that structurally modified LOAPs could be used as a novel CPP design toward improved therapeutic application. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 772–779, 2011.
Dissecting the Role of Single Regions of an IAPP Mimic and IAPP in Inhibition of Aβ40 Amyloid Formation and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Andreetto Erika , Yan Li‐Mei , Caporale Andrea , Kapurniotu Aphrodite
Published: May 2011

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are linked to the self‐association of β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), respectively. We have shown that IAPP‐GI, a soluble IAPP analogue and mimic of nonamyloidogenic and nontoxic IAPP, binds Aβ with high affinity and blocks its cytotoxic self‐assembly and fibrillogenesis. We have also shown that IAPP and Aβ interact with each other into nonfibrillar and nontoxic heterocomplexes that suppress cytotoxic self‐association by both polypeptides. The Aβ–IAPP interaction might thus be a molecular link between AD and T2D. We studied the role of individual IAPP‐GI and IAPP regions in their inhibitory function on Aβ40 self‐association and cytotoxicity. We found that the presence of the two hot‐spot regions of the Aβ–IAPP interaction interface in IAPP(8–28) is not sufficient for inhibitory function and that, in addition to IAPP(8–28), the presence of the N‐terminal region IAPP(1–7) is absolutely required. By contrast, the C‐terminal region, IAPP(30–37), is not required although its presence together with IAPP(1–7) in IAPP‐GI results in a marked enhancement of the inhibitory effect as compared to IAPP(1–28)‐GI. We suggest that the inhibitory effect of IAPP‐GI and IAPP on Aβ40 fibrillogenesis and cell toxicity is mediated primarily by interactions involving the hot regions of the Aβ–IAPP interaction interface and the N terminus of IAPP while a concerted and likely structure‐stabilizing action of the N‐ and C‐terminal IAPP regions potentiates this effect. These results identify important molecular determinants of the amyloid suppressing function of the Aβ40–IAPP interaction and could contribute to the design of novel inhibitors of Aβ40 aggregation and cell degeneration.
One‐class classifiers
Authors: Brereton Richard G.
Published: May 2011

The principles of one‐class classifiers are introduced, together with the distinctions between one‐class/multiclass, soft/hard, conjoint/disjoint and modelling/discriminatory methods. The methods are illustrated using case studies, namely from nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomic profiling, thermal analysis of polymers and simulations. Two main groups of classifier are described, namely statistically based distance metrics from centroids (Euclidean distance and quadratic discriminant analysis) and support vector domain description (SVDD). The statistical basis of the D statistic and its relationship with the F statistic, χ2, normal distribution and T2 is discussed. The SVDD D value is described. Methods for assessing the distance of residuals to disjoint principal component models (Q statistic) and their combination with distance‐based methods to give the G statistic are outlined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the mechanism of low‐density particle and liquid mixing process in a stirred vessel
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Le‐Qin , Wu Da‐Zhuan , Sun You‐Bo , Wu Bo , Li Zhi‐Feng
Published: May 2011

In order to investigate the mechanism of the low‐density solid particle and liquid mixing process, a specialised agitator structure was used. Both computational fluid dynamics simulation and experiments were carried out to study the two‐phase mixing characteristics in the stirred vessel. The mixing process was captured by snapshots. The flow field and solid phase volume fraction evolution were analysed. Experimental and numerical results agreed well with each other. Solid particles floating on the liquid surface were gradually transported to the bottom through the centre of the vessel and the mixing time was predicted and tested. Results indicate that the agitator structure used in this study is able to form an obvious axial circulation in the vessel and then achieve a good performance in low‐density solid and liquid mixing operations. The study provides a valuable reference for the design and optimisation of solid–liquid mixing equipment. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Comparing top entry versus side entry agitator performance in low viscosity blending
Authors: Kehn Richard Oliver
Published: May 2011

The primary purpose of this study was to quantify the difference in performance of side entering versus top entering agitators in low viscosity blending on the lab scale. This study compared the power requirement of top entry versus side entry agitator set ups to yield the same blend time. A 1.22 m diameter clear vessel was used for the testing and several top entry set ups (0.15–0.3D/T with three wall baffles) were compared to a single side entry set up (0.09D/T with no wall baffles). Blend time was recorded for each run using three to four conductivity probes with water as the base fluid and a saturated sodium chloride solution as the tracer. Results show that a side entering agitator requires between three and five times the power to yield the same blend time as a top entering agitator. This ratio of powers is strongly related to the D/T chosen. In the future, additional work will be completed, which will include the effect of multiple side entry agitators on blend time and the effect of viscosity (i.e., lower Reynolds numbers) on blend time.
Spatial Variation of the Precipitation Chemistry in the Thrace Region of Turkey
Authors: Şaylan Levent , Çaldağ Barış , Bakanoğulları Fatih , Toros Hüseyin , Yazgan Mustafa , Şen Orhan , Özkoca Yunus
Published: May 2011

Pollutants affect not only the environment in which they originate since they are also transported by air currents to other locations. For this reason, air pollution is a global problem for all countries and the air and water quality need to be monitored carefully. More information on precipitation chemistry is required to determine the source of pollution as well as its effects on the ecosystems. In this study, precipitation chemistry has been analyzed for the first time by using simple bulk collectors located at four different sites in Northwest Turkey for a period of two years. About 650 sequential rainwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, anions such as ${\rm SO}_{{\rm 4}}^{{\rm 2}{-} } $, ${\rm NO}_{{\rm 3}}^{{-} } $, Cl−, and cations such as Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and ${\rm NH}_{{\rm 4}}^{{\rm + }} $. The selected sites were under the effect of different environmental factors. Our results showed that the highest ${\rm SO}_{{\rm 4}}^{{\rm 2}{-} } $ and ${\rm NO}_{{\rm 3}}^{{-} } $ concentrations were measured in the Northwest of the research area. Additionally, it has been found that Ca2+ ions are abundant within all rainwater samples.