bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle Delivery of Natural Products in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancers: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Bharali Dhruba J. , Siddiqui Imtiaz A. , Adhami Vaqar M. , Chamcheu Jean Christopher , Aldahmash Abdullah M. , Mukhtar Hasan , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: October 2011

The advent of nanotechnology has had a revolutionary impact on many aspects of 21st century life. Nanotechnology has provided an opportunity to explore new avenues that conventional technologies have been unable to make an impact on for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of different diseases, and of cancer in particular. Entities in nanometer sizes are excellent platforms to incorporate various drugs or active materials that can be delivered effectively to the desired action site without compromising the activity of the incorporated drug or material. In particular, nanotechnology entities can be used to deliver conventional natural products that have poor solubility or a short half life. Conventional natural products used with entities in nanometer sizes enable us to solve many of the inherent problems (stability, solubility, toxicity) associated with natural products, and also provide a platform for targeted delivery to tumor sites. We recently introduced the novel concept of using nanotechnology for enhancing the outcome of chemoprevention, which we called ‘nanochemoprevention’. This idea was subsequently exploited by several laboratories worldwide and has now become an advancing field in chemoprevention research. This review examines some of the applications of nanotechnology for cancer prevention and therapy using natural products.
Carbon Ion Radiotherapy at the Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center: New Facility Set-up
Authors: Ohno Tatsuya , Kanai Tatsuaki , Yamada Satoru , Yusa Ken , Tashiro Mutsumi , Shimada Hirofumi , Torikai Kota , Yoshida Yukari , Kitada Yoko , Katoh Hiroyuki , Ishii Takayoshi , Nakano Takashi
Published: October 2011

Carbon ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) offers superior dose conformity in the treatment of deep-seated tumors compared with conventional X-ray therapy. In addition, carbon ion beams have a higher relative biological effectiveness compared with protons or X-ray beams. C-ion RT for the first patient at Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center (GHMC) was initiated in March of 2010. The major specifications of the facility were determined based on the experience of clinical treatments at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), with the size and cost being reduced to one-third of those at NIRS. The currently indicated sites of cancer treatment at GHMC are lung, prostate, head and neck, liver, rectum, bone and soft tissue. Between March 2010 and July 2011, a total of 177 patients were treated at GHMC although a total of 100 patients was the design specification during the period in considering the optimal machine performance. In the present article, we introduce the facility set-up of GHMC, including the facility design, treatment planning systems, and clinical preparations.
Environmental Attitudes and Desired Social-Psychological Benefits of Off-Highway Vehicle Users
Authors: Smith Jordan , Burr Steven
Published: October 2011

This research analyzes the relationships between off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders’ patterns of prior experience and the social-psychological benefits they desire from the activity; it also examines the relationships between patterns of prior experience and environmental attitudes. The sample consists of 600 OHV riders in Utah drawn from the entire population of OHV owners within the state. The sample was segmented into experience use history groups based upon respondents’ number of OHV trips within the past 12 months and the total number of years they have been riding OHVs. Results show that patterns of prior experience are related to certain desired social-psychological benefits. Personal achievement benefits were significantly more important for more frequent riders when compared to those who rode less often. The analysis also reveals no relationship between patterns of prior experience and general environmental attitudes.
Effects of Tobacco Taxation and Pricing on Smoking Behavior in High Risk Populations: A Knowledge Synthesis
Authors: Bader Pearl , Boisclair David , Ferrence Roberta
Published: October 2011

Tobacco taxation is an essential component of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. However, to fully realize the benefits it is vital to understand the impact of increased taxes among high-risk subpopulations. Are they influenced to the same extent as the general population? Do they need additional measures to influence smoking behavior? The objectives of this study were to synthesize the evidence regarding differential effects of taxation and price on smoking in: youth, young adults, persons of low socio-economic status, with dual diagnoses, heavy/long-term smokers, and Aboriginal people. Using a better practices approach, a knowledge synthesis was conducted using a systematic review of the literature and an expert advisory panel. Experts were involved in developing the study plan, discussing findings, developing policy recommendations, and identifying priorities for future research. Most studies found that raising cigarette prices through increased taxes is a highly effective measure for reducing smoking among youth, young adults, and persons of low socioeconomic status. However, there is a striking lack of evidence about the impact of increasing cigarette prices on smoking behavior in heavy/long-term smokers, persons with a dual diagnosis and Aboriginals. Given their high prevalence of smoking, urgent attention is needed to develop effective policies for the six subpopulations reviewed. These findings will be of value to policy-makers and researchers in their efforts to improve the effectiveness of tobacco control measures, especially with subpopulations at most risk. Although specific studies are needed, tobacco taxation is a key policy measure for driving success.
Antiproliferative Effect of Aaptamine on Human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia K562 Cells
Authors: Jin Meihua , Zhao Wennan , Zhang Yanwen , Kobayashi Motomasa , Duan Hongquan , Kong Dexin
Published: October 2011

We previously isolated aaptamine, a benzonaphthyridine alkaloid, from marine sponge Aaptos suberitoids. In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effect of aaptamine on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) K562 cells. Aaptamine inhibited growth of K562 with a GI50 as 10 μM, and arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase. Western blot analysis indicated that aaptamine induced p21 expression in K562 cells. Moreover, p21 promoter was activated by aaptamine treatment in p21 transfected K562 cells. Since K562 is p53 negative, aaptamine was demonstrated to be a p53-independent p21 inducer in CML cells.
One-Pot and Efficient Synthesis of Triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-triones via Reaction of Arylaldehydes with Urazole and Dimedone Catalyzed by Silica Nanoparticles Prepared from Rice Husk
Authors: Hamidian Hooshang , Fozooni Samieh , Hassankhani Asadollah , Mohammadi Sayed Zia
Published: October 2011

A novel synthesis of triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-1,3,8-trione derivatives by reaction of urazole, dimedone and aromatic aldehydes under conventional heating and microwave irradiation and solvent-free conditions using silica nanoparticles prepared from rice husk ash as catalyst is described. The new method features high yields, multicomponent reactions and environmental friendliness.
The dog as a preclinical model to evaluate interface morphology and micro-motion in cemented total knee replacement
Authors: Miller M. A. , Khorasani M. , Townsend K. L. , Allen M. J. , Mann K. A.
Published: October 2011

Objectives: This study investigated cemented fixation of the tibial component from a canine total knee replacement preclinical model. The objective was to determine the local morphology at the material interfaces (implant, cement, bone) and the local relative micro-motion due to functional loading following in vivo service.

Methods: Five skeletally mature research dogs underwent unilateral total knee replacement using a cemented implant system with a polyethylene (PE) monobloc tibial component. Use of the implanted limb was assessed by pressure-sensitive walkway analysis. At 60 weeks post-surgery, the animals were euthanatized and the tibia sectioned en bloc in the sagittal plane to create medial and lateral specimens. High resolution imaging was used to quantify the morphology under the tray and along the keel. Specimens were loaded to 50% body weight and micro-motions at the PE-cement and cement-bone interfaces were quantified.

Results: There was significantly (p = 0.002) more cement-bone apposition and interdigitation along the central keel compared to the regions under the tray. Cavitary defects were associated with the perimeters of the implant (60 ± 25%). Interdigitation fraction was negatively correlated with cavitary defect fraction, cement crack fraction, and total micro-motion.

Clinical significance: Achieving good inter-digitation of cement into subchondral bone beneath the tibial tray is associated with improved interface morphology and reduced micro-motion; features that could result in a reduced incidence of aseptic loosening. Multiple drill holes distributed over the cut tibial surface and adequate pressurization of the cement into the subchondral bone should improve fixation and reduce interface micro-motion and cavitary defects.
In vitro mechanical evaluation of a limited contact dynamic compression plate and hybrid carpal arthrodesis plate for canine pancarpal arthrodesis
Authors: Guillou R. P. , Demianiuk R. M. , Sinnott M. T. , Curcio K. , DeCamp C. E. , Haut R. C. , Déjardin L. M.
Published: October 2011

Objective: To compare the mechanical properties of pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) constructs stabilized at 20° of extension using either a 3.5 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) or a 3.5/2.7 mm hybrid plate (HP).

Methods: Seven forelimb pairs were used from dogs of similar size. All soft tissues were removed except for supporting structures of the carpus and proximal metacarpal region. All plates were accurately bent to 20°, and then instrumented with two, 350Ω strain gauges applied at the level of the bend. Constructs were embedded in epoxy moulds then mounted onto a servo-hydraulic testing machine. Specimens were loaded for 10 cycles at 100N, 200N and 300N. Tenth cycle construct compliance (CC), maximum angular deformation (MAD), and peak plate strain (PPS) were compared using two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman- Keuls post-hoc tests (p <0.05).

Results: Regardless of load, CC was 29% to 33% smaller in the HP than the LC-DCP group (p <0.03). In each group, the CC significantly increased with increasing loads (p <0.02). Mean MAD was 19% to 22% less in HP than LC-DCP constructs, with significant differences seen at 200N and 300N loads. In both groups, MAD was significantly greater with increasing loads (p <0.02). In addition, PPS was 37% to 43% smaller for HP than LC-DCP.

Clinical significance: The mechanical advantages of the HP over the LC-DCP make it a viable alternative for PCA. Smaller CC, MAD and PSS of the HP may reduce the risk of implant failure and postoperative morbidity following PCA.
MATERIAL FLOW COST ACCOUNTING (MFCA) – TOOL FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF CORPORATE PRODUCTION PROCESSES
Authors: Hyršlová Jaroslava , Vágner Miroslav , Palásek Jiří
Published: October 2011

The paper focuses on the Material Flow Cost Accounting method (hereinafter the “MFCA”). It presents an application of the MFCA within a manufacturing plant of the largest manufacturer of ceramic tiles in the Czech Republic – the company Lasselsberger. It shows the importance of data acquired from the MFCA system as well as their application for an optimization of manufacturing processes for specific conditions of a manufacturing plant of the company.
CHANGES IN RETAIL INDUSTRY IN THE EU
Authors: Knezevic Blazenka , Renko Sanda , Knego Nikola
Published: October 2011

Retail is an important industry of each national economy. In the EU, it is an important source of employment and significantly contributes to the GDP creation. Moreover, almost one fifth of all companies are registered in retail industry. In the past decade, retail industry is changing from applying domestically oriented towards internationally oriented business strategies. The importance of large companies is this industry is growing, too. Retail trade concentration process is recognized in all EU countries. In this paper, some of prevailing trends in retail industry are analyzed and explained. The analysis includes EU countries and Croatia as EU candidate country.
FOUR APPROACHES TO THE CREATIVE ECONOMY: GENERAL OVERVIEW
Authors: Levickaitė Rasa
Published: October 2011

The article presents the concept of the creative economy as a new economic phenomenon in the globalized environment. Four approaches on the new occurrence are presented. According to John Howkins theory, the fifteen creative industries (listed by the author) are the core of the creative economy. Both creativity and economy aren’t new, but brand new are its interaction and scope. A wide definition of creativity has formed Richard Florida’s theory of the developing creative class, which is a group of professionals, researchers and artists whose presence creates socioeconomic and cultural dynamism in cities especially. Richard Caves characterizes creative industries on the basis of seven economic properties and presents an idea that creative industries as such aren’t unique but the sectors of creative industries driven by creativity generate new approaches to business processes, the demand-supply chain and covers both economic and social indicators of the country development. Charles Landry has proposed a creative city concept, which states that cities are dependent on one resource only – its people. Creativity changes place, natural resources, market access, and becomes the key to dynamism of city development. A creative city defines a metropolis with variety of cultural activities glued to urban economical and social functioning. Key activities highly influencing rapid growth of the creative industries worldwide are related to both technology and economy. Digital revolutions and economic environments where revolutions took place, changes in technology and communications altogether have formed new conditions for development of creative economy as a new economic phenomenon.
EXPLORING MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN MNCS. EXAMPLE OF EADS GROUP
Authors: Lisiński Marek , Szarucki Marek
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this paper is to discover management development programmes in MNCs on the example of the EADS Group. The paper discusses the role of education in management development as well as the goals of managers’ training. The paper provides the latest information regarding the use of various management development methods. Further, it concentrates on the exemplifying of the selected management development programmes at EADS. It also tries to evaluate the perceived efficiency of the programmes based on several opinions of the trainees. Finally, some suggestions for future research are provided.
CONTRIBUTION OF EU STRUCTURAL FUNDS ASSISTANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT THROUGH COLLABORATION OF BUSINESS AND SCIENCE IN LATVIA
Authors: Meženiece Marta , Rivža Baiba
Published: October 2011

The article analyses the good practice of Finland, which reconstructed the path changing towards building innovation-based economy, and Denmark, where the several programmes for network building and enhancement of collaboration between entrepreneurs as well as entrepreneurs and research institutes were introduced successfully, in order to make recomendations for development of economic environment in Latvia. The authors consider, that in the case of Latvia, at first, the government must take action in order to establish the macro-level environment that enables conditions for innovative self-renewing systems as well as introduce schemes that would facilitate knowledge spillover and commercialization, promote business activities of academic staff and researchers, as well as formation of networks and clusters.
Le traitement de la « dangerosité » en Belgique : internement et mise à la disposition du gouvernement
Authors: Mary Philippe , Kaminski Dan , Maes Eric , Vanhamme Françoise
Published: October 2011

Depuis 1930, la Belgique dispose de deux mécanismes permettant soit l’allongement de certaines peines, soit l’indétermination de leur durée. Il s’agit, d’une part, de l’internement des délinquants anormaux et, d’autre part, de la mise à la disposition du gouvernement des récidivistes et délinquants d’habitude. En complément des autres présentations nationales du séminaire du GERN « Longues peines et peines indéfinies. Punir la dangerosité », l’objet de cette contribution est double : présenter le cadre normatif de ces mécanismes en en soulignant les grands enjeux tels qu’ils apparurent notamment dans les débats entre juristes et médecins ; juger de l’effectivité de ces mécanismes en examinant, tant que faire se peut, l’usage qui en a été fait.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Evaluation of Corticospinal Tract Hyperintensity in Upper Motor Neuron-Predominant ALS Patients
Authors: Rajagopalan Venkateswaran , Allexandre Didier , Yue Guang H. , Pioro Erik P.
Published: October 2011

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with predominant upper motor neuron (UMN) signs occasionally have hyperintensity of corticospinal tract (CST) on T2- and proton-density-(PD-) weighted brain images. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to assess whether diffusion parameters along intracranial CST differ in presence or absence of hyperintensity and correspond to UMN dysfunction. DTI brain scans were acquired in 47 UMN-predominant ALS patients with (n=21) or without (n=26) CST hyperintensity and in 10 control subjects. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were measured in four regions of interests (ROIs) along CST. Abnormalities (P<0.05) were observed in FA, AD, or RD in CST primarily at internal capsule (IC) level in ALS patients, especially those with CST hyperintensity. Clinical measures corresponded well with DTI changes at IC level. The IC abnormalities suggest a prominent axonopathy in UMN-predominant ALS and that tissue changes underlying CST hyperintensity have specific DTI changes, suggestive of unique axonal pathology.
Histone Chaperones Spt6 and FACT: Similarities and Differences in Modes of Action at Transcribed Genes
Authors: Duina Andrea A.
Published: October 2011

The process of gene transcription requires the participation of a large number of factors that collectively promote the accurate and efficient expression of an organism's genetic information. In eukaryotic cells, a subset of these factors can control the chromatin environments across the regulatory and transcribed units of genes to modulate the transcription process and to ensure that the underlying genetic information is utilized properly. This article focuses on two such factors—the highly conserved histone chaperones Spt6 and FACT—that play critical roles in managing chromatin during the gene transcription process. These factors have related but distinct functions during transcription and several recent studies have provided exciting new insights into their mechanisms of action at transcribed genes. A discussion of their respective roles in regulating gene transcription, including their shared and unique contributions to this process, is presented.
The Poplar-Poplar Rust Interaction: Insights from Genomics and Transcriptomics
Authors: Hacquard Stéphane , Petre Benjamin , Frey Pascal , Hecker Arnaud , Rouhier Nicolas , Duplessis Sébastien
Published: October 2011

Poplars are extensively cultivated worldwide, and their susceptibility to the leaf rust fungusMelampsora larici-populinaleads to considerable damages in plantations. Despite a good knowledge of the poplar rust life cycle, and particularly the epidemics on poplar, the perennial status of the plant host and the obligate biotrophic lifestyle of the rust fungus are bottlenecks for molecular investigations. Following the completion of bothM. larici-populinaandPopulus trichocarpagenome sequences, gene families involved in poplar resistance or in rust fungus virulence were investigated, allowing the identification of key genetic determinants likely controlling the outcome of the interaction. Specific expansions of resistance and defense-related genes in poplar indicate probable innovations in perennial species in relation with host-pathogen interactions. The genome ofM. Larici-populinacontains a strikingly high number of genes encoding small secreted proteins (SSPs) representing hundreds of candidate effectors. Transcriptome analyses of interacting partners in compatible and incompatible interactions revealed conserved set of genes involved in poplar defense reactions as well as timely regulated expression of SSP transcripts during host tissues colonisation. Ongoing functional studies of selected candidate effectors will be achieved mainly on the basis of recombinant protein purification and subsequent characterisation.
Parasitologic Assessment of Two-Dose and Monthly Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria during Pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTP-SP) in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Agomo Chimere O. , Oyibo Wellington A. , Odukoya-Maije Funke
Published: October 2011

Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTP-SP) is a key strategy in the control of malaria in pregnancy. However, reports of increasing level of resistance to SP using nonpregnant populations have made it imperative for the continuous monitoring of the efficacy of SP in pregnant women. This study assessed using microscopy, monthly dosing and the standard two-dose regimen among 259 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Lagos, Nigeria that consented 122 in the two-dose arm (Arm A) and 137 in the monthly dose arm (Arm B). Baseline parasitaemia in the two groups was 5 (4.1%) and 3 (2.2%) in Arms A and B, respectively. Few of the women developed parasitaemia after the initial SP dose in Arms A 4 (3.3%) and B 2 (1.5%). However, none of the women had malaria infection after the second dose in both Arms. Although IPTP-SP is suggestive of protecting the women from malaria infection, there was no significant difference observed between the two dosing schemes.
A new development in the bivariate beta field
Authors: Jacobs Rianne , Bekker Andriëtte , Human Schalk W.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the bivariate Kummer-beta type IV distribution, which extends the Jones’ bivariate beta distribution, is discussed. The probability density functions of the product and ratio of the components of this distribution are derived. Also, a shape analysis is done to investigate the effect of the new parameter.
The design and synthesis of a pyrrole-carbaldehyde hit family as HIV-1 integrase inhibitors
Authors: Traut Telisha , Hewer Raymond , Coates Judy , Williams D. Bradley G.
Published: October 2011

Screening of an HIV-1 IN model against database-derived chemical structures identified pyrrole-carbaldehydes as targets for further development. Chemical synthesis using a facile one-pot reaction resulted in the generation of a compound library. Preliminary toxicity and efficacy assays of the water-soluble HCl-salt derivatives of each compound support the in silico predictions.
First direct measurements of formaldehyde flux via eddy covariance: implications for missing in-canopy formaldehyde sources
Authors: DiGangi J. P. , Boyle E. S. , Karl T. , Harley P. , Turnipseed A. , Kim S. , Cantrell C. , Maudlin III R. L. , Zheng W. , Flocke F. , Hall S. R. , Ullmann K. , Nakashima Y. , Paul J. B. , Wolfe G. M. , Desai A. R. , Kajii Y. , Guenther A. , Keutsch F. N.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. We report the first observations of formaldehyde (HCHO) flux measured via eddy covariance, as well as HCHO concentrations and gradients, as observed by the Madison Fiber Laser-Induced Fluorescence Instrument during the BEACHON-ROCS 2010 campaign in a rural, Ponderosa Pine forest northwest of Colorado Springs, CO. A median noon upward flux of ~80 μg m−2 h−1 (~24 pptv m s−1) was observed with a noon range of 37 to 131 μg m−2 h−1. Enclosure experiments were performed to determine the HCHO branch (3.5 μg m-2 h−1) and soil (7.3 μg m−2 h−1) direct emission rates in the canopy. A zero-dimensional canopy box model, used to determine the apportionment of HCHO source and sink contributions to the flux, underpredicted the observed HCHO flux by a factor of 6. Simulated increases in concentrations of species similar to monoterpenes resulted in poor agreement with measurements, while simulated increases in direct HCHO emissions and/or concentrations of species similar to 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol best improved model/measurement agreement. Given the typical diurnal variability of these BVOC emissions and direct HCHO emissions, this suggests that the source of the missing flux is a process with both a strong temperature and radiation dependence.
Annual distribution of allergenic fungal spores in atmospheric particulate matter in the eastern mediterranean; a comparative study between ergosterol and quantitative PCR analysis
Authors: Lang-Yona N. , Dannemiller K. , Yamamoto N. , Burshtein N. , Peccia J. , Yarden O. , Rudich Y.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Airborne fungal spores are an important fraction of atmospheric particulate matter and are major causative agents of allergenic and infectious diseases. Predicting the variability and species of allergy-causing fungal spores requires detailed and reliable methods for identification and quantification. There are diverse methods for their detection in the atmosphere and in the indoor environments; yet, it is important to optimize suitable methods for characterization of fungal spores in atmospheric samples. In this study we sampled and characterized total and specific airborne fungal spores from PM10 samples collected in Rohovot, Israel over an entire year. The total fungal spore concentrations vary throughout the year although the species variability was nearly the same. Seasonal equivalent spore concentrations analyzed by real-time quantitative-PCR-based methods were fall > winter > spring > summer. Reported concentrations based on ergosterol analysis for the same samples were and fall > spring > winter > summer. Correlation between the two analytical methods was found only for the spring season. These poor associations may be due to the per-spore ergosterol variations that arise from both varying production rates, as well as molecular degradation of ergosterol. While conversion of genome copies to spore concentration is not yet straightforward, the potential for improving this conversion and the ability of qPCR to identify groups of fungi or specific species makes this method preferable for environmental spore quantification. Identifying tools for establishing the relation between the presence of species and the actual ability to induce allergies is still needed in order to predict the effect on human health.
A closure study of cloud condensation nuclei in the North China Plain using droplet kinetic condensational growth model
Authors: Yang F. , Xue H. , Deng Z. , Zhao C. , Zhang Q.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Aerosol size distribution and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentration were measured in the North China Plain from 31 December 2009 to 20 January 2010. CCN closure study was performed using these data and droplet kinetic condensational growth model. The calculated CCN concentration with the assumption of pure ammonium sulfate aerosol is 40–140% higher than that observed for the supersaturations in this study. Sensitivity test on aerosol solubility and mixing state indicates that 60–70% mass fraction of ammonium sulfate externally mixed with insoluble material can lead to the calculated CCN concentrations fitting the observations best in the North China Plain during the time period of the field observations, suggesting that a relatively simple scheme may be used for CCN prediction in climate models for this region. Finally, we compare the calculated CCN concentrations from the kinetic condensational growth model and the equilibrium model. The kinetic condensational growth model can simulate droplet growth in a time period under a certain supersaturation, while the equilibrium model only predicts whether a certain aerosol can be activated as CCN under that supersaturation. The CCN concentration calculated with the kinetic model is higher than that with the equilibrium model at supersaturations of 0.056% and 0.083%, because some particles that are not activated from the equilibrium point of view can grow large enough to be considered as CCN in the kinetic model. While at a supersaturation of 0.17%, CCN concentration calculated with the kinetic model is lower than that with the equilibrium model, due to the limitation of droplet kinetic growth. The calculated CCN concentrations using the kinetic model and the equilibrium model are the same at supersaturations of 0.35% and 0.70%.
Biogeochemistry of manganese in ferruginous Lake Matano, Indonesia
Authors: Jones C. , Crowe S. A. , Sturm A. , Leslie K. L. , MacLean L. C. W. , Katsev S. , Henny C. , Fowle D. A. , Canfield D. E.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. This study explores Mn biogeochemistry in a stratified, ferruginous lake, a modern analogue to ferruginous oceans. Intense Mn cycling occurs in the chemocline where Mn is recycled at least 15 times before sedimentation. The product of biologically catalyzed Mn oxidation in Lake Matano is birnessite. Although there is evidence for abiotic Mn reduction with Fe(II), Mn reduction likely occurs through a variety of pathways. The flux of Fe(II) is insufficient to balance the reduction of Mn at 125 m depth in the water column, and Mn reduction could be a significant contributor to CH4 oxidation. By combining results from synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence and X-ray spectroscopy, extractions of sinking particles, and reaction transport modeling, we find the kinetics of Mn reduction in the lake's reducing waters are sufficiently rapid to preclude the deposition of Mn oxides from the water column to the sediments underlying ferruginous water. This has strong implications for the interpretation of the sedimentary Mn record.
As different as day and night: evidence from root lifespan
Authors: Bai W. , Xia J. , Wan S. , Zhang W. , Li L.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Roots are key components of terrestrial ecosystem C cycling and play an important role in regulation of the response of terrestrial ecosystem to global climate warming, which occurs with greater warming magnitudes at night than during daytime across different regions on the Earth. However, there has been no detailed study to examine the effect of asymmetrical warming on root dynamics at the level of terrestrial ecosystem. To understand the effects of day and night warming on root lifespan in the semiarid temperate steppe in Northern China, a field study with a full factorial design including control, day warming, night warming and diurnal warming was conducted. The responses of root survivorship to day and night warming with modified rhizotron technique were monitored during the growing seasons of 2007–2009. We demonstrate, for the first time, that longevity of roots born in spring, summer and autumn showed different response to day, night and diurnal warming, and that day warming significantly prolonged the overall lifespan for the roots born in the growing seasons of 2007–2009 pooled as a whole, while night warning had no effect on the overall lifespan in the semi-arid grassland in Northern China. The differential response of root lifespan to day and night warming may be accounted for by the photoassimilate allocation as evidenced by that day and night warming had different effect on root non-structural carbohydrate content. This finding differed from other processes associated with ecosystem C cycle such as total ecosystem productivity, net ecosystem productivity and soil respiration. Thus our findings highlight that it is essential to incorporate the differential effects of day and night warming into the simulating and predicting the responses and feedbacks of terrestrial ecosystem C cycling to global warming.
Chemodiversity in terpene emissions at a boreal Scots pine stand
Authors: Bäck J. , Aalto J. , Henriksson M. , Hakola H. , He Q. , Boy M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Atmospheric chemistry in background areas is strongly influenced by natural vegetation. Coniferous forests are known to produce large quantities of volatile vapors, especially terpenes to the surrounding air. These compounds are reactive in the atmosphere, and contribute to the formation and growth of atmospheric new particles. Our aim was to analyze the variability of mono- and sesquiterpene emissions between Scots pine trees, in order to clarify the potential errors caused by using emission data obtained from only a few trees in atmospheric chemistry models. We also aimed at testing if stand history and seed origin has an influence on the chemotypic diversity. The inherited, chemotypic variability in mono- and sesquiterpene emission was studied in a seemingly homogeneous 47-yr-old stand in Southern Finland, where two areas differing in their stand regeneration history could be distinguished. Sampling was conducted in August 2009. Terpene concentrations in the air had been measured at the same site for seven years prior to branch sampling for chemotypes. Two main compounds, α-pinene and Δ3-carene formed together 40–97% of the monoterpene proportions in both the branch emissions and in the air concentrations. The data showed a bimodal distribution in emission composition, in particular in Δ3-carene emission within the studied population. 10% of the trees emitted mainly α-pinene and no Δ3-carene at all, whereas 20% of the trees where characterized as high Δ3-carene emitters (Δ3-carene forming >80% of total emitted monoterpene spectrum). An intermediate group of trees emitted equal amounts of both α-pinene and Δ3-carene. The emission pattern of trees at the area established using seeding as the artificial regeneration method differed from the naturally regenerated or planted trees, being mainly high Δ3-carene emitters. Some differences were also seen in e.g. camphene and limonene emissions between chemotypes, but sesquiterpene emissions did not differ significantly between trees. The atmospheric concentrations at the site were found to reflect the species and/or chemodiversity rather than the emissions measured from any single tree, and were strongly dominated by α-pinene. We also tested the effect of chemodiversity on modeled monoterpene concentrations at the site and found out that since it significantly influences the distributions and hence the chemical reactions in the atmosphere, it should be taken into account in atmospheric modeling.
CELLS v1.0: updated and parallelized version of an electrical scheme to simulate multiple electrified clouds and flashes over large domains
Authors: Barthe C. , Chong M. , Pinty J.-P. , Bovalo C. , Escobar J.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The paper describes the fully parallelized electrical scheme CELLS which is suitable to simulate explicitly electrified storm systems on parallel computers. Our motivation here is to show that a cloud electricity scheme can be developed for use on large grids with complex terrain. Large computational domains are needed to perform real case meteorological simulations with many independent convective cells. The scheme computes the bulk electric charge attached to each cloud particle. Positive and negative ions are also taken into account. Several parametrizations of the dominant non-inductive charging process are included and an inductive charging process as well. The electric field is obtained by inverting the Gauss equation with an extension to terrain-following coordinates. The new feature concerns the lightning flash scheme which is a simplified version of an older detailed sequential scheme. Flashes are composed of a bidirectional leader phase (vertical extension from the triggering point) and a phase obeying a fractal law (with horizontal extension on electrically charged zones). The originality of the scheme lies in the way the branching phase is treated to get a parallel code. The complete electrification scheme is tested for the 10 July 1996 STERAO case and for the 21 July 1998 EULINOX case. Flash characteristics are analysed in detail and additional sensitivity experiments are performed for the STERAO case. Although the simulations were run for flat terrain conditions, they show that the model behaves well on multiprocessor computers. This opens a wide area of application for this electrical scheme with the next objective of running real meteorological case on large domains.
European extra-tropical storm damage risk from a multi-model ensemble of dynamically-downscaled global climate models
Authors: Haylock M. R.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Uncertainty in the return levels of insured loss from European wind storms was quantified using storms derived from twenty-two 25 km regional climate model runs driven by either the ERA40 reanalyses or one of four coupled atmosphere-ocean global climate models. Storms were identified using a model-dependent storm severity index based on daily maximum 10 m wind speed. The wind speed from each model was calibrated to a set of 7 km historical storm wind fields using the 70 storms with the highest severity index in the period 1961–2000, employing a two stage calibration methodology. First, the 25 km daily maximum wind speed was downscaled to the 7 km historical model grid using the 7 km surface roughness length and orography, also adopting an empirical gust parameterisation. Secondly, downscaled wind gusts were statistically scaled to the historical storms to match the geographically-dependent cumulative distribution function of wind gust speed. The calibrated wind fields were run through an operational catastrophe reinsurance risk model to determine the return level of loss to a European population density-derived property portfolio. The risk model produced a 50-yr return level of loss of between 0.025% and 0.056% of the total insured value of the portfolio.
A multidisciplinary analysis for traces of the last state of earthquake generation in preseismic electromagnetic emissions
Authors: Potirakis S. M. , Minadakis G. , Nomicos C. , Eftaxias K.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Many questions about earthquake (EQ) generation remain standing. Fracture induced electromagnetic (EM) fields allow real-time monitoring of damage evolution in materials during mechanical loading. An improved understanding of the EM precursors has direct implications for the study of EQ generation processes. An important challenge in this direction is to identify an observed anomaly in a recorded EM time series as a pre-seismic one and correspond this to a distinct stage of EQ generation. In previous papers (Kapiris et al., 2004; Contoyiannis et al., 2005; Papadimitriou et al., 2008), we have shown that the last kHz part of the emerged precursory EM activity is rooted in the fracture of the backbone of asperities distributed along the activated fault, sustaining the system. The crucial character of this suggestion requires further support. In this work we focus on this effort. Tools of information theory (Fisher Information) and concepts of entropy (Shannon and Tsallis entropies) are employed. The analysis indicates that the launch of the EM precursor is combined with the appearance of a significantly higher level of organization, which is an imprint of a corresponding higher level of organization of the local seismicity preceding the EQ occurrence. We argue that the temporal evolution of the detected EM precursor is in harmony with the Intermittent Criticality approach of fracture by means of energy release, correlation length, Hurst exponent and a power-law exponent obtained from frequency-size distributions of seismic/electromagnetic avalanche events. The candidate precursory EM activity is also consistent with other precursors from other disciplines. Thus, accumulated evidence, including laboratory experiments, strengthen the consideration that the emergence of the kHz EM precursor is sourced in the fracture of asperities indicating that EQ occurrence is expected.
Transfer function models to quantify the delay between air and ground temperatures in thawed active layers
Authors: Zenklusen Mutter E. , Blanchet J. , Phillips M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Air temperatures influence ground temperatures with a certain delay, which increases with depth. Borehole temperatures measured at 0.5 m depth in Alpine permafrost and air temperatures measured at or near the boreholes have been used to model this dependency. Statistical transfer function models have been fitted to the daily difference series of air and ground temperatures measured at seven different permafrost sites in the Swiss Alps. The relation between air and ground temperature is influenced by various factors such as ground surface cover, snow depth, water or ground ice content. To avoid complications induced by the insulating properties of the snow cover and by phase changes in the ground, only the mostly snow-free summer period when the ground at 0.5 m depth is thawed has been considered here. All summers from 2006 to 2009 have been analysed, with the main focus on summer 2006. The results reveal that in summer 2006 daily air temperature changes influence ground temperatures at 0.5 m depth with a delay ranging from one to six days, depending on the site. The fastest response times are found for a very coarse grained, blocky rock glacier site whereas slower response times are found for blocky scree slopes with smaller grain sizes.
The Reasons for Discontinuation of Infliximab Treatment in Patients with Crohn's Disease: A Review of Practice at NHS Teaching Hospital
Authors: Krupa Lukasz Z. , Kennedy Hugh J. , Jamieson Crawford P. , Fisher Nicola , Hart Andrew R.
Published: October 2011

Introduction. There is little information on the reasons for discontinuing infliximab treatment in patients with Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to document these reasons to determine if any were preventable which would allow patients to continue the therapy. Aims & Methods. A review of the medical notes was conducted at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on patients with Crohn's disease treated with infliximab between 2002–2008 to determine the reasons for stopping it. Results. A total of 65 patients were identified who had treatment with infliximab, of whom 23 (35.3%) had their therapy stopped. The reasons for discontinuation of infliximab in the 23 patients were: 47.8% side effects, 17.4% refractory disease, 13.0% achieved remission and did not receive long-term maintenance treatment, 4.34% pregnancy, 4.34% death, and unknown 13.0%. Conclusions. The main reasons for the discontinuation of infliximab were side effects rather than a lack of clinical response.
Local Ordered Structure of Propylene Carbonate in Slit-Shaped Carbon Nanopores by GCMC Simulation
Authors: Ohba Tomonori , Kaneko Katsumi , Kanoh Hirofumi
Published: October 2011

An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) has high potential for storing electrical energy at a high power density. It was reported that a narrow nanopore system provides higher performance of EDLCs. In such a system, propylene carbonate (PC) is generally used as a solvent in EDLCs. Hence, the structure of PC in the slit-shaped carbon nanopores should be investigated to reveal the EDLC mechanism. In this paper, grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation of PC adsorbed in nanopores was performed to elucidate molecular-level understanding of the influence of PC on the EDLC performance. PC molecules have a highly ordered structure and longer intermolecular distances in nanopores of a pore width less than 0.7 nm. Thus, the highly ordered and low-density structure formation of the adsorbed PC molecules in narrow nanopores provides a permeation path for electrolytes through nanopores, indicating high-performance EDLCs.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis Core-Fe3O4 Shell-Au Cubic Nanoparticles
Authors: Ramos Manuel , Castillo Karina , Ferrer Domingo A. , Farias Rurik J. , Flores Sergio , Chianelli Russell R.
Published: October 2011

Core-Shell (Fe3O4/Au) nanoparticles were synthesized using iron II chloride tetrahydrate (FeCl2H2O) and potassium tetrachloroaurate III (AuCl4K) precursors under microwave-assisted conditions. Products were analyzed using field emission gun electron microscope in transmission and scanning modes; energy disperse X-ray spectroscopy performed during STEM measurements indicated a signal for gold K and M signals at 9 keV and 13 keV, respectively, confirming Au atoms at nanoparticle's perimeter and Fe-L signal at 8 keV to be at the center.
Long- and Intermediate-Range Correlations in Polymer-Containing Ionic Liquids
Authors: Komarov Pavel V. , Zherenkova Lubov V.
Published: October 2011

Structure on long- and intermediate-length scales in polymer-containing ionic liquids is investigated on the basis of the polymer integral equation method. The structural features of flexible homopolymer chains and the ions of the solvent are analyzed in reciprocal space using partial structure factors. There is a range of polymer concentrations at which the long-range correlations of polymer chains are observed. When these correlations are pronounced, the decrease of the characteristic scale of the long-range polymer ordering with increasing polymer concentration fits a power law. The effect of adding polymer chains upon the ordering of the ions of the solvent is also considered. Upon addition of a polymer, it is shown that long-range correlations of ions can arise, although the intermediate-range ordering typical of pure ionic liquids remains dominant and stable. The dependence of the characteristic scale of the long-range ordering of the ions of the solvent on the polymer concentration also fits a power law.
Combined XPS and contact angle studies of flat and rough ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer films
Authors: Doganci M. D. , Cansoy C. E. , Ucar I. O. , Erbil H. Y. , Mielczarski E. , Mielczarski J.A.
Published: October 2011

Flat and rough thin films were prepared by dip coating using LDPE, PVAc, and EVA polymers containing 12–40% VA contents. Surface free energy of flat films was determined by measuring contact angles. Surface atomic composition was investigated by XPS at 0° and 60° take‐off angles. XPS results show that hydrophobic PE component was found to enrich at the near‐surface region for all EVA samples for a depth of ∼ 5 nm for both flat and rough surfaces, whereas hydrophilic VA component was enriched on the surface when VA < 18% for only at 10 nm depth. The difference between the XPS results of the flat and rough surfaces was not significant for EVA samples except EVA‐33 surface where the atomic oxygen content decreased 15–20% for rough surfaces. Contact angle hysteresis values for the rough samples were much larger than that of the flat samples for LDPE and EVA‐12 surfaces due to the presence of partial trapping of air pockets on these rough surfaces. A good agreement was obtained between surface concentration of atomic oxygen in the 5 nm outermost layer and γ surface free energy component especially for the samples having high VA contents. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012