bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between nerve conduction velocity and fiber morphology during peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Ikeda Masayoshi , Oka Yoshinori
Published: June 2012

We analyzed the relationship between motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and morphological changes in regenerating nerve fibers at different times after sciatic nerve transection to identify reliable indices of functional recovery. Thirty rats were divided into five equal groups, one control group and four groups subjected to sciatic nerve transection and immediate suturing, followed by regeneration for 50, 100, 150, and 200 days, respectively. MCV was measured in each group, followed by morphometric analyses of fibers of the common peroneal nerve. MCV increased progressively with time after nerve transection, although it remained lower than the control velocity. Mean fiber diameter (axon plus myelin sheath) also increased with time after nerve transection. Recovery of mean fiber diameter was well correlated with MCV, even though regenerating nerves likely contained many small nonconducting fibers. In contrast, the change in the mean diameter of regenerating axons and relative myelin thickness (g‐ratio) did not provide an accurate measure of recovery as they were not increasing in a time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, internodal length changed only slightly with increasing fiber diameter in regenerating nerves; therefore, the regression relation between fiber diameter and internodal length was not a sensitive index of recovery. MCV and mean fiber diameter were the most sensitive indices of functional recovery during sciatic nerve regeneration.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus and survival in oropharyngeal cancer other than tonsil or base of tongue cancer
Authors: Marklund Linda , Näsman Anders , Ramqvist Torbjörn , Dalianis Tina , Munck‐Wikland Eva , Hammarstedt Lalle
Published: June 2012

Today, most oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and HPV alone or in combination with p16 is reported to be a favorable prognostic factor for OSCC. Patients with tumors at other OSCC sites (OOSCC) are often included in the same treatment and study protocols as patients with tonsillar‐ and base of tongue SCC, even though the prevalence and clinical significance of HPV infection in OOSCC is unknown. Since tonsillar and base of tongue SSC cover roughly 90% of all OSCC, there is an obvious risk that there may be a misinterpretation of the results for OOSCC. Herein, we therefore study the prevalence of HPV and p16 and their impact on survival in OOSCC. A total of 69 patients were included in the study, and 61 were included in the survival analysis. HPV and p16 were present in only 17% (12/69) and 25% (17/69) of the OOSCC cases, respectively, while the majority 69% (48/69) was both HPV and p16 negative. Neither HPV nor p16 had predictive value for clinical outcome in OOSCC in this study. In conclusion, the prevalence of HPV and/or p16 is much lower in OOSCC compared to earlier reports including all OSCC, or tonsillar‐ and base of tongue cancer alone and HPV and p16 had no impact on clinical outcome in OSCC in this study. Our data highlight the diversity of head neck cancer sub‐sites and the importance of taking OSCC sub‐sites in consideration in future clinical trials and treatment.
Generation of coherent mosaic animations: enhancement and evaluation of temporal coherence
Authors: Kang Dongwann , Ohn Yongjin , Han Myounghun , Yoon Kyunghyun
Published: June 2012

Although the creation static mosaic‐like images from non‐mosaic input has been studied, satisfactory methods to maintain and evaluate the temporal coherence of tiles for mosaic animations have remained elusive. Here, we describe a method that successfully generates mosaic animations from videos by applying a temporally and spatially coherent tile‐arrangement technique. We arrange tiles on the basis of the feature lines extracted from video input. We then animate the tiles along the motion of the video, add and delete tiles to preserve the tile density, and smooth tile color via frames. Finally, we propose indices to evaluate the temporal coherence of video‐based animations, and show that our animations are temporally coherent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circular Dichroism Spectral Data and Metadata in the Protein Circular Dichroism Data Bank (PCDDB): A Tutorial Guide to Accession and Deposition
Authors: Janes Robert W. , Miles A. J. , Woollett B. , Whitmore L. , Klose D. , Wallace B. A.
Published: June 2012

The Protein Circular Dichroism Data Bank (PCDDB) is a web‐based resource containing circular dichroism (CD) and synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectral and associated metadata located at http://pcddb.cryst.bbk.ac.uk. This resource provides a freely available, user‐friendly means of accessing validated CD spectra and their associated experimental details and metadata, thereby enabling broad usage of this material and new developments across the structural biology, chemistry, and bioinformatics communities. The resource also enables researchers utilizing CD as an experimental technique to have a means of storing their data at a secure site from which it is easily retrievable, thereby making their results publicly accessible, a current requirement of many grant‐funding agencies world‐wide, as well as meeting the data‐sharing requirements for journal publications.

This tutorial provides extensive information on searching, accessing, and downloading procedures for those who wish to utilize the data available in the data bank, and detailed information on deposition procedures for creating and validating entries, including comprehensive explanations of their contents and formats, for those who wish to include their data in the data bank. Chirality 24:751–763, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative Structure–Activity/Property Relationships: The Ubiquitous Links between Cause and Effect
Authors: Berhanu Workalemahu M. , Pillai Girinath G. , Oliferenko Alexander A. , Katritzky Alan R.
Published: June 2012

Current literature demonstrates that almost every area of chemical and life sciences, as well as technology utilizes quantitative structure‐activity/property relationships (QSAR/QSPR) to accelerate development and increase efficiency. The designs of pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, and consumer products as well as the assessment of their toxicity and environmental impact have become major areas of application QSAR/QSPR; the methods of which also penetrate into relatively new applications such as materials science and nanotechnology. In terms of methodology development the new trend is the integration of QSAR/QSPR with adjacent computational methods such as virtual screening and molecular dynamics. Such synergy offers unique opportunities and heralds a new era of computer‐aided molecular design.
Synthesis, structure and electrochemical performance of cobaltite‐based composite cathodes for IT‐SOFC
Authors: Cesário M. R. , Macedo D. A. , Martinelli A. E. , Nascimento R. M. , Barros B. S. , Melo D. M. A.
Published: June 2012

The development of novel and high‐performance cathodes is a critical issue to be addressed in order to reduce Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) operation temperature to the 600‐800 °C range or less. The performance of CeO2‐based composite cathodes is very attractive to such operational temperatures. In this work, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) and Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC) powders were synthesized by different synthesis methods and mechanically mixed to prepare LSCF‐SDC composite cathodes. Screen‐printed LSCF‐SDC/CGO/LSCF‐SDC symmetrical cells were sintered at 1150 °C for 4 h and characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in static air. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were employed to characterize the powders. Area specific resistance values of 0.72 and 2.77 Ω cm2 at 800 °C were found for composite cathodes containing SDC powder synthesized by modified Pechini and microwave‐assisted combustion methods, respectively. Furthermore, the activation energy of the composite cathode containing SDC derived from modified Pechini method is 1.18 eV, i.e., much lower than 1.73 eV, value determined for LSCF with SDC from microwave‐combustion method.
Effect of laser fluence on c‐axis orientation of LiNbO3 piezoelectric films on nanocrystalline diamond by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Wang Xinchang , Tian Sifang , Man Weidong , Jia Jianfeng , Shi Xinwei
Published: June 2012

Completely c‐axis oriented LiNbO3 piezoelectric films have been deposited on nanocrystalline diamond (NCD)/Si substrates with SiO2 buffer layer by pulsed laser deposition. The amorphous SiO2 buffer layer was formed on NCD/Si substrates by sol‐gel method. The c‐axis orientation and crystallinity of LiNbO3 films are strongly dependent on the laser fluence, and the laser fluence 3.6 J/cm2 is found to be the optimal value for the growth of oriented LiNbO3 film, which has a smooth surface with composed of a large mount of uniform grains. The average surface roughness of LiNbO3 films is about 6.7 nm.
Synthesis and characterization of 1‐phenyl‐3‐(propan‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol single crystals
Authors: Vyas P. M. , Akbari J. D. , Tala Satishkumar D. , Joshi H. S. , Joshi M. J.
Published: June 2012

The synthesis of pyrazoles and its derivatives remains of great interest due to their wide applications in pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry. The 1‐phenyl‐3‐(propan‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol was synthesized. The 1‐phenyl‐3‐(propan‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol single crystals were grown by slow solvent evaporation technique using mixture of chloroform and methanol as a solvent. Yellowish and transparent crystals having maximum dimensions of 0.005 m × 0.004 m × 0.002 m were grown. The crystals were characterized by powder XRD, FT–IR, TG–DTA–DSC and dielectric study. The crystals remained stable up to 160 °C and then start decomposing. The DSC suggested both endothermic and exothermic reactions. One broad exothermic peak was observed at 558.1 °C due to complete decomposition of the sample into the gaseous phase and reaction within the products. Thermodynamic and Kinetic parameters of decomposition were calculated by Coats–Redfern formula. The dielectric study was carried out in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 5 MHz at room temperature. The dielectric constant decreased as the frequency of the applied field increased. The variations of dielectric loss, a.c. conductivity and a.c. resistivity also studied with the frequency of the applied field. Jonscher's power law was verified for a.c. conductivity.
Fabrication of free‐standing TiO2 nanotube membranes with through‐hole morphology
Authors: Liao Jianjun , Lin Shiwei , Li Xiaogan , Li Shipu , Cao Xiankun , Cao Yang
Published: June 2012

In the present work, we show a simple and robust ex‐situ method to fabricate free‐standing membranes consisting of vertically oriented, both‐side‐open TiO2 nanotube arrays. In this method, self‐organized TiO2 nanotube membranes with different thickness ranging from seven to tens of micrometers could be easily separated from the metallic Ti substrate by applying a reverse‐bias voltage at the end of anodization. The stress developing at the TiO2 nanotubes/Ti interface during H2 gas generation facilitates the separation of the TiO2 membranes. This procedure leads to an intact, free‐standing TiO2 nanotube membrane with closed bottoms. After exposing the TiO2 membrane to HF vapor, the barrier layer at the closed bottoms was etched away, and then a free‐standing TiO2 membrane with through‐hole morphology was obtained. The bottom‐opening process is a slow barrier layer thinning process. Meanwhile, it is found that the mean diameter of tube bottoms monotonously decreases with the increasing the etching time.
Photoluminescence study of annealing effects on CuI crystals grown by evaporation method
Authors: Gao Pan , Gu Mu , Liu Xi , Zheng Yan‐Qing , Shi Er‐Wei
Published: June 2012

Cuprous iodide (CuI) is the ultrafastest inorganic scintillation crystal at present. But the low intensity of its ultrafast component luminescence limits the wide application of CuI at room temperature. In this paper, the photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of different quality CuI crystals before and after annealing in various conditions have been investigated in terms of peak position and peak intensity. The origin of different emission band peaked around 426 nm, 680 nm, 718 nm and 820 nm is discussed and the excitation spectra of two mainly emission bands is obtained. Meanwhile, the relative peak intensity of the ultrafast luminescence component to slow lumiescence component of CuI crystals has been studied with respect to the defect concentration of I vacancies. Especially, the method of improving the intensity of ultrafast compentent luminescence of CuI crystals is concluded. These results can provide an important reference for optimizing the luminescence performance of CuI crystals.
Controlled synthesis of ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies in microemulsions
Authors: Yu Xiujun , Xu Shaohong , Han Yanli , Hou Tiecui , Zhao Yunlong , Fan Bingbing , Chen Deliang , Zhang Liwei , Wang Hailong , Xu Hongliang , Zhang Rui , Lu Hongxia
Published: June 2012

ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies were prepared in microemulsions with ZnSO4 and ammonia as raw materials. The effects of microemulsion types, concentration of reactants, W values, co‐surfactants, surfactants, oil phases and calcination temperatures were systematically studied. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry (DSC‐TG), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM (HRTEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. Results show that ZnO nanoparticles were obtained in water‐in‐oil microemulsions while ZnO nanorods are gained in bicontinuous microemulsions. Water‐in‐oil microemulsions and long carbon chains of surfactants can prevent the preferential growth of ZnO. The particle size of the products increased with the increase of W values, calcination temperatures and the concentration of reactants but decreased with the increase of the carbon chain length of surfactants, co‐surfactants and oil phases. PL spectrums show that the UV emission peak weakened and visible emission peak increased with the decrease of particle size. Meanwhile, the PL spectrums have a little red‐shifted.
Optical and magnetic properties of Nd‐doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Zheng J. H. , Song J. L. , Zhao Z. , Jiang Q. , Lian J. S.
Published: June 2012

Nd‐doped ZnO nanoparticles with different concentration were synthesized by sol‐gel method. The structures, magnetic and optical properties of as‐synthesized nanorods were investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results demonstrated that Nd ions were incorporated into ZnO lattice; but Zn1‐xNdxO nanoparticles with Nd concentration of x = 0.05 showed Nd2O3 phase, so the saturation concentration of Nd in Zn1‐xNdxO is less than 5 at%. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements indicated that Nd doped ZnO possessed dilute ferromagnetis behaviour at room temperature. Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) showed that Nd ions doping induced a red slight shift and decrease in UV emission with increase of Nd concentration.
Tumor‐induced myeloid‐derived suppressor cell function is independent of IFN‐γ and IL‐4Rα
Authors: Sinha Pratima , Parker Katherine H. , Horn Lucas , Ostrand‐Rosenberg Suzanne
Published: June 2012

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are present in most cancer patients and experimental animals where they exert a profound immune suppression and are a significant obstacle to immunotherapy. IFN‐γ and IL‐4 receptor alpha (IL‐4Rα) have been implicated as essential molecules for MDSC development and immunosuppressive function. If IFN‐γ and IL‐4Rα are critical regulators of MDSCs, then they are potential targets for preventing MDSC accumulation or inhibiting MDSC function. Because data supporting a role for IFN‐γ and IL‐4Rα are not definitive, we have examined MDSCs induced in IFN‐γ‐deficient, IFN‐γR‐deficient, and IL‐4Rα‐deficient mice carrying three C57BL/6‐derived (B16 melanoma, MC38 colon carcinoma, and 3LL lung adenocarcinoma), and three BALB/c‐derived (4T1 and TS/A mammary carcinomas, and CT26 colon carcinoma) tumors. We report that although MDSCs express functional IFN‐γR and IL‐4Rα, and have the potential to signal through the STAT1 and STAT6 pathways, respectively, neither IFN‐γ nor IL‐4Rα impacts the phenotype, accumulation, or T‐cell suppressive potency of MDSCs, although IFN‐γ and IL‐4Rα modestly alter MDSC‐macrophage IL‐10 crosstalk. Therefore, neither IFN‐γ nor IL‐4Rα is a key regulator of MDSCs and targeting these molecules is unlikely to significantly alter MDSC accumulation or function.
The reversible formation of cysteine sulfenic acid promotes B‐cell activation and proliferation
Authors: Crump Katie E. , Juneau Daniel G. , Poole Leslie B. , Haas Karen M. , Grayson Jason M.
Published: June 2012

B‐cell receptor (BCR) ligation generates reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) that play a role in cellular responses. Although ROIs can oxidize all macromolecules, it was unclear which modifications control B‐cell responses. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of the first oxidation product of cysteine, sulfenic acid, and its reversible formation in B‐cell activation. Upon BCR crosslinking, B cells increase ROI levels with maximal production occurring within 15 min. Increased ROIs preceded elevated cysteine sulfenic acid, which localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus. Analysis of individual proteins revealed that the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) SHP‐1, SHP‐2, and PTEN, as well as actin, were modified to sulfenic acid following BCR ligation. Additionally, we used 5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione (dimedone), a compound that covalently reacts with sulfenic acid to prevent its further oxidation or reduction, to determine the role of reversible cysteine sulfenic acid formation in regulating B‐cell responses. Dimedone incubation resulted in a concentration‐dependent block in anti‐IgM‐induced cell division, accompanied by a failure to induce capacitative calcium entry (CCE), and maintain tyrosine phosphorylation. These studies illustrate that reversible cysteine sulfenic acid formation is a mechanism by which B cells modulate pathways critical for activation and proliferation.
Potential of selected Portuguese cultivars for the production of high quality monovarietal virgin olive oil
Authors: Garcia Barbara , Magalhães Júlia , Fregapane Giuseppe , Salvador María Desamparados , Paiva‐Martins Fátima
Published: June 2012

The effect of cultivar and ripeness stage on the potential nutritional value of monovarietal extra virgin olive oils (MEVOOs) obtained from Cordovil, Carrasquinha, Verdeal, and Negrinha do Freixo cultivars was investigated. MEVOOs produced were characterized by high oleic acid (72–83%), tocopherol (182–530 mg/kg), and phenolic compounds (326–1110 mg/kg) content and by a similar polyphenolic profile. 1‐Penten‐3‐one was found to be the compound with the highest contribution for the aroma of the four MEVOO, related to bitter, pungent, and leaf attributes. MEVOO from Verdeal cultivar showed the best performance in terms of the composition: the highest yield of oil, the highest content of oleic acid, high tocopherol, polyphenol and sterol content, and the lowest content of linoleic acid. These characteristics give to these MEVOO not only a great oxidative stability but also interesting properties from the health point of view. MEVOO obtained with fruits at the maturity index of around 4 were in general richer in beneficial minor compounds. MEVOO produced were discriminated by variety and ripeness stage, using a stepwise linear discriminant analysis. This discrimination will in the future enable the prevention of adulteration of these monovarietal olive oils with specific nutritional composition with other olive oils.

Practical implications: High‐quality MEVOOs have recently been introduced in the market, which for growers is a practical way to differentiate and increase the commercial value of extra virgin olive oil. The quantification of major and minor olive oil compounds in monovarietal olive oils represents an objective way of predicting the sensory characteristics, stability, and potential health benefits of the oils, as well as preventing their adulteration with other olive oils. This study will help in the selection of olive varieties during the maintenance or development of new olive orchards and also to select optimum harvest period for these varieties, in order to obtain MEVOOs with the maximum quality and health benefits for consumers.
Identifying barriers to emergency care services
Authors: Cannoodt Luk , Mock Charles , Bucagu Maurice
Published: June 2012

Objective

This paper aims to present a review of published evidence of barriers to emergency care, with attention towards both financial and other barriers.

Method

With the keywords (financial) accessibility, barriers and emergency care services, citations in PubMeb were searched and further selected in the context of the objective of this article.

Results

Forty articles, published over a period of 15 years, showed evidence of significant barriers to emergency care. These barriers often tend to persist, despite the fact that the evidence was published many years ago.

Several publications stressed the importance of the financial barriers in foregoing or delaying potentially life‐saving emergency services, both in poor and rich countries. Other publications report non‐financial barriers that prevent patients in need of emergency care (pre‐hospital and in‐patient care) from seeking care, from arriving in the proper emergency department without undue delay or from receiving proper treatment when they do arrive in these departments.

Conclusion

It is clear that timely access to life‐saving and disability‐preventing emergency care is problematic in many settings. Yet, low‐cost measures can likely be taken to significantly reduce these barriers. It is time to make an inventory of these measures and to implement the most cost‐effective ones worldwide. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstruction of a flash flood with large wood transport and its influence on hazard patterns in an ungauged mountain basin
Authors: Ruiz‐Villanueva V. , Bodoque J. M. , Díez‐Herrero A. , Eguibar M. A. , Pardo‐Igúzquiza E.
Published: June 2012

The reconstruction of past flash floods in ungauged basins leads to a high level of uncertainty, which increases if other processes are involved such as the transport of large wood material. An important flash flood occurred in 1997 in Venero Claro (Central Spain), causing significant economic losses. The wood material clogged bridge sections, raising the water level upstream. The aim of this study was to reconstruct this event, analysing the influence of woody debris transport on the flood hazard pattern. Because the reach in question was affected by backwater effects due to bridge clogging, using only high water mark or palaeostage indicators may overestimate discharges, and so other methods are required to estimate peak flows. Therefore, the peak discharge was estimated (123 ± 18 m3 s–1) using indirect methods, but one‐dimensional hydraulic simulation was also used to validate these indirect estimates through an iterative process (127 ± 33 m3 s–1) and reconstruct the bridge obstruction to obtain the blockage ratio during the 1997 event (~48%) and the bridge clogging curves. Rainfall–Runoff modelling with stochastic simulation of different rainfall field configurations also helped to confirm that a peak discharge greater than 150 m3 s–1 is very unlikely to occur and that the estimated discharge range is consistent with the estimated rainfall amount (233 ± 27 mm).

It was observed that the backwater effect due to the obstruction (water level ~7 m) made the 1997 flood (~35‐year return period) equivalent to the 50‐year flood. This allowed the equivalent return period to be defined as the recurrence interval of an event of specified magnitude, which, where large woody debris is present, is equivalent in water depth and extent of flooded area to a more extreme event of greater magnitude. These results highlight the need to include obstruction phenomena in flood hazard analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using selected pharmaceutical compounds as indicators for surface water and groundwater interaction in the hyporheic zone of a low permeability riverbank
Authors: Banzhaf Stefan , Krein Andreas , Scheytt Traugott
Published: June 2012

This study investigates the applicability of selected pharmaceutical compounds (e.g. sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, ibuprofen) as anthropogenic indicators for the interaction of surface water and groundwater in the hyporheic zone of an alluvial stream. Differences in transport behaviour and the resulting distribution of the pharmaceuticals in the riverine groundwater were evaluated. The investigated field site in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Europe is represented by low permeable sediments and confined aquifer conditions. Water samples from single‐screen and multilevel observation wells installed in the riverbank at the field site were taken and analysed for selected pharmaceuticals and major ions for a period of 6 months. Surface water and groundwater levels were recorded to detect effluent and influent aquifer conditions. Nearly all pharmaceuticals that were detected in the stream were also found in the riverine groundwater. However, concentrations were significantly lower in groundwater than in surface water. A classification into mobile and sorbing/degradable pharmaceuticals based on their transport relevant properties was made and verified by the field data. Gradients with depth for some of these pharmaceuticals were documented and a more detailed understanding of the system stream/riverbank was obtained. It was demonstrated that the selected pharmaceutical compounds can be used as anthropogenic indicators at the investigated field site. However, not all compounds seem to be suitable indicators as their transport behaviour is not fully understood. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of highly permeable layer on hydraulic system in a coastal aquifer
Authors: Kim Kue‐Young , Han Weon Shik , Park Eungyu
Published: June 2012

This study is aimed to understand the hydraulic mechanism of coastal aquifer systems that include highly permeable layers (HPLs). These hydrologic conditions can be found in many volcanic islands that are composed of a series of lava flows discharged into sea or other standing body of water. In the first part, we developed a numerical model based on the geologic and hydrologic data obtained from the eastern Jeju Island, Korea, of which the aquifer contains clinker and hyaloclastite layers. The simulation results reproduced spatial location of fresh‐saline water interface, especially the abrupt decline of interface at the inland part and the thickness variation of transition zone along the cross‐section observed at the eastern Jeju coastal aquifer. We were able to find out that these phenomena are strongly related to the presence of the HPL. In the second part, quantitative analyses were conducted with the use of hypothetical models in order to understand the dynamic characteristics of coastal system that includes HPLs. A series of sensitivity studies were conducted to assess the effect of the horizontal length and vertical depth of HPL on the spatial location of the interface toe and the configuration of transition zone. Various case studies have shown that the seawater intruded into the inland more as the horizontal length of HPL was increased and its vertical depth was decreased. In other simulations including two HPLs, the vertical distance between these two HPLs primarily controlled the flow regime, flux variations, and the configuration of the transition zone. Finally, we performed simulations to evaluate the effect of a rising sea‐level. This study provides more understanding of how the presence of HPL controls the seawater intrusion processes, and the spatial configurations of fresh‐saline water interface at coastal aquifers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrologic simulation of clay‐settling areas in the phosphate mining district, Florida
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ross Mark
Published: June 2012

Clay‐settling areas (CSAs) are one of the most conspicuous and development‐limiting landforms remaining after phosphate mining. Many questions are asked by the mining and regulatory communities with regard to the correct modelling (predictive) methods and assumptions that should be used to yield viable hydrologic post‐reclamation landforms within CSAs. Questions as to the correct methodology to use in modelling/predicting long‐term CSA hydrologic performance have historically been difficult to answer because the data and analysis to support popular hypotheses did not exist. The goal of this paper was to substantially improve the data, analysis and predictive methodology necessary to return CSAs to viable hydrologic units, and moreover, to develop better understanding of the hydrology of CSAs and their ability to support wetlands. The study site is located at the Fort Meade Mine in Polk County, Florida. In this paper, continuous model simulation and calibration of study site were conducted for the hydrologic model, Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN, which was generally selected on the basis of its popularity in predicting the hydrologic behaviour of CSAs. The objective of this study was to simulate streamflow discharges and stage to estimate runoff response from these areas on the basis of the observed rainfall within the CSA. A set of global hydrologic parameters was selected and tested during the calibration by the parameter estimation software PEST. A comparison of the simulated and observed flow data indicates that the model calibration adequately reproduces the hydrologic response of the CSAs. The estimated parameters can be used as references for future application of the model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the SEBS‐estimated evaporative fraction from MODIS data for a complex underlying surface
Authors: Lu Jing , Li Zhao‐Liang , Tang Ronglin , Tang Bo‐Hui , Wu Hua , Yang Fengting , Labed Jelila , Zhou Guoqing
Published: June 2012

With the complex nature of land surfaces, more attention should be paid to the performance of remotely sensed models to estimate evapotranspiration from moderate and low spatial resolution data. Taking into account the characteristic of a stable evaporative fraction (EF) in the daytime, this paper uses the surface energy balance system (SEBS) to estimate the EF from MODIS data for a subtropical evergreen coniferous plantation in southern China and evaluates the stability of the SEBS model in estimating the EF under complex surface conditions. The results show that the SEBS‐estimated EF is larger than the measured EF partly because of the serious lack of energy‐balance closure. This difference can be largely reduced by the residual energy correction method. More evaporative land cover within the MODIS pixel is a main reason for the overestimated EF. SEBS underestimates sensible heat flux, and the underestimation of surface available energy also contributes to the overestimation of the EF. The EF estimated from MODIS/Terra data is in agreement with that from MODIS/Aqua data with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.552, a mean bias error (BIAS) of 0.028, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.079, which is consistent with the result from in situ measurements. In addition, the estimation of surface available energy from remotely sensed data is evaluated on this complex underlying surface. Compared with in situ measurements, the available energy is underestimated by 28 W m−2 with an RMSE = 50 W m−2 and an R2 = 0.87. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vadose zone tritium tracer test to estimate aquifer recharge from irrigated areas
Authors: Jiménez‐Martínez J. , Tamoh K. , Candela L.
Published: June 2012

Environmental tracers, such as tritium, have generally been used to estimate aquifer recharge under natural conditions. A tritium tracer test is presented for estimating recharge under semi‐arid and irrigated conditions. The test was performed along 429 days (June 2007–August 2008) on an experimental plot located in SE Spain with drip irrigation and annual row crops (rotation of lettuce and melon), in which common agricultural practices were followed in open air. Tritiated water was sprinkled (simulated rainfall) over the plot, soil cores were taken at different depths and a liquid scintillation analyzer was used to measure tritium concentration in soil water samples. Tritium transport, as liquid or vapor phase, was simulated with the one‐dimensional numerical code SOLVEG. Simulations show that the crop water use was below potential levels, despite regular irrigation. Continuous high water content in soil promoted a great impact of rainfall events on the aquifer recharge. The results obtained from tritium tracer test have been compared with other independent recharge assessment, soil water balance method, to evaluate the reliability of the first one. Total recharge from tracer test was 476 mm for the October 2007–September 2008 period versus 561 mm from soil water balance method for the same period, which represents 37.1% and 43.7% of the applied water (1284 mm, irrigation + precipitation), respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling of benzene distribution in the subsurface of an abandoned gas plant site after a long term of groundwater table fluctuation
Authors: Yang Qingshu , Li Yan , Zhou Jinfeng , Xie Xiaoxi , Su Yu , Gu Qingbao , Kamon Masashi
Published: June 2012

The non‐aqueous phase liquid simulator was used to model and interpret the occurrence of a thin benzene‐contaminated soil layer 9.0 m below the groundwater table in an abandoned gas plant site. The simulator was first evaluated in column tests under similar conditions to the contaminated site. Saturation–capillary pressure (S–P) relationships were extended from the laboratory scale of the column tests to the field scale of the subsurface at the abandoned site. Dynamic boundary conditions were established in order to prevent the model from generating excessive vertical velocities. The modelled benzene layer formation process agreed well with the in situ observations. With falling and then rising of the water table, benzene release from the surface migrated downward and then upward and distributed itself below and above the water table. Biochemical degradation of benzene made the distribution discontinuous in the subsurface. These two factors resulted in the thin benzene‐contaminated layer below the groundwater table. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of a conceptual and physically based model in simulating the response of a semi‐urbanized watershed in San Antonio, Texas
Authors: El Hassan Almoutaz A. , Sharif H. O. , Jackson Terrance , Chintalapudi Singaiah
Published: June 2012

The need for accurate hydrologic analysis and rainfall–runoff modelling tools has been rapidly increasing because of the growing complexity of operational hydrologic and hydraulic problems associated with population growth, rapid urbanization and expansion of agricultural activities. Given the recent advances in remote sensing of physiographic features and the availability of near real‐time precipitation products, rainfall–runoff models are expected to predict runoff more accurately. In this study, we compare the performance and implementation requirements of two rainfall–runoff models for a semi‐urbanized watershed. One is a semi‐distributed conceptual model, the Hydrologic Engineering Center‐Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC‐HMS). The other is a physically based, distributed‐parameter hydrologic model, the Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA). Four flood events that took place on the Leon Creek watershed, a sub‐watershed of the San Antonio River basin in Texas, were used in this study. The two models were driven by the Multisensor Precipitation Estimator radar products. One event (in 2007) was used for HEC‐HMS and GSSHA calibrations. Two events (in 2004 and 2007) were used for further calibration of HEC‐HMS. Three events (in 2002, 2004 and 2010) were used for model validation. In general, the physically based, distributed‐parameter model performed better than the conceptual model and required less calibration. The two models were prepared with the same minimum required input data, and the effort required to build the two models did not differ substantially. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of cisplatin‐loaded, EGFR‐targeted biopolymer and in vitro evaluation for targeted delivery
Authors: Geng Xu , Ye Haifeng , Feng Zhen , Lao Xun , Zhang Li , Huang Jing , Wu Zi‐Rong
Published: June 2012

The design of smart targeted drug delivery systems that deliver drugs to specific cancer cells will give rise to cancer treatments with better efficacy and lower toxicity levels. We report the development and characterizations of maleimide‐functionalized biopolymer (Mal‐PGA‐Asp) as an effective targeted drug delivery carrier synthesized from an amidation reaction between aspartylated PGA (PGA‐Asp) and N‐(maleimidohexanoyl)‐ethylenediamine (NME). The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting peptide (TP13) was conjugated to Mal‐PGA‐Asp to obtain the targeting carrier (TP13‐Mal‐PGA‐Asp). Cisplatin was finally loaded by complexation to form a biocompatible and tumor targeted therapeutic drug (TP13‐Mal‐PGA‐Asp3‐Pt). The resultant biopolymer with an average size 87 ± 28 nm showed a sustainable release profile with a half‐maximal release time (t1/2) of approximately 15 h in physiological saline. Fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry analysis revealed that TP13 significantly enhanced the cellular uptake of TP13‐Mal‐PGA‐Asp3‐Pt in the human hepatoma cell line SMMC‐7721. The IC50 value demonstrated the superior anticancer activity of TP13‐Mal‐PGA‐Asp3‐Pt over PGA‐Asp‐Pt. Therefore, the newly developed drug carrier (TP13‐Mal‐PGA‐Asp) obtained in this study may provide an efficient and targeted delivery of anticancer drugs, presenting a promising targeted chemotherapy in EGFR‐positive cancers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2839–2848, 2012.
Highly efficient and exact method for parallelization of grid‐based algorithms and its implementation in DelPhi
Authors: Li Chuan , Li Lin , Zhang Jie , Alexov Emil
Published: June 2012

The Gauss–Seidel (GS) method is a standard iterative numerical method widely used to solve a system of equations and, in general, is more efficient comparing to other iterative methods, such as the Jacobi method. However, standard implementation of the GS method restricts its utilization in parallel computing due to its requirement of using updated neighboring values (i.e., in current iteration) as soon as they are available. Here, we report an efficient and exact (not requiring assumptions) method to parallelize iterations and to reduce the computational time as a linear/nearly linear function of the number of processes or computing units. In contrast to other existing solutions, our method does not require any assumptions and is equally applicable for solving linear and nonlinear equations. This approach is implemented in the DelPhi program, which is a finite difference Poisson–Boltzmann equation solver to model electrostatics in molecular biology. This development makes the iterative procedure on obtaining the electrostatic potential distribution in the parallelized DelPhi several folds faster than that in the serial code. Further, we demonstrate the advantages of the new parallelized DelPhi by computing the electrostatic potential and the corresponding energies of large supramolecular structures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Echolucency of carotid plaques and cerebrovascular events
Authors: Aldemir Evren , Apaydin Melda , Varer Makbule , Uluc Engin
Published: June 2012

Objectives.

To assess the relationship between carotid plaque echogenicity and degree of stenosis with acute and chronic stroke.

Methods.

A retrospective study of cerebral MRI and carotid B‐mode and Doppler ultrasonography in 60 patients with stroke. Plaque echogenicity was graded as echolucent (1), predominantly echolucent (2), predominantly echogenic (3), or echogenic (4). Sonographic findings were compared between patients with acute (group 1) and chronic (group 2) stroke.

Results.

In group 1 (n = 39 patients), the carotid plaques were grade 1 in 21, grade 2 in 22, grade 3 in 9, and grade 4 in 4 carotid arteries. In group 2 (n = 21), the carotid plaques were grade 1 in 2, grade 2 in 8, grade 3 in 4, and grade 4 in 11 carotid arteries. Plaque echogenicity was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (p < 0.05). Plaque echolucency was associated independently with acute stroke from the degree of stenosis.

Conclusions.

Patients with acute infarcts have predominantly echolucent plaques, regardless of the degree of stenosis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:399–404, 2012
Molecular Cloning and Differential Expression of Three GnRH Genes during Ovarian Maturation of Spotted Halibut, Verasper variegatus
Authors: XU YONG‐JIANG , LIU XUE‐ZHOU , LIAO MEI‐JIE , WANG HAN‐PING , WANG QING‐YIN
Published: June 2012

In this study, the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) genes in spotted halibut were cloned and sequenced by isolating their cDNAs. The species expressed three molecular forms of GnRH in the brain: chicken‐type GnRH‐Ⅱ (cGnRH‐Ⅱ), seabream‐type GnRH (sbGnRH), and salmon‐type GnRH (sGnRH). Phylogenetic analysis divided the molecular forms of GnRHs into three branches: cGnRH‐Ⅱ branch, sGnRH branch, and fish‐specific GnRH branch. The spatial expression showed that they had the highest expression levels in the brain. cGnRH‐Ⅱ was exclusively detected in the brain, while sbGnRH had a global expression pattern in all examined organs. sGnRH was detected in the brain, pituitary, and ovary. The temporal changes of brain GnRH mRNA expression levels were examined during ovarian maturation and postspawning, and the serum steroid hormones and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were recorded. Amounts of sbGnRH mRNA substantially elevated (P < 0.05) during ovarian maturation, which concomitant with considerable elevation of GSI and serum steroids levels. On the contrary, neither sGnRH nor cGnRH‐Ⅱ mRNA levels showed significant changes during ovarian maturation in this study. These results suggested that these three GnRH genes are the important regulators for the differential expression of GnRH in spotted halibut, and would help us better understand the reproductive endocrine mechanism of spotted halibut. J. Exp. Zool. 00A:1‐13, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organizational role stress across three managerial levels: A comparative study
Authors: Sinha Vinita , Subramanian K. S.
Published: June 2012

As employees encounter problems in the performance of their jobs, they experience organizational role stress (ORS). According to this study of managers in private‐sector multinational firms in India, ORS varies across low, middle, and high management levels and is affected by such factors as inter‐role distance, role stagnation, role isolation, role expectations conflict, role erosion, role overload, personal inadequacy, self/role conflict, role ambiguity, and resource inadequacy. Human resource professionals can use the study findings to properly evaluate the causes of stress at various hier‐archical levels and ultimately develop methods to reduce stress throughout the organization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Matrix molecule influence on chondrocyte phenotype and proteoglycan 4 expression by alginate‐embedded zonal chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Coates Emily E. , Riggin Corinne N. , Fisher John P.
Published: June 2012

Articular cartilage resists load and provides frictionless movement at joint surfaces. The tissue is organized into the superficial, middle, deep, and calcified zones throughout its depth, each which serve distinct functions. Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4), found in the superficial zone, is a critical component of the joint's lubricating mechanisms. Maintenance of both the chondrocyte and zonal chondrocyte phenotype remain challenges for in vitro culture and tissue engineering. Here we investigate the expression of PRG4 mRNA and protein by primary bovine superficial zone chondrocytes, middle/deep zone chondrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogels with hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) additives. Chondrogenic phenotype and differentiation markers are evaluated by mRNA expression, histochemical, and immunohistochemical staining. Results show middle/deep cells express no measurable PRG4 mRNA by day 7. In contrast, superficial zone cells express elevated PRG4 mRNA throughout culture time. This expression can be significantly enhanced up to 15‐fold by addition of both HA and CS to scaffolds. Conversely, PRG4 mRNA expression is downregulated (up to 5‐fold) by CS and HA in differentiating MSCs, possibly due to build up of entrapped protein. HA and CS demonstrate favorable effects on chondrogenesis by upregulating transcription factor Sox9 mRNA (up to 4.6‐fold) and downregulating type I collagen mRNA (up to 18‐fold). Results highlight the important relationship between matrix components and expression of critical lubricating proteins in an engineered cartilage scaffold. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1886–1897, 2012