bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Pretreatment of Pt Surface: Modification with Co/Al Layered Double Hydroxide for Analytical Applications
Authors: Gualandi I. , Solito A. G. , Scavetta E. , Tonelli D.
Published: February 2012

Co/Al Layered Double Hydroxide thin films were prepared by electrodeposition on Pt electrodes previously submitted to different electrochemical pretreatments, consisting of a large number of potential cycles (Pt‐CVT) or a cathodic polarization (Pt‐CT) in a H2SO4 solution. Their features and analytical performance for the determination of aniline and phenol were compared to those of the film deposited on a mechanically polished Pt electrode (Pt‐MT). The Pt‐MT and Pt‐CVT electrodes displayed comparable sensitivities and equal limits of detection for both analytes. The Pt‐CT showed a lower sensitivity, but a range of linear response of about 5 orders of magnitude for aniline.
Liquidity Considerations in Estimating Implied Volatility
Authors: Grover Rohini , Thomas Susan
Published: February 2012

Option markets have significant variation in liquidity across different option series. Illiquidity reduces the informativeness of the price. Price information for illiquid options is more noisy, and thus the implied volatilities (IVs) based on these prices are more noisy. In this study, we propose weighting schemes to estimate IV, which reduce the importance attached to illiquid options. The two indexes using liquidity weights are SVIX, which is a spread‐adjusted volatility index, and TVVIX, which is a traded volume weighted VIX. We find SVIX outperforms TVVIX, the conventional schemes such as the traditional VXO, or vega weights, and volatility elasticity weights. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 32:714‐742, 2012
The application of a crosslinked pectin‐based wafer matrix for gradual buccal drug delivery
Authors: Shaikh Rubina P. , Pillay Viness , Choonara Yahya E. , Toit Lisa C. Du , Ndesendo Valence M. K. , Kumar Pradeep , Khan Riaz A.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to develop crosslinked wafer matrices and establish the influence of the crosslinker type and processing sequence on achieving gradual buccal drug delivery. Three sets of drug‐loaded crosslinked pectin wafers were produced employing the model water‐soluble antihistamine, diphenhydramine and were compared with noncrosslinked wafers. The formulations were crosslinked with CaCl2, BaCl2, or ZnSO4 pre‐ or postlyophilization (sets 1 and 2) as well as pre‐ and postlyophilization (set 3), respectively. The surface morphology, porositometry, molecular vibrational transitions, textural attributes, thermal and in vitro drug release were characterized and supported by in silico molecular mechanics simulations. Results revealed that crosslinked wafers produced smaller pore sizes (107.63 Å) compared with noncrosslinked matrices (180.53 Å) due to molecular crosslinks formed between pectin chains. Drug release performance was dependent on the wafer crosslinking production sequence. Noncrosslinked wafers displayed burst‐release with 82% drug released at t30min compared with first‐order kinetic profiles obtained for prelyophilized crosslinked matrices (50% released at t30min followed by steady release). Wafers crosslinked postlyophilization displayed superior control of drug release (40% at t30min). Molecular mechanics simulations corroborated with the experimental data and established that Ba++, having the largest atomic radii (1.35 Å) formed a number of ionic bridges producing wafers of higher porosity (0.048 cm2/g) and had more influence on drug release. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Examining the role of combat loss among Vietnam War veterans
Authors: Currier Joseph M. , Holland Jason M.
Published: February 2012

Military combat often presents service members with a dual burden of coping with traumas of various types while also grappling with the deaths of close personal friends. At present, much less is known about the effects of bereavement in the context of war compared to other combat‐related stressors. Studying a sample of combat veterans from the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS), we examined the contribution of combat loss in psychological functioning and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When controlling for gender, age, ethnicity, educational background, exposure to nonbereavement combat stressors, and recent bereavement experiences, combat loss was uniquely associated with past and current functional impairments among the veterans, βs = .07 and .06, respectively, but was not related to the severity of PTSD. These findings highlight that combat loss might act as a uniquely challenging stressor among many service members and more empirical research is needed on this topic.
Molecular Reinforcement of Transparent Materials With Acrylamide‐Modified Calix[4]arene as a Crosslinker
Authors: Garska Bernd , Maatz Gero , Tabatabai Monir , Ritter Helmut
Published: February 2012

The synthesis of 5,11,17,23‐amino‐25,26,27,28‐propoxycalix[4]arene (calix[4]amine, 4) starting from 5,11,17,23‐nitro‐25,26,27,28‐propoxy‐calix[4]arene (3) via microwave‐assisted transfer hydrogenation is reported. Furthermore, the calix[4]amine (4) is functionalized with an acrylamide moiety. The swelling behavior in water, the influence on the glass transition temperature, and the shear modulus of a crosslinked N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (NDA) polymer with 5,11,17,23‐acrylamido‐25,26,27,28‐propoxycalix[4]arene (5) and EGDMA, respectively, are investigated.

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Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and risk of dementia in Parkinson's disease: A prospective study
Authors: Postuma Ronald B. , Bertrand Josie‐Anne , Montplaisir Jacques , Desjardins Catherine , Vendette Mélanie , Rios Romenets Silvia , Panisset Michel , Gagnon Jean‐François
Published: February 2012

One of the most devastating nonmotor manifestations of PD is dementia. There are few established predictors of dementia in PD. In numerous cross‐sectional studies, patients with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) have increased cognitive impairment on neuropsychological testing, but no prospective studies have assessed whether RBD can predict Parkinson's dementia. PD patients who were free of dementia were enrolled in a prospective follow‐up of a previously published cross‐sectional study. All patients had a polysomnogram at baseline. Over a mean 4‐year follow‐up, the incidence of dementia was assessed in those with or without RBD at baseline using regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, disease duration, and follow‐up duration. Of 61 eligible patients, 45 (74%) were assessed and 42 were included in a full analysis. Twenty‐seven patients had baseline RBD, and 15 did not. Four years after the initial evaluation, 48% with RBD developed dementia, compared to 0% of those without (P‐adjusted = 0.014). All 13 patients who developed dementia had mild cognitive impairment on baseline examination. Baseline REM sleep atonia loss predicted development of dementia (% tonic REM = 73.2 ± 26.7 with dementia, 40.8 ± 34.5 without; P = 0.029). RBD at baseline also predicted the new development of hallucinations and cognitive fluctuations. In this prospective study, RBD was associated with increased risk of dementia. This indicates that RBD may be a marker of a relatively diffuse, complex subtype of PD. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Capacity games for partially complementary products under multivariate random demands
Authors: Fang Xiang
Published: February 2012

In this study, we consider n firms, each of which produces and sells a different product. The n firms face a common demand stream which requests all their products as a complete set. In addition to the common demand stream, each firm also faces a dedicated demand stream which requires only its own product. The common and dedicated demands are uncertain and follow a general, joint, continuous distribution. Before the demands are realized, each firm needs to determine its capacity or production quantity to maximize its own expected profit. We formulate the problem as a noncooperative game. The sales price per unit for the common demand could be higher or lower than the unit price for the dedicated demand, which affects the firm's inventory rationing policy. Hence, the outcome of the game varies. All of the prices are first assumed to be exogenous. We characterize Nash equilibrium(s) of the game. At the end of the article, we also provide some results for the endogenous pricing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 59: 146–159, 2012
Perchance to dream: understanding the complexities of sleep
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: February 2012

Recent research has helped shed more light on the complex pathways controlling sleep and its disorders. Mark Greener provides an overview of some of these studies and discusses the intimate relationship between sleep and psychiatric conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alternating copolymers with degradability and quantitatively controlled thermosensitivity
Authors: Feng Lei , Liu Yu , Hao Jianyuan , Xiong Chengdong , Deng Xianmo
Published: February 2012

To combine temperature responsivity and degradability, novel alternating copolymers with polyester backbone and oligo(ethylene glycol) side chain were designed and prepared by alternating ring‐opening copolymerization of succinic anhydride (SA) and functional epoxide monomer(s). The epoxide monomer containing one ethylene glycol unit, 2‐((2‐methoxyethoxy)methyl)oxirane (MEMO), has displayed similar copolymerization activity to that containing two ethylene glycol units, 2‐((2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)methyl)oxirane (ME2MO), when copolymerized with SA. This feature led to the formation of alternating copolymers with statistical random distribution of MEMO/ME2MO units along the backbone when mixed MEMO/ME2MO comonomers were fed. These polyesters possess degradability and quantitatively controlled lower critical solution temperature (LCST; 18–50 °C) and Tg (−40 to −31 °C) both in linear relations with MEMO/ME2MO feed ratio. Fine control of LCST near body temperature is thus realized for the reported degradable and thermoresponsive polyesters, which have promising applications in biomedical fields. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis of arborescent styrene homopolymers and copolymers from epoxidized substrates
Authors: Moingeon Firmin , Wu Yan Rong , Cadena‐Sánchez Lorena Eugenia , Gauthier Mario
Published: February 2012

The synthesis of arborescent styrenic homopolymers and copolymers was achieved by anionic polymerization and grafting. Styrene and p‐(3‐butenyl)styrene were first copolymerized using sec‐butyllithium in toluene, to generate a linear copolymer with a weight‐average molecular weight Mw = 4000 and Mw/Mn = 1.05. The pendant double bonds of the copolymer were then epoxidized with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid. A comb‐branched (or arborescent generation G0) copolymer was obtained by coupling the epoxidized substrate with living styrene‐p‐(3‐butenyl)styrene copolymer chains with Mw ≈ 5000 in a toluene/tetrahydrofuran mixture. Further cycles of epoxidation and coupling reactions while maintaining Mw ≈ 5000 for the side chains yielded arborescent copolymers of generations G1–G3. A series of arborescent styrene homopolymers was also obtained by grafting Mw ≈ 5000 polystyrene side chains onto the linear and G0–G2 copolymer substrates. Size exclusion chromatography measurements showed that the graft polymers have low polydispersity indices (Mw/Mn = 1.02–1.15) and molecular weights increasing geometrically over successive generations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Restrictive pulmonary dysfunction and its predictors in young patients with β‐thalassaemia major
Authors: Bourli Evangelia , Dimitriadou Meropi , Economou Marina , Vlachaki Efthimia , Christoforidis Athanasios , Maratou Eleni , Stanopoulos Ioannis , Argyropoulou Paraskevi , Aivazis Victor
Published: February 2012

Background

Pulmonary dysfunction represents one of the most undervalued and less recognized complications in patients with β‐thalassaemia.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of pulmonary dysfunction and consequently to investigate possible associated factors that might contribute to lung impairment in young patients with β‐thalassaemia major.

Methods

Fifty‐two children and young adults (mean age: 21.33 ± 6.24 years) with β‐thalassaemia major on conventional treatment (transfusions and iron chelation therapy) were included in the study. A complete computerized pulmonary function testing (PFT) system for recording pulmonary diffusion capacity and simultaneous determination of alveolar volume and pulmonary volumes was equipped.

Results

Results showed that 20 patients (38.46%) had restrictive pulmonary pattern that was preferentially observed in older and shorter patients. Serum ferritin levels were higher in the restrictive group (2,096 ± 1,831 ng/dl) compared to patients with normal pulmonary function (1,354 ± 942 ng/dl) (P = 0.066). Diffusional impairment characterized by significantly lower DLCO*% values, was observed in the restrictive group (P = 0.004), implicating the 62.5% of the population studied. Paired linear correlations showed that age was negatively correlated to DLCO*% (r = −0.548, P < 0.001) and SaO2% (r = −0.789, P < 0.001) and with most of the pulmonary functional parameters that determine a restrictive. Multivariate regression analysis identified age as the major predictor for restrictive pulmonopathy followed by serum ferritin levels.

Conclusions

Our study shows that pulmonary impairment is shown in a great proportion even among asymptomatic young thalassaemic patients, thus, regular screening of pulmonary function should be adopted in the routine clinical follow up of these patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:801–807. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Signaling molecules in the fetal rabbit model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Vuckovic Aline , Roubliova Xenia I. , Votino Carmela , Naeije Robert , Jani Jacques C.
Published: February 2012

Rationale and objectives

Little is known about molecular changes in lungs of fetal rabbits with surgically induced diaphragmatic hernia (DH). Therefore, we examined in this model gene expressions of pivotal molecules for the developing lung.

Methods

At day 23 of gestation, DH was created in 12 fetuses from 4 does. Both lungs from six live DH fetuses and from six unoperated controls were harvested and weighed at term. Transcription of 15 genes involved in alveolarization, angiogenesis, regulation of vascular tone, or epithelial maturation was investigated by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Main results

DH decreased lung‐to‐body weight ratio (P < 0.001). A bilateral downregulation was seen for genes encoding for tropoelastin (P < 0.01), lysyl oxidase (P < 0.05), fibulin 5 (P < 0.05), and cGMP specific phosphodiesterase 5 (P < 0.05). Lower mRNA levels for endothelial nitric oxide synthase occurred in the ipsilateral lung (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Experimental DH in fetal rabbits disrupted transcription of genes implicated in lung growth and function. Similarities with the human disease make this model appropriate for investigation of new prenatal therapies. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:1088–1096. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of Oxygen Control and Its Effect on Inclusion Characteristics during Electroslag Remelting of Die Steel
Authors: Shi Cheng‐Bin , Chen Xi‐Chun , Guo Han‐Jie , Zhu Zi‐Jiang , Ren Hao
Published: February 2012

Deoxidation during electroslag remelting of S136 die steel was experimentally studied. The characteristics of inclusions in the electrode and ESR ingots were determined by image analyzer and SEM‐EDS. The results show that the oxygen content can be reduced from 89 ppm in the electrode to the lowest (12 ppm) in the ingot only when protective Ar gas remelting in combination with specially designed slag deoxidation treatment were employed simultaneously. The proportion of the oxygen combined as oxide inclusions increases with decreasing the total oxygen content in ESR ingot. The original inclusions in the electrode are mainly large (Mn,Cr)S and the large inclusions in the form of Al2O3 core surrounded by an outer sulfide layer, besides a few pure Al2O3 inclusions. After ESR process, while only pure Al2O3 inclusions with the size of about 1 µm were observed in ESR ingots. The large inclusions in the electrode were removed during ESR process. With higher oxygen content in the ingot, the contents of inclusions and large inclusions would be relatively higher. The results from industrial experiments have confirmed the availability of the present oxygen control technique. The mechanisms of oxygen behavior and control as well as inclusion evolution during ESR process were proposed based on experimental results along with thermodynamic analysis.
Visibility and measurement of Cesarean section scars in pregnancy: a reproducibility study
Authors: Naji O. , Daemen A. , Smith A. , Abdallah Y. , Saso S. , Stalder C. , Sayasneh A. , McIndoe A. , Ghaem‐Maghami S. , Timmerman D. , Bourne T.
Published: February 2012

Absract

Objectives

To evaluate the visibility of Cesarean section (CS) scars by transvaginal sonography (TVS) in pregnant women, to apply a standardized approach for measuring CS scars and to test its reproducibility throughout the course of pregnancy.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, 320 consecutive pregnant women with a previous Cesarean delivery were examined to assess scar visibility by two independent examiners. TVS was carried out at 11–13, 19–21 and 34–36 weeks' gestation. A scar was defined as visible when an area of hypoechogenicity representing myometrial discontinuity at the anterior wall of the lower uterine segment was identified. In a subset of patients (n = 111), visible scars were measured by two independent examiners in three dimensions: scar width, depth and length as well as the residual myometrial thickness (RMT). Descriptive analysis was used to assess scar visibility, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to show the strength of absolute agreement between two examiners for scar measurements. For RMT, a cut‐off of 2.4 mm was used and measurement agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient.

Results

The scar was visible in 284/320 cases (88.8%). Visible scars were significantly associated with anteverted uteri (P < 0.0001). Both examiners had 100% agreement on scar visibility at 12 and 20 weeks' gestation, while agreement was 96% at 34 weeks. The intra‐ and interobserver agreements for scar measurements were generally good (ICC 0.86 and 0.89, respectively). The kappa coefficient for the RMT was 0.27 in the first trimester, compared with 0.51 and 0.72 in the second and third trimesters, respectively.

Conclusion

CS scars remain visible in the majority of women throughout pregnancy. They can be reproducibly measured in three dimensions when assessed by TVS in all trimesters of pregnancy. The agreement between two observers for CS scar measurement can be considered good for the first trimester, compared with relatively moderate agreement for the second and third trimesters.
Proximate and Fatty Acid Composition of Some Commercially Important Fish Species from the Sinop Region of the Black Sea
Authors: Kocatepe Demet , Turan Hülya
Published: February 2012

The proximate and fatty acid compositions of the commercially important fish species (Engraulis encrasicolus, Alosa alosa, Belone belone, Scorpaena porcus, Pomatomus saltatrix, Mullus barbatus) from the Sinop region of the Black Sea were examined. The fat contents ranged from 1.26% (for scorpion fish) to 18.12% (for shad). The protein contents were min 14.54% (for red mullet) and maximum 20.26% (for belone). The fatty acid compositions of the fish ranged from 27.83 to 35.91% for saturated fatty acids, 19.50–33.80% for monounsaturated fatty acids and 15.25–40.02% for polyunsaturated fatty acids. Among the saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid (16:0) (17.75–22.20%) was the dominant fatty acid for all the fish species. As a second saturated fatty acid, myristic acid (14:0) was observed in four of the fish species and its content ranged from 4.72 to 7.31%. Whereas, for the other two fish species, the second saturated fatty acid was stearic acid (18:0) ranging between 4.54 and 10.64%. Among the monounsaturated fatty acids, those occurring in the highest proportions were oleic acid (18:1n‐9c) (11.67–22.45%) and palmitoleic acid (16:1) (4.50–9.40%). Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) (5.41–28.52%), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) (4.68–11.06) and linoleic acid (18:2n‐6) (1.38–3.49%) were dominant polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. All the species, in particular the belone, the anchovy and the shad had high levels of the n‐3 series.
Longitudinal analysis of serum miR-122 in a rat model of Wilson’s disease
Authors: Siaj Ramsi , Sauer Vanessa , Stöppeler Sandra , Gerß Joachim , Spiegel Hans-Ullrich , Köhler Gabriele , Zibert Andree , Schmidt Hartmut H.-J.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) has recently been shown to represent a novel biomarker of liver disease. However, the presence of serum miR-122 after liver injury was mostly studied at singular time points. The course of serum miR-122 was determined at consecutive time points during the onset of disease.

Methods

Fulminant hepatitis was induced by a high-copper diet in Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats that were used as models for Wilson’s disease (WD). Levels of serum miR-122, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, and liver histology were determined.

Results

Toxic copper given to isolated hepatocytes induced release of miR-122 into the tissue culture medium. Levels of serum miR-122 were highly elevated (21.9 ± 5) in LEC rats after high-copper diet in fulminant hepatitis, whereas healthy rats showed low (<0.6) baseline levels of miR-122. Levels of miR-122 in the serum of LEC rats after high-copper diet continuously increased for about 4 weeks prior to the onset of fulminant hepatitis. In most of the animals (77.8%), significantly increased levels of miR-122 were detected about 2 weeks (13.7 ± 2 days) earlier as compared to hepatitis-associated serum markers ALT, AST, and bilirubin. Analysis of miR-122 in survivors after cell-based therapy of WD demonstrated a rapid decrease of miR-122 levels following hepatocyte transplantation. miR-122 expression in the serum was normalized to baseline levels in most of the (4/5) survivors.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that longitudinal analysis of miR-122 allows detection of severe liver disease at an early stage and might be excellently suited to monitor therapy, at least when severe liver disease can be restored as observed after cell-based therapy of WD.
Stimuli-Responsive Polymers and Their Applications in Nanomedicine
Authors: Cabane Etienne , Zhang Xiaoyan , Langowska Karolina , Palivan Cornelia G. , Meier Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

This review focuses on smart nano-materials built of stimuli-responsive (SR) polymers and will discuss their numerous applications in the biomedical field. The authors will first provide an overview of different stimuli and their corresponding, responsive polymers. By introducing myriad functionalities, SR polymers present a wide range of possibilities in the design of stimuli-responsive devices, making use of virtually all types of polymer constructs, from self-assembled structures (micelles, vesicles) to surfaces (polymer brushes, films) as described in the second section of the review. In the last section of this review the authors report on some of the most promising applications of stimuli-responsive polymers in nanomedicine. In particular, we will discuss applications pertaining to diagnosis, where SR polymers are used to construct sensors capable of selective recognition and quantification of analytes and physical variables, as well as imaging devices. We will also highlight some examples of responsive systems used for therapeutic applications, including smart drug delivery systems (micelles, vesicles, dendrimers …) and surfaces for regenerative medicine.
Gender-specific relationships between alcohol drinking patterns and metabolic syndrome: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008
Authors: Lee Kayoung
Published: February 2012

Objective

To examine gender-specific relationships between alcohol drinking patterns (average drinking frequency, typical drinking quantity and frequency of binge drinking) and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in the Korean population.

Design

Cross-sectional study using complex sampling design analyses.

Setting

The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV, which was conducted in 2008.

Subjects

Current drinkers (n 3793, 1963 men and 1830 women).

Results

After adjusting for confounders (age, educational level, income, physical activity, smoking, energy intake and drinking frequency in the analysis for drinking quantity), the associations of drinking quantity and frequency of binge drinking with the prevalence of MetS were gender-specific. Seven or more drinks for men and ≥3 drinks for women per typical occasion and binge drinking ≥1 time/week for both sexes resulted in significantly higher odds for the prevalence of MetS compared with men and women who had 1 or 2 drinks and no instances of binge drinking. The association of drinking quantity and the criteria of MetS was stronger for men with high blood pressure and abdominal obesity, whereas it was stronger for women with high glucose. Binge drinking frequency was dose-dependently associated with high TAG, high glucose, high blood pressure and abdominal obesity in men, and with high glucose and high blood pressure in women. Interestingly, average drinking frequency was not associated with the prevalence of MetS in either sex.

Conclusions

Higher drinking quantity and frequent binge drinking are indicators of a higher prevalence of MetS, and the association strength is thought to be gender-specific.
Optical reflectivity of solid and liquid methane: Application to spectroscopy of Titan's hydrocarbon lakes
Authors: Adams Kimberly A. , Jacobsen Steven D. , Liu Zhenxian , Thomas Sylvia‐Monique , Somayazulu Maddury , Jurdy Donna M.
Published: February 2012

Reflectance spectroscopy of outer solar system bodies provides direct observations for interpreting their surface compositions. At Titan, the Cassini spacecraft revealed dark patches in the surface reflectance at 2 and 5 μm, interpreted as hydrocarbon lakes forming seasonally through a methane cycle. Whereas the composition of planetary materials in the solar system has been inferred from characteristic absorption bands, identification of phase states (liquid versus solid) on dynamic planetary surfaces requires laboratory reflectance ratio measurements at relevant temperatures. Using visible and near‐infrared radiation from the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), reflectance ratios of solid (single crystal) versus liquid CH4 were measured at temperatures from 50–100 K. Although the wavelength and shape of the characteristic methane absorption bands at around 1.7 and 2.3 μm are insensitive to temperature or phase state from 50–100 K, the broad‐spectrum reflectivityR(λ) at 0.5–2 μm decreases dramatically upon melting by at least 25% at 87–94 K. Transition from solid CH4‐I to liquid states at ∼90 K displays a reflectance ratioRsolid/Rliq 1.3–1.6 at 2 μm. This darkening of CH4 upon melting at 87–94 K is similar at visible wavelengths, and consistent with observations of hydrocarbon lakes in the far northern and southern latitudes of Titan.
Interlocking of heterogeneous plate coupling and aftershock area expansion pattern for the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki Mw9 earthquake
Authors: Tajima Fumiko , Kennett Brian L. N.
Published: February 2012

The 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake (Mw9.0) ruptured a large portion of the plate boundary where the coupling was considered weak and represented by sparsely distributed small asperities. A typical asperity break produced an event of around Mw7.5 accompanied by a subsequent expansion of aftershock activity beyond the main rupture zone. Unlike previous large earthquakes, the Mw9.0 earthquake sequence does not show much spatial expansion of aftershock activity, but the areas of slip deficit in the main rupture zone are progressively filled in by aftershocks. We show a clear image of segmentation of physical properties in the subducted slab that has been revealed by joint tomography of P and S wave arrivals. The mapped variations separate the zones of dominant high‐frequency radiation down‐dip and dominant low‐frequency radiation up‐dip on the mainshock fault. These changes indicate significant variations in the effective plate coupling that interlocked the source areas of the past distinct earthquakes.
A Lagrangian stochastic model of surf zone drifter dispersion
Authors: Spydell Matthew S. , Feddersen Falk
Published: February 2012

Drifter‐derived cross‐shore and alongshore surf zone diffusivities were previously estimated on an alongshore uniform beach over 1000 s for five Huntington Beach, California, 2006 (HB06) experiment release days. The cross‐shore diffusivity Kx had a nonmonotonic time dependence, potentially due to the shoreline or to weaker diffusivity seaward of the surf zone. The alongshore diffusivities Ky were qualitatively consistent with shear dispersion but differed from the classic Taylor laminar theory. Here, modeled and analytic diffusivities for the five release days are derived from a Lagrangian stochastic model (LSM) that uses the drifter‐derived bulk (cross‐shore averaged) velocity variance and cross‐shore‐dependent mean alongshore current. The LSM modeled and analytic cross‐shore diffusivities are nonmonotonic due to the shoreline and strongly suggest that the observed cross‐shore diffusivity is shoreline affected. The LSM typically reproduce well the observed Kx with Lagrangian time scale between 75 and 200 s, consistent with surf zone eddy time scales. HB06 drifter trajectories were too short to observe the analytic long‐time Kx limit, and weaker diffusivity seaward of the surf zone may be important at longer times (>1000 s). On all release days, the LSM model and analytic alongshore diffusivity reproduce well the observed Ky with alongshore Lagrangian time scales between 95 and 155 s. The isolated shear‐induced diffusivity is very well represented by an analytic theory which incorporates a nonzero Lagrangian time scale. Many of the stochastic model parameters can be specified a priori with reasonable assumptions to predict surf zone dispersion of an initial value problem pollution spill.
A climatology of stratopause temperature and height in the polar vortex and anticyclones
Authors: France J. A. , Harvey V. L. , Randall C. E. , Hitchman M. H. , Schwartz M. J.
Published: February 2012

A global climatology of stratopause temperature and height is shown using 7 years of Microwave Limb Sounder satellite data, from 2004 to 2011. Stratopause temperature and height is interpreted in the context of the polar vortices and anticyclones defined by the Goddard Earth Observing System meteorological analyses. Multiyear, monthly mean geographic patterns in stratopause temperature and height are shown to depend on the location of the polar vortices and anticyclones. The anomalous winters of 2005/2006 and 2008/2009 are considered separately in this analysis. In the anomalous years, we show that the elevated stratopause in February is confined to the vortex core. This is the first study to show that the stratopause is, on average, 20 K colder and 5–10 km lower in the Aleutian anticyclone than in ambient air during the Arctic winter. During September in the Antarctic the stratopause is, on average, 10 K colder inside anticyclones south of Australia. The regional temperature and height anomalies, which are due to vertical ageostrophic motion associated with baroclinic instability, are shown to be climatological features. The mean structure of the temperature and height anomalies is consistent with moderate baroclinic growth below the stratopause and decay above. This work furthers current understanding of the geography of the stratopause by emphasizing the role of synoptic baroclinic instability, whereby anticyclones establish zonally asymmetric climatological patterns in stratopause temperature and height. This work highlights the need to consider zonal asymmetries when calculating upper stratospheric temperature trends.
A Sky-Subtraction Algorithm for LAMOST Using Two-Dimensional Sky-Background Modeling
Authors: Zhu J. , Ye Z.
Published: February 2012

A novel algorithm is proposed for the sky subtraction of the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) based on two-dimensional sky background modeling. Different from the standard fiber spectrum data processing techniques, a two-dimensional sky background model can be obtained with the new algorithm and sky subtraction can now be performed as an earlier step, before the spectrum extraction. In this study, experiments are performed on simulated data based on the LAMOST project to analyze the accuracy and the effectiveness. The results show that the proposed algorithm can give a more effective sky subtraction than the method that is currently used for LAMOST.
Agronomic studies on irrigated soybean in southern New South Wales. I. Phenological adaptation of genotypes to sowing date
Authors: Gaynor L. G. , Lawn R. J. , James A. T.
Published: February 2012

Serial sowing date studies were used to examine the response of a diverse range of soybean genotypes to sowing date in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA). The aim was to explore the scope to improve the flexibility for rotating irrigated summer soybean crops with winter cereals by broadening the range of potential sowing dates. Serial sowings of diverse genotypes were made in small plots at intervals of ~7 days (2006–07) or 10 days (2007–08) from late November to late January (2006–07) or mid-February (2007–08) and the dates of flowering and maturity recorded. Simple linear models relating rate of development towards flowering to photo-thermal variables indicated that large differences in time to flowering between genotypes, sowing dates, and years could be explained in terms of differences in genotype sensitivity to mean photoperiod and/or mean daily temperature between sowing and flowering. In general, warmer temperatures hastened and longer days delayed flowering, consistent with quantitative short-day photoperiodic response. The earliest flowering genotypes were insensitive to the prevailing photoperiods, and their smaller variations in time to flower over sowing dates and years were related to temperature. Conversely, later flowering genotypes were progressively more sensitive to photoperiod, with flowering occurring later and being more responsive to sowing date. In both seasons, late maturing genotype × sowing date combinations suffered cold temperature damage and frosting. For those genotype × sowing date combinations that were physiologically mature before the first frost, crop duration was a linear function (r2 = 0.86**) of time to flowering. In 2007–08, measurements were also made at maturity of total standing dry matter (TDM), seed yield, and seed size. For those genotype × sowing date combinations that matured before the first frost, TDM was largely a linear function (r2 = 0.83**) of crop duration, while seed yield was strongly related (r2 = 0.86**) to TDM. Exposure to cold temperatures before physiological maturity reduced seed size and harvest index. Using the generalised relations developed in these studies, it was concluded that commercial yields may be possible for irrigated soybean crops in the MIA sown in December or possibly later. These options are evaluated in greater detail in the companion paper, using large-scale agronomic trials of a subset of adapted genotypes.
Effects of nitrogen supply on canopy development of maize and sunflower
Authors: Massignam A. M. , Chapman S. C. , Hammer G. L. , Fukai S.
Published: February 2012

Nitrogen (N) limitation reduces canopy carbon assimilation by directly reducing leaf photosynthesis, and by developmentally reducing the rate of new leaf area development and accelerating leaf senescence. Effective use of N for biomass production under N limitation may be considered to be a result of a trade-off between the use of N to maintain high levels of specific leaf nitrogen (SLN the amount of N per unit leaf area) for high photosynthetic rate versus using N to maintain leaf area development (leaf area index – LAI). The objective here is to compare the effects of N supply on the dynamics of LAI and SLN for two crops, maize (Zea mays L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) that contrast in the structure and development of their canopy. Three irrigated experiments imposed different levels of N and plant density. While LAI in both maize and sunflower was reduced under N limitation, leaf area development was more responsive to N supply in sunflower than maize. Observations near anthesis showed that sunflower tended to maintain SLN and adjust leaf area under reduced N supply, whereas maize tended to maintain leaf area and adjust SLN first, and, when this was not sufficient, SLN was also reduced. The two species responded differently to variation in N supply, and the implication of these different strategies for crop adaptation and management is discussed.
Energy psychology and psychotherapy: A study of the use of energy psychology in psychotherapy practice
Authors: Mason Elizabeth
Published: February 2012

Aim: The aim of the study was to increase understanding of how energy psychology informs and affects counselling/psychotherapy practice. By undertaking phenomenological interviews with experienced clinicians, the aim was to enrich and expand on the scientific approaches to energy psychology research. Method: This research is based on in‐depth semi‐structured interviews using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Five experienced psychotherapists who are also practitioners of energy psychology were interviewed. Findings: Four main themes emerged from the analysis: energy psychology as a potent intervention that facilitates shifts in emotions, cognitions, behaviours and physiology; the safety of energy psychology techniques; the role of the therapeutic relationship when using energy psychology techniques; and the challenges of integrating energy psychology into the work context, highlighting the need for more complex, systemic models to understand how people experience distress and how change is facilitated. Conclusion: Overall, participants in this study found energy psychology to be a valuable supplement to counselling and psychotherapy. The implications for current practice are discussed.
Plasma generation by inductive coupling with a planar resonant RF network antenna
Authors: Lecoultre S , Guittienne Ph , Howling A A , Fayet P , Hollenstein Ch
Published: February 2012

A planar antenna operating at 13.56 MHz is presented for potential applications in plasma processing. It consists of interconnected elementary resonant meshes composed of inductive and capacitive elements. Due to its structure, the antenna exhibits a set of resonant modes associated with peaks of the real input impedance. Each mode is defined by its particular distribution of current and voltage oscillating at the frequency of the mode. A rectangular antenna of 0.55 m×0.20 m has been built and first results obtained with argon plasmas are presented. Efficient plasma generation is shown by plasma densities above 3 × 1017 m−3 at 2000 W with reasonable uniformity over the antenna area. The plasma couples inductively with the resonating currents flowing in the antenna above a threshold power of about 60 W. The real input impedance at antenna resonance avoids the problem of strong reactive currents and voltages in the matching box and RF power connections associated with conventional large-area plasma sources. Resonant RF networks have a strong potential interest for various designs of plasma sources.
The point defect structure and its transformation in As-implanted ZnO crystals
Authors: Yuan Mengyao , Yuan Hongyu , Jia Quanjie , Chen Yu , Jiang Xiaoming , Wang Huan-hua
Published: February 2012

The point defect structure of As-implanted ZnO crystals was investigated using diffuse x-ray scattering and spectroscopic methods. A dynamic picture regarding the defect structure transformation was revealed. The defect type, size and combination state experienced obvious changes during annealing. Before annealing the point defects distributed isolatedly and coexisted with dislocation loops. After annealing, AsO disappeared and other point defects either aggregated into large clusters or formed defect complexes including AsZn–2VZn whose ionization energy was measured and which was discerned as the main origin of p-type conductivity.
Behaviour of the iron vapour core in the arc of a controlled short-arc GMAW process with different shielding gases
Authors: Wilhelm G , Kozakov R , Gött G , Schöpp H , Uhrlandt D
Published: February 2012

The controlled metal transfer process (CMT) is a variation of the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process which periodically varies wire feeding speed. Using a short-arc burning phase to melt the wire tip before the short circuit, heat input to the workpiece is reduced. Using a steel wire and a steel workpiece, iron vapour is produced in the arc, its maximum concentration lying centrally. The interaction of metal vapour and welding gas considerably impacts the arc profile and, consequently, the heat transfer to the weldpool. Optical emission spectroscopy has been applied to determine the radial profiles of the plasma temperature and iron vapour concentration, as well as their temporal behaviour in the arc period for different mixtures of Ar, O2 and CO2 as shielding gases. Both the absolute iron vapour density and the temporal expansion of the iron core differ considerably for the gases Ar + 8%O2, Ar + 18% CO2 and 100% CO2 respectively. Pronounced minimum in the radial temperature profile is found in the arc centre in gas mixtures with high Ar content under the presence of metal vapour. This minimum disappears in pure CO2 gas. Consequently, the temperature and electrical and thermal conductivity in the arc when CO2 is used as a shielding gas are considerably lower.
PRC1 controls spindle polarization and recruitment of cytokinetic factors during monopolar cytokinesis
Authors: Shrestha Sanjay , Wilmeth Lori Jo , Eyer Jarrett , Shuster Charles B.
Published: February 2012

The central spindle is a postanaphase array of microtubules that plays an essential role in organizing the signaling machinery for cytokinesis. The model by which the central spindle organizes the cytokinetic apparatus is premised on an antiparallel arrangement of microtubules, yet cells lacking spindle bipolarity are capable of generating a distal domain of ectopic furrowing when forced into mitotic exit. Because protein regulator of cytokinesis (PRC1) and kinesin family member 4A (KIF4A) are believed to play a principal role in organizing the antiparallel midzone array, we sought to clarify their roles in monopolar cytokinesis. Although both factors localized to the distal ends of microtubules during monopolar cytokinesis, depletion of PRC1 and KIF4A displayed different phenotypes. Cells depleted of PRC1 failed to form a polarized microtubule array or ectopic furrows following mitotic exit, and recruitment of Aurora B kinase, male germ cell Rac GTPase-activating protein, and RhoA to the cortex was impaired. In contrast, KIF4A depletion impaired neither polarization nor ectopic furrowing, but it did result in elongated spindles with a diffuse distribution of cytokinetic factors. Thus, even in the absence of spindle bipolarity, PRC1 appears to be essential for polarizing parallel microtubules and concentrating the factors responsible for contractile ring assembly, whereas KIF4A is required for limiting the length of anaphase microtubules.
First Report of Root Rot Caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-10 on Canola in Washington State
Authors: Schroeder K. L. , Paulitz T. C.
Published: February 2012

Canola (Brassica napus L) production has gained renewed interest in Washington State over the past few years, primarily for the purpose of producing biofuel. Plants were observed to be showing symptoms of Rhizoctonia root rot and postemergence damping-off. In many cases, this was due to Rhizoctonia solani AG-2-1, which was previously documented (4). However, additional plants were occasionally observed that were stunted and had reduced vigor, but lacked the distinctive severe stem damage and postemergence damping-off, which are both symptoms of infection with R. solani AG-2-1. Isolates of R. solani AG-10 were collected from symptomatic plants or baited from root zone soil at various dryland production locations in eastern Washington, including sites near Colfax, Pullman, and Walla Walla. Initial identification was determined by quantitative (Q)-PCR using R. solani AG-10 specific primers (3). The identity was verified by sequencing random isolates identified by Q-PCR (GenBank Accessions Nos. JQ068147, JQ068148 and JQ068149). All sequenced isolates had 99% identity to previously reported isolates of R. solani AG-10. Six isolates were chosen to test pathogenicity on canola plants in the greenhouse. Sterilized oats were inoculated with each of six isolates of R. solani AG-10 and grown for 4 weeks. The soil was infested with ground oat inoculum (1% wt/wt) and spring canola cv. Sunrise was seeded into 3.8 × 21-cm containers. After 3 weeks of incubation at 15°C, plants were harvested and assessed. Emergence was reduced in the infested soil with 73 to 93% (average 81%) emergence compared with 100% emergence in the noninfested soil. There was no evidence of postemergence damping-off. However, all six isolates of R. solani AG-10 significantly reduced the plant height and top dry weights compared with the noninfested controls. The plant height in infested soil was 28 to 42% (average 34%) shorter and top dry weights were 37 to 70% (average 54%) lower than in noninfested soil. Roots of infected plants had a light brown discoloration along with reduced length and fewer lateral roots. Additional host plants were tested, including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). There was no significant reduction in plant height or plant dry weight for any of these hosts. R. solani AG-10 was previously found to be weakly virulent on canola and other cruciferous hosts in Australia (1,2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. solani AG-10 causing disease on canola in Washington State.

Reference: (1) R. K. Khangura et al. Plant Dis. 83:714, 1999. (2) G. C. MacNish et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 24:252, 1995. (3) P. A. Okubara et al. Phytopathology 98:837, 2008. (4) T. C. Paulitz et al. Plant Dis. 90:829, 2006.