bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear Metallopolymers from Ruthenium(II)‐2,6‐di(quinolin‐8‐yl)pyridine Complexes by Electropolymerization – Formation of Redox‐Stable and Emissive Films
Authors: Friebe Christian , Görls Helmar , Jäger Michael , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: June 2013

Two rodlike ruthenium(II) complexes of 2,6‐di(quinolin‐8‐yl)pyridines (dqp) were synthesized and possess a pair of 2‐thienyl moieties attached to the 4‐positions of the quinoline units of one ligand or at the 4‐positions of the pyridine rings of both ligands. The heteroleptic and homoleptic complexes were characterized by UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy as well as electrochemical and X‐ray crystallographic means. The subsequent electropolymerization of the thiophene units led to the controlled formation of thin solid films onto electrode surfaces as proven by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical analysis of the films was complemented by UV/Vis spectroscopy and UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry, which revealed their stability towards oxidation, red emission, and reversible redox switching of their optical properties. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were executed on the monomer complexes and respective dimeric systems to gain insight into their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties.
Domino Cyclization Initiated by Cross‐Rauhut–Currier Reactions
Authors: Xie Peizhong , Huang You
Published: June 2013

The Rauhut–Currier reaction has proved itself as a promising strategy for synthesis of multifunctionalized molecules, although still being in its infancy with regard to limitations of selectivity and scope. Considerable attention has thus been devoted to resolution of difficulties associated with controlling strategies and enantioselectivity. Carbocycles with distinct structural frameworks can be assembled rapidly through incorporation of cross‐Rauhut–Currier reactions into domino processes. The fine compatibility and widespread utility of Rauhut–Currier reactions is illustrated with several recent outstanding examples, with the aim of shedding light on the design of new substrates and catalysts for syntheses of complex molecules.
Reaction of Two Differently Functionalized Oxiranes with Nickel Perchlorate: A Modular Entry to Highly Substituted 1,3‐Dioxolanes
Authors: Chen Zuliang , Xiao Yuanjing , Zhang Junliang
Published: June 2013

Nickel perchlorate catalyzed sequential Meinwald rearrangement of a terminal oxirane through C–O bond cleavage, and cycloaddition with a donor–acceptor oxirane through C–C bond cleavage was developed. The same catalyst mediates the ring opening of the oxirane moiety in two different ways. This method provides an alternative route to synthesize highly substituted 1,3‐dioxolanes by using oxiranes instead of aldehydes.
A highly photoactive S, Cu‐codoped nano‐TiO2 photocatalyst: Synthesis and characterization for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of neutral red
Authors: Yan Chunyan , Yi Wentao , Yuan Hongmei , Wu Xiaoxia , Li Faqiang
Published: June 2013

Sulfur and copper codoped TiO2 (S, Cu‐TiO2) were prepared by sol‐gel process. And the samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and N2 adsorption (BET method). The XRD results showed that the S, Cu‐codoped samples calcined below 550°C were pure anatase crystal structure which was in accordance with the FTIR spectra. “Red‐shift” in the UV‐vis spectrum of S, Cu‐codoped catalysts was observed, and SEM micrographs revealed that the codoped samples consisted of agglomerated nanoparticles with average particle size of 40–70 nm which was smaller than that of pure TiO2. The N2 adsorption measurements showed that the S, Cu‐codoped samples were mesoporous structures. The photocatalytic performance of the codoped samples was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of neutral red (NR) under UV and visible light illumination. The results showed that 0.2% S, Cu‐TiO2 calcined at 450°C had the highest photocatalytic activity among all samples. And the photocatalytic degradation rate of NR solution with a concentration of 20 mg L−1 could reach 98.4% under UV illumination in 120 min in the presence of 0.75 g L−1 catalyst and H2O2 with initial concentration of 0.2 mmol L−1. The kinetic study showed that this photocatalytic process coincided with the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood (L‐H) pseudo first order reaction model. The reusability study showed that 0.2% S, Cu‐TiO2 was highly stable up to third run. Therefore, the S, Cu‐codoped TiO2 is a promising candidate for degradation of NR containing wastewater. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 419–429, 2014
Influences of type of wave and angle of incidence on seismic bending moments in pile foundations
Authors: Zarzalejos J. M. , Aznárez J. J. , Padrón L. A. , Maeso O.
Published: June 2013

When analysing the seismic response of pile groups, a vertically‐incident wavefield is usually employed even though it does not necessarily correspond to the worst case scenario. This work aims to study the influences of both the type of seismic body wave and its angle of incidence on the dynamic response of pile foundations. To this end, the formulation of SV, SH and P obliquely‐incident waves is presented and implemented in a frequency‐domain boundary element‐finite element code for the dynamic analysis of pile foundations and piled structures. Results are presented in terms of bending moments at cap level of single piles and 3 × 3 pile groups, both in frequency and in time domains. It is found that, in general, the vertical incidence is not the most unfavourable situation. In particular, obliquely‐incident SV waves with angles of incidence smaller than the critical one, a situation in which the mechanism of propagation of the waves in the soil changes and surface waves appear, yield bending moments much larger than those obtained for vertically‐incident wavefields. It is also shown that the influence of pile‐to‐pile interaction on the kinematic bending moments becomes significant for non‐vertical incidence, especially for P and SV waves. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revised and updated paleomagnetic results from Costa Rica
Authors: Cromwell G. , Constable C. G. , Staudigel H. , Tauxe L. , Gans P.
Published: June 2013

Paleomagnetic results from globally distributed lava flows have been collected and analyzed under the time‐averaged field initiative (TAFI), a multi‐institutional collaboration started in 1996 and designed to improve the geographic and temporal coverage of the 0–5 Ma paleomagnetic database for studying both the time‐averaged field and its very long‐term secular variations. Paleomagnetic samples were collected from 35 volcanic units, either lava flows or ignimbrites, in Costa Rica in December 1998 and February 2000 from the Cordilleras Central and Guanacaste, the underlying Canas, Liberia and Bagaces formations and from Volcano Arenal. Age estimates range from approximately 40 ka to slightly over 6 Ma. Although initial results from these sites were used in a global synthesis of TAFI data by Johnson et al. (2008), a full description of methodology was not presented. This paper documents the definitive collection of results comprising 28 paleomagnetic directions (24 normal, 4 reversed), with enhanced precision and new geological interpretations, adding two paleointensity estimates and 19 correlated 40Ar/39Ar radiometric ages. The average field direction is consistent with that of a geocentric axial dipole and dispersion of virtual geomagnetic poles (17.3 ± 4.6°) is in general agreement with predictions from several statistical paleosecular variation models. Paleointensity estimates from two sites give an average field strength of 26.3 μT and a virtual axial dipole moment of 65 ZAm2. The definitive results provide a useful augmentation of the global database for the longer term goal of developing new statistical descriptions of paleomagnetic field behavior.
Crustal and uppermost mantle shear velocity structure adjacent to the Juan de Fuca Ridge from ambient seismic noise
Authors: Tian Ye , Shen Weisen , Ritzwoller Michael H.
Published: June 2013

Based on 6 months of OBS data from the Cascadia Initiative experiment near the Juan de Fuca Ridge, we obtain Rayleigh wave group and phase speed curves from 6 s to about 20 s period from ambient noise cross correlations among all station pairs. We confirm the hypothesis that the dispersion data can be fit by a simple age‐dependent formula, which we invert using a Bayesian Monte Carlo formalism for an age‐dependent shear wave speed model of the crust and uppermost mantle between crustal ages of 0.5 and 3.5 Ma. Igneous crustal structure is age invariant with a thickness of 7 km, water depth varies in a prescribed way, and sedimentary thickness and mantle shear wave speeds are found to increase systematically with crustal age. The mantle model possesses a shallow low shear velocity zone (LVZ) with a velocity minimum at about 20 km depth at 0.5 Ma with lithosphere thickening monotonically with age. Minimum mantle shear velocities at young ages are lower than predicted from a half‐space conductively cooling model (HSCM) and the lithosphere thickens with age faster than the HSCM, providing evidence for nonconductive cooling in the young lithosphere. The shallow LVZ is consistent with expectations for a largely dehydrated depleted (harzburgite) mantle with a small, retained near‐ridge partial melt fraction probably less than 1% with melt extending to a lithospheric age of approximately 1 Ma (i.e., ∼30 km from the ridge).
The petrogenesis of plagioclase‐phyric basalts at mid‐ocean ridges
Authors: Lange Amy E. , Nielsen Roger L. , Tepley Frank J. , Kent Adam J. R.
Published: June 2013

Plagioclase ultraphyric basalts (PUBs) have been sampled along most mid‐ocean ridges with ultraslow to intermediate spreading rates. Over the past 40 years, the prevalent models for their origin assume positive buoyancy of plagioclase in basaltic liquids resulting in selective concentration of plagioclase phenocrysts by floatation. However, when the global population of PUB lavas is examined, this hypothesis becomes less compelling. PUB host lavas demonstrate a large range of compositions and densities, similar to aphyric glasses from the same ridge segments. Most importantly, the majority of PUB host liquids are less dense than their phenocryst cargo, meaning that plagioclase floatation within a magma chamber cannot be the driving force for phenocryst enrichment. Furthermore, PUB lavas have never been sampled on axis at fast‐spreading centers or from locations with noted contemporaneous axial magma chambers, where PUBs should be abundant if plagioclase is buoyant in mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB). Instead, we argue that the high modal abundance of plagioclase results from interaction between magma and preexisting zones of crystal cumulates within the lower crust, possibly followed by loss of olivine during magma ascent. PUBs erupt when the magma maintains an ascent velocity greater than the settling rate of the plagioclase phenocrysts, which precludes long crustal residence times for these magmas. In addition to being a proxy for lower spreading rates, our findings also suggest that PUB eruption can also be used as a proxy for the absence of a magma chamber or transport through a conduit system that bypassed an axial chamber.
Determining the orientations of ocean bottom seismometers using ambient noise correlation
Authors: Zha Yang , Webb Spahr C. , Menke William
Published: June 2013

The cross‐correlation of multicomponent ambient seismic noise can reveal both the velocity and polarization of surface waves propagating between pairs of stations. We explore this property to develop a novel method for determining the horizontal orientation of ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) by analyzing the polarization of Rayleigh waves retrieved from ambient noise cross‐correlation. We demonstrate that the sensor orientations can be estimated through maximizing the correlation between the radial‐vertical component and the phase‐shifted vertical‐vertical component of the empirical Green's tensor. We apply this new method to the ELSC (Eastern Lau Spreading Center) OBS experiment data set and illustrate its robustness by comparing the obtained orientations with results from a conventional method utilizing teleseismic P and Rayleigh wave polarizations. When applied to a large OBS array, the ambient noise method provides a larger number of orientation estimates and better azimuthal coverage than typically is possible with traditional methods.
Venous thromboembolism in otolaryngology surgical inpatients receiving chemoprophylaxis
Authors: Yarlagadda Bharat B. , Brook Christopher D. , Stein Daniel J. , Jalisi Scharukh
Published: June 2013

Background

The Caprini risk assessment model for stratifying patients' risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been validated in the otolaryngology literature. We sought to determine the incidence of VTE in patients receiving chemoprophylaxis and correlate with the Caprini risk assessment model.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of adult surgical admissions to an academic otolaryngology service from 2007 to 2012 was performed. Caprini risk assessment model scores were calculated and compared to incidence of VTE based on diagnosis codes.

Results

Seven hundred four patients met our inclusion criteria. Fifteen (2.13%) developed VTE. The Caprini risk assessment model score averaged 5.7 (range, 2–16). Patients with VTE had an average score of 9.87 versus 5.62 for those without (p < .0001). No patients with a score of 6 and below, 3.01% with 7‐8, and 13.16% with a score >9 developed VTE.

Conclusion

The incidence of VTE increases with Caprini risk assessment model score, and a score of >8 predicts a high risk (>13%) of VTE in postoperative otolaryngology inpatients despite chemoprophylaxis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1087–1093, 2014
Ab Initio Diabatic energies and dipole moments of the electronic states of RbLi molecule
Authors: Dardouri Riadh , Habli Héla , Oujia Brahim , Gadéa Florent Xavier
Published: June 2013

For all states dissociating below the ionic limit Li− Rb+, we perform a diabatic study for 1Σ+ electronic states dissociating into Rb (5s, 5p, 4d, 6s, 6p, 5d, 7s, 4f) + Li (2s, 2p, 3s). Furthermore, we present the diabatic results for the 1–11 3σ, 1–8 1,3Π, and 1–4 1,3Δ states. The present calculations on the RbLi molecule are complementary to previous theoretical work on this system, including recently observed electronic states that had not been calculated previously. The calculations rely on ab‐initio pseudopotential, core polarization potential operators for the core‐valence correlation and full valence configuration interaction approaches, combined to an efficient diabatization procedure. For the low‐lying states, diabatic potentials and permanent dipole moments are analyzed, revealing the strong imprint of the ionic state in the 1Σ+ adiabatic states. The transition dipole moment is used to evaluate the radiative lifetimes of the vibrational levels trapped in the 2 1Σ+ excited states for the first time. In addition to the bound–bound contribution, the bound–free term has been evaluated using the Franck–Condon approximation and also exactly added to the total radiative lifetime. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of out‐of‐plane shear flow on Hall magnetic reconnection and FTE generation
Authors: Chen Yangao , Xiao Chijie , Wang Xiaogang , Wang Jiaqi , Zhang Hui , Pu Zuyin , Ma Zhiwei , Guo Zhibin
Published: June 2013

Magnetic reconnection driven by an out‐of‐plane shear flow is carried out based on the three‐dimensional Hall magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) code. The simulation results indicate that an out‐of‐plane shear flow can drive a secondary tearing instability to quickly form a magnetic island without a guide field or a flux rope with a guide field. It is found that the size of the flux rope within ~240 Alfven time reaches about 20a (a is the initial current sheet thickness) that is roughly one Earth radius, the typical scale of Flux Transfer Event (FTE) observed at the dayside magnetopause. From a special simulation case based on the THEMIS data, it is found that an observed FTE is well reproduced by the Hall MHD simulation, which may give some clues on the generation mechanism of FTE.
THEMIS observations of electron acceleration associated with the evolution of substorm dipolarization in the near‐Earth tail
Authors: Tang C. L. , Lu L. , Zhou M. , Yao Z. H.
Published: June 2013

We present the evolution of dipolarizations in the near‐Earth tail during a substorm on 15 March 2009, based on the two‐point measurements in the nightside plasma sheet at X ~ −8.0 RE. The earthward‐moving dipolarization, the magnetic flux pileup, and the tailward‐moving dipolarization were observed. For the 30–200 keV electrons, betatron acceleration was the dominant process, which was caused by the much larger gradient of the magnetic field there during the earthward‐moving dipolarization or by a local compression of the magnetic field during the magnetic flux pileup and tailward‐moving dipolarization. These near‐perpendicular distributions for the 30–200 keV electrons are interpreted as produced by a two‐step acceleration: Electrons were first accelerated in the dipolarization fronts in the midtail or the near‐Earth tail and then were further accelerated near the tail current disruption region. For the more than 200 keV electrons, Fermi acceleration was the dominant process, which was caused by the shrinking length of magnetic field line during the tailward‐moving dipolarization. The source region of the more than 200 keV electrons may be near the tail current disruption region, but these electrons were accelerated locally. These field‐aligned electrons can precipitate into the ionosphere and form the discrete auroral arcs. Two parallel arcs were clearly observed around the substorm onset: one propagated equatorward, another propagated poleward. We suggest that the earthward‐moving dipolarization, the magnetic flux pileup, and the tailward‐moving dipolarization near the tail current disruption region can well explain the auroral evolution around the substorm onset.
Monthly maps of sea surface dissolved inorganic carbon in the North Pacific: Basin‐wide distribution and seasonal variation
Authors: Yasunaka Sayaka , Nojiri Yukihiro , Nakaoka Shin‐ichiro , Ono Tsuneo , Mukai Hitoshi , Usui Norihisa
Published: June 2013

We produced 84 monthly maps of sea surface dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration for the North Pacific from 2002 to 2008. The estimated DIC concentration agrees well with DIC concentration observed from research vessels at fixed time series stations (root‐mean‐square error of 10.2 μmol kg−1). The spatial distribution of 7 year annual mean DIC concentration corresponds to the sea surface salinity distribution and ocean circulation. We explored DIC seasonal variation by categorizing the North Pacific into 10 areal clusters. DIC decrease from March to July was captured: more than 120 μmol kg−1 in the northwest, but less than 40 μmol kg−1 in the subtropics. After subtracting the effects of air‐sea CO2 flux and salinity change, the residual DIC decrease from March to July can be considered as net community production (NCP): more than 14 mmolC m−2 d−1 in the boundary region between the subtropics and the subarctic extending from east coast of Japan to the date line, more than 8 mmolC m−2 d−1 in the coastal region of the subarctic, and 4–8 mmolC m−2 d−1 in the offshore region of the subarctic. The NCP corresponds well to 20–30% of the satellite‐derived net primary production.
The version 8.6 SBUV ozone data record: An overview
Authors: McPeters Richard D. , Bhartia P. K. , Haffner D. , Labow Gordon J. , Flynn Larry
Published: June 2013

Under a NASA program to produce long‐term data records from instruments on multiple satellites, data from a series of nine Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SBUV and SBUV/2) instruments have been reprocessed to create a coherent ozone time series. Data from the BUV instrument on Nimbus 4, SBUV on Nimbus 7, and SBUV/2 instruments on NOAA 9, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, and 19 covering the period 1970–1972 and 1979–2011 were used to create a long‐term data set. The goal is an ozone Earth Science Data Record—a consistent, calibrated ozone time series that can be used for trend analyses and other studies. In order to create this ozone data set, the radiances were adjusted and used to reprocess the entire data records for each of the nine instruments. Interinstrument comparisons during periods of overlap as well as comparisons with data from other satellite and ground‐based instruments were used to evaluate the consistency of the record and make calibration adjustments as needed. Additional improvements in this version 8.6 processing included the use of the Brion, Daumont, and Malicet ozone cross sections, and a cloud‐height climatology derived from Aura OMI measurements. Validation of the reprocessed ozone shows that total column ozone is consistent with the Brewer/Dobson network to within about 1% for the new time series. Comparisons with MLS, SAGE, sondes, and lidar show that ozone at individual levels in the stratosphere is generally consistent to within 5%.
Aerosol particles at a high‐altitude site on the Southeast Tibetan Plateau, China: Implications for pollution transport from South Asia
Authors: Zhao Zhuzi , Cao Junji , Shen Zhenxing , Xu Baiqing , Zhu Chongshu , Chen L.‐W. Antony , Su Xiaoli , Liu Suixin , Han Yongming , Wang Gehui , Ho Kinfai
Published: June 2013

Bulk aerosol samples were collected from 16 July 2008 to 26 July 2009 at Lulang, a high‐altitude (>3300m above sea level) site on the southeast Tibetan Plateau (TP); objectives were to determine chemical characteristics of the aerosol and identify its major sources. We report aerosol (total suspended particulate, TSP) mass levels and the concentrations of selected elements, carbonaceous species, and water‐soluble inorganic ions. Significant buildup of aerosol mass and chemical species (organic carbon, element carbon, nitrate, and sulfate) occurred during the premonsoon, while lower concentrations were observed during the monsoon. Seasonal variations in aerosol and chemical species were driven by precipitation scavenging and atmospheric circulation. Two kinds of high‐aerosol episodes were observed: one was enriched with dust indicators (Fe and Ca2+), and the other was enhanced with organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), SO42−, NO3−, and Fe. The TSP loadings during the latter were 3 to 6 times those on normal days. The greatest aerosol optical depths (National Centers for Environmental Protection/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis) occurred upwind, in eastern India and Bangladesh, and trajectory analysis indicates that air pollutants were transported from the southwest. Northwesterly winds brought high levels of natural emissions (Fe, Ca2+) and low levels of pollutants (SO42−, NO3−, K+, and EC); this was consistent with high aerosol optical depths over the western deserts and Gobi. Our work provides evidence that both geological and pollution aerosols from surrounding regions impact the aerosol population of the TP.
Validation and uncertainty estimates for MODIS Collection 6 “Deep Blue” aerosol data
Authors: Sayer A. M. , Hsu N. C. , Bettenhausen C. , Jeong M.‐J.
Published: June 2013

The “Deep Blue” aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval algorithm was introduced in Collection 5 of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) product suite, and complemented the existing “Dark Target” land and ocean algorithms by retrieving AOD over bright arid land surfaces, such as deserts. The forthcoming Collection 6 of MODIS products will include a “second generation” Deep Blue algorithm, expanding coverage to all cloud‐free and snow‐free land surfaces. The Deep Blue dataset will also provide an estimate of the absolute uncertainty on AOD at 550 nm for each retrieval. This study describes the validation of Deep Blue Collection 6 AOD at 550 nm (τM) from MODIS Aqua against Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) data from 60 sites to quantify these uncertainties. The highest quality (denoted quality assurance flag value 3) data are shown to have an absolute uncertainty of approximately (0.086+0.56τM)/AMF, where AMF is the geometric air mass factor. For a typical AMF of 2.8, this is approximately 0.03+0.20τM, comparable in quality to other satellite AOD datasets. Regional variability of retrieval performance and comparisons against Collection 5 results are also discussed.
The morphology of the cephalic lobes and anterior pectoral fins in six species of batoids
Authors: Mulvany Samantha , Motta Philip J.
Published: June 2013

Many benthic batoids utilize their pectoral fins for both undulatory locomotion and feeding. Certain derived, pelagic species of batoids possess cephalic lobes, which evolved from the anterior pectoral fins. These species utilize the pectoral fins for oscillatory locomotion while the cephalic lobes are used for feeding. The goal of this article was to compare the morphology of the cephalic lobes and anterior pectoral fins in species that possess and lack cephalic lobes. The skeletal elements (radials) of the cephalic lobes more closely resembled the radials in the pectoral fin of undulatory species. Second moment of area (I), calculated from cephalic lobe radial cross sections, and the number of joints revealed greater flexibility and resistance to bending in multiple directions as compared to pectoral fin radials of oscillatory species. The cephalic lobe musculature was more complex than the anterior pectoral fin musculature, with an additional muscle on the dorsal side, with fiber angles running obliquely to the radials. In Rhinoptera bonasus, a muscle presumably used to help elevate the cephalic lobes is described. Electrosensory pores were found on the cephalic lobes (except Mobula japonica) and anterior pectoral fins of undulatory swimmers, but absent from the anterior pectoral fins of oscillatory swimmers. Pore distributions were fairly uniform except in R. bonasus, which had higher pore numbers at the edges of the cephalic lobes. Overall, the cephalic lobes are unique in their anatomy but are more similar to the anterior pectoral fins of undulatory swimmers, having more flexibility and maneuverability compared to pectoral fins of oscillatory swimmers. The maneuverable cephalic lobes taking on the role of feeding may have allowed the switch to oscillatory locomotion and hence, a more pelagic lifestyle. J. Morphol. 274:1070–1083, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The hindlimb myology of Milvago chimango (Polyborinae, Falconidae)
Authors: Mosto María Clelia , Carril Julieta , Picasso Mariana Beatriz Julieta
Published: June 2013

We describe the hindlimb myology of Milvago chimango. This member of the Falconidae: Polyborinae is a generalist and opportunist that can jump and run down prey on the ground, unlike Falconinae that hunt birds in flight and kill them by striking with its talons. Due to differences in the locomotion habits between the subfamilies, we hypothesized differences in their hindlimb myology. Gross dissections showed that the myology of M. chimango is concordant with that described of other falconids, except for the following differences: the m. flexor cruris medialis has one belly with a longitudinal division; the m. iliotibialis lateralis does not have a connection with the m. iliofibularis; the m. fibularis longus is strongly aponeurotic; the m. tibialis cranialis lacks an accessory tendons and the m. flexor hallucis longus has one place of origin, instead of two. The presence of the m. flexor cruris lateralis can be distinguished as it has been described absent for the Falconidae. We associated its presence with the predominant terrestrial habit of the M. chimango. Each muscle dissected was weighed and the relationship between flexors and extensors at each joint was assessed. The extensor muscles predominated in all joints in M. chimango. Among the flexors, the m. flexor hallucis longus was the heaviest, which could be related to the importance of the use of its talons to obtain food. J. Morphol. 274:1191–1201, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative analysis of the influence of solar radiation screen ageing on temperature measurements by means of weather stations
Authors: Lopardo G. , Bertiglia F. , Curci S. , Roggero G. , Merlone A.
Published: June 2013

Solar radiation screens play a key role in automatic weather stations (AWS) performances. In this work, screen ageing effects on temperature measurements are examined. Paired temperature observations, traceable to national standards and with a well‐defined uncertainty budget, were performed employing two naturally ventilated weather stations equipped with identical sensors and different only for their working time. Three different tests were carried out employing different aged AWSs: a 5‐year‐old AWS (AWS5) was compared with a new device (AWS0), a 1 year old (AWS1) was compared with both a 3 years old (AWS3) and a new one devices (AWS00). Due to solar and weather conditions exposure a degradation of the screen reflective coating is evident for the older AWSs (5 and 3 years old) and so a qualitative estimation of how different conditions of ageing affect the temperature drift was done. During the comparison 0 to 5 and 1 to 3‐year‐old screens, significant temperature differences were recorded at different times of the day. The differences, wider than the uncertainty amplitude, demonstrate a systematic effect. The temperature measured with the older screen is larger, and the maximum instantaneous difference was 1.63 °C (for 0–5 years comparison) in daytime hours. During night‐time the two AWS's measure the same temperature (within the uncertainty amplitude). This behaviour, increasing with increasing solar radiation intensity and decreasing with increasing wind speed, is attributed to a radiative heating effect. The screen ageing has compromised the shield effectiveness introducing a significant change in the temperature evaluation. The experimental results of a further comparison, between 0‐ and 1‐year‐old screens, confirm the same conclusion showing a negligible ageing effect, within the uncertainty amplitude.
Analysis of rainfall, PMP and drought in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Sherif Mohsen , Almulla Mohamed , Shetty Ampar , Chowdhury Rezaul K.
Published: June 2013

Spatial and temporal characteristics of rainfall in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were investigated. The region is divided into four climate zones (East Coast, Mountains, Gravel Plains and Desert Foreland) of distinguished rainfall distribution. The rainfall patterns, rainfall probability of occurrences, rainfall intensity‐duration‐frequency (IDF) relationship, probable maximum precipitation (PMP) and drought scenarios were investigated. Daily rainfall data from a network of stations across the UAE were used. Standard statistical techniques were applied for data analyses. The Gumbel, log Pearson, generalized extreme value, log normal, Wakeby and Weibull probability distributions were tested to fit extreme rainfalls. Both Gumbel and Weibull distributions were found adequate. Measures of dispersion and symmetry of rainfall patterns were found relatively high. The estimated PMP values were found highest in the East Coast region and lowest in the Gravel Plains region. Estimated drought severity index showed that the regions have similar trends of drought patterns over the years. The study is useful for sustainable water resources planning and management in the region.
Non‐protein thiols and glutathione S‐transferase alleviate Cd stress and reduce root‐to‐shoot translocation of Cd in rice
Authors: Zhang Chunhua , Yin Xiaoming , Gao Kehui , Ge Ying , Cheng Wangda
Published: June 2013

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the dynamic variations of cadmium (Cd) uptake and transport, non‐protein thiols (NPT) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity and lipid peroxidation under Cd stress in order to clarify the role of NPT and GST in reducing Cd toxicity and translocation in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Cadmium accumulation was initially fast and then slowed down with increasing time of Cd exposure. However, the rice growth inhibition and lipid peroxidation were not intense until 5d after Cd treatment, even though Cd kept accumulating in root and shoot, suggesting that Cd may be effectively detoxified. The concentrations of NPT in root increased gradually until 5d after Cd stress, whereas those in shoot showed no significant changes. The concentration of shoot GSH was progressively enhanced upon Cd treatment, while it gradually declined in root after an initial increase. The GST activity varied similarly in root and shoot, reaching the maximum level on 3rd day, followed by a significant decrease 5 d after Cd application. Significant increases of lipid peroxidation and root‐to‐shoot translocation on 7th day indicate that the equilibrium in Cd‐thiol interaction in rice might be disturbed upon the prolonged Cd exposure. In summary, our results suggest that Cd may be retained and detoxified in rice root through chelation with thiol compounds and subsequent sequestration.
Nitrogen and genotype effects on root growth and root survivorship of spring wheat
Authors: Herrera Juan M. , Noulas Christos , Feil Boy , Stamp Peter , Liedgens Markus
Published: June 2013

The nitrogen (N) fertilization of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is important for stable and high grain yield. However, the effect of N on root growth and survivorship is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effect of varying N availability on the growth and survivorship of roots and (2) to determine whether genotypic variation in N‐related traits are linked to root growth and survivorship. In a two‐year study, two spring wheat cultivars (Albis and Toronit) and an experimental line (L94491) were grown under low (20 kg N ha–1) and high N supply (270 kg N ha–1) in lysimeters equipped with minirhizotrons. The genotypes showed significant differences in N‐related traits: total shoot N content, grain N yield, N harvest index, and rate of decline in flag‐leaf greenness. However, there were relatively weak and inconsistent genotypic effects on the time course of root density, root growth during grain filling, and root survivorship. The level of N supply was the factor that most influenced the establishment, growth, and survivorship of roots; the high N supply, depending on the year and genotype, increased growth and survivorship of roots from 0% to 68% and 24% to 34%, respectively.
Analysis of outcomes in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in infants
Authors: Robison Jacob G. , Wilson Caleb , Otteson Todd D. , Chakravorty Sangeeta S. , Mehta Deepak K.
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate interventions used for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants.

Study Design

Retrospective medical record review.

Methods

Patients 3 to 24 months old at the time of diagnosis of OSA by polysomnography (PSG) were studied at a tertiary care children's hospital. The main outcome measures were demographic data, PSG data, intervention data, subjective results of interventions, and medical comorbidities.

Results

Of the 295 patients included, 196 (66%) were males and 99 (34%) were females. The most common interventions with average age at the time of intervention were: adenotonsillectomy, 115 patients (31.8%, 22.3 months); adenoidectomy, 82 patients (22.5%, 17.7 months); observation, 76 patients (20.9%, 12.8 months); supplemental oxygen, 27 patients (7.4%, 11.7 months); continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), 18 patients (4.9%, 15.6 months); tonsillectomy, 16 patients (4.4%, 25.7 months); and tracheostomy, six patients (1.7%, 15.3 months). In the youngest patients (3–5 months of age), 89.3% of interventions were nonsurgical and 10.7% were surgical. In the oldest patients (older than 24 months), 17.5% of interventions were nonsurgical and 82.5% were surgical. Subjective improvement following intervention was highest after adenotonsillectomy. The intervention with the greatest percentage decrease in apnea–hypopnea index (objective efficacy) was tracheostomy, followed by CPAP/BiPAP. Average time from diagnosis to intervention was 35.5 days for nonsurgical interventions and 92.4 days for surgical interventions.

Conclusions

Observation was the most common nonsurgical intervention and the most common intervention in patients younger than 12 months. Adenotonsillectomy was the most common surgical and overall intervention. Adenotonsillectomy had the greatest subjective efficacy, and tracheostomy had the greatest objective efficacy. Laryngoscope, 123:2306–2314, 2013
Cadaveric study for skull base reconstruction using anteriorly based inferior turbinate flap
Authors: Amit Moran , Cohen Jacob , Koren Ilan , Gil Ziv
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To demonstrate the feasibility of an anteriorly pedicled inferior turbinate flap (AITF) as a method for endoscopic reconstruction of anterior skull base defects in the absence of a nasal septal flap.

Study Design

Cadaveric feasibility study.

Setting

University‐affiliated tertiary medical center.

Materials and Patients

A cadaveric model was used to investigate the feasibility of harvesting and skull base reconstruction with an AITF. The size and extent of coverage of the flap were investigated. Subsequently, defects resulting from an endoscopic resection of various anterior skull base pathologies were reconstructed with an AITF in patients.

Results

In the cadaveric model (n = 11), the mean length, width, and area of the AITFs were 4.76 ± 0.52 cm, 1.8 ± 0.34 cm, and 4.31 ± 0.87 cm2, respectively. The flap provided a mean of 111 ± 12% (range 95%–133%) coverage of the anterior skull base from the posterior table of the frontal sinus to the sella. Following that experience, ten patients were successfully reconstructed with AITFs, and there were no postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks or occurrence of meningitis.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of AITFs for the reconstruction of anterior skull base defects in the absence of alternative vascularized flaps.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2940–2944, 2013
High‐resolution imaging of magnetisation transfer and nuclear Overhauser effect in the human visual cortex at 7 T
Authors: Mougin Olivier , Clemence Matthew , Peters Andrew , Pitiot Alain , Gowland Penny
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to optimise a pulse sequence for high‐resolution imaging sensitive to the effects of conventional macromolecular magnetisation transfer (MTm) and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE), and to use it to investigate variations in these parameters across the cerebral cortex. A high‐spatial‐resolution magnetisation transfer‐prepared turbo field echo (MT‐TFE) sequence was designed to have high sensitivity to MTm and NOE effects, whilst being robust to B0 and B1 inhomogeneities, and producing a good point spread function across the cortex. This was achieved by optimising the saturation and imaging components of the sequence using simulations based on the Bloch equations, including exchange and an image simulator. This was used to study variations in these parameters across the cortex. Using the sequence designed to be sensitive to NOE and MTm, a variation in signals corresponding to a variation in MTm and NOE across the cortex, consistent with a reduction in myelination from the white matter surface to the pial surface of the cortex, was observed. In regions in which the stria was visible on T2*‐weighted images, it could also be detected in signals sensitive to MTm and NOE. There was greater variation in signals sensitive to NOE, suggesting that the NOE signal is more sensitive to myelination. A sequence has been designed to image variations in MTm and NOE at high spatial resolution and has been used to investigate variations in contrast in these parameters across the cortex. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PYY3‐36 and pancreatic polypeptide reduce food intake in an additive manner via distinct hypothalamic dependent pathways in mice
Authors: Shi Yan‐Chuan , Lin Zhou , Lau Jackie , Zhang Hui , Yagi Miyuki , Kanzler Isabella , Sainsbury Amanda , Herzog Herbert , Lin Shu
Published: June 2013

Objective

Peptide YY (PYY3‐36) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) potently inhibit food intake in rodents and humans, however, it is unclear whether they have any synergistic/additive interaction in decreasing food intake.

Design and Methods

Fasted WT, Y2−/−, Y4−/−, or Y2Y4−/− mice were i.p. administrated with saline, PYY3‐36, and/or PP.

Results

Combined injection of PYY3‐36 and PP reduces food intake in an additive manner was demonstrated in this study. This effect is mediated via Y2 and Y4 receptors, respectively. It was demonstrated that PYY3‐36 and PP activate distinct neuronal pathways in the hypothalamus, as demonstrated by immunostaining for c‐fos, which shows distinct patterns in response to either hormone. After PYY3‐36 injection, neurons in the dorsal aspect of the arcuate nucleus (Arc), paraventricular nucleus, and dorso‐medial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMH) are activated with minimal responses seen in the ventro‐medial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of WT mice. These effects are absent in Y2−/− mice. PP activates preferably the lateral aspect of the Arc, the DMH, VMH, and LHA in a Y4 receptor‐dependent manner. Importantly, the expression pattern of c‐fos immunoreactive neurons induced by combined treatment appears to be the sum of the effects of single treatments rather than a result of synergistic interaction.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that PYY3‐36 and PP activate distinct pathways in the hypothalamus to reduce food intake in an additive manner.
Myocardial deformation and twist mechanics in adults with metabolic syndrome: Impact of cumulative metabolic burden
Authors: Crendal Edward , Walther Guillaume , Vinet Agnes , Dutheil Frédéric , Naughton Geraldine , Lesourd Bruno , Chapier Robert , Rupp Thomas , Courteix Daniel , Obert Philippe
Published: June 2013

Objective

The aim of the study is to characterize left ventricular (LV) myocardial mechanics in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and elucidate the effects of multiple risk‐factors on myocardial function using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE); a more sensitive method than conventional echocardiography for detecting subclinical myocardial dysfunction.

Design and Methods

Cross‐sectional analyses of 92 adults (50–70 years) with MetS, and 50 healthy controls included conventional echocardiography, blood biochemistry, and STE‐derived myocardial longitudinal, circumferential, and twist mechanics.

Results

Using conventional measures, MetS participants revealed LV hypertrophy and reduced diastolic function compared with controls, while systolic function was preserved. From STE, MetS participants showed attenuated longitudinal strain (−16.8% ± 2.8% vs. −20.6% ± 2.7%), and both diastolic (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3 s s−1) and systolic (−1.0 ± 0.1 vs. −1.2 ± 0.2 s s−1) strain rate (SR). Circumferential strain, SR, and twist mechanics did not differ. Participants with the highest number of MetS factors or diabetes demonstrated the greatest reduction in longitudinal strain and SR. Abdominal obesity, TNF‐α, HbA1c, and systolic dyssynchrony explained 48% of impairment in longitudinal strain.

Conclusions

Impaired longitudinal myocardial diastolic and systolic function, but preserved circumferential function and twist mechanics were found in MetS participants, indicative of altered subendocardial function. This dysfunction was best predicted by abdominal obesity, inflammation, glucose‐intolerance, and systolic dyssynchrony.
Antiobesity effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (actiponin): A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Park Soo‐Hyun , Huh Tae‐Lin , Kim Sun‐Young , Oh Mi‐Ra , Tirupathi Pichiah P.B. , Chae Soo‐Wan , Cha Youn‐Soo
Published: June 2013

Objective

The effects of actiponin was investigated, a heat‐processed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract, on body weight, fat loss, and metabolic markers of Korean participants in a 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.

Design and Methods

Obese participants (BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2 and WHR ≥ 0.90 for male or WHR ≥ 0.85 for female) who had not been diagnosed with any disease and met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study. The 80 subjects were randomly divided into actiponin (n = 40, 450 mg day−1) and placebo (n = 40) groups. Outcomes included measurement of efficacy (abdominal fat distribution, anthropometric parameters, and blood lipid profiles) and safety (adverse events, laboratory test results, electrocardiogram data, and vital signs).

Results

During 12‐week of actiponin supplementation, total abdominal fat area, body weight, body fat mass, percent body fat, and BMI were significantly decreased (P = 0.044, P < 0.05, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.05, respectively) in the actiponin group compared to the placebo group. No clinically significant changes in any safety parameter were observed.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that actiponin is a potent antiobesity reagent that does not produce any significant adverse effects. These results suggest that actiponin supplementation may be effective for treating obese individuals.
The effect of GWAS identified BMI loci on changes in body weight among middle‐aged danes during a five‐year period
Authors: Sandholt C. H. , Allin K. H. , Toft U. , Borglykke A. , Ribel‐Madsen R. , Sparso T. , Justesen J. M. , Harder M. N. , Jørgensen T. , Hansen T. , Pedersen O.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Genome‐wide association studies have identified genetic variants associating with BMI, however, it is un‐clarified whether the same variants also influence body weight fluctuations.

Methods

Among 3,982 adult individuals that attended both a baseline and a five‐year follow‐up examination in the Danish Inter99 intervention study, a genetic risk score (GRS) was constructed based on 30 BMI variants to address whether it is associated with body weight changes. Moreover, it was examined whether the effect of lifestyle changes was modulated by the GRS.

Results

The GRS associated strongly with baseline body weight, with a per risk allele increase of 0.45 (0.33‐0.58) kg (P = 2.7 × 10−12), corresponding to a body weight difference of 3.41 (2.21‐4.60) kg comparing the highest (≥ 30 risk alleles) and lowest (≤ 26 risk alleles) risk allele tertile. No association was observed with changes in body weight during the five years. Changes in lifestyle, including physical activity, diet and smoking habits associated strongly with body weight changes, however, no interactions with the GRS was observed.

Conclusion

The GRS associated with body weight cross‐sectionally, but not with changes over a five‐year period. Body weight changes were influenced by lifestyle changes, however, independently of the GRS.
The role of ultrasound in fetal congenital myopathy detection: a novel case of fetal‐onset cap myopathy
Authors: Tamblyn J. A. , Morris R. K. , Cox P. , Hargitai B. , Kilby M. D.
Published: June 2013

What's already known about this topic?

Rare heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders.

Associated with severe, often fatal phenotypes – Prenatal parental counselling and ‘high risk screening’ important

Prenatal diagnosis primarily reliant upon ultrasound detection

What does this study add?

Introduces a novel, lethal fetal form of cap myopathy.

Evaluates range of ultrasound features and how detection can be facilitated

Reconfirms fetal‐onset CM represents important, complex diagnostic challenge.