bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grading Woodland Soil Water Productivity and Soil Bioavailability in the Semi‐Arid Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Guang‐Can , Xia Jiang‐Bao , Shao Hong‐Bo , Zhang Shu‐Yong
Published: December 2011

In the semi‐arid region of the Loess Plateau in China, a portable photosynthesis system (Li‐6400) and a portable steady porometer (Li‐1600) were used to study the quantitative relation between the soil water content (SWC) and trees' physiological parameters including net photosynthesis rate (Pn), carboxylation efficiency (CE), transpiration rate (Tr), water use efficiency of leaf (WUEL), stomatic conductivity (Gs), stomatal resistance (Rs), intercellular CO2 (Ci), and stomatal limitation (Ls). These are criteria for grading and evaluating soil water productivity and availability in forests of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis). The results indicated: To the photosynthesis of Locust and Arborvitae, the SWC of less than 4.5 and 4.0% (relative water content (RWC) 21.5 and 19.0%) belong to “non‐productivity and non‐efficiency water”; the SWC of 4.5–10.0% (RWC 21.5–47.5%) and 4.0–8.5% (RWC 19.0–40.5%) belong to “low productivity and low efficiency water”; the SWC of 10.0–13.5% (RWC 47.5–64.0%) and 8.5–11.0% (RWC 40.5–52.0%) belong to “middle productivity and high efficiency water”; the SWC of 13.5–17.0% (RWC 64.0–81.0%) and 11.0–16.0% (RWC 52.0–76.0%) belong to “high productivity and middle efficiency water”; the SWC of 17.0–19.0% (RWC 81.0–90.5%) and 16.0–19.0% (RWC 76.0–90.5%) belong to “middle productivity and low efficiency water”; the SWC of more than 19.0% (RWC 90.5%) belongs to “low productivity and low efficiency water”. The SWC of about 13.5 and 11.0% (RWC 64.0 and 52.0%) are called “high productivity and high efficiency water”, which provides the further evidence for Locust and Arborvitae to get both higher productivity (Pn and CE) and the highest WUEL and adaptation to the local environment, respectively.
Soil Seed Banks and Forest Succession Direction Reflect Soil Quality in Ziwuling Mountain, Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Cheng Jimin , Cheng Jie , Shao Hongbo , Zhao Lingping , Yang Xiaomei
Published: December 2011

The paper presents a study by taking the soil seed banks and vegetation successions of the forests in Ziwuling Mountain as indicators to analyze the effects of the ages, and the litter layers and soil depths at growing locations in seven types of forest communities on their seed bank formations and soil quality. The results showed that the seed banks at different growing locations in the communities increased in the order of upper slope, middle slope, and lower slope; the seed storages of the seed banks in the different layers of the communities varied, much more higher in the litter layers than in 0–15 cm, and the seed storages of the seed banks in the seven types of forest communities ranked in the increasing order of Pinus tabulaeformis forest, Pinus shenkaneusis forest, Quercus liaotungensis forest, Populus davidiana forest, Betula platyphylla forest, scrub communities, and grassland communities; in the meantime, the seed storage of seed banks peaked in 30–50 years old P. shenkaneusis forest, 30–40 years old P. tabulaeformis forest, 15–30 years old Q. liaotungensis, and P. davidiana and B. platyphylla forests, and 10–15 years old scrub and grassland communities, and the ages of the communities varied with the seed storages of the seed banks in a significantly correlative manner following a fitted exponential equation. In addition, the soil seed banks of the seven types of communities consisted of rich and diverse species with the herbaceous and shrub species greatly outnumbering the arbor species; in general, the coniferous forests were composed of 31 kinds of plants, the deciduous and broadleaf forests consisted of 20–29 plant species, the shrubs contained 27 plant species, and the herbaceous plants numbered 20 plant species; The various species compositions contained only 4–6 arbor species with most being foreign species. In each of the compositions, Bothriochloa ischemum was the grassland plant with the highest occurrence frequency, Sophora viciifolia and Hippophae reamnoides were the shrub plants with the highest occurrence frequencies, and Q. liaotungensis was the arbor plant with the highest occurrence frequency, and they followed by P. shenkaneusis and P. tabulaeformis. These results showed that soil seed banks and forest successions are better indicators for soil quality from natural successions.
Morphology Controlled Nanostructures Self‐Assembled from Phthalocyanine Derivatives Bearing Alkylthio Moieties: Effect of Sulfur–Sulfur and Metal–Ligand Coordination on Intermolecular Stacking
Authors: Hao Zijuan , Wu Xingcui , Sun Ranran , Ma Changqin , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: December 2011

To investigate the effect of sulfur–sulfur and metal–ligand coordination on the molecular structure and morphology of self‐assembled nanostructures, metal‐free 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24‐octakis(isopropylthio)phthalocyanine H2Pc(β‐SC3H7)8 (1) and its copper and lead congeners CuPc(β‐SC3H7)8 (2) and PbPc(β‐SC3H7)8 (3) are synthesized and fabricated into organic nanostructures by a phase‐transfer method. The self‐assembly properties are investigated by electronic absorption and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Experimental results reveal different molecular packing modes in these aggregates, which in turn result in self‐assembled nanostructures with different morphologies ranging from nanobelts for 1 through nanoribbons for 2 to cluster nanoflowers for 3. Intermolecular π–π and sulfur–sulfur interactions between metal‐free phthalocyanine 1 lead to the formation of nanobelts. The additional CuS coordination bond between the central copper ion of 2 and the sulfur atom of the adjacent molecule of 2 in cooperation with the intermolecular π–π stacking interaction increases the intermolecular interaction, and results in the formation of long nanoribbons for 2. In contrast to compounds 1 and 2, the special molecular structure of complex 3, together with the intermolecular π–π stacking interaction and additional PbS coordination bond, induces the formation of Pb‐connected pseudo‐double‐deckers during the self‐assembly process, which in turn further self‐assemble into cluster nanoflowers. In addition, good semiconducting properties of the nanostructures fabricated from phthalocyanine derivatives 1–3 were also revealed by I–V measurements.
Do patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased prevalence of Cushing's syndrome?
Authors: Krarup Therese , Krarup Thure , Hagen Claus
Published: December 2011

Many clinical features are common for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Cushing's syndrome (CS) such as central obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Patients with CS often have T2DM. Because T2DM is much more frequent than CS, it is possible that some patients with T2DM have increased production of cortisol and thus represent patients with CS. The aim of this review was to evaluate the prevalence of CS in patients with T2DM. A search was performed in PubMed and Medline. We found seven prospective studies, two case–control studies and two cross‐sectional studies. The difficulties in diagnosing subclinical CS is discussed. The most frequent tests for diagnosing CS, late‐night salivary cortisol, 1‐mg dexamethasone suppression test and urinary free cortisol are discussed and put in relation to the results of the literature found. The observed prevalence of CS in patients with T2DM varies widely between the different studies, ranging from 0–9.4%. This may be due to patient selection, differences in test methodology (including choice of test), cutoff values and different cortisol assays. The true prevalence of CS in T2DM has not been determined. We need more studies investigating the prevalence of CS in T2DM patients. There is a need for developing more specific tests for diagnosing CS in patients with only slightly elevated cortisol secretion and subclinical CS. We suggest that examination for hypercortisolism should only be performed in T2DM patients with a cushingoid appearance and hypertension or truncal obesity or dyslipidaemia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biogeomorphology of tidal landforms: physical and biological processes shaping the tidal landscape
Authors: D'Alpaos Andrea , Da Lio Cristina , Marani Marco
Published: December 2011

We analyse the equilibrium states and transient dynamics of tidal biogeomorphic systems, such as lagoons and estuaries, in response to variations in the governing physical and biological forcings, such as tidal range, wind climate, sediment supply, vegetation, and microphytobenthos growth, and rates of relative sea level rise (RSLR). We use a point model of the coupled elevation–vegetation dynamics, which retains the description of the chief processes shaping these systems. We observe that salt marshes exposed to large tidal ranges are more stable, and therefore more resilient to increasing rates of RSLR, than marshes subjected to low tidal ranges. Furthermore, subtidal platforms in macrotidal systems are less exposed to wind‐induced erosion processes than their counterparts in systems with smaller tidal fluctuations. Notably, we find that vegetation crucially affects both the equilibrium marsh elevation, through dissipation of wind waves and organic accumulation, and marsh resilience to accelerations in RSLR rates. Moreover, the biomass production as a function of elevation associated with the presence of different vegetation species, as opposed to mono‐specific vegetation covers, increases marsh stability and resilience in the face of increasing rates of RSLR. Finally, our results show that the existence and stability of equilibrium states fundamentally depend on the local wind and tidal regime, even within the same tidal system, with important biogeomorphic implications. In summary, our model analyses of physical and biological controls of tidal system dynamics highlight the importance of accounting for biogeomorphic feedback to obtain realistic representations of the system dynamics in response to climatic changes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perforin plays an unexpected role in regulating T‐cell contraction during prolonged Listeria monocytogenes infection
Authors: Schmidt Nathan W. , Khanolkar Aaruni , Hancox Lisa , Heusel Jonathan W. , Harty John T.
Published: December 2011

After infection or vaccination, antigen‐specific T cells proliferate then contract in numbers to a memory set point. T‐cell contraction is observed after both acute and prolonged infections although it is unknown if contraction is regulated similarly in both scenarios. Here, we show that contraction of antigen‐specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells is markedly reduced in TNF/perforin‐double deficient (DKO) mice responding to attenuated Listeria monocytogenes infection. Reduced contraction in DKO mice was associated with delayed clearance of infection and sustained T‐cell proliferation during the normal contraction interval. Mechanistically, sustained T‐cell proliferation mapped to prolonged infection in the absence of TNF; however, reduced contraction required the additional absence of perforin since T cells in mice lacking either TNF or perforin (singly deficient) underwent normal contraction. Thus, while T‐cell contraction after acute infection is independent of peforin, a perforin‐dependent pathway plays a previously unappreciated role to mediate contraction of antigen‐specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells during prolonged L. monocytogenes infection.
New Approach to [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Models Using Aromatic Thioketones
Authors: Daraosheh Ahmad Q. , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Görls Helmar , Friebe Christian , Schubert Ulrich S. , El‐khateeb Mohammad , Mloston Grzegorz , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: December 2011

The reactions of triiron dodecacarbonyl with thiobenzophenone (2a) and 9H‐thioxanthene‐9‐thione (2b) were investigated under different conditions. In the case of a 1:1 molar ratio of triiron dodecacarbonyl and 2a or 2b, the ortho‐metallated complexes [Fe2(CO)6{μ,κ,S,SCH(C6H5)C6H4‐η2}] (3a) and [Fe2(CO)6{μ,κ,S,SCH(C6H4)–S–C6H3‐η2}] (4a) were obtained as the major products, respectively. In contrast, the treatment of triiron dodecacarbonyl with an excess of 2a or 2b afforded [Fe2(CO)6{μ‐SCH(C6H5)C6H4S‐μ}] (3b) and [Fe2(CO)6{μ‐SCH(C6H4)–S–C6H3S‐μ}] (4b), respectively, which are both bioinspired models for the active site of [FeFe]‐hydrogenase. In addition to these complexes, the two reactions afforded [Fe2(CO)6{μ‐SC(C6H5)2S‐μ}] (3c) and [Fe2(CO)6{μ‐SC(C6H4–S–C6H4)S‐μ}] (4c). Furthermore, [{Fe2(CO)6{μ‐SCH(C6H5)2}}2(μ4‐S)] (3d) was isolated from the reaction of Fe3(CO)12 with 2a. The molecular structures of all of the new complexes were determined from the spectroscopic and analytical data and the crystal structures for 3c, 3d, 4b, and 4c were obtained. A plausible mechanism for the formation of the isolated complexes that involves dithiirane derivatives as the key intermediates is proposed. Herein, thioketones 2a and 2b act as sulfur transfer reagents. The electrochemical experiments showed that complex 3b behaves as a catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of protons from acetic acid.
Lipophilic components in black currant seed and pomace extracts
Authors: Dobson Gary , Shrestha Marie , Hilz Hauke , Karjalainen Reijo , McDougall Gordon , Stewart Derek
Published: December 2011

The nature of the fatty acids and other lipophilic components in extracts from black currant seed and pomace (containing seed) were investigated, with a view to highlighting any potential uses. The same non‐hydroxylated fatty acids were the major components in both types of extract, but total levels were less in pomace (75 582 mg 100 g−1 oil) than in seed alone (90 972 mg 100 g−1 oil) and there were less unsaturated fatty acids, including GLA (8653 and 12 625 mg 100 g−1 oil, respectively), but long chain n‐20:0 – n‐30:0 fatty acids (4080 and 437 mg 100 g−1 oil, respectively) were greatly increased in pomace. Phytosterols (mainly β‐sitosterol), saturated n‐20:0 – n‐30:0 policosanols, ω‐hydroxy fatty acids (mainly 16‐hydroxy 16:0) and 2‐hydroxy fatty acids (mainly 2‐hydroxy 24:0) were present at much greater levels in pomace (2496, 2097, 958 and 46 mg 100 g−1 oil, respectively) than in seed (553, 108, 161, and 1 mg 100 g−1 oil, respectively). The pomace extract is a useful source of fatty acids, phytosterols and policosanols with potential functional properties.

Practical applications: The study investigated the lipophilic components in isohexane extracts from black currant seed and pomace (containing seed). Only pomace extracts had substantial amounts of phytosterols and policosanols that have potential as cholesterol‐lowering agents, whereas fatty acids such as GLA, that has anti‐inflammatory properties, are mainly in the seed.
Copper‐Mediated C–H Activation of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles with 1,1‐Dibromo‐1‐alkenes Using PEG‐400 as a Solvent Medium: Distinct Approach for the Alkynylation of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles
Authors: Reddy Gandolla Chinna , Balasubramanyam Penagaluri , Salvanna N. , Das Biswanath
Published: December 2011

The direct C–H alkynylation of 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles with 1,1‐dibromo‐1‐alkenes has been accomplished by using a combination of CuBr/LiOtBu in PEG‐400 (a green solvent) at 80 °C. The products were formed in high yields (73–86 %) in 2 h. No additional ligand or volatile solvent was required and the conversion was ecofriendly.
Progressive failure of sheeted rock slopes: the 2009–2010 Rhombus Wall rock falls in Yosemite Valley, California, USA
Authors: Stock Greg M. , Martel Stephen J. , Collins Brian D. , Harp Edwin L.
Published: December 2011

Progressive rock‐fall failures in natural rock slopes are common in many environments, but often elude detailed quantitative documentation and analysis. Here we present high‐resolution photography, video, and laser scanning data that document spatial and temporal patterns of a 15‐month‐long sequence of at least 14 rock falls from the Rhombus Wall, a sheeted granitic cliff in Yosemite Valley, California. The rock‐fall sequence began on 26 August 2009 with a small failure at the tip of an overhanging rock slab. Several hours later, a series of five rock falls totaling 736 m3 progressed upward along a sheeting joint behind the overhanging slab. Over the next 3 weeks, audible cracking occurred on the Rhombus Wall, suggesting crack propagation, while visual monitoring revealed opening of a sheeting joint adjacent to the previous failure surface. On 14 September 2009 a 110 m3 slab detached along this sheeting joint. Additional rock falls between 30 August and 20 November 2010, totaling 187 m3, radiated outward from the initial failure area along cliff (sub)parallel sheeting joints. We suggest that these progressive failures might have been related to stress redistributions accompanying propagation of sheeting joints behind the cliff face. Mechanical analyses indicate that tensile stresses should occur perpendicular to the cliff face and open sheeting joints, and that sheeting joints should propagate parallel to a cliff face from areas of stress concentrations. The analyses also account for how sheeting joints can propagate to lengths many times greater than their depths behind cliff faces. We posit that as a region of failure spreads across a cliff face, stress concentrations along its margin will spread with it, promoting further crack propagation and rock falls. Published in 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Health care and patient safety: The failure of traditional approaches – how human factors and ergonomics can and MUST help
Authors: Bagian James P.
Published: December 2011

Hazard and harm to patients as well as inefficiencies associated with health care have been well described as worldwide problems that result in hundreds of thousands of patient deaths and billions of dollars of waste every year. The underlying causes for these problems have not been nearly so well described; more importantly, generalizable mitigation strategies have not been effectively identified or used. The current state of health care and patient safety will be discussed with particular attention to the essential role that an engineering‐based approach, which is heavily rooted in human factors and ergonomics, must play if real and sustainable progress in the safe and efficient delivery of health care is to be achieved. Specific case studies that illustrate the compelling opportunities for the application of human factors and ergonomics–related knowledge will be discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new model of job design: Initial evidence and implications for future research
Authors: Challenger Rose , Leach Desmond J. , Stride Christopher B. , Clegg Chris W.
Published: December 2011

Clegg and Spencer's (2007) model of job design synthesizes and extends recent conceptions of the job design process by incorporating variables such as knowledge, motivation, and trust into a cyclical and dynamic system. The objective of this study was to examine the sequential organization of variables that comprise the model, as a basis from which to justify further investigations of the model's dynamic properties. Data were collected via questionnaires from 432 participants in two work organizations. Results obtained from structural equation modeling are broadly supportive of the proposed relationships between the variables. Implications of this initial study for future research and practice are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of organizational factors in achieving reliability in the design and manufacture of subsea equipment
Authors: Parkes Katharine , Hodkiewicz Melinda , Morrison David
Published: December 2011

Failures of equipment used in deepwater oil and gas production are potentially hazardous, difficult and costly to rectify, and damaging to the environment; a high degree of reliability over many years of continuous operation is therefore an essential requirement of subsea systems. Although technical issues have been widely investigated, less is known about the organizational factors that promote high reliability in the design, manufacture, and installation of these systems. This review draws on studies of high‐reliability manufacturing and process industries to examine the roles of intraorganizational factors (particularly organizational culture) that may promote or detract from the achievement of high reliability in subsea systems. External factors, such as supply chain coordination, are also considered. Studies of organizational change designed to enhance the reliability of design and manufacturing processes are rare in the subsea industry, but relevant issues arising from change initiatives in other organizational settings are discussed. Finally, several areas are identified in which systematic industry‐based research could contribute to identifying critical elements in the development and operation of subsea systems and, hence, reduce the risk of failures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A systemic framework for work accident analysis in judicial procedures
Authors: Martins Moizés , Vidal Mario Cesar R. , dos Santos Grecco Claudio H. , Pacheco Raphael , Fonseca Bernardo B. , Santo Marcello S. , de Carvalho Paulo Victor R.
Published: December 2011

This article intends to demonstrate the need for changing analytical methods used in work accidents for judiciary purposes. It proposes to replace the commonly used simplistic model of unsafe act performed by workers, which has been used to invoke admission of guilt on the part of the victim of an accident, without attacking its root cause or preventing future events. The systemic framework for work accident analysis aims to shift the focus of the investigation, analyzing in a broad sense and carefully investigating circumstances by using a sociotechnical approach, especially when it comes to evaluating human performance in real work circumstances, as opposed to the evaluation based on prescribed tasks. Ergonomic modeling techniques are used for a better understanding of real work situations. We use a real accident to demonstrate how an accident analysis report performed by a legal expert witness, using a systemic framework, was able to prevail in the labor court. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characteristics of snow cover in the Hindukush, Karakoram and Himalaya region using Landsat satellite data
Authors: Butt Mohsin Jamil
Published: December 2011

Estimation of snow cover characteristics (snow grain size, snow contamination, snow depth and liquid water content) from satellite data are important components for many hydrological models used for the water resource management. This research aimed to use Landsat ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) data to estimate the snow pack characteristics in northern Pakistan. The Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), Snow Contamination Index (SCI) and Snow Grain Size Index (SGI) are applied to estimate the snow cover characteristics in northern Pakistan for the first time. Qualitative maps are generated to show the snow cover distribution, snow contamination concentration and snow grain size distribution over snow cover area. Our results show that NDSI, SCI and SGI can be effectively used to identify snow area, contaminated snow and ageing snow. Furthermore, the results of the current study indicate that in the HKH region 99.8% of the snow is least contaminated whereas 94.50% of the area has fine snow grain size. As no such attempt in the past has been made in northern Pakistan, it is envisaged that the results of this study will be helpful in planning remote sensing data for the water resource management and in characterizing the snow cover for the climate change applications in the region. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved methods for estimating monthly and growing season ET using METRIC applied to moderate resolution satellite imagery
Authors: Kjaersgaard J. , Allen R. , Irmak A.
Published: December 2011

Satellite‐based algorithms based on surface energy balance are now routinely applied to produce evapotranspiration (ET) products on an operational basis for use in water resources management. Landsat satellite imagery, or imagery with similar spatial resolution, is commonly used to produce estimates of ET at field scale because of the presence of an onboard thermal imager and the high spatial resolution of the imagery. The downside of using high‐resolution imagery is less frequent image acquisition. As a result, monthly and ultimately seasonal ET estimates may be based on only one or two satellite image snapshots per month. A potential shortfall in basing integrated ET averages on periodic snapshots from satellites is that local or regional precipitation events antecedent to the satellite images may unduly dominate the ET image, or conversely, effects may be absent from the image, and therefore the image‐based product may not represent evaporation from rainfall averaged over the monthly period. Methods for accounting for precipitation events when interpolating from daily to seasonal or longer periods are presented, including a recently developed soil‐water balance procedure that adjusts the ET derived from the satellite overpass date for background evaporation from soil caused by rainfall over monthly or longer integration periods. The result of the adjustment is an ET image and consequently final ET map that better represents the average evaporative conditions over the period. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulating the effects of spatial configurations of agricultural ditch drainage networks on surface runoff from agricultural catchments
Authors: Levavasseur F. , Bailly J. S. , Lagacherie P. , Colin F. , Rabotin M.
Published: December 2011

The study of runoff is a crucial issue because it is closely related to flooding, water quality and erosion. In cultivated catchments, agricultural ditch drainage networks are known to influence runoff. As anthropogenic elements, agricultural ditch drainage networks can therefore be altered to better manage surface runoff in cultivated catchments. However, the relationship between the spatial configuration, i.e. the density and the topology, of agricultural ditch drainage networks and surface runoff in cultivated catchments is not understood. We studied this relationship by using a random network simulator that was coupled to a distributed hydrological model. The simulations explored a large variety of spatial configurations corresponding to a thousand stochastic agricultural ditch drainage networks on a 6.4 km² Mediterranean cultivated catchment. Next, several distributed hydrological functions were used to compute water flow paths and runoff for each simulation. The results showed that (i) denser networks increased the drained volume and the peak discharge and decreased hillslopes runoff, (ii) greater network density did not affect the surface runoff any further above a given network density, (iii) the correlation between network density and runoff was weaker for small subcatchments (< 2 km²) where the variability in the drained area that resulted from changes in agricultural ditch drainage networks increased the variability of runoff and (iv) the actual agricultural ditch drainage network appeared to be well optimized for managing runoff as compared with the simulated networks. Finally, our results highlighted the role of agricultural ditch drainage networks in intercepting and decreasing overland flow on hillslopes and increasing runoff in drainage networks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical downscaling of extreme daily precipitation, evaporation, and temperature and construction of future scenarios
Authors: Yang Tao , Li Huihui , Wang Weiguang , Xu Chong‐Yu , Yu Zhongbo
Published: December 2011

Generally, the statistical downscaling approaches work less perfectly in reproducing precipitation than temperatures, particularly for the extreme precipitation. This article aimed to testify the capability in downscaling the extreme temperature, evaporation, and precipitation in South China using the statistical downscaling method. Meanwhile, the linkages between the underlying driving forces and the incompetent skills in downscaling precipitation extremes over South China need to be extensively addressed. Toward this end, a statistical downscaling model (SDSM) was built up to construct future scenarios of extreme daily temperature, pan evaporation, and precipitation. The model was thereafter applied to project climate extremes in the Dongjiang River basin in the 21st century from the HadCM3 (Hadley Centre Coupled Model version 3) model under A2 and B2 emission scenarios. The results showed that: (1) The SDSM generally performed fairly well in reproducing the extreme temperature. For the extreme precipitation, the performance of the model was less satisfactory than temperature and evaporation. (2) Both A2 and B2 scenarios projected increases in temperature extremes in all seasons; however, the projections of change in precipitation and evaporation extremes were not consistent with temperature extremes. (3) Skills of SDSM to reproduce the extreme precipitation were very limited. This was partly due to the high randomicity and nonlinearity dominated in extreme precipitation process over the Dongjiang River basin. In pre‐flood seasons (April to June), the mixing of the dry and cold air originated from northern China and the moist warm air releases excessive rainstorms to this basin, while in post‐flood seasons (July to October), the intensive rainstorms are triggered by the tropical system dominated in South China. These unique characteristics collectively account for the incompetent skills of SDSM in reproducing precipitation extremes in South China. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure, morphology and water flux of a subglacial drainage system, Midtdalsbreen, Norway
Authors: Willis Ian C. , Fitzsimmons Chris D. , Melvold Kjetil , Andreassen Liss M. , Giesen Rianne H.
Published: December 2011

Digital elevation models of the surface and bed of Midtdalsbreen, Norway are used to calculate subglacial hydraulic potential and infer drainage system structure for a series of subglacial water pressure assumptions ranging from atmospheric to ice overburden. A distributed degree‐day model is used to calculate the spatial distribution of melt on the glacier surface throughout a typical summer, which is accumulated along the various drainage system structures to calculate water fluxes beneath the glacier and exiting the portals for the different water pressure assumptions. In addition, 78 dye‐tracing tests were performed from 33 injection sites and numerous measurements of water discharge were made on the main proglacial streams over several summer melt seasons. Comparison of the calculated drainage system structures and water fluxes with dye tracing results and measured proglacial stream discharges suggests that the temporally and spatially averaged steady‐state water pressures beneath the glacier are ~70% of ice overburden. Analysis of the dye return curves, together with the calculated subglacial water fluxes shows that the main drainage network on the eastern half of the glacier consists of a hydraulically efficient system of broad, low channels (average width/height ratio ≈ 75). The smaller drainage network on the west consists of a hydraulically inefficient distributed system, dominated by channels that are exceptionally broad and very low (average width/height ratio ≈ 350). The even smaller central drainage network also consists of a hydraulically inefficient distributed system, dominated by channels that are very broad and exceptionally low (average width/height ratio ≈ 450). The channels beneath the western and central glacier must be so broad and low that they can essentially be thought of as a linked cavity system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro wear performance of standard, crosslinked, and vitamin‐E‐blended UHMWPE
Authors: Affatato Saverio , Bracco Pierangiola , Costa Luigi , Villa Tomaso , Quaglini Virginio , Toni Aldo
Published: December 2011

Crosslinked vitamin‐E‐stabilized polyethylene acetabular cups were compared with both commercially available conventional and custom‐crosslinked polyethylene acetabular cups in terms of wear behavior, in a hip joint simulator for five millions cycles, using bovine calf serum as lubricant. We correlated the wear experiments results with the chemical characterization of the investigated materials: Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analyses, differential scanning calorimetry, and crosslink density measurements were used to assess the chemical characteristics of the pristine materials. In addition, further FTIR analyses and cyclohexane extraction were carried out after the simulator experiments. Lipids absorption was observed in all tested specimens and it has been shown to strongly affect the results of the wear test. Corrected gravimetric wear measurements showed that vitamin‐E blended, crosslinked polyethylene wore more than the traditional crosslinked polyethylene but exhibited a much lower wear than conventional ultrahigh‐molecular weight polyethylene. The chemical analyses showed that the addition of vitamin E reduced the crosslinking efficiency. Given the correlation between crosslink density and wear resistance, this gave an explanation for the observed wear performances. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Adopting a feminist perspective is not a linear process
Authors: Wolfe Susan M.
Published: December 2011

In this article, I present some of my history and experiences to demonstrate how gender and class affected my career path as a community psychologist. The goal of this article is to show how the internalization of combined gender/class roles influenced my choices, behaviors, and expectations, and how actions of others interacted with my choices and behaviors to contribute to struggles and successes. It illustrates the push‐pull that occurred at an individual level that affected my ability to embrace an alternative perspective. I discuss my encounter with second‐wave feminism, undergoing the shifting identity in the transition from my blue‐collar origins to a white‐collar world, my expectations of sisterhood, and the affect of organizational structures and cultures. I use my experience to suggest themes that might be considered in practicing community psychology and, more specifically, feminist community psychology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Practicing what we teach? An autobiographical reflection on navigating academia as a single mother
Authors: Schlehofer Michele
Published: December 2011

Despite the contributions of feminist theory and practice to improve workplace conditions in various sectors of business and industry, academic workplaces largely remain structured around a traditionally hierarchical, male workplace model and culture, which can inhibit women's career advancement. Using autobiographical narrative, I draw upon my own experiences as a single mother working in the academy to highlight women's acceptance and advancement in the academy. These experiences illustrate many themes pertaining to how women are evaluated at work, differential treatment of female versus male faculty and mothers versus childless women, and women's abilities to balance work and family. I conclude with recommendations for how we as feminist community psychologists can improve our own academic work environments © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mentors, Muses, and mutuality: honoring barbara snell dohrenwend
Authors: Mulvey Anne
Published: December 2011

I describe feminist community psychology principles that have the potential to expand and enrich mentoring and that honor Barbara Snell Dohrenwend, a leader who contributed to the research, theory, and profession of community psychology. I reflect on the affect that Barbara Dohrenwend had on life and on the development of feminist community psychology. Examples of peer mentoring between Barbara Dohrenwend's research assistant, John L. Martin, and me are used to illustrate radiating effects of mentoring and interrelationships among forms of mentoring. Feminist community psychology principles discussed in relation to mentoring include mutuality, the power of contexts, and the importance of recognizing and affirming stigmatized and oppressed aspects of identities. The concepts of “muse” (Sullivan, 1996), “public homeplaces,” and “developmental leadership” (Belenky, Bond, & Weistein, 1997) are used to illustrate qualities of feminist community psychology mentoring. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feminist community psychology: the dynamic co‐creation of identities in multilayered contexts
Authors: Angelique Holly , Mulvey Anne
Published: December 2011

In this special issue, we view the development of feminist community psychology (FCP) as an ongoing project that must be co‐created. This is reflected in articles that focus on authors' unique social locations inside and outside organizations in which they work, critical reflections on their multilayered identities, feminist methodological and pedagogical concerns, and the power of mentoring and social support. Authors discuss ways that critical reflexivity, feminist identities, and pedagogies can influence and be influenced by the practice of community psychology (CP). The intersectionality of identities is highlighted based on marginalized statuses from race/ethnicity, class, and sexuality to motherhood and “otherhood.” Authors also describe FCP practices including efforts to critique structural power asymmetries, reduce hierarchical professional relationships, and incorporate innovative interventions. We argue that these practices have libratory potential capable of creating social change consistent with the values and goals of FCP in particular and CP generally. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel bifunctional chelating agent based on bis(hydroxamamide) for 99mTc labeling of polypeptides
Authors: Ono Masahiro , Ohgami Masatsugu , Haratake Mamoru , Saji Hideo , Nakayama Morio
Published: December 2011

This paper describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel bifunctional chelating agent (BCA) based on bis(hydroxamamide) for 99mTc labeling of polypeptides. We successfully designed and synthesized C3(BHam)2―COOH as a new BCA. C3(BHam)2―COOH formed a stable 99mTc complex and enabled us to prepare 99mTc‐labeled polypeptides by using a 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorophenol (TFP) active ester of C3(BHam)2―COOH. 99mTc‐C3(BHam)2―HSA prepared with C3(BHam)2―TFP was stable in both murine plasma and an excess of l‐cysteine without any dissociation of 99mTc from polypeptides. Furthermore, the blood clearance of 99mTc‐C3(BHam)2―HSA in mice was similar to that of 125I‐HSA, suggesting that C3(BHam)2―COOH retained stable binding between 99mTc and the polypeptides in vivo. When 99mTc‐C3(BHam)2―NGA was injected into mice, the radioactivity showed high hepatic uptake early on and a rapid clearance from the liver, indicating that C3(BHam)2―COOH did not affect the pharmacokinetics of polypeptides in vivo and gave radiometabolites, which displayed a rapid elimination from the liver. Such characteristics would render C3(BHam)2―COOH attractive as a new BCA for 99mTc labeling of polypeptides.
Enantioselective determination of triazole fungicide tebuconazole in vegetables, fruits, soil and water by chiral liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yuanbo , Dong Fengshou , Liu Xingang , Xu Jun , Li Jing , Kong Zhiqiang , Chen Xiu , Zheng Yongquan
Published: December 2011

A novel and sensitive method was developed for the determination of tebuconazole enantioselectively using reversed‐phase LC‐MS/MS. The separation and determination were performed using on an amylose‐based chiral stationary phase, a Lux 3u Amylose‐2 column (150 mm×2.0 mm), under isocratic conditions at 0.3 mL/min flow rate. A series of chiral stationary phases were investigated and the effect of mobile phase composition on the enantioseparation was discussed. Parameters including the matrix effect, linearity, precision, accuracy and stability were evaluated. Under optimal conditions, the overall mean recoveries for two enantiomers from the soil, tomato, cucumber, pear and apple samples were 79.3–101.1% with 2.8–11.5% intra‐day relative standard deviations (RSDs) and 4.1–8.6% inter‐day RSDs at 5, 25 and 50 μg/kg levels; the mean enantiomer recoveries from the water samples were 89.6–101.9% with 3.3–10.2% intra‐day RSDs and 5.1–7.7% inter‐day RSDs at 0.25, 0.5 and 2.5 μg/kg levels. The limits of detection (LODs) for all enantiomers in tomato, cucumber, pear, apple, soil and water were less than 0.6 μg/kg, whereas the limit of quantification (LOQ) did not exceed 2.0 μg/kg. The results indicate that this proposed method is convenient and reliable for the enantioselective determination of tebuconazole enantiomers in foods and environment samples.
Impacts of introduced grasses on breeding season habitat use by northern bobwhite in the South Texas plains
Authors: Sands Joseph P. , Brennan Leonard A. , Hernández Fidel , Kuvlesky William P. , Gallagher James F. , Ruthven Donald C.
Published: December 2011

Introduced grasses may affect diversity of native fauna and flora adversely, and disrupt ecosystem processes. Many rangelands in South Texas have been seeded to or have been colonized by buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) and Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana), perennial bunchgrasses native to Africa. The objective of this research was to quantify impacts that these 2 species of introduced grasses may have on northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) habitat use on South Texas rangelands during the breeding period (Apr–Aug). We evaluated the effects of buffelgrass and Lehmann lovegrass on northern bobwhite nest habitat (n = 35 nests) and general habitat use sites (n = 86 radiomarked quail) with logistic regression and habitat selection functions based on simple saddlepoint approximations. Buffelgrass was used as a nesting substrate at 11% of nests; however, vegetation height and visual obstruction between 1 cm and 30 cm were the best predictors of nest site use. Areas of introduced grass coverage ≥15–20% were avoided by northern bobwhites at general habitat use organism‐centered points, but not at nest site use points. Introduced grass coverage and forb coverage were the best predictors of general habitat use, and bobwhites avoided areas with ≥18% introduced grass cover. These results suggest that avoidance of areas with extensive introduced grass cover may indicate a reduction in usable habitat space for northern bobwhite in the western South Texas plains. Maintaining native grass stands while implementing localized control of introduced grasses could be used as a strategy to promote habitat for northern bobwhites. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Pancreatic cancer: Overview of descriptive epidemiology
Authors: Bosetti Cristina , Bertuccio Paola , Negri Eva , La Vecchia Carlo , Zeegers Maurice P. , Boffetta Paolo
Published: December 2011

Pancreatic cancer mortality rates have been increasing in high‐income countries between the 1950s and the 1980s, and have leveled off or declined thereafter, particularly in men. To provide a global overview of recent pancreatic cancer mortality, we analyzed official death of the world certification data derived from the World Health Organization for 35 European countries and 19 other countries over the period 1980–2007. In 2007, the highest mortality rates from pancreatic cancer were in the Baltic countries, and some central/eastern and northern European countries (over 9.5/100 000 men and 6/100 000 women), whereas the lowest ones were in Latin America and Hong Kong (below 5/100 000 men and 3/100 000 women). Japan, the USA, Russia and the European Union (EU), as well as the largest countries in the EU, had rates around 7–9/100 000 men and 5–6/100 000 women. In the early 2000s, rates have been approximately stable in many European countries, as in the USA, Japan, and Australia. In Nordic countries and the UK, where declines in rates have been observed between the 1980s and the 1990s, mortality from pancreatic cancer has tended to rise over most recent calendar years. Some persisting rises were still found in men from a few countries of southern and central/eastern Europe (with low rates in the past), as well as in the EU overall, and in women from European and Asian countries. Recent trends were generally more favorable in young adults (30–49 yr), suggesting that overall trends are likely to improve in the near future. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is dietary fat, vitamin D, or folate associated with pancreatic cancer?
Authors: Sanchez G.V. , Weinstein S.J. , Stolzenberg‐Solomon R.Z.
Published: December 2011

Although potentially modifiable risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, obesity, and diabetes, less is known about the extent to which diet affects cancer risk. Recent studies have demonstrated some consistency for dietary fat being associated with elevated pancreatic cancer risk, particularly from animal sources. However, less is known about which fatty acids pose the greatest risk. Vitamin D, due to its endogenous production following UV‐B exposure, is a unique risk factor in that researchers have created several methods to assess its exposure in humans. Studies that measured vitamin D exposure differently have shown inconsistent results. Dietary studies suggest protective associations, whereas studies of circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D status show null or positive associations with low or very high concentrations, respectively. Several, but not all epidemiologic studies provide evidence of an inverse relationship between total and/or dietary folate and risk of pancreatic cancer. Protective associations for circulating folate are more often observed among populations with inadequate status. This article reviews the current epidemiological and experimental evidence investigating the relationship of dietary fat, vitamin D, and folate with pancreatic cancer. Additionally the mechanisms by which these risk factors may contribute to cancer, the methodological challenges involved with assessing risk, and other obstacles encountered when ascertaining the magnitude and direction of these three exposures are discussed. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Fragile X–associated tremor ataxia syndrome in FMR1 gray zone allele carriers
Authors: Hall Deborah , Tassone Flora , Klepitskaya Olga , Leehey Maureen
Published: December 2011

Background:

Carriers of fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) repeat expansions in the premutation range (55–200 CGG repeats) often develop a syndrome of kinetic tremor, cerebellar ataxia, and parkinsonism; designated the fragile X–associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Neurological signs have not been reported in carriers of gray zone (45–54 CGG repeats) expansions.

Methods/Results:

We describe 3 patients with FMR1 gray zone alleles who meet diagnostic criteria for FXTAS.

Conclusions:

Our cases suggest that the definition of the FXTAS may need to be broadened to include individuals with FMR1 repeat expansions in the gray zone. These neurological signs may be due to elevated levels of expanded CGG repeat FMR1 mRNA in the gray zone carriers, similar to the changes seen in premutation carriers with FXTAS. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Catalytic Chain Transfer in Continuous Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Smeets Niels M. B. , Jansen Tom G. T. , Heuts Johan P. A. , van Herk Alex M. , Meuldijk Jan
Published: December 2011

It is demonstrated that CCT‐mediated emulsion polymerization can successfully be carried out in a PSPC. Proper molecular weight control is achieved with only minor quantities of a cobalt(II) complex, illustrating the robustness and scalability of CCT. Despite the successful implementation of CCT in the PSPC, differences in the course of the polymerization and the final latex properties (in terms of the PSD/MWD) for batchwise and PSPC operation are observed. Backmixing occurs to some extend in the PSPC, which increases the steady state CCTA concentration in the column. Consequently, a higher chain transfer activity is observed than expected based on the corresponding batch experiments, which affects the course of the polymerization and the final latex properties.

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