bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PHOTO-MODELING AND CLOUD COMPUTING. APPLICATIONS IN THE SURVEY OF LATE GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Authors: Casu P. , Pisu C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. This work proposes the application of the latest methods of photo-modeling to the study of Gothic architecture in Sardinia. The aim is to consider the versatility and ease of use of such documentation tools in order to study architecture and its ornamental details. The paper illustrates a procedure of integrated survey and restitution, with the purpose to obtain an accurate 3D model of some gothic portals. We combined the contact survey and the photographic survey oriented to the photo-modelling. The software used is 123D Catch by Autodesk an Image Based Modelling (IBM) system available free. It is a web-based application that requires a few simple steps to produce a mesh from a set of not oriented photos. We tested the application on four portals, working at different scale of detail: at first the whole portal and then the different architectural elements that composed it. We were able to model all the elements and to quickly extrapolate simple sections, in order to make a comparison between the moldings, highlighting similarities and differences. Working in different sites at different scale of detail, have allowed us to test the procedure under different conditions of exposure, sunshine, accessibility, degradation of surface, type of material, and with different equipment and operators, showing if the final result could be affected by these factors. We tested a procedure, articulated in a few repeatable steps, that can be applied, with the right corrections and adaptations, to similar cases and/or larger or smaller elements.
LASER SCANNING FOR THE GEOMETRIC STUDY OF THE ALCÁNTARA BRIDGE AND CORIA CATHEDRAL
Authors: De Matías J. , Berenguer F. , Cortés J. P. , De Sanjosé J. J. , Atkinson A.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The conservation of built heritage is becoming increasingly important, and may even be an obligation for future generations. Techniques must therefore be developed to help document heritage and thus improve knowledge and conservation. The terrestrial laser scanning technique allows a massive capture of points of an object. Among its main applications are to obtain geometries of historic buildings and monuments, allowing the documentation of their heritage. But this technique also facilitates other very important information for the conservation of the monument in question from the same data set: the damage it presents. We can, therefore, also document the geometry of the object by making a survey of the damage it presents at the moment of data collection. The cracks and their layout and trajectory can be observed, allowing measurements to be made to assess necessary conservation measures. Given that the apertures of the same crack at different points in historical structures often vary by several centimeters, it is also important to know the extent of the damage along its entire path, and whether there is any relative motion between the two sides of the crack. This communication presents the application of laser scanning in the Alcántara Bridge and Coria Cathedral, both in the province of Cáceres (Spain). It outlines the criteria used for scanning both monuments: selection of placements, recording technique, errors between placements and the elimination of residual points. Once the mesh had been obtained, the information on the damage presented by these monuments was analysed, describing, characterizing and contrasting them with data taken in the field.
DIGITAL RECONSTRUCTION OF AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE BASED ON THE INTEGRATION OF 3D DATA AND HISTORICAL SOURCES
Authors: Guidi G. , Russo M. , Angheleddu D.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The methodology proposed in this paper in based on an integrated approach for creating a 3D digital reconstruction of an archaeological site, using extensively the 3D documentation of the site in its current state, followed by an iterative interaction between archaeologists and digital modelers, leading to a progressive refinement of the reconstructive hypotheses. The starting point of the method is the reality-based model, which, together with ancient drawings and documents, is used for generating the first reconstructive step. Such rough approximation of a possible architectural structure can be annotated through archaeological considerations that has to be confronted with geometrical constraints, producing a reduction of the reconstructive hypotheses to a limited set, each one to be archaeologically evaluated. This refinement loop on the reconstructive choices is iterated until the result become convincing by both points of view, integrating in the best way all the available sources. The proposed method has been verified on the ruins of five temples in the My Son site, a wide archaeological area located in central Vietnam. The integration of 3D surveyed data and historical documentation has allowed to support a digital reconstruction of not existing architectures, developing their three-dimensional digital models step by step, from rough shapes to highly sophisticate virtual prototypes.
Atık Azaltma Metotlarının Akü Üretimine Entegre Edilmesi: Metot Geliştirme Ve Uygulama / Integration of Waste Reduction and Battery Production: Method Development and Application
Authors: Uludağ Demirer Sibel , Elker Sedef , Kasap Suat
Published: February 2013

Bu çalışma çevre yönetimi ile entegre edilmiş üretim sistemlerinin önemli çevresel ve ekonomik faydalar getireceği düşüncesini baz alarak üretim sistemine yeni bir yaklaşım önermeyi amaçlamıştır. Bu yaklaşım için izlenmesi gereken yol genel olarak belirlenmiş ve çevreye dost ve az madde kullanarak çok üretme felsefesinin karar verme mekanizmalarına taşınması gerektiği vurgulanmıştır. Bu yaklaşım üretim sisteminde var olan uygulamaları fark eder ve alternatif atık yönetimi çözümlerini de araştırarak en çok faydayı sağlayan çözümü bulmaya çalışır. Hazırlanan metodolojide veri toplama ve üretim sisteminin analizi atıkların oluşumu ve azaltma alternatifleri göz önünde tutularak yapılır. Atıkların yönetimine ilişkin alternatifler araştırıldıktan sonra kazanımlar karar verme aşamasına iletilir. Önerilen metodolojinin akü üretimi yapan bir fabrikada uygulaması belli bir aşamaya kadar yapılmış ve fabrika yöneticilerine sonuçlar hakkında bilgi verilmiştir. Integration of Waste Reduction and Battery Production: Method Development and Application This study presents an environmentally integrated manufacturing system analysis for companies looking for the benefits of environmental management in achieving high efficiency levels. The roadmap for such a management system is established and it is shown that the decision making should consider producing more using less and nonhazardous. This approach recognizes the already existing activities while investigating alternative waste management solutions. The methodology consists of data collection, operational analyses of the processes, identification of wastes and evaluation of waste reduction alternatives proposed both technically and economically. The proposed methodology is examined in a car battery manufacturing company and results are reported to the decision makers.
Canonical Categories in Flashbulb Memories
Authors: Kaya Kızılöz Burcu , Tekcan Ali I.
Published: February 2013

Recall of canonical categories has been widely used to measure flashbulb memory performance. However, these canonical categories are based on a single study and have been inconsistently used in the literature making comparisons across studies potentially problematic. The purpose of the present study was to provide further data toward determining the generality of canonical categories. We asked 135 participants to provide open‐ended narratives of how they first learned about three public events, one of which was also a personal event for some of the participants. Results showed that seven categories of information consisting of two new categories (others present and thought) in addition to the five identified by Brown and Kulik (place, informant, activity, own affect, and aftermath) accounted for most of the information in flashbulb memory narratives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple Memory Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Khan Mohammad Ibraheem , Pequegnat Andrew , Zhou Y. Norman
Published: February 2013

Until now, shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been largely limited to “remembering” a single memory. In other words, monolithic components only possess a single set of functional properties. The current work describes how theorized change to local chemical composition induced through laser processing enables controlled augmentation of transformation temperatures. Proof of concept was demonstrated by locally embedding multiple shape memories into a monolithic NiTi component. This novel technique overcomes traditional fabrication challenges and promises to enhance SMA functionality and facilitate novel applications through producing a new class of smart materials; namely multiple memory materials (MMMs).
Developing Brands for Patented Fruit Varieties: Does the Name Matter?
Authors: Rickard Bradley J. , Schmit Todd M. , Gómez Miguel I. , Lu Hao
Published: February 2013

Brands have largely been absent for fresh produce products; however, apples are one of a few exceptions whereby varieties partially take the place of brands. Studying the role of brands in this market is particularly interesting given the introduction of several patented or so‐called managed apple varieties. We run an experiment to measure consumer response to a suite of apple varieties; treatments employ different branding strategies using different names for a new managed variety included in the experiment. Results suggest that the name does influence consumer valuation of the new variety and existing managed varieties, but has little impact on the willingness to pay for traditional apple varieties.
Crystallization kinetics and phase transformation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) films incorporated with functionalized baTiO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Ye Hui‐Jian , Shao Wen‐Zhu , Zhen Liang
Published: February 2013

The transformation of α to β‐phase in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) induced by the addition of tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDPA)‐BaTiO3 nanoparticles and subsequently the isothermal crystallization kinetics of pristine PVDF and its nanocomposites have been investigated. The result of infrared spectra showed that the relative crystalline fraction of β‐phase was enhanced greatly after the introduction of TDPA–BaTiO3 nanoparticles, and reached the peak of 93% when the concentration of nanofillers was 20%. The interaction between TDPA–BaTiO3 nanoparticles and PVDF macromolecular chains induced the change of conformation from trans‐gauche to all‐trans crystal structure in PVDF segment. The isothermal crystallization of TDPA–BaTiO3/PVDF nanocomposites was carried out by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The influence of TDPA–BaTiO3 nanoparticles concentration on crystallization rate, activate energy, melting enthalpy, and peak temperature were studied. The nanocomposite film loaded 20% TDPA–BaTiO3 nanoparticles exhibited the highest crystallization rate and activate energy, which decreased after loading more nanofillers in the host because of high volume fraction of nanoparticles leading to steric hindrance and further weakening the mobility of PVDF chains during the crystallization. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Structural and morphological development in polypropylene/poly(propylene‐1‐octene) in‐reactor alloy due to the competition between liquid–liquid phase separation and crystallization
Authors: Wang Jihui , Han Charles C.
Published: February 2013

Relationship between phase separation and crystallization of polypropylene/poly(propylene‐1‐octene) in‐reactor alloy (iPP/PPOc) were studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Optical microscopy was used to monitor nuclei density and spherulite growth rates, providing complementary information about the effect of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) on crystallization behavior. We found that LLPS process had a retardation effect on crystallization rate and had a dominant effect on the final crystalline morphology of the iPP/PPOc alloy. By simply changing the LLPS time or temperature, we could control the size and the distribution of the elastomer phase that dispersed in the iPP spherulites. The growth rate of the spherulites significantly depended on the degree of LLPS. Higher degree of phase separation reduced nuclei density and the growth rate of spherulites. However, it was helpful to the formation of more perfect spherulites. But surprisingly, there seemed to be little variation of crystallinity between the two quenching procedures (i.e., single quench vs. double quench). Overall, the competition between LLPS and crystallization significantly influenced the structural and morphological development of the iPP/PPOc alloy. By controlling the interplay between LLPS and crystallization of iPP/PPOc alloy, it was possible to control the structure and morphology as needed in applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Human hippocampal energy metabolism is impaired during cognitive activity in a lipid infusion model of insulin resistance
Authors: Emmanuel Yaso , Cochlin Lowri E. , Tyler Damian J. , de Jager Celeste A. , David Smith A. , Clarke Kieran
Published: February 2013

Neuronal glucose uptake was thought to be independent of insulin, being facilitated by glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3, which do not require insulin signaling. However, it is now known that components of the insulin‐mediated glucose uptake pathway, including neuronal insulin synthesis and the insulin‐dependent glucose transporter GLUT4, are present in brain tissue, particularly in the hippocampus. There is considerable recent evidence that insulin signaling is crucial to optimal hippocampal function. The physiological basis, however, is not clear. We propose that while noninsulin‐dependent GLUT1 and GLUT3 transport is adequate for resting needs, the surge in energy use during sustained cognitive activity requires the additional induction of insulin‐signaled GLUT4 transport. We studied hippocampal high‐energy phosphate metabolism in eight healthy volunteers, using a lipid infusion protocol to inhibit insulin signaling. Contrary to conventional wisdom, it is now known that free fatty acids do cross the blood–brain barrier in significant amounts. Energy metabolism within the hippocampus was assessed during standardized cognitive activity. 31Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine the phosphocreatine (PCr)‐to‐adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratio. This ratio reflects cellular energy production in relation to concurrent cellular energy expenditure. With lipid infusion, the ratio was significantly reduced during cognitive activity (PCr/ATP 1.0 ± 0.4 compared with 1.4 ± 0.4 before infusion, P = 0.01). Without lipid infusion, there was no reduction in the ratio during cognitive activity (PCr/ATP 1.5 ± 0.3 compared with 1.4 ± 0.4, P = 0.57). This provides supporting evidence for a physiological role for insulin signaling in facilitating increased neuronal glucose uptake during sustained cognitive activity. Loss of this response, as may occur in type 2 diabetes, would lead to insufficient neuronal energy availability during cognitive activity.
Suicidal Ideation among Inmate‐Patients in State Prison: Prevalence, Reluctance to Report, and Treatment Preferences
Authors: Way Bruce B. , Kaufman Andrew R. , Knoll James L. , Chlebowski Susan M.
Published: February 2013

This study examined the prevalence, willingness to report, and treatment preferences for suicidal ideation among state prison inmates. The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) and a novel questionnaire were completed by 67 inmate‐patients. The BSS score was in the high range for 15% of general population (GP) and 40% of Intermediate Care Program (ICP) patients, with 19% of ICP inmates reporting a “moderate to strong” desire to commit suicide. A majority (64% GP, 86% ICP) had prior suicide attempt(s). Forty‐two percent of GP and 31% of ICP inmate‐patients were unlikely to tell mental health staff about suicidal thoughts. Family contact and talking with mental health staff were preferred interventions. ICP inmates preferred staff visits and observation in their own cells, but GP inmates did not. Only a small minority (14% GP, 21% ICP) favored transfer to a crisis observation cell, but the least desired option was talking to a corrections officer. While many inmate‐patients reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, they preferred not to inform staff. Almost 80% did not favor the current primary intervention: the observation cell. Alternative or supplementary options should be considered. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UV‐activated conversion of Hoechst 33258, DAPI, and Vybrant DyeCycle fluorescent dyes into blue‐excited, green‐emitting protonated forms
Authors: Żurek‐Biesiada Dominika , Kędracka‐Krok Sylwia , Dobrucki Jurek W.
Published: February 2013

Hoechst 33258, DAPI and Vybrant DyeCycle are commonly known DNA fluorescent dyes that are excited by UV and emit in the blue region of the spectrum of visible light. Conveniently, they leave the reminder of the spectrum for microscopy detection of other cellular targets labeled with probes emitting in green, yellow or red. However, an exposure of these dyes to UV induces their photoconversion and results in production of the forms of these dyes that are excited by blue light and show fluoresce maxima in green and a detectable fluorescence in yellow and orange regions of the spectrum. Photoconversion of Hoechst 33258 and DAPI is reversible and independent of the dye concentration or the presence of DNA. Spectrofluorimetry and mass spectrometry analyses indicate that exposure to UV induces protonation of Hoechst 33258 and DAPI. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Lastaufteilung und Widerstandsverhalten von Schubwänden
Authors: Ortlepp Sebastian
Published: February 2013

Für die Ermittlung von Horizontalkräften an Wandscheiben wird gewöhnlich ein Kräftegleichgewicht unter Anwendung der Biegesteifigkeiten der einzelnen Mauerwerkswände genutzt. Besitzen die beteiligten Wände überwiegend die gleiche Steifigkeit und Auflast, ist dieses Prinzip eine gute Näherung zur Bestimmung der Wandbeanspruchung. Gibt es jedoch stark unterschiedliche Wandgeometrien innerhalb eines Geschosses, führen unterschiedliche nichtlineare Verformungen infolge aufreißender Querschnitte und Schubverformungen zu einer geänderten Lastaufteilung, welche stark von dem Verhältnis der Biegesteifigkeiten abweicht. Mit theoretischen Untersuchungen an einem Wandmodell konnte dies gezeigt werden. Eine Analyse des Verformungsverhaltens zeigt unter bestimmten Lastmerkmalen starke Einflüsse auf die Duktilität. Speziell unter geringer Auflast zeigen kurze und lange Mauerwerkswände ein enormes Verformungspotenzial bei nahezu gleich bleibendem Tragwiderstand.

Load sharing and resistance behaviour of shear walls. For the determination of horizontal forces to shear walls an equilibrium using the bending stiffness of the individual masonry wall is used. This assumption is a good approximation for determining the wall load in horizontal direction usually if the walls have mainly the same stiffness and vertical load. However, if there are very different wall geometries within a floor, different nonlinear deformations due gapping cross‐sections and shear deformations lead to an altered load distribution. Especially for masonry a non‐linear deformation of shear walls appears. Studies on a wall model with specific load characteristics show either a strong or a low ductility during deformation. Especially short and long masonry walls under low load show enormous potential for deformation at a constant load resistance.
Mikrowellen‐Rasterfeuchtemessungen in Multischicht‐Technologie
Authors: Göller Arndt
Published: February 2013

In der Bauzustandsanalyse, bei der Sanierung der Altbausubstanz und bei der Bauwerksdiagnose ist die Feuchte eine wichtige Messgröße. Ein großer Teil des Erhaltungsaufwands im Hochbau entfällt auf die Beseitigung von – durch rechtzeitige Messung reduzier‐ und eingrenzbaren – Feuchteschäden und deren Folgen.
3D imaging, registration, and analysis of the early mouse embryonic vasculature
Authors: Anderson Gregory A. , Wong Michael D. , Yang Jian , Henkelman R. Mark
Published: February 2013

Background: Cardiovascular development requires the input of a large number of molecular signaling molecules, and undergoes tightly regulated, three‐dimensional developmental patterning. Conventional developmental biology techniques have successfully identified many of the signaling cascades and molecular cues necessary for proper cardiovascular development, which has furnished us with a wealth of biochemical, molecular, and biologically functional information on how tightly linked cardiac and vascular development are. Still missing, however, is a genuine appreciation of the three‐dimensional (3D) nature of these important developmental steps. Results: Optical projection tomography (OPT) is a 3D imaging technique that allows for high‐resolution imaging of early mouse embryos and their developing cardiovascular systems when a PECAM‐1 antibody stain is used to highlight the vascular branching. Reported here is a method in which several 3D images of mouse embryo vasculatures can be registered, thus allowing for analysis of within‐strain variance between genetically identical mouse pups. Post‐registration, small differences in somitogenesis and ventricular trabeculation patterning can be visualized in mouse pups that differ by as little as a few hours of gestational time. Additionally, similarity metrics (cross‐correlation values) can be calculated to quantify similarities and differences. Two different mouse strains are analyzed (C57Bl/6 and CD‐1), and similar results are recognized in each strain. Conclusions: Visualizing the cardiovascular system in such a precise 3D manner allows for more accuracy in describing the steps that take place during cardiovascular development. This novel method will be applicable to many developmental biology questions in other organ systems and other species. Developmental Dynamics 242:517–528, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting the impacts of climate change on the distribution of threatened forest‐restricted birds in Madagascar
Authors: Andriamasimanana Rado H. , Cameron Alison
Published: February 2013

The greatest common threat to birds in Madagascar has historically been from anthropogenic deforestation. During recent decades, global climate change is now also regarded as a significant threat to biodiversity. This study uses Maximum Entropy species distribution modeling to explore how potential climate change could affect the distribution of 17 threatened forest endemic bird species, using a range of climate variables from the Hadley Center's HadCM3 climate change model, for IPCC scenario B2a, for 2050. We explore the importance of forest cover as a modeling variable and we test the use of pseudo‐presences drawn from extent of occurrence distributions. Inclusion of the forest cover variable improves the models and models derived from real‐presence data with forest layer are better predictors than those from pseudo‐presence data. Using real‐presence data, we analyzed the impacts of climate change on the distribution of nine species. We could not predict the impact of climate change on eight species because of low numbers of occurrences. All nine species were predicted to experience reductions in their total range areas, and their maximum modeled probabilities of occurrence. In general, species range and altitudinal contractions follow the reductive trend of the Maximum presence probability. Only two species (Tyto soumagnei and Newtonia fanovanae) are expected to expand their altitude range. These results indicate that future availability of suitable habitat at different elevations is likely to be critical for species persistence through climate change. Five species (Eutriorchis astur, Neodrepanis hypoxantha, Mesitornis unicolor, Euryceros prevostii, and Oriola bernieri) are probably the most vulnerable to climate change. Four of them (E. astur, M. unicolor, E. prevostii, and O. bernieri) were found vulnerable to the forest fragmentation during previous research. Combination of these two threats in the future could negatively affect these species in a drastic way. Climate change is expected to act differently on each species and it is important to incorporate complex ecological variables into species distribution models.
Is ecohydrology missing much of the zoo?
Authors: Westbrook Cherie J. , Veatch William , Morrison Alasdair
Published: February 2013

Ecohydrology is now recognized as an interdisciplinary field, and as it grows, there needs to be greater awareness and dialogue on its focus and future direction. To take a ‘bearings’ on where we are, 339 ecohydrological articles published between January 2000 and December 2011 in two databases were surveyed. We found that 72% of the studies address questions at the interface of plant ecology and hydrology. The scarcity of studies of animals as drivers of hydrological patterns and processes led us to question the reasons behind plant‐based ecologists embracing the term ecohydrology to a greater extent than animal‐based ecologists. Following that discussion are current examples of synergies between animal ecologists and hydrologists that have led to a greater understanding of ecosystem processes and a way for ecohydrologists to factor in faunal interactions in their future research. We end by suggesting that ecohydrology form its own scientific society so it can more purposely advance knowledge and understanding of coupled ecological and hydrological system functions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐precision positioning of table drive system using strain feedback and disturbance observer
Authors: Seki Kenta , Mochizuki Keisuke , Iwasaki Makoto
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a control design methodology for high‐precision positioning. In particular, the compensation for the effects of vibration modes and nonlinear friction on the positioning performance is taken into account in this methodology. In the controller design, the servo bandwidth of the feedback control loop should be expanded to compensate for nonlinear friction, while robust stability with respect to frequency variations in the vibration modes should be ensured. In this study, therefore, strain feedback for vibration modes is adopted to provide robustness with respect to frequency variations and to improve the disturbance suppression performance by expanding the bandwidth of a disturbance observer. This strain feedback is based on the use of a piezoelectric element. The efficiency of the proposed positioning control approach has been verified by conducting experiments using a prototype for industrial table drive systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(3): 46–55, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21306
Engineered nanomaterials in water and soils: A risk quantification based on probabilistic exposure and effect modeling
Authors: Gottschalk Fadri , Kost Elias , Nowack Bernd
Published: February 2013

The production and use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasing rapidly, and therefore, the need to assess their environmental exposure and associated risks has become increasingly important. Only a handful of studies have quantified the release and environmental concentrations of ENMs, but much work has been done to investigate the effects of these materials on organisms. The aim of the present study was to quantify probabilistically the environmental risks of ENMs, producing species sensitivity distributions that were then compared with probability distributions of predicted environmental concentrations. Five nanomaterials (nano-Ag, nano-TiO2, nano-ZnO, carbon nanotubes [CNTs], and fullerenes) and 4 environmental compartments (surface water, sewage treatment plant effluents, soils, and sludge-treated soils) were considered. From 60 ecotoxicological studies, the authors extracted 112 single values to work with (25 values in 13 studies for nano-Ag, 17 values in 10 studies for CNTs, 7 values in 7 studies for fullerenes, 34 values in 23 studies for nano-TiO2, and 29 values in 17 studies for nano-ZnO). The results indicate there is only a marginal risk for these metal-based nanomaterials in surface water (0.7% risk for nano-Ag and <0.1% for nano-TiO2) and some risk in sewage treatment plant effluents (nano-Ag 39.7%, nano-TiO2 18.7%, and nano-ZnO 1.1%). Apart from a marginal value of <0.1% for nano-TiO2 in sludge-treated soils, no risk from the other evaluated ENMs in terrestrial compartments is currently predicted. The discussion of the results considers the influence of the effects of different forms of 1 ENM (coating, agglomeration state, and mineralogy), the test conditions (dissolution and agglomeration), and transformation reactions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1278–1287. © 2013 SETAC
Numerical study of radial basis function interpolation for data transfer across discontinuous mesh interfaces
Authors: Costin W. J. , Allen C. B.
Published: February 2013

Allowing discontinuous or non‐matching mesh spacing across zonal interfaces within a computational domain offers many advantages, particularly in terms of easing the mesh generation process, reduction of required mesh densities, and relative motion between mesh zones. This paper presents a numerical study of a universal method for interpolating solution data across such interfaces. The method utilises radial basis functions (RBFs) for n‐dimensional volume interpolation, and treats the available solution data points simply as arbitrary clouds of points, eliminating all connectivity requirements and making it applicable to a wide range of computational problems. Properties of the developed meshless interface interpolation are investigated using analytic functions, and three issues are considered: the achievable order of spatial accuracy of the RBF interpolation alone and comparison with a variable order polynomial; the effect of a combined RBF and polynomial interpolation; and the ability of the method to recover frequency content. RBF interpolation alone is shown to achieve fourth‐order to sixth‐order spatial accuracy in one and two dimensions, and in three dimensions, using a small number of data points, third‐order and above is achievable even for a 3 : 1 discontinuous cell spacing ratio, that is a 27 : 1 volume ratio, across the interface. Hence, it is inefficient to include polynomial terms, since improving on the RBF spatial accuracy results in a significant increase in the system size and deterioration in conditioning. It is also shown that only five points per wavelength are required to capture both frequency and amplitude content of periodic solutions to less than 0.01% error.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of nitrogen deposition to the photosynthetic capacity of forests
Authors: Fleischer K. , Rebel K. T. , van der Molen M. K. , Erisman J. W. , Wassen M. J. , van Loon E. E. , Montagnani L. , Gough C. M. , Herbst M. , Janssens I. A. , Gianelle D. , Dolman A. J.
Published: February 2013

Global terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration has increased over the last few decades. The drivers of carbon sequestration, the geographical spread and magnitude of this sink are however hotly debated. Photosynthesis determines the total C uptake of terrestrial ecosystems and is a major flux of the global C balance. We contribute to the discussion on enhanced C sequestration by analyzing the influence of nitrogen (N) deposition on photosynthetic capacity (Amax) of forest canopies. Eddy covariance measurements of net exchange of carbon provide estimates of gross primary production, from which Amax is derived with a novel approach. Canopy Amax is combined with modeled N deposition, environmental variables and stand characteristics to study the relative effects on Amax for a unique global data set of 80 forest FLUXNET sites. Canopy Amax relates positively to N deposition for evergreen needleleaf forests below an observed critical load of ~ 8 kg N ha–1 yr–1, with a slope of 2.0 ± 0.4 (S.E.) µmol CO2 m–2 s–1 per 1 kg N ha–1 yr–1. Above this threshold canopy Amax levels off, exhibiting a saturating response in line with the N saturation hypothesis. Climate effects on canopy Amax cannot be separated from the effect of N deposition due to considerable covariation. For deciduous broadleaf forests and forests in the temperate (‐continental) climate zones, the analysis shows the N deposition effect to be either small or absent. Leaf area index and foliar N concentration are positively but weakly related to Amax. We conclude that flux tower measurements of C fluxes provide valuable data to study physiological processes at the canopy scale. Future efforts need to be directed toward standardizing measures N cycling and pools within C monitoring networks to gain a better understanding of C and N interactions, and to disentangle the role of climate and N deposition in forest ecosystems.
Modes, tempo, and spatial variability of Cenozoic cratonic denudation: The West African example
Authors: Beauvais Anicet , Chardon Dominique
Published: February 2013

Quantifying long‐term erosion of tropical shields is crucial to constraining the role of lateritic regolith covers as prominent sinks and sources of CO2 and sediments in the context of long‐term Cenozoic climate change. It is also a key to understanding long‐term landform evolution processes operating over most of the continental surface and their control onto the sediment routing system. We study the surface evolution of West Africa over three erosion periods (~ 45–24, ~ 24–11 and ~ 11–0 Ma) recorded by relicts of three subcontinental‐scale lateritic paleolandsurfaces whose age is bracketed by 39Ar/40Ar dating of lateritic K‐Mn oxides. Denudation depths and rates compiled from 380 field stations show that despite heterogeneities confined to early‐inherited reliefs, the subregion underwent low and homogeneous denudation (~ 2–20 m Ma–1) over most of its surface whatever the considered time interval. This homogeneity is further documented by a worldwide compilation of cratonic denudation rates, over long‐term, intermediate and modern Cenozoic time scales (100–107 yr). These results allow defining a steady state cratonic denudation regime that is weathering‐limited, i.e., controlled by the thickness of the (lateritic) regolith available for stripping. Steady state cratonic denudation regimes are enabled by maintained compartmentalization of the base levels between river knick points controlled by relief inheritance. Under such regimes, lowering of base levels and their fossilization are primarily imposed by long‐term eustatic sea level fall and climate rather than by epeirogeny. The expression of steady state cratonic denudation regimes in clastic sedimentary fluxes remains to be investigated.
Horizontal structure of monsoon depressions in the western North Pacific at formation time
Authors: Beattie Jodi C. , Elsberry Russell L.
Published: February 2013

Tropical cyclones that form from monsoon depressions in the western North Pacific have a larger outer wind structure, and those that form from monsoon gyres tend to be smaller than average. Quantitative values of the horizontal wind structure of monsoon depressions are analyzed from high‐resolution European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts analyses and satellite imagery during 2009. Rather than a circular shape with a diameter of about 1000 km, 80% of the 44 monsoon depressions were elliptical in shape with average diameters of about 812 km north‐south and 1098 km east‐west. The latitudinal‐to‐longitudinal ellipticity factor of 0.69 ± 0.14 emphasizes the noncircular structure of these cases, which is important for the weather distribution and likely also for potential tropical cyclone formations. Seventeen tropical cyclones during 2009 formed from monsoon depressions and none from monsoon gyres, which contradicts earlier studies that about 70% form from monsoon gyres.
Secondary organic aerosol formation from semi‐ and intermediate‐volatility organic compounds and glyoxal: Relevance of O/C as a tracer for aqueous multiphase chemistry
Authors: Waxman Eleanor M. , Dzepina Katja , Ervens Barbara , Lee‐Taylor Julia , Aumont Bernard , Jimenez Jose L. , Madronich Sasha , Volkamer Rainer
Published: February 2013

The role of aqueous multiphase chemistry in the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) remains difficult to quantify. We investigate it here by testing the rapid formation of moderate oxygen‐to‐carbon (O/C) SOA during a case study in Mexico City. A novel laboratory‐based glyoxal‐SOA mechanism is applied to the field data, and explains why less gas‐phase glyoxal mass is observed than predicted. Furthermore, we compare an explicit gas‐phase chemical mechanism for SOA formation from semi‐ and intermediate‐volatility organic compounds (S/IVOCs) with empirical parameterizations of S/IVOC aging. The mechanism representing our current understanding of chemical kinetics of S/IVOC oxidation combined with traditional SOA sources and mixing of background SOA underestimates the observed O/C by a factor of two at noon. Inclusion of glyoxal‐SOA with O/C of 1.5 brings O/C predictions within measurement uncertainty, suggesting that field observations can be reconciled on reasonable time scales using laboratory‐based empirical relationships for aqueous chemistry.
Equatorial upwelling enhances nitrogen fixation in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Subramaniam Ajit , Mahaffey Claire , Johns William , Mahowald Natalie
Published: February 2013

Surface waters in upwelling regions are thought to be nutrient rich and hence inhibit nitrogen fixation (diazotrophy) because diazotrophs can preferentially assimilate nitrate and ammonia instead of expending energy to fix dinitrogen. We found average nitrogen fixation rates to be two to seven times higher in the surface waters of the upwelling region of the eastern equatorial Atlantic than typically measured here during non‐upwelling periods. We posit that in this region, low nitrate‐phosphate ratio waters are upwelled, and an initial bloom of non‐diazotrophic phytoplankton removes recently upwelled nitrate. Thereby, diazotrophy is fuelled by residual phosphate and by a combination of aeolian and upwelled sources of iron. Annually, we estimate that approximately 47 Gmol of new nitrogen is introduced by diazotrophy in upwelled waters alone and 195 Gmol N is fixed in the equatorial Atlantic region. Our findings challenge the paradigm that the highest nitrogen fixation rates occur in oligotrophic gyres and instead provide evidence of its importance in upwelling regimes where phosphate‐ and iron‐rich waters rich are upwelled.
Maintenance of long‐term potentiation in hippocampal mossy fiber—CA3 pathway requires fine‐tuned MMP‐9 proteolytic activity
Authors: Wiera Grzegorz , Wozniak Grazyna , Bajor Malgorzata , Kaczmarek Leszek , Mozrzymas Jerzy W.
Published: February 2013

Mechanisms of synaptic plasticity involve proteolytic activity mediated by a complex system of proteases, including members of metalloproteinase (MMP) family. In particular, MMP‐9 is critical in LTP maintenance in the Schaffer collateral‐CA1 pathway and in the acquisition of hippocampus‐dependent memory. Recent studies from this laboratory revealed that in the mossy fiber‐CA3 (MF‐CA3) projection, where LTP induction and expression are largely presynaptic, MMPs blockade disrupts LTP maintenance and that LTP induction is associated with increased MMP‐9 expression. Here we used acute brain slices from MMP‐9 knock‐out mice and transgenic rats overexpressing MMP‐9 to determine how manipulations in endogenous MMP‐9 affect LTP in the MF‐CA3 projection. Both types of transgenic models showed a normal basal synaptic transmission and short‐term plasticity. Interestingly, the maintenance of LTP induced in slices from knock‐out mice and overexpressing rats was nearly abolished. However, in the presence of active MMP‐9, a gradual fEPSP autopotentiation was observed and tetanization evoked a marked LTP in knock‐out mice. Additionally, in MMP‐9‐treated slices from wild‐type mice, fEPSP autopotentiation also occurred and partially occluded LTP. This indicates that exogenous protease can restore LTP in null mice whereas in the wild‐type, MMP‐9 excess impairs LTP. We expected that LTP maintenance in transgenic rats could be re‐established by a partial MMP blockade but non‐saturating concentrations of MMP inhibitor were ineffective. In conclusion, we demonstrate that LTP maintenance in MF‐CA3 pathway requires fine‐tuned MMP‐9 activity and raises the possibility that altered MMP‐9 level might be detrimental for cognitive processes as observed in some neuropathologies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A development and biological safety evaluation of novel PVC medical devices with surface structures modified by UV irradiation to suppress plasticizer migration
Authors: Haishima Yuji , Isama Kazuo , Hasegawa Chie , Yuba Toshiyasu , Matsuoka Atsuko
Published: February 2013

This study examines the chemical, physicochemical, and biological properties of PVC sheets treated with UV irradiation on their surfaces to suppress the elution of a plasticizer, di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), for developing novel polyvinyl chloride (PVC) medical devices. The PVC sheets irradiated under conditions 1 (52.5 μW/cm2, 136 J/cm2) and 2 (0.45 mW/cm2, 972 J/cm2) exhibited considerable toxicity in cytotoxicity tests and chromosome aberration tests due to the generation of DEHP oxidants, but no toxicity was detected in the PVC sheet irradiated under condition 3 (8.3 mW/cm2, 134 J/cm2). The release of DEHP from the surface irradiated under condition 3 was significantly suppressed, and mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) converted from a portion of DEHP could be easily removed from the surface by washing with methanol. The physicochemical properties of the surface regarding the suppression of DEHP elution remained stable through all sterilizations tested, but MEHP elution was partially recrudesced by the sterilizations except for gamma irradiation. These results indicated that UV irradiation using a strong UV‐source over a short time (condition 3) followed by methanol washing and gamma sterilization may be useful for preparing novel PVC products that did not elute plasticizers and do not exhibit toxicity originating from UV irradiation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2630–2643, 2013.
Nanoclays mediate stem cell differentiation and mineralized ECM formation on biopolymer scaffolds
Authors: Ambre Avinash H. , Katti Dinesh R. , Katti Kalpana S.
Published: February 2013

In this work, novel modified nanoclays were used to mineralize hydroxyapatite (HAP) mimicking biomineralization in bone. This in situ HAPclay was further incorporated into chitosan/polygalacturonic acid (Chi/PgA) scaffolds and films for bone tissue engineering. Differences in microstructure of the scaffolds were observed depending on the changes in processing of in situ HAPclay with ChiPgA biopolymer system. Response of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on these scaffolds and films was studied using imaging and assays. SEM micrographs indicate that hMSCs were able to adhere to ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay scaffolds and phase contrast images indicated formation of mineralized nodules on ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay films in absence of osteogenic supplements used for differentiation of hMSCs. The formation of mineralized nodules by hMSCs was confirmed by positive staining of the nodules by Alizarin Red S dye. Viability and differentiation assays showed that ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay scaffolds were favorable for viability and differentiation of hMSCs. Unique two‐stage cell seeding experiments were performed as a strategy to enhance tissue formation by hMSCs on ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay composite films. This work showed that biomaterials based on ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay composites can be used for bone tissue engineering applications and in situ nanoclay‐HAP system mediates osteoinductive and osteoconductive response from hMSCs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2644–2660, 2013.
Improvements of osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation in vitro via fibrin network formation in collagen sponge scaffold
Authors: Kim Beom‐Su , Kim Jin Seong , Lee Jun
Published: February 2013

Collagen sponges (COL‐S) are used as scaffolds to support osteoblasts and stimulate bone repair because of their flexibility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this study, we added fibrin networks to COL‐S scaffolds by using a fibrinogen (FNG) cross‐linking reaction and evaluated the proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion of MG‐63 cells on these scaffolds. The fibrin network that formed in COL‐S with various concentrations of FNG was characterized with regard to morphology, porosity, and water‐uptake ability. Successful fibrin network formation was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As the FNG concentration increased, network formation increased, but porosity and water‐uptake ability were slightly reduced at high FNG concentrations. An MTS assay, DNA content assay, live/dead fluorescence assay, and SEM imaging showed that MG‐63 cells attached and spread on COL‐S and COL‐S/FNG scaffolds, particularly on scaffolds modified using FNG. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly increased in cells cultured on scaffolds modified using 10, 40, and 80 mg/mL FNG. Thus, the addition of a fibrin network could increase the biocompatibility of COL‐S for bone regeneration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2661–2666, 2013.
Early postnatal virus inoculation into the scala media achieved extensive expression of exogenous green fluorescent protein in the inner ear and preserved auditory brainstem response thresholds
Authors: Wang Yunfeng , Sun Yu , Chang Qing , Ahmad Shoeb , Zhou Binfei , Kim Yeunjung , Li Huawei , Lin Xi
Published: February 2013

Background

Gene transfer into the inner ear is a promising approach for treating sensorineural hearing loss. The special electrochemical environment of the scala media raises a formidable challenge for effective gene delivery at the same time as keeping normal cochlear function intact. The present study aimed to define a suitable strategy for preserving hearing after viral inoculation directly into the scala media performed at various postnatal developmental stages.

Methods

We assessed transgene expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) mediated by various types of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus (LV) in the mouse cochlea. Auditory brainstem responses were measured 30 days after inoculation to assess effects on hearing.

Results

Patterns of GFP expression confirmed extensive exogenous gene expression in various types of cells lining the endolymphatic space. The use of different viral vectors and promoters resulted in specific cellular GFP expression patterns. AAV2/1 with cytomegalovirus promoter apparently gave the best results for GFP expression in the supporting cells. Histological examination showed normal cochlear morphology and no hair cell loss after either AAV or LV injections. We found that hearing thresholds were not significantly changed when the injections were performed in mice younger than postnatal day 5, regardless of the type of virus tested.

Conclusions

Viral inoculation and expression in the inner ear for the restoration of hearing must not damage cochlear function. Using normal hearing mice as a model, we have achieved this necessary step, which is required for the treatment of many types of congenital deafness that require early intervention. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.