bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tip induced fluorescence quenching for nanometer optical and topographical resolution
Authors: Schulz Olaf , Zhao Zhao , Ward Alex , Koenig Marcelle , Koberling Felix , Liu Yan , Enderlein Jörg , Yan Hao , Ros Robert
Published: February 2013

Progress in nanosciences and life sciences is closely related to developments of high resolution imaging techniques. We introduce a technique which produces correlated topography and fluorescence lifetime images with nanometer resolution. Spot sizes below 5 nm are achieved by quenching of the fluorescence with silicon probes of an atomic force microscope which is combined and synchronized with a confocal fluorescence lifetime microscope. Moreover, we demonstrate the ability to locate and resolve the position of two fluorescent molecules separated by 20.7 nm on a DNA origami triangle with 120 nm side length by correlating topography and fluorescence data. With this method, we anticipate applications in nano- and life sciences, such as the determination of the structure of macromolecular assemblies on surfaces, molecular interactions, as well as the structure and function of nanomaterials.
Nfil3 Is a Glucocorticoid-Regulated Gene Required for Glucocorticoid-Induced Apoptosis in Male Murine T Cells
Authors: Carey Kirstyn T. , Tan Kheng H. , Ng Judy , Liddicoat Douglas R. , Godfrey Dale I. , Cole Timothy J.
Published: February 2013

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have essential roles in the regulation of development, integrated metabolism, and immune and neurological responses, and act primarily via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In most cells, GC treatment results in down-regulation of GR mRNA and protein levels via negative feedback mechanisms. However, in GC-treated thymocytes, GR protein levels are maintained at a high level, increasing sensitivity of thymocytes to GCs, resulting in apoptosis termed glucocorticoid-induced cell death (GICD). CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes and thymic natural killer T cells in particular are highly sensitive to GICD. Although GICD is exploited via the use of synthetic GC analogues in the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies, the intracellular molecular pathway of GICD is not well understood. To explore GICD in thymocytes, the authors performed whole genome expression microarray analysis in mouse GR exon 2 null vs wild-type thymus RNA 3 hours after dexamethasone treatment. Identified and validated direct GR targets included P21 and Bim, in addition to an important transcriptional regulator Nfil3, which previously has been associated with GICD and is essential for natural killer cell development in vivo. Immunostaining of NFIL3 in whole thymus localized NFIL3 primarily to the medullary region, and double labeling colocalized NFIL3 to apoptotic cells. In silico analysis revealed a putative GC response element 5 kb upstream of the Nfil3 promoter that is strongly conserved in the rat genome and was confirmed to bind GR by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The knockdown of Nfil3 mRNA levels to 20% of normal using specific small interfering RNAs abrogated GICD, indicating that NFIL3 is required for normal GICD in CTLL-2 T cells.
Smoking During Pregnancy and Smoking Cessation Services
Authors: Bauld Linda
Published: February 2013

The 2008 UK National Smoking Cessation Conference (UKNSSC) included a number of oral and poster presentations on the theme of smoking during pregnancy. This is a challenging area of research and practice and one in which new evidence — both about the effects of smoking in pregnancy and about smoking cessation interventions — is regularly emerging. Papers at UKNSCC explored why few women access support to stop (Felix Naughton), how best to refer women to specialist services (Joan Braithwaite), social marketing approaches (Deborah Richardson and Wendy Dudley) and physical activity for smoking cessation during pregnancy (Michael Ussher). The conference opened with a plenary presentation that explored the extent of smoking during pregnancy and women's accounts of quit attempts, cessation and relapse. It also examined what more could be done to improve access to stop smoking services for pregnant women and increase the proportion of women who quit. This article reviews some of the evidence presented at UKNSSC, focusing in particular on the need for improved identification, referral, engagement and treatment of pregnant smokers.
Ethical and Policy Issues in Genetic Testing and Screening of Children
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON BIOETHICS,   COMMITTEE ON GENETICS, AND,   THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF MEDICAL GENETICS AND,   GENOMICS SOCIAL,   ETHICAL,   AND LEGAL ISSUES COMMITTEE, Fallat Mary E. , Katz Aviva L. , Mercurio Mark R. , Moon Margaret R. , Okun Alexander L. , Webb Sally A. , Weise Kathryn L. , Saul Robert A. , Braddock Stephen R. , Chen Emily , Freedenberg Debra L. , Jones Marilyn C. , Perrin James M. , Tarini Beth Anne , David Karen L. , Bartoshesky Louis E. , Anderson Rebecca R. , Best Robert G. , Hoffman Jodi D. , Ito Masamichi , Lemke Amy A. , Murray Mitzi L. , Sharp Richard R. , Bhambhani Vikas
Published: February 2013

The genetic testing and genetic screening of children are commonplace. Decisions about whether to offer genetic testing and screening should be driven by the best interest of the child. The growing literature on the psychosocial and clinical effects of such testing and screening can help inform best practices. This policy statement represents recommendations developed collaboratively by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics with respect to many of the scenarios in which genetic testing and screening can occur.
Briefing: Biological routes to improvement of geomaterials
Authors: Wood David Muir
Published: February 2013

In the search for innovative geotechnical materials for sustainable construction the most exciting possibilities will come from interdisciplinary collaborations. The links between civil engineering and life sciences provide examples of future possibilities at three scales. At the microscopic scale, bacteria in the ground can be encouraged to deposit calcite, which will bond particles of cohesionless soil thus increasing resistance to erosion and liquefaction. At the mesoscopic scale, various species of worm and shrimp provide examples of nature's geotechnical abilities in stabilising burrows. At the macroscopic scale, models of the various components of interaction of soils with plant roots are at a sufficiently advanced state to be applied with some confidence to the simulation of the performance of vegetated slopes and be used for condition monitoring and future asset management.
Virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound as a diagnostic alternative for morphological characterization of carotid plaque: comparison with histology and high-resolution magnetic resonance findings
Authors: Chiocchi Marcello , Chiaravalloti Antonio , Morosetti Daniele , Loreni Giorgio , Gandini Roberto , Mancino Stefano , Fabiano Sebastiano , Simonetti Giovanni
Published: February 2013

Background

Stroke is the third most common cause of death and one of the most common cause of long-term disability in the Western world. Carotid plaque morphology is the main predictor of cerebrovascular accidents, more than the degree of stenosis.

Aims

The primary aim was to validate virtual histology– intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) as a diagnostic tool for carotid plaque characterization, by comparison with histology, through ex-vivo evaluation of carotid plaques. The secondary target was to compare VH-IVUS with high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) through in-vivo evaluation of carotid artery plaques.

Materials and methods

In the ex-vivo study, data were acquired from six carotid arteries explanted from six symptomatic male patients with a mean age of 72 W 9.64 years. Sectional images obtained with the IVUS catheter were compared with digitalized histological images. Twelve consecutive patients (eight men, four women, mean age of 75 W 6.33 years), candidates for carotid artery stenting, were included in the in-vivo study. All histological and HR-MR images were converted to a digital format and the exact percentages of the four plaque components were determined.

Results

Forty-two images were used for correlation between VH-IVUS and histology. Quantitative analysis of different plaque components revealed a good concordance (0.82) between the two methods [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.92]. Precision rates of VH-IVUS for concordance with true histology of different plaque components were 99.4% for fibrous tissue, 85.9% for fibrolipid tissue, 71.4% for calcium and 83.4% for necrosis. Comparison between HR-MRI and VH-IVUS was performed on 27 images. Concordance between the two methods was 0.84 (95% CI 0.69–0.92). Precision rates were, respectively, 85.3, 95.2, 90.2 and 82.0%.

Conclusion

We believe that VH-IVUS may be useful when a quick intraprocedural evaluation of a carotid plaque before or after stent placement is required, but is not suitable for the accurate in-vivo differentiation between stable and unstable plaques prone to rupture, due to the suboptimal assessment of the necrotic component, fibrous cap thickness and rupture signs. We do believe, however, that these results need further evaluation in larger populations to be confirmed.
Punishment Severity and Confidence in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Sprott Jane B. , Webster Cheryl Marie , Doob Anthony N.
Published: February 2013

It is frequently suggested that Canadians would have more confidence in the courts, in criminal sentences, and in the justice system more generally if sentences were harsher. Taking advantage of the fact that there is variation across provinces in sentencing practices, this paper demonstrates that there is essentially no relationship between the punitiveness of a province's courts and that province's residents' views of courts, sentences, and the justice system.
RETRACTED: Health Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues via Dietary Intake of Market Vegetables from Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. , Hossain Md. , Rahman Md. , Islam Md. , Rahman Md. , Adyel Tanveer
Published: February 2013

The present study was designed to assess the health risk of pesticide residues via dietary intake of vegetables collected from four top agro-based markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh. High performance liquid chromatography with a photo diode array detector (HPLC-PDA) was used to determine six organophosphorus (chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion, parathion, ethion, acephate, fenthion), two carbamate (carbaryl and carbofuran) and one pyrethroid (cypermethrin) pesticide residues in twelve samples of three common vegetables (tomato, lady’s finger and brinjal). Pesticide residues ranged from below detectable limit (<0.01) to 0.36 mg/kg. Acephate, chlorpyrifos, ethion, carbaryl and cypermethrin were detected in only one sample, while co-occurrence occurred twice for fenitrothion and parathion. Apart from chlorpyrifos in tomato and cypermethrin in brinjal, all pesticide residues exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL). Hazard risk index (HRI) for ethion (10.12) and carbaryl (1.09) was found in lady’s finger and tomato, respectively. Rest of the pesticide residues were classified as not a health risk. A continuous monitoring and strict regulation should be enforced regarding control of pesticide residues in vegetables and other food commodities.
Changes in Tobacco Use, Susceptibility to Future Smoking, and Quit Attempts among Canadian Youth over Time: A Comparison of Off-Reserve Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Youth
Authors: Elton-Marshall Tara , Leatherdale Scott , Burkhalter Robin , Brown K.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a growing inequity in tobacco use, susceptibility to future smoking, and quit attempts among Off-Reserve Aboriginal (ORA) youth in Canada relative to Non-Aboriginal youth. Current smoking, susceptibility to future smoking and quit attempts were examined among a nationally representative sample of ORA and Non-Aboriginal Canadian youth. Data are from cross-sectional surveys of 88,661 respondents in Grades 6 to 9 across the 2004, 2006 and 2008 survey waves of the Youth Smoking Survey (YSS). At each wave, ORA youth were more likely to be current smokers (overall OR = 3.91, 95% CI 3.47 to 4.41), to be susceptible to future smoking (overall OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.48), and less likely to have ever made a quit attempt compared to Non-Aboriginal youth (overall OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.96). Although susceptibility to future smoking declined for Non-Aboriginal youth, the prevalence of susceptibility remained stable among ORA youth. The percentage of ORA youth reporting making a quit attempt increased, however, current smoking rates among ORA youth did not decline. These findings suggest that the disparity in susceptibility to future tobacco use among ORA and Non-Aboriginal youth has increased over time. Despite increased rates of quit attempts, current smoking rates remain significantly higher among ORA youth. Tobacco control programs for Aboriginal youth should be a public health priority.
Comments on: Chari, R.; Burke, T.A.; White, R.H.; Fox, M.A. Integrating Susceptibility into Environmental Policy: An Analysis of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Lead. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2012, 9, 1077–1096
Authors: Bowers Teresa
Published: February 2013

A recent publication in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health by Chari et al. [1] provides no basis for changing the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead in the U.S. to protect children in low socio-economic (SES) populations. The studies selected by Chari et al. for analysis do not provide comparable information on regression coefficients for the blood lead level-IQ relationship. The coefficients differ from one another more on the basis of unequal blood lead metrics, ages of blood lead measurement, and differences in covariate adjustments and standardization, than the difference postulated by Chari et al. to correspond to low vs. high SES populations.
Modulation of Intestinal Functions Following Mycotoxin Ingestion: Meta-Analysis of Published Experiments in Animals
Authors: Grenier Bertrand , Applegate Todd
Published: February 2013

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that can cause serious health problems in animals, and may result in severe economic losses. Deleterious effects of these feed contaminants in animals are well documented, ranging from growth impairment, decreased resistance to pathogens, hepato- and nephrotoxicity to death. By contrast, data with regard to their impact on intestinal functions are more limited. However, intestinal cells are the first cells to be exposed to mycotoxins, and often at higher concentrations than other tissues. In addition, mycotoxins specifically target high protein turnover- and activated-cells, which are predominant in gut epithelium. Therefore, intestinal investigations have gained significant interest over the last decade, and some publications have demonstrated that mycotoxins are able to compromise several key functions of the gastrointestinal tract, including decreased surface area available for nutrient absorption, modulation of nutrient transporters, or loss of barrier function. In addition some mycotoxins facilitate persistence of intestinal pathogens and potentiate intestinal inflammation. By contrast, the effect of these fungal metabolites on the intestinal microbiota is largely unknown. This review focuses on mycotoxins which are of concern in terms of occurrence and toxicity, namely: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and Fusarium toxins. Results from nearly 100 published experiments (in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo) were analyzed with a special attention to the doses used.
A population genetic transect of Panicum hallii (Poaceae)
Authors: Lowry David B. , Purmal Colin T. , Juenger Thomas E.
Published: February 2013

• Premise of study: Understanding the relationship between climate, adaptation, and population structure is of fundamental importance to botanists because these factors are crucial for the evolution of biodiversity and the response of species to future climate change. Panicum hallii is an emerging model system for perennial grass and bioenergy research, yet very little is known about the relationship between climate and population structure in this system.

• Methods: We analyzed geographic population differentiation across 39 populations of P. hallii along a longitudinal transect from the savannas of central Texas through the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. A combination of morphological and genetic (microsatellite) analysis was used to explore patterns of population structure.

• Key results: We found strong differentiation between high elevation western desert populations and lower elevation eastern populations of P. hallii, with a pronounced break in structure occurring in western Texas. In addition, we confirmed that there are high levels of morphological and genetic structure between previous recognized varieties (var. hallii and var. filipes) within this species.

• Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that patterns of population structure within P. hallii may be driven by climatic variation over space. Overall, this study lays the groundwork for future studies on the genetics of local adaptation and reproductive isolation in this system.
Green Digital Enterprise and Chaos Theory in Tourism Development
Authors: Ariwa Ezendu , Syvertsen Carsten Martin
Published: February 2013

This paper examines how eco-tourism can be regarded as a change agent in the tourism economy in developing countries. By using conceptual contributions from chaos theory, the authors illustrate how eco-tourism might give competitive advantage, using South Africa as the empirical setting. Destinations focusing on chaos theory when organizing their efforts within eco-tourism may be able to tailor make services to well-defined market segments through the use of tacit knowledge. Future research may benefit from using untraditional approaches found in the business literature.
Data Envelopment Analysis Approach to Compare the Environmental Efficiency of Energy Utilization
Authors: Kongar Elif A. , Rosentrater Kurt
Published: February 2013

Due to increasing financial and environmental concerns, governmental rules, regulations and incentives, alternative energy sources are expected to grow at a faster pace than conventional sources of energy. However, the current body of research providing comparative decision-making models for conventional and alternative energy sources is limited. Furthermore, existing literature also falls short in offering a unifying model that benchmarks the technical efficiencies of countries in terms of their energy usage in relation to environmental impact. This paper proposes two sets of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models to calculate and rank the technical efficiencies of (i) conventional and alternative energy sources for the United States, and (ii) energy usage of selected countries depending on various criteria. The first set of DEA models considers both the economics of energy sources and additional environmental criteria such as CO2 emissions and damage cost. The second set evaluates the relative technical efficiencies of the top 25 petroleum consuming countries in the world in terms of the environment. Numerical examples are also included to demonstrate the functionality of the proposed models.
Intellectual Capital in a Services-Oriented Firm
Authors: Mazzotta Romilda , Bronzetti Giovanni
Published: February 2013

This chapter discusses the Intellectual Capital (IC) and its management within the services-oriented firms. It argues that IC and its management are as important as in a product-oriented firm. The authors aim to analyze the intellectual capital in the service-oriented firms, focusing on various components, such as human, structural, and relational capital (IC stock), and how to manage it (IC activities). Specifically, the authors examine IC stock and IC activities in a special type of Italian services firms: the Local Public Utility (LPU). These firms are peculiar since were affected by the privatization process and this has made a great need for rethinking the role of intellectual capital within their structure and how to handle it.
Use of Apple iPads in K-6 Math and Science Classrooms
Authors: Bennett Tara , Martin Florence
Published: February 2013

In this chapter, the authors review how iPads were used in a middle grade math classroom of a technology magnet school. The school has received two mobile iPad carts in addition to the three they have. Ms. Martin, a science teacher at this middle school, has received one of the mobile iPad carts due to her interest in technology integration. Ms. Martin is considered to be an early adopter of technology at her school, and she has been using iPads for more than a year in her sixth grade classroom. Ms. Bennett, who recently received 25 iPads, paid a visit to Ms. Martin’s classroom to learn how to integrate iPads in her science classroom. This case study describes Ms. Bennett’s visit to Ms. Martin’s classroom on the day when the students were studying how to solve inequalities by using addition and subtraction. Ms. Bennett’s goal for the visit was to identify the different ways Ms. Martin was using iPads with her students, and monitor the comfort level of her students with the iPads. She documents what she learns from the visit, and discusses it with Ms. Martin; she also meets with Mr. Pallapu, the technology facilitator at school. Ms. Martin shares some tips and techniques that she can use in her classroom, and also some benefits and challenges of using the iPad. Mr. Pallapu provides her with a list of recommended apps and instructional strategies for using iPads in the classroom.
Vision and Strategy for Developing a Successful Online Degree Program on a Shoestring Budget
Authors: McClinton Jeton , Estes Michele D.
Published: February 2013

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are rich in history, culture, resources, and opportunities. This case study explains the thought processes of administrators and faculty at one HBCU as they respond to an institutional initiative to increase student enrollments during an economic downturn. Although online learning opportunities offer potential for increasing student enrollments and university income, this approach generates a series of complex questions within the College of Education where resources are limited. Questions relate to the need for, and potential impact of, online learning; related pressures and paradigms in higher education; technology and management concerns; and faculty perspectives and preparation. This chapter considers how to overcome barriers to revive and implement an online degree program with these issues in mind.
Developing a Teacher Training Technology Workshop Series
Authors: Stengel Paul Joseph
Published: February 2013

During the summer of 2010, a graduate school of education (GSE) at a leading research university launched a 14-month teacher residency program (TRP) aimed at producing high quality teachers for urban schools that need them the most. Guided by a framework of inclusive education (Hamre & Oyler, 2004), residents were scheduled to complete various components of teachers education, including a technology component designed to familiarize residents in the use of new media web technologies to purposefully enhance teaching and learning. The educational technologist (ET) charged with the development of the workshops for this program decided to focus on helping residents think about meaningful methods to teach for understanding with technology. The framework supplies a flexible set of guidelines that help developing teachers see how technology may provide “significant educational leverage” (Wiske et al., 2005). Although this approach has been successful for building a framework for the workshops, a series of challenges have developed that must be addressed before proceeding to the training of the next cohort. These challenges include providing time for residents to practice new skills taught during the workshop sessions, solving the varied access to up-to-date technologies in under-resourced urban school classroom placements, identifying and harnessing technology platforms that are ubiquitous, inexpensive, and accessible to stakeholders inside and outside the university system, and maintaining workshop sessions that are relevant to the theory taught in various tracks of the TRP. This case study outlines the instructional design process the ET used to approach the development of the workshops for the technology component of the TRP.
Intention-Based Decision Making via Intention Recognition and its Applications
Authors: Han The Anh , Pereira Luis Moniz
Published: February 2013

In this chapter, the authors present an intention-based decision-making system. They exhibit a coherent combination of two Logic Programming-based implemented systems, Evolution Prospection and Intention Recognition. The Evolution Prospection system has proven to be a powerful system for decision-making, designing, and implementing several kinds of preferences and useful environment-triggering constructs. It is here enhanced with an ability to recognize intentions of other agents—an important aspect not well explored so far. The usage and usefulness of the combined system are illustrated with several extended examples in different application domains, including Moral Reasoning, Ambient Intelligence, Elder Care, and Game Theory.
Differential Polarization of C-Terminal Src Kinase between Naive and Antigen-Experienced CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Borger Jessica G. , Filby Andrew , Zamoyska Rose
Published: February 2013

In CD8+ T cells, engagement of the TCR with agonist peptide:MHC molecules causes dynamic redistribution of surface molecules including the CD8 coreceptor to the immunological synapse. CD8 associates with the Src-family kinase (SFK) Lck, which, in turn, initiates the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation events that drive cellular activation. Compared with naive T cells, Ag-experienced CD8+ T cells make shorter contacts with APC, are less dependent on costimulation, and are triggered by lower concentrations of Ag, yet the molecular basis of this more efficient response of memory T cells is not fully understood. In this article, we show differences between naive and Ag-experienced CD8+ T cells in colocalization of the SFKs and their negative regulator, C-terminal Src kinase (Csk). In naive CD8+ T cells, there was pronounced colocalization of SFKs and Csk at the site of TCR triggering, whereas in Ag-experienced cells, Csk displayed a bipolar distribution with a proportion of the molecules sequestered within a cytosolic area in the distal pole of the cell. The data show that there is differential redistribution of a key negative regulator away from the site of TCR engagement in Ag-experienced CD8+ T cells, which might be associated with the more efficient responses of these cells on re-exposure to Ag.
Functional Education of Invariant NKT Cells by Dendritic Cell Tuning of SHP-1
Authors: Napolitano Anna , Pittoni Paola , Beaudoin Lucie , Lehuen Agnes , Voehringer David , MacDonald H. Robson , Dellabona Paolo , Casorati Giulia
Published: February 2013

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells play key roles in host defense by recognizing lipid Ags presented by CD1d. iNKT cells are activated by bacterial-derived lipids and are also strongly autoreactive toward self-lipids. iNKT cell responsiveness must be regulated to maintain effective host defense while preventing uncontrolled stimulation and potential autoimmunity. CD1d-expressing thymocytes support iNKT cell development, but thymocyte-restricted expression of CD1d gives rise to Ag hyperresponsive iNKT cells. We hypothesized that iNKT cells require functional education by CD1d+ cells other than thymocytes to set their correct responsiveness. In mice that expressed CD1d only on thymocytes, hyperresponsive iNKT cells in the periphery expressed significantly reduced levels of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, a negative regulator of TCR signaling. Accordingly, heterozygous SHP-1 mutant mice displaying reduced SHP-1 expression developed a comparable population of Ag hyperresponsive iNKT cells. Restoring nonthymocyte CD1d expression in transgenic mice normalized SHP-1 expression and iNKT cell reactivity. Radiation chimeras revealed that CD1d+ dendritic cells supported iNKT cell upregulation of SHP-1 and decreased responsiveness after thymic emigration. Hence, dendritic cells functionally educate iNKT cells by tuning SHP-1 expression to limit reactivity.
Ambient black carbon particle hygroscopic properties controlled by mixing state and composition
Authors: Liu D. , Allan J. , Whitehead J. , Young D. , Flynn M. , Coe H. , McFiggans G. , Fleming Z. L. , Bandy B.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The wet removal of black carbon aerosol (BC) in the atmosphere is a crucial factor in determining its atmospheric lifetime and thereby the vertical and horizontal distributions, dispersion on local and regional scales, and the direct, semi-direct and indirect radiative forcing effects. The in-cloud scavenging and wet deposition rate of freshly emitted hydrophobic BC will be increased on acquisition of more-hydrophilic components by coagulation or coating processes. The lifetime of BC is still subject to considerable uncertainty for most of the model inputs, which is largely due to the insufficient constraints on the BC hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic conversion process from observational field data. This study was conducted at a site along UK North Norfolk coastline, where the BC particles were transported from different regions within Western Europe. A hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyser (HTDMA) was coupled with a single particle soot photometer (SP2) to measure the hygroscopic properties of BC particles and associated mixing state in real time. In addition, a Soot Particle AMS (SP-AMS) measured the chemical compositions of additional material associated with BC particles. The ensemble of BC particles persistently contained a less-hygroscopic mode at a growth factor (gf) of around 1.05 at 90% RH (dry diameter 163 nm). Importantly, a more-hygroscopic mode of BC particles was observed throughout the experiment, the gf of these BC particles extended up to ~1.4–1.6 with the minimum between this and the less hygroscopic mode at a gf ~1.25, or equivalent effective hygroscopicity parameter κ ~0.1. The gf of BC particles (gfBC) was highly influenced by the composition of associated soluble material: increases of gfBC were associated with secondary inorganic components, and these increases were more pronounced when ammonium nitrate was in the BC particles; however the presence of secondary organic matter suppressed the gfBC below that of pure inorganics. The Zdanovskii-Stokes-Robinson (ZSR) mixing rule captures the hygroscopicity contributions from different compositions within ±30% compared to the measured results, however is subject to uncertainty due to the complex morphology of BC component and potential artefacts associated with semivolatile particles measured with the HTDMA. This study provides detailed insights on BC hygroscopicity associated with its mixing state, and the results will importantly constrain the microphysical mixing schemes of BC as used by a variety of high level models. In particular, this provides direct evidence to highlight the need to consider ammonium nitrate ageing of BC particles because this will result in particles becoming hydrophilic on much shorter timescales than for sulphate formation, which is often the only mechanism considered.
Fluoride in the drinking water of Pakistan and the possible risk of crippling fluorosis
Authors: Tahir M. A. , Rasheed H.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. To explore the possibility of fluoride toxicity, 747 water samples were collected from surface water and groundwater sources of 16 major cities of Pakistan, adopting a uniform sampling design with distribution of samples: Lahore (79), Kasur (46), Faisalabad (30), Khushab (50), Chakwal (51), Mianwali (30), Jhelum (53), Bahawalpur (60), Karachi (60), Mirpur Khas (55), Peshawar (38), Risalpur (35), Quetta (81), Ziarat (21), Loralai (21), and Mastung (37). Comparison of analytical findings with WHO Guidelines of Drinking Water for Fluoride (i.e., 1.5 ppm) has concluded that 16% of the monitored water sources have fluoride concentration beyond the permissible safe limit of 1.5 mg L−1 falling in the concentration range of 1.6–25 mg L−1. The highest fluoride contamination (22%) is detected in the Balochistan province followed by 19% in Punjab province. Comparatively higher fluoride levels of > 20% in the groundwater sources like hand pumps supported the possibility of increased groundwater contamination as excessive fluoride concentrations are expected to come from calcium-poor aquifers and in areas where fluoride-bearing minerals are common or where cation exchange of sodium for calcium occurs. Field observations have also indicated the prevalence of fluoride-associated health implications in the study areas with excessive fluoride in water sources. Findings of this study have provided bidirectional vision for the epidemiological investigations as well as to mitigate the issues in the affected vicinities of fluoride-rich areas.
Assessing parameter importance of the Common Land Model based on qualitative and quantitative sensitivity analysis
Authors: Li J. D. , Duan Q. Y. , Gong W. , Ye A. Z. , Dai Y. J. , Miao C. Y. , Di Z. H. , Tong C. , Sun Y. W.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Proper specification of model parameters is critical to the performance of land surface models (LSMs). Due to high dimensionality and parameter interaction, estimating parameters of a LSM is a challenging task. Sensitivity analysis (SA) is a tool that can screen out the most influential parameters on model outputs. In this study, we conducted parameter screening for six output fluxes for the Common Land Model: sensible heat, latent heat, upward longwave radiation, net radiation, soil temperature and soil moisture. A total of 40 adjustable parameters were considered. Five qualitative SA methods, including local, sum-of-trees, multivariate adaptive regression splines, delta test and Morris methods, were compared. The proper sampling design and sufficient sample size necessary to effectively screen out the sensitive parameters were examined. We found that there are 2–8 sensitive parameters, depending on the output type, and about 400 samples are adequate to reliably identify the most sensitive parameters. We also employed a revised Sobol' sensitivity method to quantify the importance of all parameters. The total effects of the parameters were used to assess the contribution of each parameter to the total variances of the model outputs. The results confirmed that global SA methods can generally identify the most sensitive parameters effectively, while local SA methods result in type I errors (i.e. sensitive parameters labeled as insensitive) or type II errors (i.e. insensitive parameters labeled as sensitive). Finally, we evaluated and confirmed the screening results for their consistence with the physical interpretation of the model parameters.
The Chatanika and Sondrestrom Radars – a brief history
Authors: McCready M. A. , Heinselman C. J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The Sondrestrom upper atmospheric research facility, located just north of the Arctic Circle near the west coast of Greenland, will soon celebrate 30 yr of operations. The centerpiece of the facility, an incoherent scatter radar, has collected 46 000 h of data on the ionospheric state parameters. This instrument was designed and built to measure the effects of nuclear bombs on radio wave propagation in the South Pacific, but instead was deployed to Alaska to study the effects of auroral structuring on the ionosphere, and was later moved to Greenland to explore the auroral cusp and the dynamics of the polar cap boundary. This is the story of the birth and genesis of the instrument, its travels, and the evolution of its facility.
Flood hazard in the Mekong Delta – a probabilistic, bivariate, and non-stationary analysis with a short-termed future perspective
Authors: Dung N. V. , Merz B. , Bárdossy A. , Apel H.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. In this paper we present a novel approach for flood hazard analysis of the whole Mekong Delta with a particular focus on the Vietnamese part. Based on previous studies identifying the flood regime in the Mekong delta as non-stationary (Delgado et al., 2010), we develop a non-stationary approach for flood hazard analysis. Moreover, the approach is also bi-variate, as the flood severity in the Mekong Delta is determined by both maximum discharge and flood volume, which determines the flood duration. Probabilities of occurrences of peak discharge and flood volume are estimated by a copula. The flood discharges and volumes are used to derive synthetic hydrographs, which in turn constitute the upper boundary condition for a large-scale hydrodynamic model covering the whole Mekong Delta. The hydrodynamic model transforms the hydrographs into hazard maps. In addition, we extrapolate the observed trends in flood peak and volume and their associated non-stationary extreme value distributions to the year 2030 in order to give a flood hazard estimate for the near future. The uncertainty of extreme flood events in terms of different possible combinations of peak discharge and flood volume given by the copula is considered. Also, the uncertainty in flood hydrograph shape is combined with parameter uncertainty of the hydrodynamic model in a Monte Carlo framework yielding uncertainty estimates in terms of quantile flood maps. The proposed methodology sets the frame for the development of probabilistic flood hazard maps for the entire Mekong Delta. The combination of bi-variate, non-stationary extreme value statistics with large-scale flood inundation modeling and uncertainty quantification is novel in itself. Moreover, it is in particular novel for the Mekong Delta: a region where not even a standard hazard analysis based on a univariate, stationary extreme value statistic exists.
Comparing multi-criteria methods for landslide susceptibility mapping in Chania Prefecture, Crete Island, Greece
Authors: Kouli M. , Loupasakis C. , Soupios P. , Rozos D. , Vallianatos F.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. In this work, two multi-criteria methods, an expert-based, semi-quantitative, relative weighting – rating approach, the weighted linear combination (WLC) and a quantitative, statistical method, the weights of evidence (WoE) approach were applied for landslide susceptibility zonation mapping in the Chania Prefecture of Crete Island, Greece. Several thematic maps representing various landslide casual factors, such as geological formations, faults proximity, elevation, slope gradient, aspect and curvature, rivers proximity, precipitation, roads proximity and land use types; have been generated in a GIS environment. Two landslide susceptibility maps were created; one for each method. The maps were compared and validated using the success rate curve (SRC) analysis. The resulting landslide susceptibility maps have uncertainties introduced due to the subjective knowledge of experts in the case of WLC method and to the quality of the recorded landslides sample in the case of the WoE method. Both approaches produced almost equally accurate maps with the WoE method to produce slightly superior predictions.
CaTMg2 and CaTCd2 (T =Rh, Pd, Pt) with YPd2Si-type Structure
Authors: Johnscher Michael , Kersting Marcel , Matar Samir F. , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: February 2013

The intermetallic calcium compounds CaTMg2 and CaTCd2 (T =Rh, Pd, Pt) were obtained by high-frequency melting of the elements in sealed niobium ampoules or through reactions in muffle furnaces. The polycrystalline samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. They crystallize with a site occupancy variant of YPd2Si, a ternary ordered version of Fe3C. The structures of CaPdMg2 and CaPdCd2 were refined from single-crystal diffractometer data: Pnma, a=792.2(2), b=803.4(2), c=572.0(1) pm, wR2=0.0663, 1621 F2 values, 24 variables for Ca0:94PdMg2:06 and a=794.6(2), b=809.5(3), c=554.7(2) pm, wR2=0.0301, 819 F2 values, 23 variables for CaPdCd2. A small range of homogeneity was observed for Ca1-xPdMg2+x. The magnesium and cadmium atoms build up three-dimensional tetrahedral substructures (306 - 327 pm Mg-Mg and 307 - 317 pm Cd-Cd) that resemble hexagonal diamond, lonsdaleite. Together with the palladium atoms one obtains three-dimensional, covalently bonded [PdMg2] and [PdCd2] networks which leave cages for the calcium atoms. The latter are bonded to these networks via shorter Ca-Pd contacts (298 - 319 pm in Ca0:94PdMg2:06 and 295 - 312 pm in CaPdCd2). The course of the interatomic distances is in line with calculated overlap populations. The CaPdMg2, SrPdMg2 and CaRhIn2 structures are all derived from a CaIn2-related subcell by an ordered filling of transition metal atoms into trigonal prisms. This leads to different herringbone patterns for the networks of puckered and elongated hexagons of magnesium and indium atoms.
Usos impropios de los términos «iconografía» e «iconología»
Authors: García Mahíques Rafael
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT: A reflection on the meaning of the terms «iconography» and «iconology», as defined by the fields of Art History and Archeology, in a strict sense, as disciplines concerned with the description and interpretation of images, respectively. In the everyday use of these terms we can also observe an inappropriate meaning when the object itself to which one of these disciplines is applied is designated as «iconography». Likewise, the term «iconology», in its migration from Art History to areas such as Theology, has come to acquire —in one concrete case analyzed here— a completely inappropriate meaning due to the loss of the correct epistemological orientation. KEY WORDS: Iconography, Iconology, Theology of Images, Iconic Program, Visual Program.   RESUMEN: Reflexión en torno al sentido de los términos «iconografía» e «iconología», definidos dentro de la Historia de la arte y de la Arqueología, en sentido propio, como disciplinas de la descripción y de la interpretación de las imágenes respectivamente. En el uso corriente, se observa también un sentido impropio al designarse como «iconografía» el objeto mismo sobre el que se aplica dicha disciplina. Así mismo, el término «iconología», migrando desde la Historia del arte a ámbitos tales como la Teología, ha llegado a adquirir —en un caso concreto que aquí se analiza— un sentido completamente impropio a causa de haber perdido la correcta orientación epistemológica. PALABRAS CLAVES: iconografía, iconología, Teología de la imagen, programa icónico, programa visual.
Fernando R. de la Flor: De Cristo. Dos fantasías iconológicas
Authors: García Mahíques Rafael
Published: February 2013

Recensión crítica del libro de Fernando R. de la Flor: De Cristo. Dos fantasías iconológicas, Abada Editpores, Madrid, 2011.
Amphiphilic Interpenetrating Polymer Networks for the Oral Delivery of Chemotherapeutics
Authors: Schoener Cody A. , Hutson Heather N. , Peppas Nicholas A.
Published: February 2013

New interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) composed of hydrophilic, pH‐responsive poly(methacrylic‐grafted‐ethylene glycol), and hydrophobic poly(n‐butyl acrylate) were formed for the oral delivery of chemotherapeutics. These amphiphilic IPNs were synthesized to express variations in swelling and hydrophobic properties to try and develop an optimized material for the loading and release of doxorubicin, a hydrophobic chemotherapeutic. Release profiles modeling the gastrointestinal (GI) transit from the stomach to the small intestine were investigated. Mucoadhesion was determined using fresh porcine small intestine, polymer samples, and a tensile tester. The biocompatibility of the materials was assessed against Caco‐2 and HT29‐MTX cell models representing the GI tract and SW620 cells serving as a colon cancer cell model. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 1472–1478, 2013
Death of the Alpha: Within‐Community Lethal Violence Among Chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains National Park
Authors: KABURU STEFANO S. K. , INOUE SANA , NEWTON‐FISHER NICHOLAS E.
Published: February 2013

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are capable of extreme violence. They engage in inter‐group, sometimes lethal, aggression that provides the winners with an opportunity to enlarge their territory, increase their food supply and, potentially, attract more mates. Lethal violence between adult males also occurs within groups but this is rare; to date, only four cases (three observed and one inferred) have been recorded despite decades of observation. In consequence, the reasons for within‐group lethal violence in chimpanzees remain unclear. Such aggression may be rare due to the importance of coalitions between males during inter‐group encounters; cooperation between males is also thought to be key in the defense or advancement of social rank within the group. Previous accounts of within‐group lethal violence concern victims who were low‐ranking males; here we provide the first account of the killing of an incumbent alpha male by a coalition of adult males from the same community. We found no clear evidence that the alpha male's position was under threat during the months before the lethal attack: the male dominance hierarchy was highly stable, with low rates of male–male aggression, and there were no significant changes in social interactions (i.e. grooming and aggression) between the alpha male and the other adult males. Two of the four attackers were former alpha males and were the individuals with whom the victim appeared, in the period preceding his death, to be most strongly affiliated: his most frequent grooming partners and those with whom he spent most time in proximity. The lethal attack triggered a period of instability in the male hierarchy and was likely an opportunistic attempt to seize alpha status by the third‐ranking male. Am. J. Primatol. 75:789–797, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
N‐acyl chitosan and its fiber with excellent moisture absorbability and retentivity: Preparation in a novel [Gly]Cl/water homogeneous system
Authors: Li Lu , Yuan Bing , Liu Shiwei , Yu Shitao , Xie Congxia , Liu Fusheng , Zhang Chenggang
Published: February 2013

N‐acyl chitosans (such as N‐acetylated, N‐maleyl, and N‐succinyl chitosan), which were synthesized in glycine chloride ([Gly]Cl)/water homogeneous system, were of better moisture‐absorption and moisture‐retention abilities than those from the traditional methods, even better than hyaluronic acid. Moreover, the new method overcame many shortcomings, such as long reaction time, gel formed during the process of reaction, and complex workup procedure. In addition, the new [Gly]Cl solvent system was of the low volatility and no corrosion compared with organic solvent, especially, could be repeatedly used. Therefore, an environmental friendly approach for the synthesis of N‐acyl chitosan was provided. At the same time, the N‐acetylated chitosan fibers by wet‐spinning using N‐acetylated chitosan‐[Gly]Cl as spinning dope solution were firstly reported, and the fibers had smooth surface as well as round and compact structure. More to the point, the N‐acetylated chitosan fibers directly prepared in this study were of excellent mechanical properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013