bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatology of new particle formation events in the subtropical North Atlantic free troposphere at Izaña GAW observatory
Authors: García M. I. , Rodríguez S. , González Y. , García R. D.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. A climatology of new particle formation (NPF) events in the subtropical North Atlantic free troposphere is presented. A four year data set (June 2008–June 2012), which includes number size distributions (10–600 nm), reactive gases (SO2, NOx, and O3), several components of solar radiation and meteorological parameters, measured at Izaña Global Atmospheric Watch observatory (2400 m above sea level; Tenerife, Canary Islands) was analysed. On average, NPF occurred during 30% of the days,the mean values of the formation and growth rates during the study period were 0.49 cm−3 s−1 and 0.42 nm h−1, correspondingly. There is a clearly marked NPF season (May to August), when these events account for 50 to 60% of the days/month. Monthly mean values of the formation and growth rates exhibit higher values during this season (0.50–0.95 cm−3 s−1 and 0.48–0.58 nm h−1, respectively) than during other periods. The two steps (formation and growth) of the NPF process mostly occur under the prevailing northern winds typical of this region. Sulphur dioxide and UV radiation show higher levels during NPF events than in other type of episodes. The presence of Saharan dust in the free troposphere is associated with a decrease in the formation rates of new particles. In the analysis of the year-to-year variability, mean sulphur dioxide concentration (within the range 60–300 ppt) was the parameter that exhibited the highest correlation with the frequency of NPF episodes. The availability of this trace gas (i.e. their oxidation products) seems also to have a influence on the duration of the events, number of formed nucleation particles, formation rates and growth rates. We identified a set of NPF events in which two nucleation modes (that may evolve at different rates) occur simultaneously and for which further investigations are necessary.
The effect of phase partitioning of semivolatile compounds on the measured CCN activity of aerosol particles
Authors: Romakkaniemi S. , Jaatinen A. , Laaksonen A. , Nenes A. , Raatikainen T.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The effect of inorganic semivolatile aerosol compounds on the CCN activity of aerosol particles was studied by using a computational model for a DMT-CCN counter, a cloud parcel model for condensation kinetics and experiments to quantify the modelled results. Concentrations of water vapour and semivolatiles as well as aerosol trajectories in the CCN column were calculated by a computational fluid dynamics model. These trajectories and vapour concentrations were then used as an input for the cloud parcel model to simulate mass transfer kinetics of water and semivolatiles between aerosol particles and the gas phase. Two different questions were studied: (1) how big fraction of semivolatiles is evaporated from particles before activation in the CCN counter? (2) How much the CCN activity can be increased due to condensation of semivolatiles prior to the maximum water supersaturation in the case of high semivolatile concentration in the gas phase? The results show that, to increase the CCN activity of aerosol particles, a very high gas phase concentration (as compared to typical ambient conditions) is needed. We used nitric acid as a test compound. A concentration of several ppb or higher is needed for measurable effect. In the case of particle evaporation, we used ammonium nitrate as a test compound and found that it partially evaporates before maximum supersaturation is reached in the CCN counter, thus causing an underestimation of CCN activity. The effect of evaporation is clearly visible in all supersaturations, leading to an underestimation of the critical dry diameter by 10 to 15 nanometres in the case of ammonium nitrate particles in different supersaturations. This result was also confirmed by measurements in supersaturations between 0.1 and 0.7%.
Biogeochemical origins of particles obtained from the inversion of the volume scattering function and spectral absorption in coastal waters
Authors: Zhang X. , Huot Y. , Gray D. J. , Weidemann A. , Rhea W. J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In the aquatic environment, particles can be broadly separated into phytoplankton (PHY), non-algal particle (NAP) and dissolved (or very small particle, VSP) fractions. Typically, absorption spectra are inverted to quantify these fractions, but volume scattering functions (VSFs) can also be used. Both absorption spectra and VSFs were used to estimate particle fractions for an experiment in the Chesapeake Bay. A complete set of water inherent optical properties was measured using a suite of commercial instruments and a prototype Multispectral Volume Scattering Meter (MVSM); the chlorophyll concentration, [Chl] was determined using the HPLC method. The total scattering coefficient measured by an ac-s and the VSF at a few backward angles measured by a HydroScat-6 and an ECO-VSF agreed with the LISST and MVSM data within 5%, thus indicating inter-instrument consistency. The size distribution and scattering parameters for PHY, NAP and VSP were inverted from measured VSFs. For the absorption inversion, the "dissolved" absorption spectra were measured for filtrate passing through a 0.2 μm filter, whereas [Chl] and NAP absorption spectra were inverted from the particulate fraction. Even though the total scattering coefficient showed no correlation with [Chl], estimates of [Chl] from the VSF-inversion agreed well with the HPLC measurements (r = 0.68, mean relative errors = −20%). The scattering associated with NAP and VSP both correlated well with the NAP and "dissolved" absorption coefficients, respectively. While NAP dominated forward, and hence total, scattering, our results also suggest that the scattering by VSP was far from negligible and dominated backscattering. Since the sizes of VSP range from 0.02 to 0.2 μm, covering (a portion of) the operationally defined "dissolved" matter, the typical assumption that colored dissolved organic matter (i.e., CDOM) does not scatter may not hold, particularly in a coastal or estuarine environment.
AnaWEGE: a weather generator based on analogues of atmospheric circulation
Authors: Yiou P.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. This paper presents a stochastic weather generator based on analogues of circulation (AnaWEGE). Analogues of circulation have been a promising paradigm to analyse climate variability and its extremes. The weather generator uses precomputed analogues of sea-level pressure over the North Atlantic. The stochastic rules of the generator constrain the continuity in time of the simulations. The generator then simulates spatially coherent time series of a climate variable, drawn from meteorological observations. The weather generator is tested for European temperatures, and for winter and summer seasons. The biases in temperature quantiles and autocorrelation are rather small compared to observed variability. The ability of simulating extremely hot summers and cold winters is also assessed.
A fast input/output library for high resolution climate models
Authors: Huang X. , Wang W. , Fu H. , Yang G. , Wang B. , Zhang C.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We describe the design and implementation of Climate Fast Input/Output (CFIO), a fast input/output (I/O) library for high resolution climate models. CFIO provides a simple method for modelers to overlap the I/O phase with the computing phase automatically, so as to shorten the running time of numerical simulations. To minimize the code modifications required for porting, CFIO provides similar interfaces and features to Parallel network Common Data Form (PnetCDF), which is one of the most widely used I/O libraries in climate models. We deployed CFIO in three high resolution climate models, including two ocean models (POP and LICOM) and one sea ice model (CICE). The experimental results show that CFIO improves the performance of climate models significantly versus the original serial I/O approach. When running with CFIO at 0.1° resolution with about 1000 CPU cores, we managed to reduce the running time by factors of 7.9, 4.6 and 2.0 for POP, CICE, and LICOM respectively. We also compared the performance of CFIO against PnetCDF in different scenarios. For scenarios with both data output operations and computations, CFIO decreases the I/O overhead by a factor of 5.1 compared to PnetCDF.
Inherently mass-conservative version of the semi-Lagrangian Absolute Vorticity (SL-AV) atmospheric model dynamical core
Authors: Shashkin V. V. , Tolstykh M. A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The semi-Lagrangian Absolute Vorticity (SL-AV) atmospheric model is the global semi-Lagrangian hydrostatic model used for operational medium-range and seasonal forecasts at Hydrometeorological centre of Russia. The distinct feature of SL-AV dynamical core is the semi-implicit semi-Lagrangian vorticity-divergence formulation on the unstaggered grid. Semi-implicit semi-Lagrangian approach allows for long time steps while violates the global and local mass-conservation. In particular, the total mass in simulations with semi-Lagrangian models can drift significantly if no aposteriori mass-fixing algorithms are applied. However, the global mass-fixing algorithms degrade the local mass conservation. The inherently mass-conservative version of SL-AV model dynamical core presented in the article ensures global and local mass conservation without mass-fixing algorithms. The mass conservation is achieved with the introduction of the finite-volume semi-Lagrangian discretization for continuity equation based on the 3-D extension of the conservative cascade semi-Lagrangian transport scheme (CCS). The numerical experiments show that the presented new version of SL-AV dynamical core combines the accuracy and stability of the standard SL-AV dynamical core with the mass-conservation properties. The results of the mountain induced Rossby wave test and baroclinic instability test for mass-conservative dynamical core are found to be in agreement with the results available in literature.
TOWARDS A REAL ESTATE REGISTRY 3D MODEL IN PORTUGAL: SOME ILLUSTRATIVE CASE STUDIES
Authors: de Almeida J.-P. , Ellul C. , Rodrigues-de-Carvalho M. M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The 3D concept emerged as a key concept within geoinformation science. 3D geoinformation has been proved to be feasible and its added value over 2D geoinformation is widely acknowledged by researchers from various fields. Even so, 3D concept merits still need to be exploited further and more specific applications and associate products are needed – such as within real estate cadastre, our ultimate field of interest. The growing densification of urban land use is consequently increasing situations of vertical stratification of ownership rights. Traditional 2D cadastral models are not able to fully handle spatial information on those rights in the third dimension. Thus, 3D cadastre has been attracting researchers to better register and spatially represent real world overlapping situations. A centralised distributed cadastral management system, implementing a 2D cadastral model, has been conceived by the national cadastral agency in Portugal: the so-called SiNErGIC. The authors seek to show with this paper that there is room though for further investigation on the suitability of a 3D modelling approach instead, which should not be confined only to topologicalgeometric representations but should also be extended in order to be able to incorporate the legal/administrative component. This paper intends to be the first step towards the design of a prototype of a 3D cadastral model capable of handling the overall multipurpose cadastral reality in Portugal; it focuses primarily on the clear identification of some case studies that may illustrate the pertinence of such an approach in the context of this country.
EXPERIMENT FOR INTEGRATING DUTCH 3D SPATIAL PLANNING AND BIM FOR CHECKING BUILDING PERMITS
Authors: van Berlo L. , Dijkmans T. , Stoter J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. This paper presents a research project in The Netherlands in which several SMEs collaborated to create a 3D model of the National spatial planning information. This 2D information system described in the IMRO data standard holds implicit 3D information that can be used to generate an explicit 3D model. The project realized a proof of concept to generate a 3D spatial planning model. The team used the model to integrate it with several 3D Building Information Models (BIMs) described in the open data standard Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). Goal of the project was (1) to generate a 3D BIM model from spatial planning information to be used by the architect during the early design phase, and (2) allow 3D checking of building permits. The team used several technologies like CityGML, BIM clash detection and GeoBIM to explore the potential of this innovation. Within the project a showcase was created with a part of the spatial plan from the city of The Hague. Several BIM models were integrated in the 3D spatial plan of this area. A workflow has been described that demonstrates the benefits of collaboration between the spatial domain and the AEC industry in 3D. The research results in a showcase with conclusions and considerations for both national and international practice.
AUTOMATIC REPAIR OF CITYGML LOD2 BUILDINGS USING SHRINK-WRAPPING
Authors: Zhao Z. , Ledoux H. , Stoter J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The LoD2 building models defined in CityGML are widely used in 3D city applications. The underlying geometry for such models is a GML solid (without interior shells), whose boundary should be a closed 2-manifold. However, this condition is often violated in practice because of the way LoD2 models are constructed and exchanged. Examples of the resulting errors are holes in the wall surface, intersecting and overlapping building parts etc. Those invalid models often cannot be accepted by downstream analytical applications that demand 2-manifold exterior shells for LoD2 building models. Unlike traditional local mesh repair approaches, this paper presents a global repair method for invalid LoD2 building models. Our method is based on the idea of shrink-wrapping a valid bounding surface to the invalid model. It starts by extracting the convex hull of a given model, all the faces of both the input model and the convex hull are treated as constraints in the subsequent tetrahedralization process. Defects like intersections and overlapping between polygons are also handled in the process. Then, based on a heuristic carving process, the bounding convex hull shrinks by incrementally deleting the insignificant boundary tetrahedra and wrapping the exact geometry of the building, holes and gaps are filled accordingly. The method makes no assumption on the input model, regardless of the type of geometric errors and the forms of the building. The output model is a watertight bounding shell, which is valid and represents the exterior of the building.
Seismic behavior of buried pipelines constructed by design criteria and construction specifications of both Korea and the US
Authors: Jeon S.-S.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Earthquake loss estimation systems in the US, for example HAZUS (Hazard in US), have been established based on sufficient damage records for the purpose of prevention and efficient response to earthquake hazards; however, in Korea, insufficient data sets of earthquakes and damage records are currently available. In this study, the earthquake damages to pipelines in Korea using the pipeline repair rate (RR) recommended in HAZUS was reevaluated with the degree of confidence when RR is used without modification for the damage estimation of pipelines in Korea. The numerical analyses using a commercial finite element model, ABAQUS, were carried out to compare stresses and strains mobilized in both brittle and ductile pipelines constructed by the design criteria and construction specifications of both Korea and the US. These pipelines were embedded in dense sand overlying three different in situ soils (clay, sand, and gravel) subjected to earthquake excitations with peak ground accelerations (PGAs) of 0.2 to 1.2 g and 1994 Northridge and 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake loadings. The numerical results show that differences in the stress and strain rates are less than 10%. This implies that RR in HAZUS can be used for earthquake damage estimation of pipelines with a 90% confidence level in Korea.
Studying fan activities on Twitter: Reflections on methodological issues emerging from a case study on The West Wing fandom
Authors: Bore Inger-Lise Kalviknes , Hickman Jonathan
Published: September 2013

Focusing on issues of methodology, this article reflects on our experiences of studying a specific Twitter-based fan community, and seeks to discuss some of the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of Twitter data for fan studies research. Building on the extensive body of work on online fan practices taking place on message boards (e.g., Hills, 2005; Williams, 2011), fan Web sites (e.g., Bailey, 2002), fan fiction sites (e.g., Coppa, 2006; Cumberland, 2002), and so on, there has been increasing academic interest in how fans use social networking systems such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter (e.g., Booth, 2008; Wood and Baughman; 2012, Zhivov et al., 2011). Social media services are attractive sites for fieldwork due to the ease of access that some of these platforms afford researchers, as well as the novelty associated with certain platforms and the fan activities taking place there. More importantly, though, “exploring Twitter can also provide a snapshot into the ways that television fans enhance their own viewing experiences using social media tools” (Wood and Baughman, 2012, p. 329). Furthermore, exploring fan activities on social networking systems can help us learn more about how fans negotiate the structures of different online spaces, and how that impacts on their engagement with each other and with their fan objects. It is therefore timely to encourage debate around different approaches to researching social media based fan practices, and this article tries to do so by reflecting on how we negotiated ethical, analytical and more practical methodological issues that emerged from our own empirical research project.
Rational reflections: An illustrative examination of news Web sites in two countries as workers reach towards digitally mediated changes
Authors: MacGregor Phil M.
Published: September 2013

This research examines the practices and beliefs of journalists at three news Web sites as they integrate new communication technologies in the workplace. The results of interviews with journalists at Abendblatt (Germany), the Northern Echo in the U.K., and MSN.co.uk (U.K. Web site), suggest that existing institutional cultures can sometimes affect the way Web 2.0 technologies are used and understood by occupational journalists. Market perceptions influenced specific Web attitudes and practices at both newspapers. Thus Abendblatt.de and the Northern Echo have retreated from immediacy online in order to protect their print sales, whereas net–native MSN.co.uk has developed a rapid–response style of journalism that is seemingly enabled by its digital–only presentation. The research also indicates that institutional influence on practices can be unpredictable. The English newspaper sought a mostly local Web audience whereas the German site focused nationally, mirroring the net–native MSN.co.uk. The English newspaper spurned Web analytics while the other two sites used them avidly. The strong effects of Google on editorial gatekeeping and Web optimization reported by Abendblatt.de and Msn.co.uk journalists were not reflected in the English newspaper. For the theoretical discussion, Weber’s versions of rationality are used to distinguish the journalists’ approaches to innovation and technological practice. The research suggests means–end ‘practical’ rationality that concentrates on short–term advantage is shown at all three sites to be on the ascendant at the expense of more principle–based ‘substantive’ rationality.
Natural disasters and Twitter: Thinking from both sides of the tweet
Authors: Skinner Julia
Published: September 2013

This paper is a reflection on the process of engaging with Twitter from the perspective of a researcher and a user. It includes the author’s experiences as a content producer on Twitter during wildfires in Colorado, followed by the experience of researching tweets produced during Hurricane Sandy. The goal is to outline the author’s subjective understanding of both experiences, and how those experiences play off each other to inform future social media use and future research.
The Dose Response Relationship between Intervertebral Disc Flexion-Extension Neutral Zone Metrics and Injected Genipin Concentration
Authors: Kirking Bryan C. , Toungate Justin K. , Hedman Thomas P.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Quantify changes in the flexion - extension neutral zone of the intervertebral disc with injections of increasing genipin concentration.

Methods

Bovine motion segments were treated with varying concentrations of genipin using bilateral injections of constant volume. After overnight static compression loading of the treated segments, anterior- posterior offset loading was used to simulate flexion - extension motion. Range of motion, neutral zone length, neutral zone stiffness, and an instability score were measured.

Results

Injection of the disc annulus with increasing concentrations of genipin resulted in corresponding changes in flexion-extension neutral zone. A minimum concentration of 40 mM was needed to observe a significant change. The largest changes were observed with the 400 mM injection. Netural zone stability was the most sensitive of the metrics with a percent change of 48% at 40 mM and over 200% at 400 mM.

Conclusion

This study establishes the efficacy of using injection delivery to affect disc joint mechanics and quantifies the dose response between injected genipin and the flexion-extension stability of the disc.
Total Knee Prosthesis Polyethylene wear Reduction by a New Metal Part Finishing Method
Authors: Gigante Antonio , Cigna Valerio , Manzotti Sandra , Villa Tommaso , Salvolini Eleonora , Mattioli-Belmonte Monica
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess a new metal component finishing designed to improve total knee prosthesis durability. Wear of ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), with generation of submicrometer- and micrometer-sized particles, has been associated with osteolysis and artificial joint failure. Wear extent is influenced by several factors, some of which are related to manufacturing.

Methods

UHMWPE wear was assessed in metal prosthesis components finished with the Microloy® technology and in traditionally finished components by wear simulation experiments (pin on disk and knee simulator tests) and analysis of wear debris.

Results

Microloy®-finished prosthesis showed a 48.5% reduction in UHMWPE total weight loss compared with traditional components (P=0.002). A statistically significant (P<0.05) reduction of UHMWPE debris were detected from the Microloy®-finished compared with the traditionally finished components.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the Microloy® metal finishing may enhance the long-term performance of knee prostheses.
Further Education Pathways of Canadian University Graduates
Authors: Adamuti-Trache Maria
Published: September 2013

Through secondary analysis of the National Graduate Survey data, this study examines determinants of choice of further education pathways by Canadian university graduates in early 2000s. This paper extends the Cross' participation model by introducing a typology of path choices that are related to socio-demographic, post-secondary and situational factors. The analysis shows that about half of the adult university graduates enrolled in a variety of post-secondary programmes and career-related courses within two years after graduation, and labour market outcomes five years after graduation were associated with their choices. Findings are interpreted in relation to the changing nature of work in workplaces which put pressure on highly educated workers to be active investors in their human capital by engaging in continual skill upgrading and advanced education.
The ‘New Educational Model’: More Promises Than Results? Little Effort toward Lifelong Learning in Mexican Higher Education
Authors: Alvarez-Mendiola German
Published: September 2013

In Mexico there is no policy of lifelong learning; however, the idea of focusing on students and learning – especially on appropriate knowledge-acquisition skills at various points in one's life – is spreading through post-secondary education. Since about ten years ago, institutions of higher learning, mostly universities, have initiated reforms – dubbed the ‘new educational model’ – which were designed to combine professional specialisation with general training. Additionally, this model aimed to provide common formative areas, establish counselling programmes, and open free complementary courses.

Theoretically, this model prepares capable individuals to face the challenges that a knowledge-based economy and society require: to keep continually informed, to find and solve problems, to get or generate employment, and to promote a freer society with plenty of possibilities for culture and leisure. Despite the efforts invested in these reforms, little is known of their results. Using available new information, this paper shows that the new model has not produced the desired results, but rather has had unintended consequences. The improvement in some performance indicators, such as graduation rates, seems to be related more to changes in the requirements to obtain the undergraduate degree than to the impact of the new educational model.
University Continuing Education for Lifelong Learning in Korea
Authors: Lee Haejoo
Published: September 2013

Lifelong education achieves its goals when it improves people's quality of life and when it brings social cohesion and development. University continuing education (UCE) has contributed to the expansion of higher education opportunities in terms of its quantity. However, we have to look further than sheer volume of activity. Original ideals of lifelong education are declining these days due to changes in society and in learners, and because of the commercialisation of UCE. Furthermore, UCE has some problems in actualising lifelong learning society. This paper offers a critical overview of Korean university continuing education. To analyse this system, the characteristics of participants, factors that influence participation in UCE and their effects on learning given the current status of UCE in Korea are examined.
Sub-Saharan African Universities' Adult and Continuing Education and the Challenge of Relevance in the Knowledge-Based Economy of the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Oduaran Akpovire
Published: September 2013

Beyond the dogged expectations that Sub-Saharan African universities' adult and continuing education needs to play a more visible key role in dealing with the challenges of HIV and AIDS, environmental pollution and excruciating poverty, the twenty-first century has brought in at its heels debates surrounding relevance in the era of an upsurge in the cultivation of the knowledge-based economies. As other professional areas of development are seemingly becoming more attractive to the main target populations for the study of and specialisations in adult and continuing education, the time is appropriate for us to explore how we may streamline our provision and make them more responsive to the challenges of our time, thereby moving out of the traditional existence on the periphery. This paper explores how Sub-Saharan universities' adult and continuing education departments could revamp their programmes such that they can adequately assist the region in creating learning societies required for entry into the knowledge-based economies of the twenty-first century.
The interaction effect of effort‐reward imbalance and overcommitment on hypertension among Chinese workers: Findings from SHISO study
Authors: Xu Weixian , Yu Haiyi , Hang Juan , Gao Wei , Zhao Yiming , Guo Lijun
Published: September 2013

Background

No previous studies investigated the interaction of effort‐reward imbalance (ERI) and overcommitment on blood pressure. Our aim was to investigate associations of ERI and overcommitment (and their interaction) with blood pressure and hypertension within a Chinese population.

Methods

Seven hundred thirty‐four participants from the Stress and Health in Shenzhen Workers study completed a demographics, job stressor and risk factor questionnaire, and their blood pressure was measured by mercury sphygmomanometers. Risk factors for blood pressure were analyzed by multiple linear regression and risk factors for hypertension by Poisson regression.

Results

Overcommitment was associated with diastolic blood pressure after adjustment for confounders and ERI among men (β = 0.17, P < 0.05); ERI was also associated with diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure after adjustment for confounders and overcommitment. High overcommitment (PR 1.91, 95% CI 1.35–2.69), and ERI (PR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.62–3.75) were each associated with risk of hypertension after adjusting for confounders. After adjusting for ERI, the association with overcommitment was no longer significant (PR = 1.24, 95% CI 0.85–1.82) However, after controlling for overcommitment, ERI remained significantly associated with hypertension risk (PR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.53–3.71). When high overcommitment and high ERI was combined, hypertension risk was highest (adjusted PR = 2.99, 95% CI 1.82–4.91, adjusted synergy index 5.85). The interaction was significant when it was tested by an interaction term in the regression (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The interaction effect of overcommitment and ERI on hypertension was independent and synergistic. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1433–1441, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new kind of fundamental diagram with an application to road traffic emission modeling
Authors: Aguiléra Vincent , Tordeux Antoine
Published: September 2013

The main contribution of this paper is to show, on the basis of empirical traffic data, that the distribution of vehicle speeds on a road segment evolves with the occupancy in a simple manner. Under a critical occupancy, the distribution is unimodal, with one peak (the high mode) close to the free‐flow speed. When the occupancy exceeds the critical occupancy, the distribution of speeds becomes bimodal. A second peak (the low mode) appears, at a noticeably lower speed than the high mode. Empirical speed distributions are well fitted when assuming a (appropriately scaled and translated) low “temperature” Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution for the high mode and a high‐temperature distribution for the low mode. The standard fundamental diagram expresses the mean flow speed as a function of occupancy. The model proposed in this paper expresses the distribution of vehicle speeds as a function of the occupancy. We believe this result to be of great importance for both the theory of traffic flow and practical applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced production of Monacolin K by addition of precursors and surfactants in submerged fermentation of Monascus purpureus 9901
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Yuan‐Long , Lu Li‐Ping , Zhang Bo‐Bo , Xu Gan‐Rong
Published: September 2013

The main problem in Monacolin K (MK) production by submerged fermentation of Monascus purpureus is low productivity. In this study, on one hand, addition of precursors was used to activate the biosynthesis of MK. When 4.0 g/L of sodium citrate was supplemented at the 48th H of the fermentation, the final MK production reached to 1,658.9 ± 28.5 mg/L after 20 day of fermentation, which was improved by 52.6% compared with that of the control. On the other hand, addition of surfactants could increase the permeability of cell membrane, thus driving more intracellular metabolites secreted into the fermentation broth and alleviating the product inhibition. When 40.0 g/L of Triton X‐100 was added at the beginning of the fermentation, the final MK production reached to 2,026.0 ± 30.4 mg/L after 20 day of fermentation, which was improved by 84.9% compared with that of the control. These results are helpful to provide some new insights into the biosynthetic regulation on MK production; the approach can be applied to other fungal fermentation processes for enhancing production of useful metabolites.
Studies on binding interactions between clenbuterol hydrochloride and two serum albumins by multispectroscopic approaches in vitro
Authors: Wang Qin , Zhang Shengrui
Published: September 2013

In this study, binding properties of clenbuterol hydrochloride (CL) with human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were examined using constant protein concentrations and various CL contents under physiological conditions. The binding parameters were confirmed using fluorescence quenching spectroscopy at various temperatures. The experimental results confirmed that the quenching mechanisms of CL and HSA/BSA were both static quenching processes. The thermodynamic parameters, namely, enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS), were calculated according to the van't Hoff equation, which suggested that the electrostatic interactions were the predominant intermolecular forces in stabilizing the CL–HSA complex, and hydrogen bonds and van der Waals force were the predominant intermolecular forces in stabilizing the CL–BSA complex. Furthermore, the conformational changes of HSA/BSA in the presence of CL were determined using the data obtained from three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated method for the rapid and precise estimation of adherent cell culture characteristics from phase contrast microscopy images
Authors: Jaccard Nicolas , Griffin Lewis D. , Keser Ana , Macown Rhys J. , Super Alexandre , Veraitch Farlan S. , Szita Nicolas
Published: September 2013

The quantitative determination of key adherent cell culture characteristics such as confluency, morphology, and cell density is necessary for the evaluation of experimental outcomes and to provide a suitable basis for the establishment of robust cell culture protocols. Automated processing of images acquired using phase contrast microscopy (PCM), an imaging modality widely used for the visual inspection of adherent cell cultures, could enable the non‐invasive determination of these characteristics. We present an image‐processing approach that accurately detects cellular objects in PCM images through a combination of local contrast thresholding and post hoc correction of halo artifacts. The method was thoroughly validated using a variety of cell lines, microscope models and imaging conditions, demonstrating consistently high segmentation performance in all cases and very short processing times (<1 s per 1,208 × 960 pixels image). Based on the high segmentation performance, it was possible to precisely determine culture confluency, cell density, and the morphology of cellular objects, demonstrating the wide applicability of our algorithm for typical microscopy image processing pipelines. Furthermore, PCM image segmentation was used to facilitate the interpretation and analysis of fluorescence microscopy data, enabling the determination of temporal and spatial expression patterns of a fluorescent reporter. We created a software toolbox (PHANTAST) that bundles all the algorithms and provides an easy to use graphical user interface. Source‐code for MATLAB and ImageJ is freely available under a permissive open‐source license. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 504–517. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rescue of Functional CFTR Channels in Cystic Fibrosis: A Dramatic Multivalent Effect Using Iminosugar Cluster‐Based Correctors
Authors: Compain Philippe , Decroocq Camille , Joosten Antoine , de Sousa Julien , Rodríguez‐Lucena David , Butters Terry D. , Bertrand Johanna , Clément Romain , Boinot Clément , Becq Frédéric , Norez Caroline
Published: September 2013

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation in the gene for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. N‐butyl 1‐deoxynojirimycin (N‐Bu DNJ), a clinical candidate for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, is able to act as a CFTR corrector by overcoming the processing defect of the mutant protein. To explore the potential of multivalency on CFTR correction activity, a library of twelve DNJ click clusters with valencies ranging from 3 to 14 were synthesized. Significantly, the trivalent analogues were found to be up to 225‐fold more potent than N‐Bu DNJ and up to 1000‐fold more potent than the corresponding monovalent models. These results provide the first description of a multivalent effect for correcting protein folding defects in cells and should have application for the treatment of a number of protein folding disorders. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that CFTR correction activity enhancement was not due to a multivalent effect in ER‐glucosidase inhibition or to a different mode of action of the multivalent iminosugars.
Inhibition of mTOR signalling potentiates the effects of trichostatin A in human gastric cancer cell lines by promoting histone acetylation
Authors: Sun Dan‐feng , Zhang Yan‐jie , Tian Xiao‐qing , Chen Ying‐xuan , Fang Jing‐yuan
Published: September 2013

Deregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway (mTOR pathway) is associated with human cancer. The relationship between mTOR pathway and histone acetylation is still unclear in gastric cancer (GC). Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the phosphorylation of mTOR and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1) in GC tissues. MKN45 and SGC7901 cells were treated with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (RAPA) alone or in combination with the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor LY294002 and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology was also used to knockdown mTOR. Phosphorylated mTOR and phosphorylated 4E‐BP1 were expressed in 71.1% and 68.4% of the human GC tissues tested, respectively; significantly higher than the levels in para‐cancerous tissues (50% and 57.9%) and normal tissues (44.6% and 29%). RAPA markedly inhibited cell proliferation, induced G1 cell cycle arrest, and reduced phosphorylation of p70 S6 protein kinase (p70S6K) and 4E‐BP1 in GC cells, particularly when used in combination with LY294002 or TSA. The mRNA expression of the tumour suppressor gene p21WAF1 increased significantly in GC cells treated with both RAPA and TSA. Histone acetylation also increased after RAPA and TSA treatment or siRNA knockdown of mTOR. Our findings suggest that the mTOR pathway is activated in GC, and also that inhibition of mTOR enhances the ability of TSA to suppress cell proliferation and lead to cell cycle arrest via increasing histone acetylation and p21WAF1 transcription in human MKN45 and SGC7901 GC cells.
Effect of Spilanthes acmella hydroethanolic extract activity on tumour cell actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Pacheco Soares Cristina , Lemos Valeria Rosseto , da Silva Ary Gomes , Campoy Renan Meyer , da Silva Carlos Augusto Priante , Menegon Renato Farina , Rojahn Iuri , Joaquim Walderez Moreira
Published: September 2013

Numerous natural products have pharmacological activity such that many biologically active compounds have led to the development of cancer chemotherapy drugs. Spilanthes acmella (Asteraceae) is widely cultivated in the State of Pará, Brazil, being employed in folk medicine for its anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, insecticide, and larvicidal properties. However, its cytotoxicity and influence on actin cytoskeleton organisation in tumour cell lines are practically nonexistent. We have verified the cytotoxicity of a hydroethanolic extract of the inflorescence of S. acmella, and examined its effects on the cytoskeleton of tumour cells. Decreasing concentrations of the extract (250, 500 and 1,000 µg/mL) were given to cultures of neoplastic cells (HEp‐2). Cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT test, and the influence on cytoskeleton organisation was examined by fluorescence microscopy. The IC50 of the hydroethanolic extract was 513 µg/mL, confirming the data obtained from the MTT assay that gave high cytotoxicity. The actin cytoskeleton arrangement of HEp2 cells at 500 and 1,000 µg/mL showed depolymerisation of the filaments, causing loss of morphology and consequently compromising cell adhesion.
Case formulation in personality disordered offenders – A Delphi survey of professionals
Authors: Völlm Birgit
Published: September 2013

Background

Case formulation (CF) integrates information about an individual to conceptualise the factors causing and maintaining their current difficulties. It is a core clinical skill for both psychologists and psychiatrists. The recent UK government Offender Personality Disorder (PD) Strategy proposes a key role of probation staff in CF. Yet, CF in forensic settings has only recently received research attention, and it is unclear how and by whom it ought to be performed.

Aims

This study aimed to gain consensus on the key characteristics of CF in PD offenders.

Methods

We conducted an electronic Delphi survey of experts with a background in psychology or psychiatry.

Results

Consensus was achieved on who can perform CF, who it should be offered to and the benefits, process, theoretical models and content of CF. A cognitive–behavioural therapy or schema‐focused model was felt to be best suited to inform CF in PD offenders. No agreement was achieved on the assessment of quality of CF.

Discussion

Our findings support the government's PD strategy in that experts agreed that CF could be performed by professionals other than psychiatrists and psychologists. However, more research is needed on how to best assess the quality of CF and its utility in determining treatment pathways.

Clinical implications

It may be possible for probation staff to take on a more active role in CF for PD offenders using a cognitive–behavioural or schema‐focused model. However, a significant amount of training will be required for probation staff to acquire the relevant skills. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total saphenous vein graft occlusions in the contemporary era
Authors: Garg Nadish , Hakeem Abdul , Gobal Freij , Uretsky Barry F.
Published: September 2013

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention of a chronic total occlusion to a saphenous vein graft is currently not recommended because the benefit/risk ratio is considered unfavorable. However, there is a patient subset with clinical ischemia, and PCI of the native chronic total occlusion (CTO) is unfavorable. In this setting, PCI to the saphenous vein graft (SVG) may have utility. We reviewed our experience to determine its value in the modern era.

Methods and Results

This was a single‐center retrospective study of all patients undergoing PCI to SVG CTO. Of 161 patients undergoing SVG PCI during the study period, 27 patients underwent 28 SVG CTO PCI, which was technically successful in 79% (22/28). There were 2 intra‐procedural Q wave myocardial infarctions. At 30 days there were no adverse events after hospital discharge. Angina relief was significantly better at 30 days in successful (n = 21) vs. unsuccessful (n = 6) PCI(90% vs. 33% P < 0.01). At the last available follow‐up (591 ± 407 days), angina improvement persisted (80.1% vs. 33%, P < 0.01). Long‐term adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

PCI to SVG CTO is feasible with a reasonable success rate, safety profile, and improvement in angina in contemporary practice. This approach may be considered in highly selected patients where revascularization to the ischemic territory is appropriate and the native CTO is technically difficult to recanalize. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incidence and prognostic value of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients older than 75 years of age
Authors: Ndrepepa Gjin , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Schulz Stefanie , Fusaro Massimiliano , Cassese Salvatore , Byrne Robert A. , Richardt Gert , Laugwitz Karl‐Ludwig , Kastrati Adnan
Published: September 2013

Objectives

We aimed to assess the impact of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the outcome of patients >75 years of age.

Background

Limited information exists on the impact of post‐PCI bleeding on the outcome in elderly patients.

Methods

This study included 3,255 patients >75 years of age. Bleeding events were assessed using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria. The primary outcome was 1‐year mortality.

Results

Within 30 days after PCI, bleeding occurred in 501 patients (15.4%). Bleeding according to BARC was: class 1 (170 patients; 33.9%), class 2 (81 patients; 16.2%), class 3a (177 patients; 35.3%), class 3b (65 patients; 13.0%), class 3c (four patients; 0.8%), and class 4 (four patients; 0.8%). There were 201 deaths within the first year after PCI: 61 deaths (12.3%) among bleeders and 140 deaths (5.1%) among nonbleeders (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–2.91, P < 0.001). Bleeding improved the discriminatory power of multivariable model for mortality prediction (P = 0.001). Female sex (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.49 [1.17–1.88], P = 0.001) and reduced renal function (adjusted OR = 1.30 [1.04–1.63], P = 0.019 for each 30 ml/min decrease in the creatinine clearance) were independent associates of increased bleeding risk. Bivalirudin reduced the bleeding risk by 24% compared with unfractionated heparin and 33% compared with abciximab plus unfractionated heparin.

Conclusions

Post‐PCI bleeding is an important prognostic factor in patients >75 years of age. The risk for bleeding in this age category is increased in women and patients with impaired renal function. Bleeding risk is reduced by bivalirudin. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assembling a Phthalocyanine and Perylenediimide Donor–Acceptor Hybrid through a Platinum(II) Diacetylide Linker
Authors: Jiménez Ángel J. , Sekita Michael , Caballero Esmeralda , Marcos M. Luisa , Rodríguez‐Morgade M. Salomé , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomás
Published: September 2013

In a novel electron‐donor–acceptor conjugate, phthalocyanine (Pc) and perylenediimide (PDI) are connected through a trans‐platinum(II) diacetylide linker to yield Pc‐Pt‐PDI 1. In the ground state, the presence of PtII disrupts the electronic communication between the two electroactive components, as revealed by UV/Vis spectroscopy and electrochemical studies. The photophysical behavior of 1 is compared with that of the corresponding Pc‐PDI electron‐donor–acceptor conjugate 2 in terms of charge separation and charge recombination. The insertion of PtII between Pc and PDI impacts the results in a longer‐lived Pc.+/PDI.− radical ion‐pair state. In addition, the intermediately formed Pc triplet excited state is formed with higher quantum yields in 1 than in 2.