bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF CROSS SHORE PROFILES ON THE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN OF COASTAL STRUCTURES
Authors: Elselmy Akram Soliman , Abdelrahman, Saad , Iskander Moheb , Ismail Nabil
Published: February 2013

The performance of the existing coastal structures at different locations along Alexandria coastline, Egypt was re-examined. These coastal structures have been constructed (1998-2002) on Alexandria coastline during the phase of widening the coastal road. The constructions of these coastal structures, although protected the coastal road but didn't maintain the sandy beaches. El-Sharnouby and Soliman (2011) studied the behaviour of these structures during a storm. This paper investigates the benefits of complementing the existing structures by adding limited modification. Three areas of different profiles and types of coastal protective works along Alexandria shoreline were selected to investigate their performance. The first area "Shatby† has a narrow sandy beach that is protected by a vertical seawall of 3-5 m above sea water level. The second area "Sporting† was protected by a revetment of 20-30 width with 10 ton concrete cubic blocks. In the third area "Loran†, revetment protected the shoreline against further erosion with beach profile completely covered by blocks,
Reeve et el. (2008) used a two dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) numerical model to obtain wave run-up and overtopping characteristics. This model was based on the work of Liu et al. (1999) and Lin and Xu, (2006). A proposed artificial offshore submerged breakwater was introduced to determine its impact on wave runup. Beach profile data were collected by Coastal Research Institute monitoring program for the Alexandria coastal area. Profiles'surveying were carried out from a constructed land baseline to a water depth of 10.0 m below the M.W.L. The wave characteristics used at the three surveyed profiles are: significant wave height Hs = 1.00 m, dominant wave period = 6.0 sec with wave direction from N to NW.

Several coastal protection schemes were explored; submerged sills, T-groins,..etc. The objectives were to determine their effects on the reduction of wave breaking heights, wave run up as well as maintaining nourished sandy beaches.

The numerical model showed the reduction of wave runup (20%) by submerged reefs, however other design analyses would indicate that coupled systems could fulfil the sustainable design targets. However cost optimization as well as design risk level should play a rule in the final system selection. Detailed results are provided in the poster session as well as final paper.
Predicting the Sensitivity of the Reaction Time‐based Concealed Information Test
Authors: Noordraven Ernst , Verschuere Bruno
Published: February 2013

Current lie detection and memory detection tests are imperfect. One possibility is that they work in some individuals but not in others. Here, we investigate whether we can statistically predict the accuracy of the Concealed Information Test (CIT). We examined the CIT's potential by (1) its sensitivity on an unrelated set of autobiographic questions and by (2) using mock crime target‐irrelevant differences. A mock crime CIT that included autobiographical questions was used to detect criminal intent. The mock crime CIT discriminated (receiver operating characteristic a = .87; d = 1.25; hit rate: 86%) between the criminal intent and the control condition. Using target‐irrelevant differences, but not the autobiographical questions, successfully screened out individuals and increased the CIT's accuracy (receiver operating characteristic a = .95; d = 1.67; hit rate: 97%). Our study provides preliminary evidence that we can predict for whom the CIT is likely to work and that this information can be used to increase detection efficiency. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neue Entwicklungen bei asymmetrischen Phasentransferreaktionen
Authors: Shirakawa Seiji , Maruoka Keiji
Published: February 2013

Die Phasentransferkatalyse bildet eine effiziente Grundlage zur Einführung praktischer Methoden in die organische Synthese, denn sie bietet mehrere Vorteile wie einfache Handhabung, milde Reaktionsbedingungen, die Eignung für großtechnische Synthesen und ein umweltfreundliches Reaktionssystem. Seit den wegweisenden Arbeiten zu hoch enantioselektiven Alkylierungen mit chiralen Phasentransferkatalysatoren ist dieses Forschungsgebiet im Hinblick auf eine umweltverträgliche, nachhaltige Chemie von Interesse, und in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten, vor allem in den letzten Jahren, wurden zahlreiche asymmetrische, durch chirale Oniumsalze und Kronenether katalysierte Umwandlungen für die Synthese wertvoller organischer Verbindungen entwickelt.
Strained Alkenes in Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Wilson Matthew R. , Taylor Richard E.
Published: February 2013

Strained molecules continue to challenge the ingenuity of chemists as their high‐energy bonds serve as fuel for the promotion of complex synthetic transformations. Developments in this area have resulted in the recent emergence of strained alkenes as intermediates in natural product synthesis. This Minireview highlights these recent advances along with current developments toward understanding the unique reactivity of strained alkenes.
Preparation and characterization of a pseudo‐template imprinted polymer with a chirality‐matching monomer for the separation of cinchona alkaloids by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Jiang Jiabing , Zhou Qi , Kang Chengcheng , Wu Suqin , Tang Youwen , Zuo Xiongjun
Published: February 2013

A hydroquinidine‐imprinted stationary selector with chiral recognition for cinchona alkaloids was prepared by bulk polymerization with (+)‐(2R,3R)‐N,N′‐diallyl‐L‐tartardiamide as a functional monomer, and the recognition properties of the polymers for quinidine (QD) were analyzed with high‐performance liquid chromatography. By optimizing the preparation conditions and chromatographic conditions, such as the ratio of the mobile phase and flow rate, QD and quinine could be completely separated to the best resolution of 2.25. The chiral molecularly imprinted polymers (CMIPs) combined the virtues of traditional brush‐type chiral selectors with existing CMIPs. The results show a substantial synergistic effect between the chiral monomer and the chiral cavity of the resulting CMIPs in chiral recognition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, and Apoptosis Induction Study of Antitumor Dinuclear Platinum(II) Complexes
Authors: Xu Gang , Gou Shaohua , Gao Chuanzhu
Published: February 2013

Five novel dinuclear platinum(II) complexes with a new chiral ligand, 3‐(2‐amino‐cyclohexylamino)‐propionic acid (HP), were designed, prepared and spectrally characterized. The in vitro cytotoxicities of these compounds were evaluated against the HepG‐2, MCF‐7, A549, and HCT‐116 cell lines. The results indicated that all compounds showed cytotoxicity towards the HepG‐2 cell line. Particularly, complex X5, which has SO as a bridge, exhibited better cytotoxicity than carboplatin or oxaliplatin against all selected cell lines. Moreover, double dyeing flow cytometric resection indicated that the target compounds inhibited tumor cell growth by inducing apoptosis.
Calbindin‐D28k and calretinin in chicken inner retina during postnatal development and neuroplasticity by dim red light
Authors: Fosser Nicolás Sebastián , Ronco Laura , Bejarano Alejandro , Paganelli Alejandra R. , Ríos Hugo
Published: February 2013

Members of the family of calcium binding proteins (CBPs) are involved in the buffering of calcium (Ca2+) by regulating how Ca2+ can operate within synapses or more globally in the entire cytoplasm and they are present in a particular arrangement in all types of retinal neurons. Calbindin D28k and calretinin belong to the family of CBPs and they are mainly co‐expressed with other CBPs. Calbindin D28k is expressed in doubles cones, bipolar cells and in a subpopulation of amacrine and ganglion neurons. Calretinin is present in horizontal cells as well as in a subpopulation of amacrine and ganglion neurons. Both proteins fill the soma at the inner nuclear layer and the neuronal projections at the inner plexiform layer. Moreover, calbindin D28k and calretinin have been associated with neuronal plasticity in the central nervous system. During pre and early postnatal visual development, the visual system shows high responsiveness to environmental influences. In this work we observed modifications in the pattern of stratification of calbindin immunoreactive neurons, as well as in the total amount of calbindin through the early postnatal development. In order to test whether or not calbindin is involved in retinal plasticity we analyzed phosphorylated p38 MAPK expression, which showed a decrease in p‐p38 MAPK, concomitant to the observed decrease of calbindin D28k. Results showed in this study suggest that calbindin is a molecule related with neuroplasticity, and we suggest that calbindin D28k has significant roles in neuroplastic changes in the retina, when retinas are stimulated with different light conditions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 530–542, 2013
A Bis(hexadentate) Biphenyl‐Based N12 Ligand and Its FeII Complexes
Authors: Heider Silvio , Petzold Holm , Teucher Georg
Published: February 2013

The novel biphenyl‐based ligand N,N′,N″,N″′‐tetrakis(2,2′‐bipyridin‐6‐ylmethyl)‐4,4′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,6,6′‐tetramine (6) with 12 nitrogen donor atoms has been synthesized. Ligand 6 is able to host two metal ions in an octahedral coordination sphere. This was shown by the synthesis of the dinuclear iron(II) complex 5 ([Fe2(6)]4+). Furthermore, the corresponding mononuclear iron(II) complex 4 ([Fe(6)]2+), where one coordination site is free, was obtained. Both FeII complexes show spin‐crossover behaviour, which was shown by 1H NMR spectroscopy and Evans' measurements. A comparison of the two complexes gives evidence of a sterically induced cooperative behaviour in the dinuclear complex 5.
The Psychology of Working: A Case Study of Mexican American Women With Low Educational Attainment
Authors: Guerrero Laura , Singh Satvir
Published: February 2013

Using Blustein's (2006) psychology of working and Hackman and Oldham's (1975) job characteristics theory, the authors investigated the job attribute preferences of Mexican American women with low educational attainment. They used content analysis to code and analyze the interview transcripts of 27 women. The most valued job attributes were not only those associated with survival and power but also those that incorporated aspects of social connection and self‐determination, including autonomy, the opportunity to help others, the opportunity to use one's existing abilities, and the opportunity to learn. Understanding the preferences of this group of women can help career counselors and managers to be more effective in working with these women.
Synthesis of Porous, Nitrogen‐Doped Adsorption/Diffusion Carbonaceous Membranes for Efficient CO2 Separation
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Chai Songhai , Tian Chengcheng , Fulvio Pasquale F. , Han Kee Sung , Hagaman Edward W. , Veith Gabriel M. , Mahurin Shannon M. , Brown Suree , Liu Honglai , Dai Sheng
Published: February 2013

A porous, nitrogen‐doped carbonaceous free‐standing membrane (TFMT‐550) is prepared by a facile template‐free method using letrozole as an intermediate to a triazole‐functionalized‐triazine framework, followed by carbonization. Such adsorption/diffusion membranes exhibit good separation performance of CO2 over N2 and surpassing the most recent Robeson upper bound. An exceptional ideal CO2/N2 permselectivity of 47.5 was achieved with a good CO2 permeability of 2.40 × 10−13 mol m m−2 s−1 Pa−1. The latter results arise from the presence of micropores, narrow distribution of small mesopores and from the strong dipole–quadrupole interactions between the large quadrupole moment of CO2 molecules and the polar sites associated with N groups (e.g., triazine units) within the framework.
Synthesis and characterization of porphyrin‐based D‐π‐A conjugated polymers for polymer solar cells
Authors: Jiang Pei , Shi Shaowei , Chen Song , Wang Xiaochen , Wang Haiqiao , Li Yongfang , Li Xiaoyu
Published: February 2013

Two novel porphyrin‐based D‐A conjugated copolymers, PFTTQP and PBDTTTQP, consisting of accepting quinoxalino[2,3‐b′]porphyrin unit and donating fluorene or benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene unit, were synthesized, respectively via a Pd‐catalyzed Stille‐coupling method. The quinoxalino[2,3‐b′]porphyrin, an edge‐fused porphyrin monomer, was used as a building block of D‐A copolymers, rather than the simple porphyrin unit in conventional porphyrin‐based photovoltaic polymers reported in literature, to enhance the coplanarity and to extend the π‐conjugated system of polymer main chains, and consequently to facilitate the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The thermal stability, optical, and electrochemical properties as well as the photovoltaic characteristics of the two polymers were systematically investigated. Both the polymers showed high hole mobility, reaching 4.3 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 for PFTTQP and 2.0 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 for PBDTTTQP. Polymer solar cells (PSCs) made from PFTTQP and PBDTTTQP demonstrated power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 2.39% and 1.53%, both of which are among the highest PCE values in the PSCs based on porphyrin‐based conjugated polymers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Thermal Behaviors of 3‐Nitro‐1,5‐bis(4,4′‐dimethylazide)‐1,2,3‐triazolyl‐3‐azapentane (NDTAP)
Authors: Wang Yinglei , Xu Kangzhen , Zhao Fengqi , Ji Yueping , Yi Jianhua , Xu Siyu , Gao Fulei , Chen Bin
Published: February 2013

The energetic material, 3‐nitro‐1,5‐bis(4,4′‐dimethyl azide)‐1,2,3‐triazolyl‐3‐azapentane (NDTAP), was firstly synthesized by means of Click Chemistry using 1,5‐diazido‐3‐nitrazapentane as main material. The structure of NDTAP was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy; mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The crystal structure of NDTAP was determined by X‐ray diffraction. It belongs to monoclinic system, space group C2/c with crystal parameters a=1.7285(8) nm, b=0.6061(3) nm, c=1.6712(8) nm, β=104.846(8)°, V=1.6924(13) nm3, Z=8, μ=0.109 mm−1, F(000)=752, and Dc=1.422 g cm−3. The thermal behavior and non‐isothermal decomposition kinetics of NDTAP were studied with DSC and TG‐DTG methods. The self‐accelerating decomposition temperature and critical temperature of thermal explosion are 195.5 and 208.2 °C, respectively. NDTAP presents good thermal stability and is insensitive.
Quaternary structure effects on the hexacoordination equilibrium in rice hemoglobin rHb1: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Morzan Uriel N. , Capece Luciana , Marti Marcelo A. , Estrin Dario A.
Published: February 2013

Nonsymbiotic hemoglobins (nsHbs) form a widely distributed class of plant proteins, which function remains unknown. Despite the fact that class 1 plant nonsymbiotic hemoglobins are hexacoordinate (6c) heme proteins (hxHbs), their hexacoordination equilibrium constants are much lower than in hxHbs from animals or bacteria. In addition, they are characterized by having very high oxygen affinities and low oxygen dissociation rate constants. Rice hemoglobin 1 (rHb1) is a class 1 nonsymbiotic hemoglobin. It crystallizes as a fully associated homodimer with both subunits in 6c state, but showing slightly different conformations, thus leading to an asymmetric crystallographic homodimer. The residues that constitute the dimeric interface are conserved among all nsHbs, suggesting that the quaternary structure could be relevant to explain the chemical behavior and biological function of this family of proteins. In this work, we analyze the molecular basis that determine the hexacoordination equilibrium in rHb1. Our results indicate that dynamical features of the quaternary structure significantly affect the hexacoordination process. Specifically, we observe that the pentacoordinate state is stabilized in the dimer with respect to the isolated monomers. Moreover, the dimer behaves asymmetrically, in a negative cooperative scheme. The results presented in this work are fully consistent with our previous hypothesis about the key role played by the nature of the CD region in determining the coordination state of globins. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A fictitious play‐based response strategy for multistage intrusion defense systems
Authors: Luo Yi , Szidarovszky Ferenc , Al‐Nashif Youssif , Hariri Salim
Published: February 2013

The recent developments of advanced intrusion detection systems in the cyber security field provide opportunities to proactively protect the computer network systems and minimize the impacts of attackers on network operations. This paper is intended to assist the network defender find its best actions to defend against multistage attacks. The possible sequences of interactions between the attackers and the network defender are modeled as a two‐player non‐zero‐sum non‐cooperative dynamic multistage game with incomplete information. The players are assumed to be rational. They take turns in making decisions by considering previous and possible future interactions with the opponent and use Bayesian analysis after each interaction to update their knowledge about the opponents. We propose a Dynamic game tree‐based Fictitious Play (DFP) approach to describe the repeated interactive decisions of the players. Each player finds its best moves at its decision nodes of the game tree by using multi‐objective analysis. All possibilities are considered with their uncertain future interactions, which are based on learning of the opponent's decision process (including risk attitude and objectives). Instead of searching the entire game tree, appropriate future time horizons are dynamically determined for both players. In the DFP approach, the defender keeps tracking the opponent's actions, predicts the probabilities of future possible attacks, and then chooses its best moves. Thus, a new defense algorithm, called Response by DFP (RDFP), is developed. Numerical experiments show that this approach significantly reduces the damage caused by multistage attacks and it is also more efficient than other related algorithms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
British Government, British Businesses, and the Indigenization Exercise in Post-Independence Nigeria
Authors: Uche Chibuike U.
Published: February 2013

The Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree of 1972, which was promulgated in Nigeria after the country gained its independence from Britain, put in place a framework for the varied transfer of equity ownership of expatriate businesses to Nigerians. The decree was replaced by a more stringent order in 1977. Despite the extensive research on the Nigerian indigenization episode, there have been few studies on the role of the British government in the entire exercise. This paper, using newly available evidence from the National Archives London, investigates the role played by the British government during the indigenization episode. Evidence in this paper suggests that the British government explored various strategies, orthodox and unorthodox, in its bid to protect British business interests in Nigeria during the period.
“A Single Woman … Among So Many Men”: Negotiating Gendered Spaces in John Gregory Brown's Audubon's Watch
Authors: MICHAILIDOU ARTEMIS
Published: February 2013

This paper examines the notion of gendered space in Audubon's Watch, the most recent work by New Orleans novelist John Gregory Brown. Focussing on Myra Richardson Gautreaux – perhaps Brown's most intriguing female protagonist – it explores, first, how Myra continuously employs “forbidden” language in order to problematize subjects like physical intimacy and sexual desire and, second, how her linguistic experimentation, combined with her solitary walks through the dark streets of nineteenth-century New Orleans, disrupts the dichotomy of public versus private. It also argues that Myra's consistent preoccupation with disciplines inaccessible to nineteenth-century women – like anatomy, the depiction of bodily functions in painting, or the importance of the artist's gaze – establishes a new notion of identity, which interrogates the acceptable limits of “the feminine” in the antebellum South. Ultimately, the paper shows that Audubon's Watch should be read not only as an interesting hybrid of southern gothic and fictional biography, but also as a multilayered work that attempts to redefine the gendered spaces of language, science, and art.
Speaking Monuments: Henry James, Walt Whitman, and the Civil War Statues of Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Authors: FOLLINI TAMARA L.
Published: February 2013

Although James's first published response to Whitman's poetry, an 1865 review of Drum-Taps, was dismissive, he expressed a profound affinity with the poet later in his career. This essay considers how his reading of two volumes of Whitman's correspondence in 1898, in particular The Wound Dresser letters, are crucial to James's reevaluation of Whitman and may be seen to be exerting pressure in The American Scene (1907). Through also examining a key event of the year previous, when James's Civil War memories were reignited by the dedication of the Robert Gould Shaw memorial in Boston, I suggest reasons for his changed relation to Whitman's aesthetic project. My argument focusses on how Whitman's epistolary and poetic treatment of the wounded body reformulated vital representational and emotional issues for James, and made Whitman an active presence for him during his 1904–5 American sojourn. James makes no explicit comment about Whitman when he details his journey in The American Scene, yet the poet's influence can be felt in the way James writes about recently erected Civil War monuments by Saint-Gaudens, in New York and Boston, and Whitman is also acknowledged by the stylistic memorial, in this work, that James builds for him.
Aspergilluspetrous apicitis associated with cerebral and peritubular abscesses in an immunocompetent man
Authors: Bhatt Y M , Pahade N , Nair B
Published: February 2013

Background:

Petrous apex aspergillosis is an uncommon and dangerous condition, with only four previously reported cases. As with other forms of petrous apicitis, the clinical symptoms are often non-specific and this contributes to diagnostic delay. This paper presents the first reported case ofAspergilluspetrous apicitis associated with an intracranial or nasopharyngeal abscess.

Case report:

A 72-year-old man with chronic otorrhoea developed neuralgic headaches and progressive lower cranial nerve palsies despite antibiotic therapy. Imaging revealed petrous apicitis, a temporal lobe abscess and nasopharyngeal abscess. Analysis of biopsy tissue indicated invasive aspergillosis. The patient recovered on a protracted course of voriconazole in addition to medium-term antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion:

Invasive fungal disease should be considered early in the course of skull base osteomyelitis that is clinically unresponsive to empirical broad spectrum antibiotics. This paper highlights the role of tissue biopsy in diagnosis, and the efficacy of voriconazole therapy without the need for radical surgery.
Unusual hunting and feeding behaviour of polar bears on Spitsbergen
Authors: Stempniewicz Lech , Kidawa Dorota , Barcikowski Mateusz , Iliszko Lech
Published: February 2013

Prolonged chasing of an adult reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) by a polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was observed both on land and in the sea, in Magdalenefjorden, northwest Spitsbergen. Polar bears were also observed catching black guillemot (Cepphus grylle) in the sea in northwest Spitsbergen and feeding on chicks in the arctic tern (Sterna paradisea) colony in Hornsund, southwest Spitsbergen. While feeding on seabird species is unsurprising, the prolonged chasing of adult reindeer is unusual for polar bear hunting behaviour. The few documented cases of polar bear hunting reindeer consist of either surprising and killing resting/sleeping prey or stalking and a short rapid chase of the reindeer. Our observations describe new feeding habits of polar bears that may be in response to decreasing seal availability due to shrinking sea-ice cover in the Arctic.
Die Rubber Hand Illusion und ihre möglichen klinischen Anwendungen
Authors: Peterburs Jutta , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: February 2013

Die Rubber Hand Illusion ist ein multisensorisches Wahrnehmungsphänomen, bei dem durch verdeckte taktile Stimulation der Hand einer Versuchsperson bei zugleich simultaner, sichtbarer Stimulation einer körpernahen Gummihand bei vielen Individuen das Gefühl erzeugt wird, die Gummihand sei Teil des eigenen Körpers. Da die Illusion die Untersuchung von Veränderungen von Körperbild und Körperwahrnehmung ermöglicht, haben eine Reihe von Arbeiten zu neurologischen oder psychiatrischen Störungsbildern, die mit solchen Veränderungen einhergehen (z. B. somatoforme Störungen, fokale Dystonie der Hand, visuell-räumlicher Neglect, Essstörungen, Schizophrenie) sich ihrer bereits bedient. Weiterhin wurde die Illusion erfolgreich zur Förderung der Integration von Prothesen in das Körperbild bei Amputations-Patienten eingesetzt. Das Verständnis der Mechanismen, die Veränderungen von Körperbild und Körperwahrnehmung unterliegen, kann wertvolle Ansätze für die Behandlung dieser Störungen liefern.
Stress, Social Relations, and Psychological Health Over the Life Course
Authors: Ajrouch Kristine J. , Abdulrahim Sawsan , Antonucci Toni C.
Published: February 2013

This paper documents experiences of stress among people 18+ (N = 500) in Beirut, Lebanon. We investigate the extent to which social relations function as a stabilizing factor for psychological health. Regression analyses indicate a curvilinear link between stress and psychological health. Both low and high levels of stress predict higher depressive symptoms. Among those aged 18–39 years, there is no buffering effect of social relations yet for those aged 40–59 years positive support quality buffers the effect of stress on depressive symptoms. Among those 60+ years old, negative support quality buffers the effect of stress on depressive symptoms. The function of social relations varies both in its main and buffering effects at different points in the life course.
Active nitrogen-fixing heterotrophic bacteria at and below the chemocline of the central Baltic Sea
Authors: Farnelid Hanna , Bentzon-Tilia Mikkel , Andersson Anders F , Bertilsson Stefan , Jost Günter , Labrenz Matthias , Jürgens Klaus , Riemann Lasse
Published: February 2013

The Baltic Sea receives large nitrogen inputs by diazotrophic (N2-fixing) heterocystous cyanobacteria but the significance of heterotrophic N2 fixation has not been studied. Here, the diversity, abundance and transcription of the nifH fragment of the nitrogenase enzyme in two basins of the Baltic Sea proper was examined. N2 fixation was measured at the surface (5 m) and in anoxic water (200 m). Vertical sampling profiles of >10 and <10 μm size fractions were collected in 2007, 2008 and 2011 at the Gotland Deep and in 2011 in the Bornholm Basin. Both of these stations are characterized by permanently anoxic bottom water. The 454-pyrosequencing nifH analysis revealed a diverse assemblage of nifH genes related to alpha-, beta- and gammaproteobacteria (nifH cluster I) and anaerobic bacteria (nifH cluster III) at and below the chemocline. Abundances of genes and transcripts of seven diazotrophic phylotypes were investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealing abundances of heterotrophic nifH phylotypes of up to 2.1 × 107nifH copies l−1. Abundant nifH transcripts (up to 3.2 × 104 transcripts l−1) within nifH cluster III and co-occurring N2 fixation (0.44±0.26 nmol l−1 day−1) in deep water suggests that heterotrophic diazotrophs are fixing N2 in anoxic ammonium-rich waters. Our results reveal that N2 fixation in the Baltic Sea is not limited to illuminated N-deplete surface waters and suggest that N2 fixation could also be of importance in other suboxic regions of the world’s oceans.
The anti-inflammatory drug BAY 11-7082 suppresses the MyD88-dependent signalling network by targeting the ubiquitin system
Authors: Strickson Sam , Campbell David G. , Emmerich Christoph H. , Knebel Axel , Plater Lorna , Ritorto Maria Stella , Shpiro Natalia , Cohen Philip
Published: February 2013

The compound BAY 11-7082 inhibits IκBα [inhibitor of NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)α] phosphorylation in cells and has been used to implicate the canonical IKKs (IκB kinases) and NF-κB in >350 publications. In the present study we report that BAY 11-7082 does not inhibit the IKKs, but suppresses their activation in LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated RAW macrophages and IL (interleukin)-1-stimulated IL-1R (IL-1 receptor) HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells. BAY 11-7082 exerts these effects by inactivating the E2-conjugating enzymes Ubc (ubiquitin conjugating) 13 and UbcH7 and the E3 ligase LUBAC (linear ubiquitin assembly complex), thereby preventing the formation of Lys63-linked and linear polyubiquitin chains. BAY 11-7082 prevents ubiquitin conjugation to Ubc13 and UbcH7 by forming a covalent adduct with their reactive cysteine residues via Michael addition at the C3 atom of BAY 11-7082, followed by the release of 4-methylbenzene-sulfinic acid. BAY 11-7082 stimulated Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chain formation in cells and protected HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α) from proteasomal degradation, suggesting that it inhibits the proteasome. The results of the present study indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of BAY 11-7082, its ability to induce B-cell lymphoma and leukaemic T-cell death and to prevent the recruitment of proteins to sites of DNA damage are exerted via inhibition of components of the ubiquitin system and not by inhibiting NF-κB.
Phase diagram of the resistive state of a narrow superconducting channel in the voltage-driven regime
Authors: Yerin Y. S. , Fenchenko V. N. , Il'ichev E. V.
Published: February 2013

Based on the numerical solution of the non-stationary (time-dependent) Ginzburg–Landau equations, we investigated the evolution of the order parameter of superconducting channels of different length under applied voltage (so-called voltage-driven regime). We calculated the current-voltage characteristics for channels of different lengths and found out the origin of their characteristic disorder oscillations. For very long channels in a certain voltage interval we revealed chaotic dynamics of the order parameter. The collected data allowed us to plot the most complete and detailed phase diagram of the resistive state of the superconducting channel in the voltage-driven regime.
The over-barrier reflection of the Bloch point in uniaxial ferromagnets with strong magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Shevchenko A. B. , Barabash M. Yu.
Published: February 2013

It is shown that the over-barrier reflection of the Bloch point from the defect potential in uniaxial ferromagnets with strong magnetic anisotropy is possible in principle. The temperature corresponding to the quantum effect under consideration is found to be in a subhelium temperature range.
The effect of dissipation on the structure of quasi-solitonic states of nonlinear magnetically ordered media under high-frequency point influence
Authors: Belan V. I. , Kovalev A. S. , Peretyat'ko A. A.
Published: February 2013

The dynamics of a one-dimensional magnetic system in an external spatially localized high-frequency field were analyzed analytically (in the framework of perturbation theory and qualitative approach) and numerically. For the case of direct nonlinear resonance we found the dependence of local state amplitudes on the amplitude of the external field for different values of external field frequency and the damping parameter. Hysteresis character of the field dependence and the appearance of “instability windows”, where additional nutation of magnetic moments occurs, are also noted.
Back to the beginning of quantum spacetime
Authors: Bojowald Martin
Published: February 2013

In loop quantum gravity, spacetime emerges from excitations of an ultimate vacuum.
Discrimination of Brief Gaps Marked by Two Stimuli: Effects of Sound Length, Repetition, and Rhythmic Grouping
Authors: Kuroda Tsuyoshi , Hasuo Emi , Grondin Simon
Published: February 2013

We examined the effects of sound marker length, marker repetition, and rhythmic grouping on auditory gap discrimination. The discrimination of the duration of a gap between two markers was impaired by lengthening these markers (from 150 to 262.5 ms). Discrimination was impaired by lengthening the preceding marker relative to lengthening the following marker, while the impairment was not increased when both markers were lengthened compared with when only the preceding marker was lengthened. This indicates that the level of discrimination is not decided by a simple summation of the effects of the preceding and of the following marker's length. Moreover, discrimination of a gap between a short (S) and a long (L) marker and of a gap between a long and a short marker was improved by repeating the presentation of these gaps (ie by repeating the markers alternately as SLSLSL…): both types of discrimination led to near identical performance. Finally, under the repetition condition each type of discrimination was not related to the tendency for each individual to perceive the stimulus sequences as segmented into rhythmic chunks of a short tone followed by a long tone (as [SL][SL][SL].), or those of a long tone followed by a short tone (as S][LS][LS][L…).
Replicating and Extending Bourdon's (1902) Experiment on Motion Parallax
Authors: Ono Hiroshi , Lillakas Linda , Kapoor Anjani , Wong Irene
Published: February 2013

Bourdon conducted the first laboratory experiment on observer-produced motion parallax as a cue to depth. In three experiments, we replicated and extended Bourdon's experiment. In experiment 1, we reproduced his finding: when the two cues, motion parallax and relative height, were combined, accuracy of depth perception was high, and when the two cues were in conflict, accuracy was lower. In experiment 2, the relative height cue was replaced with relative retinal image size. As in experiment 1, when the two cues (motion parallax and relative retinal image size) were combined, accuracy was high, but when they were in conflict, it was lower. In experiment 3, the stimuli from experiments 1 and 2 were viewed monocularly with head movement and binocularly without head movement. In the binocular conditions, accuracy, certainty, and the extent of perceived depth were higher than in the monocular condition. In the conflict conditions, accuracy, certainty, and the extent of perceived depth were lower than in the no-conflict condition, but the extent of perceived motion was larger. These results are discussed in terms of recent findings about the effectiveness of motion parallax as a cue for depth.
Object-Based Integration of Motion Information during Attentive Tracking
Authors: Meyerhoff Hauke S , Papenmeier Frank , Huff Markus
Published: February 2013

How do observers track multiple moving objects simultaneously? Previous work has shown that adding conflicting texture motion to the tracked objects impairs tracking performance. Here, we test whether texture motion is integrated with object motion in an object-based manner, or whether adding conflicting texture motion to a display causes global interference effects. We added a moving texture onto the surface of tracked objects with the texture moving either in the same or opposite direction to the objects. In the critical trials, we presented both types of texture motion. In these trials, we found a selective impairment for the objects with opposite texture motion, suggesting that multiple motion information sources are integrated in an object-based manner during tracking. The integrated motion signals might be used to anticipate prospective object locations in order to enhance tracking.
The Effect of Motion Lines on Apparent-Motion Correspondence under Dichoptic Presentation
Authors: Ito Hiroyuki
Published: February 2013

Motion lines enhance the impression of motion when viewing static/dynamic images. I investigated the binocularity of the motion-enhancing effect in an ambiguous apparent-motion display. Even in the dichoptic presentation condition, the effect of motion lines on apparent-motion correspondence was as strong as that in the monoptic condition. Additionally, there were no effects of stereo-depth separation. These results suggest that the effect of motion lines arises from a higher-level motion-processing mechanism that occurs after integrating information from both eyes.
Host DNA released in response to aluminum adjuvant enhances MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation and prolongs CD4 T-cell interactions with dendritic cells
Authors: McKee Amy S. , Burchill Matthew A. , Munks Michael W. , Jin Lei , Kappler John W. , Friedman Rachel S. , Jacobelli Jordan , Marrack Philippa
Published: February 2013

Significance

Alum has been used to improve the efficacy of vaccines since the 1930s. Here we show that alum acts in part via host DNA to increase the interaction time between T cells and APCs.
The –308 G>A SNP of TNFA is a factor predisposing to chronic rhinosinusitis associated with nasal polyposis in aspirin-sensitive Hungarian individuals: conclusions of a genetic study with multiple stratifications
Authors: Szabó Kornélia , Kiricsi Ágnes , Révész Mónika , Vóna Ida , Szabó Zsolt , Bella Zsolt , Polyánka Hilda , Kadocsa Edit , Kemény Lajos , Széll Márta , Hirschberg Andor
Published: February 2013

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) gene (TNFA) have been extensively studied and shown to be associated with an increased risk of the development of various chronic inflammatory diseases. Inflammation has been demonstrated to play a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and TNFα is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine with important functions in these processes. In order to determine whether the well-known TNFA –308 G>A SNP has a role in a genetic predisposition to CRS in the Hungarian population, we analyzed our genomic collection containing control and CRS patient samples in a case–control study, and compared the genotype and allele frequencies. There was no significant difference in the observed genotype or allele frequencies between the controls and the total CRS group. However, after careful stratification of the patient group on the basis of the observed clinical symptoms, we found a significantly higher carriage rate of the rare A allele-containing genotypes among the CRS patients with nasal polyposis (NP) who also exhibited sensitivity to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA+). It is concluded that genetic variants of the TNFA gene may affect the risk of CRS in a clinically well-defined group of CRSNP+ASA+ patients in the Hungarian population. Our results also emphasize that the group of CRS patients is not homogenous in that patients exhibiting different clinical symptoms exist. Their carried genetic predisposing factors, and as a result, the exact molecular events leading to the development of various forms of CRS, may also differ.
Evaluation of peak functions on ultra-coarse grids
Authors: Petrovskaya Natalia , Embleton Nina
Published: February 2013

Integration of sampled data arises in many practical applications, where the integrand function is available from experimental measurements only. One extensive field of research is the problem of pest monitoring and control where an accurate evaluation of the population size from the spatial density distribution is required for a given pest species. High aggregation population density distributions (peak functions) are an important class of data that often appear in this problem. The main difficulty associated with the integration of such functions is that the function values are usually only available at a few locations; therefore, new techniques are required to evaluate the accuracy of integration as the standard approach based on convergence analysis does not work when the data are sparse. Thus, in this paper, we introduce the new concept of ultra-coarse grids for high aggregation density distributions. Integration of the density function on ultra-coarse grids cannot provide the prescribed accuracy because of insufficient information (uncertainty) about the integrand function. Instead, the results of the integration should be treated probabilistically by considering the integration error as a random variable, and we show how the corresponding probabilities can be calculated. Handling the integration error as a random variable allows us to evaluate the accuracy of integration on very coarse grids where asymptotic error estimates cannot be applied.
Analytic bending solutions of free rectangular thin plates resting on elastic foundations by a new symplectic superposition method
Authors: Li Rui , Zhong Yang , Li Ming
Published: February 2013

Analytic bending solutions of free rectangular thin plates resting on elastic foundations, based on the Winkler model, are obtained by a new symplectic superposition method. The proposed method offers a rational elegant approach to solve the problem analytically, which was believed to be difficult to attain. By way of a rigorous but simple derivation, the governing differential equations for rectangular thin plates on elastic foundations are transferred into Hamilton canonical equations. The symplectic geometry method is then introduced to obtain analytic solutions of the plates with all edges slidingly supported, followed by the application of superposition, which yields the resultant solutions of the plates with all edges free on elastic foundations. The proposed method is capable of solving plates on elastic foundations with any other combinations of boundary conditions. Comprehensive numerical results validate the solutions by comparison with those obtained by the finite element method.
Focusing of long waves with finite crest over constant depth
Authors: Kânoğlu Utku , Titov Vasily V. , Aydın Baran , Moore Christopher , Stefanakis Themistoklis S. , Zhou Hongqiang , Spillane Michael , Synolakis Costas E.
Published: February 2013

Tsunamis are long waves that evolve substantially, through spatial and temporal spreading from their source region. Here, we introduce a new analytical solution to study the propagation of a finite strip source over constant depth using linear shallow-water wave theory. This solution is not only exact, but also general and allows the use of realistic initial waveforms such asN-waves. We show the existence of focusing points forN-wave-type initial displacements, i.e. points where unexpectedly large wave heights may be observed. We explain the effect of focusing from a strip source analytically, and explore it numerically. We observe focusing points using linear non-dispersive and linear dispersive theories, analytically; and nonlinear non-dispersive and weakly nonlinear weakly dispersive theories, numerically. We discuss geophysical implications of our solutions using the 17 July 1998 Papua New Guinea and the 17 July 2006 Java tsunamis as examples. Our results may also help to explain high run-up values observed during the 11 March 2011 Japan tsunami, which are otherwise not consistent with existing scaling relationships. We conclude thatN-waves generated by tectonic displacements feature focusing points, which may significantly amplify run-up beyond what is often assumed from widely used scaling relationships.
Assessment of the ferret as an in vivo model for mumps virus infection
Authors: Parker L. , Gilliland S. M. , Minor P. , Schepelmann S.
Published: February 2013

Humans are the sole reservoir for mumps virus (MuV), the causative agent of mumps. No animal model currently exists; therefore,in vivoknowledge of the virus is limited. Ferrets were assessed for their susceptibility to MuV based on their success as a model for influenza. We infected ferrets with clinical or attenuated vaccine MuVs by the nasal route and demonstrated evidence of immunogenicity in these animals with generation of a serum antibody response specific to MuV infection and cytokine production consistent with infection. However, no live virus or viral RNA was detected in nasal washes, oral swabs, urine, faeces or tissue homogenates, and no animals exhibited clinical signs. We suggest results to be obtained from ferrets are limited in fundamentalin vivoMuV research and that they may not be a suitable animal model for this virus.
Understanding the Role of Defective Invertases in Plants: Tobacco Nin88 Fails to Degrade Sucrose
Authors: Le Roy Katrien , Vergauwen Rudy , Struyf Tom , Yuan Shuguang , Lammens Willem , Mátrai Janka , De Maeyer Marc , Van den Ende Wim
Published: February 2013

Cell wall invertases (cwINVs), with a high affinity for the cell wall, are fundamental enzymes in the control of plant growth, development, and carbon partitioning. Most interestingly, defective cwINVs have been described in several plant species. Their highly attenuated sucrose (Suc)-hydrolyzing capacity is due to the absence of aspartate-239 (Asp-239) and tryptophan-47 (Trp-47) homologs, crucial players for stable binding in the active site and subsequent hydrolysis. However, so far, the precise roles of such defective cwINVs remain unclear. In this paper, we report on the functional characterization of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Nin88, a presumed fully active cwINV playing a crucial role during pollen development. It is demonstrated here that Nin88, lacking both Asp-239 and Trp-47 homologs, has no invertase activity. This was further supported by modeling studies and site-directed mutagenesis experiments, introducing both Asp-239 and Trp-47 homologs, leading to an enzyme with a distinct Suc-hydrolyzing capacity. In vitro experiments suggest that the addition of Nin88 counteracts the unproductive and rather aspecific binding of tobacco cwINV1 to the wall, leading to higher activities in the presence of Suc and a more efficient interaction with its cell wall inhibitor. A working model is presented based on these findings, allowing speculation on the putative role of Nin88 in muro. The results presented in this work are an important first step toward unraveling the specific roles of plant defective cwINVs.
Optimization of analyzer-based imaging systems for minimal surface absorbed dose
Authors: Bewer Brian E.
Published: February 2013

Analyzer-based imaging has improved tissue X-ray imaging beyond what conventional radiography was able to achieve. The extent of the improvement is dependent on the crystal reflection used in the monochromator and analyzer combination, the imaging photon energy, the geometry of the sample and the imaging detector. These many factors determine the ability of the system to distinguish between various bone tissues or soft tissues with a specified statistical certainty between pixels in a counting detector before any image processing. The following discussion will detail changes in the required number of imaging photons and the resulting surface absorbed dose when the imaging variables are altered. The process whereby the optimal imaging parameters to deliver the minimum surface absorbed dose to a sample while obtaining a desired statistical certainty between sample materials for an arbitrary analyzer-based imaging system will be described. Two-component samples consisting of bone and soft tissue are discussed as an imaging test case. The two-component approach will then be generalized for a multiple-component sample.