bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery of Plant Nutrients from Dilute Solutions of Human Urine and Preliminary Investigations on Pot Trials
Authors: Kocatürk Nazlı Pelin , Baykal Bilsen Beler
Published: March 2012

Within the context of Ecological Sanitation (ECOSAN), human urine has been the subject of research and practice as a potential fertilizer in the recent years. Although quite a lot had been done with original undiluted urine with promising outcomes, not much appears in the literature which concentrates on dilute solutions of urine. This is important because unless waterless toilets are employed, urine will be diluted with flush water in actual use. In this work, dilute solutions of urine are investigated with emphasis on the recovery of plant nutrients. A natural zeolite namely clinoptilolite was loaded with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as an indirect route of processing urine. The results have revealed that hydrolysis is completed in shorter times in dilute samples. Clinoptilolite could successfully remove plant nutrients from all dilute solutions. Nitrogen could be recovered up to 86% with higher efficiencies at higher concentrations in general. Recovery of orthophosphates increases with increasing concentration to reach 96%, however, potassium could not be recovered. The preliminary experiments with grass have revealed that nutrient loaded clinoptilolite was as effective as chemical fertilizers while direct application of original and diluted solutions of urine had shown inferior yields.
Control of Hydrogen Sulfide by a Wire‐Tube Dielectric Barrier Discharge AC Plasma Reactor
Authors: Liang Wen‐Jun , Ma Lin , Li Jian , Li Jing‐Xin , Zheng Feng
Published: March 2012

Destruction of hydrogen sulfide by a wire‐tube dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) AC plasma reactor was carried out at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. Six aspects, effect of applied voltage, initial H2S concentration, gas flow rate, pellets in the reactor, DBD reactor materials, and DBD dielectric thickness on H2S removal efficiency were investigated. Furthermore, specific energy density (SED), absolute removal amount (ARA), and energy yield (EY) during the discharge process were investigated at the same time. In addition, ozone generation during the decomposition of H2S was also studied. Experimental results demonstrated the application of DBD AC plasma was an effective technology for odor elimination.
Magnetic Susceptibility and Heavy Metals Distribution from Risk‐cultivated Soil around the Iron–Steel Plant, China
Authors: Yang Pingguo , Yang Miao , Shao Hongbo
Published: March 2012

Magnetic susceptibility is a non‐conventional way that can be used for evaluating proxy soil heavy metals pollution. The paper monitors available heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) present in cultivated soils around iron–steel plant by soil magnetic susceptibility. Our study was located in an area with high pollution with small grid density of 250 m in China. Results showed that low field magnetic susceptibility was significantly correlated with available Cu, Zn, and Mn. No clear association exists between magnetic susceptibility and available Fe, soil organic matter, pH. Frequency dependent susceptibility >5% suggests the possible presence of super‐paramagnetic particles, fly ashes produced during coal combustion.
Destabilization of Aqueous Colloidal C60 Nanoparticles in the Presence of Various Organic Matter
Authors: Kwon Jung‐Hwan
Published: March 2012

The extractable fraction of aqueous colloidal C60 nanoparticles (nC60) was quantified using a liquid–liquid extraction method in the presence of five types of dissolved organic matter (DOM): Aldrich humic acid (AHA), Suwannee River fulvic acid (SFA), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelle, liposomes composed of 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POPC), and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The changes in toluene extractable fraction highly depended on the type and dose of DOM. Whereas an environmentally relevant concentration of AHA, 2–20 mg L−1, was sufficient to reduce the nC60 fraction easily destabilized, much higher dose of fulvic acid was needed to result in the similar degree of stabilization. A big contrast between two types of self‐organized DOM, SDS micelle and POPC liposomes, was observed. Although SDS micelle significantly decreased the toluene extractable fraction of nC60 at the dose greater than its critical micelle concentration, no apparent decrease in toluene extractable fraction was found in the presence of POPC liposomes up to 3000 mg L−1. The toluene extractable fraction of nC60 in the presence of BSA rapidly decreases at lower doses then gradually decreased at higher doses. An equilibrium complexation model was proposed to quantitatively describe the decrease in the extractability of nC60 in the presence of DOM. The observed decrease in the extractability of nC60 was well explained by the model and the complexation of nC60 with DOM was thought to occur close to 1:1 molar ratio except for BSA. The association constants of nC60 with DOM were in the order of BSA, AHA, SFA, and SDS micelle, showing the differences in the affinity to nC60.
Speciation and Determination of Inorganic Mercury and Methylmercury by Headspace Single Drop Microextraction and Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in Water and Fish
Authors: Sarıca Deniz Yurtsever , Türker Ali Rehber
Published: March 2012

In this study, headspace single drop microextraction (HS‐SDME) method in combination with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) method was developed and validated for the speciation and determination of inorganic mercury (iHg) and methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg and iHg species were reduced to volatile methylmercury hydride (CH3HgH) and elemental mercury, respectively, in the presence of NaBH4 and trapped onto a drop of acceptor phase in the tip of a microsyringe. Thiourea and ammonium pyrrolydinedithiocarbamate (APDC) were tested as the acceptor phase. The experimental parameters of the method such as microextraction time, temperature, NaBH4 concentration, acceptor phase concentration, and pH of the medium were investigated to obtain distinctive conditions for mercury species. Possible interference effects have also been investigated. In order to validation of the method, analytical figures of merits such as accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), and linear working range have been evaluated. Accuracy of the method has been verified by analyzing certified reference materials (BCR 453 Tuna fish) and spiked samples. The proposed method was applied for the speciation and determination of mercury species in water and fish samples. Mercury species (MeHg and iHg) have been determined in the real samples with a relative error less than 10%.
Comparison of the Peroxidase‐Like Activity of Unmodified, Amino‐Modified, and Citrate‐Capped Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Sheng , Chen Wei , Liu Ai‐Lin , Hong Lei , Deng Hao‐Hua , Lin Xin‐Hua
Published: March 2012

The origin of the peroxidase‐like activity of gold nanoparticles and the impact of surface modification are studied. Furthermore, some influencing factors, such as fabrication process, redox property of the modifier, and charge property of the substrate, are investigated. Compared to amino‐modified or citrate‐capped gold nanoparticles, unmodified gold nanoparticles show significantly higher catalytic activity toward peroxidase substrates, that is, the superficial gold atoms are a contributing factor to the observed peroxidase‐like activity. The different catalytic activities of amino‐modified and citrate‐capped gold nanoparticles toward 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) show that the charge characteristics of the nanoparticles and the substrate also play an important role in the catalytic reactions.
Effect of SiC‐Impurity Layer and Growth Temperature on MgB2 Superconducting Tapes Fabricated by HPCVD
Authors: Ranot Mahipal , Seong Won Kyung , Jung Soon‐Gil , Kang Won Nam , Joo Jinho , Kim Chan‐Joong , Jun Byung‐Hyuk , Oh Sangjun
Published: March 2012

The influence of SiC‐impurity layer and growth temperature on microstructure and superconducting properties are studied for MgB2 superconducting tapes. A pulsed laser deposition (PLD) system is used for the deposition of amorphous SiC‐impurity layers on flexible metallic Cu(001) tapes. The MgB2 superconducting tapes are fabricated by growing MgB2 films on the top of SiC/Cu tapes, over a wide temperature range of 460–600 °C, by using hybrid physical (HP) CVD system. Among all tapes, the MgB2/SiC/Cu tape deposited at a temperature of 540 °C has the highest Tc of ∼37.7 K. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal hexagonal‐shaped MgB2 grains with good connectivity, and their sizes are found to vary with growth temperature. When compared to MgB2/Cu tapes, the MgB2/SiC/Cu tapes exhibit an opposite trend in the dependence of critical current density (Jc) with deposition temperatures. The improved Jc(H) behavior can be explained on the basis of the enhanced flux pinning force density (Fp) for MgB2/SiC/Cu tapes upon increasing the growth temperature
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Electronic Spectroscopy, Electrochemistry and Biological Studies of Ferrocene–Carbohydrate Conjugates
Authors: Trivedi Rajiv , Deepthi Sadanala Bhavya , Giribabu Lingamallu , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Sujitha Pombala , Kumar Chityal Ganesh , Ramakrishna Kallaganti V. S.
Published: March 2012

A series of six new ferrocene–carbohydrate conjugates was prepared from pentose and hexose sugar derivatives. These include the ferrocenecarbaldehyde acetal 2, four ferrocenyltriazoles 4a–d derived from furanose sugar and the ferrocenyltriazole 4e derived from a pyranose sugar. The compounds were characterised by spectroscopic means and the structures of the new conjugates 2 and 4a were determined by means of X‐ray crystallography. A UV/Vis study of these compounds performed in aqueous solutions under physiological conditions confirmed their stability. The CD spectral analysis shows the effect of the nature of substituents of the carbohydrate moieties. The electrochemical studies conducted in a buffer solution display one‐electron reversible oxidation processes for these compounds. These results indicate that the compounds are suitable for conducting biological studies. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of these conjugates were investigated on different cancer cell lines and microbes, respectively. These compounds exhibit moderate to good cytotoxicity towards cell lines like A549 (human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells), Neuro2a (mouse neuroblastoma cells), HeLa (cervical carcinoma cancer cells), MDA‐MB‐231 (human breast adenocarcinoma cells) and MCF‐7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cells). The compounds show antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens. Compound 2 exhibits excellent inhibitory activity against E. coli with a MIC value of 4.8 μg mL–1. In addition, compounds 2 and 4a also exhibit antioxidant activity comparable to the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid.
Non‐esterified fatty acids in blood cell membranes from patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hon Gloudina M. , Hassan Mogamat S. , van Rensburg Susan Janse , Abel Stefan , Erasmus Rajiv T. , Matsha Tandi
Published: March 2012

The literature on non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in blood cell membranes from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is scarce and reports on concentrations in brain tissue from these patients are inconsistent. NEFAs are needed for several biological functions, for example, as precursors for inflammatory eicosanoid synthesis. The objective of this study was therefore to compare NEFA concentrations in blood cell membranes from patients with that of healthy control subjects, and to correlate possible changes with disease outcome. NEFA C18:2n‐6 (9,12‐octadecadienoic acid) was decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cell membranes from patients, median (quartile range): patients: 0.05 (0.02) and controls: 0.07 (0.14) µg/mg protein, p = 0.007. C18:2n‐6 also showed a weaker relationship with other fatty acids: with C16:0: patients: R = 0.40, p = 0.04; controls: R = 0.82, p = 0.000001. Saturated and MUFA showed positive correlations with the Bowel and bladder Functional System Scores (FSS). In contrast, in red blood cell membranes C18:2n‐6 and C22:0 (docosanoic acid) showed inverse correlations with the Sensory and Brainstem FSS. The decrease in NEFA C18:2n‐6 resulted in metabolic abnormalities between itself and saturated and monounsaturated NEFAs. Altered fatty acid composition in immune cell membranes would influence immune cell functions, and could possibly have contributed to the positive correlations between these fatty acids and disease outcome.

Practical applications: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which presents with inflammation of the central nervous system. The cause of the disease is unknown and treatments such as anti‐inflammatory, immunosuppressive medications, and fatty acids supplements are for the alleviation of symptoms only. The results from this study however, showed an altered relationship between polyunsaturated and saturated as well as monounsaturated non‐esterified fatty acids in immune cells, which could have contributed to the inflammatory/infectious condition in these patients. The results from this study and further studies could possibly result in formulation of fatty acid supplements at correct doses or ratios for MS patients.
Sodium azide and metal chelator effects on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging compounds from methylene blue photosensitized lard
Authors: Ha Dong Oh , Yeo JuDong , Kang Sung Tae , Kim Mi‐Ja , Lee JaeHwan
Published: March 2012

Thermal oxidation of edible oils can generate 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging compounds from oxidized lipids (RSOLs). However, effects of photosensitization on the formation of RSOLs have not been reported yet. Methylene blue (MB) photosensitization and involvement of singlet oxygen and transition metals on the RSOL formations were determined in stripped lard oils. RSOLs were formed in lard containing MB and visible light irradiation only. Addition of sodium azide decreased RSOLs with concentration dependent manner, which implies singlet oxygen was involved on the RSOL formation. Ethylenediammetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a well known metal chelator, accelerated the formation of RSOLs through protecting the decomposition of MB photosensitizer. Results from p‐anisidine values showed that RSOLs from photosensitization may not be formed from the same pathways compared to thermal oxidation.

Practical application: Understanding mechanisms of lipid oxidation can help extend the shelf‐life of foods. Photosensitization plays important roles in accelerating the rates of lipid oxidation. The results of this study showed that foods containing photosensitizers can generate radical scavenging compounds from oxidized lipids (RSOLs) under visible light irradiation and singlet oxygen is involved in the formations of these compounds. However, these compounds may not share the same pathways with thermally oxidized lipids. Metal chelating agents accelerated the rates of lipid oxidation and formation of RSOLs which implies that metal chelators can act as prooxidant. Careful considerations are necessary on the addition of metal chelators because non‐polar photosensitizers can act a prooxidant.
Development of Microwave‐Assisted Reactions for PAMAM Dendrimer Synthesis
Authors: López‐Andarias Javier , Guerra Javier , Castañeda Gregorio , Merino Sonia , Ceña Valentín , Sánchez‐Verdú Prado
Published: March 2012

PAMAM dendrimers up to G1 have been synthesized by the divergent method taking advantage of microwave irradiation and using the CoolMateTM accessory to avoid high temperatures and long reaction times, which usually lead to defects in the dendrimer structure. Two tools have been successfully used to determine the purity of the products in addition to NMR spectroscopy, namely MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry and capillary‐zone electrophoresis. These techniques show that the dendrimers were obtained in good yields, high purity, and with near‐perfect regioselectivity.
The moral circle as a common motivational cause of cross‐situational pro‐environmentalism
Authors: Bratanova Boyka , Loughnan Steve , Gatersleben Birgitta
Published: March 2012

Public engagement in pro‐environmental behavior and support for pro‐environmental policy are essential for achieving sustainable living. We propose that the “moral circle” is a common motivational source for engagement in environmentally beneficial activities across situations and may be thus drawn upon to efficiently promote these activities. Study 1 established an association between chronic moral circle size and nine pro‐environmental activities from different domains. Via experimental manipulation of the moral circle size, Studies 2a–d demonstrated its causal effect on intentions to engage in pro‐environmental activities. Together, these studies offer an important initial demonstration of the beneficial consequences of more expansive moral circle in the domain of pro‐environmentalism. Routes for expanding the moral circle and thus promoting pro‐environmental activities are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enlightenment and the GM floodplain
Authors: Lewin John
Published: March 2012

In the last 400 years floodplains in England and Wales have changed drastically. This has been steered by changes brought about through diverse human activities including river regulation for transport, water abstraction and power generation; mining, industrial and urban pollution; the spread of buildings and transport link construction; land drainage; minimization of flood risk through engineering; floodplain gravel extraction; and environment redesign for recreation and conservation.

Adding to the evolving complexity of floodplains, a sequence of post‐Enlightenment impacts from the earliest of industrial societies provides an interesting precursor for other transforming global systems. Historical and sedimentological evidence for this history is available, despite limited quantitative monitoring data. A four‐phase floodplain transformation model is presented for the period.

Novel patterns of erosion and sedimentation (in location and quality) have emerged as geomorphological processes have continued in ‘genetically‐modified’ form. Problems building up for the future are likely to rest particularly with more extreme events. Understanding the last four centuries of floodplain history can aid enlightened remedies and adaptations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphodynamics of an extended bar complex, Fraser River, British Columbia
Authors: Ham Darren , Church Michael
Published: March 2012

We investigate large‐scale morphologic changes over a 65‐year period in a major sedimentation zone within the 50‐km long wandering gravel‐bed reach of lower Fraser River, British Columbia. This reach remains in a relatively pristine state compared with many major rivers in populated regions even though various forms of human interference have occurred over the past century to mitigate flooding and erosion concerns. A template of channel evolutionary development is identified, consisting of extended periods of orderly accretion of unit bars by deposition of gravel sheets, controlled by the major riffles in the river. When this process constricts channel conveyance an avulsion occurs and the major bar complexes are reorganized. The recognition of fairly predictable short‐term behavior can potentially aid the development of models of sediment transport and channel evolution. Accordingly, results of the detailed descriptive analysis are compared with a GIS‐based probabilistic approach developed from transition‐state analysis. This reveals that the river has a far stronger tendency to retain its existing morphology than to change its form within a roughly decennial time scale – regardless of the magnitude of intervening flows – but that this tendency gradually declines over time as major bar and island complexes are re‐worked by sediment exchange. The timescale for major bar development appears to be of the order 30 years, while complete sediment exchange occurs within a century. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annual fossil organic carbon delivery due to mechanical and chemical weathering of marly badlands areas
Authors: Graz Yann , Di‐Giovanni Christian , Copard Yoann , Mathys Nicolle , Cras Alexandre , Marc Vincent
Published: March 2012

A key issue in the study of the carbon cycle is constraining the stocks and fluxes in and between C‐reservoirs. Among these, the role and importance of fossil organic carbon (FOC) release by weathering of outcropping sedimentary rocks on continental surfaces is still debated and remains poorly constrained. Our work focuses on FOC fluxes due to chemical and mechanical weathering of marls in two experimental watersheds with typical badlands geomorphology (Draix watersheds, Laval and Moulin, Alpes de Haute Provence, France). Organic matter from bedrock, soil litter and riverine particles are characterized by Rock‐Eval 6 pyrolysis. FOC fluxes due to mechanical weathering are then estimated by monitoring the annual particulate solid exports at the outlets of the watersheds (1985–2005 period). FOC fluxes from chemical weathering were calculated using Ca2+ concentrations in dissolved loads (year 2002) to assess the amount of FOC released by the dissolution of the carbonate matrix. Results show that FOC delivery is mainly driven by mechanical weathering, with a yield ranging from 30 to 59 t km‐2 yr‐1 in the Moulin (0.08 km2) and Laval (0.86 km2) catchments, respectively, (1985–2005 average). The release of FOC attributed to chemical weathering was 2.2 to 4.2 t km‐2 for the year 2002. These high FOC fluxes from badlands are similar to those observed in tectonically active mountain catchments. At a regional scale, badland outcropping within the Durance watershed does not exceed 0.25% in area of the Rhône catchment, but could annually deliver 12 000 t yr‐1 of FOC. This flux could correspond to 27% of the total particulate organic carbon (POC) load exported by the Rhône River to the Mediterranean Sea. At a global scale, our findings suggest that erosion of badlands may contribute significantly to the transfer of FOC from continental surfaces to depositional environments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decadal‐scale gravel beach evolution on a tectonically‐uplifting coast: Wellington, New Zealand
Authors: Olson David , Kennedy David M. , Dawe Iain , Calder Miles
Published: March 2012

Uplift of the shoreline in tectonically‐active areas can have a profound influence on geomorphology changing the entire process dynamics of the coast as the landforms are removed from the influence of the sea. Over decadal timescales it is possible for the landforms to return to their pre‐earthquake condition and this paper examines the re‐establishment of mixed sand and gravel beaches on the coast of Wellington, New Zealand, subsequent to an uplift event in 1855. Over 60 topographic profiles were surveyed, seven sets of aerial photographs from a 67 year period were mapped and sediment size analyses conducted in order to quantify the nature of beach change following uplift, and associated relative sea level fall. These data were supported by surveys using ground penetrating radar. It is found that uplift raised the gravel beaches out of the swash zone thereby removing them from the littoral zone. Intertidal rocky reefs which occur between each embayment were also uplifted during the same event and completely interrupted the longshore transport system. Continued input of gravel material to the littoral zone allowed beaches to re‐establish sequentially along the coast as each embayment was infilled with sediment. This reconnection of the embayments with the longshore drift system is associated with the beach planform being initially drift dominated during infill but then switching to swash alignment once the embayment becomes infilled. This has resulted in shoreline accretion of over 100 m in some places, at rates of up to 4 m/yr, covering shore protection works built in the past few decades. The ability of the shore to adjust back to its pre‐uplift condition appears to be a function of the accommodation space created during uplift and the rate of sediment supply. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow in a tightly curving meander bend: effects of seasonal changes in aquatic macrophyte cover
Authors: Schnauder I. , Sukhodolov A. N.
Published: March 2012

The effects of aquatic macrophytes on flow and turbulence were studied in a tightly curving meander bend. Three field measurement campaigns were carried out within a one year period to capture effects of seasonal changes in macrophyte cover. They comprised three‐dimensional velocity measurements and mappings of vegetation cover and bathymetry. Flow accelerates and converges over the run into an axial pool in a jet‐like flow pattern bordered by outer and inner bank flow separation zones. The jet and widening of the cross‐section anticipate helical flow until the second half of the bend, where an asymmetric pool developed. Submerged vegetation at the riffles preserves the jet at much lower discharges during the summer period by concentrating high momentum fluid near the surface. Plants locally modify the velocity and stress patterns, reduce bed shear stresses, create zones of fine sediment accumulation and reinforce the bed and banks with roots and rhizomes. Plant patches colonising the banks and the point bar confine secondary flow cells laterally and affect shape and magnitude of the transverse flow profiles near their edges. The morphology of the bend was very stable over the observation period and neither bank erosion nor pool scouring occurred. However, fine sediments accumulate within vegetation patches and in the recirculation zones while the remaining open areas tend to erode slightly. With the decay of macrophytes in winter, sediment accumulations are mobilised again and the bathymetry levels, supporting cyclic models of morphologic change in vegetated bends. In the second part of the paper, semi‐empirical models for the three predominant flow types were tested and discussed; velocity and stress models of vegetated mixing layers and plane turbulent jets, and Rozovskii's model for the transverse flow in bends. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limits on the validity of infinite length assumptions for modelling shallow landslides
Authors: Milledge D. G. , Griffiths D. V. , Lane S. N. , Warburton J.
Published: March 2012

The infinite slope method is widely used as the geotechnical component of geomorphic and landscape evolution models. Its assumption that shallow landslides are infinitely long (in a downslope direction) is usually considered valid for natural landslides on the basis that they are generally long relative to their depth. However, this is rarely justified, because the critical length/depth (L/H) ratio below which edge effects become important is unknown. We establish this critical L/H ratio by benchmarking infinite slope stability predictions against finite element predictions for a set of synthetic two‐dimensional slopes, assuming that the difference between the predictions is due to error in the infinite slope method. We test the infinite slope method for six different L/H ratios to find the critical ratio at which its predictions fall within 5% of those from the finite element method. We repeat these tests for 5000 synthetic slopes with a range of failure plane depths, pore water pressures, friction angles, soil cohesions, soil unit weights and slope angles characteristic of natural slopes. We find that: (1) infinite slope stability predictions are consistently too conservative for small L/H ratios; (2) the predictions always converge to within 5% of the finite element benchmarks by a L/H ratio of 25 (i.e. the infinite slope assumption is reasonable for landslides 25 times longer than they are deep); but (3) they can converge at much lower ratios depending on slope properties, particularly for low cohesion soils. The implication for catchment scale stability models is that the infinite length assumption is reasonable if their grid resolution is coarse (e.g. >25 m). However, it may also be valid even at much finer grid resolutions (e.g. 1 m), because spatial organization in the predicted pore water pressure field reduces the probability of short landslides and minimizes the risk that predicted landslides will have L/H ratios less than 25. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral symptoms in community‐dwelling elderly Nigerians with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and normal cognition
Authors: Baiyewu Olusegun , Unverzagt Fred W. , Ogunniyi Adesola , Smith‐Gamble Valerie , Gureje Oye , Lane Kathleen A. , Gao Sujuan , Hall Kathleen S. , Hendrie Hugh C.
Published: March 2012

Background

Few studies have examined the neuropsychiatric status of patients with dementia and cognitive impairment in the developing world despite the fact that current demographic trends suggest an urgent need for such studies.

Objective

To assess the level of neuropsychiatric symptoms in community‐dwelling individuals with dementia, cognitive impairment no dementia and normal cognition.

Methods

Subjects were from the Ibadan site of Indianapolis–Ibadan Dementia Project with stable diagnoses of normal cognition, cognitive impairment, no dementia/mild cognitive impairment (CIND/MCI), and dementia. Informants of subjects made ratings on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Blessed Dementia Scale; subjects were tested with the Mini mental state examination.

Results

One hundred and eight subjects were included in the analytic sample, 21 were cognitively normal, 34 were demented, and 53 were CIND/MCI. The diagnostic groups did not differ in age, per cent female, or per cent with any formal education. The most frequent symptoms among subjects with CIND/MCI were depression (45.3%), apathy (37.7%), night time behavior (28.3%), appetite change (24.5%), irritability (22.6%), delusions (22.6%), anxiety (18.9%), and agitation (17.0%). Depression was significantly more frequent among the CIND/MCI and dementia (44.1%) groups compared with the normal cognition group (9.5%). Distress scores were highest for the dementia group, lowest for the normal cognition group, and intermediate for the CIND/MCI group.

Conclusion

Significant neuropsychiatric symptomatology and distress are present among cognitively impaired persons in this community‐based study of older adults in this sub‐Saharan African country. Programs to assist family members of cognitively impaired and demented persons should be created or adapted for use in developing countries. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative neurodegenerative pathology does not explain the degree of hippocampal atrophy on MRI in degenerative dementia
Authors: Burton E. J. , Mukaetova‐Ladinska E. B. , Perry R. H. , Jaros E. , Barber R , O'Brien J. T.
Published: March 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuropathological substrates underlying in vivo hippocampal atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in autopsy confirmed neurodegenerative dementia cases.

Methods

Thirty‐one neuropathologically verified cases (23 with Lewy body dementia (LBD) and eight with Alzheimer's disease (AD)) were included who had undergone an MRI scan close to death (mean 1.5 years). Manual volumetric measurements were undertaken for the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and amygdala on MRI, along with quantitative neuropathological analysis of plaque, tangle and Lewy body pathology in the same regions. The relationship between neuropathology and MRI volumes was assessed using correlations and linear regression.

Results

Hippocampal and amygdala volumes were significantly smaller in cases with AD than with LBD, but there was no difference in entorhinal cortex volume. Analysing all cases together, a significant positive correlation was observed between normalised hippocampal volume and percent area of Lewy bodies in the hippocampus (r=0.449, p=0.017) but not with tangles (r=0.059, p=0.766) or plaques (r=−0.361, p=0.119). There were no other significant correlations between regional MRI volume and measures of neuropathology. Regression analysis showed that overall diagnosis of AD rather than burden of individual pathological changes was the most significant predictor of hippocampal volume loss in autopsy confirmed cases.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that (i) hippocampal and amygdala but not entorhinal cortex, volumes differ between AD and LBD and (ii) factors other than current markers of neurodegenerative pathological change are responsible for atrophy of medial temporal lobe structures in AD and LBD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disruption of hemochromatosis protein and transferrin receptor 2 causes iron-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Delima Roheeth D. , Chua Anita C.G. , Tirnitz-Parker Janina E.E. , Gan Eng K. , Croft Kevin D. , Graham Ross M. , Olynyk John K. , Trinder Debbie
Published: March 2012

Mutations in hemochromatosis protein (HFE) or transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) cause hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) by impeding production of the liver iron-regulatory hormone, hepcidin (HAMP). This study examined the effects of disruption of

Hfe

or

Tfr2

, either alone or together, on liver iron loading and injury in mouse models of HH. Iron status was determined in

Hfe

knockout (

Hfe

−/−),

Tfr2

Y245X mutant (

Tfr2

mut), and double-mutant (

Hfe

−/−×

Tfr2mut

) mice by measuring plasma and liver iron levels. Plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) activity, liver histology, and collagen deposition were evaluated to assess liver injury. Hepatic oxidative stress was assessed by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and F2-isoprostane levels. Gene expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Hfe

−/−×

Tfr2mut

mice had elevated hepatic iron with a periportal distribution and increased plasma iron, transferrin saturation, and non-transferrin-bound iron, compared with

Hfe

−/−,

Tfr2mut

, and wild-type (WT) mice.

Hamp1

expression was reduced to 40% (

Hfe

−/− and

Tfr2mut

) and 1% (

Hfe

−/−×

Tfr2mut

) of WT values.

Hfe

−/− ×

Tfr2mut

mice had elevated plasma ALT activity and mild hepatic inflammation with scattered aggregates of infiltrating inflammatory cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45)–positive cells. Increased hepatic hydoxyproline levels as well as Sirius red and Masson's Trichrome staining demonstrated advanced portal collagen deposition.

Hfe

−/− and

Tfr2mut

mice had less hepatic inflammation and collagen deposition. Liver F2-isoprostane levels were elevated, and copper/zinc and manganese SOD activities decreased in

Hfe

−/−×

Tfr2mut,

Tfr2mut, and

Hfe

−/− mice, compared with WT mice.

Conclusion

: Disruption of both

Hfe

and

Tfr2

caused more severe hepatic iron overload with more advanced lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and portal fibrosis than was observed with the disruption of either gene alone. The

Hfe

−/−×

Tfr2mut

mouse model of iron-induced liver injury reflects the liver injury phenotype observed in human HH. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
Development of gastric cancer in nonatrophic stomach with highly active inflammation identified by serum levels of pepsinogen and Helicobacter pylori antibody together with endoscopic rugal hyperplastic gastritis
Authors: Watanabe Mika , Kato Jun , Inoue Izumi , Yoshimura Noriko , Yoshida Takeichi , Mukoubayashi Chizu , Deguchi Hisanobu , Enomoto Shotaro , Ueda Kazuki , Maekita Takao , Iguchi Mikitaka , Tamai Hideyuki , Utsunomiya Hirotoshi , Yamamichi Nobutake , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Iwane Masataka , Tekeshita Tatsuya , Mohara Osamu , Ushijima Toshikazu , Ichinose Masao
Published: March 2012

This study aimed to elucidate groups at high risk of developing cancer among patients with serologically identified Helicobacter pylori infection and nonatrophic stomach. Annual endoscopy was performed for a mean of 5.4 years in 496 asymptomatic middle‐aged men who were H. pylori antibody‐positive and pepsinogen (PG) test‐negative. Subjects were stratified according to the activity of H. pylori‐associated gastritis measured by serum levels of PG and H. pylori antibody, and/or by endoscopic findings of rugal hyperplastic gastritis (RHG), and cancer development was investigated. During the study period, seven cases of cancer developed in the cohort (incidence rate, 261/100,000 person‐years), with 85.7% developing in the group showing a PGI/II ratio ≤3.0, reflecting active inflammation‐based high PGII levels. Cancer incidence was significantly higher in this group (750/100,000 person‐years) than in groups with less active gastritis. Furthermore, cancer incidence for this group was significantly higher in the subgroup with high H. pylori antibody titers than in the low‐titer subgroup. Meanwhile, endoscopic findings revealed that 11.7% of subjects showed RHG reflecting localized highly active inflammation, and cancer risk was significantly higher in patients with RHG than in patients without. Combining the two serum tests and endoscopic examination for RHG allowed identification of subjects with more active gastritis and higher cancer risk. No cancer development was observed in these high‐risk subjects after H. pylori eradication. Subjects with highly active gastritis identified by the two serological tests and endoscopic RHG constitute a group at high risk of cancer development with H. pylori‐infected nonatrophic stomach.
A RADIAL BASIS FUNCTION APPROACH TO EARNINGS FORECAST
Authors: Biscontri Robert G.
Published: March 2012

The fundamental management problem of decision making in a climate where future values of important variables are unknown and can at best be estimated using traditional statistical techniques is addressed. The incorporation of forecast models into management decision‐support systems is critical for the overall success of organizational accounting information systems, where managers require confidence in the information that they use. The neural network paradigm has been described as a promising nonparametric approach, negating the required, and sometimes restrictive, statistical assumptions. The application of the neural network paradigm to the area of earnings forecasting is presented. A radial basis function (RBF) approach is developed and tested empirically using data from the Hong Kong Hang Seng 100 Index and macroeconomic data, mimicking an actual business valuation/forecast exercise. Results show that the RBF approach is superior to regression and financial analysts in earnings forecast. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potentiation of synaptic strength and intrinsic excitability in the nucleus accumbens after 10 days of morphine withdrawal
Authors: Wu Xiaobo , Shi Meimei , Wei Chunling , Yang Minghao , Liu Yihui , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Xia , Ren Wei
Published: March 2012

Neuroadaptations in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are associated with the development of drug addiction. Plasticity in synaptic strength and intrinsic excitability of NAc medium spiny neurons (MSNs) play critical roles in addiction induced by different classes of abused drugs. However, it is unknown whether morphine exposure influences synaptic strength, intrinsic excitability or both in NAc. Here we show that chronic withdrawal (10 days after the last injection) from repeated morphine exposure elicited potentiation in both glutamatergic synaptic strength and intrinsic excitability of MSNs in NAc shell (NAcSh). The potentiation of synaptic strength was demonstrated by an increase in the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), a decrease in the paired‐pulse ratio (PPR), and an increase in the ratio of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPAR)‐ to N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDAR)‐mediated currents. The potentiation of intrinsic excitability was mediated by inhibition of the sustained potassium currents via extrasynaptic NMDAR activation. The function of the presynaptic group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) was downregulated, enhancing the probability of glutamate release on synaptic terminals during chronic morphine withdrawal. Pretreatment with the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 completely blocked potentiation of both synaptic strength and intrinsic excitability. These results suggest that chronic morphine withdrawal downregulates mGluR2/3 to induce potentiation of MSN glutamatergic synapse via increased glutamate release, leading to potentiation of intrinsic excitability. Such potentiation of both synaptic strength and intrinsic excitability might contribute to neuroadaptations induced by morphine application. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of monthly average daily solar radiation from measured meteorological data in Yangtze River Basin in China
Authors: Chen Ji‐Long , Li Guo‐Sheng
Published: March 2012

Solar radiation is the principal and fundamental energy for many physical, chemical and biological processes. However, it is measured at a very limited number of meteorological stations in the world. Estimation of solar radiation from measured meteorological variables offers an important alternative in absence of measured solar radiation. In this work, 20 developed models using measured meteorological variables are explored to estimate monthly average daily solar radiation at 13 stations in Yangtze River Basin in China. Two scenarios are considered. When sunshine duration is available, monthly average daily atmospheric water vapor pressure, relative humidity and precipitation do not contribute to the improvement in estimation accuracy of the sunshine‐based models. It is therefore unnecessary to take them into account, and the newly developed model 6 is proposed and can provide a good method for the estimation of monthly average daily solar radiation in the study area. If sunshine duration is not available, inclusion of monthly average daily atmospheric water vapor pressure, relative humidity and multiplication maximum by minimum ambient temperatures can significantly improve the estimation accuracy of the temperature‐based models. While monthly average daily precipitation does not contribute to the improvement in estimation accuracy. And model 20 is proposed and it is more applicable in area with larger ambient temperature range. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
An analysis of clinicopathological features and prognosis by comparing hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach with AFP‐producing gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Sheng Weiqi , Wang Yanong
Published: March 2012

Objective

To investigate the differences between alpha‐fetoprotein‐producing gastric cancer (AFPPGC) and hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS), and the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of HAS.

Methods

From 1996 to 2007, there were 111 patients with elevated serum level of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) preoperatively in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Primary lesions of 104 patients were stained positively for AFP. Among these patients, 45 patients were diagnosed as HAS. The clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of AFPPGC and HAS were analyzed. Additionally, 208 stage‐matched AFP‐negative gastric cancer patients were selected as control.

Results

Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for AFP in AFPPGC. Histologically, the polygonal tumor cells were arranged in trabecular fashion or solid nests separated by narrow fibrous stroma composed of sinusoid‐like capillaries in HAS. The survival rates of the three groups were statistically different (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

AFP‐producing gastric cancer and HAS had more aggressive behavior than that of common gastric cancer. The prognosis of HAS was poorer than that of AFPPGC, therefore it should be distinguished from the latter. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:299–303. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel combined radiological method for evaluation of the response to chemotherapy for primary bone sarcoma
Authors: Miwa Shinji , Taki Junichi , Yamamoto Norio , Shirai Toshiharu , Nishida Hideji , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Tanzawa Yoshikazu , Kimura Hiroaki , Takeuchi Akihiko , Igarashi Kentaro , Ooi Akishi , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2012

Background

In the treatment of bone sarcoma, evaluation of chemotherapeutic effects is extremely important. In this study, we compared radiological evaluations and histological response, and developed a combined radiological scoring system for assessing the response to chemotherapy.

Methods

A total of 79 patients with primary bone sarcomas were examined by X‐ray photography (Xp), angiography, MRI, 201Tl scintigraphy (Tl) and 99mTc‐MIBI scintigraphy (MIBI) to evaluate their response to preoperative chemotherapy. Patients were classified as responders and non‐responders according to radiological images. All resected tumors were evaluated histologically and classified as a good response (≥90% necrosis) or a poor response (≤90% necrosis). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and kappa values in radiological evaluation were calculated. Furthermore, we developed a combined radiological scoring system that correlated the results of radiological images with histological response.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 90.9%, 38.2%, and 67.5% (K = 0.31), respectively, for Xp; 91.7%, 33.3%, and 66.7% (K = 0.27) for angiography; 81.0%, 67.6%, and 75.0% (K = 0.49) for MRI; 78.9%, 72.4%, and 76.1% (K = 0.51) for Tl; 85.3%, 69.2%, and 78.3% (K = 0.55) for MIBI; and 93.3%, 76.5%, and 86.1% (K = 0.71) for combined radiological scoring.

Conclusions

Combined radiological evaluations showed high correlation with histological response for assessing the effects of chemotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:273–279. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dependency, Globalization and Overseas Sex‐related Consumption by East Asians
Authors: Chang Chin‐fen , Chen Mei‐Hua
Published: March 2012

Previous research has used dependency theory to explain sex consumption by rich, northern men travelling to ‘developing countries’. Little is known about how this perspective can be applied to sex‐related consumption by tourists from non‐western regions. Analyzing the East Asian Social Survey of 2008, we found that many eastern Asians had engaged in sex‐related entertainments abroad. People from the newly rich countries had become exploiters of sexual services in peripheral countries. East Asian tourists also went west and north bound overseas for sexual pleasures. We argue that the increasing economic activities and travelling opportunities across borders may better explain the overseas sex‐related consumption of eastern Asians than dependency theory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rebel Vowels: How Vowel Shift Patterns are Reshaping Speech in the Modern South
Authors: Fridland Valerie
Published: March 2012

This article discusses the main reflexes of contemporary vowel changes in the South. In particular, the current state of knowledge about the Southern Vowel Shift and back vowel fronting is explored. This paper will discuss how these vowel patterns contribute to speech in a modern South, one asserting the region’s unique heritage while at the same time proclaiming its increasingly metropolitan and diverse status in the American landscape, and discuss the implications of this modernity.
The Phonological Organization of Sign Languages
Authors: Sandler Wendy
Published: March 2012

Visually perceivable and movable parts of the body – the hands, facial features, head, and upper body – are the articulators of sign language. It is through these articulators that words are formed, constrained, and contrasted with one another, and that prosody is conveyed. This article provides an overview of the way in which phonology is organized in the alternative modality of sign language.