bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal observations of OH and HO2 in the remote tropical marine boundary layer
Authors: Vaughan S. , Ingham T. , Whalley L. K. , Stone D. , Evans M. J. , Read K. A. , Lee J. D. , Moller S. J. , Carpenter L. J. , Lewis A. C. , Fleming Z. L. , Heard D. E.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Field measurements of the hydroxyl radical, OH, are crucial for our understanding of tropospheric chemistry. However, observations of this key atmospheric species in the tropical marine boundary layer, where the warm, humid conditions and high solar irradiance lend themselves favourably to production, are sparse. The Seasonal Oxidant Study at the Cape Verde Atmospheric Observatory in 2009 allowed, for the first time, seasonal measurements of both OH and HO2 in a clean (i.e. low NOx), tropical marine environment. It was found that concentrations of OH and HO2 were typically higher in the summer months (June, September), with maximum daytime concentrations of ~9 × 106 and 4 × 108 molecule cm−3, respectively – almost double the values in winter (late February, early March). HO2 was observed to persist at ~107 molecule cm−3 through the night, but there was no strong evidence of nighttime OH, consistent with previous measurements at the site in 2007. HO2 was shown to have excellent correlations (R2 ~ 0.90) with both the photolysis rate of ozone, J(O1D), and the primary production rate of OH, P(OH), from the reaction of O(1D) with water vapour. The analogous relations of OH were not so strong (R2 ~ 0.6), but the coefficients of the linear correlation with J(O1D) in this study were close to those yielded from previous works in this region, suggesting that the chemical regimes have similar impacts on the concentration of OH. Analysis of the variance of OH and HO2 across the Seasonal Oxidant Study suggested that ~70% of the total variance could be explained by diurnal behaviour, with ~30% of the total variance being due to changes in air mass.
Examining the impact of heterogeneous nitryl chloride production on air quality across the United States
Authors: Sarwar G. , Simon H. , Bhave P. , Yarwood G.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The heterogeneous hydrolysis of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) has typically been modeled as only producing nitric acid. However, recent field studies have confirmed that the presence of particulate chloride alters the reaction product to produce nitryl chloride (ClNO2) which undergoes photolysis to generate chlorine atoms and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Both chlorine and NO2 affect atmospheric chemistry and air quality. We present an updated gas-phase chlorine mechanism that can be combined with the Carbon Bond 05 mechanism and incorporate the combined mechanism into the Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system. We then update the current model treatment of heterogeneous hydrolysis of N2O5 to include ClNO2 as a product. The model, in combination with a comprehensive inventory of chlorine compounds, reactive nitrogen, particulate matter, and organic compounds, is used to evaluate the impact of the heterogeneous ClNO2 production on air quality across the United States for the months of February and September in 2006. The heterogeneous production increases ClNO2 in coastal as well as many in-land areas in the United States. Particulate chloride derived from sea-salts, anthropogenic sources, and forest fires activates the heterogeneous production of ClNO2. With current estimates of tropospheric emissions burden, it modestly enhances monthly mean 8-h ozone (up to 1–2 ppbv or 3–4%) but causes large increases (up to 13 ppbv) in isolated episodes. It also substantially reduce the mean total nitrate by up to 0.8–2.0 μg m−3 or 11–21%. Modeled ClNO2 accounts for up to 3–4% of the monthly mean total reactive nitrogen. Sensitivity results of the model suggest that ClNO2 formation is limited more by the presence of particulate chloride than by the abundance of N2O5.
Development and testing of the Active Temperature, Ozone and Moisture Microwave Spectrometer (ATOMMS) cm and mm wavelength occultation instrument
Authors: Kursinski E. R. , Ward D. , Stovern M. , Otarola A. C. , Young A. , Wheelwright B. , Stickney R. , Albanna S. , Duffy B. , Groppi C. , Hainsworth J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We present initial results from testing a new remote sensing system called the Active Temperature, Ozone and Moisture Microwave Spectrometer (ATOMMS). ATOMMS is designed as a satellite-to-satellite occultation system for monitoring climate. We are developing the prototype instrument for an aircraft to aircraft occultation demonstration. Here we focus on field testing of the ATOMMS instrument, in particular the remote sensing of water by measuring the attenuation caused by the 22 GHz and 183 GHz water absorption lines. Our measurements of the 183 GHz line spectrum along an 820 m path revealed that the AM 6.2 spectroscopic model provdes a much better match to the observed spectrum than the MPM93 model. These comparisons also indicate that errors in the ATOMMS amplitude measurements are about 0.3%. Pressure sensitivity bodes well for ATOMMS as a climate instrument. Comparisons with a hygrometer revealed consistency at the 0.05 mb level, which is about 1% of the absolute humidity. Initial measurements of absorption by the 22 GHz line made along a 5.4 km path between two mountaintops captured a large increase in water vapor similar to that measured by several nearby hygrometers. A storm passage between the two instruments yielded our first measurements of extinction by rain and cloud droplets. Comparisons of ATOMMS 1.5 mm opacity measurements with measured visible opacity and backscatter from a weather radar revealed features simultaneously evident in all three datasets confirming the ATOMMS measurements. The combined ATOMMS, radar and visible information revealed the evolution of rain and cloud amounts along the signal path during the passage of the storm. The derived average cloud water content reached typical continental cloud amounts. These results demonstrated a significant portion of the information content of ATOMMS and its ability to penetrate through clouds and rain which is critical to its all-weather, climate monitoring capability.
Precessional and half-precessional climate forcing of Mid-Devonian monsoon-like dynamics
Authors: De Vleeschouwer D. , Da Silva A. C. , Boulvain F. , Crucifix M. , Claeys P.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. A Devonian magnetic susceptibility (MS) record obtained on limestones ranging from the Uppermost-Eifelian to the Lower-Givetian and located on the southern border of the Dinant Synclinorium in Belgium was selected for time-series analysis. In these carbonate ramp and platform deposits, spectral analyses highlight persistent, high-frequency cycles in both the MS-signal and the microfacies curve, reflecting environmental and climate changes. These metre-scale variations in the MS-signal are interpreted as changes in the flux of magnetic minerals towards the marine system, most likely controlled by monsoon rainfall-intensity. By combining chrono- and biostratigraphic information with theoretical knowledge of sedimentation rates in different depositional environments, these cycles are interpreted as astronomically driven and dominated by precession. It is hypothesized that during precession minima (longitude of the perihelion ≈270°) the trans-equatorial pressure gradient reaches a maximum and intensifies the northeasterly monsoonal circulation. The consequent increase in moisture transport towards the continent leads to enhanced precipitation and runoff, which, in turn, induces a higher flux of detrital material – including magnetic minerals responsible for the MS-signal – towards the marine system. Moreover, this unique high-resolution climate signal reveals half-precessional cycles. These cycles suggest that during precession maxima (longitude of the perihelion ≈90°) southeasterly monsoonal circulation strengthened due to an increased inter-hemispheric pressure gradient.
A review of the South American Monsoon history as recorded in stable isotopic proxies over the past two millennia
Authors: Vuille M. , Burns S. J. , Taylor B. L. , Cruz F. W. , Bird B. W. , Abbott M. B. , Kanner L. C. , Cheng H. , Novello V. F.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We review the history of the South American summer monsoon (SASM) over the past ~2000 yr based on high-resolution stable isotope proxies from speleothems, ice cores and lake sediments. Our review is complemented by an analysis of an isotope-enabled atmospheric General Circulation Model (GCM) for the past 130 yr. Proxy records from the monsoon belt in the tropical Andes and SE Brazil show a very coherent behavior over the past 2 millennia with significant decadal to multidecadal variability superimposed on large excursions during three key periods, the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA), the Little Ice Age (LIA) and the Current Warm Period (CWP). We interpret these three periods as times when the SASM's mean state was significantly weakened (MCA and CWP) and strengthened (LIA), respectively. During the LIA each of the proxy archives considered contains the most negative δ18O values recorded during the entire record length. On the other hand the monsoon strength is currently rather weak in a 2000-yr historical perspective, rivaled only by the low intensity during the MCA. Our climatic interpretation of these archives is consistent with our isotope-based GCM analysis, which suggests that these sites are sensitive recorders of large-scale monsoon variations. We hypothesize that these centennial-scale climate anomalies were at least partially driven by temperature changes in the Northern Hemisphere and in particular over the North Atlantic, leading to a latitudinal displacement of the ITCZ and a change in monsoon intensity over the tropical continent. This interpretation is supported by several independent proxy archives and modeling studies. Although ENSO is the main forcing for δ18O variability over tropical South America on interannual time scales, our results suggest that its influence may be significantly modulated by North Atlantic climate variability on longer time scales. Finally our analyses indicate that isotopic proxies, because of their ability to integrate climatic information on large spatial scales, could complement more traditional proxies such as tree rings or historical archives. Future climate reconstruction efforts could potentially benefit from including isotopic proxies as large-scale predictors in order to better constrain past changes in the atmospheric circulation.
Downscaling climate change scenarios for apple pest and disease modeling in Switzerland
Authors: Hirschi M. , Stoeckli S. , Dubrovsky M. , Spirig C. , Calanca P. , Rotach M. W. , Fischer A. M. , Duffy B. , Samietz J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. As a consequence of current and projected climate change in temperate regions of Europe, agricultural pests and diseases are expected to occur more frequently and possibly to extend to previously non-affected regions. Given their economic and ecological relevance, detailed forecasting tools for various pests and diseases have been developed, which model their phenology, depending on actual weather conditions, and suggest management decisions on that basis. Assessing the future risk of pest-related damages requires future weather data at high temporal and spatial resolution. Here, we use a combined stochastic weather generator and re-sampling procedure for producing site-specific hourly weather series representing present and future (1980–2009 and 2045–2074 time periods) climate conditions in Switzerland. The climate change scenarios originate from the ENSEMBLES multi-model projections and provide probabilistic information on future regional changes in temperature and precipitation. Hourly weather series are produced by first generating daily weather data for these climate scenarios and then using a nearest neighbor re-sampling approach for creating realistic diurnal cycles. These hourly weather series are then used for modeling the impact of climate change on important life phases of the codling moth and on the number of predicted infection days of fire blight. Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) are two major pest and disease threats to apple, one of the most important commercial and rural crops across Europe. Results for the codling moth indicate a shift in the occurrence and duration of life phases relevant for pest control. In southern Switzerland, a 3rd generation per season occurs only very rarely under today's climate conditions but is projected to become normal in the 2045–2074 time period. While the potential risk for a 3rd generation is also significantly increasing in northern Switzerland (for most stations from roughly 1% on average today to over 60% in the future for the median climate change signal of the multi-model projections), the actual risk will critically depend on the pace of the adaptation of the codling moth with respect to the critical photoperiod. To control this additional generation, an intensification and prolongation of control measures (e.g. insecticides) will be required, implying an increasing risk of pesticide resistances. For fire blight, the projected changes in infection days are less certain due to uncertainties in the leaf wetness approximation and the simulation of the blooming period. Two compensating effects are projected, warmer temperatures favoring infections are balanced by a temperature-induced advancement of the blooming period, leading to no significant change in the number of infection days under future climate conditions for most stations.
Considerations on geomorphological maps for territorial planning in the Modena Apennines (Northern Italy)
Authors: Castaldini D. , Ghinoi A. , Maccaferri A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. This contribution shows, through some examples, that the current instability processes sometimes do not completely correspond (concerning presence, location, state of activity and/or extent) with those mapped by PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps, which is the document used by the Province Administration for its territorial planning. The differences highlighted are due to different causes. One of them is the fact that the PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps are practically derived from the Regional Geological maps in which superficial deposits have secondary importance, while bedrock and structural-tectonic aspects are given the highest relevance. Another cause is represented by the very active and intense geomorphological dynamics of the Apennines which may produce or reactivate instability conditions. An important aspect to underline is that the PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps identify areas with planning constraints, which have effects at a municipal scale; it does so by starting from a cartographical basis whose primary aim is not the definition of instability processes and whose updating is not homogeneous. Taking into account this aspect, the PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps should be updated not only on the base of traditional geological mapping, but also following the criteria of detailed geomorphological mapping which can precisely define the genesis, dynamics and morphometry of instability phenomena. An important consideration, in relation to territorial planning, is that the PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps should be used just as a "base document", which requires more necessary detailed deepening at the municipal scale, accomplished through accurate geomorphological mapping, at least for the areas that are going to be urbanized. The geomorphological mapping should also update those elements of the landscape which could have changed from the official topographic base map. Detailed geomorphological mapping, possibly undertaken with the methodology proposed in this paper, could be given in charge also to professional geologists in accordance with standard procedures set in collaboration with the Provincial Administration.
Transient postseismic mantle relaxation following 2004 Sumatra earthquake: implications of seismic vulnerability in the Andaman-Nicobar region
Authors: Reddy C. D. , Prajapati S. K. , Sunil P. S. , Arora S. K.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Throughout the world, the tsunami generation potential of some large under-sea earthquakes significantly contributes to regional seismic hazard, which gives rise to significant risk in the near-shore provinces where human settlements are in sizeable population, often referred to as coastal seismic risk. In this context, we show from the pertinent GPS data that the transient stresses generated by the viscoelastic relaxation process taking place in the mantle is capable of rupturing major faults by stress transfer from the mantle through the lower crust including triggering additional rupture on the other major faults. We also infer that postseismic relaxation at relatively large depths can push some of the fault segments to reactivation causing failure sequences. As an illustration to these effects, we consider in detail the earthquake sequence comprising six events, starting from the main event of Mw = 7.5, on 10 August 2009 and tapering off to a small earthquake of Mw = 4.5 on 2 February 2011 over a period of eighteen months in the intensely seismic Andaman Islands between India and Myanmar. The persisting transient stresses, spatio-temporal seismic pattern, modeled Coulomb stress changes, and the southward migration of earthquake activity has increased the probability of moderate earthquakes recurring in the northern Andaman region, particularly closer to or somewhat south of Diglipur.
The Outcome of Silicone Intubation and Tube Removal in External Dacryocystorhinostomy Patients with Distal Canalicular Obstruction
Authors: Buttanri Ibrahim B. , Serin Didem , Karslioğlu Safak , Akbaba Muslime , Fazil Korhan , Acar Banu , Sevim Mehmet Sahin
Published: February 2012

Purpose.

To evaluate the outcome of silicone intubation and tube removal in external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) patients with distal canalicular or common canalicular obstruction.

Methods

Seventy-five eyes of 69 patients with distal or common canalicular obstruction who had undergone external DCR and silicone tube insertion were included in the study. Silicone tube was left in place at least for 3 months. Presence of epiphora was questioned and patency was assessed by irrigation at each control after tube removal.

Results.

Mean patient age was 49.8±14.4 years (range 15-78) and mean follow-up after surgery was 13.2±4.2 months (range 6-25). After tube removal, 16 eyes (21.3%) presented with epiphora and occluded canalicular systems. Two eyes (2.7%) presented with epiphora which started just after tube removal and had a patent canalicular system. Fifty-seven eyes (76%) were free of symptoms and had patent canalicular systems and 3 of these eyes (4%) had epiphora while the tube was in place.

Conclusions.

Silicone intubation is indicated in patients with distal or common canalicular obstruction. The majority of patients with canalicular problems are relieved of epiphora after silicone tube removal. However, the tube itself may transiently occlude the canalicular system and cause epiphora in some patients, and in some it can aid tear flow even in the presence of a patent system.
The Prevalence of Cam-Type Femoroacetabular Morphology in Young Adults and Its Effect on Functional Hip Scores
Authors: Tsitskaris Konstantinos , Sharif Khalid , Meacock Lisa M. , Bansal Mohit , Ayis Salma , Li Patrick L.S. , Elias David A.
Published: February 2012

Pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans of forty five young adults were reviewed and the alpha angle was calculated. The patients were selected on the basis of an age of less than 40 years and the absence of any CT evidence of previous hip pathology. An alpha angle of >55° was considered positive for cam morphology. The non-arthritic hip score and the University of California Los Angeles activity score were completed by the selected group of patients.

The mean age of the individuals was 33 years (range, 20 to 40). The mean alpha angle at the superoinferior position of the anterosuperior quadrant of the femoral neck was 50.1° on the right side and 49.6° on the left. The prevalence of cam morphology was found to be 20% in the right hip and 17.7% in the left hip. There was a relatively higher prevalence of cam morphology in men.

We also compared the functional scores of patients with an alpha angle >55° and those with an alpha angle ≤55°. We found no statistically significant difference between the two groups for both scores.
Antibiotic Addition to Cement - is it Beneficial?
Authors: Tabutin Jacques , D'Ollonne Thomas , Cambas Pierre M.
Published: February 2012

Antibiotic loaded acrylic cement (ALAC) is widely employed in primary as well as revision hip arthroplasties. There are prerequisites in relation to antibiotic choice and mixing techniques. The 2007 French Consensus Conference delivered recommendations for ALAC in primary arthroplasty. Decisions need to be more patient-specific in revision surgery.

Appropriate use of ALAC (and associated antibiotics) and awareness of alternative possibilities such as collagen or bone graft impregnated with antibiotics may guide future practice.
Hemofiltration Circuit use beyond 72 Hours in Pediatric Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Ali Farah N. , Lane Jerome C.
Published: February 2012

Introduction

During continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), hemofiltration circuits ideally are changed after 72 h since tubing integrity and flow rates are not guaranteed after this time interval. This potential risk must be weighed against the risk of hypotension during elective circuit changes in the unstable patient. The aim of this study was to examine the safety of circuits used beyond 72 h in pediatric CRRT.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent CRRT at our institution from January 2003 to October 2005 was performed. Procedures were divided into standard (≤72 h) and extended (>72 h) circuit duration groups. Patients who had more than one CRRT procedure (n=13) were excluded from study.

Results

71 CRRT procedures were performed for 71 patients. A total of 254 circuits were used, of which 64 (25%) were used for >72 h. For circuits >72 h, the mean duration of use was 5.5 days ± 1.8 (range 4–11). There were no differences between the groups in age (p=0.12), weight (p=0.48), diagnosis (p=0.21), CRRT indication (p=0.07), CRRT mode (p=0.37), anticoagulation (p=0.53), blood flow rate (p=0.06), replacement rate (p=0.50) or dialysate rate (p=0.89). There were no incidents of membrane or tubing rupture in either group.

Conclusions

Use of hemofiltration circuits beyond 72 h may be safe in pediatric patients undergoing CRRT without increased risk of tubing rupture. Our data suggest a need to redefine the limits of prolonged circuit use in pediatric CRRT.
Centres of Excellence in the Context of Further Education and Training in South Africa
Authors: van der Bijl Andre , Ebrahim Adele
Published: February 2012

Since 1994 South African further education and training (FET) has undergone significant and fundamental changes. These changes include the transfer of colleges between state departments, curriculum revision, forced mergers and a shift in the student population. As a result of the growing interest in, and funding of, vocationally aligned education, education and training excellence models have permeated into the management portfolio of South Africa's FET. FET colleges (FETCs) have been faced with the emerging excellence discourses in the higher education and business sectors, as well as funding and accreditation linked motivators. How FETC managers have chosen to incorporate, or not to incorporate, centres of excellence (CoEs) into their organizational structures indicates both the difference in the application of CoE models to the sector compared with the higher education and business sectors and the way FETCs are managed in their volatile environment. This paper uses data initially gathered for a funded project aimed at identifying excellence indicators applicable to the FET sector, and a comparative content analysis of related publications and telephone interviews with senior staff responsible for innovation. The authors argue that higher education or business excellence models cannot be applied to the further education and training college environment; models need to be adapted to suit this specific type of environment.
Profiting from Knowledge Circulation: The Gains from University–Industry Interaction
Authors: van der Sijde P.C.
Published: February 2012

In this paper the concept of knowledge circulation is explored and placed in a social systems approach that distinguishes four types of ‘capital’: cultural, strategic, network and economic. Knowledge circulation is a form of university–industry interaction that accommodates the objectives of what are, in many respects, unequal partners and outlines the capital gains for all participants. In the final section, the implications for the internal and external marketing of science are presented.
Gravity Modulation of Thermal Instability in a Viscoelastic Fluid Saturated Anisotropic Porous Medium
Authors: Bhadauria Beer S. , Srivastava Atul K. , Sacheti Nirmal C. , Chandran Pallath
Published: February 2012

The present paper deals with a thermal instability problem in a viscoelastic fluid saturating an anisotropic porous medium under gravity modulation. To find the gravity modulation effect, the gravity field is considered in two parts: a constant part and an externally imposed time-dependent periodic part. The time-dependent part of the gravity field, which can be realized by shaking the fluid, has been represented by a sinusoidal function. Using Hill’s equation and the Floquet theory, the convective threshold has been obtained. It is found that gravity modulation can significantly affect the stability limits of the system. Further, we find that there is a competition between the synchronous and subharmonic modes of convection at the onset of instability. Effects of various parameters on the onset of instability have also been discussed.
Bright N-Soliton Solutions to the Vector Hirota Equation from Nonlinear Optics with Symbolic Computation
Authors: Xu Tao , Tian Bo , Qi Feng-Hua
Published: February 2012

Under investigation in this paper is the vector Hirota (VH) equation which governs the simultaneous propagation of multiple interacting femtosecond pulses in a certain type of coupled optical waveguides. By the Nth iterated Darboux transformation starting from the zero potential, the VH equation is found to admit the bright N-soliton solutions in terms of the multi-component Wronskian. Asymptotic formulae of the bright N-soliton solutions are derived for any given set of spectral parameters, which allows us to directly analyze the collision dynamics of VH solitons. Via symbolic computation, some collision properties possessed by the two- and three-soliton solutions are revealed from four aspects: the asymptotic patterns of the colliding solitons, parametric conditions for the amplitude-preserving collisions, phase shifts induced by the vector-soliton collisions, and soliton state changes described by the generalized linear fractional transformations.
Sexual dimorphism in skeletal browridge and chin morphologies determined using a new quantitative method
Authors: Garvin Heather M. , Ruff Christopher B.
Published: February 2012

Qualitative methods of describing sexual dimorphism in discrete cranial traits have been criticized for their subjectivity and statistical limitations. However, researchers have yet to be able to accurately capture the morphology of these individual traits using traditional metric techniques. This article presents a method to quantify morphological variation in the skeletal browridge and chin using 3D surface laser scans. Browridge and chin regions are isolated from the skull using objectively defined landmarks and planes. Region areas and volumes are used to quantify absolute and relative size, while semilandmarks along transects are used for more detailed morphometric analyses. An intraobserver error study indicates high repeatability of the method. Application of the method is demonstrated on a sample of US males and females of black and white ancestries. Results suggest significant effects of both sex and ancestry on brow and chin morphologies and are consistent with traditional qualitative descriptions. Our results indicate that the method can accurately and reliably quantify browridge and chin morphologies, providing a tool to objectively describe and statistically analyze these traditionally qualitative discrete cranial traits. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autophagy Prior to Chondrocyte Cell Death During the Degeneration of Meckel's Cartilage
Authors: Yang Rong‐Tao , Zhang Chi , Liu Yong , Zhou Hai‐Hua , Li Zu‐Bing
Published: February 2012

The central portion of Meckel's cartilage degenerates almost immediately after birth. Whether autophagy is involved in this process remains unclear. Thus, to explore the role of autophagy during this process, we have detected the expression of autophagy and apoptosis‐related markers in embryonic mice. In E15, Beclin1 and LC3 expressions were weak and negative in Meckel's cartilage, respectively. In E16, chondrocytes of the central portion became hypertrophic. Moderate immunoreactivities of Beclin1 and LC3 were observed in prehypertrophic and hypertrophic chondrocytes of the central portion. In E17, the degradation occurred in the central portion and expanded anteriorly and posteriorly. Beclin1 expression was observed in Meckel's cartilage with an increase in the hypertrophic chondrocytes of the central portion. The expression of LC3 was detected specifically in terminally differentiated hypertrophic chondrocytes. The mRNA expressions of LC3 and Beclin1 from E15 to E17 significantly increased. This result is in accord with the histologic findings. Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labeling assay and Caspase 3 expression demonstrated that apoptosis was detected in the lateral part of terminal hypertrophic chondrocytes along the degeneration area of Meckel's cartilage. In addition, Bcl2 expression increased significantly from E15 to E17. These results indicate that autophagy is involved in hypertrophic chondrocytes during the degradation of Meckel's cartilage and occurs prior to chondrocyte cell death during this process. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of a Mixed Ionic/Electronic Conducting Oxygen Transport Membrane Pilot Module
Authors: Pfaff E. M. , Kaletsch A. , Broeckmann C.
Published: February 2012

In the last years, a lot of ceramic materials were developed that, at higher temperatures, have a high electrical conductivity and a high conductivity of oxygen ions. Such mixed ionic/electronic conductors can be used to produce high‐purity oxygen. This work focuses on the realization of a pilot membrane module, with BSCF (Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ) perovskite selected as the membrane material. An amount of 500 kg of powder was industrially fabricated, spray‐granulized and pressed into tubes. The best operation conditions concerning energy consumption were calculated, and a module reactor was designed operating at 850 °C, with an air pressure of 15–20 bar on the feed site and a low vacuum of about 0.8 bar on the permeate site. Special emphasis was placed on joining alternatives for ceramic tubes in metallic bottoms. A first laboratory module was tested with a membrane area of 1 m2 and then advanced to a pilot module with 570 tubes and a capability of more than 300 000 L of pure oxygen per day.
Hydrogen Permeation Properties and Chemical Stability of Novel Pd‐Free Alloy Membranes Based on the V‐Y System
Authors: Magnone E. , Jeon S. I. , Park J. H. , Fleury E.
Published: February 2012

No investigation has yet been accomplished to screen the yttrium‐doped effects on vanadium‐based metal membranes. Synthesis, hydrogen permeation properties, and chemical stability of a novel palladium (Pd)‐coated V99Y1 alloy membrane are presented. Hydrogen permeation experiments have been performed to investigate the hydrogen transport properties through the Pd‐coated V99Y1 alloy membrane in the pressure range of 1.5–3.0 bar under pure hydrogen as well as H2‐CO2 and H2‐CO gas mixtures at 400 °C. The maximum hydrogen permeation rate was ∼32 mL min–1cm–2 for a 0.5 mm thick membrane under pure hydrogen. The results offer new directions in the synthesis of novel non‐Pd‐based metal membranes for hydrogen separation in precombustion capture applications.
Screening of Aqueous Amine‐Based Solvents for Postcombustion CO2 Capture by Chemical Absorption
Authors: Dubois L. , Thomas D.
Published: February 2012

In relation with CO2 capture by chemical absorption into aqueous amine‐based solvents, absorption and regeneration parameters by separate absorption and regeneration tests are determined. An absorption parameter for different types of amine‐based solvents is evaluated by performing absorption tests at 298 K and atmospheric pressure with a gas‐liquid contactor and deducing apparent kinetic constants. The regeneration parameter is obtained from a CO2 concentration temporal profile measured in a regeneration cell at the boiling temperature of each solvent. By combining both parameters it is possible to compare the absorption‐regeneration performances of all the solvents studied. Good absorption‐regeneration performances of cyclical amines, especially of piperidine (PIP) and piperazine (PZ), are highlighted. The interesting potential of 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol (AMP) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) activated with PZ and PIP is also considered.
A high‐performance switch architecture based on mesh of trees
Authors: Chang Hyung Jae , Qu Guannan , Zheng S.Q.
Published: February 2012

With emergence of various new Internet‐enabled devices, such as tablet PCs or smart phones along with their own applications, the traffic growth rate is getting faster and faster these days and demands more communication bandwidth at even faster rate than before. To accommodate this ever‐increasing network traffic, even faster Internet routers are required. To respond for these needs, we propose a new mesh of trees based switch architecture, called MOTS(N) switch. In addition, we also propose two more variations of MOTS(N) to further improve it. MOTS(N) is inspired by crossbar with crosspoint buffers. It forms a binary tree for each output line, where each gridpoint buffer is a leaf node and each internal node is 2‐in 1‐out merge buffer emulating FIFO queues. Because of this FIFO characteristic of internal buffers, MOTS(N) ensures QoS like FIFO output‐queued switch. The root node of the tree for each output line is the only component connected to the output port where each cell is transmitted to output port without any contention. To limit the number of buffers in MOTS(N) switch, we present one of its improved (practical) variations, IMOTS(N) switch, as well. For IMOTS(N) switch architecture, sizes of the buffers in the fabric are limited by a certain amount. As a downside of IMOTS(N), however, every cell should go through log 2N + 1 number of buffers in the fabric to be transmitted to the designated output line. Therefore, for even further improvement, IMOTS(N) with cut‐through, denoted as IMOTS‐CT(N), is also proposed in this paper. In IMOTS‐CT(N) switch, the cells can cut through one or more empty buffers to be transferred from inputs to outputs with simple 1 or 2 bit signal exchanges between buffers. We analyze the throughput of MOTS(N), IMOTS(N), and IMOTS‐CT(N) switches and show that they can achieve 100% throughput under Bernoulli independent and identically distributed uniform traffic. Our quantitative simulation results validate the theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[4+2] Cycloadditions of 3‐Tetrazolyl‐1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐butadienes: Synthesis of 3‐Tetrazolyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyridazines
Authors: Lopes Susana M. M. , Brigas Amadeu F. , Palacios Francisco , Lemos Américo , Pinho e Melo Teresa M. V. D.
Published: February 2012

The synthesis of new 3‐tetrazolyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyridazines by Diels–Alder reactions of ethyl 3‐(tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene‐1‐carboxylates is reported. These 1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐dienes reacted with electron‐rich heterocycles, nucleophilic olefins and cumulenes, as well as with electron‐deficient dienophiles, to give the target compounds regioselectively. Computational studies corroborated the rationalization of the observed reactivity and selectivity.
Activity scheduling as a core component of effective care management for late‐life depression
Authors: Riebe Genevieve , Fan Ming‐Yu , Unützer Jürgen , Vannoy Steven
Published: February 2012

Background

Activity scheduling is an established component of evidenced‐based treatment for late‐life depression in primary care. We examined participant records from the Improving Mood‐Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) trial to identify activity scheduling strategies used in the context of successful depression care management (CM), associations of activity scheduling with self‐reported activity engagement, and depression outcomes.

Methods

This study used observational mixed methods analysis of 4335 CM session notes from 597 participants in the intervention arm of the IMPACT trial. Grounded theory was used to identify 17 distinct activity categories from CM notes. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between activity scheduling, activity engagement, and depression outcomes at 12 months. All relevant institutional review boards approved the research protocol.

Results

Seventeen distinct activity categories were generated. Most patients worked on at least one social and one solitary activity during their course of treatment. Common activity categories included physical activity (32%), medication management (22%), active–non‐physical (19%), and passive (14%) activities. We found significant, positive associations between activity scheduling, self‐reported engagement in activities at 12 months, and depression outcomes at 12 months.

Conclusion

Older primary care patients in CM for depression worked on a wide range of activities. Consistent with depression theory that has placed emphasis on social activities, the data indicate a benefit for intentional social engagement versus passive social and solitary activities. Care managers should encourage patients to balance instrumental activities (e.g., attending to medical problems) with social activities targeting direct interpersonal engagement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sporadic endolymphatic sac tumor: Its clinical, radiological, and histological features, management, and follow‐up
Authors: Poletti Arturo M. , Dubey Siba P. , Barbò Regina , Pericotti Sergio , Fiamengo Barbara , Colombo Giovanni , Scorsetti Marta , Lorusso Rosaria , Mazzoni Antonio
Published: February 2012

Background

Sporadic endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) is rare. We described the clinical, radiological, and histological features, treatment, and follow‐up of ELST.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of 7 cases of sporadic ELST that were managed between 1993 and 2010.

Results

Twenty‐five to 75 years was the age range of the patients. Subjective hearing loss and tinnitus were the most common presenting features. Five patients had total deafness and 2 had severe sensorineural hearing loss. The most common radiological feature was temporal bone destruction with tumor extension to cerebellopontine angle and posterior cranial fossa. Cholesterol or hemosiderin cysts around the tumor could be a characteristic feature. Major skull base procedures were performed in all 7 cases, and complete tumor excision was achieved in 6 of them. One patient needed a second surgery after she was referred to us after an incomplete first surgery. Recurrences were detected in 2 patients during follow‐up; 1 of them received irradiation without minimal change to the tumor size and the second refused any treatment for the recurrence. Both of them are alive with disease.

Conclusion

Early detection and radical surgical excision at first attempt give best results. Radiotherapy could be considered only in unresectable recurrences. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Determining the involvement of two aminopeptidase Ns in the resistance of Plutella xylostella to the Bt toxin Cry1Ac: Cloning and study of in vitro function
Authors: Chang Xiaoli , Wu Qingjun , Wang Shaoli , Wang Ran , Yang Zhongxia , Chen Defeng , Jiao Xiaoguo , Mao Zhenchuan , Zhang Youjun
Published: February 2012

The cloning, expression in vitro, and characterization of two aminopeptidase Ns (APN5s and APN2s) isolated from the midgut of Cry1Ac‐resistant (R) and susceptible (S) strains of Plutella xylostella larvae are presented in this paper. The deduced amino acid sequences of APN5s included C‐terminal GPI‐modification sites, the gluzincin aminopeptidase motif GATEN, and three N‐glycosylated sites; those of APN2s had no GPI‐modification sites, had gluzincin aminopeptidase motif GAMEN, and had four N‐glycosylated sites. O‐glycosylated sites were not predicted for either APN. Because APN2R and APN2S cDNAs contained the same nucleotides, only full‐length cDNAs encoding APN5R and APN5S were expressed in Trichoplusia ni cells. Far‐Western blotting showed that the expressed receptor APN5 bound to the Cry1Ac toxin. An enzyme‐specific activity experiment also showed that APN5 genes were expressed in T. ni cells. ELISA revealed no differences in the binding of expression proteins from the resistant and susceptible strain with Cry1Ac. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:60–70 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20401
Formulation of a new and simple nonuniform size‐modified poisson–boltzmann description
Authors: Boschitsch Alexander H. , Danilov Pavel V.
Published: February 2012

The nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann equation (PBE) governing biomolecular electrostatics neglects ion size and ion correlation effects, and recent research activity has focused on accounting for these effects to achieve better physical modeling realism. Here, attention is focused on the comparatively simpler challenge of addressing ion size effects within a continuum‐based solvent modeling framework. Prior works by Borukhov et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett.
1997, 79, 435; Electrochim. Acta
2000, 46, 221) have examined the case of uniform ion size in considerable detail. Generalizations to accommodate different species ion sizes have been performed by Li (Nonlinearity
2009, 22, 811; SIAM J. Math. Anal.
2009, 40, 2536) and Zhou et al. (Phys. Rev. E
2011, 84, 021901) using a variational principle, Chu et al. (Biophys. J.
2007, 93, 3202) using a lattice gas model, and Tresset (Phys. Rev. E
2008, 78, 061506) using a generalized Poisson–Fermi distribution. The current work provides an alternative derivation using simple statistical mechanics principles that place the ion size effects and energy distributions on a consistent statistical footing. The resulting expressions differ from the prior nonuniform ion‐size developments. However, all treatments reduce to the same form in the cases of uniform ion‐size and zero ion size (the PBE). Because of their importance to molecular modeling and salt‐dependent behavior, expressions for the salt sensitivities and ionic forces are also derived using the nonuniform ion size description. Emphasis in this article is on formulation and numerically robust evaluation; results are presented for a simple sphere and a previously considered DNA structure for comparison and validation. More extensive application to biomolecular systems is deferred to a subsequent article. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adjustment of cerebrospinal fluid protein for red blood cells in neonates and young infants
Authors: Hines Elizabeth M. , Nigrovic Lise E. , Neuman Mark I. , Shah Samir S.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) red blood cell (RBC) count and CSF protein in neonates and young infants undergoing lumbar puncture.

DESIGN:

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING:

Urban tertiary care children's hospital.

PATIENTS:

Infants 56 days of age and younger who had a lumbar puncture in the emergency department between January 1, 2005 and July 31, 2009 were eligible for inclusion. Infants with missing laboratory data, exceedingly high CSF red blood cell counts, or conditions known to elevate CSF protein were excluded.

MEASUREMENTS:

Linear regression was used to determine the association between CSF RBC and CSF protein.

RESULTS:

Of 1986 infants, 56 days of age or younger, who underwent lumbar puncture in the emergency department during the study period, 1241 (62.5%) met inclusion criteria. The median age was 34 days (interquartile range: 19‐46 days); 45% of patients were male. The median CSF RBC count was 40 cells/mm3 (interquartile range: 2‐1080 cells/mm3); 11.8% of patients had a CSF RBC >10,000 cells/mm3. CSF protein increased by 1.9 mg/dL (95% confidence interval: 1.7‐2.1 mg/dL) per 1000 CSF RBCs for all included patients. Restricting analysis to patients without pleocytosis yielded comparable results, as did subanalyses by age and delivery type.

CONCLUSIONS:

We found that CSF protein concentrations increased by approximately 2 mg/dL for every 1000 CSF RBCs. These data may assist clinicians in interpreting CSF protein concentrations in infants 56 days of age and younger in the context of traumatic lumbar punctures. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the mass‐forming type of autoimmune pancreatitis: Comparison with pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hur Bo Yun , Lee Jeong Min , Lee Jeong Eun , Park Jae Yong , Kim Soo Jin , Joo Ijin , Shin Cheong Il , Baek Jee Hyun , Kim Jung Hoon , Han Joon Koo , Choi Byung Ihn
Published: February 2012

Purpose:

To determine the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of mass‐forming autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), which allow its differentiation from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC).

Materials and Methods:

MR images of 37 patients with either pathologically proven, mass‐forming AIPs (n = 9) or PACs (n = 28) were retrospectively reviewed. The pancreatic MR protocol included unenhanced images, contrast‐enhanced dynamic images, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and MR‐cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Two reviewers analyzed the MR images regarding the number, location, morphologic features, and enhancement degree and pattern of the lesions as well as secondary changes of the pancreatic parenchyma, the biliary and pancreatic ducts. The size and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the lesions were measured.

Results:

Although sensitivities were low (28.6%–44.4%), specificities of multiplicity, capsule‐like rim enhancement, and skipped stricture of the biliary or pancreatic duct in mass‐forming AIP were high (100%). Sensitivities and specificities of irregular or geographic shape, delayed enhancement, and a low ADC value <1.26 × 10−3 mm2/s in mass‐forming AIP were favorable (71.4%–83.3% and 78.5%–89.3%).

Conclusion:

Although to differentiate mass‐forming AIP from pancreatic cancer is difficult, the combination of MRI findings including contrast‐enhanced dynamic images, MRCP, and DWI can be a help. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:188–197. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.