bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web Distributed Computing Systems
Authors: Boldrin Fabio , Taddia Chiara , Mazzini Gianluca
Published: February 2012

This article proposes a new approach for distributed computing. The main novelty consists in the exploitation of Web browsers as clients, thanks to the availability of Javascript, AJAX and Flex. The described solution has two main advantages: it is client-free, so no additional programs have to be installed to perform the computation, and it requires low CPU usage, so client-side computation is no invasive for users. The solution is developed using both AJAX and Adobe®Flex®technologies embedding a pseudo-client into a Web page that hosts the computation. While users browse the hosting Web page, computation takes place resolving single sub-problems and sending the solution to the server-side part of the system. Our client-free solution is an example of high resilient and auto-administrated system that is able to organize the scheduling of the processes and the error management in an autonomic manner. A mathematical model has been developed over this solution. The main goals of the model are to describe and classify different categories of problems on the basis of the feasibility and to find the limits in the dimensioning of the scheduling systems to have convenience in the use of this approach. The new architecture has been tested through different performance metrics by implementing two examples of distributed computing, the cracking of an RSA cryptosystem through the factorization of the public key and the correlation index between samples in genetic data sets. Results have shown good feasibility of this approach both in a closed environment and also in an Internet environment, in a typical real situation.
Critical Incident Management and Geographically–Based Systems
Authors: Webb David W. , Hoffpauir David R.
Published: February 2012

In the United States there is a strong dependence on decentralized policing services, distributed by thousands of police departments. As a primary police professional development management institute in the United States, the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) identified that there existed a paucity of management development opportunities for police command staff engaged in critical incident management. This paper describes how LEMIT met this challenge and became a leading U.S. institute in this exciting field of operation.
Geospatial Workforce Trends in the United States
Authors: Estaville Lawrence E.
Published: February 2012

Because of definitional problems regarding what is meant by the term “geospatial workforce,” specific reliable data are difficult to obtain about this increasingly important employment sector. This study reviews pertinent literature and U.S. Department of Labor datasets to corroborate the general sense that the geospatial workforce in the U.S. will continue robust expansion well into the next decade. However, because of this strong growth, an imbalance will remain in which demand outstrips supply, particularly in the more sophisticated modeling, design, and research positions, in the geospatial workforce.
Emerging Retail Strategies in Urban Canada
Authors: Hernandez Tony , Svindal Magnus
Published: February 2012

In this article, the authors examine the spatial distribution of major retail chains across Canada. Using store location data for 2001 and 2006, the geospatial approach adopted in this study allows for the analysis of retail chains’ store portfolios by the size of the resident population of the ‘markets’ within which they operate. The analysis presented highlights the dominance of chain locations within and proximal to Canada’s major urban markets and provides further evidence of increasing interest amongst a number of major chains in ‘small town’ (or ‘C’) markets. It points to a future in which these smaller markets will become more competitive with an increased presence of major retail chains. The findings reported can be seen as the locational imprint of the processes of corporate concentration taking place across Canada, fuelled by the interplay of increased competition, concerns over market saturation and the need to sustain growth.
Spatiotemporal Pattern Analysis of Rapid Urban Expansion Using GIS and Remote Sensing
Authors: Kim Hyun Joong
Published: February 2012

Rapidly growing urban areas tend to reveal distinctive spatial and temporal variations of land use/land cover in a locally urbanized environment. In this article, the author analyzes urban growth phenomena at a local scale by employing Geographic Information Systems, remotely sensed image data from 1984, 1994, and 2004, and landscape shape index. Since spatial patterns of land use/land cover changes in small urban areas are not fully examined by the current GIS-based modeling studies or simulation applications, the major objective of this research is to identify and examine the spatial and temporal dynamics of land use changes of urban growth at a local scale. Analytical results demonstrate that sizes, locations, and shapes of new developments are spatio-temporally associated with their landscape variations and major transportation arteries. The key findings from this study contribute to GIS-based urban growth modeling studies and urban planning practices for local communities.
From Beats to Tracts
Authors: Gong Gang
Published: February 2012

In this article, the author addresses the spatial incompatibility between different types of data that is commonly faced in crime analysis research. Socioeconomic variables have been proved valuable in explaining crime behaviors and in predicting crime activities. However, socioeconomic data and crime statistics are usually collected and aggregated at different spatial zonations of geographical space, making the integration and analysis of these data difficult. Simple areal weighting interpolation technique, although frequently employed, often leads to unsatisfactory results due to the fact that most types of crime do not distributed evenly across space. Using 2007 burglary crime in Houston, Texas, as an example, the author illustrates a remote sensing approach to interpolating crime statistics from police beat enumeration district used by Houston Police Department to census tract defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Interactions and Effects of CRM 2.0 in Public Administration
Authors: González Daniel Pérez , González Pedro Solana
Published: February 2012

This article analyzes how CRM are affected from technological and social changes that involves the new paradigm of knowledge sharing and collaborative Web 2.0, giving rise to what is defined as CRM 2.0, and how the public administration - institutions that despite economic and social importance have been little studied in relation to the incorporation of technologies - can take advantage of these technologies. This requires provide knowledge to public administrations about the benefits they can get and which difficulties may be encountered in these projects. In this sense, from an exploratory research through the application of a Delphi to senior managers of public administrations, the authors have identified as positive effects of implementing CRM projects with Web 2.0; improved productivity, increased citizen satisfaction, and better integration of the information and as main barriers highlight the measurement of the ROI, security and organizational issues. Questions of interest are to be considered by IT professionals who have to develop these initiatives in the future.
Cognitive Informatics and Cognitive Computing in Year 10 and Beyond
Authors: Wang Yingxu , Berwick Robert C. , Haykin Simon , Pedrycz Witold , Kinsner Witold , Baciu George , Zhang Du , Bhavsar C.
Published: February 2012

Cognitive Informatics (CI) is a transdisciplinary enquiry of computer science, information sciences, cognitive science, and intelligence science that investigates into the internal information processing mechanisms and processes of the brain and natural intelligence, as well as their engineering applications in cognitive computing. The latest advances in CI leads to the establishment of cognitive computing theories and methodologies, as well as the development of Cognitive Computers (CogC) that perceive, infer, and learn. This paper reports a set of nine position statements presented in the plenary panel of IEEE ICCI*CC’11 on Cognitive Informatics in Year 10 and Beyond contributed from invited panelists who are part of the world’s renowned researchers and scholars in the field of cognitive informatics and cognitive computing.
Conflict Segments of Women Employees of IT Sector in India
Authors: Balachandar Aiswarya , Gurusamy Ramasundaram
Published: February 2012

The growth rate for women entering the workforce is expected to be greater than for men. Therefore it is possible that the financial well-being of the family may no longer fall to the male, it may be shared between the two partners or may be the sole responsibility of a single parent. These trends potentially increase the chance that work could interfere with family (WIF) or that family could interfere with work (FIW).The study is conducted to test the Impact of Organizational Commitment, Job Autonomy, Job Involvement and Climate as moderating variables on Work Family Conflict of Employed women in India. The sample size of 598 is identified and with the application of statistical tools the relationship among the said variables are estimated and its role on the Work family conflict is studied quantitatively.
Designing and Rationalising a Layered-Mapping Aid for Requirements Elicitation in Air Traffic Control
Authors: Joyekurun Ronish
Published: February 2012

The “Layered Map” is a simple, cheap and portable device used to aid the explanation of complex traffic management scenarios, between field practitioners and operators and during the process of requirements elicitation. It was developed for being adaptable to multiple semantic communities within and across different ontologies of work in air traffic control. The study identified a number of factors influencing the design of aids, namely: i) emerging knowledge coordination, ii) ontological compatibility, iii) jargon and linguistic interpretation, iv) cultural traffic management practices, v) software development, and vi) gesture-based interaction. The construction of the layered-map involves three layers of material: i) the base, ii) the modifier, and iii) the interactor. The layered-map utilises semiotics to define three different modes of knowledge coordination. The rationale used to represent these modes of coordination is the representational adaptability of the different physical layers of the layered map. Thus, a conceptual bridge is elicited as a means of generalising the mapping of: i) syntactic knowledge to the base layer, mainly for representation, ii) semantic knowledge to the modifier layer, mainly for learning, and iii) pragmatic knowledge to the interactor layer, mainly for transformation.
Innovation Adoption and Adaptation in Air Traffic Control
Authors: Bolic Tatjana
Published: February 2012

With the increased demand for the air travel the air traffic control (ATC) systems have been improving over the years. Today, the advances in the technology can enable even more capacity and better performance for the air travel. With those goals in mind, two distinct, but similar programmes are striving to develop new ATC systems: Next Gen in the USA and SESAR programme in Europe. Both programmes aim at developing new systems for the implementation around the year 2020. The innovation adoption and adaptation is illustrated by the story of User Request Evaluation Tool development and implementation, followed by the discussion of main lessons. First, the lessons learned from the innovation process of the tool itself are discussed, to be followed by the discussion of the interaction of various organizations that were involved.
The MC159 Protein from the Molluscum Contagiosum Poxvirus Inhibits NF-κB Activation by Interacting with the IκB Kinase Complex
Authors: Randall Crystal M. H. , Jokela Janet A. , Shisler Joanna L.
Published: February 2012

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) causes persistent neoplasms in healthy and immunocompromised people. Its ability to persist likely is due to its arsenal of viral immunoevasion proteins. For example, the MCV MC159 protein inhibits TNF-R1–induced NF-κB activation and apoptosis. The MC159 protein is a viral FLIP and, as such, possesses two tandem death effector domains (DEDs). We show in this article that, in human embryonic kidney 293 T cells, the expression of wild-type MC159 or a mutant MC159 protein containing the first DED (MC159 A) inhibited TNF-induced NF-κB, or NF-κB activated by PMA or MyD88 overexpression, whereas a mutant protein lacking the first DED (MC159 B) did not. We hypothesized that the MC159 protein targeted the IκB kinase (IKK) complex to inhibit these diverse signaling events. Indeed, the MC159 protein, but not MC159 B, coimmunoprecipitated with IKKγ. MC159 coimmunoprecipitated with IKKγ when using mouse embryonic fibroblasts that lack either IKKα or IKKβ, suggesting that the MC159 protein interacted directly with IKKγ. MC159-IKKγ coimmunoprecipitations were detected during infection of cells with either MCV isolated from human lesions or with a recombinant MC159-expressing vaccinia virus. MC159 also interacts with TRAF2, a signaling molecule involved in NF-κB activation. However, mutational analysis of MC159 failed to reveal a correlation between MC159–TRAF2 interactions and MC159’s inhibitory function. We propose that MC159–IKK interactions, but not MC159–TRAF2 interactions, are responsible for inhibiting NF-κB activation.
Structural and Functional Characterization of a Novel Nonglycosidic Type I NKT Agonist with Immunomodulatory Properties
Authors: Kerzerho Jerome , Yu Esther D. , Barra Carolina M. , Alari-Pahisa Elisenda , Girardi Enrico , Harrak Youssef , Lauzurica Pilar , Llebaria Amadeu , Zajonc Dirk M. , Akbari Omid , Castaño A. Raúl
Published: February 2012

Activation of type I NKT (iNKT) cells by CD1d-presented agonists is a potent immunotherapeutic tool. α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) is the prototypic agonist, but its excessive potency with simultaneous production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines hampers its potential therapeutic use. In search for novel agonists, we have analyzed the structure and function of HS44, a synthetic aminocyclitolic ceramide analog designed to avoid unrestrained iNKT cell activation. HS44 is a weaker agonist compared with α-GalCer in vitro, although in vivo it induces robust IFN-γ production, and highly reduced but still functional Th2 response. The characteristic cytokine storm produced upon α-GalCer activation was not induced. Consequently, HS44 induced a very efficient iNKT cell-dependent antitumoral response in B16 animal model. In addition, intranasal administration showed the capacity to induce lung inflammation and airway hyperreactivity, a cardinal asthma feature. Thus, HS44 is able to elicit functional Th1 or Th2 responses. Structural studies show that HS44 binds to CD1d with the same conformation as α-GalCer. The TCR binds to HS44 similarly as α-GalCer, but forms less contacts, thus explaining its weaker TCR affinity and, consequently, its weaker recognition by iNKT cells. The ability of this compound to activate an efficient, but not massive, tailored functional immune response makes it an attractive reagent for immune manipulation.
Health Behavior Change in Hearing Healthcare: A Discussion Paper
Authors: Manchaiah Vinaya K.C.
Published: February 2012

Health behavior change (HBC) refers to facilitating changes to habits and/or behavior related to health. In healthcare practice, it is quite common that the interactions between practitioner and patient involve conversations related to HBC. This could be mainly in relation to the practitioner trying to directly persuade the patients to make some changes in their health behavior. However, the patients may not be motivated to do so as they do not see this change as important. For this reason, direct persuasion may result in a breakdown of communication. In such instances, alternative approaches and means of indirect persuasion, such as empowering the patient and their family members, could be helpful. Furthermore, there are several models and/or theories proposed which explain the health behavior and also provide a structured framework for health behavior change. Many such models/approaches have been proven effective in facilitating HBC and health promotion in areas such as cessation of smoking, weight loss and so on. This paper provides an overview of main models/theories related to HBC and some insights into how these models/approaches could be adapted to facilitate behavior change in hearing healthcare, mainly in relation to: i) hearing help-seeking and hearing-aid uptake; and ii) hearing conservation in relation to music-induced hearing loss (MIHL). In addition, elements of current research related to this area and future directions are highlighted.
Quadricuspid Aortic Valve Defined by Echocardiography and Cardiac Computed Tomography
Authors: Karlsberg Daniel W. , Elad Yaron , Kass Robert M. , Karlsberg Ronald P.
Published: February 2012

A 54 year old female presented with lower extremity edema, fatigue, and shortness of breath with physical findings indicative of advanced aortic insufficiency. Echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation and a probable quadricuspid aortic valve. In anticipation of aortic valve replacement, cardiac computed tomography (Cardiac CT) was performed using 100 kV, 420 mA which resulted in 6 mSv of radiation exposure. Advanced computing algorithmic software was performed with a non-linear interpolation to estimate potential physiological movement. Surgical photographs and in-vitro anatomic pathology exam reveal the accuracy and precision that preoperative Cardiac CT provided in this rare case of a quadricuspid aortic valve. While there have been isolated reports of quadricuspid diagnosis with Cardiac CT, we report the correlation between echocardiography, Cardiac CT, and similar appearance at surgery with confirmed pathology and interesting post-processed rendered images. Cardiac CT may be an alternative to invasive coronary angiography for non-coronary cardiothoracic surgery with the advantage of providing detailed morphological dynamic imaging and the ability to define the coronary arteries non-invasively. The reduced noise and striking depiction of the valve motion with advanced algorithms will require validation studies to determine its role.
Leptospirosis after Typhoon
Authors: Lin Chien-Yu , Chiu Nan-Chang , Lee Chun-Ming
Published: February 2012

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with protean manifestations. A 35-year-old male presented with pneumonia after the Typhoon Morakot. Skin rash, conjunctival suffusion, and subconjunctival hemorrhage led us to the diagnosis of leptospirosis and the microscopic agglutination test confirmed the diagnosis. This patient well demonstrated the picture of conjunctival suffusion and reminded us of the alertness of leptospirosis after a typhoon.
ClOOCl photolysis at high solar zenith angles: analysis of the RECONCILE self-match flight
Authors: Sumińska-Ebersoldt O. , Lehmann R. , Wegner T. , Grooß J.-U. , Hösen E. , Weigel R. , Frey W. , Griessbach S. , Mitev V. , Emde C. , Volk C. M. , Borrmann S. , Rex M. , Stroh F. , von Hobe M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The photolysis rate constant of dichlorine peroxide (ClOOCl, ClO dimer) JClOOCl is a critical parameter in catalytic cycles destroying ozone (O3) in the polar stratosphere. In the atmospherically relevant wavelength region (λ > 310 nm), significant discrepancies between laboratory measurements of ClOOCl absorption cross sections and spectra cause a large uncertainty in JClOOCl. Previous investigations of the consistency of published JClOOCl with atmospheric observations of chlorine monoxide (ClO) and ClOOCl have focused on the photochemical equilibrium between ClOOCl formation and photolysis, and thus could only constrain the ratio of JClOOCl over the ClOOCl formation rate constant krec. Here, we constrain the atmospherically effective JClOOCl independent of krec, using ClO measured in the same air masses before and directly after sunrise during an aircraft flight that was part of the RECONCILE field campaign in the winter 2010 from Kiruna, Sweden. Over sunrise, when the ClO/ClOOCl system comes out of thermal equilibrium and the influence of the ClO recombination reaction is negligible, the increase in ClO concentrations is significantly faster than expected from JClOOCl based on the absorption spectrum proposed by Pope et al. (2007), but does not warrant cross sections larger than recently published values by Papanastasiou et al. (2009). In particular, the existence of a significant ClOOCl absorption band longwards of 420 nm is not supported by our observations. The observed night-time ClO would not be consistent with a ClO/ClOOCl thermal equilibrium constant significantly higher than the one proposed by Plenge et al. (2005).
Regional air-quality forecasting for the Pacific Northwest using MOPITT/TERRA assimilated carbon monoxide MOZART-4 forecasts as a near real-time boundary condition
Authors: Herron-Thorpe F. L. , Mount G. H. , Emmons L. K. , Lamb B. K. , Chung S. H. , Vaughan J. K.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Results from a regional air quality forecast model, AIRPACT-3, were compared to AIRS carbon monoxide column densities for the spring of 2010 over the Pacific Northwest. AIRPACT-3 column densities showed high correlation (R>0.9) but were significantly biased (~25 %) with significant under-predictions for spring months with significant transport from Asia. The AIRPACT-3 CO bias relative to AIRS was eliminated by incorporating dynamic boundary conditions derived from NCAR's MOZART forecasts with assimilated MOPITT carbon monoxide. Changes in ozone-related boundary conditions derived from MOZART forecasts are also discussed and found to affect background levels by ±10 ppb but not found to significantly affect peak ozone surface concentrations.
Determinants and predictability of global wildfire emissions
Authors: Knorr W. , Lehsten V. , Arneth A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Biomass burning is one of the largest sources of atmospheric trace gases and aerosols globally. These emissions have a major impact on the radiative balance of the atmosphere and on air quality, and are thus of significant scientific and societal interest. Several datasets have been developed that quantify those emissions on a global grid and offered to the atmospheric modelling community. However, no study has yet attempted to systematically quantify the dependence of the inferred pyrogenic emissions on underlying assumptions and input data. Such a sensitivity study is needed for understanding how well we can currently model those emissions and what the factors are that contribute to uncertainties in those emissions estimates. Here, we combine various satellite-derived burned area products, a terrestrial ecosystem model to simulate fuel loads and the effect of fire on ecosystem dynamics, a model of fuel combustion, and various emission models that relate combusted biomass to the emission of various trace gases and aerosols. We vary one key parameter of a simple fuel combustion model, the emission model, and the burned area product and assess its impact on the computed emissions fields and their uncertainties. We find that choice of burned area data set has by far the largest impact on interannual variability of simulated emissions. For total global emissions, burned area and combustion completeness have the largest impact on emissions for most species. We conclude that reliable information on burned area is key for accurately modelling spatial and interannual variations of wildfire emissions, but uncertainties about the combustion process have a similar impact on the magnitude of global emission estimates. The results are important for chemical transport modelling studies, and for simulations of biomass burning impacts on the atmosphere under future climate change scenarios.
Development of parallel sampling and analysis for the elucidation of gas/particle partitioning of oxygenated semi-volatile organics: a limonene ozonolysis study
Authors: Rossignol S. , Chiappini L. , Perraudin E. , Rio C. , Fable S. , Valorso R. , Doussin J. F.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Gas/particle partitioning behaviour of secondary organic matter semi-volatile fraction and the associated multiphase chemistry are key features to accurately evaluate secondary organic aerosol climate and health impacts. However, today, oxygenated secondary species partitioning is rarely assessed in experimental SOA studies and SOA modelling is still largely based on estimated partitioning data. This paper describes a new analytical approach, solvent free and easy to use, to explore the chemical composition of the secondary organic matter at a molecular scale in both gas and particulate phases. The method is based on thermal-desorption (TD) of gas and particulate samples, coupled with gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS), with on sampling supports derivatisation processes. Gaseous compounds are trapped on PFBHA or MTBSTFA pre-coated Tenax TA adsorbent tubes. Particulate samples are collected onto quartz or Teflon-quartz filters and subsequently exposed to PFBHA or MTBSTFA derivatisation reagents before TD-GC-MS analysis. Method development and validation are presented from an atmospherically relevant range of organic acids and carbonyl and hydroxyl compounds. Method application to a limonene ozonolysis experiment conducted in the EUPHORE simulation chamber under close-to-real conditions of low concentrations and relative humidity provides an overview of the method abilities. 25 compounds have been positively or tentatively identified, 9 being in both gaseous and particulate phases and 11, among them tri carboxylic acids, hydroxyl dicarboxylic acids and oxodicarboxylic acids, being detected for the first time.
Relationships between bottom water carbonate saturation and element/Ca ratios in coretop samples of the benthic foraminifera Oridorsalis umbonatus
Authors: Dawber C. F. , Tripati A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Elemental ratios in benthic foraminifera have been used to reconstruct bottom water temperature and carbonate saturation (Δ[CO32−]). We present elemental data for the long-ranging benthic foraminifera Oridorsalis umbonatus from sediment core tops that span a narrow range of temperatures and a wide range of saturation states. B/Ca, Li/Ca, Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios exhibit positive correlations with bottom water carbonate saturation. The sensitivity of individual element/calcium ratios to bottom water Δ [CO32−] varies considerably, with B/Ca being most sensitive and Sr/Ca the least sensitive. The empirically derived sensitivity of B/Ca, Li/Ca, Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca to bottom water Δ [CO32−] are 0.433 ± 0.053 and 0.0561 ± 0.0084 μmol mol−1 per μmol kg−1 and 0.0164 ± 0.0015 and 0.00241 ± 0.0004 μmol mol−1 per μmol kg−1, respectively. To assess the fidelity of these relationships and the possibility of applying these relationships to earlier periods of Earth history, we examine the mechanisms governing elemental incorporation into foraminiferal calcite. Empirical partition coefficients for Li and Sr are consistent with Rayleigh fractionation from an internal pool used for calcification. For O. umbonatus and other benthic species, we show that the fraction of Ca remaining in the pool is a function of bottom water Δ [CO32−], and can be explained by either a growth rate effect and/or the energetic cost of raising vesicle pH at the site of calcification. Empirical partition coefficients for Mg and B may also be controlled by Rayleigh fractionation, but require that either the fractionation factor from the internal pool is smaller than the inorganic partition coefficient and/or additional fractionation mechanisms. O. umbonatus element ratio data may also be consistent with fractionation according to the surface entrapment model and/or the presence of discrete high- and low-Mg calcite phases. However at present we are limited in our ability to assess these mechanisms. The new X/Ca data for O. umbonatus provide constraints to test the role of these mechanisms in the future.
Estimating geostatistical parameters and spatially-variable hydraulic conductivity within a catchment system using an ensemble smoother
Authors: Bailey R. T. , Baù D.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Groundwater flow models are important tools in assessing baseline conditions and investigating management alternatives in groundwater systems. The usefulness of these models, however, is often hindered by insufficient knowledge regarding the magnitude and spatial distribution of the spatially-distributed parameters, such as hydraulic conductivity (K), that govern the response of these models. Proposed parameter estimation methods frequently are demonstrated using simplified aquifer representations, when in reality the groundwater regime in a given watershed is influenced by strongly-coupled surface-subsurface processes. Furthermore, parameter estimation methodologies that rely on a geostatistical structure of K often assume the parameter values of the geostatistical model as known or estimate these values from limited data. In this study, we investigate the use of a data assimilation algorithm, the Ensemble Smoother, to provide enhanced estimates of K within a catchment system using the fully-coupled, surface-subsurface flow model CATHY. Both water table elevation and streamflow data are assimilated to condition the spatial distribution of K. An iterative procedure using the ES update routine, in which geostatistical parameter values defining the true spatial structure of K are identified, is also presented. In this procedure, parameter values are inferred from the updated ensemble of K fields and used in the subsequent iteration to generate the K ensemble, with the process proceeding until parameter values are converged upon. The parameter estimation scheme is demonstrated via a synthetic three-dimensional tilted v-shaped catchment system incorporating stream flow and variably-saturated subsurface flow, with spatio-temporal variability in forcing terms. Results indicate that the method is successful in providing improved estimates of the K field, and that the iterative scheme can be used to identify the geostatistical parameter values of the aquifer system. In general, water table data have a much greater ability than streamflow data to condition K. Future research includes applying the methodology to an actual regional study site.
Characterization of Stanniocalcin-1 Receptors in the Rainbow Trout
Authors: Richards Timothy D. J. , Fenton Amanda L. , Syed Rahma , Wagner Graham F.
Published: February 2012

Mammalian stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1) is one of several ligands targeted to mitochondria. High affinity STC-1 receptors are present on the mitochondrial membranes of nephron cells, myocytes, and hepatocytes, to enable ligand sequestration within the matrix. However, STC-1 receptors have not been characterized in fish. Nor is it known if mitochondrial targeting occurs in fish. The aim of the study was to address these questions. Saturation binding assays were carried out to obtain estimates of KD
and
Bmax. They revealed the presence of saturable, high-affinity receptors on both membranes and mitochondria of liver, muscle, and gill filament. In situ ligand binding (ISLB) was used to localize receptors at the histological level and revealed some unexpected findings. In cranium, for instance, receptors were found mainly in the cartilage matrix, as opposed to the chondrocytes. In brain, the majority of receptors were located on neuropil areas as opposed to neuronal cell bodies. In skeletal muscle, receptors were confined to periodic striations, tentatively identified as the Z lines. Receptors were even found on STC-1 producing corpuscles of Stannius cells, raising the possibility of there being an autocrine feedback loop or, perhaps, a soluble binding protein that is released with the ligand to regulate its bioavailability.
Ordering in Two-Dimensional Lennard-Jones Clusters
Authors: Pal Barnana
Published: February 2012

Cluster formation in a two-dimensional Lennard-Jones system under different conditions of temperature () and particle concentration () has been studied using the Monte-Carlo method with the introduction of real thermal motion of the constituent particles through a modification of the conventional Metropolis algorithm. The - phase diagram determined from the study of the root mean square displacement of the particles shows features characteristics of the - diagram for phase equilibrium in real systems. The solid-like to liquid-like transition takes place when the average nearest neighbour distance increases by ~1% of the equilibrium value in the low-temperature solid-like configuration. The Lindemann parameter () is found to decrease with the increase of to reach a steady value of for .
A Case Study of Nanofiltration Using an Irreversible Thermodynamics-Based Model
Authors: Vakili-Nezhaad G. R. , Akbari Z.
Published: February 2012

The extended Spiegler-Kedem model that can be solved by using genetic algorithm (GA) has been used for study of the rejection of charged and uncharged solutes in a nanofiltration process. In this work, the accuracy and applicability of this model were tested with the data obtained from the nanofiltration of a real solution. The permeated solution was obtained from the whey ultrafiltration system (ultrafiltered whey). The studied process separates lactose and mineral salts from ultrafiltered whey. Moreover, the ultrafiltered whey nanofiltration system has been simulated with higher precision compared to the other sources of existing data.
Modelling Spanish black pine postdispersal seed predation in Central-eastern Spain
Authors: Lucas-Borja Manuel Esteban , Silva-Santos Pedro , Fonseca Teresa , López-Serrano Francisco Ramón , Tiscar Pedro Antonio , Martínez-García Eduardo , Andrés Manuela , Del Cerro Antonio
Published: February 2012

A comprehensive knowledge of species ecology and ecosystem dynamics is required when regenerating stands, either naturally or artificially. Silvicultural practices based on forester´s ecperiencies and applied forestry studies had ensured successful forest growth and regeneration over large periods for pine species in the Mediterranean areas. Nevertheless, since the end of the 19th century seedling establishment failures have been reported for Pinus nigra in Central-Eastern Spain regions. The main factors affecting seedling recruitment are diverse and include seed production, seed post-dispersal and predation, and site and physiographic factors. In this research work, we specifically address post-dispersal Spanish black pine seed predation at two different locations, one being the most common and representative location for the species and the other located on areas at their ecological limit of distribution. A modelling approach was employed to analyze the effect of stand and site characteristics and climate variables on the post-dispersal predation process. The generalist feeding habits of post-dispersal seed predator groups (e.g. ants, birds and rodents) and the limited ability of plants either to compensate for or to respond to post-dispersal seed losses indicate that post-dispersal seed predation have a considerable impact on plant population and therefore on the capacity of the stand to preserve its regeneration ability. Our study demonstrates that mast seeding and relative air humidity have significant impact on seed removal by the predators depending on forest location. Further developments include the construction of stochastic models to predict the effects of climate-related variables on seed losses, contributing to reduce uncertainty in post-dispersal Spanish black pine seed predation dynamics and to provide instructive and credible tools to decision-makers and forest managers.
Immunological Responses to Gut Bacteria
Authors: Green-Johnson Julia M
Published: February 2012

The integral nature of interactions between the gut microbiota and host is especially evident with respect to effects on the immune system and host defenses. Host-microbiota interactions are increasingly being revealed as complex and dynamic, with far-reaching effects on varied aspects of host health. This review focuses on adaptive and innate immune responses to the gut microbiota and the bidirectional nature of these host-microbe interactions.
Correlating Structure with Function in Thermally Annealed PCDTBT:PC70BM Photovoltaic Blends
Authors: Wang Tao , Pearson Andrew J. , Dunbar Alan D. F. , Staniec Paul A. , Watters Darren C. , Yi Hunan , Ryan Anthony J. , Jones Richard A. L. , Iraqi Ahmed , Lidzey David G.
Published: February 2012

A range of optical probes are used to study the nanoscale‐structure and electronic‐functionality of a photovoltaic‐applicable blend of the carbazole co‐polymer poly[N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole) (PCDTBT) and the electronic accepting fullerene derivative (6,6)‐phenyl C70‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM). In particular, it is shown that the glass transition temperature of a PCDTBT:PC70BM blend thin‐film is not sensitive to the relative blend‐ratio or film thickness (at 1:4 blending ratio), but is sensitive to casting solvent and the type of substrate on which it is deposited. It is found that the glass transition temperature of the blend reduces on annealing; an observation consistent with disruption of π–π stacking between PCDTBT molecules. Reduced π–π stacking is correlated with reduced hole‐mobility in thermally annealed films. It is suggested that this explains the failure of such annealing protocols to substantially improve device‐efficiency. The annealing studies demonstrate that the blend only undergoes coarse phase‐separation when annealed at or above 155 °C, suggesting a promising degree of morphological stability of PCDTBT:PC70BM blends.
CebusPhylogenetic Relationships: A Preliminary Reassessment of the Diversity of the Untufted Capuchin Monkeys
Authors: BOUBLI JEAN P. , RYLANDS ANTHONY B. , FARIAS IZENI P. , ALFARO MICHAEL E. , ALFARO JESSICA LYNCH
Published: February 2012

The untufted, or gracile, capuchin monkeys are currently classified in four species,Cebus albifrons,C. capucinus,C. olivaceus, andC. kaapori, with all butC. kaaporihaving numerous described subspecies. The taxonomy is controversial and their geographic distributions are poorly known.Cebus albifronsis unusual in its disjunct distribution, with a western and centralAmazonian range, a separate range in the northernAndes inColombia, and isolated populations inTrinidad and west of theAndes inEcuador and northernPeru. Here we examine previous morphological and molecular hypotheses of the taxonomy and phylogeny ofCebus. We construct a time‐calibrated phylogeny based upon mitochondrialDNAsequences from 50Cebus samples from across their range. Our data indicate that untufted capuchins underwent a radiation at about 2 Ma, and quickly diversified in both theAndes and theAmazon. We provide a provisional reassessment for the taxonomy of untufted capuchins in theAmazon, theLlanos, theAndes,Trinidad, andCentralAmerica, splitting currently paraphyletic taxa into several species, including: at least twoAmazonian species (C. yuracusandC. unicolor); a species from theGuianaShield (most likely the same asHumboldt'sC. albifrons); two northernAndean species,C. versicolor,C. cesarae;C. brunneus(withtrinitatisa junior synonym) on theVenezuelan coast, andC. adustusin the region ofLakeMaracaibo;C. capucinusin northwesternEcuador andColombia, andPanama;C. imitatorinCentralAmerica;C. olivaceusandC. castaneusoccupying a large part of theGuianaShield; andC. kaaporiin the easternAmazon, south of theRioAmazonas. More intensive and extensive geographic sampling is needed, including that for some subspecies not represented here. Taxa from the southwesternAmazon (yuracus,cuscinus, andunicolor) and the phylogenetic position ofHumboldt'sSimia albifronsfrom theOrinoco remain particularly poorly defined. Am. J. Primatol. 74:381–393, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and study of the electrochemical properties of magnesium phosphate membranes
Authors: Khan Mohammad Mujahid Ali , Rafiuddin
Published: February 2012

Polystyrene‐based magnesium phosphate membranes were prepared by a sol–gel method with various 1 : 1 electrolytes at different pressures and concentrations. The prepared membranes were characterized for thickness, porosity, and moisture content and by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR spectra showed a negative shift from the normal polystyrene value due to interaction with metal ions. SEM images revealed nonpreferential orientation without any visible cracks. Teorell, Meyer, and Sievers's method was used to determine the transport number of ions, mobility, distribution coefficient, and charge density of the membrane. The order of surface charge density for a 1 : 1 electrolyte solution was found to be KCl > NaCl > LiCl. However, the membrane potential followed the reverse order. The membrane was found to be stable in acidic and basic environments. This study demonstrated the potential applications of inorganic precipitate membranes in the field of separation science. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Fabrication of syndiotactic polystyrene nanocomposites with exfoliated clay and their properties
Authors: Kim Mun Ho , Park O Ok
Published: February 2012

The fabrication of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS)/organophilic clay nanocomposite was conducted via melt intercalation process. To obtain sPS nanocomposites with exfoliated clay, the stepwise mixing process using RPS as amorphous styrenic polymer was adopted. Also, organophilic clay modified by cetyl pyridium chloride was used to overcome the thermal instability of commonly used clay and to enhance the compatibility of clay with sPS. We could obtain exfoliated sPS nanocomposites in all compositions without any collapsed clay layers. The microstructures of nanocomposites were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The crystallization rate of nanocomposites investigated by differential scanning calorimetry increases with the content of clay, which may be due to the nucleating effect of the clay layer. Nanocomposites exhibited enhanced stiffness relative to the neat polymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Comparison of polyanilines doped by lignosulfonates with three different ions
Authors: Dong Jin‐Qiao , Shen Qing
Published: February 2012

Polyaniline (PANI) doped by three lignosulfonates (LGSs) with ions of sodium, calcium, and magnesium, respectively, was fabricated and compared. Results showed that the conductivity, solubility, and thermal stability of all these three LGSs‐doped PANIs were enhanced, especially the LGS‐Ca‐doped PANI, when compared with the pure PANI. XRD, UV, and FTIR spectra indicated that the PANI doped by LGS‐Ca facilitated electron delocalization, which enhances crystallization of PANI/LGS‐Ca with respect to the other two LGSs‐doped PANIs. The PANI/LGS‐Ca has the best thermal behavior with respect to the other two LGSs‐doped PANIs due probably to the hydrogen bonding between LGS‐Ca and PANI stable than that between the other two LGSs and PANI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Unusual Photoreaction of Triquinacene within Self‐Assembled Hosts
Authors: Murase Takashi , Nishijima Yuki , Fujita Makoto
Published: February 2012

Triquinacene is a concave tricyclic hydrocarbon with diverse photoreactivity. In the cavity of an electron‐accepting molecular host, triquinacene was specifically photooxidized at the peripheral allylic position into an alcohol, 1‐hydroxytriquinacene, via guest‐to‐host electron transfer. The unusual reactivity stems from the extremely electron‐deficient triazine panel ligand of the host cage, which allows the cage to function as a good electron acceptor. Thus, self‐assembled coordination cages can serve not only as molecular‐sized reaction vessels but also function electronically as redox media. Dissolved molecular oxygen is indispensable for the photoreaction and immediately traps a photogenerated radical.
Reproductive and Neurobehavioral Effects of Clothianidin Administered to Mice in the Diet
Authors: Tanaka Toyohito
Published: February 2012

Clothianidin was given in the diet to provide levels of 0% (control), 0.003%, 0.006%, and 0.012% from 5 weeks of age of the F0 generation to 11 weeks of age of the F1 generation in mice. Selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured. In exploratory behavior in the F0 generation, average time of movement, number of rearing, and rearing time of adult males increased significantly in a dose‐related manner. There was no adverse effect of clothianidin on litter size, litter weight, or sex ratio at birth. The average body weight of male and female offspring was increased significantly in a dose‐related manner during the early lactation period. With respect to behavioral developmental parameters, swimming head angle at postnatal day (PND) 7 of male offspring was accelerated significantly in a dose‐related manner. Negative geotaxis at PND 7 of female offspring was accelerated significantly in a dose‐related manner. For movement activity of exploratory behavior in the F1 generation, number of rearing of female offspring increased significantly in a dose‐related manner. Movement time of adult males increased significantly in a dose‐related manner. The dose levels of clothianidin in the present study produced several adverse effects in neurobehavioral parameters in mice. Nevertheless, it would appear that the levels of the actual dietary intake of clothianidin are unlikely to produce adverse effects in humans.
Coenzyme Q10 concentration in plasma and blood cells of juvenile patients hospitalized for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Niklowitz Petra , Brosche‐Bockholt Birgit , Dieffenbach Ina , Dieffenbach Rainer , Andler Werner , Paulussen Michael , Menke Thomas
Published: February 2012

The antioxidant status of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was investigated in plasma, erythrocytes, and platelets of juvenile patients with anorexia nervosa. Blood for analysis of the CoQ10 status was taken from 16 juvenile patients suffering from anorexia nervosa (restricting form) at the time point of admission to the hospital and at discharge after about 12 weeks. Plasma and blood cells isolated by a density gradient were stored at −84 °C until analysis. CoQ10 concentration and redox status were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection and internal standardization. The improvement of physical health during the hospital refeeding process was followed up by the body mass index (BMI). The antioxidant status of plasma CoQ10 in juvenile patients suffering from anorexia nervosa indicated no abnormalities in comparison to healthy controls. However, the decreased concentration of CoQ10 observed in platelets at the time point of hospital admission may represent mitochondrial CoQ10 depletion. This initial deficit improved during the hospital refeeding process. The platelet CoQ10 concentration showed a positive correlation to the BMI of the patients.