bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon fluxes of surfaces vs. ecosystems: advantages of measuring eddy covariance and soil respiration simultaneously in dry grassland ecosystems
Authors: Nagy Z. , Pintér K. , Pavelka M. , Darenová E. , Balogh J.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. An automated open system for measurement of soil CO2 efflux (Rsc) was developed and calibrated against known fluxes. The system was tested in the field, while estimating soil respiration simultaneously by the gradient method (Rsg) at a dry, sandy grassland site (Bugac, Hungary). Ecosystem respiration (Rego) was measured using the eddy covariance technique. The small chamber size (5 cm in diameter) made it possible to use the chambers in vegetation gaps, thereby avoiding the necessity of removing shoots and disturbing the spatial structure of vegetation and the upper soil layer. Low air flow rates associated with small chamber volume and chamber design allowed the overpressure range to stabilize between 0.05–0.12 Pa. The correlation between ecosystem and soil CO2 efflux rates as measured by the independent methods was significant, Reco rates were similar or even lower than Rsc in the low flux (up to 2 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) range but the differences were within the uncertainty limits for the two fluxes. Rsc from trenched and non-trenched plots amounted to 16 % and 44 % of Reco, respectively. The gradient method showed both up and downward CO2 fluxes originating from the main rooting zone after rains. Diffusive retardation played a smaller role than CO2 production considering the soil air CO2 concentration increase after rains in a given layer. Downward fluxes within the soil profile amounted to 15 % of the simultaneous upward fluxes and to ~7.6 % of the total (upward) effluxes during the 3-month study. The upper 5 cm soil layer contributed to ~50 % of the total soil CO2 efflux. Downward fluxes are expected to seriously affect (1) the Reco vs. temperature response functions and (2) the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) vs. photon flux density response functions, therefore potentially affecting the gap filling procedures and to lead to a situation (3) when the measured surface and the real time ecosystem fluxes will necessarily differ in the short term. Simultaneous measurements of Reco and soil CO2 effluxes may reveal the timing and magnitude of the decoupling, thereby contributing to decreasing uncertainty associated with eddy flux measurements over flat terrains. While the correlations between CO2 effluxes measured by independent systems are strong, Rsg was generally larger than Rsc or Reco, mainly due to overestimation of effective diffusivity in the soil.
Effect of fouling on removal of trace organic compounds by nanofiltration
Authors: Hajibabania S. , Verliefde A. , Drewes J. E. , Nghiem L. D. , McDonald J. , Khan S. , Le-Clech P.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. The fate of chemical of concern is not yet fully understood during treatment of impaired waters. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of different organic-based fouling layers on the removal of a large range of trace organics. Both model and real water samples (mixed with trace organic contaminants at environmental concentration of 2 μg l−1) were used to simulate fouling in NF under controlled environment. The new and fouled membranes were systematically characterised for surface charge, hydrophobicity and roughness. It was observed that fouling generally reduced the membrane surface charge; however, the alterations of the membrane hydrophobicity and surface roughness were dependent on the foulants composition. The rejection of charged trace organics was observed to be improved due to the increased electrostatic repulsion by fouled membranes and the adsorption of the trace organic chemicals onto organic matters. On the other hand, the removal of nonionic compounds decreased when fouling occurred, due to the presence of cake enhanced concentration polarization. The fouling layer structure was found to play an important role in the rejection of the trace organic compounds.
On the use of AMSU-based products for the description of soil water content at basin scale
Authors: Manfreda S. , Lacava T. , Onorati B. , Pergola N. , Di Leo M. , Margiotta M. R. , Tramutoli V.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Characterizing the dynamics of soil moisture fields is a key issue in hydrology, offering a strategy to improve our understanding of complex climate-soil-vegetation interactions. Besides in-situ measurements and hydrological models, soil moisture dynamics can be inferred by analyzing data acquired by sensors on board of airborne and/or satellite platforms. In this work, we investigated the use of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (NOAA-AMSU-A) radiometer for the remote characterization of soil water content. To this aim, a field measurement campaign, lasted about three months (3 March 2010–18 May 2010), was carried out using a portable time-domain reflectometer (TDR) to get soil water content measures over five different locations within an experimental basin of 32.5 km2, located in the South of Italy. In detail, soil moisture measurements were carried out systematically at the times of satellite overpasses, over two square areas of 400 m2, a triangular area of 200 m2 and two transects of 60 and 170 m, respectively. Each monitored site is characterized by different land covers and soil textures, to account for spatial heterogeneity of land surface. Afterwards, a more extensive comparison (i.e. analyzing a 5 yr data time series) was made using soil moisture simulated by a hydrological model. Measured and modeled soil moisture data were compared with two AMSU-based indices: the Surface Wetness Index (SWI) and the Soil Wetness Variation Index (SWVI). Both time series of indices have been filtered by means of an exponential filter to account for the fact that microwave sensors only provide information at the skin surface. This allowed to understand the ability of each satellite-based index to account for soil moisture dynamics and to understand its performances under different conditions. As a general remark, the comparison shows a higher ability of the filtered SWI to describe the general trend of soil moisture, while the SWVI can capture soil moisture variations with a precision that increases at the higher values of SWVI.
Warming of waters in an East Greenland fjord prior to glacier retreat: mechanisms and connection to large-scale atmospheric conditions
Authors: Christoffersen P. , Mugford R. I. , Heywood K. J. , Joughin I. , Dowdeswell J. A. , Syvitski J. P. M. , Luckman A. , Benham T. J.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Hydrographic data acquired in Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord and adjacent seas in 1993 and 2004 are used together with reanalysis from the NEMO ocean modelling framework to elucidate water-mass change and ice-ocean-atmosphere interactions in East Greenland. The hydrographic data show that the fjord contains warm subtropical waters and that fjord waters in 2004 were considerably warmer than in 1993. The ocean reanalysis shows that the warm properties of fjord waters in 2004 are related to a major peak in oceanic shoreward heat flux into a cross-shelf trough on the outer continental shelf. The heat flux into this trough varies according to seasonal exchanges with the atmosphere as well as from deep seasonal intrusions of subtropical waters. Both mechanisms contribute to high (low) shoreward heat flux when winds from the northeast are weak (strong). The combined effect of surface heating and inflow of subtropical waters is seen in the hydrographic data, which were collected after periods when along-shore coastal winds from the north were strong (1993) and weak (2004). The latter data were furthermore acquired during the early phase of a prolonged retreat of Kangerdlugssuaq Glacier. We show that coastal winds vary according to the pressure gradient defined by a semi-permanent atmospheric high-pressure system over Greenland and a persistent atmospheric low situated near Iceland. The magnitude of this pressure gradient is controlled by longitudinal variability in the position of the Icelandic Low.
Effects of Pre- and Post-Katrina Nonviolent and Violent Experiences on Male Veterans' Psychological Functioning
Authors: Tharp Andra Teten , Vasterling Jennifer J. , Sullivan Greer , Han Xiaotong , Davis Teri , Deitch Elizabeth A. , Constans Joseph
Published: September 2011

Background: Identifying individuals at risk for mental health problems after a disaster often involves assessing potentially traumatic exposures inherent to the disaster. Survivors of disasters also may have been exposed, both before and during the event, to trauma not directly related to the disaster. A substantial literature suggests exposure to interpersonal violence may have more severe negative outcomes than exposure to non-violent events; however, it is unclear whether violent vs nonviolent exposures before and during a disaster have differential effects on postdisaster psychological functioning.

Methods: We examined the associations of violent and nonviolent exposures before and during Hurricane Katrina with postdisaster psychological functioning in a sample of male military veterans.

Results: Violent and nonviolent exposures post-Hurricane Katrina as well as pre-Katrina violent exposures were significantly associated with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, panic, and generalized anxiety disorder more than 2 years after the storm. Moreover, veterans who reported violent exposures pre-Katrina were more than 4 times more likely to have reexperienced interpersonal violence during Katrina than those who did not report such exposures.

Conclusions: Results suggest assessing disaster-specific experiences in addition to predisaster interpersonal violence may be important for identifying and triaging individuals at risk for postdisaster mental health problems.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:S227-S234)
Building Evidence for Legal Decision Making in Real Time: Legal Triage in Public Health Emergencies
Authors: Hodge James G. , Lant Timothy , Arias Jalayne , Jehn Megan
Published: September 2011

Similar to the triaging of patients by health care workers, legal and public health professionals must prioritize and respond to issues of law and ethics in declared public health emergencies. As revealed by the 2009-2010 H1N1 influenza outbreak and other events, there are considerable inconsistencies among professionals regarding how to best approach these issues during a public health emergency. Our project explores these inconsistencies by attempting to assess how practitioners make legal and ethical decisions in real-time emergencies to further critical public health objectives. Using a fictitious scenario and interactive visualization environment, we observed real-time decision-making processes among knowledgeable participants. Although participants' decisions and perspectives varied, the exercise demonstrated an increase in the perception of the relevance of legal preparedness in multiple aspects of the decision-making process and some key lessons learned for consideration in future repetitions of the exercise and actual, real-time emergency events.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:S242-S251)
Changes in vascular function and structure in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Vlahos Antonios P. , Theocharis Paraskevi , Bechlioulis Aris , Naka Katerina K. , Vakalis Konstantinos , Papamichael Nikolaos D. , Alfantaki Sapfo , Gartzonika Konstantina , Mavridis Anestis , Michalis Lampros K. , Siamopoulou Antigoni
Published: September 2011

Objective

Chronic inflammatory diseases in adults have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and impaired vascular function. We aimed to assess the presence of early vascular dysfunction in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and investigate the role of inherent inflammatory process of JIA in vascular health.

Methods

Thirty patients with JIA (age range 7–18 years) were compared to 33 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Endothelial function (brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation [FMD]), carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), and arterial stiffness were examined. Endothelial inflammation was assessed by intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and P‐selectin measurements.

Results

Patients with JIA showed decreased FMD compared to controls (P = 0.001), independent of age (P = 0.9 among age subgroups). Baseline differences in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ICAM‐1, and glucose between the 2 groups accounted for the difference in FMD. The presence of systemic JIA was associated with greater IMT compared to patients with oligoarticular disease, polyarticular disease, or controls (P = 0.014, P = 0.069, and P = 0.046, respectively). The difference in IMT between systemic versus oligoarticular/polyarticular JIA was attributed to the following risk factors: age, body mass index, blood pressure, disease activity, and corticosteroids use. There were no differences in arterial stiffness indices between JIA patients and controls or between patients with systemic versus nonsystemic disease.

Conclusion

Endothelial function is impaired in patients with JIA at a very young age, while IMT is increased only in the presence of systemic JIA. Vascular dysfunction may be partly attributed to the effects of disease‐related characteristics (inflammation, disease activity, and medications).
Identifying common trajectories of joint space narrowing over two years in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Bartlett Susan J. , Ling Shari M. , Mayo Nancy E. , Scott Susan C. , Bingham Clifton O.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Little is known about the natural history of knee osteoarthritis (OA). We sought to identify common patterns of joint space narrowing (JSN) in well‐characterized knee OA patients in the placebo arm of a 2‐year international study.

Methods

We performed secondary data analyses of 622 adults ages 39–80 years in North America (n = 310) and Europe (n = 312) with symptomatic knee OA. Fluoroscopically positioned semiflexed anteroposterior radiographs were obtained at 0, 12, and 24 months. Group‐based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinctive groups of individuals with similar trajectories of JSN, taking into account sex, age, and body mass index.

Results

Seven groups were identified. Four exhibited joint space width (JSW) stability over 2 years representing the most common trajectory (71%), which was unrelated to initial JSW. Atypical courses included slow, rapid, and moderate progressors; most had significant JSN at study entry. Slow progressors (20%) had a mean JSN of 0.2 mm over 2 years. Only 2% of the sample demonstrated rapid JSN (2.1 mm), while 7% had JSN of 0.7 mm. Rapid progressors tended to be men, while slow and moderate progressors were older and heavier.

Conclusion

Most (70%) people with OA demonstrated no significant JSN over 2 years; 20% showed slow progression, 7% had moderate, and 2% had rapid JSN. Progressors tended to have less JSW at study entry and were older and heavier; rapid progressors were more likely to be men. Understanding common patterns of the course of knee OA may offer new opportunities to target those at greatest risk of disability.
Development and validation of a short form of the valued life activities disability questionnaire for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Katz Patricia P. , Radvanski Diane C. , Allen Diane , Buyske Steven , Schiff Samuel , Nadkarni Anagha , Rosenblatt Lisa , Maclean Ross , Hassett Afton L.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To develop and validate a shortened version of the Valued Life Activities disability and accommodations scale (VLA) for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

To shorten the existing VLA measure, item response theory analyses were conducted using data from 449 patients with RA. Next, the resulting 14‐item shortened version of the VLA scale (S‐VLA) was evaluated by structured interviews among 20 RA patients. Lastly, the S‐VLA was administered to 150 RA patients along with other measures, including the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Short Form 36 (SF‐36). A random sample of 50 patients completed the S‐VLA 2 weeks later to assess reliability. Item statistics were calculated to evaluate correlations between individual items and the S‐VLA total score. Correlations between the S‐VLA and other measures were used to evaluate validity.

Results

Test–retest reliability was 0.91, while Cronbach's alpha for the S‐VLA was 0.95. None of the 14 items was associated with improved alpha coefficients when omitted. All of the items were strongly correlated with the S‐VLA total score. S‐VLA scores were highly positively correlated with the HAQ (r = 0.81, P ≤ 0.001), patient‐reported disease activity (r = 0.71, P ≤ 0.001), satisfaction with abilities (r = 0.82, P ≤ 0.001), and number of days with activity limitations (r = 0.65, P ≤ 0.001). In addition, as hypothesized, the S‐VLA was inversely correlated with the SF‐36 physical component summary score (r = −0.78, P ≤ 0.001) and the physical functioning (r = −0.80, P ≤ 0.001), role physical (r = −0.67, P ≤ 0.001), and social functioning (r = −0.72, P ≤ 0.001) subscales.

Conclusion

The S‐VLA is a short, valid, and reliable instrument that may prove useful for monitoring disability among individuals with RA.
Recovery expectations of hip resurfacing compared to total hip arthroplasty: A matched pairs study
Authors: Ghomrawi Hassan M. K. , Dolan Mark M. , Rutledge John , Alexiades Michael M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Expectations of higher activity levels associated with hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) may be driving better outcomes in this group compared to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Previous studies evaluated patient expectations before consulting with the surgeon, although these expectations were likely unrealistic and would change after the consultation. We compared HRA and THA patient expectations after consultation with the surgeon.

Methods

In a prospective registry setting, patients awaiting HRA were matched to THA patients by age, sex, and a preoperative Lower Extremity Activity Scale score (range 1–18, with 18 indicating levels of highest activity). Patients completed preoperatively a validated 18‐item expectations survey. Mean overall expectation scores were first compared. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was then performed to determine if the grouping of individual expectations items represented meaningfully different underlying factors in the 2 groups.

Results

We matched 123 pairs. The mean ± SD expectation scores were similar (85.2 ± 15.5 for HRA and 87.3 ± 13.9 for THA; P = 0.249). The EFA showed that HRA and THA patients shared the common expectations of pain relief and improvement in daily activities (9 items) and eliminating pain medications, the need for a cane, and improving sexual activity (3 items). THA patients perceived the remaining 6 items as an overall third expectation of participation in higher‐level activities. However, HRA patients perceived a fourth expectation of normal range of motion (2 items) independent of the other higher‐level activities (4 items).

Conclusion

Even after consulting with a surgeon, patients' expectations differed between HRA and THA patients regarding higher‐level activities. More counseling for patients seeking hip arthroplasty is therefore needed.
Longitudinal changes in intermuscular fat volume and quadriceps muscle volume in the thighs of women with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Beattie Karen A. , MacIntyre Norma J. , Ramadan Khaled , Inglis Dean , Maly Monica R.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To quantify rates of change in quadriceps muscle (QM) and intermuscular fat (IMF) volumes over 2 years in women in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study and examine group differences between those with radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA) and those without ROA.

Methods

The OAI database was queried for women ≥50 years of age in the incident and progression cohorts with and without ROA at baseline. Midthigh magnetic resonance imaging scans (15 contiguous slices, 5 mm slice thickness) of eligible women were randomly selected and anonymized. Image pairs were registered. QM and IMF were segmented in the 12 most proximal matching slices with the segmenter blinded to image time point. Age‐adjusted differences in QM and IMF volume changes between groups were tested using analysis of covariance.

Results

Forty‐one women without ROA (mean ± SD age 60.7 ± 7.6 years) and 45 women with ROA (mean ± SD age 64.5 ± 6.7 years) were included. Mean ± SD QM and IMF volume changes in the non‐ROA group were −4.1 ± 11.1 cm3 and 3.4 ± 7.1 cm3, respectively, and −5.4 ± 13.5 cm3 and 3.1 ± 7.4 cm3 in the ROA group, respectively. Age‐adjusted between‐group differences in QM and IMF changes were not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Two‐year changes in QM and IMF volumes appear consistent with aging and do not seem to be related to OA status. Direct comparison with a control cohort without OA risk factors could confirm this. Since group assignment was based on baseline data, there may have been women in the non‐ROA group who developed ROA over followup, resulting in some overlap between groups.
Generation of Amphiphilic Janus Bubbles and Their Behavior at an Air–Water Interface
Authors: Brugarolas Teresa , Park Bum Jun , Lee Myung Han , Lee Daeyeon
Published: September 2011

This paper presents the generation of amphiphilic Janus bubbles and their behavior at an air–water interface. Janus bubbles are generated by selectively depositing gold onto one side of dried nanoparticle‐shelled bubbles. To generate nanoparticle‐shelled bubbles that can withstand drying without significant changes in their structure, it is critical to control the ratio of bubble radius to shell thickness using a microfluidic technique. It is observed that the behavior of Janus bubbles at an air–water interface is very different from that of unmodified nanoparticle‐shelled bubbles. Interfacial assembly of amphiphilic Janus bubbles shows that they interact with one another via long‐ranged attractions. The origin of this long‐ranged attraction is quadrupolar capillary interactions due to the undulation of the three‐phase contact line around the Janus boundary. The interparticle forces between interface‐trapped Janus bubbles are determined using a particle tracking method. The shape of the deformed air–water interface around Janus bubbles is directly observed as well as the orientation of Janus bubbles using a gel‐trapping technique. These observations verify that the air–water interface is pinned around the boundary between the two hemispheres and that the chemical heterogeneity of this boundary leads to irregular contact line around Janus bubbles.
A Mesoporous, Silica‐Immobilized‐Nanoparticle Colorimetric Chemosensor for the Detection of Nerve Agents
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Lee Ji Ha , Lee Hyejin , Lee Jae Hong , Lee Joung Hae , Jung Jong Hwa , Kim Jong Seung
Published: September 2011

A new and an easy‐to‐make colorimetric azo‐pyridine, 1, and its recyclable mesoporous silica‐immobilized nanoparticles for nerve‐agent detection are synthesized. The binding site, comprising an azo‐pyridine moiety, is capable of selectively sensing diethylchlorophosphate (DCP), one of the nerve‐agent mimics of chemical‐warfare agents, over a series of other phosphate compounds. Compound 1 shows ratiometric changes in absorption spectroscopy to the extent of a 60 nm red‐shift upon the addition of DCP, mainly due to a change in the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) in 1. The color change of receptor 1 from yellow to red in the concentration region ≈1.0 × 10−6 M is sufficient for the selective detection of the DCP nerve‐agent mimic by the naked eye. With regards to solid‐phase application, mesoporous silica nanoparticles using 1 (MSIAP) are also prepared using a sol‐gel grafting reaction. The color of the MSIAP also changes from red to yellow when dipped into an aqueous DCP solution, and turns back to red when treated with NaOH solution, with nontoxic diethylphosphoric acid being given off. The absorption changes of MSIAP in the presence of DCP are consistent within the 3–9 pH range.
The Impact of Generalized Trust and Trust in the Food System on Choices of a Functional GM Food
Authors: Ding Yulian , Veeman Michele M. , Adamowicz Wiktor L.
Published: September 2011

We investigate the impact of trust on stated purchases for a food with health‐related attributes (omega‐3 content) that may be associated with fortification or genetically modified (GM) ingredients based on data from a Canada‐wide survey. Assessing the predictive power of various trust measures on consumers' food choices using latent class models indicates that respondents who are generally trusting and also trust the food system are less averse to GM food. The finding that generalized trust (measured by trust in strangers and past trusting behavior) also affects consumers' choices of GM food, suggests that some concerns about GM‐derived food are related to an individual's worldview and may be beyond the control of the food system.
The length‐times‐width proxy for leaf area of eelgrass:criteria for evaluating the representativeness of leaf‐width measurements
Authors: Echavarria‐Heras Hector , Solana‐Arellano Elena , Leal‐Ramirez Cecilia , Franco‐Vizcaíno Ernesto
Published: September 2011

Conservation and remediation projects for Zostera marina populations require easy and economical methods for non‐destructive approximations of leaf area. Allometric models provide a reliable approach for estimating biomass in terms of leaf area, and the length‐times‐width proxy for leaf area is widely used.

Although leaf length of Z. marina can be unambiguously determined as the span from the ligula to the tip, different methods have been reported for obtaining representative measurements of leaf width.

Using allometric models and eelgrass leaf‐growth properties we derived criteria based on regression equations, for the assessment of the representativeness of leaf width as a determinant of leaf area. In comparison with other estimations reported in the literature, width measurements taken at the midpoint of the leaf produced the most consistent proxy values for leaf area of eelgrass.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bis(5,7‐dimethyl‐8‐hydroxyquinolinato)platinum(II) Complex for Efficient Organic Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Low Kam‐Hung , Xu Zong‐Xiang , Xiang Hai‐Feng , Chui Stephen Sin‐Yin , Roy V. A. L. , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: September 2011

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells using metal(II) (Pt, Pd, Cu, and Ni) chelates of 8‐hydroxyquinoline (Hq) or 5,7‐dimethyl‐8‐hydroxy‐quinoline (HMe2q) as an electron donor were fabricated by vacuum deposition. The bis(5,7‐dimethyl‐8‐hydroxyquinolinato)platinum(II) [Pt(Me2q)2]‐based OPVs showed the best performance with an open voltage (VOC) of 0.42 V, a short circuit current density (JSC) of 14.8 mA cm−2, and a maximum power conversion efficiency (ηP) of 2.4 %. The X‐ray single‐crystal structures together with the grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD) data of thin film samples reveal that the peripheral methyl substituent(s) and platinum(II) ion are essential for the high degree of film crystallinity resulting in improved performance of the as‐fabricated field‐effect transistors (FETs) and OPV cells.
Better fear conditioning is associated with reduced symptom severity in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: South Mikle , Larson Michael J. , White Sarah E. , Dana Julianne , Crowley Michael J.
Published: September 2011

Evidence from behavioral and neuroimaging studies suggest that atypical amygdala function plays a critical role in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The handful of psychophysiological studies examining amygdala function in ASD using classical fear conditioning paradigms have yielded discordant results. We recorded skin conductance response (SCR) during a simple discrimination conditioning task in 30 children and adolescents (ages 8–18) diagnosed with high‐functioning ASD and 30 age‐ and IQ‐matched, typically developing controls. SCR response in the ASD group was uniquely and positively associated with social anxiety; and negatively correlated with autism symptom severity, in particular with social functioning. Fear conditioning studies have tremendous potential to aid understanding regarding the amygdale's role in the varied symptom profile of ASD. Our data demonstrate that such studies require careful attention to task‐specific factors, including task complexity; and also to contributions of dimensional, within‐group factors that contribute to ASD heterogeneity. Autism Res 2011,4:412–421. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sociodemographic risk factors associated with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability
Authors: Pinborough‐Zimmerman Judith , Bilder Deborah , Bakian Amanda , Satterfield Robert , Carbone Paul S. , Nangle Barry E. , Randall Harper , McMahon William M.
Published: September 2011

This study examined the hypotheses that (1) sociodemographic risk factors in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and/or intellectual disability (ID) significantly vary by disability type, and (2) measures of income (mean adjusted gross income, mean federal taxes paid, and mean tax exemptions) significantly increase between 1994 and 2002, and are lower in families with a child with ASD and/or ID compared with the general population. A multiple source surveillance system utilizing a retrospective record review was used to identify ASD and ID cases from a population of 26,108 eight‐year‐old children born in 1994 and living in Utah in 2002. ASD without ID (ASD‐only, n = 99) cases were significantly more likely to be male (P<0.01) and have mothers of White non‐Hispanic ethnicity (P = 0.02). ASD with ID (ASD/ID, n = 33) cases were significantly more likely to be male (P<0.01) and have mothers older than 34 years (P = 0.03). ID without ASD (ID‐only, n = 113) cases were significantly more likely to have fathers older than 34 years (P<0.01) and were significantly less likely to have mothers with >13 years education (P<0.01). Measures of income for cases at birth and at 8 years of age were not significantly lower than the general population and mean adjusted income of cases significantly increased from birth to 8 years of age. Investigations focused on defining early sociodemographic risk factors by different endophenotypes of ASD may assist in identifying risk factors for this complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders. Aggregate tax information may be a unique resource to utilize for population‐based analysis. Autism Res 2011,4:438–448. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence for broader autism phenotype characteristics in parents from multiple‐incidence autism families
Authors: Bernier Raphael , Gerdts Jennifer , Munson Jeff , Dawson Geraldine , Estes Annette
Published: September 2011

The broader autism phenotype (BAP) was assessed in parents who have two or more children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (multiplex (MPX) autism), parents who have no more than one child with ASD (simplex autism), parents who have a child with developmental delay without ASD, and parents who have typically developing children. Clinicians, naive to parent group membership status, rated BAP characteristics from videotaped administration of the Broader Autism Phenotype Symptom Scale (BPASS). Differences among groups in BPASS scores in the four assessed domains (social motivation, conversational skills, expressiveness, and restricted interests) were examined using multivariate ANOVA and post hoc comparisons. Further, ratings of videotapes by observers naïve to family status were compared with live, non‐naive ratings by observers who were aware of family status (non‐naïve). Findings demonstrate that the BPASS is an instrument resistant to rater bias. Parents from MPX autism families showed significantly more autism phenotype characteristics than the parents in the other groups. Moreover, the parents from simplex autism families did not differ from the parents of children with developmental delay or typical development. Finally, no differences between live, non‐naive ratings and videotaped, naive ratings were observed. These findings suggest that characteristics of the BAP, specifically in the social and communication domains, are present in MPX autism parents to a greater degree than simplex autism and control parents. Further, the results provide support for the notion that genetic transmission mechanisms may differ between families with more than one child with autism and families with only one child with autism. Autism Res 2012,5:13–20. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Soy protein recovery in a solvent‐free process using continuous liquid–solid circulating fluidized bed ion exchanger
Authors: Prince Andrew , Bassi Amarjeet S. , Haas Christine , Zhu Jesse X. , Dawe Jennifer
Published: September 2011

Soy protein concentrates and soy protein isolates act as ingredients in bakery, meat and dairy products, baby formulas, starting materials for spun textured vegetable products, and other nutritional supplements. In this study, the effectiveness of a liquid–solid circulating fluidized bed (LSCFB) ion exchanger is demonstrated for the recovery of soluble soy proteins from full fat and defatted soy flour. Under steady‐state operating conditions, about 50% of the proteins could be recovered from the feed streams entering the ion exchanger. The LSCFB was shown to be a promising system for the recovery of soy protein from both defatted and full fat soy flour solutions. As the ion exchange process captures dissolved proteins, the system may offer a less damaging form of processing compared with the acid precipitation process where soy protein aggregates form and functionality is affected. In addition, the LSCFB allows simultaneous adsorption and desorption of the proteins allowing for a continuous operation. No prefiltration of feed containing suspended particles is required as well, because fluidization is used in place of packed bed technology to improve on current ion exchange processes. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Left or Right? The Direction of Compression‐Generated Vortex‐Like Flow Selects the Macroscopic Chirality of Interfacial Molecular Assemblies
Authors: Chen Penglei , Ma Xiaoguang , Hu Kaiming , Rong Yunlong , Liu Minghua
Published: September 2011

A new method is described through which the macroscopic chirality of interfacial molecular assemblies of an achiral porphyrin can be mechanically controlled using an original yet efficient Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique. By using the unilateral compression geometry, we find that the assemblies deposited from the mirror regions of the LB trough display mirror macroscopic chirality. It is indicated that vortex‐like flows could be generated during compression, and that it is the direction of this compression‐generated vortex‐like flow that determine the macroscopic chirality of the formed assemblies. Moreover, the standard sample‐fabrication method with bilateral compression geometry is reformed, and we find that the samples formulated around the left‐hand‐ and right‐hand‐side Langmuir barriers display opposite macroscopic chiralities. The results suggest that mechanically controlled supramolecular chirogenesis could be efficiently realized through such an LB technique. The investigation establishes a new forum for further investigation of the mechanically induced preferred supramolecular chirality in terms of interfacial organization, and provides the old LB technique with new opportunities for controlling the macroscopic chirality of a supramolecular system that is wholly composed of achiral units.
Silica‐supported Perchloric Acid Catalyzed One‐pot Synthesis of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines
Authors: Ramesh Dasari , Rajaram Singanaboina , Narasimhulu Manchala , Reddy Thummalpally Srikanth , Mahesh Kondempudi Chinni , Manasa Gajji , Venkateswarlu Yenamandra
Published: September 2011

An environmentally friendly and highly efficient procedure for the preparation of 1,4‐dihydropyridines by the reaction between α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, aromatic amines and β‐keto esters in the presence of silica supported perchloric acid is described.
Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Trifluoromethyldihydropyrans Using a Chiral Trifluoroethyl‐substituted Thiourea Catalyst Derived from Amino Acid
Authors: Li Peng , Zhao Gang , Zhu Shizheng
Published: September 2011

An enantioselective Michael addition of ethyl 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐3‐oxobutanoate to α,β‐unsaturated ketone esters using a chiral alkyl‐substituted thiourea catalyst is reported. Excellent levels of stereo‐induction (up to 98% ee) under mild reaction conditions were obtained to afford the corresponding α‐trifluoromethyldihydropyrans.
ALD and MOCVD of Ga2O3 Thin Films Using the New Ga Precursor Dimethylgallium Isopropoxide, Me2GaOiPr
Authors: Lee Heeju , Kim Kunhee , Woo Jeong‐Jun , Jun Doo‐Jin , Park Youngsoo , Kim Yunsoo , Lee Hong Won , Cho Yong Jai , Cho Hyun Mo
Published: September 2011

Thin films of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) are prepared by using a new gallium precursor, dimethylgallium isopropoxide (DMGIP), employing both atomic layer deposition (ALD) and metal‐organic (MO)CVD. The gallium precursor DMGIP, a gallium analogue of dimethylaluminum isopropoxide (DMAIP) that has been successfully used for MOCVD and ALD of aluminum oxide, is likewise a non‐pyrophoric liquid at room temperature with a reasonably high vapor pressure. Using water as the oxygen source, DMGIP shows an ALD temperature window in the range 280–300 °C with a growth rate of ∼0.3 Å per cycle. On the other hand, using oxygen as the reactant gas in the MOCVD of Ga2O3, films are grown in the temperature range 450–625°C with the apparent activation energy of 225.5 kJ mol−1. This study shows that DMGIP can be utilized as a new source for the preparation of Ga2O3 thin films.
A comparative study on low‐order, amplitude‐equation and perturbation approaches in thermal convection
Authors: Albaalbaki Bashar , Khayat Roger E.
Published: September 2011

A comparison among three weakly nonlinear approaches for thermo‐gravitational instability in a Newtonian fluid layer heated from below is presented. First, the dynamical systems describing the time evolution of the problem from different weakly nonlinear approaches, namely, the Lorenz model, the amplitude equations and the perturbation expansion approaches are obtained. Next, the steady states and their stability, as well as the transient behaviour are obtained from each dynamical system. The similarity and difference among the three models are emphasized. The role of each of the nondimensional groups, the Rayleigh number and the Prandtl number is compared for the three models. The different approaches lead to similar behaviours when the Rayleigh number is just above its critical value and Prandtl number is high. However, only the dynamical system obtained from the amplitude equations is able to reflect the role of the Prandtl number. On the other hand, the amplitude equations and perturbation expansion techniques are not suitable for predicting the uniform oscillatory behaviour observed frequently in Rayleigh–Bénard convection. The novelty of the current work lies in studying the critical differences in the findings of the three popular approaches to investigate weakly nonlinear thermal convection for the first time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct numerical simulation of decaying two‐dimensional turbulence in a no‐slip square box using smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Robinson Martin , Monaghan Joseph J.
Published: September 2011

This paper explores the application of SPH to a DNS of decaying turbulence in a two‐dimensional no‐slip wall‐bounded domain. In this bounded domain, the inverse energy cascade, and a net torque exerted by the boundary, results in a spontaneous spin‐up of the fluid, leading to a typical end state of a large monopole vortex that fills the domain. The SPH simulations were compared against published results using a high‐accuracy pseudo‐spectral code. Ensemble averages of the kinetic energy, enstrophy and average vortex wavenumber compared well against the pseudo‐spectral results, as did the evolution of the total angular momentum of the fluid. However, although the pseudo‐spectral results emphasised the importance of the no‐slip boundaries as generators of long‐lived coherent vortices in the flow, no such generation was seen in the SPH results. Vorticity filaments produced at the boundary were always dissipated by the flow shortly after separating from the boundary layer. The kinetic energy spectrum of the SPH results was calculated using an SPH Fourier transform that operates directly on the disordered particles. The ensemble kinetic energy spectrum showed the expected k−3 scaling over most of the inertial range. However, the spectrum flattened at smaller length scales (initially less than 7.5 particle spacings and growing in size over time), indicating an excess of small‐scale kinetic energy.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical study of breaking waves by a two‐phase flow model
Authors: Xie Zhihua
Published: September 2011

A two‐phase flow model, which solves the flow in the air and water simultaneously, is presented for modelling breaking waves in deep and shallow water, including wave pre‐breaking, overturning and post‐breaking processes. The model is based on the Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations with the k −ε turbulence model. The governing equations are solved by the finite volume method in a Cartesian staggered grid and the partial cell treatment is implemented to deal with complex geometries. The SIMPLE algorithm is utilised for the pressure‐velocity coupling and the air‐water interface is modelled by the interface capturing method via a high resolution volume of fluid scheme. The numerical model is validated by simulating overturning waves on a sloping beach and over a reef, and deep‐water breaking waves in a periodic domain, in which good agreement between numerical results and available experimental measurements for the water surface profiles during wave overturning is obtained. The overturning jet, air entrainment and splash‐up during wave breaking have been captured by the two‐phase flow model, which demonstrates the capability of the model to simulate free surface flow and wave breaking problems.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE EFFECTS OF INSURANCE MANDATES ON CHOICES AND OUTCOMES IN INFERTILITY TREATMENT MARKETS
Authors: Hamilton Barton H. , McManus Brian
Published: September 2011

For the 10% to 15% of American married couples who experience reproductive problems, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the leading technologically advanced treatment procedure. However, IVF's expense may prevent many couples from receiving treatment, and those who are treated may take an overly aggressive approach to reduce the probability of failure. Aggressive treatment, which occurs through an increase in the number of embryos transferred during IVF, can lead to medically dangerous multiple births. We evaluated the principle policy proposal—insurance mandates—for improving IVF access and outcomes. We used data from US markets during 1995–2003 to show that broad insurance mandates for IVF result in not only large increases in treatment access but also significantly less aggressive treatment. More limited insurance mandates, which may apply to a subset of insurers or provide weaker guidelines for insurer behavior, generally have little effect on IVF markets. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE EFFECT OF TAIWAN'S NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE ON MORTALITY OF THE ELDERLY: REVISITED
Authors: Chang Simon
Published: September 2011

A recent paper estimates the effects of Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) on the elderly and concludes that NHI greatly increased the medical care utilization of the elderly but did not reduce their mortality. Using more recent and more accurate mortality data of the same group of elderly, this note re‐estimates the NHI effect on mortality and finds that the mortality hazard of the previously uninsured elderly in the post‐NHI period was on average 24% lower than it would have been in the absence of NHI. However, the NHI effect on the mortality hazard is only evident in the first 6 years following the enactment of NHI, suggesting that it may be difficult to undo the damage caused by the lack of insurance in early life. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upper aerodigestive tract neurofunctional mechanisms: Lifelong evolution and exercise
Authors: Robbins JoAnne
Published: September 2011

The transformation of the upper aerodigestive tract – oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx – serves the functions of eating, speaking, and breathing during sleeping and waking hours. These life‐sustaining functions may be produced by a central neural sensorimotor system that shares certain neuroanatomic networks while maintaining separate neural functional systems and network structures. Current understanding of development, maturation, underlying neural correlates, and integrative factors are discussed in light of currently available imaging modalities and recently emerging interventions. Exercise and an array of additional treatments together seem to provide promising translational pathways for evidence‐based innovation, novel habilitation, and rehabilitation strategies and delay, or even prevent neuromuscular decline cross‐cutting functions and supporting quality of life throughout increasingly enduring lifespans. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Aluminum stress and its role in the phospholipid signaling pathway in plants and possible biotechnological applications
Authors: Poot‐Poot Wilberth , Teresa Hernandez‐Sotomayor Soledad M.
Published: September 2011

An early response of plants to environmental signals or abiotic stress suggests that the phospholipid signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in these mechanisms. The phospholipid signaling cascade is one of the main systems of cellular transduction and is related to other signal transduction mechanisms. These other mechanisms include the generation of second messengers and their interactions with various proteins, such as ion channels. This phospholipid signaling cascade is activated by changes in the environment, such as phosphate starvation, water, metals, saline stres, and plant–pathogen interactions. One important factor that impacts agricultural crops is metal‐induced stress. Because aluminum has been considered to be a major toxic factor for agriculture conducted in acidic soils, many researchers have focused on understanding the mechanisms of aluminum toxicity in plants. We have contributed the last fifteen years in this field by studying the effects of aluminum on phospholipid signaling in coffee, one of the Mexico's primary crops. We have focused our research on aluminum toxicity mechanisms in Coffea arabica suspension cells as a model for developing future contributions to the biotechnological transformation of coffee crops such that they can be made resistant to aluminum toxicity. We conclude that aluminum is able to not only generate a signal cascade in plants but also modulate other signal cascades generated by other types of stress in plants. The aim of this review is to discuss possible involvement of the phospholipid signaling pathway in the aluminum toxicity response of plant cells. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2011