bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating heterogeneous landscape characteristics into watershed scale modelling
Authors: Julich S. , Breuer L. , Frede H.-G.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Two versions of the SWAT-model with different dominating runoff generation processes have been applied. One version comprises the original available SWAT version where only the basic input data are used. In the second version SWAT has been modified, by the integration of an impermeable layer at the subbasin level, in order to better reflect the boundary between soil and bedrock that results in increased lateral flow in low mountain ranges. As well, since conventional German soil maps do not describe soil horizons beyond 2 m depth, we also added a 4 m fixed depth in the lowland areas in order to reflect the deep loess deposits in this region. The decision for the location of the impermeable and the additional loess layer was based on a GIS analysis of additional geologic information. This study revealed that both model versions produced acceptable and comparable results regarding the evaluated goodness of fit measures. The GLUE analysis showed that the SWAT model set up with additional information about the distribution of impervious soil layers and the loess depth in the lowlands produced the highest simulation quality and the lowest uncertainty. Moreover, SWAT II version was able to better represent the spatial extend of the dominating runoff processes best. This leads to the conclusion that the SWAT II version is better suited for scenario analysis than the original model version.
A process-based typology of hydrological drought
Authors: Van Loon A. F. , Van Lanen H. A. J.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Hydrological drought events have very different causes and effects. Classifying these events into distinct types can be useful for both science and management. We propose a hydrological drought typology that is based on governing drought propagation processes derived from catchment-scale drought analysis. In this typology six hydrological drought types are distinguished, i.e. (i) classical rainfall deficit drought, (ii) rain-to-snow-season drought, (iii) wet-to-dry-season drought, (iv) cold snow season drought, (v) warm snow season drought, and (vi) composite drought. The processes underlying these drought types are the result of the interplay of temperature and precipitation at catchment scale in different seasons. As a test case, about 125 groundwater droughts and 210 discharge droughts in five contrasting headwater catchments in Europe have been classified. The most common drought type in all catchments was the classical rainfall deficit drought (almost 50% of all events), but in the selected catchments these were mostly minor events. If only the five most severe drought events of each catchment are considered, a shift towards more rain-to-snow-season droughts, warm snow season droughts, and composite droughts was found. The occurrence of hydrological drought types is determined by climate and catchment characteristics. The drought typology is transferable to other catchments, including outside Europe, because it is generic and based upon processes that occur around the world. A general framework is proposed to identify drought type occurrence in relation to climate and catchment characteristics.
Spatial variability of herbicide mobilisation and transport at catchment scale: insights from a field experiment
Authors: Doppler T. , Camenzuli L. , Hirzel G. , Krauss M. , Lück A. , Stamm C.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. During rain events, herbicides can be transported from their point of application to surface waters, where they may harm aquatic organisms. Since the spatial pattern of mobilisation and transport is heterogeneous, the contributions of different fields to the herbicide load in the stream may vary considerably within one catchment. Therefore, the prediction of contributing areas could help to target mitigation measures efficiently to those locations where they reduce herbicide pollution the most. Such spatial predictions require sufficient insight into the underlying transport processes. To improve the understanding of the process chain of herbicide mobilisation on the field and the subsequent transport through the catchment to the stream, we performed a controlled herbicide application on corn fields in a small agricultural catchment (ca. 1 km2) with intensive crop production in the Swiss Plateau. Water samples were collected at different locations in the catchment (overland flow, tile drains and open channel) for two months after application in 2009, with a high temporal resolution during rain events. We also analysed soil samples from the experimental fields and measured discharge, groundwater level, soil moisture and the occurrence of overland flow at several locations. Several rain events with varying intensities and magnitudes occurred during the study period. Overland flow and erosion were frequently observed in the entire catchment. Infiltration excess and saturation excess overland flow were both observed. However, the main herbicide loss event was dominated by infiltration excess. Despite the frequent and wide-spread occurrence of overland flow, most of this water did not reach the channel directly, but was retained in small depressions in the catchment. From there, it reached the stream via macropores and tile drains. Manholes of the drainage system and storm drains for road and farmyard runoff acted as additional shortcuts to the stream. Although fast flow processes such as overland and macropore flow reduce the influence of the herbicide's chemical properties on transport due to short travel times, sorption properties influenced the herbicide transfer from ponding overland flow to tile drains (macropore flow). However, no influence of sorption was observed during the mobilisation of the herbicides from soil to overland flow. These observations on the role of herbicide properties contradict previous findings to some degree. Furthermore, they demonstrate that valuable insight can be gained by making spatially detailed observations along the flow paths.
Extrapolating glacier mass balance to the mountain-range scale: the European Alps 1900–2100
Authors: Huss M.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. This study addresses the extrapolation of in-situ glacier mass balance measurements to the mountain-range scale and aims at deriving time series of area-averaged mass balance and ice volume change for all glaciers in the European Alps for the period 1900–2100. Long-term mass balance series for 50 Swiss glaciers based on a combination of field data and modelling, and WGMS data for glaciers in Austria, France and Italy are used. A complete glacier inventory is available for the year 2003. Mass balance extrapolation is performed based on (1) arithmetic averaging, (2) glacier hypsometry, and (3) multiple regression. Given a sufficient number of data series, multiple regression with variables describing glacier geometry performs best in reproducing observed spatial mass balance variability. Future mass changes are calculated by driving a combined model for mass balance and glacier geometry with GCM ensembles based on four emission scenarios. Mean glacier mass balance in the European Alps is −0.31 ± 0.04 m w.e. a−1 in 1900–2011, and −1 m w.e. a−1 over the last decade. Total ice volume change since 1900 is −96 ± 13 km3; annual values vary between −5.9 km3 (1947) and +3.9 km3 (1977). Mean mass balances are expected to be around −1.3 m w.e. a−1 by 2050. Model results indicate a glacier area reduction of 4–18% relative to 2003 for the end of the 21st century.
Increased Range of Motion to Impingement with Large Head Total Hip Arthroplasty: Point of Diminishing Returns
Authors: Klingenstein Gregory G. , Yeager Alyssa M. , Lipman Joseph D. , Westrich Geoffrey H.
Published: July 2012

Large head total hip arthroplasty (THA) is known to increase range of motion to impingement and decrease risk of dislocation, however, this is dependent on accurate component positioning and patient anatomy. In this study, a computer-aided design model was used to determine the effects of component positioning on range of motion to impingement with increasing head size. Three-dimensional models were made of 7 cadaver CT scans and virtual THA was performed with a conventional implant system. Theoretical range of motion to impingement was tested before and after the components were implanted in flexion, extension, internal/external rotation, abduction, adduction, and flexed internal/external rotation. Range of motion increased non-linearly in every motion except for external rotation and adduction with increasing head size, with gains in ROM limited by osseous impingement. Use of large head THA leads to increased ROM to impingement, but with larger head sizes, benefits are limited by bony anatomy.
Training and Capacity Building: An Essential Strategy for Development at an International Research Center
Authors: Ryan John , Ibrahim Habib , Dakermanji Afif , Niane Abdoul Aziz
Published: July 2012

In order to be meaningful, agricultural research has to provide solutions to problems, especially in the international agricultural research system which is designed to contribute to enhanced food production and improved rural livelihoods in the lesser-developed world. Training and human resource development, whether at the technical support or research scientists/managerial level, is fundamental to an effective agricultural research and technology transfer system. By comparison with the developed world, the national agricultural research systems (NARS) in developing countries are weak, often with ineffective extension programs, as typified by the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region, which is served by the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). Despite the potential benefits of enhancing human skills, training and human resource development activities are often under-valued and under-funded in international research centers that serve developing countries. By highlighting training at ICARDA and its mandate countries, we sought to give renewed focus on this important component of the mission of the Consultative Group on Agricultural Research (CGIAR). In this article, we considered ICARDA’s philosophy and concepts on training, collaborating institutions, educational materials, categories of training, development of training courses, significant outcomes of training, shifting paradigms, and future directions. ICARDA’s innovative collaborative approach is a model to be emulated not only by the Centers but by other international institutions involved in agricultural and rural development in the developing countries. At this crucial time of restructuring of the CGIAR, renewed emphasis on training has never been more urgent.
Tunable Comb-Channels with Orthogonal Polarizations Based on Coupled Resonators and Electro-Optic Effect
Authors: Chen Changyun
Published: July 2012

We designed a coupled resonator structure and studied its transmission properties through the tightbinding approach and the transfer matrix method. Based on the coupling of resonant modes and the electro-optic effect, some comb-channels with two orthogonal polarizations can be obtained. The total number of channels is two times the number of resonators. The orthogonal polarization channels cannot only be arranged alternately, but also be separated totally, just through adjusting the intensity of the external electric field. The split wavelength interval of two orthogonal polarizations is linear with the intensity of the external electric field
A New Approach to the Characteristics and Short-Channel Effects of Double-Gate Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors using MATLAB: A Numerical Study
Authors: Heidari Alireza , Heidari Niloofar , Jahromi Foad Khademi , Amiri Roozbeh , Ghorbani Mohammadali
Published: July 2012

In this paper, first, the impact of different gate arrangements on the short-channel effects of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors with doped source and drain with the self-consistent solution of the three-dimensional Poisson equation and the Schr¨odinger equation with open boundary conditions, within the non-equilibrium Green function, is investigated. The results indicate that the double-gate structure possesses a quasi-ideal subthreshold oscillation and an acceptable decrease in the drain induced barrier even for a relatively thick gate oxide (5 nm). Afterward, the electrical characteristics of the double-gate carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (DG-CNTFET) are investigated. The results demonstrate that an increase in diameter and density of the nanotubes in the DG-CNTFET increases the on-state current. Also, as the drain voltage increases, the off-state current of the DG-CNTFET decreases. In addition, regarding the negative gate voltages, for a high drain voltage, increasing in the drain current due to band-to-band tunnelling requires a larger negative gate voltage, and for a low drain voltage, resonant states appear
Investigation on the Spin Hamiltonian Parameters and the Local Structures for Cu2+ Centers in Sodium Phosphate and Heavy Metal Fluoride Glasses
Authors: Zhanga Hua-Ming , Wana Xiong , Zhang Zhi-Min
Published: July 2012

The spin Hamiltonian parameters (the anisotropic g factors gII, g⟂ and hyperfine structure constants AII, A⟂) for the Cu2+ sites in sodium phosphate glasses Na2O-9P2O5 and heavy metal fluoride glasses 60ZrF4-5LaF3 -20BaF2-15NaF are theoretically investigated by using the high (fourth-) order perturbation formulas of these parameters for a 3d9 ion in tetragonally elongated octahedra. In these formulas, the contributions to the g factors from the tetragonal distortion, characterized by the tetragonal field parameters Ds and Dt, are taken into account by considering the relative axial elongation of the ligand octahedron around the Cu2+ due to the Jahn-Teller effect. According to the calculations, the ligand octahedra around Cu2+ are suggested to suffer about 12% and 18% relative elongation along the C4-axis for the studied Na2O-9P2O5 and 60ZrF4 -5LaF3-20BaF2 -15NaF glasses, respectively. The local structures characterized by the above axial elongations are discussed
Infinite Series Symmetry Reduction Solutions to the Perturbed Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Cheng Xue-Ping , Yuan Qing-Qing , Zhao Xiang-Qing , Li Jin-Yu
Published: July 2012

By the approximate symmetry perturbation method, the perturbed coupled nonlinear Schr¨odinger equation (PCNLSE) is investigated. As a result, the approximate symmetries and infinite series symmetry reduction solutions are obtained. Specially, we take the symmetry reduction for soliton solutions as an example, where the effects of perturbations on soliton solutions are briefly discussed
A Fractional Model of Gas Dynamics Equations and its Analytical Approximate Solution Using Laplace Transform
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Kocak Huseyin , Yıldırım Ahmet
Published: July 2012

In this study, the homotopy perturbation transform method (HPTM) is performed to give approximate and analytical solutions of nonlinear homogenous and non-homogenous time-fractional gas dynamics equations. Gas dynamics equations are based on the physical laws of conservation, namely, the laws of conservation of mass, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy etc. The HPTM is a combined form of the Laplace transform, the homotopy perturbation method, and He’s polynomials. The nonlinear terms can be easily handled by the use of He’s polynomials. The numerical solutions obtained by the proposed method indicate that the approach is easy to implement and accurate. Some numerical illustrations are given. These results reveal that the proposed method is very effective and simple to perform
A Note on New Exact Solutions for Some Unsteady Flows of Brinkman- Type Fluids over a Plane Wall
Authors: Ali Farhad , Khan Ilyas , Samiulhaq  , Shafie Sharidan
Published: July 2012

Flows of a Brinkman fluid due to a plane boundary moving in its plane are studied using Laplace transform. The solutions that have been obtained for the velocity are presented in simple forms in terms of the complementary error function erfc(.). They satisfy all imposed initial and boundary conditions and can easily be reduced to the similar solutions for Newtonian fluids
Finite Element Investigation of Stationary Natural Convection of Light and HeavyWater in a Vessel Containing Heated Rods
Authors: Mousa Mohamed M.
Published: July 2012

This numerical study investigates the steady state natural convection of light and heavy water entering a vessel from the left and leaving on the right. The cavity consists of a matrix of cylindrical heated rods as in light and heavy water reactors. The aim of the study is to describe the effects of water inlet velocity on the flow and thermal fields in presence of such heated obstacle. The investigations are conducted for different values of rods temperatures. From the numerical results, it is evident that the flow pattern and temperature fields are significantly dependent on the water inlet velocity and rods temperature
Re-association Behavior of Casein Submicelles in Highly Alkaline Environments
Authors: Bian Hang , Plank Johann
Published: July 2012

The pH-dependent dissociation and re-association behavior of casein proteins in alkaline environment was studied. In dilute aqueous solutions of pH = 12 and 13, casein was found to exist in the form of submicelles which represent the fundamental structural unit of casein micelles. Morphology and dimension of the casein submicelles were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing spherical particles of ~ 10 - 30 nm in diameter. When the pH was increased to 14, unexpected re-association of casein submicelles occurred, resulting in the formation of large network aggregates at pH > 14. Furthermore, calcium phosphate was found to be the main driving force behind the re-association, as verified by comparative experiments employing Ca-depleted casein. Based on an analysis of potential interactions between the proteins, this re-association is ascribed to decreased electrostatic repulsion, strengthened hydrophobic attraction and formation of calcium phosphate linkages between casein proteins.
3-Phenyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolato Complexes of Lithium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Zinc
Authors: Kloubert Tobias , Görls Helmar , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: July 2012

Metalation of 3-phenyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (HPz, 1) with alkyllithium and -zinc compounds in tetrahydrofuran (thf) yields dinuclear products [(thf)Li(Pz)]2 (2) and [MeZn(Pz)]2 (3), respectively. Magnesiation of 1 with diethylmagnesium in tetrahydrofuran in the presence of 1,4-dioxane leads to cocrystallization of mononuclear [(thf)2Mg(Pz)2] (4a) and [(diox)2Mg(Pz)2] (4b). Metalation of 1 with KH followed by a metathesis reaction with CaI2 in tetrahydrofuran leads to the formation of dinuclear [{(thf)2Ca}(m-Pz)3Ca(Pz)] (5) with the calcium atoms in different coordination environments. The ligand precursor 1 crystallizes as a dimer with N-H···N bridges between the pyrazole fragments. The pyrazolate anions of the metal complexes 2 to 5 exhibit similar structural parameters regardless of a bridging or terminal coordination mode and the electronegativity of the coordinated metal.
Homo- and Hetero-bimetallic Flexibly Linked Dinuclear Salphen Complexes Homo- and Hetero-bimetallic Flexibly Linked Dinuclear Salphen Complexes
Authors: Vagin Sergei I. , Rieger Bernhard
Published: July 2012

A modification of the previously developed synthetic approach towards dinuclear flexibly linked salphen complexes is successfully utilized for the preparation of heterodinuclear salphen dimers. A dinuclear salphen species with Pd(II) and Cr(III) centers bears a stronger structural resemblance to the related bis-Cr(III) compound than the corresponding mononuclear Cr(III) salphen complex. Therefore, it was considered as a more useful model for the comparison with the homobinuclear Cr(III) complex regarding the catalytic activity in the ring-opening polymerization of β-butyrolactone, for which a bimetallic catalytic mechanism seems to operate. The polymerization results again have shown a higher activity of the homobinuclear Cr(III) complex.
Remote and α-Thio Carbene Complexes Derived from an Oxazolinylsubstituted Thiophene
Authors: Dobrzańska Liliana , Julius Gerrit R. , Stander-Grobler Elzet , Burger (neé Stander) Yolanda , Nogai Stefan D. , Cronje Stephanie , Raubenheimer Helgard G.
Published: July 2012

Transmetallation and oxidative substitution were utilized to prepare examples of group 14, group 6 and group 10 complexes from lithiated or chlorinated 4,4-dimethyl-2-(2-thienyl) oxazoline or its N-alkylated analogs. Two of the product types (2and 5) can be classified as a-thio or remote carbene complexes, depending on the position (3- or 5-) of attachment to the substituted thiophene ring. Spectroscopic measurements as well as crystal and molecular structure determinations clarified the bonding within the new compounds.
Creating systemic oral transmucosal drug delivery strategies: Case study of APL-130277
Authors: Giovinazzo Anthony , Bryson Nathan , Tankosic Timothy
Published: July 2012

This article addresses the strategic application of systemic oral transmucosal* (i.e., sublingual and buccal) drug delivery. Circumvention of first-pass hepatic metabolism in the gut, rapid onset of action, easy access via the oral cavity, easy administration for patients with dysphagia and a high level of patient acceptance are the principal advantages of the oral transmucosal route. Key clinical and commercial strategies driving the development of oral transmucosal formulations are addressed. A case study of Cynapsus Therapeutics' APL-130277, a sublingual apomorphine formulation in clinical development for Parkinson's disease exemplifies the scientific, clinical and commercial considerations for systemic oral transmucosal drug delivery. *Note: In this article, oral transmucosal delivery refers to systemic drug delivery through the sublingual or buccal mucosa. Local delivery to the oral mucosa is not included.
What do hospital labs really need to streamline diagnostic testing: Apple vs. Microsoft environment?
Authors: Millar Doug , Melki John
Published: July 2012

Molecular diagnostic (MDx) tests are now commonplace in virtually every hospital and pathology laboratory, however many questions have arisen, such as â€œWhat do diagnostic laboratories require from the MDx revolution in order to better improve patient care?â€ and â€œIs a fully integrated â€˜black-boxâ€™ device the answer to simple rapid diagnostic testing or do mainstream laboratories require more in terms of available testing menu and streamlined workflow?â€Â  With more and more â€˜black-boxâ€™ devices available on the market, laboratories need to first decide if they need to make such an investment, and if so, in which to make the most appropriate investment, whilst also considering the cost of consumables.Â  Currently the associated costs of an integrated solution can be prohibitive for small to medium sized laboratories, however this does not necessarily mean that they need to miss out on the many benefits that MDx testing can bring. Here we examine what role an open-platform suite of MDx assays can play in the MDx testing landscape. In order to be successful we assume that open-platform tests will utilise a universal sample preparation method for all sample types and be compatible with a broad range of existing Real-Time PCR hardware. Â This is in effect the â€˜Microsoftâ€™ model, which provides software compatible with existing hardware, compared to the â€˜Apple black-boxâ€™ model of supplying both the hardware and software.Â  Clearly there is a place for both approaches in the clinical diagnostic sector, but until the â€˜black-boxâ€™ systems broaden their testing menu for all sample types and reduce the cost of consumables, their use may be limited to single analyte niche testing rather than being a central workhorse in the mainstream hospital and pathology laboratories. The goal for testing laboratories is to provide rapid and definitive identification of pathogens in order to aid optimal patient management.Â  In the current setting this is only available by using a battery of tests from different manufacturers, or by relying on traditional methods that can take several days to generate a result.Â  It is proposed that a true open-platform MDx testing system may bring the benefits of rapid and accurate testing to many small to medium laboratories without the need for a large upfront investment and associated high consumable costs.
Seroprevalence of Avian H9N2 Influenza Virus in a Population of Iranian Domestic Dogs
Authors: Mohammad Abbaszadeh Hasiri  , Saeed Nazifi  , Elham Mohsenifard  , Maryam Ansari-Lari
Published: July 2012

The prevalence of H9N2 influenza virus in dogs was first time observed in Fars province of Iran. A total of 182 dogs were selected from the clinical cases at the Small Animal Clinic of Veterinary Medicine School, Shiraz University. After obtaining history, physical examination was performed and blood samples were obtained for serological examination (Eliza and HI assay) for the detection of H9N2-specific antibodies. Associated factors (age, breed, diet, place, presence of other dogs, general symptoms, respiratory and gastrointestinal signs) were also evaluated. The positive results showed that 81.7 % of ELISA positive cases had titer ? 32 for H9N2 influenza in HI test. Although positive result were found more in dogs with general or respiratory signs, no significant differences were observed in the evaluated factors and seropositivity. This research showed high seroprevalence of Ab against H9N2 in dogs and made this hypothesis that H9N2 may be important in dogs in virus persistence. Additional research is needed for detection of epidemiologic role of dogs in transmission and pathogenesis of H9N2 in dogs and humans.
Immobilization of Leuconostoc-paramesenteroides Dextransucrase Enzyme and Characterization of its Enzyme Properties
Authors: Amal M. Hashem  , Mona A. El-Refaei  , Hasan M. Gebril  , Ahmed F. Abdel-Fattah
Published: July 2012

Dextransucrase from Leuconostoc-paramesenteroides was immobilized using different immobilization techniques. Entrapment in calcium alginate (2%) proved to be the most suitable technique (27.6% yields). The operational stability of the immobilized was retained 100% until 11 cycle, with decreasing of 70%, of the retained activity at 13 cycles. The specific activity of the free was compared to that of the immobilized enzyme. The optimum temperature of the free enzyme was 65°C were as it was 70°C with the immobilized enzyme. The specific activity of the immobilized was higher than that of the free enzyme at pH 4. 100% of the specific activity was retained due to the thermal stability of the immobilized enzyme after heat treatment for 60 minutes at 60°C. The activation energy (EA) of the immobilized enzyme was lower than that of the free enzyme (EA= 10.3 and 12.13 Kcal/mol respectively). The calculated half-lives of the free enzyme at 40, 50, 60 and 70 were 15.0, 4.68, 4.68 and 4.0 min respectively which were lower than those of immobilized enzyme i.e. 401, 385, 295 and 42 min, respectively.
Hazardous Effects of Lead Acetate on Heavy Proteins of Bactrocera zonata
Authors: Rizwan ul Haq
Published: July 2012

Lead is presume to be an important toxic waste which contaminate the environment, therefore, insects could be influenced easily by the lead., Bactrocera zonata was studied at 48 hours post treatment, under the effects of lead acetate, in different concentrations. It was observed that under the effects of lead abnormalities and malformation were developed in the larvae of flies. Thus these flies could present a useful module for the quick transmission of the environmental hazards due to lead contamination, which exerts a specific physiological and morphological effect on these flies.
Non‐Invasive High‐Throughput Metrology of Functionalized Graphene Sheets
Authors: Ghazinejad Maziar , Reiber Kyle Jennifer , Guo Shirui , Pleskot Dennis , Bao Duoduo , Vullev Valentine I. , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: July 2012

The utilization of fluorescence quenching microscopy (FQM) for quick visualization of chemical functionalization in relatively large regions of graphene, grown via chemical vapor deposition (CVD), is discussed. Through reactive ion plasma etching, patterns of p‐type CVD‐grown graphene functionalized with fluorine are generated. 4‐(dicyanomethylene)‐2‐methyl‐6‐(4‐dimethylaminostyryl)‐4H‐pyran (DCM) is used as the fluorescent agent. The emission of DCM is quenched to a different extent by fluorinated and pristine graphene, which provides the fluorescence‐imaging contrast essential for this metrology. To probe the functionalized surface patterns with DCM, the dye is dispersed in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) then the graphene surface is coated, forming a 30‐nm‐thick DCM‐PMMA layer. Fluorescence images of dye‐coated graphene distinctly reveal the difference between the chemically treated and as‐grown regions. The pristine graphene quenches the DCM emission more efficiently than the fluorinated graphene. Therefore, the regions with pristine graphene appear darker on the fluorescence images than the regions with fluorinated graphene, enabling large‐scale mapping of the functionalized regions in CVD grown graphene sheets Due to its simplicity and consistent results, FQM is now poised for widespread adoption by graphene manufacturers as a basis for facile and high throughput metrology of large‐scale graphene sheets.
3D Porous Chitosan–Alginate Scaffolds: A New Matrix for Studying Prostate Cancer Cell–Lymphocyte Interactions In Vitro
Authors: Florczyk Stephen J. , Liu Gang , Kievit Forrest M. , Lewis Allison M. , Wu Jennifer D. , Zhang Miqin
Published: July 2012

The treatment of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains palliative. Immunotherapy offers a potentially effective therapy for CRPC; however, its advancement into the clinic has been slow, in part because of the lack of representative in vitro tumor models that resemble the in vivo tumor microenvironment for studying interactions of CRPC cells with immune cells and other potential therapeutics. This study evaluates the use of 3D porous chitosan–alginate (CA) scaffolds for culturing human prostate cancer (PCa) cells and studying tumor cell interaction with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) ex vivo. CA scaffolds and Matrigel matrix samples support in vitro tumor spheroid formation over 15 d of culture, and CA scaffolds support live‐cell fluorescence imaging with confocal microscopy using stably transfected PCa cells for 55 d. PCa cells grown in Matrigel matrix and CA scaffolds for 15 d are co‐cultured with PBLs for 2 and 6 d in vitro and evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry. Both the Matrigel matrix and CA scaffolds support interaction of PBLs with PCa tumors, with CA scaffolds providing a more robust platform for subsequent analyses. This study demonstrates the use of 3D natural polymer scaffolds as a tissue culture model for supporting long‐term analysis of interaction of prostate cancer tumor cells with immune cells, providing an in vitro platform for rapid immunotherapy development.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Allylic Alkylation of Methyl 2‐(4‐nitrophenylsulfonyl)acetate and Subsequent Transformations
Authors: Xu Qing‐Long , Dai Li‐Xin , You Shu‐Li
Published: July 2012

Highly enantioselective allylic alkylation reactions of methyl 2‐(4‐nitrophenylsulfonyl)acetate were carried out in the presence of an iridium catalytic system. The subsequent transformations of the products including reductive desulfonylation and modified Julia olefination led to the allylic alkylation products of methyl acetate or methyl acrylate with good yields and high enantioselectivity.
One‐Pot Tandem Synthesis of 2‐Arylbenzoxazole Derivatives via Copper‐Catalyzed CN and CO Bond Formation
Authors: Kavala Veerababurao , Janreddy Donala , Raihan Mustafa J. , Kuo Chun‐Wei , Ramesh Chintakunta , Yao Ching‐Fa
Published: July 2012

The reaction of 2‐(2‐halophenyl)halobenzamides with a series of nitrogen nucleophiles resulted in the formation of benzoxazole derivatives. This procedure involves copper‐catalyzed one‐pot tandem CN/CO coupling reactions. No ligand was used in the reaction, even in the cases of primary or secondary amides, which were used as N‐nucleophiles. However, L‐proline was used as ligand in the case of N‐aromatic heterocycles like indole, imidazole and pyrazole derivatives.
The Halonium Ion‐Mediated CC Bond Cleavage of Cyclohexene‐Fused Isoxazoline N‐Oxides
Authors: Raihan Mustafa J. , Kavala Veerababurao , Guan Qiao‐Zhi , Kuo Chun‐Wei , Kataria Sunil , Shishodia Shifali , Janreddy Donala , Habib Pateliya Mujjamil , Yao Ching‐Fa
Published: July 2012

A protocol for the N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS)‐ and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA)‐mediated cleavage of the CC bond of isoxazoline N‐oxides, fused with a cyclohexene ring, leading to the production of a long‐chain diketo‐halo‐nitrile skeleton is described. The conversion occurs via the formation of a nitric oxide intermediate.
Sleeping Tree Selection of Cao Vit Gibbon (Nomascus nasutus) Living in Degraded Karst Forest in Bangliang, Jingxi, China
Authors: FEI HAN‐LAN , SCOTT MATTHEW B. , ZHANG WEN , MA CHANG‐YONG , XIANG ZUO‐FU , FAN PENG‐FEI
Published: July 2012

We studied the sleep‐related behavior of two Cao Vit gibbon (Nomascus nasutus) groups in Bangliang Nature Reserve in Jingxi County, China between January 2008 and December 2009 to test four hypotheses related to sleeping tree selection (predation avoidance, thermoregulation, food access, and range defense). Gibbons entered sleeping trees 88 ± SD 37 min before sunset before their main potential nocturnal predator become active. They usually moved rapidly and straight to sleeping trees and kept silent once settled. Over the course of the study, gibbon groups used many (87 and 57 per group) sleeping trees and reused them irregularly. They also tended to sleep in relatively tall trees without lianas, choosing small branches close to the treetop. These behaviors would make it difficult for potential terrestrial predators to detect and approach the gibbons. Therefore, these results strongly support the predation avoidance hypothesis. Gibbons tended to sleep closer to ridges than to valley bottoms and they did not sleep at lower elevations in colder months. They thus appeared not to select sleeping trees to minimize thermoregulatory stress. Gibbons very rarely slept in feeding trees, instead generally sleeping more than 100 m away from the last feeding trees of the day or the first feeding tree of the next morning. These patterns led us to reject the food access hypothesis. Lastly, we did not find evidence to support the range defense hypothesis because gibbons did not sleep in overlap areas with neighbors more often than expected based on the proportion of overlap and exclusively used areas. Am. J. Primatol. 74:998‐1005, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of 1‐bromoallyl bromides with anilines leading to 1‐aryl‐1H‐pyrrol‐2(5H)‐ones
Authors: Cho Chan Sik , Son Jong Ik , Yoon Nam Sik
Published: July 2012

1‐Bromoallyl bromides are carbonylatively cyclized with anilines under carbon monoxide pressure in DMF in the presence of a catalytic amount of a palladium catalyst along with a base to give the corresponding 1‐aryl‐1H‐pyrrol‐2(5H)‐ones in moderate to good yield. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
18‐Crown‐6 promoting Pd/C‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction of aryl bromides and arylboronic acids in aqueous media
Authors: Chu Wenyi , Li Xinmin , Hou Yanjun , Wang Hua , Li Hongyu , Yuan Xiaobin , Sun Zhizhong
Published: July 2012

Pd/C‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling between aryl bromides and arylboronic acids in 50% methanol aqueous solution proceeded smoothly in the presence of 18‐crown‐6. Various aryl bromides bearing electron‐withdrawing groups and electron‐donating groups coupled with arylboronic acid in high yields. In addition, the catalyst could be recycled five times without loss of activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cobalt titanate–cobalt oxide composite thin films deposited from heterobimetallic precursor
Authors: Ehsan Muhammad Ali , Mansoor Muhammad Adil , Mazhar Muhammad , Tahir Asif Ali , Hamid Mazhar , Upul Wijayantha K. G.
Published: July 2012

A single molecular heterobimetallic complex, [Co2Ti(μ3‐O)(TFA)6(THF)3] (1) [TFA = trifluoroacetate, THF = tetrahydrofuran], was synthesized, structurally and spectroscopically characterized and implemented as a single‐source precursor for the preparation of CoTiO3–CoO composite thin films by aerosol‐assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD). The precursor complex was prepared by interaction of Co(OAc)2.4H2O [OAc = (CH3COO−)] with Ti(iso‐propoxide)4 in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid in THF, and was analysed by melting point, CHN, FT‐IR, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The precursor complex thermally decomposed at 480 °C to give a residual mass corresponding to a CoTiO3–CoO composite material. Good‐quality crystalline CoTiO3–CoO composite thin films deposited at 500 °C by AACVD and characterized through powder X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy show that the crystallites have a rose‐flower‐like morphology with an average petal size in the range of 2–6 µm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chondrogenic progenitor cells respond to cartilage injury
Authors: Seol Dongrim , McCabe Daniel J. , Choe Hyeonghun , Zheng Hongjun , Yu Yin , Jang Keewoong , Walter Morgan W. , Lehman Abigail D. , Ding Lei , Buckwalter Joseph A. , Martin James A.
Published: July 2012

Objective

Hypocellularity resulting from chondrocyte death in the aftermath of mechanical injury is thought to contribute to posttraumatic osteoarthritis. However, we observed that nonviable areas in cartilage injured by blunt impact were repopulated within 7–14 days by cells that appeared to migrate from the surrounding matrix. The aim of this study was to assess our hypothesis that the migrating cell population included chondrogenic progenitor cells that were drawn to injured cartilage by alarmins.

Methods

Osteochondral explants obtained from mature cattle were injured by blunt impact or scratching, resulting in localized chondrocyte death. Injured sites were serially imaged by confocal microscopy, and migrating cells were evaluated for chondrogenic progenitor characteristics. Chemotaxis assays were used to measure the responses to chemokines, injury‐conditioned medium, dead cell debris, and high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB‐1).

Results

Migrating cells were highly clonogenic and multipotent and expressed markers associated with chondrogenic progenitor cells. Compared with chondrocytes, these cells overexpressed genes involved in proliferation and migration and underexpressed cartilage matrix genes. They were more active than chondrocytes in chemotaxis assays and responded to cell lysates, conditioned medium, and HMGB‐1. Glycyrrhizin, a chelator of HMGB‐1 and a blocking antibody to receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), inhibited responses to cell debris and conditioned medium and reduced the numbers of migrating cells on injured explants.

Conclusion

Injuries that caused chondrocyte death stimulated the emergence and homing of chondrogenic progenitor cells, in part via HMGB‐1 release and RAGE‐mediated chemotaxis. Their repopulation of the matrix could promote the repair of chondral damage that might otherwise contribute to progressive cartilage loss.
Abnormal conformation and impaired degradation of propylthiouracil‐induced neutrophil extracellular traps: Implications of disordered neutrophil extracellular traps in a rat model of myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis
Authors: Nakazawa Daigo , Tomaru Utano , Suzuki Akira , Masuda Sakiko , Hasegawa Risa , Kobayashi Toshiaki , Nishio Saori , Kasahara Masanori , Ishizu Akihiro
Published: July 2012

Objective

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are composed of DNA and antimicrobial proteins, including myeloperoxidase (MPO). Recent studies have demonstrated that impaired regulation of NETs could trigger an autoimmune response. Propylthiouracil (PTU), an antithyroid drug, is associated with a risk of MPO antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) production and MPO ANCA–associated vasculitis (MPO AAV). This study was undertaken to clarify the mechanism of MPO ANCA production, using the PTU‐induced model of MPO AAV.

Methods

NETs were induced by treating human neutrophils with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in vitro. We examined whether the addition of PTU influenced the NET formation induced by PMA and the degradation of NETs by DNase I, which is regarded as a regulator of NETs. Furthermore, we examined whether NETs generated by the combination of PMA and PTU induced MPO ANCA and MPO AAV in vivo in rats.

Results

When NETs were induced by PMA with PTU using human neutrophils in vitro, abnormal conformation of NETs was observed. Interestingly, the abnormal NETs were hardly digested by DNase I. Moreover, rats immunized with the abnormal NETs, which had been induced by PMA with PTU using rat neutrophils, produced MPO ANCA and developed pulmonary capillaritis. When rats were given oral PTU with intraperitoneal injection of PMA, pauci‐immune glomerulonephritis and pulmonary capillaritis occurred with MPO ANCA production in the serum.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that abnormal conformation and impaired degradation of NETs induced by PTU are involved in the pathogenesis of PTU‐induced MPO ANCA production and MPO AAV. These findings suggest that disordered NETs can be critically implicated in the pathogenesis of MPO AAV.
Evidence-based decisions for local and systemic wound care
Authors: Brölmann F E , Ubbink D T , Nelson E A , Munte K , van der Horst C M A M , Vermeulen H
Published: July 2012

Background

Decisions on local and systemic wound treatment vary among surgeons and are frequently based on expert opinion. The aim of this meta-review was to compile best available evidence from systematic reviews in order to formulate conclusions to support evidence-based decisions in clinical practice.

Methods

All Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs), published by the Cochrane Wounds and Peripheral Vascular Diseases Groups, and that investigated therapeutic and preventive interventions, were searched in the Cochrane Database up to June 2011. Two investigators independently categorized each intervention into five levels of evidence of effect, based on size and homogeneity, and the effect size of the outcomes.

Results

After screening 149 CSRs, 44 relevant reviews were included. These contained 109 evidence-based conclusions: 30 on venous ulcers, 30 on acute wounds, 15 on pressure ulcers, 14 on diabetic ulcers, 12 on arterial ulcers and eight on miscellaneous chronic wounds. Strong conclusions could be drawn regarding the effectiveness of: therapeutic ultrasonography, mattresses, cleansing methods, closure of surgical wounds, honey, antibiotic prophylaxis, compression, lidocaine–prilocaine cream, skin grafting, antiseptics, pentoxifylline, debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, prostanoids and spinal cord stimulation.

Conclusion

For some wound care interventions, robust evidence exists upon which clinical decisions should be based.
19F MRI Monitoring of Gene Expression in Living Cells through Cell‐Surface β‐Lactamase Activity
Authors: Matsushita Hisashi , Mizukami Shin , Mori Yuki , Sugihara Fuminori , Shirakawa Masashiro , Yoshioka Yoshichika , Kikuchi Kazuya
Published: July 2012

Magnetic resonance imaging provides important intravital information on deep tissues that cannot be visualized by other methods. Although we had previously developed an off/on switching 19F MRI probe to monitor reporter enzyme activity on the basis of the paramagnetic relaxation enhancement effect, it was difficult to monitor biological events in living cells because the 19F MRI probe did not permeate living cell membrane. In this study, we have developed a new 19F MRI system for monitoring gene expression in living cells by exploiting cell‐surface‐displayed β‐lactamase and the specifically designed 19F MRI probe. By using this system, cellular gene expression was successfully detected by 19F MRI without cell fixation. This imaging strategy shows promise for monitoring in vivo gene expression, and therefore it could lead to useful technologies for the diagnosis and therapy of various diseases.
Percutaneous coronary intervention in TAVI: The “proboscis” catheter
Authors: Mancone Massimo , Pennacchi Mauro , Sardella Gennaro
Published: July 2012

We report a case of an 81‐years‐old male, recently implanted with a Core Valve (CV) prosthesis and admitted to the ER for acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiography revealed the patency of the coronary artery by‐pass grafts but was impossible to cannulate the left main “imprisoned” by the CV prosthesis struts. Aortography showed an excessive gap between the CV struts and the coronary ostium. To cross the CV struts, we developed a “proboscis” catheter by cutting away the proximal end of the 7F JL 4 catheter and putting inside the 5F Heartrail catheter. The following angiograms showed a critical stenosis in the proximal obtuse marginal (branch), successfully treated with a bare‐metal stent implantation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An improved LQG benchmark for MPC economic performance assessment and optimisation in process industry
Authors: Liu Zhe , Gu Yong , Xie Lei
Published: July 2012

Performance assessment and optimisation for MPC have attracted much research interest. As a typical performance assessment benchmark, the LQG benchmark is regressed from asymmetrical points, leading to unnecessary computation and unsatisfactory regression results. To tackle this problem, an equigrid LQG benchmark was proposed for the two‐layer MPC assessment and optimisation, and the optimal setpoint for MPC was calculated to replace the experiential one. Then the LQG benchmark for sensitivity analysis was introduced. Economic performance assessment of the control system in a delayed coking furnace shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Natural gas viscosity estimation using density based models
Authors: Heidaryan Ehsan , Jarrahian Azad
Published: July 2012

Accurate value determination of natural gas viscosity plays a key role in its management as it is one of the most important parameters in natural gas engineering calculations. In this study, a comprehensive model is suggested for prediction of natural gas viscosity in a wide range of pressures, temperatures, densities and compositions. The new model can be applicable for gases containing heptane plus and non‐hydrocarbon components. It is validated by the 2011 viscosity data from 18 different gas mixtures. Compared to existing similar models and correlations, its results are quite satisfactory. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering