bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasion of shrublands by exotic grasses: ecohydrological consequences in cold versus warm deserts
Authors: Wilcox Bradford P. , Turnbull Laura , Young Michael H. , Williams C. Jason , Ravi Sujith , Seyfried Mark S. , Bowling David R. , Scott Russell L. , Germino Matthew J. , Caldwell Todd G. , Wainwright John
Published: August 2011

Across the globe, native savannas and woodlands are undergoing conversion to exotic grasslands. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge concerning the ecohydrological consequences of this conversion for the cold deserts (Great Basin, Colorado Plateau) and the warm deserts (Mojave, Sonoran, Chihuahuan) of North America. Our analysis is based on a synthesis of relevant literature, complemented by simulation modelling with a one‐dimensional, soil water redistribution model (HYDRUS‐1D) and a hillslope runoff and erosion model (MAHLERAN). When shrublands are invaded by grasses, many changes take place: rooting depths, canopy cover, species heterogeneity, water use, and fire regimes are radically altered. These changes then have the potential to alter key ecohydrological processes. With respect to the processes of runoff and erosion, we find that grass invasion influences cold and warm deserts in different ways. In cold deserts, runoff and erosion will increase following invasion; in particular, erosion on steep slopes (>15%) will be greatly accelerated following burning. In addition, evapotranspiration (ET) will be lower and soil water recharge will be higher—which after several decades could affect groundwater levels. For warm deserts, grass invasion may actually reduce runoff and erosion (except for periods immediately following fire), and is likely to have little effect on either ET fluxes or soil water. Significant gaps in our knowledge do remain, primarily because there have been no comprehensive studies measuring all components of the water and energy budgets at multiple scales. How these changes may affect regional energy budgets, and thus weather patterns, is not yet well understood. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpreting the groundwater attributes influencing the distribution patterns of groundwater‐dependent vegetation in northwestern China
Authors: Zhu Juntao , Yu Jingjie , Wang Ping , Zhang Yichi , Yu Qiang
Published: August 2011

Groundwater‐dependent vegetation (GDV) must have access to groundwater to maintain their growth and function. GDV distribution patterns are an important issue in arid vegetation ecology. Using groundwater attributes to explore the distribution patterns of GDV have been very limited. In this article, we selected the Ejina Desert Oasis as an area to investigate GDV and groundwater attributes. Twenty plant species and 31 plant plots of data were collected. Two‐way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) was performed to determine GDV types. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and detrended canonical correspondence analysis (DCCA) were performed to analyse the relationships between GDV and groundwater attributes. The results indicated that (1) six plant community types were classified by TWINSPAN; (2) DCA ordination analyses showed that the groundwater depth (Dep) was the main factor restricting the distribution patterns of GDV, and the distribution of the dominant species and corresponding vegetation types had strong similarities; (3) in the DCCA diagram, the first axis represented variations of Dep, while the second axis was related to the pH values; (4) with increased Dep, the community types made the transition from I to VI; and (5) the DCCA diagram was similar to the DCA. However, the distribution patterns of GDV were more compact in the DCCA, while the DCA showed that each association group appeared within a limited range and had a clear border against other communities. This study shows that ordination methods can be used to explain the relationships between the distribution patterns of GDV and groundwater attributes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Electrode Dimensionality and Morphology on the Performance of Cu2Sb Thin Film Electrodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Trahey Lynn , Kung Harold H. , Thackeray Michael M. , Vaughey John T.
Published: August 2011

Although graphitic carbons have been commercially used in lithium‐ion batteries for many years, their low crystallographic density limits their use in applications where space is at a premium. Among the alternative anode materials being considered for these applications are Zintl phases and intermetallic insertion anodes. Historically, main‐group‐metal‐based anode materials have had problems with respect to volume expansion experienced on lithiation and its effect on cycle life. In this paper, we report the role of morphology and electrode dimensionality in extending the cycle life of the intermetallic insertion anode Cu2Sb. We have found that controlling the surface area of the active material and building internal volume into the electrode structure significantly decreases the capacity fade on cycling. The decrease in fade rate may be due to the active material gradient identified within the structure produced by the electrodeposition process. This enhancement in cycling can be attributed to keeping the displaced copper closer to the active particles and to reducing the diffusion distances within the electrode.
Organic Nanostructures with Controllable Morphology Fabricated from Ferrocene–Porphyrin Derivatives: Effect of Metal–Ligand Coordination on the Morphology, Dimensions, and Semiconductor Properties of Self‐Assembled Nanostructures
Authors: Zhu Peihua , Ma Pan , Wang Yan , Wang Quanbo , Zhao Xian , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: August 2011

Two new ferrocene–porphyrin derivatives, namely 5,15‐bis(ferrocenyl)‐10,20‐bis(4‐nitrophenyl)porphyrin (1) and its nickel congener 5,15‐bis(ferrocenyl)‐10,20‐bis(4‐nitrophenyl)porphyrinatonickel (2) have been designed, synthesized, and characterized. Their self‐assembly properties have been comparatively studied by electronic absorption and FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, XRD, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Metal‐free 1 self‐assembles into nanospheres with diameters in the range of 30–50 nm, depending mainly on intermolecular π–π interactions. In contrast, the coordination of nickel to 1 introduces an additional Ni–O coordination bond between the nitryl group of one molecule of 2 and the nickel center of the neighboring 2 unit, which, in cooperation with the intermolecular π–π interaction, induces the formation of nanobelts (ca. 50–300 μm length, 10–50 nm width) during the self‐assembly process of 2.
P4S3 and P,P′ or N,N′ Donors as Competitive Building Blocks in Copper(I) Coordination Polymers
Authors: Biegerl Andreas , Piryazev Dmitry , Scheer Manfred , Wachter Joachim , Virovets Alexander , Zabel Manfred
Published: August 2011

The synthesis and characterization of hybrid polymers combining organic P,P′ (dppe) or N,N′ (pyrazine) ligands and inorganic donors (P4S3) as cross‐linkers between copper(I) halide aggregates is described. As a simple model system the reaction of a mixture of P4S3, PEt3, and CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) was studied. According to X‐ray diffraction analysis, pseudotetrahedral monomers [CuX(PEt3)2(P4S3)] (1–3) were formed, in which P4S3 coordinates through the apical phosphorus atom. Layering a mixture of P4S3, Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2 (dppe), and toluene with CuCl in MeCN under diffusion conditions gives 1D‐[CuCl(dppe)(MeCN)] (6), which contains (Cu2Cl2)2(μ‐dppe)2 clusters linked by another dppe ligand. The analogous reaction with CuI gives 1D‐[CuI(P4S3)(dppe)] (7), which is built up of alternating trans‐(Cu2I2)(P4S3)2 units and dppe linkers. Hybrid polymers 2D‐[CuX(P4S3)(dppe)] [X = Br (8), I (9)] are formed if CH2Cl2 is used instead of toluene. The 2D structures of 8 and 9 may be derived from that of 7 by connecting neighboring (CuX)(dppe) strands with pairs of inversely coordinated P4S3 cages. Replacement of dppe by pyrazine (pyz) yields 3D‐[(CuCl)4(P4S3)2(pyz)] (10) and 3D‐[(CuBr)3(P4S3)(pyz)] (12), respectively. The structure of 10 comprises a 3D network composed of alternating, linked 2D‐[(CuCl)2(P4S3)] and 2D‐[CuCl(pyz)] layers. The structure of 12 contains cradles built from opposing (CuBr)6 rings and pairwise pyz and P4S3 bridges. These cradles are organized into a 3D framework by condensation of the (CuBr)6 rings, and the layers formed are linked by additional pyz molecules. The resulting voids are occupied by toluene molecules. The behavior of P4S3 and P,P′ or N,N′ ligands as competitive building blocks is also expressed by the formation of binary P4S3/CuX or pyz/CuX polymers.
A Lewis Acid Mediated Schmidt Reaction of Benzylic Azide: Synthesis of Sterically Crowded Aromatic Tertiary Amines
Authors: Murali Annamalai , Puppala Manohar , Varghese Babu , Baskaran Sundarababu
Published: August 2011

An efficient one‐pot synthesis of sterically hindered aromatic tertiary amines through Lewis acid induced intermolecular Schmidt reaction of benzylic azides is described. In the presence of EtAlCl2, benzylic azide underwent a smooth Schmidt reaction to give the corresponding iminium ion, which, upon reduction with NaBH4 in situ, afforded the tertiary amine. The effects of substituents on the aromatic ring and the steric effects of the alkyl side chain have also been studied.
Raising HDL‐C through cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition
Authors: Viljoen Adie , Wierzbicki Anthony
Published: August 2011

Plasma concentrations of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and its major protein component apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I are strongly inversely correlated with cardiovascular risk, leading to the notion that therapy to increase HDL‐C and apoA‐I concentrations would be antiatherosclerotic and protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.1,2 In this article, the authors discuss how inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) could potentially lead to an increase in HDL‐C with a subsequent reduction in CVD events, a hypothesis being tested by the development of the drugs anacetrapib and dalcetrapib.
Representation of perceived sound valence in the human brain
Authors: Viinikainen Mikko , Kätsyri Jari , Sams Mikko
Published: August 2011

Perceived emotional valence of sensory stimuli influences their processing in various cortical and subcortical structures. Recent evidence suggests that negative and positive valences are processed separately, not along a single linear continuum. Here, we examined how brain is activated when subjects are listening to auditory stimuli varying parametrically in perceived valence (very unpleasant–neutral–very pleasant). Seventeen healthy volunteers were scanned in 3 Tesla while listening to International Affective Digital Sounds (IADS‐2) in a block design paradigm. We found a strong quadratic U‐shaped relationship between valence and blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal strength in the medial prefrontal cortex, auditory cortex, and amygdala. Signals were the weakest for neutral stimuli and increased progressively for more unpleasant or pleasant stimuli. The results strengthen the view that valence is a crucial factor in neural processing of emotions. An alternative explanation is salience, which increases with both negative and positive valences. Hum Brain Mapp 33:2295–2305, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Turbulent heat transfer enhancement in a triangular duct using delta‐winglet vortex generators
Authors: Althaher M.A. , Abdul‐Rassol A.A. , Ahmed H.E. , Mohammed H.A.
Published: August 2011

The augmentation of convective heat transfer of a turbulent flow using delta‐winglet vortex generators (VG) in a triangular duct was experimentally investigated. Two side walls of the heated test section are electrically heated with a constant heat flux while the lower wall is indirectly heated. Single, double, and triple pairs of VG are utilized. Each pair of VG was punched on one wall of the test duct. The effects of the number of VG pairs, the VG angle of attack, the VG location from the leading edge of the test duct, the VG geometry, and Reynolds number are examined in this paper. The results indicate that the Nusselt number and friction factor are relatively proportional to the size, number, and the inclination angle of the VG. The Nusselt number increases and the friction factor decreases as the Reynolds number increases. The present results were compared with the available literature and they show good agreement. Correlation equations of Nusselt number and friction factor for turbulent flow are developed, for the cases studied, as a function of Reynolds number and VG angle of attack. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20382
Differential action of small molecule HER kinase inhibitors on receptor heterodimerization: Therapeutic implications
Authors: Sánchez‐Martín M. , Pandiella A.
Published: August 2011

Deregulation of ErbB/HER receptor tyrosine kinases has been linked to several types of cancer. The mechanism of activation of these receptors includes establishment of receptor dimers. Here, we have analyzed the action of different small molecule HER tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on HER receptor dimerization. Breast cancer cell lines were treated with distinct TKIs and the formation of HER2‐HER3 dimers was analyzed by coimmunoprecipitation and western blot or by Förster resonance energy transfer assays. Antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity was analyzed by measuring the release of lactate dehydrogenase and cell viability. Lapatinib and neratinib interfered with ligand‐induced dimerization of HER receptors; while pelitinib, gefitinib, canertinib or erlotinib did not. Moreover, lapatinib and neratinib were able to disrupt previously formed receptor dimers. Structural analyses allowed the elucidation of the mechanism by which some TKIs prevent the formation of HER receptor dimers, while others do not. Experiments aimed at defining the functional importance of dimerization indicated that TKIs that impeded dimerization prevented down‐regulation of HER2 receptors, and favored the action of trastuzumab. We postulate that TKIs that prevent dimerization and down‐regulation of HER2 may augment the antitumoral action of trastuzumab, and this mechanism of action should be considered in the treatment of HER2 positive tumors which combine TKIs with antireceptor antibodies.
Mutations in SERPINF1 cause osteogenesis imperfecta type VI
Authors: Homan Erica P , Rauch Frank , Grafe Ingo , Lietman Caressa , Doll Jennifer A , Dawson Brian , Bertin Terry , Napierala Dobrawa , Morello Roy , Gibbs Richard , White Lisa , Miki Rika , Cohn Daniel H , Crawford Susan , Travers Rose , Glorieux Francis H , Lee Brendan
Published: August 2011

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a spectrum of genetic disorders characterized by bone fragility. It is caused by dominant mutations affecting the synthesis and/or structure of type I procollagen or by recessively inherited mutations in genes responsible for the posttranslational processing/trafficking of type I procollagen. Recessive OI type VI is unique among OI types in that it is characterized by an increased amount of unmineralized osteoid, thereby suggesting a distinct disease mechanism. In a large consanguineous family with OI type VI, we performed homozygosity mapping and next-generation sequencing of the candidate gene region to isolate and identify the causative gene. We describe loss of function mutations in serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade F, member 1 (SERPINF1) in two affected members of this family and in an additional unrelated patient with OI type VI. SERPINF1 encodes pigment epithelium–derived factor. Hence, loss of pigment epithelium–derived factor function constitutes a novel mechanism for OI and shows its involvement in bone mineralization. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Geometric measures of large biomolecules: Surface, volume, and pockets
Authors: Mach Paul , Koehl Patrice
Published: August 2011

Geometry plays a major role in our attempts to understand the activity of large molecules. For example, surface area and volume are used to quantify the interactions between these molecules and the water surrounding them in implicit solvent models. In addition, the detection of pockets serves as a starting point for predictive studies of biomolecule‐ligand interactions. The alpha shape theory provides an exact and robust method for computing these geometric measures. Several implementations of this theory are currently available. We show however that these implementations fail on very large macromolecular systems. We show that these difficulties are not theoretical; rather, they are related to the architecture of current computers that rely on the use of cache memory to speed up calculation. By rewriting the algorithms that implement the different steps of the alpha shape theory such that we enforce locality, we show that we can remediate these cache problems; the corresponding code, UnionBall has an apparent ${\cal O}$(n) behavior over a large range of values of n (up to tens of millions), where n is the number of atoms. As an example, it takes 136 sec with UnionBall to compute the contribution of each atom to the surface area and volume of a viral capsid with more than five million atoms on a commodity PC. UnionBall includes functions for computing analytically the surface area and volume of the intersection of two, three and four spheres that are fully detailed in an appendix. UnionBall is available as an OpenSource software. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Sequential IL‐23 and IL‐17 and increased Mmp8 and Mmp14 expression characterize the progression of an experimental model of periodontal disease in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Silva Juliete A.F. , Ferrucci Danilo L. , Peroni Luis A. , Abrahão Patrícia G.S. , Salamene Aline F. , Rossa‐Junior Carlos , Carvalho Hernandes F. , Stach‐Machado Dagmar R.
Published: August 2011

Molecular mechanisms responsible for periodontal disease (PD) and its worsening in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1) remain unknown. Cytokine profile and expression levels of collagenases, Mmp14, and tissue inhibitors were determined, as were the numbers of neutrophils and macrophages in combined streptozotocin‐induced DM1 and ligature‐induced PD models. Increased IL‐23 (80‐fold) and Mmp8 expression (25‐fold) was found in DM1. Ligature resulted in an IL‐1β/IL‐6 profile, increased expression of Mmp8, Mmp13, and Mmp14 (but not Mmp1), and transient expression of Timp1 and Reck in non‐diabetics. PD in DM1 involved IL‐1β (but not IL‐6) and IL‐23/IL‐17, reduced IL‐6 and IL‐10, sustained Mmp8 and Mmp14, increased Mmp13 and reduced Reck expression in association with 20‐fold higher counts of neutrophils and macrophages. IL‐23 and Mmp8 expression are hallmarks of DM1. In association with the IL‐1/IL‐6 (Th1) response in PD, one found a secondary IL‐17 (Th17) pathway in non‐diabetic rats. Low IL‐6/TNF‐α suggest that the Th1 response was compromised in DM1, while IL‐17 indicates a prevalence of the Th17 pathway, resulting in high neutrophil recruitment. Mmp8, Mmp13, and Mmp14 expression seems important in the tissue destruction during PD in DM1. PD‐associated IL‐1/IL‐6 (Th1), IL‐10, and Reck expression are associated with the acute‐to‐chronic inflammation transition, which is lost in DM1. In conclusion, IL‐23/IL‐17 are associated with the PD progression in DM1. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2441–2450, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Levels of Biological Organization and the Origin of Novelty
Authors: Hall Brian K. , Kerney Ryan
Published: August 2011

The concept of novelty in evolutionary biology pertains to multiple tiers of biological organization from behavioral and morphological changes to changes at the molecular level. Identifying novel features requires assessments of similarity (homology and homoplasy) of relationships (phylogenetic history) and of shared developmental and genetic pathways or networks. After a brief discussion of how novelty is used in recent literature, we discuss whether the evolutionary approach to homology and homoplasy initially formulated by Lankester in the 19th century informs our understanding of novelty today. We then discuss six examples of morphological features described in the recent literature as novelties, and assess the basis upon which they are regarded as novel. The six are: origin of the turtle shell, transition from fish fins to tetrapod limbs, origination of the neural crest and neural crest cells, cement glands in frogs and casquettes in fish, whale bone‐eating tubeworms, and the digestion of plant proteins by nematodes. The article concludes with a discussion of means of acquiring novel genetic information that can account for novelty recognized at higher levels. These are co‐options of existing genetic circuitry, gene duplication followed by neofunctionalization, gene rearrangements through mobile genetic elements, and lateral gene transfer. We conclude that on the molecular level only the latter category provides novel genetic information, in that there is no homologous precursor. However, novel phenotypes can be generated through both neofunctionalization and gene rearrangements. Therefore, assigning phenotypic or genotypic “novelty” is contingent on the level of biological organization addressed. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318B:428–437, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accurate low‐cost microwave component models using shape‐preserving response prediction
Authors: Koziel Slawomir
Published: August 2011

A technique for accurate modeling of microwave components is presented. Our methodology exploits a recently introduced shape‐preserving response prediction (SPRP) technology, which is adopted here to work directly with electromagnetic simulation data of the device under consideration. Unlike in original SPRP, no low‐fidelity model is used, which simplifies implementation and makes our method applicable for a variety of microwave structures. SPRP allows us to create models at a low computational cost of a few electromagnetic simulations, which is convenient when solving various design tasks such as parametric optimization. As demonstrated using several test structures including microstrip filters and a planar antenna, the modeling accuracy is competitive to standard approximation techniques. Application examples for design optimization and statistical analysis are also provided. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical resection for bulky or recurrent axillary metastatic melanoma
Authors: Shada Amber L. , Walters Dustin M. , Tierney Shannon N. , Slingluff Craig L.
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Metastatic melanoma has few FDA approved treatments, and aggressive surgical resection has to be considered for management of bulky axillary metastases. We hypothesized that axillary resection in this setting is well tolerated and improves symptoms in the majority of patients.

Methods

We reviewed a prospectively collected database and identified 47 stage IIIC and IV patients with axillary nodal disease greater than 5 cm (68%), recurrent disease (36%), or disease adherent to axillary neurovascular structures (45%). Paresthesias, pain, and bleeding were present in 40% of patients, and were stable or improved after surgery in 75%. Most patients were asymptomatic prior to resection, and underwent resection for prevention of potential symptoms.

Results

Most patients underwent outpatient surgery. Postoperative complications included lymphedema (34%), range of motion limitation (23%), wound infection (17%), and neuropathic pain (17%). Among symptomatic patients, average time to progression was 3 months, compared to 9.5 months in asymptomatic patients (P = 0.08). Five‐year survival was lower (16%) in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic patients (35%, P = 0.001).

Discussion

Surgery for bulky axillary melanoma metastases is well tolerated, and should be considered in the management of Stage III or IV melanoma. Resection prior to symptoms may improve quality of life and is associated with longer survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:21–25. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimisation of a solid‐phase microextraction method for the analysis of nicotine in hair
Authors: Brčić Karačonji Irena , Zimić Lukrica , Brajenović Nataša , Skender Ljiljana
Published: August 2011

A headspace solid‐phase microextraction method (HS‐SPME) followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS) has been developed for the determination of low concentrations of nicotine in hair. Parameters affecting the SPME procedure including type of fiber coating, extraction mode, extraction temperature and time, desorption time, stirring, and salt addition have been evaluated and optimised. The method provided good linearity (r2≥0.9980) over the concentration range tested (0.2–20 ng/mg) and low detection limit (0.02 ng/mg). Precision expressed as relative standard deviation was <10%. The average accuracy was 95%. The proposed method was used to determine hair nicotine levels in 100 children in order to assess exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The described HS‐SPME procedure is fast, simple, sensitive, and solvent‐free and is therefore suitable for studies involving ETS exposure assessment.
Characterization and identification of multiple constituents in Yinhuang granules by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry detection
Authors: Liu E‐Hu , Liu Qun , Chu Chu , Li Ping
Published: August 2011

A fast high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with diode‐array detection (DAD) and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF/MS) has been developed for the analysis of multi‐constituent in Yinhuang granules, a well‐known combined herbal remedy prepared from the extract mixtures of Flos Lonicerae and Radix Scutellariae. The fast HPLC analysis was performed on an Agilent ZorBax SB‐C18 column (4.6×50 mm, 1.8 μm) and 0.2% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile was the optimum mobile phase for gradient elution in 17 min, which is five times faster than the performance of conventional columns packed with 5.0 μm particles. With various fragmentor voltages in TOF/MS, accurate mass measurements (<5 ppm error) for molecular ions and characteristic fragment ions represented reliable identification criteria for different constituents. A total of 28 compounds, including nine phenolic acids, three iridoid glycosides and nine saponins from Flos Lonicerae and seven flavonoids from Radix Scutellariae, were identified or tentatively characterized in the extract of Yinhuang granules. The established fast HPLC‐DAD‐TOF/MS method turns out to be useful and efficient for quality control of this commonly used Chinese herbal preparation.
Polypyrrole/graphene composite‐coated fiber for the solid‐phase microextraction of phenols
Authors: Zou Jing , Song Xinhong , Ji Jiaojiao , Xu Weici , Chen Jinmei , Jiang Yaqi , Wang Yiru , Chen Xi
Published: August 2011

A polypyrrole (Ppy)/graphene (G) composite was developed and applied as a novel coating for use in solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography (GC). The Ppy/G‐coated fiber was prepared by electrochemically polymerizing pyrrole and G on a stainless‐steel wire. The extraction efficiency of Ppy/G‐coated fiber for five phenols was the highest compared with the fibers coated with either Ppy or Ppy/graphene oxide (GO) using the same method preparation. Significantly, compared with various commercial fibers, the extraction efficiency of Ppy/G‐coated fiber is better than or comparable to 85 μm CAR/PDMS fiber (best extraction efficiency of phenol, o‐cresol, and m‐cresol in commercial fibers) and 85 μm polyacrylate (PA) fiber (best extraction efficiency of 2,4‐dichlorophenol and p‐bromophenol in commercial fibers). The effects of extraction and desorption parameters such as extraction time, stirring rate, and desorption temperature and time on the extraction/desorption efficiency were investigated and optimized. The calibration curves were linear from 10 to 1000 μg/L for o‐cresol, m‐cresol, p‐bromophenol, and 2,4‐dichlorophenol, and from 50 to 1000 μg/L for phenol. The detection limits were within the range 0.34–3.4 μg/L. The single fiber and fiber‐to‐fiber reproducibilities were <8.3 (n=7) and 13.3% (n=4), respectively. The recovery of the phenols spiked in natural water samples at 200 μg/L ranged from 74.1 to 103.9% and the relative standard deviations were <3.7%.
Corrosion resistance of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine/octadecylamine complex coatings on copper substrate
Authors: Xu F. Z. , Chen S. G. , Chen Y. Y. , Chen Y.
Published: August 2011

Octadecylamine (ODA) film assisted with the preferential adhesion of poly‐DOPA was prepared on copper substrates by dip‐coating method. The DOPA self‐polymerized and adhered membrane was firmed to the copper substrate in mild aqueous alkaline environments. By immersing the substrate coated with poly‐DOPA in its absolute ethyl alcohol solution, ODA was adsorbed onto the substrate to give a hydrophobic surface. The formation and surface structure of the film were characterized by water contact angle measurement (DA), and scanning electron microscopy. The corrosion behavior of the functional hybrid films was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Experimental results show that the impedance of the composite films reaches to 106 Ω, enhancing anti‐corrosion property of copper surface greatly.
Modeling of the material behavior during hot hydroforming
Authors: Elsenheimer D. , Taplick C. , Groche P.
Published: August 2011

For the purpose of numerically simulating metal forming processes, material data are necessary, determined by testing procedures similar to the particular process. The new technology of hot tube bulge tests has been introduced recently, fulfilling the requirements of material data determination for hot hydroforming. Based on measurement data gained by this technology, selected constitutive relations for approximating the flow stress depending on temperature, strain rate and logarithmic strain were parameterized applying linear regression analysis. Using the material law with the best approximation quality among the regarded equations, a numerical simulation of an exemplary forming process was accomplished. A comparison between the experimentally obtained geometry after a hot hydroforming process and the prediction by numerical analysis is used for evaluating the quality and applicability of the determined material data for this kind of process. Additionally, a process simulation, using extrapolated material data from compression tests is presented to visualize the influence of the testing procedure on the resulting part geometry prediction.
Effect of boron concentration on the solidification microstructure and properties of Fe‐Cr‐B alloy
Authors: Zhang H. , Fu H. , Jiang Y. , Guo H. , Lei Y. , Zhou R. , Cen Q.
Published: August 2011

In this article, the effect of boron concentration (B = 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.4 and 2.0 respectively) on the solidification microstructure and properties of Fe‐Cr‐B alloy containing 0.35% C, 10–12% Cr, 0.5–0.8% Si, and 0.7–1.0% Mn was studied by means of the optical microscope (OM), the scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Rockwell hardness and Vickers hardness tester. The results indicate that the microstructure of boron‐free sample consists of the martensite, and its hardness reaches 59.2 HRC. When a small amount of boron element was added, the eutectic phase of network structure generated along the grain boundary. The amount of eutectic phase increases when the boron concentration increases. Moreover, the eutectic phase is the mixture of boride and boron carbide. The boride is Fe2B and the boron carbide is (Cr, Fe)7(C, B)3. Compared with boron‐free sample, the Rockwell hardness of the samples with different boron concentrations are all higher, above 62 HRC, and the hardness grow up with the increase of boron concentration. When the boron concentration reaches to 1.4%, the Rockwell hardness of the alloy is 65.7 HRC, which is the highest in this study. When the boron concentration rises to 2.0%, the hardness has no obvious change.
Experimental and numerical investigations on powder pressing with superimposed oscillations of two materials
Authors: Behrens B.‐A. , Seidel H.‐J. , Lange F. , Kammler M.
Published: August 2011

Dem Pressvorgang ist in der Fertigungskette zur Herstellung pulvertechnisch hergestellter Bauteile eine besondere Bedeutung beizumessen, da in dieser Fertigungsstufe die Dichteverteilung und somit die spezifischen Eigenschaften maßgeblich bestimmt werden. Insbesondere die beim Pressen zwangsläufig auftretende Reibung zwischen den formgebenden Werkzeugen und dem Pulverkörper führt zu Dichtegradienten, die ihrerseits zu Sinterverzügen und somit auch zu inhomogenen Werkstoffeigenschaften innerhalb des Bauteils führen. Das Ziel der hier vorgestellten Arbeit bestand daher in der gezielten Erprobung des schwingungsüberlagerten Pressens zur Fertigung pulvertechnisch hergestellter Bauteile, um reibungsbedingte Dichtegradienten zu reduzieren. Es wurden sowohl ein Aluminiumpulver (Alumix 13 der Fa. ECKA) als auch ein Gemenge aus Schleif‐ und Bindemittel (Fa. Comet Schleifscheiben) untersucht, wie es zur Fertigung keramisch gebundener Schleifkörper eingesetzt wird. Die Ergebnisse geben werkstoffabhängig unterschiedliche Hinweise für die positiven Auswirkungen einer Schwingungsüberlagerung des Pressvorgangs. So konnte die Existenz einer günstigen Überlagerungsfrequenz gezeigt werden, die für das untersuchte Gemenge aus Schleif‐ und Bindemittel im Bereich um 60 Hz liegt. Des Weiteren zeigte sich mittels experimenteller und numerischer Untersuchungen, dass durch die Wahl einer geeigneten Überlagerungsfrequenz Dichteverteilungen erzielbar sind, wie sie sich sonst nur beim technisch deutlich aufwändigeren zweiseitigen Pressen einstellen.
Brain perfusion differences in Parkinsonian disorders
Authors: Kimura Noriyuki , Hanaki Syojirou , Masuda Teruaki , Hanaoka Takuya , Hazama Yusuke , Okazaki Toshio , Arakawa Ryuki , Kumamoto Toshihide
Published: August 2011

We aimed to objectively examine the brain perfusion differences between PD, Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy. 99mTc ethylcysteinate dimer single‐photon emission CT (SPECT) was performed in 28 patients with PD, 12 with Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy, 19 with progressive supranuclear palsy, and 17 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects. A voxel‐by‐voxel group analysis, using statistical parametric mapping 8, was performed to detect the differences of regional cerebral blood flow among three diseases and control groups. Regional cerebral blood flow was measured using the noninvasive Patlak plot method and calculated using a fully automated region of interest technique. Progressive supranuclear palsy showed decreased regional cerebral blood flow in the cingulate gyrus and thalamus, whereas Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy showed decreased regional cerebral blood flow in the cerebellum, compared with other patients and controls. Regional cerebral blood flow in the thalamus could be used to discriminate progressive supranuclear palsy from other diseases and control subjects with high sensitivity. These findings suggest that parkinsonian disorders, such as PD, Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy show a distinct SPECT pattern in the frontal cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. Moreover, the measurements of regional cerebral blood flow in the thalamus and cerebellum may be helpful in screening for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndrome. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Assessing runoff in future climate conditions in Messara valley in Crete with a rainfall‐runoff model
Authors: Voudouris K. , Mavromatis T. , Krinis P.
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study is to develop a relationship between rainfall and surface water (runoff) in South Crete, Greece. This application was carried out on five sub‐basins in the Messara valley, with a total surface of 1125 km2. Three factors were taken into account: the climate regime including precipitation and air temperature, the geological nature of the ground and the surface area of the basin. The development of the rainfall‐discharge model consisted of three steps. Firstly, the actual evapotranspiration (Er) was computed. Secondly, the storage capacity of each hydrogeological unit in every catchment area was geologically estimated and, lastly, the rainfall‐runoff model was developed using the water balance equation and the above mentioned relationship ofEr. The amount of variance in runoff between the sub‐basins explained by those three factors was 92%. Decreases in mean annual precipitation by 17 and 15% for east and west Messara, respectively, predicted by the regional climate model REMO resulted in even more drastic mean runoff reductions by 29 and 32% at the respective sides of the valley. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation of runoff increased by more than 15% in the east side of the valley but dropped by only 1.5% in the west. The proposed rainfall‐discharge relationship is a useful tool for hydrological management and evaluation of water resources under the present‐day and future climate conditions in Messara valley in Crete. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Integrative metabolome and transcriptome profiling reveals discordant energetic stress between mouse strains with differential sensitivity to acrolein‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Fabisiak James P. , Medvedovic Mario , Alexander Danny C. , McDunn Jonathan E. , Concel Vincent J. , Bein Kiflai , Jang An Soo , Berndt Annerose , Vuga Louis J. , Brant Kelly A. , Pope‐Varsalona Hannah , Dopico Richard A. , Ganguly Koustav , Upadhyay Swapna , Li Qian , Hu Zhen , Kaminski Naftali , Leikauf George D.
Published: August 2011

Scope: This investigation sought to better understand the metabolic role of the lung and to generate insights into the pathogenesis of acrolein‐induced acute lung injury. A respiratory irritant, acrolein is generated by overheating cooking oils or by domestic cooking using biomass fuels, and is in environmental tobacco smoke, a health hazard in the restaurant workplace.

Methods and results: Using SM/J (sensitive) and 129X1/SvJ (resistant) inbred mouse strains, the lung metabolome was integrated with the transcriptome profile before and after acrolein exposure. A total of 280 small molecules were identified and mean values (log 2 >0.58 or <−0.58, p<0.05) were considered different for between‐strain comparisons or within‐strain responses to acrolein treatment. At baseline, 24 small molecules increased and 33 small molecules decreased in the SM/J mouse lung as compared to 129X1/SvJ mouse lung. Notable among the increased compounds was malonylcarnitine. Following acrolein exposure, several molecules indicative of glycolysis and branched chain amino acid metabolism increased similarly in both strains, whereas SM/J mice were less effective in generating metabolites related to fatty acid β‐oxidation.

Conclusion: These findings suggest management of energetic stress varies between these strains, and that the ability to evoke auxiliary energy generating pathways rapidly and effectively may be critical in enhancing survival during acute lung injury in mice.
DFT studies of ESR parameters for NO centered radicals, N‐alkoxyaminyl and aminoxyl radicals
Authors: Tanaka Akio , Nakashima Kouichi
Published: August 2011

Theoretical calculations of ESR parameters for aminoxyl radicals have been widely studied using the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. However, the isomer N‐alkoxyaminyl radicals have been limitedly studied. With the use of experimental data for 46 N‐alkoxyaminyl and 38 aminoxyl radicals, the isotropic 14N hyperfine coupling constants (aN) and g‐factors have been theoretically estimated by several DFT calculations. The best calculation scheme of aN for N‐alkoxyaminyl radicals was PCM/B3LYP/6‐31 + + G(d,p) (R2 = 0.9519, MAE = 0.034 mT), and that for aminoxyl radicals was PCM/BHandHLYP/6‐31 + + G(3df,3pd) (R2 = 0.9336, MAE = 0.057 mT). For aminoxyl radicals, the solvation models in calculations enhanced the accuracy of reproducibility. In contrast, for N‐alkoxyaminyl radicals the calculations with solvation models provided no improvement. The differences in the best functionals between two types of radicals were thought to come from the contribution ratios of neutral and dipolar canonical structures in resonance forms. The aN for N‐alkoxyaminyl radicals that were stabilized by small contribution of dipolar canonical structures could be precisely reproduced by B3LYP with only 20% HF exact exchange. In contrast, the aN for aminoxyl radicals stabilized by large contribution of dipolar canonical structures was well reproduced by BHandHLYP with 50% HF exchange. The best calculation scheme of g‐factors was IEFPCM/B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) (R2 = 0.9767, MAE = 0.0001) for not only aminoxyl but also N‐alkoxyaminyl radicals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On multiple alternating steady states induced by periodic spin phase perturbation waveforms
Authors: Buračas Giedrius T. , Jung Youngkyoo , Lee Jongho , Buxton Richard B. , Wong Eric C. , Liu Thomas T.
Published: August 2011

Direct measurement of neural currents by means of MRI can potentially open a high temporal resolution (10–100 ms) window applicable for monitoring dynamics of neuronal activity without loss of the high spatial resolution afforded by MRI. Previously, we have shown that the alternating balanced steady state imaging affords high sensitivity to weak periodic currents owing to its amplification of periodic spin phase perturbations. This technique, however, requires precise synchronization of such perturbations to the radiofrequency pulses. Herein, we extend alternating balanced steady state imaging to multiple balanced alternating steady states for estimation of neural current waveforms. Simulations and phantom experiments show that the off‐resonance profile of the multiple alternating steady state signal carries information about the frequency content of driving waveforms. In addition, the method is less sensitive than alternating balanced steady state to precise waveform timing relative to radiofrequency pulses. Thus, multiple alternating steady state technique is potentially applicable to MR imaging of the waveforms of periodic neuronal activity. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative assessment of the effects of high‐permittivity pads in 7 Tesla MRI of the brain
Authors: Teeuwisse Wouter M. , Brink Wyger M. , Webb Andrew G.
Published: August 2011

The use of high‐permittivity materials has been shown to be an effective method for increasing transmit and receive sensitivity in areas of low‐signal intensity in the brain at high field. Results in this article show that the use of these materials does not increase the intercoil coupling for a phased array receive coil, does not have any detrimental effects on the B0 homogeneity within the brain, and does not affect the specific absorption rate distribution within the head. Areas of the brain close to the pads exhibit significant increases (>100%) in transmit field efficiency, but areas further away show a less pronounced (∼10%) decrease due to the homogenization of the transmit field and the loss introduced by the dielectric pads. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased serum nerve growth factor levels in patients with overactive bladder syndrome refractory to antimuscarinic therapy
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Tzu , Lin Heng , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: August 2011

Objective

To investigate the serum nerve growth factor (NGF) and urinary NGF levels in patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) refractory to antimuscarinic therapy.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐four patients with OAB (17 OAB‐dry and 17 OAB‐wet) and 31 normal subjects were enrolled. The patients were diagnosed to have OAB based on symptoms of urgency with/without urgency incontinence and 3‐day voiding diary. All OAB patients had been treated with previous antimuscarinic therapy for at least 3 months but had failed. Serum and urine were collected at baseline and after solifenacin treatment for 3 months. The serum NGF and urinary NGF levels were compared between OAB‐dry and OAB‐wet and between baseline and after solifenacin treatment.

Results

Serum NGF levels were significantly elevated in OAB (median and interquartile range, 7.367 pg/ml, 0–57.66) compared to the controls (0.0728 pg/ml, 0–0.234, P < 0.001). Urinary NGF/Cr levels were significantly elevated in patients with OAB (0.685 pg/mg, 0.08–1.94) compared to the controls (0.005 pg/mg, 0–0.0275, P < 0.001). Serum NGF levels were significantly correlated with urinary NGF (P = 0.002) and NGF/Cr levels (P < 0.001) in OAB patients. There was no significant difference of serum NGF levels between OAB‐dry and OAB‐wet. The serum and urinary NGF levels remained unchanged (P = 0.504 and 0.414, respectively) in OAB patients after solifenacin therapy. The serum NGF levels were highly correlated between baseline and after solifenacin treatment (R2 = 0.83, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Increased serum and urinary NGF levels in patients with OAB refractory to antimuscarinic treatment suggest these bladder disorders might be caused by chronic inflammation. Neurourol. Urodynam. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30: 1525–1529, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparative analysis of pediatric uroflowmetry curves
Authors: Vijverberg Marianne A.W. , Klijn Aart J. , Rabenort Ad , Bransen Jeroen , Kok Esther T. , Wingens Johanna P.M. , de Jong Tom P.V.M.
Published: August 2011

Aims

This study was conducted to try to objectify assessment of pediatric uroflowmetry curves.

Materials and Methods

Nine professionals in pediatric incontinence care judged 480 pediatric uroflows. On a 1–5 scale, where 1 = anomalous and 5 = normal, uroflows were assessed on four items: staccato, interrupted, flow time and obstruction. Eighty uroflows were re‐evaluated for intra‐observer agreement. After staccato and interrupted flow had been defined more sharply, another 100 uroflows were analyzed. Cohen's Kappa test for nominally classified data was applied to assess agreement. Kappa value of <0.20 denoted poor agreement, 0.21–0.40 fair, 0.41–0.60 moderate, 0.61–0.80 substantial and 0.81–1.0 perfect or almost perfect agreement. A second analysis was done using a 3 point scale, anomalous, intermediate and normal.

Results

For interobserver agreement, Kappas were 0.45 for staccato flow, 0.67 for interrupted, 0.59 for flow time, and 0.66 for obstruction. For intra‐observer agreement, Kappas were 0.47 for staccato, 0.65 for interrupted, 0.55 for flow time, and 0.65 for obstruction. On a three‐point scale, anomalous, intermediate, and normal, interobserver agreement was equal to 0.80 or above. In the second 100 uroflows, the interobserver agreement Kappas were 0.44 for staccato, 0.95 for interrupted, 0.71 for flow time and 0.73 for obstruction.

Conclusion

Moderate to substantial agreement on uroflowmetry curves can be reached, except for staccato. Agreement increases if staccato and interrupted flows are defined more sharply. Staccato is defined as three or more peaks and troughs of more than the square root of maximal flow without touching 0, whereas interrupted flow needs at least one 0 passage. In a normal, uninterrupted uroflow, flow time is under 15 sec. Neurourol. Urodynam. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30: 1576–1579, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.