bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land use/cover change impacts in CMIP5 climate simulations: A new methodology and 21st century challenges
Authors: Kumar Sanjiv , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Merwade Venkatesh , DelSole Timothy , Adams Jennifer M. , Niyogi Dev
Published: May 2013

Globally, land use/cover (LU) changes have occurred concurrently with climate change. Several studies have shown significant climate impacts of LU change through sensitivity experiments, which require idealized climate simulations with and without LU change forcings. This paper proposes a new methodology to assess LU change impacts that can be applied to common “all‐forcings” experiments and does not require single‐forcing LU change experiment. The proposed methodology is based on comparing climate change impacts between two neighboring regions in which one region has experienced LU change and the other has not. The methodology is applied to climate simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). In the 20th century climate simulations, all 15 climate models examined show a net increase in summer surface albedo, 11 out of 15 models show a net decrease in summer evapotranspiration, and 8 out of 15 models show a net increase in summer temperature in North America and Eurasia LU change regions. In the 8.5 Wm−2 representative concentration pathways (RCP8.5) 21st century climate simulations, all 14 CMIP5 climate models show more summer warming in North America and Eurasia historical LU change regions than in the surrounding regions. We found substantial uncertainties in Africa and South America future LU change regions, where most climate models show a net decrease in summer temperature due to LU change. These uncertainties could be due to the differences in regional climate characteristics, changes in land‐atmosphere interaction in the 21st century, and/or methodological biases.
Model‐based constraints on the lunar exosphere derived from ARTEMIS pickup ion observations in the terrestrial magnetotail
Authors: Poppe A. R. , Halekas J. S. , Samad R. , Sarantos M. , Delory G. T.
Published: May 2013

We use Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) measurements of lunar exospheric pickup ions in the terrestrial magnetotail lobes combined with a particle‐tracing model to constrain the source species and distributions of the lunar neutral exosphere. These pickup ions, generated by photoionization of neutral species while the Moon is in the magnetotail lobes, undergo acceleration from both the magnetotail convection electric field and the lunar surface photoelectric field, giving rise to distinct pickup ion flux, pitch angle, and energy distributions. By simulating the behavior of lunar pickup ions in the magnetotail lobes and the response of the twin ARTEMIS probes under various ambient conditions, we can constrain several physical quantities associated with these observations, including the source ion production rate and the magnetotail convection velocity (and hence, electric field). Using the model‐derived source ion production rate and established photoionization rates, we present upper limits on the density of several species potentially in the lunar exosphere. In certain cases, these limits are lower than those previously reported. We also present evidence that the lunar exosphere is displaced toward the lunar dawnside while in the terrestrial magnetotail based on fits to the observed pickup ion distributions.
Contribution of QSART to the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Thaisetthawatkul Pariwat , Fernandes Filho J. Americo M. , Herrmann David N.
Published: May 2013

Introduction: We evaluated incorporation of the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) into the diagnostic criteria for small fiber neuropathy (SFN) as an addition to quantitative sensory testing (QST) and intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) testing. Methods: One hundred one patients with clinically suspected SFN underwent QSART, QST, and skin biopsy. The diagnostic yield of existing SFN criteria in these patients was compared with criteria incorporating QSART. The new combined diagnostic criteria were evaluated. Results: SFN was diagnosed in 38 of the 101 patients (38%) using current criteria. Addition of QSART existing SFN criteria resulted in an increased diagnostic yield to 67 patients (66%). Applying new SFN criteria requiring abnormality in at least 2 assessments among QSART, QST, and IENFD resulted in a diagnosis of SFN in 57 patients (56%). Conclusion: Assessment of both somatic and peripheral autonomic small nerve fibers enhances diagnostic criteria for SFN. Muscle Nerve 48: 883–888, 2013
X‐linked Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease predominates in a cohort of multiethnic Malaysian patients
Authors: Shahrizaila Nortina , Samulong Sarimah , Tey Shelisa , Suan Liaw Chiew , Meng Lao Kah , Goh Khean Jin , Ahmad‐Annuar Azlina
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Data regarding Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease is lacking in Southeast Asian populations. We investigated the frequency of the common genetic mutations in a multiethnic Malaysian cohort. Methods: Patients with features of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease or hereditary liability to pressure palsies were investigated for PMP22 duplication, deletion, and point mutations and GJB1, MPZ, and MFN2 point mutations. Results: Over a period of 3 years, we identified 25 index patients. A genetic diagnosis was reached in 60%. The most common were point mutations in GJB1, accounting for X‐linked Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (24% of the total patient population), followed by PMP22 duplication causing Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (20%). We also discovered 2 novel GJB1 mutations, c.521C>T (Proline174Leucine) and c.220G>A (Valine74Methionine). Conclusions: X‐linked Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease was found to predominate in our patient cohort. We also found a better phenotype/genotype correlation when applying a more recently recommended genetic approach to Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. Muscle Nerve 49: 198–201, 2014
The crystallization behaviors of copolymeric flame‐retardant poly(ethylene terephthalate) with organophosphorus
Authors: Li Jingli , Liang Qianqian , Lu Ai , Luo Shikai , Liu Tao , Liu Yanwei , Shi Donglin , Liu Tianli
Published: May 2013

The crystallization behaviors of copolymeric flame‐retardant poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with organophosphorus were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that the degree of tacticity of molecular chain of PET declined due to the presence of organophosphorus which had an important impact on isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization behaviors apparently. In the process of isothermal crystallization, the more organophosphorus the samples contained, the faster the samples crystallized and it resulted from the special structure of PET copolymer with organophosphorus in it. The equilibrium melting temperature of PET decreased from 284.87 to 260.72°C as the content of organophosphorus increased from 0 to 0.96 wt%, whereas in the process of nonisothermal crystallization, the Avrami exponent n decreased with the growth of the content of organophosphorus, and the addition of organophosphorus made the nucleation mechanism and the growing geometry less complicated. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:867–876, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Molding of PBO fabric reinforced thermoplastic composite to achieve high fiber volume fraction
Authors: Xu Anchang , Bao Limin , Nishida Mitsuo , Yamanaka Atsuhiko
Published: May 2013

In fiber‐reinforced plastic materials, the fiber volume fraction is one of the most important parameters, and it strongly influences the composite properties. However, it is hard to improve impregnation and the fiber volume fraction in fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics because thermoplastic resins have high melt viscosities. This study explored a reformative solution impregnation method for molding fabric‐reinforced thermoplastic composites with a high fiber volume fraction. The fiber volume fraction was significantly increased, to 60%, which is equal to that of fiber‐reinforced thermosetting plastic materials. A comparison indicated that a fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic and a fiber‐reinforced thermosetting plastic with the same reinforcing fiber had similar tensile properties and that the proposed molding method is effective in thermoplastic composite manufacture. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:953–958, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhancement on electric responses of BaTiO3 particles with polymer‐coating
Authors: Gao Ling‐xiang , Li Li , Qi Xiao‐rong , Wei Wen‐xin , Hai Jin‐ling , Gao Wei‐qing , Gao Zi‐wei
Published: May 2013

To enhance electric response by polymer coating, BaTiO3/polymer shell–core composite particles were prepared by emulsion polymerization with polyimide, chitosan, polystyrene, polyacrylic acid, and polyacrylamide. Their micro structure was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and automatic X‐ray diffraction, their properties were investigated using optical contact angle and dielectric constant, and their electric responses were studied indirectly by dynamic viscoelasticity analyzer. The results showed that BaTiO3 cores remained in cubic, the surface hydrophilic of the particles changed as follows: BaTiO3 > BaTiO3/PI > BaTiO3/PAM > BaTiO3/Chitosan > BaTiO3/PAA > BaTiO3/PS, and the dielectric constants of the particles varied with the order of that BaTiO3 > BaTiO3/PI > BaTiO3/PAM > BaTiO3/Chitosan > BaTiO3/PAA > BaTiO3/PS. Eventually, the particles' electric response activities exhibited the order of BaTiO3/PI > BaTiO3/PAM > BaTiO3/Chitosan > BaTiO3/PAA > BaTiO3/PS > BaTiO3. Furthermore, the electric response of the particles showed a chief dependence on polymer‐coating, surface hydrophilic, and dielectric constant. As a result, BaTiO3 particles' electric response was much enhanced by polymer‐coating, and their compatibility to aqueous continuous phase was ameliorated. For the BaTiO3/polymer particles, fine surface hydrophile and high dielectric constant dominated the strong response to electric field. Ultimately, BaTiO3/PI and BaTiO3/PAM particles possessed the strongest electric response in the five composite particles. The conclusion suggests an effective approach to prepare excellent hydrous electrorheological elastomers. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:897–903, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
A common landscape for membrane‐active peptides
Authors: Last Nicholas B. , Schlamadinger Diana E. , Miranker Andrew D.
Published: May 2013

Three families of membrane‐active peptides are commonly found in nature and are classified according to their initial apparent activity. Antimicrobial peptides are ancient components of the innate immune system and typically act by disruption of microbial membranes leading to cell death. Amyloid peptides contribute to the pathology of diverse diseases from Alzheimer's to type II diabetes. Preamyloid states of these peptides can act as toxins by binding to and permeabilizing cellular membranes. Cell‐penetrating peptides are natural or engineered short sequences that can spontaneously translocate across a membrane. Despite these differences in classification, many similarities in sequence, structure, and activity suggest that peptides from all three classes act through a small, common set of physical principles. Namely, these peptides alter the Brownian properties of phospholipid bilayers, enhancing the sampling of intrinsic fluctuations that include membrane defects. A complete energy landscape for such systems can be described by the innate membrane properties, differential partition, and the associated kinetics of peptides dividing between surface and defect regions of the bilayer. The goal of this review is to argue that the activities of these membrane‐active families of peptides simply represent different facets of what is a shared energy landscape.
Bow‐tie diagrams in downstream hazard identification and risk assessment
Authors: Saud Yaneira E. , Israni Kumar (Chris) , Goddard Jeremy
Published: May 2013

Bow‐tie diagrams are emerging as a very useful tool to depict and maintain an up‐to‐date, real‐time, working risk management system embedded in daily operations. They are a proven concept in the worldwide offshore industry. These diagrams provide a pictorial representation of the risk assessment process. This article introduces the bow‐tie concept to the downstream and chemical process industries in the United States. The authors believe that bow‐tie diagrams can be a resourceful method in the safety and risk practitioner's toolkit to improve performance of the hazard identification and risk assessment process and to demonstrate that major hazards are identified and managed to as low as reasonably practicable. Because of their graphical nature, the biggest advantage of bow‐tie diagrams is the ease to understanding of risk management by upper management and operations groups. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 33: 26–35, 2014
Using critical flame temperature for estimating lower flammable limits of a mixture
Authors: Ma Tingguang
Published: May 2013

Based on the thermal balance between quenching and heating potentials of each component (fuel/oxygen/diluent), a method of computing flame temperature is proposed. This method can be used to find the critical flame temperature at lower flammable limits or estimate the lower flammable limits with an assumed critical flame temperature. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 387–392, 2013
Nucleobase‐caged peptide nucleic acids: PNA/PNA duplex destabilization and light‐triggered PNA/PNA recognition
Authors: Guha Samit , Graf Julia , Göricke Björn , Diederichsen Ulf
Published: May 2013

The 2‐(o‐nitrophenyl)‐propyl (NPP) group is used as caging group to mask the nucleobases adenine and cytosine in N‐(2‐aminoethyl)glycine peptide nucleic acids (aeg‐PNA). The adeninyl and cytosinyl nucleo amino acid building blocks Fmoc‐aNPP‐aeg‐OH and Fmoc‐cNPP‐aeg‐OH were synthesized and incorporated into PNA sequences by Fmoc solid phase synthesis relying on high stability of the NPP nucleobase protecting group toward Fmoc‐cleavage, coupling, capping, and resin cleavage conditions. Removal of the nucleobase caging group was achieved by UV‐LED irradiation at 365 nm. The nucleobase caging groups provided sterical crowding effecting the Watson–Crick base pairing, and thereby, the PNA double strand stabilities. Duplex formation can completely be suppressed for complementary PNA containing caging groups in both strands. PNA/PNA recognition can be completely restored by UV light‐triggered release of the photolabile protecting group. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical characterization of non‐annealed CdS:O films for window layers in solar cells
Authors: Kitano Atsushi , Shim YongGu , Wakita Kazuki , Khalilova Khuraman , Mamedov Nazim , Bayramov Ayaz , Huseynov Emil , Hasanov Ilham
Published: May 2013

Optical constants of CdS:O window layers for solar cells were studied as a function of the oxygen content. The CdS:O thin films were deposited on glass substrates in the presence of oxygen at 0, 2, 3 and 5% values of O/Ar ratio by rf magnetron sputtering. Ellipsometric measurements on CdS:O thin films were carried out over 0.75–6.0 eV photon energies at room temperature. Optical constants were determined by using a the best‐fit dispersion model. Broadening of spectral features of the obtained optical constants is found to increase with increasing O/Ar ratio. Besides, the CdS:O films grown at 100 °C as compared to those grown at 200 °C exhibit increased spectral broadening. In fact, almost complete smearing of band gap spectral feature is observed for CdS:O films deposited at 5% value of O/Ar ratio, resulting in appreciable transparency of the films in a spectral range above the energy gap of CdS. This, in turn, leads to an increased carrier collection in the UV spectral range and allows to considering CdS:O film as a candidate for improved window‐layer material for solar cell application. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence characterization of Cu2ZnGeS4 single crystals
Authors: Levcenko S. , Guc M. , Merschjann C. , Gurieva G. , Schorr S. , Lux‐Steiner M. , Arushanov E.
Published: May 2013

Optical properties of the Cu2ZnGeS4 bulk single crystals were characterized by using Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy technique. The strongest lattice vibration mode of this compound observed at 359 cm–1 and less intensive modes at 273, 291, 332, 370, 383, 405 and 414 cm–1. PL spectra of the Cu2ZnGeS4 consist of dominant broad emission band located at about 1.40 eV and a less intensive near 2.00 eV at 4.5 K. The observed PL bands were attributed to the donor acceptor pair transitions, with activation energy of 37 (140) meV for dominant and less intensive band, respectively. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raman scattering and electric conductivity in Bi2(Te0.9Se0.1)3 thin films
Authors: Kerimova Afet , Abdullayev Nadir A. , Abdullayev Nadir M. , Aliguliyeva Khayala , Shim Yong Gu , Wakita Kazuki , Mamedov Nazim , Bayramov Ayaz , Nemov Sergey
Published: May 2013

High‐grade Bi2(Te0.9Se0.1)3 thin films have been obtained and studied by means of confocal Raman spectroscopy and electrical measurements. The annealed films demonstrate the Raman‐active modes, $ A^1_{1g}$(61 cm–1) and $ E^2_g$(101 cm–1), which were not observed on as‐grown samples. At densities of incident laser irradiation above 50 W/mm2, the infrared‐active modes, (95 cm–1) and $ A^2_{1u}$(120 cm–1), emerge in the Raman spectra. The last fact is ascribed to symmetry breaking that is resulting from the internal stress and structural deformations caused by local over‐heating. The obtained Bi2(Te0.9Se0.1)3 films manifest dielectric rather than metallic conductivity that is usually observed for bulky crystals of this sort. The variable range hopping conduction has been found to be dominant at temperatures below 100 K. Localization radius and density of localized states at Fermi level have been estimated. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Twinning mechanism of nucleation
Authors: Akchurin Marat , Zakalyukin Ruslan , Kaminskii Alexander
Published: May 2013

A new mechanism of nucleation during mechanosynthesis of complex oxides, based on the mass transfer due to plastic deformation is reported. Preparation of optical ceramics shows the role of the twinning process in the nucleation of yttrium aluminum garnet (Y3Al5O12) and spinel (MgAl2O4) by grinding powders of Al2O3 + Y2O3 and MgO + Al2O3, respectively. A new look at the role of twinning in the plastic deformation suggested that mechanical twinning is the main mechanism of mechanochemical solid‐state reactions. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Impact of the 24 September 2011 solar radio burst on the performance of GNSS receivers
Authors: Sreeja V. , Aquino M. , de Jong Kees
Published: May 2013

Intense solar radio bursts occurring at the L‐band frequencies can significantly impact the performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers in the sunlit hemisphere of the Earth. An intense solar radio burst occurred on 24 September 2011, with a maximum power of 110,000 solar flux units (10−22 W/m2/Hz) at 1.415 GHz. This manuscript aims to contribute insight on the impact of this solar radio burst on the performance of the GNSS receivers in the European and Latin American sectors. Maximum reductions of 11.0, 22.0, and 10.0 dB Hz in the carrier‐to‐noise density ratio (C/N0) of the GPS L1C/A, L2P, and L2C signals, respectively, were observed. The C/N0 reduction is modulated by the local solar incidence angle for the GPS L1C/A and L2P signals, whereas such modulation was not observed for the GPS L2C signal. The solar radio burst also had an adverse effect on the recorded GNSS pseudorange and carrier phase data, thereby causing positioning errors, which are also presented herein.
Tectono‐sedimentary evolution of the Tertiary Piedmont Basin (NW Italy) within the Oligo–Miocene central Mediterranean geodynamics
Authors: Maino Matteo , Decarlis Alessandro , Felletti Fabrizio , Seno Silvio
Published: May 2013

We analyze the tectono‐sedimentary and thermochronometric constraints of the Tertiary Piedmont Basin (TPB) and its adjoining orogen, the Ligurian Alps, providing new insights on the basin evolution in response to a changing geodynamic setting. The geometry of the post‐metamorphic faults of the Ligurian belt as well as the fault network that controlled the Oligo–Miocene TPB deposition has been characterized through a detailed structural analysis. Three main faulting stages have been distinguished and dated thanks to the relationships among faults and basin stratigraphy and thermochronometric data. The first stage (F1, Rupelian–Early Chattian) is related to the development of extensional NNW‐directed faults, which controlled the exhumation of the orogen and the deposition of nearshore clastics. During the Late Chattian, the basin drowning is marked by mudstones and turbidites, which deposition was influenced by the second faulting stage (F2). This phase was mainly characterized by NE‐ to ENE‐striking faults developed within a transtensional zone. Since the Miocene, the whole area was dominated by transpressive tectonics. The sedimentation was represented by a condensed succession followed by a very thick, turbiditic complex. At the regional scale, this succession of events reflects the major geodynamic reorganization in the central Mediterranean region during the Oligo–Miocene times, induced by the late‐collisional processes of the Alps, by the eastward migration of the Apennines subduction and by the opening of extensional basins (i. e., the Liguro–Provençal Ocean).
Arc‐parallel extrusion of the Timor sector of the Banda arc‐continent collision
Authors: Duffy Brendan , Quigley Mark , Harris Ron , Ring Uwe
Published: May 2013

Structural studies of synorogenic basins in Timor using field and remote sensing techniques provide new structural and geomorphic evidence for syn‐collisional extension in the converging plate boundary zone between the Australian Plate and Banda Arc. Fault mapping and kinematic analysis at scales ranging from outcrop (<1 m2) to the dimensions of the active orogen in East Timor (~100 km2) identify a predominance of NW‐SE oriented dextral‐normal faults and NE‐SW oriented sinistral‐normal faults that collectively bound large (5–20 km2) bedrock massifs throughout the island. These fault systems intersect at non‐Andersonian conjugate angles of approximately 120° and accommodate an estimated 20 km of NE‐directed extension across the Timor orogen based on reconstructions of fault‐dismembered massifs. Major orogen‐parallel ENE‐oriented faults on the northern and southern sides of Timor exhibit normal‐sinistral and normal‐dextral kinematics, respectively. The overall pattern of deformation is one of lateral crustal extrusion sub‐parallel to the Banda Arc. Stratigraphic relationships suggest that extrusion began prior to 5.5 Ma, before pronounced rapid uplift of the orogen. We link this to progressive coupling of the fore‐arc to an underthrust plateau on the Australian Plate and subduction of its ocean crust. Our results enable us to track the structural evolution of the upper crust during dramatic plate‐boundary reorganizations accompanying the transition from subduction to collision. The deformation structures that we document suggest that both upper and lower plate deformation during incipient island arc‐continent collision was largely controlled by the geometry and topography of the lower plate.
Antimicrobial performance and the cure and mechanical properties of peroxide‐cured silicone rubber compounds
Authors: Taptim Kulnida , Sombatsompop Narongrit
Published: May 2013

Nanosilver colloid, Ag‐based zeolite compound, and 2‐hydroxypropyl‐3‐piperazinylquinolinecarboxylic acid methacrylate (HPQCAM) were used as antimicrobial agents and/or mechanical property improvers in peroxide‐cured silicone rubber vulcanizates. The vulcanizates were prepared by using a two‐roll mill followed by a hydraulic press in order to vulcanize the rubber compounds, and their cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and antibacterial performance were assessed. The antimicrobial performance of the silicone rubber compounds was examined through plate‐count‐agar and drop‐plate‐agar methods, as well as the halo test. The results suggested that the addition of all of the antimicrobial agents slightly increased the cure time, except for the Ag‐based zeolite. The addition of all of the antimicrobial agents also affected the mechanical properties of the rubber vulcanizates. The Ag‐based zeolite gave the silicone rubber compound with the most improved mechanical properties, whereas HPQCAM was the most effective antimicrobial agent, as determined by the occurrence of the inhibition zone and 99% reductions of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The changes in silicone rubber surface with the addition of antibacterial agent were shown by progressive decreases in water contact angle. This result was observed only for the HPQCAM agent and was associated with diffusion and the releasing mechanism of the HPQCAM to kill the bacteria. The optical lightness of the silicone vulcanizates decreased with increasing nanosilver content but increased with increasing amounts of Ag‐based zeolite or HPQCAM. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:113–122, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of Clostridium thermocellum strains with disrupted fermentation end-product pathways
Authors: van der Veen Douwe , Lo Jonathan , Brown Steven D , Johnson Courtney M , Tschaplinski Timothy J , Martin Madhavi , Engle Nancy L , van den Berg Robert A , Argyros Aaron D , Caiazza Nicky C , Guss Adam M , Lynd Lee R
Published: May 2013

Clostridium thermocellum is a thermophilic, cellulolytic anaerobe that is a candidate microorganism for industrial biofuels production. Strains with mutations in genes associated with production of l-lactate (Δldh) and/or acetate (Δpta) were characterized to gain insight into the intracellular processes that convert cellobiose to ethanol and other fermentation end-products. Cellobiose-grown cultures of the Δldh strain had identical biomass accumulation, fermentation end-products, transcription profile, and intracellular metabolite concentrations compared to its parent strain (DSM1313 Δhpt Δspo0A). The Δpta-deficient strain grew slower and had 30 % lower final biomass concentration compared to the parent strain, yet produced 75 % more ethanol. A Δldh Δpta double-mutant strain evolved for faster growth had a growth rate and ethanol yield comparable to the parent strain, whereas its biomass accumulation was comparable to Δpta. Free amino acids were secreted by all examined strains, with both Δpta strains secreting higher amounts of alanine, valine, isoleucine, proline, glutamine, and threonine. Valine concentration for Δldh Δpta reached 5 mM by the end of growth, or 2.7 % of the substrate carbon utilized. These secreted amino acid concentrations correlate with increased intracellular pyruvate concentrations, up to sixfold in the Δpta and 16-fold in the Δldh Δpta strain. We hypothesize that the deletions in fermentation end-product pathways result in an intracellular redox imbalance, which the organism attempts to relieve, in part by recycling NADP+ through increased production of amino acids.
Community‐dependent foraging habits of flower visitors: cascading indirect interactions among five bumble bee species
Authors: Ishii Hiroshi S.
Published: May 2013

Despite the ubiquity and the importance of interspecific interactions among flower visitors, few studies have examined their effects on the realized feeding niches of visitor species in a community context. To evaluate the community‐wide effects of interactions among flower visitors, I have examined changes in the flower utilization patterns of each visitor species at several sites where the component of the visitor's community differed. Specifically, I compared the flower preferences and foraging habits (legitimate foraging vs. primary nectar robbing vs. secondary nectar robbing) of five bumble bee species in flower patches consisting of Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) and T. repens L. (white clover) on Hokkaido Island, Japan. I also examined the nectar production and standing crops of each flower species to evaluate the exploitation competition based on nectar. The bumble bee species exhibited different flower utilization patterns among sites. At sites where the long‐tongued Bombus diversus tersatus was common and the exotic short‐tongued B. terrestris was rare, B. diversus tersatus visited red clover (long‐tubed flowers) exclusively, whereas medium‐tongued B. pseudobaicalensis and short‐tongued B. hypocrita sapporoensis and B. hypnorum koropokkrus preferentially visited white clover (short‐tubed flowers). Conversely, at sites where the long‐tongued bee was rare, four other species frequently visited red clover in different modes: B. pseudobaicalensis visited legitimately, B. hypocrita sapporoensis and B. terrestris visited as primary nectar robbers, and B. hypnorum koropokkrus visited as a secondary nectar robber. The presence or absence of resource exploitation by the long‐tongued species and the interaction between primary and secondary nectar robbers via robbing holes was the major ecological sources of these differences. Diverse effects of interactions among flower visitors played important roles in shaping pattern of plant and flower visitor interactions.
Trunk stabilization with sling training in osteoporosis patients—a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Schröder Guido , Knauerhase Andreas , Kundt Guenther , Schober Hans-Christof
Published: May 2013

Fractures due to osteoporosis are one of the principal causes of functional limitations, chronic pain, and greater morbidity in advanced age. In addition to bone risk factors for osteoporotic fractures include extraosseous causes such as falls or reduced neuromuscular capacity. Muscle and coordination exercises enhance the patients’ abilities in daily life and prevent falls. In view of recent conclusions drawn from competitive sports, which stress the significance of the muscles of the trunk in respect of reducing back pain and optimizing posture, we used sling exercises to determine whether osteoporosis patients benefit from it and whether it is more advantageous than traditional physiotherapy. Fifty patients were randomized into two groups. Group A received traditional physiotherapy, while group B was given sling exercises, in each case twice a week for a period of 3 months. The results of treatment (pre-post) were analyzed in terms of pain levels, mobility, trunk strength, and the shape of the back. After a further 3 months with no specific exercise treatment, we retested all patients in order to draw conclusions about the long-term effects of the two types of exercise. Forty-four patients (88 %) completed the study. Patients were assigned to small groups (a maximum of five patients in each group) and, thus, received individual attention and motivation. Positive training effects were achieved in both groups. Significantly better results as regards improvement of mobility and reduction of falls were registered in the sling exercise group.
The Effect of Non Ionic Surfactants Containing Triazole, Thiadiazole and Oxadiazole as Inhibitors of the Corrosion of Carbon Steel in 1M Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Sobhi M. , El‐sayed R. , Abdallah M.
Published: May 2013

In the present investigation novel nonionic surfactants were synthesized, characterized and tested as inhibitors of the corrosion of carbon steel in 1M HCl solution. The inhibition action of these surfactants was studied by weight loss, galvanostatic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The adsorption of the inhibitors was well described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and the adsorption isotherm parameters were determined at different temperatures. The inhibition efficiency was found to rise when increasing the concentration of these compounds and decreasing the temperature. The effect of temperature on the inhibition efficiency of the corrosion process was studied and the values of some activated thermodynamic parameters were calculated to elaborate the mechanism of inhibition. The synthesized nonionic surfactants exhibit good surface and antimicrobial properties.
Synthesis, Characterization, Biodegradation and Evaluation of the Surface Active Properties of Nonionic Surfactants Derived from Jatropha Oil
Authors: Negm Nabel A. , El‐Tabl Abdou Saad , Aiad Ismail A. , Zakareya Khalid , Moustafa Ahmed H.
Published: May 2013

Four nonionic surface active agents were synthesized using the fatty acids obtained from the hydrolysis of Jatropha oil. The fatty acids obtained contained different fatty acids including: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids in different proportions. The chemical structures of the obtained surfactants were characterized using elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. The surface activities of the different surfactants were determined using surface and interfacial tension measurements. The surfactants showed good surface and interfacial activities, which are dependent on their chemical structures. Thermodynamic parameters of adsorption and micellization confirmed these results. The biodegradation tests in river water showed that the surfactants are readily biodegradable, and reached the European standards after 24 days. Surfactants containing longer nonionic chains formed stable emulsions with paraffin oil, while shorter chains exhibit a lower emulsion stability performance.
Effects of Pilot Plant‐Scale Ultrasound on Palm Oil Separation and Oil Quality
Authors: Juliano P. , Swiergon P. , Lee K. H. , Gee P. T. , Clarke P. T. , Augustin M. A.
Published: May 2013

The effects of ultrasonic standing waves on palm oil separation of ex‐screw press feed from the mesocarp of the palm oil fruit, oil recovery and oil quality were determined. The ex‐screw press feed at 85 °C was pumped simultaneously into two identical vessels. One vessel was the control (non‐ultrasound) and the other vessel (ultrasound) was fitted with two 400 kHz transducer plates operating at 13.4 kJ/kg, which were placed in direct contact with the feed. Oiling‐off by gravity settling occurred at faster rates after sonication. The total recoverable oil after 30 min gravity settling and upon centrifuging the underflow sludge (remaining colloidal fraction) at 1000×g was higher after sonication. Total recoverable oil was 30.7 ± 2.9 % and 43.5 ± 8.6 % (w/w original feed basis) for the non‐sonicated and sonicated samples respectively. Sonication reduced the oil content of the sludge ex‐centrifuge, demonstrating that higher recovery of palm oil was obtained with ultrasound application. Sonication did not affect the DOBI (deterioration of bleachability index) value, and vitamin E and free fatty acid contents of the separated oil. High‐frequency ultrasound enhances the separation rate of palm oil and increases oil recovery without compromising oil quality.
Enrichment of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids of Refined Hoki Oil
Authors: Tengku‐Rozaina Tengku Mohamad , Birch Edward John
Published: May 2013

Enrichment of the omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids of refined hoki oil (RHO) intact triglycerides (TG) and via free fatty acids (FFA), was carried out in the present study using established methods of dry fractionation (DF), low temperature solvent crystallization (LTSC) and urea complexation (UC) and positional distribution of fatty acids in the intact TG was determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. Results showed that n‐3 fatty acids were enriched in liquid fractions of all methods except DF, where the highest concentration was obtained via the UC method (83.00 %). The FFA form of the oil produced a higher concentration (40.81 %) of n‐3 fatty acids via the LTSC method compared to the TG form (31.50 %). The percentages of the total saturated fatty acid (SFA) in the liquid fractions in all methods were lower, ranging from 1.60 % (UC) to 21.44 % (DF) compared to the RHO parent oil (24.05 %). The percentages of total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the liquid fractions were similar to the solid fractions except for the UC method where total MUFA was six times higher in the solid fraction. In LTSC‐FFA and UC methods, the enrichment factor for EPA was lower, ranging from 1.61 (LTSC‐FFA) to 2.83 (UC), than DHA which ranged from 1.64 (LTSC‐FFA) to 3.88 (UC). EPA was preferentially located at the sn‐1,3 position and DHA was significantly located at the sn‐2 position which is the favoured location for intestinal digestion.
Effect of Extraction Solvent on Oil and Bioactives Composition of Commercial Indian Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) Seed
Authors: Bhatnagar Ajit Singh , Gopala Krishna Ambale Gundappa
Published: May 2013

Commercially available niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) seed was investigated to evaluate the effect of extraction solvent on oil and bioactives composition. For this purpose, niger seeds were subjected to solvent extraction using solvents of different polarity, viz., hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, methanol and ethanol. The oil content of niger seeds obtained after extraction with solvents of different polarities was in the range of 31.8–41.3 g/100 g. The extracted oil was characterized by the following parameters: color (40.0–95.0 Lovibond units), free fatty acids (3.6–12.3 g/100 g), peroxide value (3.2–7.8 mequiv O2/kg), iodine value (137.6–140.3 cg I2/g), saponification value (177.3–185.9 mg KOH/g) and unsaponifiable matter (1.3–4.3 g/100 g). Among fatty acids, linoleic acid (69.4–73.2 %) was the major fatty acid and trilinolein (31.2–33.4 %) was the major triacylglycerol. The composition of bioactive molecules was 171.9–345.8 ppm of total tocopherols; 247.1–2,647.7 ppm of total phenolics; 1,249.6–6,309.3 ppm of total sterols and 18.9–181.0 ppm of total carotenoids. Among the tocopherols, α‐tocopherol was the major component with 154–276 ppm. Of the total phenolics, vanillic acid with 176–1,709 ppm was the major phenolic compound in the oil extracted using different solvents. Ethanol‐extracted oil showed a 13.9‐fold better oxidative stability and a higher radical scavenging activity (IC50 value of 9.2 mg/mL) compared to hexane‐extracted oil (IC50 value of 40.3 mg/mL). This is probably the first report of its kind on solvent extractability of bioactives of niger seed.
Expression and function of the dense‐core vesicle membranes are governed by the transcription repressor REST
Authors: D․Alessandro Rosalba , Meldolesi Jacopo
Published: May 2013

The membrane of dense‐core vesicles is present only in neural cells, where it is instrumental to the regulated discharge of important molecules such as the catecholamine neurotransmitters. The mechanism underlying the specificity of this membrane to certain cell types has so far been unclear. Studies of this problem have been carried out by employing the pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line and its clones defective of dense‐core vesicles. REST, the transcription repressor expressed at high levels in non‐neural and at very low levels in neural cells, was found to regulate the genes encoding almost all the proteins of both the core and the membrane of the dense‐core vesicles, including the transporter for catecholamines and the SNAREs for their exocytosis. Moreover, REST appears to control the assembly of the vesicle membrane. The role of REST in the various steps of the expression and function of the dense‐core vesicle membrane is critical during development and participates in the dynamic regulation of mature cell physiology.
Communication of genome regulatory elements in a folded chromosome
Authors: Razin Sergey V. , Gavrilov Alexey A. , Ioudinkova Elena S. , Iarovaia Olga V.
Published: May 2013

The most popular model of gene activation by remote enhancers postulates that the enhancers interact directly with target promoters via the looping of intervening DNA fragments. This interaction is thought to be necessary for the stabilization of the Pol II pre‐initiation complex and/or for the transfer of transcription factors and Pol II, which are initially accumulated at the enhancer, to the promoter. The direct interaction of enhancer(s) and promoter(s) is only possible when these elements are located in close proximity within the nuclear space. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms for maintaining the close proximity of the remote regulatory elements of the eukaryotic genome. The models of an active chromatin hub (ACH) and an active nuclear compartment are considered, focusing on the role of chromatin folding in juxtaposing remote DNA sequences. The interconnection between the functionally dependent architecture of the interphase chromosome and nuclear compartmentalization is also discussed.
Safety and mid-term outcome of endovascular therapy for internal carotid artery disease: a 15-year experience at a single-centre angiology institution
Authors: Ibrahim Tareq , Karmann Sebastian , Schuster Tibor , Fusaro Massimiliano , Ott Ilka , Böttiger Corinna , Paschalidis Makarios , Hilger Juliane K. , Poppert Holger , Theiss Wolfram , von Beckerath Nicolas
Published: May 2013

Background: Endovascular therapy of carotid artery disease has emerged as a potential alternative to endarterectomy and its clinical practise dramatically increased in many parts of the world. This study aims to determine the safety and mid-term outcome of carotid artery stenting (CAS) within a 15-year carotid program at a single-centre institution. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analysed all CAS-procedures performed at our institution between 1995 and 2009. Results: During the observation period, a total of 497 CAS procedures were attempted in 460 patients with stenoses of the internal carotid artery of which 187 (37.6 %) were symptomatic and 310 (62.4 %) were asymptomatic. CAS was successful in 479 (96.4 %) cases and success rate significantly increased throughout the study (p < 0.001). The periprocedural complication rate for death, stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA) was 0.4 %, 1.2 %, and 2.6 %, respectively, and the cumulative event rate did not differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (4.8 % vs. 3.9 %; p = 0.62). Age was the only significant predictor for the occurrence of any periprocedural adverse event (OR 2.08 [1.22 - 3.54]; p = 0.007). During a median follow-up of 24 [1; 141] months, the rate of stroke, TIA, and in-stent restenosis was 1.0 %, 2.2 %, and 2.7 %, respectively. Conclusions: Data from this large observation in everyday clinical patients demonstrate that endovascular therapy in carotid artery disease can be performed safely and with mid-term outcomes comparable to carotid endarterectomy.
Catheter-based treatment of ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis - an update on current evidence
Authors: Fahrni Jennifer , Engelberger Rolf P. , Kucher Nils , Willenberg Torsten , Baumgartner Iris
Published: May 2013

Ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has a high rate of long-term morbidity in the form of the postthrombotic syndrome (PTS). Therefore, management of acute thrombosis should not only focus on the prevention of acute complications such as propagation or embolisation of the initial clot but also on preventing PTS and recurrent thrombosis. Contemporary catheter-based treatments of deep vein thrombosis have proven to be safe and effective in selected patients. Current guidelines recommend medical therapy with anticoagulation alone for all but the most severe, limb-threatening thrombosis. They additionally allow for consideration of catheter-based treatment in patients with acute DVT and low risk of bleeding complications to prevent PTS. Recent studies favoring interventional therapy have not been included in these guidelines. Data on long-term outcome is expected to be published soon, clarifying and very likely strengthening the role of catheter-based treatments in the management of acute ilio-femoral DVT.
Catheter venography for the assessment of internal jugular veins and azygous vein: Position statement by expert panel of the International Society for Neurovascular Disease*
Authors: Simka Marian , Hubbard David , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Dake Michael D. , Sclafani Salvatore J. A. , Al-Omari Mamoon , Eisele Carlos G. , Haskal Ziv J. , Ludyga Tomasz , Miloševič Zoran V. , Sievert Horst , Stehling Michael K. , Zapf Stefan , Zorc Marjeta
Published: May 2013

This document by an expert panel of the International Society for Neurovascular Disease is aimed at presenting current technique and interpretation of catheter venography of the internal jugular veins, azygous vein and other veins draining the central nervous system. Although interventionalists agree on general rules, significant differences exist in terms of details of venographic technique and interpretations of angiographic pictures. It is also suggested that debatable findings should be investigated using multimodal diagnostics. Finally, the authors recommend that any publication on chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency should include detailed description of venographic technique used, to facilitate a comparison of published results in this area.
Association between estimated glomerular filtration rate, ankle-brachial index, and recurrent ischemic stroke in a Chinese population of ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Wang Yong L. , Ma Heng , Yang Jun , Li Jue , Hao Xiaochen , Mou Qingjie , Liu Jing , Guo Xiaoyan , Zhao Dongdong , Xu Yawei
Published: May 2013

Background: Very few studies have examined combined association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) on recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with ischemic stroke in Chinese populations. Patients and methods: A Chinese population of 1219 ischemic stroke patients was followed up in this six-year prospective study. Results: 1080 ischemic stroke patients with complete follow-up data were included in the statistical analysis. A total of 245 ischemic stroke patients (22.7 %) had recurrent ischemic stroke during follow-up. The Incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke was significantly increased with decreasing eGFR levels and that of patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73m2 was the highest. Hazard ratio (HR) of eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73m2 to recurrent ischemic stroke was 2.633 (95 % CI: 1.653 - 4.194) compared with that of eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m2 after adjusting for other potential confounders using Cox regression analysis. Incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke was significantly increased with simultaneously decreasing eGFR and ABI. The highest percentage (71.4 %) of patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73m2 and ABI ≤ 0.4 simultaneously had recurrent ischemic stroke during follow-up. HR of eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73m2 and ABI ≤ 0.4 simultaneously with recurrent ischemic stroke was 9.415 (95 % CI: 3.479 - 25.483) compared with that of eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m2 and ABI > 1.0 to ≤ 1.4 respectively Conclusions: Low ABI and low eGFR together had synergistic effects on increasing recurrent ischemic stroke of ischemic stroke patients during a long-term follow-up.