bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The complete spectrum of the equatorial electrojet related to solar tides: CHAMP observations
Authors: Lühr H. , Manoj C.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Based on 10 yr of magnetic field measurements by the CHAMP satellite we draw a detailed picture of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) tidal variations. For the first time the complete EEJ spectrum related to average solar tides has been compiled. A large fraction of the resulting spectrum is related to the switch on/off of the EEJ between day and night. This effect has carefully been considered when interpreting the results. As expected, largest amplitudes are caused by the migrating tides representing the mean diurnal variation. Higher harmonics of the daily variations show a 1/f fall-off in amplitude. Such a spectrum is required to represent the vanishing of the EEJ current at night. The migrating tidal signal exhibits a distinct annual variation with large amplitudes during December solstice and equinox seasons but a depression by a factor of 1.7 around June–July. A rich spectrum of non-migrating tidal effects is deduced. Most prominent is the four-peaked longitudinal pattern around August. Almost 90% of the structure can be attributed to the diurnal eastward-propagating tide DE3. In addition the westward-propagating DW5 is contributing to wave-4. The second-largest non-migrating tide is the semi-diurnal SW4 around December solstice. It causes a wave-2 feature in satellite observations. The three-peaked longitudinal pattern, often quoted as typical for the December season, is significantly weaker. During the months around May–June a prominent wave-1 feature appears. To first order it represents a stationary planetary wave SPW1 which causes an intensification of the EEJ at western longitudes beyond 60° W and a weakening over Africa/India. In addition, a prominent ter-diurnal non-migrating tide TW4 causes the EEJ to peak later, at hours past 14:00 local time in the western sector. A particularly interesting non-migrating tide is the semi-diurnal SW3. It causes largest EEJ amplitudes from October through December. This tidal component shows a strong dependence on solar flux level with increasing amplitudes towards solar maximum. We are not aware of any previous studies mentioning this behaviour of SW3. The main focus of this study is to present the observed EEJ spectrum and its relation to tidal driving. For several of the identified spectral components we cannot offer convincing explanations for the generation mechanisms.
Scaling of growth rate and mortality with size and its consequence on size spectra of natural microphytoplankton assemblages in the East China Sea
Authors: Chang F. H. , Marquis E. C. , Chang C. W. , Gong G. C. , Hsieh C. H.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Allometric scaling of body size versus growth rate and mortality has been suggested to be a universal macroecological pattern, as described by the metabolic theory of ecology (MTE). However, whether such scaling generally holds in natural assemblages remains debated. Here, we test the hypothesis that the size-specific growth rate and grazing mortality scale with the body size with an exponent of −1/4 after temperature correction, as MTE predicts. To do so, we couple a dilution experiment with the FlowCAM imaging system to obtain size-specific growth rates and grazing mortality of natural microphytoplankton assemblages in the East China Sea. This novel approach allows us to achieve highly resolved size-specific measurements that would be very difficult to obtain in traditional size-fractionated measurements using filters. Our results do not support the MTE prediction. On average, the size-specific growth rates and grazing mortality scale almost isometrically with body size (with scaling exponent ∼0.1). However, this finding contains high uncertainty, as the size-scaling exponent varies substantially among assemblages. The fact that size-scaling exponent varies among assemblages prompts us to further investigate how the variation of size-specific growth rate and grazing mortality can interact to determine the microphytoplankton size structure, described by normalized biomass size spectrum (NBSS), among assemblages. We test whether the variation of microphytoplankton NBSS slopes is determined by (1) differential grazing mortality of small versus large individuals, (2) differential growth rate of small versus large individuals, or (3) combinations of these scenarios. Our results indicate that the ratio of the grazing mortality of the large size category to that of the small size category best explains the variation of NBSS slopes across environments, suggesting that higher grazing mortality of large microphytoplankton may release the small phytoplankton from grazing, which in turn leads to a steeper NBSS slope. This study contributes to understanding the relative importance of bottom-up versus top-down control in shaping microphytoplankton size structure.
Change in tropical forest cover of Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2010
Authors: Stibig H.-J. , Achard F. , Carboni S. , Raši R. , Miettinen J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The study assesses the extent and trends of forest cover in Southeast Asia for the period 1990–2000–2010 and provides an overview on the main drivers of forest cover change. A systematic sample of 418 sites (10 km × 10 km size) located at the one-degree geographical confluence points and covered with satellite imagery of 30 m resolution is used for the assessment. Techniques of image segmentation and automated classification are combined with visual satellite image interpretation and quality control, involving forestry experts from Southeast Asian countries. The accuracy of our results is assessed through an independent consistency assessment, performed from a subsample of 1572 mapping units and resulting in an overall agreement of > 85% for the general differentiation of forest cover vs. non-forest cover. The total forest cover of Southeast Asia is estimated at 268 Mha in 1990, dropping to 236 Mha in 2010, with annual change rates of 1.75 Mha (~0.67% and 1.45 Mha (~0.59%) for the periods 1990–2000 and 2000–2010, respectively. The vast majority of forest cover loss (~2/3 for 2000–2010) occurred in insular Southeast Asia. Combining the change patterns visible from satellite imagery with the output of an expert consultation on the main drivers of forest change highlights the high pressure on the region's remaining forests. The conversion of forest cover to cash crop plantations (e.g. oil palm) is ranked as the dominant driver of forest change in Southeast Asia, followed by selective logging and the establishment of tree plantations.
Micrometeorological conditions and surface mass and energy fluxes on Lewis Glacier, Mt Kenya, in relation to other tropical glaciers
Authors: Nicholson L. I. , Prinz R. , Mölg T. , Kaser G.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The Lewis Glacier on Mt Kenya is one of the best-studied tropical glaciers, but full understanding of the interaction of the glacier mass balance and its climatic drivers has been hampered by a lack of long-term meteorological data. Here we present 2.5 yr of meteorological data collected from the glacier surface from October 2009 to February 2012. The location of measurements is in the upper portion of Lewis Glacier, but this location experiences negative annual mass balance, and the conditions are comparable to those experienced in the lower ablation zones of South American glaciers in the inner tropics. In the context of other glaciated mountains of equatorial East Africa, the summit zone of Mt Kenya shows strong diurnal cycles of convective cloud development as opposed to the Rwenzoris, where cloud cover persists throughout the diurnal cycle, and Kilimanjaro, where clear skies prevail. Surface energy fluxes were calculated for the meteorological station site using a physical mass- and energy-balance model driven by measured meteorological data and additional input parameters that were determined by Monte Carlo optimization. Sublimation rate was lower than those reported on other tropical glaciers, and melt rate was high throughout the year, with the glacier surface reaching the melting point on an almost daily basis. Surface mass balance is influenced by both solid precipitation and air temperature, with radiation providing the greatest net source of energy to the surface. Cloud cover typically reduces the net radiation balance compared to clear-sky conditions, and thus the frequent formation of convective clouds over the summit of Mt Kenya and the associated higher rate of snow accumulation are important in limiting the rate of mass loss from the glacier surface. The analyses shown here form the basis for future glacier-wide mass and energy balance modeling to determine the climate proxy offered by the glaciers of Mt Kenya.
Characterization of Iberian species of the genus Pungentus Thorne & Swanger, 1936 (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Nordiidae)
Authors: Peña-Santiago Reyes , Ciobanu Marcel , Abolafia Joaquin
Published: August 2013

Several populations of four known species of the genus Pungentus (P. clavatus, P. engadinensis, P. marietani and P. silvestris), collected in the wild and in cultivated soils from the Iberian Peninsula, are studied. Detailed redescriptions and morphometrics are presented for each species. Illustrations are provided, including line drawings, light microscopy pictures of the four species as well as scanning electron microscopy observations of P. engadinensis. The Iberian populations are compared to type and other known populations, and new data are given that provide a better characterization of these taxa. Pungentus engadinensis is the most widely distributed species in the Iberian Peninsula.
Digging Out and Filling In
Authors: McIlwraith Thomas
Published: August 2013

A half-million square metres (50 hectares) was brought in to railroad and commercial use at wharfage-level along the Toronto lakefront during the 1850s. This major engineering project involved cutting down the terrace south of Front Street, and this was the source of most of the fill dumped into the Bay. Neither railroad cars nor harbour dredges were capable of delivering the additional material necessary for building anticipated port lands, and many parts of the waterfront remained improperly filled for decades. The land-area that was created should be regarded as a byproduct of short-run, selfish commercial interests, abetted by a City Council that gave only lip-service to the concept of a parklike lakefront.
Change and Stability Within an Urban Hierarchy
Authors: Dahms Fred
Published: August 2013

This research note will present an analysis of the changing functional complexity of all settlements having economic functions in Waterloo County between 1864 and 1971. Its purpose is to assess the stability of the urban hierarchy there over 107 years, and to provide data which will enable us to compare urbanization processes in several areas of North America.
Slot‐Die Coating of a High Performance Copolymer in a Readily Scalable Roll Process for Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Helgesen Martin , Carlé Jon Eggert , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: August 2013

Copolymers based on dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]silole (DTS) and dithienylthiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole (TTz) are synthesized and tested in an all‐solution roll process for polymer solar cells (PSCs). Fabrication of polymer:[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) solar cells is done on a previously reported compact coating/printing machine, which enables the preparation of PSCs that are directly scalable with full roll‐to‐roll processing. The positioning of the side‐chains on the thiophene units proves to be very significant in terms of solubility of the polymers and consequently has a major impact on the device yield and process control. The most successful processing is accomplished with the polymer, PDTSTTz‐4, that has the side‐chains situated in the 4‐position on the thiophene units. Inverted PSCs based on PDTSTTz‐4 demonstrate high fill factors, up to 59%, even with active layer thicknesses well above 200 nm. Power conversion efficiencies of up to 3.5% can be reached with the roll‐coated PDTSTTz‐4:PCBM solar cells that, together with good process control and high device yield, designate PDTSTTz‐4 as a convincing candidate for high‐throughput roll‐to‐roll production of PSCs.
Small intragenic deletion in FOXP2 associated with childhood apraxia of speech and dysarthria
Authors: Turner Samantha J , Hildebrand Michael S. , Block Susan , Damiano John , Fahey Michael , Reilly Sheena , Bahlo Melanie , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Morgan Angela T.
Published: August 2013

Relatively little is known about the neurobiological basis of speech disorders although genetic determinants are increasingly recognized. The first gene for primary speech disorder was FOXP2, identified in a large, informative family with verbal and oral dyspraxia. Subsequently, many de novo and familial cases with a severe speech disorder associated with FOXP2 mutations have been reported. These mutations include sequencing alterations, translocations, uniparental disomy, and genomic copy number variants. We studied eight probands with speech disorder and their families. Family members were phenotyped using a comprehensive assessment of speech, oral motor function, language, literacy skills, and cognition. Coding regions of FOXP2 were screened to identify novel variants. Segregation of the variant was determined in the probands' families. Variants were identified in two probands. One child with severe motor speech disorder had a small de novo intragenic FOXP2 deletion. His phenotype included features of childhood apraxia of speech and dysarthria, oral motor dyspraxia, receptive and expressive language disorder, and literacy difficulties. The other variant was found in a family in two of three family members with stuttering, and also in the mother with oral motor impairment. This variant was considered a benign polymorphism as it was predicted to be non‐pathogenic with in silico tools and found in database controls. This is the first report of a small intragenic deletion of FOXP2 that is likely to be the cause of severe motor speech disorder associated with language and literacy problems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infantile mitochondrial hepatopathy is a cardinal feature of MEGDEL syndrome (3‐Methylglutaconic aciduria type IV with sensorineural deafness, encephalopathy and leigh‐Like Syndrome) caused by novel mutations in SERAC1
Authors: Sarig Ofer , Goldsher Dorit , Nousbeck Janna , Fuchs‐Telem Dana , Cohen‐Katsenelson Ksenya , Iancu Theodore C. , Manov Irena , Saada Ann , Sprecher Eli , Mandel Hanna
Published: August 2013

3‐Methylglutaconic aciduria (3‐MGCA) type IV is defined as a heterogeneous group of inborn errors featuring in common 3‐MGCA and associated with primary mitochondrial dysfunction leading to a spectrum of multisystem conditions. We studied four patients who presented at birth with a clinical picture simulating a primary mitochondrial hepatic disorder consistent with the MEGDEL syndrome including 3‐MGCA, sensorineural deafness, encephalopathy and a brain magnetic resonance imaging with signs of Leigh disease. All affected children displayed biochemical features consistent with mitochondrial OXPHOS dysfunction including hepatic mitochondrial DNA depletion in one patient. Homozygosity mapping identified a candidate locus on 6q25.2‐6q26. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified two novel homozygous mutations in SERAC1 recently reported to harbor mutations in MEGDEL syndrome. Both mutations were found to lead to decreased or absent expression of SERAC1. The present findings indicate that infantile hepatopathy is a cardinal feature of MEGDEL syndrome. We thus propose to rename the disease MEGDHEL syndrome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three patients resembling Teebi–Shaltout syndrome
Authors: Aldemir Ozgur , Ozen Samim , Erdem Sevcan , Kiraz Aslihan , Akarsu Nurten , Alanay Yasemin
Published: August 2013

Teebi–Shaltout syndrome (TSS) was first reported by Teebi and Shaltout in 1989. This entity is proposed to be inherited in autosomal recessive manner. The clinical features include characteristic facial features, ectodermal dysplasia, camptodactyly, and caudal appendage. Only one additional paper reporting four additional cases has been published since the first description. Clinical features common to all previously affected individuals diagnosed with TSS are craniofacial, orodental‐ectodermal, and skeletal. This report summarizes and discusses the findings of three additional patients from two unrelated families with findings similar to TSS. These findings may be present in a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of disorders similar to TSS. Presence of consanguinity and similarly affected siblings of both genders suggests autosomal recessive inheritance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Co‐occurrence of 22q11 deletion syndrome and hdr syndrome
Authors: Fukai Ryoko , Ochi Nobuhiko , Murakami Akira , Nakashima Mitsuko , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Saitsu Hirotomo , Matsumoto Naomichi , Miyake Noriko
Published: August 2013

22q11 deletion syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal deletion syndromes and is usually caused by a 1.5–3.0 Mb deletion at chromosome 22q11.2. It is characterized by hypocalcemia resulting from hypoplasia of the parathyroid glands, hypoplasia of the thymus, and defects of the cardiac outflow tract. We encountered a Japanese boy presenting with an unusually severe phenotype of 22q11 deletion syndrome, including progressive renal failure and severe intellectual disabilities. Diagnostic testing using fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed deletion of the 22q11 region, but this did not explain the additional complications. Copy number analysis was therefore performed using whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay, which identified an additional de novo deletion at 10p14. This region is the locus for hypoparathyroidism, deafness, and renal dysplasia (HDR) syndrome caused by haploinsufficiency of GATA3. Together, these two syndromes sufficiently explain the patient's phenotype. This is the first known case report of the co‐occurrence of 22q11 deletion syndrome and HDR syndrome. As the two syndromes overlap clinically, this study indicates the importance of carrying out careful clinical and genetic assessment of patients with atypical clinical phenotypes or unique complications. Unbiased genetic analysis using whole genome copy number SNP arrays is especially useful for detecting such rare double mutations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth hormone, gender and face shape in prader–willi syndrome
Authors: de Souza Mauren Abreu , McAllister Catherine , Suttie Michael , Perrotta Concetta , Mattina Teresa , Faravelli Francesca , Forzano Francesca , Holland Anthony , Hammond Peter
Published: August 2013

Prader–Willi syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the absence of expression of paternally expressed gene(s) in a highly imprinted region of chromosome 15q11‐13. The physical phenotype includes evidence of growth retardation due to relative growth hormone deficiency, small hands and feet, a failure of normal secondary sexual development, and a facial appearance including narrow bifrontal diameter, almond‐shaped palpebral fissures, narrow nasal root, and thin upper vermilion with downturned corners of the mouth. Anecdotally, the face of individuals with PWS receiving hGH treatment is said to “normalize.” We used dense surface modelling and shape signature techniques to analyze 3D photogrammetric images of the faces of 72 affected and 388 unaffected individuals. We confirmed that adults with Prader–Willi syndrome who had never received human growth supplementation displayed known characteristic facial features. Facial growth was significantly reduced in these adults, especially in males. We demonstrated that following human growth hormone (hGH) supplementation, vertical facial growth of affected individuals falls within the normal range. However, lateral and periorbital face shape and nose shape differences in affected children who have received hGH therapy remain sufficiently strong to be significantly discriminating in comparisons with age–sex matched, unaffected individuals. Finally, we produced evidence that age at initiation and length of treatment with hGH do not appear to play a role in normalization or in consistent alteration of the face shape of affected individuals. This is the first study to provide objective shape analysis of craniofacial effects of hGH therapy in Prader–Willi syndrome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Random walk analysis of ranging patterns of sympatric langurs in a complex resource landscape
Authors: Vandercone Rajnish , Premachandra Kaushalya , Wijethunga Gayan Pradeep , Dinadh Chameera , Ranawana Kithsiri , Bahar Sonya
Published: August 2013

The identification of random walk models to characterize the movement patterns of social groups of primates, and the behavioral processes that give rise to such movement patterns, remain open questions in movement ecology. Movement patterns characterized by a power‐law tail with exponent between 1 and 3 (Lévy flight) occur when animals forage on scarce, randomly distributed resources. For primates and similar foragers with memory processes, movements resembling Lévy flights emerge when feeding trees (targets) are randomly distributed and the trunk size distribution of targets follows a power‐law. We tested three competing random walk models to describe movement patterns of two langur species. We found a truncated power law to be the most suitable model. The power‐law model was poorly supported by the data and hence we found no support for Lévy‐flight‐like behavior. Moreover, the spatial distribution of feeding trees and the probability distribution of feeding tree size differed from values suggested to result in Lévy‐flight‐like patterns. We identify intraspecific territoriality, foraging behavior, and the spatial and size distribution of food patches as plausible mechanisms that may have given rise to the observed movement patterns Am. J. Primatol. 75:1209–1219, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rituximab‐Induced T Cell Depletion in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Association With Clinical Response
Authors: Mélet J. , Mulleman D. , Goupille P. , Ribourtout B. , Watier H. , Thibault G.
Published: August 2013

Objective

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody specifically targeting CD20, induces B cell depletion and is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to evaluate whether routine monitoring of lymphocyte subpopulations, especially T cells, may be useful in patients receiving rituximab for RA.

Methods

We examined data on all RA patients receiving rituximab between July 2007 and November 2012 in our center. Peripheral blood CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3−CD56+, and CD19+ lymphocyte counts before and during the first course of rituximab were measured by flow cytometry. The Mann‐Whitney nonparametric test was used to compare lymphocyte subpopulation counts before and during treatment.

Results

Data on 52 patients were examined. Rituximab induced unexpected and substantial depletion of T cells, mainly CD4+ cells, in most patients. The CD4+ cell count decreased by a mean ± SD of 37 ± 33% as compared to baseline at week 12, reaching <200 cells/μl in 3 patients. Importantly, lack of CD4+ cell depletion was associated with no clinical response. Therefore, the mechanism of action of rituximab may depend at least in part on T cells.

Conclusion

Rituximab induces substantial T cell depletion, mainly of CD4+ cells, which is associated with the clinical response in RA. Routine monitoring of T cells may be useful in the clinical setting of RA.
ADAM15 Adds to Apoptosis Resistance of Synovial Fibroblasts by Modulating Focal Adhesion Kinase Signaling
Authors: Böhm Beate B. , Freund Isabell , Krause Kristin , Kinne Raimund W. , Burkhardt Harald
Published: August 2013

Objective

To study the contribution of ADAM15, a disintegrin metalloproteinase that is up‐regulated in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial membrane, to the characteristic resistance of RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) to apoptosis induction by genotoxic stress or stimulation with proapoptotic FasL, which is present at high concentrations in RA synovial fluid.

Methods

Caspase 3/7 activity and the total apoptosis rate in RASFs upon exposure to the DNA‐damaging agent camptothecin or FasL were determined using enzyme assays and annexin V staining. Phosphorylated signaling proteins were analyzed by immunoblotting. RNA interference was used to silence ADAM15 expression. NF‐κB activity was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

RASFs displayed significantly higher caspase 3/7 activity upon camptothecin and FasL exposure when ADAM15 had been down‐regulated by specific small interfering RNAs. Upon FasL stimulation, RASFs phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and c‐Src (Src), and activated phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase as well as the transcription factor NF‐κB. This ADAM15‐dependent, FasL‐induced activation of antiapoptotic kinases and NF‐κB was demonstrated by a marked reduction of apoptosis upon knockdown of ADAM15 protein expression. Inhibitors specifically interfering with FAK and Src signaling, such as FAK inhibitor 14 and dasatinib, potently induce apoptosis in RASFs, with significant enhancement by the silencing of ADAM15.

Conclusion

ADAM15 contributes to apoptosis resistance in RASFs by activating the Src/FAK pathway upon FasL exposure, rendering the FAK/Src signaling pathway an interesting target for potential therapeutic intervention in RA.
Core‐shell nanofibers: Integrating the bioactivity of gelatin and the mechanical property of polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Merkle Valerie M. , Zeng Like , Slepian Marvin J. , Wu Xiaoyi
Published: August 2013

Coaxial electrospinning is used to fabricate nanofibers with gelatin in the shell and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in the core in order to derive mechanical strength from PVA and bioactivity from gelatin. At a 1:1 PVA/gelatin mass ratio, the core‐shell nanofiber scaffolds display a Young's modulus of 168.6 ± 36.5 MPa and a tensile strength of 5.42 ± 1.95 MPa, which are significantly higher than those of the scaffolds composed solely of gelatin or PVA. The Young's modulus and tensile strength of the core‐shell nanofibers are further improved by reducing the PVA/gelatin mass ratio from 1:1 to 1:3. The mechanical analysis of the core‐shell nanofibers suggests that the presence of the gelatin shell may improve the molecular alignment of the PVA core, transforming the semi‐crystalline, plastic PVA into a more crystallized, elastic PVA, and enhancing the mechanical properties of the core. Lastly, the PVA/gelatin core‐shell nanofibers possess cellular viability, proliferation, and adhesion similar to these of the gelatin nanofibers, and show significantly higher proliferation and adhesion than the PVA nanofibers. Taken together, the coaxial electrospinning of nanofibers with a core‐shell structure permits integration of the bioactivity of gelatin and the mechanical strength of PVA in single fibers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 336–346, 2014.
Development of advanced antimicrobial and sterilized plasma polypropylene grafted muga (antheraea assama) silk as suture biomaterial
Authors: Gogoi Dolly , Choudhury Arup Jyoti , Chutia Joyanti , Pal Arup Ratan , Khan Mojibur , Choudhury Manash , Pathak Pallabi , Das Gouranga , Patil Dinkar S.
Published: August 2013

Surface modification of silk fibroin (SF) materials using environmentally friendly and non‐hazardous process to tailor them for specific application as biomaterials has drawn a great deal of interest in the field of biomedical research. To further explore this area of research, in this report, polypropylene (PP) grafted muga (Antheraea assama) SF (PP‐AASF) suture is developed using plasma treatment and plasma graft polymerization process. For this purpose, AASF is first sterilized in argon (Ar) plasma treatment followed by grafting PP onto its surface. AASF is a non‐mulberry variety having superior qualities to mulberry SF and is still unexplored in the context of suture biomaterial. AASF, Ar plasma treated AASF (AASFAr) and PP‐AASF are subjected to various characterization techniques for better comparison and the results are attempted to correlate with their observed properties. Excellent mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, antibacterial behavior, and remarkable wound healing activity of PP‐AASF over AASF and AASFAr make it a promising candidate for application as sterilized suture biomaterial. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 355–365, 2014.
Transitioning Between Systems of Care: Missed Opportunities for Engaging Adults with Serious Mental Illness and Criminal Justice Involvement
Authors: Pope Leah Gogel , Smith Thomas E. , Wisdom Jennifer P. , Easter Alison , Pollock Michele
Published: August 2013

Individuals with serious mental illness are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and face difficulties accessing mental health services both during incarceration and upon re‐entry into the community. This study examines how such individuals describe their experiences receiving care both during and after their time in custody and explores the perspectives of mental health service providers who treat this population upon re‐entry. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 43 individuals identified as having a history of serious mental illness and criminal justice involvement, as well as with 25 providers who have worked with this population. Clients noted the stress of transitioning to criminal justice settings, the uneven availability of services within jail and prison, and the significant challenges faced upon re‐entry. Providers reported barriers to working with this population, including minimal coordination with the criminal justice system and challenging behaviors and attitudes on the part of both clients and providers. Findings identify potential target areas for improved care coordination as well as for additional provider education regarding the unique needs of this population. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Female‐perpetrated intimate partner violence: An examination of three cases using multiple sequential functional analysis
Authors: Mappin Lyndsay , Dawson David L. , Gresswell David M. , Beckley Kerry
Published: August 2013

Background

Recent empirical evidence suggests that women assault their intimate partners at approximately the same rate as men. However, a general historical reluctance to acknowledge women as significant perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) has limited clinical understanding of this phenomenon and the processes by which such behaviour may develop.

Aim

The following paper uses multiple sequential functional analysis (MSFA), an idiographic case formulation method based on functional analysis, to explore the development and functional value of IPV in the case histories of three women.

Method

Data from comprehensive clinical interviews, file review and collateral professional interviews are synthesised using MSFA to examine the development and maintenance of IPV across each participant's lifespan.

Results

Although there appeared to be important differences between participants, the analyses broadly indicated that all three participants used violence instrumentally to achieve some aspect of control or coercion over their intimate partners, and to meet their primary intimacy needs.

Conclusions

The MSFA appears to be a useful methodology for understanding female‐perpetrated IPV and, importantly, may lend itself more readily to effective formulation‐informed interventions than other qualitative‐narrative case methods. The strengths and limitations of MSFA as a pragmatic case formulation method are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 30‐year study of homicide recidivism and schizophrenia
Authors: Golenkov Andrei , Large Matthew , Nielssen Olav
Published: August 2013

Background

A second homicide by a released mentally ill person is a potentially avoidable tragedy that can reduce the prospects of conditional release for other mentally ill offenders.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and criminological features of single and recidivist homicide offenders with schizophrenia from the Chuvash Republic of the Russian Federation.

Methods

Data were extracted from the criminal and clinical records of all people with schizophrenia who had been convicted of a homicide in the Chuvash Republic at any time between 1 January 1981 and 31 December 2010. Those convicted of a second homicide offence during the 30 years of the study were compared with those convicted of a single homicide.

Results

Sixteen (10.7%) of 149 homicide offenders with schizophrenia had committed a previous homicide. The 16 recidivists included nine offenders who were diagnosed with schizophrenia at the time of their first homicide (after January 1981), three who were diagnosed with schizophrenia only after the first homicide and four who had already been diagnosed with schizophrenia at the time of a pre‐1981 homicide. Time at risk for recidivists and non‐recidivists differed, but the average time back in the community for the non‐recidivists just exceeded the average time to second homicide for the recidivists. All the recidivists were men. Living in a rural area and dissocial personality traits were associated with homicide recidivism.

Conclusions and implications for practice

In the Chuvash republic, most of the repeat homicide offences by people with schizophrenia were committed by people residing in rural areas with less access to psychiatric services, which provides indirect evidence for the efficacy of ongoing treatment and supervision in preventing repeat homicides. This area of study is, however, limited by the small numbers of cases and the long follow‐up required. International collaborative studies are indicated to provide a more accurate estimate of the rate of recidivist homicide in schizophrenia. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Perfluorinated End Groups on the SFRD of [Pt(cod)Me(CnF2n+1)] onto Porous Al2O3 in CO2 under Reductive Conditions
Authors: Aggarwal Vikas , Reichenbach Linus F. , Enders Mirja , Muller Thierry , Wolff Simone , Crone Marlene , Türk Michael , Bräse Stefan
Published: August 2013

The optimized synthesis of a range of cyclooctadiene‐stabilized Pt complexes that contained different perfluoro‐alkane chains, [Pt(cod)Me(CnF2n+1)], is presented. These metal–organic compounds were employed in the so‐called supercritical fluid reactive deposition (SFRD) in CO2 under reductive conditions to generate metallic nanoparticles on aluminum oxide as a porous support. Thus, Al2O3‐supported Pt nanoparticles with a narrow particle‐size distribution were obtained. At a reduction pressure of 15.5 MPa and a temperature of 353 K, particle diameters of d50=2.3–2.8 nm were generated. Decreasing the pressure during the reduction reaction led to slightly larger particles whilst decreasing the amount of organometallic precursor in CO2 yielded a decrease in the particle size from x50=3.2 nm to 2.6 nm and a particle‐size distribution of 2.2 nm. Furthermore, substitution of the CH3 end group by the CnF2n+1 end groups led to a significant drop in Pt loading of about 50 %. Within the series of perfluorinated end groups that were considered, the Pt complex that contained a branched perfluoro‐isopropyl group showed the most‐interesting results when compared to the control precursor, [Pt(cod)Me2] (1).
Ecohydraulics: linkages between hydraulics, morphodynamics and ecological processes in rivers
Authors: Blanckaert Koen , Garcia Xavier‐François , Steiger Johannes , Uijttewaal Wim
Published: August 2013

The articles in this issue are a selection of the 15 main presentations made at the EUROMECH Colloquium 523 ‘Ecohydraulics: linkages between hydraulics, morphodynamics and ecological processes in rivers’ that was organized in Clermont‐Ferrand, France, from 15 to 17 June 2011. The Colloquium was attended by 51 participants from 15 countries. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triggering the Sign of Magnetic Exchange Coupling in a Dinuclear Copper(II) Complex by Solvent Molecule Coordination
Authors: Shcherbakov Igor N. , Levchenkov Sergey I. , Tupolova Yulia P. , Popov Leonid D. , Vlasenko Valery G. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Lukov Vladimir V. , Kogan Victor A.
Published: August 2013

The magnetic properties of a dinuclear copper(II) complex of the Schiff base ligand bis(N,N′‐3‐formylsalicylidene)‐1,3‐diaminopropan‐2‐ol (H3L) with an exogenous acetate bridging group, [Cu2L(CH3COO)] (2), and the product of its crystallization from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution, [Cu2L(CH3COO)(DMSO)] (3), are studied experimentally and theoretically. The coordination of a DMSO molecule triggers exchange coupling from antiferromagnetic in 2 (2J = –94.8 cm–1) to ferromagnetic in 3 (2J = +121 cm–1). A combination of experimental data [XRD, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS)] and the results of DFT calculations with a broken‐symmetry approach show that the different magnetic behaviour of 2 and 3 is explained by a different conformation of the dinuclear unit, which is “symmetric” in 2 and roof‐shaped in 3. The role of the DMSO molecule in exchange‐coupling sign inversion is limited to the stabilisation of the roof‐shaped conformation of the complex.
FT‐near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy – Screening analysis of used frying fats and oils for rapid determination of polar compounds, polymerized triacylglycerols, acid value and anisidine value [DGF C‐VI 21a (13)]
Authors: Gertz Christian , Fiebig Hans‐Jochen , Hancock John N. S.
Published: August 2013

The “Joint Committee for the Analysis of Fats, Oils, Fatty products, Related Products and Raw Materials (GA FETT)” has developed the following method for the fast determination of polar compounds, polymerized TAGs, acid value and anisidine value in used frying fats and oils. It will be included to Section C, Chapter VI of the German Standard Methods and will be part of the 19th amemdment to the second edition of the German standard method in autumn 2013. This very important method reflexes the need of the control laboratories to get fast and reliable results for the analyses of used frying fats and oils, it is with safe money and time. The method has been evaluated in an interlaboratory test with 11 laboratories.
Total Syntheses of Isomeric Spiroacetal Marine Natural Products Attenols A and B
Authors: Kumar Vemula Praveen , Kavitha Nerella , Chandrasekhar Srivari
Published: August 2013

The convergent total synthesis of two marine natural products, attenols A and B is achieved with excellent stereocontrol. The synthetic route is based on an enantio‐ and regioselective Sharpless dihydroxylation, palladium(0)‐catalyzed reduction to form δ‐hydroxy‐1‐enoates, stereoselective mCPBA‐mediated epoxidation, and Julia–Kocienski olefination.
A Chiroptical Probe for Sensing Metal Ions in Water
Authors: Caricato Marco , Leza Nerea Jordana , Roy Kinkini , Dondi Daniele , Gattuso Giuseppe , Shimizu Linda S. , Vander Griend Douglas A. , Pasini Dario
Published: August 2013

We describe a novel Binol‐containing macrocycle that behaves as a chiroptical probe for the detection of biologically relevant ions (Cu2+, Zn2+) under physiological conditions. The macrocycle synthesis is carried out with Binol‐based synthons suitably derivatized in the 2,2′‐ and 3,3′‐positions, by means of a room temperature esterification reaction as the cyclization procedure, followed by late‐stage unmasking of the four carboxylic acid functionalities embedded within the macrocyclic framework. The recognition events, signaled using both UV and CD spectroscopy, are triggered by macrocyclic rearrangement induced by binding of the cations through coulombic interactions with the carboxylate anions in water at pH 7. The ample CD response ensures high chiroptical sensitivity and demonstrates the feasibility of chiroptical detection of biologically relevant cations by using a non‐nitrogen‐based ligand under aqueous conditions.
Negative attributes are gendered too: Conceptualizing and measuring positive and negative facets of sex‐role identity
Authors: Berger Anja , Krahé Barbara
Published: August 2013

Measures of gender identity have almost exclusively relied on positive aspects of masculinity and femininity, although conceptually the self‐concept is not limited to positive attributes. A theoretical argument is made for considering negative attributes of gender identity, followed by five studies developing the Positive–Negative Sex‐Role Inventory (PN‐SRI) as a new measure of gender identity. Study 1 demonstrated that many of the attributes of a German version of the Bem Sex‐Role Inventory are no longer considered to differ in desirability for men and women. For the PN‐SRI, Study 2 elicited attributes characterizing men and women in today's society, for which ratings of typicality and desirability as well as self‐ratings by men and women were obtained in Study 3. Study 4 examined the reliability and factorial structure of the four subscales of positive and negative masculinity and femininity and demonstrated the construct and discriminant validity of the PN‐SRI by showing that the negative masculinity and femininity scales were unique predictors of select validation constructs. Study 5 showed that the new instrument explained variance in the validation constructs beyond earlier measures of gender identity.

Key message: Even in the construction of negative aspects of gender identity, individuals prefer gender‐congruent attributes. Negative masculinity and femininity make a unique contribution to understanding gender‐related differences in psychological outcome variables. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological characterization of olivine slurries, sheared under CO2 pressure
Authors: Mahaut Fabien , Gauthier Georges , Gouze Philippe , Luquot Linda , Salin Dominique , Martin Jérôme
Published: August 2013

The injection of reactive mineral suspensions is a possible process to either reinforce or seal wells in geologic carbon sequestration sites. Among others, olivine slurries could be used as CO2‐triggered cements, as they carbonate under the thermodynamic conditions of deep storage. However, injection of such slurries requires to control their initial fluidity and its evolution during the displacement. For this purpose, we have characterized the rheological evolution of olivine suspensions, of particle sizes 1−10 μm, sheared at 100 s−1, in the ranges of 10−40% for the volume fractions, 20−50 bars for the CO2 pressure, and 60–110°C for the temperature. The apparent viscosity, measured at 100 s−1, increases exponentially, with a characteristic time ranging from less than 1 h to more than 10 h, and decreasing with olivine concentration, CO2 pressure, and temperature. Moreover, a careful characterization of the slurry rheology carried out in the initial stages of slow evolution, shows that the slurry obeys a Bingham plastic law, with a yield stress ΣB, and a Bingham viscosity µB increasing from 1 to 20 Pa and from 4 to 110 mPa s, respectively, when the olivine volume fraction φ is increased from 10 to 30%. Such variations can be accounted by classical models (Wildemuth and Williams [1984]: Rheologica Acta, 23,627–635, Krieger [1972]: Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 3, 111–136). © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 572–580, 2014
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Linezolid in Low Body Weight Patients with Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Tsuji Yasuhiro , Yukawa Eiji , Hiraki Yoichi , Matsumoto Kana , Mizoguchi Akiko , Morita Kunihiko , Kamimura Hidetoshi , Karube Yoshiharu , To Hideto
Published: August 2013

Linezolid has antibacterial activity against aerobic Gram‐positive cocci, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Adjustment of the dose of linezolid has been proposed to be unnecessary in patients with reduced renal function. However, platelet counts and hemoglobin levels were shown to be significantly lower in such patients than in patients with normal renal function. The population pharmacokinetic (PPK) of linezolid was investigated in MRSA infected patients with renal dysfunction. Linezolid concentrations in serum were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. PPK analysis was performed in the nonlinear mixed effects model (NONMEM) computer program. In the final PPK model, total body weight (TBW), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin (HB), and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were influential covariates on total body clearance (CL), and the volume of distribution (Vd) was affected by TBW, which was expressed as CL (L/h) = 0.00327 × TBW × eGFR0.428 × HB0.502 × 0.283 (ALT ≥ 100 IU/L) and CL (L/h) = 0.00327 × TBW × eGFR0.428 × HB0.502 (ALT < 100 IU/L), Vd (L) = 1.310 × TBW. The PPK parameters of linezolid obtained here are useful for the optimal use of linezolid with similar patient population characteristics.
Macrophysical properties of tropical cirrus clouds from the CALIPSO satellite and from ground‐based micropulse and Raman lidars
Authors: Thorsen Tyler J. , Fu Qiang , Comstock Jennifer M. , Sivaraman Chitra , Vaughan Mark A. , Winker David M. , Turner David D.
Published: August 2013

Lidar observations of cirrus cloud macrophysical properties over the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program Darwin, Australia, site are compared from the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite, the ground‐based ARM micropulse lidar (MPL), and the ARM Raman lidar (RL). Comparisons are made using the subset of profiles where the lidar beam is not fully attenuated. Daytime measurements using the RL are shown to be relatively unaffected by the solar background and are therefore suited for checking the validity of diurnal cycles. RL and CALIPSO cloud fraction profiles show good agreement while the MPL detects significantly less cirrus, particularly during the daytime. Both MPL and CALIPSO observations show that cirrus clouds occur less frequently during the day than at night at all altitudes. In contrast, the RL diurnal cycle is significantly different from zero only below about 11 km; where it is of opposite sign (i.e., more clouds during the daytime). For cirrus geometrical thickness, the MPL and CALIPSO observations agree well and both data sets have significantly thinner clouds during the daytime than the RL. From the examination of hourly MPL and RL cirrus cloud thickness and through the application of daytime detection limits to all CALIPSO data, we find that the decreased MPL and CALIPSO cloud thickness during the daytime is very likely a result of increased daytime noise. This study highlights the significant improvement the RL provides (compared to the MPL) in the ARM program's ability to observe tropical cirrus clouds and will help improve our understanding of these clouds. The RL also provides a valuable ground‐based lidar data set for the evaluation of CALIPSO observations.
A Noncatalytic Approach to Hetaryl‐Annulated 1,2,4‐Thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides
Authors: Cherepakha Artem , Kovtunenko Vladimir O. , Tolmachev Andrey , Lukin Oleg
Published: August 2013

A set of synthetic procedures was developed to yield functionalized pyrido‐, pyrimido‐, and thiazo‐annulated thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides on a preparative scale. In all cases the thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxide ring closure was carried out through a reaction of hetaryl‐sulfonyl chlorides with amidines under mild noncatalytic conditions. In the case of 2‐chloropyridine‐3‐sulfonyl chloride derivatives and 2,4‐dichlorothiazole‐5‐sulfonyl chloride open‐chain sulfonylated amidine intermediates were isolated and then subjected to the cyclization step. The reaction with 2,4‐dichloropyrimidine‐5‐sulfonyl chloride gave rise to the corresponding thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides in one‐pot. Similarly, a reaction of 2‐chloropyridine‐3‐sulfonamide with lactime ethers proceeded in one‐pot readily giving the corresponding thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides. Remaining chlorine atoms on the prepared hetaryl‐annulated benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides readily undergo aromatic nucleophilic displacement reactions serving thus as additional variation points for the design of biologically potent compounds.