bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal measurements of total OH reactivity emission rates from Norway spruce in 2011
Authors: Nölscher A.C. , Bourtsoukidis E. , Bonn B. , Kesselmeier J. , Lelieveld J. , Williams J.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Numerous reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the atmosphere by vegetation. Most biogenic VOCs are highly reactive towards the atmosphere's most important oxidant, the hydroxyl (OH) radical. One way to investigate the chemical interplay between biosphere and atmosphere is through the measurement of total OH reactivity, the total loss rate of OH radicals. This study presents the first determination of total OH reactivity emission rates (measurements via the comparative reactivity method) based on a branch cuvette enclosure system mounted on a Norway spruce (Picea abies) throughout spring, summer and autumn 2011. In parallel VOC emission rates were monitored by a second proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS), and total ozone (O3) loss rates were obtained inside the cuvette. Total OH reactivity emission rates were in general temperature and light dependent, showing strong diel cycles with highest values during daytime. Monoterpene emissions contributed most, accounting for 56–69% of the measured total OH reactivity flux in spring and early summer. However, during late summer and autumn the monoterpene contribution decreased to 11–16%. At this time, a large missing fraction of the total OH reactivity emission rate (70–84%) was found when compared to the VOC budget measured by PTR-MS. Total OH reactivity and missing total OH reactivity emission rates reached maximum values in late summer corresponding to the period of highest temperature. Total O3 loss rates within the closed cuvette showed similar diel profiles and comparable seasonality to the total OH reactivity fluxes. Total OH reactivity fluxes were also compared to emissions from needle storage pools predicted by a temperature-only-dependent algorithm. Deviations of total OH reactivity fluxes from the temperature-only-dependent emission algorithm were observed for occasions of mechanical and heat stress. While for mechanical stress, induced by strong wind, measured VOCs could explain total OH reactivity emissions, during heat stress they could not. The temperature-driven algorithm matched the diel variation of total OH reactivity emission rates much better in spring than in summer, indicating a different production and emission scheme for summer and early autumn. During these times, unmeasured and possibly unknown primary biogenic emissions contributed significantly to the observed total OH reactivity flux.
Interactions of local climatic, biotic and hydrogeochemical processes facilitate phosphorus dynamics along an Everglades forest-marsh gradient
Authors: Troxler T. G. , Coronado-Molina C. , Rondeau D. N. , Krupa S. , Newman S. , Manna M. , Price R. M. , Sklar F. H.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Ecosystem nutrient cycling is often complex because nutrient dynamics within and between systems are mediated by the interaction of biological and geochemical conditions operating at different temporal and spatial scales. Vegetated patches in semiarid and wetland landscapes have been shown to exemplify some of these patterns and processes. We investigated biological and geochemical factors suggested to contribute to phosphorus (P) movement and availability along a forest-marsh gradient in an Everglades tree island. Our study illustrated processes that are consistent with the chemohydrodynamic nutrient (CHNT) hypothesis and the trigger-transfer, pulse-reserve (TTPR) model developed for semiarid systems. Comparison with the TTRP model was constructive as it elaborated several significant patterns and processes of the tree island ecosystem including: (1) concentration of the limiting resource (P) in the source patch [High Head which constitutes the reserve] compared with the resource-poor landscape, (2) soil zone calcite precipitation requiring strong seasonality for evapotranspiration to promote conditions for secondary soil development and calcium phosphate reprecipitation, (3) rewetting of previously dry soils by early wet season precipitation events, and (4) antecedent conditions of the source patch including landscape position that modulated the effect of the precipitation trigger. Thus, our study showed how water availability drives soil water P dynamics and potentially stability of mineral soil P in this tree island ecosystem. In landscapes with extensive water management, these processes can be asynchronous with the seasonality of hydrologic dynamics, tipping the balance between a sink and source of a limiting nutrient.
Evaluation of antimicrobial activities of commercial herb and spice extracts against selected food-borne bacteria
Authors: Witkowska Anna M , Hickey Dara K , Alonso-Gomez Mercedes , Wilkinson Martin
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial properties of extracts of thirty commercial herbs and spices commonly used in the production of ready meals. Various extracts of spices were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas fluorescens using a microdilution broth method. Ethanol and hexane extracts of oregano, clove, sage, rosemary and celery showed relatively strong antimicrobial activities against all bacteria tested. In contrast, water extracts displayed little or no antimicrobial activity. Flow cytometry revealed that cell membrane structures were damaged by spice and herb active extracts, while analysis of intra- and extracellular ATP contents of bacteria indicated that an increase in extracellular ATP was partially due to intracellular leakage. Extract combinations assessed using the checkerboard method did not display synergistic effects, however, some additive effects were observed when oregano was combined with sage or rosemary against L. innocua or S. aureus. This study has demonstrated that some commercial spice extracts have antimicrobial activity against food-borne bacterial species and may be considered as potential antibacterial agents for addition to ready meals.
Augusto Angel-Maya y la Filosofía Ambiental en Colombia
Authors: Noguera Patricia ,   Center for Environmental Philosophy, The University of North Texas
Published: June 2013

La intención de este ensayo es dar cuenta de algunas tendencias del Pensamiento Filosófico-Ético Ambiental colombiano, y su importancia en la Escuela de Pensamiento Ambiental que se está construyendo en la Universidad Nacional Sede Manizales gracias a los aportes de pensadores que han asumido la tarea de pensar lo pensado. En la primera parte presentaremos el pensamiento de of Augusto Angel-Maya, quien inauguró la escuela colombiana de pensamientoambiental y luego concisamente introduciremos las voces de José María Borrero, Julio Carrizosa, Arturo Escobar, Guillermo Hoyos, Rubiel Ramírez y Patricia Noguera. En estas diversas aproximaciones de pensamiento ambiental encontramos potencias creadoras de una visión ambiental alternativa que está consolidándose no sólo en Colombia, sino en América Latina. Estas voces han abierto caminos hacia la reflexión sobre valores emergentes de las relaciones entre los humanos y las tramas de la vida, los valores que todos debemos construir si queremos una "sociedad Ambiental" , y los valores que es necesario superar desde nuevas prácticas educativas, políticas, económicas y culturales, tanto en nuestra región como en otras latitudes.
Filosofía Ambiental en Brasil
Authors: Nascimento Amós , Griffith James J. ,   Center for Environmental Philosophy, The University of North Texas
Published: June 2013

Brasil tiene una larga historia de problemas ambientales, pero la filosofía parece ir atrás de otras disciplinas que activamente consideran esta historia. Sin embargo, existe una tradición intelectual suficientemente rica para permitir el surgimiento de una filosofía ambiental genuina. Basados sobre una detallada panorámica de las discusiones pertenecientes a la reflexión ambiental y al activismo en Brasil, este trabajo revela tres campos de tensión en su historiaambiental reciente –desarrollismo militar versus activismo ambiental militante, realismo antropocéntrico versus utopía ecocéntrica, desarrollo sostenible versus sostenibilidad dura–todo lo cual presupone posiciones filosóficas y representa tres correspondientes "culpables intelectuales" que deben abordarse. Entre las tendencias emergentes de la filosofía ambiental, pueden destacarse dos avenidas de pensamiento que prometen dispersar estos "culpables": pluralismo etnocultural y responsabilidad ambiental global.
La transformation des configurations familiales : une réflexion à partir de l’exemple du passage entre la procréation médicalement assistée et l’adoption
Authors: Chateauneuf Doris
Published: June 2013

Le contexte social dans lequel évoluent la famille, la reproduction et la filiation en Occident s’est passablement modifié au cours des dernières décennies. Plusieurs processus sociaux ont contribué à la transformation des cadres dans lesquels s’inscrivent les relations de parenté et la formation des familles. À partir de l’étude de témoignages de couples québécois dont les échecs successifs en procréation médicalement assistée ont mené à la décision d’adopter, cet article interroge les différentes dimensions qu’implique ce type de trajectoire et considère que les enjeux qui lui sont liés sont hautement révélateurs des valeurs et des représentations collectives en matière de parenté et de famille.
Réactions des parents à la suite du dévoilement de l’orientation sexuelle de leur
enfant gai, lesbienne ou bisexuel
Authors: D’Amico Émilie , Julien Danielle , Tremblay Nicole , Chartrand Élise
Published: June 2013

Nous connaissons mal les réalités des parents qui apprennent que leur jeune est
gai, lesbienne ou bisexuel. Cet article présente l’analyse de contenu d’entrevues menées
auprès de 12 parents d’un jeune GLB. L’entrevue porte sur le contexte familial
pré-coming out, les changements des dynamiques conjugale, parentale, familiale et
sociale à la suite du coming out, et l’impact des réactions parentales sur le
bien-être identitaire et psychosocial du jeune. Les analyses révèlent 10 dimensions de
réactions parentales regroupées dans les catégories suivantes : préoccupations parentales
avec l’orientation sexuelle du jeune et soutien social. Ces dimensions peuvent être utiles
aux intervenants qui oeuvrent auprès des familles avec un jeune GLB.
Is Sonothrombolysis an Effective Stroke Treatment?
Authors: Mijajlovic Milija D. , Pavlovic Aleksandra M. , Covickovic-Sternic Nadezda
Published: June 2013

New therapeutic strategies under development aim to improve recanalization rates and clinical outcomes after ischemic stroke. One such approach is ultrasound (US)‐enhanced thrombolysis, or sonothrombolysis, which can improve thrombolytic drug actions and even intrinsic fibrinolysis. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, it is postulated that thrombolysis enhancement is related to nonthermal mechanical effects of US. Recent results indicate that US with or without microbubbles may be effective in clot lysis of ischemic stroke even without additional thrombolytic drugs. Sonothrombolysis is a promising tool for treating acute ischemic stroke, but its efficacy, safety, and technical details have not been elucidated and proved yet in stroke treatment.
Effectiveness of Mastoid Process Percussion for Identification of the Vertebral Artery Ostium on Doppler Studies
Authors: Lau Hang Yee , Lui Dilys Choi Yu , Lombardo Paul , Schneider-Kolsky Michal
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The pretransverse or first segment of the vertebral artery may be confused with adjacent branches of the proximal subclavian artery during Doppler assessment. This study investigated the effectiveness of mastoid process percussion, the “mastoid tap” maneuver, for identification of the vertebral artery ostium.

Methods

Fifty patients presenting consecutively for carotid sonography were recruited. Doppler waveforms were collected at the vertebral artery ostia, thyrocervical trunks, and proximal subclavian arteries while the mastoid tap maneuver was performed. The outcome indicator was serrate distortion of the Doppler waveform. Two raters graded the waveforms according to a 3‐grade system: grade 0, no distortion; grade 1, mild distortion; and grade 3, marked distortion. The difference between the proportions of the vertebral artery ostia and thyrocervical trunks showing waveform distortion was evaluated with the χ2 test. The differences in the extents of waveform distortion in the ipsilateral vertebral artery ostia, thyrocervical trunks, and subclavian arteries were evaluated with Friedman and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results

Ninety‐five vertebral artery ostia in 50 patients were successfully assessed. There was a significant difference between the proportions of vertebral artery ostia (95 of 95 [100%]) and thyrocervical trunks (9 of 95 [9.5%]) that showed waveform distortion (P < .001). There were significant differences in the extents of distortion between the ipsilateral vertebral artery ostia and thyrocervical trunks and between the ipsilateral vertebral artery ostia and subclavian arteries, with the vertebral artery ostia showing a higher degree of distortion in both cases (P < .001).

Conclusions

The mastoid tap maneuver is useful for distinguishing between the vertebral arteries and thyrocervical trunks on Doppler studies.
Perfusion Heterogeneity in Breast Tumors for Assessment of Angiogenesis
Authors: Li Ying-Jia , Wen Ge , Wang Ying , Wang Dong-Xiao , Yang Li , Deng Yong-Jian , Wei Hong-Qin , He Jie , Zhang Xia , Gu Ying-Shi
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perfusion heterogeneity of malignant and benign breast tumors and assay their vascular architecture changes and molecular expression, thereby evaluating the relevance between imaging and histologic characteristics of angiogenesis.

Methods

Real‐time grayscale contrast‐enhanced sonography was performed in 310 women with 317 breast tumors. The enhancement patterns and perfusion parameters for malignant and benign tumors were analyzed by contrast‐enhanced sonography with microvascular imaging and quantitative time‐intensity curve analysis. Structural characteristics were observed by light and electron microscopy. The microvessel density, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and human kinase insert domain‐containing receptor (KDR) expression for all tumors were assessed by immunohistochemical staining of CD31, KDR, and VEGF.

Results

Surgical pathologic analysis showed 163 malignant and 154 benign tumors. Significant morphologic differences, including perfusion defects, vessel distortion, vessel dilatation, and heterogeneous enhancement, were observed between the malignant and benign groups (P < .05). The mean perfusion parameters (peak intensity, ascending slope, area under the curve, and wash‐out time) were greater in the malignant tumors (P < .05). There were significant differences in the peak intensity, ascending slope, area under the curve, and wash‐out time between peripheral and central regions of the malignant tumors (P < .05) but none in the benign tumors. Vessels had various morphologic and distributional characteristics in the peripheral and central regions of the malignant tumors. The microvessel density and VEGF and KDR expression were significantly higher in the malignant group (P < .05), especially in the peripheral regions.

Conclusions

Perfusion heterogeneity was closely associated with the tumor microvascular architecture and molecular expression. Perfusion features, especially regional morphologic and hemodynamic features, can provide valuable information for differentiating malignant from benign breast tumors.
Evaluation of the Vascular Architecture of Focal Liver Lesions Using Micro Flow Imaging
Authors: Yang Hong , Liu Guang-Jian , Lu Ming-De , Xu Hui-Xiong , Xie Xiao-Yan
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To identify the vascular architecture of focal liver lesions using micro flow imaging and compare it with characteristics on contrast harmonic imaging during the arterial phase.

Methods

Micro flow imaging and contrast harmonic imaging were performed in 118 patients with various focal liver lesions: hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 70), metastasis(n = 19), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3), lymphoma (n = 1), hemangioma (n = 17), and focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 8). The vascular architecture of the lesions on micro flow imaging was evaluated by 2 investigators independently to reveal 6 patterns (types IVI). Enhancement characteristics on contrast harmonic imaging were also evaluated.

Results

Inter‐reader agreement for delineating the vascular architecture was higher on contrast harmonic imaging (κ= 0.856) than micro flow imaging (κ= 0.613). On micro flow imaging, the vascular patterns of hepatocellular carcinomas were types I (28.6%), II (65.7%), and III (5.7%). On contrast harmonic imaging, 44 of 70 (62.9%) hepatocellular carcinomas showed chaotic vessels, of which 40 were type II and 4 were type II. The vascular patterns of metastases were types IV (78.9%), I (10.5%), and II (10.5%). Typical rim enhancement was identified in 57.9% of metastases on contrast harmonic imaging, and all were type IV. The vascular patterns of focal nodular hyperplasia were types VI (87.5%) and I (12.5%). Typical spoked wheel arteries were identified on contrast harmonic imaging in 2 focal nodular hyperplasia cases. The vascular patterns of hemangiomas were types V (94.1%) and II (5.9%). Typical peripheral nodular enhancement was identified in 88.2% of hemangiomas on contrast harmonic imaging, and all were type V. The χ2 test revealed that differences in vascular architecture between the lesions were significant on micro flow imaging (P < .001).

Conclusions

Micro flow imaging permitted detailed delineation of the vascular architecture of focal liver lesions. Hepatocellular carcinoma, metastasis, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hemangioma showed characteristic vascular architecture.
Normative Data for Quantitative Calcaneal Ultrasonometry in Turkish Children Aged 6 to 14 Years
Authors: Yesil Pinar , Durmaz Berrin , Atamaz Funda C.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Quantitative ultrasonometry is commonly used to assess bone health. The aim of this study was to define normative data for the stiffness index of the calcaneus in healthy Turkish children.

Methods

Quantitative ultrasonometric measurements of the calcaneus were obtained in 1617 healthy schoolchildren (811 boys and 806 girls) aged 6 to 14 years.

Results

The stiffness index increased by 19.3% and 12% in boys and girls, respectively. The greatest increases were seen in the age groups of 12 to 13 and 13 to 14 years in boys (3.9%) and 11 to 12 and 12 to 13 years in girls (4.1%). There was a significant increase in stiffness index values among all Tanner stages except stage 4 (P < .05). Although the stiffness index was related to age, weight, and height, no correlation was seen between the stiffness index and calcium intake or physical activity.

Conclusions

This study provides stiffness index data by age group and Tanner stage that may be useful for assessment of the bone status of Turkish children and can serve as comparative data for other patient groups.
Photoacoustic Imaging of the Bladder
Authors: Kamaya Aya , Vaithilingam Srikant , Chung Benjamin I. , Oralkan Omer , Khuri-Yakub Butrus T.
Published: June 2013

Photoacoustic imaging is a promising new technology that combines tissue optical characteristics with ultrasound transmission and can potentially visualize tumor depth in bladder cancer. We imaged simulated tumors in 5 fresh porcine bladders with conventional pulse‐echo sonography and photoacoustic imaging. Isoechoic biomaterials of different optical qualities were used. In all 5 of the bladder specimens, photoacoustic imaging showed injected biomaterials, containing varying degrees of pigment, better than control pulse‐echo sonography. Photoacoustic imaging may be complementary to diagnostic information obtained by cystoscopy and urine cytologic analysis and could potentially obviate the need for biopsy in some tumors before definitive treatment.
Static and Dynamic Sonography for Diagnosis of Abdominal Wall Hernias
Authors: Arend Carlos Frederico
Published: June 2013

Sonography is a fast, painless, inexpensive, and widely available tool usually regarded as a first‐line imaging modality for abdominal wall evaluation. This article provides illustrative images and videos on the use of sonography for diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias. A variety of pitfalls that may present clinically as pseudohernias are also described.
Sonographic Findings of Axillary Masses
Authors: Park Ji Eun , Sohn Yu-Mee , Kim Eun-Kyung
Published: June 2013

The diagnosis of axillary masses can be challenging because various tumors can develop in parts of the axilla other than lymph nodes, even though we frequently encounter axillary masses in daily practice. These lesions include soft tissue masses associated with nontumorous conditions (accessory breast tissue and chronic granulomatous inflammation) and benign and malignant tumorous conditions (lipomas, epidermal inclusion cysts, lymphangiomas, fibroadenomas, schwannomas, malignant neuroendocrine tumors, and lymph node–associated diseases). In this pictorial essay, we display commonly encountered sonographic findings of various axillary lesions to assist in the differential diagnosis of axillary masses.
Light Enhanced Electron Transduction and Amplified Sensing at a Nanostructure Modified Semiconductor Interface
Authors: Laminack William I. , Gole James L.
Published: June 2013

Visible and UV light are demonstrated to significantly enhance the sensing properties of an n‐type porous silicon (PS) extrinsic semiconductor interface to which TiO2 and titanium oxynitride (TiO2‐xNx) photocatalytic nanostructures are fractionally deposited. The acid/base chemistry of NH3, a moderately strong base, and NO2, a moderately strong acid, couples to the majority charge carriers of the doped semiconductor as the strong acid (TiO2) enhances the extraction of electrons from NH3, and the more basic TiO2‐xNx decreases the efficiency of electron extraction relative to the untreated interface. In contrast, NO2 and a TiO2 or TiO2‐xNx nanostructure‐decorated PS interface compete for the available electrons leading to a distinct time dependent electron transduction dynamics as a function of TiO2 and TiO2‐xNx concentration. Only small concentrations of TiO2 and its oxynitride and no self‐assembly are required to enhance the response of the decorated interface. With light intensities of less than a few lumens/cm2‐sterad‐nm, responses are enhanced by up to 150% through interaction with visible (and UV) radiation. These light intensities should be compared to the sun's radiation level, ≈500 lumens/cm2‐sterad‐nm suggesting the possibility of solar pumped sensors. The observed behavior in these systems is largely explained by the recently developed Inverse Hard/Soft Acid/Base (IHSAB) concept.
Azobenzene Lasers Tuned Over a 200 nm Range
Authors: Goldenberg Leonid M. , Lisinetskii Victor , Schrader Sigurd
Published: June 2013

An application of red emitting rod‐like dyes similar to Pyridine 1 in an epoxy‐based oligomeric azobenzene system leads to optically pumped distributed feedback (DFB) lasers tunable over a spectral range of 200 nm. DFB structures in azobenzene films doped with laser dyes are created by a reliable and simple holographic technique using Lloyd's interferometer. In this way, surface relief gratings serving as DFBs can be routinely inscribed in 1 min time, which protect laser dyes from bleaching. The emitting wavelength of the laser device can be tuned by small adjustments of the interference pattern period in Lloyd's interferometer, by film thickness, and by changing the laser dye. The fabricated miniature lasers emit from 680 to 875 nm. In addition to laser devices emitting at the 2nd diffraction order, devices fabricated with a grating period of ca. 250 nm emitting at the 1st diffraction order are also demonstrated. The lasers support several tens of thousands of pulses without encapsulation and have an efficiency of up to 0.6% in the case of a laser working in the 1st diffraction order.
Improved Performance and Stability of Inverted Organic Solar Cells with Sol–Gel Processed, Amorphous Mixed Metal Oxide Electron Extraction Layers Comprising Alkaline Earth Metals
Authors: Pachoumi Olympia , Li Cheng , Vaynzof Yana , Banger Kulbinder K. , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: June 2013

Stability of organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) is a limiting factor for their commercialization and still remains a major challenge whilst power conversion efficiencies are now approaching minimum requirements. The inverted organic solar cell (iOSC) architecture shows promising potential for improving significantly the cell's working lifetime. However, when solution processed ZnO is used as electron extraction layer, an undesirable light‐soaking step is commonly required before the device reaches a non‐permanent maximum performance. This work investigates the use of Sr and Ba doped ZnO films, ZnSrO and ZnBaO, formed by sol‐gel deposition using molecular alkoxide precursor solutions, as electron extraction layers in a model iOSCs with poly [3‐hexylthiophene] (P3HT): [6, 6]‐phenyl C60 butyl acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the active layer. We show that using these ternary oxides the light‐soaking step can be circumvented by preventing a dipole forming between the oxide and the active organic layer as supported by electroabsorption spectroscopy measurements of the device built‐in field. It is suggested that Sr or Ba doping results in suppression/reduction of the oxygen adsorption at mobile oxygen vacancy sites on the metal oxide surface. Like in thin film transistor (TFT) applications, where materials like InGaZnO are rapidly becoming an important technology, the use of amorphous, mixed metal oxides allows improving the performance and stability of interfacial charge extraction layers for organic solar cells.
Electron g‐factor determinations in Penning traps
Authors: Sturm Sven , Werth Günter , Blaum Klaus
Published: June 2013

The magnetic moment of the electron, expressed by the g‐factor in units of the Bohr magneton, is a key quantity in the theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED). Experiments using single particles confined in Penning traps have provided very precise values of the g‐factor for the free electron as well as the electron bound in hydrogen‐like ions. In this paper the status of these experiments is reviewed. The results allow testing calculations of higher order Feynman diagrams. Comparison of experimental and theoretical results for free and bound particles show no discrepancy within the limits of error, thus representing to date the most sensitive test of QED. Moreover, the g‐factor provides a unique access to fundamental constants, as e.g. the electron mass or the fine structure constant.
Dirac equation with vector and scalar cornell potentials and an external magnetic field
Authors: Hassanabadi Hassan , Maghsoodi Elham , Zarrinkamar Saber
Published: June 2013

The two‐dimensional Dirac equation in the presence of vector and scalar Cornell potentials as well as an external magnetic field by a quasiexact methodology are investigated. The closed form of the eigenfunctions is reported and the energy behavior for different states is numerically discussed.
Adhesion behavior of marine benthic diatom Nitzschia closterium MMDL533 on cationically modified phosphorylcholine copolymer films
Authors: Li Yan , Zhu Jian‐Hang , Que Guo‐He , Liu Cheng‐Mei
Published: June 2013

Surfaces of cationically modified zwitterionic phosphorylcholine (PC) copolymer prepared by spin coating were characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle. The obtained PC films bearing cationic charge densities were used to investigate the effect of electrostatic interactions on the adhesion behavior of marine fouling diatom Nitzschia closterium MMDL533. Results show that the settlement of N. closterium MMDL533 cells increases with the positive choline fragment contents in the copolymers. Upon exposure to 8.5‐Pa wall shear stress for 2 minutes, the percentage removals of the settled cells on choline containing films were significantly lower than those on the neutral PC1036 films, indicating that the electrostatic attraction between N. closterium MMDL533 cells and the cationic modified PC films could promote the diatom settlement and improve diatom adhesion strength. There were more aggregates adhered on the PC films as compared with the hydroxylated glass slides, which might result from their higher surface hydrophobicity and more heterogeneous surfaces. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crosslinking diversity on network morphology, template binding, and template transport of molecularly imprinted polymers prepared via living radical polymerization
Authors: Salian Vishal D. , Byrne Mark E.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this work is to study the effects of altering the chain building blocks and the reaction on template binding and transport parameters of imprinted polymer gels. The characterization of imprinted poly(diethylaminoethylmethacrylate‐co‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate‐co‐polyethyleneglycol(n)dimethacrylate) polymer gels prepared via free (FRP) or living (LRP) radical polymerization with varying crosslinking monomer lengths (number of ethylene glycol repeat units of 1, ∼4.5, ∼9) and concentrations (1, 5, 10, 50%) is presented. All imprinted networks prepared via LRP exhibited significantly higher template binding affinities and capacities as well as significantly lower template diffusion coefficients compared to those prepared via FRP. Synthesizing imprinted polymers via LRP results in much smaller and relatively constant dispersities of polymer chains compared to imprinted polymers prepared via FRP. Therefore, LRP has a profound structural effect on the imprinted polymer network leading to increased homogeneity in the mesh structure which enhances the molecular imprinting effect. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3588–3599, 2013
Anatomy in occupational therapy program curriculum: Practitioners' perspectives
Authors: Schofield Katherine Anne
Published: June 2013

Anatomy education is undergoing significant transformation. It is unknown whether changes are in accordance with occupational therapy (OT) practice needs. The purpose of this pilot study was to survey OT clinicians to determine their perspectives on the value of anatomy in OT curricula, and anatomical knowledge required for practice. In addition to demographics, the survey asked questions on the value of a standalone anatomy course, integration of anatomical content in other coursework, practice areas requiring anatomy knowledge, course content, teaching media recommendations, and their opinions regarding whether graduates have adequate anatomy knowledge for competent practice. Surveys were distributed to OT practitioners in the state of Arizona (n = 107). Response rate was 51% on electronic surveys, 29% on mailed surveys. All respondents recommended an anatomy course in OT curricula; 97% as a standalone course with integration of course content throughout the curriculum. The most recommended teaching method was cadaver dissection. Content areas identified as important to cover included skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Regions recommended were the upper limb, thorax/trunk, head and neck, and lower limb. Practice areas requiring anatomy knowledge included joint range of motion and strengthening treatment interventions, goniometry, muscle strength testing, assessing muscle tone, wheelchair assessment/prescription, orthotics, physical agent modalities, and activity adaptation. Eighty‐one percent felt that entry‐level practitioners had adequate knowledge for competent practice. This study supports inclusion of a separate anatomy course in OT curricula, continued use of cadavers, and the importance of including input from practicing clinicians when determining anatomy course content. Anat Sci Educ 7: 97–106. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists
Study of the Phase Transformation of Single Particles of Ga2O3by UV‐Raman Spectroscopy and High‐Resolution TEM
Authors: Wang Xiang , Xu Qian , Fan Fengtao , Wang Xiuli , Li Mingrun , Feng Zhaochi , Li Can
Published: June 2013

By taking advantage of UV‐Raman spectroscopy and high‐resolution TEM (HRTEM), combined with the focused ion beam (FIB) technique, the transformation from GaOOH into α‐Ga2O3and then into β‐Ga2O3was followed. We found that the stepwise transformations took place from the surface region before developing into the bulk of single particles without particle agglomeration and growth. During the transformation from GaOOH into α‐Ga2O3, the elimination of water vapor through the dehydroxylation of GaOOH resulted in the formation of micropores in the single particles, whilst maintaining their particle size. For the phase transformation from α‐Ga2O3into β‐Ga2O3, the nucleation of β‐Ga2O3was found to occur at the surface defects and this process could be retarded by occupying these defects with a small amount of La2O3. By finely controlling the process of the phase transformation, the β‐Ga2O3domains gradually developed from the surface into the bulk of the single particles without particle agglomeration. Therefore, the surface structure of the α‐Ga2O3single particles can be easily tuned and a particle with an α@β core–shell phase structure has been obtained.
Robust and Efficient Slam Via Compressed H∞ Filtering
Authors: Pham Viet‐Cuong , Juang Jyh‐Ching
Published: June 2013

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is an important and challenging task for the operation of autonomous mobile robots in which both the pose of the robot and features of the environment need to be estimated at the same time. In particular, it is desirable to achieve robustness and efficiency in the SLAM implementation. Robots in unknown environment are likely to be subject to modeling errors which cannot be easily characterized in terms of statistical properties. To mitigate the effect of uncertainties and disturbances, robust filters such as the H∞ filter can be employed. However, robust filters are complex to implement, demanding a significant amount of computational resources. This study proposes a compressed H∞ filter to solve the robust SLAM problem in which robot dynamics are subject to uncertainties and measurements are subject to bounded‐but‐unknown disturbances. To achieve an efficient implementation, the state is partitioned into active and inactive states where the latter refers to state variables which are invariant and independent of the measurement at the epoch. With such a partitioning, the active state represents the robot pose and locations of landmarks inside a certain area surrounding the robot. The computational load is reduced since only active state needs to be estimated within a time segment. An update scheme is proposed to refine the whole state at the end of the time segment. Moreover, the relative landmark representation which results in a small cross‐correlation between active state and inactive state is employed to reduce the errors. As a result, both efficiency and robustness can be achieved. Simulations reveal that the results obtained from the proposed compressed H∞ filter, which has lower computational complexity, are very close to those from the full order H∞ filter. Further, the compressed H∞ filter is more robust than EKFs and FastSLAM.
Kinematic Nonlinear Controller for a Miniature Helicopter via Lyapunov Techniques
Authors: Salinas Lucio R. , Slawiñski Emanuel , Mut Vicente A.
Published: June 2013

This work proposes a kinematic nonlinear controller for an autonomous miniature helicopter that generates saturated reference velocity commands for accurate waypoint trajectory tracking. The control law design is based on a Lyapunov technique with a special choice of the system state equations using spherical coordinates. Stability of the control system is analyzed. Finally, simulation results are presented and discussed, which validate the proposed controller.
On the epochal variation of intensity of tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea
Authors: Rajeevan M. , Srinivasan J. , Niranjan Kumar K. , Gnanaseelan C. , Ali M. M.
Published: June 2013

During recent years, an increase in the intensity of pre‐monsoon tropical cyclones (TCs) is observed over the Arabian Sea. This study suggests that this increase is due to epochal variability in the intensity of TCs and is associated with epochal variability in the storm‐ambient vertical wind shear and tropical cyclone heat potential (TCHP). There is a significant increase (0.53 kJ cm−2 year−1) of TCHP during recent years. The warmer upper ocean helps TCs to sustain or increase their intensity by an uninterrupted supply of sensible and latent heat fluxes from the ocean surface to the atmosphere.
Both cell‐autonomous mechanisms and hormones contribute to sexual development in vertebrates and insects
Authors: Bear Ashley , Monteiro Antónia
Published: June 2013

The differentiation of male and female characteristics in vertebrates and insects has long been thought to proceed via different mechanisms. Traditionally, vertebrate sexual development was thought to occur in two phases: a primary and a secondary phase, the primary phase involving the differentiation of the gonads, and the secondary phase involving the differentiation of other sexual traits via the influence of sex hormones secreted by the gonads. In contrast, insect sexual development was thought to depend exclusively on cell‐autonomous expression of sex‐specific genes. Recently, however, new evidence indicates that both vertebrates and insects rely on sex hormones as well as cell‐autonomous mechanisms to develop sexual traits. Collectively, these new data challenge the traditional vertebrate definitions of primary and secondary sexual development, call for a redefinition of these terms, and indicate the need for research aimed at explaining the relative dependence on cell‐autonomous versus hormonally guided sexual development in animals.
Microbial production of the aromatic building‐blocks (S)‐styrene oxide and (R)‐1,2‐phenylethanediol from renewable resources
Authors: McKenna Rebekah , Pugh Shawn , Thompson Brian , Nielsen David R.
Published: June 2013

(S)‐Styrene oxide and (R)‐1,2‐phenylethanediol are chiral aromatic molecular building blocks used commonly as precursors to pharmaceuticals and other specialty chemicals. Two pathways have been engineered in Escherichia coli for their individual biosynthesis directly from glucose. The novel pathways each constitute extensions of the previously engineered styrene pathway, developed by co‐expressing either styrene monooxygenase (SMO) or styrene dioxygenase (SDO) to convert styrene to (S)‐styrene oxide and (R)‐1,2‐phenylethanediol, respectively. StyAB from Pseudomonas putida S12 was determined to be the most effective SMO. SDO activity was achieved using NahAaAbAcAd of Pseudomonas sp. NCIB 9816‐4, a naphthalene dioxygenase with known broad substrate specificity. Production of phenylalanine, the precursor to both pathways, was systematically enhanced through a number of mutations, most notably via deletion of tyrA and over‐expression of tktA. As a result, (R)‐1,2‐phenylethanediol reached titers as high as 1.23 g/L, and at 1.32 g/L (S)‐styrene oxide titers already approach their toxicity limit. As with other aromatics, product toxicity was strongly correlated with a model of membrane accumulation and disruption. This study additionally demonstrates that greater flux through the styrene pathway can be achieved if its toxicity is addressed, as achieved in this case by reacting styrene to less toxic products.

See accompanying commentary by Brian F. Pfleger DOI: 10.1002/biot.201300251
Salbutamol extraction from urine and its stability in different solutions: identification of methylation products and validation of a quantitative analytical method
Authors: Garrido Bruno Carius , Silva Mayra Leal Chrisóstomo , Borges Ricardo Moreira , Padilha Monica Costa , de Aquino Neto Francisco Radler
Published: June 2013

Salbutamol is commonly used in asthma treatment, being considered a short‐effect bronchodilator. This drug poses special interest in certain fields of chemical analysis, such as food, clinical and doping analyses, in which it needs to be analyzed with quantitative precision and accuracy. Salbutamol, however, is known to degrade under certain conditions and this is critical if quantitative results must be generated. The present work aimed to investigate salbutamol extraction from urine samples, to determine whether salbutamol is unstable in other solvents as well as in urine samples, to elucidate the structures of the possible degradation products and to validate an analytical method using the extraction procedure evaluated. Stability investigations were performed in urine at different pH values, in methanol and acetone at different temperatures. Semi‐preparative liquid chromatography was performed for the isolation of degradation products, and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry as well as nuclear magnetic resonance were used for identification. Three unreported methylation products were detected in methanolic solutions and had their structures elucidated. Urine samples showed a reduction in salbutamol concentration of up to 25.8% after 5 weeks. These results show that special care must be taken regarding salbutamol quantitative analyses, since degradation either in standard solutions or in urine could lead to incorrect values. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcriptional engineering of Escherichia coli K4 for fructosylated chondroitin production
Authors: Wu Qiulin , Yang Aihua , Zou Wei , Duan Zuoying , Liu Jie , Chen Jian , Liu Liming
Published: June 2013

The capsule polysaccharide (CPS) of Escherichia coli K4 (K4CPS) is identical to fructosylated chondroitin, which can be modified to chondroitin sulfate, a commercially valuable biopolymer commonly used in pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we homologously overexpressed the transcriptional regulator SlyA to enhance the expression of K4 capsule gene cluster and production of CPS. The iTRAQ quantificaton of proteomics revealed 77 up‐regulated proteins and 143 down‐regulated proteins in E. coli THslyA. Most enzymes of glycolysis and citrate cycle pathway were weakened, while proteins associated with K4CPS synthesis were up‐regulated, showing a shift of carbon flux from cell growth to K4CPS production. Further, the production of K4CPS by the recombinant strain was 1 and 2.6 g/L in a shake flask and 7‐L batch bioreactor, which was 1.85‐ and 1.53‐fold higher than that of the wild‐type strain, respectively. Thus, this study provides a viable strategy for improving the production of K4CPS through a transcriptional‐level manipulation. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1140–1149, 2013
Assessing Risk of Victim Crossover with Children and Young People who display Harmful Sexual Behaviours
Authors: Allardyce Stuart , Yates Peter Michael
Published: June 2013

Assessments of children and young people who display harmful sexual behaviours need to consider – at a broad level – the safety of other children at home, in the community and in the wider family. To date, issues of victim selection have been marginalised in the relevant literature. Drawing on our experience of working with this client group, this article uses four composite case studies that reflect the heterogeneity of children and young people who sexually abuse and applies recent research findings about intra‐ and extra‐familial sexual abuse to make suggestions for good practice in assessment and intervention with young people who display harmful sexual behaviours in different settings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Issues of victim selection have been marginalised in the relevant literature’

Key Practitioner Messages

Young people with harmful sexual behaviour are a heterogeneous group who may be more likely than adults to vary victim type.

A formulation approach to risk assessment allows us to move beyond merely the likelihood of future risk, to consider more dynamically issues of victim selection and circumstances in which risks may present.

Assessments of family relationships, in particular sibling relationships, can help sharpen our approach to risk assessment and the potential for family‐community crossover.
Visualizing the Protein Sequence Universe
Authors: Stanberry Larissa , Higdon Roger , Haynes Winston , Kolker Natali , Broomall William , Ekanayake Saliya , Hughes Adam , Ruan Yang , Qiu Judy , Kolker Eugene , Fox Geoffrey
Published: June 2013

Modern biology is experiencing a rapid increase in data volumes that challenges our analytical skills and existing cyberinfrastructure. Exponential expansion of the protein sequence universe (PSU), the protein sequence space, together with the costs and complexities of manual curation creates a major bottleneck in life sciences research. Existing resources lack scalable visualization tools that are instrumental for functional annotation. Here, we describe a new visualization tool using multidimensional scaling to create a 3D embedding of the protein space. The advantages of the proposed PSU method include the ability to scale to large numbers of sequences, integrate different similarity measures with other functional and experimental data, and facilitate protein annotation. We applied the method to visualize the prokaryotic PSU using sequence alignment scores. As an annotation example, we used the interpolation approach to map the set of annotated archaeal proteins into the prokaryotic PSU. Transdisciplinary approaches akin to the one described in this paper are urgently needed to quickly and efficiently translate the influx of new data into tangible innovations and groundbreaking discoveries. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological Processing in Reading Disabled and Skilled Spanish Children
Authors: Lázaro Miguel , Camacho Lourdes , Burani Cristina
Published: June 2013

This article presents the results of a lexical decision experiment in which the base frequency (BF) effect is explored in reading disabled children and skilled readers. Three groups of participants were created. The first group was composed of children with reading disorders, the second group of skilled readers matched with the first group for chronological age and the third group of skilled readers matched for vocabulary size. The results of the experiment showed strong effects for Group, BF and also for the Group by BF interaction. Children matched for chronological age with children with reading disorders were significantly faster and more accurate than children of the other groups, who did not show any difference from each other. The effect of BF showed that children responded faster to stimuli composed of frequent bases than to stimuli with less frequent bases. However, the analysis of the interaction between Group and BF showed that only the skilled readers matched to children with reading disorders for chronological age benefited from the BF effect. The results of the experiment are discussed in the framework of theoretical accounts of morphological processing in children as well as considering the role played by the experimental task. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.