bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medusaegraptus (Chlorophyta, Dasycladales) from the Pridolian to middle Lochkovian Indian Point Formation, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: LoDuca Steve T. , Miller Randall F. , Wilson Reginald A.
Published: November 2013

Carbonaceous compressions from the Pridolian to middle Lochkovian Indian Point Formation in the Flatlands area of New Brunswick comprising a central axis with irregularly arranged unbranched appendages are assigned to Medusaegraptusmirabilis. This is the first report of intact thalli of this noncalcified macroalgal taxon from a locality outside of western New York. The biotic composition, stratigraphic context, and sedimentology of this occurrence suggest a shallow-marine depositional setting roughly comparable to that for the type material of Medusaegraptus mirabilis from Gasport, New York.RÉSUMÉLes fossiles carbonés comprimés de la formation d’Indian Point, située dans la région de Flatlands du Nouveau-Brunswick et qui date du Pridolien au Lochkovien moyen, sont attribués àMedusaegraptus mirabilis; ils présentent un axe central avec des appendices non ramifiés et disposés de façon irrégulière. C’est la première fois qu’on signale la présence de thalles intacts de ce taxon de macroalgues non calcifiées dans une localité ailleurs que dans l’ouest de l’État de New York. La composition biotique, le contexte stratigraphique et les données sédimentologiques permettent de penser à un dépôt marin peu profond à peu près comparable à ce qu’on trouve dans le cas de Medusaegraptus mirabilis de Gasport, dans l’État de New York.[Traduit par la redaction]
Compression map: Improved means for studying Carboniferous foliage
Authors: Zodrow Erwin L. , D'Angelo Jose A.
Published: November 2013

A medullosalean-pteridosperm specimen, 22 cm long, from the Sydney Coalfield, Nova Scotia, Canada, illustrates the advantage of studying the fossilization history of compressed foliage freed from the rock matrix by hydrofluoric acid, as compared to the examination of compressions still in the rock matrix. The image of any freed frond segment of compression foliage that has been reprocessed digitally to represent its original structure is called a compression map. Interpretation of a compression map is reliant on a physicogeochemical model of preservation processes.RÉSUMÉUn spécimen fossile d’une ptéridospermée du genre Medulossa mesurant 22 cm de longueur et excavé dans le bassin houiller de Sydney, en Nouvelle-Écosse (Canada), illustre bien l’avantage d’étudier l’histoire géologique de fossiles de feuilles extraits de la matrice rocheuse au moyen de l’acide fluorhydrique plutôt que d’examiner des compressions qui sont encore dans la matrice. On désigne carte de compression l’image d’un segment de fronde compressé extrait de la matrice dont on a fait l’extrapolation numérique pour voir sa structure originale. L’interprétation d’une carte de compression repose sur un modèle physicogéochimique des processus de préservation.[Traduit par la redaction]
Re-Os geochronological constraints on the mineralizing events within the Mount Pleasant Caldera: implications for the timing of sub-volcanic magmatism
Authors: Thorne Kathleen G , Fyffe Leslie R , Creaser Robert A
Published: November 2013

The Mount Pleasant granite-related polymetallic deposit, located on the southwestern margin of the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous Mount Pleasant Caldera Complex in southwestern New Brunswick, contains a significant resource of tin, tungsten, molybdenum, zinc, indium, and bismuth. The Caldera Complex comprises Intracaldera, Exocaldera, and Late Caldera-Fill sequences and associated subvolcanic granitic rocks. Three granitic phases of the Mount Pleasant Granitic Suite (Granite I, II, and III) are recognized in the vicinity of the Mount Pleasant deposit and are interpreted to be fractionates of the more regionally exposed McDougall Brook Granitic Suite. Granite I and Granite II are associated with tungsten-molybdenum-bismuth, and tin-zinc-indium mineralization, respectively. Despite extensive research within the Caldera Complex, the exact age of mineralization at Mount Pleasant has never been firmly established. An inferred age of 363 ± 2 Ma was based on the proposed synchronicity of the U-Pb dated Bailey Rock Rhyolite of the Exocaldera Sequence with that of the undated McDougall Brook Granitic Suite, which intrudes the Intracaldera Sequence. Here, we present Re-Os dating of two molybdenite samples associated with the tungsten mineralization related to Granite I at the Fire Tower Zone, that constrain the initial onset of mineralization at Mount Pleasant to be between 369.7±1.6 Ma and 370.1±1.7 Ma. The new Re-Os ages clearly indicate that the McDougall Brook Granitic Suite, which pre-dates mineralization, must be at least seven million years older than the Bailey Rock Rhyolite, whose type-section is located within the Exocaldera Sequence. A re-examination of the gradational relationship between the McDougall Brook Granitic Suite and purported rocks of Bailey Rock Rhyolite within the Intracaldera Sequence revealed that the latter should instead be assigned to the Seelys Formation.  Thus, deposition of the polymetallic mineralization likely took place contemporaneously with caldera collapse and an early phase of resurgent doming in response to degassing of the magma chamber rather than being coincident with erosion of the volcanic edifice as inferred from previous modeling of the eruptive history at Mount Pleasant.
Physical accessibility of gaming opportunity and its relationship to gaming involvement and problem gambling: A systematic review
Authors: Vasiliadis Sophie D. , Jackson Alun C. , Christensen Darren , Francis Kate
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the findings of a systematic search undertaken for the period January 1990 to June 2011 of references including original, empirical findings of the relationship between accessibility of electronic gaming machines and rates of gambling involvement, problem gambling, or gambling-related treatment seeking. Titles and abstracts of 2156 references were reviewed, yielding 39 references meeting inclusion criteria. The review has revealed that the relationships between the physical accessibility dimensions of proximity and density and gambling involvement and problem gambling are complex. Research is only beginning to elucidate these dimensions, and many questions and methodological challenges remain to be addressed. The strengths, limitations, and gaps in the literature are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research. Cet article présente les résultats d'une recherche documentaire systématique, effectuée entre janvier 1990 et juin 2011, incluant des résultats empiriques initiaux qui portaient sur la relation entre l'accessibilité aux appareils de jeu électroniques et les taux de participation au jeu, le jeu compulsif ou la recherche de traitement lié au jeu. On a étudié les titres et les résumés de 2 156 références, parmi lesquelles 39 correspondaient aux critères d'inclusion. Cette recherche a révélé la complexité des relations entre les dimensions d'accessibilité physique, c'est-à-dire la proximité et la densité d'une part, et la participation au jeu et le jeu compulsif d'autre part. La recherche commence à peine à élucider ces dimensions et de nombreuses questions et problèmes méthodologiques demeurent en suspens. L'article discute des forces, des limitations et des lacunes de la littérature spécialisée et formule des recommandations pour de futurs travaux de recherche.
High levels of ultraviolet radiation observed by ground-based instruments below the 2011 Arctic ozone hole
Authors: Bernhard G. , Dahlback A. , Fioletov V. , Heikkilä A. , Johnsen B. , Koskela T. , Lakkala K. , Svendby T.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Greatly increased levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation were observed at thirteen Arctic and sub-Arctic ground stations in the spring of 2011, when the ozone abundance in the Arctic stratosphere dropped to the lowest amounts on record. Measurements of the noontime UV Index (UVI) during the low-ozone episode exceeded the climatological mean by up to 77% at locations in the western Arctic (Alaska, Canada, Greenland) and by up to 161% in Scandinavia. The UVI measured at the end of March at the Scandinavian sites was comparable to that typically observed 15–60 days later in the year when solar elevations are much higher. The cumulative UV dose measured during the period of the ozone anomaly exceeded the climatological mean by more than two standard deviations at 11 sites. Enhancements beyond three standard deviations were observed at seven sites and increases beyond four standard deviations at two sites. At the western sites, the episode occurred in March, when the Sun was still low in the sky, limiting absolute UVI anomalies to less than 0.5 UVI units. At the Scandinavian sites, absolute UVI anomalies ranged between 1.0 and 2.2 UVI units. For example, at Finse, Norway, the noontime UVI on 30 March was 4.7, while the climatological UVI is 2.5. Although a UVI of 4.7 is still considered moderate, UV levels of this amount can lead to sunburn and photokeratitis during outdoor activity when radiation is reflected upward by snow towards the face of a person or animal. At the western sites, UV anomalies can be well explained with ozone anomalies of up to 41% below the climatological mean. At the Scandinavian sites, low ozone can only explain a UVI increase of 50–60%. The remaining enhancement was mainly caused by the absence of clouds during the low-ozone period.
On the temperature dependence of organic reactivity, nitrogen oxides, ozone production, and the impact of emission controls in San Joaquin Valley California
Authors: Pusede S. E. , Gentner D. R. , Wooldridge P. J. , Browne E. C. , Rollins A. W. , Min K.-E. , Russell A. R. , Thomas J. , Zhang L. , Brune W. H. , Henry S. B. , DiGangi J. P. , Keutsch F. N. , Harrold S. A. , Thornton J. A. , Beaver M. R. , St. Clair J. M. , Wennberg P. O. , Sanders J. , Ren X. , VandenBoer T. C. , Markovic M. Z. , Guha A. , Weber R. , Goldstein A. H. , Cohen R. C.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The San Joaquin Valley (SJV) experiences some of the worst ozone air quality in the US, frequently exceeding the California 8 h standard of 70.4 ppb. To improve our understanding of trends in the number of ozone violations in the SJV, we analyze observed relationships between organic reactivity, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and daily maximum temperature in the southern SJV using measurements made as part of California at the Nexus of Air Quality and Climate Change in 2010 (CalNex-SJV). We find the daytime speciated organic reactivity with respect to OH during CalNex-SJV has a temperature-independent portion with molecules typically associated with motor vehicles being the major component. At high temperatures, characteristic of days with high ozone, the largest portion of the total organic reactivity increases exponentially with temperature and is dominated by small, oxygenated organics and molecules that are unidentified. We use this simple temperature classification to consider changes in organic emissions over the last and next decade. With the CalNex-SJV observations as constraints, we examine the sensitivity of ozone production (PO3) to future NOx and organic reactivity controls. We find that PO3 is NOx-limited at all temperatures on weekends and on weekdays when daily maximum temperatures are greater than 29 °C. As a~consequence, NOx reductions are the most effective control option for reducing the frequency of future ozone violations in the southern SJV.
Mixing layer height retrievals by multichannel microwave radiometer observations
Authors: Cimini D. , De Angelis F. , Dupont J.-C. , Pal S. , Haeffelin M.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The mixing layer height (MLH) is a key parameter for boundary layer studies, including meteorology, air quality, and climate. MLH estimates are inferred from in situ radiosonde measurements or remote sensing observations from instruments like lidar, wind profiling radar, or sodar. Methods used to estimate MLH from radiosonde profiles are also used with atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles retrieved by microwave radiometers (MWR). This paper proposes an alternative approach to estimate MLH from MWR data, based on direct observations (brightness temperatures, Tb) instead of retrieved profiles. To our knowledge, MLH estimates directly from Tb observations have never been attempted before. The method consists of a multivariate linear regression trained with an a priori set of collocated MWR Tb observations (multifrequency and multi-angle) and MLH estimates from a state-of-the-art lidar system. The proposed method was applied to a 7-month data set collected at a typical midlatitude site. Results show that the method is able to follow both the diurnal cycle and the day-to-day variability as suggested by the lidar measurements, and also it can detect low MLH values that are below the full overlap limit (~200 m) of the lidar system used. Statistics of the comparison between MWR- and reference lidar-based MLH retrievals show mean difference within 10 m, root mean square within 340 m, and correlation coefficient higher than 0.77. Monthly mean analysis for daytime MLH from MWR, lidar, and radiosonde shows consistent seasonal variability, peaking at ~1200–1400 m in June and decreasing down to ~600 m in October. Conversely, nighttime monthly mean MLH from all methods are within 300–500 m without any significant seasonal variability. The proposed method provides results that are more consistent with radiosonde estimates than MLH estimates from MWR-retrieved profiles. MLH monthly mean values agree well within 1 standard deviation with the bulk Richardson number method applied at radiosonde profiles at 11:00 and 23:00 UTC. The method described herewith operates continuously and is expected to work with analogous performances for the entire diurnal cycle, except during considerable precipitation, demonstrating new potential for atmospheric observation by ground-based microwave radiometry.
Revisiting the disappearance of terrestrial dissolved organic matter in the ocean: a δ13C study
Authors: Lalonde K. , Vähätalo A. V. , Gélinas Y.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Organic carbon (OC) depleted in 13C is a widely used tracer for terrestrial OM in aquatic systems. Photochemical reactions can however change δ13C of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) when chromophoric, aromatic-rich terrestrial OC is selectively mineralized. We assessed the robustness of the δ13C signature of DOC (δ13CDOC) as a tracer for terrestrial OM by estimating its change during the photobleaching of chromophoric DOM (CDOM) from ten large rivers. These rivers cumulatively account for approximately 1/3 of the world's freshwater discharge to the global ocean. Photobleaching of CDOM by simulated solar radiation was associated with the photochemical mineralization of 16 to 43% of the DOC and, by preferentially removing compounds depleted in 13C, caused a 1 to 2.9‰ enrichment in δ13C in the residual DOC. Such solar radiation-induced photochemical isotopic shift biases the calculations of terrestrial OM discharge in coastal oceans towards the marine end-member. Shifts in terrestrial δ13CDOC should be taken into account when constraining the terrestrial end-member in global calculation of terrestrially derived DOM in the world ocean.
Geostatistical prediction of flow-duration curves
Authors: Pugliese A. , Castellarin A. , Brath A.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We present in this study an adaptation of Topological kriging (or Top-kriging), which makes the geostatistical procedure capable of predicting flow-duration curves (FDCs) in ungauged catchments. Previous applications of Top-kriging mainly focused on the prediction of point streamflow indices (e.g. flood quantiles, low-flow indices, etc.). In this study Top-kriging is used to predict FDCs in ungauged sites as a weighted average of standardised empirical FDCs through the traditional linear-weighting scheme of kriging methods. Our study focuses on the prediction of period-of-record FDCs for 18 unregulated catchments located in Central Italy, for which daily streamflow series with length from 5 to 40 yr are available, together with information on climate referring to the same time-span of each daily streamflow sequence. Empirical FDCs are standardised by a reference streamflow value (i.e. mean annual flow, or mean annual precipitation times the catchment drainage area) and the overall deviation of the curves from this reference value is then used for expressing the hydrological similarity between catchments and for deriving the geostatistical weights. We performed an extensive leave-one-out cross-validation to quantify the accuracy of the proposed technique, and to compare it to traditional regionalisation models that were recently developed for the same study region. The cross-validation points out that Top-kriging is a reliable approach for predicting FDCs, which can significantly outperform traditional regional models in ungauged basins.
Modelling extreme flood hazard events on the middle Yellow River using DFLOW-flexible mesh approach
Authors: Castro Gama M. , Popescu I. , Mynett A. , Shengyang L. , van Dam A.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Severe flooding events in China are a common cause of life losses. Many efforts have been carried out to understand flooding development and impact on the Yellow River. New approaches on modeling, specifically with the current development of the software modeling tool DFLOW-FMβeta gives the opportunity to enhance the understanding of the behavior of the Yellow River during extreme events. The modeling approaches based on discretization of the modeled domain in square and rectangular grids have a great importance in the management of rivers but usually they present two drawbacks: the required accuracy of the meandering of wide long rivers is not well represented, and the reduced speed in computational runtime due to the need of using many grid cells. A new tool, developed by Deltares, based on a flexible mesh discretization of the domain, presents the advantage that the two drawbacks can be overcome. The approach has the advantage of combining different grids, in order to properly represent the river and compute the flooding extent accurately. The method is checked and demonstrated on the Yellow River case. Along with the test of the new proposed modeling method new characteristics of the spatial flooding process in the Yellow River emerges and are presented in the paper, showing the capabilities of the software application tool in modeling such a complex environment like the one studied.
Does Internal Migration Affect Italian Domestic Tourism? A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Massidda Carla , Piras Romano
Published: November 2013

The authors propose a dynamic panel data investigation into the role of interregional migration in Italian domestic tourism demand, using three panel estimators characterized by different homogeneity assumptions imposed on the parameters. A standard cointegration analysis is performed before proceeding to panel regressions. The results provide ample support for a strong positive relationship between per capita domestic tourism nights and per capita internal migration stock. This evidence extends the migration—tourism nexus, already established at the international level, to the intra-national scale and reinforces the idea that host regions should not overlook the role of migration when designing their tourism policies.
Assessing taste and visual perception of Mn(II) and Mn(IV)
Authors: Sain Amanda E. , Griffin Ashley , Dietrich Andrea M.
Published: November 2013

The US Environmental Protection Agency secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) for manganese (Mn) is 0.05 mg/L, reportedly because of bitter metallic taste, black–brown particles in water, and black–brown discoloration of fixtures and laundry. This study revisited visual and taste thresholds for Mn(II) and Mn(IV) using one‐in‐five, one‐in‐three, and triangle tests for concentrations from 0.005–506 mg/L. Results showed that Mn(II) and Mn(IV) do not taste significantly different from distilled water at 0.05 mg/L Mn. The population taste threshold for Mn(II) from manganese sulfate is > 1,000 times the SMCL; the threshold concentration is 75–100 mg/L Mn(II) and likely is influenced by both sulfate and Mn(II) taste contribution. Aqueous Mn(II) is colorless at 0.05 mg/L and remains visually undetectable at concentrations as high as 506 mg/L; Mn(IV) is visually detectable in water at concentrations as low as 0.005 mg/L. Findings suggest that consumers cannot detect Mn(II) concentrations above the SMCL by taste or sight and that bitter and metallic descriptors for 0.05 mg/L Mn are unwarranted.
Understanding the causes for water system failure
Authors: Oxenford Jeff L. , Williams Sharon I.
Published: November 2013

To understand the causes for water system failure and to better direct limited assistance resources, the Colorado Safe Drinking Water Program in 2009 conducted an analysis of public water system data. The goal was to use data that are routinely collected by the program to determine the root causes for system failure. Three data sets were analyzed: data tracked by the program's Acute Team, data collected during sanitary surveys, and self‐reported compliance data. The results from this study clearly pointed to a number of issues that most frequently lead to critical system failure. The data are being used by the program to focus assistance resources and conduct additional investigations.
Pamela Patton. Art of Estrangement: Redefining Jews in Reconquest Spain
Authors: Nickson Tom
Published: November 2013

No abstract is available.
Additions to and Nomenclatural Changes in the Bryaceae (Bryopsida) in Australia
Authors: Spence John , Ramsay Helen
Published: November 2013

The treatment of the family Bryaceae for Australia is updated based on recent taxonomic studies. Two species of Ptychostomum: P. pallescens (Scheicher ex Schwägr.) J.R.Spence from Tasmania and P. bimum (Schreb.) J.R.Spence from New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia are newly recorded. Reported for the first time is the tropical species Gemmabryum erythropilum (M.Fleisch.) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay from northern Queensland. Anomobryum is re-instated in the flora for the species A. auratum (Mitt.) A.Jaeger. Five Australian species of Gemmabryum are transferred to the newly described genus Imbribryum N.Pederson: I. australe (Hampe) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay, I. cheelii (Broth.) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay, I. clavatum (Schimp.) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay, I. crassum (Hook.f. & Wilson) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay, and I. laevigatum (Hook.f. & Wilson) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay. Bryum tuberosum Mohamed & Damanhuri, placed in Rosulabryum by Spence & Ramsay (2006), is transferred to Gemmabryum tuberosum (Mohamed & Damanhuri) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay. New combinations made in studies in North America for Plagiobryoides (replacing Plagiobryum cellulare), Rosulabryum and Gemmabryum are added to bring the flora up to date.
Water footprint of biofuels in Brazil: assessing regional differences
Authors: Hernandes Thayse A. Dourado , Bufon Vinicius Bof , Seabra Joaquim E. A.
Published: November 2013

The expected expansion of bioenergy in Brazil has raised concerns about the implications for its current comfortable situation of water resources availability. As water availability within the Brazilian territory is uneven, the bioenergy expansion might represent different impacts on the water resources of different regions. This work assessed, at the municipal and state levels, (i) the green and blue water footprint (WF) of the main liquid biofuels produced in Brazil (sugarcane ethanol and biodiesel); (ii) the impacts of full and salvage irrigation strategies on sugarcane WF; and (iii) the water demand for different agricultural land use scenarios. For the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Goiás, the WF of sugarcane ethanol was evaluated around 71 L MJ–1, while in the state of Paraná it reaches 100 L MJ–1. For biodiesel, values were between 40 and 50 L MJ–1. The blue WF was negligible for both biofuels, as the use of irrigation is still limited in Brazil today. Additionally, the analysis showed that full and salvage irrigation strategies would lead to lower WFs in all states considered, though in the expense of larger volumes of blue WF. Regarding land use change, the results suggested that additional evapotranspiration is occurring due to sugarcane expansion. Nevertheless, given the current situation of the Brazilian water basins, there is no evidence that sugarcane expansion over these areas will lead to critical pressure on water resources. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A President's View on the Importance of the Liberal Arts in Community Colleges
Authors: Fanelli Sean A.
Published: November 2013

Presidents of community colleges must place importance on the liberal arts in their colleges. They should promote an understanding of their relevance to all curricula.
Why Community College Students Need Great Books
Authors: Anderson J. M.
Published: November 2013

As community colleges increasingly embrace their vocational role at the expense of their general education mission, the author of this chapter argues that a curriculum centered on a “Great Books” canon as developed by Mortimer Adler in the 1920s would revitalize liberal education at community colleges and serve both the general education requirements and the future employability of students.
Retinal ganglion cells in the Pacific redfin, Tribolodon brandtii dybowski, 1872: Morphology and diversity
Authors: Pushchin Igor , Karetin Yuriy
Published: November 2013

We studied the morphology and diversity of retinal ganglion cells in the Pacific redfin, Tribolodon brandtii. These cells were retrogradely labeled with horseradish peroxidase and examined in retinal whole mounts. A sample of 203 cells was drawn with a camera lucida. A total of 19 structural parameters were estimated for each cell, and a variety of clustering algorithms were used to classify the cells. The optimal solution was determined by using silhouette analysis. It was based on three variables associated with dendritic field size and dendrite stratification in the retina. Kruskal‐Wallis ANOVA‐on‐ranks with post hoc Mann‐Whitney U tests showed significant pairwise between‐cluster differences in two or more of the original variables. In total, eight cell types were discovered. The advantages and drawbacks of the methodology adopted are discussed. The present classification is compared with classifications proposed for other teleosts. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1355–1372, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential DNA methylation between two wing phenotypes adults of Sogatella furcifera
Authors: Zhou Xiaosui , Chen Jialin , Shike Liang Meizhang , Wang Fanghai
Published: November 2013

Sogatella furcifera is a major rice pest with wing dimorphism. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that plays a role in gene regulation and phenotype variation in most organisms. The objective of the current research was to survey the frequencies and variation of cytosine methylation at CCGG sequences in macropterous female adults (MFA) and brachypterous female adults (BFA) of S. furcifera, and to determine the occurrence of methylation changes associated with wing phenotypes by using methylation‐sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP). No differences were found in the average proportions of methylated CCGG sites between MFA and BFA, but there were significant differences for methylation patterns between MFA and BFA. The fully methylated ratio was 5.81% in BFA, much higher than 2.40% in MFA; while the hemi‐methylated ratio was 4.35% in BFA, much lower than 8.35% in MFA. These results provide circumstantial evidence that DNA methylation might be related to wing phenotype variation in S. furcifera. We also cloned and got 14 satisfactory sequences, which displayed variable cytosine methylation patterns between MFA and BFA. All these data will facilitate the researches on the epigenetic mechanisms of insect wing polymorphism. genesis 51:819–826. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐resolution polarimetric X‐band weather radar observations at the Cabauw Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research
Authors: Otto Tobias , Russchenberg Herman W. J.
Published: November 2013

In 2007, the horizontally scanning polarimetric X‐band radar IDRA (IRCTR Drizzle Radar) was installed on top of the 213 m high mast at the Dutch meteorological observatory Cabauw Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research (CESAR) at Netherlands. This radar complements a large variety of measurement instruments at CESAR by providing information on the horizontally spatial distribution and the temporal evolution of precipitation around the site. IDRA is a frequency‐modulated continuous‐wave radar developed at TU Delft's International Research Centre for Telecommunications and Radar (IRCTR). IDRA is designed to provide a high spatial resolution (down to 3 m in range) at a temporal resolution of 1 min. Its central frequency of 9.475 GHz, sensitive receivers with a large dynamic range, and the possibility to adjust the power of the transmitted signal permit IDRA to measure the whole spectrum of meteorological echoes from low‐level clouds and drizzle to heavy convective rain. Similarly to most data collected at CESAR, also the data collected by IDRA are freely available for scientific purposes. IDRA data are stored at the Dutch 3TU.Datacentrum in order to make it easily accessible for everyone. In this article, we outline the IDRA dataset, including details on the data acquisition, processing, and possible applications.
N‐methylnitrosourea–induced carcinoma as a model for laryngeal carcinogenesis
Authors: Caicedo–Granados Emiro , Galbraith Arthur R. , Schachern Monika G. , Hartle Donna E. , Wattenberg Lee W. , Wuertz Beverly R. , Keel Suzanne , Yueh Bevan , Ondrey Frank G.
Published: November 2013

Background

Preclinical animal models to study laryngeal cancer are nonexistent. The purpose of this study was to describe a novel mice laryngeal cancer model.

Methods

A total of 18 six‐week‐old A/J mice were used. Animals underwent microdirect laryngoscopy, superficial larynx scratching, and instillation of N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU) at 2 different concentrations (15 μL and 30 μL) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to the control group directly to the larynx. Mice received a total of 5 instillations of MNU or DMSO at 1‐week intervals. Mice were euthanized at 20 and 30 weeks after the last intervention and laryngeal histology was analyzed.

Results

Laryngeal instillation of MNU caused a 60% cancer conversion in the study group.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of developing a murine laryngeal carcinogenesis model using direct topical instillation of MNU. This is the first murine model of laryngeal cancer and has great potential for evaluating new agents for chemoprevention and treatment for laryngeal carcinoma. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1802–1806, 2013
Self‐assembled rosette nanotubes and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels promote skin cell functions
Authors: Sun Linlin , Li Dongni , Hemraz Usha D. , Fenniri Hicham , Webster Thomas J.
Published: November 2013

The next generation skin of wound healing materials should stimulate skin regeneration by actively promoting appropriate cellular adhesion and proliferation. As materials with novel self‐assembling and solidification properties when transitioning from room to body temperatures, rosette nanotubes (RNTs) may be such a proactive material. RNTs resemble naturally occurring nanostructures in the skin (such as collagen and keratin) assembling with noncovalent forces in physiological environments. Presenting desirable bioactive properties, RNTs have been used for various tissue engineering applications including increasing in vivo bone and cartilage regeneration. The objective of the current in vitro study was, for the first time, to improve properties of a commonly used hydrogel (poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) or pHEMA) for skin regeneration by incorporating one type of novel self‐assembled RNTs, called TBL. Results showed for the first time increased keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation on hydrogels coated with TBLs compared to those not coated with TBL. In this manner, this study provides the first evidence that TBL RNTs are promising for wound healing applications due to their optimal cytocompatibility, solidification, and mechanical properties and, thus, should be further studied for such applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3446–3451, 2014.
Enhanced cardioprotective effects mediated by plasmid containing the short‐hairpin RNA of angiotensin converting enzyme with a biodegradable hydrogel after myocardial infarction
Authors: Wan Wei‐Guo , Jiang Xue‐Jun , Li Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Cui , Yi Xin , Ren Shan , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: November 2013

The expression of foreign gene was enhanced and prolonged by sustained releasing a target gene to cells from biodegradable dextran‐poly(e‐caprolactone)‐2‐hydroxylethylmethacrylate‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (Dex‐PCL‐HEMA/PNIPAAm) hydrogel in vitro. Moreover, we have demonstrated that injection of the same hydrogel improved post‐infarct ventricular remodeling. Therefore, we hypothesized that intramyocardial injection of plasmid containing the short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) with the same hydrogel enhances the cardioprotective effects superior to either alone or after rat myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, equal volume of phosphate‐buffered solution (PBS), 10 μg ACE‐shRNA plasmids, hydrogel containing 10 μg negative control ACE‐shRNA plasmids and hydrogel containing 10 μg ACE‐shRNA plasmids were shortly injected into the infarct area of rats after MI, respectively. We found that ACE‐shRNA plasmid‐loaded hydrogel extended the duration of gene expression in vivo. Moreover, it was shown that direct intramyocardial injection of ACE‐shRNA plasmid‐loaded hydrogel significantly decreased the expression of local ACE expression, inhibited cell apoptosis, reduced infarct size, and improved cardiac function compared with the injection of either alone 30 days after MI in rats. These results suggest that injection of ACE‐shRNA plasmid‐loaded hydrogel into impaired myocardium obtains more cardioprotective effects than either alone in rat with MI by prolonging the gene silencing of ACE. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3452–3458, 2014.
Degradation and biocompatibility of multistage nanovectors in physiological systems
Authors: Martinez Jonathan O. , Evangelopoulos Michael , Chiappini Ciro , Liu Xuewu , Ferrari Mauro , Tasciotti Ennio
Published: November 2013

The careful scrutiny of drug delivery systems is essential to evaluate and justify their potential for the clinic. Among the various studies necessary for preclinical testing, the impact of degradation is commonly overlooked. In this article, we investigate the effect of fabrication (porosity and nucleation layer) and environment (buffer and pH) factors on the degradation kinetics of multistage nanovectors (MSV) composed of porous silicon. The degradation by‐products of MSV were exposed to endothelial cells and analyzed for detrimental effects on cellular internalization, architecture, proliferation, and cell cycle. Increases in porosity resulted in accelerated degradation exhibiting smaller‐sized particles at comparable times. Removal of the nucleation layer (thin layer of small pores formed during the initial steps of etching) triggered a premature collapse of the entire central porous region of MSV. Variations in buffers prompted a faster degradation rate yielding smaller MSV within faster time frames, whereas increases in pH stimulated erosion of MSV and thus faster degradation. In addition, exposure to these degradation by‐products provoked negligible impact on the proliferation and cell cycle phases on primary endothelial cells. In this study, we propose methods that lay the foundation for future investigations toward understanding the impact of the degradation of drug delivery platforms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3540–3549, 2014.
Magnesium degradation products: Effects on tissue and human metabolism
Authors: Seitz J.‐M. , Eifler R. , Bach Fr.‐W. , Maier H. J.
Published: November 2013

Owing to their mechanical properties, metallic materials present a promising solution in the field of resorbable implants. The magnesium metabolism in humans differs depending on its introduction. The natural, oral administration of magnesium via, for example, food, essentially leads to an intracellular enrichment of Mg2+. In contrast, introducing magnesium‐rich substances or implants into the tissue results in a different decomposition behavior. Here, exposing magnesium to artificial body electrolytes resulted in the formation of the following products: magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, and magnesium chloride, as well as calcium and magnesium apatites. Moreover, it can be assumed that Mg2+, OH− ions, and gaseous hydrogen are also present and result from the reaction for magnesium in an aqueous environment. With the aid of physiological metabolic processes, the organism succeeds in either excreting the above mentioned products or integrating them into the natural metabolic process. Only a burst release of these products is to be considered a problem. A multitude of general tissue effects and responses from the Mg's degradation products is considered within this review, which is not targeting specific implant classes. Furthermore, common alloying elements of magnesium and their hazardous potential in vivo are taken into account. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3744–3753, 2014.
An Efficient Three‐Component Synthesis of Pyranoquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Asghari Sakineh , Ramezani Samaneh
Published: November 2013

Pyranoquinoline derivatives have been synthesized via three‐component reaction of 4‐hydroxy‐1‐methyl‐2(1H)‐quinolinone and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates in the presence of nucleophiles such as alkyl isocyanides and triphenylphosphine.
Stereoselective Synthesis of 3,4‐Dihydroxylated Prolines and Prolinols Starting from L‐Tartaric Acid
Authors: Oba M. , Koguchi S. , Nishiyama K.
Published: November 2013

A straightforward and stereoselective synthesis of 3,4‐dihydroxyprolines and 3,4‐dihydroxyprolinols is described. The key reaction in this synthesis is a protective group‐controlled diastereoselective cyanation of a chiral acyliminium intermediate derived from l‐tartaric acid. Methanolysis of the obtained cyanolactam gave methyl 3,4‐dihydroxypyroglutamate that was converted to 3,4‐dihydroxyproline and 3,4‐dihydroxyprolinol by reduction of the lactam carbonyl and ester groups in a stepwise manner.
One‐Pot Green Synthesis of Thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyridine Derivatives via Tandem Cyclization in Aqueous Media
Authors: Boominathan Muthusamy , Nagaraj Muthupandi , Maheshwaran Chellaiah , Muthusubramanian Shanmugam , Bhuvanesh Nattamai
Published: November 2013

Facile, three‐component domino reactions of readily available thioglycolic acid/ethyl thioglycolate, aromatic aldehydes, and malononitrile/ethyl cyanoacetate in aqueous potassium carbonate at room temperature afforded thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyridine derivatives chemoselectively in good to excellent yield. All the formed 4H‐chromenes were characterized by spectral and X‐ray methods.
Primary care physician communication at hospital discharge reduces medication discrepancies
Authors: Lindquist Lee A. , Yamahiro Atsuko , Garrett Arianne , Zei Charles , Feinglass Joseph M.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Medication discrepancies are common as patients transition from hospital to home. Errors with post‐discharge medication regimens may play a role in hospital readmissions.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether primary care physician (PCP) contact with patients at hospital discharge impacts the frequency of medication discrepancies at 24 hours post‐discharge.

DESIGN

With the PCP‐Enhanced Discharge Communication Intervention, PCPs were asked to speak with treating hospitalists and contact patients within 24 hours of hospital discharge (either in person or by phone) to discuss any hospital medication changes. Research staff enrolled subjects during their hospitalization and telephoned subjects 48 hours post‐discharge to determine medication discrepancies and PCP contact.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred fourteen community‐dwelling adults, admitted to acute medicine services >24 hours on ≥5 medications.

RESULTS

Of the 114 subjects enrolled in the hospital, 75 subjects completed 48 hours postdischarge phone interviews. Of the 75 study patients, 39 patients (50.6%) experienced a total of 84 medication discrepancies (mean, 2.1 discrepancies/patient). Subjects who were contacted by their PCP at discharge were 70% less likely to have a discrepancy when compared with those not contacted (P = 0.04). Males were 4.34 times more likely to have a discrepancy (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

PCP communication with patients within 24 hours of discharge was associated with decreased medication discrepancies. Our results further demonstrate the importance of PCP involvement in the hospital discharge process. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:672–677. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
The role of the human microbiome in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery: A contemporary review
Authors: Hong Paul , Liu Cindy M. , Nordstrom Lora , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: November 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The human microbiome represents the collective genomes and gene products of microbes living within and on humans. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the current microbiome literature pertaining to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.

Data Source

Ovid MEDLINE.

Methods

Scientific publications with clinical correlates.

Results

Human microbiome studies have been facilitated by culture‐independent, high‐throughput sequencing methods. Data from the Human Microbiome Project has shown that the composition of the human microbiome is specific to each body site and that each individual has a unique microbiome. Alterations in the human microbiome are associated with some disease states; thus, novel therapeutic strategies are being developed based on concepts and findings stemming from microbiome research.

Conclusions

Although a growing body of research shows potential significance of the human microbiome for human health and disease, there is a paucity of microbiome studies in otolaryngology. More studies are required to increase our understanding of the indigenous microbiota and their effects on diseases of the head and neck.

Level of Evidence

Laryngoscope, 124:1352–1357, 2014
What Happens the Morning After? The Costs and Benefits of Expanding Access to Emergency Contraception
Authors: Gross Tal , Lafortune Jeanne , Low Corinne
Published: November 2013

Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent pregnancy after sex, but only if taken within 72 hours of intercourse. Over the past 15 years, access to EC has been expanded at both the state and federal level. This paper studies the impact of those policies. We find that expanded access to EC has had no statistically significant effect on birth or abortion rates. Expansions of access, however, have changed the venue in which the drug is obtained, shifting its provision from hospital emergency departments to pharmacies. We find evidence that this shift may have led to a decrease in reports of sexual assault.
Increased rate of lung function decline in Australian adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Welsh Liam , Robertson Colin F. , Ranganathan Sarath C.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Though baseline lung function as measured by spirometry in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) has improved, the annual rate of decline has not changed significantly during the critical period of adolescence. The aim of this study was to describe factors associated with longitudinal decline in lung function in a contemporary cohort of children with CF.

Methods

Best annual lung function data from children attending the CF service of the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne were reviewed to determine rate of decline in FEV1 up until time of transfer to an adult center. Mixed models were used to determine the influence of age, sex, genotype, newborn screening, respiratory hospitalization, CF related diabetes mellitus (CFRD), pancreatic insufficiency, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA) infection, and body mass index (BMI) on lung function decline.

Results

Longitudinal lung function data (range 5–20 years) were obtained for 98 patients with CF (55 male). Overall, the annual rate of decline in FEV1 % predicted for the entire cohort was 1.4% per annum though the greatest rate of FEV1 decline was seen during adolescence (2.6%). Increasing age, homozygous ΔF508 genotype, CFRD, mucoid PsA infection, pancreatic insufficiency and respiratory hospitalizations were all significant predictors of FEV1 decline.

Conclusion

FEV1 declines at its sharpest rate during adolescence even in the presence of newborn screening. Genotype, increasing age, CFRD, PsA infection, pancreatic insufficiency and a greater number of respiratory hospitalizations are all associated with an increased rate of lung function decline in Australian children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:873–877. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human cystatin C: A new biomarker of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Authors: Kasabova Mariana , Joulin‐Giet Alix , Lecaille Fabien , Saidi Ahlame , Marchand‐Adam Sylvain , Lalmanach Gilles
Published: November 2013

Purpose

Human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disorder with a poor prognosis. The identification of a new and specific biomarker in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) may assist in the diagnosis of the disease.

Experimental design

Characterization of cysteine Cats and their endogenous inhibitor, cystatin C, was conducted by immunochemical analysis and measurement of endopeptidase activity of control (n = 11) and IPF (n = 25) BALFs (normalized conditions, 20 μg protein/assay).

Results

Cathepsin (Cat) B was detected as proform and mature enzyme for both control and IPF samples, while Cats K, L, and S were found as zymogens with a strengthened staining in IPF BALFs. The overall endopeptidase activity related mainly to Cat B and did not vary significantly between control and IPF samples. Conversely a significant increase of immunoreactive cystatin C was measured in BALFs for each of three IPF grades.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

An excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins is the hallmark of fibrotic disorders. Cats are potent collagenases and might be essential for lung homeostasis. Taken together, increase of cystatin C in IPF BALFs may reflect abnormal regulation of proteolytic activity of Cats in lung, which in turn can promote the development of fibrosis.