bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the blue photorefractive properties varied with MgO codoping in Ru:Fe:LiNbO3 crystals
Authors: Xu Chao , Xu Zhaopeng , Fan Yexia , Xu Lei , Yang Chunhui , Xu Yuheng
Published: July 2012

Mg:Ru:Fe:LiNbO3 crystals with various doping concentration of MgO have been grown by Czochralski method. The type of charge carriers and photorefractive properties in Mg:Ru:Fe:LiNbO3 crystals were measured by two‐wave coupling method using Kr+ laser (476 nm) and He‐Ne laser (633 nm) as light sources. We found that holes were the dominant charge carriers under blue light irradiation while electrons were the dominant charge carriers under red light irradiation. Mg2+ ions behaved no longer as damage resistant, but promoter to the photorefractive properties at 476 nm wavelength. The photorefractive properties under blue light improved with the increase concentration of Mg2+ ions. The enhancement mechanisms of the blue photorefractive were suggested. Experimental results definitely showed that Mg‐doped two‐centre Ru:Fe:LiNbO3 was a promising blue photorefraction material for holographic volume storage.
Improved Solvent Formulations for Efficient CO2 Absorption and Low‐Temperature Desorption
Authors: Barzagli Francesco , Di Vaira Massimo , Mani Fabrizio , Peruzzini Maurizio
Published: July 2012

This experimental study describes efficient CO2 capture by 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol (AMP)/piperazine (PZ) in ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGMEE, 2‐ethoxyethanol) containing approximately 15 wt % of water. In these experiments, the solvent is continuously circulated between the absorber (packed‐bed reactor at 30, 40, or 45 °C) and the desorber (at 80, 85, or 90 °C). The CO2–solvent reaction equilibria have been investigated by using 13C NMR spectroscopy, which provides confirmatory evidence that the formation of mono‐ and biscarbamate derivatives of PZ accounts for most of the CO2 absorbed by the AMP/PZ/EGMEE/H2O blend. The solid‐state structures of AMP carbamate and of the carbonate salt of protonated AMP have been determined by using XRD. Both AMPCO2− and CO32− species completely convert to the monoalkyl carbonates on dissolving the respective salts in methanol, ethanol, or ethylene glycol.
The origin of the stapes and relationship to the otic capsule and oval window
Authors: Thompson Hannah , Ohazama Atsushi , Sharpe Paul T. , Tucker Abigail S.
Published: July 2012

Background: The stapes, an ossicle found within the middle ear, is involved in transmitting sound waves to the inner ear by means of the oval window. There are several developmental problems associated with this ossicle and the oval window, which cause hearing loss. The developmental origin of these tissues has not been fully elucidated. Results: Using transgenic reporter mice, we have shown that the stapes is of dual origin with the stapedial footplate being composed of cells of both neural crest and mesodermal origin. Wnt1cre/Dicer mice fail to develop neural crest‐derived cartilages, therefore, have no middle ear ossicles. We have shown in these mice the mesodermal stapedial footplate fails to form and the oval window is induced but underdeveloped. Conclusions: If the neural crest part of the stapes fails to form the mesodermal part does not develop, indicating that the two parts are interdependent. The stapes develops tightly associated with the otic capsule, however, it is not essential for the positioning of the oval window, suggesting that other tissues, perhaps within the inner ear are needed for oval window placement. Developmental Dynamics 241:1396–1404, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dioxirane‐Mediated Heterogeneous Epoxidations with Potassium Caroate: A Solid Catalyst Bearing Anchored Ketone Moieties
Authors: D'Accolti Lucia , Annese Cosimo , De Riccardis Alberto , De Giglio Elvira , Cafagna Damiana , Fanelli Fiorenza , Fusco Caterina
Published: July 2012

A new hybrid material (3) consisting of trifluoromethyl ketone (TFMK) moieties, immobilized on silica through an appropriate spacer, was synthesized and characterized. Lacking easily oxidizable functionalities in the spacer chain, this material proved to be an excellent catalyst in heterogeneous epoxidations with potassium caroate (KHSO5), surpassing other reported catalysts in performance and stability. The efficiency of silica‐supported catalyst 3 could be assessed upon carrying out the selective dioxirane‐mediated epoxidation of representative alkenes in high yields. The solid catalyst could then be recovered and reused in a number of consecutive oxidation cycles.
Synthesis of Benzo[c]phenanthridine Alkaloids by Pd(OAc)2‐Induced Direct Aromatic Carbonylation
Authors: Kumazawa Eri , Tokuhashi Takashi , Horibata Akiyoshi , Kurono Nobuhito , Senboku Hisanori , Tokuda Masao , Ohkuma Takashi , Orito Kazuhiko
Published: July 2012

The Pd(OAc)2‐induced carbonylation of alkoxy‐substituted 1‐amino‐2‐phenyltetralins and 1‐amino‐2‐phenylnaphthalenes was examined to provide the benzo[c]phenanthridine ring system. The carbonylation of substrates containing methylenedioxy groups gave oxysanguinarine and oxyavicine. The tetramethoxy derivatives gave O‐methyloxyfagaronine. The substrate with a benzyloxy group afforded a known synthetic precursor to the antileukemic alkaloid, fagaronine.
Retraction statement: When different is better: Performance following upward comparison
Authors: Johnson Camille S. , Stapel Diederik A.
Published: July 2012

The following article from European Journal of Social Psychology, “When different is better: Performance following upward comparison” by Camille S. Johnson and Diederik A. Stapel, published online on 18 August 2006 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the co‐author, the journal Editor in Chief, Tom Postmes, and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed following the results of an investigation into the work of Diederik A. Stapel (https://www.commissielevelt.nl/). The Levelt Committee has determined that this article contained data that was fabricated by Diederik A. Stapel. His co‐author was unaware of his actions, and not in any way involved.

REFERENCE

Johnson, C. S., & Stapel D. A.(2007). When different is better: Performance following upward comparison.European Journal of Social Psychology, 37(2), 258–275. DOI:10.1002/ejsp.361
Unfolding the concept of person by verbal abuse
Authors: Semin G. R. , Rubini Monica
Published: July 2012

Examined the prevalence of an interpersonal device, namely insult types, in a collectivistic and individualistic cultural context as an index of how the concept of person is culturally constructed. Insults were divided into three general categories, individualistic (those that refer directly to a person), relational (those that refer to a person and his/her significant relations) and swear‐words. An examination of the insults subjects produced in Catania, southern Italy (collectivistic), Trieste, northern Italy (individualistic) and Bologna, central Italy, partially confirmed the hypothesized differences in types of verbal abuse. In the collectivistic context instances of verbal abuse are significantly more likely to be directed to a person and his/her relations than in the individualistic context. The social psychological implications of these findings are discussed.
Exopolysaccharide production by three different strains of Streptococcus thermophilus and its effect on physical properties of acidified milk
Authors: Mende Susann , Mentner Claudia , Thomas Susann , Rohm Harald , Jaros Doris
Published: July 2012

Physical and rheological properties of commercial low‐fat yogurt and of skim milk acidified with single strains of Streptococcus thermophilus were evaluated. Concentration of exopolysaccharides (EPS) varied from 40 to 168 mg glucose equivalents per liter, and EPS showed different degrees of ropiness. Further characterization of nonropy and ropy EPS from three S. thermophilus strains revealed intrinsic viscosity of 0.13–0.66 mL/mg, respectively, which had a significant impact on apparent viscosity and the ability of regaining structure after shearing. Compared with regular milk acidification, batch fermentation with supplemented skim milk at constant pH resulted in a strain‐dependent increase of EPS yield by a factor of 4–7.
Effect of ionic liquids activation on laccase from Trametes versicolor: Enzymatic stability and activity
Authors: Tavares Ana P. M. , Pereira Juliana A. N. , Xavier Ana M. R. B.
Published: July 2012

The stability and activity of laccase from Trametes versicolor in two water‐soluble ionic liquids (ILs), namely 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium methyl sulfate, [bmim][MeSO4] and 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate, [mmim][MeSO4], were investigated in this study. Thermal inactivation of laccase was characterized in the presence of these both ILs and as expected first‐order kinetics was followed. Inactivation rate constant (k), half‐life time (t1/2), and energy of activation (Ea) were determined. Kinetics of 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) oxidation by laccase in the presence of these ILs was studied and Michaelis–Menten parameters were calculated. There is no enzymatic inactivation since the maximum reaction rate remained constant for IL concentrations up to 25%, and surprisingly, it was found that laccase was activated for concentrations of 35% of ILs, since the reaction rate increased 1.7 times.
Automatic image recognition to determine morphological development and secondary metabolite accumulation in hairy root networks
Authors: Lenk Felix , Vogel Mathias , Bley Thomas , Steingroewer Juliane
Published: July 2012

This study focuses on the morphological development and secondary metabolite production of the red pigments from the group of betacyanins in hairy roots of Beta vulgaris. We demonstrate a working, medium throughput, customized, automatic image recognition solution for hairy roots on agar plates including the evaluation of 12 experimental samples. Image acquisition is conducted under comparable para‐meters using a tripod with light emitting diode background lighting and a digital single lens reflex camera. The server‐based image recognition system developed together with Wimasis GmbH, Munich, Germany helps to obtain not only quantitative values for morphological parameters, such as segment lengths and widths or metabolite concentrations, but also global parameters of root growth, such as total root length or the number of branching points. Using timed diagrams the development of the total root length, the total number of branching points, and the mean pigment concentration during the cultivation period were determined. The generated data present the basis for detailed mathematical modeling in order to achieve a structured growth model for hairy roots. A mathematical model for growth of hairy roots can be used to decrease experimental efforts as well as to optimize cultivation conditions and the bioreactor design.
Interfacial breakdown on contaminated electrolytic surfaces
Authors: Farag A. S. , Shwehdi M. H. , Cheng T. C.
Published: July 2012

The insulation of overhead transmission lines and substations is subjected to several basic types of abnormal conditions that can cause flashovers and outages of long duration. One of these types is the abnormal voltage gradients in the insulation system caused by the contamination of solid insulator surfaces. The number of insulators needed to protect against contamination is uncertain, because there is a wide range in the severity of contamination, and there is considerable uncertainty as to the basic mechanisms by which contamination affects the insulation level of a given configuration. This paper outlines the results of investigations of interfacial breakdown on electrolytic surfaces. Models are used to simulate such polluted insulator problems. Effects of chemical nature of the contaminants and contamination levels on the critical flasher voltage are studied. In order to study such effects, different salts and salt combinations were used on the laboratory model. Single‐arc and multiple‐arc models are introduced where the phenomena of multiple discharges existing simultaneously on an electrolytic surface is also investigated. Mathematical models are suggested which include the successive formation of multiple arcs. The results obtained based on the new model agree quite well with the experimental values.
Numerical simulation of transient protector co‐ordination
Authors: Larsson A. , Tang H. , Scuka V.
Published: July 2012

The issue of protection and protection co‐ordination is of increasing importance due to the vulnerability of electronic equipment to voltage surges. In order to properly co‐ordinate the different protection units of a protection system, all the different parts must be considered in the design process. This paper presents models for the varistor, the gas discharge protector and the installation cable, and these models have been implemented in the software ATP‐EMTP. The models have also been used for simulation of complex surge protection circuits and the results are shown to be in good agreement with measurements.
Optimisation of the switching process by modelling the contact surface
Authors: Schoenemann Th.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to show the design procedure of a disconnector starting at basic modelling up to a product used in practice. The relation between switchgear mechanics and electrophysics arc phenomena is discussed and the influence of short arcs on the opening contacts of a high voltage disconnector is analysed. With regard to contact erosion the most severe switching stress occurs during the bus‐transfer current switching procedure. Based on simplified models the influence of various parameters on the contact design and the disconnectors reliability is discussed. Finally a new contact design using main and auxiliary contact fingers is shown. The system uses the spring effect of flexible fingers mounted on the main contacts. The new disconnector type fulfils the type tests according to the appropriate international standards and is successfully used in practice.
Current and voltage unbalance balancing operation of arc or arc‐resistance furnaces
Authors: Wasowski A.
Published: July 2012

The paper presents a theoretical analysis of unbalanced operational states of arc and arc‐resistance furnaces. The following aspects have been determined: ‐ the dependencies enabling assessment of current and heating power unbalance occurring in a furnace circuit, taking into account the unbalance of supply voltages and asymmetry of supply‐circuit impedances and of equivalent heating resistances; ‐ the conditions ensuring the desired operational states of a furnace‐operation with current balance or with heating power balance or their desired unbalance. Theoretical investigations have been illustrated using, as an example, a selection of supply transformation phase ratios in order to balance the operation of a carbide furnace.
Load flow based on Newton's method using norton equivalent circuit for AC‐DC multiterminal systems
Authors: Arifoglu U.
Published: July 2012

This paper presents the Newton‐Ruphson approach using new equations to the power‐flow analysis in steady‐state for multiterminal DC‐AC systems. A flexible and practical choice of per‐unit system is used to formulate the DC network and converter equations. A converter is represented by Norton's equations of a current source in parallel with the commutation resistance. Unlike in previous literature, the DC network equations are used to derive the controller equations for the DC system using a subset of specifications. The specifications considered are power at all terminals except the slack terminal where the DC voltage specified. Similar Newton's approach uses six variables per converter but this approach uses three variables per converter. This property provides less storage requirement and computation time than the others. Unlike the proposed paper, in some papers based on Newton's method, the main problem is that some of the diagonal elements of Jacobian matrix are weak and zero, and partial pivoting in the solution by triangular reduction is essential.
Reinforcement of power cables crossing thermally unfavourable regions
Authors: Brakelmann H.
Published: July 2012

The highest conductor temperature of a buried power cable is often governed by the most unfavourable section of the cable route, e. g. the crossing of a street or of another cable system. It can be shown, that an essential increase of current ampacity can be achieved, if air‐filled pipes are used, laying parallel to the cable cores or containing them, and if the ends of these pipes are led up to the soil surface and therefore interacting with the ambient air. For many street crossings, such pipes are used anyhow. By this, a self‐supporting cooling system for hot spots in cable routes can be established without neither cooling stations, nor pumps or fans. During low‐load periods, this cooling system extracts heat out of the cable trench, so that thermal reserves are given for extreme summer temperatures as well as for overload operations.
Breakdown strength of air, SF6 and a mixture of air plus SF6 containing a small amount of SF6
Authors: Mardikyan K.
Published: July 2012

The breakdown strengths of dry air, sulphur‐hexafluoride (SF6) and a mixture of dry air plus SF6 containing 1% of SF6 were studied. For this purpose, 50‐Hz AC and lightning impulse breakdown voltages in uniform and non‐uniform fields up to a pressure of 400 kPa were measured. The results show that the addition of 1% of SF6 to dry air increases considerably the breakdown voltage in a non‐uniform field. By the aid of breakdown voltage versus pressure curves the relative breakdown strength of the mixture with respect to components was calculated both in 50‐Hz AC and lightning impulse voltages. The analysis of Paschen curves reveals a slight improvement of breakdown strength in the case of mixture but in non‐uniform fields the maximum AC breakdown voltage of the mixture is slightly lower than that of pure SF6. However, for positive lightning impulses maximum breakdown voltage of the mixture was found to be greater than that of pure SF6 alone.
Design and optimization of two‐spring linear actuators
Authors: Lequesne B.
Published: July 2012

Two‐spring linear actuators constitute a new class of electromechanical actuators capable of better performance than conventional solenoids, in particular faster motion for strokes on the order of 5 mm to 20 mm. This paper develops a design procedure for this new actuator concept. Moreover, it shows that, for a given displacement and value of mass to be moved, there is a minimum achievable travel time and a corresponding optimum actuator size. Larger actuators, therefore, do not necessarily provide faster motion. A design example is given, and the impact of various parameters such as mass to be moved and displacement on travel time potential and optimum actuator size are given. A smaller displacement reduces travel time more significantly than a smaller mass.
Highway vehicle fire data based on the experiences of US fire departments
Authors: Ahrens Marty
Published: July 2012

In 2003–2007, US fire departments responded to an average of 267 600 highway vehicle fires per year. These fires caused an average of 441 civilian deaths, 1326 civilian injuries, and $1.0bn (in US dollars) in direct property damage annually. Highway vehicles include cars, trucks, and other vehicles designed for highway use; highway vehicle fires can occur anywhere, not just on a highway. While these fires and associated losses have been falling in recent years, highway vehicles fires accounted for 17% of reported US fires, 12% of US fire deaths, 8% of US civilian fire injuries, and 9% of the direct property damage from reported fires. Data from the US Fire Administration's National Fire Incident Reporting System and the National Fire Protection Association's fire department survey were used to provide details about the circumstances of highway vehicle fires.

Mechanical or electrical failures caused roughly three‐quarters of the highway vehicle fires but only 11% of the deaths. Collisions and overturns were factors contributing to the ignition in only 3% of the fires, but fires resulting from these incidents caused 58% of these vehicle fire deaths. The rate of bus fires per billion miles driven was 3.5 times that for highway vehicle fires overall. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of pre‐applied wetting agents in prevention of wildland urban interface fires
Authors: Urbas Joe
Published: July 2012

The purpose of the work described in this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of pre‐wetting structures, dead fuels, and landscaping plants in preventing fire spread from wildland fires to structures. Critical fluxes for fire growth were determined using intermediate‐scale testing for three wetting agents (water, type A foam, and gel) applied to 10 landscaping plants conditioned to 20% moisture, a mulch material, and four external structural materials (vinyl siding, plywood siding, asphalt shingle roofing, and cedar shake roofing). The critical flux for fire growth values was determined at 3‐min heat radiation exposure and simultaneous 300‐mm long flame exposure. Test specimens were exposed to various durations and intensities of drying prior to exposing them to heat radiation. Application of water or foam provided no noticeable protection. Gel was effective in providing protection even after 60 min of laboratory condition drying but was less successful when exposed to fire weather simulating accelerated drying. Some uncertainty is associated with the results of this work because of the variability of landscaping plants and gel wetting agent application uniformity. The intermediate‐scale test results were verified using full‐scale testing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overexpression of a serine carboxypeptidase increases carpel number and seed production in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wen Jiangqi , Li Jia , Walker John C.
Published: July 2012

Seed production is an ultimate component of crop yield. Increasing seed production has long been a pursuit for crop breeders and is an indisputable measure of food safety. Advances in biotechnology can provide novel means to achieve increased seed production by genetic engineering. Overexpression of ECS1 (Extra Carpels and Seeds), a gene encoding a serine carboxypeptidase, partially suppresses the leaf phenotypes of mutant bri1‐5, a weak allele of brassinosteroid‐insensitive 1 (BRI1). Moreover, overexpression of ECS1 increases the number of carpels and seeds per fruit (silique) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Most of the ECS1‐overexpressing lines have three‐carpel siliques instead of two‐carpel siliques found in wild type, while some even have four‐carpel siliques. Wild‐type plants have an average seed number of 66.2 ± 3.6 per silique, whereas ECS1‐overexpressing lines contain 88.1 ± 4.1 seeds per silique. The total seed weight per silique increases by about 33% in ECS1‐overexpressing plants due to the increased total number of seeds. In addition, ECS1 overexpression enhances the multi‐carpel phenotypes in clavata3‐2 and causes severely fasciated stems in det2 mutants. To the best of our knowledge, it has not been previously shown that overexpressions of genes that encode serine carboxypeptidases are implicated in reproductive development or produce an increased carpel and seed numbers in any plant species.
Role of transmembrane semaphorin Sema6A in oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination
Authors: Bernard Frédéric , Moreau‐Fauvarque Caroline , Heitz‐Marchaland Céline , Zagar Yvrick , Dumas Laura , Fouquet Stéphane , Lee Xinhua , Shao Zhaohui , Mi Sha , Chédotal Alain
Published: July 2012

Myelination is regulated by extracellular proteins, which control interactions between oligodendrocytes and axons. Semaphorins are repulsive axon guidance molecules, which control the migration of oligodendrocyte precursors during normal development and possibly in demyelinating diseases. We show here that the transmembrane semaphorin 6A (Sema6A) is highly expressed by myelinating oligodendrocytes in the postnatal mouse brain. In adult mice, Sema6A expression is upregulated in demyelinating lesions in cuprizone‐treated mice. The analysis of the optic nerve and anterior commissure of Sema6A‐deficient mice revealed a marked delay of oligodendrocyte differentiation. Accordingly, the development of the nodes of Ranvier is also transiently delayed. We also observed an arrest in the in vitro differentiation of purified oligodendrocytes lacking Sema6A, with a reduction of the expression level of Myelin Basic Protein. Their morphology is also abnormal, with less complex and ramified processes than wild‐type oligodendrocytes. In myelinating co‐cultures of dorsal root ganglion neurons and purified oligodendrocytes we found that myelination is perturbed in absence of Sema6A. These results suggest that Sema6A might have a role in myelination by controlling oligodendrocyte differentiation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Polystyrene‐supported AlCl3 as a highly active and reusable heterogeneous lewis acid catalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of quinoxalines
Authors: Rahmatpour Ali
Published: July 2012

A new and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives through the condensation reactions of 1,2‐diketones and 1,2‐phenylenediamines using cross‐linked polystyrene‐supported aluminum chloride (PS/AlCl3) as a highly active and reusable heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst is described. This polymeric catalyst is stable and can be easily recovered and reused without appreciable change in its efficiency. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:472–477, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21039
Application of Chernobyl‐derived 137Cs fallout for sediment redistribution studies: lessons from European Russia
Authors: Golosov V. N. , Belyaev V. R. , Markelov M. V.
Published: July 2012

Vast areas of Europe were contaminated by the radioactive isotope 137Cs after the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in April 1986. More than two decades have since passed and Chernobyl‐derived 137Cs has proved to be useful a tracer for quantitative assessment of erosion and deposition rates. This paper firstly summarizes the results of detailed studies of the spatial variability of its initial fallout in different landscape zones of European Russia. From 4 to 28 bulk soil samples were taken at each of the reference locations to characterize local variability of the isotope inventories in topsoil. In addition, one section with depth‐incremental sampling at 2‐ to 3‐cm intervals to a depth of 30–40 cm was taken at the uncultivated sites for determination of the 137Cs vertical distribution. Local spatial variability of 137Cs fallout inventories did not exceed 20% in areas with high to moderate levels of Chernobyl contamination. However, it is necessary to sample several reference locations for each study site to document possible larger‐scale spatial trends in the initial Chernobyl‐derived 137Cs fallout, which should be taken into account in calculations of erosion/deposition rates. The second part of the paper considers several examples of the application of Chernobyl‐derived 137Cs in sediment redistribution studies within European Russia. These include evaluation of erosion and deposition rates along individual slope transects, assessment of sediment redistribution within small catchments, and determination of recent floodplain sedimentation rates. It has been shown that the main advantages of the Chernobyl‐derived 137Cs are the short period of fallout, which means it can be treated as a single event, and the existence of a detailed map of the initial fallout for the majority of European countries. The latter facilitates collection of reliable initial fallout data for input into calibration models. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the relative contributions of climate change and multiple human activities to variations of sediment regime in the Minjiang River, China
Authors: Tang Qiang , He Xiubin , Bao Yuhai , Zhang Xinbao , Guo Feng , Zhu Hongwei
Published: July 2012

In‐stream sediment transport plays an important role in delivery of sediment‐associated terrestrial elements. Investigating the history of fluvial sediment regime responding to changes in natural and anthropogenic driving forces provides a theoretical basis for establishment of optimal strategies on catchment management. The present study aims to systematically detect the patterns of change in sediment load at two key hydrological stations (Pengshan and Gaochang) in the Minjiang River and quantitatively evaluate the relative contributions of regional precipitation change and multiple local human activities to the observed sediment variations. Abrupt change in annual sediment load was detected in 1990 at Pengshan and in 1968, 1980 and 1992 at Gaochang. Compared with the baseline period of 1957–1990, precipitation decline and human activities had respectively contributed to 5 × 106 t and 2 × 106 t of reduction in mean annual sediment load at Pengshan during 1991–2007. For the entire Minjiang basin, taking 1956–1968 as the baseline period, precipitation decline and human activities had relatively contributed to 10 × 106 t and 18 × 106 t of reduction in mean annual sediment load at Gaochang during 1969–1980. During 1981–1992, precipitation decline had relatively contributed to 5 × 106 t of reduction in mean annual sediment load, but human activities had led to 3 × 106 t of increase in mean annual sediment load. During 1993–2009, 13 × 106 t and 17 × 106 t of reduction in mean annual sediment load may be attributed to precipitation decline and human activities, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling potential hydrological impact of abandoned underground mines in the Monday Creek Watershed, Ohio
Authors: Wan Rongrong , Liu Desheng , Munroe Darla K. , Cai Shanshan
Published: July 2012

Abandoned underground mines (AUM) have caused dramatic environmental effects that are closely linked to regional sustainability. This paper explores the potential hydrological impact of AUM in the Monday Creek Watershed, a typically mined area in Appalachian region, using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT 2005) model and Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI‐2), calibrated at both the global and local scales. The locally calibrated model better incorporates those key parameters relevant to AUM for specific sub‐basins and hydrologic response units. Data from the years 2003–2004 were used for calibration and 2005–2006 for validation. The results were quite satisfactory; both the coefficient of determination (R2) and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency statistic were over 0.80. The potential influences of AUM were assessed by modelling an alternative scenario assuming no AUM for the period 2003–2009. Results show that the hydrological process of lateral subsurface flow plays a dominant role in linking AUM to overall watershed hydrology. The potential hydrological impact of AUM is an increased annual lateral flow of 82.1%, and a decrease in annual surface flow by 15%, leading to an increase of 16.9% in annual water yield for the Monday Creek Watershed. The seasonal fluctuation of water yield has a similar trend to lateral flow, decreasing from March to August and increasing from August to January. Higher volume, higher flow peaks and higher recession constants characterized the hydrograph of daily streamflow from AUM. The results indicate that more emphasis should be put on lateral flow for further study of acid mine drainage and flooding control in those watersheds with AUM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of groundwater flow patterns using flux as upper boundary
Authors: Liang Xing , Quan Dongjie , Jin Menggui , Liu Yan , Zhang Renquan
Published: July 2012

Since the 1960s, most of the studies on groundwater flow systems by analytical and numerical modelling have been based on given‐head upper boundaries. The disadvantage of the given‐head approach is that the recharge into and discharge from a basin vary with changes in hydraulic conductivity and/or basin geometry. Consequently, flow patterns simulated with given‐head boundaries but with different hydraulic conductivities and/or basin geometry may not reflect the effects of these variables. We conducted, therefore, numerical simulations of groundwater flow in theoretical drainage basins using flux as the upper boundary and realistically positioned fluid‐potential sinks while changing the infiltration intensity, hydraulic conductivities, and geometric configuration of the basin. The simulated results demonstrate that these variables are dominant factors controlling the flow pattern in a laterally closed drainage basin. The ratio of infiltration intensity to hydraulic conductivity (Ric) has been shown to be an integrated pattern‐parameter in a basin with a given geometric configuration and possible fluid‐potential‐sink distribution. Successively, the changes in flow patterns induced by stepwise reductions in Ric are identical, regardless of whether the reductions are due to a decrease in infiltration intensity or an increase in hydraulic conductivity. The calculated examples show five sequential flow patterns containing (i) only local, (ii) local–intermediate, (iii) local–intermediate–regional, (iv) local–regional, and (v) just regional flow systems. The Ric was found to determine also whether a particular sink is active or not as a site of discharge. Flux upper boundary is preferable for numerical simulation when discussing the flow patterns affected by a change of infiltration, the hydraulic conductivity, or the geometry of a basin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How does afforestation affect the hydrology of a blanket peatland? A modelling study
Authors: Lewis Ciaran , Albertson John , Zi Tan , Xu Xianli , Kiely Gerard
Published: July 2012

Over the last century, afforestation in Ireland has increased from 1% of the land area to 10%, with most plantations on upland drained blanket peatlands. This land use change is considered to have altered the hydrological response and water balance of upland catchments with implications for water resources. Because of the difficulty of observing these long‐term changes in the field, the aim of this study was to utilize a hydrological model to simulate the rainfall runoff processes of an existing pristine blanket peatland and then to simulate the hydrology of the peatland if it were drained and afforested. The hydrological rainfall runoff model (GEOtop) was calibrated and validated for an existing small (76 ha) pristine blanket peatland in the southwest of Ireland for the 2‐year period, 2007–2008. The current hydrological response of the pristine blanket peatland catchment with regard to streamflow and water table (WT) levels was captured well in the simulations. Two land use change scenarios of afforestation were also examined, (A) a young 10‐year‐old and (B) a semi‐mature 15‐year‐old Sitka Spruce forest. Scenario A produced similar streamflow dynamics to the pristine peatland, whereas total annual streamflow from Scenario B was 20% lower. For Scenarios A and B, on an annual average basis, the WT was drawn down by 16 and 20 cm below that observed in the pristine peatland, respectively. The maximum WT draw down in Scenario B was 61 cm and occurred in the summer months, resulting in a significant decrease in summer streamflow. Occasionally in the winter (following rainfall), the WT for Scenario B was just 2 cm lower than the pristine peatland, which when coupled with the drainage networks associated with afforestation led to higher peak streamflows. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing large spatial scale landscape change effects on water quality and quantity response in the lower Athabasca River basin
Authors: Seitz Nicole E , Westbrook Cherie J , Dubé Monique G , Squires Allison J
Published: July 2012

Increased land use intensity has been shown to adversely affect aquatic ecosystems. Multiple landscape stressors interact over space and time, producing cumulative effects. Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) is the process of evaluating the impact a development project may have on the ecological surroundings, but several challenges exist that make current approaches to cumulative effects assessment ineffective. The main objective of this study was to compare results of different methods used to link landscape stressors with stream responses in a highly developed watershed, where past work has shown that the river has experienced significant water quality and quantity changes to improve approaches to CEA. The study site was the lower reaches of the Athabasca River, Canada that have been subjected to a diverse range of intense anthropogenic developments since the late 1960s. Linkages between landscape change and river response were evaluated using correlation analyses, stepwise, multiple regression, and regression trees. Notable landscape changes include increased industrial development and forest cut-blocks, made evident from satellite imagery and supporting ancillary data sets. Simple regression analyses showed water use was closely associated with total phosphorus (TP) and Na+ concentrations, as well as specific conductance. The regression trees for total organic carbon (TOC), TP, and Na+ showed that the landscape variables that appear as the first characteristic were the same variables that showed significant relations for their respective simple regression models. Simple, stepwise, and multiple regressions in conjunction with regression trees were useful in this study for capturing the strongest associations between landscape stressors and river response variables. The results highlight the need for improved scaling methods and monitoring strategies crucial to managing cumulative effects to river systems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:392–404. © 2012 SETAC
The Influence of Supervision on Manual Adherence and Therapeutic Processes
Authors: Anderson Timothy , Crowley Mary Ellen J. , Patterson Candace L. , Heckman Bernadette D.
Published: July 2012

Objectives

To identify the effectiveness of psychotherapy supervision on therapists' immediate (next session) and long‐term (1 year) adherence to time‐limited dynamic psychotherapy (TLDP).

Method

Sixteen therapists from the Vanderbilt II psychotherapy project were assigned new cases in pretraining, training, and booster/posttraining year‐long cohorts. Technical adherence to the manual, as well as general therapeutic relational processes, were rated for clinical supervisory sessions in which the third therapy session was discussed. The therapy sessions immediately before and after the supervisory sessions were also rated for technical adherence and relational processes.

Results

Postsupervision adherence increased from the presupervision session during the training cohort. In supervision, therapists’ discussion of techniques and strategies from the manual in supervision was significantly related to technical adherence in the session prior to (but not after) supervision. However, supervisors’ discussion of specific techniques predicted therapists’ total technical adherence in the therapy session after (but not before) supervision. In terms of the type of techniques, supervisors’ influenced postsupervision therapy adherence on TLDP's unique approach to formulation, the cyclical maladaptive pattern, but did not influence technical adherence on the therapeutic relationship.

Conclusions

In supervision, therapists tend to focus on how they adhered to techniques from the previous session, whereas supervisors’ comments about specific techniques predicted how the therapist would adhere to techniques in the next therapy session. The findings provide support for the immediate effects of supervision in shaping therapist techniques as well as highlighting the challenges of altering common relational processes through technical training.
Regulation of lung fibroblast activation by annexin A1
Authors: Jia Yuan , Morand Eric F. , Song Wuqi , Cheng Qiang , Stewart Alastair , Yang Yuan H.
Published: July 2012

Annexin‐A1 (AnxA1) is a glucocorticoid‐induced protein with multiple actions in the regulation of inflammatory cell activation. The contribution of AnxA1 to human cell biology is not well understood. We investigated the contribution of AnxA1 and its receptor, formyl‐peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), to the regulation of inflammatory responses in human normal lung fibroblasts (NLF). Silencing constitutive AnxA1 expression in NLF using small interfering RNA (siRNA) was associated with moderate but significant increases in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐induced proliferation and interleukin (IL)‐6 production, accompanied by reduction of ERK and NF‐κB activity. AnxA1 regulation of ERK and NF‐κB activation was associated with effects on proliferation. Blocking FPR2 using the specific antagonist WRW4 mimicked the effects of AnxA1 silencing on TNF‐induced proliferation, IL‐6, ERK, and NF‐κB activation. AnxA1 silencing also impaired inhibitory effects of glucocorticoid on IL‐6 production and on the expression of glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ), but blocking FPR2 failed to mimic these effects of AnxA1 silencing. These data suggest that AnxA1 regulates TNF‐induced proliferation and inflammatory responses in lung fibroblasts, via effects on the ERK and NF‐κB pathways, which depend on FPR2. AnxA1 also mediates effects of glucocorticoids and GILZ expression, but these effects appear independent of FPR2. These findings suggest that mimicking AnxA1 actions might have therapeutic potential in chronic inflammatory lung diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 476–484, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term and recent changes in temperature‐based agroclimatic indices in Argentina
Authors: Fernández‐Long María Elena , Müller Gabriela Viviana , Beltrán‐Przekurat Adriana , Scarpati Olga Eugenia
Published: July 2012

Changes in several temperature‐based agroclimatic indices in the central‐eastern of Argentina, most of them located within the Pampas region were analysed for 39 meteorological stations. Trends of first (FFD), last (LFD) and number (NFD) of frost days, frost period (FP), start (SGS), end (EGS) and length (LGS) of the growing season, growing degree days (GDD), diurnal temperature range (DTR), chilling hours and lowest annual minimum temperature were computed for two periods, 1940–2007 and 1975–2007. The largest changes were observed for the whole period 1940–2007 and were mostly indicative of a long‐term minimum temperature warming throughout the region. During this period, generalized decreases in the NFD and in the FP (i.e., a delayed FFD and an earlier LFD) were found. Although the trends in the growing season indices were not as large as in the frost indices, they were consistent with the overall warming: an earlier SGS and a delayed in the EGS. The trends of the GDD showed a large variability between months with a generalized increased throughout the year. The DTR showed the largest number of stations with statistically significant negative trends from austral late spring (November) to austral early fall (April). For the period 1975–2007, the behaviour changes in all analysed indices: the short‐term trends weakened and in some cases reversed sign. The LFD tended to occurred later in the year, particularly for the southern Pampas. The EGS shifted from mostly positive to negative trends, resulting in a shorter LGS. These trend changes were not spatially homogeneous. Although those short‐term trends were predominantly non‐statistically significant, they could potential affect management decisions and crop yields. In particular, frost is still an important hazard in agricultural activities and within the context of our results short‐ and long‐term characterization of frost risk need to be considered at local and sub‐regional scales. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Serum levels of BMP‐2, 4, 7 and AHSG in patients with degenerative joint disease requiring total arthroplasty of the hip and temporomandibular joints
Authors: Albilia Jonathan B. , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Clokie Cameron M. L. , Walt David R. , Baker Gerald I. , Psutka David J. , Backstein David , Peel Sean A. F.
Published: July 2012

To date, there is no objective or reliable means of assessing the severity of degenerative joint disease (DJD) and need for joint replacement surgery. Hence, it is difficult to know when an individual with DJD has reached a point where total arthroplasty is indicated. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether serum levels of Alpha‐2 HS‐glycoprotein (AHSG) as well as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP‐2, 4, 7) can be used to predict the presence of severe DJD of the hip and/or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (specifically: joints that require replacement). A total of 30 patients scheduled for arthroplasty (diseased) (15 HIP, 15 TMJ) and 120 age‐matched controls (healthy/non‐diseased) were included. Blood samples were collected from all patients ≥8 weeks after the last arthroplasty. Concentrations of serum analytes were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, and these were compared between the Diseased and Healthy groups, utilizing the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Patients with disease had significantly higher levels of BMP‐2 and BMP‐4 and lower levels of AHSG in serum compared to non‐diseased humans (p < 0.01). Higher levels of BMP‐2, 4 and reduced levels of AHSG appear to characterize patients who have DJD that is severe enough to require total joint replacement. Perhaps measurements of these proteins can be used to make objective decisions regarding the need for total arthroplasty as opposed to the current subjective approaches. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:44–52, 2012
Immediate reconstruction of maxillectomy defects using anterolateral thigh free flap in patients from a low resource region
Authors: Liu Wei Wei , Peng Han Wei , Guo Zhu Ming , Zhang Quan , Yang An Kui
Published: July 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To report the reliability and reconstructive outcome of using anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with or without titanium mesh to repair maxillectomy defects in a patient from a low resource region (LRR).

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

Clinical data of patients with oral‐maxillofacial cancers who underwent maxillectomy and reconstruction using ALT flap in two tertiary cancer centers in southern China were retrospectively reviewed. Reconstructive techniques, flap survival, postoperative oral functions, and surgical complications were reported.

Results:

Apart from one total flap loss, 18 of the 19 free ALT flaps survived. Titanium mesh was used in two patients with total maxillectomy defects. Eighteen of the 19 patients resumed a normal oral diet. Fourteen patients had good speech, except one patient with poor pronunciation, and four patients had average speech. One patient presented with postoperative palatal fistula. No other complications were observed.

Conclusions:

The application of ALT flaps with or without titanium mesh to repair maxillectomy defects is straightforward and reliable and has an acceptable reconstructive outcome. It might be a suitable procedure for patients from an LRR. Laryngoscope, 2012