bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plankton 3D tracking: the importance of camera calibration in stereo computer vision systems
Authors: Bianco Giuseppe , Ekvall Mikael Tobias , Bäckman Johan , Hansson Lars‐Anders
Published: June 2013

Computer vision applications are very useful to study animal movements, but due to their intrinsic complexity they are challenging to design, implement, and use properly. We here describe a calibration procedure for a laboratory stereo vision system for tracking zooplankton in three dimensions (3D). We demonstrate the crucial importance of using a correct calibration for proper interpretation of animal swimming tracks. We also address the effect of the air‐water shift phase in the calibration procedure. Actually, not performing a proper calibration caused an average positional error of more than 25 body‐lengths in the investigated animal Daphnia magna. Furthermore, we evaluate the different outcomes of using 2D and 3D tracks obtained with a calibrated stereo vision system and show that although 2D tracking might be sufficient in some cases, the method was in our study unable to give information of swimming path geometry and underestimated the speed by 25%. Finally, we discuss consequences for biologically relevant questions when an incorrect methodology is used and strongly recommend that future studies provide detailed descriptions of the framework used for calibration to allow for comparisons between different studies.
Use of surface waves for geotechnical engineering applications in Western Sydney
Authors: Tokeshi K. , Harutoonian P. , Leo C. J. , Liyanapathirana S.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Current in situ methods used to geotechnically characterize the ground are predominantly based on invasive mechanical techniques (e.g. CPT, SPT, DMT). These techniques are localized to the tested area thus making it quite time consuming and costly to extensively cover large areas. Hence, a study has been initiated to investigate the use of the non-invasive Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) and Multichannel Simulation with One Receiver (MSOR) techniques to provide both an evaluation of compacted ground and a general geotechnical site characterization. The MASW technique relies on the measurement of active ambient vibrations generated by sledgehammer hits to the ground. Generated vibrations are gathered by interconnected electromagnetic geophones set up in the vertical direction and in a linear array at the ground surface with a constant spacing. The MSOR technique relies on one sensor, one single geophone used as the trigger, and multiple impacts are delivered on a steel plate at several distances in a linear array. The main attributes of these non-invasive techniques are the cost effectiveness and time efficiency when compared to current in situ mechanical invasive methods. They were applied to infer the stiffness of the ground layers by inversion of the phase velocity dispersion curves to derive the shear wave velocity (Vs) profile. The results produced by the MASW and the MSOR techniques were verified against independent mechanical Cone Penetration Test (CPT) and Standard Penetration Test (SPT) data. This paper identifies that the MASW and the MSOR techniques could be potentially useful and powerful tools in the evaluation of the ground compaction and general geotechnical site characterization.
Assessment of aerosol's mass concentrations from measured linear particle depolarization ratio (vertically resolved) and simulations
Authors: Nemuc A. , Vasilescu J. , Talianu C. , Belegante L. , Nicolae D.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Multiwavelength depolarization Raman lidar measurements from Magurele, Romania are used in this study along with simulated mass-extinction efficiencies to calculate the mass concentrations profiles of different atmospheric components, due to their different depolarization contribution to the 532 nm backscatter coefficient. Linear particle depolarization ratio (δpart) was computed using the relative amplification factor and the system-dependent molecular depolarization. The low depolarizing component was considered as urban/smoke, with a mean δpart of 3%, while for the high depolarizing component (mineral dust) a mean δpart of 35% was assumed. For this study 11 months of lidar measurements were analyzed. Two study cases are presented in details: one for a typical Saharan dust aerosol intrusion, 10 June 2012 and one for 12 July 2012 when a lofted layer consisting of biomass burning smoke extended from 3 to 4.5 km height. Optical Properties of Aerosols and Clouds software package (OPAC) classification and conversion factors were used to calculate mass concentrations. We found that calibrated depolarization measurements are critical to distinguish between smoke-reach aerosol during the winter and dust-reach aerosol during the summer, as well as between elevated aerosol layers having different origins. Good agreement was found between lidar retrievals and DREAM- Dust REgional Atmospheric Model forecasts in cases of Saharan dust. Our method was also compared against LIRIC (The Lidar/Radiometer Inversion Code) and very small differences were observed.
Direct observation of 134Cs and 137Cs in surface seawater in the western and central North Pacific after the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident
Authors: Kaeriyama H. , Ambe D. , Shimizu Y. , Fujimoto K. , Ono T. , Yonezaki S. , Kato Y. , Matsunaga H. , Minami H. , Nakatsuka S. , Watanabe T.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The horizontal distribution of radioactive cesium (Cs) derived from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (FNPP) in the North Pacific is still unclear due to the limitation of direct measurement of the seawater in the open ocean. We present the result of direct observation of radioactive Cs in surface seawater collected from a broad area in the western and central North Pacific in July 2011, October 2011 and July 2012. We also conducted a simple particle tracking experiment to estimate the qualitative spatial distribution of radioactive Cs in the North Pacific. 134Cs was detected at 94 stations out of 123 stations, and 137Cs was detected at all stations. High 134Cs and 137Cs concentrations more than 10 m Bq kg−1 were observed in the area of the northern part of Kuroshio Extension at 144° E and 155° E in July 2011, in the area 147–175° E around 40° N in October 2011, and the northern part of Kuroshio Extension at 155° E and 175°30´ E in July 2012. Combining the result of direct observations and particle tracking experiment, the radioactive Cs derived from the FNPP had been dispersed eastward to the central North Pacific during 2011. It was considered from the horizontal distribution that radioactive Cs was dispersed not only eastward but also north- and southward in the central North Pacific. Pronounced dilution process of radioactive Cs from the FNPP during study period is suggested from temporal change in the activity ratio of 134Cs / 137Cs, which was decay-corrected on 6 April 2011, and relationships between radioactive Cs and temperature.
Short- and long-term thermo-erosion of ice-rich permafrost coasts in the Laptev Sea region
Authors: Günther F. , Overduin P. P. , Sandakov A. V. , Grosse G. , Grigoriev M. N.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Permafrost coasts in the Arctic are susceptible to a variety of changing environmental factors all of which currently point to increasing coastal erosion rates and mass fluxes of sediment and carbon to the shallow arctic shelf seas. Rapid erosion along high yedoma coasts composed of Ice Complex permafrost deposits creates impressive coastal ice cliffs and inspired research for designing and implementing change detection studies for a long time, but continuous quantitative monitoring and a qualitative inventory of coastal thermo-erosion for large coastline segments is still lacking. Our goal is to use observations of thermo-erosion along the mainland coast of the Laptev Sea, in eastern Siberia, to understand how it depends on coastal geomorphology and the relative contributions of water level and atmospheric drivers. We compared multi-temporal sets of orthorectified satellite imagery from 1965 to 2011 for three segments of coastline ranging in length from 73 to 95 km and analyzed thermo-denudation (TD) along the cliff top and thermo-abrasion (TA) along the cliff bottom for two nested time periods: long-term rates (the past 39–43 yr) and short-term rates (the past 1–4 yr). The Normalized Difference Thermo-erosion Index (NDTI) was used as a proxy to qualitatively describe the relative proportions of TD and TA. Mean annual erosion rates at all three sites were higher in recent years (−5.3 ± 1.3 m a−1) than over the long-term mean (−2.2 ± 0.1 m a−1). The Mamontov Klyk coast exhibits primarily spatial variations of thermo-erosion, while intrasite-specific variations caused by local relief were strongest at the Buor Khaya coast, where the slowest long-term rates of around −0.5 ± 0.1 m a−1 were observed. The Oyogos Yar coast showed continuously rapid erosion up to −6.5 ± 0.2 m a−1. In general, variable characteristics of coastal thermo-erosion were observed not only between study sites and over time, but also within single coastal transects along the cliff profile. Varying intensities of cliff bottom and top erosion are leading to diverse qualities of coastal erosion that have different impacts on coastal mass fluxes. The different extents of Ice Complex permafrost degradation within our study sites turned out to influence not only the degree of coupling between TD and TA, and the magnitude of effectively eroded volumes, but also the quantity of organic carbon released to the shallow Laptev Sea from coastal erosion, which ranged on a long-term from 88 ± 21 to 800 ± 61 t per km coastline per year and will correspond to considerably higher amounts, if recently observed more rapid coastal erosion rates prove to be persistent.
True colors – changing perceptions of hydrological processes at a hillslope prone to slide
Authors: Schneider P. , Strouhal L. , Pool S. , Seibert J.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. This study investigated runoff formation processes of a pre-alpine hillslope prone to slide. The experimental pasture plot (40 m × 60 m) is located in the northern front range of the Swiss Alps on a 30° steep hillslope (1180 m a.s.l., 1500+ mm annual precipitation). A gleysol (H-Go-Gr) overlies weathered marlstone and conglomerate of subalpine molasse. We conducted sprinkling experiments on a subplot (10 m × 10 m) with variable rainfall intensities. During both experiments fluorescein line-tracer injections into the topsoil, and sodium chloride (NaCl) injections into the sprinkling water were used to monitor flow velocities in the soil. The observed flow velocities for fluorescein in the soil were 1.2 and 1.4 × 10−3 m s−1. The NaCl breakthrough occurred almost simultaneously in all monitored discharge levels (0.05, 0.25 and 1 m depth), indicating a high infiltration capacity and efficient drainage of the soil. These initial observations suggested "transmissivity feedback", a form of subsurface stormflow, as the dominant runoff process. However, the results of a brilliant blue dye tracer experiment completely changed our perceptions of the hillslope's hydrological processes. Excavation of the dye-stained soils highlighted the dominance of "organic layer interflow", a form of shallow subsurface stormflow. The dye stained the entire H horizon, vertical soil fractures, and macropores (mostly worm burrows) up to 50 cm depth. Lateral drainage in the subsoil or at the soil–bedrock interface was not observed, and thus was limited to the organic topsoil. In the context of shallow landslides, the subsoil (Go/Gr) acted as an infiltration and exfiltration barrier, which produced significant lateral saturated drainage in the topsoil (H) and possibly a confined aquifer in the bedrock.
Short-lived tectonic switch mechanism for long-term pulses of volcanic activity after mega-thrust earthquakes
Authors: Lupi M. , Miller S. A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Eruptive rates in volcanic arcs increase significantly after mega-thrust earthquakes in subduction zones. Over short to intermediate time periods the link between mega-thrust earthquakes and arc response can be attributed to dynamic triggering processes or static stress changes, but a fundamental mechanism that controls long-term pulses of volcanic activity after mega-thrust earthquakes has not been proposed yet. Using geomechanical, geological, and geophysical arguments, we propose that increased eruption rates over longer timescales are due to the relaxation of the compressional regime that accompanies mega-thrust subduction zone earthquakes. More specifically, the reduction of the horizontal stress σh promotes the occurrence of short-lived strike-slip kinematics rather than reverse faulting in the volcanic arc. The relaxation of the pre-earthquake compressional regime facilitates magma mobilization by providing a short-circuit pathway to shallow depths by significantly increasing the hydraulic properties of the system. The timescale for the onset of strike-slip faulting depends on the degree of shear stress accumulated in the arc during inter-seismic periods, which in turn is connected to the degree of strain-partitioning at convergent margins. We performed Coulomb stress transfer analysis to determine the order of magnitude of the stress perturbations in present-day volcanic arcs in response to five actual mega-thrust earthquakes; the 2005 M8.6, 2007 M8.5, and 2007 M7.9 Sumatra earthquakes; the 2010 M8.8 Maule, Chile earthquake; and the 2011 M9.0 Tohoku, Japan earthquake. We find that all, but one, the shallow earthquakes that occurred in the arcs of Sumatra, Chile and Japan show a marked lateral component. Our hypothesis suggests that the long-term response of volcanic arcs to subduction zone mega-thrust earthquakes will be manifested as predominantly strike-slip seismic events, and that these future earthquakes will be followed closely by seismic swarms, inflation, and other indications of a rising magma source.
Second reported case of multilocular hydatid disease in Iraq
Authors: Benyan Abdul-Khalik Zaki , Mahdi Nadham Kadham , Abdul-Amir Fouzi , Ubaid Osama
Published: June 2013

Hydatid disease is an important zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. In the Middle East, as well as in some other parts of the world, it has always been a serious economic and public health problem. The disease is endemic and enzootic in Iraq. In Iraq, the disease is caused by Echinococcus granulosus but a multilocular hydatid cyst of E. multilocularis has been recovered from the liver of a woman in Erbil, North Iraq. This paper documents the second case of hydatid disease caused by E. multilocularis, this time reported in Basrah, Southern Iraq.
Potential Role of Labisia pumila in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Nik Hussain Nik Hazlina , Kadir Azidah Abdul
Published: June 2013

Labisia pumila (Myrsinaceae), also called Kacip Fatimah, is a herbal medicine that has been widely used in South East Asian communities mainly for women’s health. The extensive use of this plant has led to many speculations and studies on its phytoestrogenic properties. This review highlights the studies that involved Labisia pumila, which include phytochemical profiling and its safety. In addition, we also look into its use as an alternative to hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women, and its role in cardiovascular protection and osteoporosis. Further studies are needed to highlight the potential benefits of this plant in promoting advantageous health properties.
Contaminants Managing Cross Connections in Potential High‐Hazard Facilities
Authors: Adamus Glenn M.
Published: June 2013

To avoid intrusive substances from causing contamination, water utilities must meet the challenge of establishing a control program for complex industrial and commercial facilities that may pose a high cross‐connection hazard to public water supplies as well as to facility employees and visitors.
Mix It Up! Solve Water Layering Problems
Authors: Bleth Joel
Published: June 2013

Understanding the science behind water stratification in storage tanks can help utility operators and managers determine how to remedy the problem and ensure customers receive the highest‐quality water.
Solve Taste‐and‐Odor Problems with Customized Treatment
Authors: Isaacs David A. , Brown Russell G. , Ratajczyk William A. , Long Nathan W. , Rodgers John H. , Schmidt James C.
Published: June 2013

A Salem, Ind., utility devised a generic, widely applicable approach to taste‐and‐odor control that paved the way to site‐specific treatment, resulting in higher quality water and fewer customer complaints.
Does Chlorine Contact Tank Mixing Reduce Detention Time and THM Formation?
Authors: Bleth Joel
Published: June 2013

Proper mixing increases detention time by adding a vertical plug‐flow element to the flow of water through a chlorine contact tank. The increased detention time allows an operator to use a higher baffling factor for contact time (CT) calculations, thus reducing the required chlorine concentration.
Fuite et écriture dans Terrains vagues de Michel Dallaire
Authors: Ouellet François
Published: June 2013

Il est courant de lire les romans de l’auteur franco-ontarien Michel Dallaire dans une optique « universaliste » qui accorde une importance première à l’ailleurs et à la rencontre avec l’autre. Or il s’agit ici de montrer, à partir de l’exemple offert par Terrains vagues (1992), que ces motifs ne sont pas une fin en soi, mais qu’ils sont plutôt produits par l’incapacité du personnage féminin, à la suite d’un traumatisme qu’il a subi lorsqu’il était enfant, à vivre parmi les siens, dans sa communauté d’origine. L’héroïne agit moins pour l’autre que pour fuir, et moins dans une perspective de l’ailleurs que contrece qu’elle fuit : la communauté dont elle est originaire, sa famille, son passé, son mal de vivre, ses malheurs, sa honte. Par ailleurs, comme le roman se donne à lire comme le journal du personnage, il met en avant un certain nombre d’intertextes à partir desquels l’héroïne tente de progresser dans sa quête de libération.
Effectively Utilizing NIR Light Using Direct Electron Injection from Up‐Conversion Nanoparticles to the TiO2 Photoanode in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chang Jie , Ning Yanhui , Wu Suli , Niu Wenbin , Zhang Shufen
Published: June 2013

TiO2/NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nano‐heterostructures are prepared in situ on the TiO2 photoanode of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high‐resolution (HR)‐TEM confirm the formation of TiO2/NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nano‐heterostructures. The up‐converted fluorescence spectrum of the photoanode containing the nano‐heterostructure confirms electron injection from NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ to the condution band (CB) of TiO2. When using a photoanode containing the nano‐heterostructure in a DSC, the overall efficiency (η) of the device is 17% higher than that of a device without the up‐conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and 13% higher than that of a device containing mixed TiO2 and UCNPs. Nano‐heterostructures of TiO2/NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ and TiO2/NaYF4:Yb3+,Ho3+ can also be prepared in situ on TiO2 photoanodes. The overall efficiency of the device containing TiO2/NaYF4:Yb3+,Ho3+ nano‐heterostructures is 15% higher than the control device without UCNPs. When nano‐heterostructures of TiO2/NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ are used, the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and the short‐circuit current density (Jsc) are all slightly decreased. The effect of the different UCNPs results from the different energy levels of Er3+, Tm3+, and Ho3+. These results demonstrate that utilizing the UCNPs with the apporpriate energy levels can lead to effective electron injection from the UCNPs to the CB of TiO2, effectively improving the photocurrent and overall efficiency of DSCs while using NIR light.
Near‐Infrared Absorbing Polymeric Nanoparticles as a Versatile Drug Carrier for Cancer Combination Therapy
Authors: Gong Hua , Cheng Liang , Xiang Jian , Xu Huan , Feng Liangzhu , Shi Xiaoze , Liu Zhuang
Published: June 2013

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) nanoparticles, after being coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), are used as a drug carrier to load various types of aromatic therapeutic molecules, including chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and SN38, as well as a photodynamic agent chlorin e6 (Ce6), through π–π stacking and hydrophobic interaction. Interesting functionalities of PEDOT:PSS‐PEG as an unique versatile drug delivery platform are discovered. Firstly, for water‐insoluble drugs such as SN38, the loading on PEDOT:PSS‐PEG dramatically enhances its water solubility, while maintaining its cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Secondly, the delivery of Ce6 by PEDOT:PSS‐PEG is able to remarkably accelerate the cellular uptake of Ce6 molecules, and thus offers improved photodynamic therapeutic efficacy. Using DOX‐loaded PEDOT:PSS‐PEG as the model system, it is demonstrated that the photothermal effect of PEDOT:PSS‐PEG can be utilized to promote the delivery of this chemotherapeutic agent, achieving a combined photothermal‐ and chemotherapy with an obvious synergistic cancer killing effect. Moreover, it is also shown that multiple types of therapeutic agents could be simultaneously loaded on PEDOT:PSS‐PEG nanoparticles and delivered into cancer cells. This work highlights the great potential of NIR‐absorbing polymeric nanoparticles as multifunctional drug carriers for potential cancer combination therapy with high efficacy.
Syngas chemical looping process: Dynamic modeling of a moving‐bed reducer
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Zeng Liang , Fan Liang‐Shih
Published: June 2013

The syngas chemical looping process coproduces hydrogen and electricity with iron oxide based oxygen carriers in a circulating moving bed system. In this article, a one‐dimensional (1‐D) dynamic model is developed to simulate the countercurrent gas–solid reactive flow in the moving‐bed reducer. This model is validated by TGA and bench‐scale experiments. Both the steady state and dynamic composition profiles are obtained to help understand the reaction and reactor behaviors. Numerical simulation on the effects of reactor length is conducted to optimize the moving‐bed reducer design. It is also found that minor variations in the feed rate ratio near a critical point that is represented by the reaction equilibrium could yield a significant difference in the time required for the reactions to reach a steady‐state operation. Such a difference has an important practical implication in that the moving‐bed reducer should be designed and operated to circumvent the critical point. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3432–3443, 2013
Experimental characterization and modeling of twin‐screw extruder elements for pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion
Authors: Eitzlmayr Andreas , Khinast Johannes , Hörl Gudrun , Koscher Gerold , Reynolds Gavin , Huang Zhenyu , Booth Jonathan , Shering Philip
Published: June 2013

In this study we characterized various screw elements of a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder used for pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion (HME) and measured the pressure characteristic, i.e., the correlation between the axial pressure gradient and the material throughput in a completely filled screw section at different screw speeds. A typical HME matrix material, Soluplus, was used for the experiments and its required rheological properties were determined. A three‐parameter model based on a dimensionless formulation of the measured quantities was used. These parameters could not be determined uniquely by fitting to experimental data. Therefore we developed an approach to approximate one empirical parameter based on the mechanistic consideration of a pressure‐driven channel flow. The model was extended to account for the variable melt temperature. The results confirmed the expected tendencies and established an essential input parameter set for one‐dimensional simulations of co‐rotating twin‐screw extruders. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4440–4450, 2013
Outcomes of patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with progression of lymphoma after autologous stem cell transplantation in the rituximab era
Authors: Nagle Sarah J. , Woo Kaitlin , Schuster Stephen J. , Nasta Sunita D. , Stadtmauer Edward , Mick Rosemarie , Svoboda Jakub
Published: June 2013

Salvage chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remains the current standard of care for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with chemosensitive disease. The addition of rituximab results in improved overall survival (OS) after first‐line treatment, but cure rates of salvage therapy with ASCT are inferior when compared to historical controls. Historically, patients with DLBCL with disease progression following ASCT have had an extremely poor prognosis with a median OS of 3 months. However, there are little data regarding outcomes in the rituximab era. We performed a retrospective study of 56 patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL with prior exposure to rituximab who had disease progression following ASCT. The median OS from progression following ASCT for the cohort was 9.9 months (95% CI: 5.3–13.1 months). Patients who progressed less than 1 year from ASCT had a significantly shorter OS than those who progressed at 1 year or greater from ASCT (8.2 vs. 26.7 months, P = 0.01). Patients with at least stable disease following ASCT had a longer OS than those who progressed immediately after ASCT (12.3 vs. 5.3 months, P = 0.01). Other factors associated with OS were International Prognostic Index (IPI) (P = 0.01) and LDH level (P = 0.0003) at the time of progression following ASCT. In the rituximab era, the prognosis for patients with disease progression following ASCT remains poor, but is improved when compared with historical controls. Ultimately, more work needs to be done to develop novel therapeutic strategies tailored to individual patients in this heterogeneous population. Am. J. Hematol. 88:890–894, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular basis of protein S deficiency in China
Authors: Tang Liang , Jian Xiao‐Rong , Hamasaki Naotaka , Guo Tao , Wang Hua‐Fang , Lu Xuan , Wang Qing‐Yun , Hu Yu
Published: June 2013

Protein S (ProS) is a physiological inhibitor of coagulation with an important function in the down‐regulation of thrombin generation. ProS deficiency is a major risk factor for venous thrombosis. This study enrolled 40 ProS‐deficient probands to investigate the molecular basis of hereditary ProS deficiency in Chinese patients. A mutation analysis was performed by resequencing the PROS1 gene. Large deletions were identified by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. A total of 20 different mutations, including 15 novel mutations, were identified in 21 of the 40 index probands. Small mutations were detected in 18 (45.0%) probands, and large deletions were found in 3 (7.5%) probands, leaving 19 (47.5%) patients without causative variants. To evaluate the functional consequences of 2 novel missense variants, ex vivo thrombin‐generation assays, bioinformatics tools, and in vitro expression studies were employed. The p.Asn365Lys ProS variant was found to have moderately impaired secretion and reduced activated protein C cofactor activity. In contrast, the p.Pro410His mutant appeared to have severely impaired secretion but full anticoagulant activity. This study is the largest investigation of ProS deficiency in China and the first investigation of the influence of Type I ProS missense mutations on the global level of coagulation function. The p.K196E mutation, which is common in the neighboring Japanese population, was not found in our Chinese population, and null mutations were common in our Chinese population but not common in Japan. Further genetic analysis is warranted to understand the causes of ProS deficiency in patients without a genetic explanation. Am. J. Hematol. 88:899–905, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Orthopedic manifestations and implications for individuals with Costello syndrome
Authors: Detweiler Stacey , Thacker Mihir M. , Hopkins Elizabeth , Conway Laura , Gripp Karen W.
Published: June 2013

Costello syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by heterozygous alterations in HRAS and characterized by multi‐system abnormalities. Individuals with Costello syndrome usually present with severe feeding difficulties in infancy, short stature, coarse facial features, increased tumor risks, cardiac and neurological complications, intellectual disability and orthopedic complications. This study further defines the orthopedic manifestations affecting individuals with Costello syndrome. We studied 43 participants and performed medical records review, clinical examinations and orthopedic inquiry forms. In 23 participants, hip and or spinal imaging assessments were completed. Serial radiographs were analyzed when available. A total of 25 orthopedic manifestations were identified. Ten manifestations were seen in the majority of the participants: hypotonia (87%), ligamentous laxity (85%), scoliosis (63%), kyphosis (58%), characteristic hand deformities (85%), ulnar deviation of the wrist (63%), elbow (55%) and shoulder contractures (65%), tight Achilles tendon (73%), and pes planus (53%). Other characteristics of special note were hip dysplasia (45%), foot deformities requiring surgical intervention (38%) and osteopenia/osteoporosis (47%). We also studied the development of the hips and spine. Uni‐ or bilateral hip dysplasia was congenital in some, while it developed throughout childhood in others. Spinal involvement included scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and curvature reversal (thoracic lordosis and lumbar kyphosis). Based on these findings, we recommend routine referral to an orthopedic surgeon as well as instituting screening protocols for hips and spine for individuals with Costello syndrome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cationic photopolymerization of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether epoxy under 385 nm
Authors: Liu Guodong , Zhu Xiaoqun , Xu Bingbing , Qian Xiaochun , Song Guoqiang , Nie Jun
Published: June 2013

The cationic photopolymerization of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether epoxy (DGEBA) at λ = 385 nm was conducted by the combination of a cationic photoinitiator PAG30201 (Bis (4‐isobutylphenyl) iodonium hexafluorophosphate) and a photosensitizer PSS303 (9,10‐dibutoxy‐9,10‐dihydroanthrance). The kinetic characterization was investigated by real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The enhancement of epoxy conversion of DGEBA was achieved by increasing temperature, adding alcohols, active monomers and radical photoinitiators. As a result, in the presence of 2 wt % PAG30201 and 1.2 wt % PSS303, the epoxy rings conversion of DGEBA has reached to more than 70% from 55.9% at room temperature; it could be increased to almost 80% if heated to 60°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3698–3703, 2013
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles on cotton fabric modified with 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane
Authors: Guo Ronghui , Li Yani , Lan Jianwu , Jiang Shouxiang , Liu Ting , Yan Wanqi
Published: June 2013

In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized on cotton fabric modified with 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) using sodium citrate as a reducing/stabilizing agent by microwave‐assisted process. The presence of a highly oriented amino‐terminated self‐assembled monolayer and formation of APTMS was demonstrated by an X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The silver‐coated cotton fabrics were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX). UV protection, antistatic, and hydrophobic properties were also evaluated. The results show that silver‐coated fabric modified with APTMS possesses excellent antistatic, UV protection with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 396.5 and superhydrophobic properties with contact angle of 153.2°. APTMS pretreatment improves the adhesive strength between silver coatings and cotton fabric. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3862–3868, 2013
The home range and behaviour of yellow‐stage European eel Anguilla anguilla in an estuarine environment
Authors: Walker Alan M. , Godard Michael J. , Davison Phillip
Published: June 2013

The behaviour patterns of yellow‐stage European eels Anguilla anguilla within the tidal waters of the rivers Frome and Piddle, and the neighbouring Poole Harbour estuary (Dorset, England) were examined from July to December using acoustic transmitters and a fixed hydrophone array.

Point‐to‐point measures of range varied between 630 m and 4150 m, with no relationship between eel size and range. Eight eels displayed repeated circuits, travelling distances of 440 m to 5060 m over a few hours.

Activity was generally, but not exclusively, nocturnal, with the start and end times closely associated with sunset and sunrise, respectively.

Neither direction of travel nor average ground speed was influenced by tidal flow direction, and seasonal declines in water temperature did not appear to influence behaviours.

These results on distance travelled during regular, nocturnal movements provide valuable insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of yellow eels in an estuarine environment, which can aid the design of survey programmes in terms of the range over which to deploy fishing gears and the number of nights they should be fished. These survey programmes are urgently required to estimate eel production from saline environments for national Eel Management Plans, and the subsequent implementation of effective conservation measures.

The strong influence of light regime on the behaviour patterns of eels points towards control of artificial illumination (light pollution) being an important eel conservation measure in this environment, at least.

Copyright © 2013 Crown copyright.
Reflections as near‐peer facilitators of an inquiry project for undergraduate anatomy: Successes and challenges from a term of trial‐and‐error
Authors: Anstey Lauren M. , Michels Alison , Szymus Julianna , Law Wyanne , Edwin Ho Man‐Hymn , Qu Fei , Yeung Ralph T.T. , Chow Natalie
Published: June 2013

Near‐peer facilitators (senior students serving as facilitators to their more junior peers) bring a unique student‐based perspective to teaching. With fewer years of teaching experience however, students who become involved in a facilitator role typically develop related skills quickly through a process of trial‐and‐error within the classroom. The aim of this paper is to report on the authors' own experiences and reflections as student near‐peer facilitators for an inquiry‐based project in an undergraduate anatomy course. Three areas of the facilitator experience are explored: (1) offering adequate guidance as facilitators of inquiry, (2) motivating students to engage in the inquiry process, and (3) fostering creativity in learning. A practical framework for providing guidance to students is discussed which offers facilitators a scaffold for asking questions and assisting students through the inquiry process. Considerations for stimulating intrinsic motivations toward inquiry learning are made, paying attention to ways in which facilitators might influence feelings of motivation towards learning. Also, the role of creativity in inquiry learning is explored by highlighting the actions facilitators can take to foster a creative learning environment. Finally, recommendations are made for the development of formalized training programs that aid near‐peer facilitators in the acquisition of facilitation skills before entering into a process of trial‐and‐error within the classroom. Anat Sci Educ. 7: 64–70. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Graphs and prestige in agricultural journals
Authors: Tartanus Małgorzata , Wnuk Agnieszka , Kozak Marcin , Hartley James
Published: June 2013

In this article, we report on the status of graphs in 21 scientific agricultural journals indexed in Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge. We analyze the authors' use of graphs in this context in relation to the quality of these journals as measured by their 2‐year impact factors. We note a substantial variability in the use of graphs in this context: For one journal, 100% of the papers include graphs, whereas for others only about 50% of them include graphs. We also show that higher impact agricultural journals publish more papers with graphs and that there are more graphs in these papers than in those in journals with lower impact factors (r = +0.40).
Observability Analysis of Continuous‐Time LTI Systems with Limited Derivative Data
Authors: Eskandari Neda , Oishi Meeko M. K. , Wang Z. Jane
Published: June 2013

We consider continuous‐time LTI systems with either unknown‐input or with lack of information about the input and output derivatives. We compute the unknown‐input observability subspace and the observability subspace with unknown derivatives of input and output. We first formulate the unknown‐input observability subspace via projection matrices, then show that through having the unknown‐input observability subspace, one can easily evaluate the effect of known input and output signals but unknown derivatives on the observability subspace. Our method is demonstrated on the dynamics of a longitudinal aircraft in steady‐state flight.
Oral administration of interferon tau enhances oxidation of energy substrates and reduces adiposity in Zucker diabetic fatty rats
Authors: Tekwe Carmen D. , Lei Jian , Yao Kang , Rezaei Reza , Li Xilong , Dahanayaka Sudath , Carroll Raymond J. , Meininger Cynthia J. , Bazer Fuller W. , Wu Guoyao
Published: June 2013

Male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were used to study effects of oral administration of interferon tau (IFNT) in reducing obesity. Eighteen ZDF rats (28 days of age) were assigned randomly to receive 0, 4, or 8 μg IFNT/kg body weight (BW) per day (n = 6/group) for 8 weeks. Water consumption was measured every two days. Food intake and BW were recorded weekly. Energy expenditure in 4‐, 6‐, 8‐, and 10‐week‐old rats was determined using indirect calorimetry. Starting at 7 weeks of age, urinary glucose, and ketone bodies were tested daily. Rates of glucose and oleate oxidation in liver, brown adipose tissue, and abdominal adipose tissue, as well as leucine catabolism in skeletal muscle, and lipolysis in white and brown adipose tissues were greater for rats treated with 8 μg IFNT/kg BW/day in comparison with control rats. Treatment with 8 μg IFNT/kg BW/day increased heat production, reduced BW gain and adiposity, ameliorated fatty liver syndrome, delayed the onset of diabetes, and decreased concentrations of glucose, free fatty acids, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and branched‐chain amino acids in plasma, compared with control rats. Oral administration of 8 µg IFNT/kg BW/day ameliorated oxidative stress in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue, as indicated by decreased ratios of oxidized glutathione to reduced glutathione and increased concentrations of tetrahydrobiopterin. These results indicate that IFNT stimulates oxidation of energy substrates and reduces obesity in ZDF rats and may have broad important implications for preventing and treating obesity‐related diseases in mammals. © 2013 BioFactors 39(5):552–563, 2013
Zinc signals and immune function
Authors: Haase Hajo , Rink Lothar
Published: June 2013

For more than 50 years, it has been known that zinc deficiency compromises immune function. During this time, knowledge about the biochemistry of zinc has continued to grow, but only recent years have provided in‐depth molecular insights into the multiple aspects of zinc as a regulator of immunity. A network based on ZnT and ZIP proteins for transport and metallothionein for storage tightly regulates zinc availability, and virtually all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity are affected by zinc. In vivo, zinc deficiency alters the number and function of neutrophil granulocytes, monocytes, natural killer (NK)‐, T‐, and B‐cells. T cell functions and balance between the different subsets are particularly susceptible to changes in zinc status. This article focuses in particular on the main mechanisms by which zinc ions exert essential functions in the immune system. On the one hand, this includes tightly protein bound zinc ions serving catalytic or structural functions in a multitude of different proteins, in particular enzymes and transcription factors. On the other hand, increasing evidence arises for a regulatory role of free zinc ions in signal transduction, especially in cells of the immune system. Identification of several molecular targets, including phosphatases, phosphodiesterases, caspases, and kinases suggest that zinc ions are a second messenger regulating signal transduction in various kinds of immune cells. © 2013 BioFactors, 40(1):27–40, 2014
Ghrelin and bone
Authors: Delhanty Patric J.D. , van der Eerden Bram C.J. , van Leeuwen Johannes P.T.M.
Published: June 2013

Ghrelin is a gut‐derived peptide hormone, first isolated from the stomach. Ghrelin was initially characterized as a growth hormone (GH) secretagogue, but it plays a more important role as a potent orexigen and modulator of whole‐body energy homeostasis. Ghrelin itself is closely regulated by metabolic status. Bone remodeling constantly renews the skeleton in a highly energy‐dependent fashion. Accordingly, bone metabolism is tightly coupled to energy metabolism through the integration of peripheral and central mechanisms, involving the sympathetic nervous system and factors such as leptin. Ghrelin has been shown to modulate osteoblast differentiation and function, both directly and perhaps also through regulation of the GH–insulin‐like growth factor axis. However, recently it has also been shown that ghrelin interacts with leptin in modulating bone structure, constituting a new mechanism that couples bone metabolism with energy homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the role that ghrelin plays modulating bone cell function, and its integrative role in coupling bone metabolism with energy metabolism. © 2013 BioFactors, 40(1):41–48, 2014
RAGE blockade and hepatic microcirculation in experimental endotoxaemic liver failure
Authors: Kuhla A , Norden J , Abshagen K , Menger M D , Vollmar B
Published: June 2013

Background

Activation of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) causes sustained activation of multiple inflammatory pathways. Therefore, RAGE has potential as a new therapeutic target in sepsis. The aim of this study was to analyse whether RAGE blockade in vivo prevents microcirculatory dysfunction and subsequent tissue injury in endotoxaemic liver failure.

Methods

The hepatic microcirculation was analysed using intravital fluorescence microscopy in murine livers exposed to galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (G/L) and treated with an anti-RAGE antibody (abRAGE) either 12 h before or 1 h after exposure to G/L. Blood and liver tissue samples were harvested for analysis of leucocyte tissue infiltration, apoptotic and necrotic damage as well as RAGE downstream pathway signalling.

Results

Sinusoidal perfusion failure in livers exposed to G/L was reduced significantly by both pretreatment and post-treatment with abRAGE. Hepatic inflammation induced by exposure to G/L was also attenuated by abRAGE administration, as shown by a 55 per cent reduction in sinusoidal leucocyte stasis, a 65 per cent decrease in venular leucocyte rolling and adhesion, and an 85 per cent reduction in leucocyte tissue infiltration. Treatment with abRAGE markedly reduced hepatocellular apoptosis and necrosis in livers exposed to G/L, and blunted the rise in plasma high-mobility group protein B1 levels. Finally, G/L-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade was also reduced significantly by blockade of RAGE.

Conclusion

RAGE plays an important role in mediating endotoxaemic liver damage. RAGE blockade may have potential therapeutic value.
Improved heterologous erythromycin A production through expression plasmid re‐design
Authors: Jiang Ming , Fang Lei , Pfeifer Blaine A.
Published: June 2013

The production of complex compounds from technically convenient microorganisms is an emerging route to the chemical diversity found in the surrounding environment. In this study, the antibiotic compound erythromycin A is produced from Escherichia coli as an alternative to native production through the soil bacterium Saccharopolyspora erythraea. By doing so, there is an opportunity to apply and refine engineering strategies for the manipulation of the erythromycin biosynthetic pathway and for the overproduction of this and other complex natural compounds. Previously, E. coli‐derived production was enabled by the introduction of the entire erythromycin pathway (20 genes total) using separately selectable expression plasmids which demonstrated negative effects on final biosynthesis through metabolic burden and plasmid instability. In this study, improvements to final production were made by altering the design of the expression plasmids needed for biosynthetic pathway introduction. Specifically, the total number of genes and plasmids was pruned to reduce both metabolic burden and plasmid instability. Further, a comparison was conducted between species‐specific (E. coli vs. S. coelicolor) protein chaperonins. Results indicate improvements in growth and plasmid retention metrics. The newly designed expression platform also increased erythromycin A production levels 5‐fold. In conclusion, the steps outlined in this report were designed to upgrade the E. coli erythromycin A production system, led to improved final compound titers, and suggest additional forms of pathway engineering to further improve results from heterologous production attempts. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:862–869, 2013
Oligoethylene glycols prevent thermal aggregation of α‐chymotrypsin in a temperature‐dependent manner: Implications for design guidelines
Authors: Tomita Shunsuke , Tanabe Yumiko , Shiraki Kentaro
Published: June 2013

Protein aggregation is problematic in various fields, where aggregation can frequently occur during routine experiments. This study showed that tetraethylene glycol (TEG) and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDE) act as aggregation suppressors that have different unique properties from typical additives to prevent protein aggregation, such as arginine (Arg) and NaCl. Thermal aggregation of α‐chymotrypsin was well suppressed with the addition of both TEG and TEGDE. Interestingly, the suppressive effects of Arg and NaCl on thermal aggregation were almost unchanged when temperature was shifted from 65°C to 85°C, whereas both TEG and TEGDE significantly decreased the aggregation rate with increasing temperature. Note that the effects of TEG and TEGDE were higher than Arg above 75°C. This temperature‐dependent behavior of TEG and TEGDE provides a novel design guideline to develop aggregation suppressors for use at high temperature, i.e., the importance of the ethylene oxide group. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1325–1330, 2013