bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of extratropical cyclone activity to the Kuroshio large meander in northern winter
Authors: Hayasaki Masamitsu , Kawamura Ryuichi , Mori Masato , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: May 2013

We examined possible responses of cyclone activities to the bimodal path states of the Kuroshio Current [i.e., large meander (LM) and non‐LM (NLM)] by using the long‐term reanalysis data and the 20th century hindcast experiment of a high‐resolution atmosphere‐ocean coupled model. Compared with a seasonal mean cyclone track frequency for the LM and NLM periods, a primary cyclone track shifts southward in association with the meander of Kuroshio Current. Composite analyses of the hindcast experiment showed remarkable atmospheric responses accompanying the Kuroshio LM. The Kuroshio LM causes a decrease in latent heat flux in the south of Japan and a southward shift of the near‐surface baroclinic zone. Distinctive decreases in thermodynamic fluxes inhibit the rapid development of cyclones in the meander region, eventually inducing positive sea level pressure anomalies downstream from that region.
CD133 expression in circulating tumor cells from breast cancer patients: Potential role in resistance to chemotherapy
Authors: Nadal Rosa , Ortega F. Gabriel. , Salido Marta , Lorente Jose A. , Rodríguez‐Rivera Maria , Delgado‐Rodríguez Miguel , Macià Marta , Fernández Ana , Corominas Josep M. , García‐Puche J. Luis , Sánchez‐Rovira Pedro , Solé Francesc , Serrano M. Jose
Published: May 2013

CD133 has been associated with cell properties such as self renewal, migration and vasculogenic mimicry, potentially involved in generation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). We characterized CD133 expression in CTCs of 98 nometastatic breast cancer (BC) patients. CTCs were isolated by immunomagnetic techniques using magnetic beads labeled with a multicytokeratin(CK)‐specific antibody (CK3‐11D5) and CTCs and CD133 detection through immunocytochemical methods. CK+/CD133+ CTCs were identified in 65% of patients at baseline and 47.8% after systemic therapy (p = 0.53). Correlation of CD133 status in CTCs with classical clinicopathological characteristics and response to therapy was performed. Her2 not amplified and low Ki‐67 index were positively correlated with presence of CK+/CD133+ CTCs. Before any treatment, CK+/CD133+ CTCs were more frequently isolated in patients with luminal BC subtype. No statistically significant differences were found between proportion of CK+/CD133+ CTCs and BC subtypes after systemic therapy, implying a relative enrichment of CK+/CD133+ CTCs in triple negative and HER2‐amplified tumors. While CK+/CTCs decreases after chemotherapy when analyzing the whole population, CK+/CD133+ CTCs were enriched in post‐treatment samples in nonluminal BC subtypes. These findings suggest the potential role of CD133 as a promising marker of chemoresistance in nonluminal BC patients. Further prospective studies and extensive preclinical modeling will be needed to confirm whether CD133 is a marker of resistance to chemotherapy, and its role as a target for novel anticancer therapies targeting cancer stem cells and tumor vasculature.
Genetically modified T cells targeting neovasculature efficiently destroy tumor blood vessels, shrink established solid tumors and increase nanoparticle delivery
Authors: Fu Xinping , Rivera Armando , Tao Lihua , Zhang Xiaoliu
Published: May 2013

Converting T cells into tumor cell killers by grafting them with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has shown promise as a cancer immunotherapeutic. However, the inability of these cells to actively migrate and extravasate into tumor parenchyma has limited their effectiveness in vivo. Here we report the construction of a CAR containing an echistatin as its targeting moiety (eCAR). As echistatin has high binding affinity to αvβ3 integrin that is highly expressed on the surface of endothelial cells of tumor neovasculature, T cells engrafted with eCAR (T‐eCAR) can efficiently lyse human umbilical vein endothelial cells and tumor cells that express αvβ3 integrin when tested in vitro. Systemic administration of T‐eCAR led to extensive bleeding in tumor tissues with no evidence of damage to blood vessels in normal tissues. Destruction of tumor blood vessels by T‐eCAR significantly inhibited the growth of established bulky tumors. Moreover, when T‐eCAR was codelivered with nanoparticles in a strategically designed temporal order, it dramatically increased nanoparticle deposition in tumor tissues, pointing to the possibility that it may be used together with nanocarriers to increase their capability to selectively deliver antineoplastic drugs to tumor tissues.
Preparation of poly(l‐lactic acid)‐modified polypropylene mesh and its antiadhesion in experimental abdominal wall defect repair
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Zhang Tianzhu , Li Junsheng , Ji Zhenling , Zhou Hemei , Zhou Xuefeng , Gu Ning
Published: May 2013

A new type of polypropylene (PP) hernia mesh, modified with poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA), was developed and used to repair rat abdominal wall defect. The PP mesh was first treated with oxygen plasma and then grafted with PLLA in phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) solution in dichloride methane. The water contact angle changed during the procedure, and the coverage percentage of PLLA on the PP was about 80%. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy measurements showed the existence of carbonyl group absorption peak (1756.9 cm−1), and atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope morphological observation indicated that the surface of the PP mesh was covered with PLLA graft. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra was used to probe chemical group changes and confirmed that the PLLA was grafted onto the PP. A total of 36 Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, and they received either modified meshes (experimental groups) or PP meshes (control groups) to repair abdominal wall defects. All animals survived until the end of the experiment. Rats in each group were dissected after the operation (after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month, respectively), and the adhesion effects were evaluated. Sections of the mesh parietal peritoneum overlap were examined histologically and graded for inflammation reaction. Compared with the control groups, the experimental groups showed a better ability to resist peritoneal cavity adhesions (P < 0.05), and there was no increase in inflammation formation (P > 0.05). This new type of PLLA‐modified PP mesh displayed an additional property of antiadhesion in animal abdominal wall defect repair. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 12–21, 2014.
Effect of bleaching agents and soft drink on titanium surface topography
Authors: Faverani Leonardo P. , Barão Valentim A. R. , Ramalho‐Ferreira Gabriel , Ferreira Mayara B. , Garcia‐Júnior Idelmo R. , Assunção Wirley G.
Published: May 2013

The effects of carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide and cola soft drink on the topographic modifications of commercially‐pure titanium (CP‐Ti) and Ti‐6Al‐4V were investigated. Ti discs were divided into 18 groups (n = 4) based on the solution treatment and Ti type. Specimens were immersed in 3 mL of each solution for 4 h per day (for the remaining 20 h, discs were left dry or immersed in artificial saliva) for 15 days. For control, specimens were immersed in only artificial saliva. Ti surfaces were examined using scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopes and their surface roughness (in µm) and surface chemical modifications were investigated. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Groups immersed in 35% hydrogen peroxide showed the highest roughness (Ra) (171.65 ± 4.04 for CP‐Ti and 145.91 ± 14.71 for Ti‐6Al‐4V) (p < 0.05), followed by groups treated with carbamide peroxide 16% (110.91 ± 0.8 for CP‐Ti and 49.28 ± 0.36 for Ti‐6Al‐4V) and 35% (65.67 ± 1.6 for CP‐Ti and 53.87 ± 1.98 for Ti‐6Al‐4V); treatment with artificial saliva did not affect the results. These values were statistically superior to those observed prior to the treatment and to those of the control group (31.0 ± 0.99 for CP‐Ti and 29.95 ± 0.58 for Ti‐6Al‐4V). Cola soft drink did not alter the surface roughness of either Ti type (p > 0.05). SEM and AFM revealed dramatic changes in the specimens surfaces immersed in the 35% hydrogen peroxide, mainly for CP‐Ti. No detectable chemical modifications on the Ti surface were observed. Bleaching agents promoted significant changes in Ti topography, which could affect the longevity of implants treatments. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 22–30, 2014.
8‐Hydroxyquinoline Functionalized PEG‐1000 Bridged Dicationic Ionic Liquid as a Novel Ligand for Copper‐catalyzed N‐Arylation of Imidazoles
Authors: Wang Ying‐Lei , Luo Jun , Liu Zu‐Liang
Published: May 2013

A novel 8‐hydroxyquinoline functionalized PEG‐1000 bridged dicationic ionic liquid ([HQ‐PEG1000‐DIL][BF4]) was synthesized and characterized. It was applied as an efficiently recyclable ligand for copper‐catalyzed N‐arylation of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles with aryl halides. The catalytic system could be easily recovered and reused for at least five runs without obvious loss of catalytic activity.
Intramolecular Cyclization of Arylalkynes with C‐O Bond Formation on Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Ma Hao‐Wei , Chang Wei‐Chen , Tsai Fu‐Yuan , Lin Ying‐Chih , Huang Shou‐Ling , Liu Yi‐Hong , Wang Yu
Published: May 2013

Cyclization of terminal arylalkynes containing aldehyde (1a), ketone (1b‐c) or hydroxyl (6a‐c) functionality on the aryl ring induced by ruthenium complex is investigated. For the reaction of Cp(PPh3)2RuCl with o‐ethynyl benzaldehyde 1a, a vinylidene intermediate was formed which is followed by a carbonyl attack to give 2a. However, for 1b‐c, with a ketone replacing the aldehyde group, isobenzofuryl carbene complexes (4b‐c) were formed as the major products along with the isochromene carbene complexes (2b‐c) as the minor products. For three o‐enynyl phenol compounds 6a‐c with different substituents on the aryl ring, the reactions take place at the triple bond first giving vinylidene intermediates which undergo facile intramolecular cyclization to yield the cyclic oxocarbene complexes 7a‐c in excellent yields. Modification of various substituents at Cβ of the carbene ligand of 7 by the use of different alkyl halides can be readily achieved under mild condition. For the chromane ring derivatives 11, the two allyl groups underwent ring closing metathesis reaction in the presence of Grubb's catalyst and yielded the tricyclic product 12. These chemical reactions and their mechanisms are corroborated by structure determinations of two ruthenium complexes using single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Water Improve Crystal Quality in Dragline of Cyrtophora Spider
Authors: Sheu Hwo‐Shuenn , Jean Yuch‐Cheng
Published: May 2013

The draglines of Nephila and Cyrtophora spiders have been studied by means of X‐ray diffraction method in wet and drying conditions. Both spiders are commonly found in environs in Taiwan. Nephila spider is the biggest orb web spider in Taiwan and Cyrtophora is one of large spiders which build 3D web. There are two kind crystallites in spider dragline. One is highly orientated with c axis along silk direction. The other is more or less randomly distributed inside silk. Crystallite is a hard material when mix with soft protein molecules can form composite structure which believed to be responded to the strength of silk. In this study, we find that the diffraction peak profile of random distributed crystallites in Cyrtophora dragline become sharper in wet silk indicated that crystal quality become more ordering than that of dry silk. The same treatment has also employed to Nephila pilipes dragline but diffraction pattern is smear out due to its super‐contraction property and high scattering background from water. The different behaviors of crystalline property to water between these two spider's dragline maybe reflect to the strategy of their utilizations of silk in nature.
Theoretical Study on Hydrogen Bonding of Mono‐ and Dihydrated Complexes of 7‐(3′‐Pyridyl)indole in Excited States
Authors: Yang Da‐Peng , Yang Yong‐Gang , Liu Yu‐Fang
Published: May 2013

The intermolecular hydrogen bonds of mono‐ and dihydrated complexes of 7‐(3′‐Pyridyl)indole (7‐3′PI) have been investigated using the time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) method. The electrostatic potential analysis of monomer 7‐3′PI and 7‐(3′‐Pyridyl)indole‐water (7‐3′PI‐W) indicates that an intermolecular hydrogen bond between two waters can be formed for 7‐(3′‐Pyridyl)indole‐2water (7‐3′PI‐2W) complex. The calculated bond lengths of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds of 7‐3′PI‐W and 7‐3′PI‐2W in the S1 state (the first excited singlet state) are all shortened compared to the ground state. By the analysis of bond length, charge population and infrared spectra, it is demonstrated that the intermolecular hydrogen bonds of 7‐3′PI‐W and 7‐3′PI‐2W are all strengthened upon electronic excitation to the S1 state. Moreover, the fluorescence of 7‐3′PI‐W and 7‐3′PI‐2W are all red‐shifted to larger wavelength compared to monomer 7‐3′PI. The red‐shift of fluorescence peak of 7‐3′PI‐W and 7‐3′PI‐2W should be attributed to the change of hydrogen bond interaction before and after photoexcitation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the intermolecular hydrogen bonding strengthening in the excited S1 state induces the fluorescence weakening of 7‐3′PI.
Optimum fluidization velocity of granular sludge bed for anaerobic fluidized‐bed bioreactors
Authors: Xiaoguang Chen , Ruobin Dai , Xinyi Xiang , Mengyan Tang
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

The models presented for bed optimum fluidization velocity (uopt), which was worthwhile for treatment efficiency and operation stability of anaerobic fluidized-bed bioreactors (AFB), were developed for AFB, and the anaerobic granular sludge diameter (dp) and shape were analyzed by a dynamic image analyzer.

RESULTS

The results showed that the granular size from 0.05 to 0.30 cm sludge dominated the total biomass (accounted for 92.34%) in an expanded granular sludge bed reactor, the mean sphericity 0.835 and mean granular diameter 0.1606 cm were achieved. The uopt range was 0.000949–0.2851 cm s‐1 when dp was 0.05–0.30 cm, and the fluidization number was 8.43–38.77. The maximum value of 0.2851 cm s‐1 was the basic parameter for pump power matching. From parametric sensitivity analyses, uopt was significantly influenced by liquid holdup, granular diameter, granular density and liquid viscosity.

CONCLUSION

According to the models of uopt, a better operating scheme for AFB can be provided; from parametric sensitivity analysis, further optimizing designs of such bioreactors can be achieved. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Continuous sodium hydroxide‐catalyzed pretreatment of empty fruit bunches (EFB) by continuous twin‐screw‐driven reactor (CTSR)
Authors: Choi Won‐Il , Oh Kyeong‐Keun , Park Ji‐Yeon , Lee Jin‐Suk
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Since extrusion has many desirable characteristics such as high shear, rapid mixing, short residence time, controllable barrel temperature, and adaptability to process modification, the technology has been applied as a viable continuous pretreatment method for empty fruit bunches (EFB).

RESULTS

Optimized conditions for a continuous twin‐screw‐driven reactor (CTSR) were determined to be 170°C barrel temperature, 1.6% (w/v) sodium hydroxide, 1:8 solid to liquid ratio, and 5 rpm screw rotational speed. Under these operating conditions, 56.55% of lignin and 39.18% of hemicellulose fractions were solubilized from raw EFB, which increases the glucan content in pretreated EFB from 39.25% to 53.60%. After subsequent 48‐h enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated EFB, the highest digestibility of 92.4% was achieved with an enzyme loading of 30 FPU g−1‐glucan for cellulase and 70 pNPG g−1‐glucan for β‐glucosidase.

CONCLUSION

CTSR processing has great potential for increasing the efficiency of EFB pretreatment compared with batch pretreatments. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Signatures of kinetic instabilities in the solar wind
Authors: Matteini Lorenzo , Hellinger Petr , Goldstein Bruce E. , Landi Simone , Velli Marco , Neugebauer Marcia
Published: May 2013

An analysis of ion non‐thermal properties in the fast solar wind based on Ulysses data is reported. The radial evolution of the main proton moments (density, temperature, and drift velocities) and their empirical correlations with other plasma parameters are investigated in detail and compared with theoretical expectations. The stability of the plasma is studied against different ion kinetic instabilities driven by ion temperature anisotropies and differential velocities, focusing on the identification of possible signatures of relevant instabilities in the observed core‐beam structure of proton distributions. The temperature anisotropy of the total proton distribution appears to be constrained by fire hose instabilities, in agreement with previous studies, while if considered separately, beam and core populations exhibit opposite anisotropies, with core protons characterized by perpendicular temperatures larger than the parallel ones, possibly (marginally) unstable for ion‐cyclotron instability. The evolution with distance of the drift velocity between the secondary population and the main core is found to be nonadiabatic, leading to the identification of a marginal stability path of a magnetosonic ion‐beam instability. As a conclusion, we find that a large fraction of the proton distributions observed by Ulysses display signatures of either a beam or a fire hose instability, suggesting that such kinetic processes play an important role in regulating the solar wind thermal energetics during the plasma expansion.
Gravity wave momentum flux in directional shear flows over three‐dimensional mountains: Linear and nonlinear numerical solutions as compared to linear analytical solutions
Authors: Xu Xin , Xue Ming , Wang Yuan
Published: May 2013

Gravity waves forced by circular bell‐shaped mountains are simulated using the Advanced Regional Prediction System model for four directionally sheared wind profiles W1, W2, W2a, and W2b. W1 is eastward at the surface, while the latter three are southeastward. With the vertical shear directed northward, W1 shows an increasing speed with height, whereas W2, W2a, and W2b are first decelerated in the bottom layer (beneath different heights). Gravity wave momentum flux (WMF) and its vertical divergence at four different Froude numbers (Fr) are investigated. At a large Froude number Fr = 80 where the waves are essentially linear, the simulated WMF and WMF divergence agree well with their linear analytic counterparts, thus providing a numerical validation for the analytical solutions of Xu et al. For moderately nonlinear waves at Fr = 1.6, the simulated WMFs are qualitatively similar to the analytical values but are amplified due to nonlinear effect. For more nonlinear waves at lower Froude numbers, an enhanced drag is found at the lower Fr = 0.4 in W1, W2a, and W2b, and a low drag is found at higher Fr = 0.8 in W2, in contrast to the corresponding constant‐flow solutions. Analyses on the mountain flow structure show that the height variation of the ambient wind speed has an important influence on the airflow behavior (e.g., flow over versus flow around a mountain), which in turn affects the drag. Thus, unlike the constant‐flow case, the wave drag state in turning flows cannot be determined from the surface‐based Froude number alone, and new wave drag parameterization schemes would be needed to properly account for directional shear effects. Additionally, directional wind shear can also introduce asymmetric development in the wake flow to trigger lee vortex shedding, which is observed in W2 at Fr = 0.4.
Deposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the North Pacific and the Arctic
Authors: Ma Yuxin , Xie Zhiyong , Yang Haizhen , Möller Axel , Halsall Crispin , Cai Minghong , Sturm Renate , Ebinghaus Ralf
Published: May 2013

Eighteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were simultaneously measured in surface seawater and boundary layer air from the North Pacific toward the Arctic Ocean during the Fourth Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition in the summer of 2010. Atmospheric Σ18PAH ranged from 910 to 7400 pg m−3, with the highest concentrations observed in the coastal regions of East Asia. Correlations of PAHs' partial pressures versus inverse temperature were not significant, indicating the importance of ongoing primary sources on ambient PAH levels in the remote marine atmosphere. The relatively high atmospheric concentrations observed in the most northerly latitudes of the Arctic Ocean suggest the influence of regional sources. For example, higher levels of particle‐bound PAHs were observed in the air of the Arctic Ocean than the North Pacific, indicating forest fire and/or within‐Arctic sources. Concentrations of PAHs in surface seawater were within a range of 14–760 pg L−1 and generally decreased with increasing latitude. The observed air‐sea gas exchange gradients strongly favored net deposition of PAHs along the entire cruise, with increasing deposition with increasing latitude, while the particle‐bound dry deposition fluxes (particularly for the high molecular weight PAH) were highest at sample sites close to East Asia. Based on characteristic PAH ratios, atmospheric PAHs originated from the combustion of biomass or coal, while the ratios observed in seawater reflected a mixture of sources. Given the dominance of primary emissions to the atmosphere and the relatively fast removal of PAHs from the water column, then PAHs will continue to load into the surface waters of the remote marine environment via atmospheric deposition.
Gravity wave variations during elevated stratopause events using SABER observations
Authors: Yamashita Chihoko , England Scott L. , Immel Thomas J. , Chang Loren C.
Published: May 2013

Elevated stratopauses formed at ~80–90 km altitude during the recovery phase of stratospheric sudden warmings in February 2006 and 2009. These likely occurred in response to changes in the downward circulation due to gravity waves (GWs) and/or planetary waves in the mesosphere and the lower thermosphere (MLT). However, the physical mechanisms are not fully understood, due in part to the lack of global GW observations in the MLT. This study presents global‐scale GW observations in the MLT during elevated stratopause events using Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics (TIMED)‐Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) temperature observation, which provide a better insight into the formation of an elevated stratopause. During the downward movement of elevated stratopause events in 2006 and 2009, GWs were suppressed below ~60 km and enhanced above ~60 km at high latitudes compared to non‐elevated stratopause years (2005 and 2007). Global SABER GW observations indicate that the regions of GW enhancement propagate from low‐mid latitudes to high latitudes in association with the equatorward shift of the polar night jet during elevated stratopause events. Ray‐tracing simulations show enhancements of the poleward propagation of GWs during elevated stratopause events as well as continuous propagation of non‐orographic GWs within high latitudes. Therefore, our results suggest that meridional propagation of GWs from lower to higher latitudes, which is typically not included in global‐scale models, plays an important role in determining GW variations and thus the downward movement of an elevated stratopause, in addition to non‐orographic GWs originating at high latitudes.
Dynamic biomass burning emission factors and their impact on atmospheric CO mixing ratios
Authors: van Leeuwen T. T. , Peters W. , Krol M. C. , van der Werf G. R.
Published: May 2013

Biomass burning is a major source of trace gases and aerosols, influencing atmospheric chemistry and climate. To quantitatively assess its impact, an accurate representation of fire emissions is crucial for the atmospheric modeling community. So far, most studies rely on static emission factors (EF) which convert estimates of dry matter burned to trace gas and aerosol emissions. These EFs are often based on the arithmetic mean of field measurements stratified by biome, neglecting the variability in time and space. Here we present global carbon monoxide (CO) emission estimates from fires based on six EF scenarios with different spatial and temporal variability, using dry matter emission estimates from the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED). We used the TM5 model to transport these different bottom‐up estimates in the atmosphere and found that including spatial and temporal variability in EFs impacted CO mixing ratios substantially. Most scenarios estimated higher CO mixing ratios (up to 40% more CO from fires during the burning season) over boreal regions compared to the GFED standard run, while a decrease (~15%) was estimated over the continent of Africa. A comparison to atmospheric CO observations showed differences of 10–20 ppb between the scenarios and systematic deviations from local observations. Although temporal correlations of specific EF scenarios improved for certain regions, an overall “best” set of EFs could not be selected. Our results provide a new set of emission estimates that can be used for sensitivity analyses and highlight the importance of better understanding spatial and temporal variability in EFs for atmospheric studies in general and specifically when using CO or aerosols concentration measurements to top‐down constrain fire carbon emissions.
Diurnal cycle of summer rainfall in Shandong of eastern China
Authors: Zhuo Hong , Zhao Ping , Zhou Tianjun
Published: May 2013

Using the hourly precipitation data at 123 gauge stations of Shandong province in eastern China during 1996–2008, the authors examine the spatial distribution of summer (June–July–August) precipitation amount (PA), precipitation intensity (PI), and precipitation frequency (PF) and their diurnal cycles. The results show that the diurnal peak of PA decreases from the southeastern to northwestern Shandong and mainly appears in the early morning and afternoon. The large diurnal peak of PA mainly appears in a large area from the hilly areas of southern Shandong to the eastern coasts. Large diurnal peak of PI mainly appears along the lower reaches of the Yellow River in northern Shandong. The diurnal peak of PF also decreases from southeastern to northwestern Shandong. The diurnal cycles of PA and PI have two peaks and they occur in the early morning and the afternoon, respectively. The diurnal cycle of PF has one peak in the morning. Large PA values show a southwestward time delay over northwestern Shandong, a northeastward time delay over central and southeastern Shandong in the afternoon, and a southeastward time delay over central and southeastern Shandong in the morning. Moreover, they also show a time delay from the central mountains of Shandong to its adjacent areas in the afternoon. When hourly precipitation is weaker, the diurnal cycles of PA and PF show a two‐peak feature. With following the increase of hourly precipitation, the diurnal peak number also tends to increase. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Climatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the Royal Meteorological Society.
Deglaciation chronology of the Galloway Hills Ice Centre, southwest Scotland
Authors: BALLANTYNE COLIN K. , RINTERKNECHT VINCENT , GHEORGHIU DELIA M.
Published: May 2013

During the last glacial maximum, the Galloway Hills in southwest Scotland acted as a major centre of ice dispersion within the last British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS). Six new or recalibrated 10Be exposure ages for samples obtained from boulders near the former ice divide yielded uncertainty‐weighted mean ages of 15.15 ± 0.72 ka (Lm scaling), or 15.33 ± 0.74 ka (Du scaling). These ages indicate that the former ice dome centred over the Galloway Hills had almost (or completely) disappeared by ca. 15 ka, imply prior deglaciation of all of southwest Scotland and refute suggestions that ice cover persisted in this area during the Lateglacial Interstade. They strongly support recent models advocating extensive deglaciation of all areas occupied by the last BIIS (apart from the Scottish Highlands) prior to warming at the onset of the Lateglacial Interstade (ca. 14.7 ka). Three samples obtained from boulders on a large latero‐terminal moraine (Tauchers moraine) near the former ice divide yielded a weighted mean age of 11.91 ± 0.77 ka (Lm scaling) or 12.01 ± 0.78 ka (Du scaling), confirming that the moraine is of Loch Lomond (Younger Dryas) Stadial age, and suggesting that the moraine was deposited 200–500 years before the end of the stade. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive–Behavioral Group Treatment for Driving‐Related Anger, Aggression, and Risky Driving in Combat Veterans: A Pilot Study
Authors: Strom Thad , Leskela Jennie , Possis Elizabeth , Thuras Paul , Leuty Melanie E. , Doane Bridget M. , Wilder‐Schaaf Kathryn , Rosenzweig Lisa
Published: May 2013

The present study examined the preliminary effects of an 8‐session group cognitive–behavioral treatment (CBT) designed to reduce driving‐related anger, aggression, and risky driving behaviors in veterans. Participants (N = 9) with self‐reported aggressive and risky driving problems completed self‐report measures at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 1‐month follow‐up. Of those completing the treatment, 89% demonstrated reliable change in driving‐related aggression and 67% evidenced reliable change in driving‐related anger. Similar changes were found for secondary treatment targets.
Development of a novel biodegradable drug‐eluting Ventilation tube for chronic otitis media with effusion
Authors: Gan Chee Wee , Chooi Wai Hon , Ng Herr Cheun Anthony , Wong Yee Shan , Venkatraman Subbu S. , Lim Lynne Hsueh Yee
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop a novel drug‐eluting biodegradable ventilation tube (VT), to evaluate in vitro sustained release and antibacterial adherence of ofloxacin‐loaded biodegradable VT on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and to evaluate in vivo biodegradation of VT in guinea pig ears.

Study Design

A randomized animal study.

Methods

In vitro drug release and degradation of ofloxacin‐loaded VT were studied in water for 3 months. Bacterial adherence was evaluated by inoculating the VT with P aeruginosa suspension for 6 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for morphologic analysis. Guinea pigs were assigned to three groups: commercial Mini Shah VT, biodegradable unloaded VT, and biodegradable ofloxacin‐loaded VT. Myringotomy and VT insertion were performed. SEM of VTs and histology were performed at 2, 4, 10, and 18 weeks.

Results

A total of 81.7% of ofloxacin in VT was eluted over 3 months. Biodegradable VTs had smoother surfaces and less bacteria adherence compared to Mini Shah VTs. VTs with ofloxacin had the least bacteria adherence. VTs resulted in neither inflammation nor otorrhea 18 weeks postinsertion in guinea pigs. Histology showed the new VTs were biocompatible. The VTs were still functioning and patent after 18 weeks postinsertion but had started degrading.

Conclusions

The first novel biodegradable ofloxacin‐loaded VT with sustainable drug release technology and antibacterial adherence property was studied. Patency beyond 4.5 months allowed an adequate period of ventilation. The complete degradation of the VT warrants further studies to evaluate the duration of VT resorption in situ and healing of the ear drum.
Sendai virus transgene in a novel gene therapy for laryngotracheal disease
Authors: Mizokami Daisuke , Araki Koji , Tanaka Nobuaki , Suzuki Hiroshi , Tomifuji Masayuki , Yamashita Taku , Inoue Makoto , Hasegawa Mamoru , Shiotani Akihiro
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Vocal cord scar formation and laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) are challenging problems for otolaryngologists. Sendai virus (SeV) vectors have been shown to transduce airway epithelium efficiently, and are thus ideal for modulating airway wound‐healing therapy. To assess the potential utility of SeV gene therapy for laryngotracheal diseases, we established a novel LTS model and examined the transduction efficiency of SeV vectors in normal and LTS model tissue.

Study Design

Basic science.

Methods

Fusion (F) gene‐deleted, nontransmissible SeV vectors were used. First, the route dependency and transduction efficiency of SeV vectors for normal mucosa in the larynx were examined. Next, the novel LTS rat model was established and evaluated. Finally, the transduction efficiency of SeV vectors in injured mucosa of the LTS model was evaluated.

Results

Simple spray delivery of the SeV vector resulted in significant and persistent expression of the reporter gene in normal laryngotracheal epithelium. Transgenic SeV‐mediated expression was maximal at 3 days, decreased over time, but remained detectable for 14 days after administration. No serious side effects were observed in the larynx or trachea. The model achieved an average of 60% tracheal stenosis in the cross‐sectional area. Efficient SeV‐mediated transgene expression was observed in the injured mucosa at the levels of the trachea, cricoid cartilage, and vocal cord.

Conclusion

A novel animal model for LTS was established. We successfully demonstrated SeV‐mediated transgene expression in normal tissue and in the injured mucosa of the LTS model. SeV might be a promising strategy for gene therapy in laryngotracheal diseases.

Level of Evidence

N/A.
Facial artery musculomucosal flap for reconstruction of skull base defects: A cadaveric study
Authors: Xie Liyue , Lavigne François , Rahal Akram , Moubayed Sami Pierre , Ayad Tareck
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Failure in skull base defects reconstruction following tumor resection can have serious consequences such as ascending meningitis and pneumocephaly. The nasoseptal flap showed a very low incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak but is not always available. The superiorly pedicled facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap has been successfully used for reconstruction of head and neck defects. Our objective is to show that the FAMM flap can be used as a new alternative in skull base reconstruction.

Study Design

Cadaveric study. Feasibility.

Methods

Thirteen specimens underwent bilateral FAMM flap dissection. Two new modifications of the traditional FAMM flap have been developed. Feasibility in FAMM flap transfer to the skull base was investigated through endoscopic skull base dissection and maxillectomy in four specimens. Measurements were recorded for each harvested flap.

Results

The mean surface area of the modified FAMM flap efficient for reconstruction was 15.90 cm2. The flaps easily covered the simulated defects of the frontal sinus and the fovea ethmoidalis areas. Modifications of the traditional FAMM flap were necessary for a tension‐free coverage of the planum sphenoidale and sella turcica.

Conclusion

The FAMM flap holds high potential as a new alternative vascular flap in skull base reconstruction. However, it has not been used in patients yet and should be considered only when other options are not available. New modifications developed in this article can elongate the traditional FAMM flap, potentially contributing to a tighter seal of the skull base defect than FAMM flap alone.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:1854–1861, 2013
Completeness, Compactness, Effective Dimensions
Authors: Binns Stephen
Published: May 2013

We investigate a directed metric on the space of infinite binary sequences defined by

where C(X↾n‖Y↾n) is the Kolmogorov complexity of X↾n given Y↾n. In particular we focus on the topological aspects of the associated metric space—proving that it is complete though very far from being compact. This is a continuation of earlier work investigating other geometrical and toplogical aspects of this metric.
Thermosetting Proteinaceous Plastics from Hydrolyzed Specified Risk Material
Authors: Mekonnen Tizazu , Mussone Paolo , El‐Thaher Nayef , Choi Phillip Y. K. , Bressler David C.
Published: May 2013

In response to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) outbreak in the last decade, the US, Canada and several other countries implemented an enhanced feed ban that eliminates specified risk material (SRM) from all animal feed, pet foods and fertilizer applications. The environmental risks and severe loss of profitability by the rendering industry associated with landfilling of several million tons of SRM demand immediate and economically viable solutions of converting such materials into value added applications. In this research, SRM was hydrolyzed, the protein hydrolyzates were extracted and further modified through chemical crosslinking to develop a novel protein‐based plastics. The plastics developed in this research exhibited promising thermal and solvent resistance, and tensile strength.
Comparing Leaching of Different Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Ammoniacal Copper Salt from Wood
Authors: Ding Xiaochu , Meneses Martha Barajas , Albukhari Soha M. , Richter Dana L. , Matuana Laurent M. , Heiden Patricia A.
Published: May 2013

Copper‐based nanoparticle wood preservatives typically contain a mixture of nanoparticles. We test the effect of nanoparticle size on copper leaching, and if the leachate contains nanoparticles, by treating southern pine sapwood with copper oxide nanoparticles with uniform diameters of 10 and 50 nm. Significant numbers of nanoparticles are found in the leachate from the treated wood, and trends show that size is a major factor. The 50 nm nanoparticles leach slightly less than the control (ammonium copper salt), whereas 10 nm nanoparticles leach more. Effects of polymer stabilizers are also tested and they increase nanoparticle leaching compared to unstabilized nanoparticles.
Polypeptoids by Living Ring‐Opening Polymerization of N‐Substituted N‐Carboxyanhydrides from Solid Supports
Authors: Gangloff Niklas , Fetsch Corinna , Luxenhofer Robert
Published: May 2013

The nucleophilic living ring‐opening polymerization of N‐substituted glycine N‐carboxyanhydrides using solid‐phase synthesis resins is reported. By variation of experimental parameters, products with near Poisson distributions are obtained. As opposed to reversible deactivation radical polymerization, the living polymerization is demonstrated to be viable to high monomer conversion and through multiple monomer addition steps. Successful preparation of a multiblock copolypeptoid is proof for a highly living and robust character of the solid‐phase peptoid polymerization.

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A Comparison of Pay‐As‐Bid and Market‐Clearing Price Bidding Processes in Electric Utility Auctions
Authors: Berry Keith
Published: May 2013

As the electric utility industry moves to Regional Transmission Organizations, there are more opportunities for merchant plants in selling wholesale energy to electric utilities. Two alternative bidding regimes are considered: (i) pay‐as‐bid and (ii) pay with market‐clearing bid. With stochastic price‐sensitive demand, we show that pay‐as‐bid has greater average price, but lower price variance than does market‐clearing price. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Background field removal using spherical mean value filtering and Tikhonov regularization
Authors: Sun Hongfu , Wilman Alan H.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To introduce a new method for removing background artifacts in field maps and apply it to enhance the accuracy of susceptibility mapping.

Methods

A field artifact removal method is introduced that is based on the sophisticated harmonic artifact reduction for phase data (SHARP) method exploiting the harmonic mean value property. The new method uses Tikhonov regularization at the deconvolution stage and is referred to as regularization enabled SHARP (RESHARP). RESHARP was compared with SHARP in a field‐forward susceptibility simulation and in human brain experiments, considering effects on both field maps and the resulting susceptibility maps.

Results

From the simulation, RESHARP was able to reduce error in the field map by 17.4% as compared with SHARP, resulting in a more accurate single‐angle susceptibility map with 6.5% relative error (compared with 48.5% using SHARP). Using RESHARP in vivo, field and susceptibility maps of the brain displayed fewer artifacts particularly at the brain boundaries, and susceptibility measurements of iron‐rich deep gray matter were also more consistent than SHARP across healthy subjects of similar age.

Conclusion

Compared with SHARP, RESHARP removes background field artifact more effectively, leading to more accurate susceptibility measurements in iron‐rich deep gray matter. Magn Reson Med 71:1151–1157, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations of pericardial and intrathoracic fat with coronary calcium presence and progression in a multiethnic study
Authors: Wassel Christina L. , Laughlin Gail A. , Araneta Maria Rosario G. , Kang Eugene , Morgan Cindy M. , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Allison Matthew A.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Body mass index (BMI) may not accurately or adequately reflect body composition or its role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Ectopic adipose depots may provide a more refined representation of the role of adiposity in CVD. Thus, the association of pericardial and intra‐thoracic fat with coronary artery calcium (CAC) was examined.

Design and Methods

Nearly 600 white men and women, as well as Filipina women and African‐American women, all without known CVD, had abdominal and chest computed tomography (CT) scans at two time points about 4 years apart from which CAC presence, severity and progression, as well as pericardial and intrathoracic fat volumes were obtained. Logistic and linear regression models with staged adjustment were used to assess associations of pericardial and intra‐thoracic fat with CAC presence, severity, and progression.

Results

After adjustment for age, BMI, sex/ethnic group, ever smoking, and lipids, each standard deviation higher increment of intra‐thoracic fat, but not pericardial fat, was significantly associated with 3.84‐fold higher odds of prevalent CAC (95% CI (1.54, 9.58), P = 0.004) and a 38.4% higher CAC score (95% CI (3.5%, 90.0%), P = 0.03). Neither pericardial nor intrathoracic fat were associated with CAC progression.

Conclusions

Contrary to previous reports, pericardial fat was not associated with the presence, severity or progression of CAC. However, a significant association between intrathoracic fat and both the presence and severity of CAC was demonstrated. Studies measuring fat in the thoracic cavity may consider defining intrathoracic fat as a separate entity from pericardial fat.
MINDFULNESS IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY: APPLICATIONS FOR INTERVENTION AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Authors: Felver Joshua C. , Doerner Erin , Jones Jeremy , Kaye Nicole C. , Merrell Kenneth W.
Published: May 2013

Although the use of mindfulness is increasing in other areas of applied psychology, school psychology has yet to embrace it in practice. This article introduces school psychologists to the burgeoning field of mindfulness psychology and to the possibilities that it offers to their discipline. A background on the Western scientific study and application of mindfulness provides a theoretical foundation to those unfamiliar with the topic. We then discuss the application of mindfulness technologies to various forms of service provision in the professional practice of school psychology. The innovative and novel avenues that mindfulness psychology offers to psychological science
NanoPad: An integrated platform for bacterial production of camel nanobodies aimed at detecting environmental biomarkers
Authors: Fraile Sofía , Jiménez Jose I. , Gutiérrez Carlos , de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: May 2013

The presence of given antigens in environmental samples (e.g. biodegradative enzymes) reports the quality and catalytic vigor of particular soils or aquatic ecosystems. In this context, we have developed the NanoPad system consisting of a complete platform for isolation, amplification, and extracellular production of specific antibodies against antigens that diagnose the occurrence of protein markers in crude environmental samples. The workflow starts with the inoculation of camels (Camelus dromedarius) with various proteins (e.g. catabolic enzymes) for generating a phage display library of variable heavy‐chain antibody H fragment (VHH) domains that bind the different antigens. Instead of being subjected to a conventional panning, such a library is then probed with a Western‐panning technique that allows direct isolation of specific binders of proteins blotted on membranes from polyacrylamide gels. Finally, VHHs are fused to the C‐domain of hemolysin for secretion to the culture media as virtually pure dimeric proteins that can be used as a primary antibody without further processing. The value of NanoPad is shown with the selection of nanobodies for detection of biphenyl 2,3‐dioxygenase, a key enzyme for biodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls. The thereby generated anti‐biphenyl 2,3‐dioxygenase VHHs revealed the presence of this enzyme in the metaproteome of an oil refinery waste treatment plant.
Structural equation modeling for implementation intentions, cancer worry, and stages of mammography adoption
Authors: Hirai Kei , Harada Kazuhiro , Seki Aiko , Nagatsuka Miwa , Arai Hirokazu , Hazama Ayako , Ishikawa Yoshiki , Hamashima Chisato , Saito Hiroshi , Shibuya Daisuke
Published: May 2013

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a structural model for mammography adoption in Japanese middle‐aged women by using constructs from the transtheoretical model (TTM), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), implementation intentions, and cancer worry.

Methods

Questionnaires based on items including TTM, TPB, implementation intentions, cancer worry‐related variables, and demographic variables were distributed to 1000 adult women aged 40 to 59 years, with 641 subjects being used in the final analysis (response rate = 64.1%).

Results

Regarding the stage of adoption, 79 participants (12.3%) were at the precontemplation stage, 30 (4.7%) were at the relapse stage, 142 (22.2%) were at the contemplation stage, 88 (13.7%) were at the action stage, and 302 (47.1%) were at the maintenance stage. Our model, derived from structural equation modeling, revealed that the stage of mammography adoption was significantly affected by goal intentions, implementation intentions, perceived barriers, history of breast cancer screening, and relative risk. A logistic regression analysis revealed that goal intentions and implementation intentions significantly predicted mammography uptake within 1 year.

Conclusion

This study developed an integrated model constructed from TTM, TPB, implementation intentions, and cancer worry to account for mammography adoption in Japan, and also confirmed the predictive validity of the model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human Mononuclear Cell Survival and Proliferation is Modulated by Cold Atmospheric Plasma Jet
Authors: Bekeschus Sander , Masur Kai , Kolata Julia , Wende Kristian , Schmidt Anke , Bundscherer Lena , Barton Annemarie , Kramer Axel , Bröker Barbara , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter
Published: May 2013

Cold plasma has become a promising application in the fields of biology and medicine. Its anti‐microbial effects and stimulating properties on eukaryotic cells make plasma an encouraging option in treatment of chronic wounds. Apart from fibroblasts or keratinocytes, immune cells have a major contribution in wound healing. In this study, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were tested for viability and proliferation after treatment with an atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet. In a treatment time dependent manner compromised viability of PBMC and proliferation of T cells could be shown and was assigned to induced apoptosis. Negligible cell damage was observed after short plasma exposure. Finally, plasma did not cause loss of function and treated but viable T cells retained the ability to proliferate.