bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogeological settings of a volcanic island (San Cristóbal, Galapagos) from joint interpretation of airborne electromagnetics and geomorphological observations
Authors: Pryet A. , d'Ozouville N. , Violette S. , Deffontaines B. , Auken E.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Many volcanic islands face freshwater stress and the situation may worsen with climate change and sea level rise. In this context, an optimum management of freshwater resources becomes crucial, but is often impeded by the lack of data. With the aim of investigating the hydrogeological settings of southern San Cristóbal Island (Galapagos), we conducted a helicopter-borne, transient electromagnetic survey with the SkyTEM system. It provided unprecedented insights into the 3-D resistivity structure of this extinct basaltic shield. Combined with remote sensing and fieldwork, it allowed the definition of the first hydrogeological conceptual model of the island. Springs are fed by a series of perched aquifers overlying a regional basal aquifer subject to seawater intrusion. Dykes, evidenced by alignments of eruptive cones at the surface, correspond to sharp sub-vertical contrasts in resistivity in the subsurface, and impound groundwater in a summit channel. Combined with geomorphological observations, airborne electromagnetics are shown to be a useful for hydrogeological exploratory studies in complex, poorly known environments. They allow optimal development of land-based geophysical surveys and drilling campaigns.
Bromine monoxide / sulphur dioxide ratios in relation to volcanological observations at Mt. Etna 2006–2009
Authors: Bobrowski N. , Giuffrida G.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Over a 3-yr period, from 2006 to 2009, frequent scattered sunlight DOAS measurements were conducted at Mt. Etna at a distance of around 6 km downwind from the summit craters. During the same period and in addition to these measurements, volcanic observations were made by regularly visiting various parts of Mt. Etna. Here, results from these measurements and observations are presented and their relation is discussed. The focus of the investigation is the bromine monoxide/sulphur dioxide (BrO / SO2) ratio, and its variability in relation to volcanic processes. That the halogen/sulphur ratio can serve as a precursor or indicator for the onset of eruptive activity was already proposed by earlier works (e.g. Noguchi and Kamiya 1963; Menyailov, 1975; Pennisi and Cloarec, 1998; Aiuppa et al., 2002). However, there is still a limited understanding today because of the complexity with which halogens are released, depending on magma composition and degassing conditions. Our understanding of these processes is far from complete, for example of the rate and mechanism of bubble nucleation, growth and ascent in silicate melts (Carroll and Holloway, 1994), the halogen vapour-melt partitioning and the volatile diffusivity in the melt (Aiuppa et al., 2009). With this study we aim to add one more piece to the puzzle of what halogen/sulphur ratios might tell about volcanic activities. Our data set shows an increase of the BrO / SO2 ratio several weeks prior to an eruption, followed by a decline before and during the initial phase of eruptive activities. Towards the end of activity or shortly thereafter, the ratio increases to baseline values again and remains more or less constant during quiet phases. To explain the observed evolution of the BrO / SO2 ratio, a first empirical model is proposed. This model suggests that bromine, unlike chlorine and fluorine, is less soluble in the magmatic melt than sulphur. By using the DOAS method to determine SO2, we actually observe most of the emitted sulphur of Mt.~Etna. Regarding bromine, however, we are aware that by determining only the bromine monoxide (BrO) radical we might just observe a small or even a variable fraction of the total emitted bromine, which is most probable originally in the form of HBr. Therefore, we present first studies to justify the assumption that, despite the disadvantage just mentioned, the BrO / SO2 ratio can nevertheless serve as a new parameter to indicate the state of a volcano, when measurements are conducted under certain, but rather convenient, conditions.
Influence of ablation-related processes in the built-up of simulated Northern Hemisphere ice sheets during the last glacial cycle
Authors: Charbit S. , Dumas C. , Kageyama M. , Roche D. M. , Ritz C.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Since the original formulation of the positive-degree-day (PDD) method, different PDD calibrations have been proposed in the literature in response to the increasing number of observations. Although these formulations provide a satisfactory description of the present-day Greenland geometry, they have not all been tested for paleo ice sheets. Using the climate-ice sheet model CLIMBER-GRISLI coupled with different PDD models, we evaluate how the parameterization of the ablation may affect the evolution of Northern Hemisphere ice sheets in the transient simulations of the last glacial cycle. Results from fully coupled simulations are compared to time-slice experiments carried out at different key periods of the last glacial period. We find large differences in the simulated ice sheets according to the chosen PDD model. These differences occur as soon as the onset of glaciation, therefore affecting the subsequent evolution of the ice system. To further investigate how the PDD method controls this evolution, special attention is given to the role of each PDD parameter. We show that glacial inception is critically dependent on the representation of the impact of the temperature variability from the daily to the inter-annual time scale, whose effect is modulated by the refreezing scheme. Finally, an additional set of sensitivity experiments has been carried out to assess the relative importance of melt processes with respect to initial ice sheet configuration in the construction and the evolution of past Northern Hemisphere ice sheets. Our analysis reveals that the impacts of the initial ice sheet condition may range from quite negligible to explaining about half of the LGM ice volume depending on the representation of stochastic temperature variations which remain the main driver of the evolution of the ice system.
The pentad of cruft: A taxonomy of rhetoric used by Wikipedia editors based on the dramatism of Kenneth Burke
Authors: Famiglietti Andrew
Published: December 2012

It is widely understood that negotiation and debate among editors is key to the Wikipedia’s system of governance. However, the role of rhetoric, the construction and application of argument, in this process is less well understood. In this paper, I attempt to move our understanding of the role of rhetoric on Wikipedia forward by proposing a taxonomy of rhetoric derived from Kenneth Burke’s dramatism. The proposed taxonomy will classify arguments first by the dominant ratio of elements from Burke’s pentad present in the argument (scene–act, act–agent, etc.), then by the vocabulary employed to make the argument (what Burke called the terministic screen), then by the scope of terms used. I then demonstrate how this taxonomy might be developed to describe the rhetoric of the Wikipedia community by employing it to classify a sample of arguments drawn from Wikipedia’s Articles for Deletion (AfD) process. Further development and application of the taxonomy proposed here could help us refine our understanding of how and why Wikipedia editors develop and deploy certain arguments, and which sorts of arguments have the most success in swaying Wikipedian debates.
Australia's project for universal broadband access: From policy to social potential
Authors: Dias Marcos Pereira
Published: December 2012

Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) aims to provide high–speed Internet broadband access to all Australians and transform Australia into one of the world’s top five digital economies by 2020. The NBN’s model of universal and equal access to information flows supported by a nationwide infrastructure network stands out from the dominant scenario of profit–driven, tiered models of communication infrastructure networks. This paper analyses the economic and social value of information as a basic utility in contemporary society and argues that the NBN is an essential component in a nationwide project of digital citizenship, while highlighting the need for strong and effective policies to support it. The policies underlying the NBN and the technical aspects of its infrastructure network are compared with the Coalition’s alternative plan and public and private initiatives from other countries. It is argued that, in order to realise the full potential of the NBN, its future strategies must take into account the current networked practices of Australian citizens and be supported by an equally universal project of digital literacy. Finally, examples of current practices and future benefits of the implementation of high–speed broadband access are presented.
Relative advantages of online video platforms and television according to content, technology, and cost–related attributes
Authors: Cha Jiyoung , Chan-Olmsted Sylvia M.
Published: December 2012

This study is designed to compare consumers’ perceptions of television and online video platforms in terms of content, technology, and cost–related attributes. It also seeks to identify the specific attributes of online video platforms that contribute to the overall relative advantage of this new video alternative. Using a national mail survey of a random sample of U.S. Internet users, this study found that Internet users perceived online video platforms to be better than television in many technology and content–related attributes. The results also suggest that video content quality, interactivity, and storage capability of online video platforms contribute to improving the overall perception of the relative advantage.
Playing science? Environmentally focused think tanks and the new scientific paradigm
Authors: Douglass Kimberly L. , Tanner Sarah
Published: December 2012

Although research published by think tanks is generally studied for its contributions to policy discourses, this study finds that think tank–authored studies also affect scientific scholarly communications. Think tanks clearly represent political interests. However, this study shows that their exclusion from scientific rhetoric is not a matter of their failing to meet the community’s standards; it is a matter of ideology, which helps maintain a socially constructed boundary between scientific and political domains. The scientific community’s instinct to construct this boundary remains strong despite the emergence of a more inclusive scientific paradigm. This study takes an empirical view of the dispersion of research products generated by think tanks throughout scientific discourses. It does so through a type of bibliometrics called publication analysis, which looks at the distribution of an author’s or institution’s research products over time. This paper uses the number of articles found in scholarly publications as a proxy for productivity and as a measure of academia’s acceptance of ideas developed in those papers. Additional metrics include impact factor and Eigenfactor scores of journals where think tank–authored papers are published and the journals’ rankings within their respective disciplines.
On Submersion of CR-Submanifolds of l.c.q.K. Manifold
Authors: Choudhary Majid Ali , Matehkolaee Mahmood Jaafari , Jamali Mohd.
Published: November 2012

We study submersion of CR-submanifolds of an l.c.q.K. manifold. We have shown that if an almost Hermitian manifoldBadmits a Riemannian submersionπ:M→Bof a CR-submanifoldMof a locally conformal quaternion Kaehler manifoldM¯, thenBis a locally conformal quaternion Kaehler manifold.
Advances in Asset Management Techniques: An Overview of Corrosion Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies for Oil and Gas Pipelines
Authors: Ossai Chinedu I.
Published: November 2012

Effective management of assets in the oil and gas industry is vital in ensuring equipment availability, increased output, reduced maintenance cost, and minimal nonproductive time (NPT). Due to the high cost of assets used in oil and gas production, there is a need to enhance performance through good assets management techniques. This involves the minimization of NPT which accounts for about 20–30% of operation time needed from exploration to production. Corrosion contributes to about 25% of failures experienced in oil and gas production industry, while more than 50% of this failure is associated with sweet and sour corrosions in pipelines. This major risk in oil and gas production requires the understanding of the failure mechanism and procedures for assessment and control. For reduced pipeline failure and enhanced life cycle, corrosion experts should understand the mechanisms of corrosion, the risk assessment criteria, and mitigation strategies. This paper explores existing research in pipeline corrosion, in order to show the mechanisms, the risk assessment methodologies, and the framework for mitigation. The paper shows that corrosion in pipelines is combated at all stages of oil and gas production by incorporating field data information from previous fields into the new field’s development process.
Facile Iodine-Catalyzed Michael Addition of Indoles to α,α′-Bis(arylmethylene)cyclopentanones: An Efficient Synthesis of E-2-(3-Indolylphenylmethyl)-5-phenylmethylenecyclopentanones
Authors: Pal Rammohan , Das Gupta Arpita , Mallik Asok K.
Published: November 2012

Iodine-catalyzed reaction of indoles with α,α′-bis(arylmethylene)cyclopentanones afforded one diastereomer of the corresponding Michael adducts, namely, E-2-(3-indolylphenylmethyl)-5-phenylmethylenecyclopentanones, in a good yield. The products form a new group of indole derivatives.
MHC Disparate Resting B Cells Are Tolerogenic in the Absence of Alloantigen-Expressing Dendritic Cells
Authors: McFarland Hugh I. , Tsuji Kazuhide , Mason Karen P. , Rosenberg Amy S.
Published: November 2012

Resting B cell (rB) populations have been shown to tolerize to soluble proteins and to minor-H but not to MHC alloantigens. We speculated that the reason for failing to tolerize to MHC alloantigen is that the few remaining dendritic cells (DCs) contaminating purified rB cell populations efficiently activate MHC allospecific T cells which are present at a higher frequency than T cells specific for minor-H alloantigen and soluble proteins. We established that MHC disparate rB cells are indeed tolerogenic when devoid of DC populations, as parental strain mice showed delayed skin graft rejection when infused with rB cells from mice in which MHC class I alloantigen was specifically targeted to T and B cells (CD2- transgenic mice). In contrast, treatment of parental strain mice with allogeneic rB cells purified from MHC- transgenic mice, in which is ubiquitously expressed, including DCs, induced accelerated graft rejection. We also showed that adding only 5,000 expressing DCs to CD2- rB cells abrogated the tolerogenic effect. Surprisingly, allogeneic rB cells prolonged graft survival in -primed mice. Thus, MHC disparate rB cells are tolerogenic and their failure to delay graft rejection can be explained by contaminating allogeneic DCs.
Effect of Heavy Metal Pollution on Leaf Litter Decomposition of Two Species of Mangroves, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata
Authors: Waqar Ahmed  , S. Shahid Shaukat
Published: November 2012

Decomposition of litter is influenced by physicochemical characteristics of the habitat which is affected by pollution. In this study the effect of heavy metals on leaf litter decomposition of two mangrove species, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata is investigated. An experiment was conducted in which litter bags were half-buried in mangrove soil in earthen pots in a greenhouse in which close to natural conditions were maintained and they were treated with 0, 5 and 10 ppm Ni and Pb as a solution of sea water for 16 weeks. Periodic observations were taken on the dry weight remaining and the four factor ANOVA was performed. All four factors (species, heavy metals, concentrations, time) were found to be significant (P at the most 0.05) while some of the interactions were also significant. Half-life and rate of decomposition, k were calculated on the basis of 12 periodic weight loss observations. The litter decomposition followed an exponential decay curve in all cases. The highest rate of decomposition (0.0155 gDWd-1) and the shortest half life (7.44 days) were found for the control of Avicennia marina. In general, decomposition rate of A. marina was more rapid compared to that of R. mucronata. Whereas, the decomposition in treatments with heavy metals were found to be slower than in the controls, the minimum of which (0.0105 gDWd-1) and the longest half life (18.17 days) were found in Rhizophora mucronata leaves treated with 10 ppm Pb. Lead appears to be more inhibitory to the process of litter decomposition compared to nickel. The two mangrove species responded differentially to the heavy metal concentrations. The influence of heavy metals in the decomposition process is discussed.
The National Library of Luxembourg
Authors: Kieffer Monique
Published: December 2012

The origins of the National Library of Luxembourg (Bibliothèque nationale de Luxembourg, BnL) date back to 1798. This article provides an historical overview, outlines the core missions and describes the collections. Because several languages are spoken in Luxembourg, the BnL offers interface menus to the catalogues in French, German and English. The BnL coordinates the national network bibnet.lu of Luxembourgish libraries and is maintaining their integrated library information systems. It cooperates with the library of the University of Luxembourg and the documentation centres of three research centres as a member and coordinator of the Consortium Luxembourg for the acquisition and management of electronic publications. A programme to digitize the country's printed heritage has begun with historic newspapers. The BnL contributes to the Europeana digital library.
Libraries as Publishers: Turning the Page?
Authors: Canty Nick
Published: December 2012

This article seeks to provide a general review of the publishing activities of some major libraries across the world. At a time when the publishing industry is experiencing profound challenges to its established business models and traditional routes to market through bookshops are under threat from online retailers such as Amazon, it is timely to see how libraries are faring during this period and whether these developments are changing libraries' publishing outputs. The publishing activities are considered in relation to the format of the titles available, how the titles are sold, the range of subjects covered in the programme and whether there are digital versions available. The numerous digital catalogues, learning materials and other online resources are considered out of scope for the purpose of this article and the focus is therefore on what we might consider ‘traditional’ publishing outputs. The article considers the publishing programmes of the British Library, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, the Bodleian Library, the Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil, the State Library of Victoria and the National Library of Australia.
A Note on Measuring Economic Returns to Philippine Public Higher Education: Private, Fiscal, and Social Perspectives
Authors: Avestruz Fred
Published: November 2012

Abstract - Higher education in the Philippines today appears to have reached a stage of investment saturation. Enrollment expansion in the public sector has led to relative contraction in the private sector. Budget pressures in government funding have created low quality of education in many public institutions while fierce price competition among many private institutions has led to deterioration of quality of education. This paper addresses the concerns of public institutions in their efforts to obtain sufficient funding from the government and to assess the direction of their efforts so that they do not compete with private institutions but become leaders in their education communities. Methodologies for estimating private, fiscal, and social returns are developed. These methodologies are based on cost-benefit analysis tailored to conditions where public institutions operate. Results from these estimates could guide public institutions in directing their resources to those activities that generate the greatest social returns. Private and fiscal rates of return estimates, when performed on specific disciplines, will assist institutions in assessing their current role in the market and the direction towards which they should move. Policy makers may also find these methodologies useful in their decision on creation, expansion, or rationalization of public institutions. Keywords – cost-benefit analysis, economics of education, public expenditure analysis, education finance, and welfare economics.
The effect of intraoperative mupirocin irrigation on Staphylococcus aureus within the maxillary sinus
Authors: Seiberling Kristin A. , Aruni Wilson , Kim Shawn , Scapa Victor I. , Fletcher Hansel , Church Christopher A.
Published: November 2012

Background

Antibiotic irrigations are occasionally used during endoscopic sinus surgery when gross mucosal infection is present. These irrigations are thought to flush out pathogenic bacteria and decrease the bacterial load within the mucosal surfaces. This treatment, however, has not been studied in vivo and it is unknown whether antibiotic rinses produce a quantitative reduction in pathologic bacteria within the sinus mucosa. The objective of this study was to determine the relative abundance of Staphylococcus aureus within the maxillary sinus and to evaluate the impact of intraoperative mupirocin irrigation on bacterial burden.

Methods

Sixteen patients with symmetric maxillary chronic rhinosinusitis were prospectively enrolled. After bilateral maxillary antrostomies, biopsies were taken of the maxillary sinus mucosa on both sides. In each patient, the right side was irrigated with 240 mL of normal saline (NS) and the left side was irrigated with 240 mL of NS mixed with 60 mg mupirocin. Repeat maxillary sinus mucosal biopsies were taken from each side 7 to 10 days postsurgery. Each biopsy was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine the presence and relative amount of S. aureus.

Results

Mupirocin irrigations were found to significantly reduce the amount of S. aureus found within the maxillary sinus mucosa compared to NS alone. The average fold change between the pre‐ and posttreatment biopsies on the right and left was 9.05 and 97.42, respectively (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Intraoperative mupirocin irrigations significantly reduce the amount of S. aureus detected within the diseased sinus mucosa at up to 10 days postoperatively.
In‐office vasovagal response after rhinologic manipulation
Authors: Radvansky Brian M. , Husain Qasim , Cherla Deepa V. , Choudhry Osamah J. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: November 2012

Background

Advances in endoscopic sinus surgery have led to a greater number of in‐office procedures away from the traditional operating room setting. Rhinologists acting independently of anesthesiologists must be prepared for potential complications, such as vasovagal response (VVR), that may arise during in‐office rhinologic manipulations. In this study, we review our experience with this condition and discuss risk factors and a management algorithm for in‐office VVR.

Methods

A retrospective analysis at a large tertiary referral center was performed on all patients undergoing in‐office endoscopic procedures with rhinologic manipulation between July 2008 and June 2012. A total of 4973 patients underwent in‐office endoscopic procedures and 8 patients with VVR were identified. Demographic data, diagnosis, procedure performed, and outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Eight patients out of 4973 (0.16%) experienced VVR during in‐office endoscopic procedures. Seven (87.5%) of these 8 patients recovered from the VVR within 30 minutes and subsequently completed their scheduled procedure. One (12.5%) of the 8 patients did not fully recover after 30 minutes and was sent to the Emergency Department, where he was stabilized and subsequently discharged. The most common comorbidities in these 8 patients with VVR were hypercholesterolemia in 3 patients (37.5%), and hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia, each found in 2 patients (25.0%).

Conclusion

Although the incidence of VVR during rhinologic procedures is low, rhinologists should be familiar with this condition and be prepared for its management.
Increase in vastus medialis cross‐sectional area is associated with reduced pain, cartilage loss, and joint replacement risk in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Wluka Anita E. , Berry Patricia A. , Siew Terence , Teichtahl Andrew J. , Urquhart Donna M. , Lloyd David G. , Jones Graeme , Cicuttini Flavia M.
Published: November 2012

Objective

Although there is evidence for a beneficial effect of increased quadriceps strength on knee symptoms, the effect on knee structure is unclear. We undertook this study to examine the relationship between change in vastus medialis cross‐sectional area (CSA) and knee pain, tibial cartilage volume, and risk of knee replacement in subjects with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

One hundred seventeen subjects with symptomatic knee OA underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the knee at baseline and at 2 and 4.5 years. Vastus medialis CSA was measured at baseline and at 2 years. Tibial cartilage volume was measured at baseline and at 2 and 4.5 years. Knee pain was assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index at baseline and at 2 years. The frequency of knee joint replacement over 4 years was determined. Regression coefficients (B) and odds ratios were determined along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

After adjusting for confounders, baseline vastus medialis CSA was inversely associated with current knee pain (r = −0.16, P = 0.04) and with medial tibial cartilage volume loss from baseline to 2 years (B coefficient −10.9 [95% CI −19.5, −2.3]), but not with baseline tibial cartilage volume. In addition, an increase in vastus medialis CSA from baseline to 2 years was associated with reduced knee pain over the same time period (r = 0.24, P = 0.007), reduced medial tibial cartilage loss from 2 to 4.5 years (B coefficient −16.8 [95% CI −28.9, −4.6]), and reduced risk of knee replacement over 4 years (odds ratio 0.61 [95% CI 0.40, 0.94]).

Conclusion

In a population of patients with symptomatic knee OA, increased vastus medialis size was associated with reduced knee pain and beneficial structural changes at the knee, suggesting that management of knee pain and optimizing vastus medialis size are important in reducing OA progression and subsequent knee replacement.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing complications following total joint arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis versus for osteoarthritis
Authors: Ravi Bheeshma , Escott Benjamin , Shah Prakesh S. , Jenkinson Richard , Chahal Jas , Bogoch Earl , Kreder Hans , Hawker Gillian
Published: November 2012

Objective

Most of the evidence regarding complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is based on studies of patients with osteoarthritis (OA), with little being known about outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of the present study was to review the current evidence regarding rates of THA/TKA complications in RA versus OA.

Methods

Data sources used were Medline, EMBase, Cinahl, Web of Science, and reference lists of articles. We included reports published between 1990 and 2011 that described studies of primary total joint arthroplasty of the hip or knee and contained information on outcomes in ≥200 RA and OA joints. Outcomes of interest included revision, hip dislocation, infection, 90‐day mortality, and venous thromboembolic events. Two reviewers independently assessed each study for quality and extracted data. Where appropriate, meta‐analysis was performed; if this was not possible, the level of evidence was assessed qualitatively.

Results

Forty studies were included in this review. The results indicated that patients with RA are at increased risk of dislocation following THA (adjusted odds ratio 2.16 [95% confidence interval 1.52–3.07]). There was fair evidence to support the notion that risk of infection and risk of early revision following TKA are increased in RA versus OA. There was no evidence of any differences in rates of revision at later time points, 90‐day mortality, or rates of venous thromboembolic events following THA or TKA in patients with RA versus OA. RA was explicitly defined in only 3 studies (7.5%), and only 11 studies (27.5%) included adjustment for covariates (e.g., age, sex, and comorbidity).

Conclusion

The findings of this literature review and meta‐analysis indicate that, compared to patients with OA, patients with RA are at higher risk of dislocation following THA and higher risk of infection following TKA.
Interleukin‐17 sensitizes joint nociceptors to mechanical stimuli and contributes to arthritic pain through neuronal interleukin‐17 receptors in rodents
Authors: Richter Frank , Natura Gabriel , Ebbinghaus Matthias , von Banchet Gisela Segond , Hensellek Susanne , König Christian , Bräuer Rolf , Schaible Hans‐Georg
Published: November 2012

Objective

Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) is considered a proinflammatory cytokine, but whether neuronal IL‐17 receptors contribute to the generation of arthritic pain is unknown. This study was undertaken to explore whether IL‐17A acts on neurons, whether it sensitizes joint nociceptors, and whether neutralization of IL‐17 is antinociceptive.

Methods

We recorded action potentials from rat joint nociceptors after intraarticular injection of IL‐17A. We studied the expression of the IL‐17A receptor in the rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG), explored the effect of IL‐17A on signaling pathways in cultured rat DRG neurons, and using patch clamp recordings, monitored changes of excitability by IL‐17A. We tested whether an antibody to IL‐17 influences pain behaviors in mice with antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA).

Results

A single injection of IL‐17A into the rat knee joint elicited a slowly developing and long‐lasting sensitization of nociceptive C fibers of the joint to mechanical stimuli, which was not attenuated by neutralizing tumor necrosis factor α or IL‐6. The IL‐17A receptor was visualized in most rat DRG neurons, the cell bodies of primary sensory neurons. In isolated and cultured rat DRG neurons, IL‐17A caused rapid phosphorylation of protein kinase B and ERK, and it rapidly enhanced excitability. In mice with unilateral AIA in the knee, an antibody against IL‐17 improved the guarding score and reduced secondary mechanical hyperalgesia at the ipsilateral paw.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that IL‐17A has the potential to act as a pain mediator by targeting IL‐17 receptors in nociceptive neurons, and these receptors are particularly involved in inflammation‐evoked mechanical hyperalgesia.
Sarcopenic obesity is more closely associated with knee osteoarthritis than is nonsarcopenic obesity: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lee Sunggun , Kim Tae‐Nyun , Kim Seong‐Ho
Published: November 2012

Objective

Sarcopenic obesity is a body composition category in which obesity is accompanied by low skeletal muscle mass, offsetting the increase in body weight caused by increased adipose tissue. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between knee osteoarthritis (OA) and 4 different categories of body composition: normal, sarcopenic nonobesity, nonsarcopenic obesity, and sarcopenic obesity.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study using the data from 2,893 participants in the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Radiographic knee OA was defined as a Kellgren/Lawrence grade of ≥2. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and whole‐body fat mass were measured using dual x‐ray absorptiometry. Sarcopenia was defined as a skeletal muscle mass index (ASM/body weight [%]) below –2SD of the value in sex‐matched young reference groups. Nonsarcopenic obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥27.5 kg/m2.

Results

The prevalence of each body composition category was as follows: 83.5% normal, 4.3% sarcopenic nonobesity, 9.2% nonsarcopenic obesity, and 3.0% sarcopenic obesity. Compared with nonsarcopenic obesity participants, participants with sarcopenic obesity were significantly older, had lower ASM, higher whole‐body fat mass, and higher waist circumference. However, there was no significant difference in body weight or BMI. In multivariate analysis, sarcopenic obesity was more closely associated with radiographic knee OA (OR 3.51 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.15–5.75]) than was nonsarcopenic obesity (OR 2.38 [95% CI 1.80–3.15]). Sarcopenic nonobesity showed no significant association with knee OA.

Conclusion

Sarcopenic obesity was more closely associated with knee OA than was nonsarcopenic obesity, although both groups had equivalent body weight. This finding supports the importance of the systemic metabolic effect of obesity in knee OA.
Detailed study of defects in thin fullerite films
Authors: Graivoronska K. O. , Klimenkov M. , Solonin Yu. M. , Nepijko S. A. , Schönhense G.
Published: November 2012

The structural investigations of fullerite films were performed using high‐resolution electron microscopy, electron diffraction and electron energy loss spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In particular defects such as dislocations, stacking faults and twins were studied in details. It was shown that fullerite films could be characterized by a face‐centered cubic (f.c.c.) structure with lattice parameter a = 1.416 nm. They are distinguished for their rich polytypic structure that is caused by breaking of alteration of closely packed planes of (111) type. The quantitative method based on information theory using the “run‐length encoding” algorithm was suggested to evaluate the degree of disorder in the f.c.c structure of thin fullerite films.
Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and photocatalytic properties of ZnWO4 nanorods
Authors: Tan Guoqiang , Zhang Lili , Wei Shasha , Xia Ao , Ren Huijun
Published: November 2012

Cd2+‐doped ZnWO4 nanorods have been synthesized at 200 °C with microwave hydrothermal method, using Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, Na2WO4·2H2O and CdCl2 as raw materials. The effects of Cd2+ doping contents on the structure and morphology of the product were studied. The results show that Cd2+ doping into the crystal lattice of ZnWO4 nanopowder makes the powder orientationally grow along (010), (110) and (200) crystal planes to form the nanorods. The bigger Cd2+ doping contents are, the more obviously ZnWO4 nanorods grow. Meanwhile, the nanopowder is gradually transformed from monoclinic phase into the orthogonal phase. As the charge transference medium between the interfaces, Cd2+ restrains the combination of holes and electrons. After doped, the photocatalytic properties of ZnWO4 nanorods are increased. When Cd2+ doping content is 20%, the Cd2+‐doped ZnWO4 nanorods showed the highest degradation rate up to 98% in 2 h.
Micro/Milliflow Processing with Selective Catalyst Microwave Heating in the Cu‐Catalyzed Ullmann Etherification Reaction: A μ2‐Process
Authors: Benaskar Faysal , Patil Narendra G. , Rebrov Evgeny V. , Ben‐Abdelmoumen Alladin , Meuldijk Jan , Hulshof Lumbertus A. , Hessel Volker , Schouten Jaap C.
Published: November 2012

A μ2‐process in the Ullmann‐type CO coupling of potassium phenolate and 4‐chloropyridine was successfully performed in a combined microwave (MW) and microflow process. Selective MW absorption in a micro‐fixed‐bed reactor (μ‐FBR) by using a supported Cu nanocatalyst resulted in an increased activity compared to an oil‐bath heated process. Yields of up to 80 % were attained by using a multisegmented μ‐FBR without significant catalyst deactivation. The μ‐FBR was packed with beads coated with Cu/TiO2 and CuZn/TiO2 catalysts. Temperature measurements along axial positions of the reactor were performed by using a fiber‐optic probe in the catalyst bed. The simultaneous application of MW power and temperature sensors resulted in an isothermal reactor at 20 W. Initially, only solvent was used to adjust the MW field density in the cavity and optimize the power utility. Subsequently, the reaction mixture was added to ensure the maximum MW power transfer by adjusting the waveguide stub tuners to steady‐state operations as a result of the changed reaction mixture composition and, therefore, the dielectric properties. Finally, the beneficial influence of the Cu/TiO2‐ and CuZn/TiO2‐coated glass beads (200 μm) on the MW absorption as a result of the additional absorbing effect of the metallic Cu nanoparticles was optimized in a fine‐tuning step. For the catalyst synthesis, various sol–gel, deposition, and impregnation methods provided Cu catalyst loadings of around 1 wt %. The addition of Zn to the Cu nanocatalyst revealed an increased catalyst activity owing to the presence of stable Cu0. Multilaminar mixing was necessary because of the large difference in fluid viscosities. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first extended experimental survey of the decisive parameters to combine microprocess and single‐mode MW technology following the concepts of “novel process windows” for organic syntheses.
Synthesis and Topological Determination of Hexakis‐Substituted 1,4‐Ditritylbenzene and Nonakis‐Substituted 1,3,5‐Tritritylbenzene Derivatives: Building Blocks for Higher Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Plietzsch Oliver , Schade Alexandra , Hafner Andreas , Huuskonen Juhani , Rissanen Kari , Nieger Martin , Muller Thierry , Bräse Stefan
Published: November 2012

Based on trityl moieties, novel organic building blocks have been prepared and structurally investigated. Substituted hexaphenyl‐p‐xylene (1,4‐ditritylbenzene) as well as extended analogues thereof were prepared. Furthermore, a new family based on a 1,3,5‐tritritylbenzene motif, connecting three trityl groups through a formal mesitylene unit, was developed. Both families were further converted through six‐ and nine‐fold substitution reactions, respectively, to yield potent molecular building blocks for supramolecular assemblies.
COMPUTATION OF DISCHARGE THROUGH SIDE SLUICE GATE USING GENE‐EXPRESSION PROGRAMMING
Authors: Azamathulla H. M. , Ahmad Z. , Ab. Ghani Aminuddin
Published: November 2012

The existing equations for the computation of discharge through a sluice gate are derived based on the statistical approach and implicit in form. This paper presents an intelligent prediction of discharge through a side sluice gate under free flow conditions using gene‐expression programming (GEP), which is an extension of genetic programming (GP). Considering the flow through a side sluice gate as orifice flow, a closed form equation for the prediction of discharge is derived. The coefficient of discharge is related to the approximate Froude number in the main channel and the ratio of upstream depth and gate opening. The proposed equation for the coefficient of discharge using GEP and available existing data produces better results (R2 = 0.935 and RMSE = 0.0658) compared to the existing equations for the side sluice gate. The computed coefficient of discharge is within ±5% of those observed for the data used for the validation of the proposed equation. The average percentage error in the coefficient of discharge computed using proposed equation is of the order of 2.15. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Past and Future Directions in Content Area Literacies
Authors: Bean Tom , O'brien David
Published: November 2012

In this column, content area literacy scholars Tom Bean and David O'Brien challenge the older “infusion” model of content area literacy with its emphasis on generic strategies. Rather, they argue for and provide examples of projects that draw on the unique dimensions of various disciplines like history, science, and English, particularly in light of the Common Core State Standards. They offer alternative approaches that capitalize on students' interests in multimedia and the arts. Acknowledging the increasingly diverse dimensions of our classrooms and students' transnational experiences, Bean and O'Brien call for creative lesson and unit planning that engages students in preparation for global citizenship.
Rethinking Common Assumptions About Adolescents' Motivation to Use Technology In and Out of School
Authors: Jacobs Gloria E.
Published: November 2012

Research on youth use of multiliteracies and multimodal texts often imply that youth are inherently motivated by digital technologies. In this column, I consider the nature of research into motivation and multiliteracies. I suggest that the concepts of competence, autonomy, and relatedness should be integrated with a multilayered contextual conceptualization of motivation when applied to multiliteracies. Furthermore, I argue that educators and researchers should avoid the assumptions that all youth are digitally savvy and motivated by technology. Instead, I suggest that attending to an individual's need for connection, choice, and competence can lead educators to rethink their approaches to technology integration.
How Do You Do? Reading?
Authors: Sjostedt Catherine
Published: November 2012

This column features essays written by current middle school and high school teachers, media specialists, librarians, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, administrators, preservice teachers, teacher educators, and adolescent and adult learners. They highlight diverse perspectives on teaching and/or learning with literacies to inspire reader reflection.
It's Time to Turn the Digital Page: Preservice Teachers Explore E‐Book Reading
Authors: Larson Lotta C.
Published: November 2012

This article describes what happened when 49 preservice teachers participated in an e‐book reading experience in order to prepare them to teach with e‐books in K‐12 classrooms. In addition to examining the preservice teachers' digital reading behaviors and dispositions, this manuscript also examines reader factors and text factors of digital texts and their impact on comprehension; how K‐12 students and teachers utilize e‐books in today's classrooms; trends in e‐book technologies; and the reasons why new literacies in general, and e‐books in particular, should become part of a balanced literacy approach.
Visual and Digital Texts
Authors: Ash Gwynne Ellen
Published: November 2012

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult visual and digital texts and provides a valuable resource for visual and digital text selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
Professional Resources
Authors: Draper Roni Jo
Published: November 2012

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult professional resources and provides a valuable resource for professional resource selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
Ensembles to model the impact of urbanization for a summertime rainstorm process in Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Wan Hongchao , Zhong Zhong , Yang Xiuqun , Li Xunqiang
Published: November 2012

The impact of urbanization for a summertime rainstorm process in the Yangtze River Delta was investigated based on two 96 member ensembles using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Results show that the increase of precipitation mainly occurs downwind of the city belt in this region. The increase and decrease of precipitation forms two zigzag belts in the precipitation area. The t‐test illustrates that the discrepancies of near‐surface environment around the city belt, the precipitation downwind of the city belt as well as the atmospheric variables in the lower troposphere over the rain belt, caused by urbanization, is significant in such a short‐term rainstorm process. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
A study on the melting and crystallization of polyoxymethylene‐copolymer/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites
Authors: Pielichowska Kinga , Dryzek Ewa , Olejniczak Zbigniew , Pamuła Elżbieta , Pagacz Joanna
Published: November 2012

In this work, isothermal crystallization kinetics of polyoxymethylene copolymer (POM) in POM/hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocomposites has been investigated. Melting behavior and crystalline structure formation were studied using TOPEM DSC, positron lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and 13C and 31P solid‐state NMR. The highest degree of crystallinity was found for POM/0.5% HAp nanocomposite and the lowest for POM/2.5% HAp. Isothermal crystallization analysis showed that an introduction of HAp nanoparticles led to effective heterogeneous nucleation and formation of crystals with higher Avrami exponent. Besides, changes in overall crystallization rate were observed – the highest overall crystallization rate was found for POM/0.5% HAp sample, while the lowest for POM/2.5% HAp was observed. Generally, for POM in POM/HAp nanocomposites, a significant decrease in nucleation activation energy (Kg), and the fold surface free energy (σe) was found. For nanocomposite containing 2.5% HAp, heterogeneous nucleation takes place as well, but too high concentration of nanoparticles hinders POM crystallization and enhances formation of more defected crystals as confirmed by AFM data. The presence of HAp nanoparticles in the POM matrix was confirmed by 31P MAS‐NMR, but their influence on the crystallization process was not observed in the 13C CP‐MAS‐NMR spectra. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal aneuploidy screening by maternal plasma DNA sequencing: ‘False positive’ due to confined placental mosaicism
Authors: Choi H. , Lau T. K. , Jiang F. M. , Chan M. K. , Zhang H. Y. , Lo P. S. S. , Chen F. , Zhang L. , Wang W.
Published: November 2012

What's already known about this topic?

Non‐invasive prenatal testing by maternal plasma DNA sequencing is highly sensitive and specific in detecting fetal aneuploidies.

What does this study add?

We report a case of ‘false positive’ result of NIPT because of confined placental mosaicism.
hF‐measure: A new measurement for evaluating clusters in protein–protein interaction networks
Authors: Li Min , Wu Xuehong , Pan Yi , Wang Jianxin
Published: November 2012

Clustering of protein–protein interaction networks is one of the most prevalent methods for identifying protein complexes, detecting functional modules and predicting protein functions. In the past few years, many clustering methods have been proposed. However, it is still a challenging task to evaluate how well the protein clusters are identified. Even for two of the most popular measurements, F‐measure and p‐value, bias exists when evaluating the identified clusters. In this paper, we propose two new types of measurements to evaluate clusters more finely and distinctly. One is hF‐measureTf, a topology‐free measurement and another is hF‐measureTb, a topology‐based measurement. Unlike F‐measure, the new measurements of hF‐measureTf and hF‐measureTb can discriminate between different types of errors. Both artificial test data and practical test data were used to evaluate the effectiveness of hF‐measureTf and hF‐measureTb. For the artificial test data, artificial errors were generated by replacing some cluster members with functionally similar or non‐similar members. The practical test data was produced by seven clustering algorithms Markov Clustering, Molecular Complex Detection, HC‐PIN, SPICI, CPM, Core‐Attachment and RRW. The experimental results on artificial and practical test data both show that hF‐measureTf and hF‐measureTb evaluate clusters more accurately compared to F‐measure. Especially, hF‐measureTb can capture the topology changes in clusters, which can also be used to the analysis of dynamic network.