bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving pan-european hydrological simulation of extreme events through statistical bias correction of RCM-driven climate simulations
Authors: Rojas R. , Feyen L. , Dosio A. , Bavera D.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. In this work we asses the benefits of removing bias in climate forcing data used for hydrological climate change impact assessment at pan-European scale, with emphasis on floods. Climate simulations from the HIRHAM5-ECHAM5 model driven by the SRES-A1B emission scenario are corrected for bias using a histogram equalization method. As predictand for the bias correction we employ gridded interpolated observations of precipitation, average, minimum, and maximum temperature from the E-OBS data set. Bias removal transfer functions are derived for the control period 1961–1990. These are subsequently used to correct the climate simulations for the control period, and, under the assumption of a stationary error model, for the future time window 2071–2100. Validation against E-OBS climatology in the control period shows that the correction method performs successfully in removing bias in average and extreme statistics relevant for flood simulation over the majority of the European domain in all seasons. This translates into considerably improved simulations with the hydrological model of observed average and extreme river discharges at a majority of 554 validation river stations across Europe. Probabilities of extreme events derived employing extreme value techniques are also more closely reproduced. Results indicate that projections of future flood hazard in Europe based on uncorrected climate simulations, both in terms of their magnitude and recurrence interval, are likely subject to large errors. Notwithstanding the inherent limitations of the large-scale approach used herein, this study strongly advocates the removal of bias in climate simulations prior to their use in hydrological impact assessment.
Prediction of the date, magnitude and affected area of impending strong earthquakes using integration of multi precursors earthquake parameters
Authors: Saradjian M. R. , Akhoondzadeh M.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Usually a precursor alone might not be useful as an accurate, precise, and stand-alone criteria for the earthquake parameters prediction. Therefore it is more appropriate to exploit parameters extracted from a variety of individual precursors so that their simultaneous integration would reduce the parameters's uncertainty. In our previous studies, five strong earthquakes which happened in the Samoa Islands, Sichuan (China), L'Aquila (Italy), Borujerd (Iran) and Zarand (Iran) have been analyzed to locate unusual variations in the time series of the different earthquake precursors. In this study, we have attempted to estimate earthquake parameters using the detected anomalies in the mentioned case studies. Using remote sensing observations, this study examines variations of electron and ion density, electron temperature, total electron content (TEC), electric and magnetic fields and land surface temperature (LST) several days before the studied earthquakes. Regarding the ionospheric precursors, the geomagnetic indices Dst and Kp were used to distinguish pre-earthquake disturbed states from the other anomalies related to the geomagnetic activities. The inter-quartile range of data was utilized to construct their upper and lower bound to detect disturbed states outsides the bounds which might be associated with impending earthquakes. When the disturbed state associated with an impending earthquake is detected, based on the type of precursor, the number of days relative to the earthquake day is estimated. Then regarding the deviation value of the precursor from the undisturbed state the magnitude of the impending earthquake is estimated. The radius of the affected area is calculated using the estimated magnitude and Dobrovolsky formula. In order to assess final earthquake parameters (i.e. date, magnitude and radius of the affected area) for each case study, the earthquake parameters obtained from different earthquake precursors were integrated. In other words, for each case study using the median and inter-quartile range of earthquake parameters, the bounds of the final earthquake parameters were defined. For each studied case, a close agreement was found between the estimated and registered earthquake parameters.
Evaluation of Radiologically Implanted Central Venous Port Systems Explanted Due to Complications
Authors: Teichgräber Ulf K.M. , Kausche Stephan , Nagel Sebastian N.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate explantations of central venous port systems that were implanted by interventional radiologists in cases where complications demanded the removal of the port device.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center study, explantation rates of central venous port catheter systems (CVPS) associated with complications were investigated over a 10-year period. All CVPS were implanted and explanted in our radiology department's interventional suite. Port catheter dysfunctions were divided into early and late complications, as well as into nonthrombotic and thrombotic events. Indications for implantation and explantation as well as clinical demographics were considered.

Results

One hundred and ninety-three CVPS were removed from 182 patients, due to complications. The total indwelling time of all CVPS was 55,132 catheter-days (mean 285.7; range 1–2,704). The most common diagnoses were gastrointestinal cancers 77 (39.9%) and hematological malignancies 32 (16.6%). Bloodstream infections 134 (69.4%) were the most common indication for the explantation procedure. These were followed by catheter-related thrombosis 28 (14.5%), nonthrombotic CVPS dysfunction 18 (9.3%), port pocket infections 9 (4.7%), and others 4 (2.1%). The highest percentages of explantations related to bloodstream infections were observed in patients with malabsorption (81.8%) and hematological malignancies (81.3%).

Conclusion

Bloodstream infections were the most common cause for port explantation, followed by catheter-related thrombosis. Complication-related explantations were mainly for late-onset complications. Prevention and management strategies should be applied regarding care and usage of port systems to reduce the rate of complication-related explantations.
Herpes Encephalitis Masquerading as Tumor
Authors: Peeraully Tasneem , Landolfi Joseph C.
Published: April 2011

A 54 year old lady presented with lethargy and 15 kg weight loss over the past year. CT scan of the head revealed left temporal lobe hypodensity with a discrete area of hemorrhage within the left mesial temporal lobe. Due to concerns about impending central herniation, lumbar puncture was not performed. MRI of the brain showed a large lesion of the left temporal lobe, extending to the left frontal lobe, and very patchy meningeal enhancement. There was a noncontiguous lesion of the right insula. A differential diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) and multifocal infiltrative glioma was entertained. MR spectroscopy demonstrated an increased choline peak at the level of the medial left temporal lobe and MR perfusion demonstrated patchy areas of hyperperfusion within the left anterior temporal lobe, both suggestive of neoplastic disease. Following open brain biopsy, pathology revealed herpes simplex virus (HSV) positive nuclei in the cortex and subcortical white matter. As both herpes simplex encephalitis and low-grade glioma demontrate MRI findings of hypointensity on T1 images and hyperintensity on T2 images, the diagnosis of herpes encephalitis can be clouded by confounding factors, especially when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cannot be obtained.
Conformational Analysis in 18-Membered Macrolactones Based on Molecular Modeling
Authors: Belaidi Salah , Harkati Dalal
Published: April 2011

Conformational analysis of 18-ring membered macrolactones has been carried out using molecular mechanics calculations and molecular dynamics. A high conformational flexibility of macrolactones was obtained, and an important stereoselectivity was observed for the complexed macrolides. For 18d macrolactone, which was presented by a most favored conformer with 20.1% without complex, it was populated with 50.1% in presence of Fe(CO)3.
Congenital Paraesophageal Hernia with Intrathoracic Gastric Volvolus in Two Sisters
Authors: Al-Salem Ahmed H.
Published: April 2011

Congenital paraesophageal hernia is rare in infants and children. This paper describes our experience with seven infants and children with congenital paraesophageal hernia with emphasis on two sisters who presented with unusually large paraesophageal hernias and herniation of most of the stomach resulting in intrathoracic gastric volvolus. The literature on the subject is also reviewed.
Desaromatisierungsstrategien in der Synthese strukturell komplexer Naturstoffe
Authors: Roche Stéphane P. , Porco John A.
Published: April 2011

Auf dem Gebiet der Totalsynthese von Naturstoffen hat es in den vergangenen zehn Jahren hochinteressante Entwicklungen gegeben. Zahlreiche chemoselektive und enantioselektive Methoden sind aus Totalsynthesen hervorgegangen und ermöglichten einen effizienten Zugang zu vielen wichtigen Naturstoffen. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über neuere Entwicklungen bezüglich der Desaromatisierung, die eine leistungsfähige Strategie zur Totalsynthese von strukturell komplexen Naturstoffen ist und bei der planare aromatische Vorstufen in dreidimensionale Molekülstrukturen umgewandelt werden.
Predation of the juvenile stages of diadromous fish by sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in the tidal reaches of an English chalk stream
Authors: Riley William D. , Ibbotson Anton T. , Beaumont William R. C. , Pawson Michael G. , Cook Alastair C. , Davison Phillip I.
Published: April 2011

The first incidence of predation by the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) on lamprey ammocoetes and salmonid smolts is reported.

These preliminary findings suggest that there is a need for further investigation to determine if juvenile diadromous fish form a significant component of the diet of sea bass, and to identify whether the likelihood of enhanced abundance of sea bass in protected nursery areas presents a particular threat to the conservation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

This will require further sampling of the stomach contents of sea bass and estimates of the sea bass population in nursery areas to be determined, linked with an assessment of the impact of such predation on the conservation status of particular stocks of diadromous fish. © 2011 Crown copyright. Reproduced with the permission of her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the multiple roots of the Lundberg fundamental equation in the PH (n) risk model
Authors: Ji Lanpeng , Zhang Chunsheng
Published: April 2011

In the study of the Sparre Andersen risk model with phase‐type (n) inter‐claim times (PH (n) risk model), the distinct roots of the Lundberg fundamental equation in the right half of the complex plane and the linear independence of the eigenvectors related to the Lundberg matrix Lδ(s) play important roles. In this paper, we study the case where the Lundberg fundamental equation has multiple roots or the corresponding eigenvectors are linearly dependent in the PH (n) risk model. We show that the multiple roots of the Lundberg fundamental equation det[Lδ(s)] = 0 can be approximated by the distinct roots of the generalized Lundberg equation introduced in this paper and that the linearly dependent eigenvectors can be approximated by the corresponding linearly independent ones as well. Using this result we derive the expressions for the Gerber–Shiu penalty function. Two special cases of the generalized Erlang(n) risk model and a Coxian(3) risk model are discussed in detail, which illustrate the applicability of main results. Finally, we consider the PH(2) risk model and conclude that the roots of the Lundberg fundamental equation in the right half of the complex plane are distinct and that the corresponding eigenvectors are linearly independent. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow‐injection chemiluminescence method for the determination of chloramphenicol based on luminol–sodium periodate order‐transform second‐chemiluminescence reaction
Authors: Zhuang Ya‐Feng , Zhu Sheng‐Nan , Wei Wei , Li Jie‐Li
Published: April 2011

A new chemiluminescence (CL) reaction was observed when chloramphenicol solution was injected into the mixture after the end of the reaction of alkaline luminol and sodium periodate or sodium periodate was injected into the reaction mixture of chloramphenicol and alkaline luminol. This reaction is described as an order‐transform second‐chemiluminescence (OTSCL) reaction. The OTSCL method combined with a flow‐injection technique was applied to the determination of chloramphenicol. The optimum conditions for the order‐transform second‐chemiluminescence emission were investigated. A mechanism for OTSCL has been proposed on the basis of the chemiluminescence kinetic characteristics, the UV‐visible spectra and the chemiluminescent spectra. Under optimal experimental conditions, the CL response is proportional to the concentration of chloramphenicol over the range 5.0 × 10−7–5.0 × 10−5 mol/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.9969 and a detection limit of 6.0 × 10−8 mol/L (3σ). The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 11 repeated determinations of 5.0 × 10−6 mol/L chloramphenicol is 1.7%. The method has been applied to the determination of chloramphenicol in pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of metabolic profile of anti‐malarial trioxane CDRI 99/411 in rat liver microsomes using HPLC
Authors: Mishra Smriti , Manickavasagam Lakshmi , Jain Girish Kumar
Published: April 2011

CDRI 99/411 is a potent 1,2,4‐trioxane anti‐malarial candidate compound of the Central Drug Research Institute, India. This study aimed to conduct comprehensive in vitro metabolic investigations of CDRI 99/411 to corroborate its preclinical investigations. Preliminary in vitro metabolic investigations were performed to assess the metabolic stability [in vitro half‐life (t1/2) and in vitro hepatic intrinsic clearance (Clint)] of CDRI 99/411 in male Sprague–Dawley rat and human liver microsomes using validated high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector. The observed in vitro t1/2 of the compound in rat and human liver microsomes was 13 min with in vitro Clint 130.7 ± 25.0 μL/min/mg and 19 min with in vitro Clint 89.3 ± 17.40 μL/min/mg. These observations suggested moderate metabolic degradation and in vitro Clint with insignificant difference (p > 0.05) in the metabolic stability profile in rat and human. Hence, in vitro metabolic investigations were performed with rat liver microsomes. It was observed that CDRI 99/411 exhibited sigmoidal kinetics. At nonlinear regression (r ≥ 0.99) EC50 and Hill slope values were 17 µm and 1.50, respectively. The metabolism of CDRI 99/411 was primarily mediated by CYP3A2 and was inferred by CYP reaction phenotyping with known potent inhibitors. Two metabolites of CDRI 99/411 were detected which were undetectable on incubation with 1‐aminobenzotriazole and ketoconazole. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐line solid‐phase extraction LC‐MS/MS for the determination of Ac‐SDKP peptide in human plasma from hemodialysis patients
Authors: Inoue Koichi , Ikemura Ayaka , Tsuruta Yoshinari , Tsutsumiuchi Kaname , Hino Tomoaki , Oka Hisao
Published: April 2011

We developed a high‐throughput method based on on‐line solid‐phase extraction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SPE‐LC‐MS/MS) to determine N‐terminal thymosin‐β fragment peptide (N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline, Ac‐SDKP) in human plasma samples. Quantification of Ac‐SDKP was performed using direct injection for on‐line SPE based on C18, reversed‐phase LC separation and stable isotope dilution electrospray ionization‐MS/MS in multiple reaction‐monitoring (MRM) mode. The Ac‐SDKP‐13C6, 15N2 (m/z 496 → 137) was synthesized for the internal standard. The MRM ion for Ac‐SDKP was m/z 488 → 129 (quantitative ion)/226. The limit of detection and lower limit of quantitation were 0.05 and 0.1 ng/mL in standard solution, respectively. Recovery values were 98.3–100.4% with inter‐day (relative standard deviation, RSD, 0.4–14.1%) and intra‐day (RSD, 0.8–19.7%) assays. This method was applied to the measurement of Ac‐SDKP levels in plasma from hemodialyzed subjects. Concentrations were 0.59 ± 0.23 ng/mL (pre‐hemodialyzed subjects, n = 9) and 0.44 ± 0.19 ng/mL (post‐hemodialyzed subjects, n = 9). All plasma Ac‐SDKP levels were decreased by dialysis. Thus, plasma Ac‐SDKP was decreased through dialysis in chronic kidney disease. The findings in this study will be useful for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease with dialysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced Solid‐Phase Photocatalytic Degradation Activity of a Poly(vinyl chloride)‐TiO2 Nanocomposite Film with Bismuth Oxyiodide
Authors: Yang C. , Deng K. , Peng T. , Zan L.
Published: April 2011

A new type of photodegradable poly(vinyl chloride)‐bismuth oxyiodide/TiO2 (PVC‐BiOI/TiO2) nanocomposite film was prepared by embedding a nano‐TiO2 photocatalyst modified by BiOI into the commercial PVC plastic. The solid‐phase photocatalytic degradation behavior of the as‐prepared film was investigated in ambient air at room temperature under UV light irradiation, with the aid of UV‐Vis spectroscopy, weight loss monitoring, scanning electron microscopy, and FT‐IR spectroscopy. Compared to the PVC‐TiO2 nanocomposite film, the PVC‐BiOI nanocomposite film and the pure PVC film, the PVC‐BiOI/TiO2 nanocomposite film exhibited a higher photocatalytic degradation activity. The optimal mass ratio of BiOI to TiO2 was found to be 0.75 %. The weight loss rate of the PVC‐BiOI/TiO2 nanocomposite film reached 30.8 % after 336 h of irradiation, which is 1.5 times higher than that of the PVC‐TiO2 nanocomposite film under identical conditions. The solid‐phase photocatalytic degradation mechanism of the nanocomposite films was briefly discussed.
Stereo‐ and Regioselective Azide/Alkyne Cycloadditions in Carbonic Anhydrase II via Tethering, Monitored by Crystallography and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Schulze Wischeler Johannes , Sun Dong , Sandner Nicola U. , Linne Uwe , Heine Andreas , Koert Ulrich , Klebe Gerhard
Published: April 2011

The carbonic anhydrase II mutant His64Cys was prepared and applied to tethered alkyne/azide cycloaddition reactions. The azide component could be tethered to the enzyme surface through a disulfide bridge, while the alkyne component was reversibly coordinated through a sulfonamide anchor to the zinc ion in the original catalytic center of the enzyme. The incipient orientation of the reactants in the binding site and of the formed triazole product were characterized by crystallography. The reaction progression could be monitored by HPLC‐MS analysis.
Recent Progress in Coupling of Two Heteroarenes
Authors: Zhao Dongbing , You Jingsong , Hu Changwei
Published: April 2011

The biheteroaryl structural motif is prevalent in polymers, advanced materials, liquid crystals, ligands, molecules of medicinal interest, and natural products. Many types of synthetic transformations have been known for the construction of heteroaryl–heteroaryl linkages. Coupling reactions provide one of the most efficient ways to achieve these biheterocyclic structures. In this review, four types of coupling reactions are discussed: 1) transition‐metal‐catalyzed coupling reactions of heteroaryl halides or surrogates with heteroarylmetals; 2) direct inter‐ and intramolecular heteroarylations of CH bonds of heteroarenes with heteroaryl halides or pseudohalides; 3) oxidative CH/CH homo‐ and cross‐couplings of two unpreactivated heteroarenes; and 4) transition‐metal‐catalyzed decarboxylative cross‐coupling reactions between haloheteroarenes or heteroarenes and heteroarenecarboxylic acids. The general purpose of this review is to give an exhaustive and clear picture in heteroaryl–heteroaryl bond formation as well as its application in the synthesis of natural products, pharmaceuticals, catalyst ligands, and materials.
Computing subdominant unstable modes of turbulent plasma with a parallel Jacobi–Davidson eigensolver
Authors: Romero Eloy , Roman Jose E.
Published: April 2011

In the numerical solution of large‐scale eigenvalue problems, Davidson‐type methods are an increasingly popular alternative to Krylov eigensolvers. The main motivation is to avoid the expensive factorizations that are often needed by Krylov solvers when the problem is generalized or interior eigenvalues are desired. In Davidson‐type methods, the factorization is replaced by iterative linear solvers that can be accelerated by a smart preconditioner. Jacobi–Davidson is one of the most effective variants. However, parallel implementations of this method are not widely available, particularly for non‐symmetric problems. We present a parallel implementation that has been included in SLEPc, the Scalable Library for Eigenvalue Problem Computations, and test it in the context of a highly scalable plasma turbulence simulation code. We analyze its parallel efficiency and compare it with a Krylov–Schur eigensolver. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling of Carbon Erosion and Transport at Divertor Target Plate Using a Suite of Codes
Authors: Dai S. , Sun J. , Sang Ch. , Wang D. Z.
Published: April 2011

To investigate carbon‐based material erosion and ensuing eroded carbon species density distribution, a Particle‐In‐Cell Monte Carlo collision code plus a plasma‐surface interaction code were combined with a Monte Carlo impurity transport code ITCD. It is found that a “density hill” forms at a distance of 3‐4 mm from divertor target plate under certain circumstances: high plasma temperature, small incident angle and strength of the magnetic field. By means of the study with the combined code on several scenarios with different plasma temperatures, the incident angles and strengths of the magnetic field, the simulation results reveal that they have a significant influence on the chemical erosion of carbon‐based material and the spatial distribution of eroded carbon species density above divertor target plate: the eroded carbon species density is smaller at a lower plasma temperature; the scenario with smaller incident angle and greater strength of the magnetic field can reduce the chemical erosion of carbon‐based material and the eroded carbon species density above divertor target plate evidently (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of mixing on biogas production during mesophilic anaerobic digestion of screened dairy manure in a pilot plant
Authors: Rico Carlos , Rico José Luis , Muñoz Noelia , Gómez Beatriz , Tejero Iñaki
Published: April 2011

The effect of mixing on biogas production of a 1.5‐m3 pilot continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) processing screened dairy manure was evaluated. Mixing was carried out by recirculation of reactor content with a mono pump. The experiment was conducted at a controlled temperature of 37±1°C and hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 20 and 10 days. The effect of continuous and intermittent operation of the recirculation pump on biogas production was studied. At 10 days of HRT, the results showed a minimal influence of recirculation rate on biogas production and that continuous recirculation did not improve reactor performance. At 20 days of HRT, the recirculation rate did not affect reactor performance. Combination of low solid content in feed animal slurry and long HRTs results in minimal mixing requirements for anaerobic digestion.
Cloud water interception in the high altitude tree heath forest (Erica arborea L.) of Paul da Serra Massif (Madeira, Portugal)
Authors: Prada Susana , de Sequeira Miguel Menezes , Figueira Celso , Vasconcelos Rita
Published: April 2011

Cloud water interception (CWI) occurs when cloud droplets are blown against the forest canopy, where they are retained on the vegetation surface, forming larger water droplets that drip into the forest floor. CWI was measured from 1 October 1997 to 30 September 1999, on a first‐line tree heath (Erica arborea), at Bica da Cana, Madeira Island. Rainfall was corrected for wind‐loss effect and compared with throughfall and other climatological normals. The CWI depletion rate along a forest stand transect was also analysed during three distinct fog events in 2008. Cloud water was 28 mm day−1, corresponding to 68% of total throughfall and 190% of the gross precipitation. Cloud water correlates directly with monthly normals of fog days and wind speed and correlates inversely with the monthly air temperature normal. CWI has an exponential correlation with monthly relative humidity normal. Cloud water capture depletion along the stand shows a logarithmic decrease. Although a forest stand does not directly relate to a first‐line tree heath, this study shows that CWI is a frequent phenomenon in the Paul da Serra massif. Restoration and protection of high altitude ecosystems in Madeira should be a priority, not only for biodiversity, ecological and economical purposes but also for its role in regional water resources. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of ASTER GDEM and SRTM and their suitability in hydraulic modelling of a glacial lake outburst flood in southeast Tibet
Authors: Wang Weicai , Yang Xiaoxin , Yao Tandong
Published: April 2011

The resolution and accuracy of digital elevation models (DEMs) can affect the hydraulic simulation results for predicting the effects of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). However, for the Tibetan Plateau, high‐quality DEM data are often not available, leaving researchers with near‐global, freely available DEMs, such as the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model (ASTER GDEM) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data (SRTM) for hydraulic modelling. This study explores the suitability of these two freely available DEMs for hydraulic modelling of GLOFs. Our study focused on the flood plain of a potentially dangerous glacial lake in southeastern Tibet, to evaluate the elevation accuracy of ASTER GDEM and SRTM, and their suitability for hydraulic modelling of GLOFs. The elevation accuracies of ASTER GDEM and SRTM were first validated against field global position system (GPS) survey points, and then evaluated with reference to the relatively high precision of 1:50 000 scale DEM (DEM5) constructed from aerial photography. Moreover, the DEM5, ASTER GDEM and SRTM were used as basic topographic data to simulate peak discharge propagation, as well as flood inundation extent and depth in the Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System one‐dimensional hydraulic model. Results of the three DEM predictions were compared to evaluate the suitability of ASTER GDEM and SRTM for GLOF hydraulic modelling. Comparisons of ASTER GDEM and SRTM each with DEM5 in the flood plain area show root‐mean‐square errors between the former two as ± 15·4 m and between the latter two as ± 13·5 m. Although SRTM overestimates and ASTER GDEM underestimates valley floor elevations, both DEMs can be used to extract the elevations of required geometric data, i.e. stream centre lines, bank lines and cross sections, for flood modelling. However, small errors still exist in the cross sections that may influence the propagation of peak discharge. The flood inundation extent and mean water depths derived from ASTER GDEM predictions are only 2·2% larger and 2·3‐m deeper than that of the DEM5 predictions, whereas the SRTM yields a flood zone extent 6·8% larger than the DEM5 prediction and a mean water depth 2·4‐m shallower than the DEM5 prediction. The modelling shows that, in the absence of high‐precision DEM data, ASTER GDEM or SRTM DEM can be relied on for simulating extreme GLOFs in southeast Tibet. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early plasmapheresis followed by high‐dose γ‐globulin treatment saved a severely Rho‐incompatible pregnancy
Authors: Isojima Sakiko , Hisano Michi , Suzuki Teruaki , Sago Haruhiko , Murashima Atsuko , Yamaguchi Koushi
Published: April 2011

An alloimmunized pregnancy induces anemia in the fetus and can ultimately lead to fetal hydrops and intrauterine fetal death. A woman with a severe Rho‐incompatible pregnancy had experienced frequent pregnancies with fetomaternal transfusion without receiving RhIg and had high anti‐D antibody titers present from early pregnancy. We succeeded in long‐term inhibition of antibody production using plasmapheresis followed by high‐dose γ‐globulin treatment in early pregnancy. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How to find an optimum cluster size through topological site properties: MoSxmodel clusters
Authors: Silva Alexander M. , Borges Itamar
Published: April 2011

Computational investigations in catalysis frequently use model clusters to represent realistically the catalyst and its reaction sites. Detailed knowledge of the molecular charge, thus electronic density, of a cluster would then allow physical and chemical insights of properties and can provide a procedure to establish their optimum size for catalyst studies. For this purpose, an approach is suggested to study model clusters based on the distributed multipole analysis (DMA) of molecular charge properties. After full density functional theory (DFT) geometry optimization of each cluster, DMA computed from the converged DFT one‐electron density matrix allowed the partition of the corresponding cluster charge distribution into monopole, dipole, and quadrupole moments on the atomic sites. The procedure was applied to MoS2 model clusters Mo10S18, Mo12S26, Mo16S32, Mo23S48, and Mo27S54. This analysis provided detailed features of the charge distribution of each cluster, focused on the 1010 (Mo or metallic edge) and 1010 (sulfur edge) active planes. Properties of the Mo27S54 cluster, including the formation of HDS active surfaces, were extensively discussed. The effect of cluster size on the site charge distribution properties of both planes was evaluated. The results showed that the Mo16S32 cluster can adequately model both active planes of real size Mo27S54. These results can guide future computational studies of MoS2 catalytic processes. Furthermore, this approach is of general applicability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
New insights from hemichordate genomes: prebilaterian origin and parallel modifications in the paired domain of the Pax gene eyegone
Authors: Friedrich Markus , Caravas Jason
Published: April 2011

The evolutionary origin of the Drosophila Pax transcription factor gene eyegone (eyg) has long been enigmatic owing to the failure in detecting orthologs in other species and the unusual N‐terminal truncation of the DNA‐binding paired domain (PD). Based on the discovery of eyg orthologs in representatives of hemichordate phyla, we show that the origin of eyg predated metazoan diversification and that the PD experienced similar but independent N‐terminal modifications in the lineages to sea urchins and insects. Sequence conservation patterns further raise the possibility of persisting functionality in the N‐terminal PD of strongly modified eyg orthologs. Finally, we note that the evolutionary histories of eyg and the vertebrate Pax6 isoform 5a, which have been considered functional homologs, are not correlated. Taken together, these findings identify Drosophila eyg as the baptizing member of an ancient Pax gene subfamily and recommend abandoning its classification as Pax6(5a)‐related gene. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 316:387–392, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposing the true risks of capitation financed healthcare
Authors: Cox Thomas
Published: April 2011

Many healthcare finance mechanisms involve transferring uncertain costs to healthcare providers in lieu of fixed payments or global capitation. Global capitation violates basic principles of risk management through insurance. Risk‐theoretic analysis of capitation shows that risk disaggregation forces efficient providers to become inefficient insurers. Risk‐assuming providers face lower profitability and increased exposure to operating losses, and must reduce patient benefits. Global capitation causes inefficiency, increases healthcare costs, and threatens patient‐provider relationships.
Phonon deformation potentials for the corundum structure of sapphire
Authors: Zhu Wenliang , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: April 2011

A theoretical Raman polarization analysis is proposed for the corundum structure of sapphire (α‐Al2O3) and validation experiments conducted with the purpose of retrieving the full set of phonon deformation potentials (PDPs). From the theoretical side, the change in force constants under stress/strain has been expressed in matrix form, and close‐form solutions were obtained for the eigenvalues that take into account the local dependence of oblique phonons on crystallographic orientation (i.e. uncoupling the effects of local crystal orientation and stress tensor from the shifts of Raman bands). From the experimental side, controlled (uniaxial) stress fields were applied to sapphire parallelepiped bars (along known crystallographic axes) while Raman spectra were systematically recorded along the bar thickness. An untextured alumina polycrystal with fine grain size was also investigated according to the same procedure. As a result of this set of experiments, PDPs for both A1g and Eg vibrational bands could be retrieved. Validation of PDP constants was obtained by measuring the steeply graded stress fields developed ahead of a surface crack propagated along an arbitrary crystallographic direction in the R‐plane of the sapphire crystal. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ALLEVIATING THE INFERTILITY OF AN ACID SULPHATE SOIL BY USING GROUND BASALT WITH OR WITHOUT LIME AND ORGANIC FERTILIZER UNDER SUBMERGED CONDITIONS
Authors: Shazana M. A. R. S. , Shamshuddin J. , Fauziah C. I. , Syed Omar S. R.
Published: April 2011

A study was conducted into the alleviation of the infertility of an acid sulphate by using ground basalt with or without ground magnesium limestone (GML) and organic fertilizer. Fresh soils were treated with the amendments and subjected to two cycles of submergence and drying. The soil was dominated by kaolinite, mica and smectite. The untreated soil pH was <3·5 and solution Al was high. GML application at 4 t ha−1 was able to increase pH and subsequently reduced Al toxicity sufficiently to allow for rice growth. After 4 months of submergence, the pH of the sample treated with 4 t ground basalt ha−1 had increased from 3·61 to 3·94, with concomitant decrease of Al. In the same cycle, the soil pH increase was much higher (reaching 5·22). Ground basalt is thus comparable with GML as an acid soil ameliorant. Within the experimental period, the ground basalt had mostly disintegrated and dissolved. The solution pH had further increased (to 5·94) in the second cycle because of dissolution of more ground basalt. This means that it takes time for ground basalt to completely dissolve and consequently supply Ca, Mg, K and P to the growing crop in the field. Applying 0·25 t organic fertilizer ha−1 into the soil had no significant effect on either pH or Al. This form of organic matter (compost) contains essential nutrients. It is recommended that 4 t ground basalt should be applied in combination with 0·25 t organic fertilizer ha−1 a few months ahead of the growing season for maximal benefit. This study showed that ground basalt can be effectively used to ameliorate highly acidic soils. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Property blending relationships for binary mixtures of mineral oil and elektrionised vegetable oil: viscosity, solvent power, and seal compatibility index
Authors: Roegiers Michel , Zhmud Boris
Published: April 2011

The present study provides quantitative data on the physicochemical properties of binary mixtures of a special class of bio‐based lubricity additives — elektrionised vegetable oils — with various classes of mineral base oils. A specific emphasis is placed upon viscosity blending relationships, solubility and seal compatibility. Experimental data are rationalised using appropriate theoretical models, which can be readily applied to property blending practice.

It is shown that

For elektrionised vegetable oil/mineral oil binary systems, viscosity blending calculations can be guided by using Roegiers or Grunberg–Nissan blending equations. The Roegiers equation works especially well for systems showing large deviation from ideal behaviour.

Elektrionised vegetable oils can be used as mild solvency improvers for non‐conventional base oils produced by hydrocracking and isodewaxing technology or through gas‐to‐liquid conversion, Elektrion C (Elektrion s.a., Bruxelles, Belgium) being a more potent solvency improver than Elektrion R.

Elektrionised vegetable oils demonstrate good seal compatibility in combination with various mineral basestocks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion behavior of nanostructured Ni‐Si3N4 composite films: A study of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Li J. M. , Yin J. Y. , Cai C. , Zhang Z. , Li J. F. , Yang J. F. , Xue M. Z. , Liu Y. G.
Published: April 2011

Ni‐Si3N4 nanocomposite films with both the consecutive Ni crystallites and dispersed Si3N4 particles in the nanometer range have been fabricated using DC electroplating technique, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion resistance of the Ni‐Si3N4 nanocomposite film has been compared to that of pure Ni coating through polarization. Meanwhile, the corrosion process of Ni‐Si3N4 nanocomposite film in neutral 3.5% NaCl solution has been investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that the Ni‐Si3N4 nanocomposite film is more resistant to corrosion than the pure Ni coating. The corrosion of Ni‐Si3N4 nanocomposite film is controlled by electrochemical step, and the whole corrosion process is divided into two sequential stages. The main corrosion type of Ni‐Si3N4 nanocomposite films in neutral 3.5% NaCl solution is pitting.
The effect of TiO2 nanoparticle codeposition on microstructure and corrosion resistance of electroless NiP coating
Authors: Momenzadeh M. , Sanjabi S.
Published: April 2011

NiPTiO2 nanocomposite coatings with various contents of TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by adding TiO2 nanoparticles to NiP electroless plating solution. The effects of pH and anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the chemical composition of Ni, P, and TiO2 in the coatings were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDX), and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) were used to characterize the morphology, composition, and crystal structure of deposited coatings, respectively. The hardness of nanocomposite coatings was improved greatly compared to NiP coating especially after heat treatment. After heat treatment at 400 °C for 1 h, an increase in microhardness was observed for heat‐treated NiP coatings. The hardness was increased from 805 to 1050 Hv for NiPTiO2 coating deposited at 9 g/LTiO2 concentration in the bath. The corrosion resistance of NiPTiO2 coating was significantly increased compared to NiP coatings by incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticle.
Surface active and thermodynamic properties of some surfactants derived from locally linear and heavy alkyl benzene in relation to corrosion inhibition efficiency
Authors: Al‐Sabagh A. M. , Abd‐El‐Bary H. M. , El‐Ghazawy R. A. , Mishrif M. R. , Hussein B. M.
Published: April 2011

Linear and heavy alkyl benzene (HAB) were sulfonated with fuming sulfuric acid (oleum) and the sulfonated products were esterified with tri and poly ethanolamine (d = 4 and 6). The prepared three esters from each series were quaternized withn‐butyl bromide. The resulted six quaternized ester of linear and HAB sulfonate were named as (L1Q, L2Q, L3Q, H1Q, H2Q, and H3Q). The surface and thermodynamic properties of these compounds have been investigated. From the data obtained, it was found that surface tension and surface active properties for the HAB derivatives were better than which obtained from linear alkyl benzene (LAB) derivatives. From the results obtained from the surface activity, the best performance compound from each group was selected to study the corrosion inhibition efficiency of them relative to the surface activity. The obtained results show that the LAB derivative L3Q exhibited inhibition efficiency (93.1%) at 1000 ppm but H3Q exhibited (97%) at 600 ppm. The diversity of the resulted data obtained was discussed in the light of chemical structure of the alkyl benzene sulfonate.
Correlation between electrochemical impedance and current distribution of carbon steel under organic coating
Authors: Kong D. , Wang Y. , Zhang W. , Wang W. , Liu X. , Wang J.
Published: April 2011

The current distribution of carbon steel beneath intact organic coating exposed to 3.5% NaCl solution was investigated by the wire beam electrode (WBE) method. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of individual electrodes with high current was characterized to analyze the behavior of the coating degradation and metal corrosion at coating/metal interface. The polarity switch of the electrode under the coating was observed. The mechanism of coating degradation and carbon steel substrate corrosion was discussed from a point of electrochemical distribution.
Synthesis of imidazoline‐based dissymmetric bis‐quaternary ammonium gemini surfactant and its inhibition mechanism on Q235 steel in hydrochloric acid medium
Authors: Zhang J. , Gong X.‐L. , Song W.‐W. , Jiang B. , Du M.
Published: April 2011

An imidazoline‐based dissymmetric bis‐quaternary ammonium gemini surfactant has been synthesized. Its surface active properties at equilibrium in water at 25 °C were determined. The inhibitive effect of the compound on Q235 steel in 1 M hydrochloric solution was investigated by the weight‐loss method, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and quantum chemical calculations. The results indicate that the compound has high surface properties and the inhibition efficiency (IE) increases with the increase in inhibitor concentration, which attain the maximum value around the CMC value. The imidazoline‐based dissymmetric bis‐quaternary ammonium acts as a mixed type inhibitor mainly inhibiting the cathodic processes and does not change the mechanism of either hydrogen evolution reaction or mild steel dissolution. The best IE is obtained at the immersion time of 144 h. The adsorption of the studied inhibitor on Q235 steel can be fitted to a Langmuir isotherm and the adsorption process is a spontaneous chemical adsorption. Quantum chemistry calculation results show that the imidazoline ring and heteroatoms of N, O, are the active sites of the inhibitors.
Parallel numerical solution of the time‐harmonic Maxwell equations in mixed form
Authors: Li Dan , Greif Chen , Schötzau Dominik
Published: April 2011

We develop a fully scalable parallel implementation of an iterative solver for the time‐harmonic Maxwell equations with vanishing wave numbers. We use a mixed finite element discretization on tetrahedral meshes, based on the lowest order Nédélec finite element pair of the first kind. We apply the block diagonal preconditioning approach of Greif and Schötzau (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 2007;14(4):281–297), and use the nodal auxiliary space preconditioning technique of Hiptmair and Xu (SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 2007;45(6):2483–2509) as the inner iteration for the shifted curl–curl operator. Algebraic multigrid is employed to solve the resulting sequence of discrete elliptic problems. We demonstrate the performance of our parallel solver on problems with constant and variable coefficients. Our numerical results indicate good scalability with the mesh size on uniform, unstructured, and locally refined meshes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metaproteome analysis of sewage sludge from membrane bioreactors
Authors: Kuhn Ramona , Benndorf Dirk , Rapp Erdmann , Reichl Udo , Palese Luigi Leonardo , Pollice Alfieri
Published: April 2011

Microbial dynamics and enzymatic activities of activated sludge processes are not completely understood yet. A better understanding about the biology is indispensable for further process optimization. Since proteins play a key role as catalysts in sludge processes, a protocol for protein extraction and analysis by 2‐D PAGE was established. It is based on phenol extraction of alkaline extracts and on a subsequent precipitation with ammonium sulphate. 2‐D protein patterns obtained from different sludges collected from membrane bioreactors showed – besides common spots – significant differences. Selected proteins were identified with nano‐HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. All membrane biological reactor (MBR) sludge samples investigated in this study contained elastase 3A, which implies that this human serine protease is a significant constituent of municipal wastewater. Although the identification of proteins from ammonia‐oxidizing bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea was expected, the detection of a protein with homology to the marine bacterium Saprospira grandis in MBR1 was surprising.
Quantitative chemical proteomics in small‐scale culture of phorbol ester stimulated basal breast cancer cells
Authors: Dolai Sibasish , Xu Qiang , Liu Fei , Molloy Mark P.
Published: April 2011

Basal‐like breast cancers are commonly negative for expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER‐2 (triple‐negative breast cancer), which makes this subtype of breast cancers more aggressive and less responsive to standard treatment. We have applied a small‐scale chemical proteomics method using bisindolylmaleimide (Bis) class of protein kinase C inhibitors to study the Bis‐binding proteome in a cell culture model of basal breast carcinoma (MDA‐MB‐231). Using MS, we identified 174 proteins captured by the Bis‐probe in phorbol ester (PMA) stimulated cells. Gene ontology analysis broadly categorised these proteins as ATP binding (42%), GTP binding (6%) and having nucleoside‐triphosphatase activity (21%). Of the 64 enzymes captured by the Bis‐probe, the majority had either ATP and/or nucleotide binding functions. Two previously unreported Bis binding protein kinases, serine/arginine‐rich protein‐specific kinase 1 (SRPK1) and interferon‐induced RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) were observed. We then incorporated SILAC for quantitation to examine the proteins that were differentially captured by the Bis‐probe following 30 and 60 min PMA stimulation. This provided novel evidence for PMA regulation of the enzymes glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, nucleolar RNA helicase 2 and Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M.
Channel waveguides preserving luminescence features in Nd3+:Y2O3 ceramics produced by ultrafast laser inscription
Authors: Dong Ningning , Yao Yicun , Chen Feng , Vazquez de Aldana J. R.
Published: April 2011

We report on the Nd3+:Y2O3 ceramic optical channel waveguides produced by ultrafast laser inscription with a “double‐line” scheme. The confocal micro‐luminescence images reveal that the original fluorescence emission properties have not been affected by the laser filamentation, which means the original luminescence features have been well preserved in the waveguide volumes. The fabricated micro‐photonic structures emerge as promising candidates for integrated laser sources. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)