bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Trees in Smallholder Farmers' Agricultural Landscapes: A Case Study from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Lungu Gilbert , Ndeke Chilala , Umer Yusuf , Mume Abduletif Abdurahman , Hassen Abdi , Chavula Petros
Published: June 2024

Many developing countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, have focused on improving agricultural production at the farm level. Governments have implemented agricultural policies and acts to support various initiatives aimed at generating secure and affordable food for low- and middle-income populations. However, these policies can sometimes lead to more homogeneous landscapes, reducing the diversity of accessible food. As global demand for food increases, farmers are expanding their crops and livestock into new areas. Yet, the inclusion of trees in agricultural landscapes is crucial for maintaining diversity. The objective of this study was to synthesize the benefits of incorporating trees in smallholder farming systems in sub-Sahara Africa. Therefore, the study found increasing evidence that trees can enhance welfare among rural farming households, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa. Incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes offers numerous benefits, including improved household nutrition and food security through enhanced crop yields and diversified diets. These practices also support income generation and livelihood diversification, providing farmers with additional sources of revenue. Moreover, trees contribute to environmental benefits and ecosystem services such as soil fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration, which are crucial for climate change adaptation and resilience. Additionally, integrating trees fosters the preservation of cultural and traditional knowledge, while promoting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, ultimately creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system. Moreover, integrating trees into farming landscapes can help address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2—' No Poverty' and 'Zero Hunger'—by increasing crop yields. This study recommends enhanced awareness campaigns for incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes.
Enhancement of Oilseeds Crop Production through Micronutrient Fertilization: A Review
Authors: Kamaleshwaran R. , Elayaraja D.
Published: June 2024

Globally India is the fourth largest economy for oilseeds after United states, China and brazil. Oilseeds are grown over an area of 26.77 million ha in India, with the production of 33.55 million tons and productivity of 2549 kg ha-1, respectively. Oilseeds are majorly grown as rainfed crop especially by small and marginal farmers. Plants need micronutrients in small amounts for their growth and development. Iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (Cl) are some of them. Speciﬁc micronutrients in oilseeds are important for the translocation of photosynthates, increased seed set along with the translocation of sugar, pollen grain germination, stigma receptivity, amino acid and protein synthesis and finally boosting seed production.
Acupuncture Readiness Attitude Scale (ARAS): An Informal Screener for Patient Suitability for Acupuncture Treatment
Authors: Xie Guo-Hui , Tan Meng Kiat , Camulli Jennifer Erin , Koh Chin Aik
Published: June 2024

The Acupuncture Readiness Attitude (ARA) is a crucial component within the realm of acupuncture therapy. While the response expectancy of acupuncture - the anticipation of treatment effectiveness - is significant, the ARA plays a pivotal role. The ARA encompasses a patient’s willingness, openness, and readiness for acupuncture treatment, which can profoundly impact treatment outcomes. By prioritizing the ARA, acupuncture practitioners can enhance patient receptivity and ultimately contribute to the evolution of this ancient healing practice. This paper highlights the importance of considering the historical context in the development of acupuncture and stresses the requirement for a dedicated evaluator capable of assessing the ARA using an informal screener developed by the authors.
Neurotoxicology and Behavior
Authors: Boyes William K.
Published: January 2012

Neurotoxicity is important to consider as a component of occupational and environmental safety and health programs. The failure to do so has contributed to a number of cases in which workers, consumers of manufactured products, and people exposed in the environment were irreparably harmed by exposure to compounds that proved toxic to the nervous system. The field of neurotoxicology originated in response to several episodes of mass poisoning and developed through advances in clinical practice, scientific research, and regulatory actions. This chapter reviews broadly the development of the field of neurotoxicity and discusses some of the predominant current issues. The chapter includes an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, the response to injury, the evaluation of sensory, cognitive, and motor functions, and effects on emotionality, mood, and social conduct. Recently, there has been a growing emphasis on potential toxic effects on neurodevelopment and contributions to neurodegenerative diseases. Also, there is a large and growing effort to develop more rapid and cost‐efficient screening tests for potential neurotoxicity. A brief overview of some of the major classes of neurotoxic substances is provided including metals, solvents, pesticides, and persistent organic compounds. Finally, the need for programs to prevent neurotoxic illness is discussed.
Aluminum
Authors: Taiwo Oyebode A. , Storey‐Laubach Bernadette
Published: January 2012

The objective of this chapter is to provide a review of the health effects of aluminum, the most abundant metal and the third most abundant element in the earth's crust. Major topics covered include the physical and chemical properties of aluminum, pharmacokinetics, and aluminum toxicity in experimental and epidemiological studies. The medical literature on respiratory diseases attributable to aluminum exposure and the potential role of aluminum in the etiology of various neurological disorders are discussed. A brief overview of aluminum nanoparticles is also discussed.
Manganese and Rhenium
Authors: Santonen Tiina , Aitio Antero
Published: January 2012

Manganese is chemically reactive metal with physical characteristics varying from hard and brittle to soft and flexible. Main use of manganese is in steel production. The major non‐metallurgical use of manganese is as manganese dioxide for producing dry‐cell batteries. Organic manganese compounds include methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl used as an additive to gasoline, ethylene‐bis‐dithiocarbamate pesticides maneb and mancozeb, and an image enhancer manganese dipyridoxyl diphosphate. Main health hazard of manganese is neurotoxicity. Recent epidemiological studies show that subtle neurobehavioral effects, including fine deficits in motor performance and in attention, can be seen at exposure levels of ≥0.02–0.03 mg Mn/m3as respirable dust. Rhenium is characterized by a very high melting temperature and density. Very few data exist on the toxicity of rhenium.
Consensus treatment plans for new‐onset systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Dewitt Esi Morgan , Kimura Yukiko , Beukelman Timothy , Nigrovic Peter A. , Onel Karen , Prahalad Sampath , Schneider Rayfel , Stoll Matthew L. , Angeles‐Han Sheila , Milojevic Diana , Schikler Kenneth N. , Vehe Richard K. , Weiss Jennifer E. , Weiss Pamela , Ilowite Norman T. , Wallace Carol A. ,   on behalf of the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Disease‐specific Research Committee of the Childhood Arthritis Rheumatology and Research Alliance
Published: January 2012

Objective

There is wide variation in therapeutic approaches to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) among North American rheumatologists. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of the diverse therapeutic options available for treatment of systemic JIA can result in better health outcomes. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) developed consensus treatment plans and standardized assessment schedules for use in clinical practice to facilitate such studies.

Methods

Case‐based surveys were administered to CARRA members to identify prevailing treatments for new‐onset systemic JIA. A 2‐day consensus conference in April 2010 employed modified nominal group technique to formulate preliminary treatment plans and determine important data elements for collection. Followup surveys were employed to refine the plans and assess clinical acceptability.

Results

The initial case‐based survey identified significant variability among current treatment approaches for new‐onset systemic JIA, underscoring the utility of standardized plans to evaluate comparative effectiveness. We developed 4 consensus treatment plans for the first 9 months of therapy, as well as case definitions and clinical and laboratory monitoring schedules. The 4 treatment regimens included glucocorticoids only, or therapy with methotrexate, anakinra, or tocilizumab, with or without glucocorticoids. This approach was approved by >78% of the CARRA membership.

Conclusion

Four standardized treatment plans were developed for new‐onset systemic JIA. Coupled with data collection at defined intervals, use of these treatment plans will create the opportunity to evaluate comparative effectiveness in an observational setting to optimize initial management of systemic JIA.
The caloric restriction paradigm: Implications for healthy human aging
Authors: Anderson Rozalyn M. , Weindruch Richard
Published: January 2012

Underlying the importance of research on the biology of aging is the fact that many nations face the demographic reality of a rapidly aging populace and the looming healthcare challenges that it brings. This reality is a result of aging itself being the most significant risk factor for a range of the most prevalent diseases, including many cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Accordingly, interventions are sorely needed that would be able to delay or prevent diseases and disorders associated with the aging process and thereby increase the period of time that aging individuals are in good health (the health‐span). Caloric restriction (CR) has emerged as a model of major interest as it is widely agreed that CR is the most potent environmental intervention that delays the onset of aging and extends life span in diverse experimental organisms. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which CR delays aging will reveal new insights into the aging process and the underlying causes of disease vulnerability with age. These novel insights will allow the development of novel treatments and preventive measures for age‐associated diseases and disorders. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of amorphous carbon nanofilm by magneto‐luminous polymerization
Authors: Yasuda Hirotsugu
Published: January 2012

The method and mechanisms to convert methane in gas phase into nanofilm of amorphous carbon; a unique method described as “magneto‐luminous polymerization, and characteristic features of such films, with particular emphasis on biocompatibility imparting onto conventional materials, are described. The first key issue is the dissociation of methane in a mode of electrical discharge under the influence of magnetic field to create “magneto‐luminous” gas phase in which the deposition of amorphous carbon nanofilm occurs. The amorphous carbon nanofilms (10–30 nm) have unique feature that the carbon film has no chemical functional group, which could cause various forms of interfacial interactions with surrounding medium, particularly with biological systems. Such a nanofilm could provide a great potential of imparting biocompatibility to various (metallic, ceramic, and polymeric) functional implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation of chitosan‐based flocculant for high density waste drilling mud solid–liquid separation
Authors: Zhu Hong , Sun Haiyun , Wang Fanghui , Zou Jing , Fan Jiantao
Published: January 2012

High performance flocculant was prepared by chitosan (CS), ethacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC), and acrylamide (AM). The optimum preparation conditions were determined by orthogonal test of four factors and three levels. The different factors affecting the flocculating ability of the prepared flocculants for waste drilling mud were studied, and optimal synthesis conditions were established: polymerization temperature was 60, reaction time was 4 h, DMC was 3 mL, w(AM) : w(CS) was 4, and the initiator was 0.4% of AM (wt %). The prepared CS–AM–DMC copolymer was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results showed that AM, DMC were grafted to CS successfully. The solid–liquid separation properties were also investigated, and the prepared flocculant showed great advantages than commercial products for high density waste drilling mud use. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Study of the effect of modified and pristine carbon nanotubes on the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films
Authors: Konidari M. V. , Soulas D. N. , Papadokostaki K. G. , Sanopoulou M.
Published: January 2012

Nanocomposites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in pristine form, or modified with poly (sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate), were prepared in the form of films. The effect of SWNTs modification on their dispersion in the polymer matrix and on certain properties of the resulting composites, including tensile mechanical and thermal properties and swelling ability upon exposure to various moisture levels was studied. The composite films based on the modified SWNTs: (i) were characterized by a much higher degree of transparency up to 10%w/w loads, due to better dispersion, (ii) presented a higher hydrophilicity, and (iii) tended to promote thermal degradation of PVA to a lesser extent, as compared with the composites based on pristine SWNTs. A reinforcing effect was observed for the dry, 1% and 2.5% w/w modified‐SWNTs–PVA nanocomposites, without serious detrimental effects on the elongation at break. The effect of moisture on the mechanical properties was more intense in the case of composites based on modified SWNTs, as compared with those based on pristine SWNTs, in line with the observed higher hydrophilicity in the former case. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Hypothesis: Terminal transverse limb defects with “nubbins” represent a regenerative process during limb development in human fetuses
Authors: Gardiner David M. , Holmes Lewis B.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

Terminal transverse limb defects with nubbins occur in one arm at one of several levels (distal humerus, proximal forearm, wrist, and at the metacarpal‐phalangeal joint in the hand). The associated nubbins contain osteocartilaginous tissue and small nails and are not associated with evidence of amnion disruption.

METHODS

We present affected newborn infants whose terminal transverse limb defects are at one of these three levels: proximal forearm, elbow, or metacarpal‐phalangeal joint.

RESULTS

We hypothesize that the presence of residual digit‐like structures reflects a regenerative process that has occurred during limb development in these infants.

DISCUSSION

Only limited regeneration of digit‐like structures can occur in the human fetus. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nine new twin pairs with esophageal atresia: A review of the literature and performance of a twin study of the disorder
Authors: Schulz Anna Carina , Bartels Enrika , Stressig Rüdiger , Ritgen Jochen , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Mattheisen Manuel , Draaken Markus , Ludwig Michael , Bagci Soyhan , Müller Andreas , Gembruch Ulrich , Geipel Annegret , Berg Christoph , Heydweiller Andreas , Bachour Haitham , Schumacher Johannes , Bartmann Peter , Nöthen Markus M. , Reutter Heiko
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

Isolated esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare congenital malformation whose etiology remains largely unknown. Nine twin pairs with EA were identified from our clinical service, prompting the performance of a systematic review of the literature and the first reported twin study of isolated EA.

METHODS

A total of 330 twin pairs with EA were identified from the literature. The zygosity, concordance, and malformation (isolated vs. nonisolated) status of all 339 twin pairs were evaluated. A total of 72 twin pairs (4 of 9 / 68 of 330) fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in a classic twin study of isolated EA.

RESULTS

The pairwise concordance rates were 50% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34–66%) for monozygous (MZ) twin pairs and 26% (95% CI, 15–42%) for dizygous (DZ) twin pairs (p = 0.033). The probandwise concordance rates were 67% (95% CI, 53–78%) for MZ twin pairs and 42% (95% CI, 29–56%) for DZ twin pairs (p = 0.011). The MZ/DZ ratios were 1.9 for pairwise analysis and 1.6 for probandwise analysis. The familial risk ratios for MZ and DZ twin pairs were 1700 and 900, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The observation of higher concordance rates for MZ compared to DZ twin pairs indicates that genetic factors contribute to isolated EA. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyaluronan differently modulates TLR‐4 and the inflammatory response in mouse chondrocytes
Authors: Campo Giuseppe M. , Avenoso Angela , D'Ascola Angela , Prestipino Vera , Scuruchi Michele , Nastasi Giancarlo , Calatroni Alberto , Campo Salvatore
Published: January 2012

Hyaluronic acid (HA) may exert different action depending on its degree of polymerization. Small HA fragments induce proinflammatory responses, while highly polymerized HA exerts a protective effect in inflammatory pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis. In both cases the toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) seems to be involved in the modulation of the inflammation process. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of short HA oligosaccharides (HA 4‐mers) and high molecular weight HA (HMWHA) in the inflammatory response in normal mouse chondrocytes. Messenger RNA and related protein levels were measured for TLR‐4, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1beta), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) in cells with and without the addition of HA. NF‐kB activation was also evaluated. 4‐mer HA treatment produced a significant up‐regulation of all parameters considered while HMWHA did not exert any activity in untreated cells although it was able to reduce the effects of 4‐ mers HA significantly. Specific TLR‐4 small interference RNA (siRNA) was used to confirm TLR‐4 as the target of HA action. This study suggests that HA may modulate proinflammatory cytokines via its different degree of polymerization and inflammatory action may be modulated as a result of the interaction between HA and TLR‐4. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Utilization of Multiple Waste Streams for Acid Gas Sequestration and Multi‐Pollutant Control
Authors: Soong Y. , Dilmore R. M. , Hedges S. W. , Howard B. H. , Romanov V.
Published: January 2012

A novel CO2 sequestration concept is reported that combines SO2 removal and CO2 capture and sequestration, using a bauxite‐processing residue which is a waste product and with waste brine water from oil/gas production. The bauxite residue/brine mixture of 46/54 v/v exhibited a CO2 sequestration capacity of > 0.078 mol L–1 when exposed to pure CO2 at 20 °C and 2.73 MPa. At a higher temperature of 140 °C, a bauxite residue/brine mixture of 80/20 v/v indicated a CO2 sequestration capacity of > 0.094 mol L–1 when exposed to pure CO2 at 3.85 MPa. Under the same reaction conditions, an identical ratio of reaction mixture exposed to simulated flue gas at a similar initial pressure was capable of sequestering 0.16 mol of CO2 and > 99.9 % of the applied SO2. Calcite formation was verified as a product of bauxite/brine mixture carbonation. The caustic bauxite residues (pH 12.5–13.5) and acidic wastewater brine (pH 3–5) are also effectively neutralized after participating as reactive reagents in the conceptual process.
Carbon Stripping – A Critical Process Step in Chemical Looping Combustion of Solid Fuels
Authors: Kramp M. , Thon A. , Hartge E.‐U. , Heinrich S. , Werther J.
Published: January 2012

In chemical looping combustion of solid fuels the well‐mixed solids flow from the fuel reactor consisting of char, ash, and oxygen carrier particles cannot be completely separated into its constituents before it enters the air reactor. The slip of carbon will thus lead to char oxidation in the wrong reactor. Process simulation was applied to investigate the carbon stripping process in chemical looping combustion of solid fuels. Depending on the fuel choice, without carbon stripping CO2 capture rates below 50 % are calculated for 4 min of solids residence time in the fuel reactor. In a process with carbon stripper, however, CO2 capture rates exceeding 90 % can be achieved for both fuels investigated in this work.
Computer‐aided prediction of toxicity with substructure pattern and random forest
Authors: Cao Dong‐Sheng , Yang Yan‐Ning , Zhao Jian‐Chao , Yan Jun , Liu Shao , Hu Qian‐Nan , Xu Qing‐Song , Liang Yi‐Zend
Published: January 2012

Toxicity of chemicals induced by different factors is an important consideration, especially during the drug research and development process. Thus, there is urgent need to develop computationally effective models that can predict the toxicity or adverse effects of chemicals for a specific class of chemicals. In this study, random forest (RF) was used to classify five toxicity data sets from Distributed Structure‐Searchable Toxicity database network, using substructure fingerprints calculated directly from simple molecular structure. Three model validation approaches, out‐of‐bag validation incorporated in RF, fivefold cross‐validation, and an independent validation set, were used for assessing the prediction capability of our models. The chemical space analysis of data sets was explored by multidimensional scaling plots, and outlying molecules were also detected by the proximity measure in RF. At the same time, the important substructure fingerprints, recognized by the RF technique, gave some insights into the structure features related to toxicity of chemicals. The results obtained showed that these in silico classification models with substructure patterns and RF are applicable for potential toxicity prediction of chemical compounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boosting partial least‐squares discriminant analysis with application to near infrared spectroscopic tea variety discrimination
Authors: Tan Shi‐Miao , Luo Rui‐Min , Zhou Yan‐Ping , Xu Hui , Song Dan‐Dan , Ze Tan , Yang Tian‐Ming , Nie Yan
Published: January 2012

In the present study, boosting has been combined with partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) to develop a new pattern recognition method called boosting partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (BPLS‐DA). BPLS‐DA is implemented by firstly constructing a series of PLS‐DA models on the various weighted versions of the original calibration set and then combining the predictions from the constructed PLS‐DA models to obtain the integrative results by weighted majority vote. Coupled with near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, BPLS‐DA has been applied to discriminate different kinds of tea varieties. As comparisons to BPLS‐DA, the conventional principal component analysis, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and PLS‐DA have also been investigated. Experimental results have shown that the inter‐variety difference can be accurately and rapidly distinguished via NIR spectroscopy coupled with BPLS‐DA. Moreover, the introduction of boosting drastically enhances the performance of an individual PLS‐DA, and BPLS‐DA is a well‐performed pattern recognition technique superior to LDA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Response of Mesoporous Silicon to Adsorbants with Nitro Groups
Authors: McLeod John A. , Kurmaev Ernst Z. , Sushko Peter V. , Boyko Teak D. , Levitsky Igor A. , Moewes Alexander
Published: January 2012

We demonstrate that the electronic structure of mesoporous silicon is affected by adsorption of nitro‐based explosive molecules in a compound‐selective manner. This selective response is demonstrated by probing the adsorption of two nitro‐based molecular explosives (trinitrotoluene and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine) and a nonexplosive nitro‐based aromatic molecule (nitrotoluene) on mesoporous silicon using soft X‐ray spectroscopy. The Si atoms strongly interact with adsorbed molecules to form SiO and SiN bonds, as evident from the large shifts in emission energy present in the Si L2,3 X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES) measurements. Furthermore, we find that the energy gap (band gap) of mesoporous silicon changes depending on the adsorbant, as estimated from the Si L2,3 XES and 2p X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. Our ab initio molecular dynamics calculations of model compounds suggest that these changes are due to spontaneous breaking of the nitro groups upon contacting surface Si atoms. This compound‐selective change in electronic structure may provide a powerful tool for the detection and identification of trace quantities of airborne explosive molecules.
Hydroxylation of Aromatics with the Help of a Non‐Haem FeOOH: A Mechanistic Study under Single‐Turnover and Catalytic Conditions
Authors: Thibon Aurore , Jollet Véronique , Ribal Caroline , Sénéchal‐David Katell , Billon Laurianne , Sorokin Alexander B. , Banse Frédéric
Published: January 2012

Ferric–hydroperoxo complexes have been identified as intermediates in the catalytic cycle of biological oxidants, but their role as key oxidants is still a matter of debate. Among the numerous synthetic low‐spin FeIII(OOH) complexes characterized to date, [(L52)Fe(OOH)]2+ is the only one that has been isolated in the solid state at low temperature, which has provided a unique opportunity for inspecting its oxidizing properties under single‐turnover conditions. In this report we show that [(L52)Fe(OOH)]2+ decays in the presence of aromatic substrates, such as anisole and benzene in acetonitrile, with first‐order kinetics. In addition, the phenol products are formed from the aromatic substrates with similar first‐order rate constants. Combining the kinetic data obtained at different temperatures and under different single‐turnover experimental conditions with experiments performed under catalytic conditions by using the substrate [1,3,5‐D3]benzene, which showed normal kinetic isotope effects (KIE>1) and a notable hydride shift (NIH shift), has allowed us to clarify the role played by FeIII(OOH) in aromatic oxidation. Several lines of experimental evidence in support of the previously postulated mechanism for the formation of two caged FeIV(O) and OH. species from the FeIII(OOH) complex have been obtained for the first time. After homolytic OO cleavage, a caged pair of oxidants [FeIVO+HO.] is generated that act in unison to hydroxylate the aromatic ring: HO. attacks the ring to give a hydroxycyclohexadienyl radical, which is further oxidized by FeIVO to give a cationic intermediate that gives rise to a NIH shift upon ketonization before the final re‐aromatization step. Spin‐trapping experiments in the presence of 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline N‐oxide and GC‐MS analyses of the intermediate products further support the proposed mechanism.
Annual banned‐substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing
Authors: Thevis Mario , Kuuranne Tiia , Geyer Hans , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: January 2012

International anti‐doping efforts are harmonized and regulated under the umbrella of the World Anti‐Doping Code and the corresponding Prohibited List, issued annually by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). The necessity for a frequent and timely update of the Prohibited List (as the result of a comprehensive consultation process and subsequent consensual agreement by expert panels regarding substances and methods of performance manipulation in sports) is due to the constantly growing market of emerging therapeutics and thus new options for cheating athletes to illicitly enhance performance. In addition, ‘tailor‐made’ substances arguably designed to undermine sports drug testing procedures are considered and the potential of established drugs to represent a doping substance is revisited in light of recently generated information. The purpose of the annual banned substance review is to support doping controls by reporting emerging and advancing methods dedicated to the detection of known and recently outlawed substances. This review surveys new and/or enhanced procedures and techniques of doping analysis together with information relevant to doping controls that has been published in the literature between October 2010 and September 2011. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Xenopus white papers and resources: Folding functional genomics and genetics into the frog
Authors: Khokha Mustafa K.
Published: January 2012

The frog Xenopus has been vital for biomedical science for over 80 years, contributing to diverse fields from cell signaling, cell and developmental biology, to ion channel physiology and toxicology. Its experimentally manipulable oocytes and embryos provide abundant material for molecular and biochemical approaches for a wide range of gene discovery and protein function studies. In recent years, the Xenopus community has invested in key resources for functional genomics, including genome‐wide full‐length cDNA collections and genome assemblies as well as genetic tools. These assets combine with Xenopus' extensive range of functional assays to create exciting new research avenues with medical as well as basic applications. This review describes how these resources were developed and what new tools are on the horizon. genesis 50:133–142, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of an SMA‐based hybrid control device to 20‐story nonlinear benchmark building
Authors: Ozbulut Osman E. , Hurlebaus Stefan
Published: January 2012

This paper investigates the seismic response control of a 20‐story nonlinear benchmark building with a new recentering variable friction device (RVFD). The RVFD combines energy dissipation capabilities of a variable friction damper (VFD) with the recentering ability of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The VFD that is the first subcomponent of the hybrid device consists of a friction generation unit and piezoelectric actuators. The clamping force of the VFD can be adjusted according to the current level of ground motion by adjusting the voltage level of piezoelectric actuators. SMA wires that exhibit a unique hysteretic behavior and full shape recovery after experiencing large strains is the second subcomponent of the hybrid device. Numerical simulations of a seismically excited 20‐story benchmark building are conducted to evaluate the performance of the hybrid device. A continuous hysteretic model is used to capture frictional behavior of the VFD and a neuro‐fuzzy model is employed to describe highly nonlinear behavior of the SMA components of the hybrid device. A fuzzy logic controller is developed to adjust the voltage level of VFDs for favorable performance in an RVFD hybrid application. Results show that the RVFD modulated with a fuzzy logic control strategy can effectively reduce interstory drifts and permanent deformations without increasing acceleration response of the benchmark building for most cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and functional changes in gill mitochondrial membranes from the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to tri-n-butyltin
Authors: Fiorini Rosamaria , Pagliarani Alessandra , Nesci Salvatore , Pirini Maurizio , Tucci Elisabetta , Ventrella Vittoria
Published: January 2012

The use of tributyltin (TBT) as a biocide in antifouling paints leads to a ruinous input of this contaminant in the aquatic environment. Human exposure to TBT mainly occurs through ingestion of contaminated seafood such as filter-feeding mollusks. Tributyltin is known to act as a membrane-active toxicant on several targets, but especially on the mitochondria, and by several mechanisms. The effects of tributyltin on fatty acid composition, on Mg-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities, and on the membrane physical state were investigated in gill mitochondrial membranes from cultivated mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to 0.5 µg/L and 1.0 µg/L TBT and unexposed for 120 h. The higher TBT exposure dose induced a decrease in the total and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially 22:6 n-3, and an activation of the oligomycin-sensitive Mg-ATPase. Both TBT concentrations decreased mitochondrial membrane polarity detected by Laurdan steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. These findings may help cast light on the multiple modes of action of this toxicant. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:877–884. © 2012 SETAC
Efficient augmented Lagrangian‐type preconditioning for the Oseen problem using Grad‐Div stabilization
Authors: Heister Timo , Rapin Gerd
Published: January 2012

Efficient preconditioning for Oseen‐type problems is an active research topic. We present a novel approach leveraging stabilization for inf‐sup stable discretizations. The Grad‐Div stabilization shares the algebraic properties with an augmented Lagrangian‐type term. Both simplify the approximation of the Schur complement, especially in the convection‐dominated case. We exploit this for the construction of the preconditioner. Solving the discretized Oseen problem with an iterative Krylov‐type method shows that the outer iteration numbers are retained independent of mesh size, viscosity, and finite element order. Thus, the preconditioner is very competitive. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural gas matters: LNG exports still causing debate
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: January 2012

Right before the holidays, the Wall Street Journal published a widely discussed article recounting the status of proposals to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, and the concerns of the industrial community as to the price impact of doing so.1 The article cited work done by my firm, in support of one of the applications at the Department of Energy (DOE), as authority for the notion that the combined proposed exports would have a significant upward price impact.
Functional architecture of the cortico‐basal ganglia circuitry during motor task execution: Correlations of strength of functional connectivity with neuropsychological task performance among female subjects
Authors: Marchand William R. , Lee James N. , Suchy Yana , Garn Cheryl , Chelune Gordon , Johnson Susanna , Wood Nicole
Published: January 2012

The primary aim of this study was to enhance our understanding of the functional architecture of the cortico‐basal ganglia circuitry during motor task execution. Twenty right‐handed female subjects without any history of neuropsychiatric illness underwent fMRI at 3 T. The activation paradigm was a complex motor task completed with the nondominant hand. Analyses of functional connectivity strength were conducted for pairs of structures in input, intrinsic, and output segments of the circuitry. Next, connectivity strengths were correlated with results of neurocognitive testing conducted outside of the scanner, which provided information about both motor and cognitive processes. For input pathways, results indicate that SMA–striatum interactions are particularly relevant for motor behavior and disruptions may impact both motor and cognitive functions. For intrinsic pathways, results indicate that thalamus (VA nucleus) to striatum feedback pathway appears to have an important role during task execution and carries information relevant for motor planning. Together, these findings add to accumulating evidence that the GPe may play a role in higher order basal ganglia processing. A potentially controversial finding was that strong functional connectivity appears to occur across intrinsic inhibitory pathways. Finally, output (thalamus to cortex) feedback was only correlated with motor planning. This result suggests circuit processes may be more relevant for future behaviors than the execution of the current task. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Task‐dependent activations of human auditory cortex to prototypical and nonprototypical vowels
Authors: Harinen Kirsi , Aaltonen Olli , Salo Emma , Salonen Oili , Rinne Teemu
Published: January 2012

Research in auditory neuroscience has largely neglected the possible effects of different listening tasks on activations of auditory cortex (AC). In the present study, we used high‐resolution fMRI to compare human AC activations with sounds presented during three auditory and one visual task. In all tasks, subjects were presented with pairs of Finnish vowels, noise bursts with pitch and Gabor patches. In the vowel pairs, one vowel was always either a prototypical /i/ or /ae/ (separately defined for each subject) or a nonprototype. In different task blocks, subjects were either required to discriminate (same/different) vowel pairs, to rate vowel “goodness” (first/second sound was a better exemplar of the vowel class), to discriminate pitch changes in the noise bursts, or to discriminate Gabor orientation changes. We obtained distinctly different AC activation patterns to identical sounds presented during the four task conditions. In particular, direct comparisons between the vowel tasks revealed stronger activations during vowel discrimination in the anterior and posterior superior temporal gyrus (STG), while the vowel rating task was associated with increased activations in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL). We also found that AC areas in or near Heschl's gyrus (HG) were sensitive to the speech‐specific difference between a vowel prototype and nonprototype during active listening tasks. These results show that AC activations to speech sounds are strongly dependent on the listening tasks. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disturbed cortico‐subcortical interactions during motor task switching in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Leunissen Inge , Coxon James P. , Geurts Monique , Caeyenberghs Karen , Michiels Karla , Sunaert Stefan , Swinnen Stephan P.
Published: January 2012

The ability to suppress and flexibly adapt motor behavior is a fundamental mechanism of cognitive control, which is impaired in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Here, we used a combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion weighted imaging tractography to study changes in brain function and structure associated with motor switching performance in TBI. Twenty‐three young adults with moderate‐severe TBI and twenty‐six healthy controls made spatially and temporally coupled bimanual circular movements. A visual cue signaled the right hand to switch or continue its circling direction. The time to initiate the switch (switch response time) was longer and more variable in the TBI group and TBI patients exhibited a higher incidence of complete contralateral (left hand) movement disruptions. Both groups activated the basal ganglia and a previously described network for task‐set implementation, including the supplementary motor complex and bilateral inferior frontal cortex (IFC). Relative to controls, patients had significantly increased activation in the presupplementary motor area (preSMA) and left IFC, and showed underactivation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) region. This altered functional engagement was related to the white matter microstructural properties of the tracts connecting preSMA, IFC, and STN. Both functional activity in preSMA, IFC, and STN, and the integrity of the connections between them were associated with behavioral performance across patients and controls. We suggest that damage to these key pathways within the motor switching network because of TBI, shifts the patients toward the lower end of the existing structure‐function‐behavior spectrum. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A rat brain MRI template with digital stereotaxic atlas of fine anatomical delineations in paxinos space and its automated application in voxel‐wise analysis
Authors: Nie Binbin , Chen Kewei , Zhao Shujun , Liu Junhua , Gu Xiaochun , Yao Qunli , Hui Jiaojie , Zhang Zhijun , Teng Gaojun , Zhao Chunjie , Shan Baoci
Published: January 2012

This study constructs a rat brain T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging template including olfactory bulb and a compatible digital atlas. The atlas contains 624 carefully delineated brain structures based on the newest (2005) edition of rat brain atlas by Paxinos and Watson. An automated procedure, as an SPM toolbox, was introduced for spatially normalizing individual rat brains, conducting statistical analysis and visually localizing the results in the Atlas coordinate space. The brain template/atlas and the procedure were evaluated using functional images between rats with the right side middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and normal controls. The result shows that the brain region with significant signal decline in the MCAO rats was consistent with the occlusion position. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modelling rating curves using remotely sensed LiDAR data
Authors: Nathanson Marcus , Kean Jason W. , Grabs Thomas J. , Seibert Jan , Laudon Hjalmar , Lyon Steve W.
Published: January 2012

Accurate stream discharge measurements are important for many hydrological studies. In remote locations, however, it is often difficult to obtain stream flow information because of the difficulty in making the discharge measurements necessary to define stage‐discharge relationships (rating curves). This study investigates the feasibility of defining rating curves by using a fluid mechanics‐based model constrained with topographic data from an airborne LiDAR scanning. The study was carried out for an 8m‐wide channel in the boreal landscape of northern Sweden. LiDAR data were used to define channel geometry above a low flow water surface along the 90‐m surveyed reach. The channel topography below the water surface was estimated using the simple assumption of a flat streambed. The roughness for the modelled reach was back calculated from a single measurment of discharge. The topographic and roughness information was then used to model a rating curve. To isolate the potential influence of the flat bed assumption, a ‘hybrid model’ rating curve was developed on the basis of data combined from the LiDAR scan and a detailed ground survey. Whereas this hybrid model rating curve was in agreement with the direct measurements of discharge, the LiDAR model rating curve was equally in agreement with the medium and high flow measurements based on confidence intervals calculated from the direct measurements. The discrepancy between the LiDAR model rating curve and the low flow measurements was likely due to reduced roughness associated with unresolved submerged bed topography. Scanning during periods of low flow can help minimize this deficiency. These results suggest that combined ground surveys and LiDAR scans or multifrequency LiDAR scans that see ‘below’ the water surface (bathymetric LiDAR) could be useful in generating data needed to run such a fluid mechanics‐based model. This opens a realm of possibility to remotely sense and monitor stream flows in channels in remote locations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WATERLOGGING AND FARMLAND SALINISATION: CAUSES AND REMEDIAL MEASURES IN AN IRRIGATED SEMI‐ARID REGION OF INDIA
Authors: Singh Ajay , Nath Panda Sudhindra , Flugel Wolfgang‐Albert , Krause Peter
Published: January 2012

Waterlogging and secondary salinisation have become serious problems in canal irrigated areas of arid and semi‐arid regions. This study examined hydrology and estimated the seasonal net groundwater recharge of an irrigated semi‐arid region located in the Haryana State of India where about 500 000 ha area are waterlogged and unproductive, and the size of the waterlogged area is increasing, causing a threat to agricultural sustainability. Groundwater recharge analysis during the study period (1989–2010) revealed that percolation from irrigated fields was the main recharge component, with 48% contributing to total recharge. An annual groundwater table rise of 0.198 m was estimated for the study area. Since the groundwater table had been rising continuously, suitable water management strategies such as as conjunctive use of groundwater and canal water and changes in crop patterns by reducing rice crop areas against of other low‐water crops such as sorghum are suggested to bring the groundwater table down to a safe limit and prevent further rise of the groundwater table. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing High School Students’ Reading Motivation in a Voluntary Summer Reading Program
Authors: McGaha Julie M. , Brent Igo L.
Published: January 2012

High school students talk of summer in terms of vacationing, relaxing, and spending time with friends. Rarely do students say leisure reading will be a part of their summer. This gap in literacy activities often results in a decline in learning, particularly in minority and lower income students. Many schools use summer reading programs with the dual purpose of encouraging reading and to offset summer learning loss. Most existing research on summer reading programs focuses on library programs, young students, or remediation. Little research exists on the nature of school‐wide summer reading programs in high school, yet many high schools use such programs. Further, there is no instrument available to explore student motivation regarding summer reading programs. The purpose of this article is to add to research on reading motivation among secondary students and to create an instrument to measure reading motivation within the context of a summer reading program.
Reading From Different Interpretive Stances: In Search of a Critical Perspective
Authors: Leland Christine , Ociepka Anne , Kuonen Kate
Published: January 2012

This article describes a classroom study that investigated how working with interpretive stances supported eighth graders in becoming more critical readers. The research team included two university faculty members and an eighth‐grade language arts teacher. The teacher introduced the idea of reading from six interpretive stances (metaphorical, philosophical, aesthetic, analytical, intertextual, critical) and used a sophisticated picture book to demonstrate how to use the stances to respond to it in different ways. Students then used descriptions and examples of the stances to respond to written and visual texts. Data sources include field notes, teacher reflections, and students’ written and multimodal responses. The study was repeated with a second eighth‐grade class a year later after revising the definition of critical stance given to students. Findings suggest that students’ use of the stances supported them in identifying inequities, seeing issues from multiple perspectives, and challenging stereotypes.