bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How a phosphorus‐acquisition strategy based on carboxylate exudation powers the success and agronomic potential of lupines (Lupinus, Fabaceae)
Authors: Lambers Hans , Clements Jon C. , Nelson Matthew N.
Published: January 2013

Lupines (Lupinus species; Fabaceae) are an ancient crop with great potential to be developed further for high‐protein feed and food, cover crops, and phytoremediation. Being legumes, they are capable of symbiotically fixing atmospheric nitrogen. However, Lupinus species appear to be nonmycorrhizal or weakly mycorrhizal at most; instead some produce cluster roots, which release vast amounts of phosphate‐mobilizing carboxylates (inorganic anions). Other lupines produce cluster‐like roots, which function in a similar manner, and some release large amounts of carboxylates without specialized roots. These traits associated with nutrient acquisition make lupines ideally suited for either impoverished soils or soils with large amounts of phosphorus that is poorly available for most plants, e.g., acidic or alkaline soils. Here we explore how common the nonmycorrhizal phosphorus‐acquisition strategy based on exudation of carboxylates is in the genus Lupinus, concluding it is very likely more widespread than generally acknowledged. This trait may partly account for the role of lupines as pioneers or invasive species, but also makes them suitable crop plants while we reach “peak phosphorus”.
Adherence and physical activity
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi , Reyes Saborit Aymara
Published: January 2013

   
Two-Level Newton Iteration Methods for Navier-Stokes Type Variational Inequality Problem
Authors: An Rong , Qiu Hailong
Published: January 2013

This paper deals with the two-level Newton iteration method based on the pressure projection stabilized finite element approximation to solve the numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes type variational inequality problem. We solve a small Navier-Stokes problem on the coarse mesh with mesh size H and solve a large linearized Navier-Stokes problem on the fine mesh with mesh size h. The error estimates derived show that if we choose h = O (|logh|1/2H3), then the two-level method we provide has the same H1 and L2 convergence orders of the velocity and the pressure as the one-level stabilized method. However, the L2 convergence order of the velocity is not consistent with that of one-level stabilized method. Finally, we give the numerical results to support the theoretical analysis.
On the Construction of Well-Conditioned Hierarchical Bases for (div)-Conforming ℝn Simplicial Elements
Authors: Xin Jianguo , Cai Wei , Guo Nailong
Published: January 2013

Hierarchical bases of arbitrary order for (div)-conforming triangular and tetrahedral elements are constructed with the goal of improving the conditioning of the mass and stiffness matrices. For the basis with the triangular element, it is found numerically that the conditioning is acceptable up to the approximation of order four, and is better than a corresponding basis in the dissertation by Sabine Zaglmayr [High Order Finite Element Methods for Electromagnetic Field Computation, Johannes Kepler Universität, Linz, 2006]. The sparsity of the mass matrices from the newly constructed basis and from the one by Zaglmayr is similar for approximations up to order four. The stiffness matrix with the new basis is much sparser than that with the basis by Zaglmayr for approximations up to order four. For the tetrahedral element, it is identified numerically that the conditioning is acceptable only up to the approximation of order three. Compared with the newly constructed basis for the triangular element, the sparsity of the mass matrices from the basis for the tetrahedral element is relatively sparser.
Explicit modeling of volatile organic compounds partitioning in the atmospheric aqueous phase
Authors: Mouchel-Vallon C. , Bräuer P. , Camredon M. , Valorso R. , Madronich S. , Herrmann H. , Aumont B.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The gas phase oxidation of organic species is a multigenerational process involving a large number of secondary compounds. Most secondary organic species are water-soluble multifunctional oxygenated molecules. The fully explicit chemical mechanism GECKO-A (Generator of Explicit Chemistry and Kinetics of Organics in the Atmosphere) is used to describe the oxidation of organics in the gas phase and their mass transfer to the aqueous phase. The oxidation of three hydrocarbons of atmospheric interest (isoprene, octane and α-pinene) is investigated for various NOx conditions. The simulated oxidative trajectories are examined in a new two dimensional space defined by the mean oxidation state and the solubility. The amount of dissolved organic matter was found to be very low (yield less than 2% on carbon atom basis) under a water content typical of deliquescent aerosols. For cloud water content, 50% (isoprene oxidation) to 70% (octane oxidation) of the carbon atoms are found in the aqueous phase after the removal of the parent hydrocarbons for low NOx conditions. For high NOx conditions, this ratio is only 5% in the isoprene oxidation case, but remains large for α-pinene and octane oxidation cases (40% and 60%, respectively). Although the model does not yet include chemical reactions in the aqueous phase, much of this dissolved organic matter should be processed in cloud drops and modify both oxidation rates and the speciation of organic species.
Evaluating calibration strategies for isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy for atmospheric 13CO2/12CO2 measurement
Authors: Wen X.-F. , Meng Y. , Zhang X.-Y. , Sun X.-M. , Lee X.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS) provides an in-situ technique for measuring δ13C in atmospheric CO2. A number of methods have been proposed for calibrating the IRIS measurements, but few studies have systematically evaluated their accuracy for atmospheric applications. In this study, we carried out laboratory and ambient measurements with two commercial IRIS analyzers and compared the accuracy of four calibration strategies. We found that calibration based on the 12C and 13C mixing ratios (Bowling et al., 2003) and that based on linear interpolation of the measured delta using the mixing ratio of the major isotopologue (Lee et al., 2005) yielded accuracy better than 0.06‰. Over a 7-day atmospheric measurement in Beijing, the two analyzers differed by 9.44 ± 1.65‰ (mean ± 1 standard deviation of hourly values) before calibration and agreed to within −0.02 ± 0.18‰ after properly calibration. However, even after calibration the difference between the two analyzers showed a slight correlation with concentration, and this concentration dependence propagated through the Keeling analysis resulting in a much larger difference of 2.44‰ for the Keeling intercept. The high sensitivity of the Keeling analysis to the concentration dependence underscores the challenge of IRIS for atmospheric research.
Emissions of BVOC from lodgepole pine in response to mountain pine beetle attack in high and low mortality forest stands
Authors: Duhl T. R. , Gochis D. , Guenther A. , Ferrenberg S. , Pendall E.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. In this screening study, biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions from intact branches of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) trees were measured from trees at two forested sites that have been impacted differently by the mountain pine beetle (MPB), with one having higher mortality and the other with lower mortality. Differences in the amounts and chemical diversity of BVOC between the two sites and from apparently healthy trees versus trees in different stages of MPB attack are presented, as well as (for one site) observed seasonal variability in emissions. A brief comparison is made of geological and climatic characteristics as well as prior disturbances (both natural and man-made) at each site. Trees sampled at the site experiencing high MPB-related tree mortality had lower chemodiversity in terms of monoterpene (MT) emission profiles, while profiles were more diverse at the lower-mortality site. Also at the higher-mortality site, MPB-infested trees in various stages of decline had lower emissions of sesquiterpenes (SQTs) compared to healthy trees, while at the site with lower mortality, MPB-survivors had significantly higher SQT emissions during part of the growing season when compared to both uninfested and newly infested trees. SQT profiles differed between the two sites and, like monoterpene and oxygenated VOC profiles, varied through the season. For the low-mortality site in which repeated measurements were made over the course of the early summer–late fall, higher chemical diversity was observed in early- compared to late-season measurements for all compound classes investigated (MT, oxygenated VOC, and SQT), with the amount of change appearing to correlate to the MPB status of the trees studied. Emissions of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) had a distinct seasonal signal but were not much different between healthy or infested trees, except in trees with dead needles, from which emissions of this compound were negligible, and in late-season MPB survivors, in which they were higher than in newly infested or uninfested trees. Emissions of SQT were significantly higher in the MPB survivors during both mid- and late-season sampling at the low-mortality site. The changes in emissions could have implications for regional air quality and climate through changes in ozone and aerosol distributions, although this study was designed as a preliminary screening effort and not enough individuals were sampled for all of the observed differences to be statistically demonstrated. Despite this, the compelling differences in emissions observed between the sites and individual trees with differing MPB-infestation statuses and the potential impacts these have on regional atmospheric chemistry argue for further research in this topic.
The carbon budget of South Asia
Authors: Patra P. K. , Canadell J. G. , Houghton R. A. , Piao S. L. , Oh N.-H. , Ciais P. , Manjunath K. R. , Chhabra A. , Wang T. , Bhattacharya T. , Bousquet P. , Hartman J. , Ito A. , Mayorga E. , Niwa Y. , Raymond P. A. , Sarma V. V. S. S. , Lasco R.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The source and sinks of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) due to anthropogenic and natural biospheric activities were estimated for the South Asian region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). Flux estimates were based on top-down methods that use inversions of atmospheric data, and bottom-up methods that use field observations, satellite data, and terrestrial ecosystem models. Based on atmospheric CO2 inversions, the net biospheric CO2 flux in South Asia (equivalent to the Net Biome Productivity, NBP) was a sink, estimated at −104 ± 150 Tg C yr−1 during 2007–2008. Based on the bottom-up approach, the net biospheric CO2 flux is estimated to be −191 ± 193 Tg C yr−1 during the period of 2000–2009. This last net flux results from the following flux components: (1) the Net Ecosystem Productivity, NEP (net primary production minus heterotrophic respiration) of −220 ± 186 Tg C yr−1 (2) the annual net carbon flux from land-use change of −14 ± 50 Tg C yr−1, which resulted from a sink of −16 Tg C yr−1 due to the establishment of tree plantations and wood harvest, and a source of 2 Tg C yr−1 due to the expansion of croplands; (3) the riverine export flux from terrestrial ecosystems to the coastal oceans of +42.9 Tg C yr−1; and (4) the net CO2 emission due to biomass burning of +44.1 ± 13.7 Tg C yr−1. Including the emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels of 444 Tg C yr−1 for the 2000s, we estimate a net CO2 land–atmosphere flux of 297 Tg C yr−1. In addition to CO2, a fraction of the sequestered carbon in terrestrial ecosystems is released to the atmosphere as CH4. Based on bottom-up and top-down estimates, and chemistry-transport modeling, we estimate that 37 ± 3.7 Tg C yr−1 were released to atmosphere from South Asia during the 2000s. Taking all CO2 and CH4 fluxes together, our best estimate of the net land–atmosphere CO2-equivalent flux is a net source of 334 Tg C yr−1 for the South Asian region during the 2000s. If CH4 emissions are weighted by radiative forcing of molecular CH4, the total CO2-equivalent flux increases to 1148 Tg C yr−1 suggesting there is great potential of reducing CH4 emissions for stabilizing greenhouse gases concentrations.
Effect of ocean acidification on the benthic foraminifera Ammonia sp. is caused by a decrease in carbonate ion concentration
Authors: Keul N. , Langer G. , de Nooijer L. J. , Bijma J.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. About 30% of the anthropogenically released CO2 is taken up by the oceans, which causes surface ocean pH to decrease and is commonly referred to as Ocean Acidification (OA). Foraminifera are one of the most abundant groups of marine calcifiers, estimated to precipitate ca. 50% of biogenic calcium carbonate in the open oceans. We have compiled the state of the art of OA effects on foraminifera, because the majority of OA research on this group was published within the last 3 yr. Disparate responses of this important group of marine calcifiers to OA were reported, highlighting the importance of a process based understanding of OA effects on foraminifera. The benthic foraminifer Ammonia sp. was cultured using two carbonate chemistry manipulation approaches: While pH and carbonate ions where varied in one, pH was kept constant in the other while carbonate ion concentration varied. This allows the identification of teh parameter of the parameter of the carbonate system causing observed effects. This parameter identification is the first step towards a process based understanding. We argue that [CO32−] is the parameter affecting foraminiferal size normalized weights (SNW) and growth rates and based on the presented data we can confirm the strong potential of foraminiferal SNW as a [CO32−] proxy.
Bayesian parameter estimation and interpretation for an intermediate model of tree-ring width
Authors: Tolwinski-Ward S. E. , Anchukaitis K. J. , Evans M. N.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. We present a Bayesian model for estimating the parameters of the VS-Lite forward model of tree-ring width. The scheme also provides information about the uncertainty of the parameter estimates, as well as the uncertainty of VS-Lite itself. By inferring VS-Lite's parameters for synthetically-generated ring-width series at several hundred sites across the United States, we show that the Bayesian algorithm is skillful and robust to climatic nonstationarity over the interval tested. We also infer optimal parameter values for modeling observed ring-width data at the same network of sites. The estimated parameter values cluster in physical space, and their locations in multidimensional parameter space provide insight into the dominant climatic controls on modeled tree-ring growth at each site.
Runoff and sediment load of the Yan River, China: changes over the last 60 yr
Authors: Wang F. , Mu X. , Hessel R. , Zhang W. , Ritsema C. , Li R.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Runoff and sediment load changes are affected by climate change and human activities in an integrated way. Historical insight into these effects can not only improve the knowledge of river processes, but also promote more effective land and water management. In this study, we looked at runoff and sediment change in the Yan River Basin, Loess Plateau, China, using data sets on land use and land cover (LUC), monthly data of precipitation and temperature, and observed data on runoff and sediment load from 1952 to 2010 at the Ganguyi Hydrologic Station. Available data on soil and water conservation structures and their effect were also studied. Five main findings emerged from the data analysis. (1) The annual runoff and sediment load varied greatly during the last 60 yr and both had coefficients of variation that were much larger than those of precipitation and temperature. (2) Annual runoff and sediment load both showed a significant trend of linear decline over the period studied. The climate data showed a non-significant decline in precipitation over the same period, and a very significant increase in temperature; both can help explain the observed declines in runoff and soil loss. (3) Based on a mass curve analysis with anomalies of normalized runoff and sediment load, 4 stages in the change of runoff and soil loss were identified: 1951 to 1971 (Stage I), 1972 to 1986 (Stage II), 1987 to 1996 (Stage III) and 1997 to 2010 (Stage IV). (4) When years were paired based on similar precipitation and temperature condition (SPTC) and used to assess the impacts of human activities, it was found that 6 sets of paired years out of 12 (50%) showed a decline in runoff 8 (67%) a decline in sediment load and 9 (75%) a decline in sediment concentration The other sets show an increasing change with the time. It showed the complexity of human impacts. (5) Human impacts relating to LUC change and soil and water measures in this basin were significant because of both the transfer of sloping cropland into non-food vegetation or terraces and the siltation in the reservoirs and behind check dams. Data indicated that about 56 Mt of sediment was deposited annually from 1960–1999 as a result of the soil and water conservation structures, which is significantly more than the 42 Mt that is, on average, leaving the Yan River Basin as sediment load each year. Although the effects of climate change and human action could not be separated, analysis of the data indicated that both had a significant impact on runoff and sediment loss in the area.
Nanotechnology: A Big Revolution from the Small World
Authors: Bassi Matteo , Santinello Irene , Bevilacqua Andrea , Bassi Pierfrancesco
Published: January 2013

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field originating from the interaction of several different disciplines, such as engineering, physics, biology and chemistry. New materials and devices effectively interact with the body at molecular level, yielding a brand new range of highly selective and targeted applications designed to maximize the therapeutic efficiency while reducing the side effects. Liposomes, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and superparamagnetic nanoparticles are among the most assessed nanotechnologies. Meanwhile, other futuristic platforms are paving the way toward a new scientific paradigm, able to deeply change the research path in the medical science. The growth of nanotechnology, driven by the dramatic advances in science and technology, clearly creates new opportunities for the development of the medical science and disease treatment in human health care. Despite the concerns and the on-going studies about their safety, nanotechnology clearly emerges as holding the promise of delivering one of the greatest breakthroughs in the history of medical science.
Is Jail the Only Place Where One Can “Live in Truth”?: Liu Xiaobo's Experience
Authors: Béja Jean-Philippe
Published: January 2013

This chapter introduces Liu Xiaobo as a scholar and activist. It highlights the turning points in Liu's life and puts them in political context. Liu's transformation from a bookish scholar into a person at the forefront of the opposition was triggered by political events. In his case, the experience of the bloodshed on June Fourth had a profound impact on his thinking and priorities in life. He moved from literary critique to political critique, engaging in progressively open criticism of the Chinese Communist Party and advocacy for fundamental political reform. Subsequent developments led to his increasingly overt challenges and his participation in the drafting of Charter 08.
The Politics of Liu Xiaobo's Trial
Authors: Lam Willy Wo-Lap
Published: January 2013

This chapter explores the macro-level political development in China and the possibilities of liberalization in the context of weiquan and weiwen. The government is resorting to both hard and soft measures to maintain stability and legitimacy. On the one hand, a “scorched earth policy” is used against dissidents who may be perceived to challenge the Chinese Communist Party directly, as demonstrated by the prosecution and heavy punishment of Liu Xiaobo and his comrades-in-arms. On the other, the CCP has taken a reconciliatory approach in dealing with the poor, the liberal elements within the CCP, and the Uighurs in Xinjiang. In general, however, the CCP is retreating to a conservative comfort zone ideologically and institutionally. This suggests that there are only slim chances of further political reform.
The Political Meaning of the Crime of “Subverting State Power”
Authors: Biao Teng
Published: January 2013

This chapter explores the psychology of resistance that explains why and how some people refuse to back down, acquiesce, accommodate official lies, and reach arrangements with the system. In a largely “neo-totalitarian” system like that of China today, the problem is no longer naked fear such as might be induced by a tyrannical regime. Rather, it is the ability to avoid thinking, “that hard-to-attain confusion” that allows people not even to be aware of their deep-down anxieties and constraints. While some observers believe that the government has won legitimacy in the sense of wide social acceptance of its rule, this analysis leaves no room for such a comforting conclusion. There is no doubt that political change will come eventually — “you can destroy the flowers but you can’t prevent spring”.
Electrode Optimization of 100 MHz High-Frequency Quartz Resonator Based on Equivalent Mass Method
Authors: Ji Jing , Oigawa Hiroshi , Zhao Meng , Yu Hang , Ueda Toshitsugu
Published: January 2013

Electrode optimization based on the equivalent mass method was carried out for a 100 MHz high-frequency fundamental thickness-shear AT-cut (quartz cut with a cutting angle of about 35.25° to the optic axis of the crystal) quartz resonator. Firstly, the electrode dimensions were optimized through three-dimensional finite-element modeling by the equivalent mass method. Secondly, on the basis of simulation results, 100 MHz fundamental frequency resonators were fabricated and quality factors were measured. The experimental and calculated results are highly consistent with the simulation results. The equivalent mass method combined with the finite-element method is confirmed to be applicable in the development of high-frequency quartz resonators.
Synthesis of Fluorinated Building Blocks by Transition‐Metal‐Mediated Hydrodefluorination Reactions
Authors: Kuehnel Moritz F. , Lentz Dieter , Braun Thomas
Published: January 2013

The activation and functionalization of carbon–fluorine bonds can be considered as a major challenge in organometallic chemistry. The growing demand for means to introduce fluorine into new materials or into biologically active molecules has inspired the development of diverse synthetic strategies. Hydrodefluorination is regarded as a promising approach to access partially fluorinated building blocks from readily available perfluorinated bulk chemicals. We provide an overview of transition‐metal‐based complexes and catalysts that were developed to mediate hydrodefluorination reactions. Special emphasis will be placed on discussing the underlying mechanistic patterns and their impact on scope and selectivity. In addition, future requirements for further developing this field will be highlighted.
Nanoscale Assembly of Paramagnetic Organic Radicals on Au(111) Single Crystals
Authors: Savu Sabine‐Antonia , Biswas Indro , Sorace Lorenzo , Mannini Matteo , Rovai Donella , Caneschi Andrea , Chassé Thomas , Casu Maria Benedetta
Published: January 2013

The successful thin‐film deposition of a pyrene‐substituted nitronyl nitroxide radical under controlled conditions has been demonstrated. The electronic properties, chemical environment at the interface, and morphology of the thin films have been investigated by a multitechnique approach. Spectroscopic and morphological analyses indicate a Stranski–Krastanov growth mode and weak physisorption of molecules onto the metallic surface. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy shows that evaporation processes and deposition do not affect the paramagnetic character of the molecules. Useful concepts for the engineering of new, purely organic‐based magnets, which may open the way to fruitful exploitation of organic molecular‐beam deposition for assembly on solid surfaces in view of future technological applications, are presented.
Ni‐Catalyzed [4+3+2] Cycloaddition of Ethyl Cyclopropylideneacetate and Dienynes: Scope and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Yamasaki Ryu , Ohashi Masato , Maeda Kyotaro , Kitamura Takuya , Nakagawa Minami , Kato Korehito , Fujita Tetsushi , Kamura Ryohei , Kinoshita Kazuto , Masu Hyuma , Azumaya Isao , Ogoshi Sensuke , Saito Shinichi
Published: January 2013

A detailed study of the Ni‐catalyzed [4+3+2] cycloaddition reaction between ethyl cyclopropylideneacetate and dienynes has been conducted, resulting in the development of a new method for the synthesis of compounds containing nine‐membered rings. We studied the reactivity of various dienynes, together with their substituent and conformational effects. The mechanism of the reaction was probed by examining the stoichiometric reactions of the Ni complexes and dienynes.
A layer 2 multipath solution and its performance evaluation for Data Center Ethernets
Authors: Yu Yang , Fang Shuo , Aung Khin Mi Mi , Foh Chuan Heng , Li Hui , Zhu Yongqing
Published: January 2013

Data Center Ethernet is likely to be deployed as the communication infrastructure for future data centers, which carries multiple types of traffic with very different characteristics and handling requirements. Conventional Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) cannot meet the requirement of a Data Center Ethernet framework because of its poor bandwidth utilization and lack of multipathing capability. In this paper, we propose a layer 2 multipathing solution, namely optimized dynamic load‐balancing multipathing (ODLBMP), to be deployed in Data Center Ethernet. Our proposed method utilizes all available links and ports for frame delivery and can split traffic of a communication pair along multiple paths. In ODLBMP, the traffic loads of all paths are continuously monitored so that traffic assigned to each path can be dynamically adjusted to avoid path/link over‐utilization. Per‐flow forwarding is observed in ODLBMP to guarantee the in‐order delivery, which is important for most storage traffic. In addition, ODLBMP finely differentiates flows from application perspective so it has more flexibility in traffic splitting and route selection, and achieves better multipath load balancing. Computer simulations show that our proposed algorithm performs better than other compared algorithms, including STP, Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links, and DLBMP, in all simulation scenarios in terms of frame delivery ratio and network throughput. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pH‐Profiling of thermoactive lipases and esterases: Caveats and further notes
Authors: Hriscu Monica , Chiş Laura , Toşa Monica , Irimie Florin Dan
Published: January 2013

A common technique for assaying lipase/esterase activity in vitro is the enzymatic cleavage of para‐nitrophenyl esters, with spectrophotometric monitorization at 405–410 nm of the released p‐nitrophenol (pNP). This method has its limitations, since the extinction coefficient of pNP is strongly pH‐dependent. Despite this, the method is being frequently used for investigating lipolytic activity over a pH range without any pH‐related corrections, which may bring along false results. We show to what extent the results may be altered by this approach and we review alternative strategies allowing the method to become usable both in the acidic range and with varying pH.
Environmental concentrations and bioaccumulations of cadmium and zinc in coastal watersheds along the Chinese Northern Bohai and Yellow Seas
Authors: Luo Wei , Lu Yonglong , Wang Tieyu , Kong Peiru , Jiao Wentao , Hu Wenyou , Jia Junmei , Naile Jonathan E. , Khim Jong Seong , Giesy John P.
Published: January 2013

Cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in surface water, sediment, carp, and crab samples collected from upstream and downstream regions of coastal watersheds along the Chinese Northern Bohai and Yellow Seas were analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding and assessment of their environmental concentrations and bioaccumulations. The results showed that downstream waters contaminated with Zn would have adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Although nearly all sediments were contaminated with Cd due to human activities, little potential existed for Cd toxicity in sediment-dwelling fauna. Concentrations of Cd and Zn in most water, sediment, carp, and crab were less than published values. The downstream carp and crabs had higher mean bioaccumulation factors and biota-sediment accumulation factors for Cd but lower mean biota-sediment accumulation factors for Zn than the upstream carp and crabs. Based on the relationships among Cd and Zn concentrations in water, sediment, and biota, the authors conclude that Cd and Zn in crabs primarily derived from sediment exposure. Although Cd and Zn in water and sediment originated from some of the same sources, the sources of Cd or Zn in water were likely different from those in sediment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:831–840. © 2013 SETAC
Overdiagnosis among women attending a population‐based mammography screening program
Authors: Falk Ragnhild Sørum , Hofvind Solveig , Skaane Per , Haldorsen Tor
Published: January 2013

Increased incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer (IBC) after introduction of organized screening has prompted debate about overdiagnosis. The aim was to examine the excess in incidence of DCIS and IBC during the screening period and the deficit after women left the program, and thereby to estimate the proportion of overdiagnosis. Women invited to the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program were analyzed for DCIS or IBC during the period 1995–2009. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated for attended vs. never attended women. The IRRs were adjusted by Mantel‐Haenszel (MH) method and applied to a set of reference rates and a reference population to estimate the proportion of overdiagnosis during the women's lifespan after the age of 50 years. A total of 702,131 women were invited to the program. An excess of DCIS and IBC was observed among women who attended screening during the screening period; prevalently invited women aged 50–51 years had a MH IRR of 1.86 (95% CI 1.65–2.09) and subsequently invited women aged 52–69 years had a MH IRR of 1.56 (95% CI 1.45–1.68). In women aged 70–79 years, a deficit of 30% (MH IRR 0.70, 95% CI 0.62–0.80) was observed 1–10 years after they left the screening program. The estimated proportion of overdiagnosis varied from 10 to 20% depending on outcome and whether the women were invited or actually screened. The results highlight the need for individual data with longitudinal screening history and long‐term follow‐up as a basis for estimating overdiagnosis.
Ganglioside GM3 inhibits hepatoma cell motility via down‐regulating activity of EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: X Huang , Y Li , J Zhang , Y Xu , Y Tian , K Ma
Published: January 2013

Two related sublines derived from murine ascites hepatoma cell lines Hca‐F25, which were selected for their markedly different metastatic potential to lymph nodes, were found to be distinct in their ganglioside patterns. The low metastatic cell line (HcaP) contained a major ganglioside GM3, whereas the high metastatic cell line (HcaF) contained a major ganglioside GM2. Suppression of GM3 by P4 enhanced the mobility and migration of the low metastatic HcaP cells in vitro. Increase in GM3 content in high metastatic HcaF cells by addition of exogenous GM3 inhibited the mobility and migration. These results suggested that the differences in lymphatic metastasis potential between these two cell lines could be attributed to the differences in their ganglioside compositions, and GM3 could suppress the motility and migration of these cells. Further, we investigated the mechanism by which GM3 suppressed the cell mobility and migration. The results showed that suppression of GM3 synthesis by P4 in low metastatic HcaP cells promoted PKB/Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and Thr308, and phosphorylation of EGFR at the Tyr1173. In contrast, increase in GM3 content in high metastatic HcaF cells by addition of exogenous GM3 into the culture medium suppressed phosphorylation of PKB/Akt and EGFR at the same residues. Taken together, these results suggested that the mechanism of GM3‐suppressed cell motility and migration may involve the inhibition of phosphorylation of EGFR and the activity of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1616–1624, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
microRNA 21‐mediated suppression of sprouty1 by Pokemon affects liver cancer cell growth and proliferation
Authors: Jin Xiu‐Li , Sun Qin‐Sheng , Liu Feng , Yang Hong‐Wei , Liu Min , Liu Hong‐Xia , Xu Wei , Jiang Yu‐Yang
Published: January 2013

Transcriptional repressor Pokemon is a critical factor in embryogenesis, development, cell proliferation, differentiation, and oncogenesis, thus behaving as an oncogene. Oncomine database suggests a potential correlation between the expressions of Pokemon and Sprouty1. This study investigated the regulatory role of Pokemon in Sprouty1 expression and the effect on liver cancer cell growth and proliferation, revealing a novel miR‐21‐mediated regulatory circuit. In normal (HL‐7702) and cancer (QGY‐7703) liver cell lines, Sprouty1 expression is inversely correlated with Pokemon levels. Targeted expression or siRNA‐mediated silencing showed that Pokemon is a repressor of Sprouty1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, but Pokemon cannot affect the promoter activity of Sprouty1. Sprouty1 is a target of miR‐21 and interestingly, we found that miR‐21 is up‐regulated by Pokemon in liver cancer cells. Luciferase reporter assays showed that Pokemon up‐regulated miR‐21 transcription in a dose‐dependent manner, and ChIP assay exhibited a direct binding of Pokemon to the miR‐21 promoter at −747 to −399 bp. Site‐directed mutagenesis of the GC boxes at −684 to −679 bp and −652 to −647 bp of miR‐21 promoter abolished the regulatory activity by Pokemon. Furthermore, we found that the modulation of Pokemon and miR‐21 expression affected the growth and proliferation of liver cancer cells QGY‐7703. In summary, our findings demonstrate that Pokemon suppresses Sprouty1 expression through a miR‐21‐mediated mechanism, affecting the growth and proliferation of liver cancer cells. This study recognized miR‐21 and Sprouty1 as novel targets of the Pokemon regulatory network. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1625–1633, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antioxidant activity and HPLC analysis of polyphenol‐enriched extracts from industrial apple pomace
Authors: Bai Xuelian , Zhang Huawei , Ren Shuang
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Phenolic compounds are the predominant ingredients in apple pomace. However, polyphenols from industrial apple pomace, which usually consists of several cultivars, have not been studied in detail. The present work focused on the antioxidant assay and HPLC analysis of polyphenol‐enriched extracts from industrial apple pomace.

RESULTS

Six fractions of apple polyphenols, API to APVI, were acquired through extraction and purification using absorbent macroporous resin. Fraction APIII, eluted by 40% aqueous ethanol, had the highest content of total phenolics (1.48 ± 0.03 g gallic acid equivalents g−1 dry apple pomace), which consisted of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, syrigin, procyanidin B2, (−)‐epicatechin, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid and quercetin. Antioxidant assays showed that APIII had the strongest antioxidant activity of DPPH radical scavenging rate (90.96% ± 10.23%), ABTS radical inhibition rate (89.78% ± 6.54%) and the strongest reducing power (8.30 ± 0.71 µmol Trolox equivalents kg−1 dry apple pomace). It also indicated that procyanidin B2, chlorogenic acid, (−)‐epicatechin and quercetin had stronger antioxidant capacity than other phenols.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that extracts from industrial apple pomace were rich in phenols and exhibited potent antioxidant activity. Extraction of polyphenols from industrial apple pomace would bring a great benefit and improve development of apple juice and cider industries. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Amine‐Functionalized Polyglycidyl Methacrylate Microsphere as a Unified Template for the Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Single‐Crystal Gold Plates
Authors: Oh Joon Suk , Dang Luong Nguyen , Yoon Sung Woon , Lee Pyoung Chan , Kim Dong Ouk , Kim Kwang Jin , Nam Jae Do
Published: January 2013

Polyglycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) microspheres, crosslinked and surface‐functionalized by amine, can be used as a solid‐state template for the synthesis of gold (Au) crystals in the forms of either nanoparticles (NPs) or plates. It is discovered that the polymer microsphere acts as an internal template to cultivate Au NPs inside the microsphere or an external template to generate the single‐crystal plates depending on the critical concentration (Ccr) of gold ions. The ion–dipole interaction and the structure‐dependent solubility of gold induce two distinct gold nanostructures in the presence of the functionalized polymer microspheres. The catalytic activity and long‐term storage of the developed gold nanostructures that can be easily scaled‐up for mass production through the developed novel methodology is demonstrated.
Analysis of Mogroside V in Siraitia grosvenorii with Micelle‐mediated Cloud‐Point Extraction
Authors: Deng Fuli , Liang Xiangfeng , Yang Liangrong , Liu Qingfen , Liu Huizhou
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Mogroside V is the main effective ingredient of Siraitia grosvenorii used as a natural sweet food as well as a traditional Chinese medicine. The sample pre‐treatment prior to chromatographic analysis requires large amounts of toxic organic solvents and is time consuming.

Objective

To develop an effective and simple method for extracting and determining mogroside V of Siraitia grosvenorii.

Methods

Mogroside V was extracted and preconcentrated by micelle‐mediated cloud‐point extraction with nonionic surfactant isotridecyl poly (ethylene glycol) ether (Genapol® X‐080). The obtained solutions containing mogroside V were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C18‐column using gradient elution with acetonitrile and water at 203 nm.

Results

The cloud‐point extraction yield was 80.7% while the pre‐concentration factor was about 10.8. The limit of detection was 0.75 µg/mL and the limit of quantification was 2 µg/mL. The relative standard deviations for intra‐ and interday precisions of mogroside V were less than 8.68% and 5.78%, respectively, and the recoveries were between 85.1% and 103.6%.

Conclusion

The HPLC–UV method based on micelle‐mediated cloud‐point extraction for determination mogroside V in Siraitia grosvenorii was environmentally friendly, simple and sensitive. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sun‐trackers profitability analysis in Spain
Authors: de Simón‐Martín Miguel , Alonso‐Tristán Cristina , Díez‐Mediavilla Montserrat
Published: January 2013

The principal objective of this study is to analyze the performance of sun‐trackers devices compared with fixed flat plate systems using data from a widely used irradiation prediction software (PVGIS). We analyze typical parameters as daily and monthly sum of global irradiation (Hd and Hm) or average daily and monthly estimated electricity production (Eh and Em) and also their associated costs and land requirements (usually described by the ground cover ratio, GCR). It was observed that the influence of these two last parameters is quite important to the calculation of the payback time of the whole installation. As a final result, it is concluded that although the dual‐axis tracker allows the maximum energetic performance, a 38% higher than a fixed system on average, if we take into account the GCR value and calculate the surface performance ratio, the most efficient configuration is the horizontal‐axis solar tracker. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retracted: S14G‐humanin inhibits Aβ1–42 fibril formation, disaggregates preformed fibrils, and protects against Aβ‐induced cytotoxicity in vitro
Authors: Zhang Wei , Du Ying , Bai Miao , Xi Ye , Li Zhuyi , Miao Jianting
Published: January 2013

The aggregation of soluble amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptide into oligomers/fibrils is one of the key pathological features in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Aβ aggregates are considered to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Therefore, inhibiting Aβ aggregation and destabilizing preformed Aβ fibrils would be an attractive therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of AD. S14G‐humanin (HNG), a synthetic derivative of Humanin (HN), has been shown to be a strong neuroprotective agent against various AD‐related insults. Recent studies have shown that HNG can significantly improve cognitive deficits and reduce insoluble Aβ levels as well as amyloid plaque burden without affecting amyloid precursor protein processing and Aβ production in transgenic AD models. However, the potential mechanisms by which HNG reduces Aβ‐related pathology in vivo remain obscure. In the present study, we found that HNG could significantly inhibit monomeric Aβ1–42 aggregation into fibrils and destabilize preformed Aβ1–42 fibrils in a concentration‐dependent manner by Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. In transmission electron microscope study, we observed that HNG was effective in inhibiting Aβ1–42 fibril formation and disrupting preformed Aβ1–42 fibrils, exhibiting various types of amorphous aggregates without identifiable Aβ fibrils. Furthermore, HNG‐treated monomeric or fibrillar Aβ1–42 was found to significantly reduce Aβ1–42‐mediated cytotoxic effects on PC12 cells in a dose‐dependent manner by MTT assay. Collectively, our results demonstrate for the first time that HNG not only inhibits Aβ1–42 fibril formation but also disaggregates preformed Aβ1–42 fibrils, which provides the novel evidence that HNG may have anti‐Aβ aggregation and fibrillogenesis, and fibril‐destabilizing properties. Together with previous studies, we concluded that HNG may have promising therapeutic potential as a multitarget agent for the prevention and/or treatment of AD. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can coupled‐cluster methods be used to describe excited states of the building blocks of DNA?
Authors: Szalay Péter G.
Published: January 2013

Recent developments in Coupled‐Cluster (CC) theory of excited states, which allow the application of these expensive methods for nucleobases and even for their complexes, are overviewed. Accuracy of the methods is analyzed and some recent encouraging results summarized. Finally, we speculate about possible directions of future research and how the CC calculations can be extended to the electric properties of DNA, in particular transport properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Teachers' Notes to Reading Greek
Authors: Joint Association of Classical Teachers' Greek Course
Published: January 2013

First published in 1978 and now thoroughly revised, Reading Greek is a best-selling one-year introductory course in ancient Greek for students of any age. It combines the best of modern and traditional language-learning techniques and is used in schools, summer schools and universities across the world. The Teachers' Notes to Reading Greek are intended to help teachers at school, at university and in adult education to use the course to their best advantage. They do not tell the teacher what to do but describe the practice of experienced users of the course and offer suggestions for tactics to adopt, including advice on matters such as lesson planning, year-plans and potential examination papers. This volume of notes has been thoroughly updated to match the revised edition of the course.
Helminth egg excretion with regard to age, gender and management practices on UK Thoroughbred studs
Authors: RELF V. E. , MORGAN E. R. , HODGKINSON J. E. , MATTHEWS J. B.
Published: January 2013

Few studies have described the combined effect of age, gender, management and control programmes on helminth prevalence and egg shedding in grazing equines. Here, fecal samples collected from 1221 Thoroughbred horses, residing at 22 studs in the UK, were analysed. The distribution of strongyle eggs amongst individuals in relation to age, gender and management practices was investigated. Fecal worm egg counts (FWECs), described as the number of eggs per gramme (epg) of feces, were determined using a modification of the salt flotation method. The FWEC prevalence (mean%) of strongyles,Parascaris equorum, tapeworm spp. andStrongyloides westeriwas 56, 9, 4 and 8%, respectively. Strongyle,P. equorum, tapeworm spp. andS. westeriinfections were detected on 22 (100%), 11 (50%), 9 (41%) and 8 (36%) of studs, respectively. Within all age and gender categories, strongyle FWECs were highly over-dispersed (arithmetic mean = 95 epg, aggregation parameterk=0·111) amongst horses. Animal age, last anthelmintic type administered and management practices (for example, group rotation on grazing) most strongly influenced strongyle prevalence and level of egg shedding (P < 0·05). Overall, 11% of equines (range: 234–2565 epg) were responsible for excreting 80% of the strongyle eggs detected on FWEC analysis. The results confirm that the judicious application of targeted treatments has potential to control equine strongyle populations by protecting individual horses from high burdens, whilst promoting refugia for anthelmintic susceptible genotypes.
Naturalistic Assessment of Everyday Activities and Prompting Technologies in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Seelye Adriana M. , Schmitter-Edgecombe Maureen , Cook Diane J. , Crandall Aaron
Published: January 2013

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often have difficulty performing complex instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which are critical to independent living. In this study, amnestic multi-domain MCI (N = 29), amnestic single-domain MCI (N = 18), and healthy older participants (N = 47) completed eight scripted IADLs (e.g., cook oatmeal on the stove) in a smart apartment testbed. We developed and experimented with a graded hierarchy of technology-based prompts to investigate both the amount of prompting and type of prompts required to assist individuals with MCI in completing the activities. When task errors occurred, progressive levels of assistance were provided, starting with the lowest level needed to adjust performance. Results showed that the multi-domain MCI group made more errors and required more prompts than the single-domain MCI and healthy older adult groups. Similar to the other two groups, the multi-domain MCI group responded well to the indirect prompts and did not need a higher level of prompting to get back on track successfully with the tasks. Need for prompting assistance was best predicted by verbal memory abilities in multi-domain amnestic MCI. Participants across groups indicated that they perceived the prompting technology to be very helpful. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–11)
Treating Severely Abused Parricide Offenders
Authors: Heide Kathleen M. , Solomon Eldra
Published: January 2013

This chapter considers the treatment of the severely abused parricide offender type. This type is the most common among adolescents who kill their parents and is the type with the most favorable prognosis. It first reviews the literature on the severely mentally ill parricide offender; on treating juvenile and adolescent homicide offenders; and on the treatment of adolescent parricide offenders (APO). It then discusses treatments for the severely abused APO. It focuses on two major aspects of treatment and the issues that accompany them. First, the APO's current crisis must be addressed. The youth must deal with the homicide and its aftermath with respect to himself and other family survivors. Second, treatment must focus on teaching the youth the skills he needs to cope more effectively with ongoing life events. Intervention must help the youth to resolve the traumatic experiences and their effects that propelled the violence. The youth's history of victimization in the home must be unraveled and resolved.