bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review on Development of Clay Based Geopolymer Ceramic Composites
Authors: Ahmad Romisuhani , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Nur Ain J.
Published: August 2014

Geopolymer results from the reaction of a source material that is rich in silica and alumina such as kaolin with alkaline activator solution. Geopolymers are inorganic aluminosilicate materials that possess relatively good mechanical properties and good thermal behavior but they exhibit failure behavior similar to brittle solids. This limitation may be readily overcome through the formation of ceramics of geopolymer and the addition of filler to improve strength and toughness. This paper review and summarize the current knowledge on geopolymer ceramic with addition of fine filler materials and the effect of filler content on the physical and mechanical characteristic of clay based geopolymer ceramic.
The Mouse Idd2 Locus Is Linked to the Proportion of Immunoregulatory Double-Negative T Cells, a Trait Associated with Autoimmune Diabetes Resistance
Authors: Collin Roxanne , Dugas Véronique , Pelletier Adam-Nicolas , Chabot-Roy Geneviève , Lesage Sylvie
Published: August 2014

Autoimmune diseases result from a break in immune tolerance. Various mechanisms of peripheral tolerance can protect against autoimmunity, including immunoregulatory CD4−CD8− double-negative (DN) T cells. Indeed, we have previously shown that diabetes-prone mouse strains exhibit a low proportion of DN T cells relative to that of diabetes-resistant mice, and that a single autologous transfer of DN T cells can impede autoimmune diabetes development, at least in the 3A9 TCR transgenic setting. In this study, we aim to understand the genetic basis for the difference in DN T cell proportion between diabetes-resistant and diabetes-prone mice. We thus perform an unbiased linkage analysis in 3A9 TCR F2 (NOD.H2k × B10.BR) mice and reveal that a locus on chromosome 9, which coincides with Idd2, is linked to the proportion of DN T cells in the lymph nodes. We generate two NOD.H2k.B10-Chr9 congenic mouse strains and validate the role of this genetic interval in defining the proportion of DN T cells. Moreover, we find that the increased proportion of DN T cells in lymphoid organs is associated with a decrease in both diabetes incidence and serum IgG Ab levels. Together, the data suggest that Idd2 is linked to DN T cell proportion and that a physiological increase in DN T cell number may be sufficient to confer resistance to autoimmune diabetes. Altogether, these findings could help identify new candidate genes for the development of therapeutic avenues aimed at modulating DN T cell number for the prevention of autoimmune diseases.
Plasmin Induces In Vivo Monocyte Recruitment through Protease-Activated Receptor-1–, MEK/ERK-, and CCR2-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Carmo Aline A. F. , Costa Bruno R. C. , Vago Juliana P. , de Oliveira Leonardo C. , Tavares Luciana P. , Nogueira Camila R. C. , Ribeiro Ana Luíza C. , Garcia Cristiana C. , Barbosa Alan S. , Brasil Bruno S. A. F. , Dusse Luci M. , Barcelos Lucíola S. , Bonjardim Cláudio A. , Teixeira Mauro M. , Sousa Lirlândia P.
Published: August 2014

The plasminogen (Plg)/plasmin (Pla) system is associated with a variety of biological activities beyond the classical dissolution of fibrin clots, including cell migration, tissue repair, and inflammation. Although the capacity of Plg/Pla to induce cell migration is well defined, the mechanism underlying this process in vivo is elusive. In this study, we show that Pla induces in vitro migration of murine fibroblasts and macrophages (RAW 264.7) dependent on the MEK/ERK pathway and by requiring its proteolytic activity and lysine binding sites. Plasmin injection into the pleural cavity of BALB/c mice induced a time-dependent influx of mononuclear cells that was associated with augmented ERK1/2 and IκB-α phosphorylation and increased levels of CCL2 and IL-6 in pleural exudates. The inhibition of protease activity by using a serine protease inhibitor leupeptin or two structurally different protease-activated receptor-1 antagonists (SCH79797 and RWJ56110) abolished Pla-induced mononuclear recruitment and ERK1/2 and IκB-α phosphorylation. Interestingly, inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway abolished Pla-induced CCL2 upregulation and mononuclear cell influx. In agreement with a requirement for the CCL2/CCR2 axis to Pla-induced cell migration, the use of a CCR2 antagonist (RS504393) prevented the Plg/Pla-induced recruitment of mononuclear cells to the pleural cavity and migration of macrophages at transwell plates. Therefore, Pla-induced mononuclear cell recruitment in vivo was dependent on protease-activated receptor-1 activation of the MEK/ERK/NF-κB pathway, which led to the release of CCL2 and activation of CCR2.
Ultrasonographic Findings in a Large Series of Patients with Knee Pain
Authors: Artul Suheil , Khazin Fadi , Hakim Jeries , Habib George
Published: August 2014

Background:

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) is becoming more and more popular in the evaluation of different musculoskeletal abnormalities. The aim of this retrospective study was to document the prevalence and spectrum of MSKUS findings at the painful knee.

Materials and Methods:

All the studies of MSKUS that were performed for the evaluation of knee pain during the previous 2 years at the Department of Radiology in Nazareth hospital were reviewed. Demographic and clinical parameters including age, gender, side, and MSKUS findings were documented.

Results:

Two hundred and seventy-six patients were included in the review. In 21 of them, both knees were evaluated at the same setting (total number of knees evaluated was 297). One hundred and forty-four knees were of the left side. Thirty-three pathologies were identified. 34% of the studies were negative. The most common MSKUS findings were medial meniscal tear (MMT) (20%), Baker's cyst (BC) (16%), and osteoarthritis (OA) (11%). Only one knee of all the knees evaluated in our study showed synovitis. Fifty-three knees (18% of all the knees evaluated) had more than one imaging finding, mosty two and while some had three findings. The most common combination of findings was MMT and BC (8 knees), MMT with OA (8 knees), and MMT with fluid (6 knee). In 67% of the patients who had simultaneous bilateral knee evaluation, at least one knee had no abnormal findings and in 43%, both knees were negative.

Conclusions:

MSKUS has the potential for revealing huge spectrum of abnormalities. In nearly 90% of the positive studies, degenerative/mechanical abnormalities were reported, with MMT, BC, and osteoarthritic changes being the most common.
Particle size distribution and estimated carbon flux across the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Roullier F. , Berline L. , Guidi L. , Durrieu De Madron X. , Picheral M. , Sciandra A. , Pesant S. , Stemmann L.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The goal of the Arabian Sea section of the TARA oceans expedition was to study large particulate matter (LPM > 100 μm) distributions and possible impact of associated midwater biological processes on vertical carbon export through the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) of this region. We propose that observed spatial patterns in LPM distribution resulted from the timing and location of surface phytoplankton bloom, lateral transport, microbial processes in the core of the OMZ, and enhanced biological processes mediated by bacteria and zooplankton at the lower oxycline. Indeed, satellite-derived net primary production maps showed that the northern stations of the transect were under the influence of a previous major bloom event while the most southern stations were in a more oligotrophic situation. Lagrangian simulations of particle transport showed that deep particles of the northern stations could originate from the surface bloom while the southern stations could be considered as driven by 1-D vertical processes. In the first 200 m of the OMZ core, minima in nitrate concentrations and the intermediate nepheloid layer (INL) coincided with high concentrations of 100 μm < LPM < 200 μm. These particles could correspond to colonies of bacteria or detritus produced by anaerobic microbial activity. However, the calculated carbon flux through this layer was not affected. Vertical profiles of carbon flux indicate low flux attenuation in the OMZ, with a Martin model b exponent value of 0.22. At three stations, the lower oxycline was associated to a deep nepheloid layer, an increase of calculated carbon flux and an increase in mesozooplankton abundance. Enhanced bacterial activity and zooplankton feeding in the deep OMZ is proposed as a mechanism for the observed deep particle aggregation. Estimated lower flux attenuation in the upper OMZ and re-aggregation at the lower oxycline suggest that OMZ may be regions of enhanced carbon flux to the deep sea relative to non OMZ regions.
Estimating net anthropogenic nitrogen inputs (NANI) in the Lake Dianchi basin of China
Authors: Gao W. , Howarth R. W. , Hong B. , Swaney D. P. , Guo H. C.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Net anthropogenic nitrogen inputs (NANI) with components of atmospheric N deposition, synthetic N fertilizer, agricultural N fixation and N in net food and feed imports from 15 catchments in the Lake Dianchi basin were determined over an 11-year period (2000–2010). The 15 catchments range in size from 44 km2 to 316 km2 with an average of 175 km2. To reduce uncertainty from scale change methodology, results from data extraction by area-weighting and land use-weighting methods were compared. Results show that the methodology for extrapolating data from the county scale to watersheds has a great influence on NANI computation for catchments in the Lake Dianchi basin, and that estimates of NANI between the two methods have an average difference of 30% on a catchment basis, while a smaller difference (15%) was observed on the whole Lake Dianchi basin basis. The riverine N export has a stronger linear relationship with NANI computed by the land use-weighting method, which we believe is more reliable. Overall, nitrogen inputs assessed by the NANI approach for the Lake Dianchi basin are 9900 kg N km−2 yr−1, ranging from 6600 to 28 000 kg N km−2 yr−1 among the 15 catchments. Synthetic N fertilizer is the largest component of NANI in most subwatersheds. On average, riverine flux of nitrogen in catchments of the Lake Dianchi basin averages 83% of NANI, far higher than generally observed in North America and Europe. Saturated N sinks and a limited capacity for denitrification in rivers may be responsible for this high percentage of riverine N export. Overall, the NANI methodology should be applicable in small watersheds when sufficiently detailed data are available to estimate its components.
A scale-dependent blending scheme for WRFDA: impact on regional weather forecasting
Authors: Wang H. , Huang X.-Y. , Xu D. , Liu J.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Due to limitation of the domain size and limited observations used in regional data assimilation and forecasting systems, regional forecasts suffer a general deficiency in effectively representing large-scale features such as those in global analyses and forecasts. In this paper, a scale-dependent blending scheme using a low-pass Raymond tangent implicit filter was implemented in the Data Assimilation system of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRFDA) to reintroduce large-scale weather features from global model analysis into the WRFDA analysis. The impact of the blending method on regional forecasts was assessed by conducting full cycle data assimilation and forecasting experiments for a 2-week-long period in September 2012. It is found that there are obvious large-scale forecast errors in the regional WRFDA system running in full cycle mode without the blending scheme. The scale-dependent blending scheme can efficiently reintroduce the large-scale information from National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS) analyses, and keep small-scale information from WRF analyses. The blending scheme is shown to reduce analysis and forecasting error of wind, temperature and humidity up to 24 h compared to the full cycle experiments without blending. It is also shown to increase precipitation prediction skills in the first 6 h forecasts.
Susceptibility assessment of landslides under extreme-rainfall events using hydro-geotechnical model; a case study of Umyeonsan (Mt.), Korea
Authors: Jeong S. S. , Kim J. H. , Kim Y. M. , Bae D. H.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The influence of climate change on patterns has the potential to alter stability of partially saturated soil slopes. Changes in rainfall patterns have a strong influence on stability of partially saturated soil slopes, which recently have resulted in shallow landslides. In this paper, a comprehensive case study on the 2011 Umyeonsan (Mt.) landslides was highlighted. The incident involves the collapse of a soil slope and the debris flow under extreme-rainfall event, causing 16 fatalities and serious damaged to 146 housings. A fundamental study was carried out on the cause and mechanism of landslide/debris flow. An analytical method is developed for determining the failure mechanism of unsaturated soil slopes under extreme-rainfall, the effect of groundwater flow; the downward velocity of wetting front, and the upward velocity of groundwater level. Based on this, we propose the conceptual methodology of landslide design based on experimental tests and numerical analyses which consider the important mechanism of the combined effects of both groundwater flow and rainfall infiltration into the slope.
Quando o Usuário se torna um Publicitário: Motivações para Ewom - Propaganda Boca a Boca Eletrônica - No Facebook
Authors: Serra Deborah Do Espírito Santo , Soto-Sanfiel Maria T.
Published: August 2014

Esta pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratria busca obter informaes sobre o boca-a-boca eletrnico (em ingls, electronic Word of Mouth, eWOM) atravs de sites de redes sociais. Especificamente, seu objetivo aprofundar os conhecimentos para a identificao de Usos e Gratificaes buscados (motivaes manifestas e latentes) pelos usurios que se implicam em prticas de eWOM no Facebook, bem como para a identificao de gratificaes obtidas com tal comportamento. Depois de aplicar entrevistas com questionrio aberto a 25 indivduos e analisar qualitativamente suas respostas, chegou-se aos resultados deste estudo, que fornecem informaes sobre as motivaes e gratificaes relacionadas aos atos de conectar-se a pginas comerciais, publicar contedo nos muros de pginas comerciais e trocar informaes com outros usurios sobre marcas comerciais. Tais resultados so teis tanto para estudos acadmicos de comunicao quanto para agentes de marketing e publicidade.DOI: 10.5585/remark.v13i1.2584
Effects of vitamins, temperature and pH on the biomass production by ectomycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Pokojska Aleksandra , Kampert Maria , Różycki Henryk , Strzelczyk Edmund
Published: August 2014

Studies were carried out to determine the effect of vitamins, temperature and pH on the biomass production by ectomycorrhizal fungi: Laccuria bicolor, Hebeloma crustuliniforme, Suillus bovinus and Pisolithus arhizus. Responses of particular organisms were different Three-factor ANOVA which enables the comparison of the effect of experimental factors on biomass yield has shown that the pH of the medium had a stronger effect on L. bicolor, H. crustuliniforme and S. bovinus than vitamins. Temperature was the factor exerting the strongest effect on the growth of P. tinctorius.
Production of cytokinin-like substances and ethylene by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Cantharellus cibarius
Authors: Strzelczyk Edmund , Kampert Maria , Pachlewski Roman
Published: August 2014

It was found that the hardwood form of Cantharellus cibarius (strain 5400) produced less cytokinin-like substances than the coniferous form (strain 5410). Among the active substances the following were detected: 2iP, 2iP riboside and zeatin. No significant differences in ethylene production between both strains in the presence or absence of methionine (considered to be the precursor of this gas) were noted.
Comparative analysis of yeast-like species potentially useful to environmental biotechnology
Authors: Grabińska-Łoniewska Anna , Pajor Elżbieta , Slavikova Elena
Published: August 2014

Five yeast-like species recommended for enhancing the bioremediation of wastewaters, soils and cxhaust gases contaminated with recalcitrant compounds were analysed with repect to their morphologal characteristics and physiology.
Rhizoctonia cerealis anastomosis group GAG-1, the common pathogen of wheat, barley and sugar beet
Authors: Furgał-Węgrzycka Helena , Adamiak Jan , Adamiak Ewa
Published: August 2014

Isuluies of Rhizoctonia cerealis anastomosis group GAG-1 were obtained from sharp eyespot lesions on wheat and on barley culms and from diseased sugar beet seedlings. Isolates of R. cerealis were collected from a fields with crop rotation experiments: sugar beet-spring wheat-winter barley. In pathogenicity tests isolates of R. cerealis from sugar beet seedlings and from sharp eyespot lesions on wheat and barley were pathogenic to these crops. Isolates of R. cerealis from sharp eyespot lesions on wheat and barley caused severe damping-ofTof sugar beet. Isolates of R. cerealis from sugar beet seedlings also caused symptoms of sharp eyespot on wheat and barley. None of the wheat and barley isolates of R. cerealis tested caused root-rot on wheat or barley seedlings. Isolates of R. cerealis obtained from diseased plants of wheat, barley and sugar beet were similar in morphology of cultures and anastomosed with GAG-1 tester isolate. The relatinoship between anastomosis. colony characters, growth rate, hyphal diameter and pathogenicity of AG-4. AG-2-2 and AG-5 isolates obtained together with R. cerealis from diseased plants were also investigated.
A new species of Helicocephalum from Poland
Authors: Borowska Alicja A.
Published: August 2014

The genus Helicocephalum was established by Thaxter (1891) for H. sarcophilum. Drechsler (1934, 1943) added two more species, H. oligosporum and H. diplosporium. Kitz and Embree (1989) discribed H. corniculatum. The author describes and illustrates the new species which was discovered on forest soil very close to the feed-box for roe-deers and cervines.
Recent collections of miscellaneous microfungi from South Poland
Authors: Scheuer Christian , Chlebicki Andrzej
Published: August 2014

In thc paper 97 miscellaneous microfungi from South Poland are reported; 31 laxa arc new to Poland, among them: Arthrinium cuspidatum, A. sporophleum, Ascochyta sesleriae, Brachysporium nigrum, Byssosphaeria rhodomphala, Camarosporium feurichii, Ceratostomella ampullasca, Cistella fugiens, C. luzulma, Diplonaevia emergens, Eutypella tetraploa, Hysteropezizella diminuens, Laetinaevia minutissima, Micropeltopsis nigro-annulata var. nigro-annulata and var. papillosa, Mollisina echinulifera, Naeviella paradoxa, Naeviopsis carneola, Phyllosticra trifoliorum, Physalospora empetri, Pleospora helvetica, Psilachnum acutum, Pyrenopesiza arctii, Sarcopodium circinatum, Scutomollisia stenospora, Stomiopeltis versicolor, Taphrophila cornu-capreoli, Trichometasphaeria culmifida, Xepcula leucotrichoides, Naeviopsis carneola is illustrated for the first time.
Interesting macromycetes found in the Kielce town (Central Poland)
Authors: Łuszczyński Janusz
Published: August 2014

The paper contains a list of 90 Basidiomycetes collected in the Kielce town. Among these there are 6 species new to Poland: Hyphoderma capitatum, Phlebia cremeoochracea, Phlebiella allantospora, Inocybe cryptocystis, Marasmius tremulae, Pluteus pouzarianus, 4 species protected by law and 64 species included in the red list of threatened macrofungi in Poland.
Terfezia terfezioides - a new hypogeous fungus for Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Ławrynowicz Maria , Markowić Mirosłav , Milenković Miroljub , Ivanćević Boris
Published: August 2014

Terfezia terfezioides (Matt.) Trappe was found for the first time in FR Yugoslavia in 1991. Description of the specimens, its mycorrhizal association with Robinta pseudoacacia and distribution in Europe are discussed in the paper. This is the first locality of T. terfezioides on Balkan Peninsula.
New and rare species of Sphaeropsidales in the Polish flora. II
Authors: Romaszewska-Sałata Joanna , Sałata Bogusław , Wołczańska Agata
Published: August 2014

Sixteen species of Sphaeropsidales (Apiocarpella, Ascochyta, Pestaloziella and Septoria) - new or rarely found in the Polish flora - have been given in this paper. Many of them are rarely found in Europe as well as in other regions all over the world e.g.: Apiocarpella impatientis, Ascochyta brachypodii, A. majalis, Pestaloziella subsessilis, Septoria astericola, S. heracleicola and S. vincae.
The effect of fungicides used in the protection of forest tree seedlings on the growth of ectomycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Aleksandrowicz-Trzcińska Marta , Grzywacz Andrzej
Published: August 2014

Fungitoxical activity of ten fungictdes most commonly used in the phytopathological protection of forest nurseries was studied, using the in vitro screening method. The fungitoxical activity was studied against five species of ectomycorrhizal fungi (seven strains). The resulting growth inhibition of fungi species and strains tested was prcscnted in terms of fungitoxicity classes of the preparations used. The highest total fungitoxicity against the mycelia of fungi taxa tested was found for Euparen, Bravo, Dithane M-45 and Ridomil. The weakest fungitoxical effect was observed for Topsin M and Bayleton. The least susceptible for the action of the fungicides studied were mycelia of Suillus luteus, while the most susceptible were those of Hebeloma crustuliniforme and Laccaria laccata. The study results arę useful for the selection of fungi strains proper for the artificial mycorrhization of seedlings.
A review of the methods used for studies on parasitic fungi in natural plant communities
Authors: Mułenko Wiesław
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this paper is to reconsider the methods used so Tar and to propose standardization of studies on the microparasitic fungi in natural plant communities. The method should meet the following requirements: demonstration of the relationships between the pathogen and host, application in different environmental conditions. enabling repetition of studies at different limes. giving comparable results. The object of the discussion is to search for such study procedures which give a total information about the occurrence of phytopathological fungi and their hosts in natural plant communities. This concerns, among other things. the following problems: estimation of the frequency of fungi. their distribution, the infection degree of their hosts as well as analysis of the occurrence of fungi in relation to plant distribution. The degree of plant density is an important factor determining the appearance of the disease and its evaluation should be an inseparable element in analysis of parasitism. The mycological-ecological studies, using permanent study areas seems to be indispensable. Research plots need not be literally permanent. Here, a system of permanent. precisely localized points can be used which allow each time reconstruction of areas determined carlier. The most essential element of such studies is to provide for oneself (and future researchers) repeatability of studies. i.e. return lo the same places and taking samples from the same areas.
Manage Stormwater Runoff to Prevent Drinking Water Contamination
Authors: Loop Travis
Published: August 2014

Stormwater runoff is rainwater or snowmelt that flows over the land. Runoff can carry sediment and contaminants from streets, rooftops, and lawns to surface water bodies or can infiltrate through the soil to groundwater. Best management practices have been established to mitigate stormwater pollution.
How Should We Respond to Unusual Chlorine Demand?
Authors: Boggs Scotty
Published: August 2014

Unusual chlorine demand can trigger further testing and investigation before complaint calls come in. Operators can monitor pH and breakpoint chlorination and take steps like flushing to regain optimum chlorine residual levels. They also need to account for seasonal fluctuations, unusual events, distribution system configuration, and other local factors.
RO Membrane to Remove Sulfate: an Inland Brackish Water Desalination Pilot Study
Authors: Chang Qigang , Bergantine Brian R. , Johnson Robert Bo , Veerapaneni Srinivas Vasu , Hall Troy B. , Peterson Mark A. , Buchholz David
Published: August 2014

The City of Fargo completed a Facility Plan of their Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in 2011 to address two main issues: increasing water demands and high sulfate concentrations within a raw water source (Sheyenne River) primarily due to Devils Lake flooding. Reverse Osmosis (RO) was recognized as the most appropriate technology for sulfate reduction, and recommended for use in the WTP expansion. An RO pilot study was performed to evaluate its feasibility for two operational scenarios. RO membranes experienced rapid fouling in the Polishing Scenario, which used RO to further treat filtered water from the existing WTP (pretreatment, lime softening, ozone, and granular filtration). RO membranes exhibited superior performance in the Parallel Scenario, which was a separate treatment process (coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation + microfiltration/ultrafiltration +RO) parallel to the existing WTP. RO membrane autopsies indicated that membrane fouling was organic and biological for the Polishing Scenario while organic and scaling for the Parallel Scenario. Optimization studies were performed in the Parallel Scenario to determine optimal coagulation conditions for pretreatment as well as flux, recovery, and membrane cleaning regimes for both the MF/UF and the RO. Uniquely, an RO membrane selection pilot was conducted for both scenarios to evaluate RO membranes from four different manufacturers. The slight difference surface chemistry among various RO membrane can cause substantial different performance. It was found that one RO membrane could not be cleaned adequately, although it has many successful applications elsewhere. This one year pilot study proved that RO technology is feasible to reduce sulfate concentrations to acceptable levels in the City’s finished water.
Chronique sur le métier de chercheur
Authors: Laroche Hervé
Published: August 2014

Ce texte est une fiction qui propose au lecteur de se projeter dans un futur imaginaire. Il a été inspiré par diverses publications (indiquées en bibliographie), mais exprime avant tout, comme c’est la règle de cette chronique, des idées, ou plutôt ici des conjectures, personnelles.
Jarisch‐Herxheimer reaction among HIV‐positive patients with early syphilis: azithromycin versus benzathine penicillin G therapy
Authors: Tsai Mao‐Song , Yang Chia‐Jui , Lee Nan‐Yao , Hsieh Szu‐Min , Lin Yu‐Hui , Sun Hsin‐Yun , Sheng Wang‐Huei , Lee Kuan‐Yeh , Yang Shan‐Ping , Liu Wen‐Chun , Wu Pei‐Ying , Ko Wen‐Chien , Hung Chien‐Ching
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The Jarisch‐Herxheimer reaction, a febrile inflammatory reaction that often occurs after the first dose of chemotherapy in spirochetal diseases, may result in deleterious effects to patients with neurosyphilis and to pregnant women. A single 2‐g oral dose of azithromycin is an alternative treatment to benzathine penicillin G for early syphilis in areas with low macrolide resistance. With its potential anti‐inflammatory activity, the impact of azithromycin on the incidence of the Jarisch‐Herxheimer reaction in HIV‐positive patients with early syphilis has rarely been investigated.

Methods

In HIV‐positive patients with early syphilis, the Jarisch‐Herxheimer reaction was prospectively investigated using the same data collection form in 119 patients who received benzathine penicillin G between 2007 and 2009 and 198 who received azithromycin between 2012 and 2013, when shortage of benzathine penicillin G occurred in Taiwan. Between 2012 and 2013, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed to detect Treponema pallidum DNA in clinical specimens, and PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism of the 23S ribosomal RNA was performed to detect point mutations (2058G or A2059G) that are associated with macrolide resistance.

Results

The overall incidence of the Jarisch‐Herxheimer reaction was significantly lower in patients receiving azithromycin than those receiving benzathine penicillin G (14.1% vs. 56.3%, p<0.001). The risk increased with higher rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titres (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] per 1‐log2 increase, 1.21; confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.41), but decreased with prior penicillin therapy for syphilis (AOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19–0.71) and azithromycin treatment (AOR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.08–0.29). During the study period, 310 specimens were obtained from 198 patients with syphilis for PCR assays, from whom T. pallidum was identified in 76 patients, one of whom (1.3%) was found to be infected with T. pallidum harbouring the macrolide resistance mutation (A2058G). In subgroup analyses confined to the 75 patients infected with T. pallidum lacking resistance mutation, a statistically significantly lower risk for the Jarisch‐Herxheimer reaction following azithromycin treatment was noted.

Conclusions

Treatment with azithromycin was associated with a lower risk for the Jarisch‐Herxheimer reaction than that with benzathine penicillin G in HIV‐positive patients with early syphilis. Previous benzathine penicillin G therapy for syphilis decreased the risk, whereas higher RPR titres increased the risk, for the reaction.
New moss records for Taiwan
Authors: Shevock James R , Yang Jia-Dong , Tan Benito C
Published: August 2014

Fifteen mosses are reported as new for Taiwan with eight species representing the first record for all of China. Four species previously reported for Taiwan but not cited with a specimen in the Moss Flora of China are also provided. Illustration information for all taxa reported is provided for reference purposes.
The Indian connection of the Thailand moss flora, with one new species, Fissidens elizbrowniae
Authors: Printarakul Narin , Tan Benito C , Wongkuna-Thananoppakun Kanjana , Santanachote Kanya
Published: August 2014

Twenty species of mosses from northern Thailand are reported as new to the moss flora of the country. One of these, Fissidens elizbrowniae B.C.Tan & K.Wongkuna-Thananoppakun is described as a new species. Among the new records, a number of species exhibit a continuous range or disjunctive distribution between India and Thailand (Indochina), highlighting the little known floristic connection between the moss floras of Thailand (Indochina) and the Indian subcontinent. Other new moss records represent probable members of either the East Asiatic or Sino-Himalayan floras.
Hydrocotyle rivularis: a new trifoliate species from south-eastern Australia
Authors: Henwood Murray J
Published: August 2014

A new species of perennial, trifoliolate Hydrocotyle (H. rivularis Eichler ex Henwood) from south eastern Australia is described and compared to other trifoliate species from Australia and New Zealand. A distribution map and illustrations of the new species are provided.
Adaptive switching detection algorithm for iterative‐MIMO systems to enable power savings
Authors: Tadza N. , Laurenson D. , Thompson J. S.
Published: August 2014

This paper attempts to tackle one of the challenges faced in soft input soft output Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) detection systems, which is to achieve optimal error rate performance with minimal power consumption. This is realized by proposing a new algorithm design that comprises multiple thresholds within the detector that, in real time, specify the receiver behavior according to the current channel in both slow and fast fading conditions, giving it adaptivity. This adaptivity enables energy savings within the system since the receiver chooses whether to accept or to reject the transmission, according to the success rate of detecting thresholds. The thresholds are calculated using the mutual information of the instantaneous channel conditions between the transmitting and receiving antennas of iterative‐MIMO systems. In addition, the power saving technique, Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling, helps to reduce the circuit power demands of the adaptive algorithm. This adaptivity has the potential to save up to 30% of the total energy when it is implemented on Xilinx®Virtex‐5 simulation hardware. Results indicate the benefits of having this “intelligence” in the adaptive algorithm due to the promising performance‐complexity tradeoff parameters in both software and hardware codesign simulation.
Rapid detection of arsenic minerals using portable broadband NQR
Authors: Lehmann‐Horn J. A. , Miljak D. G. , O'Dell L. A. , Yong R. , Bastow T. J.
Published: August 2014

The remote real‐time detection of specific arsenic species would significantly benefit in minerals processing to mitigate the release of arsenic into aquatic environments and aid in selective mining. At present, there are no technologies available to detect arsenic minerals in bulk volumes outside of laboratories. Here we report on the first room‐temperature broadband 75As nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) detection of common and abundant arsenic ores in the Earth crust using a large sample (0.78 L) volume prototype sensor. Broadband excitation aids in detection of natural minerals with low crystallinity. We briefly discuss how the proposed NQR detector could be employed in mining operations.
Climate effects of dust aerosols over East Asian arid and semiarid regions
Authors: Huang Jianping , Wang Tianhe , Wang Wencai , Li Zhanqing , Yan Hongru
Published: August 2014

East Asia is a major dust source in the world. Mineral dusts in the atmosphere and their interactions with clouds and precipitation have great impacts on regional climate in Asia, where there are large arid and semiarid regions. In this review paper, we summarize the typical transport paths of East Asian dust, which affect regional and global climates, and discuss numerous effects of dust aerosols on clouds and precipitation primarily over East Asian arid and semiarid regions. We hope to provide a benchmark of our present understanding of these issues. Compared with the aerosols of Saharan dust, those of East Asian dust are more absorptive of solar radiation, and its direct radiative forcing at the top of atmosphere is nearly positive or nil. It means that aerosols of East Asian dust can influence the cloud properties not only by acting as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei (via first indirect effect, second indirect effect, and invigoration effect) but also through changing the relative humidity and stability of the atmosphere (via semidirect effect). Converting visible light to thermal energy, dust aerosols can burn clouds to produce a warming effect on climate, which is opposite to the first and second indirect effects of aerosols. The net dust aerosol radiative effects are still highly unclear. In addition, dust can inhibit or enhance precipitation under certain conditions, thus impacting the hydrological cycle. Over Asian arid and semiarid regions, the positive feedback loop in the aerosol‐cloud‐precipitation interaction may aggravate drought in its inner land.
Accuracy of near‐surface aerosol extinction determined from columnar aerosol optical depth measurements in Reno, NV, USA
Authors: Loría‐Salazar S. Marcela , Arnott W. Patrick , Moosmüller Hans
Published: August 2014

The aim of the present work is a detailed analysis of aerosol columnar optical depth as a tool to determine near‐surface aerosol extinction in Reno, Nevada, USA, during the summer of 2012. Ground and columnar aerosol optical properties were obtained by use of in situ Photoacoustic and Integrated Nephelometer and Cimel CE‐318 Sun photometer instruments, respectively. Both techniques showed that seasonal weather changes and fire plumes had enormous influence on local aerosol optics. The apparent optical height followed the shape but not magnitude of the development of the convective boundary layer when fire conditions were not present. Back trajectory analysis demonstrated that a local flow known as the Washoe Zephyr circulation often induced aerosol transport from Northern California over the Sierra Nevada Mountains that increased the aerosol optical depth at 500 nm during afternoons when compared with mornings. Aerosol fine mode fraction indicated that afternoon aerosols in June and July and fire plumes in August were dominated by submicron particles, suggesting upwind urban plume biogenically enhanced evolution toward substantial secondary aerosol formation. This fine particle optical depth was inferred to be beyond the surface, thereby complicating use of remote sensing measurements for near‐ground aerosol extinction measurements. It is likely that coarse mode depletes fine mode aerosol near the surface by coagulation and condensation of precursor gases.
Quantifying storage changes in regional Great Lakes watersheds using a coupled subsurface‐land surface process model and GRACE, MODIS products
Authors: Niu Jie , Shen Chaopeng , Li Shu‐Guang , Phanikumar Mantha S.
Published: August 2014

As a direct measure of watershed resilience, watershed storage is important for understanding climate change impacts on water resources. In this paper we quantify water budget components and storage changes for two of the largest watersheds in the State of Michigan, USA (the Grand River and the Saginaw Bay watersheds) using remotely sensed data and a process‐based hydrologic model (PAWS) that includes detailed representations of subsurface and land surface processes. Model performance is evaluated using ground‐based observations (streamflows, groundwater heads, soil moisture, and soil temperature) as well as satellite‐based estimates of evapotranspiration (Moderate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, MODIS) and watershed storage changes (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, GRACE). We use the model to compute annual‐average fluxes due to evapotranspiration, surface runoff, recharge and groundwater contribution to streams and analyze the impacts of land use and land cover (LULC) and soil types on annual hydrologic budgets using correlation analysis. Watershed storage changes based on GRACE data and model results showed similar patterns. Storage was dominated by subsurface components and showed an increasing trend over the past decade. This work provides new estimates of water budgets and storage changes in Great Lakes watersheds and the results are expected to aid in the analysis and interpretation of the current trend of declining lake levels, in understanding projected future impacts of climate change as well as in identifying appropriate climate adaptation strategies.
Microbial dispersal in unsaturated porous media: Characteristics of motile bacterial cell motions in unsaturated angular pore networks
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali N. , Or Dani
Published: August 2014

The dispersal rates of self‐propelled microorganisms affect their spatial interactions and the ecological functioning of microbial communities. Microbial dispersal rates affect risk of contamination of water resources by soil‐borne pathogens, the inoculation of plant roots, or the rates of spoilage of food products. In contrast with the wealth of information on microbial dispersal in water replete systems, very little is known about their dispersal rates in unsaturated porous media. The fragmented aqueous phase occupying complex soil pore spaces suppress motility and limits dispersal ranges in unsaturated soil. The primary objective of this study was to systematically evaluate key factors that shape microbial dispersal in model unsaturated porous media to quantify effects of saturation, pore space geometry, and chemotaxis on characteristics of principles that govern motile microbial dispersion in unsaturated soil. We constructed a novel 3‐D angular pore network model (PNM) to mimic aqueous pathways in soil for different hydration conditions; within the PNM, we employed an individual‐based model that considers physiological and biophysical properties of motile and chemotactic bacteria. The effects of hydration conditions on first passage times in different pore networks were studied showing that fragmentation of aquatic habitats under dry conditions sharply suppresses nutrient transport and microbial dispersal rates in good agreement with limited experimental data. Chemotactically biased mean travel speed of microbial cells across 9 mm saturated PNM was ∼3 mm/h decreasing exponentially to 0.45 mm/h for the PNM at matric potential of
(for
, dispersal practically ceases and the mean travel time to traverse the 9 mm PNM exceeds 1 year). Results indicate that chemotaxis enhances dispersal rates by orders of magnitude relative to random (diffusive) motions. Model predictions considering microbial cell sizes relative to available liquid pathways sizes were in good agreement with experimental results for unsaturated soils. The new modeling platform enables quantitative consideration of key biophysical factors (e.g., pore space heterogeneities and hydration conditions) governing microbial interactions in 3‐D soil pore spaces.
Controlled Incorporation of Ni(OH)2 Nanoplates Into Flowerlike MoS2 Nanosheets for Flexible All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Hao Chunxue , Wen Fusheng , Xiang Jianyong , Wang Limin , Hou Hang , Su Zhibin , Hu Wentao , Liu Zhongyuan
Published: August 2014

In this work, self‐supporting three‐dimensional hierarchical nanostructured MoS2@Ni(OH)2 nanocomposites are synthesized via a facile single‐mode microwave hydrothermal technique. The fabricated MoS2@Ni(OH)2 nanocomposites for supercapacitors in aqueous electrolyte exhibit higher specific capacitance and better cyclic stability than those of MoS2 and Ni(OH)2 due to the pronounced synergistic effect between MoS2 and Ni(OH)2. Further, the flexible all‐solid‐state supercapcitor is readily constructed by composing the PVA/KOH gel electrolyte in between two MoS2@Ni(OH)2 electrodes on the flexible PET substrates. The resulting supercapacitors can operate at high rate up to 1000 V/s, have excellent long‐life cycling stability, retaining 94.2% of the initial capacitance after 9000 cycles, and mechanical flexibility during extreme bending, respectively. Thereby, the MoS2@Ni(OH)2 nanocomposites are a promising electrode materials for flexible long‐life cycling all‐solid‐sate supercapacitors.
Microfabricated Systems and Assays for Studying the Cytoskeletal Organization, Micromechanics, and Motility Patterns of Cancerous Cells
Authors: Huda Sabil , Pilans Didzis , Makurath Monika , Hermans Thomas M. , Kandere‐Grzybowska Kristiana , Grzybowski Bartosz A.
Published: August 2014

Cell motions are driven by coordinated actions of the intracellular cytoskeleton – actin, microtubules (MTs) and substrate/focal adhesions (FAs). This coordination is altered in metastatic cancer cells resulting in deregulated and increased cellular motility. Microfabrication tools, including photolithography, micromolding, microcontact printing, wet stamping and microfluidic devices have emerged as a powerful set of experimental tools with which to probe and define the differences in cytoskeleton organization/dynamics and cell motility patterns in non‐metastatic and metastatic cancer cells. In this review, we discuss four categories of microfabricated systems: (i) micropatterned substrates for studying of cell motility sub‐processes (for example, MT targeting of FAs or cell polarization); (ii) systems for studying cell mechanical properties, (iii) systems for probing overall cell motility patterns within challenging geometric confines relevant to metastasis (for example, linear and ratchet geometries), and (iv) microfluidic devices that incorporate co‐cultures of multiple cell types and chemical gradients to mimic in vivo intravasation/extravasation steps of metastasis. Together, these systems allow for creating controlled microenvironments that not only mimic complex soft tissues, but are also compatible with live cell high‐resolution imaging and quantitative analysis of single cell behavior.
Elevated soluble IL‐2Rα, IL‐8, and MIP‐1β levels are associated with inferior outcome and are independent of MIPI score in patients with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Sonbol Mohamad B. , Maurer Matthew J. , Stenson Mary J. , Allmer Cristine , LaPlant Betsy R. , Weiner George J. , Macon William R. , Cerhan James R. , Witzig Thomas E. , Gupta Mamta
Published: August 2014

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a unique type of lymphoma with a prognosis intermediate between indolent and aggressive types. The purpose of this study was to study blood cytokine levels in newly diagnosed and relapsed MCL patients with respect to patterns of abnormalities and relationship to the MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI) score. We analyzed blood levels of 30 cytokines using a multiplex ELISA in 88 patients with newly diagnosed MCL (pre‐treatment levels) and 20 with relapsed MCL and compared them with controls without known lymphoma. Elevated cytokine levels were compared with clinical outcome and the MIPI score. In the 88 newly diagnosed MCL patients, we found significantly elevated levels compared with controls of IL‐12, IP‐10, sIL‐2Rα, MIG, IL‐1RA, IL‐8, MIP‐1α, and MIP‐1β (all P < 0.05). Of these elevated cytokines, sIL‐2Rα, IL‐8, MIG, MIP‐1α, and MIP‐1β were predictive of inferior event‐free survival, and sIL‐2Rα (HR = 1.94; P = 0.038), IL‐8 (HR = 2.17; P = 0.015), and MIP‐1β (HR = 2.10; P = 0.016) were independent of MIPI score; only sIL‐2Rα (HR = 2.35; P = 0.041) was associated with overall survival after adjustment for MIPI. In the relapsed MCL patient group, the only significantly elevated plasma cytokines that predicted EFS were sIL‐2Rα (HR = 2.90; P = 0.04) and IL‐8 (HR = 3.75; P = 0.02). Elevated blood levels of sIL‐2Rα and the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐8 and MIP‐1β are poor prognostic factors in MCL patients and independent of MIPI score. These factors, if validated, will provide important additions to the MIPI and guide the development of new therapies for patients with elevated levels of these cytokines. Am. J. Hematol. 89:E223–E227, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bipolar Tribocharging Signal During Friction Force Fluctuations at Metal–Insulator Interfaces
Authors: Burgo Thiago A. L. , Erdemir Ali
Published: August 2014

Friction and triboelectrification of materials show a strong correlation during sliding contacts. Friction force fluctuations are always accompanied by two tribocharging events at metal–insulator [e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)] interfaces: injection of charged species from the metal into PTFE followed by the flow of charges from PTFE to the metal surface. Adhesion maps that were obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) show that the region of contact increases the pull‐off force from 10 to 150 nN, reflecting on a resilient electrostatic adhesion between PTFE and the metallic surface. The reported results suggest that friction and triboelectrification have a common origin that must be associated with the occurrence of strong electrostatic interactions at the interface.
Intrinsic Surface‐Drying Properties of Bioadhesive Proteins
Authors: Akdogan Yasar , Wei Wei , Huang Kuo‐Ying , Kageyama Yoshiyuki , Danner Eric W. , Miller Dusty R. , Martinez Rodriguez Nadine R. , Waite J. Herbert , Han Songi
Published: August 2014

Sessile marine mussels must “dry” underwater surfaces before adhering to them. Synthetic adhesives have yet to overcome this fundamental challenge. Previous studies of bioinspired adhesion have largely been performed under applied compressive forces, but such studies are poor predictors of the ability of an adhesive to spontaneously penetrate surface hydration layers. In a force‐free approach to measuring molecular‐level interaction through surface‐water diffusivity, different mussel foot proteins were found to have different abilities to evict hydration layers from surfaces—a necessary step for adsorption and adhesion. It was anticipated that DOPA would mediate dehydration owing to its efficacy in bioinspired wet adhesion. Instead, hydrophobic side chains were found to be a critical component for protein–surface intimacy. This direct measurement of interfacial water dynamics during force‐free adsorptive interactions at solid surfaces offers guidance for the engineering of wet adhesives and coatings.