bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extendible Draft Semi-Submersible (EDS) Development
Authors: Mathew Joseph , Huang Edward , Zhang Shaosong , Shen Guoan , Li Bin , Zhong Jack , Nah Edwin , Hussain Anis
Published: October 2011

The Extendable Draft Semi-submersible (EDS) concept is a hybrid design with a truss structure fitted below a semisubmersible hull shape which provides low heave motions to enable dry tree operations. The Dry-tree concept is enhanced by the reduced heave motion characteristics of the Semisubmersible, provided by Second Tier Pontoon (STP) located below the traditional pontoons. The STP is lowered by allowing the extendable columns (e-columns) to slide through sleeves in the hull connectors during offshore installation. The base case EDS configuration is for a 2,200m water depth and consists of 16 Top Tension Risers (TTRs), reserve flexible riser and oil export Steel Catenary Riser (SCR) with a throughput capacity of 90,000 BOPD.

This paper addresses Hull In-place Global performance and E- column sleeve connector strength analysis which are carried out in compliance with DNV design criteria and 100-year extreme conditions. The global performance analysis covers the platform wet-tow, installation, and in place conditions. The four stages for the STP installation depend on the depth of the STP from the column bottom. The extendable column (e-column) and STP are held in place by steel to steel contact conical concept and the grouting is relegated to a secondary structural component if needed. DNV concluded that the evaluated EDS configuration is a feasible concept for Petrobras Offshore Ultra-Deep Water Development.
Segregated Regulatory CD39+CD4+ T Cell Function: TGF-β–Producing Foxp3− and IL-10–Producing Foxp3+ Cells Are Interdependent for Protection against Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Kochetkova Irina , Thornburg Theresa , Callis Gayle , Pascual David W.
Published: October 2011

Oral immunization with a Salmonella vaccine vector expressing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli colonization factor Ag I (CFA/I) can protect against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) by dampening IL-17 and IFN-γ via enhanced IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β. To identify the responsible regulatory CD4+ T cells making the host refractory to CIA, Salmonella-CFA/I induced CD39+CD4+ T cells with enhanced apyrase activity relative to Salmonella vector-immunized mice. Adoptive transfer of vaccine-induced CD39+CD4+ T cells into CIA mice conferred complete protection, whereas CD39−CD4+ T cells did not. Subsequent analysis of vaccinated Foxp3-GFP mice revealed the CD39+ T cells were composed of Foxp3-GFP− and Foxp3-GFP+ subpopulations. Although each adoptively transferred Salmonella-CFA/I–induced Foxp3− and Foxp3+CD39+CD4+ T cells could protect against CIA, each subset was not as efficacious as total CD39+CD4+ T cells, suggesting their interdependence for optimal protection. Cytokine analysis revealed Foxp3− CD39+CD4+ T cells produced TGF-β, and Foxp3+CD39+CD4+ T cells produced IL-10, showing a segregation of function. Moreover, donor Foxp3-GFP− CD4+ T cells converted to Foxp3-GFP+ CD39+CD4+ T cells in the recipients, showing plasticity of these regulatory T cells. TGF-β was found to be essential for protection because in vivo TGF-β neutralization reversed activation of CREB and reduced the development of CD39+CD4+ T cells. Thus, CD39 apyrase-expressing CD4+ T cells stimulated by Salmonella-CFA/I are composed of TGF-β–producing Foxp3− CD39+CD4+ T cells and support the stimulation of IL-10–producing Foxp3+ CD39+CD4+ T cells.
IL-15–High-Responder Developing NK Cells Bearing Ly49 Receptors in IL-15−/− Mice
Authors: Yoshizawa Katsumi , Nakajima Shinsuke , Notake Tsuyoshi , Miyagawa Shin-Ichi , Hida Shigeaki , Taki Shinsuke
Published: October 2011

In mice lacking IL-15, NK cell development is arrested at immature stages, providing an opportunity to investigate the earliest developing NK cells that would respond to IL-15. We show in this study that immature NK cells were present in the spleen as well as bone marrow (BM) and contained IL-15–high-responder cells. Thus, mature NK cells were generated more efficiently from IL-15−/− than from control donor cells in radiation BM chimeras, and the rate of IL-15–induced cell division in vitro was higher in NK cells in the spleen and BM from IL-15−/− mice than in those from wild-type mice. Phenotypically, NK cells developed in IL-15−/− mice up to the minor but discrete CD11b–CD27+DX5hiCD51dullCD127dullCD122hi stage, which contained the majority of Ly49G2+ and D+ NK cells both in the spleen and BM. Even among wild-type splenic NK cells, IL-15–induced proliferation was most prominent in CD11b–DX5hi cells. Notably, IL-15–mediated preferential expansion (but not conversion from Ly49– cells) of Ly49+ NK cells was observed in vitro only for NK cells in the spleen. These observations indicated the uneven distribution of NK cells of different developing stages with variable IL-15 responsiveness in these lymphoid organs. Immature NK cells in the spleen may contribute, as auxiliaries to those in BM, to the mature NK cell compartment through IL-15–driven extramarrow expansion under steady-state or inflammatory conditions.
Acute Reciprocal Changes Distant from the Site of Spinal Osteotomies Affect Global Postoperative Alignment
Authors: Klineberg Eric , Schwab Frank , Ames Christopher , Hostin Richard , Bess Shay , Smith Justin S. , Gupta Munish C. , Boachie Oheneba , Hart Robert A. , Akbarnia Behrooz A. , Burton Douglas C. , Lafage Virginie
Published: October 2011

Introduction. Three-column vertebral resections are frequently applied to correct sagittal malalignment; their effects on distant unfused levels need to be understood.Methods. 134 consecutive adult PSO patients were included (29 thoracic, 105 lumbar). Radiographic analysis included pre- and postoperative regional curvatures and pelvic parameters, with paired independentt-tests to evaluate changes.Results. A thoracic osteotomy with limited fusion leads to a correction of the kyphosis and to a spontaneous decrease of the unfused lumbar lordosis (−8°). When the fusion was extended, the lumbar lordosis increased (+8°). A lumbar osteotomy with limited fusion leads to a correction of the lumbar lordosis and to a spontaneous increase of the unfused thoracic kyphosis (+13°). When the fusion was extended, the thoracic kyphosis increased by 6°.Conclusion. Data from this study suggest that lumbar and thoracic resection leads to reciprocal changes in unfused segments and requires consideration beyond focal corrections.
Incentive Effects of Multiple-Server Queueing Networks: The Principal-Agent Perspective
Authors: Choi Sin-Man , Huang Ximin , Ching Wai-Ki , Huang Min
Published: October 2011

A two-server service network has been studied from the principal-agent perspective. In the model, services are rendered by two independent facilities coordinated by an agency, which seeks to devise a strategy to suitably allocate customers to the facilities and to simultaneously determine compensation levels. Two possible allocation schemes were compared — viz. the common queue and separate queue schemes. The separate queue allocation scheme was shown to give more competition incentives to the independent facilities and to also induce higher service capacity. In this paper, we investigate the general case of a multiple-server queueing model, and again find that the separate queue allocation scheme creates more competition incentives for servers and induces higher service capacities. In particular, if there are no severe diseconomies associated with increasing service capacity, it gives a lower expected sojourn time in equilibrium when the compensation level is sufficiently high.
Seasonal variability in the juvenile growth rate of an infaunal polychaete is related to major rain events
Authors: Colvin Marienne A. , Hentschel Brian T.
Published: October 2011

We measured juvenile growth rates of the spionid polychaete Polydora cornuta in situ by transplanting and recovering small vials containing labeled individuals and measuring each worm's body volume before and after week‐long transplantations into field sediments. To measure seasonal variation of in situ growth rates, we performed 15 intertidal transplantations between November 2008 and January 2010 in Oneonta Slough within the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. Our study period included four major rain events with precipitation greater than 2 cm d‐1 that reduced salinity in the tidal channel below 20‰. On average, we recovered one third of the 72 juveniles that were deployed during each transplantation. Mean relative growth rates ranged from 0% to 15% d‐1 among the 15 transplantations and were positively correlated with the mean salinity during each transplantation period. Mean relative growth rates during or a few days after major rain events averaged 2% d‐1, whereas relative growth rates during all other weeks exceeded 7% d‐1. During the November–March rainy season, mean relative growth rates exceeded 8% d‐1 when rain did not occur during a transplantation or during the preceding 7 d, indicating that environmental conditions favoring rapid growth of P. cornuta juveniles returned approximately 1 week after a major rain event. Although the small size of P. cornuta juveniles imposes methodological challenges, their rapid growth and our transplantation methods provide a way to assess environmental quality from the perspective of infaunal performance on small temporal and spatial scales.
Consequences of acclimation to Microcystis on the selective feeding behavior of the calanoid copepod Eudiaptomus gracilis
Authors: Ger Kemal Ali , Panosso Renata , Lürling Miquel
Published: October 2011

We tested the hypothesis that calanoid copepods would adapt to extended periods of Microcystis exposure by increasing selective feeding on alternative food. Copepod (Eudiaptomus gracilis) clearance rates were compared before and after a 5‐d acclimation to Microcystis aeruginosa using paired food mixtures containing a microcystin‐producing (MC+) or ‐lacking (MC‐) strain and the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Acclimation reduced the ingestion of Microcystis, increased ingestion of Chlamydomonas, and subsequently increased feeding selectivity. The effect of acclimation was more pronounced for food mixtures with MC+ Microcystis, suggesting that E. gracilis uses a strain‐specific cue related to microcystin or microcystin itself to avoid harmful food. The results indicate that exposure to sublethal abundances of Microcystis may increase copepod tolerance to blooms, given sufficient alternative food. Zooplankton grazing behavior should, therefore, be viewed as flexible and adaptive to extended periods of cyanobacteria blooms.
The spectral sensitivity of phytoplankton communities to ultraviolet radiation‐induced photoinhibition differs among clear and humic temperate lakes
Authors: Harrison Joel W. , Smith Ralph E. H.
Published: October 2011

We determined the spectral sensitivity of phytoplankton communities to photoinhibition in six temperate lakes spanning a transparency gradient due to variation in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content. Changes in variable fluorescence (FV : FM) were monitored during experimental irradiance exposures and used to estimate spectral weighting functions for damage by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and recovery rates. DOC explained a high proportion of the variation in UVR sensitivity, with clear‐water phytoplankton communities showing greater resistance to UVR‐induced photoinhibition than those of browner waters. These differences were greater when assessed in September, after clear‐sky conditions, than in July, after several days of overcast skies, especially in the long‐wavelength UVA spectral region. Surprisingly, the most UVR‐sensitive phytoplankton communities were dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria, a putatively UVR‐resistant taxon, whereas small unicellular eukaryotes were common in the most UVR‐tolerant assemblages. Model estimates of in situ photoinhibition after 2 h exposure to an incident solar spectrum were only slightly higher in the clear lakes than browner ones, despite appreciably higher UVR exposure in the former. Phytoplankton in clear lakes can maintain values of FV : FM comparable to communities protected from UVR by high concentrations of DOC.
Thermal tolerance of two seagrass species at contrasting light levels: Implications for future distribution in the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Collier Catherine J. , Uthicke Sven , Waycott Michelle
Published: October 2011

This study assessed metabolism, growth, and survival of two seagrass species at three different seawater temperatures (27°C, 30°C, and 33°C) under saturating (400 µmol photons m‐2 s‐1) and limiting (40 µmol photons m‐2 s‐1) light over 1 month. Halodule uninervis grown at 33°C was within its physiological optimum temperature range, exhibiting 2.3× higher photosynthetic rates than at 27°C, and increased net shoot carbon (C) production (up to 10× higher) at saturating light levels. In contrast, 33°C exceeded the optimum temperature threshold for Zostera muelleri, resulting in critical metabolic imbalances with large reductions in photosynthesis and increases in leaf respiration. This led to substantially lower growth rates (0‐2% of those at 27°C) and lower final biomass (only 10% of that at 27°C) in the 33°C treatment after 1 month. This decline at higher temperatures occurred at both light levels, but it was more severe in limiting light, where the C balance went into deficit. H. uninervis in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) exists well within its optimal temperature range and should continue to thrive at projected future temperatures, at least under saturating light levels. In contrast, Z. muelleri currently exists near its upper thermal threshold, and future temperature increases of the magnitude investigated here would likely lead to the contraction of the range of this species from the northern GBR ‐ potentially by more than 1000 km. This could have ecologically significant ramifications, because Z. muelleri is often the only GBR species that currently inhabits muddy estuarine areas, which are critical fisheries habitats.
Atmospheric impacts of the 2010 Russian wildfires: integrating modelling and measurements of an extreme air pollution episode in the Moscow region
Authors: Konovalov I. B. , Beekmann M. , Kuznetsova I. N. , Yurova A. , Zvyagintsev A. M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Numerous wildfires provoked by an unprecedented intensive heat wave caused continuous episodes of extreme air pollution in several Russian cities and densely populated regions, including the Moscow region. This paper analyzes the evolution of the surface concentrations of CO, PM10 and ozone over the Moscow region during the 2010 heat wave by integrating available ground based and satellite measurements with results of a mesoscale model. The CHIMERE chemistry transport model is used and modified to include the wildfire emissions of primary pollutants and the shielding effect of smoke aerosols on photolysis. The wildfire emissions are derived from satellite measurements of the fire radiative power and are optimized by assimilating data of ground measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM10) into the model. It is demonstrated that the optimized simulations reproduce independent observations, which were withheld during the optimisation procedure, quite adequately (specifically, the correlation coefficient of daily time series of CO and PM10 exceeds 0.8) and that inclusion of the fire emissions into the model significantly improves its performance. The model results show that wildfires are the principal factor causing the observed air pollution episode associated with the extremely high levels of daily mean CO and PM10 concentrations (up to 10 mg m−3 and 700 μg m−3 in the averages over available monitoring sites, respectively), although accumulation of anthropogenic pollution was also favoured by a stagnant meteorological situation. Indeed, ozone concentrations were simulated to be episodically very large (>400 μg m−3) even when fire emissions were omitted in the model. It was found that fire emissions increased ozone production by providing precursors for ozone formation (mainly VOC), but also inhibited the photochemistry by absorbing and scattering solar radiation. In contrast, diagnostic model runs indicate that ozone concentrations could reach very high values even without fire emissions which provide "fuel" for ozone formation, but, at the same time, inhibit it as a result of absorption and scattering of solar radiation by smoke aerosols. A comparison of MOPITT CO measurements and corresponding simulations indicates that the observed episodes of extreme air pollution in Moscow were only a part of a very strong perturbation of the atmospheric composition, caused by wildfires, over European Russia. It is estimated that 2010 fires in this region emitted ~10 Tg CO, thus more than 85% of the total annual anthropogenic CO emissions. About 30% of total CO fire emissions in European Russia are identified as emissions from peat fires.
Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen to the Baltic Sea in the period 1995–2006
Authors: Bartnicki J. , Semeena V. S. , Fagerli H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The EMEP/MSC-W model has been used to compute atmospheric nitrogen deposition into the Baltic Sea basin for the period of 12 yr: 1995–2006. The level of annual total nitrogen deposition into the Baltic Sea basin has changed from 230 Gg N in 1995 to 199 Gg N in 2006, decreasing 13 %. This value corresponds well with the total nitrogen emission reduction (11 %) in the HELCOM Contracting Parties. However, inter-annual variability of nitrogen deposition to the Baltic Sea basin is relatively large, ranging from −13 % to +17 % of the averaged value. It is mainly caused by the changing meteorological conditions and especially precipitation in the considered period. The calculated monthly deposition pattern is similar for most of the years showing maxima in the autumn months October and November. The source allocation budget for atmospheric nitrogen deposition to the Baltic Sea basin was calculated for each year of the period 1997–2006. The main emission sources contributing to total nitrogen deposition are: Germany 18–22 %, Poland 11–13 % and Denmark 8–11 %. There is also a significant contribution from distant sources like the United Kingdom 6–9 %, as well as from the international ship traffic on the Baltic Sea 4–5 %.
Impact of sampling frequency in the analysis of tropospheric ozone observations
Authors: Saunois M. , Emmons L. , Lamarque J.-F. , Tilmes S. , Wespes C. , Thouret V. , Schultz M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The measurements of the ozone vertical profiles are valuable for the evaluation of atmospheric chemistry models and contribute to the understanding of the processes controlling the distribution of tropospheric ozone. The longest record of the ozone vertical profiles is provided by ozone sondes, which have a low time resolution with a typical frequency of 12 or 4 profiles a month. Here we discuss and quantify the uncertainty in the analysis of such data sets using high frequency MOZAIC (Measurements of OZone, water vapor, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides by in-service AIrbus airCraft) profiles data sets, such as the one over Frankfurt. We subsampled the MOZAIC data set at the two typical ozone sonde frequencies. We find that the uncertainty introduced by the coarser sampling is around 8% for a 12 profiles a month frequency (14% for a 4 profiles a month frequency) in the free troposphere over Frankfurt. As a consequence, this uncertainty at the lowest frequency is higher than the typical 10% accuracy of the ozone sondes and should be carefully considered for observation comparison and model evaluation. We found that the average intra-seasonal variability represented in the samples is similar to the sampling uncertainty and could also be used as an estimate of the sampling error in some Northern Hemisphere cases. The sampling impacts substantially the inter annual variability and the trend derived over the period 1995–2008 both in magnitude and in sign throughout the troposphere. Therefore, the sampling effect could be part of the observed discrepancies between European sites. Similar results regarding the sampling uncertainty are found at five other Northern Hemispheric sites. Also, a tropical case is discussed using the MOZAIC profiles taken over Windhoek, Namibia between 2005 and 2008.
A high volume sampling system for isotope determination of volatile halocarbons and hydrocarbons
Authors: Bahlmann E. , Weinberg I. , Seifert R. , Tubbesing C. , Michaelis W.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The isotopic composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can provide valuable information on their sources and fate not deducible from mixing ratios alone. In particular the reported carbon stable isotope ratios of chloromethane and bromomethane from different sources cover a δ13C-range of almost 100‰ making isotope ratios a very promising tool for studying the biogeochemistry of these compounds. So far, the determination of the isotopic composition of C1 and C2 halocarbons others than chloromethane is hampered by their low mixing ratios. In order to determine the carbon isotopic composition of C1 and C2 halocarbons with mixing ratios as low as 1 pptv (i) a field suitable cryogenic high volume sampling system and (ii) a chromatographic set up for processing these samples have been developed and validated. The sampling system was tested at two different sampling sites, an urban and a coastal location in Northern Germany. The average δ13C-values for bromomethane at the urban site were −42.9 ± 1.1‰ and agreed well with previously published results. But at the coastal site bromomethane was substantially enriched in 13C by almost 10‰. Less pronounced differences were observed for chlorodifluoromethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and chloromethane. We suggest that these differences are related to the turnover of these compounds in ocean surface waters. Furthermore we report first carbon isotope ratios for iodomethane (−40.4‰ to −79.8‰), bromoform (−13.8‰ to 22.9‰), and other halocarbons.
Effects of soil rewetting and thawing on soil gas fluxes: a review of current literature and suggestions for future research
Authors: Kim D.-G. , Vargas R. , Bond-Lamberty B. , Turetsky M. R.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The rewetting of dry soils and the thawing of frozen soils are short-term, transitional phenomena in terms of hydrology and the thermodynamics of soil systems. The impact of these short-term phenomena on larger scale ecosystem fluxes has only recently been fully appreciated, and a growing number of studies show that these events affect various biogeochemical processes including fluxes of soil gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ammonia (NH3) and nitric oxide (NO). Global climate models predict that future climatic change is likely to alter the frequency and intensity of drying-rewetting events and thawing of frozen soils, highlighting the importance of understanding how rewetting and thawing will influence soil gas fluxes. Here we summarize findings in a new database based on 338 studies conducted from 1956 to 2010, and highlight open research questions. The database revealed conflicting results following rewetting and thawing in various terrestrial ecosystems, ranging from large increases in gas fluxes to non-significant changes. An analysis of published field studies (n = 142) showed that after rewetting or thawing, CO2, CH4, N2O, NO and NH3 fluxes increase from pre-event fluxes following a power function, with no significant differenced among gases. We discuss possible mechanisms and controls that regulate flux responses, and note that a high temporal resolution of flux measurements is critical to capture rapid changes in gas fluxes after these soil perturbations. Finally, we propose that future studies should investigate the interactions between biological (i.e. microbial community and gas production) and physical (i.e. flux, diffusion, dissolution) changes in soil gas fluxes, and explore synergistic experimental and modelling approaches.
MIROC-ESM 2010: model description and basic results of CMIP5-20c3m experiments
Authors: Watanabe S. , Hajima T. , Sudo K. , Nagashima T. , Takemura T. , Okajima H. , Nozawa T. , Kawase H. , Abe M. , Yokohata T. , Ise T. , Sato H. , Kato E. , Takata K. , Emori S. , Kawamiya M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. An earth system model (MIROC-ESM 2010) is fully described in terms of each model component and their interactions. Results for the CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5) historical simulation are presented to demonstrate the model's performance from several perspectives: atmosphere, ocean, sea-ice, land-surface, ocean and terrestrial biogeochemistry, and atmospheric chemistry and aerosols. An atmospheric chemistry coupled version of MIROC-ESM (MIROC-ESM-CHEM 2010) reasonably reproduces transient variations in surface air temperatures for the period 1850–2005, as well as the present-day climatology for the zonal-mean zonal winds and temperatures from the surface to the mesosphere. The historical evolution and global distribution of column ozone and the amount of tropospheric aerosols are reasonably simulated in the model based on the Representative Concentration Pathways' (RCP) historical emissions of these precursors. The simulated distributions of the terrestrial and marine biogeochemistry parameters agree with recent observations, which is encouraging to use the model for future global change projections.
A channel transmission losses model for different dryland rivers
Authors: Costa A. C. , Bronstert A. , de Araújo J. C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Channel transmission losses in drylands take place normally in extensive alluvial channels or streambeds underlain by fractured rocks. They can play an important role in flood prediction, groundwater recharge, freshwater supply and channel-associated ecosystems. We aim to develop a semi-distributed channel transmission losses model, a coupling of formulations which are more suitable for data-scarce dryland environments, applicable for both hydraulically disconnected losing streams and hydraulically connected losing(/gaining) streams. Hence, this approach should be able to cover a large variation in climate and hydro-geologic controls, which are typically found in dryland regions of the world. Traditionally, channel transmission losses models have been developed for site specific conditions. Our model was firstly evaluated for a losing/gaining, hydraulically connected 30 km reach of the Jaguaribe River, Ceará, Brazil, which controls a catchment area of 20 000 km2. Secondly, we applied it to a small losing, hydraulically disconnected 1.5 km channel reach in the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW), Arizona, USA. The model based on the perceptual hydrological models of the reaches was able to predict reliably the stream flow for the both case studies. For the larger river reach, the evaluation of the hypotheses on the dominant hydrological processes was fundamental for reducing structural model uncertainties and improving the stream flow prediction, showing that both lateral stream-aquifer water fluxes and groundwater flow in the underlying alluvium parallel to the river course are necessary to predict stream flow and channel transmission losses, the former process being more relevant than the latter. The sensitivity analysis showed that even if the parameters can "potentially" produce large flow exchanges between model units in the saturated part of the modelling, large flow exchanges do not happen because they are restricted by the actual hydraulic gradient between the model units. Moreover, the saturated-part-based parameters (active in the larger river) produced much smaller variation in the sensitivity coefficient than those (active in the smaller river) which drive the unsaturated part of the channel transmission losses model.
Spectrophotometric high-precision seawater pH determination for use in underway measuring systems
Authors: Aßmann S. , Frank C. , Körtzinger A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Autonomous sensors are required for a comprehensive documentation of the changes in the marine carbon system and thus to differentiate between its natural variability and anthropogenic impacts. Spectrophotometric determination of pH – a key variable of the seawater carbon system – is particularly suited to achieve precise and drift-free measurements. However, available spectrophotometric instruments are not suitable for integration into automated measurement systems (e.g. FerryBox) since they do not meet the major requirements of reliability, stability, robustness and moderate cost. Here we report on the development and testing of a~new indicator-based pH sensor that meets all of these requirements. This sensor can withstand the rough conditions during long-term deployments on ships of opportunity and is applicable to the open ocean as well as to coastal waters with a complex matrix and highly variable conditions. The sensor uses a high resolution CCD spectrometer as detector connected via optical fibers to a custom-made cuvette designed to reduce the impact of air bubbles. The sample temperature can be precisely adjusted (25 °C ± 0.006 °C) using computer-controlled power supplies and Peltier elements thus avoiding the widely used water bath. The overall setup achieves a measurement frequency of 1 min−1 with a precision of ±0.0007 pH units, an average offset of +0.0005 pH units to a reference system, and an offset of +0.0081 pH units to a certified standard buffer. Application of this sensor allows monitoring of seawater pH in autonomous underway systems, providing a key variable for characterization and understanding of the marine carbon system.
Amniotic membrane transplantation in corneal melting after anterior lamellar keratoplasty assisted by femtosecond laser in children
Authors: Buzzonetti Luca , Petrocelli Gianni , Valente Paola
Published: October 2011

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation in lamella melting after anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) assisted by femtosecond laser in a pediatric patient.

Methods

An 11-year-old girl with progressive keratoconus underwent ALK assisted by femtosecond laser on the right eye. The surgical procedure was performed under general anesthesia. The 60-KHz IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics) created both the donor (thickness 350 µm; diameter 8.1 mm; side cut 70°) and recipient (thickness 260 µm; diameter 8.0 mm; side cut 70°) lamellae. The recipient lamella was then gently removed and donor was fitted into place and sutured using 4 interrupted sutures added to a running suture in nylon 10-0. The surgery was uneventful. Two months after surgery, a lamella melting was observed. One month after topical steroid treatment, amniotic membrane transplantation was performed.

Results

When lamella melting was observed, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.1 and 0.5 with foramen and no inflammatory reaction in the anterior chamber was reported. Eleven months after amniotic membrane transplantation, BCVA was 0.9 and no visual acuity increase was recorded with foramen.

Conclusions

Our findings show that amniotic membrane transplantation could be considered in lamella melting after ALK assisted by femtosecond laser in children.
Building Materials
Authors: Michelsen Theodore
Published: October 2011

This article discusses traditional building and construction products, ie, not made from synthetic polymers, including wood, asphalt, gypsum, glass products, Portland cement, and bricks. The article presents information about each basic material, the products made from it, the basic processes by which the products or materials are produced, estimates of the quantity or dollar value of the quantities produced or used in the United States, and some pertinent chemical or physical properties related to the material. More detailed chemical and physical property data can be found in articles devoted to the individual materials.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees, Attitudes Toward
Authors: Esses Victoria M. , Bennett‐Abuayyash Caroline W. , Medianu Stelian
Published: October 2011

The terms asylum seekers and refugees are often used interchangeably in everyday speech. In addition, because the media tend to discuss these two terms in conjunction with economic issues, the public often finds it difficult to distinguish between refugees, asylum seekers, and economic migrants. Nonetheless, these terms have specific meanings that make them distinguishable. Whereas refugees are individuals who have been formally recognized as having fled their country of nationality to escape persecution or conflict, asylum seekers are individuals who are claiming refugee status and waiting for that claim to be evaluated. If a host country's asylum system accepts their claim, then asylum seekers are recognized as formal refugees. Another important distinction is between refugees and economic migrants. Economic migrants are individuals who are seen to have chosen to move to another country in search of a better life, whereas refugees are individuals who are seen as forced to move to another country in order to protect, if not to save, their lives or freedom. Nonetheless, economic migrants may be facing dire circumstances in their country of origin so that, although they cannot be recognized as formal refugees, there are factors pushing them to leave their home country, just as is the case for refugees.
Diplomacy, Preventive
Authors: Wertheim Eleanor H.
Published: October 2011

Preventive diplomacy is a term generally associated with specific functions of the United Nations (UN), as well as similar functions carried out by regional organizations associated with the UN and nongovernmental organizations. Preventive diplomacy refers to a range of peaceful, problem‐solving activities that aim to prevent violent conflict or to de‐escalate emerging violence. Preventive diplomacy takes place prior to a dispute developing into armed conflict, at either an early stage in the process (early prevention) or a late stage (late prevention).
Participatory Action Research, Community‐Based
Authors: Mckay Susan
Published: October 2011

In researching complex problems such as armed conflict, social injustice, and seemingly intractable health problems, multiple perspectives, including the voices of those who are directly affected, are often marginalized or ignored. Instead, outsiders usually create research questions, develop methodologies, and conduct studies with little or no involvement from the people who are affected. Or the affected population may participate as informants for researcher‐constructed surveys and interviews to gather data that the researcher then interprets without “insider” input. Consequently valuable cultural knowledge and insights are lost when analyzing data, discussing results, and formulating recommendations.
Association of body mass index with symptom severity and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Kim Chul‐Hyun , Luedtke Connie A. , Vincent Ann , Thompson Jeffrey M. , Oh Terry H.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and symptom severity and quality of life (QOL) in patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods

We assessed BMI status and its association with symptom severity and QOL in 888 patients with fibromyalgia who were seen in a fibromyalgia treatment program and who completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) health survey.

Results

The BMI distribution of nonobese (BMI <25.0 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2), moderately obese (BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/m2), and severely obese (BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2) patients was 28.4% (n = 252), 26.8% (n = 238), 22.2% (n = 197), and 22.6% (n = 201), respectively. Age was significantly different among the 4 groups, with those having a greater BMI being older (P = 0.004). After adjustment for age, group differences were significant in the number of tender points (P = 0.003) and the FIQ and SF‐36 scores. The groups with the greater BMI had greater fibromyalgia‐related symptoms with worse FIQ total scores (P < 0.001), as well as worse scores in the FIQ subscales of physical function (P < 0.001), work missed (P = 0.04), job ability (P = 0.003), pain (P < 0.001), stiffness (P < 0.001), and depression (P = 0.03). These groups also had poorer SF‐36 scores in physical functioning (P < 0.001), pain index (P = 0.005), general health perceptions (P = 0.003), role emotional (P = 0.04), and physical component summary (P < 0.001). Post hoc analysis among the 4 groups showed that differences resided primarily in the severely obese group compared with the other groups.

Conclusion

In patients with fibromyalgia, severe obesity (BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2) is associated with higher levels of fibromyalgia symptoms and lower levels of QOL.
Frequent discordance between clinical and musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations of foot disease in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Hendry Gordon J. , Gardner‐Medwin Janet , Steultjens Martijn P. M. , Woodburn James , Sturrock Roger D. , Turner Debbie D.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To evaluate the levels of agreement from independent clinical examination (CE) by a pediatric rheumatologist and podiatrist and an ultrasound (US) examination of articular and periarticular foot disease in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

Thirty patients with JIA and a history of foot disease underwent CE and US examination of 24 foot joints, 10 tendons, and 6 periarticular soft tissues. Each site was examined independently by a rheumatologist and a podiatrist for synovitis and tenderness/swelling. The same sites were examined independently by a sonographer for effusion, synovial hypertrophy, power Doppler (PD) signal, tenosynovitis, or abnormal tendon thickening. Agreement was estimated using Cohen's unweighted kappa with corresponding 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Seven hundred twenty joints, 300 tendons, and 180 soft tissue sites were examined. Clinically detected synovitis, tenderness, and swelling were recorded in 42 (5.8%), 78 (10.8%), and 73 joints (10.1%), respectively. US‐detected effusions, synovial hypertrophy, and PD signal were recorded in 88 (12.2%), 47 (6.5%), and 12 joints (1.7%), respectively. Subclinical foot disease was found in 52 joints (7.2%), 5 tendons (1.6%), and 4 soft tissue sites (2.2%). Agreement was consistently less than moderate (κ = <0.4) for each clinical and US interaction.

Conclusion

This study uniquely demonstrated an interprofessional evaluation of foot disease in JIA. Interobserver agreement was less than acceptable for CE versus US, and subclinical foot disease is common in joints and periarticular soft tissues. US may be a useful tool to aid CE of the foot in JIA patients.
Rarity of anti–3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase antibodies in statin users, including those with self‐limited musculoskeletal side effects
Authors: Mammen Andrew L. , Pak Katherine , Williams Emma K. , Brisson Diane , Coresh Joe , Selvin Elizabeth , Gaudet Daniel
Published: October 2011

Objective

Statins, among the most commonly prescribed medications, are associated with a wide range of musculoskeletal side effects. These include a progressive autoimmune myopathy with anti–3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (anti‐HMGCR) antibodies that requires immunosuppression. However, it remains unknown whether these antibodies are found in statin users with and without self‐limited musculoskeletal side effects; this limits their diagnostic utility. The current work assessed the prevalence of anti‐HMGCR antibodies in these groups of statin users.

Methods

We determined the prevalence of anti‐HMGCR antibodies in 1,966 participants (including 763 current statin users) in a substudy of the community‐based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and 98 French Canadian subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia, including 51 with documented statin intolerance.

Results

No participant in the ARIC substudy, including those with past or current statin exposure at the time of sample collection, had anti‐HMGCR antibodies. Similarly, none of 51 patients with self‐limited statin intolerance or 47 statin‐tolerant patients receiving maximal statin therapy were anti‐HMGCR positive.

Conclusion

The majority of patients with and without statin exposure, including those with self‐limited statin intolerance, do not develop anti‐HMGCR antibodies. Therefore, anti‐HMGCR antibodies are highly specific for those with an autoimmune myopathy.
Impact of Fullerene Molecular Weight on P3HT:PCBM Microstructure Studied Using Organic Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Labram John G. , Kirkpatrick James , Bradley Donal D. C. , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: October 2011

The clustering and diffusion of C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) in poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has been studied using single layer blend and bilayer organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). P3HT:PC71BM blend based OFETs were found to undergo phase‐segregation upon annealing, which was detectable as a fall in electron mobility with increasing annealing temperature. By employing carefully designed bilayer P3HT:PC71BM OFETs, the diffusion‐properties of PC71BM in P3HT could additionally be inferred from electron mobility measurements. It was found that the prerequisite annealing temperatures for detectable PC71BM clustering and diffusion in P3HT was approximately 20 °C higher than for PC61BM. The diffusion coefficient of PC61BM in P3HT was found to be several times higher that that of PC71BM. The present work provides unique insights into the diffusion process of fullerenes in conjugated polymers and could prove highly valuable for future materials development and device optimization.
A new mechanism for the electrospinning of nanoyarns
Authors: Bazbouz Mohamed Basel , Stylios George K.
Published: October 2011

A new electromechanical mechanism for spinning “core electrospun nanoyarn” is researched, designed, and implemented. SEM images have shown that the deposited nanofibers were wrapped helically around the core filament resulting in a core electrospun nanoyarn. The parameters of this mechanism such as feed‐in angles, twist rates, and take‐up speeds are analytically investigated. Twist rates of 500 to 750 revolutions per minute, core feed‐in angle of 0°, and take‐up speed of 1.5 cm/s were found optimum for successfully producing core electrospun nanoyarn. This nanoyarn is expected to find many applications in industrial and medical textiles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Hydrogel membranes based on gum tragacanth with tunable structure and properties. I. Preparation method using Taguchi experimental design
Authors: Kiani A. , Shahbazi M. , Asempour H.
Published: October 2011

Gum tragacanth (GT) was exploited to create a series of novel hydrogel membranes with diverse swelling properties. The films of this biopolymer were crosslinked with applying heat only, as well as application of four types of chemical crosslinking reagents, including glycerin, ethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and glutaraldehyde. The effects of the crosslinking agent concentration, crosslinking reaction temperature (57–97°C) and reaction time (2–24 h) on the equilibrium swelling of each series of the synthesized hydrogels were investigated by the aid of Taguchi method of experimental design. This approach facilitated the study of interaction of a large number of variables spanned by factors and their levels with a small number of experimental runs. In all cases, it was found that by increasing the concentration of each type of the crosslinking reagent and extension of the crosslinking reaction time, the swelling capacity of the prepared hydrogel films decreased. However, by increasing the crosslinking temperature, the equilibrium swelling capacity changed by passing through a minimum. As a whole, the equilibrium swelling values of the hydrogels proved that a broad range of hydrogel membranes having the crosslinking densities of 0.83–23.87 × 10−6 mol/cm3 and swelling capacities of 120–1580 g/g was achieved successfully from GT. Thus, GT was assigned as a promising biopolymer for preparing membranes with diverse structural and swelling characteristics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
A new tri‐functional azetidine compound for self‐curing aqueous‐based PU system
Authors: Wang Shih‐Chieh , Chen Po‐Chen , Hwang Jing‐Zhong , Huang Chi‐Yuan , Yeh Jen‐Taut , Chen Kan‐Nan
Published: October 2011

A mono‐azetidine compound had been demonstrating a ring opening reaction with carboxylic acid (e.g., trimethylacetic acid, TMAA) and that resulted in an amino ester bond formation at ambient temperature. A triazetidine compound (trimethylolpropane tris(1‐azetidinyl)propionate, TMPTA‐AZT) was obtained via Michael addition of azetidine (AZT) to trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). The carboxylic groups of anionic aqueous‐based polyurethanes (PU) served as internal emulsifier, which stabilized PU dispersion and also served as PU curing sites. The triazetidine compound (TMPTA‐AZT) was introduced into anionic aqueous‐based PU dispersion as a new latent curing agent and that mixture became a single‐component self‐curable aqueous PU system. A crosslinked PU film was obtained from this PU system on drying at ambient temperature. The final polymer performance properties demonstrated the crosslinking behaviors of this new curing agent, TMPTA‐AZT, with carboxylic ion‐containing aqueous‐based PU resins. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Electrical conductivity modeling of carbon black/polycarbonate, carbon nanotube/polycarbonate, and exfoliated graphite nanoplatelet/polycarbonate composites
Authors: Via Michael D. , King Julia A. , Keith Jason M. , Bogucki Gregg R.
Published: October 2011

Adding conductive carbon fillers to electrically insulating thermoplastic polymers increases the resulting composite's electrical conductivity, which would enable them to be used in electrostatic dissipative and semiconductive applications. In this study, varying amounts of carbon black (CB: 2 to 10 wt %), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT: 0.5 to 8 wt %), or exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (GNP: 2 to 15 wt %) were added to polycarbonate (PC) and the resulting composites were tested for electrical conductivity (EC = 1/electrical resistivity). The percolation threshold was ∼ 1.2 vol % CNT, ∼ 2.4 vol % CB, and ∼ 4.6 vol % GNP. In addition, three EC models (Mamunya, additive, and general effective media) were developed for the CB/PC, CNT/PC, and GNP/PC composites. The general effective media (GEM) model showed the best agreement with the experimental results over the entire range of filler concentrations (above and below the percolation threshold) for all three composite systems. In addition, the GEM model can be easily adapted for composites containing combinations of different conductive fillers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012