bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling technologies for Earth System Modelling
Authors: Valcke S. , Balaji V. , Craig A. , DeLuca C. , Dunlap R. , Ford R. W. , Jacob R. , Larson J. , O'Kuinghttons R. , Riley G. D. , Vertenstein M.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. This paper presents a review of the software currently used in climate modelling in general and in CMIP5 in particular to couple the numerical codes representing the different components of the Earth System. The coupling technologies presented show common features, such as the ability to communicate and regrid data, and also offer different functions and implementations. Design characteristics of the different approaches are discussed as well as future challenges arising from the increasing complexity of scientific problems and computing platforms.
Impacts of conservation tillage on the hydrological and agronomic performance of Fanya juus in the upper Blue Nile (Abbay) river basin
Authors: Temesgen M. , Uhlenbrook S. , Simane B. , van der Zaag P. , Mohamed Y. , Wenninger J. , Savenije H. H. G.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Adoption of soil conservation structures (SCS) has been low in high rainfall areas of Ethiopia mainly due to crop yield reduction, increased soil erosion following breaching of SCS, incompatibility with the tradition of cross plowing and water-logging behind SCS. A new type of conservation tillage (CT) involving contour plowing and the construction of invisible subsoil barriers using a modified Maresha winged "subsoiler" is suggested as a means to tackle these problems as an integral part of the SCS. We investigated the effect of integrating the CT with SCS on the surface runoff, water-logging, soil loss, crop yield and plowing convenience. The new approach of conservation tillage has been compared with traditional tillage (TT) on 5 farmers' fields in a high rainfall area in the upper Blue Nile (Abbay) river basin. Test crops were wheat [triticum vulgare] and tef [eragrostis tef]. Farmers found CT convenient to apply between SCS. Surface runoff appeared to be reduced under CT by 48 and 15%, for wheat and tef, respectively. As a result, CT reduced sediment yield by 51 and 9.5%, for wheat and tef, respectively. Significantly reduced water-logging was observed behind SCS in CT compared to TT. Grain yields of wheat and tef increased by 35 and 10%, respectively, although the differences were not statistically significant apparently due to high fertility variations among fields of participating farmers. Farmers who tested CT indicated that they will continue this practice in the future.
Dynamics of interplate domain in subduction zones: influence of rheological parameters and subducting plate age
Authors: Arcay D.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The properties of the subduction interplate domain are likely to affect not only the seismogenic potential of the subduction area but also the overall subduction process, as it influences its viability. Numerical simulations are performed to model the long-term equilibrium state of the subduction interplate when the diving lithosphere interacts with both the overriding plate and the surrounding convective mantle. The thermomechanical model combines a non-Newtonian viscous rheology and a pseudo-brittle rheology. Rock strength here depends on depth, temperature and stress, for both oceanic crust and mantle rocks. I study the evolution through time of, on one hand, the brittle-ductile transition (BDT) depth, zBDT, and, on the other hand, of the kinematic decoupling depth, zdec, simulated along the subduction interplate. The results show that both a high friction and a low ductile strength at the asthenospheric wedge tip shallow zBDT. The influence of the weak material activation energy is of second order but not negligible. zBDT becomes dependent on the ductile strength increase with depth (activation volume) if the BDT occurs at the interplate decoupling depth. Regarding the interplate decoupling depth, it is shallowed (1) significantly if mantle viscosity at asthenospheric wedge tip is low, (2) if the difference in mantle and interplate activation energy is weak, and (3) if the activation volume is increased. Very low friction coefficients and/or low asthenospheric viscosities promote zBDT = zdec. I then present how the subducting lithosphere age affects the brittle-ductile transition depth and the kinematic decoupling depth in this model. Simulations show that a rheological model in which the respective activation energies of mantle and interplate material are too close hinders the mechanical decoupling at the down-dip extent of the interplate, and eventually jams the subduction process during incipient subduction of a young (20-Myr-old) and soft lithosphere under a thick upper plate. Finally, both the BDT depth and the decoupling depth are a function of the subducting plate age, but are not influenced in the same fashion: cool and old subducting plates deepen the BDT but shallow the interplate decoupling depth. Even if BDT and kinematic decoupling are intrinsically related to different mechanisms of deformation, this work shows that they are able to interact closely. Comparison between modelling results and observations suggests a minimum friction coefficient of 0.045 for the interplate plane, even 0.069 in some cases, to model realistic BDT depths. The modelled zdec is a bit deeper than suggested by geophysical observations. Eventually, the better way to improve the adjustment to observations may rely on a moderate to strong asthenosphere viscosity reduction in the metasomatised mantle wedge.
Entreprises sociale et sociétalement responsable : le fossé est-il si grand ?
Authors: Persais Eric
Published: December 2012

L’importance des questions de RSE semble donner aux entreprises de l’économie sociale un avantage concurrentiel déterminant sur le marché. Pourtant, la plupart des firmes de l’économie classique se sont converties aux exigences du développement durable. Dès lors, qu’est-ce qui différencie les entités de l’économie sociale, des entreprises sociétalement responsables fondées sur le modèle capitaliste ? Les premières sont-elles réellement perçues comme étant plus responsables que les secondes ? A travers la théorie des droits de propriété, l’auteur tente d’éclairer ces deux questions. Il offre un regard original sur une problématique de la RSE et amène à dépasser les visions dogmatiques pour permettre aux entreprises, qu’elles soient de l’économie sociale ou conventionnelle, d’endosser pleinement leur responsabilité extra-économique.
Planification stratégique rationnelle et performance de l’entreprise : une étude internationale
Authors: Mbengue Ababacar , Ouakouak Mohamed Laid
Published: December 2012

L’étude du lien entre la planification stratégique rationnelle et la performance a occupé une place importante dans la recherche en management stratégique durant ces quatre dernières décennies. Bien qu’une littérature abondante suggère une relation positive, plusieurs auteurs défendent la thèse inverse. Cet article contribue à ce débat important aussi bien pour les chercheurs que pour les managers en accordant une importance particulière à l’opérationnalisation des notions de planification stratégique rationnelle et de performance. Une étude empirique quantitative internationale conduite auprès d’entreprises européennes, nord-américaines, asiatiques, du Moyen-Orient révèle l’existence d’une association positive entre la planification stratégique rationnelle et la performance.
Impact de la structure de marché et du choix stratégique sur la performance bancaire : cas des pays émergents
Authors: Belkhaoui Samir , Lakhal Lassâad , Hellara Slaheddine
Published: December 2012

Cet article vise à étudier l’effet de la structure de marché et du choix stratégique sur la performance bancaire. La revue de la littérature montre que la structure de marché a un effet positif mais faible sur la performance bancaire. Le choix stratégique des dirigeants pourrait être introduit afin d’expliquer la performance bancaire. Les données on été collectées auprès d’un échantillon de 293 banques commerciales, appartenant à 11 pays émergents, disposant de données sur 7 années successives. Les résultats dégagés permettent de mettre en évidence le rôle du choix stratégique dans l’explication de la performance bancaire. Aussi, les résultats montrent l’absence de relation entre la concentration de marché et la performance bancaire et mettent en évidence l’importance de la part de marché dans l’explication de la performance bancaire.
Le système de données comptables des dirigeants de PME tunisiennes : complexité
et déterminants
Authors: Chapellier Philippe , Ben Hamadi Zouhour
Published: December 2012

Deux objectifs sont attachés à cette recherche :

L’étude, réalisée auprès de 71 dirigeants de PME industrielles tunisiennes,
révèle que :
Évaluation du rendement et motivation au travail : propositions de recherche pour une rétroaction sur le rendement qui favorise la satisfaction des besoins psychologiques fondamentaux
Authors: Grenier Simon , Chiocchio François , Beaulieu Geneviève
Published: December 2012

La rétroaction suite à l’évaluation du rendement est un processus qui favorise l’actualisation de soi et le rendement. Toutefois, les employés peuvent percevoir ce processus comme contrôlant et ainsi occasionner une baisse de motivation au travail. Cet article vise à augmenter l’incidence de la rétroaction sur la motivation des employés. Un cadre comportemental fondé sur la théorie de l’auto-détermination et que les gestionnaires peuvent mettre en pratique est proposé. L’application du cadre contribue à la satisfaction des besoins, ce qui, comme le prédit la théorie, augmente la motivation autonome, le bien-être et le rendement.
Genetic risk for earlier menarche also influences peripubertal body mass index
Authors: Johnson William , Choh Audrey C. , Curran Joanne E. , Czerwinski Stefan A. , Bellis Claire , Dyer Thomas D. , Blangero John , Towne Bradford , Demerath Ellen W.
Published: December 2012

It is unclear whether earlier age at menarche is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) because they share a common genetic underpinning. We investigated the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing menarche timing on peripubertal BMI. For 556 Fels Longitudinal Study children (277 boys/279 girls) born 1928–1992, a genetic risk score (GRS42) was computed as the sum of the number of risk alleles in 42 putative menarche SNPs. Serial BMI Z‐scores within ±6.99 years from each individual's age at peak height velocity (Age@PHV) were grouped into seven time points (−6 years, −4 years, –2 years, Age@PHV, +2 years, +4years, and +6 years). Heritability of BMI ranged from 0.53 to 0.85 across the time points. The effect of GRS42 on BMI Z‐scores at each time point was modeled using variance components‐based procedures. GRS42 had a significant (P < 0.05) effect at every time point; an increase of one risk allele was associated with an increase of 0.03–0.08 BMI Z‐scores. A separate score (GRS29) was computed that excluded 13 of the menarche SNPs previously documented to also influence adiposity; significant main effects were observed at Age@PHV+4 and +6 years. This finding supports a causal effect of advanced sexual development on post‐Age@PHV BMI. Significant positive GRS42 (or GRS29)‐by‐birth year interactions indicate that some genetic influences on BMI have amplified over the 20th century. This gene‐by‐environment interaction also suggests that children with a genetic predisposition to earlier sexual development might avoid elevated BMI through alteration of their nutritional environment. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Skeletal growth and the changing genetic landscape during childhood and adulthood
Authors: Duren Dana L. , Seselj Maja , Froehle Andrew W. , Nahhas Ramzi W. , Sherwood Richard J.
Published: December 2012

Growth, development, and decline of the human skeleton are of central importance to physical anthropology. All processes of skeletal growth (longitudinal growth as well as gains and losses of bone mass) are subjected to environmental and genetic influences. These influences, and their relative contributions to the phenotype, can be asserted at any stage of life. We present here the gross phenotypic and genetic landscapes of four skeletal traits, and show how they vary across the life span. Phenotypic sex differences are found in bone diameter and cortical index (a ratio of cortical thickness over bone diameter) at a very early age and continue throughout most of life. Sexual dimorphism in summed cortical thickness and bone length, however, is not evident until shortly after the pubertal growth spurt. Genetic contributions (heritability) to these skeletal phenotypes are generally moderate to high. Bone length and bone diameter (which both scale with body size) tend to have the highest heritability, with heritability of bone length fairly stable across ages (with a notable dip in early childhood) and that of bone diameter peaking in early childhood. The bone traits summed cortical thickness and cortical index that may better reflect bone mass, a more plastic phenomenon, have slightly lower genetic influences, on average. Results from our phenotypic and genetic landscapes serve three key purposes: 1) demonstration of the integrated nature of the genetic and environmental underpinnings of skeletal form, 2) identification of periods of bone's relative sensitivity to genetic and environmental influences, 3) and stimulation of hypotheses predicting the effects of exposure to environmental variables on the skeleton, given variation in the underlying genetic architecture. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship between dental development and skeletal growth in modern humans and its implications for interpreting ontogeny in fossil hominins
Authors: Šešelj Maja
Published: December 2012

Dental development and skeletal growth are central aspects used by anthropologists when investigating the ontogeny of a population or species. The interrelatedness of the two phenomena is often assumed to be high, but the nature of their relationship is obscured by the fact that they are both highly dependent upon chronological age. The exact relationship between the tempo of dental development and skeletal growth is unclear even in modern humans, which limits the ability to extrapolate to archaeological or fossil forms. It is clear that the influence of chronological age on these two aspects of ontogeny must be accounted for before examining their relationship to one another. This study tests whether dental development and skeletal growth are conditionally independent given age using known‐age modern human skeletal samples and proportional odds logistic regression. The results suggest that dental development and skeletal growth are moderately correlated and thus not conditionally independent given age. That is, individuals that are dentally advanced relative to their peers also tend to be skeletally advanced. However, this relationship is moderate at best, so dental development does not appear to be a highly reliable proxy for skeletal growth, or vice versa, in modern humans. These findings have implications for the reconstruction of ontogeny and life history of fossil hominin taxa, since the pace of dental development is often used as a life history proxy. Implications of this study suggest that the proposed accelerated dental development in Pleistocene hominins was not necessarily accompanied by faster skeletal growth. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies on the nuclease activity and interactions of the mixed‐polypyridyl [Ni2(1,3‐tpbd)(diimine)2(H2O)2]4+ complexes with thioredoxin reductase
Authors: Li Dong‐Dong , Zeng Hui‐Hui
Published: December 2012

Three new nickel(II) complexes formulated as [Ni2(1,3‐tpbd)(diimine)2(H2O)2]4+ [1,3‐tpbd = N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)benzene‐1,3‐diamine, where diimine is an N,N‐donor heterocyclic base like 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen),2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐one (dafo)], have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography: [Ni2(1,3‐tpbd)(phen)2(H2O)2]4+ (1), [Ni2(1,3‐tpbd)(bpy)2(H2O)2]4+(2) and [Ni2(1,3‐tpbd)(dafo)2(H2O)2]4+ (3). Single‐crystal diffraction reveals that the metal atoms in the complexes are all in a distorted octahedral geometry and in a trans arrangement around 1,3‐tpbd ligand. The interactions of the three complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) have been investigated by UV absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and viscosity. The apparent binding constant (Kapp) values are calculated to be 1.91 × 105  m−1 for 1, 1.18 × 105  m−1 for 2, and 1.35 × 105  m−1 for 3, following the order 1 > 3 > 2. The higher DNA binding affinity of 1 is due to the involvement in partial insertion of the phen ring between the DNA base pairs. A decrease in relative viscosities of DNA upon binding to 1–3 is consistent with the DNA binding affinities. These complexes efficiently display oxidative cleavage of supercoiled DNA in the presence of H2O2 (250 µ m), with 3 exhibiting the highest nuclease activity. The rate constants for the conversion of supercoiled to nicked DNA are 5.28 × 10−5 s−1 (for 1), 6.67 × 10−5 s−1 (for 2) and 1.39 × 10−4 s−1 (for 3), also indicating that complex 3 shows higher catalytic activity than 1 and 2. Here the nuclease activity is not readily correlated to binding affinity. The inhibitory effect of complexes 1–3 on thioredoxin reductase has also been examined. The IC50 values are calculated to be 26.54 ± 0.57, 31.03 ± 3.33 and 8.69 ± 2.54 µ m, respectively, showing a more marked inhibitory effect on thioredoxin reductase by complex 3 than the other two complexes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing the Distribution of Strains with the Distribution of Bone Tissue in a Human Mandible: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Gröning Flora , Fagan Michael , O'higgins Paul
Published: December 2012

Comparative anatomy and experimental studies suggest that the mass and distribution of tissue within a bone is adapted to the strains the bone experiences during function. Finite element analysis is a powerful tool that can be used to investigate this since it allows the creation of hypothetical models with unadapted morphology. Here we use FE models of a human mandible with modified internal morphology to study the relationships between the gross distribution of bone tissue (i.e., the presence or absence of bone in a certain area), the variation of cortical bone thickness within the mandible and the distribution of strain magnitudes. We created one model in which all internal cavities were filled with cortical bone material and a second, hollow model with constant cortical bone thickness. In both the models, several load cases representing bites at different positions along the tooth row were applied and peak strain magnitudes across these load cases were calculated. The peak strain distributions in both models show striking similarities with the gross distribution of bone tissue and the variation of cortical thickness in the real mandible, but the correlation coefficients are rather low. These low coefficients could be explained by confounding factors and by the limited spectrum of load cases that were simulated. However, the correspondences we find between strain magnitude and bone tissue distribution suggest that models with altered internal geometry are useful in studying the mechanical adaptation of bone, especially in the absence of any in vivo strain data. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Some Hydrazones of 2‐Aroylamino‐3‐methylbutanohydrazide: Synthesis, Molecular Modeling Studies, and Identification as Stereoselective Inhibitors of HIV‐1
Authors: Tatar Esra , Küçükgüzel İlkay , Daelemans Dirk , Talele Tanaji T. , Kaushik‐Basu Neerja , De Clercq Erik , Pannecouque Christophe
Published: December 2012

In accordance with our antiviral drug development attempt, acylhydrazone derivatives bearing amino acid side chains were synthesized for the evaluation of their antiviral activity against various types of viruses. Among these compounds, 8S, 11S, and 12S showed anti‐HIV‐1 activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 123.8 µM (selectivity index, SI > 3), IC50 = 12.1 µM (SI > 29), IC50 = 17.4 µM (SI > 19), respectively. Enantiomers 8R, 11R, and 12R were inactive against the HIV‐1 strain IIIB. Hydrazones 8S, 11S, and 12S which were active against HIV‐1 wild type showed no inhibition against a double mutant NNRTI‐resistant strain (K103N;Y181C). Molecular docking calculations of R‐ and S‐enantiomers of 8, 11, and 12 were performed using the hydrazone‐bound novel site of HIV‐1 RT.
SMILES‐Based QSAR Models for the Calcium Channel‐Antagonistic Effect of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines
Authors: Veselinović Aleksandar M. , Milosavljević Jovana B. , Toropov Andrey A. , Nikolić Goran M.
Published: December 2012

The activity of 72 1,4‐dihydropyridines as calcium channel antagonists was examined. The simplified molecular input‐line entry system (SMILES) was used as representation of the molecular structure of the calcium channel antagonists. Quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) were developed using CORAL software (http://www.insilico.eu/CORAL) for four random splits of the data into the training and test sets. Using the Monte Carlo method, the CORAL software generated the optimal descriptors for one‐variable models. The reproducibility of each model was tested performing three runs of the Monte Carlo optimization. The obtained results reveal good predictive potential of the applied approach: The correlation coefficients (r2) for the test sets of the four random splits are 0.9571, 0.9644, 0.9836, and 0.9444.
The use of linear ion trap for qualitative analysis of phytochemicals in Korean ginseng tea
Authors: Stavrianidi Andrey , Rodin Igor , Braun Arkady , Shpigun Oleg
Published: December 2012

A new approach to qualitative analysis of ginsenosides in challenging matrices was developed on the basis of high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Using the extracts from samples of ginseng tea, the approach was validated. Analysis of extracts was carried out using a reversed‐phase chromatography with SB‐C18 sorbent. For compound identification, electrospray ionization and a quadrupole/linear ion trap mass‐spectrometer in different modes were used. A meticulous study of the fragmentation of ginsenosides in the linear ion trap and its application for analysis of these compounds was performed in this work. The accuracy of the identification was proven with standards of ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Re, Rf, Rd, Rb2, Rb3 and Rc. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of translating ribosome affinity purification for zebrafish
Authors: Tryon Robert C. , Pisat Nilambari , Johnson Stephen L. , Dougherty Joseph D.
Published: December 2012

The regulation of transcription and translation by specific cell types is essential to generate the cellular diversity that typifies complex multicellular organisms. Tagging and purification of ribosomal proteins has been shown to be an innovative and effective means of characterizing the ribosome bound transcriptome of highly specific cell populations in vivo. To test the feasibility of using translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) in zebrafish, we have generated both a ubiquitous TRAP line and a melanocyte‐specific TRAP line using the native zebrafish rpl10a ribosomal protein. We have demonstrated the capacity to capture mRNA transcripts bound to ribosomes, and confirmed the expected enrichment of melanocyte specific genes and depletion of non‐melanocyte genes when expressing the TRAP construct with a cell specific promoter. We have also generated a generic EGFP‐rpl10a Tol2 plasmid construct (Tol2‐zTRAP) that can be readily modified to target any additional cell populations with characterized promoters in zebrafish. genesis 51:187–192, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Bayesian multiple imputation method for handling longitudinal pesticide data with values below the limit of detection
Authors: Chen Haiying , Quandt Sara A. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: December 2012

Environmental and biomedical research often produces data below the limit of detection (LOD) or left‐censored data. Imputing explicit values for values < LOD in a multivariate setting, such as with longitudinal data, is difficult using a likelihood‐based approach. A Bayesian multiple imputation method is introduced to handle left‐censored multivariate data. A Gibbs sampler, which uses an iterative process, is employed to simulate the target multivariate distribution within a Bayesian framework. Following convergence, multiple plausible data sets are generated for analysis by standard statistical methods outside of a Bayesian framework. With explicit imputed values, available variables can be analyzed as outcomes or predictors. We illustrate a practical application using longitudinal data from the Community Participatory Approach to Measuring Farmworker Pesticide Exposure (PACE3) study to evaluate the association between urinary acephate concentrations (indicating pesticide exposure) and self‐reported potential pesticide poisoning symptoms. Additionally, a simulation study is conducted to evaluate the sampling property of the estimators for distributional parameters as well as regression coefficients estimated with the generalized estimating equation approach. Results demonstrated that the Bayesian multiple imputation estimates performed well in most settings, and we recommend the use of this valid and feasible approach to analyze multivariate data with values < LOD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating hazardous concentrations by an informative Bayesian approach
Authors: Ciffroy Philippe , Keller Merlin , Pasanisi Alberto
Published: December 2012

The species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach is recommended for assessing chemical risk. In practice, however, it can be used only for the few substances for which large-scale ecotoxicological results are available. Indeed, the statistical frequentist approaches used for building SSDs and for deriving hazardous concentrations (HC5) inherently require extensive data to guarantee goodness-of-fit. An alternative Bayesian approach to estimating HC5 from small data sets was developed. In contrast to the noninformative Bayesian approaches that have been tested to date, the authors' method used informative priors related to the expected species sensitivity variance. This method was tested on actual ecotoxicological data for 21 well-informed substances. A cross-validation compared the HC5 values calculated using frequentist approaches with the results of our Bayesian approach, using both complete and truncated data samples. The authors' informative Bayesian approach was compared with noninformative Bayesian methods published in the past, including those incorporating loss functions. The authors found that even for the truncated sample the HC5 values derived from the informative Bayesian approach were generally close to those obtained using the frequentist approach, which requires more data. In addition, the probability of overestimating an HC5 is rather limited. More robust HC5 estimates can be practically obtained from additional data without impairing regulatory protection levels, which will encourage collecting new ecotoxicological data. In conclusion, the Bayesian informative approach was shown to be relatively robust and could be a good surrogate approach for deriving HC5 values from small data sets. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:602–611. © 2012 SETAC
Estrogenic effects along the river saale
Authors: Buchinger Sebastian , Heininger Peter , Schlüsener Michael , Reifferscheid Georg , Claus Evelyn
Published: December 2012

Sediments along the river Saale, one of the main tributaries of the river Elbe, were characterized with the yeast estrogen screen to elucidate possible sources of endocrine-disrupting compounds that might contribute to the downstream contamination of the river Elbe. At two sampling sites, elevated levels of estrogenic activity up to 55,000 ng ethinylestradiol equivalents per kilogram sediment dry weight were detected in the respective sediment extracts. Aliquots of the sediment extracts were analyzed for 4-nonylphenols and natural steroidal estrogens as possible candidates with an estrogenic potential. The maximal concentrations of 4-iso-nonylphenol and estrone were 115 mg/kg dry weight and 20 µg/kg dry weight at the sampling site Luppe, which showed in accordance the highest biological activity. Under consideration of compound concentration and compound specific estrogenic activity the 4-iso-nonylphenols contributed most to the observed estrogenic effect. A strong correlation between the measured estrogenic activity and the concentration of the sediment-associated 4-iso-nonylphenol underlines the relevance of this compound class as a xenoestrogen in the catchment area of the river Saale. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:526–534. © 2012 SETAC
Fossil apes from the vallès‐penedès basin
Authors: Alba David M.
Published: December 2012

Currently restricted to Southeast Asia and Africa, extant hominoids are the remnants of a group that was much more diverse during the Miocene. Apes initially diversified in Africa during the early Miocene, but by the middle Miocene they extended their geographical range into Eurasia, where they experienced an impressive evolutionary radiation. Understanding the role of Eurasian hominoids in the origin and evolution of the great‐ape‐and‐human clade (Hominidae) is partly hampered by phylogenetic uncertainties, the scarcity and incompleteness of fossil remains, the current restricted diversity of the group, and pervasive homoplasy. Nevertheless, scientific knowledge of the Eurasian hominoid radiation has significantly improved during the last decade. In the case of Western Europe, this has been due to the discovery of new remains from the Vallès‐Penedès Basin (Catalonia, Spain). Here, I review the fossil record of Vallès‐Penedès apes and consider its implications. Although significant disagreements persist among scholars, some important lessons can be learned regarding the evolutionary history of the closest living relatives of humans. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primate origins, human origins, and the end of higher taxa
Authors: Cartmill Matt
Published: December 2012

When people learn that I study human evolution and we start talking about it, they sometimes ask me, “How long ago did the first humans live?” My answer is usually another question: “What do you mean by 'humans'?” That response seems as baffling and wrong‐headed to them as their question seems to me, and it usually takes us a while to straighten things out. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AKT inhibition mitigates GRP78 (glucose‐regulated protein) expression and contribution to chemoresistance in endometrial cancers
Authors: Gray Michael J. , Mhawech‐Fauceglia Paulette , Yoo Eunjeong , Yang Wangrong , Wu Eijean , Lee Amy S. , Lin Yvonne G.
Published: December 2012

Overexpression of the unfolded protein response master regulator GRP78 is associated with poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance in numerous human cancers, yet its role in endometrial cancers (EC) is undefined. To better understand the contribution of GRP78 to EC, we examined its expression levels in EC patient samples and EC cell lines. We demonstrate that GRP78 overexpression occurs more frequently in EC tissues compared with that found in normal endometrium, and that GRP78 expression occurs in most EC cell lines examined. Functional analysis demonstrated that GRP78 is inducible by cisplatin in EC cells, and siRNA knockdown of GRP78 augments chemotherapy‐mediated cell death. Examination of AKT and GRP78 expression demonstrated that inhibition of AKT activity by MK2206 blocks GRP78 expression in EC cells. SiRNA studies also revealed that knockdown of GRP78 reduces but does not abrogate AKT activity, demonstrating that GRP78 is required for optimal AKT activity. In the presence of MK2206, siRNA knockdown of GRP78 does not augment AKT mediated survival in response to cisplatin treatment, suggesting that GRP78′s antiapoptosis functions are part of the AKT survival pathway. Targeted therapies that reduce GRP78 expression or activity in cancers may serve to increase the effectiveness of current therapies for EC patients.
Protective Role of Quercetin on Polychlorinated Biphenyls (Aroclor‐1254) Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Liver of Adult Male Rats
Authors: Sekaran Suganya , Kandaswamy Selvakumar , Gunasekaran Krishnamoorthy , Perumal Elumalai , Afsar Basha Fariya Yasmine , Madhan Mohan Balasakthi Janani , Jagadeesan Arunakaran
Published: December 2012

The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of quercetin against Aroclor‐1254–induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were grouped into Group I control received vehicle (corn oil; 1 mL/kg bwt); Group II quercetin alone (50 mg/kg bwt/day orally); Group III Aroclor‐1254 (2 mg/kg bwt/day intraperitoneally); Group IV Aroclor‐1254 + quercetin treated for 30 days. The Aroclor‐1254 treatment caused significant alteration in the biochemical parameters (hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione levels, and alkaline phosphatase activity). The expressions of apoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins and the liver histology of Aroclor‐1254–exposed rats showed cytoplasmic degeneration along with infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells. Whereas simultaneous treatment with quercetin normalized all the biochemical parameters, consequently it inhibited apoptosis mediated by Aroclor‐1254 by downregulating aryl hydrocarbon receptor, p53 and apoptotic protein (Bax, caspase‐9, caspase‐3) and upregulating the antiapoptotic protein (Bcl‐2) expression patterns; thereby, quercetin reduces alteration in hepatocellular morphology. Thus quercetin exhibited hepatoprotective effect. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 26:522‐532, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21466
Influence of pig slurry characteristics on ammonia stripping efficiencies and quality of the recovered ammonium‐sulfate solution
Authors: Laureni Michele , Palatsi Jordi , Llovera Montserrat , Bonmatí August
Published: December 2012

BACKGOUND

Proper treatment technologies are required to address the environmental issues associated with increasing volumes of slurries. Ammonia stripping reduces the nitrogen content of the slurries and allows for its recovery in a valuable form. Herein the influence of pig slurry characteristics on ammonia stripping efficiency and the quality of the recovered ammonia solution were assessed.

RESULTS

Substrates characterized by low organic matter content, below 10 g COD L‐1, resulted in ammonia stripping efficiencies greater than 80%. Changing slurry pH to 9.5 significantly improved the process, even though high COD contents kept the efficiencies below 70%. Ammonium sulfate solutions could be concentrated up to nitrogen contents greater than 40 g N L‐1, while maintaining low organic contamination. Introducing a basic trap (pH > 12) before the acid one, allowed for the retention of more than 60% of the stripped organics with less than 3% of the stripped ammonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Ammonia stripping coupled with absorption proved to be a suitable technical solution for the recovery and valorization of the nitrogen contained in pig slurries. Clear enhancements in process efficiency were observed in the case of slurries with low organic matter content. The introduction of a basic trap, together with a slight increase in the operational pH level, further increased organics abatement. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
MR elastography of healthy liver parenchyma: Normal value and reliability of the liver stiffness value measurement
Authors: Lee Dong Ho , Lee Jeong Min , Han Joon Koo , Choi Byung Ihn
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To investigate the normal liver stiffness value using MR elastography (MRE) and to compare the repeatability and reproducibility of three measurement methods.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐nine subjects who underwent liver MR imaging including elastography using a 1.5 Tesla scanner, who had normal laboratory test results, and who underwent liver donation, were included in this study. Two, independent readers measured the liver stiffness value of the hepatic parenchyma using three methods, including evaluating various liver parenchyma portions using different‐sized, regions‐of‐interest (ROIs): 2cm‐ROI‐per‐slice in the right lobe (2cm‐per‐slice); 1cm‐ROI‐per‐segment (1cm‐S); and 70%‐of‐the‐surface area (70% S). The mean liver stiffness values were compared between gender using the t‐test and among the age groups using one‐way analysis of variance. The reproducibility and repeatability of the three liver stiffness value measurement methods were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the 95% Bland‐Altman limits of agreement.

Results

The liver stiffness values in living liver donors ranged from 1.54 to 2.87 kPa. The mean stiffness value was 2.05 kilopascal using the 2cm‐per‐slice method, 2.01 kilopascal with the 1cm‐S method and 2.12 kilopascal using the 70% S method. There was no significant difference in the liver stiffness value according to the gender or age factors. For reproducibility, the ICCs were 0.416 with the 2cm‐per‐slice method, 0.800 using the 1cm‐S method, and 0.845 with the 70% S method. In terms of repeatability, the ICCs were 0.238 using the 2cm‐per‐slice method, 0.914 with the 1cm‐S method, and 0.852 using the 70% S method. The ICCs determined using the 2cm‐per‐slice method were significantly lower than those of the 1cm‐S or 70% S method for assessing both reproducibility and repeatability. The 95% limit of agreement was 54.0% with the 2cm‐per‐slice method, 24.0% using the 1cm‐S method, and 18.8% with the 70% S method, in terms of reproducibility. To assess the repeatability, the 95% limit of agreement was 63.3% using the 2cm‐per‐slice method, 20.6% with the 1cm‐S method, and 17.4% using the 70% S method.

Conclusion

The mean liver stiffness values in living donors ranged from 2.05 to 2.12 kilopascals and did not differ significantly for either gender or age. The 1cm‐S and 70% S methods were significantly more reliable compared with the 2cm‐per‐slice method. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1215–1223. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of surface treatment on the corrosion behavior of magnesium alloys
Authors: Hoyer P. , Hassel T. , Bach F.‐W.
Published: December 2012

Zur Beschichtung von Magnesiumwerkstoffen werden gerade in der Medizintechnik in erster Linie Fluoridbeschichtungen erprobt, die ein vorhersagbares Degradationsverhalten zukünftiger Implantatmaterialien im menschlichen Organismus ermöglichen sollen. Die Fertigungsschritte einer solchen Beschichtung variieren deutlich, sodass sich noch kein Optimum zur Erzeugung definierter Schichtdicken ergeben hat. In den vorliegenden Versuchen wurden unterschiedlichen Vorbehandlungszeiten der Basismaterialien (Reinmagnesium und Magnesium‐Aluminium‐Kalzium als Vergleich) in 200 g/l Natriumhydroxid bei jeweils 96stündiger Immersion in 40 % Flusssäure untersucht und in einem ersten Schritt mittels Polarisationsmessungen bewertet. Basis der Untersuchungen bildeten die in der Literatur eingesetzten Verfahren, deren Parameter verglichen und anschließend in den Versuchen vergleichend eingesetzt wurden.
The corrosion behavior of copper in acid soil during soil acidification by simulated acid rain
Authors: Wu Y. H. , Luo S. X. , Gou H.
Published: December 2012

The corrosion behaviors of copper in acid soil during soil acidification by simulated acid rain (SAR) were studied by means of polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the SAR increased the corrosion rate of the copper in the acidic soil. The corrosion rate of the copper increased with decreasing pH value of SAR. Corrosive characteristics of the soil obviously increased because of the leaching of the acid rain. For the leaching of the distilled water, the corrosion rate of the copper decreased. EIS of copper was a capacitive loop in the early stage of corrosion. After 60 days exposure, EIS consisted of two capacitive arcs for copper in the acidic soil leached with SAR, the control step for corrosion of copper was charge transfer process. For the distilled water, EIS consisted of a capacitive loop at higher frequency and a Warburg impedance at lower frequency, and the control step for corrosion of copper was diffusion process.
Dual‐ascent and primal heuristics for production‐assembly‐distribution system design
Authors: Liang Dong , Wilhelm Wilbert E.
Published: December 2012

This article proposes two dual‐ascent algorithms and uses each in combination with a primal drop heuristic embedded within a branch and bound framework to solve the uncapacitated production assembly distribution system (i.e., supply chain) design problem, which is formulated as a mixed integer program. Computational results indicate that one approach, which combines primal drop and dual‐ascent heuristics, can solve instances within reasonable time and prescribes solutions with gaps between the primal and dual solution values that are less than 0.15%, an efficacy suiting it for actual large‐scale applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
Statistical equivalency and optimality of simple step‐stress accelerated test plans for the exponential distribution
Authors: Hu Cheng‐Hung , Plante Robert D. , Tang Jen
Published: December 2012

Accelerated life testing (ALT) is commonly used to obtain reliability information about a product in a timely manner. Several stress loading designs have been proposed and recent research interests have emerged concerning the development of equivalent ALT plans. Step‐stress ALT (SSALT) is one of the most commonly used stress loadings because it usually shortens the test duration and reduces the number of required test units. This article considers two fundamental questions when designing a SSALT and provides formal proofs in answer to each. Namely:(1)can a simple SSALT be designed so that it is equivalent to other stress loading designs?(2)when optimizing a multilevel SSALT, does it degenerate to a simple SSALT plan? The answers to both queries, under certain reasonable model assumptions, are shown to be a qualified YES. In addition, we provide an argument to support the rationale of a common practice in designing a SSALT, that is, setting the higher stress level as high as possible in a SSALT plan. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
Higher‐order extended FEM for weak discontinuities – level set representation, quadrature and application to magneto‐mechanical problems
Authors: Kästner M. , Müller S. , Goldmann J. , Spieler C. , Brummund J. , Ulbricht V.
Published: December 2012

In this article, we present the application of bilinear and biquadratic extended FEM (XFEM) formulations to model weak discontinuities in magnetic and coupled magneto‐mechanical boundary value problems. For properly resolving the location of curved interfaces and the discontinuous physical behaviour, the major part of the contribution is devoted to review and develop methods for level set representation of curved interfaces and numerical integration of the weak form in higher‐order XFEM formulations. In order to reduce the complexity of the representation of curved interfaces, an element local approach that allows for an automated computation of the level set values and also improves the compatibility between the level set representation and the integration subdomains is proposed. Integration rules for polygons and strain smoothing are applied in conjunction with biquadratic elements and compared with curved integration subdomains. Eventually, a coupled magneto‐mechanical demonstration problem is modelled and solved by XFEM. For demonstration purposes, a magneto‐mechanical coupling due to magnetic stresses is considered. Errors and convergence rates are analysed for the different level set representations and numerical integration procedures as well as their dependence on the ratio of material parameters at an interface. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second‐order convex maximum entropy approximants with applications to high‐order PDE
Authors: Rosolen A. , Millán D. , Arroyo M.
Published: December 2012

We present a new approach for second‐order maximum entropy (max‐ent) meshfree approximants that produces positive and smooth basis functions of uniform aspect ratio even for nonuniform node sets and prescribes robustly feasible constraints for the entropy maximization program defining the approximants. We examine the performance of the proposed approximation scheme in the numerical solution by a direct Galerkin method of a number of PDEs, including structural vibrations, elliptic second‐order PDEs, and fourth‐order PDEs for Kirchhoff–Love thin shells and for a phase field model describing the mechanics of biomembranes. The examples highlight the ability of the method to deal with nonuniform node distributions and the high accuracy of the solutions. Surprisingly, the first‐order meshfree max‐ent approximants with large supports are competitive when compared with the proposed second‐order approach in all the tested examples, even in the higher order PDEs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doping of organic semiconductors
Authors: Lüssem B. , Riede M. , Leo K.
Published: December 2012

The understanding and applications of organic semiconductors have shown remarkable progress in recent years. This material class has been developed from being a lab curiosity to the basis of first successful products as small organic LED (OLED) displays; other areas of application such as OLED lighting and organic photovoltaics are on the verge of broad commercialization. Organic semiconductors are superior to inorganic ones for low‐cost and large‐area optoelectronics due to their flexibility, easy deposition, and broad variety, making tailor‐made materials possible. However, electrical doping of organic semiconductors, i.e. the controlled adjustment of Fermi level that has been extremely important to the success of inorganic semiconductors, is still in its infancy. This review will discuss recent work on both fundamental principles and applications of doping, focused primarily to doping of evaporated organic layers with molecular dopants. Recently, both p‐ and n‐type molecular dopants have been developed that lead to efficient and stable doping of organic thin films. Due to doping, the conductivity of the doped layers increases several orders of magnitude and allows for quasi‐Ohmic contacts between organic layers and metal electrodes. Besides reducing voltage losses, doping thus also gives design freedom in terms of transport layer thickness and electrode choice. The use of doping in applications like OLEDs and organic solar cells is highlighted in this review. Overall, controlled molecular doping can be considered as key enabling technology for many different organic device types that can lead to significant improvements in efficiencies and lifetimes.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Burnout in Middle and High School Korean Teachers
Authors: Park Yang Min , Lee Sang Min
Published: December 2012

This study examines longitudinal relationships among three burnout dimensions in middle and high school teachers. For this study, 419 middle and high school teachers participated in a panel survey, which was conducted in three waves. Using Amos 7.0, we performed autoregressive cross‐lagged modeling to obtain a complete picture of the longitudinal relationships among the three factors of the Maslach Burnout Inventory‐Educator Survey. Results indicated that the paths from emotional exhaustion at Time1 and Time2 to depersonalization at Time2 and Time3 were statistically significant. In addition, the paths from personal accomplishment at Time1 and Time2 to depersonalization at Time2 and Time3 were also statistically significant. Empirically identifying the process by which burnout occurs could help practitioners and policy makers to design burnout prevention strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.