bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Source apportionment of carbonaceous aerosol in southern Sweden
Authors: Genberg J. , Hyder M. , Stenström K. , Bergström R. , Simpson D. , Fors E. , Jönsson J. Å. , Swietlicki E.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. A one-year study was performed at the Vavihill background station in southern Sweden to estimate the anthropogenic contribution to the carbonaceous aerosol. Weekly samples of the particulate matter PM10 were collected on quartz filters, and the amounts of organic carbon, elemental carbon, radiocarbon (14C) and levoglucosan were measured. This approach enabled source apportionment of the total carbon in the PM10 fraction using the concentration ratios of the sources. The sources considered in this study were emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels and biomass, as well as biogenic sources. During the summer, the carbonaceous aerosol mass was dominated by compounds of biogenic origin (82 %), which are associated with biogenic primary and secondary organic aerosols. During the winter months, biomass combustion (38 %) and fossil fuel combustion (33 %) were the main contributors to the carbonaceous aerosol. Elemental carbon concentrations in winter were about twice as large as during summer, and can be attributed to biomass combustion, probably from domestic wood burning. The contribution of fossil fuels to elemental carbon was stable throughout the year, although the fossil contribution to organic carbon increased during the winter. Thus, the organic aerosol originated mainly from natural sources during the summer and from anthropogenic sources during the winter. The result of this source apportionment was compared with results from the EMEP model. The model and measurements were generally consistent for total atmospheric organic carbon, however, the contribution of the sources varied substantially. E.g. the biomass burning contributions of OC were underestimated by the model by a factor of 8.2 compared to the measurements.
Laboratory studies of the chemical composition and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and oxidized primary organic aerosol (OPOA)
Authors: Lambe A. T. , Onasch T. B. , Massoli P. , Croasdale D. R. , Wright J. P. , Ahern A. T. , Williams L. R. , Worsnop D. R. , Brune W. H. , Davidovits P.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and oxidized primary organic aerosol (OPOA) were produced in laboratory experiments from the oxidation of fourteen precursors representing atmospherically relevant biogenic and anthropogenic sources. The SOA and OPOA particles were generated via controlled exposure of precursors to OH radicals and/or O3 in a Potential Aerosol Mass (PAM) flow reactor over timescales equivalent to 1–20 days of atmospheric aging. Aerosol mass spectra of SOA and OPOA were measured with an Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). The fraction of AMS signal at m/z = 43 and m/z = 44 (f43, f44), the hydrogen-to-carbon (H/C) ratio, and the oxygen-to-carbon (O/C) ratio of the SOA and OPOA were obtained, which are commonly used to characterize the level of oxidation of oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA). The results show that PAM-generated SOA and OPOA can reproduce and extend the observed f44–f43 composition beyond that of ambient OOA as measured by an AMS. Van Krevelen diagrams showing H/C ratio as a function of O/C ratio suggest an oxidation mechanism involving formation of carboxylic acids concurrent with fragmentation of carbon-carbon bonds. Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of PAM-generated SOA and OPOA was measured as a function of OH exposure and characterized as a function of O/C ratio. CCN activity of the SOA and OPOA, which was characterized in the form of the hygroscopicity parameter κorg, ranged from 0.003 to 0.28 over measured O/C ratios ranging from 0.05 to 1.42. This range of κorg and O/C ratio is significantly wider that has been previously obtained. To first order, the κorg-to-O/C relationship is well represented by a linear function of the form κorg = (0.17 ± 0.04) × O/C + 0.04, suggesting that a simple, semi-empirical parameterization of OOA hygroscopicity and oxidation level can be defined for use in chemistry and climate models.
Can one detect small-scale turbulence from standard meteorological radiosondes?
Authors: Wilson R. , Dalaudier F. , Luce H.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. It has been recently proposed by Clayson and Kantha (2008) to evaluate the climatology of atmospheric turbulence through the detection of overturns in the free atmosphere by applying a Thorpe analysis on relatively low vertical resolution (LR) profiles collected from standard radiosoundings. Since then, several studies based on this idea have been published. However, the impact of instrumental noise on the detection of turbulent layers was completely ignored in these works. The present study aims to evaluate the feasibility of overturns detection from radiosoundings. For this purpose, we analyzed data of two field campaigns during which high-resolution (HR) soundings (10–20 cm) were performed simultaneously with standard LR soundings. We used the raw data of standard meteorological radiosondes, the vertical resolution ranging from 5 to 9 m. A Thorpe analysis was applied to both LR and HR potential temperature profiles. A denoising procedure was first applied in order to reduce the probability of occurrence of artificial overturns, i.e. potential temperature inversions due to instrumental noise only. We then compared the empirical probability density functions (pdf) of the sizes of the selected overturns from LR and HR profiles. From HR profiles measured in the troposphere, the sizes of the detected overturns range from 4 to ~1000 m. The shape of the size pdf of overturns is found to sharply decrease with increasing scales. From LR profiles, the smallest size of detected overturns is ~32 m, a similar decrease in the shape of the pdf of sizes being observed. These results suggest that overturns, resulting either from small-scale turbulence or from instabilities, can indeed be detected from meteorological radiosonde measurements in the troposphere and in the stratosphere as well. However they are rather rare as they belong to the tail of the size distribution of overturns: they only represent the 7 % largest events in the troposphere, and 4 % in the stratosphere.
The impact of large scale ionospheric structure on radio occultation retrievals
Authors: Mannucci A. J. , Ao C. O. , Pi X. , Iijima B. A.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. We study the impact of large-scale ionospheric structure on the accuracy of radio occultation (RO) retrievals of atmospheric parameters such as refractivity and temperature. We use a climatological model of the ionosphere as well as an ionospheric data assimilation model to compare quiet and geomagnetically disturbed conditions. The largest contributor to ionospheric bias is physical separation of the two GPS frequencies as the GPS signal traverses the ionosphere and atmosphere. We analyze this effect in detail using ray-tracing and a full geophysical retrieval system. During quiet conditions, our results are similar to previously published studies. The impact of a major ionospheric storm is analyzed using data from the 30 October 2003 "Halloween" superstorm period. The temperature retrieval bias under disturbed conditions varies from 1 K to 2 K between 20 and 32 km altitude, compared to 0.2–0.3 K during quiet conditions. These results suggest the need for ionospheric monitoring as part of an RO-based climate observation strategy. We find that even during quiet conditions, the magnitude of retrieval bias depends critically on ionospheric conditions, which may explain variations in previously published bias estimates that use a variety of assumptions regarding large scale ionospheric structure. We quantify the impact of spacecraft orbit altitude on the magnitude of bending angle error. Satellites in higher altitude orbits (≧700 km) tend to have lower biases due to the tendency of the residual bending to cancel between the top and bottomside ionosphere. We conclude with remarks on the implications of this study for long-term climate monitoring using RO.
Water masses as a unifying framework for understanding the Southern Ocean Carbon Cycle
Authors: Iudicone D. , Rodgers K. B. , Stendardo I. , Aumont O. , Madec G. , Bopp L. , Mangoni O. , Ribera d'Alcala' M.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. The scientific motivation for this study is to understand the processes in the ocean interior controlling carbon transfer across 30° S. To address this, we have developed a unified framework for understanding the interplay between physical drivers such as buoyancy fluxes and ocean mixing, and carbon-specific processes such as biology, gas exchange and carbon mixing. Given the importance of density in determining the ocean interior structure and circulation, the framework is one that is organized by density and water masses, and it makes combined use of Eulerian and Lagrangian diagnostics. This is achieved through application to a global ice-ocean circulation model and an ocean biogeochemistry model, with both components being part of the widely-used IPSL coupled ocean/atmosphere/carbon cycle model. Our main new result is the dominance of the overturning circulation (identified by water masses) in setting the vertical distribution of carbon transport from the Southern Ocean towards the global ocean. A net contrast emerges between the role of Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW), associated with large northward transport and ingassing, and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW), associated with a much smaller export and outgassing. The differences in their export rate reflects differences in their water mass formation processes. For SAMW, two-thirds of the surface waters are provided as a result of the densification of thermocline water (TW), and upon densification this water carries with it a substantial diapycnal flux of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). For AAIW, principal formatin processes include buoyancy forcing and mixing, with these serving to lighten CDW. An additional important formation pathway of AAIW is through the effect of interior processing (mixing, including cabelling) that serve to densify SAMW. A quantitative evaluation of the contribution of mixing, biology and gas exchange to the DIC evolution per water mass reveals that mixing and, secondarily, gas exchange, effectively nearly balance biology on annual scales (while the latter process can be dominant at seasonal scale). The distribution of DIC in the northward flowing water at 30° S is thus primarily set by the DIC values of the water masses that are involved in the formation processes.
Spatial distribution of soil organic carbon stocks in France
Authors: Martin M. P. , Wattenbach M. , Smith P. , Meersmans J. , Jolivet C. , Boulonne L. , Arrouays D.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Soil organic carbon plays a major role in the global carbon budget, and can act as a source or a sink of atmospheric carbon, thereby possibly influencing the course of climate change. Changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks are now taken into account in international negotiations regarding climate change. Consequently, developing sampling schemes and models for estimating the spatial distribution of SOC stocks is a priority. The French soil monitoring network has been established on a 16 km × 16 km grid and the first sampling campaign has recently been completed, providing around 2200 measurements of stocks of soil organic carbon, obtained through an in situ composite sampling, uniformly distributed over the French territory. We calibrated a boosted regression tree model on the observed stocks, modelling SOC stocks as a function of other variables such as climatic parameters, vegetation net primary productivity, soil properties and land use. The calibrated model was evaluated through cross-validation and eventually used for estimating SOC stocks for mainland France. Two other models were calibrated on forest and agricultural soils separately, in order to assess more precisely the influence of pedo-climatic variables on SOC for such soils. The boosted regression tree model showed good predictive ability, and enabled quantification of relationships between SOC stocks and pedo-climatic variables (plus their interactions) over the French territory. These relationships strongly depended on the land use, and more specifically, differed between forest soils and cultivated soil. The total estimate of SOC stocks in France was 3.260 ± 0.872 PgC for the first 30 cm. It was compared to another estimate, based on the previously published European soil organic carbon and bulk density maps, of 5.303 PgC. We demonstrate that the present estimate might better represent the actual SOC stock distributions of France, and consequently that the previously published approach at the European level greatly overestimates SOC stocks.
Contribution of recent plant photosynthates of Eriophorum vaginatum and Scheuchzeria palustris to methanogenesis and CH4 transport at a boreal mire: a 14C pulse-labeling study
Authors: Dorodnikov M. , Knorr K.-H. , Kuzyakov Y. , Wilmking M.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Contribution of recent photosynthates to methanogenesis and plant-mediated methane (CH4) transport were studied on two dominating vascular plant species – Eriophorum vaginatum and Scheuchzeria palustris – at three microform types (hummocks, lawns and hollows) of a boreal natural minerogenic, oligotrophic fen in Eastern Finland. Measurements of total CH4 flux, isolation of shoots from entire peat and 14C-pulse labeling of mesocosms under controlled conditions allowed estimation of plant-mediated CH4 flux and contribution of recent (14C) photosynthates to total CH4. The obtained results showed (i) CH4 flux increases in the order E. hummocks ≤ E. lawns < S. hollows corresponding to the increasing water table level of the microforms as derived from in situ measurements. (ii) Plant-mediated CH4 flux accounted for 38, 31 and 51 % of total CH4 at E. hummocks, E. lawns and S. hollows, respectively. (iii) Contribution of recent photosynthates to methanogenesis accounted for 0.03 % for E. hummocks, 0.06 % for E. lawns and 0.13 % for S. hollows of assimilated 14C. Thus, S. palustris microsites are characterized by a higher efficiency for transporting CH4 from the peat column to the atmosphere when compared to E. vaginatum of drier lawns and hummocks. Contribution of recent plant photosynthates to methanogenesis was not depended on the amount of plant biomass: smaller S. palustris had higher 14CH4 as compared to larger E. vaginatum. Therefore, for the assessment of CH4 production and emission over meso- and macroscales as well as for the implication and development of C modeling of CH4 fluxes, it is necessary to account for plant species-specific processes including CH4 production, consumption and transportation and the attribution of those species to topographic microforms.
Abrupt rise in atmospheric CO2 at the onset of the Bølling/Allerød: in-situ ice core data versus true atmospheric signals
Authors: Köhler P. , Knorr G. , Buiron D. , Lourantou A. , Chappellaz J.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. During the last glacial/interglacial transition the Earth's climate underwent abrupt changes around 14.6 kyr ago. Temperature proxies from ice cores revealed the onset of the Bølling/Allerød (B/A) warm period in the north and the start of the Antarctic Cold Reversal in the south. Furthermore, the B/A was accompanied by a rapid sea level rise of about 20 m during meltwater pulse (MWP) 1A, whose exact timing is a matter of current debate. In-situ measured CO2 in the EPICA Dome C (EDC) ice core also revealed a remarkable jump of 10 ± 1 ppmv in 230 yr at the same time. Allowing for the modelled age distribution of CO2 in firn, we show that atmospheric CO2 could have jumped by 20–35 ppmv in less than 200 yr, which is a factor of 2–3.5 greater than the CO2 signal recorded in-situ in EDC. This rate of change in atmospheric CO2 corresponds to 29–50% of the anthropogenic signal during the last 50 yr and is connected with a radiative forcing of 0.59–0.75 W m−2. Using a model-based airborne fraction of 0.17 of atmospheric CO2, we infer that 125 Pg of carbon need to be released into the atmosphere to produce such a peak. If the abrupt rise in CO2 at the onset of the B/A is unique with respect to other Dansgaard/Oeschger (D/O) events of the last 60 kyr (which seems plausible if not unequivocal based on current observations), then the mechanism responsible for it may also have been unique. Available δ13CO2 data are neutral, whether the source of the carbon is of marine or terrestrial origin. We therefore hypothesise that most of the carbon might have been activated as a consequence of continental shelf flooding during MWP-1A. This potential impact of rapid sea level rise on atmospheric CO2 might define the point of no return during the last deglaciation.
Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Cannulation in Infants Weighing Less than 5 Kilograms
Authors: Di Nardo Matteo , Tomasello Caterina , Pittiruti Mauro , Perrotta Daniela , Marano Marco , Cecchetti Corrado , Pasotti Elisabetta , Pirozzi Nicola , Stoppa Francesca
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Recent reports suggest that ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation may also be safe and effective in infants. This study aimed to evaluate the success and complications rate of this technique in infants weighing less than 5 kg.

Methods

We studied 45 infants, weighing less than 5 kg (mean weight: 2.9 ± 1.1 kg, median: 3.1) needing a central venous access for intensive care treatment. In all patients, venous access was obtained by ultrasound-guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein (IJV).

Results

Central venous cannulation was successful in all 45 infants. The right internal jugular vein (IJV) was used in most cases (92%). The IJV was antero-lateral to the carotid artery in 66% of patients, lateral in 28% and anterior in 6%. Although we recorded 10 complications (22.2%), only one was clinically relevant (one pneumothorax). The other complications were repeated venipunctures (n=4), kinking of the guidewire (n=3) and local venous hematomas (n=2). The time required for completing the procedure was 7 ± 4.3 min, while the mean time of central venous catheter permanence was 5.5 ± 8 days. There was a negative correlation between the patient's weight and the time needed for cannulation (p<0.01). Complications occurred in infants with a lower body weight (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Our experience suggests that ultrasound-guided central vein cannulation can be performed by well-trained physicians in infants weighing less than 5 kg without relevant risks.
Preliminary Aerodynamic and Aerothermodynamic Assessment of the VTO Hopper Booster
Authors: Pezzella Giuseppe
Published: May 2011

Within the framework of the Future Launchers Preparatory Program, carried out by the European Space Agency, the VTO-Hopper reusable launcher is investigated. This concept is a winged sub orbital vehicle designed for vertical take-off with an expendable upper stage, able to deliver a payload up to 8 Mg in geostationary transfer orbit. After the staging, the reusable booster will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, and then perform a downrange landing. In this paper the current design activities are described. The goal has been to define the preliminary booster aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic databases. Therefore, the aerothermal environment that the vehicle will encounter along its lifting reentry has been provided and analyzed. Different design approaches have been
addressed. In fact, aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic analyses have been performed by using both engineering
and numerical methods. For instance, a 3D Panel Methods code, typical for hypersonics, has been employed; the
heat flux distributions have been evaluated by means of improved boundary layer methods. Increasing the order of
complexity, a number of detailed 3D CFD analyses have been performed for different flight conditions along the
descent trajectory. Results show that the aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics derived from engineering design
approach are valid only for preliminary analysis purposes.
Assessment of the Effects of Zoledronic Acid Therapy on Bone Metabolic Indicators in Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients with Bone Metastatasis
Authors: Demirtas Abdullah , Sahin Nurettin , Caniklioglu Mehmet , Kula Mustafa , Ekmekcioglu Oguz , Tatlisen Atila
Published: May 2011

Purpose. Assessment of effects of zoledronic acid therapy on bone metabolic indicators in hormone-resistant prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis.Material and Methods. Hormone-resistant prostate cancer patients who were identified to have metastases in their bone scintigraphy were taken to trial group. Before administration of zoledronic acid, routine tests for serum calcium, total alkalen phosphates were studied. Sample sera for bone metabolic indicators BALP, PINP, and ICTP were collected. Bone pain was assessed via visual analogue scale and performance via Karnofsky performance scale. Four mg zoledronic acid was administered intravenously once a month.Results. When serum levels of bone forming indicators PINP; BALP were compared before and after therapy, there were insignificant decreases (, , resp.). Serum levels of bone destruction indicator ICTP was compared, and there was a significant decrease after zoledronic acid therapy (). When performances of the patients were compared during therapy period, performances decreased significantly due to progress of illness (). All patients had ostalgia caused by bone metastases at various degrees. Significant decrease in pain scores was observed ().Conclusion. Zoledronic acid therapy decreased bone destruction and was effective in palliation of pain in patient with bone metastasis. Using bone metabolic indicators during followup of zoledronic acid therapy might be useful.
Application of Hilbert-Huang Transform in Generating Spectrum-Compatible Earthquake Time Histories
Authors: Ni Shun-Hao , Xie Wei-Chau , Pandey Mahesh
Published: May 2011

Spectrum-compatible earthquake time histories have been widely used for seismic analysis and design. In this paper, a data processing method, Hilbert-Huang transform, is applied to generate earthquake time histories compatible with the target seismic design spectra based on multiple actual earthquake records. Each actual earthquake record is decomposed into several components of time-dependent amplitude and frequency by Hilbert-Huang transform. The spectrum-compatible earthquake time history is obtained by solving an optimization problem to minimize the relative difference between the response spectrum of the generated time history and the target seismic design spectra. Since the basis for generating spectrum-compatible earthquake time histories is derived from actual earthquake records by employing the Hilbert-Huang transform, the nonstationary characteristics and the natural properties of the seed earthquake records are well preserved in the generated earthquake time histories.
Clinical and Ultrasound Examination of the Leeds Enthesitis Index in Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ibrahim G. , Groves C. , Chandramohan M. , Beltran A. , Valle R. , Reyes B. , Healy P. , Harrison A. , Helliwell P. S.
Published: May 2011

Objective. To compare scores for the Leeds enthesitis index in psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis using clinical assessment and ultrasonography (US). Design. Swelling and tenderness of the enthesis was assessed at six sites: lateral epicondyles of humerus (LE), medial condyles of femur (MC), and the insertion of the Achilles tendon (AT). US assessed “inflammatory activity” (power Doppler signal, oedema, tendon thickening, and bursal swelling) and “damage” (erosions and enthesophytes). Results. 94 patients were included, 71 with PsA and 23 with RA. The patients with RA were significantly older (PsA 47.6 years; RA 62.6 years; (mean difference in ages =15.0 years, 95% CI 9.3–20.7 years)). US scores were higher in RA at the LE, significantly so for the “damage” scores. No differences between RA and PsA were seen at the other sites. As a result, the odds ratio for PsA, given an US score above the median, was 0.41 (0.13–1.03). However, using the clinical score, the odds ratio for PsA was 2.16 (0.81–5.70). Conclusions. Although clinical scores of enthesitis are greater in PsA compared to RA, US enthesitis scores did not distinguish between RA and PsA. This may in part be due to more frequent juxta-articular involvement in RA and in part due to the older age of the subjects with RA.
Assessing Possibilities and Limits for Solar Cells
Authors: Nayak Pabitra K. , Bisquert Juan , Cahen David
Published: May 2011

What are the solar cell efficiencies that we can strive towards? We show here that several simple criteria, based on cell and module performance data, serve to evaluate and compare all types of today's solar cells. Analyzing these data allows to gauge in how far significant progress can be expected for the various cell types and, most importantly from both the science and technology points of view, if basic bounds, beyond those known today, may exist, that can limit such progress. This is important, because half a century after Shockley and Queisser (SQ) presented limits, based on detailed balance calculations for single absorber solar cells, those are still held to be the only ones, we need to consider; most efforts to go beyond SQ are directed towards attempts to circumvent them, primarily via smart optics, or optoelectronics. After formulating the criteria and analyzing known loss mechanisms, use of such criteria suggests–additional limits for newer types of cells, Organic and Dye‐Sensitized ones, and their siblings,–prospects for progress and–further characterization needs, all of which should help focusing research and predictions for the future.
A kinetic model of nano‐CaO reactions with CO2 in a sorption complex catalyst
Authors: Wu S. F. , Lan P. Q.
Published: May 2011

This article describes the reactive kinetics of nano‐CaO with CO2 in a sorption complex catalyst. Based on an observation of nano‐CaO reaction with CO2 has a fast surface reaction regime and followed by a slow diffusion‐controlled regime, a criterion has been proposed to divide the fast surface reaction regime and the slow diffusion‐controlled reaction regime. The kinetics of the fast surface reaction was studied, and a new ion reaction mechanism was proposed. A surface reaction‐controlled kinetic model with a Boltzmann equation, X = Xu−Xu/[1+exp((t−t0)k/Xu)], was developed. Experiments using nano‐CaO to react with CO2 in a fast surface reaction regime within a sorption complex catalyst were performed using thermogravimetric analysis at 773–873 K under a N2 atmosphere with 0.010–0.020 MPa CO2. The activation energy of the kinetic model for carbonation is 30.2 kJ/mol, and the average relative deviation of the sorption ratio is less than 9.8%. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Maternal vitamin D receptor genetic variation contributes to infant birthweight among black mothers
Authors: Swamy Geeta K. , Garrett Melanie E. , Miranda Marie Lynn , Ashley‐Koch Allison E.
Published: May 2011

Racial disparity in pregnancy outcomes is one of the most striking and poorly understood inequalities in American health. Genetic variability may be an important host factor influencing disparate birth outcomes between non‐Hispanic black (NHB) and non‐Hispanic white (NHW) women. Race‐specific allelic frequencies in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene suggest its potential as a gene involved in health disparities. The Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby Study is a prospective cohort of pregnant women aimed at identifying genetic, social, and environmental contributors to disparities in pregnancy outcomes in Durham, NC. VDR haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped via Taqman assays for 615 women. Analysis of variance was used to examine the association between maternal genotype and infant birthweight. Eight of 38 SNPs examined showed nominal significance among NHB women, with one VDR SNP (rs7975232) surpassing the multiple testing significance threshold. rs7975232, an anonymous polymorphism, is part of a VDR gene haplotype associated with variation in mRNA stability. mRNA stability can affect the amount of protein produced, thus directly affecting vitamin D levels and calcium homeostasis. In contrast to NHBs, there was no association between any VDR SNP and birthweight for NHWs. Genetic factors contributing to disparities in birth outcomes are not expected to be explained entirely by variation in a single gene. Nevertheless, our results suggest that maternal VDR gene polymorphisms do influence birthweight with differential effects accruing across racial groups. Further research identifying the functionality of VDR gene polymorphisms in pregnant women will improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms influencing birthweight. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Well‐defined NHCPd complex‐mediated intermolecular direct annulations for synthesis of functionalized indoles (NHC = N‐hetero‐cyclic carbene)
Authors: Jin Zhong , Guo Su‐Xian , Qiu Ling‐Ling , Wu Gui‐Ping , Fang Jian‐Xin
Published: May 2011

As alternatives to the common tertiary phosphine/Pd systems, well‐defined N‐heterocyclic carbene–Pd complexes have been proven to be highly efficient precatalysts for intermolecular direct annalution of o‐haloanilines and ketones at lower catalyst loadings. A highly efficient and practical protocol for synthesis of functionalized indoles was developed using (IPr)Pd(acac)Cl as catalyst. Both o‐bromoanilines and o‐chloroanilines gave rise to efficient coupling under the reaction conditions. Related to acyclic ones, cyclic ketones coupled more effectively with o‐haloanilines. With [Pd(IPr)2] as catalyst, the base‐sensitive groups including OH and CO2H groups could be tolerated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron(0), rhodium(I) and palladium(II) complexes with p‐(N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl) diphenylphosphine and the application of the palladium complex as a catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction
Authors: Sarmah Chandan , Borah Malabika , Das Pankaj
Published: May 2011

The reaction of p‐(N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)diphenylphosphine [PPh2(p‐C6H4NMe2)] with [Fe3(CO)12], [Rh(CO)2Cl]2 and PdCl2 resulted in three new mononuclear complexes, {Fe(CO)4[η1‐(P)‐PPh2(p‐C6H4NMe2)]} (1a), trans‐{Rh(CO)Cl[η1‐(P)‐PPh2(p‐C6H4NMe2)]2} (2) and trans‐{PdCl2[η1‐(P)‐PPh2(p‐C6H4NMe2)]2} (3), respectively. A small amount of dinuclear nonmetal‐metal bonded complex, {Fe2(CO)8[µ‐(P,N)‐PPh2(p‐C6H4NMe2)]} (1b), was also isolated as a side product in the reaction of [Fe3(CO)12]. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, mass, IR, UV–vis, 1H, 13C (except 1b) and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. The Pd complex 3 effectively catalyzes the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions of aryl halides with arylboronic acids in water–isopropanol (1:1) at room temperature. Excellent yields (up to 99% isolated yield) were achieved. The effects of different solvents, bases, catalyst quantities were also evaluated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Considerations on detailed analysis and particle growth in high impact polypropylene particles
Authors: Katayama Kiyokazu , Tanase Shojiro , Ishihara Nobuhide
Published: May 2011

Detailed analysis of the dispersion of ethylene and propylene copolymer components in high‐impact polypropylene particles was performed by the morphological observation, pore volume analysis, and microscopic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of SPring‐8. The results of the morphological observation and pore volume distribution suggest that copolymer components were formed in particles in such a manner as to fill the gaps of fine homopolypropylene particles. The results of the analysis by microscopic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were that the distribution of the amount of ethylene in the particles was homogeneous and indicated that copolymer components were dispersed uniformly within the particles. Moreover, spots with high amounts of ethylene were formed on the particle surface, and when voids existed within the particle, spots with high amounts of ethylene were also formed on the void surface. The structure of the copolymer components existing locally on the surface was practically similar to the structure of the copolymer components within the particles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Development of high‐performance epoxy/clay nanocomposites by incorporating novel phosphonium modified montmorillonite
Authors: Saitoh Keiji , Ohashi Kenji , Oyama Toshiyuki , Takahashi Akio , Kadota Joji , Hirano Hiroshi , Hasegawa Kiichi
Published: May 2011

Novel organoclays were synthesized by several kinds of phosphonium cations to improve the dispersibility in matrix resin of composites and accelerate the curing of matrix resin. The possibility of the application for epoxy/clay nanocomposites and the thermal, mechanical, and adhesive properties were investigated. Furthermore, the structures and morphologies of the epoxy/clay nanocomposites were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Consequently, the corporation of organoclays with different types of phosphonium cations into the epoxy matrix led to different morphologies of the organoclay particles, and then the distribution changes of silicate layers in the epoxy resin influenced the physical properties of the nanocomposites. When high‐reactive phosphonium cations with epoxy groups were adopted, the clay particles were well exfoliated and dispersed. The epoxy/clay nanocomposite realized the high glass‐transition temperature (Tg) and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in comparison with those of neat epoxy resin. On the other hand, in the case of low‐reactive phoshonium cations, the dispersion states of clay particles were intercalated but not exfoliated. The intercalated clay did not influence the Tg and CTE of the nanocomposite. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Simplified modeling calculations to enlighten the mechanical properties (modulus) of carbon black filled diene rubber compounds
Authors: Leblanc Jean L.
Published: May 2011

A simplified model is developed to calculate the modulus of carbon black filled rubber compounds by using standard characterization data of the filler, its volume fraction and only one fitting parameter: the number of junctions between neighboring carbon black aggregates. The model is based on three hypotheses with respect to (1) the optimal dispersion of aggregate, (2) the pure physical nature of rubber—carbon black interactions, and (3) the possibility to describe aggregates essentially in terms of specific surface area and structure, both accessible through standard characterization methods. Average rubber—filler interactions are introduced through micromechanical considerations. The model is probed by using dynamic strain sweep test results on two series of carbon filled compounds, one on the basis of SBR1500 Emulsion Styrene‐Butadiene Rubber, the other on RSS3 Natural Rubber. It is found that the number of junctions is decreasing with increasing strain amplitude, thus, offering a clear explanation for the well known dynamic strain softening effect. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synovial fibroblast hyperplasia in rheumatoid arthritis: Clinicopathologic correlations and partial reversal by anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy
Authors: Izquierdo Elena , Cañete Juan D. , Celis Raquel , Del Rey Manuel J. , Usategui Alicia , Marsal Sara , Sanmartí Raimon , Criado Gabriel , Pablos José L.
Published: May 2011

Objective

Synovial fibroblast (SF) hyperplasia contributes to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but quantitative information on this process is scarce. This study was undertaken to evaluate the fibroblast‐specific marker Hsp47 as a quantitative marker for SFs and to analyze its clinicopathologic correlates and evolution after anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) therapy.

Methods

Synovial biopsy samples were obtained from 48 patients with RA and 20 controls who were healthy or had osteoarthritis (OA). Twenty‐five RA patients who had active disease at the time of biopsy underwent a second biopsy after anti‐TNFα therapy. Immunolabeling for Hsp47, inflammatory cells, and vascular cell markers was performed. Hsp47‐positive lining and sublining fractional areas were quantified, and their correlation with clinicopathologic variables was analyzed.

Results

In normal and diseased synovial tissue, Hsp47 was specifically and uniformly expressed by lining, sublining, and perivascular fibroblasts. Lining SF area was significantly increased in both RA and late OA tissue compared to normal tissue. Sublining SF area was increased in RA tissue but not in late OA tissue compared to normal tissue. Lining SF area was positively correlated with macrophage density, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, and RA disease duration. In contrast, sublining SF area was negatively correlated with RA disease duration and activity. A significant reduction in lining SF area but not sublining SF area was observed after anti‐TNFα therapy.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that Hsp47 is a reliable marker for quantifying SFs in human synovial tissue. Our data suggest that lining and sublining SFs undergo different dynamics during the course of the disease. Lining SF expansion parallels the activity and temporal progression of RA and can be partially reversed by anti‐TNFα therapy.
Anti–N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis: A newly recognized inflammatory brain disease in children
Authors: Luca Nadia , Daengsuwan Tassalapa , Dalmau Josep , Jones Kevin , deVeber Gabrielle , Kobayashi Jeffrey , Laxer Ronald M. , Benseler Susanne M.
Published: May 2011

Objective

Anti–N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (anti‐NMDAR) encephalitis is a newly recognized antineuronal antibody–mediated inflammatory brain disease that causes severe psychiatric and neurologic deficits in previously healthy children. The present study was undertaken to describe characteristic clinical features and outcomes in children diagnosed as having anti‐NMDAR encephalitis.

Methods

Consecutive children presenting over a 12‐month period with newly acquired psychiatric and/or neurologic deficits consistent with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis and evidence of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation were screened. Children were included in the study if they had confirmatory evidence of anti‐NMDAR antibodies in the serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid. Features at clinical presentation and results of investigations were recorded. Type and duration of treatment and outcomes at last followup were documented.

Results

Seven children were screened, and 3 children with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis were identified. All patients presented with neurologic and/or psychiatric abnormalities, seizures, speech disorder, sleep disturbance, and fluctuating level of consciousness. The 2 older patients had more prominent psychiatric features, while the younger child had significant autonomic instability and prominent involuntary movement disorder. None had an underlying tumor. Immunosuppressive therapy resulted in near or complete recovery; however, 2 of the patients had early relapse necessitating re‐treatment.

Conclusion

Anti‐NMDAR encephalitis is an important cause of neuropsychiatric deficits in children, which must be included in the differential diagnosis of CNS vasculitis and other inflammatory brain diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for neurologic recovery.
Physical Chemistry of Biological Interfaces: Generic and Specific Roles of Soft Interlayers
Authors: Tanaka Motomu , Schneck Emanuel , Yoshikawa Hiroshi Y. , Rossetti Fernanda F.
Published: May 2011

Nature defines the spatial boundaries between different phases using membranes, and the interfacial interactions are mediated by soft biopolymer interlayers that contain various carbohydrates. This Review provides a comprehensive overview on the interplay of generic and specific interactions at cell–cell and cell–tissue interfaces. A focus will be put on the combination of defined model systems, experimental techniques in real‐ and reciprocal space, and theoretical simulations.
Windenergieanlagen: Planungsablauf am Beispiel einer Anlage mit Savoniusrotor
Authors: Beecken Christoph A. , Knull Björn
Published: May 2011

Durch die finanzielle Förderung von Windenergieanlagen (WEA) als politisch gewünschte regenerative Energiequelle und die damit einhergehende technische Fortentwicklung hat die Windenergie eine große Bedeutung bei der Stromversorgung gewonnen. Aufgrund ihrer landschaftsprägenden Dimension spielt bei der Planung von WEA die Genehmigungsfähigkeit eine bedeutende Rolle. In diesen Themenkreis fällt auch die statische (und damit wirtschaftliche) Optimierung solcher Anlagen im Sinne einer möglichst hohen Ausnutzung der Baumaterialien. Da ein Großteil der WEA in Kleinserien hergestellt wird, ist eine Zertifizierung oder Typenprüfung vorteilhaft. Anhand einer WEA mit “Savoniusrotor” werden die Vorgehensweise bei der statischen Bemessung aufgezeigt und die wichtigsten Lastannahmen getroffen, ergänzt durch einen Ausblick auf die erforderlichen Nachweise.

Wind power plants: Planning procedure using the example of a system with savonius rotor. Wind energy gained in importance for electric power supply due to financial incentives for wind turbine generators (WTG) as politically favoured renewable energy source and the resulting technical further development. Building a relevant landscape element, the approvability of the structure plays a decisive role in planning and design of WTG. Another topic is the structural (and the related economical) optimisation of the plants in terms of most effective exploitation of the building material. As most of the WTG are fabricated in small batch series, certification or type testing is advantageous. Using the example of a WTG with savonius rotor, the proceeding of the structural analysis is shown including the most important load assumptions and an outlook on the required verifications.
Sandwichfassaden aus Textilbeton — experimentelle Untersuchungen
Authors: Horstmann Michael , Hegger Josef
Published: May 2011

Die Anforderungen an Tragfähigkeit, Verformungen und Rissefreiheit begrenzen die ausführbare Biegeschlankheit großformatiger Vorhangfassaden aus Textilbeton und erfordern monolithische oder metallische Aussteifungen. Ausreichend steife, tragfähige und dennoch leichte Querschnitte lassen sich mit Sandwichkonstruktionen realisieren, die zudem im Sinne der integralen Bauweise zusätzliche Funktionen in einem kompakten Querschnitt bündeln. Der Beitrag berichtet über die im Rahmen des Transferprojekts T03 des SFB 532 durchgeführten experimentellen Untersuchungen zum Tragverhalten von Sandwichquerschnitten unter Variation der Verbundmittel, der Dämmstoffe und der Betonschichtdicken unter Zug‐, Schub‐ und Biegebeanspruchung.

Sandwich façades made of Textile Reinforced Concrete — Experimental investigations. The demands on the load‐bearing capacity and serviceability are limiting the applicable slenderness of large‐sized ventilated façades made of Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) and thus monolithic or metallic bracings are required. Stiff, light‐weight and at the same time capable sections can be realized with sandwich constructions that additionally offer structural‐physical functions within a compact section. This contribution reports on the experimental investigations within the transfer project T03 of SFB 532 on the load‐bearing capacity of sandwich sections with varying connectors, foam cores and thicknesses of the facings subjected to tensile, shear and bending forces.
Removing the Center from Computing: Biology's New Mode of Digital Knowledge Production
Authors: November Joseph
Published: May 2011

Wie das Rechenzentrum aus der Datenverarbeitung verschwand: Die neue Form digitaler Wissensproduktion in der Biologie. Dieser Beitrag schildert die Rolle der “National Institutes of Health” (NIH) der USA bei der Ermöglichung eines grundlegenden Wandels in der Nutzung von Computern für die Wissensproduktion und in ihrem Design als Folge ihrer Bemühungen in den frühen 1960er Jahren, Informationstechnologie auch Biologen nahezubringen. Seit 1960 versuchten die NIH die Lebenswissenschaften dadurch zu reformieren, dass sie die Forscher ermutigten, elektronische Datenverarbeitung zu nutzen. Doch trotz großzügiger Unterstützung durch Bundesmittel wurde die neue Technologie von Biologen nicht recht angenommen. Anfänglich wurde dafür der Mangel an geeigneten (d. h. digitalen) biologischen Daten, die für elektronische Verarbeitung in Computern in Frage gekommen wären, verantwortlich gemacht. Als jedoch die NIH den MIT Computerarchitekten Wesley Clark in dieser Frage konsultierten, argumentierte dieser, dass die zentralisierte Aufstellung der Rechner eine größere Herausforderung für potentielle Nutzer aus der Biologie darstelle als der Bedarf an digitalen Daten selbst. Clark überzeugte die NIH, dass sie die experimentellen und institutionellen Bedürfnisse der Biologen durch Rechenkapazitäten außerhalb von Rechenzentren befriedigen müssten, sollte eine effektive Computerisierung der Biologie gelingen. Mit Unterstützung der NIH entwickelte Clark dafür 1963 den “Laboratory Instrument Computer” (LINC), einen kleinen, interaktiven Echtzeitrechner, der für die Nutzung innerhalb des Labors und vollständige Kontrolle durch Nutzer aus der Biologie gedacht war. Einmal zur Serienreife gelangt, bildete der LINC eine praktikable Alternative zu den in den 1960er Jahren üblichen Großrechnern, die in Rechenzentren aufgestellt waren. Dadurch wurde der LINC nicht nur unter Biologen populär, sondern in den folgenden Jahrzehnten zu einem bedeutenden Vorläufer für die heutigen Rechennormen in den Naturwissenschaften und darüber hinaus den Personal Computer.
The lymphatic system: A historical perspective
Authors: Loukas Marios , Bellary Sharath S. , Kuklinski Michael , Ferrauiola Julie , Yadav Abha , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Shaffer Kitt , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: May 2011

The study of the lymphatic system has a lengthy history, with many notable medical minds making important contributions. We now appreciate that this system is an essential component of the immune system, as well as vital to the maintenance of fluid homeostasis within the body. A good knowledge of the lymphatic system is clinically important concerning cancer, edema, surgery, and the immune response. This article reviews the history of the evolution and discovery of the lymphatic system. Clin. Anat. 24:807–816, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Evaluation of the safe zone for percutaneous Kirschner‐wire placement in the distal radius: Cadaveric study
Authors: Korcek L. , Wongworawat M.
Published: May 2011

Distal radius fractures are a common injury that is often reduced with percutaneous K‐wires. The sensory nerves in this area are at risk of injuring from pin placement. Cadaveric studies of the nerve distribution patterns have elucidated certain safe zones for pin placement that limits the risk of sensory nerve injury. These studies have advocated a limited open technique that involves a shallow incision followed by blunt dissection to the bone before a k‐wire is drilled into the radius. A previously identified safe zone in the anatomical snuffbox was evaluated in 40 cadaver wrists for k‐wire placement via a percutaneous technique that involves putting the pin directly through the skin without an incision or blunt dissection. After k‐wire placement each wrist was dissected and sensory nerve distribution relative to the pin placement was evaluated. The variability of the distribution of the sensory nerves, namely the lateral antebracheal cutaneous nerve and the superficial branch of the radial nerve, is such that no truly safe zone exists for pin placement with the percutaneous technique in this area. Clin. Anat. 24:1005–1009, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.