bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Effective Approach to Achieve a Spin Gapless Semiconductor–Half‐Metal–Metal Transition in Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbons: Attaching A Floating Induced Dipole Field via π–π Interactions
Authors: Guan Jia , Chen Wei , Li Yafei , Yu Guangtao , Shi Zhiming , Huang Xuri , Sun Chiachung , Chen Zhongfang
Published: October 2012

Under first‐principles computations, a simple strategy is identified to modulate the electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs). This strategy takes advantage of the effect of the floating dipole field attached to zGNRs via π–π interactions. This dipole field is induced by the acceptor/donor functional groups, which decorate the ladder‐structure polydiacetylene derivatives with an excellent delocalized π‐conjugated backbone. By tuning the acceptor/donor groups, –C≡C– number, and zGNR width, greatly enriched electronic and magnetic properties, e.g., spin gapless semiconducting, half‐metallic, and metallic behaviors, with the antiferromagnetic−ferromagnetic conversion can be achieved in zGNRs with perfect, 57‐reconstructed, and partially hydrogenated edge patterns.
Precise Structural Development and its Correlation to Function in Conjugated Polymer: Fullerene Thin Films by Controlled Solvent Annealing
Authors: Chen Huipeng , Hu Sheng , Zang Huidong , Hu Bin , Dadmun Mark
Published: October 2012

The impact of controlled solvent vapor exposure on the morphology, structural evolution, and function of solvent‐processed poly(3‐hexylthiophene):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) bilayers is presented. Grazing incident wide angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) shows that the crystallization of P3HT increases with solvent exposure, while neutron reflectivity shows that P3HT simultaneously diffuses into PCBM, indicating that an initial bilayer structure evolves into a bulk heterojunction structure. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) shows the agglomeration of PCBM and the formation of a PCBM pure phase when solvent annealing for 90 min. The structural evolution can be described as occurring in two stages: the first stage combines the enhanced crystallization of P3HT and diffusion of PCBM into P3HT, while the second stage entails the agglomeration of PCBM and formation of a PCBM pure phase. The phase separation of PCBM from P3HT is not driven by P3HT crystallinity, but is due to the concentration of PCBM exceeding the miscibility limit of PCBM in P3HT. Correlation of the morphology to photovoltaic activity shows that device performance significantly improves with solvent annealing for 90 min, indicating that both sufficient P3HT crystallization and formation of a PCBM pure phase are crucial in the optimization of the morphology of the active layer.
The benefits and limitations of using ultrasonography to supplement anatomical understanding
Authors: Sweetman Greg M. , Crawford Gail , Hird Kathryn , Fear Mark W.
Published: October 2012

Anatomical understanding is critical to medical education. With reduced teaching time and limited cadaver availability, it is important to investigate how best to utilize in vivo imaging to supplement anatomical understanding and better prepare medical graduates for the proliferation of point‐of‐care imaging in the future. To investigate whether using short sessions of in vivo imaging using ultrasonography could benefit students' anatomical knowledge and clinical application, we conducted a 2‐hour session on abdominal anatomy using ultrasonography in small groups of five to six students, for both first‐ and second‐year student cohorts. Individual feedback was collected to assess student perceptions. To measure retention and understanding, a short examination containing ultrasound images and questions and performance of a clinical skill (gastrointestinal' tract examination) were assessed. Ultrasonography sessions were highly valued by the students, with 90% of the students reporting their understanding was improved, and over 70% reporting increased confidence in their anatomical knowledge. However, the assessments showed no appreciable impact on skills or understanding related to abdominal anatomy and examination. We conclude that the risk associated with limited exposure increasing confidence without increasing skills remains real and that in vivo imaging is not effective when used as a short adjunct teaching tool. The widespread use of ultrasonography means finding the best way to incorporate ultrasound into medical education remains important. To this end, we are currently implementing an extended program including echocardiography and multiple anatomical sessions that will determine if frequency and repetition of use can positively impact on student performance and understanding. Anat Sci Educ. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Fetal axillary cystic hygroma: A novel association with triple X syndrome
Authors: Iskender Cantekin , Tarım Ebru , Çok Tayfun , Yalcinkaya Cem , Kalaycı Hakan , Sahin Feride
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Triple X syndrome is a relatively common sex chromosomal aneuploidy with an estimated incidence of one in every 1000 female births. There is considerable diversity in phenotypes among patients with triple X syndrome. Triple X syndrome has been shown to have associated abnormalities, with genitourinary malformations being the most consistent. Cystic hygroma (CH) is a lymphatic malformation that occurs because of the lack of development of communication between the lymphatic and the venous systems. CH has an incidence of 1 in every 6000–10,000 live births. CH is associated with a variety of conditions, including chromosomal aneuploidies and fetal malformations.

CASE

We report a case of prenatally detected triple X syndrome with axillary CH as an isolated finding. The patient was referred because of a fetal cystic mass at the right axillary region. Amniocentesis revealed 47,XXX karyotype, and no additional abnormalities were detected prenatally or after abortion.

CONCLUSION

This is a novel description of axillary CH associated with triple X syndrome. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive Response of Low Linear Energy Transfer X‐rays for Protection Against High Linear Energy Transfer Accelerated Heavy Ion‐Induced Teratogenesis
Authors: Wang Bing , Ninomiya Yasuharu , Tanaka Kaoru , Maruyama Kouichi , Varès Guillaume , Eguchi‐Kasai Kiyomi , Nenoi Mitsuru
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Adaptive response (AR) of low linear energy transfer (LET) irradiations for protection against teratogenesis induced by high LET irradiations is not well documented. In this study, induction of AR by X‐rays against teratogenesis induced by accelerated heavy ions was examined in fetal mice.

METHODS

Irradiations of pregnant C57BL/6J mice were performed by delivering a priming low dose from X‐rays at 0.05 or 0.30 Gy on gestation day 11 followed one day later by a challenge high dose from either X‐rays or accelerated heavy ions. Monoenergetic beams of carbon, neon, silicon, and iron with the LET values of about 15, 30, 55, and 200 keV/μm, respectively, were examined. Significant suppression of teratogenic effects (fetal death, malformation of live fetuses, or low body weight) was used as the endpoint for judgment of a successful AR induction.

RESULTS

Existence of AR induced by low‐LET X‐rays against teratogenic effect induced by high‐LET accelerated heavy ions was demonstrated. The priming low dose of X‐rays significantly reduced the occurrence of prenatal fetal death, malformation, and/or low body weight induced by the challenge high dose from either X‐rays or accelerated heavy ions of carbon, neon or silicon but not iron particles.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful AR induction appears to be a radiation quality event, depending on the LET value and/or the particle species of the challenge irradiations. These findings would provide a new insight into the study on radiation‐induced AR in utero.
Introns in UTRs: Why we should stop ignoring them
Authors: Bicknell Alicia A. , Cenik Can , Chua Hon N. , Roth Frederick P. , Moore Melissa J.
Published: October 2012

Although introns in 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) are found in many protein coding genes, rarely are they considered distinctive entities with specific functions. Indeed, mammalian transcripts with 3′‐UTR introns are often assumed nonfunctional because they are subject to elimination by nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD). Nonetheless, recent findings indicate that 5′‐ and 3′‐UTR intron status is of significant functional consequence for the regulation of mammalian genes. Therefore these features should be ignored no longer.
How did bacterial ancestors reproduce? Lessons from L‐form cells and giant lipid vesicles
Authors: Briers Yves , Walde Peter , Schuppler Markus , Loessner Martin J.
Published: October 2012

In possible scenarios on the origin of life, protocells represent the precursors of the first living cells. To study such hypothetical protocells, giant vesicles are being widely used as a simple model. Lipid vesicles can undergo complex morphological changes enabling self‐reproduction such as growth, fission, and extra‐ and intravesicular budding. These properties of vesicular systems may in some way reflect the mechanism of reproduction used by protocells. Moreover, remarkable similarities exist between the morphological changes observed in giant vesicles and bacterial L‐form cells, which represent bacteria that have lost their rigid cell wall, but retain the ability to reproduce. L‐forms feature a dismantled cellular structure and are unable to carry out classical binary fission. We propose that the striking similarities in morphological transitions of L‐forms and giant lipid vesicles may provide insights into primitive reproductive mechanisms and contribute to a better understanding of the origin and evolution of mechanisms of cell reproduction.

Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays Synthesizing artificial cells from giant unilamellar vesicles: State‐of‐the art in the development of microfluidic technology Abstract
Spelunking in the archives: Or how I learned to love the art of the unexpected
Authors: La Barre Kathryn
Published: October 2012

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

Drawing on her archival research skills, the author took the opportunity to dig into the American Society for Information Science records (1939–1990), a special collection housed at the University of Michigan. The exploration was prompted by ASIS&T's 75th anniversary and Special Interest Group/History and Foundations of Information Science (SIG/HFIS). The archives represent the evolution of the society, starting as the American Documentation Institute. The material retrieved on the author's first visit did not correspond to the online finding aid, but subsequent inquiry found a new finding aid, which was not online, describing the collection, including expanded holdings. The ASIS&T historical records collection is open for additional deposits, including documents, personal papers, presentations, oral histories and images, with the goal of placing all materials online. It is hoped this adventure will prompt ASIS&T to become an example for implementing best practices in organizational records preservation and management.
A Single‐Stage Water–Gas Shift Reaction over Highly Active and Stable Si‐ and Al‐Substituted Pt/CeO2 Catalysts
Authors: Shinde Vijay M. , Madras Giridhar
Published: October 2012

Ce0.88Si0.1Pt0.02O2−δ and Ce0.88Al0.1Pt0.02O2−δ catalysts were synthesized by using a low‐temperature sonochemical method and characterized by using XRD, TEM, XPS, FTIR, and BET surface analyzer. The catalytic activities of these compounds were investigated for the water–gas shift reaction in the temperature range of 140–440 °C. The substitution of Si in Ce0.98Pt0.02O2−δ increased the releasing capacity of lattice oxygen, whereas the substitution of Al decreased the reducibility of Ce0.98Pt0.02O2−δ, as evidenced by hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction studies. However, both the catalysts showed a considerable improvement in terms of activity and stability compared to Ce0.98Pt0.02O2−δ. The combined activity measurement and characterization results suggest that the increase in the oxygen vacancy, which acts as a dissociation center for water, is the primary reason for the improvement in the activity of modified Ce0.98Pt0.02O2−δ. Both the catalysts are 100 % selective toward H2 production, and approximately 99 % conversion of CO to CO2 was observed at 260 and 270 °C for Ce0.88Si0.1Pt0.02O2−δ and Ce0.88Al0.1Pt0.02O2−δ, respectively. These catalysts do not deactivate during the daily startup/shutdown operations and are sustainable even after prolonged reaction. Notably, these catalysts do not require any pretreatment or activation during startup/shutdown operations.
Nitrogen Removal in Vegetated and Unvegetated Drainage Ditches Impacted by Diffuse and Point Sources of Pollution
Authors: Pierobon Enrica , Castaldelli Giuseppe , Mantovani Sara , Vincenzi Fabio , Fano Elisa Anna
Published: October 2012

Secondary drainage canals have the potential to effectively mitigate excess nitrogen loads from diffuse and point sources. In vegetated (Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia) and in unvegetated canals subjected to diffuse and point pollution, nitrogen removal was evaluated by means of simple in–out mass balance and potential uptake by macrophytes was estimated from biomass data. Results suggest an elevated control of nitrogen in vegetated ditches receiving point source of pollution (average abatement of 50% of the total N load per linear km), whereas removal processes are much less effective in unvegetated ditches. The comparison between net abatement and plant uptake, highlights the presence of other unaccounted for processes responsible for a relevant percentage of total N removal. Overall, results from this study suggest the importance of actions aiming at the appropriate management of emergent vegetation, in order to improve its direct and indirect metabolic functions and maximize nitrogen removal in impacted watersheds.
Redundant roles of PRDM family members in zebrafish craniofacial development
Authors: Ding Hai‐Lei , Clouthier David E. , Artinger Kristin B.
Published: October 2012

Background: PRDM proteins are evolutionary conserved Zn‐Finger transcription factors that share a characteristic protein domain organization. Previous studies have shown that prdm1a is required for the specification and differentiation of neural crest cells in the zebrafish. Results: Here we examine other members of this family, specifically prdm3, 5, and 16, in the differentiation of the zebrafish craniofacial skeleton. prdm3 and prdm16 are strongly expressed in the pharyngeal arches, while prdm5 is expressed specifically in the area of the forming neurocranium. Knockdown of prdm3 and prdm16 results in a reduction in the neural crest markers dlx2a and barx1 and defects in both the viscerocranium and the neurocranium. The knockdown of prdm3 and prdm16 in combination is additive in the neurocranium, but not in the viscerocranium. Injection of sub‐optimal doses of prdm1a with prdm3 or prdm16 Morpholinos together leads to more severe phenotypes in the viscerocranium and neurocranium. prdm5 mutants have defects in the neurocranium and prdm1a and prdm5 double mutants also show more severe phenotypes. Conclusions: Overall, our data reveal that prdm3, 5, and 16 are involved in the zebrafish craniofacial development and that prdm1a may interact with prdm3, 5, and 16 in the formation of the craniofacial skeleton in zebrafish. Developmental Dynamics 242:67–79, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitro tendon tissue development from human fibroblasts demonstrates collagen fibril diameter growth associated with a rise in mechanical strength
Authors: Herchenhan Andreas , Bayer Monika L. , Svensson René B. , Magnusson S. Peter , Kjær Michael
Published: October 2012

Background: Collagen‐rich tendons and ligaments are important for joint stability and force transmission, but the capacity to form new tendon is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated mechanical strength, fibril size, and structure during development of tendon‐like tissue from adult human tenocytes (termed tendon constructs) in vitro over 5 weeks in 3D tissue culture. Results: The constructs displayed large elongated tendon cells aligned along the tendon axis together with collagen fibrils that increased in diameter by 50% from day 14 to 35, which approaches that observed in adult human tendon in vivo. The increase in diameter was accompanied by a 5‐fold increase in mechanical strength (0.9±0.1 MPa to 4.9±0.6 MPa) and Young's modulus (5.8±0.9 MPa to 32.3±4.2 MPa), while the maximal strain at failure (16%) remained constant throughout the 5‐week culture period. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that 3D tendon constructs can be formed by isolated human tendon fibroblasts, and when these constructs are subjected to static self‐generated tension, the fibrils will grow in size and strength approaching that of adult human tendon in vivo. Developmental Dynamics 242:2–8, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Native agarose gel electrophoresis and electroelution: A fast and cost‐effective method to separate the small and large hepatitis B capsids
Authors: Yoon Kam Yee , Tan Wen Siang , Tey Beng Ti , Lee Khai Wooi , Ho Kok Lian
Published: October 2012

Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) expressed in Escherichia coli is able to self‐assemble into large and small capsids comprising 240 (triangulation number T = 4) and 180 (triangulation number T = 3) subunits, respectively. Conventionally, sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation and SEC have been used to separate these capsids. However, good separation of the large and small particles with these methods is never achieved. In the present study, we employed a simple, fast, and cost‐effective method to separate the T = 3 and T = 4 HBcAg capsids by using native agarose gel electrophoresis followed by an electroelution method (NAGE‐EE). This is a direct, fast, and economic method for isolating the large and small HBcAg particles homogenously based on the hydrodynamic radius of the spherical particles. Dynamic light scattering analysis demonstrated that the T = 3 and T = 4 HBcAg capsids prepared using the NAGE‐EE method are monodisperse with polydispersity values of ∼15% and ∼13%, respectively. ELISA proved that the antigenicity of the capsids was not affected in the purification process. Overall, NAGE‐EE produced T = 3 and T = 4 capsids with a purity above 90%, and the recovery was 34% and 50%, respectively (total recovery of HBcAg is ∼84%), and the operation time is 15 and 4 times lesser than that of the sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation and SEC, respectively.
A simple sample pretreatment device with supported liquid membrane for direct injection of untreated body fluids and in‐line coupling to a commercial CE instrument
Authors: Pantůčková Pavla , Kubáň Pavel , Boček Petr
Published: October 2012

A simple sample pretreatment device was developed employing extractions across supported liquid membranes (SLMs) and in‐line coupling to a commercial CE instrument. The device consisted of two polypropylene conical units interspaced with a polypropylene planar SLM, which were impregnated with 1‐ethyl‐2‐nitrobenzene. The two units and the SLM were pressed against each other, donor unit was filled with 40 μL of an untreated body fluid and acceptor unit with 40 μL of DI water. The device was then placed into conventional CE vial fitted with a soft spring, which was depressed during injection into CE capillary and ensured that the SLM was not ruptured. Position of separation capillary injection end and high‐voltage electrode in the CE instrument was optimized in order to ensure efficient injection of pretreated body fluids. The device can be easily assembled/disassembled and SLMs can be replaced after each extraction thus minimizing sample carry‐over, avoiding tedious SLM regeneration, and reducing total pretreatment time and costs. The pretreatment device was examined by direct injection of human urine and serum spiked with nortriptyline, haloperidol, and loperamide. The basic drugs were diffusionaly transported across the SLM within 10 min and were injected into the separation capillary directly from the SLM surface in the acceptor unit, whereas matrix components were retained by the SLM. The in‐line SLM‐CE method showed good repeatability of peak areas (3.8–11.0%) and migration times (below 1.4%), linear relationship (r2 = 0.990–0.999), and low LODs (12–100 μg/L).
Economic evaluation of offshore storage potential in the US Exclusive Economic Zone
Authors: Eccles Jordan K , Pratson Lincoln
Published: October 2012

Drawing upon previously published results, we evaluate the offshore potential for storing CO2 within marine sediments located inside the US Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). We then model the cost for transporting and injecting CO2 into these strata, including into deep‐marine (>3000m water depth) strata that we refer to as being ‘self‐sealing' because pressure and temperature regimes would form an overlying gravitational seal. Finally, we compare the integrated transport and injection cost estimates for self‐sealing and non‐self‐sealing offshore storage against the same integrated cost estimates for onshore storage in 15 deep‐saline sandstone aquifers located throughout the continental USA. The comparison is presented in the form of marginal abatement cost curves, which show that ocean storage is likely to be two or more times as expensive as onshore storage: 500 million tonnes of annual CO2 emissions from coal‐fired power plants in the USA is available for <$5/tonne in onshore DSAs, < $10/tonne in non‐self‐sealing offshore strata, and <$15/tonne in self‐sealing offshore strata, with the cost differential between onshore and offshore storage increasing further up the supply curve. The higher total offshore costs are due to a combination of increases in transport and storage costs, with transport costs dominating total costs with increasing distance from shore. This suggests that CO2 capture system operators would have to pay substantially more for offshore geologic storage over onshore options. The cost difference may be mitigated by certain advantages of offshore storage, which could include easier access to property rights, simplified regulation, and possibly lower monitoring, measurement, and verification (MMV) requirements. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Self‐reported sensory descriptors are associated with quantitative sensory testing parameters in patients with cervical radiculopathy, but not in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Tampin B. , Briffa N.K. , Slater H.
Published: October 2012

Background

The painDETECT questionnaire (PD‐Q) has been used as a tool to characterize sensory abnormalities in patients with persistent pain. This study investigated whether the self‐reported sensory descriptors of patients with painful cervical radiculopathy (CxRAD) and patients with fibromyalgia (FM), as characterized by responses to verbal sensory descriptors from PD‐Q (sensitivity to light touch, cold, heat, slight pressure, feeling of numbness in the main area of pain), were associated with the corresponding sensory parameters as demonstrated by quantitative sensory testing (QST).

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with CxRAD (eight women, 46.3 ± 9.6 years) and 22 patients with FM (20 women, 46.1 ± 11.5 years) completed the PD‐Q. Standardized QST of dynamic mechanical allodynia, cold and heat pain thresholds, pressure pain thresholds, mechanical and vibration detection thresholds, was recorded from the maximal pain area. Comparative QST data from 31 age‐matched healthy controls (HCs; 15 women) were obtained.

Results

Patients with CxRAD demonstrated a match between their self‐reported descriptors and QST parameters for all sensory parameters except for sensitivity to light touch, and these matches were statistically significant compared with HC data (p ≤ 0.006). The FM group demonstrated discrepancies between the PD‐Q and QST sensory phenotypes for all sensory descriptors, indicating that the self‐reported sensory descriptors did not consistently match the QST parameters (p = ≤0.017).

Conclusion

Clinicians and researchers should be cautious about relying on PD‐Q as a stand‐alone screening tool to determine sensory abnormalities in patients with FM.
Delivering Equality and Diversity Training Within a University Setting Through Drama‐Based Training
Authors: Hayat Kez , Walton Sean
Published: October 2012

United Kingdom equalities legislation places general and specific legal duties upon higher education institutions to promote equality and diversity positively. This includes an increased emphasis on training and development, especially in the context of promoting and raising awareness of equality and diversity within an organizational setting.

The authors evaluate the impact and effectiveness of drama as a means of delivering equality and diversity training. The legal, business, and moral case for diversity is explored, highlighting and investigating the important role of effective equality and diversity training. Drama‐based diversity training is considered within the context of a local university initiative aimed primarily at middle management. Within this initiative, professional actors explored the effects of discrimination in the workplace. The authors frame their findings in the evaluation model proposed by Kirkpatrick (1998).

The authors argue that drama‐based training is an effective tool for delivering equality and diversity training and present evidence for such training as having a positive impact. In particular, drama‐based training increases the confidence and capacity of university middle managers to challenge inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
Rising Ambulance Life‐Threatening Call Demand in High and Low Socioeconomic Areas
Authors: Portz Karl , Newell Robert , Archibong Uduak
Published: October 2012

Ambulance service demand is increasing in the United Kingdom. A common speculative view makes a link between this rise in demand, deprivation, and certain medical conditions. This study explored factors influencing English ambulance service demand in two areas of differing socioeconomic status. Adopting a causal comparative design, the study compared the numbers of life‐threatening calls that Yorkshire Ambulance Service receives and serves in two geographical areas within the Hull and East Riding area. The area of lower socioeconomic status generated significantly more life‐threatening calls than the area of higher socioeconomic status; these calls often supported younger patients (mean age 59 years versus 71 years) for breathing difficulties (29% versus 14.5%) more commonly. Tackling inequality will require a whole‐systems approach, effective leadership, and recognition of the benefits of understanding difference. A key relationship will entail engaging with seldom heard communities.
Volatile constituents, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of Calamintha glandulosa (Req.) Bentham
Authors: Ćavar Sanja , Vidic Danijela , Maksimović Milka
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Calamintha glandulosa (Req.) Bentham is an aromatic perennial plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae, mostly found on rocky pastures, dry meadows, and abandoned places of the Mediterranean area. Plants belonging to this genus are known as highly aromatic and to possess significant antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The aim of this study was to provide clear picture of the volatiles of this plant species, and, for the first time, to present C. glandulosa from Croatia in terms of its antioxidant activity.

RESULTS

The essential oil and headspace obtained from odorous parts of C. glandulosa were subjected to capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. More than 50 volatile compounds were identified in six samples obtained using different extraction techniques. The most abundant components in all the samples examined were oxygenated monoterpenes, with piperitone (19.9–59.5%) and piperitenone (7.1–42.6%) as the main representatives. The total phenolic content of extracts obtained by successive Soxhlet extraction was measured, and the scavenging potency of the samples, indicated as IC50 values, were examined using four different spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods. In all cases the essential oil showed the lowest antioxidant activity, while the aqueous extract showed the highest. This can be explained by the levels of the phenolic compounds in the samples examined.

CONCLUSIONS

A clear picture of aroma profile of C. glandulosa is presented, and the results obtained differ from those published previously. The high antioxidant potential of C. glandulosa from Croatia was established for the first time. Results from the present study suggest further analysis on this plant species in order to define its medicinal properties. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A lycopene‐enriched virgin olive oil enhances antioxidant status in humans
Authors: Garrido María , González‐Flores David , Marchena Ana M , Prior Estrella , García‐Parra Jesús , Barriga Carmen , Rodríguez Moratinos Ana B
Published: October 2012

Background

Lycopene, a bioactive red pigment, represents the most potent in vitro antioxidant among carotenoids. Virgin olive oil contains trace amounts of a wide variety of phytochemicals, which have proven to exert beneficial effects on oxidative stress. Since the ingestion of lycopene together with oil reportedly increases its bioavailability, we evaluated urinary antioxidant capacity after the consumption of a lycopene‐enriched virgin olive oil (7 mg lycopene day−1) compared with the antioxidant effect produced after the ingestion of a virgin olive oil and a sunflower oil during 5 days, in young (25–30 years of age), middle‐aged (35–55 years of age) and elderly (65–85 years of age) subjects.

Results

The results showed that the consumption of virgin olive oil increased urinary antioxidant capacity in middle‐aged and elderly volunteers, whereas the administration of a lycopene‐enriched virgin olive oil produced higher antioxidant effects in all of the three age groups assayed.

Conclusion

The incorporation of the lycopene‐enriched virgin olive oil into the diet may enhance the health‐promoting effects of the virgin olive oil, contributing as a functional tool against several disorders where oxidative stress plays an important role.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Elution behavior of shortened multiwalled carbon nanotubes in size exclusion chromatography
Authors: Lee Wonmok , Cho Young Jin , Choi Heung Ryul , Park Hye Jin , Chang Taihyun , Park Min , Lee Hyunjung
Published: October 2012

We present a rigorous investigation on elution behaviors of ultrasonically shortened multiwalled carbon nanotubes in size‐exclusion chromatography. The size separation of five carbon nanotube samples that underwent ultrasonic shortening for varying lengths of time revealed the existence of three kinds of carbon species: large nanotubes, small nanotubes, and amorphous carbon species. Separation of the three different carbon species was confirmed by SEM analyses on the fractionated eluates and also by light scattering/UV absorbance double detection. The chromatographic peak intensity ratio between the large and small nanotubes suggested an increased amount of small carbon nanotubes upon longer mechanical treatment time. The effect of the concentration of carbon nanotube dispersion on elution behavior was examined, and the elution volume of the shortened nanotubes was found to decrease upon dilution while that of the large nanotubes showed the opposite tendency. Unusual elution behaviors of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes were also observed by altering the flow rate, and these behaviors could be explained by the longer equilibration time taken for large nanotubes to access the pores of the packing materials and a possible morphology change of small carbon nanotubes.
Preparation of Photoactive Polymers and Postmodification via Nitroxide Trapping Under UV Irradiation
Authors: Mardyukov Artur , Studer Armido
Published: October 2012

New types of photoactive homo and block copolymers bearing α−hydroxyalkylphenylketone (2‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one) moieties as backbone substituents are prepared using nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMP). Such polymers can be readily activated via the Norrish‐type I photoreaction to give polymeric acyl radicals. Photolysis in the presence of a persistent nitroxide, which serves as a C‐ radical trapping reagent, leads to chemically modified polymers conjugated with nitroxide moieties. The number‐average molecular weight (Mn) of the prepolymers and the chemically modified polymers was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Structures were further confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and by attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Advantages of Surface‐Initiated ATRP (SI‐ATRP) for the Functionalization of Electrospun Materials
Authors: Gualandi Chiara , Vo Cong Duan , Focarete Maria Letizia , Scandola Mariastella , Pollicino Antonino , Di Silvestro Giuseppe , Tirelli Nicola
Published: October 2012

Surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) is successfully applied to electrospun constructs of poly(L‐lactide). ATRP macroinitiators are adsorbed through polyelectrolyte complexation following the introduction of negative charges on the polyester surface through its blending with a six‐armed carboxy‐terminated oligolactide. SI‐ATRP of glycerol monomethacrylate (GMMA) or 2‐(N,N‐diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) allows then to grow surface films with controllable thickness, and in this way also to control the wetting and interactions of the construct.
Combining next‐generation sequencing with microarray for transcriptome analysis in rainbow trout gonads
Authors: Hayashi Makoto , Sato Mana , Iwasaki Yoshiko , Terasawa Madoka , Tashiro Masami , Yokoyama Shyuji , Katayama Naoto , Sadaie Sakiko , Miwa Misako , Yoshizaki Goro
Published: October 2012

Microarray technology is a powerful tool for studying genome‐wide gene expression. As the genome of many fish has not yet been determined, however, cDNA microarrays can only be designed from limited expressed sequence tag data. In this study, we designed a microarray based on the sequencing data (337,466 reads) obtained by next‐generation sequencing of RNA extracted from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) embryonic genital ridge, testis, and ovary. These data (307,264 reads) were assembled into 28,668 contigs; 3,298 reads could not be assembled and 26,904 reads were unique sequences that did not cluster with other reads. Based on this information, 55,928 microarray probes were designed for a microarray, which was validated by hybridization experiments with RNA extracted from type A spermatogonia (A‐SG) and testicular somatic cells. Expression of known spermatogonial markers was confirmed to be higher in A‐SG than in testicular somatic cells whereas supporting‐cell markers were expressed at higher levels in testicular somatic cells. This microarray analysis revealed that 8,068 transcripts showed at least fourfold higher signal in A‐SG than testicular somatic cells. Fourteen of 17 randomly selected transcripts were expressed at significantly higher‐levels in A‐SG than somatic cells, by quantitative RT‐PCR. In addition, three transcripts analyzed with in situ hybridization showed A‐SG‐specific signals in immature trout testis, with one of them exhibiting a heterogeneous expression pattern in A‐SG. The rainbow trout gonad microarray developed in this study therefore appears to be a useful tool to understand gametogenesis in rainbow trout. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 870–878, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Listen to your dorsal mesentery: Asymmetric gut rotation is driven by the dorsal mesentery and Pitx2
Authors: Kurpios Natasza A.
Published: October 2012

The generation of organ asymmetries is a fundamental aspect of embryonic development. Most organs develop with a characteristic left‐right (L‐R) asymmetry that is critical to normal function and to coordinated organ development. The small intestine is a simple, tubular structure that undergoes a highly conserved, counter‐clockwise rotation that is initiated by expression of the early L‐R symmetry‐breaking transcription factor Pitx2. Gross expression reveals surprising symmetry from the dorsal perspective of a chicken embryo (whole‐mount in situ). Yet closer examination of areas where symmetry will be first broken shows the bias. For example, Pitx2 is expressed on the left side of the dorsal mesentery (background, color‐inverted image of an in situ hybridization; white indicates more intense expression) and is necessary and sufficient to produce the leftward tilt. Although Pitx2 is a master regulator of L‐R organ development, there are currently no targets of Pitx2 known that are relevant to asymmetric morphogenesis.
DNA‐Modification of Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Vogel Katrin , Glettenberg Maximilian , Schroeder Hendrik , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: October 2012

A novel bioorthogonal method for the modification of cells with single‐stranded DNA oligomers is compared to five alternative methods with respect to labeling efficacy, specificity, and effects on cell viability. The new method is based on oxime ligation of aminooxybiotin to aldehyde groups installed by periodate cleavage of cell‐surface glycans, followed by the coupling of preformed DNA–streptavidin conjugates. As compared with two literature‐reported methods based on direct coupling of N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl (NHS)–DNA or NHS–biotinylation as well as with techniques based on strain‐promoted alkyne‐azide cycloaddition, this method shows the highest labeling densities and is sufficiently mild to avoid cell damage. Functionality of the DNA tags is demonstrated by DNA‐directed immobilization on solid substrates and assembly of small cell aggregates.
MINLO: multi-scale improved NLO
Authors: Hamilton Keith , Nason Paolo , Zanderighi Giulia
Published: October 2012

Abstract

In the present work we consider the assignment of the factorization and renormalization scales in hadron collider processes with associated jet production, at next-to-leading order (NLO) in perturbation theory. We propose a simple, definite prescription to this end, including Sudakov form factors to consistently account for the distinct kinematic scales occuring in such collisions. The scheme yields results that are accurate at NLO and, for a large class of observables, it resums to all orders the large logarithms that arise from kinematic configurations involving disparate scales. In practical terms the method is most simply understood as an NLO extension of the matrix element reweighting procedure employed in tree level matrix element-parton shower merging algorithms. By way of a proof-of-concept, we apply the method to Higgs and Z boson production in association with up to two jets.
Re-Framing Environmental Social Science Research for Sustainable Water Management in a Changing Climate
Authors: Pearce Rebecca , Dessai Suraje , Barr Stewart
Published: October 2012

This paper considers aspects of environmental social science research in the UK and explores an obvious bias towards the development of instruments to manage demand as an adaptation to climate change, and consequently the predominance of interest in the customer from a demand-side perspective. In the case of water, this has resulted in an inappropriate mixing of individualist research methods designed to measure public perceptions of risk and water-based practices, with mass consumption data that cannot be specifically linked to the individual. This mixing has a tendency to reinforce a long-standing blame culture that drives interest in the development of behaviour change initiatives while the relatively unchallenged hydraulic mission to provide safe drinking water and sanitation progresses. With this in mind this paper reviews examples of water use research from California, Australia, and the UK and highlights the more effective routes to understanding water customers and developing behaviour change initiatives that utilise stages of change models and grounded techniques incorporating qualitative and quantitative data from individual sources. A secondary aim is to argue for re-framing the relations between various actors in a changing climate to allow the development of new policy approaches, learning, and openness, from industry, regulators, and customers, based on new theories from the field.
Tectonostratigraphic and Geochronologic Reappraisal Constraining the Growth and Evolution of Singhbhum Archaean Craton, Eastern India
Authors: Roy A. B. , Bhattacharya H. N.
Published: October 2012

Reappraisal of field relationships between the different lithological ensembles supported by available geochronological data, and taking due note of the tectono-metamorphic, magmatic and sedimentation history helped to build up a coherent crustal evolutionary history of the Singhbhum Archaean craton, eastern India. The evolution of the earliest sialic crust, as the isotope ages suggest, was around 3700 Ma or even earlier. Deposition of the oldest, dominantly metasedimentary supracrustals, the Older Metamorphic Group (OMG), was initiated at around 3380 Ma, i.e. after a gap of about 320 million years. The closing of OMG basins synchronously with the emplacement of a granitoid phase was at ca.3285 Ma. No other fabric-forming ductile deformation and metamorphism associated with the development of foliation and mineral lineation is known in the rocks of the Singhbhum Archaean craton subsequent to this event. Formation of the succeeding geological ensembles including the deposition of BIF-bearing Iron Ore Group (IOG) and the emplacement of the post-IOG granitoids at ca.3100 Ma can be described as ‘non-orogenic’ event taking place during the phase of tectonic quiescence. Supracrustals like the Dhanjori and Simlipal mafic volcanics with intercalated beds of arenite evolved later during the phase of Plume outburst at around 2800 Ma. The end-Archaean intrusion of Newer Dolerite dykes in conjugate sets and the deposition of Kolhan Group in an N-S oriented basin during an E-W stress system mark the culmination of the Archaean crust-building activity in the Singhbhum Archaean craton.
Characterization of Hydrocarbon-bearing Fluid Inclusion in Sandstones of Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan: A Preliminary Approach
Authors: Verma Dhananjai , Jadhav G. N. , Biswal T. K. , Jena S. K. , Sharma N.
Published: October 2012

The quartz grains from the sandstone of Jaisalmer, Pariwar and Goru Formations of the Jaisalmer basin, Rajasthan, India, exhibits a variety of primary and secondary fluid inclusions. Most of them are hydrocarbon bearing fluid inclusions. Laser Raman studies indicate that the primary fluid inclusions were mostly having aliphatic hydrocarbons with lower degree of maturity, while the secondary fluid inclusions were generally with aliphatic as well as aromatic hydrocarbons with higher degree of maturity. This inference was consistent with their fluorescence characteristics. The homogenization temperatures of primary monophase CH4 rich fluid inclusions varied from -80°C to -100°C, whereas the primary biphase fluid inclusions (CH4-CO2) homogenized between +80°C and +150°C. The secondary petroleum rich monophase fluid inclusions were having homogenization temperature between -80°C to -90°C, whereas the secondary biphase fluid inclusions homogenized between +130°C and +180°C. Most of the secondary biphase fluid inclusions were having the mixtures of H2O-CO2-NaCl, and were identified on the basis clathrate formation and they got homogenized between +140°C and + 250 °C. The three past events of migration of petroleum inferred in the host rock which were marked by the presence of characteristic secondary fluid inclusions. They were identified on the basis of cross-cutting relationships of different trails of fluid inclusions in the quartz. The cement generation in the basin might have been occurred in two stages as per the fluid inclusion petrography.
Groundwater Simulation Studies of Parts of Western Yamuna Canal Command area, Haryana for Planning Sustainable Development
Authors: Maanjhu S. K. , Kumar K. J. Anandha
Published: October 2012

A single layer mathematical model was developed to simulate the hydrogeological condition and groundwater flow in an area of about 2536 Sq km, which forms part of the WYC Command area. The model was run both for the steady state and for the transient state. The model was then successfully calibrated. The calibration results were recorded qualitatively and quantitatively. The results of the calibrated model were analyzed. Two Scenarios developed alonwith six scenarios created earlier, in another modeling study, were analyzed to find out a sustainable solution for optimal utilization of surface and ground water. The two Scenarios developed show that a viable solution will be reduction in pumping and regulated surface water supply. This will ameliorate water logging in the nearby areas.

The reduction in pumping and thereby, reduction of return flow recharging groundwater can be achieved by improving water use efficiency and modifying/changing cropping pattern. These strategies can be successfully implemented, through mass awareness programmes, involving the farmers, who have to implement the programme, along with all the other stake holders. Ultimately reduction of groundwater pumping can be achieved through strict groundwater regulation.

Direct recharge by way of seepage through canal can be reduced by lining the unlined canals and proper repair and maintenance of the already lined canals. But this has to be tested through a pilot project vis-a-vis economic viability of this lining, as seepage may be indirectly helping groundwater recharge in areas without water logging. Further to increase the availability of surface water and augment recharge of groundwater, the surface run off from the precipitation, can be utilized in various ways to reduce to decline of groundwater level.
Intermediate Sulfidation Epithermal Pb-Zn-Cu (±Ag-Au) Mineralization at Cheshmeh Hafez Deposit, Semnan Province, Iran
Authors: Mehrabi Behzad , Siani Majid Ghasemi
Published: October 2012

The Cheshmeh Hafez epithermal base metal deposit is located in Troud-Chah Shirin mountain range in the Alborz magmatic belt of northern Iran. In this area, the Eocene volcanism and associated mineralization are controlled by NW-SE trending Anjilo and Troud major faults. Geological units are composed of porphyritic andesite, andesitic basalt, dacite, rhyodacite, trachyandesite and basalt, which are typically high-K igneous rocks transitional to shoshonites. Alteration in Cheshmeh Hafez area comprise of propylilitization, sericitization, argillization and silicification. Mineralization consists of three stages. Stage 1, quartz, carbonate with early pyrite I and chalcopyrite assemblages. Stage 2, the main stage of sulfide deposition, comprises early euhedral galena I followed by galena II and sphalerite, then galena III, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite, pyrite II, bornite and digenite. Stage 3 involves the deposition of quartz and calcite barren veins with minor pyrite. The average assays from 12 channel samples of Cheshmeh Hafez veins are 0.15 g/t Au, 3.23 g/t Ag, 4.47 wt % Pb, 2.64 wt % Cu, and 1.73 wt % Zn. Fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures (Th) in quartz fall within the range of 140º-280ºC with salinities ranging from 4.7 to 18 wt. % NaCl equivalent. Comparison of Th versus ice melting (Tmice) values indicates fluid dilution.