bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined use of stable isotopes and fallout radionuclides as soil erosion indicators in a forested mountain site, South Korea
Authors: Meusburger K. , Mabit L. , Park J.-H. , Sandor T. , Alewell C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The aim of this study is to assess and to validate the suitability of the stable nitrogen and carbon isotope signature as soil erosion indicators in a mountain forest site in South Korea. Our approach is based on the comparison of the isotope signature of "stable" landscape positions (reference sites), which are neither affected by erosion nor deposition, with eroding sites. For undisturbed soils we expect that the enrichment of δ15N and δ13C with soil depth, due to fractionation during decomposition, goes in parallel with a decrease in nitrogen and carbon content. Soil erosion processes potentially weaken this correlation. 137Cs-method and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation are applied for the soil erosion quantification. The erosion rates obtained with the 137Cs method range from 0.9 t ha−1 yr−1 to 7 t ha−1 yr−1. Considering the steep slopes of up to 40° and the erosive monsoon events (R-factor of 6600 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 yr−1), the rates are plausible and within the magnitude of the RUSLE- modelled soil erosion rates, varying from 0.02 t ha−1 yr−1 to 5.1 t ha−1 yr−1. The soil profiles of the reference sites showed significant (p < 0.0001) correlations between nitrogen and carbon content and its corresponding δ15N and δ13C signatures. In contrast, for the eroding sites this relationship was weaker and for the carbon not significant. These results verify the usefulness of the stable carbon isotope signature as qualitative indicator for soil disturbance. We could show further that the δ15N isotope signature can be used similarly for uncultivated sites. We thus propose that the stable δ15N and δ13C signature of soil profiles could serve as a tool confirming the accurate choice of the reference site in soil erosion studies using the 137Cs-method.
On the sources of global land surface hydrologic predictability
Authors: Shukla S. , Sheffield J. , Wood E. F. , Lettenmaier D. P.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Global seasonal hydrologic prediction is crucial to mitigating the impacts of droughts and floods, especially in the developing world. Hydrologic prediction skill at seasonal lead times (i.e. 1–6 months) comes from knowledge of initial hydrologic conditions (IHCs – primarily the state of initial soil moisture and snow) and seasonal climate forecast skill (FS). In this study we quantify the contributions of IHCs and FS to seasonal hydrologic prediction skill globally on a relative basis throughout the year. We do so by conducting two model-based experiments using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) macroscale hydrology model, one based on Ensemble Streamflow Prediction (ESP) and another based on Reverse-ESP (rESP), both for a 47 yr reforecast period (1961–2007). We compare cumulative runoff (CR), soil moisture (SM) and snow water equivalent (SWE) forecasts obtained from each experiment with a control simulation forced with observed atmospheric forcings over the reforecast period and estimate the ratio of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of both experiments for each forecast initialization date and lead time. We find that in general, the contributions of IHCs are greater than the contribution of FS over the Northern (Southern) Hemisphere during the forecast period starting in October and January (April and July). Over snow dominated regions in the Northern Hemisphere the IHCs dominate the CR forecast skill for up to 6 months lead time during the forecast period starting in April. Based on our findings we argue that despite the limited FS (mainly for precipitation) better estimates of the IHCs could lead to improvement in the current level of seasonal hydrologic forecast skill over many regions of the globe at least during some parts of the year.
Symptomatic Sacroiliac Joint Disease and Radiographic Evidence of Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Morgan Patrick M. , Anderson Anthony W. , Swiontkowski Marc F.
Published: February 2013

Symptomatic sacroiliac (SI) joint disease is poorly understood. The literature provides no clear aetiology for SI joint pathology, making evaluation and diagnosis challenging. We hypothesised that patients with documented sacroiliac pain might provide insight into the aetiology of these symptoms. Specifically, we questioned whether SI joint symptoms might be associated with abnormal hip radiographs. We reviewed the pelvic and hip radiographs of a prospectively collected cohort of 30 consecutive patients with SI joint pathology. This database included 33 hips from 30 patients. Radiographic analysis included measurements of the lateral centre edge angle, Tönnis angle, and the triangular index, of the ipsilateral hip. Evidence for retrotorsion of the hemipelvis was recorded. Hips were graded on the Tönnis grading system for hip arthrosis. In this cohort 14/33 (42%) of hips had evidence of significant osteoarthrosis indicated by Tönnis grade 2 or greater and 15/33 (45%) displayed subchondral cyst formation around the hip or head neck junction. In assessing acetabular anatomy, 21% (7/33) had retroversion, 12% (4/33) had a lateral centre edge angle >40° with 3% (1/33) >45°. Tönnis angle was <0° in 27% (9/33). Coxa profunda and acetabuli protrusio were present in 47% (17/33) and 3% (1/33), respectively. When femoral head morphology was assessed, 33% (11/33) showed evidence of cam impingement. Overall, 76% (25/33) had at least one abnormality on their hip radiograph. A significant number of patients meeting strict diagnostic criteria for SI joint pain had radiographic evidence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and hip arthrosis. The clinician should maintain FAI in the differential diagnosis when investigating patients with buttock pain.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Artificial Reefs Functioning according to Wind-Induced Lagrangian Circulation
Authors: Pradal Marie-Aude , Millet Bertrand
Published: February 2013

In the scope of the program “Récifs Prado” for artificial reef immersion in the bay of Marseilles (southern France), we adapted the fine resolution (100 m) of the 3D numerical model POM (Princeton Ocean Model) to compute the typical patterns of the wind induced circulation within the bay. In addition, we derived from those results the Lagrangian trajectories of planktonic particles drifting over periods of 3 days, both from natural habitats to colonize the reefs, and inversely from the reefs to enrich peripheral ecosystems. Results emphasized the high spatial heterogeneity of the reefs functioning at short scales. First, reefs were submitted to a general southward particle flux, being colonized from the northern bay and then impacting the southern bay 50% and 40% of the time, respectively. Second, adjacent reefs frequently showed contrasted impacts, with fluxes simultaneously oriented offshore or inshore, in opposite directions. Third, at the top of reefs particles were released both southward and northward 32% and 8.6% of the time, respectively; when at the bottom of reefs particles were only released southward 40% of the time.
Theoretical Frameworks Applied in Music Education Research: A Content Analysis of theJournal of Research in Music Education,1979 to 2009
Authors: Miksza Peter , Johnson Erik
Published: February 2013

The aims of this study were to determine which theoretical frameworks have been employed in music education research and which academic fields of knowledge have had an influence on music education research. Studies published in the JRME between 1979 and 2009 (N = 726) were coded to determine: (a) whether each article cited a theoretical framework related to the respective problem under investigation or not; (b) the emphasis area of the study (e.g., sample characteristic); and (c) the academic field of knowledge in which the theory was generated. Cady’s (1992) definition of theory was used to develop the codes: "a logical deductive relationship among declarative sentences whose propositional quality yields the attitude found in statements of belief that offer an explanation of a phenomenon" (p. 62). Intercoder agreement across categories was excellent (96%). Thirty-two percent of all articles cited a theoretical framework, with a range of 9% to 48% across specific years. A large number (144) of distinct theoretical frameworks was found. Leblanc’s Interactive Theory of Music Preference was the most commonly cited theory (n = 30), followed by Piaget’s Genetic Epistemology (n = 12) and Attribution Theory (n = 10). Studies dealing with elementary/secondary-general music and higher-education/teacher education were most likely to incorporate theoretical frameworks. Psychology (n = 108), music education (n = 78), and general education (n = 35) were the most commonly represented fields of knowledge.
The Nature of Applied Music Teaching Expertise: Common Elements Observed in the Lessons of Three Applied Teachers
Authors: Parkes Kelly A. , Wexler Mathias
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to understand the nature of applied music instruction in partial replication of an earlier study by Duke and Simmons (2006). Our study was designed to explore whether teaching characteristics were evident in a different population of teachers and students and we examined 14 hours of video recordings of lessons given to students by three experienced applied teachers at a state university (n = 13). Comparing the previously reported narrative descriptions of Duke and Simmons, our findings showed some behaviors from the Duke and Simmons study were evident, with similar rates of frequency. Additionally identified were seven new elements, all of which were evident across three teachers. Teachers in our study behaved differently to teachers in the earlier study (Duke & Simmons, 2006) in terms of the specificity and type of intervention within lessons. Our teachers were concrete in their comments, and the types of scaffolding strategies they employed were side coaching and short demonstrations.

Implications for future research and teaching effectiveness are discussed.
Environmental Correlates with Violent Injury
Authors: Walker Blake Byron , Schuurman Nadine
Published: February 2013

Violence is a significant contributor to the global burden of injury, posing a public health challenge. With the goal of informing policy decisions, this work uses a combination of GIS and environmental scans to identify features of the built environment that correlate with areas of high violent injury incidence. Hotspots in the Metro Vancouver area were identified using kernel density estimation. Possible environmental correlates to violent injury were culled from a detailed literature review; teams then travelled to each hotspot to record which of the correlates were present (e.g., alcohol-serving establishments, high density housing). Several suspected features of the built urban environment were found to be present in the majority of hotspots, the most prevalent being alcohol-serving establishments. Using the Vancouver Area Neighbourhood Deprivation Index, a high proportion of hotspots were found to be in or near socially deprived neighbourhoods. However, the findings suggest that violent injury is a geographically complex phenomenon whose links to the built environment are multiscalar and varied. First steps are taken towards developing profiles of violent urban spaces, with ultimate goal of making our cities safer physical and social spaces.
Introduction to a Portable Stereo Mapping System for Unmanned Vehicles
Authors: Li-Chee-Ming Julien , Armenakis Costas
Published: February 2013

This work introduces a Mobile Stereo Mapping System (MSMS) designed for remote operation onboard unmanned vehicles for navigation and rapid collection of 3D spatial data through direct georeferencing and integration of optical and multiple navigation sensors. By avoiding the need for ground control points, the system offers a low-cost mapping solution for both kinematic and static cases, rapid deployments, high data resolutions, and low risk to operators. Position estimation of the camera is based on differential GPS, loosely coupled in a Kalman filter with a low-cost Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Attitude is estimated from gyroscope data, aided by accelerometer and magnetometer data to compensate for gyro drift. Two low-cost consumer digital cameras are calibrated and time-synchronized with the GPS/IMU to provide directly georeferenced stereo imagery. The MSMS determines mapping coordinates using photogrammetric solutions modified for direct georeferencing. A calibration process has been developed for the sensor components and the integrated system itself to determine systematic errors and biases, and to determine the relative geometry of the sensors. Object space accuracies (Root Mean Square Error (RMSE)) in the range of 1/100 at camera-to-object distances of about 30m were achieved using wide baseline overlapping images taken from two separate positions of the stereo-metric MSMS. The system design and the calibration and mapping accuracy of the MSMS are presented and assessed using field testing.
Avoiding S Curves: The Shortest Distance between Two Points
Authors: Fannon Nancy J.
Published: February 2013

This is the second in a series of articles on the topic of S corporation valuation. This article examines where the discussion got off track and attempts to place it back on course.
Survivor Curve Selection and Customer Relationship Value
Authors: Ellsworth Richard K.
Published: February 2013

The valuation profession employs a variety of statistical techniques, from simple attrition analysis to more complex retirement rate analysis, to assess customer population life characteristics. For many customer populations, the account survival characteristics are assumed to be constant across the various age cohorts of the population such that customer relationship value is indifferent to account age. However, relaxation of the constant attrition rate characteristic can have a direct influence on the magnitude of the value ascribed to the customer relationship value.
Beyond Attrition Analysis for Estimating Customer Relationship Remaining Life
Authors: Ellsworth Richard K.
Published: February 2013

Attrition analysis is recognized by valuation professionals as a simple method to estimate customer population life characteristics. With attrition analysis, customer retirement rates are assumed to be constant across the age vintages of the population. However, many customer populations exhibit irregular retirement rates across population age vintages such that relaxation of the constant attrition rate assumption alters the population remaining life characteristics.
Technology as Skill and Activity
Authors: Coeckelbergh Mark ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2013

Can we conceive of a philosophy of technology that is not technophobic, yet takes seriously the problem of alienation and human meaning-giving? This paperretrieves the concern with alienation, but brings it into dialogue with more recent philosophy of technology. It defines and responds to the problem of alienation in a way that avoids both old-style human-centered approaches and contemporary thingcentered or hybridity approaches. In contrast to the latter, it proposes to reconcile subject and object not at the ontic level but at the ontological, transcendental level and at the level of skilled activity. Taking inspiration from Dreyfus’s reading of Heidegger and engaging critically with the work of Borgmann and Arendt, it explores a phenomenology and ethics of skill. It is concluded that new and emerging technologies must be evaluated not only as artifacts and their consequences, but also in terms of the skills and activities they involve and require. Do they promote engagement with the world and with others, thus making us into better persons?
Hickman, Technology, and the Postmodern Condition
Authors: Garnar Andrew Wells ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2013

In his book Pragmatism as Post-postmodernism Larry Hickman argues that Classical Pragmatism (Peirce, James, Dewey, Mead) shares common features withpostmodern philosophies and provides a viable alternative to those philosophies. I agree with Hickman’s argument, and this paper argues that there are further connections between pragmatism and postmodernism in light of Hickman’s philosophy of technology. The paper explores the connections between postmodernism and technology, demonstrates how postmodern philosophy can be used to interpret contemporary postmodern technologies, and concludes by arguing that these interpretations fit well with Hickman’s work on technology through analyzing technologies like the iPod.
DAKO on Trial
Authors: Bonia Kimberly , Brunger Fern , Fullerton Laura , Griffiths Chad , Kaposy Chris , Mason Barbara ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2013

This paper tells the story of a recent laboratory medicine controversy in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. During the controversy, a DAKOAutostainer machine was blamed for inaccurate breast cancer test results that led to the suboptimal treatment of many patients. In truth, the machine was not at fault. Using concepts developed by Bruno Latour and Pierre Bourdieu, we document the changing nature of the DAKO machine’s agency before, during, and after the controversy, and we make the ethical argument that treating the machine as a scapegoat was harmful to patients. The mistreatment of patients was directly tied to a misrepresentation of the DAKO machine. The way to avoid both forms of mistreatment would have been to include all humans and nonhumans affected by the controversy in the network of decision-making.
La justification des droits juridictionnels1
Authors: Kofman Daniel
Published: February 2013

La littérature philosophique récente concernant les droits juridictionnels suppose qu’on puisse les justifier par une « théorie des droits territoriaux », sans faire appel à une théorie de l’autodétermination. Or les principes d’autodétermination des peuples devraient déterminer les principes des frontières juridictionnelles, et non le contraire. Les « droits territoriaux » sont essentiellement des droits de gouvernance, lesquels découlent eux-mêmes des principes d’autodétermination. Pour défendre ces thèses, je critique les arguments de Brilmayer, Simmons, et Stilz.
Territoire, migration et État légitime
Authors: Straehle Christine
Published: February 2013

Qui peut revendiquer un territoire, sur quelles bases et avec quelles conséquences sont des questions qui font l’objet de débats en philosophie politique contemporaine. En réponse, j’adopte « la théorie de l’État légitime » proposée par Stilz. Selon Wellman, une conséquence des revendications territoriales serait le droit de l’État de refuser la migration sur son territoire. Je juxtapose son propos de l’État légitime avec celui de Stilz et soutiens que, si l’on accepte la fondation de l’État légitime sur la valeur de l’autonomie individuelle, accepter seulement des devoirs négatifs, soit de ne pas violer les droits des non-citoyens, n’est pas plausible. Je justifie les devoirs positifs des États légitimes d’aider à la réalisation de l’autonomie individuelle pour tous ceux dont les États d’origine échouent à la tâche et qui souhaitent se joindre et soutenir les institutions de l’État légitime. Cela implique l’obligation de l’État de permettre leur immigration.
L’insertion de l’agriculture dans les projets d’aménagement des élus urbains
Authors: Serrano José
Published: February 2013

L’article pose le problème de la contribution de l’agriculture à l’aménagement des espaces périurbains par les villes. Il repose sur la mise en relation de travaux de recherche menés dans le cadre d’une thèse en 1999 dans l’arrondissement de Lille et d’un programme de recherche sur le développement urbain durable mené en 2007 dans l’agglomération tourangelle. La comparaison montre l’importance de la disponibilité foncière et de la convergence des représentations des élus locaux et des agriculteurs quant aux fonctions de l’agriculture. L’article explique les réticences des agriculteurs à s’engager dans des politiques territoriales discriminantes et finit sur la rareté foncière comme levier pour l’ancrage d’une agriculture multifonctionnelle.
L’agriculture urbaine et périurbaine dans la région pampéenne argentine : fonctions et articulations avec les politiques des villes
Authors: Duvernoy Isabelle , Lorda María-Amalia
Published: February 2013

Dans cet article, nous décrivons trois projets dans la province de Buenos-Aires, en Argentine, qui visent à préserver ou à implanter une production agricole en ville ou autour des villes. Nous montrons leur diversité et les logiques qui leur sont sous-jacentes en termes de développements agricole, social et urbain. Nous nous interrogeons particulièrement sur la façon dont ces logiques de développement sont articulées dans les projets d’agriculture urbaine ou périurbaine, afin d’étudier comment de telles articulations peuvent se construire entre, d’une part, des institutions qui promeuvent une production agricole et, d’autre part, des institutions qui portent un projet de ville – tacite ou explicite – dans leurs domaines de compétences.
Measuring and modelling concurrency
Authors: Sawers Larry
Published: February 2013

This article explores three critical topics discussed in the recent debate over concurrency (overlapping sexual partnerships): measurement of the prevalence of concurrency, mathematical modelling of concurrency and HIV epidemic dynamics, and measuring the correlation between HIV and concurrency. The focus of the article is the concurrency hypothesis – the proposition that presumed high prevalence of concurrency explains sub‐Saharan Africa's exceptionally high HIV prevalence. Recent surveys using improved questionnaire design show reported concurrency ranging from 0.8% to 7.6% in the region. Even after adjusting for plausible levels of reporting errors, appropriately parameterized sexual network models of HIV epidemics do not generate sustainable epidemic trajectories (avoid epidemic extinction) at levels of concurrency found in recent surveys in sub‐Saharan Africa. Efforts to support the concurrency hypothesis with a statistical correlation between HIV incidence and concurrency prevalence are not yet successful. Two decades of efforts to find evidence in support of the concurrency hypothesis have failed to build a convincing case.
Optical Absorption Properties of Semiconducting Nanostructures with Different Shapes
Authors: Cansizoglu Hilal , Cansizoglu Mehmet F. , Finckenor Miria , Karabacak Tansel
Published: February 2013

In this study, a detailed experimental and theoretical investigation of optical absorption properties of indium sulfide (In2S3) nanostructure arrays in different shapes are presented. Zigzags, springs, screws, tilted rods, and vertical rods of In2S3 are grown using a glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique. Nanostructured coatings are of similar material volume and porosity, yet with different shapes. Total optical reflection, transmission, and absorption profiles of In2S3 nanostructures are obtained by UV‐vis‐NIR spectroscopy using an integrating sphere. Measurements reveal that optical absorption of semiconducting nanostructures can strongly depend on their shapes. Under normal incidence of light, 3D geometries such as springs, screws, and vertical rods can provide enhanced absorption compared to zigzags, and tilted rods. Results of finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations predict that spring, screw, and tapered‐rod shapes can introduce a uniform distribution of diffracted light intensity and stronger absorption within the nanostructured layer, indicating an enhanced diffuse light scattering and light trapping. Zigzags and tilted rods show a relatively weaker absorption, similar to the experimental results. Experimental and simulation results are also compared to the predictions of effective medium theory. Current effective medium approximations are not sufficient to explain the high optical absorption of the nanostructures.
Ambipolar Transporting 1,2‐Benzanthracene Derivative with Efficient Green Excimer Emission for Single‐Layer Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Duan Lian , Qiao Juan , Sun Yongduo , Zhang Deqiang , Dong Guifang , Wang Liduo , Qiu Yong
Published: February 2013

Single‐layer organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are highly desired due to their potential advantages such as simplifying the fabrication process and lowering the cost. However, high‐performance single‐layer OLEDs are rare in the literature as they require bipolar transporting materials with balanced electron and hole mobilities, high fluorescent quantum yields, and good energy levels matching both electrodes. In this work, a bipolar transporting benzanthracene derivative, namely 7,12‐bis‐[4‐(2,2‐diphenylvinyl)‐phenyl] benzanthracene (BDPBan), is designed and synthesized without any structural motifs for hole and electron transport. As electrons and holes can perform intermolecular hopping to similar spatial extents between the adjacent benzanthracene moieties, well‐balanced hole and electron mobilities higher than 10−3 cm2/Vs are achieved. Though the strong intermolecular interactions facilitate the formation of excimers in concentrated solutions and thin films of BDPBan, efficient undoped single‐layer OLEDs are fabricated with strong green emission from the excimers. A device with 90 nm BDPBan as the emitting layer shows a peak current efficiency of 11.4 cd/A: beyond the conventional upper limit calculated based on the photoluminescence quantum yield.
Dynamic Effect of Solvation on the Optical Properties of a CdTe Nanocrystal
Authors: Malcıoğlu Osman Barış , Raty Jean‐Yves
Published: February 2013

Changes in the optical response of a CdTe quantum dot (QD) due to dynamic and surface effects are investigated using ab initio methods. The model successfully captures experimentally reported non‐linear trends in the optical spectra. The combination of ab initio molecular dynamics, time‐dependent DFT, and optical spectroscopy provides a very effective method to investigate various dynamic effects on very small QDs, and to explore generalizable trends for similar structures.
Systemic amyloidosis associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
Authors: Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Gertz Morie , Zent Clive , Lacy Martha , Kyle Robert , Kapoor Prashant , Zeldenrust Steven , Buadi Francis , Witzig Thomas , Hayman Suzanne , Lust John , Russell Stephen , Lin Yi , Rajkumar Vincent S. , Kumar Shaji , Leung Nelson , Dingli David , Dispenzieri Angela
Published: February 2013

To clarify the presentation and course of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and amyloidosis. Mayo databases were interrogated for patients who carried a diagnosis of amyloidosis and CLL evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester from January 1974 to October 2012. Charts were abstracted and data analyzed. Of the 33 patients identified, 20 (61%) were diagnosed with AL and 13 (39%) with non‐AL. Only four patients had immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) that could be solely attributed to the CLL clone; another six had both a plasma cell clone and a CLL clone that shared the same light chain. Median overall survival was 15.6 months for patients with AL and 58.1 months for patients with non‐AL. For patients with AL management involved chemotherapy targeted toward monoclonal plasma cells, lymphocytes or both, and for patients with non‐AL no specific amyloid treatment was administered. AL is a rare complication of CLL, but in this elderly population of patients non‐AL is nearly as common. Distinguishing between these two groups is essential since patients with non‐AL amyloidosis have better outcomes and they do not require cytotoxic chemotherapy to treat their amyloidosis. Am. J. Hematol. 88:375–378, 2013.  © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A human nasal explant model to study Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in vitro
Authors: Cantero Daniel , Cooksley Clare , Jardeleza Camille , Bassiouni Ahmed , Jones Damien , Wormald Peter‐John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: February 2013

Background

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilm has been associated with severe and recalcitrant cases of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, its role in the pathophysiology of this condition is not completely understood. This study aims to develop a sinonasal tissue explant model to analyze the interaction of S. aureus biofilm with the mucosa in vitro.

Methods

Sinonasal tissue samples from 5 control patients undergoing pituitary surgery were cultured with and without S. aureus biofilm in vitro. Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) using the Live/Dead BacLight stain and histology were performed on the tissue explants after 24 hours of biofilm challenge. Measurements of IL‐6, at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) level (using quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [qRT‐PCR]) and the protein level (using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]), were undertaken to evaluate biofilm‐mucosa interaction.

Results

Viability of the explants after 24 hours was confirmed by CSLM and histology. Although light microscopy failed to identify S. aureus biofilms, its presence was confirmed in the biofilm‐challenged samples by CSLM. IL‐6 mRNA transcript levels were 4.9‐fold upregulated in biofilm‐treated tissue compared to controls (p = 0.0485). A similar trend was observed at the protein level (p = 0.0313).

Conclusion

The sinonasal tissue explant is a viable and functional model capable of analyzing direct biofilm‐mucosal interactions and can advance our understanding of the role played by S. aureus biofilm in sinus inflammation. Our model suggests that S. aureus biofilms in the initial phase of growth are not inert bystanders but elicit an immune response in the sinonasal mucosa.
Determination of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate with a high‐efficiency electrochemical sensor based on a molecularly imprinted poly(o‐phenylenediamine) film
Authors: Duan Yuqing , Luo Xiaoping , Qin Yu , Zhang Haihui , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo , Yan Yongsheng
Published: February 2013

An electrochemical molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor for detecting the existence of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) in tea and its products was successfully developed on the basis of a glassy carbon electrode modified with an electropolymerized nonconducting poly(o‐phenylenediamine) film. The properties of the electrode were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and infrared spectroscopy. The template molecules could be rapidly and thoroughly removed by methanol/acetic acid. The linear response range for EGCG was 5.0 × 10−7–1.0 × 10−4 mol/L, and the limit of detection was as low as 1.6 × 10−7 mol/L. The prepared MIP sensor could discriminate between EGCG and its analogs. In addition, satisfactory results were obtained in the detection of real tea samples. The results of our investigation indicate that the MIP sensor was useful for the determination of EGCG with excellent selectivity, high sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility. This MIP sensor provides the potential for monitoring the variation of EGCG content during the industrial processes and for predicting the quality of tea and its products. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Unusual Binding of a Potential Biomarker with Human Serum Albumin
Authors: De Dipanwita , Kaur Harpreet , Datta Anindya
Published: February 2013

This study investigates the specific binding of a potential biomarker, [2,2′‐bipyridyl]‐3,3′‐diol (BP(OH)2), with human serum albumin (HSA). The binding of BP(OH)2 at the two primary drug‐binding sites on HSA (Sudlow′s sites I and II) is explored by a competitive‐binding study and monitored by considering the green‐light emission from its diketo tautomer. Warfarin is used as a marker for site I and dansyl‐L‐proline (DP) as a competitor for site II. Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence measurements affirm that neither of Sudlow′s sites is the binding locus of BP(OH)2. To gain an idea regarding the probable binding site of BP(OH)2, we perform molecular‐docking studies, which reveal a close proximity of the probe to Trp‐214 in subdomain IIA of HSA. Confirmation of this contention is achieved by studying the quenching of the fluorescence of Trp‐214 in the presence of BP(OH)2. Moreover, static quenching seems to be responsible for the depletion of the fluorescence of Trp‐214, as manifested by the invariance of the intrinsic fluorescence lifetime of Trp‐214, as a function of the concentration of BP(OH)2. Based on displacement and quenching studies, supported by molecular docking, we propose that BP(OH)2 binds in a cleft that separates subdomains IIIA and IIB, which is in close proximity to Trp‐214.
Facile Fabrication of Nanorod‐Assembled Fluorine‐Substituted Hydroxyapatite (FHA) Microspheres
Authors: Wang Yueyue , Wu Chengtie , Lin Kaili , Chang Jiang
Published: February 2013

Nanorod‐assembled FHA microspheres with different F contents were for the first time prepared through a facile one‐step hydrothermal method. The effect of the reaction time and pH value of reaction solutions on the FHA morphology was investigated to elucidate the self‐assembly process of FHA microspheres. The results showed pH values had significant effect on the morphology of the formed FHA crystals, which were self‐assembled into sphere‐like sturctures at high pH conditions and rod‐like structures at low pH values. The results suggested that formation of FHA crystals with varied morphology may be directly related to Ca2+ release kinetics from EDTA‐Ca‐Na2 at different pH conditions. Furthermore, it was found that the chemical stability of FHA microspheres was dependent on the F content in the materials, and high F contents in FHA microspheres lead to improved chemical stability. These results suggest that the prepared self‐assembled FHA microspheres may be used for teeth substitution materials due to their unique hierarchical structures and controllable chemical stability.
Quantitative determination of famotidine in human maternal plasma, umbilical cord plasma and urine using high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Rytting Erik , Abdelrahman Doaa R. , Nanovskaya Tatiana N. , Hankins Gary D.V. , Ahmed Mahmoud S.
Published: February 2013

Liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the quantitative determination of famotidine in human urine, maternal and umbilical cord plasma was developed and validated. The plasma samples were alkalized with ammonium hydroxide and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The extraction recovery of famotidine in maternal and umbilical cord plasma ranged from 53 to 64% and 72 to 79%, respectively. Urine samples were directly diluted with the initial mobile phase then injected into the HPLC system. Chromatographic separation of famotidine was achieved by using a Phenomenex Synergi™ Hydro‐RP™ column with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 10 mm ammonium acetate aqueous solution (pH 8.3, adjusted with ammonium hydroxide). Mass spectrometric detection of famotidine was set in the positive mode and used a selected ion monitoring method. Carbon‐13‐labeled famotidine was used as internal standard. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.99) in the concentration ranges of 0.631–252 ng/mL for umbilical and maternal plasma samples and 0.075–30.0 µg/mL for urine samples. The relative deviation of method was <14% for intra‐ and inter‐day assays, and the accuracy ranged between 93 and 110%. The matrix effect of famotidine in human urine, maternal and umbilical cord plasma was less than 17%. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic Activation of Olefins by Metal Triflates and Triflimides: Application to Fragrance Chemistry
Authors: Lemière Gilles , Duñach Elisabet
Published: February 2013

Fragrance compounds constitute a wide family of relatively volatile compounds presenting interesting odour properties. Several processes catalysed by metal triflates and triflimides have been recently developed with a view to applications to fragrance chemistry. These reactions, involving the activation of non‐activated olefins, mainly involve inter‐ and intramolecular carbon–carbon, carbon–oxygen and carbon–sulfur bond formation.
Chirality Transfer in Propeller‐Shaped CyclenCalcium(II) Complexes: Metal‐Coordinating and Ion‐Pairing Anion Procedures
Authors: Ito Hiroshi , Tsukube Hiroshi , Shinoda Satoshi
Published: February 2013

A series of quadruple‐stranded Na+ and Ca2+ complexes with octadentate cyclen ligands was synthesized to produce complexes that contained four different side‐arm combinations (one triazolecoumarin group and three pyridine groups (1), four pyridine groups (2), one triazolecoumarin group and three quinoline groups (3), and four quinoline groups (4)). X‐ray crystallographic analysis revealed that no significant changes occurred in the stereostructure of these complexes upon replacing one pyridine group with a triazolecoumarin moiety, or by replacing Na+ ions with Ca2+ ions, although the coordination number of the complexes in the solid state decreased when pyridine groups were replaced by quinoline groups. In solution, all of the side arms were arranged in a propeller‐like pattern to yield an enantiomer pair of Δ and Λ forms in each metal complex. The addition of a tert‐butoxycarbonyl (Boc)‐protected amino acid anion, that is, a coordinative chiral carboxylate anion, to the cyclenCa2+ complex induced circular dichroism (CD) signals in the aromatic region by forming a 1:1 mixture of diastereomeric ternary complexes with opposite complex chirality, whilst the corresponding Na+ complexes rarely showed any response. In complexes 1‐Ca2+ and 3‐Ca2+, this chirality‐transfer process was efficiently followed by considering the induction of the CD signals at two different wavelengths, that is, the coumarin‐chromophore region and the aza‐aromatic region. The sign and intensity of the CD signal were significantly dependent on both the nature of the aza‐aromatic moiety and the enantiomeric purity of the external anion. These Ca2+ complexes worked as effective probes for the determination of the enantiomeric excess of the chiral anion. The cyclenCa2+ complexes also interacted with the non‐coordinative Δ‐TRISPHAT anion through an ion‐pairing mechanism to achieve chirality transfer from the anion to the metal complex; both complexes 1‐Ca2+ and 3‐Ca2+ clearly showed induced CD signals in the coumarin‐chromophore region, owing to ion‐paring interactions with the Δ‐TRISPHAT anion. Thus, the proper combination of an octadentate cyclen ligand and a metal center demonstrated effective chirality transfer.
Sulfur and Nitrogen Co‐Doped, Few‐Layered Graphene Oxide as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen‐Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xu Jiaoxing , Dong Guofa , Jin Chuanhong , Huang Meihua , Guan Lunhui
Published: February 2013

S and N co‐doped, few‐layered graphene oxide is synthesized by using pyrimidine and thiophene as precursors for the application of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The dual‐doped catalyst with pyrrolic/graphitic N‐dominant structures exhibits competitive catalytic activity (10.0 mA cm−2 kinetic‐limiting current density at −0.25 V) that is superior to that for mono N‐doped carbon nanomaterials. This is because of a synergetic effect of N and S co‐doping. Furthermore, the dual‐doped catalyst also shows an efficient four‐electron‐dominant ORR process, which has excellent methanol tolerance and improved durability in comparison to commercial Pt/C catalysts.
New Liquid Precursors for the Metal‐organic CVD of Gold Films
Authors: Parkhomenko Roman G. , Turgambaeva Asiya E. , Morozova Natalia B. , Trubin Sergey V. , Krisyuk Vladislav V. , Igumenov Igor K.
Published: February 2013

Two new liquid dimethylgold(III) complexes (with substituted dithiophosphinate) of the general formula Me2AuS2PX2 (in 1, X = OMe and in 2, X = OEt), as well as their synthesis and thermal behavior, are reported. The compounds are stable under storage, do not require special handling conditions, and they exhibit a good volatility and vaporization stability. The decomposition of the vapor of these compounds on the surface is observed to begin at T = 433 K (160°C) for 1 and 423 K (150°C) for 2. The decomposition pathways to elemental gold are established, based on the temperature dependences of the gas‐phase composition. The formation of gold films using metal‐organic (MO)CVD within the temperature range 483 − 523 K (210 − 250°C) is confirmed by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.
The protein kinase PKR is critical for LPS‐induced iNOS production but dispensable for inflammasome activation in macrophages
Authors: He Yuan , Franchi Luigi , Núñez Gabriel
Published: February 2013

Inflammasomes are multi‐protein platforms that drive the activation of caspase‐1 leading to the processing and secretion of biologically active IL‐1β and IL‐18. Different inflammasomes including NOD‐like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3), NLR caspase‐recruitment domain‐containing 4 (NLRC4) and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) are activated and assembled in response to distinct microbial or endogenous stimuli. However, the mechanisms by which upstream stimuli trigger inflammasome activation remain poorly understood. Double‐stranded RNA‐activated protein kinase (PKR), a protein kinase activated by viral infection, has been recently shown to be required for the activation of the inflammasomes. Using macrophages from two different mouse strains deficient in PKR, we found that PKR is important for the induction of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). However, PKR was dispensable for caspase‐1 activation, processing of pro‐IL‐1β/IL‐18 and secretion of IL‐1β induced by stimuli that trigger the activation of NLRP3, NLRC4 and AIM2. These results indicate that PKR is not required for inflammasome activation in macrophages.
Luminescent Pt–Ag Clusters Based on Neutral Benzoquinolate Cyclometalated Platinum Complexes
Authors: Martín Antonio , Belío Úrsula , Fuertes Sara , Sicilia Violeta
Published: February 2013

Complexes of the type [Pt(C6F5)(bzq)L] {bzq = 7,8‐benzoquinolinate; L = PPh3 (2), 2,6‐diphenylpyridine (pyPh2, 3), tetrahydrothiophene (tht, 4), MeCN (5)} were prepared by replacing the acetone ligand in [Pt(C6F5)(bzq)(Me2CO)] (1) with the corresponding L ligand. The structures of complexes 2–4 were established by X‐ray diffraction. Despite their neutral nature, complexes 1–5 react with AgClO4 in a 2:1 molar ratio to give the corresponding trinuclear complexes [{Pt(C6F5)(bzq)L}2Ag]ClO4 {L = Me2CO (6), PPh3 (7), pyPh2 (8), tht (9), MeCN (10)}, which contain Pt → Ag dative bonds. The structures of complexes 7, 9, and 10 were established by X‐ray diffraction, which confirmed the existence of Pt–Ag bonds (ca. 2.8 Å) and short η1 bonding Ag–C interactions with the Cipso atom of bzq (ca. 2.4 Å). Moreover, complexes 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10 show intermolecular π···π interactions between the aromatic rings of the bzq ligands (separations of ca. 3.5 Å). The reactions of 1–5 with [Ag(PPh3)(OClO3)] in a 1:1 molar ratio proceed with interchange of the ligands between the metals and the formation of [{Pt(bzq)(C6F5)(PPh3)}2Ag]ClO4 (7) and [AgL2]ClO4 (X‐ray). Only in the case of L = pyPh2 (3) was the dinuclear complex [(C6F5)(bzq)(PPh3)PtAg(pyPh2)]ClO4 (11) identified, and its structure was determined by X‐ray diffraction. Complex 11 contains a Pt → Ag [2.8147(1) Å] bond and a η1‐Ag–Cipso(bzq) interaction [2.293(1) Å]. The electronic absorption and luminescence behaviors of 1–11 were investigated. The lower‐lying absorption bands of the mononuclear complexes are ascribed to ligand‐centered [1IL, π–π* (bzq)] character mixed with some metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer [1MLCT 5d(Pt) → π*(bzq)]. For the trinuclear complexes, these bands are assigned to 1ILCT/1MM′LCT [π–π*(bzq)]/{d/s(Pt,Ag)} → π*(bzq)] transitions and to mixed 1MLCT/1L′LCT [MLCT 5d(Pt) → π*(bzq)]/[L′LCT, Arf → bzq] for dinuclear complex 11 on the basis of time‐dependent TD (DFT) calculations carried out on 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11Me in CH2Cl2. Only 2 and the heteronuclear compounds are emissive in the solid state at room temperature; however, all of the complexes are emissive at 77 K (solids and glasses). In each case, the main phosphorescent emission seems to be due to a transition similar in character to the lowest‐energy electronic absorption.
Biocatalysis in lipid modification, Greifswald 19–21 September 2012
Authors: Daum Günther , Dubreucq Eric
Published: February 2013

This three day event was organized by Uwe Bornscheuer and Pierre Villeneuve (division of biotechnology and enzyme technology of Euro Fed Lipid) in cooperation with SFEL (Société française pour l'étude des lipides) and the DGF (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Fettwissenschaft e.V.). The meeting was held at the Institute of Biochemistry of the Greifswald University, Greifswald – a small town at the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern in northeastern Germany. About 60 scientists discussed recent developments in basic research and industrial process development involving enzymatic lipid modification. EJLST will publish a special issue based on the Greifswald meeting in late spring/early summer 2013; this meeting report will give you a flavor of what will be covered.
Current-use pesticides in stream water and suspended particles following runoff: Exposure, effects, and mitigation requirements
Authors: Bereswill Renja , Streloke Martin , Schulz Ralf
Published: February 2013

The European Union's directive for sustainable use of pesticides requires implementing risk mitigation measures at streams threatened by pesticide entries. The need for mitigation measures was investigated at 10 stream sites within an intensively used arable region in central Germany by characterizing pesticide exposure following edge-of-field runoff and effects on the aquatic macroinvertebrates. Moreover, the influence of riparian buffer strip width (as a mitigation measure) at the sampling sites was considered. Generally, invertebrate fauna was dominated by pesticide-tolerant species, suggesting a high pesticide exposure at almost all sites. This result is also reflected by the elevated levels of suspended particle contamination in terms of toxic units (logTUMax > −2), corresponding to one-hundredth of the median lethal concentration (LC50) to Daphnia magna. At two sites that received high aqueous-phase entries of the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin (logTUMax > −0.6), the abundance and number of sensitive species in terms of the species at risk index decreased during the pesticide application period. In contrast, no acute significant negative effects on macroinvertebrates were observed at sites characterised by low water-phase toxicity (logTUMax < –3.5). An influence of riparian buffer strip width on pesticide exposure was not observed, supposedly because of the presence of erosion rills and ephemeral ditches. In conclusion, results show that mitigation measures (such as the improvement of currently present riparian buffer strips) are needed in the study area. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1254–1263. © 2013 SETAC