bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the abundance and source contributions of dicarboxylic acids in size-resolved aerosol particles at continental sites in Central Europe
Authors: van Pinxteren D. , Neusüß C. , Herrmann H.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Dicarboxylic acids (DCAs) are among the most abundant organic compounds observed in atmospheric aerosol particles and have been extensively studied at many places around the world. The importance of the various primary sources and secondary formation pathways discussed in the literature is often difficult to assess from field studies, though. In the present study, a large dataset of size-resolved DCA concentrations from several inland sites in Germany is combined with results from a recently developed approach of statistical back-trajectory analysis and additional data. Principal component analysis is then used to reveal the most important factors governing the abundance of DCAs in different particle size ranges. The two most important sources revealed are (i) photochemical formation in polluted air masses, likely occurring in the gas phase on short timescales (gasSOA), and (ii) secondary reactions in anthropogenically influenced air masses, likely occurring in the aqueous phase on longer timescales (aqSOA). While the first source strongly impacts DCA concentrations mainly in small and large particles, the second one enhances accumulation mode DCAs and is responsible for the bulk of the observed concentrations. Primary sources were found to be minor (sea salt, soil resuspension) or non-existent (biomass burning, traffic). The results can be regarded representative for typical central-european continental conditions.
Cloud discrimination in probability density functions of limb-scattered sunlight measurements
Authors: Normand E. N. , Wiensz J. T. , Bourassa A. E. , Degenstein D. A.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. A technique characterizing the distribution of cirrus cloud-top occurrences from the Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System (OSIRIS) limb-scattering radiance profiles is presented. The technique involves computing scattering residual profiles by comparing normalized measured radiance and modelled molecular radiance profiles where enhancements in the measured radiance indicate the presence of clouds. Probability density functions of scattering residuals show the distribution is not a continuum measurement; there is a distinction between the cloudy and cloud-free conditions. Observations show high cloud-top occurrences in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere region above Indonesia and Central America. Results obtained using this technique with OSIRIS measurements are compared to those obtained by Sassen et al. (2008) with Cloud-Aerosol Lidar Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) nadir measurements and to those obtained by Wang et al. (1996) with Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) II solar occultation measurements.
Autofluorescence of atmospheric bioaerosols: spectral fingerprints and taxonomic trends of pollen
Authors: Pöhlker C. , Huffman J. A. , Förster J.-D. , Pöschl U.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) are important factors in atmospheric cycling, climate, and public health. Pollen is a major fraction of PBAP and is receiving increasing attention due to its high allergenic potential and the associated impacts on personal life quality and economy. Recently, autofluorescence-based techniques have proven to be valuable tools for real time, in situ quantification and classification of PBAP. First studies suggest that the autofluorescence of pollen may be sufficiently selective to be utilized for an automated and real-time monitoring of pollen in ambient air. However, the degree of selectivity autofluorescence can provide is still in question and actively debated. This study addresses the origin, properties, and selectivity of autofluorescence from natural pollen by fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy measurements along with a systematic synthesis of related literature. We show that dry pollen reveals characteristic and reproducible autofluorescence signatures which are shaped by cell wall associated fluorophores, such as phenolic compounds and carotenoid pigments. In addition, fluorescence signals from proteins and chlorophyll a were observed in some species. The abundance and intensity of the individual fluorescence signals show certain taxonomic trends and allow systematic differentiation from bacteria and fungal spores due to the lack of proteins on the grain surface. Principal component analysis was used to explore the discrimination potential of pollen autofluorescence, in combination with size and shape, revealing a differentiation of pollen on family level. Our results help explore the levels of selectivity that autofluorescence-based techniques can provide to PBAP analysis and will support the development and application of autofluorescence-based detectors for monitoring of allergenic pollen in the atmosphere.
Biological and physical influences on soil 14CO2 seasonal dynamics in a temperate hardwood forest
Authors: Phillips C. L. , McFarlane K. J. , Risk D. , Desai A. R.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. While radiocarbon (14C) abundances in standing stocks of soil carbon have been used to evaluate rates of soil carbon turnover on timescales of several years to centuries, soil-respired 14CO2 measurements are an important tool for identifying more immediate responses to disturbance and climate change. Soil Δ14CO2 data, however, are often temporally sparse and could be interpreted better with more context for typical seasonal ranges and trends. We report on a semi-high-frequency sampling campaign to distinguish physical and biological drivers of soil Δ14CO2 at a temperate forest site in northern Wisconsin, USA. We sampled 14CO2 profiles every three weeks during snow-free months through 2012 in three intact plots and one trenched plot that excluded roots. Respired Δ14CO2 declined through the summer in intact plots, shifting from an older C composition that contained more bomb 14C to a younger composition more closely resembling present 14C levels in the atmosphere. In the trenched plot, respired Δ14CO2 was variable but remained comparatively higher than in intact plots, reflecting older bomb-enriched 14C sources. Although respired Δ14CO2 from intact plots correlated with soil moisture, related analyses did not support a clear cause-and-effect relationship with moisture. The initial decrease in Δ14CO2 from spring to midsummer could be explained by increases in 14C-deplete root respiration; however, Δ14CO2 continued to decline in late summer after root activity decreased. We also investigated whether soil moisture impacted vertical partitioning of CO2 production, but found this had little effect on respired Δ14CO2 because CO2 contained modern bomb C at depth, even in the trenched plot. This surprising result contrasted with decades to centuries-old pre-bomb CO2 produced in lab incubations of the same soils. Our results suggest that root-derived C and other recent C sources had dominant impacts on respired Δ14CO2 in situ, even at depth. We propose that Δ14CO2 may have declined through late summer in intact plots because of continued microbial turnover of root-derived C, following declines in root respiration. Our results agree with other studies showing declines in the 14C content of soil respiration over the growing season, and suggest inputs of new photosynthates through roots are an important driver.
Application and reliability of techniques for landslide site investigation, monitoring and early warning – outcomes from a questionnaire study
Authors: Baroň I. , Supper R.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The presented questionnaire study summarizes an evaluation of approaches, techniques and parameters of slope-instability investigation and monitoring of their occurrence, reliability and the applicability of the monitoring techniques for early warning. The study is based on information collected from 86 monitored landslides in 14 European and Asian countries. Based on the responses, lidar ALS (airborne laser scanners), geophysical logging, aerial photographs, resistivity surveying, GB InSAR (ground-based synthetic aperture radar interferometer) and the refraction seismic were considered the most reliable methods for investigation of structure and character of landslides. Especially lidar ALS and geophysical logging were ranked high despite their application at relatively few landslides. Precipitation amount, pore-water pressure and displacement monitored by wire extensometers, dGPS and total stations, followed by air temperature and EM-emissions monitoring and displacement monitored by the TM 71 crack gauge were considered the most promising parameters for early warning.
Scaling properties of rainfall and desert dust in the Canary Islands
Authors: Peñate I. , Martín-González J. M. , Rodríguez G. , Cianca A.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Precipitation and desert dust event occurrence time series measured in the Canary Islands region are examined with the primary intention of exploring their scaling characteristics as well as their spatial variability in terms of the island's topography and geographical orientation. In particular, the desert dust intrusion regime in the islands is studied in terms of its relationship with visibility. Analysis of dust and rainfall events over the archipelago exhibits distributions in time that obey power laws. Results show that the rain process presents a high clustering and irregular pattern on short timescales and a more scattered structure for long ones. In contrast, dustiness presents a more uniform and dense structure and, consequently, a more persistent behaviour on short timescales. It was observed that the fractal dimension of rainfall events shows an important spatial variability, which increases with altitude, as well as towards northern latitudes and western longitudes.
3-D reflection seismic imaging of the Hontomín structure in the Basque–Cantabrian Basin (Spain)
Authors: Alcalde J. , Martí D. , Juhlin C. , Malehmir A. , Sopher D. , Saura E. , Marzán I. , Ayarza P. , Calahorrano A. , Pérez-Estaún A. , Carbonell R.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The Basque–Cantabrian Basin of the northern Iberia Peninsula constitutes a unique example of a major deformation system, featuring a dome structure developed by extensional tectonics followed by compressional reactivation. The occurrence of natural resources in the area and the possibility of establishing a geological storage site for carbon dioxide motivated the acquisition of a 3-D seismic reflection survey in 2010, centered on the Jurassic Hontomín dome. The objectives of this survey were to obtain a geological model of the overall structure and to establish a baseline model for a possible geological CO2 storage site. The 36 km2 survey included approximately 5000 mixed (Vibroseis and explosives) source points recorded with a 25 m inline source and receiver spacing. The target reservoir is a saline aquifer, at approximately 1450 m depth, encased and sealed by carbonate formations. Acquisition and processing parameters were influenced by the rough topography and relatively complex geology. A strong near-surface velocity inversion is evident in the data, affecting the quality of the data. The resulting 3-D image provides constraints on the key features of the geologic model. The Hontomín structure is interpreted to consist of an approximately 107 m2 large elongated dome with two major (W–E and NW–SE) striking faults bounding it. Preliminary capacity estimates indicate that about 1.2 Gt of CO2 can be stored in the target reservoir.
Adhesion energy between mica surfaces: Implications for the frictional coefficient under dry and wet conditions
Authors: Sakuma Hiroshi
Published: December 2013

The frictional strength of faults is a critical factor that contributes to continuous fault slip and earthquake occurrence. Frictional strength can be reduced by the presence of sheet‐structured clay minerals. In this study, two important factors influencing the frictional coefficient of minerals were quantitatively analyzed by a newly developed computational method based on a combination of first‐principles study and thermodynamics. One factor that helps reduce the frictional coefficient is the low adhesion energy between the layers under dry conditions. Potassium ions on mica surfaces are easily exchanged with sodium ions when brought into contact with highly concentrated sodium‐halide solutions. We found that the surface ion exchange with sodium ions reduces the adhesion energy, indicating that the frictional coefficient can be reduced under dry conditions. Another factor is the lubrication caused by adsorbed water films on mineral surfaces under wet conditions. Potassium and sodium ions on mica surfaces have a strong affinity for water molecules. In order to remove the adsorbed water molecules confined between mica surfaces, a differential compressive stress of the order of tens of gigapascals was necessary at room temperature. These water molecules inhibit direct contact between mineral surfaces and reduce the frictional coefficient. Our results imply that the frictional coefficient can be modified through contact with fluids depending on their salt composition. The low adhesion energy between fault‐forming minerals and the presence of an adsorbed water film is a possible reason for the low frictional coefficient observed at continuous fault slip zones.
The crustal thickness of West Antarctica
Authors: Chaput J. , Aster R. C. , Huerta A. , Sun X. , Lloyd A. , Wiens D. , Nyblade A. , Anandakrishnan S. , Winberry J. P. , Wilson T.
Published: December 2013

P‐to‐S receiver functions (PRFs) from the Polar Earth Observing Network (POLENET) GPS and seismic leg of POLENET spanning West Antarctica and the Transantarctic Mountains deployment of seismographic stations provide new estimates of crustal thickness across West Antarctica, including the West Antarctic Rift System (WARS), Marie Byrd Land (MBL) dome, and the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) margin. We show that complications arising from ice sheet multiples can be effectively managed and further information concerning low‐velocity subglacial sediment thickness may be determined, via top‐down utilization of synthetic receiver function models. We combine shallow structure constraints with the response of deeper layers using a regularized Markov chain Monte Carlo methodology to constrain bulk crustal properties. Crustal thickness estimates range from 17.0±4 km at Fishtail Point in the western WARS to 45±5 km at Lonewolf Nunataks in the TAM. Symmetric regions of crustal thinning observed in a transect deployment across the West Antarctic Ice Sheet correlate with deep subice basins, consistent with pure shear crustal necking under past localized extension. Subglacial sediment deposit thicknesses generally correlate with trough/dome expectations, with the thickest inferred subice low‐velocity sediment estimated as ∼0.4 km within the Bentley Subglacial Trench. Inverted PRFs from this study and other published crustal estimates are combined with ambient noise surface wave constraints to generate a crustal thickness map for West Antarctica south of 75°S. Observations are consistent with isostatic crustal compensation across the central WARS but indicate significant mantle compensation across the TAM, Ellsworth Block, MBL dome, and eastern and western sectors of thinnest WARS crust, consistent with low density and likely dynamic, low‐viscosity high‐temperature mantle.
Isoprene emission variability through the twentieth century
Authors: Unger N.
Published: December 2013

A biochemical model of isoprene emission embedded within a global chemistry‐climate simulation framework is applied to investigate the transient response to environmental change over the past century. In the model, the isoprene production is directly coupled to photosynthesis and depends on intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), atmospheric CO2, and canopy temperature. Sensitivity runs are performed to isolate the relative roles of individual global change drivers: CO2, physical climate, and anthropogenic land cover change (ALCC). Between 1880 and 2000, atmospheric CO2 increased by ~30% from 291 to 370 ppmv, global average surface air temperature increased by 0.7°C, and the crop cover fraction of vegetated land area more than doubled from 15 to 37%. Over the past century, isoprene emission has decreased globally by 20% from 534 to 449 Tg C/yr, while gross primary productivity has increased by 15% from 107 to 124 Pg C/yr mostly due to CO2 fertilization. In terms of individual drivers, the global isoprene source increased by 7% due to the atmospheric CO2 concentration rise (including the opposing effects of CO2 fertilization and CO2 inhibition), decreased by 22% due to ALCC, and increased by only 3% due to physical climate change. Thus, ALCC is the dominant driver of isoprene emission change. Modeled global isoprene emissions were higher in the preindustrial than in the present day. In the industrial era, isoprene emission change represents a human‐induced climate forcing, analogous to land use‐driven CO2 emission, not a climate feedback because temperature‐driven increase was a relatively weak driver of isoprene emission change from 1880 to 2000.
25th Anniversary Article: Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells: Understanding the Mechanism of Operation
Authors: Heeger Alan J.
Published: December 2013

The status of understanding of the operation of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells is reviewed. Because the carrier photoexcitation recombination lengths are typically 10 nm in these disordered materials, the length scale for self‐assembly must be of order 10–20 nm. Experiments have verified the existence of the BHJ nanostructure, but the morphology remains complex and a limiting factor. Three steps are required for generation of electrical power: i) absorption of photons from the sun; ii) photoinduced charge separation and the generation of mobile carriers; iii) collection of electrons and holes at opposite electrodes. The ultrafast charge transfer process arises from fundamental quantum uncertainty; mobile carriers are directly generated (electrons in the acceptor domains and holes in the donor domains) by the ultrafast charge transfer (≈70%) with ≈30% generated by exciton diffusion to a charge separating heterojunction. Sweep‐out of the mobile carriers by the internal field prior to recombination is essential for high performance. Bimolecular recombination dominates in materials where the donor and acceptor phases are pure. Impurities degrade performance by introducing Shockly–Read–Hall decay. The review concludes with a summary of the problems to be solved to achieve the predicted power conversion efficiencies of >20% for a single cell.
Short‐term separation from groups by male Japanese macaques: Costs and benefits in feeding behavior and social interaction
Authors: Otani Yosuke , Sawada Akiko , Hanya Goro
Published: December 2013

To expand our understanding of fission–fusion behavior and determine its variability among primates, studies of both individual‐based and group‐based fission–fusion are necessary. We conducted a parallel tracking study of male and female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) during the non‐mating season to clarify the general features of separate ranging by males of this species, an example of fission–fusion behavior, and to reveal its associated costs and benefits. Males frequently engaged in short‐term separate ranging, leaving the company of females and ranging on their own for periods averaging 68 min in duration. However, the males did not venture outside the group's home range. When ranging separately from the group, males spent more time feeding, particularly on fruit, stayed longer in each feeding tree, and fed at a lower rate than when ranging with the group. These behavioral changes suggest that males can avoid within‐group feeding competition by ranging alone. However, this behavior was also associated with higher traveling costs, and these separated males were more vulnerable to intergroup competition and had fewer opportunities for social interaction. The frequency of separate ranging was lower when highly clumped food plant species were the main food source. Lower‐ranked males, who received more aggression when ranging with the group, exhibited a higher frequency of separate ranging. This behavioral flexibility with respect to group cohesion may allow males to reduce the costs of group living without completely losing the benefits. Specifically, by ranging alone, males may acquire sufficient feeding time without being disturbed by other group members. Conversely, when ranging with the group, males can access grooming partners and advantages in intergroup competition. Am. J. Primatol. 76:374–384, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐Host Blue‐Emitting Iridium Dendrimer with Carbazole Dendrons: Nondoped Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xia Debin , Wang Bin , Chen Bo , Wang Shumeng , Zhang Baohua , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang , Jing Xiabin , Wang Fosong
Published: December 2013

A blue‐emitting iridium dendrimer, namely B‐G2, has been successfully designed and synthesized with a second‐generation oligocarbazole as the dendron, which is covalently attached to the emissive tris[2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐pyridyl]iridium(III) core through a nonconjugated link to form an efficient self‐host system in one dendrimer. Unlike small molecular phosphors and other phosphorescent dendrimers, B‐G2 shows a continuous enhancement in the device efficiency with increasing doping concentration. When using neat B‐G2 as the emitting layer, the nondoped device is achieved without loss in efficiency, thus giving a state‐of‐art EQE as high as 15.3 % (31.3 cd A−1, 28.9 lm W−1) along with CIE coordinates of (0.16, 0.29).
Die Witkop‐Cyclisierung: eine photoinduzierte C‐H‐Aktivierung des Indolsystems
Authors: Gritsch Philipp J. , Leitner Christian , Pfaffenbach Magnus , Gaich Tanja
Published: December 2013

Untersuchungen von photochemisch induzierten Redoxprozessen leisten einen besonderen Beitrag zur organischen Photochemie und zu ihrer Anwendungen in der Synthese komplexer Zielstrukturen. Die richtige Wahl des Reduktions‐ und Oxidationspotentiale sowie die Energie des angeregten Zustands von Akzeptor und Donor müssen richtig gewählt werden, damit in diesem Redoxprozess über einen Einelektronentransfer ein intermediäres Radikalion erzeugt werden kann, das schließlich zu den Produkten weiterreagiert. Die Witkop‐Cyclisierung stellt eine intramolekulare Variante eines solchen Prozesses dar – typischerweise mit einem Indol‐Heterocyclus als Elektronendonor. Der synthetische Mehrwert dieser Reaktion besteht in einer C‐C‐Bindungsknüpfung ohne die sonst notwendige Präfunktionalisierung des Indolkerns. Dieser Kurzaufsatz behandelt bereits erfolgte Anwendungen der Reaktion und möchte zu ihrer Weiterentwicklung vor allem an komplexen Systemen anstoßen.
Stereocontrol of All‐Carbon Quaternary Centers through Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Meso Primary Diols by Organocatalyzed Acyl Transfer
Authors: Roux Christèle , Candy Mathieu , Pons Jean‐Marc , Chuzel Olivier , Bressy Cyril
Published: December 2013

The symmetry breaking of meso primary diols bearing a tetrahydropyran ring was employed, using catalytic asymmetric acyl transfer, to control all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters. The planar chiral Fu DMAP catalyst was used in this reaction to reach a high degree of enantioselectivity (up to 97:3 e.r.) through a synergic effect combining a desymmetrization step and a kinetic resolution. Moreover, a beneficial effect was exhibited by C6F6 solvent, yielding the first example of an organocatalyzed asymmetric acyl transfer. The desymmetrized monoesters were then used to obtain, after a straightforward ring opening sequence, complex polyketide building blocks bearing all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters.
Tributyltin(IV)[3‐(3′,5′‐dimethylphenylamido)propanoate] as a potent HCV inhibitor, its delivery study, controlled release and binding sites using CTAB as a standard cell membrane
Authors: Shah Farooq Ali , Fatima Kaneez , Sabir Shaista , Ali Saqib , Qadri Ishtiaq
Published: December 2013

Gaussia luciferase assay was used to measure the anti‐hepatitis C (anti‐HCV) potency of tributyltin(IV)[3‐(3′,5′‐dimethylphenylamido)propanoate] in infected Huh 7.5 cells (human hepatocellular cell). Interaction of the organotin(IV) complex with cetyl N,N,N‐trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micelles was studied using UV–visible and steady‐state florescence spectroscopy. The anti‐HCV study showed a log IC50 value of 0.96 nm for the complex. The complex–CTAB interaction parameter showed that partition of the complex from bulk water to the CTAB micelle was a spontaneous process, and the red shift in visible spectra of the complex confirmed its increased solubility into micelles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology and microwave absorption of carbon nanotube/bismaleimide foams
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Li , Lu Hai‐Jun , Xing Li‐Ying
Published: December 2013

Proper dispersion should be guaranteed when using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as effective absorbents. Physical dispersion methods, such as mechanical mixing, ball milling, and calendering process (three‐roll milling), were adopted to disperse CNTs in the bismaleimide matrix to foam. The effects of the dispersion methods on viscosity, bubble morphology, and microwave‐absorbing properties at 12–18 GHz were studied. The results indicated that, three‐roll milling can more efficiently separate individual CNTs from the agglomerates compared with the other two methods. This method exhibited the highest viscosity, the most irregular cell shape, and the best microwave‐absorbing property. The effects of CNT concentration and foam thickness on the microwave‐absorbing properties were also studied. The reflectivity decreased and the position of the reflectivity peak moved to a lower value with increase in CNT concentration and foam thickness. The foam with 30 mm thickness achieved a reflection loss below −8 dB over 3.0 GHz in the range of 13.5–16.5 GHz. The minimum value is −14.2 dB at 14.6 GHz. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40233.
Genetic Association Analyses of Nitric Oxide Synthase Genes and Neural Tube Defects Vary by Phenotype
Authors: Soldano Karen L. , Garrett Melanie E. , Cope Heidi L. , Rusnak J. Michael , Ellis Nathen J. , Dunlap Kaitlyn L. , Speer Marcy C. , Gregory Simon G. , Ashley‐Koch Allison E.
Published: December 2013

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are caused by improper neural tube closure during the early stages of embryonic development. NTDs are hypothesized to have a complex genetic origin and numerous candidate genes have been proposed. The nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) G594T polymorphism has been implicated in risk for spina bifida, and interactions between that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism have also been observed. To evaluate other genetic variation in the NO pathway in the development of NTDs, we examined all three NOS genes: NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3. Using 3109 Caucasian samples in 745 families, we evaluated association in the overall dataset and within specific phenotypic subsets. Haplotype tagging SNPs in the NOS genes were tested for genetic association with NTD subtypes, both for main effects as well as for the presence of interactions with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Nominal main effect associations were found with all subtypes, across all three NOS genes, and interactions were observed between SNPs in all three NOS genes and MTHFR C677T. Unlike the previous report, the most significant associations in our dataset were with cranial subtypes and the AG genotype of rs4795067 in NOS2 (p = 0.0014) and the interaction between the rs9658490 G allele in NOS1 and MTHFR 677TT genotype (p = 0.0014). Our data extend the previous findings by implicating a role for all three NOS genes, independently and through interactions with MTHFR, in risk not only for spina bifida, but all NTD subtypes.
Isolation and purification of recombinant human plasminogen Kringle 5 by liquid chromatography and ammonium sulfate salting‐out
Authors: Bian Liujiao , Ji Xu , Hu Wei
Published: December 2013

In this work, a novel method was established to isolate and purify Human plasminogen Kringle 5 (HPK5) as a histidine‐tagged fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). This method consisted of sample extraction using a Ni‐chelated Sepharose Fast‐Flow affinity column, ammonium sulfate salting‐out and Sephadex G‐75 size‐exclusion column in turn. The purity analysis by SDS–PAGE, high‐performance size‐exclusion and reversed‐phase chromatographies showed that the obtained recombinant fusion HPK5 was homogeneous and its purity was higher than 96%; the activity analysis by chorioallantoic membrane model of chicken embryos revealed that the purified recombinant HPK5 exhibited an obvious anti‐angiogenic activity under the effective range of 5.0–25.0 µg/mL. Through this procedure, about 19 mg purified recombinant fusion HPK5 can be obtained from 1 L of original fermentation solution. Approximate 32% of the total recombinant fusion HPK5 can be captured and the total yield was approximately 11%. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is to be done? future research on the assessment and behavioral treatment of sex offenders
Authors: Earls Christopher M. , Quinsey Vernon L.
Published: December 2013

Much progress has been made in the assessment and treatment of sexually aggressive men. There remains, however, a great deal of work to be done. Future research should move on three fronts simultaneously: the extension and refinement of assessment methods which will serve to discriminate sex offenders from other persons and different sorts of sex offenders from each other, the further development of, and comparison among, treatment techniques designed to change sex offenders on relevant dimensions, and long‐term followups of sex offenders who have been treated with different methods. Basic research concerning not only sex offenders but also the development of human sexuality is also required for the formulation of a theory which will guide future research.
Research directions in the evaluation and treatment of sex offenders: An analysis
Authors: Grossman Linda S.
Published: December 2013

A review of the research on early and current techniques for evaluating and treating male sex offenders is presented, with emphasis on biological and behavioral therapies. Biological techniques found to be most promising include two types of antiandrogen hormone therapy: medroxyprogesterone acetate and cyproterone acetate. Behavioral techniques which have produced evidence of effectiveness include methods to eliminate deviant sexual behavior and methods to increase appropriate sexual behavior. The methodological shortcomings in the research of both biological and behavioral therapies are discussed, and new directions for future research are proposed.
Sulfation Rates of Particles in Calcium Looping Reactors
Authors: Alonso Mónica , Cordero José M. , Arias Borja , Abanades Juan C.
Published: December 2013

The sulfation reaction rate of CaO particles in three reactors comprising a post‐combustion calcium looping system is discussed: a combustion chamber generating flue gases, a carbonator reactor to capture CO2 and SO2, and an oxy‐fired calciner to regenerate the CO2 sorbent. Due to its strong impact on the pore size distribution of CaO particles, the number of carbonation/calcination cycles arises as a new important variable to understand sulfation phenomena. Sulfation patterns change as a result of particle cycling, becoming more homogeneous with higher number of cycles. Experimental results from thermogravimetric tests demonstrate that high sulfation rates can be measured under all conditions tested, indicating that the calcium looping systems will be extremely efficient in SO2 capture.
Chemometrics study of the kinetics of the Griess reaction
Authors: Shariati‐Rad Masoud , Irandoust Mohsen , Haghighi Maryam
Published: December 2013

The kinetics of the Griess reaction in which 3‐nitroaniline acts as a nitrosation agent and 1‐naphtylamine as a coupling reagent was studied by chemometrics methods. The kinetic reaction was investigated under pH 1.0 and 25°C by UV‐vis spectrophotometry. The concentrations of nitrite, 3‐nitroaniline and 1‐naphtylamine were such that a second‐order kinetic reaction took place. Data explorations based on principal component analysis and multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares were performed to obtain information about the reaction. Calculation of band boundaries of the multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares solutions showed that the rotational ambiguities associated with the calculation of spectra and concentration profiles have been completely removed. The decrease in the ambiguity of the recovered solutions was closely related to the application of the equality constraint. The results of the exploratory data analysis showed that the kinetic reaction proceeds through a two‐step mechanism. Moreover, the two‐steps are second order. Data analysis approaches based on hard modeling and global hard modeling were used to resolve profiles of the reactants, intermediates and products and to evaluate the rate constants. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of CuITrifluoromethylselenates for Trifluoromethylselenolation of Aryl and Alkyl Halides
Authors: Chen Chaohuang , Ouyang Li , Lin Quanfu , Liu Yanpin , Hou Chuanqi , Yuan Yaofeng , Weng Zhiqiang
Published: December 2013

The development of new strategies for synthesis of trifluoromethylthiolate compounds is of considerable importance in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced materials. Accordingly, currently much attention is being devoted to the development of effective methods and reagents for their synthesis. In contrast, considerably less effort has been afforded to the development of preparing CSeCF3bonds. Herein we report a concise route to synthesize a family of copper(I) trifluoromethylselenolate reagents by the reaction of CuI with the Ruppert’s reagent (Me3SiCF3), KF, and elemental selenium in the presence of dinitrogen ligands in CH3CN at room temperature. The reagent [Cu(bpy)(SeCF3)]2was proven to be air‐stable and highly efficient for nucleophilic trifluoromethylthselenolation of a broad range of (hetero)aryl halides and alkyl halides. This method represents a powerful protocol for the construction trifluoromethylselenolate compounds.
Ammonium‐Kanal in Venus‐Fliegenfalle
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: December 2013

Die Venus‐Fliegenfalle bessert ihre Nährstoffversorgung auf, indem sie Insekten fängt und verdaut. Bislang unbekannt war, dass sie dabei Proteine ihrer Beute als Ammonium‐Quelle nutzt [1]. Der neu entdeckte Ammonium‐Transporter arbeitet als spannungsabhängiger Ionenkanal.
Rückgewinnung sortenreiner Baustofffraktionen aus Mauerwerk
Authors: Müller Anette , Landmann Mirko , Palzer Ulrich
Published: December 2013

Die Verwertung von Mauerwerkbruch als Rohstoff für die erneute Produktion von Mauersteinen oder anderen Baustoffen erfordert sortenreine Materialfraktionen. Dazu ist der Aufschluss der einzelnen Materialien aus dem Verbundbaustoff erforderlich, um zunächst den gesuchten Wertstoff freizulegen und so die sich anschließende Abtrennung von Fremd‐ und Störstoffen durch Sortierprozesse zu ermöglichen. Der Aufschluss geschieht i. d. R. durch eine Zerkleinerung. In der vorliegenden Veröffentlichung wird über Zerkleinerungsversuche an Musterwänden berichtet, die aus verschiedenen Wandbaustoffarten bestanden. An den Zerkleinerungsprodukten wurden die erreichte Partikelgrößenreduktion und der Aufschlussgrad untersucht.

Recovery of Homogeneous Building Material Fractions from Masonry Construction. The application of masonry rubble as raw material for the further production of masonry blocks or other building materials requires homogeneous material fractions. This necessitates disintegration of the individual components of the composite masonry material, so that the recyclable fraction is exposed and can be separated from impurities and contaminants through a further sorting process. Typically, this disintegration is accomplished through crushing. The following paper describes the results of crushing trials undertaken on material from sample masonry walls of differing construction. Investigation of the products of the crushing process considered particle size reduction and the degree of disintegration.
A Method for Design of a Growing Complex Network
Authors: Mizuno Haruki , Okamoto Takashi , Koakutsu Seiichi , Hirata Hironori
Published: December 2013

A complex network design method that finds a desired network structure can be a powerful tool in large‐scale system design. Conventional complex network design methods tackle only static networks, that is, they do not consider growth of the target network. In this paper, we propose a new method for the design of a growing complex network. First, we consider evaluation functions which quantitatively represent the characteristics of desired structures by using feature quantities. Then, we formulate the design problem of a growing complex network as a multi‐objective optimization problem in order to determine the connection targets of new nodes by using the evaluation functions. By solving the problem, we grow the network, thus obtaining the desired network. We try to generate networks which have the desired clustering coefficient and average path length concurrently. Through numerical experiments, we confirm that the proposed method is effective as a method for the design of growing complex networks. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 70–81, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10382
High‐Efficiency Mixing Chip with Liquid Flow Actuators Operated by Surface Acoustic Waves
Authors: Saiki Tsunemasa , Utsumi Yuichi
Published: December 2013

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices can be used as component parts for micro total analysis systems (μTAS) because their structures are very simple. We thus fabricated a mixing chip with liquid flow actuators operated only by SAWs. The chip consists mainly of one Y‐type flow channel, two pumps, and one mixer. The pumps are located in the upstream areas of the merging point of the flow channel, and the mixer is located in its downstream area. Additionally, the flow actuators have interdigital transducers (IDTs) to generate the SAWs. The IDTs were fabricated by patterning Al/Cr on a LiNbO3 substrate, and the flow channel wall was made of the epoxy‐based negative resist SU‐8. Using the mixing chip, we carried out a mixing experiment with two water solutions of different concentrations using glycerin, and a chemical reaction experiment involving luminol luminescence. Through the experiments, it was found that local and rapid mixing of a continuous liquid flow was possible by using the SAW actuators, and the capability of our fabricated mixing chip as a reactor was demonstrated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 54–61, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11440
Development of Independent‐Type Optical CT
Authors: Yamaguchi Tatsushi , Shiozawa Daigoro , Rokunohe Toshiaki , Kida Junzo , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2013

Optical current transformers (CTs) have the advantages that they can be made much smaller and lighter than conventional electromagnetic induction transformers by their simple structure, and contribute to improvement of equipment reliability because of their excellent surge resistance performance. The authors consider optical CTs to be next‐generation transformers, and are conducting research and development of optical CTs aiming to apply them to measuring and protection in electric power systems. Specifically, we developed an independent optical CT utilizing basic data on optical CTs accumulated for large‐current characteristics, temperature characteristics, vibration resistance characteristics, and so on. In performance verification, type tests complying with IEC standards, such as short‐time current tests, insulation tests, accuracy tests, and so on, showed good results. This report describes the basic principles and configuration of optical CTs. After that, basic characteristics of optical CTs including the conditions and results of verification tests for dielectric breakdown characteristics of sensor fibers, large‐current characteristics, temperature characteristics, and vibration resistance characteristics are described. Finally, a development outline of the independent optical CT intended for application to all‐digital substations and its type tests results are described. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 28–36, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11487
A Study on Combination of Reliability‐Based Automatic Repeat Request with Error Potential‐Based Error Correction for Improving P300 Speller Performance
Authors: Takahashi Hiromu , Yoshikawa Tomohiro , Furuhashi Takeshi
Published: December 2013

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are systems that translate one's thoughts into commands to restore control and communication to severely paralyzed people, and are also appealing to healthy people. The P300 speller, one of the best‐known BCIs for communication, allows users to select letters just by thoughts. However, due to the low signal‐to‐noise ratio of the P300, signal averaging is often performed, which improves the spelling accuracy but degrades the spelling speed. The authors have proposed reliability‐based automatic repeat request (RB‐ARQ) to ease this problem. RB‐ARQ could be enhanced when it is combined with error correction based on the error‐related potentials (ErrPs) that occur on erroneous feedbacks. Thus, this study aims to reveal the characteristics of the ErrPs in the P300 speller paradigm, and to combine RB‐ARQ with ErrP‐based error correction to further improve performance. The results show that the ErrPs observed in the current study resemble the previously reported ErrPs observed in a cursor control task using a BCI, and that the performance of the P300 speller could be improved by 35% on average. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 12–21, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11492
Image Thresholding by Improved Convergent Floating Thresholding Method Using Extended Control Value
Authors: Ueno Kazuki , Yamaguchi Jun'ichi
Published: December 2013

In this paper, the authors propose a threshold setting method for binary images. This method consists of two steps which are different threshold calculating algorithms. The first step is an improved model of the Convergent Floating Thresholding Method, with switching between two control values to update a tentative threshold. By this step, thresholding of a boundary area of gray level change is performed. The second step is composed of the discriminant analysis method and is applied to flat areas of gray level. A feature of the proposed method is comparison of the gray level with two final tentative thresholds which are obtained using two coefficients as control values. With this method, it is possible to decrease thresholding error which occurs in the case of low contrast and brightness change. Pattern in similar gray‐level areas can also be clarified. The proposed method and the conventional methods were tested, using general outdoor scene images. The results showed that the proposed method can output good‐quality binary images and is useful for thresholding of scene images. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 82–88, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11495
One‐Pot Solvothermal Coating of Carbon Spheres with ZnS Nanocrystallites and Their Use in the Photodegradation of Dyes
Authors: Samant Kanchan M. , Suroshe Jagruti S. , Garje Shivram S.
Published: December 2013

In the present investigation, an easy approach for the synthesis of nanostructures composed of carbon spheres (CSs) and ZnS was demonstrated. CSs were prepared by aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition of toluene at 1050 °C and were characterized by different techniques, including X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Further, their composite with ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized by using solvothermal decomposition of a single‐source precursor in the presence of ethylene glycol. The competence of the resultant composite material was tested in the photodegradation of eriochrome black‐T and methylene blue, and the results were compared with those obtained for the bare ZnS NPs. The substantial increase in the photodegradation efficiency of the composite is attributed to the large surface area provided by the CSs to the ZnS NPs for dye reduction.
Dimerization Behavior of Substituted Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐1‐ene Derivatives
Authors: Zheng Jun‐Cheng , Liu Huaqing , Lee Nam‐Kyu , Lee Daesung
Published: December 2013

The different reaction profiles of lithium trimethylsilyldiazomethane with various 4‐alkenyl ketones are described. It was found that the individual steps along the reaction pathway including a Brook rearrangement, elimination of lithium trimethylsilanolate to form alkylidene carbenes, and their addition to an alkene to form strained bicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐1‐ene derivatives were significantly affected by the substituents near or on the alkene moiety. Especially, the dimerization of bicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐1‐enes depends critically on the substituent pattern of the alkene, which controls the reaction to proceed in a concerted or a stepwise manner. On the basis of X‐ray diffraction analysis, the dimers, which are of unprecedented structural complexity, were unambiguously elucidated.
20 Jahre Gründungssysteme mit geokunststoffummantelten Säulen
Authors: Raithel Marc , Küster Volker , Alexiew Dimiter
Published: December 2013

Gründungssysteme mit geokunststoffummantelten Säulen für Erdbauwerke auf gering tragfähigen Böden wurden vor rund 20 Jahren in der Geotechnik eingeführt und sind in Deutschland mittlerweile Stand der Technik. Das System bietet eine geotechnische Lösung für Gründungen in stark verformbaren, sehr gering scherfesten Böden, in denen traditionelle Verfahren der Bodenverbesserung ihre Anwendungsgrenzen erreichen. In diesem Beitrag werden das System der geokunststoffummantelten Säulen, die Berechnungsverfahren und insbesondere die Ergebnisse von Langzeitmessungen beschrieben. Weitere Informationen betreffen die laufende Weiterentwicklung des Systems nach den technischen und wirtschaftlichen Anforderungen großer Tiefbauprojekte sowie weitere potenzielle Anwendungsmöglichkeiten.

20 years of foundation systems with geotextile encased columns. Foundation systems using geotextile encased columns for earth structures (e.g. embankments) on soft subsoil with a low bearing capacity were established in geotechnical engineering about 20 years ago and today are state‐of‐the‐art in Germany. The system offers a geotechnical solution for foundations even in highly deformable soils of extremely low shear strength, in which traditional soil improvement techniques reach their limit of practicability. This paper gives a description of the system of geotextile encased columns, of design and construction procedures and in particular of the results of long‐term measurements. Further information is given on ongoing developments of the system corresponding to technical and economical requirements of major geotechnical projects as well as further application options.