bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An effective depression filling algorithm for DEM-based 2-D surface flow modelling
Authors: Zhu D. , Ren Q. , Xuan Y. , Chen Y. , Cluckie I. D.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The surface runoff process in fluvial/pluvial flood modelling is often simulated employing a two-dimensional (2-D) diffusive wave approximation described by grid based digital elevation models (DEMs). However, this approach may cause potential problems when using the 2-D surface flow model which exchanges flows through adjacent cells, with conventional sink removal algorithms which also allow for flow exchange along diagonal directions, due to the existence of artificial depression in DEMs. In this paper, we propose an effective method for filling artificial depressions in DEM so that the problem can be addressed. We firstly analyse two types of depressions in DEMs and demonstrate the issues caused by the current depression filling algorithms using the surface flow simulations from the MIKE SHE model built for a medium-sized basin in Southeast England. The proposed depression-filling algorithm for 2-D overland flow modelling is applied and evaluated by comparing the simulated flows at the outlet of the catchment represented by DEMs at various resolutions (50 m, 100 m and 200 m). The results suggest that the existence of depressions in DEMs can substantially influence the overland flow estimation and the new depression filling algorithm is shown to be effective in tackling this issue based upon the comparison of simulations for sink-dominated and sink-free DEMs, especially in the areas with relatively flat topography.
Front Matter
Authors: PJEPHL Editor
Published: February 2013

None
Tonality and Ethos
Authors: Heard Matthew M.
Published: February 2013

This article focuses on attunement as a concept that intervenes in the question of how we learn to act ethically in the face of radical alterity. I use Jacques Derrida's concept of a “contraband” tonality and Gilles Deleuze's discussion of “haptic” tone to argue that tonality resonates with dimensions of affect and desire that cannot be accommodated through familiar interpretive acts of listening, hearing, and seeing. Because we are unable to fully understand and account for the tonality of others, the article suggests, we need to approach attunement as a disposition or ethos that prolongs our engagement with the alterity of others' marks and noises. Repositioned as living practice, attunement can redefine ethical action by drawing attention to the material, physical, and emotional challenges of preserving what Diane Davis calls a “radically hospitable opening to alterity.”
A Rosid Is a Rosid Is a Rosid . . . or Not
Authors: Green Rebecca , Martin Giles
Published: February 2013

The current structure of 583 Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons) and 584 Liliopsida (Monocotyledons) in the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system reflects changes made when the life sciences were thoroughly revised in 1996. Since that time, considerable progress has been made in the phylogenetic classification of angiosperms (flowering plants). In particular, APG III, the 2009 version of the classification developed by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group, is finding use as a tool to organize both botanical information and botanical collections. The Dewey Editorial Office has received a request to revise 583–584 in light of this taxonomy ―as appropriate‖; relevant revisions would be likely to include both structural and terminological changes. In deciding how to provide accommodation for APG III, the Dewey editorial team must address many issues: Is APG III now stable enough and accepted broadly enough to be adopted as the basis for a major revision of the DDC? Should revisions in 583–584 be coordinated with parallel revisions in other parts of the life sciences? What revision strategies can be considered in revising 583-584 to accommodate APG III? What are their various strengths and weaknesses? How have other major classification schemes (e.g., the UDC) accommodated APG III? Discussion of these issues is guided by the principles (―editorial rules‖) that govern development of the DDC.
The Role of Genre in the Bibliographic Universe
Authors: Zhang Lei , Lee Hur-Li
Published: February 2013

This paper examines the role of genre in organizing bibliographic information through three sets of modern cataloging rules spanning 171 years: Panizzi’s Rules for the Compilation of the Catalogue (91 Rules), Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules Second Edition 2002 Revision (AACR2r), and Resource Description and Access (RDA). Genre-related rules are identified on the basis of their inclusion of the keywords “genre(s)” and “form(s).” Then, the identified rules are analyzed from two aspects: the contexts in which these rules are addressed and four user tasks defined by the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR)—find, identify, select and obtain. Genre is found absent in 91 Rules and mostly addressed in the note area in AACR2r, while in RDA, genre acts as the primary distinguishing characteristic of work and can be implemented widely as additions to access points, as separate elements, or as both. In conclusion, the paper suggests that the genre concept has yet to be clearly defined and its significance fully articulated in cataloging as well as in the broader discipline of knowledge organization.
Ishihara's Tests for Color Blindness: A useful Indicator of Visual Involvement in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kaufman MD , Lutz DM , Norton J
Published: February 2013

Because vision commonly is affected in persons with multiple sclerosis, it would be helpful to have a bedside test capable of identifying abnormalities that are not readily apparent. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the first 11 plates of Ishihara's Tests for color blindness (1995 concise edition) as compared to visual evoked potentials in patients with multiple sclerosis reporting normal vision. Forty-five multiple sclerosis patients and 42 controls, aged 25 to 44 years, were assessed. After examination of vision by a neurologist, Ishihara's Tests for color blindness and visual evoked potential tests were administered under conditions similar to those encountered in a neurologic practice. The specificity for each test was defined by the responses of the control population. In differentiating individuals with multiple sclerosis from controls, Ishihara's Tests for color blindness was as sensitive (62%; 28/45) and specific (100%; 42/42) as visual evoked potentials (sensitivity = 58%, 26/45; specificity = 98%, 41/42). Ishihara's Tests for color blindness identified a different population of patients and probably measured a different aspect of visual function than did visual evoked potentials. Ishihara's Tests for color blindness appeared more likely to identify patients with a long disease duration, while visual evoked potentials better identified patients with a history of optic neuritis. Ishihara's Tests for color blindness may be a simple and cost-effective adjunct for detecting and following the visual abnormalities of patients with multiple sclerosis.
What People with Newly Diagnosed MS (and their Families and Friends) Need to Know
Authors: Wollin Judy , Dale Helen , Spenser Nancy , Walsh Anne
Published: February 2013

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine from people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families what information would assist a person with newly diagnosed MS — in which format, when, and from whom it should be delivered. Thirty-four Queensland, Australia, residents with MS and 18 family members and friends participated in the main study. Participants were self-selected for this purposive, statewide, cross-sectional study. Nine of the respondents answered open-ended questions in addition to the standard questionnaires, and seven respondents gave in-depth interviews.

The respondents recommended that people with a recent MS diagnosis and their families be given a wide range of information reflective of their personal needs. The information should be provided in person (in both group and individual sessions). They preferred to receive the information from their physicians and the staff of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Research aimed at cures and therapies, as well as counseling and support services, should be discussed early in the course of the disease. Because of the small sample size and retrospective design, additional studies with larger populations are suggested to confirm these results and their cross-cultural applicability.
Multiple Sclerosis and Pain: A Medical Focus
Authors: Kassirer Marilyn
Published: February 2013

About 65% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experience a broad range of both acute and subacute painful syndromes. Acute conditions (eg, trigeminal neuralgia and Lhermitte's syndrome) cause intense, unrelenting pain that may worsen with age and disease progression. Chronic pain (eg, joint pain) is also a component of MS. Pain syndromes, including optic neuritis, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and other less well-known syndromes, may respond to a variety of pharmacologic, surgical, or alternative interventions. MS patients may also experience iatrogenic pain. Some successful drug treatments for pain that are used in combination or alone include anticonvulsants, tricyclics, methylprednisolone, and narcotics. Surgical interventions, percutaneous compression-balloons, and radiofrequency ablation are other viable options for some pain syndromes.
Effect of Exchange Interactions on the Coercivity of SmCo5 Nanoparticles Made by Cluster Beam Deposition
Authors: Akdogan O. , Li W. , Balasubramanian B. , Sellmyer D. J. , Hadjipanayis G. C.
Published: February 2013

Single crystal SmCo5 nanoparticles with an average size of 3.5 nm are produced by cluster‐beam deposition. When deposited without matrix, the nanoparticles showed a super‐paramagnetic behavior with a blocking temperature of 145 K. Dispersion of the SmCo5 nanoparticles in a carbon matrix results in an increase in both the coercivity and the blocking temperature. Room temperature coercivities as high as 12 kOe are obtained for the first time in mono‐layers of SmCo5 nanoparticles dispersed in C matrix. δM plots show that the interactions in the samples are of exchange type, which can decrease the overall effective anisotropy and coercivity according to the random‐anisotropy model. Coercivity is found to be inversely proportional to the packing density of the particles. SmCo5 nanoparticles with high coercivity are potential candidates for the next generation ultra high‐density magnetic recording media.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Responsive, Proximity‐Activated Polymeric Nanoparticles for siRNA Delivery
Authors: Li Hongmei , Yu Shann S. , Miteva Martina , Nelson Christopher E. , Werfel Thomas , Giorgio Todd D. , Duvall Craig L.
Published: February 2013

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has significant potential to evolve into a new class of pharmaceutical inhibitors, but technologies that enable robust, tissue‐specific intracellular delivery must be developed before effective clinical translation can be achieved. A pH‐responsive, smart polymeric nanoparticle (SPN) with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐7‐dependent proximity‐activated targeting (PAT) is described here. The PAT‐SPN is designed to trigger cellular uptake and cytosolic delivery of siRNA once activated by MMP‐7, an enzyme whose overexpression is a hallmark of cancer initiation and progression. The PAT‐SPN is composed of a corona‐forming polyethylene glycol (PEG) block, an MMP‐7‐cleavable peptide, a cationic siRNA‐condensing block, and a pH‐responsive, endosomolytic terpolymer block that drives self‐assembly and forms the PAT‐SPN core. With this novel design, the PEG corona shields cellular interactions until it is cleaved in MMP‐7‐rich environments, shifting the SPN ζ‐potential from +5.8 to +14.4 mV and triggering a 2.5 fold increase in carrier internalization. The PAT‐SPN exhibits pH‐dependent membrane disruptive behavior that enables siRNA escape from endo‐lysosomal pathways. Intracellular siRNA delivery and knockdown of the model enzyme luciferase in R221A‐Luc mammary tumor cells is significantly increased by MMP‐7 pre‐activation (p < 0.05). These combined data indicate that the PAT‐SPN provides a promising new platform for tissue‐specific, proximity‐activated siRNA delivery to MMP‐rich pathological environments.
Charge Photogeneration for a Series of Thiazolo‐Thiazole Donor Polymers Blended with the Fullerene Electron Acceptors PCBM and ICBA
Authors: Shoaee Safa , Subramaniyan Selvam , Xin Hao , Keiderling Chaz , Tuladhar Pabitra Shakya , Jamieson Fiona , Jenekhe Samson A. , Durrant James R.
Published: February 2013

Photoinduced charge separation in bulk heterojunction solar cells is studied using a series of thiazolo‐thiazole donor polymers that differ in their side groups (and bridging atoms) blended with two acceptor fullerenes, phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) and a fullerene indene‐C60 bisadduct (ICBA). Transient absorption spectroscopy is used to determine the yields and lifetimes of photogenerated charge carriers, complimented by cyclic voltammetry studies of materials energetics, wide angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies of neat and blend film crystallinity and photoluminescence quenching studies of polymer/fullerene phase segregation, and the correlation of these measurements with device photocurrents. Good correlation between the initial polaron yield and the energetic driving force driving charge separation, ΔECS is observed. All blend films exhibit a power law transient absorption decay phase assigned to non‐geminate recombination of dissociated charges; the amplitude of this power law decay phase shows excellent correlation with photocurrent density in the devices. Furthermore, for films of one (relatively amorphous) donor polymer blended with ICBA, we observe an additional 100 ns geminate recombination phase. The implications of the observations reported are discussed in terms of the role of materials' crystallinity in influencing charge dissociation in such devices, and thus materials design requirements for efficient solar cell function.
Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells with Potential‐Tunable Organic Sulfide Mediators and Graphene‐Modified Carbon Counter Electrodes
Authors: Li Xiong , Liu Linfeng , Liu Guanghui , Rong Yaoguang , Yang Ying , Wang Heng , Ku Zhiliang , Xu Mi , Zhong Cheng , Han Hongwei
Published: February 2013

A new class of organic sulfide mediators with programmable redox properties is designed via density functional theory calculations and synthesized for efficient dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Photophysical and electrochemical properties of these mediators derived from systematical functionalization of the framework with electron donating and withdrawing groups (MeO, Me, H, Cl, CF3, and NO2) are investigated. With this new class of organic mediators, the redox potential can be fine‐tuned over a 170 mV range, overlapping the conventional I−/I3−couple. Due to the suitable interplay of physical properties and electrochemical characteristics of the mediator involving electron‐donating MeO group, the DSCs based on this mediator behave excellently in various kinetic processes such as dye regeneration, electron recombination, and mass transport. Thus, the MeO derivative of the mediator is identified as having the best performance of this series of redox shuttles. As inferred from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurements, the addition of graphene into the normal carbon counter electrode material dramatically improves the apparent catalytic activity of the counter electrode towards the MeO derivative of mediator, resulting in N719 based DSCs showing a promising conversion efficiency of 6.53% under 100 mW·cm−2 simulated sunlight illumination.
Chimeric P450 enzymes: Activity of artificial redox fusions driven by different reductases for biotechnological applications
Authors: Sadeghi Sheila J. , Gilardi Gianfranco
Published: February 2013

This review covers the current state of knowledge regarding artificial fusion constructs of cytochrome P450 enzymes in which the activity of the catalytic heme is driven by reductases of different origins. Cytochromes P450 form a vast family of heme–thiolate proteins, which act as monooxygenases by activating molecular oxygen, resulting in the insertion of one atom into an organic substrate with the concomitant reduction of the other to water. The reducing equivalents are usually supplied by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and are transferred in two consecutive steps via the redox partner(s). These include reductases containing flavin mononucleotide and/or flavin adenine dinucleotide and/or Fe–S clusters in different combinations depending on the P450 system. These enzymes catalyze extremely diverse reactions, including regio‐ and stereospecific oxidations of a large range of substrates in addition to many drugs and xenobiotics, as well as biosynthesis of physiologically important compounds such as various steroids, vitamins, and lipids. Because of their ability to catalyze such a vast range of reactions, they have become the focus of biotechnological interest, but their dependence on the reductase partner has remained one of the challenging limitations for full exploration of their synthetic potential. To address the latter limitation, many researchers have reconstituted functional P450 enzymes by fusion with different reductase proteins; this review will cover their findings.
The application of DOSY NMR and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the mechanism(s) of micelle binding of antimicrobial peptides containing unnatural amino acids
Authors: Clark Tiffany D. , Bartolotti Libero , Hicks Rickey P.
Published: February 2013

Anionic and zwitterionic micelles are often used as simple models for the lipids found in bacterial and mammalian cell membranes to investigate antimicrobial peptide‐lipid interactions. In our laboratory we have employed a variety of 1D, 2D, and diffusion ordered (DOSY) NMR experiments to investigate the interactions of antimicrobial peptides containing unnatural amino acids with SDS and DPC micelles. Complete assignment of the proton spectra of these peptides is prohibited by the incorporation of a high percentage of unnatural amino acids which don't contain amide protons into the backbone. However preliminary assignment of the TOCSY spectra of compound 23 in the presence of both micelles indicated multiple conformers are present as a result of binding to these micelles. Chemical Shift Indexing agreed with previously collected CD spectra that indicated on binding to SDS micelles compound 23 adopts a mixture of α‐helical structures and on binding to DPC micelles this peptide adopts a mixture of helical and β‐turn/sheet like structures. DOSY NMR experiments also indicated that the total positive charge and the relative placement of that charge at the N‐terminus or C‐terminus are important in determining the mole fraction of the peptide that will bind to the different micelles. DOSY and 1H‐NMR experiments indicated that the length of Spacer #1 plays a major role in defining the binding conformation of these analogs with SDS micelles. Results obtained from molecular simulations studies of the binding of compounds 23 and 36 with SDS micelles were consistent with the observed NMR results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 548–561, 2013.
Results of a national training programme in sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer
Authors:   the senior Guildford breast surgeons, Mansel R E , MacNeill F , Horgan K , Goyal A , Britten A , Townson J , Clarke D , Newcombe R G , Keshtgar M
Published: February 2013

Background

New Start, a structured, validated, multidisciplinary training programme in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), was established to allow the introduction and rapid transfer of appropriate knowledge and technical skills to ensure safe and competent practice across the UK.

Methods

Multidisciplinary teams attended a theory/skills laboratory course, following which they performed 30 consecutive SLNBs, either concurrently with their standard axillary staging procedure (training model A) or as stand-alone SLNB (training model B). SLNB was performed according to a standard protocol using the combined technique of isotope (99mTc-labelled albumin colloid) and blue dye. An accredited New Start trainer mentored the first five procedures in the participant's hospital, or all 30 if stand-alone. Validation standards for model A and B were a localization rate of at least 90 per cent. In addition, for model A only, in which a minimum of ten patients were required to be node-positive, a false-negative rate (FNR) of 10 per cent or less was required.

Results

From October 2004 to December 2008, 210 SLNB-naive surgeons, in 103 centres, performed 6685 SLNB procedures. The overall sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization rate was 98·9 (95 per cent confidence interval 98·6 to 99·1) per cent (6610 of 6685) and the FNR 9·1 (7·9 to 10·5) per cent (160 of 1757). The FNR was related to nodal yield, ranging from 14·8 per cent for one node and declining to 9·7, 6·6, 4·7 and 4·1 per cent for two, three, four and more than four SLNs respectively. No learning curve was identified for localization or FNR.

Conclusion

The programme successfully trained a wide range of UK breast teams to perform safe SLNB and suggested that a standard injection protocol and structured multidisciplinary training can abolish learning curves.
Brief alcohol exposure alters transcription in astrocytes via the heat shock pathway
Authors: Pignataro Leonardo , Varodayan Florence P. , Tannenholz Lindsay E. , Protiva Petr , Harrison Neil L.
Published: February 2013

Astrocytes are critical for maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS), and also participate in the genomic response of the brain to drugs of abuse, including alcohol. In this study, we investigated ethanol regulation of gene expression in astrocytes. A microarray screen revealed that a brief exposure of cortical astrocytes to ethanol increased the expression of a large number of genes. Among the alcohol‐responsive genes (ARGs) are glial‐specific immune response genes, as well as genes involved in the regulation of transcription, cell proliferation, and differentiation, and genes of the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix. Genes involved in metabolism were also upregulated by alcohol exposure, including genes associated with oxidoreductase activity, insulin‐like growth factor signaling, acetyl‐CoA, and lipid metabolism. Previous microarray studies performed on ethanol‐treated hepatocyte cultures and mouse liver tissue revealed the induction of almost identical classes of genes to those identified in our microarray experiments, suggesting that alcohol induces similar signaling mechanisms in the brain and liver. We found that acute ethanol exposure activated heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in astrocytes, as demonstrated by the translocation of this transcription factor to the nucleus and the induction of a family of known HSF1‐dependent genes, the heat shock proteins (Hsps). Transfection of a constitutively transcriptionally active Hsf1 construct into astrocytes induced many of the ARGs identified in our microarray study supporting the hypothesis that HSF1 transcriptional activity, as part of the heat shock cascade, may mediate the ethanol induction of these genes. These data indicate that acute ethanol exposure alters gene expression in astrocytes, in part via the activation of HSF1 and the heat shock cascade.
Micromixing of Solid‐liquid Systems in a Stirred Tank with Double Impellers
Authors: Yang L. , Cheng J. , Fan P. , Yang C. , Mao Z.
Published: February 2013

The effect of solid particles on micromixing has been studied using the competitive iodide/iodate reaction system in stirred, multi‐impeller, solid‐liquid systems. The influences of particle size, impeller speed, solid holdup, feed position, and energy input have been investigated. The change of the segregation index with the power input was more distinguishable only for the 450–600 μm particles as compared with the large ones, at the same solid holdups. Also, for the small ones, cloud formation was observed at a particle concentration of 12.1 wt %. However, the influence of larger particles of 1–1.25 mm on micromixing was negligible, though both energy input and solid loading were increased. Besides, the optimal feed position was identified, and multiple feeds were also explored.
One‐Dimensional Pseudo‐Homo‐geneous Packed‐Bed Reactor Modeling: II. Energy Equation and Effective Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Srinivasan A. , Depcik C.
Published: February 2013

A corresponding paper by the authors explored the chemical species equation and effective diffusivity correlations for a one‐dimensional pseudo‐homogeneous packed‐bed reactor model useful for calibration of chemical kinetics. This paper expands on the formulation of this model by describing the energy equation and its applicability depending on reactor conditions. Included is a review and parametric study involving effective thermal conductivity correlations that analyzes the different choices available. The combined result of these review efforts is the description of a model that should be used prior to experimentation. In particular, exploration of the model along with calculation of the associated nondimensional parameters using literature‐derived kinetics before beginning laboratory efforts will help ensure the correct space velocities and bed lengths that generate chemical kinetics only as a function of chemical constituents and not reactor design.
Antileishmanial Activity of Natural Product‐Like Naphthoquinones
Authors: Malerich Jeremiah P. , Li Jinfang , Joder Dallas , Vieria Érica L. M. , Keesen Tatjana S. L. , Vaidyanathan Rajeev , Gollob Kenneth J. , Tanga Mary J.
Published: February 2013

Preclinical Research

The antileishmanial activity of compounds inspired by naphthoquinone secondary metabolites from Bignoniaceae is presented. Three structural series of compounds from a common biosynthetic pathway were evaluated against Leishmania major. Compound (15), an analog of the natural product pinnatal, was more active than amphotericin B against L. major. When tested against L. (Viannia) braziliensis and L. infantum, compound 15 showed similar activity to amphotericin B.
Advancing Renewable Normal Human Cell Assays for Drug Discovery
Authors: Sherley James L.
Published: February 2013

Preclinical Research

A major shortcoming in current drug development evaluation assays is the routine absence of renewable normal human tissue cells. Renewable tumor‐derived and transformed cell lines are pervasive in human cell culture panels used in drug screens and for drug evaluations. Although there are examples of inclusion of preparations of primary human tissue cells (e.g., human hepatocytes), the quality of these materials is variable and their availability is unreliable. The absence of renewable normal tissue cells in drug assays reflects a normal characteristic of most mature cells in human tissues. With few exceptions, they are terminally differentiated and do not divide, in vivo or in vitro, and those which do divide are developmentally programmed to undergo a permanent cell cycle arrest after a limited number of divisions. Because of these intrinsic tissue cell properties, producing normal human tissue cells in sufficient quantity for routine use in drug evaluation studies has proven essentially impossible. Tissue‐specific distributed stem cells (DSCs), which divide by asymmetric self‐renewal to continuously renew mature differentiated tissue cells, may be the key to addressing this unmet need for more effective drug discovery. However, DSCs, which are exceedingly scarce in tissues, are notoriously difficult to identify and, previously, inexplicably refractory to expansion in culture. Here, recent advances in the discovery of DSC‐specific biomarkers and methods for ex vivo expansion of human DSC strains are discussed in terms of their potential to enable a new era of drug discovery and development by advancing renewable normal human cell assays into routine practice.
Fixation/Permeabilization: New Alternative Procedure for Immunofluorescence and mRNA In Situ Hybridization of Vertebrate and Invertebrate Embryos
Authors: Fernández Juan , Fuentes Ricardo
Published: February 2013

A new procedure is described to visualize the spatial pattern of expression of proteins and mRNAs in cryosections or whole‐mounted leech, Drosophila, zebrafish, and chick embryos. Our principal contribution is in the use of a nonconventional fixation/permeabilization procedure based on the use of formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde combined with a short C‐chain carboxylic acid. Detergents, methanol, and proteinases were omitted. Hybridization procedures were modified from those of routinely used protocols developed for the same embryos. Results showed that cytoskeletal and other cytoplasmic proteins, as well as different mRNAs, were clearly visualized in the expected regions of the embryos. Our procedure has several advantages over currently used protocols: is simpler, produces better general preservation of cells, yields reliable results, and can be used for embryos of different taxa at different developmental stages. It is hypothesized that short C‐chain aliphatic carboxylic acids modulate the cross‐linking effect of aldehyde fixatives on cell proteins. Developmental Dynamics 242:493–507, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Electron‐Rich Sterically Hindered P1 Phosphazene Bases by the Staudinger Reaction
Authors: Alexandrova Anastasia V. , Mašek Tomáš , Polyakova Svetlana M. , Císařová Ivana , Saame Jaan , Leito Ivo , Lyapkalo Ilya M.
Published: February 2013

The synthesis of electron‐rich P1 phosphazene bases with a sterically protected basic center by a Staudinger reaction is reported. The initial products of the reaction between peralkylated triaminophosphanes and bulky alkyl azides, phosphazides 1a–f, were isolated in all cases in good to quantitative yield. The structures of 1d and 1e were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Acidic hydrolysis of pyrrolidino‐substituted phosphazide (pyrr)3PN3tBu 1d led to the quantitative formation of aminophosphonium salt (pyrr)3PNH2+·BF4– 8, a direct precursor to a Schwesinger's “building block” synthetic unit. Thermally induced denitrogenation of the phosphazides, which is the second step performed in most cases under solvent‐free conditions gave P1 phosphazene bases 2a–f in moderate to excellent yields. A “one‐pot” two‐step synthesis of phosphazene bases from commercially available triaminophosphanes was discovered. Most of the syntheses were performed on a large laboratory scale. The basicities of the newly synthesized bases 2e and 2f were determined. X‐ray crystal structures were obtained for base 2e and for protonated species 2d·HBF4, 2e·HBF4, and 2f·HOTs, which provided the crucial geometrical parameters around the basic center. A rationale for the higher basicity of the pyrrolidino‐ (pyrr)3P=NR than the piperidino‐ (pip)3P=NR phosphazenes is presented.
Enantioselective LaIII‐pyBOX‐Catalyzed Nitro‐Michael Addition to (E)‐2‐Azachalcones
Authors: Blay Gonzalo , Incerti Celia , Muñoz M. Carmen , Pedro José R.
Published: February 2013

A [La(OTf)3] complex with a new pyBOX ligand bearing a bulky 1‐naphthylmethyl substituent at the 4′‐position of the oxazoline ring catalyzes the conjugate addition of nitroalkanes to a broad range of (E)‐2‐azachalcones, providing the expected nitro‐Michael products with good yields and enantiomeric excesses up to 87 %. The optical purity of the products can be increased by a single crystallization. A plausible stereochemical model to account for the observed stereochemistry has been proposed.
Synthesis of Internal Alkynes through the Pd‐Catalyzed Coupling of Heteroaryl Halides with Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Lu Linhua , Yan Hong , Sun Peng , Zhu Yan , Yang Hailong , Liu Defu , Rong Guangwei , Mao Jincheng
Published: February 2013

Sonogashira‐type cross‐couplings of functionalized heterocyclic halides with terminal alkynes were performed efficiently at room temperature. The heteroaryl halides were easily prepared from the corresponding heterocyclic compounds. The catalytic system tolerated a very broad scope of substrates; oxazoles, thiazoles, and furans participate in this type of reaction for the first time. This reaction provides an efficient method for the direct functionalization of heterocycles.
Do seismic waves sense fracture connectivity?
Authors: Germán Rubino J. , Guarracino Luis , Müller Tobias M. , Holliger Klaus
Published: February 2013

A defining characteristic of fractured rocks is their very high level of seismic attenuation, which so far has been assumed to be mainly due to wave‐induced fluid flow (WIFF) between the fractures and the pore space of the embedding matrix. Using oscillatory compressibility simulations based on the quasi‐static poroelastic equations, we show that another important, and as of yet undocumented, manifestation of WIFF is at play in the presence of fracture connectivity. This additional energy loss is predominantly due to fluid flow within the connected fractures and is sensitive to their lengths, permeabilities, and intersection angles. Correspondingly, it contains key information on the governing hydraulic properties of fractured rock masses and hence should be accounted for whenever realistic seismic models of such media are needed.
Extracting tidal variability of sea ice concentration from AMSR‐E passive microwave single‐swath data: a case study of the Ross Sea
Authors: Mack Stefanie , Padman Laurie , Klinck John
Published: February 2013

The periodic divergence of stress applied by ocean tidal currents to sea ice affects the time‐averaged ice concentration (Cice) and heat and freshwater fluxes at the ocean surface. We demonstrate that, at sufficiently high latitudes, tidal variability in Cice can be extracted from single‐swath data from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–EOS (AMSR‐E) satellite passive microwave sensor, although time intervals between swaths are irregular. For the northwest Ross Sea where tidal currents are large, tidal divergence is the dominant cause of Cice variability in winter, with a range of ±0.2 about a mean of ~0.8. Daily‐averaged Cice values vary from >0.9 at neap tides to ~0.7 at spring tides. Variability at the fundamental tidal periods is about half that expected from an inverse barotropic tide model for the Ross Sea, suggesting that the measured tidal signal in Cice may be used to diagnose sea ice mechanical properties and ice/ocean coupling.
Seasonal forecast skill of Arctic sea ice area in a dynamical forecast system
Authors: Sigmond M. , Fyfe J. C. , Flato G. M. , Kharin V. V. , Merryfield W. J.
Published: February 2013

We assess the seasonal forecast skill of pan‐Arctic sea ice area in a dynamical forecast system that includes interactive atmosphere, ocean, and sea ice components. Forecast skill is quantified by the correlation skill score computed from 12 month ensemble forecasts initialized in each month between January 1979 to December 2009. We find that forecast skill is substantial for all lead times and predicted seasons except spring but is mainly due to the strong downward trend in observations for lead times of about 4 months and longer. Skill is higher when evaluated against an observation‐based dataset with larger trends. The forecast skill when linear trends are removed from the forecasts and verifying observations is small and generally not statistically significant at lead times greater than 2 to 3 months, except for January/February when forecast skill is moderately high up to an 11 month lead time. For short lead times, high trend‐independent forecast skill is found for October, while low skill is found for November/December. This is consistent with the seasonal variation of observed lag correlations. For most predicted months and lead times, trend‐independent forecast skill exceeds that of an anomaly persistence forecast, highlighting the potential for dynamical forecast systems to provide valuable seasonal predictions of Arctic sea ice.
Exploring links between Arctic amplification and mid‐latitude weather
Authors: Screen James A. , Simmonds Ian
Published: February 2013

This study examines observed changes (1979–2011) in atmospheric planetary‐wave amplitude over northern mid‐latitudes, which have been proposed as a possible mechanism linking Arctic amplification and mid‐latitude weather extremes. We use two distinct but equally‐valid definitions of planetary‐wave amplitude, termed meridional amplitude, a measure of north‐south meandering, and zonal amplitude, a measure of the intensity of atmospheric ridges and troughs at 45°N. Statistically significant changes in either metric are limited to few seasons, wavelengths, and longitudinal sectors. However in summer, we identify significant increases in meridional amplitude over Europe, but significant decreases in zonal amplitude hemispherically, and also individually over Europe and Asia. Therefore, we argue that possible connections between Arctic amplification and planetary waves, and implications of these, are sensitive to how waves are conceptualized. The contrasting meridional and zonal amplitude trends have different and complex possible implications for midlatitude weather, and we encourage further work to better understand these.
Minimal Kakeya Sets
Authors: Dover Jeremy M. , Mellinger Keith E. , Scott Kelly E.
Published: February 2013

Blokhuis and Mazzocca (A. Blokhuis and F. Mazzocca, The finite field Kakeya problem (English summary). Building bridges. Bolyai Soc Math Stud 19 (2008) 205–218) provide a strong answer to the finite field analog of the classical Kakeya problem, which asks for the minimum size of a point set in an affine plane π that contains a line in every direction. In this article, we consider the related problem of minimal Kakeya sets, namely Kakeya sets containing no smaller Kakeya sets, and provide an interesting infinite family of minimal Kakeya sets that are not of extremal size.
Particulate organic matter export by two contrasting small mountainous rivers from the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A.
Authors: Goñi Miguel A. , Hatten Jeff A. , Wheatcroft Robert A. , Borgeld Jeffry C.
Published: February 2013

We investigated the export of particulate organic matter (POM) to the ocean by two contrasting small, mountainous rivers, the Umpqua and Eel Rivers, by collecting suspended sediment samples over a range of discharges and analyzing them for a variety of constituents, including organic carbon, nitrogen, biomarkers with distinct biochemical sources, and isotopic compositions (δ13C and Δ14C). Concentrations of all measured constituents in both rivers increased as a function of discharge, resulting in their export being dominated by short‐lived, wintertime high‐discharge events. In the Umpqua River, marked compositional contrasts between low‐ and high‐discharge conditions were consistent with a shift in the provenance of POM from biogenic sources dominated by non‐vascular plant sources at low flows to contributions from vascular plant sources of moderate 14C ages (~300 years before present) dominating at high flows. In contrast, POM from the Eel River, which was highly diluted by mineral sediment at all discharges, had significant contributions from petrogenic sources and displayed lower concentrations of recognizable biomarkers. Both rivers had comparable yields of biogenic POM, which appeared to be moderately degraded and originated primarily from surface soils in erosion prone areas of the watersheds. While tectonic/geologic differences help explain the contrasts in sediment and petrogenic POM yields between the two watersheds, ecological factors such as vegetation coverage, productivity, and soil carbon are more important in influencing the composition of biogenic POM mobilized from these systems.
A snapshot of radiation therapy techniques and technology in Queensland: An aid to mapping undergraduate curriculum
Authors: Bridge Pete , Carmichael Mary‐Ann , Brady Carole , Dry Allison
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Undergraduate students studying the Bachelor of Radiation Therapy at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) attend clinical placements in a number of department sites across Queensland. To ensure that the curriculum prepares students for the most common treatments and current techniques in use in these departments, a curriculum matching exercise was performed.

Methods

A cross‐sectional census was performed on a pre‐determined “Snapshot” date in 2012. This was undertaken by the clinical education staff in each department who used a standardized proforma to count the number of patients as well as prescription, equipment, and technique data for a list of tumour site categories. This information was combined into aggregate anonymized data.

Results

All 12 Queensland radiation therapy clinical sites participated in the Snapshot data collection exercise to produce a comprehensive overview of clinical practice on the chosen day. A total of 59 different tumour sites were treated on the chosen day and as expected the most common treatment sites were prostate and breast, comprising 46% of patients treated. Data analysis also indicated that intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) use is relatively high with 19.6% of patients receiving IMRT treatment on the chosen day. Both IMRT and image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) indications matched recommendations from the evidence.

Conclusion

The Snapshot method proved to be a feasible and efficient method of gathering useful data to inform curriculum matching. Frequency of IMRT use in Queensland matches or possibly exceeds that indicated in the literature. It is recommended that future repetition of the study be undertaken in order to monitor trends in referral patterns and new technology implementation.
Foliations with trivial canonical bundle on Fano 3‐folds
Authors: Loray Frank , Pereira Jorge Vitório , Touzet Frédéric
Published: February 2013

We classify the irreducible components of the space of foliations on Fano 3‐folds with rank one Picard group. As a corollary we obtain a classification of holomorphic Poisson structures on the same class of 3‐folds.
A sequence variant in the phospholipase C epsilon C2 domain is associated with esophageal carcinoma and esophagitis
Authors: Wang Li‐Dong , Bi Xiuli , Song Xin , Pohl Nicole M. , Cheng Yulan , Zhou Yixing , Shears Stephen , Ansong Emmanuel , Xing Mengtao , Wang Shaomeng , Xu Xiao‐Chun , Huang Peng , Xu Liyan , Wang Liang , Fan Zongmin , Zhao Xueke , Dong Huali , Meltzer Stephen J. , Ding Ivan , Yang Wancai
Published: February 2013

A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (rs2274223: A5780G:His1927Arg) in the phospholipase C epsilon gene (PLCϵ) was recently identified as a susceptibility locus for esophageal cancer in Chinese subjects. To determine the underlying mechanisms of PLCϵ and this SNP in esophageal carcinogenesis, we analyzed PLCϵ genotypes, expression, and their correlation in esophageal cancer cell lines, non‐transformed esophageal cells, 58 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and 10,614 non‐cancer subjects from China. We found that the G allele (AG or GG) was associated with increased PLCϵ mRNA and protein expression in esophageal cancer tissues and in esophageal cancer cell lines. G allele was also associated with higher enzyme activity, which might be associated with increased protein expression. Quantitative analysis of the C2 domain sequences revealed that A:G allelic imbalance was strongly linked to esophageal malignancy. Moreover, the analysis of 10,614 non‐cancer subjects demonstrated that the G allele was strongly associated with moderate to severe esophagitis in the subjects from the high‐incidence areas of China (OR 6.03, 95% CI 1.59–22.9 in high‐incidence area vs. OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.33–1.64 in low‐incidence area; P = 0.008). In conclusion, the PLCϵ gene, particularly the 5780G allele, might play a pivotal role in esophageal carcinogenesis via upregulating PLCϵ mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity, and augmenting inflammatory process in esophageal epithelium. Thus, 5780G allele may constitute a promising biomarker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk stratification, early detection, and progression prediction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mild depressive symptoms are associated with gait impairment in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lord Sue , Galna Brook , Coleman Shirley , Burn David , Rochester Lynn
Published: February 2013

The association between nonmotor characteristics and gait in Parkinson's disease (PD) is well established, particularly the role of cognition. Evidence is emerging that depression, an underrecognized symptom in PD is also associated with gait impairment. This cross‐sectional study examined the association between depressive symptomatology and gait in early PD. Depression was measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), disease severity with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III, and cognition with the Mini Mental Status Examination. Gait speed and gait variability were measured using a 7‐m walkway (GAITRite). Linear regression was used to examine the association between depression and gait for PD and controls, controlling for age, cognition, and severity. PD participants who presented with clinically relevant depressive symptoms (GDS ≥ 5) were compared with those who scored < 5. One hundred and twenty‐two people with newly diagnosed PD and 184 controls were assessed. Depression scores were significantly higher for PD patients than for controls (P < .001), although neither group presented with clinically relevant symptomatology (mean [SD] for PD, 2.7 [2.3]; for controls, 1.1 [1.8]). For gait speed there was a main effect for depression (P < .001) and a group × depression interaction that approached significance (P = .054). For gait variability there was a main effect for depression (P < .01). PD participants with GDS scores ≥ 5 had a slower and more variable gait. Very mild depressive symptoms are associated with gait disturbance in early PD. Depression may be a marker for degeneration in nondopaminergic systems in early PD and influence mechanisms of gait disturbance. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Levodopa‐induced dyskinesias in tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Pons Roser , Syrengelas Dimitris , Youroukos Sotiris , Orfanou Irene , Dinopoulos Arqirios , Cormand Bru , Ormazabal Aida , Garzía‐Cazorla Angels , Serrano Mercedes , Artuch Rafael
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to characterize levodopa (l‐dopa)–induced dyskinesias in patients with tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency. Clinical observation was carried out on 6 patients who were diagnosed with tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency and were treated with escalating doses of l‐dopa. All 6 patients showed l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesias of variable intensity early in the course of treatment and regardless of the age of initiation. l‐Dopa–induced dyskinesias were precipitated by increases in the dose of l‐dopa and also by febrile illnesses and stress. They caused dysfunction and distress in 2 patients. The dyskinesias were improved by decreasing the l‐dopa dose or by slowing its titration upward. Increasing the dose frequency was helpful in 2 patients, and introducing amantadine was helpful in another 2 patients. l‐Dopa–induced dyskinesias are a common phenomenon in tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency. The current observations show that l‐dopa–induced dyskinesias are frequent in a dopamine‐deficient state in the absence of nigrostriatal degeneration. Although l‐dopa–induced dyskinesias in tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency are phenomenologically similar to those that occur in Parkinson's disease, they are different in a number of other respects, suggesting intrinsic differences in the pathophysiologic basis of l‐dopa–induced dyskinesias in the 2 conditions. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society