bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiotherapy-enhanced ototoxicity in elderly
Authors: Malgonde Monika S. , Kumar Manoj
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Most head and neck cancers occur in elderly age and there is a natural occurrence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) due to age also. Despite the ages and the physiological changes inherent to ageing, their auditory systems when exposed to aggressive agents caused the hearing loss to be greater as a consequence of the treatment received. Materials and Methods: Histopathologically proved 66 head and neck cancer patients were subjected to radiotherapy (RT) and 34 patients were subjected to concomitant chemoradiation (RT + CT) to study the occurrence of SNHL from 1 st September 2010 to 31 st August 2012. Result: It was found that the percentage of significant SNHL was more in patients >50 years after RT and RT + CT. It was also found that the results were significant. Conclusion: The occurrence of SNHL is more in elderly and the concern for the quality of life of patients undergoing cancer treatment is necessarily growing. Hence, the determination of hearing loss should be a part of investigations to enable better rehabilitation in elderly.
Urodynamic and continence assessment of orthotropic neobladder reconstruction following radical cystectomy in bladder cancer; a prospective, blinded North Indian tertiary care experience
Authors: Singh Vishwajeet , Mandal Swarnendu , Patil Sachin , Sinha Rahul Janak , Gupta Dheeraj Kumar , Sankhwar Satya Narayan
Published: October 2014

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare urodynamic and continence parameters among patients undergoing orthotropic neo-bladder substitution with sigmoid or ileal segments. Variations in the Urodynamic parameter between the continent and incontinent patients were also evaluated. Patients and Methods: From January 2008 to March 2012, 44 patients underwent ileal neobladder (IN) reconstruction and 36 patients underwent sigmoid neobladder (SN) reconstruction. Evaluation of Urodynamic and Continence parameters was performed at 12 months after surgery. Results: The average capacity of IN and SN was 510 ml and 532 ml respectively. The voiding pressure, mean peak flow rates and post void residual urine (PVRU) for IN and SN were 27.5 cm H 2 O versus 37 cm H 2 O, 15ml/s versus 17ml/s and 36 ml versus 25 ml respectively. Daytime continence for IN and SN was 93% (41/44) and 89% (32/36), and night-time continence was 91% (40/44) and 78% (28/36) respectively. The compliance, maximum cystometric capacity and PVRU in the daytime continent (versus incontinent) were 61 (versus 41), 471 (versus 651) and 22 (versus 124) and in the night-time continent (versus incontinent) were 57 (versus 43), 437 (versus 654) and 18 (versus 105) respectively. Conclusion: A neobladder constructed from detubularized ileum or sigmoid achieves urodynamically proven adequate capacity and compliance with 89-93% daytime and 78-91% night time continence. Continent men when compared with incontinent (both daytime and night time) were more likely to have comparatively higher compliance, lower maximum cystometric capacity and lower PVRU. Urodynamic study could predict which incontinent men would improve with pelvic floor exercises and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).
RAD51BActivity and Cell Cycle Regulation in Response to DNA Damage in Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Lee Phoebe S. , Fang Jun , Jessop Lea , Myers Timothy , Raj Preethi , Hu Nan , Wang Chaoyu , Taylor Philip R. , Wang Jianjun , Khan Javed , Jasin Maria , Chanock Stephen J.
Published: October 2014

Common genetic variants mapping to two distinct regions of RADS1B, a paralog of RADS1, have been associated with breast cancer risk in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). RADS1B is a plausible candidate gene because of its established role in the homologous recombination (HR) process. How germline genetic variation in RADS1B confers susceptibility to breast cancer is not well understood. Here, we investigate the molecular function of RADS1B in breast cancer cell lines by knocking down RADS1B expression by small interfering RNA and treating cells with DNA-damaging agents, namely cisplatin, hydroxyurea, or methyl-methanesulfonate. Our results show that RAD51B-depleted breast cancer cells have increased sensitivity to DNA damage, reduced efficiency of HR, and altered cell cycle checkpoint responses. The influence of RAD51B on the cell cycle checkpoint is independent of its role in HR and further studies are required to determine whether these functions can explain the RADS1B breast cancer susceptibility alleles.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis-induced Hypertriglyceridemic Acute Pancreatitis Treated with Plasmapheresis—Recipe for Biochemical Disaster Management
Authors: Seth Abhishek , Rajpal Saurabh , Saigal Taru , Bienvenu John , Sheth Ankur , Alexander Jonathan S. , Boktor Moheb , Manas Kenneth , Morris James D. , Jordan Paul A.
Published: October 2014

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-induced hypertriglyceridemia causing pancreatitis is an interesting phenomenon that has rarely been reported in literature. Plasmapharesis is a well known treatment modality for hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis. We report a patient with DKA-induced hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis treated successfully with plasmapharesis.
Mining Cancer-Specific Disease Comorbidities from a Large Observational Health Database
Authors: Chen Yang , Xu Rong
Published: October 2014

Cancer comorbidities often reflect the complex pathogenesis of cancers and provide valuable clues to discover the underlying genetic mechanisms of cancers. In this study, we systematically mine and analyze cancer-specific comorbidity from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. We stratified 3,354,043 patients based on age and gender, and developed a network-based approach to extract comorbidity patterns from each patient group. We compared the comorbidity patterns among different patient groups and investigated the effect of age and gender on cancer comorbidity patterns. The results demonstrated that the comorbidity relationships between cancers and non-cancer diseases largely depend on age and gender. A few exceptions are depression, anxiety, and metabolic syndrome, whose comorbidity relationships with cancers are relatively stable among all patients. Literature evidences demonstrate that these stable cancer comorbidities reflect the pathogenesis of cancers. We applied our comorbidity mining approach on colorectal cancer and detected its comorbid associations with metabolic syndrome components, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Our results not only confirmed known cancer comorbidities but also generated novel hypotheses, which can illuminate the common pathophysiology between cancers and their co-occurring diseases.
Essential Commutants of Semicrossed Products
Authors: Hasegawa Kei
Published: October 2014

Let α: G ↷ M be a spatial action of a countable abelian group on a “spatial” von Neumann algebra M and let S be its unital subsemigroup with G = S-1S. We explicitly compute the essential commutant and the essential fixed-points, modulo the Schatten p-class or the compact operators, of the w*-semicrossed product of M by S when M' contains no non-zero compact operators. We also prove a weaker result when M is a von Neumann algebra on a finite dimensional Hilbert space and (G, S) = (ℤ, ℤ+), which extends a famous result due to Davidson (1977) for the classical analytic Toeplitz operators.
Failure of Burkholderia pseudomallei to Grow in an Automated Blood Culture System
Authors: Teerawattanasook Nittaya , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Day Nicholas P. J. , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn
Published: October 2014

We compared the organisms isolated from 30,210 pairs of blood culture bottles by using BacT/Alert system and the conventional system. Overall, 2,575 (8.5%) specimens were culture positive for pathogenic organisms. The sensitivity for detection of pathogenic organisms with the BACT/Alert system (85.6%, 2,203 of 2,575) was significantly higher than that with the conventional method (74.1%, 1,908 of 2,575; P < 0.0001). However, Burkholderia pseudomallei was isolated less often with the BacT/ALERT system (73.5%, 328 of 446) than with the conventional system (90.3%, 403 of 446; P < 0.0001). This finding suggests that use of the conventional culture method in conjunction with the BacT/Alert system may improve the isolation rate for B. pseudomallei in melioidosis-endemic areas.
Experimental Inoculation of Artibeus jamaicensis Bats with Dengue Virus Serotypes 1 or 4 Showed No Evidence of Sustained Replication
Authors: Cabrera-Romo Salomé , Recio-Tótoro Benito , Alcalá Ana C. , Lanz Humberto , del Ángel Rosa María , Sánchez-Cordero Victor , Rodríguez-Moreno Ángel , Ludert Juan E.
Published: October 2014

Dengue is the most important mosquito-borne viral disease to humans. Bats are potential reservoirs for flaviviruses, including dengue virus (DENV). In this work, Artibeus jamaicensis bats were inoculated with two serotypes of DENV using different routes. For experimental inoculations (EI) 1 and 2, bats were inoculated subcutaneously or intraperitoneally with DENV-4; for EI-3 bats were inoculated intraperitoneally with DENV-1. Mock inoculated bats were kept as controls. In EI-4, bats were bitten by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with DENV-1 or 4. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays in plasma and spleen tissue collected from Day 1 to Days 9–17 after inoculation failed to reveal the presence of viral RNA in any of the samples. No evidence of circulating NS1 or specific anti-DENV IgG was detected in the plasma of the inoculated bats. These results indicate that A. jamaicensis bats are incapable of sustaining dengue virus replication and are unlikely to act as reservoirs for this virus.
Influence of rain pulse characteristics over intrastorm throughfall hot moments
Authors: Van Stan J. T. , Gay T. E.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Forest canopy alters the amount of rainfall reaching the surface by redistributing it as throughfall. Throughfall is critical to watershed ecological variables (soil moisture, stream water discharge/chemistry, and stormflow pathways) and controlled by canopy structural interactions with meteorological conditions across temporal scales (from seasonal to within-event). This work uses complete linkage cluster analysis to identify intrastorm rain pulses of distinct meteorological conditions (beginning-of-storm and internal-to-storm pulses that are atmospherically dry, moderate, or wet), relates each cluster to intrastorm throughfall responses, then applies multiple correspondence analyses (MCAs) to a range of meteorological thresholds (median intensity, coefficient of variation (CV) of intensity, mean wind-driven droplet inclination angle, and CV of wind speed) for identification of interacting storm conditions corresponding to hot moments in throughfall generation (≥ 80% of rainfall). Equalling/exceeding rain intensity thresholds (median and CV) corresponded with throughfall hot moments across all rain pulse types. Under these intensity conditions, two wind mechanisms produced significant correspondences: (1) high wind-driven droplet inclination angles under steady wind increased surface wetting; and (2) sporadic winds shook entrained droplets from surfaces. Correspondences with these threshold conditions were greatest for pulses of moderate vapour pressure deficit (VPD), but weakest under high VPD. Weaker correspondences between throughfall hot moments and meteorological thresholds for high VPD pulses may be because canopy structures were not included in the MCA. In that vein, strongest meteorological threshold correspondences to throughfall hot moments at our site may be a function of heavy T. usneoides coverage. Future applications of MCA within other forests are, therefore, recommended to characterize how throughfall hot moments may be affected along drainage paths dependent on different structures (leaves, twigs, branches, etc.).
Estimate of ULF electromagnetic noise caused by a fluid flow during seismic or volcano activity
Authors: Surkov V. V. , Pilipenko V. A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The elaboration of theoretical models, even oversimplified, capable to estimate an expected electromagnetic effect during earthquake preparation process is not less important than the advancement of observational technique to detect seismic-related electromagnetic emission. Here possible mechanisms of ULF electromagnetic noise associated with seismic or volcanic activity are discussed. The electrokinetic (EK) and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects due to an irregular flow of conducting rock fluid or magma flow are being revised. The conventional theory of EK effect in a water-saturated rocks has been advanced by consideration of elliptic-shaped channels. A contribution of both mechanisms to observed ULF signal on the ground is shown to be dependent on the pore channel size/rock permeability. Estimates of magnetic and telluric perturbations caused by magma motion along a volcano throat indicate on the important role of the surrounding rock conductivity. These estimates have proven that the mechanisms under consideration are able to generate ULF electromagnetic emission which could be detected by modern magnetometers under favorable conditions.
Evaluating an Investment Opportunity Under Risk and Uncertainty Environment: A Case Study About Profitability and Risk in Desert Farming at Najed Area
Authors: Ishag Kheiry Hassan M. , Abdelaziz Hag Hamad
Published: October 2014

Fodder is continuously cultivated in coastal area of Salalah and Batinah region of Sultanate of Oman. However, this created a negative impact on the overall agriculture system and producti­on. The government authority stopped the cultivation of Rhodes grass in coastal area and support farmers with incentive systems in order to increase fodder production investment at Najed area. Due to irrigation water policy regulations, new technical solutions required, underground water availability, fodder investors have little data to help in making investment decisions. In addition, fodder production investments are characterized by much uncertainty due to the nature of the desert farming which is relying on many factors that cannot be controlled. In this paper a dynamic evaluation model was formed and developed as a method of analyzing the economic feasibility of fodder cultivation investment project with regard to project profitability under risk environment. Economic feasibility of the investment is evaluated through calculation of the Net Present Value and IRR by using Monte Carlo Simulation models. Our objective is to formulate a dynamic programming simulation model for the investment decision with incorporating this uncertainty in a probabilistic manner. Our simulation model result shows that the dynamic models are able to help investors and policy makers in taking optimum investment decision. Taking the risk into account leads to a significant decrease of the economic attractiveness of stakeholders and more Government support is needed to achieve water policy objectives and project sustainability at new developed area at Najed.
Water Policy Under Risk and Uncertainty A Dynamic Evaluation Model of Fodder Cultivation in Oman
Authors: Ishag Kheiry Hassan M. , Abdelaziz Hag Hamad
Published: October 2014

The continuous cultivation of the Rhodes Grass in Batinah costal area and Salalah region of Sultanate of Oman has a negative impact on the overall agriculture system and production. Improvement of the conditions could be achieved by introducing new water policy into farming and using Government suppor­ting tools to motivate farmers and achieve financial sustainability. The new water policy and strategies formed by Government are examined in three cultivated locations in this paper: Salalah location with enough irrigation water, Hanfeet location with low irrigation water and Dawkah location with very low irrigation water. Economic efficiency of the location is evaluated through the Net Present Value and IRR calculation. Within the assumption of the objective evaluation of input parameters, we can expect an acceptable economic efficiency of the investment only in Salalah location. The simplified deterministic evaluation of economic efficiency is formed to identify the relevant risk factors, followed by its quantification by the simulation processes. Taking the risk into account leads to a significant decrease of the economic attractiveness of stakeholders and more Government support is needed to achieve water policy and project sustainability at new location at Hanfeet and Dawkah location.
Characterization of potent odorant compounds in Turkish olive oils by GC-MS-olfactometric techniques
Authors: Kesen Songul , Kelebek Hasim , Selli Serkan
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the most powerful aroma-active compounds of olive oils obtained from Ayvalik (AYV), Gemlik (GEM) and Memecik (MEM) cultivars harvested in 2011, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O). Simultaneous distillation and extraction (SDE) with dichloromethane was used for extraction of volatile components. The aromaactive compounds of olive oils were evaluated by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). A total of 14, 12 and 12 aroma-active compounds within the range of ≥64–1024 flavor dilution (FD) factors were detected in aromatic extracts of olive oils obtained from AYV, GEM and MEM cvs., respectively. The compounds having the highest FD factor (1024) were (Z)-3-hexenol (cut grass, herbal) and βsesquiphellandrene (floral) for AYV oil and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate (fruity) for MEM oil. Among these compounds, terpenes were the overwhelmingly largest aroma-active components followed by aldehydes. 
Peer-teaching in the food chemistry laboratory: student-produced experiments, peer and audio feedback, and integration of employability skills
Authors: Dunne Julie
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the author’s experience over the last several years of implementing an alternative Food Chemistry laboratory practical model for a group of third-year BSc Nutraceuticals students. The initial main objectives were to prepare students for the more independent final-year research project; to incorporate innovative approaches to feedback; and to integrate key employability skills into the curriculum. These were achieved through building the skills required to ultimately allow students working in groups to research, design and run a laboratory for their class. The first year of the project involved innovative approaches to feedback, including weekly feedback sessions, report checklists and audio feedback podcasts. Student evaluation after one year suggested the case group felt more prepared for final-year research projects and work placement owing to the redesign of the laboratory assessment. This, together with general positive feedback across several indicators, was proof of concept, and was a foundation for an improved model. The improvements related to the organisation and management of the project, but the same pedagogical approach has been retained. The second year saw the introduction of a more rigorous and easier to manage peer evaluation through use of the online Comprehensive Assessment for Team-Member Effectiveness (CATME) tool. The most recent revision has included a Project Wiki hosted on Blackboard™to facilitate the organisation, communication, assessment and feedback of student-generated resources. More recently, the final-year students who had participated in the peer-teaching Food Chemistry labs when in third year have been evaluated. This evaluation took place following their research projects, and suggests that the peer-teaching model better prepared them for these activities, compared to traditional laboratories.
Stability of cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) nectar during storage
Authors: C. Vieira Margarida , L. M. Silva Cristina
Published: October 2014

A shelf-life study on cupua¸cu nectar (Theobroma grandiflorum) was carried out in two parts. Part I studied the microbial stability of the regular nectar (batch R) and the same nectar fortified with synthetic ascorbic acid (AA) (batch F), pasteurized at 90 ◦C for 3 min and hot filled in glass bottles. Total Plate Count (TPC), yeast and molds as well as pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity and hidroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were followed along 43 storage days at 4, 25 and 35 ◦C. At the end of the storage period neither TPC nor molds or yeast had recovered the initial loads observed before pasteurization, for both R and F batches. Right after pasteurization, acidity increased slightly, pH decreased from 3.52 to 3.3, and TSS increased from 18.7 to 19.0 ◦Brix, with all stabilizing afterwards. Part II evaluated ascorbic (AA) and dehydroascorbic (DHAA) acids’ stabilization in the two batches, R and F, and dissolved oxygen (DO) was monitored. Both batches were stored at the same temperatures as in Part I for two months. For batch R, the AA degradation results followed a reversible first order reaction (EaAA(R) =-34±6 kJ/mol, k AA(R)25◦C =0.006±0.003 days−1 , C0AA(R)=0.92±0.01 and C ∞AA(R)= 0.43±0.19). For the (F) nectar, the experimental data fitted a first order model well (EaAA(F )=30±17 kJ/mol, k AA(F )25◦C =0.0016±0.0004 days−1 ). DO was modeled as a fractional conversion model (EaDO= 67±17 kJ/mol, kDO25◦C = 1.94±0.94 days−1 , C0DO=0.97±0.03 and C ∞DO= 0.55±0.01). For both nectars, storage at environmental temperatures was preferred (AA retention above 80%) to refrigeration, due to the slower rate of diffusion of DO at lower temperatures. 
Fermentation and antimicrobial characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum and Candida tropicalis from Nigerian fermented maize (akamu)
Authors: C. Obinna-Echem Patience , Kuri Victor , Beal Jane
Published: October 2014

This study investigated the ability of Lactobacillus plantarum strains (NGL5 and NGL7) and Candida tropicalis (NGY1) previously identified from akamu-a Nigerian fermented maize food with probiotic L. plantarum LpTx and Saccharomyces boulardii SB20 to ferment ground maize slurries based on pH, acidity, microbial biomass, levels of sugars and organic acids, and their antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis NCTC 5188, Escherichia coli NCTC 11560, Bacillus cereus NCIMB 11925, Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 3750 and Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 7973 using an agar spot assay. L. plantarum strains either as single or mixed starter cultures with the yeasts had growth rates ≥0.15 h−1 , with pH significantly (p≤0.05) decreased to ≤3.93 after 12 h and then to ≤3.52 after 72 h and lactic acid >84 mmol L−1 . The yeasts had growth rates ≥0.18 h−1 but pH was ≥4.57 with lactic acid levels ≤20.23 mmol L−1 after 72 h in the single culture fermentation. There was no inhibition in modified MRS agar: 0.2% glucose and 0.2% glucose without Tween 80. Inhibition halos in MRS agar varied from 10.6 to 23.9 mm. S. bourladii was more inhibitory towards L. monocytogenes (8.6 mm) and B. cereus (5.4 mm ) than was C. tropicalis (1.1 and 3.3 mm for L. monocytogenes NCTC 7973 and B. cereus NCIMB 11925 respectively) (0.9 mm) in malt extract agar. This study showed that C. tropicalis was less inhibitory to the pathogens while antimicrobial activities of the L. plantarum strains were mainly due to acidity and the L. plantarum strains either as single or mixed cultures with the yeasts demonstrated strong fermentation ability, with significant decrease in pH which is vital in the choice of starter for product safety
Effect of pre-treatments on solar drying kinetics of red seedless grapes (cv. Monukka)
Authors: N. Ramos Ines , R.S. Brandao Teresa , L.M. Silva Cristina
Published: October 2014

Two different pre-treatments were applied to grapes prior to drying in a mixed mode solar dryer. Grapes were blanched in water and in a 0.1% sunflower oil water emulsion, both at 99◦C and for approximately 15 seconds. Several models were tested to fit the experimental data of drying curves but the normalized Newton model gave the best fit results. Samples blanched in hot water or in the 0.1% edible oil emulsion had faster drying rates than untreated samples. Contrary to what was expected, pre-treating with the 0.1% edible oil emulsion did not increase the drying rate to a higher extent than blanching. Pre-treatments did not give a noteworthy difference in the total drying time. However, they had an important role in accelerating initial drying rates, thus preventing moulds and bacterial growth and consequently increasing farmers’ income
Mitochondrial fusion but not fission regulates larval growth and synaptic development through steroid hormone production
Authors: Sandoval Hector , Yao Chi-Kuang , Chen Kuchuan , Jaiswal Manish , Donti Taraka , Lin Yong Qi , Bayat Vafa , Xiong Bo , Zhang Ke , David Gabriela , Charng Wu-Lin , Yamamoto Shinya , Duraine Lita , Graham Brett H , Bellen Hugo J
Published: October 2014

Mitochondrial fusion and fission affect the distribution and quality control of mitochondria. We show that Marf (Mitochondrial associated regulatory factor), is required for mitochondrial fusion and transport in long axons. Moreover, loss of Marf leads to a severe depletion of mitochondria in neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Marf mutants also fail to maintain proper synaptic transmission at NMJs upon repetitive stimulation, similar to Drp1 fission mutants. However, unlike Drp1, loss of Marf leads to NMJ morphology defects and extended larval lifespan. Marf is required to form contacts between the endoplasmic reticulum and/or lipid droplets (LDs) and for proper storage of cholesterol and ecdysone synthesis in ring glands. Interestingly, human Mitofusin-2 rescues the loss of LD but both Mitofusin-1 and Mitofusin-2 are required for steroid-hormone synthesis. Our data show that Marf and Mitofusins share an evolutionarily conserved role in mitochondrial transport, cholesterol ester storage and steroid-hormone synthesis.
Establishment of regions of genomic activity during the Drosophila maternal to zygotic transition
Authors: Li Xiao-Yong , Harrison Melissa M , Villalta Jacqueline E , Kaplan Tommy , Eisen Michael B
Published: October 2014

We describe the genome-wide distributions and temporal dynamics of nucleosomes and post-translational histone modifications throughout the maternal-to-zygotic transition in embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. At mitotic cycle 8, when few zygotic genes are being transcribed, embryonic chromatin is in a relatively simple state: there are few nucleosome free regions, undetectable levels of the histone methylation marks characteristic of mature chromatin, and low levels of histone acetylation at a relatively small number of loci. Histone acetylation increases by cycle 12, but it is not until cycle 14 that nucleosome free regions and domains of histone methylation become widespread. Early histone acetylation is strongly associated with regions that we have previously shown to be bound in early embryos by the maternally deposited transcription factor Zelda, suggesting that Zelda triggers a cascade of events, including the accumulation of specific histone modifications, that plays a role in the subsequent activation of these sequences.
Interaction of Bessel Light Beams with Epsilon-near-zero Metamaterials
Authors: Kurilkina S. , Binhussain M. , Belyi V. , Kazak N.
Published: October 2014

The article explores possibilities and conditions of generation of a new type of diffraction-free needle-like field Bessel plasmon polaritons (BPPs) with super narrow cone angle in an epsilon-near-zero metamaterial, surrounded by semi-infinite dielectric media. Correct analytical expressions are obtained and analyzed in detail for the electric and magnetic fields of BPPs formed inside and outside the metamateral slab.
Algal communities in phytotelmata: A comparison of native Collospermum and exotic bromeliads (Monocotyledonae) in New Zealand
Authors: Killick Sarah A. , Blanchon Dan J. , Large Mark Frederick
Published: October 2014

Plants that grow epiphytically are often adapted to hold water in a central cup or leaf axils to maintain hydration given that they cannot access soil water. These bodies of water, called phytotelmata, are temporary miniature aquatic ecosystems. This water frequently contains a variety of microorganisms. The New Zealand native Collospermum hastatum is known to hold water within the leaf axils, however an assessment of algal communities within this habitat has never been undertaken. To remedy this lack of knowledge, water samples were obtained from the leaf axils of Collospermum hastatum, with exotic bromeliads for comparison. Freycinetia banksii and Astelia solandri were also investigated, but excluded from further analysis due to inadequate supply of axil water. Samples were investigated using a light microscope for algae, in particular desmids and diatoms, and other biological material. Urban bromeliads investigated had a wide range of organisms within the phytotelmata, including four genera of diatoms. No desmids were identified. Forest-sourced bromeliad and Collospermum water held a comparatively less diverse range of biota, with a complete lack of algal presence. We propose two possible explanations for this, low background levels of algae for dispersal within native forest environments, and the phytotelmic conditions being unsuitable for algal growth
Shallow methane hydrate system controls ongoing, downslope sediment transport in a low‐velocity active submarine landslide complex, Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand
Authors: Mountjoy Joshu J. , Pecher Ingo , Henrys Stuart , Crutchley Gareth , Barnes Philip M. , Plaza‐Faverola Andreia
Published: October 2014

Morphological and seismic data from a submarine landslide complex east of New Zealand indicate flow‐like deformation within gas hydrate‐bearing sediment. This “creeping” deformation occurs immediately downslope of where the base of gas hydrate stability reaches the seafloor, suggesting involvement of gas hydrates. We present evidence that, contrary to conventional views, gas hydrates can directly destabilize the seafloor. Three mechanisms could explain how the shallow gas hydrate system could control these landslides. (1) Gas hydrate dissociation could result in excess pore pressure within the upper reaches of the landslide. (2) Overpressure below low‐permeability gas hydrate‐bearing sediments could cause hydrofracturing in the gas hydrate zone valving excess pore pressure into the landslide body. (3) Gas hydrate‐bearing sediment could exhibit time‐dependent plastic deformation enabling glacial‐style deformation. We favor the final hypothesis that the landslides are actually creeping seafloor glaciers. The viability of rheologically controlled deformation of a hydrate sediment mix is supported by recent laboratory observations of time‐dependent deformation behavior of gas hydrate‐bearing sands. The controlling hydrate is likely to be strongly dependent on formation controls and intersediment hydrate morphology. Our results constitute a paradigm shift for evaluating the effect of gas hydrates on seafloor strength which, given the widespread occurrence of gas hydrates in the submarine environment, may require a reevaluation of slope stability following future climate‐forced variation in bottom‐water temperature.
Lucky Strike seamount: Implications for the emplacement and rifting of segment‐centered volcanoes at slow spreading mid‐ocean ridges
Authors: Escartín J. , Soule S. A. , Cannat M. , Fornari D. J. , Düşünür D. , Garcia R.
Published: October 2014

The history of emplacement, tectonic evolution, and dismemberment of a central volcano within the rift valley of the slow spreading Mid‐Atlantic Ridge at the Lucky Strike Segment is deduced using near‐bottom sidescan sonar imagery and visual observations. Volcano emplacement is rapid (<1 Myr), associated with focused eruptions, and with effusion rates feeding lava flows that bury tectonic features developed prior to and during volcano construction. This volcanic phase likely requires efficient melt pooling and a long‐lived crustal magma chamber as a melt source. A reduction in melt supply triggers formation of an axial graben rifting the central volcano, and the onset of seafloor spreading may eventually split it. At Lucky Strike, this results in two modes of crustal construction. Eruptions and tectonic activity focus at a narrow graben that bisects the central volcano and contains the youngest lava flows, accumulating a thick layer of extrusives. Away from the volcano summit, deformation and volcanic emplacement is distributed throughout the rift valley floor, lacking a clear locus of accretion and deformation. Volcanic emplacement on the rift floor is characterized by axial volcanic ridges fed by dikes that propagate from the central axial magma chamber. The mode of rapid volcano construction and subsequent rifting observed at the Lucky Strike seamount is common at other central volcanoes along the global mid‐ocean ridge system.
Role of the oceanic bridge in linking the 18.6 year modulation of tidal mixing and long‐term SST change in the North Pacific
Authors: Osafune S. , Masuda S. , Sugiura N.
Published: October 2014

The impact of the 18.6 year modulation of tidal mixing on sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Pacific is investigated in a comparative study using an ocean data synthesis system. We show that remote impact through a slow ocean response can make a significant contribution to the observed bidecadal variation in wintertime SST near the center of action of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation in the eastern Pacific. A comparative data synthesis experiment showed that the modified SST variation is amplified by bidecadal variation in the westerly wind. This relationship between SST and wind variations is consistent with an observed air‐sea coupled mode in the extratropics, which suggests that a midlatitude air‐sea interaction plays an important role in enhancing the climate signal of the 18.6 year modulation. This result supports the hypothesis that the 18.6 year tidal cycle influences long‐term variability in climate; thus, knowledge of this cycle could contribute toward improving decadal predictions of climate.
An improved satellite‐based approach for estimating vapor pressure deficit from MODIS data
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Wu Bingfang , Yan Nana , Zhu Weiwei , Feng Xueliang
Published: October 2014

Vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is an important variable widely used in ecosystem and climate models. In this paper, an improved satellite‐based approach to estimating VPD was presented that uses several remote sensing products coupled with field measured data. The proposed method exploits an optimized algorithm to derive near‐surface actual vapor pressure (ea) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data and upgrades Smith's (1966) methodology for estimating ea. The proposed new algorithm for calculating ea was evaluated against in situ measurements at 119 validation sites in China for 2 months in 2013. The mean absolute error (MAE) and root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) were less than 0.25 kPa and 0.33 kPa, respectively. The near‐surface air temperature (Ta), which is an important input data for calculating VPD, was estimated from satellite‐retrieved land surface temperature, and had an RMSE of less than 2.5 K. The estimated VPD values were validated with ground observation data from the Heihe River Basin for 5 months in 2012 and for all of China for August 2013. A coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.912, MAE of 0.27 kPa, and RMSE value of 0.32 kPa were achieved for the 2012 test data, and corresponding values of 0.88, 0.278 kPa, and 0.367 kPa for the 2013 test data. These results are promising, especially considering the comparatively high spatial resolution (1 km) of the VPD map estimated from the satellite data. Potential applications include global evapotranspiration estimation, fire warning, and vegetation analysis.
Difference in particle formation at a mountaintop location during spring and summer: Implications for the role of sulfuric acid and organics in nucleation
Authors: Yu Fangqun , Hallar A. Gannet
Published: October 2014

New particle formation (NPF) has been observed frequently at Storm Peak Laboratory (SPL), a high‐elevation mountaintop observatory in Colorado. A detailed analysis of field measurements taken in March and July 2012 at SPL reveals significant and interesting differences in NPF during the spring and summer months. Persistent long‐lasting NPF occurred on a daily basis in March but was absent in July. Bursts of ultrafine particles did occur frequently in July, but such bursts were short‐lasting and did not show any obvious pattern. A global chemical transport model (GEOS‐Chem) coupled with a size‐resolved advanced particle microphysics model is used to interpret in‐depth this observed nucleation phenomenon. The model captures well the observed persistent daily nucleation events in March and the absence of regional‐scale NPF in July. Model simulations indicate that aerosol precursors were dominated by H2SO4 gas in March and by low‐volatile secondary organic gases (LV‐SOGs) in July, which are consistent with previous particle composition measurements at SPL. The observed persistent daily NPF in March and the absence of regional‐scale nucleation in July at SPL indicate that H2SO4 gas plays a much more critical role in the initial nucleation process, although LV‐SOGs dominate particle growth in July. Our analysis suggests that the short‐lasting bursts of ultrafine particles observed at SPL in July are likely associated with nucleation in subgrid power plant plumes, where concentrations of H2SO4 rather than LV‐SOGs are expected to be higher.
Random Evolutions
Authors: Koroliuk V.S. , Limnios N.
Published: October 2014

This article gives a short presentation of random evolutions. First, the following two examples are presented: dynamical stochastic systems and increment processes, both in Markov media. Then, an introduction to semi‐Markov Random evolution in a Banach space is given, where the previous evolutionary systems are obtained as particular cases. Finally, two abstract limit theorems of average and diffusion approximation for continuous and jump semi‐Markov random evolutions are presented. Remarks on bibliography and further topics related to random evolutions are given.
Stop Asking Students to “Strongly Agree”: Let's Directly Measure Cocurricular Learning
Authors: Tucker Julie M.
Published: October 2014

Julie M. Tucker challenges the common use of self–reported data to measure out–of–classroom learning and recommends that we ask students to demonstrate what they have learned from their cocurricular activities.
From Chiral Islands to Smectic Layers: A Computational Journey Across Sexithiophene Morphologies on C60
Authors: D'Avino Gabriele , Muccioli Luca , Zannoni Claudio
Published: October 2014

A theoretical investigation of the molecular organization at a sexithiophene (T6)‐C60 fullerene planar heterojunction, based on atomistic molecular dynamics, is presented, in which the effect of two different sample preparation processes on the resulting interface morphology is explored. First, the landing of T6 on C60(001) substrate is considered, which leads to crystalline layers of standing and tilted molecules, in accordance with experiments. The observation and the quantitative characterization of the nucleation and growth provide detailed insights on this out‐of‐equilibrium process, including the establishment of an epitaxial relationship between the substrate and the interfacial T6 layer, and the spontaneous formation of defective islands, characterized by chiral edges, during the growth of the second and third layers. It is then shown that molecular orientations can be radically changed upon annealing at 600 K, at which T6 forms a smectic phase with planar alignment, whose layers are perpendicular to the interface. The interfacial T6 morphologies are then analyzed in detail at room temperature and compared to the known bulk polymorphs.
Preparation of Stereoregular Isotactic Poly(mandelic acid) through Organocatalytic Ring‐Opening Polymerization of a Cyclic O‐Carboxyanhydride
Authors: Buchard Antoine , Carbery David R. , Davidson Matthew G. , Ivanova Petya K. , Jeffery Ben J. , Kociok‐Köhn Gabriele I. , Lowe John P.
Published: October 2014

Poly(mandelic acid) (PMA) is an aryl analogue of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and a biodegradable analogue of polystyrene. The preparation of stereoregular PMA was realized using a pyridine/mandelic acid adduct (Py⋅MA) as an organocatalyst for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of the cyclic O‐carboxyanhydride (manOCA). Polymers with a narrow polydispersity index and excellent molecular‐weight control were prepared at ambient temperature. These highly isotactic chiral polymers exhibit an enhancement of the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of 15 °C compared to the racemic polymer, suggesting potential future application as high‐performance commodity and biomedical materials.
Dilithium Hexaorganostannate(IV) Compounds
Authors: Schrader Ireen , Zeckert Kornelia , Zahn Stefan
Published: October 2014

Hypercoordination of main‐group elements such as the heavier Group 14 elements (silicon, germanium, tin, and lead) usually requires strong electron‐withdrawing ligands and/or donating groups. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of two hexaaryltin(IV) dianions in form of their dilithium salts [Li2(thf)2{Sn(2‐pyMe)6}] (pyMe=C5H3N‐5‐Me) (2) and [Li2{Sn(2‐pyOtBu)6}] (pyOtBu=C5H3N‐6‐OtBu) (3). Both complexes are stable in the solid state and solution under inert conditions. Theoretical investigations of compound 2 reveal a significant valence 5s‐orbital contribution of the tin atom forming six strongly polarized tin–carbon bonds.
Asymmetric Triple Relay Catalysis: Enantioselective Synthesis of Spirocyclic Indolines through a One‐Pot Process Featuring an Asymmetric 6π Electrocyclization
Authors: Yin Xiao‐Ping , Zeng Xing‐Ping , Liu Yun‐Lin , Liao Fu‐Min , Yu Jin‐Sheng , Zhou Feng , Zhou Jian
Published: October 2014

A rare example of a one‐pot process that involves asymmetric triple relay catalysis is reported. The key step is an asymmetric [1,5] electrocyclic reaction of functionalized ketimines. The substrates for this process were obtained in situ in a two‐step process that involved the hydrogenation of nitroarenes with a Pd/C catalyst to yield aryl amines and their subsequent coupling with isatin derivatives in a Brønsted acid catalyzed ketimine formation reaction. The electrocyclization was catalyzed by a bifunctional chiral Brønsted base/hydrogen bond donor catalyst. The one‐pot process gave the desired products in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivity.
A Simple and Highly Effective Ligand System for the Copper(I)‐Mediated Assembly of Rotaxanes
Authors: Campbell Christopher J. , Leigh David A. , Vitorica‐Yrezabal Inigo J. , Woltering Steffen L.
Published: October 2014

A [2]rotaxane was produced through the assembly of a picolinaldehyde, an amine, and a bipyridine macrocycle around a CuItemplate by imine bond formation in close‐to‐quantitative yield. An analogous [3]rotaxane is obtained in excellent yield by replacing the amine with a diamine, thus showing the suitability of the system for the construction of higher order interlocked structures. The rotaxanes are formed within a few minutes simply through mixing the components in solution at room temperature and they can be isolated through removal of the solvent or precipitation.
Nasal Morphometry in Marmosets: Loss and Redistribution of Olfactory Surface Area
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Eiting Thomas P. , Bonar Christopher J. , Craven Brent A.
Published: October 2014

The two major groups of primates differ in internal nasal anatomy. Strepsirrhines (e.g., lemurs) have more numerous turbinals and recesses compared with haplorhines (e.g., monkeys). Since detailed quantitative comparisons of nasal surface area (SA) have not been made, we measured mucosa in serially sectioned monkeys (Callithrix jacchus, Cebuella pygmaea). Data were compared with previously published findings on the mouse lemur, Microcebus murinus. The nasal airways were digitally reconstructed using computed tomography scanned heads of Cebuella and Microcebus. In addition, morphometric and functional analyses were carried out using segmented photographs of the histological sections of Cebuella and Microcebus. The SA of the ethmoturbinal complex is about half as large in marmosets compared with Microcebus, and is covered with less olfactory mucosa (18%–24% in marmosets, compared with ∼50% in Microcebus). Whereas the ethmoturbinal complex of Microcebus bears half of the total olfactory mucosa in the nasal airway, most (∼80%) olfactory mucosa is distributed on other surfaces in the marmosets (e.g., nasal septum). A comparison to previously published data suggests all primate species have less olfactory surface area (OSA) compared with other similar‐sized mammals, but this is especially true of marmosets. Taken together, these findings support the hypothesis that there is a reduced OSA in at least some haplorhines, and this can be linked to diminished posterosuperior dimensions of the nasal fossae. However, haplorhines may have minimized their olfactory loss by redistributing olfactory mucosa on non‐turbinal surfaces. Our findings also imply that airflow patterns in the olfactory region differ among primates. Anat Rec, 297:2093–2104, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Review of the Cetacean Nose: Form, Function, and Evolution
Authors: Berta Annalisa , Ekdale Eric G. , Cranford Ted W.
Published: October 2014

The cetacean nose presents a unique suite of anatomical modifications. Key among these is posterior movement of the external nares from the tip of the rostrum to the top of the head. Concomitant with these anatomical changes are functional changes including the evolution of echolocation in odontocetes, and reduction of olfaction in Neoceti (crown odontocetes and mysticetes). Anatomical and embryological development of the nose in crown cetaceans is reviewed as well as their functional implications. A sequence of evolutionary transformations of the nose is proposed in the transition from a terrestrial to an aquatic lifestyle made by whales. Basilosaurids and all later whales reduce the nasal turbinates. The next stage characterizes Neoceti which exhibit reduction of the major olfactory structures, i.e. the ethmoturbinates, cribriform plate and maxilloturbinates with further reduction and subsequent loss in odontocetes. These anatomical modifications reflect underlying genetic changes such as the reduction of olfactory receptor genes, although mysticetes retain some olfactory abilities. Modifications of the facial and nasal region of odontocetes reflect specialization for biosonar sound production. Anat Rec, 297:2205–2215, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nitro‐Substituted Bishomocubanes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application as Energetic Materials
Authors: Lal Sohan , Rajkumar Sundaram , Tare Amit , Reshmi Sasidharakurup , Chowdhury Arindrajit , Namboothiri Irishi N. N.
Published: October 2014

Several high‐energy‐density strained polycyclic compounds nitromethyl‐l,3‐bishomocubane (NMBHC), nitromethylene‐1,3‐bishomocubane (NMyBHC), and bis(nitromethyl)‐1,3‐bishomocubane (DNTMBHC), which were synthesized for the first time from bishomocubanone, hold potential for application as standalone fuels in liquid bipropellant systems or as additives in liquid and solid propellant formulations. DFT analysis at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory was employed to optimize the geometries of the compounds and to determine their densities, heats of formation, and various thermodynamic properties. The density specific impulse, determined by using equilibrium thermodynamics, demonstrated an improvement of 75 s for NMBHC and NMyBHC over standard hydrocarbons. The specific impulse with ammonium perchlorate showed an improvement of 25–30 s over hydroxy‐terminated polybutadiene. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that NMBHC, NMyBHC, and DNTMBHC evaporated readily with activation energies of 58.8, 69.2, and 74.5 kJ mol−1, respectively.