bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of emissions and climate change on ozone in the United States under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs)
Authors: Gao Y. , Fu J. S. , Drake J. B. , Lamarque J.-F. , Liu Y.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Dynamical downscaling was applied in this study to link the global climate–chemistry model Community Atmosphere Model (CAM-Chem) with the regional models: Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ). Two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) were used to evaluate the climate impact on ozone concentrations in 2050s. Ozone concentrations in the lower-mid troposphere (surface to ~ 300 hPa), from mid- to high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), show decreasing trends in RCP 4.5 between 2000s and 2050s, with the largest decrease of 4–10 ppbv occurring in the summer and the fall; and increasing trends (2–12 ppbv) in RCP 8.5 resulting from the increased methane emissions. In RCP 8.5, methane emissions increase by ~ 60% by the end of 2050s, accounting for more than 90% of ozone increases in summer and fall, and 60–80% in spring and winter. Under the RCP 4.5 scenario, in the summer when photochemical reactions are the most active, the large ozone precursor emissions reduction leads to the greatest decrease of downscaled surface ozone concentrations, ranging from 6 to 10 ppbv. However, a few major cities show ozone increases of 3 to 7 ppbv due to weakened NO titration. Under the RCP 8.5 scenario, in winter, downscaled ozone concentrations increase across nearly the entire continental US in winter, ranging from 3 to 10 ppbv due to increased methane emissions and enhanced stratosphere-troposphere exchange (STE). More intense heat waves are projected to occur by the end of 2050s in RCP 8.5, leading to more than 8 ppbv of the maximum daily 8 h daily average (MDA8) ozone during the heat wave days than other days; this indicates the dramatic impact heat waves exert on high frequency ozone events.
Stable carbon isotope ratios of toluene in the boundary layer and the lower free troposphere
Authors: Wintel J. , Hösen E. , Koppmann R. , Krebsbach M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Measurements of stable carbon isotope ratios in VOC are a powerful tool to identify sources or to track both dynamical and chemical processes. During the field campaign ZEPTER-2 in autumn 2008 whole air samples were collected on board a Zeppelin NT airship in the planetary boundary layer and the lower free troposphere over south-west Germany. These samples were analysed with respect to VOC mixing ratios and stable carbon isotope ratios using a gas chromatograph combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometer. In this study we present the results for toluene, one of the major anthropogenic pollutants. In the boundary layer we observed rather fresh emissions mixing into the background and derived a toluene source isotope ratio of δ13C = −28.2 ± 0.5 ‰. Using the concept of the effective kinetic isotope effect, we were able to separate the effects of dilution processes and photochemical degradation in the free troposphere. We estimated the photochemical age of toluene in the atmosphere in two different ways (using isotope ratios and mixing ratios, respectively). The results differ strongly in the planetary boundary layer, probably due to mixing processes, but are compatible with each other in the free troposphere.
Modeling solar flare induced lower ionosphere changes using VLF/LF transmitter amplitude and phase observations at a midlatitude site
Authors: Schmitter E. D.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Remote sensing of the ionosphere bottom using long wave radio signal propagation is a still going strong and inexpensive method for continuous monitoring purposes. We present a propagation model describing the time development of solar flare effects. Based on monitored amplitude and phase data from VLF/LF transmitters gained at a mid-latitude site during the currently increasing solar cycle no. 24 a parameterized electron density profile is calculated as a function of time and fed into propagation calculations using the LWPC (Long Wave Propagation Capability). The model allows to include lower ionosphere recombination and attachment coefficients, as well as to identify the relevant forcing X-ray wavelength band, and is intended to be a small step forward to a better understanding of the solar–lower ionosphere interaction mechanisms within a consistent framework.
Simulating the mid-Pliocene Warm Period with the CCSM4 model
Authors: Rosenbloom N. A. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , Brady E. C. , Lawrence P. J.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. This paper describes the experimental design and model results from a 500 yr fully coupled Community Climate System, version 4, simulation of the mid-Pliocene Warm Period (mPWP) (ca. 3.3–3.0 Ma). We simulate the mPWP using the "alternate" protocol prescribed by the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP) for the AOGCM simulation (Experiment 2). Results from the CCSM4 mPWP simulation show a 1.9 °C increase in global mean annual temperature compared to the 1850 preindustrial control, with a polar amplification of ~3 times the global warming. Global precipitation increases slightly by 0.09 mm day−1 and the monsoon rainfall is enhanced, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). Areal sea ice extent decreases in both hemispheres but persists through the summers. The model simulates a relaxation of the zonal sea surface temperature (SST) gradient in the tropical Pacific, with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (Niño3.4) ~20% weaker than the preindustrial and exhibiting extended periods of quiescence of up to 150 yr. The maximum Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and northward Atlantic oceanic heat transport are indistinguishable from the control. As compared to PRISM3, CCSM4 overestimates Southern Hemisphere (SH) sea surface temperatures, but underestimates NH warming, particularly in the North Atlantic, suggesting that an increase in northward ocean heat transport would bring CCSM4 SSTs into better alignment with proxy data.
Estimation of the local response to a forcing in a high dimensional system using the fluctuation-dissipation theorem
Authors: Cooper F. C. , Esler J. G. , Haynes P. H.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The fluctuation-dissipation theorem (FDT) has been proposed as a method of calculating the response of the earth's atmosphere to a forcing. For this problem the high dimensionality of the relevant data sets makes truncation necessary. Here we propose a method of truncation based upon the assumption that the response to a localised forcing is spatially localised, as an alternative to the standard method of choosing a number of the leading empirical orthogonal functions. For systems where this assumption holds, the response to any sufficiently small non-localised forcing may be estimated using a set of truncations that are chosen algorithmically. We test our algorithm using 36 and 72 variable versions of a stochastic Lorenz 95 system of ordinary differential equations. We find that, for long integrations, the bias in the response estimated by the FDT is reduced from ~75% of the true response to ~30%.
Exploring Entrepreneurial Activity at Cape Town and Stellenbosch Universities, South Africa
Authors: Jafta Rachel , Uctu Ramazan
Published: April 2013

Entrepreneurial activity at universities, especially spin-off formation, has emerged as an important mechanism for accelerating the transfer of technology and knowledge to commercial markets. With some exceptions, such as China, studies on university entrepreneurship have tended to concentrate on the experiences of developed countries. Perhaps because of the lack of a comprehensive database of university spin-offs, studies on experience in South Africa have typically included spin-offs only as part of a broad examination of university–industry partnerships, technology transfer mechanisms or academic entrepreneurship. This study is based on a questionnaire and interview survey of spin-offs at Cape Town and Stellenbosch Universities. The results suggest that the most important reasons cited for spin-off formation are market opportunities and a desire for commercial exploitation of knowledge and experience. As with university spin-off founders elsewhere, funding is regarded as the most significant problem, followed by such factors as recruiting skilled people, lack of facilities, product marketing and time pressure. It is argued that this exploratory study provides lessons and insights that will inform similar, future research on a larger scale.
Redefining Entrepreneurial Learning Paradigms in Developing Countries
Authors: Owusu-Manu D. , Afrane S.K. , Badu E. , Edwards D.J. , Brown M.
Published: April 2013

In a rapidly changing world of knowledge exchange, innovation and technological advancements, entrepreneurship continues to fuel economic growth in both developed and developing countries. In the developed world, an increased influx of graduate entrepreneurs sustains economic growth whilst, in contrast, developing countries continue to suffer from a dearth of entrepreneurial learning mechanisms. To remedy this situation in Ghana a collaborative and interdisciplinary venture, involving the Business School of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and an international panel of experts, has developed the Kite Vision Actualization Laboratory (KVAL). The raison d'être of the KVAL is to support and nurture talent, develop and implement business solutions and innovations, encourage the development of entrepreneurial undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and stimulate graduate business start-ups. The KVAL integrates four development stages of entrepreneurial learning: knowledge transfer and exchange; innovations and inventions; technology and enterprise development; and panel review, assessment and final approval protocols. The innovative KVAL framework mirrors demand-led transformation and self-actualization processes that represent a departure from traditional offerings in entrepreneurship education.
National Implementations of Legal Deposit
Authors: Stephens Andy , Gibby Richard
Published: April 2013

In 2011, the Conference of Directors of National Libraries commissioned the authors to undertake an international survey of its membership:

to establish the current state of legal deposit, or equivalent arrangements in all national libraries participating in the Conference of Directors of National Libraries including both the extent of legal deposit coverage and also how the deposited material may be used; and to identify any key lessons or principles which could be used for advocacy or to inform planning with regard to legal deposit.

This paper reports the findings of that survey. The results confirm that e-legal deposit is now widespread at least for publications on CD-ROM and there is real traction towards securing e-legal deposit for web and electronic publications. However, it would appear that the terms of access to electronic publications under legal deposit are often more restrictive than for print or for original publication. Respondents also proposed a number of principles and advocacy points and these informed the development of an advocacy pack to be used by those national libraries seeking to secure the legal deposit of electronic publications. These advocacy points are reproduced in an Appendix to the paper.
The 2012 Global RFID Survey
Authors: Fortune Mick
Published: April 2013

In the absence of any official audit, Library RFID Ltd has, at the invitation of the former Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), been running an annual survey to determine the extent and direction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) adoption in the United Kingdom. In 2012 the survey was extended to a wider market with the assistance and support of organizations in the USA and Australia – and the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). The study revealed that the technology is being used in a variety of different ways in different markets and that the use of standards is relatively rare, resulting in a rather confused and confusing picture for would-be investors to interpret. Some of the more significant findings are presented and discussed.
Revolutionary Libraries: Building Collections and Promoting Research about the January 25th Uprising in Egypt
Authors: Runyon Carolyn , Houlihan Meggan
Published: April 2013

This paper describes the efforts made by the American University in Cairo's (AUC) Library to preserve the history and scholarship of the January 25th Revolution. In direct response to the uprising, AUC imagined University on the Square: Documenting Egypt's 21st Century Revolution, a participatory archives initiative that ‘seeks to preserve the momentous events of early 2011’ and ‘events as they unfold’ (American University in Cairo, 2011a). Librarians focused on improving revolution-focused book collections, simultaneously promoting the use of its research and instructional design services. Archivists worked to collect the outpouring of student projects, graduate theses, and faculty publications analysing the January 25th Revolution.
Assessment of Traffic Safety Among Young People Aged 15 to 24 in Slovenia
Authors: Zanne Marina , Groznik Aleš , Twrdy Elen
Published: April 2013

The probability that an individual will be involved in a car accident is relatively high. Traffic safety is a global problem, and Slovenia is no exception. Despite the large improvement in traffic safety records, Slovenia still ranks very low on the European level with 63 fatalities per million inhabitants. The paper analyses the official data on traffic accidents in Slovenia in the period from 1999 to 2011. The paper presents an overview of road safety in Slovenia with emphasis on the participation of young people in severe accidents. It has been examined whether young people in Slovenia are the most dangerous and at the same time the most vulnerable category of road users and the causes of road accidents involving young people have been compared with the causes of accidents involving overall population.
Alternative Forecasting Techniques that Reduce the Bullwhip Effect in a Supply Chain: A Simulation Study
Authors: Campuzano-Bolarín Francisco , Frutos Antonio Guillamón , Ruiz Abellón Ma Del Carmen , Lisec Andrej
Published: April 2013

The research of the Bullwhip effect has given rise to many papers, aimed at both analysing its causes and correcting it by means of various management strategies because it has been considered as one of the critical problems in a supply chain. This study is dealing with one of its principal causes, demand forecasting. Using different simulated demand patterns, alternative forecasting methods are proposed, that can reduce the Bullwhip effect in a supply chain in comparison to the traditional forecasting techniques (moving average, simple exponential smoothing, and ARMA processes). Our main findings show that kernel regression is a good alternative in order to improve important features in the supply chain, such as the Bullwhip, NSAmp, and FillRate.
pH‐Dependent Anticancer Drug Release from Silk Nanoparticles
Authors: Seib F. Philipp , Jones Gregory T. , Rnjak‐Kovacina Jelena , Lin Yinan , Kaplan David L.
Published: April 2013

Silk has traditionally been used as a suture material because of its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. These properties have led to the development of different silk‐based material formats for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although there have been a small number of studies about the use of silk particles for drug delivery, none of these studies have assessed the potential of silk to act as a stimulus‐responsive anticancer nanomedicine. This report demonstrates that an acetone precipitation of silk allows the formation of uniform silk nanoparticles (98 nm diameter, polydispersity index 0.109), with an overall negative surface charge (–33.6 ± 5.8 mV), in a single step. Silk nanoparticles are readily loaded with doxorubicin (40 ng doxorubicin/μg silk) and show pH‐dependent release (pH 4.5≫ 6.0 > 7.4). In vitro studies with human breast cancer cell lines demonstrates that the silk nanoparticles are not cytotoxic (IC50 > 120 μg mL−1) and that doxorubicin‐loaded silk nanoparticles are able to overcome drug resistance mechanisms. Live cell fluorescence microscopy studies show endocytic uptake and lysosomal accumulation of silk nanoparticles. In summary, the pH‐dependent drug release and lysosomal accumulation of silk nanoparticles demonstrate the ability of drug‐loaded silk nanoparticles to serve as a lysosomotropic anticancer nanomedicine.
Old and new prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia with deranged core‐binding factor beta
Authors: Cairoli Roberto , Beghini Alessandro , Turrini Mauro , Bertani Giambattista , Nadali Gianpaolo , Rodeghiero Francesco , Castagnola Carlo , Lazzaroni Francesca , Nichelatti Michele , Ferrara Felicetto , Pizzolo Giovanni , Pogliani Enrico , Rossi Giuseppe , Martinelli Giovanni , Morra Enrica
Published: April 2013

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with deranged core‐binding factor beta (CBFβ) is usually associated with a favorable prognosis with 50–70% of patients cured using contemporary treatments. We analyzed the prognostic significance of clinical features on 58 patients with CBFβ‐AML aged ≤60 years. Increasing age was the only predictor for survival (P <0.001), with an optimal cut‐point at 43 years. White blood cells (WBCs) at diagnosis emerged as an independent risk factor for relapse incidence (P = 0.017), with 1.1% increase of hazard for each 1.0 × 109/L WBC increment. KIT mutations lacked prognostic value for survival and showed only a trend for relapse incidence (P = 0.069). Am. J. Hematol. 88:594–600, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent advances in low‐cost carbon fiber manufacture from lignin
Authors: Baker Darren A. , Rials Timothy G.
Published: April 2013

The confluence of two US energy policy mandates, the 2012 Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards and Renewable Fuels Standard #2, provide the opportunity to examine the possibility of high‐value materials from lignin with increased depth. In this case, the desire to provide lighter, low‐cost materials for automobiles to reduce fuel consumption, and to improve the economics of biorefineries for fuel production, have led to an increased interest in low‐cost carbon fiber manufacture from lignin. For this review the authors provide the context of subject matter importance, a cost comparison of potential low‐cost carbon fibers, a brief review of historical work, a review of more recent work, and a limited technical discussion followed by recommendations for future directions. As the available material for review is limited, the author includes many references to publicly available government documents and reviewed proceedings that are generally difficult to locate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 713‐728, 2013
Heterometallic Mixed‐Valence Copper(I,II) Cyanides that were Tuned by Using the Chelate Effect: Discovery of Famous Cairo Pentagonal Tiling and Unprecedented (3,4)‐Connected {83}2{86} Topological 3D Net
Authors: Qin Ying‐Lian , Yao Ru‐Xin , Wu Guo‐Xing , Liu Min‐Min , Zhang Xian‐Ming
Published: April 2013

By using environmentally friendly [Ni(CN)4]2− as a cyanide source, three new heterometallic cyano‐bridged mixed‐valence CuI/CuII coordination polymers with three different electronic configurations (d8–d10), that is, [Cu2Ni(CN)5(H2O)3] (1), [Cu2Ni(CN)5(pn)H2O] (2), and [Cu3Ni(CN)6(pn)2] (3, pn=1,2‐propane diamine) have been synthesized by gradually increasing the amount of pn. Compound 1, which was hydrothermally synthesized in the absence of pn ligand, exhibits the famous 2D Cairo pentagonal tiling, in which the CuI, CuII, and NiII atoms act as trigonal, T‐shaped, and square‐planar nodes, respectively. Notably, there are three water molecules located at the meridianal positions of the octahedrally coordinated CuII atom in compound 1. A similar reaction, except for the addition of a small amount of pn, generated a similar Cairo pentagonal tiling layer in which two of the water molecules that were located at the meridianal positions of the octahedrally coordinated CuII atom were replaced by a chelating pn group. Another similar hydrothermal reaction, with the addition of a larger amount of pn, yielded compound 3, which showed a related two‐fold‐interpenetrated (3,4)‐connected 3D framework with an unprecedented {83}2{86} topology in which the CuII atom was chelated by two pn groups. These structural changes between compounds 1, 2, 3 can be explained by the chelating effect of the pn group. The replacement of two meridianally coordinated water molecules on the octahedral CuII atom in compound 1 by a pn group gives compound 2, which shows similar Cairo tiling, and a further increase in the amount of pn results in the formation of the [Cu(NC)2(pn)2] unit and the two‐fold‐interpenetrated 3D framework of compound 3. The mixed‐valence properties of compounds 1, 2, and 3 were confirmed by variable‐temperature magnetic‐susceptibility measurements.
Global gene expression analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown under redox potential‐controlled very‐high‐gravity conditions
Authors: Liu Chen‐Guang , Lin Yen‐Han , Bai Feng‐Wu
Published: April 2013

Redox potential (ORP) plays a pivotal role in yeast viability and ethanol production during very‐high‐gravity (VHG) ethanol fermentation. In order to identify the correlation between redox potential profiles and gene expression patterns, global gene expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. Results indicated that significant changes in gene expression occurred at the periods of 0 ‐ 6 h and 30 ‐ 36 h, respectively. Changes noted in the period of 0 ‐ 6 h were mainly related to carbohydrate metabolism. In contrast, gene expression variation at 30 ‐ 36 h could be attributed primarily to stress response. Although CDC19 was down‐regulated, expression of PYK2, PDC6 and ADH2 correlated inversely with ORP. Meanwhile, expression of GPD1 decreased due to the depletion of dissolved oxygen in the fermentation broth, but expression of GPD2 correlated with ORP. Transcription of genes encoding heat shock proteins was characterized by uphill, downhill, valley and plateau expression profiles, accordingly to specific function in stress response. These results highlight the role of ORP in modulating yeast physiology and metabolism under VHG conditions.
Sexually Violent Predators: Toward Reasonable Estimates of Recidivism Base Rates
Authors: Neller Daniel J. , Petris Giovanni
Published: April 2013

The sexual recidivism rate of sex offenders is a controversial issue. Perhaps as controversial is the sexual recidivism rate of the select group of sex offenders who are examined pursuant to sexually violent predator (SVP) statutes. At present, reliable estimates of SVP recidivism are unavailable. We propose that reasonable estimates of SVP recidivism can be reached by considering three available pieces of data: (i) a likely recidivism rate of the general population of sex offenders; (ii) procedures typically followed by jurisdictions that civilly commit sex offenders; and (iii) classification accuracy of procedures. Although sexual recidivism rates vary across jurisdictions, the results of our analyses suggest sex offenders referred for examination pursuant to SVP statutes recidivate at substantially higher rates than typical sex offenders. Our results further suggest that sex offenders recommended for commitment as SVPs recidivate at even greater rates than SVP respondents who are not recommended for commitment. We discuss practice and policy implications of these findings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating a learning constructionist environment and the instructional design approach into the definition of a basic course for embedded systems design
Authors: Cano E. M. , Ruiz J. G. , Garcia I. A.
Published: April 2013

The benefits of the constructionist theory as a learning paradigm are widely recognized, among other reasons, because it offers to instructional designers an alternative set of values that may significantly influence and provide consistency to any Instructional System Design (ISD) model. Relevant characteristics of the two approaches are described to identify the real necessities of undergraduate students to avoid deficiencies in static classrooms; these characteristics support significant learning environments where students of IT‐related curricula are actively related to implementing their own public artifacts, passing through passive to active learning states. Thus, from our perspective the constructionist theory in combination with an ISD model can be useful in developing an embedded systems course for undergraduate education. This approach is supported by a software/hardware tool that was created to enhance the teaching–learning process through hands‐on experimentation. Finally, the results of a comprehensive assessment of the course effectiveness are presented. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:36–53, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21574
Mechanistic Aspects of hSOD1 Maturation from the Solution Structure of CuI‐Loaded hCCS Domain 1 and Analysis of Disulfide‐Free hSOD1 Mutants
Authors: Banci Lucia , Cantini Francesca , Kozyreva Tatiana , Rubino Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2013

Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) maturation within the cell is mainly accomplished with the SOD1‐specific chaperone, CCS, a dimeric protein with three distinct domains in each monomer. We recently showed that the first domain of human CCS (hCCSD1) is responsible for copper transfer to its protein partner, human SOD1 (hSOD1). The NMR solution structure of the copper(I)‐loaded form of hCCSD1 reported here contributes further to characterization of the copper‐transfer mechanism to hSOD1. NMR spectroscopy was also used to examine the hSOD1 mutants C57A, C146A, and C57A/C146A, which are unable to form the structurally conserved disulfide bond in SOD1, in order to investigate the role of these cysteines during hSOD1 copper acquisition. Together, the information on both hCCS and hSOD1, along with a sequence analysis of eukaryotic CCSD1, allows us to propose important mechanistic aspects regarding the copper‐transfer process from hCCS to hSOD1.
Materials Discovery and Crystal Growth of Zeolite A Type Zeolitic–Imidazolate Frameworks Revealed by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Cubillas Pablo , Anderson Michael W. , Attfield Martin P.
Published: April 2013

A new zeolitic–imidazolate framework (ZIF), [Zn(imidazolate)2−x(benzimidazolate)x], that has the zeolite A (LTA) framework topology and contains relatively inexpensive organic linkers has been revealed using in situ atomic force microscopy. The new material was grown on the structure‐directing surface of [Zn(imidazolate)1.5(5‐chlorobenzimidazolate)0.5] (ZIF‐76) crystals, a metal–organic framework (MOF) that also possesses the LTA framework topology. The crystal growth processes for both [Zn(imidazolate)2−x(benzimidazolate)x] and ZIF‐76 were observed using in situ atomic force microscopy; it is the first time the growth process of a nanoporous material with the complex zeolite A (LTA) framework topology has been monitored temporally at the nanoscale. The results reveal the crystal growth mechanisms and possible surface terminations on the {100} and {111} facets of the materials under low supersaturation conditions. Surface growth of these structurally complex materials was found to proceed through both “birth‐and‐spread” and spiral crystal‐growth mechanisms, with the former occurring through the nucleation and spreading of metastable and stable sub‐layers reliant on the presence of non‐framework species to bridge the framework during formation. These results support the notion that the latter process may be a general mechanism of surface crystal growth applicable to numerous crystalline nanoporous materials of differing complexity and demonstrate that the methodology of seeded crystal growth can be used to discover previously unobtainable ZIFs and MOFs with desirable framework compositions.
Enantiomeric Fraction Determination of 2‐Arylpropionic Acids in a Package Plant Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Hashim Nor H. , Stuetz Richard M. , Khan Stuart J.
Published: April 2013

Enantiomeric compositions of three 2‐arylpropionic acid (2‐APA) drugs, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen, were monitored in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) treating municipal effluent in a small rural town in Australia. Specific enantiomers were determined as amide diastereomers using the chiral derivatizing reagent, (R)‐1‐phenylethylamine (PEA), followed by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS). The six individual enantiomers were quantified by isotope dilution and the enantiomeric fractions (EFs) were determined. Over four separate sampling events, ibuprofen EF ranged from 0.88 to 0.94 (median 0.93) in the influent and 0.38 to 0.40 (median 0.39) in the effluent. However, no significant change in ketoprofen EF was observed, with influent EFs of 0.56–0.60 (median 0.58) and effluent EFs 0.54–0.68 (median 0.56). This is the first report of enantiospecific analysis of ketoprofen in municipal wastewater and it is not yet clear why such different behavior was observed compared to ibuprofen. Naproxen EF was consistently measured at 0.99 in the influent and ranged from 0.86 to 0.94 (median 0.91) in the effluent. This study demonstrates that EF is a relatively stable parameter and does not fluctuate according to concentration or other short‐term variables introduced by sampling limitations. The enantiospecific analysis of chiral chemicals presents a promising approach to elucidate a more thorough understanding of biological treatment processes and a potential tool for monitoring the performance of key biological pathways. Chirality 25:301–307, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Soft sensor solutions for control of oil sands processes
Authors: Khatibisepehr Shima , Huang Biao , Domlan Elom , Naghoosi Elham , Zhao Yu , Miao Yu , Shao Xinguang , Khare Swanand , Keshavarz Marziyeh , Feng Enbo , Xu Fangwei , Espejo Aris , Kadali Ramesh
Published: April 2013

Oil sands development is both a costly and technically complex business with potential concerns in land use, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is of practical interest to further investigate novel techniques to improve profitability while diligently maintaining environmental compliance. Our approach for finding solutions to achieve this objective is to develop innovative strategies for advanced monitoring, optimisation and control of plant operations. Development of reliable process models is a key requirement for investigating the behaviour of complex systems. Such descriptive models can help to improve analysis, simulation, optimisation, design, control and operation of process systems at both micro and macro levels. This paper presents a summary of some of the successful applications focussed on development and implementation of inferential process models, also known as soft sensors for oil sands processes.
Long‐term outcome of centrally located low‐grade glioma in children
Authors: Terashima Keita , Chow Kevin , Jones Jeremy , Ahern Charlotte , Jo Eunji , Ellezam Benjamin , Paulino Arnold C. , Okcu M. Fatih , Su Jack , Adesina Adekunle , Mahajan Anita , Dauser Robert , Whitehead William , Lau Ching , Chintagumpala Murali
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Optimal management of children with centrally located low‐grade glioma (LGG) is unclear. Initial interventions in most children are chemotherapy in younger and radiation therapy (RT) in older children. A better understanding of the inherent risk factors along with the effects of interventions on long‐term outcome can lead to reassessment of the current approaches to minimize long‐term morbidity.

METHODS

To reassess the current treatment strategies of centrally located LGG, we compared the long‐term survival and morbidity of different treatment regimens. Medical records of patients primarily treated at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers between 1987 and 2008 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Forty‐seven patients with a median follow‐up of 79 months were included in the analysis. The 5‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival (PFS) for all patients were 96% and 53%, respectively. The 5‐year PFS for those treated initially with RT (12 patients; median age, 11 years [range, 3‐15 years]) and with chemotherapy (28 patients; median age, 2 years [range 0‐8 years]) were 76% and 37%, respectively (log‐rank test P = .02). Among children who progressed after chemotherapy, the 5‐year PFS after salvage RT was 55%. Patients diagnosed at a younger age (<5 years) were more likely to experience endocrine abnormalities (Fisher exact test; P<.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Effective and durable tumor control was obtained with RT as initial treatment. In younger patients, chemotherapy can delay the use of RT; however, frequent progression and long‐term morbidity are common. More effective and less toxic therapies are required in these patients, the majority of whom are long‐term survivors. Cancer 2013;119:2630‐2638. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Survival of pediatric patients after relapsed osteosarcoma: The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital experience
Authors: Leary Sarah E. S. , Wozniak Amy W. , Billups Catherine A. , Wu Jianrong , McPherson Valerie , Neel Michael D. , Rao Bhaskar N. , Daw Najat C.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy has improved the outcome of patients with newly diagnosed osteosarcoma, but its role in relapsed disease is unclear.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of all patients who were treated for relapsed high‐grade osteosarcoma at our institution between 1970 and 2004. Postrelapse event‐free survival (PREFS) and postrelapse survival (PRS) were estimated, and outcome comparisons were made using an exact log‐rank test.

RESULTS

The 10‐year PREFS and PRS of the 110 patients were 11.8% ± 3.5% and 17.0% ± 4.3%, respectively. Metastasis at initial diagnosis (14%), and relapse in lung only (75%) were not significantly associated with PREFS or PRS. Time from initial diagnosis to first relapse (RL1) ≥18 months (43%), surgery at RL1 (76%), and ability to achieve second complete remission (CR2, 56%) were favorably associated with PREFS and PRS (P  ≤  0.0002). In patients without CR2, chemotherapy at RL1 was favorably associated with PREFS (P = 0.01) but not with PRS. In patients with lung relapse only, unilateral relapse and number of nodules ( ≤ 3) were associated with better PREFS and PRS (P  ≤  0.0005); no patients with bilateral relapse survived 10 years. The median PREFS after treatment with cisplatin, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and ifosfamide was 3.5 months (95% confidence interval, 2.1‐5.2), and the median PRS was 8.2 months (95% confidence interval, 5.2‐15.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Late relapse, surgical resection, and unilateral involvement (in lung relapse only) favorably impact outcome after relapse. Surgery is essential for survival; chemotherapy may slow disease progression in patients without CR2. These data are useful for designing clinical trials that evaluate novel agents. Cancer 2013;119:2645‐2653. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Time‐frequency analysis methods for detecting effects of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Weiderpass H. A. , Pachi C. G. F. , Yamamoto J. F. , Hamamoto A. , Onodera A. N. , Sacco I. C. N.
Published: April 2013

There have been several research studies on efficient methods for analysis and classification of electromyography (EMG) signals and adoption of wavelet functions, which is a promising approach for determining the spectral distribution of the signal. This study compares distinct time‐frequency analysis methods for investigating the EMG activity of the thigh and calf muscles during gait among non‐diabetic subjects and diabetic neuropathic patients. It also attempts to verify, by adaptive optimal kernel and discrete wavelet transform, whether there are EMG alterations related to diabetic neuropathy in the lower limb muscles during gait. The results show that diabetics might not keep up with the mechanical demands of walking by changing muscle fibre recruitment strategies, as seen in the control group. Moreover, principal components analysis indicates more alterations in diabetic motor strategies, and we identify that diabetic subjects need other strategies with different muscle energy production and frequencies to carry out their daily activities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bubbling Solutions for the SU(3) Chern‐Simons Model on a Torus
Authors: Lin Chang‐Shou , Yan Shusen
Published: April 2013

We consider the following nonlinear system derived from the SU(3) Chern‐Simons models on a torus Ω:

where $\delta_p$
denotes the Dirac measure at $p\in\Omega$. When $\{p_j^1\}_1^{N_1}= \{p_j^2\}_1^{N_2}$, if we look for a solution with $u_1=u_2=u$, then (0.1) is reduced to the Chern‐Simons‐Higgs equation:

The existence of bubbling solutions to (0.1) has been a longstanding problem. In this paper, we prove the existence of such solutions such that $u_1\ne u_2$
even if $\{p_j^1\}_1^{N_1}=\{p_j^2\}_1^{N_2}$. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mesostructured Dihydroxy‐Functionalized Guanidinium‐Based Polyoxometalate with Enhanced Heterogeneous Catalytic Activity in Epoxidation
Authors: Chen Guojian , Zhou Yu , Zhao Pingping , Long Zhouyang , Wang Jun
Published: April 2013

A mesostructured ionic liquid–polyoxometalate (IL‐POM) hybrid has been prepared through designing a new dihydroxy‐tethered guanidinium‐based IL, N′′‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropyl)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylguanidinium chloride, to interact with Keggin‐type POM phosphotungstic acid (H3PW) in a self‐assembly process. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed its special coral‐shaped micromorphology. Nitrogen sorption analysis indicated the formation of a porous structure with a moderate surface area of about 30 m2 g−1 and narrowly distributed pore size located in the mesoscale. Assessed in the cis‐cyclooctene epoxidation with H2O2, the mesostructured hybrid exhibited superior heterogeneous catalytic activity and steady reusability, and the conversion was more than four times that of homogeneous H3PW itself, and more than 14 times that of the nonporous analogues. On the basis of the experimental results, a unique “substrate–solvent–catalyst” synergistic mechanism is proposed and discussed for understanding the dramatically enhanced catalytic performance.
Genomic analysis of a novel spontaneous albino C57BL/6N mouse strain
Authors: Ryder Edward , Wong Kim , Gleeson Diane , Keane Thomas M. , Sethi Debarati , Vyas Sapna , Wardle‐Jones Hannah , Bussell James N. , Houghton Richard , Salisbury Jennifer , Harvey Nina , Adams David J. ,   Sanger Mouse Genetics Project, Ramirez‐Solis Ramiro
Published: April 2013

We report an albino C57BL/6N mouse strain carrying a spontaneous mutation in the tyrosinase gene (C57BL/6N‐TyrcWTSI). Deep whole genome sequencing of founder mice revealed very little divergence from C57BL/6NJ and C57BL/6N (Taconic). This coisogenic strain will be of great utility for the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC), which uses the EUCOMM/KOMP targeted C57BL/6N ES cell resource, and other investigators wishing to work on a defined C57BL/6N background. genesis 51:523–528. © 2013 The Authors. Genesis Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diethylhexyl phthalate exposure impairs follicular development and affects oocyte maturation in the mouse
Authors: Zhang Xi‐Feng , Zhang Lian‐Jun , Li Lan , Feng Yan‐Ni , Chen Bo , Ma Jin‐Mei , Huynh Evanna , Shi Qing‐Hua , De Felici Massimo , Shen Wei
Published: April 2013

Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is an estrogen‐like compound widely used as a commercial plasticizer and present in medical devices, tubing, food containers and packaging. It is considered an endocrine disruptor and studies on experimental animals showed that exposure to DEHP can alter the function of several organs including liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive system, particularly the developing testes of prenatal and neonatal males. Exposure to DEHP has been proposed as a potential human health hazard. This study assessed the effects of DEHP on folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation using the mouse as the experimental model. Newborn female mice were hypodermically injected with DEHP at doses of 20 and 40 μg/kg per body weight following different exposure regimens during the weaning period. We found that DEHP altered both folliculogenesis and oocyte development. In particular, DEHP exposure significantly decreased the number of the primordial follicles at pubertal and adult age by possibly accelerating the rate of follicle recruitment dynamics, reduced and/or delayed the level of imprinted gene methylation in the oocytes and increased metaphase II spindle abnormalities in oocytes matured in vitro. Furthermore, the weight of pups and litter size of mothers exposed to DEHP were significantly lower than controls. Finally, the number of primordial follicles appeared significantly reduced also in the F1 offspring at the adult age. These results show that DEHP may have a number of adverse effects on oogenesis, especially when exposure occurs during early postnatal age, arising concerns about the exposure of human female infants and children to this compound. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:354–361, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An assessment of the genetic toxicology of novel boron‐containing therapeutic agents
Authors: Ciaravino Vic , Plattner Jacob , Chanda Sanjay
Published: April 2013

Boron‐containing compounds are being studied as potential therapeutic agents. As part of the safety assessment of these therapeutic agents, a battery of genetic toxicology studies was conducted. The battery included a bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay, an in vitro chromosome aberration assay in peripheral human lymphocytes, and an in vivo rat micronucleus study. The following compounds represent some of the boron‐containing compounds that have been advanced to human clinical trials in various therapeutic areas. The borinic picolinate, AN0128, is an antibacterial compound with anti‐inflammatory activity that has been studied in clinical trials for acne and the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. AN2690 (tavaborole) is a benzoxaborole in Phase 3 clinical trials for the topical treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toenails and fingernails. Another benzoxaborole derivative, AN2728, a phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) inhibitor, is in Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. AN2898, also a PDE4 inhibitor, has been studied in clinical trials for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. AN3365 is a leucyl‐tRNA synthetase inhibitor that has been in clinical development for the treatment of various Gram‐negative bacterial infections. These five representative compounds were negative in the three genotoxicity assays. Furthermore, AN2690 has been studied in mouse and rat 2‐year bioassays and was not found to have any carcinogenic potential. These results demonstrate that it is possible to design boron‐based therapeutic agents with no genetic toxicology liabilities. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:338–346, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mesoporous Nano‐Si Anode for Li‐ion Batteries Produced by Magnesio‐Mechanochemical Reduction of Amorphous SiO2
Authors: Hwa Yoon , Kim Won‐Sik , Yu Byeong‐Chul , Hong Seong‐Hyeon , Sohn Hun‐Joon
Published: April 2013

The synthesis of nano‐sized Si with various microstructures has been studied intensively to produce anode materials for Li‐rechargeable batteries. Methods such as chemical/physical vapor deposition (CVD/PVD) and wet‐chemical processes are currently used to produce nano‐sized Si; however, the complicated synthesis procedures and low production yields are critical problems that hinder commercialization. We present a method for producing large quantities of mesoporous nano‐sized Si through the reduction of amorphous SiO2 with Mg metal, by using a high‐energy mechanical milling process (i.e., magnesio‐mechanochemical processing) for 1 h. A mesoporous nano‐sized Si electrode shows excellent electrochemical performance as an anode for Li‐ion batteries, achieving a capacity greater than 1600 mAh g−1 over 30 cycles.
Influence of treatments in the quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets
Authors: Fonseca Gustavo Graciano , Cavenaghi‐Altemio Angela Dulce , de Fátima Silva Mariangela , Arcanjo Verônica , Sanjinez‐Argandoña Eliana Janet
Published: April 2013

In this study, the influence of different treatments was evaluated: nonwashing, washing in chlorinated water and washing/soaking in chlorinated water and sodium chloride on the quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets during storage at 1.0 ± 0.5°C through daily analysis of pH, moisture, and lipids content. Microbiological analysis and growth modeling for mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and Staphylococcus sp. were also carried out. Finally, we confirmed the microbiological safety through sensory analyses. The main results suggest that fillets washed or soaked in chlorinated water and sodium chloride present clear and narrower blood line coloration; that is, they are less oxidized than those that received other treatments and are microbiologically safe for use within 12 days of storage. It was concluded that the treatments in chlorinated and salinized water favored the quality maintenance of fillets.
Classical and unconventional pathways of vesicular release in microglia
Authors: Prada Ilaria , Furlan Roberto , Matteoli Michela , Verderio Claudia
Published: April 2013

Emerging evidence indicates that activation of microglia, the immune cells of the brain, is strictly associated to both secretion of soluble molecules and release of extracellular membrane vesicles (EMVs) into the pericellular space. Through these processes, microglia heavily influence brain cell functions, either propagating inflammation and causing damage to neurons or playing a supportive, neuroprotective role. In this review, we highlight the emerging concepts related to vesicular mechanisms of secretion operating in microglial cells, with the aim of dissecting how microglia communicate with other cell types within the brain microenvironment in health and disease.
OPTIMAL DEVELOPMENT OF GROUNDWATER IN A WELL COMMAND OF EASTERN INDIA USING INTEGRATED SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION MODELLING
Authors: Mohanty S. , Jha Madan K. , Kumar Ashwani , Brahmanand P. S.
Published: April 2013

Quantitative techniques such as simulation modelling and optimization play a vital role in the management of complex groundwater systems. This study demonstrates the combined use of groundwater‐flow and resource optimization models to scientifically address the water scarcity problem in well‐based command areas through a case study in eastern India. A transient simulation‐optimization model was developed for the study area using Visual MODFLOW (groundwater‐flow simulation tool) and the response‐matrix technique to maximize pumping from the existing tubewells. The optimized maximum pumping rates obtained from the integrated simulation‐optimization model were further used in linear programming‐based optimization models to determine optimal cropping patterns for the wet, normal and dry scenarios. The net annual income from the optimal cropping patterns for the wet, normal and dry scenarios were estimated at Rs. 81.8 million, Rs. 76.4 million and Rs. 71.6 million, respectively. The results of simulation‐optimization modelling indicated that if the suggested optimal cropping patterns are adopted in the study area, the net annual irrigation water requirements will be reduced by 28, 35 and 40%, and net annual income will be increased by 28, 23 and 17% during wet, normal and dry scenarios, respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.