bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced infrared sounder subpixel cloud detection with imagers and its impact on radiance assimilation in NWP
Authors: Wang Pei , Li Jun , Li Jinlong , Li Zhenglong , Schmit Timothy J. , Bai Wenguang
Published: February 2014

Accurate cloud detection is very important for infrared (IR) radiance assimilation; improved cloud detection could reduce cloud contamination and hence improve the assimilation. Although operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) centers are using IR sounder radiance data for cloud detection, collocated high spatial resolution imager data could help sounder subpixel cloud detection and characterization. IR sounder radiances with improved cloud detection using Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)/Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were assimilated for Hurricane Sandy (2012). Forecast experiments were run with Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) as the forecast model and the Three‐Dimensional Variational Assimilation (3DVAR)‐based Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) as the analysis system. Results indicate that forecasts of both hurricane track and intensity are substantially improved when the collocated high spatial resolution MODIS cloud mask is used for AIRS subpixel cloud detection for assimilating radiances. This methodology can be applied to process Crosstrack Infrared Sounder (CRIS)/Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard Suomi‐NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)/Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)/Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) onboard the Metop series for improved radiance assimilation in NWP.
Rotational/compressional nature of the magnetopause: Application of the BV technique on a magnetopause case study
Authors: Dorville Nicolas , Belmont Gérard , Rezeau Laurence , Grappin Roland , Retinò Alessandro
Published: February 2014

The magnetopause boundary implies two main kinds of variations: a density/temperature gradient and a magnetic field rotation. Other variations are associated with these two, concerning in particular the flow velocity, the electric field, and the plasma composition. Compressional and rotational variations are always observed in a close vicinity of each other, if not inseparably mixed. We present a case study from the Cluster data where the two are clearly separated and investigate the natures of both layers, using the new “BV” method for discontinuity analysis. We evidence that the first one is a slow shock while the second is a rotational discontinuity. The interaction between these two kinds of discontinuities is then studied with the help of 1.5‐D magnetohydrodynamics simulations. The comparison with the data is quite positive and, associated with general theoretical arguments, leads to think that most of the generic properties of the magnetopause may be interpreted in this sense. Our results suggest that a “shaken” magnetopause is made of the sum of several discontinuities: slow shocks and rotational discontinuities. A statistical study on a larger set of data will be necessary to check this conjecture.
Development and validation of inversion technique for substorm current wedge using ground magnetic field data
Authors: Chu Xiangning , Hsu Tung‐Shin , McPherron Robert L. , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Pu Zuyin , Weygand James J. , Khurana Krishan , Connors Martin , Kissinger Jennifer , Zhang Hui , Amm Olaf
Published: February 2014

The classic substorm current wedge model represents ground and space magnetic perturbations measured during substorms. We have developed an inversion technique to calculate parameters determining the intensity and geometry of the current system using magnetic field data at midlatitudes. The current wedge consists of four segments: a sheet‐like field‐aligned current downward to the ionosphere postmidnight, a westward current across the auroral bulge, an upward sheet‐like current from the westward surge premidnight, and an eastward current in the equatorial plane. The model has five parameters including the current strength, the locations, and breadths of the two field‐aligned current sheets. Simultaneous changes in the ring current are represented by the superposition of a symmetric ring current and a partial ring current characterized by three additional parameters. Parameters of the model are determined as a function of time based on midlatitude ground magnetometers, using realistic field lines and accounting for Earth's induction. The model is validated by a variety of techniques. First, the model predicts more than 80% of the variance in the observations. Second, the intensity of the current wedge and the ring current follows the same trends of the westward electrojet and the ring current indices. Third, the intensity of the westward electrojet agrees extremely well with the intensity of the current wedge. Finally, spacecraft observations of the aurora correspond with the evolution deduced from the model. This model of the substorm current wedge provides a valuable tool for the study of substorm development and its relation to phenomena in space.
Harmonic waves and sheath rectification in type III solar radio bursts
Authors: Graham D. B. , Cairns Iver H. , Malaspina D. M.
Published: February 2014

In type III solar radio bursts and planetary foreshocks, Langmuir waves are produced by electron beams and converted partially to radio waves by linear and nonlinear processes. Lower amplitude second harmonic electric fields are observed simultaneously during the most intense Langmuir wave events in type III source regions. The electric fields at the harmonic frequencies can arise from various mechanisms, such as radio wave emission by either coalescence or antenna mechanisms, nonlinear currents, harmonics of Langmuir waves, electron trapping in Langmuir wave potentials, and Langmuir wave rectification at the sheath surrounding the spacecraft, or they can result from instrumental harmonics. In this paper the relative powers and electric field vectors of Langmuir waves and the harmonic fields are compared for multiple events. The structure of the harmonic field is shown to be determined by the Langmuir waveform, but the harmonic field direction is typically closely aligned with the solar wind flow. The magnitude, structure, and orientation of the harmonic fields is used to determine which processes are responsible. It is shown that the dominant process generating the observed harmonic fields is Langmuir wave rectification at the sheath surrounding the spacecraft.
Geomagnetic secular acceleration, jerks, and a localized standing wave at the core surface from 2000 to 2010
Authors: Chulliat A. , Maus S.
Published: February 2014

The geomagnetic secular acceleration (SA), defined as the second‐order time derivative of the Earth's core magnetic field, is investigated using data from the CHAMP satellite. We present a set of SA spherical harmonic models calculated from 3 year time intervals of CHAMP data, centered on epochs ranging from 2002.19 to 2009.51 with a 30 day step. These models are parameterized as second‐order Taylor expansions in time and are not regularized, except for SA degrees larger than 8. We find that the SA underwent two power pulses in 2006 and 2009 at the core‐mantle boundary (mostly on degrees 5 and 6) and at the Earth's surface (mostly on degrees 2 to 4). These pulses take the form of intense SA patches at the core surface in the low‐latitude Atlantic sector and in the Indian Ocean sector. In the Atlantic sector, the 2006 and 2009 SA patches are markedly anticorrelated. Principal component analysis suggests that the two pulses are part of a standing wave of period about 6 years. At the Earth's surface, this wave results in a succession of geomagnetic jerks, i.e., sudden SA polarity changes, in 2003, 2007, and 2011 near the Atlantic sector. The 2011 jerk is detected using the latest observatory data available, including quasi‐definitive data from January to October 2013. The origin of the wave is not clear; we find that it cannot be generated by the zonal toroidal flow of a torsional oscillation. Other possible interpretations are discussed.
Spatio‐temporal interpolation of daily temperatures for global land areas at 1 km resolution
Authors: Kilibarda Milan , Hengl Tomislav , Heuvelink Gerard B. M. , Gräler Benedikt , Pebesma Edzer , Perčec Tadić Melita , Bajat Branislav
Published: February 2014

Combined Global Surface Summary of Day and European Climate Assessment and Dataset daily meteorological data sets (around 9000 stations) were used to build spatio‐temporal geostatistical models and predict daily air temperature at ground resolution of 1 km for the global land mass. Predictions in space and time were made for the mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures using spatio‐temporal regression‐kriging with a time series of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 8 day images, topographic layers (digital elevation model and topographic wetness index), and a geometric temperature trend as covariates. The accuracy of predicting daily temperatures was assessed using leave‐one‐out cross validation. To account for geographical point clustering of station data and get a more representative cross‐validation accuracy, predicted values were aggregated to blocks of land of size 500×500 km. Results show that the average accuracy for predicting mean, maximum, and minimum daily temperatures is root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) =±2°C for areas densely covered with stations and between ±2°C and ±4°C for areas with lower station density. The lowest prediction accuracy was observed at high altitudes (>1000 m) and in Antarctica with an RMSE around 6°C. The model and predictions were built for the year 2011 only, but the same methodology could be extended for the whole range of the MODIS land surface temperature images (2001 to today), i.e., to produce global archives of daily temperatures (a next‐generation http://WorldClim.org repository) and to feed various global environmental models.
Preliminary interpretation of the REMS pressure data from the first 100 sols of the MSL mission
Authors: Haberle R. M. , Gómez‐Elvira J. , de la Torre Juárez M. , Harri A.‐M. , Hollingsworth J. L. , Kahanpää H. , Kahre M. A. , Lemmon M. , Martín‐Torres F. J. , Mischna M. , Moores J. E. , Newman C. , Rafkin S. C. R. , Rennó N. , Richardson M. I. , Rodríguez‐Manfredi J. A. , Vasavada A. R. , Zorzano‐Mier M.‐P. ,   REMS/MSL Science Teams
Published: February 2014

We provide a preliminary interpretation of the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) pressure data from the first 100 Martian solar days (sols) of the Mars Science Laboratory mission. The pressure sensor is performing well and has revealed the existence of phenomena undetected by previous missions that include possible gravity waves excited by evening downslope flows, relatively dust‐free convective vortices analogous in structure to dust devils, and signatures indicative of the circulation induced by Gale Crater and its central mound. Other more familiar phenomena are also present including the thermal tides, generated by daily insolation variations, and the CO2 cycle, driven by the condensation and sublimation of CO2 in the polar regions. The amplitude of the thermal tides is several times larger than those seen by other landers primarily because Curiosity is located where eastward and westward tidal modes constructively interfere and also because the crater circulation amplifies the tides to some extent. During the first 100 sols tidal amplitudes generally decline, which we attribute to the waning influence of the Kelvin wave. Toward the end of the 100 sol period, tidal amplitudes abruptly increased in response to a nearby regional dust storm that did not expand to global scales. Tidal phases changed abruptly during the onset of this storm suggesting a change in the interaction between eastward and westward modes. When compared to Viking Lander 2 data, the REMS daily average pressures show no evidence yet for the 1–20 Pa increase expected from the possible loss of CO2 from the south polar residual cap.
Charged particle spectra obtained with the Mars Science Laboratory Radiation Assessment Detector (MSL/RAD) on the surface of Mars
Authors: Ehresmann Bent , Zeitlin Cary , Hassler Donald M. , Wimmer‐Schweingruber Robert F. , Böhm Eckart , Böttcher Stephan , Brinza David E. , Burmeister Sönke , Guo Jingnan , Köhler Jan , Martin Cesar , Posner Arik , Rafkin Scot , Reitz Günther
Published: February 2014

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD)—situated inside the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover—is the first ever instrument to measure the energetic particle radiation environment on the surface of Mars. To fully understand the influence of this surface radiation field in terms of potential hazard to life, a detailed knowledge of its composition is necessary. Charged particles are a major component of this environment, both galactic cosmic rays propagating to the Martian surface and secondary particles created by interactions of these cosmic rays with the atoms of the Martian atmosphere and soil. Here we present particle fluxes for a wide range of ion species, providing detailed energy spectra in the low‐energy range (up to several hundred MeV/nucleon particle energy), and integral fluxes for higher energies. In addition to being crucial for the understanding of the hazards of this radiation to possible future manned missions to Mars, the data reported here provide valuable input for evaluating and validating particle transport models currently used to estimate the radiation environment on Mars and elsewhere in space. It is now possible for the first time to compare model results for expected surface particle fluxes with actual ground‐based measurements.
Intercomparison of large‐eddy simulations of Arctic mixed‐phase clouds: Importance of ice size distribution assumptions
Authors: Ovchinnikov Mikhail , Ackerman Andrew S. , Avramov Alexander , Cheng Anning , Fan Jiwen , Fridlind Ann M. , Ghan Steven , Harrington Jerry , Hoose Corinna , Korolev Alexei , McFarquhar Greg M. , Morrison Hugh , Paukert Marco , Savre Julien , Shipway Ben J. , Shupe Matthew D. , Solomon Amy , Sulia Kara
Published: February 2014

Large‐eddy simulations of mixed‐phase Arctic clouds by 11 different models are analyzed with the goal of improving understanding and model representation of processes controlling the evolution of these clouds. In a case based on observations from the Indirect and Semi‐Direct Aerosol Campaign (ISDAC), it is found that ice number concentration, Ni, exerts significant influence on the cloud structure. Increasing Ni leads to a substantial reduction in liquid water path (LWP), in agreement with earlier studies. In contrast to previous intercomparison studies, all models here use the same ice particle properties (i.e., mass‐size, mass‐fall speed, and mass‐capacitance relationships) and a common radiation parameterization. The constrained setup exposes the importance of ice particle size distributions (PSDs) in influencing cloud evolution. A clear separation in LWP and IWP predicted by models with bin and bulk microphysical treatments is documented and attributed primarily to the assumed shape of ice PSD used in bulk schemes. Compared to the bin schemes that explicitly predict the PSD, schemes assuming exponential ice PSD underestimate ice growth by vapor deposition and overestimate mass‐weighted fall speed leading to an underprediction of IWP by a factor of two in the considered case. Sensitivity tests indicate LWP and IWP are much closer to the bin model simulations when a modified shape factor which is similar to that predicted by bin model simulation is used in bulk scheme. These results demonstrate the importance of representation of ice PSD in determining the partitioning of liquid and ice and the longevity of mixed‐phase clouds.
Stochastic convective rain‐field simulation using a high‐resolution synoptically conditioned weather generator (HiReS‐WG)
Authors: Peleg Nadav , Morin Efrat
Published: February 2014

A new stochastic high‐resolution synoptically conditioned weather generator (HiReS‐WG) appropriate for climate regimes with a substantial proportion of convective rainfall is presented. The simulated rain fields are of high spatial (0.5 × 0.5 km2) and temporal (5 min) resolution and can be used for most hydrological applications. The WG is composed of four modules: the synoptic generator, the motion vector generator, the convective rain cell generator, and the low‐intensity rainfall generator. The HiReS‐WG was applied to a study region on the northwestern Israeli coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean, for which 12 year weather radar and synoptic data were extensively analyzed to derive probability distributions of convective rain cells and other rainfall properties for different synoptic classifications; these distributions were used as input to the HiReS‐WG. Simulated rainfall data for 300 years were evaluated for annual rain depth, season timing, wet‐/dry‐period durations, rain‐intensity distributions, and spatial correlations. In general, the WG well represented the above properties compared to radar and rain‐gauge observations from the studied region, with one limitation—an inability to reproduce the most extreme cases. The HiReS‐WG is a good tool to study catchments' hydrological responses to variations in rainfall, especially small‐size to medium‐size catchments, and it can also be linked to climate models to force the prevailing synoptic conditions.
Science Is Key to Decision Making, U.S. Secretary of Interior Tells Eos
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2014

As secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Sally Jewell oversees a department whose mission involves both the management and conservation of federal lands and natural resources. Jewell's background as a petroleum engineer, banker with a specialty in natural resources, and CEO of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) could help her balance various, often competing, interests and manage Interior's nine agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement; National Park Service; and the bureaus of Reclamation, Land Management, and Ocean Energy Management.
Our Biggest and Best Fall Meeting Ever
Authors: Finn Carol
Published: February 2014

For more than 4 decades, scientists from around the world have converged on AGU's Fall Meeting to hear about the latest discoveries in Earth and space science, develop new collaborations and partnerships, and be a part of a passionate, innovative, and welcoming community of scientists dedicated to our mission of “Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.” The 2013 Fall Meeting was no different, and with more than 22,000 attendees joining us in San Francisco from 9 to 13 December, it was our biggest meeting ever!
2013 Fall Meeting by the Numbers
Authors: Asher Pranoti M.
Published: February 2014

43,400 = Square feet occupied by the Exhibit Hall in the Moscone Center North Building
AGU Celebrates 83 Geophysicists at 2013 Honors Tribute
Authors: Paredes Beth
Published: February 2014

The 2013 AGU Honors Tribute, celebrated on Wednesday, 11 December 2013, honored 83 AGU geophysicists for their passion for scientific excellence and outstanding achievements in advancing and communicating science to ensure a better future for humanity. The work conducted by this distinguished group of scientists, leaders, educators, and communicators truly embodies AGU's vision to “advance and communicate science and its power to ensure a sustainable future.”
Journal Editors Celebrated at Editors' Evening
Authors: Panning Jeanette
Published: February 2014

At the Fall Meeting, the premiere social event for AGU's many journal editors is the annual Editors' Evening, an opportunity for members to celebrate and to recognize the efforts of retiring editors. At the event, AGU president Carol Finn welcomed all those in attendance and thanked them for volunteering their time for the benefit of AGU and the wider research community.
Attendees Discuss Science Policy Outreach
Authors: Hankin Erik
Published: February 2014

The 2013 Fall Meeting provided participants with many opportunities to increase their involvement in Earth and space science policy. Whether attendees were interested in outreach campaigns, concerned about recent legal attacks on science, or fascinated by the prospect of working with policy makers, the meeting teemed with opportunities to learn and become more involved.
AGU and Climate Science Legal Defense Fund Support Scientists Facing Legal Attack
Authors: Landau Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

A lawyer and a scientist walk into a room—but this is no joke. Scientists are facing subpoenas, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and other legal issues regarding their scientific work. It is not part of a scientist's traditional training to learn how long to keep emails related to federally funded research or what to do if their research is subpoenaed. To assist members dealing with these matters AGU partnered, in 2013, with the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF) for a second year to put on the Legal Education for Scientists program, a series of events aimed at helping them navigate these often murky legal waters.
Fall Meeting Science Makes Headlines, Generates Thousands of Tweets
Authors: Bompey Nanci
Published: February 2014

Scientists declared Comet ISON dead, revealed the coldest place on Earth, and unveiled new clues about possible life in the Solar System during press conferences at the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting.
Getting Up Close and Personal With Climate Scientists in Thin Ice
Authors: Weiss Peter
Published: February 2014

In a new documentary screened at the 2013 Fall Meeting, viewers follow the wanderings of Simon Lamb, a New Zealand geologist on a mission. Lamb is out to explore firsthand the research that climate scientists do and to gauge whether their claims that human‐made emissions are changing Earth's climate are correct.
We're Going to Need a Bigger Room: Advice Workshops Are the Hit of Career Center
Authors: Cooper Paul
Published: February 2014

Advice workshops proved to be the most well‐attended Career Center events at this year's Fall Meeting, with a total of roughly 700 people participating. Topics included how to avoid mistakes when applying for and working on a post doctoral position, finding hidden job opportunities by networking, negotiation strategies, and tips for taking control of your career.
AGU Board and Council Close Out Productive Year
Authors: Enderlein Cheryl
Published: February 2014

The AGU Board of Directors and Council both held meetings in San Francisco the weekend before Fall Meeting, wrapping up a very busy and productive year. The Board and Council have a joint work plan (see http://sites.agu.org/leadership/bod/), and meetings are planned to provide a flow of information between the two groups, as well as to staff and other parts of the Union, including committees and task forces, editors, and sections and focus groups. Outcomes from the meetings are posted on AGU's website: Board outcomes can be found at http://sites.agu.org/leadership/bod/board‐outcomes/ and Council outcomes at, http://sites.agu.org/leadership/science‐council/council‐outcomes/.
New Donor Recognition Benefits for 2014 Announced
Authors: Thompson Victoria
Published: February 2014

At the 2013 Fall Meeting, AGU announced new plans for donor recognition and benefits.
On the “bowl‐shaped” deformation of planetary equatorial current sheets
Authors: Tsyganenko N. A. , Andreeva V. A.
Published: February 2014

Arridge et al. (2008) reported evidence for the formation of a “bowl‐shaped” equatorial current disk in Saturn's magnetosphere during epochs with large planetary dipole tilt angle from perpendicularity with the Sun‐planet axis. Using a large multiyear set of Geotail, Polar, and Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions spacecraft data and a simple model of the magnetic field reversal surface, we found that a similar kind of the tilt‐related magnetic field deformation is present in the Earth's magnetosphere. Based on the properties of a tilted vacuum magnetic field configuration, we conclude that the bowl‐shaped distortion is a universal feature of magnetospheres with a tilted planetary dipole, resulting from the joint effect of the north‐south asymmetry due to the tilt and of the day‐night asymmetry imposed by the solar wind flow.
Criteria for the Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia: Validation of the Modified 2010 Preliminary American College of Rheumatology Criteria and the Development of Alternative Criteria
Authors: Bennett Robert M. , Friend Ronald , Marcus Dawn , Bernstein Cheryl , Han Bobby Kwanghoon , Yachoui Ralph , Deodhar Atul , Kaell Alan , Bonafede Peter , Chino Allan , Jones Kim D.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To validate the 2011 modification of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) preliminary criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (2011ModCr) and develop alternative criteria in a sample of patients with diverse pain disorders that are commonly seen in everyday practice by pain specialists, rheumatologists, and psychologists.

Methods

Eight clinicians from geographically varied locations in the US evaluated patients with chronic pain and psychiatric disorders using a standard set of questions that included the 2011ModCr questions, the Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR), a 28‐area pain location inventory (PLI), and the Short Form 36. Alternative diagnostic criteria were developed from the same data set using logistic regression and receiver operating curve analysis.

Results

Complete data on 321 patients were evaluated; there were 135 patients with fibromyalgia (according to the 1990 ACR criteria) and 186 patients with 16 other common chronic pain problems. Comparing the 2011ModCr with the 1990 ACR criteria provided a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 67%, and a correct classification of 74%. Alternative criteria were derived from the 10‐item symptom score from the SIQR symptoms and the 28‐area PLI. Maximal diagnostic accuracy was obtained with ≥17 pain sites (range 0–28) and an SIQR symptom score of ≥21 (range 0–50). These alternative criteria had a diagnostic sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 80%, and a correct classification of 80%.

Conclusion

The 2011ModCr had robust operating characteristics. Alternative criteria based on symptom items from the SIQR and pain locations from the PLI had comparable operating characteristics, with somewhat better specificity and ease of use.
Dynamic Control Over Electronic Transport in 3D Bulk Nanographene via Interfacial Charging
Authors: Dasgupta Subho , Wang Di , Kübel Christian , Hahn Horst , Baumann Theodore F. , Biener Jürgen
Published: February 2014

Electrochemical surface charge‐induced variation of physical properties in interface‐dominated bulk materials is a rapidly emerging field in material science. The recently developed three‐dimensional bulk nanographene (3D‐BNG) macro‐assemblies with ultra‐high surface area and chemical inertness offer new opportunities in this area. Here, the electronic transport in centimeter‐sized 3D‐BNG monoliths can be dynamically controlled via electrochemically induced surface charge density. Specifically, a fully reversible variation in macroscopic conductance up to several hundred percent is observed with ≤1 V applied gate potential. The observed conductivity change can be explained in the light of the electrochemically‐induced accumulation or depletion of charge carriers in combination with a large variation in the carrier mobility; the latter, being highly affected by the defect density modulations resulting from the interfacial charge injection, sharply decreases with an increase in defect concentrations. The phenomenon presented in this study is believed to open the door to novel applications of bulk graphene materials such as, for example, low voltage and high power tunable resistors.
Tunable Decoration of Reduced Graphene Oxide with Au Nanoparticles for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Kim Sung‐Soo , Kim Yang‐Rae , Chung Taek Dong , Sohn Byeong‐Hyeok
Published: February 2014

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films are decorated with non‐overlapping Au nanoparticles using diblock copolymer micelles that provide controllability over the number density as well as the diameter of the nanoparticles. This synthetic process produces a pure Au surface without extra layers. Further­more, the rGO film enables the transferability of the Au nanoparticles without deterioration of their arrays. Thus, the controllability of the Au nanoparticles and their transferability with rGO films allow the effective modification of electrochemical electrodes. With a glassy carbon electrode modified with an rGO film with Au nanoparticles, high electrochemical activity is observed in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Furthermore, it is possible to identify a size‐dependent ORR mechanism, showing that Au nanoparticles with an average diameter of 8.6 nm exhibit a 4‐electron direct reduction of O2 to H2O.
Self‐Propelling and Positioning of Droplets Using Continuous Topography Gradient Surface
Authors: Li Juan , Tian Xuelin , Perros Alexander Pyymaki , Franssila Sami , Jokinen Ville
Published: February 2014

A radial pattern with continuous topography gradient is presented, which induces a continuous inward wettability gradient and enables self‐propelling and accurate positioning of droplets to the pattern center. The effect of droplet size and wettability gradient of the pattern on the self‐mobility of droplets is investigated. The wettability gradient is found to increase towards the pattern center, enhancing the self‐motion of droplets at the inner area of the pattern. Moreover, larger droplets give rise to a larger solid‐liquid contact diameter, which helps to satisfy the self‐motion criteria that the advancing contact angle at front edge is smaller than the receding contact angle at rear edge. Consequently, a larger droplet size favors self‐motion initiated from the outer area of the pattern. The continuous topography gradient employed here allows the flexible dispensing of droplets at any place within a certain range, and avoids potential pinning defects to droplets at geometrical discontinuities. An average self‐motion velocity up to 4.0 cm/s for microliter‐sized droplets is achieved on the resultant patterned surface.
Charge Carrier Dynamics of Polymer:Fullerene Blends: From Geminate to Non‐Geminate Recombination
Authors: Vithanage Dimali Amarasinghe , Wang Ergang , Wang Zhongqiang , Ma Fei , Inganäs Olle , Andersson Mats R. , Yartsev Arkady , Sundström Villy , Pascher Torbjörn
Published: February 2014

The charge carrier dynamics of a new polymer‐fullerene blend are examined on the femtosecond to the millisecond time scale. The full time range is globally fitted using a chemical reaction rate model that includes all key processes, charge generation, energy transfer, charge separation, and recombination, over the full 12 orders of magnitude in time and a factor of 33 in light intensity. Particular attention is paid to the charge recombination processes and it is found that they are highly material specific. Comparison of the dynamics to those of a previously studied polymer:fullerene blend reveals that while for one blend the recombination dynamics are mainly controlled by geminate recombination, the charge recombination in the presently studied polymer:fullerene blend are entirely controlled by non‐geminate electron‐hole recombination. Carrier density dependence of the non‐geminate recombination rate is analyzed and a correlated disorder model of site energies is proposed to explain the observed dependency.
A Double‐Hurdle Analysis of Demand for Powdered Milk: Evidence from Household Survey Data in an Urban Chinese Province
Authors: Wu Beibei , Chen Yongfu , Si Wei , Chien Hsiaoping
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study is to explore the determinants of urban at‐home consumption demand for powdered milk in Guangdong province from 2007 to 2009. A double‐hurdle model is used in this analysis based on survey data. The data include 8188 household distributed in 15 cities and prefectures of Guangdong province. Major findings show that the income growth of urban household, an increase in the level of education of the householder, and the different age groups within the household all have positive effects on urban at‐home consumption demand for powdered milk. The prices of powdered milk have negative effects on milk consumption. Families in the Pearl River Delta consume more powdered milk than families in the other regions. The powdered milk consumption has not been significantly affected by the 2008 Chinese melamine tainted milk scandal.
Polynuclear SmIII Polyamidoamine‐Based Dendrimer: A Single Probe for Combined Visible and Near‐Infrared Live‐Cell Imaging
Authors: Foucault‐Collet Alexandra , Shade Chad M. , Nazarenko Iuliia , Petoud Stéphane , Eliseeva Svetlana V.
Published: February 2014

We report herein the synthesis of a luminescent polynuclear dendritic structure (SmIII‐G3P‐2,3Nap) in which eight SmIII ions are sensitized by thirty‐two 2,3‐naphthalimide chromophores. Upon a single excitation wavelength, the dendrimer complex exhibits two types of emission in the visible and in the near‐infrared (NIR) ranges. SmIII‐G3P‐2,3Nap was non‐cytotoxic after 24 h of incubation and up to 2.5 μM. The ability of the SmIII‐based probe to be taken up by cells was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Epifluorescence microscopy validated SmIII‐G3P‐2,3Nap as a versatile probe, capable of performing interchangeably in the visible or NIR for live‐cell imaging. As both emissions are obtained from a single complex, the cytotoxicity and biodistribution are inherently the same. The possibility for discriminating the sharp SmIII signals from autofluorescence in two spectral ranges increases the reliability of analysis and reduces the probability of artifacts and instrumental errors.
From Syndiotactic Homopolymers to Chemically Tunable Alternating Copolymers: Highly Active Yttrium Complexes for Stereoselective Ring‐Opening Polymerization of β‐Malolactonates
Authors: Jaffredo Cédric G. , Chapurina Yulia , Guillaume Sophie M. , Carpentier Jean‐François
Published: February 2014

Alternating copolymers constitute an attractive class of materials. It was shown previously that highly alternated poly(β‐hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs) can be prepared by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of mixtures of two different enantiomerically pure 4‐alkyl‐β‐propiolactones. However, the approach could not be extended to PHAs with chemically tunable functional groups, which is highly desirable to access original advanced materials. Reported herein is the first highly syndioselective and controlled ROP of racemic allyl and benzyl β‐malolactonates (MLAR; R=allyl, benzyl) using an yttrium complex supported by a tetradentate dichloro‐substituted bis(phenolate) ligand. This highly active catalyst allows the nearly perfect alternating copolymerization of MLAAllyl and MLABenzyl. Hydrogenolysis of the benzyloxycarbonyl or functionalization of the allyl pendant groups opens a route towards a new class of functional alternating copolymers.
Brief Report: Prevalence of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies in Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Mahr Alfred , Batteux Frédéric , Tubiana Sarah , Goulvestre Claire , Wolff Michel , Papo Thomas , Vrtovsnik François , Klein Isabelle , Iung Bernard , Duval Xavier ,   the IMAGE Study Group
Published: February 2014

Objective

Infective endocarditis (IE) mimics primary systemic vasculitis, and there are sporadic reports of positivity for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) among patients with IE. Because the frequency of ANCAs in IE is unknown, this study was undertaken to assess the seroprevalence of ANCAs in a large number of patients with IE.

Methods

The study was conducted in the framework of a single‐center prospective cohort study of incident IE cases. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and microbiologic data were collected, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed at diagnosis. For those patients whose serum had been stored at diagnosis, ANCAs were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence assay in ethanol‐, formalin‐, and methanol‐fixed neutrophils. In addition, ANCA specificity for proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and serum Ig levels were also measured. Comparisons between groups were made using Wilcoxon's rank sum and chi‐square or Fisher's exact tests.

Results

Among 109 patients with IE, 18% had cytoplasmic ANCAs (cANCA) and/or perinuclear ANCAs (pANCA) and 8% had PR3‐ANCAs or MPO‐ANCAs, some with very high titers. Positivity for both cANCA or pANCA and PR3‐ANCAs or MPO‐ANCAs was found in 6% of patients, and RF, ANAs, and aCL were detected in 35%, 16%, and 23% of samples, respectively. No consistent clinical pattern of IE was observed in the anti‐PR3/anti‐MPO–positive IE patients, whereas positivity for cANCA/pANCA was associated with younger age (P = 0.022), more frequent occurrence of echocardiographic vegetations (P = 0.043), and above‐normal serum IgG levels (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

ANCAs, including PR3‐ and MPO‐ANCAs, occur in a substantial proportion of patients with IE. The link between cANCA/pANCA and specific features of IE requires further study.
ES‐62 Protects Against Collagen‐Induced Arthritis by Resetting Interleukin‐22 Toward Resolution of Inflammation in the Joints
Authors: Pineda Miguel A. , Rodgers David T. , Al‐Riyami Lamyaa , Harnett William , Harnett Margaret M.
Published: February 2014

Objective

The parasitic worm–derived immunomodulator ES‐62 protects against disease in the mouse collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by suppressing pathogenic interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) responses. The Th17‐associated cytokine IL‐22 also appears to have a pathogenic role in autoimmune arthritis, particularly in promoting proinflammatory responses by synovial fibroblasts and osteoclastogenesis. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether the protection against joint damage afforded by ES‐62 also reflects suppression of IL‐22.

Methods

The role(s) of IL‐22 was assessed by investigating the effects of neutralizing anti–IL‐22 antibodies and recombinant IL‐22 (rIL‐22) on proinflammatory cytokine production, synovial fibroblast responses, and joint damage in mice with CIA in the presence or absence of ES‐62.

Results

Neutralization of IL‐22 during the initiation phase abrogated CIA, while administration of rIL‐22 enhanced synovial fibroblast responses and exacerbated joint pathology. In contrast, after disease onset anti–IL‐22 did not suppress progression, whereas administration of rIL‐22 promoted resolution of inflammation. Consistent with these late antiinflammatory effects, the protection afforded by ES‐62 was associated with elevated levels of IL‐22 in the serum and joints that reflected a desensitization of the synovial fibroblast responses. Moreover, neutralization of IL‐22 during the late effector stage of disease prevented ES‐62–mediated desensitization of synovial fibroblast responses and protection against CIA.

Conclusion

IL‐22 plays a dual role in CIA, being pathogenic during the initiation phase while acting to resolve inflammation and joint damage during established disease. Harnessing of the tissue repair properties of IL‐22 by ES‐62 highlights the potential for joint‐targeted therapeutic modulation of synovial fibroblast responses and consequent protection against bone damage in RA.
A feasibility study of the use of reactive tracers to determine outdoor daytime OH radical concentrations within the urban environment
Authors: White Iain R. , Martin Damien , Petersson K. F. , Henshaw Stephen J. , Nickless Graham , Lloyd‐Jones Guy C. , Clemitshaw Kevin C. , Shallcross Dudley E.
Published: February 2014

Using a specifically designed chemical tracer to indirectly measure local atmospheric hydroxyl radical (OH) concentrations is a very appealing concept. Such a tracer will provide information on the amount of OH a tracer encounters, as it moves through the urban environment and provide a stringent test of models. However, to date an outdoor experiment such as this has not been conducted. This article discusses the reasons why this is so and examines the feasibility of using tracers to measure integrated urban OH levels over short (≤1 km) distances.
Incidence of and risk factors for sentinel lymph node metastasis in patients with a postoperative diagnosis of ductal carcinomain situ
Authors: Zetterlund L , Stemme S , Arnrup H , de Boniface J
Published: February 2014

Background

Positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are found in up to 13 per cent of women with a preoperative diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast and in up to 4 per cent of those with a postoperative diagnosis. This retrospective national register study investigated the incidence of positive SLNs in women with a postoperative diagnosis of DCIS, and the value of additional tumour sectioning to identify occult tumour invasion.

Methods

All surgical patients with a final histopathological diagnosis of pure DCIS registered in the Swedish national breast cancer register in 2008 and 2009 were eligible. Additional sectioning was performed on archived primary tumour tissue from women with SLN metastasis (including cases of isolated tumour cells) and matched SLN-negative control patients with the aim of detecting occult invasion.

Results

SLN tumour deposits were reported in 11 of 753 women who had SLN biopsy (macrometastases, 2; micrometastases, 3; isolated tumour cells, 6), resulting in a SLN positivity rate of 0·7 per cent (5 of 753). Occult invasion was found in one (9 per cent) of these 11 patients and in two (10 per cent) of 21 control patients. No risk factors for SLN metastasis were identified.

Conclusion

SLN positivity is rare in women with a histopathological diagnosis of pure DCIS. Additional primary tumour assessment may reveal occult invasion in both SLN metastasis-positive and -negative patients. The value of performing SLN biopsy in the setting of a preoperative diagnosis of DCIS was limited, and current Swedish practice should therefore be questioned.
The protective effects of puerarin in cardiomyocytes from anoxia/reoxygenation injury are mediated by PKCε
Authors: Tang Lei , Liu Dan , Yi Xiaoqing , Xu Tiantian , Liu Ying , Luo Yuchao , Yin Dong , He Ming
Published: February 2014

Puerarin is an isoflavone isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Ge‐gen (Radix Puerariae). Clinical studies have confirmed the cardioprotective effects of puerarin; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects are still unclear. On the basis of previous findings, we hypothesized that puerarin protects cardiomyocytes from ischemia–reperfusion injury via the protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) (a critical cardioprotective protein) signalling pathway. Neonatal rat primary cardiomyocytes were preconditioned with puerarin or puerarin plus εV1‐2, a selective PKCε inhibitor, prior to anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) treatment. Western blot analysis showed that expression and activity of PKCε protein in puerarin preconditioned group were both increased compared with the control or A/R group. Subsequent assays showed that preconditioning with puerarin could increase the viability of neonatal rat primary cardiomyocytes treated with A/R, decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cell necrosis and apoptosis induced by A/R injury. However, the protective effects of puerarin completely disappeared in the group pretreated with puerarin plus εV1‐2. Thus, for the first time, we revealed the protective effects of puerarin in cardiomocytes from anoxia/reoxygenation injury are mediated by PKCε. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intra‐aortic balloon pump insertion through the right subclavian artery in a patient of anterior wall myocardial infarction with ventricular septal rupture and severe peripheral artery obstruction disease
Authors: Sharma Kamal H. , Shah Bhavik S. , Jadhav Nikhil D.
Published: February 2014

Intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) is used in cardiogenic shock of different etiologies. Routinely, it is inserted through the transfemoral access, but in the patients with severe peripheral artery obstruction disease (PAOD), use of alternative approach is needed. In this case report, IABP insertion through the right subclavian artery with the help of cardiothoracic surgeon in a patient of anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI) with severe PAOD has been described. A 60‐years‐old male patient, with the history of chronic smoking, presented with progressing chest pain for last 3 days. On the basis of clinical examination and radiological findings, he was diagnosed with AWMI along with the ventricular septal rupture and PAOD. The patient was advised to undergo coronary artery bypass graft with VSR repair, but to stabilize the patient, it was necessary to put him on IABP. Because of the severe PAOD, femoral access was not suitable to insert the IABP, and hence, the right subclavian route was accessed. Then, the patient was operated and no other complications were encountered. Subclavian arterial IABP insertion under local anesthesia is easier and safer to perform and allows increased patient mobility. Other routes, such as, ascending aorta and axillary artery have also been discussed in other literatures, but subclavian arterial IABP insertion was found to be the best in the patients with severe PAOD. Trans‐subclavian route is an effective approach in extended IABP utilization even in patients with severe PAOD. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Operator's procedure volume and not years of experience, determine needle to balloon time in primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Ahmed Imdad , Pancholy Samir B.
Published: February 2014

Objective

This study aimed at evaluating operator and procedural variables affecting needle to balloon time in primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background

The relationship between operator's variables with needle to balloon time is unknown.

Methods

A total of 399 consecutive patients from 06/2010 to 03/2012 presenting with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction in a community medical center were included in the study. Operator experience was calculated in number of years in interventional practice and operator procedure volume in number of percutaneous coronary intervention procedures performed annually. The time of arrival was divided into regular hours (7 am to 4 pm) and off hours (4 pm to 7 am) on weekdays and the entire duration on weekends and holidays.

Results

The average patient age was 65 years and 59% were males. The mean needle to balloon time was 18.53 ± 8 min. There was no difference in needle to balloon time between patients presenting during regular hours compared to those presenting during off hours (18.19 ± 6.88 vs. 18.93 ± 9.13, P > 0.5). Operator experience (coefficient = −0.10, P = 0.03) and procedure volume (coefficient = −0.63, P < 0.0001) showed negative correlation with needle to balloon time. In multivariate analysis after adjusting for access sites and operator experience, procedure volume was the only independent predictor of needle to balloon time (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Operator procedure volume and not the years of experience, determine the needle to balloon time in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Operator performance as assessed by needle to balloon time is not affected by the time of the day. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.