bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroprevalence Among Children in Papua New Guinea, 2012–2013
Authors: Kitau Russel , Datta Siddhartha Sankar , Patel Minal K. , Hennessey Karen , Wannemuehler Kathleen , Sui Gerard , Lagani William
Published: January 2015

Approximately 8% of the population in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To decrease the burden of chronic HBV infection, a national 3-dose infant hepatitis B vaccination program was implemented starting in 1989, with a birth dose (BD) added to the schedule in 1992. To assess the impact of the hepatitis B vaccination program, we conducted a serosurvey among children born after vaccine introduction. During 2012–2013, a cross-sectional stratified four-stage cluster survey was conducted to estimate hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence among children 4–6 years of age. We collected demographic data, vaccination history, and tested children for HBsAg. Of 2,133 participants, 2,130 children had vaccination data by either card or recall: 28% received a BD; 81% received ≥ 3 vaccine doses. Of 2,109 children providing a blood sample, 60 (2.3%) tested positive for HBsAg. This is the largest, most geographically diverse survey of hepatitis B vaccination and HBsAg seroprevalence done in PNG. Progress has been made in PNG toward the Western Pacific Regional goal to reduce the prevalence of chronic HBV infection to < 1% by 2017 among 5-year-old children. Vaccination efforts should be strengthened, including increasing BD coverage and completing the 3-dose series.
Integrating laboratory and field data to quantify the immersion freezing ice nucleation activity of mineral dust particles
Authors: DeMott P. J. , Prenni A. J. , McMeeking G. R. , Sullivan R. C. , Petters M. D. , Tobo Y. , Niemand M. , Möhler O. , Snider J. R. , Wang Z. , Kreidenweis S. M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Data from both laboratory studies and atmospheric measurements are used to develop an empirical parameterization for the immersion freezing activity of natural mineral dust particles. Measurements made with the Colorado State University (CSU) continuous flow diffusion chamber (CFDC) when processing mineral dust aerosols at a nominal 105% relative humidity with respect to water (RHw) are taken as a measure of the immersion freezing nucleation activity of particles. Ice active frozen fractions vs. temperature for dusts representative of Saharan and Asian desert sources were consistent with similar measurements in atmospheric dust plumes for a limited set of comparisons available. The parameterization developed follows the form of one suggested previously for atmospheric particles of non-specific composition in quantifying ice nucleating particle concentrations as functions of temperature and the total number concentration of particles larger than 0.5 μm diameter. Such an approach does not explicitly account for surface area and time dependencies for ice nucleation, but sufficiently encapsulates the activation properties for potential use in regional and global modeling simulations, and possible application in developing remote sensing retrievals for ice nucleating particles. A calibration factor is introduced to account for the apparent underestimate (by approximately 3, on average) of the immersion freezing fraction of mineral dust particles for CSU CFDC data processed at an RHw of 105% vs. maximum fractions active at higher RHw. Instrumental factors that affect activation behavior vs. RHw in CFDC instruments remain to be fully explored in future studies. Nevertheless, the use of this calibration factor is supported by comparison to ice activation data obtained for the same aerosols from Aerosol Interactions and Dynamics of the Atmosphere (AIDA) expansion chamber cloud parcel experiments. Further comparison of the new parameterization, including calibration correction, to predictions of the immersion freezing surface active site density parameterization for mineral dust particles, developed separately from AIDA experimental data alone, shows excellent agreement for data collected in a descent through a Saharan aerosol layer. These studies support the utility of laboratory measurements to obtain atmospherically relevant data on the ice nucleation properties of dust and other particle types, and suggest the suitability of considering all mineral dust as a single type of ice nucleating particle as a useful first-order approximation in numerical modeling investigations.
A novel retrieval of daytime atmospheric dust and volcanic ash heights through a synergy of AIRS infrared radiances and MODIS L2 optical depths
Authors: DeSouza-Machado S. , Strow L. , Maddy E. , Torres O. , Thomas G. , Grainger D. , Robinson A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. We present a novel method to retrieve daytime atmospheric dust and ash plume heights using a synergy of infrared hyper-spectral radiances and retrieved visible optical depths. The method is developed using data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), both of which are on NASA's Aqua platform, and lends itself to also a χ2 height derivation based on the smallest bias between observations and calculations in the thermal infrared window. The retrieval methodology is validated against almost 30 months of dust centroid heights obtained from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIOP) data, and against ash plume heights obtained from the Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) after the Puyehue Cordon Caulle volcanic eruption of June 2011. Comparisons are also made against Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) climatological aerosol heights. In general there is good agreement between the heights from the CALIPSO data and the AIRS/MODIS retrieval, especially over the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions; over land one there are more noticeable differences. The AIRS/MODIS derived heights are within typically 25% of the CALIOP centroid heights.
Upper ocean mixing controls the seasonality of planktonic foraminifer fluxes and associated strength of the carbonate pump in the oligotrophic North Atlantic
Authors: Salmon K. H. , Anand P. , Sexton P. F. , Conte M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Oligotrophic regions represent up to 75% of Earth's open-ocean environments. They are thus areas of major importance in understanding the plankton community dynamics and biogeochemical fluxes. Here we present fluxes of total planktonic foraminifera and 11 planktonic foraminifer species measured at the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP) time series site in the oligotrophic Sargasso Sea, subtropical western North Atlantic Ocean. Foraminifera flux was measured at 1500 m water depth, over two ~ 2.5-year intervals: 1998–2000 and 2007–2010. We find that foraminifera flux was closely correlated with total mass flux, carbonate and organic carbon fluxes. We show that the planktonic foraminifera flux increases approximately 5-fold during the winter–spring, contributing up to ~ 40% of the total carbonate flux. This was primarily driven by increased fluxes of deeper-dwelling globorotaliid species, which contributed up to 90% of the foraminiferal-derived carbonate during late winter–early spring. Interannual variability in total foraminifera flux, and in particular fluxes of the deep-dwelling species (Globorotalia truncatulinoides, Globorotalia hirsuta and Globorotalia inflata), was related to differences in seasonal mixed layer dynamics affecting the strength of the spring phytoplankton bloom and export flux, and by the passage of mesoscale eddies. As these heavily calcified, dense carbonate tests of deeper-dwelling species (3 times denser than surface dwellers) have greater sinking rates, this implies a high seasonality of the biological carbonate pump in oligotrophic oceanic regions. Our data suggest that climate cycles, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation, which modulates nutrient supply into the euphotic zone and the strength of the spring bloom, may also in turn modulate the production and flux of these heavily calcified deep-dwelling foraminifera by increasing their food supply, thereby intensifying the biological carbonate pump.
How to predict hydrological effects of local land use change: how the vegetation parameterisation for short rotation coppices influences model results
Authors: Richter F. , Döring C. , Jansen M. , Panferov O. , Spank U. , Bernhofer C.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Among the different bioenergy sources short rotation coppices (SRC) with poplar and willow trees are one of the mostly promising options in Europe. SRC not only provide woody biomass, but often additional ecosystem services. One known shortcoming is the possible negative effect on groundwater recharge, caused by potentially higher rates of evapotranspiration compared to annual crops. An assessment of land use change by means of hydrological models and taking into account the changing climate can help to minimize negative and maximize positive ecological effects at regional and local scales, e.g. to regional climate and/or to adjacent ecosystems. The present study implemented the hydrological model system WaSim for such assessment. The hydrological analysis requires the adequate description of the vegetation cover to simulate the processes like soil evaporation, interception evaporation and transpiration. The uncertainties in the vegetation parameterisations might result in implausible model results. The present study shows that leaf area index (LAI), stomatal resistance (Rsc) as well as the beginning and length of the growing season are the sensitive parameters when investigating the effects of an enhanced cultivation of SRC on water budget or on groundwater recharge. Mostly sensitive is the description of the beginning of the growing season. When this estimation is wrong, the accuracy of LAI and Rsc description plays a minor role. The analyses done here illustrate that the use of locally measured vegetation parameters like maximal LAI and meteorological variables like air temperature, to estimate the beginning of the growing season, produce better results than literature data or data from remote network stations. However the direct implementation of locally measured or literature data on e.g. stomatal resistance is not always advisable. The adjustment of locally vegetation parameterisation shows the best model evaluation. Additionally the adjusted course of LAI and Rsc is less sensitive to different estimates for leaf unfolding, due to a slower increase in spring compared to a step functional annual course.
Estimation of regional differences in wind erosion sensitivity in Hungary
Authors: Mezősi G. , Blanka V. , Bata T. , Kovács F. , Meyer B.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. In Hungary, wind erosion is one of the most serious natural hazards. Spatial and temporal variation in the factors that determine the location and intensity of wind erosion damage are not well known, nor are the regional and local sensitivities to erosion. Because of methodological challenges, no multi-factor, regional wind erosion sensitivity map is available for Hungary. The aim of this study was to develop a method to estimate the regional differences in wind erosion sensitivity and exposure in Hungary. Wind erosion sensitivity was modelled using the key factors of soil sensitivity, vegetation cover and wind erodibility as proxies. These factors were first estimated separately by factor sensitivity maps and later combined by fuzzy logic into a regional-scale wind erosion sensitivity map. Large areas were evaluated by using publicly available data sets of remotely sensed vegetation information, soil maps and meteorological data on wind speed. The resulting estimates were verified by field studies and examining the economic losses from wind erosion as compensated by the state insurance company. The spatial resolution of the resulting sensitivity map is suitable for regional applications, as identifying sensitive areas is the foundation for diverse land development control measures and implementing management activities.
An alternative method for correcting fluorescence quenching
Authors: Biermann L. , Guinet C. , Bester M. , Brierley A. , Boehme L.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Under high light intensity, phytoplankton protect their photosystems from bleaching through non-photochemical quenching processes. The consequence of this is suppression of fluorescence emission, which must be corrected when measuring in situ yield with fluorometers. We present data from the Southern Ocean, collected over five austral summers by 19 southern elephant seals tagged with fluorometers. Conventionally, fluorescence data collected during the day (quenched) were corrected using the limit of the mixed layer, assuming that phytoplankton are uniformly mixed from the surface to this depth. However, distinct deep fluorescence maxima were measured in approximately 30% of the night (unquenched) data. To account for the evidence that chlorophyll is not uniformly mixed in the upper layer, we propose correcting from the limit of the euphotic zone, defined as the depth at which photosynthetically available radiation is ~ 1% of the surface value. Mixed layer depth exceeded euphotic depth over 80% of the time. Under these conditions, quenching was corrected from the depth of the remotely derived euphotic zone Zeu, and compared with fluorescence corrected from the depth of the density-derived mixed layer. Deep fluorescence maxima were evident in only 10% of the day data when correcting from mixed layer depth. This was doubled to 21% when correcting from Zeu, more closely matching the unquenched (night) data. Furthermore, correcting from Zeu served to conserve non-uniform chlorophyll features found between the 1% light level and mixed layer depth.
Calidad estética del entorno escolar: el (f)actor invisible
Authors: Errázuriz-Larraín Luis H.
Published: January 2015

Este artículo se propone abordar la estética cotidiana del entorno escolar como un factor que podría contribuir al mejoramiento de la calidad de la educación, y proponer una reflexión acerca del modo como concebimos las reformas educativas, más allá de la definición de estándares y la medición del rendimiento en asignaturas o materias tales como matemáticas y lenguaje. No hay investigación en Chile, ni estudios o publicaciones sistemáticas en relación con la dimensión estética de los espacios de aprendizaje escolar. Consecuentemente, existe la necesidad de abordar el tema, considerando perspectivas históricas y contemporáneas, para comprender mejor la situación actual y desde aquí aportar a la construcción de ambientes educativos más interesantes y sustentables.Con este propósito, primeramente, se consideran algunos planteamientos desde una perspectiva histórica y contemporánea sobre las dimensiones materiales y estéticas del entorno escolar para ilustrar cómo estas pueden afectar la calidad de la educación; en segundo lugar, surge la necesidad de fundamentar la importancia de la experiencia estética cotidiana, considerando el pensamiento de prominentes investigadores en este campo. Por último, se proponen algunos temas y preguntas claves para reflexionar sobre la calidad estética del entorno escolar.
Cambios en la concepción y en los usos de la ruralidad: del antropocentrismo productivista al ecocentrismo naturalista
Authors: Durán Francisco Entrena , Villanueva Pérez José Luis
Published: January 2015

La ruralidad es concebida aquí como una construcción social, es decir, como un producto (no intencional ni previsto, en la mayoría de los casos) de la acción social humana. Los usos y la concepción de la ruralidad, que varían en función dei tiempo y la situación social en que se lleva a cabo su construcción social, han pasado. durante la segunda mitad dei siglo XX, de desarrollarse en un contexto que losautores califican como antropocentrismo productivista a hacerlo en otro de creciente preponderancia delo que ellos tipifican como ecocentrismo naturalista. Esto ha implicado cambios en la manera de entenderel papel de la agricultura y la relación de ésta con la naturaleza, a la vez que ha dado lugar a una nuevaconcepción de la ruralidad. Este artículo, que presta una especial atención a la evolución sociohistóricade la imagen y los usos de la ruralidad en Espana, concluye con un análisis de las posiciones y las actitudes manifestadas actualmente en este país con respecto a la nueva manera de entender la ruralidad y a la creciente incidencia en los efectos medioambientales de la agricultura que ello conlleva.
A valorização da agricultura familiar e a reivindicação da ruralidade no Brasil
Authors: Wanderley Maria De N. B.
Published: January 2015

Dois fatos de grande importância marcaram as transformações recentes do mundo rural brasileiro. Deum lado. pela primeira vez na história, a agricultura familiar foi reconhecida oficialmente como um ator social. Anteriormente eram vistos como os pobres do campo. produtores de baixa renda ou pequenos agricultores. Hoje. os agricultores familiares são percebidos como sendo portadores de uma outra concepção de agricultura. diferente e alternativa à agricultura latifundiária e patronal dominante no país. O Programa de Apoio à Agricultura Familiar (PRONAF). estabelecido no Brasil durante os anos 90. apesar de todasas limitações impostas a sua adoção efetiva. constitui uma expressão dessa mudança. Por outro lado. a forte e efetiva demanda por terra. realizada pelos movimentos sociais rurais, fez surgir na reforma agrária um setor de assentamentos. Uma das principais conseqüências desses dois fatos é a revalorização do meio rural. percebido como espaço de trabalho e de vida. Isso encontra expressão na demanda pela permanência na zona rural ou retomo à terra. Essa "ruralidade" da agricultura familiar. que povoa ocampo e anima a vida social. opõe-se ao absenteísmo praticado pela agricultura latifundiária. que esvaziae depreda o meio rural. Essa nova "ruralidade" opõe-se ao mesmo tempo à visão centralizada na urbanização. dominante na sociedade. e à percepção de um meio rural sem agricultores.
Les jacheres longues pâturées dans les Andes. Acquis interdisciplinaires
Authors: Hervé Dominique , Riviere Gilles
Published: January 2015

Dans cet essai de rédaction commune est présentée la synthese d'une recherche d'équipe sur la dynamiquedes jacheres. En filigrane apparaí't un cheminement interdisciplinaire ou sont convoquées à la fois sciencesagronomiques et sciences sociales. Confrontés à la difficulté de définir la jachere sur un même teITain -une communauté paysanne aymara des hauts plateaux de Bolivie -, un agronome et un anthropologuecherchent à comprendre à la fois I'étonnante persistance de la durée de la jachere (10 ans) et lesmodifications qu' a subi son mode de gestion collective. Pour répondre àces questions communes, chacuna mobilisé dans le dialogue qui s' est instauré ses connaissances disciplinaires (aptitude du sol à produireselon I'âge de la jachere, histoire de I'acces à la teITe, analyse des pratiques et représentations sociales).Il apparaí't que les changements observés ne débouchent pas tant sur une réduction de la durée de lajachere - celle-ci définit un cycle fixe, à la fois mémoire et histoire de la communauté - que sur desrestrictions et des différenciations dans l'acces à l'espace. Ces résultats sont issus d'une pratique deregards croisés qui ont alimenté le dialogue entre les chercheurs tout a long de l'enquête, défiinterdisciplinaire puisqu'il a faliu démêler l'écheveau de causalités multiples, aux temporalités diverseset unies par des relations complexes et dynamiques.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of penis: Case report and review
Authors: Costa Márcio , Sugita Denis , Vilela Maria , Mendonça Rodrigo , Morais Danilo , Gomes Júnior Paulo , Costa Théo , Barreira Bernardo
Published: January 2015

We describe the fifth case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient had penile ulcer with bilateral inguinal and pelvic lymphadenopathy and underwent total penectomy. After antibiotic therapy, the patient began outpatient chemotherapy, but the treatment was discontinued due to his intolerance. The patient died due to infectious complications of the inguinal lymphatic fistula 7 months after the histological diagnosis. Notably, the periurethral area was involved in the anatomopathological evaluation of the excised penis. The penile mucoepidermoid carcinoma was aggressive and the perimeatal region was involved. This case helps demystify the origins and prognosis of this rare case. More reports documenting patient characteristics and their evolution with penile mucoepidermoid carcinoma are needed.
Castleman’s disease imitating adrenal mass in the retroperitoneal area
Authors: Koç Gökhan , Turk Hakan , Un Sıtkı , Isoglu Cemal Selcuk , Zorlu Ferruh
Published: January 2015

Castleman’s disease (CD) is a non-clonal lymph node hyperplasia, mostly seen in the mediastinum. It has various clinical and pathological outcomes. There are different treatments because of its rare occurance and heterogenity. We present 2 cases which were referred to our clinic as retroperitoneal mass and diagnosed as CD after surgical resection.
Le craving comme symptôme central de la toxicomanie : de ses fondements neurobiologiques à sa pertinence clinique
Authors: Morissette Audrey , Ouellet-Plamondon Clairélaine , Jutras-Aswad Didier
Published: January 2015

Le craving, ce désir intense de consommer, est un symptôme central de la toxicomanie. Jusqu’au début des années 2000, peu d’outils existaient afin d’étudier le phénomène de manière plus concrète pour mieux le définir, le comprendre et approfondir les fondements neurobiologiques qui le sous-tendent. Avec les avancées technologiques des dernières années (IRM fonctionnelle, PET Scan), puis l’arrivée du DSM-V et son inclusion comme critère diagnostique des troubles liés à l’utilisation de substances, le craving est devenu un symptôme central en toxicomanie. Sa définition a évolué et est de plus en plus précise à plusieurs égards. Nous avons une meilleure compréhension des voies neurobiologiques impliquées dans le phénomène ainsi qu’une meilleure compréhension des facteurs capables de le déclencher. Finalement, plusieurs travaux ont évoqué le rôle du craving dans la rechute lors de l’abstinence, et quelques traitements pharmacologiques se sont démontrés efficaces afin d’atténuer ce symptôme et éviter la rechute. Le craving s’avère ainsi une cible de choix afin de trouver de nouvelles avenues thérapeutiques pour briser le cycle de la dépendance.
Psychose et toxicomanie : le cimetière des évidences
Authors: Potvin Stéphane , Lalonde Martin
Published: January 2015

L’objectif de cet article est d’évaluer la qualité des évidences produites par les 25 méta-analyses publiées dans le domaine de la comorbidité entre la psychose et la toxicomanie. L’évidence suggère que le cannabis serait un facteur de risque dans le développement de la psychose. Cette relation est toutefois faible, et ses implications demeurent équivoques. La prévalence de la consommation de tabac, d’alcool et de cannabis est élevée dans la psychose, mais elle semble surestimée, puisqu’inférée à partir d’études cliniques et non pas populationnelles. La toxicomanie est associée à une exacerbation des symptômes positifs et dépressifs de la schizophrénie, mais cette observation est basée sur des études transversales, et non pas longitudinales. Une forte association existe entre la toxicomanie et la violence dans la psychose, mais celle-ci n’est pas pondérée en fonction de divers facteurs confondants. Les effets de la toxicomanie sur la cognition dans la schizophrénie sont hétérogènes. Le bupropion et la varénicline augmentent les taux de cessation tabagique dans la schizophrénie, mais cette observation est basée sur un petit nombre d’études. Enfin, les traitements intégrés ne semblent pas supérieurs aux traitements habituels offerts à cette population comorbide. Le champ de la comorbidité demeure certainement un immense défi pour la médecine fondée sur les évidences.
La conscience des déficits neurocognitifs dans la schizophrénie : une méta-analyse
Authors: Potvin Stéphane , Pelletier Julie , Stip Emmanuel
Published: January 2015

Contexte La schizophrénie est un trouble allant de pair avec un manque d’autocritique par rapport aux délires et aux hallucinations. En contrepartie, on en sait beaucoup moins en ce qui concerne la conscience des patients par rapport à leurs déficits cognitifs, qui sont des symptômes clés de ce trouble psychiatrique. Afin de faire la synthèse de l’état de la connaissance à ce sujet, nous avons effectué une méta-analyse de 22 études comprenant 1609 patients. Les analyses ont révélé que les patients rapportent davantage de plaintes subjectives que les sujets sains. La corrélation entre la cognition subjective et objective s’est avérée faible toutefois. Les études utilisant la Scale to Investigate Cognition in Schizophrenia ont produit des corrélations plus fortes que celles utilisant d’autres échelles de plaintes subjectives. La relation entre la cognition subjective et les symptômes dépressifs s’est avérée comparable à la relation entre la cognition subjective et la cognition objective. Enfin, une relation faible a été observée entre la cognition subjective et l’autocritique par rapport aux symptômes positifs. Les résultats de la présente méta-analyse montrent que les patients atteints de la schizophrénie se plaignent de déficits cognitifs, mais qu’ils n’ont pas une représentation claire de la nature de ceux-ci, ce qui confirme l’existence de déficits méta-cognitifs dans la schizophrénie.
Sizing ocean giants: patterns of intraspecific size variation in marine megafauna
Authors: McClain Craig R. , Balk Meghan A. , Benfield Mark C. , Branch Trevor A. , Chen Catherine , Cosgrove James , Dove Alistair D.M. , Gaskins Leo , Helm Rebecca R. , Hochberg Frederick G. , Lee Frank B. , Marshall Andrea , McMurray Steven E. , Schanche Caroline , Stone Shane N. , Thaler Andrew D.
Published: January 2015

What are the greatest sizes that the largest marine megafauna obtain? This is a simple question with a difficult and complex answer. Many of the largest-sized species occur in the world’s oceans. For many of these, rarity, remoteness, and quite simply the logistics of measuring these giants has made obtaining accurate size measurements difficult. Inaccurate reports of maximum sizes run rampant through the scientific literature and popular media. Moreover, how intraspecific variation in the body sizes of these animals relates to sex, population structure, the environment, and interactions with humans remains underappreciated. Here, we review and analyze body size for 25 ocean giants ranging across the animal kingdom. For each taxon we document body size for the largest known marine species of several clades. We also analyze intraspecific variation and identify the largest known individuals for each species. Where data allows, we analyze spatial and temporal intraspecific size variation. We also provide allometric scaling equations between different size measurements as resources to other researchers. In some cases, the lack of data prevents us from fully examining these topics and instead we specifically highlight these deficiencies and the barriers that exist for data collection. Overall, we found considerable variability in intraspecific size distributions from strongly left- to strongly right-skewed. We provide several allometric equations that allow for estimation of total lengths and weights from more easily obtained measurements. In several cases, we also quantify considerable geographic variation and decreases in size likely attributed to humans.
Bond Formation and Coupling between Germyl and Bridging Germylene Ligands in Dinuclear Palladium(I) Complexes
Authors: Tanabe Makoto , Omine Shumpei , Ishikawa Naoko , Osakada Kohtaro , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Kawauchi Susumu
Published: January 2015

The dinuclear palladium(I) complexes [L(Ar2HGe)Pd(μ‐GeAr2)2Pd(GeHAr2)L] (Ar=Ph, p‐Tol; L=PMe3, tBuNC) contain terminal germyl and bridging germylene ligands with the experimentally observed Ge⋅⋅⋅Ge bond lengths of 2.8263(4) Å (L=PMe3) and 2.928(1) Å (L=tBuNC), which are close to the longest GeGe bond reported to date [2.714(1) Å]. Significant Ge⋅⋅⋅Ge interactions between the germylene and germyl ligands (PMe3 complexes > tBuNC complexes) are supported by DFT calculations, Wiberg bond indices (WBI), and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses. Exchanging tBuNC for PMe3 ligands increases the Ge⋅⋅⋅Ge interaction, and simultaneously activates two PdGe bonds. Adding the chelating diphosphine 1,2‐bis(diethylphosphino)ethane (depe) to the PMe3 complexes results in the intramolecular coupling of germyl and germylene ligands followed by extrusion of a digermane.
Triesterase and Promiscuous Diesterase Activities of a Di‐CoII‐Containing Organophosphate Degrading Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms
Authors: Alberto Marta E. , Pinto Gaspar , Russo Nino , Toscano Marirosa
Published: January 2015

The reaction mechanism for the hydrolysis of trimethyl phosphate and of the obtained phosphodiester by the di‐CoII derivative of organophosphate degrading enzyme from Agrobacterium radiobacter P230(OpdA), have been investigated at density functional level of theory in the framework of the cluster model approach. Both mechanisms proceed by a multistep sequence and each catalytic cycle begins with the nucleophilic attack by a metal‐bound hydroxide on the phosphorus atom of the substrate, leading to the cleavage of the phosphate‐ester bond. Four exchange‐correlation functionals were used to derive the potential energy profiles in protein environments. Although the enzyme is confirmed to work better as triesterase, as revealed by the barrier heights in the rate‐limiting steps of the catalytic processes, its promiscuous ability to hydrolyze also the product of the reaction has been confirmed. The important role played by water molecules and some residues in the outer coordination sphere has been elucidated, while the binuclear CoII center accomplishes both structural and catalytic functions. To correctly describe the electronic configuration of the d shell of the metal ions, high‐ and low‐spin arrangement jointly with the occurrence of antiferromagnetic coupling, have been herein considered.
Viologen‐Templated Arrays of Cucurbit[7]uril‐Modified Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Benyettou Farah , Nchimi‐Nono Katia , Jouiad Mustapha , Lalatonne Yoann , Milosevic Irena , Motte Laurence , Olsen John‐Carl , Saleh Na'il , Trabolsi Ali
Published: January 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue are Farah Benyettou, Ali Trabolsi and co‐workers at New York University Abu Dhabi, and a group of international collaborators (see full paper). The image depicts the use of host–guest chemistry to self‐assemble chemically modified iron oxide nanoparticles with emergent properties. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201405774.
Characterization Method for Separation Devices Based on Micro Technology
Authors: Wellsandt Tim , Stanisch Benjamin , Strube Jochen
Published: January 2015

Design of microstructured process modules based on empirical approaches is time‐ and cost intensive. This becomes especially important for complex continuous operations, where several unit operations have to be efficiently combined for maximum process efficiency and economy. A concept for a model‐based design by an axial dispersion model is presented as a contribution to simplification and cost reduction. Simple microchannel structures with varying cross sections are evaluated with volume flows up to 20 mL min−1. The predictive accuracy of the model is demonstrated and assessed by selected examples.
Benign‐appearing urothelial tissue fragments in noninstrumented voided urine specimens are associated with low rates of urothelial neoplasia
Authors: Onur Irem , Rosenthal Dorothy L. , VandenBussche Christopher J.
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

The presence of urothelial tissue fragments (UTF) in voided urine (VU) is often considered an abnormal finding that may be associated with the presence of urothelial papillary neoplasms. In the current study, the authors reviewed VU specimens containing benign‐appearing UTF (BUTF) to determine the associated rate of urothelial neoplasia at the study institution.

METHODS

A retrospective search of the electronic pathology database system over a 5‐year period (2009‐2013) revealed 1131 VU specimens containing UTF. Of these, 459 cases (40.6%) did not have a recent history of instrumentation. Fifteen cases were excluded because the slides were not available for review. In the remaining 444 cases, 274 cases (61.7%) had BUTF. A total of 170 cases (38.3%) had UTF with atypical cytologic features and were therefore excluded.

RESULTS

Of the 274 cases, 29 (10.6%) had follow‐up surgical pathology specimens available. The overall rate of urothelial neoplasia on follow‐up was 3.6% for low‐grade urothelial neoplasia (10 cases) and 0.7% for high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (2 cases). Forty‐five cases (16.4%) were determined to have urinary tract stones on follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of BUTF in VU specimens requires careful examination of the medical history because their presence may be explained by recent instrumentation. If recent instrumentation is not identified, the etiology of BUTF is not usually determined; in the current study, BUTF were found to be associated with urinary tract stones in 16.4% of cases. They also present a low risk of low‐grade urothelial neoplasia (3.6%) and high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (0.7%) when compared with the overall benign category at the study institution (2.3% [P =.15] and 0.7%, respectively). Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015. © 2015 American Cancer Society. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:180–185. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Path loss and delay spread for the stairwell channel at 5 GHz
Authors: Sun Ruoyu , Matolak David W.
Published: January 2015

Measured channel characterization results are provided for six stairwells in the 5‐GHz band, for two distinct stairwell types and two antenna polarizations. The stairwell channel is of interest for several applications, including Wi‐Fi and public safety. Although other authors have reported stairwell path loss for other frequency bands (900 MHz, 2.4, 5.8 GHz), to our knowledge, ours is the first work at 5 GHz. More significantly, we report on floor attenuation factors and delay spread, which prior work has not thoroughly addressed. We measured power delay profiles and from these estimated propagation path loss and root‐mean square delay spread (RMS‐DS). Path loss exponents were between 5.5 and 8.3, and vertically polarized monopoles yield larger path loss and path loss exponents than horizontal polarization. Mean RMS‐DS values ranged from 15 to 57 ns for link distances covering up to three flights of stairs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of binary mixture of waste plastics on the thermal behavior of pyrolysis process
Authors: Pek Wee Kiat , Ghosh Ujjal Kumar
Published: January 2015

Waste plastic is non‐biodegradable material that does not decompose naturally for a long time. The pyrolysis process is a reliable method to decompose plastic wastes, which involves breaking of the heavy carbon chains and convert to light hydrocarbons. The light hydrocarbon products can be used as fuel to power vehicles and power stations. Pyrolysis experiment was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/DSC equipment for different types of non‐recyclable waste plastics: PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS foam, and PS rigid. Investigations have been done to study the effect of binary mixture composition of PP and HDPE on pyrolysis behavior. Interactions between the plastics have been found to occur at the mixture composition range of 20–80 wt %. The decomposition rates of the individual plastics enhanced after the binary mixing of the different types of plastics. It was also found that secondary reaction occurred when mixing two types of plastics. The activation energy of the first step pyrolysis reaction is also higher than the secondary reaction. Overall, the activation energy of the pyrolysis reaction is decreased by 55% at the range of 20–80 wt % of binary mixture composition. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1113–1119, 2015
Effects of dietary fermentation concentrate of Hericium caput‐medusae (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. on growth performance, digestibility, and intestinal microbiology and morphology in broiler chickens
Authors: Shang Hong Mei , Song Hui , Xing Ya Li , Niu Shu Li , Ding Guo Dong , Jiang Yun Yao , Liang Feng
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of fermentation concentrate of Hericium caput‐medusae (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. (HFC) on growth performance, digestibility, intestinal microbiology, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens. A total of 600 male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into five dietary treatments (20 broilers per pen with six pens per treatment): CON (basal diet), ANT (basal diet supplemented with 5 mg kg−1 flavomycin) and HFC (basal diet supplemented with 6, 12, and 18 g kg−1 HFC). The experimental lasted for 42 days.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the average daily gain [linear (L), P < 0.01; quadratic (Q), P < 0.01] of broilers increased when the HFC levels increased during the starter (days 1–21), finisher (days 22–42), and the overall experiment period (days 1 to 42). In the small intestinal digesta and the caecum digesta, the Escherichia coli count (L, P < 0.05; Q, P < 0.001) decreased while the Lactobacilli count (L, P < 0.01; Q, P < 0.001) and Bifidobacteria count (L, P < 0.001; Q, P < 0.001) increased when the HFC levels increased. The crude protein digestibility of broilers (L, P < 0.01; Q, P < 0.001) increased when the HFC levels increased. In the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of broilers, the villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio (L, P < 0.001; Q, P < 0.001) increased when the HFC levels increased.

CONCLUSION

Dietary supplementation with HFC increased gut Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria counts and inhibited E. coli growth, improved nutrient utilisation and intestine villus structure, and thus improved the growth of broilers. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of protective role of curcumin against paclitaxel‐induced inner ear damage in rats
Authors: Bucak Abdulkadir , Ozdemir Cigdem , Ulu Sahin , Gonul Yucel , Aycicek Abdullah , Uysal Mukremin , Cangal Ahmet
Published: January 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of curcumin on paclitaxel‐induced ototoxicity in rats by means of immunohistochemical and histopathological analysis and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs).

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

Forty Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized into five groups. Group 1 was administered no paclitaxel and curcumin during the study. Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were administered 5 mg/kg paclitaxel; 200 mg/kg curcumin; 5 mg/kg paclitaxel, followed by 200 mg/kg curcumin; 200 mg/kg curcumin and a day later 5 mg/kg paclitaxel followed intraperitoneally by 200 mg/kg curcumin once a week for 4 consecutive weeks, respectively. After the final DPOAEs test, the animals were sacrificed and their cochlea were prepared for hematoxylin and eosin and caspase‐3 staining.

Results

The DPOAEs thresholds and histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were substantially correlated in all groups. The histopathologic findings in the cochlea of the paclitaxel‐treated animals showed not only changes in the organ of Corti, but also damage to the stria vascularis and spiral limbus, including nuclear degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and atrophy of intermediate cells. Additionally, cochlear changes in group 2, such as intense apoptosis, were confirmed by caspase‐3 immunohistochemical staining. In group 4, coreceiving curcumin could not sufficiently prevent paclitaxel‐induced ototoxicity, and the results in group 5 were similar to the control group.

Conclusions

In our study, we have concluded that pre‐ and coreceiving curcumin can significantly protect the cochlear morphology and functions on paclitaxel‐induced ototoxicity in rats. Curcumin might be considered as a potential natural product that, used as a dietary supplement, could be easily given to patients undergoing paclitaxel chemotherapy.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:1175–1182, 2015
Clinical predictors of effective continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome
Authors: Lai Chi‐Chih , Friedman Michael , Lin Hsin‐Ching , Wang Pa‐Chun , Hwang Michelle S. , Hsu Cheng‐Ming , Lin Meng‐Chih , Chin Chien‐Hung
Published: January 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify standard clinical parameters that may predict the optimal level of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Study Design

This is a retrospective study in a tertiary academic medical center that included 129 adult patients (117 males and 12 females) with OSAHS confirmed by diagnostic polysomnography (PSG).

Methods

All OSAHS patients underwent successful full‐night manual titration to determine the optimal CPAP pressure level for OSAHS treatment. The PSG parameters and completed physical examination, including body mass index, tonsil size grading, modified Mallampati grade (also known as updated Friedman's tongue position [uFTP]), uvular length, neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, thyroid‐mental distance, and hyoid‐mental distance (HMD) were recorded.

Results

When the physical examination variables and OSAHS disease were correlated singly with the optimal CPAP pressure, we found that uFTP, HMD, and apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) were reliable predictors of CPAP pressures (P = .013, P = .002, and P < .001, respectively, by multiple regression). When all important factors were considered in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, a significant correlation with optimal CPAP pressure was formulated by factoring the uFTP, HMD, and AHI (optimal CPAP pressure = 1.01 uFTP + 0.74 HMD + 0.059 AHI − 1.603).

Conclusions

This study distinguished the correlation between uFTP, HMD, and AHI with the optimal CPAP pressure. The structure of the upper airway (especially tongue base obstruction) and disease severity may predict the effective level of CPAP pressure.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1983–1987, 2015
Melt Electrospinning of Small Molecules
Authors: Singer Julia C. , Ringk Andreas , Giesa Reiner , Schmidt Hans‐Werner
Published: January 2015

Electrospinning is an attractive way to prepare nano‐ and macrofibers. It was demonstrated by our group that trisamides can be melt electrospun into supramolecular fibers. To establish structure–property relationships regarding spinnability and morphology, melt electrospinning experiments were conducted using several classes of compounds. The number of hydrogen bonds was systematically decreased from three for trisamides, to two for bisamide and sorbitols, and to zero for perylene bisimides and tertiary trisamides. As a result, trisamides are readily spun into fibers, whereas for bisamides and sorbitols mainly electrospraying into spheres is observed. Perylene bisimides form well‐defined fibers due to strong π–π interactions. This supramolecular fiber is interesting for many scientific disciplines.
Synthesis of Main‐Chain Metal Carbonyl Organometallic Macromolecules (MCMCOMs)
Authors: Cao Kai , Murshid Nimer , Wang Xiaosong
Published: January 2015

Synthesis of main‐chain metal carbonyl organometallic macromolecules (MCMCOMs) is difficult, mainly due to the instability of metal carbonyl complexes. Despite its challenge a number of MCMCOMs has been prepared by strategically using organometallic, organic, and polymer synthetic chemistry. Main contributions to this research field were reported by the groups of Tyler, Pannell, and Wang and are briefly summarized in this article.

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Food Reciprocity and Sustainability in Early Childhood Care and Education in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Ritchie Jenny
Published: January 2015

This article offers a perspective from early childhood care and education in Aotearoa New Zealand. It draws from the data of four recent studies to demonstrate pedagogical practices informed by Indigenous (Māori) perspectives. Māori values, such asmanaakitanga(caring, hospitality, generosity) andwhanaungatanga(relatedness), are shown featuring in routines focused on provision of food and serving as a key focus of early childhood education for sustainability. It is argued that providing opportunities for children to become engaged with growing, cooking and sharing food enables them to operationalise compassion towards themselves, others and the environment, reconnecting with the source of their food and demonstrating generosity and care to others (both human and more-than-human) in their communities. This can be viewed as a pedagogical response to the increasing encroachment of neoliberalism, with its incumbent individualism and lack of collectivist consciousness or concern for the environment, into education settings. Furthermore, drawing upon Indigenous perspectives honours traditional, localised wisdom regarding sustainability practices.
Multi-scale habitat use analysis and interspecific Ecology of the Critically Endangered Black-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis nigrivestis
Authors: GUEVARA ESTEBAN A. , BONACCORSO ELISA , DUIVENVOORDEN JOOST F.
Published: January 2015

The Black-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis nigrivestis is a hummingbird endemic to Ecuador and considered Critically Endangered, given its limited distribution, low population numbers, and ongoing habitat degradation. We investigated habitat use patterns using landscape and microhabitat variables. In addition, we explored a previously postulated competition hypothesis involving the Black-breasted Puffleg and the Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus. Our results suggest that landscape variables may play a role in the habitat selection process; specifically the distance to nearest forest border seems to have a significant effect on our habitat model. We speculate that, as the species is known to perform seasonal movements, the avoidance of forest border might reduce the physiological stress caused by altitudinal migration. At microhabitat level, Black-breasted Puffleg seems not sensitive to forest structure variables. Our findings suggest that ensuring forest tract connectivity, between the altitudinal extremes of the species’ range at the north-western flanks of the Pichincha volcano, might be crucial for survival of the species during its annual cycle. However, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) indicates that Black-breasted Puffleg and the Gorgeted Sunangel do not overlap spatially, but this finding is not conclusive considering our field observations.
Characterization of E-beam Fabricated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Madsen S. , Kempen P. , Sinclair R.
Published: January 2015

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Conduct, rules and the origins of institutions
Authors: SMITH VERNON L.
Published: January 2015

This paper supports the effort by Hindriks and Guala (2014) to integrate the prevailing accounts of institutions. I illustrate with traffic narratives how we can think of their concept of rules-in-equilibrium as evolving from universal elementary forms. These conceptions resonate fully with Smith (1759) who saw rule-following conduct as the basis of human sociality and action.