bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition metal catalysis by density functional theory and density functional theory/molecular mechanics
Authors: Sameera W. M. C. , Maseras Feliu
Published: January 2012

Density functional theory (DFT) and density functional theory/molecular mechanics (DFT/MM) methods are useful tools in modern homogeneous catalysis. Calculation, with its ability to characterize otherwise hardly accessible intermediates and transition states, is a key complement to experiment for the full characterization of the often intricate reaction mechanisms involved in transition metal catalysis. DFT and DFT/MM techniques have been applied to the characterization of full catalytic cycles, as those in cross‐coupling; to the systematic analysis of single reaction steps common to several catalytic cycles, such as CH activation; to the elucidation of processes involving different spin states, such as the rebound mechanism for CH activation; to the identification of transient intermediates with key mechanistic roles, such as those in oxygen‐evolving complexes; to the analysis of the catalytic keys to polymerization control, as in olefin polymerization; and to reproduction and rationalization of experimentally reported enantioselectvities, as in the case of olefin dihydroxylation. The currently available techniques provide sufficient accuracy to offer chemical insight into the systems involved in experiment, as proved by the growing body of successful applications in the field. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
An automated device for training white‐tailed deer to visual stimuli
Authors: Cohen Bradley S. , Osborn David A. , Gallagher George R. , Warren Robert J. , Miller Karl V.
Published: January 2012

Although many aspects of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) biology and physiology have been studied thoroughly, few studies have confirmed deer cognitive perception, partly because of the difficulty of efficiently training sufficient numbers of deer to respond behaviorally in controlled experiments. We present a system that trains white‐tailed deer to associate a supra‐threshold, white‐light stimulus with a food reward through operant conditioning techniques. The “deer training apparatus” (DTA) automatically dispenses food, rings a start buzzer, randomly assigns a stimulus light over 1 of 2 troughs, and registers a deer's choice. If a deer goes to a trough with the light illuminated, then a correct choice is registered. All 6 deer tested met successful training criteria by Day 19, and a performance of 88.2% ± 3.9% correct choices by Day 25. We conclude that the DTA presents an effective and efficient way of training white‐tailed deer, and provides an experimental platform for future research on behavior, perception, and preference. Thus, the DTA should be useful to researchers evaluating behavioral response of deer, and possibly other wild and domestic species, to various visual and auditory stimuli. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
[NO][HCB11Cl11] – Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure, and Reaction with P4
Authors: Bolli Christoph , Köchner Tobias , Knapp Carsten
Published: January 2012

The thermodynamic stability of the [HCB11Cl11]– salts of the cationic one‐electron oxidizers [NO]+ and [O2]+ was estimated by Born–Haber–Fajans cycles based on quantum‐chemical calculations and lattice enthalpy estimations. [NO][HCB11Cl11] is predicted to be a stable compound, whereas [O2][HCB11Cl11] should decompose into O2 and the HCB11Cl11· radical. Consequently, [NO][HCB11Cl11] can be prepared by metathesis reaction from Na[HCB11Cl11] and [NO][BF4] in liquid sulfur dioxide, while attempts to synthesize [O2][HCB11Cl11] failed. [NO][HCB11Cl11] has been fully characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy. Single crystals of [NO][HCB11Cl11]·SO2 were obtained from liquid sulfur dioxide solution. The crystal structure determination revealed several intermolecular cation–anion contacts, which are significantly shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii of the respective atoms. [NO][HCB11Cl11] reacts with white phosphorus in CH2Cl2 solution to give yellow‐orange [P4NO][HCB11Cl11] containing the [P4NO]+ cation. An in‐situ NMR spectroscopic study indicates the presence of the homopolyatomic phosphorus cation [P9]+ in the reaction mixture.
The Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Inducing Musculoskeletal Tissue Healing
Authors: Halpern Brian C. , Chaudhury Salma , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: January 2012

Background

Platelet-rich plasma [PRP] has received increasing interest across many musculoskeletal disciplines and has been widely applied clinically to stimulate tissue healing in numerous anatomical regions. The known actions of platelet-derived factors suggest that PRP may have significant potential in the treatment of pathological conditions of cartilage, tendon, ligament, and muscle.

Purpose

The aim of this manuscript is to review current literature regarding the biology of PRP and the efficacy of using PRP to augment healing of tendon ligament and muscle injuries, as well as early osteoarthritis.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review of musculoskeletal applications of PRP was performed, including basic science and clinical studies such as randomized controlled trials, case controlled series, and case series.

Results

The most compelling evidence to support the efficacy of PRP is for its application to tendon damage associated with lateral and medial epicondylitis. Although some promising studies have been reported supporting the use of PRP in osteoarthritis and ligament and muscle injuries, it currently remains unknown whether PRP effectively alters the progression of osteoarthritis or aids the healing of ligament and muscle tissues.

Conclusion

The rationale for the use of PRP to improve tissue healing is strong, but the efficacy for many musculoskeletal applications remains unproven. PRP has been shown to be a safe treatment. A number of questions regarding PRP remain unanswered, including the optimal concentration of platelets, what cell types should be present, the ideal frequency of application, or the optimal rehabilitation regimen for tissue repair and return to full function.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Investigation of Novel Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Gemini Surfactant Derived from Cyanuric Chloride
Authors: Wang Hushan , Zhang Tingting , Hu Zhiyong , Xue Chunli , Cao Duanlin
Published: January 2012

Three novel quaternary ammonium salt cationic gemini surfactants (QAS Cn–2–Cn where n represents the hydrocarbon chain lengths of aliphatic amine, i.e., 6, 8, 12) were synthesized from 2,4,6–trichloro–1,3,5–triazine, ethylenediamine, N,N–dimethylpropane–1, 3–diamine and benzyl chloride. 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, ESI–MS spectra and elemental analysis were used to confirm the chemical structures of the prepared compounds. Their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) in the aqueous solutions were determined by surface–tension, electrical conductivity and steady–state fluorescence methods respectively. With the increasing length of the hydrophobic chain, the values of their CMC decreased. The values of CMC, γCMC, pC20, Гmax, and Amin were derived from surface tension measurements, while the thermodynamic parameters of micellization (∆Gmic° and ∆Gads°) were determined by electrical conductivity. These properties are significantly influenced by the hydrophobic chain length.
Aqueous Extraction of Oil and Protein from Soybeans with Subcritical Water
Authors: Ndlela S. C. , de Moura J. M. L. N. , Olson N. K. , Johnson L. A.
Published: January 2012

Aqueous extraction using subcritical water is an environmentally friendly alternative to extracting oil and protein from oilseeds with flammable organic solvents. The effects of solids‐to‐liquid ratio (1:3.3–1:11.7), temperature (66–234 °C), and extraction time (13–47 min) were evaluated on the extraction of oil and protein from soybean flakes and from extruded soybeans flakes with subcritical water. A central composite design (23) with three center points and six axial points was used. Subcritical water extractions were carried out in a 1‐L high‐pressure batch reactor with constant stirring (300 rpm) at 0.03–3.86 MPa. In general, oil extraction was greater for extruded soybean flakes than with soybean flakes. More complete oil extraction for extruded soybean flakes was achieved at around 150 °C and extraction was not affected by solids‐to‐liquid ratios over the range tested, while oil extraction from soybean flakes was more complete at 66 °C and low solids‐to‐liquid ratio (1:11.7). Protein extraction yields from flakes were generally greater than from extruded flakes. Protein extraction yields from extruded flakes increased as temperature increased and solids‐to‐liquid ratio decreased, while greater protein extraction yields from soybean flakes were achieved when using low temperatures and low solids‐to‐liquid ratio.
Characterization of the Composition of Caesalpinia bonducella Seed Grown in Temperate Regions of Pakistan
Authors: Sultana Razia , Saleem Rubina , Sultana Nighat , Afshan Farhana , Gulzar Tahsin
Published: January 2012

Caesalpinia bonducella is an oilseed that is indigenous to Pakistan. The hexane‐extracted oil content from the seed kernel was 17.3 ± 1.0% DM (dry matter). The proximate analysis of C. bonducella seed estimated protein, fiber and ash contents to be 20.8 ± 1.4, 5.3 ± 1.0 and 4.6 ± 0.8%, respectively. Trace metals were determined comparable to commonly consumed legume seeds. α‐Tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol ranging from 345.10 to 460.21 mg/kg of oil, followed by γ‐ and δ‐tocopherol. The major sterols were β‐sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, Δ5‐avenasterol, Δ7‐stigmastenol and Δ7 avenasterol. The kernel oil was found to contain a high level of linoleic acid (72.7 ± 1.0%) followed by oleic, stearic and palmitic acids. The high percentage of linoleic acid revealed that this oil is a potential source for the manufacture of cosmetics, paints, varnishes, soaps, liquid soaps and other products including biodiesel. These investigations suggest that C. bonducella oil is potentially an important dietary source of essential fatty acids and protein which could be employed for edible and commercial applications in various industries of Pakistan.
Intimate partner violence and its association with women's reproductive health in Pakistan
Authors: Zakar Rubeena , Zakar Muhammad Z. , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Krämer Alexander
Published: January 2012

Objective

To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence in Pakistan and its association with reproductive health outcomes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 8 hospitals in Lahore and Sialkot between October 2008 and January 2009. Information from randomly selected ever‐married women of reproductive age was collected via a structured interview. Psychologic, physical, and sexual violence was categorized as “no” or “severe” violence. Associations between reproductive health outcomes and violence were assessed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Among 373 women interviewed, 75.9% reported severe psychologic, 34.6% reported severe sexual, and 31.9% reported severe physical violence at least once in marital life. Women who experienced severe physical violence were more likely to have their husband's noncooperation in using contraceptives (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.93–5.68), poor prenatal care (AOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.23–3.69), unplanned pregnancies (AOR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.39–3.76), and poor self‐reported reproductive health (AOR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.71–4.91) as compared with non‐abused women. Similar associations existed for other types of violence.

Conclusion

The results highlight the magnitude of violence and its association with reproductive health of women. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the violence and its consequential damage to health.
The stress in a dilute suspension of liquid spheres in a second-order fluid
Authors: Rallison J. M.
Published: January 2012

We use an ensemble averaging technique to calculate the average stress for a dilute suspension of liquid drops that are instantaneously spherical. The solvent and the drops consist of second-order fluids with differing properties. The suspension is itself a second-order fluid and its viscosity and normal stress coefficients are determined. For the special case of a rigid sphere suspension the results agree with Koch & Subramanian (J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech., vol. 138, 2006, p. 87, and vol. 153, 2008, p. 202). Differences from other results in the literature are discussed.
Reliability, comparative validity and stability of dietary patterns derived from an FFQ in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Asghari Golaleh , Rezazadeh Arezoo , Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Mehrabi Yadollah , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: January 2012

The aim of the present study was to assess the reliability, comparative validity and stability of dietary patterns defined by factor analysis for participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. A total of 132 subjects, aged ≥ 20 years, completed a 168-item FFQ (FFQ1, FFQ2) twice, with a 14-month interval. Over this duration, twelve dietary recalls (DR) were collected each month. To assess the stability of the FFQ, participants completed the third FFQ (FFQ3) after 8 years. Following these, two dietary patterns – the ‘Iranian Traditional’ and the ‘Western’ – were derived from FFQ1 and FFQ2 and the mean of DR (mDR); and three dietary patterns were identified from FFQ3: the ‘Iranian Traditional’, the ‘Western’ and the ‘Combined’. The reliability correlations between factor scores of the two FFQ were 0·72 for the Iranian Traditional and 0·80 for the Western pattern; corrected month-to-month variations of DR correlations between the FFQ2 and mDR were 0·48 for the first and 0·75 for the second pattern. The 95 % limits of agreement for the difference between factor scores obtained from FFQ2 and mDR lay between − 1·58 and +1·58 for the Iranian Traditional and between − 1·33 and +1·33 for the Western pattern. The intra-class correlations between FFQ2 and FFQ3 were − 0·09 (P = 0·653) and 0·49 (P <0·001) for the ‘Iranian Traditional’ and the ‘Western’, respectively. These data indicate reasonable reliability and validity of the dietary patterns defined by factor analysis. Although the Western pattern was found to be fairly stable, the Iranian Traditional pattern was mostly unstable over the 8 years of the study period.
Dose–response effects of an antimicrobial peptide, a cecropin hybrid, on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, bacterial counts in the digesta and intestinal morphology in broilers
Authors: Wen Liu-Fa , He Jian-Guo
Published: January 2012

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of an antimicrobial peptide, cecropin A(1-11)-D(12-37)-Asn (CADN), as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) in poultry diets. A total of 1500 14-d-old indigenous male chickens (222 (sd13) g) were randomly allocated to five groups with five replicate cages of sixty birds each, and fedad libitumfive grower diets and subsequently five finisher diets for 14 d each. The diets were made up by supplementing their basal diets with a CADN liquid sample (CADNL) at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 ml/kg, respectively. During the feeding period, a metabolic experiment was carried out to determine the apparent digestibility of diethyl ether extract, nitrogen retention and apparent metabolisable energy of the diet sample fed to each cage of chicks. At the end of the feeding experiment, one chick from each cage was killed for bacteriological, light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic examination of the intestinal villi. CADN had a negative linear, positive quadratic and negative linear effect on feed intake (F), weight gain (G) and feed:gain ratio (F:G), respectively, for the growers; it had a quadratic effect on F, G or F:G for the finishers; it increased nutrient utilisation for both growers and finishers; it decreased aerobic bacterial counts in both jejunal and caecal digesta in a dose-dependent manner; it enhanced intestinal villus heights in a dose-dependent manner and made the duodenum villi of the CADNL8 group at 42 d appear as a netted leaf-like structure. CADN is therefore a possible alternative to AGP in broiler feeds.
Probiotic potential ofLactobacillusspp. isolated from Brazilian regional ovine cheese
Authors: Meira Stela Maris Meister , Helfer Virginia Etges , Velho Renata Voltolini , Lopes Fernanda Cortez , Brandelli Adriano
Published: January 2012

TwelveLactobacillusisolates from Brazilian starter-free ovine cheeses were evaluated for their probiotic potential. The strains were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing asLactobacillus plantarum(7),Lb. brevis(2),Lb. casei(2) andLb. parabuchneri(1). All strains showed variable resistance to gastric juices and relative tolerance to pancreatin and bile salts. Only five strains ofLb. plantarumcould not deconjugate the sodium salt of taurodeoxycholic acid. Autoaggregation ability after 24 h was above 50% and hydrophobicity was higher than 60% for most strains. All lactobacilli could inhibit linolenic acid oxidation, exceptLb. parabuchneristrain, whereas none of them could scavenge DPPH radical. β-Galactosidase activity ranged from 47·7 to 2503 Miller units. Inhibition of food pathogensListeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coliandSalmonella typhimuriumwas demonstrated and the production of organic acids could be associated with this effect. TheLactobacillusstrains from Brazilian regional ovine cheese showed interesting functional characteristics, mainly the strainsLb. brevisSM-B andLb. plantarumSM-I. Both presented high acid tolerance. In addition,Lb. brevisSM-B also displayed remarkable antioxidant activity andLb. plantarumSM-I was the highest β-galactosidase producer, exhibited high autoaggregation and hydrophobicity properties.
Psychological and physiological effects of caring for patients with treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Rane L. J. , Fekadu A. , Papadopoulos A. S. , Wooderson S. C. , Poon L. , Markopoulou K. , Cleare A. J.
Published: January 2012

Background

Carers of patients with psychiatric disorders show high levels of anxiety and depression, possibly mediated through disruption of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Among carers of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), we set out to determine the psychological and physiological (HPA axis) consequences of caring, and the association of these consequences with long-term outcome in patients.

Method

Thirty-five informal carers of patients with severe TRD requiring in-patient treatment were recruited and compared with 23 controls. HPA-axis activity was assessed by measuring post-awaking salivary cortisol. The Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire (IEQ) and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) were administered to measure carer burden and psychiatric caseness respectively. Independent t tests were used to compare differences between carers and controls and a linear regression model was used to determine the association of post-awakening cortisol with carer status while controlling for confounding variables. Data on long-term patient outcome (12 to 83 months), measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), were also obtained and linear regression was used to determine the association between cortisol output in carers and remission status in patients.

Results

Carers experienced high carer burden and high psychiatric caseness. Carers showed reduced cortisol output after awakening, calculated as the area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg), which remained significant after controlling for potential confounders. In a linear regression model, non-remission in patients was associated with reduced cortisol output in carers.

Conclusions

Caring for patients with TRD is associated with adverse psychological and physiological changes suggesting hypocortisolism post-awakening. These changes are associated with poor patient outcome.
A U-shaped relationship between systolic blood pressure and panic symptoms: the HUNT study
Authors: Davies S. J. C. , Bjerkeset O. , Nutt D. J. , Lewis G.
Published: January 2012

Background

Previous studies on the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and psychological morbidity are conflicting. To resolve this confusing picture we examined the hypothesis that there is a non-linear relationship between panic and systolic BP (SBP) and explored the association of generalized anxiety symptoms with SBP.

Method

We used data from the population-based Nord-Trøndelag health study (HUNT) in which all 92 936 individuals aged ⩾20 years residing in one Norwegian county were invited to participate. Panic was assessed using one item from the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and generalized anxiety with the remaining six items of this subscale. SBP was the mean of two measurements by an automatic device.

Results

A total of 64 871 respondents had SBP recorded (70%). Both unadjusted (n=61 408) and adjusted analyses provided evidence for a non-linear relationship between panic and SBP, represented by a U-shaped curve with a minimum prevalence of panic at around 140 mmHg. The relationship was strengthened after adjustment for confounders, with the quadratic term significantly associated with panic (p=0.03). Generalized anxiety symptoms were associated only with low SBP.

Conclusions

The U-shaped relationship between SBP and panic provides a unifying explanation for the separate strands of published literature in this area. The results support the hypothesis that high BP and panic disorder could share brainstem autonomic and serotonergic abnormalities. By contrast, generalized anxiety symptoms were more common only at lower BPs, suggesting that any biological link between panic and high BP does not extend to generalized anxiety.
Paediatric cardiac rehabilitation in congenital heart disease: a systematic review
Authors: Tikkanen Ana Ubeda , Oyaga Ainhoa Rodriguez , Riaño Olga Arroyo , Álvaro Enrique Maroto , Rhodes Jonathan
Published: January 2012

Background

Advances in medical and surgical care have contributed to an important increase in the survival rates of children with congenital heart disease. However, survivors often have decreased exercise capacity and health-related issues that affect their quality of life. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programmes have been extensively studied in adults with acquired heart disease. In contrast, studies of children with congenital heart disease have been few and of limited scope. We therefore undertook a systematic review of the literature on cardiac rehabilitation in children with congenital heart disease to systematically assess the current evidence regarding the use, efficacy, benefits, and risks associated with this therapy and to identify the components of a successful programme.

Methods

We included studies that incorporated a cardiac rehabilitation programme with an exercise training component published between January, 1981 and November, 2010 in patients under 18 years of age.

Results

A total of 16 clinical studies were found and were the focus of this review. Heterogeneous methodology and variable quality was observed. Aerobic and resistance training was the core component of most studies. Diverse variables were used to quantify outcomes. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Cardiac Rehabilitation Programmes in the paediatric population are greatly underutilised, and clinical research on this promising form of therapy has been limited. Questions remain regarding the optimal structure and efficacy of the programmes. The complex needs of this unique population also mandate that additional outcome measures, beyond serial cardiopulmonary exercise testing, be identified and studied.
Implications of the WHO Child Growth Standards in rural Honduras
Authors: Nichols Erin K , Nichols Joseph S , Selwyn Beatrice J , Coello-Gomez Carol , Parkerson George R , Brown Eric L , Day R Sue
Published: January 2012

Objective

The present study analysed the impact of using the 2006 WHO Child Growth Standards (‘the WHO standards’) compared with the 1977 National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) international growth reference (‘the NCHS reference’) on the calculated prevalence of chronic malnutrition in children aged 6·0–59·9 months.

Design

Anthropometric data were collected as part of a cross-sectional study exploring the association between household environments and nutritional status of children. Z-scores were computed for height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ) using each reference/standard. Results were compared using Bland–Altman plots, percentage agreement, kappa statistics, line graphs and proportion of children in Z-score categories.

Setting

The study was conducted in thirteen rural villages within Honduras's department of Intibucá.

Subjects

Children aged 6·0–59·9 months were the focus of the analysis, and households with children in this age range served as the sampling unit for the study.

Results

The WHO standards yielded lower means for HAZ and higher means for WAZ and WHZ compared with the NCHS reference. The WHO standards and NCHS reference showed good agreement between Z-score categories, except for HAZ among males aged 24·0–35·9 months and WHZ among males aged >24·0 months. Using the WHO standards resulted in higher proportions of stunting (low HAZ) and overweight (high WHZ) and lower proportions of underweight (low WAZ). The degree of difference among these measures varied by age and gender.

Conclusions

The choice of growth reference/standard employed in nutritional surveys may have important methodological and policy implications. While ostensibly comparable, data on nutritional indicators derived with different growth references/standards must be interpreted cautiously.
Images of bottomside irregularities observed at topside altitudes
Authors: Burke William J. , Gentile Louise C. , Shomo Shannon R. , Roddy Patrick A. , Pfaff Robert F.
Published: January 2012

We analyzed plasma and field measurements acquired by the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite during an eight‐hour period on 13–14 January 2010 when strong to moderate 250 MHz scintillation activity was observed at nearby Scintillation Network Decision Aid (SCINDA) ground stations. C/NOFS consistently detected relatively small‐scale density and electric field irregularities embedded within large‐scale (∼100 km) structures at topside altitudes. Significant spectral power measured at the Fresnel (∼1 km) scale size suggests that C/NOFS was magnetically conjugate to bottomside irregularities similar to those directly responsible for the observed scintillations. Simultaneous ion drift and plasma density measurements indicate three distinct types of large‐scale irregularities: (1) upward moving depletions, (2) downward moving depletions, and (3) upward moving density enhancements. The first type has the characteristics of equatorial plasma bubbles; the second and third do not. The data suggest that both downward moving depletions and upward moving density enhancements and the embedded small‐scale irregularities may be regarded as Alfvénic images of bottomside irregularities. This interpretation is consistent with predictions of previously reported theoretical modeling and with satellite observations of upward‐directed Poynting flux in the low‐latitude ionosphere.
Impact of the Eyjafjallajökull ash cloud: A newspaper perspective
Authors: Harris Andrew J. L. , Gurioli Lucia , Hughes Elizabeth E. , Lagreulet Sandra
Published: January 2012

We carried out a content analysis of eight national newspapers published during a 10‐day period spanning Eyjafjallajökull's 2010 air space closure. Our intent was to understand the amount and type of material published, and the contribution of volcanologists and emergency responders to this material. We selected the best selling broadsheets and tabloids from the UK, France, Italy and USA. A total area of 135,000 cm2 was devoted to Eyjafjallajökull. Of this, 33% dealt with social themes, followed by volcanological (24%), economic (17%), response (13%) and airline (8%) issues. If, however, we examine the sources providing information we find a very different situation. Altogether, 669 sources were cited as giving quotes, of which 33% were credited to the air industry, followed by public (22%), politicians (12%), volcanologists (9%), responders (8%) and economists (2%). We also recorded all word descriptors for the ash cloud and its effects, with a total of 5380 words being logged. Negative words were the most common, with stranded having the highest frequency (180); chaos appearing 57 times. Coverage, thus, tended to feature quotes from the air industry, and carry a negative air; at times being confusing and contradictory. This, coupled with the fact that volcanological pieces tended to be placed well down the reporting order, meant that the message was of a chaotic situation and response, the performance of those who could be ascribed blame, i.e., responsible government agencies, thus likely being perceived in a negative light.
Penetration of nonlinear Rossby eddies into South China Sea evidenced by cruise data
Authors: Hu Jianyu , Zheng Quanan , Sun Zhenyu , Tai Chang‐Kuo
Published: January 2012

From the analyses of the cruise conductivity‐temperature‐depth profiler and acoustic Doppler current profiler data combined with simultaneous satellite altimeter data and Argo float profiling data, this paper provides evidence for the nonlinear Rossby eddies (NREs) penetrating through the Kuroshio and the Luzon Strait and entering the South China Sea (SCS). A high‐salinity water prism in the subsurface layer west of the Luzon Strait was observed in January 2010. The salty prism centered at around 21°N and 118°E has a salinity higher than 34.8 and co‐locates with an anticyclonic eddy with a diameter of about 150 km. The water properties of the salty prism are close to those of the Northwest Pacific (NWP) water. The time series of altimeter data and Argo float profiling data indicate that the anticyclonic eddy originates from an NRE that propagates westward from the NWP. The eddy penetrates the Luzon Strait at a speed of about 0.6 m s−1 because of the effects of the narrow strait and the Kuroshio‐eddy interaction and carries the high‐salinity subsurface water from the NWP into the northern SCS.
Origin of lunar sinuous rilles: Modeling effects of gravity, surface slope, and lava composition on erosion rates during the formation of Rima Prinz
Authors: Hurwitz Debra M. , Head James W. , Wilson Lionel , Hiesinger Harald
Published: January 2012

Lunar sinuous rilles have long been interpreted as features that formed as the result of surficial lava flow, though the precise mechanism responsible for channel formation (constructed versus eroded origins) is still debated. In assessing the origin of Rima Prinz, a channel interpreted to have formed by erosion, two erosion regimes, mechanical and thermal, are considered. Measurements of channel dimensions are used as inputs to analytical models to constrain the origin of Rima Prinz, including lava compositions, mechanical and thermal erosion rates, eruption durations, and lava volumes required to form the feature. Key results indicate that Rima Prinz and other large sinuous rilles could have formed as the result of thermal erosion under the weak gravity and low slope conditions characteristic of these lunar features. Further analysis indicates that lava composition has significant effects on channel formation. Model results of four considered lava compositions show that komatiite‐like lava will erode a similarly composed substrate most efficiently whereas a high‐Ti basalt will erode a similarly composed substrate least efficiently; ocean island basalt and low‐Ti basalt erode similarly composed substrates at intermediate rates. Results indicate that Rima Prinz may have formed over 0.4–2.2 Earth years, depositing 50–250 km3 of lava over a plausible deposit area of 2450 km2. Resulting deposit thicknesses suggest that the lava that incised Rima Prinz was most likely similar in composition to a terrestrial komatiite, ocean island basalt, or lunar low‐Ti basalt. Further constraints on sinuous rille formation will serve as a window into the nature of volcanic activity of the Moon's past.
Refining the stable isotope budget for Antarctic Bottom Water: New foraminiferal data from the abyssal southwest Atlantic
Authors: Hoffman J. L. , Lund D. C.
Published: January 2012

Stable isotope tracer budget results suggest the transport to vertical diffusivity ratio for Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) in the Atlantic was higher at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Reduced mixing across the upper boundary of AABW is consistent with movement of this surface away from the seafloor and may be a factor in sequestering CO2 in the abyssal Atlantic. Two key unknowns in the budget are the isotopic composition of AABW and the spatial representativeness of isolated vertical profiles of δ18O and δ13C. Due to a lack of core material below 3 km water depth, Lund et al. (2011) based their Holocene budget on water column data and their LGM budget on extrapolation of isotopic trends from shallower cores. Here we determine δ18O and δ13C for AABW using new isotopic records from 3 to 4 km water depth at the Brazil Margin. The core top data yield tracer budget parameters consistent with water column data in the broader Southwest Atlantic. At the LGM, benthic δ18O reaches 4.9‰ at 4 km water depth, the highest LGM δ18O value in the published literature. The corresponding δ13C of −0.2‰ is less depleted than expected and >0.5‰ greater than δ13C in the Southeast Atlantic. Our Peclet number estimates suggest δ13C acted conservatively during both the Holocene and LGM. Both δ18O and δ13C imply the transport to vertical diffusivity ratio for AABW was an order of magnitude larger during the LGM, due to enhanced AABW transport or reduced mixing across its upper boundary.
An assessment of surface soil temperature products from numerical weather prediction models using ground‐based measurements
Authors: Holmes Thomas R. H. , Jackson Thomas J. , Reichle Rolf H. , Basara Jeffrey B.
Published: January 2012

Surface soil temperature estimates at approximately 0.05 m depth are needed to retrieve soil moisture from the planned Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) L‐band (1.4 GHz) satellite. Numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems as operated by various weather centers produce global estimates of soil temperature. In this study in situ data collected over the state of Oklahoma are used to assess surface (soil) temperature from three NWP systems: (1) the integrated forecast system from the European Center for Medium range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), (2) the modern‐era retrospective analysis for research and applications (MERRA) from the NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, and (3) the global data assimilation system used by the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The results are presented by hour of day with specific attention directed to the SMAP early morning overpass time at around 6 A.M. local time, and the period of 1 April to 1 October 2009. It was found that the NWP systems estimate the 0.05 m soil temperature at this time of day with an overall root mean square error of 1.9 to 2.0 K. It is shown that this error can be reduced to 1.6 to 1.8 K when differences between the modeling and measurement depth are accounted for by synchronizing each NWP set to match the mean phase of the in situ data and adjusting the amplitude in accordance with heat flow principles. These results indicate that with little calibration all products meet the SMAP error budget criteria over Oklahoma.
Loss of autophagy in hypothalamic POMC neurons impairs lipolysis
Authors: Kaushik Susmita , Arias Esperanza , Kwon Hyokjoon , Lopez Nuria Martinez , Athonvarangkul Diana , Sahu Srabani , Schwartz Gary J , Pessin Jeffrey E , Singh Rajat
Published: January 2012

Autophagy degrades cytoplasmic contents to achieve cellular homeostasis. We show that selective loss of autophagy in hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons decreases α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH) levels, promoting adiposity, impairing lipolysis and altering glucose homeostasis. Ageing reduces hypothalamic autophagy and α‐MSH levels, and aged‐mice phenocopy, the adiposity and lipolytic defect observed in POMC neuron autophagy‐null mice. Intraperitoneal isoproterenol restores lipolysis in both models, demonstrating normal adipocyte catecholamine responsiveness. We propose that an unconventional, autophagosome‐mediated form of secretion in POMC neurons controls energy balance by regulating α‐MSH production. Modulating hypothalamic autophagy might have implications for preventing obesity and metabolic syndrome of ageing.
Expression profiles of human interferon‐alpha and interferon‐lambda subtypes are ligand‐ and cell‐dependent
Authors: Hillyer Philippa , Mane Viraj P , Schramm Lynnsie M , Puig Montserrat , Verthelyi Daniela , Chen Aaron , Zhao Zeng , Navarro Maria B , Kirschman Kevin D , Bykadi Srikant , Jubin Ronald G , Rabin Ronald L
Published: January 2012

Recent genome‐wide association studies suggest distinct roles for 12 human interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) and 3 IFN‐λ subtypes that may be elucidated by defining the expression patterns of these sets of genes. To overcome the impediment of high homology among each of the sets, we designed a quantitative real‐time PCR assay that incorporates the use of molecular beacon and locked nucleic acid (LNA) probes, and in some instances, LNA oligonucleotide inhibitors. We then measured IFN subtype expression by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and by purified monocytes, myeloid dendritic cells (mDC), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), and monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM), and –dendritic cells (MDDC) in response to poly I:C, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), imiquimod and CpG oligonucleotides. We found that in response to poly I:C and LPS, monocytes, MDM and MDDC express a subtype pattern restricted primarily to IFN‐β and IFN‐λ1. In addition, while CpG elicited expression of all type I IFN subtypes by pDC, imiquimod did not. Furthermore, MDM and mDC highly express IFN‐λ, and the subtypes of IFN‐λ are expressed hierarchically in the order IFN‐λ1 followed by IFN‐λ2, and then IFN‐λ3. These data support a model of coordinated cell‐ and ligand‐specific expression of types I and III IFN. Defining IFN subtype expression profiles in a variety of contexts may elucidate specific roles for IFN subtypes as protective, therapeutic or pathogenic mediators.
Novel regulatory mechanisms in inflammatory arthritis: a role for microRNA
Authors: Baxter Derek , McInnes Iain B , Kurowska‐Stolarska Mariola
Published: January 2012

Elucidating pathways that regulate cytokine production in the context of autoimmune disease will likely lead to the development of novel therapeutics. Herein, we review data suggesting that microRNAs (miRs) represent one such level of regulatory activity, with particular emphasis on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A series of miRs have been identified to be dysregulated in cell subsets within the articular compartment of patients with RA. These have a critical role in regulating cartilage‐invading phenotype of RA synovial fibroblasts. More recently, several studies suggest that miRs also regulate leukocyte activation and cytokine production that in turn contribute to the immunologic component of effector synovial pathology. Together, these observations open an exciting new vista of understanding and therapeutic opportunity for this difficult and common disease.
The antioxidative effect of de novo generated vitamin B6 in Plasmodium falciparum validated by protein interference
Authors: Knöckel Julia , Müller Ingrid B. , Butzloff Sabine , Bergmann Bärbel , Walter Rolf D. , Wrenger Carsten
Published: January 2012

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is able to synthesize de novo PLP (pyridoxal 5′-phosphate), the active form of vitamin B6. In the present study, we have shown that the de novo synthesized PLP is used by the parasite to detoxify 1O2 (singlet molecular oxygen), a highly destructive reactive oxygen species arising from haemoglobin digestion. The formation of 1O2 and the response of the parasite were monitored by live-cell fluorescence microscopy, by transcription analysis and by determination of PLP levels in the parasite. Pull-down experiments of transgenic parasites overexpressing the vitamin B6-biosynthetic enzymes PfPdx1 and PfPdx2 clearly demonstrated an interaction of the two proteins in vivo which results in an elevated PLP level from 12.5 μM in wild-type parasites to 36.6 μM in the PfPdx1/PfPdx2-overexpressing cells and thus to a higher tolerance towards 1O2. In contrast, by applying the dominant-negative effect on the cellular level using inactive mutants of PfPdx1 and PfPdx2, P. falciparum becomes susceptible to 1O2. Our results demonstrate clearly the crucial role of vitamin B6 biosynthesis in the detoxification of 1O2 in P. falciparum. Besides the known role of PLP as a cofactor of many essential enzymes, this second important task of the vitamin B6de novo synthesis as antioxidant emphasizes the high potential of this pathway as a target of new anti-malarial drugs.
Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase protects against oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death
Authors: Fukuhara Ayano , Yamada Mao , Fujimori Ko , Miyamoto Yuya , Kusumoto Toshihide , Nakajima Hidemitsu , Inui Takashi
Published: January 2012

L-PGDS [lipocalin-type PGD (prostaglandin D) synthase] is a dual-functional protein, acting as a PGD2-producing enzyme and a lipid transporter. L-PGDS is a member of the lipocalin superfamily and can bind a wide variety of lipophilic molecules. In the present study we demonstrate the protective effect of L-PGDS on H2O2-induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. L-PGDS expression was increased in H2O2-treated neuronal cells, and the L-PGDS level was highly associated with H2O2-induced apoptosis, indicating that L-PGDS protected the neuronal cells against H2O2-mediated cell death. A cell viability assay revealed that L-PGDS protected against H2O2-induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the titration of free thiols in H2O2-treated L-PGDS revealed that H2O2 reacted with the thiol of Cys65 of L-PGDS. The MALDI–TOF (matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization–time-of-flight)-MS spectrum of H2O2-treated L-PGDS showed a 32 Da increase in the mass relative to that of the untreated protein, showing that the thiol was oxidized to sulfinic acid. The binding affinities of oxidized L-PGDS for lipophilic molecules were comparable with those of untreated L-PGDS. Taken together, these results demonstrate that L-PGDS protected against neuronal cell death by scavenging reactive oxygen species without losing its ligand-binding function. The novel function of L-PGDS could be useful for the suppression of oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative diseases.
The involvement of gap junctions in the delayed phase of the protection induced by cardiac pacing in dogs
Authors: Gönczi Márton , Kovács Mária , Seprényi György , Végh Ágnes
Published: January 2012

The present study has examined the role of GJ (gap junctions) in the delayed anti-arrhythmic effect of cardiac pacing, with particular reference to the time-course changes in Cx43 (connexin43) expression both after pacing (4×5 min, at a rate of 240 beats/min) and 24 h later, when the dogs were subjected to a 25 min occlusion and reperfusion of the LAD (left anterior descending coronary artery). Compared with the SP (sham-paced) controls (n=20), in dogs paced 24 h previously (n=16) there were reductions in arrhythmia severity [e.g. number of VPB (ventricular premature beats) during occlusion 294±78 compared with 63±25; survival from the combined ischaemia/reperfusion insult 20% compared with 78%], and in other ischaemic changes [epicardial ST-segment, TAT (total activation time) and tissue impedance]. Pacing also prevented the ischaemia-induced structural impairment of the intercalated discs, and preserved GJ permeability and Cx43 phosphorylation, without modifying Cx43 protein content. Following cardiac pacing the membrane and total Cx43 protein contents were unchanged up to 6 h, but were significantly reduced 12 h later (preceded by a down-regulation of Cx43 mRNA at 6 h), and returned to normal by 24 h. Interestingly, dogs that were subjected to ischaemia 12 h after cardiac pacing showed increased arrhythmia generation. We conclude that cardiac pacing results in time-dependent changes in Cx43 expression, which may alter GJ function and influence arrhythmia generation during a subsequent ischaemia/reperfusion insult. This effect is manifested in protection 24 h after pacing, but of potential clinical interest is the finding that there is a time interval after pacing during which an ischaemic event may generate severe ventricular arrhythmias.
Multiscale characterization of recurrence-based phase space networks constructed from time series
Authors: Xiang Ruoxi , Zhang Jie , Xu Xiao-Ke , Small Michael
Published: January 2012

Recently, a framework for analyzing time series by constructing an associated complex network has attracted significant research interest. One of the advantages of the complex network method for studying time series is that complex network theory provides a tool to describe either important nodes, or structures that exist in the networks, at different topological scale. This can then provide distinct information for time series of different dynamical systems. In this paper, we systematically investigate the recurrence-based phase space network of order k that has previously been used to specify different types of dynamics in terms of the motif ranking from a different perspective. Globally, we find that the network size scales with different scale exponents and the degree distribution follows a quasi-symmetric bell shape around the value of 2k with different values of degree variance from periodic to chaotic Rössler systems. Local network properties such as the vertex degree, the clustering coefficients and betweenness centrality are found to be sensitive to the local stability of the orbits and hence contain complementary information.