bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Runoff generation processes during the wet-up phase in a semi-arid basin in Iran
Authors: Zarei H. , Akhondali A. M. , Mohammadzadeh H. , Radmanesh F. , Laudon H.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Understanding the hydrological processes in catchments is important for water resources management, particularly in semi-arid regions of the world. To contribute to this field, dominant runoff generation processes in a semi-arid basin (283 km2) in Southwestern Iran were investigated using analysis of hydrometric data in combination with natural isotopic tracers through the wet-up phase of a rainy season. The analysis of seven rainfall–runoff events during the rainfall dominated period illustrated the role of antecedent base flow and cumulative rainfall for explaining the hydrological response. Three distinct storm events and the corresponding discharge were collected and analyzed for oxygen-18 and deuterium isotope composition. The results show that during the wetting-up cycle, the runoff ratio during storm events increased progressively from 1 to 10%. Higher event runoff ratios following catchment wet-up were shown to be directly linked to changes in soil moisture, which in turn controlled the runoff generation processes. In line with the hydrometric results, the two-component hydrograph separation using δ18O and δ2H demonstrated a clear connection to the antecedent wetness conditions. The results suggest that the runoff ratios during storms and the partitioning of event and pre-event water fractions are sensitive to the amount of catchment wet-up and could hence be strongly impacted by changes in the timing, duration and amount of precipitation in the future.
The Declaration of the 1st Ministerial Meeting of the Latin American States Affected by transnational interests
Authors: Romero Eduardo Silva , Silva Ana Carolina Simões E
Published: April 2014

In the past decade, Latin American States have begun to voice strong criticisms of the existing system for the settlement of disputes between foreign private investors and States through international arbitration based on investment treaties. Since the end of the nineties, said system has undergone an extraordinary development due to the direct right of action granted to foreign investors by investment treaties. Indeed, the great majority of the thousands of investment treaties existing today not only grant substantive protection to investments made by investors of one State party in the territory of the other State party to the treaty, but also contain investor-State dispute settlement provisions allowing investors to initiate arbitration proceedings against host States for an alleged breach of the treaty by the State. The practice of arbitration based on investment treaties has, however, generated many difficulties with respect to both the arbitral tribunals’ application of the substantive protections provided for in the treaties and to the functioning of the arbitration proceedings. In response to those difficulties, Latin American States are seeking to set up regional legal and political cooperation initiatives to create alternatives to the existing system. The Declaration of the 1st Ministerial Meeting of the Latin American States Affected by Transnational Interests (Declaration) adopted in Guayaquil, Ecuador on April 22, 2013 is one recent example of such initiatives.
Post-Mortem Chemical Changes in Poultry Breast Meat Monitored With Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Hawkins Samantha A. , Bowker Brian , Zhuang Hong , Gamble Gary , Holser Ronald
Published: April 2014

Chicken meat undergoes significant chemical and structural changes with postmortem time that influence meat quality characteristics. The objective of this study was to measure the visible-near infrared (vis-NIR) spectral differences in broiler breast fillets at 0.5, 4, 24, and 120 h postmortem. Muscle samples were flash frozen and freeze-dried prior to spectra analysis. In the visible region of the spectra (400-700 nm) changes in myoglobin protein peaks were observed with postmortem time. Freeze-drying muscle samples provided additional information from the NIR region of the spectra (800-2500 nm) on muscle protein changes during postmortem aging. Alterations to the b-sheet and a-helix structures of myofibrillar proteins and changes in the amount of bound water were observed in the NIR region with postmortem aging. Data from this study demonstrate that changes in breast fillets with postmortem time that are related to meat quality traits are detectable using vis-NIR spectroscopy.
MicroSEQ® Salmonella spp. Detection Kit Using the Pathatrix® 10-Pooling Salmonella spp. Kit Linked Protocol Method Modification
Authors: Wall Jason , Conrad Rick , Latham Kathy , Liu Eric
Published: April 2014

Real-time PCR methods for detecting foodborne pathogens offer the advantages of simplicity and quick time to results compared to traditional culture methods. The addition of a recirculating pooled immunomagnetic separation method prior to real-time PCR analysis increases processing output while reducing bothcost and labor. This AOAC Research Institute method modification study validates the MicroSEQ®Salmonella spp. Detection Kit [AOAC Performance Tested Method(PTM) 031001] linked with the Pathatrix® 10-Pooling Salmonella spp. Kit (AOAC PTM 090203C) in diced tomatoes, chocolate, and deli ham. The Pathatrix 10-Pooling protocol represents a method modification of the enrichment portion of the MicroSEQ Salmonella spp. protocol. The results of the method modification were compared to standard cultural reference methods for diced tomatoes, chocolate, and deli ham. All threematrixes were analyzed in a paired study design. An additional set of chocolate test portions was analyzed using an alternative enrichment medium in an unpaired study design. For all matrixes tested, there were no statistically significant differences in the number of positive test portions detected by the modified candidate method compared to the appropriate reference method. The MicroSEQ Salmonella spp. protocol linked with the Pathatrix individual or 10-Pooling procedure demonstrated reliabilityas a rapid, simplified, method for the preparation of samples and subsequent detection of Salmonella in diced tomatoes, chocolate, and deliham.
Single-Laboratory Validation of a Method for the Determination of Select Volatile Organic Compounds in Foods by Using Vacuum Distillation with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Nyman Patricia J , Limm William , Begley Timothy H , Chirtel Stuart J
Published: April 2014

Recent studies showed that headspace and purge and trap methods have limitations when used to determine volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in foods, including matrix effects and artifact formation from precursors present in the sample matrix or from thermal decomposition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 8261A liberates VOCs from the sample matrix by using vacuum distillation at room temperature. Themethod was modified and validated for the determination of furan, chloroform, benzene, trichloroethene, toluene, and sytrene in infant formula, canned tuna (in water), peanut butter, and an orange beverage (orange-flavored noncarbonated beverage). The validation studies showed that the LOQ values ranged from 0.05 ng/g toluene in infant formula to 5.10 ng/g toluene in peanut butter. Fortified recoveries were determined at the first, second, and third standard additions, and concentrations ranged from 0.07 to 6.9 ng/g. When quantified by the method of standard additions, the recoveries ranged from 56 to 218% at the first standard addition and 89 to 117% at the third. The validated method was used to conduct a survey of the targeted VOCs in 18 foods. The amounts found ranged from none detected to 73.8 ng/g furan in sweet potato baby food.
Evaluation of the Thermo Scientific™ SureTect™ Salmonella species Assay
Authors: Cloke Jonathan , Clark, Jr Dorn , Radcliff Roy , Leon-Velarde Carlos , Larson Nathan , Dave Keron , Evans Katharine , Crabtree David , Hughes Annette , Simpson Helen , Holopainen Jani , Wickstrand Nina , Kauppinen Mikko
Published: April 2014

The Thermo Scientific™ SureTect™ Salmonella species Assay is a new real-time PCR assay for the detection of Salmonellae in food and environmental samples. This validation study was conducted using the AOAC Research Institute (RI) Performance Tested MethodsSM program to validate the SureTect Salmonella species Assay incomparison to the reference method detailed in International Organization for Standardization 6579:2002 in a variety of food matrixes, namely, raw ground beef, raw chicken breast, raw ground pork, fresh bagged lettuce, pork frankfurters, nonfat dried milk powder, cooked peeled shrimp, pasteurized liquid whole egg, ready-to-eat meal containing beef, and stainlesssteel surface samples. With the exception of liquid whole egg and fresh bagged lettuce, which were tested in-house, all matrixes were tested by Marshfield Food Safety, Marshfield, WI, on behalf of Thermo Fisher Scientific. In addition, three matrixes (pork frankfurters, lettuce, and stainless steel surface samples) were analyzed independently as part of the AOAC-RI-controlled laboratory study by the University of Guelph, Canada. No significant difference by probability of detection or McNemars Chi-squared statistical analysis was found between the candidate or reference methods for any of the food matrixes or environmental surface samples tested during the validation study. Inclusivity and exclusivity testing was conducted with 117 and 36 isolates, respectively, which demonstrated that the SureTect Salmonella species Assay was able to detect all the major groups of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica (e.g., Typhimurium) and the less common subspecies of S. enterica (e.g., arizoniae) and the rarely encountered S. bongori. None of the exclusivity isolates analyzed were detected by the SureTect Salmonella species Assay. Ruggedness testing was conducted to evaluate the performance of the assay with specific method deviations outside of the recommended parameters open to variation (enrichment time and temperature, and lysis temperature), which demonstrated that the assay gave reliable performance. Accelerated stability testing was additionally conducted, validating the assay shelf life.
Development and Utilization of a Fluorescence-Based Receptor-Binding Assay for the Site 5 Voltage-Sensitive Sodium Channel Ligands Brevetoxin and Ciguatoxin
Authors: McCall Jennifer R , Jacocks Henry M , Niven Susan C , Poli Mark A , Baden Daniel G , Bourdelais Andrea J
Published: April 2014

Brevetoxins are a family of ladder-frame polyether toxins produced during blooms of the marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. Consumption of fish exposed to K. brevis blooms can lead to the development of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. The toxic effects of brevetoxins are due to activation of voltage-sensitive sodium channels (VSSCs) in cell membranes. Binding of toxins has historically been measured using a radioligand competition assay that is fraught with difficulty. In thisstudy, we developed a novel fluorescence-based binding assay for the brevetoxin receptor. Several fluorophores were conjugated to polyether brevetoxin-2 andused as the labeled ligand. Brevetoxin analogs were able to compete for binding with the fluorescent ligands. This assay was qualified against the standard radioligand receptor assay for the brevetoxin receptor. Furthermore, the fluorescence-based assay was used to determine relative concentrations of toxins inraw extracts of K. brevis culture, and to determine ciguatoxin affinity to site 5 of VSSCs. The fluorescence-based assay was quicker, safer, and far less expensive. As such, this assay can beused to replace the current radioligand assay and will be a vital tool for future experiments examining the binding affinity of various ligands for site 5 on sodium channels.
Development, Comparison, and Validation Using ELISAs for the Determination of Domoic Acid in California Sea Lion Body Fluids
Authors: Seubert Erica L , Howard Meredith D A , Kudela Raphael M , Stewart Thomas N , Litaker R Wayne , Evans Richard , Caron David A
Published: April 2014

Mortalities of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) attributed to the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) produced by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia have occurred repeatedly along the U.S. west coast since the late 1990s. Quantifying the amount of DA in these animals and correlating this information with the presence of DA in phytoplankton and the local food web has become a research focus for many scientists. However, differences in materials, equipment, technical capability, budgets, and objectives of the various groups and/or agencies involved in this work have influenced the DAquantification platforms used. The goal of the present study was to compare the performance of two commercially available ELISAs for the determination of DAin a spectrum of California sea lion body fluids andto compare the results with LC/MS of the same samples. The results indicated differences among these approaches, presumably owing to matrix effects (particularly urine) and antibody reactivities. This information implies that care should be taken in attemptingto compare datasets generated using different analytical platforms and interpreting the results of published studies.
La arquitectura del swing: sutilezas y perturbaciones de la forma urbana
Authors: Clua Uceda Álvaro
Published: April 2014

Swing is made of delicate musical movements on a constant rhythmic support, light and vibrant. The rigid pattern of tempo is diluted under the subtle variations which write the musical argument. Similarly, there is also an architecture which plays swing and likes to do it far away from the noise of the soloist, sheltered by the urban form. We discover this architecture in its aim to extend its gaze beyond the constructed limits, a way to build the city that still relies on the inductive reasoning rather than on the application of general principles. An urbanism that allows deformation and shocks, a perfectly irregular city.

We discover this swing in the five degrees of rotation of the Stockholm Library by E. G. Asplund - error or subtlety? It manifests itself in the subtle inflections of repetitive and sober K. Fisker housing blocks - standard or intent? It appears strongly at the Particolareggiato per l’area di corso del Popolo by M. Ridolfi and W. Frankl in Terni - delirium or formalism? We can find it in the ripples of the Bonjour Tristesse ghost.

“ ... To tear , to chip, to split, to cut ... “ wrote Richard Serra in his 1967 Verb list concerning the manipulation of urban form. Are these subtle deformations of urban architecture a strong argument in the definition of our cities? Once the swing discovered that silence was also music. Is not this silent architecture both a reflection and a model of the urban form?
Palette of Problems – April 2014
Authors: Amidon Joel , Roscoe Matt
Published: April 2014

A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Math for Real: Shaking Things Up with the Richter Scale
Authors: Dillon Fred , Dykema Kevin
Published: April 2014

This problem ties into the real-life measurement found in the Richter scale.
Should Publications on Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cells Include In-Process Data on the Preparation of the Cells?
Authors: Reger Roxanne L. , Prockop Darwin J.
Published: April 2014

There has been great interest in research and clinical trials with the adult stem/progenitor cells referred to as mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). However, there are no definitive markers for the cells and no assays that would reflect the therapeutic efficacy of the cells in vivo. There are in effect no adequate release criteria that define the quality or efficacy of the cells. The problems are compounded by the fact that a variety of different protocols has been used to isolate the cells and expand them in culture. The result is that many publications have used MSCs with different properties, frequently without the investigators being aware of the differences. As a partial solution to these problems, we have devised a simple table to record in-process data on the preparation of MSCs. We suggest that comparisons of data generated by different laboratories would be facilitated if similar in-process data, probably as supplemental materials, were included in publications using MSCs.
Association of Footprint Measurements with Plantar Kinetics
Authors: Fascione Jeanna M. , Crews Ryan T. , Wrobel James S.
Published: April 2014

Background

The use of foot measurements to classify morphology and interpret foot function remains one of the focal concepts of lower-extremity biomechanics. However, only 27% to 55% of midfoot variance in foot pressures has been determined in the most comprehensive models. We investigated whether dynamic walking footprint measurements are associated with inter-individual foot loading variability.

Methods

Thirty individuals (15 men and 15 women; mean ± SD age, 27.17 ± 2.21 years) walked at a self-selected speed over an electronic pedography platform using the midgait technique. Kinetic variables (contact time, peak pressure, pressure-time integral, and force-time integral) were collected for six masked regions. Footprints were digitized for area and linear boundaries using digital photo planimetry software. Six footprint measurements were determined: contact area, footprint index, arch index, truncated arch index, Chippaux-Smirak index, and Staheli index. Linear regression analysis with a Bonferroni adjustment was performed to determine the association between the footprint measurements and each of the kinetic variables.

Results

The findings demonstrate that a relationship exists between increased midfoot contact and increased kinetic values in respective locations. Many of these variables produced large effect sizes while describing 38% to 71% of the common variance of select plantar kinetic variables in the medial midfoot region. In addition, larger footprints were associated with larger kinetic values at the medial heel region and both masked forefoot regions.

Conclusions

Dynamic footprint measurements are associated with dynamic plantar loading kinetics, with emphasis on the midfoot region.
An Initial Evaluation of a Proof-of-Concept 128-Hz Electronic Tuning Fork in the Detection of Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: O'Brien Todd , Karem Joseph
Published: April 2014

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is an essential precursor leading to diabetic limb loss. Neurologic screening tests, including the 128-Hz tuning fork (TF), have long been used to identify and track the progression of DPN, thereby guiding the implementation of preventive strategies. Although a sensitive indicator of neuropathy, shortcomings of TF testing include the lack of standardization and quantification of clinical findings. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, a novel 128-Hz electronic TF (ETF) prototype has been developed that is capable of performing accurate timed vibration tests (TVTs). This study was designed to assess the ability of the ETF to detect sensory impairment compared with three established neurologic screening methods: the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, the biothesiometer, and the sharp/dull discrimination test.

Methods

Fifty-five test patients were recruited from the primary author's practice and enrolled according to an approved protocol. The 10-g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and the sharp/dull discrimination test were administered in standard fashion to the plantar aspects of digits 1 and 5 bilaterally. The ETF and the biothesiometer (25-V setting) were applied to the dorsal aspects of the distal phalanx of the hallux and fifth metatarsal head bilaterally.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of neuropathy detection for the ETF were 0.953 and 0.761, respectively, using conventional tests as reference standards.

Conclusions

Performance of TVTs with the ETF detected sensory impairment compared with three conventional neurologic screening methods. Given these findings, the ETF could facilitate the use of standardized TVTs as an indicator of DPN progression.
Evaluation of Wound Care and Health-Care Use Costs in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treated with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy versus Advanced Moist Wound Therapy
Authors: Driver Vickie R. , Blume Peter A.
Published: April 2014

Background

We conducted a post-hoc retrospective analysis of patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate overall costs of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT; V.A.C. Therapy; KCI USA, Inc, San Antonio, Texas) versus advanced moist wound therapy (AMWT) in treating grade 2 and 3 diabetic foot wounds during a 12-week therapy course.

Methods

Data from two study arms (NPWT [n = 169] or AMWT [n = 166]) originating from Protocol VAC2001-08 were collected from patient records and used as the basis of the calculations performed in our cost analysis.

Results

A total of 324 patient records (NPWT = 162; AMWT = 162) were analyzed. There was a median wound area reduction of 85.0% from baseline in patients treated with NPWT compared to a 61.8% reduction in those treated with AMWT. The total cost for all patients, regardless of closure, was $1,941,472.07 in the NPWT group compared to $2,196,315.86 in the AMWT group. In patients who achieved complete wound closure, the mean cost per patient in the NPWT group was $10,172 compared to $9,505 in the AMWT group; the median cost per 1 cm2 of closure was $1,227 with NPWT and $1,695 with AMWT. In patients who did not achieve complete wound closure, the mean total wound care cost per patient in the NPWT group was $13,262, compared to $15,069 in the AMWT group. The median cost to close 1 cm2 in wounds that didn't heal using NPWT was $1,633, compared to $2,927 with AMWT.

Conclusions

Our results show greater cost effectiveness with NPWT versus AMWT in recalcitrant wounds that didn't close during a 12-week period, due to lower expenditures on procedures and use of health-care resources.
Hallux Abductus Interphalangeus in Normal Feet, Early-Stage Hallux Limitus, and Hallux Valgus
Authors: Castillo-Lopez Jose M. , Ramos-Ortega Javier , Reina-Bueno Maria , Domínguez-Maldonado Gabriel , Palomo-Toucedo Inmaculada C. , Munuera Pedro V.
Published: April 2014

Background

Excessive deviation of the distal phalanx in abduction frequently occurs in advanced stages of hallux rigidus but not in hallux valgus. Therefore, theoretically there should be no significant differences in the hallux interphalangeal angle (HIPA) between individuals with normal feet, those with hallux valgus, and those with mild hallux limitus. The objective of the present study was thus to determine if significant differences in HIPA exist in the early stages of hallux valgus or hallux limitus deformities.

Methods

The hallux interphalangeal angle was measured in three groups of participants: a control group with normal feet (45 participants), a hallux valgus group (49 participants), and a hallux limitus group (48 participants). Both of the pathologies were at an early stage. A dorsoplantar radiograph under weightbearing conditions was taken for each individual, and measurements (HIPA and hallux abductus angle [HAA]) were taken using AutoCAD (Autodesk Inc, San Rafael, California) software. Intergroup comparisons of HIPA, and correlations between HIPA, HAA, and hallux dorsiflexion were calculated.

Results

The comparisons revealed no significant differences in the values of HIPA between any of the groups (15.2 ± 5.9 degrees in the control group, 15.5 ± 3.9 degrees in the hallux valgus group, and 16.15 ± 4.3 in the hallux limitus group; P  =  0.634). The Pearson correlation coefficients in particular showed no correlation between hallux dorsiflexion, HAA, and HIPA.

Conclusions

For the study participants, there were similar deviations of the distal phalanx of the hallux with respect to the proximal phalanx in normal feet and in feet with the early stages of the hallux limitus and hallux valgus deformities.
Musculoskeletal Pain, Job Satisfaction, Depression, and Anxiety Among Spanish Podiatric Physicians
Authors: Iglesias Marta Elena Losa , de Bengoa Vallejo Ricardo Becerro
Published: April 2014

Background

There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints related to day-to-day work among podiatric physicians. We sought to determine the relationships among musculoskeletal pain, job satisfaction, depression, and anxiety in Spanish podiatric physicians.

Methods

A convenience sample of 421 Spanish podiatric physicians was administered a survey that included questions about sociodemographic variables, musculoskeletal pain, job satisfaction, depression, and anxiety.

Results

On average, respondents were found to have a high level of pain, a moderate level of job satisfaction, and low-to-moderate levels of depression and anxiety. Young single women had the highest levels of pain and anxiety. Analysis with the Student t test indicated significant differences between the sexes for levels of pain (P < .0001) and anxiety (P < .014). Job satisfaction was inversely related to depression and anxiety.

Conclusions

These findings, particularly the increased levels of pain, job dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression in young single female podiatrists, indicate a need for strategies to reduce the risks posed by the work environment in podiatric medicine, thus minimizing the negative psychological and physical consequences of participating in the profession.
Repositioning Buttress Internal Graft as a Modification to Distal Osteotomy Bunionectomies
Authors: Rettig Richard
Published: April 2014

The author proposes a novel use of redundant bone resulting from the lateral transposition of the first metatarsal head upon the shaft during a distal osteotomy bunionectomy. The bone, which is usually discarded, may be transposed to the lateral side of the shaft, fixated in place, and used to buttress the metatarsal head, thereby increasing the amount of transpostional shift that can safely occur with stability. By doing this, one could extend the range of intermetatarsal angles suitable to a distal osteotomy.
Normalization of grazing-incidence small angle scattering of phospholipid alloy systems at the K absorption edge of phosphorous: A standard sample approach
Authors: Okuda Hiroshi , Yamamoto Takayoshi , Takeshita Kohki , Hirai Mitsuhiro , Senoo Kazunobu , Ogawa Hiroki , Kitajima Yoshinori
Published: April 2014

Anomalous grazing-incidence small angle X-ray scattering (AGISAXS) measurements of phospholipid alloy films have been performed at the K absorption edge of phosphorous. Normalization of the GISAXS intensities between those taken at different photon energies has been proposed using a glassy carbon as an intensity standard sample. Effect of sensitivity correction using the standard sample on the assessment of anomalous dispersion effect in the GISAXS profiles of dried phospholipid–cholesterol–ganglioside alloy films has been discussed at the K absorption edge of P. Importance of the use of stable intensity standards in anomalous SAXS in the soft X-ray region has been presented.
Microstructures, optical and photoelectric conversion properties of spherical silicon solar cells with anti-reflection SnOx:F thin films
Authors: Oku Takeo , Kanayama Masato , Ono Yuji , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Kanamori Youichi , Murozono Mikio
Published: April 2014

The microstructures and optical and photoelectric conversion properties of spherical silicon (Si) solar cells were investigated and discussed. The surface of the spherical Si with a pn junction provided high crystallinity, and the lattice constant of the center of Si spheres is larger than that of the surface, which would be due to the lattice distortion by defect structures at the center of Si. The conversion efficiencies of spherical Si solar cells coated with SnO
x
:F anti-reflection thin films were improved by annealing. The optical absorption and fluorescence of the solar cells increased, and the lattice constants of SnO
x
:F anti-reflection layers decreased after annealing. The mechanisms of chemical reactions at the Si/metal interface were also discussed.
De-excitation process in BaMgAl10O17:Eu phosphor evaluated from vacuum–UV-excited photoluminescence spectroscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure
Authors: Kunimoto Takashi , Fujita Yoshiko , Honma Tetsuo , Kageyama Youji , Nakamura Kimihiko , Ohmi Koutoku
Published: April 2014

Luminescence properties based on the valence variation of Eu ions in BaMgAl10O17:Eu (BAM) is investigated using the conversion electron yield- and fluorescence yield-X-ray absorption fine structure, and temperature dependence of PL spectroscopy to clarify the de-excitation process in BAM under UV and vacuum–UV (VUV) excitation. The baking temperature dependence of the fraction of Eu2+ ions shows three thresholds at about 600, 1000, and 1200 °C. Even though the fraction of Eu2+ in the 1200-°C-baked sample decreases to almost zero, a blue luminescence from Eu2+ still remains under VUV excitation and its intensity increases with increasing temperature. The internal quantum efficiency (iQE) of a raw sample under VUV excitation is more than 0.84. This value decreases with increasing baking temperature because of the deep trap formation accompanied with the valence change of Eu ions from divalent to trivalent. The iQE of the 1200-°C-baked sample remains 0.10, which suggests a long diffusion length of excitons in the BAM crystal after VUV excitation.
Catalytic decomposition of phosphorus compounds to produce phosphorus atoms
Authors: Umemoto Hironobu , Kanemitsu Taijiro , Kuroda Yuki
Published: April 2014

Vacuum–ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence identified atomic phosphorus in the gas phase when phosphine, triethylphosphine, or molecular phosphorus sublimated from solid red phosphorus was decomposed on heated metal wire surfaces. Atomic phosphorus was found to be one of the major products in all systems, and its density increased monotonically with wire temperature but showed saturation at high temperatures. A wire material dependence of density was observed for molecular phosphorus, suggesting that the decomposition of the compound is catalytic. Electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) measurement showed that the wires are not phosphorized when heated in the presence of phosphine or molecular phosphorus.
Deposition of moisture barrier films by catalytic CVD using hexamethyldisilazane
Authors: Ohdaira Keisuke , Matsumura Hideki
Published: April 2014

Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) is utilized to deposit moisture barrier films by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (Cat-CVD). An increase in the thickness of silicon oxynitride (SiO
x
N
y
) films leads to a better water–vapor transmission rate (WVTR), indicating that Cat-CVD SiO
x
N
y
films deposited using HMDS do not severely suffer from cracking. A WVTR on the order of 10−3 g m−2 day−1 can be realized by a Cat-CVD SiO
x
N
y
film formed using HMDS on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate without any stacking structures at a substrate temperature of as low as 60 °C. X-ray reflectivity (XRR) measurement reveals that a film density of >2.0 g/cm3 is necessary for SiO
x
N
y
films to demonstrate an effective moisture barrier ability. The use of HMDS will give us safer production of moisture barrier films because of its non-explosive and non-toxic nature.
Isolation of Murine Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Pak‐Wittel Melissa A. , Piersma Sytse J. , Plougastel Beatrice F. , Poursine‐Laurent Jennifer , Yokoyama Wayne M.
Published: April 2014

This unit describes the isolation of natural killer (NK) cells from mouse spleen. The basic protocol describes a method for preparing a highly purified NK cell population from mouse spleen by depletion of contaminating cells with selected monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and magnetic separation. There are several advantages to this negative selection process. One of these is that the NK cells are not coated with antibody and, therefore, are not at risk of functional perturbation by antibody cross‐linking. Additionally, negative selection provides a way to isolate diverse subpopulations of NK cells without selectively purifying a specific subpopulation. Following enrichment, NK cell purity can be assessed by cell surface phenotype using flow cytometry. Curr. Protoc. Immunol.. 105:3.22.1‐3.22.9. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation and selection of SST regression algorithms for JPSS VIIRS
Authors: Petrenko Boris , Ignatov Alexander , Kihai Yury , Stroup John , Dash Prasanjit
Published: April 2014

Two global level 2 sea surface temperature (SST) products are generated at NOAA from the Suomi National Polar‐Orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor data records (L1) with two independent processing systems, the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Interface Data Processing Segment (IDPS) and the NOAA heritage Advanced Clear‐Sky Processor for Oceans (ACSPO). The two systems use different SST retrieval and cloud masking algorithms. Validation against in situ and L4 analyses has shown suboptimal performance of the IDPS product. In this context, existing operational and proposed SST algorithms have been evaluated for their potential implementation in IDPS. This paper documents the evaluation methodology and results. The performance of SST retrievals is characterized with bias and standard deviation with respect to in situ SSTs and sensitivity to true SST. Given three retrieval metrics, all being variable in space and with observational conditions, an additional integral metric is needed to evaluate the overall performance of SST algorithms. Therefore, we introduce the Quality Retrieval Domain (QRD) as a part of the global ocean, where the retrieval characteristics meet predefined specifications. Based on the QRDs analyses for all tested algorithms over a representative range of specifications for accuracy, precision, and sensitivity, we have selected the algorithms developed at the EUMETSAT Ocean and Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility (OSI‐SAF) for implementation in IDPS and ACSPO. Testing the OSI‐SAF algorithms with ACSPO and IDPS products shows the improved consistency between VIIRS SST and Reynolds L4 daily analysis. Further improvement of the IDPS SST product requires adjustment of the VIIRS cloud and ice masks.
On β2 stepped leaders in negative cloud‐to‐ground lightning
Authors: Campos Leandro Z. S. , Saba Marcelo M. F. , Philip Krider E.
Published: April 2014

In their seminal lightning studies using streak cameras, Schonland et al. (1938) identified four negative stepped leader events that they term “β2,” a “rather rare variant of the type β leader”, and in it, “the second and slower stage of the leader is associated with the appearance of one or more fast dart streamers, which travel rapidly down from the cloud along the previously formed track and cease when they have caught up with the slower leader tip.” Seven negative downward leaders that agreed with the description given by Schonland et al. for type β2 were recorded in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil. All cases were recorded by a high‐speed camera operating at 4000 frames per second, and electric field changes were measured for three of them. Their “dart streamers” had speeds between 106 and 107 m s−1, compatible with previous observations of recoil leaders (RLs). Also, during the development of the three cases with correlated electric field changes, it was possible to identify sequences of microsecond‐scale pulses preceding the propagation of a dart streamer in the channel. It is proposed that the luminous process that occurs during the development of a type β2 stepped leader is the visible manifestation of one or more RLs that begin inside the cloud and connect to the in‐cloud, positive portion of the bipolar, bidirectional leader, and then travel downward to the lower end of the negative stepped leader path.
Paradox in South Asian summer monsoon circulation change: Lower tropospheric strengthening and upper tropospheric weakening
Authors: Ma Jian , Yu Jin‐Yi
Published: April 2014

In the literature, there exist contradictory conclusions on the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) precipitation and circulation changes: whether the circulation change contributes positively by strengthening or negatively by weakening to the rainfall enhancement, on a background of moisture content increase. Based on Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 simulations by 18 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 models, this study explains these puzzles by illustrating that the SASM circulation changes oppositely between the lower and upper troposphere, with tipping point at 450 hPa. However, this indicates a new paradox, created by competing mechanisms. By analyzing the intermodel variability, we determine that the mean advection of stratification change mechanism weakens the upper tropospheric circulation, while the enhanced surface land‐sea thermal contrast strengthens the lower level and surface winds. Our moisture budget analysis shows that the SASM precipitation enhancement (8% K−1) attributes to moisture increase (5% K−1) and lower tropospheric circulation strengthening (3% K−1).
Colloidal Processing and Yield Stress Modeling Towards Dry Pressed Green Bodies for Transparent Polycrystalline Alumina
Authors: Stuer Michael , Bowen Paul
Published: April 2014

Colloidal processing is a key aspect in modern ceramic processing but most formulations are found empirically. The need for a better knowledge based design of suspension formulation can be achieved by using interparticle potential modelling linked to rheological models. Here we look at the details behind slurry formulation for freeze granulation of doped alumina powders for use in the production of transparent polycrystalline alumina. The degree of complexation of the dopant ions with the dispersant, polyacrylic acid, has been investigated and shows the effect of both lowering the ionic strength and modifying the adsorption conformation. These insights into the subtleties of colloidal processing are discussed to provide a better basis for future formulation development.
A Cruciform Electron Donor–Acceptor Semiconductor with Solid‐State Red Emission: 1D/2D Optical Waveguides and Highly Sensitive/Selective Detection of H2S Gas
Authors: Luo Hewei , Chen Songjie , Liu Zitong , Zhang Chuang , Cai Zhengxu , Chen Xin , Zhang Guanxin , Zhao Yongsheng , Decurtins Silvio , Liu Shi‐Xia , Zhang Deqing
Published: April 2014

In this paper, a new cruciform donor–acceptor molecule 2,2'‐((5,5'‐(3,7‐dicyano‐2,6‐bis(dihexylamino)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']difuran‐4,8‐diyl)bis(thiophene‐5,2‐diyl))bis (methanylylidene))dimalononitrile (BDFTM) is reported. The compound exhibits both remarkable solid‐state red emission and p‐type semiconducting behavior. The dual functions of BDFTM are ascribed to its unique crystal structure, in which there are no intermolecular face‐to‐face π–π interactions, but the molecules are associated by intermolecular CN…π and H‐bonding interactions. Firstly, BDFTM exhibits aggregation‐induced emission; that is, in solution, it is almost non‐emissive but becomes significantly fluorescent after aggregation. The emission quantum yield and average lifetime are measured to be 0.16 and 2.02 ns, respectively. Crystalline microrods and microplates of BDFTM show typical optical waveguiding behaviors with a rather low optical loss coefficient. Moreover, microplates of BDFTM can function as planar optical microcavities which can confine the emitted photons by the reflection at the crystal edges. Thin films show an air‐stable p‐type semiconducting property with a hole mobility up to 0.0015 cm2V−1s−1. Notably, an OFET with a thin film of BDFTM is successfully utilized for highly sensitive and selective detection of H2S gas (down to ppb levels).
Toward Macroscale, Isotropic Carbons with Graphene‐Sheet‐Like Electrical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Worsley Marcus A. , Charnvanichborikarn Supakit , Montalvo Elizabeth , Shin Swanee J. , Tylski Elijah D. , Lewicki James P. , Nelson Art J. , Satcher Joe H. , Biener Juergen , Baumann Theodore F. , Kucheyev Sergei O.
Published: April 2014

Realization of macroscale three‐dimensional isotropic carbons that retain the exceptional electrical and mechanical properties of graphene sheets remains a challenge. Here, a method for fabricating graphene‐derived carbons (GDCs) with isotropic properties approaching those of individual graphene sheets is reported. This synthesis scheme relies on direct cross‐linking of graphene sheets via the functional groups in graphene oxide to maximize electronic transport and mechanical reinforcement between sheets and the partial restacking of the sheets to increase the material density to about 1 g cm‐3. These GDCs exhibit properties 3–6 orders of magnitude higher than previously reported 3D graphene assemblies.
Hybrid Nanotopographical Surfaces Obtained by Biomimetic Mineralization of Statherin‐Inspired Elastin‐Like Recombinamers
Authors: Li Yuping , Chen Xi , Ribeiro Artur J. , Jensen Eric D. , Holmberg Kyle V. , Rodriguez‐Cabello J. Carlos , Aparicio Conrado
Published: April 2014

Modification of surfaces mimicking unique chemical and physical features of mineralized tissues is of major interest for obtaining biomaterials for replacing and regenerating biological tissues. Here, human salivary statherin‐inspired genetically engineered recombinamers (ELRs, HSS) on biomedical surfaces regulates mineralization to form an amorphous‐calcium‐phosphate (ACP) layer that reproduces the original substrate nanotopography. The HSS‐ELRs carry a statherin‐derived peptide with high affinity to tooth enamel. They are tethered to nanorough surfaces and mineralized using an enzyme‐directed process. A homogeneous layer of ACP‐minerals forms on HSS‐coated surfaces retaining the original nanotopography of the substrate. In contrast, biomineralization of control surfaces results in uncontrolled growth of minerals. This suggest the statherin‐inspired ELRs have ability to induce and control growth of the minerals on the biofunctional surfaces. Likely, the HSS‐ELR coating have similar bioactivity to that of statherin in human saliva. The hybrid nanorough surfaces improve adhesion and differentiation of preosteoblasts and show potential for dental and orthopedic implants integration. This method enables the combination and tailoring of nanotopographical and biochemical cues to design functionalized surfaces to investigate and potentially direct the stem cell fate.
Catalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Mercaptans to β‐Substituted‐β‐Trifluoromethyl Oxazolidinone Enoates: Access to Chiral Trifluoromethylated Tertiary Thioethers and Thiols
Authors: Chen Wenchao , Jing Zhengzhong , Chin Kek Foo , Qiao Baokun , Zhao Yan , Yan Lin , Tan Choon‐Hong , Jiang Zhiyong
Published: April 2014

The first asymmetric conjugate addition of mercaptans to β‐substituted‐β‐trifluoromethyl oxazolidinone enoates has been developed. The opposite enantiomers of adducts, containing a trifluoromethylated hetero‐quaternary stereogenic centers, could be obtained by utilizing two pseudo‐enantiomeric Cinchona alkaloid‐derived tertiary amine/squaramides as catalysts. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate was found to accelerate the reaction rate without compromising the enantioselective excess. A variety of chiral trifluoromethylated tertiary thioethers and thiols were readily prepared with excellent enantioselectivity.

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Non‐Covalent Immobilization of Rare Earth Heterobimetallic Frameworks and their Reactivity in an Asymmetric Michael Addition
Authors: Robinson Jerome R. , Yadav Jagjit , Fan Xinyuan , Stanton Gretchen R. , Schelter Eric J. , Pericàs Miquel A. , Walsh Patrick J.
Published: April 2014

Heterobimetallic Lewis acid catalysts are broadly useful and methods to recycle them have immediate applications. However, their immobilization through covalent binding can be challenging. Non‐covalent immobilization of supported asymmetric catalysts is attractive due to ease of preparation and potential for reversible binding. We report a novel non‐covalent binding strategy for Shibasaki’s REMB framework {RE=rare earth metal; M=Li, Na, K; B=BINOL; RE:M:B=1:3:3, [M3(sol)n][(BINOLate)3RE]} and explore the reactivity of the supported catalyst.

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Generation of (+)‐Prezizanol, (+)‐Prezizaene, and the ent‐β‐Isopipitzol Framework via Cationic Rearrangement of Khusiol and Related Compounds
Authors: Sharma Mukesh K. , Banwell Martin G. , Willis Anthony C.
Published: April 2014

Treatment of the tosylate of khusiol with lithium carbonate in aqueous 1,4‐dioxane affords, via a Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement, (+)‐prezizanol. POCl3/pyridine‐mediated dehydration of (+)‐prezizanol then gives (+)‐prezizaene. More direct and efficient routes to this last compound were achieved by treating either khusiol or its C8 epimer with POCl3/pyridine. Under related conditions, a cyclic sulfate is converted, by a high yielding process, into an alcohol that embodies the decahydro‐1,7‐methanonaphthalene framework.
NHC‐Containing Manganese(I) Electrocatalysts for the Two‐Electron Reduction of CO2
Authors: Agarwal Jay , Shaw Travis W. , Stanton Charles J. , Majetich George F. , Bocarsly Andrew B. , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: April 2014

The synthesis and characterization of the first catalytic manganese N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes are reported: MnBr(N‐methyl‐N′‐2‐pyridylbenzimidazol‐2‐ylidine)(CO)3 and MnBr(N‐methyl‐N′‐2‐pyridylimidazol‐2‐ylidine)(CO)3. Both new species mediate the reduction of CO2 to CO following two‐electron reduction of the MnI center, as observed with preparative scale electrolysis and verified with 13CO2. The two‐electron reduction of these species occurs at a single potential, rather than in two sequential steps separated by hundreds of millivolts, as is the case for previously reported MnBr(2,2′‐bipyridine)(CO)3. Catalytic current enhancement is observed at voltages similar to MnBr(2,2′‐bipyridine)(CO)3.
Hydrogen Bonding Switches the Spin State of Diphenylcarbene from Triplet to Singlet
Authors: Costa Paolo , Sander Wolfram
Published: April 2014

Spin specificity is one of the most important properties of carbenes in their reactions. Alcohols are typically used to probe the reactive spin states of carbenes: OH insertions are assumed to be characteristic of singlet states, whereas CH insertions are typical for the triplets. Surprisingly, the experiments presented here suggest that the spin ground state of diphenylcarbene 1 switches from triplet to singlet if the carbene is allowed to interact with methanol. Carbene 1 and methanol form a strongly hydrogen‐bonded singlet ground state complex that was synthesized in low‐temperature matrices and characterized by IR spectroscopy. This methanol complex is only metastable, and even at 3 K slowly rearranges to form the product of OH insertion through quantum chemical tunneling. Thus, the ground state triplet (in the gas phase) carbene 1 forms exclusively the products expected from a singlet carbene. Whereas the assumption of spin specific reactions of carbenes is correct, the spin state itself can be changed by solvent interactions, and therefore widely accepted conclusions drawn from earlier experiments have to be revisited.
Effect of acrylate structure on the properties of acrylate‐grafted psyllium
Authors: Kumar Ranvijay , Sharma Kaushlendra
Published: April 2014

Two different acrylates, i.e. methacrylic acid (MA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA), were successfully grafted on psyllium using silver sulfate as a reaction initiator. The percentage grafting of acrylates on psyllium was determined. Acrylate‐grafted psyllium with higher percentage of grafting was subjected to Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy studies. The grafted psyllium showed higher thermal stability than ungrafted psyllium. Further, on the basis of flocculation study, poly‐MA‐grafted psyllium showed better flocculation efficacy for total dissolved solids, whereas poly‐BMA‐grafted psyllium showed better flocculation efficacy in total suspended solid removal. The grafted materials were also explored as a controlled drug delivery vehicle. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.