bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental and genetic components explain enhanced pulmonary volumes of female peruvian quechua
Authors: Kiyamu Melisa , Bigham Abigail , Parra Esteban , León‐Velarde Fabiola , Rivera‐Chira María , Brutsaert Tom D.
Published: May 2012

High altitude natives have enlarged vital capacities and residual volumes (RV). Because pulmonary volumes are an indication of functionally relevant traits, such as diffusion capacity, the understanding of the factors (genetic/developmental) that influence lung volumes provides insight into the adaptive responses of highlanders. In order to test for the effect of growth and development at high altitude on lung volumes, we obtained forced vital capacities (FVC), RV, and total lung capacities (TLC) for a sample of 65 Peruvian females of mostly Quechua origins (18–34 years) who were sub‐divided into two well‐matched groups: 1) sea‐level born and raised females (BSL, n = 34) from Lima, Peru (150 m), and 2) high‐altitude born and raised females (BHA, n = 31) from Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4,338 m). To determine Quechua origins, Native American ancestry proportion (NAAP) for each individual was assessed using a panel of 70 ancestry informative markers. NAAP was similar between groups (BSL = 91.71%; BHA = 89.93%; P = 0.240), and the analysis confirmed predominantly Quechua origins. After adjusting for body size and NAAP, BHA females had significantly higher FVC (3.79 ± 0.06 l; P < 0.001), RV (0.98 ± 0.03 l; P < 0.001) and TLC (4.80 ± 0.07 l; P < 0.001) compared to BSL females (FVC = 3.33 ± 0.05 l; RV = 0.69 ± 0.03 l; TLC = 4.02 ± 0.06 l). NAAP was not associated with FVC (P = 0.352) or TLC (P = 0.506). However, NAAP was positively associated with RV (P = 0.004). In summary, results indicate that developmental exposure to high altitude in females constitutes an important factor for all lung volumes, whereas both genetic and developmental factors seem to be important for RV. Am J Phys Anthropol 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Melt‐spun polylactic acid fibers: Effect of cellulose nanowhiskers on processing and properties
Authors: John Maya Jacob , Anandjiwala Rajesh , Oksman Kristiina , Mathew Aji P
Published: May 2012

Bio‐based continuous fibers were processed from polylactic acid (PLA) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) by melt spinning. Melt compounding of master batches of PLA with 10 wt % CNWs and pure PLA was carried out using a twin‐screw extruder in which compounded pellets containing 1 and 3 wt % of CNWs were generated for subsequent melt spinning. The microscopy studies showed that the fiber diameters were in the range of 90‐95 µm, and an increased surface roughness and aggregations in the fibers containing CNWs could be detected. The addition of the CNWs restricted the drawability of the fibers to a factor of 2 and did not affect the fiber stiffness or strength, but resulted in a significantly lower strain and slightly increased crystallinity. Furthermore, CNWs increased the thermal stability, creep resistance and reduction in thermal shrinkage of PLA fibers, possibly indicating a restriction of the polymer chain mobility due to the nanoscale additives. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A generalized approach to stabilization of linear interconnected time‐delay systems
Authors: Mahmoud Magdi S. , Xia Yuanqing
Published: May 2012

The objective of this paper is to propose a generalized approach to stabilization of systems which are composed of linear time‐delay subsystems coupled by linear time‐varying interconnections. The proposed algorithms, which are formulated within the convex optimization framework, provide decentralized solutions to the problem of delay‐dependent asymptotic stability with strict dissipativity. It is established that the new methodology can reproduce earlier results on passivity, positive realness and disturbance attenuation. Then a decentralized structure of dissipative state‐feedback controllers is designed to render the closed‐loop interconnected system delay‐dependent asymptotically stable with strict dissipativity. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the applicability of the design method.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Accuracy of imaging for predicting operative approach in Crohn's disease
Authors: Malgras B , Soyer P , Boudiaf M , Pocard M , Lavergne-Slove A , Marteau P , Valleur P , Pautrat K
Published: May 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of preoperative imaging in detecting the extent of disease and predicting the operative approach in patients with Crohn's disease.

Methods

Patients with Crohn's disease who were scheduled to undergo operation were evaluated before operation using computed tomography enteroclysis (CTE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE). Preoperative imaging findings were correlated with intraoperative and pathological findings to estimate the capabilities of preoperative imaging in detecting lesions due to Crohn's disease. The operative approach determined before surgery was compared with the procedure actually performed, which was based on intraoperative findings.

Results

Fifty-two patients with Crohn's disease were studied; 26 were evaluated before surgery with CTE and 26 with MRE. Eighty-nine lesions due to Crohn's disease were confirmed surgically (60 small bowel stenoses, 21 fistulas and 8 abscesses). CTE confirmed the presence of 38 of 41 lesions (sensitivity 93 per cent) and MRE 48 of 48 lesions (sensitivity 100 per cent); a correct estimation of the disease with an exact prediction of the operative approach was obtained in 49 (94 per cent) of 52 patients. Discrepant findings between preoperative imaging and operative findings were observed in three patients (6 per cent), who had CTE.

Conclusion

Preoperative imaging using CTE or MRE is highly accurate for assessing Crohn's disease lesions before operation, allowing correct prediction of the operative approach.
Characterization of New Class III Lantibiotics—Erythreapeptin, Avermipeptin and Griseopeptin from Saccharopolyspora erythraea, Streptomyces avermitilis and Streptomyces griseus Demonstrates Stepwise N‐Terminal Leader Processing
Authors: Völler Ginka H. , Krawczyk Joanna M. , Pesic Alexander , Krawczyk Bartlomiej , Nachtigall Jonny , Süssmuth Roderich D.
Published: May 2012

Lantibiotics are a large group of ribosomally synthesized peptides post‐translationally modified to incorporate the amino acid lanthionine. They are classified, according to their biosynthetic pathway and bioactivity, into three major subtypes. Of Actinomycetes type III lantibiotics, only four peptides (SapB, SapT, LabA1, and LabA2) have been described and structurally characterized, although homologous gene clusters are abundant in other Actinomycetes. All these gene clusters share a similar architecture with a characteristic Ser/Ser/Cys motif in precursor peptides, which has previously been suggested to act as a precursor for lanthionine (SapB) and labionin (LabA2) rings. Mass spectrometry screening led to the discovery and characterization of three new representatives of type III lantibiotics: Avermipeptin (Avi), Erythreapeptin (Ery), and Griseopeptin (Gri) from Streptomyces avermitilis DSM 46492, Saccharopolyspora erythraea NRRL 2338, and Streptomyces griseus DSM 40236, respectively. Apart from the assignment of these peptides to their corresponding gene clusters, additional investigations on Avi, Ery and Gri peptides indicate stepwise leader processing by putative aminopeptidase‐like protease(s), thus yielding mixtures of differently N‐terminal‐processed lantibiotic peptides. Similar peptide processing was observed for a heterologously expressed eryth biosynthetic gene cluster expressed in a Streptomyces host system. Remarkably, all isolates of the new type III lantibiotics contain both the amino acids lanthionine and labionin, thus implying dual‐mode cyclase activity of the processing lyase‐kinase‐cyclase enzymes. These findings have implications for the structures and maturation of other type III lantibiotics from Actinomycetes.
European registry of carotid artery stenting: Results from a prospective registry of eight high volume EUROPEAN institutions
Authors: Stabile Eugenio , Garg Pallav , Cremonesi Alberto , Bosiers Marc , Reimers Bernhard , Setacci Carlo , Cao Piergiorgio , Schmidt Andrej , Sievert Horst , Peeters Patrick , Nikas Dimitry , Werner Martin , de Donato Gianmarco , Parlani Giambattista , Castriota Fausto , Hornung Marius , Mauri Laura , Rubino Paolo
Published: May 2012

Background

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the standard revascularization therapy to prevent stroke in patients with carotid artery disease. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) could be considered a potential alternative in patients at high surgical risk. Recent clinical trials have challenged this concept due a relatively high incidence of post‐CAS adverse events, which occurred in low volume centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes associated with neuroprotected CAS in selected high volume centers.

Methods

From January 2007 to December 2007, 1,611 patients underwent neuroprotected CAS in eight European Centers. For each patients, clinical, procedural, and one month follow‐up data from all patients have been collected. An independent clinical events committee adjudicated the events.

Results

Overall in hospital death was 0.06% (one patient), whereas in‐hospital stroke was 0.49% (eight patients). Between hospital discharge and 30 days three additional patients died (0.18%) and 10 patients experienced a stroke (0.67%). Overall 30 days mortality was 0.24% (four patients) and stroke incidence 1.12% (18 patients). The 30 day stroke/death rate was 1.36%.

Conclusions

CAS is a reasonable alternative to CEA to treat carotid artery atherosclerosis in well‐experienced high volume centers. These data suggest that future prospective trials comparing CAS and CEA outcomes should include only centers highly experienced in both treatment modalities. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implementation of the Finite Element Method for Simulation of Mass Transfer in Membrane Contactors
Authors: Shirazian S. , Pishnamazi M. , Rezakazemi M. , Nouri A. , Jafari M. , Noroozi S. , Marjani A.
Published: May 2012

Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of gas separation by means of polymeric membrane contactors is presented. The finite element method is implemented for numerical simulation. COMSOL Multiphysics is used for simulation. Continuity equations are solved via computational fluid dynamics techniques based on the finite element method. A laminar velocity profile is applied for the solvent. Velocity distribution of the gas flow in the contactor is obtained by Happel's model. The predictions of percent CO2 removal obtained by the modeling were compared with the experimental values from literature for CO2 removal from CO2/N2 gas mixtures with amines. The modeling predictions were in good agreement with experimental data for different values of liquid flow rates.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Intermolecular Cyclization of Acrylic Acid with 1‐Octene to Afford α‐Methylene‐γ‐butyrolactones: The Remarkable Effect of Continuous Water Removal from the Reaction Mixture and Analysis of the Reaction by Kinetic, ESI‐MS, and XAFS Measurements
Authors: Miyoshi Yasuyuki , Akatsuka Takeo , Okuoka Shin‐ichi , Tsukajima Aki , Makino Mitsuaki , Saito Makoto , Yonehara Koji
Published: May 2012

Further study of our aerobic intermolecular cyclization of acrylic acid with 1‐octene to afford α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactones, catalyzed by the Pd(OCOCF3)2/Cu(OAc)2⋅H2O system, has clarified that the accumulation of water generated from oxygen during the reaction causes deactivation of the Cu cocatalyst. This prevents regeneration of the active Pd catalyst and, thus, has a harmful influence on the progress of the cyclization. As a result, both the substrate conversion and product yield are efficiently improved by continuous removal of water from the reaction mixture. Detailed analysis of the kinetic and spectroscopic measurements performed under the condition of continuous water removal demonstrates that the cyclization proceeds in four steps: 1) equilibrium coordination of 1‐octene to the Pd acrylate species, 2) Markovnikov‐type acryloxy palladation of 1‐octene (1,2‐addition), 3) intramolecular carbopalladation, and 4) β‐hydride elimination. Byproduct 2‐acryloxy‐1‐octene is formed by β‐hydride elimination after step 2). These cyclization steps fit the Michaelis–Menten equation well and β‐hydride elimination is considered to be a rate‐limiting step in the formation of the products. Spectroscopic data agree sufficiently with the existence of the intermediates bearing acrylate (PdO bond), η3‐C8H15 (PdC bond), or C11H19O2 (PdC bond) moieties on the Pd center as the resting‐state compounds. Furthermore, not only CuII, but also CuI, species are observed during the reaction time of 2–8 h when the reaction proceeds efficiently. This result suggests that the CuII species is partially reduced to the CuI species when the active Pd catalytic species are regenerated.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrothermal Synthesis of Lutetium Disilicate Nanoparticles.
Authors: Tang Xiaoping , Gao Yanfeng , Chen Hongfei , Luo Hongjie
Published: May 2012

Irregular‐ and rod‐shaped Lu2Si2O7 powders with particle sizes ranging from 71 to 340 nm are prepared by hydrothermal reaction of Lu2O3 and Na2SiO3 in aqueous HNO3 solutions (autoclave, pH 4—10, 230—260 °C, 4—12 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Characterization of Th2N2(NH) Isomorphous to Th2N3.
Authors: Silva G. W. Chinthaka , Yeamans Charles B. , Weck Philippe F. , Hunn John D. , Cerefice Gary S. , Sattelberger Alfred P. , Czerwinski Ken R.
Published: May 2012

The title compound is synthesized by reaction of (NH4)4ThF8 (obtained by solid state reaction of ThO2 and NH4HF2), ThF4, or ThNF with LiNH2 under flowing NH3 at a temperature ≥800 °C.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Enantioselective 1,2‐Diboration of 1,3‐Dienes: Versatile Reagents for Stereoselective Allylation.
Authors: Kliman Laura T. , Mlynarski Scott N. , Ferris Grace E. , Morken James P.
Published: May 2012

Functionalized homoallylic alcohol products are synthesized via enantioselective 1,2‐diboration of 1,3‐dienes.
ChemInform Abstract: Alkyne‐Acetal Cyclization Reactions Mediated by Formic Acid; 3‐Acylated ‐2,5‐dihydrofurans and Related Oxygen and Nitrogen Heterocycles.
Authors: Cuthbertson James D. , Godfrey Andrew A. , Unsworth William P. , Taylor Richard J. K.
Published: May 2012

A variety of partially reduced heterocycles is easily prepared by cyclization of alkynyl acetals in formic acid.
ChemInform Abstract: Application of Flow Chemistry to the Selective Reduction of Esters to Aldehydes.
Authors: Munoz Juan de M. , Alcazar Jesus , de la Hoz Antonio , Diaz‐Ortiz Angel
Published: May 2012

Aromatic, heteroaromatic as well as aliphatic esters are reduced to the aldehydes by LiAlH(iBu)2(OtBu) in the presence of different functional groups under flow conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Aryl Alkynyl Carboxylic Acids and Aryl Alkynes from Propiolic Acid and Aryl Halides by Site‐Selective Coupling and Decarboxylation.
Authors: Park Kyungho , Palani Thiruvengadam , Pyo Ayoung , Lee Sunwoo
Published: May 2012

Coupling of aryl iodides with propiolic acid is carried out under conditions A) at 50°C to produce the corresponding aryl alkynyl carboxylic acids.
ChemInform Abstract: Melamine as a Green and Reusable Catalyst for Knoevenagel Condensation at Room Temperature under Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Yang Xian‐Cao , Jiang Hong , Ye Wen
Published: May 2012

The reaction is conducted under solvent‐free conditions using a mortar and pestle.
ChemInform Abstract: A Phosphine‐Free Heterogeneous Suzuki—Miyaura Reaction of Aryl Bromides Catalyzed by MCM‐41‐Supported Tridentate Nitrogen Palladium Complex under Air.
Authors: Zhao Hong , Ding Guodong , Xu Li , Cai Mingzhong
Published: May 2012

The Pd complex is efficiently used as heterogeneous recyclable catalyst for a high‐yielding preparation of biaryls.
ChemInform Abstract: Intramolecular SN′‐Type Aromatic Substitution of Benzylic Carbonates at Their para‐Position.
Authors: Ueno Satoshi , Komiya Sadakazu , Tanaka Takeshi , Kuwano Ryoichi
Published: May 2012

Cyclization of benzylic carbonates with an active methine connected to the o‐phenylene tether at the meta‐position leads to 3‐methyl‐9,10‐dihydrophenanthrenes [cf.
ChemInform Abstract: Nitrogen‐ and Phosphorus‐Containing Lewis Base Catalyzed [4 + 2] and [3 + 2] Annulation Reactions of Isatins with But‐3‐yn‐2‐one.
Authors: Lian Zhong , Shi Min
Published: May 2012

DABCO‐mediated [4 + 2] cycloaddition of indolediones (I) with butynone (II) provides access towards spiro(indoline‐pyran) diones (III) in high yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Useful Building Blocks for the Stereocontrolled Assembly of 2,3,5‐Trisubstituted Pyrrolidines.
Authors: Turner Charles Dylan , Ciufolini Marco A.
Published: May 2012

The synthesis of the useful building blocks (V) is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Reactivity of N‐Alkylthiiranimines Toward Simple Nucleophiles and Iso(thio)cyanates.
Authors: Nimmesgern Hildegard , Schaumann Ernst , Adiwidjaja Gunadi
Published: May 2012

The hydrolysis of thiiranimines (I) in the presence of TFA leads to amides (III), whilst similar reaction with hydrochloric acid gives rise to chlorides (II).
ChemInform Abstract: RuCl3·3H2O Catalyzed Tandem Reaction of Alkynylbromides with 2‐Aminothiophenols in Water: A Convenient Synthesis of 2‐Benzoylbenzothiazoles.
Authors: Fan Xuesen , He Yan , Guo Shenghai , Zhang Xinying
Published: May 2012

The reaction is applicable to various aryl alkynyl bromides and 2‐aminothiophenols.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 6‐Hydroxyisochromenes and 6‐Hydroxyisocoumarins from 3‐Ethoxycyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐one.
Authors: Majetich George , Grove Jeremy L.
Published: May 2012

6‐Hydroxyisochromene (VII) and 6‐hydroxyisocoumarin (VIII) are synthesized via a novel intramolecular hydroalkoxylation reaction of alcohol (V).
ChemInform Abstract: An Improved Synthesis of Functionalized cis‐Decahydroquinolines Using a Baylis—Hillman‐Type Adduct.
Authors: Huang Junfeng , Petersen Jeffrey , Bergmeier Stephen C.
Published: May 2012

cis‐Decahydroquinolines are obtained via the Baylis—Hillman type intermediate (III).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Evaluation of Some New 2,3,8‐Trisubstituted‐4(3H)‐quinazoline Derivatives.
Authors: El‐Azab Adel S. , ElTahir Kamal E. H.
Published: May 2012

A series of title compounds is prepared using (IV) as one of the key intermediates.
ChemInform Abstract: Directing Group Controlled Hydrosilylation: Regioselective Functionalization of Alkyne.
Authors: Kawasaki Yuuya , Ishikawa Youhei , Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko
Published: May 2012

The hydrosilylation of (homo)propargylic alcohols proceeds regioselectively affording a single silylalkene.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Derivative of Galanthamine: Methylene Insertion into the Aromatic Ring in Place of Cyclopropanation.
Authors: Keglevich Peter , Kovacs Peter , Hazai Laszlo , Santa Zsuzsanna , Dubrovay Zsofia , Hada Viktor , Szantay Csaba Jr. , Kalaus Gyoergy , Szantay Csaba
Published: May 2012

In the course of the reaction between galanthamine (I) and diazomethane, methylene insertion into the aromatic ring is observed instead of the expected cyclopropanation of the C—C double bond.
ChemInform Abstract: PEG‐Dendritic Block Copolymers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sousa‐Herves Ana , Riguera Ricardo , Fernandez‐Megia Eduardo
Published: May 2012

Review: 49 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Open‐Shell Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Sun Zhe , Wu Jishan
Published: May 2012

Review: 137 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of the Butatriene C4 Function: Methodology and Applications
Authors: Leroyer Leo , Maraval Valerie , Chauvin Remi
Published: May 2012

Review: 239 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: 2‐Amino‐2‐alkyl(aryl)propanenitriles as Key Building Blocks for the Synthesis of 5‐Membered Heterocycles
Authors: Drabina Pavel , Sedlak Milos
Published: May 2012

Review: 93 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Benzoxetes and Benzothietes — Heterocyclic Analogues of Benzocyclobutene
Authors: Meier Herbert
Published: May 2012

Review: 103 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Dendrimer—Silica Hybrid Mesoporous Materials
Authors: El Kadib Abdelkrim , Katir Nadia , Bousmina Mosto , Majoral Jean Pierre
Published: May 2012

Review: about 100 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Dendrimers as Topical Microbicides with Activity Against HIV
Authors: Jimenez Jose Luis , Pion Marjorie , de la Mata F. Javier , Gomez Rafael , Munoz Eduardo , Leal Manuel , Munoz‐Fernandez Ma. Angeles
Published: May 2012

Review: 113 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Stimuli Sensitive Amphiphilic Dendrimers
Authors: Ramireddy Rajasekhar R. , Raghupathi Krishna R. , Torres Diego Amado , Thayumanavan S.
Published: May 2012

Review: 91 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Monosaccharide Derivatives as Central Scaffolds in the Synthesis of Glycosylated Drugs
Authors: Filice Marco , Palomo Jose M.
Published: May 2012

Review: 63 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in Cooperative Ion Pairing in Asymmetric Organocatalysis
Authors: Briere Jean‐Francois , Oudeyer Sylvain , Dalla Vincent , Levacher Vincent
Published: May 2012

Review: 63 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Exploiting Nature′s Rich Source of Proteasome Inhibitors as Starting Points in Drug Development
Authors: Graewert Melissa Ann , Groll Michael
Published: May 2012

Review: 146 refs.
The vaccine uptake research gap in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Commentary on ‘Interventions for improving coverage of child immunization in low‐ and middle‐income countries’
Authors: MacDonald Noni E. , Smith Jennifer , Graven Michael
Published: May 2012

This is a commentary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Oyo‐Ita A, Nwachukwu CE, Oringanje C, Meremikwu MM. Interventions for improving coverage of child immunization in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD008145. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008145.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2012 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Sublingual immunotherapy for treating allergic conjunctivitis’
Authors: Hughes Jenny
Published: May 2012

This is a commentary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Calderon MA, Penagos M, Sheikh A, Canonica GW, Durham S. Sublingual immunotherapy for treating allergic conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD007685. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007685.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2012 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on: ‘Pacifiers use in term infants and breastfeeding: caution with the Cochrane results’
Authors: Binns Colin , Lee Seung Wook
Published: May 2012

This is a commentary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Jaafar SH, Jahanfar S, Angolkar M, Ho JJ. Pacifier use versus no pacifier use in breastfeeding term infants for increasing duration of breastfeeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD007202. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007202.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2012 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Overlap in soil water sources of savanna woody seedlings and grasses
Authors: Kambatuku Jack R. , Cramer Michael D. , Ward David
Published: May 2012

Seasonal availability of water is a key controlling factor in semi‐arid savanna vegetation structure, function and interactions. Understanding of woody plant interactions with grasses in savannas has long been underpinned by Walter's two‐layered niche differentiation hypothesis that postulates that grasses and trees source water from different depths. The Walter hypothesis persists in the literature, despite contrary evidence and a lack of quantitative empirical tests of the theory. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to determine the following: (1) whether tree seedlings and grasses obtain water from different depths on rocky and sandy soils; (2) whether interspecific competition affected tissue water content of clipped grasses; and (3) the influence of repeated grass clipping on soil moisture. Grass competition significantly reduced tree seedling rooting depth on both rocky and sandy substrates. Trees had significantly longer roots on rocky substrates than on sandy substrates for all combinations (trees only, trees with unclipped grasses and trees with clipped grasses). Results indicated a three‐tier soil moisture depletion pattern, with a top layer (15 cm) exclusively exploited by grasses, an intermediate zone (25–35 cm) utilised by both grass and tree seedling roots and deeper subsoil exclusively tapped by tree seedling roots. Our results are consistent with Walter's hypothesis, but we distinguished between three rather than two layers of tree and grass root interactions in acquiring soil moisture. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fate and transport evaluation of potential leaching risks from cadmium telluride photovoltaics
Authors: Sinha Parikhit , Balas Robert , Krueger Lisa , Wade Andreas
Published: May 2012

Fate and transport analysis has been performed to evaluate potential exposures to cadmium (Cd) from cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaics (PV) for rainwater leaching from broken modules in a commercial building scenario. Leaching from broken modules is modeled using the worst-case scenario of total release of Cd, and residential screening levels are used to evaluate potential health impacts to on-site workers and off-site residents. A rooftop installation was considered rather than a ground-mount installation because rainwater runoff is concentrated via building downspouts in a rooftop installation rather than being dispersed across large areas in a ground-mount installation. Fate and transport of Cd from leachate to soil are modeled using equilibrium soil/soil-water partitioning. Subsequent migration to ambient air as windblown dust is evaluated with a screening Gaussian plume dispersion model, and migration to groundwater is evaluated with a dilution-attenuation factor approach. Exposure point concentrations in soil, air, and groundwater are one to six orders of magnitude below conservative (residential soil, residential air, drinking water) human health screening levels in both a California and southern Germany (Baden-Württemberg) exposure scenario. Potential exposures to Cd from rainwater leaching of broken modules in a commercial building scenario are highly unlikely to pose a potential health risk to on-site workers or off-site residents. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1670–1675. © 2012 SETAC
Partial life-cycle and acute toxicity of perfluoroalkyl acids to freshwater mussels
Authors: Hazelton Peter D. , Cope W. Gregory , Pandolfo Tamara J. , Mosher Shad , Strynar Mark J. , Barnhart M. Christopher , Bringolf Robert B.
Published: May 2012

Freshwater mussels are among the most sensitive aquatic organisms to many contaminants and have complex life-cycles that include several distinct life stages with unique contaminant exposure pathways. Standard acute (24–96 h) and chronic (28 d) toxicity tests with free larva (glochidia) and juvenile mussels are effective at generating data on contaminant effects at two discrete life stages but do not incorporate effects on brooded glochidia. We developed a novel partial life-cycle assay that incorporates exposures to brooding adult female mussels and used this method in combination with acute toxicity tests to assess adverse effects of perfluoroctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) on freshwater mussels. Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) were exposed to PFOS at two life stages: brooding glochidia (in marsupia) for 36 d and free glochidia in water for 24 h. In standard acute tests with glochidia (24–48 h exposures) and juveniles (48–96 h exposures) of fatmucket and black sandshell (Ligumia recta), glochidia were 8 to 25 times more sensitive than juveniles. Perfluoroctanesulfonic acid significantly reduced the duration of glochidia viability and reduced probability of metamorphosis at concentrations 3,000 times lower than the most sensitive acute endpoint (24-h EC50). The partial life-cycle test is adaptable to a variety of endpoints and research objectives and is useful for identifying adverse effects at contaminant concentrations below those required for an acute lethal response. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1611–1620. © 2012 SETAC
Pyrethroids in Southern California coastal sediments
Authors: Lao Wenjian , Tiefenthaler Liesl , Greenstein Darrin J. , Maruya Keith A. , Bay Steven M. , Ritter Kerry , Schiff Kenneth
Published: May 2012

Little is known about pyrethroid fate and effects in estuarine and marine environments. In the present study, the extent and magnitude of pyrethroids in coastal embayments of the Southern California Bight (SCB), USA, were assessed. Using a stratified probabilistic design, 155 sediment samples were collected from four embayment habitats (estuaries, marinas, open bays, and ports) and analyzed for eight common-use pyrethroids. Total pyrethroid concentrations ranged from less than 0.5 to 230 µg/kg dry weight (area-weighted mean concentration = 5.1 ± 3.1 µg/kg) and were detected in 35% of the total SCB embayment area. Estuaries and marinas had the greatest areal extent of detectable concentrations (up to 65%) and the greatest area-weighted mean concentrations (22.1 ± 26.5 µg/kg). Sites with the greatest pyrethroid concentrations were located near sources of runoff from urban watersheds. Bifenthrin and cyfluthrin were detected in 32 and 15% of all samples, respectively, whereas the other six pyrethroids were detected in ≤5% of samples. Permethrin and bifenthrin had the highest concentrations at 132 and 65 µg/kg. Toxic units estimated for the marine amphipod Eohaustorius estuarius ranged from 0 to 5.8, exceeding unity in 9 and 32% of the total and estuary habitat areas, respectively, and were not correlated with mortality, suggesting that other factors (e.g., co-occurring contaminants, reduced bioavailability) may affect the predictive capability using a single test species. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1649–1656. © 2012 SETAC
Physiological sensitivity of freshwater macroinvertebrates to heavy metals
Authors: Malaj Egina , Grote Matthias , Schäfer Ralf B. , Brack Werner , von der Ohe Peter Carsten
Published: May 2012

Macroinvertebrate species traits, such as physiological sensitivity, have successfully been introduced in trait-based bioassessment approaches and are important predictors of species sensitivity in the field. The authors ranked macroinvertebrate species according to their physiological sensitivity to heavy metals using toxicity data from acute laboratory assays. Rankings for each of the heavy metals, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg, were standardized based on all available species data. Rankings for different heavy metals on the species level showed no significant difference between compounds and were reasonably well correlated pairwise (0.50 < r < 0.73). Thus, an aggregated heavy metal ranking was developed, which assigns a single physiological sensitivity value (Smetal) to macroinvertebrate taxa. Considering the high variation, especially for higher taxonomic levels, that is, in the order level, it is recommended to use S values of the genus or species level for meaningful analyses. In terms of taxonomic ranking, crustaceans were overall the most sensitive taxonomic group, whereas insects were generally the most tolerant group. Species in the order of Cladocera were three orders of magnitude more sensitive than insects of the order of Trichoptera. By contrast, mollusks covered a wide range of sensitivities, with bivalves being on average one order of magnitude more sensitive than gastropods. The authors concluded that physiological sensitivity represents a promising trait for trait-based risk assessment that together with other demographic and recolonization traits may help to identify the effects of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1754–1764. © 2012 SETAC
Retracted: Critical Human Factor Evaluation of Knowledge Sharing Intention in Taiwanese Enterprises
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Wu , Chang Min‐Li , Tseng Chun‐Pin , Chen Bo‐Chen , Chang Yevvon Yi‐Chi
Published: May 2012

Knowledge management (KM) is important in the Taiwan business world. Only 0.1% of SMEs, however, have been guided by the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration (SMEA) to introduce knowledge management from 1993 through 2008. The population of KM‐implementing SMEs is low. The climate of knowledge sharing has been recognized as the critical factor to successful KM. According to the research results obtained in this study, relation‐based motivation is positively related to one's intention to share knowledge. Individual workers can have increased relation‐based motivation to become leaders of SMEs building the culture of interpersonal trust and offering group‐based reward mechanisms in an organization. This research can help business managers to identify the motivational elements that can encourage investment and propose pragmatic suggestions for introducing initiatives to reinvigorate the number of SMEs implementing KM in Taiwan. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of human activities on stream flow in the Biliu River basin, China
Authors: Zhang Chi , Shoemaker Christine A. , Woodbury Joshua D. , Cao Mingliang , Zhu Xueping
Published: May 2012

The obvious decline in stream flow to the Biliu River reservoir over the period 1990–2005 has raised increasing concerns. Climate change and human activities, which mainly include land use changes, hydraulic constructions and artificial water consumption, are considered to be the most likely reasons for the decline in stream flow. This study centres on a detailed analysis of the runoff response to changes in human activities. Using a distributed hydrological model, (Soil and Water Assessment Tool), we simulated runoffs under different human activity and climate scenarios to understand how each scenario impacts stream flow. The results show that artificial water consumption correlates with the precipitation (wet, normal and dry) of the year in question and is responsible for most of the decrease in runoff during each period and for each different wetness year. A Fuzzy Inference Model is also used to find the relationship between the precipitation and artificial water consumption for different years, as well as to make inferences regarding the future average impact on runoff. Land use changes in the past have increased the runoff by only a small amount, while another middle reservoir (Yunshi) has been responsible for a decrease in runoff since operation began in 2001. We generalized the characteristics of the human activities to predict future runoff using climate change scenarios. The future annual flow will increase by approximately 10% from 2011 to 2030 under normal human activities and future climate change scenarios, as indicated by climate scenarios with a particularly wet year in the next 20 years. This study could serve as a framework to analyse and predict the potential impacts of changes both in the climate and human activities on runoff, which can be used to inform the decision making on the river basin planning and management. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of temporal characteristics of terrestrial water storage changes and its comparison to terrestrial mass changes
Authors: Nakaegawa Tosiyuki , Yamamoto Keiko , Tanaka Taichu Y. , Hasegawa Takashi , Fukuda Yoichi
Published: May 2012

This study investigates the dominant component of terrestrial water storage (TWS) and its contribution ratio at both seasonal and interannual time‐scales on a global‐scale, using a land‐surface hydrological model, and estimates the climatological mean mass changes. The largest annual range of the four components of TWS, namely soil moisture, snowpack, river channel water storage, and shallow groundwater storage, and the range ratio of the largest annual range among the four components to that of TWS at both seasonal and interannual time‐scales on a global‐scale are investigated using the land‐surface hydrological model. Although soil moisture covers most areas as the largest annual range at the monthly time‐scale, the three other components show unique geographical distributions. At the interannual time‐scale, geographical distribution is basically similar to that of the monthly time‐scale except for the replacement of snowpack to soil moisture in high latitudinal regions. These results provide qualitative information about which component is important for a certain region. In addition, mass changes, namely mineral dust and sediment transports as natural phenomena, crude oil, coal, and natural gas, iron, and bauxite mining as anthropogenic phenomena, are estimated. Comparison of the mass changes with the TWS variability show that it takes a long time for the mass changes to become equivalent to the interannual variability of TWS in magnitude in most regions or fields. Detectability of the mass changes by a satellite gravity mission is examined and the mass decreases due to mineral dust and sediment transports and mining are detectable in regions with large signals within 20 years under ideal conditions. These results provide basic but new information about hydrological features of TWS and mass changes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological and physiological markers of tactile sensorial processing in healthy newborns
Authors: Góis‐Eanes Maria , Gonçalves Óscar F. , Caldeira‐da‐Silva Pedro , Sampaio Adriana
Published: May 2012

The main objective of this review is to provide a descriptive analysis of the biological and physiological markers of tactile sensorial processing in healthy, full‐term newborns. Research articles were selected according to the following study design criteria: (a) tactile stimulation for touch sense as an independent variable; (b) having at least one biological or physiological variable as a dependent variable; and (c) the group of participants were characterized as full‐term and healthy newborns; a mixed group of full‐term newborns and preterm newborns; or premature newborns with appropriate‐weight‐for‐gestational age and without clinical differences or considered to have a normal, healthy somatosensory system. Studies were then grouped according to the dependent variable type, and only those that met the aforementioned three major criteria were described. Cortisol level, growth measures, and urinary catecholamine, serotonin, and melatonin levels were reported as biological‐marker candidates for tactile sensorial processing. Heart rate, body temperature, skin‐conductance activity, and vagal reactivity were described as neurovegetative‐marker candidates. Somatosensory evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked magnetic fields, and functional neuroimaging data also were included.
TIME‐VARYING DYNAMICS OF THE REAL EXCHANGE RATE: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Mumtaz Haroon , Sunder‐Plassmann Laura
Published: May 2012

We use a time‐varying structural vector autoregression to investigate evolving dynamics of the real exchange rate for the UK, euro area and Canada. We show that demand and nominal shocks have a substantially larger impact on the real exchange rate after the mid 1980s. Real exchange rate volatility, relative to fundamentals, also shows a marked increase after this point in time. However, there is some evidence suggesting a closer business cycle co‐movement of the real exchange rate and fundamentals. Simulations from an open‐economy DSGE model show that these results are consistent with a decline in exchange rate pass‐through. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow and deformation behavior at the microscale of soils from several long‐term potassium fertilization trials in Germany
Authors: Holthusen Dörthe , Peth Stephan , Horn Rainer , Kühn Thomas
Published: May 2012

The effect of K fertilization on microstructural soil stability is rarely analyzed until now although the ambiguous impact on bulk soil structure was reported quite often, e.g., with regard to higher erodibility on the one hand and higher water storage on the other. Soil material from different long‐term fertilization trials in Germany was examined rheologically by means of an amplitude sweep test where the samples were subjected to oscillating shearing with increasing deflection. The resulting shear stress was recorded, and the maximum stress denoted the maximum shear strength of the sample. Results showed an ambiguous influence of K which depends strongly on the soil properties. On the one hand, an increased ion concentration in the soil solution leads to increasing attractive forces as defined by the DLVO theory and therefore higher shear resistance. With increasing desiccation, K+ like other salts can precipitate at the contact areas between particles and lead to cementation. On the other hand, K+ as a monovalent ion impedes covalent and ionic bonding between clay minerals which holds true for most of the examined soil types while only sandy soils showed an increase in soil strength due to K fertilization. Potassium depletion further resulted in increased interaction of fertilization with other impact factors, e.g., climate and soil properties. Thus, the destabilizing effect of K+ was more pronounced under liming as without liming. Subsequent modeling with selected soil parameters confirmed the high influence of matric potential. The modeling also revealed the interactions with other soil parameters, e.g., pH, oxides, texture, exchangeable cations as well as lack or surplus of K in relation to recommended K content. In conclusion, microstructural stability of soil depends on several soil parameters and requires the inclusion of many chemical and physical soil properties.
Phosphorus fractions and profile distribution in newly formed wetland soils along a salinity gradient in the Yellow River Delta in China
Authors: Xu Gang , Shao Hong‐Bo , Sun Jun‐Na , Chang Scott X.
Published: May 2012

Soil P availability has been identified as one of the key factors controlling wetland productivity, structure, and function. Soil P fractions at different depths in newly formed wetlands along a salinity gradient in Yellow River Delta (China) were studied using a modified Hedley fraction method. The total P (Pt) content ranged from 471.1 to 694.9 mg kg–1, and diluted HCl‐extractable inorganic P (Dil‐HCl‐Pi) ranged from 324 to 524.2 mg kg–1. The Dil‐HCl‐Pi is the predominant P form in all profiles, with on average 70% of the Pt extracted as Pi. Organic P (Po) comprised (4.2 ± 2.0)% (mean ± SD) of the Pt, due to low organic‐matter content in coastal salt marsh ecosystems. The labile P (resin‐P, NaHCO3‐Pi, and NaHCO3‐Po) and moderately labile P (NaOH‐Pi and NaOH‐Po) concentrations were both low, ranged from 11.6 to 38.1 and 2.8 to 21.3 mg kg–1, respectively, constituting (3.7 ± 1.1)% and (2.0 ± 0.7)%, respectively, of Pt, suggesting low availability of P to plants in these soils. Our results suggested that vegetation cover significantly influenced soil P dynamics and availability. In particular, the labile P content under Tamarix chinensis increased significantly by 23.2%–145.5% compared with adjacent soils. These findings have important implications for wetland conservation or restoration and long‐term sustainable management of newly formed wetland ecosystems in the Yellow River Delta.
Rapid identification of heterogeneous mixture components with hyperspectral coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering imaging
Authors: Garbacik Erik T. , Herek Jennifer L. , Otto Cees , Offerhaus Herman L.
Published: May 2012

For the rapid analysis of complicated heterogeneous mixtures, we have developed a method to acquire and intuitively display hyperspectral coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) images. The imaging is performed with a conventional optical setup based around an optical parametric oscillator. Color coding each frame of the resulting hyperspectral data cube according to vibrational frequency results in a two‐dimensional projection wherein each compound appears with a unique hue. We demonstrate the capabilities of this system by recording a hyperspectral CARS data stack of a heterogeneous mixture composed of seven crystalline amino acids and subsequently identifying each of them by direct visual analysis of the colored projection. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The flavonoid paradox: conjugation and deconjugation as key steps for the biological activity of flavonoids
Authors: Perez‐Vizcaino Francisco , Duarte Juan , Santos‐Buelga Celestino
Published: May 2012

Flavonoids have been proposed to exert beneficial effects in the prevention of a large number of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Paradoxically, despite the most representative flavonoid—quercetin—exerting biologically demonstrable systemic effects, it is not found in plasma after oral administration and its circulating metabolites show weak activity in vitro. The current available evidence indicates that quercetin is extensively metabolized into methylated and glucurono‐ and sulfo‐conjugated metabolites, which are the plasma circulating forms; and glucurono‐, but not sulfo‐conjugates, can be hydrolyzed at the vascular level, yielding the parent aglycone which accumulates in tissues. Thus conjugation is a reversible process and, at least regarding the vasodilator and antihypertensive effects, the conjugation‐deconjugation cycle appears to be an absolute requirement. Glucuronidated derivatives transport quercetin and its methylated form, and deliver to the tissues the free aglycone, which is the final effector. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
How Mental Simulations of the Future and Message‐Induced Expectations Influence Purchasing Goals
Authors: Handley Ian M. , Goss R. Justin
Published: May 2012

In the reported experiment, participants considered future fantasies about owning an electronics product, negative realities that impeded the realization of that fantasy (e.g., insufficient money), or simultaneously considered both. Consistent with Fantasy Realization Theory (Oettingen, 1996), only participants who simultaneously considered fantasies and reality formed stronger (weaker) goals to purchase their fantasy product if they read an advertisement for an electronics store leading them to expect that doing so was feasible (unfeasible). Purchasing goals were not influenced by expectations in the other conditions. The theoretical and practical contributions of these findings as well as future directions for research are discussed.
Non‐Spherical Soft Supraparticles from Microgel Building Blocks
Authors: Seiffert Sebastian
Published: May 2012

Microgel particles can be fabricated with great control by droplet‐based microfluidics; however, to this end, their shape is intrinsically limited to be spherical. Existing approaches to circumvent this limitation rely on the rapid interception of transient non‐spherical preparticle shapes, greatly limiting their versatility. This paper presents a facile microfluidic approach that overcomes this limitation. The method utilizes the injection of scaffolding microgel particles into droplets that have insufficient volumes to host the microgels in a spherical shell. As a result, the drops adopt non‐spherical equilibrium shapes that serve to template non‐spherical soft supraparticles by slow and gentle chemical reactions.