bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First South AmericanAgathis(Araucariaceae), Eocene of Patagonia
Authors: Wilf Peter , Escapa Ignacio H. , Cúneo N. Rubén , Kooyman Robert M. , Johnson Kirk R. , Iglesias Ari
Published: January 2014

•Premise of the study: Agathisis an iconic genus of large, ecologically important, and economically valuable conifers that range over lowland to upper montane rainforests from New Zealand to Sumatra. Exploitation of its timber and copal has greatly reduced the genus's numbers. The early fossil record ofAgathiscomes entirely from Australia, often presumed to be its area of origin.Agathishas no previous record from South America.

•Methods:We describe abundant macrofossils ofAgathisvegetative and reproductive organs, from early and middle Eocene rainforest paleofloras of Patagonia, Argentina. The leaves were formerly assigned to the New World cycad genusZamia.

•Key results: Agathis zamuneraesp. nov. is the first South American occurrence and the most complete representation ofAgathisin the fossil record. Its morphological features are fully consistent with the living genus. The most similar living species isA. lenticula, endemic to lower montane rainforests of northern Borneo.

•Conclusions: Agathis zamuneraesp. nov. demonstrates the presence of modern‐aspectAgathisby 52.2 mya and vastly increases the early range and possible areas of origin of the genus. The revision fromZamiabreaks another link between the Eocene and living floras of South America.Agathiswas a dominant, keystone element of the Patagonian Eocene floras, alongside numerous other plant taxa that still associate with it in Australasia and Southeast Asia.Agathisextinction in South America was an integral part of the transformation of Patagonian biomes over millions of years, but the living species are disappearing from their ranges at a far greater rate.
Organobase-catalyzed three-component reactions for the synthesis of 4H-2-aminopyrans, condensed pyrans and polysubstituted benzenes
Authors: Moustafa Moustafa Sherief , Al-Mousawi Saleh Mohammed , Selim Maghraby Ali , Mosallam Ahmed Mohamed , Elnagdi Mohamed Hilmy
Published: January 2014

Novel routes for the preparation of 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitrile 9, amino-arylbenzoic acid ester derivatives 13a,b, 2-aminotetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile 18, 3-amino-4-cyanotetrahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid ester 26 and 4-amino-3,5-dicyanophthalic acid ester derivatives 37a–c were developed. The synthetic methods utilize one-pot reactions of acetylene carboxylic acid esters, α,β-unsaturated nitriles and/or active methylenenitriles in the presence of L-proline or DABCO. Plausible mechanisms are suggested for the formation of the products. Finally, these compounds were used for the efficient synthesis of 6-amino-5-cyanonicotinic acid ester derivatives 31a,b, ethyl 4-amino-5H-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylates 33a,b, 4-amino-6H-pyrrolo[3,4-g]quinazoline-9-carbonitrile 39, and 1,7-diamino-6-(N'-hydroxycarbamimidoyl)-3-oxo-5-phenyl-3H-isoindole-4-carboxylate (40).
Sequence analysis of the mutation in the 7th exon of badh2 gene in traditional aromatic rice varieties in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wettewa WIWHMEH , Kottearahchi NS
Published: January 2014

It is revealed that the gene responsible for the fragrance in rice is Betaine aldehyde dehydrogenease (badh2) gene. An 8-bp deletion and three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the exon 7 of badh2 gene, named as badh2.1 allele, was reported to result in accumulation of a major aromatic compound, 2-acetyl 1-pyrroline (2AP) in fragrant rice. Although badh2.1 is the predominant allele in virtually all fragrant varieties, exceptions such as involvement of another genetic loci or allele had been reported by several researchers. This study was conducted aiming at detecting presence or absence of badh2.1 allele in popular traditional Sri Lankan fragrant rice varieties. A 463-bp DNA fragment was amplified covering 7th exon region and sequenced. The results showed that “Lanka Samurdi”, the fragrant high yielding variety, possesses the 8bp deletion while highly fragrant three traditional rice varieties did not show the particular mutation. Hence it confirms that the aroma in most of Sri Lankan traditional fragrant varieties is not resulted by the badh2.1 allele but by another genetic factor. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v9i1.6350 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2014, vol.9, no1: 24-30
Editorial Foreword
Authors: Mahaliyanaarachchi Rohana P
Published: January 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v9i1.6354 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2014, vol.9, no1
Tetraacylated Lipid A and Paclitaxel-Selective Activation of TLR4/MD-2 Conferred through Hydrophobic Interactions
Authors: Resman Nuša , Oblak Alja , Gioannini Theresa L. , Weiss Jerrold P. , Jerala Roman
Published: January 2014

LPS exerts potent immunostimulatory effects through activation of the TLR4/MD-2 receptor complex. The hexaacylated lipid A is an agonist of mouse (mTLR4) and human TLR4/MD-2, whereas the tetraacylated lipid IVa and paclitaxel activate only mTLR4/MD-2 and antagonize activation of the human receptor complex. Hydrophobic mutants of TLR4 or MD-2 were used to investigate activation of human embryonic kidney 293 cells by different TLR4 agonists. We show that each of the hydrophobic residues F438 and F461, which are located on the convex face of leucine-rich repeats 16 and 17 of the mTLR4 ectodomain, are essential for activation of with lipid IVa and paclitaxel, which, although not a structural analog of LPS, activates cells expressing mTLR4/MD-2. Both TLR4 mutants were inactive when stimulated with lipid IVa or paclitaxel, but retained significant activation when stimulated with LPS or hexaacylated lipid A. We show that the phenylalanine residue at position 126 of mouse MD-2 is indispensable only for activation with paclitaxel. Its replacement with leucine or valine completely abolished activation with paclitaxel while preserving the responsiveness to lipid IVa and lipid A. This suggests specific interaction of paclitaxel with F126 because its replacement with leucine even augmented activation by lipid A. These results provide an insight into the molecular mechanism of TLR4 activation by two structurally very different agonists.
Sarcocystis nesbitti Infection in Human Skeletal Muscle: Possible Transmission from Snakes
Authors: Lau Yee Ling , Chang Phooi Yee , Tan Chong Tin , Fong Mun Yik , Mahmud Rohela , Wong Kum Thong
Published: January 2014

Sarcocystis nesbitti is an intracellular protozoan parasite found as sarcocysts within muscle fibers of intermediate hosts (monkey and baboon). The definitive host is suspected to be the snake. We report two cases from a larger cohort of 89 patients who had fever, headache, and generalized myalgia after a trip to Pangkor Island, Malaysia. Sarcocysts were detected in skeletal muscle biopsy specimens by light and electron microscopy from these two patients. DNA sequencing based on the 18S ribosomal DNA region identified the Sarcocystis species as S. nesbitti. We also identified S. nesbitti sequences in the stools of a snake (Naja naja). Phylogenetic analysis showed that these sequences form a cluster with most of the other known Sarcocystis species for which the snake is a definitive host. We believe these two patients were likely to have symptomatic acute muscular sarcocystosis after S. nesbitti infection that may have originated from snakes.
Effects of Mathematics Integration in a Teaching Methods Course on Self Efficacy of Preservice Agricultural Education Teachers
Authors: Stripling Christopher T. , Roberts T. Grady
Published: January 2014

Teachers who are efficacious persevere through challenges in the learning environment and put forth more effort in designing learning activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mathematics teaching and integration strategies (MTIS) on preservice agricultural teachers’ personal mathematics efficacy, mathematics teaching efficacy, and personal teaching efficacy in a teaching methods course. The research design was quasi-experimental and utilized a nonequivalent control group.Data were collected at the following three collection points; (a) week 1 of the semester; (b) week 12 of the semester/after the preservice teachers in the treatment group delivered their first mathematics enhanced lesson; and (c) week 15 of the semester. Participants were moderately efficacious in mathematics teaching efficacy and efficacious in personal mathematics efficacy and personal teaching efficacy at all three data collection points. Furthermore, significant differences were not found in the mathematics teaching efficacy, personal mathematics efficacy, and personal teaching efficacy of the preservice agricultural teachers based upon the MTIS treatment.
An Investigation of School Connectedness Among Agricultural Education Students
Authors: Witt Christy , Doerfert David L. , Ulmer Jonathan D. , Burris Scott , Lan William
Published: January 2014

Each year, approximately 1.3 million students fail to graduate from high school. One of the reasons cited
for dropping out is a lack of connection to the school environment. One way students can connect to their
school is through programs and organizations at their school. While there are a large variety of
programs in schools that have the potential to promote school connectedness among its students, the
parallels to the school connectedness promotion factors present in the foundational principles of
agricultural education evoke further investigation. The purpose of this study was to examine the
influence that school connectedness promotion factors (i.e. adult support, peer group, commitment to
education, and environment) in agricultural education programs have on students’ sense of school
connectedness. This study utilized a two-phase sequential mixed methods design in which the qualitative
data helped explain or build upon the initial quantitative results. The quantitative phase revealed
approximately 45% of the variance of the school connectedness scale in the sample can be accounted for
by the linear combination of promotion factor measures. The themes from the qualitative phase closely
aligned to the school connectedness promotion factors discussed in the quantitative phase with a few
additions and modifications recommended.
Assessing water footprint of wheat production in China using a crop-model-coupled-statistics approach
Authors: Cao X. C. , Wu P. T. , Wang Y. B. , Zhao X. N.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The aim of this study is to estimate the green and blue water footprint of wheat, distinguishing the irrigated and rain-fed crop, from a production perspective. The assessment herein focuses on China and improves upon earlier research by taking a crop-model-coupled-statistics approach to estimate the water footprint of the crop in 30 provinces. We have calculated the water footprint at regional scale based on the actual data collected from 442 typical irrigation districts. Crop evapotranspiration and the water conveyance loss are both considered in calculating irrigated water footprint at the regional scale. We have also compared water footprint of per unit product between irrigated and rain-fed crops and analyzed the relationship between promoting yield and saving water resources. The national wheat production in the year 2010 takes about 142.5 billion cubic meters of water. The major portion of WF (80.9%) comes from the irrigated farmland and the remaining 19.1% falls into the rain-fed. Green water (50.3%) and blue water (49.7%) carry almost equal shares of water footprint (WF) in total cropland WF. Green water dominates the south of the Yangtze River, whereas low green water proportions relate themselves to the provinces located in the north China especially northwest China. Approximately 38.5% of the water footprint related to the production of wheat is not consumed in the form of crop evapotranspiration but of conveyance loss during irrigation process. Proportions of blue water for conveyance loss (BWCL) in the arid Xinjiang, Ningxia and Neimenggu (Inner Mongolia) exceed 40% due to low irrigation efficiency. The national average water footprint of wheat per unit of crop (WFP) is 1.237 m3 kg−1 in 2010. There exists a big difference in WFP among provinces. Compared to the rain-fed cultivation (with no irrigation), irrigation has promoted crop yield, both provincially and up by about 170% nationally. As a result, more water resources are demanded in irrigated farmland for per kg of wheat production. WFP for irrigated (WFPI) and rain-fed (WFPR) crops are 1.246 and 1.202 m3 kg−1 respectively. We have divided the 30 provinces into three categories according to the relation between WFPI and WFPR: (I) WFPI < WFPR, (II) WFPI is equivalent to WFPR, and (III) WFPI > WFPR. Category II, which contains major wheat producing areas in the North China Plain, contribute nearly 75% of wheat production to the country. Provinces belonging to Category III have to invest 0.478 cubic meters of water in order to harvest 1 kg wheat product. Double benefits of saving water and promoting production can be achieved substantially by irrigating wheat in Category I provinces. Nevertheless, provinces in this category, which should have contributed more, are summed to produce only 1.1% of the national wheat production.
Penile necrosis requiring penectomy complicating recto-urethral fistula post prostate cancer external beam radiation and brachytherapy
Authors: Kinahan John , Pai Howard , Martens Mildred , Gray Jason , Biberdorf Darren , Mihailovic Alex , McAuley Iain
Published: January 2014

Radiation therapy is a well-recognized treatment for unfavourable risk localized prostate cancer. Radiation induced recto-urethral fistulae are known rare complications particularly from brachytherapy. We report a case of a recto-urethral fistula 7 years post-external beam radiation and I-125 brachytherapy, which was complicated by a severe polymicrobial soft tissue infection. This infection required penectomy and pelvic exenteration with diverting colostomy, Indiana pouch urinary diversion and gracilis myocutaneuos flap closure of the perineum.
Malignant melanoma of the bladder: A case report
Authors: Sayar Hamide , Erdogan Seyda , Adamhasan Fulya , Gurbuz Esma , İnci Mehmet Fatih
Published: January 2014

Primary malignant melanoma of the bladder is very rare. Rather than being a primary lesion, malignant melanomas of the bladder are more commonly metastatic lesions. The histopathological appearance largely does not differ from that of melanoma at other body sites. It is often difficult to discriminate whether a bladder melanoma is primary or metastatic. Therefore, a careful review of histological features and performing necessary immunohistochemical staining procedures for S-100 protein and HMB-45 are very important in achieving a correct diagnosis. We report a case of hypomelanotic malignant melanoma of the bladder. Despite the variety of therapies available for primary melanomas of the bladder, the prognosis is still poor.
Anticholinergiques et hyperactivité vésicale
Authors: Abdelmounaim Qarro , Asseban Mohammed , Bazine Khalil , Najoui Mohammed , Samir Jamaleddine , Ouhbi Youssef , Beddouch Amoqrane , Lezrek Mohammed , Alami Mohammed
Published: January 2014

L’hyperactivité vésicale (HAV) (overactive bladder [OAB]) se caractérise par une urgenturie, avec ou sans incontinence urinaire, associée à une pollakiurie diurne (> 8 épisodes) et à une nycturie (> 1 épisode). Elle touche 27 % des hommes et 43 % des femmes de plus de 40 ans. Elle a d’importantes répercussions sur les activités quotidiennes ainsi que sur le profil psychologique et sexuel. Elle résulte d’une contraction anormale du détrusor liée à une stimulation de certains récepteurs muscariniques. Il existe cinq sous-types de récepteurs muscariniques (M1, M2, M3, M4 et M5) situés dans la vessie, mais aussi dans d’autres organes : le cerveau, les yeux, les ganglions sympathiques, les glandes salivaires et le coeur. Même si les récepteurs M2 sont les plus nombreux, ce sont essentiellement les récepteurs M3 qui interviennent dans la contraction vésicale. Les anticholinergiques constituent la pierre angulaire du traitement de cette affection. Plusieurs molécules sont actuellement sur le marché, mais jusqu’à présent, aucun médicament n’exerce d’action sélective sur la vessie. De plus, ils ont tous des effets secondaires. Il est possible d’en atténuer l’intensité en amorçant un traitement progressif à raison de faibles doses croissantes.
L’accompagnement d’une communauté d’apprentissage professionnelle en réseau au service du développement professionnel de ses membres
Authors: Hamel Christine , Turcotte Sandrine , Laferrière Thérèse
Published: January 2014

Les communautés d’apprentissage professionnelles sont vues comme une force de changement de l’intérieur même de l’école (DuFour et Eaker, 1998). Elles sont présentes dans une école qui cherche à s’améliorer et à réfléchir sur son rôle – au Québec : instruire, socialiser et qualifier – dans l’apprentissage des élèves et leur réussite scolaire. Le réseau Internet, pour sa part, est reconnu pour l’accès à des ressources, à des personnes, et vu comme une force de ralliement et de collaboration. Quelles incidences a pu avoir la combinaison de l’utilisation du réseau et de l’application des principes de la communauté d’apprentissage professionnelle sur une petite école dans une région éloignée du Québec? Notre étude ethnographique, au moyen de l’observation participante, a conduit au repérage des attributs de la communauté d’apprentissage professionnelle que le réseau Internet a permis de soutenir et de stimuler. Ce développement professionnel en réseau a été proposé à des enseignantes d’une très petite école primaire/secondaire du nord du Québec. L’étude fait ressortir les suites de l’accompagnement en réseau sur cette communauté, notamment la satisfaction des personnes participantes, de même que les retombées sur les compétences professionnelles des enseignantes.
Vivre une CAP
Authors: Peters Martine , Savoie-Zajc Lorraine
Published: January 2014

Dans cet article, les auteures considèrent la communauté d’apprentissage professionnelle (CAP) en tant que dispositif riche et pertinent de formation continue à l’intérieur duquel les participants s’engagent dans un processus dynamique d’ajustement de pratique. Le but du présent texte est de dégager l’appréciation de participants à des CAP en lien avec leur développement professionnel. Les données tirées d’un questionnaire bilan proposeront des réponses aux questions suivantes : 1) Quelles sont les forces et les faiblesses d’une CAP telles que perçues par les participants? 2) Quels sont les bénéfices de la participation à une CAP pour des enseignants?
Processus de construction d’une communauté de pratique : l’expérience d’une formation continue en milieu scolaire
Authors: Michaud Clémence , Bouchamma Yamina
Published: January 2014

Cet article présente les résultats d’une recherche sur le processus de construction de communautés de pratique menée dans une école francophone du Nouveau-Brunswick, dans le contexte de la réforme du secondaire renouvelé qui s’appuie sur les fondements du cognitivisme et du socioconstructivisme. L’expérimentation, d’une durée totale de 30 heures, a permis de recueillir des données auprès de deux communautés de pratique qui regroupaient huit enseignantes du secondaire et une directrice adjointe. Le cadre conceptuel choisi pour analyser les processus de changement et les mécanismes qui entrent en jeu dans les communautés de pratique est celui de la construction du collectif décrite par Latour (2004). La méthodologie de collecte et d’analyse des données est qualitative et l’analyse s’inspire de l’approche narrative (Clandinin et Connelly, 2000).

L’analyse des données a permis de distinguer trois phases de la création des communautés de pratique : la mise en place de la diversité, la narration des expériences et la négociation du changement. Cet article précise en conclusion les défis du développement d’une culture de collaboration dans un contexte de réforme.
F2-laser-induced surface modification of iron thin films to obtain corrosion resistance
Authors: Okoshi Masayuki , Awaihara Yuta , Yamashita Tsugito , Inoue Narumi
Published: January 2014

Rustproof, chemical-resistant pure-iron thin films were successfully fabricated by the 157 nm F2-laser-induced surface modification of 50-nm-thick iron thin films. An approximately 2-nm-thick Fe3O4 layer underneath a native Fe2O3 layer of approximately 0.6 nm in thickness was formed on the iron thin films after F2 laser irradiation, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The anodic polarization measurement in a 3 wt % NaCl aqueous solution (quasi-seawater) was conducted; the F2-laser-irradiated samples showed high corrosion resistance to the quasi-seawater. Moreover, no rust was observed on the samples after the immersion test in quasi-seawater for 48 h and longer. The measurement also revealed that the F2-laser-irradiated samples showed high corrosion resistance to a HNO3 aqueous solution. Thus, the micropatterning of iron thin films was demonstrated by the combination of F2 laser irradiation and subsequent HNO3 chemical etching.
Evanescent wave coupling in a geophysical system: Airborne acoustic signals from the Mw 8.1 Macquarie Ridge earthquake
Authors: Evers L. G. , Brown D. , Heaney K. D. , Assink J. D. , Smets P. S. M. , Snellen M.
Published: January 2014

Atmospheric low‐frequency sound, i.e., infrasound, from underwater events has not been considered thus far, due to the high impedance contrast of the water‐air interface making it almost fully reflective. Here we report for the first time on atmospheric infrasound from a large underwater earthquake (Mw 8.1) near the Macquarie Ridge, which was recorded at 1325 km from the epicenter. Seismic waves coupled to hydroacoustic waves at the ocean floor, after which the energy entered the Sound Fixing and Ranging channel and was detected on a hydrophone array. The energy was diffracted by a seamount and an oceanic ridge, which acted as a secondary source, into the water column followed by coupling into the atmosphere. The latter results from evanescent wave coupling and the attendant anomalous transparency of the sea surface for very low frequency acoustic waves.
Breaking internal lee waves at Kaena Ridge, Hawaii
Authors: Alford Matthew H. , Klymak Jody M. , Carter Glenn S.
Published: January 2014

Shallow water oscillatory flows and deep ocean steady flows have both been observed to give rise to breaking internal lee waves downstream of steep seafloor obstacles. A recent theory also predicts the existence of high‐mode oscillatory internal lee waves in deep water, but they have not previously been directly observed. Here we present repeated spatial transects of velocity, isopycnal displacement, and dissipation rate measured with towed instruments on the south flank of a supercritical ridge in Hawaii known as Kaena Ridge and compare them with predictions from a 3‐D numerical model with realistic tidal forcing, bathymetry, and stratification. The measured and modeled flow and turbulence agree well in their spatial structure, time dependence, and magnitude, confirming the existence and predicted nature of high‐mode internal lee waves. Turbulence estimated from Thorpe scales increases 2 orders of magnitude following downslope tidal flow, when the internal lee wave begins to propagate upslope and breaks.
Active current sheets and candidate hot flow anomalies upstream of Mercury's bow shock
Authors: Uritsky V. M. , Slavin J. A. , Boardsen S. A. , Sundberg T. , Raines J. M. , Gershman D. J. , Collinson G. , Sibeck D. , Khazanov G. V. , Anderson B. J. , Korth H.
Published: January 2014

Hot flow anomalies (HFAs) represent a subset of solar wind discontinuities interacting with collisionless bow shocks. They are typically formed when the normal component of the motional (convective) electric field points toward the embedded current sheet on at least one of its sides. The core region of an HFA contains hot and highly deflected ion flows and rather low and turbulent magnetic field. In this paper, we report observations of possible HFA‐like events at Mercury identified over a course of two planetary years. Using data from the orbital phase of the MESSENGER mission, we identify a representative ensemble of active current sheets magnetically connected to Mercury's bow shock. We show that some of these events exhibit magnetic and particle signatures of HFAs similar to those observed at other planets, and present their key physical characteristics. Our analysis suggests that Mercury's bow shock does not only mediate the flow of supersonic solar wind plasma but also provides conditions for local particle acceleration and heating as predicted by previous numerical simulations. Together with earlier observations of HFA activity at Earth, Venus, Mars, and Saturn, our results confirm that hot flow anomalies could be a common property of planetary bow shocks and show that the characteristic size of these events is controlled by the bow shock standoff distance and/or local solar wind conditions.
Magnetic aspect sensitivity of high‐latitude E region irregularities measured by the RAX‐2 CubeSat
Authors: Bahcivan H. , Cutler J. W. , Springmann J. C. , Doe R. , Nicolls M. J.
Published: January 2014

The second Radio Aurora Explorer (RAX‐2) satellite has completed more than 30 conjunction experiments with the Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar chain of incoherent scatter radars in Alaska and Resolute Bay, Canada. Coherent radar echoing occurred during four of the passes: three when E region electron drifts exceeded the ion acoustic speed threshold and one during HF heating of the ionosphere by the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program heater. In this paper, we present the results for the first three passes associated with backscatter from natural irregularities. We analyze, in detail, the largest drift case because the plasma turbulence was the most intense and because the corresponding ground‐to‐space bistatic scattering geometry was the most favorable for magnetic aspect sensitivity analysis. A set of data analysis procedures including interference removal, autocorrelation analysis, and the application of a radar beam deconvolution algorithm mapped the distribution of E region backscatter with 3 km resolution in altitude and ∼0.1° in magnetic aspect angle. To our knowledge, these are the highest resolution altitude‐resolved magnetic aspect sensitivity measurements made at UHF frequencies in the auroral region. In this paper, we show that despite the large electron drift speed of ∼1500 m/s, the magnetic aspect sensitivity of submeter scale irregularities is much higher than previously reported. The root‐mean‐square of the aspect angle distribution varied monotonically between 0.5° and 0.1° for the altitude range 100–110 km. Findings from this single but compelling event suggest that submeter scale waves propagating at larger angles from the main E×B flow direction (secondary waves) have parallel electric fields that are too small to contribute to E region electron heating. It is possible that anomalous electron heating in the auroral electrojet can be explained by (a) the dynamics of those submeter scale waves propagating in the E×B direction (primary waves) or (b) the dynamics of longer wavelengths.
Solomon M. Hsiang Receives 2013 Science for Solutions Award: Citation
Authors: Oppenheimer Michael
Published: January 2014

Solomon Hsiang is representative of a new generation in the geosciences community, whose work spans several disciplines, drawing on methods and concepts from far outside the traditional physical science domain in order to make progress on difficult questions at the intersection of natural science, social science, and public policy. Broadly speaking, by examining how humanity has responded to climate variability and change in the distant and recent past, Sol's research elucidates the question of how humanity may respond to a changing climate in the future. Combining large, independent sets of social science, meteorological, and climatological data and analyzing them with tools more common in microeconomics than natural science, Sol, still at an early stage of his career, has made critical contributions to an incipient revolution in our understanding of the sensitivity and adaptability of humans and their social arrangements to climate variability and change. Such insights will greatly improve the information base from which effective public policy is developed.
Akuginow and Haines‐Stiles Receive 2013 Robert C. Cowen Journalism Award: Citation
Authors: Alley Richard
Published: January 2014

From Cosmos to Mars and Pluto and back home, Geoffrey Haines‐Stiles and Erna Akuginow have invested their careers reporting the best modern science in novel, compelling, and accessible ways through documentaries, live events, print, and new media. They are outstanding recipients of the AGU Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism.
Runoff Prediction in Ungauged Basins: Synthesis Across Processes, Places and Scales
Authors: Luce Charles
Published: January 2014

A question about how to predict the runoff from a basin where there is no history of flow measurements is probably featured in almost every hydrology graduate student's oral examinations. It has certainly been one of the longest‐standing problems for the profession. The International Association of Hydrological Sciences Prediction in Ungauged Basins initiative [Wagener et al., 2004] has focused researchers and meetings on the topic, culminating in this book, which assembles the thoughts gathered over the last decade.
Preparation and Biosafety Evaluation of the Peptide Dendron Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanohybrid
Authors: Pan Dayi , Guo Chunhua , Luo Kui , Gu Zhongwei
Published: January 2014

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been extensively studied and proposed as promising candidates for numerous biomedical applications. In this study, we report the design, preparation, characterization and biosafety evaluation of peptide dendron functionalized mesoporous silica nanohybrid. This nanohybrid was prepared by surface modification of MSNs via click reaction of azido‐MSNs with alkynyl peptide dendrons, and characterized by TEM, SEM, TGA, dynamic light scattering (DLS). In vitro cytotoxicity of the nanohybrid was evaluated against different cell lines by CCK‐8 assay. The in vivo toxicity evaluation was measured by body weight shift, blood routine test and histological analysis, suggesting that the peptide functionalized nanohybrid possessed good biocompatibility due to the non‐observed significant side effects to normal organs of healthy mice. Overall, considering our results we believe that the peptide dendron functionalized mesoporous silica nanohybrid is very promising in further biomedical applications.
Self‐assembly of DNA Origami Using Rolling Circle Amplification Based DNA Nanoribbons
Authors: Liu Bing , Ouyang Xiangyuan , Chao Jie , Liu Huajie , Zhao Yun , Fan Chunhai
Published: January 2014

During the development of structural DNA nanotechnology, the emerging of scaffolded DNA origami is marvelous. It utilizes DNA double helix inherent specificity of Watson‐Crick base pairing and structural features to create self‐assembling structures at the nanometer scale exhibiting the addressable character. However, the assembly of DNA origami is disorderly and unpredictable. Herein, we present a novel strategy to assemble the DNA origami using rolling circle amplification based DNA nanoribbons as the linkers. Firstly, long single‐stranded DNA from Rolling Circle Amplification is annealed with several staples to form kinds of DNA nanoribbons with overhangs. Subsequently, the rectangle origami is formed with overhanged staple strands at any edge that would hybridize with the DNA nanoribbons. By mixing them up, we illustrate the one‐dimensional even two‐dimensional assembly of DNA origami with good orientation.
Synthesis and Properties of a Biodegradable Dendritic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent
Authors: Li Tingting , Qian Yue , Ye Mingzhou , Tang Jianbin , Hu Hongjie , Shen Youqing
Published: January 2014

Novel biodegradable dendritic contrast agents (DCAs) based on polyester dendrimers were synthesized and characterized. The DCAs were stable at acidic pH, but hydrolyzed rapidly at physiological pH, which rendered the DCA's long‐term Gd3+ retention as low as that of small molecule CAs. Their longitudinal relaxivities of 10.2 to 17.5 L·mmol−1·s−1 were about 2.4 to 4.1 times higher than that of DTPA‐Gd, indicating their superior contrast‐enhancing capability to the clinically used contrast agent. The in vivo MRI study suggested that the DCA at lower generation (G2‐DTPA‐Gd) could effectively enhance the MRI of tumor, while the one at higher generation (G5‐DTPA‐Gd) showed more potential in liver imaging.
Soil clay influences Acacia encroachment in a South African grassland
Authors: Grellier Séraphine , Florsch Nicolas , Janeau Jean‐Louis , Podwojewski Pascal , Camerlynck Christian , Barot Sébastien , Ward David , Lorentz Simon
Published: January 2014

Because of technical difficulties in measuring soil properties at a large scale, little is known about the effect of soil properties on the spatial distribution of trees in grasslands. We were interested in the associations of soil properties with the phenomenon of tree encroachment, where trees increase in density at the expense of grasses. The spatial variation of soil properties and especially soil texture may modify the properties of hydraulic conductivity, and the availability of soil water and mineral nutrients, which in turn may affect the spatial distribution of encroaching trees. Through the development of a geophysical method (Slingram) using an electromagnetic device EM38 and Bayesian inversion, we were able to accurately map soil electrical conductivity (EC) of a Luvisol in a grassland of South Africa. EC measured at the 0·8 to 2 m depth on a 1·5 ha area is a proxy for clay content and was correlated with the spatial distribution of four size classes of the encroaching Acacia sieberiana. Tree location (all sizes considered) was significantly correlated with EC. Tall acacias (>3m height) were totally absent from patches with EC >24 mS m−1. For all other size classes from medium trees to seedlings, tree density decreased with increasing EC. This suggests that high clay contents at depth associated with high EC values may prevent the establishment and/or survival of trees and influence the spatial distribution of A. sieberiana. This result also shows that geophysical tools may be useful for demonstrating important ecological processes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indicators for proper management of surgical drains following pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Uemura Kenichiro , Murakami Yoshiaki , Sudo Takeshi , Hashimoto Yasushi , Kondo Naru , Nakagawa Naoya , Sasaki Hayato , Ohge Hiroki , Sueda Taijiro
Published: January 2014

Background

The indicators for proper drain management following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remain unclear. Our aim was to identify appropriate timing and proper indicators for safe drain management after PD.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from 200 patients who underwent PD were evaluated. Postoperative clinical factors for clinically relevant pancreatic fistulas (CR‐POPFs) and management of surgically placed drains were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

CR‐POPFs occurred in 8% of patients. By logistic regression analysis, one factor (non‐serous fluid in the drain) on postoperative day (POD) 1 and two factors (non‐serous fluid in the drain and serum CRP levels) on POD 3 and 4 were significantly associated with CR‐POPFs. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that combined predictive factors on POD 4 were the most accurate.

Of 163 patients with serous fluid in the drain and CRP <15.6 mg/dl on POD 4, 1% had CR‐POPFs, but no patient required POPF‐related re‐drainage.

In contrast, among 37 patients with non‐serous fluid in the drain or CRP levels ≥15.6 mg/dl, 35% had CR‐POPFs, and 8% required POPF‐related re‐drainage.

Conclusions

A combination of CRP levels and the color of surgical drain fluid, not POD1 or 3, but on POD 4, may be the most accurate indicators for safe drain management following PD. J. Surg. Oncol 2014; 109:702–707. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Particle Size‐Dependent Effects in Hydrophobically Initiated Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Krüger Kathleen , Hernandez Hugo , Tauer Klaus
Published: January 2014

Experimental evidence and a simple model for a special segregation effect in hydrophobically initiated emulsion polymerization are presented. This effect is controlled by the size ratio between the droplets and the perfectly mixed volume of the growing chains. It leads within a certain range of droplet size to a drastic retardation of the polymerization reaction. For reaction loci outside this critical range, the monomer conversion is, at given polymerization time, drastically enhanced. The higher conversion for droplets that are smaller than the critical value can be explained by the effective segregation of growing radicals as typical for emulsion polymerization. Increasing conversion in bigger sized droplets happens as soon as the droplet volume exceeds the corresponding perfectly mixed volume. The limiting case of the latter situation is been experimentally observed for the corresponding bulk polymerization. Mathematical simulations with a simple model taking into account imperfectly mixed conditions inside the droplets describe the essential experimental data astonishingly well.
Candidate gene analysis using genomic quantitative PCR: identification of ADAMTS13 large deletions in two patients with Upshaw‐Schulman syndrome
Authors: Eura Yuka , Kokame Koichi , Takafuta Toshiro , Tanaka Ryojiro , Kobayashi Hikaru , Ishida Fumihiro , Hisanaga Shuichi , Matsumoto Masanori , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Miyata Toshiyuki
Published: January 2014

Direct sequencing is a popular method to discover mutations in candidate genes responsible for hereditary diseases. A certain type of mutation, however, can be missed by the method. Here, we report a comprehensive genomic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to complement the weakness of direct sequencing. Upshaw‐Schulman syndrome (USS) is a recessively inherited disease associated with severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity. We previously analyzed ADAMTS13 in 47 USS patients using direct sequencing, and 44 of them had either homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations. Then, we sought to reveal more extensive defects of ADAMTS13 in the remaining three patients. We quantified copy numbers of each ADAMTS13 exon in the patients by using genomic qPCR. Each primer pair was designed to contain at least one of the two primers used in direct sequencing, to avoid missing any exonic deletions. The qPCR demonstrated heterozygous loss of exons 7 and 8 in one patient and exon 27 in the other, and further analysis revealed c.746_987+373del1782 and c.3751_3892+587del729, respectively. Genomic qPCR provides an effective method for identifying extensive defects of the target genes.
Estimating the incremental net health benefit of requirements for cardiovascular risk evaluation for diabetes therapies
Authors: Chawla Anita J. , Mytelka Daniel S. , McBride Stephan D. , Nellesen Dave , Elkins Benjamin R. , Ball Daniel E. , Kalsekar Anupama , Towse Adrian , Garrison Louis P.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of pre‐approval requirements for safety data to detect cardiovascular (CV) risk contained in the December 2008 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance for developing type 2 diabetes drugs compared with the February 2008 FDA draft guidance from the perspective of diabetes population health.

Methods

We applied the incremental net health benefit (INHB) framework to quantify the benefits and risks of investigational diabetes drugs using a common survival metric (life‐years [LYs]). We constructed a decision analytic model for clinical program development consistent with the requirements of each guidance and simulated diabetes drugs, some of which had elevated CV risk. Assuming constant research budgets, we estimate the impact of increased trial size on drugs investigated. We aggregate treatment benefit and CV risks for each approved drug over a 35‐year horizon under each guidance.

Results

The quantitative analysis suggests that the December 2008 guidance adversely impacts diabetes population health. INHB was −1.80 million LYs, attributable to delayed access to diabetes therapies (−0.18 million LYs) and fewer drugs (−1.64 million LYs), but partially offset by reduced CV risk exposure (0.02 million LYs). Results were robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

The health outcomes impact of all potential benefits and risks should be evaluated in a common survival measure, including health gain from avoided adverse events, lost health benefits from delayed or forgone efficacious products, and impact of alternative policy approaches. Quantitative analysis of the December 2008 FDA guidance for diabetes therapies indicates that negative impact on patient health will result. © 2014 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral sildenafil and inhaled iloprost in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Authors: Kahveci Hasan , Yilmaz Osman , Avsar Ummu Zeynep , Ciftel Murat , Kilic Omer , Laloglu Fuat , Ozturk Kezban
Published: January 2014

Objective

This study was performed to examine the effectiveness and safety of oral sildenafil and inhaled iloprost in term newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

Patients and Methods

Oral sildenafil and inhaled iloprost were administered to 27 and 20 neonates, respectively, for treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension. All patients were term infants at 37 gestational weeks or older. In the sildenafil group, 14 patients had meconium aspiration syndrome, 8 had asphyxia (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy stages II and III), 3 had congenital pneumonia, 1 had transient tachypnea, and 1 had idiopathic PPHN. In the iloprost group, 9 patients had meconium aspiration syndrome, 7 had asphyxia (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy stages II and III), 3 had congenital pneumonia, and 1 had transient tachypnea. Sildenafil citrate was administered via an oral feeding tube. Iloprost was administered endotracheally to patients on mechanical ventilation using a jet nebulizer.

Results

Iloprost appeared to be more effective than sildenafil in the treatment of PPHN with regard to time to adequate clinical response, ventilatory parameters, duration of drug administration, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of return to normal values of respiratory failure indices, use of MgSO4 as a second vasodilator and requirement for support with inotropic agents. We observed no side effects on blood pressure or homeostasis in any of the patients in the iloprost group. Systemic hypotension was significantly elevated in the sildenafil group. Four and three infants died of PPHN in the sildenafil and iloprost groups, respectively. Pulmonary systolic arterial pressure decreased to normal levels in the remaining 40 patients, and they were discharged from hospital.

Conclusion

We suggested that inhaled iloprost may be a safe and effective treatment choice in newborn infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension. In cases where treatment with inhaled iloprost, ECMO or INO is not possible, oral sildenafil can be an alternative therapy option in the treatment of PPHN. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:1205–1213. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of charge carrier mobility and surface recombination velocity on the characteristics of P3HT:PCBM organic solar cells
Authors: Hacène S. Boukli , Benouaz T.
Published: January 2014

The effect of charge carrier mobility and surface recombination velocity has been extensively investigated for poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT): phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) organic solar cells. We used the effective medium model and the solar cell simulator (SCAPS) to model the current–voltage (J–V) characteristic and explore the charge carrier transport in P3HT:PCBM devices. We varied the charge carrier mobility for electrons and holes and surface recombination velocity at the contacts for majority and minority charge carriers, and calculated the solar cell characteristics: efficiency (η), open‐circuit‐voltage (Voc), short‐circuit current (Jsc) and fill factor (FF). The significances of surface recombination velocity together with charge carriers mobility are calculated and discussed. We found that in general reduced surface recombination velocities at both contacts are very detrimental for organic solar cell performance especially for devices with low charge mobilities.
Planting Houses in Shenzhen: A Real Estate Market without Legal Titles1
Authors: Qiao Shitong
Published: January 2014

Can a real estate market operate without legal titles? The answer has conventionally been no. But in Shenzhen, the iconic city of China’s market economy, an opposite phenomenon exists: half of the buildings within the city, which has 1,993 square kilometers of land and over 10 million people, have no legal titles and have been rented or sold to millions of people illegally. These illegal buildings are called small properties, because their property rights are “smaller” (weaker) than legal properties. Based on my one-year fieldwork, this paper is a first step toward explaining the small-property market. It reveals that legitimate organizations and professionals have developed a network to facilitate impersonal transactions of illegal small properties. Set against the backdrop and context of China’s transition, this paper presents a feasible plan for building a market economy in transitional countries, where property laws are often less than ideal.
Non-syndromic hereditary sensorineural hearing loss: review of the genes involved
Authors: Stelma F , Bhutta M F
Published: January 2014

Background:

Hereditary sensorineural hearing loss is the most frequently occurring birth defect. It has profound effects for the individual and is a substantial burden on society. Insight into disease mechanisms can help to broaden therapeutic options and considerably lower lifetime social costs. In the past few decades, the identification of genes that can cause this type of hearing loss has developed rapidly.

Objective:

This paper provides a concise overview of the currently known genes involved in non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss and their function in the inner ear.
Head and neck tuberculosis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Khuzwayo Z B , Naidu T K
Published: January 2014

Objective:

To describe the clinical features of head and neck tuberculosis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Study design:

Retrospective, observational study.

Method:

The study included 358 patients who received a histopathologically and/or microbiologically confirmed diagnosis of tuberculosis in the head and neck region between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011.

Results:

A total of 358 new cases of head and neck tuberculosis were identified during the study period, involving 196 males (54.7 per cent) and 162 females (45.3 per cent). These patients had a median age of 31 years (range, 3 months to 83 years). Testing for human immunodeficiency virus was positive in 233 (65.1 per cent) and negative in 125 (34.9 per cent). Right-sided cervical lymphadenitis was the commonest form of presentation of head and neck tuberculosis.

Conclusion:

In this study, right-sided cervical lymphadenopathy was the commonest presentation of head and neck tuberculosis in both human immunodeficiency virus infected and non-infected individuals. Head and neck tuberculosis should not be excluded solely based on a normal chest X-ray, nor on the absence of constitutional symptoms.