bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CloudSat radar‐lidar geometrical profile product (RL‐GeoProf): Updates, improvements, and selected results
Authors: Mace Gerald G. , Zhang Qiuqing
Published: June 2014

Derived by combining data from the CloudSat radar and the CALIPSO lidar, the so‐called radar‐lidar geometrical profile product (RL‐GeoProf) allows for characterization of the vertical and spatial structure of hydrometeor layers. RL‐GeoProf is one of the standard data products of the CloudSat Project. In this paper we describe updates to the RL‐GeoProf algorithm. These improvements include a significant fix to the CALIPSO Vertical Feature Mask (VFM) that more accurately renders the occurrence frequencies of low‐level clouds over the global oceans. Additionally, we now account for the navigational challenges associated with coordinated measurements of the two instruments by providing additional diagnostic information in the data files. We also document how the along‐track averaging of the VFM influences the accuracy of RL‐GeoProf. We find that the 5 km averaged VFM when merged with data from the CloudSat radar provides a global description of cloud occurrence that best matches an independently derived cloud mask from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MYD35) over daytime global oceans. Expanding on the comparison with MYD35, we demonstrate that RL‐GeoProf and MYD35 closely track the monthly averaged cloud occurrence fraction during a 4 year span of measurements. A more detailed examination reveals latitudinal dependency in the comparison. Specifically, MYD35 tends to be significantly low biased relative to RL‐GeoProf over the Polar Regions when cloud layers present low visible and thermal contrast with underlying surfaces. Additional analyses examine the geometrically defined hydrometeor layer occurrence climatologies over select regions of the Earth and the seasonal variations of low‐based and low‐topped cloud cover.
Spectral derivative analysis of solar spectroradiometric measurements: Theoretical basis
Authors: Hansell R. A. , Tsay S.‐C. , Pantina P. , Lewis J. R. , Ji Q. , Herman J. R.
Published: June 2014

Spectral derivative analysis, a commonly used tool in analytical spectroscopy, is described for studying cirrus clouds and aerosols using hyperspectral, remote sensing data. The methodology employs spectral measurements from the 2006 Biomass‐burning Aerosols in Southeast Asia field study to demonstrate the approach. Spectral peaks associated with the first two derivatives of measured/modeled transmitted spectral fluxes are examined in terms of their shapes, magnitudes, and positions from 350 to 750 nm, where variability is largest. Differences in spectral features between media are mainly associated with particle size and imaginary term of the complex refractive index. Differences in derivative spectra permit cirrus to be conservatively detected at optical depths near the optical thin limit of ~0.03 and yield valuable insight into the composition and hygroscopic nature of aerosols. Biomass‐burning smoke aerosols/cirrus generally exhibit positive/negative slopes, respectively, across the 500–700 nm spectral band. The effect of cirrus in combined media is to increase/decrease the slope as cloud optical thickness decreases/increases. For thick cirrus, the slope tends to 0. An algorithm is also presented which employs a two model fit of derivative spectra for determining relative contributions of aerosols/clouds to measured data, thus enabling the optical thickness of the media to be partitioned. For the cases examined, aerosols/clouds explain ~83%/17% of the spectral signatures, respectively, yielding a mean cirrus cloud optical thickness of 0.08 ± 0.03, which compared reasonably well with those retrieved from a collocated Micropulse Lidar Network Instrument (0.09 ± 0.04). This method permits extracting the maximum informational content from hyperspectral data for atmospheric remote sensing applications.
Effects of soot deposition on particle dynamics and microbial processes in marine surface waters
Authors: Mari Xavier , Lefèvre Jérôme , Torréton Jean‐Pascal , Bettarel Yvan , Pringault Olivier , Rochelle‐Newall Emma , Marchesiello Patrick , Menkes Christophe , Rodier Martine , Migon Christophe , Motegi Chiaki , Weinbauer Markus G. , Legendre Louis
Published: June 2014

Large amounts of soot are continuously deposited on the global ocean. Even though significant concentrations of soot particles are found in marine waters, the effects of these aerosols on ocean ecosystems are currently unknown. Using a combination of in situ and experimental data, and results from an atmospheric transport model, we show that the deposition of soot particles from an oil‐fired power plant impacted biogeochemical properties and the functioning of the pelagic ecosystem in tropical oligotrophic oceanic waters off New Caledonia. Deposition was followed by a major increase in the volume concentration of suspended particles, a change in the particle size spectra that resulted from a stimulation of aggregation processes, a 5% decrease in the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), a decreases of 33 and 23% in viral and free bacterial abundances, respectively, and a factor ~2 increase in the activity of particle‐attached bacteria suggesting that soot introduced in the system favored bacterial growth. These patterns were confirmed by experiments with natural seawater conducted with both soot aerosols collected in the study area and standard diesel soot. The data suggest a strong impact of soot deposition on ocean surface particles, DOC, and microbial processes, at least near emission hot spots.
Recent unprecedented warming and oligotrophy of the eastern Mediterranean Sea within the last millennium
Authors: Sisma‐Ventura Guy , Yam Ruth , Shemesh Aldo
Published: June 2014

The Mediterranean region is a climatic transitional zone between the subtropical/monsoon regime and the temperate westerlies and is subject to forces acting upon the global climate system. Much knowledge about its climate over the last millennium is derived from terrestrial records, whereas changes in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and in the dissolved inorganic carbon pool (DIC) are poorly known. We present continuous high‐resolution reconstructions of SST and δ13CDIC in the eastern Mediterranean (EM) Sea, as inferred from oxygen and carbon isotope records from the skeletons of the reef builder gastropod Dendropoma sp. Spanning the past millennium, the SST reconstruction reveals a 250 year persistent warming trend during which the twentieth century was the warmest on record. Coupled with a distinct trend of 13CDIC depletion and superimposed upon decreased primary production, this climate reconstruction reflects a new state of the EM over the Anthropocene era that exceeds the natural variability of the last millennium.
Ion kinetic properties in Mercury's pre‐midnight plasma sheet
Authors: Gershman Daniel J. , Slavin James A. , Raines Jim M. , Zurbuchen Thomas H. , Anderson Brian J. , Korth Haje , Baker Daniel N. , Solomon Sean C.
Published: June 2014

With data from the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer sensor on the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging spacecraft, we demonstrate that the average distributions for both solar wind and planetary ions in Mercury's pre‐midnight plasma sheet are well‐described by hot Maxwell‐Boltzmann distributions. Temperatures and densities of the H+‐dominated plasma sheet, in the ranges ~1–10 cm−3 and ~5–30 MK, respectively, maintain thermal pressures of ~1 nPa. The dominant planetary ion, Na+, has number densities about 10% that of H+. Solar wind ions retain near‐solar‐wind abundances with respect to H+ and exhibit mass‐proportional ion temperatures, indicative of a reconnection‐dominated heating in the magnetosphere. Conversely, planetary ion species are accelerated to similar average energies greater by a factor of ~1.5 than that of H+. This energization is suggestive of acceleration in an electric potential, consistent with the presence of a strong centrifugal acceleration process in Mercury's magnetosphere.
Pyroclast Tracking Velocimetry: A particle tracking velocimetry‐based tool for the study of Strombolian explosive eruptions
Authors: Gaudin Damien , Moroni Monica , Taddeucci Jacopo , Scarlato Piergiorgio , Shindler Luca
Published: June 2014

Image‐based techniques enable high‐resolution observation of the pyroclasts ejected during Strombolian explosions and drawing inferences on the dynamics of volcanic activity. However, data extraction from high‐resolution videos is time consuming and operator dependent, while automatic analysis is often challenging due to the highly variable quality of images collected in the field. Here we present a new set of algorithms to automatically analyze image sequences of explosive eruptions: the pyroclast tracking velocimetry (PyTV) toolbox. First, a significant preprocessing is used to remove the image background and to detect the pyroclasts. Then, pyroclast tracking is achieved with a new particle tracking velocimetry algorithm, featuring an original predictor of velocity based on the optical flow equation. Finally, postprocessing corrects the systematic errors of measurements. Four high‐speed videos of Strombolian explosions from Yasur and Stromboli volcanoes, representing various observation conditions, have been used to test the efficiency of the PyTV against manual analysis. In all cases, >106 pyroclasts have been successfully detected and tracked by PyTV, with a precision of 1 m/s for the velocity and 20% for the size of the pyroclast. On each video, more than 1000 tracks are several meters long, enabling us to study pyroclast properties and trajectories. Compared to manual tracking, 3 to 100 times more pyroclasts are analyzed. PyTV, by providing time‐constrained information, links physical properties and motion of individual pyroclasts. It is a powerful tool for the study of explosive volcanic activity, as well as an ideal complement for other geological and geophysical volcano observation systems.
Time‐averaged discharge rate of subaerial lava at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, measured from TanDEM‐X interferometry: Implications for magma supply and storage during 2011–2013
Authors: Poland Michael P.
Published: June 2014

Differencing digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from TerraSAR add‐on for Digital Elevation Measurements (TanDEM‐X) synthetic aperture radar imagery provides a measurement of elevation change over time. On the East Rift Zone (EZR) of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, the effusion of lava causes changes in topography. When these elevation changes are summed over the area of an active lava flow, it is possible to quantify the volume of lava emplaced at the surface during the time spanned by the TanDEM‐X data—a parameter that can be difficult to measure across the entirety of an ~100 km2 lava flow field using ground‐based techniques or optical remote sensing data. Based on the differences between multiple TanDEM‐X‐derived DEMs collected days to weeks apart, the mean dense‐rock equivalent time‐averaged discharge rate of lava at Kīlauea between mid‐2011 and mid‐2013 was approximately 2 m3/s, which is about half the long‐term average rate over the course of Kīlauea's 1983–present ERZ eruption. This result implies that there was an increase in the proportion of lava stored versus erupted, a decrease in the rate of magma supply to the volcano, or some combination of both during this time period. In addition to constraining the time‐averaged discharge rate of lava and the rates of magma supply and storage, topographic change maps derived from space‐based TanDEM‐X data provide insights into the four‐dimensional evolution of Kīlauea's ERZ lava flow field. TanDEM‐X data are a valuable complement to other space‐, air‐, and ground‐based observations of eruptive activity at Kīlauea and offer great promise at locations around the world for aiding with monitoring not just volcanic eruptions but any hazardous activity that results in surface change, including landslides, floods, earthquakes, and other natural and anthropogenic processes.
Global multiple tropopause features derived from COSMIC radio occultation data during 2007 to 2012
Authors: Xu Xiaohua , Gao Pan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: June 2014

The spatiotemporal structure of the climatology of multiple tropopauses (MTs) is presented in this paper by using the temperature profiles from the Global Positioning System radio occultation measurements from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) mission between January 2007 and December 2012. Various climatological characteristics about MTs are studied, including the relationship between the occurrence of double tropopauses (DTs) and jet streams, the interannual variation and the trends of the occurrence of DTs, the seasonal and geographical variations of the occurrence of MTs, and the meridional distributions of the features of MTs in different seasons. Our results agree well with those of earlier studies based on other data sets. In addition, we find some new MT features. A global increase of the occurrence of DTs of about 0.15% ± 0.09% yr−1 (0.13% ± 0.09% yr−1) is found between 2007 and 2012 including (excluding) the sampling errors, respectively. There is an increasing trend of the occurrence of DTs in the extratropics, especially in the subtropics in both hemispheres, and a decreasing trend in the tropics. We also find that the maximum seasonal variation of the occurrence of DTs is located between 30°N and 40°N, which is much stronger than that in the Southern Hemisphere. The occurrence of DTs is much lower from the winter of 2009 to the spring of 2010 than during the same time period of other years.
Damping of glacial‐interglacial cycles from anthropogenic forcing
Authors: Haqq‐Misra Jacob
Published: June 2014

Climate variability over the past million years shows a strong glacial‐interglacial cycle of ∼100,000 years as a combined result of Milankovitch orbital forcing and climatic resonance. It has been suggested that anthropogenic contributions to radiative forcing may extend the length of the present interglacial, but the effects of anthropogenic forcing on the periodicity of glacial‐interglacial cycles has received little attention. Here I demonstrate that moderate anthropogenic forcing can act to damp this 100,000 year cycle and reduce climate variability from orbital forcing. Future changes in solar insolation alone will continue to drive a 100,000 year climate cycle over the next million years, but the presence of anthropogenic warming can force the climate into an ice‐free state that only weakly responds to orbital forcing. Sufficiently strong anthropogenic forcing that eliminates the glacial‐interglacial cycle may serve as an indication of an epoch transition from the Pleistocene to the Anthropocene.
Rapid and large‐scale separation of magnetic nanoparticles by low‐field permanent magnet with gas assistance
Authors: Li Wensong , Yang Liangrong , Liu Huizhou , Li Xiaopei , Liu Zhini , Wang Fuchun , Sui Na , Xiao Chuanxu
Published: June 2014

Significance

Bubbles can be used to greatly improve the speed of magnetic separation (MS) and overcome the limitation of magnetic force on the capture distance, making low‐field MS highly efficient and easily scalable. This novel method leads to the development of a medium‐free continuous gas‐assisted magnetic separator on small pilot scale using low‐field permanent magnet. This separator is demonstrated highly efficient for recovery of proteins‐loaded magnetic nanoparticles from large volume biosuspension. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3101–3106, 2014
Hydrodynamics and reactor performance evaluation of a high flux gas‐solids circulating fluidized bed downer: Experimental study
Authors: Wang Chengxiu , Barghi Shahzad , Zhu Jesse
Published: June 2014

Reactor performance of a high flux circulating fluidized bed (CFB) downer is studied under superficial gas velocities of 3–7 m/s with solids circulation rate up to 300 kg/m2s using ozone decomposition reaction. Results show that the reactant conversion in the downer is closely related to the hydrodynamics, with solids holdup being the most influential parameter on ozone decomposition. High degree of conversion is achieved at the downer entrance region due to strong gas‐solids interaction as well as higher solids holdup and reactant concentration. Ozone conversion increases with the increase of solids circulation rate and/or the decrease of superficial gas velocity. Overall conversion in the CFB downer is less than but very close to that in an ideal plug flow reactor indicating a good reactor performance in the downer because of the nearly “ideal” hydrodynamics in downer reactors. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3412–3423, 2014
Demographic transitions and migration in prehistoric East/Southeast Asia through the lens of nonmetric dental traits
Authors: Matsumura Hirofumi , Oxenham Marc F.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study is to examine and assess the nonmetric dental trait evidence for the population history of East and Southeast Asia and, more specifically, to test the two‐layer hypothesis for the peopling of Southeast Asia. Using a battery of 21 nonmetric dental traits we examine 7,247 individuals representing 58 samples drawn from East and Southeast Asian populations inhabiting the region from the late Pleistocene, through the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and into the historic and modern periods. The chief data reduction technique is a neighbor‐joining tree generated from the triangular matrix of mean measure of divergence values. Principal findings indicated a major dichotomization of the dataset into (1) an early Southeast Asian sample with close affinities to modern Australian and Melanesian populations and (2) a very distinct grouping of ancient and modern Northeast Asians. Distinct patterns of clinal variation among Neolithic and post‐Neolithic Mainland Southeast Asian samples suggest a center to periphery spread of genes into the region from Northeast Asia. This pattern is consistent with archaeological and linguistic evidence for demic diffusion that accompanied agriculturally driven population expansion in the Neolithic. Later Metal Age affinities between Island and Mainland coastal populations with Northeast Asian series is likely a consequence of a South China Sea interaction sphere operating from at least 500 BCE, if not from the Neolithic. Such results provide extensive support for the two‐layer hypothesis to account for the population history of the region. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:45–65, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional anatomy of subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson disease
Authors: Eisenstein Sarah A. , Koller Jonathan M. , Black Kathleen D. , Campbell Meghan C. , Lugar Heather M. , Ushe Mwiza , Tabbal Samer D. , Karimi Morvarid , Hershey Tamara , Perlmutter Joel S. , Black Kevin J.
Published: June 2014

Objective

We developed a novel method to map behavioral effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) across a 3‐dimensional brain region and to assign statistical significance after stringent type I error correction. This method was applied to behavioral changes in Parkinson disease (PD) induced by subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS to determine whether these responses depended on anatomical location of DBS.

Methods

Fifty‐one PD participants with STN DBS were evaluated off medication, with DBS off and during unilateral STN DBS with clinically optimized settings. Dependent variables included DBS‐induced changes in Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) subscores, kinematic measures of bradykinesia and rigidity, working memory, response inhibition, mood, anxiety, and akathisia. Weighted t tests at each voxel produced p images showing where DBS most significantly affected each dependent variable based on outcomes of participants with nearby DBS. Finally, a permutation test computed the probability that this p image indicated significantly different responses based on stimulation site.

Results

Most motor variables improved with DBS anywhere in the STN region, but several motor, cognitive, and affective responses significantly depended on precise location stimulated, with peak p values in superior STN/zona incerta (quantified bradykinesia), dorsal STN (mood, anxiety), and inferior STN/substantia nigra (UPDRS tremor, working memory).

Interpretation

Our method identified DBS‐induced behavioral changes that depended significantly on DBS site. These results do not support complete functional segregation within STN, because movement improved with DBS throughout, and mood improved with dorsal STN DBS. Rather, findings support functional convergence of motor, cognitive, and limbic information in STN. Ann Neurol 2014;76:279–295
Half‐submerged cultivation method for the microbial desulfurization of waste latex rubber
Authors: Yao Chu , Zhao Suhe , Hu Minghan , Wang Bingwu , Zhang Liqun
Published: June 2014

The common method for microbial desulfurization is the submerged cultivation method. However, its cost is high because of the high consumption of the medium. To cut costs and improve the desulfurization effect, the new half‐submerged cultivation method was used in the microbial desulfurization of waste latex rubber (WLR) by Sphingomonas species With this method, much more WLR was added per unit volume of the culture medium to be desulfurized, and the desulfurization process was done without stirring. The technical conditions, such as the addition of WLR, the addition of polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), and the desulfurization time, for the half‐submerged cultivation method were studied, and its desulfurization effect was compared with that of the traditional submerged cultivation method. The results show that the optimum conditions for the half‐submerged cultivation method were the addition of 40% w/v WLR in the medium without Tween 80 and desulfurization for 10 days. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results demonstrate that the decreases in the content of sulfur, SC bonds, and SS bonds on the surface of WLR after desulfurization by the half‐submerged cultivation method were greater than those after desulfurization by the submerged cultivation method. The composite of waste latex rubber desulfurized by the submerged cultivation method (SDWLR) and styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) had better mechanical properties than the composite of waste latex rubber desulfurized by the half‐submerged cultivation method (HDWLR) and SBR. Scanning electron microscopy photographs showed that the combinations of HDWLR and the matrix were better than those of SDWLR and the matrix. Compared with the submerged cultivation method, the half‐submerged cultivation method not only reduced the cost of desulfurization but also improved the desulfurization effect. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41039.
Patterned polymer surfaces with wetting contrast prepared by polydopamine modification
Authors: Zhang Liang , Yu Haizhu , Zhao Ning , Dang Zhi‐Min , Xu Jian
Published: June 2014

Patterned polymer surfaces with contrasting wettability are prepared by polydopamine (PD) modification. The fabrication process involves spraying dopamine solution droplets on hydrophobic polymer surfaces and PD deposition derived from the oxidative polymerization of dopamine. Each dopamine solution droplets functions as microreactor leading to the formation of patterned PD thin films on the solid/liquid interfaces. Multiple kinds of polymer substrates, including polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene, are endowed with PD patterns using this method. Two types of wetting behaviors are achieved in relation to the micro morphology of the substrates. If smooth or porous substrates are used, the as‐formed film exhibited hydrophilic‐hydrophobic pattern. When a hierarchical‐structured film is used, the uncoated and coated regions have similar static wettability but different dynamic wetting behavior. This PD modification method is also proved to be suitable for flexible and curved surfaces. The results along with the fact that PD could deposit on virtually any surfaces makes this method find wide practical applications in many fields. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41057.
Poly(lactic acid) stereocomplex formation: Application to PLA rheological property modification
Authors: Saeidlou Sajjad , Huneault Michel A. , Li Hongbo , Park Chul B.
Published: June 2014

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) stereocomplex formation in isothermal conditions in the absence and presence of a nucleating agent was studied from a rheological point of view due to sensitivity of viscoelastic properties to structural changes during this process. PDLA was melt blended in low concentrations with PLLA to produce a stereocomplex. Amorphous samples were prepared and crystallization was carried out in a rheometer at high temperatures to simulate melt processing conditions. Stereocomplexation was explored over time by measuring rheological parameters in small deformation oscillatory shear mode at a low frequency using parallel plate geometry. Kinetic data obtained by this means was compared to data from calorimetric studies, showing a different trend depending on the characterization method. Moreover, after the completion of crystallization, final crystalline structure was probed over a wide range of frequencies to investigate the rheological modification role of PDLA on PLLA major component. Differences in rheological characteristics of asymmetric PLLA/PDLA blends as compared to neat PLLA were associated to the structural changes happening because of the formation of the stereocomplex. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41073.
Influence of glycerides–xanthan gum synergy on their performance as lubricants for water‐based drilling fluids
Authors: Nunes Denise Gentili , da Silva Andréia de P.M. , Cajaiba João , Pérez‐Gramatges Aurora , Lachter Elizabeth Roditi , Nascimento Regina Sandra Veiga
Published: June 2014

Water‐based fluids for drilling wells are an environmentally friendly alternative to oil‐based formulations typically used in the oil industry. Aqueous mixtures of nonionic monoglyceride surfactants (C6, C8, C10, C12, and C18 carbon chains) and xanthan gum (XG) were investigated with that purpose, correlating their lubricity and solubility in water, as well as using surface tension and contact angle measurements. The results showed that monoglycerides behave as excellent lubricants in water, with a steady decrease of the friction coefficient as the hydrocarbon chain length increased. Monoglycerides were able to reduce the friction coefficient even further when used in XG suspensions, suggesting that they are probably forming a complex with the polysaccharide that shows a synergy toward their performance as lubricants. Experiments of adsorption onto iron oxide nanoparticles also produced evidence of the interaction between these molecules, which favors their adsorption on the metal surface. These results indicate that interactions occurring in solution between the surfactants and the polysaccharide are crucial in the mechanism of action of these mixtures as lubricants in water‐based drilling fluids. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41085.
The preparation and analysis of chlorinated ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer as coating film in gas‐solid phase
Authors: Jing Zhao , Liu Lijuan , Zhang Shukai , Zhao Jiruo , Feng Ying
Published: June 2014

In this article, the feasibility of preparing chlorinated ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (CEVA) in gas–solid phase is investigated. Furthermore, the structure of the chlorination product and its performance as a coating material are also analyzed. Both the molecular structure and crystallinity of the product are well studied with various characterization methods, including 1H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimeter, and so forth. The results show that the chlorination of EVA in gas–solid phase is feasible and the chlorine content of CEVA can be made over 60%. It is also found that when the chlorine content is low, chlorination can easily occur in ethylene section but rarely happens in vinyl acetate section. Nevertheless, when the chlorine content of CEVA rises over 35%, CH in the vinyl acetate section is also found chlorinated. The removal of hydrogen chloride is induced during chlorination, producing double bonds in the main chain. Besides, the trace of CCl2 structure can also be found in the chain of CEVA. After chlorination, the crystallization will change and is negatively correlated with chlorine content. As the film forming material for coating, CEVA has its best performance with 50% chlorine content. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41093.
Influences of processing on the phase transition and crystallization of polypropylene cast films
Authors: Xu Meng , Zhang Shijun , Liang Jieying , Quan Hui , Liu Jianye , Shi Hongwei , Gao Dali , Liu Jie
Published: June 2014

Phase transition and changes of properties of isotactic polypropylene (i‐PP) cast films with the processing conditions have been investigated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, two‐dimensional small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and atomic force microscopy. It was found that chill roll temperature was a major factor, which influenced the formation of mesomorphic phase and its transition to spherulitic structure. Only mesomorphic phase was observed in the films produced under a chill roll temperature of below 40°C. When the roll temperature was increased to 60°C, mesomorphic phase coexisted with spherulitic crystal structure, and totally transformed to monoclinic structure at the roll temperature of 80°C. Differential scanning calorimetry, tensile, and optical tests were also performed on the films. The results showed that the observed structure changes were closely related to the thermal behavior, tensile, and optical properties of the PP films. The influence of die temperature on the films was also discussed, but the effect was much less than chill roll temperature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41100.
First pass intestinal and liver metabolism of paracetamol in a microfluidic platform coupled with a mathematical modeling as a means of evaluating ADME processes in humans
Authors: Prot Jean Matthieu , Maciel Luis , Bricks Thibault , Merlier Franck , Cotton Jérôme , Paullier Patrick , Bois Fréderic Yves , Leclerc Eric
Published: June 2014

We developed a microfluidic platform to investigate paracetamol intestinal and liver first pass metabolism. This approach was coupled with a mathematical model to estimate intrinsic in vitro parameters and to predict in vivo processes. The kinetic modeling estimated the paracetamol and paracetamol sulfate permeabilities, the sulfate and glucuronide effluxes in the intestine compartment. Based on a gut model, we estimated intrinsic intestinal clearance of between 26 and 77 L/h for paracetamol in humans, a permeability of 10 L/h, and a gut availability between 0.17 and 0.53 (compared to 0.95—1 in vivo). The role played by the liver in paracetamol metabolism was estimated via in vitro intrinsic clearances of 7.6, 13.6, and 11.5 µL/min/106 cells for HepG2/C3a, rat primary hepatocytes, and human primary hepatocytes, respectively. Based on a parallel tube model to describe the liver, the paracetamol hepatic clearance, and the paracetamol hepatic availability in humans were estimated at 6.5 mL/min/kg of bodyweight (BDW) and 0.7, respectively (when compared to 5 mL/min/kg of BDW and 0.77 to 0.88 for in vivo values, respectively). The drug availability was predicted ranging between 0.24 and 0.41 (0.88 in vivo). The overall approach provided a first step in an integrated strategy combining in silico/in vitro methods based on microfluidic for evaluating drug absorption, distribution and metabolism processes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2027–2040. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure of dimeric axonemal dynein in cilia suggests an alternative mechanism of force generation
Authors: Ueno Hironori , Bui Khanh Huy , Ishikawa Takuji , Imai Yohsuke , Yamaguchi Takami , Ishikawa Takashi
Published: June 2014

The mechanism by which the two different heads of the ciliary outer dynein arm produce force to translocate the microtubule during beating is still unknown. In this report we use cryo‐electron tomography and image processing to analyze the conformational changes and the relative abundance of each conformation of the two dynein heads from mouse respiratory cilia. In the absence of nucleotides the majority of dynein dimers are in the apo form and both heads are tightly packed, whereas they are dissociated and move independently in the presence of nucleotides. The head of the external outer arm dynein heavy chain has a diagonal shift toward both the neighboring B‐tubule and the proximal end of the axoneme, while the head of the internal heavy chain shifts only longitudinally toward the proximal end. In the presence of nucleotides a significant number of the dynein dimers have two heads overlapped in the proximal shifting form or overlapped in the apo form. During ciliary bending axonemal dynein translocates microtubules by moving with short steps and two heads stay at the same position longer than cytoplasmic dynein. This demonstrates that the step of the outer arm dynein dimer is not dominated by the hand‐over‐hand motion, but also indicates the difference between axonemal dynein and cytoplasmic dynein. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What does feeding system morphology tell us about feeding?
Authors: Ross Callum F. , Iriarte‐Diaz Jose
Published: June 2014

Feeding is the set of behaviors whereby organisms acquire and process the energy required for survival and reproduction. Thus, feeding system morphology is presumably subject to selection to maintain or improve feeding performance. Relationships among feeding system morphology, feeding behavior, and diet not only explain the morphological diversity of extant primates, but can also be used to reconstruct feeding behavior and diet in fossil taxa. Dental morphology has long been known to reflect aspects of feeding behavior and diet but strong relationships of craniomandibular morphology to feeding behavior and diet have yet to be defined.
Advances in diagnostic modalities to detect occult lymph node metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: de Bree Remco , Takes Robert P. , Castelijns Jonas A. , Medina Jesus E. , Stoeckli Sandro J. , Mancuso Anthony A. , Hunt Jennifer L. , Rodrigo Juan P. , Triantafyllou Asterios , Teymoortash Afshin , Civantos Francisco J. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Pitman Karen T. , Hamoir Marc , Robbins K. Thomas , Silver Carl E. , Hoekstra Otto S. , Ferlito Alfio
Published: June 2014

Regional metastasis is a prominent feature of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and is an important prognostic factor. The currently available imaging techniques for assessment of the neck have limitations in accuracy; thus, elective neck dissection has remained the usual choice of management of the clinically N0 neck (cN0) for tumors with significant (≥20%) incidence of occult regional metastasis. As a consequence, the majority of patients without regional metastasis will undergo unnecessary treatment. The purpose of this review was to discuss new developments in techniques that potentially improve the accuracy of the assessment of the neck in patients with HNSCC. Although imaging has improved in the last decades, a limitation common to all imaging techniques is a lack of sensitivity for small tumor deposits. Therefore, complementary to improvements in imaging techniques, developments in more invasive diagnostic procedures, such as sentinel node biopsy (SNB) will add to the accuracy of diagnostic algorithms for the staging of the neck. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1829–1839, 2015
Hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility of the hirudin‐modified silk fibroin
Authors: Sun Dan , Hao Yunxia , Yang Gaoqiang , Wang Jiannan
Published: June 2014

Hirudin (Hir), a thrombin direct inhibitor, was used to modify a polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEG‐DE) crosslinked regenerated silk fibroin (SF) material to improve hemocompatibility. Hemolysis characteristics, platelet adhesion, platelet activity, and plasma recalcification time were investigated using absorption spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, MTT analysis, and the time counting method. Hirudin could be grafted evenly to the silk fibroin, and the modified material was resistant to hemolysis at ratios of less than 0.5%. Scanning electron microscopy and MTT results showed that platelet adhesion and aggregation activity decreased after modificaton with trace amounts of hirudin, compared with PEG‐DE crosslinked and ethanol‐treated silk fibroin film. Plasma recalcification of PEG‐DE crosslinked silk fibroin film was slower than with ethanol‐treated material, and this increased slightly after hirudin modification. Furthermore, L929, HAVSMC, and HUVEC cells adhered to the modified material, grew well, and possessed high proliferation activity on SF/Hir blend films. This study suggests that hirudin could improve the anticoagulation properties of regenerated silk fibroin materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 556–562, 2015.
“¡Fantástico!”
Authors: DeNicolo Christina P.
Published: June 2014

Drawing from a qualitative case study that examined the language practices and learning in a first grade bilingual classroom, the author discusses one teacher's daily process for the literacy event of the morning message. Primary findings indicate that the ways the teacher listened and responded to students during the morning message provided validation regarding their knowledge and role in the classroom. Several forms of validation were identified such as: stating agreement with students’ thoughts and opinions, identification of students’ intellectual strategies, and recognition of their cultural and linguistic knowledge. The forms of validation used during morning message supported student learning of academic language across their developing languages of Spanish and English as well as their ability to see themselves as valuable members of the learning community. This study builds on literacy research by exploring how morning message can promote student engagement, literacy development and metalinguistic awareness.
Biodiesel Synthesis in a Solvent‐Free System by Recombinant Rhizopus oryzae Lipase. Study of the Catalytic Reaction Progress
Authors: Canet Albert , Dolors Benaiges M. , Valero Francisco
Published: June 2014

The recombinant 1,3‐positional selective Rhizopus oryzae lipase (rROL) was used to synthesize biodiesel and monoacylglycerols simultaneously. The reaction was carried out in a solvent‐free system with the enzyme immobilized on octadecyl‐Sepabeads. Using response surface methodology, the methyl ester yield was optimized by means of the study of the effect of water, substrate molar ratio (methanol:olive oil) and methanol stepwise addition. It was concluded that in order to prevent enzyme inactivation by methanol, alcohol should be added slowly; otherwise a large amount of water would be present. Taking the best conditions, a 50.3 % yield was achieved in 3 h, which corresponds to 75.4 % of the acyl groups at the 1,3‐position undergoing transesterification. It was also concluded that methyl esters result from the esterification of the free fatty acid hydrolyzed by the enzyme and also from a direct transesterification of oil. In addition, the fatty acid selectivity of rROL was found not to favor one fatty acid in olive oil over another.
The (late?) modern family: The family's significance for adolescents in Germany and Israel
Authors: Girsh Yaron
Published: June 2014

This study presents German and Israeli youth's heroes and role models. Two hundred twenty‐six students from 22 high schools took part in small group interviews. Despite differences in the normative place of the family in the two cultures, the comparison reveals significant similarities between their views and what attributes the subjects assign to their families. Three main models of family members as hero arise from the data: The Self‐made Person; sacrifice and pro‐social action; and contending with everyday reality. The results point to a) the fading of traditional heroes from the imagination of youth in post‐industrial societies; b) the substantive place the family holds in young people's lives. I suggest that the rise of uncertainty and risk in the current socio‐historical constellation, contributes to adolescents' choice of figures from their immediate environments that embody safety and a moral framework.
Interaction between NOD2 and CARD9 involves the NOD2 NACHT and the linker region between the NOD2 CARDs and NACHT domain
Authors: Parkhouse Rhiannon , Boyle Joseph P. , Mayle Sophie , Sawmynaden Kovilen , Rittinger Katrin , Monie Tom P.
Published: June 2014

NOD2 activation by muramyl dipeptide causes a proinflammatory immune response in which the adaptor protein CARD9 works synergistically with NOD2 to drive p38 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signalling. To date the nature of the interaction between NOD2 and CARD9 remains undetermined. Here we show that this interaction is not mediated by the CARDs of NOD2 and CARD9 as previously suggested, but that NOD2 possesses two interaction sites for CARD9; one in the CARD–NACHT linker and one in the NACHT itself.
Endogenous XIAP, but not other members of the inhibitory apoptosis protein family modulates cerebellar granule neurons survival
Authors: Blancas Sugela , Fadó Rut , Rodriguez‐Alvarez José , Morán Julio
Published: June 2014

Programmed cell death plays a critical role during cerebellar development. In particular, it has been shown in vivo and in vitro that developing cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) die apoptotically. Apoptosis involves a series of morphological changes and the activation of caspases. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) is implicated in negative regulation of caspase activation and apoptotic cell death. Although apoptotic death of CGN has been extensively studied, there is no information about the role of IAPs in the developing cerebellum. Here, we studied the participation of some members of IAPs in the survival of the developing rat CGN in culture and under physiological conditions. Under these conditions, we found a differential expression pattern of cIAP‐1, cIAP‐2, XIAP and survivin during cerebellar development in an age‐dependent manner, highlighting the significant increase of XIAP levels. We also detected an interaction between XIAP and caspase 3 at postnatal day (P) 12 and 16. On the other hand, we found a significant decrease of XIAP levels in cultured CGN maintained in chronic potassium deprivation, an apoptotic condition, suggesting a possible relationship between XIAP levels and neuronal viability. Under these conditions, we also detected the interaction of XIAP with active caspase‐3. The down‐regulation of XIAP in CGN cultured under survival conditions (chronic potassium depolarization) induced a reduction of cell viability and an increment of apoptotic cells. These findings support the idea that IAPs could be involved in the survival of CGN and that XIAP might be critical for neuronal survival in cerebellar development and during chronic depolarization in cultured CGN through a mechanism involving caspase inhibition.
Proprioceptive-induced seizure in diabetic non-ketotic state: A video case report
Authors: Meenakshi-Sundaram Salvadeeswaran , Nagendran Karthik Somalinga , Swaminathan Krishnan , Rajavel Thembavani , Dharmapillai Amala , Sundar Bharathi
Published: June 2014

A 63-year-old diabetic gentleman with proprioceptive-induced seizures is reported. Marked hyperglycemia due to discontinuation of anti-diabetic medication was the precipitating cause. Distinctive clinical feature of this case was recurrent focal motor seizures involving the left upper limb precipitated by volitional movements of the same limb and self-aborted by holding the affected limb with the contralateral limb. This was accompanied by left brachial weakness without corresponding lesions on cranial MRI. Despite rapid achievement of euglycemia, seizures persisted and required anticonvulsant polytherapy for effective control.
The role of advocacy in the national strategy for maternal death review in Nigeria
Authors: Achem Fred F. , Agboghoroma Chris O. , Adeoye Moses O.
Published: June 2014

Strategic advocacy has played a substantial role in the development and implementation of maternal death review (MDR) in Nigeria. Stakeholders that include the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria have partnered with the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure a robust arrangement that will guarantee the success of MDR in this country. Consequently, it is envisaged that the program will both contribute to a sustainable reduction in the maternal mortality ratio and promote improvements in maternal health care. The Nigerian experience indicates that the influence of stakeholders, such as professional organizations, is essential to drive the development of MDR programs through provision of advocacy and technical support. The current convergence of factors—including global support, political will, technical innovations, and increased financial resources—provides an ideal opportunity to make MDR a reality for all countries.
Incidence of ambulatory care visits after needlestick and sharps injuries among healthcare workers in Taiwan: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Wang Shyang‐Guang , Hung Chin‐Tun , Li Shu‐Fen , Lu Yu‐Chun , Chang Shu‐Chuan , Lee Horng‐Mo , Pai Lee‐Wen , Lai Fu‐I , Huang Yu‐Wen , Chung Yueh‐Chin
Published: June 2014

Healthcare professionals have a high risk of needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs), which have a high potential for disease transmission. Ambulatory care follow up is essential, but is usually overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the annual and cumulative (age‐, sex‐, and subtype‐specific) incidences of ambulatory care visits after NSIs. This study was also designed to evaluate the incidences of blood‐borne diseases associated with NSIs among Taiwanese health professionals in Taiwan between 2004 and 2010. Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database, which contains anonymized records representing approximately 99% of the Taiwan population. A total of 4443 nurse healthcare workers (NHCWs) and 3138 non‐nurse healthcare workers (NNHCWs), including physicians, medical technologists, and other health professionals were included in this longitudinal study. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The Mantel‐Haenszel method was used to adjust for sex, age, and type of affiliation. Results showed that the annual incidence of ambulatory care visits of NHCWs increased from 0.7% in 2004 to 1.9% in 2010; this incidence was significantly higher than that of NNHCWs (from 0.3% in 2004 to 0.5% in 2010) in any yearly comparison (p < 0.05). The sex‐adjusted 7‐year cumulative incidence rate was 3.23 (95% CI = 1.23–8.45) in males and 3.92 (95% CI = 2.70–5.69) in females (p < 0.05). The age‐adjusted 7‐year cumulative incidence rate was 2.74 (95% CI = 1.99–3.77) and 2.14 (95% CI = 1.49–3.07) in subjects ≤ 30 and ≥31 years old, respectively (p < 0.0005). The affiliation‐adjusted 7‐year cumulative incidence rate was 1.89 (95% CI = 1.21–2.94) in medical centers and 3.33 (95% CI = 2.51–4.41) in nonmedical centers (p < 0.01). In conclusion, NSIs increased steadily from 2004 to 2010 in Taiwan with NHCWs having higher NSIs incidences than NNHCWs. A routine ambulatory care visit after NSIs can prevent blood‐borne transmission, especially for NHCWs. Educational programs may be helpful for reducing the incidence of NSIs and increasing ambulatory care visit ratios after NSIs.
A three-dimensional interpenetrating electrode of reduced graphene oxide for selective detection of dopamine
Authors: Yu Xiaowen , Sheng Kaixuan , Shi Gaoquan
Published: June 2014

A three-dimensional (3D) interpenetrating electrode of reduced graphene oxide with high electrocatalytic activity was fabricated by one-step electrodeposition for selective detection of dopamine.