bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐level laser therapy alleviates neuropathic pain and promotes function recovery in rats with chronic constriction injury: Possible involvements in hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α)
Authors: Hsieh Yueh‐Ling , Chou Li‐Wei , Chang Pei‐Lin , Yang Chen‐Chia , Kao Mu‐Jung , Hong Chang‐Zern
Published: February 2012

Nerve inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of neuropathic pain after chronic constrictive injury (CCI). Recent studies have indicated that hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) is crucial in inflammation. Low‐level laser therapy has been used in treating musculoskeletal pain, but rare data directly support its use for neuropathic pain. We investigated the effects of low‐level laser on the accumulation of HIF‐1α, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in controlling neuropathic pain, as well as on the activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in promoting functional recovery in a rat CCI model. CCI was induced by placing four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve of rats. Treatments of low‐level laser (660 nm, 9 J/cm2) or sham irradiation (0 J/cm2) were performed at the CCI sites for 7 consecutive days. The effects of laser in animals with CCI were determined by measuring the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold, as well as the sciatic, tibial, and peroneal function indices. Histopathological and immunoassay analyses were also performed. Low‐level laser therapy significantly improved paw withdrawal threshold and the sciatic, tibial, and peroneal functional indices after CCI. The therapy also significantly reduced the overexpressions of HIF‐1α, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β, and increased the amounts of VEGF, NGF, and S100 proteins. In conclusion, a low‐level laser could modulate HIF‐1α activity. Moreover, it may also be used as a novel and clinically applicable therapeutic approach for the improvement of tissue hypoxia/ischemia and inflammation in nerve entrapment neuropathy, as well as for the promotion of nerve regeneration. These findings might lead to a sufficient morphological and functional recovery of the peripheral nerve. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:2903–2916, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of G protein‐coupled receptor 56 protein expression in the mouse developing neocortex
Authors: Jeong Sung‐Jin , Luo Rong , Li Shihong , Strokes Natalie , Piao Xianhua
Published: February 2012

GPR56, one of the adhesion G‐protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), plays an important role in the development of the cerebral cortex. Mutations in GPR56 cause a severe human cortical malformation called bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria (BFPP), characterized by a global malformation of the cerebral cortex that most severely affects the frontal and parietal regions. To characterize the expression pattern of GPR56 in the developing cerebral cortex, we developed a mouse monoclonal antibody against mouse GPR56. We revealed that GPR56 is expressed in multiple cell types in the preplate, marginal zone, subventricular zone (SVZ), and ventricular zone (VZ). Most interestingly, the expression of GPR56 in preplate neurons showed an anterior‐to‐posterior gradient at embryonic day (E) 10.5–11.5. In contrast, the expression pattern of the GPR56 ligand, collagen III, revealed no visible gradient pattern. With the widespread expression of GPR56 in the developing cortex, it is difficult to draw a specific conclusion as to which of the GPR56‐expressing cells are critical for human brain development. However, the correlation between GPR56 expression in neurons at E10.5–E11.5 and the anatomic distribution of the cortical malformation in both humans and mice suggests that its function in preplate neurons is indispensible. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:2930–2940, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonregenerative Natural Resources in a Sustainable System of Energy Supply
Authors: Bradshaw Alex M. , Hamacher Thomas
Published: February 2012

Following the lead of the European Union in introducing binding measures to promote the use of regenerative energy forms, it is not unreasonable to assume that the global demand for combustible raw materials for energy generation will be reduced considerably in the second half of this century. This will not only have a favourable effect on the CO2concentration in the atmosphere, but will also help preserve fossil fuels—important as raw materials in the chemical industry—for future generations. Nevertheless, associated with the concomitant massive shift to regenerative energy forms, there will be a strong demand for other exhaustible raw materials, in particular metals, some of which are already regarded as scarce. After reviewing the debate on mineral depletion between “cornucopians” and “pessimists”, we discuss the meaning of mineral “scarcity”, particularly in the geochemical sense, and mineral “exhaustion”. The expected drastic increase in demand for mineral resources caused by demographic and societal pressures, that is, due to the increase in in‐use stock, is emphasised. Whilst not discussing the issue of “strong” versus “weak” sustainability in detail, we conclude that regenerative energy systems—like nearly all resource‐consuming systems in our society—do not necessarily satisfy generally accepted sustainability criteria. In this regard, we discuss some current examples, namely, lithium and cobalt for batteries, rare earth‐based permanent magnets for wind turbines, cadmium and tellurium for solar cells and copper for electrical power distribution.
Exploiting scheduling and free‐riding for offline downloading in BitTorrent networks
Authors: Teng Wei‐Guang , Cheng Wei‐Hao
Published: February 2012

Recently, the peer‐to‐peer (P2P) architecture has become a popular scheme for Internet users to rapidly exchange files. As reported in previous studies, P2P traffic accounts for a significant portion of overall Internet traffic. Many computing resources, for example, network bandwidth and disk space, may be consumed by P2P clients. Accordingly, in this paper, we devise a novel scheme that integrates advantageous features of both the conventional client–server and the P2P architectures to create an offline downloading service. Specifically, the proposed service acts as an agent that downloads required files from the BitTorrent network without consuming local computing resources. In other words, users can stay offline during the download process. Because the proposed scheme aims to provide service to numerous users at the same time, a proper scheduling technique is adopted to achieve better download performance. Moreover, a free‐riding mechanism is seamlessly incorporated with the proposed priority queuing to facilitate more effective bandwidth utilization. Empirical studies show that our scheme is promising in practical applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial and temporal determinants of genetic structure in Gentianella bohemica
Authors: Königer Julia , Rebernig Carolin A. , Brabec Jiří , Kiehl Kathrin , Greimler Josef
Published: February 2012

The biennial plant Gentianella bohemica is a subendemic of the Bohemian Massif, where it occurs in seminatural grasslands. It has become rare in recent decades as a result of profound changes in land use. Using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) fingerprint data, we investigated the genetic structure within and among populations of G. bohemica in Bavaria, the Czech Republic, and the Austrian border region. The aim of our study was (1) to analyze the genetic structure among populations and to discuss these findings in the context of present and historical patterns of connectivity and isolation of populations, (2) to analyze genetic structure among consecutive generations (cohorts of two consecutive years), and (3) to investigate relationships between intrapopulational diversity and effective population size (Ne) as well as plant traits. (1) The German populations were strongly isolated from each other (pairwise FST= 0.29–0.60) and from all other populations (FST= 0.24–0.49). We found a pattern of near panmixis among the latter (FST= 0.15–0.35) with geographical distance explaining only 8% of the genetic variance. These results were congruent with a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and analysis using STRUCTURE to identify genetically coherent groups. These findings are in line with the strong physical barrier and historical constraints, resulting in separation of the German populations from the others. (2) We found pronounced genetic differences between consecutive cohorts of the German populations (pairwise FST= 0.23 and 0.31), which can be explained by local population history (land use, disturbance). (3) Genetic diversity within populations (Shannon index, HSh) was significantly correlated with Ne (RS= 0.733) and reflected a loss of diversity due to several demographic bottlenecks. Overall, we found that the genetic structure in G. bohemica is strongly influenced by historical periods of high connectivity and isolation as well as by marked demographic fluctuations in declining populations.
Possible effects of global environmental changes on Antarctic benthos: a synthesis across five major taxa
Authors: Ingels Jeroen , Vanreusel Ann , Brandt Angelika , Catarino Ana I. , David Bruno , De Ridder Chantal , Dubois Philippe , Gooday Andrew J. , Martin Patrick , Pasotti Francesca , Robert Henri
Published: February 2012

Because of the unique conditions that exist around the Antarctic continent, Southern Ocean (SO) ecosystems are very susceptible to the growing impact of global climate change and other anthropogenic influences. Consequently, there is an urgent need to understand how SO marine life will cope with expected future changes in the environment. Studies of Antarctic organisms have shown that individual species and higher taxa display different degrees of sensitivity to environmental shifts, making it difficult to predict overall community or ecosystem responses. This emphasizes the need for an improved understanding of the Antarctic benthic ecosystem response to global climate change using a multitaxon approach with consideration of different levels of biological organization. Here, we provide a synthesis of the ability of five important Antarctic benthic taxa (Foraminifera, Nematoda, Amphipoda, Isopoda, and Echinoidea) to cope with changes in the environment (temperature, pH, ice cover, ice scouring, food quantity, and quality) that are linked to climatic changes. Responses from individual to the taxon‐specific community level to these drivers will vary with taxon but will include local species extinctions, invasions of warmer‐water species, shifts in diversity, dominance, and trophic group composition, all with likely consequences for ecosystem functioning. Limitations in our current knowledge and understanding of climate change effects on the different levels are discussed.
Declaring the existence of human germ‐cell mutagens
Authors: DeMarini David M.
Published: February 2012

After more than 80 years of searching for human germ‐cell mutagens, I think that sufficient evidence already exists for a number of agents to be so considered, and definitive confirmation seems imminent due to the application of recently developed genomic techniques. In preparation for this, an assessment panel of internationally recognized experts in germ‐cell biology and genomics is required to consider either the current evidence now, or impending genomic evidence later, to declare whether an agent is a human germ‐cell mutagen. I propose that such a panel be organized under the aegis of the World Health Organization and constructed similarly to the working groups assembled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer for the evaluation of human carcinogens. Support from prominent national and international organizations would be important. Many regulatory agencies already have procedures in place for assessing potential human germ‐cell mutagens, and the time is approaching when definitive genomic data in humans will obligate such evaluations. In my view, application of an IARC‐type of assessment using available evidence leads to the conclusion that ionizing radiation, cancer chemotherapy, cigarette smoking, and air pollution are “Group 1” human germ‐cell mutagens. Consideration of the potential adverse health effects to the unexposed offspring of an exposed parent will usher in an entirely new realm of environmental health assessment. I suggest that the long search for human germ‐cell mutagens is about to end, and a demonstration of the much‐anticipated linkage between heritable disease and environmental factors is poised to begin. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA dysregulation in cancer: diagnostics, monitoring and therapeutics. A comprehensive review
Authors: Iorio Marilena V. , Croce Carlo M.
Published: February 2012

Early studies have shown how aberrantly expressed microRNAs are a hallmark of several diseases like cancer. MicroRNA expression profiling was shown to be associated with tumour development, progression and response to therapy, suggesting their possible use as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Moreover, based on the increasing number of studies demonstrating that microRNAs can function as potential oncogenes or oncosuppressor genes, with the goal to improve disease response and increase cure rates, miRNA‐based anticancer therapies have recently been exploited, either alone or in combination with current targeted therapies. The advantage of using microRNA approaches is based on its ability to concurrently target multiple effectors of pathways involved in cell differentiation, proliferation and survival. Here, we review our current knowledge about the involvement of microRNAs in cancer, and their potential as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools.
Effect of lead core heating on the seismic performance of bridges isolated with LRB in near‐fault zones
Authors: Ozdemir Gokhan , Dicleli Murat
Published: February 2012

In this paper, the effect of lead core heating and associated strength deterioration on the seismic response of bridges isolated with lead rubber bearings (LRB) is investigated as a function of the characteristics of the isolator and near fault ground motions with forward rupture directivity effect. Furthermore, the ability of bounding analyses to provide a design envelope for maximum isolator force and maximum isolator displacement is verified. For this purpose, a series of nonlinear dynamic analyses are conducted for LRB isolated bridges where both deteriorating and non‐deteriorating force‐deformation relationship of LRB were employed. The analyses are performed for both simulated and recorded ground motions. It is found that while the temperature rise in the lead core generally increases with increasing magnitude and number of near fault ground motion velocity pulses, it decreases with larger distances from the fault. It is also found that bounding analysis method provides conservative (envelope) estimates of maximum isolator displacement and maximum isolator force for design purposes that fulfill its intended purpose. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postglacial sediment budget of Chilliwack Valley, British Columbia
Authors: Tunnicliffe Jon , Church Michael , Clague John J. , Feathers James K.
Published: February 2012

The paraglacial reworking of glacial sediments by rivers and mass wasting is an important conditioning factor for modern sediment yields in mountainous catchments in formerly glaciated regions. Catchment scale and patterns of sediment storage are important influences in the rate of postglacial adjustment. We develop a quantitative framework to estimate the volume, sediment type, and fractional size distribution of legacy glacial materials in a large (1230 km2) watershed in the North Cascade Mountains in south‐western British Columbia, Canada. Chilliwack Valley is exceptional because of the well‐dated bounds of deglaciation. Interpolation of paleo‐surfaces from partially eroded deposits in the valley allows us to estimate the total evacuated sediment volume. We present a chronology of sediment evacuation from the valley and deposition in the outlet fan, based on infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and14 C dating of river terraces and fan strata, respectively. The effects of paraglacial sedimentation in Chilliwack Valley were intensified through a major fall in valley base‐level following ice retreat. The steepened mainstem valley gradient led to deep incision of valley fills and fan deposits in the lower valley network. The results of this integrated study provide a postglacial chronology and detailed sediment budget, accounting for long‐term sorting of the original sediments, lag deposit formation in the mainstem, deposition in the outlet fan, and approximate downstream losses of suspended sediment and wash load. The mass balance indicates that a bulk volume of approximately 3.2 km3of glacial material has been evacuated from the valley. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MORAL HAZARD AND SUPPLIER‐INDUCED DEMAND: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE IN GENERAL PRACTICE
Authors: van Dijk Christel E. , van den Berg Bernard , Verheij Robert A. , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Groenewegen Peter P. , de Bakker Dinny H.
Published: February 2012

Changes in cost sharing and remuneration system in the Netherlands in 2006 led to clear changes in financial incentives faced by both consumers and general practitioner (GPs). For privately insured consumers, cost sharing was abolished, whereas those socially insured never faced cost sharing. The separate remuneration systems for socially insured consumers (capitation) and privately insured consumers (fee‐for‐service) changed to a combined system of capitation and fee‐for‐service for both groups. Our first hypothesis was that privately insured consumers had a higher increase in patient‐initiated GP contact rates compared with socially insured consumers. Our second hypothesis was that socially insured consumers had a higher increase in physician‐initiated contact rates. Data were used from electronic medical records from 32 GP‐practices and 35 336 consumers in 2005–2007. A difference‐in‐differences approach was applied to study the effect of changes in cost sharing and remuneration system on contact rates. Abolition of cost sharing led to a higher increase in patient‐initiated utilisation for privately insured consumers in persons aged 65 and older. Introduction of fee‐for‐service for socially insured consumers led to a higher increase in physician‐initiated utilisation. This was most apparent in persons aged 25 to 54. Differences in the trend in physician‐initiated utilisation point to an effect of supplier‐induced demand. Differences in patient‐initiated utilisation indicate limited evidence for moral hazard. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Meaning of Black Music
Authors: Byrd Donald
Published: February 2012

Donald Byrd is an internationally acclaimed jazz musician and has recorded over twenty albums. In this article he clearly states that Black music is an expression of the Black experience or the reality of Black life. Counseling, a process that engages the experience of the person(s) counseled, ignores an important expressive outlet Blacks have used in their struggle for survival. Dr. Byrd's article also outlines the dimensions of the Black aesthetic inherent in Black music. Black music is a manifestation of Black people, and if counselors are to understand Black people and facilitate their growth, they must listen to and understand the love, hurt, joy, despair, loneliness, pride, anger, and consciousness in Black music.
Fast Thermal Evaporation in Purification of 1,4‐Di(pyren‐1‐ly)benzene
Authors: Hsu Chung‐Yi , Lin Hung‐Yin , Yan Xuan‐You , Huang Tsung‐Syun , Su Yan‐Kuin , Whang Thou‐Jen
Published: February 2012

This work presents a fast purification system that involves a vertical quartz tube and vacuum sublimation for separation without dilution. This system produced re‐crystallized 1,4‐di(pyren‐1‐yl)benzene (DPB) in a few hours following the synthesis of pyrene derivatives with a mole yield ratio of 1,4‐di(pyrene‐1‐yl)benzene to 1‐phenylpyrene (1PP) of 5:1. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) were utilized to identify the products. Finally, the lifetimes of pyrene derivatives DPB and 1PP were determined by exponential regression to be 10.0 ± 0.14 and 3.3 ± 0.15 ns, respectively. From the lifetime measurements, the purity of the photo‐responsive materials could be easily determined. To prevent red‐shift of electro‐luminescence (EL) spectra by the energy transfer mechanism, it has acquired to elect transfer layers for pure electroluminescence. A co‐catalytic reaction reduced the amount of impurities and eliminated the need for the use of a solvent in the purification step.
Fed‐batch fermentation of olive mill wastewaters for lipase production
Authors: Gonçalves Cristiana , Oliveira Felisbela , Pereira Carina , Belo Isabel
Published: February 2012

In the Mediterranean basin countries, huge amounts of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) are produced by the olive oil industry. It constitutes a serious environmental problem, nevertheless its composition turns OMW into a potential growth medium to lipolytic microorganisms. The aim of this work was to study lipase production as well as OMW degradation in fed‐batch cultures of Candida cylindracea CBS 7869, Candida rugosa CBS 2275 and Yarrowia lipolytica W29 (ATCC 20460). Besides the improvement of lipase production, the fed‐batch approach enhanced the effluent degradation, since it led to good COD and lipids reduction, both higher than 50%. C. rugosa achieved the highest value of lipase productivity (130 U L−1 h−1), in parallel with highest lipids reduction (77%). This study demonstrates that OMW are becoming a competitive and valuable growth medium in fermentation processes with lipolytic microorganisms. The fed‐batch strategy used proved to be an efficient approach to enhance lipase production from OMW and to reduce significantly the final organic load of the medium. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Heterogeneously catalyzing C–C coupling reactions with precious metal nanoparticles
Authors: Beaumont Simon K.
Published: February 2012

C–C coupling reactions are ubiquitous in synthetic chemistry, joining together fragments of larger molecules within overall synthetic schemes. Many obvious operational advantages would result from catalyzing such processes heterogeneously, however, there has been much controversy over whether metal nanoparticles (typically Pd) can be used in this role, or if catalysis in such cases occurs instead on metal ions leached into solution. In this mini‐review selected examples of attempts to distinguish the homo‐ or hetero‐geneity of such reactions, using Pd and Au nanoparticles, are highlighted. In particular, several interesting recent results are explored that demonstrate such metal nanoparticle catalyzed reactions can occur in a heterogeneous mode. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationships between daily affect and pro‐environmental behavior at work: The moderating role of pro‐environmental attitude
Authors: Bissing‐Olson Megan J. , Iyer Aarti , Fielding Kelly S. , Zacher Hannes
Published: February 2012

Research in organizational psychology has increasingly focused on understanding the determinants of “green” employee behavior. The present study used a daily diary design to investigate relationships between employees' daily affect, pro‐environmental attitude, as well as daily task‐related pro‐environmental behavior (i.e., the extent to which employees complete required work tasks in environmentally friendly ways), and daily proactive pro‐environmental behavior (i.e., the extent to which employees show personal initiative when acting in environmentally friendly ways at work). Fifty‐six employees working in small businesses completed a baseline survey and two daily surveys over ten workdays. Daily unactivated positive affect and pro‐environmental attitude positively predicted daily task‐related pro‐environmental behavior. In addition, daily activated positive affect positively predicted daily proactive pro‐environmental behavior among employees with a less positive pro‐environmental attitude but not among employees with a more positive pro‐environmental attitude. These findings suggest that fostering pro‐environmental attitudes and, to some extent, positive affect among employees could help organizations to promote pro‐environmental behavior in the workplace. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical indices of the northward rainfall progression over eastern Africa
Authors: Riddle Emily E. , Wilks Daniel S.
Published: February 2012

Two statistical indices are developed to represent the northward progression of rainfall between late January and late July over eastern Africa. The first, a Seasonal Location Index, extracts the seasonal phase associated with a daily rainfall map using a principal component analysis. The second, a Rainfall Cluster Index, describes the seasonal cycle as a progression through a series of rainfall patterns that have been defined using a cluster analysis. The indices are used to identify large seasonal shifts in the latitude of rainfall, to examine when these shifts occur, and to investigate circulation features associated with perturbations ahead of and behind the mean seasonal cycle. These indices are potentially useful for exploring the predictability of rainfall transitions at both short‐range and seasonal timescales. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Simulating changes of spring Asian‐Pacific oscillation and associated atmospheric circulation in the mid‐Holocene
Authors: Zhou Botao , Zhao Ping
Published: February 2012

Changes of the upper‐tropospheric temperature teleconnection and the associated atmospheric circulations in spring (Mar‐April‐May, MAM) during the mid‐Holocene are preliminarily examined by using the CCSM3 simulation data archived in the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) database. The simulation result shows that in the mid‐Holocene the atmospheric circulation over the Asian‐North Pacific region showed the variability of the teleconnection pattern resembling the present Asian‐Pacific oscillation (APO), which is characterized by a warming (cooling) upper troposphere over Asia corresponding to a cooling (warming) upper troposphere over the North Pacific and indicates a thermal contrast between Asia and the North Pacific. In comparison with the present climate, the mid‐Holocene upper‐tropospheric temperature in spring was modelled to be lower over Asia and higher over the North Pacific, indicative of a weaker spring APO. Associated with such a condition, both the upper‐tropospheric high (low) and the lower‐tropospheric low (high) over Asia (central‐eastern Pacific) were weakened in the mid‐Holocene. Accordingly, anomalous descending (ascending) motion appeared over East Asia (central‐eastern Pacific). This circulation background is unfavourable (favourable) for the occurrence of precipitation, and thus the mid‐Holocene precipitation decreases (increases) in this region as compared with the present. Hence, the change of the spring thermal contrast between Asia and the North Pacific played a crucial role in the anomalies of the atmospheric circulations and precipitation over the Asian‐Pacific region during the mid‐Holocene. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Synoptic and climatological controls of particulate matter pollution in a Southern Hemisphere coastal city
Authors: Appelhans Tim , Sturman Andrew , Zawar‐Reza Peyman
Published: February 2012

A complex interaction of local meteorology and source characteristics regularly leads to nocturnal smog events during winter in Christchurch, New Zealand. The main focus of this article is on improving understanding of the relationship between atmospheric processes operating at a range of scales that leads to poor air quality in such urban environments. This research therefore aims to provide a quantitative analysis of atmospheric influences on particulate matter pollution in Christchurch across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, from local to hemispheric and daily to interannual. The probability of exceeding the National Environmental Standard for PM10 for a range of local atmospheric conditions is calculated using the classification and regression trees technique, and links between these probabilities, local meteorology and synoptic weather situations are established. The effect of the transition between synoptic types on local air quality is also examined, and the progression of anticyclones across the country is identified to be the dominant synoptic control mechanism. It is shown that variation in latitudinal location of the path of anticyclones over New Zealand influences the predicted exceedance probability. On interdecadal and hemispheric scales, it is found that the particular combination of local and synoptic atmospheric conditions that favours air quality degradation shows a reoccurring pattern of frequency maxima (and minima) with a periodicity of approximately 14‐16 years. In relation to the identified interdecadal variability of synoptic circulation, a close relationship to Southern Hemisphere pressure anomalies at high latitudes is revealed. The results of this research show that, in addition to daily weather variation, air quality in Christchurch is influenced by longer‐term climatic processes that operate on interannual hemispheric scales with the implication that, in general, air pollution potential can also be expected to vary on a periodic interdecadal time scale. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Variation in oil content and fatty acid composition of the seed oil of Acacia species collected from the northwest zone of India
Authors: Khan Riyazuddeen , Srivastava Ruchi , Khan Mather Ali , Alam Pravej , Abdin Malik Zainul , Mahmooduzzaf1r
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: The oil content and fatty acid composition of the mature seeds of Acacia species collected from natural habitat of the northwest zone of the Indian subcontinent (Rajasthan) were analyzed in order to determine their potential for human or animal consumption.

RESULTS: Oil content varied between 40 and 102 g kg−1. The highest oil content was obtained in Acacia bivenosa DC. (102 g kg−1) among the nine Acacia species. The fatty acid composition showed higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid (∼757.7 g kg−1 in A. bivenosa), oleic acid (∼525.0 g kg−1 in A. nubica) and dominant saturated fatty acids were found to be 192.5 g kg−1 palmitic acid and 275.6 g kg−1 stearic acid in A. leucophloea and A. nubica respectively. Seed oils of Acacia species can thus be classified in the linoleic–oleic acid group. Significant variations were observed in oil content and fatty acid composition of Acacia species.

CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the seed oil of Acacia species could be a new source of high linoleic–oleic acid‐rich edible oil and its full potential should be exploited. The use of oil from Acacia seed is of potential economic benefit to the poor native population of the areas where it is cultivated. The fatty acid composition of Acacia seed oils is very similar to that reported for commercially available edible vegetable oils like soybean, mustard, sunflower, groundnut and olive. Hence the seed oil of Acacia species could be a new source of edible vegetable oil after toxicological studies. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
SOIL CO2 FLUX IN GRASSLAND, AFFORESTED LAND AND RECLAIMED COALMINE OVERBURDEN DUMPS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Mukhopadhyay S. , Maiti S. K.
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to measure the in situ soil CO2 flux from grassland, afforested land and reclaimed coalmine overburden dumps by using the automated soil CO2 flux system (LICOR‐8100® infrared gas analyzer, LICOR Inc., Lincoln, NE). The highest soil CO2 flux was observed in natural grassland (11·16 µmol CO2 m−2s−1), whereas the flux was reduced by 38 and 59 per cent in mowed site and at 15‐cm depth, respectively. The flux from afforested area was found 5·70 µmol CO2 m−2s−1, which is 50 per cent lower than natural grassland. In the reclaimed coalmine overburden dumps, the average flux under tree plantation was found to be lowest in winter and summer (0·89–1·12 µmol CO2 m−2s−1) and highest during late monsoon (3–3·5 µmol CO2 m−2s−1). During late monsoon, the moisture content was found to be higher (6–7·5 per cent), which leads to higher microbial activity and decomposition. In the same area under grass cover, soil CO2 flux was found to be higher (8·94 µmol CO2 m−2s−1) compared with tree plantation areas because of higher root respiration and microbial activity. The rate of CO2 flux was found to be determined predominantly by soil moisture and soil temperature. Our study indicates that the forest ecosystem plays a crucial role in combating global warming than grassland; however, to reduce CO2 flux from grassland, mowing is necessary. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive Polymer Coatings: A General Route to Thiol‐ene and Thiol‐yne Click Reactions
Authors: Wu Jyun‐Ting , Huang Chi‐Hui , Liang Wei‐Chieh , Wu Yen‐Lin , Yu Jiashing , Chen Hsien‐Yeh
Published: February 2012

Reactive polymer coatings were synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization process. These coatings decouple surface design from bulk properties of underlying materials and provide a facile and general route to support thiol‐ene and thiol‐yne reactions on a variety of substrate materials. Through the reported technique, surface functions can be activated through a simple design of thiol‐terminated molecules such as polyethylene glycols (PEGs) or peptides (GRGDYC), and the according biological functions were demonstrated in controlled and low‐fouling protein adsorptions as well as accurately manipulated cell attachments.
Delay structure of wideband noises with application to filtering problems
Authors: Bashirov Agamirza , Mazhar Zeka , Etikan Hüseyin , Ertürk Sinem
Published: February 2012

The paper presents a mathematical theory of handling and working with wideband noises. We demonstrate that a wideband noise can be represented as a distributed delay of a white noise. From this, we deduce that the behavior of a wideband noise is the same as the behavior of an infinite dimensional colored noise along the boundary line. All these are used to deduce a complete set of formulae for the Kalman‐type optimal filter and also to derive nonlinear filtering equation for wideband‐noise‐driven linear and nonlinear systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic cure kinetics of epoxy resins using an amine‐containing borate as a latent hardener
Authors: Liu Qiao Yan , Chen Jin Bin , Liu Shu Mei , Zhao Jian Qing
Published: February 2012

An amine‐containing borate (labeled NBD) was obtained by a one‐step esterification using neopentyl glycol, boric acid and N,N‐dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) as reactants, and nuclear magnetic resonance as well as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements were used to characterize its chemical structure. The thermally latent curing properties of NBD were confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FTIR and gelation time results. The cure processes of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether epoxy resins (E51) using NBD as a latent hardener in comparison with a common hardener, DMEA, were studied by DSC measurements. The Avrami and Arrhenius methods as well as the Horowitz‐Metzger method were used to calculate kinetic parameters. These methods also revealed a transition at which the cure reaction mechanism showed a marked change and provided the apparent activation energy Ea associated with the cure reaction at different reaction stages. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Interfacial interaction and mechanical properties of chitin whisker–poly(vinyl alcohol) gel‐spun nanocomposite fibers
Authors: Uddin Ahmed Jalal , Araki Jun , Fujie Masahiro , Sembo Shinichiro , Gotoh Yasuo
Published: February 2012

Nanocomposite fibers were prepared from chitin whiskers (ChWs) as the reinforcing phase and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as the matrix. Colloidal suspensions of ChWs, obtained by acid hydrolysis of chitin from crab shell, were thoroughly mixed with aqueous PVA. The homogeneous PVA–ChW suspensions were gel‐spun into a methanol coagulating bath. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction patterns evidenced the orientation of ChWs along the fiber axis. From differential scanning calorimetry, the crystallinity of the PVA component was found to increase with ChW loading due to the possible dragging of PVA chains adhering to ChWs during vertical extrusion. The non‐isothermal crystallization peak of PVA was observed to shift to lower temperature with ChW loading indicating interfacial interactions between PVA and ChW. Further interaction between PVA and ChW was evidenced by the shifting of the Fourier transform infrared bands of PVA to lower wavenumber and the dynamic tan δ peak, corresponding to α‐relaxation of PVA, shifting to higher temperature. The interaction of ChWs with the matrix PVA yielded a significant enhancement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystallization, rheological behavior and mechanical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites containing graphitic fillers: a comparative study
Authors: Cao Jun , Wang Yu , Ke Kai , Luo Yong , Yang Wei , Xie Bang‐Hu , Yang Ming‐Bo
Published: February 2012

The effect of three kinds of graphitic fillers with distinct morphologies, natural graphite sheets (NGs), chemically reduced graphite oxide sheets (CRGs) and thermally reduced graphite oxide sheets (TRGs), on the crystallization, rheological behavior and mechanical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based composites has been investigated comparatively. NGs exhibit smooth surface and multilayer‐stacked structure; most CRGs are in the form of aggregates that are restacked during reduction; while TRGs show a wrinkled topography of relatively thin graphene sheets. The introduction of these graphitic fillers into the PVDF matrix contributes differently to the crystallization, rheological behavior and mechanical properties of the composites. Among them, TRGs show the greatest strengthening effect, as revealed by rheological and dynamic mechanical responses. Compared with chemical reduction technology, thermal reduction is a more economical, environmentally friendly and scalable approach to prepare functionalized graphene sheets. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Psychological aspects affect quality of life in patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Handschel Jörg , Naujoks Christian , Hofer Matthias , Krüskemper Gertrud
Published: February 2012

Quality of life (QoL) in head and neck cancer patients has been of increasing interest for some years. Unfortunately, only poor data exist regarding the impact of professional psychological support on QoL.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate psychological aspects of QoL as well as the potential need for additional psychological treatment.

Material and methods

A total collective of 1761 patients from 38 hospitals yielding 1652 patients' questionnaires containing 147 items was evaluated. QoL, impairments and psychological and surgical treatment were evaluated.

Results

Most patients had no psychological interview, and the majority of those who had an interview did not even want one. However, 17% of those patients who did not receive an interview wished to have one. When a psychological interview was performed, most patients (77.5%) evaluated this as helpful. Patients who wished to have a psychological interview but did not receive one showed a significantly worse QoL than those patients without a wish for such an interview. Moreover, having an interview, which does not meet the needs of the patients, diminishes QoL compared with not having an interview.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings emphasise the impact of psychological treatment at least on a significant number of head and neck cancer patients. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Si and Ge nanostructures epitaxy on a crystalline insulating LaAlO3(001) substrate
Authors: Bischoff Jean‐Luc , Mortada Hussein , Dentel Didier , Derivaz Mickael , Ben Azzouz Chiraz , Akremi Abdelwahab , Chefi Chaabanne , Miguel Morales Francisco , Herrera Miriam , Manuel Mánuel José , Garcia Rafael , Diani Mustapha
Published: February 2012

We present a comparative structural study of the growth of Si and Ge deposited by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on a c(2 × 2) reconstructed LaAlO3(001) substrate. Our findings are based on complementary experimental techniques such as in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), reflection high‐energy electron diffraction (RHEED), low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). While the layers are amorphous and wet uniformly the substrate in a low deposition temperature range, above 500 °C both Si and Ge growths proceed in a Volmer–Weber (VW) mode leading to the formation of nanocrystals (NCs). The islands are found to be composed of pure Si and Ge and to have abrupt interfaces with the substrate.

Both semiconductors (SCs) crystallize in their own diamond structure leading to relaxed NCs. No facets could be observed on the crystalline islands. An epitaxial relationship is established for which the (001) planes of Si and Ge are parallel to the LaAlO3(001) surface but are rotated by 45° around the [001] growth axis. The Ge lattice undergoes a second rotation of 6° with respect to the (001) growth axis. This 6° tilt is an original mechanism to partially compensate the strain in the Ge islands induced by the large misfit. Whereas a unique epitaxial relationship is pointed out for Si NCs, many Ge NCs are randomly orientated on the surface. This is interpreted by the fact that the Ge islands are less anchored to the substrate due to a large misfit and to the fact that the GeO bonds are weaker than the SiO ones.
Investigation of arsenic‐doped ZnO thin films grown on Si substrate by atmospheric‐pressure metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Hung S. C. , Wang K. J. , Lan S. M. , Yang T. N. , Uen W. Y. , Chi G. C.
Published: February 2012

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film was grown on semi‐insulating Si substrate using arsine (AsH3) as precursor by atmospheric‐pressure metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (AP‐MOCVD). In recently reported results, the physical mechanisms for As‐doped ZnO thin films are explained as As substitution for oxygen (AsO) or As substitution for Zn and As combined with two Zn vacancies (AsZn–2VZn). In this study, we control the in situ annealing ambient into two environments with various temperatures, which are Zn‐rich, using diethylzinc (DEZn) as ambient gas, and O‐rich, using water vapor as ambient gas, respectively. This should help to create AsO and AsZn–2VZn. The ZnO thin film after in situ thermal annealing with H2O vapor ambient at 550 and 750 °C show p‐type conductivity with hole concentration of 2.651 × 1017 and 1.782 × 1018 cm−3, Hall mobilities of 10.08 and 5.402 cm2/V s, and resistivities of 2.368 and 0.6485 Ω cm, respectively.
High quality factor photonic resonators for nitride quantum dots
Authors: Guillet T. , Mexis M. , Sergent S. , Néel D. , Rennesson S. , Brimont C. , Bretagnon T. , Gil B. , Sam‐Giao D. , Gayral B. , Semond F. , Leroux M. , David S. , Checoury X. , Boucaud P.
Published: February 2012

We report the realization and the optical study of nitride photonic resonators dedicated to the blue and UV spectral range. Microdisks and photonic crystal (PC) cavities are investigated containing GaN/AlN quantum dots (QDs) embedded in an AlN waveguide. The PC cavities are fabricated through the conformal growth of nitrides on a patterned Si substrate, and present delocalized and confined cavity modes in their microphotoluminescence spectra, that are compared to simulations. A large quality factor of 1800 is reached for a modified L3 cavity. In the case of microdisks, which are fabricated through a classical top‐down approach, the series of whispering gallery modes (WGMs) with large quality factors (up to 7300) are observed and analysed.

magnified image

Scanning electron micrograph and microphotoluminescence spectrum of a 2 µm AlN microdisk embedding GaN QDs; the WGMs appear as sharp peaks, with quality factors up to 5000.
Site‐controlled SiGe islands on patterned Si(001): Morphology, composition profiles, and devices
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Rastelli Armando , Schmidt Oliver G. , Bauer Günther
Published: February 2012

Deterministic control of position on a substrate, uniform size and shape are prerequisite for most of the envisioned applications of SiGe islands in electronic and optoelectronic devices. As an example of electronic application, tensile strained Si layers on top of coherent SiGe islands may be used as channels for field effect transistors (FETs) with enhanced electron mobility. For such a kind of application, site‐controlled islands are required to allow for their external addressability. In this feature article we investigate the morphological and compositional evolution of site‐controlled SiGe islands on pit‐patterned Si(001) substrates. We then report on the first demonstrated n‐channel FET with enhanced electron mobility based on SiGe islands. Finally, a new approach for further increase of the tensile strain is presented.
Reviewing the technological challenges associated with the development of a laparoscopic palpation device
Authors: Culmer Peter , Barrie Jenifer , Hewson Rob , Levesley Martin , Mon‐Williams Mark , Jayne David , Neville Anne
Published: February 2012

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has heralded a revolution in surgical practice, with numerous advantages over open surgery. Nevertheless, it prevents the surgeon from directly touching and manipulating tissue and therefore severely restricts the use of valuable techniques such as palpation. Accordingly a key challenge in MIS is to restore haptic feedback to the surgeon. This paper reviews the state‐of‐the‐art in laparoscopic palpation devices (LPDs) with particular focus on device mechanisms, sensors and data analysis. It concludes by examining the challenges that must be overcome to create effective LPD systems that measure and display haptic information to the surgeon for improved intraoperative assessment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methodology and intermediate layer for the automatic creation of ontology instances stored in relational databases
Authors: Stanimirović Aleksandar , Bogdanović Miloš , Stoimenov Leonid
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we introduce our solution for mapping local ontologies to relational and object‐oriented representations. This solution is part of the GeoNis framework for the interoperability of geo‐information systems applications in a local community environment. The GeoNis framework is based on a hybrid ontology approach for data integration. Therefore, a very important subject in our research on semantic data integration is the creation of mapping between a spatial information source and its local ontology. We developed the OWL2RDB mapping language to create an intermediate layer between a relational database and the OWL ontology. This intermediate layer contains rules (expressed in the OWL2RDB language) for mapping between the structural elements of a relational database and the concepts of OWL ontologies. We also present a system that uses the OWL2RDB intermediate layer to create classes that can handle ontology instances stored in relational databases. We have developed a prototype for a tool that uses this proposed approach for the automatic generation of translator/wrapper components in the GeoNis interoperability environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.