bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcification in the planktonic foraminifera Globigerina bulloides linked to phosphate concentrations in surface waters of the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Aldridge D. , Beer C. J. , Purdie D. A.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Marine calcifiers, such as planktonic foraminifera, form a major component of the global carbon cycle, acting as both a source and sink of CO2. Understanding factors that affect calcification in these organisms is therefore critical in predicting how the oceans will respond to increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Here, size-normalised weights (SNWs) of the planktonic foraminifera Globigerina bulloides, collected from the surface waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, are compared with in situ carbonate ion concentrations ([CO32–]), sea-surface temperature, optimum growth conditions and nutrient concentrations. Changes in phosphate concentrations ([PO43–], range: 0.04–0.39 μM) explained the majority of G. bulloides SNW variation, with reduced test masses at higher concentrations. Two factors already known to influence calcification in foraminifers, [CO32–] and temperature, were also positively correlated over the range of values examined (148–181 μM kg−1 and 10.3–12.7 °C respectively). No evidence was found for increased SNWs under apparent optimum growth conditions, indicated by G. bulloides abundances. However, "growth potentials" (μ), derived from modelled growth rates (d–1), were positively correlated with SNWs, suggesting that this may be a better proxy for optimum growth conditions. These findings point to the potential importance of [PO43–] in determining calcification intensities in foraminifera, a factor which has been overlooked by previous studies on these organisms. The confirmation of this via carefully controlled culture studies is recommended in the future.
Evaluation of water-energy balance frameworks to predict the sensitivity of streamflow to climate change
Authors: Renner M. , Seppelt R. , Bernhofer C.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Long term average change in streamflow is a major concern in hydrology and water resources management. Some simple analytical methods exist for the assessment of the sensitivity of streamflow to climatic variations. These are based on the Budyko hypothesis, which assumes that long term average streamflow can be predicted by climate conditions, namely by annual average precipitation and evaporative demand. Recently, Tomer and Schilling (2009) presented an ecohydrological concept to distinguish between effects of climate change and basin characteristics change on streamflow. We relate the concept to a coupled consideration of the water and energy balance. We show that the concept is equivalent to the assumption that the sum of the ratio of annual actual evapotranspiration to precipitation and the ratio of actual to potential evapotranspiration is constant, even when climate conditions are changing. Here, we use this assumption to derive analytical solutions to the problem of streamflow sensitivity to climate. We show how, according to this assumption, climate sensitivity would be influenced by different climatic conditions and the actual hydrological response of a basin. Finally, the properties and implications of the method are compared with established Budyko sensitivity methods and illustrated by three case studies. It appears that the largest differences between both approaches occur under limiting conditions. Specifically, the sensitivity framework based on the ecohydrological concept does not adhere to the water and energy limits, while the Budyko approach accounts for limiting conditions by increasing the sensitivity of streamflow to a catchment parameter encoding basin characteristics. Our findings do not support any application of the ecohydrological concept under conditions close to the water or energy limits, instead we suggest a correction based on the Budyko framework.
Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth in Portugal: Evidence from a Multivariate Framework Analysis
Authors: Tang Chor Foon , Tan Eu Chye
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study is to re-visit the relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth in Portugal over the sample period of 1974 to 2008 in a multivariate framework. The results of this study indicate that the variables are cointegrated and the causal relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth in Portugal is bi-directional. Uni-directional causalities running from energy price and real income to employment are also found. Contrary to earlier studies, our results indicate that Portugal is an energy-dependent economy and energy-conservation policies could be detrimental to its economic growth and development. Therefore, renewable energy sources such as bio-fuel, solar power, hydro power, wind power, and wave power should be aggressively explored to ensure sufficient supply of energy to support the growth of the Portuguese economy in an environment-friendly manner.
Option Value and the Diffusion of Energy Efficient Products
Authors: Baker Erin
Published: May 2012

In a widely cited series of papers, Hassett and Metcalf argue that the slow diffusion of energy saving technology may be due to a high option value to waiting. While the authors clarify that this is relevant for yes/no decisions (such as whether to add insulation to a home), this argument has been widely cited even in investment decisions that involve a choice over multiple appliances or vehicles. In this note we consider how uncertainty and irreversibility would impact a consumer’s decision about when to buy which new product. We show that, a priori, applying an option value framework is as likely to lead to slow diffusion of inefficient products as to slow diffusion of efficient products. This casts some doubt on the idea that an option value framework is the primary driver of the slow diffusion of energy efficient technologies.
Bioengineered Myocardium Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Improves Cardiac Function and Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling Following Chronic Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Miki Kenji , Uenaka Hisazumi , Saito Atsuhiro , Miyagawa Shigeru , Sakaguchi Taichi , Higuchi Takahiro , Shimizu Tatsuya , Okano Teruo , Yamanaka Shinya , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: May 2012

Cell-based therapies are promising strategies for myocardial repair following myocardial infarction. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have the potential to generate many cardiomyocytes, and they hold significant promise for the application of regenerative medicine to heart failure. Here, we developed cardiac tissue sheets, termed bioengineered myocardium (BM), from mouse iPS cells and measured cardiac performance following BM implantation in a rat chronic myocardial infarction model. Immunostaining analyses revealed that the α-actinin+ cell population was isolated with more than 99% purity under specific culture conditions. To evaluate the contribution of BM to the improvements in cardiac performance, we induced myocardial infarction in 30 F344/NJcl-rnu/rnu rats by left anterior descending coronary ligation. The rats were randomly divided into two groups, 2 weeks after ligation: a BM implantation group (n = 15) and a sham group (n = 15). Echocardiography and catheter examination showed that the BM implantation significantly improved cardiac function and attenuated cardiac remodeling compared with the sham group. Histological analyses demonstrated that the implanted BM survived at the epicardial implantation site 4 weeks after implantation. The implanted BM survived and attenuated left ventricular remodeling in the rat chronic myocardial infarction model. Thus, BM derived from iPS cells might be a promising new treatment for heart failure.
Disposition of Biological Therapeutics: Monoclonal Antibodies, Proteins, and Peptides
Authors: Rock Dan A. , Wienkers Larry C. , Retter Marc W.
Published: May 2012

Over the past decade, advances in molecular biology and immunology has brought about a significant growth in the number of biotherapeutic agents, including peptides, proteins, and monoclonal antibodies, available for clinical use to treat a variety of diseases. Similar to traditional small‐molecule drugs, the role of pharmacokinetics (PK) and drug metabolism contributes to the clinical success of a large‐molecule therapeutic drug candidate. However, while underlying PK principles are consistent between large‐molecule biotech drugs and small‐molecule drugs, the mechanisms that govern processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of large‐molecule drugs are quite different from that of small‐molecule drugs. To this end, a good understanding of the ADME processes of large‐molecule drugs is essential in support of the development of therapeutic biologics. The focus of this chapter is to highlight various aspects and dispositional features that govern the PK of large‐molecule therapeutics.
Bioactivation by Phase‐II‐Enzyme‐Catalyzed Conjugation of Xenobiotics
Authors: Grillo Mark P.
Published: May 2012

Phase‐II‐enzyme‐catalyzed conjugation of xenobiotics with endogenous cofactors leads to hydrophilic derivatives that, in most cases, functions in the elimination and detoxification of xenobiotics from the body. However, this process can also mediate their bioactivation to chemically‐reactive and hence potentially toxic metabolites. The major conjugation reactions known to be involved in xenobiotic bioactivation are glucuronidation, sulfonation, acetylation, GSH conjugation, and acyl‐S‐CoA formation. Chemically‐reactive metabolites of xenobiotics can lead to covalent binding to protein and/or nucleic acids which some cases leads to intrinsic and/or idiosyncratic toxicity and carcinogenicity. This chapter will cover the known mechanisms of xenobiotic bioactivation by phase‐II‐drug‐conjugating enzymes.
Ligand‐Binding Assays
Authors: Verch Thorsten , Bakhtiar Ray
Published: May 2012

Ligand‐binding assays (LBAs) or immunoassays are the analytical method of choice for pharmacokinetic (PK) and immunogenicity assessment for biopharmaceuticals. As pipelines for this class of drugs are expanding, immunoassays are revisited to address current scientific questions with this classic technology. Although formats and technologies are ever expanding, the basic principle remains the same: analytes of interest are captured and/or detected in unpurified samples using specific antibodies. The technology of choice often depends on the balance between sensitivity, life cycle, and cost. Regardless of assay technologies, close attention should be paid to reagent quality and potential matrix effects. PK measurements in particular rely on LBAs to detect biologic drugs in unpurified patient sera. A combination of white papers and evolving regulatory guidelines governs the use and validation of LBAs to measure both therapeutic drugs for PK and anti‐drug antibodies for immunogenicity during preclinical and clinical development.
Leveraging Advances inHPLCand Sample Preparation to MaximizeDMPKData Quality
Authors: Hayes Roger N.
Published: May 2012

High throughput bioanalytical methods are essential to support the rapid discovery and development of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC‐MS/MS) is considered the benchmark analytical methodology to be employed for the quantification of new chemical entities in biological fluids. Because of the high sensitivity and selectivity of LC‐MS/MS, the time required for method development and subsequent sample analysis is dramatically reduced. Rigorous chromatographic resolutions of analytes and/or tedious sample extraction protocols are typically not required even when complex biological matrices are used. Nevertheless, effective sample preparation and appropriate chromatographic separation of endogenous matrix components is required to ensure the quality of the data. The importance of sample preparation stems from three major concerns: removing interferences from the biological sample matrices, concentrating analyte(s) of interest, and improving analytical system performance. The choice of sample preparation method should be dependent on the quality of the data required.
Iron‐Catalyzed Efficient Synthesis of Amides from Aldehydes and Amine Hydrochloride Salts
Authors: Ghosh Subhash Chandra , Ngiam Joyce S. Y. , Chai Christina L. L. , Seayad Abdul M. , Dang Tuan Thanh , Chen Anqi
Published: May 2012

A practical and efficient method for the synthesis of amides has been developed by iron‐catalysed oxidative amidation of aldehydes with amine hydrochloride salts. A wide range of amides have been obtained in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. The application of this novel amide formation reaction to the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds has been successfully demonstrated.
The use of gamma irradiation to induce the miscibility between urea‐formaldehyde and vinyl acetate versatic ester copolymer latex blend
Authors: Taha Ahmed A. , Magida M. M. , Shehata Eman M.
Published: May 2012

The objective of this research was to investigate the miscibility behavior of urea‐formaldehyde (UF) resin and vinyl acetate versatic ester copolymer latex (VAcVe) blends. Blend of various compositions of UF resin as thermoset polymer and VAcVe as thermoplastic polymer were prepared. This study shows how the addition of VAcVe latex can alter the behavior of UF resin toward hardness, press‐ability, and inhibition of cracks occurred in the UF resin films and moulds. After that, these blends (UF/VAcVe) were irradiated with gamma rays in different doses. Physical properties such as solubility percent, water absorption behavior in water, and effect of dilute acid and dilute alkali were studied. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that VAcVe is more stable against thermal decomposition than UF resin over the entire temperature range studied. Also, the thermal stability of polymer blends (UF/VAcVe) increases with increasing the ratio of VAcVe component in the blend. The influence of addition of VAcVe on compressive strength was studied. The results showed an improvement with a decrease in compressive strength due to the flexibility, this improvement is related to the amount of VAcVe. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Ionic conductivity, dielectric behavior, and HATR–FTIR analysis onto poly(methyl methacrylate)–poly(vinyl chloride) binary solid polymer blend electrolytes
Authors: Ramesh S. , Liew Chiam–Wen , Ramesh K.
Published: May 2012

Solid polymer electrolytes comprising blends of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as host polymers and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) as dopant salt were prepared by solution‐casting technique. The ionic conductivity and dielectric behavior were investigated by using AC‐impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range of 298–353 K. The highest ionic conductivity of (1.11 ± 0.09)×10−6 S cm−1 is obtained at room temperature. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity plots showed that these polymer blend electrolytes obey Arrhenius behavior. Conductivity–frequency dependence, dielectric relaxation, and dielectric moduli formalism were also further discussed. Apart from that, the structural characteristic of the polymer blend electrolytes was characterized by means of horizontal attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (HATR–FTIR) spectroscopy. HATR–FTIR spectra divulged the interaction between PMMA, PVC, and LiTFSI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Dynamic Mixtures: Challenges and Opportunities for the Amplification and Sensing of Scents
Authors: Herrmann Andreas
Published: May 2012

Nature generates compounds as complicated mixtures, but surprisingly little is known about the synergies or inhibitory effects of compound mixtures, which is likely to become an important research area in life sciences in the near future. Some recently developed concepts in dynamic combinatorial/covalent chemistry (DCC) have been applied to amplify (increase the intensity and long‐lastingness of perception) and sense (selectively detect and discriminate) individual bioactive volatile molecules in compound mixtures. This Concept article focuses on the potential of DCC to impact and modulate the biological and chemical properties of mixtures of bioactive volatile compounds to gain a more fundamental understanding of the properties of compound mixtures in molecular recognition.
Telomerase gene therapy in adult and old mice delays aging and increases longevity without increasing cancer
Authors: Bernardes de Jesus Bruno , Vera Elsa , Schneeberger Kerstin , Tejera Agueda M. , Ayuso Eduard , Bosch Fatima , Blasco Maria A.
Published: May 2012

A major goal in aging research is to improve health during aging. In the case of mice, genetic manipulations that shorten or lengthen telomeres result, respectively, in decreased or increased longevity. Based on this, we have tested the effects of a telomerase gene therapy in adult (1 year of age) and old (2 years of age) mice. Treatment of 1‐ and 2‐year old mice with an adeno associated virus (AAV) of wide tropism expressing mouse TERT had remarkable beneficial effects on health and fitness, including insulin sensitivity, osteoporosis, neuromuscular coordination and several molecular biomarkers of aging. Importantly, telomerase‐treated mice did not develop more cancer than their control littermates, suggesting that the known tumorigenic activity of telomerase is severely decreased when expressed in adult or old organisms using AAV vectors. Finally, telomerase‐treated mice, both at 1‐year and at 2‐year of age, had an increase in median lifespan of 24 and 13%, respectively. These beneficial effects were not observed with a catalytically inactive TERT, demonstrating that they require telomerase activity. Together, these results constitute a proof‐of‐principle of a role of TERT in delaying physiological aging and extending longevity in normal mice through a telomerase‐based treatment, and demonstrate the feasibility of anti‐aging gene therapy.

See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/emmm.201200246
A Double Burden: Emotional Eating and Lack of Cognitive Reappraisal in Eating Disordered Women
Authors: Danner Unna N. , Evers Catharine , Stok F. Marijn , van Elburg Annemarie A. , de Ridder Denise T. D.
Published: May 2012

Objective

To examine the influence of emotional eating and lack of cognitive reappraisal on eating pathology in women with binge‐purge and restricting type eating disorders.

Method

Women with a diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia nervosa according to the DSM‐IV‐tr (n = 50) and non‐clinical women without eating disorders (n = 52) were asked about emotional eating tendencies, adaptive emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal) and eating pathology symptoms.

Results

In binge‐purging women, emotional eating with limited use of cognitive reappraisal predicted level of eating pathology but not in the restricting and non‐clinical women.

Discussion

Emotional eating tendencies in combination with a low tendency to use cognitive reappraisal may influence the severity of eating pathology in individuals with binge‐purge behaviours. Evidently, patients with these characteristics require a therapy that addresses adaptive emotion regulation skills. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
An efficient edge‐based level set finite element method for free surface flow problems
Authors: Rossi R. , Larese A. , Dadvand P. , Oñate E.
Published: May 2012

We present an efficient technique for the solution of free surface flow problems using level set and a parallel edge‐based finite element method. An unstructured semi‐explicit solution scheme is proposed. A custom data structure, obtained by blending node‐based and edge‐based approaches is presented so to allow a good parallel performance. In addition to standard velocity extrapolation (for the convection of the level set function), an explicit extrapolation of the pressure field is performed in order to impose both the pressure boundary condition and the volume conservation. The latter is also improved with a modification of the divergence free constrain. The method is shown to allow an efficient solution of both simple benchmark cases and complex industrial examples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Valuation of Equity Futures on the Tokyo Stock Exchange: 1920–1923
Authors: Daglish Toby , Moore Lyndon
Published: May 2012

The futures price of an asset should depend on the spot price of that asset, the interest rate, cash flows during the contract term, the convenience yield, and storage costs. Despite many tests of the spot–future relation for commodities in historical periods, there have been no tests of this historical relation for equities. We price single‐stock equity futures on the Tokyo Stock Exchange between 1920 and 1923 and find that mispricing is considerably worse than in contemporary U.S. markets, after adjusting for (unavoidable) asynchronous data issues. The main cause of the mispricing is short‐sales constraints, rather than investor naivety. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
REAL‐TIME FORECASTING OF INFLATION AND OUTPUT GROWTH WITH AUTOREGRESSIVE MODELS IN THE PRESENCE OF DATA REVISIONS
Authors: Clements Michael P. , Galvão Ana Beatriz
Published: May 2012

We examine how the accuracy of real‐time forecasts from models that include autoregressive terms can be improved by estimating the models on ‘lightly revised’ data instead of using data from the latest‐available vintage. The benefits of estimating autoregressive models on lightly revised data are related to the nature of the data revision process and the underlying process for the true values. Empirically, we find improvements in root mean square forecasting error of 2–4% when forecasting output growth and inflation with univariate models, and of 8% with multivariate models. We show that multiple‐vintage models, which explicitly model data revisions, require large estimation samples to deliver competitive forecasts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assay of therapeutic ultrasound induced‐antinociception in experimental trigeminal neuropathic pain
Authors: Savernini Átila , Savernini Natascha , de Amaral Flávio Almeida , Romero Thiago Roberto Lima , Duarte Igor Dimitri Gama , de Castro Maria Salete Abreu
Published: May 2012

Trigeminal neuralgia is considered one of the most painful conditions, and pharmacological treatment can be as debilitating as the pathology itself. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (TU) on an experimental rat model of trigeminal neuropathic nociception (chronic constriction injury—infraorbital nerve; CCI‐ION). To evaluate facial thermonociception, an apparatus that measured the reaction time for head withdrawal was constructed. After surgery, a gradual reduction in reaction time was observed until day 15 post‐CCI, when the values became constant. Three ipsilateral applications of TU to post‐CCI rats promoted an increase in latency time. This antinociceptive effect was evident even after the first TU application, reaching maximal values at 24 hr. The magnitude of this effect was proportional to ultrasonic wave intensity (0.3 and 0.4 W/cm2). Posttreatment with naltrexone (5 mg/kg, s.c.) completely blocked the hypoalgesic effect of TU. Pretreatment with an opioid antagonist was unable to block the antinociceptive effect during the first 8 hr, suggesting that opioids are involved only in the latter phase of the TU effects. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in the infraorbital nerve were not increased by TU use, indicating that TU causes no injury or is at least insufficient to induce neutrophil migration. In conclusion, TU is an effective resource in a model of trigeminal neuropathic pain, with a mechanism involving opioid receptor activation, confirming its potential usefulness in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a passive environmental sampler
Authors: Purcaro Giorgia , Moret Sabrina , Bučar‐Miklavčič Milena , Conte Lanfranco S.
Published: May 2012

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous compounds released in the environment by different sources. The aim of the present work was to validate a solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and a rapid ultra‐high performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) method for the analysis of PAHs in a passive environmental sampler, namely a Dacron® (the commercial name of a synthetic fiber based on polyethylene terephthalate) textile. The elution temperature was optimized to improve the resolution of early‐eluted compounds, namely acenaphthene (Ac) and fluorene (F). The UHPLC method lasts about 10 min and showed good linearity for all the 16 PAHs considered, with regression coefficients over 0.99. Recoveries, limits of detection (LODs), and limits of quantification (LOQs) of the SPE method were well within the performance criteria fixed by the Regulation n. 836/2011, namely 0.3 and 0.9 μg/kg, respectively.
Determination of disialoganglioside GD3 and monosialoganglioside GM3 in infant formulas and whey protein concentrates by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jingshun , Ren Yiping , Huang Baifen , Tao Baohua , Ransborg Pedersen Marlene , Li Duo
Published: May 2012

A method of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS) has been established for simultaneous determination of major disialoganglioside 3 (GD3) and monosialoganglioside 3 (GM3) in infant formulas and whey protein concentrates. Gangliosides were extracted by using the technique of Svennerholm and Fredman and then cleaned up with OASIS HLB solid‐phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. The various molecular species of gangliosides were separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C8 column and analyzed under the negative ion mode. GD3 and GM3 were rapidly quantified using internal standard (IS) method. The developed method was further validated by determining the linearity, average recovery, sensitivity (limit of quantification), and precision. The results presented high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.993) of the selected 16 gangliosides molecular species and provided the respective linear ranges. The limit of quantification was 0.325–0.734 mg/100 g for eight molecular species of GD3 and 0.008–0.312 mg/100 g for eight molecular species of GM3, respectively. The reasonable average recoveries (81–95%) and precision (relative standard deviation [RSD] ≤15%) were also demonstrated in three different spiked levels. This new method would be very useful in the quantitative determination of gangliosides in infant formulas and whey protein concentrates.
Snowy plover nest survival in Kansas and effective management to counter negative effects of precipitation
Authors: Sexson Matthew G. , Farley Greg H.
Published: May 2012

Snowy plovers (Charadrius nivosus) are a species of conservation concern throughout North America and listed as a threatened species in Kansas. Management to minimize the effects of flooding and predation were implemented at Kansas breeding sites in the 1980s to encourage reproductive success. However, the effectiveness of those strategies and the effect of other variables that may influence nest survival have not been formally assessed. We used Program MARK to model the daily survival rate (DSR) of 317 snowy plover nests with 14 habitat‐ and management‐related covariates to identify factors that influence nest survival and examine the efficacy of current management practices. In 2005 and 2006, we monitored nests and collected habitat data at the 2 known breeding sites in Kansas, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area (WA). Overall DSR was greater at Quivira NWR in 2006 (0.954) than at Cheyenne Bottoms WA (0.917) and Quivira NWR (0.942) in 2005. We developed 88 candidate models of which 4 competing models (ΔAICc < 2) were identified. We selected the most parsimonious model (K = 14, wi = 0.23) as the remaining 3 included covariates deemed biologically uninformative. This model included the effect of study site and year on a quadratic time trend, and included covariates quantifying nest age; precipitation; the proportion of gravel, rock, and vegetation at nests; occurrence within an electric fence and within 20 m of a road; occurrence on a human‐constructed nest mound; and adult capture during incubation. We found a strong positive relationship between the use of nest mounds and DSR, and a strong negative relationship between precipitation and DSR. We also found a strong positive relationship between DSR and the proportion of vegetation at nest sites, the occurrence of a nest within an electric fence, and adult capture at a nest. We noted a strong negative relationship between DSR and occurrence within 20 m of a road. However, we found that DSR was not sensitive to the proportion of vegetation at a nest, occurrence within an electric fence or within 20 m of a road, and to adult capture at a nest in light of covariates quantifying precipitation and the use of nest mounds. We found weak support for a positive relationship between DSR, nest age, and the proportion of gravel and rock at nests. Our results indicate that large rainfall events are a major source of snowy plover nest loss in Kansas that can be mitigated by the construction of nest mounds. Limited influence of environmental variables found to influence nest survival at other breeding sites suggests that threats to snowy plover nest survival are site specific and managers should assess local sources of nest loss prior to implementing management strategies to improve reproductive success. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Extensive fibrosis caused by Pleural Tuberculosis: A lesson from a case without post‐exposure‐prophylaxis
Authors: Emmrich Julius Valentin , Kamprad Manja , Sorge Ina , Hammerschmidt Stefan , Gradistanac Tanja , Schille Regine , Kiess Wieland , Prenzel Freerk
Published: May 2012

We report the case of a 9‐year‐old boy with extensive pleural fibrosis and contraction of the affected hemithorax secondary to pleural tuberculosis (TB), who was successfully treated with a 6 months course of the standard WHO regimen. Although well described for the adult population, this complication is rare among children and to our knowledge, no such case has been described since the widespread introduction of antitubercular therapy in the 1950s. This case underscores the importance of appropriate follow‐up and administration of chemoprophylaxis after TB exposure. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:206–209. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ToF‐SIMS imaging of a polymer microarray prepared using ink‐jet printing of acrylate monomers
Authors: Celiz Adam D. , Hook Andrew L. , Scurr David J. , Anderson Daniel G. , Langer Robert , Davies Martyn C. , Alexander Morgan R.
Published: May 2012

Polymer microarrays are a powerful sample format for high‐throughput materials discovery. We describe a polymer microarray prepared via ink‐jet printing for the purpose of screening novel biomaterials. Ink‐jet printing has advantages over other printing techniques including avoiding contact with the surface, preventing damage to fragile substrates, and the control of the drop volume to control the amount of material deposited. We investigate a method for ink‐jet printing a library of monomer solutions, which are subsequently polymerized in‐situ to form the polymer microarray. Imaging of the polymer microarray using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry is employed to map specific ions characteristic of the constituent monomers and identify which chemical functionalities are present at the surface of each polymer. This is particularly important in determining the quality of the array and understanding the interactions that occur at the interface between a material and a biological organism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exceptional flux compactifications
Authors: Dibitetto Giuseppe , Guarino Adolfo , Roest Diederik
Published: May 2012

Abstract

We consider type II (non-)geometric flux backgrounds in the absence of brane sources, and construct their explicit embedding into maximal gaugedD= 4 supergravity. This enables one to investigate the critical points, mass spectra and gauge groups of such backgrounds. We focus on a class of type IIA geometric vacua and find a novel, nonsupersymmetric and stable AdS vacuum in maximal supergravity with a non-semisimple gauge group. Our construction relies on a non-trivial mapping between SL(2) × SO(6,6) fluxes, SU(8) mass spectra and gaugings of E7(7)subgroups.
Role and potential mechanisms of anabolic resistance in sarcopenia
Authors: Haran Prashanth H. , Rivas Donato A. , Fielding Roger A.
Published: May 2012

There is pressing need to understand the aging process to better cope with its associated physical and societal costs. The age‐related muscle wasting known as sarcopenia is a major contributor to the problems faced by the elderly. By hindering mobility and reducing strength, it greatly diminishes independence and quality of life. In studying the factors that contribute to the development of sarcopenia, the focus is shifting to the study of disordered muscle anabolism. The abnormal response of muscle to previously well‐established anabolic stimuli is known as anabolic resistance, and may be a key factor in the development and progression of sarcopenia. Factors such as age, obesity, inflammation, and lipotoxicity contribute to anabolic resistance, and have been studied either directly or indirectly in cell systems and whole animals. Understanding the physiologic and mechanistic basis of anabolic resistance could be the key to formulating new and targeted interventions that would ease the burden currently borne by the world's aged population.
How to Study Contemporary Capitalism?
Authors: Streeck Wolfgang
Published: May 2012

The paper argues that contemporary capitalism must be studied as a society rather than an economy, and contemporary society as capitalist society. Capitalism is defined as a specific institutionalization of economic action in the form of a specifically dynamic system of social action, with a tendency to expand into, impose itself on and consume its non-economic and non-capitalist social and institutional context, unless contained by political resistance and regulation. The paper illustrates its perspective by four brief sketches, depicting contemporary capitalism as a historically dynamic social order, a culture, a polity, and a way of life. All four examples, it is claimed, demonstrate the superiority of a longitudinal-historical approach over static cross-sectional comparisons, and of focusing on the commonalities of national versions of capitalisms rather than their “varieties”.
FINITE REGULAR BANDS ARE FINITELY RELATED
Authors: DOLINKA IGOR
Published: May 2012

An algebra A is said to be finitely related if the clone Clo(A) of its term operations is determined by a finite set of finitary relations. We prove that each finite idempotent semigroup satisfying the identity xyxzx≈xyzx is finitely related.
Case of bilateral pneumolabyrinth presenting as sudden, bilateral deafness, without temporal bone fracture, after a fall
Authors: Lee E J , Yang Y S , Yoon Y J
Published: May 2012

Objective:

We report a case of bilateral pneumolabyrinth presenting as sudden, bilateral deafness, without temporal bone fracture, after a fall.

Case report:

A 49-year-old man presented with sudden, bilateral deafness and whirling vertigo, without any other neurological manifestations. Temporal bone computed tomography clearly demonstrated the presence of air in the vestibule and cochlea on both sides. However, there was no definite fracture line, ossicular chain anomaly or soft tissue density in the temporal bone or middle-ear cavity. The patient was treated conservatively. Unfortunately, there was no improvement in his hearing.

Conclusion:

Pneumolabyrinth is an uncommon condition in which air is present in the vestibule or cochlea. It is rarely found, even with fractures violating the otic capsule or with transverse fractures of the temporal bone. In addition, its bilateral occurrence is extremely rare. In this article, we describe a case of bilateral pneumolabyrinth presenting as sudden, bilateral deafness, without temporal bone fracture, an occurrence which has not previously been reported.
English as a global lingua franca: A threat to multilingual communication and translation?
Authors: House Juliane
Published: May 2012

In this paper I will look at the controversy surrounding the current status of English in the world. I will consider the question of whether the dominant role of English as a lingua franca (ELF) is a menace to other languages, to multilingual communication and to the profession of translation and interpreting, or whether a positive evaluation of the omnipresence of English as a default means of communication can be justified. I will argue for a compromise position: neither demonizing global English nor welcoming it uncritically. I will support this stance from different perspectives, drawing on my own work on ELF and translation.
Postdramatism, Ethics, and the Role of Light in Martin Crimp's Fewer Emergencies (2005)
Authors: Aragay Mireia , Escoda Clara
Published: May 2012

In this article Mireia Aragay and Clara Escoda examine James Macdonald's Royal Court Theatre production of Martin Crimp's triptych Fewer Emergencies (2005) in the wake of recent critical assessments of Crimp's work in relation to Hans-Thies Lehmann's postdramatic paradigm. By focusing on light design, the authors suggest that Macdonald's staging of the play productively enhanced the tension inherent in Crimp's text between dramatic and postdramatic elements. Light was conceived in postdramatic terms as a major component of the mise-en-scène, synaesthetically interacting with the linguistic material in a way that necessitated the spectators’ active processing of all onstage signs and, ultimately, their critical examination of their own ethical and political positioning with respect to the late-capitalist social and cultural order. Mireia Aragay is a Senior Lecturer in English drama and theatre at the University of Barcelona. She is co-editor of British Theatre of the 1990s: Interviews with Directors, Playwrights, Critics, and Academics (Palgrave Macmillan, 2007). Clara Escoda has recently completed a PhD thesis on Martin Crimp's theatre at the University of Barcelona, where she lectures in English literature.
On Mordell–Weil groups of Jacobians over function fields
Authors: Ulmer Douglas
Published: May 2012

We study the arithmetic of abelian varieties over$K= k(t)$where$k$is an arbitrary field. The main result relates Mordell–Weil groups of certain Jacobians over$K$to homomorphisms of other Jacobians over$k$. Our methods also yield completely explicit points on elliptic curves with unbounded rank over${ \overline{ \mathbb{F} } }_{p} (t)$and a new construction of elliptic curves with moderately high rank over$ \mathbb{C} (t)$.
Depression assessment by oncologists and palliative care physicians
Authors: Rhondali Wadih , Perceau Elise , Saltel Pierre , Trillet-Lenoir Veronique , Blay Jean-Yves , Fournel-Federico Cecile , Coulon Jean-Pierre , Tredan Olivier , Terra Jean-Louis , Matillon Yves , Bruera Eduardo , Filbet Marilene
Published: May 2012

Objective:

Depression is a frequent problem in cancer patients, which is known to reduce quality of life; however, many cancer patients with depression are not treated because of the difficulties in assessing depression in this population. Our aim was to evaluate and improve the depression assessment strategies of palliative care (PC) physicians and oncologists.

Method:

We invited all medical oncologists and PC physicians from three cancer centers to participate in this multicenter prospective study. They were asked to classify 22 symptoms (related and specific to depression in cancer patients, related but not specific, and unrelated) as “very important,” “important,” “less important,” or “not important” for the diagnosis of depression in cancer patients, at three different time points (at baseline, after a video education program, and after 4 weeks). They were also asked to complete a questionnaire exploring physicians' perceptions of depression and of their role in its systematic screening.

Results:

All 34 eligible physicians participated. Baseline performance was good, with >70% of participants correctly classifying at least seven of nine related and specific symptoms. We found no significant improvement in scores in the immediate and 4-week follow-up tests. Additionally, 24 (83%) and 23 (79%) participants expressed support for systematic depression screening and a role for oncologists in screening, respectively.

Significance of results:

Oncologists had good baseline knowledge about depression's main symptoms in cancer patients and a positive attitude toward being involved in screening. Underdiagnosis of depression is probably related to problems associated with the oncology working environment rather than the physicians' knowledge.
Mercury cycling in a flooded rice paddy
Authors: Rothenberg Sarah E. , Feng Xinbin
Published: May 2012

In 2008 and 2009, mercury (Hg) cycling was investigated in a flooded rice paddy in the Wanshan Hg mining region of eastern Guizhou, China, in the rice‐planted (2008 and 2009) and fallow (2009) sections of the same paddy. In the rice‐planted section, pore water was more acidic and pore water methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations were higher compared to the fallow section. However, iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) cycling differed in 2008 and 2009, with higher sediment Fe concentrations in 2009, when pore water MeHg and sulfate concentrations were more strongly correlated in the rice‐planted section. We explored whether elevated sediment Fe contributed to S cycling and hence, Hg(II)‐methylation. Critical pH values for formation of FeS(s) were estimated. Based on pore water pH collected in both sections of the paddy, the fallow section was more often a sink for FeS(s), while FeS(s) did not form in the rice‐planted section, although sulfide concentrations were low in both sections in both years (i.e.,<10 μM). We hypothesized Fe(III) oxidized sulfide, and intermediate S species (e.g., polysulfides) were further oxidized to sulfate instead of forming FeS(s), thus prolonging sulfate reduction and promoting Hg(II)‐methylation in the rice‐planted section in 2009. Results suggested Fe(III) reduction increased electron acceptors for sulfate‐reducing bacteria, which indirectly enhanced Hg(II)‐methylation. Additionally, highest sediment MeHg concentrations were observed in the fallow section after the paddy was dried and re‐wetted, indicating water‐saving rice cultivation practices (e.g., alternating wetting and drying), may cause MeHg concentrations in paddy soil to spike, which should be further investigated.
Climate and vegetation controls on the surface water balance: Synthesis of evapotranspiration measured across a global network of flux towers
Authors: Williams Christopher A. , Reichstein Markus , Buchmann Nina , Baldocchi Dennis , Beer Christian , Schwalm Christopher , Wohlfahrt Georg , Hasler Natalia , Bernhofer Christian , Foken Thomas , Papale Dario , Schymanski Stan , Schaefer Kevin
Published: May 2012

The Budyko framework elegantly reduces the complex spatial patterns of actual evapotranspiration and runoff to a general function of two variables: mean annual precipitation (MAP) and net radiation. While the methodology has first‐order skill, departures from a globally averaged curve can be significant and may be usefully attributed to additional controls such as vegetation type. This paper explores the magnitude of such departures as detected from flux tower measurements of ecosystem‐scale evapotranspiration, and investigates their attribution to site characteristics (biome, seasonal rainfall distribution, and frozen precipitation). The global synthesis (based on 167 sites with 764 tower‐years) shows smooth transition from water‐limited to energy‐limited control, broadly consistent with catchment‐scale relations and explaining 62% of the across site variation in evaporative index (the fraction of MAP consumed by evapotranspiration). Climate and vegetation types act as additional controls, combining to explain an additional 13% of the variation in evaporative index. Warm temperate winter wet sites (Mediterranean) exhibit a reduced evaporative index, 9% lower than the average value expected based on dryness index, implying elevated runoff. Seasonal hydrologic surplus explains a small but significant fraction of variance in departures of evaporative index from that expected for a given dryness index. Surprisingly, grasslands on average have a higher evaporative index than forested landscapes, with 9% more annual precipitation consumed by annual evapotranspiration compared to forests. In sum, the simple framework of supply‐ or demand‐limited evapotranspiration is supported by global FLUXNET observations but climate type and vegetation type are seen to exert sizeable additional controls.
Molecular ecology in Vienna: hot topics in a chilly place
Authors: Städler Thomas
Published: May 2012

The international VIPCA conference on ‘Molecular Ecology’ took place in Vienna, Austria, in early February 2012. The meeting showcased the diversity of molecular tools and conceptual approaches at the disposal of practitioners in this flourishing field, which lies at the interface of ecology, evolution and molecular biology.
Response to “The anglerfish deception”
Authors: Perry Joe N , Arpaia Salvatore , Bartsch Detlef , Kiss Jozsef , Messéan Antoine , Nuti Marco , Sweet Jeremy B , Tebbe Christoph C
Published: May 2012

The correspondents argue that “The anglerfish deception” contains omissions, errors, misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
A new multiscale modeling method for simulating the loss processes in polymer solar cell nanodevices
Authors: Pershin Anton , Donets Sergii , Baeurle Stephan A.
Published: May 2012

The photoelectric power conversion efficiency of polymer solar cells is till now, compared to conventional inorganic solar cells, still relatively low with maximum values ranging from 7% to 8%. This essentially relates to the existence of exciton and charge carrier loss phenomena, reducing the performance of polymer solar cells significantly. In this paper we introduce a new computer simulation technique, which permits to explore the causes of the occurrence of such phenomena at the nanoscale and to design new photovoltaic materials with optimized opto-electronic properties. Our approach consists in coupling a mesoscopic field-theoretic method with a suitable dynamic Monte Carlo algorithm, to model the elementary photovoltaic processes. Using this algorithm, we investigate the influence of structural characteristics and different device conditions on the exciton generation and charge transport efficiencies in case of a novel nanostructured polymer blend. More specifically, we find that the disjunction of continuous percolation paths leads to the creation of dead ends, resulting in charge carrier losses through charge recombination. Moreover, we observe that defects are characterized by a low exciton dissociation efficiency due to a high charge accumulation, counteracting the charge generation process. From these observations, we conclude that both the charge carrier loss and the exciton loss phenomena lead to a dramatic decrease in the internal quantum efficiency. Finally, by analyzing the photovoltaic behavior of the nanostructures under different circuit conditions, we demonstrate that charge injection significantly determines the impact of the defects on the solar cell performance.