bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deposition of Pristine and Functionalized MWCNTs in Alumina Matrix by Sol-Gel Technique and Investigation of their Ammonia Sensing Properties
Authors: Sharma Sakshi , Sengupta K. , Islam S.S.
Published: June 2012

MWCNTs produced by using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technique were functionalized with nitric and sulfuric acid to ensure a good dispersion in an aqueous solution. The FTIR analysis further confirmed the presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on the surface of MWCNTs after acid treatment. The two types of MWCNTs composites were prepared using pristine and functionalized MWCNTs (p-MWCNTs and f-MWCNTs) in alumina matrix by sol-gel processing and to the best of our knowledge it is a new approach in the field of CNT based ammonia gas sensors. The Raman analysis showed that both the pristine and functionalized MWCNTs retain its pristine characteristics in alumina matrix even after the sol-gel processing. A precisional electronic circuit was developed to measure the sensing response of these two composite samples to detect ammonia gas and a detailed comparative analysis was done. While comparing the sensing performance, the functionalized MWCNTs composite sample was found to be more sensitive to ammonia gas with short response time but did not recover at room temperature because of the strong bonding between ammonia molecule and oxygen containing groups on the surface of MWCNTs.
Electrical Transport Features of SiNWs Random Network on Si Support after Covalent Attachment of New Organic Functionalities
Authors: Ambrico Marianna , Ambrico Paolo Francesco , Mundo Rosa di
Published: June 2012

Modification of the electrical transport of a random network of silicon nanowires assembled on n-silicon support, after silicon nanowires functionalization by chlorination/alkylation procedure, is here described and discussed. We show that the organic functionalities induce charge transfer at single SiNW and produce doping-like effect that is kept in the random network too. The SiNWs network also presents a surface recombination velocity lower than that of bulk silicon. Interestingly, the functionalized silicon nanowires/n-Si junctions display photo-yield and open circuit voltages higher than those including oxidized silicon nanowire networks. Electrical properties stability in time of junctions embedding propenyl terminated silicon nanowires network and transport modification after secondary functionalization is also shown. These results suggest a possible route for the integration of functionalized Si nanowires, although randomly distributed, in stable large area photovoltaic or molecule sensitive based devices.
Implementing and managing a large water utility's underground corrosion control program
Authors: Klopfer Danny J. , Schramuk Jeff
Published: June 2012

The Des Moines, Iowa, Water Works has implemented an underground corrosion control program to mitigate corrosion by using cathodic protection to reduce its water main breaks.
Water quality in the distribution system: A review
Authors: Spencer Catherine
Published: June 2012

Water can be considered a perishable product and has a shelf life (detention time), a preservative (chlorine or chloramines), and packaging (pipes and reservoirs) (Kirmeyer et al, 1999).
The welfare of an unwanted guest in an urban environment: the case of the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris)
Authors: Souza CSA , Teixeira CP , Young RJ
Published: June 2012

One major problem facing wildlife is urbanisation, and the increasing contact between human city dwellers and animals. In this study, we investigated the problems of urban opossums (Didelphis albiventris), through the analysis involving responses to call-outs (n = 500) made by the environmental police of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil (2002 to 2007). Our objective was to characterise the problems faced by opossums and use this information to suggest how their welfare and urban management could be improved. Two types of call-outs were made: (i) solicitation whereby a person called them to report a problem; and (ii) the report of an injured animal. On average, one call-out was made every four days. There were no ‘time of year’ effects in relation to call-outs, or any effect of gender or age of the person making the call-out. Furthermore, we found no environmental (eg percentage of ‘green area’) or socio-economic variables (eg salary levels) associated with call-out frequency. The majority of call-outs resulted in the attempt to capture opossums, and usually only one animal was captured. Many of these animals were released into city forest fragments at a mean (± SEM) distance of 8,285 (± 727) m; (n = 312) from their point of capture. Injured animals were sent to veterinary clinics or to the Government's wildlife processing centre. From these data we were able to make recommendations regarding the welfare and management of urban opossums.
A survey of the attitudes of stakeholders in the zoo industry towards the husbandry requirements of captive Great Apes
Authors: Fernie AC , Tribe A , Murray PJ , Lisle A , Phillips CJC
Published: June 2012

The attitudes of experts towards the husbandry of captive Great Apes was sought in order to gain a greater understanding of the potential importance of different features of the captive environment that may be critical in maintaining a high standard of welfare. Following initial consultation with the convener of the Primate Taxon Advisory Group of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria, 17 husbandry attributes, such as social structure of the group, enclosure size and staff qualifications, each with two to four levels (ie husbandry scenarios) of possible provision in an enclosure were identified and described. An online survey using Adaptive Conjoint Analysis was distributed internationally to relevant stakeholders: zoo management staff, keepers and education staff, research colony personnel, veterinarians, animal welfare organisation representatives and scientists. A total of 359 respondents completed the survey, and the average importance values for the attributes, and rank order of importance for each of their levels were calculated. Great Ape social structure, enclosure appearance, group size, avoidance provision and enclosure furnishings were considered the most important attributes of captive Great Ape husbandry, whereas feeding interval, staff qualifications, the inclusion of plants within the enclosure, enrichment rotation, and the amount of time an animal spent in an outdoor enclosure were considered of low importance. The order in which these issues were ranked was influenced by the Great Ape species, with physical attributes of the enclosure being rated as more important for orangutans(Pongo pygmaeus)and group social attributes more important for the other species. Stakeholder group had little influence on the ranking of issues. It is concluded that experts provided a consensus view on the importance of husbandry attributes of the different Great Ape species that can be used to evaluate their welfare.
Switchable Stereoselectivity: The Effects of Substituents on the D2‐Symmetric Biphenyl Backbone of Phosphoramidites in Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Conjugate Addition Reactions with Triethylaluminium
Authors: Yu Han , Xie Fang , Ma Zhenni , Liu Yangang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: June 2012

A highly enantioselective copper‐catalyzed conjugate addition with triethylaluminium was developed using phosphoramidite ligands bearing a D2‐symmetric biphenyl backbone. For these ligands we demonstrated that the 3,3′,5,5′‐substituents on the biphenyl backbone can completely reverse the absolute configuration of the products.
Combination of double‐modified clay and polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride for the simultaneously improved thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Guo Zhenghong , Fang Zhengping , Peng Mao , Shen Lie
Published: June 2012

Double‐modified montmorillonite (MMT) was first prepared by covalent modification of MMT with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and then intercalation modification by tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium ions. The obtained double‐modified MMT was melt compounded with polypropylene (PP) to obtain nanocomposites. The dispersion of the double‐modified MMT in PP was found to be greatly improved by the addition of PP‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) as a “compatibilizer,” whose anhydride groups can react with the amino groups on the surface of the double‐modified MMT platelets and thus improve the dispersion of MMT in PP. Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile test were used to characterize the structure of the double‐modified MMT, morphology, and the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The results show that PP‐g‐MA promotes the formation of exfoliated/intercalated morphology and obviously increases the thermal properties, tensile strength, and Young's modulus of the PP/double‐modified MMT nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Numerical evaluation of lactoperoxidase inactivation during continuous pulsed electric field processing
Authors: Buckow Roman , Semrau Julius , Sui Qian , Wan Jason , Knoerzer Kai
Published: June 2012

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model describing the flow, electric field and temperature distribution of a laboratory‐scale pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment chamber with co‐field electrode configuration was developed. The predicted temperature increase was validated by means of integral temperature studies using thermocouples at the outlet of each flow cell for grape juice and salt solutions. Simulations of PEF treatments revealed intensity peaks of the electric field and laminar flow conditions in the treatment chamber causing local temperature hot spots near the chamber walls. Furthermore, thermal inactivation kinetics of lactoperoxidase (LPO) dissolved in simulated milk ultrafiltrate were determined with a glass capillary method at temperatures ranging from 65 to 80°C. Temperature dependence of first order inactivation rate constants was accurately described by the Arrhenius equation yielding an activation energy of 597.1 kJ mol−1. The thermal impact of different PEF processes on LPO activity was estimated by coupling the derived Arrhenius model with the CFD model and the predicted enzyme inactivation was compared to experimental measurements. Results indicated that LPO inactivation during combined PEF/thermal treatments was largely due to thermal effects, but 5–12% enzyme inactivation may be related to other electro‐chemical effects occurring during PEF treatments. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Thiogalactopyranosides are Resistant to Hydrolysis by α‐Galactosidases
Authors: Adlercreutz Dietlind , Yoshimura Yayoi , Mannerstedt Karin , Wakarchuk Warren W. , Bennett Eric P. , Dovichi Norman J. , Hindsgaul Ole , Palcic Monica M.
Published: June 2012

Fluorescently tagged glycosides containing terminal α(1→3) and α(1→4)‐linked thiogalactopyranosides have been prepared and tested for resistance to hydrolysis by α‐galactosidases. Eight fluorescent glycosides containing either galactose or 5‐thiogalactose as the terminal sugar were enzymatically synthesized using galactosyltransferases, with lactosyl glycosides as acceptors and UDP‐galactose or UDP‐5′‐thiogalactose, respectively, as donors. The glycosides were incubated with human α‐galactosidase A (CAZy family GH27, a retaining glycosidase), Bacteroides fragilis α‐1,3‐galactosidase (GH110, an inverting glycosidase), or homogenates of MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells or NG108‐15 rat glioma cells. Substrate hydrolysis was monitored by capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection. All compounds containing terminal O‐galactose were readily degraded. Their 5‐thiogalactose counterparts were resistant to hydrolysis by human α‐galactosidase A and the enzymes present in the cell extracts. B. fragilis α‐1,3‐galactosidase hydrolyzed both thio‐ and O‐galactoside substrates; however, the thiogalactosides were hydrolyzed at only 1–3 % of the rate of O‐galactosides. The hydrolytic resistance of 5‐thiogalactose was also confirmed by an in vivo study using cells in culture. The results suggest that 5‐thiogalactosides may be useful tools for the study of anabolic pathways in cell extracts or in single cells.
Syntheses and Fully Diastereospecific Photochromic Reactions of Thiophenophan‐1‐enes with Chiral Bridges
Authors: Jin‐nouchi Hirotsugu , Takeshita Michinori
Published: June 2012

Thiophenophan‐1‐enes with chiral polyether bridges were prepared and their diastereospecific photochromic reactions were studied. The coupling reaction of substituted dithienylethenes and various chiral synthons afforded thiophenophan‐1‐enes, namely, bridged dithienylethenes, as single enantiomers without optical resolution, thus indicating that these reactions occurred diastereoselectively. Upon UV irradiation, each optically active thiophenophan‐1‐ene isomerized to the corresponding enantiomer of the closed form and returned to the initial enantiomer of the open form upon visible irradiation. Because thiophenophan‐1‐enes never isomerized to other diastereomers even at a high temperature, they underwent diastereospecific photochromic reactions. Large changes were observed in the measurement of the optical rotations of the solutions of thiophenophan‐1‐enes at 588 nm according to their photochromic reactions. As there was no absorption at this wavelength for both isomers of each thiophenophan‐1‐enes, the nondestructive readout of the photochromic reaction could be carried out by using these chiral thiophenophan‐1‐enes.
The prostate cancer conundrum revisited: Further insights
Authors: Albertsen Peter
Published: June 2012

Prostate cancer incidence and mortality trends in the United States continue to perplex researchers. The rise and subsequent decline in prostate cancer incidence can clearly be traced to the introduction of prostate‐specific antigen testing. However, prostate cancer mortality rates have fallen sooner and faster than can be attributed to the impact of surgery and radiotherapy. Computer modeling by the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) research teams provides insights into these complex relationships.
Structure‐based finite strain modelling of the human left ventricle in diastole
Authors: Wang H. M. , Gao H. , Luo X. Y. , Berry C. , Griffith B. E. , Ogden R. W. , Wang T. J.
Published: June 2012

Finite strain analyses of the left ventricle provide important information on heart function and have the potential to provide insights into the biomechanics of myocardial contractility in health and disease. Systolic dysfunction is the most common cause of heart failure; however, abnormalities of diastolic function also contribute to heart failure, and are associated with conditions including left ventricular hypertrophy and diabetes. The clinical significance of diastolic abnormalities is less well understood than systolic dysfunction, and specific treatments are presently lacking. To obtain qualitative and quantitative information on heart function in diastole, we develop a three‐dimensional computational model of the human left ventricle that is derived from noninvasive imaging data. This anatomically realistic model has a rule‐based fibre structure and a structure‐based constitutive model. We investigate the sensitivity of this comprehensive model to small changes in the constitutive parameters and to changes in the fibre distribution. We make extensive comparisons between this model and similar models that employ different constitutive models, and we demonstrate qualitative and quantitative differences in stress and strain distributions for the different constitutive models. We also provide an initial validation of our model through comparisons to experimental data on stress and strain distributions in the left ventricle. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated Modelling of ASDEX Upgrade Nitrogen Seeded Discharges
Authors: Zagörski R. , Neu R. , ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: June 2012

In this paper we present integrated numerical modelling for the first time applied to ASDEX Upgrade nitrogen seeded discharges with full tungsten wall using the COREDIV code. It has been found that the code is able to reproduce experimental data for majority of the considered shots. In particular, satisfactory agreement with global core parameters like Pdiv, Prad, Zeff, Wmhd, τE and ΓpuffN has been found. However, COREDIV shows significantly larger W concentrations (factor 3‐10) than in experiment and the reason for this discrepancy is not clear. Some plasma profiles are also reasonably simulated by the code. This includes profiles of plasma density, temperatures, Zeff and plasma radiations (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fluorescent target array killing assay: A multiplex cytotoxic T‐cell assay to measure detailed T‐cell antigen specificity and avidity in vivo
Authors: Quah Benjamin J. C. , Wijesundara Danushka K. , Ranasinghe Charani , Parish Christopher R.
Published: June 2012

Here we describe a multiplex, fluorescence‐based, in vivo cytotoxic T‐cell assay using the three vital dyes carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester, cell trace violet, and cell proliferation dye efluor 670. When used to label cells in combination, these dyes can discriminate >200 different target cell populations in the one animal due to each target population having a unique fluorescence signature based on fluorescence intensity and the different emission wavelengths of the dyes. This allows the simultaneous measurement of the in vivo killing of target cells pulsed with numerous peptides at different concentrations and the inclusion of many replicates. This fluorescent target array killing assay can be used to measure the fine antigen specificity and avidity of polyclonal cytotoxic T‐cell responses in vivo, immunological parameters that were previously impossible to monitor. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Toward a reference method for leukocyte differential counts in blood: Comparison of three flow cytometric candidate methods
Authors: Roussel Mikael , Davis Bruce H. , Fest Thierry , Wood Brent L. ,   on behalf of the International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH)
Published: June 2012

A Complete Blood Count performed by an automated hematology analyzer frequently requires a microscopic slide review. Recently, we and others have proposed combinations of monoclonal antibodies for an extended leukocyte differential by flow cytometry. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of these proposals. Ninety‐two samples were analyzed at 2 sites to compare the accuracy of three published methods. Reference methods used were i) cell counter for leukocyte count and ii) microscopic review as defined by CSLI H20‐A2 for cell subsets. Comparison of flow cytometers from 2 manufacturers (FC500 and CANTO/LSRII) was performed. Published protocols were adapted to three different models of flow cytometer and each provided similar results in leukocyte subset enumeration, although some discrepancies were noted for each protocol in comparison with the reference method. The conclusion is that each protocol carries advantages and disadvantages and there is no clear “winner”. This study supports the fact that flow cytometry is a candidate to become a reference method for the leukocyte differential. None of the tested protocols clearly demonstrated superiority and each had demonstrable deficiencies. Additional work to develop a consensual 8 to 10 color panel is concluded to be necessary for a satisfactory reference method. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Gram‐Scale Synthesis of Multipod Pd Nanocrystals by a Simple Solid–Liquid Phase Reaction and Their Remarkable Electrocatalytic Properties
Authors: Liu Suli , Han Min , Shi Yi , Zhang Chengzhi , Chen Yu , Bao Jianchun , Dai Zhihui
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we describe how multipod Pd nanocrystals (NCs) have been synthesized on the gram scale by means of a simple solid–liquid phase reaction route (i.e., thermal reduction of solid Pd(CH3COO)2 in the liquid mixture of dodecylamine, oleic acid, and 1‐octadecene under a temperature‐programmed mode). The nanostructure evolves from the initially generated larger polyhedral NCs into smaller ones and then into the final multipods. The dodecylamine acts as both a mild reductant and a promoter, which affects the reduction rate and decreases the size of the initially formed polyhedral PdNCs. The morphology of the final NCs, such as tri‐ and tetrapods, may be determined by the number of growing points on each polyhedral NC. According to the temperature‐ and time‐dependent experiments, a multistep growth mechanism including digestive ripening, oriented attachment, and fusion process is proposed. This simple solid–liquid phase reaction route can be extended to prepare other multipod metal nanostructures. The multipod PdNCs are found to have a high electrochemically active surface area and possess excellent electrocatalytic performance toward the oxidation of formic acid. Relative to that of polyhedral Pd and commercial Pd black catalysts, the multipod PdNCs exhibit much higher catalytic activity and long‐term stability, which may make them a good candidate catalyst for direct formic acid fuel cells. This developed synthetic strategy together with the provided fundamental understanding of heterogeneous nucleation and growth has great potential for contriving a rational route to the preparation of advanced nanomaterials with specific morphology for catalytic and other functional applications.
Applications of imaged capillary isoelectric focussing technique in development of biopharmaceutical glycoprotein‐based products
Authors: Anderson Carrie L. , Wang* Yang , Rustandi Richard R.
Published: June 2012

CE‐based methods have increasingly been applied to the analysis of a variety of different type proteins. One of those techniques is imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF), a method that has been used extensively in the field of protein‐based drug development as a tool for product identification, stability monitoring, and characterization. It offers many advantages over the traditional labor‐intensive IEF slab gel method and even standard cIEF with on‐line detection technologies with regard to method development, reproducibility, robustness, and speed. Here, specific examples are provided for biopharmaceutical glycoprotein products such as mAbs, erythropoietin (EPO), and recombinant Fc‐fusion proteins, though the technique can be adapted for many other therapeutic proteins. Applications of iCIEF using a Convergent Bioscience instrument (Toronto, Canada) with whole‐field imaging technology are presented and discussed. These include a quick method to establish an identity test for many protein‐based products, product release, and stability evaluation of glycoproteins with respect to charge heterogeneity under accelerated temperature stress, different pH conditions, and in different formulations. Finally, characterization of glycoproteins using this iCIEF technology is discussed with respect to biosimilar development, clone selection, and antigen binding. The data presented provide a ``taste'' of what icIEF method can do to support the development of biopharmaceutical glycoprotein products from early clone screening for better product candidates to characterization of the final commercial products.
Study of DNA–ellipticine interaction by capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Ryvolova Marketa , Adam Vojtech , Eckschlager Tomas , Stiborova Marie , Kizek Rene
Published: June 2012

Ellipticine (5,11‐dimethyl‐6H‐pyrido[4,3‐b]carbazole), an alkaloid isolated from Apocynaceae plants, exhibits an antitumor activity, which is exceptionally high against several specific types of tumors. Ellipticine is also interesting as an anticancer drug as it has limited side effects and lacks of hematological toxicity. Various methods to study intercalating activity of this drug have been developed. However, to our best knowledge, capillary electrophoresis (CE) as a technique combining high separation resolution with various detection options has never been used for these purposes. In this study, a novel separation method based on CE with laser‐induced fluorescence (CE‐LIF) detection has been developed for the determination of ellipticine and for the monitoring of ellipticine–DNA interaction. Sodium acetate (50 mM, pH 4.5) was used as a background electrolyte and LIF detection at λex = 488 nm. The limit of detection for ellipticine was determined to be 5 × 10−8 M. A total of 20% dimethyl sulfoxide was found optimal as sample solvent. Additionally, intercalation of ellipticine into the double‐stranded DNA was investigated. Signal corresponding to ellipticine was decreasing and a new peak appeared and was growing. It can be concluded that CE‐LIF is a method applicable to in vitro studies of ellipticine–DNA complexes.
Anaerobic digestion technology in livestock manure treatment for biogas production: A review
Authors: Nasir Ismail M. , Mohd Ghazi Tinia I. , Omar Rozita
Published: June 2012

This article reviews the potential of anaerobic digestion (AD) for biogas production from livestock manure wastes and compares the operating and performance data for various anaerobic process configurations. It examines different kinds of manure waste treatment techniques and the influence of several parameters on biogas and methane yield. The comparison indicates that a variety of different operational conditions, various reactor configurations such as batch reactors, continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR), plug flow reactor (PFR), up‐flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR), temperature phased anaerobic digestion (TPAD), and continuous one‐ and two‐stage systems, present a suitable technology for the AD of livestock manure waste. Main performance indicators are biogas and methane yield, degradation of volatile solids (VS), higher loading, and process stability with a short retention time.
Driver drowsiness detection based on multisource information
Authors: Cheng Bo , Zhang Wei , Lin Yingzi , Feng Ruijia , Zhang Xibo
Published: June 2012

Driver drowsiness is one of the major causes of on‐road accidents. Abnormal eye behavior, steering wheel activity, and vehicle trajectory during different drowsiness stages were studied in detail to overcome the limitations of single‐sensor approaches. Some measures, such as percentage of eyelid closure, maximum close duration, and percentage of nonsteering were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods. Moreover, a two‐stage data fusion framework was developed for the modeling combination of information from different sources. Fisher's linear discriminant was implied as the feature‐level fusion method, and Dempster‐Shafer evidence theory was introduced in the decision‐level fusion process. The results suggest that the recognition system proposed here provided 90.7% accuracy. The reliability and accuracy of the fusion method were significantly higher than those of single sensors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risks of carbamate and organophosphate pesticide mixtures to salmon in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Moore Dwayne RJ , Teed R Scott
Published: June 2012

Salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest are being affected by a variety of environmental stressors including intense fishing pressure, parasites and disease, climatic variability and change, land development, hatchery production, hydropower operations, stormwater runoff, and exposure to toxic contaminants. In recent years, there has been much concern that mixtures of pesticides are causing toxic effects to Pacific salmon. In this study, we compared measured stream water concentrations from 2 monitoring studies conducted in the Pacific Northwest with concentration-response curves derived for inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase activity in juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) for mixtures of organophosphate (OPs) and carbamate (CBs) pesticides. In the first monitoring study, samples were collected from 2003 to 2007 in salmonid-bearing waters of 5 urban or agricultural watersheds in Washington State. This study was targeted to areas of high pesticide use and generally involved weekly sampling during the pesticide use season. The second monitoring study was the United States Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment that included samples taken from 2003 to 2010 in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. OPs and CBs were frequently detected in both studies. The available monitoring data collected since 2003, however, demonstrates that mixtures of OPs and CBs in surface waters rarely occur at levels capable of producing significant physiological and behavioral effects in Pacific salmon. The observed mixtures never reached concentrations capable of causing mortality. We conclude that mixtures of organophosphates and carbamates do not pose a significant direct risk to Pacific salmon. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 70–78. © 2012 SETAC
Non‐conformal geometry discretization scheme for hybrid volume and surface integral equation method
Authors: Hu Jun , Li Yin , Feng Xiang , Nie Zaiping
Published: June 2012

In traditional integral equation method, conformal geometry discretization with adjacent edges or faces is very difficult to realize in case of complicated structures like composite conductor and dielectric. It will also lead to a very ill‐conditioned matrix because of over‐meshed elements. In this paper, a flexible, non‐conformal geometry discretization scheme based on hybrid volume and surface integral equation is developed for meshing three‐dimensional composite conductor and dielectric structures. For surface discretization of conductor, grid‐robust higher order vector‐basis functions are adopted. It keeps the flexibility of geometry modeling and reduces the number of the unknowns because of the property of point‐basis functions. For volume discretization of dielectric, non‐conformal volume‐basis functions are used. Further, the integral equation‐fast Fourier transformation algorithm is applied to expedite matrix–vector multiplication in iteration process. Some numerical results are given to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of this method. Because of truly full non‐conformal discretization scheme, the present method has no difficulty of geometry discretization and has potential for structures with complicated geometry and materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of iron and zinc foliar applications on rice plants and their grain accumulation and grain nutritional quality
Authors: Yuan Ling , Wu Lianghuan , Yang Chunlei , Lv Qian
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Foliar sprays of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) fertilisers are known to be an effective way to improve Fe and Zn concentrations in rice grain. However, results can differ significantly among different rice cultivars and/or types of foliar fertiliser. In this study, several Fe‐rich rice cultivars were used to identify an effective foliar fertiliser for optimal Fe and Zn enrichment of rice grain.

RESULTS: Foliar Fe amino acid (Fe‐AA) fertiliser significantly improved the Fe concentration in brown rice of most cultivars. Compared with the control, the average Fe concentration in all tested cultivars was increased by 14.5%. The average Fe concentration was increased by 32.5% when 1% (w/v) nicotianamine (NA) was added to Fe‐AA, while the average Zn concentration was increased by 42.4% when 0.5% (w/v) ZnSO4 · 7H2O was added to Fe‐AA.

CONCLUSION: The results suggested that NA at a suitable concentration added to Fe‐AA fertiliser could accelerate Fe accumulation in rice grain. A relatively low concentration of ZnSO4 · 7H2O added to Fe‐AA significantly increased Fe and Zn accumulation in rice grain. The study identified some useful foliar fertilisers for enhancing the levels of Fe and Zn in selected Fe‐rich rice cultivars. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
New revised FIGO 2008 staging system for endometrial cancer produces better discrimination in survival compared with the 1988 staging system
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Watari Hidemichi , Endo Daisuke , Mitamura Takashi , Odagiri Tetsuji , Konno Yousuke , Hosaka Masayoshi , Kobayashi Noriko , Todo Yukiharu , Sudo Satoko , Takeda Mahito , Dong Peixin , Kaneuchi Masanori , Kudo Masataka , Sakuragi Noriaki
Published: June 2012

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze the stage migration and survival of endometrial cancer by the revised FIGO 2008 staging system compared with the 1988 staging system.

Methods

A total of 355 patients with endometrial cancer, who underwent complete surgical staging, were enrolled. We compared the surgical stages and survival by FIGO 1988 staging system with those by FIGO 2008 staging system.

Results

2008 FIGO staging system resulted in an increase of stage I patients and decrease of stage II and IIIa patients. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates for patients with 2008 FIGO stage IA and IB disease were 98.2% and 91.9%, respectively (P = 0.004). Five‐year OS rate of new stage II (82.6%) was significantly worse than that of new stage IA (98.2%, P = 0.003). Patients with positive washing cytology alone revealed a 5‐year OS rate similar to that of patients with new stage IIIA disease (96.2% vs. 90.9%, respectively; P = 0.53). The 5‐year OS rate for patients with stage IIIC1 disease was improved compared with that for patients with stage IIIC2 disease (85.7% vs. 63.0%, respectively; P = 0.08).

Conclusion

New revised FIGO 2008 staging system for endometrial cancer produced better discrimination in OS outcomes compared with the 1988 system. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106: 938–941. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ECO‐GEOMORPHOLOGICAL PROCESSES WITHIN GRASSLANDS, SHRUBLANDS AND BADLANDS IN THE SEMI‐ARID KAROO, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Dickie J. A. , Parsons A. J.
Published: June 2012

Vegetation type and cover play an important role in the operation of geomorphological processes by controlling runoff and sediment dynamics. In drylands, land degradation is particularly sensitive to these eco‐geomorphic interactions. Although many geomorphological studies of land degradation focus on the change in hydrological response as a function of vegetation cover, few have investigated how the autogenic response of plants may influence the susceptibility of soil to erosion through a change of soil resources. This study investigates the hypothesis that shrub communities possess greater soil parameter heterogeneity compared with grasslands and assesses how these different scales of heterogeneity can influence the susceptibility of soil to erosion.

Soil samples were taken from seven 60 m × 60 m plots within grasslands, shrublands and badlands situated in the Sneeuberg uplands of the central Karoo. One hundred and eight samples per plot were analysed for bulk density, organic matter, pH, conductivity and available sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Geostatistical analyses determined that the grassland landscape was largely homogenous in its distribution of soil parameters, whereas shrublands demonstrated an increase in heterogeneity. Periodicity in the semi‐variograms indicated that regular patterns across the landscape were evident for all parameters and thus likely to represent the differences between shrub and intershrub regions, areas of high and low erodibility. More pronounced patterns were identified in the badlands. This indicates that, if the conditions are right, changes in plant‐soil interactions caused by soil parameter redistribution in shrubland landscapes can exacerbate erosion, leading to further degradation in the form of badlands. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EVIDENCE FOR LAND DEGRADATION FROM AEOLIAN SEDIMENT IN THE WEST‐CENTRAL FREE STATE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Holmes P. J. , Thomas D. S. G. , Bateman M. D. , Wiggs G. F. S. , Rabumbulu M.
Published: June 2012

Evidence for historical and recent/contemporary aeolian activity in the west‐central Free State Province, South Africa, is here reviewed, synthesised and supplemented by new data. The evidence is derived from three sources, namely lunette dunes and their capping sediments, fence‐line dunes and buried fences, and contemporary dust entrainment. Prior to settlement by farmers of European origin during the 18th and 19th centuries, this grassland biome supported significant populations of native herbivores and carnivores. Human impact was limited to grazing of cattle and small stock by indigenous inhabitants of the region, with limited subsistence agriculture. The first Europeans to inhabit these grasslands were itinerant trekboers, who hunted game and drove cattle. Subsequent to permanent settlement by farmers in the 19th century, the area was surveyed, title was acquired and commercial agriculture was introduced, further impacting on the environment. There is currently evidence in the landscape that this human impact may have led to enhanced aeolian activity. This paper reviews such evidence.

Numerous pans (playas) occur in the area, with sand/clay lunette dunes typically occurring on their downwind margins. At most sites, the lunettes are unconformably capped by sand. Optically stimulated luminescence dates from dunes at five localities reveal a suite of ages between 580 and 60 years, suggesting renewed aeolian sediment mobility in historic times. Further evidence for sediment mobility, which suggests dune building post ca. 1880, was derived from buried barbed‐wire fences and recent fence‐line dunes, which border land currently under the plough. Finally, there is evidence of mobile dust derived from dust traps used to monitor aeolian sediment mobility on agricultural land, as well as at a pan site. It is proposed that historic and current land‐use practices have contributed to sediment mobility and, by implication, may promote land degradation in the area. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RANGE DEGRADATION AND LAND TENURE CHANGE: INSIGHTS FROM A ‘RELEASED’ COMMUNAL AREA OF EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Bennett J. E. , Palmer A. R. , Blackett M. A.
Published: June 2012

In South Africa, the relative extent of range degradation under freehold compared with communal tenure has been debated. This study presents findings from a ‘released’ communal area, where a former freehold farm was transferred to communal ownership in 1976 and compares this with an ecologically similar farm still under freehold tenure. Analysis of historical aerial photographs demonstrated an increase of 21·5 per cent in shrub abundance at the communal site after change from freehold tenure (1975–1985), but a slight decline of 0·3 per cent in the years preceding the change (1968–1975). Conversely, at the freehold site, shrub abundance declined by 12·8 per cent over the period 1968 to 2004. Field measurements revealed significantly (p < 0·05) greater frequency of both woody and dwarf shrubs under communal tenure as well as significantly lower basal cover for all ground vegetation. Mean point to tuft distance values were also significantly lower at the communal site for both grasses and all ground vegetation. However, mean range condition score was significantly (p = 0·03) higher at the communal site because of the significantly (p = 0·01) greater frequency ofThemeda triandra. We conclude that although the communal site does show some evidence of vegetation degradation relative to the freehold farm, range productivity has not declined in the short term, suggesting that more permanent range degradation at the site has been limited. A more conclusive evaluation of the link between tenure change and range degradation will require longer‐term research at released sites, including measurement of established degradation indicators such as soil erosion. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ImmuKnow as a diagnostic tool for predicting infection and acute rejection in adult liver transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rodrigo Emilio , López-Hoyos Marcos , Corral Mario , Fábrega Emilio , Fernández-Fresnedo Gema , San Segundo David , Piñera Celestino , Arias Manuel
Published: June 2012

Immune status monitoring of transplant recipients could identify patients at risk of acute rejection, infection, and cancer, which are important sources of morbidity and mortality in these patients. The ImmuKnow assay provides an objective assessment of the cellular immune function of immunosuppressed patients. Inconclusive results concerning the ability of the ImmuKnow test to predict acute rejection and infection have raised concerns about the predictive value of ImmuKnow in liver transplant recipients. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies published up to March 2012 that documented the use of ImmuKnow for monitoring immune function in liver transplant recipients. The study quality was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 score. We identified 5 studies analyzing ImmuKnow performance for infection and 5 studies analyzing ImmuKnow performance for acute rejection. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were 83.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 78.5%-88.3%], 75.3% (95% CI = 70.9%-79.4%), 3.3 (95% CI = 2.8-4.0), 14.6 (95% CI = 9.6-22.3), and 0.824 ± 0.034, respectively, for infection and 65.6% (95% CI = 55.0%-75.1%), 80.4% (95% CI = 76.4%-83.9%), 3.4 (95% CI = 2.4-4.7), 8.8 (95% CI = 3.1-24.8), and 0.835 ± 0.060, respectively, for acute rejection. Heterogeneity was low for infection studies and high for acute rejection studies. In conclusion, the ImmuKnow test is a valid tool for determining the risk of further infection in adult liver transplant recipients. Significant heterogeneity across studies precludes the conclusion that ImmuKnow identifies liver transplant patients at risk for rejection. Liver Transpl 18:1245–1253, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Phase‐sensitive inversion recovery for myocardial T1 mapping with motion correction and parametric fitting
Authors: Xue Hui , Greiser Andreas , Zuehlsdorff Sven , Jolly Marie‐Pierre , Guehring Jens , Arai Andrew E. , Kellman Peter
Published: June 2012

The assessment of myocardial fibrosis and extracellular volume requires accurate estimation of myocardial T1s. While image acquisition using the modified Look‐Locker inversion recovery technique is clinically feasible for myocardial T1 mapping, respiratory motion can limit its applicability. Moreover, the conventional T1 fitting approach using the magnitude inversion recovery images can lead to less stable T1 estimates and increased computational cost. In this article, we propose a novel T1 mapping scheme that is based on phase‐sensitive image reconstruction and the restoration of polarity of the MR signal after inversion. The motion correction is achieved by registering the reconstructed images after background phase removal. The restored signal polarity of the inversion recovery signal helps the T1 fitting resulting in improved quality of the T1 map and reducing the computational cost. Quantitative validation on a data cohort of 45 patients proves the robustness of the proposed method against varying image contrast. Compared to the magnitude T1 fitting, the proposed phase‐sensitive method leads to less fluctuation in T1 estimates. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Why Immigration Detention is Unique
Authors: Silverman Stephanie J. , Massa Evelyne
Published: June 2012

In this editorial introduction, we provide a context for our special issue by outlining the major approaches and issues related to immigration detention in liberal, democratic states. We are concerned that there is no commonly accepted definition of detention, and so we endeavour to provide one here. Beyond the need for greater conceptual clarity, we suggest that a pressing question is why immigration detention is continuously expanding despite mounting evidence that the practice harms people, does not deter irregular immigrants, and fails to ensure more efficient and effective immigration and asylum determination systems. We introduce the major themes from each contribution and explain how they both address this question and initiate new ones. Collectively, these papers demonstrate that immigration detention is embedded in, and essential for, wider immigration and penal apparatuses; yet, it also operates by its own logics, which in turn shape population boundaries in new ways both within and beyond the sovereign state. We conclude that immigration detention warrants special critical attention and a more robust research agenda. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pinosylvin Induces Cell Survival, Migration and Anti‐Adhesiveness of Endothelial Cells via Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Jeong Eunsil , Lee Hye‐Rim , Pyee Jaeho , Park Heonyong
Published: June 2012

Pinosylvin is a phenolic compound mainly found in the Pinus species. To determine the vascular functions of pinosylvin, we first examined both proliferation and apoptosis of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) in the presence of pinosylvin. When BAECs were treated with pinosylvin, etoposide‐ or starvation‐induced apoptosis was shown to be significantly reduced. The anti‐apoptotic effect of pinosylvin was mediated by inhibition of caspase‐3. Moreover, pinosylvin was shown to activate endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS). At 1 pM, pinosylvin appeared to have a cell‐proliferative effect in the endothelial cell. The pinosylvin‐induced cell proliferation was declined by treatment with L‐NAME, an eNOS inhibitor. Then, we found that pinosylvin had a stimulatory effect on cell migration and tube formation. These stimulatory effects suggest that pinosylvin is likely to act as a pro‐angiogenic factor. Yet another effect of pinosylvin was inhibition of lipopolysaccharide‐induced THP‐1 cell adhesion to endothelial cells. Altogether, we propose that pinosylvin may be utilized as a phytotherapic agent for the prevention of cardiovascular inflammatory diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative Analysis of FeMo Alloys using Lithium Tetraborate Fusion Technique by X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Jung Sung‐Mo , Mun Hong‐Deuk
Published: June 2012

A quantitative analysis method of molybdenum in FeMo alloys by X‐ray spectrometry using borate fusion technique was proposed. Homogeneous glass disks were prepared under the following conditions: lithium tetraborate as flux with sample dilution (1:33), with the addition of lithium nitrate (LiNO3) as oxidizer by slow heating from 888 to 1123 K for 45 min followed by fusion at 1273 K for 3 min in an O2‐blowing atmosphere. The complete pre‐oxidation of FeMo alloys by adding oxidizer and by employing O2‐supplying apparatus was ascribed to the reproducible preparation of homogeneous fused glass disks. Nine FeMo standard materials were employed to establish the XRF calibration curves for Mo and Fe. The calibration curves were used in the quantitative analysis of standard materials and unknown plant samples with satisfactory precision and accuracy, considering the matrix effects and line overlap corrections. It is believed that the newly proposed method of preparing fused glass disks of FeMo alloys employing an automated fusion system can replace the conventional preparation requiring the labor intensive and time consuming procedure.