bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemically Modified Graphenes as Detectors in Lab‐on‐Chip Device
Authors: Chua Chun Kiang , Pumera Martin
Published: December 2012

Graphene materials hold immense potentials for electrochemical detectors in lab‐on‐chip devices. The electronic and electrochemical properties of graphene based materials are significantly affected by the fabrication routes and by the structural features, such as density of defects and amount of oxygen containing groups. Therefore it is paramount to evaluate various graphene‐based materials prior to their integration onto the lab‐on‐chip devices. The performance of various reduced graphenes (so called chemically modified graphene materials), namely, thermally, chemically and electrochemically reduced graphenes as well as graphene‐oxide and graphite‐oxide as detectors in a microfluidics system was examined and linked to the materials properties of the various graphenes. This work shows that not all graphene materials are beneficial for the detection at lab‐on‐chip devices. In addition, the findings show that materials exhibiting excellent properties in batch measurements demonstrate poor performance in flow‐setup. These findings could provide valuable insights into the future applicability of graphene materials towards practical applications.
Advisory committees in contract and grant‐funded evaluation projects
Authors: Mattessich Paul W.
Published: December 2012

This chapter describes the use of evaluation advisory committees in contract and grant‐funded evaluation projects. It defines what constitutes an evaluation advisory committee. It identifies five key functions of evaluation advisory committees: stakeholder engagement, maximizing external credibility, political conciliation, promotion of methodological integrity, and promotion of use. Typical features are explained: size, composition, meeting content, expectations for authority, and decision making. Whether to have an advisory committee is discussed. A range of examples—from fields of human services, public health, education, and others—illustrates the uses, functions, features, and compositional options of committees. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Advice giving in contested space
Authors: VeLure Roholt Ross
Published: December 2012

Shortly after the ratification of the peace accords, the national museum of Northern Ireland created an exhibition on the legacy of The Troubles, a term used to refer to the previous 30 years of violent civil strife. This exhibition aimed to address the conflicted understanding of this time period through the inclusion of multiple stories, artifacts representing both communities, and ongoing input from museum visitors. As anticipated, the exhibition was contested even prior to its opening. An evaluator was contracted to assess visitor satisfaction and learning outcomes, and provided with an evaluation advisory group (EAG) that consisted of two high‐ranking museum staff and a high‐ranking museum professional who had worked on regional and national issues for museums. This case study will describe how this EAG provided the necessary political coverage to allow the evaluation to be designed, carried out, and used. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Congratulations on the new initiative! Is it time for a new committee?
Authors: Block Betsy Baum
Published: December 2012

United Way of the Bay Area (UWBA) has started to implement its 10‐year initiative: Cut Poverty in Half in the Bay Area by 2020, in partnership with hundreds of organizations. The goal is audacious, and the effort required immense. As a founding steering council begins to move forward with all the complexities of this initiative, among the many challenges is to answer how our progress and impact can feasibly be measured. The concept of an evaluation advisory committee (EAC) holds tremendous appeal as a way to leverage the best experts to provide critical input and help us define credible evidence for success. In developing the EAC, we found no ready‐made guide and began constructing our own approach. This chapter discusses considerations for the framework of an EAC, and shares some key decisions about its purpose and structure. It shares our initial goals, the proposed composition of the EAC, and how our understanding of engaging an EAC has evolved. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Molecular and environmental factors determining grain quality in rice
Authors: Chen Yi , Wang Mei , Ouwerkerk Pieter B. F.
Published: December 2012

Rice among other cereals is key to food security for at least half the world population. Since the 1960s, productivity of rice has largely been improved during the Green Revolution, which included development of new cultivars, irrigation infrastructure, new management techniques, and synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Nowadays, scientists and breeders are more and more focused on improving the quality of rice for different purposes and markets. For instance, people in the Far East prefer sticky and soft rice, while in India, a non‐sticky type is preferred. Consumers from developed countries ask mainly for grain with good cooking quality and eating characteristics, but in many developing regions, nutritional value is crucial as rice is the most consumed staple food. Grain quality is a general concept which covers many characteristics ranging from physical to biochemical and physiological properties. Starch and protein are the two main components of rice endosperm and therefore are key to quality. The knowledge of how starch and protein are synthesized, sorted, and stored in starch granules and protein bodies (PB) is important for rice breeding. Besides that, grain quality has been shown to be affected significantly by growing and environmental conditions, such as water availability, temperature, fertilizer application, drought, and salinity stresses. However, the signal transduction pathways controlling grain quality still remain largely unclear. In the following sections, we first briefly review the four main aspects of grain quality, followed by a discussion of the molecular and genetic basis of starch and seed‐storage protein biosynthesis and the effects of environmental factors. Obviously, rice grain is also an important source of mineral micronutrients, as well as important vitamins. Storage of these also plays crucial roles in grain quality and nutritional value, but we will only discuss these aspects briefly in this review.
Aggregate Volatility and Market Jump Risk: An Option‐Based Explanation to Size and Value Premia
Authors: Arisoy Yakup Eser
Published: December 2012

It is well documented that stock returns have different sensitivities to changes in aggregate volatility, however less is known about their sensitivity to market jump risk. By using S&P 500 crash‐neutral at‐the‐money straddle and out‐of‐money put returns as proxies for aggregate volatility and market jump risk, I document significant differences between volatility and jump loadings of value versus growth, and small versus big portfolios. In particular, small (big) and value (growth) portfolios exhibit negative (positive) and significant volatility and jump betas. I also provide further evidence that both volatility and jump risk factors are priced and negative. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 34:34–55, 2014
Meiosis error and subsequent genetic and epigenetic alterations invoke the malignant transformation of germ cell tumor
Authors: Ichikawa Mizuho , Arai Yasuhito , Haruta Masayuki , Furukawa Shinsuke , Ariga Tadashi , Kajii Tadashi , Kaneko Yasuhiko
Published: December 2012

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are thought to arise from primordial germ cells (PGCs) that undergo epigenetic reprogramming. To explore the mechanisms of GCT formation, we analyzed single‐nucleotide polymorphism array comparative genomic hybridization patterns and the methylation status of 15 tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of two imprinted genes, H19 and SNRPN, in 28 children with GCTs. Three GCTs with 25–26 segmental uniparental disomies (UPDs), heterozygous centromeric regions, and a highly methylated SNRPN DMR may have occurred through meiosis I error. Three other GCTs with whole UPD and homozygous centromeric regions of all chromosomes may have occurred through endoreduplication of a haploid set in an ovum or testis. The other 22 GCTs had heterozygous centromeric regions of all chromosomes and no or a small number of segmental or whole UPDs and may have developed from premeiotic PGCs before imprint erasure or a reestablishment of imprinting. Gain and amplification of 3p24‐p22 and 20q13‐q13, and loss and UPD of 1p36‐p35, 4q21‐q21, 5q11‐q13, and 6q26‐qter were found in five or more tumors. 1p36‐p35 loss was frequent, and found in 19 tumors; RUNX3 residing at 1p36 was methylated in the promoter regions of 16 tumors. Two yolk sac tumors with many segmental UPDs or whole UPD of all chromosomes had gain of 20q13‐q13 and loss of 1p36‐p35, and seven or eight methylated TSGs. These genetic and epigenetic alterations may have caused malignant transformation because they were rarely found in teratomas with segmental or whole UPDs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MED12 mutations occurring in benign and malignant mammalian smooth muscle tumors
Authors: Markowski Dominique Nadine , Huhle Sonja , Nimzyk Rolf , Stenman Göran , Löning Thomas , Bullerdiek Jörn
Published: December 2012

Mutations of the mediator subcomplex 12 gene (MED12) recently have been described in a large group of uterine leiomyomas (UL) but only in a single malignant uterine smooth muscle tumor. To further address the occurrence of fibroid‐type MED12 mutations in smooth muscle tumors, we have analyzed samples from 34 leiomyosarcomas (LMS), 21 UL, two extrauterine leiomyomas (EL), and 10 canine genital leiomyomas for the presence of MED12 mutations of the UL‐type. Interestingly, besides UL MED12 mutations were found in one uterine LMS, one EL, and two canine vaginal leiomyomas. The results confirm the occurrence of fibroid‐type MED12 mutations in malignant uterine smooth muscle tumors thus suggesting a rare but existing leiomyoma‐LMS sequence. In addition, for the first time MED12 mutations are reported in smooth muscle tumors in a non‐primate mammalian species. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of 20 genes at chromosome band 12q13: RACGAP1 and MCRS1 overexpression in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Liang Yurong , Liu Minxia , Wang Pin , Ding Xiaojie , Cao Yi
Published: December 2012

Chromosomal aberrations at 12q13 are frequent in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we examined mRNA expression of 20 genes within chromosome band 12q13 by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in NSCLC. Of the 20 genes, nine were upregulated, while two genes were downregulated. Among the nine upregulated genes, mRNA values of RACGAP1, MCRS1, EIF4B, WNT1, and PTGES3 were significantly higher in NSCLCs compared with normal lung tissues. Subsequently, overexpressions of RACGAP1 and MCRS1 were confirmed at the protein level in tissues and cultured cells of lung cancer by immunostaining and Western blot. RACGAP1 was labeled in the nucleus of tumor cells in 89% of the tumor specimens. In the cultured cells, RACGAP1 was present principally in the nucleus of nonmitotic cells, but showed a diffuse distribution in the cytoplasm of mitotic cells (metaphase) and at the contractile ring between two separating daughter cells (telophase). Furthermore, RACGAP1 downregulation by RNA interference caused cytokinesis defects, indicating that RACGAP1 is required for cytokinesis. MCRS1 was stained in all tumor specimens and strongly stained in 31% of cases. Interestingly, MCRS1 exhibits different localization in the mitotic cells of cultured immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells and cultured lung cancer cells. In vitro, downregulation of MCRS1 in lung cancer cells inhibited cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. These findings indicate that RACGAP1 and MCRS1 may be cancer‐related genes in NSCLC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New recurrent balanced translocations in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes: Cancer and leukemia group B 8461
Authors: Walker Alison , Mrózek Krzysztof , Kohlschmidt Jessica , Rao Kathleen W. , Pettenati Mark J. , Sterling Lisa J. , Marcucci Guido , Carroll Andrew J. , Bloomfield Clara D. ,   for the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
Published: December 2012

Acquired chromosome abnormalities in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are among the most valuable determinants of diagnosis and prognosis. In search of new recurrent balanced translocations, we reviewed the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) cytogenetics database containing pretreatment and relapse karyotypes of 4,701 adults with AML and 565 with MDS who were treated on CALGB trials. We identified all cases with balanced structural rearrangements occurring as a sole abnormality or in addition to one other abnormality, excluded abnormalities known to be recurrent, and then reviewed the literature to determine whether any of what we considered unique, previously unknown abnormalities had been reported. As a result, we identified seven new recurrent balanced translocations in AML or MDS: t(7;11)(q22;p15.5), t(10;11)(q23;p15), t(2;12)(p13;p13), t(12;17)(p13;q12), t(2;3)(p21;p21), t(5;21)(q31;q22), and t(8;14)(q24.1;q32.2), and additionally, t(10;12)(p11;q15), a new translocation in AML previously reported in a case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Herein, we report hematologic and clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with these newly recognized recurrent translocations. We also report 52 unique balanced translocations, together with the clinical data of patients harboring them, which to our knowledge have not been previously published. We hope that once the awareness of their existence is increased, some of these translocations may become recognized as novel recurring abnormalities. Identification of additional cases with both the new recurrent and the unique balanced translocations will enable determination of their prognostic significance and help to provide insights into the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis in patients with these rare abnormalities. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geological and logistical challenges of the TBM drive of the Pinglu Tunnel in China / Geologische und logistische Herausforderungen beim TMB‐Vortrieb des Pinglu Tunnels in China
Authors: Müller Meik , Bargmann Paul
Published: December 2012

The 25 km long Pinglu Tunnel is part of a large water supply project in the north west of the Chinese province of Shanxi. After a brief description of the overall project, the article describes the alignment, geology, lining and the TBM and machinery concept. A second‐hand hard rock double shield machine built in 1994 was supplied by the employer and had to be overhauled for the reject. During the progress of tunnelling, numerous mechanical, logistical and geological challenges had to be overcome.

Der 25 km lange Pinglu‐Tunnel ist Teil eines großen Wasserversorgungsprojekts im Nordwesten der Provinz Shanxi/China. Nach einer kurzen Gesamtprojektübersicht beschreibt der Beitrag die Trassenführung, die Geologie, das Ausbaukonzept sowie das TBM‐ und Gerätekonzept. Zum Einsatz kam eine gebrauchte Hartgesteins Doppelschild Maschine aus dem Jahr 1994, die vom Auftraggeber bereitgestellt wurde und vom Auftragnehmer für das Projekt aufgearbeitet werden musste. Bei dem Tunnelvortrieb gab es zahlreiche maschinentechnische, logistische und geologische Herausforderungen zu meistern.
Incentives for project optimisation / Anreiz für Projektoptimierung
Authors: Purrer Walter
Published: December 2012

Efforts are being made in the construction industry at the moment to provide incentives for project partners to optimise construction projects with the intention of maximising the benefits for society. These efforts are concentrated on the development of contractual rules in order to bring the self‐interests of the project parties into line with the overriding interests of the construction project. But it is often overlooked that the implementation of a construction project is carried out through a social system. Important influential factors like self‐confidence, optimism, respect and trust as well as the orientation to common goals are often underestimated or even considered unalterable and thus neglected.

In der Bauwirtschaft gibt es derzeit Bemühungen, den Projektbeteiligten Anreize für eine Optimierung des Bauprojekts im Sinne einer Maximierung des Nutzens für die Gesellschaft zu geben. Diese Bemühungen konzentrieren sich auf die Entwicklung vertraglicher Regeln, um die Eigeninteressen der Projektbeteiligten mit den übergeordneten Interessen des Bauprojekts in Einklang zu bringen. Oft wird dabei übersehen, dass die Realisierung eines Bauprojekts durch ein soziales System erfolgt. Wichtige Einflussfaktoren wie Selbstbewusstsein, Optimismus, Wertschätzung und Vertrauen sowie die Orientierung nach gemeinsamen Zielen werden dabei meist unterschätzt bzw. als unveränderbar erachtet und daher vernachlässigt.
Mechanisches Verhalten eines teilgesättigten Kaolinit‐Tons: Experimentelle Untersuchungen, Stoffmodell und Implementierung
Authors: Schwarz Viktoria , Vrettos Christos
Published: December 2012

Die vorliegende Veröffentlichung behandelt die Entwicklung eines elasto‐plastischen Stoffmodells für teilgesättigte bindige Böden. Abweichend von den aus der Literatur bekannten Stoffmodellen für teilgesättigte Böden sind Änderungen von Zustandsgrößen unmittelbar in den Modellparametern erfassbar und nicht mit der Saugspannung gekoppelt. Der Einfluss der Zustandsgrößen Anfangsporenzahl, ‐sättigungsgrad sowie Spannungsniveau auf das mechanische Verhalten eines mittel bis ausgeprägt plastischen Tons wird untersucht. Zur Ermittlung der relevanten Stoffparameter werden triaxiale deviatorische Kompressions‐ und Extensionsversuche in einem speziellen Triaxialgerät durchgeführt. Das aufgestellte Stoffmodell wird in das FEM‐Programmsystem Abaqus implementiert und damit das Verformungsverhalten einer Flachgründung bei Aufsättigung des Bodens untersucht.

Mechanical behaviour of a partially saturated kaolinite‐clay: Experimental investigation, constitutive model, and implementation. The present publication deals with the development of an elasto‐plastic constitutive model for partially saturated cohesive soils. In contrast to the constitutive models available in the literature for unsaturated soils, changes in the state variables are explicitly included in the model parameters and uncoupled to the suction value. The influence of the state parameters initial void ratio, initial degree of saturation, and stress level on the mechanical behaviour of a common medium to high plasticity clay is investigated. The relevant constitutive parameters are determined from triaxial deviatoric compression and extension tests carried out in a custom‐built triaxial apparatus. The constitutive model is implemented in the FEM code Abaqus, and applied to investigate the deformation of a surface foundation during saturation due to irrigation.
Untersuchung der Interaktionsbeziehungen kombiniert belasteter Pfähle in bindigen und nichtbindigen Böden
Authors: Thieken Klaus , Achmus Martin
Published: December 2012

Gründungspfähle können nicht nur zur Abtragung von vertikalen, sondern gleichzeitig auch von horizontalen Lasten in den Baugrund herangezogen werden. Eine derartige kombinierte Belastung führt allerdings zu Beeinflussungen im vertikalen und horizontalen Tragverhalten, welche in der derzeitigen Bemessungspraxis keine Berücksichtigung finden. Zur Identifikation und Quantifizierung dieser Interaktionseffekte wurden umfangreiche Untersuchungen mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode durchgeführt. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchungen für Pfähle in nichtbindigen Böden unter dränierten und in bindigen Böden unter undränierten Belastungsbedingungen dargestellt. Dabei wird auch der Einfluss eines Biegemoments am Pfahlkopf oder einer Pfahlkopfeinspannung behandelt. Es ergeben sich komplexe Interaktionseffekte, welche mittels Interaktionsdiagrammen dargestellt werden können. Schwerpunktmäßig werden Interaktionseffekte hinsichtlich Pfahlkopfverformungen und Pfahlgrenzlasten betrachtet. Abschließend wird aber auch die Veränderung der Biegebeanspruchung des Pfahls durch Interaktionseffekte untersucht.

Investigations on the interaction relationships for piles under combined loading in cohesive and non‐cohesive soils: Foundation piles are normally and favorably used for the transfer of vertical loads into the subsoil. However, in many fields of application piles are used simultaneously for the transfer of horizontal load. This so‐called combined loading affects the vertical and horizontal load bearing behavior. In current engineering practice, these interaction effects are not taken into account. For the identification and quantification of the influences a comprehensive investigation based on the Finite Element Method was carried out. The paper in hand presents results of these investigations considering piles in non‐cohesive soils regarding drained loading and piles in cohesive soils regarding undrained loading conditions. Thereby the influence of a moment and a rotational spring at the pile head is taken into account. It can be shown, that the combined loading leads to complex interaction effects which can be presented in terms of interaction diagrams. The main focus of the investigation is set on the interaction effects on ultimate loads and pile head displacements. Additionally the influence of combined loading on the pile bending moments is investigated.
Potential N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Precursors in the Palladium‐Catalyzed Heck Reaction
Authors: Demir Serpil , Zengin Rukiye , Özdemir İsmail
Published: December 2012

A novel 1‐(cyclobutylmethyl)‐substi‐tuted imidazolidinium/benzimidazolium salts as N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors were successfully synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and elemental analysis techniques. These compounds were easily prepared from the reaction of N‐alkyl imidazoline/N‐alkyl benzimidazole with bromomethylcyclobutane in high yields. The in situ formed catalytic system derived from the NHC precursor and Pd(OAc)2 was used in the Heck reaction between aryl halides and styrene with potassium hydroxide in water. The corresponding Heck products were obtained in good yields. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 24:77–83, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21065
Follow the code: Rules or guidelines for academic deans' behavior?
Authors: Bray Nathaniel J.
Published: December 2012

This chapter delineates six tenets for a code of conduct to guide the behavior of academic deans.
College and university codes of conduct for fund‐raising professionals
Authors: Caboni Timothy C.
Published: December 2012

Prospective donors and the institutions represented constitute the clients served by college and university fund‐raising professionals. This chapter describes nine tenets for a code of conduct for fund‐raising professionals that protects the welfare of these clients.
Toward a code of conduct for graduate education
Authors: Proper Eve
Published: December 2012

This chapter offers a set of six tenets toward a code of conduct to guide the teaching and mentoring of graduate students.
The existence of codes of conduct for undergraduate teaching in teaching‐oriented four‐year colleges and universities
Authors: Lyken‐Segosebe Dawn , Min Yunkyung , Braxton John M.
Published: December 2012

This chapter reports the findings of a study conducted to determine the existence of codes of conduct for undergraduate college teaching in public and private colleges and universities that espouse a teaching‐oriented mission.
Organizational constraints and possibilities regarding codes of conduct
Authors: Bray Nathaniel J. , Molina Danielle K. , Swecker Bart A.
Published: December 2012

This chapter addresses such topics as organizational principles underlying the development and functioning of codes, organizational constraints to the promulgation of codes, and organizational possibilities for the development of codes of conduct in higher education.
WOULD YOU RATHER BE ILL NOW, OR LATER?
Authors: Attema Arthur E. , Versteegh Matthijs M.
Published: December 2012

The time tradeoff (TTO) method is frequently used to calculate the quality adjustment of the quality adjusted life year and is therefore an important element in the calculation of the benefits of medical interventions. New specifications of TTO, known as ‘lead time’ TTO and ‘lag time’ TTO, have been developed to overcome methodological issues of the ‘classic’ TTO. In the lead time TTO, ill‐health is explicitly placed in the future, after a period of good health, whereas in lag time TTO, a health state starts immediately and is followed by a ‘lag time’ of good health. In this study, we take advantage of these timing properties of lead and lag time TTO. In particular, we use data from a previous study that employed lead and lag time TTO to estimate their implied discounting parameters. We show that individuals prefer being ill later, rather than now, with larger per‐period discount rates for longer durations of the health states. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Simple Approach for the Formation of Oxides, Sulfides, and Oxide–Sulfide Hybrid Nanostructures
Authors: Diab Mahmud , Volokh Michael , Moshofsky Brian , Jen‐La Plante Ilan , Flomin Kobi , Chockler Elina , Mokari Taleb
Published: December 2012

The synthesis of various types of metal oxide and metal sulfide nanostructures through the thermal decomposition of single‐source molecular precursors is presented. By varying the reaction conditions, such as solvent, precursor concentration, temperature, and time, we were able to control the shape of Fe3O4 (rectangles and belt‐like structures), CoO nanofibers, and SnO2 nanowires. Two sulfides are also presented: CdS filling a vertically aligned ZnO nanowire array (to create a hybrid structure) and SnS wires. The formation of various phases of iron oxide and cobalt oxide is also shown.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Single Crystalline (Ga1‐xZnx)(N1‐xOx) Nanotubes
Authors: Hahn Christopher , Fardy Melissa A. , Nguyen Catherine , Natera‐Comte Michelle , Andrews Sean C. , Yang Peidong
Published: December 2012

Recently, (Ga1‐xZnx)(N1‐xOx) has gained widespread attention as a comparatively high efficiency photocatalyst for visible‐light‐driven overall water splitting. Despite significant gains in efficiency over the past several years, a majority of the photogenerated carriers recombine within bulk powders. To improve the photocatalytic activity, we used an epitaxial casting method to synthesize single‐crystalline, high surface area (Ga1‐xZnx)(N1‐xOx) nanotubes with ZnO compositions up to x=0.10. Individual nanotubes showed improved homogeneity over powder samples due to a well defined epitaxial interface for ZnO diffusion into GaN. Absorption measurements showed that the ZnO incorporation shifts the absorption into the visible region with a tail out to 500 nm. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to compare the solar water splitting activity of (Ga1‐xZnx)(N1‐xOx) nanotubes (x=0.05–0.10) with similar composition powders. Cocatalyst decorated samples were dispersed in aqueous solutions of CH3OH and AgO2CCH3 to monitor the H+ reduction and H2O oxidation half reactions, respectively. The nanotubes were found to have approximately 1.5–2 times higher photocatalytic activity than similar composition powders for the rate limiting H+ reduction half reaction. These results demonstrate that improvements in homogeneity and surface area using the nanotube geometry can enhance the photocatalytic activity of GaN:ZnO for solar water splitting.
ANALYSING STRUCTURAL AND NON‐STRUCTURAL OPTIONS TO IMPROVE UTILITY OF IRRIGATION AREAS USING A SYSTEM DYNAMICS APPROACH
Authors: Tehrani Mahsa Vaez , Bagheri Ali , Monem Mohammad Javad , Khan Shahbaz
Published: December 2012

Using the philosophy of system thinking, this paper conceptualizes the dynamics governing major structural and non‐structural measures for rehabilitation of irrigation networks aimed at improving the irrigation utilities. The dynamics of improvement of irrigation networks is studied, on the basis of indicators such as adequacy, efficiency, equity, flexibility and dependability. In the present paper, the application of system dynamics analysis is demonstrated by applying it to six irrigation areas in Iran to present irrigation causal loop diagrams. The results, specifically for the Qazvin irrigation network, have been documented based on the facts.

For the Qazvin irrigation network, system utility not only improves through increase in investment planning, but through conjunctive water management, reducing social constraints, and control of crop patterns and the cultivated area. Reduction of social and legal constraints with change of structural and non‐structural measures to longer‐term sustainable measures is more effective than the other policies. As a conclusion it could be stated that the system dynamics approach can be successfully applied to integrated analysis of irrigation network policy options, as well as to identification of key factors leading to degradation of irrigation networks and how to make effective decisions to sustain system utility over time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR-148a regulates osteoclastogenesis by targeting V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B
Authors: Cheng Peng , Chen Chao , He Hong-Bo , Hu Rong , Zhou Hou-De , Xie Hui , Zhu Wu , Dai Ru-Chun , Wu Xian-Ping , Liao Er-Yuan , Luo Xiang-Hang
Published: December 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in bone metabolism. In the present study, we found that miR-148a is dramatically upregulated during osteoclastic differentiation of circulating CD14+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced by macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Overexpression of miR-148a in CD14+ PBMCs promoted osteoclastogenesis, whereas inhibition of miR-148a attenuated osteoclastogenesis. V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B (MAFB) is a transcription factor negatively regulating RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. miR-148a directly targeted MAFB mRNA by binding to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) and repressed MAFB protein expression. In vivo, our study showed that silencing of miR-148a using a specific antagomir-inhibited bone resorption and increased bone mass in mice receiving ovariectomy (OVX) and in sham-operated control mice. Furthermore, our results showed that miR-148a levels significantly increased in CD14+ PBMCs from lupus patients and resulted in enhanced osteoclastogenesis, which contributed to the lower bone mineral density (BMD) in lupus patients compared with normal controls. Thus, our study provides a new insight into the roles of miRNAs in osteoclastogenesis, and contributes to a new therapeutic pathway for osteoporosis. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Single‐step lipase‐catalyzed functionalization of medium‐chain‐length polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Gumel Ahmad M , Annuar Suffian M , Heidelberg Thorsten
Published: December 2012

Background

Functionalization of aliphatic biopolymers such as bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using biologically active hydrophilic moieties like sugars helps to improve the hydrophilicity and biodegradability of the biomaterial.

Results

The effects of reaction variables reaction time, temperature, enzyme concentration and substrate ratio on reaction rate and yield in the synthesis of poly(1'‐O‐3‐hydroxyacyl‐sucrose) using Candida antarctica lipase B (EC 3.1.1.3) were studied. Using H2O2 as micro‐initiator, enzyme‐mediated synthesis yielded reaction rate, vapp of 0.076 x 10−5 mol L−1 s−1. The biodegradability of the functionalized polymer was observed to increase by 1.5 fold compared with the non‐functionalized material apart from showing better compostability. Increasing the reaction temperature (>50°C), enzyme concentration (>15 g L−1) and reactant ratio (w/w) of sucrose:PHA (>2) did not increase further the rate or yield. The sucrose‐functionalized mcl‐PHA was characterized with respect to the non‐functionalized material.

Conclusions

Novozym® 435 can be used effectively to synthesize poly(1'‐O‐3‐hydroxyacyl sucrose) in micro‐aqueous medium bypassing the need for chemo‐synthetic steps. The synthesized biomaterials have potential applications in biomedical and industrial niches.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The anatomy of vocal divergence in North American Elk and European red deer
Authors: Frey Roland , Riede Tobias
Published: December 2012

Loud and frequent vocalizations play an important role in courtship behavior in Cervus species. European red deer (Cervus elaphus) produce low‐pitched calls, whereas North American elk (Cervus canadensis) produce high‐pitched calls, which is remarkable for one of the biggest land mammals. Both species engage their vocal organs in elaborate maneuvers but the precise mechanism is unknown. Vocal organs were compared by macroscopic and microscopic dissection. The larynx is sexually dimorphic in red deer but not in elk. The laryngeal lumen is more constricted in elk, and narrows further during ontogeny. Several elements of the hyoid skeleton and two of four vocal tract segments are longer in red deer than in elk allowing greater vocal tract expansion and elongation. We conclude that elk submit the larynx and vocal tract to much higher tension than red deer, whereby, enormously stressed vocal folds of reduced effective length create a high resistance glottal source. The narrow, high impedance laryngeal vestibulum matches glottal and vocal tract impedance allowing maximum power transfer. In red deer longer and relaxed vocal folds create a less resistant glottal source and a wider vestibulum matches the low glottal impedance to the vocal tract, thereby also ensuring maximum power transfer. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reconstruction of oceanographic changes based on diatom records of the core MD012380 since Marine Isotopic Stage 11 in the Banda Sea
Authors: Chang Yuan‐Pin , Liao Chung‐Ching , Wang Wei‐Lung
Published: December 2012

Current surface production in the Banda Sea is primarily controlled by monsoonal forcing, the strength of the Indonesian throughflow and surface salinity, and is sensitive to global climate changes. Therefore, variations of paleoproductivity represented by the abundance of diatoms are estimated to assist in understanding possible hydrological changes during glacial–interglacial cycles since Marine Isotopic Stage 11 (MIS 11). During the interglacials, the enhanced austral winter monsoon (southeast monsoon) encourages deepening of the mixed layer and uplifting of the thermocline, thereby increasing surface production. However, accompanied enhancement of the Indonesian throughflow (ITF) within the interglacials brings warm and less‐saline water from the central part of the warm pool water entering the Banda Sea to mitigate development of the upwelling system. Conversely, cooling of the Northern Hemisphere forces the strengthening of the austral summer monsoon (northwest monsoon) to depress the upwelling and reduce production during glacial intervals, whereas the weakening flow of the ITF reduces the influence of low‐salinity capping effects and benefits production. Higher abundance of Chaetoceros sp., dominant in upwelling environments, observed in glacials suggests that strength of the ITF is the most important factor in controlling the vertical thermostructure of the Banda Sea. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Speleothem evidence for temporal–spatial variation in the East Asian Summer Monsoon since the Medieval Warm Period
Authors: Chu Peter C. , Li Hong‐Chun , Fan Chenwu , Chen Yong‐Heng
Published: December 2012

Published annual‐to‐decadal‐resolution stalagmite δ18O records since AD 900 from six caves (Dongge, Furong, Heshang, Buddha, Shihua and Wanxiang) in China were analyzed to detect temporal and spatial variability of the East Asian Summer Monsoon strength, which strongly affects wet/dry conditions in eastern China. The empirical mode decomposition method was used to obtain trends of the six cave records. After the base trend was determined, δ18O anomalies of each record were computed by subtracting the base trend. Mean δ18O anomaly values of the detrended time series for each cave record were calculated for four periods: (i) Medieval Warm Period (MWP; AD 900–1250): (ii) Little Ice Age phase 1 (LIA‐1; AD 1250–1550); (iii) Little Ice Age phase 2 (LIA‐2; AD 1550–1850); and (iv) modern period (MD; AD 1850–2000). From these anomalies, the temporal and spatial variability of wet/dry conditions has been identified. Positive values of the mean δ18O anomalies indicating drier conditions appeared in the lower Yangtze River Drainage Area and Southeast Coast Area during MD‐1, LIA‐1 and MWP, whereas negative values existed in north, south and Yangtze areas of eastern China during LIA‐2. The results agree with the dryness/wetness index reconstructed by Chinese historic records in general. These results illustrate that wet and dry conditions in different regions of eastern China could be opposite under monsoon influence, so that no single speleothem δ18O record could represent the monsoonal climate in this vast region. Climatic patterns in the monsoonal region can be either a combination of warm/wet and cold/dry or a combination of cold/wet and warm/dry on annual‐to‐centennial scales. A 128‐year periodic cycle exists in all six cave records, whereas 64‐year (possibly a harmonic of 128‐year periodicity) and 42‐year periodicities appear in Shihua, Heshang and Dongge records. These cycles may reflect the influence of solar activity on the East Asian Summer Monsoon. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strengthening of paleo‐typhoon and autumn rainfall in Taiwan corresponding to the Southern Oscillation at late Holocene
Authors: Chen Huei‐Fen , Wen Shie‐Ying , Song Shen‐Rong , Yang Tien‐Nan , Lee Teh‐Quei , Lin Sue‐Fen , Hsu Shih‐Chieh , Wei Kuo‐Yen , Chang Ping‐Yu , Yu Pai‐Sen
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study is to improve prehistoric knowledge of paleo‐typhoon and winter monsoon activity in the western North Pacific after 8 cal. ka BP. We examine two sediment cores derived from lakes located to the south and north of the Ilan Plain in northeastern Taiwan. Seasonal and typhoon rainfall data over the past several decades are collected for this study region. We also use mineral indicators, K/Rb ratios and grain size to estimate sediment sources, intensity of chemical weathering and rainfall intensity. The results show that the chemical weathering index (K/Rb ratio) of Meihua Lake indicates the continuing effects of autumn rainfall, while coarse grain sizes of Dahu Lake sediments suggest increased intensity in typhoon rainfall. Grain size results reveal that increasing El Niño–Southern Oscillation intensity in the tropical Pacific has intensified the activity of super typhoons in the western North Pacific. Finally, we find that frequent activity of super paleo‐typhoons occurred in Taiwan during the La Niña‐like state, and the strengthening winter monsoon activity and higher sea surface temperature enhanced plentiful autumn rainfall in El Niño‐like state. After comparing our results with the paleo‐typhoon data in Japan and south China, we suggest that the tracks of super typhoon are mainly affected by variations in the warm pool and subtropical Northwestern Pacific High in the western Pacific. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Article Alerts: Items from 2011, Part I
Authors: Hafdahl Adam R.
Published: December 2012

The print component of this fifth ‘Article Alerts’ installment comprises 100 articles published in 2011. Since the preceding installment, more than 1,100 items disseminated before 1994 have been added to the archive component. To improve access, searching, and other aspects of users' experience, items from the print and archive components are being added to an online library. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between polyphenol content and anti‐influenza viral effects of berries
Authors: Sekizawa Haruhito , Ikuta Kazufumi , Mizuta Katsumi , Takechi Seiichi , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: December 2012

Background

Berries are known to have many kinds of biological activities. We focused on their antiviral effect, which has not yet been well evaluated.

Results

We compared the anti‐influenza viral effects of berries belonging to the genus Vaccinium – 35 species of blueberry (Vaccinium cyanococcus), the Natsuhaze (Vaccinium oldhamii), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)– with those belonging to the genus Ribes, i.e. blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum). Only Elliott and Legacy among Northern Highbush varieties but many Rabbiteye varieties such as Austin, Baldwin, Brightblue, Festival, T‐100 and Tifblue showed anti‐influenza viral activity. Natsuhaze, bilberry, cranberry and blackcurrant had high antiviral effects. A relationship was observed between the antiviral effect and total polyphenol content.

Conclusions

Antiviral effects were found to differ markedly between berry species. Rabbiteye varieties tended to have higher antiviral effects than Northern, Southern and Half Highbush blueberry varieties. We also found that Natsuhaze, which has recently been harvested in Japan as a potential functional food, had an antiviral effect comparable to that of bilberry, cranberry and blackcurrant. There was a positive relationship between antiviral activity and polyphenol content, indicating the possibility that polyphenol is one of the key factors in the antiviral effects of berries. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Preconcentration and determination of methyl methacrylate by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction
Authors: Mokhtari Bahram , Dalali Nasser , Pourabdollah Kobra
Published: December 2012

This article describes the preconcentration of methyl methacrylate in produced water by the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction using extraction solvents lighter than water followed by gas chromatography. In the present experiments, 0.4 mL dispersive solvent (ethanol) containing 15.0 μL extraction solvent (toluene) was rapidly injected into the samples and followed by centrifuging and direct injection into the gas chromatograph equipped with flame ionization detector. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were evaluated and optimized including toluene (as extraction solvent), ethanol (as dispersive solvent), 15 μL and 0.4 mL (as the volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, respectively), pH 7, 20% ionic strength, and extraction's temperature and time of 20°C and 10 min, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the figures of merits were determined to be LOD = 10 μg/L, dynamic range = 20–180 μg/L, RSD = 11% (n = 6). The maximum recovery under the optimized condition was determined to be 79.4%.
Greater sage‐grouse winter habitat use on the eastern edge of their range
Authors: Swanson Christopher C. , Rumble Mark A. , Grovenburg Troy W. , Kaczor Nicholas W. , Klaver Robert W. , Herman‐Brunson Katie M. , Jenks Jonathan A. , Jensen Kent C.
Published: December 2012

Greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) at the western edge of the Dakotas occur in the transition zone between sagebrush and grassland communities. These mixed sagebrush (Artemisia sp.) and grasslands differ from those habitats that comprise the central portions of the sage‐grouse range; yet, no information is available on winter habitat selection within this region of their distribution. We evaluated factors influencing greater sage‐grouse winter habitat use in North Dakota during 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 and in South Dakota during 2006–2007 and 2007–2008. We captured and radio‐marked 97 breeding‐age females and 54 breeding‐age males from 2005 to 2007 and quantified habitat selection for 98 of these birds that were alive during winter. We collected habitat measurements at 340 (177 ND, 163 SD) sage‐grouse use sites and 680 random (340 each at 250 m and 500 m from locations) dependent sites. Use sites differed from random sites with greater percent sagebrush cover (14.75% use vs. 7.29% random; P < 0.001), percent total vegetation cover (36.76% use vs. 32.96% random; P ≤ 0.001), and sagebrush density (2.12 plants/m2 use vs. 0.94 plants/m2 random; P ≤ 0.001), but lesser percent grass cover (11.76% use vs. 16.01% random; P ≤ 0.001) and litter cover (4.34% use vs. 5.55% random; P = 0.001) and lower sagebrush height (20.02 cm use vs. 21.35 cm random; P = 0.13) and grass height (21.47 cm use vs. 23.21 cm random; P = 0.15). We used conditional logistic regression to estimate winter habitat selection by sage‐grouse on continuous scales. The model sagebrush cover + sagebrush height + sagebrush cover × sagebrush height ($w_{i} $ = 0.60) was the most supported of the 13 models we considered, indicating that percent sagebrush cover strongly influenced selection. Logistic odds ratios indicated that the probability of selection by sage‐grouse increased by 1.867 for every 1% increase in sagebrush cover (95% CI = 1.627–2.141) and by 1.041 for every 1 cm increase in sagebrush height (95% CI = 1.002–1.082). The interaction between percent sagebrush canopy cover and sagebrush height (β = −0.01, SE ≤ 0.01; odds ratio = 0.987 [95% CI = 0.983–0.992]) also was significant. Management could focus on avoiding additional loss of sagebrush habitat, identifying areas of critical winter habitat, and implementing management actions based on causal mechanisms (e.g., soil moisture, precipitation) that affect sagebrush community structure in this region. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Cholesteatoma growth and proliferation: Relevance with serpin B3
Authors: Ho Kuen‐Yao , Huang Han Hsiang , Hung Kuo‐Feng , Chen Jiing‐Chuan , Chai Chee‐Yin , Chen Wan‐Tzu , Tsai Shih‐Meng , Chien Chen‐Yu , Wang Hsun‐Mo , Wu Yu‐Jen
Published: December 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The mechanisms of cholesteatoma proliferation and growth remain unclear. The objective of this study is to discover the potential mechanisms of the proliferation and growth of cholesteatoma by direct experimental assessments on cholesteatoma tissues from patients.

Study Design:

Retrospective study by the comparisons between cholesteatoma tissues and retroauricular skin tissues from the patients.

Methods:

Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, LC‐MS/MS analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to investigate specific protein expression in cholesteatoma tissues compared with retroauricular skin tissues collected from the patients. Western blotting analysis was conducted to verify the regulation of specific proteins found by 2‐DE, and to determine the changes of associated potential modulators in cholesteatoma proliferation and growth.

Results:

Twelve serpin B3 isoforms were found by 2‐DE and identified by LC‐MS/MS analysis, which is coherent with the results exhibited by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Up‐regulation of STAT3 and down‐regulations of cathepsin K and cathepsin L were represented using western blot.

Conclusions:

The data in this study suggested serpin B3, STAT3, cathepsin K, and cathepsin L are associated with the proliferation and growth of cholesteatoma, and these proteins may be influential factors in cholesteatoma growth. Laryngoscope, 2012
Determination of free fatty acids in edible oils by 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Skiera Christina , Steliopoulos Panagiotis , Kuballa Thomas , Holzgrabe Ulrike , Diehl Bernd
Published: December 2012

Here we describe a novel 1H NMR assay for the determination of FFAs in edible oils. The analytical performance of the NMR assay is similar to that of the commonly used acid value (AV) method. A total of 120 edible oil samples were analysed by both approaches. Except for pumpkin seed oil, showing slight deviations, there was a good compliance between the results obtained from the two methods.