bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the spatial structure and time evolution of shamal winds over the Arabian Sea – a case study through numerical modelling
Authors: Vinod Kumar K. , Seemanth M. , Vethamony P. , Aboobacker V. M. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTShamal events are extra‐tropical weather systems which occur in winter (cold and dry winds) as well as summer (hot and humid winds) with strong northwesterly or northerly winds blowing over the Arabian Peninsula. We have used Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to simulate a major winter shamal event (having duration of 3–5 days), which occurred in 2008 and analysed the spatial structure and time evolution of shamal winds over the Arabian Sea (AS). The study reveals that horizontally, shamal winds extend upto 14°N and bring out significant changes in the atmospheric temperature—longitudinally from Arabian coast to west coast of India; its vertical extension is upto to approximately 8 km near Oman and approximately 3 km near Ratnagiri coast. Along the Arabian coast a temperature drop of 12 °C is observed and along west coast of India a drop of 5 °C. It gets dissipated when northeast monsoon winds dominate. Its speed reduces from 15 m s−1 (Oman coast) to 9 m s−1 (central AS) as it propagates into AS. However, it must be noted that the present work is limited to a case study and hence, the southerly extension of the phenomenon and the associated changes in air temperature should not be considered a climatological reference. The shamal events may influence the wind induced circulation, heat flux and stratification in the AS, and these need to be analysed further.
Purple versus green‐leafed Ocimum basilicum: Which differences occur with regard to photosynthesis under boron toxicity?
Authors: Landi Marco , Remorini Damiano , Pardossi Alberto , Guidi Lucia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study was undertaken to investigate how different cultivars of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) responded to boron (B) excess. Two purple‐leafed and eight green‐leafed cultivars were hydroponically grown for 20 d with 0.2 or 20 mg L–1 B in the nutrient solution. Leaf B concentration, gas exchanges, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and oxidative stress were determined at the end of the treatment along with the severity of leaf necrosis. A range of tolerance to B toxicity was found: the green cultivars were more susceptible than the purple‐leafed ones characterized by a higher constitutive anthocyanin concentration. In all the genotypes B excess resulted in oxidative stress as determined by accumulation of malondialdehyde by‐products (MDA), reduced photosynthesis, and the occurrence of leaf burn. A close correlation was found between leaf B accumulation and oxidative stress, as well as between oxidative stress and the severity of leaf burn. Net photosynthesis (Pn) was reduced due to both stomatal and nonstomatal limitations in the green cultivars whereas the reduction of Pn in the purple leaves was only attributable to stomatal factors. Chlorophyll a fluorescence revealed a decrease in the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) and in the electron transport rate (ETR) in plants grown with B excess although less reduction was observed in the purple genotypes. The quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII) decreased as a result of B toxicity only in the green cultivars. It is concluded that anthocyanins are involved in attenuation of the negative effects of B toxicity.
Effects of biochars produced from different feedstocks on soil properties and sunflower growth
Authors: Alburquerque José Antonio , Calero Juan Manuel , Barrón Vidal , Torrent José , del Campillo María Carmen , Gallardo Antonio , Villar Rafael 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe use of biochar as a soil amendment is gaining interest to mitigate climate change and improve soil fertility and crop productivity. However, studies to date show a great variability in the results depending on raw materials and pyrolysis conditions, soil characteristics, and plant species. In this study, we evaluated the effects of biochars produced from five agricultural and forestry wastes on the properties of an organic‐C‐poor, slightly acidic, and loamy sand soil and on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) growth.The addition of biochar, especially at high application rates, decreased soil bulk density and increased soil field capacity, which should impact positively on plant growth and water economy. Furthermore, biochar addition to soil increased dissolved organic C (wheat‐straw and olive‐tree‐pruning biochars), available P (wheat‐straw biochar), and seed germination, and decreased soil nitrate concentration in all cases. The effects of biochar addition on plant dry biomass were greatly dependent upon the biochar‐application rate and biochar type, mainly associated to its nutrient content due to the low fertility of the soil used. As a result, the addition of ash‐rich biochars (produced from wheat straw and olive‐tree pruning) increased total plant dry biomass. On the other hand, the addition of biochar increased the leaf biomass allocation and decreased the stem biomass allocation. Therefore, biochar can improve soil properties and increase crop production with a consequent benefit to agriculture. However, the use of biochar as an amendment to agricultural soils should take into account its high heterogeneity, particularly in terms of nutrient availability.
Poly(ethylene glycol) Grafting to Poly(ether imide) Membranes: Influence on Protein Adsorption and Thrombocyte Adhesion
Authors: Neffe Axel T. , von Ruesten‐Lange Maik , Braune Steffen , Luetzow Karola , Roch Toralf , Richau Klaus , Jung Friedrich , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe chain length and end groups of linear PEG grafted on smooth surfaces is known to influence protein adsorption and thrombocyte adhesion. Here, it is explored whether established structure function relationships can be transferred to application relevant, rough surfaces. Functionalization of poly(ether imide) (PEI) membranes by grafting with monoamino PEG of different chain lengths (Mn = 1 kDa or 10 kDa) and end groups (methoxy or hydroxyl) is proven by spectroscopy, changes of surface hydrophilicity, and surface shielding effects. The surface functionalization does lead to reduction of adsorption of BSA, but not of fibrinogen. The thrombocyte adhesion is increased compared to untreated PEI surfaces. Conclusively, rough instead of smooth polymer or gold surfaces should be investigated as relevant models.
Customer Preferences for Frontline Employee Traits: Homophily and Heterophily Effects
Authors: Streukens Sandra , Andreassen Tor W. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTAlthough previous research has underscored the significance of the personality traits of frontline employees (FLEs) in employee service behaviors, knowledge about customer preferences for FLE personality traits is lacking. This study responds to this gap in the literature, empirically assessing customers’ preferences for FLE personality traits. The main research objective is to investigate whether and how these preferences vary with the customer's own personality. The study proposes and tests a conceptual framework that reconciles two opposing theoretical perspectives—homophily and heterophily. The existing research in interpersonal psychology has only given limited support to the heterophily effect, whereas it has consistently evidenced the homophily effect. Moderator analyses indicate these effects are largely invariant across customer and service characteristics. Notwithstanding this, post hoc tests show that the level of preferred FLE traits is positively related to the level of customer traits. Equity theory helps explain these seemingly conflicting results.
Fast Optical Healing of Crystalline Polymers Enabled by Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Hongji , Fortin Daniel , Xia Hesheng , Zhao Yue 
Published: October 2013

A general method for very fast and efficient optical healing of crystalline polymers is reported. By loading a very small amount of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in either poly(ethylene oxide) (Tm ≈ 63 °C) or low‐density polyethylene (Tm ≈ 103 °C), the heat released upon surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption of 532 nm light by AuNPs can melt crystallites in the interfacial region of two polymer pieces brought into contact; and the subsequent recrystallization of polymer chains on cooling merges the two pieces into one. The fracture strength of such repaired sample can reach the level of the undamaged polymer after 10 s laser exposure. Moreover, in addition to an ability of long‐distance remote and spatially selective healing, the optical method also works for polymer samples immersed in water.
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Protein carbonylation and muscle function in COPD and other conditions
Authors: Barreiro Esther 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSkeletal muscle, the most abundant tissue in mammals, is essential for any activity in life. Muscle dysfunction is a common systemic manifestation in highly prevalent conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer cachexia, and sepsis. It has a significant impact on exercise tolerance, thus worsening the patients' quality of life and survival. Among several factors, oxidative stress is a major player in the etiology of skeletal muscle dysfunction associated with those conditions. Whereas low levels of oxidants are absolutely required for normal cell adaptation, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) alter the function and structure of molecules such as proteins, DNA, and lipids. Specifically, protein carbonylation, a common variety of protein oxidation, was shown to alter the function of key enzymes and structural proteins involved in muscle contractile performance. Moreover, increased levels of ROS may also activate proteolytic systems, thus leading to enhanced protein breakdown in several models. In the current review, the specific modifications induced by carbonylation in protein structure and function in muscles have been described. Furthermore, the potential role of ROS in the activation of proteolytic systems in skeletal muscles is also discussed. The review summarizes the effects of protein carbonylation on muscles in several models and conditions such as COPD, disuse muscle atrophy, cancer cachexia, sepsis, and aging. Future research should focus on the elucidation of the specific protein sites modified by ROS in these muscles using redox proteomics analyses and on the assessment of the consequent alterations in protein function and stability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 33: 219–236, 2014.
Patients' Expectations, Experiences and the Determinants of Satisfaction related to Metacarpophalangeal Arthroplasty
Authors: Sharrock Caryn , Kennedy Donna , Spencer Sherril 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurposeMost previous research has used quantitative patient‐rated outcome measures to identify patients' perceptions related to metacarpophalangeal (MCP) arthroplasty. However, little is known about the lived experience of this procedure. The present study aimed to gain an in‐depth understanding of patients' expectations and experiences, and the determinants of satisfaction related to MCP arthroplasty and postoperative rehabilitation.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with six participants from two London hospitals at four months to three years post‐surgery. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using descriptive phenomenological analysis.ResultsParticipants' reasons for surgery varied considerably and their expectations were informed by previous surgical experience and information from healthcare professionals. Diverse, and occasionally ambivalent, perceptions of various aspects of postoperative treatment were expressed and all participants emphasized the importance of reassurance and understanding by the healthcare team. When describing the effect of surgery on their lives, all experienced a period of ‘frustrating dependence’ and adopted a variety of psychological and practical coping mechanisms. Experience of recovery and long‐term outcome was influenced by factors extraneous to MCP arthroplasty, including medical condition and disease at adjacent joints. Factors influencing satisfaction included participants' evaluation of the extent to which goals and preoperative expectations had been met and the impact of surgery on their lives.ConclusionsJoint goal‐setting is essential for understanding patients' unique reasons for undergoing MCP arthroplasty and facilitating realistic expectations. Education on all aspects of postoperative care is vital. Patients should be made aware of variability in outcome and the potential for deterioration due to the chronic nature of rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stochastic programming models for scheduling airlift operations
Authors: Midler J. L. , Wollmer R. D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article describes an analytic approach to flight scheduling within an airlift system. The model takes explicit account of the uncertainty present in cargo requirements or demands. For computational feasibility, the approach consists of two related models: (1) a monthly planning model that produces an initial schedule, and (2) a daily model for making periodic changes in the schedule. Both are formulated as two‐stage stochastic linear programs. A detailed mathematical description of each model and its physical interpretation is given.The monthly model determines the number of flights each type of aircraft in the fleet. Excess demands on certain routes are assumed to be met, at least in part, by spot procurement of commerical lift from outside the system. The flight assignment is determined by minimizing the expected total system cost, which consists of operating costs, costs of reallocating aircraft to different routes, spot commercial procurement costs, and other penalty costs of excess demand. The model accounts for limitations on the number of flying hours and the carrying capacities of various aircraft in satisfying demands.In the daily model the number of aircraft of each type to switch from one route to another and the number of commercial flights on spot contract to add on the current day are the principal decision variables. These are determined by balancing operating, procurement, and redistribution costs against the expected costs of additional cargo delay. The current state of the system — the amount of unmoved cargo on various routes andathe position of aircraft throughout the system — plays a role in determining these decisions.A description of two variants of an algorithm recently developed for this class of problems is presented. Both versions, which use ideas from convex programming, make extensive use of linear programming codes for the brunt of the calculations. The models may thus be solved by augmenting existing linear programming routines.
A branch‐bound algorithm for the capacitated facilities location problem
Authors: Davis P. S. , Ray T. L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper discusses a mixed integer programming method for solving the Facilities Location Problem with capacities on the facilities. The algorithm uses a Decomposition technique to solve the dual of the associated continuous problem in each branch‐bound iteration. The method was designed to produce the global optimum solution for problems with up to 100 facilities and 1,000 customers. Computational experience and a complete example are also presented in the appendix.
Body composition analysis by air displacement plethysmography in normal weight to extremely obese adults
Authors: Hames Kazanna C. , Anthony Steven J. , Thornton John C. , Gallagher Dympna , Goodpaster Bret H. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo compare body composition parameters estimated by air displacement plethysmography (ADP) to dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in body mass index (BMI) classifications that include extremely obese (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m2), and to examine if differences between analyses were influenced by BMI.MethodsFat‐free mass (FFM, kg), fat mass (FM, kg), and body fat (BF, %) were analyzed with both technologies.ResultsAll outcome measures of ADP and DXA were highly correlated (r ≥ 0.95, P < 0.001 for FFM, FM, and BF), but Bland–Altman analyses revealed significant bias (P < 0.01 for all). ADP estimated greater FFM and lower FM and BF (P < 0.01 for all). BMI explained 27% of the variance in differences between FFM measurements (P < 0.001), and 37 and 33% of the variances in differences between FM and BF measurements, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). Within normal weight and overweight classifications, ADP estimated greater FFM and lower FM and BF (P < 0.001 for all), but the opposite occurred within the extremely obese classification; ADP estimated lower FFM and greater FM and BF (P < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsBody composition analyses by the two technologies were strongly congruent, but systematically different and influenced by BMI. Caution should be taken when utilizing ADP to estimate body composition parameters over a wide range of BMI classifications that include extremely obese.
Preparation, characterization and copolymerization of the 12‐membered cyclic diamide 1,6‐diazacyclododecane‐2,5‐dione
Authors: Kaya Ethem , Tarkin‐Tas Eylem , Osborn Scott , Ayotte Roger , Manning Steven , Mathias Lon J. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTA 12‐membered cyclic diamide monomer for nylon 64 was successfully synthesized in fairly high yield (∼45%). The synthesis conditions were varied to see the effect of the diamine and succinyl chloride reactants on yield. Threefold excess of 1,6‐hexamethylenediamine (HDA) gave the highest yield, while further increasing the amount of HDA decreased the yield. Using N,N‐diisopropylethylamine as acid scavenger resulted in the formation of two different cyclic amides, which were fully analyzed by 1H and 13C solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and mass spectrometry. Copolymerization of cyclic amides with ε‐caprolactam via an anionic route gave a block copolyamide with a two distinct endotherms in the differential scanning calorimetry analysis. However, copolymerization by the hydrolytic route gave only nylon 6 with terminal 64 units. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 96–103
RAFT/MADIX copolymerization of vinyl acetate and 5,6‐benzo‐2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane
Authors: d'Ayala Giovanna Gomez , Malinconico Mario , Laurienzo Paola , Tardy Antoine , Guillaneuf Yohann , Lansalot Muriel , D'Agosto Franck , Charleux Bernadette 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of well‐defined degradable poly(vinyl acetate) analogues is achieved by RAFT copolymerization of 5,6‐benzo‐2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane (BMDO) and vinyl acetate (VAc) using methyl (ethoxycarbonothioyl)sulfanyl acetate (MEA) as controlling agent. Several monomer mixtures with low BMDO contents (<30 mol %) are employed to prepare different copolymers. In all the cases, the evolution of molar masses and the dispersity values (<1.26) confirm the controlled feature of the polymerization. The livingness of the obtained chains is demonstrated by successful chain extension experiments with VAc, although the presence of dead chains is also shown. The introduction of ester groups into the main chain of these P(VAc‐co‐BMDO) copolymers allows their degradation when treated with a mixture of KOH/MeOH in reflux during 2.5 h. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 104–111
Structure of human peptidyl‐prolyl cis–trans isomerase FKBP22 containing two EF‐hand motifs
Authors: Boudko Sergei P. , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Nix Jay , Chapman Michael S. , Bächinger Hans Peter 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe FK506‐binding protein (FKBP) family consists of proteins with a variety of protein–protein interaction domains and versatile cellular functions. It is assumed that all members are peptidyl‐prolyl cis–trans isomerases with the enzymatic function attributed to the FKBP domain. Six members of this family localize to the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Four of them, FKBP22 (encoded by the FKBP14 gene), FKBP23 (FKBP7), FKBP60 (FKBP9), and FKBP65 (FKBP10), are unique among all FKBPs as they contain the EF‐hand motifs. Little is known about the biological roles of these proteins, but emerging genetics studies are attracting great interest to the ER resident FKBPs, as mutations in genes encoding FKBP10 and FKBP14 were shown to cause a variety of matrix disorders. Although the structural organization of the FKBP‐type domain as well as of the EF‐hand motif has been known for a while, it is difficult to conclude how these structures are combined and how it affects the protein functionality. We have determined a unique 1.9 Å resolution crystal structure for human FKBP22, which can serve as a prototype for other EF hand‐containing FKBPs. The EF‐hand motifs of two FKBP22 molecules form a dimeric complex with an elongated and predominantly hydrophobic cavity that can potentially be occupied by an aliphatic ligand. The FKBP‐type domains are separated by a cleft and their putative active sites can catalyze isomerazation of two bonds within a polypeptide chain in extended conformation. These structural results are of prime interest for understanding biological functions of ER resident FKBPs containing EF‐hand motifs.
Mapping the intramolecular signal transduction of G‐protein coupled receptors
Authors: Lee Yoonji , Choi Sun , Hyeon Changbong 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTG‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), a major gatekeeper of extracellular signals on plasma membrane, are unarguably one of the most important therapeutic targets. Given the recent discoveries of allosteric modulations, an allosteric wiring diagram of intramolecular signal transductions would be of great use to glean the mechanism of receptor regulation. Here, by evaluating betweenness centrality (CB) of each residue, we calculate maps of information flow in GPCRs and identify key residues for signal transductions and their pathways. Compared with preexisting approaches, the allosteric hotspots that our CB‐based analysis detects for A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) and bovine rhodopsin are better correlated with biochemical data. In particular, our analysis outperforms other methods in locating the rotameric microswitches, which are generally deemed critical for mediating orthosteric signaling in class A GPCRs. For A2AAR, the inter‐residue cross‐correlation map, calculated using equilibrium structural ensemble from molecular dynamics simulations, reveals that strong signals of long‐range transmembrane communications exist only in the agonist‐bound state. A seemingly subtle variation in structure, found in different GPCR subtypes or imparted by agonist bindings or a point mutation at an allosteric site, can lead to a drastic difference in the map of signaling pathways and protein activity. The signaling map of GPCRs provides valuable insights into allosteric modulations as well as reliable identifications of orthosteric signaling pathways. Proteins 2014; 82:727–743. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Very thin, highly‐conductive ZnO:Al front electrode on textured glass as substrate for thin‐film silicon solar cells
Authors: Neubert Sebastian , Ring Sven , Welker Florian , Götzendörfer Stefan , Ruske Florian , Stannowski Bernd , Schlatmann Rutger , Rech Bernd 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA very thin (250 nm), highly conductive (annealed), non‐texturized DC‐sputtered aluminum‐doped zinc oxide layer (ZnO:Al) deposited on a textured glass is used as substrate for thin‐film silicon solar cells. Compared to the classical approach, where wet‐chemically texturized ZnO:Al on planar glass is used, this approach allows a reduction in the as‐deposited ZnO:Al thickness of almost 70% while at the same time, thanks to the good light trapping capability of the glass texture the efficiency of the cells was maintained at the high level of 10.9%.magnified image(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)