bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co‐pathological connected primary neurons in a microfluidic device for alzheimer studies
Authors: Kunze Anja , Meissner Robert , Brando Serena , Renaud Philippe
Published: March 2011

This communication presents a novel experimental model for Alzheimer studies, where connected primary neurons were set into subtend, co‐pathological states. Cortical neurons were cultured in two separated cell compartments in a microfluidic device. A neurite network was generated in a main channel through the neurite outgrowth from both cell compartments. A gradient of okadaic acid (OA) is generated over this neurite network by perfusion. OA is a phosphatase inhibitor that induces hyperphosphorylation of Tau proteins, a major hallmark in Alzheimer disease. The local OA treatment resulted in a connected “diseased” and “healthy” cell population. Anti‐phosphorylated tau (Ser262) staining confirmed different states of phosphorylated Tau proteins, and synapthophysin staining the connection of “healthy” and “diseased” cells. Here, we present a novel in vitro model that opens the possibility to study cellular and molecular propagation mechanisms in neurodegeneration, in Tauopathies (as e.g., in Alzheimer), as well as simultaneous drug effects on connected healthy and diseased cell populations. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108:2241–2245. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolic engineering of monoterpene synthesis in yeast
Authors: Fischer Marc J. C. , Meyer Sophie , Claudel Patricia , Bergdoll Marc , Karst Francis
Published: March 2011

Terpenoids are one of the largest and most diverse families of natural compounds. They are heavily used in industry, and the trend is toward engineering modified microorganisms that produce high levels of specific terpenoids. Most studies have focused on creating specific heterologous pathways for sesquiterpenes in Escherichia coli or yeast. We subjected the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ERG20 gene (encoding farnesyl diphosphate synthase) to a set of amino acid mutations in the catalytic site at position K197. Mutated strains have been shown to exhibit various growth rate, sterol amount, and monoterpenol‐producing capacities. These results are discussed in the context of the potential use of these mutated strains for heterologous expression of monoterpenoid synthases, which was investigated using Ocimum basilicum geraniol synthase. The results obtained with up to 5 mg/L geraniol suggest a major improvement compared with previous available expression systems like Escherichia coli or yeast strains with an unmodified ERG20 gene that respectively delivered amounts in the 10 and 500 µg/L range or even a previously characterized K197E mutation that delivered amounts in the 1 mg/L range. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1883–1892. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nisin‐inducible secretion of a biologically active single‐chain insulin analog by Lactococcus lactis NZ9000
Authors: Ng Daphne T.W. , Sarkar Casim A.
Published: March 2011

Oral delivery of insulin to diabetic patients is highly desirable because it would be non‐invasive and more closely mimic normal physiology, but this route of administration typically results in low bioavailability due to low pH and enzymatic degradation along the gastrointestinal tract. To explore an alternative approach that may mitigate these obstacles and also facilitate local synthesis of new therapeutic protein molecules in the small intestine, we engineered the food‐grade bacterium Lactococcus lactis (NZ9000) for nisin‐inducible expression and secretion of a bioactive single‐chain insulin (SCI) analog, SCI‐57. We show that the addition of nisin during early‐log phase has a modest inhibitory effect on cell growth but induction during mid‐log phase has a negligible impact on proliferation, suggesting a tradeoff between cell growth rate and duration of induction. We find that a signal peptide such as usp45 is necessary for secretion of SCI‐57 into the medium; furthermore, we demonstrate that this secreted SCI‐57 is biologically active, as assessed by the ability of conditioned L. lactis medium to stimulate Akt signaling in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Finally, we show that the biological activity of SCI‐57 was enhanced by near‐neutral or slightly alkaline pH during induction, which is comparable to the pH in the small intestine, and by removal of a C‐terminal purification tag. This study demonstrates that food‐grade bacteria can be engineered to secrete bioactive insulin analogs and opens up the possibility of oral insulin delivery using live microorganisms. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1987–1996. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of Coalescence Parameters in an Agitated Extraction Column Using a Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Kabouche A. , Meniai A. H. , Hasseine A.
Published: March 2011

A method based on a genetic algorithm (GA) combined with Levenberg‐Marquardt (LM) method applicable to the population balance model for coalescence parameter estimation in a liquid‐liquid biphasic system is presented. The toluene/water system in a rotating disk contactor was taken as an example. Estimation methods for such a problem are often based on deterministic optimization models that are rather instable and divergent around a local minimum. To overcome these limitations, the present study involves the introduction of a semi‐stochastic method that is able to provide at first the estimation of coalescence parameters from the GA based on an inverse approach, exploiting the principle of GA. The LM algorithm was applied to ensure that the results are not restricted to a local minimum.
Removal of Chromium and Organic Pollutants from Industrial Chrome Tanning Effluents by Electrocoagulation
Authors: Golder A. K. , Samanta A. N. , Ray S.
Published: March 2011

The treatment of industrial chrome tanning effluents by electrocoagulation (EC) in a laboratory‐scale reactor was investigated. Mild‐steel (MS) electrodes have been found to outperform aluminum (Al) electrodes in reducing the Cr(III) concentration to <2 mg L–1. The conversion of Fe(II) to Fe(III) is slow in the lower pH range (<6), and OH– ions generated during EC are amply available for Cr(III) removal by precipitation in the case of the MS electrode. Formation of Al(OH)3(s) in competition with Cr(OH)3(s) while consuming the OH– ion is a cause for lower Cr(III) removal with Al. EC with the MS electrode and chemical coagulation (CC) with addition of alkali proved to be equally efficient for removing Cr(III).
Separation of Solid Impurity by Melt Crystallization of Aluminum Nitrate Nonahydrate
Authors: Kumashiro M. , Hoshino T. , Izumi Y. , Fujita Y. , Hirasawa I.
Published: March 2011

The effect of melt crystallization on inorganic hydrate for purification of crystals containing liquid and solid impurities was investigated. Melt crystallization is generally applied to purify organic crystals. In the case of inorganic crystals, it is cost‐ineffective because of the higher melting point. However, some inorganic crystals, i.e., hydrate crystals, can be applied to melt crystallization because of the lower melting point. Hydrate crystals containing impurities were prepared and melt crystallization was carried out to investigate the purification mechanism on inorganic crystals. Liquid impurity in target crystals was removed by sweating and washing with melt. Solid impurity was also separated with melt flow, supported by mixing operations. It was considered that the purification mechanism is differently dependent on the state of impurity.
Recombinant L‐Asparaginase B and its Crystallization – What is the Nature of Protein Crystals?
Authors: Müller C. , Liu Y. , Migge A. , Pietzsch M. , Ulrich J.
Published: March 2011

L‐Asparaginase is a protein produced by Escherichia coli and exists in two types, A and B. Only type B shows a specific antitumor activity to acute lymphatic leukemia. A new recombinant E. coli BL21Gold (DE3) pET11a‐ansB was used to produce L‐asparaginase B in higher quantities. To enhance the purity and preserve the activity of L‐asparaginase B, crystallization is a promising process. Based on available patents, first experiments on L‐asparaginase B crystallization were performed. Recombinant L‐asparaginase B was successfully and reproducibly crystallized in two modifications. Up to now, it is not clear in which respect these two modifications of crystalline L‐asparaginase B differ. It is part of the current study to investigate the nature of protein crystals in detail. The investigations on lysozyme crystals are well in agreement with the literature.
Morphology Prediction of Benzoic Acid Crystals: Thermostats
Authors: Schmidt C. , Ulrich J.
Published: March 2011

Industrial crystallization processes are frequently bound to the application of additives. Additives can modify the crystal morphology. Computer methods allow a precise prediction of the crystal modifications induced by additives. The effect of water as additive molecule on crystal morphology predictions by means of molecular dynamics (MD) is insufficiently explored. This work focuses on the prediction of the crystal habit of benzoic acid in the presence of three‐site water. The selection of the temperature control algorithm – the thermostat – applied in MD simulations is highlighted for water. Significant modifications in the crystal morphology can be observed. The given data allow a decision for a certain thermostat in advance. If a fast equilibration is required, the Direct Velocity Scale thermostat should be used. However, for a precise prediction of the morphology, the Nosé temperature control algorithm is recommended.
Influence of Additives on Glycine Crystal Characteristics
Authors: Hrkovac M. , Prlic Kardum J. , Schuster A. , Ulrich J.
Published: March 2011

Different quantities of additives (sodium chloride and oxalic acid) and antisolvent (ethanol) were used in order to define their influence on crystallization of glycine from aqueous solutions. The solubility curves were determined for all process conditions but the nucleation points only for the initial concentration of glycine. The obtained results showed that both the quantity and type of the additive affect the solubility curves, the metastable zone width as well as the granulometric characteristics of crystals (aspect ratio, external shape, and the crystal size distribution). X‐ray analysis confirmed occurrences of γ‐glycine by adding sodium chloride and oxalic acid, regardless of the added mass while the α‐polymorphs were achieved by adding ethanol.
“Directed” Assembly of Metallacalix[n]arenes with Pyrimidine Nucleobase Ligands of Low Symmetry: Metallacalix[n]arene Derivatives ofcis‐[a2M(cytosine‐N3)2]2+(M=PtII, PdII;n=4 and 6)
Authors: Khutia Anupam , Sanz Miguel Pablo J. , Lippert Bernhard
Published: March 2011

Pyrimidine (pym) ligands with their two endocyclic N‐donor atoms provide 120° angles for molecular constructs, which, with the 90° angle metal fragmentscis‐a2MII(M=Pt, Pd; a=NH3or a2=diamine), form cyclic complexes known as metallacalix[n]arenes (withn=3, 4, 6, 8, …︁). The number of possible isomers of these species depends on the symmetry of the pym ligand. Although highly symmetrical (C2v) pym ligands form a single linkage isomer for anynand can adopt different conformations (e.g., cone, partial cone, 1,3‐alternate, and 1,2‐alternate in the case ofn=4), low‐symmetry pym ligands (Cs) can produce a higher number of linkage isomers (e.g., four in the case ofn=4) and a large number of different conformers. In the absence of any self‐sorting bias, the number of possible species derived from a self‐assembly process betweencis‐a2MIIand aCs‐symmetrical pym ligand can thus be very high. By using theCs‐symmetric pym nucleobase cytosine, we have demonstrated that the number of feasible isomers forn=4 can be reduced to one by applying preformed building blocks such ascis‐[a2M(cytosine‐N3)2]n+orcis‐[a2M(cytosinate‐N1)2] (for the latter, see the accompanying paper: A. Khutia, P. J. Sanz Miguel, B. Lippert,Chem. Eur. J.2011,17, DOI: 10.1002/chem.2010002723) and treating them with additionalcis‐a2MII. Moreover, intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the O2 and N4H2sites of the cytosine ligands reduce the number of possible rotamers to one. This approach of the “directed” assembly of a defined metallacalix[4]arene is demonstrated.
A decision support tool formulti‐pollutants reduction incement industry using analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
Authors: Ba‐Shammakh Mohammed S.
Published: March 2011

Several energy intensive industries are contributing to air pollution problems. Cement industry, as an example, is one of these significant sources of several air pollutants and these must be monitored and controlled. This paper deals with five air pollutants from cement plants and these are SO2, NOx, CO2, dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOC). The purpose of this study is to evaluate several available technologies to control each pollutant. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique is used as a decision support tool to find the best technology for each pollutant under multi‐criteria. These criteria are: cost, efficiency, lifetime or duration, and industry acceptability. The technique is illustrated in a case study from St. Marys Plant, located in St. Marys, Ontario, Canada. The results show that adsorption on activated coke technology will be recommended for SO2 reduction. For NOx reduction, the AHP suggests to apply selective non‐catalytic reduction (SNCR) technology based on the four criteria defined. Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) using MEA technology is chosen for CO2 reduction. For dust reduction, bag filters should be used and increase oxygen concentration at the kiln inlet is the selected technology for VOC reduction.

The current paper covers the set of criteria weights considered typical for cement plants. The results presented here are illustrative and user defined weighting is required to make this study valuable for a specific group of users.
Effects of surfactants on hydrodynamics and mass transfer in a split‐cylinder airlift reactor
Authors: Moraveji Mostafa Keshavarz , Pasand Mohamad Morovati , Davarnejad Reza , Chisti Yusuf
Published: March 2011

Effects of various concentrations (0–5 ppm) of anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) and non‐ionic (Tween‐80 and Triton X‐405) surfactants on gas hold‐up and gas–liquid mass transfer in a split‐cylinder airlift reactor are reported for air–water. Surfactants were found to strongly enhance gas hold‐up. Non‐ionic surfactants were more effective in enhancing gas hold‐up compared to the anionic surfactant SDS. An enhanced gas hold‐up and a visually reduced bubble size in the presence of surfactants implied an enhanced gas–liquid interfacial area for mass transfer. Nevertheless, the overall gas–liquid volumetric mass transfer coefficient was reduced in the presence of surfactants, suggesting that surfactants greatly reduced the true liquid film mass transfer coefficient and this reduction outweighed the interfacial area enhancing effect. Presence of surfactants did not substantially affect the induced liquid circulation rate in the airlift vessel.
Toward predictors of survival in castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Graff Julie N. , Beer Tomasz M.
Published: March 2011

Overall survival is a widely accepted endpoint in phase 3 clinical trials of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the use of this endpoint is becoming more difficult as more agents are shown to improve survival in patients with CRPC. This editorial describes the commonly used surrogates for overall survival in CRPC with a special emphasis on radiographic response.
A proposal to apply inductive logic programming to self‐healing problem in grid computing: How will it work?
Authors: Ferro Mariza , Mury Antonio Roberto , Schulze Bruno
Published: March 2011

As computation systems get extremely large and complex, failure diagnosis becomes even more complex. To cope with this ever increasing complexity of managing heterogeneous systems—such as grids and nowadays clouds—systems should manage their own behavior themselves. This vision of self‐managing systems also referred to as autonomic computing (AC) aims to allow systems to recover themselves from various failures or malfunctions. This is known as self‐healing (SH) and is one of the requirements of AC. However, dealing with these complex failure scenarios is always an open challenge. Dealing with this challenge requires prediction and control through a number of automated learning and proactive actions. In this work, we present the usage of a relational learning method known as inductive logic programming, for prediction and root casual analysis, and the development of an SH component. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative measure of structural and geometric similarity of 3D morphologies
Authors: Komosinski Maciej , Kubiak Marek
Published: March 2011

This work describes a new heuristic algorithm that estimates structural and geometric similarity of three‐dimensional morphologies. It is an extension to previously developed measure of similarity (Komosinski et al., Theor Biosci 2001, 120, 271–286) that was only able to consider the structure of 3D constructs. Morphologies are modeled as graphs with vertices as points in a 3D space, and edges connecting these vertices. This model is very general, therefore the proposed algorithm can be applied in (and across) a number of disciplines including artificial life, evolutionary design, engineering, robotics, biology, and chemistry. The primary areas of application of this fast numerical similarity measure are artificial life and evolutionary design, where great numbers of morphologies result from simulated evolutionary processes, and both structural and geometric aspects are significant. Geometry of 3D constructs (i.e., locations of body parts in space) is as important as the structure (i.e., connections of body parts), because both determine behavior of creatures or designs and their fitness in a particular environment. In this work, both morphological aspects are incorporated in a single, highly discriminative measure of similarity. © 2011Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2011
Exploring In‐Session Focus on the Patient–Therapist Relationship: Patient Characteristics, Process and Outcome
Authors: Kuutmann Klara , Hilsenroth Mark J.
Published: March 2011

This study explored the amount of in‐session focus on the patient–therapist relationship during early treatment with patient pre‐treatment interpersonal style, personality pathology, patient ratings of session process and outcome. The sample consisted of 76 outpatients engaged in short‐term psychodynamic psychotherapy. Results showed that higher levels of pre‐treatment personality pathology and interpersonal problems were positively related to a greater focus on the patient–therapist relationship early in treatment. This was especially true for patients with a cold/distant interpersonal style and low self‐esteem. Moreover, these two patient pre‐treatment characteristics demonstrated a significant change over the course of therapy. These post‐treatment changes also demonstrated a significant relationship with greater early treatment focus on the patient–therapist relationship. In addition, we found an interaction effect between quality of object relations (i.e., higher levels of object relations) and greater early treatment focus on the patient–therapist relationship with subsequent changes in patient cold/distant interpersonal problems. Greater in‐session focus on the therapeutic relationship was not significantly related to patient ratings of session process. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Greater levels of pre‐treatment patient personality pathology and interpersonal problems were positively related to a more here‐and‐now focus on the patient–therapist relationship in early treatment.

This was especially true of patients with a cold and withdrawn interpersonal style or lower levels of self‐esteem.

These patient pre‐treatment characteristics, cold/distant interpersonal style and low self‐esteem, exhibited significant change over the course of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

The amount of change in these specific patient characteristics, cold/distant interpersonal style and low self‐esteem, was significantly related with a greater focus on the patient–therapist interactions that occurred in early sessions.

For those patients with less impaired object relations, greater patient–therapist focus helped improve a cold/distant interpersonal style even more.
Using the Repertory Grid Technique to Examine Nursing Staff's Construal of Mothers with Mental Health Problems
Authors: Blundell Joanna , Wittkowski Anja , Wieck Angelika , Hare Dougal Julian
Published: March 2011

Background: This study explored the attitudes of psychiatric nursing staff towards mothers with mental health difficulties. Working with mothers experiencing mental health problems can evoke negative reactions in staff that activate value‐laden beliefs regarding the capacity of these women to care for their infants, which could diminish the provision of optimal care and treatment for patients.

Method: Ten psychiatric nursing staff working in a specialist mother and baby unit in the North of England were interviewed about their views of various types of client by using the repertory grid technique.

Findings: A total of 86 constructs that clustered under 21 headings were elicited. All staff made critical judgements about some clients. Staff often described the context in which these perceptions were reached such as the behaviour of clients and the quality of the nurse–client relationship.

Conclusions: Clients with a personality disorder and those who were thought to be ‘bad’ mothers were construed as being furthest from the self and more negatively than clients with depression or psychosis. Further training is indicated for staff working with mothers displaying challenging interactional styles; however, training packages must consider the individuality of perception and experience present within staff groups. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Staff attributions and clients' interactional style influence the staff's ability to develop positive relationships with their clients.

Clients labelled as having a personality disorder were differentially construed in a more negative manner than clients with depression or psychosis.

Clinical supervision could help staff to manage challenging experiences with clients in an inpatient ward environment.
Transformation of Cellulose into Biodegradable Alkyl Glycosides by Following Two Different Chemical Routes
Authors: Villandier Nicolas , Corma Avelino
Published: March 2011

The transformation of cellulose into long‐chain alkyl glycoside surfactants has been carried out following two different routes: (1) Direct transformation of cellulose to butyl‐, hexyl‐, octyl‐, decyl‐ and dodecyl‐α,β‐glycosides in an ionic liquid media and Amberlyst‐15Dry as catalysts, with mass yield of up to 82 %; and (2) two steps reaction with transformation of cellulose into methyl glucosides, with a procedure described by Zhang et al., followed by transacetalation with 1‐octanol and 1‐decanol in the presence of Amberlyst‐15Dry. A kinetic study for the direct transformation of cellulose using 1‐octanol has shown that depolymerisation of cellulose continues during the Fischer glycosidation. Increasing the chain length of the alcohol decreases the global reaction rate owing to an increase in the lipophilicity of the alcohol that decreases its contact with the carbohydrates. Finally, several acid catalysts were tested and the best results were obtained with Amberlyst‐15Dry.
Multi‐system‐multi‐operator localization in PLMN using neural networks
Authors: Borenovic M. , Neskovic A. , Budimir D.
Published: March 2011

Providing the localization algorithm for context‐aware services is the focus of many studies. This paper explores the properties of positioning models based on received signal strength (RSS) in PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) networks. The effects of using the RSS at a mobile terminal from various systems, such as GSM and UMTS, as well as from multiple operators, have been investigated and discussed. Twenty‐two models, based on artificial neural networks, have been developed and verified using the data from an immense measurement campaign. The obtained results show that augmenting the model with additional RSS data, even from systems with poor radio‐visibility, may improve the positioning accuracy to as much as a 35thinspacem median distance error in a light urban environment. The degradation of accuracy in indoor environments and the complexity and latency of the models were also scrutinized. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of thimerosal on Ca2+ movement and apoptosis in PC3 prostate cancer cells
Authors: Liao Wei‐Chuan , Chou Chiang‐Ting , Kuo Chun‐Chi , Pan Chih‐Chuan , Kuo Daih‐Huang , Shieh Pochuen , Cheng Jin‐Shiung , Jan Chung‐Ren , Shaw Chen‐Fu
Published: March 2011

The present study evaluated the effects of thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in human prostate cancer cells (PC3). Thimerosal (10–200 µM) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration‐dependent manner. The Ca2+ signal was reduced partly by removing extracellular Ca2+. Thimerosal‐induced Ca2+ influx was inhibited by econazole, SKF963656, the phospholipase A2 inhibitor aristolochic acid, and protein kinase C modulators [phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and GF109203X]. In Ca2+‐free medium, a 200‐µM thimerosal‐induced [Ca2+]i rise was partly inhibited after pretreatment with 2,5‐di‐tert‐butylhydroquinone (BHQ) (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor). Thimerosal at 1–7 µM induced cell death in a concentration‐dependent manner that was not reversed when cytosolic Ca2+ was chelated with 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA). Propidium iodide staining suggests that apoptosis played a role in the death. Collectively, in PC3 cells, thimerosal induced [Ca2+]i rise by causing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ influx via store‐operated Ca2+ channels in a manner regulated by protein kinase C and phospholipase A2. Thimerosal also induced cell death in a Ca2+‐independent apoptotic manner. Drug Dev Res 72: 330–336, 2011.   © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of sub‐nanomolar levels of Penicillin G by differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry
Authors: Abbasi S. , Khodarahmian K. , Farmany A.
Published: March 2011

A novel selective and sensitive method is developed for determination of Penicillin G by Differential Pulse Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry (DPAdSV). Penicillin G gave well‐resolved diffusion‐controlled cathodic peaks at − 0.42 and − 0.584 V, respectively (vs Ag/AgCl) in pH 7.50 of borate buffer. Optimal conditions were obtained as pH 7.50, accumulation potential of − 0.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl), accumulation time of 120 s, and scan rate of 100 mV/s. Under the optimized conditions, a linear calibration curve was established for the concentration of Penicillin G in the range of 0.007–2.13 µg/ml with a detection limit of 0.000717 µg/ml. The procedure was successfully applied to the determination of Penicillin G in various medicine and biological samples. The relative standard deviation of the method at 0.05 and 0.5 µg/ml Penicillin G, for 10 runs, was 2.55% and 2.06%, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of single doses of methoxypolyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta (CERA, Mircera™) and epoetin delta (Dynepo™) on isoelectric erythropoietin profiles and haematological parameters
Authors: Dehnes Yvette , Hemmersbach Peter
Published: March 2011

Erythropoietin (EPO) has been misused in sports for many years due to its performance‐enhancing effect. In the last decade, detection of abuse has been possible with isoelectric focusing (IEF) based on the different isoform profiles of endogenous and recombinant EPO. The release of new EPOs on the market, such as the recombinant erythropoietin epoetin delta (Dynepo™) and the chemically modified EPO, CERA (Mircera™) potentially represents analytical challenges to the fight against doping. This study set out to investigate the possibility of and the time window for detecting the administration of a single dose of Dynepo™ and CERA. Our results are in agreement with earlier findings that detection of Dynepo™ is best achieved by combining IEF with SDS‐PAGE. Haematological parameters were monitored for possible effects due to the long half‐life (130 hours) of CERA in blood. Interestingly, although several haematological parameters were significantly changed after the injection of CERA, the endogenous EPO signal was still present in all collected samples. Due to the long half‐life and the large size of the CERA molecule (about 60 kDa), it was uncertain whether CERA would be excreted into urine in detectable amounts unless urine collection was preceded by strenuous physical exercise. We find that CERA can be detected in urine without prior exercise in several, but not all, subjects. CERA is nevertheless best detected in serum with regard to both probability and length of detection, in addition to stability in matrix over time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Manganese(II) Sandwich‐Type Phosphotungstate Complex – Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Catalytic Activity towards Liquid‐Phase Aerobic Epoxidation of Alkenes
Authors: Patel Ketan , Tripuramallu Bharat Kumar , Patel Anjali
Published: March 2011

The dimeric, tetranuclear manganese(II)‐substituted sandwich‐type phosphotungstate complex has been synthesized in high yield using a straightforward one‐pot synthesis by reacting commercially available H3[PW12O40] with MnCl2. The complex has been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. The complex is oxidatively and solvolytically stable and has been used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the efficient, selective aerobic epoxidation of styrene, cyclohexene and cis‐cyclooctene.
Au@MOF‐5 and Au/MOx@MOF‐5 (M = Zn, Ti; x = 1, 2): Preparation and Microstructural Characterisation
Authors: Müller Maike , Turner Stuart , Lebedev Oleg I. , Wang Yuemin , van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Fischer Roland A.
Published: March 2011

The Zn‐carboxylate‐based porous coordination polymer MOF‐5 [Zn4O(bdc)3] and the metal oxide loaded materials ZnO@MOF‐5 and TiO2@MOF‐5 were loaded in a second step with the precursor [ClAuCO] to yield intermediate materials denoted as [ClAuCO]@MOF‐5, [ClAuCO]/ZnO@MOF‐5 and [ClAuCO]/TiO2@MOF‐5. These composites were decomposed to Au@MOF‐5, Au/ZnO@MOF‐5 and Au/TiO2@MOF‐5 under hydrogen at 100 °C. The nanoparticle‐loaded hybrid materials were characterised by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), IR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N2 sorption measurements, which reveal an intact MOF‐5 structure that maintains a high specific surface area. For Au@MOF‐5, crystalline Au nanoparticles were distributed over the MOF matrix in a homogeneous fashion with a size of ca. 1–3 nm, evidenced by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. In the case of Au/ZnO@MOF‐5, the Au and metal oxide particles of a few nm in size were coexistent in a given volume of the MOF‐5 matrix and were not separated in different crystalline MOF particles. For the TiO2 loaded materials the oxide is preferentially located near the outer surface of the MOF particles, leading to an increase of larger exterior Au particles in comparison to very small interior Au particles as observed for the other materials. Au@MOF‐5, Au/ZnO@MOF‐5 and Au/TiO2@MOF‐5 were tested in liquid‐phase oxidation of alcohols. Preliminary results show a high activity for the Au loaded materials in this reaction. This observation is attributed to the microstructure of the composites with very small Au particles distributed homogeneously over the MOF matrix.
Synthesis, Gelation Properties and Photopolymerization of Macrocyclic Diacetylenedicarboxamides Derived from L‐Glutamic Acid and trans‐1,4‐Cyclohexanediol
Authors: Nagasawa Jun'ichi , Yoshida Masaru , Tamaoki Nobuyuki
Published: March 2011

Novel macrocyclic diacetylene compounds derived from L‐glutamic acid and trans‐1,4‐cyclohexanediol have been synthesized and their gelation ability, photopolymerizability and aggregation state have been studied. Most of the compounds with decyl groups gelatinize hexane, cyclohexane, cyclohexene and carbon tetrachloride. Some of the compounds also gelatinize toluene and 2‐propanol. An FTIR spectroscopy study indicated hydrogen‐bonding in the gel state. An X‐ray crystallographic analysis of one of the macrocyclic compounds with methyl groups demonstrated a tubular assembly based on the face‐to‐face packing of the macrocyclic rings as a result of intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding. Upon photoirradiation, most of the gels changed their hue from colourless to red or orange, which suggests photopolymerization of the diacetylene moieties.
FeIII‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Primary Amides from Aldehydes
Authors: Gowda Ravikumar R. , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: March 2011

A direct synthetic route for the transformation of aldehydes into primary amides in the presence of catalytic amounts of FeCl3 in water is described.
Do cultural values predict individuals' moral attitudes? A cross‐cultural multilevel approach
Authors: Vauclair Christin‐Melanie , Fischer Ronald
Published: March 2011

This study examined whether cultural values predict individuals' moral attitudes. The main objective was to shed light on the moral universalism and relativism debate by showing that the answer depends on the moral issues studied. Using items from the Morally Debatable Behaviours Scale (MDBS) fielded in the World Value Survey (WVS), we found that moral issues can be differentiated cross‐culturally into attitudes towards (1) dishonest–illegal and (2) personal–sexual issues. Drawing upon evolutionary and cultural theories, we expected that the former moral domain is not related to cultural values, whereas the latter is influenced by cultural conceptions of the self (i.e. independent versus interdependent selves). We used multilevel modelling with Schwartz' cultural values as the independent variables and the two moral domains as assessed through the MDBS as dependent variables to test our hypothesis. After controlling for individual‐level differences in moral attitudes as well as the socio‐economic development of countries, our findings confirmed that attitudes towards dishonest–illegal issues were not related to cultural values whereas attitudes towards personal–sexual issues were predicted by the Autonomy–Embeddedness value dimension. We conclude that our study sheds not only light on the universalism and relativism debate, but also on the discriminant validity of cultural values. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical computations of a theoretical model of ribbed moraine formation
Authors: Chapwanya Michael , Clark Chris D. , Fowler Andrew C.
Published: March 2011

We develop numerical solutions of a theoretical model which has been proposed to explain the formation of subglacial bedforms. The model has been shown to have the capability of producing bedforms in two dimensions, when they may be interpreted as ribbed moraine. However, these investigations have left unanswered the question of whether the theory is capable of producing fully three‐dimensional bedforms such as drumlins. We show that, while the three‐dimensional calculations show realistic quasi‐three‐dimensional features such as dislocations in the ribbing pattern, they do not produce genuine three‐dimensional drumlins. We suggest that this inadequacy is due to the treatment of subglacial drainage in the theory as a passive variable, and thus that the three‐dimensional forms may be associated with conditions of sufficient subglacial water flux. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the fire retardant mixture containing potassium carbonate using a cone calorimeter
Authors: Grześkowiak Wojciech Łukasz
Published: March 2011

This article presents the results of investigations obtained for a wood fire retardant agent which is currently under production. Experiments were conducted using a mixture of potassium carbonate and urea in accordance with the PN‐C‐04914 standard (the Polish equivalent of ISO 5660‐1). Wood samples of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were treated with the above mixture as well as with its individual components. It was observed that impregnation of samples with potassium carbonate and a mixture of potassium carbonate and urea has an advantageous influence on the reduction of the heat release and the heat of combustion, and also prolongs the time to ignition. Urea alone failed to exert a fire‐retardant effect on wood samples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting Hourly Peak Call Volume for a Rural Electric Cooperative Call Center
Authors: Kim Taeyoon , Kenkel Phil , Brorsen B. Wade
Published: March 2011

This research forecasts peak call volume of a centralized after‐hours call center for rural electric cooperatives to help the call center determine staffing levels. A Gaussian copula is used to capture the dependence among non‐normal distributions. Using a centralized call center reduces costs by approximately 75% compared to having individual call centers at each cooperative. Adding cooperatives to the centralized call center is projected to further decrease costs per member. An out‐of‐sample forecasting exercise after the call center expanded validated the model's forecast that additional cooperatives could be added without a proportional increase in the peak number of calls. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regime‐dependent smile‐adjusted delta hedging
Authors: Alexander Carol , Rubinov Alexander , Kalepky Markus , Leontsinis Stamatis
Published: March 2011

We introduce several regime‐dependent smile‐adjusted deltas and compare their efficiency with the smile‐adjusted deltas that are popular with option traders. Using years of daily option prices, out‐of‐sample hedging performance tests for options of all moneyness and maturities and daily, weekly, or fortnightly rebalancing show that even the simplest regime‐dependent smile‐adjustment consistently outperforms implied BSM delta hedging and local volatility and minimum variance smile‐adjustments. Markov‐switching deltas offer the best performance, with delta‐hedging errors often half the size of implied BSM hedging errors. During volatile markets risk reduction from regime‐dependent delta hedging is much greater than during tranquil periods.
Cortical organization of environmental sounds by attribute
Authors: Hocking Julia , McMahon Katie L. , de Zubicaray Greig I.
Published: March 2011

Semantic knowledge is supported by a widely distributed neuronal network, with differential patterns of activation depending upon experimental stimulus or task demands. Despite a wide body of knowledge on semantic object processing from the visual modality, the response of this semantic network to environmental sounds remains relatively unknown. Here, we used fMRI to investigate how access to different conceptual attributes from environmental sound input modulates this semantic network. Using a range of living and manmade sounds, we scanned participants whilst they carried out an object attribute verification task. Specifically, we tested visual perceptual, encyclopedic, and categorical attributes about living and manmade objects relative to a high‐level auditory perceptual baseline to investigate the differential patterns of response to these contrasting types of object‐related attributes, whilst keeping stimulus input constant across conditions. Within the bilateral distributed network engaged for processing environmental sounds across all conditions, we report here a highly significant dissociation within the left hemisphere between the processing of visual perceptual and encyclopedic attributes of objects. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Domain general and domain preferential brain regions associated with different types of task switching: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kim Chobok , Cilles Sara E. , Johnson Nathan F. , Gold Brian T.
Published: March 2011

One of our highest evolved functions as human beings is our capacity to switch between multiple tasks effectively. A body of research has identified a distributed frontoparietal network of brain regions which contribute to task switching. However, relatively less is known about whether some brain regions may contribute to switching in a domain‐general manner while others may be more preferential for different kinds of switching. To explore this issue, we conducted three meta‐analyses focusing on different types of task switching frequently used in the literature (perceptual, response, and context switching), and created a conjunction map of these distinct switch types. A total of 36 switching studies with 562 activation coordinates were analyzed using the activation likelihood estimation method. Common areas associated with switching across switch type included the inferior frontal junction and posterior parietal cortex. In contrast, domain‐preferential activation was observed for perceptual switching in the dorsal portion of the premotor cortex and for context switching in frontopolar cortex. Our results suggest that some regions within the frontoparietal network contribute to domain‐general switching processes while others contribute to more domain‐preferential processes, according to the type of task switch performed. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping reflexive shifts of attention in eye‐centered and hand‐centered coordinate systems
Authors: Cazzato Valentina , Macaluso Emiliano , Crostella Filippo , Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Published: March 2011

Behavioral studies indicate that directional gaze and hand pointing are fundamental social signals that may capture spatial attention more powerfully than directional arrows. By using fMRI, we explored whether reflexive shifts of attention triggered by different distracters were influenced by the motor effector used for performing an overt response. In separate blocks, healthy participants performed a directional saccadic or a hand pointing movement. Color changes of a central black fixation point constituted the imperative instruction signal to make a leftward (red color) or a rightward (blue color) movement while ignoring distracting leftward or rightward oriented gaze, hand pointing, or arrow. Distracters that were directionally incongruent with the instruction cue impaired the saccadic and pointing‐release RTs. The comparison of incongruent vs. congruent conditions showed an increase of BOLD signal in the frontal eye field (FEF), the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) bilaterally. Importantly, a specific relationship between distracter and effector used for the response was found in these frontal and parietal regions. In particular, higher activity in the FEF, for distracting gaze was found mainly during the saccadic response task. In the same vein, higher activity in the left and right IPS regions was found for the distracting hand mainly in the hand pointing task. The results suggest that reflexive shifts of attention triggered by social signals are coded in the fronto‐parietal cortex according to effector‐specific mapping rules. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experience induces functional reorganization in brain regions involved in odor imagery in perfumers
Authors: Plailly Jane , Delon‐Martin Chantal , Royet Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2011

Areas of expertise that cultivate specific sensory domains reveal the brain's ability to adapt to environmental change. Perfumers are a small population who claim to have a unique ability to generate olfactory mental images. To evaluate the impact of this expertise on the brain regions involved in odor processing, we measured brain activity in novice and experienced (student and professional) perfumers while they smelled or imagined odors. We demonstrate that olfactory imagery activates the primary olfactory (piriform) cortex (PC) in all perfumers, demonstrating that similar neural substrates were activated in odor perception and imagination. In professional perfumers, extensive olfactory practice influences the posterior PC, the orbitofrontal cortex, and the hippocampus; during the creation of mental images of odors, the activity in these areas was negatively correlated with experience. Thus, the perfumers' expertise is associated with a functional reorganization of key olfactory and memory brain regions, explaining their extraordinary ability to imagine odors and create fragrances. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feature‐based groupwise registration by hierarchical anatomical correspondence detection
Authors: Wu Guorong , Wang Qian , Jia Hongjun , Shen Dinggang
Published: March 2011

Groupwise registration has been widely investigated in recent years due to its importance in analyzing population data in many clinical applications. To our best knowledge, most of the groupwise registration algorithms only utilize the intensity information. However, it is well known that using intensity only is not sufficient to achieve the anatomically sound correspondences in medical image registration. In this article, we propose a novel feature‐based groupwise registration algorithm to establish the anatomical correspondence across subjects by using the attribute vector that is defined as the morphological signature for each voxel. Similar to most of the state‐of‐the‐art groupwise registration algorithms, which simultaneously estimate the transformation fields for all subjects, we develop an energy function to minimize the intersubject discrepancies on anatomical structures and drive all subjects toward the hidden common space. To make the algorithm efficient and robust, we decouple the complex groupwise registration problem into two easy‐to‐solve subproblems, namely (1) robust correspondence detection and (2) dense transformation field estimation, which are systematically integrated into a unified framework. To achieve the robust correspondences in the step (1), several strategies are adopted. First, the procedure of feature matching is evaluated within a neighborhood, rather than only on a single voxel. Second, the driving voxels with distinctive image features are designed to drive the transformations of other nondriving voxels. Third, we take advantage of soft correspondence assignment not only in the spatial domain but also across the population of subjects. Specifically, multiple correspondences are allowed to alleviate the ambiguity in establishing correspondences w.r.t. a particular subject and also the contributions from different subjects are dynamically controlled throughout the registration. Eventually in the step (2), based on the correspondences established for the driving voxels, thin‐plate spline is used to propagate correspondences on the driving voxels to other locations in the image. By iteratively repeating correspondence detection and dense deformation estimation, all the subjects will be aligned onto the common space. Our feature‐based groupwise registration algorithm has been extensively evaluated over 18 elderly brains, 16 brains from NIREP (with 32 manually delineated labels), 40 brains from LONI LPBA40 (with 54 manually delineated labels), and 12 pairs of normal controls and simulated atrophic brain images. In all experiments, our algorithm achieves more robust and accurate registration results, compared with another groupwise algorithm and a pairwise registration method. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.