bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved thermal stability and mechanical properties of poly(propylene carbonate) by reactive blending with maleic anhydride
Authors: Yao Meijun , Mai Fang , Deng Hua , Ning Nanying , Wang Ke , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2011

To extend the application of a carbon dioxide sourced environmental friendly polymer: poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC), a small amount of maleic anhydride (MA) was melt blended to end‐cap with PPC to improve its thermal stability and mechanical properties. Thermal and mechanical properties of end‐capped PPC were investigated by TGA, GPC, mechanical test, and DMA. TGA and titration results demonstrate that PPC can be easily end‐capped with MA through simple melt blending. TGA results show that the thermal degradation temperature of PPC could be improved by around 140°C by adding MA. GPC measurement indicates that the molecular weight of PPC can be maintained after blending with MA, where pure PPC experiences a dramatic degradation in molecular weight during melt process. More importantly, the tensile strength of PPC after blending with MA was found to be nearly eight times higher than that of pure PPC. It has approached the mechanical properties of polyolefin polymers, indicating the possibility of replacing polyolefin polymers with PPC for low temperature applications. The method described here could be used to extend the applications of PPC and fight against the well known global warming problem. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Dynamic shear rheological behavior of PP/EPR in‐reactor alloys synthesized by multi‐stage sequential polymerization process
Authors: Bagheri Hamed , Jahani Yousef , Nekoomanesh Haghighi Mehdi , Hakim Shokoofeh , Fan Zhi Qiang
Published: February 2011

The rheological behavior, morphology, and mechanical properties of in‐reactor alloy of polypropylene (PP)/ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) synthesized by multi‐stage sequential polymerization process are studied in this article. The relationship between polymerization parameters, morphology, and rheological properties are evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and small amplitude oscillation rheometry in the linear viscoelastic region. The electron microscopy of samples is showed that by increasing switching frequency in polymerization time, the size of EPR particles decrease. By increasing switching frequency, the curves of complex viscosity against angular frequency of samples are shifted to higher values at low range of shear rates with no significant change at higher frequencies in Power‐law region. The modified Cole‐Cole plots revealed the enhanced melt elasticity by increasing switching frequency up to 230°C. The plot of phase angle versus absolute value of complex modulus G* is used for the evaluation of matrix‐droplets interaction at various temperatures. It is observed two different behaviors before and after 230°C which is the evidence of the change in relaxation mechanism of the blend components because of coarsening the rubber particles in the phase separation process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Cranial Suture Biology of the Aleutian Island Inhabitants
Authors: Cray James , Mooney Mark P. , Siegel Michael I.
Published: February 2011

Research on cranial suture biology suggests there is biological and taxonomic information to be garnered from the heritable pattern of suture synostosis. Suture synostosis along with brain growth patterns, diet, and biomechanical forces influence phenotypic variability in cranial vault morphology. This study was designed to determine the pattern of ectocranial suture synostosis in skeletal populations from the Aleutian Islands. We address the hypothesis that ectocranial suture synostosis pattern will differ according to cranial vault shape. Ales Hrdlicka identified two phenotypes in remains excavated from the Aleutian Island. The Paleo‐Aleutians, exhibiting a dolichocranic phenotype with little prognathism linked to artifacts distinguished from later inhabitants, Aleutians, who exhibited a brachycranic phenotype with a greater amount of prognathism. A total of 212 crania representing Paleo‐Aleuts and Aleutian as defined by Hrdlicka were investigated for suture synostosis pattern following standard methodologies. Comparisons were performed using Guttmann analyses. Results revealed similar suture fusion patterns for the Paleo‐Aleut and Aleutian, a strong anterior to posterior pattern of suture fusion for the lateral‐anterior suture sites, and a pattern of early termination at the sagittal suture sites for the vault. These patterns were found to differ from that reported in the literature. Because these two populations with distinct cranial shapes exhibit similar patterns of suture synostosis it appears pattern is independent of cranial shape in these populations of Homo sapiens. These findings suggest that suture fusion patterns may be population dependent and that a standardized methodology, using suture fusion to determine age‐at‐death, may not be applicable to all populations. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different Localization of ATP Sensitive K+ Channel Subunits in Rat Testis
Authors: Zhou Ming , He Hui‐Jing , Tanaka Osamu , Sekiguchi Masaki , Kawahara Katsumasa , Abe Hiroshi
Published: February 2011

ATP sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are important linkage of cell membrane excitability to its cellular bioenergetic state. These channels are composed of pore‐forming subunits and regulatory subunits. The present study focused on the cellular expressions and localizations of these subunits in rat testis. RT‐PCR analysis showed that rat testis contained five KATP channel subunits, Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR1, SUR2A and SUR2B. Immunoblot assay showed that proteins of Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR2A and SUR2B were expressed in rat testis. Immunohistochemistry revealed these KATP channel subunits were positive in different localizations of spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, which implies these subunits playing important roles in spermatogenesis. Co‐localization of Kir6.2 with SUR2B was determined in acrosome or head cap of spermatids by double immunofluorescence analysis by indicating KATP channel might be formed by Kir6.2 and SUR2B in acrosome of spermatids. Different localizations of the KATP channel subunits in the cell membrane and membranous organelles of spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells indicated the complex and multiple functions of KATP channels in rat testis. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parallel production of biodiesel and bioethanol in palm‐oil‐based biorefineries: life cycle assessment on the energy and greenhouse gases emissions
Authors: Lim Steven , Lee Keat Teong
Published: February 2011

The main objective of this life cycle assessment (LCA) study is to determine the environmental consequences of the inclusion of second‐generation biofuels (bioethanol from palm oil biomass) toward current palm oil biodiesel production through a ‘seed‐to‐wheel’ LCA analysis. Their energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission indicators are evaluated with consequential approach for system delimitation. Although all scenarios provide positive environmental impact, it is found that the inclusion of bioethanol production in the current palm oil processing will decrease the net energy ratio (NER) and net carbon emission ratio (NCER) values by 27.5% and 66.6%, respectively. Moreover, carbon emission savings (CES) value is also found to decrease by a total of 21.9%. This indicates that a higher amount of energy input and GHG emissions is actually required for the bioethanol processing than the amount of energy it will produce and the GHG from fossil fuels it will displace. The sensitivity analysis performed on the yields of bioethanol shows that the minimum conversion threshold should be larger than 60% in order to have a higher energy and GHG emission ratio than current palm oil biodiesel processing. Sensitivity analysis on direct land use change and waste‐water treatment is also carried out which discourages the expansion of palm oil plantation to primary forest (including peatland) and emphasizes the need for a biogas harvesting system. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Pharmacokinetic properties of lutein emulsion after oral administration to rats and effect of food intake on plasma concentration of lutein
Authors: Sato Yuki , Kobayashi Masaki , Itagaki Shirou , Hirano Takeshi , Noda Toshihiro , Mizuno Satoshi , Sugawara Mitsuru , Iseki Ken
Published: February 2011

Lutein is a carotenoid found mainly in green leafy vegetables and is located in the macula lutea in the human eye. An intake of lutein as food is needed since humans cannot synthesize it de novo. Although lutein has received much attention recently due to its antioxidant activities, little information about the pharmacokinetic properties of lutein is available. Lutein emulsion formulation was used and the pharmacokinetics of lutein emulsion after oral administration to rats was investigated. The bioavailability of lutein using this formulation was calculated to be 5.20%. It was found that a large amount of lutein was accumulated in the intestinal mucosa. The absorption of orally administered compounds in the intestine can be enhanced by interaction with food or food components. Thus, the effect of food intake on the intestinal absorption of lutein was investigated. The plasma concentration of lutein after oral administration of the emulsion formulation was improved significantly by food intake. It is possible that the absorption of lutein in the intestine is improved significantly by some food components. Bile acids may also play important roles in the intestinal absorption of lutein since the absorption of lipophilic compounds such as cholesterol is related to bile acids. The results of these studies should contribute to an improvement of lutein absorption and provide important information for obtaining more effective pharmacological effects of lutein. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting diafiltration solution compositions for final ultrafiltration/diafiltration steps of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Teeters Mark , Bezila Daniel , Benner Terry , Alfonso Pedro , Alred Patricia
Published: February 2011

Many liquid formulations for monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) require the final ultrafiltration/diafiltration step to operate at high protein concentrations, often at or above 100 g/L. When operating under these conditions, the excipient concentrations and pH of the final diafiltered retentate are frequently not equal to the corresponding excipient concentrations and pH of the diafiltration buffer. A model based on the Poisson–Boltzmann equation combined with volume exclusion was extended to predict both pH and excipient concentrations in the retentate for a given diafiltration buffer. This model was successfully applied to identify the diafiltration buffer composition required to achieve the desired pre‐formulated bulk drug substance (retentate) conditions. Predictions were in good agreement with the experimental results, and reduced the number of experimental iterations needed to define the diafiltration buffer composition. Additionally, the predictive model was applied in a sensitivity analysis across ranges of protein charge, protein concentration, and diafiltration buffer pH and excipient concentration. This sensitivity analysis can facilitate the design of experiments for robustness testing, and allow for generalized predictions across classes of molecules such as MAbs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1338–1346. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a dichloroacetic acid‐hemoglobin conjugate as a potential targeted anti‐cancer therapeutic
Authors: Zhang Ning , Palmer Andre F.
Published: February 2011

This work focuses on conjugating the anti‐cancer drug dichloroacetic acid (DCA) to the monocyte/macrophage targeting protein hemoglobin (Hb). The DCA–Hb conjugate carries approximately 12 DCA molecules per Hb tetramer, and binds to haptoglobin (Hp) forming stable DCA–Hb–Hp complexes, in a similar manner to unmodified Hb. The results of this study show that DCA–Hb–Hp is taken up by the monocytic cancer cell line THP‐1, where it depolarizes the mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby inhibiting cancerous cell growth at a comparable level to free DCA. Taken together, the results of this study show promise for the use of the DCA–Hb conjugate as a potential therapeutic to treat monocytic leukemia. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1413–1420. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐End pH‐controlled delivery of glucose effectively suppresses lactate accumulation in CHO Fed‐batch cultures
Authors: Gagnon Matthew , Hiller Gregory , Luan Yen‐Tung , Kittredge Amy , DeFelice Jordy , Drapeau Denis
Published: February 2011

A simple method for control of lactate accumulation in suspension cultures of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells based on the culture's pH was developed. When glucose levels in culture reach a low level (generally below 1 mM) cells begin to take up lactic acid from the culture medium resulting in a rise in pH. A nutrient feeding method has been optimized which delivers a concentrated glucose solution triggered by rising pH. We have shown that this high‐end pH‐controlled delivery of glucose can dramatically reduce or eliminate the accumulation of lactate during the growth phase of a fed‐batch CHO cell culture at both bench scale and large scale (2,500 L). This method has proven applicable to the majority of CHO cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutic proteins. Using this technology to enhance a 12‐day fed‐batch process that already incorporated very high initial cell densities and highly concentrated medium and feeds resulted in an approximate doubling of the final titers for eight cell lines. The increase in titer was due to additional cell growth and higher cell specific productivity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1328–1337. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Targeted cell immobilization by ultrasound microbeam
Authors: Lee Jungwoo , Lee Changyang , Kim Hyung Ham , Jakob Anette , Lemor Robert , Teh Shia‐Yen , Lee Abraham , Shung Koping Kirk
Published: February 2011

Various techniques exerting mechanical stress on cells have been developed to investigate cellular responses to externally controlled stimuli. Fundamental mechanotransduction processes about how applied physical forces are converted into biochemical signals have often been examined by transmitting such forces through cells and probing its pathway at cellular levels. In fact, many cellular biomechanics studies have been performed by trapping (or immobilizing) individual cells, either attached to solid substrates or suspended in liquid media. In that context, we demonstrated two‐dimensional acoustic trapping, where a lipid droplet of 125 µm in diameter was directed transversely toward the focus (or the trap center) similar to that of optical tweezers. Under the influence of restoring forces created by a 30 MHz focused ultrasound beam, the trapped droplet behaved as if tethered to the focus by a linear spring. In order to apply this method to cellular manipulation in the Mie regime (cell diameter > wavelength), the availability of sound beams with its beamwidth approaching cell size is crucial. This can only be achieved at a frequency higher than 100 MHz. We define ultrasound beams in the frequency range from 100 MHz to a few GHz as ultrasound microbeams because the lateral beamwidth at the focus would be in the micron range. Hence a zinc oxide (ZnO) transducer that was designed and fabricated to transmit a 200 MHz focused sound beam was employed to immobilize a 10 µm human leukemia cell (K‐562) within the trap. The cell was laterally displaced with respect to the trap center by mechanically translating the transducer over the focal plane. Both lateral displacement and position trajectory of the trapped cell were probed in a two‐dimensional space, indicating that the retracting motion of these cells was similar to that of the lipid droplets at 30 MHz. The potential of this tool for studying cellular adhesion between white blood cells and endothelial cells was discussed, suggesting its capability as a single cell manipulator. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1643–1650. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A limited LCA of bio‐adipic acid: Manufacturing the nylon‐6,6 precursor adipic acid using the benzoic acid degradation pathway from different feedstocks
Authors: van Duuren J.B.J.H. , Brehmer B. , Mars A.E. , Eggink G. , dos Santos V.A.P. Martins , Sanders J.P.M.
Published: February 2011

A limited life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed on a combined biological and chemical process for the production of adipic acid, which was compared to the traditional petrochemical process. The LCA comprises the biological conversion of the aromatic feedstocks benzoic acid, impure aromatics, toluene, or phenol from lignin to cis, cis‐muconic acid, which is subsequently converted to adipic acid through hydrogenation. Apart from the impact of usage of petrochemical and biomass‐based feedstocks, the environmental impact of the final concentration of cis, cis‐muconic acid in the fermentation broth was studied using 1.85% and 4.26% cis, cis‐muconic acid. The LCA focused on the cumulative energy demand (CED), cumulative exergy demand (CExD), and the CO2 equivalent (CO2eq) emission, with CO2 and N2O measured separately. The highest calculated reduction potential of CED and CExD were achieved using phenol, which reduced the CED by 29% and 57% with 1.85% and 4.26% cis, cis‐muconic acid, respectively. A decrease in the CO2eq emission was especially achieved when the N2O emission in the combined biological and chemical process was restricted. At 4.26% cis, cis‐muconic acid, the different carbon backbone feedstocks contributed to an optimized reduction of CO2eq emissions ranging from 14.0 to 17.4 ton CO2eq/ton adipic acid. The bulk of the bioprocessing energy intensity is attributed to the hydrogenation reactor, which has a high environmental impact and a direct relationship with the product concentration in the broth. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1298–1306. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A highly efficient ADH‐coupled NADH‐recycling system for the asymmetric bioreduction of carbon‐carbon double bonds using enoate reductases
Authors: Tauber Katharina , Hall Melanie , Kroutil Wolfgang , Fabian Walter M.F. , Faber Kurt , Glueck Silvia M.
Published: February 2011

The asymmetric bioreduction of activated alkenes catalyzed by flavin‐dependent enoate reductases from the OYE‐family represents a powerful method for the production of optically active compounds. For its preparative‐scale application, efficient and economic NADH‐recycling is crucial. A novel enzyme‐coupled NADH‐recycling system is proposed based on the concurrent oxidation of a sacrificial sec‐alcohol catalyzed by an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH‐A). Due to the highly favorable position of the equilibrium of ene‐reduction versus alcohol‐oxidation, the cosubstrate is only required in slight excess. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1462–1467. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advances in stalking risk assessment
Authors: McEwan Troy E. , Pathé Michele , Ogloff James R.P.
Published: February 2011

Over the past 15 years, forensic mental health has become more concerned with the concepts of violence prevention, management, and treatment. The development of specialist tools to aid in the assessment of a range of risks reflects this concern. This article explores contemporary thinking on violence risk assessment and how this knowledge can be applied to the relatively newer field of stalking risk assessment. The role of risk state and risk status are discussed, in addition to the way that standard structured professional judgment procedures need to be adapted to reflect the variety of risks present in stalking situations. The authors go on to describe the development and format of the Stalking Risk Profile, a set of structured professional judgment guidelines for assessing risk in stalkers. Suggestions are made for future research to enhance knowledge and improve practice in the field of stalking risk assessment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational Protein–Protein Interactions. Edited by Ruth Nussinov and Gideon Schreiber.
Authors: Stauber Roland , Bier Carolin
Published: February 2011

CRC Press, Boca Raton 2010, XVII+317 pp., hardcover $ 119.95.—ISBN 978‐1‐4200‐7005‐7
Reactivity of a Silylsilylene Bearing a Functionalized Diaminochlorosilyl Substituent
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Hua , Yeong Hui‐Xian , So Cheuk‐Wai
Published: February 2011

The reactivity of the silylsilylene [{PhC(NtBu)2}SiSi(Cl){(NtBu)2C(H)Ph}] (2) towards diphenylacetylene, azobenzene, 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl azide, sulfur, and selenium is described. The reaction of 2 with one equivalent of azobenzene in toluene afforded compound 3, which is the first example of a 1,2‐diaza‐3,4‐disilacyclobutane containing a pentacoordinate silicon center. The formation of 3 can be explained by a [1+2] cycloaddition of the divalent Si center in 2 with PhNNPh to form a diazasilacyclopropane intermediate, which then undergoes a 1,2‐chlorine shift to release the ring strain to form 3. Similarly, the reaction of 2 with one equivalent of diphenylacetylene in toluene afforded the 1,2‐disilacyclobutene 4, which contains a pentacoordinate silicon center. The reaction of 2 with 1.6 equivalents of 2,6‐diisopropylphenylazide in toluene afforded the silaimine [LSi(NAr)N(Ar)L′] (5, L=PhC(NtBu)2, L′=Si(Cl){(NtBu)2C(H)Ph}, Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3). The formation of 5 can be explained by an oxidative addition of the divalent Si center in 2 with ArN3 to afford a silaimine intermediate, which then reacts with another molecule of ArN3 to give compound 5. The reaction of 2 with elemental sulfur in toluene afforded the chlorosilanethione [LSi(S)Cl] (6) and dithiodisiletane [{Ph(H)C(NtBu)2}Si(μ‐S)]2 (7). Treatment of 2 with elemental selenium in THF afforded the di(silaneselone) [LSi(Se)Si(Se)L] (8). Evidently, the divalent Si center in 2 undergoes oxidative addition with chalcogens to afford a silylsilanechalcogenone intermediate, which then displaces “:Si{(NtBu)2C(H)Ph}” and “ClSi{(NtBu)2C(H)Ph}” to form 6 and 8, respectively. Moreover, compound 8 was synthesized by the reaction of [{PhC(NtBu)2}Si:]2 (10) with elemental selenium in THF. The results show that the reactions of 2 are initiated by oxidative addition of the divalent silicon center, and then the intermediate formed undergoes a rearrangement involving the diaminochlorosilyl substituent to form compounds 3–8. These products have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography.
Greatly Enhanced Intermolecular π‐Dimer Formation of a Porphyrin Trimer Radical Trications through Multiple π Bonds
Authors: Takai Atsuro , Gros Claude P. , Barbe Jean‐Michel , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: February 2011

A trefoil‐like porphyrin trimer linked by triphenylamine (TPA‐TPZn3) was synthesized. A three‐electron oxidation of TPA‐TPZn3 forms a radical trication (TPA‐TPZn33+), in which each porphyrin ring undergoes a one‐electron oxidation. The radical trication TPA‐TPZn33+ spontaneously dimerizes to afford (TPA‐TPZn3)26+ in CH2Cl2. The characteristic charge‐resonance band due to the charge delocalization over the π system of (TPA‐TPZn3)26+ was observed in the NIR region. The initial oxidation potential of TPA‐TPZn3 is negatively shifted relative to that of the corresponding monomer porphyrin, which results from the stabilization of the oxidized state of TPA‐TPZn3 associated with the dimerization. The thermodynamic parameters (i.e., ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG) for the formation of (TPA‐TPZn3)26+ were determined by measuring Vis/NIR spectra at various temperatures. The formation constant of (TPA‐TPZn3)26+ is significantly larger than that of the radical cation dimer of the corresponding monomer porphyrin (e.g., over 2000‐fold at 233 K). The electronic states were investigated using EPR spectroscopic analysis. The greatly enhanced dimerization of TPA‐TPZn33+ results from multiple π‐bond formation between the porphyrin radical cations.
Evolution from Lyotropic Liquid Crystal to Helical Fibrous Organogel of an Achiral Fluorescent Twin‐Tapered Bi‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole Derivative
Authors: Qu Songnan , Wang Lijun , Liu Xingyuan , Li Min
Published: February 2011

We report an unprecedented hierarchical self‐assembly of an achiral twin‐tapered bi‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivative (2,2‐bis(3,4,5‐trioctanoxyphenyl)‐bi‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole, BOXD‐T8). This molecule can form a layer‐structured lyotropic liquid crystal and further forms a helical fibrous organogel in DMF at concentrations above 0.6 wt %. The self‐assembly process of BOXD‐T8 in DMF is accompanied by a change in its fluorescence. The pitches of the helical fibers are non‐uniform, and both left‐ and right‐handed helical fibers are observed in equal quantities. Intermolecular π–π interactions between aromatic segments have been demonstrated to be the driving force for aggregate formation. This helical structure of BOXD‐T8 is dependent on the solvent, concentration, and the layer‐structured intermediate liquid‐crystalline state.
Modified active contour model and Random Walk approach for left ventricular cardiac MR image segmentation
Authors: Dakua Sarada Prasad , Sahambi J. S.
Published: February 2011

There is an increased rate of inconsistency in discriminating objects in cardiac magnetic resonance images with increasing disease varieties. This correspondence suggests a combination of two methods to segment the left ventricle in such images. The importance of the weighting function used in Random Walk approach is analyzed. Difference of Laplacian of Gaussian is demonstrated to be efficacious as the desired weighting function in extracting the blood pool boundary. Subsequently, the epicardial wall is sectioned out using an active contour model that considers the blood pool boundary as its initial contour to grow. Finally in order to validate the analysis, the algorithm is tested by comparing these determined borders with the ground truth images. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal delineation of PCG sounds via false‐alarm bounded segmentation of a wavelet‐based principal components analyzed metric
Authors: Homaeinezhad Mohammad R. , Atyabi S. Abbas , Deneshvar Ehsan , Ghaffari A. , Tahmasebi Maryam
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study is to describe a new false‐alarm probability (FAP) bounded unified framework for segmentation of the phonocardiogram (PCG) signal sounds registered by an electronic stethoscope board. To meet this end, first the original PCG signal is pre‐processed by application of an appropriate bandpass finite‐duration impulse response (FIR) filter and then by implementation of à trous discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to the filtered signal for extracting several dyadic scales. Then, after choosing a proper scale, a fixed sample size sliding window is moved on the selected scale and in each slide, six feature vectors namely summation of the nonlinearly amplified Hilbert transform, summation of absolute first order differentiation, summation of absolute second‐order differentiation, curve length, area and variance of the excerpted segment are calculated. Then, all feature trends are normalized and utilized to construct a newly proposed principal components analyzed geometric index (PCAGI) (to be used as the segmentation decision statistic (DS)) by application of a linear orthonormal projection. Next, using an adaptive smoothing filter (ASF), the obtained metric is modulated and freed from the fast fluctuations occurring in the vicinity of events onset and offset locations which consequently results in enhancement of edge detection accuracy. Later, histogram parameters of the filtered DS metric are used for the regulation of the α‐level Neyman–Pearson classifier for FAP‐bounded delineation of the PCG events. To assess the performance quality of the proposed PCG segmentation algorithm, the method was applied to all 85 records of Nursing Student Heart Sounds database including stenosis, insufficiency, regurgitation, gallop, septal defect, sound split, rumble, murmur, clicks, friction rub and snap disorders with different sampling frequencies. The method was also applied to the records obtained from an electronic stethoscope board designed for fulfillment of this study in the presence of high‐level power‐line noise and external disturbing sounds and as a result, no false positive or false negative errors were detected. High robustness against measurement noises of the electronic stethoscopes, acceptable detection‐segmentation accuracy of PCG events in the presence of severe heart valvular and arrhythmic dysfunctions within a tolerable computational burden (processing time) and having no parameter dependency on the acquisition sampling frequency can be mentioned as important merits and capabilities of the proposed PCAGI‐based PCG events detection‐segmentation algorithm. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescence Anisotropy of Molecular Rotors
Authors: Levitt James A. , Chung Pei‐Hua , Kuimova Marina K. , Yahioglu Gokhan , Wang Yan , Qu Junle , Suhling Klaus
Published: February 2011

We present polarization‐resolved fluorescence measurements of fluorescent molecular rotors 9‐(2‐carboxy‐2‐cyanovinyl)julolidine (CCVJ), 9‐(2,2‐dicyanovinyl)julolidine (DCVJ), and a meso‐substituted boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY‐C12). The photophysical properties of these molecules are highly dependent on the viscosity of the surrounding solvent. The relationship between their quantum yields and the viscosity of the surrounding medium is given by an equation first described and presented by Förster and Hoffmann and can be used to determine the microviscosity of the environment around a fluorophore. Herein we evaluate the applicability of molecular rotors as probes of apparent viscosity on a microscopic scale based on their viscosity dependent fluorescence depolarization. We develop a theoretical framework, combining the Förster–Hoffmann equation with the Perrin equation and compare the dynamic ranges and usable working regimes for these dyes in terms of utilising fluorescence anisotropy as a measure of viscosity. We present polarization‐resolved fluorescence spectra and steady‐state fluorescence anisotropy imaging data for measurements of intracellular viscosity. We find that the dynamic range for fluorescence anisotropy for CCVJ and DCVJ is significantly lower than that of BODIPY‐C12 in the viscosity range 0.6<η<600 cP. Moreover, using steady‐state anisotropy measurements to probe microviscosity in the low (<3 cP) viscosity regime, the molecular rotors can offer a better dynamic range in anisotropy compared with a rigid dye as a probe of microviscosity, and a higher total working dynamic range in terms of viscosity.
Server‐less RFID authentication and searching protocol with enhanced security
Authors: Lee Chin‐Feng , Chien Hung‐Yu , Laih Chi‐Sung
Published: February 2011

This paper focuses on two interesting radio‐frequency identification (RFID) cryptographic protocols: the server‐less RFID authentication protocol that allows readers to authenticate tags without the help of any online backend servers, and the RFID searching protocol in which the verifier explicitly specifies the target tag to be searched and authenticated. These two kinds of RFID protocols play important roles in many RFID applications; however, the existing protocols either had security weaknesses or exhibited poor efficiency. This paper shows the weaknesses, and then proposes our server‐less RFID authentication protocol and RFID searching protocol. The proposed protocols greatly enhance the security using one more hashing. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis symptoms alleviated by renal transplantation
Authors: Bangsgaard Nannie , Hansen Jesper Melchior , Marckmann Peter , Skov Lone
Published: February 2011

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a rare, serious, and life‐threatening disease of patients with severe renal impairment. Gadolinium‐containing contrast agents have been shown to be the crucial trigger. There is no proven medical cure for the disease, and symptomatic treatment options are limited. Anecdotal reports have shown partial or complete resolution of NSF following successful renal transplantation early in the course of NSF. In this report, we describe alleviation of NSF symptoms in two women following successful renal transplantation more than 3 years after onset of NSF. Dial. Transplant.
Descriptive analysis of undocumented residents with ESRD in a public hospital system
Authors: Raghavan Rajeev , Sheikh‐Hamad David
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

It is estimated that 6,000 undocumented residents in the United States require renal replacement therapy. In this work, we sought to evaluate the demographics of the patient population receiving hemodialysis in two Houston public hospitals and an affiliated clinic.

METHODS

More than 186 undocumented residents receive dialysis in the Houston community. Demographic information was obtained via patient interview and chart review. Comparison was made with a matched cohort from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) database, and statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Compared with patients in the USRDS, this patient population is younger and demonstrates lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus (42.6 versus 58.9 years; and 35% versus 68%, respectively; p < 0.01). More than 95% of the patients are Hispanic and only 23% graduated from high school. Most patients had spent more than 30% of their life in the United States before commencing dialysis. Only 3% of the patients had knowledge of their kidney disease prior to immigrating to the United States.

DISCUSSION

The number of undocumented residents needing hemodialysis in the Houston public hospital system is large and imposes a significant financial burden on the community. Maintenance dialysis and expanded use of peritoneal dialysis are approaches that benefit these patients while containing costs. Adequate solutions require uniform policy nationwide. Dial. Transplant. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Barriers to immunosuppressive medication adherence in high‐risk adult renal transplant recipients
Authors: Constantiner Melissa , Cukor Daniel
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND

Non‐adherence to immunosuppressive medication in renal transplant recipients is a primary cause of kidney rejection. However, little is known about the reasons transplant patients are non‐adherent. We report on the specific barriers to medication adherence in 94 kidney transplant recipients from a medical center in Brooklyn, New York.

METHODS

Transplant patients waiting for their monthly medical appointment completed questionnaires relating to their adherence, level of depression, barriers to medication taking, and beliefs in their abilities to take their medication as prescribed.

RESULTS

The particular barriers that were most associated with lower levels of adherence were too many doses per day, too many pills per dose, having to remember to take medication, perceived side effects of medication, skipping a dose to feel good, falling out of a daily routine, and being short of money. The overall level of barriers that the sample endorsed was associated with increased depression (r = 0.209, p = 0.049) and decreased medi‐cation self‐efficacy (r = −0.300, p = 0.004). An elevation in the “unintentional” factor of the barriers scale was significantly associated with depression (r = 0.211, p = 0.046), but not directly with adherence. The “deliberate” factor was associated with non‐adherence (r = −0.21, p < 0.05) but not depression (r = 0.173, p > 0.05)

CONCLUSIONS

There may be two reasons transplant recipients are non‐adherent to prescribed medications. One set of barriers is related to deliberately choosing to skip doses, and the other set is related to inadvertent or uncontrollable situations. Interventions designed to promote adherence in this population should address both pathways. Dial. Transplant. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generation and characterization of Col10a1‐mcherry reporter mice
Authors: Maye Peter , Fu Yu , Butler David L. , Chokalingam Kumar , Liu Yaling , Floret Jane , Stover Mary Louise , Wenstrup Richard , Jiang Xi , Gooch Cindi , Rowe David
Published: February 2011

We report here on the generation of a new fluorescent protein reporter transgenic mouse line, Col10a1‐mCherry, which can be used as a tool to study chondrocyte biology and pathology. Collagen, Type X, alpha 1 (Col10a1) is highly expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes and commonly used as a gene marker for this cell population. The Col10a1‐mCherry reporter line was generated using a bacterial recombination strategy with the mouse BAC clone RP23‐192A7. To aid in the characterization of this animal model, we intercrossed Col10a1‐mCherry mice with Collagen, Type II, alpha 1 (Col2a1) enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP) reporter mice and characterized the expression of both chondrocyte reporters during embryonic skeletal development from days E10.5 to E17.5. Additionally, at postnatal day 0, Col10a1‐mCherry reporter expression was compared to endogenous Col10a1 mRNA expression in long bones and revealed that mCherry fluorescence extended past the Col10a1 expression domain. However, in situ hybridization for mCherry was consistent with the zone of Col10a1 mRNA expression, indicating that the persistent detection of mCherry fluorescence was a result of the long protein half life of mCherry in conjunction with a very rapid phase of skeletal growth and not due to aberrant transcriptional regulation. Taking advantage of the continued fluorescence of hypertrophic chondrocytes at the chondro‐osseus junction, we intercrossed Col10a1‐mCherry mice with two different Collagen, Type 1, alpha 1, (Col1a1) osteoblast reporter mice, pOBCol3.6‐Topaz and pOBCol2.3‐Emerald to investigate the possibility that hypertrophic chondrocytes transdifferentiate into osteoblasts. Evaluation of long bones at birth suggests that residual hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts in the trabecular zone exist as two completely distinct cell populations. genesis 49:410–418, 2011. © 2011 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
A Study of Hydrogen Generation with Doubly‐Fed Adjustable Speed Wind Generator
Authors: Kinoshita Hirotaka , Takahashi Rion , Murata Toshiaki , Tamura Junji , Sugimasa Masatoshi , Komura Akiyoshi , Futami Motoo , Ichinose Masaya , Ide Kazumasa
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a combination system for wind power generation and hydrogen generation. In the proposed system, a doubly‐fed synchronous generator (DFSG) is used as an adjustable speed wind generator, and an electrolyzer is connected to its terminals for hydrogen generation, which is controlled by power electronic converters. The output power from the wind generator is smoothed and supplied to the power system as well as to the electrolyzer to generate hydrogen under cooperative control between the wind generator and the electrolyzer. The performance of the proposed system is investigated by simulation analyses, in which simulations are performed using PSCAD/EMTDC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(3): 27–36, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21003
Long‐Term Field Test of Polymer Insulator on 77‐kV Transmission Line
Authors: Tanaka Nobuya , Kuroyagi Toshiyuki , Niihara Sadao
Published: February 2011

As an antivandalism measure, polymer insulators, which are light and show good performance with regard to contamination withstand voltage, have already been adopted for many new power transmission lines, mainly in the United States. However, they are subject to aging deterioration promoted by ultraviolet rays, ozone, leakage currents, and partial discharge, because polymer insulators are made of organic materials. It is important that we understand the characteristics of aging deterioration in order to maintain power transmission lines. Since polymer insulators for power transmission lines are more expensive than ceramic ones, they are little used in Japan, and there are no field data. In this study, we installed polymer insulators on a 77‐kV power transmission line, carried out field testing for 9 years, from 1997 to 2006, and investigated the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the insulators. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(3): 20–26, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21068
Study of Superconductor Recovery Time Characteristics and High‐Speed Reclosing of Electromagnetic Repulsion Switch
Authors: Koyama Tomonori , Kaiho Katsuyuki , Yamaguchi Iwao , Yanabu Satoru
Published: February 2011

Using a high‐temperature superconductor, we constructed and tested a model superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL). The superconductor and a vacuum interrupter serving as the commutation switch were connected in parallel using a bypass coil. When the fault current flows in this equipment, the superconductor is quenched and the current is then transferred to the parallel coil due to the voltage drop in the superconductor. This large current in the parallel coil actuates the magnetic repulsion mechanism of the vacuum interrupter and the current in the superconductor is interrupted. Using this equipment, the current flow time in the superconductor can easily be minimized. On the other hand, the fault current is also easily limited by the large reactance of the parallel coil. This system has many advantages. Thus, we introduced an electromagnetic repulsion switch. High‐speed reclosing after interrupting the fault current in the electrical power system is essential. Thus, the SFCL should recover to the superconducting state before high‐speed reclosing. But the superconductor generates heat at the time of quenching, and it takes time to recover to the superconducting state. Therefore, the recovery time is an issue. In this paper, we study the superconductor recovery time. We also propose an electromagnetic repulsion switch with a reclosing system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(3): 12–19, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21072
A Sensorless Starting Method for Self‐Controlled Synchronous Motors
Authors: Hasegawa Chihiro , Nishikata Shoji
Published: February 2011

Self‐controlled synchronous motors have been used as variable speed motors in industry and are now also used for propelling ships. In this type of motor, information on the rotor position is needed in order to achieve stable operation. A simple sensorless starting method for this motor is studied in this paper. An initial rotor position detection method without a position sensor is first discussed. It is shown that the position can be detected easily by observing the electromotive forces induced in the armature windings due to the change in the field current. Then, a new starting method for the motor is proposed on the basis of DC link current chopping during the starting period. It is shown that, based on the proposed method, starting of the motor can be realized independently of the load conditions, which indicates the usefulness of the proposed method. Finally, the effects of various system parameters on the response of the DC input current and the motor speed during starting up are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(3): 48–55, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21082
Evaluation of Amorphous Transformer by Optimum Capacity Selection Based on Customer Load Curve Pattern
Authors: Takagi Masaaki , Yamamoto Hiromi , Yamagi Kenji
Published: February 2011

Energy loss in a transformer is composed of no‐load loss and load loss. The no‐load loss in an amorphous transformer is considerably reduced compared with traditional transformers (e.g., silicon steel transformers). However, amorphous transformers have the disadvantages of high capital cost and a high load loss parameter compared with the traditional transformers. The lifetime of a transformer is very long, and hence transformer selection is very important, because the users must pay the energy loss cost throughout the lifetime of the transformer. Therefore, we propose an algorithm for optimum transformer selection considering not only the type but also the capacity. The novelty and usability of the study consists of extracting the full potential from transformers by optimizing both the type and the capacity. Evaluation results show that the amorphous transformer is effective in achieving energy saving and reducing CO2 emissions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(3): 1–11, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21111
Deprotonation of β‐Diketiminate in Sterically Demanding β‐(Diketiminato)lanthanide Complexes: Influence of Lanthanide Metals
Authors: Jiao Rui , Xue Mingqiang , Shen Xiaodong , Zhang Yong , Yao Yingming , Shen Qi
Published: February 2011

Attempted synthesis of tris(β‐diketiminato)lanthanide complexes [Ln(L)3] (L = [{N(C6H3Me2‐2,6)C(Me)}2CH]) resulted in ligand deprotonation, and different outcomes depending on the central metal used were observed. Reaction of YbCl3 with NaL (3 equiv.) afforded the five‐membered cyclometalated ytterbium β‐diketiminate complex [Yb(L)(L)dep] (1). The same reaction with LnCl3 (Ln = Nd, Sm, and Er) gave the new complexes composed of one normal L and one deprotonated neighboring benzazacyclopentane ligand derived from deprotonation of the 2‐methyl group followed by an attack of thecarbon atom on the β‐diketiminate backbone, [Ln(L)(L)dep′(thf)] [Ln = Nd (2), Sm (3), and Er (4)]. The bonding mode in the {Ln(L)dep′} moiety was also found to depend on the central metal ions.
Synthesis and Properties of the Emerging Azacalix[14]arenes
Authors: Touil Mounia , Elhabiri Mourad , Lachkar Mohammed , Siri Olivier
Published: February 2011

We describe the synthesis and spectrophotometric studies of novel N(H)‐azacalix[4]arenes. The unprecedented direct functionalization of the N(H) bridges furnished N(R)‐bridged aza[14]calixarene 11 that could complex a neutral guest (CH2Cl2) or could be further reduced into corresponding tetraamino derivative 12.
N‐(4‐Phenylbutyl)azacalix[3.1.1.1]arene: Self‐Inclusion of the Side Chain through CH···π Interactions
Authors: Takemura Hiroyuki , Yonebayashi Yuka , Nakagaki Takeshi , Shinmyozu Teruo
Published: February 2011

Azacalixarene 1, with a relatively long chain substituent, can exhibit both inter‐ and intramolecular CH···π interactions. In the crystalline state, the 4‐phenybutyl group is included in the molecular cavity, allowing interactions between the methylene H atoms and the aromatic rings of the azacalix skeleton. In addition, similar “edge‐to‐face” interactions occur between the terminal phenyl ring and that of an adjacent molecule, thus forming a polymeric, supramolecular array of azacalixarene molecules. In solution, the 4‐phenylbutyl arm adopts two orientations, one included in the calix cavity, one not, giving rise to isomers describable as exo and endo conformers. Characterization of the exo/endo equilibrium as a function of temperature by 1H NMR spectroscopy enabled estimation of the enthalpy difference favoring inclusion attributed to the intracavity CH···π interactions.
Chiral Bifunctional Thiourea–Phosphane Organocatalysts in Asymmetric Allylic Amination of Morita–Baylis–Hillman Acetates
Authors: Deng Hong‐Ping , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: February 2011

A series of new chiral bifunctional thiourea–phosphane catalysts was synthesized and successfully applied in the catalytic, asymmetric allylic amination of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) acetates derived from the methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) or ethyl vinyl ketone (EVK) system, with phthalimide, affording the amination products in up to over 99 % yield and 90 % ee for a wide range of substrates derived from different aromatic aldehydes.
Modular Synthesis of Bifunctional Linkers for Materials Science
Authors: Moreau Julie , Marchand‐Brynaert Jacqueline
Published: February 2011

A practical synthesis of α,ω‐bifunctional linkers is described that is based on three building blocks, namely, thioctic acid, a spacer‐arm of seven ethylene glycol units, and a functional motif dedicated to the selective immobilization of purposely tagged proteins. Such representative motifs are biotin, haloacetamide, maleimide, and nitrilotriacetic acid derivatives. The building blocks are connected through alkyl, amide, and/or carbamate linkages.