bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TWENTIETH CENTURY LAND RESILIENCE IN MONTENEGRO AND CONSEQUENT HYDROLOGICAL RESPONSE
Authors: Nyssen J. , den Branden J. Van , Spalević V. , Frankl A. , Van de velde L. , Čurović M. , Billi P.
Published: March 2012

To study the magnitude of land degradation, desertification or resilience in Montenegro throughout the 20th and early‐21st centuries, we rephotographed the landscapes recorded on 48 historical photographs dating back to between 1890 and 1985, and analysed in a semi‐quantitative way the land use and cover changes that had occurred using an expert rating system (six correspondents). Time‐series of hydrology and population density were analysed for the period since 1948 and were compared with the changes observed using repeat photography. Overall, vegetation cover has strongly increased, and barren areas occupy less space. The industrialisation that expanded in the 1950s led to strong urbanisation. Despite steadily increasing population (with the notable exception of the mountain region), the vegetation cover has increased markedly everywhere. This denser vegetation has led to higher infiltration of rainfall. Partitioning of water led, on one hand, to deep infiltration and better low flows and to increased evapo‐transpiration at the boundary layer, leading to decreased total runoff coefficients. In the mountain region, runoff coefficients have increased, which may be related to earlier snowmelt. Overall, the findings of this study are in line with observations elsewhere in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and suggest that, as a result of erosion control and significant vegetation regrowth, the changes observed over a century there has been land resilience and not degradation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tribological studies of coated pistons sliding against cylinder liners under laboratory test conditions
Authors: Demas Nicholaos G. , Erck Robert A. , Ajayi Oyelayo O. , Fenske George R.
Published: March 2012

The presence of coatings and surface topography play an important role in the tribological performance of sliding components. Depending on the coating used, it is possible to reduce friction and/or reduce wear. However, although there may be low friction and wear‐resistant coatings suitable for use in pistons, some coatings may hinder the tribological performance by changing the lubrication regime or by preventing additives from their intended function through chemical mechanisms. In this work, piston skirt segments extracted from a commercial aluminium alloy piston were coated with a diamond‐like carbon (DLC) coating, a graphite–resin coating or a nickel–polytetrafluoroethylene (Ni–PTFE) coating and were tribologically tested using a reciprocating laboratory test rig against commercial grey cast iron liner segments. The tribological tests used commercial synthetic motor oil at a temperature of 120 °C with a 20 mm stroke length at a reciprocating frequency of 2 Hz. Results showed that the graphite–resin coating, although it may serve as a good break‐in coating, wears rapidly. The Ni–PTFE coating showed friction reduction, whereas the DLC coating wore off quickly due to its small thickness. Furthermore, the higher hardness of the DLC coating relative to the cast iron liner surface led to pronounced changes on the liner counterface by polishing. In contrast with the uncoated piston skirt segments, all of the coatings prevented the formation of a visible tribochemical film on the cast iron surface. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel factor analysis of ovarian autofluorescence as a cancer diagnostic
Authors: George Ronie , Michaelides Michalis , Brewer Molly A. , Utzinger Urs
Published: March 2012

Background and Objectives

Endogenous fluorescence from certain amino acids, structural proteins, and enzymatic co‐factors in tissue is altered by carcinogenesis. We evaluate the potential of these changes in fluorescence to predict a diagnosis of malignancy and to estimate the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Ovarian biopsies were interrogated over 270–550 nm excitation and fluorescence was collected from 290 to 700 nm. Two hundred forty‐nine measurements were performed on 49 IRB‐consented patients undergoing oophorectomy. Data are analyzed using parallel factor analysis to determine excitation and emission spectra of the underlying fluorophores that contribute to the total detected fluorescence intensity.

Results

Using multivariate normal distribution fits and cross‐validation techniques, sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 93%, respectively, are achieved when classifying malignant samples versus others, while 88% and 80%, respectively, are achieved when classifying normal post‐menopausal patients as being either at high‐ or low‐risk of developing ovarian cancer based on their personal and family history of cancer. Performance of classifying cancer increases when the normal group does not include benign neoplasm and endometriosis samples. Performance of high‐ versus low‐risk classification decreases when normal samples include both pre‐ and post‐menopausal women. Excitation over 270–400 and 380–560 nm, respectively, have the best diagnostic performance for cancer detection and risk‐status assessment.

Conclusions

Assessing the endogenous fluorescence could be useful in screening women at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:282–295, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PDT in non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis in HIV patients: A split‐mouth, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Noro Filho Gilberto A. , Casarin Renato C.V. , Casati Márcio Z. , Giovani Elcio M.
Published: March 2012

Background and Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis in HIV patients.

Methods

Twelve HIV patients from the CEAPE/UNIP, Brazil, with periodontitis were included in this 6‐month, split‐mouth, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial. Patients were placed in the following groups: Group SRP—scaling and root planning with an ultrasonic device (SRP); and Group SRP + PDT—SRP associated with a course of PDT with a diode laser with a wavelength of 660 nm and 0.03 W power associated with methylene blue 0.01% lasting 133 seconds. All clinical measurements (periodontal probing depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), full‐mouth plaque index (FMPI), bleeding score (FMBS)), and microbiological parameters (detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa)) were assessed at baseline and at 45 days, and 3 and 6 months after therapy. The ANOVA/Tukey was used for statistical analysis (α = 5%).

Results

There were no differences in any of the investigated parameters observed at baseline in the two groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, participants in the SRP + PDT group presented a higher PPD reduction and CAL gain than those in the SRP group at 45 days and 3 and 6 months. At 6 months, sites receiving SRP + PDT showed a significant PPD reduction of 1.4 ± 0.5 mm, while those in the SRP group showed a 0.3 ± 0.8 mm reduction (P < 0.05). The CAL gain at the sixth month was 1.3 ± 0.5 mm and 0.2 ± 0.7 mm for participants in the SRP + PDT and SRP groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Microbiologically, both therapies presented a reduction in the detection of Pg, Tf, and Aa, and there was no difference between them (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

We concluded that PDT therapy used adjunctively to SRP could promote additional benefits in the treatment of HIV‐associated periodontitis. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:296–302, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost Constrained Mediation Model for Analytic Hierarchy Process Negotiated Decision Making
Authors: Chen Sifeng , Jiang Yuanchun , Liu Yezheng , Diao Cuixia
Published: March 2012

Consensus is an important concept in group decision making. Although various methods have been proposed to derive agreement among experts, the decision cost in the mediation process is scarcely considered. This paper focuses on the decision cost in group decision making and develops a multi‐round mediation model under the constraints of decision costs. After experts provide advices within the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) framework, the proposed model integrates expert advices, estimates the decision cost to reach consensus and updates expert weights to conduct further mediation. This process continues until the consistent opinion is achieved among experts or the decision cost exceeds a maximum threshold. A numerical study shows that the proposed model provides a guideline for the AHP group decision‐making problems to reach acceptable consistency under cost constraints. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcium transport genes are differently regulated in maternal and fetal placenta in the knockout mice of calbindin‐D9k and ‐D28k
Authors: Koo Tae‐Hyoung , Yang Hyun , An Beum‐Soo , Choi Kyung‐Chul , Hyun Sang‐Hwan , Jeung Eui‐Bae
Published: March 2012

Calbindin‐D9k (CaBP‐9k) and ‐D28k (CaBP‐28k) are cytosolic proteins with EF‐hand motifs that have a high affinity for calcium ions. Many types of calcium channels and intracellular calcium binding proteins, such as sodium/calcium exchangers (NCXs) and transient receptor potential cation channels (TRPVs), have been detected in the placenta. In this study, the expression of calcium channels involved in maternal–fetal calcium transport were investigated in wild‐type mice versus CaBP‐9k, CaBP‐28k, and CaBP‐9k/28k double knockout (KO) mouse models. The expression of calcium transport genes in three dissected sections of the placenta (maternal, central, and fetal) was examined on gestational day 19 (GD 19). The expression of CaBP‐9k, TRPV6, TRPV5, and NCX1 mRNA was high in fetal compared to maternal placenta, while CaBP‐28k was abundant in the maternal placenta. CaBP‐9k was enhanced in all sections of placenta in CaBP‐28k KO mice, whereas CaBP‐28k was reduced in CaBP‐9k KO mice. The expression of TRPV6, TRPV5, and NCX1 were induced in both maternal and fetal placentas in CaBP‐9k KO mice, but were upregulated in maternal and central placentas of CaBP‐28k KO mice. The levels of these proteins showed similar patterns with those of their mRNA. Placental CaBP‐9k, TRPV6, TRPV5, and NCX1 proteins were abundantly expressed in the intraplacental yolk sac located in the fetal placenta. CaBP‐28k did not colocalize with other calcium transport genes, although it was enriched in the placental trophoblasts of the decidual zone in the maternal placenta. These results indicate that placental TRPV6, TRPV5, and NCX1 compensate for CaBPs in CaBP‐9k and/or CaBP‐28k KO mice, and may take over the roles of CaBP‐9k and CaBP‐28k to transfer calcium ions in the placenta. Taken together, these results indicate that TRPV6, NCX1, and CaBP‐9k in the fetal placenta and CaBP‐28k in the maternal placenta may play key roles in controlling calcium transport across the placenta during pregnancy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 346–355, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
mTOR is required for asymmetric division through small GTPases in mouse oocytes
Authors: Lee Seung‐Eun , Sun Shao‐Chen , Choi Hyun‐Yong , Uhm Sang‐Jun , Kim Nam‐Hyung
Published: March 2012

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is central to the control of cell proliferation, growth, and survival in mammalian cells. Prolonged treatment with rapamycin inhibits mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) activity, and both the mTORC1‐mediated S6K1 and 4E‐BP1/eIF4E pathways are essential for TORC2‐mediated RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1 expression during cell motility and F‐actin reorganization. The functions of mTOR in the mouse oocyte remain unclear, however. The present study shows that rapamycin affects mTOR expression and cytoskeleton reorganization during meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes. mTOR mRNA was expressed in germinal vesicles (GV) until metaphase I (MI), and increased during metaphase II (MII). Immunostaining showed that mTOR localized around the spindle and in the cytoplasm of oocytes. Treatment of oocytes with rapamycin decreased mTOR at the RNA and protein level, and altered asymmetric division. Formation of the actin cap and the cortical granule‐free domain were also disrupted after rapamycin treatment, indicating the failure of spindle migration. Injection of an anti‐mTOR antibody yielded results consistent with those obtained for rapamycin treatment, further confirming the involvement of mTOR in oocyte polarity. Furthermore, rapamycin treatment reduced the mRNA expression of small GTPases (RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1), which are crucial regulatory factors for cytoskeleton reorganization. Taken together, these results suggest that rapamycin inhibits spindle migration and asymmetric division during mouse oocyte maturation via mTOR‐mediated small GTPase signaling pathways. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 356–366, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Secondary Metabolites from the Phloem of Piper solmsianum (Piperaceae) in the Honeydew of Edessa meditabunda
Authors: Ramos Clécio S. , Kato Massuo J.
Published: March 2012

Introduction

The phytochemistry of species of the genus Piper has been studied extensively, including Piper solmsianum. However, no studies have addressed the phytochemistry of the sap content of Piper species.

Objective

To evaluate the transferring of secondary compounds from the saps of P. solmsianum to the honeydew of Edessa meditabunda.

Methodology

The honeydew of E. meditabunda and saps of P. solmsianum were analysed by GC‐MS, 1H‐NMR and LC‐MS.

Results

The lignan (−)‐grandisin and the phenylpropanoid (E)‐isoelemicin were detected in both saps of P. solmsianum and honeydew of E. meditabunda.

Conclusion

Analysis of honeydew secreted by the sap‐sucking insect E. meditabunda indicated that (−)‐grandisin and (E)‐isoelemicin are absorbed from the phloem of Piper solmsianum. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure prediction and aromaticity of acenes and phenylenes series. A combination method between asymmetric Kekulé structures
Authors: Sakai Shogo , Kita Yuuki
Published: March 2012

The combination method between asymmetric Kekulé structures (CMAK) was expanded to the structure prediction of a series of acenes and phenylenes. The structures predicted by the CMAK correspond to those calculated by the ab initio molecular orbital (MO) and B3LYP density functional methods. The CMAK can characterize the structures. The aromaticity for the whole ring and each ring in the treated compounds was estimated by the index of deviation from aromaticity (IDA). The estimated aromaticity corresponds fairly well to the characterization of the structure predicted by the CMAK. The predicted structures of linear acenes reveal the aromaticity of the central ring and also explain its reactivity. The side ring in [n]phenacene shows high aromaticity. The critical difference in the structure and aromaticity for the central six‐membered ring of the isomers benzo[1,2:4,5]dicyclobutene and benzo[1,2:5,6]dicyclobutene was explained. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trapping intermediates and comparing relative reactivities: a DFT M06‐2X study on Diels–Alder cycloadditions of butadiene to C60 and C70
Authors: Gao Xue‐Fen , Cui Cheng‐Xing , Liu Ya‐Jun
Published: March 2012

All possible types of Diels–Alder cycloadditions of 1,3‐cis‐butadiene to C60 (2 in total) and to C70 (8 in total) were theoretically investigated by the M06‐2X density functional method in gas phase and solutions. An intermediate between the reactant and the transition state was located for each reaction. These intermediates except one have not been experimentally or theoretically reported before. The reactivities of the 10 reactions in both the gas phase and solutions were systematically compared based on the calculated results. The present conclusion agrees with the experimental observations and partly disagrees with the previously theoretical conclusion. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly uniform and reliable resistance switching properties in bilayer WOx/NbOx RRAM devices
Authors: Sadaf Sharif Md. , Liu Xinjun , Son Myungwoo , Park Sangsu , Choudhury Sakeb H. , Cha Euijun , Siddik Manzar , Shin Jungho , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: March 2012

Memory performances, especially uniformity and reliability of resistance random access memory (RRAM) devices with W/NbOx/Pt structures were investigated. Scaling down the active device area (ø = 250 nm) can significantly minimize extrinsic defects related to nonuniform switching and also demonstrate low‐voltage SET/RESET operations due to increased Joule heating. Electromigration of oxygen ions under the bipolar electric field, bilayer formation, and lightning‐rod effect localized at WOx/NbOx interface can explain the improved switching behavior in this novel stack. Excellent device characteristics such as lower switching voltage, fast switching speed (100 ns), high‐temperature retention (>104 s, 85 °C), stable cycling endurance (107 cycles), almost 100% device yield and excellent switching uniformity are obtained.
Roles of molecular vibrations in photoinduced insulator‐to‐metal and neutral‐to‐ionic transitions
Authors: Yonemitsu Kenji
Published: March 2012

The roles of molecular vibrations during photoinduced phase transitions in strongly correlated electron systems are theoretically studied on the basis of the time evolution of the exact many‐electron and many‐electron–phonon wave functions in extended Holstein–Peierls–Hubbard models. For the transition from a Coulomb‐driven charge‐ordered insulator to a metal, molecular vibrations interfere with charge transfers between neighboring molecules. For the transition from a neutral paraelectric state to an ionic ferroelectric state, they enhance the amplitude of ionicity modulation. They stabilize the initial phase in both cases, but their quantum nature is pronounced only in the former case.
Influence of randomness on the Mott transition in κ‐(BEDT‐TTF)2X
Authors: Sasaki T. , Sano K. , Sugawara H. , Yoneyama N. , Kobayashi N.
Published: March 2012

We present a detailed transport study in the organic superconductor κ‐(BEDT‐TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br that is irradiated by X‐rays. Weak molecular disorder introduced by X‐ray irradiation induces the Anderson‐type localization insulating state from the strongly correlated metallic/superconducting state. The hydrostatic pressure to the localization insulator restores the metallic properties. These observations indicate that the stronger electron correlations upon approaching the Mott transition enhance Anderson‐type electron localization due to disorder introduced by X‐ray irradiation. In the metallic state with weak disorder or under pressure, the resistivity shows a T2 dependence, which suggests that the dominant electron scattering comes from the electron–electron correlations of a Fermi‐liquid metal. The coefficient A of the T2 term, however, seems not to follow the Fermi‐liquid theory fully as the origin of the T2 dependence in a case of the disorder effect. Further studies of the competition and/or cooperation of the Mott and Anderson transitions close to the Mott critical point are important for understanding the critical behavior of the electrons in real materials.
Effects of Hypericum montbretti Extract on the Central Nervous System and Involvement of GABA (A)/Benzodiazepine Receptors in its Pharmacological Activity
Authors: Can Özgür Devrim , Özkay Ümide Demir
Published: March 2012

The present study was undertaken to investigate the putative activity of a methanol extract of Hypericum montbretti (Guttiferae) on the central nervous system. Rutin (1519 ppm) and quercitrin (784 ppm) were identified as the major phenolic compounds in the extract. When administered at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses, the extract decreased the total number of head‐dipping behaviours performed by mice during a hole‐board test. Administration of both the extract and diazepam (2 mg/kg) reduced spontaneous locomotory activity, potentiated hexobarbital (60 mg/kg)‐induced sleeping parameters and prevented pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg)‐induced seizures relative to the controls. These findings are the first to indicate the sedative and anticonvulsant activities of H. montbretti extract. Atropine (2 mg/kg) and naloxone (5 mg/kg) pre‐treatment did not reverse the sedative effect, indicating that muscarinic and opioidergic mechanisms did not contribute to the pharmacological action. However, pre‐treatment with flumazenil (a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist) reversed both the sedative and anticonvulsant effects induced by a 100 mg/kg dose of the extract, indicating the involvement of the GABA(A)‐benzodiazepine receptor complex. In conclusion, H. montbretti extract is a novel candidate as a sedative and anticonvulsant drug for the treatment of sleep disorders and for the prevention of epileptic seizures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The nature of Arctic polar vortices in chemistry–climate models
Authors: Mitchell D. M. , Charlton‐Perez A. J. , Gray L. J. , Akiyoshi H. , Butchart N. , Hardiman S. C. , Morgenstern O. , Nakamura T. , Rozanov E. , Shibata K. , Smale D. , Yamashita Y.
Published: March 2012

The structure of the Arctic stratospheric polar vortex in three chemistry–climate models (CCMs) taken from the CCMVal‐2 intercomparison is examined using zonal mean and geometric‐based methods. The geometric methods are employed by taking 2D moments of potential vorticity fields that are representative of the polar vortices in each of the models. This allows the vortex area, centroid location and ellipticity to be determined, as well as a measure of vortex filamentation. The first part of the study uses these diagnostics to examine how well the mean state, variability and extreme variability of the polar vortices are represented in CCMs compared to ERA‐40 reanalysis data, and in particular for the UMUKCA‐METO, NIWA‐SOCOL and CCSR/NIES models. The second part of the study assesses how the vortices are predicted to change in terms of the frequency of sudden stratospheric warmings and their general structure over the period 1960–2100.

In general, it is found that the vortices are climatologically too far poleward in the CCMs and produce too few large‐scale filamentation events. Only a small increase is observed in the frequency of sudden stratospheric warming events from the mean of the CCMVal‐2 models, but the distribution of extreme variability throughout the winter period is shown to change towards the end of the twentyfirst century. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Detection of isocyanates and polychlorinated biphenyls using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry
Authors: Agarwal B. , Jürschik S. , Sulzer P. , Petersson F. , Jaksch S. , Jordan A. , Märk T. D.
Published: March 2012

RATIONALE

Isocyanates are highly reactive species widely used in industry. They can cause irritation of the eyes, trigger asthma, etc. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were widely used in electrical equipments like capacitors and transformers in the last century and are still present in the environment today. PCBs are known to cause cancer and to affect the immune, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems. Therefore, there is a need for a simple, rapid and reliable analytical method for the detection of traces of isocyanates and of PCBs.

METHODS

The data presented in this paper were obtained using a proton transfer reaction (PTR) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer and a high sensitivity PTR quadrupole mass spectrometer. We also utilized a recently developed direct aqueous injection (DAI) inlet system for proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) instruments that allows the analysis of trace compounds in liquids.

RESULTS

We detected four isocyanates in the headspace above small sample quantities and investigated their fragmentation pathways to obtain a fundamental understanding of the processes involved in proton transfer reactions and also to determine the best operating conditions of the PTR‐MS instruments. In addition, nine PCBs were unambiguously identified via their exact mass and isotopic distribution and detected in different concentration levels via direct injection of the liquid.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilizing recent developments and improvements in PTR‐MS, we can rapidly detect two important environmental pollutant compound classes (isocyanates and PCBs) at high accuracy and without any sample preparation. In this paper, we provide proof of the detection of traces of isocyanates and PCBs in air and also of PCBs in liquids. These results could be used for the development of a real‐time monitoring device for industrial waste, polluted air or water quality surveillance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probability‐dependent gain‐scheduled control for discrete stochastic delayed systems with randomly occurring nonlinearities
Authors: Wei Guoliang , Wang Zidong , Shen Bo
Published: March 2012

In this paper, the gain‐scheduled control problem is addressed by using probability‐dependent Lyapunov functions for a class of discrete‐time stochastic delayed systems with randomly occurring sector nonlinearities. The sector nonlinearities are assumed to occur according to a time‐varying Bernoulli distribution with measurable probability in real time. The multiplicative noises are given by means of a scalar Gaussian white noise sequence with known variances. The aim of the addressed gain‐scheduled control problem is to design a controller with scheduled gains such that, for the admissible randomly occurring nonlinearities, time delays and external noise disturbances, the closed‐loop system is exponentially mean‐square stable. Note that the designed gain‐scheduled controller is based on the measured time‐varying probability and is therefore less conservative than the conventional controller with constant gains. It is shown that the time‐varying controller gains can be derived in terms of the measurable probability by solving a convex optimization problem via the semi‐definite programme method. A simulation example is exploited to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design procedures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel global sensitivity analysis methodology accounting for the crucial role of the distribution of input parameters: application to systems biology models
Authors: Rodriguez‐Fernandez Maria , Banga Julio R. , Doyle Francis J.
Published: March 2012

The reliability of model predictions is affected by multiple sources of uncertainty; therefore, most of the efforts for modeling biological systems include a sensitivity analysis step aiming to identify the key contributors to uncertainty. This generates insight about the robustness of the model to variations in environmental conditions, kinetic parameters, initial concentration of the species, or any other source of uncertainty. Local sensitivities measure the robustness of the model to small perturbations on the inputs around their nominal value. There are several numerical methods for the calculation of local sensitivities, but the calculated values should be identical within the numerical accuracy of the method used. In contrast, as will be shown in this contribution, the results of different global sensitivity analysis methods can be very different and highly dependent on the distribution considered for the inputs under evaluation. In this work, derivative‐based global sensitivities are extended to be able to consider an accurate probability density function for the parameters based on the likelihood function. This strategy enforces the areas of the parameter space most likely to reproduce the desired behavior, minimizing the importance of parameter sets with low probability of being optimal to dominate the sensitivity ranking. A model of a biochemical pathway with three enzymatic steps is used here to illustrate the performance of several relevant global sensitivity analysis methods considering different probability density functions for the parameters and revealing important hints about which method and distribution to choose for each type of model and purpose of the analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TrustVis: visualizing trust toward attack identification in distributed computing environments
Authors: Peng Dichao , Chen Wei , Peng Qunsheng
Published: March 2012

The establishment of trust relations is recognized as an important approach to initiate cooperation between unfamiliar entities in distributed computing environments. Particularly, trust relations can play a key role to help nodes make decisions on service discoveries in wireless environments. Visualizing trust relations can help us understand and analyze the real‐time threats that the distributed system is facing and consequently identify the attacks in order to deploy corresponding countermeasures. The main challenges to visualize trust in such distributed environments are as follows: (i) visually reorganizing and presenting trust relations to show underlying cooperation between attackers; (ii) mapping attacker behaviors to visual patterns in an ambiguity‐free manner; (iii) properly organizing and encoding other contextual information to analyze how these factors play along with trust. In this paper, we introduce TrustVis, a tool that helps users visually analyze trust relations to identify attacks in a semi‐automatic fashion. In parallel with a running trust evaluation engine that actively monitors trust relations, TrustVis reorganizes and presents trust relations with a matrix to map the cooperative attack schemes to visual patterns. By coordinating the trust matrix and other contextual information into a multi‐faceted view, TrustVis incorporates the intelligence of domain experts to interactively monitor the networked system toward identifying both the attackers' identities and the adopted attack schemes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the performance of a rapid synchronization algorithm for IR‐UWB receivers
Authors: Hung Ho‐Lung , Hsu Hsi‐Chou , Shu Shiuan‐Lung , Wen Jyh‐Horng
Published: March 2012

Because of the very low signal duty cycles, synchronization is the most critical issue in ultra wideband (UWB) impulse radio (IR) systems. Some effective synchronization schemes like a symbol‐differential (SD) IR‐UWB receiver have been proposed to synchronize received signals rapidly. Yet, SD IR‐UWB receiver is unsuitable for operation in multi‐user environment because of multiple access interference (MAI). By taking advantage of frame‐differential IR‐UWB receivers, we propose a parallel frame‐differential (PFD) IR‐UWB receiver to do so. Our proposed PFD IR‐UWB receiver manifests better immunity against message passing interface and MAI than the SD IR‐UWB. Based on this PFD IR‐UWB receiver, uncertain (search) regions are limited to one frame duration without any symbol‐level synchronization process. Performance of PFD and SD receivers are compared by computer simulations, showing that the proposed PFD receiver not only achieves significant bit error rate performance but also better and more robust results than the SD receiver in this literature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional density measurements of ultra low density materials by X‐ray scatter using confocal micro X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Patterson Brian M. , DeFriend Obrey Kimberly A. , Hamilton Christopher E. , Havrilla George J.
Published: March 2012

Targets used in high energy density physics experiments, such as those fielded at the National Ignition Facility, are typically made of multi‐component systems that include metals, metal coatings, and very low density materials. These very low density materials with densities as low as ~10 mg/cm3 must have uniform density throughout. Characterizing their density in 3D is a very difficult problem. One technique used is confocal micro X‐ray fluorescence. This technique, which uses a polycapillary optic to focus the X‐rays from the X‐ray source and another on the detector, measures the density of these materials based upon their X‐ray scatter. In order to gain a complete picture of their X‐ray scatter, the sample is rastered in 3D to generate a complete 3D density map. As proof of technique, the examination of very low density poly(styrene‐divinylbenzene) foams, poly(methylpentene) foams, as well as silica aerogels were completed. Results for the polymer foam materials show a linear correlation (R2 = 0.99) between X‐ray scatter intensity and bulk density. However, for higher atomic number materials (e.g. aerogels) the amount of X‐ray scatter is very dependent upon the depth of data collection as a result of the absorption of the X‐rays by the upper portions of the sample. This self‐absorption reduces the ability of this technique to quantify the density of the material in full 3D. Self‐absorption modeling will be required to compensate. Scans through the aerogel surface indicate an increased density at the surface due processing. Finally, a 3D image of a machined aerogel tube is presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrast‐enhanced intraoperative ultrasound for hepatocellular carcinoma: high sensitivity of diagnosis and therapeutic impact
Authors: Mitsunori Yusuke , Tanaka Shinji , Nakamura Noriaki , Ban Daisuke , Irie Takumi , Noguchi Norio , Kudo Atsushi , Iijima Hiroko , Arii Shigeki
Published: March 2012

Background

Postoperative early recurrence is a crucial issue in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Some early recurrences seem to occur from minute tumors which were overlooked during both preoperative and intraoperative investigations. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to increase detectability of minute HCCs during operation. If they could be detected and resected during surgery, the prognosis should be improved. The purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of contrast‐enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CEIOUS) for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Methods

Institutional ethics committee approval and informed consent were obtained. Fifty‐two patients (mean age 65 years; 38 males and 14 females) who underwent liver resection with either preoperative computed tomography during angiography (CTA) or CEIOUS with Sonazoid (perflubutane microbubble contrast agent) were studied. We determined the presence of HCC on the basis of the histopathological findings of resected specimens.

Results

The sensitivity of CEIOUS [97.6% (95% CI 91.8—99.4)] was higher than that of CTA [89.4% (95% CI 81.1—94.3)]. The positive predictive values of CEIOUS [91.2% (95% CI 83.6—95.5) and CTA [91.6% (95% CI 83.6—95.9)] were similar. Eight new HCCs from 7 patients, which accounted for 9.4% (8/85) of the total HCCs, were correctly detected and diagnosed by CEIOUS, and we performed an additional partial hepatectomy in 3 of these 7 patients.

Conclusions

CEIOUS with Sonazoid provided increased sensitivity of detection of small HCCs compared with preoperative CTA, thereby leading to a more appropriate surgical procedure and contributing to complete tumor removal.
Highly Efficient Adsorption of Anionic Dyes from Aqueous Solutions Using Sawdust Modified by Cationic Surfactant of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Authors: Ansari Reza , Seyghali Babak , Mohammad‐khah Ali , Zanjanchi M. Ali
Published: March 2012

In the present study, the adsorption behavior of Congo Red (CR) dye from aqueous systems onto sawdust modified by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CH3(CH2)15N(CH3)3Br (CTAB) was attempted. Adsorption experiments were carried out using both batch and column modes under various operating conditions. The effects of some important parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and contact time were investigated. Treatment of the equilibrium data obtained in batch experiments was carried out using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. Based on the isotherm analysis, it was found that the adsorption of CR dye onto SD fits well to the Langmuir model and the adsorption pattern on CTAB modified sawdust (CTAB/SD) followed the Freundlich isotherm which is indicative of heterogeneity of the adsorption sites on the surfactant‐modified sawdust. The maximum adsorption capacity of SD and CTAB/SD were found to be 5.2 and 9.1 mg g−1, respectively, according to the Langmuir model. However, much higher differences in sorption capacities were observed for CTAB/SD and SD in the column system (66.73 mg g−1). In order to find out the possibility of the exhausted column for frequent use, a regeneration study was also carried out. It was found that the dye uploaded column can be easily regenerated with a high performance using ethanol as the washing solution.
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Acupuncture With Placebo Acupuncture for the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Yao Elisa , Gerritz Peter K. , Henricson Erik , Abresch Ted , Kim Jorge , Han Jay , Wang Kenten , Zhao Holly
Published: March 2012

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Design

Prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded study.

Setting

Single‐center study.

Participants

Forty‐one acupuncture‐naïve adult subjects with mild to moderate CTS enrolled in the study. Thirty‐four subjects completed the study.

Methods

Clinical diagnosis of CTS was supported by electrodiagnostic findings. Subjects were randomly assigned to either (1) acupuncture (n = 21) or (2) placebo acupuncture (n = 20) with use of Streitberger placebo acupuncture needles. Both groups received weekly sessions of acupuncture for 6 weeks. Wrist braces were provided to both groups to wear at night, and compliance was monitored.

Main Outcome Measurements

The primary outcome measurement was subject‐reported change in the Carpal Tunnel Self Assessment Questionnaire (CTSAQ) Symptom and Function scales immediately after and at 2 weeks and 3 months after the final treatment. The secondary outcomes included tip and key pinch strength and combined sensory index.

Results

Compared with pretreatment baseline values, subjects in the acupuncture group had 0.58 improvement (P = .03) on the CTSAQ Symptom scale score at 3 months after the last treatment, whereas 0.81 improvement (P = .001) was noted in the placebo acupuncture group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups treated with acupuncture and placebo acupuncture with respect to improvement in CTS symptoms, function, tip/key pinch, or combined sensory index.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study is the first randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded prospective study of traditional acupuncture for CTS. Both the treatment and placebo groups demonstrated improvements from baseline. Acupuncture was not shown to be superior to placebo acupuncture when used in conjunction with bracing for patients with mild to moderate CTS.
Modelling lateral manoeuvres in fish
Authors: Singh K. , Pedley T. J.
Published: March 2012

We propose a method to model manoeuvres in self-propelled flexible-bodied fish by modelling the hydrodynamics coupled to the body inertia. Flexible body motion is prescribed and the equations of motion are solved for the position of the centre of mass and rotation of the body. The governing equations are formulated by applying the conservation of linear and angular momentum. Two independent methods to model the fluid dynamics are pursued: Model 1 is an extension of elongated-body theory, modified for self-propulsion and flexible motion. Model 2 applies a numerical boundary-element formulation with the fish modelled as an infinitely thin rectangular body. The manoeuvring response to an impulsive input is first examined to understand the rigid-body characteristics of the fish. A flexible bend action is included to model C-bends of the type observed during escapes in fish. Models 1 and 2 are used to cross-verify the respective implementations as well as to develop physical insights into manoeuvring. A parameter study shows that fish of intermediate body depths are best adapted to rapid turns whereas the initial dynamic state of the fish is instrumental in affecting the sign as well as the magnitude of the turn angle, for a prescribed bend deflection. Computations for combined swimming and turning show that the initial rigid-body dynamics of the fish is much more effective than the induced effect of the prior shed wake in enhancing the turning response.
Understanding the Role of the European Court of Justice in European Integration
Authors: CARRUBA CLIFFORD J. , GABEL MATTHEW , HANKLA CHARLES
Published: March 2012

In 2008 we published an article finding evidence for political constraints on European Court of Justice (ECJ) decision making. Stone Sweet and Brunell (this issue) argue that our theoretical foundations are fundamentally flawed and that our empirical evidence supports neofunctionalism over intergovernmentalism “in a landslide.” We respectfully disagree with Stone Sweet and Brunell regarding both their conclusions about our theoretical arguments and what the empirical evidence demonstrates. We use this response to clarify our argument and to draw a clearer contrast between our and their perspective on the role the ECJ plays in European integration. Finally, we reevaluate their neofunctionalist hypotheses. Ultimately, we do not find support in the data for Stone Sweet and Brunell's empirical claims.
Influence of sugar type on the bioavailability of cocoa flavanols
Authors: Rodriguez-Mateos Ana , Jose Oruna-Concha Maria , Kwik-Uribe Catherine , Vidal Alberto , Spencer Jeremy P. E.
Published: March 2012

The beneficial effects of cocoa on vascular function are mediated by the absorption of monomeric flavanols into the circulation from the small intestine. As such, an understanding of the impact of the food matrix on the delivery of flavanols to the circulation is critical in assessing the potential vascular impact of a food. In the present study, we investigated the impact of carbohydrate type on flavanol absorption and metabolism from chocolate. A randomised, double-blind, three-arm cross-over study was conducted, where fifteen volunteers were randomly assigned to either a high-flavanol (266 mg) chocolate containing maltitol, a high-flavanol (251 mg) chocolate with sucrose or a low-flavanol (48 mg) chocolate with sucrose. Test chocolates were matched for micro- and macronutrients, including the alkaloids theobromine and caffeine, and were similar in taste and appearance. Total flavanol absorption was lower after consumption of the maltitol-containing test chocolate compared with following consumption of its sucrose-containing equivalent (P = 0·002). Although the O-methylation pattern observed for absorbed flavanols was unaffected by sugar type, individual levels of unmethylated ( − )-epicatechin metabolites, 3′-O-methyl-epicatechin and 4′-O-methyl-epicatechin metabolites were lower for the maltitol-containing test chocolate compared with the sucrose-containing equivalent. Despite a reduction in the total plasma pool of flavanols, the maximum time (Tmax) was unaffected. The present data indicate that full assessment of intervention treatments is vital in future intervention trials with flavanols and that carbohydrate content is an important determinant for the optimal delivery of flavanols to the circulation.
Sis Quoque Catholicis Religionis Apex: The Ecclesiastical Patronage of Chilperic I and Fredegund
Authors: Halfond Gregory I.
Published: March 2012

The libelous depiction of King Chilperic I (561–584) and his wife Fredegund in Gregory of Tours'Decem Libri Historiarumhas encouraged the false impression of these Merovingian monarchs as scourges of the Gallo-Frankish Church and its bishops. If fact, evidence from Gregory's own writings, as well as from other contemporary sources, reveals that Chilperic and Fredegund were generous patrons of ecclesiastical persons, institutions, and cults. A prosopographical database of seventeen episcopal supporters of Chilperic and Fredegund is used to evaluate the means by which the royal couple attracted and maintained episcopal support. The patronage by the royal couple of saint cults and their associated institutions also is examined. It is concluded that Chilperic and Fredegund's ecclesiastical policies are less responsible for their posthumous reputations than the choices that they made in distributing their patronage.
The Origins of Creationism in the Netherlands: The Evolution Debate among Twentieth-Century Dutch Neo-Calvinists
Authors: Flipse Abraham C.
Published: March 2012

The Netherlands is, besides the United States, one of the few countries where debates about creationism have been raging for decades. Strict creationism has become deeply rooted in traditional Reformed (Calvinist) circles, which is all the more remarkable as it stemmed from a very different culture and theological tradition. This essay analyses the historical implantation of this foreign element in Dutch soil by investigating the long-term interaction between American creationism and Dutch “neo-Calvinism,” a movement emerging in the late nineteenth century, which attempted to bring classical Calvinism into rapport with modern times. The heated debates about evolution in the interbellum period as well as in the sixties—periods characterized by a cultural reorientation of the Dutch Calvinists—turn out to have played a crucial role. In the interbellum period, leading Dutch theologians—fiercely challenged by Calvinist scientists—imported US “flood geology” in an attempt to stem the process of modernisation in the Calvinist subculture. In the sixties many Calvinists abandoned their resistance to evolutionary theory, but creationism continued to play a prominent role as the neo-Calvinist tradition was upheld by an orthodox minority, who (re-)embraced the reviving “Genesis Flood” creationism. The appropriation of American creationism was eased by the earlier Calvinist-creationist connection, but also by “inventing” a Calvinist-creationist tradition, suggesting continuity with the ideas of the founding fathers of neo-Calvinism. This article aims to contribute to a better understanding of what Ronald L. Numbers has recently called the “globalization” of the “science-and-religion dialogue.”
The measurement time required for determining total NH3 losses after field application of slurries by trail hoses
Authors: NI K. , PACHOLSKI A. , GERICKE D. , KAGE H.
Published: March 2012

Monitoring ammonia (NH3) emission is time consuming and requires specialized measurement equipment. The measurement time can be reduced if there is a close relationship between time and subsequent cumulated NH3 emission values. A statistical analysis was employed to study the relationship between cumulative NH3 emissions over varying time intervals and final NH3 loss after 3 days of measurement. A large number of multi-plot field experiments on NH3 loss after the application of animal and biogas slurries by trail hoses to crops in Northern Germany were carried out from 2007 to 2010. Based on data from 2007, measured using a passive sampler method, a linear empirical model was developed to calculate final cumulated NH3 loss from intermediate cumulated losses. Linear model fitting showed that cumulative NH3 losses after 24 h were significantly correlated with final cumulated NH3 losses, explaining more than 0·98 of its variation. The linear coefficient was 1·34, implying that c. 0·73 of final NH3 loss occurred within the first 24 h. Validation by datasets obtained from another year (2008), two additional measurement methods and another agro-region (marsh area, 2009/10) resulted in a close agreement of model predictions with measured data within the range of model uncertainty and data variation. The results underpin the feasibility of calculating final NH3 losses from cumulative losses during first 24 h after slurry application and can be used to simplify NH3 loss measurement after the application of liquid slurries in multi-plot field experiments. The slope of the linear relationship is only valid for liquid slurries and the environmental conditions of the present study, which are typical for many agro-regions in north-western Europe, and will have to be adapted for different climatic conditions. A time-efficient measurement of emissions from solid organic fertilizers might require a different time span.