bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics and Control of a Biodiesel Transesterification Reactor
Authors: Mjalli F. S. , Kim San L. , Chai Yin K. , Azlan Hussain M.
Published: December 2008

Biodiesel transesterification reactors resemble the heart of any biodiesel manufacturing plant. These reactors involve a highly complex set of chemical reactions and heat transfer characteristics. The high nonlinearity inherent in the dynamics of these reactors requires an efficient process control algorithm to handle the variation of operational process parameters and the effect of process disturbances efficiently. In this work, a multi‐model adaptive control strategy is considered for achieving the goal mentioned above. In order to implement the adaptive controller, a rigorous mechanistic model of the biodiesel transesterification reactor was developed and validated with published experimental results. The validated model was analyzed for stability and nonlinearity. The analysis revealed that the system is stable. However, its high nonlinearity necessitates an advanced control strategy to be considered. The input‐output relationship between the effective process variables was studied and the control system synthesis revealed a two‐by‐two control system. Two adaptive control loops were then designed and tuned to optimize the performance of the controller. Finally, a comparison with conventional controllers revealed the superiority of the new control system in terms of set‐point tracking and disturbance rejection. The results of this work prove that an adequately designed adaptive control system can be used to improve the performance of the transesterification reactor.
Synthesis of High‐Quality, Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes in a Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Liu Y. , Qian W. Z. , Zhang Q. , Ning G. Q. , Luo G. H. , Wang Y. , Wang D. Z. , Wei F.
Published: December 2008

Double‐walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) were synthesized in a packed bed reactor (PBR) and a fluidized bed reactor (FBR) by cracking CH4 on a Fe/MgO catalyst. It is observed that the dominant carbon product changes drastically from DWCNTs to multi‐walled CNTs along the axial direction of PBR. The studies indicated that the high concentration of H2 from the high conversion of CH4 causes the quick reduction and sintering of the iron catalyst and inhibits the nucleation of DWCNTs. Based on these results, the batch or continuous feeding mode of small amounts of catalyst was adopted in a FBR to maintain a high space velocity of CH4 and to inhibit the negative effect of excess H2. Finally, a DWCNT product with a specific surface area of 950 m2/g and a purity of 98 %, was obtained.
Electrocatalytic Dechlorination of Chloroform in Aqueous Solution on Palladium/Titanium Electrode
Authors: Sun Z. , Ge H. , Hu X. , Peng Y.
Published: December 2008

Electrochemical dechlorination of chloroform in aqueous solution was investigated on a palladium‐loaded meshed titanium electrode at ambient temperature. The palladium/titanium (Pd/Ti) electrode, which provided a catalytic surface for reductive dechlorination of chloroform in aqueous solution, was prepared with an electrodepositing method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs show that Pd microparticles uniformly disperse on the meshed Ti electrode with spheroidal structure. Dechlorination experimental results indicate that, in aqueous solution with the high current efficiency of 33 %, the removal efficiency of chloroform on the Pd/Ti electrode was 37 %, under the conditions of a dechlorination current of 0.1 mA and dechlorination time of 180 min.
Microfabricated Hydrogen Sensitive Membranes
Authors: Naddaf A. , Bart H.‐J. , Krätz L. , Detemple P. , Schmitt S. , Hessel V. , Faqir N.
Published: December 2008

Thin, defect‐free palladium, palladium/copper and palladium/silver hydrogen absorbing membranes were microfabricated. A dual sputtering technique was used to deposit the palladium alloy membranes of only 1 μm thickness on a nonporous silicon substrate. Advanced silicon etching (ASE) was applied on the backside to create a mechanically stable support structure for the thin films. Performance evaluation was carried out for different gases in a temperature range of 20 °C to 298 °C at a constant differential pressure of 110 kPa at the two sides of the membrane. The composite membranes show an excellent permeation rate of hydrogen, which appears to be 0.05 Pa m3 s–1 and 0.01 · 10–3 Pa m3 s–1 at 20 °C for the microfabricated 23 % silver and the 53 % copper composite membranes, respectively. The selectivity to hydrogen over a gas mixture containing, in addition to hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen was measured. The mass spectrometer did not detect any CO2 or CO, showing that the membrane is completely hydrogen selective. The microfabricated membranes exhibit both high mechanical strength (they easily withstand pressures up to 4 bar) and high thermal stability (up to 650 °C).
Three‐Dimensional Simulation of Hydrodynamics in a Rotating Disc Contactor using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Ghaniyari‐Benis S. , Hedayat N. , Ziyari A. , Kazemzadeh M. , Shafiee M.
Published: December 2008

The 3D simulation of the hydrodynamic behavior of a rotating disc contactor (RDC) by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was investigated for the n‐butanol‐succinic acid‐water (BSW) system. For the two‐phase liquid‐liquid flow, the velocity distribution of the continuous phase and drop size distributions were determined using the k–ω turbulence model in conjunction with the Eulerian‐Eulerian approach and MUSIG model. In this system in which the holdup of the dispersed phase is low, the continuous phase velocity was computed by simultaneously solving the Navier‐Stokes equations beside the different models of turbulence. The motions of the dispersed phase was calculated while considering buoyancy, drag and inertia forces, and equations related to the continuous and dispersed phases were coupled to each other by considering the momentum transfer on the interface and the effect of drop motions in turbulence. In this simulation, by considering drops' breakage, their path, the velocity profile, and also the velocity contour plot of the dispersed phase were obtained. A comparison of the holdup experimental values with the results predicted by CFD showed that the k–ω model is the best descriptive model for the computation of holdup in a RDC.
Second‐Law Based Thermodynamic Analysis of a Novel Heat Exchanger
Authors: He Y.‐L. , Lei Y.‐G. , Tao W.‐Q. , Zhang J.‐F. , Chu P. , Li R.
Published: December 2008

In the present investigation, second‐law based thermodynamics analysis was applied to a new heat exchanger with helical baffles. The helical baffles are designed as quadrant ellipses and each baffle occupies one quadrant of the cross‐section of the shell side. Experimental tests were carried out with cold water in the tube side with a constant flow rate, and hot oil on the shell side with flow rate range from 4–24 m3/h. The temperatures and pressures for the inlet and outlet of both sides were measured. The heat transfer, pressure drop, entropy generation, and exergy loss of the new heat exchanger were investigated and compared with the results for a conventional shell‐and‐tube heat exchanger with segmental baffles. The computed results indicated that both the entropy generation number and exergy losses of the new heat exchanger design are lower than those of the heat exchanger with segmental baffles, which means that the novel heat exchanger has a higher efficiency than the heat exchanger with segmental baffles, from the second‐law based thermodynamics viewpoint.
Experimental and Modeling Investigation of Supercritical Extraction of Mannitol from Olive Leaves
Authors: Ghoreishi S. M. , Shahrestani R. G. , Ghaziaskar H. S.
Published: December 2008

The experimental feasibility of mannitol extraction from olive leaves using supercritical carbon dioxide was investigated. The experimental data indicated that increasing the pressure from 200 to 350 bar and decreasing the temperature from 80 to 40 °C resulted in an enhancement of the extraction yield and reduced the partition coefficient significantly. In addition, increasing the extraction time from 10 to 90 min increased the extraction yield, while further increases up to 180 min did not cause any further change. Ethanol was utilized as an entrainer and the maximum extraction yield was obtained using 20 % of ethanol. Moreover, modeling of the supercritical fluid extraction was carried out with the relevant mass transfer mechanisms involved in the supercritical and solid phases, and the appropriate numerical method of finite difference. The numerical results show that the model with three adjustable parameters is capable of predicting the experimental data very well.
Absorption of NO in Aqueous NaClO2/Na2CO3 Solutions
Authors: Wei J.‐C. , Yu P. , Cai B. , Luo Y.‐B. , Tan H.‐Z.
Published: December 2008

The absorption rates of NO into aqueous solutions of NaClO2 blended with Na2CO3 were investigated in a stirred reactor. The experimental results showed that the reaction rate could be expressed as $ N_{\rm NO} = {\sqrt {0.172C_{\rm i}^3 C_{\rm BL}}} $. An equation for a second‐order reaction rate constant between NO and NaClO2, kmn = 5.79 · 1015 exp(–5557.26/T), was obtained. The addition of Na2CO3 into the solution of NaClO2 decreased the reaction rate constant. The optimal absorption conditions involved a NO concentration of 540 ppm, NaClO2 concentration of 50 mol m–3, Na2CO3 concentration of 10 mol m–3, temperature of 333 K and O2 concentration of 4 %, which were determined by an orthogonal experiment. Under these optimal conditions, it was possible for the absorption rate to reach up to 1.9271 · 10–5 mol/(s m2).
Experimental Study and Design of a Submerged Membrane Distillation Bioreactor
Authors: Phattaranawik J. , Fane A. G. , Pasquier A. C. S. , Bing W. , Wong F. S.
Published: December 2008

A hybrid process incorporating membrane distillation in a submerged membrane bioreactor operated at elevated temperature is developed and experimentally demonstrated in this article. Since organic particles are rejected by an ‘evaporation’ mechanism, the retention time of non‐volatile soluble and small organics in the submerged membrane distillation bioreactor (MDBR) is independent of the hydraulic retention time (mainly water and volatiles). A high permeate quality can be obtained in the one‐step compact process. The submerged MD modules were designed for both flat‐sheet membranes and tubular membrane configurations. The process performance was preliminarily evaluated by the permeate flux stabilities. The module configuration design and air sparging used in the MDBR process were tested. Flux declines were observed for the thin flat‐sheet hydrophobic membranes. Tubular membrane modules provided more stable permeate fluxes probably due to the turbulent condition generated from air sparging injected inside the tubular membrane bundles. The experiments with the submerged tubular MD module gave stable fluxes of approximately 5 L/m2 h over 2 weeks at a bioreactor temperature of 56 °C. The total organic carbon in the permeate was consistently lower than 0.7 mg/L for all experiments.
Study of Air‐Liquid Flow Patterns in Hydrocyclone Enhanced by Air Bubbles
Authors: Bai Z. , Wang H. , Tu S.‐T.
Published: December 2008

In order to improve the oil‐water separation efficiency of a hydrocyclone, a new process utilizing air bubbles has been developed to enhance separation performance. Using the two‐component phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA) technique, the velocities of two phases, air and liquid, and air bubble diameter were measured in a hydrocyclone. The air‐liquid mixing pump can produce 15 to 60 μm‐diameter air bubbles in water. There is an optimum air‐liquid ratio for oil‐water separation of a hydrocyclone enhanced by air bubbles. An air core occurs in the hydrocyclone when the air‐liquid ratio is more than 1 %. The velocities of air bubbles have a similar flow pattern to the water phase. The axial and tangential velocity differences of the air bubbles at different air‐liquid ratio are greater near the wall and near the core of the hydrocyclone. The measured results show that the size distribution of the air bubbles produced by the air‐liquid mixing pump is beneficial to the process where air bubbles capture oil droplets in the hydrocyclone. These studies are helpful to understand the separation mechanism of a hydrocyclone enhanced by air bubbles.
Evaluation of variation matrix arrays by parallel factor analysis
Authors: Abdollahi Hamid , Sajjadi S. Maryam
Published: December 2008

PARAFAC is one of the most widely used algorithms for trilinear decomposition. The uniqueness properties of the PARAFAC model are very attractive regardless of whether one is interested curve resolution or not. The fact that PARAFAC provides one unique solution simplifies interpretation of the model. But in three‐way data arrays the uniqueness condition can only be expected when kA + kB + kC ≥ 2F + 2, where F is the number of components and k's are the Kruskal ranks of loadings A to C. As much as second order instruments produce data of varying complexity depending upon the nature of the analytical techniques being combined, with some three‐way data it is possible for patterns generated by the underlying sources of variation to have sufficient independent effects in two modes, yet nonetheless be proportional in a third mode. For example, in three‐way data for spectrophotometric titrations of weak acids or bases (pH‐wavelength‐sample), a rank deficiency may occur in two modes, that is closure rank deficiency in the pH mode and proportionality rank deficiency in the sample direction because each analyte will have acidic and basic forms that are linear combinations in the sample mode. The goal of the present paper is to overcome the non‐uniqueness problem in the second order calibration of monoprotic acids mixtures. The solution contains two steps: first each pH‐absorbance matrix is pretreated by subtraction of the first spectrum from each spectrum in the data matrix. This pretreated data matrix is called the variation matrix. Second, by stacking the variation matrices, a three‐way trilinear variation data array will be obtained without the proportional linear dependency problem that can be resolved uniquely by PARAFAC. It is shown, although unique results are not guaranteed by the Kruscal's condition for the original three‐way data, this condition is fulfilled for pretreated three‐way data. Hence, the variation array may be uniquely decomposed by the PARAFAC algorithm. Studies on simulated as well as real data array reveal the applicability of the proposed method to this kind of problem in the second order calibration of monoprotic acids. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable scaling and nearest neighbor methods
Authors: Gertheiss Jan , Tutz Gerhard
Published: December 2008

When employing nearest neighbor classifiers scaling of input variables is often useful. In this paper we propose a small modification in usual data preprocessing: scaling of variables should be done by use of pooled variances instead of overall ones. Thus prediction accuracy is distinctly improved in some situations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The efficacy of hypnotic analgesia in adults: A review of the literature
Authors: Stoelb Brenda L. , Molton Ivan R. , Jensen Mark P. , Patterson David R.
Published: December 2008

This article both summarizes the previous reviews of randomized, controlled trials of hypnotic analgesia for the treatment of chronic and acute pain in adults, and reviews similar trials which have recently been published in the scientific literature. The results indicate that for both chronic and acute pain conditions: (1) hypnotic analgesia consistently results in greater decreases in a variety of pain outcomes compared to no treatment/standard care; (2) hypnosis frequently out‐performs non‐hypnotic interventions (e.g. education, supportive therapy) in terms of reductions in pain‐related outcomes; and (3) hypnosis performs similarly to treatments that contain hypnotic elements (such as progressive muscle relaxation), but is not surpassed in efficacy by these alternative treatments. Factors that may influence the efficacy of hypnotic analgesia interventions are discussed, including, but not limited to, the patient's level of suggestibility, treatment outcome expectancy, and provider expertise. Based upon this body of literature, suggestions are offered for practitioners who are using, or would like to use, hypnosis for the amelioration of pain problems in their patients or clients. Copyright © 2008 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structurally Minimized μ‐Conotoxin Analogues as Sodium Channel Blockers: Implications for Designing Conopeptide‐Based Therapeutics
Authors: Han Tiffany S. , Zhang Min‐Min , Walewska Aleksandra , Gruszczynski Pawel , Robertson Charles R. , Cheatham Thomas E. , Yoshikami Doju , Olivera Baldomero M. , Bulaj Grzegorz
Published: December 2008

Transforming the neuroactive toxins of cone snails into small‐size compounds poses a challenge due to the presence of multiple disulfide bridges. Herein we describe our successful efforts in minimizing the size of μ‐conotoxin while retaining its biological activity.

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Disulfide bridges that stabilize the native conformation of conotoxins pose a challenge in the synthesis of smaller conotoxin analogues. Herein we describe the synthesis of a minimized analogue of the analgesic μ‐conotoxin KIIIA that blocks two sodium channel subtypes, the neuronal NaV1.2 and skeletal muscle NaV1.4. Three disulfide‐deficient analogues of KIIIA were initially synthesized in which the native disulfide bridge formed between either C1C9, C2C15, or C4C16 was removed. Deletion of the first bridge only slightly affected the peptide's bioactivity. To further minimize this analogue, the N‐terminal residue was removed and two nonessential serine residues were replaced by a single 5‐amino‐3‐oxapentanoic acid residue. The resulting “polytide” analogue retained the ability to block sodium channels and to produce analgesia. Until now, the peptidomimetic approach applied to conotoxins has progressed only modestly at best; thus, the disulfide‐deficient analogues containing backbone spacers provide an alternative advance toward the development of conopeptide‐based therapeutics.
Race, treatment preferences, and hospice enrollment: Eligibility criteria may exclude patients with the greatest needs for care
Authors: Fishman Jessica , O'Dwyer Peter , Lu Hien L. , Henderson Hope , Asch David A. , Casarett David J.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND:

The requirement that patients give up curative treatment makes hospice enrollment unappealing for some patients and may particularly limit use among African‐American patients. The current study was conducted to determine whether African‐American patients with cancer are more likely than white patients to have preferences for cancer treatment that exclude them from hospice and whether they are less likely to want specific hospice services.

METHODS:

Two hundred eighty‐three patients who were receiving treatment for cancer at 6 oncology clinics within the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network completed conjoint interviews measuring their perceived need for 5 hospice services and their preferences for continuing cancer treatment. Patients were followed for 6 months or until death.

RESULTS:

African‐American patients had stronger preferences for continuing their cancer treatments on a 7‐point scale even after adjusting for age, sex, finances, education, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, quality of life, and physical and psychologic symptom burden (adjusted mean score, 4.75 vs 3.96; β coefficient, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.22‐1.41 [P = .007]). African‐American patients also had greater perceived needs for hospice services after adjusting for these characteristics (adjusted mean score, 2.31 vs 1.83; β coefficient, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.11‐0.92 [P = .01]). However, this effect disappeared after adjusting for household finances.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hospice eligibility criteria may exclude African‐American patients disproportionately despite greater perceived needs for hospice services in this population. The mechanisms driving this health disparity likely include both cultural differences and economic characteristics, and consideration should be given to redesigning hospice eligibility criteria. Cancer 2009. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Absence of the transcription factor Nfib delays the formation of the basilar pontine and other mossy fiber nuclei
Authors: Kumbasar Asli , Plachez Céline , Gronostajski Richard M. , Richards Linda J. , Litwack E. David
Published: December 2008

Transcription factors of the Nuclear Factor I (Nfi) family are important for the development of specific neuronal and glial populations in the nervous system. One such population, the neurons of the basilar pontine nuclei, expresses high levels of Nfi proteins, and the pontine nuclei are greatly reduced in mice lacking a functional Nfib gene. Pontine neurons, along with other precerebellar neurons that populate the hindbrain, arise from precursors in the lower rhombic lip and migrate anteroventrally to reach their final location. Using immunohistochemistry, we find that NFI‐B expression is specific for mossy fiber populations of the precerebellar system. Analysis of the Nfib−/− hindbrain indicates that the development of the basilar pontine nuclei is delayed, with pontine neurons migrating 1–2 days later than in control animals, and that significantly fewer pontine neurons are produced. While the mossy fiber nuclei of the caudal medulla do form, they also exhibit a developmental delay. Nfia and Nfix null mice exhibit no apparent pontine phenotype, implying specificity in the action of NFI family members. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Nfib plays an important role in the generation of precerebellar mossy fiber neurons, and may do so at least in part by regulating neurogenesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:98–112, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of the regeneration‐associated protein SPRR1A in primary sensory neurons and spinal cord of the adult mouse following peripheral and central injury
Authors: Starkey Michelle L. , Davies Meirion , Yip Ping K. , Carter Lucy M. , Wong Danny J.N. , McMahon Stephen B. , Bradbury Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2008

Small proline‐rich repeat protein 1A (SPRR1A) is expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons following peripheral nerve injury but it is not known whether SPRR1A is differentially expressed following injury to peripheral versus central DRG projections and a detailed characterization of expression in sensory neuron subpopulations and spinal cord has not been performed. Here we use immunocytochemical techniques to characterize SPRR1A expression following sciatic nerve, dorsal root, and dorsal column injury in adult mice. SPRR1A was not detected in naïve spinal cord, DRG, or peripheral nerves and there was minimal expression following injury to the centrally projecting branches of DRG neurons. However, following peripheral (sciatic) nerve injury, intense SPRR1A immunoreactivity was observed in the dorsal horn and motoneurons of the spinal cord, in L4/5 DRG neurons, and in the injured nerve. A time‐course study comparing expression following sciatic nerve crush and transection revealed maximum SPRR1A levels at day 7 in both models. However, while SPRR1A was downregulated to baseline by 30 days postlesion following crush injury, it remained elevated 30 days after transection. Cell‐size and double‐labeling studies revealed that SPRR1A was expressed by DRG cells of all sizes and colocalized with classical markers of DRG subpopulations and their primary afferent terminals. High coexpression of SPRR1A with activating transcription factor‐3 and growth‐associated protein‐43 was observed, indicating that it is expressed by injured and regenerating neurons. This study supports the hypothesis that SPRR1A is a regeneration‐associated gene and that SPRR1A provides a valuable marker to assess the regenerative potential of injured neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:51–68, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
r‐Adaptation algorithm guided by gradients of strain energy density
Authors: Luo Yunhua
Published: December 2008

In this paper, a r‐adaptation algorithm is presented. The algorithm is based on weighted Laplacian smoothing. In the proposed algorithm, the gradients of strain energy density are used as weight functions; Laplacian smoothing is iterated until the maximum deviation or standard deviation in mesh intensity is smaller than a prescribed value. Numerical results show that the algorithm is sensitive and robust. The algorithm can be extended to other finite element formulations by replacing strain energy density with its corresponding counterpart. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiferromagnetic Ground State of a C60‐Covered Si(001) Surface
Authors: Lee Ji Young , Cho Jun‐Hyung , Kang Myung Ho
Published: December 2008

Modeling magnetism: The antiferromagnetic ground state of the C60/Si(001)‐c(4×4) surface is predicted by means of density functional theory calculations. Two adjacent dangling bonds (DBs) generated by the adsorption of C60 are antiferromagnetically coupled with each other. This study demonstrates that magnetic Si surfaces can be prepared by engineering single Si DBs with unpaired electrons.

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Dynamic power management in new architecture of wireless sensor networks
Authors: Lin Chuan , Xiong Naixue , Park Jong Hyuk , Kim Tai‐hoon
Published: December 2008

Dynamic power management (DPM) technology has been widely used in sensor networks. Though many specific technical challenges remain and deserve much further study, the primary factor currently limiting progress in sensor networks is not these challenges but is instead the lack of an overall sensor network architecture. In this paper, we first develop a new architecture of sensor networks. Then we modify the sleep state policy developed by Sinha and Chandrakasan in (IEEE Design Test Comput.2001;18(2):62–74) and deduce that a new threshold satisfies the sleep‐state transition policy. Under this new architecture, nodes in deeper sleep states consume lower energy while asleep, but require longer delays and higher latency costs to awaken. Implementing DPM with considering the battery status and probability of event generation will reduce the energy consumption and prolong the whole lifetime of the sensor networks. We also propose a new energy‐efficient DPM, which is a modified sleep state policy and combined with optimal geographical density control (OGDC) (Wireless Ad Hoc Sensor Networks2005;1(1–2):89–123) to keep a minimal number of sensor nodes in the active mode in wireless sensor networks. Implementing dynamic power management with considering the battery status, probability of event generation and OGDC will reduce the energy consumption and prolong the whole lifetime of the sensor networks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An energy‐aware transmission mechanism for WiFi‐based mobile devices handling upload TCP traffic
Authors: Kim Taehyun , Lee Jongmin , Cha Hojung , Ha Rhan
Published: December 2008

This paper presents an energy‐aware transmission mechanism that improves the throughput and reduces the energy consumption of mobile devices in wired‐cum‐wireless TCP networks. The proposed mechanism places an agent at the base station, which identifies the cause of packet losses in the underlying network. When the mobile device acts as a TCP source, it adjusts the size of the congestion window adaptively according to the cause of packet losses with the aids of the agent in order to improve the transmission performance. In addition, the proposed mechanism lets the communication device to stay in sleep mode after completing the transmission in order to reduce the energy consumption. As a result, the cooperation between the mobile device and the agent improves the transmission performance as well as the energy efficiency greatly. To evaluate the performance of the proposed mechanism, we analyzed the effect of TCP on the communication device for mobile devices and present a power model. With extensive simulations based on the power model, we demonstrate that the proposed mechanism significantly improves the transmission performance, and reduces the energy consumption over a wide range of both wired and wireless packet losses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of chronic lymphoid leukemias with monoclonal antibodies: current place and perspectives
Authors: Robak Tadeusz
Published: December 2008

Over the past few years, several monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against lymphoid cells have been developed and investigated in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Some of them are highly active in leukemias. At present, the most important clinical value in the patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has two MAbs. The first is the human mouse antibody, rituximab (IDEC C2B8, Rituxan, Mabthera), which targets CD20 antigen. The second is alemtuzumab (Campath‐1H), a humanized form of a rat antibody active against CD52. Recently, several new MAbs have been explored and have shown promise in treating CLL. Novel MAbs are being evaluated in preclinical studies and in early clinical trials. These treatments include new MAbs targeted CD20 molecule (ofatumumab, GA‐101), lumiliximab, epratuzumab, apolizumab, galiximab, and anti‐CD40 MAbs. Alemtuzumab is also a useful drug in previously treated and untreated patients with T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia. Rituximab as well as anti‐CD22 and anti‐CD25 immunotoxins have been also investigated in refractory and/or relapsed hairy cell leukemia with high response rate. MAbs provided new opportunities for effective therapies of these disorders. Drug Dev Res 69:373–387, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neoadjuvant therapy as a paradigm to develop systemic cancer therapy
Authors: Sonpavde Guru
Published: December 2008

Neoadjuvant systemic therapy preceding definitive surgical resection permits the in vivo assessment of tumor response and induces pathologic downstaging in several malignancies. Since pathologic complete response (pCR) and biologic activity can be determined rapidly, the signal of efficacy of a systemic regimen is evident with a relatively small number of patients before long‐term follow‐up. Additionally, emerging data suggest that modulation of pharmacodynamic biomarkers after brief neoadjuvant therapy may correlate with long‐term clinical outcomes. Early evidence for in vivo resistance and elucidation of mechanisms of resistance may assist with selection of rational combinations of agents as subsequent therapy to improve outcomes. Evidence of biologic anti‐tumor activity in target‐enriched subsets can be determined with a small number of patients in proof of principal pilot trials. Biologic activity against molecular targets and downstream anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic activity may help with the selection of the lowest effective dose, which may lead to efficacious and safe therapy. Therefore, this paradigm has the potential to enable the efficient use of resources and accelerate the pace of systemic therapy development. It may also be possible to determine molecular and biologic characteristics that predict for sensitivity. Drug Dev Res 69:388–397, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent advances in the development of novel anti‐cancer drugs targeting cancer stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Mimeault Murielle , Batra Surinder K.
Published: December 2008

Recent advances in basic and clinical oncology have led to the identification and characterization of several deregulated gene products involved in cancer progression to invasive, metastatic, and recurrent disease stages. Particularly, an emerging body of experimental evidence has revealed that an accumulation of genetic and/or epigenetic alterations can lead to the malignant transformation of tissue‐resident adult stem/progenitor cells into leukemic or tumorigenic cancer stem/progenitor cells. These immature cancer cells endowed with a self‐renewal capacity and aberrant differentiation potential that can drive leukemia and tumor development and metastases being responsible for treatment resistance and disease relapse. Therefore, the molecular targeting of deregulated signaling elements that may contribute to the uncontrolled growth, survival, invasion, and resistance of these cancer‐initiating cells to current clinical cancer therapies is of great therapeutic interest. Potential anti‐cancer drug targets include telomerase, anti‐apoptotic factors, DNA repair, and detoxifying enzymes and ATP‐binding cassette multidrug transporters as well as distinct oncogenic cascades, including hedgehog, EGFR, Wnt/β‐catenin, Notch, and/or polycomb group (PcG) protein chromatin‐silencing pathways. The combined targeting of these deregulated gene products should reverse multidrug resistance and eliminate the cancer‐initiating cells and their differentiated progenies. Hence, these novel targeting approaches could be used to improve the efficacy of current therapeutic treatments against the highly aggressive, metastatic, recurrent and lethal cancers. Drug Dev Res 69:415–430, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Newly developed effective anti‐cancer drugs targeting multiple myeloma
Authors: Sze Daniel Man‐Yuen , Hou Jian , Zhou Lily
Published: December 2008

Multiple myeloma (MM) is considered predominantly a cancer of the elderly with a median patient age of 60–65 years at diagnosis and 88% of patients being over 55 years. The disease has remained incurable with a mean survival period of about 3 years for the last 30 years. In the last decade, three useful cancer drugs, namely, thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib, have been approved by the FDA to append the armamentarium of MM chemotherapy other than the standard combination of melphalan and prednisone that have been used since the 1960 s. Many clinical trials supported by in vitro laboratory investigations have been conducted to understand both the efficacy and mechanisms of the action of these cancer drugs. This brief review aims to provide an overview of new cancer drugs targeting MM and discuss the development of novel strategies for targeting this incurable disease. Drug Dev Res 69:451–459, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia and cognitive functioning in children
Authors: Staton Lori , El‐Sheikh Mona , Buckhalt Joseph A.
Published: December 2008

We examined associations between children's cognitive performance and both basal respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and RSA regulation to a reaction time task. Cognitive performance was examined in the lab via standardized tests of cognitive functioning (Woodcock–Johnson III) and a reaction time task. Results suggest that a higher level of basal RSA is predictive of better performance on WJ III scales examining fluid intelligence (e.g., working memory, cognitive efficiency). RSA reactivity was not significantly related to cognitive performance. Results build on and extend the literature by demonstrating that, in typically developing elementary school age children, RSA is related to well‐standardized measures of cognitive performance even after controlling for potential confounds. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 249–258, 2009
Gene targeted ablation of high molecular weight fibroblast growth factor‐2
Authors: Azhar Mohamad , Yin Moying , Zhou Ming , Li Hongqi , Mustafa Marwan , Nusayr Eyad , Keenan Jack B. , Chen Hwudaurw , Pawlosky Sharon , Gard Connie , Grisham Christina , Sanford L. Philip , Doetschman Tom
Published: December 2008

Fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) is produced as high molecular weight isoforms (HMW) and a low molecular weight isoform (LMW) by means of alternative usage of translation start sites in a single Fgf2 mRNA. Although the physiological function of FGF2 and FGF2 LMW has been investigated in myocardial capillarogenesis during normal cardiac growth, the role of FGF2 HMW has not been determined. Here, we report the generation of FGF2 HMW‐deficient mice in which FGF2 HMW isoforms are ablated by the Tag‐and‐Exchange gene targeting technique. These mice are normal and fertile with normal fecundity, and have a normal life span. Histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analyses indicate normal myocardial architecture, blood vessel, and cardiac capillary density in young adult FGF2 HMW‐deficient mice. These mice along with the FGF2‐ and FGF2 LMW‐deficient mice that we have generated previously will be very useful for elucidating the differential functions of FGF2 isoforms in pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Developmental Dynamics 238:351–357, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regimented and lifestyle restraint in binge eating disorder
Authors: White Marney A. , Masheb Robin M. , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: December 2008

Objective:

This study tested the psychometric properties of two commonly used measures of dietary restraint, the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire.

Method:

Restraint data from 512 overweight/obese participants with binge eating disorder (BED) were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Results:

Factor analyses of the restraint variables indicated a two‐factor solution, interpreted as “Regimented” and “Lifestyle” restraint. Stepwise regression analyses revealed that Regimented restraint was more predictive of eating pathology, whereas Lifestyle restraint appeared to be protective of eating problems. Neither type of restraint was related to binge eating. Cluster analysis of the restraint dimensions yielded three distinct subgroups of patients who differed significantly on several important eating‐ and weight‐related features.

Discussion:

Future research is needed to test the significance of these restraint constructs over time in both the development of obesity and binge eating problems as well as their treatment. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Family structure, body mass index, and eating behavior
Authors: Hasenboehler Kathrin , Munsch Simone , Meyer Andrea H. , Kappler Christoph , Vögele Claus
Published: December 2008

Objective:

To explore associations between family structure, children's body mass index (BMI), and eating behaviors of children and their mothers.

Method:

Fifty‐seven mothers and their children took part in an experimental study. BMI of children was measured. Mothers were asked to provide self‐report data on sociodemographic background, mental health, and eating behaviors about themselves and their children. Parent‐child‐dyads represented their family structure using the Family System Test.

Results:

We found negative associations in typical family situations between family hierarchy and children's BMI, mothers' emotional eating and mothers' restrained eating. Family cohesion and restrained eating of the children were also negatively correlated. We obtained positive associations in typical and conflict family situations between family cohesion and external eating of the children.

Discussion:

We found indications that family structure is associated with overweight and with eating behavior in children and their mothers. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Energy metabolism and body composition in long‐term recovery from anorexia nervosa
Authors: Dellava Jocilyn E. , Policastro Peggy , Hoffman Daniel J.
Published: December 2008

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine if energy metabolism and body composition differ between women recovered from anorexia nervosa for 2 or more years (RAN) and control (C) women.

Method:

Using a cross‐sectional design, 16 RAN and 18 C women were studied. Respiratory quotient (RQ) and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured using indirect calorimetry and body composition using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results:

The REE between RAN and C women was not significantly different, even when adjusted for body composition. However, RAN women had a higher rate of fat oxidation (p = .015), controlling for diet and body composition. There were no significant differences between the groups for body composition, percent body fat, or percent truncal fat mass.

Discussion:

Although RAN women have a higher rate of fat oxidation, there were no significant differences in REE or body composition when compared with C women. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Zolpidem induced nocturnal sleep‐related eating disorder (NSRED) in a male patient
Authors: Dang Amit , Garg Gaurav , Rataboli Padmanabh V.
Published: December 2008

Nocturnal Sleep‐Related Eating Disorder (NSRED) is a well‐documented sleeping disorder where the person is reported to experience bizarre eating behavior during sleep. Although various causes are implicated in this disorder, role of drugs cannot be ruled out. Here we narrate an interesting rare case report of a drug‐induced new onset NSRED, where a 45‐year‐old man on zolipdem performed an unexpected and bizarre eating behavior during somnambulistic state, type of which has not been reported earlier in the literature. The case falls under even rarer category as such behavior in sleep is reported mainly in woman. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Gender difference in the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms
Authors: Striegel‐Moore Ruth H. , Rosselli Francine , Perrin Nancy , DeBar Lynn , Wilson G. Terence , May Alexis , Kraemer Helena C.
Published: December 2008

Objective:

This study examined gender differences in prevalence of eating disorder symptoms including body image concerns (body checking or avoidance), binge eating, and inappropriate compensatory behaviors.

Method:

A random sample of members (ages 18–35 years) of a health maintenance organization was recruited to complete a survey by mail or on‐line. Items were drawn from the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Body Shape Questionnaire.

Results:

Among the 3,714 women and 1,808 men who responded, men were more likely to report overeating, whereas women were more likely to endorse loss of control while eating. Although statistically significant gender differences were observed, with women significantly more likely than men to report body checking and avoidance, binge eating, fasting, and vomiting, effect sizes (“Number Needed to Treat”) were small to moderate.

Discussion:

Few studies of eating disorders include men, yet our findings suggest that a substantial minority of men also report eating disorder symptoms. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Longitudinal examination of maternal psychological control and adolescents' self‐competence as predictors of bulimic symptoms among boys and girls
Authors: Salafia Elizabeth H. Blodgett , Gondoli Dawn M. , Corning Alexandra F. , Bucchianeri Michaela M. , Godinez Nicole M.
Published: December 2008

Objective:

Because bulimia nervosa is a problem among adolescents, it remains essential to examine its precursors. The specific etiologic chain investigated in this study is such that maternal psychological control first leads to adolescents' lowered self‐competence, which in turn predicts bulimic symptoms.

Method:

Self‐report data were collected from 58 boys and 73 girls during sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Participants reported on maternal psychological control, self‐competence, and bulimic symptoms.

Results:

Using structural equation modeling, we tested our hypothesized longitudinal indirect effects model separately for boys and girls. Results indeed indicated that high maternal psychological control in sixth grade led to lowered adolescents' self‐competence in seventh grade, which in turn predicted increased bulimic symptoms in eighth grade for both boys and girls.

Discussion:

This study uncovers one particular process wherein a psychologically controlling parenting style affects adolescents' development of bulimic symptoms, a finding that may be useful to researchers and clinicians. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Rate of inpatient weight restoration predicts outcome in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Lund Brian C. , Hernandez Elsa R. , Yates William R. , Mitchell Jeff R. , McKee Patrick A. , Johnson Craig L.
Published: December 2008

Objective:

To examine weight restoration parameters during inpatient treatment as predictors of outcome in anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method:

Adolescent and adult females admitted for inpatient eating disorder treatment were recruited for an ongoing longitudinal study. This analysis examined several weight restoration parameters as predictors of clinical deterioration after discharge among participants with AN.

Results:

Rate of weight gain was the only restoration parameter that predicted year 1 outcome. Clinical deterioration occurred significantly less often among participants who gained ≥0.8 kg/week (12/41, 29%) than those below this threshold (20/38, 53%) (χ2 = 4.37, df = 1, p = .037) and remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders.

Discussion:

Weight gain rate during inpatient treatment for AN was a significant predictor of short‐term clinical outcome after discharge. It is unclear whether weight gain rate exerts a causal effect or is rather a marker for readiness to tolerate weight restoration and engage in the recovery process. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Anorexic self‐control and bulimic self‐hate: Differential outcome prediction from initial self‐image
Authors: Birgegård Andreas , Björck Caroline , Norring Claes , Sohlberg Staffan , Clinton David
Published: December 2008

Objective:

The study investigated initial self‐image (structural analysis of social behavior) and its relation to 36‐month outcome, among patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Hypotheses were that degree of different aspects of self‐image would predict outcome in the groups.

Method:

Participants were 52 patients with anorexia and 91 with bulimia from a longitudinal naturalistic database, and outcome measures included eating disorder and psychiatric symptoms and a general outcome index. Stepwise regression was used to investigate which self‐image variables were related to outcome, and multiple regression contrasted the groups directly on each obtained predictor.

Results:

Consistent with hypotheses, in bulimia degree of self‐hate/self‐love moderately predicted outcome, whereas self‐control–related variables powerfully predicted outcome in anorexia.

Discussion:

It is important to focus on self‐image in the treatment of both diagnostic groups, but especially in anorexia nervosa, where control‐submission interactions between patient and therapist should be handled with care. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Regioselective Monoiodination of Carba‐closo‐dodecaborates: M[7‐I‐12‐X‐closo‐CB11H10] (M = Cs+, [Et4N]+; X = F, Cl, Br, OH)
Authors: Finze Maik
Published: December 2008

Selective monoiodination of a series of carba‐closo‐dodecaborates with a halogen atom or a hydroxy substituent bonded to the antipodal boron atom resulted in salts of the novel anions [7‐I‐12‐X‐closo‐CB11H10]– [X = F (1), Cl (2), Br (3), OH (4)]. These anions were isolated as [Et4N]+ salts and converted into the Cs+ salts. The novel compounds were studied by multi NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MALDI), and elemental analysis. The solid‐state structure of Cs[7‐I‐12‐HO‐closo‐CB11H10]·(CH3)2CO was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The assignment of the NMR spectroscopic data and the discussion of structural properties was supported by the results of the DFT calculations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)