bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of plasma surface modification techniques to improve hemocompatibility of vascular grafts: A review
Authors: Solouk Atefeh , Cousins Brian G. , Mirzadeh Hamid , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: October 2011

Surface modification using plasma processing can significantly change the chemical and physical characteristics of biomaterial surfaces. When used in combination with additional modification techniques such as direct chemical or biochemical methods, it can produce novel biomaterial surfaces, which are anticoagulant, bioactive, and biomimetic in nature. This article reviews recent advances in improving hemocompatibility of biomaterials by plasma surface modification (PSM). The focus of this review is on PSM of the most commonly used polymers for vascular prostheses such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron®), and next generation of biomaterials, including polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocomposite.
Friend or foe: In enjoying playfulness, do innovative consumers tend to switch brand?
Authors: Aroean Lukman
Published: October 2011

Playful consumption has been an extraordinary phenomenon in the modern era, but little attention has been paid to how likely innovative consumers are to seek to enjoy this particular experience. Using structural equation modeling and invariant tests, this article examines empirically the relationship between innovativeness, brand switching, and playful consumption, with gender and age as moderators. Innovativeness has been found to predict playful consumption, and although it also predicts brand switching, interestingly, the latter was not found to predict playful consumption. That, for innovative consumers, encountering playfulness is not enhanced by different brands suggests that being able to enjoy playful rewards requires familiarity, which is more likely to be provided by ongoing rather than by new brands. This article therefore presents a friendly message for marketers: In enjoying playfulness, innovative consumers tend not to switch brand. More theoretical and practical implications, as well as future research, are also identified.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Alba Emoting™ to work with emotions in psychotherapy
Authors: Kalawski Juan Pablo
Published: October 2011

Alba Emoting™ is a physical method to help recognize, induce, express and regulate the basic emotions. This is achieved through specific breathing, postural and facial behaviours. Alba Emoting is based on psychophysiological research by Susana Bloch and her collaborators, who have applied this method mainly to train actors. Alba Emoting can be used in psychotherapy to facilitate emotion awareness, regulation and transformation. It can also help therapists better recognize their own and their clients' emotions. The application of Alba Emoting in psychotherapy is illustrated with a case example. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Alba Emoting is a physical, scientific method for working with emotions.

Alba Emoting can help therapists better recognize their own and their clients' emotions.

Alba Emoting can help clients achieve better emotional awareness and regulation.

Alba Emoting can also help clients experience and express emotions they may normally inhibit.
Unfolding personalities: The importance of studying ontogeny
Authors: Groothuis Ton G.G. , Trillmich Fritz
Published: October 2011

We aim to stimulate an ontogenetic approach to personalities. We explain the importance of studying development for understanding proximate and ultimate aspects of personality and critically discuss, partly by perhaps provocative statements, our current lack of knowledge and potential approaches to the study of personality development. We first clarify some terminology and argue for a difference between behavioral profiles (BP; at the descriptive level) and personality (at the explanatory level). We then focus on the issue of temporal stability of personality, arguing that based on evolutionary theory, neurophysiological knowledge, and recent findings, personality is probably less stable than often thought. Next we consider the potential influence of genes, discussing gene by environment correlations and interactions and argue that developmental changes in the regulation of DNA expression are probably more relevant than individual differences in DNA sequence. We end by suggesting perspectives for future research. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53:641–655, 2011.
Similarity in temperament between mother and offspring rhesus monkeys: Sex differences and the role of monoamine oxidase‐a and serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism genotypes
Authors: Sullivan Erin C. , Mendoza Sally P. , Capitanio John P.
Published: October 2011

Temperament is usually considered biologically based and largely inherited, however, the environment can shape the development of temperament. Allelic variation may confer differential sensitivity to early environment resulting in variations in temperament. Here we explore the relationship between measures of temperament in mothers and their first‐born offspring and the role of genetic sensitivity in establishing the strength of these associations. Temperament ratings were conducted on 3‐ to 4‐month‐old rhesus monkeys after a 25‐hr biobehavioral assessment. Factor analysis revealed a four‐factor structure of temperament. Females assessed as infants have reproduced and their offspring have also been evaluated through the standardized testing paradigm. Canonical correlation analysis revealed statistically significant associations between factor scores of mothers and sons, but not mothers and daughters. Further, offspring possessing the high activity, “low risk,” alleles of therhMAOA‐LPRorrh5‐HTTLPRshowed statistically significant canonical correlations, whereas those possessing other alleles did not, suggesting differential genetic sensitivity to the normative early experience of maternal temperament. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53:549–563, 2011.
Unusual coelom formation in the direct‐type developing sand dollar Peronella japonica
Authors: Tsuchimoto Jun , Yamada Toshihiro , Yamaguchi Masaaki
Published: October 2011

Peronella japonica is a sand dollar with a zygote that develops into an abbreviated pluteus but then metamorphoses on day three. The adult rudiment formation is unique; it uses a median position of the hydrocoel and a stomodeum‐like invagination of vestibule that covers the dorsal side of the hydrocoel. However, the developmental processes underlying coelom formation remain unclear. In this study, we examined this process by reconstructing three‐dimensional images from serial sections of larvae. We show that the left coelom developed by both schizocoely and enterocoely from the archenteron tip, whereas the hydrocoel and right coelom formed by enterocoely from the archenteron. This coelom formation arranged the coelomic compartments directly along the adult oral‐aboral axis by skipping the initial bilateral phases. Furthermore, our data indicate P. japonica retains ancestral asymmetry along the left‐right axis in the location of the adult rudiment. Developmental Dynamics 240:2432–2439, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do mycorrhizal network benefits to survival and growth of interior Douglas‐fir seedlings increase with soil moisture stress?
Authors: Bingham Marcus A. , Simard Suzanne W.
Published: October 2011

Facilitation of tree establishment by ectomycorrhizal (EM) networks (MNs) may become increasingly important as drought stress increases with climate change in some forested regions of North America. The objective of this study was to determine (1) whether temperature, CO2 concentration ([CO2]), soil moisture, and MNs interact to affect plant establishment success, such that MNs facilitate establishment when plants are the most water stressed, and (2) whether transfer of C and water between plants through MNs plays a role in this. We established interior Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) seedlings in root boxes with and without the potential to form MNs with nearby conspecific seedlings that had consistent access to water via their taproots. We varied temperature, [CO2], and soil moisture in growth chambers. Douglas‐fir seedling survival increased when the potential existed to form an MN. Growth increased with MN potential under the driest soil conditions, but decreased with temperature at 800 ppm [CO2]. Transfer of 13C to receiver seedlings was unaffected by potential to form an MN with donor seedlings, but deuterated water (D2O) transfer increased with MN potential under ambient [CO2]. Chlorophyll fluorescence was reduced when seedlings had the potential to form an MN under high [CO2] and cool temperatures. We conclude that Douglas‐fir seedling establishment in laboratory conditions is facilitated by MN potential where Douglas‐fir seedlings have consistent access to water. Moreover, this facilitation appears to increase as water stress potential increases and water transfer via networks may play a role in this. These results suggest that conservation of MN potential may be important to forest regeneration where drought stress increases with climate change.
The role of vegetation in mitigating the effects of landscape clearing upon dryland stream response trajectory and restoration potential
Authors: Stromsoe Nicola , Callow John Nikolaus
Published: October 2011

Dryland rivers are recognized for limited research and high uncertainties with respect to understanding biogeomorphic processes. This study uses aerial photography, sediment analysis, palynology indicators and hydraulic modelling to investigate the role of riparian vegetation in influencing the response of systems to disturbance, the trajectory of channel evolution and the potential for management. The study focuses on cleared and uncleared sites in the Yerritup catchment, along the south coast of Western Australia, that occur along a transect with a consistent stream gradient and landscape topographic setting.

Downstream reaches show no gross botanical change, but gradual sediment deposition across the floodplain of up to 40 cm based on palynological and sedimentary indicators. Channel response in the cleared section by incision, widening and floodplain degradation began rapidly after land clearing, but is driven by large flood events. Degradation of riparian vegetation has significantly increased the sensitivity of the system. The cleared reaches have transformed from a low‐capacity channel, under‐adjusted to the prevailing flow regime, to the large present channel that is now over‐adjusted to the predominantly low to moderate seasonal (occasional flood) flow regime. Modelling of pre‐settlement erosive potential reveals that the entire system was naturally sensitive to change, and was primed to erode once riparian vegetation was removed.

The trajectory of channel evolution and the role of riparian vegetation is examined in relation to undisturbed reaches in the system and an appreciation of the historical range of variability in geomorphic response. Analysis of the patterns of contemporary vegetation growth identify the potential to re‐establish vegetation where it is elevated from saline baseflow. However, the system is assessed as being close to a threshold where restoration is no longer possible and remediation options become more limited as eco‐hydraulic and hydrochemical changes continue. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical titanium surface textures affect osteoblastic functions
Authors: Zhao Changli , Cao Peng , Ji Weiping , Han Pei , Zhang Jihong , Zhang Fan , Jiang Yao , Zhang Xiaonong
Published: October 2011

This study investigated the surface characteristics and in vitro cytocompatibility of hierarchical textured titanium surfaces with nanograins and microroughness, produced by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). The surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, contact angle, and surface energy measurements. The in vitro cytocompatibility of the SMAT processed surfaces (hereafter Ti‐SMAT surfaces) were assessed in terms of cellular attachment, morphology, viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mRNA gene expression. Two other titanium surfaces were compared: well‐polished Ti6Al4V surfaces (hereafter Ti‐polish surfaces) and thermally sprayed rough surfaces (hereafter Ti‐spray surfaces). The Ti‐SMAT surfaces showed a higher hydrophilicity and increased surface energy compared with the Ti‐polish and Ti‐spray surfaces. Consequently, these Ti‐SMAT surfaces demonstrated enhancement of cell attachment, spreading, viability, and ALP activity. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis showed significantly higher ALP activity and stronger expression of mRNA levels of key osteoblast genes in cells grown on the Ti‐SMAT surfaces than the other two surfaces. These results reveal a synergic role played by nanostructure and microtopography in osteoblastic functions and demonstrate the more promising cytocompatibility of the hierarchical textured surfaces. It is suggested that the SMAT process may provide a novel method of surface modification to the currently available metallic biomaterials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Modeling P(3HB) production by Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Faccin Débora Jung Luvizetto , Corrêa Mariana Pacheco , Rech Rosane , Ayub Marco Antônio Záchia , Secchi Argimiro Resende , Cardozo Nilo Sérgio Medeiros
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: The poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)—P(3HB)—is a polyester synthesized by many bacteria and stored as an energy reserve material in the cell cytoplasm as water‐insoluble inclusions. The aim of this research was to present a mathematical modeling approach in order to describe the culture kinetics of the bacterium Bacillus megaterium for the production of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate).

RESULTS: Four different models were proposed, differing in the expressions used for specific growth and polymer production rates. The predictions of these models were compared with experimental data and against the results of other models reported in the literature.

CONCLUSION: Analysis of the experimental data under controlled and uncontrolled pH conditions showed that the inclusion of a correction factor for products formation, as well as a term related to the influence of H+ cations, are important for the correct modeling of this bioprocess. Compared with earlier models reported in the literature the proposed models show better fitting, with less or equal numbers of parameters, and provide parameter estimates with much lower variability. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Veratric acid treatment by anodic oxidation with BDD anode
Authors: Elaoud Sourour Chaâbane , Panizza Marco , Cerisola Giacomo , Mhiri Tahar
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Veratric acid (VA, 3,4‐dimethoxy‐benzoic acid) is representative of the polyphenolic type compounds present in olive mill wastewater (OMW). Given the bactericide factor, the inhibitor character and the anti bacteriological activity of this compound, traditional biological digestion cannot be applied and therefore new technologies, such as electrochemical oxidation using a boron‐doped diamond (BDD) anode have to be considered to avoid its accumulation in the environment.

RESULTS: The electrochemical oxidation of aqueous solutions containing 1 mmol L−1 VA has been investigated using a filter‐press reactor with a BDD anode during galvanostatic electrolysis. The influence of several operating parameters, such as applied current density, temperature, flow‐rate and supporting electrolyte concentration and type has been investigated. The experimental results showed that under the experimental conditions used the oxidation of VA was under mass‐transfer control and VA was completely degraded by the reaction with hydroxyl radicals electrogenerated at the BDD surface. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) decay kinetic followed a pseudo‐first‐order reaction and the apparent rate constant increased with flow rate and temperature. Under optimal experimental conditions of flow‐rate (300 L h−1), temperature (35 °C) and current density (10 mA cm−2), 99.5% of COD was removed during 2 h electrolysis, with 16.4 kWh m−3 energy consumption.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that anodic oxidation with a BDD electrode is an excellent method for the treatment of effluents contaminated with VA and related polyphenols. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Selective recovery of gold by simultaneous adsorption–reduction using microalgal residues generated from biofuel conversion processes
Authors: Khunathai Kanjana , Xiong Ying , Biswas Biplob Kumar , Adhikari Birenda Babu , Kawakita Hidetaka , Ohto Keisuke , Inoue Katsutoshi , Kato Hisaya , Kurata Minoru , Atsumi Kinya
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: This research provides a new approach to the effective use of microalgal biomass waste generated by biofuel conversion processes. In this study, a novel adsorbent for Au(III) recovery was prepared by treating microalgal residues with concentrated sulfuric acid.

RESULTS: The prepared adsorbent, crosslinked microalgae, exhibited high affinity and selectivity for Au(III) over other precious and base metal ions in a hydrochloric acid medium. From the adsorption isotherms, the maximum adsorption capacity of the crosslinked microalgae for Au(III) was estimated to be 3.25 mol kg−1 (640 g kg−1), which was about eight times higher than the adsorption capacity of the microalgal residue. Microphotographs, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction confirmed the formation of metallic Au, suggesting that a redox reaction had taken place between the adsorbent and Au(III) ions during adsorption. Comparison of Fourier‐transform infrared spectra before and after adsorption indicated that hydroxyl groups as well as ether oxygen atoms in the crosslinked microalgae participated in the Au(III) uptake mechanism. It also suggested that the reduction of Au(III) to Au(0) was facilitated by hydroxyl groups in the crosslinked microalgae.

CONCLUSION: The results presented in this paper are very promising for the practical use of microalgal residues for the recovery of Au(III) because of good selectivity and favorable adsorption capacity for Au(III). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Combined in vivo multiphoton and CARS imaging of healthy and disease‐affected human skin
Authors: Breunig Hans Georg , Bückle Rainer , Kellner‐Höfer Marcel , Weinigel Martin , Lademann Jürgen , Sterry Wolfram , König Karsten
Published: October 2011

We present combined epi‐coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and multiphoton imaging with both chemical discrimination and subcellular resolution on human skin invivo. The combination of both image modalities enables label‐free imaging of the autofluorescence of endogenous fluorophores by two‐photon excited fluorescence, as well as imaging of the distribution of intercellular lipids, topically applied substances and water by CARS. As an example for medical imaging, we investigated healthy and psoriasis‐affected human skin with both image modalities in vivo and found indications for different lipid distributions on the cellular level. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of cranio‐spinal canal compliance distribution by MRI: Methodology and early application in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Tain Rong‐Wen , Bagci Ahmet M. , Lam Byron L. , Sklar Evelyn M. , Ertl‐Wagner Birgit , Alperin Noam
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

To develop a method for derivation of the cranial‐spinal compliance distribution, assess its reliability, and apply to obese female patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Materials and Methods:

Phase contrast‐based measurements of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows to, from, and between the cranial and spinal canal compartments were used with lumped‐parameter modeling to estimate systolic volume and pressure changes from which cranial and spinal compliance indices are obtained. The proposed MRI indices are analogous to pressure volume indices (PVI) currently being measured invasively with infusion‐based techniques. The consistency of the proposed method was assessed using MRI data from seven aged healthy subjects. Measurement reproducibility was assessed using five repeated MR scans from one subject. The method was then applied to compare spinal canal compliance contribution in seven IIH patients and six matched healthy controls.

Results:

In the healthy subjects, as expected, spinal canal contribution was consistently larger than the cranial contribution (average value of 69%). Measurement variability was 8%. In IIH, the spinal canal contribution is significantly smaller than normal controls (60 versus 78%, P < 0.03).

Conclusion:

An MRI‐based method for derivation of compliance indices analogous to PVI has been implemented and applied to healthy subjects. The application of the method to obese IIH patients suggests a spinal canal involvement in the pathophysiology of IIH. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of germination on the characteristics of brown rice flour and starch
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhang Hui , Guo Xiaona , Qian Haifeng
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: In recent years, germinated brown rice as a functional food has received great attention with its improved sensory and nutritional properties. Particularly of interest are the high levels of γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) which can be obtained during germination. However, more studies are needed to fully understand the effect of germination on the physicochemical properties of brown rice.

RESULT: Germination altered the chemical composition of brown rice, resulting in an increase in reducing sugar and ash content, and a reduction in amylose. Solubility, paste viscosity, transition temperatures (To, Tp and Tc) and percentage of retrogradation (%Retrogradation) were decreased, while swelling power and turbidity were significantly increased. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that starch granules from germinated brown rice became smaller and less homogeneous. Moreover, germination shortened the chain length of amylopectin and amylose molecules.

CONCLUSION: This investigation provides information on changes in the characteristics of rice flour and rice starch during germination, leading to a better understanding on the chemistry of brown rice germination. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of Triticum mosaic virus infection on hard winter wheat milling and bread baking quality
Authors: Miller Rebecca A , Martin T Joe , Seifers Dallas L
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) is a newly discovered wheat virus. Information regarding the effect of wheat viruses on milling and baking quality is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of TriMV infection on the kernel characteristics, milling yield and bread baking quality of wheat. Commercial hard winter varieties evaluated included RonL, Danby and Jagalene. The TriMV resistance of RonL is low, while that of Danby and Jagalene is unknown. KS96HW10‐3, a germplasm with high TriMV resistance, was included as a control. Plots of each variety were inoculated with TriMV at the two‐ to three‐leaf stage. Trials were conducted at two locations in two crop years.

RESULTS: TriMV infection had no effect on the kernel characteristics, flour yield or baking properties of KS96HW10‐3. The effect of TriMV on the kernel characteristics of RonL, Danby and Jagalene was not consistent between crop years and presumably an environmental effect. The flour milling and bread baking properties of these three varieties were not significantly affected by TriMV infection.

CONCLUSION: TriMV infection of wheat plants did not affect harvested wheat kernel characteristics, flour milling properties or white pan bread baking quality. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
New starch preparations resistant to enzymatic digestion
Authors: Jochym Kamila , Kapusniak Janusz , Barczynska Renata , Śliżewska Katarzyna
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: New starch preparations were produced by thermolysis of potato starch in the presence of inorganic (hydrochloric) and organic (citric and tartaric) acids under controlled conditions. The starch preparations were physicochemically and structurally characterised and analysed for their resistance to enzymatic digestion in vitro.

RESULTS: The content of resistant fraction in dextrin D1, obtained by heating starch acidified with hydrochloric and citric acids, determined by the AOAC 2001.03 and pancreatin‐gravimetric methods was similar (∼200 g kg−1). In the case of dextrin D3, obtained by heating starch acidified with hydrochloric and tartaric acids, the result of determination by the pancreatin‐gravimetric method was almost four times higher than that obtained with the AOAC 2001.03 method. The enzymatic tests revealed that dextrin D3 obtained with excess tartaric acid can be classified as RS4, which can only be partially determined by enzymatic‐gravimetric methods. Tartaric acid at high concentration had a significantly stronger influence on starch hydrolysis than citric acid. This was confirmed by chromatographic analysis of dextrins and chemical investigation of the reducing power.

CONCLUSION: The results confirmed the possibility of applying dextrins, prepared under specific conditions, as soluble dietary fibre. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Postactivation potentiation and muscular endurance training
Authors: Mettler Joni A. , Griffin Lisa
Published: October 2011

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate muscle twitch force potentiation after voluntary conditioning contractions (CC) of various intensities and the CC duration necessary to achieve maximal potentiation before and after muscular endurance training. Methods: Fourteen healthy men and women (23.6 ± 0.96 years of age) performed repeated CCs of 25%, 50%, and 100% maximal voluntary contraction of the adductor pollicis muscle until maximal potentiation. CCs were followed by electrically evoked twitches. The training group performed a fatigue task and endurance trained for 8 weeks. Results: Endurance time increased by 79.8 ± 22.5% posttraining. Potentiation occurred after all CC intensities and was greater after training. The CC duration needed to achieve maximal potentiation decreased as CC intensity increased. Potentiation was greater during the fatigue task after compared to before training and was correlated with endurance time. Conclusion: An increase in muscle force potentiation may function as a mechanism to prolong muscular endurance. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Intermuscular relationship of human muscle fiber type proportions: Slow leg muscles predict slow neck muscles
Authors: Vikne Harald , Gundersen Kristian , Liestøl Knut , Mælen Jan , Vøllestad Nina
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Our aim in this study was to examine whether the muscle fiber type proportions in different muscles from the same individual are interrelated. Methods: Samples were excised from five skeletal muscles in each of 12 human autopsy cases, and the fiber type proportions were determined by immunohistochemistry. We further examined the intermuscular relationship in fiber type proportion by reanalyzing three previously published data sets involving other muscles. Results: Subjects demonstrated a predominantly high or low proportion of type 1 fibers in all examined muscles, and the overall difference between individuals was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Accordingly, the type 1 fiber proportions in most muscles were positively correlated (median r = 0.42, range −0.03–0.80). Similar results were also obtained from the three reanalyzed data sets. Conclusions: We suggest the existence of an across‐muscle phenotype with respect to fiber type proportions; some individuals display generally faster muscles and some individuals slower muscles when compared with others. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Rheology/morphology relationship of plasticized and nonplasticized thermoplastic elastomers based on ethylene–propylene–diene–terpolymer and polypropylene
Authors: Shahbikian Shant , Carreau Pierre J. , Heuzey Marie‐Claude , Ellul Maria D. , Nadella Hari P. , Cheng John , Shirodkar Pradeep
Published: October 2011

The rheology/morphology relationship of plasticized and nonplasticized ethylene–propylene–diene–terpolymer/polypropylene (EPDM/PP) TPOs was studied. The aim was to investigate the effect of a plasticizer on the morphology, specially on the co‐continuity interval of these blends. The addition of a plasticizer increased the interconnectivity of the elastomeric phase, resulting in a rapid percolation of the EPDM at a relatively low composition range as compared to the nonplasticized counterparts. However, the addition of the plasticizer did not change the onset of the co‐continuity interval in the low EPDM content side of the composition diagram. Moreover, due to plasticization, the percolation of the PP phase was delayed on the other side of the composition diagram. Large differences between the viscous and elastic properties of the constituent polymers were observed. Hence, a combination of low frequency measurements and a gel approach were crucial to characterize the co‐continuity interval using rheology. The phase inversion compositions were fairly well described by existing semi‐empirical viscosity ratio‐based models. Furthermore, a satisfactory prediction was obtained for the viscoelastic properties of the nonplasticized TPOs using a micro‐mechanical model. However, this model failed in the case of the plasticized TPOs, due to the probable presence of a plasticized interphase. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. ©2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of ionic liquid fragment on the performance of polymer electrolytes
Authors: Du Qiuliang , Fu Xiangkai , Liu Sujuan , Niu Lidan
Published: October 2011

An ionic liquid 1‐methyl‐3‐[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]imidazolium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonylimide) (MMEIm‐TFSI) was synthesized and polymerized. Composite polymer electrolytes based on polymeric MMEIm‐TFSI (PMMEIm‐TFSI) and poly[(methyl methacrylate)‐co‐(vinyl acetate)] (P(MMA‐VAc)) were prepared, with lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonylimide) (LiTFSI) as target ions (Li+). DSC/TGA analysis showed good flexibility and thermal stability of the composite electrolyte membranes. The AC impedance showed that the ionic conductivity of the electrolytes increased with PMMEIm‐TFSI up to a maximum value of 1.78 × 10−4 S cm−1 when the composition was 25 wt% P(MMA‐VAc)/75 wt% PMMEIm‐TFSI/30 wt% LiTFSI at 30 °C. The composite electrolyte membrane (transmittance ≥ 90%) can also be used as the ion‐conductive layer material for electrochromic devices, and revealed excellent colorization performance. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Tuning polyolefins and polydienes microstructure and architecture via coordinative chain transfer polymerization
Authors: Zinck Philippe
Published: October 2011

Coordinative chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) is a reversible group transfer polymerization involving a transition metal catalyst and a main group metal alkyl. CCTP affords well‐controlled polymerizations of olefins and conjugated dienes with catalyst economy and good potential for polymer end‐functionalization. New concepts have recently emerged in this field, affording unprecedented control over both microstructure and architecture of the resulting polymers and copolymers. These concepts are presented and discussed in this perspective. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate) and poly(2‐acrylamido glycolic acid) polymer–clay ion exchange resins with enhanced mechanical properties and metal ion retention
Authors: Urbano Bruno , Rivas Bernabé L
Published: October 2011

This research presents the synthesis of novel nanocomposite ion exchange resins based on poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate) and poly(2‐acrylamido glycolic acid). Nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ radical polymerization using organic modified montmorillonite as filler and different clay contents. Loaded resins showed improvements in mechanical properties compared with unloaded resins: specifically, when the nominal montmorillonite content was 2.5 wt%, poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate) nanocomposite increased its shear modulus from 323 to 910 Pa and doubled its elastic recovery ratio, and the yield point was almost 20 times higher than for unloaded resins. In the case of metal ion retention, the effect of pH and clay content were studied for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), Cr(III) and Al(III) by a batch procedure. Results showed high efficiency, reaching over 80% after only 1 h of contact. Poly(2‐acrylamido glycolic acid) presented a higher pH dependence than poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate). In addition, it was observed that montmorillonite contributes to retention capacity from the increase in distribution coefficients for loaded resins compared with unloaded resins. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Resistance tests and field trials with bromadiolone for the control of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) on farms in Westphalia, Germany
Authors: Endepols Stefan , Klemann Nicole , Jacob Jens , Buckle Alan P
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and the level of resistance to bromadiolone among rats on farms suspected of being foci of resistance by using the international normalised ratio (INR)‐based blood clotting response (BCR) test. Whether the level of reduced susceptibility constitutes ‘practical resistance’ was subsequently determined in field trials.

RESULTS: The 2.5 multiple of the ED50 baseline was used to test for the incidence of resistance, and higher multiples in the range of the suspected resistance factor were used to investigate the degree of resistance. The ED50 values of bromadiolone in resistant rats were confirmed in the range 4.70–7.05 mg kg−1 for males and 4.62–6.61 mg kg−1 for females. Variations within these ranges appeared between farms. According to the BCR resistance tests, 50–100% of rats were classified as resistant prior to the field trials; 29–100% of rats survived the treatments.

CONCLUSION: BCR tests based on the use of the INR and baselines are suitable for determining the incidence and for assessing the level of resistance in populations of Norway rats. The majority of rats of the Westphalian resistant strain, characterised by the Y139C marker in VKOR, are resistant to bromadiolone under practical control conditions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship between convection over Central America and the intensity of the jet stream bearing on the 1999 December European storms
Authors: Ricard Didier , Arbogast Philippe , Crépin Fabien , Joly Alain
Published: October 2011

During 26–28 December 1999, two very powerful and devastating extratropical cyclones hit Western Europe. These two storms were associated with an upper‐level zonal jet, remarkable in its intensity and its large extension over the Atlantic Ocean. In this study, we focus on the relationship between the exceptional features of this jet stream and some heavy precipitation that occurred over Central America during mid‐December. A Rossby‐wave train excited by strong convective activity over this area is likely to play a key role in this teleconnection. To assess this tropical–extratropical interaction, several numerical experiments have been performed with the French global model ARPEGE. Firstly, the effects of convection have been neutralized within a domain localized over Central America. Then, to combine the model with observations, a new strategy has been devised. Within a selected window, the parametrized latent heat release has been deduced from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation data, translated in terms of a potential vorticity (hereafter PV) source and incorporated into the model using PV inversion. These simulations show, in particular, that the convective activity over Central America triggers a wave train that moves poleward and eastward with the group velocity, finally to strengthen the North Atlantic jet stream, leading to windstorms Lothar and Martin. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Composite hodographs and inertial oscillations in the nocturnal boundary layer
Authors: Baas P. , van de Wiel B. J. H. , van den Brink L. , Holtslag A.A.M.
Published: October 2011

In this work the dynamic behaviour of the wind in the nocturnal boundary layer is studied, with a particular focus on systematic behaviour of the near‐surface wind. Recently, an extension of the well‐known Blackadar model for frictionless inertial oscillations above the nocturnal boundary layer was proposed by Van de Wiel et al., which accounts for frictional effects within the nocturnal boundary layer. It appears that the nocturnal wind velocity profile tends to perform an inertial oscillation around an equilibrium wind profile, rather than around the geostrophic wind vector (as in the Blackadar model).

In the present study we propose the concept of ‘composite hodographs’ to evaluate the ideas and assumptions of the aforementioned analytical model. Composite hodographs are constructed based on a large observational dataset from the Cabauw observatory. For comparison and deeper analysis, this method is also applied to single‐column model simulations that represent the same dataset. From this, it is shown that winds in the middle and upper part of the nocturnal boundary layer closely follow the dynamics predicted by the model by Van de Wiel et al. In contrast, the near‐surface wind shows more complex behaviour that can be described by two different stages: (1) a decelerating phase where the wind decreases rapidly in magnitude due to enlarged stress divergence in the transition period near sunset (an aspect not included in the analytical model), and (2) a regular type of inertial oscillation, but with relatively small amplitude as compared to the oscillations in the middle and upper parts of the nocturnal boundary layer. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Improving the Product Reliability in Multistage Manufacturing and Service Operations
Authors: Asadzadeh Shervin , Aghaie Abdollah
Published: October 2011

Monitoring and improving the product reliability is of main concern in a large number of multistage manufacturing processes. The process output is commonly inspected under limited load conditions, and the tensile strength of reliability‐related quality characteristic is measured. This brings about censored observations that make the direct application of traditional control charts futile. The monitoring procedure becomes aggravated when the influence of variable competing risk is pronounced during the conducted test. To deal with this critical issue, we propose a regression‐adjusted cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart to effectively monitor a quality characteristic that may be right censored because of both fixed and variable competing risks. Moreover, two exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts on the basis of conditional expected values are devised to detect decreases in the tensile mean. The comparison of the three competing monitoring schemes confirms the superiority of the regression‐adjusted CUSUM procedure. Not only is the proposed control chart applicable to manufacturing processes with the aim of monitoring reliability‐related quality variables, it is also appropriate for monitoring similar quality measurements in service operations such as survivability measures in healthcare services. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Implementation of the Principal Component Analysis–Based Approach in Measuring Process Capability
Authors: Perakis M. , Xekalaki E.
Published: October 2011

The use of principal component analysis in measuring the capability of a multivariate process is an issue initially considered by Wang and Chen (1998). In this article, we extend their initial idea by proposing new indices that can be used in situations where the specification limits of the multivariate process are unilateral. Moreover, some new indices for multivariate processes are suggested. These indices have been developed so as to take into account the proportion of variance explained by each principal component, thus making the measurement of process capability more effective. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CSP‐DHIES: a new public‐key encryption scheme from matrix conjugation
Authors: Pan Ping , Wang Lihua , Wang Licheng , Li Lixiang , Yang Yixian
Published: October 2011

We propose a new public‐key cryptosystem named conjugacy search problem‐based Diffie–Hellman integrated encryption scheme (CSP‐DHIES), by using conjugation‐related assumptions for a special monoid of matrices of truncated multi‐variable polynomials over the ring ℤ12where the CSP is assumed to be intractable. Our construction can be viewed as the first noncommunicative variant of the well‐known DHIES cryptosystem. Under the assumptions of the intractability of the CSP‐based hash Diffie–Hellman problem and the CSP‐based oracle Diffie–Hellman problem, our scheme is provably secure against both chosen‐plaintext attacks and secure against chosen‐ciphertext attacks. Our proofs are constructed in the standard model. We also discuss the possibility of implementing our proposal using braid groups. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pooling systematic reviews of systematic reviews: a Bayesian panoramic meta‐analysis
Authors: Hemming Karla , Bowater Russell James , Lilford Richard J.
Published: October 2011

Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses usually synthesise evidence from studies reporting outcomes from particular interventions in specific diseases. For example, a meta‐analysis of prophylactic antibiotics (intervention) in elective arterial reconstruction (disease) for rates of wound infection (outcome). However, because systematic reviews and meta‐analyses are so widespread, a body of evidence often exists around specific intervention effects on particular outcomes over a range of diseases. So for example, a multitude of independent meta‐analyses have evaluated rates of wound infection with and without the use of prophylactic antibiotics over multiple surgery types. A systematic review of systematic reviews is a means of synthesising evidence for the same intervention over multiple disease types. We propose a panoramic meta‐analysis as a means of pooling effect estimates over systematic reviews of systematic reviews. We explore several methods ranging from a simple two‐step approach, to a meta‐regression or mixed effects approach, where variation between diseases are modelled as fixed covariate effects and between‐study variation by random effects, and to a three‐level hierarchical model in which exchangeability is assumed, which allows both a between‐disease component of variance and a between‐study (within disease) component of variance. In the surgery example, we pool 18 meta‐analyses (each including between 4 and 26 studies) of prophylactic antibiotics reporting rates of wound infection from 18 different surgery sites to obtain a single pooled estimate of effect and estimates of between‐disease, within‐disease and within‐study variability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A longitudinal model for magnetic resonance imaging lesion count data in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: MacKay Altman Rachel , Petkau A. John , Vrecko Dean , Smith Alex
Published: October 2011

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data are routinely collected at multiple time points during phase 2 clinical trials in multiple sclerosis. However, these data are typically summarized into a single response for each patient before analysis. Models based on these summary statistics do not allow the exploration of the trade‐off between numbers of patients and numbers of scans per patient or the development of optimal schedules for MRI scanning. To address these limitations, in this paper, we develop a longitudinal model to describe one MRI outcome: the number of lesions observed on an individual MRI scan. We motivate our choice of a mixed hidden Markov model based both on novel graphical diagnostic methods applied to five real data sets and on conceptual considerations. Using this model, we compare the performance of a number of different tests of treatment effect. These include standard parametric and nonparametric tests, as well as tests based on the new model. We conduct an extensive simulation study using data generated from the longitudinal model to investigate the parameters that affect test performance and to assess size and power. We determine that the parameters of the hidden Markov chain do not substantially affect the performance of the tests. Furthermore, we describe conditions under which likelihood ratio tests based on the longitudinal model appreciably outperform the standard tests based on summary statistics. These results establish that the new model is a valuable practical tool for designing and analyzing multiple sclerosis clinical trials. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta‐service support for the business process life cycle
Authors: Schmidt Rainer
Published: October 2011

Business processes more and more use services. Therefore, during the business process, life cycle services have to be managed. They have to be defined, deployed, operated, and evaluated. Meta‐services are an approach to systematically and homogenously manage services during the business process life cycle. The idea of meta‐services is to capture the functionality to manage the services during the life cycle in turn as services. Meta‐services provide a symmetrical management approach to services. Using meta‐services provides a uniform interface for service provisioning and management and thus avoids redundant structures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generating wind time series as a hybrid of measured and simulated data
Authors: Rose Stephen , Apt Jay
Published: October 2011

Certain applications, such as analysing the effect of a wind farm on grid frequency regulation, require several years of wind power data measured at intervals of a few seconds. We have developed a method to generate days to years of non‐stationary wind speed time series sampled at high rates by combining measured and simulated data. Measured wind speed data, typically 10–15 min averages, capture the non‐stationary characteristics of wind speed variation: diurnal variations, the passing of weather fronts, and seasonal variations. Simulated wind speed data, generated from spectral models, add realistic turbulence between the empirical data. The wind speed time series generated with this method agree very well with measured time series, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The power output of a wind turbine simulated with wind data generated by this method demonstrates energy production, ramp rates and reserve requirements that closely match the power output of a turbine simulated turbine with measured wind data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.