bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low concentration of anti‐7,8‐dihydroxy‐9,10‐epoxy‐7,8,9,10‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene induces alterations of extracellular protein profile of exposed epithelial cells
Authors: Liu Hui , Shen Jing , Feng Lei , Yu Yingnian
Published: August 2009

7,8‐Dihydroxy‐9,10‐epoxy‐7,8,9,10‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE) exposure induces adduct formation and oxidative damage on DNA, and consequently triggers complicated stress responses, including such responses as signaling pathway activation, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, translesion DNA synthesis and mutagenesis. In the present study, 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF MS were employed to analyze the differential extracellular protein patterns of human amniotic epithelial cells (FL cells) after exposure to 5 nM BPDE and control. As a result, one protein spot that appeared in the culture medium of BPDE treatment group was successfully identified as 14‐3‐3ζ, and three up‐regulated protein spots were identified as annexin A3, annexin V and hydroxypyruvate isomerase homolog. Among them, 14‐3‐3ζ was further detected in some pleural fluid specimens also. These results demonstrate that BPDE exposure can induce alterations of extracellular protein profiles of exposed cells, which may be served as a starting point for searching candidate biomarkers for benzo[a]pyrene exposure.
Profiling MS proteomics data using smoothed non‐linear energy operator and Bayesian additive regression trees
Authors: He Shan , Li Xiaoli , Viant Mark R. , Yao Xin
Published: August 2009

This paper proposes a novel profiling method for SELDI‐TOF and MALDI‐TOF MS data that integrates a novel peak detection method based on modified smoothed non‐linear energy operator, correlation‐based peak selection and Bayesian additive regression trees. The peak detection and classification performance of the proposed approach is validated on two publicly available MS data sets, namely MALDI‐TOF simulation data and high‐resolution SELDI‐TOF ovarian cancer data. The results compared favorably with three state‐of‐the‐art peak detection algorithms and four machine‐learning algorithms. For the high‐resolution ovarian cancer data set, seven biomarkers (m/z windows) were found by our method, which achieved 97.30 and 99.10% accuracy at 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively, from 50 independent cross‐validation samples, which is significantly better than other profiling and dimensional reduction methods. The results show that the method is capable of finding parsimonious sets of biologically meaningful biomarkers with better accuracy than existing methods. Supporting Information material and MATLAB/R scripts to implement the methods described in the article are available at: http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/szh/SourceCode‐for‐Proteomics.zip
Proteomic identification of pleckstrin‐associated proteins in platelets: Possible interactions with actin
Authors: Baig Akeel , Bao Xiankun , Haslam Richard J.
Published: August 2009

Pleckstrin (plek)‐null platelets from a knockout mouse have been shown to be defective in granule secretion, aggregation and actin polymerization. However, the mechanism of plek signaling is currently unknown. Therefore, we sought to identify plek‐binding proteins in platelets by using GST pulldown assays and immunoprecipitation to isolate proteins from extracts of protein kinase C‐activated or inhibited human platelets. Co‐purified plek‐binding proteins were resolved by SDS‐PAGE and identified via nanospray quadruple TOF MS. Identified proteins may be involved in various cellular processes including cytoskeletal reorganization (moesin, radixin and α‐actinin) and signal transduction (serum deprivation response protein, 17 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4 and factor XIIIA). Both platelet aggregation and/or secretion require actin polymerization. However, studies have shown no direct association between plek and actin. Based on our findings we propose indirect associations between plek and actin through 17 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4, α‐actinin, moesin, radixin and factor XIIIA, which in turn suggest new roles for plek in platelet biology.
Structure and interaction of ubiquitin‐associated domain of human Fas‐associated factor 1
Authors: Song JinSue , Park Joon Kyu , Lee Jae‐Jin , Choi Yun‐Seok , Ryu Kyoung‐Seok , Kim Jae‐Hong , Kim Eunhee , Lee Kong‐Joo , Jeon Young‐Ho , Kim Eunice EunKyeong
Published: August 2009

Fas‐associated factor (FAF)‐1 is a multidomain protein that was first identified as a member of the Fas death‐inducing signaling complex, but later found to be involved in various biological processes. Although the exact mechanisms are not clear, FAF1 seems to play an important role in cancer, asbestos‐induced mesotheliomas, and Parkinson's disease. It interacts with polyubiquitinated proteins, Hsp70, and p97/VCP (valosin‐containing protein), in addition to the proteins of the Fas‐signaling pathway. We have determined the crystal structure of the ubiquitin‐associated domain of human FAF1 (hFAF1‐UBA) and examined its interaction with ubiquitin and ubiquitin‐like proteins using nuclear magnetic resonance. hFAF1‐UBA revealed a canonical three‐helical bundle that selectively binds to mono‐ and di‐ubiquitin (Lys48‐linked), but not to SUMO‐1 (small ubiquitin‐related modifier 1) or NEDD8 (neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down‐regulated 8). The interaction between hFAF1‐UBA and di‐ubiquitin involves hydrophobic interaction accompanied by a transition in the di‐ubiquitin conformation. These results provide structural insight into the mechanism of polyubiquitin recognition by hFAF1‐UBA.
Domain 4 of the anthrax protective antigen maintains structure and binding to the host receptor CMG2 at low pH
Authors: Williams Alexander S. , Lovell Scott , Anbanandam Asokan , El‐Chami Rahif , Bann James G.
Published: August 2009

Domain 4 of the anthrax protective antigen (PA) plays a key role in cellular receptor recognition as well as in pH‐dependent pore formation. We present here the 1.95 Å crystal structure of domain 4, which adopts a fold that is identical to that observed in the full‐length protein. We have also investigated the structural properties of the isolated domain 4 as a function of pH, as well as the pH‐dependence on binding to the von Willebrand factor A domain of capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2). Our results provide evidence that the isolated domain 4 maintains structure and interactions with CMG2 at pH 5, a pH that is known to cause release of the receptor on conversion of the heptameric prepore (PA63)7to a membrane‐spanning pore. Our results suggest that receptor release is not driven solely by a pH‐induced unfolding of domain 4.
Molecular dynamics of leucine and dopamine transporter proteins in a model cell membrane lipid bilayer
Authors: Gedeon Patrick C. , Indarte Martín , Surratt Christopher K. , Madura Jeffry D.
Published: August 2009

The dopamine transporter (DAT) operates via facilitated diffusion, harnessing an inward Na+gradient to drive dopamine from the extracellular synaptic cleft to the neuron interior. The DAT is relevant to central nervous system disorders such as Parkinson disease and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder and is the primary site of action for the abused psychostimulants cocaine and amphetamines. Crystallization of a DAT homolog, the bacterial leucine transporter LeuT, provided the first reliable 3‐D DAT template. Here, the LeuT crystal structure and the DAT molecular model have been combined with their respective substrates, leucine and dopamine, in lipid bilayer molecular dynamics simulations toward tracking substrate movement along the protein's substrate/ion permeation pathway. Specifically, movement of residue pairs that comprise the “external gate” was followed as a function of substrate presence. The transmembrane (TM) 1 arginine‐TM 10 aspartate strut formed less readily in DAT compared with LeuT, with or without substrate present. For LeuT but not DAT, the addition of substrate enhanced the chances of forming the TM 1‐10 bridge. Also, movement of the fourth extracellular loop EL‐4 in the presence of substrate was more pronounced for DAT, the EL‐4 unwinding to a degree. The overall similarity between the LeuT and DAT molecular dynamics simulations indicated that LeuT was a legitimate model to guide DAT structure‐function predictions. There were, nevertheless, differences significant enough to allow for DAT‐unique insights, which may include how cocaine, methylphenidate (Ritalin, NIDA Drug Supply, Rockville, MD), and other DAT blockers are not recognized as substrates even though they can access the primary substrate binding pocket. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cheddar or Swiss? How strong are your barriers?
Authors: Broadribb Michael P. , Boyle Bill , Tanzi Steven J.
Published: August 2009

This article describes a company's experience with process safety metrics and describes systematic methods to improve safety performance. As a result of a major accident, an internal investigation identified that although a site may have numerous measures for tracking operational and safety performance, these measures may not focus on leading indicators that could provide early warning of potential major incidents.

To systematically reduce incidents, especially, low probability high consequence process safety events, it is necessary to focus on prevention and specifically the strength of the barriers. The approach described in this article, therefore, aims to create a combination of Process Safety Performance Indicators that lead to stronger more robust barriers.

While industrial history tells us that such high consequence events are infrequent, this significant process safety risk is always present in production operations, and thus needs to be continuously assessed and reduced through systematic safety management. Within one company, this recognition has resulted in a substantial strengthening of process safety risk management through a more comprehensive system of controls embedded within its new Operating Management System, which is being implemented at the site level across all of its operations globally.

This article explores the ongoing methodology and approach being used to select a limited but crucial set of Process Safety Performance Indicators to enable effective measurement and the appropriate management of process safety performance. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009
Nitride‐based quantum dots for single photon source applications
Authors: Jarjour Anas F. , Oliver Rachel A. , Taylor Robert A.
Published: August 2009

There is a great potential in the development of versatile single‐photon devices based on nitride‐based single quantum dots due to their unique properties. Their emission can be engineered to span a wide spectral range from the ultraviolet to the blue and green regions of the spectrum which may prove important for several applications such as free‐space quantum cryptography and low‐noise absorption measurements. It is also possible to dynamically tune the wavelength of the emitted single photons over a wide range by controlling the internal piezoelectric field using externally applied electric fields. The nitrides also have the potential of providing devices which operate at relatively high temperatures. In this contribution, we review the progress made so far towards the development of optically excited and electrically driven single photon sources based on these structures.
Synchrotron X‐ray diffraction studies of large sapphire crystal grown by Kyropoulos‐like method
Authors: Wang Gui‐Gen , Zhang Ming‐Fu , Wu Qi‐Bao , Zhang Hua‐Yu , Zuo Hong‐Bo , Han Jie‐Cai , He Xiao‐Dong , Huang Wan‐Xia
Published: August 2009

In this paper, monochromatic double‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and white‐beam X‐ray topography techniques using synchrotron radiation source were utilized to investigate the growth process of large sapphire crystal by an improved Kyropoulos‐like method. Compared with the calculated theoretical value of 8.6 s, FWHM experimental values of sapphire are in the range of 11 ∼ 26 s, showing its good crystalline perfection in general, especially for the crystal in the central region of the boule. The analysis of white beam transmission X‐ray topographs revealed the presence of dislocation tangles and helical dislocations in different crystal regions. The defect configurations in sapphire crystals were caused by the dislocation reaction and void formation.
Comparison of diamond bias enhanced nucleation on Ir and 3C‐SiC: A high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy study
Authors: Hoffman A. , Michaelson Sh. , Akhvlediani R. , Hangaly N. K. , Gsell S. , Brescia R. , Schreck M. , Stritzker B. , Arnault J.‐C. , Saada S.
Published: August 2009

Bias enhanced nucleation (BEN) is the crucial process step to generate epitaxially oriented diamond nuclei on various substrates comprising elemental semiconductors, carbides and non‐carbide forming metals. Numerous studies on Si and SiC have shown that the diamond growth immediately starts during the biasing as soon as nuclei have been formed. In contrast, nucleation on Ir requires a stronger ion bombardment under which bulk diamond is etched and 3D crystal growth of the nuclei is suppressed. In the present work, we used high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HR‐EELS) to study the vibrational features of the nucleation layers, which were formed by BEN on Ir(001) as compared to the carbon layers formed by BEN on 3C‐SiC. It was found that the HR‐EEL spectra taken for a BEN layer on iridium with successful diamond nucleation, as indicated by the observation of domains, significantly differs from a carbon nucleation layer without these patterns. The peaks at 300 and 450 meV due to overtones stemming from diamond's optical phonon represent a unique feature correlated with the presence of diamond nuclei. The appearance and strengthening of the corresponding loss lines after annealing is interpreted in terms of a weakly bonded amorphous or highly defective hydrogenated carbon layer that initially covers the nuclei. These findings confirm and complement models for the nucleation process, which had been developed on the base of former observations by various other techniques. The stronger signals from crystalline diamond in the spectra taken from BEN on 3C‐SiC confirm that the weaker ion bombardment leaves a more intact diamond crystal at the surface.
Nanotopography of graphene
Authors: Bangert U. , Gass M. H. , Bleloch A. L. , Nair R. R. , Eccles J.
Published: August 2009

Microscopically clean graphene surfaces are scrutinized via atomic resolution high angle dark field imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy for presence of adsorbed atoms. Carbon ad‐atoms can be observed in dark field images, whereas hydrogen is revealed in electron loss spectra. Spectrum images show the spatial distribution of hydrogen in pristine and deliberately H‐dosed graphene; hydrogen is found on all graphene surfaces but the coverage is higher and more uniform in dosed samples. On clean surfaces the energy loss is characteristic of the ground level excitation in atomic hydrogen, whereas a spread in the hydrogen energy levels is found in hydrocarbon deposits. A rippling effect in the graphene sheets is revealed when lattice images are processed using fast Fourier transform (FFT) techniques. This contrast effect originates from changes in the bond length projection, due to inclinations of the sheet. It is suggested that point defects – vacancies and ad‐atomes – influence the ripple patterns.
A monolithic nanodiamond lateral field emission triode
Authors: Subramanian K. , Kang W. P. , Davidson J. L.
Published: August 2009

A laterally configured field emission device comprised of nanodiamond has shown low turn‐on and operating voltages, and enhanced performance, owing to lithographic control over the device parameters, viz., interelectrode spacing, emitter geometry, and large‐area array structure. This work deals with the development of a monolithic nanodiamond lateral vacuum triode. Gate‐controlled current modulation behavior is clearly observed. The low applied electric fields required to initiate and modulate the electron emission between the electrodes are attributed to the geometry and material composition of the nanodiamond lateral emitter. Other measured parameters include 1.1 µA (anode current density ∼1 A/cm2) per finger; DC gain/amplification factor: 200; output impedance: ∼10 GΩ. The gm was found to increase exponentially with Vg, suggesting that the electron current is well modulated by the gate voltage. The device characteristics were consistent with Fowler–Nordheim emission, the extracted anode current arising from field emission tunneling mechanism.
Sequential analysis of diamond nucleation on silicon (001) with bias enhanced nucleation using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and reflection high energy electron diffraction investigations
Authors: Sarrieu C. , Barth N. , Guise A. , Arnault J. C. , Saada S. , Barrat S. , Bauer‐Grosse E.
Published: August 2009

Diamond synthesis by microwave plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition (MPCVD) with a bias enhanced nucleation (BEN) step constitutes the most efficient method to obtain heteroepitaxy and is also useful to reach high nucleation densities. In this study, sequential reflection high‐energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigations enabled us to highlight the formation of amorphous carbon and crystalline silicon carbide on the surface before diamond growth. By varying the bias voltage, we underlined an optimized value corresponding to a higher quantity of amorphous carbon. This quantity is strongly correlated to the diamond nucleation density. As for the quality of the SiC texture, this seems to be directly linked to bias voltage too: low bias voltages enable us to obtain high oriented 3C‐SiC whereas high bias voltages lead to a completely misoriented polycrystalline SiC film.
Ag:ZrO2 nanocomposite thin films derived using a novel sol–gel technique
Authors: Kumar Manish , Reddy G. B.
Published: August 2009

Thin films of an Ag:ZrO2 nanocomposite (NC) have been prepared using a novel sol–gel technique, employing HCl as a sol stabilizer. The technique facilitates the formation of Ag nanoparticles in a matrix of ZrO2 via thermal annealing at relatively low temperature (300 °C). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals the formation of nearly spherical Ag nanoparticles embedded in ZrO2. When the annealing temperature is raised from 300 to 450 °C, growth of the Ag nanoparticles is observed and their average size is found to increase from 20 to 35 nm. An increase in the annealing duration leads to an increase in the density of the Ag nanoparticles, but does not change their average size. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of the films evidences the conversion of silver oxide into metallic Ag at 300 °C. UV–Visible spectroscopy of samples annealed at temperatures above 300 °C reveals an absorption peak at ∼507 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). An increase in the annealing duration from 2 to 14 h results in an enhancement of the intensity of the absorption peak from 15 to 62%.
Nuclear spins in nanostructures
Authors: Coish W. A. , Baugh J.
Published: August 2009

We review recent theoretical and experimental advances toward understanding the effects of nuclear spins in confined nanostructures. These systems, which include quantum dots, defect centers, and molecular magnets, are particularly interesting for their importance in quantum information processing devices, which aim to coherently manipulate single electron spins with high precision. On one hand, interactions between confined electron spins and a nuclear‐spin environment provide a decoherence source for the electron, and on the other, a strong effective magnetic field that can be used to execute local coherent rotations. A great deal of effort has been directed toward understanding the details of the relevant decoherence processes and to find new methods to manipulate the coupled electron–nuclear system. A sequence of spectacular new results have provided understanding of spin‐bath decoherence, nuclear spin diffusion, and preparation of the nuclear state through dynamic polarization and more general manipulation of the nuclear‐spin density matrix through “state narrowing.” These results demonstrate the richness of this physical system and promise many new mysteries for the future.

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Piezotronic strain sensor based on single bridged ZnO wires
Authors: Yang Y. , Qi J. J. , Gu Y. S. , Wang X. Q. , Zhang Y.
Published: August 2009

We demonstrate a piezotronic strain sensor based on cyclic stretching–releasing of single ZnO wires, which was employed to detect movement frequencies of an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip. Our results show that the resistance of single ZnO wires decreases as the tensile strains in the wire increase, which is suggested to be attributed to both piezoelectric and piezoresistance effects. These fabricated devices were found to have a sufficiently high sensitivity (about 200%) and a fast response time to the tensile strains. It could open up new applications of manufacturing frequency detectors. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Bayesian regression approach to terrain mapping and an application to legged robot locomotion
Authors: Plagemann Christian , Mischke Sebastian , Prentice Sam , Kersting Kristian , Roy Nicholas , Burgard Wolfram
Published: August 2009

We deal with the problem of learning probabilistic models of terrain surfaces from sparse and noisy elevation measurements. The key idea is to formalize this as a regression problem and to derive a solution based on nonstationary Gaussian processes. We describe how to achieve a sparse approximation of the model, which makes the model applicable to real‐world data sets. The main benefits of our model are that (1) it does not require a discretization of space, (2) it also provides the uncertainty for its predictions, and (3) it adapts its covariance function to the observed data, allowing more accurate inference of terrain elevation at points that have not been observed directly. As a second contribution, we describe how a legged robot equipped with a laser range finder can utilize the developed terrain model to plan and execute a path over rough terrain. We show how a motion planner can use the learned terrain model to plan a path to a goal location, using a terrain‐specific cost model to accept or reject candidate footholds. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first legged robotics system to autonomously sense, plan, and traverse a terrain surface of the given complexity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of IPFC Detailed Dynamic Model for Analysis of Power Flow Control and Small‐Signal Stability Enhancement
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yokoyama Akihiko , Ide Toshiro
Published: August 2009

This paper presents a study of the power flow control capability of the interline power flow controller (IPFC) and its effect on small‐signal stability enhancement. A detailed dynamic model of IPFC suitable for power system electromechanical stability analysis is developed in this paper. The power flow control capability of the proportional‐integral (PI) controllers and their effect on power oscillation damping are evaluated first, and modal analysis of the power system is carried out to demonstrate their effectiveness in small‐signal stability enhancement. Then the eigenvalue sensitivity based parameter optimization technique is adopted to optimize the control parameters of PI controllers in order to stabilize the oscillatory modes having insufficient damping ratios. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the IPFC with the proposed control is an effective tool for power flow control and small‐signal stability enhancement, and the optimized PI controllers also have a positive effect on improving the performance of IPFC in power flow control. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optimal Control of Voltage in Distribution Systems by Voltage Reference Management
Authors: Senjyu Tomonobu , Toma Shohei , Tanaka Kenichi , Yona Atsushi , Urasaki Naomitsu , Funabashi Toshihisa
Published: August 2009

Recently, renewable energy technologies such as wind turbine generators and photovoltaic (PV) systems have been introduced as distributed generations (DGs). Connections of a large amount of distributed generations may cause voltage deviation beyond the statutory range in distribution systems. A reactive power control of DGs can be a solution of this problem, and it also has a possibility to reduce distribution loss. In this paper, we propose a control methodology of voltage profile in a distribution system using reactive power control of inverters interfaced with DGs and tap changing transformers. In the proposed method, a one‐day schedule of voltage references for the control devices are determined by an optimization technique based on predicted values of load demand and PV power generation. Reactive power control of interfaced inverters is implemented within the inverter capacity without reducing active power output. The proposed method accomplishes voltage regulation within the acceptable range and reduction of distribution loss. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by simulations. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optimal Thermal Unit Commitment Integrated with Renewable Energy Sources Using Advanced Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Chakraborty Shantanu , Senjyu Tomonobu , Saber Ahmed Yousuf , Yona Atsushi , Funabashi Toshihisa
Published: August 2009

This paper presents a methodology for solving generation planning problem for thermal units integrated with wind and solar energy systems. The renewable energy sources are included in this model due to their low electricity cost and positive effect on environment. The generation planning problem also known by unit commitment problem is solved by a genetic algorithm operated improved binary particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Unlike trivial PSO, this algorithm runs the refinement process through the solutions within multiple populations. Some genetic algorithm operators such as crossover, elitism, and mutation are stochastically applied within the higher potential solutions to generate new solutions for next population. The PSO includes a new variable for updating velocity in accordance with population best along with conventional particle best and global best. The algorithm performs effectively in various sized thermal power system with equivalent solar and wind energy system and is able to produce high quality (minimized production cost) solutions. The solution model is also beneficial for reconstructed deregulated power system. The simulation results show the effectiveness of this algorithm by comparing the outcome with several established methods. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Next‐Day Peak Electricity Price Forecasting Using NN Based on Rough Sets Theory
Authors: Senjyu Tomonobu , Toyama Hirofumi , Areekul Phatchakorn , Chakraborty Shantanu , Yona Atsushi , Urasaki Naomitsu , Funabashi Toshihisa
Published: August 2009

Electricity price forecasting is an essential task for market participants in deregulated electricity market. This paper proposes an approach for next‐day peak electricity price forecasting, since it is important for risk management and bidding strategy. In the proposed method, neural network (NN) is employed as the forecasting method, and its learning data is selected by using rough sets. Moreover, the creating method of learning data based on temperature fluctuation is also proposed for generation of new learning data in order to efficiently learn. This method is examined by using the data of Pennsylvania‐New Jersey‐Maryland (PJM) electricity market and The independent electricity system operator (IESO) market. From the simulation results, it is observed that the proposed method is useful for next‐day peak electricity price forecasting. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Application of Multi‐Objective Evolutionary Optimization Algorithms to Reactive Power Planning Problem
Authors: Eghbal Mehdi , Yorino Naoto , Zoka Yoshifumi , El‐Araby E. E.
Published: August 2009

This paper presents a new approach to treat reactive power (VAr) planning problem using multi‐objective evolutionary algorithms (EAs). Specifically, strength Pareto EA (SPEA) and multi‐objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) approaches have been developed and successfully applied. The overall problem is formulated as a nonlinear constrained multi‐objective optimization problem. Minimizing the total incurred cost of the VAr planning problem and maximizing the amount of available transfer capability (ATC) are defined as the main objective functions. The aim is to find the optimal allocation of VAr devices in such a way that investment and operating costs are minimized and at the same time the amount of ATC is maximized. The proposed approaches have been successfully tested on IEEE 14 buses system. As a result a wide set of optimal solutions known as Pareto set is obtained and encouraging results show the superiority of the proposed approaches and confirm their potential to solve such a large‐scale multi‐objective optimization problem. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Solving the Bipartite Subgraph Problem Using Genetic Algorithm with Conditional Genetic Operators
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Qiang , Wang Rong‐Long , Okazaki Kozo
Published: August 2009

Bipartite subgraph problem is an important example of a class of combinatorial optimization problems. It has many important applications in modeling matching problem, modern coding theory, communication network, and computer science. The goal of this NP‐complete problem is to find a bipartite subgraph with maximum number of edges of the given graph. In this paper, for efficiently solving the problem, we propose a genetic algorithm‐based approach in which the genetic operators are performed based on the condition instead of probability. The proposed algorithm is tested on a large number of instances, and the experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is superior to its competitors. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Basic Study of a Ship Navigator's Stress Using Salivary Amylase Activity
Authors: Murai Koji , Wakida Shin‐ichi , Miyado Takashi , Fukushi Keiichi , Hayashi Yuji
Published: August 2009

Evaluation of ship handling mental workload/training has usually depended on professionals (captain, pilot) who have a lot of experience on board. We are attempting to evaluate a ship navigator's mental workload (stress) based on a physiological index. The physiological indices, heart rate variability (R‐R interval) and nasal temperature, are good indices of the stress found in ship handling. It is best if we get response and evaluation results quickly on the spot. A recent study shows salivary amylase activity is induced by the sympathetic nervous system; however, a research on ship navigator has not yet accepted worldwide. This article proposes that salivary amylase activity shows a ship navigator's stress during ship handling. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pr4S3[AsS3]2: Praseodym(III)‐Sulfid‐Thioarsenat(III) mit Ketten und Schichten aus kondensierten [SPr4]‐Tetraedern
Authors: Kang Dong‐Hee , Schleid Thomas
Published: August 2009

Single crystals of Pr4S3[AsS3]2 can be obtained through the reaction between the elements praseodymium, arsenic and sulfur using CsCl as fluxing agent in torch‐sealed evacuated silica ampoules. The starting materials were heated for ten days at 700 °C and then cooled down slowly to room temperature. The transparent, pale greenish yellow platelets crystallize orthorhombically (a = 2910.6(2), b = 699.74(5), c = 704.51(5) pm) in space group Pbcn (no. 60) with Z = 4. The new compound Pr4As2S9 (≡ Pr4S3[AsS3]2) contains two crystallographically independent Pr3+ cations. (Pr1)3+ shows a bicapped trigonal prismatic environment of eight sulfur atoms (CN = 8), whereas (Pr2)3+ is surrounded by only seven sulfur atoms in the shape of a monocapped trigonal prism (CN = 7). The isolated pyramidal thioarsenate(III) anions [AsS3]3– are formed as ψ1‐tetrahedra by the three sulfur atoms (d(As3+–S2–) = 223–228 pm, ∢(S–As–S) = 94–104°) and a non‐binding electron pair (lone pair) at each As3+ cation. Two of the five crystallographically different sulfur atoms (S1 and S2) are not connected to As3+ at all, but coordinated by four Pr3+ cations each to build up slightly distorted [SPr4]10+ tetrahedra (d(S2––Pr3+) = 281–289 pm, ∢(Pr–S–Pr) = 98–146°). Thus the crystal structure of Pr4S3[AsS3]2 exhibits endless {}^1_∞{[(S1)Pr4/2]4+} chains and {}^2_∞{[(S2)Pr4/4]+} layers, which consist of trans‐edge condensed [(S1)Pr4]10+ tetrahedra for the chains and [(S2)Pr4]10+ tetrahedra sharing four common edges for layers. The lone pairs at the As3+ cations close around the{}^1_∞{[(S1)Pr4/2]4+} chains running along [001]. The {}^2_∞{[(S2)Pr4/4]+} layers spread out parallel to the (100) plane and complete the crystal structure of Pr4S3[AsS3]2 according to {}^1_∞{[(S1)(Pr1)4/2]4+}{}^2_∞{([(S2)(Pr2)4/4]+)2} {}^0_∞{([As(S3)(S4)(S5)]3–)2}.
Dorsal Dislocation of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint and Volar Dislocation of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint in the Same Finger: A Case Report
Authors: Panchal Anand P. , Bamberger H. Brent
Published: August 2009

Double dislocations of the finger interphalangeal and/or metacarpophalangeal joints are a rare entity. Sixty-four cases of distal and proximal interphalangeal joint double dislocations have been previously reported. Five cases of metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal double dislocations of the thumb have also been reported. Only one case has been reported in the English literature regarding simultaneous dislocations of the distal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints in the nonthumb digit. The directions of the dislocation were the same; both were dorsal. We report, to our knowledge, the first ever case of a double dislocation a non-thumb digit in opposing directions—volar at the metacarpophalangeal joint and dorsal at the distal interphalangeal joint.
Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Trigger Thumb with Metacarpophalangeal Hyperextension Laxity
Authors: Li Zhongyu , Wiesler Ethan R. , Smith Beth P. , Koman L. Andrew
Published: August 2009

Between 1994 and 2004, seven patients (nine thumbs) at our institution were treated for trigger thumb with hyperextensible metacarpophalangeal (MP; >60°) anomaly with surgical release of the A1 pulley and proximal advancement of the MP volar plate. There were four girls and three boys (three right, two left, and two bilateral thumbs) with a mean age at surgery of 46 months (range, 26 to 82 months). The mean follow-up was 64 months (range, 1 to 8 years). At the time of the last follow-up, all patients had returned to full activities without functional limitations or pain and were satisfied with the outcome of the surgery. There was no recurrence of triggering or MP hyperextension deformity. The results from this study demonstrate that the trigger thumb in children with concomitant MP hyperextension laxity can be treated safely with predictable results by releasing the A1 pulley and advancing the volar plate.
Exercise and health in frail elderly people: a review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: de Souto Barreto Philipe
Published: August 2009

Frailty is a physiological syndrome that increases the risk of poor health. Although some research has been conducted to study the benefits of physical exercise in frail elderly populations, different operational definitions of frailty have been used, and this makes the studies difficult to compare. The present review was aimed at examining the influence of exercise on health in frail older adults. Studies using randomized controlled trials that administered an exercise program to a frail elderly population and that had an operational definition of frailty were selected from publications between January 2000 and October 2008. Information about the study population, frailty criteria, exercise program, principles of exercise training, randomization procedures, main and secondary outcome measures, study follow-up, and control group characteristics was taken from these studies, and the results from a final sample of 28 articles are discussed. Exercise training seems to be a safe and effective tool for promoting and maintaining optimal health levels in a wide variety of vulnerable older adults. However, the lack of studies on a well-defined frail older adult sample with selection procedures based on current knowledge in this field does not allow us, at the present time, to conclude that exercise influences health in this population. Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of exercise on health in frail older adults. The study population must be selected based on current knowledge in the area of frailty, and the design of the exercise program must be based on principles of training.
Physical Properties of Rice Bran Wax in Bulk and Organogels
Authors: Dassanayake Lakmali Samuditha K. , Kodali Dharma R. , Ueno S. , Sato K.
Published: August 2009

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the thermal behavior, crystal structure, and crystal morphology of rice bran wax (RBX) in bulk and oil–wax mixtures, and to compare them with those of carnauba wax (CRX) and candellila wax (CLX). The RBX employed in the present study was separated from rice bran oil by winterization, filtration, refinement, bleaching, and deodorization. The RBX crystals melted in the bulk state at 77–79 °C with ΔHmelting = 190.5 J/g, which is quite large compared with CLX (129 J/g) and CRX (137.6 J/g). XRD data of the RBX crystals revealed O⊥ subcell packing and a long spacing value of 6.9 nm. Thin long needle‐shaped crystals were observed in the mixtures of RBX and liquid oils [olive oil and salad oil (canola:soy bean oil = 50:50)]; therefore, the dispersion of RBX crystals in these liquid oils was much finer than that of CRX and CLX crystals. Organogels formed when the mixture of every plant wax and liquid oil was melted at elevated temperature and cooled to ambient temperature. However, the mixture of RBX and olive oil at a concentration ratio of 1:99 wt.% formed an organogel at 20 °C, whereas the lowest concentration necessary for CRX to form an organogel in olive oil was 4 wt.% and that for CLX was 2 wt.%. Observation of the rate of gel formation using DSC and viscosity measurements indicated that the gel structure formed soon after RBX crystallized, whereas a time delay was observed between the organogel formation and wax crystallization of CRX and CLX. These results demonstrate RBX’s good organogel‐forming properties, mostly because of its fine dispersion of long needle like crystals in liquid oil phases.
Characterization of Aromatherapy Massage Oils Prepared from Virgin Coconut Oil and Some Essential Oils
Authors: Songkro Sarunyoo , Sirikatitham Anusak , Sungkarak Supreedee , Buaking Khemmarat , Wungsintaweekul Juraithip , Maneenuan Duangkhae , Oungbho Kwunchit
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to characterize aromatherapy massage oils prepared from virgin coconut oil (VCO) and some essential oils. VCO extracted from fresh coconut endosperm by a centrifugation method, which was the most effective method to prepare VCO, was composed mainly of saturated fatty acids, in particular myristic acid. Three essential oils (lemon, eucalyptus and lavender oils) at concentrations of 1, 3 and 5% w/w were blended with the VCO to prepare massage oils. Physical and chemical properties as well as microbial analysis of the massage oils were assessed to evaluate quality characteristics of the preparations. Results showed that types and concentrations of essential oils used somewhat affected viscosity, refractive index and three chemical characteristics (acid, peroxide, and iodine values) associated with oxidative stability of the massage oils. Generally the rank order of acid, peroxide and iodine values of the freshly prepared massage oils appeared to be lemon oil > lavender oil > eucalyptus oil. The results of a accelerated storage stability study (45 °C, 4 months) clearly showed a dramatic increase in both acid and peroxide values of VCO and the blended massage oils compared to initial values, whereas the iodine values of these preparations decreased slightly. The plain VCO and the blended massage oils did not exhibit antimicrobial activity on the test microorganisms and were free from microbial contamination.
Dangerous or merely ‘difficult’? The new population of forensic mental hospitals
Authors: Schanda H. , Stompe T. , Ortwein-Swoboda G.
Published: August 2009

Background

During recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in admissions to forensic mental hospitals in several European countries. It is not known if reforms implemented in mental health policies and practices are responsible for this development.

Objective

Our study examined the development of mental health care in Austria and the incidence and prevalence of mentally disordered offenders judged not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI).

Methods

We analysed data on service provision and data from criminal statistics between 1970 and 2008 from several national sources.

Results

During the first decade when reforms to mental health practice were implemented, the incidence and prevalence of offenders judged NGRI remained unchanged, despite a reduction of mental hospital beds by nearly 50% and little outpatient care. Surprisingly, the enormous increase in admissions to forensic inpatient treatment began in Austria only after community mental health services were rolled out across the country in the 1990s. This increase was primarily due to admissions of patients who had committed less severe offences, while rates of those who had committed homicide remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Our results cannot be explained by details of the reforms such as the downsizing of mental hospitals or a lack of outpatient facilities, nor by changes to criminal sentencing. Rather, the results provide evidence of an increasingly inadequate provision of comprehensive care for “difficult” but not extremely dangerous psychotic patients living in the community. This may result from the attitudes of mental health professionals who have become less inclined to integrate aggressive behaviour into their understanding of psychosis. As a consequence, increasing numbers of “difficult” patients end up in forensic psychiatric institutions. This development, which can be observed in nearly all European countries, raises concerns with regard to efforts to destigmatize both patients and psychiatry.
Interaction of the Thermoplasma acidophilum A1A0‐ATP synthase peripheral stalk with the catalytic domain
Authors: Kish-Trier Erik , Wilkens Stephan
Published: August 2009

MINT‐7260681: Hct (refseq:NP_393485), Ect1 (uniprotkb:Q9HM68) and Bnt (uniprotkb:Q9HM64) physically interact (MI:0915) by nuclear magnetic resonance (MI:0077)
The Med8 mediator subunit interacts with the Rpb4 subunit of RNA polymerase II and Ace2 transcriptional activator in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Mehta Surbhi , Miklos Ida , Sipiczki Matthias , Sengupta Sagar , Sharma Nimisha
Published: August 2009

MINT‐7260735: rpb4 (uniprotkb:O74825) binds (MI:0407) to med8 (uniprotkb:O94646) by pull down (MI:0096)
Identification of amino acid residues of influenza A virus H3 HA contributing to the recognition of molecular species of sialic acid
Authors: Takahashi Tadanobu , Hashimoto Asako , Maruyama Mami , Ishida Hideharu , Kiso Makoto , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Suzuki Yasuo , Suzuki Takashi
Published: August 2009

To identify a determinant of human H3 hemagglutinin (HA) amino acid residues linked to the recognition of molecular species of sialic acid, we generated six mutant viruses possessing either the wild‐type HA gene from A/Memphis/1/71 (H3N2) or a genetically single‐mutated HA gene at position 137, 144, 155, 158 or 193 from a genetic backbone of A/WSN/33 (H1N1) by reverse genetics. We evaluated the binding ability with four types of synthetic sialylglycolipids. The results indicate that the amino acid substitutions Thr155 to Tyr and Glu158 to Gly in H3 HA facilitate virus binding to N‐glycolylneuraminic acid.
Thyroid hormone induces glial lineage of primary neurospheres derived from non‐pathological and pathological rat brain: implications for remyelination‐enhancing therapies
Authors: Fernández M. , Paradisi M. , Del Vecchio G. , Giardino L. , Calzà L.
Published: August 2009

Thyroid hormone exerts a critical role in developmental myelination, acting on the production and maturation of oligodendrocyte, and on the expression of genes encoding for myelin protein. Since remyelination is considered a recapitulation of cellular and molecular events occurring during development, we tested the possibility of stimulating the oligodendroglial lineage and maturation in neurospheres derived from the subventricular zone of adult rats using 3,5,3′‐l‐triiodothyronine (T3). Both non‐pathological and pathological brains derived from rats affected by the inflammatory‐demyelinating disease experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) were included in the study. We investigated the effect of in vitro T3 exposure on: (i) the expression of nuclear thyroid hormone receptors; (ii) proliferation rate; (iii) differentiation into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, focusing our attention on oligodendrocyte maturation. T3 reduced the proliferation rate of neurospheres when cultured in the presence of mitogens, shifting towards oligodendroglial lineage as indicated by increased expression of olig‐1, and also favoring oligodendrocyte maturation, as indicated by the expression of antigens associated with different maturation stages. Neurospheres derived from EAE rats show a strong limitation in oligodendrocyte generation, which is completely restored by T3 treatment. These results indicate that T3 is a key factor in regulating neurosphere biology, when derived either from non‐pathological or pathological adult brains, suggesting that T3 might be an important factor in favoring remyelination in demyelinating disorders.
NADPH‐d/NOS reactivity in the lumbar dorsal horn of congenitally hypothyroid pups before and after formalin pain induction
Authors: Akbari Zahra , Rohani Mohammad H. , Behzadi Gila
Published: August 2009

We have previously demonstrated that congenitally hypothyroid rat pups exhibit altered behavioral response to formalin pain induction during postnatal period. In the present study, using NADPH‐diaphorase histochemistry and NOS immunostaining, we investigated the effect of congenital hypothyroidism on the NOS expression in spinal cord of intact neonates at postnatal days of 15 and 21. We also examined the effect of thyroid dysfunction on the NADPH‐d/NOS expression in response to formalin nociception. Congenital hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment started from gestational day 16 and continued to postnatal day 15 or 21. Congenitally hypothyroid pups exhibited marked reduction in NADPH‐d reactive cells (84% and 66% in P15 and P21, respectively; P < 0.001) and NOS‐ir cells (52% and 91% in P15 and P21, respectively; P < 0.001) in superficial lumbar dorsal horn laminae (I–II) as compared to that of normal pups. Moreover, in congenitally hypothyroid pups the NADPH‐d/NOS expression following hindpaw formalin injection did not change significantly. Our results demonstrate that congenital hypothyroidism affect developmental expression of NOS in spinal dorsal horn, which may in part explain the altered behavioral pain response as we previously reported in hypothyroid pups.