bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene‐co‐ethylvinyl ether)/poly(styrene acrylate) core–shells and SiO2 nanocomposite films via a solution mixing method
Authors: Koti Reddy C. , Shekharam T. , Shailaja D.
Published: May 2012

Nanocomposite particles of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene‐co‐ethylvinyl ether) [poly(CTFE‐co‐EVE)]/poly(styrene acrylate) (PSA)/SiO2 were prepared with poly(CTFE‐co‐EVE)/PSA [CS(FS); core–shell (CS) fluoro surfactant (FS)] and hydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles by a solution mixing method. This method yielded a homogeneous dispersion of hydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles in the CS(FS) matrix. The nanocomposite particle composition was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. A slight improvement in the thermal stability was observed and the glass‐transition temperature of the nanocomposite particles increased compared with the CS(FS) matrix. A remarkable enhancement was observed in the mechanical properties with an increase in the tensile strength from 1.1 to 6.2 MPa and with an increase in the elongation at break from 209.6 to 350.1% for the films with 15 wt % SiO2. The presence of a wettable PSA shell on the fluorocore made interaction possible with SiO2; this made it more hygroscopic with a decent water uptake capacity and an enhanced water contact angle. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2012
Preparation and potential in vivo anti‐influenza virus activity of low molecular‐weight κ‐carrageenans and their derivatives
Authors: Tang Fengxiang , Chen Fang , Li Feng
Published: May 2012

Degradation of native κ‐carrageenan was performed using acid hydrolysis aided with microwave heating. Combined with nonofiltration membrane (cut‐off molecular weight 250 Da) separation, 1. 400 Da ‐ 50 kDa low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) κ‐carrageenans were obtained. Narrow molecular weight distribution of LMW κ‐carrageenans could be prepared under pH 2.18 during the microwave power range investigated. The in
vivo anti‐influenza virus (IV) activity of three kinds of LMW κ‐carrageenans (3, 5, and 10 kDa), their acetylated derivatives (acetylation degree of 1.5), as well as an acetylated and sulfated derivative of 3 kDa carrageenan (acetylation degree of 1.0 and sulfation degree of 2.4), were investigated using FM1‐induced pulmonary oedema model. These LMW κ‐carrageenans showed significant inhibition against FM1‐induced pulmonary oedema as compared with the virus control, although their activities were inferior to that of positive control, Rabivirin. Introduction of acetyl groups greatly increased their anti‐IV activity. The acetylated 3‐kDa κ‐carrageenan exhibited comparative activity with Rabivirin at both doses of 6 and 30 2. mg/kg·d, and the acetylated and sulfated derivative of 3 kDa carrageenan displayed higher activity than Rabivirin at the dose of 30 mg/kg·d. These results disclosed that 3 kDa κ‐carrageenan with proper acetylation degree and sulfation degree was a potential candidate against influenza virus. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and properties of porous L‐tryptophan imprinted latex membrane from core‐shell emulsion
Authors: Lin Meina , Li Xiao , Zhang Weiying , Ying Xiaoguang
Published: May 2012

Molecularly imprinted latex membrane (MILM) is prepared by core‐shell emulsion technique in the presence of a template molecule (L‐Tryptophan). A hard inward and soft outward microstructure latex particle is designed to obtain MILM with both flexibility and impact strength. Molecularly imprinted layer with high crosslinking degree is grafted on the surface of core‐shell latex particles. NaCl, glucose, urea, polyethylene glycol, Mw 300, etc., are added during the film‐forming process to produce porous microstructure in MILM. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scatchard analysis are used to investigate the interaction between L‐Tryptophan and MILM and the binding ability of the resultant MILM, respectively. The functional binding and separation performances in aqueous medium towards template are carried out. The results reveal that the content and type of porogen and the shell composition have significant effects on adsorption capacity and separation ability. MILM with glucose as porogen shows high recognition towards the template with adsorption separation factor reaching 9.06. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and properties of kapok fiber enhanced oil sorption resins by suspended emulsion polymerization
Authors: Wang Jintao , Zheng Yian , Wang Aiqin
Published: May 2012

In this work, a series of polybutylmethacrylate/kapok fiber (PBMA/KF) composites were synthesized by suspended emulsion polymerization and well characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of reaction parameters, such as amount of initiator, crosslinker, emulsifier, KF content on oil absorbency, were investigated in detail. The optimum polymerization conditions were obtained as initiator of 0.4 wt %, crosslinker of 1.0 wt %, emulsifier of 2.0 wt %, and KF content of 8.0 wt %. Compared with PBMA, the as‐prepared PBMA/KF (8 wt % KF) showed better oil sorption capacity, with the increase percentage of 58.7% in toluene and 66.7% in chloroform. Swelling behavior indicated that the sorption equilibrium was established basically within 15 min, and the incorporation of KF can promote the oil sorption rate. Furthermore, the composite exhibited better reusability and oil retention capabilities, and can be recognized as a kind of low‐cost oil sorption materials for oil pollution treatment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Influence of compatibilizer content on PA/NBR blends properties: Unusual characterization and evaluation methods
Authors: Gomes A. C. O. , Soares B. G. , Oliveira M. G. , Pessan L. A. , Paranhos C. M.
Published: May 2012

NBR/PA6 blends were prepared at the melt state and with the use of masterbatches. Compatibilization with NBR‐oxazoline was tested with the aim of enhancing the blend performance and to obtain more appropriated morphology. The effect of compatibilizer content was studied through the characterization of blend mechanical properties, creep behavior, swelling, PA6 phase crystallinity, morphology, and rheological properties, including pressure‐volume‐temperature behavior. The results show a more significant elastomeric behavior for blends with 5 and 7 phr of compatibilizer, with deleterious effects for higher content. The migration of compatibilizer into elastomeric phase was documented by electronic microscopy, and corroborated by an increase in free volume of the samples. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synergistic effect of organic silicon on the flame retardancy and thermal properties of polycarbonate/potassium‐4‐(phenylsulfonyl) benzenesulfonate systems
Authors: Yuan Dan‐dan , Deng Lian‐tian , Yin Hai‐qing , Cai Xu‐fu
Published: May 2012

Melt blending was used to prepare a series of flame‐retardant hybrids based on bisphenol A, polycarbonate (PC), potassium‐4‐(phenylsulfonyl)benzenesulfonate (KSS), and the organic silicon compounds N‐(β‐aminoethyl)‐γ‐aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane (KH‐602) and diphenylsilanediol. The flame retardancy and thermal stability of the hybrids were investigated by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, the UL‐94 vertical burning test, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the flame retardancy of the PC/KSS system and the weight of the residues improved with the addition of the organic silicon. When the content of diphenylsilanediol was 4 wt % and KH‐602 was 1 wt %, the LOI value of the PC/KSS system was found to be 47, and Class V‐0 of the UL‐94 test was achieved. The microstructures observed by scanning electron microscopy indicated that the surface of the char for PC/KSS systems with KH‐602 and diphenylsilanediol hold a more cohesive and denser char structure when compared with the pure PC/KSS system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis, thermal degradation, and flame retardancy of a novel charring agent aliphatic—aromatic polyamide for intumescent flame retardant polypropylene
Authors: Yi Jiangsong , Liu Yi , Pan Dongdong , Cai Xufu
Published: May 2012

In this article, the laboratory‐made poly(p‐ethylene terephthalamide) (PETA) was used as a novel charring agent; it was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H NMR. PETA combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to prepare the intumescent flame retardant (IFR), which was applied in polypropylene (PP). The flame retardancy of IFR on PP was investigated by the limiting oxygen index (LOI), the UL‐94 (vertical flame) test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the LOI value of the IFR‐PP (30/70) system reached the highest 35%, and the system passed V‐0 rating, when the weight ratio of PETA to APP was 1 : 3. The TGA data indicated that the charring ability of PETA was relatively poor with 18.0 wt % char residue at 800°C. However, the residual weight of the IFR was promoted with 28.1 wt % at 800°C, while it was 22.8 wt % based on calculation. The SEM showed that the intumescent and dense charring layer was formed after the combustion of the IFR‐PP(30/70) system. In addition, the thermal degradation mechanism of PETA and IFR was studied by thermogravimetry‐Fourier transform infraredspectroscopy and IR, and it demonstrated that the reaction between APP and PETA was happened and the POC structure was got. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Toward a therapeutic jurisprudence analysis of medication refusal in the court review model
Authors: Zito Julie Magno , Vitrai Jozsef , Craig Thomas J.
Published: May 2012

A therapeutic jurisprudence analysis attempts to discern the role of legal proceedings, lawyers and judges in producing therapeutic or anti‐therapeutic consequences. This paper will attempt to use the therapeutic jurisprudence framework to analyze the legal and administrative aspects of court review as it was reported during a one year epidemiologic study of drug refusal. Characteristics of the review process, the effect on patient refusal, and the attitudes of treating psychiatrists are presented. To broaden the clinical context of the administrative findings, selected clinical characteristics of refusing patients, their attitudes toward mental illness, reasons for refusing medication and satisfaction with court review will be described. The discussion attempts to show how the initial administrative study findings may be interpreted in the broader context of their relationship to the achievement of therapeutic outcomes.
Can Ziskin withstand his own criticisms? problems with his model of cross‐examination
Authors: Rogers Richard , Bagby R. Michael , Perera Cheryl
Published: May 2012

Ziskin has mounted a concerted attack on the scientific basis of psychology and psychiatry and their ability to provide expertise to the courts. He has assailed both the clinical methods and conclusions rendered by these mental health professionals. To rebut expert testimony, Ziskin has proposed general principles of cross‐examination. We discuss the limitations of this model and provide an initial study of its effectiveness.
Community policing to take guns off the street
Authors: Shaw J. Wilford
Published: May 2012

Despite the difficulty in current attempts to precisely measure gun density or availability (Cook, 1991), there can be little doubt from research that firearm availability does impact the homicide and other violent crime rates. There is nonetheless a dearth of information regarding specific police strategies for reducing gun violence (Reiss & Roth, 1993). Describing one component of the Weed and Seed strategy in Kansas City, Missouri, this article examines an innovative approach with this goal as the primary focus. Specific questions addressed were (1) whether the police can successfully gain community support in obtaining immediate, pertinent information about illegal gun carrying, and (2) whether the police can successfully use that information to seize illegally carried guns. The fact that this program did not produce the desired gun tips or gun arrests may be useful for other jurisdictions seeking new strategies by both identifying a number of potential problems and suggesting areas for improvement.
Firearms and the mentally ill: A legislative overview and jurisprudential analysis
Authors: Edwards Arthur A.
Published: May 2012

This article examines federal and state laws that prohibit the mentally ill from possessing firearms and assesses the jurisprudence that has developed as courts have applied the federal law. It argues that although there is little or no empirical data linking the mentally ill with firearms violence, legislative activity and popular political debate invariably include such restrictions on the mentally ill. Notwithstanding the proliferation of firearms and antecedent violence, this article suggests that legislators and policy‐makers must separate this issue from the broader and more emotional issue of “gun control” in order to effectuate better public policy and simultaneously protect the constitutional rights of the mentally ill.
Effect of initial bacteria concentration on hydrogen gas production from cheese whey powder solution by thermophilic dark fermentation
Authors: Kargi Fikret , Eren Nur Seza , Ozmihci Serpil
Published: May 2012

Dark fermentative hydrogen gas production from cheese whey powder solution was realized at 55°C. Experiments were performed at different initial biomass concentrations varying between 0.48 and 2.86 g L−1 with a constant initial substrate concentration of 26 ± 2 g total sugar (TS) per liter. The highest cumulative hydrogen evolution (633 mL, 30°C), hydrogen yield (1.56 mol H2 mol−1 glucose), and H2 formation rate (3.45 mL h−1) were obtained with 1.92 g L−1 biomass concentration. The specific H2 production rate decreased with increasing biomasss concentration from the highest value (47.7 mL g−1 h−1) at 0.48 g L−1 biomass concentration. Total volatile fatty acid concentration varied beetween 10 and 14 g L−1 with the highest level of 14.2 g L−1 at biomass concentration of 0.48 g L−1 and initial TS content of 28.4 g L−1. The experimental data were correlated with the Gompertz equation and the constants were determined. The most suitable initial biomass to substrate ratio yielding the highest H2 yield and formation rate was 0.082 g biomass per gram of TS. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 28: 931–936, 2012
3,4‐dihydroxy‐L‐phenylalanine as a cell adhesion molecule in serum‐free cell culture
Authors: La Wan‐Geun , Bhang Suk Ho , Shin Jung‐Youn , Yoon Hee Hun , Park Jooyeon , Yang Hee Seok , Yu Seung‐Ho , Sung Yung‐Eun , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: May 2012

In this article, we examined the feasibility of using 3,4‐dihydroxy‐L‐phenylalanine (DOPA) as a cell adhesion molecule in serum‐free cultures of anchorage‐dependent mammalian cells. DOPA is a critical, functional element in mussel adhesive proteins and is known to bind strongly to various natural or synthetic materials. DOPA coating on culture plates was confirmed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were cultured on DOPA‐coated, fibronectin‐coated, or no material‐coated culture plates in serum‐free medium. HDFs cultured on DOPA showed the highest cell adhesion ratio, spreading, and viability but the lowest apoptotic activity. Therefore, DOPA may be a useful cell‐adhesion molecule for serum‐free culture. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 28: 1055–1060, 2012
The lactate conundrum in wound healing: Clinical and experimental findings indicate the requirement for a rapid point‐of‐care diagnostic
Authors: Britland Stephen , Ross‐Smith Oliver , Jamil Humzah , Smith Annie G. , Vowden Kath , Vowden Peter
Published: May 2012

The increasing prevalence of chronic wounds has significant financial implications for nations with advanced healthcare provision. Although the diseases that predispose to hard‐to‐heal wounds are recognized, their etiology is less well understood, partly because practitioners in wound management lack specialized diagnostic support. Prognostic indicators for healing may be inherent to wound biochemistry but remain invisible under routine clinical investigation; lactate is an example of this. In this study, lactate concentration in exudate obtained from 20 patients undergoing wound management in hospital was variable but in some cases approached or exceeded 20 mM. In vitro viability studies indicated that fibroblasts and endothelial cells tolerated low levels of lactate (1–10 mM), but cell viability was severely compromised by high lactate concentrations (=20 mM). Scratched monolayer experiments revealed that cell migration was affected earlier than viability in response to increasing lactate dose, and this was shown by immunocytochemistry to be associated with cytoskeletal disruption. A prototype enzyme‐based colorimetric assay for lactate generating a color change that was rapid in the context of clinical practise, and capable of functioning within a gel vehicle, was developed with point‐of‐care dipstick applications in mind. A randomized single‐blinded trial involving 30 volunteers and using a color chart to calibrate the assay demonstrated that lactate concentration could be reliably estimated with 5 mM precision; this suggesting that “physiological” and “pathological” lactate concentration could be distinguished. The present data suggest that a dipstick‐type colorimetric assay could comprise a viable diagnostic tool for identifying patients at‐risk from high‐wound lactate. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 28: 917–924, 2012
Liquid–liquid extraction for recovery of paclitaxel from plant cell culture: Solvent evaluation and use of extractants for partitioning and selectivity
Authors: McPartland Timothy J. , Patil Rohan A. , Malone Michael F. , Roberts Susan C.
Published: May 2012

A major challenge in the production of metabolites by plant cells is the separation and purification of a desired product from a number of impurities. An important application of plant cell culture is the biosynthesis of the anticancer agent paclitaxel. Liquid–liquid extraction plays a critical role in the recovery of paclitaxel and other valuable plant‐derived products from culture broth. In this study, the extraction of paclitaxel and a major unwanted by‐product, cephalomannine, from plant cell culture broth into organic solvents is quantified. Potential solvent mixtures show varying affinity and selectivity for paclitaxel over cephalomannine. The partition coefficient of paclitaxel is highest in ethyl acetate and dichloromethane, with measured values of 28 and 25, respectively; however, selectivity coefficients are less than 1 for paclitaxel over cephalomannine for both solvents. Selectivity coefficient increases to 1.7 with extraction in n‐hexane, but the partition coefficient decreases to 1.9. Altering the pH of the aqueous phase results in an increase in both recovery and selectivity using n‐hexane but does not change the results for other solvents significantly. The addition of extractants trioctylamine (TOA) or tributylphosphate (TBP) to n‐hexane gives significantly higher partition coefficients for paclitaxel (8.6 and 23.7, respectively) but no selectivity. Interestingly, when 20% hexafluorobenzene (HFB) is added to n‐hexane, the partition coefficient remains approximately constant, but the selectivity coefficient for paclitaxel over cephalomannine improves to 4.5. This significant increase in selectivity early in the purification process has the potential to simplify downstream processing steps and significantly reduce overall purification costs. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 28: 990–997, 2012
Fast continuous collision culling with deforming noncollinear filters
Authors: Du Peng , Tang Min , Tong Ruofeng
Published: May 2012

We present a novel culling algorithm that uses deforming noncollinear filters to improve the performance of continuous collision detection (CCD) algorithms. The underlying idea is to use simple and effective filters, deforming noncollinear filters (NCFs), that reduce the number of false positives between the primitives. These filters are derived from the collinear conditions and can be easily combined with other culling methods. We have tested its performance on several benchmarks. Comparing with previous methods, we can reduce the number of false positives significantly and improve the overall performance of CCD algorithms, especially for simulations with large time steps. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of multiple fluids with solid–liquid phase transition
Authors: Wang Changbo , Zhang Qiang , Xiao Huajun , Shen Qiuyan
Published: May 2012

Physically based multiphase fluid simulation has been a hot topic in computer graphics. Since there are complex changing interface topology and interactions among air, solid, and different fluids, few papers have devoted to simulate the multiple fluids phenomena with solid–liquid phase transition. In this paper, the thermal fluid model for phase transition combined with free surface tracking is used to describe the interaction between air and fluids. Then a new model based on hierarchical lattice is proposed to process the solid–liquid interaction and the phase transition in the solid–liquid interface. Further, with the use of hybrid interaction with multidistribution functions, different realistic multiple fluids phenomena are rendered with different lattice sizes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Feed Properties for Conceptual Process Design Involving Complex Mixtures
Authors: Josch Jan Pablo , Strube Jochen
Published: May 2012

The market for products made by biotechnology is diverse and has significantly grown in recent years. Despite this growing demand, the first proposal of product purification processes for these complex mixtures remains purely experimentally based and is not methodically targeted. The present work represents an initial study to demonstrate the benefits of a systematic approach. The study focuses on the adaptation of established methods for process development to these so‐called complex mixtures. It also assesses the suitability of these methods for complex mixtures, given the current state of research. Based on the described adaption, the most efficient method for the conceptual process development is identified and is subsequently developed. The resulting methodology consists of model‐based cost accounting with a miniaturized experimental determination of model parameters, accompanied by a comprehensive error analysis. The developed approaches are successfully validated by using a protein mixture.
Design of digital allpass‐based two‐channel quincunx QMF banks
Authors: Lee Ju‐Hong , Shieh Yi‐Lin
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a novel structure for constructing two‐channel quincunx quadrature mirror filter (QQMF) banks. The analysis and synthesis filters of the QQMF bank are composed of two‐dimensional (2‐D) recursive digital allpass filters with symmetric half‐plane support regions. Using the 2‐D doubly complementary half‐band property possessed by the analysis and synthesis filters, we facilitate the design of the digital allpass‐based two‐channel QQMF banks. For finding the coefficients of the 2‐D recursive symmetric half‐plane digital allpass filters, the design problem is appropriately formulated to result in an optimization problem that can be solved by using a weighted least‐squares algorithm in the minimax (L∞) optimal sense. The novelty of the proposed design method is that the designed 2‐D QQMF bank achieves perfect magnitude response and possesses satisfactory phase response without requiring extra phase equalizer. Simulation results are also provided for illustration and comparison. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tin(II) and Tin(IV) Compounds with Scorpion‐Shaped Ligands – Intramolecular N→Sn vs. Intermolecular O→Sn Coordination
Authors: Iovkova‐Berends Ljuba , Berends Thorsten , Zöller Thomas , Bradtmöller Gerrit , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja , Jurkschat Klaus
Published: May 2012

The syntheses of new potentially tetradentate ligands of the type RN(CH2CMe2OH)2 (1, R = Me2NCH2CH2; 2, R = MeOCH2CH2), their tin(II) derivatives RN(CH2CMe2O)2Sn (3, R = Me2NCH2CH2; 4, R = MeOCH2CH2), the pentacarbonyltungsten complexes RN(CH2CMe2O)2SnW(CO)5 (5, R = Me2NCH2CH2; 6, R = MeOCH2CH2) and their oxidation products with bromine, RN(CH2CMe2O)2SnBr2 (7, R = Me2NCH2CH2; 8, R = MeOCH2CH2), are reported. The compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. DFT calculations on compounds 3, 7 and 8 suggest the preference of dimeric over monomeric structures.
A Facile Synthesis of 2H‐Chromenes and 9‐Functionalized Phenanthrenes through Reactions between α,β‐Unsaturated Compounds and Arynes
Authors: Zhang Tiexin , Huang Xian , Luling Wu and
Published: May 2012

Facile syntheses of 2H‐chromenes or 9‐functionalized phenanthrenes under mild conditions in moderate to good yields have been developed. They each involve annulations of arynes with α,β‐unsaturated compounds bearing different electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs). Depending on the natures of the different EWGs, the reactions proceed by different pathways: enals react with arynes through a tandem [2+2] cycloaddition/thermal electrocyclic ring‐opening/6e‐electrocyclization sequence to afford 2H‐chromenes, whereas acyl‐/ethoxycarbonyl‐/cyano‐substituted styrenes undergo Diels–Alder reactions with arynes followed by aromatization to afford 9‐functionalized phenanthrenes. The scope, limitations, regioselectivities and mechanisms have been studied and are discussed in detail.
Near‐infrared spectroscopic online monitoring of process stability in biogas plants
Authors: Stockl Andrea , Oechsner Hans
Published: May 2012

The conditions laid down in the Renewable Energy Source Act for production of electricity from biogas have led to an enormous expansion of new biogas plants in the recent years in Germany. Through near‐infrared reflection spectroscopy (NIRS) process stability of a biogas digester can be monitored online. This study presents the development of NIRS calibrations on acetic acid equivalents, acetic acid, and propionic acid concentrations in the digester substrate. Thereby, differences between thermophilic and mesophilic operations were measured and presented for the first time. Good calibration models were achieved by artificially increasing concentrations of the above‐mentioned acids in two 400 L experimental biogas digesters with mesophilic and thermophilic operation and applying support vector regression. The presented values demonstrate that calibration with NIRS is possible. In the thermophilic digester, a calibration model with a ratio of standard deviation and standard error of prediction (RPD) value of 3.21 was achieved for the parameter acetic acid and in the mesophilic digester a RPD of 4.91 for the same acid. For the parameter propionic acid, calibration models with RPD values of 4.23 and 4.78 were achieved for the thermophilic‐ and mesophilic‐operated digesters, respectively. The presented NIRS calibration can be used to develop an early warning system for process stability, which can be used for reliable optimization of biogas production to increase the methane yield.
Pile‐head kinematic bending in layered soil
Authors: Di Laora Raffaele , Mylonakis George , Mandolini Alessandro
Published: May 2012

Kinematic effects at the head of a flexible vertical pile embedded in a two‐layer soil deposit are investigated by means of rigorous three‐dimensional elastodynamic finite‐element analyses. Both pile and soil are idealized as linearly viscoelastic materials, modelled by solid elements, without the restrictions associated with the use of strength‐of‐materials approximations. The system is analyzed by a time‐Fourier approach in conjunction with a modal expansion in space. Constant viscous damping is considered for each natural mode, and an FFT algorithm is employed to switch from frequency to time domain and vice versa in natural or generalized coordinates. The scope of the paper is to: (a) elucidate the role of a number of key phenomena controlling the amplitude of kinematic bending moments at the pile head; (b) propose a simplified semi‐analytical formula for evaluating such moments; and (c) provide some remarks about the role of kinematic bending in the seismic design of pile foundations. The results of the study provide a new interpretation of the interplay between interface kinematic moments and corresponding head moments, as a function of layer thickness, pile‐to‐soil stiffness ratio, and stiffness contrast between the soil layers. In addition, the role of diameter in designing against kinematic action, with or without the presence of an inertial counterpart, is discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical and experimental studies on midstory isolated buildings with modal coupling effect
Authors: Wang Shiang‐Jung , Hwang Jenn‐Shin , Chang Kuo‐Chun , Lin Meng‐Hui , Lee Bo‐Han
Published: May 2012

In a midstory isolated building, the isolation system is incorporated into the midstory rather than the base of the building. Because of the flexibility of the substructure below the isolation system in a midstory isolated building, the contribution of higher modes to the seismic responses of the midstory isolated structure may not be negligible, especially when the coupling of higher modes exists. To investigate this modal coupling effect, a simplified three‐lumped‐mass structural model of the midstory isolated building is assumed in this study. Through the equivalent linear analysis and shaking table tests, it is found that the coupling of higher modes may lead to enlarged acceleration responses at the super‐floor and superstructure above the isolation layer. Accordingly, a simple method to prevent the midstory isolation design from the coupling of higher modes attributed to the improper design of the substructure and superstructure is proposed in this paper. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental change, hydromorphological reference conditions and the restoration of Polish Carpathian rivers
Authors: Wyżga Bartłomiej , Zawiejska Joanna , Radecki‐Pawlik Artur , Hajdukiewicz Hanna
Published: May 2012

In the twentieth century Polish Carpathian rivers were considerably modified by channelization and gravel mining, with significant detrimental effects to their ecological integrity, vertical stability of the streambeds and flood hazard to downstream river reaches. Restoration of the rivers is thus necessary to improve their ecological status and re‐establish geomorphic dynamic equilibrium conditions. Various approaches to defining hydromorphological reference conditions, proposed to date in river restoration literature, have serious deficiencies. In particular, environmental changes that took place in the catchments of Carpathian rivers during the twentieth century invalidate the historical state of the rivers as reference for their restoration. This is illustrated by a change from bar‐braided to island‐braided channel pattern that occurred in the past century in unmanaged sections of the Czarny Dunajec in response to a reduction in flow and sediment dynamics of the river. We indicate that reference conditions should be defined as those which exist or would exist under present environmental conditions in the catchment but without human influence on the channel, riparian zone and floodplain of the river which is to be restored. This assumption was tested through the evaluation of hydromorphological river quality of the Czarny Dunajec according to the European Standard EN‐14614. The evaluation confirmed a high‐status hydromorphological quality in an unmanaged channel section, which can thus be used as a reference for restoration of impacted river sections. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Partial response DFT‐precoded‐OFDM modulation
Authors: Kuchi Kiran
Published: May 2012

A low peak‐to‐average‐power‐ratio (PAPR) modulation technique is proposed for discrete Fourier transform precoded orthogonal frequency division multiple access (DFT‐precoded‐OFDMA) systems. This technique reduces the PAPR by introducing a phase rotation between successive modulation symbols along with partial response (PR) precoding before feeding the data to a DFT‐precoded‐OFDMA modulator. The PAPR reduction is shown to be quite significant for amplitude‐shift‐keying systems based on real constellations employing π ∕ 2 phase rotation. In particular, for the special case of binary modulation, the combination of phase rotation and PR precoding produces a signal with low amplitude variations. We show that the class of PR precoders obtained by sampling the linearised Gaussian‐minimum‐shift‐keying pulse provides low PAPR and a small degradation in bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance. In particular, the widely linear minimum‐mean‐square‐error (WL‐MMSE) estimation and WL MMSE decision feedback equaliser (WL MMSE‐DFE) methods that jointly filter the signal and its complex conjugate are shown to be useful in mitigating the additional intersymbol interference introduced by the PR precoder. The BER performance is comparable with that of conventional DFT‐precoded‐OFDMA systems employing conventional equalisers.

The proposed technique is also suitable for reducing the PAPR of Q‐ary phase‐shift‐keying systems based on complex constellations employing a phase rotation of π ∕ Q. Introduction of Type A‐2 PR precoder that is obtained from the linearised Gaussian‐minimum‐shift‐keying pulse reduces the PAPR by 3.0 dB for quadrature phase‐shift keying, and 2.5 dB reduction is observed for Q‐ary phase‐shift keying with Q ≥8. The intersymbol interference created by the PR precoder causes bit‐error‐rate degradation in the range of 2.0–2.5 dB when conventional MMSE‐DFE receiver is used for symbol detection. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Family Data as a Verification Standard to Evaluate Copy Number Variation Calling Strategies for Genetic Association Studies
Authors: Zheng Xiaojing , Shaffer John R. , McHugh Caitlin P. , Laurie Cathy C. , Feenstra Bjarke , Melbye Mads , Murray Jeffrey C. , Marazita Mary L. , Feingold Eleanor
Published: May 2012

A major concern for all copy number variation (CNV) detection algorithms is their reliability and repeatability. However, it is difficult to evaluate the reliability of CNV‐calling strategies due to the lack of gold‐standard data that would tell us which CNVs are real. We propose that if CNVs are called in duplicate samples, or inherited from parent to child, then these can be considered validated CNVs. We used two large family‐based genome‐wide association study (GWAS) datasets from the GENEVA consortium to look at concordance rates of CNV calls between duplicate samples, parent‐child pairs, and unrelated pairs. Our goal was to make recommendations for ways to filter and use CNV calls in GWAS datasets that do not include family data. We used PennCNV as our primary CNV‐calling algorithm, and tested CNV calls using different datasets and marker sets, and with various filters on CNVs and samples. Using the Illumina core HumanHap550 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) set, we saw duplicate concordance rates of approximately 55% and parent‐child transmission rates of approximately 28% in our datasets. GC model adjustment and sample quality filtering had little effect on these reliability measures. Stratification on CNV size and DNA sample type did have some effect. Overall, our results show that it is probably not possible to find a CNV‐calling strategy (including filtering and algorithm) that will give us a set of “reliable” CNV calls using current chip technologies. But if we understand the error process, we can still use CNV calls appropriately in genetic association studies.
Evaluation of Association Methods for Analysing Modifiers of Disease Risk in Carriers of High‐Risk Mutations
Authors: Barnes Daniel R. , Lee Andrew , Investigators EMBRACE , Investigators kConFab , Easton Douglas F. , Antoniou Antonis C.
Published: May 2012

There is considerable evidence indicating that disease risk in carriers of high‐risk mutations (e.g. BRCA1 and BRCA2) varies by other genetic factors. Such mutations tend to be rare in the population and studies of genetic modifiers of risk have focused on sampling mutation carriers through clinical genetics centres. Genetic testing targets affected individuals from high‐risk families, making ascertainment of mutation carriers non‐random with respect to disease phenotype. Standard analytical methods can lead to biased estimates of associations. Methods proposed to address this problem include a weighted‐cohort (WC) and retrospective likelihood (RL) approach. Their performance has not been evaluated systematically. We evaluate these methods by simulation and extend the RL to analysing associations of two diseases simultaneously (competing risks RL—CRRL). The standard cohort approach (Cox regression) yielded the most biased risk ratio (RR) estimates (relative bias—RB: −25% to −17%) and had the lowest power. The WC and RL approaches provided similar RR estimates, were least biased (RB: −2.6% to 2.5%), and had the lowest mean‐squared errors. The RL method generally had more power than WC. When analysing associations with two diseases, ignoring a potential association with one disease leads to inflated type I errors for inferences with respect to the second disease and biased RR estimates. The CRRL generally gave unbiased RR estimates for both disease risks and had correct nominal type I errors. These methods are illustrated by analyses of genetic modifiers of breast and ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of disulfides using tetrathiomolybdate: A step toward greener synthesis
Authors: Sidiq Naheed , Bhat Mohsin Ahmad , Khan Khaliquz Zaman , Khuroo Mohammad Akbar
Published: May 2012

An eco‐friendly, efficient, and rapid synthetic procedure for disulfides using benzyl triethyl ammonium tetrathiomolybdate through microwave irradiation of solid support adsorbed reactants is reported. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:373–376, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21025
Combination of bioactive moieties with different heteroatom(s): Application of the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction
Authors: Patel Rahul V. , Patel Jigar K. , Kumari Premlata , Chikhalia Kishor H.
Published: May 2012

Two series of thiophene/benzothiophene‐linked quinolinyl oxadiazoles condensed to the substituted N‐benzothiazolyl acetamides have been synthesized via the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction. The ester derivative of 6‐bromo‐substituted quinoline was reacted via the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction with commercially available (benzo)thiophen‐2‐ylboronic acid at optimized temperature in 1,2‐dimethoxy ethane and water in the presence of potassium carbonate and palladium tetrakis. The resulting derivatives were then hydrazinolized using 99% hydrazine hydrate followed by cyclization using carbon disulfide in ethanolic KOH to furnish the corresponding oxadiazoles, which were then condensed with various substituted 2‐chloro‐N‐benzothiazolyl acetamides to produce the final scaffolds involving a unique combination of four heterocycles to be examined for their antimicrobial activity against two Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), three Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae), and two fungal species (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). The investigation of biological screening data revealed that the majority of the compounds tested have demonstrated excellent activity (minimum inhibitory concentrations; 6.25–50 µg/mL) against most of the microorganisms as compared with the standard and hence they warrant more consideration as prospective antimicrobial agents. New products (9a–10i) were characterized by physicochemical, elemental, and spectral (IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR) data. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:399–410, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21027
Pharmacokinetic interaction between the hepatitis C virus protease inhibitor boceprevir and cyclosporine and tacrolimus in healthy volunteers
Authors: Hulskotte Ellen , Gupta Samir , Xuan Fengjuan , van Zutven Marga , O'Mara Edward , Feng Hwa-Ping , Wagner John , Butterton Joan
Published: May 2012

The hepatitis C virus protease inhibitor boceprevir is a strong inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4 and 3A5 (CYP3A4/5). Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressants used to prevent organ rejection after liver transplantation; both are substrates of CYP3A4. This two-part pharmacokinetic interaction study evaluated boceprevir with cyclosporine (part 1) and tacrolimus (part 2). In part 1, 10 subjects received single-dose cyclosporine (100 mg) on day 1, single-dose boceprevir (800 mg) on day 3, and concomitant cyclosporine/boceprevir on day 4. After washout, subjects received boceprevir (800 mg three times a day) for 7 days plus single-dose cyclosporine (100 mg) on day 6. In part 2A, 12 subjects received single-dose tacrolimus (0.5 mg). After washout, they received boceprevir (800 mg three times a day) for 11 days plus single-dose tacrolimus (0.5 mg) on day 6. In part 2B, 10 subjects received single-dose boceprevir (800 mg) and 24 hours later received boceprevir (800 mg) plus tacrolimus (0.5 mg). Coadministration of boceprevir with cyclosporine/tacrolimus was well tolerated. Concomitant boceprevir increased the area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity after single dosing (AUCinf) and maximum observed plasma (or blood) concentration (Cmax) of cyclosporine with geometric mean ratios (GMRs) (90% confidence interval [CI]) of 2.7 (2.4-3.1) and 2.0 (1.7-2.4), respectively. Concomitant boceprevir increased the AUCinf and Cmax of tacrolimus with GMRs (90% CI) of 17 (14-21) and 9.9 (8.0-12), respectively. Neither cyclosporine nor tacrolimus coadministration had a meaningful effect on boceprevir pharmacokinetics.

Conclusion:

Dose adjustments of cyclosporine should be anticipated when administered with boceprevir, guided by close monitoring of cyclosporine blood concentrations and frequent assessments of renal function and cyclosporine-related side effects. Administration of boceprevir plus tacrolimus requires significant dose reduction and prolongation of the dosing interval for tacrolimus, with close monitoring of tacrolimus blood concentrations and frequent assessments of renal function and tacrolimus-related side effects.
Mediating Effect between Supportive Culture and Job Satisfaction in Administrative Services at Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Liou Dian‐Yan , Tu Chia‐Ching , Chang Shu‐Hsuan
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this article is to examine halo effect and organizational commitment in relation to employees' job satisfaction and organizational supportive culture at universities in Taiwan. The study used a questionnaire to collect data from 210 female faculty members of Taiwanese universities. The conceptual model was tested mediating the effect of structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation. This study not only found the mediating role of halo effect and organizational commitment between supportive culture and job satisfaction, but also proved that a supportive culture in universities is directly and positively related to job satisfaction and that emotional and identification‐oriented organizational commitment may affect job satisfaction in a positive way among female faculty members. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Service systems and the social enterprise
Authors: Tracy Stephen , Lyons Kelly
Published: May 2012

Service science is an emerging multidisciplinary field concerned with the study of service systems and value cocreation. In recent years, the field has expanded considerably, growing to encompass a community of researchers and practitioners from a range of backgrounds and knowledge domains. However, very little research has focused on the study of service systems within the context of social‐purpose organizations (SPOs), such as a nonprofit charitable organization or an academic institution. We contend that SPOs represent a class of service systems that are understudied in service science. The goal of this study is to contribute to the ongoing development of the discipline's theoretical foundations through an empirical study of a special type of SPO, the social enterprise. Through case‐study research, we analyzed five social enterprise organizations. Our findings point to a number of areas that suggest a bias in service science concepts toward economically motivated and profit‐driven service systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EXCHANGE RATE REVERSION UNDER REGIMES OTHER THAN FREE FLOAT
Authors: Lin Luke , Lin Wenyuan
Published: May 2012

Several studies indirectly point out that the exchange rate system may be one of the factors for establishing purchasing power parity (PPP). However, current researches on PPP have mainly focused on the recent floating period and need various statistical models to carry out. We use quantile autoregression technique to comprehensively examine the mean reversion properties of the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), where the NTD was both in a fixed regime period and a managed floating system period. Empirical findings indicate that NTD showed comparatively faster recovery when subjected to a larger or positive disturbance from the market. Additionally, when NTD was in a fixed regime period, PPP was mostly established. But during the managed floating system period, it was only partially established. These results suggest that mean reversion of real exchange rate heavily depends on the regime effect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NSAIDs induce apoptosis in nonproliferating ovarian cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Duncan Kristal , Uwimpuhwe Henriette , Czibere Akos , Sarkar Devanand , Libermann Towia A. , Fisher Paul B. , Zerbini Luiz F.
Published: May 2012

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynaecological cancers, which usually has a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis. A large percentage of the OC cell population is in a nonproliferating and quiescent stage, which poses a barrier to success when using most chemotherapeutic agents. Recent studies have shown that several nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in the treatment of OC. Furthermore, we have previously described the molecular mechanisms of NSAIDs' induction of cancer apoptosis. In this report, we evaluated various structurally distinct NSAIDs for their efficacies in inducing apoptosis in nonproliferating OC cells. Although several NSAIDs‐induced apoptosis, Flufenamic Acid, Flurbiprofen, Finasteride, Celocoxib, and Ibuprofen were the most potent NSAIDs inducing apoptosis. A combination of these agents resulted in an enhanced effect. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the combination of Flurbiprofen, which targets nonproliferative cells, and Sulindac Sulfide, that affects proliferative cells, strongly reduced tumor growth when compared with a single agent treatment. Our data strongly support the hypothesis that drug treatment regimens that target nonproliferating and proliferating cells may have significant efficacy against OC. These results also provide a rationale for employing compounds or even chemically modified NSAIDs, which selectively and efficiently induce apoptosis in cells during different stages of the cell cycle, to design more potent anticancer drugs. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(7): 636–643, 2012