bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental disorders and altered gene expression in the tropical clawed frog (Silurana tropicalis) exposed to 17α‐ethinylestradiol
Authors: Hirakawa Ikumi , Miyagawa Shinichi , Mitsui Naoko , Miyahara Maki , Onishi Yuta , Kagami Yoshihiro , Kusano Teruhiko , Takeuchi Takashi , Ohta Yasuhiko , Iguchi Taisen
Published: November 2012

Several endocrine‐disrupting chemicals with estrogenic activity can affect sexual development and reproduction in aquatic wildlife. The occurrence of oocytes in the testis (testis‐ova) is one reproductive disorder and can be used as a valid endpoint when studying disruptive effects of estrogenic chemicals. To elucidate the molecular basis of testis‐ova induction, we conducted gene expression analysis in the gonads of Silurana tropicalis exposed to 0, 3, 10 and 30 ng l−1 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2) from 2 days after fertilization to the juvenile stage (14 weeks after fertilization). The frequencies of testis‐ova induction or male to female sex‐reversal of the gonads increased in an EE2 dose‐dependent manner. Microarray analysis showed that expressions of a large number of genes were significantly changed by EE2 exposure. Genes including egg envelope composition (zp4, zpax, zpc, zp3.2 and egg cortical granule lectin), 42S particle genes (42Sp50, 42Sp43 and 42Sp48) and regulation of female germ cells (figla) are associated with the testis‐ova and sex‐reversal situation in the gonads. Of those, expression of zpc and 42Sp50 genes is associated with testis‐ova. Thus, we propose that these genes are useful biomarkers for toxicological research in amphibians developmentally exposed to estrogenic chemicals. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential Effect of DDT, DDE, and DDD on COX‐2 Expression in the Human Trophoblast Derived HTR‐8/SVneo Cells
Authors: Dominguez‐Lopez Pablo , Diaz‐Cueto Laura , Olivares Aleida , Ulloa‐Aguirre Alfredo , Arechavaleta‐Velasco Fabian
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 1,1,1‐trichloro‐2,2‐bis‐(chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 1,1‐bis‐(chlorophenyl)‐2,2‐dichloroethene (DDE), and 1,1‐dichloro‐2,2‐bis(chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD) isomers on COX‐2 expression in a human trophoblast‐derived cell line. Cultured HTR‐8/SVneo trophoblast cells were exposed to DDT isomers and its metabolites for 24 h, and COX‐2 mRNA and protein expression were assessed by RT‐PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. Prostaglandin E2 production was also measured by ELISA. Both COX‐2 mRNA and protein were detected under control (unexposed) conditions in the HTR‐8/SVneo cell line. COX‐2 protein expression and prostaglandin E2 production but not COX‐2 mRNA levels increased only after DDE and DDD isomers exposure. It is concluded that DDE and DDD exposure induce the expression of COX‐2 protein, leading to increased prostaglandin E2 production. Interestingly, the regulation of COX‐2 by these organochlorines pesticides appears to be at the translational level. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:454‐460, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10:1002/jbt.21444
Modulatory Effects of Curcumin and Green Tea Extract against Experimentally Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Comparison with N‐Acetyl Cysteine
Authors: Hamdy Mohammed Ahmed , El‐Maraghy Shohda A. , Kortam Mona Abd El Aziz
Published: November 2012

The study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of green tea extract (GTE), curcumin, and N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) on experimentally induced pulmonary fibrosis. Curcumin (200 mg/kg b.w), GTE (150 mg/kg b.w), and NAC (490 mg/kg b.w) were administered orally for 14 days with concomitant administration of cyclophosphamide (CP). Lung fibrosis was assessed by measuring hydroxyproline and elastin levels and confirmed by histopathological examination. Oxidative stress was also observed in the CP group. Lung myeloperoxidase activity was significantly decreased in animals of the CP group. N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase, leukotriene C4, and protein were increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Transforming growth factor‐β, interleukin ‐1β, and histamine were increased in both serum and BALF. All modulators markedly attenuated the altered biochemical parameters as compared to CP‐treated rats. These results suggest the possibility of using these treatments as protective agents with chemotherapy and as protective agents for lung fibrosis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:461‐468, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10:1002/jbt.21447
Comparison of methods for quantifying dental wear caused by erosion and abrasion
Authors: Passos Vanara F. , Melo Mary A.S. , Vasconcellos Andréa Araújo , Rodrigues Lidiany K.A. , Santiago Sérgio L.
Published: November 2012

Various methods have been applied to evaluate the effect of erosion and abrasion. So, the aim of this study was to check the applicability of stylus profilometry (SP), surface hardness (SH) and focus‐variation 3D microscopy (FVM) to the analysis of human enamel and dentin subjected to erosion/abrasion. The samples were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 10): G1‐enamel/erosion, G2‐enamel/erosion plus abrasion, G3‐dentin/erosion, and G4‐dentin/erosion plus abrasion. The specimens were selected by their surface hardness, and they were subjected to cycles of demineralization (Coca‐Cola®‐60 s) and remineralization (artificial saliva‐60 min). For groups G2 and G4, the remineralization procedures were followed by toothbrushing (150 strokes). The above cycle was repeated 3×/day during 5 days. The samples were assessed using SH, SP, and FVM. For each substrate, the groups were compared using an unpaired t‐test, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated (α = 5%). For enamel, both profilometry technique showed greater surface loss when the erosion and abrasion processes were combined (P <0.05). The correlation analysis did not reveal any relationships among SH, SP, and FVM to G2 and G4. There were significant correlation coefficients (–0.70 and –0.67) for the comparisons between the FVM and SH methods in enamel and dentin, respectively, in G1 and G3. Choosing the ideal technique for the analysis of erosion depends on the type of dental substrate. SP was not sufficiently sensitive to measure the effects on dentin of erosion or erosion/abrasion. However, SP, FVM and SH were adequate for the detection of tissue loss and demineralization in enamel. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intraoperative fluid management and complications following pancreatectomy
Authors: Grant Florence M. , Protic Mladjan , Gonen Mithat , Allen Peter , Brennan Murray F.
Published: November 2012

Background

Considerable debate exists as to appropriate perioperative fluid management. Data from several studies suggest that the amount of fluid administered perioperatively influences surgical outcome. Pancreatic resection is a major procedure in which complications are common. We examined 1,030 sequential patients who had undergone pancreatic resection at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center. We documented the prevalence and nature of their complications, and then correlated complications to intraoperative fluid administration.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 1,030 pancreatic resections performed at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center between May 2004 and December 2009 from our pancreatic database. Intraoperative administration of colloid and crystalloid was obtained from anesthesia records, and complication data from our institutional database.

Results

The overall in‐hospital mortality was 1.7%. Operative mortality was due predominantly to intraabdominal infection. Sixty percent of the mortality resulted from intraabdominal complications related to the procedure. We did not demonstrate a clinically significant relationship between intraoperative fluid administration and complications, although minor statistical significance was suggested.

Conclusions

In this retrospective review of intraoperative fluid administration we were not able to demonstrate a clinically significant association between postoperative complications and intraoperative crystalloid and colloid fluid administration. A randomized controlled trial has been initiated to address this question. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:529–535. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study on the system of nonaqueous microchip electrophoresis with on‐line peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Hu Hong‐Mei , Yin Xue‐Feng , Wang Xiu‐Zhong , Shen Hong
Published: November 2012

This article describes a further development of our previously reported miniaturized analysis system of microchip electrophoresis with on‐line chemiluminescence detection. The system, developed first time for nonaqueous microchip electrophoresis with peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence detection, consists of a suction pressure device for sample or reagent introduction, a constant voltage supplied for electrophoretic separation, an either hydrophilic or hydrophobic porous polymer plug for preventing chemiluminescence reagent flowing upstream and a spiral detection channel for enhancement of both detection sensitivity and reproducibility. Especially, by using organic solvent as BGE medium, the developed system avoided the interface problem between aqueous running buffer and low‐water‐content chemiluminescence solvent in previous reports. The influencing factors on chemiluminescence signal were optimized using rhodamine 6G as model molecule. The system performance was further investigated in the experiment of separation of hydrophilic rhodamine dyes and analysis of hydrophobic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, providing the detection limit (S/N = 3) of 3.5 nmol/L for rhodamine 123, 6.8 nmol/L for rhodamine 6G, and 60 nmol/L for 1‐aminopyrene, respectively. The experimental results showed the system offered a number of benefits, including compact structure, high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and a wide range of application prospect.
Electron Beam Crosslinked Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymers with Tunable Mechanical Properties
Authors: Hearon Keith , Nash Landon D. , Volk Brent L. , Ware Taylor , Lewicki James P. , Voit Walter E. , Wilson Thomas S. , Maitland Duncan J.
Published: November 2012

Novel electron beam crosslinked polyurethane shape memory polymers with advanced processing capabilities and tunable thermomechanical properties have been synthesized and characterized. We demonstrate the ability to manipulate crosslink density in order to finely tune rubbery modulus, strain capacity, ultimate tensile strength, recovery stress, and glass transition temperature. This objective is accomplished for the first time in a low‐molecular‐weight polymer system through the precise engineering of thermoplastic resin precursors suitable for mass thermoplastic processing. Neurovascular stent prototypes were fabricated by dip‐coating and laser machining to demonstrate processability.

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Routes to Hydrogen Bonding Chain‐End Functionalized Polymers
Authors: Bertrand Arthur , Lortie Frédéric , Bernard Julien
Published: November 2012

The contribution of supramolecular chemistry to polymer science opens new perspectives for the design of polymer materials exhibiting valuable properties and easier processability due to the dynamic nature of non‐covalent interactions. Hydrogen bonding polymers can be used as supramolecular units for yielding larger assemblies that possess attractive features, arising from the combination of polymer properties and the responsiveness of hydrogen bonds. The post‐polymerization modification of reactive end‐groups is the most common procedure for generating such polymers. Examples of polymerizations mediated by hydrogen bonding‐functionalized precursors have also recently been reported. This contribution reviews the current synthetic routes toward hydrogen bonding sticker chain‐end functionalized polymers.
Individually Addressable Patterned Multilayer Microchambers for Site‐Specific Release‐On‐Demand
Authors: Kiryukhin Maxim V. , Gorelik Sergey R. , Man Shu Mei , Subramanian Gomathy Sandhya , Antipina Maria N. , Low Hong Yee , Sukhorukov Gleb B.
Published: November 2012

Patterned arrays of light‐responsive microchambers are suggested as candidates for site‐specific release of chemicals in small and precisely defined quantities on demand. A composite film is made of poly(allylammonium)‐poly(styrene sulfonate) multilayers and gold nanoparticles incorporated between subsequent stacks of polyelectrolytes. The film shaped as microchambers is loaded with colloid particles or oil‐soluble molecules. The microchambers are sealed onto a glass slide precoated with an adhesive poly(diallyldimethylammonium)‐poly(styrene sulfonate) multilayer film. A focused laser beam is used for remote addressing the individual microchambers and site‐specific release of the loaded cargo.
Developing a short‐form structured diagnostic interview for common mental disorders using signal detection theory
Authors: Sunderland Matthew , Slade Tim , Andrews Gavin
Published: November 2012

Diagnostic instruments must be relatively free from respondent burden and cost effective to administer whilst remaining faithful to the psychiatric nomenclature. It seems logical to develop short‐form alternatives to rather lengthy and complicated diagnostic interviews to facilitate large scale data collection. The current study examines one method, signal detection theory, for developing a short‐form interview based on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0. The method was able to retain the smallest number of items to predict a lifetime and 30 day DSM‐IV diagnosis for 10 disorders. Concordance analyses between the full‐form and the short‐form modules, demonstrated an excellent level of agreement in the whole sample and various subsamples of the Australian population as well as in an international comparison sample of the US population. The good concordance between the long form and the short form demonstrates the ability of signal detection theory to assist in the development of valid short forms, which could replace lengthy diagnostic interviews when the aim is to reduce respondent burden and overall research costs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
32‐channel phased‐array receive with asymmetric birdcage transmit coil for hyperpolarized xenon‐129 lung imaging
Authors: Dregely Isabel , Ruset Iulian C. , Wiggins Graham , Mareyam Azma , Mugler John P. , Altes Talissa A. , Meyer Craig , Ruppert Kai , Wald Lawrence L. , Hersman F. William
Published: November 2012

Hyperpolarized xenon‐129 has the potential to become a noninvasive contrast agent for lung MRI. In addition to its utility for imaging of ventilated airspaces, the property of xenon to dissolve in lung tissue and blood upon inhalation provides the opportunity to study gas exchange. Implementations of imaging protocols for obtaining regional parameters that exploit the dissolved phase are limited by the available signal‐to‐noise ratio, excitation homogeneity, and length of acquisition times. To address these challenges, a 32‐channel receive‐array coil complemented by an asymmetric birdcage transmit coil tuned to the hyperpolarized xenon‐129 resonance at 3 T was developed. First results of spin‐density imaging in healthy subjects and subjects with obstructive lung disease demonstrated the improvements in image quality by high‐resolution ventilation images with high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Parallel imaging performance of the phased‐array coil was demonstrated by acceleration factors up to three in 2D acquisitions and up to six in 3D acquisitions. Transmit‐field maps showed a regional variation of only 8% across the whole lung. The newly developed phased‐array receive coil with the birdcage transmit coil will lead to an improvement in existing imaging protocols, but moreover enable the development of new, functional lung imaging protocols based on the improvements in excitation homogeneity, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and acquisition speed. Magn Reson Med 70:576–583, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spasticity, weakness, force variability, and sustained spontaneous motor unit discharges of resting spastic–paretic biceps brachii muscles in chronic stroke
Authors: Chang Shuo‐Hsiu , Francisco Gerard e. , Zhou Ping , Rymer W. Zev , Li Sheng
Published: November 2012

Introduction: The purpose of our study was to examine relations among spasticity, weakness, force variability, and sustained spontaneous motor unit discharges in spastic–paretic biceps brachii muscles in chronic stroke. Methods: Ten chronic stroke subjects produced submaximal isometric elbow flexion force on impaired and non‐impaired sides. Intramuscular EMG (iEMG) was recorded from biceps and triceps brachii muscles. Results: We observed sustained spontaneous motor unit discharges in resting biceps on iEMG. Spontaneous discharges increased after voluntary activation only on the impaired side. The impaired side had greater matching errors and greater fluctuations in isometric force. Spontaneous discharges were not related functionally to spasticity, force variability, or weakness. However, greater strength on the impaired side correlated with less force variability. Conclusion: Weakness rather than spasticity is a main factor interfering with voluntary force control in paretic–spastic biceps brachii muscles in chronic stroke. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Protective effect of female gender–related factors on muscle force‐generating capacity and fragility in the dystrophic mdx mouse
Authors: Hourdé Christophe , Joanne Pierre , Noirez Phillippe , Agbulut Onnik , Butler‐Browne Gillian , Ferry Arnaud
Published: November 2012

Introduction: The dystrophic features in hindlimb skeletal muscles of female mdx mice are unclear. Methods: We analyzed force‐generating capacity and force decline after lengthening contraction‐induced damage (fragility). Results: Young (6‐month‐old) female mdx mice displayed reduced force‐generating capacity (−18%) and higher fragility (23% force decline) compared with female age‐matched wild‐type mice. These 2 dystrophic features were less accentuated in young female than in young male mdx mice (−32% and 42% force drop). With advancing age, force‐generating capacity decreased and fragility increased in old (20 month) female mdx mice (−21% and 57% force decline), but they were unchanged in old male mdx mice. Moreover, estradiol treatment had no effect in old female mdx mice. Conclusions: Female gender–related factors mitigate dystrophic features in young but not old mdx mice. Further studies are warranted to identify the beneficial gender‐related factor in dystrophic muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Service design at diagnostic service centers
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Debo Laurens G. , Scheller‐Wolf Alan , Smith Stephen F.
Published: November 2012

We study a service design problem in diagnostic service centers, call centers that provide medical advice to patients over the phone about what the appropriate course of action is, based on the caller's symptoms. Due to the tension between increased diagnostic accuracy and the increase in waiting times more in‐depth service requires, managers face a difficult decision in determining the optimal service depth to guide the diagnostic process. The specific problem we consider models the situation when the capacity (staffing level) at the center is fixed, and when the callers have both congestion‐ and noncongestion‐related costs relating to their call. We develop a queueing model incorporating these features and find that the optimal service depth can take one of two different structures, depending on factors such as the nurses' skill level and the maximum potential demand. Sensitivity analyses of the two optimal structures show that they are quite different. In some situations, it may (or may not) be optimal for the manager to try to expand the demand at the center, and increasing skill level may (or may not) increase congestion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2012
Facile Oxidative Rearrangements Using Hypervalent Iodine Reagents
Authors: Singh Fateh V. , Rehbein Julia , Wirth Thomas
Published: November 2012

Aromatic substituents migrate in a novel oxidative cyclization mediated by iodine(III) reagents. 4‐Arylbut‐3‐enoic acids are cyclized and rearranged to 4‐arylfuran‐2(5H)‐ones by hypervalent iodine compounds in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Other ring sizes are also accessible. The mechanism of the reaction is described in detail, and calculations highlight the cationic nature of the intermediates in the rearrangement. The fast access to heavily substituted furanones is used for the synthesis of biologically active derivatives.
Minimum weight design of helically and hoop wound toroidal hydrogen storage tanks with variable slippage coefficients
Authors: Zu Lei , Koussios Sotiris , Beukers Adriaan
Published: November 2012

This article determines the optimal winding parameters for helically and hoop overwound toroidal hydrogen storage tanks, based on the application of variable slippage coefficients. First, an optimality condition between helical winding angle and hoop‐to‐helical thickness ratio is derived from the minimum strain energy density criterion. The winding angle distributions are then obtained with the aid of the optimality condition, taking into account the shell thickness variation along the meridional direction. The general criteria for fiber trajectory stability on a torus are presented, and the relationship for the slippage coefficient and the helical winding angle is formulated according to the windability and manufacturability. The helical winding angle and thickness at the equator are considered as design variables, whereas the minimum weight acts as the objective function. A design example with a toroidal hydrogen storage tank is outlined to demonstrate the favorable performance of the present method. The results show that the present method using variable slippage coefficients leads to a better distribution of the fiber stress in the toroidal shell and an efficient utilization of the laminate strength. The obtained winding parameters can thus be regarded as optimal for filament‐wound toroidal hydrogen storage tanks. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Click‐ligation of coumarin to polyether polyols for polyurethane foams
Authors: Velencoso Maria M , Gonzalez Agustin SB , García‐Martínez Joaquin C , Ramos Maria J , De Lucas Antonio , Rodriguez Juan F
Published: November 2012

A simple strategy for the synthesis and functionalization of polyurethanes is described. Anionic ring‐opening polymerization was combined with ‘click’ chemistry to synthesize polyols with fluorescent properties. This route allows the incorporation of a wide range of functionalities in the polyols with an easy, clean and highly selective process compatible with several types of functional groups. The proposed strategy opens the way to the production, in a cost‐effective way, of ‘smart’ polyurethanes with non‐conventional properties like fire retardancy, antimite properties, antibacterial properties, etc. Alkynyl groups were introduced into the polyol chains by the controlled addition of glycidyl propargyl ether as co‐monomer during a conventional anionic ring‐opening copolymerization with propylene oxide. Subsequently 4‐azidomethyl‐7‐methoxycoumarin molecules were introduced onto the alkynyl‐polyether polyols by copper‐catalysed cycloaddition reactions to produce end‐functionalized polyols. The chemical structure of the novel polyols was characterized using infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography with triple detection and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectroscopy. These characterization techniques confirmed the presence of a considerable amount of functional groups in the structure of the polyols. Finally, various fluorescent rigid foams, based on the functionalized polyols, were synthesized. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Tautomeric equilibria analysis of β‐ketoamides by mass spectrometry
Authors: Laurella Sergio L. , Latorre Claudia , Dietrich Roque , Furlong Jorge J. P. , Allegretti Patricia E.
Published: November 2012

Mass spectrometric evidence of tautomerism is reported for β‐ketoamides. The most abundant tautomers are ketoamido and Z‐enolamido (both forming internal hydrogen bonds). The influence of temperature on the enol/keto abundance ratios is studied in order to estimate the enthalpy difference for tautomeric equilibria. Theoretical calculations have been done in order to support experimental determinations. There are consistent trends between theoretical and experimental data: Enolization is favored by electron‐withdrawing substiuents, bulky groups in α position and temperature increase. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron‐mediated AGET ATRP of MMA with sulfosalicylic acid as a ligand
Authors: Deng Zhijun , Guo Jiangna , Qiu Lihua , Yuan Chao , Zhou Yinxia , Yan Feng
Published: November 2012

Iron‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerizations with activators generated by electron transfer of methyl methacrylate in N,N‐dimethylformamide solution in the presence and absence of a limited amount of air, using FeCl3·6H2O as the catalyst, ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBiB) as the initiator, vitamin C as the reducing agent, and a commercially available organic acid, sulfosalicylic acid (SSA), as the ligand were investigated. Addition of SSA as the ligand could enhance the polymerization rate, and produce poly(methyl methacrylate) with controllable molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn = 1.30–1.50). The effect of [FeCl3·6H2O]0/[SSA]0 on the polymerization was studied by cyclic voltammetry characterization. Chain extension was performed to confirm the “living”/controlled nature of the polymerization system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Numerical Prediction of Interior Ballistics Performance of Projectile Accelerator Using Granular or Tubular Solid Propellant
Authors: Miura Hiroaki , Matsuo Akiko , Nakamura Yuichi
Published: November 2012

Two‐dimensional axisymmetric interior ballistics simulations in projectile acceleration systems that use granular or long slotted tubular solid propellants are performed using the solid/gas two‐phase fluid dynamics code of the Euler‐Lagrange approach. For validation, the simulation results are compared with experimental data for tubular solid propellants. In the series of the interior ballistics simulations, the propellant grain size and shape effects on the firing performance of 50 mm gun are numerically investigated. The propellant grain size and shape affect the energy release rate of the solid propellant charged in the chamber, the projectile kinetic energy at the muzzle, and even the fluctuations of the chamber pressure history. An appropriate burning surface area of the propellant grain exists, so that the projectile can achieve the maximum kinetic energy from the released energy of the solid propellant. Based on the simulation results, guidelines are proposed for the grain size design that enables the propellant energy to be used efficiently.
Understanding and developing quantitative risk criteria
Authors: Shah Jatin N. , Moosemiller Michael D.
Published: November 2012

There are several factors that make the establishment of risk criteria a daunting task that few want to undertake. Nonetheless, for large global corporations, it is likely that one or more facilities have to meet governmental requirements. For US facilities, there is an incentive to having risk criteria in that it allows greater flexibility in complying with the updated API Recommended Practice 752 on siting of occupied permanent buildings. Having corporate risk criteria is imperative to ensure that facilities and operations that are not in “regulated jurisdictions” have a consistent framework to make risk‐related decisions. Risk criteria range from the use of the traditional risk matrix (consequence vs. likelihood) to the more quantitative risk criteria that include geographic risk (individual risk) and/or societal risk criteria. This article discusses the steps necessary to help companies develop robust defendable risk criteria that facilitate decision making. Potential pitfalls are also presented and discussed including: (a) the potential to develop criteria that are unachievable or too lax, (b) developing criteria that are inconsistent with other established programs in the company, and (c) reconciling the needs between unit level criteria and business or group level criteria. Typical risk‐tolerance criteria, and examples of issues and pitfalls that are commonly faced by companies developing such criteria, are also presented. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Application of incident command system in emergency response
Authors: Wang Qingsheng , Ma Tingguang , Hanson Jim , Larranaga Michael
Published: November 2012

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized approach typically structured into five functional areas: command, operations, planning, logistics, and finance. The system allows for the integration of personnel, facilities, equipment, procedures, and communications within an organizational structure. It is a mature system and has been used by industries for a long time to aid in the proper mitigation of industrial incidents. The course named “Hazardous Materials Incident Management” is taught in the Department of Fire Protection & Safety at Oklahoma State University, which is designed to prepare students to manage hazardous materials emergencies through extensive hands‐on trainings. This article shows three design scenarios and how the ICS procedures are applied by student teams during the field trainings. Emergency response can be safely and effectively accomplished only when procedures are established and standardized through appropriate training. The discussion will help the academia and industry to well prepare/train the next generation of both public and private sector emergencyresponse personnel. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Loss prevention in chemical plants: A property insurer's perspective
Authors: Polagye Michael C. , Jackson Mark F. , Mohler Ronald D. , West Richard D.
Published: November 2012

This article presents a high‐level overview of the property loss prevention advice that FM Global (commercial and industrial property insurer) provides to its clients operating in the chemical industry. This article includes a breakdown of recommended loss prevention advice that plants can implement to help prevent and mitigate key loss scenarios commonly present at chemical facilities. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Emerging Talents? International Students Before and After Their Career Start in Denmark
Authors: Mosneaga Ana , Winther Lars
Published: November 2012

International students are seen as prospective skilled workers in the globalising competition for talent. However, little is known about the connections between international students' decisions to study abroad and their perspectives on continuing their career in the host country after graduation or subsequently settling there for a longer term. This paper addresses this research gap by examining international students' and graduates' perspectives on the study‐to‐work transition in Denmark. The analysis is based on interviews with international students enrolled in postgraduate science and technology programmes at universities in the Copenhagen metropolitan region and with recent international graduates who stayed on in Denmark as foreign workers after their studies. The paper considers how variegated combinations of personal factors and contextual circumstances have an impact on the ways in which individuals from diverse national backgrounds navigate through the study‐to‐work transition process. Denmark is a relatively new entrant into the global competition for talent. This makes it an interesting case of an evolving host‐country context where international students' status transition represents a challenging process, both for policy‐making and from the perspective of the individuals concerned. The results draw attention to the diversity of constraints and opportunities that shape individual student migrants' perspectives and trajectories. In conclusion, the paper contributes to a better understanding of the link between talent and student mobility by interweaving insights from compartmentalised bodies of literature, and by enriching empirical knowledge on the connection between factors that attract and retain international students in the host country. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable range hopping in graphene antidot lattices
Authors: Peters E. C. , Giesbers A. J. M. , Burghard M.
Published: November 2012

We investigate the low temperature electrical transport mechanism in graphene antidot lattices. While the antidot diameter is kept constant at 50 nm, the center‐to‐center spacing between the antidots is varied from 80 to 200 nm in cubic arrangement. Our temperature dependent charge transport data reveal that electrical conduction in the samples is governed by variable range hopping (VRH) between localized states within a band gap. Upon decreasing the nanohole spacing the localization becomes stronger and the transport mechanism changes from 2D Mott VRH to Efros–Shklovskii (ES VRH). Concomitantly, a soft gap emerges due to the stronger localization and the increased Coulomb interactions between the localized states, which are most likely located at the nanohole edges. The Coulomb gap (CG) decreases linearly with increasing charge carrier density. Stronger localization with an increased CG is observed for thermally annealed samples with reduced doping.
Growth of Ce doped (Gd,Y)3Al5O12 single crystals by micro‐pulling‐down method and their scintillation properties
Authors: Kamada Kei , Yanagida Takayuki , Pejchal Jan , Nikl Martin , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: November 2012

Ce1%:(GdxY1‐x)3Al5O12 (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) crystals were grown by the μ‐PD method. In the range of x=0∼0.4, the grown crystals showed single garnet phase, but x=0.6 and 0.8 crystals showed secondary perovskite phase. In these crystals, Ce3+ 4f‐5d emission was observed within 500‐530 nm wavelength. Emission peaks shifted to shorter wavelength and the decay times was delayed with increasing Gd concentration. The light yield of Ce:(Gd0.6Y0.4)3Al5O12sample was around 13,000 photon/MeV. Scintillation decay time was around 111 ns (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical and scintillation properties of Dy3+:Y3Al5O12 and undoped Y3Al5O12 crystals grown in reduction atmosphere
Authors: Seki Mafuyu , Kochurikhin Vladimir V. , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Suzuki Akira , Yamaji Akihiro , Fujimoto Yutaka , Wakahara Shingo , Pejchal Jan , Yokota Yuui , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: November 2012

Optical and scintillation properties of a 1.0‐mol% Dy‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) grown under N2 atmosphere and undoped YAG crystals were investigated. Both crystals were grown by the Czochralski process. The one of the undoped YAG crystal was grown in an Ar + H2 (97:3) reducing atmosphere. Absorption peaks at 352 nm and 366 nm observed in 1.0‐mol% Dy‐doped YAG originated from 4f‐4f transition of Dy3+. In addition, the crystal showed sharp emission lines at near 482 nm and 584 nm under 352 nm UV and alpha‐ray excitation. The light output of Dy‐doped YAG was estimated to be approximately 20,000 photons/(5.5‐MeV alpha ray, 241Am). The scintillation decay time constants for Dy‐doped YAG crystal was around 400 ns and 40 ns. Undoped YAG crystals grown under Ar + H2(97:3) atmosphere showed absorption and excitation peak at 370 nm. A 400‐nm emission peak was observed under 370‐nm excitation. The light output of the crystal was also estimated to be 50,000 photons/(5.5‐MeV alpha ray). The scintillation decay time constants of the crystal were around 370 ns and 50 ns. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Stable rectangular pulses supported by a quantum dot optical amplifier
Authors: Dachner Matthias‐René , Paulau Pavel , Engel Harald , Knorr Andreas
Published: November 2012

We predict the formation of a stable solitary rectangular pulse in semiconductor quantum dot media. The formation of such a pulse occurs when a quantum dot system is pumped in a way, where the s shell excitation exhibits gain while the p shell absorbs. We provide formulas to describe the rectangular pulse by the systems material parameters. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Understanding the electronic reorganization in the thermal isomerization reaction of trans‐3,4‐dimethylcyclobutene. Origins of outward Pseudodiradical {2n + 2π} torquoselectivity
Authors: Morales‐Bayuelo Alejandro
Published: November 2012

The thermal isomerization reaction of trans‐3,4‐dimethylcyclobutene (1,2,3,4‐DMC) to produce the isomer (2E, 4E)‐hexadiene have been studied using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6‐31+G level. For this reaction, two different channels of the conrotatory torquoselectivity allowing the formation of the two isomeric (E,E) and (Z,Z) have been characterized. The isomer (Z,Z) occurs through the inward conrotatory mechanism, whereas the isomer (E,E) occurs through the outward conrotatory mechanism. The outward conrotatory is favored by 11.3 kcal/mol with respect to inward conrotatory one. This behavior is consistent with the thermodynamic properties: enthalpy, free energy, and entropy calculated in both reaction pathways. The topological analysis of the electron localization function at the outward conrotatory transition state explicated the electronic reorganization through a pseudodiradical {2n + 2π} process and not a pericyclic reorganization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Cℓ‐free process
Authors: Warnke Lutz
Published: November 2012

The ‐free process starts with the empty graph on n vertices and adds edges chosen uniformly at random, one at a time, subject to the condition that no copy of is created. For every we show that, with high probability as , the maximum degree is , which confirms a conjecture of Bohman and Keevash and improves on bounds of Osthus and Taraz. Combined with previous results this implies that the ‐free process typically terminates with edges, which answers a question of Erdős, Suen and Winkler. This is the first result that determines the final number of edges of the more general H‐free process for a non‐trivial class of graphs H. We also verify a conjecture of Osthus and Taraz concerning the average degree, and obtain a new lower bound on the independence number. Our proof combines the differential equation method with a tool that might be of independent interest: we establish a rigorous way to ‘transfer’ certain decreasing properties from the binomial random graph to the H‐free process. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. 44, 490–526, 2014
Biclustering scatter plots using data depth measures
Authors: Zhang Zhanpan , Cui Xinping , Jeske Daniel R. , Borneman James
Published: November 2012

Biclustering is desirable over traditional one‐dimensional clustering, and has been broadly applied to many domains such as bioinformatics and text mining. However, the existing biclustering methods can only deal with a data matrix of scalars. In this paper, we introduce a biclustering procedure that can handle a data matrix of scatter plots. To more accurately reflect the nature of data, we introduce a dissimilarity statistic based on ‘data depth’ to measure the discrepancy between two bivariate distributions without oversimplifying the nature of the underlying pattern. We then combine hypothesis testing with a searching algorithm to simultaneously cluster the rows and columns of the data matrix of scatter plots. We also propose novel painting metrics and construct heat maps to allow visualization of the biclusters. We demonstrate the utility and power of our proposed biclustering method through simulation studies and application to a microbe–host interaction study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 6: 102–115, 2013
Shuttle‐Mediated Nanoparticle Delivery to the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Guarnieri Daniela , Falanga Annarita , Muscetti Ornella , Tarallo Rossella , Fusco Sabato , Galdiero Massimiliano , Galdiero Stefania , Netti Paolo A.
Published: November 2012

Many therapeutic drugs are excluded from entering the brain due to their lack of transport through the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The development of new strategies for enhancing drug delivery to the brain is of great importance in diagnostics and therapeutics of central nervous diseases. To overcome this problem, a viral fusion peptide (gH625) derived from the glycoprotein gH of Herpes simplex virus type 1 is developed, which possesses several advantages including high cell translocation potency, absence of toxicity of the peptide itself, and the feasibility as an efficient carrier for delivering therapeutics. Therefore, it is hypothesized that brain delivery of nanoparticles conjugated with gH625 should be efficiently enhanced. The surface of fluorescent aminated polystyrene nanoparticles (NPs) is functionalized with gH625 via a covalent binding procedure, and the NP uptake mechanism and permeation across in vitro BBB models are studied. At early incubation times, the uptake of NPs with gH625 by brain endothelial cells is greater than that of the NPs without the peptide, and their intracellular motion is mainly characterized by a random walk behavior. Most importantly, gH625 peptide decreases NP intracellular accumulation as large aggregates and enhances the NP BBB crossing. In summary, these results establish that surface functionalization with gH625 may change NP fate by providing a good strategy for the design of promising carriers to deliver drugs across the BBB for the treatment of brain diseases.
Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Bridge Weathering Steel in Austenite Region
Authors: Gao Xinliang , Zhu Miaoyong , Sun Chao , Fu Guiqin
Published: November 2012

The austenite dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior and microstructure evolution of a bridge weathering steel was systematically investigated at a deformation temperature range of 800–1100°C and strain rate of 0.1–10 s−1 by using hot compression test and optical microscopy. The stress exponent and hot deformation energy were obtained by regression method to determine thermal deformation constitutive equation. The curve of stress versus strain is used, combined with high order polynomial fitting, to accurately determine the critical value of DRX. The relationships between critical strain, critical stress, and Z parameter of the bridge weathering steel were obtained by regression method. Moreover, the influence factors of DRX kinetics of the bridge weathering steel were studied in the light of the experimental results. It is shown that the strain rate has a more significant effect on the rate of DRX than that of the deformation temperature, and there is almost 0.85 orders of magnitude increment in the rate of DRX as the strain rate increases an order of magnitude. The dynamically recrystallized grain size can be decreased with decreasing the deformation temperature and increasing the strain rate during the austenite deformation.
Concise Review: Genetically Engineered Stem Cell Therapy Targeting Angiogenesis and Tumor Stroma in Gastrointestinal Malignancy
Authors: Keung Emily Z. , Nelson Peter J. , Conrad Claudius
Published: November 2012

Cell-based gene therapy holds considerable promise for the treatment of human malignancy. Genetically engineered cells if delivered to sites of disease could alleviate symptoms or even cure cancer through expression of therapeutic or suicide transgene products. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), nonhematopoietic multipotent cells found primarily in bone marrow, have garnered particular interest as potential tumor-targeting vehicles due to their innate tumortropic homing properties. However, recent strategies go further than simply using MSCs as vehicles and use the stem cell-specific genetic make-up to restrict transgene expression to tumorigenic environments using tumor-tissue specific promoters. This addresses one of the concerns with this novel therapy that nonselective stem cell-based therapy could induce cancer rather than treat it. Even minimal off-target effects can be deleterious, motivating recent strategies to not only enhance MSC homing but also engineer them to make their antitumor effect selective to sites of malignancy. This review will summarize the advances made in the past decade toward developing novel cell-based cancer therapies using genetically engineered MSCs with a focus on strategies to achieve and enhance tumor specificity and their application to targeting gastrointestinal malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Epigenetic Regulation of Survivin by Bmi1 Is Cell Type Specific During Corticogenesis and in Gliomas
Authors: Acquati Serena , Greco Azzura , Licastro Danilo , Bhagat Heeta , Ceric Dario , Rossini Zefferino , Grieve Joan , Shaked-Rabi Maya , Henriquez Nick V. , Brandner Sebastian , Stupka Elia , Marino Silvia
Published: November 2012

Polycomb group proteins are essential regulators of stem cell function during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Bmi1, a key component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1, is highly expressed in undifferentiated neural stem cells (NSC) as well as in several human cancers including high-grade gliomas—highly aggressive brain tumors. Using a conditional gene activation approach in mice, we show that overexpression of Bmi1 induces repressive epigenetic regulation of the promoter of Survivin, a well-characterized antiapoptotic protein. This phenomenon is cell type-specific and it leads to apoptotic death of progenitor cells exclusively upon commitment toward a neuronal fate. Moreover, we show that this is triggered by increased oxidative stress-induced DNA damage. In contrast, undifferentiated NSC as well as glioma-initiating cells display an open chromatin configuration at the Survivin promoter and do not undergo apoptotic death. These findings raise the possibility that normal and neoplastic stem cells depend on the same mechanism for surviving the hyperproliferative state induced by increased Bmi1 expression.
Visualization system for electrical power consumption and its evaluation
Authors: Kon Saytaro , Kasai Yuji , Murakawa Masahiro , Higuchi Tetsuya
Published: November 2012

A visualization system for power consumption has been developed. This system has two power measurement devices: a smart power strip that assesses each attached electric device; and a power sensor on the power distribution board. To verify the effectiveness of this system, an evaluation system has also been developed. Results indicate that the relative deviation of the visualization system is around 1% and that its uncertainties are less than 0.4% at 500 W/50 Hz. IEEJ Trans 2011 DOI: 10.1002/tee.21800