bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping surface soil moisture over the Gourma mesoscale site (Mali) by using ENVISAT ASAR data
Authors: Baup F. , Mougin E. , de Rosnay P. , Hiernaux P. , Frappart F. , Frison P. L. , Zribi M. , Viarre J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The potentialities of ENVISAT ASAR (Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar) multi-angle data for mapping surface soil moisture (SSM) in Sahelian rangelands are investigated at medium scale (30 000 km2). The Wide Swath data are selected to take advantage of their high temporal repetitivity (about 8 days at the considered scale) associated to a moderate spatial resolution (150 m). In the continuity of previous studies conducted at a local scale in the same region, SSM maps are here processed over the whole AMMA Gourma mesoscale site at 1 km resolution scale. Overall, the generated maps are found to be in good agreement with field data, EPSAT-SG (Estimation des Pluies par SATellite – Second Generation) rainfall estimates and ERS (European Remote Sensing) Wind Scatterometer (WSC) SSM products. The present study shows that the spatial pattern of SSM can be realistically estimated at a kilometric scale. The resulting SSM maps are expected to provide valuable information for initialisation of land surface models and the estimation of the spatial distribution of radiative fluxes. Particularly, SSM maps could help to desaggregate low-resolution products such as those derived from WSC data.
Jeremiah 41 and the Ammonite Alliance
Authors: Hobson Russell
Published: March 2011

This article explores the possibility that a polemic between disempowered Davidic and emerging Saulide groups motivated the murder of Gedaliah and the 70 pilgrims in Jeremiah 41. The discussion is informed by evidence from the Judean/Aramean settlements at Elephantine and Syene, and an analysis of the role of Ammon as presented here and in the Deuteronomistic History.
Development of In‐Cell Western Assays Using Far‐Red Fluorophores
Authors: Moerke Nathan J. , Hoffman Gregory R.
Published: March 2011

The in‐cell western (ICW) technique is a cell‐based immunoassay method for quantitative measurement of protein expression or phosphorylation levels that can be used for both small molecule and siRNA screening. The method involves growth of cells in microplates, fixation, permeabilization, and staining with specific antibodies and/or cell labeling dyes. ICW assays take advantage of the properties of near‐infrared dyes to achieve higher signal‐to‐noise ratios than are possible for methods utilizing fluorophores in the visible range of the spectrum, and typically involve measurements using two fluorescent channels: one to measure levels of the target of interest, and one to measure total cell number for normalization. The ICW method is readily adaptable to high‐throughput format and has been successfully used with a variety of targets and cell lines. The protocols in this unit describe an ICW procedure for quantitative measurement of rpS6‐phosphorylation as an endpoint for monitoring mTORC1 signaling in HeLa cells. This assay can be used for small molecule or siRNA screening, and with modification is adaptable to other cell lines and targets. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 3:39‐52 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Devices, Materials, and Processes for Nanoelectronics: Characterization with Advanced X‐Ray Techniques Using Lab‐Based and Synchrotron Radiation Sources
Authors: Zschech Ehrenfried , Wyon Christophe , Murray Conal E. , Schneider Gerd
Published: March 2011

Future nanoelectronics manufacturing at extraordinary length scales, new device structures, and advanced materials will provide challenges to process development and engineering but also to process control and physical failure analysis. Advanced X‐ray techniques, using lab systems and synchrotron radiation sources, will play a key role for the characterization of thin films, nanostructures, surfaces, and interfaces. The development of advanced X‐ray techniques and tools will reduce risk and time for the introduction of new technologies. Eventually, time‐to‐market for new products will be reduced by the timely implementation of the best techniques for process development and process control. The development and use of advanced methods at synchrotron radiation sources will be increasingly important, particularly for research and development in the field of advanced processes and new materials but also for the development of new X‐ray components and procedures. The application of advanced X‐ray techniques, in‐line, in out‐of‐fab analytical labs and at synchrotron radiation sources, for research, development, and manufacturing in the nanoelectronics industry is reviewed. The focus of this paper is on the study of nanoscale device and on‐chip interconnect materials, and materials for 3D IC integration as well.
Mechanism of Chromium Oxide Formation in Cobalt–Chromium–Molybdenum (F75) Alloys Prepared Using Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Patel Bhairav , Inam Fawad , Reece Michael J. , Edirisinghe Mohan , Bonfield William , Huang Jie , Angadji Arash
Published: March 2011

Metallic implants are known to have higher wear rates compared to ceramic. This causes more wear debris to be produced and results in the release of toxic metal ions to the surrounding areas. The strengthening mechanism in cobalt based cast orthopedic alloys depends upon carbides present in the microstructure, but these cause problems when dislodged between articulating surfaces, accelerating wear by abrasion and fretting. Thus, in order to improve the performance of these implants a novel method of processing the alloys, namely by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of fine powders, has been used as it generates hard oxides and not carbides in the microstructure. The oxide in the SPS processed alloy is identified as chromium oxide formed by a redox reaction between cobalt oxide found on the surface of cobalt particles and chromium. The oxygen associated with the cobalt powder is displaced and combines with the chromium during SPS. This oxide in the microstructure of the alloy can be more beneficial than carbides due to its higher hardness, resulting in lower wear rates and less wear particles. With the oxide in the microstructure, the hardness of the alloy becomes closer to that of ceramics. Also its lower density enables the alloy to be lighter. The chemical stability of the oxide ensures that it remains intact and due its insolubility in water, no carcinogenic or toxic reactions will occur.
Effect of Trace Solvent on the Morphology of P3HT:PCBM Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Chang Lilian , Lademann Hans W. A. , Bonekamp Jörg‐Bernd , Meerholz Klaus , Moulé Adam J.
Published: March 2011

The performance of bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells is strongly correlated with the nanoscale structure of the active layer. Various processing techniques have been explored to improve the nanoscale morphology of the BHJ layer, e.g., by varying the casting solvent, thermal annealing, solvent annealing, and solvent additives. This paper highlights the role of residual solvent in the “dried” BHJ layer, and the effect of residual solvents on PCBM diffusion and ultimately the stability of the morphology. We show that solvent is retained within the BHJ film despite prolonged heat treatment, leading to extensive phase separation, as demonstrated by the growth in the size and quantity of PCBM agglomerates. The addition of a small volume fraction of nitrobenzene to the casting solution inhibits the diffusion of PCBM in the dry film, resulting in smaller PCBM agglomerates, and improves the fill factor of the BHJ device to 0.61 without further tempering. The addition of nitrobenzene also increases the P3HT crystalline content, while increasing the onset temperature for melting of P3HT side chains and backbone. The melting temperature for PCBM is also higher with the nitrobenzene additive present.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Sulfenylation of β‐Keto Phosphonates: A Convenient Approach to Construct Hetero‐ Quaternary Stereocenters
Authors: Lin Aijun , Fang Ling , Zhu Xi , Zhu Chengjian , Cheng Yixiang
Published: March 2011

The highly effective and enantioselective sulfenylation of β‐keto phosphonates catalyzed by α,α‐diaryl‐L‐prolinols has been developed. The optically active α‐sulfenylated β‐keto phosphonates could be obtained under mild reaction conditions in good yields (up to 92%) and with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 92% ee).
Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Vinylogous Mannich Reactions of Fluorinated Aldimines with Siloxyfurans
Authors: Zhao Qian‐Yi , Yuan Zhi‐Liang , Shi Min
Published: March 2011

A highly regio‐ and enantioselective asymmetric vinylogous Mannich reaction of readily available fluorinated aldimines bearing a chiral auxiliary [(S)‐1‐phenylethyl group] with siloxyfurans to afford chiral fluorine‐containing γ‐butenolide or γ‐lactone derivatives has been developed in the presence of silver acetate (10 mol%) and axially chiral phosphine‐oxazoline ligand L1 (11 mol%). In most cases, the corresponding fluorinated adducts were obtained in high yields, good to excellent enantiomeric excesses and up to>20:1 dr.
Iron Nanoparticles Supported on Chemically‐Derived Graphene: Catalytic Hydrogenation with Magnetic Catalyst Separation
Authors: Stein Mario , Wieland Jörg , Steurer Peter , Tölle Folke , Mülhaupt Rolf , Breit Bernhard
Published: March 2011

Iron nanoparticles (Fe‐NP) supported on chemically‐derived graphene (CDG) were prepared and identified as an effective catalyst for the hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes. The catalyst can easily be separated by magnetic decantation.
A hybrid global optimization algorithm and its application to parameter estimation problems
Authors: Zhang H. , Rangaiah G.P.
Published: March 2011

Global optimization has been an area of active research for the past few decades. There are many different global optimization algorithms that have been proposed and studied. Among these, differential evolution (DE) is a promising population‐based stochastic global optimization algorithm. It has been gaining popularity in the recent past due to its capability to handle non‐convex, non‐differentiable and multimodal objective functions. In this work, a hybrid global optimization (HGO) method with a novel stopping criterion is proposed. The proposed algorithm integrates DE with a taboo list of taboo search and self‐adaptive strategies. The taboo list/check prevents revisiting the same area, thus increasing the population diversity and computational efficiency. The self‐adaptive strategy reduces the algorithm parameters to be provided and makes the algorithm more robust. Furthermore, a novel stopping criterion based on the number of rejected points is developed. The effectiveness of the proposed stopping criterion and HGO is assessed on more than 30 benchmark problems with 2–30 variables. The performance of HGO is compared with some state‐of‐the‐art global optimization algorithms recently published in the literature. The results show that the reliability of finding the global optimum by HGO is slightly better than that by the latest DE techniques in the literature, and the number of function evaluations (NFE) of HGO is significantly reduced. Finally, HGO is tested for parameter estimation in dynamic models. In conclusion, the proposed HGO algorithm with the novel stopping criterion is found to be reliable, efficient and suitable for application problems. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy integration across multiple water allocation networks with negligible contaminant effects
Authors: Sahu Gopal Chandra , Bandyopadhyay Santanu
Published: March 2011

Total site integration is considered for energy conservation opportunities across different individual processes. Heat can be integrated through heat exchangers or through non‐isothermal mixing of streams. On the other hand, heat can also be integrated across the processes through direct or indirect integration. A methodology is proposed for heat integration across multiple water allocation networks (WANs), where effect of contaminant can be neglected, incorporating the combination of isothermal or non‐isothermal mixing as well as direct or indirect integration. The proposed methodology accounts assisted heat transfer between the pinches for improved site‐level heat integration. Energy recovery algorithm is applied for energy integration and determination of process grand composite curve (GCC) for each individual process. The method of site‐level GCC is extended and modified for targeting the utility requirement in overall plant of WANs. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow pattern identification for three‐phase distillation with a nonequilibrium modeling
Authors: Chen Liang , Repke Jens‐Uwe , Wang Shuqing
Published: March 2011

The fear of the uncertain vapor–liquid–liquid hydrodynamics has guided process engineers away from a three‐phase involvement, of which the most uncertain is the flow pattern of the second liquid phase. Hence, a first‐principle model‐based estimation strategy was proposed to identify the flow pattern in the three‐phase distillation. Representative experiments were performed in a laboratory‐sclae packed column, and the results were sampled as reference data for the estimation. A dynamic nonequilibrium (NEQ) model was built up to consider the inter‐phase mass transfer rigorously. The resulting estimation problem was then discretized using the multiple‐shooting method, to formulate a large‐scale NLP problem with a finite number of decision variables. The estimated results reveal that the flow pattern of the second liquid has a close relationship with the liquid and gas loads, and it could play a critical role for the variation of the separation efficiency inside a three‐phase column. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of novel poly(dimethylsiloxane)/polyindole composites
Authors: Ürkmez Göknur , Sarı Bekir , Ünal Halil İbrahim
Published: March 2011

A series of composites of polyindole (PIN) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) were synthesized chemically using FeCl3 as an oxidant agent in anhydrous media. The composites were characterized by FTIR and UV‐visible spectroscopies, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma‐optic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), magnetic susceptibility, stress–strain experiments, and conductivity measurements. The conductivities of PIN at different temperatures were also measured and it was revealed that their conductivities were slightly increased with increasing temperature. Moreover, the freestanding films of PDMS/PIN composites were prepared by casting on glass Petri dishes to examine their stress–strain properties. From thermogravimetric analysis results it was found that PDMS/PIN composites were thermally more stable than PIN. Thermal stabilities of PDMS/PIN composites increased with increasing PIN content. It was found that the conductivities of PDMS/PIN composites depend on the indole content in the composites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Properties and origins of high‐performance poly(phenylene oxide)/cyanate ester resins for high‐frequency copper‐clad laminates
Authors: Gao Rui , Gu Aijuan , Liang Guozheng , Dai Shankai , Yuan Li
Published: March 2011

A high‐performance matrix is the key base for the fabrication of high‐frequency copper‐clad laminates. A high‐performance resin system based on commercial poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) and 2,2′‐bis(4‐cyanatophenyl) isopropylidene (BADCy), coded as PPO‐n/BADCy (where n is the weight parts of PPO per 100 weight parts of BADCy), was developed. The effect of PPO on the key properties, including the dielectric and thermal properties, water resistance, and toughness, of the cured resins was investigated extensively. The results show that PPO not only catalyzed the curing reaction of BADCy but also reacted with BADCy to form a single‐phase structure. Furthermore, compared with the cured BADCy resin with 1 phr epoxy resin as a catalyst, the cured PPO‐n/BADCy resins had significantly increased impact strengths and decreased dielectric constants, loss, and water resistance. The reasons behind these desirable improvements are discussed from the view of structure–property relationships. These results suggest that the PPO‐n/BADCy system has great potential to be used as a matrix for high‐frequency copper‐clad laminates or other advanced composites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Molecularly imprinted monolithic material for the extraction of three organic acids from Salicornia herbacea L
Authors: Zhu Tao , Li Shengnan , Row Kyung Ho
Published: March 2011

A molecularly imprinted monolithic material was designed and prepared by in situ thermally initiated copolymerization for the extraction of protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid from Salicornia herbacea L. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and offline solid‐phase extraction (SPE) were investigated for the characterization of this material. The extract samples were loaded onto and passed through the monolithic material; the target compounds were selectively retained on the material, whereas other interfering substances were quickly washed out. Chromatographic analysis was conducted on a C18 column with ultraviolet detection at 270 nm, and an eluting solution consisting of acetonitrile, water, and acetic acid (14/86/0.5 v/v/v, pH 5.0) was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The linearity was confirmed in the concentration ranges of 0.10–200.00, 0.20–400.00, and 0.30–600.00 μg/mL for protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid, respectively, with r2 greater than 0.9997. The SPE recoveries of the three organic acids ranged from 71.08 to 81.02%, and the coefficient of variation (precision) was 3.08–5.70%. This method is simple, economical, and specific and has been used successfully in the extraction of three organic acids from S. herbacea L. This cartridge can be used as a potential tool for the extraction of drugs from natural plants. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Dynamic rheological behavior and microcrystalline structure of dioctyl phthalate plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Zou Jiajia , Su Lin , You Feng , Chen Guangshun , Guo Shaoyun
Published: March 2011

The dynamic rheological behavior of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/dioctyl phthalate (DOP) systems were studied as a function of DOP content and melting temperature. The dynamic rheological behavior of the PVC/DOP systems was found to be remarkably affected by the DOP content. The observed curves of storage modulus (G′) versus frequency were well fitted to an empirical equation (G′ = G′0 + Kωn, where G′0 is the low‐frequency yield value of the storage modulus, the exponent n is a dependent index of frequency, K is a constant coefficient, and ω is the angular frequency). The loss tangent and/or phase angle increased remarkably at a higher DOP content. There was an apparent critical DOP content transition where the dynamic rheological behavior of the PVC/DOP systems changed greatly. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed the existence of a multiscale particle structure in the PVC/DOP systems. For the PVC/DOP (100/70) system, with increasing melting temperature, its dynamic rheological behavior showed an apparent mutation at about 190°C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that the high elastic networks in the PVC/DOP systems were closely related to the microcrystalline structure of PVC. The transitions in the curves of the gelation degree and crystallinity versus the DOP content corresponded well to the DOP content transition in the dynamic rheological behavior. DOP could inhibit the secondary crystallite of PVC and almost had no effect on the primary crystallite of PVC. The coexistence of the microcrystalline structure of PVC and the plasticizer (DOP) resulted in high elastic networks in the PVC/DOP systems. The DSC results explained the DOP content transition and the temperature transition in the dynamic rheological behavior of the PVC/DOP systems well. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Influence of small rubber particles on the environmental stress cracking of high impact polystyrene
Authors: Grassi V. G. , Dal Pizzol M. F. , Forte M. M. C. , Amico S. C.
Published: March 2011

This article exploits the influence of rubber particle size (RPS) and rubber crosslinking on environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) of high impact polystyrene (HIPS), with special interest on the influence of small rubber particles fraction. Three commercial HIPS of high ESCR were selected and four batches of HIPS were prepared in‐house, including samples based on high cis and very high viscosity polybutadiene (PB). Their morphologies were analyzed by low angle laser light scattering, optical microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, and the samples were submitted to flexural ESCR tests with fatty agents. The ESCR to sunflower oil was found to increase with the reduction of the rubber particles fraction smaller than 1–2 micron. Results have also confirmed that an increase in RPS is the key parameter to promote ESCR, although there is limit for RPS to be effective on ESCR improvement. The reduction of small rubber particles fraction in HIPS was achieved by using a high cis PB, that promotes low grafting efficiency of polystyrene onto PB backbone because of the low content of 1,2 vinyl isomer. Besides the ESCR improvements, HIPS with high cis PB showed higher elastic modulus and impact resistance than HIPS containing medium cis PB, which is desired for thickness reduction in food packaging and refrigeration cabinets. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
ZnO nanocrystallites/cellulose hybrid nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning and solvothermal techniques and their photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ye Shuhai , Zhang Dong , Liu Haiqing , Zhou Jinping
Published: March 2011

ZnO nanocrystallites have been in situ embedded in cellulose nanofibers by a novel method that combines electrospinning and solvothermal techniques. Zn(OAc)2/cellulose acetate (CA) precursor hybrid nanofibers with diameter in the range of 160–330 nm were first fabricated via the electrospinning technique using zinc acetate as precursor, CA as the carrier, and dimethylformamide (DMF)/acetone(2 : 1) mixture as cosolvent. The precursor nanofibers were transformed into ZnO/cellulose hybrid fibers by hydrolysis in 0.1 mol/L NaOH aqueous solution. Subsequently, these hybrid fibers were further solvothermally treated in 180°C glycerol oil bath to improve the crystallite structure of the ZnO nanoparticles containing in the nanofibers. The structure and morphology of nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. It was found that hexagonal structured ZnO nanocrystallites with the size of ∼ 30 nm were dispersed on the nanofiber surfaces and within the nanofibers with diameter of about 80 nm. The photocatalytic property of the ZnO/cellulose hybrid nanofibers toward Rhodamine (RhB) was tested under the irradiation of visible light. As a catalyst, it inherits not only the photocatalytic ability of nano‐ZnO, but also the thermal stability, good mechanical property, and solvent‐resistibility of cellulose nanofibers. The key advantages of this hybrid nanofiber over neat ZnO nanoparticles are its elasticity, dimensional stability, durability, and easy recyclability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Morphological Development and Expression of Neurotrophin Receptors in the Laryngeal Sensory Corpuscles
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshio , Hashiguchi Momo , Yamaguchi‐Yamada Misuzu
Published: March 2011

Morphological development of sensory structures in the laryngeal mucosa of postnatal rats was observed by use of immunohistochemistry for protein gene‐product 9.5 (PGP9.5). Moreover, expression changes of high affinity neurotrophin receptors, TrkA, TrkB and TrkC, and low affinity neurotrophin receptor p75NTR were examined to elucidate the relationship to morphogenesis. Intraepithelial nerve endings and parent axons of the laminar endings with immunoreactivity for PGP9.5 have already appeared in the rat on embryonic day 18 (E18) as well as solitary chemoreceptor cells in the glottic cleft. According to neurotrophin receptors, TrkA immunoreactivity were observed on and after postnatal week 3 (3W) in the nervous sensory structures, that is, free nerve endings, laminar endings and sub‐ and intragemmal plexuses of the taste buds. In the laminar endings, TrkC immunoreactivity was also observed on and after 3W. According to the laryngeal sensory cells, the solitary chemoreceptor cells were immunoreactive to TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC on and after postnatal day 3 (P3). In the taste buds in arytenoid region, taste cells were immunoreactive for TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC on and after 3W, P14, and 3W, respectively. Immunoreactivity for p75NTR was observed on the surface of taste cells on and after P9. The results of the present study suggest that sensory structures in the laryngeal mucosa were developed on perinatal days to involve respiratory reflex, and that neurotrophin receptors may take part in the regulation and maintenance of sensory structures. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscle Spindle Composition and Distribution in Human Young Masseter and Biceps Brachii Muscles Reveal Early Growth and Maturation
Authors: Österlund Catharina , Liu Jing‐Xia , Thornell Lars‐Eric , Eriksson Per‐Olof
Published: March 2011

Significant changes in extrafusal fiber type composition take place in the human masseter muscle from young age, 3–7 years, to adulthood, in parallel with jaw‐face skeleton growth, changes of dentitions and improvement of jaw functions. As motor and sensory control systems of muscles are interlinked, also the intrafusal fiber population, that is, muscle spindles, should undergo age‐related changes in fiber type appearance. To test this hypothesis, we examined muscle spindles in the young masseter muscle and compared the result with previous data on adult masseter spindles. Also muscle spindles in the young biceps brachii muscle were examined. The result showed that muscle spindle composition and distribution were alike in young and adult masseter. As for the adult masseter, young masseter contained exceptionally large muscle spindles, and with the highest spindle density and most complex spindles found in the deep masseter portion. Hence, contrary to our hypothesis, masseter spindles do not undergo major morphological changes between young age and adulthood. Also in the biceps, young spindles were alike adult spindles. Taken together, the results showed that human masseter and biceps muscle spindles are morphologically mature already at young age. We conclude that muscle spindles in the human young masseter and biceps precede the extrafusal fiber population in growth and maturation. This in turn suggests early reflex control and proprioceptive demands in learning and maturation of jaw motor skills. Similarly, well‐developed muscle spindles in young biceps reflect early need of reflex control in learning and performing arm motor behavior. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Response of Cranial Biomechanical Finite Element Models to Variations in Mesh Density
Authors: Bright Jen A. , Rayfield Emily J.
Published: March 2011

Finite element (FE) models provide discrete solutions to continuous problems. Therefore, to arrive at the correct solution, it is vital to ensure that FE models contain a sufficient number of elements to fully resolve all the detail encountered in a continuum structure. Mesh convergence testing is the process of comparing successively finer meshes to identify the point of diminishing returns; where increasing resolution has marginal effects on results and further detail would become costly and unnecessary. Historically, convergence has not been considered in most CT‐based biomechanical reconstructions involving complex geometries like the skull, as generating such models has been prohibitively time‐consuming. To assess how mesh convergence influences results, 18 increasingly refined CT‐based models of a domestic pig skull were compared to identify the point of convergence for strain and displacement, using both linear and quadratic tetrahedral elements. Not all regions of the skull converged at the same rate, and unexpectedly, areas of high strain converged faster than low‐strain regions. Linear models were slightly stiffer than their quadratic counterparts, but did not converge less rapidly. As expected, insufficiently dense models underestimated strain and displacement, and failed to resolve strain “hot‐spots” notable in contour plots. In addition to quantitative differences, visual assessments of such plots often inform conclusions drawn in many comparative studies, highlighting that mesh convergence should be performed on all finite element models before further analysis takes place. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence of the transient nature of the Th17 phenotype of CD4+CD161+ T cells in the synovial fluid of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Cosmi Lorenzo , Cimaz Rolando , Maggi Laura , Santarlasci Veronica , Capone Manuela , Borriello Francesco , Frosali Francesca , Querci Valentina , Simonini Gabriele , Barra Giusi , Piccinni Marie Pierre , Liotta Francesco , De Palma Raffaele , Maggi Enrico , Romagnani Sergio , Annunziato Francesco
Published: March 2011

Objective

To investigate the phenotype and function of CD4+ T cells in synovial fluid (SF) from the affected joints of children with oligoarticular‐onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and to establish a possible link with disease activity.

Methods

CD4+ T cells were obtained from the peripheral blood (PB) and SF of 23 children with oligoarticular‐onset JIA, as well as from the PB of 15 healthy children. The cells were analyzed for the expression of CXCR3, CCR6, and CD161 and for the production of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A). Spectratyping and clonotype analyses were performed to assess different T cell subsets.

Results

The numbers of CD4+CD161+ cells showing either the Th1 or the Th17/Th1 phenotype were higher in the SF than in the PB of children with JIA. The few Th17 cells from JIA SF underwent a spontaneous shift to the Th1 phenotype in vitro, whereas Th17 cells from the PB of healthy children shifted only in the presence of JIA SF; this effect was neutralized by antibody blockade of IL‐12 activity. Spectratyping and clonotype analyses showed a similar skewing of the T cell receptor Vβ repertoire in both CD161+ Th17 cells and CD161+ Th1 cells derived from the SF of the same JIA patient. The frequencies of CD4+CD161+ cells, particularly the Th17/Th1 cells, in the JIA SF positively correlated with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and levels of C‐reactive protein.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that a shifting of CD4+CD161+ T cells from Th17 to the Th17/Th1 or Th1 phenotype can occur in the SF of children with oligoarticular‐onset JIA, and indicate that the accumulation of these cells is correlated with parameters of inflammation. Thus, the results support the hypothesis that these cells may play a role in JIA disease activity.
Paper 2: EUROCAT public health indicators for congenital anomalies in Europe
Authors: Khoshnood Babak , Greenlees Ruth , Loane Maria , Dolk Helen ,   on behalf of the EUROCAT Project Management Committee and a EUROCAT Working Group
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to present the specific public health indicators recently developed by EUROCAT that aim to summarize important aspects of the public health impact of congenital anomalies in a few quantitative measures.

METHODS

The six indicators are: (1) congenital anomaly perinatal mortality, (2) congenital anomaly prenatal diagnosis prevalence, (3) congenital anomaly termination of pregnancy, (4) Down syndrome livebirth prevalence, (5) congenital anomaly pediatric surgery, and (6) neural tube defects (NTD) total prevalence. Data presented for this report pertained to all cases (livebirths, fetal deaths, or stillbirths after 20 weeks of gestation and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly [TOPFA]) of congenital anomaly from 27 full member registries of EUROCAT that could provide data for at least 3 years during the period 2004 to 2008. Prevalence of anomalies, prenatal diagnosis, TOPFA, pediatric surgery, and perinatal mortality were calculated per 1000 births.

RESULTS

The overall perinatal mortality was approximately 1.0 per 1000 births for EUROCAT registries with almost half due to fetal and the other half due to first week deaths. There were wide variations in perinatal mortality across the registries with the highest rates observed in Dublin and Malta, registries in countries where TOPFA are illegal, and in Ukraine. The overall perinatal mortality across EUROCAT registries slightly decreased between 2004 and 2008 due to a decrease in first week deaths. The prevalence of TOPFA was fairly stable at about 4 per 1000 births. There were variations in livebirth prevalence of cases typically requiring surgery across the registries; however, for most registries this prevalence was between 3 and 5 per 1000 births. Prevalence of NTD decreased by about 10% from 1.05 in 2004 to 0.94 per 1000 in 2008.

CONCLUSION

It is hoped that by publishing the data on EUROCAT indicators, the public health importance of congenital anomalies can be clearly summarized to policy makers, the need for accurate data from registries emphasized, the need for primary prevention and treatment services highlighted, and the impact of current services measured. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011.© 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The detection threshold for extremely low frequency magnetic fields may be below 1000 nT‐Hz in mice
Authors: Prato Frank S. , Desjardins‐Holmes Dawn , Keenliside Lynn D. , DeMoor Janice M. , Robertson John A. , Stodilka Robert Z. , Thomas Alex W.
Published: March 2011

Previous experiments with mice have shown that a repeated 1 h daily exposure to an ambient magnetic field shielded environment induces analgesia (anti‐nociception). This shielding reduces ambient static and extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MF) by approximately 100 times for frequencies below 120 Hz. To determine the threshold of ELF‐MF amplitude that would attenuate or abolish this effect, 30 and 120 Hz magnetic fields were introduced into the shielded environment at peak amplitudes of 25, 50, 100 and 500 nT. At 30 Hz, peak amplitudes of 50, 100, and 500 nT attenuated this effect in proportion to the amplitude magnitude. At 120 Hz, significant attenuation was observed at all amplitudes. Exposures at 10, 60, 100, and 240 Hz with peak amplitudes of 500, 300, 500, and 300 nT, respectively, also attenuated the induced analgesia. No exposure abolished this effect except perhaps at 120 Hz, 500 nT. If the peak amplitude frequency product was kept constant at 6000 nT‐Hz for frequencies of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 Hz, the extent of attenuation was constant, indicating that the detection mechanism is dependent on the nT‐Hz product. A plot of effect versus the induced current metric nT‐Hz suggests a threshold of ELF‐MF detection in mice at or below 1000 nT‐Hz. Bioelectromagnetics 32:561–569, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A strategy to determine operating parameters in tissue engineering hollow fiber bioreactors
Authors: Shipley R.J. , Davidson A.J. , Chan K. , Chaudhuri J.B. , Waters S.L , Ellis M.J.
Published: March 2011

The development of tissue engineering hollow fiber bioreactors (HFB) requires the optimal design of the geometry and operation parameters of the system. This article provides a strategy for specifying operating conditions for the system based on mathematical models of oxygen delivery to the cell population. Analytical and numerical solutions of these models are developed based on Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Depending on the minimum oxygen concentration required to culture a functional cell population, together with the oxygen uptake kinetics, the strategy dictates the model needed to describe mass transport so that the operating conditions can be defined. If cmin ≫ Km we capture oxygen uptake using zero‐order kinetics and proceed analytically. This enables operating equations to be developed that allow the user to choose the medium flow rate, lumen length, and ECS depth to provide a prescribed value of cmin. When $c_{{\rm min}} {\not {\gg }}K_{m} $, we use numerical techniques to solve full Michaelis–Menten kinetics and present operating data for the bioreactor. The strategy presented utilizes both analytical and numerical approaches and can be applied to any cell type with known oxygen transport properties and uptake kinetics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1450–1461. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Meta-analysis of postoperative mortality after elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms detected by screening
Authors: Lindholt J S , Norman P E
Published: March 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the mortality rate within 30 days of elective surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men randomized to an invitation for ultrasound screening with that of men in the control group, whose aneurysms were detected incidentally.

Methods

Relevant reports from randomized trials of screening were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE. Four relevant trials were identified, and supplemented with data from the Viborg Vascular screening trial. Data were updated in two studies. Meta-analysis was undertaken with effects calculated as a fixed odds ratio (OR) with 95 per cent confidence interval. Heterogeneity between the studies was assessed by the χ2 test.

Results

There were 25 deaths (2·9 per cent) following elective surgery in 858 men invited for screening compared with 21 (5·5 per cent) of 383 in the control group (OR 0·49, 0·27 to 0·88). There were 18 deaths (2·4 per cent) following elective surgery for 747 screen-detected AAAs compared with 28 (6·1 per cent) following elective repair of 459 incidentally detected aneurysms (OR 0·37, 0·20 to 0·68).

Conclusion

The offer of screening identifies men whose early survival following elective AAA repair is better than that of men with an AAA detected incidentally.
RP‐HPLC‐DAD for simultaneous estimation of mahanine and mahanimbine in Murraya koenigii
Authors: Pandit Subrata , Kumar Mythies , Ponnusankar S. , Pal B. C. , Mukherjee Pulok K.
Published: March 2011

Murraya koenigii leaves (Rutaceae) are widely used as food condiments in various food preparations in India. They possess a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity. A rapid reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) method has been developed for quantitative estimation of mahanine and mahanimbine, two major bioactive alkaloids in this plant. The amounts of mahanine and mahanimbine were detected as 9.56 ± 1.04 and 4.32 ± 0.81% w/w in the extract, with the retention times of 6.26 ± 0.66 and 10.40 ± 0.95 minutes. The limits of detection and quantification were estimated to be 29.30 and 81.12 µg/mL and 1.67 and 6.31 µg/mL, respectively. This specific and precise validated method can be useful for the routine analysis and quantitative determination of mahanine and mahanimbine in this therapeutically potent medicinal plant. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid analysis of lignans from leaves of Podophyllum peltatum L. samples using UPLC‐UV‐MS
Authors: Avula Bharathi , Wang Yan‐Hong , Moraes Rita M. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: March 2011

A new rapid UPLC‐UV‐MS method has been developed that permits the analysis of four lignans (4′‐O‐demethylpodophyllotoxin, podophyllotoxin, α‐peltatin and β‐peltatin) in P. peltatum L. Podophyllotoxin is a natural lignan that is being used as a precursor for the semi‐synthetic anti‐cancer drugs etoposide, teniposide and etopophos. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a reversed‐phase C18 column with a mobile phase of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.05% formic acid. Analyses of P. peltatum leaves collected from different colonies within a single site indicated a significant variation in 4′‐O‐demethylpodophyllotoxin, α‐peltatin, podophyllotoxin and β‐peltatin content. Within 3.0 min four main lignans could be separated with detection limits of 0.1, 0.3, 0.3 and 0.2 μg/mL, respectively. 4′‐O‐demethylpodophyllotoxin and α‐peltatin appeared most prominently among the lignans obtained. The podophyllotoxin content was found in the range of 0.004–0.77% from 16 samples collected from 6 colonies within the same site. The content of podophyllotoxin is directly proportional to the content of 4′‐O‐demethylpodophyllotoxin and inversely proportional to α‐peltatin and β‐peltatin content. LC‐mass spectrometry coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) interface method is described for the identification of four lignans in various populations of plant samples. By applying principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, Podophyllum samples collected from various colonies within a location were distinguished. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personal Learning Environment Box (PLEBOX): A new approach to E‐learning platforms
Authors: Simões Tiago M. C. , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , de la Torre Isabel
Published: March 2011

This article presents a new E‐learning platform called Personal Learning Environment Box (PLEBOX). The system is built on Microsoft SharePoint and SharePoint Learning Kit (SLK) and enables the creation of modular and expansible software, presenting a simplified interaction with the user. PLEBOX has been used by 210 users (10 teachers and 200 engineering students) of the University of Beira Interior, Portugal and the University of Valladolid, Spain. The PLEBOX platform has innovative features compared to existing platforms, such as creating a customizable work environment, the ability to add applications, a framework for developing modules, and a new form to exposure learning contents, which can be used in engineering applications and education. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21:E100–E109, 2013
Intergenerational practice in the community: A focused ethnographic evaluation
Authors: Alcock Charlotte L. , Camic Paul M. , Barker Chris , Haridi Catherine , Raven Rosie
Published: March 2011

An intergenerational community intervention based on contact theory and using ‘photovoice’ methods was designed to change negative age‐group stereotypes and promote sense of community. A focused ethnographic approach was adopted. Participants were 18 young people and 13 older adults. Data from focus groups, carried out with each generation separately, and observational field notes were analysed using thematic analysis; credibility checks were carried out by auditing and respondent validation. Before the intergenerational intervention, both generations presented age‐group stereotypes and both experienced only a weak sense of community. After the intervention, both generations felt that intergenerational contact had reduced age‐group stereotypes and enhanced recognition of intergenerational similarity; many also articulated a positive sense of community. The intervention has promise for helping young people and older adults to feel more socially included. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Microscopy for Online Monitoring of Enzyme Supports and Two‐Phase Systems
Authors: Prediger Andreas , Bluma Arne , Höpfner Tim , Lindner Patrick , Beutel Sascha , Müller Jakob J. , Hilterhaus Lutz , Liese Andreas , Scheper Thomas
Published: March 2011

Die In‐situ‐Mikroskopie (ISM) ist eine optische Analysemethode, um nicht‐invasiv Bildinformationen direkt aus laufenden Prozessen zu gewinnen. Im Folgenden wird gezeigt wie dieses Analyseverfahren verwendet werden kann, um die mechanische Stabilität von Enzymimmobilisaten zu charakterisieren. Des Weiteren wird vorgestellt wie die ISM zur Analyse von Zweiphasensystemen genutzt werden kann.
A thermodynamic rationalisation for the oxidising behaviour of concentrated H2SO4
Authors: Kish J. R. , Ives M. B.
Published: March 2011

An attempt is made to extend the principle of equilibrium electrochemical potential–pH diagrams for sulfur compounds in dilute aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to more concentrated aqueous solutions up to 100 wt.%. Published Hammett acidity data is used to account for the medium effect (undissociated H2SO4) on the proton activity. The calculated electrochemical potential‐Hammett acidity diagrams predict a thermodynamic stability domain for all three of the reduction products experimentally observed during cathodic electrolysis, which included sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfur (S), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The implications of the relative stability domains on corrosion control measures are discussed.
Solar Photocatalytic Decolorization and Detoxification of Industrial Batik Dye Wastewater Using P(3HB)‐TiO2 Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Sridewi Nanthini , Tan Liu‐Tzea , Sudesh Kumar
Published: March 2011

Solar photocatalytic decolorization and detoxification of batik dye wastewater using titanium dioxide (TiO2) immobilized on poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (P(3HB)) film was studied. The effects of initial dye concentration, catalyst concentration, P(3HB) film thickness, and fabrication methods of the nanocomposite films were evaluated against methylene blue, a standard organic dye. It was observed that 0.4 g of P(3HB)‐40 wt% TiO2 removed 96% of the color under solar irradiation. P(3HB) and TiO2, mixed concurrently in chloroform followed by stirring for 24 h showed a more even distribution of the photocatalyst on the polymer surface and yielded almost 100% color removal. The photocatalytic films were able to completely decolorize real industrial batik dye wastewater in 3 h and induced a chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of 80%. Reusability of the 0.4 g P(3HB)‐40 wt% TiO2 film in decolorizing the batik dye wastewater was also possible as it gave a high consistent value of decolorization percentage (>80%) even after the sixth repeated usage. Recovery step of the photocatalysts was also not required in this simple treatment system. The decolorized batik dye wastewater had less/no toxic effects on mosquito larvae, Aedes aegypti, and microalgae, Scenedesmus quadricauda indicating simultaneous detoxification process along with the decolorization process.
Triplication of the Photocurrent in Dye Solar Cells by Increasing the Elongation of the π‐conjugation in Zn‐Porphyrin Sensitizers
Authors: Barea Eva M. , Caballero Rubén , López‐Arroyo Leticia , Guerrero Antonio , de la Cruz Pilar , Langa Fernando , Bisquert Juan
Published: March 2011

Porphyrins are promising sensitizers for dye solar cells (DSCs) but narrow absorption bands at 400–450 and 500–650 nm limit their light‐harvesting properties. Increasing elongation of the π‐conjugation and loss of symmetry causes broadening and a red‐shift of the absorption bands, which considerably improves the performance of the DSC. Herein we use an oligothienylenevinylene to bridge a Zn‐porphyrin system and the anchoring group of the sensitizer. We separately study the performance of the two basic units: oligothienylenevinylene and Zn‐porphyrin. The combined system provides a three‐fold enhancement of the photocurrent with respect to parent dyes. This is caused by an additional strong absorption in the region 400–650 nm that leads to flat IPCE of 60 %. Theoretical calculations support that the addition of the oligothienylenevinylene unit as a linking bridge creates a charge transfer band that transforms a Zn‐porphyrin dye into a push–pull type system with highly efficient charge injection properties.