bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Link between Standards and Patents
Authors: Layne-Farrar Anne , Padilla A. Jorge
Published: September 2012

Some policymakers, courts, and academics have expressed concerns that when a firm’s patents are incorporated into a standard, the patents gain importance and can bestow on the patent holder market power that can be abused when the standard is commercialized. This paper extends the existing literature on the effect that standards can have on patents. This analysis has two aims: first, to better understand how an SSO might confer importance on included patents and second, to move closer to an empirical understanding of the impact of a standard on included patents. The authors create a dataset of patents named to voluntary standard setting organizations, as well as the patent pools that sometimes develop around such standards. The authors rely on proxies to capture a patent’s importance or value.
Interpreting and Enforcing the Voluntary FRAND Commitment
Authors: Brooks Roger G. , Geradin Damien
Published: September 2012

Although often debated as though it were public law, a FRAND undertaking is a private contract between a patent-holder and an SSO. Applying ordinary principles of contract interpretation to the case of ETSI IPR policy reveals that “interpretations” of FRAND advocated by some authors—including cumulative royalty limits, royalties set by counting patents, or a prohibition on capture by the patent-holder of any gains created by standardization—cannot be correct (ETSI, n.d.). Rather, a FRAND obligation leaves wide latitude to private parties negotiating a license. However, this does not mean that a FRAND commitment has no substance to be enforced by courts. In this paper, the authors review how, consistent with both contract principles and established judicial method, courts can enforce a contractual obligation to offer licenses on FRAND terms, without becoming IPR price regulators. Similarly, ordinary principles of contract interpretation reveal that the “non-discriminatory” portion of FRAND cannot be interpreted to be coextensive with common “most favored nations” provisions, but instead contemplates substantial latitude for private parties to negotiate terms suited to their particular situations.
Threat and Risk-Driven Security Requirements Engineering
Authors: Schmidt Holger
Published: September 2012

In this paper, the author aim to present a threat and risk-driven methodology to security requirements engineering. The chosen approach has a strong focus on gathering, modeling, and analyzing the environment in which a secure ICT-system to be built is located. The knowledge about the environment comprises threat and risk models. As presented in the paper, this security-relevant knowledge is used to assess the adequacy of security mechanisms, which are then selected to establish security requirements.
2-ClickAuth
Authors: Vapen Anna , Shahmehri Nahid
Published: September 2012

Internet users often have usernames and passwords at multiple web sites. To simplify things, many sites support federated identity management, which enables users to have a single account allowing them to log on to different sites by authenticating to a single identity provider. Most identity providers perform authentication using a username and password. Should these credentials be compromised, all of the user’s accounts become compromised. Therefore a more secure authentication method is desirable. This paper implements 2-clickAuth, a multimedia-based challenge-response solution which uses a web camera and a camera phone for authentication. Two-dimensional barcodes are used for the communication between phone and computer, which allows 2-clickAuth to transfer relatively large amounts of data in a short period of time. 2-clickAuth is more secure than passwords while easy to use and distribute. 2-clickAuth is a viable alternative to passwords in systems where enhanced security is desired, but availability, ease-of-use, and cost cannot be compromised. This paper implements an identity provider in the OpenID federated identity management system that uses 2-clickAuth for authentication, making 2-clickAuth available to all users of sites that support OpenID, including Facebook, Sourceforge, and MySpace.
Resource Allocation for Multi Access MIMO Systems
Authors: Mishra Shailendra , Chauhan Durg Singh
Published: September 2012

In this paper, the authors discuss the emergence of new technologies related to the topic of the high-speed packet data access in wireless networks. The authors propose an algorithm for MIMO systems that optimizes the number of the transmit antennas according to the user’s QoS. Scheduling performance under two types of traffic modes is also discussed: one is voice or web-browsing and the other is for data transfer and streaming data.
Enhancing Data Availability in MANETs with Cooperative Caching
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Chauhan Naveen , Awasthi Lalit K. , Chand Narottam
Published: September 2012

Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANETs) are very popular solutions where network infrastructure installation is not possible. In MANETs, nodes are mobile, and due to this mobility, topology of the network changes rapidly. This dynamic topology reduces the data availability in MANETs. Cooperative caching provides an attractive solution for this problem. In this paper, a new cooperative caching algorithm, ProCoCa, is proposed. This algorithm is based on a proactive approach. Each node will be associated with a zone and the data of leaving node will be cached. The authors simulate the algorithm on OMNET++ simulator, and simulation results show that ProCoCa improves the data availability as well as overall performance of the network.
Artificial Multi-Polynomial Higher Order Neural Network Models
Authors: Zhang Ming
Published: September 2012

This chapter introduces Multi-Polynomial Higher Order Neural Network (MPHONN) models with higher accuracy. Using Sun workstation, C++, and Motif, a MPHONN Simulator has been built. Real world data cannot always be modeled simply and simulated with high accuracy by a single polynomial function. Thus, ordinary higher order neural networks could fail to simulate complicated real world data. However, the MPHONN model can simulate multi-polynomial functions, and can produce results with improved accuracy through experiments. By using MPHONN for financial modeling and simulation, experimental results show that MPHONN can always have 0.5051% to 0.8661% more accuracy than ordinary higher order neural network models.
Artificial Higher Order Neural Networks for Modeling MIMO Discrete-Time Nonlinear System
Authors: Lopez-Franco Michel , Alanis Alma Y. , Arana-Daniel Nancy , Lopez-Franco Carlos
Published: September 2012

In this chapter, a Recurrent Higher Order Neural Network (RHONN) is used to identify the plant model of discrete time nonlinear systems, under the assumption that all the state is available for measurement. Then the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is used to train the RHONN. The applicability of this scheme is illustrated by identification for an electrically driven nonholonomic mobile robot. Traditionally, modeling of mobile robots only considers its kinematics. It has been well known that the actuator dynamics is an important part of the design of the complete robot dynamics. However, most of the reported results in literature do not consider all parametric uncertainties for mobile robots at the actuator level. This is due to the modeling problem becoming extremely difficult as the complexity of the system dynamics increases, and the mobile robot model includes the uncertainties of the actuator dynamics as well as the uncertainties of the robot kinematics and dynamics.
Needle Insertion Force Modeling using Genetic Programming Polynomial Higher Order Neural Network
Authors: Fallahnezhad Mehdi , Yousefi Hashem
Published: September 2012

Precise insertion of a medical needle as an end-effecter of a robotic or computer-aided system into biological tissue is an important issue and should be considered in different operations, such as brain biopsy, prostate brachytherapy, and percutaneous therapies. Proper understanding of the whole procedure leads to a better performance by an operator or system. In this chapter, the authors use a 0.98 mm diameter needle with a real-time recording of force, displacement, and velocity of needle through biological tissue during in-vitro insertions. Using constant velocity experiments from 5 mm/min up to 300 mm/min, the data set for the force-displacement graph of insertion was gathered. Tissue deformation with a small puncture and a constant velocity penetration are the two first phases in the needle insertion process. Direct effects of different parameters and their correlations during the process is being modeled using a polynomial neural network. The authors develop different networks in 2nd and 3rd order to model the two first phases of insertion separately. Modeling accuracies were 98% and 86% in phase 1 and 2, respectively.
Cooperative Control of Unknown Networked Lagrange Systems using Higher Order Neural Networks
Authors: Chen Gang , Lewis Frank L.
Published: September 2012

This chapter investigates the cooperative control problem for a group of Lagrange systems with a target system to be tracked. The development is suitable for the case that the desired trajectory of the target node is only available to a portion of the networked systems. All the networked systems can have different dynamics. The dynamics of the networked systems, as well as the target system, are all assumed unknown. A higher-order neural network is used at each node to approximate the distributed unknown dynamics. A distributed adaptive neural network control protocol is proposed so that the networked systems synchronize to the motion of the target node. The theoretical analysis shows that the synchronization error can be made arbitrarily small by appropriately tuning the design parameters.
Symbolic Function Network
Authors: Eskander George S. , Atiya Amir
Published: September 2012

Quality of Service (QoS) of telecommunication networks could be enhanced by applying predictive control methods. Such controllers rely on utilizing good and fast (real-time) predictions of the network traffic and quality parameters. Accuracy and recall speed of the traditional Neural Network models are not satisfactory to support such critical real time applications. The Symbolic Function Network (SFN) is a HONN-like model that was originally motivated by the current needs of developing more enhanced and fast predictors for such applications. In this chapter, the authors use the SFN model to design fast and accurate predictors for the telecommunication networks quality control applications. Three predictors are designed and tested for the network traffic, packet loss, and round trip delay. This chapter aims to open a door for researchers to investigate the applicability of SFN in other prediction tasks and to develop more accurate and faster predictors.
A Hybrid Higher Order Neural Structure for Pattern Recognition
Authors: Fallahnezhad Mehdi , Zaferanlouei Salman
Published: September 2012

Considering high order correlations of selected features next to the raw features of input can facilitate target pattern recognition. In artificial intelligence, this is being addressed by Higher Order Neural Networks (HONNs). In general, HONN structures provide superior specifications (e.g. resolving the dilemma of choosing the number of neurons and layers of networks, better fitting specs, quicker, and open-box specificity) to traditional neural networks. This chapter introduces a hybrid structure of higher order neural networks, which can be generally applied in various branches of pattern recognition. Structure, learning algorithm, and network configuration are introduced, and structure is applied either as classifier (where is called HHONC) to different benchmark statistical data sets or as functional behavior approximation (where is called HHONN) to a heat and mass transfer dilemma. In each structure, results are compared with previous studies, which show its superior performance next to other mentioned advantages.
Communication, Culture, and Technology
Authors: Gallon Ray
Published: September 2012

The challenges of teaching Content Strategy and Information Architecture in a professional Master’s program are daunting because in these two disciplines the source of quality is hidden, and methodology can provide little useful guidance. The solution was to provide the cultural, epistemological, structural, and strategic principles behind these disciplines in classroom sessions, employing traditional lecture methods plus interactive exercises. All practical, hands-on experience comes through group research projects where students are expected to apply the principles that have been discussed in class. Students are evaluated solely on the group research projects. This case study suggests classroom methodology adjustment to make it more interactive and bring it into line with the informational environment students live in every day.
Integrated Projects and the Development of Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving Strategies
Authors: King Paul C.
Published: September 2012

Interdisciplinary problem solving and research skills require early preparation in two categories: critical thinking and communication. This chapter reviews the two-year process of interdisciplinary curriculum development, shaped by collaboration between the New York City Department of Education, the New York City College of Technology of the City University of New York, and City Polytechnic High School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology. The resulting course, “Inter-Academy Integrated Projects” (IP), emphasizes multidisciplinary problem solving that includes creativity, observation, research, visual and discursive communication, and reflection. The collaborative lessons make use of project-based methodology and emphasize social responsibility. Core skills are combined across the two trimesters of IP. This endeavor will be contrasted and compared to the work of the Partnership for the 21st Century Skills by examining the use of high-impact learning practices, feedback from students and teachers, and the issues surrounding the implementation of any new curriculum.
Self-Embedding Watermarking with Content Restoration Capabilities
Authors: Huang Rong , Rhee Kyung-Hyne
Published: September 2012

In this chapter, the authors give a survey about self-embedding watermarking, which enables not only detection of tampered regions but also recovering the damaged information. They introduce the pioneering method as well as the representative schemes, including adjacent-block detection, hierarchical detection and self-recovery, dual watermarks, reference sharing, and flexible self-recovery. The authors analyze the distinguishing features and loopholes by considering four key techniques, namely the secure block-mapping function, the unambiguous authentication, the reference information extraction, and the watermark embedding approaches. They make comparative studies on the above works and then outline further research directions and a conclusion.
Business Intelligence Enterprise Solution at Abu Dhabi Finance
Authors: Abdallah Salam
Published: September 2012

The challenge of transforming data and information in enterprise information systems into knowledge that can be rolled up and presented to management as key performance indicators is business-critical. The implementation of a business intelligence layer on top of the transaction processing systems and management information systems is viewed as an opportunity to move up a level to promote knowledge-based decision-making and strategic planning. This chapter attempts to examine the issues and challenges associated with the initiative by Abu Dhabi Finance to implement business intelligence solutions that extract information from the enterprise information systems, present them as KPIs for senior management, and produce knowledge that can be used to support decision-making and strategic planning.
An Empirical Test of the Information Processing Theory
Authors: Zhou Honggeng
Published: September 2012

According to the propositions in the information processing theory, this study tests the relationship between task uncertainty and three organizational design strategies, i.e., creation of lateral relationships, investment in information systems, and creation of self-contained tasks. Data from 125 North American manufacturing firms are used and business environment uncertainty is employed to measure task uncertainty. Sourcing practice and delivery practice measure the creation of lateral relationships, while Information quality measures the investment in information systems. Also, just-in-time production and human resource management measure the creation of self-contained tasks. Regression analysis shows that business environment uncertainty has significant positive influence on sourcing practice, delivery practice, information quality, just-in-time production, and human resource management. While the information processing theory was proposed more than thirty years ago, this study empirically extends the relevance of information processing theory to today’s supply chain environment.
Optimizing Routes with Safety and Environmental Criteria in Transportation Management in Spain
Authors: Faulin Javier , Lera-López Fernando , Juan Angel A.
Published: September 2012

The object of logistic management is to optimise the whole value chain of the distribution of goods and merchandise. One of the main aspects of such an analysis is the optimisation of vehicle routes to deliver final products to customers. There are many algorithms to optimise the related vehicle routing problem. The objective function of that problem usually involves distance, cost, number of vehicles, or profits. This study also takes safety and environmental costs into account. Thus, the authors develop variants to traditional heuristic algorithms, in which they include the traditional costs along with safety and environmental cost estimates for real scenarios in Spain. This methodology is called ASEC (Algorithms with Safety and Environmental Criteria). These considerations raise the value of the global objective function, but permit a more realistic cost estimate that includes not only the internal costs involved in the problem but also the related externalities. Finally, real cases are discussed, and solutions are offered using the new ASEC methodology.
Dihydroartemisinin Ameliorates Inflammatory Disease by Its Reciprocal Effects on Th and Regulatory T Cell Function via Modulating the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway
Authors: Zhao Yan G. , Wang Yunqi , Guo Zengli , Gu Ai-di , Dan Han C. , Baldwin Albert S. , Hao Weidong , Wan Yisong Y.
Published: September 2012

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an important derivative of the herb medicine Artemisia annua L., used in ancient China. DHA is currently used worldwide to treat malaria by killing malaria-causing parasites. In addition to this prominent effect, DHA is thought to regulate cellular functions, such as angiogenesis, tumor cell growth, and immunity. Nonetheless, how DHA affects T cell function remains poorly understood. We found that DHA potently suppressed Th cell differentiation in vitro. Unexpectedly, however, DHA greatly promoted regulatory T cell (Treg) generation in a manner dependent on the TGF-βR:Smad signal. In addition, DHA treatment effectively reduced onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and ameliorated ongoing EAE in mice. Administration of DHA significantly decreased Th but increased Tregs in EAE-inflicted mice, without apparent global immune suppression. Moreover, DHA modulated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, because mTOR signal was attenuated in T cells upon DHA treatment. Importantly, enhanced Akt activity neutralized DHA-mediated effects on T cells in an mTOR-dependent fashion. This study therefore reveals a novel immune regulatory function of DHA in reciprocally regulating Th and Treg cell generation through the modulating mTOR pathway. It addresses how DHA regulates immune function and suggests a new type of drug for treating diseases in which mTOR activity is to be tempered.
Interannual variability of surface and bottom sediment transport on the Laptev Sea shelf during summer
Authors: Wegner C. , Bauch D. , Hölemann J. A. , Janout M. A. , Heim B. , Novikhin A. , Kirillov S. , Kassens H. , Timokhov L.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Sediment transport dynamics were studied during ice-free conditions under different atmospheric circulation regimes on the Laptev Sea shelf (Siberian Arctic). To study the interannual variability of suspended particulate matter (SPM) dynamics and their coupling with the variability in surface river water distribution on the Laptev Sea detailed oceanographic, optical (turbidity and Ocean Color satellite data), and hydrochemical (nutrients, SPM, stable oxygen isotopes) process studies were carried out continuously during the summers of 2007 and 2008. Thus, for the first time SPM and nutrient variations on the Laptev Sea shelf under different atmospheric forcing and the implications for the turbidity and transparency of the water column can be presented. The data indicate a clear link between different surface distributions of riverine waters and the SPM transport dynamics within the entire water column. The summer of 2007 was dominated by shoreward winds and an eastward transport of riverine surface waters. The surface SPM concentration on the south-eastern inner shelf was elevated, which led to decreased transmissivity and increased light absorption. Surface SPM concentrations in the Central and Northern Laptev Sea were comparatively low. However, the SPM transport and concentration within the bottom nepheloid layer increased considerably on the entire eastern shelf. The summer of 2008 was dominated by offshore-winds and northwards transport of the river plume. The surface SPM transport was enhanced and extended onto the mid-shelf whereas the bottom SPM transport and concentration was diminished. This study suggests that the SPM concentration and transport in both, the surface and bottom nepheloid layers, are associated with the distribution of riverine surface waters which are linked to the atmospheric circulation patterns over the Laptev Sea and the adjacent Arctic Ocean during open water season. A continuing trend toward shoreward winds, weaker stratification and higher SPM concentration throughout the water column might have severe consequences for the ecosystem on the Laptev Sea shelf.
A survey of the Role and the Applications of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology in the Efficiency of Supply Chain Management (SCM) with an emphasis on Food Industries
Authors: Maniyan Amir , Ghassemi Reza Abachian , Rahrovy Elnaz
Published: September 2012

During the last decade, most organizations have implemented enterprise-wide applications and integration platforms. These implementations have delivered benefits in terms of data synchronization and information flows within the organization, and with trading partners providing valuable inputs for planning and optimization of schedules and reporting. The best and the most important technology of these technologies is RFID or Radio Frequency Identification systems. RFID is one of the most promising and the most advanced technologies released in recent years. Perishable and short life products, especially foodstuffs, are those cases causing the largest problems and challenges for supply chain management. These challenges are mainly due to the variety in the number of products, special needs for tracing and tracking the product flow during the supply chain, the short life of the products, the requirement for controlling the temperature in the supply chain and the high volume of the products we deal with.  Using the RFID system is one of the best potential solutions helping the supply chain management solve logistic problems of spoilable products. In food industries, the period of the product storage is short due to the high probability that the product spoils and the short time of the storage of the final product. Today, the changes in the ways of producing, distributing, maintaining and selling foodstuffs have caused changes in consumers' demands to increase the quality and the durability of foodstuff packages. Innovations are created in this industry to make sure of the desirable performance of packing in the supply chain of the foodstuffs, such as active or intelligent packing methods. Keywords: SCM, RFID, automatic identification of the product, information, information technology, information systems, bullwhip effect, efficiency
The Macroeconomic Consequences of Remittances
Authors: Jansen Dennis W. , Vacaflores Diego E. , Naufal George S.
Published: September 2012

This study examines the impact of a remittances shock on the main macroeconomic aggregates of a small open economy. It uses a stochastic limited participation model to generate dynamics that are consistent with the empirical literature, like the increase in inflation, consumption, and leisure. However, the remittances shock generates a prolonged decline in GDP, which only diminishes when remittances are a larger percentage of GDP, the fraction of remittances directed towards investment increases, or when the fraction of labor income that remittances represent is reduced and is overturned when the persistence of the remittances shocks is shortened.
Surgery for Gynecomastia in the Islamic Golden Age: Al-Tasrif of Al-Zahrawi (936–1013 AD)
Authors: Chavoushi Seyed Hadi , Ghabili Kamyar , Kazemi Abdolhassan , Aslanabadi Arash , Babapour Sarah , Ahmedli Rafail , Golzari Samad E. J.
Published: September 2012

The rise of European science during the Renaissance is greatly indebted to the flourishing of the sciences during the Islamic Golden Age. However, some believe that medieval Islamic physicians and in particular surgeons had been merely a medium for Greco-Roman ideas. Contrarily, in some medieval Islamic medical books, such as Al-Tasrif of Al-Zahrawi (936–1013), the surgical instructions represent a change in the usual techniques or are accompanied by a case history, implying that the procedure was actually undertaken. Along with the hundreds of chapters on different diseases and related medical and surgical treatments, Al-Tasrif includes a chapter on surgical techniques for gynecomastia. The present paper is a review of the description of the surgical management of gynecomastia by Al-Zahrawi as well as that of the ancient Greek, medieval, and modern medicine. Although Al-Zahrawi seemed to base his descriptions of surgery for gynecomastia upon those of Paulus of Aegina, his modification of the procedure and application of the medicinal substances might be indicative of Al-Zahrawi’s own practice of the procedure. Al-Zahrawi’s surgical procedures remained unchanged for many centuries thenceforward until the technological evolution in the recent centuries.
Towards data‐based adaptive control
Authors: Datta Aniruddha , Layek Ritwik , Nounou Hazem , Nounou Mohamed , Mohsenizadeh Navid , Bhattacharyya Shankar P.
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a possible new direction for the design of adaptive controllers. It begins by outlining a measurement‐based approach to the analysis, synthesis, and design of unknown systems. The systems under consideration can typically be electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, continuous, discrete, real, artificial, or biological, or of societal origin. Our approach is novel in the sense that we propose to use the measurement, or measured data, to directly design the control or decision variables whereas the current approach in the mainstream of system theory advocates that measured data be used to first identify the plant, and control design, or synthesis, then be based on the identified model. This latter approach has necessitated the creation of fields such as robust control and (indirect) adaptive control that try to account for errors in the identified model. Our approach, being data based, would potentially be automatically robust and adaptive. We show that such a measurement‐based approach is certainly feasible by considering DC circuits, AC circuits, block diagrams, and control systems. These results are then used to formulate the research problems for data‐based adaptive control. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Katalytische, milde und selektive Oxyfunktionalisierung von linearen Alkanen: aktuelle Herausforderungen
Authors: Bordeaux Mélanie , Galarneau Anne , Drone Jullien
Published: September 2012

Es besteht eine große Nachfrage nach selektiven Katalysatoren für die nachhaltige Oxidation von Alkanen, denn die in der Umwelt sehr häufig vorkommenden Alkane können dadurch in höherwertige Verbindungen, z. B. Chemikalien oder synthetische Brennstoffe, umgewandelt werden. Für diese – kinetisch gesehen – schwierige Reaktion wurde in den letzten Jahrzehnten eine Vielzahl von chemischen und biologischen Katalysatoren entwickelt, was einen Überblick über das Gebiet erschwert. Dieser Kurzaufsatz gibt zunächst eine Definition des idealen Katalysators für die Alkan‐Oxyfunktionalisierung und behandelt dann die heute verfügbaren Katalysatoren, die einem solchen idealen Katalysator am nächsten kommen.
Beyond Directing Groups: Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed CH Activation of Simple Arenes
Authors: Kuhl Nadine , Hopkinson Matthew N. , Wencel‐Delord Joanna , Glorius Frank
Published: September 2012

The use of coordinating moieties as directing groups for the functionalization of aromatic CH bonds has become an established tool to enhance reactivity and induce regioselectivity. Nevertheless, with regard to the synthetic applicability of CH activation, there is a growing interest in transformations in which the directing group can be fully abandoned, thus allowing the direct functionalization of simple benzene derivatives. However, this approach requires the disclosure of new strategies to achieve reactivity and to control selectivity. In this review, recent advances in the emerging field of non‐chelate‐assisted CH activation are discussed, highlighting some of the most intriguing and inspiring examples of induction of reactivity and selectivity.
Cooperative catalysis with binary Lewis acid–Lewis base system for the coupling of carbon disulfide and epoxides
Authors: Wang Yi‐Ming , Li Bo , Wang Hui , Zhang Zhi‐Chao , Lu Xiao‐Bing
Published: September 2012

The cycloaddition of epoxides with carbon disulfide proceeds effectively by using a binary catalyst system of tetradentate Schiff‐base aluminum complexes (designated as salenAlX) as Lewis acid in connection with a nucleophilic co‐catalyst, such as quaternary ammonium salt. The steric factor of the substituent groups on the aromatic rings of salenAlX and the anion of quaternary ammonium salt all have significant effects on the activity of the binary catalyst system, as well as the selectivities of the resultant cyclic products. The effects of temperature, time and the molar ratio of reactants were also investigated in detail with regard to propylene oxide with carbon disulfide, and a plausible mechanism was proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of a terpolymer containing fluorene, side chain conjugated thiophene and benzothiadiazole and its applications in photovoltaic devices
Authors: Liu Hongli , Qu Bo , Chen Jian , Cong Zhiyuan , An Zhongwei , Gao Chao , Xiao Lixin , Chen Zhijian , Gong Qihuang
Published: September 2012

A terpolymer (POTVTh‐8FO‐DBT) containing fluorene, side chain conjugated thiophene and 4,7‐dithieny‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole was synthesized by palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling method. The polymer is soluble in common organic solvents. The thermal, absorption, and electrochemical properties of the polymer were examined. Photovoltaic properties of POTVTh‐8FO‐DBT were studied by fabricating the polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on POTVTh‐8FO‐DBT as donor and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) as acceptor. With the weight ratio of POTVTh‐8FO‐DBT : PC61BM of 1 : 1 and the active layer thickness of 80 nm, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device reached 0.47% with Voc = 0.61 V, Jsc = 1.61 mA/cm2, and filled factor (FF) = 0.49 under the illumination of AM 1.5, 100 mW/cm2. The results indicated that this polymer was promising donor candidates in the application of PSCs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Shape memory effect and properties memory effect of polyurethane
Authors: Farzaneh S. , Fitoussi J. , Lucas A. , Bocquet M. , Tcharkhtchi A.
Published: September 2012

The relationship between shape and properties memory effect, especially viscoelastic properties of polyurethane under study is the main aim of this research work. Tensile tests have been performed in order to introduce 100% of deformation in the polyurethane samples. Under this deformation, stress–relaxation experiments have been performed in order to eliminate the residual stresses. This deformation of the samples has been fixed by cooling. Recovery tests, then, were carried out at different isothermal temperatures that varied from 30°C to 60°C. Viscoelastic behavior has been studied by a biparabolic model and by using the Cole–Cole method. It was shown that this model describes the behavior of the polymer at the different states of shape memory tests. The constants of this model then have been determined. This study leads to a better understanding of the mechanism of shape memory effect. The comparison between the virgin polymer and the polymer after a recovery test by DMTA (dynamic mechanical thermal analysis) and by Cole–Cole method has illustrated that the polymer does not obtain its initial properties even when it was totally regained its initial shape. These results have been confirmed by three successive shape memory tests on the same sample and by comparing the mechanical characteristics of different cycles because “shape memory effect” and “properties memory effect” do not follow the same mechanisms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Finite‐Time Optimal Formation Control for Second‐Order Multiagent Systems
Authors: Liu Yongfang , Geng Zhiyong
Published: September 2012

This paper studies the problem of finite‐time optimal formation control for second‐order multiagent systems in situations where the formation time and/or the cost function need to be considered. The finite‐time optimal formation control laws are proposed for the cases with or without a leader, respectively. For the case of control being constrained, the time optimal formation problem is considered and an algorithm is designed to derive a feasible solution for the problem concerned. Although the feasible solution may not be optimal, it can provide a lower bound for time for the formation problem with control constraints. Once the given formation time is lower than this bound, the control constraints cannot be ensured. Finally, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Interaction of oil sands tailings particles with polymers and microbial cells: First steps toward reclamation to soil
Authors: Voordouw Gerrit
Published: September 2012

Production of bitumen by surface mining of Alberta's oil sands has given rise to tailings ponds, containing large volumes of finely dispersed clays (108 m3), which settle only slowly. The mature fine tailings (MFT) in these ponds are operationally defined as consisting of particles smaller than 44 μm with a solids content in excess of 30% (w/w). Increasing the rate of densification of MFT is a rate‐limiting step in tailings pond reclamation. Accelerated densification has been achieved through mixing of MFT with sand in the presence of calcium sulfate as a binding agent to generate consolidated tailings. Addition of negatively charged polymer, together with either calcium or magnesium ions, is similarly effective. Although toxic to higher aquatic life, tailings ponds harbour a wide variety of mainly anaerobic microbes. These convert residual hydrocarbon, causing methane emissions of up to 104 m3 day−1. Interestingly, anaerobic microbial activity also accelerates tailings pond densification. Hence, many technologies designed to accelerate densification move tailings, at least conceptually, towards soil in which sand and clay particles are linked by large amounts of humic and fulvic acid polymers supporting large numbers of microbes in a mechanically stable structure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 257–262, 2013.
Chromatin structure outside and inside the nucleus
Authors: Ghirlando Rodolfo , Felsenfeld Gary
Published: September 2012

The structure of the 30‐nm chromatin fiber has provided, over the years, an important reference in chromatin studies. Originally derived from electron microscopic studies of soluble chromatin fibers released by restriction digestion, the gross structural features of such fragments have been supported by biophysical methods such as low angle X‐ray and neutron scattering, sedimentation, light scattering, and electric dichroism. Electron microscopy and sedimentation velocity measurements demonstrated that reconstituted chromatin fibers, prepared from repeating arrays of high affinity nucleosome positioning sequences, retain the same overall features as observed for native chromatin fibers. It had been suggested that the 30 nm fiber might be the form assumed in vivo by transcriptionally silent chromatin, but individual gene or genome‐wide studies of chromatin released from nuclei do not reveal any such simple correlation. Furthermore, even though the 30 nm fiber has been thought to represent an intermediate in the hierarchical folding of DNA into chromosomes, most analyses of chromatin folding within the nucleus do not detect any regular extended compact structures. However, there are important exceptions in chicken erythroid cell nuclei as well as in transcribed regions that form extended loops. Localized domains within the nucleus, either at the surface of chromosome domains or constrained as a specialized kind of constitutive heterochromatin by specific DNA binding proteins, may adopt 30 nm fiber‐like structures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 225–232, 2013.
The neutrophil elastase mutant affects viability and differentiation of the human monocytic THP‐1 cell
Authors: Lee Hu‐Hui , Sung Ming‐Han
Published: September 2012

Deficiency in neutrophils (neutropenia) caused by mutations in neutrophil elastase (NE, ELA2) has been extensively investigated. Monocytes and neutrophils are derived from a common myeloid progenitor; therefore, ELA2 mutations can also influence monocyte development. These effects have not been well described. In this study, we used the human monocytic THP‐1, to carry the human wild‐type and G185R mutant ELA2 gene. Growth, death, differentiation and BiP expression were evaluated in the two stable cell lines and in the wild‐type THP‐1 cells. Exogenous wild‐type ELA2 markedly increased THP‐1 differentiation, whereas G185R ELA2 was incompetent to promote THP‐1 differentiation in response to all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Indeed, during differentiation induced by ATRA, G185R cell line showed significant cell death. Also, up‐regulated BiP expression accompanied cell death in the G185R cells, suggesting that the overexpression of G185R elastase increases apoptosis through an unfolded protein response. The G185R cells treated with lithium chloride (LiCl; a Wnt signalling activator) displayed higher BiP expression but similar cell viability compared with THP1 and HNEwt/THP1 cells treated with LiCl. This suggested that Wnt signalling might increase cellular tolerance to endoplasmic reticulum stress, enabling mutant monocyte survival. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Evolution of Workforce Baccalaureate Degrees in Florida
Authors: Bilsky Judith , Neuhard Ian , Locke Mary G.
Published: September 2012

This chapter highlights the history of workforce baccalaureate degrees in Florida, documents the growth of these programs across the state, and provides a framework for the designation of various degree types and academic requirements. Florida's new College System is described as one of the largest and most innovative systems of higher education for increasing access to four‐year workforce baccalaureates.
The Work Experience Component of an Ontario College Baccalaureate Program
Authors: Donohue Marguerite M. , Skolnik Michael L.
Published: September 2012

This chapter describes the results of case study research on the transfer of learning from the classroom to the cooperative education workplace and includes recommendations for curriculum changes to improve the transfer of learning.
Enhancing the Sensitivity of Aptameric Detection of Lysozyme with a “Feed‐Forward” Network of DNA‐Related Reaction Cycles
Authors: Ren Rui , Yu Zhaotao , Zou Yuanming , Zhang Shusheng
Published: September 2012

In this study, a network of DNA‐related reaction cycles was established to enhance the sensitivity of lysozyme detection with dual signal amplification, and aptamer‐based reactions were integrated into this system to provide high specificity. The network was organized in a feed‐forward manner: the “upstream cycles” recognized the lysozyme (the target) and released the “messenger strands” from probe A (a DNA construct); the “downstream cycles” received them and then released the “signal strands” from another DNA construct, probe B, in multiplied quantities to that of the original inputted lysozyme. The upstream cycles centered on “target‐displacement polymerization”, which circulates the lysozyme to provide primary amplification; the downstream cycles centered on “strand‐displacement polymerization”, which circulates the messenger strand to provide further amplification. There were also several “nicking–polymerization” cycles in both reaction groups that provide extra signal amplification. In total, the network enclosed eight interconnected and autonomic reaction cycles, with only two probes, two primers, and two enzymes needed as raw feeds, and the network can be operated simply in one‐pot mode. With this network, lysozyme could be quantified at lysozyme concentrations as low as 2.0×10−14 M, with a detection limit of 3.6×10−15 M (3σ rule), which was seven orders of magnitude lower than that obtained without any amplification(1.8×10−8 M). Detection of lysozyme in real serum samples confirmed the reliability and practicality of the assay based on this reported reaction network.
Revisiting the Molecular Roots of a Ubiquitously Successful Synthesis: Nickel(0) Nanoparticles by Reduction of [Ni(acetylacetonate)2]
Authors: Carenco Sophie , Labouille Stéphanie , Bouchonnet Stéphane , Boissière Cédric , Le Goff Xavier‐Frédéric , Sanchez Clément , Mézailles Nicolas
Published: September 2012

The widely used preparation of Ni0 nanoparticles from [Ni(acac)2] (acac=acetylacetonate) and oleylamine, often considered to be a thermolysis or a radical reaction, was analyzed anew by using a combination of DFT modeling and designed mechanistic experiments. Firstly, the reaction was followed up by using TGA to evaluate the energy barrier of the limiting step. Secondly, all the byproducts were identified using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, FTIR, and X‐ray crystallography. These methods allowed us to depict both main and side‐reaction pathways. Lastly, DFT modeling was utilized to assess the validity of this new scheme by identifying the limiting steps and evaluating the corresponding energy barriers. The oleylamine was shown to reduce the [Ni(acac)2] complex not through a one‐electron radical mechanism, as often stated, but as an hydride donor through a two‐electron chemical reduction route. This finding has strong consequences not only for the design of further nanoparticles syntheses that use long‐chain amine as a reactant, but also for advanced understanding of catalytic reactions for which these nanoparticles can be employed.
Cationic Pentaheteroaryls as Selective G‐Quadruplex Ligands by Solvent‐Free Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis
Authors: Petenzi Michele , Verga Daniela , Largy Eric , Hamon Florian , Doria Filippo , Teulade‐Fichou Marie‐Paule , Guédin Aurore , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Mella Mariella , Freccero Mauro
Published: September 2012

We report herein a solvent‐free and microwaved‐assisted synthesis of several water soluble acyclic pentaheteroaryls containing 1,2,4‐oxadiazole moieties (1–7). Their binding interactions with DNA quadruplex structures were thoroughly investigated by FRET melting, fluorescent intercalator displacement assay (G4‐FID) and CD spectroscopy. Among the G‐quadruplexes considered, attention was focused on telomeric repeats together with the proto‐oncogenic c‐kit sequences and the c‐myc oncogene promoter. Compound 1, and to a lesser extent 2 and 5, preferentially stabilise an antiparallel structure of the telomeric DNA motif, and exhibit an opposite binding behaviour to structurally related polyoxazole (TOxaPy), and do not bind duplex DNA. The efficiency and selectivity of the binding process was remarkably controlled by the structure of the solubilising moieties.
ChemInform Abstract: Condensed Double‐Chain Cluster Complexes with Seven‐Coordinate Endohedral Iridium Atoms in {Ir2Gd5}Br5.
Authors: Bruehmann Matthias , Meyer Gerd
Published: September 2012

The new title compound is synthesized by reaction of GdBr3, Gd, and Ir in the molar ratio 6:10:5 (Ta container, 910 °C, 12 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Structure and Negative Thermal Expansion of Cubic ZrW2‐xVxO8‐x/2 Solid Solutions.
Authors: Chen Xi , Guo Fuli , Deng Xuebin , Tao Juzhou , Ma Hui , Zhao Xinhua
Published: September 2012

The title solid solutions (x = 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16.
ChemInform Abstract: A Facile One‐Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of Rhombohedral CuFeO2 Crystals with Antivirus Property.
Authors: Qiu Xiaoqing , Liu Min , Sunada Kayano , Miyauchi Masahiro , Hashimoto Kazuhito
Published: September 2012

The title crystals with well‐defined edges, corners, and smooth surfaces are hydrothermally synthesized from an aqueous solution containing Fe(NO3)3, Cu(NO3)2, NaOH, and propionaldehyde as a reducing agent (autoclave, 180 °C, 24—64 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Biomimetic Asymmetric Aldol Reactions Catalyzed by Proline Derivatives Attached to β‐Cyclodextrin in Water.
Authors: Shen Hai‐Min , Ji Hong‐Bing
Published: September 2012

Two mono‐proline modified β‐cyclodextrin derivatives are designed, synthesized and applied as aldolase enzyme mimics in asymmetric aldol reactions in water.
ChemInform Abstract: Non‐Flammable and Reusable Hydrogenation of Aromatic Ketones in Ionic Liquid.
Authors: Suzuki Hideyuki , Nishioka Hiromi , Takeuchi Yasuo
Published: September 2012

A novel method for the hydrogenation of aromatic ketones is developed using a functionalized ionic liquid in combination with DMF as the solvent and PdCl2 as the catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Silylcyanation of Aldehydes, Ketones, and Imines Catalyzed by a 6,6′‐Bis‐sulfonamide Derivative of 7,7′‐Dihydroxy‐8,8′‐biquinolyl (azaBINOL).
Authors: Milicevic Sephton Selena , Wang Chao , Zakharov Lev N. , Blakemore Paul R.
Published: September 2012

Biquinolyl BQU catalyzes the addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide to aldehydes, ketones, and N‐benzylaldimines to give the expected cyanohydrin and Strecker adducts by subsequent desilylation.
ChemInform Abstract: Sequential Protocol for C(sp3)—H Carboxylation with CO2: Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Benzylic C—H Silylation and Fluoride‐Mediated Carboxylation.
Authors: Mita Tsuyoshi , Michigami Kenichi , Sato Yoshihiro
Published: September 2012

A new method to prepare arylacetic acid esters and some heteroaromatic analogues is reported.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Amine and α‐Carbonyl Aldehyde: A Practical and Efficient Approach to α‐Ketoamides with Wide Substrate Scope.
Authors: Zhang Chun , Zong Xiaolin , Zhang Liangren , Jiao Ning
Published: September 2012

The reaction of aliphatic and secondary amines using pure oxygen gives better yields than the reaction under air.