bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Y:BaZrO3 Perovskite Compounds II: Designing Protonic Conduction by using MD Models
Authors: Cammarata Antonio , Emanuele Antonio , Duca Dario
Published: May 2012

The proton dynamics in Y‐doped BaZrO3 derivatives, in particular the different dopant environments within a Pmm cubic framework, were studied by using classical molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. Single‐ and double substitution of zirconium by yttrium atoms was considered. The presence of yttrium induced variations in the surrounding oxygen sites, according to their local geometrical arrangements. The differences among such distinct oxygen sites became evident when protons interacted with them and upon changes in the temperature. So, different proton transfer pathways, which had different energy barriers, characterized the topologically different oxygen sites. The experimental proton‐hopping activation energy was only reproduced in those structures in which two yttrium atoms formed a Y‐O‐Y arrangement, which also acted as multilevel protonic traps. Protonic conduction in these materials could be improved by avoiding such yttrium clustering, hence preventing the formation of the protonic traps.
Highly Catalytic Carbon Nanotube/Pt Nanohybrid‐Based Transparent Counter Electrode for Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Hong‐Yan , Liao Jin‐Yun , Lei Bing‐Xin , Kuang Dai‐Bin , Fang Yueping , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: May 2012

Low‐cost transparent counter electrodes (CEs) for efficient dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are prepared by using nanohybrids of carbon nanotube (CNT)‐supported platinum nanoparticles as highly active catalysts. The nanohybrids, synthesized by an ionic‐liquid‐assisted sonochemical method, are directly deposited on either rigid glass or flexible plastic substrates by a facile electrospray method for operation as CEs. Their electrochemical performances are examined by cyclic voltammetry, current density–voltage characteristics, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The CNT/Pt hybrid films exhibit high electrocatalytic activity for I−/I3− with a weak dependence on film thickness. A transparent CNT/Pt hybrid CE film about 100 nm thick with a transparency of about 70 % (at 550 nm) can result in a high power conversion efficiency (η) of over 8.5 %, which is comparable to that of pyrolysis platinum‐based DSSCs, but lower cost. Furthermore, DSSC based on flexible CNT/Pt hybrid CE using indium‐doped tin oxide‐coated polyethylene terephthalate as the substrate also exhibits η=8.43 % with Jsc=16.85 mA cm−2, Voc=780 mV, and FF=0.64, and this shows great potential in developing highly efficient flexible DSSCs.
Robust Stability of Time‐Varying Delay Systems: The Quadratic Separation Approach
Authors: Ariba Yassine , Gouaisbaut Frédéric , Johansson Karl Henrik
Published: May 2012

In this article, we are interested in analysing the stability of systems that incorporate time‐varying delays in their dynamic. The Lyapunov‐Krasovskii approach is definitely the most popular method to address this issue and many results have proposed new functionals and enhanced techniques for deriving less conservative stability conditions. In the present work, we propose an original approach: the quadratic separation. To this end, the delay operator properties are exploited to provide delay range stability conditions. In particular, L2‐norm of delay‐dependent operators are computed so as to reduce the conservatism of the approach. Moreover, the main result is able to assess the stability of non‐small delay systems, i.e, it can detect a stability interval for systems that are unstable without any delay. Several examples illustrate the benefit of our methodology.
Finite‐Time Stability and Stabilization of Linear Itô Stochastic Systems with State and Control‐Dependent Noise
Authors: Yan Zhiguo , Zhang Guoshan , Zhang Weihai
Published: May 2012

In this paper, finite‐time stability and stabilization problems for a class of linear stochastic systems are studied. First, a new concept of finite‐time stochastic stability is defined for linear stochastic systems. Then, based on matrix inequalities, some sufficient conditions under which the stochastic systems are finite‐time stochastically stable are given. Subsequently, the finite‐time stochastic stabilization is studied and some sufficient conditions for the existence of a state feedback controller and a dynamic output feedback controller are presented by using a matrix inequality approach. An algorithm is given for solving the matrix inequalities arising from finite‐time stochastic stability (stabilization). Finally, two examples are employed to illustrate the results.
Active red sports car and relaxed purple–blue van: affective qualities predict color appropriateness for car types
Authors: Hanss Daniel , Böhm Gisela , Pfister Hans‐Rüdiger
Published: May 2012

Research suggests that color appropriateness differs as a function of object type. Thus, a color may be perceived as appropriate for one product and inappropriate for another product. We argue that perceived appropriateness depends upon the congruity of the affective qualities of a color with those of the product. This assumption was addressed in two studies in which participants assigned the best matching color out of 13 Munsell colors to each of seven car types. Additionally, affective qualities of both colors and car types were measured on semantic differential scales. The first study showed that color appropriateness varied according to car type. As predicted, the affective qualities of the assigned colors tended to be congruent with the affective qualities of the car types. Affective congruity along the potency dimension of the semantic differential was of particular importance in explaining assignments of colors to car types. The second study was a replication of the first study but with a different sample. The results confirmed what we found in the first study. An interesting difference was, however, that activity (not potency) turned out to be the most important dimension of the semantic differential in explaining assignments of colors to car types. Implications for product development and marketing practice are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust preprocessing and model selection for spectral data
Authors: Verboven Sabine , Hubert Mia , Goos Peter
Published: May 2012

To calibrate spectral data, one typically starts with preprocessing the spectra and then applies a multivariate calibration method such as principal component regression or partial least squares regression. In the model selection step, the optimal number of latent variables is determined in order to minimize the prediction error. To protect the analysis against the harmful influence of possible outliers in the data, robust calibration methods have been developed. In this paper, we focus on the preprocessing and the model selection step. We propose several robust preprocessing methods as well as robust measures of the root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP). To select the optimal preprocessing method, we summarize the results for the different RMSEP values by means of a desirability index, which is a concept from industrial quality control. These robust RMSEP values are also used to select the optimal number of latent variables. We illustrate our newly developed techniques through the analysis of a real data set containing near‐infrared measurements of samples of animal feed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surprisingly Difficult Resolution of N‐Methylated Cationic [4]Helicenes
Authors: Mehanna Nathalie , Grass Stéphane , Lacour Jérôme
Published: May 2012

1,13‐Dimethoxyquinacridinium ions of type 3 are highly configurationally stable [4]helicenes that can be synthesized in racemic form in a single step from tris(2,6‐dimethoxyphenyl)methylium ion. Previously, it had been shown that the single enantiomers can be routinely obtained from racemic mixtures through Pummerer fragmentations of diastereomerically pure sulfoxide adducts that release the enantiopure cations after a C–C bond rupture. This resolution protocol is readily performed because of a (normally) large retention difference of the diastereomers over silica gel. Herein, we report that it is not always the case. Introduction of N‐methyl side chain(s) at the periphery of the helical quinacridinium cations, which are needed for photophysical and biological studies, has a large negative effect of this separation. Instead of simple, rapid, and multigram separations by flash chromatography, extensive semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography sequences are now required. Chirality 24:928–935, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hearing preservation in patients with unilateral vestibular schwannoma who undergo stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Han Jung Ho , Kim Dong Gyu , Chung Hyun‐Tai , Paek Sun Ha , Park Chul‐Kee , Kim Chae‐Yong , Kim Young‐Hoon , Kim Jin Wook , Kim Yong Hwy , Song Sang Woo , Kim In Kyung , Jung Hee‐Won
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to identify the prognostic factors for hearing preservation that would allow the more accurate stratification of patients who undergo stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for unilateral, sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS).

METHODS:

In total, 119 patients with VS who had serviceable hearing underwent SRS as primary treatment. The mean (±standard deviation) patient age was 48 ± 11 years, and the mean (±standard deviation) follow‐up duration was 55.2 ± 35.7 months. The median marginal radiotherapy dose was 12.0 grays (Gy), and the mean (±standard deviation) tumor volume was 1.95 ± 2.24 cm3. The mean (±standard deviation) pure tone average (PTA) score was 26 ± 12 decibels (dB) (range, 4‐50 dB), and the mean (±standard deviation) maximum speech discrimination score was 91 ± 12% (range, 52‐100%). The mean (±standard deviation) baseline values for the interlatency (IL) of waves I and III (IL I‐III) and the IL of waves I through V (IL I‐V) on auditory brainstem response were 2.58 ± 0.60 milliseconds (mS) (range, 1.92‐4.30 mS) and 4.80 ± 0.61 mS (range, 3.80‐6.40 mS), respectively.

RESULTS:

In multivariate analysis, the PTA score and IL I‐V were significant and independent prognostic factors (hazard ratio, 1.072; 95% confidence interval, 1.046‐1.098; P < .001; and hazard ratio, 1.534; 95% confidence interval, 1.008‐2.336; P = .046, respectively). By using the PTA score and IL I‐V, the patients were classified into 4 groups. The ratios of patients with serviceable hearing after SRS were 89.6%, 64.0%, 25.8%, and 6.7%, respectively, in Groups A through D (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that the classification system based on using the PTA score and the IL I‐V of the auditory brainstem response may be useful and specific for predicting the rate of hearing preservation in each individual. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Pricing of surgeries for colon cancer
Authors: Dor Avi , Koroukian Siran , Xu Fang , Stulberg Jonah , Delaney Conor , Cooper Gregory
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

This study examined effects of health maintenance organization (HMO) penetration, hospital competition, and patient severity on the uptake of laparoscopic colectomy and its price relative to open surgery for colon cancer.

METHODS:

The MarketScan Database (data from 2002‐2007) was used to identify admissions for privately insured colorectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic or open partial colectomy (n = 1035 and n = 6389, respectively). Patient and health plan characteristics were retrieved from these data; HMO market penetration rates and an index of hospital market concentration, the Herfindahl‐Hirschman index (HHI), were derived from national databases. Logistic and logarithmic regressions were used to examine the odds of having laparoscopic colectomy, effect of covariates on colectomy prices, and the differential price of laparoscopy.

RESULTS:

Adoption of laparoscopy was highly sensitive to market forces, with a 10% increase in HMO penetration leading to a 10.9% increase in the likelihood of undergoing laparoscopic colectomy (adjusted odds ratio = 1.109; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.062, 1.158) and a 10% increase in HHI resulting in 6.6% lower likelihood (adjusted odds ratio = 0.936; 95% CI = 0.880, 0.996). Price models indicated that the price of laparoscopy was 7.6% lower than that of open surgery (transformed coefficient = 0.927; 95% CI = 0.895, 0.960). A 10% increase in HMO penetration was associated with 1.6% lower price (transformed coefficient = 0.985; 95% CI = 0.977, 0.992), whereas a 10% increase in HHI was associated with 1.6% higher price (transformed coefficient = 1.016; 95% CI = 1.006, 1.027; P < .001 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS:

Laparoscopy was significantly associated with lower hospital prices. Moreover, laparoscopic surgery may result in cost savings, while market pressures contribute to its adoption. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Fractionated radioimmunotherapy with 90Y‐clivatuzumab tetraxetan and low‐dose gemcitabine is active in advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ocean Allyson J. , Pennington Kenneth L. , Guarino Michael J. , Sheikh Arif , Bekaii‐Saab Tanios , Serafini Aldo N. , Lee Daniel , Sung Max W. , Gulec Seza A. , Goldsmith Stanley J. , Manzone Timothy , Holt Michael , O'Neil Bert H. , Hall Nathan , Montero Alberto J. , Kauh John , Gold David V. , Horne Heather , Wegener William A. , Goldenberg David M.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

It has been demonstrated that the humanized clivatuzumab tetraxetan (hPAM4) antibody targets pancreatic ductal carcinoma selectively. After a trial of radioimmunotherapy that determined the maximum tolerated dose of single‐dose yttrium‐90‐labeled hPAM4 (90Y‐hPAM4) and produced objective responses in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal carcinoma, the authors studied fractionated radioimmunotherapy combined with low‐dose gemcitabine in this disease.

METHODS:

Thirty‐eight previously untreated patients (33 patients with stage IV disease and 5 patients with stage III disease) received gemcitabine 200 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks with 90Y‐hPAM4 given weekly in Weeks 2, 3, and 4 (cycle 1), and the same cycle was repeated in 13 patients (cycles 2‐4). In the first part of the study, 19 patients received escalating weekly 90Y doses of 6.5 mCi/m2, 9.0 mCi/m2, 12.0 mCi/m2, and 15.0 mCi/m2. In the second portion, 19 additional patients received weekly doses of 9.0 mCi/m2 or 12.0 mCi/m2.

RESULTS:

Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia or neutropenia (according to version 3.0 of the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) developed in 28 of 38 patients after cycle 1 and in all retreated patients; no grade >3 nonhematologic toxicities occurred. Fractionated dosing of cycle 1 allowed almost twice the radiation dose compared with single‐dose radioimmunotherapy. The maximum tolerated dose of 90Y‐hPAM4 was 12.0 mCi/m2 weekly for 3 weeks for cycle 1, with ≤9.0 mCi/m2 weekly for 3 weeks for subsequent cycles, and that dose will be used in future trials. Six patients (16%) had partial responses according to computed tomography‐based Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, and 16 patients (42%) had stabilization as their best response (58% disease control). The median overall survival was 7.7 months for all 38 patients, including 11.8 months for those who received repeated cycles (46% [6 of 13 patients] ≥1 year), with improved efficacy at the higher radioimmunotherapy doses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fractionated radioimmunotherapy with 90Y‐hPAM4 and low‐dose gemcitabine demonstrated promising therapeutic activity and manageable myelosuppression in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal carcinoma. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Long‐term neurotoxicity effects of oxaliplatin added to fluorouracil and leucovorin as adjuvant therapy for colon cancer: Results from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trials C‐07 and LTS‐01
Authors: Kidwell Kelley M. , Yothers Greg , Ganz Patricia A. , Land Stephanie R. , Ko Clifford Y. , Cecchini Reena S. , Kopec Jacek A. , Wolmark Norman
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

Neurotoxicity from adjuvant treatment with oxaliplatin has been studied in patients with colorectal carcinoma in short‐term studies, but, to the authors' knowledge, the current article is the first long‐term assessment which reports the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) investigation of whether excess neurotoxicity persists beyond 4 years.

METHODS:

As part of a colorectal cancer long‐term survivor study (LTS‐01), long‐term neurotoxicity was assessed in 353 patients on NSABP Protocol C‐07 (cross‐sectional sample). Ninety‐two of these patients from LTS‐01 also had longitudinal data and were reassessed 5 to 8 years (median, 7 years) after random assignment (longitudinal sample). Contingency tables compared cohorts, a mixed model compared neurotoxicity between treatments over time, and a Wilcoxon rank‐sum test compared neurotoxicity between treatments (cross‐sectional sample).

RESULTS:

In the cross‐sectional sample, the increase in mean total neurotoxicity scores of 1.8 with oxaliplatin was statistically significant (P = .005), but not clinically significant (a minimally important difference of 4 was reported at the long‐term assessment). Patients who received oxaliplatin had increased odds of numbness and tingling in hands (odds ratio, 2.00; P = .015) and feet (odds ratio, 2.78; P < .001) versus patients who did not receive oxaliplatin. The magnitude of the oxaliplatin effect varied with time (P < .001) in the longitudinal sample, such that the oxaliplatin‐treated group did not have significantly greater total neurotoxicity scores by 7 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

At the long‐term endpoint, there was no clinically significant increase in total neurotoxicity scores for patients who received oxaliplatin, but the specific neurotoxicities of numbness and tingling of the hands and feet remained significantly elevated for oxaliplatin‐treated patients. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
An analysis of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter‐1, ribonucleoside reductase subunit M1, ribonucleoside reductase subunit M2, and excision repair cross‐complementing gene‐1 expression in patients with resected pancreas adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fisher Sarah B. , Patel Sameer H. , Bagci Pelin , Kooby David A. , El‐Rayes Bassel F. , Staley Charles A. , Adsay N. Volkan , Maithel Shishir K.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

Tumor overexpression of excision repair cross‐complementing gene‐1 (ERCC1) may be associated with decreased survival in patients with pancreas adenocarcinoma (PAC). Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter‐1 (hENT1) and ribonucleoside reductase subunits M1 and M2 (RRM1 and RRM2) are integral to cellular transport and DNA synthesis and are implicated as poor prognostic factors in other malignancies. To the authors's knowledge, their role in PAC is not defined.

METHODS:

A prospective database was used to randomly select 95 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for PAC between January 2000 and October 2008. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on tumor samples for hENT1, RRM1 and RRM2, and ERCC1. Main outcomes were recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS:

The median follow‐up, RFS, and OS were 49 months, 10.6 months, and 15.5 months, respectively. The median tumor size was 3 cm. Approximately 26% of patients had positive microscopic margins, 61% had lymph node involvement, and 88% and 45% had perineural and lymphovascular invasion, respectively. High tumor expression of hENT1, RRM1, RRM2, and ERCC1 was present in 85%, 40%, 17%, and 16%, respectively, of patients. High hENT1 expression was associated with reduced RFS (9.5 months vs 44.5 months; P = .029), but not with OS. RRM1 expression was not associated with survival. High RRM2 expression was associated with reduced RFS (6.9 months vs 16.0 months; P < .0001) and decreased OS (9.1 months vs 18.4 months; P < .0001). High ERCC1 expression was associated with reduced RFS (6.1 months vs 15 months; P = .04) and decreased OS (8.9 months vs 18.1 months; P = .03). After accounting for known adverse tumor factors, high expression of RRM2 and ERCC1 persisted as negative prognostic factors for RFS and OS. A subset analysis of patients who received adjuvant therapy (n = 74) revealed the same negative effect of high RRM2 and ERCC1 expression on RFS and OS.

CONCLUSIONS:

High tumor expression of RRM2 and ERCC1 are associated with reduced RFS and OS after resection of pancreas cancer. These biomarkers may help to personalize adjuvant therapy. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A profiling based task scheduling approach for multicore network processors
Authors: Tang Feilong , You Ilsun , Tang Can , Yu Shui
Published: May 2012

Multicore network processors have been playing an increasingly important role in computational processes, which emphasize on scalability and parallelism of the systems, in distributed environments especially in Internet‐based delay‐sensitive applications. It is an important but unsolved issue, however, to efficiently schedule tasks in network processors with multicore and multithread for improving the system throughput as much as possible. Profiling can gather runtime environment information and guide the compiler to optimize programs through scheduling tasks based on the runtime context. This paper proposes a profiling‐based task scheduling approach, targeting on improving the throughput of multicore network processor (Intel IXP) systems in the balanced pipeline way. In this work, we investigate a profiling‐based task scheduling framework, a task scheduling algorithm, and a set of performance models. Our task allocation scheme maps tasks onto the pipeline architecture and multiple threads of network processors in parallel, which incorporates the profiling context and global thread refinement. We evaluate our task scheduling algorithm by implementing representative network applications on the Intel IXP network processor. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm is able to schedule tasks in a balanced pipeline fashion and achieve the high throughput and data transmission rate. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photocurrent Response of Surface‐Functionalized Metal Oxides with Well‐Matched Energy Levels: From Nothing to Something
Authors: Yang Shengxue , Ma Huiyan , Luo Yunqing , Gong Jian
Published: May 2012

In recent years, an enormous amount of research has been devoted to the study of photosensitive materials from both fundamental and practical viewpoints, due to their wide applications in photocatalytic1–3 and optoelectronic devices,4, 5 ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors,6–9 photoswitch microdevices,10, 11 light‐emitting diodes,12, 13 photovoltaic devices,14–16 and photoelectrochemical cells.17 Metal oxides, such as ZnO, TiO2, SnO2, and NiO have been the most investigated photosensitive materials.3, 6–8, 18–21 To enhance and take full advantage of their photosensitivity, functionalizing their surface with a polymer that has a high light absorption ability has become one of the widely used methods.1–12, 22–24 For example, Z. L. Wang et al. reported that the UV photocurrent of a ZnO nanobelt‐based sensor was enhanced by close to five orders of magnitude after functionalizing its surface with polystyrene sulfate which has a high UV absorption ability.25 T. Sasaki et al. reported the assembly of a TiO2 nanoparticle film with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(4‐styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT‐PSS) through layer‐by‐layer fabrication in the nanometer scale. The electric conductivity of the TiO2 composite films could be tuned by UV and visible (Vis) light.22 Thus, sunlight or photon energy can be used and transformed to electrical energy by UV‐photosensitive metal oxides after their surfaces have been functionalized with a dye that has a high Vis absorption ability. To date, most of the dye‐sensitized solar cells are based on the surface functionalization of UV‐photosensitive metal oxides by dyes.26–28 However, to the best of our knowledge, all of the reports on surface functionalization enhanced only the UV photosensitivity of the metal oxide. In other words, this method has been used exclusively to enhance the UV photocurrent in metal oxides that already have UV‐photosensitive properties, but not to induce UV photocurrent in metal oxides that have no UV‐photosensitive properties. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, there are no surface‐functionalizing reports on inducing UV or Vis photocurrent in metal oxides that have no UV‐ or Vis‐photosensitive properties.
Scaling‐Up Microbial Fuel Cells: Configuration and Potential Drop Phenomenon at Series Connection of Unit Cells in Shared Anolyte
Authors: Kim Daehee , An Junyeong , Kim Bongkyu , Jang Jae Kyung , Kim Byung Hong , Chang In Seop
Published: May 2012

To scale‐up microbial fuel cells (MFCs), installing multiple unit cells in a common reactor has been proposed; however, there has been a serious potential drop when connecting unit cells in series. To determine the source of the loss, a basic stack‐MFC (BS‐MFC) has been devised, and the results show that the phenomenon is due to ions on the anode electrode traveling through the electrolyte to be reduced at the cathode connected in series. As calculated by means of the percentage potential drop, the degree of potential drop decreased with an increase in the unit‐cell distance. When the distance was increased from 1 to 8 cm, the percentage potential drop in BS‐MFC1 decreased from 46.76±0.90 to 45.08±0.70 % and in BS‐MFC2 from 46.41±0.95 to 43.82±2.23 %. As the p‐value of the t‐test was lower than 0.05, the difference was considered significant; however, if the unit cells are installed far enough from each other to avoid the potential drop phenomenon, the system will be less dense, consequently reducing the ratio of electrode area per volume of anode compartment and decreasing the power density of the system. Finally, this study suggests design criteria for scaling‐up MFC systems: Multiple‐electrode‐installed MFCs are modularized, and the unit cells are connected in series across the module (connecting each unit cell does not share the anolyte).
Easy‐to‐use IEF compatible immunoaffinity purification of Erythropoietin from urine retentates
Authors: Reihlen P. , Völker‐Schänzer E. , Majer B. , Schänzer W.
Published: May 2012

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a peptide hormone responsible for hypoxia‐induced promotion of erythrocyte production. The possibility of enhancing oxygen transport through an increase of erythrocytes has led to EPO abuse in sports. Detection of exogenous EPO is most commonly done via isoelectric focusing (IEF) which is a method provided by the Technical Document TD2009EPO of the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). Before analysis, collected urine samples need to be concentrated 500‐ to 1000‐fold, leading to high protein abundance in the retentates. Reduction of protein concentration through an immunoaffinity purification using ELISA wells has been successfully used prior to SDS‐PAGE. This ELISA kit was used to purify samples using an IEF‐compatible elution. The purification showed recovery ratios between 50 and 90% depending on substance and application volume. Application of immunopurified samples to IEF was shown to improve the quality of the gels by reducing streaks and curvatures within the lanes and bands of the gel. The result was an increase of quality for IEF gels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wolves are Mobile, While Fruit Trees are not! How Characteristics of Resources and Supranational Regulatory Frameworks Shape the Provision of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Germany
Authors: Thiel Andreas , Schleyer Christian , Plieninger Tobias
Published: May 2012

This paper scrutinizes determinants of regional‐level institutions regulating the provision of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Two cases of maintaining ecosystem services, provided by quite different resource systems, are compared: the protection of wolves and the management of a high nature value agroforestry system, scattered fruit tree meadows. Taking an abductive approach, we suggest that the distinct characteristics of resources – in particular the mobility of resource units – and differences in the overarching European regulatory framework – the obligation to protect wolves versus voluntary compensation payments to maintain scattered fruit tree meadows – largely explain the existing institutional structures at regional level. Cost‐effectiveness considerations concerning the transaction costs of governance seem to act as determinants for the design and implementation of regional institutions. Livestock depredated by wolves is protected by a liability rule and hierarchical governance structures. In turn, maintenance of scattered fruit trees is subject to a property rule and voluntary long‐term agreements. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Phenolic profiles of Turkish olives and olive oils
Authors: Yorulmaz Aslı , Poyrazoglu Ender S. , Ozcan Mehmet Musa , Tekin Aziz
Published: May 2012

Phenolic compound distribution of Turkish olive cultivars and their matching olive oils together with the influence of growing region were investigated. One hundred and one samples of olives from 18 cultivars were collected during two crop years from west, south and south‐east regions of Turkey. The olives were processed to oils and both olive and olive oil samples were evaluated for their phenolic compound distribution. The results have shown that main phenolics of Turkish olives were tyrosol, oleuropein, p‐coumaric acid, verbascoside, luteolin 7‐O‐glucoside, rutin, trans cinnamic acid, luteolin, apigenin, cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside and cyanidin 3‐O‐rutinoside. Oleuropein and trans cinnamic acid were present in higher amounts among all phenolics. Principal component analyses showed that the growing region did not have drastic effect on phenolic profile of olives. The major phenolic compounds of olive oils were tyrosol, syringic acid, p‐coumaric acid, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside, trans cinnamic acid, luteolin and apigenin. Luteolin is a predominant phenolic compound in almost all oil samples. Total phenol concentrations of Southeast Anatolian oils were found to be lower than those of the other regions.
Kinetics and mechanism of the hydrogenation process – the state of the art
Authors: Dijkstra Albert J.
Published: May 2012

It is just over a century ago that the first industrial hydrogenation plant for edible oils was commissioned. Although at that time several fatty acids had been identified, the analytical characterization of these oils was mainly by physical properties like melting point, density and refractive index and chemical properties like saponification value and iodine value. Some of these properties were used to follow a hydrogenation reaction. Early kinetic studies of the hydrogenation reaction focused on triglycerides but with the advent of GC, fatty acid compositions became so readily available, that kinetic studies switched to the ‘common fatty acid pool’ concept. According to this concept, the rate of reaction of an unsaturated fatty acid in a triglyceride molecule does not depend on the chemical nature of the other fatty acid moieties in this molecule. The concept greatly simplified the understanding of what happens during a hydrogenation reaction and thereby stimulated research. It took more than 50 years before this concept was shown to be an incorrect assumption. Kinetic studies of the hydrogenation process have also been hampered by the lack of an instrument that can measure the hydrogen concentration in oil. That may well be the reason why this concentration has received rather little attention and that its effect on the relative rates of the various, simultaneously proceeding reactions has only fairly recently become clear. Accordingly, the present review will describe the mechanism of the various reactions that occur during the hydrogenation process and highlight the effect of the hydrogen concentration and the triglyceride composition rather than that of the fatty acid composition. It will discuss industrial process conditions rather than laboratory conditions and therefore limit itself to nickel catalysts. It will also paint the most simple picture that is consistent with generally accepted observations.
Chemoenzymatic Preparation of 1‐Heteroarylethanamines of Low Solubility
Authors: Brem Jürgen , Bencze László‐Csaba , Liljeblad Arto , Turcu Mihaela C. , Paizs Csaba , Irimie Florin‐Dan , Kanerva Liisa T.
Published: May 2012

Both enantiomers of biologically and pharmaceutically interesting benzofuran‐, benzothiophen‐, and phenylfuran‐based 1‐heteroarylethanamines were prepared at close to theoretical yields by using Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozym 435) catalyzed (R)‐selective N‐acylation with isopropyl butanoate (enantiomeric ratio E > 200). The use of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP) as a cosolvent (1:30) in isopropyl butanoate solved the problem of low solubility of the compounds. Instability of the heterocyclic ring systems against traditional acid‐ and base‐catalyzed hydrolysis was solved by using Candida antarctica lipase A as a commercial CAL‐A‐CLEA preparation for deprotection of the N‐acylated (R) enantiomers in water. The slow, highly enantioselective (E > 200) hydrolyses of racemic butanamides was also observed in the presence of Novozym 435.
Cognitive Engineering of Automated Assembly Processes
Authors: Mayer Marcel Ph. , Odenthal Barbara , Faber Marco , Winkelholz Carsten , Schlick Christopher M.
Published: May 2012

A cognitive control unit (CCU) for automated assembly systems aims to simulate human information processing at a rule‐based level of cognitive control. Focusing on the subtask of monitoring, a cognitive engineering approach for the design of the procedural knowledge base of the CCU is presented and a human‐centered simulation model of assembly processes on the basis of the cognitive architecture SOAR is introduced. The overall objective is to design and develop the system to conform to operators' expectations. To identify human assembly strategies to be included in the CCU, an empirical study with n = 16 participants was conducted and validated by an independent investigation with n = 25 persons. Furthermore, simulation models incorporating certain subsets of production rules were developed and evaluated regarding their goodness of prediction of human assembly behavior. The results show that the rule sets have a significant effect on the predictive power. The highest prediction accuracy was obtained with all identified assembly rules integrated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Asymptotic Existence of Resolvable Group Divisible Designs
Authors: Chan Justin H. , Dukes Peter J. , Lamken Esther R. , Ling Alan C.H.
Published: May 2012

A group divisible design (GDD) is a triple which satisfies the following properties: (1) is a partition of X into subsets called groups; (2) is a collection of subsets of X, called blocks, such that a group and a block contain at most one element in common; and (3) every pair of elements from distinct groups occurs in a constant number λ blocks. This parameter λ is usually called the index. A k‐GDD of type is a GDD with block size k, index , and u groups of size g. A GDD is resolvable if the blocks can be partitioned into classes such that each point occurs in precisely one block of each class. We denote such a design as an RGDD. For fixed integers and , we show that the necessary conditions for the existence of a k‐RGDD of type are sufficient for all . As a corollary of this result and the existence of large resolvable graph decompositions, we establish the asymptotic existence of resolvable graph GDDs, G‐RGDDs, whenever the necessary conditions for the existence of ‐RGDs are met. We also show that, with a few easy modifications, the techniques extend to general index. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Combin. Designs 21: 112–126, 2013
Neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells influences chemotactic responses to HGF
Authors: Zheng Bing , Wang Chunyan , He Lihong , Xu Xiaojing , Qu Jing , Hu Jun , Zhang Huanxiang
Published: May 2012

Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively used for cell‐based therapies in neuronal degenerative disease. Although much effort has been devoted to the delineation of factors involved in the migration of MSCs, the relationship between the chemotactic responses and the differentiation status of these cells remains elusive. Here, we report that MSCs in varying neural differentiation states display different chemotactic responses to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF): first, the number of chemotaxing MSCs and the optimal concentrations of HGF that induced the peak migration varied greatly; second, time‐lapse video analysis showed that MSCs in certain differentiation state migrated more efficiently toward HGF; third, the phosphorylation levels of Akt, ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK, and p38MAPK were closely related to the differentiation levels of MSCs subjected to HGF; and finally, although inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling significantly attenuated HGF‐stimulated transfilter migration of both undifferentiated and differentiating MSCs, abolishment of PI3K/Akt, p38MAPK, or SAPK/JNK signaling only decreased the number of migrated cells in certain differentiation state(s). Blocking of PI3K/Akt or MAPK signaling impaired the migration efficiency and/or speed, the extent of which depends on the cell differentiation states. Meanwhile, F‐actin rearrangement, which is essential for MSCs chemotaxis, was induced by HGF, and the time points of cytoskeletal reorganization were different among these cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that neural differentiation of MSCs influences their chemotactic responses to HGF: MSCs in varying differentiation states possess different migratory capacities, thereby shedding light on optimization of the therapeutic potential of MSCs to be employed for neural regeneration after injury. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 149–162, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Sensitivity of an Immature Vestibular System to Altered Gravity
Authors: GABRIEL MARTIN , FRIPPIAT JEAN‐POL , FREY HERBERT , HORN EBERHARD R.
Published: May 2012

Stimulus deprivation or stimulus augmentation can induce long‐lasting modifications to sensory and motor systems. If deprivation is effective only during a limited period of life this phase is called “critical period.” A critical period was described for the development of the roll‐induced vestibuloocular reflex (rVOR) of Xenopus laevis using spaceflights. Spaceflight durations and basic conditions of Xenopus’ development did not make it possible to answer the question whether exposure of the immature vestibular organ to weightlessness affects rVOR development. The embryonic development of Pleurodeles waltl is slow enough to solve this problem because the rVOR cannot be induced before 15 dpf. Stage 20–21 embryos (4 dpf) were exposed to microgravity during a 10‐day spaceflight, or to 3g hypergravity following the same time schedule. After termination of altered gravity, the rVOR was recorded twice in most animals. The main observations were as follows: (1) after the first rVOR appearance at stage 37 (16 dpf), both rVOR gain and amplitude increased steadily up to saturation levels of 0.22 and 20°, respectively. (2) Three days after termination of microgravity, flight and ground larvae showed no rVOR; 1 day later, the rVOR could be induced only in ground larvae. Differences disappeared after 3 weeks. (3) For 10 days after 3g exposure, rVOR development was similar to that of 1g‐controls but 3 weeks later, 3g‐larvae showed a larger rVOR than 1g‐controls. These observations indicate that the immature vestibular system is transiently sensitive to microgravity exposure and that exposure of the immature vestibular system to hypergravity leads to a slowly growing vestibular sensitization. J. Exp. Zool. 317A:333–346, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scoring systems used for the interpretation and reporting of multiparametric MRI for prostate cancer detection, localization, and characterization: could standardization lead to improved utilization of imaging within the diagnostic pathway?
Authors: Dickinson Louise , Ahmed Hashim U. , Allen Clare , Barentsz Jelle O. , Carey Brendan , Futterer Jurgen J. , Heijmink Stijn W. , Hoskin Peter , Kirkham Alex P. , Padhani Anwar R. , Persad Raj , Puech Philippe , Punwani Shonit , Sohaib Aslam , Tombal Bertrand , Villers Arnauld , Emberton Mark
Published: May 2012

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is increasingly being used earlier in the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway in order to detect and localize disease. Its results can be used to help decide on the indication, type, and localization of a prostate biopsy for cancer diagnosis. In addition, mpMRI has the potential to contribute information on the characterization, or aggressiveness, of detected cancers including tumor progression over time. There is considerable variation in the way results of different MRI sequences are reported. We conducted a review of scoring systems that have been used in the detection and characterization of prostate cancer. This revealed that existing scoring and reporting systems differ in purpose, scale, and range. We evaluate these differences in this review. This first step in collating all methods of scoring and reporting mpMRI will ultimately lead to consensus approaches to develop a standardized reporting scheme that can be widely adopted and validated to ensure comparability of research outputs and optimal clinical practice. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:48–58.
Neonatal neuroimaging findings in inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Poretti Andrea , Blaser Susan I. , Lequin Maarten H. , Fatemi Ali , Meoded Avner , Northington Frances J. , Boltshauser Eugen , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: May 2012

Individually, metabolic disorders are rare, but overall they account for a significant number of neonatal disorders affecting the central nervous system. The neonatal clinical manifestations of inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are characterized by nonspecific systemic symptoms that may mimic more common acute neonatal disorders like sepsis, severe heart insufficiency, or neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy. Certain IEMs presenting in the neonatal period may also be complicated by sepsis and cardiomyopathy. Early diagnosis is mandatory to prevent death and permanent long‐term neurological impairments. Although neuroimaging findings are rarely specific, they play a key role in suggesting the correct diagnosis, limiting the differential diagnosis, and may consequently allow early initiation of targeted metabolic and genetic laboratory investigations and treatment. Neuroimaging may be especially helpful to distinguish metabolic disorders from other more common causes of neonatal encephalopathy, as a newborn may present with an IEM prior to the availability of the newborn screening results. It is therefore important that neonatologists, pediatric neurologists, and pediatric neuroradiologists are familiar with the neuroimaging findings of metabolic disorders presenting in the neonatal time period. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:294–312. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of MRI scan acceleration on brain volume measurement consistency
Authors: Krueger Gunnar , Granziera Cristina , Jack Clifford R. , Gunter Jeffrey L. , Littmann Arne , Mortamet Bénédicte , Kannengiesser Stephan , Sorensen Alma Gregory , Ward Chadwick P. , Reyes Denise A. , Britson Paula J. , Fischer Hubertus , Bernstein Matt A.
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiofrequency (RF) coil and parallel imaging technology on brain volume measurement consistency.

Materials and Methods:

In all, 103 whole‐brain MRI volumes were acquired at a clinical 3T MRI, equipped with a 12‐ and 32‐channel head coil, using the T1‐weighted protocol as employed in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study with parallel imaging accelerations ranging from 1 to 5. An experienced reader performed qualitative ratings of the images. For quantitative analysis, differences in composite width (CW, a measure of image similarity) and boundary shift integral (BSI, a measure of whole‐brain atrophy) were calculated.

Results:

Intra‐ and intersession comparisons of CW and BSI measures from scans with equal acceleration demonstrated excellent scan–rescan accuracy, even at the highest acceleration applied. Pairs‐of‐scans acquired with different accelerations exhibited poor scan–rescan consistency only when differences in the acceleration factor were maximized. A change in the coil hardware between compared scans was found to bias the BSI measure.

Conclusion:

The most important findings are that the accelerated acquisitions appear to be compatible with the assessment of high‐quality quantitative information and that for highest scan–rescan accuracy in serial scans the acquisition protocol should be kept as consistent as possible over time. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:1234–1240. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discrimination of axillary metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes with PROPELLER diffusion‐weighted MR imaging in a metastatic breast cancer model and its correlation with cellularity
Authors: Junping Wang , Tongguo Si , Yunting Zhang , Chunshui Yu , Renju Bai
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

To assess the accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the differentiation of axillary metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes in rabbits with metastatic breast cancer and to determine the relationship between the ADC and the cellularity of axillary lymph nodes of two different types.

Materials and Methods:

The axillary lymph node models were created by inoculating VX2 cell suspensions in the mammary glands of 30 female rabbits. Conventional MR imaging and multi‐shot fast‐spin‐echo PROPELLER DW imaging were performed approximately 4 weeks after successful inoculation. Images of axillary lymph nodes were analyzed with regard to size and ADC. Differences in the forementioned criteria between the two types of lymph nodes were assessed with reference to histopathologic findings. Cellularity was correlated with the ADC in all selected axillary lymph nodes.

Results:

A total of 41 axillary metastatic and 29 inflammatory lymph nodes were successfully isolated. The size‐based criteria showed no significant difference between the malignant and inflammatory lymph nodes (Ps > 0.05); however, the ADC of metastatic nodes was significantly lower than that of inflammatory nodes (P < 0.001). There was a significant inverse correlation between the ADC and cellularity (r = −0.674; P < 0.001) regardless of their different tissue types.

Conclusion:

DW imaging is a new promising functional technique for differentiating metastatic from inflammatory lymph nodes. Furthermore, cellularity has a significant influence on the ADC in both malignant and benign lymph nodes. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:624–631. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Probabilistic downscaling of GCM scenarios over southern India
Authors: Vigaud N. , Vrac M. , Caballero Y.
Published: May 2012

The cumulative distribution function transform (CDF‐t) is used to downscale daily precipitation and surface temperatures from a set of Global climate model (GCM) climatic projections over southern India. To deal with the full annual cycle, the approach has been applied by months, allowing downscaled projections for all seasons. First, CDF‐t is validated over a historical period using observation from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Resulting high resolution fields show substantial improvements compared to original GCM outputs in terms of distribution, seasonal cycle and monsoon means for arid, semi‐arid and wetter regions of the subcontinent. Then, CDF‐t is applied to GCM large‐scale fields to project rainfall and surface temperature changes for the 21st century under the IPCC SRES A2 scenario. The results obtained show an increase of rainfall, mostly during the monsoon season, while winter precipitation is reduced, and suggest a widespread warming especially in the winter and post‐monsoon season. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society