bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence-Based Comparative Binding Studies of the Supramolecular Host Properties of PAMAM Dendrimers Using Anilinonaphthalene Sulfonates: Unusual Host-Dependent Fluorescence Titration Behavior
Authors: Stojanovic Natasa , Murphy Laurel D. , Wagner Brian D.
Published: April 2010

This work describes the fluorescence enhancement of the anilinonaphthalene sulfonate probes 1,8-ANS, 2,6-ANS, and 2,6-TNS via complexation with PAMAM dendrimer hosts of Generation 4, 5 and 6. The use of this set of three very closely related probes allows for comparative binding studies, with specific pairs of probes differing only in shape (1,8-ANS and 2,6-ANS), or in the presence of a methyl substituent (2,6-TNS vs. 2,6-ANS). The fluorescence of all three probes was significantly enhanced upon binding with PAMAM dendrimers, however in all cases except one, a very unusual spike was consistently observed in the host fluorescence titration plots (fluorescence enhancement vs. host concentration) at low dendrimer concentration. This unprecedented fluorescence titration curve shape makes fitting the data to a simple model such as 1:1 or 2:1 host: guest complexation very difficult; thus only qualitative comparisons of the relative binding of the three guests could be made based on host titrations. In the case of G4 and G5 dendrimers, the order of binding strength was qualitatively determined to be 1,8-ANS < 2,6-ANS indicating that the more streamlined 2,6-substituted probes are a better match for the dendrimer cavity shape than the bulkier 1,8-substituted probe. This order of binding strength was also indicated by double fluorometric titration experiments, involving both host and guest titrations. Further double fluorometric titration experiments on 2,6-ANS in G4 dendrimer revealed a host concentration-dependent change in the nature of the host: guest complexation, with multiple guests complexed per host molecule at very low host concentrations, but less than one guest per host at higher concentrations.
Towards Fully Integrated Wireless Impedimetric Sensors
Authors: Segura-Quijano Fredy , Sacristán-Riquelme Jordi , García-Cantón Jesús , Osés Maria Teresa , Baldi Antonio
Published: April 2010

We report on the design and characterization of the building blocks of a single-chip wireless chemical sensor fabricated with a commercial complementary metal-oxide-silicon (CMOS) technology, which includes two types of transducers for impedimetric measurements (4-electrode array and two interdigitated electrodes), instrumentation circuits, and a metal coil and circuits for inductive power and data transfer. The electrodes have been formed with a polycrystalline silicon layer of the technology by a simple post-process that does not require additional deposition or lithography steps, but just etching steps. A linear response to both conductivity and permittivity of solutions has been obtained. Wireless communication of the sensor chip with a readout unit has been demonstrated. The design of the chip was prepared for individual block characterization and not for full system characterization. The integration of chemical transducers within monolithic wireless platforms will lead to smaller, cheaper, and more reliable chemical microsensors, and will open up the door to numerous new applications where liquid mediums that are enclosed in sealed receptacles have to be measured.
ANALYSIS OF THE ECOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF THE DIESEL ENGINE POWERED WITH BIODIESEL FUEL CONTAINING METHYL ESTERS FROM CAMELINA SATIVA OIL
Authors: Lebedevas Sergejus , Lebedeva Galina , Makarevičienė Violeta , Kazanceva Irina , Kazancev Kiril
Published: April 2010

The article explores the possibilities of using fatty acid methyl esters derived from the oil of a new species of oily plant Camelina sativa not demanding on soil. The performed research on the physical and chemical properties of pure methyl esters from Camelina sativa show that biofuels do not meet requirements for the biodiesel fuel standard (LST EN 14214:2009) of a high iodine value and high content of linoleic acid methyl ester, so they must be mixed with methyl esters produced from pork lard the content of which in the mixture must be not less than 32%. This article presents the results of tests on combustion emission obtained when three‐cylinder diesel engine VALMET 320 DMG was fuelled with a mixture containing 30% of this new kind of fuel with fossil diesel fuel comparing with emissions obtained when the engine was fuelled with a fuel mixture containing 30% of conventional biodiesel fuel (rapeseed oil methyl esters) with fossil diesel fuel. The obtained results show that using both types of fuel, no significant differences in CO and NOx concentrations were observed throughout the tested load range. When operating on fuels containing methyl esters from Camelina sativa, HC emissions decreased by 10 to 12% and the smokeness of exhaust gas by 12 to 25%.
FINDING A SOLUTION FOR A COMPLEX STREET ROUTING PROBLEM USING THE MIXED TRANSPORTATION MODE
Authors: Matis Peter
Published: April 2010

The Street Routing Problem (SRP) is a special case of the well-known Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). The goal is to service a large number of customers in the city zone. New heuristics for solving a complex SRP is evaluated based on real data. This paper presents several approximations to the length of SRP using the mixed transportation mode and compares them with the published approximations used for VRP or Travelling Salesman Problems (TSP). The system was tested in five real world instances ranging from 12 000 to 29 000 customers.
DESIGNING CONTAINER SHIPPING NETWORK UNDER CHANGING DEMAND AND FREIGHT RATES
Authors: Chen Chao , Zeng Qingcheng
Published: April 2010

This paper focuses on the optimization of container shipping network and its operations under changing cargo demand and freight rates. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer non-linear programming problem (MINP) with an objective of maximizing the average unit ship-slot profit at three stages using analytical methodology. The issues such as empty container repositioning, ship-slot allocating, ship sizing, and container configuration are simultaneously considered based on a series of the matrices of demand for a year. To solve the model, a bi-level genetic algorithm based method is proposed. Finally, numerical experiments are provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed model and algorithms. The obtained results show that the suggested model can provide a more realistic solution to the issues on the basis of changing demand and freight rates and arrange a more effective approach to the optimization of container shipping network structures and operations than does the model based on the average demand.
FINITE ELEMENT BASED ADAPTIVE NEURO‐FUZZY INFERENCE TECHNIQUE FOR PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION OF MULTI‐LAYERED TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURES
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Kasthurirangan , Khaitan Siddhartha Kumar
Published: April 2010

During the service life of a pavement, it is often required to conduct Non-destructive tests (NDTs) to evaluate its structural condition and bearing capacity and to detect damage resulting from the repeated traffic and environmental loading. Among several currently used NDT methods, the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) is the most commonly used pavement NDT method applied by many transportation agencies all over the world. Non-destructive testing of pavements using FWD is typically accompanied by the prediction of the Young’s modulus of each layer of the pavement structure through an inverse analysis of the acquired FWD deflection data. The predicted pavement layer modulus is both an indicator of the structural condition of the layer as well as a required input for conducting mechanistic-based pavement structural analysis and design. Numerous methodologies have been proposed for backcalculating the mechanical properties of pavement structures from NDT data. This paper discusses the development of an Adaptive-Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) combined with Finite Element Modeling (FEM) for the inverse analysis of the multi-layered flexible pavement structures subjected to dynamic loading.
THE POSSIBILITY OF INCREASING THE QUANTITY OF OXYGENATE S IN FUEL BLENDS WITH NO DIESEL ENGINE MODIFICATIONS
Authors: Raslavičius Laurencas , Bazaras Žilvinas
Published: April 2010

Two fuel kinds of organic origin including rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and ethanol (E) were selected for their different physical-chemical parameters to study the maximum apt volume of oxygenates to mix fossil diesel (D) and establish expectancy to apply D–RME–E blend as a fuel for the unmodified high–speed diesel engine (a combustion chamber consists of a dished piston). The objective of the article is to provide an explicit relationship between the nature of fuel composition and diesel engine operating parameters. The results of the carried out tests on the engine oriented on dynamic and emission characteristics using various portions of the before mentioned bio-components in diesel fuel are presented. Engine behaviour seemed to be improved in the presence of ethanol additives in D–RME blend with a reduction in pollutant emissions in exhaust gases, fuel consumption, ameliorated cetane number, ignition delay time and physical-chemical characteristics of the investigated compounds. The positive and negative aspects of applying bio-based additives in fossil diesel are reported and discussed.
MULTI‐CRITERIA DECISION MAKING SUPPORT TOOL FOR FREIGHT INTEGRATORS: SELECTING THE MOST SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE
Authors: Simongáti Győző
Published: April 2010

Sustainable development has turned into a daily concept by now. Similarly, sustainable transport also appears increasingly often, primarily in transport policy and strategic plans. However, it would be equally important if we could apply this aspect for certain activities such as haulage and forwarding that are a part of transport. Today, forwarders select an optimal alternative concerning only the criteria related to the economic effectiveness of the transport task. In many cases, shippers are not aware neither of the concept of sustainable transport nor of harmful effects they generate. Hence, although there is a concept of ‘freight integrator’, only very few are able to meet the requirements laid down for it. No widespread method has been developed yet to compare transportation options. A similar situation can be faced discussing a traditional, purely economic approach and a theoretical modern aspect that would be in accordance with the principles of sustainable transport. The model that was developed at the Department of Aircraft and Ships of Budapest University of Technology and Economics was designed specifically to compare various options in terms of sustainability. The indicators as the elements of decision-making criteria applied in the model were derived from the indicators used for assessing the transport sector but modified according to the requirements of the decisionmaking task for a freight integrator. Finally, such sustainable performance index of certain alternatives is determined by two fundamentally different aggregation methods as ‘fineness index’. This article presents the model structure and application using a concrete example.
Description of a Remote Still Photography System for Collection of Benthic Photo-Quadrats
Authors: Waddington Kris I. , Piek Ben W. , Payne Antony D. , Grove Simon L. , Harvey Euan S. , Kendrick Gary A. , Taylor Heather F. , Meeuwig Jessica J.
Published: April 2010

AbstractQuantitative sampling of benthic communities is central to a wide range of ecological research, from understanding spatial distribution and ecology to impact studies. With the need to sample deep as well as shallow regions, limited sampling capabilities of diver-based
methods and the expanding footprint of human activity, there is a need for an effective system capable of classifying benthic assemblages and able to monitor potential anthropogenic impacts. Here we describe a remote system capable of collecting benthic photo-quadrats to depths of 100 m. A
procedure for the classification of these images into 64 abiotic and biotic categories is also described. During a 64-day sampling program that included sampling at seven locations along 1,200 km of coastline that resulted in the collection of over 9,000 images, only one day of sampling was
lost due to equipment malfunction, with 99.5% of points able to be classified to the taxonomic resolution required, demonstrating the reliability and accuracy of this system. Furthermore, the incorporation of differential GPS and ultra-short baseline positioning system allowed collected images
to be geo-referenced to within 0.5 m. Such precision allows the system to be used in conjunction with hydroacoustic habitat mapping techniques and potentially for repeated monitoring of areas with a small spatial extent. Development of this system provides a cost-effective means of quantifying
benthic assemblages over broad scales.
A Novel Method for Generating Continuously Surfable Waves
Authors: Schmied Steven , Binns Jonathan , Renilson Martin , Thomas Giles , Macfarlane Gregor , Huijsmans Rene
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper presents the background and initial investigation of a novel method for generating continuously surfable waves utilizing a moving pressure source. The idea is to produce continuous breaking waves using a pressure source that is rotated within an annular
wave pool. The inner ring of the annulus has a sloping bathymetry to induce wave breaking. The underlying aim of the project is to understand the wave mechanics, to allow the creation of repeatable continuous “steady-state” waves.The immediate benefits of this scientific investigation
will be realized by engineering the results into a surfing wave pool for recreational health use. The longer-term benefits will be developed through fundamental investigations of breaking waves.Preliminary experiments into creating a continuous steady-state wave were conducted in a towing
tank using a series of pressure sources. The results have then been used to validate an initial numerical study. In addition, qualitative, full-scale experiments were carried out using a fishing vessel in a river estuary. This paper reports on the research conducted to date and plans for future
work, including conducting experiments utilizing a 10-metre-diameter scale model.
Analysis of Propulsion Methods for Long-Range AUVs
Authors: Steinberg Daniel , Bender Asher , Friedman Ariell , Jakuba Michael , Pizarro Oscar , Williams Stefan
Published: April 2010

AbstractUnderwater gliders use a buoyancy engine and symmetric wings to produce lift. During operation, gliders follow a saw-tooth trajectory, making them useful vehicles for profiling ocean chemistry. By operating at low speeds with low hotel loads, gliders achieve a high
endurance. Man-portable, propeller-driven autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are capable of level flight and can also follow terrain to yield high-quality benthic imagery. These platforms typically operate at high speeds with high hotel loads resulting in relatively low endurance. Although
both vehicles are used to collect oceanographic data, constraints on how these vehicles are used differentiate the nature of data they collect. This article examines whether one method of propulsion can provide an intrinsic advantage in terms of horizontal range at low speed, regardless of
sampling design. We employ first-principle analysis that concludes that either class of vehicle can be designed to achieve the same horizontal transit performance regardless of speed. This result implies that the choice of propulsion method should be driven exclusively by the application and
operational requirements.
A Proof of Concept Demonstration of an AUV Biological Pump Sampler
Authors: Chin Stephanie J.
Published: April 2010

AbstractScientists have been using pump systems to sample biological, chemical, and geological matter for years, but many of these systems are intended for fixed mooring use or remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployment and do not meet the often strict size and weight requirements
of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Because the current technology of AUVs does not allow for the traditional methods of sampling used on ROVs and human occupied vehicles (HOVs), we look to an integrated pump and sampling system to gather a genomic overview of an area. An AUV biological
pump sampler would allow scientists to explore unknown territories with little to no a priori knowledge, allowing scientists a new degree of freedom and opening the possibility of adaptive sampling capabilities as part of a suite of in situ vehicle sensors. We design and test
a compact pump mechanism for collecting biological samples on a spooling filter system. We have collected and confirmed seawater samples using our demonstration prototype, demonstrating viable potential for biological AUV sampling capabilities in uncharacterized environments.
Modeling and Control of the MARES Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Ferreira Bruno , Matos Aníbal , Cruz Nuno , Pinto Miguel
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn this work, we address the modeling and control problems in the domain of underwater vehicles. We focus on a prototype of an autonomous underwater vehicle. Although the work presented here is applied to a particular vehicle with four controllable degrees of freedom,
the method may be easily extended to several submerged bodies. In the engineering area, modeling of systems is done frequently, as it yields a mathematical translation of their behavior. Since models can become an important tool to solve problems related to its motion or even to the design
of controllers, we obtain a model with six degrees of freedom for such a vehicle.Robust control of underwater vehicles is an area in which many efforts were applied over the last two decades. However, due to nonlinear dynamics, it may be hard to design robust controllers that yield the
expected behavior, and there is no general procedure to develop them. Here, we propose an approach that combines nonlinear controllers based on the deduced model and on the Lyapunov theory to control the velocities of the vehicle with linear controllers that control the vehicle’s position.
We derive control laws to perform several maneuvers, both in the vertical and the horizontal planes, in a decoupled way, which is made possible through the configuration of thrusters. Finally, we present realistic simulations and experimental results that validate the proposed approach in
the definition of the control laws.
Visual-Based Navigation of an Autonomous Surface Vehicle
Authors: Tall M. H. , Rynne P. F. , Lorio J. M. , von Ellenrieder K. D.
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper presents the work of a team of undergraduate and graduate students at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) who compete in the annual Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) competition held jointly by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
and the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR). The conceptual design of the vehicle, its physical realization, and the results of both preliminary testing and the final competition are presented. The initial configuration of a stereoscopic vision system and navigation algorithm is explored through
testing in a controlled environment. With this approach, the vehicle is shown to be capable of navigating through various courses of colored buoys; approximately 25% of the attempts result in successful navigation of all buoy pairs while 75% of the attempts result in successful navigation
of half the buoy pairs or more.
Effects of crop rotation and genetically modified herbicide-tolerant corn on ground beetle diversity, community structure, and activity density
Authors: Bourassa S. , Cárcamo H.A. , Spence J.R. , Blackshaw R.E. , Floate K.
Published: April 2010

Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were sampled in conventional and genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) corn,Zea maysL. (Poaceae), planted under rotation with canola,BrassicaL. (Brassicaceae), or continuously cropped corn to investigate the influence of corn variety and rotation on the structure of carabid assemblages. Corn variety, cultivation regime, and their interaction all influenced overall carabid activity density. Weed management associated with corn variety influenced the activity density of a few carabid species and this was attributed to changes in vegetation. Some smaller bodied carabids such asBembidion quadrimaculatumL. were less abundant in GMHT plots, probably because weed density was higher in midseason, but the opposite was observed for larger bodied carabids such asPterostichus melanarius(Illiger). Overall, rotating corn with canola had a stronger effect on carabid community structure than did corn variety. We suggest that GMHT corn has little impact on the overall carabid fauna but may influence the activity of certain species through effects on the weed community.
Relative attractiveness of colour traps to pear psylla in relation to seasonal changes in pear phenology
Authors: Cooper W.R. , Puterka G.J. , Glenn D.M.
Published: April 2010

Monitoring of pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster), Hemiptera: Psyllidae) prior to spring bud break could aid in predicting the size of subsequent spring populations and lead to improved proactive management decisions. Yellow traps are commonly used to monitor hemipteran pests including pear psylla, but very little is known regarding seasonal changes in attractiveness of yellow traps or relative attractiveness of colours other than yellow. This study presents seasonal colour-trap preferences of pear psyllas based on pear (Pyrus communis L., Rosaceae) phenological stages in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. Black, blue, brown, clear (colourless), green, orange, red, white, and yellow traps were assayed against wild adult psylla populations over a 2-year period. Pear psyllas had a strong preference for yellow and orange when green leaves were present; however, we found no statistically significant difference between traps of different colours prior to spring bud break. Significantly more female psyllas were caught overall, but there was no gender-based colour bias. None of our colour traps caught significantly fewer psyllas than did clear (background hue) traps, suggesting that no traps were repellent.
Pathogenicity of two new isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae from Canadian soil to Melanoplus bivittatus (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Adatia Adil , Johnson Dan , Entz Susan
Published: April 2010

Worldwide biological-control research has shown that the fungal entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) is an alternative to chemical insecticides for controlling grasshoppers and locusts. The pathogenicity of two recently discovered isolates of M. anisopliae var. anisopliae Driver and Milner from Canadian soil to the key grasshopper pest Melanoplus bivittatus (Say) and the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L., was determined by means of laboratory bioassays. Insects were fed a single dose of 105 conidia suspended in sunflower oil on food (a standard-size lettuce wafer). Subsequent feeding activity, movement, and mortality were assessed daily. The isolates were equally pathogenic, and similar in pathogenicity to the industry standard, Green Guard (M. anisopliae var. acridum Driver and Milner). Treatment with the three isolates resulted in 50% grasshopper mortality in 5–6 days and 90% mortality in 6–7 days.
Three new large-bodied species of Labena (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Labeninae), with a key to the Neotropical striata species group
Authors: Bordera Santiago , González-Moreno Alejandra , Sääksjärvi Ilari E. , Veijalainen Anu
Published: April 2010

Labena Cresson is a large Gondwanan genus best represented in the Neotropical area. We describe three new species in the Neotropical Labena striata species group: Labena gauldianasp. nov. from Costa Rica and Mexico, Labena yucatanicasp. nov. from Mexico, and Labena iquitosicasp. nov. from Peruvian Amazonia. These species are among the largest and most spectacular Neotropical Ichneumonidae ever collected. We also provide additional descriptive remarks regarding Labena striata Townes and Townes (including intraspecific variation) and an identification key to the six species of the striata group.
Effect of drainage ditches on Brachycera (Diptera) diversity in a southern Quebec peatland
Authors: Taillefer Amélie Grégoire , Wheeler Terry A.
Published: April 2010

Canadian peatlands are subject to disturbance and destruction, and drainage for agriculture is responsible for 85% of this degradation. Few studies have explicitly addressed the effects of habitat degradation on arthropod diversity in Nearctic peatlands. Because higher Diptera (Brachycera) in peatlands are diverse, are an important component of food webs, and exhibit a wide range of ecological requirements, we examined species richness, abundance, and community composition of Brachycera across transects at 1, 6, and 11 m from a collector drainage ditch in Johnville Bog and Forest Park, Quebec. In total, 1453 Brachycera were collected, representing 24 families and 166 species. Species diversity (based on Simpson’s diversity index) and rarefaction-estimated species richness were higher at 6 and 11 m than at 1 m from the ditch, probably because of the homogeneous moss cover and moister conditions at greater distance from the ditch. Species composition also differed between 1 m and other distances, based on cluster analysis, multiresponse permutation procedures analysis, and the presence of five predaceous species that were significant indicator species 1 m from the drainage ditch. Our results suggest that anthropogenic degradation of hydrological conditions may be responsible for the low species richness and high dominance of a few species currently seen at the ditch margin.
Review of the Neotropical genus Cartagonum (Coleoptera: Lycidae)
Authors: do Nascimento Elynton Alves , Bocakova Milada
Published: April 2010

We review the Neotropical genus Cartagonum Pic, redescribing C. bernardi Pic and describing two new species, Cartagonum apiubasp. nov. and Cartagonum mayensesp. nov. New collection records, a key to species, and illustrations of somatic and genitalic characters are provided. Species of Cartagonum are now known to be distributed from Colombia to southern Mexico and southeastern Brazil.
A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee: Effects of patient‐provider communication
Authors: Suarez‐Almazor Maria E. , Looney Carol , Liu Yanfang , Cox Vanessa , Pietz Kenneth , Marcus Donald M. , Street Richard L.
Published: April 2010

Objective

There is conflicting evidence on the efficacy of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA), and the role of placebo effects elicited by acupuncturists' behavior has not been elucidated. We conducted a 3‐month randomized clinical trial in patients with knee osteoarthritis to compare the efficacy of TCA with sham acupuncture and to examine the effects of acupuncturists' communication styles.

Methods

Acupuncturists were trained to interact in 1 of 2 communication styles: high or neutral expectations. Patients were randomized to 1 of 3 style groups, waiting list, high, or neutral, and nested within style, TCA or sham acupuncture twice a week over 6 weeks. Sham acupuncture was performed in nonmeridian points with shallow needles and minimal stimulation. Primary outcome measures were Joint‐Specific Multidimensional Assessment of Pain (J‐MAP), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and satisfaction scores.

Results

Patients (n = 455) received treatment (TCA or sham) and 72 controls were included. No statistically significant differences were observed between TCA or sham acupuncture, but both groups had significant reductions in J‐MAP (−1.1, −1.0, and −0.1, respectively; P < 0.001) and WOMAC pain (−13.7, −14, and −1.7, respectively; P < 0.001) compared with the waiting group. Statistically significant differences were observed in J‐MAP pain reduction and satisfaction, favoring the high expectations group. In the TCA and sham groups, 52% and 43%, respectively, thought they had received TCA (κ = 0.05), suggesting successful blinding.

Conclusion

TCA was not superior to sham acupuncture. However, acupuncturists' styles had significant effects on pain reduction and satisfaction, suggesting that the analgesic benefits of acupuncture can be partially mediated through placebo effects related to the acupuncturist's behavior.
The effects of anger and sadness on clinical pain reports and experimentally‐induced pain thresholds in women with and without fibromyalgia
Authors: van Middendorp Henriët , Lumley Mark A. , Jacobs Johannes W. G. , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. , Geenen Rinie
Published: April 2010

Objective

Negative emotions are commonly experienced in fibromyalgia and may affect pain. This study examined the effects of anger and sadness on clinical pain reports and on pain threshold and tolerance in response to electrical stimulation in women with and without fibromyalgia.

Methods

In an experimental study, 62 women with fibromyalgia and 59 women without fibromyalgia recalled a neutral situation, followed by recalling both an anger‐inducing and a sadness‐inducing situation, in counterbalanced order. The effect of these emotions on pain responses (non‐induced clinical pain and experimentally‐induced sensory threshold, pain threshold, and pain tolerance) was analyzed with a repeated‐measures analysis of variance.

Results

Clinical pain reports increased (P < 0.001) in women with fibromyalgia, and pain threshold (P < 0.001) and tolerance (P < 0.001) decreased in both groups in response to anger and sadness induction. Sadness reactivity predicted clinical pain responses. Anger reactivity predicted both clinical and electrically‐stimulated pain responses.

Conclusion

The experience of both anger and sadness amplifies pain in women with and without fibromyalgia. A stronger emotion‐induced pain response was associated with more emotional reactivity. No convincing evidence was found for a larger sensitivity to anger and sadness in women with fibromyalgia than in women without fibromyalgia, or for a larger sensitivity to anger than to sadness in fibromyalgia. The occurrence of anger and sadness appears to be a general risk factor for pain amplification. Emotion regulation techniques may attenuate emotional pain sensitization in patients with fibromyalgia.
Utility‐based outcomes made easy: The number needed per quality‐adjusted life year gained. An observational cohort study of tumor necrosis factor blockade in inflammatory arthritis from Southern Sweden
Authors: Gülfe Anders , Kristensen Lars Erik , Saxne Tore , Jacobsson Lennart T. H. , Petersson Ingemar F. , Geborek Pierre
Published: April 2010

Objective

To introduce a novel, simple, utility‐based outcome measure, the number needed per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained (NNQ), and to apply it in clinical practice in anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF)–treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and spondylarthritis (SpA).

Methods

The NNQ is the number of patients one has to treat in order to gain 1 QALY. It is calculated as the inverted value of the utility gain (area under the curve) over 1 year in a cohort subjected to an intervention. EuroQol Index utility data from the South Swedish Arthritis Treatment register were used.

Results

Patients with RA (n = 1,001), PsA (n = 241), and SpA (n = 255) were eligible for the study. First, second, and third treatment courses were studied. For RA, NNQ was 4.5, 6.4, and 5.2 for first, second, and third courses, respectively. For PsA and SpA, NNQ was 4.2–4.5, irrespective of treatment order. Treatment groups with <50 patients were not analyzed. During the study period 2002–2007, there were no secular trends of utility gains.

Conclusion

The NNQ is an easily derived and understandable utility‐based outcome measure that may be useful for stakeholders and decision makers as well as for clinicians. It was readily applied in this study of TNF blockade across 3 arthritis diagnoses. NNQ varied little over diagnoses and treatment course order, with a possible exception in second treatment course in RA.
Correlating the solubility of supercritical gases in high‐molecular weight substances using a density‐dependent equation
Authors: Hernández Elvis J. , Reglero Guillermo , Fornari Tiziana
Published: April 2010

Chrastil (1982) established that the solubility of a substance in a supercritical fluid can be correlated with the density of the pure supercritical gas. Recently, the solubility of supercritical fluids in different organic liquids was successfully correlated as a function solely of the supercritical fluid density, since we demonstrated that the supercritical fluid density also defines the solubility of the gas in the liquid phase. In this work, the solubility of supercritical carbon dioxide in high‐molecular weight substances, such as high‐molecular weight paraffins, alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid methyl and ethyl esters, has been correlated and constants provided. More than 20 binary systems comprising around 1000 solubility data points were correlated, obtaining regression coefficients greater than 0.96 and confirming the goodness of the density‐dependent equation previously reported. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
A new framework and a simpler method for the development of batch crystallization recipes
Authors: Ward Jeffrey D. , Yu Cheng‐Ching , Doherty Michael F.
Published: April 2010

We use a new generalized dimensionless model of a seeded batch crystallization process to compare results from four crystal growth rate/concentration trajectories: a numerically‐computed optimal trajectory, a constant growth rate trajectory, a trajectory proposed by Mullin and Nyvlt [Chem Eng Sci. 1971;26:369–377] that can be calculated without a kinetic model, and a linear concentration‐time trajectory. Because the model is generalized and dimensionless it is not specific to any particular solute–solvent system. We show that if seed properties are good, all trajectories achieve a good result, whereas if seed properties are poor all trajectories achieve a poor result. If seed properties are intermediate, the linear concentration trajectory performs much worse than the other trajectories. On the basis of this, we conclude: (1) Linear trajectories and natural cooling trajectories are poor and should be avoided. When evaluating the benefit derived from an optimization of a temperature/saturation concentration trajectory, the appropriate benchmark should be the Mullin‐Nyvlt trajectory, which typically performs much better than the linear trajectory and can be calculated knowing only the mass of seeds at the beginning of the batch. (2) Changing seed properties is more likely to improve batch crystallizer performance than optimizing the growth/saturation concentration trajectory. (3) For rapid process development, the most reasonable approach is to use the Mullin‐Nyvlt trajectory and seek to improve process performance by adjusting seed properties. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
The outcome of IgD myeloma after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is similar to other Ig subtypes
Authors: Sharma Manish , Qureshi Sofia R. , Champlin Richard E. , Popat Uday , Giralt Sergio , Qazilbash Muzaffar H.
Published: April 2010

IgD myeloma is a rare subtype of myeloma that is associated with an aggressive course, resistance to chemotherapy, and a poor outcome. We identified 17 patients with IgD myeloma, who received a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) at our institution between August 1988 and June 2008. Fifteen of these 17 patients underwent an autologous (auto) HCT. Complete responses (CRs) were seen in 6 of 15 (40%) patients; three converted from partial response to CR, two from minimal response to CR, and one from very good partial response to CR. The overall response rate after auto HCT was 86% (13 of 15). Kaplan‐Meiers estimates of 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 38% and 64%, respectively. Median PFS and OS were 18 and 45 months, respectively. These results were comparable with patients receiving autologous HCT for other Ig subtypes of myeloma. Am. J. Hematol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Confounders and confusion: Dealing with cancer cases of occupational origin
Authors: Crosignani Paolo , Amendola Plinio , Scaburri Alessandra , Chiappino Giovanni , Marinaccio Alessandro
Published: April 2010

Background

The recognition of occupational cancers is often hampered by confusion between the individual determinants of the disease and effects at the group level.

Methods

Here we propose an approach, based on the evaluation of the attributable risk at the group level, that provides quantitative estimates of the roles of multiple causes in individuals affected of cancer within a population exposed to occupational risk.

Results

The estimate of individual probability can be easily obtained computing the attributable risk. This can be often achieved by using the existing information available in the literature.

Conclusions

Dismissing the occupation as a cause of a cancer in an exposed subject on the sole basis of potential confounding is erroneous and should be withdrawn from medical practice. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1002–1005, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lesional and nonlesional skin from patients with untreated juvenile dermatomyositis displays increased numbers of mast cells and mature plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Shrestha Sheela , Wershil Barry , Sarwark John F. , Niewold Timothy B. , Philipp Teresa , Pachman Lauren M.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To investigate the distribution of mast cells and dendritic cell (DC) subsets in paired muscle and skin (lesional/nonlesional) from untreated children with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods

Muscle and skin biopsy samples (4 skin biopsy samples with active rash) from 7 patients with probable/definite juvenile DM were compared with muscle and skin samples from 10 healthy pediatric controls. Mast cell distribution and number were assessed by toluidine blue staining and analyzed by Student'st‐test. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to identify mature DCs, myeloid DCs (MDCs), and plasmacytoid DCs (PDCs) by using antibodies against DC‐LAMP, blood dendritic cell antigen 1 (BDCA‐1), and BDCA‐2, respectively. Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) staining indicated active type I interferon (IFN) signaling; positive staining was scored semiquantitatively and analyzed using the Mann‐Whitney U test.

Results

Both inflamed and nonlesional skin from patients with juvenile DM contained more mast cells than did skin from pediatric controls (P= 0.029), and comparable numbers of mast cells were present in lesional and nonlesional skin. Interestingly, mast cell numbers were greater in skin than in paired muscle tissue from patients with juvenile DM (P= 0.014) and were not increased in muscle from patients with juvenile DM compared with control muscle. Both muscle and skin from patients with juvenile DM showed more mature PDCs and MxA staining than did their corresponding control tissues (P< 0.05). In both muscle and skin from patients with juvenile DM and in pediatric control muscle, there were fewer MDCs than PDCs, and the distributions of MDCs and PDCs were similar in pediatric control skin samples.

Conclusion

The identification of mast cells in skin (irrespective of rash) from patients with juvenile DM, but not in paired muscle tissue, suggests that they have a specific role in juvenile DM skin pathophysiology. In skin from patients with juvenile DM, increased numbers of PDCs and increased expression of type I IFN–induced protein suggest a selective influence on T cell differentiation and subsequent effector function.
Continuous Flow Organic Synthesis under High‐Temperature/Pressure Conditions
Authors: Razzaq Tahseen , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: April 2010

Microreactor technology and continuous flow processing in general are key features in making organic synthesis both more economical and environmentally friendly. When preformed under a high‐temperature/pressure process intensification regime many transformations originally not considered suitable for flow synthesis owing to long reaction times can be converted into high‐speed flow chemistry protocols that can operate at production‐scale quantities. This Focus Review summarizes the state of the art in high‐temperature/pressure microreactor technology and provides a survey of successful applications of this technique from the recent synthetic organic chemistry literature.
An optimal maintenance policy based on generalized stochastic Petri nets and periodic inspection
Authors: Chang Ching‐Kao , Hsiang Chen‐Liang
Published: April 2010

Periodic maintenance of equipment is essential for its optimum performance, thereby enabling production efficiency. In the past, studies on preventive maintenance of automated manufacturing systems (AMS) determined the optimal preventive maintenance policy under different performance indexes. Generally, most hypotheses indicate that equipment reliability can be restored to 1.0 through preventive and corrective maintenance. However, in practical application, the implementation of preventive maintenance results in partial deterioration of equipment; moreover, the reliability of equipment cannot be restored to as‐good‐as‐new. In addition, the greater the complexity of connections of the equipment, the greater is the difficulty in determining the timing for preventive maintenance. On account of these characteristics, generalized stochastic Petri nets (GSPN) are well‐suited for the implementation of preventive maintenance. Therefore, this paper applies GSPN for deciding the optimal maintenance policy and constructing models for different levels of maintenance and renewal for an AMS with a serial‐parallel layout. As a result of the application of GSPN, the following optimal maintenance policy for an AMS was obtained in this study: Preventive maintenance conducted at intervals of every 240 hours will reduce cost by 46% as opposed to the practice of replacing defective parts when necessary. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Possession attachment: Individual differences in the endowment effect
Authors: Kogut Tehila , Kogut Ehud
Published: April 2010

The endowment effect suggests that people become attached to objects that are in their possession, and they demand a higher price to sell an object they own than they would be willing to pay to buy the same object. The results of four experiments support the suggestion that “possession attachment” is related to adult attachment styles in close relationships. Measures of attachment style in close relationships significantly predicted both actual and hypothetical selling prices moderating the endowment effect (Study 1), and significantly correlate with ratings of possession attachment (Study 2). Specifically, attachment anxiety is positively correlated with the selling prices of objects, while attachment avoidance shows no significant relation with object evaluation. The third and fourth experimental studies further demonstrated that attachment anxiety enhances possession evaluation and inhibits trades. The studies used real commodities and real money, and therefore, they have implications for everyday decisions as well as for the development of theories to better understand decisions about trades, negotiations, and choice of goods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single-centre experience of laparoscopic pancreatic surgery
Authors: Røsok B I , Marangos I P , Kazaryan A M , Rosseland A R , Buanes T , Mathisen Ø , Edwin B
Published: April 2010

Background

Laparoscopic resection is regarded as safe and feasible in selected patients with benign pancreatic tumours. Few data exist on laparoscopic surgery for malignant lesions and larger neoplasms in unselected patients.

Methods

The study included all patients admitted to Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, from March 1997 to March 2009 for surgery of lesions in the body and tail of the pancreas, and selected patients with lesions in the pancreatic head, who underwent surgery by a laparoscopic approach with curative intent.

Results

A total of 166 patients had 170 operations, including 138 pancreatic resections, 18 explorations, nine resections of peripancreatic tissue and five other therapeutic procedures. Four patients had repeat procedures. There were 53 endocrine tumours (31·0 per cent), 28 pancreatic carcinomas (16·4 per cent), five cases of metastases (2·9 per cent), 48 cystic tumours (28·1 per cent) and 37 other lesions (21·6 per cent). The total morbidity rate was 16·5 per cent. Fistula was the most common complication (10·0 per cent). Three patients needed reoperation for complications. There were three hospital deaths (1·8 per cent). Median hospital stay following surgery was 4 days.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic resection of lesions in the body and tail of the pancreas in an unselected patient series was safe and feasible, and should be the method of choice for this patient group in specialized centres.
Childhood antecedents of adult violent offending in a group of female felons
Authors: Lewis Catherine F.
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential antecedents of violent felony arrest in a sample of female felons. Among male populations, early onset conduct disorder (CD) with progression to adult anti‐social personality disorder (ASPD) is associated with increased criminality and aggression. Conduct disorder is associated with a worsened trajectory of alcohol dependence in men. These factors likely have a synergistic contribution to male adult violent offending. Existing work suggests that CD, ASPD, and severe alcohol dependence may represent an externalizing endophenotype, which is, at least in part, genetically conferred. These associations have not been well studied in female populations. The author examined a sample (N = 130) of female mid‐sentence felons to determine associations between adult arrest for violent felony with child and young adult antecedents, including CD and alcohol dependence. Data were gathered through administration of the Semi‐Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism II (SSAGA II). CD had high prevalence (40.8%), as did ASPD (31.4%) and alcohol dependence (43.8%). Women convicted of violent felonies were more likely to have CD with progression to ASPD, and alcohol dependence. Both alcohol dependence and CD were independently associated with violent offending. These data suggest that the most serious female offenders have psychopathology similar to that of males and that the trajectory of disease and etiology of violent behavior may not be as gender specific as previously presumed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comment on “The Interplay between Steric and Electronic Effects in SN2 Reactions”
Authors: van Zeist Willem‐Jan , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: April 2010

We respond to a paper by Fernández, Frenking, and Uggerud (FFU: Chem. Eur. J. 2009, 15, 2166) in which they conclude that not steric hindrance but reduced electrostatic attraction and reduced orbital interactions are responsible for the SN2 barrier, in particular in the case of more highly substituted substrates, for example, F− + C(CH3)3F. We disagree with this conclusion, which we show is the result of neglecting geometry relaxation processes that are induced by increased Pauli repulsion in the sterically congested SN2 transition state.