bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid SPECT/CT Imaging in the Evaluation of Coronary Stenosis: Role in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Romagnoli Andrea , Schillaci Orazio , Arganini Chiara , Gaspari Eleonora , Ricci Aurora , Morosetti Daniele , Coco Irene , Crusco Sonia , Calabria Ferdinando , Sperandio Massimiliano , Simonetti Giovanni
Published: September 2012

Purpose. Our purpose was to combine the results of the MDCT (multidetector computed tomography) morphological data and the SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) data using hybrid imaging to overcome the limits of the MDCT in the evaluation of coronary stenosis in diabetic patients with large amount of calcium in the coronary arteries. Method and Materials. 120 diabetic patients underwent MDCT examination and SPECT examination. We evaluated 324 coronary arteries. After the examinations, we merged CT and SPECT images. Results. CT evaluation: 52 (32.8%) coronaries with stenosis ≥ 50%, 228 (70.4%) with stenosis < 50%, and 44 (13.6%) with a doubtful evaluation. SPECT evaluation: 80 (24.7%) areas with hypoperfusion, 232 (71.6%) with normal perfusion, and 12 (3.7%) with a doubtful evaluation. Of 324 coronary arteries and corresponding areas, the hybrid SPECT/CT evaluation showed 92 (28.4%) areas with hypoperfusion, and 232 (71.6%) with normal perfusion. Conclusion. Hybrid CT/SPECT imaging could be useful in the detection of significant coronary stenosis in patients with large amount of coronary calcifications.
Performance analysis of neuro swarm optimization algorithm applied on detecting proportion of components in manhole gas mixture
Authors: Ojha Varun Kumar , Dutta Paramartha
Published: September 2012

The article presents performance analysis of the neuro swarm optimization algorithm applied for the detection of proportion of the component gases found in manhole gas mixture. The hybrid neuro swarm optimization technique is used for implementing an intelligent sensory system for the detection of component gases present in manhole gas mixture. The manhole gas mixture typically contains toxic gases such as Hydrogen Sulfide, Ammonia, Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxide, and Carbon Monoxide. A semiconductor based gas sensor array used for sensing the gas components consists of many sensor elements, where each sensor element is responsible for sensing particular gas component. Presence of multiple gas sensors for detecting multiple gases results in cross-sensitivity. The central theme of this article is the performance analysis of the algorithm which offers solution to multiple gas detection issue. The article also presents study on the computational cost incurred by the algorithm.
Film, Mobility and Urban Space
Authors: Roberts Les
Published: September 2012

Drawing on multi-disciplinary debates surrounding the cultural production of place, space and memory in the post-industrial city, Film, Mobility and Urban Space explores the role of moving images in representations and perceptions of everyday urban landscapes. The arguments put forward in the book are based on a case study of Liverpool in the north west of England and draw from a unique spatial database of over 1700 archive films of the city from 1897 to the present day. Theoretically wide-ranging in scope, Les Robertss study combines critical spatial analysis, archival research and qualitative methods to navigate a citys cinematic geographies as mapped across a broad spectrum of film genres, including amateur film, travelogues, newsreels, promotional films, documentaries and features. As the second most filmed city in the UK  and formerly second city of Empire  Liverpool boasts a rich industrial, architectural and maritime heritage that has positioned the city  which was European Capital of Culture in 2008  at the forefront of current debates on regeneration, visuality and cultural memory. The tension between the city as spectacle and the city as archive, and the contradictions that underpin the growing cinematization of postmodern urban space are at the core of the arguments developed throughout the book. Examining the contention that, as spatial practices, the production and consumption of urban cinematic geographies are, in their different ways, tied to shifting cultures and geographies of mobility, Film, Mobility and Urban Space maps the critical interplay between material and immaterial spaces of the city and re-evaluates the significance  and place  of location in contemporary film practice and urban cultural theory.
Un rallador de cerámica: reflexiones en torno a una pieza romana de cocina
Authors: Quevedo Sánchez Alejandro
Published: September 2012

El estudio de un objeto cerámico inédito procedente de la domus de la Fortuna de Carthago Noua (Cartagena, España) ha permitido identificarlo como un rallador. Dicha interpretación ha sido corroborada gracias a la realización de un ejercicio de arqueología experimental. Su presencia completa el repertorio de vajilla de cocina en la antigua colonia portuaria a finales del s. II al tiempo que sugiere diversas cuestiones sobre su uso.
How effective and selective is traditional Red Fox snaring?
Authors: Duarte Jesús , Farfán Miguel A. , Fa John E. , Vargas J. Mario
Published: September 2012

We followed a red fox culling campaign that employed traditional cable snares to control numbers in a hunting estate in the Serranía de Ronda (Andalusia, southern Spain). We assessed abundance and presence of carnivore species within the area where fox culling took place by means of faecal counts within regularly walked paths. Twenty animals of four different taxa were snared during 238 nights in 36 locations. Through interviews with informed locals we established there were eight carnivore species present in the study area. Capture efficiency was 1.52 foxes per 1,000 trap-nights; the ISO-selectivity was 65% and the negative specific selectivity 50%. Despite daily checks of snares, there was a very high mortality (>80%) of target and non-target species. Moreover, a large proportion of the animals were caught by the neck. Our results suggest that this traditional method (snares without stops) of predator control should not be used.
Genetically Engineered Mice by Pronuclear DNA Microinjection
Authors: DeMayo Janet L. , Wang Jie , Liang Dongcai , Zhang Ruina , DeMayo Francesco J.
Published: September 2012

The generation of transgenic mice by DNA microinjection is a powerful tool to investigate the molecular regulation of gene expression, development, and disease. The power of this technology is that foreign DNA can be introduced into every cell of a developing organism, and the phenotypic impact of this genetic modification can be investigated in a system under the constraints of normal development and physiology. The generation of transgenic mice requires the preparation of the transgene DNA construction, collection of one‐cell fertilized mouse embryos, injection of the transgene into mouse embryos, and transfer of the surviving embryos into a pseudopregnant female. Mice born from such manipulations are then screened for the presence of the transgene. The execution of these procedures requires a highly efficient system; otherwise, the cost of the generation of these mice can be cost prohibitive. However, the production of these animals can provide an invaluable research resource. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:245‐262 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Determination of Muscle Fiber Type in Rodents
Authors: Kalmar Bernadett , Blanco Gonzalo , Greensmith Linda
Published: September 2012

Skeletal muscles consist of muscle fibers that can differ in both composition and functional characteristics. These three types of muscle fibers, broadly categorized as slow, fast IIa, and fast IIb muscle fibers, express characteristic myosin heavy chain proteins and have different metabolic and enzymatic activities, which can be used as surrogate markers to identify the different fiber types. Pathological changes affecting the muscle, such as denervation, muscle disuse, and atrophy not only manifest on a functional level, but also as marked changes in the composition of muscle fiber type of individual muscles. In this unit we describe three methods for histological identification of slow/type I, fast fatigue resistant/type IIa, and fast fatigable/type IIb fibers by staining for either myosin ATPases or oxidative enzyme capacity (succinate dehydrogenase, SDH)—or, alternatively, immunostaining for specific myosin heavy chain isoforms in muscles of mouse hindlimbs. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:231‐243 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structural and Biomimetic Chemical Kinetics: Kinetic Magnitudes Include Structural Information
Authors: Otero Toribio F. , Martinez Jose G.
Published: September 2012

Electrochemical reactions in films of conducting polymers involve reactive chains, exchanging ions and solvent with the electrolyte under current flow. The reaction induces structural changes: conformational movements in chains and swelling, shrinking, compaction, and relaxation processes in the reactive dense gel. Conformational movements and structural changes induced by reactions are not included by today's chemical kinetic models. Using different packed conformations as initial states for the study of the reaction kinetics in films of different conducting polymers, rate coefficients, activation energies, and reaction orders related to the concentration of active centers in the film change with the structure of the selected initial state. The kinetic magnitudes include and quantify conformational and structural energetic states. Therefore, the reaction activation energy includes the constant reaction activation energy and the conformational energy of the initial packed state. The electrochemically stimulated conformational relaxation model describes the empirical variation of the kinetic magnitudes.
Thermosensitive Molecular, Colloidal, and Bulk Interactions Using a Simple Surfactant
Authors: Kodger Thomas E. , Sprakel Joris
Published: September 2012

Efficient use of (nano)particle self‐assembly for creating nanostructured materials requires sensitive control over the interactions between building blocks. Here, a very simple method for rendering the interactions between almost any hydrophobic nano‐ and microparticles thermoswitchable is described and this attraction is characterized using colloid probe atomic force microscopy (CP‐AFM). In a single‐step synthesis, a thermoresponsive surfactant is prepared that through physical adsorption generates a thermosensitive brush on hydrophobic surfaces. These surface layers can reversibly trigger gelation and crystallization of nano‐ and microparticles, and at the same time can be used to destabilize emulsions on demand. The method requires no chemical surface modification yet is universal, reproducible, and fully reversible.
The Influence of A‐Site Rare Earth Ion Size in Controlling the Curie Temperature of Ba1 − xRExTi1 − x/4O3
Authors: Freeman Colin L. , Dawson James A. , Harding John H. , Ben Liu‐Bin , Sinclair Derek C.
Published: September 2012

The defect structures for Gd‐ and La‐doping on the A‐site of BaTiO3 with the creation of Ti vacancies are reported. The rare‐earth cations cluster together around the vacancy. The local relaxations caused by the defect cluster lead to distortion and tilting of nearby TiO6 octahedra and this is responsible for the lowering of the Curie temperature with increasing dopant concentration. Larger distortions to the octahedra are observed for La‐doping and this is the proposed origin of the greater decrease in Tc as observed by experimental results associated with La‐ compared to Gd‐doped samples.
Overgrowth with increased proliferation of fibroblast and matrix metalloproteinase activity related to reduced TIMP1: A newly recognized syndrome?
Authors: Chung Brian , Hinek Aleksander , Keating Sarah , Weksberg Rosanna , Shah Vibhuti , Blaser Susan , Hawkins Cynthia , Chitayat David
Published: September 2012

We report on a child with prenatal onset of overgrowth associated with thick, excessive wrinkled skin and other abnormalities including cleft palate, Chiari malformation and polymicrogyria. His clinical features do not resemble any of the known reported overgrowth syndromes. Genetic evaluations, including karyotype, oligoarray, methylation‐sensitive multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for 11p11.2 region, CDKN1C sequencing, GPC3 sequencing and dosage analysis, and HRAS sequencing, have been un‐revealing. Immunohistochemistry done on the patient's cultured skin fibroblasts showed normally assembled elastic fibers and normal pattern of chondroitin sulfate deposition with defective deposition of Collagen I fibers. In addition, there were high levels of immuno‐detectable metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) and undetectable tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1). The defective collagen deposition in the fibroblast culture could be reversed by the broad spectrum MMP inhibitor, doxycycline. We also present evidence that the fibroblasts of this patient have an increased rate of cellular proliferation. We propose that this is a previously unrecognized overgrowth syndrome associated with increased cellular proliferation and defective collagen I deposition due to an imbalance between MMP and TIMP in fibroblasts. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program: Analysis of large for gestational age cases
Authors: Burmeister Bradley , Zaleski Christina , Cold Christopher , McPherson Elizabeth
Published: September 2012

Since its inception in 1983, the Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program (WiSSP) has reviewed over 2,600 referrals. Among 2,451 with fetal weight and gestational age recorded, 186 (7.6%) were large for gestational age (LGA), which is more than expected. We reviewed these cases to identify factors causing or contributing to fetal death as well as increased fetal size. LGA losses tended to occur later in pregnancy than non‐LGA losses. The most common cause of death in LGA fetuses was fetal (43.5%), followed by placental (22.6%), and maternal (11.2%), which contrasts with previous studies involving the same database, but unselected for fetal weight, in which 21.5%, 40.0%, and 12.7% had fetal, placental, and maternal causes, respectively. The most common fetal cause was hydrops (60 cases/32.4%), which was most frequently idiopathic (16/26.6%), followed by cardiac (11/18.3%), Turner syndrome (8/13.3%), and twin–twin transfusions (6/10.0%). Placental causes, most commonly abruption and infarct, were more frequent in diabetic mothers, accounting for 33% versus only 18% in the entire LGA group. In the LGA group overall, 21% of mothers were diabetic, and most stillbirths in diabetic mothers occurred after 28 weeks. Despite large placentas (>95th centile) in 71.8% of the LGA cohort compared to 11% previously reported in the entire database, the most extreme LGA cases had a high fetoplacental ratio. We recommend pathologic evaluation of placentas from all stillbirths, close follow‐up of pregnancies complicated by diabetes, and continued research into causes and pathophysiology of hydrops. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The significant role of plasmonic effects in femtosecond laser‐induced grating fabrication on the nanoscale
Authors: Huang Min , Cheng Ya , Zhao Fuli , Xu Zhizhan
Published: September 2012

Nowadays, plasmonics aiming at manipulating light beyond the diffraction limit has aroused great interest on account of the promise of nanoscale optical devices. Generally, the ability to break diffraction barrier is achieved via controlling surface plasmons (SPs) on artificial structures as products of human ingenuity. Here, nevertheless, it is demonstrated that in short‐pulse laser ablation ultrafast active plasmonic structures spontaneously generate by virtue of plasmonic effects rather than human will. First, with the experimental results on ZnO, Si, and GaAs, explicit evidence is provided for the grating‐splitting phenomenon that acts as a direct route for the formation of laser‐induced deep‐subwavelength gratings. The splitting mechanism can break through the diffraction limit and push laser‐induced structures towards the nanoscale. Then, through comprehensive numerical studies based on the viewpoint of plasmonics, it can be confirmed that the grating‐splitting phenomenon originates in the conversion of SP modes from the resonant to the nonresonant mode and further to the inphase or antiphase asymmetric mode. In short, plasmonic effects play an important role in ultrafast laser‐induced grating splitting towards the nanoscale, which will provide new insights into the mechanisms of ultrafast laser‐induced nanostructures.
A New Dimension in Separation Science: Comprehensive Two‐Dimensional Gas Chromatography
Authors: Meinert Cornelia , Meierhenrich Uwe J.
Published: September 2012

The introduction and development of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography offers greatly enhanced resolution and identification of organic analytes in complex mixtures compared to any one‐dimensional separation technique. Initially promoted by the need to resolve highly complex petroleum samples, the technique’s enormous separation power and enhanced ability to gather information has rapidly attracted the attention of analysts from all scientific fields. In this Minireview, we highlight the fundamental theory, recent advances, and future trends in the instrumentation and application of comprehensive two‐dimensional column separation.
Challenges Facing Lithium Batteries and Electrical Double‐Layer Capacitors
Authors: Choi Nam‐Soon , Chen Zonghai , Freunberger Stefan A. , Ji Xiulei , Sun Yang‐Kook , Amine Khalil , Yushin Gleb , Nazar Linda F. , Cho Jaephil , Bruce Peter G.
Published: September 2012

Energy‐storage technologies, including electrical double‐layer capacitors and rechargeable batteries, have attracted significant attention for applications in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, bulk electricity storage at power stations, and “load leveling” of renewable sources, such as solar energy and wind power. Transforming lithium batteries and electric double‐layer capacitors requires a step change in the science underpinning these devices, including the discovery of new materials, new electrochemistry, and an increased understanding of the processes on which the devices depend. The Review will consider some of the current scientific issues underpinning lithium batteries and electric double‐layer capacitors.
Selective Pyrophosphate Recognition by Cyclic Peptide Receptors in Physiological Saline
Authors: Butler Stephen J. , Jolliffe Katrina A.
Published: September 2012

The anion binding ability of a family of bis(ZnII‐Dpa) functionalized cyclic peptides has been investigated using displacement assays with a fluorescent coumarin indicator in water, saline solution, and Krebs buffer. Non‐binding side‐chain steric bulk, the relative position of binding sites, and the scaffold size were all found to affect the ability of these receptors to discriminate between polyphosphate ions. Most receptors showed some selectivity for pyrophosphate over ATP and ADP in water and saline, and this selectivity was significantly enhanced in the biologically relevant Krebs buffer giving chemosensing ensembles capable of selective recognition of pyrophosphate in the presence of excess ATP.
Theoretical Studies of the Asymmetric Binary‐Acid‐Catalyzed tert‐Aminocyclization Reaction: Origins of the CH Activation and Stereoselectivity
Authors: Zhang Long , Chen Liujuan , Lv Jian , Cheng Jin‐Pei , Luo Sanzhong
Published: September 2012

A mechanistic study of the tert‐aminocyclization reaction was performed by using DFT calculations and labeling experiments. The results showed that the reaction proceeded through a rate‐limiting‐, stereospecific‐, and suprafacial 1,5‐H‐transfer pathway, followed by a barrier‐less CC bond formation. The mode of stereocontrol for facial selection could be ruled out owing to the high activation energy of CN bond rotation. The intrinsic feature of this Lewis acid activation was found to be the activation of the LUMO, as well as an intermediate‐stabilization effect. The catalytically active species was believed to be a 1:1 complex of phosphoric acid and MgCl2, which was stabilized by a H⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen bond. The chiral catalytic complex selectively recognizes and activates one of the two helical conformations of substrate A, required for 1,5‐suprafacial H‐transfer, which dictates the stereoselectivity of the forming products.
A methodology for schedule‐based paths recommendation in multimodal public transportation networks
Authors: Canca David , Zarzo Alejandro , González‐R Pedro L. , Barrena Eva , Algaba Encarnación
Published: September 2012

This paper analyzes the problem of intermodal itineraries recommendation in interurban networks where different public transportation modes, several companies, time, and capacity constraints, as well as seat booking, are considered. The inherent network optimization problem is first modeled for a generic user request, and then a solving method that makes use of a network graph transformation is proposed. For each request, this solving method is based on pruning the user‐specific time–space graph, followed by the application of a k‐shortest path algorithm. Moreover, in order to build on‐demand real‐time itineraries recommendations, the algorithm has been embedded in a Web client–server to which users ask for trip recommendations by Internet or mobile phone. Finally, as an illustration, the proposed approach has been tested on the Andalusia main transportation network. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total Synthesis of Marine Eicosanoid (−)‐Hybridalactone
Authors: Ota Koichiro , Sugata Naoto , Ohshiro Yoshihiko , Kawashima Etsuko , Miyaoka Hiroaki
Published: September 2012

(−)‐Hybridalactone (1) is a marine eicosanoid isolated from the red alga Laurencia hybrida. This natural product contains cyclopropane, cyclopentane, 13‐membered macrolactone and epoxide ring systems incorporating seven stereogenic centers. Moreover, this compound has an acid‐labile skipped Z,Z‐diene motif. In this paper, we report on the total synthesis of (−)‐hybridalactone (1). The unique eicosanoid (−)‐hybridalactone (1) was synthesized starting from optically active γ‐butyrolactone 2 in a linear sequence comprising 21 steps with an overall yield of 21.9 %. A key step in the synthesis of (−)‐hybridalactone (1) is the methyl phenylsulfonylacetate‐mediated one‐pot synthesis of the cis‐cyclopropane‐γ‐lactone derivative. This reaction provided an efficient and stereoselective access to cis‐cyclopropane‐γ‐lactone 12. Further elaboration of the latter compounds through desulfonylation, epoxidation, oxidation, Wittig olefination and Shiina macrolactonization afforded (−)‐hybridalactone.
Random Matrices and Complexity of Spin Glasses
Authors: Auffinger Antonio , Arous Gérard Ben , Černý Jiří
Published: September 2012

We give an asymptotic evaluation of the complexity of spherical p‐spin spin glass models via random matrix theory. This study enables us to obtain detailed information about the bottom of the energy landscape, including the absolute minimum (the ground state), and the other local minima, and describe an interesting layered structure of the low critical values for the Hamiltonians of these models. We also show that our approach allows us to compute the related TAPcomplexity and extend the results known in the physics literature. As an independent tool, we prove a large deviation principle for the kth‐largest eigenvalue of the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble, extending the results of Ben Arous, Dembo, and Guionnet. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving the Capture of CO2 by Substituted Monoethanolamines: Electronic Effects of Fluorine and Methyl Substituents
Authors: Gangarapu Satesh , Marcelis Antonius T. M. , Zuilhof Han
Published: September 2012

The influence of electronic and steric effects on the reaction between CO2 and monoethanolamine (MEA) absorbents is investigated using computational methods. The pKa of the alkanolamine, the reaction enthalpy for carbamate formation, and the hydrolytic carbamate stability are important factors for the efficiency of CO2 capture. The steric and electronic effects of CH3, CH2F, CHF2, CF3, F, dimethyl, difluoro, and bis(2‐trifluoromethyl) substituents at the α carbon of MEA on this reaction are investigated. Density functional theory (DFT) (B3LYP, M06‐2X, M08‐HX and M11‐L) and ab initio methods [spin component‐scaled second‐order Møller‐Plesset theory (SCS‐MP2), G3], each coupled with solvent models [conductor‐like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) and universal solvation models (SM8 and SMD)], are shown to yield accurately calculated pKa values of the substituted MEAs. Specifically, G3, SCS‐MP2, and M11‐L methods coupled with the SMD and SM8 solvation models perform well with a mean unsigned error (MUE) of only 0.15, 0.24 and 0.25 pKa units, respectively. SCS‐MP2 is used to calculate the reaction enthalpy for carbamate formation and the carbamate stability towards hydrolysis. With the introduction of β‐fluoro substituents (especially the CH2F moiety) the reaction enthalpy for the formation of carbamates can be fine‐tuned to be less exothermic than that using the unsubstituted MEA. This implies a reduced energy requirement for the solvent‐regeneration step in the post‐combustion carbon‐capture method, which is currently the energy‐limiting step in efficient CO2 capture. β‐Fluoro‐substituted MEAs are also shown to form less stable carbamates than MEA. Thus, β‐fluoro‐substituted MEAs display a great potential for the use in the post‐combustion carbon‐capture process. Finally, a clear correlation is observed between the gas‐phase basicity and the tendency to form carbamates. This allows for the rapid prediction of which species will be formed experimentally, and thus the CO2‐absorbing capacities of alkanolamines can be estimated.
Radial Distributions of Dusty Plasma Parameters in a DC Glow Discharge
Authors: Sukhinin G. I. , Fedoseev A. V.
Published: September 2012

A non‐stationary non‐local kinetic model for radial distributions of dusty plasma parameters based on the solution of Boltzmann equation for electron energy distribution function is presented. Electrons and ions production in ionizing collisions and their recombination on dust particle surface were taken into account. The drift‐diffusion approximation for ions was used. To obtain the self‐consistent radial distribution of electric potential the Poisson equation was used. It is shown that at high dust particle density the recombination of electrons and ions can exceed their production in ionization collisions in the region of dusty cloud. In this case the non‐monotonous radial distribution of the electric field is formed, the radial electric field becomes reversed and the radial electron and ion fluxes change their direction toward the center of the tube (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vibrational Excitation of N2(B, C) and N+2(B) States in N2 and N2 – H2 Flowing Microwave Discharges
Authors: Abdeladim M. , Ricard A. , Mekkakia Maaza N.
Published: September 2012

The ro‐vibrational spectra of N2 microwave discharges have been analysed by emission spectroscopy. It is deduced the rotational and vibrational temperatures of N2 states. The characteristic of vibrational temperature Θ1 of the N2 (X, v) ground state has been specifically determined.It has been found that the N2 (C, B, v') and N+2 (B, v') radiative states are directly excited by electron collisions on the N2 (X,v) ground state at a N2 gas pressure of 0.1 Torr (discharge tube of 5 mm I.D, microwave power 100 Watt) with a Θ1 value near 104 K. At higher gas pressure up to 5 Torr, the N2 (C, v') states remain alone to be mainly excited by electron collisions on N2 (X, v). It is considered the excitations of the N2 (B, v') states by collisions of electrons and N2 (X,v > 4) vibrational molecules on the N2 (A) metastable states.With x < 9% H2 into N2, it is observed an increase of N2, 2nd pos intensity, resulting of an increase of high energy electrons. Inversely, the N2, 1st pos intensity decreased, partly following the decrease of low energy electrons (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Coupling Oscillations on the Electron Conductivity of Hall Thrusters
Authors: Wei L. , Han K. , Zhang Ch. , Yu D.
Published: September 2012

It is known that the static magnetic field of a Hall thruster remains unchanged with the product of coil current and coil turn kept constant. This is called the ampere‐turns equivalence principle, which is used in the static magnetic field design of Hall thrusters. It is found that the discharge characteristic is different with the same static magnetic field which is formed by the same ampere‐turns but different coil turns. The effects of the fluctuating magnetic field on the static magnetic field are studied experimentally and theoretically, and the effective collision frequency is calculated based on the dispersion relation of coupling oscillations and the estimation of the fluctuating magnetic field. Results indicate that the different coil turns are accompanied by different coupling intensities which lead to different magnetic field fluctuations. The different magnetic field fluctuations cause differences in the effective electron collision frequency and therefore the electron conductivity and the discharge characteristic of Hall thrusters (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adaptive frame on binary splitting for radio frequency identification anticollision
Authors: Lai Yuan‐Cheng , Hsiao Ling‐Yen
Published: September 2012

In many radio frequency identification applications, the reader must repeatedly identify the same staying tags. Existing anticollision protocols, adaptive binary splitting (ABS) and adaptive query tree, can rapidly identify the staying tags by remembering the order in which the tags were recognized in the previous identification process. This paper proposes a novel protocol called adaptive frame ABS (AFA), based on ABS. AFA utilizes the dynamic regulation approach that estimates the numbers of staying tags and newly‐arriving tags and optimally adjusts the numbers of slots allocated for them to reduce idle slots when many recognized tags leave and reduce collision slots when many newly‐arriving tags enter. Following the regulation process, multiple staying tags may share the same slot and cause a collision among them. Thus, an efficient ordering splitting is proposed to deterministically split the collided staying tags according to the order in which they were recognized. The analytical and simulation results show that AFA outperforms ABS in most of the considered environments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct displacement‐based seismic assessment procedure for multi‐span reinforced concrete bridges with single‐column piers
Authors: Şadan Oğuz Bahadır , Petrini Lorenza , Calvi Gian Michele
Published: September 2012

In Italy, as in other high seismic risk countries, many bridges, nowadays deemed ‘strategic’ for civil protection interventions after an earthquake, were built without antiseismic criteria, and therefore their seismic assessment is mandatory. Accordingly, the development of a seismic assessment procedure that gives reliable results and, at the same time, is sufficiently simple to be applied on a large population of bridges in a short time is very useful.

In this paper, a displacement‐based procedure for the assessment of multi‐span RC bridges, satisfying these requirements and called direct displacement‐based assessment (DDBA), is proposed. Based on the direct displacement‐based design previously developed by Priestley et al., DDBA idealizes the multi DOF bridge structure as an equivalent SDOF system and hence defines a safety factor in terms of displacement. DDBA was applied to hypothetical bridge configurations. The same structures were analyzed also using standard force‐based approach. The reliability of the two methods was checked performing IDA with response spectrum compatible accelerograms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carers' Assessment, Skills and Information Sharing: Theoretical Framework and Trial Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of a Complex Intervention for Carers of Inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Goddard Elizabeth , Raenker Simone , Macdonald Pamela , Todd Gillian , Beecham Jennifer , Naumann Ulrike , Bonin Eva‐Maria , Schmidt Ulrike , Landau Sabine , Treasure Janet
Published: September 2012

Experienced Carers Helping Others (ECHO) is a guided self‐help intervention for carers of people with eating disorders to reduce distress and ameliorate interpersonal maintaining factors to improve patient outcomes. The aim of this paper is to describe the theoretical background and protocol of a randomised controlled trial that will establish whether ECHO has a significant beneficial effect for carers and the person they care for. Individuals with anorexia nervosa and carers will be recruited from eating disorder inpatient/day patient hospital services in the UK. Primary outcomes are time until relapse post‐discharge (patient) and distress (carer) at 12 months post‐discharge. Secondary outcomes are body mass index, eating disorder symptoms, psychosocial measures and health economic data for patients and carers. Carers will be randomised (stratified by site and illness severity) to receive ECHO (in addition to treatment as usual) or treatment as usual only. Potential difficulties in participant recruitment and delivery of the intervention are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Longitudinal Association Analysis of Quantitative Traits
Authors: Fan Ruzong , Zhang Yiwei , Albert Paul S. , Liu Aiyi , Wang Yuanjia , Xiong Momiao
Published: September 2012

Longitudinal genetic studies provide a valuable resource for exploring key genetic and environmental factors that affect complex traits over time. Genetic analysis of longitudinal data that incorporate temporal variations is important for understanding genetic architecture and biological variations of common complex diseases. Although they are important, there is a paucity of statistical methods to analyze longitudinal human genetic data. In this article, longitudinal methods are developed for temporal association mapping to analyze population longitudinal data. Both parametric and nonparametric models are proposed. The models can be applied to multiple diallelic genetic markers such as single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and multiallelic markers such as microsatellites. By analytical formulae, we show that the models take both the linkage disequilibrium and temporal trends into account simultaneously. Variance‐covariance structure is constructed to model the single measurement variation and multiple measurement correlations of an individual based on the theory of stochastic processes. Novel penalized spline models are used to estimate the time‐dependent mean functions and regression coefficients. The methods were applied to analyze Framingham Heart Study data of Genetic Analysis Workshop (GAW) 13 and GAW 16. The temporal trends and genetic effects of the systolic blood pressure are successfully detected by the proposed approaches. Simulation studies were performed to find out that the nonparametric penalized linear model is the best choice in fitting real data. The research sheds light on the important area of longitudinal genetic analysis, and it provides a basis for future methodological investigations and practical applications.
On the Way to the Artificial Heart
Authors: Cuenca‐Navalon Elena , Finocchiaro Thomas , Jansen So Hyun , Heinke Stefanie
Published: September 2012

Artificial heart systems — the demand is huge, development is difficult: How applied medical technology is attempting to find new solutions. The role played by mechanical/hydraulic models is as important as innovative software simulation.
TRULY INEFFICIENT OR PROVIDING BETTER QUALITY OF CARE? ANALYSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RISK‐ADJUSTED HOSPITAL COSTS AND PATIENTS' HEALTH OUTCOMES
Authors: Gutacker Nils , Bojke Chris , Daidone Silvio , Devlin Nancy J. , Parkin David , Street Andrew
Published: September 2012

Observed variation in hospital costs may be attributable to differences in patients' health outcomes. Previous studies have resorted to inherently incomplete outcome measures such as mortality or re‐admission rates to assess this claim. This study makes use of a novel dataset of routinely collected patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) linked to inpatient records to (i) access the degree to which cost variation is associated with variation in patients' health gain and (ii) explore how far judgement about hospital cost performance changes when health outcomes are accounted for. We use multilevel modelling to address the clustering of patients in providers and isolate unexplained cost variation. We find some evidence of a U‐shaped relationship between risk‐adjusted costs and outcomes for hip replacement surgery. For three other procedures (knee replacement, varicose vein and groin hernia surgery), the estimated relationship is sensitive to the choice of PROM instrument. We do not observe substantial changes in cost performance estimates when outcomes are explicitly accounted for. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early‐stage squamous cell carcinoma of the lip: The Australian experience and the benefits of radiotherapy in improving outcome in high‐risk patients after resection
Authors: Najim Maria , Cross Shamira , Gebski Val , Palme Carsten E. , Morgan Gary J. , Veness Michael J.
Published: September 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of Australian patients treated for early lip cancer.

Methods

Data on 217 patients with T1 to T2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip and treated with radical intent were analyzed.

Results

The addition of local adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with a close/positive margin was associated with a significant improvement in relapse‐free survival (RFS; p = .008). Tumor thickness (≤4 mm vs >4 mm) was also significantly associated with RFS (p = .01). The 5‐year RFS was 51% after surgery, 87% after radiotherapy, and 92% after adjuvant radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Patients with a tumor thickness >4 mm experienced an increased risk of recurrence, especially nodal. Compared with patients having any radiotherapy, those undergoing surgery experienced a higher rate of locoregional recurrence. The addition of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with inadequate excision significantly decreased the risk of recurrence. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1426–1430, 2013
Transcriptome alterations induced by cigarette smoke
Authors: Brody Jerome S.
Published: September 2012

Cigarette smoke alters the transcriptome of multiple tissues; those directly exposed to toxic products and those exposed to circulating components and metabolic products of tobacco smoke. In most tissues and organs that have been studied, the smoking transcriptome is characterized by increased expression of antioxidant and xenobiotic genes as well as a wide spectrum of inflammation‐related genes, and potential oncogenic genes. Smoking is associated with an increased incidence of cancer in a number of organs both those directly exposed (lungs and airways) and those indirectly exposed (bladder, liver, pancreas). Individual transcriptomic responses vary, based to some degree on as yet to be clarified genetic factors, and likely how and what the individual has smoked. The complexity of individual responses to tobacco exposure and of smoking‐related cancers in various organs is beginning to be revealed in transcriptomic and whole genome sequencing studies, of both tumors and cytologically normal appearing cells that have been exposed to cigarette smoke or its products creating a genomic “field of injury.” The recent application of next generation sequencing to defining the transcriptome alterations induced by cigarette smoke holds the promise of discovering new approaches to personalized prevention and treatment of smoking‐related lung diseases in the future.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)‐induced cardiotoxicity: approaches to narrow the gaps between preclinical safety evaluation and clinical outcome
Authors: Yang Baichun , Papoian Thomas
Published: September 2012

Although therapies targeted to inhibit the activity of certain tyrosine kinases (TK) have helped advance cancer therapy in recent years, reports of cardiac toxicity following treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were unexpected and not well predicted by preclinical studies. Such clinical findings exposed gaps in current preclinical drug testing for predicting the development of cardiac toxicities in humans. These gaps included a lack of a comprehensive TKI mechanism of action determination and appropriate cardiac functional evaluation. New preclinical approaches are suggested to address these issues. In addition to tyrosine kinase inhibition, other factors that may play a role in drug‐induced cardiac effects should be assessed, such as unintended secondary targets of TKIs, toxic drug metabolites and drug accumulation in the heart. Both on‐target and off‐target toxic effects of TKIs on cultured cardiac myocytes have now been shown to be detectable, providing a rationale for using cardiomyocytes as a screening tool to study potential TKI‐mediated cardiotoxicity. Incorporating isolated perfused heart methodology to chronic/subchronic rodent studies or including echocardiography in chronic large animal toxicity studies may improve the detection of changes in cardiac function over current methods, and they may eventually become a routine tool for screening drugs with suspected cardiotoxic potential. Further, assessing drug toxicity and efficacy together in an animal model of disease is highly informative for candidate drug selection, and should be encouraged to assess specific safety endpoints, such as cardiovascular function. Together, these approaches will help better close the gaps between preclinical testing and clinical outcomes. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
An Efficient Synthesis of Thiazolidine‐4‐ones with Antitumor and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Aly Ashraf A. , Brown Alan B. , Abdel‐Aziz Mohamed , Abuo‐Rahma Gamal El‐Din A. A. , Radwan Mohamed F. , Ramadan Mohamed , Gamal‐Eldeen Amira M.
Published: September 2012

Reaction of 3‐aroyl‐1‐arylthioureas with dimethyl but‐2‐ynedioate in dichloromethane and catalyzed by triphenylphosphine at −5°C led to (Z)‐methyl 2‐[(Z)‐2‐(4‐aroylimino)‐4‐oxo‐3‐aryl‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐5‐ylidene]acetates in good yields. The mechanism is discussed. X‐ray structure analysis of one thiazolidine derivative is described. Antitumor and antioxidant activities have been investigated. One derivative of 1,3‐thiazolidine showed moderate antiproliferative in vitro activity against hepatocellular carcinoma Hep‐G2, whereas another 1,3‐thiazolidine introduced effective antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid.
Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity of Acylpyrazole Derivatives Containing 1,2,3‐Thiadiazole Moiety
Authors: Cheng Feng , Shi De‐Qing
Published: September 2012

A series of novel acylpyrazole derivatives containing 1,2,3‐thiadiazole ring 3a–3m were synthesized by the condensations of 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐(substituted benzal or 4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐5‐carbonyl)‐5‐hydroxypyrazole 2 with 4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐5‐carbonyl chloride or substituted benzoyl chloride. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The results of preliminary bioassays showed that some of the title compounds 3 exhibited moderate to good herbicidal activities against dicotyledonous plants (Brassica campestris L.) at the concentration of 100 mg/L. For example, compounds 3e, 3f, 3g, and 3k possessed 74.6%, 72.2%, 70.3%, and 84.5% inhibition against B. campestris L., respectively, whereas commercially available herbicide Sulcotrione showed only 35.0% inhibition at the same concentration. Moreover, these compounds displayed higher herbicidal activity against B. campestris L. than Echinochloa crus‐galli. However, these compounds showed weak activities at the concentration of 10 mg/L.
General Two‐Step Preparation of Chalcones Containing Thiazole
Authors: Tazoo Dagobert , Oniga Ovidiu , Bohle D. Scott , Chua Zhijie , Dongo Etienne
Published: September 2012

2‐Aryl‐4‐methyl‐5‐acetylthiazoles, which were prepared from arylthioamides and chloroacetylacetone, were treated with 6‐substituted‐3‐formylchromones or arylaldehydes to give a series of eighteen new thiazolylchalcones in good yields. The structures of all the synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and ES‐MS spectrometry. Additionally, the crystal structures of two of these chalcones were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of 2′‐Arenesulfonyloxy‐5‐benzylidene‐thiazolidine‐2,4‐diones
Authors: Chen Emily M. , Lu Pei‐Jung , Shaw Arthur Y.
Published: September 2012

A series of 2′‐arenesulfonyloxy‐5‐benzylidene‐thiazolidine‐2,4‐diones (TZDs) were synthesized and examined for their antiproliferative effects on a panel of carcinoma cell lines. Our results indicated that initial synthesis of 5‐[2′‐hydroxybenzylidene]‐2,4‐thiazolidinone (9) by Knoevenagel condensation followed by nucleophilic substitution with arylsulfonyl chlorides exhibited superior efficiency to the alternative synthetic route. Among tested compounds, only 8c and 8e showed significant antiproliferative activity against PC‐3 and BT474 cells with GI50 values of 8.4 and 20.6 μM, respectively. SKHep cells displayed interesting structure‐activity relationships in response to TZD derivatives treatment. Alkyl group‐substituted TZD analogs such as 8a (4‐Me, GI50, 9.4 μM) and 8k (4‐iso‐propyl, GI50, 9.8 μM) revealed better antiproliferative activity than those with bulkier alkyl groups. On the other hand, halogen‐substituted TZD analogs 8c, 8h, and 8i showed better antiproliferative activity against H460 cell line. Together, the new synthesized TZD derivatives 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, 8i, 8j, 8k, 8l, 8m, 8n, 8o, 8p exhibited appreciable antiproliferative activity worth for further study.
Dithiocarbamates as an Efficient Intermediate for the Synthesis of Symmetrical Substituted 2,5‐Diamino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles in Water
Authors: Halimehjani Azim Ziyaei , Ashouri Akram , Marjani Katayoun
Published: September 2012

Synthesis of symmetrical substituted 2,5‐diamino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles is described. Reaction of easily prepared dithiocarbamates with hydrazine gives the corresponding thiadiazoles in moderate to good yields. This method is new, efficient, and simple especially in the work‐up procedure.
A Novel and Efficient One Pot Synthesis of 2,4‐Disubstituted Thiazoles and Oxazoles Using Phenyltrimethylammoniumtribromide in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Muthyala Manoj Kumar , Kumar Anil
Published: September 2012

A novel and efficient one‐pot procedure has been described for synthesis of 2,4‐disubstituted thiazoles and oxazoles from substituted ketones using phenyltrimethylammoniumtribromide as in situ brominating agent followed by reaction with thioamide/thiourea and amides/ureas, respectively in [bmim][BF4] ionicliquid. The advantages of the procedure include avoiding the handling of lacrymetric compounds, hazardous and toxic organic solvents along with good to excellent yield of the products.
MISSION DRIFT OR STRATEGIC SHIFT? GROUP FORMATION STRATEGIES WITHIN MEPs
Authors: Chu Vien , Luke Belinda
Published: September 2012

Mission drift is a common criticism of microenterprise programs (MEPs) that target those likely to succeed rather than those most in need. This note examines approaches to group formation within international NGOs operating MEPs in Vietnam. A deliberate strategy of involving both poor and non‐poor households in MEPs emerges through effectuation, learning from past challenges. This approach represents a shift in focus away from the extremely poor but presents a potential pathway for effective and sustainable poverty alleviation, if undertaken as part of an integrated program. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.