bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mimicking a Receptor for Cyanide Ion Based on Ion Imprinting and Its Applications in Potential Transduction
Authors: Abd‐Rabboh Hisham S. M. , Kamel Ayman H.
Published: May 2012

Using the strategy of template polymerization, a presynthesized specific metal‐complexing polymer (poly(methacryloylhistidine‐Ni(II)‐CN−), Ni‐CN/IP) has been specifically used to recognize cyanide ion. As described previously, nickel(II)‐methacryloylhistidine dihydrate complex monomer was synthesized and reacted with KCN to produce the monomer‐template complex. This monomer‐template complex phase was polymerized in a dispersion medium. After polymerization, the template (CN−) was removed from the Ni‐CN/IP, producing CN− ion imprinted metal‐chelate polymer. The synthesized ion imprinted polymer is examined as a novel potential cyanide selective ionophore in polymeric membrane type ion selective electrodes. Membranes formulated with Ni‐CN/IP are shown to exhibit enhanced potentiometric selectivity for cyanide over more lipophilic anions including perchlorate, iodide, and thiocyanate. Addition of lipophilic cationic sites into the organic membranes enhanced the response and selectivity towards CN− ion, while addition of lipophilic anionic sites deteriorated the response but enhanced the selectivity, indicating that the Ni‐CN/IP particles behaves via the so‐called “mixed‐mode” response mechanism. The fabricated sensors possessed good performance characteristics, in terms of life span, selectivity for CN− ion over a wide range of other interfering anions, fast response, stability and high reproducibility. Applications for direct determination of cyanide ion in hazardous wastes using the proposed sensors showed good correlation with data obtained using commercial solid state cyanide electrode, with no significant difference in the t‐test values with 95 % confidence level. An F‐test revealed that the standard deviations of the replicate sample measurements obtained by the two methods were not significantly different.
Selective and Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for L‐Methionine at Physiological pH Using Functionalized Triazole Polymer Film Modified Electrode
Authors: Revin S. Brillians , John S. Abraham
Published: May 2012

This communication describes the determination of an essential amino acid, L‐methionine (L‐Met) in the presence of important interferents, ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) at physiological pH using a glassy carbon electrode modified with an electropolymerized film of 3‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazole (p‐AMTa). The bare glassy carbon electrode fails to show a voltammetric signal for L‐Met in the presence of AA and UA at pH 7.2. However, the p‐AMTa electrode separates the voltammetric signals of AA, UA and L‐Met with pronounced oxidation currents. The amperometric current of L‐Met was increased linearly from 1.0×10−7 to 1×10−4 M and the detection limit was found to be 4.12×10−10 M (S/N=3).
Acute effects of road salts and associated cyanide compounds on the early life stages of the unionid mussel Villosa iris
Authors: Pandolfo Tamara J. , Cope W. Gregory , Young George B. , Jones Jess W. , Hua Dan , Lingenfelser Susan F.
Published: May 2012

The toxicity of cyanide to the early life stages of freshwater mussels (order Unionida) has remained unexplored. Cyanide is known to be acutely toxic to other aquatic organisms. Cyanide-containing compounds, such as sodium ferrocyanide and ferric ferrocyanide, are commonly added to road deicing salts as anticaking agents. The purpose of the present study was to assess the acute toxicity of three cyanide compounds (sodium cyanide, sodium ferrocyanide, and ferric ferrocyanide), two road salts containing cyanide anticaking agents (Morton and Cargill brands), a brine deicing solution (Liquidow brand), and a reference salt (sodium chloride) on glochidia (larvae) and juveniles of the freshwater mussel Villosa iris. Sodium ferrocyanide and ferric ferrocyanide were not acutely toxic to glochidia and juvenile mussels at concentrations up to 1,000 mg/L and 100 mg/L, respectively. Lowest observed effect concentrations (LOECs) for these two chemicals ranged from 10 to >1,000 mg/L. Sodium cyanide was acutely toxic to juvenile mussels, with a 96-h median effective concentration (EC50) of 1.10 mg/L, although glochidia tolerated concentrations up to 10 mg/L. The EC50s for sodium chloride, Liquidow brine, Morton road salt, and Cargill road salt were not significantly different for tests within the same life stage and test duration (range, 1.66–4.92 g/L). These results indicate that cyanide-containing anticaking agents do not exacerbate the toxicity of road salts, but that the use of road salts and brine solutions for deicing or dust control on roads may warrant further investigation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1801–1806. © 2012 SETAC
Neuron–astrocyte signaling network in spinal cord dorsal horn mediates painful neuropathy of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dauch Jacqueline R. , Yanik Brandon M. , Hsieh Wilson , Oh Sang Su , Cheng Hsinlin T.
Published: May 2012

Activation of the neuronal–glial network in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) mediates various chronic painful conditions. We studied spinal neuronal–astrocyte signaling interactions involved in the maintenance of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) in type 2 diabetes. We used the db/db mouse, an animal model for PDN of type 2 diabetes, which develops mechanical allodynia from 6 to 12 wk of age. In this study, enhanced substance P expression was detected in the presynaptic sensory fibers innervating lamina I–III in the lumbar SCDH (LSCDH) of the db/db mouse at 10 wk of age. This phenomenon is associated with enhanced spinal ERK1/2 phosphorylation in projection sensory neurons and regional astrocyte activation. In addition, peak phosphorylation of the NR1 subunit of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR), along with upregulation of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (nNOS and iNOS) expression were detected in diabetic mice. Expression of nNOS and iNOS was detected in both interneurons and astrocytes in lamina I–III of the LSCDH. Treatment with MK801, an NMDAR inhibitor, inhibited mechanical allodynia, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and nNOS and iNOS upregulation in diabetic mice. MK801 also reduced astrocytosis and glial acidic fibrillary protein upregulation in db/db mice. In addition, N(G)‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), a nonspecific NOS inhibitor, had similar effects on NMDAR signaling and NOS expression. These results suggest that nitric oxide from surrounding interneurons and astrocytes interacts with NMDAR‐dependent signaling in the projection neurons of the SCDH during the maintenance of PDN. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Three‐Dimensional Korean Male Anthropometric Data with Modeling Data Generated by Digital Human Models
Authors: Hong Seungwoo , Jung Eui S. , Park Sungjoon
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was first to extract the anthropometric data of typical Korean male adults, based on the three‐dimensional anthropometric data measured through the Size Korea project. The data were then analyzed to identify the differences in the anthropometric characteristics between typical Koreans and 3D Korean mannequinmannequins generated by digital human models. Revision equations were then suggested to improve the inaccuracy of digital human models. Typical Korean adults subject to the 3D body scan data were selected by factor analysis with respect to the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles. Comparisons of anthropometric differences included the differences of the height and length variables in the vertical direction and the breadth, depth, and circumference variables in the horizontal direction. These comparisons demonstrated the differences in the anthropometric characteristics between typical Koreans and Korean mannequins based on differences in body shape and proportions between Korean and Western populations. Typical Koreans have shorter legs and longer torso than those of such mannequins generated from their own modeling algorithms, and the body shape of Koreans is more of an inverted triangular shape compared to the models. Although 3D digital human models are required to be modified to appropriately reflect the Asian body shape, modification of the modeling algoritms is not available to the public. The revision equations that convert the Korean modeling data of RAMSIS and Human in CATIA into typical Korean anthropometric data were instead suggested by regression analysis. It is expected that the proposed revision equations will help the designer evaluate design alternatives and improve the suitability of ergonomic evaluation for Korean customers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Service systems design: An intentional agent perspective
Authors: Lessard Lysanne , Yu Eric
Published: May 2012

This article proposes to conceptualize service system entities as intentional agents in order to account for the high‐level interests and expected benefits that drive their interactions. Such a conceptualization offers a useful ground for the design of service systems through agent‐oriented modeling, in particular i* (short for distributed intentionality). i* could provide an improved support to the design of service system interactions by focusing on why actors engage in service relationships and how they evaluate the value of a service engagement. Such an approach goes beyond current process‐based design approaches that support the design of service activities but that are unable to link them to actors' perception of value. We develop our argumentation from the results of a multiple‐case study of knowledge‐intensive business services (KIBS), in particular academic research and development service engagements. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of spatial variability and seasonality in soil moisture on drainage thresholds and fluxes in a conceptual hydrological model
Authors: McMillan H.K.
Published: May 2012

This paper uses soil moisture data from 17 recording sensors within the 50 km2 Mahurangi catchment in New Zealand to determine how measured variability in soil moisture affects simulations of drainage in a typical lumped conceptual model. The data show that variability smoothes the simulated field capacity threshold such that a proportion of the catchment contributes to drainage even when mean soil moisture content is well below field capacity. Spatial variability in soil moisture controls by extension the catchment drainage behaviour: the resulting smoothed shape of the catchment‐scale drainage function is demonstrated and is also determined theoretically under simplifying assumptions. The smoothing effect increases the total simulated discharge by 130%. The analysis explains previous findings that different drainage equations are required at point scale versus catchment scale in the Mahurangi. The spatial variability and hence the emergent drainage behaviour are found to vary with season, suggesting that time‐varying parameters would be warranted to simulate drainage. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moisture characteristics and their point pedotransfer functions for coarse‐textured tropical soils differing in structural degradation status
Authors: Obalum Sunday E. , Obi Martin E.
Published: May 2012

The effect of soil structure on hydraulic pedotransfer functions (PTFs) in tropical soils with similar mineralogy and texture has not been well documented. Structurally contrasting soils from representative locations in southeastern Nigeria were analyzed for moisture retention at 0, 6, 10, 33, 100, 300 and 1500 kPa among other properties. They were grouped by depth (topsoils or subsoils) and also by their structural degradation status into low‐ and high‐stability soils, corresponding to organic matter (OM):[silt + clay] of <7.5 and >7.5%, respectively. Soil depth and structural stability influenced the soil moisture characteristic curves. The data were fitted to three tropical point PTFs, but none of them proved appropriate for predicting moisture retention in the soils. We therefore derived new ones using multiple linear stepwise regressions before and after the dataset grouping and compared their performances by means of cross‐validation. Moisture retention in the soils (sand content, 73.2–93.8%) could not be calibrated from texture and OM concentration alone, until when bulk density, total porosity and microporosity were included among the regressors. Microporosity's role was particularly outstanding at all matric potentials but the 1500 kPa. The ensuing PTFs represent a good fit for the soil moisture retention data. The two grouping strategies resulted in lower SE of the estimates in some cases, but this did not enhance the performances of the concerned PTFs. At the 1500 kPa, however, the PTF incorporating all datasets performed better than separate PTFs for topsoils/subsoils but worse than the one for high‐stability soils. Information on soil structure can therefore benefit PTF derivation for kaolinite‐dominated, coarse‐textured tropical soils at all the matric potentials considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal variability of the complementary relationship in the Asian monsoon region
Authors: Yang Hanbo , Yang Dawen , Lei Zhidong
Published: May 2012

The complementary relationship (CR) between potential evaporation (LEp) and actual evaporation (LE) is widely used to explain the evaporation paradox and to estimate LE, in which wet environment evaporation (LEw) is usually calculated using the Priestley–Taylor equation. However, in many studies on the CR, it has been found that the Priestley–Taylor parameter α is not a constant. Through seasonal variation of α for estimating LEw in the CR, this paper analyses its seasonal variability. Based on flux observation data at two flux experiment sites (Kogma in Thailand and Weishan in China) in the Asian monsoon region, seasonal variability of the CR is detected, i.e. the α value is larger in winter than in summer. This seasonal variability might be caused by seasonal variability in the transport of water vapor and sensible heat between oceans and continent. The monsoon increases air humidity and lowers air temperature in summer, which leads to a decrease in α; it increases atmospheric air temperature and vapor content in winter, increasing α. Nevertheless, during May–September, α has a range of 1.06–1.16 at the Kogma site and 1.00–1.36 at the Weishan site, which is approximate to the typical range 1.1–1.4. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of disorder in IκB–NFκB interaction
Authors: Dyson H. Jane , Komives Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2012

The paradigmatic transcription factors of the NFκB family provide an increasingly complex view of the mechanism of signal‐mediated transcriptional activation. Although the primary event, phosphorylation and subsequent ubiquitin‐dependent degradation of IκBα, the inhibitor of the canonical NFκB (p50/p65), is reasonably well understood, the means whereby the activation is turned off by postinduction repression are less well understood. Recent work highlighted in this review suggests that the inhibitor IκBα participates in the “stripping” of NFκB from the DNA, and that this process relies heavily on the disordered and weakly ordered segments of IκBα. Kinetic and equilibrium measurements in vitro as well as genetic screens in vivo convincingly demonstrate not only that IκBα greatly increases the dissociation rate of NFκB from DNA but also that further control of the process is mediated by the extremely short half‐life of free IκBα, doubtless a result of the overall weakly folded nature of the free protein. These studies illustrate the versatility of protein systems that use not only well‐structured proteins and protein complexes but also the full range of available weakly structured and disordered states to maximize functional efficiency and metabolic control. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2012
Nanophase bone substitute in vivo response to subcutaneous implantation
Authors: Baskin Jonathan Z. , Vasanji Amit , McMasters James , Soenjaya Yohannes , Barbu Anca M. , Eppell Steven J.
Published: May 2012

A collagen‐apatite composite designed as a load‐bearing bone substitute implant is used to characterize the relationship between implant morphology and in vivo behavior. This nanophase bone substitute (NBS) is studied morphologically using a nondestructive imaging technique and biologically using the rodent subcutaneous model. Porosity and pore interconnectivity are correlated with histological outcomes showing cellular invasion occurs with average pore sizes below 100 μm. Crosslinking with D‐ribose is shown to affect cellular infiltration in a dose‐response manner. These data suggest that collagen‐apatite bone substitutes can support cellular infiltration with pore size significantly smaller than 100 μm, an encouraging result regarding development of the NBS into a platform of biomaterials with enhanced mechanical properties. The data also indicate that increasing crosslinking density decreases cellular infiltration of NBS. Thus, modulating mechanical properties of the material by altering crosslink density is likely to produce decreased biological response within the material. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2462–2473, 2012.
Assessing iPSC reprogramming methods for their suitability in translational medicine
Authors: Rao Mahendra S. , Malik Nasir
Published: May 2012

The discovery of the ability to induce somatic cells to a pluripotent state through the overexpression of specific transcription factors has the potential to transform the ways in which pharmaceutical agents and cellular transplantation therapies are developed. Proper utilization of the technology to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) requires that researchers select the appropriate reprogramming method for generating iPSCs so that the resulting iPSCs can be transitioned towards clinical applications effectively. This article reviews all of the currently available reprogramming techniques with a focus on critiquing them on the basis of their utility in translational medicine. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3061‐3068, 2012. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Fully ab initio protein‐ligand interaction energies with dispersion corrected density functional theory
Authors: Antony Jens , Grimme Stefan
Published: May 2012

Dispersion corrected density functional theory (DFT‐D3) is used for fully ab initio protein‐ligand (PL) interaction energy calculation via molecular fractionation with conjugated caps (MFCC) and applied to PL complexes from the PDB comprising 3680, 1798, and 1060 atoms. Molecular fragments with n amino acids instead of one in the original MFCC approach are considered, thereby allowing for estimating the three‐body and higher many‐body terms. n > 1 is recommended both in terms of accuracy and efficiency of MFCC. For neutral protein side‐chains, the computed PL interaction energy is visibly independent of the fragment length n. The MFCC fractionation error is determined by comparison to a full‐system calculation for the 1060 atoms containing PL complex. For charged amino acid side‐chains, the variation of the MFCC result with n is increased. For these systems, using a continuum solvation model with a dielectricity constant typical for protein environments (ϵ = 4) reduces both the variation with n and improves the stability of the DFT calculations considerably. The PL interaction energies for two typical complexes obtained ab initio for the first time are found to be rather large (−30 and −54 kcal/mol). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐time existence of solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations with inflow–outflow and heat convection
Authors: Kacprzyk Piotr
Published: May 2012

Long time existence of regular solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations for velocity and pressure coupled with the heat convection equation for temperature in cylindrical pipe with inflow and outflow is shown. We assume the slip boundary conditions for velocity and the Neumann conditions for temperature. First, an appropriate estimate is shown, and next the existence of solutions is proved by the Leray–Schauder fixed point theorem. The estimate is obtained for a long time, which is possible because L2 norms of derivatives in the direction along the cylinder of the initial velocity, initial temperature and the external force are sufficiently small. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transient and asymptotic dynamics of a prey–predator system with diffusion
Authors: Latos Evangelos , Suzuki Takashi , Yamada Yoshio
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we study a prey–predator system associated with the classical Lotka–Volterra nonlinearity. We show that the dynamics of the system are controlled by the ODE part. First, we show that the solution becomes spatially homogeneous and is subject to the ODE part as t → ∞ . Next, we take the shadow system to approximate the original system as D → ∞ . The asymptotics of the shadow system are also controlled by those of the ODE. The transient dynamics of the original system approaches to the dynamics of its ODE part with the initial mean as D → ∞ . Although the asymptotic dynamics of the original system are also controlled by the ODE, the time periods of these ODE solutions may be different. Concerning this property, we have that any δ > 0 admits D0 > 0 such that if , the time period of the ODE, satisfies , then the solution to the original system with D ≥ D0 cannot approach the stationary state. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postnatal outcome of prenatally diagnosed severe fetal renal pelvic dilatation
Authors: Kumar Sailesh , Walia Shikha , Ikpeme Obori , Zhang Eko , Paramasivam Gowrishankar , Agarwal Sanjiv , Murphy Karl , Deal Jane , Lakasing Lorin
Published: May 2012

Objective

We correlated the prenatal severity with the postnatal outcome of prenatally detected renal pelvic dilatation (RPD).

Methods

Cases of prenatally detected RPD referred between January 2002 and December 2008 were included. Severe RPD was defined as an anterior–posterior diameter of 15 mm, mild and moderate dilatation was defined as 6 to <10 mm and 10 to <15 mm, respectively. Postnatal diagnosis, the need for surgery and the correlation with the prenatal severity was ascertained.

Results

Of the 762 patients with RPD, 492 (64.5%) were mild, 167 (21.9%) were moderate, and 103 (13.5%) were severe. The male:female ratio for the severe cohort was 5:1. Of the sever cases, 68% had progressive dilatation. Of the mild/moderate cases, 5% progressed to severe dilatation. PUJ obstruction was confirmed in 48 cases (60.8%), severe VUR in 11 cases (14%), VUJ obstruction in 5 cases (6%), PUV in 2 cases (2.5%), and a nonidentifiable cause in 13 cases (16.5%). Ten of the 48 (20.8%) babies with PUJ obstruction required surgery within the first year of life.

Conclusion

An obstructive cause is usually present in severe cases, which are more likely to require surgery if there is PUJ obstruction. A high male:female ratio was present in this group. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved diagnostic accuracy by using secondary ultrasound markers in the first‐trimester screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 and Turner syndrome
Authors: Karadzov‐Orlic Natasa , Egic Amira , Milovanovic Zagorka , Marinkovic Maja , Damnjanovic‐Pazin Barbara , Lukic Relja , Joksic Ivana , Curkovic Aleksandar , Mikovic Zeljko
Published: May 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a combination of parameters at first‐trimester screening for fetal aneuploidies, including ultrasound assessment of the nasal bone (NB), blood flow in the ductus venosus (DV) and flow across the tricuspid valve.

Methods

Screening for aneuploidy was carried out in 4172 singleton pregnancies between January 2006 and December 2010. Diagnostic accuracy of combined screening [inclusive of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and maternal serum free beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A] and of secondary ultrasound markers [NB, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and Doppler studies of the DV] obtained at the same visit was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The individual areas under the ROC curves of NT, NB, DV or TR ranged between 0.7 and 0.8, representing acceptable discrimination. The area under the ROC curve of combined first‐trimester screening was 0.87, whereas the addition of secondary ultrasound markers increased the area under the curve to 0.92, which represents excellent discrimination. At a risk cutoff of 1 : 275, the detection rate for aneuploidy increased from 87% to 92% (z statistic = 1.78, P = 0.076), and the false positive rate decreased from 5.3% to 4.8%.

Conclusion

The addition of secondary ultrasound markers (NB, DV and TR) to combined first‐trimester screening showed a tendency toward improved accuracy of the screening. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of circulating fetal cell markers by microarray analysis
Authors: Brinch Marie , Hatt Lotte , Singh Ripudaman , Møller Kristine , Sommer Steffen , Uldbjerg Niels , Christensen Britta , Kølvraa Steen
Published: May 2012

Objective

Different fetal cell types have been found in the maternal blood during pregnancy in the past, but fetal cells are scarce, and the proportions of the different cell types are unclear. The objective of the present study was to identify specific fetal cell markers from fetal cells found in the maternal blood circulation at the end of the first trimester.

Method

Twenty‐three fetal cells were isolated from maternal blood by removing the red blood cells by lysis or combining this with removal of large proportions of maternal white blood cells by magnetic‐activated cell sorting. Fetal cells identified by XY fluorescence in situ hybridization and confirmed by reverse‐color fluorescence in situ hybridization were shot off microscope slides by laser capture microdissection. The expression pattern of a subset of expressed genes was compared between fetal cells and maternal blood cells using stem cell microarray analysis.

Results

Twenty‐eight genes were identified as fetal cell marker candidates.

Conclusion

Of the 28 fetal marker candidate genes, five coded for proteins, which are located on the outer surface of the cell membrane and not expressed in blood. The protein product of these five genes, MMP14, MCAM, KCNQ4, CLDN6, and F3, may be used as markers for fetal cell enrichment. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basic aspects of the temperature coefficients of concentrator solar cell performance parameters
Authors: Braun Avi , Katz Eugene A. , Gordon Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2012

The basis for the temperature dependence of the principal performance parameters of single and multi‐junction concentrator solar cells is examined, focusing on the impact of bandgap and irradiance. The analysis of cells in the radiative limit establishes fundamental bounds. A quasi‐empirical model yields predictions consistent with available data. A simple method for estimating the temperature coefficients of key performance parameters is identified. The degree to which the efficiency penalty associated with cell heating can be mitigated by high irradiance is also evaluated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of graphene/graphene oxide with polymer brushes using controlled/living radical polymerization
Authors: Badri Albert , Whittaker Michael R. , Zetterlund Per B.
Published: May 2012

Graphene nanosheets possess a range of extraordinary physical and electrical properties with enormous potential for applications in microelectronics, photonic devices, and nanocomposite materials. However, single graphene platelets tend to undergo agglomeration due to strong π–π and Van der Waals interactions, which significantly compromises the final material properties. One of the strategies to overcome this problem, and to increase graphene compatibility with a receiving polymer host matrix, is to modify graphene (or graphene oxide (GO)) with polymer brushes. The research to date can be grouped into approaches involving grafting‐from and grafting‐to techniques, and further into approaches relying on covalent or noncovalent attachment of polymer chains to the suitably modified graphene/GO. The present Highlight article describes research efforts to date in this area, focusing on the use of controlled/living radical polymerization techniques. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Testing the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a ‘decision navigation’ intervention for early stage prostate cancer patients in Scotland – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hacking Belinda , Wallace Louise , Scott Sarah , Kosmala‐Anderson Joanna , Belkora Jeffrey , McNeill Alan
Published: May 2012

Objective

Does decision navigation (DN) increase prostate cancer patients' confidence and certainty in treatment decisions, while reducing regret associated with the decisions made?

Methods

Two hundred eighty‐nine newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients were eligible. 123 consented and were randomised to usual care (n = 60) or navigation (n = 63).

The intervention involved a ‘navigator’ guiding the patient in creating a personal question list for a consultation and providing a CD and typed summary of the consultation to patients, the general practitioner and physician.

The primary outcome was decisional self efficacy. Secondary outcomes included decisional conflict (DCS) and decisional regret (RS). Measures of mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and adjustment (Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale) were included to detect potential adverse effects of the intervention.

Results

ANOVA showed a main effect for the group (F = 7.161, df 1, p = 0.009). Post hoc comparisons showed significantly higher decisional self efficacy in the navigated patients post‐consultation and 6 months later. Decisional conflict was lower for navigated patients initially (t = 2.005, df = 105, p = 0.047), not at follow‐up (t = 1.969, df = 109, p = 0.052). Regret scores were significantly lower in the navigation group compared to the controls 6 months later (t = −2.130, df = 100, p = 0.036). There was no impact of the intervention on mood or adjustment.

Conclusion

Compared to control patients, navigated patients were more confident in making decisions about cancer treatment, were more certain they had made the right decision after the consultation and had less regret about their decision 6 months later. Decision navigation was feasible, acceptable and effective for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients in Scotland. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A feasibility study of group cognitive rehabilitation for cancer survivors: enhancing cognitive function and quality of life
Authors: Schuurs Alana , Green Heather J.
Published: May 2012

Objective

This research aimed to address the gap in evidence‐based treatment available for cancer survivors who are experiencing cognitive dysfunction, through piloting a novel treatment intervention. The overall research question was whether a group cognitive rehabilitation intervention would be feasible for improving cognitive function and quality of life for people who have completed cancer treatment.

Methods

Three groups of adults were recruited as follows: an intervention group of 23 cancer survivors who completed a 4‐week group cognitive rehabilitation treatment, a comparison group of nine cancer survivors, and a community sample of 23 adults who had never experienced cancer. Measures of objective and subjective cognitive function, quality of life, psychosocial distress, and illness perceptions were used. The research design was non‐randomised.

Results

The results indicated that the intervention was effective in improving overall cognitive function, visuospatial/constructional performance, immediate memory, and delayed memory beyond practice effects alone. It was helpful in reducing participants' perceptions of cognitive impairment and psychosocial distress, as well as promoting social functioning and understanding of cognition. The improvements were maintained at 3 months after the intervention. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the treatment.

Conclusions

The results provided evidence for the feasibility of a brief group‐based cognitive rehabilitation intervention to treat cognitive problems experienced by cancer survivors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrodynamic vortices and their gravity duals
Authors: Evslin J.
Published: May 2012

In this talk we review analytical and numerical studies of hydrodynamic vortices in conformal fluids and their gravity duals. We present two conclusions. First, (3+1)‐dimensional turbulence is within the range of validity of the AdS/hydrodynamics correspondence. Second, the local equilibrium of the fluid is equivalent to the ultralocality of the holographic correspondence, in the sense that the bulk data at a given point is determined, to any given precision, by the boundary data at a single point together with a fixed number of derivatives. With this criterion we see that the cores of hot and slow (3+1)‐dimensional conformal generalizations of Burgers vortices are everywhere in local equilibrium and their gravity duals are thus easily found. On the other hand local equilibrium breaks down in the core of singular (2+1)‐dimensional vortices, but the holographic correspondence with Einstein gravity may be used to define the boundary field theory in the region in which the hydrodynamic description fails.
Mixed auxeticity of auxetic sandwich structures
Authors: Lim Teik‐Cheng
Published: May 2012

Previously, a sandwich structure in which the Poisson ratios of the core and facesheets possess opposite signs has been shown to exhibit overall conventional and auxetic behavior depending on the loading mode – axial loading or bending – for an intermediate range of relative core thickness. In addition to these two loading modes, sandwich structures in aerospace applications encounter torsional loads. In this paper, the effective Poisson's ratio for torsional loading is proposed. Results show that, depending on the loading mode and the relative core thickness, there can be up to four levels of overall auxeticity, namely (i) full auxeticity (FA) if the structure behaves as an auxetic structure under all three modes of loading, (ii) high auxeticity (HA) if the structure behaves as an auxetic structure in two of the loading modes, (iii) low auxeticity (LA) if the structure behaves as an auxetic structure in only one of the loading modes, and (iv) no auxeticity (NA) if the structure behaves as a conventional structure under all of the three loading modes. These results indicate that by selecting the Poisson's ratios and the thickness of the cores and facesheets, the sandwich structure can be made to respond differently under different external loading conditions.
On input‐to‐state stability‐based design for leader/follower formation control with measurement delays
Authors: Chen Xingping , Yan Peng , Serrani Andrea
Published: May 2012

This paper addresses the design of low‐level controllers for leader–follower formations of nonholonomic vehicles in the presence of bounded measurement delays. The concept of input‐to‐state stability is extended to encompass the effect of bounded delays and restrictions on the input. A method is proposed to integrate a Smith predictor in a backstepping design on the basis of nested saturations and nonlinear small‐gain assignment, which allows for time delays in the feedback loop. Robustness analysis under uncertain bounded time delays is provided, and design tradeoffs resulting from the use of bounded controls are discussed. Illustrative simulations are shown to validate the design and robustness analysis in the context of a simple leader–follower trailing control problem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual private key generator based escrow‐free certificateless public key cryptosystem for mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Lv Xixiang , Li Hui , Wang Baocang
Published: May 2012

A certificateless public key cryptosystem can make a special contribution to building key distribution and management architecture in resource‐constrained mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) because it has no separate certificate and no complex certificate management problems. In this paper, we present a virtual private key generator (VPKG)‐based escrow‐free certificateless public key cryptosystem as a novel combination of certificateless and threshold cryptography. Using secret sharing, we build a VPKG whose members collaboratively calculate the partial private key and send it to the user via public channels. The private key of a user is generated jointly by the VPKG and the user. Each of them has “half” of the secret information about the private key of the user. In addition, binding a user's public key with its identity and partial private key, respectively, raises our schemes to the same trust level as is enjoyed in a traditional public key infrastructure. We also show that the proposed scheme is secure against public key replacement attacks and passive attacks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogeneity in turnover: The effect of relative compensation dispersion of firms on the mobility and entrepreneurship of extreme performers
Authors: Carnahan Seth , Agarwal Rajshree , Campbell Benjamin A.
Published: May 2012

We explore the strategic implications of firm compensation dispersion on the heterogeneous turnover outcomes of employee mobility and entrepreneurship. We theorize that individuals' turnover decisions are affected by the interaction of individual performance with the firm's compensation dispersion relative to its competitors. We test our theory using linked employer‐employee data from the legal services industry. We find that individuals with extreme high performance are less likely to leave firms that offer higher compensation dispersion than competitors, however, if they do leave these employers, they are more likely to create new ventures. In contrast, employees with extreme low performance are more likely to leave firms with more compensation dispersion than competitors, and these individuals are less likely to engage in new venture creation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resistive Pulse Sensing of Analyte‐Induced Multicomponent Rod Aggregation Using Tunable Pores
Authors: Platt Mark , Willmott Geoff R. , Lee Gil U.
Published: May 2012

Resistive pulse sensing is used to monitor individual and aggregated rod‐shaped nanoparticles as they move through tunable pores in elastomeric membranes. By comparing particles of similar dimensions, it is demonstrated that the resistive pulse signal of a rod is fundamentally different from that of a sphere. Rods can be distinguished using two measurements: the blockade event magnitude (Δip), which reveals the particle's size, and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) duration, which relates to the particle's speed and length. While the observed Δip values agree well with simulations, the measured FWHM times are much larger than expected. This increase in dwell time, caused by rods moving through the pore in various orientations, is not observed for spherical particles. These differences are exploited in a new agglutination assay using rod‐shaped particles. By controlling the surface chemistry and location of the capture ligand, rods are made to form either long “end‐on‐end” or wide “side‐on” aggregates upon the addition of an analyte. This observation will facilitate multiplexed detection in agglutination assays, as particles with a particular aspect ratio can be distinguished by two measurements. This is first demonstrated with a biotinylated target and avidin capture probe, followed by the detection of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF‐BB) using an aptamer capture probe, with limits of detection down to femtomolar levels.
Design of a coordinated robust controller of SMES and blade pitch for smart‐grid power systems
Authors: Nandar Cuk Supriyadi Ali , Hashiguchi Takuhei , Goda Tadahiro , Tsuji Takao
Published: May 2012

This paper presents the design of a coordinated superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) and blade pitch controller (BPC) to stabilize the frequency in a smart‐grid power system. To compensate for such power variations, a SMES that is able to supply and absorb active power quickly can be applied to control the frequency fluctuation. The structure of the controller is that of a first‐order lead–lag compensator. The robustness of the controller is guaranteed by applying an inverse additive perturbation to represent possible unstructured uncertainties in the power system such as variation of system parameters, generating and loading conditions, etc. Genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to solve and achieve the control parameters. Simulation studies have been done to show the control effect and robustness of the proposed SMES and blade pitch in comparison with SMES & Pitch against various disturbances. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Investigations of transformer oil characteristics
Authors: Karthik R. , Sree Renga Raja T.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, the behavior of various critical parameters of transformer oil is interpreted with a view to enhancing its life time. Systems abnormalities such as excess loading, switching, and ambient conditions are responsible for the accelerated aging and sudden failure of transformer. The level of insulation plays a significant role in the life expectancy of the transformer. The diagnostics of the critical parameters for the defined ranges of aging of transformer oil attempts to determine the level of insulation and serve to ensure its efficient operation. The approach includes formulation of suggestions for determining the insulation level of the power transformer. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Twisted quaternary neural networks
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki , Nakajima Akihiro
Published: May 2012

The quaternary neural network (QNN) proposed by Nitta is a high‐dimensional neural network. Nitta showed that its learning is faster than that of ordinary neural networks and the number of required parameters is almost one‐third of that of real‐valued neural networks by computer simulations. In this paper, we propose the twisted quaternary neural network (TQNN) which modifies the directions of multiplications of the QNN. Since quaternions are noncommutative on multiplication, we can get another neural network. When the activation function is linear, multilayered neural networks can be expressed by single‐layered neural networks. But the TQNN cannot be expressed by a single‐layered QNN even if the activation function is linear. Therefore, the TQNN is expected to produce a variety of signal‐processing systems. We performed computer simulations to compare the QNN and the TQNN. Then we found that the latter's learning is a little faster. Moreover, computer simulation showed that the QNN tended to be trapped in local minima or plateaus but the TQNN did not. It is said that reducibility causes local minima and plateaus. We discuss the differences of reducibility between the QNN and the TQNN as well. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A hybrid input charge‐pump using micropower thermoelectric generators
Authors: Eguchi Kei , Fujimoto Kuniaki , Sasaki Hirofumi
Published: May 2012

For industrial wireless transmitters, a hybrid input charge‐pump utilizing thermoelectric energy from waste heat is proposed in this paper. Unlike conventional converters, the proposed capacitor‐based converter supplies energy to a wireless transmitter by using a thermoelectric power source in combination with a rechargeable battery source. By combining the battery voltage and the thermoelectric generator (TEG) voltage, the proposed converter achieves a wider input range than conventional converters. Consequently, the proposed converter will enable the development of not only an industrial wireless transmitter but also various clean energy applications. Through theoretical analyses, simulations, and experiments, the following results are shown: 1. Even if the voltage of the TEG is small, the proposed converter can provide the sufficient voltage by compensating the insufficient voltage of the TEG with the battery voltage. 2. The formulas obtained by the theoretical analyses are useful for designing the proposed converter because the theoretical results correspond well with the simulation results. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Naturally split supersymmetry
Authors: Bhattacharyya Gautam , Ray Tirtha Sankar
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Nonobservation of superparticles till date, new Higgs mass limits from the CMS and ATLAS experiments, WMAP constraints on relic density, various other low energy data, and the naturalness consideration, all considered simultaneously imply a paradigm shift of supersymmetric model building. In this paper we perform, for the first time, a detailed numerical study of brane-world induced supersymmetry breaking for both minimal and next-to-minimal scenarios. We observe that a naturally hierarchical spectrum emerges through an interplay of bulk, brane-localized and quasi-localized fields, which can gain more relevance in the subsequent phases of the LHC run.
Synthesis and Surface Activities of Amidobetaine Surfactants with Ultra‐long Unsaturated Hydrophobic Chains
Authors: Feng Dan , Zhang Yongmin , Chen Quansheng , Wang Jiyu , Li Bin , Feng Yujun
Published: May 2012

Recent studies have shown that the surfactants bearing an ultra‐long hydrophobic chain (>C18) exhibit unique self‐assembly properties. However, their synthesis and surface activities have been less documented. In this work, monounsaturated alkyl dimethyl amidopropyl betaines, UCnDAB (n = 18, 22, and 24), were prepared by the reaction of the corresponding fatty acids with N,N‐dimethyl‐1,3‐propanediamine, followed by quaternization with sodium choloroacetate of the obtained intermediates. The intermediates and final surfactants were characterized by 1H NMR and ESI‐HRMS, respectively. Krafft temperature (TK) and surface activities of the surfactants were also examined. It was found that TK of all these surfactants is lower than 0 °C, and their critical micellar concentration (CMC) is within the range of 10−3 mmol/L. In addition, the linear relationship between lg CMC and n is still in evidence.
Improved Extraction of Saturated Fatty Acids but not Omega‐3 Fatty Acids from Sheep Red Blood Cells Using a One‐Step Extraction Procedure
Authors: Clayton Edward H. , Gulliver Catherine E. , Piltz John W. , Taylor Robert D. , Blake Robert J. , Meyer Richard G.
Published: May 2012

Several methods are available to extract total lipid and methylate fatty acids from a range of samples including red blood cells (RBC). Fatty acid analysis of human RBC can be undertaken using a two‐step extraction and methylation or a combined one‐step extraction and methylation procedure. The lipid composition of sheep RBC differs significantly from that of humans and may affect their extraction. The purpose of the current study was to examine the efficiency of extraction of lipid and detection of fatty acids from sheep RBC using a one‐step procedure. Fatty acids were analysed using a one‐step extraction and methylation procedure using methanol:toluene and acetyl chloride in comparison with a two‐step procedure involving extraction of lipid using chloroform:methanol and separate methylation. Concentrations of saturated fatty acids including C16:0 and C18:0 were significantly higher (42.6 and 33.9 % respectively) following extraction using the one‐step procedure compared with the two‐step procedure. However, concentrations of some polyunsaturated fatty acids, including C20:5n‐3 and C22:6n‐3 were not significantly different between either procedure. The improved detection of fatty acids may be related to the ability of different solvents to extract different lipid fractions. The differential extraction of lipids and detection of fatty acids from sheep RBC may have important implications in studies examining the effect of dietary treatment on the possible health benefits of fatty acids.