bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Compulsory Pilotage in Straits Used for International Navigation: A Study of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore
Authors:   Mohd Hazmi bin Mohd Rusli
Published: October 2011

Part III of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 prescribes that vessels and aircraft of all flags may exercise the right of transit passage while navigating through straits used for international navigation. This created a difficult situation for states bordering straits, particularly in protecting the marine environment of their territorial straits from vessel‐source pollution. The Torres Strait was designated as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) in 2005 and Australia introduced a compulsory pilotage regime as its Associated Protective Measures (APM), which has been effective in minimizing the risk of casualties in the Torres Strait. The increasing shipping traffic in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore may bring about adverse effects to the marine environment of these waterways. Hence, this article discusses the question of the viability and practicability of application of compulsory pilotage, should it be extended to the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
Geometry Optimization of Textured Three-Dimensional Micro- Thrust Bearings
Authors: Papadopoulos C. I. , Efstathiou E. E. , Nikolakopoulos P. G. , Kaiktsis L.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents an optimization study of the geometry of three-dimensional micro-thrust bearings in a wide range of convergence ratios. The optimization goal is the maximization of the bearing load carrying capacity. The bearings are modeled as micro-channels, consisting of a smooth moving wall (rotor), and a stationary wall (stator) with partial periodic rectangular texturing. The flow field is calculated from the numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible isothermal flow; processing of the results yields the bearing load capacity and friction coefficient. The geometry of the textured channel is defined parametrically for several width-to-length ratios. Optimal texturing geometries are obtained by utilizing an optimization tool based on genetic algorithms, which is coupled to the CFD code. Here, the design variables define the bearing geometry and convergence ratio. To minimize the computational cost, a multi-objective approach is proposed, consisting in the simultaneous maximization of the load carrying capacity and minimization of the bearing convergence ratio. The optimal solutions, identified based on the concept of Pareto dominance, are equivalent to those of single-objective optimization problems for different convergence ratio values. The present results demonstrate that the characteristics of the optimal texturing patterns depend strongly on both the convergence ratio and the width-to-length ratio. Further, the optimal load carrying capacity increases at increasing convergence ratio, up to an optimal value, identified by the optimization procedure. Finally, proper surface texturing provides substantial load carrying capacity even for parallel or slightly diverging bearings. Based on the present results, we propose simple formulas for the design of textured micro-thrust bearings.
Inconspicuous assessment of diet-induced thermogenesis using whole-body indirect calorimetry
Authors: Kumahara Hideaki , Tanaka Hiroaki , Schutz Yves
Published: October 2011

We report a novel technique for computing diet-induced thermogenesis using data from 24-h respiration chamber measurements of 76 subjects. Physical activity (PA) was determined using a radar system to assess its duration and an accelerometer to evaluate its intensity. The regression line relating PA and energy expenditure facilitated calculation of the integrated thermogenic response to the total energy ingested (11.4% ± 3.8%), which is consistent with the values classically reported in the literature (10%) at the group level.
Adjuvant Sequencing of Tamoxifen and Anastrozole Is Superior to Tamoxifen Alone in Postmenopausal Women with Low Proliferating Breast Cancer
Authors: Bago-Horvath Zsuzsanna , Rudas Margaretha , Dubsky Peter , Jakesz Raimund , Singer Christian F. , Kemmerling Ralf , Greil Richard , Jelen Andrea , Böhm Gerhard , Jasarevic Zerina , Haid Anton , Gruber Christine , Pöstlberger Sabine , Filipits Martin , Gnant Michael
Published: October 2011

Purpose: To assess the predictive value of Ki67 expression in postmenopausal hormone receptor–positive early-breast cancer patients, who were either treated with adjuvant tamoxifen (TAM) alone or with TAM followed by anastrozole (ANA).

Experimental Design: Expression of Ki67 was determined centrally by immunohistochemistry on whole tissue sections of postmenopausal endocrine-responsive breast cancers from patients who had been enrolled in the prospectively randomized Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group Trial 8, and had received TAM for 5 years, or TAM for 2 years followed by ANA for 3 years. Ki67 expression was evaluated both as a continuous variable and dichotomized to low (≤10%) and high (>10%). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Cox models adjusted for clinical and pathologic parameters.

Results: Patients with a high Ki67 expression (394/1,587; 23%) had a significantly shorter RFS (adjusted HR for recurrence = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.37–2.64, P = 0.0001) and OS (adjusted HR for death = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.18–2.70, P = 0.006). In women with breast tumors expressing medium or high ER levels (n = 1,438), the interaction between Ki67 and adjuvant endocrine treatment was significant for RFS (P = 0.03). TAM followed by ANA was superior to TAM alone in patients with low Ki67 (adjusted HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34–0.83, P = 0.005) but not in high Ki67 disease (adjusted HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.66–1.89, P = 0.68).

Conclusions: Adjuvant sequencing of TAM and ANA is superior to TAM alone, particularly in postmenopausal women with medium or high ER expressing, low proliferating breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(24); 7828–34. ©2011 AACR.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) Inhibits Oxidative Estrogen Metabolism and Estrogen-Induced Malignant Transformation in Human Mammary Epithelial cells (MCF-10A)
Authors: Hemachandra L.P. , Madhubhani P. , Chandrasena R. , Esala P. , Chen Shao-Nong , Main Matthew , Lankin David C. , Scism Robert A. , Dietz Birgit M. , Pauli Guido F. , Thatcher Gregory R.J. , Bolton Judy L.
Published: October 2011

Long-term exposure to estrogens including those in traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of developing hormone-dependent cancers. As a result, women are turning to over-the-counter (OTC) botanical dietary supplements, such as black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and hops (Humulus lupulus), as natural alternatives to HRT. The two major mechanisms which likely contribute to estrogen and/or HRT cancer risk are: the estrogen receptor–mediated hormonal pathway; and the chemical carcinogenesis pathway involving formation of estrogen quinones that damage DNA and proteins, hence initiating and promoting carcinogenesis. Because, OTC botanical HRT alternatives are in widespread use, they may have the potential for chemopreventive effects on estrogen carcinogenic pathways in vivo. Therefore, the effect of OTC botanicals on estrogen-induced malignant transformation of MCF-10A cells was studied. Cytochrome P450 catalyzed hydroxylation of estradiol at the 4-position leads to an o-quinone believed to act as the proximal carcinogen. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis of estradiol metabolites showed that 4-hydroxylation was inhibited by hops, whereas black cohosh was without effect. Estrogen-induced expression of CYP450 1B1 and CYP450 1A1 was attenuated by the hops extract. Two phenolic constituents of hops (xanthohumol, XH; 8-prenylnaringenin, 8-PN) were tested: 8-PN was a potent inhibitor, whereas XH had no effect. Finally, estrogen-induced malignant transformation of MCF-10A cells was observed to be significantly inhibited by hops (5 μg/mL) and 8-PN (50 nmol/L). These data suggest that hops extracts possess cancer chemopreventive activity through attenuation of estrogen metabolism mediated by 8-PN. Cancer Prev Res; 5(1); 73–81. ©2011 AACR.
Early Treatment with Methylprednisolone Pulse Therapy Combined with Tonsillectomy for Heavy Proteinuric Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis in Children
Authors: Kanai Hiroaki , Sawanobori Emi , Kobayashi Anna , Matsushita Kyoko , Sugita Kanji , Higashida Kosuke
Published: October 2011

Background: There is no clear consensus as to which patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) at risk of a poor outcome should be treated and what therapeutic regimen should be used. Methods: Nine children with heavy proteinuric HSPN received prompt initiation of methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) combined with tonsillectomy in a prospective study. Results: At presentation, the mean values for the patients’ urine protein excretion (early-morning urinary protein/creatinine ratio), serum IgA, activity index (AI), and chronicity index (CI) were 5.0 ± 5.6 g/g Cr, 135.6 ± 56.5 mg/dl, 4.0 ± 0.7, and 1.7 ± 1.3, respectively. At the second biopsy, conducted approximately 24 months after initiation of therapy, the patients’ serum albumin had significantly increased (4.4 ± 0.2, p < 0.01), and the serum IgA and AI had significantly decreased (88.1 ± 30.8 mg/dl, p < 0.05; 2.0 ± 1.2, p < 0.01, respectively), whereas the CI remained unchanged. Proteinuria disappeared within 24 months in all but 1 patient, and hematuria disappeared within 38 months in all patients. No patient showed renal impairment or experienced a recurrence and/or exacerbation of HSP/HSPN. Conclusions: Early treatment with MPT combined with tonsillectomy is effective in ameliorating the histopathological progression and improving the clinical course of children with heavy proteinuric HSPN.
Systematic Review of Perfusion Imaging With Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Heterogeneity of Acquisition and Postprocessing Parameters
Authors: Dani Krishna A. , Thomas Ralph G.R. , Chappell Francesca M. , Shuler Kirsten , Muir Keith W. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Heterogeneity of acquisition and postprocessing parameters for magnetic resonance– and computed tomography–based perfusion imaging in acute stroke may limit comparisons between studies, but the current degree of heterogeneity in the literature has not been precisely defined.

Methods—

We examined articles published before August 30, 2009 that reported perfusion thresholds, average lesion perfusion values, or correlations of perfusion deficit volumes from acute stroke patients <24 hours postictus. We compared acquisition parameters from published studies with guidance from the Acute Stroke Imaging Research Roadmap

1

. In addition, we assessed the consistency of postprocessing parameters.

Results—

Twenty computed tomography perfusion and 49 perfusion-weighted imaging studies were included from 7152 articles. Although certain parameters were reported frequently, consistently, and in line with the Roadmap proposals, we found substantial heterogeneity in other parameters, and there was considerable variation and underreporting of postprocessing methodology.

Conclusions—

There is substantial scope to increase homogeneity in future studies, eg, through reporting standards.
Attributing Hypodensities on CT to Angiographic Vasospasm Is Not Sensitive and Unreliable
Authors: Ibrahim George M. , Weidauer Stephan , Vatter Hartmut , Raabe Andreas , Macdonald R. Loch
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

The presence of low-density areas on CT is used in clinical decision-making regarding treatment of angiographic vasospasm as well as in research as a surrogate marker for severity of angiographic vasospasm. We assess the interobserver variability in attributing hypodensities on CT to angiographic vasospasm-related delayed ischemic neurological deficit.

Methods—

Three experienced reviewers, 2 neurosurgeons, and a neuroradiologist independently reviewed CT scans of 413 patients enrolled in the Clazosentan to Overcome Neurological iSChemia and Infarction OccUrring after Subarachnoid hemorrhage (CONSCIOUS-1) trial, who universally underwent catheter angiography to determine severity of angiographic vasospasm. Interobserver variability was calculated using the κ statistic and the χ
2
test was used to determine associations between dichotomized outcomes.

Results—

There was considerable interobserver variability in attributing CT hypodensities to vasospasm-related delayed ischemic neurological deficit (κ=0.51–0.78; 95% CI, 0.35–0.90). Patients with hypodensities attributed to delayed ischemic neurological deficit were significantly more likely to have severe angiographic vasospasm (
P
=0.001), but a substantial proportion of these patients (19%) also had mild or no spasm. CT hypodensities had a sensitivity and specificity of 41% and 93%, respectively, in identifying patients with severe angiographic vasospasm, even with expert consensus that these represent angiographic vasospasm-related delayed ischemic neurological deficit.

Conclusions—

We find considerable interobserver variability in attributing CT hypodensities to angiographic vasospasm and propose that they may not be a robust marker of severity of angiographic vasospasm, even with unanimous expert agreement that they are a result of vasospasm-related delayed ischemic neurological deficit.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00111085.
Climatic Chamber With Centrifuge to Simulate Different Weather Conditions
Authors: Tristancho Julián , Caicedo Bernardo , Thorel Luc , Obregón Nelson
Published: October 2011

Increasing interest in thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) studies of soil responses to hydrological variations has heightened the need for improvements in the basic understanding of the heat and mass transport taking place at the soil-atmosphere interface. Numerous hydrological parameters affect this thermo-hydro-mechanical process including solar radiation, air temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind velocity, rain intensity and hygrometry. Since field tests of soil-atmosphere interaction require measurements over long periods of time, only a small number of these results are available for calibration of the numerical models that are based on atmospheric data as boundary condition. The number is even more limited for results which focus on cyclic wetting and drying. Centrifuge modeling is a powerful tool for studying these problems since it can accelerate the time needed for diffusion processes taking place at the soil-atmosphere interface. Nevertheless, modeling this interaction adequately with a centrifuge requires development of new types of equipment such as a climatic chamber that allows control of weather variables while respecting the centrifuge’s scaling laws. This paper describes the design of an apparatus for simulating tropical weather conditions which combines a climatic chamber with a centrifuge. The scaling laws are studied, and the feasibility of reproducing tropical weather conditions around a centrifuge is discussed. Finally, the paper presents some validation results that highlight the working principles of this new apparatus.
Photonic quantum ring from quantum corral of whispering cave mode
Authors: Kwon O’Dae , Hee Kim Tae , Kyum Kim Tae , Hyun Kim Ki , Soo Lee Jeong , Kwon Kim Dong , Hyang Sheen Mi , Chun Kim Young
Published: October 2011

We describe studies on the photonic quantum ring (PQR) of whispering
cave modes (WCMs). Low PQR threshold currents and thermally
stable spectra derive from a photonic quantum corral effect via
strong carrier-photon couplings which is induced by dominant polarization
state along the quantum ring. The PQR emission is surfacenormal
dominant with controllable divergence properties which may
replace LEDs. For high power PQRs, we develop flower-type PQR
lasers. Also next-generation light sources for 3D TV and bio-photonics
are summarized.
Wire antenna theory applied to the assessment of the radiation hazard in the vicinity of the GSM base stations
Authors: Roje Vesna
Published: October 2011

Safety aspects of the GSM base station radiation concerning human health have been analyzed. The numerical modeling of the human body was performed by utilizing the antenna theory and BEM numerical procedure. The simplified model of the body represented by thick cylindrical scatterer placed vertically on the perfect conducting ground was used. Measurements of the radiated fields have been done at a few sites, and the results were incorporated in the numerical calculations as an incident field.
Effects of gate bias stressing in power vdmosfets
Authors: Stojadinovic Ninoslav , Manic Ivica , Davidovic Vojkan , Dankovic Danijel , Djoric-Veljkovic Snezana , Golubovic Snezana , Dimitrijev S.
Published: October 2011

The effects of gate bias stressing on threshold voltage and mobility in power VDMOSFETs and underlying changes in gate oxide-trapped charge and interface trap densities are presented and analyzed in terms of the mechanisms responsible. In the case of positive bias stressing, electron tunneling from neutral oxide traps associated with trivalent silicon ?Sio defects into the oxide conduction band is proposed as the main mechanism responsible for positive oxide-trapped charge buildup, while subsequent hole tunneling from the charged oxide traps ?Sio+ to interface-trap precursors ?Sis-H is shown to be the dominant mechanism responsible for the interface trap buildup. In the case of negative bias stressing, hole tunneling from the silicon valence band to oxygen vacancy defects ?Sio / Sio? is shown to be responsible for positive oxide-trapped charge buildup, while subsequent electro-chemical reactions of interfacial precursors ?Sis?? with the charged oxide traps ?Sio+ Sio? and H+ ions are proposed to be responsible for interface trap buildup.
Analysis of the possibility of obtaining super-paramagnetic powders based on Ferro oxides as precursor by MR contrast material synthesis
Authors: Tomic Zeljka , Jovanic Pedja , Bugarinovic Aleksandar , Vardic Slavko , Maricic Aleksa , Vulicevic Ljubomir , Gligoric Goran
Published: October 2011

Contrast materials have very great role in many medical areas. Considering modern medical diagnostic techniques and the significance of the solution to the therapy (or surgery) tasks, the questions on precise medical images of high resolution are very important. The high resolution (especially if the image serves further for the numerical processing and analysis is certainly of significances as well as the material for recording or other assisting tasks. The contrasts material for the processes of magnetic resonance (or NMR) and analysis of their performances in the form of initial powder material with super paramagnetic performances are presented in this paper.
Determination of a synchronous generator characteristics via Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Kolondzovski Zlatko , Petkovska Lidija
Published: October 2011

In the paper a determination of characteristics of a small salient pole synchronous generator (SG) is presented. Machine characteristics are determined via Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and for that purpose is used the software package FEMM Version 3.3. After performing their calculation and analysis, one can conclude that most of the characteristics presented in this paper can be obtained only by using the Finite Element Method (FEM).
Association of Serum Leptin Levels With Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hanai Ko , Babazono Tetsuya , Mugishima Michino , Yoshida Naoshi , Nyumura Izumi , Toya Kiwako , Bouchi Ryotaro , Tanaka Nobue , Uchigata Yasuko
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the association of serum leptin levels with progression of diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was an observational cohort study of 668 patients with T2D. Patients were classified into three groups by sex-specific tertile of leptin levels. Outcome measurements were the rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and progression to a more advanced stage of albuminuria.

RESULTS

Patients with low or high leptin levels had a steeper eGFR decline (−2.07 and −2.14 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) than those with midrange leptin levels (−0.82 mL/min/1.73 m2/year; P < 0.01), whereas patients with low leptin levels had an elevated risk of progression of albuminuria as compared with those with high leptin levels (hazard ratio 3.125 [95% CI 1.302–7.499]).

CONCLUSIONS

Both low and high serum leptin levels were risk factors for kidney function decline. Meanwhile, lower serum leptin levels were associated with progression of albuminuria.
Use of commercially available foam pipe insulation as a protective device for wounds over the elbow joint area in five dogs
Authors: Pavletic Michael M.
Published: October 2011

Case Description—4 large-breed dogs were referred because of nonhealing skin wounds involving the elbow joint area of several weeks to months in duration. One additional large-breed dog was evaluated because of a draining abscess with overlying skin necrosis.

Clinical Findings—Previous attempts at closing each wound over the elbow joint area had been unsuccessful. At the time of hospital admission, open wounds had variable degrees of bacterial contamination and infection.

Treatment and Outcome—Open wounds over the elbow joint area were closed by use of bipedicle advancement flaps or direct suture apposition of opposing sides of the wound. Lengths of pipe insulation were applied to the forelimb in a fashion to prevent contact pressure to the olecranon for a prolonged period (4 to 13 weeks) after surgery. All wounds healed completely. Release incisions (donor areas) healed by second intention within 3 weeks after surgery. One dog developed periostitis of the olecranon, which responded to antimicrobial administration. A second dog developed a skin bacterial infection below the surgical area that was markedly resistant to antimicrobials.

Clinical Relevance—The layered application of commercially available foam pipe insulation provided a simple and economical protective device after closure of problematic skin wounds involving the elbow joint area. Prolonged protection of the olecranon area helped to assure healing was complete and skin coverage was sufficiently stable to reduce the risk of reinjury after removal of the device. Each patient was able to use the involved forelimb during the treatment period. Paired bipedicle advancement flaps (release incisions) were particularly useful for closing small to moderate defects overlying the olecranon in which simple apposition was not feasible.
Post-operative ocular infection due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis
Authors: Kaliamurthy Jayaraman , Cuteri Vincenzo , Jesudasen Nelson , Salman Amjad , Thomas Philip A , Preziuso Silvia
Published: October 2011

Ocular infections due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis are rare. In the present report, three patients with a history of uncomplicated small incision cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation developed exogenous endophthalmitis due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis. The identification of the organisms was confirmed by PCR for a 16S rRNA sequence specific to the species S. dysgalactiae. Intravitreal treatment of cefazolin and amikacin, in addition to topical ofloxacin and tobramycin, resulted in resolution of infection in all three patients. Our reports indicate the importance of bacterial culture and molecular identification in the diagnosis of S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis infection in the eye.
In situ method for measurements of community clearance rate on shallow water bivalve populations
Authors: Hansen Benni Winding , Dolmer Per , Vismann Bent
Published: October 2011

An open‐top chamber was designed for measuring ambient community clearance rate on undisturbed bivalve populations in the field. The chamber was pressed 5–10 cm down in the sediment on the mussel bed. It holds approximately 30–40 cm water column equal to a volume of 43–77 L. It was provided with an air lift connected to a SCUBA diver pressure tank generating a continuous and gentle water circulation. This ensures a complete mixture of suspended particles, and thereby, a maximum filtration by the bivalves. An in situ fluorometer was mounted to record plant pigment reduction due to mussel clearance in real‐time. To calibrate the in situ fluorometer triplicate water samples were obtained initially in each of the bivalve filtration measurements. The water samples were filtrated, extracted, and later analyzed for plant pigment concentration on a laboratory spectrophotometer. The main conclusion is that bivalve community clearance was an order of magnitude lower than predicted from laboratory extrapolations, which we explain by a natural variable activity level among the individuals in a given bivalve assemblage.
Ultraviolet absorption cross sections of carbonyl sulfide isotopologues OC32S, OC33S, OC34S and O13CS: isotopic fractionation in photolysis and atmospheric implications
Authors: Hattori S. , Danielache S. O. , Johnson M. S. , Schmidt J. A. , Kjaergaard H. G. , Toyoda S. , Ueno Y. , Yoshida N.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. We report measurements of the ultraviolet absorption cross sections of OC32S, OC33S, OC34S and O13CS from 195 to 260 nm. The OCS isotopologues were synthesized from isotopically-enriched elemental sulfur by reaction with carbon monoxide. The measured cross section of OC32S is consistent with literature spectra recorded using natural abundance samples. Relative to the spectrum of the most abundant isotopologue, substitution of heavier rare isotopes has two effects. First, as predicted by the reflection principle, the Gaussian-based absorption envelope becomes slightly narrower and blue-shifted. Second, as predicted by Franck-Condon considerations, the weak vibrational structure is red-shifted. Sulfur isotopic fractionation constants (33ε, 34ε) as a function of wavelength are not highly structured, and tend to be close to zero on average on the high energy side and negative on the low energy side. The integrated photolysis rate of each isotopologue at 20 km, the approximate altitude at which most OCS photolysis occurs, was calculated. Sulfur isotopic fractionation constants at 20 km altitude are (−3.7 ± 4.5)‰ and (1.1 ± 4.2)‰ for 33ε and 34ε, respectively, which is inconsistent with the previously estimated large fractionation of over 73‰ in 34ε. This demonstrates that OCS photolysis does not produce sulfur isotopic fractionation of more than ca. 5‰, suggesting OCS may indeed be a significant source of background stratospheric sulfate aerosols. Finally, the predicted isotopic fractionation constant for 33S excess (33E) in OCS photolysis is (−4.2 ± 6.6)‰, and thus photolysis of OCS is not expected to be the source of the non-mass-dependent signature observed in modern and Archaean samples.
Stoichiometry Controlled, Single‐Crystalline Bi2Te3 Nanowires for Transport in the Basal Plane
Authors: Peranio Nicola , Leister Eva , Töllner William , Eibl Oliver , Nielsch Kornelius
Published: October 2011

Thermoelectric Bi2Te3 based bulk materials are widely used for solid‐state refrigeration and power‐generation at room temperature. For low‐dimensional and nanostructured thermoelectric materials an increase of the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT is predicted due to quantum confinement and phonon scattering at interfaces. Therefore, the fabrication of Bi2Te3 nanowires, thin films, and nanostructured bulk materials has become an important and active field of research. Stoichiometric Bi2Te3 nanowires with diameters of 50–80 nm and a length of 56 μm are grown by a potential‐pulsed electrochemical deposition in a nanostructured Al2O3 matrix. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dark‐field images together with electron diffraction reveal single‐crystalline wires, no grain boundaries can be detected. The stoichiometry control of the wires by high‐accuracy, quantitative enegy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) in the TEM instrument is of paramount importance for successfully implementing the growth technology. Combined electron diffraction and EDX spectroscopy in the TEM unambiguously prove the correct crystal structure and stoichiometry of the Bi2Te3 nanowires. X‐ray and electron diffraction reveal growth along the [110] and [210] directions and the c axis of the Bi2Te3 structure lies perpendicular to the wire axis. For the first time single crystalline, stoichiometric Bi2Te3 nanowires are grown that allow transport in the basal plane without being affected by grain boundaries.
Hydrazonoyl Halides as Precursors for New Fused Heterocycles of 5α‐Reductase Inhibitors
Authors: Farghaly Thoraya A. , Gomha Sobhi M. , Abbas Eman M. H. , Abdalla Mohamed M.
Published: October 2011

A new series of benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2‐d]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidines 8a–l was synthesized via reaction of heterocyclic thione 4 or its methyl derivatives 10 with hydrazonoyl halides 5a–l. Also, reaction of compound 4 with a mixture of chloroacetic acid and aromatic aldehyde derivatives gave benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2‐d]thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐3‐ones 12–14. The microanalyses and spectral data of the synthesized compounds are in full agreement with their molecular structure. All the newly synthesized products were screened against 5α‐reductase and showed activities with good ED50 for all compounds.
Dinuclear, Tetranuclear and Chain (MnII, CoII) Complexes of Multifunctional Hydrazone Ligands – Structural and Magnetic Studies
Authors: Bettle Peter J. , Dawe Louise N. , Anwar Muhammad U. , Thompson Laurence K.
Published: October 2011

The coordination chemistry of a group of hydrazone‐based ligands, modified with carboxylate and heterocyclic terminal donor groups, with MnII and CoII has been investigated. The multifunctional nature of the ligands allows coordinative flexibility based on the hydrazone core, which is well established to lead to spin‐coupled polymetallic assemblies through μ‐Ohydrazone bridging. Examples of dinuclear, tetranuclear and chain complexes are reported with hydrazone, carboxylate and triazole bridging. Spin exchange through the μ‐O and μ‐N,N bridging connections leads to antiferromagnetic exchange in most cases, except for the central subunit in the MnII4 chain complex, where small (< 90°) bridge angles result in contributing ferromagnetic interactions.
Suitability of the k–ω turbulence model for scramjet flowfield simulations
Authors: Chan W.Y.K. , Jacobs P.A. , Mee D.J.
Published: October 2011

The suitability of Wilcox's 2006 k– ω turbulence model for scramjet flowfield simulations is demonstrated by validation against five test cases that have flowfields representative of those to be expected in scramjets. The five test cases include a 2D flat plate, an axisymmetric cylinder, a backward‐facing step, the mixing of a pair of coaxial jets and the interaction between a shock wave and turbulent boundary layer. A generally good agreement between the numerical and experimental results is obtained for all test cases. These tests reveal that despite the turbulence model's sensitivity to freestream turbulence properties, the numerically predicted skin friction agrees with experimental data and theoretical correlations to their degree of uncertainty. The tests also confirm the importance of using a y+ value of less than 1 in getting accurate surface heat transfer distributions. In the coaxial jets case, the importance of matching the turbulence intensities at the inflow plane in improving the predictions of the turbulent mixing phenomena is also shown. A review of guidelines with regard to the setting up of grids and specification of freestream turbulence properties for turbulent Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes CFD simulations is also included in this paper. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the Water Quenched Slag‐epoxy Resin Composite on Microwave Absorbing Properties
Authors: Ting Tzu‐Hao , Wang To‐Mai , Yang Sheng‐Fu , Sun Kin‐Seng , Lee Wen‐Cheng
Published: October 2011

Although in recent years, the ash residues produced from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) in Taiwan have been decreased gradually due to the public awareness of waste classification, it is still necessary to find a suitable landfill site to dispose these wastes safely and economically. For this reason, the plasma melting technology was selected to convert the unwanted ash residues into harmless water quenched slag. More importantly, the effect of the dielectric and magnetic properties of microwave absorber composed of water quenched slag‐epoxy resin composite was studied. The absorbing performance of water quenched slag‐epoxy composites at same sample thickness and at various sample thickness were also studied by measuring complex permittivity, complex permeability and reflection loss in the 2–18 and 18–40 GHz microwave frequency range using the free space method. It was found that the optimum thickness of absorber needed to yield the best reflection loss could be obtained and an absorption frequency range shifting at the frequency range of 2–18 and 18–40 GHz.
Interaction of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide with an antifreeze protein from Dendroides canadensis: mechanistic implication of antifreeze activity enhancement
Authors: Wen Xin , Wang Sen , Amornwittawat Natapol , Houghton Eric A. , Sacco Michael A.
Published: October 2011

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) found in many organisms can noncolligatively lower the freezing point of water without altering the melting point. The difference between the depressed freezing point and the melting point, termed thermal hysteresis (TH), is usually a measure of the antifreeze activity of AFPs. Certain low molecular mass molecules and proteins can further enhance the antifreeze activity of AFPs. Interaction between an enhancer and arginine is known to play an important role in enhancing the antifreeze activity of an AFP from the beetle Dendroides canadensis (DAFP‐1). Here, we examined the enhancement effects of several prevalent phosphate‐containing coenzymes on the antifreeze activity of DAFP‐1. β‐Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced) (NADH) is identified as the most efficient enhancer of DAFP‐1, which increases the antifreeze activity of DAFP‐1 by around 10 times. Examination of the enhancement abilities of a series of NADH analogs and various molecular fragments of NADH reveals that the modifications of nicotinamide generate a series of highly efficient enhancers, though none as effective as NADH itself, and the whole molecular structure of NADH is necessary for its highly efficient enhancement effect. We also demonstrated a 1:1 binding between DAFP‐1 and NADH. The binding was characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using the gel filtration method of Hummel and Dreyer. The data analysis suggests binding between DAFP‐1 and NADH with a dissociation constant in the micromolar range. Interactions between DAFP‐1 and NADH are discussed along with molecular mechanisms of enhancer action. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of intramedullary nailing by numerical simulation of fracture healing
Authors: Wehner Tim , Claes Lutz , Ignatius Anita , Simon Ulrich
Published: October 2011

Due to the annular gap between intramedullary (IM) nails and the endosteal surface, high interfragmentary movement can occur under loading. This could prolong the healing time, particularly for thin IM nails that are often used for unreamed IM nailing. The aims of our study were to determine the influence of the nail diameter on the healing time of human tibial shaft fractures and to investigate whether the healing time could be shortened by increasing the stiffness of the implant material. Therefore, a corroborated numerical model for simulating the fracture healing process in humans was used to simulate the healing process of human tibial fractures treated with IM nails. The calculated healing time (up to 71 weeks) was longest for transverse fractures treated with thin IM nails made of titanium. That the healing time was disproportionately long depended on the nail diameter, and could be greatly reduced by using a thicker nail or using steel instead of titanium. To avoid a prolonged healing time, the nail should be thick, and the annular gap should be as narrow as possible. Alternatively, using steel instead of titanium may also help to avoid a prolonged healing time. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:569–573, 2012
Streamlined approach to high‐quality purification and identification of compound series using high‐resolution MS and NMR
Authors: Mühlebach Anneke , Adam Joachim , Schön Uwe
Published: October 2011

Automated medicinal chemistry (parallel chemistry) has become an integral part of the drug‐discovery process in almost every large pharmaceutical company. Parallel array synthesis of individual organic compounds has been used extensively to generate diverse structural libraries to support different phases of the drug‐discovery process, such as hit‐to‐lead, lead finding, or lead optimization. In order to guarantee effective project support, efficiency in the production of compound libraries has been maximized. As a consequence, also throughput in chromatographic purification and analysis has been adapted. As a recent trend, more laboratories are preparing smaller, yet more focused libraries with even increasing demands towards quality, i.e. optimal purity and unambiguous confirmation of identity. This paper presents an automated approach how to combine effective purification and structural conformation of a lead optimization library created by microwave‐assisted organic synthesis. The results of complementary analytical techniques such as UHPLC‐HRMS and NMR are not only regarded but even merged for fast and easy decision making, providing optimal quality of compound stock. In comparison with the previous procedures, throughput times are at least four times faster, while compound consumption could be decreased more than threefold.
Antimicrobial activity of chitosan nanofibers obtained by electrospinning
Authors: Martínez‐Camacho Ana Patricia , Cortez‐Rocha Mario Onofre , Castillo‐Ortega María Mónica , Burgos‐Hernández Armando , Ezquerra‐Brauer Josafat Marina , Plascencia‐Jatomea Maribel
Published: October 2011

Chitosan is a natural polymer with both antimicrobial activity and nanofiber‐forming capability. The electrospinning technique allows the production of chitosan nanofibers but still faces several problems such as the small number of suitable solvents for the process and the large number of factors affecting quality and production of the nanofibers, among others. The antimicrobial properties of chitosan nanofibers have been little studied; therefore, the most probable mechanism of action and the effect of the conformation or arrangement of the molecules in the nanofibers remain unknown. The presence of residual solvent in the materials is one factor that has complicated the assessment of the antimicrobial activity of chitosan nanofibers. The research in this area will be very important for the future of these materials. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Caregivers of patients with cancer: anxiety, depression and distribution of dependency
Authors: Cipolletta Sabrina , Shams Malihe , Tonello Fabio , Pruneddu Alessandra
Published: October 2011

Objective

Assisting a patient with cancer implies assuming a role that may fit in with the previous role of the person or that may contrast with it, thereby provoking suffering. This research explores if it is possible to identify different profiles of caregivers on the basis of different levels of anxiety and depression as well as on different ways of distributing one's own dependency.

Methods

There were 50 Italian primary caregivers of patients with cancer who completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, and Kelly's Dependency Grids. Cluster analysis was conducted on the indices derived from the three instruments.

Results

Three profiles were found on the basis of how the caregivers used their resources to give and to receive help. If there was congruence between the situation of giving help that the caregivers experienced and their personal role, then anxiety and depression decreased, otherwise, they increased. The implications of the balance/imbalance between the usual and the present role depended also on the typicality of the caregivers' experience, as related to their caring role.

Conclusions

These results suggest the usefulness of planning different kinds of support for different experiences of caregiving. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A parametric study of breaking bow waves using a 2D + T Technique
Authors: Maxeiner Eric , Shakeri Mostafa , Duncan James H.
Published: October 2011

A mechanical two-dimensional wave maker with a flexible surface was used to create waves similar to those formed at the bow of a moving ship. Utilizing the two-dimensional plus time (2D + T) approximation, the wave maker was programmed so that its deformable wave board created a time sequence of shapes that simulated the line of intersection between one side of the hull of a slender ship model moving at constant speed and an imaginary vertical plane oriented normal to the ship model track. However, instead of simulating a particular ship hull, the wave maker was set to produce a parametric set of flat plate motions that represent components of typical bow shapes. The resulting surface waves were measured using a cinematic laser-induced fluorescence technique and the resulting wave profiles were analysed. A large variation of wave crest shapes was observed. An assortment of wave characteristics including the maximum contact point height, maximum wave height and plunging jet geometry were measured and related to the corresponding wave maker motion parameters. Despite the variety of wave maker motions and resulting wave crest shapes, it was observed that the gross parameters describing the wave, such as the maximum wave height, maximum contact point height and wave phase speed, correlate strongly with the wave maker velocity along the water line. Details of the crest shape at the moment of incipient breaking showed a stronger dependence on the initial acceleration of the wave board.
Quasi-steady linked vortices with chaotic streamlines
Authors: Velasco Fuentes Oscar , Arteaga Angélica Romero
Published: October 2011

This paper describes the motion and the flow geometry of two or more linked ring vortices in an otherwise quiescent, ideal fluid. The vortices are thin tubes of near-circular shape which lie on the surface of an immaterial torus of small aspect ratio. Since the vortices are assumed to be identical and evenly distributed on any meridional section of the torus, the flow evolution depends only on the number of vortices ($n$) and the torus aspect ratio (${r}_{1} / {r}_{0} $, where${r}_{0} $is the centreline radius and${r}_{1} $is the cross-section radius). Numerical simulations based on the Biot–Savart law showed that a small number of vortices ($n= 2, 3$) coiled on a thin torus (${r}_{1} / {r}_{0} \leq 0. 16$) progressed along and rotated around the symmetry axis of the torus in an almost uniform manner while each vortex approximately preserved its shape. In the comoving frame the velocity field always possesses two stagnation points. The transverse intersection, along$2n$streamlines, of the stream tube emanating from the front stagnation point and the stream tube ending at the rear stagnation point creates a three-dimensional chaotic tangle. It was found that the volume of the chaotic region increases with increasing torus aspect ratio and decreasing number of vortices.
BINDING NUMBER AND MINIMUM DEGREE FOR FRACTIONAL (k,m)-DELETED GRAPHS
Authors: ZHOU SIZHONG , BIAN QIUXIANG , XU LAN
Published: October 2011

Let G be a graph of order n, and let k≥1 be an integer. Let h:E(G)→[0,1] be a function. If ∑ e∋xh(e)=k holds for any x∈V (G), then we call G[Fh] a fractional k-factor of G with indicator function h where Fh ={e∈E(G):h(e)>0}. A graph G is called a fractional (k,m) -deleted graph if for every e∈E(H) , there exists a fractional k-factor G[Fh ] of G with indicator function h such that h(e)=0 , where H is any subgraph of G with m edges. The minimum degree of a vertex in G is denoted by δ(G) . For X⊆V (G), NG(X)=⋃ x∈XNG(x) . The binding number of G is defined by In this paper, it is proved that if then G is a fractional (k,m) -deleted graph. Furthermore, it is shown that this result is best possible in some sense.
Is depression a chronic mental illness?
Authors: Monroe S. M. , Harkness K. L.
Published: October 2011

Over the past few decades, theory and research on depression have increasingly focused on the recurrent and chronic nature of the disorder. These recurrent and chronic forms of depression are extremely important to study, as they may account for the bulk of the burden associated with the disorder. Paradoxically, however, research focusing on depression as a recurrent condition has generally failed to reveal any useful early indicators of risk for recurrence. We suggest that this present impasse is due to the lack of recognition that depression can also be an acute, time-limited condition. We argue that individuals with acute, single lifetime episodes of depression have been systematically eclipsed from the research agenda, thereby effectively preventing the discovery of factors that may predict who, after experiencing a first lifetime episode of depression, goes on to have a recurrent or chronic clinical course. Greater awareness of the high prevalence of people with a single lifetime episode of depression, and the development of research designs that identify these individuals and allow comparisons with those who have recurrent forms of the disorder, could yield substantial gains in understanding the lifetime pathology of this devastating mental illness.
Understanding reasoning: Let's describe what we really think about
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: October 2011

I suggest psychologists would more profitably study a totally different area of human reasoning than is discussed in the target article – the inductive reasoning people use in their everyday life that matters in consequential real-life decision making, rather than the deductive reasoning that psychologists have studied meticulously but that has relatively less ecological relevance to people's lives.
Systematic rationality norms provide research roadmaps and clarity
Authors: Pfeifer Niki
Published: October 2011

Normative theories like probability logic provide roadmaps for psychological investigations. They make theorizing precise. Therefore, normative considerations should not be subtracted from psychological research. I explain why conditional elimination inferences involve at least two norm paradigms; why reporting agreement with rationality norms is informative; why alleged asymmetric relations between formal and psychological theories are symmetric; and I discuss the arbitration problem.
Cultural and individual differences in the generalization of theories regarding human thinking
Authors: Kim Kyungil , Park Youngjun
Published: October 2011

Tests of a universal theory often find significant variability and individual differences between cultures. We propose that descriptivism research should focus more on cultural and individual differences, especially those based on motivational factors. Explaining human thinking by focusing on individual difference factors across cultures could provide a parsimonious paradigm, by uncovering the true causal mechanisms of psychological processes.