bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Steps in Using Glucomannan to Make Thermostable Gels for Potential Use in Mince Fish Reestructuration
Authors: Solo-de-Zaldivar Beatriz , Herranz Beatriz , Borderias Javier
Published: April 2012

A methodology for making thermostable konjac glucomannan (KGM) gels was examined with a view to eventual use with fish mince to make restructured products. A gelation method was developed with 3 and 6 % (w/v) aqueous dispersions of glucomannan (ADG) by adding alkali v/v (NaOH or KOH) up to pH 11.8- 12 and then allowing it to set (1 hr at 30ºC and 4 hrs at 5ºC). Both 3 and 6 % are suitable concentrations and KOH and NaOH (at 0.6 and 1M) are the most suitable alkalis for deacetylation of the glucomannan at pH 11.8- 12.0.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Repetitive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evidence of Publication Bias
Authors: Carrasco Melisa , Volkmar Fred R. , Bloch Michael H.
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of serotonin receptor inhibitors (SRIs) for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

METHODS:

Two reviewers searched PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov for randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of SRIs for repetitive behaviors in ASD. Our primary outcome was mean improvement in ratings scales of repetitive behavior. Publication bias was assessed by using a funnel plot, the Egger’s test, and a meta-regression of sample size and effect size.

RESULTS:

Our search identified 5 published and 5 unpublished but completed trials eligible for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of 5 published and 1 unpublished trial (which provided data) demonstrated a small but significant effect of SRI for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD (standardized mean difference: 0.22 [95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.37], z score = 2.87, P < .005). There was significant evidence of publication bias in all analyses. When Duval and Tweedie's trim and fill method was used to adjust for the effect of publication bias, there was no longer a significant benefit of SRI for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD (standardized mean difference: 0.12 [95% confidence interval: –0.02 to 0.27]). Secondary analyses demonstrated no significant effect of type of medication, patient age, method of analysis, trial design, or trial duration on reported SRI efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Meta-analysis of the published literature suggests a small but significant effect of SRI in the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD. This effect may be attributable to selective publication of trial results. Without timely, transparent, and complete disclosure of trial results, it remains difficult to determine the efficacy of available medications.
Halogen Bonding Interactions in DDQ Charge Transfer Salts with Iodinated TTFs
Authors: Lieffrig Julien , Jeannin Olivier , Shin Kyoung-Soon , Auban-Senzier Pascale , Fourmigué Marc
Published: April 2012

Oxidation of 3,4-ethylenedithio-3'-iodo-tetrathiafulvalene (EDT-TTF-I) and 3,4-ethylenedithio-3',4'-diiodo-tetrathiafulvalene (EDT-TTF-I2) with DDQ afforded two different salts formulated as (EDT-TTF-I)(DDQ) and (EDT-TTF-I2)2(DDQ)·(CH3CN), both characterized with a full charge transfer to the DDQ acceptor moiety and by short and linear halogen bonding interactions between the iodine atom as halogen bond donor, and the carbonyl oxygen or the nitrile nitrogen atoms of reduced DDQ.
Bone Marrow Stromal Cell-Mediated Tissue Sparing Enhances Functional Repair after Spinal Cord Contusion in Adult Rats
Authors: Ritfeld Gaby J. , Tewarie Rishi D. S. Nandoe , Vajn Katarina , Rahiem Sahar T. , Hurtado Andres , Wendell Dane F. , Roos Raymund A. C. , Oudega Martin
Published: April 2012

Bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) transplantation has shown promise for repair of the spinal cord. We showed earlier that a BMSC transplant limits the loss of spinal nervous tissue after a contusive injury. Here, we addressed the premise that BMSC-mediated tissue sparing underlies functional recovery in adult rats after a contusion of the thoracic spinal cord. Our results reveal that after 2 months BMSCs had elicited a significant increase in spared tissue volumes and in blood vessel density in the contusion epicenter. A strong functional relationship existed between spared tissue volumes and blood vessel density. BMSC-transplanted rats exhibited significant improvements in motor, sensorimotor, and sensory functions, which were strongly correlated with spared tissue volumes. Retrograde tracing revealed that rats with BMSCs had twice as many descending brainstem neurons with an axon projecting beyond the contused spinal cord segment and these correlated strongly with the improved motor/sensorimotor functions but not sensory functions. Together, our data indicate that tissue sparing greatly contributes to BMSC-mediated functional repair after spinal cord contusion. The preservation/formation of blood vessels and sparing/regeneration of descending brainstem axons may be important mediators of the BMSC-mediated anatomical and functional improvements.
Restricted Myogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Isolated from Umbilical Cord
Authors: Grabowska Iwona , Brzoska Edyta , Gawrysiak Agnieszka , Streminska Wladyslawa , Moraczewski Jerzy , Polanski Zbigniew , Hoser Grazyna , Kawiak Jerzy , Machaj Eugeniusz K. , Pojda Zygmunt , Ciemerych Maria A.
Published: April 2012

Nonhematopoietic cord blood cells and mesenchymal cells of umbilical cord Wharton's jelly have been shown to be able to differentiate into various cell types. Thus, as they are readily available and do not raise any ethical issues, these cells are considered to be a potential source of material that can be used in regenerative medicine. In our previous study, we tested the potential of whole mononucleated fraction of human umbilical cord blood cells and showed that they are able to participate in the regeneration of injured mouse skeletal muscle. In the current study, we focused at the umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from Wharton's jelly. We documented that limited fraction of these cells express markers of pluripotent and myogenic cells. Moreover, they are able to undergo myogenic differentiation in vitro, as proved by coculture with C2C12 myoblasts. They also colonize injured skeletal muscle and, with low frequency, participate in the formation of new muscle fibers. Pretreatment of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stromal cells with SDF-1 has no impact on their incorporation into regenerating muscle fibers but significantly increased muscle mass. As a result, transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells enhances the skeletal muscle regeneration.
Intertester Reliability of the Acceptable Noise Level
Authors: Gordon-Hickey Susan , Adams Elizabeth , Moore Robert , Gaal Ashley , Berry Katie , Brock Sommer
Published: April 2012

Background:The acceptable noise level (ANL) serves to accurately predict the listener's likelihood of success with amplification. It has been proposed as a pre‐hearing aid fitting protocol for hearing aid selection and counseling purposes. The ANL is a subjective measure
of the listener's ability to accept background noise. Measurement of ANL relies on the tester and listener to follow the instructions set forth. To date, no research has explored the reliability of ANL as measured across clinicians or testers.Purpose:To examine the intertester reliability
of ANL.Research Design:A descriptive quasi-experimental reliability study was completed. ANL was measured for one group of listeners by three testers.Study Sample:Three participants served as testers. Each tester was familiar with basic audiometry. Twenty-five young adults with
normal hearing served as listeners.Data Collection/Analysis:Each tester was stationed in a laboratory with the needed equipment. Listeners were instructed to report to these laboratories in a random order provided by the experimenters. The testers assessed most comfortable listening
level (MCL) and background noise level (BNL) for all 25 listeners.Results:Intraclass correlation coefficients were significant and revealed that MCL, BNL, and ANLs are reliable across testers. Additionally, one-way ANOVAs for MCL, BNL, and ANL were not significant. These findings indicate
that MCL, BNL, and ANL do not differ significantly when measured by different testers.Conclusions:If the ANL instruction set is accurately followed, ANL can be reliably measured across testers, laboratories, and clinics. Intertester reliability of ANL allows for comparison across ANLs
measured by different individuals. Findings of the present study indicate that tester reliability can be ruled out as a factor contributing to the disparity of mean ANLs reported in the literature.
Working Memory Capacity May Influence Perceived Effort during Aided Speech Recognition in Noise
Authors: Rudner Mary , Lunner Thomas , Behrens Thomas , Thorén Elisabet Sundewall , Rönnberg Jerker
Published: April 2012

Background:Recently there has been interest in using subjective ratings as a measure of perceived effort during speech recognition in noise. Perceived effort may be an indicator of cognitive load. Thus, subjective effort ratings during speech recognition in noise may covary both
with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and individual cognitive capacity.Purpose:The present study investigated the relation between subjective ratings of the effort involved in listening to speech in noise, speech recognition performance, and individual working memory (WM) capacity in hearing
impaired hearing aid users.Research Design:In two experiments, participants with hearing loss rated perceived effort during aided speech perception in noise. Noise type and SNR were manipulated in both experiments, and in the second experiment hearing aid compression release settings
were also manipulated. Speech recognition performance was measured along with WM capacity.Study Sample:There were 46 participants in all with bilateral mild to moderate sloping hearing loss. In Experiment 1 there were 16 native Danish speakers (eight women and eight men) with a mean
age of 63.5 yr (SD = 12.1) and average pure tone (PT) threshold of 47. 6 dB (SD = 9.8). In Experiment 2 there were 30 native Swedish speakers (19 women and 11 men) with a mean age of 70 yr (SD = 7.8) and average PT threshold of 45.8 dB (SD = 6.6).Data
Collection and Analysis:A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for effort rating in both experiments. In Experiment 1, effort was rated at individually adapted SNRs while in Experiment 2 it was rated at fixed SNRs. Speech recognition in noise performance was measured using adaptive procedures
in both experiments with Dantale II sentences in Experiment 1 and Hagerman sentences in Experiment 2. WM capacity was measured using a letter-monitoring task in Experiment 1 and the reading span task in Experiment 2.Results:In both experiments, there was a strong and significant relation
between rated effort and SNR that was independent of individual WM capacity, whereas the relation between rated effort and noise type seemed to be influenced by individual WM capacity. Experiment 2 showed that hearing aid compression setting influenced rated effort.Conclusions:Subjective
ratings of the effort involved in speech recognition in noise reflect SNRs, and individual cognitive capacity seems to influence relative rating of noise type.
Réévaluer la place de l'agriculture à l'heure du Grand Paris
Authors: Brédif Hervé , Pupin Vincent
Published: April 2012

La réflexion ouverte par les autorités publiques autour du Grand Paris n’accorde qu’une place mineure à l’agriculture. Des travaux entrepris dans plusieurs espaces à forte composante agricole de la ceinture verte suggèrent une autre réalité et d’autres perspectives. En analysant les différents documents de planification et d’aménagement de la région francilienne, l’article distingue quatre périodes dans l’histoire des relations entre Paris et sa périphérie agricole. Après cette lecture à dires d’experts, la parole est donnée aux acteurs de terrain. Leur attachement aux espaces agricoles de la ceinture verte s’avère aussi considérable qu’il est méconnu. Des raisons motivées le fondent, aussi bien utilitaires qu’identitaires – et non seulement un prétendu réflexe Nimby. Finalement, les espaces ouverts agricoles de la ceinture verte se révèlent stratégiques pour redonner sens, identité et projet à de vastes portions de l’agglomération parisienne.
Red eyes first sign of the sickle cell disease
Authors: Torres Rodrigo Martín , Lódolo Pablo Gabriel
Published: April 2012

A patient with red eyes and ocular decongestants drops (tetrahidrozolyne 0.05%) use history, was observed by an optometrist and referred to an ophthalmic consult. The redness of their eyes was secondary to conjunctival vessel micro-hemorraghe (petechiaes). After a complete ophthalmology and hematologist exploration a Cell Sickle Disease was diagnosed as the cause of the vascular disorder. An hematologist treat it and the ocular redness was resolved. This case emphasizes the problem about self-medication and remark the importance of the optometrist working together with the ophthalmologist to prevent ocular complains as well as systemic disease.
Anthropogenic CO2 flux constraints in the Tokyo Bay Area from Lagrangian diffusive backward trajectories and high resolution in situ measurements
Authors: Pisso I. , Patra P. , Takigawa M. , Machida T. , Matsueda H. , Sawa Y.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. In order to use high resolution in-situ measurements to constrain regional emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), we use a Lagrangian methodology based on diffusive backward trajectory tracer reconstructions. We use aircraft, tall tower and ground sites for CO2 data collected nearby the CO2 emission hot spot of the Tokyo Bay Area during the CONTRAIL campaign, from the MRI/JMA Tsukuba tall tower and from the World Data Centre for Greenhouse Gases (WDCGG). We calculated Bayesian inversions based on EDGAR 4 and CDIAC a priori fluxes. Estimated fluxes for the Tokyo Bay Area for the analyzed period between 2005 and 2009 range between 4.80×10−7 and 3.45×10−6 kgCO2 m2 s−1 with significant time variations. Significant differences in retrieved fluxes of up to 21% were found when CONTRAIL measurements were added to the dataset. No significant trend was found in the time series of spatially averaged retrieved fluxes.
The Relevance of International Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium-sized Entities: An Australian Case Study
Authors: Laing Gregory Kenneth , Laing Kenneth Thomas
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relevance of imposing a set of accounting standards on Small and Medium-sized entities. This paper involves a multiple case study approach based on an examination from personnel experiences of owning and operating Small and Medium-sized Entities in Australia over a period of 50 years.  The key finding from the case studies is that SME’s are strongly influenced by the prevailing taxation regulations rather than any form of accounting standard requirements. The cost of meeting the financial reporting requirements is a burden that SME’s are ill prepared to bear and such costs are not justified by any claim to being useful for the owners or other possible stakeholders. Further, the issues of comparability and consistency have yet to be shown as providing a benefit to any stakeholder.This paper provides an opportunity for greater debate and research into the financial reporting requirements for SME’s.
The impact of corporate governance mechanisms on earning management: Literature review and proposing framework
Authors: Alzoubi Ebraheem Saleem Salem , Selamat Mohamad Hisyam
Published: April 2012

This research study seeks to come up with a conceptual framework that investigates the different mechanisms of corporate governance and its effects on earning management (EM). This is to help build a conceptual framework of governance practices and its mechanisms, which mainly consists of board of directors and audit committee. To build the conceptual framework, the background of governance practices and EM theory served as a good starting point. The current research study is based on the complete assessment of present literatures, the two mechanisms of governance practices and EM. This paper serves as a guide to senior management, who seeks to improve their company’s financial reporting quality (FRQ) through the execution of governance practices, in which the governance practices support their company’s FRQ efforts. Furthermore, the conceptual framework serves as a benchmark for practitioners to execute their governance practices more effectively and efficiently in their own respective firms. This paper seeks to close the gap on the existing literature, by giving guidance to the senior management of governance practices companies that aspires to discover the competency of EM. By developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between corporate governance practices and EM, senior management can thus focus their efforts on the practices that ensure the firms’ ability to establish a competitive FRQ.
Sector Wide Approach in Health: Policy Response and Framework in Zimbabwe
Authors: Taderera Hope , Madhekeni Alois , Zhou Gideon , Chevo Tafadzwa
Published: April 2012

The discourse is on the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in health, a policy reform intervention by the World Health Organization, and focuses on Zimbabwe’s response, and the subsequent health policy framework. A SWAp is a government led partnership with donor agencies and the civil society, in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the health policy. The rationale is to systematically build the capacity of health delivery systems and structures, for the realization health policy objectives through effective and efficient utilization of collaboratively mobilized resources for the realization of sustainable development in health. Zimbabwe has responded to SWAps by adopting the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (2008-2013), being implemented through the National Health Strategy (2009-2013). A collaborative approach involving the state and civil society is being pursued. Within this arrangement, the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare is leading the strategic and operational function, at all levels of society, with the donor community, through the civil society playing a supportive role particularly in areas which include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, water and sanitation, and maternal health. Coordination is done through the National Planning Forum, made up of the health ministry and the voluntary sector, and the Health Development Partners Coordination Group, made up of donor agencies in health, in line with the Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework and the Interagency Humanitarian Coordination Mechanism. It was concluded that a framework has been put in place through which the SWAp is being pursued, towards systematic capacity building of Zimbabwe’s health sector.
Determination of the Chronological Age of Skull Base Suture Closure Using Computed Tomography
Authors: Lingawi Sattam S.
Published: April 2012

The  aim  of  this  study  was  to  determine  the  postnatal  chronological  age  of  central  and  posterior  skull  base suture closure using computed tomography.  The central  and posterior skull base suture  of pediatric brain CT’s obtained from 75  girls and  125 boys of varying ages (newborn to 18 years) were evaluated for this purpose. Premature infants of less  than  38  weeks  gestation,  cases  of  congenital  skull  base  malformations,  and  cranial  anomalies  were  excluded.  All brain CT studies were performed using 3 mm axial slice thickness at the skull base level. The central and posterior skull base sutures, synchondroses and ossification centers were all assessed for normal appearance and age of closure. The age of initial and completed fusion for the 12 main sutures in the occipital and sphenoid bones, were determined.
Data  obtained  during  the  study  provides  CT  scans  standard  for  normal  age  of  closure  of  the  central  and  posterior  skull base sutures that may assist in the future evaluation of skull base fractures, dysplasia and deformities.
Oriented Growth and Assembly of Ag@C@Co Pentagonalprism Nanocables and their Highly Active Selected Catalysis Along the Edges for Dehydrogenation
Authors: Sun Baolei , Wen Ming , Wu Qingsheng , Peng Jin
Published: April 2012

Magnetic double‐shelled Ag@C@Co pentagonalprism nanocables are fabricated using a synchronous growth and oriented assembly process, in which the second shell of Co is arranged along the edges of Ag@C pentagonalprism nanowires (NWs). The resulting Ag@C@Co pentagonalprism nanocables exhibit an average diameter of ≈400 nm and consist of Ag core NWs with diameter of ≈200 nm and C middle layers with a thickness of ≈10 nm as well as outer Co shells with a thickness of ≈100 nm. UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy shows that the Co shell on Ag@C NWs can damp the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the Ag core wires and lead to a red‐shifted SPR absorption peak. Additionally, the Ag@C@Co nanocables have the ferromagnetic behavior, which can be controlled by modulating the shell density. The resulting magnetic Ag@C@Co nanocables exert excellent selected catalytic activity along the edges toward the dehydrogenation of ammonia borane aqueous under ambient conditions at room temperature.
Oligodendrocytes and the early multiple sclerosis lesion
Authors: Prineas John W. , Parratt John D. E.
Published: April 2012

There is little agreement among neuropathologists regarding the timing and nature of oligodendrocyte loss in multiple sclerosis (MS). This review describes changes that accompany acute oligodendrocyte loss in new lesions. Included is a description of the immunopathology of new lesions in 23 severe early cases selected from a bank of 300 MS autopsies. Oligodendrocytes in prephagocytic lesions exhibit cytopathic changes that include apoptosis of oligodendrocytes immunoreactive for caspase 3, phagocytosis of apoptotic oligodendrocytes, swelling of cells with abnormal nuclei, complement deposition, and lysis. These are nonspecific changes that provide no clue as to the cause of oligodendrocyte injury. Associated changes include the presence of enlarged immunoglobulin (IgG)+ microglia and early macrophages, the presence nearby of a focus of inflammatory demyelination, an open blood–brain barrier, and the presence of rare CD8 T cells. Myelin contacted by IgG+ macrophages is immunoreactive for complement but not for IgG. It is likely that macrophage activity in evolving white and gray matter plaques is scavenging activity directed at nonvital myelin secondary to oligodendrocytes loss. One feature of MS that is not understood is the extraordinarily close resemblance the disease shows pathologically to neuromyelitis optica (NMO), including that demyelination in both is secondary to a loss of caspase 3‐positive apoptotic oligodendrocytes. These similarities raise the possibility that like NMO, MS is an autoimmune disease in which oligodendrocyte apoptosis is determined by injury to some other glial or mesenchymal component. Ann Neurol 2012;72:18–31
Properties of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephtalate) and sodium caseinate blends
Authors: Audic Jean‐Luc , Chaufer Bernard
Published: April 2012

Sodium caseinate (NaCAS) was blended with commercially available biodegradable polyester, poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephtalate) (PBAT) with the aim to obtain environmentally friendly materials for packaging applications with increased oxygen barrier properties. Mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus) of such blends were determined versus ratio of protein to polyester, plasticizer type and content, and relative humidity conditions. Among the two plasticizers tested, glycerol (Gly) and triethanolamine (TEA), Gly was the most efficient for the improvement of mechanical properties (high strains for low stresses) of PBAT/NaCAS blends. The maximum content of protein in blends to keep interesting mechanical properties was about 30% w/w. At this level, the material still exhibits interesting mechanical properties, that is, maximum tensile strength of 20–25 MPa for elongation at break about 25%. Protein‐specific water solubility was determined from a 280‐nm absorbance method. PBAT/NaCAS materials exhibit good resistance to water, and NaCAS specific solubility was kept under 7 wt % after 48 h immersion in water even for samples containing 30% w/w NaCAS. The PBAT/NaCAS materials also showed an increase of oxygen barrier properties as NaCAS content increased, leading to materials with oxygen permeability lower than 40,000 cm3 μm m−2 d−1 atm−1, which is half the initial value of PBAT. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Protein adsorption and cytocompatibility of poly(L‐lactic acid) surfaces modified with biomacromolecules
Authors: Jiao Yanpeng , Liu Zonghua , Shao Xiaohong , Zhou Changren
Published: April 2012

Surface modification of biomaterials has been adopted over the years in order to improve their biocompatibility. In this study, heparin, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate were used to modify the surface of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) films by an entrapment method to promote its biocompatibility and to introduce natural recognition sites to the surface of PLLA films. The surface properties of PLLA films before and after modification were characterized by using water contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Subsequently, the protein adsorption behavior of radiolabeled (125I) fibronectin (Fn) was evaluated on the modified PLLA surfaces, including adsorption kinetics, isotherm adsorption, competitive adsorption with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or serum. The cytocompatibility of the modified PLLA films was further investigated by testing osteoblasts‐like compatibility, including cell attachment, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and cell cycle. Experimental results indicated that the hydrophilicity of the modified PLLA films was improved by the enriched biomacromolecules. In the study of protein absorption, the entrapment of the biomacromolecules on PLLA surface could decrease and reduce Fn adsorption speed and capacity, while the three biomacromolecules had almost the same adsorption capacity. Addition of BSA or serum had great effect on the adsorption of Fn on the modified PLLA surfaces. Moreover, the modifications could significantly promote osteoblasts‐like compatibility of PLLA films. The biomacromolecules modified PLLA films, combining their individual advantages such as good mechanical property and excellent cytocompatibility, are promising candidates for tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Restoring connectivity for migratory native fish in a New Zealand stream: effectiveness of retrofitting a pipe culvert
Authors: Franklin Paul Anthony , Bartels Brenda
Published: April 2012

Restoring longitudinal connectivity is a key river restoration goal. This study tested the efficacy of a fish ramp and spoiler baffles for restoring indigenous fish communities upstream of a culvert.

Before–after monitoring showed that installation of the ramp and spoiler baffles increased species richness (mean increase 80%) and total fish density (mean increase 45%) upstream of the culvert.

Passage trials on the ramp and baffled culvert were carried out using inanga, Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns), a commonly occurring weak‐swimming migratory fish. The trials showed that inanga were capable of successfully ascending both the ramp (overall 27.1% success) and culvert with baffles (overall 6.2% success) under the conditions tested (cf. 0% success for this species before retrofitting), but passage efficiency was still relatively low in both cases.

Retrofitting of culverts can therefore be effective for restoring upstream fish passage. However, to maximize effectiveness it is essential that restoration goals are well defined and retrofitting solutions are designed appropriately for the target species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parameter estimation for partially observable systems subject to random failure
Authors: Kim Michael Jong , Makis Viliam , Jiang Rui
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we present a parameter estimation procedure for a condition‐based maintenance model under partial observations. Systems can be in a healthy or unhealthy operational state, or in a failure state. System deterioration is driven by a continuous time homogeneous Markov chain and the system state is unobservable, except the failure state. Vector information that is stochastically related to the system state is obtained through condition monitoring at equidistant sampling times. Two types of data histories are available — data histories that end with observable failure, and censored data histories that end when the system has been suspended from operation but has not failed. The state and observation processes are modeled in the hidden Markov framework and the model parameters are estimated using the expectation–maximization algorithm. We show that both the pseudolikelihood function and the parameter updates in each iteration of the expectation–maximization algorithm have explicit formulas. A numerical example is developed using real multivariate spectrometric oil data coming from the failing transmission units of 240‐ton heavy hauler trucks used in the Athabasca oil sands of Alberta, Canada. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduction of the background magnetic field inhibits ability of Drosophila melanogaster to survive ionizing radiation
Authors: Portelli Lucas A. , Madapatha Dinu R. , Martino Carlos , Hernandez Mark , Barnes Frank S.
Published: April 2012

The effects of exposure to an environment where the background magnetic field (BMF) has been reduced were studied on wild‐type Drosophila melanogaster by measuring its ability to survive a single exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) during its larval stage. The experimental design presented shows a timeframe, IR dose, and BMF parameters that will cause a significant and reproducible reduction of survival on this insect model. These results suggest that BMFs may play a fundamental role in the recovery or harm of a biological system that is exposed to single doses of IR. Bioelectromagnetics 33:706–709, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Classical and lateral skin effect contributions estimation in strip MR coils
Authors: Giovannetti Giulio , Hartwig Valentina , Landini Luigi , Santarelli Maria Filomena
Published: April 2012

Radiofrequency (RF) transmitter and receiver coils in magnetic resonance imaging systems are used, respectively, to excite the nuclei in the object to be imaged and to pick up the signals emitted by the nuclei. The quality of obtained images strongly depends upon the correct choice of the coils geometry and typology. For low‐field magnetic resonance imaging systems, the dominant power dissipation mechanisms are mainly due to conductor losses and the coils performance are affected by cross‐sectional shape of RF coil conductors. This work proposes a method for the estimation of the different skin effects contribution to the total conductor resistance for coil built using strip conductor. The evaluation of coil resistance was performed at different tuning frequencies usually used in clinical scanner (21–128 MHz). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 41B: 57–61, 2012
An operational mobility model over IPv6: design, modeling, and evaluation
Authors: Wu Yulei , Ge Jingguo , You Junling , E Yuepeng
Published: April 2012

The fast Internet evolution and rapid development of wireless technologies have made it possible for users to communicate while on the move. Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) is a candidate solution for next generation mobile Internet. Despite its popularity, MIPv6 still suffers from various limitations, for example, lack of business model and management of enormous and discrete home agents, preventing it from being deployed in large‐scale commercial environments. Recently, the ID/Locator split architecture has demonstrated its significant predominance in next generation mobile networks. With the aim of pushing the global deployment of mobility support over IPv6, this study makes an effort to design and evaluate an operational mobility model over IPv6 (OMIPv6) based on the ID/Locator split architecture to tackle the problems raised by the current form of MIPv6. In particular, a distributed cloud mobility management system is employed to be responsible for maintaining the identification and locations of mobile hosts, and providing the name resolution services to the mobile hosts. Furthermore, this paper develops an analytical model considering all possible costs required for the operation of OMIPv6, and adopts it as a cost‐effective tool to evaluate various costs and operation overheads on the performance of the OMIPv6 protocol. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thickness measurement of moving nonmagnetic metal foil by impedance variation
Authors: Ishida Koichi , Itaya Toshiya , Tanaka Akio , Takehira Nobuo , Miki Toshikatsu
Published: April 2012

When an AC‐excited coil faces a nonmagnetic moving metal foil, an eddy current is induced in the conductor and the coil impedance is influenced by the speed and thickness. By examining the speed and thickness characteristics, a coil can be used as the thickness sensor. In this paper, we derive rigid theoretical formulas for the magnetic field and coil impedance of a circular coil facing a stationary or moving foil conductor. We also present several characteristics with regard to the coil inductance and resistance based on calculations. The good agreement between the theoretical and measured values demonstrates the validity of the method. We found that the speed has no influence at a thickness in the tens of micrometers, and that the upper limit of the exciting frequency is 1 kHz. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(1): 15–23, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21269
An estimation method for distribution system load with photovoltaic power generation based on ICA
Authors: Yamada Takayoshi , Ishigame Atsushi , Genji Takamu
Published: April 2012

A large number of dispersed generators (DGs) are expected to be installed in distribution systems. Therefore, state estimation is an important problem for stable and reliable system operation. However, it is difficult to estimate the total power of DGs connected to a load‐side system from a metering spot on the distribution line because at the metering spot only the sum of the active power from various loads and DGs can be measured. In this paper, we propose an estimation method for unknown DG outputs connected to a distribution system. This method enables to estimate DG outputs by analyzing power flow data measured at one spot, using independent component analysis (ICA). The estimation by ICA needs the same number of observations as estimations. However, the observation spots are extremely limited in existing distribution systems. Thus, we propose an estimation method which makes it possible to estimate DG outputs and load changes from single observations by using known information on the load power and a priori knowledge of insolation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(1): 36–45, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21275
Application of step‐response test for evaluation of uncertainty of standard measuring system for lightning‐impulse high voltage
Authors: Miyazaki Satoru , Goshima Hisashi , Amano Takaaki , Shinkai Hiroyuki , Yashima Masafumi , Wakimoto Takayuki , Ishii Masaru
Published: April 2012

In evaluating the uncertainty of the standard measuring system for lightning‐impulse high voltages, which is composed of a standard voltage divider, a digital recorder, and calibrators, step‐response tests of the standard voltage divider may be useful. In this paper, a convolution algorithm is employed to calculate the output impulse voltage waveforms from measured step‐response waveforms. The uncertainties of peak‐value measurement due to the influence of the nominal epoch, uncertainty of the peak‐value measurement due to dispersion of the AC scale factor, and uncertainty of the virtual front‐time measurement due to long‐term stability are evaluated. Furthermore, the error of the virtual front time of the output waveforms is discussed. The front part of the step‐response waveform, t≤ T30%, does not influence the error of the virtual front time. Therefore, for the standard voltage divider, the step‐response parameters, that is, the experimental response time, partial response time, settling time, and overshoot, have almost nothing to do with the error of the virtual front time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(2): 24–32, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21279
Statistical properties of the electrophoretic collision of a long DNA molecule with a small obstacle
Authors: Joswiak Mark N. , Ou Jia , Dorfman Kevin D.
Published: April 2012

We present experimental results for the collision of a single λ‐DNA molecule with isolated cylindrical nanoposts whose radii range from 350 nm to 1.37 μm. The experimental apparatus was fabricated in oxidized silicon using a plasma‐thinning method. The probability density for the dimensionless holdup time is described by a gamma distribution, which accurately represents the behavior of the probability density for X collisions and U/J collisions for short‐lived and long‐lived collisions, respectively. The shape parameter of the gamma distribution reflects the nature of the short‐lived collisions, whereas the scaling parameter captures the role of the finite size of the post on the U/J collisions. When rendered in an appropriate dimensionless form, the existing models for the role of electric field gradients extend to all post sizes, indicating that 350 nm is still well above the point‐sized limit. Our experiments provide insights into a regime that is very challenging for numerical simulations but highly relevant for separation processes.
Dynamic high‐resolution computer simulation of electrophoretic enantiomer separations with neutral cyclodextrins as chiral selectors
Authors: Breadmore Michael C. , Kwan Hiu Ying , Caslavska Jitka , Thormann Wolfgang
Published: April 2012

GENTRANS, a comprehensive one‐dimensional dynamic simulator for electrophoretic separations and transport, was extended for handling electrokinetic chiral separations with a neutral ligand. The code can be employed to study the 1:1 interaction of monovalent weak and strong acids and bases with a single monovalent weak or strong acid or base additive, including a neutral cyclodextrin, under real experimental conditions. It is a tool to investigate the dynamics of chiral separations and to provide insight into the buffer systems used in chiral capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and chiral isotachophoresis. Analyte stacking across conductivity and buffer additive gradients, changes of additive concentration, buffer component concentration, pH, and conductivity across migrating sample zones and peaks, and the formation and migration of system peaks can thereby be investigated in a hitherto inaccessible way. For model systems with charged weak bases and neutral modified β‐cyclodextrins at acidic pH, for which complexation constants, ionic mobilities, and mobilities of selector‐analyte complexes have been determined by CZE, simulated and experimentally determined electropherograms and isotachopherograms are shown to be in good agreement. Simulation data reveal that CZE separations of cationic enantiomers performed in phosphate buffers at low pH occur behind a fast cationic migrating system peak that has a small impact on the buffer composition under which enantiomeric separation takes place.
A nonlinear electrophoretic model for PeakMaster: II. Experimental verification
Authors: Riesová Martina , Hruška Vlastimil , Gaš Bohuslav
Published: April 2012

We introduce a computer implementation of the mathematical model of capillary zone electrophoresis described in the previous paper in this issue (Hruška et al., Electrophoresis 2012, 33), the program PeakMaster 5.3. The computer model calculates eigenmobilities, which are the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix of the electromigration system, and which are responsible for the presence of system eigenzones (system zones, system peaks). The model also calculates parameters of the background electrolyte: pH, conductivity, buffer capacity, ionic strength, etc., and parameters of the separated analytes: effective mobility, transfer ratio, molar conductivity detection response, and relative velocity slope. In addition to what was possible in the previous versions of PeakMaster, Version 5.3 can predict the shapes of the system peaks even for a complex injected sample profile, such as a rectangular plug. PeakMaster 5.3 can replace numerical simulation in many practically important configurations and the results are obtained in a very short time (within seconds). We demonstrate that the results obtained in real experiments agree well with those calculated by PeakMaster 5.3.
Counterion condensation in short cationic peptides: Limiting mobilities beyond the Onsager–Fuoss theory
Authors: Wernersson Erik , Heyda Jan , Kubíčková Anna , Křížek Tomáš , Coufal Pavel , Jungwirth Pavel
Published: April 2012

We investigated the effect of the background electrolyte (BGE) anions on the electrophoretic mobilities of the cationic amino acids arginine and lysine and the polycationic peptides tetraarginine, tetralysine, nonaarginine, and nonalysine. BGEs composed of sodium chloride, sodium propane‐1,3‐disulfonate, and sodium sulfate were used. For the amino acids, determination of the limiting mobility by extrapolation, using the Onsager–Fuoss (OF) theory expression, yielded consistent estimates. For the peptides, however, the estimates of the limiting mobilities were found to spuriously depend on the BGE salt. This paradox was resolved using molecular modeling. Simulations, on all‐atom as well as coarse‐grained levels, show that significant counterion condensation, an effect not accounted for in OF theory, occurs for the tetra‐ and nonapeptides, even for low BGE concentrations. Including this effect in the quantitative estimation of the BGE effect on mobility removed the discrepancy between the estimated limiting mobilities in different salts. The counterion condensation was found to be mainly due to electrostatic interactions, with specific ion effects playing a secondary role. Therefore, the conclusions are likely to be generalizable to other analytes with a similar density of charged groups and OF theory is expected to fail in a predictable way for such analytes.
Interplay between electrophoretic mobility and intrinsic viscosity of polypeptide chains
Authors: Deiber Julio A. , Peirotti Marta B. , Piaggio María V.
Published: April 2012

The present work is motivated specifically by the need to find a simple interplay between experimental values of electrophoretic mobility and intrinsic viscosity (IV) of polypeptides. The connection between these two properties, as they are evaluated experimentally in a formulated dilute solution, may provide relevant information concerning the physicochemical characterization and separation of electrically charged chains such as polypeptides. Based on this aspect, a study on the relation between the effective electrophoretic mobility and the IV of the following globular proteins is carried out: bovine carbonic anhydrase, staphylococcal nuclease, human carbonic anhydrase, lysozyme, human serum albumin. The basic interpretation of the IV through polypeptide chain conformations involves two unknowns: one is the Flory characteristic ratio involving short‐range intramolecular interactions and the other is the Mark–Houwink exponent associated with large‐range intramolecular interactions. Here, it will be shown via basic and well‐established electrokinetic theories and scaling concepts that the IV and global chain flexibility of polypeptides in dilute solutions may be estimated from capillary zone electrophoresis, in addition to classical transport properties. The polypeptide local chain flexibility may change due to electrostatic interactions among closer chain ionizing groups and the hindrance effect of their associated structural water.
The topography of brain damage at different stages of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Agosta Federica , Canu Elisa , Stojković Tanja , Pievani Michela , Tomić Aleksandra , Sarro Lidia , Dragašević Nataša , Copetti Massimiliano , Comi Giancarlo , Kostić Vladimir S. , Filippi Massimo
Published: April 2012

This study investigated gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) damage in 89 patients at different clinical stages of Parkinson's disease (PD) (17 early, 46 mild, 14 moderate, and 12 severe) to differentiate the trajectories of tissue injury in this condition. PD patients had a very little GM atrophy even at the more advanced stages of the disease. Microstructural damage to the WM occurs with increasing PD severity and involves the brainstem, thalamocortical pathways, olfactory tracts, as well as the major interhemispheric, limbic, and extramotor association tracts. The most marked WM damage was found in moderate vs. mild cases. WM damage correlated with the degree of global cognitive deficits. WM abnormalities beyond the nigrostriatal system accumulate with increasing PD severity. WM damage is likely to contribute to the more severe motor and nonmotor dysfunctions occurring in patients at the later stages. Hum Brain Mapp 34:2798–2807, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EFFICIENCY AND EQUITY: A STATED PREFERENCE APPROACH
Authors: Norman Richard , Hall Jane , Street Deborah , Viney Rosalie
Published: April 2012

Outcome measurement in the economic evaluation of health care considers outcomes independent of to whom they accrue. This article reports on a discrete choice experiment designed to elicit population preferences regarding the allocation of health gain between hypothetical groups of potential patients. A random‐effects probit model is estimated, and a technique for converting these results into equity weights for use in economic evaluation is adopted. On average, the modelling predicts a relatively high social value on health gains accruing to nonsmokers, carers, those with a low income and those with an expected age of death less than 45 years. Respondents tend to favour individuals with similar characteristics to themselves. These results challenge the conventional practice of assuming constant equity weighting. For decision makers, whether a formal equity weighting system represents an improvement on more informal approaches to weighing up equity and efficiency concerns remains uncertain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.