bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Digital Toolkit to Implement and Manage a Multisite Study
Authors: Lasater Kathie , Johnson Elizabeth , Hodson-Carlton Kay , Siktberg Linda , Sideras Stephanie
Published: January 2012

Calls for multisite studies are increasing in nursing education. However, the challenge of implementing consistent protocols and maintaining rigorous standards across sites can be daunting. One purpose of a recent multisite, collaborative, simulation study was to evaluate a digital toolkit’s effectiveness for managing a multisite study. We describe the digital toolkit composed of Web-based technologies used to manage a study involving five sites including one United Kingdom site. The digital toolkit included a wiki, a project Web site to coordinate the protocols and study materials, software to organize study materials, and a secure location for sharing data. Most of these are familiar tools; however, combined as a toolkit, they became a useful management system. Web-based communication strategies and coordinated technical support served as key adjuncts to foster collaboration. This article also offiers practical implications and recommendations for using a digital toolkit in other multisite studies.
Risk Assessment Profile and Strategies for Success Instrument: Determining Prelicensure Nursing Students’ Risk for Academic Success
Authors: Breckenridge Diane M. , Wolf Zane Robinson , Roszkowski Michael J.
Published: January 2012

The ultimate outcomes for succeeding in a collegiate prelicensure nursing program are earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and passing the NCLEX-RN®. The Risk Assessment Profile, Strategies for Success (RAPSS) is a criterion-based instrument that incorporates demographic and academic risk indicators. A convenience sample (
N
= 255) obtained retrospectively from student files was used to determine whether the RAPSS could be used to predict whether completers of a baccalaureate, prelicensure program will pass or fail the NCLEX-RN. Results indicate that the scale does discriminate between candidates who fail and pass, even with as few as three of the 13 items.
The representation of the Mongolian shaman deity Dayan Deerh in invocations and in a Buddhist scroll painting
Authors: Birtalan Ágnes
Published: January 2012

The material discussed here is part of the records of the Hungarian-Mongolian Expedition for the Research on Dialects and Folk Culture. One of the main aims of the expedition was to investigate the relics of the traditional Mongolian folk culture and to document its present-day transformation. The folk religious practices are vivid among many ethnic groups in Mongolia and their pantheon is a remarkable cultural phenomenon. Dayan Deerh is one of the best known deities, even beyond the boundaries of the region where it is worshipped (Cagaan Üür in Hövsgöl province). The present paper is based on fieldwork material and investigates the living tradition of Dayan Deerh’s worship, comparing an illustrated source (a Buddhist thangka painting) and the oral tradition (shamanic invocations).
Skirting the Bodhisattva: Fabricating Visionary Art
Authors: Linrothe Rob
Published: January 2012

This essay explores the image-text relationship between the ca. 12-century monumental Maitreya bodhisattva sculpture within a narrow tower in the village of Mangyu and passages from the Gaṇḍavyūha Sūtra. Paintings on the dhotī of the sculpture resemble themes described within a kūtāgāra-tower in the text related to Maitreya, and also depict one of the prominent jātaka associated with the Buddha, the Starving Tigress, or Vyāghrī jātaka. The essay suggests the jātaka was deployed to demonstrate Maitreya’s recapitulation of the course of Śākyamuni’s path of self-sacrifice, and that the resemblance between text and image was intentional on the part of the 12th-century builders in Ladakh, on the far western reaches of cultural Tibet.
PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS AND ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTS OF LITHOSPERMI RADIX AGAINST COMMON BACTERIA FROM HUMAN INFECTED WOUNDS
Authors: Lin Yu-Li , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Hsu Yua-Man , Yao Chun-Hsu , Chang Tien-Jye
Published: January 2012

The prevention and treatment of infections of human wounds are an important issue. In this investigation five herbal plants were selected, and their antibacterial effects were elucidated. Of these five herbal plants, the morphological changes of the one with the strongest antibacterial effects were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the differential expression of bacterial proteins treated with them was determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE). Two proteins of weakly expressed spots from the highest matching percentage of 2D-GE were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF). The results indicated that the Lithospermi radix have the best minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). The SEM examination reveals different bactericidal morphological changes and colony distributions obtained using Lithospermi radix. 2D-GE reveals that Staphylococcus aureus treated with Lithospermi radix has the highest matching percentage (90.93%). Then identification of two proteins that are weakly expressed in Staphylococcus aureus by MALDI-TOF/TOF reveals that they are Holliday junction ATP-dependent DNA helicase RuvB and D-alanine: D-alanine ligase (DDI). These results are noteworthy to suggest that Lithospermi radix may be used as an antibacterial medicine to treatment of human wound infection.
IL-21 Receptor Is Required for the Systemic Accumulation of Activated B and T Lymphocytes in MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr/J Mice
Authors: Rankin Andrew L. , Guay Heath , Herber Deborah , Bertino Sarah A. , Duzanski Tatyana A. , Carrier Yijun , Keegan Sean , Senices Mayra , Stedman Nancy , Ryan Mark , Bloom Laird , Medley Quintus , Collins Mary , Nickerson-Nutter Cheryl , Craft Joe , Young Deborah , Dunussi-Joannopoulos Kyri
Published: January 2012

MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr/J (MRLlpr) mice develop lupus-like disease manifestations in an IL-21–dependent manner. IL-21 is a pleiotropic cytokine that can influence the activation, differentiation, and expansion of B and T cell effector subsets. Notably, autoreactive CD4+ T and B cells spontaneously accumulate in MRLlpr mice and mediate disease pathogenesis. We sought to identify the particular lymphocyte effector subsets regulated by IL-21 in the context of systemic autoimmunity and, thus, generated MRLlpr mice deficient in IL-21R (MRLlpr.IL-21R−/−). Lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, which are characteristic traits of the MRLlpr model were significantly reduced in the absence of IL-21R, suggesting that immune activation was likewise decreased. Indeed, spontaneous germinal center formation and plasma cell accumulation were absent in IL-21R–deficient MRLlpr mice. Correspondingly, we observed a significant reduction in autoantibody titers. Activated CD4+ CD44+ CD62Llo T cells also failed to accumulate, and CD4+ Th cell differentiation was impaired, as evidenced by a significant reduction in CD4+ T cells that produced the pronephritogenic cytokine IFN-γ. T extrafollicular helper cells are a recently described subset of activated CD4+ T cells that function as the primary inducers of autoantibody production in MRLlpr mice. Importantly, we demonstrated that T extrafollicular helper cells are dependent on IL-21R for their generation. Together, our data highlighted the novel observation that IL-21 is a critical regulator of multiple pathogenic B and T cell effector subsets in MRLlpr mice.
BVOCs emission in a semi-arid grassland under climate warming and nitrogen deposition
Authors: Wang H. J. , Xia J. Y. , Mu Y. J. , Nie L. , Han X. G. , Wan S. Q.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) profoundly affect atmospheric chemistry and ecosystem functioning. BVOCs emission and their responses to global change are still unclear in grasslands, which cover one quarter of the Earth's land surface and are currently undergoing the largest changes. Over two growing seasons, we conducted a field experiment in a semi-arid grassland (Inner Mongolia, China) to examine the emission and the responses of BVOCs emissions to warming and nitrogen deposition. The natural emission rate (NER) of monoterpene (dominant BVOCs here) is 107 ± 16 μg m−2 h−1 in drought 2007, and 266 ± 53 μg m−2 h−1 in wet 2008, respectively. Warming decreased the standard emission factor (SEF) by 24% in 2007, while increased it by 43% in 2008. The exacerbated soil moisture loss caused by warming in dry season might be responsible for the decrease of SEF in 2007. A possible threshold of soil moisture (8.2% (v/v)), which controls the direction of warming effects on monoterpene emission, existed in the semiarid grassland. Nitrogen deposition decreased the coverage of Artemisia frigida and hence reduced the NER by 24% across the two growing seasons. These results suggest that the grasslands dominated by the extended Artemisia frigida are an important source for BVOCs, while the responses of their emissions to global changes are more uncertain since they depend on multifactorial/in-situ/conditions.
Carbon-nitrogen feedbacks in the UVic ESCM
Authors: Wania R. , Meissner K. J. , Eby M. , Arora V. , Ross I. , Weaver A. J.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A representation of the terrestrial nitrogen cycle is introduced into the UVic Earth System Climate Model (UVic ESCM). The UVic ESCM now contains five terrestrial carbon pools and seven terrestrial nitrogen pools: soil, litter, leaves, stem and roots for both elements and ammonium and nitrate in the soil for nitrogen. Nitrogen cycles through plant tissue, litter, soil and the mineral pools before being taken up again by the plant. Biological N2 fixation and nitrogen deposition represent the external input and loss from the plant-soil system can occur via leaching. Simulated carbon and nitrogen pools and fluxes are in the range of other models and data. Gross primary production (GPP) for the 1990s in the CN-coupled version is 129.6 Pg C a−1 and net C uptake is 0.83 Pg C a−1, whereas the C-only version results in a GPP of 133.1 Pg C a−1 and a net C uptake of 1.57 Pg C a−1. At the end of a transient experiment for the years 1800–2000, where temperature is held constant but CO2 fertilisation for vegetation is allowed to happen, the CN-coupled version shows an enhanced net C uptake of 1.05 Pg C a−1, whereas in the experiment where CO2 is held constant and temperature is transient the land turns into a C source of 0.60 Pg C a−1 by the 1990s. The arithmetic sum of the temperature and CO2 effects results in 0.45 Pg C a−1, which is 0.38 Pg C a−1 lower than seen in the fully forced model, suggesting a strong non-linearity in the CN-coupled version. Anthropogenic N deposition has a positive effect on Net Ecosystem Production of 0.35 Pg C a−1. Overall, the UVic CN-coupled version shows similar characteristics in terms of C and N pools and fluxes to other CN-coupled Earth System Models.
Predicting effects of plantation expansion on streamflow regime for catchments in Australia
Authors: Zhang L. , Zhao F. F. , Brown A. E.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The effect of plantations on mean annual streamflow is well understood and there are robust methods available for assessing the impact. Plantations also affect streamflow regime, leading to reductions in low flow and increased number of zero-flow days. Understanding changes in streamflow regime following plantation expansion is important for developing water resources and environmental flow strategy. This study evaluated the impacts of plantation on streamflow regime from 15 catchments in Australia. The selected catchments range in size from 0.6 to 1136 km2 and represent different climatic conditions and management practices. The catchments have at least 20 yr and in most cases 35 yr of continuous daily streamflow data and well documented plantation records. Catchments with perennial streamflow in the pre-treatment periods showed relatively uniform reductions in most flows after plantation expansions, whereas catchments with ephemeral streamflow showed more dramatic reductions in low flows, leading to an increased number of zero-flow days. The Forest Cover Flow Change (FCFC) model was tested using the data from the selected catchments and comparison of predicted and observed flow duration curves showed that 14 of the 15 catchments have coefficient of efficiency greater than 0.8. The results indicate that the model is capable of predicting plantation impacts on streamflow regime.
Development and validation of a global dynamical wetlands extent scheme
Authors: Stacke T. , Hagemann S.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. In this study we present the development of the dynamical wetland extent scheme (DWES) and its validation against present day wetland observations. The DWES is a simple, global scale hydrological scheme that solves the water balance of wetlands and estimates their extent dynamically. The extent depends on the balance of water flows in the wetlands and the slope distribution within the grid cells. In contrast to most models, the DWES is not directly calibrated against wetland extent observations. Instead, wetland affected river discharge data are used to optimize global parameters of the model. The DWES is not a complete hydrological model by itself but implemented into the Max Planck Institute – Hydrology Model (MPI-HM). However, it can be transferred into other models as well. For present climate, the model validation reveals a good agreement between the occurrence of simulated and observed wetlands on the global scale. The best result is achieved for the northern hemisphere where not only the wetland distribution pattern but also their extent is simulated reasonably well by the DWES. However, the wetland fraction in the tropical parts of South America and Central Africa is strongly overestimated. The simulated extent dynamics correlate well with monthly inundation variations obtained from satellite for most locations. Also, the simulated river discharge is affected by wetlands resulting in a delay and mitigation of peak flows. Compared to simulations without wetlands, we find locally increased evaporation and decreased river flow into the oceans due to the implemented wetland processes. In summary, the validation analysis demonstrates the DWES' ability to simulate the global distribution of wetlands and their seasonal variations. Thus, the dynamical wetland extent scheme can provide hydrological boundary conditions for wetland related studies. In future applications, the DWES should be implemented into an earth system model to study feedbacks between wetlands and climate.
Creating a Living Hyaline Cartilage Graft Free from Non‐Cartilaginous Constituents: An Intermediate Role of a Biomaterial Scaffold
Authors: Su Kai , Lau Ting Ting , Leong Wenyan , Gong Yihong , Wang Dong‐An
Published: January 2012

A novel living hyaline cartilage graft (LhCG) with controllable dimensions and free of non‐cartilaginous constituents for articular regeneration is developed. As a living graft for regenerative medicine, LhCG is purely living tissue based and truly scaffold‐free. The process of neotissue formation in LhCG is mediated by an interim biomaterial‐based novel scaffolding system. This design highlights a philosophy of using biomaterials in engineered regenerative medicine as a transient guiding facility rather than a permanent part of substitute. The fabrication is designed and practiced in a continuous and integrated process, which attributes to its simplicity in operation. Because of the intrinsic non‐cell‐adhesive property of hydrogel scaffolds, articular chondrocytes’ phenotype is always preserved throughout the whole procedure, which has been tested and approved both in vitro and in vivo. In situ grafting trials in a rabbit model showcase high success rates in both cartilage repair and graft‐host integration. Beyond cartilage repair, this LhCG model may provide a living‐tissue‐based open platform or niche for multi‐tissue regenerations.
Application of a dimeric ortho‐palladated complex of tribenzylamine as an efficient catalyst in microwave‐assisted Hiyama coupling reactions
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Rafiee Fatemeh
Published: January 2012

The activity of [Pd{C6H4(CH2N(CH2Ph)2)}(μ‐Br)]2 complex was investigated in cross‐coupling reactions of triethoxy(phenyl)silane with various aryl halides under microwave irradiation. This complex is an efficient and stable catalyst for the synthesis of substituted biphenyls that is non‐sensitive to air and moisture. The combination of dimeric complex as homogenous catalyst, microwave irradiation, DMF as microwave‐active polar solvent and TBAF as microwave‐active additive led to excellent yields in short reaction times. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guilt as a Consequence of Migration
Authors: Ward Catherine , Styles Irene
Published: January 2012

Migration, for some individuals, can be a highly emotional experience. Guilt expressed by daughters, as a result of leaving parents and family following migration, necessitates exploration but has been largely neglected in migrant research. This study involved migrant women from the United Kingdom (UK) to Australia. A cross‐sectional design in a naturalistic setting was used which involved both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative approaches. In total 154 participants completed a questionnaire; however it is the responses of a subset of 40 women who were interviewed which are reported here. Bowlby's (1969) mother–infant attachment theory provided the theoretical framework for this investigation. Bowlby outlined the reaction to loss of attachment in four stages: it is in Stage 2 (yearning and pining) that feelings of guilt manifest. Miceli and Castelfranchi's (1998) three component model of guilt was used to explore the construct of guilt which can be associated with one's behavior, with responsibility for one's actions, and with the consequences of that action.

Findings indicated that feelings of guilt, for some of these migrant participants, were intense and long lasting. Guilt resulted from, firstly, leaving parents in the homeland, secondly, being the only daughter or the only child and leaving parents in the homeland, and thirdly, making the attachment between grandparents and grandchildren vulnerable as a consequence of migration. Results from the study shows that guilt is a powerful emotion that impacts on the well‐being of migrant women and, through them, on their families. The results also indicate that guilt, on the part of both men and women deserves more in‐depth inquiry to detail the psychological impact on migrants. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of participation in randomized trials on outcome following surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux
Authors: Engström C , Jamieson G G , Devitt P G , Irvine T , Watson D I
Published: January 2012

Background

Patients may be unwilling to participate in clinical trials if they perceive risks. Outcomes were evaluated following surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients recruited to randomized trials compared with patients not in trials.

Methods

This study compared outcomes of patients who had surgery for reflux within or outside randomized trials between 1994 and 2009. The choice of procedure outside each trial was according to surgeon or patient preference. Clinical outcomes were determined 1 and 5 years after surgery using a standardized questionnaire, with analogue scales to assess heartburn, dysphagia and overall satisfaction. Subgroup analysis was undertaken for those aged less than 75 years undergoing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Results

Some 417 patients entered six randomized trials evaluating surgery for reflux and 981 underwent surgery outside the trials. The trial group contained a higher proportion of men and younger patients, and patients in trials were more likely to have undergone Nissen fundoplication. At 1 year, patients in the trials had slightly lower heartburn scores and less abdominal bloating, but otherwise similar outcomes to those not in the trials. At 5 years there were no differences, except for a slightly higher dysphagia score for liquids in the trial group. For the subgroup analysis, demographic data were similar for both groups. There were no differences at 1 year, but at 5 years patients enrolled in the trials had higher scores for dysphagia for liquids and heartburn. All of the statistically significant differences were thought unlikely to be clinically relevant.

Conclusion

Participation in a randomized trial assessing surgery for reflux did not influence outcomes.
Evaluator Agreement in Placement Recommendations for Insanity Acquittees
Authors: Stredny Rebecca V. , Parker Amber L. S. , Dibble Ashley Engels
Published: January 2012

Research has examined differences between psychologists and psychiatrists in opinions on trial competency and criminal responsibility, but there is little research on such differences in risk assessment. This study examined the impact of disciplinary affiliation on opinions regarding whether new insanity acquittees should be hospitalized or released, and the risk factors given the most weight by each discipline. There was no significant difference between disciplines in the frequency of recommendations for hospitalization versus release. However, the concordance rate at the individual case level was only moderate when controlling for chance, which raises questions about the reliability and validity of forensic risk assessments in real‐world settings. A number of variables emerged as significant in the decision‐making of each discipline, with some differences noted. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction with unprotected left main coronary artery occlusion
Authors: Izumikawa Takuya , Sakamoto Shingo , Takeshita Satoshi , Takahashi Akihiko , Saito Shigeru
Published: January 2012

Background: We determined the in‐hospital and the long‐term outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion. Methods: Between 1988 and 2009, 72 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) underwent primary PCI for unprotected LMCA occlusion. The short‐ and the long‐term outcomes of primary PCI in these patients were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Upon arrival, cardiogenic shock was observed in 33 (46%) patients and cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) in 12 (17%). Twenty‐three (32%) required extracorporeal life support and 64 (89%) intra‐aortic balloon pumping. Although successful reperfusion was achieved in 60 (83%) patients, in‐hospital death was observed in 32 (44%). Multivariate analysis revealed predictors of in‐hospital death to be CPA on arrival (RR, 7.05; 95% CI: 1.28–39.0; P = 0.025). During 1.7 ± 2.9 years of follow‐up, 10 of the 40 hospital survivors died. All presenting CPA on arrival died within 2 years. Although the estimated survival of the all study patients was only 26.2% at 8 years by the Kaplan–Meier methods, those without shock/CPA on arrival showed nearly flat survival curve after 4 years. Conclusions: Despite performance of primary PCI, patients with AMI due to LMCA occlusion were associated with >50% in‐hospital mortality. Hemodynamic deficit upon arrival was the major determinant of their poor hospital outcomes. The hospital survivors, however, were associated with favorable long‐term outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monoesterase Activity of a Purple Acid Phosphatase Mimic with a Cyclam Platform
Authors: Comba Peter , Gahan Lawrence R. , Hanson Graeme R. , Mereacre Valeriu , Noble Christopher J. , Powell Annie K. , Prisecaru Ion , Schenk Gerhard , Zajaczkowski‐Fischer Marta
Published: January 2012

The synthesis and characterization of a novel dinucleating ligand L (L=4,11‐dimethyl‐1,8‐bis{2‐[N‐(di‐2‐pyridylmethyl)amino]ethyl}cyclam) and its μ‐oxo‐bridged diferric complex [(H2L){FeIII2(O)}(Cl)4]2+ are reported. This diiron(III) complex is the first example of a truly functional purple acid phosphatase (PAP) mimic as it accelerates the hydrolysis of the activated phosphomonoester 2,4‐dinitrophenyl phosphate (DNPP). The spectroscopic and kinetic data indicate that only substrates that are monodentately bound to one of the two ferric ions can be attacked by a suitable nucleophile. This is, most probably, a terminal iron(III)‐bound hydroxide. DFT calculations support this assumption and also highlight the importance of secondary interactions, exerted by the protonated cyclam platform, for the positioning and activation of the iron(III)‐bound substrate. Similar effects are postulated in the native enzyme but addressed in PAP mimics for the first time.
Monitoring and Prediction of the Degradation of Insulating Materials in Thermal Processing Equipments
Authors: Kreutzmann Dominik , Möntmann Dirk , Pohland vom Schloß Heide , Lucka Klaus , Teneva‐Kosseva Guergana , Uhlig Volker , Trimis Dimosthenis
Published: January 2012

Die vorliegende Forschungsarbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Detektion von Schädigungen an Wandzustellungen von Thermoprozessanlagen im laufenden Betrieb. Dabei wird eine Temperaturerhöhung als Hinweis auf eine Dämmungsschädigung genutzt. Im Laufe der Untersuchungen wurde deutlich, dass eine Temperaturmessung in der Dämmung die Vorhersage der Schädigung wesentlich verbessert. Durch numerische Simulation wurde gezeigt, dass aus der Wandtemperaturverteilung auf die Tiefe einer Schädigung geschlossen werden kann.
Curvelet processing of MRI for local image enhancement
Authors: Tsai Kunyu , Ma Jianwei , Ye Datian , Wu Jian
Published: January 2012

Magnetic resonance imaging provides very good contrast between different soft tissues; however, in some cases, this technique is not so suitable to image calcified structures like bones. The quality of images is often degraded by blur edges or noises, which makes it difficult to accurately identify bone structures. In this paper, we proposed a new curvelet preprocessing method for local image enhancement to especially improve the quality of spinal MRI. Our objective is to both sharpen boundaries and smoothen the intensity variation of the vertebra. In the first phase, we extract features through curvelet coefficients and the gradient of the original image, then we utilize fuzzy cluster method to classify the whole image scope into the ‘edge’ region and the ‘nonedge’ region. In the second phase, we locally sharpen or smoothen the image by adaptive adjustment of curvelet coefficients and Gaussian smoothing method in different subregions. To evaluate the effect of the preprocessing method, we examine the gradient of the image and its segmentation results as the assessments. The experiment results show that the feature extraction method is effective for classification and the vertebra performs higher contrast on boundaries and less noises after the enhancement, which indeed helps increase the accuracy of further segmentation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive resource allocation for multicast orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems with guaranteed BER and rate
Authors: Bai Lin , Chen Chen , Wu Bo , He Jianhua
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we propose a resource allocation scheme to minimize transmit power for multicast orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems. The proposed scheme allows users to have different symbol error rate (SER) across subcarriers and guarantees an average bit error rate and transmission rate for all users. We first provide an algorithm to determine the optimal bits and target SER on subcarriers. Because the worst‐case complexity of the optimal algorithm is exponential, we further propose a suboptimal algorithm that separately assigns bit and adjusts SER with a lower complexity. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the performance of multicast orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems and that the performance of the suboptimal algorithm is close to that of the optimal one. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Is Unaffected by Modest Changes in Pressure
Authors: Webber Benjamin C. , Carney Christiane E. , Woods Mark
Published: January 2012

ParaCEST (Paramagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer) agents offer an unparalleled opportunity to perform quantitative molecular imaging by MRI. Agents that can alter the image contrast they generate in response to changes in local environmental parameters such as pH, glucose concentration, or lactate concentration can be used ratiometrically to quantitatively describe the local tissue environment. However, when performing such quantitative measurements it is important that the results are not confounded by changes in a second environmental parameter. Pressure in vivo is far from uniform, varying both through the respiratory cycle and from tissue to tissue (tumors, in particular, have high interstitial pressures). Since paraCEST agents have positive activation volumes, their exchange kinetics and therefore the CEST effect that they generate are necessarily related to pressure. The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether the relatively small changes in pressure exhibited in vivo could affect CEST sufficiently to confound attempts to quantify other local environmental parameters. The CEST properties of a rigid EuDOTA‐tetraamide was examined at temperatures ranging from 288 to 319 K, at applied pressures ranging from 0 to 414 kPa, and presaturation (B1) powers ranging from 524 to 935 Hz. At no point was pressure found to affect the CEST generated by this chelate, which indicates that changes in in vivo pressure is unlikely to confound the quantitative measurement of physiologically relevant parameters by paraCEST MRI.
Regioselective Photochemical Rearrangement of N‐Mesyloxylactams
Authors: Pichette Simon , Aubert‐Nicol Samuel , Lessard Jean , Spino Claude
Published: January 2012

N‐Mesyloxylactams can undergo ring contraction either by C‐3 (usually observed) or C‐5 migration. C‐5 migration can occur when the C‐3 migration product possesses ring strain, but it does not usually compete with C‐3 migration. The greater preference for C‐3 migration is due to the carbonyl oxygen atom, which greatly stabilizes the intermediate.
A Phosphane‐Mediated Diastereoselective, Domino aza‐Morita–Baylis–Hillman/Reduction Sequence Involving Water as Hydrogen Source
Authors: Duvvuru Deepti , Retailleau Pascal , Betzer Jean‐François , Marinetti Angela
Published: January 2012

The new domino process disclosed here involves PBu3 as both a nucleophilic and a reducing agent. The process combines suitable electron‐poor dienes, N‐tosylimines, tri‐n‐butylphosphane and water. The final products formally result from reduction of vinylogous aza‐Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts. The reaction proceeds with an excellent stereochemical control of the relative configurations of the newly created contiguous carbon centres.
Proteomics analysis of in vitro protein methylation during Src‐induced transformation
Authors: Chiou Yi‐Ying , Fu Shu‐Ling , Lin Wey‐Jinq , Lin Chao‐Hsiung
Published: January 2012

Src, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, was the first oncogene identified from an oncogenic virus. Mechanistic studies of Src‐induced transformations aid in understanding the pathologic processes underlying tumorigenesis and may provide new strategies for cancer therapy. Although several pathways and protein modifications are reportedly involved in Src‐induced transformation, the detailed mechanisms of their regulation remain unclear. Protein methylation is an important PTM that is widely involved in cellular physiology. In this study, we determined if protein methylation was involved in Src activation and which methylated proteins were associated with this activity. Using in vitro methylation and 2‐DE analysis of viral Src (v‐Src)‐transformed rat kidney epithelial cells (RK3E), several known and novel methylated proteins were identified based on their changes in methylation signal intensity upon transformation. Among these, elongation factor 2 (EF‐2), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K), and β‐tubulin protein expressions remained unchanged, indicating that their altered methylation levels were due to Src activation. In addition, the altered expression of β‐actin, vimentin, and protein phosphatase 2, catalytic subunit (PPP2C) as well as protein phosphatase 2, catalytic subunit methylation were also confirmed in RK3E cells transformed with a human oncogenic Src mutant (Src531), supporting their association with Src‐induced transformation in human cancer. Together, we showed putative involvement of protein methylation in Src activation and our identification of methylated proteins provides important targets for extensively studying Src‐induced transformations.
Modeling of droplet traffic in interconnected microfluidic ladder devices
Authors: Song Kui , Zhang Li , Hu Guoqing
Published: January 2012

The problem of controlling the droplet motion in multiphase flows on the microscale has gained increasing attention because the droplet‐based microfluidic devices provide great potentials for chemical and biological applications. It is critical to understand the relevant physics on droplet hydrodynamics and thus control the generation, motion, splitting, and coalescence of droplets in complex microfluidic networks. Numerical simulations using the volume of fluid algorithm are conducted to investigate the time‐dependent dynamics of droplets in gas–liquid multiphase devices. An analytical model based on the electronic–hydraulic analogy is developed to describe the hydrodynamic behavior of the droplets in interconnected microfluidic ladder devices. It is found that the pressure drop caused by the droplets plays a critical role in the droplet synchronization. A fitted formula for pressure drops in the presence of surfactant is achieved by using numerical simulations. Both the numerical and the theoretical results agree well with the corresponding experimental results.
Optimal distributed interference avoidance: potential game and learning
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Xu Yuhua , Anpalagan Alagan , Wu Qihui , Gao Zhan
Published: January 2012

This article studies the problem of distributed interference avoidance (IA) through channel selection for distributed wireless networks, where mutual interference only occurs among nearby users. First, an interference graph is used to characterise the limited range of interference, and then the distributed IA problem is formulated as a graph colouring problem. Because solving the graph colouring problem is non‐deterministic polynomial hard even in a centralised manner, the task of obtaining the optimal channel selection profile distributively is challenging. We formulate this problem as a channel selection game, which is proved to be an exact potential game with the weighted aggregate interference serving as the potential function. On the basis of this, a distributed learning algorithm is proposed to achieve the optimal channel selection profile that constitutes an optimal Nash equilibrium point of the channel selection game. The proposed learning algorithm is fully distributed because it needs information about neither the network topology nor the actions and the experienced interference of others. Simulation results show that the proposed potential game theoretic IA algorithm outperforms the existing algorithm because it minimises the aggregate weighted interference and achieves higher network rate. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of ethyl glucuronide in hair samples by liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS)
Authors: Cabarcos Pamela , Hassan Huda M. , Tabernero María Jesús , Scott Karen S.
Published: January 2012

Many different biomarkers can be used to evaluate ethanol intake. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a direct phase II and minor metabolite of ethanol formed through the UDP‐glucuronosyl transferase‐catalyzed conjugation of ethanol with glucuronic acid. Its investigation is of interest in both clinical and forensic contexts because of the wide window of detection. A sensitive LC‐MS/MS procedure has been developed and fully validated according to the guidelines of forensic toxicology for the analysis of EtG in hair. Sample preparation and chromatographic separation were thoroughly optimized. The analysis was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring mode using the transitions m/z 221 → 203 (for the quantification) and 221 → 85 or 75 (for the qualification) for EtG, and m/z 226 → 208 (for quantification) and 226 → 75 or 85 (for qualification) for EtG‐D5, used as the internal standard. Analyses were carried out using an Inertsil ODS‐3 column (100 × 3 mm i.d., 3 µm particle size) and a mobile phase composed of formic acid and acetonitrile. Various SPE cartridges and solvents were tested in order to obtain the highest recoveries and cleanest extracts. The assay linearity of EtG was confirmed over the range from 20 to 2500 pg mg−1, with a coefficient of determination (R2) above 0.99. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 20 pg mg−1 and the limit of detection was 10 pg mg−1. Intra‐ and inter‐day assays were less than 15% except at the LLOQ (20%). The analytical method was applied to 72 post‐mortem hair samples. EtG concentration in the hair ranged from 0 to 653 pg mg−1 hair. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular classification of breast carcinomas with particular emphasis on “basal‐like” carcinoma: A critical review
Authors: Lavasani Mohammad Ali , Moinfar Farid
Published: January 2012

During the last 11 years, 5 molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma (luminal A, luminal B, Her2‐positive, basal‐like, and normal breast‐like) have been characterized and intensively studied. As genomic research evolves, further subtypes of breast cancers into new “molecular entities” are expected to occur. For example, a new and rare breast cancer subtype, known as claudin‐low, has been recently found in human carcinomas and in breast cancer cell lines. There is no doubt that global gene expression analyses using high‐throughput biotechnologies have drastically improved our understanding of breast cancer as a heterogeneous disease. The main question is, however, whether new molecular techniques such as gene expression profiling (or signature) should be regarded as the gold standard for identifying breast cancer subtypes. A critical review of the literature clearly shows major problems with current molecular techniques and classification including poor definitions, lack of reproducibility, and lack of quality control. Therefore, the current molecular approaches cannot be incorporated into routine clinical practice and treatment decision making as they are immature or even can be misleading. This review particularly focuses on the “basal‐like” breast cancer subtype that represents one of the most popular breast cancer “entities”. It critically shows major problems and misconceptions with and about this subtype and challenges the common claim that it represents a “distinct entity”. It concludes that the term “basal‐like” is misleading and states that there is no evidence that expression of basal‐type cytokeratins in a given breast cancer, regardless of other established prognostic factors, does have any impact on clinical outcome. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of a new immobilized Fe3+ catalyst with homogeneous Fe3+–H2O2 system for degradation of 2,4‐dinitrophenol
Authors: Ghosh Prabir , Kumar Chandra , Samanta Amar Nath , Ray Subhabrata
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous Fenton catalysts have been used to treat various organic pollutants in an aqueous environment. The present study has investigated the degradation of 2,4‐dinitrophenol (2,4‐DNP), a priority pollutant generated by such industries as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, pigments and dyes. Degradation of 2,4‐DNP (100 mg L−1) was studied using Fe3+ loaded on Al2O3 as a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of H2O2, and the efficiency compared with the homogeneous Fe3+/H2O2 based Fenton‐like process. The effect of different parameters for both processes, such as catalyst loading, H2O2 concentration, initial solution pH, initial substrate concentration and temperature were investigated and the optimum operating conditions determined.

RESULTS: Under optimal operating conditions of the homogeneous system ([Fe3+] 125 mg L−1; [H2O2] 250 mg L−1; pH 3; room temperature), 92.5% degradation was achieved in 35 min for an initial 2,4‐DNP concentration of 100 mg L−1. In the case of immobilized Fe (Fe3+–Al2O3 catalyst), degradation improved to 98.7% under the condition 10 wt% [Fe3+–Al2O3] 1 g L−1 catalyst loading; [H2O2] 250 mg L−1; pH 3; at room temperature for the same duration.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the stability and reusability of the prepared heterogeneous catalyst. This process is a viable technique for treatment of aqueous solutions containing contaminants. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Low turnover osteoporosis in sheep induced by hypothalamic‐pituitary disconnection
Authors: Beil Frank Timo , Oheim Ralf , Barvencik Florian , Hissnauer Tim N. , Pestka Jan M. , Ignatius Anita , Rueger Johannes M. , Schinke Thorsten , Clarke Iain J. , Amling Michael , Pogoda Pia
Published: January 2012

The hypothalamus is of critical importance in regulating bone remodeling. This is underscored by the fact that intracerebroventricular‐application of leptin in ewe leads to osteopenia. As a large animal model of osteoporosis, this approach has some limitations, such as high technical expenditure and running costs. Therefore we asked if a surgical ablation of the leptin signaling axis would have the same effects and would thereby be a more useful model. We analyzed the bone phenotype of ewe after surgical hypothalamo‐pituitary disconnection (HPD + OVX) as compared to control ewe (OVX) after 3 and 12 months. Analyses included histomorphometric characterization, micro‐CT and measurement of bone turnover parameters. Already 3 months after HPD we found osteopenic ewe with a significantly decreased bone formation (69%) and osteoclast activity (49%). After a period of 12 months the HPD group additionally developed an (preclinical) osteoporosis with significant reduction (33%) of femoral cortical thickness, as compared to controls (OVX). Taken together, HPD leads after 12 month to osteoporosis with a reduction in both trabecular and cortical bone caused by a low bone turnover situation, with reduced osteoblast and osteoclast activity, as compared to controls (OVX). The HPD‐sheep is a suitable large animal model of osteoporosis. Furthermore our results indicate that an intact hypothalamo‐pituitary axis is required for activation of bone turnover. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1254–1262, 2012
Improving fixation strength of pedicle screw by microarc oxidation treatment: An experimental study of osteoporotic spine in sheep
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Ling , Zhang Yang , Guo Zheng , Wu Zi‐xiang , Liu Da , Gao Ming‐xuan , Chen Huan , Fu Suo‐chao , Lei Wei
Published: January 2012

Failure of fixation caused by loosening of pedicle screws in osteoporosis is a problem in spinal surgery. We compared the in vivo fixation strength between pedicle screws treated with microarc oxidation (MAO) and untreated screws in an osteoporotic model of ovariectomized sheep. The MAO treated and untreated screws were placed in lumbar vertebral bodies. After 3 months of implantation, biomechanical tests, micro‐CT analysis, and histological observations were conducted to examine the performance of the two groups. At time 0, no significant difference was found between the two groups in biomechanical tests (p > 0.05); 3 months later, higher pull‐out strength and load with less displacement were detected in the MAO‐treated group (p < 0.05). Micro‐CT analysis showed that the tissue mineral density, bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number in the MAO‐treated group were all higher than those in untreated group (p < 0.05), and trabecular spacing was smaller (p < 0.05). Histologically, the bone–implant interface in the MAO‐treated group was better than that in untreated group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, pedicle screws with a bioactive surface treated by MAO can improve screw fixation strength in osteoporotic spines in sheep. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1296–1303, 2012
Droplet size control with methanol‐repellent surface in a sampling device for continuous annular electrochromatography
Authors: Wang Qi , Rebrov Evgeny V. , Hessel Volker
Published: January 2012

The eluent droplet size defines the number of sampling compartments in a continuously operated annular electrochromatograph and therefore influences separation efficiency. In this work, an assembly of two capillaries, a feeding capillary on the top and a receiving capillary placed under it, has been investigated to control droplet size. The receiving capillary prevents the liquid droplet formation beyond a critical size, which reduces the volume of sampling compartment as compared with the case of the electrolyte flow driven solely by gravity. With a receiving capillary, the electrolyte droplet size was reduced from 1.5 to 0.46 mm. Further decrease of droplet size was not possible due to a so‐called droplet jump upwards effect which has been observed on a hydrophilic glass surface with water. A typical electrolyte used in CAEC has high methanol content. In an attempt to improve the methanol‐repellent properties of the glass surface, two approaches have been implemented: (i) self‐assembled chemisorbed monolayers of an alkylsiloxane and (ii) fabrication of a nano‐pin film. The methanol‐repellent surface of the feeding capillary suppressed the droplet jump upwards effect. The surface remained methanol repellent in different solutions with lower polarity than that of water.
On holomorphic polydifferentials in positive characteristic
Authors: Karanikolopoulos Sotiris
Published: January 2012

Let F/E be an abelian Galois extension of function fields over an algebraic closed field K of characteristic p > 0. Denote by G the Galois group of the extension F/E. In this paper, we study Ω(m), the space of holomorphic m‐(poly)differentials of the function field of F when G is cyclic or a certain elementary abelian group of order pn; we give bases for each case when the base field is rational, introduce the Boseck invariants and give an elementary approach to the G module structure of Ω(m) in terms of Boseck invariants. The last computation is achieved without any restriction on the base field in the cyclic case, while in the elementary abelian case it is assumed that the base field is rational. Finally, an application to the computation of the tangent space of the deformation functor of curves with automorphisms is given.
A model structure approach to the finitistic dimension conjectures
Authors: Cortés Izurdiaga M. , Estrada S. , Guil Asensio P. A.
Published: January 2012

We explore the interlacing between model category structures attained to classes of modules of finite \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathcal {X}$\end{document}‐dimension, for certain classes of modules \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathcal {X}$\end{document}. As an application we give a model structure approach to the finitistic dimension conjectures and present a new conceptual framework in which these conjectures can be studied.
Inversion formula for the windowed Fourier transform
Authors: Sun W.
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we study the inversion formula for recovering a function from its windowed Fourier transform. We give a rigorous proof for an inversion formula which is known in engineering. We show that the integral involved in the formula is convergent almost everywhere on \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {R}$\end{document} as well as in Lp for all 1 < p < ∞ if the function to be reconstructed is.