bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy as a Tool for Investigating Interactions and Assembly Dynamics in Biomolecular and Biomineral Systems
Authors: De Yoreo James J. , Chung Sungwook , Friddle Raymond W.
Published: April 2013

Atomic force imaging and spectroscopy provide unique tools for investigating molecular interactions and dynamics in biomolecular and biomineral systems in situ. Herein, three recent examples of methods used to gain mechanistic insights into the self‐assembly of protein matrices and biomolecular controls over mineral formation are reviewed. Studies of S‐layer protein assembly reveal the complex nature of the nucleation and growth pathway, demonstrate the importance of kinetic traps in determining that pathway and provide quantification of the energy barriers controlling formation rates. Investigations of citrate and polypeptide modification of calcium oxalate monohydrate growth combined with molecular dynamics simulations (MD) demonstrate the importance of stereochemical matching at atomic steps on the crystal surface and establish a direct relationship between the step edge binding energies and shape modification. Measurements of step kinetics lead to detailed atomic‐scale models that include both thermodynamic and kinetic effects, including time‐dependent phenomena related to the multi‐stage binding dynamics of polypeptide chains. Dynamic force spectroscopy measurements of binding between amelogenin peptide segments and hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystal faces, again combined with MD simulations, establish an energetic rationale for the observed c‐axis elongation characteristic of HAP in tooth enamel, based on determinations of the peptide‐HAP binding free energy. These examples demonstrate the deep level of understanding that can be obtained by applying in situ AFM imaging and force spectroscopy to biomolecular and biomineral systems.
The Exfoliation of Graphene in Liquids by Electrochemical, Chemical, and Sonication‐Assisted Techniques: A Nanoscale Study
Authors: Xia Zhen Yuan , Pezzini Sergio , Treossi Emanuele , Giambastiani Giuliano , Corticelli Franco , Morandi Vittorio , Zanelli Alberto , Bellani Vittorio , Palermo Vincenzo
Published: April 2013

The different exfoliation routes of graphite to produce graphene by sonication in solvent, chemical oxidation and electrochemical oxidation are compared. The exfoliation process and roughening of a flat graphite substrate is directly visualized at the nanoscale by scanning probe and electron microscopy. The etching damage in graphite and the properties of the exfoliated sheets are compared by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The results show the trade‐off between exfoliation speed and preservation of graphene quality. A key step to achieve efficient exfoliation is to couple gas production and mechanical exfoliation on a macroscale with non‐covalent exfoliation and preservation of graphene properties on a molecular scale.
Anticorrosion epoxy coating enriched with hybrid nanozinc dust and halloysite nanotubes
Authors: Moazeni Nima , Mohamad Zurina , Faisal Nor Liyana Izzati , Tehrani Mahsa A. , Dehbari Nazila
Published: April 2013

In this study, the performance of an epoxy coating with hybrid nanozinc dust and halloysite nanotube (HNT) fillers on the corrosion protection of a carbon steel substrate was investigated. The epoxy resin was mixed with a constant amount of nanozinc dust (1%) and different contents of HNTs (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5%) with a high speed mixer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were used to analyze the interactions between the components in the coating material and the thermal stability of the epoxy coating, respectively. Open‐circuit potential, salt spray testing, and microscopy were also used to assess the corrosion resistance of the carbon steel substrate coated with these coating materials. The incorporation of nanozinc in the epoxy coating enhanced the corrosion protection of the carbon steel substrate compared with the pure coating. Furthermore, HNTs further enhanced the corrosion protection. The best protection was achieved when 1% nanozinc and 1% HNT were used. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 955‐960, 2013
Selective preparation of carbon nanoflakes, carbon nanospheres, and carbon nanotubes through carbonization of polymethacrylate by using different catalyst precursors
Authors: Hong Ningning , Tang Gang , Wang Xiaofeng , Hu WeiZhao , Song Lei , Hu Yuan
Published: April 2013

This work reports the selective preparation of different kinds of carbon nanomaterials through carbonization of polymethacrylate (PMA)/organophilic clay (Oclay) composite by just changing the catalyst precursors. The morphologies and structures of the carbon materials were characterized by Scanning and Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The result indicated that the catalyst precusors had a strong influence on the morphologies and yields of the obtained products. Carbon nanoflakes were produced when iron oxide was used as the catalyst precursor, cobalt oxide favored the formation of carbon nanospheres, while carbon nanotubes occurred over nickel oxide. The presence of Oclay plallets was determined to prevent the pyrolytic carbon species of PMA in the system from escaping, thus relatively more carbon nanomaterials were obtained. Based on the experimental observations, a possible mechanism was discussed for illustrating the growth process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1029‐1037, 2013
An epoxy‐ended hyperbranched polymer as a new modifier for toughening and reinforcing in epoxy resin
Authors: Luo Lijuan , Meng Yan , Qiu Teng , Li Xiaoyu
Published: April 2013

A new epoxy‐ended hyperbranched polyether (HBPEE) with aromatic skeletons was synthesized through one‐step proton transfer polymerization. The structure of HBPEE was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. It was proved to be one high efficient modifier in toughening and reinforcing epoxy matrix. In particular, unlike most other hyperbranched modifiers, the glass transition temperature (Tg) was also increased. Compared with the neat DGEBA, the hybrid curing systems showed excellent balanced mechanical properties at 5 wt % HBPEE loading. The great improvements were attributed to the increased cross‐linking density, rigid skeletons, and the molecule‐scale cavities brought by the reactive HBPEE, which were confirmed by dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA). Furthermore, because of the reactivity of HBPEE, the hybrids inclined to form a homogenous system after the curing. DMA and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results revealed that no phase separation occurred in the DGEBA/HBPEE hybrids after the introduction of reactive HBPEE. SEM also confirmed that the addition of HBPEE could enhance the toughness of epoxy materials as evident from fibril formation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1064‐1073, 2013
Fabrication of highly isotactic polypropylene fibers to substitute asbestos in reinforced cement composites and analysis of the fiber formation mechanism
Authors: Takahashi Tetsuya , Tsurunaga Yoko , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: April 2013

Highly isotactic polypropylene (PP) is currently studied as a cement‐reinforcement fiber that could potentially be substituted for asbestos because of its resistance to prolonged high‐temperature curing. The higher the isotacticity of the PP fiber is, the higher the tensile modulus and breaking strength of the cured fiber are. The PP fiber that exhibits a isotacticity of 99.6% (XI) and draw ratio of 6.0 retains a tensile modulus of 4.23 GPa, even after high‐temperature curing at 175°C for 5 h. PP fiber is cut into 6‐mm lengths and dispersed throughout a cement mixture to prepare a reinforced cement composite. The mixture is cured in an autoclave at 175°C for 5 h. The Charpy impact strength and flexural strength of the obtained cement composite tends to increase with increasing PP isotacticity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 981‐988, 2013
Evolution of the amorphous fraction of PEEK during annealing at atmospheric and high pressure above the glass transition temperature
Authors: Dasriaux Marion , Castagnet Sylvie , Thilly Ludovic , Chocinski‐Arnault Laurence , Boyer Séverine A. E.
Published: April 2013

The constrained fraction of the amorphous phase of semi‐crystalline polymers is in an out‐of‐equilibrium state so that "physical aging"‐like features can be observed (e.g., by calorimetry) even above the glass transition temperature. This was already addressed in the literature in several semi‐crystalline polymers at atmospheric pressure. Despite the well‐known influence of pressure on molecular mobility, the pressure‐sensitivity of these microstructure rearrangements has never been tackled. This study focuses on annealing in highly pressurized Poly‐Ether‐Ether‐Ketone (PEEK), compared with atmospheric pressure. The phenomenon is tracked by ex‐situ Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). A significant influence of pressure is evidenced, without any complete equivalence with temperature. Indeed, pressure seems to confine rearrangements within spatially limited domains. The stability and coexistence of reorganization processes upon successive annealings is also investigated. Finally, relationships between constrained and free amorphous phase rearrangements are discussed via the different glass transition shifts observed after atmospheric or high pressure annealing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1148‐1157, 2013
Inconsistencies in the highly cited publications indicator
Authors: Schreiber Michael
Published: April 2013

One way of evaluating individual scientists is the determination of the number of highly cited publications, where the threshold is given by a large reference set. It is shown that this indicator behaves in a counterintuitive way, leading to inconsistencies in the ranking of different scientists.
Less Conservative Stability Criteria for Discrete‐Time Nonlinear Stochastic Singular Systems with Mixed Time‐Delay
Authors: Weng Falu , Ding Yuanchun , Yang Guoliang , Liang Liming , Yu Zhongan
Published: April 2013

The problem of delay‐dependent robust stability and stabilization for discrete‐time nonlinear stochastic singular systems with mixed time delay is discussed in this paper. Based on a delay partitioning technique, a new description of the system is obtained first. Then, considering each subinterval, a novel delay‐dependent Lyapunov functional is established. In terms of the linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, the delay‐dependent conditions are proposed for the system to be regular, causal, and mean‐square stable. Moreover, a suitable robust state feedback controller is designed, and the regularity, causality and stability of the closed‐loop system are guaranteed. Finally, numerical examples are given to show the results derived from the proposed method are less conservative than the existing ones.
Protein partners of KCTD proteins provide insights about their functional roles in cell differentiation and vertebrate development
Authors: Skoblov Mikhail , Marakhonov Andrey , Marakasova Ekaterina , Guskova Anna , Chandhoke Vikas , Birerdinc Aybike , Baranova Ancha
Published: April 2013

The KCTD family includes tetramerization (T1) domain containing proteins with diverse biological effects. We identified a novel member of the KCTD family, BTBD10. A comprehensive analysis of protein‐protein interactions (PPIs) allowed us to put forth a number of testable hypotheses concerning the biological functions for individual KCTD proteins. In particular, we predict that KCTD20 participates in the AKT‐mTOR‐p70 S6k signaling cascade, KCTD5 plays a role in cytokinesis in a NEK6 and ch‐TOG‐dependent manner, KCTD10 regulates the RhoA/RhoB pathway. Developmental regulator KCTD15 represses AP‐2α and contributes to energy homeostasis by suppressing early adipogenesis. TNFAIP1‐like KCTD proteins may participate in post‐replication DNA repair through PCNA ubiquitination. KCTD12 may suppress the proliferation of gastrointestinal cells through interference with GABAb signaling. KCTD9 deserves experimental attention as the only eukaryotic protein with a DNA‐like pentapeptide repeat domain. The value of manual curation of PPIs and analysis of existing high‐throughput data should not be underestimated.
Resituating the Community College in a Global Context
Authors: Treat Tod , Hagedorn Linda Serra
Published: April 2013

From locally focused institutions intent on access and affordability to higher education, workforce preparation, and community engagement, the contemporary community college is poised as a global partner for the democratization and development of a global workforce.
Heptyl α‐D‐Mannosides Grafted on a β‐Cyclodextrin Core To Interfere with Escherichia coli Adhesion: An In Vivo Multivalent Effect
Authors: Bouckaert Julie , Li Zhaoli , Xavier Catarina , Almant Mehdi , Caveliers Vicky , Lahoutte Tony , Weeks Stephen D. , Kovensky José , Gouin Sébastien G.
Published: April 2013

n‐Heptyl α‐D‐mannoside (HM) has previously been identified as a nanomolar FimH antagonist able to prevent Escherichia coli adhesion. We have designed mono‐ and heptavalent glycoconjugates in which HM is tethered to β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) through short and long spacers. One‐pot click or co‐clicking procedures were developed to directly obtain the glycoconjugates from unprotected HM and β‐CD precursors. These FimH antagonists were examined biophysically and in vivo. Reverse titrations by isothermal calorimetry led to trapping of the short‐tethered heptavalent β‐CD in a complex with three FimH lectins. Combined dynamic light scattering and small‐angle X‐ray solution scattering data allowed the construction of a model of the FimH trimer. The heptavalent β‐CDs were shown to capture and aggregate living bacteria in solution and are therefore also able to aggregate FimH when attached to different bacteria pili. The first in vivo evaluation of multivalent FimH inhibitors has been performed. The heptavalent β‐CDs proved to be much more effective anti‐adhesive agents than monovalent references with doses of around 2 μg instilled in the mouse bladder leading to a significantly decreased E. coli load. Intravenously injected radiolabeled glycoconjugates can rapidly reach the mouse bladder and >2 μg concentrations can easily be retained over 24 h to prevent fluxing bacteria from rebinding.
Total Syntheses and Biological Reassessment of Lactimidomycin, Isomigrastatin and Congener Glutarimide Antibiotics
Authors: Micoine Kévin , Persich Peter , Llaveria Josep , Lam My‐Hanh , Maderna Andreas , Loganzo Frank , Fürstner Alois
Published: April 2013

Lactimidomycin (1) was described in the literature as an exquisitely potent cell migration inhibitor. Encouraged by this claim, we developed a concise and scalable synthesis of this bipartite glutarimide‐macrolide antibiotic, which relies on the power of ring‐closing alkyne metathesis (RCAM) for the formation of the unusually strained 12‐membered head group. Subsequent deliberate digression from the successful path to 1 also brought the sister compound isomigrastatin (2) as well as a series of non‐natural analogues of these macrolides into reach. A careful biological re‐evaluation of this compound collection showed 1 and progeny to be potently cytotoxic against a panel of cancer cell lines, even after one day of compound exposure; therefore any potentially specific effects on tumor cell migration were indistinguishable from the acute effect of cell death. No significant cell migration inhibition was observed at sub‐toxic doses. Although these findings cannot be reconciled with some reports in the literature, they are in accord with the notion that lactimidomycin is primarily a ribosome‐binder able to effectively halt protein biosynthesis at the translation stage.
Intermolecular Interactions in Li+‐glyme and Li+‐glyme–TFSA−Complexes: Relationship with Physicochemical Properties of [Li(glyme)][TFSA] Ionic Liquids
Authors: Tsuzuki Seiji , Shinoda Wataru , Seki Shiro , Umebayashi Yasuhiro , Yoshida Kazuki , Dokko Kaoru , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: April 2013

The stabilization energies (ΔEform) calculated for the formation of the Li+complexes with mono‐, di‐ tri‐ and tetra‐glyme (G1, G2, G3 and G4) at the MP2/6‐311G** level were −61.0, −79.5, −95.6 and −107.7 kcal mol−1, respectively. The electrostatic and induction interactions are the major sources of the attraction in the complexes. Although the ΔEformincreases by the increase of the number of the O⋅⋅⋅Li contact, the ΔEformper oxygen atom decreases. The negative charge on the oxygen atom that has contact with the Li+weakens the attractive electrostatic and induction interactions of other oxygen atoms with the Li+. The binding energies calculated for the [Li(glyme)]+complexes with TFSA−anion (glyme=G1, G2, G3, and G4) were −106.5, −93.7, −82.8, and −70.0 kcal mol−1, respectively. The binding energies for the complexes are significantly smaller than that for the Li+with the TFSA−anion. The binding energy decreases by the increase of the glyme chain length. The weak attraction between the [Li(glyme)]+complex (glyme=G3 and G4) and TFSA−anion is one of the causes of the fast diffusion of the [Li(glyme)]+complex in the mixture of the glyme and the Li salt in spite of the large size of the [Li(glyme)]+complex. The HOMO energy level of glyme in the [Li(glyme)]+complex is significantly lower than that of isolated glyme, which shows that the interaction of the Li+with the oxygen atoms of glyme increases the oxidative stability of the glyme.
Unraveling the Reaction Mechanisms Governing Methanol‐to‐Olefins Catalysis by Theory and Experiment
Authors: Hemelsoet Karen , Van der Mynsbrugge Jeroen , De Wispelaere Kristof , Waroquier Michel , Van Speybroeck Veronique
Published: April 2013

The conversion of methanol to olefins (MTO) over a heterogeneous nanoporous catalyst material is a highly complex process involving a cascade of elementary reactions. The elucidation of the reaction mechanisms leading to either the desired production of ethene and/or propene or undesired deactivation has challenged researchers for many decades. Clearly, catalyst choice, in particular topology and acidity, as well as the specific process conditions determine the overall MTO activity and selectivity; however, the subtle balances between these factors remain not fully understood. In this review, an overview of proposed reaction mechanisms for the MTO process is given, focusing on the archetypal MTO catalysts, H‐ZSM‐5 and H‐SAPO‐34. The presence of organic species, that is, the so‐called hydrocarbon pool, in the inorganic framework forms the starting point for the majority of the mechanistic routes. The combination of theory and experiment enables a detailed description of reaction mechanisms and corresponding reaction intermediates. The identification of such intermediates occurs by different spectroscopic techniques, for which theory and experiment also complement each other. Depending on the catalyst topology, reaction mechanisms proposed thus far involve aromatic or aliphatic intermediates. Ab initio simulations taking into account the zeolitic environment can nowadays be used to obtain reliable reaction barriers and chemical kinetics of individual reactions. As a result, computational chemistry and by extension computational spectroscopy have matured to the level at which reliable theoretical data can be obtained, supplying information that is very hard to acquire experimentally. Special emphasis is given to theoretical developments that open new perspectives and possibilities that aid to unravel a process as complex as methanol conversion over an acidic porous material.
The piecewise‐affine model of buck converter suitable for practical stability analysis
Authors: Siewniak Piotr , Grzesik Bogusław
Published: April 2013

A generalized geometrical piecewise‐affine continuous‐time model (GMD) of buck converter under pulse‐width modulated (PWM) voltage‐mode control is presented in this paper. In general, such a model can be applied to any DC‐DC power electronic converter (PEC) in which the valves are modelled as ideal switches. The GMD is suitable and convenient to analyse PEC practical stability which is a completely different concept in relation to the notion of its stability in the classical Lyapunov sense.

The PEC GMD is based on its commutation structure which is a general geometrical model of its commutation. The general idea of this model consists in determining the local dynamic behaviour of PEC trajectories on the faces of its commutation structure and/or their sections. These faces and sections are treated as geometrical objects with generalized local dynamics.

The analysis of buck converter practical stability is carried out using a new method based directly on the definition of this term but not Lyapunov‐like functions as in the direct method. It has been shown that PEC Lyapunov stability does not imply its practical stability. These two concepts are complementary to each other. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of TGFβ signaling during tail regeneration in the leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
Authors: Gilbert Richard W.D. , Vickaryous Matthew K. , Viloria‐Petit Alicia M.
Published: April 2013

Introduction: The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)/activin signaling pathway has a number of documented roles during wound healing and is increasingly appreciated as an essential component of multi‐tissue regeneration that occurs in amphibians and fish. Among amniotes (reptiles and mammals), less is known due in part to the lack of an appropriate model organism capable of multi‐tissue regeneration. The leopard gecko Eublepharis macularius is able to spontaneously, and repeatedly, regenerate its tail following tail loss. We examined the expression and localization of several key components of the TGFβ/activin signaling pathway during tail regeneration of the leopard gecko. Results: We observed a marked increase in phosphorylated Smad2 expression within the regenerate blastema indicating active TGFβ/activin signaling. Interestingly, during early regeneration, TGFβ1 expression is limited whereas activin‐βA is strongly upregulated. We also observe the expression of EMT transcription factors Snail1 and Snail2 in the blastema. Conclusions: Combined, these observations provide strong support for the importance of different TGFβ ligands during multi‐tissue regeneration and the potential role of TGFβ/activin‐induced EMT programs during this process. Developmental Dynamics 242:886–896, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Phox2b::FLPo transgenic mouse line suitable for intersectional genetics
Authors: Hirsch Marie‐Rose , d'Autréaux Fabien , Dymecki Susan M. , Brunet Jean‐François , Goridis Christo
Published: April 2013

Phox2b is a transcription factor expressed in the central and peripheral neurons that control cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive functions and essential for their development. Several populations known or suspected to regulate visceral functions express Phox2b in the developing hindbrain. Extensive cell migration and lack of suitable markers have greatly hampered studying their development. Reasoning that intersectional fate mapping may help to overcome these impediments, we have generated a BAC transgenic mouse line, P2b::FLPo, which expresses codon‐optimized FLP recombinase in Phox2b expressing cells. By partnering the P2b::FLPo with the FLP‐responsive RC::Fela allele, we show that FLP recombination switches on lineage tracers in the cells that express or have expressed Phox2b, permanently marking them for study across development. Taking advantage of the dual‐recombinase feature of RC::Fela, we further show that the P2b::FLPo transgene can be partnered with Lbx1Cre as Cre driver to generate triple transgenics in which neurons having a history of both Phox2b and Lbx1 expression are specifically labeled. Hence, the P2b::FLPo line when partnered with a suitable Cre driver provides a tool for tracking and accessing genetically subsets of Phox2b‐expressing neuronal populations, which has not been possible by Cre‐mediated recombination alone. genesis 51:506–514. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The geometry of the Pareto front in biological phenotype space
Authors: Sheftel Hila , Shoval Oren , Mayo Avi , Alon Uri
Published: April 2013

When organisms perform a single task, selection leads to phenotypes that maximize performance at that task. When organisms need to perform multiple tasks, a trade‐off arises because no phenotype can optimize all tasks. Recent work addressed this question, and assumed that the performance at each task decays with distance in trait space from the best phenotype at that task. Under this assumption, the best‐fitness solutions (termed the Pareto front) lie on simple low‐dimensional shapes in trait space: line segments, triangles and other polygons. The vertices of these polygons are specialists at a single task. Here, we generalize this finding, by considering performance functions of general form, not necessarily functions that decay monotonically with distance from their peak. We find that, except for performance functions with highly eccentric contours, simple shapes in phenotype space are still found, but with mildly curving edges instead of straight ones. In a wide range of systems, complex data on multiple quantitative traits, which might be expected to fill a high‐dimensional phenotype space, is predicted instead to collapse onto low‐dimensional shapes; phenotypes near the vertices of these shapes are predicted to be specialists, and can thus suggest which tasks may be at play.
N‐Acyl‐ and N‐Sulfonylformamidines from Cyanamides and Carbodiimides by Hydroalumination and Subsequent Treatment with Electrophiles
Authors: Hellmann Johannes , Rhotert Ines , Westenberg Hauke , Fröhlich Roland , Wibbeling Birgit , Uhl Werner , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich
Published: April 2013

Hydroalumination of cyanamides 1 with di(isobutyl)aluminium hydride affords intermediate compounds 3, which have dimeric structures in the solid state with four‐membered Al2N2 heterocycles and exocyclic N=C double bonds. The reactions of 3 with acyl chlorides yield N′,N′‐disubstituted N‐acylformamidines 5, whereas reaction with sulfonyl chlorides give the corresponding N‐sulfonylformamidines 7. In contrast, carbodiimides 8 react with dialkylaluminium hydrides R2AlH (R = tBu, iBu) to give compounds 9 in which one C=N bond of the carbodiimide is reduced to form an amidinate ligand and a second molecule of the hydride is coordinated through an Al–N and an Al–H–Al bond. Treatment of 9 with acyl chlorides yields N,N′‐disubstituted N‐acylformamidines 10, whereas reaction with sulfonyl chlorides gives the corresponding N‐sulfonylformamidines 11.
Multihop compute‐and‐forward for generalised two‐way relay channels
Authors: Wang Gengkun , Xiang Wei , Yuan Jinhong
Published: April 2013

The compute‐and‐forward (CaF) relaying strategy recently proposed by Nazer and Gastpar has been proven to achieve significant improvements in ‘computation rate’ than conventional relaying strategies in the multiple‐access channel. Although there have been some recent efforts on the implementations of CaF, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no published work that analyses the outage performance of CaF in the multihop two‐way relay channel (MH‐TRC). In this paper, we extend the original CaF strategy to multihop CaF (MH‐CaF) and investigate the outage performance of the proposed MH‐CaF in the generalised MH‐TRC. The transmission strategy of MH‐CaF for the L‐node K‐message MH‐TRC is generalised. The network throughput of MH‐CaF is proven to be significantly better than the non‐network coding (Non‐NC) scheme for the MH‐TRC with a large number of messages. The outage probabilities for both Non‐NC and MH‐CaF schemes are derived for comparison. Numerical results show that for a five‐node MH‐TRC, MH‐CaF can achieve a better outage performance than Non‐NC when the number of messages is less than 12. Furthermore, it is also demonstrated that MH‐CaF is always superior to Non‐NC in outage performance when the number of nodes of the MH‐TRC is relatively large. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Auditor's Guide to M&A Scandals
Authors: Shapiro David
Published: April 2013

Companies have grown ever larger by regularly consolidating and acquiring other businesses, in an effort to compete globally. The author of this article, a veteran financial investigator, has worked for the FBI, a New Jersey county prosecutor's office, and others. He says that the countervailing force of antitrust enforcement too often plays second fiddle or is passive in the face of freewheeling, deregulated merger and acquisition (M&A) activity. In this article, he reveals some of the detrimental by‐products of M&A, including the increased risk of corruption. He also discusses the auditor's role in detecting—and preventing—these adverse M&A by‐products and risks. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The HPQ/AU Scandal: What Went Wrong?
Authors: Shapiro David
Published: April 2013

In 2011, Hewlett‐Packard (HPQ) acquired Autonomy PLC (AU), the United Kingdom's largest software provider. But after a whistleblower complained of deficient accounting and financial reporting at AU, HPQ announced a write‐down of the valuation recorded from the AU acquisition in the amount of $8.8 billion—including a whopping $5 billion from alleged accounting improprieties! Why didn't auditors and others uncover this before the deal went through? What went wrong? © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improve Earnings by Shifting Finance Department Resources to Corporate Performance Management Services
Authors: Paladino Bob
Published: April 2013

How do successful companies organize and innovate to achieve results—especially in a challenging market? This article shows how the traditional corporate finance function can become a forward‐looking, value‐creating driver of earnings and success. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nitrogen removal from temperate anaerobic–aerobic two‐stage biological systems: impact of reactor type and wastewater strength
Authors: Eusebi Anna L. , Martin‐Garcia Nacho , McAdam Ewan J. , Jefferson Bruce , Lester John N. , Cartmell Elise
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

There is a need to examine the impact of anaerobic reactor type and wastewater strength on anaerobic–aerobic two‐stage biological systems for temperate wastewater treatment An expanded granular sludge blanket reactor and an anaerobic membrane bioreactor for crude wastewater treatment with downstream aerobic biological treatment were studied together with increasing the organic concentration by fortifying the crude wastewater with primary sludge.

RESULTS

A chemical oxygen demand and ammonia compliant effluent was produced from the anaerobic–aerobic two‐stage process. Due to the enhanced organics removal achieved by the membrane, a lower denitrification rate, kd, was recorded for the anaerobic membrane bioreactor effluent treatment. However, the residual organic carbon in the anaerobic effluents from both the expanded granular sludge blanket reactor and the anaerobic membrane bioreactor treating crude wastewater was not of sufficient quality to support denitrification. Complete nitrification was achieved during downstream treatment of the fortified effluent. In addition, fortification increased kd to values analogous to exogenous carbon substrates.

CONCLUSIONS

It is postulated that fortification currently presents the most sustainable strategy for anaerobic–aerobic two‐stage biological systems due to a combination of enhanced methane production and denitrification. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrate reduction coupled with pyrite oxidation in the surface sediments of a sulfide‐rich ecosystem
Authors: Hayakawa Atsushi , Hatakeyama Mizuho , Asano Ryoki , Ishikawa Yuichi , Hidaka Shin
Published: April 2013

Most studies of denitrification have focused on organic carbon as an electron donor, but reduced sulfur can also support denitrification. Few studies have reported nitrate (NO3−) reduction coupled with pyrite oxidation and its stoichiometry in surface sediments, especially without experimental pyrite addition. In this study, we evaluated NO3− reduction coupled with sulfur oxidation by long‐term incubation of surface sediments from a sulfide‐rich ecosystem in Akita Prefecture, Japan. The surface sediments were sampled from a mud pool and a riverbed. Fresh sediments and water were incubated under anoxic conditions (and one oxic condition) at 20°C. NO3− addition increased the SO42− concentration and decreased the NO3− concentration. SO42− production (∆SO42−) was strongly and linearly correlated with NO3− consumption (∆NO3−) during the incubation period (R2 = 0.983, P < 0.01, and n = 8), and the slope of the regression (∆NO3−/∆SO42−) and the stoichiometry indicated sulfur‐driven NO3− reduction by indigenous autotrophic denitrifying bacteria. Framboidal pyrite and marcasite (both FeS2) were present in the sediments and functioned as the electron donors for autotrophic denitrification. Both ∆NO3− and ∆SO42− were higher in the riverbed sediment than in the mud pool sediment, likely because of the higher amount of easily oxidizable S (pyrite) in the riverbed sediment. Consistently low ammonium (NH4+) concentrations indicated that NO3− reduction by dissimilatory NO3− reduction to NH4+ was small but could not be disregarded. Our results demonstrate that sulfide‐rich ecosystems with easily oxidizable metal‐bound sulfides such as FeS2 near the ground surface may act as denitrification hot spots.
Serological characterization of dengue virus infections observed among dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome cases in upper Myanmar
Authors: Ngwe Tun Mya Myat , Thant Kyaw Zin , Inoue Shingo , Kurosawa Yae , Lwin Yee Yee , Lin Sanda , Aye Kay Thi , Thet Khin Pe , Myint Tin , Htwe Khin , Mapua Cynthia A. , Natividad Filipinas F. , Hirayama Kenji , Morita Kouichi
Published: April 2013

In Myanmar, dengue fever (DF)/dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children. From Pyinmana Hospital in 2004 and Mandalay Children Hospital in 2006, 160 patients diagnosed clinically to have DHF/dengue shock syndrome (DSS) were examined for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG levels. A focus reduction neutralization test was also used to determine primary or secondary dengue virus (DENV) infection. By using IgM‐capture ELISA, 139 cases were confirmed as DENV infections. Of these IgM‐positives, 94 samples were collected 7–24 days from the onset of illness, to which 13 (14%) and 81 (86%) were determined to be primary and secondary DENV infections, respectively. The 13 primary DENV infection cases were spread among the various severity groups (DHF grade I–IV and DSS) and represented age groups ranging from <1 year of age to 9 years of age. The patients in these primary infection cases showed a remarkably high IgM with a low IgG titer response compared with the secondary infection cases. No significant differences were observed in IgG titers with clinical severity. The data obtained in this study suggest that primary DENV infection cases exist certainly among DHF/DSS cases in Myanmar, and that additional mechanism(s) aside from the antibody‐dependent enhancement mechanism could have influenced the clinical severity in DHF/DSS cases.J. Med. Virol. 85:1258–1266, 2013.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of the Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Ratio of Polymeric Micelles on their Endocytosis Pathways into Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Qu Qianqian , Li Jinrong , Zhou Shaobing
Published: April 2013

Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), a fluorescent probe, is coupled to amphiphilic monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (mPEG‐PCL) copolymers. FITC‐labeled mPEG‐PCL copolymers self‐assemble into micelles through the solvent evaporation method. The cellular internalization is examined using fluorescence microscopy on incubation of NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts with micelles or free FITC solution. The effect of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio on the endocytosis mechanisms is evaluated by fluorescence microscopy on culturing of human hepatoblastoma cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, individually, mixed with the micelles holding the same parameters including micelle size, shape, and surface charges.

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Anisotropic Shape‐Memory Elastomeric Composites: Fabrication and Testing
Authors: Rodriguez Erika D. , Weed Derek C. , Mather Patrick T.
Published: April 2013

Anisotropic shape‐memory elastomeric composites (A‐SMEC) are fabricated by infiltrating an aligned electrospun fibrous web with an elastomer, and curing. Mechanical testing proves strong anisotropy in Young's modulus (EY), strain‐to‐failure (ϵf), and yield stress (σy) observed with averages of EY = 48.4 and 4.0 MPa, ϵf = 198 and 351%, and σy = 4.6 and 0.9 MPa for longitudinal and transverse loading directions, with respect to the fibrous web's orientation. Shape‐memory (SM) characterization reveals modest anisotropy in the shape fixing ratios (Rf), yet seemingly isotropic shape recovery (Rr) nearing completeness. Such soft, anisotropic materials may be used in laminated composite elastomers.

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Abelian varieties over finitely generated fields and the conjecture of Geyer and Jarden on torsion
Authors: Arias‐de‐Reyna Sara , Gajda Wojciech , Petersen Sebastian
Published: April 2013

In this paper we prove the Geyer‐Jarden conjecture on the torsion part of the Mordell‐Weil group for a large class of abelian varieties defined over finitely generated fields of arbitrary characteristic. The class consists of all abelian varieties with big monodromy, i.e., such that the image of Galois representation on ℓ‐torsion points, for almost all primes ℓ, contains the full symplectic group.
1H and 13C NMR spectral assignments of 2′‐hydroxychalcones
Authors: Yong Yeonjoong , Ahn Seunghyun , Hwang Doseok , Yoon Hyuk , Jo Geunhyeong , Kim Young Hwa , Kim Sang Ho , Koh Dongsoo , Lim Yoongho
Published: April 2013

Chalcones are of interest to medicinal chemists because their structures can be easily modified with various functional groups. The syntheses and biological activities of chalcones from natural sources are well known. In this study, 24 2′‐hydroxychalcones bearing methoxy substituents were synthesized, among which five are new. The NMR data for all synthesized chalcones are described for the first time. The complete assignments of the 1H and 13C NMR data can be used for the identification of newly discovered and widely isolated, synthesized chalcones. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age‐ and gender‐specific nomograms for single and dual post‐void residual urine in healthy children
Authors: Chang Shang‐Jen , Chiang I‐Ni , Hsieh Cheng‐Hsing , Lin Chia‐Da , Yang Stephen Shei‐Dei
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To establish the first age‐ and gender‐specific nomograms for single and two consecutive tests for post‐void residual urine (PVR).

Material and Methods

Healthy children aged 4–12 years were enrolled for two sets of uroflowmetry and PVR. The first PVR and the lower value of the two consecutive PVRs of each child with a voided volume ≥50 ml were included for construction of Single‐ and Dual‐PVR nomograms. Children with possible urinary tract infection or lower urinary tract dysfunctions were excluded.

Results and Limitations

Totally, 1,128 children (583 boys and 545 girls) with a mean age of 7.7 ± 2.2 years were eligible for analysis. The 95th percentile of Single‐PVR for all children was 27.2 ml, or 19.2% of bladder capacity (BC), while that for Dual‐PVR were 11.2 ml or 6.0% of BC, respectively. Multivariate studies showed that PVR was positively associated with BC, negatively associated with age, higher in boys than girls, and higher in abnormal uroflow patterns. For children aged ≤6 years, a single PVR >30 ml or >21% BC, or repetitive PVR >20 ml or >10% BC can be regarded as elevated. For children aged ≥7 years, a single PVR >20 ml or 15% BC, or repetitive PVR >10 ml or 6% BC can be redefined as elevated.

Conclusions

Age, gender, and BC should be taken into considerations at interpretation of PVR tests in children. Repeating PVR test is recommended when a single PVR is higher than the 95th percentile of age‐ and gender‐specific PVR. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 1014–1018, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Childhood intelligence and adult obesity
Authors: Kanazawa Satoshi
Published: April 2013

Objective: Recent studies conclude childhood intelligence has no direct effect on adult obesity net of education, but evolutionary psychological theories suggest otherwise.

Design and Methods: A population (n = 17,419) of British babies has been followed since birth in 1958 in a prospectively longitudinal study. Childhood general intelligence is measured at 7, 11, and 16, and adult BMI and obesity are measured at 51.

Results: Childhood general intelligence has a direct effect on adult BMI, obesity, and weight gain, net of education, earnings, mother's BMI, father's BMI, childhood social class, and sex. More intelligent children grow up to eat more healthy foods and exercise more frequently as adults.

Conclusion: Childhood intelligence has a direct effect on adult obesity unmediated by education or earnings. General intelligence decreases BMI only in adulthood when individuals have complete control over what they eat.
Paradoxical protective effect of central obesity in patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Bechlioulis Aris , Vakalis Konstantinos , Naka Katerina K. , Bourantas Christos V. , Papamichael Nikolaos D. , Kotsia Anna , Tzimas Thomas , Pappas Konstantinos , Katsouras Christos S. , Michalis Lampros K.
Published: April 2013

Objective:

Increased body mass index (BMI) has been paradoxically inversely associated with the presence of angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD). Central obesity measures, considered to be more appropriate for assessing obesity‐related cardiovascular risk, have been little studied in relation to the presence of CAD. The aim was to investigate the association of central obesity with the presence of angiographic CAD as well as the prognostic significance of obesity measures in CAD prediction when added to other cardiovascular risk factors.

Design and Methods:

Patients with suspected stable CAD (n = 403, age 61 ± 10 years, 302 males) referred for diagnostic coronary angiography with documented anthropometric data were enrolled.

Results:

Significant angiographic CAD was found in 51% of patients. Both BMI (OR = 0.64 per 1 SD increase, P = 0.001) and waist circumference (WC) (OR = 0.54 per 1 SD increase, P < 0.001) were inversely associated with the presence of CAD even after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. In subgroup analysis, BMI and WC were significantly inversely associated with the presence of CAD in males, non diabetics, patients >60 years old and patients with Framingham risk score (FRS) >20% (P < 0.01 for all). The addition of BMI or WC in FRS‐based regression models improved prediction of CAD (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001 for BMI and WC respectively) without a significant difference between the two models (P = 0.08).

Conclusions:

Central and overall obesity were independently associated with a reduced prevalence of angiographic CAD, lending further credence to the existence of the ‘obesity paradox’. Obesity measures may further improve risk discrimination for the presence of CAD when added in an established risk score such as FRS.
New developments in the law for obesity discrimination protection
Authors: Pomeranz Jennifer L. , Puhl Rebecca M.
Published: April 2013

Background:

Obese individuals are frequent targets of weight‐based discrimination, particularly in the employment setting. Victims of weight discrimination have sought legal restitution like others who have suffered from different forms of discrimination. However, in the vast majority of the United States, body weight is not a protected class and weight‐based employment discrimination does not provide a basis for a legal claim. Some have attempted to seek legal recourse under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (collectively, the ADA), which protect against discrimination based on mental or physical disabilities in a variety of settings. Until recently, claims of weight discrimination under the ADA have also been largely unsuccessful. However, Congress recently passed the ADA Amendments Act, expanding the definition of what constitutes a disability and incorporating a broad view of ADA's coverage.

Objective:

This short communication provides an update of the law as it relates to employment based discrimination of obese people. The authors propose a legislative direction for future legal recourse.

Design and Methods:

The authors conducted legal research into the ADA Amendments Act, and synthesized this work relating to discrimination against weight in the employment context.

Results:

In light of the ADA Amendments Act, courts and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have provided protection for severely obese people from discrimination based on actual or perceived disability in the employment context.

Conclusion:

The authors discuss this positive legal development and additionally propose a targeted solution to address weight discrimination in the employment setting. National polling suggests there is considerable public support for such a measure. The authors thus recommend the implementation of a “Weight Discrimination in Employment Act” modeled after the Age Discrimination in Employment Act to adequately address this pervasive and damaging injustice toward individuals who are affected by obesity.
Does obesity associate with mortality among hispanic persons? Results from the national health interview survey
Authors: Mehta Tapan , McCubrey Raymond , Pajewski Nicholas M. , Keith Scott W. , Allison David B. , Crespo Carlos J. , Fontaine Kevin R.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To evaluate the association between BMI: kg/m2 and mortality among Hispanic adults.

Design and Methods

Eight years (1997‐2004) of National Health Interview Survey data linked to public‐use mortality follow‐up data through 2006 were acquired. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, separate models for two attained age strata (18 to <60 years, ≥60 years) adjusting for sex, smoking, and physical activity with over 38,000 analyzable respondents were fit.

Results

Among those aged ≥60 years, underweight (BMI ≤ 18.5) associated with elevated mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38‐3.46), whereas overweight (BMI of 25 to <30) and obesity grade 1 (BMI of 30 to <35) associated with reduced mortality (HRs = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65‐0.95 and 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.91), respectively. There were no significant associations between BMI and mortality among the 18 to <60 years attained age strata or among never smokers for either age strata.

Conclusions

Overweight and obesity are not obviously associated with elevated mortality among Hispanic adults.