bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feedlot veterinarians' moral and instrumental beliefs regarding antimicrobial use in feedlot cattle
Authors: McIntosh W. M. Alex , Schulz Sarah , Dean Wesley , Scott Morgan H. , Barling Kerry S. , Takei Isao
Published: December 2008

This cross‐sectional survey research study examined the role moral beliefs play in predicting behavioural beliefs and attitudes and the role that subjective norms play in predicting moral beliefs. Using a self‐administered questionnaire, one hundred and three feedlot veterinarians completed measures of behavioural beliefs, referent others, perceived constraints and moral beliefs regarding recommendations to use antimicrobials in four situations (i.e. acutely sick cattle, chronically sick cattle, at‐risk cattle and high‐risk cattle). Regression analysis and F‐tests indicate moral beliefs as contributing significant increases in R2 to models predicting behavioural beliefs regarding antimicrobial use in each situation. In addition, subjective norms contribute a significant increase in R2 in models predicting moral beliefs in each of the four situations. The results indicate the effects of moral beliefs on behavioural beliefs are somewhat contingent on the condition; that is the level of risk associated with treating cattle with antimicrobials, the level of risk of not doing so, and the effectiveness of the antimicrobial in situations such as acute illness or being at‐risk of illness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyrene‐Excimers‐Based Antenna Systems
Authors: Cicchi Stefano , Fabbrizzi Pierangelo , Ghini Giacomo , Brandi Alberto , Foggi Paolo , Marcelli Agnese , Righini Roberto , Botta Chiara
Published: December 2008

A series of dendrimeric compounds bearing pyrene units were synthesized to afford light‐harvesting antennae based on the formation of intramolecular excimers. The synthetic plan profited from the efficiency of the Huisgen reaction, the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azides and terminal alkynes, which allowed ready assembly of the different building blocks. The three molecular antennae obtained, of increasing generation, revealed efficient energy transfer both in solution and in the solid state.
Construction of Fluorescent Probes Via Protection/Deprotection of Functional Groups: A Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Cu2+
Authors: Lin Weiying , Yuan Lin , Tan Wen , Feng Jianbo , Long Lingliang
Published: December 2008

Herein a ratiometric fluorescent Cu2+ probe was rationally constructed in a straightforward manner with the concept of aldehyde group protection/deprotection. The probe showed a ratiometric fluorescent response to Cu2+ with a large emission wavelength shift (>100 nm) and displayed high selectivity for Cu2+ over other metal ions due to distinct deprotection conditions. In addition, a Cu2+‐promoted dethioacetalization mechanism was proposed.
ChemInform Abstract: Precipitation of ALn(CO3)2, xH2O and Dy2(CO3)3, xH2O Compounds from Aqueous Solutions for A+: Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+, NH4+ and Ln3+: La3+, Nd3+, Eu3+, Dy3+.
Authors: Philippini Violaine , Vercouter Thomas , Chausse Annie , Vitorge Pierre
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Iodine‐Promoted Silylation of Alcohols with Silyl Chlorides. Synthetic and Mechanistic Studies.
Authors: Bartoszewicz Agnieszka , Kalek Marcin , Stawinski Jacek
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Diamino Carboxylic Esters by Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Intramolecular Diamination of Acrylates.
Authors: Muniz Kilian , Streuff Jan , Chavez Patricia , Hoevelmann Claas H.
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Four‐Component, One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐4‐thionylquinoline Derivatives and Their Aromatization.
Authors: Ceylan Mustafa , Findik Esra
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective BINOL‐Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Pictet—Spengler Reactions of N‐Benzyltryptamine.
Authors: Sewgobind Nishant V. , Wanner Martin J. , Ingemann Steen , de Gelder Rene , van Maarseveen Jan H. , Hiemstra Henk
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of New Thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐5‐one Derivatives in Reaction of 3‐Allyl‐2‐thiouracils Cyclization.
Authors: Studzinska Renata , Wroblewski Marcin , Draminski Marcin
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Preparation of β‐Aryl‐β‐ketophosphonates by the TFAA/H3PO4‐Mediated Acylation of Arenes with Phosphonoacetic Acids.
Authors: Luke George P. , Seekamp Christopher K. , Wang Zhe‐Qing , Chenard Bertrand L.
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Enantioenriched α‐(Hydroxyalkyl)‐tri‐n‐butylstannanes.
Authors: He Anyu , Falck John R.
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Iptycenes in the Design of High Performance Polymers
Authors: Swager Timothy M.
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Microreactors as Tools in the Hands of Synthetic Chemists
Authors: Seeberger P. H. , Geyer K. , Codee J. D. C.
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystallization
Authors: Ulrich Joachim
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Impact of clinical trials on the use of beta blockers after acute myocardial infarction and its relation to other risk indicators for death and 1‐year mortality rate
Authors: Karlson Björn W. , Herlitz Johan , Hjalmarson Å.
Published: December 2008

Based on selected patient populations, several randomized trials have shown beta blockers to decrease mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The purpose of this study was to describe the use of beta blockers in various subsets of patients admitted to Sahlgren's Hospital between February 15, 1986, and November 9, 1987, with AMI, and the relation of AMI to other risk indicators for death and to a 1‐year mortality rate. Beta blockers, mainly metoprolol, were prescribed for 66% of all survivors at discharge. They were more frequently prescribed for younger patients and for those with a previous history of AMI and hypertension, but less frequently for those with a history of congestive heart failure and diabetes mellitus. Patients for whom beta blockers were not prescribed had a 1‐year mortality of 27% versus 11% for the rest (p < 0.001). Independent predictors of 1 ‐year mortality after discharge were age (p < 0.001 ), history of hypertension (p < 0.001 ), prescription of beta blockers at discharge (p < 0.001 ), congestive heart failure during hospitalization (p < 0.001), and a history of AMI (p < 0.01 ). P values were corrected for baseline differences. Beta blockers were not prescribed at discharge for one‐third of survivors after AMI. This group had a very high mortality during the first year. When simultaneously considering various risk indicators for death, prescription of beta blockers at discharge was associated with an increased rate of survival.
An approximate stochastic analysis of the packet‐pair probing technique for available bandwidth estimation
Authors: Tunnicliffe Martin J. , Winnett Maria
Published: December 2008

The packet‐pair probing algorithm for network‐bandwidth estimation is examined and an approximate model is proposed for predicting its behaviour. The model replaces the Poisson arrival process with a Gaussian distribution and resolves the queue‐size profile into two separate components: A transient component representing the buffer‐emptying process and an equilibrium component representing the return to steady‐state behaviour. Comparison with discrete‐event simulation results shows that the model is accurate in single‐hop paths when utilization is ⩽70% when the cross‐traffic packets are ⩽½ the size of the probe packets. When extended to two‐hop paths, the model remains accurate for smaller cross‐traffic packets (\documentclass{article}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\leq\frac{1}{10}-\frac{1}{5}$\end{document}the probe‐packet size). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MLCC: A new hash‐chained mechanism for multicast source authentication
Authors: Eltaief H. , Youssef H.
Published: December 2008

Asymmetric cryptography has been widely used to generate a digital signature for message authentication. However, such a strategy cannot be used for packet authentication. Neither the source nor the receiver will be capable of handling the computational cost of asymmetric cryptography. For unicast communication, the solution adopted is based on symmetric cryptography. Solutions based on symmetric cryptography do not scale for multicast communication. Several solutions have been reported to authenticate multicast streams, with the possibility of packet losses. Proposed solutions are based on the concept of signature amortization, where a single signature is amortized on several packets. In this paper we present a new mechanism for multicast data source authentication based on signature amortization. Multi‐layers connected chains divides the packet stream into a multi‐layer structure, where each layer is a two‐dimensional matrix. The hash of a packet is included into a forward chain of packets within the same layer as well as a downward chain of packets across multiple layers. The values of the key parameters that influence the mechanism efficiency as well as its performance are selected following a mathematical analysis. Comparisons of performance results with the well‐known efficient multi‐chained stream signature scheme as well as a recently reported scheme multiple connected chains model show that the proposed mechanism achieves a stronger resistance to packet losses with low overhead and high authentication probability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indole in DNA: Comparison of a Nucleosidic with a Non‐Nucleosidic DNA Base Substitution
Authors: Barbaric Janez , Wanninger‐Weiß Claudia , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: December 2008

The synthetic incorporation of indole as an artificial DNA base into oligonucleotides by two different structural approaches is described. For both types of modification, the indole moiety is attached through the C‐3 position to the oligonucleotides. As a mimic of natural nucleosides, the indole nucleoside of β‐2′‐deoxyribofuranoside (In) was synthesized. The corresponding In‐modified duplexes were compared with duplexes that contained the indole group connected through (S)‐3‐amino‐1,2‐propanediol as an acyclic linker between the phosphodiester bridges of the oligonucleotides. This linker was tethered to the C‐3 position of the indole heterocycle either directly (In″) or by a carbamate function (In′). The melting temperatures of the corresponding indole‐modified DNA duplexes were measured and compared. Interestingly, not only the In′ and In″ modifications but also the natural‐like In base surrogate destabilize the DNA duplex strongly. This result supports our approach to apply the acyclic glycol linker to incorporate aromatic molecules as artificial DNA base substitutions. The major advantage of acyclic glycol linkers [such as the applied (S)‐3‐amino‐1,2‐propanediol] is that the corresponding modifications are synthetically more easily and readily accessible, as it avoids the preparation of the nucleosidic bond and the separation and purification of the α‐ and β‐anomers. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Numerical solutions of liquid metal flows by incompressible magneto‐hydrodynamics with heat transfer
Authors: Şentürk Kenan , Tessarotto Massimo , Aslan Necdet
Published: December 2008

A two‐dimensional incompressible magneto‐hydrodynamic code is presented in order to solve the steady state or transient magnetized or neutral convection problems with the effect of heat transfer. The code utilizes a numerical matrix distribution scheme that runs on structured or unstructured triangular meshes and employs a dual time‐stepping technique with multi‐stage Runge–Kutta algorithm. The code can be used to simulate the natural convection with internal heat generation and absorption and nonlinear time‐dependent evolution of heated and magnetized liquid metals exposed to external fields. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving‐boundary analysis of net vapor generation point in a steam generator
Authors: Paruya S. , Bhattacharya P.
Published: December 2008

This paper deals with the study of the dynamics of net vapor generation point in the boiling channel of the steam generator of Kaiga‐1 nuclear power plant. The dynamics has been studied by perturbing liquid velocity at the inlet of boiling channel with a step function and heating rate with a ramp function. Both finite volume method (FVM) and finite difference method (FDM) have been applied to solve the model equations that have been developed to predict boiling boundary. The effect of thermal non‐equilibrium conditions on subcooled boiling has been taken into consideration. A comparative study of the two methods has been carried out based on the analytical solution of the equations. The study shows that at higher system frequency, increasing number of computational grids increase the accuracy of numerical solutions using FVM while FDM fails to achieve the same. The superiority of FVM over FDM for the problem has also been confirmed by grid convergence analysis. An attempt has also been made to find the analytical solution of the effect of change of heat input on boiling boundary, which is an essential part of computations for the simulation of startup and shutdown of the steam generator. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of carbamazepine and lithium in treatment of bipolar disorder: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ceron‐Litvoc Daniela , Soares Bernardo Garcia , Geddes John , Litvoc Julio , Lima Mauricio Silva de
Published: December 2008

Objectives

To review data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the comparative efficacy of carbamazepine and lithium in treatment of acute manic and maintenance phase of bipolar disorder (BD).

Design

RCTs were identified through a search strategy that included: electronic databases, reference cross‐checking, hand search of non‐indexed publications, and book chapters on the treatment of BD comparing carbamazepine with lithium. Outcomes investigated were antimanic effect, trial withdrawal, relapse, hospitalization, need for rescue medication, and presence of adverse effects. Selection of studies and data analysis were performed independently by authors. Whenever possible, data from trials were combined through meta‐analyses. Relative risks (RR) were estimated for dichotomous data.

Results

In acute mania, carbamazepine was similar to lithium on the following outcomes: trial withdrawal due to adverse effects, number of participants with at least one adverse effect, improvement in the Clinical Global Impression (CGI). In acute mania, carbamazepine was associated with fewer trial withdrawals. In maintenance treatment, carbamazepine was similar to lithium in relapses and hospitalization, but there were fewer trial withdrawals due to adverse effects on lithium.

Conclusion

This review suggests that carbamazepine might be comparable to lithium in terms of efficacy and safety, and therefore a valuable option in the treatment of both manic and maintenance phases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic annular laser trapping: a system for high‐throughput sperm analysis and sorting
Authors: Shi Linda , Shao Bing , Chen Timothy , Berns Michael
Published: December 2008

An automatic microscope system is designed to study the response of sperm motility to an annular laser trap. A continuous annular laser trap provides a parallel way to analyze and sort sperm based on their motility and to study the effects of laser radiation, optical force and external obstacles. In the described automatic microscope system, the phase contrast images of swimming sperm are digitized to the computer at video rates. The microscope stage is controlled in real‐time to relocate the sperm of interest to the annular trap with a normal or tangential entering angle. The sperm is continuously tracked and the swimming behavior is identified. Using this system, parallel sorting on human and gorilla sperm are achieved and threshold power levels separating the “fast” group and the “slow” group are compared for those two species. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High‐resolution differentiation of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy strains by quantitative N‐terminal amino acid profiling (N‐TAAP) of PK‐digested abnormal prion protein
Authors: Gielbert Adriana , Davis Linda A. , Sayers A. Robin , Hope James , Gill Andrew C. , Sauer Maurice J.
Published: December 2008

New forms of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) continue to be identified, and consequently sensitive differential diagnosis is increasingly important both for the management of disease in humans and livestock and in providing confidence in the safety of the food chain. TSE diseases are associated with accumulation of protease‐resistant prion protein (PrPSc) and detection of this marker protein is central to diagnosis. Proteolysis by proteinase K (PK) generates protease‐resistant products (PrPres) with partially variable N‐termini. The conformation(s) of PrPSc and thus the points of PK cleavage are thought to be dependent on the strain of prion disease. Western blot (WB) analysis of PrPres gives characteristic migration patterns that can be used to diagnose TSEs, but the relatively low resolution of this technique limits its ability to differentiate certain disease strains. Mass spectrometry (MS) has the capability to resolve these various PK cleavage sites to the level of individual amino acid residues. In the present study multiple selected reaction monitoring (mSRM) was used to detect and quantify PrPres N‐terminal tryptic peptides by MS and thus to define the N‐terminal amino acid profiles (N‐TAAPs) of PrPres characteristic for various TSEs in sheep. The fragmentation behaviour of the N‐terminal tryptic peptides was studied to allow selection of the transitions specific for each peptide. Different PrPres preparation methods were evaluated and the most effective approach applied to differentiate the N‐TAAPs corresponding to various sheep TSE isolates. Marked differences were identified between the N‐TAAPs of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and classical scrapie, and between classical scrapie and the experimental strains SSBP/1 and CH1641, thereby validating this approach as a means of TSE‐strain specific diagnosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal precipitation trends in the Mediterranean Iberian Peninsula in second half of 20th century
Authors: De Luis Martín , González‐Hidalgo José Carlos , Longares Luis Alberto , Štepánek Petr
Published: December 2008

This is a study of the changes in annual and seasonal precipitation amounts and variability, during the period 1951–2000, using MOPREDAMES. This dataset includes 1113 complete and homogeneous monthly precipitation time series from the Mediterranean Iberian Peninsula (IP), and corresponds to the five official Spanish hydrological divisions which drain into the Mediterranean Sea. The time series of annual and seasonal precipitation were used to test for trends. The absolute value of the anomaly time series was also tested for trends to identify changes in interannual variability of precipitation. The significance of these changes was assessed using the non‐parametric Spearman rank test. The intensities of observed changes, both on mean values and variability, were estimated by using linear regression techniques. Finally, we analysed the area affected by different trends by using raster maps and spatial statistics, in addition to calculating the global balances for the five hydrological divisions. We detected high variability in precipitation regimes and conditions in the study area; nevertheless, a decrease in seasonal and annual precipitation has predominated in the east of the IP during the second half of the 20th century. On an annual scale, precipitation has diminished over 90.1% of the study area. Additionally, a high percentage of the territory was affected by diminishing precipitation at a seasonal level: 85% (of territory) in summer, 82% in spring, 64% during winter and 61% in autumn. Taking the study area as a whole, seasonal precipitation decreases are ranked as follows: summer (−22.5%), spring (−19.3%), winter (−7.3%), and autumn (−5.2%), with a decrease in the value of the global mean annual precipitation − 12.4%. We also detected an increase of precipitation variability in winter (+23.5%) and summer (+11.4%), and a decrease in autumn and spring (−14.9 and − 16.8%, respectively) with a global mean value of + 7.8%. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Monthly precipitation trends on the Mediterranean fringe of the Iberian Peninsula during the second‐half of the twentieth century (1951–2000)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hidalgo Jose Carlos , Lopez‐Bustins Joan‐Albert , Štepánek Petr , Martin‐Vide Javier , de Luis Martin
Published: December 2008

We analysed monthly precipitation trends on the eastern Mediterranean fringe of the Iberian Peninsula (IP) by means of a new monthly precipitation database [Monthly Precipitation Dataset, Mediterranean Spain (MOPREDAMES)]. This database was created following an exhaustive quality control of the archives from the Meteorological Agency of Spain (Instituto Nacional de Meteorología, INM), and comprises 1113 complete and homogeneous monthly precipitation series (1951–2000), covering 180 000 km2 (one‐third of IP area). The new data set currently offers the highest spatial density of stations on the IP and around the Mediterranean Sea (1 station/150–200 km2), and includes available information at 1500 m asl.

The analyses of monthly precipitation trends indicate high spatial and temporal variability. No global trend in the study area was found, except for March, when significant negative trends affect the whole study area. Trends for winter months (December–January–February) are dominated by an East–West gradient with a latitudinal temporal shift. Positive trends are mainly located in coastland areas and negatives ones predominate inland. April shows a North‐positive South‐negative gradient, and the reverse is true for June and September. Negative trends are dominant in October over most of the study area, except for the Pyrenees area. July and August show the most complex spatial distribution pattern, with well‐delimited areas of positive trends to the south and northwest. We generally detected no significant trends in May and November.

In order to analyse the nature of rainfall variability in the study area, we also studied the synchronous influence of different low‐variability modes [the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Mediterranean Oscillation (MO) and the Western Mediterranean Oscillation (WeMO)]. On the Mediterranean fringe of the IP precipitation is mainly related to negative phases of the three low‐frequency variability patterns analysed, and the MO and the WeMO emerge as predominant teleconnection patterns. These results suggest that monthly variations in rainfall may result from the simultaneous effects of different atmospheric modes of low variability, especially those linked to the Mediterranean region.

Studies making use of high‐density precipitation databases, as is the case in this paper, are useful for a better understanding of precipitation behaviour in a complex area like the Mediterranean fringe of the IP. The results also provide valuable information for downscaling and hydrological management. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Bayesian analysis of changes in Radiosonde Atmospheric Temperature
Authors: Schleip Christoph , Menzel Annette , Dose Volker
Published: December 2008

This paper describes long‐term changes of global atmospheric temperature, using a strict Bayesian approach which considers three different models to describe the time series: the constant model, the linear model and a change point model. The change point model allows the description of nonlinear annual rates of change with associated confidence intervals. We calculate the probabilities of each of the three models and average finally over these models to obtain the expected functional behaviour and rate of change in temperature with annual resolution. We apply this procedure to a new homogenized Radiosonde Atmospheric Temperature Products for Assessing Climate (RATPAC‐A) data set. Annual mean temperature for 13 pressure levels from the surface to 30 hPa is examined. Residual sums of squares reveal that Bayesian‐model‐averaged function descriptions and rates of changes are especially useful and informative for the surface, troposphere and tropopause and less appropriate for the stratosphere. From the surface up to the tropopause (200–100 hPa), the results reveal that the change point model provides the best data fit. Despite the occurrence of two volcanic eruptions El Chicón (1982) and Mt. Pinatubo (1991), the stratosphere (70–30 hPa) shows a preference for the linear model (60%). The near surface changes exhibit comparatively high change point probability around 1985 and 1995, whereas those at the tropopause level are highest between 1995 and 2000. For the surface and troposphere the model‐averaged functional behaviour increases quite constantly, whereas the model‐averaged functional behaviour for the tropopause decreases until the end of the 1990s and increases from 2000 onwards. The limitations of the currently used radiosonde data render interpretation of the observed changes difficult. Additionally undetected change points may result from our limited model space. In future it should be tested whether a multiple change point model provides a better data description for the stratosphere. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Modeling tropical cyclone intensity with quantile regression
Authors: Jagger Thomas H. , Elsner James B.
Published: December 2008

Wind speeds from tropical cyclones (TCs) occurring near the USA are modeled with climate variables (covariates) using quantile regression. The influences of Atlantic sea‐surface temperature (SST), the Pacific El Niño, and the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) on near‐coastal TC intensity are in the direction anticipated from previous studies using Poisson regression on cyclone counts and are, in general, strongest for higher intensity quantiles. The influence of solar activity, a new covariate, peaks near the median intensity level, but the relationship switches sign for the highest quantiles. An advantage of the quantile regression approach over a traditional parametric extreme value model is that it allows easier interpretation of model coefficients (parameters) with respect to changes to the covariates since coefficients vary as a function of quantile. It is proven mathematically that parameters of the Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD) for extreme events can be used to estimate regression coefficients for the extreme quantiles. The mathematical relationship is demonstrated empirically using the subset of TC intensities exceeding 96 kt (49 m/s). Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Analysis of an ensemble of present day and future regional climate simulations for Greece
Authors: Zanis P. , Kapsomenakis I. , Philandras C. , Douvis K. , Nikolakis D. , Kanellopoulou E. , Zerefos C. , Repapis C.
Published: December 2008

This study investigates the simulated changes in temperature and precipitation over Greece from nine Regional Climate Models (RCMs) for the period 2071–2100 under the A2 emission scenario and evaluates their performance during the control period 1961–1990 using Greek gridded datasets of temperature and precipitation. In winter, most RCMs show a bias towards warmer and dryer conditions and a bias towards higher inter‐annual temperature variability and lower inter‐annual variability of precipitation than the Greek gridded datasets during the control period 1961–1990. In summer, all RCMs show a cold bias for the maritime sub‐regions and generally all sub‐regions show very small biases in precipitation. Concerning the future projections of the RCMs for Greece the mean change of the nine RCMs for the mean air temperature, T2mean, between the future period and the control period for the integrated Greek domain is 3.4 °C for winter and 4.5 °C for summer with the changes being larger in continental than in the marine sub‐regions. The inter‐annual temperature variability in the future simulations generally increases in summer and decreases in winter almost for all RCMs with these changes being larger in the continental sub‐regions than in maritime sub‐regions of Greece. Almost all RCMs simulate a decrease of the precipitation for the future climate for both winter and summer with the inter‐annual variability of summer precipitation decreasing for the majority of RCMs. The reported future climatic changes will have important impacts for the region of Greece in vital sectors such as water resources, agriculture, tourism, forest fire risk and energy demand. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Surface layer climate and turbulent exchange in the ablation zone of the west Greenland ice sheet
Authors: van den Broeke Michiel , Smeets Paul , Ettema Janneke
Published: December 2008

A comprehensive description is presented of the surface layer (SL) wind, temperature and humidity climate and the resulting sensible and latent heat exchange in the ablation zone of the west Greenland ice sheet. Over a four‐year period (August 2003–August 2007), data were collected using three automatic weather stations (AWS) located along the 67°N latitude circle at 6, 38 and 88 km from the ice sheet margin at elevations of 490, 1020 and 1520 m asl. In the lower ablation zone, surface momentum roughness peaks in summer, which enhances the mechanical generation of turbulence in the stable SL. The SL is stably stratified throughout the year: in summer, the surface temperature is maximised at the melting point and therefore remains colder than the overlying air, in winter the surface is cooled by a radiation deficit. The resulting downward directed sensible heat flux cools the SL air. Humidity gradients between surface and air are small in winter, in response to low temperatures, but peak in spring, when the surface is not yet melting and can freely increase its temperature. This is especially true for the lower ablation zone, where winter accumulation is small so that the dark ice surface is already exposed at the onset of spring, allowing significant convection and sublimation. During summer, when the surface is melting, the sensible heat flux becomes directed towards the surface and sublimation changes into deposition in the lower ablation zone. The SL wind climate is dominated by katabatic forcing, with high directional constancy in summer and winter. The katabatic forcing is important to maintain turbulent exchange in the stable Greenland SL. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Determination of avoparcin in animal tissues and milk using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS and tandem‐SPE
Authors: Inoue Koichi , Mizuno Yasuomi , Yoshimi Yukiko , Nunome Mari , Hino Tomoaki , Tsutsumiuchi Kaname , Oka Hisao
Published: December 2008

A highly sensitive and selective method using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS and tandem‐SPE was developed to detect trace amounts of avoparcin (AV) antibiotics in animal tissues and milk. Data acquisition using MS/MS was achieved by applying multiple reaction monitoring of the product ions of [M + 3H]3+ and the major product ions of AV‐α and ‐β at m/z 637 → 86/113/130 and m/z 649 → 86/113/130 in ESI(+) mode. The calculated instrumental LODs were 3 ng/mL. The sample preparation was described that the extraction using 5% TFA and the tandem‐SPE with an ion‐exchange (SAX) and InertSep C18‐A cartridge clean‐up enable us to determine AV in samples. Ion suppression was decreased by concentration rates of each sample solution. These SPE concentration levels could be used to detect quantities of 5 ppb (milk), 10 ppb (beef), and 25 ppb (chicken muscle and liver). The matrix matching calibration graphs obtained for both AV‐α (r >0.996) and ‐β (r >0.998) from animal tissues and milk were linear over the calibration ranges. AV recovery from samples was higher than 73.3% and the RSD was less than 12.0% (n = 5).
Strong stability for a fluid–structure interaction model
Authors: Grobbelaar‐Van Dalsen Marié
Published: December 2008

In this paper we consider the question of stabilization of a fluid–structure model that describes the interaction between a 3‐D incompressible fluid and a 2‐D plate, the interface, which coincides with a flat flexible part of the surface of the vessel containing the fluid. The mathematical model comprises the Stokes equations and the equations for the longitudinal deflections of the plate with inclusion of the shear stress, which the fluid exerts on the plate. We show that the energy associated with the model decays strongly when the interface is equipped with a locally supported dissipative mechanism. Our main tool is an abstract resolvent criterion due to Tomilov. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A geometric‐based algebraic multigrid method for higher‐order finite element equations in two‐dimensional linear elasticity
Authors: Xiao Yingxiong , Shu Shi , Zhao Tuyan
Published: December 2008

In this paper, we will discuss the geometric‐based algebraic multigrid (AMG) method for two‐dimensional linear elasticity problems discretized using quadratic and cubic elements. First, a two‐level method is proposed by analyzing the relationship between the linear finite element space and higher‐order finite element space. And then a geometric‐based AMG method is obtained with the existing solver used as a solver on the first coarse level. The resulting AMG method is applied to some typical elasticity problems including the plane strain problem with jumps in Young's modulus. The results of various numerical experiments show that the proposed AMG method is much more robust and efficient than a classical AMG solver that is applied directly to the high‐order systems alone. Moreover, we present the corresponding theoretical analysis for the convergence of the proposed AMG algorithms. These theoretical results are also confirmed by some numerical tests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intumescent flame retardation and silane crosslinking of PP/EPDM elastomer
Authors: Wang Zhengzhou , Zhou Shun , Hu Yuan
Published: December 2008

This study deals with the silane crosslinking and intumescent flame retardation of polypropylene/ethylene‐propylene‐diene copolymer (PP/EPDM) elastomers. The effect of silane crosslinking on the flame retardancy of the PP/EPDM composites containing melamine phosphate (MP) and dipentaerythritol (DPER) was studied by limiting oxygen index, UL 94 and cone calorimetry tests. The chemical composition of the silane crosslinked and flame retarded PP/EPDM composites treated at different temperatures was studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and real time Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. Thermal decomposition and crystallization behavior of the PP/EPDM composites were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the composites were also studied. It is found that the flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and thermal decomposition behavior of the composites are influenced by silane grafting and crosslinking. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of poly(γ‐glutamic acid) on the gelation of Pluronic F127
Authors: Lee Yen‐Hsien , Yang Ming‐Chien
Published: December 2008

The gelation of Pluronic F127 aqueous solution was investigated in the presence of sodium poly(γ‐glutamate) (PGA). The gelation temperature was determined based on the tube inversion technique. The gelation temperature increased greatly when the ratio of PGA to F127 was 0.2, and then decreased at higher ratios. The enthalpy of gelation (ΔHgel) was calculated based on the model of Eldridge and Ferry. A splitting in the model was observed when the PGA/F127 ratio was 0.2 which yielded both a maximum and a minimum of ΔHgel. These results indicate that PGA can significantly affect the gelation of F127. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and quantification of proteins differentially secreted by a pair of normal and malignant breast‐cancer cell lines
Authors: Liang Xiquan , Huuskonen Jarkko , Hajivandi Mahbod , Manzanedo Raul , Predki Paul , Amshey Joseph R. , Pope R. Marshall
Published: December 2008

Secreted proteins play a pivotal role in cellular functions. To better understand malignant behavior, we adapted stable isotopic labeling with amino acids in cell culture technology to identify and quantify proteins differentially released into the extracellular media by a pair of normal and malignant breast‐cancer cell lines. Approximately 380 non‐redundant proteins were quantified in serum‐free media. Of the assigned proteins, 62% are classified secreted in protein databases and an additional 25% are designated secreted in the literature. A number of growth factors were found differentially regulated. Tumor necrosis factor, pigment epithelial‐differentiating factor and stem‐cell growth factor precursor showed decreased expression in breast‐cancer cell line, whereas Inhibin beta and macrophage migration inhibitory factor show increased expression. Interestingly, protease inhibitors, including plasma protease (C1) inhibitor, PZP precursor, and SerpinE2 were significantly down‐regulated in cancer cell line as were angiostatic factors from extracellular matrix (ECM) such as endorepillin. Further, the C‐terminal fragment of type XVIII collagen, endostatin, a potent angiostatic factor, was down‐regulated as well whereas extracellular collagens and osteoblast‐specific factor 2 (OSF‐2), were up‐regulated. Differential expression and secretion of SerpinE2 and OSF‐2 were confirmed using Western blotting. These results corroborate models of invasive tumors sustained by elaborate coordination of stromal cells via chemokines and growth factors, while protease inhibitors remodel the ECM to stimulate angiogenesis.
Hepatocytes proteomic alteration and seroproteome analysis of HBV‐transgenic mice
Authors: Ding Chen , Wei Haiming , Sun Rui , Zhang Jian , Tian Zhigang
Published: December 2008

Hepatitis B is the most common and serious liver disease, especially in developing countries. Although HBV pathogenesis has been extensively investigated, the proteomic alteration of hepatocytes during HBV chronic infection is still unclear. Using the purified hepatocytes, we compared the protein profiles by 2‐DE and LC‐MS between HBV‐transgenic (Tg) and corresponding background mice. Twenty‐seven altered proteins were identified in hepatocytes from HBV‐Tg mice, among which 13 proteins were involved in mitochondrion metabolism pathway including tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative response; four proteins (SELENBP, SCP2, RGN and PRDX1) were also dramatically changed in liver samples from HBV‐infected patients. Important genes (gpx, sod, ogg et al.) correlated to oxidative damage were up‐regulated in the liver of HBV‐Tg mice. Reactive oxygen species production was significantly increased while ATP production was decreased in liver mitochondria from HBV‐Tg mice. Moreover, hepatocytes of HBV‐Tg mice were more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide‐induced cell death than that of wild‐type control. Using 2‐D Western blotting analysis, eight hepatocyte proteins were found to react with sera of HBV‐Tg mice but not with that of background mice. Interestingly, two (Etfa and Dmgdh) of the eight reactive proteins were overexpressed in HBV‐Tg mice. We believe this study is the first proteomic and seroproteome analysis of HBV‐infected mammalian hepatocyte and provides insightful links between HBV infection and HBV‐induced liver diseases.
Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy
Authors: Mathew Jose
Published: December 2008

Narcolepsy is a lifelong condition characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy and other disorders of sleep that has wide‐ranging implications for sufferers. Here, Dr Mathew discusses the clinical features and diagnosis of narcolepsy and outlines the treatment options available. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Effects of correlation and missing data on sample size estimation in longitudinal clinical trials
Authors: Zhang Song , Ahn Chul
Published: December 2008

In longitudinal clinical trials, a common objective is to compare the rates of changes in an outcome variable between two treatment groups. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) has been widely used to examine if the rates of changes are significantly different between treatment groups due to its robustness to misspecification of the true correlation structure and randomly missing data. The sample size formula for repeated outcomes is based on the assumption of missing completely at random and a large sample approximation. A simulation study is conducted to investigate the performance of GEE sample size formula with small sample sizes, damped exponential family of correlation structure and non‐ignorable missing data. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trace level impurity method development with high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry: systematic study of factors affecting the performance
Authors: Champarnaud Elodie , Laures Alice M.‐F. , Borman Phil J. , Chatfield Marion J. , Kapron James T. , Harrison Mark , Wolff Jean‐Claude
Published: December 2008

For the determination of trace level impurities, analytical chemists are confronted with complex mixtures and difficult separations. New technologies such as high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) have been developed to make their work easier; however, efficient method development and troubleshooting can be quite challenging if little prior knowledge of the factors or their settings is available. We present the results of an investigation performed in order to obtain a better understanding of the FAIMS technology. The influence of eight factors (polarity of dispersion voltage, outer bias voltage, total gas flow rate, composition of the carrier gas (e.g. %He), outer electrode temperature, ratio between the temperatures of the inner and outer electrodes, flow rate and composition of the make‐up mobile phase) was assessed. Five types of responses were monitored: value of the compensation voltage (CV), intensity, width and asymmetry of the compensation voltage peak, and resolution between two peaks. Three types of studies were performed using different test mixtures and various ionisation modes to assess whether the same conclusions could be drawn across these conditions for a number of different types of compounds. To extract the maximum information from as few experiments as possible, a Design of Experiment (DoE) approach was used. The results presented in this work provide detailed information on the factors affecting FAIMS separations and therefore should enable the user to troubleshoot more effectively and to develop efficient methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of diagnostic neutral losses for structural information on unknown aromatic metabolites: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Bourcier Sophie , Hoppilliard Yannik
Published: December 2008

This work presents the use of neutral losses (NL) for the identification of compounds related to the metabolism of tyrosine. The mass spectra of all the studied compounds, recorded at several collision energies, are compared. The fragmentation mechanism of protonated molecules, MH+, is explained by combining collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results show that the first fragmentation is the elimination from MH+ of a neutral molecule including a functional group of the linear chain. Three primary neutral losses are observed: 17 u (NH3), 18 u (H2O) and 46 u (H2O+CO) characterizing amino, hydroxyl and carboxylic functions on the linear chain. The presence and abundance of ions corresponding to these losses are dependent on (i) the position of the functional group on the linear chain, (ii) the initial localisation of the protonating hydrogen, and (iii) the substitution of the aromatic ring. For compounds including a functional group on the benzylic carbon atom, the investigation of the other functions requires the knowledge of secondary fragmentations. Among these secondary fragmentations we have retained the loss of NH3 from [MH–18u]+ and the loss of ketene from [MH–17u]+. Experimentally these fragmentations are detected using losses of 35 u and 59/73 u. In other words, NL35 identifies hydroxy and amino compounds and NL 46 and/or NL59/73 identify carboxylic acids. The search for characteristic neutral losses is used for the analysis of compounds in a mixture and the analysis of biological fluid. We show that selective search of several neutral losses allows also the unambiguous differentiation of isomers and gives the opportunity to identify compounds in biological fluids. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.