bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A relaxation method of an alternating iterative MFS algorithm for the Cauchy problem associated with the two‐dimensional modified Helmholtz equation
Authors: Marin Liviu
Published: March 2011

We propose two algorithms involving the relaxation of either the given Dirichlet data or the prescribed Neumann data on the over‐specified boundary in the case of the alternating iterative algorithm of Kozlov et al. (USSR Comput Math Math Phys 31 (1991), 45–52) applied to the Cauchy problem for the two‐dimensional modified Helmholtz equation. The two mixed, well‐posed and direct problems corresponding to every iteration of the numerical procedure are solved using the method of fundamental solutions (MFS), in conjunction with the Tikhonov regularization method. For each direct problem considered, the optimal value of the regularization parameter is selected according to the generalized cross‐validation criterion. The iterative MFS algorithms with relaxation are tested for Cauchy problems associated with the modified Helmholtz equation in two‐dimensional geometries to confirm the numerical convergence, stability, accuracy and computational efficiency of the method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
The benefits and costs of the Section 8 housing subsidy program: A framework and estimates of first‐year effects
Authors: Carlson Deven , Haveman Robert , Kaplan Thomas , Wolfe Barbara
Published: March 2011

This paper provides estimates for a comprehensive set of social benefits and costs associated with the federal Housing Choice Voucher ( Section 8) program. The impact categories for which we provide empirical estimates include the value of the voucher to recipients; additional services and public benefits induced by voucher receipt; improvements in children's health, education, and criminal behaviors; the costs of voucher provision; the labor supply impacts on voucher recipients; and community effects. These estimates rest largely on empirical analyses of the effect of voucher receipt on several recipient and taxpayer behaviors and outcomes that occur in the first year of voucher receipt. The analysis distinguishes benefits and costs accruing to program participants, nonparticipants—including taxpayers and property owners—and society as a whole. Our analysis suggests that the program is likely to meet the efficiency standard of positive net social benefits. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Swelling of glass‐fiber reinforced polyamide 66 during conditioning in water, ethylene glycol, and antifreeze mixture
Authors: Thomason James L. , Porteus Glen
Published: March 2011

The weight and dimensional changes of injection‐molded glass‐fiber reinforced polyamide 66 composites based on two glass fiber products with different sizing formulations and unreinforced polymer samples have been characterized during conditioning in water, ethylene glycol, and a water‐glycol mixture at 50°C and 70°C for a range of times up to 900 h. The results reveal that hydrothermal ageing in these fluids causes significant changes in the weight and dimensions of these materials. All conditioned materials showed a time dependent weight and dimension increase. The change observed in water could be well modeled by a simple Fickian diffusion process; however, the absorption process followed a more complex pattern in the other conditioning fluids. It was not apparent that changing the glass fiber sizing affected the dimensional stability of the composites under these relatively mild conditions. There was a strong correlation between the swelling of these samples and the level of fluid absorption. The composites exhibited highly aniosotropic levels of swelling. These effects were well in line with the influence of fibers on restriction of the matrix deformation in the fiber direction. The polymer and composite swelling coefficients correlated well with data previously obtained at higher conditioning temperatures. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and swelling properties of protein‐poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide) superabsorbent composite
Authors: Zhang Buning , Cui Yingde , Yin Guoqiang , Li Xinming , Liao Liewen , Cai Xibin
Published: March 2011

A novel superabsorbent polymer composite was synthesized by graft copolymerization of cottonseed protein and acrylic monomers in order to explore the new application of cottonseed protein in nonfood field. This composite was synthesized by solution based copolymerization, using partly neutralized acrylic acid, acrylamide and cottonseed protein as raw material, N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide as crosslinking agent, potassium persulphate and sodium sulfite as the initiators. The effects of the certain variables of the copolymerization on the water absorbency of the synthesized composite were measured. The chemical structure of the composite was characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry analysis. The swelling properties of the composite were carried out under varying pH conditions. Further, the saline sensitivity, swelling kinetics and water retention ability of the composite was investigated. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Assessment of the relevance of sintering in thermoplastic commingled yarn consolidation
Authors: Greco Antonio , Strafella Alessandra , Tegola Carola La , Maffezzoli Alfonso
Published: March 2011

The aim of the present article is to study the different phenomena which are at the basis of the consolidation of commingled thermoplastic semi‐pregs made of amorphous polyester fibers and E‐glass reinforcement. The evolution of the void fraction during the consolidation of the composite was monitored by a dynamometer, equipped with parallel plates and a forced convection oven. Different physical changes were associated to the consolidation temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermomecahnical analysis (TMA) showed that at low temperature, matrix fiber deformation and sintering are responsible of the initial void reduction. At a temperature higher than the onset of the flow region, reinforcement impregnation is responsible of the further void reduction. Dimensionless analysis confirmed that at lower temperatures, corresponding to higher viscosities, consolidation due to viscous flow of the polymer matrix is negligible compared to consolidation due to sintering of matrix fibers. The results indicate that the Darcy law can efficiently represent the consolidation during the microscale impregnation of the reinforcement, but cannot account for the initial stages of consolidation. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Content of Internal Conflicts: A Personal Values Perspective
Authors: Sverdlik Noga
Published: March 2011

This paper highlights the importance of considering two facets of the content of internal conflicts: The concrete subject theme of the conflict and the abstract motivations that people perceive as being conflicted (e.g. values implicated in the conflict). The paper demonstrates how personal value priorities contribute to the understanding of internal conflicts. In two studies I examined the relationship between values and the content of internal conflicts. In Study 1 ( N = 250), students described a central conflict that they were experiencing and analysed the values they perceived as opposing in their conflict. Results indicated that the reported conflicts were usually between values not conceptualized as motivationally opposite to each other. Furthermore, personal value priorities were related to the values implicated in the conflict both directly and indirectly by their effect on the themes of the conflicts. In Study 2 ( N = 230), working parents analysed the values they perceive as coming in conflict in two work–family dilemmas. Findings supported the premise that values explain individual differences in the motivational meaning attributed to a conflict even when the conflict theme is held constant. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal Self–esteem is Contingent: Intrinsic versus Extrinsic and Upward versus Downward Contingencies
Authors: Vonk Roos , Smit Hilde
Published: March 2011

We argue that noncontingent, unconditional self–esteem is not optimal but defensive. We introduce the concept of intrinsic contingency, where self–esteem is affected by whether one's actions are self–congruent and conducive to personal growth. Whereas external contingencies, especially social and appearance, were negatively correlated with authenticity, self–compassion, and personal well–being, intrinsic contingencies were positively correlated with these measures, and uncorrelated with aggression and self–esteem instability. Participants with high intrinsic contingency rated higher on measures of psychological adaptiveness than noncontingent participants. In addition, we distinguish upward from downward contingencies, the latter being more harmful in case of external contingencies but not for intrinsic contingencies. We conclude that intrinsic contingency, rather than noncontingency, may reflect true self–esteem as implied in self–determination theory. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal Associations of Cognitive Ability, Personality Traits and School Grades with Antisocial Behaviour
Authors: Mõttus René , Guljajev Juri , Allik Jüri , Laidra Kaia , Pullmann Helle
Published: March 2011

This study investigated the role of adolescents’ cognitive ability, personality traits and school success in predicting later criminal behaviour. Cognitive ability, the five–factor model personality traits and the school grades of a large sample of Estonian schoolboys ( N = 1919) were measured between 2001 and 2005. In 2009, judicial databases were searched to identify participants who had been convicted of misdemeanours or criminal offences. Consistent with previous findings, having a judicial record was associated with lower cognitive ability, grade point average, agreeableness, and conscientiousness and higher neuroticism. In multivariate path models, however, the contributions of cognitive ability and conscientiousness were accounted for by school grades and the effect of neuroticism was also accounted for by other variables, leaving grade point average and agreeableness the only independent predictors of judicial record status. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Components of Disinhibition (Vs. Constraint) Differentially Predict Aggression and Alcohol Use
Authors: Latzman Robert D. , Vaidya Jatin G. , Clark Lee Anna , Watson David
Published: March 2011

Disinhibition (vs. Constraint; DvC), which has been shown to represent a central aspect of the externalizing domain, consists of several correlated but distinguishable underlying traits, which may have different patterns of association with various externalizing indicators. In a sample of 18– to 19–year old undergraduate students ( N = 430; 71.1% female), we examined the specificity and generality of the association between lower order components of DvC and both aggression and alcohol use, externalizing–related behavioural constructs that have well–established links to DvC. All three components of DvC—including Disagreeableness, low Self–Control and low Accomplishment—were associated independently with Reactive Aggression, but only Disagreeableness was correlated significantly with Proactive Aggression. Also, only low Self–Control was associated with alcohol use. Thus, aggression was broadly associated with components of DvC—although much more strongly with the Disagreeableness domain—whereas alcohol use was specifically correlated with low Self–Control. These results suggest that lower order components of DvC have distinct patterns of associations with externalizing–related outcomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Staphylococcus aureus physiological growth limitations: Insights from flux calculations built on proteomics and external metabolite data
Authors: Liang Chunguang , Liebeke Manuel , Schwarz Roland , Zühlke Daniela , Fuchs Stephan , Menschner Leonhard , Engelmann Susanne , Wolz Christiane , Jaglitz Sarah , Bernhardt Jörg , Hecker Michael , Lalk Michael , Dandekar Thomas
Published: March 2011

Comparing proteomics and metabolomics allows insights into Staphylococcus aureus physiological growth. We update genome and proteome information and deliver strain‐specific metabolic models for three S. aureus strains (COL, N315, and Newman). We find a number of differences in metabolism and enzymes. Growth experiments (glucose or combined with oxygen limitation) were conducted to measure external metabolites. Fluxes of the central metabolism were calculated from these data with low error. In exponential phase, glycolysis is active and amino acids are used for growth. In later phases, dehydroquinate synthetase is suppressed and acetate metabolism starts. There are strain‐specific differences for these phases. A time series of 2‐D gel protein expression data on COL strain delivered a second data set (glucose limitation) on which fluxes were calculated. The comparison with the metabolite‐predicted fluxes shows, in general, good correlation. Outliers point to different regulated enzymes for S. aureus COL under these limitations. In exponential growth, there is lower activity for some enzymes in upper glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway and stronger activity for some in lower glycolysis. In transition phase, aspartate kinase is expressed to meet amino acid requirements and in later phases there is high expression of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and lysine synthetase. Central metabolite fluxes and protein expression of their enzymes correlate in S. aureus.
Reboot the system thanks to protein post‐translational modifications and proteome diversity: How quiescent seeds restart their metabolism to prepare seedling establishment
Authors: Arc Erwann , Galland Marc , Cueff Gwendal , Godin Béatrice , Lounifi Imen , Job Dominique , Rajjou Loïc
Published: March 2011

Once liberated in their environment, orthodox seeds live in a quiescent dehydrated state not totally exempt of essential molecular events as, for example, the capacity of breaking dormancy during after‐ripening. Upon imbibition, if internal regulatory padlocks are released and given adequate external conditions, the quiescent seed is able to “reboot” its system and, thus, germinate. Recent studies unraveled the crucial importance of protein PTMs in seed dormancy, longevity and vigor. As compared to other plant developmental stages, the seed proteome appears quite unique and diverse. Seed proteins encompass several functional classes from primary and secondary metabolism to structural and antimicrobial defense. In the dry state, oxidative damages can occur due to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced by non‐enzymatic reactions. These reactive species can affect proteins by the oxidation of their amino acids in a post‐translational manner. The hormone abscisic acid regulates major aspects of seed life including dormancy and germination. This signaling pathway has been shown to rely on several PTMs such as protein phosphorylation or ubiquitination.
Proteomic analysis of defense response of wildtype Arabidopsis thaliana and plants with impaired NO‐ homeostasis
Authors: Holzmeister Christian , Fröhlich Andreas , Sarioglu Hakan , Bauer Norbert , Durner Jörg , Lindermayr Christian
Published: March 2011

In recent years, nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as a signalling molecule of plants, being involved in diverse processes like germination, root growth, stomatal closing, and responses to various stresses. A mechanism of how NO can regulate physiological processes is the modulation of cysteine residues of proteins (S‐nitrosylation) by S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), a physiological NO donor. The concentration of GSNO and the level of S‐nitrosylated proteins are regulated by GSNO reductase, which seems to play a major role in NO signalling. To investigate the importance of NO in plant defense response, we performed a proteomic analysis of Arabidopsis wildtype and GSNO‐reductase knock‐out plants infected with both the avirulent and virulent pathogen strains of Pseudomonas syringae. Using 2‐D DIGE technology in combination with MS, we identified proteins, which are differentially accumulated during the infection process. We observed that both lines were more resistant to avirulent infections than to virulent infections mainly due to the accumulation of stress‐, redox‐, and defense‐related proteins. Interestingly, after virulent infections, we also observed accumulation of defense‐related proteins, but no or low accumulation of stress‐ and redox‐related proteins, respectively. In summary, we present here the first detailed proteomic analysis of plant defense response.
Changes in proteomics profile during maturation of marrow‐derived dendritic cells treated with oxidized low‐density lipoprotein
Authors: Ge Junhua , Yan Hui , Li Shan , Nie Wencheng , Dong Kan , Zhang Li , Zhu Weiguo , Fan Fangyan , Zhu Jianhua
Published: March 2011

Increasing evidence suggests that dendritic cells (DCs) and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) participate in atherosclerosis. However, few data on the molecular mechanisms of this process are available. To address this question, we used iTRAQ labeling followed by LC‐MS/MS analysis to identify many proteins that changed markedly during the maturation of dendritic cells stimulated with ox‐LDL. Among a total of 781 identified proteins, 93 were upregulated and 100 were downregulated. The major and significant changes in upregulated proteins were that ox‐LDL not only affected the levels of intracellular cathepsins G, Z, D and S, but also significantly enhanced cathepsin S secretion by the treated cells. Our results may provide clues for a more comprehensive understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Path lengths in protein–protein interaction networks and biological complexity
Authors: Xu Ke , Bezakova Ivona , Bunimovich Leonid , Yi Soojin V.
Published: March 2011

We investigated the biological significance of path lengths in 12 protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks. We put forward three predictions, based on the idea that biological complexity influences path lengths. First, at the network level, path lengths are generally longer in PPIs than in random networks. Second, this pattern is more pronounced in more complex organisms. Third, within a PPI network, path lengths of individual proteins are biologically significant. We found that in 11 of the 12 species, average path lengths in PPI networks are significantly longer than those in randomly rewired networks. The PPI network of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, however, does not exhibit deviation from rewired networks. Furthermore, eukaryotic PPIs exhibit significantly greater deviation from randomly rewired networks than prokaryotic PPIs. Thus our study highlights the potentially meaningful variation in path lengths of PPI networks. Moreover, node eccentricity, defined as the longest path from a protein to others, is significantly correlated with the levels of gene expression and dispensability in the yeast PPI network. We conclude that biological complexity influences both global and local properties of path lengths in PPI networks. Investigating variation of path lengths may provide new tools to analyze the evolution of functional modules in biological systems.
Proteomics indicates modulation of tubulin polymerization by L‐menthol inhibiting human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cell proliferation
Authors: Faridi Uzma , Sisodia Brijesh S. , Shukla Ashutosh K. , Shukla Rakesh K. , Darokar Mahendra P. , Dwivedi Upendra N. , Shasany Ajit K.
Published: March 2011

Menthol is a naturally occurring cyclic monoterpene used in oral hygiene products, confectionary, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides, and as a flavoring agent. In the present study, we analyzed the differentially expressing proteome in L‐menthol‐treated Caco‐2 cell line as it was found to inhibit cell proliferation. Interestingly, free tubulin proteins were observed to be limited after menthol treatment. Semiquantitative RT‐PCR with α‐tubulin primers showed no change in the level of RNA expression in menthol‐treated cell line. However, tubulin polymerization assay with menthol indicated a trend similar to taxol in promoting microtubule assembly. Further, physical counting of apoptotic nuclei and active caspase‐3 assays confirmed onset of apoptosis though the rate was slower as compared with that of taxol treatment. This study is the first report of a monoterpene L‐menthol modulating tubulin polymerization and apoptosis to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
Exceptionally high decarboxylation rate of a primary aliphatic acyloxy radical determined by radical product yield analysis and quantitative 1H‐CIDNP spectroscopy
Authors: Fraind Alicia , Turncliff Ryan , Fox Teri , Sodano Justin , Ryzhkov Lev R.
Published: March 2011

Symmetrical (RCO2CO2R; R = XCH2CH2) and asymmetrical (RCO2CO2R′; R = C9H19CH2CH2, R′ = CH3 or m‐ClC6H4) primary diacyl peroxides were thermally decomposed under different conditions to analyze the decarboxylation rates of the thermally generated acyloxy radicals. Quantitative models of the geminate product yields, and qualitative and quantitative 1H‐CIDNP spectroscopy were used to obtain the decarboxylation rate estimates. Results reported here suggest that, unlike short chain acyloxy radicals such as propanoyloxyl, long chain acyloxy radicals possess the highest decarboxylation rates of all known acyloxy radicals, estimated at (0.5–1.5) × 1012 s−1 between 80 and 140 °C. Given the nature of the dissociative state of acyloxy radicals, such rates appear to be the result of destabilization of the former by the steric bulk of the long chain substituents. Additionally, the rate of this order of magnitude suggests a nearly concerted decarboxylation of primary diacyl peroxides. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tunable poly(hydroxyl urethane) from CO2‐Based intermediates using thiol‐ene chemistry
Authors: Tang Chau N. , Nulwala Hunaid B. , Damodaran Krishnan , Kaur Palwinder , Luebke David R.
Published: March 2011

CO2‐based, crosslinked poly(hydroxyl urethane)s (PHUs) are accessed via a set of efficient reactions based on the addition chemistry of thiol‐ene and amines‐cyclic carbonates. This strategy to utilize 5‐membered cyclic carbonates produced from CO2 is robust, facile, modular, and atomically efficient in nature. The thiol‐ene reaction was utilized to access bis(cyclic carbonate), tris(cyclic carbonate), and tetrakis(cyclic carbonate) in quantitative yield from 4‐vinyl‐1,3‐dioxolan‐2‐one and thiols. Multi‐functional cyclic carbonates were simply mixed with diethylenetriamine and/or 1,6‐diaminohexane to generate crosslinked PHUs from 25 to 80 °C. These materials are easy to scale‐up and are potential candidates in many applications such as coatings, binders, and resins. The resulting polymers have glass transition temperatures between −1 and 16 °C and thermal decomposition temperatures from 190 to 230 °C. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Thermal and spectral stability of fluorescent copolymers containing tetraphenylthiophene‐quinoline unit
Authors: Lai Chung‐Tin , Chien Rong‐Hong , Liu Chi‐Wei , Hong Jin‐Long
Published: March 2011

Fluorescent alternative copolymers containing tetraphenylthiophene‐quinoline (TP‐Qu) moiety were synthesized from Friedländer reaction between o‐aminoketone and acetyl groups. With the wholly aromatic‐quinoline chain structure, the alternative donor–acceptor copolymers of PTPQu and PTPTPQu are rigid materials with high glass transitions (Tg = 245 and 295 °C, respectively) and with high thermal stability (with ≤2% weight loss at 500 °C). The multiple phenyl pendant rings inherited PTPQu and PTPTPQu copolymers with good solubility in common organic solvents, which facilitate the easy fabrications of light‐emitting diode (LED) devices. CV study resulted in the reversible Eox/onset values of 0.78 and 0.75 V for the PTPQu and PTPTPQu copolymers, respectively. With high quantum yields (ϕFs, = 0.59 for PTPQu and 0.74 for PTPTPQu) in the film states, the two copolymers and their devices exhibit stable photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) spectra, respectively, on change of annealing temperatures to at least higher than 250 °C. After annealing at 250 °C (or 300 °C), no change was observed in the respective PL and EL spectra of PTPQu (or PTPTPQu) copolymers. The results indicate that alternative copolymers containing donor–acceptor TP‐Qu unit are promising candidates for LEDs with high efficiency and spectral stability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Characterization and corrosion properties of Ti‐O/HA composite coatings on Mg‐Zn alloy
Authors: Chen Shuai , Guan Shaokang , Hou Shusen , Wang, Liguo , Zhu Shijie , Wang Jun , Li Wen
Published: March 2011

Biodegradable magnesium alloys have been widely investigated in the field of biomaterials because they can be gradually dissolved and absorbed by the human body without long‐term existence. However, it was found that bare magnesium implants suffered from rapid corrosion. Surface modification is applied to improve the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of magnesium implants. In this study, Ti‐O/HA composite coatings including typical flakes and nanofibers were fabricated on the Mg‐Zn alloy. The Ti‐O films were deposited on the magnesium alloy by direct current magnetron sputtering, and subsequently coated with HA flakes and nanofibers by electrochemical deposition, respectively. The obtained coatings were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization and hydrogen evolution tests in simulated body fluid at 37 °C. The results show that the compact Ti‐O films are composed of particles within the size of 100 nm, the outermost HA coatings are predominantly composed of HA and doped with Na+, Mg2+ ions and functional groups. The stronger diffraction and broader peak in nanofibers than typical flakes around 25.8° are ascribed to the preferential growth in orientation (002). The morphology of HA coatings changed from typical flakes into nanofibers with the addition of NaF, the mechanism to explain the difference is also discussed. The corrosion resistance was improved significantly by the coatings, the corrosion rates in the 10 days were 4.13, 1.77, 0.96 and 0.85 mm/y, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Systems‐Level Understanding of Insurgent Involvement in Improvised Explosive Devices Activities
Authors: Briscoe Erica , Weiss Lora , Whitaker Elizabeth , Trewhitt Ethan
Published: March 2011

In asymmetric conflicts, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are a favoured tool of insurgents. They have long been used by extremists, insurgents and resistant groups and are currently a primary threat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US military has put a great deal of effort into reducing these types of attacks, ranging from improved methods for locating the devices to social models that attempt to predict where insurgent behavior will spread. By considering behavioral aspects leading up to an IED event as a system, we are able to evaluate intervention strategies that focus on the process by which individuals become involved in insurgent IED activities. This paper presents models of the influences and the behaviors associated with individuals involved in IED‐related activities and treats them as a system. This approach allows us to explore societal systems to see how motivation (and deterrents to motivation) may play out. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A test purpose‐based approach for testing timed input output automata
Authors: En‐Nouaary Abdeslam
Published: March 2011

Real‐time applications are those reactive systems whose behavior depends not only on their interactions with the environment but also on the times at which these interactions take place. The timing aspect of such applications makes it hard to test them exhaustively because of the infinite number of possible computations. One way to deal with this difficulty is to have the tester choose some important features of the application and check if they are properly implemented. This paper follows this principle and proposes a method for testing real‐time applications formally modeled as Timed Input Output Automata (TIOA), a variant of Timed Automata of Alur and Dill (Theor. Comp. Sci. 1994; 126:183–235). The method is based on test purposes. A test purpose is a description of a well‐defined testing objective focusing on a single requirement or a set of requirements of the system under test. Test purposes, in this paper, are used to describe the features of the application to be checked by the tester. They are also formally modeled, in this paper, as a TIOA. Since test purposes are a partial behavior of the application under test, they significantly help to reduce the number of test cases to be generated, and consequently minimize the time, effort, and money to spend in testing the application. Basically, the paper proposes an approach, which takes as inputs a test purpose and a specification, and generates test cases, which are able to check if the test purpose is satisfied by an implementation of the specification. The proposed method consists of three main steps. First, the TIOAs of the specification and test purpose are combined together in one TIOA. Second, the resulting TIOA is sampled to construct a sub‐automaton of the system with a finite number of executions for test generation. The sampling of a TIOA is done based on the number of clocks describing the timing behavior of the system. Finally, the sub‐automaton resulting from the second step is traversed to generate test cases. The real‐time applications dealt with in this paper are supposed to be deterministic; i.e. the test results are the same when the same input data are applied to the implementation of the application. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Data mining tools
Authors: Mikut Ralf , Reischl Markus
Published: March 2011

The development and application of data mining algorithms requires the use of powerful software tools. As the number of available tools continues to grow, the choice of the most suitable tool becomes increasingly difficult. This paper attempts to support the decision‐making process by discussing the historical development and presenting a range of existing state‐of‐the‐art data mining and related tools. Furthermore, we propose criteria for the tool categorization based on different user groups, data structures, data mining tasks and methods, visualization and interaction styles, import and export options for data and models, platforms, and license policies. These criteria are then used to classify data mining tools into nine different types. The typical characteristics of these types are explained and a selection of the most important tools is categorized. This paper is organized as follows: the first section Historical Development and State‐of‐the‐Art highlights the historical development of data mining software until present; the criteria to compare data mining software are explained in the second section Criteria for Comparing Data Mining Software. The last section Categorization of Data Mining Software into Different Types proposes a categorization of data mining software and introduces typical software tools for the different types. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2011 1 431‐443 DOI: 10.1002/widm.24

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Data Mining Software Tools
Current trends in nanobiosensor technology
Authors: Bellan Leon M. , Wu Diana , Langer Robert S.
Published: March 2011

The development of tools and processes used to fabricate, measure, and image nanoscale objects has lead to a wide range of work devoted to producing sensors that interact with extremely small numbers (or an extremely small concentration) of analyte molecules. These advances are particularly exciting in the context of biosensing, where the demands for low concentration detection and high specificity are great. Nanoscale biosensors, or nanobiosensors, provide researchers with an unprecedented level of sensitivity, often to the single molecule level. The use of biomolecule‐functionalized surfaces can dramatically boost the specificity of the detection system, but can also yield reproducibility problems and increased complexity. Several nanobiosensor architectures based on mechanical devices, optical resonators, functionalized nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, and nanofibers have been demonstrated in the lab. As nanobiosensor technology becomes more refined and reliable, it is likely it will eventually make its way from the lab to the clinic, where future lab‐on‐a‐chip devices incorporating an array of nanobiosensors could be used for rapid screening of a wide variety of analytes at low cost using small samples of patient material. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 229–246 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.136

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing
Growth Temperature and Salinity Impact Fatty Acid Composition and Degree of Unsaturation in Peanut‐Nodulating Rhizobia
Authors: Paulucci Natalia S. , Medeot Daniela B. , Dardanelli Marta S. , de Lema Mirta García
Published: March 2011

Growth and survival of bacteria depend on homeostasis of membrane lipids, and the capacity to adjust lipid composition to adapt to various environmental stresses. Membrane fluidity is regulated in part by the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids present in membrane lipids. Here, we studied the effects of high growth temperature and salinity (NaCl) stress, separately or in combination, on fatty acids composition and de novo synthesis in two peanut‐nodulating Bradyrhizobium strains (fast‐growing TAL1000 and slow‐growing SEMIA6144). Both strains contained the fatty acids palmitic, stearic, and cis‐vaccenic + oleic. TAL1000 also contained eicosatrienoic acid and cyclopropane fatty acid. The most striking change, in both strains, was a decreased percentage of cis‐vaccenic + oleic (≥80% for TAL1000), and an associated increase in saturated fatty acids, under high growth temperature or combined conditions. Cyclopropane fatty acid was significantly increased in TAL1000 under the above conditions. De novo synthesis of fatty acids was shifted to the synthesis of a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids under all tested conditions, but to a lesser degree for SEMIA6144 compared to TAL1000. The major adaptive response of these rhizobial strains to increased temperature and salinity was an altered degree of fatty acid unsaturation, to maintain the normal physical state of membrane lipids.
Influence of Turbidity Grade on Color and Appearance of Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Gordillo Belen , Ciaccheri Leonardo , Mignani Anna G. , Gonzalez‐Miret M. Lourdes , Heredia Francisco J.
Published: March 2011

The appearance of most of the commercialized olive oils involves both their color and turbidity depending on the different technologies used for their elaboration. This research has been carried out to study the filtration impact on the colorimetric changes of virgin olive oils. Naturally turbid olive oils were blended at different proportions (100, 80, 60, 40, 20 and 0%) with their corresponding filtered replicates to obtain a scale of six levels of turbidity and simulating different turbidity grades. Tristimulus colorimetry, particularly the CIELAB uniform color, was used to follow color changes. As turbidity of the oil increased in the blend, yellowish oils, darker, and less saturated were obtained. Univariate correlations between the colorimetric parameters and turbid content were achieved with second degree polynomial equations, being chroma () and hue (hab) the best correlated parameters. The color differences () calculated between turbid oils (100%) and the consecutively decreasing turbid oils blends ranged from 3.18 to 18.72 CIELAB units, revealing differences in color visually perceptible to the human eye.
Congenital dislocation of the knee: A protocol for management based on degree of knee flexion
Authors: Abdelaziz Tarek Hassan , Samir Shady
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Congenital dislocation of the knee (CDK) is a relatively rare condition. It may occur as an isolated deformity, it may be associated with musculoskeletal anomalies such as developmental dysplasia of the hip and clubfoot, or it may occur as part of a syndrome such as arthrogryposis multiplex congenita or Larsen syndrome, or it may occur in paralytic conditions such as meningomyelocele. Treatment options include serial casting, percutaneous quadriceps recession (PQR) and V–Y quadricepsplasty (VYQ). The aim of this study is to evaluate the medium-term results of PQR and VYQ, and to set a protocol of management for CDK based on a modified grading system.

Methods

Eleven infants with 21 CDK were treated at our unit. Five knees were treated with serial casting, 12 knees with PQR and four knees with VYQ. Follow up averaged 41 months.

Results

Twelve knees achieved excellent results, seven knees achieved good results and two knees achieved fair results.

Conclusion

A modified grading system for CDK is introduced. Based on this, we recommend the following. Serial casting is performed in patients with GI CDK. In GII CDK in neonates (babies up to the age of 1 month) serial casting is started. A maximum of four weekly manipulations and castings are attempted. If a range of flexion >90° is achieved, serial casting is continued; if range of flexion remains <90° it is necessary to proceed to PQR. In babies older than 1 month when first seen; PQR is performed from the start. VYQ is indicated in patients with GIII CDK or in recurrent cases.
How Large and Long-lasting Are the Persuasive Effects of Televised Campaign Ads? Results from a Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: GERBER ALAN S. , GIMPEL JAMES G. , GREEN DONALD P. , SHAW DARON R.
Published: March 2011

We report the results of the first large-scale experiment involving paid political advertising. During the opening months of a 2006 gubernatorial campaign, approximately $2 million of television and radio advertising on behalf of the incumbent candidate was deployed experimentally. In each experimental media market, the launch date and volume of television advertising were randomly assigned. In order to gauge movement in public opinion, a tracking poll conducted brief telephone interviews with approximately 1,000 registered voters each day and a brief follow-up one month after the conclusion of the television campaign. Results indicate that televised ads have strong but short-lived effects on voting preferences. The ephemeral nature of these effects is more consistent with psychological models of priming than with models of on-line processing.
Dietary cholesterol: from physiology to cardiovascular risk
Authors: Lecerf Jean-Michel , de Lorgeril Michel
Published: March 2011

Dietary cholesterol comes exclusively from animal sources, thus it is naturally present in our diet and tissues. It is an important component of cell membranes and a precursor of bile acids, steroid hormones and vitamin D. Contrary to phytosterols (originated from plants), cholesterol is synthesised in the human body in order to maintain a stable pool when dietary intake is low. Given the necessity for cholesterol, very effective intestinal uptake mechanisms and enterohepatic bile acid and cholesterol reabsorption cycles exist; conversely, phytosterols are poorly absorbed and, indeed, rapidly excreted. Dietary cholesterol content does not significantly influence plasma cholesterol values, which are regulated by different genetic and nutritional factors that influence cholesterol absorption or synthesis. Some subjects are hyper-absorbers and others are hyper-responders, which implies new therapeutic issues. Epidemiological data do not support a link between dietary cholesterol and CVD. Recent biological data concerning the effect of dietary cholesterol on LDL receptor-related protein may explain the complexity of the effect of cholesterol on CVD risk.
Modulation of mammary gland development in pre-pubertal mice as affected by soya and milk protein supplements
Authors: Alston-Mills Brenda , Lepri J. J. , Martin C. A.
Published: March 2011

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of soya and whey milk protein, α-lactalbumin (α-LA), on mammary gland morphology and the structural support of the gland, in pre-pubertal mice after 7 d of treatment. In Expt 1, weaned (day 21) CD1 mice were given one of the four treatments, three included dietary supplements: (1) control diet, casein, (2) soya, (3) α-LA and (4) subcutaneous injection of 2·5 μg oestradiol benzoate in 20 μl maize oil and fed the control diet. All diets were isoenergetic with equal protein concentrations. All groups that were not treated with oestradiol received the vehicle. Whole-mount analyses were performed to determine longitudinal ductal growth and terminal end bud development. DNA was extracted from the gland and assessed by spectrophotometry (260/280 nm). Tissue extracts for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), tissue inhibitor of MMP2 (TIMP2), and serum oestradiol and mammary tissue epidermal growth factors (EGF) were measured by immunoassays. Expt 2 utilised the Her2/neu transgenic strain, with the same protocols. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA. From Expt 1 and 2, soya and α-LA significantly increased ductal elongation when compared with the oestrogen and control groups. These results were corroborated by data on total DNA and the ratio of MMP2:TIMP2. The ratio of MMP2:TIMP2 was affected by α-LA. Serum oestradiol was decreased only in the oestradiol-treated groups in both experiments. Soya is known to be oestrogenic and can act on epithelia directly. The mechanism by which α-LA affects glandular development is by modulating the ECM or by promoting the synthesis/activity of EGF.
Thermal maturity of the Upper Triassic–Middle Jurassic Shemshak Group (Alborz Range, Northern Iran) based on organic petrography, geochemistry and basin modelling: implications for source rock evaluation and petroleum exploration
Authors: SHEKARIFARD ALI , BAUDIN FRANÇOIS , SEYED-EMAMI KAZEM , SCHNYDER JOHANN , LAGGOUN-DEFARGE FATIMA , RIBOULLEAU ARMELLE , BRUNET MARIE-FRANÇOISE , SHAHIDI ALIREZA
Published: March 2011

Organic petrography and geochemical analyses have been carried out on shales, carbonaceous shales and coals of the Shemshak Group (Upper Triassic–Middle Jurassic) from 15 localities along the Alborz Range of Northern Iran. Thermal maturity of organic matter (OM) has been investigated using vitrinite reflectance, Rock-Eval pyrolysis and elemental analysis of kerogen. Reflectance of autochthonous vitrinite varies from 0.6 to 2.2% indicating thermally early-mature to over-mature OM in the Shemshak Group, in agreement with other maturity parameters used. The shales of the Shemshak Group are characterized by poor to high residual organic carbon contents (0.13 to 5.84%) and the presence of hydrogen-depleted OM, predominantly as a consequence of oxidation of OM at the time of deposition and the hydrogen loss during petroleum generation. According to light-reflected microscopy results, vitrinite/vitrinite-like macerals are dominant in the kerogen concentrates from the shaly facies. The coals and carbonaceous shales of the Shemshak Group show a wide range in organic carbon concentration (3.5 to 88.6%) and composition (inertinite- and vitrinite-rich types), and thereby different petroleum potentials. Thermal modelling results suggest that low to moderate palaeo-heat flow, ranging from 47 to 79 mW m−2 (57 mW m−2 on average), affected the Central-Eastern Alborz basin during Tertiary time, the time of maximum burial of the Shemshak Group. The maximum temperature that induced OM maturation of the Shemshak Group seems to be related to its deep burial rather than to a very strong heat flow related to an uppermost Triassic–Liassic rifting. The interval of petroleum generation in the most deeply buried part of the Shemshak Group (i.e. Tazareh section) corresponds to Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous times. Exhumation of the Alborz Range during Late Neogene time, especially along the axis of the Central-Eastern Alborz, where maximum vitrinite reflectance values are recorded, probably destroyed possible petroleum accumulations. However, on the northern flank of the Central-Eastern Alborz, preservation of petroleum accumulations may be expected. The northern part of the basin therefore seems the best target for petroleum exploration.
Proteolysis byLactobacillus fermentumIFO3956 isolated from Egyptian milk products decreases immuno-reactivity of αS1-casein
Authors: El-Ghaish Shady , Rabesona Hanitra , Choiset Yvan , Sitohy Mahmoud , Haertlé Thomas , Chobert Jean-Marc
Published: March 2011

Proteinase activity ofLactobacillus fermentumIFO3956 cells was higher when they were grown on milk-based media than on 10% reconstituted skim milk. The lowest protease activity was observed when cells were grown on milk-free media. The extraction of milk-induced cell-bound proteases fromLb. fermentumIFO3956 was most efficient using 1% Tween 80 while the use of 1% SDS inhibited all proteolytic activity. Two bands of ∼35 and >100 kDa were observed by zymogram, indicating that proteolytic activity corresponded to the presence of at least two types of enzymes or two molecular forms of one enzyme. Mass spectrometry analyses of αS1-casein hydrolysates detected 24 peptides with sizes ranging from 5 to 36 amino acids, including 9 phosphorylated peptides, resulting from the fermentation ofLb. fermentumIFO3956 of αS1-casein. Most of the identified peptides originated from the N-terminal portion of αS1-casein. The studied bacterial strain could hydrolyze αS1-casein in many sites including the epitopes triggering the allergic reactions against αS1-caseine.g.at the positions 23, 30, 41, 71, 91, 98, 126, 179. After hydrolysis of αS1-casein withLb. fermentumIFO3956 the recognition and the binding of this casein to IgE from the pooled sera of 18 patients with cow's milk allergy was significantly reduced.
Compressive high-frequency waves riding on an Alfvén/ion-cyclotron wave in a multi-fluid plasma
Authors: VERSCHAREN DANIEL , MARSCH ECKART
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we study the weakly-compressive high-frequency plasma waves which are superposed on a large-amplitude Alfvén wave in a multi-fluid plasma consisting of protons, electrons, and alpha particles. For these waves, the plasma environment is inhomogenous due to the presence of the low-frequency Alfvén wave with a large amplitude, a situation that may apply to space plasmas such as the solar corona and solar wind. The dispersion relation of the plasma waves is determined from a linear stability analysis using a new eigenvalue method that is employed to solve the set of differential wave equations which describe the propagation of plasma waves along the direction of the constant component of the Alfvén wave magnetic field. This approach also allows one to consider weak compressive effects. In the presence of the background Alfvén wave, the dispersion branches obtained differ significantly from the situation of a uniform plasma. Due to compressibility, acoustic waves are excited and couplings between various modes occur, and even an instability of the compressive mode. In a kinetic treatment, these plasma waves would be natural candidates for Landau-resonant wave–particle interactions, and may thus via their damping lead to particle heating.