bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short communication. Real-time ultrasonography for early pregnancy diagnosis and incidence of embryonic/foetal mortality in farmed Iberian red deer hinds
Authors: Gomez-Nieto J. A. , Santiago-Moreno J. , Landete-Castillejos T. , Gallego-Martinez L. , Garcia-Diaz A. J.
Published: December 2011

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of the trans-rectal ultrasonography technique applied to the Iberian red deer hinds since it has not been previously documented in Spain. Experimentation was also used to test the hypothesis that a lower fertility in young hinds could be due to an increment in embryonic or foetal mortality. For this purpose, 116 hinds divided in three groups depending on its age (young, adults and senescent) were examined by rectal ultrasonography and the different foetal structures measured two months after the males were removed from the groups of hinds. With these data, specificity and predictive value of negative diagnoses of the technique has been calculated. Trans-rectal ultrasonography is an accurate technique to use in Iberian red deer dams with overall levels of pregnant detection near to 92%. Finally, the youngest hinds showed poorer fertility rates (17.24% vs. 59.30% and 58.33% of senescent and prime-age respectively) and also higher of embryonic or foetal mortality (2 deaths out of 7 positive pregnant diagnoses compared with no deaths in the senescent group and 4 deaths out of 39 positive pregnant diagnoses in the prime-age group).
Simulating cotton yield response to deficit irrigation with the FAO AquaCrop model
Authors: Hussein F. , Janat M. , Yakoub A.
Published: December 2011

The Food and Agriculture Organization has reflected the importance of predicting yield response to water by developing the AquaCrop model. During three growing seasons (2007-2009), a field experiment was conducted in the South-East of Damascus (Syria) to assess the response of drip irrigated cotton grown under full (FI) and deficit irrigation (80, 65, 50% of FI). Input data and comparisons between simulated and observed canopy cover (CC), biomass production at harvesting, final seed cotton yield, and soil water content using data sets of the 2007 season, were used for model calibration. The calibrated model was validated using data sets of the 2008 and 2009 seasons, getting accurate simulation results for CC [root mean square error (RMSE) = 6.5%] and actual evapotranspiration- ETa (RMSE = 25 mm, index of agreement = 0.99). The predicted seed cotton yields were within 6% of measurements. The model predictions of soil water content in the 0.60 m profile were close in the general trend to the measurements. In spite of the good prediction of ETa and seed cotton yield for each treatment, there is an apparent tendency for AquaCrop to over-estimate water use efficiency (WUE) under water-deficit conditions. Therefore, in cases of limited input data, the AquaCrop could be a promising model for estimating crop productivity under deficit irrigation conditions.
Irrigation water pricing instruments: a sustainability assessment
Authors: Gallego-Ayala J. , Gomez-Limon J. A. , Arriaza M.
Published: December 2011

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires all EU member states to implement water tariffs to recover the costs of water services. This paper analyzes the potential consequences of different instruments for irrigation water pricing (area, volumetric, two-part tariff and block-rate), studying their impact on the sustainability of irrigated areas. The application performed focuses on the Campos district in the Spanish province of Palencia, using simulation models based on positive mathematical programming to simulate farmers’ behavior in response to the above-mentioned pricing instruments. A multidimensional set of sustainability indicators (economic, social and environmental) for each instrument is obtained, making it possible to construct a composite indicator for irrigated agriculture (CIIA) in order to measure the overall sustainability performance of irrigated farms. Results show that pricing irrigation water will have a negative impact on overall sustainability, since economic (profitability) and social (generation of employment) sustainability will decline, while only a slight improvement in environmental sustainability will be obtained. However, we show that in order to fulfill WFD requirements, block-rate pricing results in high rates of public-sector revenues derived from irrigation water payments and promotes a significant reduction in the demand for irrigation water with the lowest reductions in farm sustainability measured in terms of the CIIA.
Private micro-irrigation costs using reclaimed water
Authors: Pujol J. , Duran-Ros M. , Arbat G. , Ramirez de Cartagena F. , Puig-Bargués J.
Published: December 2011

The cost of reusing water in micro-irrigation at the field level has not been studied in depth although the use of effluents in agriculture is a viable alternative in areas where water is scarce or there is intense competition for its use. The aim of the present study is to analyse the private costs of water reuse in micro-irrigation in an experimental plot. This analysis is intended to provide information about the decision a farmer would make when the choice to use conventional or reclaimed water is guided by cost criteria. The components of the total costs of different combinations of four types of filters and five emitters that can be installed in micro-irrigation systems using reclaimed water have been studied with the data obtained from an experimental plot in conditions similar to those of fruit orchards. Different scenarios that compared the costs of using conventional or reclaimed water in terms of water price and nutrient content were also studied. The results show that a proper combination of filters and emitters can save up to 33% in irrigation costs. Capital costs and maintenance costs were the most variable among the different combinations. Scenario analysis showed that the greater price of reclaimed water could be compensated by high nutrient contents, which would reduce fertilizer costs.
Predictive modelling in grape berry weight during maturation process: comparison of data mining, statistical and artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Fernandez Martinez R. , Martinez-de-Pison Ascacibar F. J. , Pernia Espinoza A. V. , Lostado Lorza R.
Published: December 2011

Environmental and geographical factors are two of the key aspects conditioning the growth of any crop, in such a way that the ability to predict significant variables of grape maturation can be highly useful to vine-growers. Berry weight is one of the variables monitored during this period, and the wineries have called for the development of an accurate prediction model. This study compares various types of data mining (DM) and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for developing an efficient prediction model for determining the variations in weight of grape berries during the ripening process according to the environmental and geographical properties not only throughout the ripening period but throughout the plant’s cycle. The final objective is the search for a model that is efficient for data for new years with different properties to those in the past. This model helps the grower to harvest the grapes on the most suitable date for producing the best possible wine.
n‐GaAs/InGaP/p‐GaAs Core‐Multishell Nanowire Diodes for Efficient Light‐to‐Current Conversion
Authors: Gutsche Christoph , Lysov Andrey , Braam Daniel , Regolin Ingo , Keller Gregor , Li Zi‐An , Geller Martin , Spasova Marina , Prost Werner , Tegude Franz‐Josef
Published: December 2011

Heterostructure n‐GaAs/InGaP/p‐GaAs core‐multishell nanowire diodes are synthesized by metal‐organic vapor‐phase epitaxy. This structure allows a reproducible, selective wet etching of the individual shells and therefore a simplified contacting of single nanowire p‐i‐n junctions. Nanowire diodes show leakage currents in a low pA range and at a high rectification ratio of 3500 (at ±1V). Pronounced electroluminescence at 1.4 eV is measured at room temperature and gives evidence of the device quality. Photocurrent generation is demonstrated at the complete area of the nanowire p‐i‐n junction by scanning photocurrent microscopy. A solar‐conversion efficiency of 4.7%, an open‐circuit voltage of 0.5 V and a fill factor of 52% are obtained under AM 1.5G conditions. These results will guide the development of nanowire‐based photonic and photovoltaic devices.
Self‐Assembling Peptides as Cell‐Interactive Scaffolds
Authors: Wu Elizabeth C. , Zhang Shuguang , Hauser Charlotte A. E.
Published: December 2011

Cell and tissue engineering therapies for regenerative medicine as well as cell‐based assays require an understanding of the interactions between cells with the surrounding microenvironment at the nanoscale. Engineering a cell‐interactive scaffold therefore entails control over the nanostructure of the biomaterial. Peptides that are able to self‐assemble into 3D scaffolds have emerged as interesting biomaterials for directing cell behavior, with desirable properties such as the capability of tuning the nanostructure by modulating the amino acid composition. Here, an overview of the development of self‐assembling peptide hydrogels as functional cell scaffolds is presented, highlighting recent work on incorporating features such as bioactive ligands, growth factor delivery, controlled degradation, and formulation into microgels for defined cell microenvironments.
Hierarchical Y and USY Zeolites Designed by Post‐Synthetic Strategies
Authors: Verboekend Danny , Vilé Gianvito , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: December 2011

Strategic combinations of affordable and scalable post‐synthetic modifications enabled to design a broad family of hierarchical Y and USY zeolites (FAU topology) independent on the Si/Al ratio. Pristine (Y, Si/Al = 2.4), steamed (USY, Si/Al = 2.6), and steamed and dealuminated (USY, Si/Al = 15 and 30) zeolites were exposed to a variety of acid (H4EDTA and Na2H2EDTA) and base (NaOH) treatments, which led to the introduction of mesopore surfaces up to 500 m2 g−1, while preserving the intrinsic zeolite properties. Pristine Y and USY zeolites (Si/Al ∼ 2.5) required mild dealumination (to Si/Al > 4 in the case of Y) to facilitate subsequent efficient desilication. Alkaline treatment of Y and USY zeolites with low Si/Al ratios (∼4–6) led to an abundance of Al‐rich debris, which could be removed by a subsequent mild acid wash. On the other hand, severely steamed and dealuminated, hence Si‐rich, USY zeolites (Si/Al = 15 and 30) proved extremely sensitive to the alkaline solution, displaying facile dissolution and substantial amorphization. For the latter group of ultra‐stable Y zeolites, the presence of TPA+ in the alkaline solution enables to protect the zeolite structures upon the introduction of mesoporosity by desilication, preserving crystallinity and micropore volume. The sorption and catalytic properties of the hierarchical Y and USY zeolites were superior compared to the conventional counterparts.
Age‐related changes of digital endocranial volume during human ontogeny: Results from an osteological reference collection
Authors: Coqueugniot Hélène , Hublin Jean‐Jacques
Published: December 2011

Endocranial volume (EV) estimation is widely used in physical anthropology for assessing brain size differences between taxa and monitoring the emergence of brain growth patterns in modern humans. However, to date, no reference data are available for modern human EV ontogeny. We measured 94 skulls with known sex and age (ranging from 0 to 7.5 years) from the osteological collection of Strasbourg University (OCSU) by using an accurate digital active contour model algorithm on 3D virtual models, reconstructed by CT. The OCSU data also allow us to propose improved equations for estimating EV in immature individuals from dry skull diameters (length, width, and height). Aside from the EV, the average proportional endocranial volume (PEV), corresponding to the ratio of EV at a given age to the average EV in the corresponding adult population, was also computed. EV nearly doubles during the first year of life, and later continues to expand more slowly, at least until 7 years of age. No sex differences can be demonstrated between the EV distributions of boys and girls in this sample. However, although PEV at birth is identical in girls and boys, it later displays significantly higher values in the girls of our series. PEV obtained at birth is 22%, which is quite different from values established for the brain itself from autopsied individuals, or MRI data. This suggests that assessments of EV and PEV values in fossil specimens should be conducted by using identical measures in comparative samples of extant humans and apes. Am J Phys Anthropol 147:312–318, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic Evaluation of CapG, Gelsolin, P‐gp, GSTP1, and Topo‐II Proteins in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhu Wang‐Yu , Hunag Yan‐Yan , Liu Xiao‐Guang , He Jian‐Ying , Chen Dong‐Dong , Zeng Fang , Zhou Ji‐Hang , Zhang Yong‐Kui
Published: December 2011

Metastasis and multidrug resistance (MDR) are the main reasons for the poor prognosis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The use of biomarkers may contribute to a more accurate prediction of tumor metastasis, a better response to chemotherapy, and better patient survival. Gelsolin‐like actin‐capping protein (CapG) and gelsolin have been identified as playing important roles in tumor invasion and metastasis. Permeability glycoprotein (P‐gp), glutathione S‐transferase pi (GSTP1), and topoisomerase‐II (Topo‐II) are proteins that are closely related to MDR. In this study, we assessed the prognostic significance of CapG and gelsolin (both markers of tumor motility), and of P‐gp, GSTP1, and Topo‐II (markers of MDR) in NSCLC patients. One hundred and twenty‐one patients with pathologically confirmed, resectable NSCLC were included in the study. The expression levels of the five kinds of proteins mentioned above were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The correlation between the clinical characteristics and IHC findings were analyzed. Expression of CapG, gelsolin, and P‐gp was found to be associated with an increased risk of death (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.799, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.2705–6.169, P = 0.011; HR = 3.968, 95% CI = 1.811–8.693, P = 0.001; HR = 3.251, 95% CI = 1.456–7.260, P = 0.004, respectively), whereas expression of GSTP1 and Topo‐II was not. These results suggest that higher tumor motility and MDR may be important in NSCLC prognosis. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison of generalized multinomial logit and latent class approaches to studying consumer heterogeneity with some extensions of the generalized multinomial logit model
Authors: Pancras Joseph , Dey Dipak K.
Published: December 2011

We calibrate and contrast the recent generalized multinomial logit model and the widely used latent class logit model approaches for studying heterogeneity in consumer purchases. We estimate the parameters of the models on panel data of household ketchup purchases, and find that the generalized multinomial logit model outperforms the best‐fitting latent class logit model in terms of the Bayesian information criterion. We compare the posterior estimates of coefficients for individual customers based on the two different models and discuss how the differences could affect marketing strategies (such as pricing), which could be affected by applying each of the models. We also describe extensions to the scale heterogeneity model that includes the effects of state dependence and purchase history. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporation of Manganese Complexes into Xylanase: New Artificial Metalloenzymes for Enantioselective Epoxidation
Authors: Allard Mathieu , Dupont Claude , Muñoz Robles Victor , Doucet Nicolas , Lledós Agustí , Maréchal Jean‐Didier , Urvoas Agathe , Mahy Jean‐Pierre , Ricoux Rémy
Published: December 2011

Here we report the best artificial metalloenzyme to date for the selective oxidation of aromatic alkenes; it was obtained by noncovalent insertion of MnIII‐meso‐tetrakis(p‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin [Mn(TpCPP), 1‐Mn] into a host protein, xylanase 10A from Streptomyces lividans (Xln10A). Two metallic complexes—N,N′‐ethylene bis(2‐hydroxybenzylimine)‐5,5′‐dicarboxylic acid MnIII [(Mn‐salen), 2‐Mn] and 1‐Mn—were associated with Xln10A, and the two hybrid biocatalysts were characterised by UV–visible spectroscopy, circular dichroism and molecular modelling. Only the artificial metalloenzyme based on 1‐Mn and Xln10A was studied for its catalytic properties in the oxidation of various substituted styrene derivatives by KHSO5: after optimisation, the 1‐Mn‐Xln10A artificial metalloenzyme was able to catalyse the oxidation of para‐methoxystyrene by KHSO5 with a 16 % yield and the best enantioselectivity (80 % in favour of the R isomer) ever reported for an artificial metalloenzyme.
Synthesis of Fe3O4@Phenol Formaldehyde Resin Core–Shell Nanospheres Loaded with Au Nanoparticles as Magnetic FRET Nanoprobes for Detection of Thiols in Living Cells
Authors: Yang Ping , Xu Qi‐Zhi , Jin Sheng‐Yu , Zhao Yang , Lu Yang , Xu Xue‐Wei , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: December 2011

A magnetic, sensitive, and selective fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probe for detection of thiols in living cells was designed and prepared. The FRET probe consists of an Fe3O4 core, a green‐luminescent phenol formaldehyde resin (PFR) shell, and Au nanoparticles (NPs) as FRET quenching agent on the surface of the PFR shell. The Fe3O4 NPs were used as the core and coated with green‐luminescent PFR nanoshells by a simple hydrothermal approach. Au NPs were then loaded onto the surface of the PFR shell by electric charge absorption between Fe3O4@PFR and Au NPs after modifying the Fe3O4@PFR nanocomposites with polymers to alter the charge of the PFR shell. Thus, a FRET probe can be designed on the basis of the quenching effect of Au NPs on the fluorescence of Fe3O4@PFR nanocomposites. This magnetic and sensitive FRET probe was used to detect three kinds of primary biological thiols (glutathione, homocysteine, and cysteine) in cells. Such a multifunctional fluorescent probe shows advantages of strong magnetism for sample separation, sensitive response for sample detection, and low toxicity without injury to cellular components.
One‐Reactor Design for the Fractionation of Lignocellulosic Biomass under High Pressure
Authors: Zetzl Carsten , Gairola Krishan , Kirsch Christian , Perez‐Cantu Lilia , Smirnova Irina
Published: December 2011

Für die vollständige Verwertung lignocellulosehaltiger Bio‐Reststoffe werden verschiedenste Verfahren genutzt, die sich jeweils beeinflussen. In dieser Arbeit werden nachhaltige, auf Wasser, CO2 und Enzymen basierende Prozesse betrachtet. Der Vergleich der relevanten Prozessparameter Temperatur, Druck und Verweilzeit zeigt, dass sich die verschiedenen Verfahren in einem einzigen Reaktorkonzept zusammenführen lassen. Dies ermöglicht ein objektives und effizientes Screening unterschiedlicher Bio‐Reststoffe. Interaktionen zwischen den Biomassekomponenten werden betrachtet und daraus eine sinnvolle Prozessreihenfolge abgeleitet, die Abbauprodukte minimiert und zu möglichst hochwertigen Produkten führt.
A layered classification for malicious function identification and malware detection
Authors: Liu Ting , Guan Xiaohong , Qu Yu , Sun Yanan
Published: December 2011

Millions of new malicious programs are produced by the mature industry of malware production. These programs have tremendous challenges on the signature‐based antivirus products. Machine learning techniques are applicable for detecting unknown malicious programs without knowing their signatures. In this paper, a layered classification method is developed to detect malwares with a two‐layer framework. The low‐level‐classifier is employed to identify whether the programs perform any malicious functions according to the API‐calls of the programs; the up‐level‐classifier is applied to detect malwares according to the function identification. A hybrid structure called Type‐Function, constituting of the classification results of low‐level‐classifier and up‐level‐classifier, is proposed to describe the malware. This method is compared with Naive Bayes, decision tree, and boosting using a comprehensive test dataset containing 16,135 malwares and 1800 benign programs. The experiments demonstrate that our method outperforms other algorithms in terms of detection accuracy. Moreover, the Type‐Function structure is proved as an unprejudiced and effective method for malware description. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of human‐following robot based on cooperative positioning with an intelligent space
Authors: Morioka Kazuyuki , Oinaga Yudai , Nakamura Yuichi
Published: December 2011

This paper proposes a localization method based on interactive communication between a mobile robot and a networked laser range scanner installed in an intelligent space and achieves human‐following control of a mobile robot with the method. Generally, human tracking with cameras or laser range scanners on board the robots has been utilized for control of mobile robots to follow human walking. In addition to human tracking, mobile robots have to perform position estimation simultaneously. There are constraints in measurement for landmark detection or SLAM, because the target human walks close to the robot during human following. Thus, the proposed system considers the utilization of an intelligent environment where the sensors are distributed. The proposed system performs mutual exchange of position and heading information between the mobile robot and the networked laser range scanner. The networked laser range scanner searches and detects the target human and the robot based on the position information sent from the robot. The robot receives the detection results from the networked laser range scanner. Then, the estimated position is updated and reference velocities for human‐following control are calculated from the results. Estimation errors of odometry in the robot and unstable target tracking by the networked laser range scanner are compensated with this system. In this paper, communication timing between the robot and the networked laser range scanners while human‐following is discussed. Human‐following experiments are performed and the results are shown. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(1): 20–30, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10391
Guanidine Electron Donors and Silver Halides: Interplay and Competition between Redox, Coordination and Polymerization Reactions
Authors: Emeljanenko Dimitri , Horn Julian , Kaifer Elisabeth , Wadepohl Hubert , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: December 2011

Redox reactions compete with coordination and polymerization reactions when the organic electron donor and ligand, 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis(tetramethylguanidino)benzene (1), is dissolved together with silver halides AgX (X = Cl, Br or I) in solvents of different polarity. The complex results obtained for the relatively simple system 1/AgX highlight the importance of solvent effects. A variety of chain polymers have been synthesized in which the guanidine electron‐donor building blocks are connected by silver halide clusters of different sizes.
Dendritic Architectures with Positively Charged Cores and Negatively Charged Shells
Authors: Schunk Torsten , Hirsch Andreas
Published: December 2011

A new family of dipolar ionic dendrimers that consist of a cationic pyridinium core surrounded by a negatively charged shell of carboxylic acids was successfully synthesized and characterized. Both spherical architectures and examples of amphiphiles with a dipolar head group were synthesized. Studies of the aggregation behaviour in aqueous solution by determining the cmc values were performed. This new type of dipolar core–shell dendrons can be considered as molecular architectures that contain a positively charged nucleus covalently incorporated within a negatively charged shell.
Polypyrrole Microcapsules in All‐solid‐state Reference Electrodes
Authors: Kisiel Anna , Kijewska Krystyna , Mazur Maciej , Maksymiuk Krzysztof , Michalska Agata
Published: December 2011

As shown by earlier reports, heterogeneous membranes containing solid AgCl and KCl in the presence of equimolar amount of cation‐ and anion‐exchanger placed on substrate prove to be interesting options for preparation of robust and stable all‐solid state reference electrodes. The additional benefits can arise from encapsulation of components of (all‐solid‐state) reference electrode membranes within polypyrrole microcapsules, prior to introducing them into a membrane of the reference electrode. The aim was to verify whether microvessels can improve the performance of reference electrodes – yielding better stability of potentials compared to other proposed arrangements – due to the presence of conducting polymer and/or encapsulation of membrane components. Polypyrrole microcapsules filled with either KCl or AgNO3 solutions were prepared using a novel photopolymerization method. The resulting microstructured material was introduced as such (KCl filled capsules) or after contact with KCl aiming AgCl formation (AgNO3 filled capsules) to the poly(vinyl chloride) membrane of the all‐solid‐state reference electrode.
Major selection and persistence for women in STEM
Authors: Shapiro Casey A. , Sax Linda J.
Published: December 2011

The authors summarize common factors that contribute to women's selection of and persistence in STEM majors. The chapter concludes with a consideration of the utility of this information for institutional researchers and how they might further study issues of gender and STEM on their own campuses.
The postbaccalaureate goals of college women in STEM
Authors: Cole Darnell , Espinoza Araceli
Published: December 2011

Current research on undergraduate women continues to provide insight on what dissuades, attracts, and retains them in STEM programs; however, less is known about their postbaccalaureate goals. Using social cognitive career theory (SCCT) as the theoretical framework, this chapter discusses the relationships among self‐efficacy, the college environment, and women's postbaccalaureate goals.
Students' involvement in group experiences and connections to leadership development
Authors: Dugan John P.
Published: December 2011

This chapter introduces a taxonomy reflecting patterns of involvement in student clubs and organizations during college and its relationship to leadership development. Insights for better understanding college student engagement, along with applications associated with institutional research, are explored.
A typology of students' use of the community college
Authors: Bahr Peter Riley
Published: December 2011

This chapter describes a typology of first‐time community college students based on students' course‐taking and enrollment behavior. The utility of the typology is demonstrated through an application that involves interpreting data concerning students' participation in remedial mathematics.
Typological research on college students for better outcomes
Authors: Hu Shouping , Li Shaoqing
Published: December 2011

In this chapter, we discuss the issues in conducting typological research and suggest the directions for future typological research on college students that could aid efforts to enrich student experiences and improve student outcomes.
Targeted expression of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase in adenovirus‐infected cells reduces virus titers upon treatment with ganciclovir in vitro
Authors: Ibrišimović Mirza , Nagl Ulrike , Kneidinger Doris , Rauch Margit , Lion Thomas , Klein Reinhard
Published: December 2011

Background

Adenoviruses are a frequent cause of life‐threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Available therapeutics still cannot completely prevent fatal outcomes. By contrast, herpes viruses are well treatable with prodrugs such as ganciclovir (GCV), which are selectively activated in virus‐infected cells by virus‐encoded thymidine kinases. This effective group of prodrugs is not applicable to adenoviruses and other DNA viruses because they lack those kinases.

Methods

To render adenoviruses amenable to GCV treatment, we generated an adenoviral vector‐based delivery system for targeted expression of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV‐TK) in wild‐type adenovirus 5 (wt Ad5)‐infected cells. HSV‐TK expression was largely restricted to wt virus‐infected cells by transcription of the gene from the Ad5 E4 promoter. Its activity is dependent on the adenoviral E1A gene product which is not produced by the vector but is only provided in cells infected with wt adenovirus. The anti‐adenoviral effect of HSV‐TK expression and concomitant treatment with GCV was assessed in vitro in four different cell lines or primary cells.

Results

E4 promoter‐mediated HSV‐TK background expression was sufficiently low to prevent cytotoxicity in the presence of low‐levels GCV in cells not infected with wt Ad5. However, expression was several‐fold increased in wt Ad5‐infected cells and treatment with low levels of GCV efficiently inhibited wt Ad5 DNA replication. Genome copy numbers and output of infectious particles were reduced by up to > 99.99% and cell viability was greatly increased.

Conclusions

We extended the concept of enzyme/prodrug therapy to adenovirus infections by selectively sensitizing adenovirus‐infected cells to treatment with GCV. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nominal group technique: A brainstorming tool for identifying areas to improve pain management in hospitalized patients
Authors: Peña Adolfo , Estrada Carlos A. , Soniat Debbie , Taylor Benjamin , Burton Michael
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Pain management in hospitalized patients remains a priority area for improvement; effective strategies for consensus development are needed to prioritize interventions.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify challenges, barriers, and perspectives of healthcare providers in managing pain among hospitalized patients.

DESIGN:

Qualitative and quantitative group consensus using a brainstorming technique for quality improvement—the nominal group technique (NGT).

SETTING:

One medical, 1 medical‐surgical, and 1 surgical hospital unit at a large academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS:

Nurses, resident physicians, patient care technicians, and unit clerks.

MEASUREMENTS:

Responses and ranking to the NGT question: “What causes uncontrolled pain in your unit?”

RESULTS:

Twenty‐seven health workers generated a total of 94 ideas. The ideas perceived contributing to a suboptimal pain control were grouped as system factors (timeliness, n = 18 ideas; communication, n = 11; pain assessment, n = 8), human factors (knowledge and experience, n = 16; provider bias, n = 8; patient factors, n = 19), and interface of system and human factors (standardization, n = 14). Knowledge, timeliness, provider bias, and patient factors were the top ranked themes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Knowledge and timeliness are considered main priorities to improve pain control. NGT is an efficient tool for identifying general and context‐specific priority areas for quality improvement; teams of healthcare providers should consider using NGT to address their own challenges and barriers. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Inappropriate prescribing of proton pump inhibitors in hospitalized patients
Authors: Reid Mark , Keniston Angela , Heller J. Christie , Miller Marshall , Medvedev Sofia , Albert Richard K.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND:

Proton pump inhibitors have numerous important side effects, yet they are prescribed for outpatients who do not have recognized indications. Less is known with respect to prescribing for inpatients.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the rate of inappropriate prescribing of protein pump inhibitors and to assess reasons why they are prescribed.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS:

The study was a retrospective review of administrative data for adult hospital patients discharged from the Medicine service of Denver Health (DH) and from the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009.

MEASUREMENTS:

Valid indications for proton pump inhibitors were sought from discharge diagnoses, prescription records, and, in a randomly selected group of patients from DH, from direct review of records.

RESULTS:

Inclusion criteria were met by 9875 DH patients and 6,592,100 UHC patients; of patients receiving a proton pump inhibitor, 61% and 73%, respectively, did not have a valid indication. Increased rates of Clostridium difficile infection were found in both groups of patients receiving proton pump inhibitors. Chart reviews found valid indications for proton pump inhibitors in 19% of patients who did not have a valid indication on the basis of the administrative data, and “prophylaxis” was the justification for inappropriate prescribing in 56%.

CONCLUSION:

Proton pump inhibitors are frequently inappropriately prescribed to Medicine inpatients who do not have a valid indication and this practice is associated with an increase in C. difficile infection. Interventions are needed to curtail this inappropriate prescribing practice. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Formation and structure of scales in the Australian lungfish, neoceratodus forsteri (Osteichthyes: Dipnoi)
Authors: Kemp Anne
Published: December 2011

The large elasmoid scales of the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodusforsteri, are formed within the dermis by unpigmented scleroblasts, growing within a collagenous dermal pocket below a thick glandular epidermis. The first row of scales, on the trunk of the juvenile lungfish, appears below the lateral line of the trunk, single in this species, at around stage 53. The scales, initially circular in outline, develop anteriorly and posteriorly from the point of initiation in the mid‐trunk region, and rows are added alternately below the line, and above the line, until they reach the dorsal or ventral midline, or the margins of the fins. Scales develop later on the ventral surface of the head, from a separate centre of initiation. Scales consist of three layers, all produced by scleroblasts of dermal origin. The outermost layer of interlocking plates, or squamulae, consists of a mineralised matrix of fine collagen fibrils, covered by unmineralised collagen and a single layer of cells. Squamulae of the anterior and lateral surfaces are ornamented with short spines, and the mineralised tissue of the posterior surface is linked to the pouch by collagen fibrils. The innermost layer, known as elasmodin, consists of bundles of thick collagen fibrils and cells arranged in layers. An intermediate layer, made up of collagen fibrils, links the outer and inner layers. The elasmoid scales of N. forsteri can be compared with scale types among other osteichthyan groups, although the cellsand canaliculi in the mineralised squamulae bear littleresemblance to typical bone. J.Morphol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pleistocene Rhine–Thames landscapes: geological background for hominin occupation of the southern North Sea region
Authors: Hijma Marc P. , Cohen Kim M. , Roebroeks Wil , Westerhoff Wim E. , Busschers Freek S.
Published: December 2011

This paper links research questions in Quaternary geology with those in Palaeolithic archaeology. A detailed geological reconstruction of The Netherlands' south‐west offshore area provides a stratigraphical context for archaeological and palaeontological finds. Progressive environmental developments have left a strong imprint on the area's Palaeolithic record. We highlight aspects of landscape evolution and related taphonomical changes, visualized in maps for critical periods of the Pleistocene in the wider southern North Sea region. The Middle Pleistocene record is divided into two palaeogeographical stages: the pre‐Anglian/Elsterian stage, during which a wide land bridge existed between England and Belgium even during marine highstands; and the Anglian/Elsterian to Saalian interglacial, with a narrower land bridge, lowered by proglacial erosion but not yet fully eroded. The Late Pleistocene landscape was very different, with the land bridge fully dissected by an axial Rhine–Thames valley, eroded deep enough to fully connect the English Channel and the North Sea during periods of highstand. This tripartite staging implies great differences in (i) possible migration routes of herds of herbivores as well as hominins preying upon them, (ii) the erosion base of axial and tributary rivers causing an increase in the availability of flint raw materials and (iii) conditions for loess accumulation in northern France and Belgium and the resulting preservation of Middle Palaeolithic sites. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reinforcement Efficiency of Carbon Nanotubes – Myth and Reality
Authors: Loos Marcio R. , Manas‐Zloczower Ica
Published: December 2011

Different micromechanical models for the prediction of mechanical properties of CNT/polymer composites, taking into consideration filler percolation throughout the matrix, are considered. It is demonstrated that the critical filler volume fraction, where a percolating network of CNTs is forming, marks a “turning point” in the reinforcement efficiency. Expectations for the reinforcing effect of CNTs at concentrations above a percolating threshold with the current technology are in general unrealistic.

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Optimization of alternating TR‐SSFP for fat‐suppression in abdominal images at 3T
Authors: Gonçalves S. I. , Ziech M. L. W. , Lamerichs R. , Stoker J. , Nederveen A. J.
Published: December 2011

Magnetic resonance imaging is widely used in the work‐up and monitoring of patients with Crohn's disease. Balanced steady‐state free precession sequences are an important part of the imaging protocol and until now primarily 1.5T scanners have been used in daily clinical practice. This is largely because running balanced steady‐state free precession sequences in 3T magnets has technical problems related to increased B0 inhomogeneity and specific absorption rate (SAR) deposition. A modified form of alternating repetition time steady‐state free precession sequence is presented to acquire 3D‐isotropic abdominal images with fat‐suppression at 3T within a breath‐hold. The modifications include an adjusted radiofrequency pulse shape, suitable phase‐cycling scheme and TR1/TR2 ratio. Results show that the proposed sequence is successful in obtaining high contrast 3D‐isotropic abdominal images within a breath‐hold. Furthermore, the proposed methodology is easy to implement in a clinical setting and does not require any postprocessing steps. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theranostic effect of serial manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of human embryonic stem cell derived teratoma
Authors: Chung Jaehoon , Dash Rajesh , Kee Kehkooi , Barral Joëlle K. , Kosuge Hisanori , Robbins Robert C. , Nishimura Dwight , Reijo‐Pera Renee A. , Yang Phillip C.
Published: December 2011

Although human embryonic stem cell (hESC) hold therapeutic potential, teratoma formation has deterred clinical translation. Manganese (Mn2+) enters metabolically active cells through voltage‐gated calcium channels and subsequently, induces T1 shortening. We hypothesized that serial manganese‐enhanced MRI would have theranostic effect to assess hESC survival, teratoma formation, and hESC‐derived teratoma reduction through intracellular accumulation of Mn2+. Firefly luciferase transduced hESCs (hESC‐Lucs) were transplanted into severe combined immunodeficient mouse hindlimbs to form teratoma. The chemotherapy group was injected with MnCl2 intraperitoneally three times a week. The control group was given MnCl2 only prior to manganese‐enhanced MRI. Longitudinal evaluation by manganese‐enhanced MRI and bioluminescence imaging was performed. The chemotherapy group showed significant reduction in the teratoma volume and luciferase activity at weeks 6 and 8. Histology revealed increased proportion of dead cells and caspase 3 positive cells in the chemotherapy group. Systemic administration of MnCl2 enabled simultaneous monitoring and elimination of hESC‐derived teratoma cells by higher intracellular accumulation of Mn2+. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectroscopic and stability studies on unsymmetrical 1,3‐dialkyl‐1,3‐diphosphacyclobutane‐2,4‐diyls
Authors: Ito Shigekazu , Kikuchi Manabu , Miura Joji , Morita Noboru , Yoshifuji Masaaki
Published: December 2011

Air‐tolerant 2,4‐bis(2,4,6‐tri‐t‐butylphenyl)‐1,3‐diphosphacyclobutane‐2,4‐diyl singlet biradicals can be prepared by utilizing the unique reactivity of a kinetically stabilized P≡C triple bond compound. In this procedure, we studied the spectroscopic properties of a fundamental unsymmetrical P‐heterocyclic biradical containing both PEt and PMe moieties, and the effects of the PCH2OMe group in relation to the stability of the P‐heterocyclic biradical skeleton. The experimentally observed nuclear magnetic resonance and photo‐absorption parameters of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐2,4‐bis(2,4,6‐tri‐t‐butylphenyl)‐1,3‐diphosphacyclobutane‐2,4‐diyl were discussed based on our previous findings and density functional theory calculations, suggesting particular structural characteristics of the P‐heterocyclic biradical skeleton and aromatic substituent effects on the sp2‐C atoms in the 4‐membered ring. Introduction of the methoxymethyl group in the P2C2 biradical moiety gave more stabilized 1,3‐diphosphacyclobutane‐2,4‐diyl derivatives. In comparison with considerably unstable biradicals bearing propargyl substituents, relatively higher lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies suggest reluctant oxidation of the P‐heterocyclic skeleton. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of a new hyperbranched, vinyl macromonomer through the use of click chemistry: Synthesis and characterization of copolymer hydrogels with PEG diacrylate
Authors: Wang David K. , Hill David J. T. , Rasoul Firas A. , Whittaker Andrew K.
Published: December 2011

A new biodegradable, water‐soluble macromonomer based on the commercial hyperbranched polyester Boltorn®H20 has been synthesized through the use of click chemistry. The macromonomer was developed with the aim of being injected with a comacromonomer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) diacrylate, for in situ copolymerization to form biodegradable polymer hydrogels. Copolymer hydrogels were prepared from the macromonomer and PEG diacrylate (FW 700) by free radical copolymerization. A degree of phase separation of the hydrogels was observed during polymerization and with increasing incorporation of the Boltorn macromonomer an increasing tendency for the formation of macropores was observed. The swelling ratios of the gels in water and phosphate buffered saline solution, PBS, all increase with increasing Boltorn macromonomer concentration, as did the penetrant diffusion coefficients and the degradation rate in PBS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Size‐exclusion chromatography coupled to multiangle light scattering detection of long‐chain branching in polyethylene made with phillips catalyst
Authors: Yu Youlu , Schwerdtfeger Eric , McDaniel Max
Published: December 2011

Size‐exclusion chromatography coupled to multiangle light scattering (SEC‐MALS) has been used to detect long‐chain branching (LCB) in polyethylene (PE) from Cr/silica catalysts for the first time. The observed LCB response to several catalyst and reactor variables mostly confirms earlier conclusions drawn from rheological measurements. However, SEC‐MALS has also shed additional light on a few previously unanswered questions. Above all, SEC‐MALS shows the placement of branching within the MW distribution, which was not previously known, and which may explain some of the unique molding behavior of Cr‐derived PE. This new SEC‐MALS data also provide insight into the mechanism of LCB formation, which is discussed. Like earlier studies based on rheology, this new study demonstrates that the commonly accepted view of macromer incorporation may be overly simplistic. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Improvement of yield ratio of ohmic contact to GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure by application of SiO2 protective layer
Authors: Oe Takehiko , Matsuhiro Kenjiro , Itatani Taro , Gorwadkar Sucheta , Kiryu Syogo , Kaneko Nobu‐hisa
Published: December 2011

All the contact pads of a quantized Hall resistance (QHR) device should have a low contact resistance (∼1 Ω) for the application of DC resistance standard devices at cryogenic temperatures. Corrosion of a GaAs/AlGaAs substrate occurs along the edge of the photoresist before the deposition of Ni/AuGe, and we assume that this corrosion degrades the contact resistance. A SiO2 protective layer is effective in preventing the corrosion of and protecting the surface of GaAs/AlGaAs substrate. With the use of this SiO2 protective layer, the yield ratio of the contact resistance to the twodimensional electron gas (2DEG) layer at low temperature (∼0.5 K) and high magnetic field (∼9 T) improves to nearly 100%. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Expected improvements in the atmospheric humidity profile retrieval using the Megha‐Tropiques microwave payload
Authors: Brogniez Hélène , Kirstetter Pierre‐Emmanuel , Eymard Laurence
Published: December 2011

The microwave payload of the Megha‐Tropiques mission is explored to quantify the expected improvements in the retrieval of relative humidity profiles. Estimations of the profiles are performed using a generalized additive model that uses cubic smoothing splines to address the nonlinear dependencies between the brightness temperatures (TB) in the 183.31 GHz band and the relative humidity of specified tropospheric layers. Under clear‐sky and oceanic situations, the six‐channel configuration of the SAPHIR radiometer clearly improves the retrieval and reduces by a factor of two the variance of the residuals with respect to the current space‐borne humidity sounders that have three channels in this band (AMSU‐B, MHS). Additional information from the MADRAS radiometer (at 23.8 and 157 GHz) further improves the restitution with correlation coefficient higher than 0.89 throughout the troposphere. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Experimental 1D + 4D‐Var assimilation of CloudSat observations
Authors: Janisková M. , Lopez P. , Bauer P.
Published: December 2011

Observations providing three‐dimensional information on clouds from space‐borne active instruments on board CloudSat and CALIPSO are already available and new satellites, such as EarthCARE, should appear in the near future. This opens new possibilities for exploring the usefulness of this kind of observation, not only for improving model parametrizations but also for investigating their usage in data assimilation to extract information from the data so as to improve the initial atmospheric state. In this study, a 1D + 4D‐Var technique has been selected to study the impact of observations related to clouds on 4D‐Var analyses and subsequent forecasts. Using this two‐step approach, temperature and specific humidity profiles retrieved from 1D‐Var assimilation of CloudSat observations have been included in the 4D‐Var system. Several experiments have been run for a couple of selected meteorological situations. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
I-V characteristics and the synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles by glow discharge at the metal–ionic liquid interface
Authors: KAREEM T. ABDUL , KALIANI A. ANU
Published: December 2011

A plasma chamber was constructed for the synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles in ionic liquid by glow discharge electrolysis method. Current and voltage (I-V) characteristics of the discharge at the metal–ionic liquid interface showed that the curve follows Ohm's law up to a particular voltage only so that the ZnS nanoparticle preparation was performed after the critical voltage. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectral analysis showed that the samples contain ZnS nanoparticles and also found that tungsten from the metal electrode dissolved in the BMIM[BF4] ionic liquid under plasma and formed tungstic oxide by accepting atmospheric oxygen.