bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power‐aware scheduling with effective task migration for real‐time multicore embedded systems
Authors: March José Luis , Sahuquillo Julio , Petit Salvador , Hassan Houcine , Duato José
Published: July 2012

A major design issue in embedded systems is reducing the power consumption because batteries have a limited energy budget. For this purpose, several techniques such as dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) or task migration are being used. DVFS allows reducing power by selecting the optimal voltage supply, whereas task migration achieves this effect by balancing the workload among cores. This paper focuses on power‐aware scheduling allowing task migration to reduce energy consumption in multicore embedded systems implementing DVFS capabilities. To address energy savings, the devised schedulers follow two main rules: migrations are allowed at specific points of time and only one task is allowed to migrate each time. Two algorithms have been proposed working under real‐time constraints. The simpler algorithm, namely, single option migration (SOM) only checks just one target core before performing a migration. In contrast, the multiple option migration (MOM) searches the optimal target core. In general, the MOM algorithm achieves better energy savings than the SOM algorithm, although differences are wider for a reduced number of cores and frequency/voltage levels. Moreover, the MOM algorithm reduces energy consumption as much as 40% over the worst fit algorithm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Layer‐By‐Layer Self‐Assembly of Sulphydryl‐Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Phosphate‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles: Detection of Hydrazine
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Lu , Xing Junfei , Tang Yawen , Chen Yu , Zhou Yiming , Lu Tianhong , Xia Xinghua
Published: July 2012

The sulphydryl‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT‐SH) are synthesized by π–π stacking interaction between 2‐naphthalenethiol (NAT) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy confirm sulphydryl groups attach on MWCNT surface. Meanwhile, the phosphate‐functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuP–NPs) are obtained by using an improved phosphorus reduction method. On the basis of the AuS bond interaction between MWCNT‐SH and AuP–NPs, the all‐solid‐state multilayered nanostructures of MWCNT/AuP–NPs are readily formed onto an electrode surface by using the layer‐by‐layer (LBL) self‐assembly method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) are used to characterize the film assembly process. Electrochemical investigations demonstrate that the assembled nanostructures films possess excellent electrocatalytic activity toward hydrazine oxidation as a result of the “clean” surface of AuP–NPs, and thus can be used as an electrochemical sensor for hydrazine detection with the wide linear range (6.0×10−7 to 9.0×10−3 M) and the low detection limit (2.0×10−7 M). This demonstration offers a new route to synthesis of CNTs/metal–NPs multilayered films, which is believed to be useful for the fundamental investigations of CNTs/metal–NPs nanohybrids and their possible applications.
The transcriptional regulator NAB2 reveals a two‐step induction of TRAIL in activated plasmacytoid DCs
Authors: Balzarolo Melania , Karrich Julien J. , Engels Sander , Blom Bianca , Medema Jan Paul , Wolkers Monika C.
Published: July 2012

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are key players in antiviral immunity. In addition to massive type I interferon production, activated pDCs express the apoptosis‐inducing molecule TRAIL, which enables them to clear infected cells that express the TRAIL receptors TRAIL‐R1 and TRAIL‐R2. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms that govern TRAIL expression in human pDCs. We identify NGFI‐A‐binding protein 2 (NAB2) as a novel transcriptional regulator that governs TRAIL induction in stimulated pDCs. We show with the pDC‐like cell line CAL‐1 that NAB2 is exclusively induced downstream of TLR7 and TLR9 signaling, and not upon type I IFN‐R signaling. Furthermore, PI3K signaling is required for NAB2‐mediated TRAIL expression. Finally, we show that TRAIL induction in CpG‐activated human pDCs occurs through two independent signaling pathways: the first is initiated through TLR9 signaling upon recognition of nucleic acids, followed by type I IFN‐R‐mediated signaling. In conclusion, our data suggest that these two pathways are downstream of different activation signals, but act in concert to allow for full TRAIL expression in pDCs.
2,3,4,5‐Tetraphenylbiphenyl‐Containing CuI/ReI Complexes: Synthesis, Property Analysis and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Xiang Quan , Sun Xin , Zhu Guoyu , Sun Haiying , Wan Yuchun , Si Zhenjun , Duan Qian
Published: July 2012

The diimine compound 1‐[(2′,3′,4′,5′‐tetraphenylbiphenyl‐4‐yl)methyl]‐2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole (Ph6PyMz) has been designed and synthesized in order to prepare [Cu(Ph6PyMz)(DPEphos)]BF4 {DPEphos = bis[2‐(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl] ether} and [RePh6PyMz(CO)3Br]. The molecular structures of [Cu(Ph6PyMz)(DPEphos)]BF4 and [RePh6PyMz(CO)3Br] were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy, and their properties were systematically studied by thermal‐stability analyses, photophysical analyses, and electrochemistry. It was found that [Cu(Ph6PyMz)(DPEphos)]BF4 and [RePh6PyMz(CO)3Br] mainly give triplet‐ligand‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer transition emission in CH2Cl2 solution and pure triplet‐metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer transition emission in the solid state. The different photophysical behaviors of [Cu(Ph6PyMz)(DPEphos)]BF4 and [RePh6PyMz(CO)3Br] in different states has been attributed to solvent effects and their higher freedom in CH2Cl2 solution. The energy levels of the highest‐occupied and lowest‐unoccupied molecular orbitals were measured to be –5.76 and –3.11 eV for [Cu(Ph6PyMz)(DPEphos)]BF4 and –5.69 and –3.42 eV for [RePh6PyMz(CO)3Br], respectively. Finally, the ground‐state geometrical structures and the UV/Vis absorption spectra in CH2Cl2 solution were theoretically simulated for [Cu(Ph6PyMz)(DPEphos)]BF4 and [RePh6PyMz(CO)3Br].
Amide‐Functionalized Bis(NHC) Systems: Anion Effect on Gold–Gold Interactions
Authors: Hemmert Catherine , Poteau Romuald , dit Dominique François Jean‐Baptiste , Ceroni Paola , Bergamini Giacomo , Gornitzka Heinz
Published: July 2012

Dinuclear dicationic gold complexes containing amide‐functionalized bis(NHC) ligands exhibit aurophilic interactions in the presence of halogen counterions, as shown in compounds 5 and 6. DFT calculations confirmed the stability of these geometries and predicted longer gold···gold distances in the absence of halogen anions. This was confirmed by employing a “non‐interactive” anion like tetraphenylborate in complex 8. Both types of complexes were unambiguously characterized by X‐ray analysis. Furthermore, only complexes 5 and 6 containing the halogen anions are luminescent in the solid state and in a water matrix at 77 K.
Significance of residual drifts in building earthquake loss estimation
Authors: Ramirez C. Marcelo , Miranda Eduardo
Published: July 2012

The influence of residual interstorey drifts on economic losses in building resulting from earthquakes is examined. Current building‐specific loss estimation methodologies that estimate economic losses based on peak response quantities such as peak interstorey drift ratios or peak floor accelerations are extended to explicitly account for residual interstorey drifts. The new approach incorporates the influence of residual drifts by accounting for the possibility of having to demolish a building as a result of excessive residual interstorey drifts, where the probability of demolition is computed as a function of the maximum residual drift in the building. The proposed approach is illustrated by estimating direct economic seismic losses in four reinforced concrete moment‐resisting frame buildings in Los Angeles, California. Two buildings have nonductile detailing representative of pre‐1970s building codes, whereas the other two buildings have ductile requirements satisfying current seismic building codes in the U.S. Results indicate that economic losses at intermediate levels of ground motion intensity are often dominated by losses due to residual interstorey drifts. This is particularly true in the case of ductile buildings in which neglecting losses from residual drifts can lead to significant underestimations of economic losses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation of modal parameters of a highway bridge extracted from six earthquake records
Authors: Gomez Hugo C. , Ulusoy Hasan S. , Feng Maria Q.
Published: July 2012

Between 2005 and 2010 six earthquakes triggered a monitoring system consisting of 11 acceleration channels installed on the West Street On‐Ramp, a three‐span curved highway bridge located in the city of Anaheim, California. In this paper, three different system identification techniques are applied to the acceleration records to investigate and corroborate the dynamic properties of the bridge, that is, vibration frequencies, associated damping ratios and mode shapes. The identification techniques are applied to each one of the six seismic events. The identified frequencies and damping ratios are shown to be dependent variables of the earthquake intensity. In general, larger earthquake intensities result in reduced vibration frequencies and higher damping ratios of the bridge. Sensitivity analysis using a simple finite element model reveals that soil softening at the abutments considerably contributes to the variation in frequencies because of changes in the support conditions and ultimately in the global stiffness of the structure. In addition, mathematical models in the state space description are identified from the recorded response and excitation measurements. The state space models successfully replicate the bridge measured response to the earthquake from which it is constituted. The models also provide a reasonable prediction of the bridge response to a different earthquake. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economists are not dismal, the world is not a Petri dish and other reasons for optimism
Authors: Tiffin Richard
Published: July 2012

One of the recurrent themes in the debate around how to ensure global food security concerns the capacity of the planet to support its growing population. Neo‐Malthusian thinking suggests that we are in a situation in which further expansion of the population cannot be supported and that the population checks, with their dismal consequences envisaged by Malthus, will lead to a new era of stagnant incomes and population. More sophisticated models of the link between population and income are less gloomy, however. They see population growth as an integral component of the economic growth which is necessary to ensure that the poorest achieve food security. An undue focus on the difficulties of meeting the demands of the increasing population risks damaging this growth. Instead, attention should be focused on ensuring that the conditions to ensure that economic growth accompanies population growth are in place.
A Mathematical Model of SOFC: A Proposal
Authors: Milewski J.
Published: July 2012

The mathematical model of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is presented. The new approach for modeling the voltage of SOFC is proposed. Electrochemical, thermal, electrical, and flow parameters are collected in the 0D mathematical model. The aim was to combine all cell working conditions in as a low number of factors as possible and to have the factors relatively easy to determine. A validation process for various experimental data was made and adequate results are shown. The presented model was validated for various fuel mixtures in relatively wide ranges of parameters as well as for various cell design parameters (e.g. electrolyte thickness, anode porosity, etc.). A distinction is made between the “design‐point” and “off‐design operation”.
MicroRNA profiling of primary high‐grade soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Renner Marcus , Czwan Esteban , Hartmann Wolfgang , Penzel Roland , Brors Benedikt , Eils Roland , Wardelmann Eva , Büttner Reinhard , Lichter Peter , Schirmacher Peter , Mechtersheimer Gunhild
Published: July 2012

High‐grade soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogeneous and complex group of tumors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered as attractive candidates that may improve diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive characterization of this group of malignancies. We performed a comprehensive miRNA expression analysis in a series of 76 untreated, primary high‐grade soft tissue sarcomas representing eight subtypes, and in a panel of 15 representative sarcoma cell lines using microarray technology. This screening revealed unique miRNA expression patterns for synovial sarcomas, myxoid liposarcomas, and leiomyosarcomas, and defined unique sets of miRNAs discriminating the different liposarcoma subtypes from non‐neoplastic adipose tissue. The over‐represented miRNAs included members of the miR‐200 family in synovial sarcomas, and the tumor‐associated miR‐9 and miR‐9* in myxoid liposarcomas compared to adipose tissue. Moreover, we found coexpression of 63 miRNAs clustering in a genetically imprinted chromosomal region 14q32.2 separating primary sarcoma samples and sarcoma cell lines into two molecular subgroups. Taken together, our comprehensive miRNA profiling identified a novel set of miRNAs that might contribute to sarcomagenesis and provide a starting point for experimental modulation of relevant targets for new therapeutic strategies in high‐grade sarcomas. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebral blood flow and gray matter volume covariance patterns of cognition in aging
Authors: Steffener Jason , Brickman Adam M. , Habeck Christian G. , Salthouse Timothy A. , Stern Yaakov
Published: July 2012

Advancing age results in altered cognitive and neuroimaging‐derived markers of neural integrity. Whether cognitive changes are the result of variations in brain measures remains unclear and relating the two across the lifespan poses a unique set of problems. It must be determined whether statistical associations between cognitive and brain measures truly exist and are not epiphenomenal due solely to their shared relationships with age. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cerebral blood flow (CBF) and gray matter volume (GMV) measures make unique and better predictions of cognition than age alone. Multivariate analyses identified brain‐wide covariance patterns from 35 healthy young and 23 healthy older adults using MRI‐derived measures of CBF and GMV related to three cognitive composite scores (i.e., memory, fluid ability, and speed/attention). These brain‐cognitive relationships were consistent across the age range, and not the result of epiphenomenal associations with age and each imaging modality provided its own unique information. The CBF and GMV patterns each accounted for unique aspects of cognition and accounted for nearly all the age‐related variance in the cognitive composite scores. The findings suggest that measures derived from multiple imaging modalities explain larger amounts of variance in cognition providing a more complete understanding of the aging brain. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3267–3279, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional neuroimaging of sex differences in autobiographical memory recall
Authors: Young Kymberly D. , Bellgowan Patrick S.F. , Bodurka Jerzy , Drevets Wayne C.
Published: July 2012

Autobiographical memory (AM) is episodic memory for personally experienced events. The brain areas underlying AM retrieval are known to include several prefrontal cortical and medial temporal lobe regions. Sex differences in AM recall have been reported in several behavioral studies, but the functional anatomical correlates underlying such differences remain unclear. This study used fMRI to compare the neural correlates of AM recall between healthy male and female participants (n = 20 per group). AM recall in response to positive, negative, and neutral cue words was compared to a semantic memory task involving the generation of examples from a category using emotionally valenced cues. Behaviorally, females recalled more negative and fewer positive AMs compared with males, while ratings of arousal, vividness, and memory age did not differ significantly between sexes. Males and females also did not differ significantly in their performance on control tasks. Neurophysiologically, females showed increased hemodynamic activity compared to males in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), dorsal anterior insula, and precuneus while recalling specific AMs (all valences combined); increased activity in the DLPFC, transverse temporal gyrus, and precuneus while recalling positive AMs; and increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, amygdala, and temporopolar cortex when recalling negative AMs. When comparing positive to negative AMs directly, males and females differed in their BOLD responses in the hippocampus and DLPFC. We propose that the differential hemodynamic changes may reflect sex‐specific cognitive strategies during recall of AMs irrespective of the phenomenological properties of those memories. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3320–3332, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Focal adhesion kinase overexpression: Correlation with lymph node metastasis and shorter survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: de Vicente Juan Carlos , Rosado Pablo , Lequerica‐Fernández Paloma , Allonca Eva , Villallaín Lucas , Hernández‐Vallejo Gonzalo
Published: July 2012

Background

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been identified as a key mediator in tumor progression. The objective of this study was to determine the role of FAK as a predictor of neck node metastasis and poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs).

Methods

FAK expression in normal oral mucosa and in 69 OSCCs was examined by immunohistochemistry, and the percentage of stained cells was recorded. The correlation of these findings with clinicopathologic variables and survival was studied.

Results

FAK expression in OSCCs was heterogeneous: 33.3% of cases showed weak expression; 23.2%, moderate expression, and 33.3% cases showed high expression. FAK expression significantly correlated with tumor size (p = .010), neck node metastasis (p = .01), and local tumor recurrence (p = .01). FAK expression was an independent prognostic factor in the survival analysis (p = .017).

Conclusions

Increased expression of FAK may play a role in invasiveness and metastasis of OSCCs, which contribute to poor prognosis and low survival. Head Neck, 2012
Between professional dignity and economic interests—evidence based on a survey of Taiwan's primary care physicians
Authors: Chen Michael S. , Lee Chiachi Bonnie
Published: July 2012

Objective

If the entirety of professional autonomy must be compromised in the face of a state‐run social insurance, physicians may choose to preserve only certain dimensions of their professional autonomy. This study tests the relative importance of the target‐income hypothesis versus the professional allegiance hypothesis in explaining physicians' behavior by collating economic interests against professional dignity.

Data and method

A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect the response data from the 1244 physicians who practiced as office‐based providers under the contract with the National Health Insurance (NHI) in the South Region of Taiwan and had experienced a change in the utilization review system; 394 (31%) physicians completed the questionnaire. Chi‐squared analysis, logistical ordered regression, and odds‐ratio analysis were conducted to test the effects of the physicians' experience with the utilization review system on their satisfaction with the NHI program.

Result

The ordered logistical regression verified the hypotheses of physicians' experiences on the satisfaction of the professional‐controlled review system, and the odds‐ratio analysis suggested that the physicians might give considerable value to their professional dignity. This effect was strong enough to balance out that of the loss in economic interests as the odds ratio was 0.5667 with the 95% confidence interval being (0.1014, 3.1682), which includes the odds ratio of 1.

Conclusion

Economic incentives should not always take center stage if the policy makers are to co‐opt physicians. The professional allegiance hypothesis is at work as strongly as the target‐income hypothesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult Attachment, Cognitive Appraisal, and University Students' Reactions to Romantic Infidelity
Authors: Wang Chia‐Chih DC , King Makini L. , Debernardi Nicholas R.
Published: July 2012

This study examined the relationships between adult attachment, cognitive appraisal, and university students' behavioral and emotional reactions to infidelity situations in romantic relationships. Results based on 173 university students suggested that both attachment and cognitive appraisals significantly predicted distinct types of infidelity reactions and that participants' cognitive appraisal mediated the effects of attachment on behavioral and emotional reactions. Counseling applications for university counselors are discussed on the basis of attachment perspectives and cognitive appraisal models.
A Meta‐Study of Journal of College Counseling (JCC) Author and Article Publication Characteristics From 1998 to 2009
Authors: Byrd Rebekah , Crockett Stephanie A. , Erford Bradley T.
Published: July 2012

Patterns of articles accepted for publication in the Journal of College Counseling from the past 12 years were reviewed in this metastudy. Results were described and statistically analyzed to identify trends over time in characteristics of authors, including sex, institutional classifications, employment setting, and domicile, and characteristics of articles, including article type, research design, sample size, types of participants, and statistical procedures.
Comparison of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements by spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography systems using a phantom eye model
Authors: de Kinkelder Roy , de Bruin Daniel M. , Verbraak Frank D. , van Leeuwen Ton G. , Faber Dirk J.
Published: July 2012

To quantify differences in nerve fiber layer thickness measurements by various spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) systems, we developed a phantom eye model. We tested twelve SD‐OCT systems of four manufacturers. All systems combined overestimated the 49 µm thick phantom RNFL thickness on average by 18 µm. Within brands, thickness measurements differed statistically significant for one Topcon, one RTVue and one Cirrus. Between brands, thickness determined with RTVue and Topcon differed statistically significant from Cirrus and Spectralis. The maximum difference between mean thicknesses is 3.6 µm within brands and 7.7 µm between brands. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plasma Amyloid‐BetaPeptides in Acute Cerebral Ischemia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bibl Mirko , Welge Volker , Schmidt Holger , Esselmann Hermann , Mollenhauer Brit , Lewczuk Piotr , Otto Markus , Kornhuber Johannes , Wiltfang Jens
Published: July 2012

Background

Blood‐based tests for a rapid and valid diagnosis as well as outcome prognosis of acute stroke are desirable. Recently, plasma Aβ40 was suggested as an independent cerebrovascular risk factor candidate.

Methods

We investigated eight plasma samples of patients with clinical signs of acute cerebral ischemia for derangements of plasma amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptide patterns as compared to 13 patients with other neuropsychiatric diseases. For the analysis of plasma, we used immunoprecipitation followed by the quantitative Aβ‐SDS‐PAGE/immunoblot.

Results

The major outcome was a striking decrease of Aβ1–40 in plasma paralleled by an increase in the ratio of Aβ1–38/Aβ1–40 in two patients with acute stroke. Interestingly, these patients had an onset of symptoms within only 2–4 hr before venous puncture and there was a strong correlation of Aβ1–38/Aβ1–40 levels with the time span between onset of symptoms and venous puncture.

Conclusion

From these results, we suggest the ratio of plasma Aβ1–38/Aβ1–40 as a possible biomarker for the early diagnosis of acute stroke. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:238‐245, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Comparison of INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y and VerifyNow P2Y12 Assay for the Assessment of Clopidogrel Resistance in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Jang Jiyoung , Lim Jihyang , Chang Kiyuk , Kim Yonggoo , Kim Myungshin , il Park Hae , Kim Jayoung , Shin Soyoung
Published: July 2012

Introduction

VerifyNow P2Y12 is commonly used to measure responsiveness to clopidogrel. We sought to compare the results obtained from novel INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y and VerifyNow P2Y12 assay to assess the clopidogrel resistance in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods

A total of 255 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, preliminarily treated with 100 mg/day of aspirin followed by coadministration of clopidogrel (loading dose, 600 mg; maintenance dose, 75 mg/day), were enrolled in this study. Platelet aggregation was measured by INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y and VerifyNow P2Y12.

Results

INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y and VerifyNow P2Y12 assay showed moderate correlations with INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y vs. VerifyNow%inhibition: r = 0.412, P < 0.0001; INNOVANCE® PFA P2Yvs.VerifyNow P2Y12 reaction units (PRU): r = −0.402, P < 0.0001. The agreement between INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y and VerifyNow%inhibition was 85% and that of INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y and VerifyNow PRU was 79%. The k statistics between INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y and VerifyNow%inhibition and PRU were 0.52 and 0.44, respectively.

Conclusions

The sensitivity of INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y in detecting clopidogrel resistance is comparable to that of VerifyNow P2Y12 assay. As the PFA‐100® system is already widely used, the new test cartilage may be a useful tool for the assessment of clopidogrel effects. Additional clinical correlation studies are required to validate the effectiveness of INNOVANCE® PFA P2Y in predicting long‐term clinical outcomes. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:262‐266, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Clinical Significance of Serum Cystatin Cin Critically Ill Newborns With Normal Serum Creatinine
Authors: Cho Sun Young , Hahn Won‐Ho , Lee Hee Joo , Suh Jin‐Tae , Lee Anbok , Cho Byoung‐Soo , Suh Jin‐Soon
Published: July 2012

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of cystatin C(CysC) in the newborns who show normal serum creatinine (Cr) and who are in an intensive care unit.

Methods

From July 2009 to May 2010, a total of 106 patients (53 male and 53 female newborns) in a neonatal intensive care unit at Kyung Hee Medical Center were enrolled in this study. When clinicians ordered CysC, it was tested using HiSens Cystatin‐C LTIA(HBi, An‐yang, Korea) on a Toshiba chemical analyzer (Toshiba, Nasushiobara, Japan).

Results

The range of serum Cr and CysCwas from 0.1 to 0.8 mg/dL and from 1.0 to 2.3 mg/L, respectively. CysCpresented the wider amplitude of the changes in acute renal failure.

Conclusion

In this study, CysCwithout an increased Cr showed only a mild increase. However, CysCreflected more delicate changes in newborns than the serum Cr. This characteristic of CysCcould make it very appropriate for a pediatric population, especially for critically ill newborns. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:267‐271, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Age on the Paraoxonase and Arylesterase Activity of Pregnant Mothers and Their Infants
Authors: Abuhandan Mahmut , Cakmak Alpay , Taskın Abdullah , Karakaya Emrah , Kocyigit Abdurrahim , Kılıc Hatip
Published: July 2012

Aim

The study aimed to research the effect of maternal age at pregnancy on the paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase activity levels of mothers and infants.

Method

The study comprised 30 mothers aged more than 35 years and their infants, and 30 mothers aged under 25 years and their infants. All pregnancies had been of 38–42 weeks with normal spontaneous vaginal birth. PON and arylesterase activities were measured using paraoxon and phenylacetate substrates.

Results

When the PON and arylesterase enzyme activities were compared, the PON and arylesterase activity of the mothers aged more than 35 years was found to be statistically significantly lower compared to that of the mothers aged under 25 years (P = 0.006 and P = 0.03, respectively), while there was no statistically significant difference in PON and arylesterase enzyme activity between the two groups of infants (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

While the PON and arylesterase enzyme activity of the mothers aged more than 35 years was found to be significantly lower compared to that of the mothers aged under 25 years, there was no statistical significance between the infants. This can be explained by the reduced PON and arylesterase enzyme activity during pregnancies at an older age, although this did not affect the PON and arylesterase enzyme activity of the infants. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:302‐306, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cross‐section imaging with M‐mode as an alternative method for the measurement of brachial artery flow‐mediated vasodilation
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Lee Jin Soo , Hong Ji Man , Kim Sun Yong
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

Endothelial dysfunction is well known as a risk marker for initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery induced by postischemic forearm hyperemia is a widely used noninvasive method for evaluating endothelial function. M‐mode ultrasonography offers high spatial and temporal resolution and is therefore suitable for diameter measurement of pulsatile vessels. We intended to compare FMD values obtained by M‐mode on cross‐section images and by the conventional method, ie, measurement with B‐mode ultrasonography on longitudinal images.

Methods:

We recruited 37 subjects (19 women, mean age: 48.3 ± 15.2 years; range: 23–71 years) in whom we measured the brachial artery diameters at baseline and at maximum dilation after forearm ischemia. FMD was calculated as the percentage of postischemic dilation.

Results:

Baseline (3.92 ± 0.72 versus 3.91 ± 0.58 mm; p = 0.97) and maximal dilated diastolic diameter (4.26 ± 0.76 versus 4.23 ± 0.61 mm; p = 0.84), FMD (8.98 ± 3.84 versus 8.14 ± 1.99%; p = 0.84), and time to maximum dilation (48.7 ± 9.0 versus 49.3 ± 6.4 seconds, p = 0.64) were not different between the two methods.

Conclusions:

M‐mode brachial artery diastolic and systolic diameter measurement is feasible, suitable, and accurate for the assessment of FMD without the need for electrocardiography. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Transient embolization with microspheres of polyhydroxyalkanoate renders efficient adenoviral transduction of pancreatic capillaryin vivo
Authors: Zhang Shui‐Li , Zheng De‐Jin , Fan Wen‐Zhu , Wei Dai‐Xu , Peng Si‐Wu , Tang Mi‐Mi , Chen Guo‐Qiang , Wei Chi‐Ju
Published: July 2012

Background

Our previous study showed an efficient targeting of islets of Langerhans by adenoviral injection via the celiac trunk. Unexpectedly, none of the endothelial cells was infected given the direct contact between adenoviruses and the capillary wall. The present study intended to provide an efficient approach for adenoviral targeting of the microcapillary endothelial cells in the pancreas.

Methods

We prepared microspheres of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) with a size comparable to the diameter of capillary (5–10 µm). Scanning electron microscopy was applied to verify that adenoviruses carrying a green fluorescence protein gene were complexed with PHBHHx‐microspheres after 30 min of co‐incubation. The complexes were then injected into the pancreas of mice via the celiac trunk.

Results

Approximately 40% of endothelial cells in the pancreas were labeled 5 days after surgery. Islet cells were labeled occasionally, whereas labeling of the acinar and ductal tissues was barely detectable. Endothelium targeting was inefficient in other internal organs. Consistent with the reported superior tissue compatibility of PHBHHx, no discernable microspheres were found in all of the organs examined. Furthermore, splenocyte activation was dampened when adenoviruses were complexed with the microspheres.

Conclusions

The present study has established an approach for efficient pancreatic capillary targeting by using microsphere‐adenoviral complexes. This procedure could be invaluable for the treatment of capillary‐related diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying Codes in Line Graphs
Authors: Foucaud Florent , Gravier Sylvain , Naserasr Reza , Parreau Aline , Valicov Petru
Published: July 2012

An identifying code of a graph is a subset of its vertices such that every vertex of the graph is uniquely identified by the set of its neighbors within the code. We study the edge‐identifying code problem, i.e. the identifying code problem in line graphs. If denotes the size of a minimum identifying code of an identifiable graph G, we show that the usual bound , where n denotes the order of G, can be improved to in the class of line graphs. Moreover, this bound is tight. We also prove that the upper bound , where is the line graph of G, holds (with two exceptions). This implies that a conjecture of R. Klasing, A. Kosowski, A. Raspaud, and the first author holds for a subclass of line graphs. Finally, we show that the edge‐identifying code problem is NP‐complete, even for the class of planar bipartite graphs of maximum degree 3 and arbitrarily large girth.
CIVIL SOCIETY IN A MIDDLE‐INCOME COUNTRY: EVOLUTIONS AND CHALLENGES IN INDIA
Authors: Dubochet Lucy
Published: July 2012

In 2008, India met the $1005 level of gross national income per capita, the World Bank's threshold to qualify as middle‐income country. Other major countries have followed a similar trajectory, the consequence being that most poor now live in middle‐income countries. The evolution, and the economic situation in many donor countries, has prompted a debate about how best to focus efforts of poverty alleviation. The historic roles of civil society, state actors and foreign donors are increasingly questioned in this new context. This study provides insights into the changing role of civil society in middle‐income countries by presenting views from India. It uses the findings of 35 interviews with academics, members of civil society, donors and representatives of the corporate sector. How do they describe the evolution of social and economic issues? How are interactions between major stakeholders such as the government, the corporate sector and civil society changing? Does the role of civil society change in the current context, and what are the challenges for civil society? With donors phasing out, how will civil society be affected? Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New insights into sexually dimorphic skin glands of anurans: The structure and ultrastructure of the mental and lateral glands in Hypsiboas punctatus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: Brunetti Andrés E. , Hermida Gladys N. , Faivovich Julián
Published: July 2012

Many anuran species are characterized by sexually dimorphic skin glands. These glands often are concentrated on specific areas, such as the mental region, flanks, or the nuptial pads. We studied the histology and histochemistry of mental and lateral glands in Hypsiboas punctatus, and compared them to skin from other body regions. We describe four types of dermal glands, two types of mucous and two types of serous glands. The mucous glands are formed by a single layered epithelium. The mucocytes surrounding a central lumen are filled with polyhedral granules. Ordinary mucous glands are small sized glands with cubical epithelium, mucoid content, and small granules. Specialized mucous glands are characterized by a larger size, a columnar epithelium, a proteinaceous content and larger granules. Both types of serous glands are syncytial and share some structural features including size, shape, and morphology of secretory granules. However, ordinary and specialized serous glands differ in their histochemical properties, size and appearance of secretory granules, and glandular outlets. The specialized type of mucous glands in H. punctatus resembles most SDSGs described in anurans, whereas the presence of specialized serous glands that are sexually dimorphic is less common. Both specialized glands occur only in mental and lateral regions of males, whereas ordinary mucous and ordinary serous glands occur in males and females. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
4D blood flow visualization fusing 3D and 4D MRA image sequences
Authors: Forkert Nils Daniel , Fiehler Jens , Illies Till , Möller Dietmar P.F. , Handels Heinz , Säring Dennis
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

To present and evaluate the feasibility of a novel automatic method for generating 4D blood flow visualizations fusing high spatial resolution 3D and time‐resolved (4D) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) datasets.

Materials and Methods:

In a first step, the cerebrovascular system is segmented in the 3D MRA dataset and a surface model is computed. The hemodynamic information is extracted from the 4D MRA dataset and transferred to the surface model using rigid registration where it can be visualized color‐coded or dynamically over time. The presented method was evaluated using software phantoms and 20 clinical datasets from patients with an arteriovenous malformation. Clinical evaluation was performed by comparison of Spetzler–Martin scores determined from the 4D blood flow visualizations and corresponding digital subtraction angiographies.

Results:

The performed software phantom validation showed that the presented method is capable of producing reliable visualization results for vessels with a minimum diameter of 2 mm for which a mean temporal error of 0.27 seconds was achieved. The clinical evaluation based on 20 datasets comparing the 4D visualization to DSA images revealed an excellent interrater reliability.

Conclusion:

The presented method enables an improved combined representation of blood flow and anatomy while reducing the time needed for clinical rating. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:443–453. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Constitutive expression, purification and characterisation of pectin methylesterase from Aspergillus niger in Pichia pastoris for potential application in the fruit juice industry
Authors: Jiang Xiuping , Chen Peng , Yin Maolu , Yang Qing
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Pectin methylesterase (PME) catalyses the hydrolysis of the methyl ester of pectin, yielding free carboxyl groups and methanol. PME is widely used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

RESULTS: PME from Aspergillus niger was constitutively expressed to a high level in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The recombinant PME was purified by a combination of ammonium sulfate fractionation and ion exchange chromatography, giving an overall yield of 28.0%. It appeared as a single band in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, with a molecular mass of about 45 kDa. Optimal activity of the enzyme occurred at a temperature of 50 °C and a pH of 4.7. The Km, Vmax and kcat values of the enzyme with respect to pectin were 8.6 mmol L−1 [], 1.376 mmol min−1 mg−1 and 8.26 × 102 s−1 respectively. Cations such as K+, Mg2+, Ni2+, Mn2+ and Co2+ slightly inhibited its activity, whereas Na+ had no effect.

CONCLUSION: PME from A. niger was constitutively expressed to a high level in P. pastoris without methanol induction. The recombinant PME was purified and characterised and shown to be a good candidate for potential application in the fruit juice industry. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A quick method for identifying radiolytic hydrocarbons in low‐fat‐containing food
Authors: Toledano Rosa M , Martínez Rosa M , Barba Carmen , Cortés José M , Calvo Marta M , Santa‐María Guillermo , Herraiz Marta
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: As radiation‐induced alterations of the lipid fraction of foods are related to their initial fat content, concentrations of fat degradation products used as irradiation markers are expected to be lower when irradiating low‐fat‐containing foods. Thus the sensitivity required when applying analytical methods for identifying irradiation markers in foods eventually depends on their respective amounts of fat. The aim of this study was to perform the qualitative analysis of characteristic hydrocarbons resulting from irradiation of samples with a fat content as low as 25 g kg−1.

RESULTS: A rapid extraction using a small amount of ethyl acetate was the unique sample pretreatment required to accomplish the analysis of radiolytic markers by using on‐line coupling of reverse phase liquid chromatography and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (RPLC/GC/MS). Efficient elimination of the large volumes (up to 2170 µL) directly transferred from LC to GC was achieved by optimising the operation mode of the through‐oven transfer adsorption/desorption system used as interface.

CONCLUSION: The reported procedure allowed confirmation, in less than 65 min, of the occurrence of up to five irradiation markers, namely n‐pentadecane, 1‐hexadecene, 1,7‐hexadecadiene, n‐heptadecane and 8‐heptadecene, in cooked ham irradiated at doses as low as 2 kGy. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Bacterial community dynamics, lactic acid bacteria species diversity and metabolite kinetics of traditional Romanian vegetable fermentations
Authors: Wouters Dorrit , Grosu‐Tudor Silvia , Zamfir Medana , De Vuyst Luc
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Artisanal vegetable fermentations are very popular in Eastern European countries. Fresh vegetables undergo a spontaneous fermentation in the presence of salt, which is mainly carried out by lactic acid bacteria (LAB).

RESULTS: Culture‐dependent and culture‐independent analyses of end‐samples of various spontaneous vegetable fermentations carried out in houses of the Chiodju region (central Romania) revealed Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis as the most frequently isolated LAB species. Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Leuconostoc citreum were also found. Furthermore, the community dynamics of spontaneous cauliflower and mixed‐vegetable (green tomatoes, carrots and cauliflower) fermentations revealed three steps: an initial phase characterised by the presence of Enterobacteriaceae and a wide LAB species diversity, encompassing Weissella species; a second phase from day 3 onwards wherein L. citreum and Lb. brevis occurred; and a final phase characterised by the prevalence of Lb. brevis and Lb. plantarum. Metabolite target analysis revealed that glucose and fructose were mostly depleted at the end of fermentation. The main products of carbohydrate metabolism were lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol and small amounts of mannitol, indicating heterolactate fermentation.

CONCLUSION: Given their prevalence at the end of vegetable fermentations, Lb. brevis and Lb. plantarum appear to be good candidate starter cultures for controlled vegetable fermentation processes. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Limitation of predictive 2‐D liquid chromatography in reducing the database search space in shotgun proteomics: In silico studies
Authors: Moskovets Eugene , Goloborodko Anton A. , Gorshkov Alexander V. , Gorshkov Mikhail V.
Published: July 2012

A two‐dimensional (2‐D) liquid chromatography (LC) separation of complex peptide mixtures that combines a normal phase utilizing hydrophilic interactions and a reversed phase offers reportedly the highest level of 2‐D LC orthogonality by providing an even spread of peptides across multiple LC fractions. Matching experimental peptide retention times to those predicted by empirical models describing chromatographic separation in each LC dimension leads to a significant reduction in a database search space. In this work, we calculated the retention times of tryptic peptides separated in the C18 reversed phase at different separation conditions (pH 2 and pH 10) and in TSK gel Amide‐80 normal phase. We show that retention times calculated for different 2‐D LC separation schemes utilizing these phases start to correlate once the mass range of peptides under analysis becomes progressively narrow. This effect is explained by high degree of correlation between retention coefficients in the considered phases.
Concurrent two one‐electron transfer in the oxidation of chromium(III) complexes with trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetate and diethylenetriaminepentaacetate ligands by periodate ion
Authors: Ali Ismat H. , Sulfab Y.
Published: July 2012

The kinetics of oxidation of [CrIIIcdta(H2O)]− and [CrIIIdtpa(H2O)]2− (where cdta = trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetate and dtpa = diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) by periodate ion has been studied in aqueous solutions. The oxidation of these complexes was carried out in the pH range 5.52–7.44 for the [CrIIIcdta(H2O)]− complex and the pH range 5.56–8.56 for the [CrIIIdtpa(H2O)]2− complex. The reaction exhibited an uncommon second‐order dependence on [CrIIIL(H2O)]n (L = cdta or dtpa and n=−1 or −2, respectively) and a first‐order dependence on [IO−4]. At fixed reaction conditions, the reaction rate is described by Eq. (i). The third‐order rate constant, k3, varied with [H+] according to Eq. (ii).

equation image

equation image

A mechanism in which simultaneous one‐electron transfer from two [CrIIIL(OH)]n−1 ions to I(VII) is proposed. The two [CrIIIL(OH)]n−1 ions are bridged to I(VII) via the hydroxo group. Periodate ion is known to undergo rapid substitution or expansion of its coordination number from four to six. The activation parameters ΔH* and ΔS* were calculated using the Eyring equation. The relatively high negative values of ΔS* are consistent with an associative process preceding electron transfer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 729–735, 2012
On Spector's bar recursion
Authors: Oliva Paulo , Powell Thomas
Published: July 2012

We show that Spector's “restricted” form of bar recursion is sufficient (over system T) to define Spector's search functional. This new result is then used to show that Spector's restricted form of bar recursion is in fact as general as the supposedly more general form of bar recursion. Given that these two forms of bar recursion correspond to the (explicitly controlled) iterated products of selection function and quantifiers, it follows that this iterated product of selection functions is T‐equivalent to the corresponding iterated product of quantifiers.
Thermally‐Activated Pentanol Delivery from Precursor Poly(p‐phenylenevinylene)s for MEMS Lubrication
Authors: Johnson Ross S. , Washburn Cody M. , Staton Alan W. , Moorman Matthew W. , Manginell Ronald P. , Dugger Michael T. , Dirk Shawn M.
Published: July 2012

The synthesis of two new polyphenylene vinylene (PPV) precursor polymers which can be thermally induced to eliminate pentanol is presented. Pentanol has recently been discovered to be a very useful lubricant in MicroElectroMechanical Systems. The utilization of the elimination reaction of precursor polymers to PPV as a small molecule delivery platform has, to the best of our knowledge, not been previously reported. The elimination reactions were examined using thermal gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Using PPV precursors allows for (1) a high loading of lubricant (one molecule per monomeric unit), (2) a platform that requires relatively high temperatures (>145 °C) to eliminate the lubricant, and (3) a non‐volatile, mechanically and chemically stable by‐product of the elimination reaction (PPV).