bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal Growth, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a Two‐dimensional Triangular Lattice Magnet, Cu2(OH)3HCO2
Authors: Fujita Wataru , Kikuchi Koichi , Mori Wasuke
Published: September 2012

We prepared single crystals of basic copper formate Cu2(OH)3HCO2 (1) by hydrolysis of formate anions in an aqueous solution of copper formate. X‐ray structure analysis showed that this material has a two‐dimensional triangular lattice network with S=1/2. The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility revealed antiferromagnetic ordering at 5.4 K. A spin‐flop transition was observed at about 20 kOe at 2 K, thereby indicating metamagnetic‐like behavior. The saturation magnetization was almost one‐half of the theoretical value at 2 K under 70 kOe. The magnetic behaviors of 1 were also discussed with regard to its crystal structure. The preparation method presented herein is convenient and available for single crystal growth of metal hydroxide derivatives with various anions.
Continuous Action Generation of Q‐Learning in Multi‐Agent Cooperation
Authors: Hwang Kao‐Shing , Chen Yu‐Jen , Jiang Wei‐Cheng , Lin Tzung‐Feng
Published: September 2012

Conventional Q‐learning requires pre‐defined quantized state space and action space. It is not practical for real robot applications since discrete and finite numbers of action sets cannot precisely identify the variances in the different positions on the same state element on which the robot is located. In this paper, a Q‐Learning composed continuous action generator, called the fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller (FCMAC) method, is presented to solve the problem. The FCMAC displays continuous action generation by linear combination of the weighting distribution of the state space where the optimal policy of each state is derived from Q‐learning. This provides better resolution of the weighting distribution for the state space where the robot is located. The algorithm not only solves the single‐agent problem but also solves the multi‐agent problem by extension. An experiment is implemented in a task where two robots are taking action independently and both are connected with a straight bar. Their goal is to cooperate with each other to pass through a gate in the middle of a grid environment.
Optimal Output Feedback Controllers for Spacecraft Attitude Tracking
Authors: Pukdeboon Chutiphon
Published: September 2012

This paper investigates the problem of output feedback attitude tracking control of a rigid spacecraft in the presence of external disturbances. Two optimal control laws with a disturbance estimator are developed to deal with this problem. An adapted extended state observer is used to estimate the angular velocity tracking errors and to allow for compensation for the total disturbances. The proposed control can be expressed as the sum of a nonlinear optimal controller and an estimated disturbance. For the optimal controller, the state‐dependent Riccati equation and optimal Lyapunov techniques are employed to solve the infinite‐time nonlinear optimal control problem. The developed controllers can minimize a performance index and ensure the stability of the closed‐loop system and external disturbance attenuation. On the other hand, using the adapted extended state observer, the asymptotic convergence of estimation error dynamics is proven. An example of multiaxial attitude manoeuvres is given and simulation results are included to demonstrate and verify the usefulness of the proposed controllers.
Zur Funktion der Abbildung als Medium der Wissenschaftsvermittlung in der medizinischen Literatur des 17. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Eckart Wolfgang Uwe
Published: September 2012

From the beginning of the 17th century medical book‐illustration and representation of medical science are not any longer separable. Most of the modern didactic functions, especially concerning medical text‐books or manuals begin to develop at that time, certainly in a tight connection with the strong revaluation of the text‐illustration in general by the pedagogical realism since J. A. Comenius. The article tries to show some of the main contemporary functions of medical illustration in the 17th century as well as functions seen from the modern point of view of history of science.
Der rechte Ort von Erkenntnissen oder: Der rechte Satz am rechten Platz: Die Rolle von Invention und Judicium in der humanistischen Wissenschaftsgeschichte
Authors: Schmidt‐Biggemann Wilhelm
Published: September 2012

R. Agricola's De Inventione Dialectica marks the beginning of the intellectual history of the basic philosophical conceptions „systema”︁ and „method”︁. Petras Ramus' prescriptions for the dialectical disposition of arguments, i.e. the „axiomata”︁ homogenity, deduction and continuity, constitute the first „modern”︁ concept of „system”︁, whereas, half a century later, Francis Bacon's empirism seems to be only the application of the humanist „inventio”︁ to a more limited field of investigation: nature.
Zwecksetzungen und Zielvorstellungen in den Wirtschafts‐ und Soziallehren des 18. und 19. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Hentschel Volker
Published: September 2012

The essay examines the natural law economics of the eighteenth century and the evolutionist economics of the nineteenth century by focusing on their methods for achieving a common, nebulously articulated goal: individual fulfillment and the happiness and welfare of mankind in a free, harmoniously ordered society. Illustrating the theoretical and, in practice, effective theories derived from natural law are cammeralism, the economic philosophy of the Physiocrats, and economic liberalism. It is emphasized that these theories do not represent a linear sequence of ideas in which one set of ideas „triumphed”︁ over a preceding one. They show instead three different consequences reflecting the intellectual climate and the socio‐economic empiricism of Germany, France, and England, of a fundamentally identical conceptual framework grounded in natural law. The different formulations of purpose relate to the socio‐economic forces which determine the pattern of social intercourse ‐ a pattern which influences all philosophic systems derived from natural law. For cameralism, this force was the state; for Physiocrats, an evident and calculable divine plan. For economic liberalism (Adam Smith), the force was the ensemble of human inclinations and impulses, mainly a morally refined self‐interest.

The aims established by the evolutionist economic and social theories differ from one another in a similar manner. Representing these theories are the economic philosophy of the romantic period, the historical school of the German political economy, positivism, and Marxism. In contrast to economic theories based on natural law, the evolutionist theories no longer derived their formulations of purpose and goals from forces which determined the framework of social interaction. Instead, the theories reflected forces through which the historical development of social activity influenced its own empirical appearance. For the economic philosophy of the romantics, as for the cammeralists, this force was again the state, although its intellectual form had wholly changed. For the historical school, this force was a vaguely interpreted historical conformity; for positivism it was the purposeful advancement of scientific understanding. For Marxism the force was the tense dialectical advancement of the „forces of production”︁ and the „conditions of production.”︁
A π‐Stacked Porphyrin–Fullerene Electron Donor–Acceptor Conjugate That Features a Surprising Frozen Geometry
Authors: Ciammaichella Alina , Dral Pavlo O. , Clark Timothy , Tagliatesta Pietro , Sekita Michael , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: September 2012

A “frozen” electron donor–acceptor array that bears porphyrin and fullerene units covalently linked through the ortho position of a phenyl ring and the nitrogen of a pyrrolidine ring, respectively, is reported. Electrochemical and photophysical features suggest that the chosen linkage supports both through‐space and through‐bond interactions. In particular, it has been found that the porphyrin singlet excited state decays within a few picoseconds by means of a photoinduced electron transfer to give the rapid formation of a long‐lived charge‐separated state. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show HOMO and LUMO to be localized on the electron‐donating porphyrin and the electron‐accepting fullerene moiety, respectively, at this level of theory. More specifically, semiempirical molecular orbital (MO) configuration interaction (CI) and unrestricted natural orbital (UNO)‐CI methods shed light on the nature of the charge‐transfer states and emphasize the importance of the close proximity of donor and acceptor for effective electron transfer.
Hazardous Heavy Metal Distribution in Dahuofang Catchment, Fushun, Liaoning, an Important Industry City in China: A Case Study
Authors: Wu Gang , Wu Ji‐You , Shao Hong‐Bo
Published: September 2012

Located in Liaoning Province, one of the traditional heavy industrial areas in China, Dahuofang Reservoir provides drinking water for nearly 30 000 000 citizens, as well as industrial and agricultural water for dozens of several cities and rural areas. The distribution of hazardous heavy metals is described in several types of soil, crops, and in different industrial or mining areas and main sewage irrigation areas. Five possible reasons that may cause the pollution are analyzed and listed. Also we provide some pragmatic suggestions for the remediation of heavy metals in contaminated soils.
Water‐Saving Crop Planning Using Multiple Objective Chaos Particle Swarm Optimization for Sustainable Agricultural and Soil Resources Development
Authors: Wang Yubao , Wu Pute , Zhao Xining , Jin Jiming
Published: September 2012

Establishing a water‐saving planting structure is necessary for the arid, water‐deficient regions of northern China and of the world. Optimizing and adjusting a water‐saving agricultural planting structure is a typical semi‐structured, multi‐level, multi‐objective group decision‐making problem. Therefore, optimization can be best achieved with a swarm intelligence algorithm. We build an optimization model for a water‐saving planting structure with four target functions: (1) maximum total net output, (2) total grain yield, (3) ecological benefits, and (4) water productivity. The decision variable is the yearly seeded area of different crops, and its restrictions are the farmland area, the agricultural water resources, and the needs of the people and other farming‐related industries. Multiple objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) is an efficient optimization method, but its main shortcoming is that it can easily fall into a local optimum. Multiple objective chaos particle swarm optimization (MOCPSO) will greatly improve the searching performance of the algorithm by placing chaos technology with the advantages of ergodicity into MOPSO. When MOCPSO is used to solve the multi‐objective optimization model in the middle portion of the Heihe River basin, the results show that MOCPSO has the advantages of a high convergence speed and a tendency not to fall easily into a local optimum. After adopting a water‐saving agricultural planting structure, irrigation water would be reduced by about 7%, which would provide tangible economic, social, and ecological benefits for sustainable agricultural development.
Effects of Soil Rhizosphere Aeration on the Root Growth and Water Absorption of Tomato
Authors: Niu Wen‐Quan , Jia Zong‐Xia , Zhang Xuan , Shao Hong‐Bo
Published: September 2012

Soil rhizosphere aeration status is an important aspect of soil quality and soil ecology. The objective of the current study was to determine the appropriate moisture environment that facilitates rhizosphere soil aeration and ensures normal root respiration in tomato. In the potted experiment, five treatments of soil aeration were used (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 ventilation volume of 50% porosity of soil, and no ventilation) under conditions of the different soil moisture upper limits. The effects of different rhizosphere soil aerations on the physiological indicators and water absorption of tomato were studied. Under the same soil moisture condition, plant growth and root vitality initially increased, and then decreased when the soil ventilation volume increased. The combination of soil moisture with 80% of field capacity and 0.8 ventilation volume with 50% soil porosity raised the chlorophyll content by 29.98% and the root vitality by 61.55%, as compared with the non‐ventilated treatment. Therefore, the appropriate volume of rhizosphere ventilation can effectively improve the capacity of water absorption in tomato. The result provides a new view about soil quality and soil ecology in terms of soil–root system.
Surface Water Contamination by Uranium Mining/Milling Activities in Northern Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Juan , Li Hongchun , Song Gang , Chen Yongheng , Xiao Tangfu , Qi Jianying , Zhu Li
Published: September 2012

The northern region of Guangdong Province, China, has suffered from the extensive mining/milling of uranium for several decades. In this study, surface waters in the region were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) for the concentrations of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and non‐radioactive metals (Fe, Mn, Mg, Li, Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn). Results showed highly elevated concentrations of the studied radionuclides and metals in the discharged effluents and the tailing seepage of the U mining/milling sites. Radionuclide and heavy metal concentrations were also observed to be overall enhanced in the recipient stream that collected the discharged effluents from the industrial site, compared to the control streams, and rivers with no impacts from the U mining/milling sites. They displayed significant spatial variations and a general decrease downstream away from upper point‐source discharges of the industrial site. In addition, obvious positive correlations were found between U and Th, Fe, Zn, Li, and Co (R2 > 0.93, n = 28) in the studied water samples, which suggest for an identical source and transport pathway of these elements. In combination with present surface water chemistry and chemical compositions of uraniferous minerals, the elevation of the analyzed elements in the recipient stream most likely arose from the liquid effluents, processing water, and acid drainage from the U mining/milling facilities. The dispersion of radionuclides and hazardous metals is actually limited to a small area at present, but some potential risk should not be negligible for local ecosystem. The results indicate that environmental remediation work is required to implement and future cleaner production technology should be oriented to avoid wide dispersion of radioactivity and non‐radioactive hazards in U mining/milling sites.
Estimation of illuminant chromaticity based on highlight detection for face images with varying illumination
Authors: Kwon Oh‐Yeol , Chien Sung‐Il
Published: September 2012

Illuminant chromaticity estimation is required in the fields of the tracking and recognition of human faces, compensation and detection of skin color, image reproduction, and color constancy. This article proposes a simple and effective method to estimate the illuminant chromaticity using highlights from the face region. We first select the candidate points through the detection of highlights around the leftmost pixel of the rg chromaticity space from the facial images under various illuminant conditions and then estimate the illuminant chromaticity by averaging the chromaticities of the candidate points. To enhance the illuminant chromaticity estimation accuracy, we propose a more elaborate estimation method, which effectively readjusts the candidate points of the highlight regions according to the conditions derived from two ethnic and three illuminant groups. The experiment results show that our proposed method reliably estimates the illuminant chromaticity under various color temperatures and illuminant directions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 188–199, 2014
Applying image‐based color palette for achieving high image quality of displays
Authors: Chen Hung‐Shing , Chen Shih‐Han , Chao Yen‐Hsiang , Luo M. Ronnier , Sun Pei‐Li
Published: September 2012

In the highly competitive display market, manufacturers continuously develop new technologies to improve the image quality of displays. However, color measurement and visual assessment are time‐consuming to production lines. A new method to measure and improve color quality of the displays automatically therefore, is urgently needed to the manufacturers. This article proposes a familiar color correction strategy to optimize the colors of different displays by means of creating an image‐based color palette which enables color correction for familiar objects (e.g., facial skin, blue sky, or green grass) in the multidisplay systems. To produce the image‐based color palette, the 8‐bit RGB value of each pixel in an image is transformed to L*d*n* (lightness/dominant color/nondominant color) color channels, and the dominant‐color regions in an image are subsequently extracted from the dominant color (d*) channel. The memory color data of familiar objects can be set in reference monitor in advance to determine the dominant color (d*) channel. Then a series of palette colors are generated around a displayed image. The color palette will be displayed as a target for two‐dimensional colorimeter shooting to obtain the measured color data. The familiar color correction model was established based on a first‐order polynomial regression to achieve a polynomial fit between the measured color data and the reference color data on the color palette. The proposed method provides a solution to correct familiar colors on a displayed image, and maintains the original color gamut and tone characteristic in the multidisplay systems simultaneously. It is possible to achieve the preferred intent of the displayed images by using the proposed familiar color correction method. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 154–168, 2014
Easy Derivatisation of Group 10 N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes and In Vitro Evaluation of an Anticancer Oestradiol Conjugate
Authors: Chardon Edith , Puleo Gian Luigi , Dahm Georges , Fournel Sylvie , Guichard Gilles , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane
Published: September 2012

In the search for novel metal‐based pharmaceuticals, ruthenium‐catalysed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition is used to functionalise a series of palladium and platinum N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes. This strategy was applied to the conjugation of amino acid, polyethylene glycol and oestradiol derivatives with the aim of enhancing chemical diversity and introducing specific features (e.g., water solubility, cell targeting). Antiproliferative activities of the different complexes were assayed against several cancer cell lines (KB, MCF7, HCT116, PC3, SKOV3, OVCAR8, HL60) and healthy cell lines (MRC5, VERO, EPC), which established their efficiency. The ease of the structural derivatisation thus renders these complexes attractive metal‐based systems for the development of selective targeted metal‐hybrid anticancer drugs.
Sustainable Development and Assurance of Corporate Social Responsibility Reports Published by Ibex‐35 Companies
Authors: Sierra Laura , Zorio Ana , García‐Benau María A.
Published: September 2012

Spain is the world's leading country as regards corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting (KPMG, 2011). In addition, Spain is taking new initiatives with regard to environmental policy, sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement in accordance with Law 2/2011.This is why we choose Spain as the setting to analyze whether the determinants for external assurance posited by existing literature (industry, size, profitability, leverage) have an impact on the decision of companies to assure their CSR reports. Our study is a pioneer in the sense that it investigates the possible links between the auditor of the annual report and the provider of assurance. The results of this study indicate that assurance of CSR reporting depends on the size, leverage, and profitability of the company. We find that the sustainability assurance market is dominated by the Big‐4 firms, who develop different strategies in this field. Finally, we find that the decision to hire an auditor to perform sustainability assurance sometimes depends on the industry. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Advanced glycated albumin isolated from poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus patients alters macrophage gene expression impairing ABCA‐1‐mediated reverse cholesterol transport
Authors: Machado‐Lima Adriana , Iborra Rodrigo T. , Pinto Raphael S. , Sartori Camila H. , Oliveira Erika R. , Nakandakare Edna R. , Stefano José T. , Giannella‐Neto Daniel , Corrêa‐Giannella Maria Lucia C. , Passarelli Marisa
Published: September 2012

Background

We evaluated the effects of albumin isolated from control individuals and from patients with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus on macrophage gene expression and on reverse cholesterol transport.

Methods

Serum albumin was purified from control subjects (n = 12) and from patients with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 13). 14C‐cholesterol‐labelled J774 macrophages treated with albumin were employed to measure cholesterol efflux mediated by apo A‐I, HDL3 or HDL2, the intracellular lipid accumulation and the cellular ABCA‐1 protein content. Agilent arrays (44000 probes) were used to analyse gene expression. Several differentially expressed genes were validated by real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR using TaqMan Two Step RT‐PCR.

Results

Levels of glycation‐modified and (carboxymethyl)lysine‐modified albumin were higher in diabetic patients than in control subjects. Apo A‐I‐mediated and HDL2‐mediated cellular cholesterol efflux were impaired in macrophages treated with albumin from diabetic patients in comparison with control albumin‐treated cells, which was attributed to the reduction in ABCA‐1 protein content. Even in the presence of cholesterol acceptors, a higher level of intracellular lipid was observed in macrophages exposed to albumin from diabetic individuals in comparison with the control. The reduction in ABCA‐1 content was associated with enhanced expression of stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 and decreased expression of janus kinase 2, which were induced by albumin from patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

(Carboxymethyl)lysine‐modified albumin isolated from poorly controlled type 1 diabetic patients impairs ABCA‐1‐mediated reverse cholesterol transport and elicits intracellular lipid accumulation, possibly contributing to atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eating patterns in youth with and without loss of control eating
Authors: Matheson Brittany E. , Tanofsky‐Kraff Marian , Shafer‐Berger Sarah , Sedaka Nicole M. , Mooreville Mira , Reina Samantha A. , Vannucci Anna , Shomaker Lauren B. , Yanovski Susan Z. , Yanovski Jack A.
Published: September 2012

Objective:

To compare the characteristic meal patterns of adolescents with and without loss of control (LOC) eating episodes.

Method:

The Eating Disorder Examination was administered to assess self‐reported LOC and frequency of meals consumed in an aggregated sample of 574 youths (12–17 years; 66.6% female; 51.2% Caucasian; BMI‐z: 1.38 ± 1.11), among whom 227 (39.6%) reported LOC eating.

Results:

Compared to those without LOC, youth with LOC were less likely to consume lunch and evening meals (p's < .05), but more likely to consume morning, afternoon, and nocturnal snacks (p's ≤ .05), accounting for age, sex, race, socio‐economic status, BMI‐z, and treatment‐seeking status.

Discussion:

Adolescents with reported LOC eating appear to engage in different meal patterns compared to youth without LOC, and adults with binge eating. Further research is needed to determine whether the meal patterns that characterize adolescents with LOC play a role in worsening disordered eating and/or excessive weight gain. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Self‐organization in a piezoelectric transformer‐based excimer lamp
Authors: Itoh Haruo , Suzuki Susumu , Teranishi Kenji , Shimomura Naoyuki
Published: September 2012

An excimer lamp constructed using a piezoelectric transformer (PT) has been developed and studied in our laboratory. The excimer lamp is based on the excitation of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) generated by a PT surface that induces a high voltage due to the piezoelectric effect. Spectroscopic measurement in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region was performed for the excimer lamp filled with a He‐Xe mixture and Ar. Emission spectra having a peak at 172 and 126 nm were found, which were respectively radiated from the ${\rm{Xe}}_2^\ast$ and ${\rm{Ar}}_2^\ast$ excimers returning to their ground states. A self‐organization phenomenon (SOP) was also recognized in the He and Ar DBD. Static and time‐resolved observations of the self‐organized patterns were performed using single reflex and ICCD cameras, respectively. The formation of self‐organized patterns in argon requires a small amount of air as an additive. In time‐resolved observation, we found dark spots arrayed hexagonally in a weak emission on the PT surface, whose arrangement coincides well with that of bright hexagonal filaments. The dark spots are considered as the traces of accumulated charges on the dielectric electrode, which interrupt the hexagonally filamentary discharges. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(10): 44–53, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10397
Discrimination of pop‐up conditions according to PC usage situation for dissemination of business information
Authors: Matsumoto Toshiko , Onoyama Takashi , Akiyoshi Masanori
Published: September 2012

Recently, the use of digital documents in companies has been increasing rapidly in number and must be assured. Pop‐up of business information according to the PC usage situation can achieve this goal. Two functions are required for it: One is to correctly discriminate the pop‐up conditions from the content of business‐use applications, and the other is to select suppression keywords from incorrect pop‐up documents. The suppression keywords should improve the true negative rate without a drop in recall. Based on observation of typical phrases and increases of the frequencies of characteristic phrases in the content of business‐use applications, we select suppression keywords according to their frequency in positive and negative cases and their occurrence in feedback documents. Our evaluation using three kinds of business information shows that the proposed method can achieve both a high true negative rate and a high recall, and can correctly discriminate pop‐up conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(10): 17–26, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11401
Comparison of partial discharge resistance of several nanocomposites
Authors: Iizuka Tomonori , Tanaka Toshikatsu
Published: September 2012

Partial discharge (PD) resistance was evaluated for several kinds of nanocomposites. The following experimental results were obtained. Epoxy is stronger in PD resistance than is polypropylene. But the enhancement of PD resistance by nanofiller addition is higher for polypropylene than for epoxy. Silica and alumina nanofillers exhibit stronger PD resistance than does layered silicate when they are added to epoxy resins. Coupling agents or modifiers will help increase PD resistance. A similar level of this effect can be obtained for either epoxy with 5 wt% added nanofiller or epoxy loaded with 65 wt% microfiller. Nano–micro composites are the strongest of all tested specimens as regards PD resistance. Both of these experimental facts can be understood based on the concept that shortening of the interparticle distance is effective for reducing PD erosion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 182(1): 1–9, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21291
Optimal placement of SVRs considering multiple loads
Authors: Shiino Terukuni , Aoki Hidenori
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a new approach to the optimal placement of a step voltage regulator (SVR) taking into consideration the installation of distributed generators (DG) based on a genetic algorithm (GA). In this case, it is necessary to solve problems such as the upper and lower limits for the voltage at each node and line capacity. In addition, given that the load and output of a distributed generator change, it is important to solve more than one of these problems. In order to solve these problems, the conventional genetic algorithm was improved and the proposed method was applied to the complex operating conditions of a distribution power system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 182(1): 39–47, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21297
Development of a whole‐body haptic sensor with multiple supporting points and its application to a manipulator
Authors: Hanyu Ryosuke , Tsuji Toshiaki
Published: September 2012

This paper proposes a whole‐body haptic sensing system that has multiple supporting points between the body frame and the end‐effector. The system consists of an end‐effector and multiple force sensors. Using this mechanism, the position of a contact force on the surface can be calculated without any sensor array. A haptic sensing system with a single supporting point structure has previously been developed by the present authors. However, the system has drawbacks such as low stiffness and low strength. Therefore, in this study, a mechanism with multiple supporting points was proposed and its performance was verified. In this paper, the basic concept of the mechanism is first introduced. Next, an evaluation of the proposed method, performed by conducting some experiments, is presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 182(1): 48‐56, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22310
GILT expression in B cells diminishes cathepsin S steady‐state protein expression and activity
Authors: Phipps‐Yonas Hannah , Semik Vikki , Hastings Karen Taraszka
Published: September 2012

MHC class II‐restricted Ag processing requires protein degradation in the endocytic pathway for the activation of CD4+ T cells. Gamma‐interferon‐inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT) facilitates Ag processing by reducing protein disulfide bonds in this compartment. Lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin S (CatS) contains disulfide bonds and mediates essential steps in MHC class II‐restricted processing, including proteolysis of large polypeptides and cleavage of the invariant chain. We sought to determine whether GILT's reductase activity regulates CatS expression and function. Confocal microscopy confirmed that GILT and CatS colocalized within lysosomes of B cells. GILT expression posttranscriptionally decreased the steady‐state protein expression of CatS in primary B cells and B‐cell lines. GILT did not substantially alter the expression of other lysosomal proteins, including H2‐M, H2‐O, or CatL. GILT's reductase active site was necessary for diminished CatS protein levels, and GILT expression decreased the half‐life of CatS, suggesting that GILT‐mediated reduction of protein disulfide bonds enhances CatS degradation. GILT expression decreased the proteolysis of a CatS selective substrate. This study illustrates a physiologic mechanism that regulates CatS and has implications for fine tuning MHC class II‐restricted Ag processing and for the development of CatS inhibitors, which are under investigation for the treatment of autoimmune disease.
Effect of flame heat flux on thermal response and fire properties of char‐forming composite materials
Authors: Yu Ziqing , Zhou Aixi
Published: September 2012

This study evaluates the effect of flame heat flux on the prediction of thermal response and fire properties of a char‐forming composite material. A simplified two‐layer flame model was developed and incorporated into a heat transfer thermal model to predict the thermal response and fire reaction characteristics of a burning material. A typical char‐forming material, E‐glass reinforced polyester composite, was used in the study. A cone calorimeter was used to measure the fire reaction characteristics of the composite. The flame heat flux in a cone calorimeter test setup was estimated using the simplified flame model. Thermal response and fire property predictions with and without the effect of flame heat flux were compared with experimental data obtained from the cone calorimeter tests. Results showed that the average flame heat flux of the composite in a cone calorimeter was 19.1 ± 6 kW/m² from model predictions. The flame had a significant effect on the thermal response and fire properties of the composite around the first heat release peak but the effect decreased rapidly afterwards. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced fMRI activity predicts relapse in patients recovering from stimulant dependence
Authors: Clark Vincent P. , Beatty Gregory K. , Anderson Robert E. , Kodituwakku Piyadassa , Phillips John P. , Lane Terran D.R. , Kiehl Kent A. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: September 2012

Relapse presents a significant problem for patients recovering from stimulant dependence. Here we examined the hypothesis that patterns of brain function obtained at an early stage of abstinence differentiates patients who later relapse versus those who remain abstinent. Forty‐five recently abstinent stimulant‐dependent patients were tested using a randomized event‐related functional MRI (ER‐fMRI) design that was developed in order to replicate a previous ERP study of relapse using a selective attention task, and were then monitored until 6 months of verified abstinence or stimulant use occurred. SPM revealed smaller absolute blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) response amplitude in bilateral ventral posterior cingulate and right insular cortex in 23 patients positive for relapse to stimulant use compared with 22 who remained abstinent. ER‐fMRI, psychiatric, neuropsychological, demographic, personal and family history of drug use were compared in order to form predictive models. ER‐fMRI was found to predict abstinence with higher accuracy than any other single measure obtained in this study. Logistic regression using fMRI amplitude in right posterior cingulate and insular cortex predicted abstinence with 77.8% accuracy, which increased to 89.9% accuracy when history of mania was included. Using 10‐fold cross‐validation, Bayesian logistic regression and multilayer perceptron algorithms provided the highest accuracy of 84.4%. These results, combined with previous studies, suggest that the functional organization of paralimbic brain regions including ventral anterior and posterior cingulate and right insula are related to patients' ability to maintain abstinence. Novel therapies designed to target these paralimbic regions identified using ER‐fMRI may improve treatment outcome. Hum Brain Mapp 35:414–428, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomical correlates for category‐specific naming of objects and actions: A brain stimulation mapping study
Authors: Lubrano Vincent , Filleron Thomas , Démonet Jean‐François , Roux Franck‐Emmanuel
Published: September 2012

The production of object and action words can be dissociated in aphasics, yet their anatomical correlates have been difficult to distinguish in functional imaging studies. To investigate the extent to which the cortical neural networks underlying object‐ and action‐naming processing overlap, we performed electrostimulation mapping (ESM), which is a neurosurgical mapping technique routinely used to examine language function during brain‐tumor resections. Forty‐one right‐handed patients who had surgery for a brain tumor were asked to perform overt naming of object and action pictures under stimulation. Overall, 73 out of the 633 stimulated cortical sites (11.5%) were associated with stimulation‐induced language interferences. These interference sites were very much localized (<1 cm2), and showed substantial variability across individuals in their exact localization. Stimulation interfered with both object and action naming over 44 sites, whereas it specifically interfered with object naming over 19 sites and with action naming over 10 sites. Specific object‐naming sites were mainly identified in Broca's area (Brodmann area 44/45) and the temporal cortex, whereas action‐naming specific sites were mainly identified in the posterior midfrontal gyrus (Brodmann area 6/9) and Broca's area (P = 0.003 by the Fisher's exact test). The anatomical loci we emphasized are in line with a cortical distinction between objects and actions based on conceptual/semantic features, so the prefrontal/premotor cortex would preferentially support sensorimotor contingencies associated with actions, whereas the temporal cortex would preferentially underpin (functional) properties of objects. Hum Brain Mapp 35:429–443, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional Discotic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Kumar Sandeep
Published: September 2012

This review article provides a bird’s‐eye view on discotic liquid crystals and their potential applications. Design principles, synthesis, modification of physical properties and potential applications of some common discotic liquid crystals have been briefly summarized.
A review of the most economically important poisonous plants to the livestock industry on temperate grasslands of China
Authors: Zhao Mengli , Gao Xinlei , Wang Jing , He Xiaolei , Han Bing
Published: September 2012

The majority of the literature on poisonous plant species in China is published in Chinese and not available to the majority of interested researchers and grassland managers in other countries. Therefore, a review of the Chinese literature was conducted to summarize the occurrence of poisonous plant species on temperate grasslands in China. We reviewed the literature to obtain general information on poisonous species but focus on locoweeds (Astragalus and Oxytropis spp.), drunken horse grass [Achnatherum inebrians (Hance) Keng ex Tzvelev] and langdu (Stellera chamaejasme L.) for information on their toxins, distribution and ecology, control methods and alternate uses. Of the almost 1300 poisonous species found on grasslands in China, these species are responsible for an estimated 80% of all livestock losses. This includes loss of performance as well as mortality. The locoweeds are a complex made up of Oxytropis and Astragalus species. The toxic principle in this complex, as well as in drunken horse grass, is the result of an endophyte fungus whereas in langdu it is produced by the plant. All these species are native to the grasslands, which suggest they have been a problem ever since herding began. Over that period of at least several millennia, herders would have learned and adapted to the presence of poisonous species. Strategies were developed and therapies employed to allow the animals to cope before and after poisoning. Nevertheless, grazing management could still be refined that would allow the use of the toxic legumes, while preventing poisonous symptoms, as has been tested elsewhere. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low dose of carbon monoxide intraperitoneal injection provides potent protection against GalN/LPS‐induced acute liver injury in mice
Authors: Wen Zongmei , Liu Yan , Li Feng , Wen Tao
Published: September 2012

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important effector‐signaling molecule involved in various pathophysiological processes. Here we investigated the protective effects of exogenous CO in a murine model of acute liver damage induced by d‐galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Exogenous CO gas was administered to mice via intraperitoneal injection (first at a dose of 15 ml kg−1 and then, 6 h later, 8 ml kg−1), which caused a significant elevation of blood carboxyhemoglobin levels of up to 12–14% for more than 12 h. GalN/LPS were given to induce acute liver damage in mice 30 min prior to CO exposure. This showed that GalN/LPS induced severe liver injury in mice, whereas CO injection remarkably improved the survival rate of mice and led to attenuated hepatocellular damage. CO exhibited anti‐oxidative capabilities by inhibiting hepatic malondialdehyde contents and restoring superoxide dismutase and glutathione, as well as by reducing inducible NOS/NO production. The anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effects of CO were substantial, characterized by a notable inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis and a reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in mice. Our findings thus supported the hypothesis that exogenous CO provides protective effects against acute liver damage in mice, mainly dependent on its anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic properties. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding small biomolecule‐biomaterial interactions: A review of fundamental theoretical and experimental approaches for biomolecule interactions with inorganic surfaces
Authors: Costa Dominique , Garrain Pierre‐Alain , Baaden Marc
Published: September 2012

Interactions between biomolecules and inorganic surfaces play an important role in natural environments and in industry, including a wide variety of conditions: marine environment, ship hulls (fouling), water treatment, heat exchange, membrane separation, soils, mineral particles at the earth's surface, hospitals (hygiene), art and buildings (degradation and biocorrosion), paper industry (fouling) and more. To better control the first steps leading to adsorption of a biomolecule on an inorganic surface, it is mandatory to understand the adsorption mechanisms of biomolecules of several sizes at the atomic scale, that is, the nature of the chemical interaction between the biomolecule and the surface and the resulting biomolecule conformations once adsorbed at the surface. This remains a challenging and unsolved problem. Here, we review the state of art in experimental and theoretical approaches. We focus on metallic biomaterial surfaces such as TiO2 and stainless steel, mentioning some remarkable results on hydroxyapatite. Experimental techniques include atomic force microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, quartz crystal microbalance, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, sum frequency generation and time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Theoretical models range from detailed quantum mechanical representations to classical forcefield‐based approaches. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Development of silver nanoparticle loaded antibacterial polymer mesh using plasma polymerization process
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Jolivalt Claude , Pulpytel Jerome , Jafari Reza , Arefi‐Khonsari Farzaneh
Published: September 2012

Plasma polymerized polyacrylic acid (PPAA) was deposited on a polymer substrate, namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mesh, for entrapment of silver nanoparticle (Ag‐NP) in order to achieve antibacterial property to the material. Carboxylic groups of PPAA act as anchor as well as capping and stabilizing agents for Ag‐NPs synthesized by chemical reduction method using NaBH4 as a reducing agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle analysis were used to characterize the PPAA coatings. The Ag‐NPs loaded polymer samples were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, and XPS techniques. XPS analysis showed ∼1.0 at.% loading of Ag‐NPs on to the PPAA‐PET‐mesh, which was composed of 79% zero‐valent (Ag°) and 21% oxidized nano‐Ag (Ag+). The plasma processed PET meshes samples were tested for antibacterial activity against two bacterial strains, namely Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative). Qualitative and quantitative tests showed that silver containing PPAA‐PET meshes exhibit excellent antibacterial property against the tested bacteria with percent reduction of bacterial concentration >99%, compared to the untreated PET mesh. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Relations frequency hypermatrices in mutual, conditional, and joint entropy‐based information indices
Authors: Barigye Stephen J. , Marrero‐Ponce Yovani , Martínez‐López Yoan , Torrens Francisco , Artiles‐Martínez Luis Manuel , Pino‐Urias Ricardo W. , Martínez‐Santiago Oscar
Published: September 2012

Graph‐theoretic matrix representations constitute the most popular and significant source of topological molecular descriptors (MDs). Recently, we have introduced a novel matrix representation, named the duplex relations frequency matrix, F, derived from the generalization of an incidence matrix whose row entries are connected subgraphs of a given molecular graph G. Using this matrix, a series of information indices (IFIs) were proposed. In this report, an extension of F is presented, introducing for the first time the concept of a hypermatrix in graph‐theoretic chemistry. The hypermatrix representation explores the n‐tuple participation frequencies of vertices in a set of connected subgraphs of G. In this study we, however, focus on triple and quadruple participation frequencies, generating triple and quadruple relations frequency matrices, respectively. The introduction of hypermatrices allows us to redefine the recently proposed MDs, that is, the mutual, conditional, and joint entropy‐based IFIs, in a generalized way. These IFIs are implemented in GT‐STAF (acronym for Graph Theoretical Thermodynamic STAte Functions), a new module of the TOMOCOMD‐CARDD program. Information theoretic‐based variability analysis of the proposed IFIs suggests that the use of hypermatrices enhances the entropy and, hence, the variability of the previously proposed IFIs, especially the conditional and mutual entropy based IFIs. The predictive capacity of the proposed IFIs was evaluated by the analysis of the regression models, obtained for physico‐chemical properties the partition coefficient (Log P) and the specific rate constant (Log K) of 34 derivatives of 2‐furylethylene. The statistical parameters, for the best models obtained for these properties, were compared to those reported in the literature depicting better performance. This result suggests that the use of the hypermatrix‐based approach, in the redefinition of the previously proposed IFIs, avails yet other valuable tools beneficial in QSPR studies and diversity analysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the energy landscapes of flexible molecular loops using higher‐dimensional continuation
Authors: Porta Josep M. , Jaillet Léonard
Published: September 2012

The conformational space of a flexible molecular loop includes the set of conformations fulfilling the geometric loop‐closure constraints and its energy landscape can be seen as a scalar field defined on this implicit set. Higher‐dimensional continuation tools, recently developed in dynamical systems and also applied to robotics, provide efficient algorithms to trace out implicitly defined sets. This article describes these tools and applies them to obtain full descriptions of the energy landscapes of short molecular loops that, otherwise, can only be partially explored, mainly via sampling. Moreover, to deal with larger loops, this article exploits the higher‐dimensional continuation tools to find local minima and minimum energy transition paths between them, without deviating from the loop‐closure constraints. The proposed techniques are applied to previously studied molecules revealing the intricate structure of their energy landscapes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.