bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regeneration of Clinoptilolite Loaded with Ammonia by a Non‐Thermal Plasma Method
Authors: Müller Siegfried , Saulich Katja , Krüger Tila
Published: October 2012

Gasadsorber finden eine breite Anwendung im Bereich der Abgasreinigung sowie Aufkonzentration von Gaskomponenten. Für die Regeneration von mit Ammoniak beladenem Klinoptilolith wurde ein Pellet‐Reaktor auf der Basis einer dielektrisch behinderten Entladung entwickelt. Mit dem Verfahren konnte die Freisetzung von zuvor adsorbiertem NH3 bei relativ niedriger Temperatur und niedrigem Energieverbrauch nachgewiesen werden. Zur Optimierung wurden verschiedene Parameter wie Leistung und Pulspausenverhältnis der Versorgungsspannung variiert. Es zeigte sich, dass mit dem gewählten Plasmaverfahren das Adsorbermaterial mehrmals beladen und nachfolgend regeneriert werden konnte.
Aerobic granulation for wastewater bioremediation: A review
Authors: Khan Mohammad Zain , Mondal Pijush Kanti , Sabir Suhail
Published: October 2012

Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation releases numerous toxic compounds into natural water bodies, polluting these pristine fresh water resources. This is a subject of great concern, and the attention of environmentalists around the world has been increased towards this problem in recent years. Several techniques have been proposed for efficient wastewater treatment, most of them presenting some limitations, such as poor capacity, the generation of waste products, incomplete mineralisation and a high operating cost. Currently, aerobic granulation treatments are considered to be the most effective and economic alternative. Aerobic granulation is a process of microbial self‐immobilisation that results into a cell‐structured shape, characterised by dense biomass. Aerobic granules have a number of advantages over conventional bioflocs, such as a round and compact structure, good settling ability, high biomass retention and the ability to withstand high organic loading rates. Aerobic granulation technology has been demonstrated to be useful for a wide variety of wastewaters, including industrial, nutrient‐rich and toxic. This paper presents a state‐of‐the‐art review of effective aerobic granulation technology for wastewater treatment selected from the point‐of‐view of basic concepts of aerobic granulation, characterisation and factors that affect aerobic granulation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the cell‐immobilisation (aerobic granulation) technique. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Photoswitchable azobenzene‐ and stilbene‐based chromophores bearing terminal nitro groups: Synthesis, thermal and photochemical properties
Authors: Yang Po‐Chih , Lee Chung‐Lin , Chen Wei‐Chun , Lin Cheng‐Yi
Published: October 2012

This study examined the effects of aromatic cores and spacer lengths of chromophore structures on photoreactivity and mesomorphic properties of a series of azobenzene‐ and stilbene‐based chromophores bearing electron‐withdrawing (NO2) terminal groups caused by esterification reactions. The chromophores were composed of liquid crystalline mesophases with six or 11 methylene segments as spacers and with azobenzene (NN) and stilbene (CC) aromatic cores. The target compounds were further characterised using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, polarising optical microscopy, absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies. All of the azobenzene and stilbene derivatives with six or 11 methylene segments showed enantiotropic mesophases and revealed chiral nematic phases (cholesteric, exhibiting oily streaks textures). S6 and S11 with stilbene cores showed broader phase transition temperature ranges than A6 and A11 with azobenzene cores because of the molecular interaction enhancement of the planar stilbene structure. We investigated the effects of these photochromic compounds' structures on E/Z photoisomerisation under UV irradiation. UV irradiation caused E/Z photoisomerisation at NN and CC segments of the chromophores, leading to reversible and irreversible isomerisation respectively. These synthesised chromophores with functionally photoisomerised groups might have potential application for photoinduced alignments in liquid crystal industries.
Stealthy annotation of experimental biology by spreadsheets
Authors: Wolstencroft Katherine , Owen Stuart , Horridge Matthew , Jupp Simon , Krebs Olga , Snoep Jacky , du Preez Franco , Mueller Wolfgang , Stevens Robert , Goble Carole
Published: October 2012

The increase in volume and complexity of biological data has led to increased requirements to reuse that data. Consistent and accurate metadata is essential for this task, creating new challenges in semantic data annotation and in the constriction of terminologies and ontologies used for annotation. The BioSharing community are developing standards and terminologies for annotation, which have been adopted across bioinformatics, but the real challenge is to make these standards accessible to laboratory scientists. Widespread adoption requires the provision of tools to assist scientists whilst reducing the complexities of working with semantics. This paper describes unobtrusive ‘stealthy’ methods for collecting standards compliant, semantically annotated data and for contributing to ontologies used for those annotations. Spreadsheets are ubiquitous in laboratory data management. Our spreadsheet‐based RightField tool enables scientists to structure information and select ontology terms for annotation within spreadsheets, producing high quality, consistent data without changing common working practices. Furthermore, our Populous spreadsheet tool proves effective for gathering domain knowledge in the form of Web Ontology Language (OWL) ontologies. Such a corpus of structured and semantically enriched knowledge can be extracted in Resource Description Framework (RDF), providing further means for searching across the content and contributing to Open Linked Data (http://linkeddata.org/). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Conversion of Polyenes to Monoenes by RuCl3‐Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation: The Case of Cashew Nutshell Liquid
Authors: Perdriau Sébastien , Harder Sjoerd , Heeres Hero J. , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: October 2012

Cardanol, a constituent of cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), was subjected to transfer hydrogenation catalyzed by RuCl3 using isopropanol as a reductant. The side chain of cardanol, which is a mixture of a triene, a diene, and a monoene, was selectively reduced to the monoene. Surprisingly, it is the C8C9 double bond that is retained with high selectivity. A similar transfer hydrogenation of linoleic acid derivatives succeeded only if the substrate contained an aromatic ring, such as a benzyl ester. TEM and a negative mercury test showed that the catalyst was homogeneous. By using ESI‐MS, ruthenium complexes were identified that contained one, two, or even three molecules of substrate, most likely as allyl complexes. The interaction between ruthenium and the aromatic ring determines selectivity in the hydrogenation reaction.
Physico‐chemical variables determining the invasion risk of freshwater habitats by alien mollusks and crustaceans
Authors: Früh Denise , Stoll Stefan , Haase Peter
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the invasion risk of freshwater habitats and determine the environmental variables that are most favorable for the establishment of alien amphipods, isopods, gastropods, and bivalves. A total of 981 sites located in streams and rivers in Germany. Therefore we analyzed presence–absence data of alien and indigenous amphipods, isopods, gastropods, and bivalves from 981 sites located in small to large rivers in Germany with regard to eight environmental variables: chloride, ammonium, nitrate, oxygen, orthophosphate, distance to the next navigable waterway, and maximum and minimum temperature. Degraded sites close to navigable waters were exposed to an increased invasion risk by all major groups of alien species. Moreover, invaded sites by all four groups of alien species were similar, whereas the sites where indigenous members of the four groups occurred were more variable. Increased temperature and chloride concentration as well as decreased oxygen concentration were identified as major factors for the invasibility of a site. Species‐specific analyses showed that chloride was among the three most predictive environmental variables determining species assemblage in all four taxonomic groups. Also distance to the next navigable waterways was similarly important. Additionally, the minimum temperature was among the most important variables for amphipods, isopods, and bivalves. The bias in the occurrence patterns of alien species toward similarly degraded habitats suggests that the members of all four major groups of freshwater alien species are a non‐random, more tolerant set of species. Their common tolerance to salinity, high temperature, and oxygen depletion may reflect that most alien species were spread in ballast water tanks, where strong selective pressures, particularly temperature fluctuations, oxygen depletion, and increased salinity may create a bottleneck for successful invasion. Knowledge on the major factors that influence the invasion risk of a habitat is needed to develop strategies to limit the spread of invasive species.
Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction Catalyzed by PEPPSI‐Type 1,4‐Di(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene (tzIPr) Palladium Complex
Authors: Huang Jie , Hong Jong‐Tai , Hong Soon Hyeok
Published: October 2012

A 1,4‐di(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene (tzIPr)‐based PEPPSI‐type palladium complex was developed as an excellent precatalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. The complex showed high activity under mild conditions for the cross‐coupling reactions between various types of aryl chlorides and aryl boronic acids regardless of the steric and electronic nature of the substrates.
Evaluation of genetic damage in open‐cast coal mine workers using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay
Authors: Rohr Paula , da Silva Juliana , da Silva Fernanda R. , Sarmento Merielen , Porto Carem , Debastiani Rafaela , dos Santos Carla E. I. , Dias Johnny F. , Kvitko Kátia
Published: October 2012

Coal is the largest fossil fuel source used for the generation of energy. However, coal extraction and its use constitute important pollution factors; thus, risk characterization and estimation are extremely important for the safety of coal workers and the environment. Candiota is located to the southeast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and has the largest coal reserves in Brazil, and the largest thermal power complex in the state. In the open‐cast mines, the coal miners are constantly exposed to coal dust. The human buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay has been used widely to investigate biomarkers for DNA damage, cell death, and basal cell frequency in buccal cells. The aim of this study was to assess whether prolonged exposure to coal dust could lead to an increase in genomic instability, cell death, and frequency of basal cells using the BMCyt assay. In the analysis of epithelial cells, the exposed group (n = 41) presented with a significantly higher frequency of basal cells, micronuclei in basal and differentiated cells, and binucleated cells compared to the non‐exposed group (n = 29). The exposed group showed a significantly lower frequency of condensed chromatin cells than the non‐exposed group. However, we found no correlation between DNA damage and metal concentration in the blood of mine workers. DNA damage observed in the mine workers may be a consequence of oxidative damage resulting from exposure to coal residue mixtures. In addition, our findings confirm that the BMCyt assay can be used to identify occupational risk. Mol. Mutagen. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanistic sediment quality guidelines based on contaminant bioavailability: Equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks
Authors: Burgess Robert M. , Berry Walter J. , Mount David R. , Di Toro Dominic M.
Published: October 2012

Globally, estimated costs to manage (i.e., remediate and monitor) contaminated sediments are in the billions of U.S. dollars. Biologically based approaches for assessing the contaminated sediments which pose the greatest ecological risk range from toxicity testing to benthic community analysis. In addition, chemically based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) provide a relatively inexpensive line of evidence for supporting these assessments. The present study summarizes a mechanistic SQG based on equilibrium partitioning (EqP), which uses the dissolved concentrations of contaminants in sediment interstitial waters as a surrogate for bioavailable contaminant concentrations. The EqP-based mechanistic SQGs are called equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks (ESBs). Sediment concentrations less than or equal to the ESB values are not expected to result in adverse effects and benthic organisms should be protected, while sediment concentrations above the ESB values may result in adverse effects to benthic organisms. In the present study, ESB values are reported for 34 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 32 other organic contaminants, and seven metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, silver, zinc). Also included is an overview of EqP theory, ESB derivation, examples of applying ESB values, and considerations when using ESBs. The ESBs are intended as a complement to existing sediment-assessment tools, to assist in determining the extent of sediment contamination, to help identify chemicals causing toxicity, and to serve as targets for pollutant loading control measures. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:102–114. © 2012 SETAC
Effect of reduced food intake on toxicokinetics of halogenated organic contaminants in herring gull (Larus argentatus) chicks
Authors: Routti Heli , Helgason Lisa Bjørnsdatter , Arukwe Augustine , Wolkers Hans , Heimstad Eldbjørg Sofie , Harju Mikael , Berg Vidar , Gabrielsen Geir Wing
Published: October 2012

The aim of the present study was to investigate how contaminant exposure and reduced food intake affect tissue distribution and biotransformation of halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs) in Arctic seabirds using herring gull (Larus argentatus) as a model species. Herring gull chicks were exposed for 44 d to cod liver oil containing a typical mixture of contaminants. Following exposure, food intake was reduced for a one-week period in a subgroup of the chicks. Polyclorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and brominated flame retardants, as well as a wide range of hydroxy, methyl sulfone, and methoxy compounds were measured in liver, brain, and plasma samples. Additionally, phase I biotransformation enzyme activities and phase I and II messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression were investigated in the liver, brain, or both. Both contaminant exposure and reduced food intake had an increasing effect on the concentrations of HOCs and their metabolites. The HOC exposure and reduced food intake also led to increased 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylation (EROD) activity, whereas mRNA expression of the biotransformation enzymes increased only following the reduced food intake. Tissue distribution of HOCs and their metabolites was not affected by either contaminant exposure or reduced food intake. In conclusion, the results indicate that biotransformation capacity and formation of HOC metabolites increase during reduced food intake. This finding supports the hypothesis that reduced food intake increases the susceptibility of Arctic animals to the effects of lipophilic HOCs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:156–164. © 2012 SETAC
Metal distribution in tissues of free-range chickens near a lead–zinc mine in Kabwe, Zambia
Authors: Yabe John , Nakayama Shouta M.M. , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Muzandu Kaampwe , Choongo Kennedy , Mainda Geoffrey , Kabeta Matthew , Ishizuka Mayumi , Umemura Takashi
Published: October 2012

Concentrations of Pb, Cd, and other metals in tissues of 17 free-range and 32 commercial broiler chickens from the Kabwe mining town in Zambia were determined. Mean concentrations of Pb and Cd exceeded maximum levels for human consumption in some organs including muscle (Pb only) in free-range chickens, in contrast to low levels in broiler chickens. Human consumers in Kabwe could be exposed to Pb and Cd in free-range chickens. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:189–192. © 2012 SETAC
INSOL Europe's Proposals on Groups of Companies (in Cross‐Border Insolvency): A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Mevorach Irit
Published: October 2012

International bodies have started addressing the problem of cross‐border insolvency of corporate groups fairly recently. The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law has adopted a set of recommendations and the European Commission may tackle the matter in the near future, in the process of revising the European Insolvency Regulation (the ‘Regulation’). It is, therefore, timely to evaluate major proposals for the Regulation's amendment regarding groups, suggested by INSOL Europe. The paper critically evaluates the proposals regarding coordination of group cases and the concept of substantive consolidation. This evaluation takes account of both the variety of possible group structures and the goals the insolvency regime would aim to achieve. Copyright © 2012 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No beneficial effect of intrathecal methylprednisolone acetate in postherpetic neuralgia patients
Authors: Rijsdijk M. , van Wijck A.J.M. , Meulenhoff P.C.W. , Kavelaars A. , van der Tweel I. , Kalkman C.J.
Published: October 2012

Background

High efficacy of intrathecal methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) with lidocaine has been reported in a large patient group suffering from intractable postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Because the treatment effect was never independently confirmed and there are ongoing safety concerns, intrathecal MPA did not become standard care for intractable PHN. We report the results of a replication trial assessing pain relief and spinal cytokine/chemokine levels in PHN patients.

Methods

The number of patients to be included was determined using sequential analysis to limit patient exposure to the invasive experimental treatment. Patients were randomized to the treatment group receiving MPA 60 mg + lidocaine 60 mg or control group receiving lidocaine 60 mg only. Four injections at 7‐day intervals were administered after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection to measure cytokine/chemokine levels. Visual analogue scores for pain and the square allodynic area were collected during follow‐up, with the primary end point set at 8 weeks follow‐up.

Results

In total, 10 patients were included, of whom six were randomized to the treatment group. All six MPA‐treated patients experienced a pain increase at 8 weeks, versus one of four patients in the control group. The square allodynic area increased in four of six MPA‐treated patients versus one of four control patients. CSF interleukin‐8 levels remained stable in the control group, but increased significantly after the first intrathecal MPA injection. The trial was stopped because of safety concerns and futility.

Conclusion

Considering the absence of clinical benefits and the potential risks of the treatment, intrathecal administration of MPA is not recommended.
Fibroblast growth factor control of cartilage homeostasis
Authors: Ellman M.B. , Yan D. , Ahmadinia K. , Chen D. , An H.S. , Im H.J.
Published: October 2012

Osteoarthritis (OA) and degenerative disc disease (DDD) are similar diseases involving the breakdown of cartilage tissue, and a better understanding of the underlying biochemical processes involved in cartilage degeneration may allow for the development of novel biologic therapies aimed at slowing the disease process. Three members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, FGF‐2, FGF‐18, and FGF‐8, have been implicated as contributing factors in cartilage homeostasis. The role of FGF‐2 is controversial in both articular and intervertebral disc (IVD) cartilage as it has been associated with species‐ and age‐dependent anabolic or catabolic events. Recent evidence suggests that FGF‐2 selectively activates FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) to exert catabolic effects in human articular chondrocytes and IVD tissue via upregulation of matrix‐degrading enzyme production, inhibition of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and proteoglycan synthesis, and clustering of cells characteristic of arthritic states. FGF‐18, on the other hand, most likely exerts anabolic effects in human articular chondrocytes by activating the FGFR3 pathway, inducing ECM formation and chondrogenic cell differentiation, and inhibiting cell proliferation. These changes result in dispersed chondrocytes or disc cells surrounded by abundant matrix. The role of FGF‐8 has recently been identified as a catabolic mediator in rat and rabbit articular cartilage, but its precise biological impact on human adult articular cartilage or IVD tissue remains unknown. The available evidence reveals the promise of FGF‐2/FGFR1 antagonists, FGF‐18/FGFR3 agonists, and FGF‐8 antagonists (i.e., anti‐FGF‐8 antibody) as potential therapies to prevent cartilage degeneration and/or promote cartilage regeneration and repair in the future. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 735–742, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of retrobulbar blood flow by color doppler ultrasonography after intravitreal ranibizumab injection in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Bayezit Sakalar Yildirim , Senturk Senem , Yildirim Mine , Keklikci Ugur , Fuat Alakus Mehmet , Unlu Kaan
Published: October 2012

Purpose.

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in retrobulbar blood flow by using color Doppler sonography in patients who had undergone intravitreal ranibizumab injection for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods.

The study comprised 37 AMD patients who had undergone intravitreal 0.5 mg ranibizumab injection. The ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and short lateral posterior ciliary artery of both eyes of patients were evaluated by color Doppler sonography. Peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, and resistance index were calculated before injection, and after injection on day 7 and day 30. The pre‐ and postinjection values were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results.

In a comparison with the preinjection values of peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, and resistance index, the postinjection values at both day 7 and day 30 showed no statistically significant difference in ophthalmic artery, lateral posterior ciliary artery, and central retinal artery (p > 0.05). Similarly, for the same parameters, pre‐ and postinjection values in the uninjected fellow eye showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusions.

Intravitreal ranibizumab injection for neovascular AMD does not cause a significant change in the retrobulbar blood flow in either the injected eye or the fellow eye. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2013
Ultrasound diagnosis of central nervous system anomalies (bifid choroid plexus, ventriculomegaly, Dandy‐Walker malformation) associated with multicystic dysplastic kidney disease in a trisomy 9 fetus: Case report with literature review
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Grisolia Giampaolo
Published: October 2012

Trisomy 9 is a lethal chromosomal abnormality that rarely progresses beyond the second trimester of pregnancy. Multiple central nervous system anomalies, including bifid choroid plexus, ventriculomegaly, and Dandy‐Walker malformation, associated with multicystic dysplastic kidney disease in a trisomy 9 fetus are reported. The prenatal ultrasound diagnosis has been aided by novel three‐dimensional ultrasound software. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:441–447, 2013
Adipose tissue MRI for quantitative measurement of central obesity
Authors: Poonawalla Aziz H. , Sjoberg Brett P. , Rehm Jennifer L. , Hernando Diego , Hines Catherine D. , Irarrazaval Pablo , Reeder Scott B.
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To validate adipose tissue magnetic resonance imaging (atMRI) for rapid, quantitative volumetry of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and total adipose tissue (TAT).

Materials and Methods:

Data were acquired on normal adults and clinically overweight girls with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval/parental consent using sagittal 6‐echo 3D‐spoiled gradient‐echo (SPGR) (26‐sec single‐breath‐hold) at 3T. Fat‐fraction images were reconstructed with quantitative corrections, permitting measurement of a physiologically based fat‐fraction threshold in normals to identify adipose tissue, for automated measurement of TAT, and semiautomated measurement of VAT. TAT accuracy was validated using oil phantoms and in vivo TAT/VAT measurements validated with manual segmentation. Group comparisons were performed between normals and overweight girls using TAT, VAT, VAT‐TAT‐ratio (VTR), body‐mass‐index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist‐hip‐ratio (WHR).

Results:

Oil phantom measurements were highly accurate (<3% error). The measured adipose fat‐fraction threshold was 96% ± 2%. VAT and TAT correlated strongly with manual segmentation (normals r2 ≥ 0.96, overweight girls r2 ≥ 0.99). VAT segmentation required 30 ± 11 minutes/subject (14 ± 5 sec/slice) using atMRI, versus 216 ± 73 minutes/subject (99 ± 31 sec/slice) manually. Group discrimination was significant using WHR (P < 0.001) and VTR (P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

The atMRI technique permits rapid, accurate measurements of TAT, VAT, and VTR. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:707–716. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
R2* estimation using “in‐phase” echoes in the presence of fat: The effects of complex spectrum of fat
Authors: Hernando Diego , Kühn Jens‐Peter , Mensel Birger , Völzke Henry , Puls Ralf , Hosten Norbert , Reeder Scott B.
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To investigate R2* mapping robustness in the presence of fat using in‐phase echoes, without and with spectral modeling of fat (single‐peak and multipeak models, respectively), using varying numbers of echoes.

Materials and Methods:

Data from 88 volunteers (men/women: 52/36, ages: 55.4 ± 12.2) were randomly chosen according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) liver fat‐fraction (%), and classified into six fat‐fraction groups (1: 20 cases, 0%–<10%; 2: 20 cases, 10%–<20%; 3: 20 cases, 20%–<30%; 4: 20 cases, 30%–<40%; 5: 8 cases >40% liver fat; 6: subcutaneous fat from all cases). R2* maps obtained from five in‐phase echoes (echo times: 4.8–23.8 msec) were retrospectively reconstructed using single‐peak and multipeak fat modeling. R2* maps were also calculated using different numbers (2–5) of echoes.

Results:

Multipeak fat corrected R2* mapping is feasible from in‐phase echoes, with noise performance comparable to single‐peak R2* when using ≥4 echoes. Single‐peak R2* showed poor robustness to varying echo time combinations in the presence of fat, where using few echoes resulted in large errors. These errors can be reduced using more echoes, or fully corrected using multipeak fat modeling. The mean R2* increased significantly with increasing fat‐fraction when using single‐peak R2* for any TE combination (P < 0.001), but did not vary when using multipeak R2* for any TE combination (P ≥ 0.158).

Conclusion:

R2* mapping uncorrected for spectral complexity of fat contains protocol and fat‐dependent errors (lack of robustness) in tissues with high fat content. Accounting for complex fat spectrum improves robustness and accuracy of signal fitting, with modest noise performance loss. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:717–726. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR enterography findings in abdominopelvic extraintestinal complications of Crohn's disease
Authors: Mazziotti Silvio , Blandino Alfredo , Scribano Emanuele , Gaeta Michele , Mileto Achille , Fries Walter , Bombaci Francesco , Ascenti Giorgio
Published: October 2012

MR of the small bowel is a useful technique for the evaluation of both intraluminal and extraluminal pathologic involvement of the small bowel in patients with Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is associated with a range of extraintestinal complications that sometimes may be the initial presenting symptoms. Some of these extraintestinal complications may not correlate with disease activity, but in general, they tend to follow the clinical course of disease and may have a high impact on life quality, morbidity, and even mortality in these patients. Our purpose is to describe some abdominopelvic extraintestinal complications of Crohn's disease, such as hepatopancreatobiliary, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, peritoneal, and lymph‐nodal, detectable at MR enterography. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1055–1063. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving spatial temperature estimates by resort to time autoregressive processes
Authors: Joly Daniel , Cardot Hervé , Schaumberger Andreas
Published: October 2012

Temperature estimation methods usually involve regression followed by kriging of residuals (residual kriging). Despite the performance of such models, there is invariably a residual which is not necessarily unpredictable because it may still be correlated in time. We set out to analyse such residuals through resort to autoregressive processes. It is shown that the optimal period varies depending on whether it is identified by functions of the form resd = f(resd−1, resd−2, …, resd−p) or by partial correlations. Autoregressive processes significantly improve estimates, which are evaluated by cross‐validations. Finally, the two following points are discussed: (1) the assumptions of the autoregressive model on the residuals (the assumptions of linearity, stationarity of space and time are verified empirically) and (2) the identification of the days for which the introduction of this model is really interesting.
Importance of the temporary portocaval shunt during adult living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Sánchez-Cabús Santiago , Fondevila Constantino , Calatayud David , Ferrer Joana , Taurá Pilar , Fuster José , García-Valdecasas Juan Carlos
Published: October 2012

Adult living donor liver transplantation (aLDLT) is associated with surgical risks for the donor and with the possibility of small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) for the recipient, with both events being of great importance. An excessively small liver graft entails a relative increase in the portal blood flow during reperfusion, and this factor predisposes the recipient to an increased risk of SFSS in the postoperative period, although other causes related to recipient, graft, and technical factors have also been reported. A hemodynamic monitoring protocol was used for 45 consecutive aLDLT recipients. After various hemodynamic parameters before reperfusion were analyzed, a significant correlation between the temporary portocaval shunt flow during the anhepatic phase and the portal vein flow (PVF) after reperfusion of the graft (R
2 = 0.3, P < 0.001) was found, and so was a correlation between the native liver portal pressure and PVF after reperfusion (R
2 = 0.21, P = 0.007). The identification of patients at risk for excessive portal hyperflow will allow its modulation before reperfusion. This could favor the use of smaller grafts and ultimately lead to a reduction in donor complications because it would allow more limited hepatectomies to be performed. Liver Transpl 19:174–183, 2013. © 2012 AASLD.
Consumers’ Reactions to a Celebrity Endorser Scandal
Authors: Fong Candy P. S. , Wyer Robert S.
Published: October 2012

This research examined the impact of a widely publicized celebrity scandal on consumers’ attitudes toward the involved celebrities and the products they endorsed. Special attention is placed on the interplay between consumers’ perceptions of the celebrities’ responsibilities for the events that occurred, their affective reactions to both the events and the celebrities, and their consequent reactions to the products that the celebrities endorsed. The use of a real celebrity scandal permitted the effects of several variables to be identified that are normally not taken into account, including individuals’ a priori liking for the celebrities, perceptions of the scandal's impact on both the involved celebrities and the society, individuals’ own involvement in scandal‐related activities. These and other effects were evaluated using structural equation modeling. Two parallel analyses, one for each celebrity, fit the model well and provided insight into the processes that potentially mediate the effects of a celebrity scandal on product evaluations.
Preparation and characterization of chitosan/montmorillonite‐K10 nanocomposites films for food packaging applications
Authors: Kasirga Yasemin , Oral Ayhan , Caner Cengiz
Published: October 2012

Chitosan (CS)/montmorillonite‐K10 (MMTK‐10) clay composite films with different amounts of the clay MMTK‐10 (0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5%) were prepared using a solution‐casting method, and their properties were determined. The objective of this study is to prepare CS/clay nanocomposites and then to investigate the effects of clay content on mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of these nanocomposites. The prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Barrier properties (oxygen and water permeability), mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation), and thermal behaviors (thermogravimetric analysis) were investigated and compared. The water vapor and gas permeability values of the composite films decreased significantly with increasing filler concentration. Tensile strength of the composites increased significantly with the addition of clay, and elongation at break decreased with increasing clay concentration. The tensile strength of nanocomposites is up to 34.82 MPa for 5 wt% clay content, and the tensile modulus shows a 74.63% higher value than that of neat CS. The resulting films had an opaque appearance, which depended on the amount of MMTK‐10 added. The oxygen permeability decreased with the increase in MMTK‐10. The minimum oxygen permeability (1.54 cm3/m2 day atm) was recorded for film with 5% MMTK‐10. The water permeability of the composite films decreased significantly between 13 and 22% when clay was added. The dispersed clay improves the thermal stability and enhances the hardness and elastic modulus of the matrix systematically with the increased loading of clay. POLYM. COMPOS., 33:1874–1882, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polymer structure and morphology of low density polyethylene filled with silica nanoparticles
Authors: Olmos Dania , Rodríguez‐Gutiérrez Eugenio , González‐Benito Javier
Published: October 2012

The effect of silica nanoparticles on structure and morphology of low density polyethylene (LDPE) was investigated. To prepare the nanocomposites, SiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in a LDPE with cryogenic high‐energy ball milling (HEBM). Films of these nanocomposites with different loads (0%, 1.8%, 2.3%, 3.3%, 7.9%, 16.5% wt/wt) were obtained by hot pressing. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the nonisothermal melting and crystallization of the films. The morphological characterization was done by atomic force microscopy (AFM). To determine the most representative periodical spacing associated to the LDPE crystallites, a new approach based on the first moment of the frequency distribution obtained from the fast Fourier transform of the AFM phase contrast images was used. Ultracryomicrotomed surfaces of the nanocomposites revealed an efficient dispersion of the nanoparticles throughout the polymer bulk. Although HEBM promotes the formation of the metastable monoclinic phase in the LDPE, nanocomposites in the form of films did not show important differences in their thermal and morphological characteristics, suggesting that there are not high interactions between the polar nanoparticles and the nonpolar polymer and that thermal treatment is enough to eliminate the specific microstructure induced by HEBM. POLYM. COMPOS., 33:2009–2021, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improvements in the Separation Capabilities of Sequential Injection Chromatography: Determination of Intracellular Dissolved Free Amino Acid Profiles in Three Taxonomic Groups of Microalgae
Authors: Rigobello‐Masini Marilda , Masini Jorge C.
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) in intracellular extracts of marine microalgae can be determined by sequential injection chromatography (SIC). This technique uses portable, low‐cost instrumentation but its applications have been limited to short monolithic columns because of components not resistant to high pressures.

Objective

To develop a SIC method for determination of DFAA by exploring an instrument modified to handle pressures of 1000 psi.

Method

The method was based on pre‐column derivatisation of the amino acids with o‐phthalaldehyde and 2‐mercaptoethanol in borate buffer (pH 9.4), separation and fluorimetric detection (λexcitation = 340 and λemission = 450 nm). Separation was achieved by stepwise gradient elution using six mobile phases. The first elution step used a mobile phase composed of methanol:tetrahydrofuran:10 mm phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) at a volumetric ratio of 8:1:91. Additional elution steps used mobile phases containing methanol and 10 mM phosphate buffer at ratios of 17.5:82.5, 25:75, 35:65, 50:50 and 65:35.

Results

Nineteen chromatographic peaks were observed in a mixture of 20 amino acids. The only complete co‐elution was between tryptophan and methionine. Detection limits varied from 0.10 µm for isoleucine to 1.5 µm for lysine. Recoveries from spiked extracts were between 84 and 131%.

Conclusion

Resolutions of the amino acid pairs glutamine and histidine, valine and phenylalanine, and isoleucine and leucine were 1.5, 0.75 and 1.3, respectively. The proposed method found different profiles of DFAA among the three species of algae, suggesting its adequacy for metabolic studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolome Classification of Brassica napus L. Organs via UPLC–QTOF–PDA–MS and Their Anti‐oxidant Potential
Authors: Farag Mohamed A. , Sharaf Eldin Mohamed G. , Kassem Hanaa , Abou el Fetouh Mohamed
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Brassica napus L. is a crop widely grown for its oil production and other nutritional components in the seed. In addition to the seed, other organs contain a wide range of phenolic metabolites although they have not been investigated to the same extent as in seeds.

Objective

To define and compare the phytochemical composition of B. napus L. organs, namely the root, stem, leaf, inflorescence and seeds.

Method

Non‐targeted metabolomic analysis via UPLC–QTOF–MS was utilised in order to localise compounds belonging to various chemical classes (i.e. oxygenated fatty acids, flavonols, phenolic acids and sinapoyl choline derivatives).

Results

The vast majority of identified metabolites were flavonol glycosides that accumulated in most of the plant organs. Whereas other classes were detected predominantly in specific organs, i.e. sinapoyl cholines were present uniquely in seeds. Furthermore, variation in the accumulation pattern of metabolites from the same class was observed, particularly in the case of quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin flavonols. Anti‐oxidant activity, based on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhdrazyl analysis was observed for all extracts, and correlated to some extent with total flavonoid content.

Conclusion

This study provides the most complete map for polyphenol composition in B. napus L. organs. By describing the metabolites profile in B. napus L., this study provides the basis for future investigations of seeds for potential health and/or medicinal use. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized Clinical Trial Replication of a Psychosocial Treatment for Children with High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Thomeer Marcus L. , Lopata Christopher , Volker Martin A. , Toomey Jennifer A. , Lee Gloria K. , Smerbeck Audrey M. , Rodgers Jonathan D. , McDonald Christin A. , Smith Rachael A.
Published: October 2012

This replication randomized clinical trial examined the efficacy of a comprehensive psychosocial intervention for children aged 7 to 12 years with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASDs). Participants were randomly assigned to treatment or wait‐list conditions. Treatment included instruction and therapeutic activities targeting social skills, face‐emotion recognition, interest expansion, and interpretation of non‐literal language. A response‐cost program was used to reduce problem behaviors and increase skills acquisition. Significant treatment effects were found for five of seven primary outcome measures (parent ratings and direct child measures). Secondary measures (i.e., staff ratings) corroborated gains reported by parents. Children maintained social gains 2 to 3 months post‐treatment. High levels of parent, child, and staff satisfaction were found, along with high levels of treatment fidelity. Standardized effect size estimates were predominantly in the medium and large ranges for significant outcome variables.
Inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1) and Id3 proteins play different roles in TGFβ effects on cell proliferation and migration in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Strong Nicole , Millena Ana C. , Walker Lindsey , Chaudhary Jaideep , Khan Shafiq A.
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

In prostate cancer cells, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) inhibits proliferation in earlier stages of the disease; however, the cancer cells become refractory to growth inhibitory effects in advanced stages where TGFβ promotes cancer progression and metastasis. Inhibitor of differentiation (Id) family of closely related proteins (Id1–Id4) are dominant negative regulators and basic helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factors and in general promote proliferation, and inhibit differentiation. In the present study, we have investigated the role of Id1 and Id3 proteins in the growth inhibitory effects of TGFβ on prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

The effect of TGF β on proliferation and Id1 and Id3 expression were investigated in PZ‐HPV7, DU145, and PC3 cells. Id1 silencing through siRNA was also used in DU145 and PC3 cells to examine its role in anti‐proliferative and migratory effects of TGFβ.

RESULTS

TGFβ increased expression of Id1 and Id3 in all cell lines followed by a later down regulation of Id1 in PZ‐HPV7 expression and DU145 cells but not in PC3 cells. Id3 expression remained elevated in all three cell lines. This loss of Id1 protein correlated with an increase of CDKNI p21. Id1 knockdown in both DU145 and PC3 cells resulted in decreased proliferation. However, while TGFβ caused a further decrease in proliferation of DU145, but had no further effects in PC3 cells. Knockdown of Id1 or Id3 inhibited TGFβ1induced migration in PC3 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest an essential role of Id1 and Id3 in TGFβ1 effects on proliferation and migration in prostate cancer cells. Prostate 73: 624–633, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A numerical study of rotating convection during tropical cyclogenesis
Authors: Kilroy Gerard , Smith Roger K.
Published: October 2012

We present idealized numerical model experiments to investigate the convective generation of vertical vorticity in a tropical depression. The ambient vertical vorticity is represented by a uniform solid‐body rotation. The calculations are motivated by observations made during the Pre‐Depression Investigation of Cloud‐systems in the Tropics (PREDICT) experiment. A specific aim is to isolate and quantify the effects of low‐ to mid‐level dry air on convective cells that form within a depression and, in particular, on the generation of vertical vorticity in these cells. The results do not support a common perception that dry air aloft produces stronger convective downdraughts and more intense, cold‐air outflows therefrom. Indeed, we find that dry air aloft weakens both updraughts and downdraughts, corroborating the recent results of James and Markowski.

As in the recent calculations of Wissmeier and Smith, the growing convective cells locally amplify the ambient rotation at low levels by more than an order of magnitude and this vorticity, which is produced by the stretching of existing ambient vorticity, persists long after the initial updraught has decayed. Moreover, significant amplification of vorticity occurs even for clouds of only moderate vertical extent. The maximum amplification of vorticity is relatively insensitive to the maximum updraught strength, or the height at which it occurs, and it is not unduly affected by the presence of dry air aloft. Thus the presence of dry air is not detrimental to the amplification of low‐level vorticity, although it reduces the depth through which ambient vorticity is enhanced.

Results for a limited number of different environmental soundings indicate that the maximum amplification of vorticity increases monotonically with the strength of the thermal perturbation that initiates the convection, but the amount of increase depends also on the thermodynamic structure of the sounding.
Assume–guarantee verification of nonlinear hybrid systems with Ariadne
Authors: Benvenuti Luca , Bresolin Davide , Collins Pieter , Ferrari Alberto , Geretti Luca , Villa Tiziano
Published: October 2012

In many applicative fields, there is the need to model and design complex systems having a mixed discrete and continuous behavior that cannot be characterized faithfully using either discrete or continuous models only. Such systems consist of a discrete control part that operates in a continuous environment and are named hybrid systems because of their mixed nature. Unfortunately, most of the verification problems for hybrid systems, like reachability analysis, turn out to be undecidable. Because of this, many approximation techniques and tools to estimate the reachable set have been proposed in the literature. However, most of the tools are unable to handle nonlinear dynamics and constraints and have restrictive licenses. To overcome these limitations, we recently proposed an open‐source framework for hybrid system verification, called Ariadne, which exploits approximation techniques based on the theory of computable analysis for implementing formal verification algorithms. In this paper, we will show how the approximation capabilities of Ariadne can be used to verify complex hybrid systems, adopting an assume–guarantee reasoning approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verifiable symmetric polynomial‐based key distribution schemes
Authors: Liu Yan‐xiao , Zhang Yu‐qing , Harn Lein , Hu Yu‐pu
Published: October 2012

Symmetric polynomial‐based key distribution scheme has been widely adopted in various communication applications. This type of key distribution consists of a server and a set of users, where the server is responsible to distribute shares for each user via a symmetric polynomial. Based on the property of symmetry of this polynomial, each pair of users can compute a common secret key using their shares for establishing a secure communication channel. However, some users may receive faulty shares from the server because of some uncertain factors in the communication environment, such as software failures and transmission errors. As a result, the users who receive faulty shares cannot share common secret keys with other users. To solve this problem, in this paper, we propose two individual verifiable key distribution schemes on the basis of a symmetric polynomial based key distribution. In both our proposed schemes, the server adopts the same approach to distribute shares for users; the users are able to verify the validity of their shares without revealing them before establishing communication channels. If all shares are verified valid, users can ensure that each pair of them possesses a common secret key, they can establish secure communication channels when needed; otherwise, all users can collaborate to identify those users who possess faulty shares and require the server to distribute a set of valid shares for those users. Furthermore, both our proposed schemes are efficient, because the procedures of verification and identification do not involve any complicated cryptographic operation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.