bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Securing sensor data storage and query based on k‐out‐of‐ n coding
Authors: Ruan Zhiqiang , Sun Xingming , Liang Wei
Published: October 2011

With in‐network sensor data storage and query, sensed data are stored locally and further accessed by users on demand. Thus, without proper protection for sensor data and user queries, compromise of sensor nodes may reveal sensitive information about the sensed environment as well as users’ query patterns. Furthermore, the adversary can alter some stored data and prevent users from recovering information correctly. In this paper, we propose and analyze the use of maximum‐distance separable codes to address the problem. First, initial data is encoded in (n, k) maximum‐distance separable code and spread from a single data source to a set of storage nodes for higher survivability. Second, a blind signature‐based privacy scheme is explored to preserve user query, such that authorized user's identity and privacy interests are concealed from others. Finally, an efficient data retrieval scheme is carried out such that the redundancy symbols in the remaining nodes are accessed only if the user fails to decode the data, which reduces the communication and computation cost. Analysis and evaluation verify the efficiency of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rail brake system using a linear induction motor for dynamic braking
Authors: Sakamoto Yasuaki , Kashiwagi Takayuki , Tanaka Minoru , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Sasakawa Takashi , Fujii Nobuo
Published: October 2011

One type of braking system for railway vehicles is the eddy current brake. Because this type of brake has the problem of rail heating, it has not been used for practical applications in Japan. Therefore, we proposed the use of a linear induction motor (LIM) for dynamic braking in eddy current brake systems. The LIM reduces rail heating and uses an inverter for self excitation. We estimated the performance of an LIM from experimental results of a fundamental test machine and confirmed that the LIM generates an approximately constant braking force under constant current excitation. At relatively low frequencies, this braking force remains unaffected by frequency changes. The reduction ratio of rail heating is also approximately proportional to the frequency. We also confirmed that dynamic braking resulting in no electrical output can be used for drive control of the LIM. These characteristics are convenient for the realization of the LIM rail brake system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 178(2): 29–38, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21209
Thermal Stability of (KxNayH1–x–y)2Ti6O13 Nanofibers
Authors: Cortie Michael B. , Xiao Linda , Erdei Laszlo , Kealley Catherine S. , Dowd Annette R. , Kimpton Justin A. , McDonagh Andrew M.
Published: October 2011

Potassium‐rich titanate nanofibers were produced by digesting TiO2 in concentrated KOH solutions under hydrothermal conditions. The nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. A hexatitanate structure was assigned, in contrast to the trititanate structure usually resulting from NaOH treatment of TiO2. The potassium cations could be exchanged with others, such as sodium, hydrogen, and ammonium. The potassium‐rich hexatitanate was found to be photocatalytic in its as‐synthesized condition. The thermal stability of the fibers during calcination was followed in situ using X‐ray diffraction and was found to be strongly dependent on the chemical composition. The potassium‐rich titanate converted to anatase at only 480 °C, whereas the hydrogen‐ and ammonium‐rich materials had to be heated to over 600 °C before conversion took place. Conversion was notably slowest in the ammonium‐rich material. Surprisingly, the sodium‐rich hexatitanate did not form anatase at temperatures up to 800 °C and instead recrystallized.
Influences of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and plant residue chars on bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by Chironomus plumosus larvae in sediment
Authors: Shen Mohai , Xia Xinghui , Wang Fan , Zhang Pu , Zhao Xiuli
Published: October 2011

Carbonaceous materials (CMs), including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and black carbon have been suggested as potential remediation materials for hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in sediments or soils. However, the concentration-dependent and potential effects of CMs on the decrease in HOC bioavailability are not well understood. In this research, the effects of two types of multiwalled CNTs (MWNT-1 and MWNT-2) and chars (char-stalk produced from stalk and char-wood from wood) on the bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including phenanthrene, pyrene, and chrysene, in the benthic organism Chironomus plumosus larvae were studied. When CM content was 1.5% or less in sediments, biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) values for PAHs decreased sharply as CM increased. However, when char and MWNT-1 content was greater than 1.5% in sediments, reduction rates of BSAF were slight. Furthermore, when MWNT-2 content was greater than 1.5%, BSAF values were elevated. This indicated that the MWNT-associated PAHs may have been absorbed by larvae through particle ingestion, and suggested that some CNTs may not be suitable for the remediation of HOC-contaminated sediments because they probably could increase the exposure risk of PAHs to benthic organisms, possibly because of their unique structure. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:202–209. © 2011 SETAC
Prominent activation of the intraparietal and somatosensory areas during angle discrimination by intra‐active touch
Authors: Yang Jiajia , Han Hongbin , Chui Dehua , Shen Yong , Wu Jinglong
Published: October 2011

Intra‐active touch (IAT) is a process that involves a body part doing the touching (active touch [AT]) and another body part being touched (passive touch [PT]) simultaneously. The brain representation related to IAT is still unclear. A total of 23 subjects carried out angle discrimination under PT, AT and IAT conditions with functional magnetic resonance imaging. All of the tasks were strictly dependent on cutaneous feedback from the finger(s). As the subjects were able to perceive the angle stimuli from the right (touching) and left (touched) sides during the IAT condition, we expected there would be greater brain activation with the IAT condition than for the AT or PT condition. Therefore, we hypothesized that the region within and/or around the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the part of the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) that is associated with high‐level tactile spatial processing would be more active during the IAT task than during the AT and PT tasks. Compared with the areas activated by the motor somatosensory control task, the most prominent activation areas evoked by the three‐angle discrimination tasks were in the SI and secondary somatosensory cortex areas in the bilateral parietal operculum, IPS, lateral occipital complex, insula and cerebellum. Finally, we directly compared IAT with AT and PT, and the results suggest that the contralateral part of IPS and part of the SI are more active under IAT conditions than under either AT or PT conditions. These results suggest that both hemispheres contribute to angle discrimination during IAT. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prefrontal D2‐receptor stimulation mediates flexible adaptation of economic preference hierarchies
Authors: van Eimeren Thilo , Ko Ji H. , Pellechia Giovanna , Cho Sang S. , Houle Sylvain , Strafella Antonio P.
Published: October 2011

Advantageous economic decision making requires flexible adaptation of gain‐based and loss‐based preference hierarchies. However, where the neuronal blueprints for economic preference hierarchies are kept and how they may be adapted remains largely unclear. Phasic cortical dopamine release likely mediates flexible adaptation of neuronal representations. In this PET study, cortical‐binding potential (BP) for the D2‐dopamine receptor ligand [11C]FLB 457 was examined in healthy participants during multiple sessions of a probabilistic four‐choice financial decision‐making task with two behavioral variants. In the changing‐gains/constant‐losses variant, the implicit gain‐based preference hierarchy was unceasingly changing, whereas the implicit loss‐based preference hierarchy was constant. In the constant‐gains/changing‐losses variant, it was the other way around. These variants served as paradigms, respectively, contrasting flexible adaptation versus maintenance of loss‐based and gain‐based preference hierarchies. We observed that in comparison with the constant‐gains/changing‐losses variant, the changing‐gains/constant‐losses variant was associated with a decreased D2‐dopamine receptor‐BP in the right lateral frontopolar cortex. In other words, lateral frontopolar D2‐dopamine receptor stimulation was specifically increased during continuous adaptation of mental representations of gain‐based preference hierarchies. This finding provides direct evidence for the existence of a neuronal blueprint of gain‐based decision‐making in the lateral frontopolar cortex and a crucial role of local dopamine in the flexible adaptation of mental concepts of future behavior. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural correlates of tinnitus duration and Distress: A positron emission tomography study
Authors: Schecklmann Martin , Landgrebe Michael , Poeppl Timm B. , Kreuzer Peter , Männer Peter , Marienhagen Jörg , Wack David S. , Kleinjung Tobias , Hajak Göran , Langguth Berthold
Published: October 2011

Cerebral 18F‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) has shown altered auditory pathway activity in tinnitus. However, the corresponding studies involved only small samples and analyses were restricted to the auditory cortex in most studies. Evidence is growing that also limbic, frontal, and parietal areas are involved in the pathophysiology of chronic tinnitus. These regions are considered to mediate perceptual, attentional, and emotional processes. Thus, the aim of the present study was the systematic evaluation of metabolic brain activity in a large sample of tinnitus patients. Ninety one patients with chronic tinnitus underwent FDG‐PET. The effects of tinnitus severity (assessed by a tinnitus questionnaire score), duration and laterality were evaluated with statistical parametric mapping (SPM) in whole brain analyses. In addition, region of interest analyses were performed for primary auditory areas. Tinnitus duration correlated positively with brain metabolism in right inferior frontal, right ventro‐medial prefrontal, and right posterior cingulate cortex. Tinnitus distress correlated positively with activation of left and right posterior inferior temporal gyrus as well as left and right posterior parahippocampal–hippocampal interface. Region of interest analysis demonstrated an overactivation of left in contrast to right Heschl's gyrus independently from tinnitus laterality and anatomical hemispheric differences. Tinnitus duration and distress were associated with areas involved in attentional and emotional processing. This is in line with recent findings indicating the relevance of higher order areas in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. Earlier results of asymmetric activation of the auditory cortices in tinnitus were confirmed, i.e., left‐sided overactivation was found independently from tinnitus laterality. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion tensor imaging metrics of the corpus callosum in relation to bimanual coordination: Effect of task complexity and sensory feedback
Authors: Gooijers Jolien , Caeyenberghs Karen , Sisti Helene M. , Geurts Monique , Heitger Marcus H. , Leemans Alexander , Swinnen Stephan P.
Published: October 2011

When manipulating objects with both hands, the corpus callosum (CC) is of paramount importance for interhemispheric information exchange. Hence, CC damage results in impaired bimanual performance. Here, healthy young adults performed a complex bimanual dial rotation task with or without augmented visual feedback and according to five interhand frequency ratios (1:1, 1:3, 2:3, 3:1, 3:2). The relation between bimanual task performance and microstructural properties of seven CC subregions (i.e., prefrontal, premotor/supplementary motor, primary motor, primary sensory, occipital, parietal, and temporal) was studied by means of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Findings revealed that bimanual coordination deteriorated in the absence as compared to the presence of augmented visual feedback. Simple frequency ratios (1:1) were performed better than the multifrequency ratios (non 1:1). Moreover, performance was more accurate when the preferred hand (1:3–2:3) as compared to the nonpreferred hand (3:1–3:2) moved faster and during noninteger (2:3–3:2) as compared to integer frequency ratios (1:3–3:1). DTI findings demonstrated that bimanual task performance in the absence of augmented visual feedback was significantly related to the microstructural properties of the primary motor and occipital region of the CC, suggesting that white matter microstructure is associated with the ability to perform bimanual coordination patterns in young adults. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The contribution of working memory to divided attention
Authors: Santangelo Valerio , Macaluso Emiliano
Published: October 2011

Previous studies have indicated that increasing working memory (WM) load can affect the attentional selection of signals originating from one object/location. Here we assessed whether WM load affects also the selection of multiple objects/locations (divided attention). Participants monitored either two object‐categories (vs. one category; object‐based divided attention) or two locations (vs. one location; space‐based divided attention) while maintaining in WM either a variable number of objects (object‐based WM load) or locations (space‐based WM load). Behavioural results showed that WM load affected attentional performance irrespective of divided or focused attention. However, fMRI results showed that the activity associated with object‐based divided attention increased linearly with increasing object‐based WM load in the left and right intraparietal sulcus (IPS); while, in the same areas, activity associated with space‐based divided attention was not affected by any type of WM load. These findings support the hypothesis that WM contributes to the maintenance of resource‐demanding attentional sets in a domain‐specific manner. Moreover, the dissociable impact of WM load on performance and brain activity suggests that increased IPS activation reflects a recruitment of additional, domain‐specific processing resources that enable dual‐task performance under conditions of high WM load and high attentional demand. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Superficial lateral sural artery free flap for intraoral reconstruction: Anatomic study and clinical implications
Authors: Wolff Klaus‐Dietrich , Bauer Florian , Kunz Sebastian , Mitchell David Andrew , Kesting Marco Rainer
Published: October 2011

Background

A posterolateral calf free flap is anatomically assessed and its usefulness for intraoral reconstruction is described.

Methods

Records of 42 cadaver dissections including anatomic parameters of the superficial lateral sural artery serving as pedicle were analyzed. Data of 20 patients with primary oral cancer who underwent reconstructions with posterolateral calf free flaps are presented.

Results

The superficial lateral sural artery was present in 36 of 42 of all cadavers (85.8%). In all, 25 specimens of 36 were suitable as flaps (69.4%). It originated from the lateral sural and the popliteal artery (31% vs 69%). It was accompanied by 1 vein (40.5%) or 2 veins (59.5%). The artery pierced the crural fascia on average 3 cm lateral to the midline and 0 to 12 cm below the fibular head. Eight patients had inadequate superficial lateral sural vessels and were reconstructed by peroneal perforator flaps. One flap was lost.

Conclusions

Cutaneous flaps from the posterolateral calf can be a useful alternative for reconstruction of moderate sized defects with minimal donor site morbidity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Surgical management of sinonasal hemangiopericytomas: A case series
Authors: Gomez–Rivera Fernando , Fakhri Samer , Williams Michelle D. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Kupferman Michael E.
Published: October 2011

Background

Sinonasal hemangiopericytomas are rare low‐grade sarcomas. The role of endoscopic management has not been adequately studied.

Methods

This study was conducted through retrospective medical chart review of patients seen with sinonasal hemangiopericytomas at 2 institutions over a 19‐year period. Demographic, clinicopathological, and surgical information was analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Results

Thirteen patients with a diagnosis of sinonasal hemangiopericytomas were treated. The most common symptoms were obstruction (69%) and epistaxis (35%). All tumors were localized in the nasal cavity, and half had extension to 1 or more sinuses. Resection was performed endoscopically in 6 patients. Median intraoperative blood loss was 500 mL; median operative time was 165 minutes. Two patients received postoperative radiation. There were no recurrences with a median follow‐up of 25 months. Three patients presented with recurrences, 2 local and 1 distant, up to 13 years after primary tumor removal.

Conclusion

Surgery for sinonasal hemangiopericytomas can be challenging; both endoscopic and open approaches may be used to treat these highly vascular tumors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effect of Ambient Temperature during Manual Lifting and Design of Optimal Task Parameters
Authors: Singh Ravindra Pratap , Batish Ajay , Singh T. P. , Bhattacharya Anirban
Published: October 2011

In the present study, the effect of lifting task parameters on the heart rate and oxygen uptake of workers during manual lifting tasks in different ambient conditions was evaluated. The experiments conducted in two different temperature conditions showed a significantly higher oxygen uptake and heart rate in colder conditions as compared to warmer conditions. Three other factors, namely, load, lifting frequency, and vertical distance were found to significant affect the responses. Various combinations of significant factors were used to calculate oxygen uptake and heart rate. These were then compared with the safe limits as per the maximum aerobic capacity of workers. Based on these comparisons, the safe combinations were identified that can be used to design lifting tasks in varied ambient conditions. The study further concluded that lifting tasks performed in winter should have different relaxation or fatigue allowances built into the cycle time of the task to compensate for higher exertion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endoplasmic reticulum‐specific BH3‐only protein BNIP1 induces mitochondrial fragmentation in a Bcl‐2‐ and Drp1‐dependent manner
Authors: Ryu Seung‐Wook , Choi Kyungsun , Yoon Jonghee , Kim Sunchang , Choi Chulhee
Published: October 2011

Bcl‐2/adenovirus E1B 19‐kDa interacting protein 1 (BNIP1), which is predominantly localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is a pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 homology domain 3 (BH3)‐only protein. Here, we show that the expression of BNIP1 induced not only a highly interconnected ER network but also mitochondrial fragmentation in a BH3 domain‐dependent manner. Functional analysis demonstrated that BNIP1 expression increased dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) expression followed by the mitochondrial translocation of Drp1 and subsequent mitochondrial fission. Both BNIP1‐induced mitochondrial fission and the translocation of Drp1 were abrogated by Bcl‐2 overexpression. These results collectively indicate that ER‐specific BNIP1 plays an important role in mitochondrial dynamics by modulating the mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 in a BH3 domain‐dependent fashion. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3027–3035, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microanatomy of passerine hard‐cornified tissues: Beak and claw structure of the black‐capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
Authors: Van Hemert Caroline , Handel Colleen M. , Blake John E. , Swor, Rhonda M. , O'Hara Todd M.
Published: October 2011

The microanatomy of healthy beaks and claws in passerine birds has not been well described in the literature, despite the importance of these structures in avian life. Histological processing of hard‐cornified tissues is notoriously challenging and only a few reports on effective techniques have been published. An emerging epizootic of beak deformities among wild birds in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest region of North America recently highlighted the need for additional baseline information about avian hard‐cornified structures. In this study, we examine the beak and claw of the Black‐capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), a common North American passerine that is affected by what has been described as “avian keratin disorder.” We use light and scanning electron microscopy and high‐magnification radiography to document the healthy microanatomy of these tissues and identify features of functional importance. We also describe detailed methods for histological processing of avian hard‐cornified structures and discuss the utility of special stains. Results from this study will assist in future research on the functional anatomy and pathology of hard‐cornified structures and will provide a necessary reference for ongoing investigations of avian keratin disorder in Black‐capped Chickadees and other wild passerine species. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and synthesis of affinity ligands and relation of their structure with adsorption of proteins
Authors: Ye Long , Xu Aizhang , Cheng Chao , Zhang Li , Huo Chenxi , Huang Feiyun , Xu Hong , Li Rongxiu
Published: October 2011

Affinity chromatography has played an increasingly important role both in the pharmaceutical industry and academic research. In the present study, we report our preliminary investigation on the relationship between the affinity ligand structure and its adsorption to multi‐protein samples. The structure of the ligands, including the size of the ring (cyclic group) and the length of the chain (linear group), has a great impact on the adsorption of ligands to proteins. Meanwhile, the functional groups that the ligands carry are also closely related to the adsorption of ligands to proteins. This research provides good guidance for the design and synthesis of affinity materials in affinity chromatography. It is also useful to other protein–ligand interaction‐related research.
Consensus treatment recommendations for late‐onset Pompe disease
Authors: Cupler Edward J. , Berger Kenneth I. , Leshner Robert T. , Wolfe Gil I. , Han Jay J. , Barohn Richard J. , Kissel John T. ,   of the AANEM CONSENSUS COMMITTEE ON LATE‐ONSET POMPE DISEASE
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Pompe disease is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the glycogen‐degrading lysosomal enzyme acid alpha‐glucosidase. Late‐onset Pompe disease is a multisystem condition, with a heterogeneous clinical presentation that mimics other neuromuscular disorders. Methods: Objective is to propose consensus‐based treatment and management recommendations for late‐onset Pompe disease. Methods: A systematic review of the literature by a panel of specialists with expertise in Pompe disease was undertaken. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary team should be involved to properly treat the pulmonary, neuromuscular, orthopedic, and gastrointestinal elements of late‐onset Pompe disease. Presymptomatic patients with subtle objective signs of Pompe disease (and patients symptomatic at diagnosis) should begin treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) immediately; presymptomatic patients without symptoms or signs should be observed without use of ERT. After 1 year of ERT, patients' condition should be reevaluated to determine whether ERT should be continued. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Effect of locomotor training on muscle performance in the context of nerve–muscle communication dysfunction
Authors: Hadj‐Saïd Wahiba , Bangratz Marie , Vignaud Alban , Chatonnet Arnaud , Butler‐Browne Gillian , Nicole Sophie , Agbulut Onnick , Ferry Arnaud
Published: October 2011

Introduction: The effects of locomotor training (LT) on skeletal muscle after peripheral nerve injury and acetylcholinesterase deficiency are not well documented. Methods: We determined the effects of LT on mouse soleus muscle performance after sciatic nerve transection with excision (full and permanent denervation), nerve transection (partial functional reinnervation), nerve crush (full denervation with full functional reinnervation), and acetylcholinesterase deficiency (alteration in neuromuscular junction functioning). Results: We found no significant effect of LT on the recovery of soleus muscle weight, maximal force in response to muscle stimulation, and fatigue resistance after nerve transection with or without excision. However, LT significantly increased soleus muscle fatigue resistance after nerve crush and acetylcholinesterase deficiency. Moreover, hindlimb immobilization significantly aggravated the deficit in soleus muscle maximal force production and atrophy after nerve crush. Conclusions: LT is beneficial, and reduced muscle use is detrimental for intrinsic muscle performance in the context of disturbed nerve–muscle communication. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Limitations and implications of product‐oriented, sales‐oriented and market‐oriented political parties: evidence for public affairs
Authors: Ormrod Robert P.
Published: October 2011

This paper provides the first literature review of work using Lees‐Marshment's product‐oriented party (POP), sales‐oriented party (SOP) and market‐oriented party (MOP) process models with the aims of assessing the models' usefulness to academics, practitioners and educators. This is motivated by an urgent need to evaluate models that claim to balance explanatory power, practical applicability and pedagogic value. Our literature review demonstrates that although the process models can be used in a classroom setting, empirical results are ambivalent as to the usefulness and even existence of the MOP process in contrast to the POP and/or SOP processes. We conclude that academics need to revisit the conceptualisation of the process models, that practitioners need to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the process models, especially the assertion that the MOP process is normatively ‘superior’ to the SOP and POP process models, and that educators can use the process models to introduce political marketing before moving on to more comprehensive models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation and application of a death proxy in adult cancer patients
Authors: Mealing Nicole M. , Dobbins Timothy A. , Pearson Sallie‐Anne
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Fact of death is not always available on data sets used for pharmacoepidemiological research. Proxies may be an appropriate substitute in the absence of death data. The purposes of this study were to validate a proxy for death in adult cancer patients and to assess its performance when estimating survival in two cohorts of cancer patients.

Methods

We evaluated 30‐, 60‐, 90‐ and 180‐day proxies overall and by cancer type using data from 12 394 Australian veterans with lung, colorectal, breast or prostate cancer. The proxy indicated death if the difference between the last dispensing record and the end of the observational period exceeded the proxy cutoff. We then compared actual survival to 90‐day proxy estimates in a subset of 4090 veterans with ‘full entitlements’ for pharmaceutical items and in 3704 Australian women receiving trastuzumab for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer.

Results

The 90‐day proxy was optimal with an overall sensitivity of 99.3% (95%CI: 98.4–99.7) and a specificity of 97.6% (95%CI: 91.8–99.4). These measures remained high when evaluated by cancer type and spread of disease. The application of the proxy using the most conservative date of death estimate (date of last dispensing) generally underestimated survival, with estimates up to 3 months shorter than survival based on fact of death.

Conclusions

A 90‐day death proxy is a robust substitute to identify death in a chronic population when fact of death is not available. The proxy is likely to be valid across a range of chronic diseases as it relies on the presence of ‘regular’ dispensing records for individual patients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process safety management—You can't get it right without a good safety culture
Authors: Hendershot Dennis C.
Published: October 2011

An effective process safety culture is essential to an effective process safety management (PSM) program. A good safety culture is the difference between doing aPSM activity, and doing it well. Without a good culture, an organization can check off the boxes indicating that various PSM activities have been done, but the product of those activities may have little valuable content, and the PSM program may not be effective. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Nanosheet‐based BiVO4 hierarchical microspheres and their photocatalytic activity under visible light
Authors: Li Jun‐Qi , Wang De‐Fang , Liu Hui , Du Juan , Zhu Zhen‐Feng
Published: October 2011

Hierarchical BiVO4 microspheres assembled by nanosheets were synthesized by hydrothermal process under microwave irradiation. The morphology and compositional characteristics of the BiVO4 architectures were investigated by SEM, TEM, and XRD. The possible formation mechanism for the architectures was discussed. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicated the BiVO4 hierarchical microspheres had absorption in both UV and vis light areas. The specific surface area and porosity of the BiVO4 architectures were investigated by using nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms. Because of the narrow bandgap and the novel micro‐/nanostructure, the BiVO4 architectures show a more excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation than the BiVO4 solid microspheres and P25. Several possible reasons for the higher photocatalytic activity have been taken into consideration, namely, high specific surface area, hierarchical mesoporous structure, and quantum size effect. In addition, the photocatalyst is stable during the reaction and can be used repeatedly.
Protective Effect of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Against Doxorubicin‐induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Xin Yan‐Fei , You Zhen‐Qiang , Gao Hai‐yan , Zhou Guo‐Liang , Chen Yun‐Xiang , Yu Jian , Xuan Yao‐Xian
Published: October 2011

The present study aimed to investigate whether Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) would protect against doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced testicular toxicity. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated with distilled water (4 mL/kg) or LBP (200 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 10 days and followed by saline (0.9 %, 10 mL/kg) or DOX (10 mg/kg) intravenous injection at day 7. Pretreatment with LBP ameliorated DOX‐induced reduction in the testicular weights, sperm concentrations and percentage of motile sperms, as well as the increase in abnormal sperm rate. LBP administration to DOX‐treated rats successfully reversed the changes in MDA and GHS‐Px levels. Compared with the control, pretreatment with LBP significantly increased the plasma testosterone level in the LBP + DOX group. The histopathology examinations further confirmed that LBP effectively attenuated DOX‐induced severe degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules. This study illustrated the capability of LBP in attenuating testicular oxidative stress and protecting testis‐specific toxicity in DOX‐exposed rats. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐targeted analysis of metabolites using capillary‐flow ion chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Burgess Karl , Creek Darren , Dewsbury Paul , Cook Ken , Barrett Michael P.
Published: October 2011

This work describes a novel application of capillary‐flow ion chromatography mass spectrometry for metabolomic analysis, and comparison of the technique to octadecyl silica and hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)‐based mass spectrometry. While liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is rapidly becoming the standard technique for metabolomic analysis, metabolomic samples are extremely heterogeneous, leading to a requirement for multiple methods of analysis and separation techniques to perform a ‘global’ metabolomic analysis. While C18 is suitable for hydrophobic metabolites and has been used extensively in pharmaceutical drug metabolism studies, HILIC is, in general, efficient at separating polar metabolites. Phosphorylated species and organic acids are challenging to analyse and effectively quantitate on both systems. There is therefore a requirement for an MS‐compatible analytical technique that can separate negatively charged compounds, such as ion‐exchange chromatography. Evaluation of capillary flow ion chromatography with electrolytic suppression was performed on a library of metabolite standards and was shown to effectively separate organic acids and sugar di‐ and tri‐phosphates. Limits of detection for these compounds range from 0.01 to 100 pmol on‐column. Application of capillary ion chromatography to a comparative analysis of energy metabolism in procyclic forms of the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei where cells were grown on glucose or proline as a carbon source was demonstrated to be more effective than HILIC for detection of the organic acids that comprise glucose central metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Junge Menschen mit Behinderung auf dem Weg in den Beruf: Herausforderungen in der Datenanalyse
Authors: Niehaus Mathilde , Klinkhammer Dennis , Friedrich-Gärtner Lene
Published: October 2011

Einleitung

Der Weg von der Schule in den Ausbildungs- und Arbeitsmarkt erscheint auf den ersten Blick nachvollziehbar. Doch gerade bei jungen Menschen mit Behinderungen können sich Schwierigkeiten bei diesem Übergang einstellen. Versucht man diese eingehender zu betrachten, stößt man sehr schnell auf analytische Grenzen. Die Distanz zwischen dem abgebenden Schulsystem und den aufnehmenden Systemen des Ausbildungs- und Arbeitsmarktes spiegelt sich dabei vor allen Dingen in der statistischen Datenlage wieder.
Rehabilitation - was ist und was nötig ist
Authors: Schott Thomas
Published: October 2011

Einleitung

Maßnahmen der medizinischen Rehabilitation sowie Leistungen zur Teilhabe am Arbeitsleben gehören zu den wichtigsten Errungenschaften der sozialen Sicherheit in Deutschland. Ziel jeder Reha-Maßnahme ist - neben der Wiedergewinnung und Aufrechterhaltung der körperlichen Integrität - die Beibehaltung oder Wiedererlangung der sozialen Integration bzw. der sozialen Teilhabe.
The concept of cryo-conditioning in landscape evolution – Comment to the paper published by Ivar Berthling and Bernd Etzelmüller, Quaternary Research 75 (2011) 378–384
Authors: Dobiński Wojciech
Published: October 2011

The term "cryo-conditioning," proposed by the authors for classifying specific landform association in periglacial landscapes, needs to be defined more precisely. A starting point could be the proper understanding of the term "Cryo-" in the various compound words found in various disciplines. This is also important for a correct understanding of the proposed concepts, since it concerns one of the most important processes in nature: the phase transition of water between solid and liquid. Cold-temperate transition surfaces in polythermal glaciers and at the permafrost base in their forelands can act as a specific hub between the glacial and periglacial domains.
Two Forms of Dualism
Authors: Sosa David
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT: I distinguish two sorts of motivation for dualism. One motivation is driven by the distinctive character of conscious phenomenology. The other is driven by the special character of normativity: Is rationality an even “harder” problem than consciousness? There is no dramatic climax in which I show that these two dualist currents have a common source; in fact, I think they are relatively independent.
On the entropy of actions of nilpotent Lie groups and their lattice subgroups
Authors: DOOLEY A. H. , GOLODETS V. YA.
Published: October 2011

We consider a natural class $\mathcal {ULG}$ of connected, simply connected nilpotent Lie groups which contains ℝn, the group $\mathcal {UT}_n(\mathbb {R})$ of all triangular unipotent matrices over ℝ and many of its subgroups, and is closed under direct products. If $G \in \mathcal {ULG}$, then $\Gamma _1 = G\cap \mathcal {UT}_n(\mathbb {Z})$ is a lattice subgroup of G. We prove that if $G \in \mathcal {ULG}$ and Γ is a lattice subgroup of G, then a free ergodic measure-preserving action T of G on a probability space (X,ℬ,μ) has completely positive entropy (CPE) if and only if the restriction TΓ of T to Γ has CPE. We can deduce from this the following version of a well-known conjecture in this case: the action T has CPE if and only if T is uniformly mixing. Moreover, such T has a Lebesgue spectrum with infinite multiplicity. We further consider an ergodic free action T with positive entropy and suppose TΓ is ergodic for any lattice subgroup Γ of G. This holds, in particular, if the spectrum of T does not contain a discrete component. Then we show the Pinsker algebra Π(T) of T exists and coincides with the Pinsker algebras Π(TΓ) of TΓ for any lattice subgroup Γ of G. In this case, T always has Lebesgue spectrum with infinite multiplicity on the space ℒ20(X,μ)⊖ℒ20(Π(T)) , where ℒ20(Π(T)) contains all Π(T) -measurable functions from ℒ20(X,μ) . To prove these results, we use the following formula: h(T)=∣G(Γ)∣−1hK (TΓ) , where h(T) is the Ornstein–Weiss entropy of T, hK (TΓ) is a Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy of TΓ, and the number ∣G(TΓ)∣ is the Haar measure of the compact subset G(Γ) of G. In particular, h(T)=hK (TΓ1) , and hK (TΓ1)=∣G(Γ)∣−1hK (TΓ) . The last relation is an analogue of the Abramov formula for flows.
Chronic stress, allostatic load, and aging in nonhuman primates
Authors: Maestripieri Dario , Hoffman Christy L.
Published: October 2011

Allostatic load is the “wear and tear” of the body resulting from the repeated activation of compensatory physiological mechanisms in response to chronic stress. Allostatic load can significantly affect the aging process and result in reduced longevity, accelerated aging, and impaired health. Although low socioeconomic status is associated with high allostatic load during aging, the effects of status-related psychosocial stress on allostatic load are often confounded by lifestyle variables. Chronic psychosocial stress associated with low dominance rank in nonhuman primates represents an excellent animal model with which to investigate allostatic load and aging in humans. Research conducted with free-ranging rhesus monkeys suggests that female reproduction can also be a source of stress and allostatic load. Female reproduction is associated with increased risk of mortality and hyperactivation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Reproduction is especially stressful and costly for aging females of low rank. Although many indicators of body condition and neuroendocrine and immune function are influenced by aging, there are marked and stable individual differences among aging females in body condition, plasma cortisol responses to stress, and cytokine responses to stress. These differences are consistent with the hypothesis that there are strong differences in chronic stress among individuals, and that allostatic load resulting from chronic stress affects health during aging. Comparisons between captive and free-ranging rhesus monkey populations may allow us to understand how differences in environmental stress and allostatic load affect rates of aging, and how these in turn translate into differences in longevity and health.
Inhibition of bromodomain-mediated protein–protein interactions as a novel therapeutic strategy
Authors: Furdas Silviya D. , Carlino Luca , Sippl Wolfgang , Jung Manfred
Published: October 2011

Small molecule inhibitors of acetyl lysine–bromodomain interactions emerge as novel epigenetic tools with potential for therapeutic approaches.
Clinical Phenotype and Mutation Spectrum of the CYP21A2 Gene in Patients with Steroid 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Choi J.-H. , Jin H.-Y. , Lee B. , Ko J. , Lee J.-J. , Kim G.-H. , Jung C.-W. , Lee J. , Yoo H.-W.
Published: October 2011

Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency is caused by inactivating mutations in the CYP21A2 gene. This paper reports on the mutation spectrum and the genotype-phenotype correlation of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. 72 unrelated patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) were included. Molecular analysis of CYP21A2 was performed, via the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis and sequence-specific differenzial PCR amplification of the CYP21A2 and CYP21A1P genes, using 4 pair-wise sequence-specific primers, followed by sequencing of the entire CYP21A2 gene. Large gene deletions were identified in 45 (31.3%) of the 144 unrelated CAH alleles, whereas the most frequent point mutations were intron 2 splice mutations (c.293-13A>G) (41/144, 28.5%). The MLPA analysis successfully identified 23 of 72 patients (31.9%) with single copy deletion in CYP21A2. This paper describes a rapid and accurate method for the molecular diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, which relies on the identification of point mutations and structural rearrangements within the CYP21A2 gene.
Modulational instability of ion acoustic waves in e-p-i plasmas with electrons and positrons following a q-nonextensive distribution
Authors: Eslami Parvin , Mottaghizadeh Marzieh , Pakzad Hamid Reza
Published: October 2011

The propagation of ion acoustic waves (IAWs) in plasmas composed of ions and nonextensive electrons and positrons is investigated. By means of the reduction perturbation technique, a nonlinear Schrödinger equation is derived and the modulation instability (MI) of ion acoustic waves is analyzed in detail. The effects of different ranges of the nonextensive parameter q on the MI are studied. The growth rate of the MI is also given for different values of the q parameter. It is also found that the ratio of the electron temperature to positron temperature and the ratio of the positron density to electron density modify the nature of IAWs instability and the solitary structures.
Measurement of the sheath capacitance of a planar probe
Authors: Oh Se-Jin , Lee Young-Kwang , Chung Chin-Wook
Published: October 2011

The sheath capacitance was measured on a planar probe dc-biased with respect to the plasma potential using the phase sensitive detection method in the region separated from the rf discharge plasmas by an immersed grid. It was observed that the sheath capacitance was negative when the collecting electrode of the probe was positioned downward toward the grid and biased near the plasma potential. This indicates that a double sheath had built up near the probe electrode. This tendency can be explained by the sheath capacitance, which is calculated using Poisson’s equation with a non-zero electrical field and an ion velocity condition at the sheath edge.
Synthesis, structure, and scintillation of Ce-doped gadolinium oxyorthosilicate nanoparticles prepared by solution combustion synthesis
Authors: Jacobsohn L. G. , Tornga S. C. , Blair M. W. , Bennett B. L. , Muenchausen R. E. , Wang R. , Crozier P. A. , Cooke D. W.
Published: October 2011

The synthesis of Ce-doped Gd oxyorthosilicate nanoparticles using the solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method was investigated as a function of the amount of SiO2 in the precursor mixture. The SCS product consists of mixtures of Ce-doped Gd2SiO5, Gd4.67(SiO4)3O, and Gd2O3, whose relative concentrations depend on the amount of SiO2 in the precursor mixture; the synthesis of GSO:Ce was obtained with a reduction by 30% of the SiO2 content. Accordingly, this is the brightest material produced, with a photoluminescence signal that is comparable to that obtained from the bulk sample. Thermoluminescence (TL) results showed a considerably lower concentration of trapping defects in the nanoparticles than in the bulk sample. A previous study [E. G. Yukihara, L. G. Jacobsohn, M. W. Blair, B. L. Bennett, S. C. Tornga, and R. E. Muenchausen, J. Lumin. 130, 2309-2316 (2010)] reporting a comparison between photoluminescence and scintillation measurements, coupled to the TL characterization, suggests that surfaces play a major role in decreasing the scintillation efficiency of the nanoparticles. These results show that it is possible to prepare relatively bright scintillator powders using the SCS method.
The Q-K model for gas-phase chemical reaction rates
Authors: Bird G. A.
Published: October 2011

The quantum-kinetic, or Q-K, model is based on the quantum vibration model that is employed in the computation of gas flows at the molecular level by the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The Q-K procedure for dissociation is physically realistic within the context of the vibration model in that the reaction occurs upon the selection of the vibrational level that corresponds to dissociation. An analogous, but entirely phenomenological, procedure has been presented for endothermic exchange and chain reactions. These procedures for the endothermic reactions have been well validated, but the existing procedures for the corresponding exothermic reactions have proved to be problematic. This paper presents new procedures for the exothermic reactions that are computationally efficient and provide a near exact match with the equilibrium constant of statistical mechanics. The Q-K model does not depend on the availability of continuum rate coefficients. Instead, the simplicity of the new DSMC procedures allows analytical expressions to be written down for the corresponding rate coefficients in an equilibrium gas. These are used to validate the Q-K model for reactions in high temperature air and in hydrogen-oxygen combustion. The development of the Q-K model has been driven by the need for efficient reaction procedures in DSMC applications that often involve the computation of billions of simulated collisions. It is not intended to compete with the modern theories for gas-phase chemical reactions that employ more accurate physical representations of real reactions. At the same time, the degree of validation of the model is such that the analytical expressions for the rate coefficients that correspond to the model should be useful in their own right.
Optical gain in short period Si/Ge superlattices on [001]-SiGe substrates
Authors: Virgilio Michele , Pizzi Giovanni , Grosso Giuseppe
Published: October 2011

Results are here presented for the electronic band structure and the material gain of selected Si/Ge superlattices grown on Ge and SiGe buffers along the [001] direction. The chosen superlattices were proposed in the literature as promising direct-gap candidates based on group IV materials. A sp3d5s* tight-binding model has been adopted for the evaluation of the bands and the material gain in the presence of realistic charge injection levels and for different polarizations of the radiation associated with the direct transitions. For the superlattices studied here, we show that in the most favorable case (Si2/Ge14) the peak gain values are only a factor of 6 weaker than the corresponding value obtained for a typical III-V direct gap bulk crystal.