bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of an industrial effluent treatment using enzymatic and alkaline adapted consortium assays
Authors: Younes Sonia Ben , Ellouze Mariem , Sayadi Sami
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Dyeing effluents are the main source of water pollution from textile industries. Consequently, the treatment of such effluents is of environmental concern.

RESULTS: Decolorization of a textile industry effluent was investigated using, for the first time, the trimeric Scytalidium thermophilum laccase without mediator addition. The maximum effluent decolorization (50%) was achieved after 8 h using a diluted effluent (5 fold) and 4 units of crude enzyme, operating at 50 °C and pH 4. Characterization of raw effluent presents two peaks as demonstrated by the UV‐visible spectrum, showing an intensive peak around 670 nm and a smaller one at 290 nm. At the end of the enzymatic treatment, these two peaks disappeared and a new peak emerged at 280 nm. Because laccase catalyzed effluent decolorization percentage did not exceed 50%, an alkaline adapted consortium treatment assay of this effluent was carried out. An alkaline adapted consortium was used at bench scale in order to decolorize the raw effluent. After 24 h of exposure, color and COD (chemical oxygen demand) removal rates reached 73% and 71%, respectively, at pH 11.

CONCLUSION: The adapted consortium treatment of the industrial effluent is economically very interesting since the treatment is costless and can be applied at pilot or industrial scales. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Differentiating cognitive and affective job insecurity: Antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Huang Guo‐hua , Niu Xiongying , Lee Cynthia , Ashford Susan J.
Published: June 2012

To test a proposed model of the job insecurity (JI) process that treats cognitive JI and affective JI as separate constructs, this study investigates organizational‐level employee involvement and communication practices that influence the level of cognitive JI; increasing levels of cognitive JI in turn can create an affective reaction (i.e., affective JI). This affective reaction then influences individual psychological and behavioral outcomes. With two waves of data from three large Chinese organizations, the model test results show that employee involvement decreases cognitive JI perceptions. This reduction then leads to lower affective JI. Affective JI in turn relates negatively to employee psychological well‐being but positively to both supervisor‐rated job performance and affective JI six months later. The effect of cognitive JI on employee outcomes is partially through affective JI. Cognitive JI has a direct impact on psychological well‐being but not on job performance. These findings offer key theoretical and practical implications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Albusin B modulates lipid metabolism and increases antioxidant defense in broiler chickens by a proteomic approach
Authors: Wang Han‐Tsung , Li Yi‐Hung , Chou I‐Pin , Hsieh Ya‐Hui , Chen Bao‐Ji , Chen Ching‐Yi
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of albusin B on lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense in broiler chickens by a proteomic approach. The bacteriocin, albusin B of Ruminococcus albus 7, expressed by yeast was applied in this study. Three dietary treatments, consisting of the basal diet (control), basal diet + albusin B (2.5 g kg−1), and basal diet + nosiheptide (2.5 mg kg−1) were randomly fed to 90 broiler chickens from 1 to 35 days of age, respectively. After 35 days of supplementation, the growth performance, lipid metabolism and antioxidant proteins in the jejunum and liver, intestinal protein profile, and plasma lipid profile were analyzed.

RESULTS: Broilers with albusin B supplementation had greater body weight than the control broilers. Compared with the control broilers, lower triglyceride and higher high‐density lipoprotein concentration in the blood were observed in both broilers with albusin B and nosiheptide supplementation. In addition, albusin B suppressed the mRNA expression of fatty acid binding protein 2 and ATP binding cassette transporter G 5 in the jejunum. In the jejunal protein profiles, four antioxidant proteins were upregulated by albusin B and nosiheptide treatments. The jejunal antioxidant gene expression had a concordant pattern. Hepatic genes related to lipid metabolism, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl CoA reductase, and superoxide dismutase were upregulated by albusin B supplementation.

CONCLUSION: Albusin B supplementation modulated lipid metabolism and activated systemic antioxidant defense, which might partially contribute to the performance of broiler chickens. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Winter Jordan M. , Yeo Charles J. , Brody Jonathan R.
Published: June 2012

Serum CA 19‐9 is the only FDA approved biomarker recommended for use in the routine management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Over 2,000 biomarker studies related to pancreatic cancer appear in the literature, highlighting the need to discover and develop improved tests. Diagnostic biomarkers have implications for early detection of PDA, prognostic markers predict patient survival and recurrence patterns, and predictive markers can help personalize treatment regimens. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:15–22. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ring‐necked pheasant hens select managed Conservation Reserve Program grasslands for nesting and brood‐rearing
Authors: Matthews Ty W. , Taylor J. Scott , Powell Larkin A.
Published: June 2012

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has provided critical wildlife habitat for many species since 1985. However, the quality of this habitat for early successional species, such as ring‐necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), may decrease with field age. Late successional grasslands may lack valuable vegetative and structural diversity needed by pheasants, especially during nesting and brood‐rearing stages. Since 2004, the United States Department of Agriculture has required new CRP contracts to include plans for mid‐contract management, which could include discing and interseeding. The benefits of such practices have not been assessed, and continuation of current policy could be affected by the lack of information to support such practices. During 2005–2006 we evaluated nesting and brood‐rearing habitat used by radio‐marked hen pheasants in areas of northeastern Nebraska where portions of CRP fields had been recently disced and interseeded with legumes. Pheasant hens selected managed portions of CRP fields for both nesting and brood‐rearing. Hens selected nest sites with greater forb cover and vertical density. Hens with broods also selected sites with greater forb composition. Discing and legume interseeding appeared to be an effective strategy for increasing pheasant use of CRP fields. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Photoreversible Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Switchable Sticky‐Rolling State of Water Droplets
Authors: Pang Xiangzhong , Pan Shuaijun , Feng Shuo , Chen Hao , Li Ling , Su Xiaolu , Xiong Yuanqin , Xu Weijian
Published: June 2012

A photoresponsive fluorinated azobenzene homopolymer is synthesized via TERP. UV irradiation of the surface based on a fluorinated azobenzene homopolymer with micro/nanostructures induces a tunable/switchable water droplet mobility. Water droplets can easily roll off the pristine surface at a small tilt angle (≈14°). The apparent water CA changes from 150 to 135° after UV illumination of the surface. Thus, water drops stick on the surface when the substrate is turned vertically or even upside down, indicating a very high adhesion force. Interestingly, the water droplet rolls off again under visible‐light irradiation. The as‐prepared surface may be useful for applications requiring switchable mobility of water droplets.

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Photoluminescent Epoxy/Gd2O3:Eu3+ UV‐cured Nanocomposites
Authors: Roppolo Ignazio , Debasu Mengistie L. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Rocha João , Carlos Luís D. , Sangermano Marco
Published: June 2012

UV‐cured photoluminescent coatings emitting in the visible spectral region are obtained by dispersing Gd2O3:4 mol% Eu3+ nanorods in three different commercially available photocurable epoxy resins. The effect of the concentration of the Gd2O3:4 mol% Eu3+ nanorods on the kinetics of the photocuring reaction is followed using real‐time FT‐IR. Thermal and the mechanical properties of the cured films are also investigated. Moreover, the effect of the matrix and nanorod concentration in the composites on the emission and excitation spectra and the 5D0(C2) decay time of Eu3+ is evaluated. The composite materials present original photoluminescence properties and demonstrate the potential of UV curing as a technique to develop smart photoactive coatings.

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Green's function asymptotics near the internal edges of spectra of periodic elliptic operators. Spectral edge case
Authors: Kuchment Peter , Raich Andrew
Published: June 2012

Precise asymptotics known for the Green's function of the Laplace operator have found their analogs for periodic elliptic operators of the second order at and below the bottom of the spectrum. Due to the band‐gap structure of the spectra of such operators, the question arises whether similar results can be obtained near or at the edges of spectral gaps. As the result of this work shows, this is possible at a spectral edge when the dimension d ≥ 3.
Top‐down mass spectrometry for the analysis of combinatorial post‐translational modifications
Authors: Lanucara Francesco , Eyers Claire E.
Published: June 2012

Protein post‐translational modifications (PTMs) are critically important in regulating both protein structure and function, often in a rapid and reversible manner. Due to its sensitivity and vast applicability, mass spectrometry (MS) has become the technique of choice for analyzing PTMs. Whilst the “bottom‐up' analytical approach, in which proteins are proteolyzed generating peptides for analysis by MS, is routinely applied and offers some advantages in terms of ease of analysis and lower limit of detection, “top‐down” MS, describing the analysis of intact proteins, yields unique and highly valuable information on the connectivity and therefore combinatorial effect of multiple PTMs in the same polypeptide chain. In this review, the state of the art in top‐down MS will be discussed, covering the main instrumental platforms and ion activation techniques. Moreover, the way that this approach can be used to gain insights on the combinatorial effect of multiple post‐translational modifications and how this information can assist in studying physiologically relevant systems at the molecular level will also be addressed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 32:27–42, 2013
Gas‐Like Theory of Polymer Networks
Authors: Walasek Janusz
Published: June 2012

The theory presented starts from the model of gas of statistical segments with potential interactions between them. The fact that the system considered is an elastomer is incorporated into the model by constraints imposed on orientations of segments. Constraints are caused by the elastomer structure. The structure is determined by a connection of segments in linear chains, while chains are connected in the network structure. The statistical and thermodynamic description of the system is obtained by use of the conditional optimization of its free energy (Helmholtz function). The Lagrange multipliers for that optimization are calculated by use of cumulants and the multivariate method. In general, results of the theory presented are formulated for any type of potential interactions.

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Social Influence and the Dynamics of Opinions: The Approach of Statistical Physics
Authors: Castellano Claudio
Published: June 2012

Interacting individuals tend, in general, to increase their similarity. If not influenced by his or her social environment, each individual would choose a personal response to a political question, his or her own unique cultural conventions or special correspondence between objects and words. Still, it is common experience that opinions, cultural features, and languages are shared by large groups of people. We present some dynamical models recently considered by statistical physicists to describe these processes and discuss the main results of this approach. Emphasis is on qualitative aspects such as robustness, size effects, and the role of the topology of the interaction pattern. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive total variation regularization based scheme for Poisson noise removal
Authors: Zhou Weifeng , Li Qingguo
Published: June 2012

To better preserve the edge features, this paper investigates an adaptive total variation regularization based variational model for removing Poisson noise. This edge‐preserving scheme comprises a spatially adaptive diffusivity coefficient, which adjusts the diffusion strength automatically. Compared with the classical total variation based one, numerical simulations distinctly indicate the superiority of our proposed strategy in maintaining the small details while denoising Poissonian image. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The RKHSM for solving neutral functional–differential equations with proportional delays
Authors: Lv Xueqin , Gao Yue
Published: June 2012

In this paper, the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method (RKHSM) is applied to neutral functional–differential equations with proportional delays. Its approximate solution is obtained by truncating the n‐term of exact solution. Some examples are displayed to demonstrate the computation efficiency of the method. We also compare the performance of the method with a particular Runge–Kutta method, a one‐leg θ‐method and variational iteration method. Experiment dates indicate that the RKHSM is an accurate and efficient method to solve neutral functional–differential equations with proportional delays. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale coupling using a finite element framework at finite temperature
Authors: Iacobellis Vincent , Behdinan Kamran
Published: June 2012

This paper presents the formulation and application of a multiscale methodology that couples three domains using a finite element framework. The proposed method efficiently models atomistic systems by decomposing the system into continuum, bridging, and atomistic domains. The atomistic and bridging domains are solved using a combined finite element–molecular mechanics simulation where the system is discretized into atom/nodal centric elements based on the atomic scale finite element method. Coupling between the atomistic domain and continuum domain is performed through the bridging cells, which contain locally formulated atoms whose displacements are mapped to the nodes of the bridging cell elements. The method implements a temperature‐dependent potential for finite temperature simulations. Validation and demonstration of the methodology are provided through three case studies: displacement in a one‐dimensional chain, stress around nanoscale voids, and fracture. From these studies differences between multiscale and fully atomistic simulations were very small with the simulation time of the proposed methodology being approximately a tenth of the time of the fully atomistic model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal chemotherapy in cancer treatment: state dependent Riccati equation control and extended Kalman filter
Authors: Batmani Yazdan , Khaloozadeh Hamid
Published: June 2012

In this work, we design a nonlinear state feedback controller based on the State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) technique to eliminate the tumor. One of the most interesting advantages of the SDRE is that it is possible to consider the specific conditions of patients by defining appropriate weights in the cost function and by limiting the administrated drug. Another advantage of this approach is that there are infinite ways to form the state dependent matrices. For each patient, a suitable drug regimen has been obtained using these advantages. A nonlinear model has been utilized to predict the growth of tumor. The model is a system of ODE with four state variables: normal cells, tumor cells, immune cells, and drug concentration. To use the SDRE controller, all state variables must be available for feedback. But for measuring the tumor size, the professional equipment is needed. So, it is impossible to measure the tumor size any time. We suppose that the number of normal cells could be measured in the presence of the Gaussian white noise. Therefore, we can design a state observer to estimate the immeasurable states from measurements. Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) can be used as a state observer for a nonlinear system, and in this work, we use EKF as a nonlinear state observer. Consequently, we can use the SDRE technique just by measuring the normal cell population. Numerical simulations are given to illustrate the design procedure and to show the flexibility of the method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does an informational film increase women's possibility to make an informed choice about second trimester ultrasound?
Authors: Öhman Susanne Georgsson , Björklund Ulla , Marsk Anna
Published: June 2012

Objective

To evaluate effects of an informational film on making an informed choice regarding second trimester ultrasound.

Method

Randomized controlled study. The intervention was an informational film about prenatal examinations. Data were collected at gestational week 26.

Results

A total of 184 women in the intervention group and 206 women in the control group participated in the study. Of those in the intervention group, 81.3% made an informed choice regarding second trimester ultrasound examination compared with 76.1% in the control group (p = 0.21). Women making an informed choice scored higher in knowledge about the examination (p < 0.001), had higher degree of education (p < 0.001), and spoke more frequently Swedish as mother tongue (89.5% vs 74.7%, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

An informational film does not increase women's knowledge or the number of women making an informed choice about the second trimester ultrasound. Women who did not make an informed choice about the second trimester ultrasound had a lower level of education and less knowledge about second trimester ultrasound screening. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fetal telecardiology service: patient preference and socio‐economic factors
Authors: McCrossan Brian A. , Sands Andrew J. , Kileen Theresa , Doherty Nicola N. , Casey Frank A.
Published: June 2012

Objective

The aims of this study were to evaluate patients' opinions on a fetal cardiology telemedicine service compared with usual outpatient care, the effect of the telemedicine consultation on maternal anxiety and its impact on travel times and time absent from work.

Methods

Prospective study over 20 months. Eligible patients attended for routine anomaly scan followed by fetal echocardiogram transmitted to the regional centre with live guidance by a fetal cardiologist, followed by parental counselling. All patients were offered a fetal cardiology appointment at the regional centre. Structured questionnaires assessing maternal satisfaction, travel times/days off and anxiety scores completed at time of both fetal echocardiograms.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients were recruited and 66 completed the study. Participants expressed very high satisfaction rates with fetal telecardiology, equivalent to face‐to‐face consultation. The telecardiology appointments were associated with significantly reduced travel times and days off work (p < 0.01). Expectant mothers expressed a clear inclination for a fetal cardiology appointment at the local hospital facilitated by telemedicine (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Fetal telecardiology is highly acceptable to patients and is even preferred compared with travelling to a regional centre. There are additional socio‐economic benefits that should encourage the development of remote fetal cardiology services. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes in children managed on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy: can we trust the figures?
Authors: Makaya Tafadzwa , Chatterjee Sumana , Wright Neil P
Published: June 2012

With several studies reporting improved glycaemic control with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy, its use over the years has increased. The majority of studies report comparisons of baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and post‐CSII HbA1c. Due to the high cost of CSII, many guidelines advocate close monitoring of diabetes control while on CSII, and recommend that CSII is discontinued if there is no sustainable change in glycaemic control.

The aims of this study were: to assess outcomes in diabetes control on patients within our specialist diabetes clinic on CSII therapy; and to establish whether there was a difference in outcomes based on whether comparisons were made between measurements from baseline (just before starting CSII) or from 12 months prior to starting CSII.

We compared HbA1c, body mass index standard deviation scores, episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycaemia over 24 months – from 12 months before commencing on CSII to 12 months into CSII.

While the HbA1c 12 months after commencing CSII (8.3% [67mmol/mol]) improved significantly from the point CSII was commenced (9.2% [77mmol/mol]; p=0.007), the mean HbA1c 12 months post‐CSII did not differ significantly from the HbA1c 12 months pre‐CSII (8.6% [70mmol/mol]) nor from the overall clinic HbA1c (8.4% [68mmol/mol]). There were no significant changes in the other parameters.

In conclusion, comparing baseline HbA1c levels to post‐CSII HbA1c readings does not give an accurate assessment of outcome when establishing the role of CSII in diabetes control. We recommend that consideration be given to overall clinic averages, and to HbA1c readings in the longer interval pre‐CSII. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Type 2 diabetes in children and young adults in East London: an alarmingly high prevalence
Authors: Balasanthiran A , O'Shea T , Moodambail A , Woodcock T , Poots AJ , Stacey M , Vijayaraghavan S
Published: June 2012

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the young is a growing concern in many countries worldwide. In previous studies, positive associations with obesity, female gender, and family history have been noted. Newham, East London, has one of the highest prevalence of T2DM in the UK as well as one of the youngest populations. Our aim was to establish the prevalence and characteristics of T2DM in young people in Newham, and compare findings with existing data.

Forty‐four young people (≤25 years) with T2DM and an equal number of young people with type 1 diabetes were examined. A retrospective analysis of existing patient records utilising diabetes and pathology databases was conducted.

The age‐specific prevalence of T2DM in children and young adults within Newham was noted to be the highest in the UK at 0.57/1000 (58 out of 100 300). There was a strong association with obesity and 77% of those with T2DM were found to have a body mass index ≥25kg/m2. Many had features of the metabolic syndrome.

This analysis confirms the high prevalence of T2DM with obesity in young people, particularly among minority ethnic groups, and adds to concern among health care providers and commissioners about the need for preventative strategies to tackle this problem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Comparison of chain structure and morphology of an olefinic blocky copolymer and a Ziegler–Natta‐based ethylene random copolymer
Authors: Tong Zai‐Zai , Xu Jun‐Ting , Xia Sheng‐Jie , Fan Zhi‐Qiang
Published: June 2012

The microstructure and morphology of an olefinic blocky copolymer (OBC) and an ethylene‐hexene copolymer prepared by conventional Ziegler‐Natta catalysis (ZNEH) are compared. It is found that these two samples have similar melting temperatures, but the overall comonomer content in OBC is slightly higher. The crystallization temperature and crystallinity of OBC are markedly lower than those of ZNEH. A successive self‐nucleation annealing experiment reveals that OBC has a more uniform distribution of crystal thickness, indicating a more homogeneous composition distribution in its hard blocks. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) results show that the long period of OBC hardly changes with temperature in the low‐temperature range, whereas that of ZNEH increases gradually with temperature due to melting of the less perfect crystals. The average lamellar thickness of crystals is larger for OBC than for ZNEH, but the thickness of the thickest crystals is comparable in the two. The SAXS profiles were analyzed using a one‐dimensional correlation function. The result reveals that the partially ordered interphases in OBC are mainly located at the interface of the crystalline and amorphous phases. In contrast, the interface of the crystalline and amorphous phases in ZNEH is quite sharp and it is inferred that the partially ordered interphases are distributed in the bulk as separated domains. Scattered tiny crystals are formed in ZNEH, but OBC exhibits a macroscopic morphology of large spherulites. It is also observed that more amorphous phases are rejected outside of the lamellar stacks and spherulites in OBC. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of incorporation of graphene oxide and graphene nanoplatelets on mechanical and gas permeability properties of poly(lactic acid) films
Authors: Pinto Artur M , Cabral Joana , Tanaka David A. Pacheco , Mendes Adélio M , Magalhães Fernão D
Published: June 2012

Nanocomposite thin films of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were produced incorporating small amounts (0.2 to 1 wt%) of graphene oxide (GO) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). The films were prepared by solvent‐casting. Mechanical properties were evaluated for plasticized (by residual solvent) and unplasticized films. Plasticized nanocomposite films presented yield strength and Young's modulus about 100% higher than those of pristine PLA. For unplasticized films improvements in tensile strength and Young's modulus were about 15 and 85%, respectively. For both film types, a maximum in mechanical performance was identified for about 0.4 wt% loadings of the two filler materials tested. Permeabilities towards oxygen and nitrogen decreased, respectively, three‐ and fourfold in films loaded with both GO or GNP. The glass transition temperature showed maximum increases, in relation to unloaded PLA films, of 5 °C for 0.4 wt% GO and 7 °C for 0.4 wt% GNP, coinciding with the observed maxima in mechanical properties. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and polymerization reactions of cyclic imino ethers. VI. Polymers with biphenyl structure
Authors: Lustoň Jozef , Kronek Juraj , Kleinová Angela , Janigová Ivica , Valentová Helena , Nedbal Jan
Published: June 2012

A monomer of the AB‐type and a bifunctional comonomer of the AA‐type containing two 2‐oxazoline rings and a biphenyl structural unit were prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acids via their esterification and subsequent amidation with an aminoalcohol. The cyclization of an amide to 2‐oxazoline structure was achieved by treatment with thionyl chloride followed by liberation of the free base with sodium hydrocarbonate in an aqueous solution. The prepared monomers were used for the polyaddition polymerization of the AB‐type monomer having a 2‐oxazoline and phenol group bound on adjacent rings of the biphenyl structure in solution. The monomer of the AA‐type was used for AA+BB‐type polyaddition reactions with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. Both types of polymerizations have been performed in melt and in solution. The structures of the polymers were determined, and the thermal properties of the polymers were evaluated. Liquid‐crystalline (LC) structures of the prepared polymers were observed by DSC measurements and optical microscopy. The polyaddition reactions of the monomers containing a 2‐oxazoline ring and a biphenyl unit represent a new efficient way for the preparation of a biphenyl unit containing poly(ether amide)s and poly(ester amide)s. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis of poly(vinyl laurate)‐b‐poly(vinyl stearate) diblock copolymers by cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization in solution
Authors: Nzé René‐Ponce , Colombani Olivier , Nicol Erwan
Published: June 2012

Poly(vinyl laurate) (PVL) and poly(vinyl stearate) (PVS) were synthesized by means of cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (CMRP). Cobalt(II) diacetylacetonate (Co(acac)2) was demonstrated to control the radical polymerization of these monomers in solution. Molecular weights up to 15,000 g·mol−1 were obtained with reasonably low polydispersity indices (PDI < 1.3). The efficiency of the redox initiator [lauroyle peroxide (LPO)/citric acid (CA)] was found to be low (around 10%) as already reported for vinyl acetate. The solvent and temperature were found to have a very weak influence on the initiator efficiency. It appeared that CA played no role in the initiation process that only involved a redox reaction between LPO and Co(acac)2. PVL‐b‐PVS diblock copolymers could be synthesized using two strategies: (1) Sequential addition, that is, addition of the second monomer (VS) at high conversion of the first one (VL). (2) Macroinitiator technique, that is, isolation of a PVL macroinitiator then polymerization of VS from this cobalt functionalized macroinitiator. Both techniques allowed the synthesis of diblock copolymers with molar masses around 25,000 g·mol−1 and PDI lower than 1.4. The resulting materials were characterized by DSC, revealing that both blocks exhibit side‐chain crystallinity and phase segregate in the bulk. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
A phase‐separable second‐generation hoveyda‐grubbs catalyst for ring‐opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Al‐Hashimi Mohammed , Hongfa Chayanant , George Beena , Bazzi Hassan S. , Bergbreiter David E.
Published: June 2012

Polyisobutylene‐supported second‐generation Hoveyda‐Grubbs catalyst is shown to be an effective nonpolar phase tag for ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The catalytic activities of the supported Ru–carbene complex in ROMP are comparable to those of their homogeneous counterparts. The separability of these catalysts leads to lower Ru contamination (0.5 ppm levels) in the polymer products in comparison to the nonsupported Hoveyda‐Grubbs catalyst (10 PPM). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
A novel Germline mutation in HOXB13 is associated with prostate cancer risk in Chinese men
Authors: Lin Xiaoling , Qu Lianxi , Chen Zhuo , Xu Chuanliang , Ye Dingwei , Shao Qiang , Wang Xiang , Qi Jun , Chen Zhiwen , Zhou Fangjian , Wang Meilin , Wang Zhong , He Dalin , Wu Denglong , Gao Xin , Yuan Jianlin , Wang Gongxian , Xu Yong , Wang Guozeng , Dong Pei , Jiao Yang , Yang Jin , Ou‐Yang Jun , Jiang Haowen , Zhu Yao , Ren Shancheng , Zhang Zhengdong , Yin Changjun , Wu Qijun , Zheng Ying , Turner Aubrey R. , Tao Sha , Na Rong , Ding Qiang , Lu Daru , Shi Rong , Sun Jielin , Liu Fang , Zheng S. Lilly , Mo Zengnan , Sun Yinghao , Xu Jianfeng
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND

A rare mutation G84E in HOXB13 was recently identified to be associated with prostate cancer (PCa) in Caucasians. The goal of this study is to test association between HOXB13 genetic variants and PCa risk in Chinese men.

METHODS

All study subjects were part of the Chinese Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics (ChinaPCa). In the first stage, we screened for mutations by sequencing the HOXB13 coding region in 96 unrelated PCa patients. In stage 2, G84E and novel mutations found in stage 1 were genotyped in 671 PCa patients and 1,536 controls. In stage 3, mutation status in 751 additional PCa patients was imputed via haplotype.

RESULTS

The G84E mutation was not detected in this study. However, a novel mutation, G135E, was identified among 96 patients in stage 1. It was also observed twice in 575 additional PCa patients but not in 1,536 control subjects of stage 2. The frequency of G135E was significantly different between cases and controls, with a P‐value of 0.027, based on Fisher's exact test. Haplotype estimation showed that G135E mutation carriers shared a unique haplotype that was not observed in other subjects. In stage 3, two more PCa patients were predicted to carry the G135E mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a novel rare mutation in the HOXB13 gene, G135E, which appears to be a founder mutation. This mutation is associated with increased PCa risk in Chinese men. Consistent with a previous report, our findings provide further evidence that rare mutations in HOXB13 contribute to PCa risk. Prostate 73: 169–175, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immigration Detention in the Community: Research on the Experiences of Migrants Released from Detention Centres in the UK
Authors: Klein Axel , Williams Lucy
Published: June 2012

This paper argues that immigration detention results in immigration detainees being treated as anomalies within the liberal, democratic state – not only within detention centres but also post‐release. Given that most released detainees remain destitute and without entitlement or resolution of their immigration cases, many report feelings of being continuously ‘detained’ even after release. This paper addresses a gap in the literature on the ongoing experience of released detainees. The authors draw on qualitative interview data from former detainees as a first step towards a better understanding of the issues.

We discuss wider questions of why the detention regime fails to prepare detainees for release as well as how this omission can undermine their capacity to lead productive and socially meaningful lives. This paper argues that the lack of concern for the well‐being of former immigration detainees has considerable and far‐reaching implications for the former detainees and their communities. Finally, we link the situation of former detainees and their liminal states of exception, to discourses of slavery and civil death. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Inhibition of Cell Proliferation by Lycopene in MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Cells In vitro: A Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Uppala Padma T. , Dissmore Tixieanna , Lau Benjamin H. S. , Andacht Tracy , Rajaram Sujatha
Published: June 2012

Lycopene, a red pigmented carotenoid present in many fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, has been associated with the reduced risk of breast cancer. This study sought to identify proteins modulated by lycopene during cell proliferation of the breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 to gain an understanding into its mechanism of action. MCF‐7 breast cancer cells and MCF‐10 normal breast cells were treated with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 μM of lycopene for 72 h. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) tetrazolium reduction assay was used to measure cell proliferation and two‐dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis to assess the changes in protein expression, which were identified using MALDI‐ToF/ToF (matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time‐of‐flight) and Mascot database search. MTT and cell proliferation assays showed that lycopene selectively inhibited the growth of MCF‐7 but not MCF‐10 cells. Difference gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that proteins in the MCF‐7 cells respond differently to lycopene compared with the MCF‐10 cells. Lycopene altered the expression levels of proteins such as Cytokeratin 8/18 (CK8/18), CK19 and their post translational status. We have shown that lycopene inhibits cell proliferation in MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells but not in the MCF‐10 mammary epithelial cells. Lycopene was shown to modulate cell cycle proteins such as beta tubulin, CK8/18, CK19 and heat shock proteins. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enabling interoperation between Shibboleth and Information Card systems
Authors: Al‐Sinani Haitham S. , Mitchell Chris J.
Published: June 2012

Whilst the growing number of identity management systems have the potential to reduce the threat of identity attacks, major deployment problems remain because of the lack of interoperability between such systems. In this paper, we propose a scheme to provide interoperability between two widely discussed identity systems, namely Shibboleth and Information Card systems such as CardSpace or Higgins. When using this scheme, Information Card users are able to obtain an assertion token from a Shibboleth‐enabled identity provider that can be processed by an Information Card‐enabled relying party. The scheme is based on a browser extension and operates with both the CardSpace and the Higgins identity selectors without any modification. We specify the operation of the scheme and also describe an implementation of a proof‐of‐concept prototype. Additionally, security and operational analyses are provided. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicate encryption for multi‐inner‐products
Authors: Sun Dongdong , Boyd Colin , Nieto Juan Manuel Gonzalez
Published: June 2012

Predicate encryption is a new primitive that supports flexible control over access to encrypted data. We study predicate encryption systems, evaluating a wide class of predicates. Our systems are more expressive than the existing attribute‐hiding systems in the sense that the proposed constructions support not only all existing predicate evaluations but also arbitrary conjunctions and disjunctions of comparison and subset queries. Toward our goal, we propose encryption schemes supporting multi‐inner‐product predicate and provide formal security analysis. We show how to apply the proposed schemes to achieve all those predicate evaluations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible secret image sharing with steganography and dynamic embedding
Authors: Hu Wei‐Tong , Li Ming‐Chu , Guo Cheng , Ren Yi‐Zhi
Published: June 2012

Many traditional steganography methods do not disperse and hide secret data smoothly over all the capacity of cover images. Rather, they severely modify part of the cover image(s) to embed secret data, which results in stego images that have poor visual quality. In addition, there are still some secret image‐sharing approaches that cannot reveal the secret image losslessly without pixel expansion or extra storage or restore distortion‐free cover image(s) if they use steganography. In this paper, a novel scheme, which is based on Shamir's (t, n)‐threshold scheme (1979) and Galois Field GF(28) and uses dynamic embedding and least significant bit construction, is proposed to solve the issues mentioned above. Our experimental results showed that the dynamic embedding performance in our scheme was satisfactory and that both the secret image and the cover image can be restored losslessly without pixel expansion or extra storage. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient chosen ciphertext secure public‐key encryption under factoring assumption
Authors: Qin Baodong , Liu Shengli
Published: June 2012

In EUROCRYPT 2009, Hofheinz and Kiltz introduced a new practical chosen ciphertext secure public‐key encryption scheme under the assumption that factoring is intractable. They also proposed a variant that features a slightly more efficient decryption but unfortunately leads to large public key, of size about O(k), where k is a security parameter. In this paper, we propose a novel method to balance the efficiency and the key size of those previous two schemes. Although the public key in our scheme only consists of one RSA modulus and three group elements, it is still more efficient at decrypting than Hofheinz and Kiltz's scheme. By remarking that under certain assumptions factoring the modulus is still hard over much smaller subgroups of signed quadratic residues (i.e., semismooth subgroup), we were able to construct a new scheme that performs extremely efficient decryption. In fact, to date, this is the most efficient scheme for decryption among all public‐key encryption schemes (mainly including Hofheinz and Kiltz's schemes and their follow‐up works) whose security against chosen ciphertext attacks is based on the intractability of factoring in the standard model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Security in application layer of radar sensor networks: detect friends or foe
Authors: Cao Zongjie , Chen Lijia
Published: June 2012

Because accurate identification cannot be obtained when the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) sensor is employed separately, a radar sensor network (RSN) is designed to improve the identification capability in this paper. The content of this paper is focused on the information fusion algorithm, which is one of the key technologies in the RSN. The fuzzy c‐means and the Bayesian network are chosen as the fusion algorithm. This algorithm can implement the identification friend or foe automatically after being trained by the training samples and expert's experience, and reduce the effect of uncertainties in the process of identification. At the same time, the algorithm can update the identification result with the augmentation of observations. The RSN can be expanded, if more information can be obtained, to adapt to the complicated environment, on the basis of this algorithm. The simulation results prove the validity and efficiency of the algorithm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey of accountability in computer networks and distributed systems
Authors: Xiao Zhifeng , Kathiresshan Nandhakumar , Xiao Yang
Published: June 2012

Security in computer systems has been a major concern since the very beginning. Although security has been addressed in various aspects, accountability is one of the main facets of security that is lacking in today's computer systems. The ability not only to detect errors but also to find the responsible entity/entities for the failure is crucial. In this paper, we intend to provide a comprehensive investigation of the state‐of‐the‐art accountability research issues in current information systems. Also, we study the various accountability tactics that are available and how each one of them contributes to providing strong accountability of different aspects. Finally, we examine the various merits and tradeoffs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple SMS spam filtering on independent mobile phone
Authors: Taufiq Nuruzzaman M. , Lee Changmoo , Abdullah Mohd. Fikri Azli bin , Choi Deokjai
Published: June 2012

The amount of Short Message Service (SMS) spam is increasing. Various solutions to filter SMS spam on mobile phones have been proposed. Most of these use Text Classification techniques that consist of training, filtering, and updating processes. However, they require a computer or a large amount of SMS data in advance to filter SMS spam, especially for the training. This increases hardware maintenance and communication costs. Thus, we propose to filter SMS spam on independent mobile phones using Text Classification techniques. The training, filtering, and updating processes are performed on an independent mobile phone. The mobile phone has storage, memory and CPU limitations compared with a computer. As such, we apply a probabilistic Naïve Bayes classifier using word occurrences for screening because of its simplicity and fast performance. Our experiment on an Android mobile phone shows that it can filter SMS spam with reasonable accuracy, minimum storage consumption, and acceptable processing time without support from a computer or using a large amount of SMS data for training. Thus, we conclude that filtering SMS spam can be performed on independent mobile phones. We can reduce the number of word attributes by almost 50% without reducing accuracy significantly, using our usability‐based approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Properties of a Cadmium(II) Complex with the Flexible Ligand (1′H‐[2, 2′]Biimidazoly‐1‐yl)‐acetic Acid
Authors: Wang Jun , Tao Jian‐Qing , Xu Xiao‐Juan , Tan Chun‐Yun
Published: June 2012

A novel coordination polymer {[Cd(BDAC)]2·H2O}n (1) [HBDAC = (1′H‐[2, 2′]biimidazoly‐1‐yl)‐acetic acid] was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 crystallizes in the acentric orthorhombic space group Ccc2. The Cd1 atoms and BDAC2– ligands construct [Cd1(BDAC)] rhomboid grid (4, 4)‐topology layer motifs, whereas the Cd2 atoms and BDAC2– ligands form [Cd2(BDAC)] 1D coordination polymer ribbons. Furthermore, adjacent lay motifs are linked into 3D net structures by 1D coordination polymer ribbons with 4‐connected 3D trinodal {4282102}{4462}{43628}2 topology. The measurement of electric hysteresis loops indicated that complex 1 displays a ferroelectric characteristic.
A New Mixed‐Valence Tetranuclear Manganese [MnII2MnIII2] Cluster
Authors: Shao Cong‐Ying , Zhu Li‐Li , Yang Pei‐Pei
Published: June 2012

A new tetranuclear manganese complex [Mn2IIMn2III(bhmcpH)2(hmp)4Cl2(MeOH)2] (1) [bhmcpH3 = 2, 6‐bis(hydroxymethyl)‐4‐chlorophenol, hmpH = 2‐(hydroxymethyl)pyridine] was synthesized and characterized. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c. It has a mixed‐valence tetranuclear dicubane unit, which comprises two MnII and two MnIII ions. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibilities of 1 indicates ferromagnetic interactions between the manganese ions.
Pentacoordinate Silicon Complexes with N‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)­salicylamide as a Dianionic (ONN′) Tridentate Chelator
Authors: Schwarz Dana , Brendler Erica , Kroke Edwin , Wagler Jörg
Published: June 2012

The title compound, N‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)salicylamide (1), was synthesized by ester aminolysis of methyl salicylate and 2‐picolylamine. In the presence of triethylamine as a supporting base, the salicylamide moiety reacts with the organodichlorosilanes RR′SiCl2 to form the desired six‐membered heterocycles of the type RR′Si–O–(o‐C6H4)–C(=O)N(pic), with pic being the 2‐pyridylmethyl (i.e., 2‐picolyl) moiety and RR′ = Me, Me (2a); Me, Ph (2b); Ph, Ph (2c); Bn, Bn (2d); All, Ph (2e) and Ph, H (2f). Despite the absence of notable ring strain release Lewis acidity (i.e., only a six‐membered chelate is formed by the dianion, and smaller rings are not present in the compound), the poor electron withdrawal from silicon by its C– or H– substituents and the flexible methylene bridge between the salicylamide and the pyridine moiety, the pyridine N donor atom furnishes pentacoordinate silicon coordination spheres in all of these compounds 2a–2f. The coordination number of the silicon atom was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis for the solid state and by 29Si NMR spectroscopy for the solution state.