bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NOVEL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF AGE-RELATED SENSORI-MOTOR DEGRADATION
Authors: Shan Jing , Fu Yibing , Dunn Brandie , Shan Gongbing
Published: February 2009

Early identification of individuals with impaired balancing ability could lead to timely interventions and reduce the hazard of age-related falls. Numerous methods for researching the prevention of falls and age-related sensori-motor degradation have been proposed and tested. Most are either too expensive for practitioners or too physically demanding to use with seniors. A simple, reliable technique is desired. The aim of this research is to develop a practical and quantitative solution for assessment of age-related degradation of human sensori-motor function, which could in turn serve as a means of fall prevention among seniors. A novel testing apparatus, the dynamic balance testing platform, was developed. The design includes artificial neural network (ANN) technology to address the nonlinearity and redundancy in the neural network that controls sensori-motor functions. A total of 62 male subjects aged from 18 to 84 years were tested using the proposed method. Results showed that (1) the new device did reflect the sensori-motor degradation related to age, (2) reliable evaluation of sensori-motor function need not be complicated, time consuming, or costly, and (3) the developed equipment powered with ANN technology holds great potentials for predicting fall possibility. Overall, this study validated a strategy of fall prevention with a potential for prevalent use in the healthcare industry.
DISCRIMINATION OF PAIN INTENSITY LEVEL AND SIDE EFFECTS OF POSTOPERATIVE PAIN USING PARAMETERS EXTRACTED FROM THE EVOKED PAIN PATTERN
Authors: Shieh Jiann-Shing , Chen Liang-Yu , Wen Yeong-Ray , Chen Jen-Yin , Sun Wei-Zen
Published: February 2009

The value of evoked potentials (EPs) in the clinical assessment of physiological function has been recognized for some time by those with specialized neurophysiological interests. Based on this concept, we have applied this novel technique for discrimination of pain intensity level and side effects using time-domain parameters extracted from the evoked pain pattern (EPP) in postoperative pain via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). In conventional PCA systems, each delivery is similar to evoked pain stimulation, and we then count the following demands in a lockout interval. Therefore, the EPP is calculated and averaged from several lockout intervals in a period of time. From this calculation, the evoked parameters of area, latency, and amplitude of each period of time can be easily extracted. A total of 741 cases from 1519 patients at a medical center have been screened and compared with these three parameters using different visual analog scales (VAS) and side effects (SE). The results indicate that the area parameter is a good indicator for higher VAS patients and the variance of latency parameter is a better outcome for interpreting the patients with SE. However, the amplitude parameter shows no significant differences in both VAS and SE groups. Using massive information from clinical trials and a novel technique of evoked pain stimulation algorithm, we demonstrate that evoked parameters (i.e. area and latency) can serve as indicators to assess various clinical evidences, such as VAS and SE associated with postoperative pain.
IMPROVED FLEXIBLE MICROWIRE ARRAY ELECTRODE FOR INTRACORTICAL SIGNALS RECORDING
Authors: Lo Rong-Chin , Yu Yao-Ming
Published: February 2009

Implanted electrodes are the first piece of hardware in an intracortical signals recording pathway. This work presents an improved flexible microwire array electrode for intracortical recordings. Only ready-made materials and general mechanical tools are used to fabricate a microelectrode. The proposed procedure is relatively simple, even for a novice worker to implement in-house. Many key steps in producing a good microwire array electrode are facilitated. These main steps include selecting materials, preparing for fabrication, and assembling the electrode. The assembly of the microwire array electrode includes connecting and positioning PCB pattern, arraying and fixing microwires, and soldering and packaging the electrode. A practiced researcher can assemble the microelectrode in about 2 h and implant it in approximately three. The mass of this assembled microelectrode is 1.96 g. The cost of the materials in the entire array is less than US$1.5, and the array is suitable for implantation in the cortex of rats for invasive studies. In this study, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is also applied to measure the impedance and the phase between the electrode and the electrolyte, and then to obtain an equivalent circuit. The improved microwire array electrode is adopted to record the intracortical signal of cerebrum. The microwire array electrode can be fabricated and used for multi-site, multiple single-unit recording experiments. Several experimental results are presented, along with applications that demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of the proposed approach.
EXAMPLE FOR MOBILE ECG HOLTER DESIGN USING FMEA MODEL
Authors: Chou I-Chi , Hsueh Hsu-Chin , Lee Ren-Guey
Published: February 2009

This paper describes an approach for evaluating the risk of components used in the Holter. Holter is a portable device for recording patients' electrocardiogram in medicine. Holter might hurt users as a result of a bad design, and might record incorrectly when malfunction happens. To prevent risk of injury, we analyze the potential failures of the Holter based on the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, which is a risk assessment technique. Then, we calculate the Risk Priority Number (RPN) of each failure. According to the RPN, we give two strategies for reducing the risk. One is protection, and the other is alarm. The protection system is used to prevent hazards of the Holter from incorrect operations by the user, and the alarm system is used to detect the malfunction of the Holter. The experimental results show that the safety of the Holter is improved with these two circuits.
Information needs and information seeking behaviour of environmental scientists in universities in Sri Lanka: major issues and concerns
Authors: Gamage Chitrani
Published: February 2009

The paper is based on a survey to assess information needs and information seeking behaviour of environmental scientists in universities in Sri Lanka with a view to identify the major issues and concerns which affect their access and retrieval of information. It also examines the feasibility of building up an up to date information resource collection on environmental sciences including print and electronic media and facilitating improved library services beyond the physical boundaries. The major findings of the survey are as follows: Majority of the scientists have pointed out that the library collections of environmental sciences are not up-to-date, collections are not properly stored, available collections are not organized, journals are inadequate and incomplete. The environmental scientists have recommended short term and long term solutions to improve access to environmental information. The environmental scientists have totally agreed that up-to-dateness of the collections is as the major issue. Access to electronic resources is also recommended by the respondents. The respondents recommended to organize special environmental collection in main university libraries rather than having separate buildings for environmental sciences. Respondents showed a positive response to establish an environmental information network for university libraries in Sri Lanka.    doi: 10.4038/jula.v10i0.315 Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (Vol. 10) 2006 p.19-28
An Introduction to a Library material management and security control system - Radio Frequency ldentification (RFID) technology
Authors: Ranawella Thanuja C
Published: February 2009

Radio Frequency ldentification (RFID) allows an item, (i.e. library book) to be tracked and communicated with by using radio waves. There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or object, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna. In a library environment, RFlD technology resembles a traditional barcode system in that it provides a means of assigning an ID to an item and reading that ID to perform circulation transactions or to take inventory. Introducing RFID, a library is able to identify and locate even the most remotely out of place item and helps to speed inventory process, and enhances the customer experience by increasing product availability and delivering faster checkouts. This allows the library to improve its circulation and inventory control, which helps to optimize the allocation of labour and financial resources. Self-service checkout and check-in is enjoying greater and greater acceptance at libraries around the world. With no special item orientations required or scan line to find customers enjoy an extremely high self-service success rate. So our libraries can further increase the number of customers who use this time- and labour-saving technology. The driver for today's libraries to adopt RFlD is the need to increase efficiency and reduce cost. Automation and self-service can help libraries of all sizes toward achieving these aims, and RFlD has the added advantage that it can also provide security for the range of different media on offer in libraries.      doi: 10.4038/jula.v10i0.316 Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (Vol. 10) 2006 p.29-39
Nitrided Amorphous Stainless Steel Coatings Deposited by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering from an Austenitic Stainless Steel Target
Authors: Cusenza Salvatore , Jürgens Daniel , Uhrmacher Michael , Schaaf Peter
Published: February 2009

Stainless steel films were reactively magnetron sputtered in argon/nitrogen gas flow onto oxidized silicon wafers using austenitic AISI 316 stainless‐steel targets. The deposited films of about 300 nm thickness were characterized by conversion electron Mö‐i;ssbauer spectroscopy, magneto‐optical Kerr‐effect, X‐ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and resonant nuclear reaction analysis. These complementary methods were used for a detailed examination of the nitriding effects for the sputtered stainless‐steel films. The formation of an amorphous and soft ferromagnetic phase in a wide range of the processing parameters was found. Further, the influence of postvacuum‐annealing was examined by perturbed angular correlation to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the nitriding process and phase formation. The amorphous phase is not very stable and crystallization can be observed at 973 K.
Simple and Generalized Synthesis of Semiconducting Metal Sulfide Nanocrystals
Authors: Choi Sang‐Hyun , An Kwangjin , Kim Eung‐Gyu , Yu Jung Ho , Kim Jeong Hyun , Hyeon Taeghwan
Published: February 2009

Uniform‐sized semiconducting nanocrystals of binary metal sulfides are synthesized from the thermolysis of metal‐oleate complexes in alkanethiol. The size of the Cu2S nanocrystals can be tuned from 7 to 20 nm by varying the reaction conditions. Various shaped nanocrystals of CdS, ZnS, MnS, and PbS are synthesized from the thermal reaction of metal‐oleate complex in alkanethiol.
High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Braga Daniele , Horowitz Gilles
Published: February 2009

With the advent of devices based on single crystals, the performance of organic field‐effect transistors has experienced a significant leap, with mobility now in excess of 10 cm2 V−1 s−1. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art of these high‐performance organic transistors. The paper focuses on the problem of parameter extraction, limitations of the performance by the interfaces, which include the dielectric–semiconductor interface, and the injection and retrieval of charge carriers at the source and drain electrodes. High‐performance devices also constitute tools of choice for investigating charge transport phenomena in organic materials. It is shown how the combination of field‐effect measurements with other electrical characterizations helps in elucidating this still unresolved issue.
Simulation and optimization of supercritical fluid purification of phytosterol esters
Authors: Fornari Tiziana , Torres Carlos F. , Señoráns F. Javier , Reglero Guillermo
Published: February 2009

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction to separate phytosterol esters from fatty acid esters and tocopherols was simulated and optimized using the group contribution equation of state. Experimental extraction data at 328 K, pressures ranging from 200 to 280 bar and solvent‐to‐feed ratio around 25, was employed to verify the performance of the thermodynamic model. The raw material is the product obtained after a two‐step enzymatic reaction carried out on soybean oil deodorizer distillates, and contains mainly fatty‐acid ethyl esters, tocopherols and phytosterol esters. The extraction process was simulated using model substances to represent the complex multicomponent feed material. Nonlinear programming techniques were applied to find out optimal process conditions for a steady‐state countercurrent process with partial reflux of the extract. The process optimization procedure predicts that a product with 94.2 wt % of phytosterol ester purity and 80% yield could be achieved. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
FAK silencing inhibits leukemogenesis in BCR/ABL‐transformed hematopoietic cells
Authors: Le Yi , Xu Luhong , Lu Jiayun , Fang Jianpei , Nardi Valentina , Chai Li , Silberstein Leslie E.
Published: February 2009

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is constitutively activated and tyrosine phosphorylated in BCR/ABL‐transformed hematopoietic cells, but the role it plays during leukemogenesis remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of RNA interference‐mediated FAK silencing on leukemogenesis induced by a BCR/ABL‐transformed cell line. Transduction of BCR/ABL‐BaF3 cells with FAK shRNA inhibited FAK expression and reduced STAT5 phosphorylation, but induced caspase‐3 activation. In vitro studies showed that treatment with FAK shRNA resulted in impaired cell proliferation and colony formation, while increasing cell apoptosis. Mice that received transplants of BCR/ABL‐BaF3 cells with FAK shRNA displayed significantly prolonged survival time and diminished leukemia progression. In addition, FAK silencing enhanced in vitro and in vivo efficacy of ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib in BCR/ABL‐BaF3 cells. Our results suggest that FAK is critical for leukemogenesis and might be a potential target for leukemia therapy. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracranial hemorrhage following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Najima Yuho , Ohashi Kazuteru , Miyazawa Maho , Nakano Mikako , Kobayashi Takeshi , Yamashita Takuya , Akiyama Hideki , Sakamaki Hisashi
Published: February 2009

Charts and radiographs of 622 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, over a 20‐year period, were retrospectively reviewed for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) following transplant. A total of 21 cases of ICH were identified (3.4%) including 15 cases of intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH), two cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and four cases of subdural hematoma (SDH). The median time from transplantation to the onset of ICH was 63 days (range, 6–3,488 days). The clinical features of post‐transplant ICH patients were similar and included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), systemic infection, and veno occlusive disease (VOD), recently referred to as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, in addition to severe thrombocytopenia. Mortality rate was especially high (89%) after IPH with a median survival of 2 days (range, 0–148 days). In contrast, all patients with SAH or SDH following HSCT survived. The cause of post‐transplant ICH appears to be multifactorial, including thrombocytopenia, hypertension, acute GVHD, VOD, and radiation therapy. Most patients in our series displayed severe thrombocytopenia at the onset of ICH, even though adequate prophylactic platelet transfusions were given. By univariate analysis, cord blood transplantation, acute GVHD, systemic infection, and VOD were related to the incidence of ICH, whereas prior CNS episodes and radiation therapy did not reach statistical significance. A multivariate analysis with logistic regression identified acute GVHD as the only factor that significantly influenced ICH occurrence. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Convergent genome wide association results for bipolar disorder and substance dependence
Authors: Johnson Catherine , Drgon Tomas , McMahon Francis J. , Uhl George R.
Published: February 2009

Twin studies document substantial heritability for substance dependence and bipolar disorder [Shih et al. (2004); Uhl et al. (2008a)]. Individuals with bipolar disorder display substance use disorders at rates that are much higher than those in the general population [Krishnan (2005)]. We would thus predict: 1) substantial overlap between different genome wide association (GWA) studies of bipolar disorder 2) significant overlap between results from bipolar disorder and substance dependence. Recent GWA studies [Baum et al. (2007); Sklar et al. (2008); Uhl et al. (2008a); Wellcome Trust Consortium (2007)] allow us to test these ideas, although 1) these datasets display difficult features that include use of differing sets of SNPs, likely polygenic genetics, likely differences in linkage disequilibrium between samples, heterogeneity both between and within loci and 2) several, though not all, reports have failed to identify any allele of any single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (“same SNP same allele”) that is reproducibly associated with bipolar disorder with “genome wide” significance. We now report analyses that identify clustered, P < 0.05 SNPs within genes that overlap between the bipolar samples (Monte Carlo P < 0.00001). Overlapping data from at least three of these studies identify 69 genes. 23 of these genes also contain overlapping clusters of nominally‐positive SNPs for substance dependence. Variants in these “addiction/bipolar” genes are candidates to influence the brain in ways that manifest as enhanced vulnerabilites to both substance dependence and bipolar disorder. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence that self‐reported psychotic experiences represent the transitory developmental expression of genetic liability to psychosis in the general population
Authors: Lataster Tineke , Myin‐Germeys Inez , Derom Catherine , Thiery Evert , van Os Jim
Published: February 2009

It has been suggested that self‐reported, common, non‐clinical psychotic experiences may represent the transitory developmental expression of distributed genetic risk for psychosis. In a sample of female MZ (176 pairs) and DZ twins (113 pairs), cross‐twin, cross‐trait analyses were conducted to investigate the association between repeated continuous measures of self‐reported psychotic experiences (PE—three measures over 18 months), assessed with the CAPE, in one twin and clinical interview categorical measures of psychotic symptoms (PS), assessed with SCID‐I, in the other twin. The results showed that in MZ but not DZ pairs (interaction: χ2 = 7.9, df = 1, P = 0.005), the cross‐twin association between PE and PS was large and significant (standardized effect size: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10–0.42) and of similar magnitude as the within‐twin PE–PS association (standardized effect size: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10–0.45), demonstrating both PE validity and genetic effects. In addition, the cross‐twin association between PE and PS was significantly larger (interaction: χ2 = 20.3, df = 1, P < 0.0001) for younger MZ twins (standardized effect size: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.44–0.90) than older MZ twins (standardized effect size: −0.05, 95% CI: −0.26 to 0.16), demonstrating developmental effects. This study indicates that self‐reported psychotic experiences in the general population may represent the developmental expression of population genetic risk for psychosis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How race becomes biology: Embodiment of social inequality
Authors: Gravlee Clarence C.
Published: February 2009

The current debate over racial inequalities in health is arguably the most important venue for advancing both scientific and public understanding of race, racism, and human biological variation. In the United States and elsewhere, there are well‐defined inequalities between racially defined groups for a range of biological outcomes—cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, certain cancers, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and others. Among biomedical researchers, these patterns are often taken as evidence of fundamental genetic differences between alleged races. However, a growing body of evidence establishes the primacy of social inequalities in the origin and persistence of racial health disparities. Here, I summarize this evidence and argue that the debate over racial inequalities in health presents an opportunity to refine the critique of race in three ways: 1) to reiterate why the race concept is inconsistent with patterns of global human genetic diversity; 2) to refocus attention on the complex, environmental influences on human biology at multiple levels of analysis and across the lifecourse; and 3) to revise the claim that race is a cultural construct and expand research on the sociocultural reality of race and racism. Drawing on recent developments in neighboring disciplines, I present a model for explaining how racial inequality becomes embodied—literally—in the biological well‐being of racialized groups and individuals. This model requires a shift in the way we articulate the critique of race as bad biology. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Über Reppe hinaus: Aufbau substituierter Arene durch [2+2+2]‐Cycloaddition von Alkinen
Authors: Galan Brandon R. , Rovis Tomislav
Published: February 2009

Aus drei mach eins: Die Übergangsmetall‐katalysierte [2+2+2]‐Cycloaddition ist als Methode zum Aufbau von carbocyclischen Gerüsten etabliert, zeigt aber häufig nur schlechte Selektivitäten. Jüngst wurden jedoch vielversprechende Arbeiten vorgestellt, in denen bei einer intermolekularen metallkatalysierten [2+2+2]‐Cycloaddition aus drei Alkinen ein mehrfach substituiertes Aren erhalten wird (siehe Schema).

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Tellus in, Tellus out: The Chemistry of the Vanadium Bis(telluride) Functionality
Authors: Kilgore Uriah J. , Karty Jonathan A. , Pink Maren , Gao Xinfeng , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: February 2009

Die Aktivierung von elementarem Tellur mit Vanadium lieferte den Vanadium‐Bis(tellurid)‐Komplex [(PNP)V(Te)2] (siehe Struktur). Seine terminalen Tellurideinheiten können als Abgangs‐ oder Schutzgruppen fungieren, und sie maskieren {(PNP)VI}‐ oder {(PNP)VIII}‐Fragmente, wenn sie Oxidationsmitteln wie Aziden und Diphenyldiazomethan ausgesetzt sind. Isocyanide vermitteln die Eliminierung eines Te‐Liganden unter Bildung eines VIII‐Komplexes mit einem terminalen Telluridliganden.

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One‐Pot Approach to Well‐Defined Biomolecular Assemblies by Orthogonal Chemoselective Ligations
Authors: Galibert Mathieu , Dumy Pascal , Boturyn Didier
Published: February 2009

Klick‐Klick am Cyclopeptid: Definierte Biomolekülanordnungen wurden mithilfe von Oximbildung und Kupfer(I)‐vermittelter Alkin‐Azid‐Cycloaddition als orthogonale Reaktionen stufenweise oder in einem Reaktionsgefäß erhalten. Die Strategie wurde am Beispiel der regioselektiven Ligation biologischer Peptide an ein Cyclopeptidgerüst veranschaulicht.

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Bindungsmuster zweier C90‐Isomere, bestimmt durch Strukturaufklärung von C90Cl32
Authors: Kemnitz Erhard , Troyanov Sergey I.
Published: February 2009

Die chlorreichen Zwei: Das erste halogenierte Derivat von C90 – C90Cl32 (siehe Struktur; grau C, grün Cl) – wurde durch Chlorierung eines Gemischs höherer Fullerene mit SbCl5 erhalten. Die Molekülstruktur im Kristall zeigt, dass zwei isomere C90‐Käfige vorliegen, die dem C2v‐Isomer 46 und dem Cs‐Isomer 34 entsprechen. Die Addition von 32 Cl‐Atomen entspricht dem maximalen Chlorierungsgrad für alle bisher bekannten Fullerenchloride.

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Antagomirzymes: Oligonucleotide Enzymes That Specifically Silence MicroRNA Function
Authors: Jadhav Vaibhav M. , Scaria Vinod , Maiti Souvik
Published: February 2009

Many important cellular processes are regulated by small endogenous noncoding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs). The precise molecular function of many miRNAs is unknown; different loss‐of‐function methods are required to gain insight into the biology of these small RNA molecules. Nucleic acid enzymes termed antagomirzymes are now shown to be valuable tools for the specific knockdown of miRNA in vitro and in vivo (see scheme).

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When Do Interacting Atoms Form a Chemical Bond? Spectroscopic Measurements and Theoretical Analyses of Dideuteriophenanthrene
Authors: Grimme Stefan , Mück‐Lichtenfeld Christian , Erker Gerhard , Kehr Gerald , Wang Huadong , Beckers Helmut , Willner Helge
Published: February 2009

Don't rewrite the textbooks! Vibrational spectra of a selectively deuterated derivative of phenanthrene indicate that the C4H⋅⋅⋅HC5 interaction in its “bay” area should be interpreted as steric (Pauli) repulsion. These findings and the results of theoretical analysis are in conflict with interpretations that describe this interaction as strongly stabilizing.

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Tellus in, Tellus out: The Chemistry of the Vanadium Bis(telluride) Functionality
Authors: Kilgore Uriah J. , Karty Jonathan A. , Pink Maren , Gao Xinfeng , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: February 2009

The vanadium–bis(telluride) complex, [(PNP)V(Te)2] (see picture), in which the terminal telluride units can act as leaving groups or protecting groups, is prepared by activation of elemental Te by V. The complex masks {(PNP)VI} or {(PNP)VIII} sources when exposed to oxidants such as azides and diphenyldiazomethane. Isocyanides promote elimination of one Te ligand to furnish a VIII complex with a terminal telluride ligand.

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One‐Pot Approach to Well‐Defined Biomolecular Assemblies by Orthogonal Chemoselective Ligations
Authors: Galibert Mathieu , Dumy Pascal , Boturyn Didier
Published: February 2009

Click–click cyclopeptides: Well‐defined biomolecular assemblies are synthesized using orthogonal oxime bond formation and copper(I)‐mediated alkyne–azide cycloaddition reactions in a stepwise or in a one‐pot approach. To illustrate this strategy, regioselective ligation of biologically relevant peptides onto a cyclopeptidic scaffold was performed.

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Connectivity Patterns of Two C90 Isomers Provided by the Structure Elucidation of C90Cl32
Authors: Kemnitz Erhard , Troyanov Sergey I.
Published: February 2009

Two for the price of one: The first halogenated derivative of C90, C90Cl32 (see structure; gray C, green Cl), is obtained by chlorination of a higher fullerene mixture with SbCl5. Its molecular structure, elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, reveals the presence of two isomeric C90 cages that correspond to C2v isomer 46 and Cs isomer 34. The addition of 32 chlorine atoms is the maximum degree of chlorination achieved for fullerenes.

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Combustion modeling of blended coal in a 300‐MW tangentially fired boiler using a two‐mixture‐fraction model
Authors: Fang Qing‐Yan , Wang Hua‐Jian , Li Wei‐Jie , Zhou Huai‐Chun , Lei Lin , Duan Xue‐Long , Li Guan‐Wu , Yang Hui
Published: February 2009

The combustion process in a 300‐MW tangentially fired boiler furnace fired with a blended coal has been numerically simulated. The blended coal contains a low‐quality bituminous coal and anthracite and it was injected into the furnace from different burner nozzles. In order to better capture the combustion characteristics, a two‐mixture‐fraction model has been developed to model the combustion process of each individual coal of the blend. The two mixture fractions were used to separately track the combustion processes of the two component coals to reveal the effect of the combustion of the two coals on the chemical reactions in local zones of the furnace. The sum of the two mixture fractions was used to calculate the gas‐phase turbulent combustion. Temperature measurements in the furnace were carried out by a flame image processing technique for model validation. Simulation results show that the temperature and oxygen concentration on the horizontal cross‐sections close to the primary air burner nozzles in the furnace are nonuniformly, but symmetrically distributed across the four corners. The temperatures predicted by the simulation agree well with those measured by the flame image processing technique with a maximum error of 8.65%. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serglycin proteoglycan: Regulating the storage and activities of hematopoietic proteases
Authors: Pejler Gunnar , Åbrink Magnus , Wernersson Sara
Published: February 2009

Serglycin (SG), like all other proteoglycans, consists of a protein “core” to which sulfated and thereby negatively charged polysaccharide chains of glycosaminoglycan type are attached. The recent generation of mice lacking a functional SG gene has revealed a number of biological functions of SG. In particular, it has been shown that SG has a key role in promoting the storage and in regulating the activities of a number of proteases expressed in hematopoietic cell types, most notably various mast cell proteases. In this review, we summarize the recent development in our understanding of the biological function of SG, in particular by focusing on the novel insight provided through analysis of the SG‐deficient mouse strain. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Type III IFNs: New layers of complexity in innate antiviral immunity
Authors: Ank Nina , Paludan Søren R.
Published: February 2009

Cytokines are small secreted molecules, which mediate cross‐talk between cells involved in the immune response. Interferons (IFN)s, constitute a class of cytokines with antiviral activities, and the type I IFNs have been ascribed particularly important roles in the innate antiviral response. Type III IFNs (also known as IFN‐λ or interleukin 28/29) represent a class of novel cytokines with biological activities similar to the type I IFNs, but seem to have a more specialized role in antiviral defense by exerting host‐protection primarily at epithelial surfaces. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the role of type III IFNs in antiviral defense. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Mechanism of action of vitamin C in sepsis: Ascorbate modulates redox signaling in endothelium
Authors: Wilson John X.
Published: February 2009

Circulating levels of vitamin C (ascorbate) are low in patients with sepsis. Parenteral administration of ascorbate raises plasma and tissue concentrations of the vitamin and may decrease morbidity. In animal models of sepsis, intravenous ascorbate injection increases survival and protects several microvascular functions, namely, capillary blood flow, microvascular permeability barrier, and arteriolar responsiveness to vasoconstrictors and vasodilators. The effects of parenteral ascorbate on microvascular function are both rapid and persistent. Ascorbate quickly accumulates in microvascular endothelial cells, scavenges reactive oxygen species, and acts through tetrahydrobiopterin to stimulate nitric oxide production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase. A major reason for the long duration of the improvement in microvascular function is that cells retain high levels of ascorbate, which alter redox‐sensitive signaling pathways to diminish septic induction of NADPH oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that microvascular function in sepsis may be improved by parenteral administration of ascorbate as an adjuvant therapy. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Evidence for the role of Th17 cell inhibition in the prevention of autoimmune diseases by anti‐interluekin‐6 receptor antibody
Authors: Mihara Masahiko , Ohsugi Yoshiyuki , Kishimoto Tadamitsu
Published: February 2009

Deregulated production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) has been found in several chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel diseases. Treatment with tocilizumab, a humanized anti‐human IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) antibody, significantly improved disease activity and inhibited the progression of joint destruction in RA patients, but the reason why IL‐6 blockade causes improvement of RA is still unclear. In this review, we discuss the influence of anti‐IL‐6R antibody treatment on the differentiation of Th17 cells, which are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases in animal models, present new results for the effect of anti‐IL‐6R antibody on the induction of Th17 cells in a mouse collagen‐induced arthritis model, and come to the conclusion that anti‐IL‐6R antibody inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells in mouse models. It is thought that this inhibitory action may contribute to the therapeutic effects of anti‐IL‐6R antibody in human autoimmune diseases. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
The empirical valence bond as an effective strategy for computer‐aided enzyme design
Authors: Vardi‐Kilshtain Alexandra , Roca Maite , Warshel Arieh
Published: February 2009

The ability of the empirical valence bond (EVB) to be used in screening active site residues in enzyme design is explored in a preliminary way. This validation is done by comparing the ability of this approach to evaluate the catalytic contributions of various residues in chorismate mutase. It is demonstrated that the EVB model can serve as an accurate tool in the final stages of computer‐aided enzyme design (CAED). The ability of the model to predict quantitatively the catalytic power of enzymes should augment the capacity of current approaches for enzyme design.
Modeling of hybrid wind‐gas power generation system and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy controller to improve the system performance
Authors: Oğuz Yüksel , Guney Irfan , Erdal Hasan
Published: February 2009

In this study, dynamic modeling of the hybrid wind‐gas power generation system (HWGPGS) is realized by using the MATLAB/Simulink program for purpose of meeting the electric energy needs of small settlement units far from city centers or energy distribution networks. Besides, Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is used to ensure electrical output magnitudes of the hybrid power generation system at a desired operating performance. The components that build up the hybrid power generation system and its functions in the system are explained. In case the HWGPGS is loaded with different consumer loads, analysis of electrical magnitudes of the system is made through simulation results. As it can be seen from the results of simulation study realized for the hybrid power generation system, output electrical magnitudes of the ANFIS controlled system reach to desired operating values in a short time. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 669–683, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com; DOI 10.1002/cae.20271
A distance e‐learning platform for signal analysis and measurement using FFT
Authors: Chen C. H. , Lin H. C.
Published: February 2009

The fast Fourier transform (FFT) and the power spectrum are still powerful tools for analyzing and measuring both stationary and transient signals in power systems. However, the misapplications of FFT can lead to incorrect results caused by some problems such as aliasing effect, spectral leakage, and picket‐fence effect. Measurement errors can be efficiently reduced by understanding fundamentals of FFT as well as loading proper windows. This article develops a distance e‐learning environment using a graphical programming tool to help electrical students and engineers for enhancing their signal analysis capability via the Internet Explorer (IE). Critical issues pertaining to engineering education, such as programming design of signal analysis, Internet connection, expected learning outcomes, and course evaluation, are discussed in detail. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 71–80, 2011
Polymeric ADAM Protein Mimics Interrogate Mammalian Sperm–Egg Binding
Authors: Lee Younjoo , Sampson Nicole S.
Published: February 2009

ROMPing with the ADAMs family: The sperm‐surface display of egg adhesion proteins was investigated using multivalent polymer sperm mimics. Ruthenium‐catalyzed ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was used to synthesize heterovalent polymers.

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The sperm proteins ADAM2 and ADAM3, members of the ADAM family of proteins, have been implicated in mammalian sperm–egg binding. However, elucidating their roles is complex because of the interdependence of ADAM protein expression in the testis. Hence, multivalent probes containing the three‐amino acid binding sequence of ADAM2, glutamate‐cysteine‐aspartate (ECD), and ADAM3, glutamine‐cysteine‐aspartate (QCD), were designed, synthesized, and tested to investigate gamete interactions. In this work, ECD polymer mimics were synthesized by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization with a faster initiating ruthenium catalyst than previously used. Polymers containing 100 copies of the ECD peptide mimic were found to be the best inhibitors of fertilization. The multivalent QCD polymers were also tested as inhibitors of fertilization. The structure‐activity profile was the same as ECD polymers, but the overall potency was lower. Both ECD and QCD polymers require the presence of β1 integrin to inhibit fertilization. Next, triblock ABA and ABC copolymers containing both ECD and QCD ligands were synthesized with 96 monomer spacers as their B blocks. Although these polymers had lower densities of ECD and QCD peptides, their potencies correlated with the potencies of their corresponding homopolymers. In addition, no synergy between ECD and QCD mimics was observed. All the data suggest that QCD and ECD bind to the same complex of proteins that includes β1 integrin.
An Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Aluminium Species Present in Mixtures of AlCl3 with the Ionic Liquids [BMP]Tf2N and [EMIm]Tf2N
Authors: Eiden Philipp , Liu Qunxian , Zein El Abedin Sherif , Endres Frank , Krossing Ingo
Published: February 2009

Dissolution…︁? The bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([Tf2N]−)‐based title ionic liquids (ILs) dissolve AlCl3 only by reaction and form [AlCl4]− and Al(Tf2N)3 as well as small amounts of [AlCl2(Tf2N)2]− (see figure), which is probably the active species for the electrodeposition of aluminium from these IL/AlCl3 mixtures.

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It is known that nano‐ or microcrystalline aluminium may be electrodeposited from mixtures of AlCl3 and the ionic liquids 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([BMP]Tf2N) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([EMIm]Tf2N), and that two phases form with higher formal concentrations of AlCl3 (at 1.6 mol L−1 (xAl=0.33) and 2.5 mol L−1 (xAl=0.39), respectively). This account analyzes the hitherto unknown molecular nature of these mixtures by a detailed experimental (multinuclear NMR and Raman spectroscopies) and theoretical study (BP86/TZVP DFT calculations, including COSMO solvation energies). The addition of AlCl3 to the two liquids first leads to complexation with [Tf2N]− and then disproportionation of the initial [AlClx(Tf2N)y]− complexes give Al(Tf2N)3 and [AlCl4]−. At high concentrations of AlCl3, the lower phase consists almost completely of Al(Tf2N)3, whereas in the upper phase [AlCl4]− is the dominant species. Electrodeposition of aluminium in the upper phase occurs from mixed AlClx(Tf2N)y species, most likely from [AlCl2(Tf2N)2]− formed in small concentrations at the phase boundary between the [AlCl4]− and the Al(Tf2N)3 layers. All the findings are supported by DFT calculations as well as an X‐ray crystal structure determination of Al(Tf2N)3. The latter was separated from the mixture by sublimation on a preparative scale. It was independently prepared from AlEt3 and HNTf2 and fully characterized. Moreover, the ionic liquids [BMP]AlCl4 (m.p. 74 °C) and [EMIm]AlCl4 (m.p. −7 °C), which mainly form the upper layer in the biphasic regime, were independently prepared and also fully characterized.
Novel Molecular Building Blocks Based on the Boradiazaindacene Chromophore: Applications in Fluorescent Metallosupramolecular Coordination Polymers
Authors: Bozdemir Ö. Altan , Büyükcakir Onur , Akkaya Engin U.
Published: February 2009

Bright polymers: Fluorescent coordination polymers made up of versatile functionalized bodipy (boron‐dipyrrin) chromophore building blocks, such as that depicted, are described. Polymerization is signaled by changes in fluorescence emission intensity and shifts in peak emission wavelengths.

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We designed and synthesized novel boradiazaindacene (Bodipy) derivatives that are appropriately functionalized for metal‐ion‐mediated supramolecular polymerization. Thus, ligands for 2‐terpyridyl‐, 2,6‐terpyridyl‐, and bipyridyl‐functionalized Bodipy dyes were synthesized through Sonogashira couplings. These fluorescent building blocks are responsive to metal ions in a stoichiometry‐dependent manner. Octahedral coordinating metal ions such as ZnII result in polymerization at a stoichiometry corresponding to two terpyridyl ligands to one ZnII ion. However, at increased metal ion concentrations, the dynamic equilibria are re‐established in such a way that the monomeric metal complex dominates. The position of equilibria can easily be monitored by 1H NMR and fluorescence spectroscopies. As expected, although open‐shell FeII ions form similar complex structures, these cations quench the fluorescence emission of all four functionalized Bodipy ligands.
Olefin‐Dependent Discrimination between Two Nonheme HOFeVO Tautomeric Species in Catalytic H2O2 Epoxidations
Authors: Company Anna , Feng Yan , Güell Mireia , Ribas Xavi , Luis Josep M. , Que Lawrence , Costas Miquel
Published: February 2009

Wet oxygenase models: Unprecedented high levels of water incorporation into products (up to 75 %) is observed in epoxidation reactions with H2O2 by a bioinspired nonheme iron catalyst. A surprising substrate‐dependent incorporation of water is observed, and is proposed to arise from fast equilibrium between two high‐valent HOFeVO isomeric species exhibiting different reactivity.

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Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation and Cleavage of Organo(hydro)fullerenes
Authors: Nambo Masakazu , Itami Kenichiro
Published: February 2009

Palladium can tailor fullerenes: Palladium catalysts enable a number of CH bond transformations of organo(hydro)fullerene. In addition to anticipated coupling reactions (CH bond allylation and arylation), an unexpected new CH bond dimerization reaction and CC bond‐cleavage reaction were also uncovered.

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ChemInform Abstract: Quantum Chemical Studies of High‐Valent Metal Nitrido Derivatives of Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalates ([PW11O39{MVIN}]4‐ (M: Ru, Os, Re)): MVI—N Bonding and Electronic Structures
Authors: Liu Chun‐Guang , Su Zhong‐Min , Guan Wei , Yan Li‐Kai
Published: February 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: RbGa3S5 and CsGa3S5 — Two New Structure Types.
Authors: Schlosser Marc , Frettloeh Vanessa , Deiseroth Hans‐Joerg
Published: February 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Structure of CrF5 and CrF5×SbF5.
Authors: Shorafa Hashem , Seppelt Konrad
Published: February 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization and Crystallographic Twinning of Li2ZnSnS4.
Authors: Lekse Jonathan W. , Leverett Beth M. , Lake Charles H. , Aitken Jennifer A.
Published: February 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Structures and Physical Properties of Rare‐Earth Zinc Antimonides Pr6Zn1+xSb14+y and RE6Zn1+xSb14 (RE: Sm, Gd—Ho).
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Ling , Li Long‐Hua , Wu Li‐Ming
Published: February 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Spin‐Glass‐Like Behavior in IrSr2LnCu2O8 (Ln: Sm and Eu).
Authors: Dos santos‐Garcia A. J. , Van Duijn J. , Alario‐Franco M. A.
Published: February 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Straightforward Route to the Adamantane Clusters [Sn4Q10]4‐ (Q: S, Se, Te) and Use in the Assembly of Open‐Framework Chalcogenides (Me4N)2M[Sn4Se10] (M: MnII, FeII, CoII, ZnII) Including the First Telluride Member (Me4N)2Mn[Ge4Te10].
Authors: Tsamourtzi Konstantina , Song Jung‐Hwan , Bakas Thomas , Freeman Arthur J. , Trikalitis Pantelis N. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: February 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Novel Coordination Modes for E4S3 Cage Molecules (E: P, As) in Unprecedented Quaternary As4S3(CuCl)n (n = 1,2) Solid‐State Phases.
Authors: Schwarz Patrick , Wachter Joachim , Zabel Manfred
Published: February 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure and Magnetic Properties of RE2CuIn3 (RE: Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Gd).
Authors: Tyvanchuk Yuriy B. , Szytula Andrzej , Zarzycki Arkadiusz , Rodewald Ute Ch. , Kalychak Yaroslav M. , Poettgen Rainer
Published: February 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.