bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in Carbon‐Incorporated Non‐Noble Transition Metal Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Hung Tai‐Feng , Chen Syuan‐Hong , Tu Meng‐Hsiu , Lu Zhi‐Hsiang , Chen Chih Kai , Liu Ru‐Shi , Greer Heather F. , Zhou Wuzong , Lo Man‐Yin
Published: August 2013

Considerable efforts have been exerted in the development of non‐noble metal catalysts (NNMCs) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The effects of the preparation strategy, including carbon support, metal and nitrogen precursors, as well as heat‐treatment conditions, on the ORR activity for such NNMCs have also been extensively explored. In this review, we mainly focused on the recent advances in carbon‐incorporated NNMCs, specifically carbon‐incorporated iron nitride (FeCN)‐based catalysts. Influences of pyrolysis temperature on the crystalline and local structures, chemical environment, morphology, and ORR activity of FeCN‐based catalysts were discussed, and the ORR mechanism was also proposed.
Sliced Fluorescence Imaging Techniques for the Study of Photo‐initiated Dynamic Processes in Bulbs
Authors: Chen Yu‐wei , Chen Kuo‐mei
Published: August 2013

To study photo‐initiated dynamic processes in bulbs, sliced fluorescence imaging techniques have been developed to obtain quantum‐state resolved information on the speed and angular distributions of reaction products, and their angular momentum polarization characteristics. For fluorescent chemical species, an unconventional experimental arrangement can generate a two‐dimensional projection of the Newton sphere from a single photolysis center. Consequently, image blurring for photo‐initiated experiments in bulbs can be dramatically diminished. A combination of optical‐optical (or infrared‐optical) double resonance excitation scheme and the fluorescence imaging detection method warrants a novel technique to acquire three‐dimensional sliced fluorescence images of scattering products. A theoretical framework, which employs a double Legendre moment analysis on the central sliced images, has been developed to determine differential cross sections and kinetic energy release of co‐products in photo‐initiated dynamic processes. Experimental images of collisional relaxations of CN photofragments from disequilibrium to equilibrium are presented to illustrate the distinctive advantage of the present method in comparison with other imaging and spectroscopic techniques.
Development of a multifunctional tool for drug screening against plasmodial protein–protein interactions via surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Boucher Lauren E. , Bosch Jürgen
Published: August 2013

We have developed an expression system capable of producing large quantities of low cost, specific peptides that are either His12‐tagged, biotinylated, or unlabeled. The flexibility of this peptide system is suitable for interaction studies via surface plasmon resonance (SPR), co‐crystallization, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Gene blocks containing peptide sequences of interest in addition to a 15 amino acid AviTag™, were cloned into a vector expressing an N‐terminal maltose binding protein. The constructs were expressed and purified, and the molecular weights of the recombinant proteins were estimated by analytical size exclusion chromatography. Successful in situ biotinylation of the AviTag was confirmed by anti‐biotin western blot and was used for coupling to the surface plasmon resonance chip. We were able to validate, as a proof of concept study, the specific protein–protein interaction of Plasmodium falciparum aldolase (PfAldolase) with three different cytoplasmic adhesin tail peptides from the family of thrombospondin‐related anonymous proteins (TRAPs), and to determine their affinities. This method of peptide production enables high yield production of peptides in a two‐day, cost effective manner. This tool will allow us to screen for protein–protein interaction inhibitors directed toward the liver stage and blood stage complexes of the glideosome in Plasmodium species. Adaptation of this tool will allow researchers to pursue their own studies of protein–protein interactions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PqsR‐dependent and PqsR‐independent regulation of motility and biofilm formation by PQS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Guo Qiao , Kong Weina , Jin Sheng , Chen Lin , Xu Yangyang , Duan Kangmin
Published: August 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen capable of group behaviors including swarming motility and biofilm formation. Swarming motility plays an important role in the bacterium's spread to new environments, attachment to surfaces, and biofilm formation. Bacterial biofilm is associated with many persistent infections and increased resistance to antibiotics. In this study, we tested the effect of a 2‐alkyl‐4(1H)‐quinolone (AHQ) signal, the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) on P. aeruginosa swarming and biofilm formation. Our results show that PQS repressed the swarming motility of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Such repression was independent of its cognate receptor PqsR and was not related to changes in the flagellae, type IV pili or the production of the surface‐wetting agent rhamnolipid surfactant. While PQS did not affect twitching motility in PAO1, a pqsR deletion abolished twitching motility, indicating that pqsR is required for twitching motility. Our results also indicate that the enhancement of biofilm formation by PQS is at least partially dependent on the GacAS‐Rsm regulatory pathway but does not involve the las or rhl QS systems.
Phylogenetic diversity and antimicrobial activity of marine bacteria associated with the soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum
Authors: ElAhwany Amani M. D. , Ghozlan Hanan A. , ElSharif Hafed A. , Sabry Soraya A.
Published: August 2013

Coral reefs are the most biodiverse and biologically productive of all marine ecosystems. Corals harbor diverse and abundant prokaryotic groups. However, little is known about the diversity of coral‐associated microorganisms. We used molecular techniques to identify and compare the culturable bacterial assemblages associated with the soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum from the Red sea. Different media were utilized for microbial isolation, and the phylogeny of the culturable bacteria associated with the coral was analyzed based on 16S rDNA sequencing. The coral associated bacteria were found to be representatives within the Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Antimicrobial activities of twenty bacterial isolates were tested against four pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio fluvialis) and three fungi (Penicillium sp., Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans). A relatively high proportion of bacterial strains displayed distinct antibacterial and antifungal activities, suggesting that soft coral‐associated microorganisms may aid their host in protection against marine pathogens. Members of genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas had the highest proportion of antimicrobial activity which supported the hypothesis that they might play a protective role in the coral hosts.
Biocontrol efficacy and plant growth promoting activity of Bacillus altitudinis isolated from Darjeeling hills, India
Authors: Sunar Kiran , Dey Pannalal , Chakraborty Usha , Chakraborty Bishwanath
Published: August 2013

A total of 18 bacterial isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere of Sechium edule growing in the lower foothills of Darjeeling, India. The bacterial isolates were tested for PGPR traits in vitro such as phosphate solubilization, HCN, siderophore, IAA, chitinase, protease production as well as inhibition of pthytopathogens. Of all the bacterial isolates, one bacterium designated as BRHS/S‐73 was found to possess all the tested characters which was identified on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Bacillus altitudinis and was selected for in vivo studies. A significant improvement in growth measured in terms of increase in root length, shoot length, and increase in root and shoot biomass was observed when seeds of Vigna radiata, Cicer arietinum, and Glycine max were bacterized prior to sowing in field condition. Besides, the bacterium could also solubilize soil phosphate. Apart form growth promotion, root rot disease of Vigna radiata caused by Thanatephorus cucumeris was also significantly reduced by 74% when the bacterium was applied to the rhizosphere prior to pathogen challenge. The biocontrol efficacy of the bacterium was found to be 66.6% even after 30 days of pathogen inoculation. Activities of key defense related enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, β‐1,3‐glucanase, and chitinase in both roots and leaves of treated plants were also enhanced. Results clearly suggest that B. altitudinis (BRHS/S‐73) is a potential PGPR which can be used as efficient microorganism for enhancement of plant growth and suppression of fungal disease.
Aeromonas punctataderived depolymerase that disrupts the integrity ofKlebsiella pneumoniaecapsule: optimization of depolymerase production
Authors: Bansal Shruti , Soni Sanjeev Kumar , Harjai Kusum , Chhibber Sanjay
Published: August 2013

Formation of dense, highly hydrated biofilm structures pose a risk for public and environmental health. Extracellular polymeric substances encompassing biofilms offer 1000‐fold greater resistance as compared to the planktonic cells. Using enzymes as anti‐biofouling agents, will improve penetration of antimicrobials and increase susceptibility of biofilms to components of immune system. The challenge of using enzymes derived from unrelated bacteria for the degradation of capsular matrix ofKlebsiella pneumoniaehas not been dealt in the past. Thus, statistical optimization was done to enhance depolymerase production byAeromonas punctata, directed against the exopolysaccharide matrix ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeB5055, capable of substituting the available phage borne depolymerase enzyme. Optimization via central composite design (CCD) resulted in 16‐fold enhancement in depolymerase yield (166.65 µmoles ml−1 min−1) over unoptimized medium. Out of the 19 variables, media composition giving maximum expression levels of the enzyme consisted of 1 mg ml−1galactose and ammonium chloride, 1.5 mg ml−1each of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and magnesium sulfate. Tryptic peptide analysis of the purified 29 kDa band by Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) showed a high homology with a protein of unknown function fromAeromonas cavaieAe398. Further improvements in the enzyme can lead to its successful development as prophylactic and/or a therapeutic agent.
Kinetics of the Synthesis of 1‐Alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Ionic Liquids in Dilute and Concentrated Solutions
Authors: Firaha Dzmitry S. , Paulechka Yauheni U.
Published: August 2013

The kinetics of the reactions of 1‐methylimidazole with iodoethane, 1‐iodobutane, 1‐bromobutane, 1‐bromohexane, 1‐bromooctane resulting in the formation of corresponding 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium halide ionic liquids in acetonitrile and cyclopentanone solutions has been studied in a wide range of concentrations and degrees of conversion. The studied reactions were found to follow the SN2 rate law in the dilute solutions. The significant deviations from the simple SN2 rate law observed at higher concentrations of the reactants were assigned to the concentration dependence of activity coefficients for the reactants and the transition states. The experimental data were processed with the conductor‐like screening model–segment activity coefficient (COSMO‐SAC) model and the Scatchard–Hildebrand equation. The latter was found to provide somewhat better description of the experimental results; however, the former has a wider predictive ability. The Arrhenius activation energies and the activation enthalpies were calculated for the investigated systems. The rate constants at infinite dilution were obtained for a large number of 1‐haloalkane + 1‐methylimidazole + solvent systems with the use of the COSMO‐SAC model. It was demonstrated that the rate constants of the studied reactions in various non‐hydrogen‐bonding solvents can be estimated from a correlation with the Hildebrand solubility parameter.
Aktuelle Trends des elektronischen Ersatzteilwesens bei Bergbaumaschinenherstellern
Authors: Nienhaus Karl , Ipp Benjamin , Röllinger Dennis , Mehnert Philipp
Published: August 2013

Technische Dokumentationen (TD) gehören heute zu jeder Maschine dazu. Sie bestehen neben einer Reihe von Betriebs‐ und Montageanleitungen in der Regel aus Ersatzteillisten und Zeichnungen, zusammengefasst zu einem Ersatzteilkatalog (ETK). Der Ersatzteilkatalog ist die zentrale Komponente für die Identifikation von Ersatzteilen bei allen Instandhaltungs‐ und Wartungsmaßnahmen. Der Beitrag zeigt die Entwicklung des elektronischen Ersatzteilmanagements in der Bergbauzuliefererindustrie auf und stellt die aktuellen Herausforderungen bei der Katalogerstellung und ‐distribution dar.
Optische Seilkontrolle mit dem Minespect Seilprüfsystem
Authors: Pröhl Andreas , Winter Sven , Kühner Konstantin
Published: August 2013

Die visuelle Prüfung der Seile einer Schachtförderanlage ist zeit‐ und dadurch kostenintensiv. Das Münchner Unternehmen Winspect GmbH hat deshalb gemeinsam mit dem Institut für Fördertechnik der Universität Stuttgart ein System entwickelt, das diese Prüfung teilautomatisch während des Förderbetriebs schnell, sicher und effizient durchführt.
Deutsches Bergbau Know‐how – Lösungen für zukünftige Herausforderungen des internationalen Bergbaus
Authors: Junker Martin
Published: August 2013

Seit über 30 Jahren wird in Deutschland Steinkohle in Teufen von mehr als 1.000 m abgebaut; heute liegen die Abbaubetriebe in Teufen bis zu 1.600 m. Mit zunehmender Teufe und höherer Betriebspunktförderung wurden die technischen Systeme kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt und umfangreiche Erfahrungen gesammelt. Länder wie Russland, Ukraine, China oder Tschechien, in denen der Steinkohlentiefbau in vergleichbare Teufen vorstößt, können dabei von dem in Deutschland erarbeiteten Know‐how profitieren. Der Beitrag zeigt anhand von Beispielen auf, wie internationale Bergwerksgesellschaften deutsche Erfahrungen nutzen, um die Herausforderungen in großen Teufen zu meistern.
Rapid shaft sinking
Authors: Neye Esther , Burger Werner , Rennkamp Patrick
Published: August 2013

In 2011 Herrenknecht designed a shaft sinking machine suitable for applications in frozen ground or soft to medium hard rock up to 120 Mpa, with variable shaft diameters as well as geometries. The target was to develop a machine that will provide safe working conditions for the personnel and exceed the shaft sinking rates of conventional systems.

Two prototypes were manufactured and assembled at the Herrenknecht works in Schwanau during winter/spring 2012. In early summer of 2012, cutting trials were performed with the aim of achieving the maximal possible cutting rate performance. After successful completion of the cutting trials, the machines where shipped to Canada and assembled at the site. In November 2012, the first machine was lowered into the shaft and first cutting cycles where performed before Christmas 2012. Assembly and commissioning of the second machine follows in early 2013.
The use and application of pumpable resin grouts for rock anchoring
Authors: Wiegard Jürgen , Smith Nick , Rockhoff Michael
Published: August 2013

Minova is one of the world's leading suppliers of injection and bolting chemicals for use in underground mining, tunnelling and civil engineering. Developed from the range of silicate resins, Carbothix is a thixotropic resin system that can be used for the placement of rock bolts in underground mines. This paper describes the use of Carbothix in the underground environment and describes the cost benefits and advantages of using Carbothix for the anchoring of rock bolts.
Märkte und Systeme im Umbruch
Authors: Sitte Andreas‐Peter
Published: August 2013

Unter dem Motto Märkte und Systeme im Umbruch fand vom 11. bis 13. Juni der diesjährige Kongress des Bundesverbands der Elektrizitäts‐ und Wasserwirtschaft (BDEW) mit der Rekordbeteiligung von rund 1.500 Teilnehmern in Berlin statt. Beherrschende Themen waren die Reformbedürftigkeit des Erneuerbare‐Energien‐Gesetzes (EEG), die Netzinfrastruktur zur Stromversorgung und ein neues Design für den Strommarkt.
Nonlinear fractional differential equations of Sobolev type
Authors: Alsaedi Ahmed , Alhothuali Mohammed S. , Ahmad Bashir , Kerbal Sebti , Kirane Mokhtar
Published: August 2013

Sobolev type nonlinear equations with time fractional derivatives are considered. Using the test function method, limiting exponents for nonexistence of solutions are found. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regioselective Halogenation of Poly(lactide) by Free‐Radical Process
Authors: Beuille Eric , Darcos Vincent , Coudane Jean , Lacroix‐Desmazes Patrick , Nottelet Benjamin
Published: August 2013

Modification of the biodegradable and renewable poly(lactide) (PLA) to provide functional aliphatic polyesters is highly desirable to meet application requirements. In this context, the objective of this work is to evaluate the possibility of using free‐radical substitution as a simple and non‐degrading method to yield the desired functional PLA. Halogenation of PLA is carried out in solution and various reaction conditions are evaluated. Halogenated PLAs are characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to evaluate the substitution ratios and to check the non‐degrading character of the radical modification. Furthermore, reactions on model compounds as well as MALDI‐TOF analyses are performed to elucidate the involved mechanism. The combined results prove the free‐radical halogenation of PLA in solution to be regioselective with only the ω‐halogenated PLA being obtained without main‐chain substitution.
Tolterodine activates the prefrontal cortex during bladder filling in OAB patients: A real‐time NIRS‐urodynamics study
Authors: Sakakibara  , Tateno Fuyuki , Yano Masashi , Takahashi Osamu , Sugiyama Megumi , Ogata Takeshi , Kishi Masahiko , Tsuyusaki Yohei , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Yamanishi Tomonori , Shibata Chiharu
Published: August 2013

Aims

Studies of overactive bladder (OAB) have shown urothelial/suburothelial changes and increased bladder afferents, while in the brain the frontal micturition area that normally suppresses the bladder is deactivated. It has been unclear whether anticholinergic medication could reverse this suppression. To address this question, we performed a real‐time NIRS (near‐infrared spectroscopy)‐urodynamic study in OAB patients before and after the administration of an anticholinergic agent, tolterodine.

Methods

We recruited 13 OAB patients in our outpatient clinic (9 males, 4 female; mean age 73 years). Before and after the administration of 4 mg/day tolterodine for 3 months, all patients completed the OAB‐symptom scale and a NIRS‐urodynamics examination. Cerebral changes in the oxy‐hemoglobin concentration (oxy‐Hb) were sampled. Concentration changes in oxy‐Hb were calculated based on a modified Beer–Lambert approach.

Results

Tolterodine significantly reduced the OAB patients' nighttime frequency (P < 0.05) and increased their first‐sensation volume (290–359 ml, P < 0.01). The number of patients with detrusor overactivity did not lessen significantly (11–9). The real‐time NIRS‐urodynamic study showed that, during slow bladder filling between start and bladder capacity, tolterodine significantly activated the right frontal micturition area of the OAB patients (P < 0.05). The activation was prominent in Brodmann's area 8, 9, 10 of the prefrontal cortex.

Conclusions

Tolterodine reduced bladder sensation together with a significant activation of the frontal micturition area of OAB patients, particularly Brodmann's area 8, 9, 10 of the right prefrontal cortex. This activation seems to be a secondary phenomenon, since tolterodine does not easily penetrate the blood–brain barrier. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:1110–1115, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between polymorphism of beta3‐adrenoceptor gene and overactive bladder
Authors: Honda Kazuya , Yamaguchi Osamu , Nomiya Masanori , Shishido Keiichi , Ishibashi Kei , Takahashi Norio , Aikawa Ken
Published: August 2013

Aims

In human urinary bladder, beta3‐ARs play an important role in promoting detrusor relaxation during the storage phase of the micturition cycle. The present study investigated whether a Trp64Arg polymorphism of the gene encoding the beta3‐AR is associated with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome.

Methods

This study involved 100 women with OAB and 101 healthy control women without OAB. Hair root samples were obtained from all subjects and used for beta3‐AR gene analysis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was performed to analyze a polymorphism in the gene of Trp64Arg.

Results

The overall frequency of the 64Arg variant (heterozygous plus homozygous) in OAB patients was 47% and significantly higher than the frequency of 22.8% found in non‐OAB control women. Within OAB patients, numbers of micturitions per day, urgency episodes per day, and urgency incontinence episodes per day in the 64Arg variant carriers were not significantly different from those in the normal gene carriers.

Conclusions

This study shows that the Trp64Arg polymorphism in the beta3‐AR gene is weakly but significantly associated with OAB syndrome. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:400–402, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of angiotensin inhibition on urinary incontinence: Data from the national health and nutrition examination survey (2001–2008)
Authors: Elliott Christopher S. , Comiter Craig V.
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Local renin–angiotensin systems exist within the genitourinary tract, specifically in the bladder and urethra. Experimental data suggest that angiotensin receptor blockade with either angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) decreases both detrusor overactivity and urethral sphincter tone leading to decreased urge incontinence (UUI) and increased stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This has not been examined in a human population.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was accessed for the years 2001–2008. Multivariate logistic regression was used for modeling.

Results

We studied 8,754 females and 8,886 males who met inclusion criteria. Use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs was not associated with a change in SUI in either men or women. In men, use of an ACE inhibitor or ARB was associated with a statistically significant 25–30% decrease in UUI (monthly or any urge incontinence). A similar, albeit non‐significant trend was also seen for daily and weekly UUI. Other antihypertensive medications (diuretics, beta‐blockers, calcium‐channel blockers) were not associated with a decrease in UUI. In subanalysis, duration of ACE inhibitor or ARB use did not alter the strength of the effect on UUI nor did an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level (used as a surrogate for bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy). ACE inhibitor and ARB use did not affect UUI rates in women, though did show a trend for improvement in nulliparous women without SUI.

Conclusion

Angiotensin receptor blockade may be a viable treatment approach for the treatment of UUI, especially in men. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:1178–1181, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor oleoyl ethyl amide counteracts bladder overactivity in female rats
Authors: Gandaglia Giorgio , Strittmatter Frank , La Croce Giovanni , Benigni Fabio , Bettiga Arianna , Castiglione Fabio , Moschini Marco , Mistretta Francesco , Gratzke Christian , Montorsi Francesco , Stief Christian , Hedlund Petter
Published: August 2013

Aims

To study micturition and bladder overactivity in female rats after chronic treatment with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor oleoyl ethyl amide (OEtA).

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats received daily subcutaneous injections of OEtA (0.3 mg/kg), or vehicle for 2 weeks. Cystometries, organ bath studies, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were then used. Expressions of FAAH, cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors (CB1 and CB2), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), vesicular acetyl choline‐transporter protein (VAChT), and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) were evaluated.

Results

At baseline, OEtA‐treated rats had higher values (P < 0.05) of micturition intervals (MI) and volumes (MV), bladder capacity (BC), threshold pressure, and flow pressure than vehicle controls. Intravesical PGE2 reduced MI, MV, and BC, and increased basal pressure and the area under the curve in all rats. However, these urodynamic parameters were altered less by intravesical PGE2 in OEtA‐treated rats (P < 0.05 vs. vehicle controls). Compared to vehicle controls, detrusor from OEtA‐treated rats had larger contractions to carbachol at 10–0.1 µM, but no difference in Emax was recorded. FAAH, CB1, CB2, VAChT, or CGRP was similarly expressed in bladders from all rats. In separate experiments, intravesical OEtA increased mucosal expression of phosphorylated MAPK.

Conclusions

Chronic FAAH inhibition altered sensory urodynamic parameters and reduced bladder overactivity. Even if it cannot be excluded that OEtA may act on central nervous sensory pathways to contribute to these effects, the presence of FAAH and CB receptors in the bladder and activation of intracellular signals for CB receptors by intravesical OEtA suggest a local role for FAAH in micturition control. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:1251–1258, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of the appropriate b value and number of gradient directions for high‐angular‐resolution diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Tournier J.‐Donald , Calamante Fernando , Connelly Alan
Published: August 2013

High‐angular‐resolution diffusion‐weighted imaging (HARDI) is one of the most common MRI acquisition schemes for use with higher order models of diffusion. However, the optimal b value and number of diffusion‐weighted (DW) directions for HARDI are still undetermined, primarily as a result of the large number of available reconstruction methods and corresponding parameters, making it impossible to identify a single criterion by which to assess performance. In this study, we estimate the minimum number of DW directions and optimal b values required for HARDI by focusing on the angular frequency content of the DW signal itself. The spherical harmonic (SH) series provides the spherical analogue of the Fourier series, and can hence be used to examine the angular frequency content of the DW signal. Using high‐quality data acquired along 500 directions over a range of b values, we estimate that SH terms above l = 8 are negligible in practice for b values up to 5000 s/mm2, implying that a minimum of 45 DW directions is sufficient to fully characterise the DW signal. l > 0 SH terms were found to increase as a function of b value, levelling off at b = 3000 s/mm2, suggesting that this value already provides the highest achievable angular resolution. In practice, it is recommended to acquire more than the minimum of 45 DW directions to avoid issues with imperfections in the uniformity of the DW gradient directions and to meet signal‐to‐noise requirements of the intended reconstruction method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructure and properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/organoclay nanocomposites prepared by water‐assisted extrusion: Effect of organoclay concentration
Authors: Dini Maryam , Mousavand Tahereh , Carreau Pierre J. , Kamal Musa R. , Ton‐That Minh‐Tan
Published: August 2013

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/Cloisite 30B (C30B) nanocomposites containing different concentrations of the organoclay were prepared using two different twin‐screw extrusion processes: conventional melt mixing and water‐assisted melt mixing. The reduction of the molecular weight of the PET matrix, caused by hydrolysis during the water‐assisted extrusion, was compensated by subsequent solid‐state polymerization (SSP). X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed intercalated/exfoliated morphology in all PET/C30B nanocomposites, with a higher degree of intercalation and delamination for the water‐assisted process. Rheological, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties of the PET nanocomposites were also studied. Enhanced mechanical and barrier properties were obtained in PET‐C30B nanocomposites compared to the neat PET. The nanocomposites exhibited higher tensile modulus and lower oxygen permeability after SSP. The elongation at break was significantly higher for SSP nanocomposites than for nanocomposites processed by conventional melt mixing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1879–1892, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reflective function as a mediator between childhood adversity, personality disorder and symptom distress
Authors: Chiesa Marco , Fonagy Peter
Published: August 2013

A growing body of literature has indicated the central role of childhood adversity for the development in later life of personality disorder (PD) and psychiatric distress. In this investigation, we examine the role of reflective function (RF) as a mediator between childhood adversity, subsequent development of PD and psychiatric morbidity. We tested the hypothesis that adversity leads to decreased RF, which in turn is associated with PD, and both increase the likelihood of psychiatric distress. The study sample consisted of 234 individuals, drawn from a clinical PD group (n = 112) and one demographically matched non‐psychiatric group (n = 122) using a shared battery of measures, which included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV, the Symptom Checklist‐90‐R and the Adult Attachment Interview, which was used to assess RF levels. The results indicated that childhood adversity predicted low level of RF, which in turn was associated with PD onset later in life. A combination of different early adverse experiences had a significantly greater impact on lowering RF scores than experiencing either neglect or abuse alone. Mediation analyses confirmed that RF was a significant mediator between adversity and PD diagnoses and between adversity and psychiatric distress. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms in older cancer patients: a comparison across age groups
Authors: Cohen Miri
Published: August 2013

Background

Previous studies have reported that older cancer patients experience lower psychological distress than younger patients, but most prior studies do not differentiate between age groups within the ‘older’ category.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the intensity of the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms among different age groups of older cancer patients.

Methods

Participants were composed of 321 cancer patients 60 years and older, who were divided into three age groups: 60–69, 70–79, and 80+ years. The participants answered the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18, which included subscales for depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms and the cancer‐related problem list, in addition to providing personal and cancer‐related details.

Results

Depressive, anxiety, and somatic symptoms and cancer‐related problems were lowest in the 70–79 years age group and highest in the 80+ years age group. Comparisons between pairs of groups showed significant differences between each of the groups in Brief Symptom Inventory total scores and between the 80+ years age group and the other two groups in regard to depressive symptoms and cancer‐related problems. Differences, related to anxiety and somatic symptoms, were significant for the 70–79 year olds, in comparison with the youngest and oldest groups. Intensity of symptoms was explained by older age, higher number of cancer‐related problems, female gender, and lower income.

Conclusion

Nonlinear relations exist between age and psychological symptoms, which is in line with the postponement of age‐related health and functional decline in the modern era. These results suggest that the study of psychological reactions to cancer should examine differences between age groups among older cancer patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and vitamin E transport genes and risk of high‐grade prostate cancer and prostate cancer recurrence
Authors: Bauer Scott R. , Richman Erin L. , Sosa Eduardo , Weinberg Vivian , Song Xiaoling , Witte John S. , Carroll Peter R. , Chan June M.
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Observational studies suggest an inverse association between vitamin E and risk of prostate cancer, particularly aggressive tumors. However, three large randomized controlled trials have reported conflicting results. Thus, we examined circulating vitamin E and vitamin E‐related genes in relation to risk of high‐grade prostate cancer and prostate cancer recurrence among men initially diagnosed with clinically organ‐confined disease.

METHODS

We measured circulating α‐ and γ‐tocopherol and genotyped 30 SNPs in SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, TTPA, and SEC14L2 among 573 men with organ‐confined prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy. We examined associations between circulating vitamin E, genotypes, and risk of high‐grade prostate cancer (Gleason grade ≥ 8 or 7 with primary score ≥ 4; n = 117) using logistic regression, and risk of recurrence (56 events; 3.7 years median follow‐up) using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Circulating γ‐tocopherol was associated with an increased risk of high‐grade prostate cancer (Q4 v. Q1 odds ratio [OR] = 1.87; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.97–3.58; Ptrend = 0.02). The less common allele in SOD3 rs699473 was associated with an increased risk of high‐grade disease (T > C: OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.04–1.89). Two independent SNPs in SOD1 were inversely associated with prostate cancer recurrence in additive models (rs17884057 hazard ratio [HR] = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.25–0.96; rs9967983 HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40–0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Among men with clinically organ‐confined prostate cancer, genetic variation in SOD may be associated with risk of high‐grade disease at diagnosis and disease recurrence. Circulating γ‐tocopherol levels may also be associated with an increased risk of high‐grade disease at diagnosis. Prostate 73:1786–1795, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanocrystalline and microcrystalline diamond stacking structure as an insulating material deposited on large area
Authors: Yamada Takatoshi , Hasegawa Masataka
Published: August 2013

A stacking structure of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) and microcrystalline diamond (MCD) was proposed to use as an insulating layer for silicon on insulator (SOI) substrates with large wafer size, in order to improve both break down field and thermal conductivity. NCD with a thickness of about 200 nm was deposited by the surface wave microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on silicon (Si) substrate after seeding process and then MCD (6 µm in thickness) was deposited on the as‐grown NCD surface by hot filament CVD. It was confirmed, by scanning electron microscope observation, formation of the stacking structure of NCD and MCD. From measurements of current versus voltage characteristics, the break down field of the stacking structure was three times higher than that of MCD layer. Thermal conductivities of the self‐standing of stacking structure measured by thermo‐reflectance measurement were from 320 to 500 W mK−1, which was almost the same as the thermal conductivities of the MCD layers.
Passivation of aluminium–n+ silicon contacts for solar cells by ultrathin Al2O3 and SiO2 dielectric layers
Authors: Bullock James , Yan Di , Cuevas Andrés
Published: August 2013

Ultra‐thin thermally grown SiO2 and atomic‐layer‐deposited (ALD) Al2O3 films are trialled as passivating dielectrics for metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) type contacts on top of phosphorus diffused regions applicable to high efficiency silicon solar cells. An investigation of the optimum insulator thickness in terms of contact recombination factor J0_cont and contact resistivity ρc is undertaken on 85 Ω/□ and 103 Ω/□ diffusions. An optimum ALD Al2O3 thickness of ∼22 Å produces a J0_cont of ∼300 fAcm–2 whilst maintaining a ρc lower than 1 mΩ cm2 for the 103 Ω/□ diffusion. This has the potential to improve the open‐circuit voltage by a maximum 15 mV. The thermally grown SiO2 fails to achieve equivalently low J0_cont values but exhibits greater thermal stability, resulting in slight improvements in ρc when annealed for 10 minutes at 300 °C without significant changes in J0_cont. The after‐anneal J0_cont reaches ∼600 fAcm–2 with a ρc of ∼2.5 mΩ cm2 for the 85 Ω/□ diffusion amounting to a maximum gain in open‐circuit voltage of 6 mV. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An analytical depth resolution function for the MRI model
Authors: Liu Y. , Hofmann S. , Wang J. Y.
Published: August 2013

The mixing roughness information depth model is frequently used for the quantification of sputter depth profiles. In general, the solution of the convolution integral for any kind of in‐depth distributions is achieved by numerical methods. For a thin delta layer, an analytical depth resolution function is presented, which enables a simple and user‐friendly quantification of measured delta layer profiles in AES, XPS and SIMS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale analysis of neural spike trains
Authors: Ramezan Reza , Marriott Paul , Chenouri Shojaeddin
Published: August 2013

This paper studies the multiscale analysis of neural spike trains, through both graphical and Poisson process approaches. We introduce the interspike interval plot, which simultaneously visualizes characteristics of neural spiking activity at different time scales. Using an inhomogeneous Poisson process framework, we discuss multiscale estimates of the intensity functions of spike trains. We also introduce the windowing effect for two multiscale methods. Using quasi‐likelihood, we develop bootstrap confidence intervals for the multiscale intensity function. We provide a cross‐validation scheme, to choose the tuning parameters, and study its unbiasedness. Studying the relationship between the spike rate and the stimulus signal, we observe that adjusting for the first spike latency is important in cross‐validation. We show, through examples, that the correlation between spike trains and spike count variability can be multiscale phenomena. Furthermore, we address the modeling of the periodicity of the spike trains caused by a stimulus signal or by brain rhythms. Within the multiscale framework, we introduce intensity functions for spike trains with multiplicative and additive periodic components. Analyzing a dataset from the retinogeniculate synapse, we compare the fit of these models with the Bayesian adaptive regression splines method and discuss the limitations of the methodology. Computational efficiency, which is usually a challenge in the analysis of spike trains, is one of the highlights of these new models. In an example, we show that the reconstruction quality of a complex intensity function demonstrates the ability of the multiscale methodology to crack the neural code. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Latent class models for medical diagnostic tests in multicenter trials
Authors: Mori Joji , Kano Yutaka , Yoshizaki Masahiro , Fukinbara Satoru
Published: August 2013

Medical diagnostic tests must enjoy appropriate validity and high reliability in order to qualify as adequate assessment tools. Without a gold standard test, available medical diagnostic tests are not perfect; hence, the reliability of such tests must be evaluated precisely. Kappa coefficient statistics are often utilized to assess reliability of tests when there are two or more medical diagnostic tests. However, the statistics are imprecise for a typical case when the prevalence rate of a target disease is unknown. Although latent class models could be used to assess reliability, the models cannot estimate reliability in the case of two tests, due to unidentifiability or the lack of degrees of freedom. An alternative approach to assess reliability for the case of two tests is stratifying a two‐by‐two contingency table under the assumption that sensitivities and specificities between the two tests be equal over all strata and that prevalence rates in the strata be different from each other. Because stratification is basically a multi‐sample analysis, it should not be applied to the situation where subsamples (i.e., centers) are randomly selected from a larger population. In this article, a type of mixed‐effect model is proposed to evaluate the reliability of two tests for trials in randomly selected multiple centers. Several types of distributions for prevalence rates over subpopulations are considered. Simulation studies show that our proposed method performs nicely. Analysis of real data is also reported. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grafting Single Molecule Magnets on Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Perfetti Mauro , Pineider Francesco , Poggini Lorenzo , Otero Edwige , Mannini Matteo , Sorace Lorenzo , Sangregorio Claudio , Cornia Andrea , Sessoli Roberta
Published: August 2013

The chemical synthesis and characterization of the first hybrid material composed by gold nanoparticles and single molecule magnets (SMMs) are described. Gold nanoparticles are functionalized via ligand exchange using a tetrairon(III) SMM containing two 1,2‐dithiolane end groups. The grafting is evidenced by the shift of the plasmon resonance peak recorded with a UV–vis spectrometer, by the suppression of nuclear magnetic resonance signals, by X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy peaks, and by transmission electron microscopy images. The latter evidence the formation of aggregates of nanoparticles as a consequence of the cross‐linking ability of Fe4 through the two 1,2‐dithiolane rings located on opposite sides of the metal core. The presence of intact Fe4 molecules is directly proven by synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy, while a detailed magnetic characterization, obtained using electron paramagnetic resonance and alternating‐current susceptibility, confirms the persistence of SMM behavior in this new hybrid nanostructure.
Extended comprehensive study of association measures for fault localization
Authors: Lucia Lucia , Lo David , Jiang Lingxiao , Thung Ferdian , Budi Aditya
Published: August 2013

Spectrum‐based fault localization is a promising approach to automatically locate root causes of failures quickly. Two well‐known spectrum‐based fault localization techniques, Tarantula and Ochiai, measure how likely a program element is a root cause of failures based on profiles of correct and failed program executions. These techniques are conceptually similar to association measures that have been proposed in statistics, data mining, and have been utilized to quantify the relationship strength between two variables of interest (e.g., the use of a medicine and the cure rate of a disease). In this paper, we view fault localization as a measurement of the relationship strength between the execution of program elements and program failures. We investigate the effectiveness of 40 association measures from the literature on locating bugs. Our empirical evaluations involve single‐bug and multiple‐bug programs. We find there is no best single measure for all cases. Klosgen and Ochiai outperform other measures for localizing single‐bug programs. Although localizing multiple‐bug programs, Added Value could localize the bugs with on average smallest percentage of inspected code, whereas a number of other measures have similar performance. The accuracies of the measures in localizing multi‐bug programs are lower than single‐bug programs, which provokes future research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a hybrid testing process unifying exploratory testing and scripted testing
Authors: Shah Syed Muhammad Ali , Gencel Cigdem , Alvi Usman Sattar , Petersen Kai
Published: August 2013

Given the current state of the art in research, practitioners are faced with the challenge of choosing scripted testing (ST) or exploratory testing (ET). This study aims at systematically incorporating strengths of ET and ST in a hybrid testing process to overcome the weaknesses of each. We utilized systematic review and practitioner interviews to identify strengths and weaknesses of ET and ST. Strengths of ET were mapped to weaknesses of ST and vice versa. Noblit and Hare's lines‐of‐argument method was used for data analysis. The results of the mapping were used as input to codesign a hybrid process with experienced practitioners. We found a clear need to create a hybrid process as follows: (i) both ST and ET provide strengths and weaknesses, and these depend on some particular conditions, which prevents preference of one approach to another; and (ii) the mapping showed that it is possible to address the weaknesses in one process by the strengths of the other in a hybrid form. With the input from literature and industry experts, a flexible and iterative hybrid process was designed. Practitioners can clearly benefit from using a hybrid process given the mapping of advantages and disadvantages. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution station‐based diurnal ionospheric total electron content (TEC) from dual‐frequency GPS observations
Authors: Çepni Murat S. , Potts Laramie V. , Miima John B.
Published: August 2013

Total electron content (TEC) estimates derived from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal delays provide a rich source of information about the Earth's ionosphere. Networks of Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers data can be used to represent the ionosphere by a Global Ionospheric Map (GIM). Data input for GIMs is dual‐frequency GNSS‐only or a mixture of GNSS and altimetry observations. Parameterization of GNSS‐only GIMs approaches the ionosphere as a single‐layer model (SLM) to determine GPS TEC models over a region. Limitations in GNSS‐only GIM TEC are due largely to the nonhomogenous global distribution of GPS tracking stations with large data gaps over the oceans. The utility of slant GPS ionospheric‐induced path delays for high temporal resolution from a single‐station data rate offers better representation of TEC over a small region. A station‐based vertical TEC (TECV) approach modifies the traditional single‐layer model (SLM) GPS TEC method by introducing a zenith angle weighting (ZAW) filter to capture signal delays from mostly near‐zenith satellite passes. Comparison with GIMs shows the station‐dependent TEC (SD‐TEC) model exhibits robust performance under variable space weather conditions. The SD‐TEC model was applied to investigate ionospheric TEC variability during the geomagnetic storm event of 9 March 2012 at midlatitude station NJJJ located in New Jersey, USA. The high temporal resolution TEC results suggest TEC production and loss rate differences before, during, and after the storm.