bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon flows in the benthic food web of the Porcupine Abyssal Plain: The (un)importance of labile detritus in supporting microbial and faunal carbon demands
Authors: van Oevelen Dick , Soetaert Karline , Heip Carlo
Published: March 2012

Carbon flows in the benthic food web of the Porcupine Abyssal Plain (4850 m, northeast Atlantic) were reconstructed using linear inverse modeling based on mass balances of the various compartments, biomass data, carbon flux measurements, physiological constraints, and data from a previously published 13C‐phytodetritus pulse‐chase experiment. Food web compartments consisted of bacteria, Foraminifera, three feeding types of nematodes and of macrofauna, and four feeding types of megafauna. Three lability classes of detritus were defined to clarify especially the possible role of labile detritus in this abyssal plain food web. Total detritus inputs to the food web were 0.56 mmol C m−2 d−1, with only a minor (3.8%) contribution of labile detritus. The dominant pathway in the food web was dissolution of more refractory detritus, uptake by bacteria, and subsequent respiration (0.36 mmol C m−2 d−1, 80% of the community respiration). Lower contributions to community respiration were found for surface‐deposit‐feeding macrobenthos (5.6%), Foraminifera (4.9%), predatory macrobenthos (3.8%), and other deposit‐feeding macrobenthos (3.1%). Contributions by other benthic compartments were < 1%. 13C‐phytodetritus transfer data strongly constrained the carbon source for bacteria, Foraminifera, and the nematode and macrobenthic compartments. Surprisingly, labile detritus contributed < 5% of the total carbon requirements for all these compartments. Carbon sources were much less constrained for the megabenthic compartments because for these compartments no 13C pulse‐chase data were available. The carbon flow model evidently shows a limited role of labile detritus in the food web.
Aerosol optical depth over the Arctic: a comparison of ECHAM-HAM and TM5 with ground-based, satellite and reanalysis data
Authors: von Hardenberg J. , Vozella L. , Vitale V. , Lupi A. , Mazzola M. , van Noije T. P. C. , Strunk A. , Provenzale A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. We compare ground-based measurements of aerosol optical depth and Ångström parameter at six Arctic stations in the period 2001–2006 with the results from two global aerosol dynamics and transport models, ECHAM-HAM and TM5. Satellite measurements from MODIS and the MACC reanalysis product are used to examine the spatial distribution and the seasonality of these parameters and to compare them with model results. We find that both models provide a good reproduction of the Ångström parameter but significantly underestimate the observed AOD values. We also explore the effects of changes in emissions, model resolution and the parametrization of wet scavenging.
Quantification of biogenic volatile organic compounds with a flame ionization detector using the effective carbon number concept
Authors: Faiola C. L. , Erickson M. H. , Fricaud V. L. , Jobson B. T. , VanReken T. M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are emitted into the atmosphere by plants and include isoprene, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and their oxygenated derivatives. These BVOCs are among the principal factors influencing the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere in forested regions. BVOC emission rates are often measured by collecting samples onto adsorptive cartridges in the field and then transporting these samples to the laboratory for chromatographic analysis. One of the most commonly used detectors in chromatographic analysis is the flame ionization detector (FID). For quantitative analysis with an FID, relative response factors may be estimated using the effective carbon number (ECN) concept. The purpose of this study was to determine the ECN for a variety of terpenoid compounds to enable improved quantification of BVOC measurements. A dynamic dilution system was developed to make quantitative gas standards of VOCs with mixing ratios from 20–55 ppb. For each experiment using this system, one terpene standard was co-injected with an internal reference, n-octane, and analyzed via an automated cryofocusing system interfaced to a gas chromatograph flame ionization detector and mass spectrometer (GC/MS/FID). The ECNs of 16 compounds (14 BVOCs) were evaluated with this approach, with each test compound analyzed at least three times. The difference between the actual carbon number and measured ECN ranged from −24% to −2%. The difference between theoretical ECN and measured ECN ranged from −22% to 9%. Measured ECN values were within 10% of theoretical ECN values for most terpenoid compounds.
On the predictability of outliers in ensemble forecasts
Authors: Siegert S. , Bröcker J. , Kantz H.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. In numerical weather prediction, ensembles are used to retrieve probabilistic forecasts of future weather conditions. We consider events where the verification is smaller than the smallest, or larger than the largest ensemble member of a scalar ensemble forecast. These events are called outliers. In a statistically consistent K-member ensemble, outliers should occur with a base rate of 2/(K+1). In operational ensembles this base rate tends to be higher. We study the predictability of outlier events in terms of the Brier Skill Score and find that forecast probabilities can be calculated which are more skillful than the unconditional base rate. This is shown analytically for statistically consistent ensembles. Using logistic regression, forecast probabilities for outlier events in an operational ensemble are calculated. These probabilities exhibit positive skill which is quantitatively similar to the analytical results. Possible causes of these results as well as their consequences for ensemble interpretation are discussed.
Erosion, deposition and replacement of soil organic carbon in Mediterranean catchments: a geomorphological, isotopic and land use change approach
Authors: Nadeu E. , Berhe A. A. , de Vente J. , Boix-Fayos C.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Determination of whether soil erosion can constitute a net terrestrial carbon dioxide (CO2) sink continues to suffer from lack of sufficient focused studies and field data. Two of the major gaps in our understanding of the erosion induced terrestrial carbon sink issue include rate of eroded soil organic carbon replacement by production of new photosynthate and stability of eroded organic carbon (OC) post deposition. Here we examined the effect of erosion processes and land use change on the stock, type, and stability of OC in two medium-sized subcatchments (18 and 50 ha in size) in SE Spain. We analysed soil samples from drainage areas and depositional settings for stock and isotopic composition of OC (14C and 13C), and particle size distribution. In addition, we conducted land use change analysis for the period 1956–2008 and a geomorphological survey of the current erosion processes taking place in the slope-streambed connections. Our findings demonstrate that land use change influenced the dominating erosion processes and, thus, the source of eroding sediments. Carbon isotopes used as tracers revealed that in one of the subcatchments the deposited sediments were derived from deep soil (average Δ14C of −271.5 ‰) through non-selective erosion processes and channel incision. In the other subcatchment, topsoil material was predominantly eroded and the average Δ14C in sediments was −64.2 ‰. Replacement of eroded soil OC was taking place in the analysed soil profiles in the slopes suggesting that erosion processes do not necessarily provoke a decrease in soil OC stock over time.
High nitrate to phosphorus regime attenuates negative effects of rising pCO2 on total population carbon accumulation
Authors: Matthiessen B. , Eggers S. L. , Krug S. A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The ongoing rise in atmospheric pCO2 and consequent increase in ocean acidification have direct effects on marine calcifying phytoplankton, which potentially alters carbon export. To date it remains unclear, firstly, how nutrient regime, in particular by coccolithophores preferred phosphate limitation, interacts with pCO2 on particulate carbon accumulation; secondly, how direct physiological responses on the cellular level translate into total population response. In this study, cultures of Emiliania huxleyi were full-factorially exposed to two different N:P regimes and three different pCO2 levels. Cellular biovolume and PIC and POC content significantly declined in response to pCO2 in both nutrient regimes. Cellular PON content significantly increased in the Redfield treatment and decreased in the high N:P regime. Cell abundance significantly declined in the Redfield and remained constant in the high N:P regime. We hypothesise that in the high N:P regime severe phosphorous limitation could be compensated either by reduced inorganic phosphorous demand and/or by enzymatic uptake of organic phosphorous. In the Redfield regime we suggest that enzymatic phosphorous uptake to supplement enhanced phosphorous demand with pCO2 was not possible and thus cell abundance declined. These hypothesised different physiological responses of E. huxleyi among the nutrient regimes significantly altered population carrying capacities along the pCO2 gradient. This ultimately led to the attenuated total population response in POC and PIC content and biovolume to increased pCO2 in the high N:P regime. Our results point to the fact that the physiological (i.e. cellular) PIC and POC response to ocean acidification cannot be linearly extrapolated to total population response and thus carbon export. It is therefore necessary to consider both effects of nutrient limitation on cell physiology and their consequences for population size when predicting the influence of coccolithophores on atmospheric pCO2 feedback and their function in carbon export mechanisms.
Impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities on stream flow and sediment discharge in the Wei River basin, China
Authors: Gao P. , Geissen V. , Ritsema C. , Mu X.-M. , Wang F.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Reduced stream flow and increased sediment discharge are a major concern in the Yellow River basin of China which supplies water for agriculture, industry and the growing populations located along the river. Similar concerns exist in the Wei River basin which is the largest tributary of the Yellow River basin and comprises the highly eroded Loess Plateau. Better understanding of the drivers of stream flow and sediment discharge dynamics in the Wei River basin is needed for development of effective management strategies for the region and entire Yellow River basin. In this regard we analysed long term trends for water and sediment discharge during the flood season in the Wei River basin, China. Stream flow and sediment discharge data for 1932 to 2008 from existing hydrological stations located in two sub-catchments and at two points in the Wei River were analysed. Precipitation data were analysed from corresponding meteorological stations. We identified change points or transition years for the trends by the Pettitt method and, using double mass curves, we diagnosed whether they were caused by precipitation changes, human intervention, or both. We found significant decreasing trends for stream flow and sediment discharge during the flood season in both sub-catchments and in the Wei River itself. Change-point analyses further revealed that transition years existed and that rapid decline in stream flow began in 1968 (P<0.01), and that sediment discharge began in 1981 (P<0.01) in the main river. In the two sub-catchments, the transition years were 1985 (P<0.01) and 1994 (P<0.05) for water discharge, and 1978 and 1979 for sediment discharge (P<0.05), respectively. The impact of precipitation or human activity on the reduction amount after the transition years was estimated by double mass curves of precipitation vs stream flow (sediment). For reductions in stream flow and sediment discharge, the contribution rate of human activity was found to be 82.80% and 95.56%, respectively, and was significantly stronger than the contribution rate of precipitation. This evidence clearly suggests that, in the absence of significant decreases in precipitation, strategies for managing the region need to focus on human activities to control erosion without restricting stream flow.
Notes on historical aspects on the earliest known observations of noctilucent clouds
Authors: Dalin P. , Pertsev N. , Romejko V.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The present paper considers historical aspects of the earliest known observations of noctilucent clouds (NLCs). The 1884 and 1885 are discussed by considering important historical citations by the pioneers of the earliest known observations of noctilucent clouds. For the first time in NLC studies, we consider seven major volcanic eruptions: Laki in 1783, Mount St. Helens in 1800, Tambora in 1815, Galunggung in 1822, Cosigüina in 1835, Shiveluch in 1854 and Askja in 1875. These all preceded the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Krakatoa, which despite having a lesser magnitude than Tambora in 1815, had pronounced effects on the atmosphere. These eruptions represent possible triggers for the appearance of NLCs. For the first time, we publish an unknown, in English-speaking literature, historical fact on the first determinations of the altitude of noctilucent clouds made by two Russian astronomers V. K. Tseraskii and A. A. Belopolskii on 26 June 1885, who managed to infer the altitude of the clouds in the range of 73–83 km, that is, for the first time, demonstrating the possible existence of the clouds at great altitudes in the Earth's atmosphere. Moreover, V. K. Tseraskii was the first observer to photograph noctilucent clouds in 1885 or 1886, which is 1–2 yr before the German astronomer O. Jesse, who owns the first published images of noctilucent clouds. The photographs made by V. K. Tseraskii, unfortunately, did not reach us.
Near-surface climate and surface energy budget of Larsen C ice shelf, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Kuipers Munneke P. , van den Broeke M. R. , King J. C. , Gray T. , Reijmer C. H.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Data collected by two automatic weather stations (AWS) on the Larsen C ice shelf, Antarctica, between 22 January 2009 and 1 February 2011 are analyzed and used as input for a model that computes the surface energy budget (SEB), which includes melt energy. The two AWSs are separated by about 70 km in the north–south direction, and both the near-surface meteorology and the SEB show similarities, although small differences in all components (most notably the melt flux) can be seen. The impact of subsurface absorption of shortwave radiation on melt and snow temperature is significant, and discussed. In winter, longwave cooling of the surface is entirely compensated by a downward turbulent transport of sensible heat. In summer, the positive net radiative flux is compensated by melt, and quite frequently by upward turbulent diffusion of heat and moisture, leading to sublimation and weak convection over the ice shelf. The month of November 2010 is highlighted, when strong westerly flow over the Antarctic Peninsula led to a dry and warm föhn wind over the ice shelf, resulting in warm and sunny conditions. Under these conditions the increase in shortwave and sensible heat fluxes is larger than the decrease of net longwave and latent heat fluxes, providing energy for significant melt.
Splitting Hairs or Parsing Concepts, Fuzzy Thinking or Fuzzy Categories: Where Does Motivational Interviewing End and Client-centered Therapy Begin?
Authors: Rosengren David B.
Published: March 2012

An increasingly robust debate is emerging about the role of equanimity, equipoise and equality of concepts in defining what constitutes motivational interviewing (MI) versus client-centered therapy. At the heart of this debate is whether a MI practitioner may remain neutral about a goal and still be practicing MI. After that point of agreement, the debate becomes increasingly complex and defuse. However, MI has never included in its definition that the clinician identifies a specific behavioral goal. Nor is this articulated in any of the principles. Instead, it seems to be an ad hoc explanation of what does and does not constitute MI practice in an effort to establish the boundaries of MI. It is clear that a lack of data and only a nascent theory of how MI works contribute to this problem, but it may also be issues of fuzzy thinking and fuzzy categories. An exploration of these areas suggests it is possible that a practitioner could be practicing MI and not have a specific behavioral goal, other than assisting the client in resolving ambivalence.
Coding Criminal Justice Interactions with the MITI: Recommendations for Research and Practice
Authors: Walters Scott T. , Cornett Malissa , Vader Amanda M.
Published: March 2012

This article describes the coding portion of a study to test the effectiveness of a motivational interviewing (MI) training program for probation officers. We describe some of the challenges with using the Motivational Interview Treatment Integrity (MITI) instrument to code interactions between probation officers and clients. Our team of raters was able to obtain adequate inter-rater reliability on most MITI scales, though reliability ratings on some of the specific behavior counts such as Giving Information, MI Adherent, and MI Non-adherent fell considerably lower than the original MITI norming study. Our results suggest that the MITI is a mostly reliable instrument for coding criminal justice interactions, though there were exceptions to this rule. Based on our experiences, we discuss some of the ways that probation interactions might be different from traditional counseling interactions, and identify some rules of thumb that helped us to code interactions. We end with suggestions for how MITI feedback can be used effectively in training and supervision in criminal justice and other non-traditional settings.
Stem Cells in Research: Islamic Perspectives
Authors: Alswailem Abdulaziz M
Published: March 2012

Using stem cells for research is one of the most controversial issues that affect the human rights and dignity. On the other hand, this is one of the most important technologies for living organisms. Recently it became more important for research and research organizations due to the hopes of the expected outcomes. Many ethical issues were raised regarding the source of the stem cells and research goals. Regional and international committees discussed the ethical issues related to the stem cells and it was regulated by binding laws on different countries. This presentation will discuss the ethical concerns and the international regulations. The Islamic framework and the basics of Shari’a on the biomedical research, national regulations and the Saudi national committee of bioethics regulations will also be covered.
Cell transplantation in clinical practice: Royan institute experiences
Authors: Aghdami Nasser
Published: March 2012

One of the fields of medicine that has raised the most expectations in Iran is cell therapy, using somatic or stem cells. The word “cell therapy” refers a series of procedures, which are used to separate and transplant cells in target tissues. However, in the absence of a current consensus on a approved protocol to isolation and identify suitable cells, the most methods in this field are under research yet. Royan Institute, as a leading center in stem cell research, in Iran, simultaneous with global research and increasing the knowledge about stem cells, the first Royan clinical trial in cell therapy field was done in 2004, which was designed and implemented for application of stem cells in patients with recent heart attack. During implementation of this project, at least three other projects were added to the list of Royan institute clinical trials. Two years later, Royan institute started to established GMP facilities for cell culture. By the end of year 2008, increasing number of clinical trials from 4 to 10 studies and termination of investigating stages of using Melanocytes for treatment of vitilligo disease and Limbal stem cells culture for using in patients with Limbal disease, led to establishment of a center for providing medical services to the patients. Now Royan institute in Regenerative department are doing more than 20 NIH registered clinical trials and there are some result in heart, bone, cartilage, limbal, liver and skin field, which will be presented in this lecture.
Cardiomyocyte derivation from human embryonic stem cell derived mesenchymal progenitors
Authors: Tabrizi Jeremie Arash Rafii
Published: March 2012

Myocardial infarction or failure is a leading cause of mortality in civilized countries. The cardiomyocytes do not have a high regenerative potential often leading, upon disease progression, to regional contractile dysfunction, and necrotized regions slowly replaced by fibroblasts forming scar tissues. Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are one of the most promising cell types for cell therapy and tissue engineering or trauma repair. They also represent a model of choice for cell banking. These cells have been differentiated in many different progenitors including: endothelial, hematopoietic, cardiac, hepatocyte, pancreatic, neural and mesenchymal progenitors (MP). One of the major limitations of regenerative medicine is access to a high number of characterized differentiated cells. Therefore, optimizing the differentiation process is a critical step toward clinical application. Stage-specific differentiation protocols relying on subtil cytokine cocktails have allowed derivation of cardiomyocyte progenitors. The use of MPs as precursor cells to derive cardiomyocytes have already been demonstrated in mice, and more recently in human cell lines. We will describe a two step protocol allowing the differentiation of hES-derived MPs and subsequently the differentiation of cardimyocyte like cells.
Build it and they will come
Authors: Jethwa Rajan
Published: March 2012

Building a public cord blood stem cell banking system and what it means for Qatar and the wider GCC.
Informed consent and the Arab-Muslim research participant: tensions and challenges
Authors: Choong Kartina Aisha
Published: March 2012

It is generally accepted that the notion of informed consent first received official recognition in the Nuremberg Code of 1948. The move, which was a direct response to the inhumane and frequently fatal medical experiments on concentration camp inmates in Nazi Germany, emphasized the significance of allowing human subjects to assert their autonomy by making a decision on whether to participate in a research project only after they have been provided with sufficient information relating to the research. The concept has since assumed a prominent role in regulating the recruitment of research participants. This paper seeks to challenge its suitability for research which does not involve contact with the human body especially where it engages participants who hold values different to the Western secular worldview upon which the notion was shaped. In particular, it looks at human tissue research (e.g. stem cell research and biobank projects) involving Arab-Muslims. It seeks to draw attention to that fact that for Arab communities which have harmonised Islamic values, the decision to participate in research is made by taking into consideration firstly not individual interests, but the right of God and the interest of the society the individual belongs to. Since they also tend to define themselves and their individual worth as relative to their family, personal autonomy is therefore an alien concept and the decision to participate is taken jointly with the extended family. This has a significant practical dimension as research involving human tissues is capable of revealing information both about the participant and those related to him by blood. Further, Arab-Muslims who decide to participate in a research project would be prompted by a sense of religious duty and social responsibility. They therefore have a vested interest in knowing that the means and end-products of the research are acceptable by Islam. Yet the traditional model of informed consent only focuses on information on risks and benefits of the research. There is therefore a need to either adapt its parameters or find a suitable alternative which is sensitive to and reflective of their values.
New Inversion Techniques for Some Integral Transforms via the Generalized Product Theorem of the Mellin Transform
Authors: Ansari Alireza , Ahmadi Darani Mohammadreza
Published: March 2012

We introduce the generalized product theorem for the Mellin
transform, and we solve certain classes of singular integral equations with kernels
coincided with conditions of this theorem. Also, new inversion techniques for the
Wright, Mittag-Leffler, Stieltjes, and Widder potential transforms are obtained.
Energy Efficiency of Railway Lines
Authors: Mlinarić Tomislav Josip , Ponikvar Klemen
Published: March 2012

Energy saving is necessary in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. Energy consumption is increasing, and the production capacities are limited. The three main railway segments such as: railway infrastructure, traffic management and dynamic train movement have an important impact on energy consumption for train haulage. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to determine energy consumption efficiency for train haulage, by choosing optimal construction parameters of railway lines, modern design of railway stations, optimal traffic management and energy efficient dynamic train movement. The paper gives a concrete presentation of energy consumption in all three segments of railway traffic and proposals for rationalization of energy consumption. The infrastructure managers and rail carriers should cooperate in the process of efficiency consumption of energy for train haulage. Saving of energy is a never-ending process.
Application of a Multi-criteria Approach to Road Safety Evaluation in the Bushehr Province, Iran
Authors: Haghighat Fatemeh
Published: March 2012

Road safety is one of the influential factors in reducing road accidents and the resulting injuries and fatalities. The aim of this study is to determine the safety position of the roads of the Bushehr province based on various quantitative and qualitative criteria. For this purpose, a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach has been utilized. In this approach, first all criteria influencing road safety in the Bushehr province were classified into main and sub-criteria groups and their weights were obtained using Group Analytic Hierarchy Process (GAHP). Then, the rankings of the Bushehr province roads were calculated through the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The results indicate that during the period of investigation, the roads of Bushehr-Borazjan and Borazjan-Genaveh were the best with minor difference and Deylem-Behbahan road was the worst road of this province. In this regard, the criteria of violations/traffic and road facilities contribute more to the results due to their weights. It is clear that continuous evaluation of road safety will have significant effect on governmental policy-makings for improving roads and safety-related actions.
KEY WORDS: Roads Safety Coefficient, quantitative and qualitative criteria, Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), GAHP Technique, TOPSIS Method
Microanatomical Variation of the Nasal Capsular Cartilage in Newborn Primates
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Rossie James B. , Cooper Gregory M. , Durham Emily L. , Schmeig Robin M. , Docherty Beth A. , Bonar Christopher J. , Burrows Anne M.
Published: March 2012

The breakdown of nasal capsule cartilage precedes secondary pneumatic expansion of the paranasal sinuses. Recent work indicates the nasal capsule of monkeys undergoes different ontogenetic transformations regionally (i.e., ossification, persistence as cartilage, or resorption). This study assesses nasal capsule morphology at the perinatal age in a taxonomically broad sample of non‐human primates. Using traditional histochemical methods, osteopontin immunohistochemistry and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase procedure, the cartilage of the lateral nasal wall (LNC) was studied. At birth, matrix properties differ between portions of the LNC that ultimately form elements of the ethmoid bone and regions of the LNC that have no postnatal (descendant) structure. The extent of cartilage that remains in the paranasal parts of the LNC varies among species. It is fragmented in species with the greatest extent of maxillary and/or frontal pneumatic expansion. Conversely, greater continuity of the LNC is noted in newborns of species that lack maxillary and/or frontal sinuses as adults. Chondroclasts occur adjacent to elements of the ethmoid bone, along the margin of the nasal tectum, and/or along islands of cartilage that bear no signs of ossification. Chondroclasts are prevalent along remnants of the paranasal LNC in tamarin species (Leontopithecus, Saguinus), which have extensive frontal and maxillary bone pneumatization. Taken together, the morphological observations indicate that the localized loss of cartilage might be considered a critical event at the onset of secondary pneumatization, facilitated by rapid recruitment of chondro‐/osteoclasts, possibly occurring simultaneously in cartilage and bone. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IEEE 802.16e/m energy‐efficient sleep‐mode operation with delay limitation in multibroadcast services
Authors: Cheng Tzu‐Kai , Wu Jean‐Lien C. , Yang Feng‐Ming , Leu Jenq‐Shiou
Published: March 2012

Mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access networks usually provide flexible sleep‐mode operations that allow mobile stations to conserve energy during sleep or active mode. For example, the IEEE 802.16e/m standard presents three power‐saving classes that can be associated with different types of network connections to decrease the power consumption of mobile stations. However, previous studies failed to fully use the sleep‐mode features to save energy of a mobile station while simultaneously maintaining unicast and multicast/broadcast connections. This study proposes an energy‐efficient packet scheduling algorithm for both multicast and broadcast services that does not violate the QoS requirements of real‐time connections. The proposed activity aggregation selection mechanism approach can minimize total power consumption of mobile stations in one cell and simultaneously satisfy the QoS of real‐time connections. This method improves energy efficiency for IEEE 802.16e/m and the activity aggregation selection mechanism approach can optimize sleeping mode features to save the energy of mobile stations with overlapping connection packets The simulations in this study verified the proposed approach.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regioselective Synthesis of Tetraalkynylarenes by Consecutive Dual Sonogashira Coupling Reactions of the Bis(triflate) of 4,5‐Diiodobenzene‐1,2‐diol
Authors: Fisher Thomas J. , Dussault Patrick H.
Published: March 2012

The regioselective synthesis of nonsymmetric tetraalkynylarenes has been readily achieved through consecutive sets of Sonagashira cross‐coupling reactions of the bis(triflate) derivative of 4,5‐diiodobenzene‐1,2‐diol. The initial coupling reactions proceeded with nearly complete selectivity for the reaction at the Ar–I linkages. Subsequent coupling reactions at the Ar–OTf linkages were efficiently conducted. The tetraalkynylarene products are of interest as components of organic molecular materials.
Synthesis of Substituted Furans through Domino Aldol/Homo‐Michael Reactions of Formylcyclopropane 1,1‐Diesters with 1,3‐Dicarbonyls
Authors: Bao Jilai , Ren Jun , Wang Zhongwen
Published: March 2012

A Lewis acid catalyzed domino aldol/homo‐Michael reaction of formylcyclopropane 1,1‐diesters with dicarbonyls has been successfully developed. This method provides efficient and direct construction of highly functionalized furans from easily available starting materials.
Evidence of the Current Collector Effect: Study of the SOFC Cathode Material Ca3Co4O9+δ
Authors: Rolle A. , Thoréton V. , Rozier P. , Capoen E. , Mentré O. , Boukamp B. , Daviero‐Minaud S.
Published: March 2012

In the study of the performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes, the possible influence of the applied current collector is often not mentioned or recognized. In this article, as part of an optimization study of the potentially attractive Ca3Co4O9+δ cathode material (Ca349), special attention is paid to the choice of current collector. The influence of both gold and platinum paste or grid current collectors on pure and composite (Ca349 + 30 wt.% Gd‐doped ceria) is studied, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Although, platinum is catalytically active in the oxygen reduction reaction and then is often considered as current collector for SOFC cathodes, in combination with Ca349 cathodes, additional low frequency dispersion is observed, leading to a larger polarization resistance than found in the case of gold current collectors. A subsequent experiment revealed that Pt reacts with Ca349, forming undesirable phases: CaPt2O4, Ca4PtO6, Ca3Co2O6, and Co3O4. The impedance spectra were analyzed with ZView 3.3a and with EqCwin v1.2. One series equivalent circuit was deduced using ZView, whereas, two possible equivalent circuits (series and nested), leading to the same quality of fits, were evidenced in EqCwin. The circuits are closely related to interactions of the current collector and layer thickness effects of the cathodes.
Next‐generation sequencing for minimal residual disease monitoring in acute myeloid leukemia patients with FLT3‐ITD or NPM1 mutations
Authors: Thol Felicitas , Kölking Britta , Damm Frederik , Reinhardt Katarina , Klusmann Jan‐Henning , Reinhardt Dirk , von Neuhoff Nils , Brugman Martijn H. , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Suerbaum Sebastian , Krauter Jürgen , Ganser Arnold , Heuser Michael
Published: March 2012

Systematic assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients has been hampered by lack of a reliable, uniform MRD marker applicable to all patients. We evaluated next‐generation sequencing (NGS) for MRD assessment in AML patients (n = 80 samples). The ability of NGS technologies to generate thousands of clonal sequences makes it possible to determine the allelic ratio of sequence variants. Using NGS, we were able to determine the allelic ratio of different FLT3‐internal tandem duplication (ITD) clones within one patient sample, in addition to resolution of FLT3‐ITD insertion site, length, and sequence in a single analysis. Furthermore, NGS allowed us to study emergence of clonal dominance. Parallel assessment of MRD by NGS and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in NPM1 mutated patients was concordant in 95% of analyzed samples (n = 38). The frequency of mutated alleles was linearly quantified by NGS. As NGS sensitivity is scalable depending on sequence coverage, it reflects a highly flexible and reliable tool to assess MRD in leukemia patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of osteosarcoma driver genes by integrative analysis of copy number and gene expression data
Authors: Kuijjer Marieke L. , Rydbeck Halfdan , Kresse Stine H. , Buddingh Emilie P. , Lid Ana B. , Roelofs Helene , Bürger Horst , Myklebost Ola , Hogendoorn Pancras C. W. , Meza‐Zepeda Leonardo A. , Cleton‐Jansen Anne‐Marie
Published: March 2012

High‐grade osteosarcoma is a tumor with a complex genomic profile, occurring primarily in adolescents with a second peak at middle age. The extensive genomic alterations obscure the identification of genes driving tumorigenesis during osteosarcoma development. To identify such driver genes, we integrated DNA copy number profiles (Affymetrix SNP 6.0) of 32 diagnostic biopsies with 84 expression profiles (Illumina Human‐6 v2.0) of high‐grade osteosarcoma as compared with its putative progenitor cells, i.e., mesenchymal stem cells (n = 12) or osteoblasts (n = 3). In addition, we performed paired analyses between copy number and expression profiles of a subset of 29 patients for which both DNA and mRNA profiles were available. Integrative analyses were performed in Nexus Copy Number software and statistical language R. Paired analyses were performed on all probes detecting significantly differentially expressed genes in corresponding LIMMA analyses. For both nonpaired and paired analyses, copy number aberration frequency was set to >35%. Nonpaired and paired integrative analyses resulted in 45 and 101 genes, respectively, which were present in both analyses using different control sets. Paired analyses detected >90% of all genes found with the corresponding nonpaired analyses. Remarkably, approximately twice as many genes as found in the corresponding nonpaired analyses were detected. Affected genes were intersected with differentially expressed genes in osteosarcoma cell lines, resulting in 31 new osteosarcoma driver genes. Cell division related genes, such as MCM4 and LATS2, were overrepresented and genomic instability was predictive for metastasis‐free survival, suggesting that deregulation of the cell cycle is a driver of osteosarcomagenesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost-effectiveness of boceprevir or telaprevir for untreated patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Cammà Calogero , Petta Salvatore , Enea Marco , Bruno Raffaele , Bronte Fabrizio , Capursi Vincenza , Cicchetti Americo , Colombo Giorgio L. , Di Marco Vito , Gasbarrini Antonio , Craxì Antonio
Published: March 2012

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show that triple therapy (TT) with peginterferon alpha, ribavirin, and boceprevir (BOC) or telaprevir (TVR) is more effective than peginterferon-ribavirin dual therapy (DT) in the treatment of previously untreated patients with genotype 1 (G1) chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We assessed the cost-effectiveness of TT compared to DT in the treatment of untreated patients with G1 CHC. We created a Markov Decision Model to evaluate, in untreated Caucasian patients age 50 years, weight 70 kg, with G1 CHC and Metavir F2 liver fibrosis score, for a time horizon of 20 years, the cost-effectiveness of the following five competing strategies: 1) boceprevir response-guided therapy (BOC-RGT); 2) boceprevir IL28B genotype-guided strategy (BOC-IL28B); 3) boceprevir rapid virologic response (RVR)-guided strategy (BOC-RVR); 4) telaprevir response-guided therapy (TVR-RGT); 5) telaprevir IL28B genotype-guided strategy (TVR-IL28B). Outcomes included life-years gained (LYG), costs (in 2011 euros) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). In the base-case analysis BOC-RVR and TVR-IL28B strategies were the most effective and cost-effective of evaluated strategies. LYG was 4.04 with BOC-RVR and 4.42 with TVR-IL28B. ICER compared with DT was €8.304 per LYG for BOC-RVR and €11.455 per LYG for TVR-IL28B. The model was highly sensitive to IL28B CC genotype, likelihood of RVR and sustained virologic response, and BOC/TVR prices.

Conclusion
: In untreated G1 CHC patients age 50 years, TT with first-generation protease inhibitors is cost-effective compared with DT. Multiple strategies to reduce costs and improve effectiveness include RVR or genotype-guided treatment.
A nonelutable low‐molecular weight heparin stent coating for improved thromboresistance
Authors: Zhao Jonathon , Falotico Robert , Nguyen Thai , Cheng Yan , Parker Theodore , Davé Vipul , Rogers Campbell , Riesenfeld Johan
Published: March 2012

Low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been widely used as a systemic anticoagulant during percutaneous coronary intervention. In this study, LMWH was covalently immobilized to the surface of a cobalt chromium reservoir‐based sirolimus‐eluting stent to create a nonelutable nanoscale coating for enhanced thromboresistance. Toludine‐blue stained stents revealed uniform heparin coverage on all surfaces of the stent. Scanning electron microscopy of stent strut cross‐sections showed identical coating thickness on all sides; while the thickness was determined to be 320 nm by a focus‐ion beam system. Secondary ion mass spectrometry showed constant concentrations of O, N, and S atoms throughout the depth of the surface, confirming the uniformity of the heparin coating. The nonelutable nature of the coating was confirmed in a modified Factor Xa inhibition assay which showed the stent had an equivalent of 3–5 heparin units/cm2, while no elutable heparin was detected in wash solutions. The antithrombin binding capacity of the immobilized heparin was determined to be 60–80 pmol/cm2 in an antithrombin uptake assay. The enhanced thromboresistance of the heparin coating was demonstrated in an in‐vitro bovine blood flow loop which showed minimal visual thrombus accumulation and 95% reduction in platelet deposition compared to uncoated control stents. Drug‐eluting stents with such nonelutable LMWH coating would represent a significant advance in the treatment of patients with complex lesions who are at increased risk of developing stent thrombosis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Dental implants stimulate expression of Interleukin‐8 and its receptor in human blood—An in vitro approach
Authors: Quabius Elgar Susanne , Ossenkop Lars , Harder Sönke , Kern Matthias
Published: March 2012

Interleukin (IL)‐8 secreted from osteoblasts and peripheral blood monocytes increases in patients with aseptic hip‐implant loss and in patients with mucositis after dental implant insertion. We explored in vitro the possibility of an IL‐8‐mediated inflammatory response as a consequence of contact between different dental implant surfaces and human blood. Titanium and zirconia implants were incubated in human blood. Nonstimulated blood served as negative, while blood stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) served as positive control. After depyrogenization, to examine the possible role of LPS, implants were again submerged in blood. Gene‐expression of IL‐8 and its receptor was measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In a receptor mediated, but LPS‐independent manner, titanium implants led to a more pronounced increase in IL‐8 gene expression when compared with zirconia implants. Depyrogenization resulted after 24 h in zirconia implants in decreased IL‐8 gene expression. Altered IL‐8 expression could indicate aseptic, at least LPS‐independent implant loss, which may be an additional feature in the manifestation of peri‐implantitis, possibly triggered by microscopically small implant‐particles. Hence, opening a new field of investigations to further understand the possible mechanism underlying the manifestation of implant failure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Hydrolytically Degradable Polymer Micelles for Anticancer Drug Delivery to Solid Tumors
Authors: Chytil Petr , Etrych Tomáš , Kostka Libor , Ulbrich Karel
Published: March 2012

Various biodegradable micellar polymer drug carriers based on N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymers and their conjugates with doxorubicin are synthesized. The conjugates are designed to treat solid tumors and subsequently to allow carrier elimination from the body. All copolymers self‐assemble in aqueous solution into supramolecular structures with highly hydrophobic cholesterol derivatives in the core and doxorubicin located in the hydrophilic shell. The drug is released quickly from the micelles incubated at pH = 5.0 (modelling the endosomes of tumor cells). Slower release of cholesterol derivatives leading to disintegration of the micelles is observed.
Polymer‐Grafted Modification of Activated Carbon by Surface‐Initiated AGET ATRP
Authors: Liu Yahan , Miao Xuelang , Zhu Jian , Zhang Zhengbiao , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: March 2012

We demonstrate surface‐initiated activators generated by electron transfer atom‐transfer radical polymerization (SI‐AGET ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and tert‐butyl acrylate (t‐BA) on activated carbon (AC), and polyacrylic acid (PAA) graft AC (AC@PAA) is obtained after hydrolysis of poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) [P(t‐BA)]. Interestingly, the sorption capabilities of the copper ions by AC@PAA are larger than AC and can be adjusted by varying chain lengths of grafted PAA, giving these materials potential application in wastewater treatment. The linear polymerization kinetics, linear evolution of the molecular weight of the cleaved polymer and monomer conversion all demonstrate a well‐controlled polymerization.
Proximity graphs inside large weighted graphs
Authors: Ábrego Bernardo M. , Fabila‐Monroy Ruy , Fernández‐Merchant Silvia , Flores‐Peñaloza David , Hurtado Ferran , Meijer Henk , Sacristán Vera , Saumell Maria
Published: March 2012

Given a weighted graph G = (V,E) and a subset U of V, we define several graphs with vertex set U in which two vertices are adjacent if they satisfy a specific proximity rule. These rules use the shortest path distance in G and generalize the proximity rules that generate some of the most common proximity graphs in Euclidean spaces. We prove basic properties of the defined graphs and provide algorithms for their computation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2013
Higher‐order discontinuous Galerkin method for pyramidal elements using orthogonal bases
Authors: Bergot Morgane , Duruflé Marc
Published: March 2012

We study finite elements of arbitrarily high‐order defined on pyramids for discontinuous Galerkin methods. We propose a new family of high‐order pyramidal finite elements using orthogonal basis functions which can be used in hybrid meshes including hexahedra, tetrahedra, wedges, and pyramids. We perform a comparison between these orthogonal functions and nodal functions for affine and non‐affine elements. Different strategies for the inversion of the mass matrix are also considered and discussed. Numerical experiments are conducted for the three dimensional Maxwell's equations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013
Convergence phenomena of \documentclass{article} \usepackage{amsmath,amsfonts}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document} $\mathcal{Q}_p$ \end{document}‐elements for convection–diffusion problems
Authors: Franz Sebastian
Published: March 2012

We present a numerical study for singularly perturbed convection–diffusion problems using higher order Galerkin and streamline diffusion finite element method. We are especially interested in convergence and superconvergence properties with respect to different interpolation operators. For this we investigate pointwise interpolation and vertex‐edge‐cell interpolation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013
Pointwise error estimates of the bilinear SDFEM on Shishkin meshes
Authors: Zhang Jin , Mei Liquan
Published: March 2012

A model singularly perturbed convection–diffusion problem in two space dimensions is considered. The problem is solved by a streamline diffusion finite element method (SDFEM) that uses piecewise bilinear finite elements on a Shishkin mesh. We prove that the method is convergent, independently of the diffusion parameter ε, with a pointwise accuracy of almost order 11/8 outside and inside the boundary layers. Numerical experiments support these theoretical results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013