bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser desorption dual spray post‐ionization mass spectrometry for direct analysis of samples via two informative channels
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Chengsen , Sun Jiamu , Ren Xinxin , Luo Hai
Published: February 2013

A laser desorption dual spray post‐ionization mass spectrometry method is described, and its usefulness is demonstrated with the examples of selective detection of food components, manipulation of protein charge state distribution and investigation on the formation of magic number clusters. The method is carried out by adopting two spray emitters for post‐ionization of analytes desorbed by a pulsed infrared laser. Various components in a complex sample or distinct behavior of an analyte in two different spray reagents can be rapidly probed by the method quasi‐simultaneously, highlighting the potential applications of this method for protein characterization, reaction study and food analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate change projections of precipitation and reference evapotranspiration for the Middle East and Northern Africa until 2050
Authors: Terink Wilco , Immerzeel Walter Willem , Droogers Peter
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region can be considered as the most water‐scarce region of the world. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects strong changes in climate across MENA, further exacerbating pressure on available water resources. The objective of this study is to undertake a climate change assessment for 22 MENA countries in order to quantify the problems these countries may encounter up to 2050. To evaluate climate change in MENA, nine global circulation models representing two future periods (2020–2030 and 2040–2050) were statistically downscaled and compared with a current climate, defined as the period 2000–2009. Besides precipitation only this study also focuses on change in water demand by vegetation reference evapotranspiration (ETref). It was found that for both future periods the annual precipitation sum will decrease for the majority of countries, with decreases of 15–20% for the latter period. For some countries, e.g. Djibouti and Yemen, an increase in annual precipitation of 15–20% was found. The annual ETref shows an increase for all countries for both future periods, with the strongest increases for the latter period. For the extreme situation, it was found that the minimum monthly and annual precipitation sum does not become smaller in the future climate. It in fact increases. In contrast, the maximum monthly and annual ETref increases for all countries. This indicates that projected changes in demand are likely to have a more adverse effect than changes in supply. Spatial analysis showed that the largest precipitation decreases are to be found in southern Egypt, Morocco, central and coastal Algeria, Tunisia, central Libya, Syria, and central and eastern Iran. A case study for Morocco revealed that the potential water deficit, which is already apparent for the current climate, becomes even larger for the future climate.
Using phenology to assess urban heat islands in tropical and temperate regions
Authors: Jochner Susanne , Alves‐Eigenheer Milene , Menzel Annette , Morellato Leonor Patrícia C.
Published: February 2013

The study of urban phenology is relevant to assess the effects of heat islands and the potential impacts of climate change on plants. Temperature is the main factor regulating plant development in moist/temperate regions. However, plants in tropical cities may respond to additional environmental cues, such as air humidity.

We examined whether differences in air temperature and humidity along an urban–rural gradient influenced phenological onset dates of trees in a temperate mid‐latitude city (Munich, Germany) and a city in the neotropics (Campinas, Brazil). (Dis)similarities were identified incorporating equivalent study design based on identical methods for recording phenology and site‐specific meteorological data.

We found that phenological onset dates of silver birch (Betula pendula) were able to describe local temperature variations in Munich. Correlation coefficients between mean temperature and onset dates of Betula were significant and varied between r = −0.48 and r = −0.72. However, onset dates for yellow trumpet tree (Tabebuia chrysotricha), false Brazilwood (Caesalpinia pluviosa) and rosewood (Tipuana tipu) in Campinas were rather variable, and the magnitude and significance of correlation coefficients with temperature varied greatly among species/phenophases. Nevertheless, we detected significant correlations, especially between Tipuana phenophases and temperature and between leaf unfolding of Tabebuia and humidity.

Our findings revealed that the phenology of Tipuana was sufficiently sensitive to detect urban heat island effects in Campinas and might be a useful indicator of temperature variations and, in turn, of global warming. Because Tipuana is widely used for urban arborization in South America, we foresee many applications for monitoring heat islands in the neotropics. Furthermore, the fact that most phenophases of Tabebuia were not responsive to temperature stressed the importance of humidity variables. Additional species and phenophases should be explored to identify the further potential of phenology for monitoring heat islands in tropical cities.
Trends in temperature indices over Serbia: relationships to large‐scale circulation patterns
Authors: Unkašević Miroslava , Tošić Ivana
Published: February 2013

In this work, the trends of six climate indices based on the daily maximum and minimum temperatures during the period 1949–2009 at 15 stations distributed across Serbia were analysed. The results showed seasonal changes in the minimum and maximum temperature extremes. An analysis of the extreme temperature indices suggested that the Serbian climate generally tended to become warmer in the last 61 years. The most significant temperature trends were revealed for the summer season. The influence of large‐scale variables on the temperature was examined by means of the empirical orthogonal function and correlation. It was found that the East Atlantic pattern dominated during the winter, spring and summer, while the East Atlantic/West Russia pattern governed during the autumn. In addition, the North Atlantic Oscillation dominated the Serbian extreme temperature variability during the winter.
3D Raman mapping of uniaxially loaded 6H‐SiC crystals
Authors: del Corro E. , Izquierdo J. G. , González J. , Taravillo M. , Baonza V. G.
Published: February 2013

Raman spectroscopy is used to investigate the three‐dimensional stress distribution in 6H‐silicon carbide (SiC) specimens subjected to stresses up to 3.7 GPa along the c‐axis. Specifically, the relative Raman shift of the longitudinal optic phonon of 6H‐SiC is used to evaluate the local stress across the bulk crystal. For this purpose, an anvil device with opposed 6H‐SiC and sapphire specimens was used. After subjecting the anvils to uniaxial load, several series of two‐dimensional Raman maps were registered at different depths in the 6H‐SiC anvil. The analysis of the Raman spectra reveals an exponential decay of the stress as a function of the depth. A novel phenomenological Grüneisen‐like model is introduced here to account for such observation. On the contrary, the in‐plane stress analysis shows a radial Gaussian‐like distribution regardless the depth, a distinct behavior that is attributed to the appearance of shear stress components. The suitability of both models and their applicability to other materials are discussed, along with some future directions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact assessment of recent climate change on rice yields in the Heilongjiang Reclamation Area of north‐east China
Authors: Zhou Yang , Li Ning , Dong Guanpeng , Wu Wenxiang
Published: February 2013

Background

Investigating the degree to which climate change may have impacted on rice yields can provide an insight into how to adapt to climate change in the future. Meteorological and rice yield data over the period 1960–2009 from the Heilongjiang Reclamation Area of north‐east China (HRANC) were used to explore the possible impacts of climate change on rice yields at sub‐regional scale.

Results

Results showed that a warming trend was obvious in the HRANC and discernible climate fluctuations and yield variations on inter‐annual scale were detected to have occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively. Statistically positive correlation was observed between growing season temperature and rice yields, with an increase rate by approximately 3.60% for each 1°C rise in the minimum temperature during growing season. Such findings are consistent with the current mainstream view that warming climate may exert positive impacts on crop yields in the middle and higher latitude regions.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that the growing season minimum temperature was a major driver of all the climatic factors to the recent increase trends in rice yield in HRANC over the last five decades. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Transplantation versus resection for patients with combined hepatocellular carcinoma–cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Groeschl Ryan T. , Turaga Kiran K. , Gamblin T. Clark
Published: February 2013

Background and Objectives

Although transplantation has demonstrated survival benefit for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there is limited data to support or refute transplantation for combined hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC–CC). We hypothesized that cHCC–CC patients had poorer overall survival (OS) than HCC patients after liver transplantation.

Methods

Patients with localized HCC and cHCC–CC treated with surgical resection or transplant were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database (1973–2007). Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine survival.

Results

We identified 3,378 (1,447 [43%] transplant, 1,931 [57%] resection) patients with HCC, and 54 (19 [35%] transplant, 35 [65%] resection) patients with cHCC–CC. Patients undergoing resection of HCC and cHCC–CC had similar 3‐year OS (55% vs. 46%, P = 0.4). Three‐year OS of patients undergoing transplant was significantly greater for HCC (78%) than for cHCC–CC (48%, P = 0.01). In adjusted models, patients transplanted for cHCC–CC had higher hazard of death compared to HCC patients (HR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–5.1, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Transplantation for localized cHCC–CC confers a survival benefit similar to liver resection for cHCC–CC, but inferior to transplantation for HCC. With survival data that mimics historic reports of transplant for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, this study questions the benefit of transplantation for patients with cHCC–CC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:608–612. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of quorum sensing‐controlled genes in Burkholderia ambifaria
Authors: Chapalain Annelise , Vial Ludovic , Laprade Natacha , Dekimpe Valérie , Perreault Jonathan , Déziel Eric
Published: February 2013

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) comprises strains with a virulence potential toward immunocompromised patients as well as plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Owing to the link between quorum sensing (QS) and virulence, most studies among Bcc species have been directed toward QS of pathogenic bacteria. We have investigated the QS of B. ambifaria, a PGPR only infrequently recovered from patients. The cepI gene, responsible for the synthesis of the main signaling molecule N‐octanoylhomoserine lactone (C8‐HSL), was inactivated. Phenotypes of the B. ambifaria cepI mutant we observed, such as increased production of siderophores and decreased proteolytic and antifungal activities, are in agreement with those of other Bcc cepI mutants. The cepI mutant was then used as background strain for a whole‐genome transposon‐insertion mutagenesis strategy, allowing the identification of 20 QS‐controlled genes, corresponding to 17 loci. The main functions identified are linked to antifungal and antimicrobial properties, as we have identified QS‐controlled genes implicated in the production of pyrrolnitrin, burkholdines (occidiofungin‐like molecules), and enacyloxins. This study provides insights in the QS‐regulated functions of a PGPR, which could lead to beneficial potential biotechnological applications.
‐mapping with the transient phase of unbalanced steady‐state free precession
Authors: Ganter Carl , Settles Marcus , Dregely Isabel , Santini Francesco , Scheffler Klaus , Bieri Oliver
Published: February 2013

Purpose

A novel
‐mapping technique (B1‐TRAP) is presented, which derives the actual flip angle from the frequency of signal oscillations, observed in the transient phase of unbalanced steady‐state free precession sequences.

Theory

For short repetition times (TR), the angular frequency of distinct oscillations in the transient phase of steady‐state free precession sequences is proven to be approximately proportional to the actual flip angle:
. The result is not influenced by off‐resonance and it can be shown that deviations are only of second order in the small parameter
.

Methods

B1‐TRAP makes use of this effect through a frequency analysis of the transient phase of a train of steady‐state free precession signals.

Results

In terms of reliability and time efficiency, a two‐dimensional multislice implementation was found to be optimal. Unlike many steady‐state
‐mapping methods, the accuracy of B1‐TRAP was not impaired by imperfect slice profiles.

Conclusion

Simulations, phantom, and in vivo measurements showed that B1‐TRAP offers a good compromise with respect to speed, robustness, and accuracy. Magn Reson Med 70:1515–1523, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preconditioned IDR(s) iterative solver for non‐symmetric linear system associated with FEM analysis of shallow foundation
Authors: Tran H.H.T. , Toh K.C. , Phoon K.K.
Published: February 2013

Non‐associated flow rule is essential when the popular Mohr–Coulomb model is used to model nonlinear behavior of soil. The global tangent stiffness matrix in nonlinear finite element analysis becomes non‐symmetric when this non‐associated flow rule is applied. Efficient solution of this large‐scale non‐symmetric linear system is of practical importance. The standard Krylov solver for a non‐symmetric solver is Bi‐CGSTAB. The Induced Dimension Reduction [IDR(s)] solver was proposed in the scientific computing literature relatively recently. Numerical studies of a drained strip footing problem on homogenous soil layer show that IDR(s = 6) is more efficient than Bi‐CGSTAB when the preconditioner is the incomplete factorization with zero fill‐in of global stiffness matrix Kep (ILU(0)‐Kep). Iteration time is reduced by 40% by using IDR(s = 6) with ILU(0)‐Kep. To further reduce computational cost, the global stiffness matrix Kep is divided into two parts. The first part is the linear elastic stiffness matrix Ke, which is formed only once at the beginning of solution step. The second part is a low‐rank matrix Δ, which is re‐formed at each Newton–Raphson iteration. Numerical studies show that IDR(s = 6) with this ILU(0)‐Ke preconditioner is more time effective than IDR(s = 6) with ILU(0)‐Kep when the percentage of yielded Gauss points in the mesh is less than 15%. The total computation time is reduced by 60% when all the recommended optimizing methods are used. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of refractory hemorrhage with factor XIII in a patient with hemophilia A with inhibitor
Authors: Ng Christopher , Silliman Christopher C. , Pearl Gabrielle , Smith Whitney , Manco‐Johnson Marilyn , Wang Michael
Published: February 2013

An 11‐year‐old male with hemophilia A and a known high‐titer Factor VIII inhibitor was admitted with retroperitoneal hemorrhage. The patient was receiving infusions of recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa) for a recent elbow hemorrhage when retroperitoneal bleeding commenced. Despite increased dosing of rFVIIa and a dose of activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC), he continued to hemorrhage and required several blood transfusions. Factor XIII was administered 1 hour after rFVIIa and the patient demonstrated cessation of bleeding and normalization of clot strength. Factor XIII may act as an adjuvant in effective clot stabilization in patients with hemophilia and inhibitory antibodies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: E23–E25. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the effects of opiorphin and sialorphin and their analogs substituted in position 1 with pyroglutamic acid on motility in the mouse ileum
Authors: Kamysz Elżbieta , Sałaga Maciej , Sobczak Marta , Kamysz Wojciech , Fichna Jakub
Published: February 2013

Opiorphin and sialorphin are two recently discovered endogenous enkephalin‐degrading enzyme inhibitors. Our aim was to characterize their effect on the mouse ileum motility and to investigate the role of glutamine in position 1. Opiorphin, sialorphin, and their analogs substituted in position 1 with pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) were synthesized by the solid‐phase method using Fmoc chemistry. The effect of peptides on gastrointestinal (GI) motility was characterized usingin vitroassays and in mouse model of upper GI transit. Opiorphin and sialorphin, but not their analogs, significantly increased electrical field‐stimulated contractions in the mouse ileum in aδ‐opioid receptor‐dependent manner. Opiorphin, sialorphin, and their analogs did not influence the effect of [Met5]enkephalin on smooth muscle contractility in the mouse ileumin vitro. [Met5]enkephalin and sialorphin, but not opiorphin injected intravenously (1 mg/kg), significantly inhibited the upper GI transit. The intraperitoneal administration of peptides (3 mg/kg) did not change the mouse upper GI transit. In conclusion, this is the first study investigating the effect of opiorphin and sialorphin on the mouse ileum motility and demonstrating that glutamine in position 1 is crucial for their pharmacological action. Our results may be important for further structure–activity relationship studies on opiorphin and sialorphin and future development of potent clinical therapeutics aiming at the enkephalinergic system. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compressive behaviors of bcc bismuth up to 55 GPa
Authors: Liu Lei , Song Hong X. , Geng Hua Y. , Bi Yan , Xu Ji‐an , Li Xiaodong , Li Yanchun , Liu Jing
Published: February 2013

Bismuth was compressed hydrostatically and nonhydrostatically up to 55 GPa in a diamond anvil cell. The strength of bcc bismuth was determined by the radial X‐ray diffraction (RXRD) technique: Y = −0.20(5) + 0.009(1)P, which is much smaller than that of normal pressure‐transmitting media (PTM), such as NaCl, Ar, and He. Different PTM [silicone oil (SO), Ar, and He] were used to determine the hydrostatical equation of state of bcc bismuth. The determined results are consistent with each other when different PTM were used, even when no PTM was used. The typical bulk modulus and its pressure derivation of bcc bismuth are 42.7(6) GPa and 5.3(1), respectively. The differential strain introduced by nonhydrostatic stress was derived from Hooke's law and lattice strain theory (LST). The differential strain in bismuth is very small even when no PTM was used. Because of the simple, stable structure and small strength, bcc bismuth is an ideal candidate for an internal pressure standard.
Free‐standing GaN wafer by one‐stop HVPE with pit‐induced buffer layer
Authors: Sato Tadashige , Okano Shinya , Goto Takenari , Yao Takafumi , Sato Akira , Goto Hideki
Published: February 2013

We have succeeded in the fabrication of a 2‐inch dia free‐standing GaN thick wafer by one‐stop hydride vapor phase epitaxy using pit‐induced buffer layer. High temperature grown GaN layer on the pit‐induced layer was grown with numerous inverse‐pyramidal pits on the surface. A thick GaN film was separated from the sapphire substrate during cooling. The X‐ray rocking curves show the full width at half maximum values of 146 and 152 arcsec for (0002) and (10–12) reflections, respectively. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Various types of GaN/InGaN nanostructures grown by MOCVD on Si(111) substrate
Authors: Rozhavskaya Mariya M. , Lundin Wsevolod V. , Zavarin Evgeniy E. , Lundina Elena Yu. , Troshkov Sergey I. , Davydov Valery Yu. , Yagovkina Mariya A. , Brunkov Pavel N. , Tsatsulnikov Andrey F.
Published: February 2013

In this paper we obtained GaN and InGaN nanowires on AlN/Si (111) templates via pulsed Metal Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition (MOCVD). The growth modes were investigated, in which selective growth is possible. The impact of NH3 flow and TMG flow and exposure time were investigated. Also the possibility of using indium catalyst was studied. It was shown that In can be used in Au‐In melt and as self‐suffisient catalyst. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dramatic thermal quenching of photoluminescence in Zn‐doped GaN
Authors: Reshchikov Michael A.
Published: February 2013

We report on the dramatic thermal quenching of the blue luminescence (BL) band in high‐resistivity Zn‐doped GaN. In conductive n ‐type GaN samples, the thermal quenching of this band begins at T0 = 200 K, and the activation energy of this thermal quenching is about 0.35 eV, which agrees with the ionization energy of the ZnGa acceptor. However, in high‐resistivity Zn‐doped GaN, the BL intensity drops by several orders of magnitude at a characteristic temperature T *. Interestingly, T * increases with increasing excitation intensity; i.e., the quenching is tunable. When the temperature of the sample is fixed, the dependence of PL intensity on the excitation intensity exhibits an abrupt, stepwise increase at a certain excitation intensity, and the value of the latter depends on temperature. All of the observed effects can be explained in a model involving three types of defects: a shallow donor, the ZnGa acceptor, and a deep donor. The latter is responsible for the nonradiative recombination. The abrupt and tunable thermal quenching of the Zn‐related BL band in high‐resistivity GaN samples is caused by a sudden transition of the system from the inverse population of levels at T < T * (where low‐resistivity n ‐type conductivity under illumination is predicted) to the quasi‐equilibrium population at T > T * (a p ‐type, or high‐resistivity n ‐type conductivity). This transition is initiated by the thermal emission of holes from the ZnGa acceptor to the valence band and their subsequent recombination with electrons via deep nonradiative defects. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evidence for Late Devonian vertical movements and extensional deformation in northern Africa and Arabia: Integration in the geodynamics of the Devonian world
Authors: Frizon de Lamotte Dominique , Tavakoli‐Shirazi Saeid , Leturmy Pascale , Averbuch Olivier , Mouchot Nicolas , Raulin Camille , Leparmentier François , Blanpied Christian , Ringenbach Jean‐Claude
Published: February 2013

The Upper Paleozoic geodynamic evolution is discussed at the scale of a wide part of Gondwana from North Africa to Arabia. With the aim of giving an integrated tectonic scenario for the study domain, we revisit six key areas, namely, the Anti‐Atlas Belt (Morocco), the Bechar Basin (west Algeria), the Hassi R'Mel High (central Algeria), the Talemezane Arch (south Tunisia), the Western Desert (Egypt), and, finally, the High Zagros Belt (Iran). Below the so‐called “Hercynian unconformity,” which is in reality a highly composite discontinuity, surface and subsurface data display a well‐known arch‐and‐basin geometry, with basement highs and intervening Paleozoic basins. We show that this major feature results mainly from a Late Devonian event and can no longer be interpreted as a far effect of the Variscan Orogeny. This event is characterized by a more or less diffuse extensional deformation and accompanied either by subsidence, in the western part of the system, or by an important uplift of probable thermal origin followed by erosion and peneplanation. By the end of the Devonian, the whole region suffered a general subsidence governed by the progressive cooling of the lithosphere. Such a primary configuration is preserved in Arabia with typical sag geometry of the Carboniferous and Permian deposits but strongly disturbed elsewhere by the conjugated effects of the Variscan Orogeny during the Carboniferous and/or by subsequent uplifts linked to the central Atlantic and Neo‐Tethys rifting episodes. In conclusion, we try to integrate this new understanding in the geodynamics of the Late Devonian, which at world scale is characterized by the onset of the Variscan Orogeny on the one hand and by magmatism, rifting, and basement uplift on the other hand.
Provenance analysis of the Mesozoic Hoh‐Xil‐Songpan‐Ganzi turbidites in northern Tibet: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Paleo‐Tethys Ocean
Authors: Ding L. , Yang D. , Cai F. L. , Pullen A. , Kapp P. , Gehrels G. E. , Zhang L. Y. , Zhang Q. H. , Lai Q. Z. , Yue Y. H. , Shi R. D.
Published: February 2013

Mesozoic strata of the Hoh‐Xil‐Songpan‐Ganzi complex in northern Tibet are exposed in a vast (> 370,000 km2) triangle‐shaped orogenic belt bound by the Longmen Shan thrust belt in the east, the Kunlun terrane and North China block in the north, and the Qiangtang terrane and Yidun arc in the south. These strata consist of Middle–Upper Triassic submarine fan and deep marine facies rocks that were deposited in the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean. Late Triassic–Early Jurassic contractional deformation in the eastern Hoh‐Xil‐Songpan‐Ganzi complex marks the demise of the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean basin and the accretion of the Gondwana‐derived Qiangtang terrane to Eurasia. We conducted geological mapping, regional stratigraphic analyses, and U‐Pb geochronology of detrital zircons (n = 4128) on the Mesozoic sequences exposed in the Hoh‐Xil‐Songpan‐Ganzi complex, Kunlun terrane, and Qiangtang terrane. We identify for the first time marine silciclastic sandstone and shale of Jurassic age in the northwestern Hoh‐Xil‐Songpan‐Ganzi complex that unconformably overlie Upper Triassic turbidites. Zircon age data indicate that the Middle–Upper Triassic marine gravity‐flow deposits of the Hoh‐Xil‐Songpan‐Ganzi complex were shed from the North and South China blocks, and Middle–Late Triassic ultrahigh‐pressure Qinling–Dabie orogenic belt, as well as the Kunlun and Qiangtang terranes. In addition, the detrital zircon results suggest vast sediment source to sink distances (>1500 km) for the Middle–Upper Triassic Hoh‐Xil‐Songpan‐Ganzi strata, which is consistent with tectonic models for the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean basin that incorporate significant components of horizontal tectonic transport like opening of large back‐arc basins in response to oceanic slab rollback.
Feasible solution for dynamic economic load dispatch using feasible operation region
Authors: Hafiz Habibuddin M. , Yorino Naoto , Sasaki Yutaka , Zoka Yoshifumi
Published: February 2013

High penetration of renewable energy in the future power system will pose a big problem to the load dispatch operation. The large disturbance and high forecast error must be considered when scheduling a limited number of controllable generators to follow rapid change in load. This paper proposes a dynamic economic load dispatch (DELD) problem approach based on the concept of a feasible operation region (FOR). FOR is defined as the region that committed generators may operate in to match the load profile without violating the ramp‐rate constraints. The DELD problem is solved in two stages. In the first stage, FOR of each generator is computed using recent real‐time forecasted load as well as renewable energy generation. In the second stage, a generation schedule is determined by solving the DELD problem interval by interval while considering ramp‐rate constraints and FOR constraints. The method can gives feasible solution for feasible load and specify the amount of compensation required for feasible solution for infeasible load. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A novel probabilistic neural network‐based algorithm for classifying internal fault in transformer windings
Authors: Jettanasen Chaiyan , Ngaopitakkul Atthapol
Published: February 2013

The major function of protective devices in a power system is to detect the occurrence of faults and to isolate the faulty sections from the rest of the system. Much progress has been made in the development algorithms for detecting faults in power transformers, which depend on transients‐based techniques. This paper presents an algorithm based on a combination of discrete wavelet transforms and probabilistic neural networks (PNNs) for classifying internal faults in a two‐winding three‐phase transformer. Fault conditions of the transformer are simulated using alternative transients program/electromagnetic transients program (ATP/EMTP) in order to obtain current signals. The mother wavelet Daubechies4 is employed to decompose the high‐frequency components from these signals. All three phases of the differential current signals are used in the fault detection decision algorithm. The variations of first‐scale high‐frequency component that detects fault are used as an input for the training pattern. The training process for the neural network and fault diagnosis decision is implemented using toolboxes on MATLAB/Simulink. Various cases and fault types based on the Thailand electricity transmission and distribution systems are studied to verify the validity of the algorithm. Backpropagation neural network is also compared with the PNN in this paper. It is found that the proposed method gives satisfactory accuracy with less training time, and will be particularly useful in the development of a modern differential relay for a transformer protection scheme. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Polymeric nanoparticles‐based topical delivery systems for the treatment of dermatological diseases
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Tsai Pei‐Chin , Ramezanli Tannaz , Michniak‐Kohn Bozena B.
Published: February 2013

Human skin not only functions as a permeation barrier (mainly because of the stratum corneum layer) but also provides a unique delivery pathway for therapeutic and other active agents. These compounds penetrate via intercellular, intracellular, and transappendageal routes, resulting in topical delivery (into skin strata) and transdermal delivery (to subcutaneous tissues and into the systemic circulation). Passive and active permeation enhancement methods have been widely applied to increase the cutaneous penetration. The pathology, pathogenesis, and topical treatment approaches of dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and skin cancer, are then discussed. Recent literature has demonstrated that nanoparticles‐based topical delivery systems can be successful in treating these skin conditions. The studies are reviewed starting with the nanoparticles based on natural polymers especially chitosan, followed by those made of synthetic, degradable (aliphatic polyesters), and nondegradable (polyacrylates) polymers; emphasis is given to nanospheres made of polymers derived from naturally occurring metabolites, the tyrosine‐derived nanospheres (TyroSpheres™). In summary, the nanoparticles‐based topical delivery systems combine the advantages of both the nanosized drug carriers and the topical approach, and are promising for the treatment of skin diseases. For the perspectives, the penetration of ultra‐small nanoparticles (size smaller than 40 nm) into skin strata, the targeted delivery of the encapsulated drugs to hair follicle stem cells, and the combination of nanoparticles and microneedle array technologies for special applications such as vaccine delivery are discussed. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013, 5:205–218. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1211

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Economic and conservation ramifications from the decline of waterfowl hunters
Authors: Vrtiska Mark P. , Gammonley James H. , Naylor Luke W. , Raedeke Andrew H.
Published: February 2013

Current waterfowl populations provide liberal hunting seasons, but waterfowl hunter numbers have declined since the mid‐1990s. We hypothesized that trends in waterfowl hunter numbers, as indicated by Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Conservation Stamp (duck stamp) sales, have become independent of breeding duck populations, and we assess the impacts on habitat conservation. The relationship between duck breeding populations and duck stamp sales changed between 1955–1994 (r = 0.81) and 1995–2008 (r = 0.29). Based on the 1955–1994 relationship between total duck breeding population and duck stamp sales, about 600,000 fewer duck stamps than expected were sold annually during 1995–2008. This equates to a loss of US$126 million in gross revenue and from 42,500 to 80,900 fewer hectares of wetland and upland hectares protected. The current relationship between duck breeding population and duck stamp sales suggests future estimates of waterfowl hunters will decrease below 1 million when the breeding population declines below 32 million. Assuming current trends, expected losses of duck stamp revenues may result in an additional 2,800–13,900 unprotected ha/year if the duck breeding population declines to historical lows. Development and implementation of programs and policies that maintain or increase participation in waterfowl hunting will assist in habitat conservation efforts and continue waterfowl hunting traditions. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Population genetics of jaguarundis in Mexico: Implications for future research and conservation
Authors: Holbrook Joseph D. , Caso Arturo , Deyoung Randy W. , Tewes Michael E.
Published: February 2013

The jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) is a Neotropical felid that ranges from northern Mexico to South America. The population trend for jaguarundis is declining, yet much remains unknown about their ecology. We live‐trapped 11 jaguarundis during 1991–2004 in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and we collected blood for genetic analyses. Our objectives were to 1) estimate neutral diversity using microsatellite and mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers, 2) estimate potentially adaptive diversity in coat coloration via the melanocortin‐1 receptor gene (MC1R), and 3) provide recommendations on the use of genetic markers for noninvasive studies. We observed moderate levels of heterozygosity (HE = 0.49, SD = 0.22) and number of alleles (A = 4.00, SD = 1.65) at 12 feline microsatellite loci. The probability of identifying 2 different jaguarundis as the same individual was low using only 4–7 loci (P(ID) < 0.001 and P(ID)sib < 0.01, respectively). We observed one mtDNA haplotype, indicating no mtDNA diversity. However, we documented diversity with the MC1R assay. The frequency of the melanistic mutation (gray phenotype) was 0.33, whereas, the frequency was 0.67 for the ancestral allele (red phenotype). Microsatellite diversity of our sampled jaguarundis was less than that of sympatric populations of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Tamaulipas; however, mtDNA diversity was much lower. The frequency of the melanistic mutation was lower in our sample than was previously reported in captive jaguarundis. Our microsatellite loci provided adequate diversity to implement noninvasive genetic tools to better understand the ecology of the elusive jaguarundi. To our knowledge, this work is the first genetic evaluation of wild jaguarundis and provides baseline information for future research and conservation. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Bringing Surgery to Rural Children: Chittagong, Bangladesh Experience
Authors: Banu Tahmina , Chowdhury Tanvir K. , Kabir Mahfuzul , Talukder Rupam , Lakhoo Kokila
Published: February 2013

There is unequal access to surgical health care in underdeveloped countries such as Bangladesh. Bangladesh has a large young population, with 70 % of the population living in rural areas. All of the pediatric surgical services of the country are situated in major cities. We therefore organized an outreach service with the aim of providing surgical services to these rural children by utilizing the existing facilities of primary and secondary care centers. The program originated at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chittagong Medical College and Hospital in Sept 2008. The data presented here are from its 2008 beginning to Nov 2011. A yearly plan is sent to the Divisional Director of Health Services for Chittagong Division, who notifies all of the concerned district hospitals (DHs) and Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs). A member of the outreach team contacts each center via telephone 1 month prior to the visit to help organize it. Doctors at each participating hospital in which day surgery is possible are informed as to which commonly performed day surgeries are available, and they then select the appropriate patients to be examined at that visit. The local doctors are also advised to choose other pediatric surgical patients as outpatients. The local doctors perform the follow‐up. If necessary, patients are referred to our department for further management. During the study period, we made 32 visits to 5 DHs and 10 UHCs. In all, 674 children were seen as outpatients, and 407 underwent surgery, of which inguinal hernia repair was the most common. There were no deaths. Outreach service is a good way to extend curative care to the grass‐roots population.
A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Semi‐mechanical versus Hand‐sewn or Circular Stapled Esophagogastrostomy for Prevention of Anastomotic Stricture
Authors: Wang Wen‐Ping , Gao Qiang , Wang Kang‐Ning , Shi Hui , Chen Long‐Qi
Published: February 2013

Background

Successful anastomosis is essential in esophagogastrectomy, and the application of the circular stapler effectively reduces the anastomotic leakage, although stricture formation has become more frequent. The present study, a randomized controlled trial, compared the recently developed semi‐mechanical anastomosis with a hand‐sewn or circular stapled esophagogastrostomy in prevention of anastomotic stricture.

Methods

Between November 2007 and September 2008, 160 consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma underwent surgical treatment our department. Five patients were excluded from this study, and the remaining 155 patients were completely randomized to receive either an everted plus side extension esophagogastrostomy (semi‐mechanical [SM] group) or a conventional hand‐sewn esophagogastric anastomosis ([HS] group) or a circular stapled ([CS] group) esophagogastric anastomosis, after dissection of the esophageal tumor and construction of a tubular stomach. The primary outcome was the incidence of an anastomotic stricture at 3 months after the operation (defined as the diameter of the anastomotic orifice ≤0.8 cm on esophagogram). Secondary outcomes were the dysphagia score and reflux score, as well as the anastomotic diameter.

Results

The anastomotic stricture rate was 0 % (0/45) in the SM group, 9.6 % (5/52) in the HS group, and 19.1 % (9/47) in the CS group (p < 0.001). The mean diameter of the anastomotic orifice was 18.2 ± 4.7 mm in the SM group, 11.5 ± 2.4 mm in the HS group, and 9.5 ± 3.0 mm in the CS group (p < 0.001). The reflux/regurgitation score among the three groups was similar.

Conclusions

Semi‐mechanical esophagogastric anastomosis could prevent stricture formation more effectively than hand‐sewn or circular stapler esophagogastrostomy, without increasing gastroesophageal reflux.
Interaction Between an Ethoxylated Alkylphenol Polymer with Formaldehyde and Triblock polyEO–polyPO–polyEO Copolymer in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Xin Xia , Zhu Yanyan , Cao Xiaorong , Xu Guiying
Published: February 2013

The interaction between an ethoxylated alkylphenol polymer with formaldehyde (EAPPF) and a triblock polyEO–polyPO–polyEO copolymer (TBCP) in aqueous solutions has been investigated in detail by means of surface tension, steady‐state fluorescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements and computer simulations. For comparison, the ethoxylated alkylphenol oligomer (EAPO), which is the monomer unit of EAPPF, and another nonionic water‐soluble polymer PEG were also selected to get more information about the interaction between different types of surfactants and polymers. The surface properties of mixed systems at the air/water surface were evaluated from surface tension measurements. Information about the hydrophobic microenvironment and size of the aggregates was obtained from steady‐state fluorescence using pyrene as a hydrophobic probe and DLS measurements, respectively. The dissipative particle dynamics simulation method was applied to simulate the interaction between EAPPF (or EAPO) and TBCP (or PEG) in aqueous solutions. The synergetic interaction between EAPPF (or EAPO) and TBCP in binary mixed solution enhanced the adsorption of surfactant molecules (EAPPF or EAPO) at the interface, while no obvious interaction between EAPPF (or EAPO) and PEG was observed.
Microstructure and Thermal Profile of Structured Lipids Produced by Continuous Enzymatic Interesterification
Authors: da Silva Roberta Claro , Ribeiro Ana Paula Badan , De Martini Soares Fabiana Andreia Schafer , Capacla Isabele Renata , Hazzan Marcia , dos Santos Adenilson Oliveira , Cardoso Lisandro Pavie , Gioielli Luiz Antonio
Published: February 2013

Enzymatic interesterification has been shown to be an alternative for the production of structured lipids resembling human milk fat. The knowledge of the physical properties of fat is an important tool for the implementation of this fat in a food matrix. The enzymatic interesterification reaction modifies the composition of triacylglycerols changing the crystallization properties and polymorphic form of fats. Blends containing different proportions of lard and soybean oil (80:20, 70:30, 40:60, 30:70 and 20:80) were enzymatically interesterified in a continuous flow tubular reactor and analyzed for crystalline structure by polarized light microscopy, the polymorphic form using X‐ray diffraction and thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry. The structural modifications resulting from continuous enzymatic interesterification changed the crystallization behavior and thermal profile of the samples, reducing enthalpy values. Structural changes were also evident on polarized light microscopy images, disclosing an increase in the crystallization rate among the samples after the continuous enzymatic reaction.
Rapid Detection and Quantification by GC–MS of Camellia Seed Oil Adulterated with Soybean Oil
Authors: Xie Jia , Liu Tianshun , Yu Yingxin , Song Guoxin , Hu Yaoming
Published: February 2013

Camellia seed oil with high nutritional value is widely used in southern China and southeastern Asia for cooking. Due to the high price of camellia seed oil, fraudulent traders blended the oil with inexpensive oils to increase profits. In this paper, a new method was introduced to detect the adulteration of camellia seed oil with soybean oil by GC–MS with consideration of a parameter which was defined by the total content of oleic and linoleic acid, the oleic to linoleic acid ratio and the content of linolenic acid. Oils samples were prepared by blending pure camellia seed oil with pure soybean oil at levels from 1 to 50 %. Fatty acids esterified by TMSH and TBME in seconds were separated and identified by GC–MS. The detection limit of adulteration was as low as 5 %, and even much lower than 5 % for most kinds of camellia seed oil, which was lower than those measured by other methods. All the results indicated that this simple, accurate and rapid method can also be recommended for the authentication of olive oil with some modification.
Establishing the psychometric underpinning of cognition measures for clinical trials of Alzheimer's disease and its precursors: A new approach
Authors: Posner Holly B. , Cano Stefan , Carrillo Maria C. , Selnes Ola , Stern Yaakov , Thomas Ronald G. , Zajicek John , Hobart Jeremy ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2013

The Alzheimer's disease (AD) Cognitive Behavior Section (ADAS‐Cog) is the most commonly used cognitive test in clinical trials of AD. Recent trials have focused on people earlier in the course of disease; however, there are concerns about using the ADAS‐Cog at this crucial stage. Using data from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative study, we used a range of traditional psychometric tests to evaluate those concerns. This issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia includes two articles that evaluate the ADAS‐Cog. These articles report evaluations using two psychometric approaches: traditional methods and new methods. In this review, we provide accompanying background information to this program of research.
The rift origin of the Vilyui basin (East Siberia), from reconstructions of sedimentation and mechanical mathematical modeling
Authors: Polyansky O.P. , Prokop’ev A.V. , Babichev A.V. , Korobeynikov S.N. , Reverdatto V.V.
Published: February 2013

Results of modeling of the formation of the Vilyui sedimentary basin are presented. We combine backstripping reconstructions of sedimentation and thermal regime during the subsidence with a numerical simulation based on the deformable solid mechanics. Lithological data and stratigraphic sections were used to “strip” the sedimentary beds successively and calculate the depth of the stratigraphic units during the sedimentation. It is the first time that the evolution of sedimentation which is nonuniform over the basin area has been analyzed for the Vilyui basin. The rift origin of the basin is proven. We estimate the spatial distribution of the parameters of crustal and mantle-lithosphere extension as well as expansion due to dike intrusion. According to the reconstructions, the type of subsidence curves for the sedimentary rocks of the basin depends on the tectonic regime of sedimentation in individual basins. The backstripping analysis revealed two stages of extension (sediments 4–5 km thick) and a foreland stage (sediments > 2 km thick). With the two-layered lithosphere model, we conclude that the subcrustal layer underwent predominant extension (by a factor of 1.2–2.0 vs. 1.1–1.4 in the crust). The goal of numerical experiments is to demonstrate that deep troughs can form in the continental crust under its finite extension. Unlike the oceanic rifting models, this modeling shows no complete destruction or rupture of the continental crust during the extension. The 2D numerical simulation shows the possibility of considerable basement subsidence near the central axis and explains why mafic dikes are concentrated on the basin periphery.
Stoneley waves, radial waves, and method of measuring permeability and electroacoustic constant of saturated porous media
Authors: Dorovsky V.N. , Perepechko Yu.V. , Fedorov A.I.
Published: February 2013

A two-mode method of measuring permeability and electroacoustic constant in the course of borehole logging is considered. The first mode is the Stoneley wave with its electroacoustic ratio; the second mode is the radial wave in the formation around the borehole with the electric field it generates. The radial wave enables one to measure the electroacoustic constant and the Stoneley wave, the electroacoustic ratio, linearly dependent on permeability. Using these measurements jointly enables one to find permeability of the porous medium. All formation evaluation can be reduced to an additional measurement of electric conductivity.